Horizon Highlights Mission Statement June & July 2014 New Horizon Presbyterian Church New Horizon Presbyterian Church 30 Valley View Dr., Council Bluffs, IA 51503-5100 Phone # 712 323-7129 www.newhorizonpc.org Strives to know Christ and share God’s love. Vol. 10 No. 6 Flags red and white stripes for the original “Why do you fly the US flag above the Christian flag?” A colonies represented purity and courage, the gentleman that I had never met accosted me with this question blue field was for justice and perseverance, a few weeks ago in the parking lot. “You’ve got to be kidding!” and the white stars indicate the individual was my initial response. I then apologized for my abrupt states) helped people from all over the world response as I was late for a dental appointment. If I had time, I define themselves as Americans. In 1916, as would have pointed out that his question betrayed two World War I loomed, President Wilson fundamental misunderstandings: 1) that flags were primarily declared June 14 as Flag Day. World War I statements of loyalty and that 2) there was such a thing as a was a pivotal event in American history. It “Christian flag” in that sense of the term. Since June and July are was the first time we sent troops to fight and die in Europe, where months in which we celebrate both Flag Day and Fourth of July, I most of us came from. It catapulted the United States onto the thought I’d give you the answer that this gentleman deserved. world’s stage as what was known as a Great Power. WW I was a th Confusion over flags is not surprising. Believe it or not, there potent introduction to the 20 Century, a century that would see is no commonly accepted definition for what a flag is. Whitney American servicemen and servicewomen serve and sometimes give Smith, one of the founding fathers of modern vexillology (the their lives in places all over the globe. study of flags) proposed to the International Federation of As far as I know, no one has sacrificed their lives under a flag Vexillogical Associations this definition: A flag is the intentional originating from the Sunday School movement. There are untold combination of colors and shapes in a symbol, usually numbers of martyrs to the Christian faith. The Christian flag declares manifested on a piece of cloth or other flexible material, created who we are: the Cross points to Jesus who lived, died and rose again to serve as a political or social communication between the user to claim us as His own. One other hand, from the earliest days of the or users and one or more other individuals. And I thought revolution, Americans have been sacrificing their lives that others theologians could be pedantic! might be free. We fly the American flag, not just to identify ourselves The universal symbol for Christianity is the Cross. The as Americans or to uphold our values; we fly the flag to honor those Christian Flag itself is a result of an accident. At a Sunday School who have given their lives. We strive to live up to their example. In Rally (a large scale youth rally) held at Coney Island in 1897, that sense, the flag functions the way Hebrews suggest that the the featured speaker never showed up. Superintendent Charles assembled heroes of the faith function as an encouragement to live Overton, while looking at an American flag, ad-libbed a speech up to what we believe. Therefore, since we are surrounded by so on the spot. Talking about the need for a visual symbol in order great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the to teach the faith, he proposed a Christian flag with a field of sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race white for purity, a quadrant of blue for peace, and a cross of that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1 red, for the blood shed by Jesus. In 1907 Overton teamed up Getting back to the gentleman’s original question, why do we fly with Ralph Diffendorfer, secretary to the Methodist Young the American flag over the Christian flag? It is not, as he implied, a People's Missionary Movement, to produce and promote the statement of what demands most of our allegiance. It is not a flag. In those pre-radio, pre-TV, pre-Internet times, flags were a question of what set of values hold priority in our lives. Jesus told potent medium for mass communication. We would say that Pontius Pilate that his kingdom was not of this world, that the Gospel Overton’s idea went viral and that his flag is seen in many was not limited by the affairs or the priorities of humanity. Our faith churches today is in no way trumped by our citizenship. We are citizens of both It is not surprising then that a movement to institute Flag worlds, the Kingdom of God and the United States of America. As we Day as a 21 day salute to the Fourth of July gained traction right enter a time of national celebration, let’s do all we can to live up to around this same time. The 1890’s were a time of mass the ideals of both. immigration. A renewed interest in the meaning of the flag ( the See you in church. Paul June & July 2014 Page 1 June Small Group Meetings Go on a Wilderness Escape With VBS Circles AM’ers – Thu, Jun 12, at 10:00am in Hearth Room Get ready to go on a Wilderness Escape this summer! During July Contacts are Zelda Gutha and Vicki Holder 20 – July 24, New Horizon will be Evening – Sat, Jun 14 at 12:00pm at Famous Dave’s holding Vacation Bible School from Contact is Jan Christensen 5:30pm - 8:00pm each night. This Mary – Thu, Jun 26 at 9:30am in Hearth Rm year’s theme is called, “Wilderness Contact is Cathy Born Escape: Where God Guides and Prayer Shawl – Mon, Jun 9, at 4:00pm in Hearth Rm Provides.” Throughout the week, Tue, Jun 24, at 4:00pm in Hearth Rm children learn to trust God as they Contacts are Mary Alice Fehr and Vicki Holder join Moses on the incredible journey through the wilderness and Stephen Ministry - Wed, Jun 11, at 11:00am in Hearth Rm discover what it was like to live in the Israelite camp. Contacts are Jeff Sagert and Lois Nihsen Each night will begin at 5:30pm with a family-style dinner. The Women’s Ministry Coordinating Team - Thu, Jun 5, 10:00pm fun starts at 6:00pm with music and dance, and then each group will Women’s Ministry Luncheon - Thu, Jun 5, 12:00pm at Bethany take part in arts and crafts, recreation, Bible stories, and reflection Women’s Ministry Brunch - Wed, Jun 11, at 9:30am at Neola time, with the evening ending at 8:00pm. Contact is Cathy Born Activities are being offered for kids from preschool through 6th Attention all NHPC Members and Friends grade, but older kids and adult family members are encouraged to All of the groups welcome you to attend or be a part attend and participate as well. We invite families to bring a friend or of these activities and support the group projects, listed above. neighbor to join in the fun. A supply fee of $10 per child or $20 per family is being charged, but scholarships are available. Registration forms are available in the narthex, or you may register on the Coffee Serving Schedule - 2014 evening of July 20. Each year, the Fellowship Committee assigns the major groups of the church a month during which VBS Volunteers Needed they are responsible for serving coffee on Sunday Vacation Bible School is an important time of outreach for our mornings. church. It is open to not only New Horizon kids, but their friends and The duties of each group include providing people to serve family, neighbors and anyone who stops by. Those few days can be before and after each of the three services during the month an important time for a young child who may be getting his or her assigned, preparing and serving beverages and food, preparing first introduction to the Bible and the amazing works of God. That is the cart for the Praise Service, as well as cleaning up the coffee why it is so important that we get as many people from our church area at the end of the morning. There are instructions posted in family involved. We are in urgent need of more people to help out - the Sacristy to remind everyone of their responsibilities. for an hour, an evening, or the whole week. Please consider giving If you do not have enough people in your group, you are free of your time and talents to this important outreach to the kids of our to recruit volunteers from the congregation to assist you - let’s community. get as many people involved as possible! Please check to see We still need help in many areas of Vacation Bible School, when your groups are called to serve. including; June - Vocal & Bell Choirs group leaders food prep/serving July - Christian Education Committee recreation/games teen helpers August - Mariners Keep your eye out for the volunteer/donation board in the September - Building & Grounds Committee narthex. We will be posting a list of supplies that we need and ways you can help. If you would be interested in helping in any of these Lawn Trimmers Needed areas, please contact Lynne Masters or sign up on the volunteer Summertime is here and lawn trimming board in the narthex at church. needs to be done – and we are in serious need of volunteers for this task. If you like to be outdoors and get some exercise, we are looking for Local Churches Plan Day of Service volunteers to help keep the church grounds neat. Take a stroll ServeFest is a day of service designed for churches in Council around the church buildings and grounds with a weed trimmer in Bluffs to come together to make an impact on our community as we hand, knocking down the tall grass and edging weeds. A sign-up share the love of Christ by serving others. sheet is on the magnetic board in the narthex. Pick your week Check the bulletin for more information on how to participate in anytime from June through October, and then complete the job this community-wide day of service that will take place on Saturday, during the week at the time of your choosing. June 7, 9:00am–noon. Page 2 June & July 2014 Youth Sunday

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Thank you to everyone who helped at the New Horizon Presbyterian Church Rummage Sale by putting out the merchandise, working during the sale, donating baked goods for the sale, donating items and purchasing items at the sale. The final amount from the sale was $3,038 after expenses and of that amount the baked goods brought in approximately $204.00. At least 105 people volunteered their time, and because of each of you we had a wonderful sale. The remaining shoes were taken by Donna Pritchard to “Live Well” and all of the other remaining items were taken to “Care and Share”. June & July 2014 Christy Creme Page gift 3 cards were given as small tokens of appreciation to Ruth Thank You Notes Condolences to: Thank you so much for allowing Girl Scouts use your church. Ron & Diane Andersen on the passing of Ron’s mother, We really appreciate it. Laura & Kim, Troop 40606 Lorrayne Andersen, on April 15, 2014 ————————–——————————————————————————————————————————————————

There are not words to describe the overwhelming feeling Grant & Lois Nihsen and Elden & Beth Nihsen on the death of when I received the beautiful prayer shawl from Sharon and Stan their brother, Harley Nihsen, on April 2, 2014 Allen. What a wonderful project and the prayers have entered my Craig, Julie Bond and family on the passing of Julie’s mother, body and home. Thank you all so much. Prayers to you all. Marjorie Ann Donnelson on April 28, 2014 Blessings, Connie Vogelzang ————————–—————————————————————————————————————————————————— Dear New Horizon, Announcements Thank you so much for the beautiful prayer shawl before my Tom and Loleta Laudon will celebrate their 50th wedding anni- surgery. I appreciate all the thoughts and prayers sent my way. versary on June 6th. A card shower is planned as they are not able I’m happy to report that I’m feeling much better and I only have to follow through with their other celebration plans. two chemo treatments left! The new chemo drug has agreed with If you'd like to send them a card, their address is 241 Logan me better and I have not had to be hospitalized. Thank you so Street, Council Bluffs, 51503. much for everything! Mary McKeever ————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— Dear Friends, Mission Notes Thank you for your donation of twelve Easter baskets for The Mission Committee met in May to put together more students in Stephen Cottage. Thank you for making Easter special hygiene kits for Youth Emergency Services. Please continue to for our students with these gifts. They are very much appreciated. bring shampoos, soaps, etc. from your summer travels. They are Thanks again to all for making this special day a delightful one perfect for our hygiene kits. We can also use low cut socks, for our kids! Carol Wood, President & CEO ————————–—————————————————————————————————————————————————— deodorant, combs, toothbrushes, and wash cloths. Your Thank you to Marie Wickman Dykes for providing flowers, pots contributions are wonderful. We will place our baskets in the and soil for the Kids’ Club end of the year project. The kids’ narthex. We received thank you notes from Children’s Square for creations are on display in front of the church. the twelve Easter Baskets we provided for Stephen cottage. We also Thank you to everyone who provided meals and funds for our received notes of appreciation from several participants in the Wash Wednesday night youth program this year. We could not keep this event in April. Thank you for your many contributions to these program going without all of your generosity! worthwhile projects. Linda and Mindy Brewer and the Kids’ Club kids ————————–—————————————————————————————————————————————————— Thank you to Jo Dryden for the prayer shawl. I really enjoy it Women’s Luncheon and it will always remind me of my confirmation. The women of Bethany and Westminster Presbyterian Churches Thank you very much. Ethan Brewer are inviting the women of New Horizon to attend a salad luncheon ————————–—————————————————————————————————————————————————— I would to thank everyone for their prayers, phone calls, notes, on Thursday, June 5. The event will be held at 12:00pm. at flowers, words of encouragement during the past six months that I Bethany Church, located at 1200 S. 7th Street in Council Bluffs. have been going through surgeries and treatments for my breast Rev. Sally Carlson will present a program titled, “Life in Tanzania.” cancer. Everything that everyone has done or said during this If you would like to attend, please RSVP to Leona Shipley at (712) difficult time has been greatly appreciated. Thank you so very 322-0112. much. Mary Alice Fehr ————————–—————————————————————————————————————————————————— Synod School This month in our Bible Study we talked about leaders in our church and how can we support the leaders. There are many This year’s Synod School will be held July 27 through August 1 leaders in our midst but the Mary Circle of New Horizon at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake. Some of the topics offered Presbyterian Church would especially like to extend a Great Big include Doing Something Physical like belly dancing, yoga – Thank You to all of the people who maintain our building and vacation style and Ballroom, Swing and Latin dancing. Another grounds. It is a reflection of all the pride that is in our church and offering is Creative Spirituality and Sabbath including making a T- shows our place in the community. Thank you for all that you do Shirt quilt, card weaving, prayer shawl ministry and Christmas in for our church. Mary Circle July. The complete catalog is available at www.lakesandprairies.org/ Youth Group Game Night school. Scholarships are available and registration is encouraged The Breakout Youth Group will be meeting on Sunday, June 22, before July 1. There are suite-style residence hall rooms available, at 6:00pm for a game night. Please bring snacks to share. but rooms fill up fast so register early.

Page 4 June & July 2014 June Birthdays Month 2012 2013 2014 Name Date Name Date Andrew Christensen 3 Jan 171 162 157 Jim Larsen 18 Diane Michalski 3 Feb 169 177 165 Joan Stebbins 20 Contributions Apr Jan - Apr Marilyn Heitman 4 Mar 175 *211 167 Mike Richards 21 General $ 23,291 $ 98,908 Ernie Pellant 5 Alex Brewer 23 Apr *225 192 *224 Mortgage 6,836 41,676 Virginia Nelson 6 May 176 160 Gene Lea 23 Total $ 30,127 $140,584 Linda Sheeran 6 Marley Arnett 24 Jun 167 174 Ron Andersen 7 Expenses Apr Jan - Apr Jul 153 169 Irene Meyer 24 Craig Dreismeier 7 General $ 21,978 $101,739 Aug 167 148 Rose Butler 25 Julie Richards 8 Mortgage 9,518 38,072 Sep 178 164 Judy Anderson 26 Eleanor Jacobs 11 Total $ 31,788 $139,811 Oct 187 171 Regina Johnson 26 Contrib - Expenses 773 Tim Alkire 12 Beverly Patten 28 Nov 172 169 Barbara Andersen 12 Ann Coombs 29 Per Capita Total Received $ 5,387 Dec 178 165 Nina Kerns 13 Don Croson 29 This is 38% of Total $ 14,206 needed * Easter Weekly Averages Frank Lane 13 Donna Pritchard 29 Per Capita is $ 35 per Member Dan Kinney 15 Rodney Miller 30 Emily Bills 16 Sue Sagert 30 Budget Breakdown July Birthdays General contributions for the month of April were $23,290.62 and Name Date Name Date general expenses were $21,977.15, creating a positive difference of Terry Bailey 2 Murleen Reelfs 13 $1313.47. Total mortgage contributions for April were $6,836 and our Cheryl Haines 3 Ernie Gutha 14 monthly payment is $9,518, creating a negative difference of $2,682. Coleson Skokan 5 Sondra Dorsett 16 However, we still remain ahead at this point, having spent $772.96 less Margaret Lemen 6 Mikki Sachs 16 than we have taken in, year-to-date. Marjorie Webster 6 Mark Abel 17 We took in another $435 in per capita payments in April. Thank you to Mindy Brewer 8 Michael Hoffman 18 everyone who has heeded our call to make their $35 per capita payment Tod Clapper 9 Becky Syndergaard 20 for 2014. Every bit that we take in from members is a bit saved for our Ellie Dykes 12 Jack Dryden 24 general fund. Rebekah Gutha 12 Steve Brewer 31 The summer months are often thought to be a bit of a “dead zone” Karen Williams 12 when it comes to church giving. Attendance at Sunday services is often lower during the summer as people are traveling and have more weekend Members Turning 90 + obligations. As a result, giving is often lower in these months as well. Eleanor Jacobs is turning 90 on June 11th Unfortunately, our expenses don’t usually lower during the summer, and 29 Dillman Dr., Apt. 4A Council Bluffs, IA 51503 our mortgage payment remains the same, regardless of the season. th As the season of vacations and Sunday barbeques kicks in, we urge you to Frank Lane is turning 95 on June 13 continue consistent church giving. Setting up an automatic payment for 726 Valley View Dr., Apt. 2 Council Bluffs, IA 51503 your pledge is a great way to make sure that you never have to wonder if Musicians Needed for Summer Services you remembered to write your check to the church. You can set up an The Chancel Choir is taking its summer vacation. This means automatic payment through the church by filling out an authorization form the music department is looking for musicians to perform each available in the office. Or if your bank offers online bill paying you can set week during the summer months. If you or someone you know up an automatic transfer to the church, just like you can for paying your has some musical talent you would like to share with the phone or electric bill. congregation, please contact Travis Walker. People of all talent We thank the New Horizon family for their continued giving to the levels are invited to share their musical gifts! church, and urge you to continue to stay informed about our finances. Knowledge is power, and knowing where the church stands, financially, Storm Chasers Event helps us all make more informed decisions. A “Faith and Family” night will be offered at the Omaha Summer Service Times Storm Chasers game on Saturday, August 16. In addition to the baseball game, there will be fireworks and a concert. Watch the Beginning on Sunday, June 8 and running through September 7, bulletin as the date gets closer for information on how to attend service times will be at 8:00am, 9:00am and 10:30am. and tailgate with the New Horizon family.

June & July 2014 Page 5 New Horizon Presbyterian Church Non-Profit Organization 30 Valley View Drive U. S. POSTAGE PAID Council Bluffs, IA 51503-5100 Council Bluffs, IA 51503 June & July2014 Permit 67 Return Service Requested

Mariners Cargo from Spring Sale Articles Locations The Mariners group has decided to purchase and donate the Pastor’s Words/Evening of Music ------1 following items: Small Groups Calendar/Coffee Schedule ------2 New Horizon Presbyterian Church Men’s Breakfast/Recycling Reminder/VBS ------2 Kitchen Items (Squeegee for Dish Washer, Broom Session/Deacons/Memorial/Nominating Committees - 2 with Dust Pan, Push Broom, & Cookie Sheets $ 100.00 Confirmation Class/ Easter Family Fun Day ------3 Gas Grill $ 325.00 Thank You Notes/ Mission Notes ------4 Shelving for Storage Area - 2 sets $ 200.00 Meals on Wheels Thank You ------4 Rubber Mat for Kitchen - 3 foot x10 foot $ 200.00 Financial Information/Budget Breakdown ------5 Original Drip Catcher - 3 units $ 100.00 Mother’s Day Note ------5 Mortgage Fund $ 500.00 Calendar/Kids Page for May ------Insert Coffee Fund $ 75.00 Total to New Horizon Church $1500.00

Other Contributions Camp Calvin Crest $ 500.00 One Service June 1 H.E.L.P. Adult Services $ 100.00 There will be one all-church service at 10:00am on Sunday, Habitat for Humanity $ 100.00 June 1. At this service we will honor Sunday School teachers, Interfaith Response $ 500.00 youth volunteers and volunteers in the music ministry. Meals on Wheels $ 100.00 We will also present Bibles to New Horizon youth who are in MOHMS House $ 100.00 4th, 5th, and 6th grades. Please make sure to attend this Phillips Cupboard $ 100.00 service to help honor our volunteers and some of the youth Total to Other Contributions $1500.00 they serve.