Prayer Room

We do not pray because we are holy, but because we are not.  Between now and Easter, allow the Holy Spirit to refill our well and let us convey the treasure of God's presence more fully to one another and throughout the world.

During the Lenten Season, Room 100 will be reserved as a room for Prayer and Reflection, as we grow in our personal prayer life.  The Children's House of Prayer has also been moved to that room for their time of reflection and prayer.  There is inspirational reading available, as well as an area for prayer requests.  The room will be open mornings and Wednesday evenings at 6:00 pm.  March 11th and 25th, it will open at 3:00 pm.  You may also call the church office to request a time.  (282-8309). 
Everyone is encouraged to participate with a Lenten Prayer Partner.

Blankets+

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  (Psalm 46:1)

Sunday, February 25 is designated as Blankets+ Sunday.  Contributions to Blankets+ mean Church World Service will be ready to help families around the world recover from disasters and build viable, sustainable lives and communities. 

$25 can provide five warm blankets for a family left homeless by an earthquake or other disaster.
$100 can enable three women to receive a micro-credit loan, a sound investment in their family's future.
$200 can provide a struggling farm family with a draft animal to increase their harvest and carry their produce to market.
$250 can provide a sewing machine to a young mother learning to support her family.
$1,000 can equip a village well with a pump and provide hygiene training.

Please give generously!

To learn more, visit
www.churchworldservice.org/blankethotline

Three Simple Questions

During the season of Lent, we will begin the journey of further developing our Christian Spiritual Life using the study, "Three Simple Questions."
1.  Who is God?
2.  Who am I?
3.  Who are We Together in Church?

CALENDAR OF EVENTS
February 22 (Ash Wednesday) at 12 noon - Light Lenten lunch featuring soup and sandwiches in Fellowship Hall.  An introduction to our Lenten Study of "Three Simple Questions."

February 22 (Ash Wednesday) at 7:00 pm - Introduction to the Lenten Study "Three Simple Questions"

Sunday, February 26 - Fried Chicken Dinner, Salad & Rolls following Worship.  Lenten study follows dinner.

Wednesday, February 29 - Lenten Study 12 noon and 7:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall

Wednesday, March 7 - Lenten Study 12 noon and 7:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall

Sunday, March 11 - Lenten Study 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. followed by potluck dinner

Wednesday, March 14 - Lenten Study 12 noon and 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, March 25 - Lenten Study 4:00-5:30 pm followed by potluck dinner

Wednesday, March 28 - Lenten Study 12 noon and 7:00 pm

Card Making at PAPC

On Saturday, Feb 11, we gathered in Fellowship Hall to create hand-made cards for Pastor Claude and the Deacons to use on their visits.  Some people created their own while others assembled cards that had been pre-designed by Hazel and Lisa P.  Hazel brought in a lot of paper-crafting supplies for everyone to use.  We had a "shopping" area of paper and pre-printed thoughts, paper-cutting stations, assembly areas, (and of course, a snack area!)  Overall, approximately 50 beautiful hand-made cards were created!  Everyone enjoyed the creativity and the fellowship and we hope to do this again sometime.

Brendan and Lisa

Dixie and Hazel

Rachel, Sharry, Tim

Ordination and Installation of Elders and Deacons

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.  (Ephesians 4:4-6)

On January 8, we ordained and installed elders and deacons with prayer and the laying of hands by the minister, ruling and teaching elders.

Brendan Peterson and Dorothea Trotter were ordained and installed as Elders and Myrna Agan was installed as an elder.  Ruby Allsup and Mary Smith were installed as Deacons.  Sheryl Parker will be ordained as a Deacon at a later date.

 

Myrna, Ruby, Brendan, Dot, Mary

Christmas Pageant

On December 11, the children re-told the story of the birth of Christ in their annual Christmas Pageant.  They concluded by singing "The Friendly Beasts" and "Away in a Manger". 

Children's Church - House of Prayer

During the summer of 2011, the Children's Church program studied "Faith Under Construction" and built this House of Prayer which was dedicated on Children's Sabbath Sunday.  The House of Prayer is complete with magnetic and wipe-off boards for posting thoughts and prayers and stained glass windows with a view of the cross. 

Welcome, new members!

On Sunday, November 20, we welcomed several new members into the life of our church. 
By Profession of Faith:  Brandon and Lindsay Prothero
By Reaffirmation of Faith:  Pat Trotter, Claire Harper, Tim and Sharyl Thompson, Dan and Phyllis Danes
By Letter of Transfer:  Phyllis Weeda
As Affiliate Members:  Joan Wengert, Hazel Neil, Kay Montgomery
Reactivation of Membership:  Doc Gamble, Bernie and Lois Lane

We are excited to have them join in the work and ministry of PAPC!   Welcome!!

Des Moines Presbytery Outstanding Senior Adult

The Des Moines Presbytery honored thirteen outstanding senior adults from local churches in the presbytery.  Mary Lou Briles from Park Avenue Presbyterian Church was one of the honorees and deservedly so. 

She has served as Clerk of the Session, Chair of the Worship Committee (which included securing pulpit supply during the time between pastors), member of the Mission Committee, and member of the Memorial Committee.  She has served as a deacon, member of the Pastor Search Committee (two times) and on the committee to find a new secretary.  She has attended church wide meetings of Presbyterian Women at Purdue, Iowa State University, Louisville and recently on an Indian Reservation in South Dakota.  Her involvement in Presbyterian Women has included leading Bible studies, serving meals, doing rummage sales and a recent addition to her busy schedule is being a member of the Des Moines Presbytery Leadership Council... and the list goes on of her unselfish giving in the life of the church. 

What a beautiful demonstration of her commitment to Christ!  Congratulations, Mary Lou, on this special honor!!!

Locks of Love

 Rachel, before (left)  and after (right).
 Rachel, now 12 years old, first heard about Locks of Love from her third grade teacher.   Rachel made the decision she wanted to help, so she began letting her hair grow long.  This past week, her hair was cut, bagged and shipped to Locks of Love.

 Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the United States and Canada under age 21 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis.  Read more about Locks of Love at  http://www.locksoflove.org/

 We're very proud of Rachel and, doesn't she look great with her new short haircut!!




 

Little Dresses for Africa

The ladies of Park Avenue Presbyterian Church have been sewing little dresses.  The sewing started with a project called, "Little Dresses for Africa," in the Spring of 2011.  One of our members, Dorothea Trotter, asked her mother to make one dress so the ladies could see how they looked.  Dorothy Schultz did make a dress and then she made more and more and has made over 250 so far!  Her goal, she says, is to make 500.  The ladies of the church are sewing dresses too, but have a long way to go to catch up with Dorothy.

Our church was one of several churches that gave money to buy water storage tanks for LaLlanes, El Salvador.  We were able to receive a census report on the number of girls, boys, mothers, and fathers living in LaLlanes.  The ladies thought it would be nice to send each little girl a dress.  Then, we thought it would be nice to send each mother a dress.  Then, we thought it would be nice to send a pair of shorts to each of the boys.  On November 8, 2011, a delegation from First Presbyterian Church in Dallas Center, IA, will be taking 85 dresses and shorts to the people of LaLlanes for us.  We are thankful that they are able to do this for us.

The ladies and Dorothy continue to make dresses and shorts.  We will be sewing throughout the Winter and will send them on to the project, "Little Dresses for Africa," in the Spring.  Perhaps by then we will have 200 or 300 more to send.

Reformation Sunday

Reformation Day 2011
To the congregations of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.):

The church affirms Ecclesia reformata, semper reformanda secundum verbum Dei, that is, “The church reformed, always to be reformed according to the Word of God” in the power of the Spirit. (Book of Order, F-2.02)

Presbyterian roots go back – way back – nearly 500 years to the beginning of the Protestant Reformation when, on October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to a church door in Wittenburg, Germany. Luther, John Calvin, and other leaders of that movement would be astounded today to see the fruits of their faith-filled, courageous witness: The gospel of Jesus Christ is proclaimed in word and deed in and through worshiping communities around the world that seek to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and confront injustice in its many forms.

We celebrate our reformed heritage and continually draw nourishment from these deep roots, especially during this present time of dramatic change within and beyond the church. Change generates both excitement and anxiety, possibility and perplexity. Where is God leading us? What is out there on the horizon?

Looking extensively to the past, however, or gazing anxiously to the future can lead to missing what is happening in our midst now. God spoke through the prophet Isaiah: "I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?" (Isa. 43:19).

Today, in our time, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is in the midst of another reformation. God is creating a new church in and through us. Signs of it and responses to it are plentiful:

• New worshiping communities are springing up, many of them looking different from traditional congregations.
• We have a new Form of Government that provides more flexibility for congregations to do mission more effectively in their particular contexts.
• Special committees and groups across the entire church are envisioning new possibilities for the church in the 21st century, possibilities that reflect a growing multicultural reality and the need to adjust our structure from a corporate, top-down approach to one that enhances even further the work of congregations and presbyteries.

It is both an exciting and unsettling time in the life of the PC(USA). We suspect that Calvin felt similar pangs of anticipation and anxiety when he was in the midst of another season of dramatic change in the life of the church. Yet Calvin's strong faith in a steadfast and sovereign God is evident in his hymn, "I Greet Thee, Who My Sure Redeemer Art." One of the stanzas reads:

Thou art the life, by which alone we live,
And all our substance and our strength receive;
Sustain us by Thy faith and by Thy power,
And give us strength in every trying hour.

As we celebrate and give thanks for the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century, we also celebrate and give thanks for the mission and ministry of the PC(USA) in this time of another great reformation. Like Calvin and his colleagues, may we respond in unity with eagerness, faithfulness, wisdom, and joy:

Our hope is in no other, save in thee,
Our faith is built upon thy promise free
Lord, give us peace and make us calm and sure
That in thy strength we evermore endure.

To God be the glory!

Cindy Bolbach
Moderator of the 219th General Assembly (2010)
Gradye Parsons
Stated Clerk of the General Assembly
Linda Valentine
Executive Director, General Assembly Mission Council
Landon Whitsitt
Vice Moderator of the 219th General Assembly (2010)

30 years of Music

On Sunday, September 25, Lisa Modlin presented a worship service of organ music, scripture and song she designed around the theme "We Come".   Worship was followed by a reception in Fellowship Hall celebrating Lisa's 30 years of service as the organist of our church.

Follow this link to view the worship program and listen to the service.
http://www.box.net/shared/0i0r9ttfea7d22blpcy1

What if..........?

What if you knew that 16,000 die each day of hunger?
What if you knew that feeding six people costs $1.20?
What if you found out you could change the world?
What if you volunteered to help Meals from the Heartland?

On Friday, September 2, six PAPC'ers joined with a whole lot of people in Hy-Vee Hall to package meals for Meals from the Heartland.  Over the course of two hours, we packed 20 boxes of food, each box containing 36 packages of food, each package feeding six people.  That's 4,320 meals!!

Meals from the Heartland is a non-profit organization composed of volunteers who package meals for delivery to starving people around the world.  Throughout the year, there are several small mobile packaging events, but once per year, a major event is held in Des Moines over the course of four days.  Overall, the 2011 event packaged over 4.2 million meals!  PAPC is happy to have been a part of that!

Visit their site at http://www.mealsfromtheheartland.org/

Cross Ministries Back to School Event

On Sunday, August 2, 14 members of PAPC, along with members of other Presbyterian Churches in the Two Rivers Partnership, hauled boxes of school supplies to the basement of Cottage Grove Presbyterian Church where the supplies were unpacked and sorted onto grade-specific tables.  Another group of churches takes over the following day to put the supplies into backpacks.  Over 900 new backpacks filled with notebooks, pencils, paper, glue, crayons and other school supplies were distributed to children in underprivileged households in the Des Moines area.  When all the work was done, we were treated to ice cream sundaes at Smokey Joe's!

Dan and Lisa

Lisa, Gary and Tyler

Doris and Peggy

Dot and Pat

Nile and Ben

David

 

Heather and Karen

Dustin, MaryLou, Laura and Nile

Little Dresses for Africa

On Saturday, July 16, several women of PAPC gathered in Fellowship Hall to sew dresses for little girls from places that have been hard hit due to rough economic times, natural disasters or are just poor countries in general.  Dot's mother, Dorothy Schulz, has sewn 100 dresses to date and we have a challenge for the rest of the church to match her in total!

Dot and Dixie  (looks like they're enjoying themselves!)

Dot's mother, Dorothy, showing some of the dresses she's made.

Faith Under Construction

The summer Children's Worship Program begins Sunday, June 12.  Faith Under Construction is a six-lesson unit of scripture with a wonderful "building" theme.  It highlights the spiritual elements of how our faith is an ever-evolving entity, beauteous at any given time, but, ever on the move.  During this time, we will be applying basic construction props and setting with ample listening to the Master Builder - Jesus Christ. 
Mark these dates:
June 12:  [Blue]Prints of Pentecost
June 26:  Footing of Faith
July 17:  Tools of Trust
July 31:  Girders of Grace
August 21:  Trusses of Triumph
August 28: Completed in Christ

Pentecost Offering - June 12th

When you give to the annual Pentecost Offering, you're helping real people:  children at risk, youth, and young adults.
People like the children of La Oroya, Peru, which is one of the 10 most polluted cities in the world.  Nearly all of the children there have sever lead poisoning because of a smelter owned by a U.S. manufacturing company.  In all, almost 12,000 children are affected.
A children's movement in La Oroya called CAMBIALO - which means "Change it!" wants to shine a spotlight on this smelter that spews toxins into the air every day.  The Pentecost Offering has helped CAMBIALO produce and present weekly radio spots about what's going on in La Oroya.
When you give to the Pentecost Offering, you're also helping Young Adult Volunteers like Robert Morrison, who works with the gritty streets of Los Angeles to help the homeless and young people who need adult mentors.  Working with the organizations People Assisting the Homeless and La Casa de Communidad, he is making a difference.
The Pentecost Offering also funds an online daily devotional called d365.org, co-sponsored by the PC (USA).  More than 1 million people, including many young people, have visited this interactive site.  The website guides visitors through five steps:  pausing, listening to God's Word, thinking about it, praying, and being guided by the devotion through the rest of the day.
10% of the Pentecost Offering goes to child advocacy.  25% goes to youth ministry. Another 25% goes to Young Adult Volunteers, and 40% is kept by congregations for ministries that help children at risk.  PAPC's 40% will go to CROSS Ministries where food and school supplies will help needy children in the Des Moines area stay healthy and in school to become productive adults.

Congratulations 2011 Graduates!!

Shauna Agan, granddaughter of Myrna Agan,  graduates Magna Cum Laude from Simpson College with a BA degree with majors in Political Science and Corporate Communications and a minor in History with a specialization in Pre-Law.  This fall she will attend American University Washington College of Law in Washington D.C.

Anna Caligiuri, granddaughter of Virginia Cole, graduates from Lincoln High School.

Bryan Cody, grandson of Frank and Betty Friend, graduates from Western University of Health Science.  He will receive his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine and plans to practice in California.

Chelsea Nicole Link, granddaughter of Jerry and Lena Saunders, graduates from Dallas Center-Grimes High School and will attend DMACC this fall majoring in Culinary Arts.

Laura Myers, granddaughter of Robert and Jeanne Burnett, graduates from Mounds Park Academy, St Paul, MN.  This fall she will be attending Connecticut College in New London, CT.

Brendan Kyle Peterson, son of Dan and Lisa Peterson, graduated Magna Cum Laude from GrandView University with a degree in History and a minor in Theatre Arts.  He is employed at Living History Farms as an 1850 Farm Historical Interpreter/Assistant Site Supervisor.

Brett Timmins, granddaughter of Myrna Agan, graduates from Southeast Polk High School.  She plans to attend Iowa State University this fall to pursue a degree in Agriculture Education as an FFA teacher.

Congratulations and Best Wishes!  May God bless you in your future endeavors.

Thank you, Virginia

On Sunday, May 15, PAPC honored Virginia Cole who retired as our secretary after 12 years.  Virginia served under four pastors:  John Nipper, bob Cook, Mel Roblee and David Stipp-Bethune.  During fellowship time, the children presented a tribute to Virginia, reading a short paragraph for each letter of her name.  "V" is for vigilant;"I" is for ideas; "R" is for rare, "G" is for good-natured, giving, and generous; "I" is for imagination; "N" is for nice; "I" is for intelligent; and "A" is for accountable, accurate, adaptable, accepting, approachable and attentive.  Virginia may not be in the office any more, but she is still a member of the church and we'll see her in worship and she'll still be working with the children.

(Read it right to left!)

Virginia

Easter Treasure Hunt

Alex

 

Nile and Ben

Dustin, Tyler, and Nevaeh

Maddie and Ruby

 

 After Easter Worship, the children enjoyed a treasure hunt.  Clues led them to different areas of the church ending in Fellowship Hall where they found a treasure bag.

Bread for the World

Each year, thousands of churches across the country set aside a Sunday when members are asked to write letters to their representatives and senators in Congress.  These letters are brought forward as an "offering of citizenship".
This year's Offering of Letters urges Congress to reform our nation's foreign aid programs - to make them more effective in reducing hunger in Haiti, Africa and other parts of the world that struggle with poverty and disease.
PAPC Mission Committee has designated May 8th as our Sunday to collect and dedicate letters written by you to send to our congressmen.  Write a letter in your own words or using the format below, put it in a stamped envelope and bring to church on Sunday.
Address your envelopes:
Senator Charles Grassley:
135 Hart Senate Office Bldg
Washington, DC  20510
Senator Tom Harkin:
731 Hart Senate Office Bldg
Washington, DC  20510
Representative Leonard Boswell:
1427 Longworth House Office Bldg,
Washington, DC  20515

Sample Letter:
Date__________
Dear Senator_________ or Dear Representative_________

I'm asking you to reform the way the United States delivers foreign assistance so it will help millions of people in poor countries move out of hunger and poverty.  Streamlined and more efficient U.S. foreign aid programs will ensure that our tax dollars are used effectively.
By focusing our aid dollars on moving people out of poverty, we help foster economic growth and opportunity.  Fewer people struggling with poverty and stronger, growing economies in developing countries contribute to our own national security as well.
This is why I am asking you to support reforms in the ways we deliver and administer U.S. foreign aid.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
(Your Name)
(Your Address)

Session members host Fellowship hour to welcome Rev. Claude Jones and Annamaria

Welcome Rev. Claude Jones

The Session and congregation of Park Avenue Presbyterian Church extends a welcome to Rev. Claude Jones as our Temporary Supply Pastor.  He will serve half-time, working 25-30 hours per week.

Rev. Jones served as pastor at Douglas Avenue Presbyterian Church for 23 years.  He graduated from Dubuque Seminary, which is a Presbyterian Seminary.  He is currently Director of Church Relations for the University of Dubuque College and Seminary.  His wife, Anna Maria, is a teacher with the West Des Moines School District.



We welcome Rev. Claude Jones and Anna Maria to our Park Avenue Presbyterian Church family!

Part-Time Secretarial Position Available

THIS POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED. 

We are seeking candidates to fill the position of Church Secretary.  This is a part-time position, working 20 hours per week.  Responsibilities include providing general administrative support to the Minister and church staff, maintaining church records and calendar, preparing bulletins and newsletter, screening phone calls and other miscellaneous duties.

The ideal candidate will have excellent PC, grammar, spelling and math skills.  The position requires tact, the ability to maintain confidentiality, and good interpersonal skills.  Must be organized and proficient in multi-tasking.  Must have technical knowledge of a personal computer and able to use word processing and spreadsheet software.

Contact Clerk of Session Mary Lou Briles at 515-285-1074 or marybriles@aol.com

Together we DO make a difference!

"Just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me"
(Matt. 25:40)

PAPC members have been faithful in mission and special needs giving for many years.  2010 was no exception!

We contributed financially to:  PCUSA, Theological Education Fund, El Salvador Mission, Des Moines Area Religious Council, CROSS Ministries, Pioneer Baseball League (physically challenged children), Church World Service Blanket project, One Great Hour of Sharing, Rural Partnership Offering, Christmas Joy Offering, Food Pantry, Pakistan Presbyter Education Board, Haiti Earthquake recovery, Meals from the Heartland, and Souper Bowl Sunday..

In additional to monetary gifts, we also contributed:  food and personal hygiene items to the DMARC Food Pantry, pop can tops for Ronald McDonald House, sandwiches and cookies to Hope Ministries' Hope Cafe, and school supplies for CROSS Ministries back to school program.

Members served lunch at Hope Cafe, sorted and tagged items at Hope Ministries' Thrift Shop, sorted and prepared school supplies for Cross Ministries' Back to School Program, and participated in Hope Ministries "Walk a Mile in Their Shoes" Walk-a-Thon at Copper Creek Lake.

PAPC also sponsored two special events.  In January, all interested people in the Presbytery were invited to hear Pastor David Stipp-Bethune speak about, and share photos from, his trip to the Holy Land.  In October, other south-side Presbyterian churches joined us to hear Veeda Javaid, Executive Director of the Presbyterian Education Board in Pakistan speak.  She gave dynamic examples of how education plays a vital part for understanding and respecting others, for a life that is beyond starvation and the hope for the future of many.

Our mission committee has worked hard to give members many different opportunities to support mission causes both locally and around the world and our members have responded generously with both money, gifts, and gifts of time!

DMARC Emergency Food Pantry

Rev. Sarai Schnucker Rice, Executive Director of the Des Moines Area Religious Council will be in our pulpit on Sunday, January 30.  PAPC has been a regular supporter of the DMARC Emergency Food Pantry and we'd like to make an even bigger donation of food this month in honor of our guest preacher.  If you are able, pick up an extra item or two this week and bring it to church on Sunday.  Donations can be left in Fellowship Hall on the designated table.  More information on DMARC can be found on the web at www.dmreligious.org

MOST NEEDED FOOD ITEMS
Des Moines Area Religious Council Emergency Food Pantry
100% Juice (tomato, orange, or vegetable in a can or plastic bottle)
Fruit (canned in water or 100% juice, not in heavy syrup)
Vegetables (tomatoes, green beans, mixed vegetables, or sweet potatoes, canned with
no salt added)
Beans (dry or canned in water)
Peanut butter
Meat (tuna or chicken canned in water)
Whole-grain dry pasta or egg noodles
Brown rice (regular or instant)
Vegetable soup (low-sodium)
Whole grain crackers (wheat saltines)
Spaghetti sauce
Cereal (instant or regular oatmeal with no sugar added, whole grain cheerios, wheat
chex, wheaties, granola or shredded wheat)
Shelf-stable low-fat UHT milk (in aseptic packaging, no canned milk)
Infant/baby formula
Diapers and baby wipes
Personal products (shampoo, soap, feminine hygiene, toothpaste, or deodorant)
Fresh whole grain bread items (with generous expiration dates)
Fresh fruits and vegetables (potatoes/sweet potatoes, bananas, apples, carrots,
grapes, oranges, tomatoes, melons, broccoli, or bell peppers)
Please donate far before expiration and prime ripeness.
Thank you!
As a reminder, DMARC can also buy food wholesale thanks to generous cash gifts.
We are grateful for both cash and food donations.

Sandwiches for Bethel Mission Cafe

On Sunday, Jan 9, PAPC members and guests prepared 200 ham and cheese or turkey and cheese sandwiches which were delivered along with a cookie or bar for dessert to Bethel Mission's Hope Cafe.  This was our second opportunity to participate in this mission event and many members enjoy donating cookies, meat, bread and cheese as well as assembling all 200 sandwiches!  Our children even get involved by bagging the dessert items.

Hope Café is a place where anyone from the community can come and receive a free meal three times a day.  Hope Ministries is able to provide this valuable service to the community thanks to the generosity of many caring individuals, churches and local businesses.  (http://www.hopeiowa.org/facilities/cafe.php)

Christmas Joy Offering

The Christmas Joy Offering will be received on Sunday, December 19.

This offering is shared equally by the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions, which provides critical assistance to Presbyterian church workers and their families, and Presbyterian-affiliated racial ethnic schools and colleges, which enables students to develop their gifts and find their calling.

At some point in their lives, many ministers, other church workers, and their families need help beyond what the Benefits Plan and personal resources can provide.  Some need relatively limited, yet critical, assistance – to afford a hearing aid, for instance, to continue their ministry.  The Christmas Joy Offering recognizes the faithfulness of current and retired church workers through its gifts to the Assistance Program, which in turn helps these individuals and families through difficult times by providing shared, emergency and other types of grants.

The Presbyterian Church has long promoted education by establishing and supporting racial ethnic schools and colleges.  The Christmas Joy Offering funds provide scholarships to deserving students as well as help with basic operating costs.  These institutions develop leaders in the church and in society, and they enable students to discover and pursue their professional goals.

You can bring Joy to deserving individuals by participating in this offering!

Services Cancelled

Sunday, Dec 12 services have been cancelled due to weather conditions.  Stay inside, stay warm, safe and dry and we'll see you next week!

Mitten Tree

There are many needy children that need to be kept warm during the winter, so the P.W. is sponsoring a "Mitten Tree" again this year.  Please bring new mittens, scarves, and hats to decorate the tree located in Fellowship Hall.  These items will be donated to a local school for distribution.  Let's cover the tree with warmth to share!

Presbyterian Women's Group studying Revelation

In their Bible study, the circles will be studying the 6^th chapter of Revelation.  In this lesson we will explore how to approach the images created by the opening of the first six seals.  In order to reach the hope at the end of the journey in Revelation, we must first experience great conflict and judgment.

Deborah Circle meets for a “Sack Lunch” on Thursday December 2^nd at 1:00pm in Fellowship Hall.

            Lesson Leader:           Mary Lou Briles

            Devotions:                   Peggy Sanders

Lydia Circle meets on Thursday December 2^nd at 7:00pm in the lounge.

            Hostess                       Dot Trotter

            Devotions                    Jeanne Funaro

            Lesson Leader            Mary Lou Briles

Thanksgiving Eve Worship Service

Park Avenue Presbyterian joins Clifton Heights Presbyterian, Fort Des Moines Presbyterian, Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd and Christ Lutheran churches for the annual combined Thanksgiving Eve Worship Service.  This year's worship service takes place at Christ Lutheran Church, 6411 S.E. 5th (by Southridge Mall), at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 24.