Easter

Happy Easter

 

The Story of the Easter Robin

On Good Friday, a plain brown robin flying over Jerusalem was curious about the “nest” atop Jesus’ head.  When the bird realized it was a crown of thorns, he tried to dislodge it.  As the robin pulled out a long thorn from Jesus’ forehead, a drop of blood landed on the bird’s breast, staining it red.  Now the robin’s red breast is a symbol of Jesus’ loving sacrifice, and the robin’s early spring song is a reminder of Jesus’ joyful resurrection.

Adapted:  Zonderkidz Dandi Daley Mackall

Palm Sunday Breakfast

Sunday, March 24th  8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Once again Jan Zach will be flipping his famous pancakes and sausage will be provided.  Please bring a complimentary dish and enjoy a fabulous meal with great fellowship.  Please feel free to invite or bring a guest.

Maundy Thursday meal  on the 28th of March at 7:00 p.m.

Thank You

The church would like to thank Deb Kuhn for sharing her gift of music for the past three months.  We have appreciated her being a part of our church family.  You will be missed!  Remember you’re welcome at anytime to worship with us or to fill in as an accompanist.

St. Patrick’s Day

As we focus on the Irish celebration of St. Patrick’s Day let’s take a moment to share how St. Patrick used the shamrock to teach people about God.  Holding up a Shamrock, he challenged them, “Is this on leaf or three?”  Inevitably people replied that if was both, prompting St. Patrick to draw an analogy that so too, is God:  one God in three persons- The Holy Trinity.

Part of the Deal

Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, spread Christianity in the fifth century, helping people abandon pagan rites.  One day he was baptizing new converts, including the chief of a fierce warrior person into the rushing river.  As he baptized the chief, he inadvertenly pressed his staff down firmly on the chief’s foot.

The chief uttered not a word of complaint, but as he stepped back onto the bank, people noticed he was limping.  Patrick apologized, asking, “Why did you not cry out when I struck your foot?”

The chief replied, “I remember you telling us about the nails in the cross.  I thought pain was part of the baptism.-  Homiletics

This and That

It is funny how I fought the idea of moving to Omaha for so long and how much I am enjoying it now.  I would prefer to still be in the great state of Iowa but for Nebraska, Omaha isn’t all that bad.  The thing I have found most amazing is how similar it is to small town living.  Every person I have had any interaction with has been most friendly and pleasant.  When we see people out walking with the dog they always speak.  The only difference from Hamburg is that in Hamburg I know who the people are and here I do not.

Just this morning while I was out scooping the snow the man across the street who I have never met came over with his snow blower to help me.  I scooped the walk of the man next door and another man across the street did his driveway with his snowblower.  It seemed just like a small town with neighbor helping neighbor.  Makes a person feel good.

We talk a lot about missions in our church and I do believe that is a good thing.  We usually think about the mission offering and the money sent to the various causes they support each year.  There are many different kinds of missions though.  To me a mission is any kindness you do for another that helps them in some way.  It does not have to mean giving money or food.  It could be the smallest things such as sending a nice card or even a phone call to lift someone up.  I have learned from working with my people at the apartments that sometimes the smallest things we do can mean the most to those at the time.  Just the other day one of the women was so happy just because I put the ears of corn on her squirrel feeder.  Those without transportation appreciate a ride just a few blocks in town.  As a church we never know what happens when we reach out to people.  Many times we could do something for someone and never know what happens.  I do know though from hearing from some people that there are very good things being said about the Percival Community Church and I believe that it is in part to the kindness shown by the congregation.  Sometimes what we can do for others can also be repaid to us many times over in many different ways.  If we really try to live like Jesus we will want to help each other in any small way we can.  To share our faith not only in words but in deeds.  Expecting nothing in return can sometimes show the biggest returns.

Board President, Paul Bennett

Pastor’s Thoughts

Winter’s grip will soon be ending.  Days will grow longer, the air will warm with sunshine, the grass will become green, trees will start budding and flowers will lift their heads out of the grounds cold sod.  The cold dark days of the last few months will be ending, and spring will break forth in celebration of renewal and rebirth.

So it is the story of life itself.  Each of us experiences the season of winter when days are long, dark and gloomy.  The struggles of family, job and health difficulties, problems and circumstances can if we allow them, grip us in a state as bleak grey as lifeless as winter’s hold on Creation.

However, Jesus words of assurance and hope will ring as rays of sunlight within our souls and spirit.  For when His disciples were troubled and fearful Jesus spoke"be of good cheer, it is I be not afraid.”  We need to allow these words to penetrate our mind and spirit.

First Jesus Christ is always with us.  “I will never leave you or forsake you and that includes the darkest of days.”  Second be cheerful, God is good, look for His blessing each and every day and give thanks and praise.  Finally do not be fearful, “God is love and perfect love casts out fear.” 1 John 4:18.

So if you are struggling through a season of winter, let the words of the Psalmist, “Create in me a new heart, renew a right spirit, and restore the joy of our salvation,” bring a refreshing resurrection of assurance so that a spiritual awaking such as “Spring” will break forth and bloom in the sunshine of our Lords love and grace.

Pastor Blaine Pritchett

Don’t forget!

Student of the Month Aaron Tiemeyer

Aaron is the son of Jon Tiemeyer and grandson of Joan Tiemeyer.
Hello, my name is Aaron.  I’m a senior in school at Morningside College in Sioux City.
The most enjoyable part about being in school is the amount of knowledge that I can immerse myself in.  Not only have I learned a lot about history taking classes for my major but also every other class I’m in that allows me to learn about people and how we live and work.
I plan on finishing up school in the fall and staying around on campus until May and then moving somewhere a little warmer hopefully with a job teaching and then possibly grad school down the road.
I am a member of Delta Sigma Phi a fraternity here on campus and I handle the treasurer responsibilities for the fraternity.  My brothers give me a home away from home and someone to talk to when everyone else is far away.  It means a lot to me to have people support me here and especially at home as it gives me the strength I need to carry on through all the pressures of being a full time student and part time worker.
My word of advice for the “Boomer Generation” is to listen to our older generation and to be more like my grandma.  She loves me no matter what and has indirectly taught me a lot about life.
You can send Aaron a note of encouragement at the following address:
Aaron Tiemeyer
1327 South Cornelia St.
Sioux City, IA 51106

Hello March