FIRST IN TOUCH First Presbyterian Church May 16, 2018 Vol.19 Number 5 Summer Worship Hours Begin on Sunday, May 27 Sunday worship hours will change from 10:15 am to 9:00 am, Rev. Dr. Neil Craigan, Pastor and Head of Staff beginning on Memorial Day weekend (5/27). Summer hours will continue through Labor Day. Phone: 651-429-3381 Email: [email protected] Coffee will continue to be available in the Red Hall before Website: www.fpcwbl.org worship begins and Coffee Hour will still be available for Facebook: FPCWBL fellowship time after worship.

Worship Schedule May 20 “Daydream Believer” May 27: summer worship time goes into effect: 9:00 am May 27 “King of Kings and Lord of Lords” June 3 “Closer to Fine” Rev. Rebecca Fletcher preaching June 10 “Love Defines” June 17 “Speaking Truth” When: July 15, worship @ 10 am picnic following worship June 24 “Wisdom and Gentleness” Where: Podvin Park, 1700 9th Street, WBL July 1 “Halfway There” CT Harris preaching Bring a chair (or sit at the picnic tables) and join us at 10 am for an outdoor worship experience, followed by the church picnic. It will be a fun day of worship, games, good food and ……………………………………….. fellowship. To listen to messages from previous weeks, go to the MemberCare will provide the grills and grillers, plates, plastic website and click on the icon titled “Listen Online” …………………………………. utensils & cups, condiments, meat and veggie options to Rev. Dr. Craigan preaching, unless otherwise indicated. BBQ, along with water, lemonade, coffee, etc. Coffee Fellowship follows worship, in Fellowship Hall. You should bring a side dish or dessert to share. Staff Contacts Church Leaders FPC staff can be reached Monday through Thursday, Session Elders 9am to 4pm and Friday 9am to noon at (651) 429-3381. Jenny Craigan Christian Ed For after-hour emergencies, call Neil’s cell phone at (651) 236-0163. Andrea Esterly Christian Ed • Neil Craigan, Pastor & Head of Staff Katy Roelofs Church & Society [email protected] Dave Hunt Church & Society • Shara Marquez, Director of Children’s Ministries Doug Petty Facilities [email protected] Steve Knapp Facilities • C.T. Harris, Director of Youth Ministries Katie Vadnais Member Care [email protected] Carisa Vermeersch Member Care • Andrew Beard, Choir Director [email protected] Bob Pepper Money Matters • Connie Hamilton, Organist/Pianist Julie Becker Money Matters [email protected] Jeff Lasch Personnel • Darlene Zabadal, Kids’ Choir Director Karin Petty Personnel [email protected] Carla Nielsen Worship • Sheila Sullivan & Len Pattky, Office Staff Len Pattky Worship [email protected] Deacons Beth Brostrom Bob Irlbeck Peggy Cline Dave Johnson FPC Mission Statement Mary Flater Becky Lyon “To proclaim God’s love in word and deed, to see Kathy Gaylord Jim Moore Christ transform lives through our relationships and interactions with others.” Rita Gehrenbeck David Vail Core Values • All people are welcome • We value everyone's participation in the life of the church • We care for and support each other throughout life's journey • Children and youth are an integral part of our church • We actively support missions and social justice • We value genuine relationships • We value worshiping together

May 15, 2018 FPCWBL 2 From the Pen of Pastor Neil Craigan

Authenticity is a popular word today. It carries a variety of meanings with it, but is mostly used as a means of saying, “This is who I am, I’m being true to myself and that’s what matters.” Along with this definition comes the implication that we shouldn’t be in the business of trying to change other people; we should accept them for who they are and encourage one another to live life as each of us sees fit. There’s some truth in this definition, but also some elements that are false. For something to be authentic it must be the genuine article, the real thing. A counterfeit hundred dollar bill may be an authentic counterfeit, but that will never make it legal tender. The problem of humanity is that our authentic self is found only when we fully live out our calling as people created in the image of God. All other expressions of humanity are counterfeit expressions. They may be good forgeries, but they are still forgeries nonetheless. I’d like to see us move away from use of the word authentic, unless we are using it to express an ideal that we have not yet attained, and begin to use two words in its place, vulnerability and trust. The first thing to note is that vulnerability and trust can only exist where is there is community. If people are not “doing” life together then there will be no place for vulnerability or trust. Too many people today are choosing to live their lives isolated from community, and thus missing the encouragement and accountability that comes from that. If we’re living to do life together, then vulnerability and trust become essential elements of the journey. In order to be vulnerable we must learn to trust one another. It takes time to build trust, but only an instant to destroy it. Trust begins when we have a shared appreciation that we won’t be betrayed by the another person. When trust is lost, the damage to relationships can be catastrophic. As trust is built we learn to become more open and vulnerable with one another. As we build trust and learn to be vulnerable with one another we will quickly discover that we are all in the same boat, we’re all on a journey through life trying to get back to the authentic self that God created humanity to be. This openness will allow us to step into one another’s lives and learn to see each other as works in progress, pilgrims who have not yet arrived. In doing life together we will be aware of the reality that we’re all sinners and stand in need of redemption and God’s free offer of grace through Christ. This in turn will allow us to share and hear hard truths to and from one another, words that will help us grow and move forward in this life. In Christian community, life together, when done well, can and should be a beautiful thing. We must also be vigilant to see those who seek to undermine it. Dietrich Bonhoeffer in his great little book, Life Together, reminds us, “Those who love their dream of a Christian community more than the Christian community itself become destroyers of that Christian community even though their personal intentions may be ever so honest, earnest, and sacrificial.” Let’s keep working at doing life together.

May 15, 2018 FPCWBL 3 Youth Ministries by C.T. Harris At the National Youth Worker’s Convention last year, during one of my small group sessions, a fellow youth worker said, “I am so tired of scholarship requests for our events.” I thought for a minute, checked my own soul, and realized that I don’t feel the same way. I actually enjoy those requests. To me, when someone requests a scholarship for an event, it means that they are engaged, want to be in a faith-building environment, want to attend my event, and they trust me enough to ask. What a tremendous blessing those things are to a youth director! Isn’t that a large part of my job…engage students, build faith, create trust, plan dynamic activities? With that in mind, I do want to mention the FPC philosophy as it relates to scholarships. To best do that, I am making a few points below, in numerical form. Please forgive the less “conversational” nature of this article, but I think it is best explained in a progression. Here is how we view scholarships… 1. No child or student is ever denied access to a program or an event because of financial need. We have the resources to assist, and will never turn people away because of a financial hardship. 2. The church members are very generous, and already underwrite a lot of what we do. When people give to the general fund, inevitably some of that money goes to create affordable events and programming for youth and children. Running these programs is expensive, and we are fortunate to have the finances to underwrite a lot of what we do. We rarely zero balance on our events, despite trying to do so. So, put another way, FPC is already providing scholarships on a weekly basis. 3. Because of that, we do expect a partnership. For example, when a student wants to go on the mission trip, our expectation is that they will work hard to raise the money, the family will make some contributions and sacrifices, and FPC will help when it becomes necessary. That’s good stewardship, on all fronts. If you do what you can do, then we are thrilled to fill in the gaps. 4. We love it when you ask. As I described above, we really like helping, for a lot of reasons. Please never hesitate to let us know what you need. If it is possible for us to assist, and we see that a partnership exists, then we will do so. 5. We make it easy to ask. We don’t need a large paper trail, or a copy of your tax returns, or a liter of your blood to examine the legitimacy of the request for assistance. Just tell me (or Shara) that you have a need, and we will do what we can to ensure your child’s participation. I hope that makes sense to you, and that you know we are here when you need us. If, in particular, you are looking for a scholarship for Clearwater Forest Camp this summer, we are pleased to offer them in what we call a “FULL” or a “HALF” amount. Please note that isn’t for the full cost of camp, but rather the full amount we offer. That breakdown is $200 for a FULL scholarship and $100 for a HALF scholarship. If you would like to request one for Clearwater Forest, please let me know via email, and I will submit that request and send the money to Clearwater Forest Camp on your behalf. Thanks for caring about our programs and events. Thanks for being engaged and encouraging your children to be part of what we do. Thanks for being our partners. FPC is here to assist you emotionally, spiritually and financially; you are loved! May 15, 2018 FPCWBL 4 Children’s Ministries by Shara Marquez

The past few weeks have been spent wrapping up the 2017/2018 program year at FPC. We’re enjoying our last Kids’ Connection unit on art and creation, planning our Sunday School end-of-year party, and we are practicing for our last performance in Kids’ Choir. I am also reflecting on this first year that I’ve spent settling in at FPC. It’s hard to believe it’s only been a year since I began my first day in the office. I remember sitting down in the large office and feeling very unsure what the future would hold. This year has been a wonderful one for me. FPC has welcomed me and my family and has allowed me time to find my place and my voice in the community. It’s not always easy to begin a new job and I have been blessed with a supportive office staff and an open-minded and accommodating congregation. FPC is a place that encourages new ideas and hosts a group of people willing to lend a hand to turn those ideas into actions. I have also been impressed by the open communication among staff, committee groups, session members, deacons and the church body as a whole. My previous experience working for a church was quite different. Personnel issues weren’t addressed directly; instead off-hand comments lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings. Disagreements regarding programming drew lines in the sand, rather than compromise and understanding. Looking back on my first year at FPC I have met people willing to ask “how can I help?” Volunteers who stepped forward to help in a pinch. Congregation members who listen to each other if there are misunderstandings. Although we will have disagreements and differing opinions from time to time, I know that we will work through them in a respectful and caring way. As I move forward into the next year working at FPC, I have ideas I’m excited to share and programs I look forward to working on. I am also excited to brainstorm, outline and work with all of you. Thank you for welcoming me into your church. Thank you for being patient while I settled in. And thank you for helping me make this program year a success.

It is important I give a great big THANK YOU to the Sunday School teachers, Children's Church volunteers, Nursery helpers and assistants, Kids’ Connection volunteers and everyone who has made this program year possible! Our Wednesday evenings, the Christmas Program, the Kids’ choir events, the auction night kids’ party and all the rest was possible through your efforts. Your dedication to the FPC children and the children's ministry is appreciated beyond words. The children are blessed to have you in their lives and I am blessed to have your help, your energy and your creativity as a part of my ministry. Thank you!!

May 15, 2018 FPCWBL 5 Session Summary from April 17

The meeting opened with a reading from the Presbyterian Mission yearbook. Minutes from previous meetings and the annual meeting were approved. Brief Committee Reports: Facilities gave an update on the Landscape project scheduled for May 5. Volunteers will be asked to help with planting and other landscaper efforts on the East and West sides of the church. They have been identifying contractors to repair the concrete outside of the main entrance and a ramp at the KUC entrance. Estimates are being reviewed for replacement and update of the Shalom Room window. MemberCare: New member class has been rescheduled for May 20. The response to the Women’s Retreat has been very good and they’re looking forward to an exciting weekend. Money Matters: The Treasurer’s report was approved and the 2017 Financial Review Committee’s recap was accepted and their recommendations received, with thanks. Personnel is organizing the annual staff reviews and is considering a combined meeting with Session members and staff to keep communication open. Worship hours will change to the summer schedule (worship at 9:00 am, coffee hour at 10:00 am), starting on May 27. The summer schedule will continue through Labor Day.

Respectfully submitted, Julie Becker

Foundation Meeting Notes The first quarterly meeting of the Foundation was held on Sunday, April 22. New board members were welcomed. The Foundation approved a donation to the church of $4,526. Some of these funds ($1,526) are intended for designated funds (e.g., education, music, etc.) and $3,000 is intended for the general fund. Your contributions and support of the Foundation enable us to continue to provide these quarterly contributions. The Foundation directors also voted on officers for 2018. They are Sonja Irlbeck, president; Mike Roelofs, vice-president; Laura Pepper, treasurer; and Sue Yearsley, recorder. Thank you to these members for their extra service to the Foundation board!

May 15, 2018 FPCWBL 6 Bulletin Board of FPC Activities This page is intended to share information about upcoming events and opportunities. Please use it to update your calendars at home.

May 20 New Member Class, 9:00 am May 27 Summer Worship Hours begin: 9:00 am May 28 Memorial Day, office closed June 5 Deacon’s Meeting, 6:00 pm Plenary & all committees, 7:00 pm June 12 – 15 Vacation Bible School, 9:00 am – noon (more info on page 8) June 15 Youth: Grocery Bagging fundraiser, 3:30 pm June 19 Session Meeting, 7:00 pm Youth: Valley Fair, 10:00 am June 28 Youth: Pool Party/BBQ at CT’s house, 6:00 pm July 4 Independence Day, office closed July 8 – 14 Youth: Mission Trip to Queens, NY July 15 Outdoor Worship at Podvin Park, 10:00 am (more info on page 1) Church picnic at Podvin Park, following worship July 27 Youth: Saints Game, 6:00 pm

Click here to see the full calendar, available on the church website

Clearwater Forest Summer Camp Registration is open for Clearwater Forest Summer Camp. Go to the Clearwater website to check the 2018 line-up and to register. Weeks fill up quickly, so register soon if you’re interested in attending camp this summer. Clearwater Forest offers programs for anyone grades 3 through recent graduates. You may sign up for any week that fits your family's schedule. FPC is promoting the weeks of July 15-21 (kids) and July 29-Aug. 4 (youth). Please see CT Harris if you have questions or wish to request a partial scholarship to offset the cost of camp.

May 15, 2018 FPCWBL 7 Vacation Bible School “Spiritual Superheroes”

When: Tuesday – Friday, June 12-15, 9 am – noon Who: Children age 5 through entering 5th grade Cost: $35/child Online registration is available here Spiritual Superhero camp will include: • Bible stories • Snacks • Outdoor games • Music • Crafts • Your very own super hero cape • Fun with friends!

Volunteer Heroes Needed This summer, FPC is turning on its signal and calling all Spiritual Superheroes to unite at HERO CENTRAL Vacation Bible School! VBS wouldn’t be possible without awesome volunteers! We need YOU to put on your cape and lend a hand. From leading a group, helping with snacks, decorating, telling stories, running games, helping register – there is something for everyone If you’re interested in helping this summer, let Shara Marquez know. VBS runs from June 12 – 15, 9:00 am to noon.

May 15, 2018 FPCWBL 8 Sierra Leone Infant Kits Last month we told you about the opportunity to donate supplies to make infant kits for the Birth Waiting Home in Sierra Leone. Thanks to your donations and supplies purchased with funds raised at the Taste Of Africa last month, we were able to complete those kits. Our youth group, with the help of leaders CT Harris and Sue Wilkie had fun putting those kits together and getting them ready for shipment.

having fun and making a difference

May 15, 2018 FPCWBL 9 Making Bandages – April 18 Our kids and youth worked together on a bandage making mission project for Global Health Ministries. Under the guidance of June Smith, Sue Wilkie, Shara Marquez and CT Harris, they ripped cotton sheets into strips and rolled them up using “machines” created by Chuck Shubat and the volunteer woodworkers at Waverly Gardens in North Oaks.

Making a difference and having fun

May 15, 2018 FPCWBL 10 Church and Society White Bear Lake Food Shelf The White Bear Lake Emergency Food Shelf has served the White Bear Community since 1977. On any given month over 600 families visit the food shelf for food and support. One of their programs is "Kid Packs", which provides a weekend bag of food for the students in the White Bear Lake School District. These are distributed to kids who may otherwise go hungry over the weekend when food at home is scarce. As in past years FPCWBL will be packing Kid Packs during a worship service in August. Watch for future announcements for more specific details on this interactive worship mission project.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month There's a virus spreading across America that harms 1 in 5 people affected by mental health conditions. It shames them into silence and prevents them from seeking help. In some cases, it takes lives. The virus we're talking about is STIGMA. The stigma against people with mental health issues. Learn more about the cure for stigma (compassion, empathy and understanding) here.

Solid Ground Solid Ground recently held their annual fund-raising breakfast where they review their accomplishments from the previous year. As we arrived for the event, we were greeted by children, residents of Solid Ground, who were smiling broadly and enjoyed showing us to our tables and thanking us for coming. After breakfast, one of the past residents had an opportunity to share her story and describe how Solid Ground provided support, housing, encouragement and trust. Those of us in attendance from FPCWBL were proud to be part of a church that supports such good work. Some of the 2017 achievements shared at the event were: • 98% of families achieved housing stability in their program • 67% of families secured permanent house upon exiting their program • 67% of families increased their household income at the time of exit • 99% of school-age children regularly attended school We should all feel proud of the difference our friends and partners at Solid Ground make . Thank you for your continued support!

Church & Society members: Katy Roelofs, Dave Hunt, Monica Shevik, Rita Gehrenbeck, Enola Patterson, and Bob Irlbeck.

May 15, 2018 FPCWBL 11 Tuesday Craft Group Rummage Sale 2018 It’s not just sewing! The Rummage Sale this spring was another Honestly, so much takes place in Room 111 that we are successful fundraiser for FPCWBL. Thank considering changing our name yet again. Yes, it is you to Carla Nielsen (the chair of this huge definitely crafts; and yet the fellowship, the support of effort) and the more than 40 volunteers who Sunday School, VBS, and missions also takes ‘center worked the sale. These volunteers were stage’ on many days. church members, friends and families who helped sort, organize, price and sell In April we continued the quilt raffle, made bandages merchandise of the 5 days of hard work. with FPC kids and youth to send to Church World Service, and helped create infant kits with the youth for The sale raised approximately $3,500, half RHCI in Sierra Leone. We also welcomed back a few of which will be used to support two local members who had been gone for the winter or were organizations: Brittany’s Place and Giving traveling. As summer approaches we’re preparing to bid Gardens. farewell to some who go to their cabins for the Thank you to everyone who supported the summer. Rummage Sale through donations, Projects currently under way include quilts, learning to volunteering or purchasing merchandise. sew, clothing repairs, sorting donations of craft You helped make a difference. supplies, knitting, crocheting, wool hooking, and some wool gathering. Quilt Raffle The raffle for the quilt you’ve seen in the Fellowship Hall has also been on display in other churches throughout the state. If you have a craft you want to try, join us – we It’s traveled from Proctor to Rochester, guarantee lots of advice! Bring a project or stop by and and back again to White Bear Lake. find a project from our many supplies. We’re here every Raffle tickets to win this lovely twin-sized Tuesday from 9:30 am and 2:30 pm. Join us for a quilt were purchased at each site. Money beverage, conversation, and the opportunity to help raised from the raffle will be used to with something we’ve already got started. All are provide support for Brittany’s Place and welcome here! the Giving Gardens project in White Bear Lake. The lucky winner of the quilt is Joy Krajna of Red Wing, MN. Joy purchased her quilt raffle ticket at the Presbyterian Women's Spring event held in Rochester. Joy is very excited..."I have never won anything and to win such a beautiful quilt!” Congratulations Joy!

May 15, 2018 FPCWBL Help Us Welcome Visitors The MemberCare team is always looking for people to help at the Welcome Center. All you need is a friendly smile and a willingness to share information and answer questions. Training will be provided. If interested, see Katie Vadnais or Carisa Vermeersch.

Coffee Hour Hosts Needed

Thank you to all who have served as coffee hour Click this image to sign up electronically hosts; we appreciate your ministry. MemberCare is looking for others who would be willing to help host this important fellowship time. Sign up for an available Sunday by adding your name to the list of hosts on the sign-up sheet next to the serving window in the Fellowship Hall, or electronically, by clicking on the image on the right. Training and instructions will be provided.

Volunteer Corner It takes between 40 and 50 volunteers each week to prepare for and deliver a meaningful worship experience here at FPC. There are many opportunities to help and we need all our members and friends to considers ways in which they can help. Shown below are some of the volunteer opportunities available. Click the links below to see more information about each opportunity. Coffee Hour Host Serve On a Committee Liturgist Sound Board Volunteer Money Counter Time for Children Nursery Volunteer Ushers Song Leader Welcome Center

May 15, 2018 FPCWBL 13 Food Shelf Sunday: May 20 June Birthdays We’ll be collecting Laundry Soap for the Betty Dallman 6 Marco Marquez 18 White Bear Lake Food Shelf. In June we Ruth McLeer 6 Dee Moore 18 will collect Peanut Butter. Karin Petty 6 Finley Boswell 19 We delivered 96 pounds of donated items to Terrie Bauman 7 Sue Clegg 19 the Food Shelf in April. Thank you for your Allison Bates 8 Jan Parnell 19 continued generosity. Madelyn Vermeersch 8 Ginny Dubbel 20 Tom Dwight 9 June Smith 20 Everett Stevenson 9 Joe Campfield 22 Eric Esterly 14 Brian Parnell 22 Jane McKenzie 16 C.T. Harris 23 Kim Peterson 16 Andrew Beard 24 Katie Vadnais 16 Jericson Nfor 25 Walter Anderson 18 Celia Schmidt 30 New Officers The following church officers were installed in May: • Sandy Briggs Deacon • Dave Hunt Church & Society In Case of Fire • Kate Hunt Member Care As a result of a recent false alarm, we’ve • Sue Hunt Deacon learned that our documentation and • Barb Knapp Deacon instructions for what to do in case of a fire • Jeff Lasch Personnel are sorely outdated. We will be updating • Josh Mahoney Christian Education those instructions and sharing them in the • Carla Nielsen Worship near future. • Len Pattky Worship How you can help: we will test those • Doug Petty Facilities procedures by having one or two fire drills • Ryan Rediger Money Matters this summer. Be ready, exit when directed to • Katy Roelofs Church & Society do so and provide constructive feedback so • Jack Schmidt Money Matters that we’re prepared in the event we ever • Mary Wakem Deacon need to evacuate the building in a real emergency situation. April Vital Signs Average Attendance Sunday Worship – 160 Financial Update: April 1 – April 30, 2018 Income/Giving $ 62,665 Expenditures $ 28,653 Year to Date 1/1/18– 4/30/18 Income/Giving $158,826 Expenditures $125,587 May 15, 2018 FPCWBL 14