6301 University - Windsor Heights, Iowa 50324

Click here for a Google Map and photo of our location.

Additional parking is one block west on University Avenue. This is the lot directly south of 64th and University Map and photo of parking lot.

Sunday School 9:00 a.m.
Worship 10:30 a.m.
Fellowship: 11:30 a.m.

Online Calendar: www.my.calendars.net/wpchurch/

Phone: 515-277-8379

Fax: 515-277-5200

Email: windsorpresby@yahoo.com

To the Flock . . .

We all know that the church is not a building. A church is a group of people who are committed to understanding and practicing the teachings of Jesus Christ. Church is the unique place where relationships can grow in Christ and where those who chose to live in the way of Jesus practice living out his teaching by loving, serving and forgiving each other. Church is the place where we are formed in character with each other to live out our faith in the world.
Church Development researcher Christian A. Schwarz says, “Smaller churches on average are better churches. They are better equipped to win people for Christ.” Sometimes it is easy to get disheartened by our congregation’s size, but it is important to remember that God’s hand has always been on this church, God is at work at Windsor today and God has a plan for our future. This is God’s church and God is in charge.
In October and November, we will take time to intentionally look at some of the characteristics of a healthy church. For six weeks, we are going to think together about six qualities of a church’s life:
Sharing: Intentionally simplifying one’s own life in order to provide for others
Advocacy: Intentionally speaking out on the behalf of others
Study: Intentionally listening for what God is doing in the world today
Hospitality: Intentionally making a place for others at the table
Prayer: Intentionally opening oneself to God and interceding for others
Service: Intentionally reaching out to those who are in need
Natural Church Development contends that a church is only as strong as its weakest area of ministry.
It is like an old fashioned bucket made of wooden slats held together by metal rings. The bucket can hold as much water as the height of the slats will allow. If the slats are different sizes, it can hold only as much water as the shortest slat. Likewise, a church’s health and effectiveness are dependent on qualities such as those listed above. A church is only as healthy as the weakest area of ministry.
Christ calls us to be disciples and to make disciples. So the question to be asking is: “what would a church of disciples look like?” God has given Windsor the potential to be a church of disciples, bringing others into this incredible journey of faith and serving God’s world.
Our youth group will be delving into their calling to discipleship using this same framework. Heartland Presbyterian will be exploring these same areas of ministry
The plan is spend the first 6 weeks looking at the qualities of a church of disciples. In January and February we will turn our attention to personal stories to explore each quality in more depth. During Lent we will reflect on these qualities for individuals as members of a worshipping community. You don’t have to be engaged in all six qualities to be a good Christian. The idea is that a healthy disciple would be one who goes to worship and is involved in two of these areas of ministry.
My hope is that we will begin to have some good conversations about how to best live into God’s plan for Windsor, by making disciples, by loving and serving. In other words, how do we best live out the great commandment and the great commission as followers of Christ? Using Acts 2:42-47 and Acts 4:32-37 as our basis, we will look at the early church as we begin asking how God calls us to be “church” together.
Worship Themes
Oct 4 Great Commission (World Communion)
Oct 11 Sharing
Oct 18 Advocacy
Oct 25 Study (Reformation Sunday)
Nov 1 Hospitality (All Saint's)
Nov 8 Prayer
Nov 15 Service

To the Flock . . .

Often, when things seem hopeless, I will hear someone comment, "Well, all we can do now is pray." Sometimes this comment is just a way of throwing up their hands and admitting that they have given up hope. Sometimes the comment means there is nothing humanly possible left to be done and that we have to turn the outcome over to God. As believers in a loving God, this comment is an acknowledgement that God is involved in the situation with us and that prayer is powerful. We cling to the promise that prayer is not a last resort, but a first response.

When there is a problem, we need to be first responders in prayer. You may not think that you are very good at prayer. But God doesn't care if you pray well, God cares THAT you pray. Prayer is simply communicating with God. There is no magic formula. You can say a prayer, think a prayer, read someone else's prayer, sing a prayer, draw a prayer. Prayer is simply spending time with God. In prayer, we remember that God is in charge and that God cares deeply for us and for the circumstances of our life. Prayer changes us. Prayer changes our situation. Prayer is powerful.

As we move forward as a congregation, one of the most important things we can do is pray. When we pray, our eyes are opened to see God's grace at work in the world. Pray for the church and its ministries. Pray for the pastor and leadership of the congregation. Pray for discernment. Pray for each other. Pray for those who God is calling here. It doesn't matter how you pray, just pray.

Together, we have been wondering what the future of this congregation will look like. After two years with this fellowship of believers, I have come to believe that Windsor doesn’t so much need a new direction as we need to be "our own best selves." Who we are is enough. In fact, it will be just right for those who God is calling into our midst. If we want to grow and thrive, we have to keep doing the simple, important things and do them well. We have to take our faith seriously as a way of life--we have to engage the gospel, offer hospitality, pay attention to worship, pay attention to our spiritual lives, and look beyond our walls to see where God is calling us into mission.

In worship, we have been focusing on the middle section of Luke, where Jesus informally teaches and tells stories on his way from Galilee to Jerusalem. Many of his parables talk about changing or repenting. He also teaches a lot about prayer. Prayer is a basic response as we come to know our loving God. Prayer allows us to be in relationship with the God who created us and loves us unconditionally.

If you are concerned that the church needs to grow, pray that God will send the people who need to be here, welcome them as they are, and walk beside them in faith. Pray that we will grow in faith and discipleship.

If you want this church to thrive, do something about it—pray, pray, pray without ceasing!

In July, we will continue our summer road trip with Jesus, learning from his stories, becoming schooled through story and metaphor in the language of faith. To finish up the summer, we will look at the prayers of Jesus.
July 5—Guest Minister: Mary Beth Mardis-LeCroy
July 12—Guest Minister
July 19—Small Talk: A Tale of Two Sinners
July 26—Small Talk: And They All Lived Happily Ever After -
Luke 19:11-27

August 2—The Lord's Prayer - Matthew 6:9-13
August 9—A Prayer of Thanks - Matthew 11:25-26
August 16—Praying God's Will - John 12:28
August 23- Praying for Others - John 17
August 30—Prayers of Agony - Matthew 26: 36-43

Next Publication of the "Churchmouse": September 2009

Pastors Schedule

The King family will be on vacation July 2-15.
Pastor Shamaine also has plans to be out of town the week of July 20-24.
The King family will be attending Synod School the week of July 26-31.
If a pastoral need arises, please contact the church office. Thank you.

New Zip Code

50324 is the new Zip Code for Windsor Heights effective July 1, 2009.

Ministry Assistant Resigns

Dear Windsor Presbyterian Friends,

It is with mixed feelings that I let you know that my last day of work at Windsor will be Friday, July 10.

I rejoice in a new call to ministry! John Park will begin at Branson Christian Church, Branson, Missouri on July 1. I remain to pack and conclude my work at my jobs here in Des Moines. I will join him in our new location on July 24.

It has been a privilege for me to work here at Windsor Presbyterian for these past three plus years. I have learned and grown in my Christian faith so much during this time.

Thank you for opening your hearts to me and allowing me to serve with you in this place. I have enjoyed preparing for your worship each week through bulletins and lector pages. I have enjoyed the fellowship with you around many tables of food! I appreciate having been able to share witness with you in worship through singing, being lector and through pulpit supply.

May God continue to bless your ministry for Christ in the coming days, and may each of you be truly blessed for your witness for Christ in this community!

If you plan a trip to Branson, be sure to come see us!
Shalom,
Ruth

Praises and Prayer Concerns

New Baby
Congratulations to Aaron and Ashley Broshar, proud new parents of Amelia Marie, born May 18, 2009.
Welcome Amelia! We look forward to meeting you!

Retirement!
Congratulations to Barb Pomeroy whose retirement party was June 26. We are so happy for you Barb! God bless you!

Betty and Stanley Rains
Ruth Rieman
Sonja Hatfield
Eunice Leitch
Jolean Parker
Leatha Torode
Dean Johnson
Don Richey
Al Franklin
Bill O’Neill
Bernice McCartney
Hume and Alice Ward

The family of Bud McCoy
The family of Margie Traxler

Kenneth King (Stephen’s dad)
Roscoe Treadaway (Stephen King's friend)
Chase McCartney (Bernice McCartney’s grandson)
Kevin McCartney (Bernice’s son)
David Harano (Beth Adams’ brother)
Dustin and Derek Chambers(Military—Shamaine’s nephews)
Will Cox (Cox’s great-grandson)
Brad Behrens (Jim’s son)
Dan Ankeney (Keith’s son)
Beth Cornwell (Bernice McCartney’s daughter)
Dorcyle McClure (Ruth Winkler’s sister)
Betty Wright (Linda Christie’s stepmother)

Victims of natural disasters
Mission trip crews helping with clean up
Mark Baldwin—looking for new employment

Our prayers and sympathy to the family of Margie Traxler who passed away June 4. Margie was a member of Windsor Presbyterian for many years.

Our prayers and loving sympathy to the family of Bud McCoy. Bud passed away June 13. He was a member at Windsor for 56 years.

Our prayers and loving sympathy to Glenna and Ron Grohe upon the recent death of a family member in Missouri. They attended the funeral on June 24.

Grace Presbyterian Mission Team . . .

. . . invites you to worship with them
Sunday, July 19 and
Sunday, July 26
8:30 a.m.
The Mission team from Grace Presbyterian Church in Wichita, Kansas will be staying here at Windsor overnight on Saturday, July 18 and Saturday,July 25.

They will lead a worship service on both Sunday mornings at 8:30 a.m.before they depart—the first time to go to their mission week, and the second time to return to Wichita.

They welcome all WPC friends to join them in their 30-minute worship.

Worship July 26

Worship Sunday, July 26 will be at the church. There will not be an outdoor worship or picnic.

Come worship in cool space!

July and August Servers

Serving in July
Ushers and Greeters
July 5: Keith Ankeney, Norma McWilliams, Ramona Shaver
July 12: Dick Cox, Jean Carlston, Dewey Heaton
July 19: Peggy Lemons, Keith and Nancy Baker
July 26: LaVon Keese, Pat Bassarear, June Kullander

Lectors
July 5: Barb Pomeroy
July 12: Beth Adams
July 19: Stephen King
July 26: _______

Nursery
July 5: Phyllis Barton
July 12: Beth Schmitz
July 19: Barb Pomeroy
July 26: Madeleine King




Coffee Fellowship
July 5: Jayne Owen
July 12: Jan Evans
July 19: Jayne Owen
July 26: Barb Pomeroy






Serving in August
Ushers and Greeters
August 2: Esther Chol, Barb Pomeroy, Dick Cox
August 9: Dewey Heaton, Jean Carlston, Peggy Lemons
August 16: LaVon Keese, Pat Bassarear, June Kullander
August 23 (outdoors): Dewey Heaton, Keith Ankeney, Ramona Shaver
August 30: Keith and Nancy Baker, Peggy Lemons

Lectors
August 2:
August 9:
August 16:
August 23 (outdoors): Dwight Tomes
August 30:

Nursery
August 2: Beth Schmitz
August 9: Madeleine King
August 16:
August 23 (outdoors):
August 30: Beth Schmitz

Coffee Fellowship
August 2:
August 9:
August 16:
August 23 (outdoors): Jayne Owen
August 30:

Grace

When we work an eight-hour day and receive eight hours' pay for our efforts, that is a WAGE.
When we compete with an opponent and receive a trophy for our superior performance, that is a PRIZE.
When we receive something in recognition for our service or achievement, that is an AWARD.
But when we can earn no wage, can win no prize and deserve no award — yet we receive such a gift — that is unmerited favor. That is un- deserved kindness. That is GRACE.

June Session Highlights

The Iowa Youth Chorus has moved in. They are using the second floor. Their address is:
6301 University Ave. Suite 208
Windsor Heights, IA 50324

Fellowship is working on devising a way to recruit volunteers more effectively.

Options to update the Nursery Suite are being explored.

Prayer is requested for the church, its ministries, the staff, the members, those God is calling to be a part of this church.

Next Session Meeting: August 9, 3pm.

Special Days to Celebrate in July and August

Happy July Birthday!
2 Norma McWilliams
4 Esther Chol
10 Jerry Burnes
25 June Kullander
28 Tammy Burnes, Mindy Millard

There are no WPC anniversaries in July.

Happy August Birthday!
9 Stanley Rains
16 Jim Burnes
17 William Haines
20 Kyle Cox
28 Pat Denton

Happy August Anniversaries!
14 Dwight Tomes and Jayne Owen—10 years
26 Duncan and Eunice Leitch—62 years

A Request from Egypt Missionary

Denise England, our missionary to Cairo, Egypt will be home in Iowa during the month of August. She has requested items that she can use for “appreciation bags” for the caregivers she is serving with. She would like the following items:
*Hotel shampoo, conditioner, etc
*Pens
*Any small free items from vendors
*Individual candies

These items may be brought to the August 15 Presbytery Meeting at the First Presbyterian Church in Brooklyn, or items can be left at the Presbytery office prior to that date.

Registration forms are available in the rack outside the sanctuary, or in the church office.
Cost: $65

How to Pray

Pray where you are. God is present everywhere and ready to listen.
Pray, when possible, in a quiet place where you can be alone. It is good to fix your mind deliberately on God, apart from confusing distractions.
Pray to God simply and naturally, as to a friend. Tell him what is on your mind. Get help from the prayers of others.
Pray, remembering the good things God has done for you. Give thanks for all your blessings.
Pray for God’s forgiveness for the unworthy things you may have done. He is near to a humble and contrite heart.
Pray especially for those things that will make your life more Christ like.
Pray for others, remembering the help they need for the situations they confront.
Pray for the world in its need, and for God to guide you toward ways you can help.
Pray that God’s will be done in you. His purposes are deeper and wiser than our own.
Pray, and then allow God to answer your prayer.

CROSS MINISTRIES Back to School Give Away

CROSS Ministries is planning for the 17th Annual Back-to-School Giveaway to be held on August 6 and 7 at Cottage Grove Ave. Presbyterian Church.

Last year they were able to assist more than 800 children from low and no-income families with the supplies they needed to begin school. With the challenges of the current economy, the demand could be even greater this year. They would appreciate any help you might be able to give.

Because of the need to package the supplies for various grade levels prior to the giveaway, they are asking for the donations to be made by Friday, July 31.

Declaration of Interdependence

Let it be declared, announced and hereby celebrated …
• That all people everywhere are dependent upon one another.
• That everyone needs everyone else for freedom, life, love and happiness.
• That all things in the natural order are dependent upon everything else.
• That our little planet and all the planets and stars in the solar systems are in a state of mutual dependence upon one another.
• That this universally shared dependence comes from God and is of God.
• And that each individual part of this relationship has its own part to play — its own destiny to fulfill in God’s plan.

Drake Farmers’ Market

The market is open Wednesday from 4:00 -7:00 p.m. now through September 24 in the First Christian Church parking lot. You can find Iowa grown produce, baked goods, flowers and plants, snacks, meals, sandwiches and crafts.

Presbytery Deficit Requires the Help of Everyone

The Des Moines Presbytery is facing a difficult financial situation. Due to a "perfect storm" of events, there is inadequate funding to meet its obligations for the remainder of the calendar year. 

First, the benefits package of each of our staff was inadvertently omitted from the Presbytery’s 2009 budget. Those Presbytery staff members are:
* General Presbyter, Rev. Philip W. Barrett
* Office Manager, Betty Dyer
* Director of Communications, Kim Coulter
* Coordinator of Sudanese Ministries, Rev. Goanar J. Chol
* Hunger Action Enabler, Nancy Lister-Settle
* Designated Missionary Co-Worker to El Salvador, Kathy Mahler
* Designated Missionary Co-Worker to Egypt, Denise England

To provide for staff benefits the Presbytery needs an additional $34,745. Additionally, many of you know that Rev. Chol, who attends our church with his family, has been serving as the Coordinator of Sudanese Ministries in partnership with both the Des Moines Presbytery and the Presbytery of Missouri River Valley. As of April 30, the Presbytery of Missouri River Valley discontinued the partnership contract. Des Moines Presbytery can use the money currently in the budget to fund full-time ministry for Goanar until August 31, 2009, to continue this important ministry to the Sudanese community, and provide salary for Goanar until December 31, 2009. The Presbytery needs an additional $22,700. This new challenge opportunity is a total of $57,445.

Windsor Presbyterian is committed to the mission and ministries of this Presbytery. Although our congregation is small, we will do what we can at this time to help the meet the financial obligations of our Presbytery. If you have any questions or would like to know more, please feel free to contact Treasurer, Ron Grohe, Finance and Personnel Chair, Leon Sanderson, or the pastor.

FINANCE AND PERSONNEL REPORT

For the General Fund, Total Expense exceeded Total Net Income by $1000. Total Income was less than budgeted by $1600 for the month while Total Expenses were $600 under budget. For the income accounts, for the General Contribution account, contributions were under budget by $1600 for May. For the expense accounts, amounts expended were either under budget or at breakeven amounts with the budget.

For the Capital Fund, Total Income was below the budget due to 1134 property being empty part of the month, and Total Expense was $400 under budget, so that Net Income for the month was $500 under the budget. The expenses and income balance for the month.

The new tenants for the 1134 property have agreed to start the lease on 15 June.

The Iowa Youth Chorus is working hard to prepare space on the second floor for occupancy. The clock has been installed on the furnace and A/C for their usage.

Ron Grohe, Treasurer, and Leon Sanderson, Personnel & Finance Chairperson

In Memoriam

We are saddened by the death of long time member James "Bud" McCoy, IV. Bud was a member at Windsor Presbyterian Church for 56 years!
Visitation was Wednesday, June 17, 4:30pm - 6:30pm at the Westover Funeral Home. Funeral service was Thursday, June 18, 10:00 am also at Westover.
Memorial contributions may be sent to Windsor Presbyterian Church, 6301 University Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50311. Thank you.

New Members

Windsor Presbyterian Church welcomed six new members on Easter Sunday, April 12.


Left to right: Pastor Shamaine Chambers King
New Members:
Stephen King
Jayne Owen
Jessica and Nick Bromley
Madeleine King
and Lieb Chol

Pastor Shamaine Chambers King and Nick Bromley


Easter morning Children’s Time: Anna White, Katherine King, Thia White, and Michal King with Pastor Shamaine

Getting Acquainted with Jayne Owen . . .
I was raised in Jefferson, Iowa, mostly unchurched, baptized, joined the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church, and married at age 19. My husband and I had two sons: Cail in 1963 and Cade in 1975. We lived at several places and were always active in our churches. My second son and I moved to Des Moines in the 80’s when he was in the 5th grade. I came to Windsor in 1998 to meet, and later marry, Dwight Tomes. We moved to Heartland Presbyterian in 2000 and returned to Windsor more than a year ago as a “loan” to help out in a crisis. I feel needed and comfortable here, and hope to be a member of Windsor for many years.
My hobbies and “work” revolve around Dwight’s hobby which is photography. We are involved with Des Moines Camera Club and a larger Mid-West Regional Photo Club. I also do some volunteering at Calvin Community in the card shop/flea market and help with the spring flower planting.
In my working years, I mostly worked in banks wherever I lived. I also sold Real Estate for a couple of years in Des Moines. I retired from Brenton Bank when it was sold.
It is nice to see old friends at Windsor again, and I am looking forward to meeting lots of new friends here in the coming years.

Getting acquainted with Stephen King . . .
I am transferring my membership from Greenwich Presbyterian Church in Nokesville, Virginia. I’ve been attending Windsor for two years now. I am the Executive Director of the Downtown Events Group and the Des Moines Arts Festival. I love hanging with the family, traveling and music!

Editor’s note: Thank you Jayne and Stephen! It is hoped that in future Churchmouse issues, we will be able to learn more about the other new members.

Leatha Torode Celebrated her 100th Birthday!

Leatha's birthday is September 17. Her birthday party followed

worship on Sunday, September 21. Doesn't she look great?!!!!!

Leatha Torode, Pastor Shamaine Chambers King,

and Maralynn Allender, Leatha's daughter

One of Leatha's birthday cakes for the party!

Thanks to all who came and helped celebrate this special day!

Many thanks to Helen Jones and kitchen crew!