Redwood Falls, MN
Vacation Bible School is on the calendar!
July 14-17 (6-8 pm)
Here at the First Presbyterian Church!
Age 4- kids that have completed Grade 5.
We will also have an event for kids that have completed Grades 5-7 on Tuesday, July 9.
More details to follow!
Introducing Jurgen!
Jurgen Morales is a, fun-loving, 9 year old boy who enjoys playing baseball and soccer and who lives at the Roblealto Bible Home in Costa Rica. This is the mission site that we have visited several times, as did the 2018 Redwood Falls Mission Team.
Jurgen’s family has been greatly affected by domestic violence which in turn has affected him emotionally. He has experienced neglect and exposure to drug abuse by his parents, which has caused many negative behaviors. Jurgen’s mother has acknowledged that she is not capable to care for Jurgen and his two siblings and is ready to receive the help she needs to rebuild a healthy relationship with her children. She is committed to turning her life around so she can properly provide and care for them. The Roblealto disciplinary team will work with her to receive job training, parenting classes, and the skills she needs to restore her family unit. Jurgen will continue to live at Roblealto with a foster family during this time, which could take 1-3 years.
Our church has chosen to sponsor Jurgen for a year which means we have sent a financial donation to help offset his educational and personal expenses while he is living at the Bible Home and attending the specialized school there. In addition, Jurgen is learning about God’s unconditional love for him in his foster home and in the school setting, as well. Along with our financial contribution, we intend to support him by keeping him and his family in our prayers.
We are looking forward to establishing a relationship with Jurgen by having our church family communicate through letters and pictures. We will begin by having the youth write to him and tell him about themselves, our church and our community. We have seen the incredible transformations in children at Roblealto and are thankful that our church can help Jurgen in this way.
Ann & Bruce Tiffany
May Is Here
May is a mighty month packed full of holidays and events.
On May 1st, we have the often forgotten May Day. People used to make baskets often of weaved paper or paper wrapped like a cone and put candy in it. The tradition I learned as a child was to put a May Day basket on someone’s doorstep and ring the bell and leave. The late Carol Baldwin of our church used to make homemade candy and deliver dozens and dozens of baskets to people all over town. May Day baskets were a reminder that someone cared about you, a symbol of God’s love.
We also have Mother’s Day, a day set aside to dote on our mother’s for all that they do for us or other people that have been like a mother to us. This can be a tough day for people if they have lost their mother, had an abusive mother, longed to be a mother and couldn’t or lost a child. We have to be considerate of what other people may be going through on Mother’s Day. While some people may be very happy on Mother’s Day, others may struggling with negative feelings. My mom died on June 5, 2014, so it is getting close to not having her for five years. Of course I think she was the best mom ever. If you do have a good relationship with your mom, pamper her, call her, write to her, send her a card, send her flowers, take her out to eat, visit her, tell her how much she means to you, tell her you love her, spend time with her, treat her like a queen.
Redwood Valley High School is having graduation in May. We have two graduates from our congregation this year, Lauren Karnitz and Julia Prouty. They will be giving the message in church on May 12th, on the day we honor our Seniors. I can’t believe my second child will soon be an alum of RVHS. It seems like we were just talking to Julia’s preschool teachers about how she was doing in school and now she will be wearing a cap and gown. It seems like she just appeared in her Tippy Toes for Two dance number on stage and now this month she will do her Senior solo dance recital. It seems like just started to play the piano and now this month she is doing her Senior Piano Recital. When our children were infants everyone told us your children will grow up quickly and it was hard to believe at the time but now I find myself saying the same thing because it is so true.
Lauren and Julia have their final Dance Recital at the Performing Art Center at 2 pm, on May 12th. You are welcome to come. Contact Redwood Dance Center for tickets.
You are invited to Lauren’s graduation reception from to 2-7 pm, on Saturday, May 18th, at her home on 104 Cedar Pointe Road and to Julia’s graduation reception from 4-8 pm, on Sunday, May 19th, at the church. You are also invited to Julia’s Senior Piano Recital at the church on Tuesday, May 28 at 7 pm, a reception will follow.
Memorial Day is set aside to remember all the men and women that died as they were serving our country. History tells us that graves in this country were first decorated for soldiers lost in the Civil War. Years later the Government made it an official holiday. It is important for us to remember all the people that were willing to put their lives on the line so our freedom could be protected. We must never take for granted the sacrifices others have made for us. Keep the families of those that have lost loved ones in military in your prayers.
Have a blessed month!
Pastor Scott Prouty
150th Anniversary History Tidbit Booklet
Janean McKay put together a years worth of history tidbits for our 150th Anniversary!
It is a Celebration!
2018 marks 15 years for The Piecemakers!
We had our first meeting on May 21, 2003, and have spent the last 15 years cutting, pinning, tying and sewing. We have shared coffee/treats and stories while putting together quilts for many different occasions. We have had the privilege to make quits many of you have purchased for yourselves or loved ones. We are also humbled to have made many quilts for those sick, hospitalized or just in need of something warm to snuggle.
In honor of 15 wonderful years we are going to raffle a quilt! Chances ($1) will be available to purchase starting March 25. You can purchase them from Char, Marlys or Tina in the office. The quilt will be on display in the Narthex until May 20!
Thank you to all those who have helped us along the way both in your talents! We wouldn’t have had so much fun over the past years without each of you!
The First 150 Years (1867-2017)
We are celebrating our 150th Anniversary all year round but our actual anniversary date is being celebrated on March 26, 10:15 am. Come join us as we are greeted by the Transitional Executive Presbyter of Minnesota Valleys Presbytery, the Rev. Rick Carus of Willmar, the Synod Executive of the Synod of Lakes and Prairies, Ruling Elder Elona Street Stewart of Eagan and the Stated Clerk of General Assembly, the Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson of Louisville, Kentucky.
Our Parish Associate, the Rev. Pamela Prouty, who is both the Stated Clerk of Minnesota Valleys Presbytery and the Synod of Lakes and Prairies, our Seminary Student Intern Amy Levinski, our Clerk of Session, Ruling Elder Adrienne Danielson, and Ruling Elder Deb Hess, who is Moderator of Minnesota Valleys Presbytery and I will all be leading morning worship.
We will start worship by having the children, choir and worship leaders proceed into the Sanctuary, the children will sing the introit. The Chancel Choir will be singing later in the service. We will honor those that have been members of our church for fifty years or longer. The Rev. J. Herbert Nelson will give the morning message. He is known to be one of the best preachers in our denomination. Following worship we will take a group photo in the sanctuary. Following the picture, we will have a catered roast beef dinner by Baune’s Cafe at 12:15 pm. The dinner is being paid for funds given by a church member for the anniversary celebration. Please sign up for the meal by March 20, so we have enough food on hand. Following the meal we will have a cake reception from 1:30-3:30 pm, for the public. If able please stay around to have fellowship and greet visitors.
In Christ’s love, Pastor Scott Prouty