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PASTOR CORNER New London Presbyterian Church July/August 2016 Messenger Mark 4:35-41 “Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game” - Babe Ruth I have spent a lifetime playing it safe, putting others’ needs and wants ahead of my own, and struggling to get out of my own way to live life as fully as possible. Being risk-averse sometimes keeps me from reaching out to others, trying new things, and following God out into the world. Every once in a while, though, my bravery kicks in and I head out to take a class, invite someone to attend an event, or stand up for someone in need. While fear is a natural human emotion that we ought to pay attention to, we do ourselves a disservice when we let it paralyze us and miss out on opportunities to broaden our horizons. When was the last time you let fear get in your way? Who helps you overcome your fears and get out of your comfort zone? I first heard the Babe Ruth quote listed above in the movie, A Cinderella Story when Sam finds the courage to stand up for herself to her stepmother so she can live life more abundantly, in part because of encouraging co- workers who stand behind her . Standing up to her stepmother gives her the courage to confront a classmate who’s let peer and family pressure keep him from taking risks, breaking away from others’ expectations, and deepen their relationship. When we sense God calling us to do something new, we need dedication, perseverance, courage, and trust in God to fulfill divine promises and walk beside us know matter what circumstances we find ourselves in. Then, we can begin taking the necessary steps forward, getting into the boat or some other traveling vessel, and see what’s on the other side of the sea or wilderness we need to cross to reach the next stop on our journeys. Inevitably, the crossing and the venture into the new places force us to trust God as we seek a path through the storms, encounter obstacles and opponents, and face other challenges that seem to obstruct the path in front of us. The problem with letting fears, anxiety, and self-doubt paralyze us is that we’re left wondering why we didn’t take that risk, see or do something we’ve always wanted to do, move in a new direction, and/or follow Jesus to the places of suffering, healing, and new beginnings. In baseball and softball, there is always a risk of striking out, yet those who love the game keep approaching the plate and trying to hit the ball anyway. In this game of life, what is it that God is calling you to do? What risks is God asking you to take? Will you let fear keep you from playing the game or July/August 2016 Messenger

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New London Presbyterian Church

July/August 2016 Messenger

PASTOR CORNER

Mark 4:35-41

Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game- Babe Ruth

I have spent a lifetime playing it safe, putting others needs and wants ahead of my own, and struggling to get out of my own way to live life as fully as possible. Being risk-averse sometimes keeps me from reaching out to others, trying new things, and following God out into the world. Every once in a while, though, my bravery kicks in and I head out to take a class, invite someone to attend an event, or stand up for someone in need. While fear is a natural human emotion that we ought to pay attention to, we do ourselves a disservice when we let it paralyze us and miss out on opportunities to broaden our horizons. When was the last time you let fear get in your way? Who helps you overcome your fears and get out of your comfort zone?

I first heard the Babe Ruth quote listed above in the movie, A Cinderella Story when Sam finds the courage to stand up for herself to her stepmother so she can live life more abundantly, in part because of encouraging co-workers who stand behind her . Standing up to her stepmother gives her the courage to confront a classmate whos let peer and family pressure keep him from taking risks, breaking away from others expectations, and deepen their relationship. When we sense God calling us to do something new, we need dedication, perseverance, courage, and trust in God to fulfill divine promises and walk beside us know matter what circumstances we find ourselves in. Then, we can begin taking the necessary steps forward, getting into the boat or some other traveling vessel, and see whats on the other side of the sea or wilderness we need to cross to reach the next stop on our journeys. Inevitably, the crossing and the venture into the new places force us to trust God as we seek a path through the storms, encounter obstacles and opponents, and face other challenges that seem to obstruct the path in front of us.

The problem with letting fears, anxiety, and self-doubt paralyze us is that were left wondering why we didnt take that risk, see or do something weve always wanted to do, move in a new direction, and/or follow Jesus to the places of suffering, healing, and new beginnings. In baseball and softball, there is always a risk of striking out, yet those who love the game keep approaching the plate and trying to hit the ball anyway. In this game of life, what is it that God is calling you to do? What risks is God asking you to take? Will you let fear keep you from playing the game or will you come to the plate and do your best to get on base?

Yes, the world is changing. Yes, things seem to be out of control. Yes, following God means we just might fail. Still, I wonder what would happen if we got up off our couches, left our homes, and ventured out into new places to share Gods love. What would you be willing to give up if it meant expanding Gods family? What is keeping you from taking the risks necessary to move in a new direction? Will you trust Jesus to be with you when the storms come up or will you cower in the boat or on the shore to stay safe? Lets be bold together, show the world what love really means, follow Jesus to the other side, and begin the next stage of our journey. Thanks be to God. Amen.

Blessings,

Aimee

General Fund Financial Summary Information

Income $9,344.99

Total Expenses $8,174.16

Net Income $1,170.83

Income $38,902.95

Total Expenses $37,098.77

Net Income $4,105.08

Income $6,070.50

Total Expenses $6,052.80

Net Income $17.70

~ ~ ~ RADIO BROADCAST ~ ~ ~

Our church service is broadcast on KILJ (105.5) each Sunday. Our monthly cost for broadcasting the service is $220. Contributions from our church family and listeners keep this long time mission project going. Our broadcast reaches not only travelers, but also those who cannot get to church, including some of our own church family members. As our funds are dwindling down, we are reaching out to see if you will consider a donation to the fund.

Donations can be mailed to: Presbyterian Church, 400 N. Elm St, New London, IA 52645

Please include Radio Fund in the memo portion of your check or if

Making a contribution in the offering plate, please write Radio Fund on the offering envelope.

Thank you for your contributions and continued support.

Have you ever partnered with a friend to sponsor an angel from our Angel Tree at Christmas time or treat someone to lunch on their birthday? When did you last pay dues to an organization that you belong to? Much like our membership dues to organizations, the monies given towards the years per capita go to our presbytery, synod, and denomination to maintain our connections with one another, further the ministries of Jesus Christ in our region and around the world, and share the costs that belong to the church. At the national level, this money funds work, such as helping us discern our vocations, participate in national and global ecumenical events, and support General Assembly, our national gathering. In our synod, the allocated money supports the staff and covers committee expenses that impact ministries in our region. Finally, at the presbytery level, per capita helps connect pastors and congregations together for mission and support, provide opportunities for growth, and prepare for presbytery meetings. For 2016 our per capita amount is $33.00 for each member of the congregation. Please prayerfully consider paying this separately from your tithe or offering so we may better serve our local community.

2016 PER CAPITA

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OUTREACH AND MISSIONS

Its time to deliver Meals on Wheels again! Please prayerfully consider signing up on the sheet in the fellowship hall bulletin board for a weekday or two in July when you can pick up lunches from the New London care center and deliver them to our friends here in town. You will need to bring a box to put lunches in enough for at least 8 + sides and arrive at the care center around12:15 p.m.If you have any questions, please call Pastor Aimee @319-367-2744or Betty @ 391-367-5777.

Christian Education ~ Youth Activities

Rome, Paul, and the Underground Church

Vacation Bible School is coming to New London Presbyterian Church August 1-4! We are starting on Monday this year and will meet each evening from 5-7:30 beginning with a light supper. Children ages 4 years through 6th grade (completed) are invited to join in the fun! Each participant will become part of history as they see, hear, touch, and even taste what it was like to live in Rome during Bible times! They will explore authentic Marketplace shops, visit the Apostle Paul (whos under house arrest), sneak to the cave where the Underground Church meets, take part in games, and dance to lively Bible songs as they discover more about the early church. These experiences make Gods Word come alive with new meaning for all who participate. If you know any child who would be interested, please pass on this information to them. If you are able to help in any way, please contact Jane Simmons, Teresa Wehrle, Chris Selby, or Pastor Aimee. We are looking for people to help with crafts, sing with the children, serve the meals, and be a family leader. Since the VBS is taking place in Rome, we will also be experiencing the Olympics very appropriate for this summer!

We are looking for lids from juice cans for one of our crafts. If you have a can opener that cuts a smooth edge on cans, we could also use those lids. There is a box in Friendship Hall to put the lids. We will need 60 lids, so please start saving for us!

Womens Activities

PW

The PW will meet on Monday, July 18 at 1:30 p.m. in Friendship Hall. Karen Johnson will give the devotions and Chris Selby will have the program. Betty Grove will serve as hostesses. All women of the church are invited to attend.

The PW invites all women of the congregation to attend.

OnAugust 8, all women are invited to our fellowship; most likely at11:30 a.m.Stay tuned for more information.

WOMENS FELLOWSHIP

On Monday, July 11th there will be another canning session beginning at 8:30 a.m. Following the packing of the jars there will be a potluck brunch. This is our 2nd canning session, please plan to come and help cut up beef and stay for brunch. This will once again be our July Womens Fellowship. We invite you to come enjoy the fellowship and get to know your fellow churchwomen better plus enjoy some great food. (The men are welcome, too.) As a side note: Tim we all miss your help a lot.

Youre Invited!

Gods Work in the World

Over the last two months, I witnessed God working through our faith community in a wide variety of places. Some trimmed bushes in the manse yard, mowed the church and manse yards, fixed a light, and moved furniture and sound equipment around the building. Others prepared or served food at the Baccalaureate reception, the Fellowship Cup, and started our summer fellowships with delicious snacks. Children learned about Pentecost, planted flowers, played games, and decorated cupcakes with the help of a few volunteers. As always, God showed up when we attended funerals and visitations, checked on folks who were ill or recovering from medical procedures, distributed lunches for the summer sack program, and shared musical talents with residents at the care center. Where have you seen God at work in the world? Let us know and well share it in the next newsletter.

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Session members

Reminder: meetings are on the 2nd Wednesday of every month @ 7:00 p.m.

Calendar Events

July

Sun., July 3, 9:30 a.m., Sunday morning worship & childrens Sunday school

10:30 a.m., Summer fellowship

Sun. July 10, 9:30 a.m., Sunday morning worship & childrens Sunday school

10:30 a.m., Summer fellowship

Mon., July 11, 8:30 a.m., Womens Fellowship

Wed., July 13, 7:00 p.m., Session meeting

Sun., July 17, 9:30 a.m., Sunday morning worship & childrens Sunday school

10:30 a.m., Summer fellowship

4:00 p.m., Worship, New London care center

Mon., July 18, 1:30 p.m., Presbyterian Women

Sun., July 24, 9:30 a.m., Sunday morning worship & childrens Sunday school

10:30 a.m., Summer fellowship

Sun., July 31, 9:30 a.m., Sunday morning worship & childrens Sunday school

10:30 a.m., Summer fellowship

August

Mon., Aug. 1, 5:00 p.m., Vacation Bible School day 1

Tues., Aug. 2, 5:00 p.m., Vacation Bible School day 2

Weds., Aug. 3, 5:00 p.m., Vacation Bible School day 3

Thurs., Aug 4, 5:00 p.m., Vacation Bible School day 4

Sun., Aug. 7, 9:30 a.m., Sunday morning worship

10:30 a.m., summer fellowship

Mon., Aug. 8, 11:30 a.m., Womens fellowship

Wed., Aug. 10, 7:00 p.m., Session meeting

Sun., Aug. 14, 9:30 a.m., Sunday morning worship

10:30 a.m., summer fellowship

Sun., Aug. 21, 9:30 a.m., Sunday morning worship

10:30 a.m., summer fellowship

4:00 p.m., Worship, Care Center

Sun., Aug. 28, 9:30 a.m., Sunday morning worship

10:30 a.m., summer fellowship

REMINDER:

Bring non-perishable foods for donation to the Felowship Cup, on 4th Sunday of each month.

PRAYER CHAIN

If you would like to be included or excluded on the Prayer Chain, let Aimee know.

REMINDER when moving: If you or a family member receives the newsletter by mail, please let us know when you or they move so we can update our records.

Congratulations to Kyle, Alaina, Allie, & Averie Wagner on the birth of Kinley on Friday, June 17. She weighed in at 8 lbs 3 oz and was 19.5 inches long.

REMINDER: Ruth Ann Corporon does the courtesy cards for our church. She does a great job of sending out Birthday, Anniversary, Get Well and thinking of you messages proving she knows about it. So if theres someone you know who needs an uplifting message, please call Ruth Ann (319-367-2740) and let her know.

If you like to read, dont forget to check out the books we have in our Library.

Happy

Anniversary!

Happy Birthday!

NLPC MISSION STATEMENT

Inspired by the powerful, creative force of God's love, our mission is to glorify God in ways both great and small by growing spiritually, nurturing children, impacting our community, and using our gifts in service to God.

THE MESSENGER: Published bi-monthly by the New London Presbyterian Church, 400 N. Elm St, New London, Iowa 52645, 319-367-2744. The messenger is also posted on the church website and linked to their Facebook page: at: http://newlondonpc.org or at

https://www.facebook.com/ThePresbyterianChurchOfNewLondon.

If youd like to help reduce paper & mailing cost and receive the newsletter by e-mail, please send a message to [email protected]. Paper copies are typically available at the church for two Sundays and those not picked up after printing, will be mailed.

If someone has been removed from or if someone needs to be added to the mailing list please let Apryl Johnson or Pastor Aimee know.

Postmaster: Send address changes to The New London Presbyterian Church % The Messenger, 400 N. Elm St. New London, Iowa, 52645.

Staff:

Pastor: Aimee Goldmeyer

Manse Phone: 319-367-8074

Email: [email protected]

Office hrs: vary weekly/ check bulletin

Church Secretary: Apryl Johnson

Email: [email protected]

Treasurer: Brittany Cummings

Custodian: Jaime Loyd

Organist & Choir Director: Nella Elliott

Church phone: 319-367-2744

Church Address: 400 N. Elm St.

New London, Iowa 52645

Church Website: http://newlondonpc.org

Church facebook link; https://www.facebook.com/ThePresbyterianChurchOfNewLondon.

Information for the September/October Newsletter Due August 15th

2016-2017 Session Members

(Effective July 1, 2016):

BUILDING & GROUNDS:

Ron Raub & Rod Smith

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION:

Jane Simmons & Teresa Wehrle

CLERK of SESSION:

Chris Selby

FELLOWSHIP:

FINANCE/ MEMORIALS/ STEWARDSHIP:

Lyn McAllister & Dave McGregor

MISSION/OUTREACH:

Betty Grove

WORSHIP:

Bob Lemley

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Our leadership team seeks to nurture Gods blessings in our lives in a variety of ways.

Will you please pray about how God may be calling you to serve in our congregation?

If you would like to share your gifts with others or have questions, please contact Pastor Aimee or one of elders listed below.

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PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

OF NEW LONDON, IOWA

400 N. ELM

NEW LONDON, IOWA 52645

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

July/ August 2016 Messenger

Happy Independence Day

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

400 N. ELM

NEW LONDON, IOWA 52645

[Type text]

July/August 2016 Messenger