Horizon Highlights
Mission Statement: New Horizon Presbyterian Church Strives to know Christ and share God’s love.
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Pastor's Pulpit
This week was the last week of school for the kids. Perhaps it’s a throwback from my own childhood, but nothing says summer like the chorus of “School’s Out!” Summer seemed all about hope, the looking forward to long anticipated activities, whether it was family vacations, backyard BBQS or just hanging out by the pool. One thing was sure, summer was the opposite of winter. Winter was cold, it kept us isolated behind closed doors to keep the heat in. The Narnia books said it best when they linked winter with disappointment, characterizing the reign of the White Witch as a time when “it was always winter and never Christmas.” In many ways, summertime is the answer to the longings of winter.
There is more to hope than good times. Hope also has an element of inevitable good news to it. That no matter what challenges confront us, everything will work out in the end. Happy endings are the norm in the Kingdom of God. More than that, Hope is about seeing God’s plans come to pass in front of our very eyes.
Hopefully, by the time you read this, AVI folks will be installing our new sound system. As I write this, we have already raised over $62,000 towards an estimated $76,000 project. I’ve got to tell you, I’m floored by this level of generosity. I find myself asking, “What is it about the folks here at New Horizon that consistently step up to the plate when faced with this kind of challenge?” Well, on one hand, we are a pragmatic people. The sound system doesn’t work, it need to be replaced, so let’s bite the bullet and get it done. (That’s also a relatively uncommon attitude…) I think, though, there is something more going on here. We here at New Horizon are building towards the future. We built this church for those who will come after us; for our kids and our grandkids. There’s a word for that kind of forward thinking. That word is HOPE.
The writer of Hebrews defines faith this way: Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. God makes promises; we embrace those promises and we are confident that God will use up to make those promises a reality. For Paul, Hope is the flip side of Faith
What is the promise that we stake everything on? The way that the Westminster Catechism puts it is phrased in a questions/answer format. Question #1 “What is the chief and highest end of Man?” (For what purpose were we created? ) Answer “Man’s chief and highest end is to glorify God and fully to enjoy Him forever.” In other words, the heart of the Gospel is relationship. God removes the barriers that stand between us and empowers us to reflect and share God’s creativity, love and imagination to others.
Signs that God is faithful to that promise abound around us. Last week our music program led us in worship and we were blessed by the Bells, the Praise Team, the Chancel Choir, and the Folk String Ensemble. In addition, individual musicians shared their talents. Next week, we will recognize graduates, honor teachers, and welcome those who have joined us recently. Those who have joined us report that New Horizon is a congregation that makes them feel at home, that they already belong. Fellowship Committee will be looking for ever more ways to connect us with each other; the Mission Committee will continue to lead us in touching the lives of those around us and the Christian Education folks are gearing up for Vacation Bible School that kicks off the 26th.
This will be a wonderful summer, filed with all the delayed promises of the winter. Come to think about it, one of the primary ways we glorify God and enjoy Him forever is by spending time and building relationships with those that the Spirit places in our paths. Those relationships draws us into the future as only Hope can. That sounds like a great way to kick off the summer!
See you in church!
Paul
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AVI Sound System Replacement Project
Several NHPC members and visitors have noted that the sound quality in the sanctuary is not good, and they have a difficult time hearing Pastor Paul. Something needs to be done to resolve this issue.
Over the past several months, the Session in cooperation with the Administration Committee and Building & Grounds Committee have been diligently working on a solution. AVI Systems of Omaha is the company that installed the original sound system equipped over sixteen years ago. One of the biggest changes noted is moving from an analog system to digital systems.
AVI Systems has proposed a complete replacement of the current system, with a state-of-the-art digital system. This new system will include new speakers, a new sound board, and new assisted hearing devices, among other improvements.
The total cost of the project is $75,908. The Session approved moving forward with this solution. They also approved of doing a capital campaign through the end of May to raise funds from the membership to offset some or all the cost of this project.
UPDATE: As of 5/31/23, we have received $61,830 in contributions..
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Building & Grounds Committee
Mark your calendars! Anyone that is interested in helping with the storage clean up is invited to a meeting regarding said storage on Sunday, June 11 at 10am in the Hearth Room. We encourage those that have items in storage attend this meeting.
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New Office Hours
Monday June - August: 9am-2pm
Monday Sept - May: 9am -1:30pm
Tues - Thurs: 9am-2pm
Fri - Sun: Closed
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Sunday, June 4, there will be one service at 9:30 followed by fellowship time. We will be recognizing our high school graduates, new members, and Sunday School teachers. We return to three services at 8:00, 9:00, and 11:00 for the remainder of June. Beginning July 2 and continuing through the five Sundays in July, we will again have one service at 9:30. This is to more efficiently accommodate staff vacations. In August, we return to three services at 8:00, 9:00, and 11:00 each Sunday.
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Be sure you’re saving your clean, usable items for the rummage sale! Setup and sale will be the week of August 13.
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Community Outreach Group
The Community Outreach Group has arranged for us to assist in serving a meal at New Visions on June 18 from 4:45 to 6:15. Signup sheets will be available at church on June 4 and 11. There are only six slots available and we hope they will fill up quickly. We can easily schedule more opportunities.
The Community Outreach Group has been responsible for reviving the Adopt-A-Street trash pickup and Rummage Sale, a back-to-school supply drive, as well as a Care and Share clothing drive in the past. We hope that serving meals at New Visions will be a success. The rummage sale is coming up in August and we plan to have another school supply drive. The Fall Adopt-A-Street will be in October, and we’re thinking of a December Amazon wish list activity for New Visions. We are always looking for ideas! Contact Linda Brewer, Mary Jo Bailey, or Darlene Grandia.
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The Worship Committee is seeking volunteers to read the scripture selection at all services on Sunday mornings. The signup sheet is on the table in the Narthex.
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We hope everyone is enjoying having coffee available on Sunday mornings! We still need a person or persons to clean up the pots after the 11am service. There is a signup sheet in the small kitchen.
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Calling all musicians! If anyone would like to play an instrument or sing, or knows anyone who would like to provide special music during the summer, there is a sign-up sheet in the choir room on the bulletin board. We would love to have people in the congregation share their musical talents during worship services!
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Vacation Bible School
Babylon VBS 2023 is open for registration! VBS will run June 26-29; 5:30pm (Dinner) until 8pm. Participants may register using the button below. Volunteers are needed to help in a variety of ways. Volunteers help make this a memorable time for the youth of our church and community. A sign-up sheet will be placed in the Narthex or through the button below to see a list of volunteer opportunities. Questions may be directed to Sharon Poindexter at 402-291-4285.
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Thank you so much for your contributions to the Pentecost Offering.
During the month of June we will be focusing on Vacation Bible School. The offering will be open to everyone this year, not just those who participate in VBS. For each dollar you give, a Link of Love will be hung in the church. Every $12 will buy 5 Bibles through Operation Kid-to-Kid. Every $25 will buy a family of chickens (1 rooster and 4 hens) through the Presbyterian Giving Catalog for those who need a good source of nutrition and future income. That means every $37 will buy 5 Bibles and 5 chickens! What an exciting opportunity to nourish both physically and spiritually our "neighbors" throughout the world! Now that’s really something to crow about!!
Bible Study: In July and August we will be having a 9 week Presbyterian Women’s Bible Study, "Celebrating Sabbath", on Thursday afternoons at 2pm in the Hearthside Room. Please let Beverly Melchor-Young know if you plan to participate so she can order enough books. Text or call 402-637-5201 or email Beverly Young.
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Fellowship Fun
We collected an amazing 106 pairs of shoes during our Shoe Drive! Thank you to all in the Congregation that donated.
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May 18- 22, New Horizon hosted the Birds and Bees bike ride. Cyclists from all over the United States came to cycle from CB to Shenandoah and back. Many camped on the grounds, others camped in the Fellowship Hall. This is the 3rd annual ride and we plan to host them again next year. They have converted semis in to sleeping quarters, showers and coffee truck. It's quite an operation. Shown are a few pictures. Thanks to Jen Pellant, Linda Wagner, Greg Mathis and Marcia Antworth, for setting up and serving burritos the next morning. We generated about $1100 in donations to the church.
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Life Celebration Committee
We are looking for volunteers who would like to provide 24 dessert bars for funeral luncheons when the need arises. If you have signed up on the clipboard list that has been on the desk just inside the front doors, THANK YOU!, and you don't need to respond to me. If you've missed signing up and would like to do so, we'd LOVE to add you to our list. The more names we have to draw from lets us spread out the amount of times that we call upon our volunteers. The more, the merrier! If you would like your name added to our Celebration of Life dessert providers, please contact Marilyn Brown at 712.322.0980 or 402.250.1970. Thank you!
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In May, we held our Crossover Ceremony, meaning all of our Cub Scouts that earned their rank in February "crossed" into their next Den in May at the end of program year! While we do not meet every week during the summer months, we still get together for Camp Amikaro (3 day/2 nights at Camp Cedars in Fremont, NE), Cub Scout Day Camp at Viking Lake and of course, our own Pack camp out! In between all of the Pack camping, our Leadership team will embark on a Leadership Summit in preparation for making the 2023-2024 year one of the best yet!
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The American Red Cross is looking for friendly, customer focused individuals to volunteer at blood drives right here in Council Bluffs. The need for blood is constant and volunteers are essential to ensuring drives continue to take place and blood continue to be provided for patients in need.
Blood Donor Ambassador volunteers engage donors by greeting, registering, answering questions, providing information, and supporting them through the recovery process at the refreshments table. The special attention volunteers give helps create a favorable impression that encourages ongoing donor support. The Red Cross provides training on all systems, and staff are available to lend a hand and answer questions.
Being a Red Cross Blood Donors Ambassador volunteer is a great way to meet new people from all walks of life. Volunteer opportunities are flexible. You can pick the days and times that work best for you.
Help patients in need by giving your time to serve as a Blood Donor Ambassador. To learn more, visit
redcross.org/volunteer.
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To the family of Bonnie Quaas, who passed away on May 19, 2023. | |
Pack 15 & Troop 537,
Thank you to Scouts for your generous gift of 1,045 items for our food pantry. We truly appreciate all of you.
Gethsemane Presbyterian Church
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Congregation
As stewards of all of God's creation, we are blessed by your gift to continue Go's work through us. on behalf of the Presbyterian Church, please accept our gratitude for the ways in which you have helped to lift and love others. Together we share the Good News of Go's live in Jesus Christin both word and deed.
Yours in Christ,
Rene Myers
Ministry Engagement Advisor
PC (USA)
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Congregation
Thank you so much for your time and service at Children's Square. You make a difference in the lives of children, and we are grateful!
Staff at Children's Square
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The Prayer Shawl Ministry Team is a fellowship group who knit or crochet shawls. They meet on the second Monday of the month at 3pm, to crochet, knit & to pray for the people who receive the shawls.
Shawls are given for baptism, for confirmation, to people who are ill, or in a crisis situation, or to any person that wants one. If you feel God calling you to use your knitting or crocheting skills in this ministry, call Pauline Larsen, 402.740.9453 or the Church office 712.323.7129.
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Join Us on August 19, 2023
We invite YOU to enjoy one of the last weekends of summer the best way possible, spending quality time with the people you love. Calvin Crest’s Fun Day is perfect for families, friends, children, adults, community members and grandparents! The event offers activities for all ages including music, games, hikes, crafts, food and fellowship.
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Presbyterian Women of Neola Invite you to our Spring Brunch:
June 14, 2023, 10am
First Presbyterian Church 400 2nd Street.
RSVP by June 12 at 712.485.2339 or 402.490.8645.
Featured speaker will be Olesia Repichowskyj, formerly of Ukraine, now of Omaha. Mrs. Repichowskyj has lived through the Soviet Occupation of Ukraine, being born a year after the Holodomor, or forced starvation by Stalin. After Coming to America at age 15 and learning English on her own, she taught Nation American children in South Dakota on the Rose Bud Reservation of the Lakota and Dakota Tribes. She will speak on Ukrainian history and culture.
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Nicaraguan Partnership
We’d love to have you join us for a Nicaraguan Partnership fundraiser spaghetti dinner on Saturday, June 10th from 5-7pm. The event will be held at Hope Presbyterian Church at 5220 S. 159th Avenue in Omaha. Please spread the word in your congregations!
Our partners from Nicaragua will be visiting our presbytery area this fall from September 6th – 14th. The funds collected at the dinner will help with the cost of airfare, visas, insurance, etc.
For more information, please visit our website below or contact Robert Keefer or Josh Widman, Nicaraguan Partnership co-chairs.
| Please update the office with your information for all adults & youth in your household using this form. We have a lot of old phone numbers, wrong email addresses & old home addresses, etc. Call or email Sarah Young at 712.323.7129. | Online Giving is available through our website or with a free mobile app. Make one-time or recurring donations using your debit/credit card or checking/savings account. Log in or donate as a guest. Visit the link above or download the free mobile app, Vanco Mobile in the App store or Google Play. | If Church Services are cancelled due to weather, check our Facebook page! The information will be provided to the local television stations for airing & posting on their web page/apps. | |
Edrena Valeria Murphy (1902-1987) was the consummate Christian educator. She even has an offering named in her honor —the Val Murphy Offering —collected during the annual conference of the APCE (Association of Partners in Christian Education). During her lifetime, Murphy worked as an educator, church worker, community organizer, and advocate for Christian education, most notably in Baltimore and Chicago. Her passion for teaching and sharing the faith impacted many lives—both in the Black communities she served daily and in national Christian Education circles more generally.
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| Terri Brummels | 02 | Dan Kinney | 15 | | Timothy McQuigg | 02 | Emily Bills | 16 | | Andrew Christensen | 03 | Jim Larsen | 18 | | Marilyn Heitman | 04 | Jaydyn Arnold | 20 | | Ernie Pellant | 05 | Julie Bond | 21 | | Linda Sheeran | 06 | Mike Richards | 21 | | Ron Andersen | 07 | Gene Lea | 23 | | Craig Dreismeier | 07 | Caden Andersen | 24 | | Kalista McDermott | 07 | Angel Torkelson | 24 | | Julie Richards | 08 | Rose Butler | 25 | | Henry Kleymann | 09 | Judy Anderson | 26 | | Tim Alkire | 12 | Donna Young | 27 | | Barb Andersen | 12 | Beverly Patten | 28 | | Dale Kern | 13 | Ann Coombs | 29 | | Nina Kerns | 13 | *Donna Pritchard | 29 | | Becky Clevenger | 14 | Susan Sagert | 30 | | |
*Donna Pritchard is celebrating her 93rd birthday!! | |
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You can access the NHPC public calendar anytime by clicking the button below. Be sure to bookmark the calendar to your favorites bar! You can also download a hard copy of the June calendar. Have an event, like a wedding, graduation, Sweet 16, large group meeting, etc. you would like to reserve the church for? Simply click here to download, fill out electronically or by printing, and email to Sarah Young or drop off in the office.
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