Smile!

 

If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours!

Percy the Church Sheep

Meet Percy…again?!

As you have probably noticed by now, you always see a picture of Percy the church sheep along the right side of our blog. Percy always has a tidbit of information for us each month. You can find his monthly tidbit when you click on the bulletin for announcements and upcoming events. Percy informed us that maybe we should reintroduce him to people that haven’t met him personally or have just forgotten exactly who he is. Percy is a congregation member of the Percival Community Church.  He likes to be inspiring and uplifting, so whenever you see the name “Percy,” you can be sure he’s got nothing but love for you! Just consider him one of God’s sheep that likes to give out big wooly hugs!

When we asked Percy to tell us a little about himself, this is what he wrote for us:

Hello Everyone! Let me introduce myself. My name is Percy (short for Percival).

I am one of God’s sheep. I attend church with you all. You just have never recognized me as I have had to disguise myself for I don’t think you would know what to do if you saw an actual sheep setting in a pew, but that’s what I am, an actual sheep, wool and all. I’ve been known to stray at times and when I do, I’m usually yanked back in the fold by our Shepherd. Everybody strays once in awhile I’m told. Anyway, the Shepherd tells me I have been very blessed by your love and goodness and that he wants me, Percy, to become a constant reminder that each one of us is one of God’s sheep.

So whenever you see my picture or hear my name, you should be reminded of that very fact. Watch for my little tidbits in upcoming newsletters and on our blog.

Wooly Hugs,

Percy

Chuckies Donut Shop

Former residents of Hamburg Chuck & Alisha Behr opened their new shop on December 2nd in Oakridege, OR.  Chuck was born and lived there until he was 15 when his family moved.  He is a graduate of Oregon State University. Chuck says he has been guided by a higher power because he and Alisha found everything in place in a perfect setting.  He is delighted that many of the people from his childhood are still here that has enabled him to renew old acquaintance.  They are going to the United Methodist Church, same one he went to as a child.  Same building and everything just like being in a time machine.  The mix of people is about the same as Percival.  The older couple that sit in front of them is in their nineties, the lady used to be his baby sitter.  They have a choir which Alisha has joined and they went to a sing around in Eugene with 10 other churches in the big church with a large pipe organ several weeks ago.  Rather amazing.  He is once again enjoying his baking where he specializes in sweets.  All types of frosted, filled and old fashioned donuts, bagels, along with a good cup of coffee.  He is a skilled and professional baker.  Alisha has been able to showcase many of her Korean boxes and beautiful inlaid treasures.  As to Chuck he has his model airplanes hanging from the ceiling and family art decorates the bakery.

Adapted from Dead Mountain Echo

Note from Chuck, Yes, God has blessed me and the family, the power of prayer is real.  Who will be your angel today and whose angel will you be today?  Wishing you all well and peace be with you.

Annual Meeting Reminder

 

Annual Meeting and Potluck after church this Sunday, January 20th.

Kindness

A random act of kindness is a selfless act performed by a person or people wishing to either assist or cheer up an individual person or people. Either spontaneous or planned in advance. Start this year off right by practicing some random acts of kindness. A few ideas…

Pay a compliment at least once a day.

Call or visit a homebound person.

Transport someone who can’t drive.

Extend a hand to someone in need. Give your full attention and simply listen.

Go forth and be kind!

From the Board President

Caroling was a real joy for both the people who went to sing and the people who stayed and listened to the singing. It was a little bit chilly but most of our time was inside so we didin’t suffer too much. People that evening asked about my recipe for dessert and soup. (Soup recipe coming next month).  Here is the dessert recipe I made:

Toffee Tiramisu for a Crowd

1 package Betty Crocker pound cake mix

3/4 cup water or milk

2 eggs

1 1/2 cups strong coffee

2 cups sugar

1 cup chocolate syrup

2 pkgs (8oz) cream cheese, softened

4 cups whipping (heavy) cream

4 bars (1.4oz) chocolate covered toffee candy, chopped

Bake cake mix as directed on package using water or milk and eggs, in 2 loaf pans (8inch)

Cool 10 minutes.  Remove from pans.  Cool completely on wire rack, about  1 hour.  My mix also required butter in the mix which I added.  Cut each pound cake into 9 slices.  Arrange slices in 2- 11x 7 inch rectangular dishes cutting slices necessary to cover bottom of pan.  Drizzle coffee over cake.  I used a bit more coffee. I think one cup for each pan.  Beat sugar, chocolate syrup, and cream cheese in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth.  Add whipping cream.  Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy.  Spread over cake.  Sprinkle with candy.  Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour but no longer than 24 hours.  I made ahead and froze mine and it turned out just fine.  Makes 24 servings. 

Paul Bennett

Pastor’s Thoughts

It’s January and the weather for the New Year is cold.  It’s difficult to believe how fast another year has passed and I’ll be starting on my fifth year as your pastor.  Ministry involves everyone and if the Lord is to work among us,  all of us are going to have to participate and be involved.  Have eyes to see needs, hear hurts and mouths to express encouragement.  Together we can make a difference and the Lord will use us to enlarge and increase his Kingdom, here in Percival and the surrounding area.  Several words of appreciation and thanks are due knowing that I am grateful to each and everyone of you for your faithfulness and friendship; for teaching Sunday School, Board leadership, creating bulletins and newsletters, minutes of meetings, setting of communion, assisting in serving communion, lighting candles, providing treats, even playing the organ on short notice, or letting the pastor stay in your home and the ministry of mission including the food pantry.  Pastor Blaine is always open to positive comments and ideas of opportunity.  So feel free anytime to call and talk about your vision for the church and what you would like to see happen.  Our church board meetings are open to everyone and you are encouraged to attend and give your input.  Remember it takes all to have a successful ministry and you are the greater part of it.

Pastor Blaine

Student Profile- Aaron Zach

The college student of the month for January is Aaron Zach, son of Jan & Mary Zach.  He is attending Iowa Western Community College and studying Sports Broadcasting.

Last fall, he wrote the press releases for the IWCC men’s soccer team who finished second in the nation.  He did a player profile of the goal keeper.  This can be seen on You Tube (Will Lukowski Player Profile) or click here.  He also taped the National Champion IWCC football team numerous times for the college website,  www.goreivers.com

This semester he will be the sports producer and anchor for the college television station, CBTV17.  Aaron’s ultimate dream job would be to work at ESPN, but he hopes to work at a local television station first.   If you would like to send a note of encouragement to Aaron, he would love to hear from you. Here is his address:

1107 West Street, Sidney, Iowa 51652

P.S.  Aaron also did an interview with Pastor Pritchett.  He did an outstanding job of asking questions and keeping the flow of the conversation moving.  His first question of the morning was how many years have you been pastor?  I was so nervous by the cameras and crew that I stumbled and fumbled with the answer.  Aaron was quick to make me feel comfortable and the conversation continued at a more leisurely pace.  I was very impressed, thanks Aaron.  When you need a reference let me know.  Pastor Pritchett

Happy New Year 2013