"Contact" the Havelock Christian Church Newsletter November, 2006 Friendship Bridge Plans Rummage Sale This will be a bargain hunter's delight! The community and the congregation are invited to participate in a three-day extravaganza at the church to include a huge rummage sale, bake sale, and luncheon on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, November 16-18. It's time to clean out those closets and storage rooms to find those "treasures" that you no longer have room for at your place, but which could be very important to someone else. Please bring rummage sale items to the church Monday through Wednesday, Nov. 13-15. (Our storage space is limited, so we can't take items before then.) Baked goods may be brought first thing in the morning on of each day of the sale. The doors will open for the sale at 8 am each day and close at 4:30 on Thursday and Friday and at 2:00 pm on Saturday. The Friendship Bridge will be circulating a sign-up sheet in the next two weeks for baked goods, donations for the luncheons, and helpers. Mark the dates, and plan to join in the fun! Young People Collect 350 Pounds of Food for Pantry! In the biggest "Trick or Treat for Canned Goods" to date, the young people of HCC collected a record load of canned goods and other food items for the Northeast Pantry. A group of 17 youth and adults canvassed the neighborhood on Sunday, October 22nd, and received generous support from our neighbors. The group returned to the church and arranged the canned goods around our cornucopia worship center, filling the front and lining the edge of the chancel from the east wall to the west. After their rounds, the young people and their sponsors enjoyed a delicious soup supper provided by Judy and Gene Seibert. Great job, young folks!!! Photographs Congregational Meeting and Potluck Dinner Set CC will hold its annual meeting on Sunday, November 12th. Business before the congregation is election of officers for 2007 and adoption of a budget. A list of the nominees and a copy of the proposed budget are included inside for your review. Something new is added this year for the annual meeting. Each of our fellowship groups and Sunday School Classes will prepare a display board to show some of our activities. These will acquaint our visitors with the variety of activities available within our congregation and serve to invite the participation of members and visitors alike. Be watching in the next few weeks as these interesting display boards appear. The annual meeting provides an occasion for one of our favorite activities ­ a potluck dinner! Bring your favorite casseroles, desserts, or deli treats to share, and plan to have lunch together with the church family after church on Sunday, November 12th. Pastor's Ponderings November is a time of celebration and giving thanks to God for all of our blessings. Being grateful is part of our Christian Discipline. Have you counted your blessings for the last twelve months? Take the time to reflect with me upon all the joys celebrated in the life our church and count our blessings. Our church family has grown in the last twelve months with 14 new members by baptism and by transfer of membership. We have rejoiced at the birth of a new baby, and mourned the loss of many loved ones as we thanked God for their lives. We have many new visitors that continue to join us for worship and fellowship events. Our worship attendance has grown from an average of thirty-five to an average of fifty. Our youth group has grown from seven to over twenty, with children ages second grade to twelfth grade. We have had successful outreach and fellowship opportunities into our community, from butterfly picnics to carnivals to coat and canned food drives. The "Trick or Treat" canned food drive raised over 250 cans from our neighborhood. What other blessings have you noticed in our church life? Recently one visitor made this comment, "Wow, This is a 'happening place.' There is a lot going on here!" Yes, we do have a spirit of excitement in the air. We do have the Spirit of God's love flowing in the midst of our fellowship. God has truly blessed us in every aspect of our church life. How do we begin to thank God for all the blessings in our lives? Well, we begin by having a heart full of gratitude. We begin to give God thanks with a tithe of our time, talent and treasure. What is a tithe? It is giving a portion of ten percent of your treasures, your talent, as well as your time to God as an expression of gratitude for our blessings. Tithing is more than just money. Tithing is the joy of giving of your best to God, not because you have to give, but because you want to give. Tithing is sharing your talent with God for the benefit of the community. Tithing is sharing your time to uplift others in the community. Tithing is a matter of Christian Discipline. Do you want to learn the art of Christian Stewardship? Do you want to learn about the spiritual gift of giving? Then come join us on Sunday mornings starting November 12, at 9:15 am to study and explore the act of Stewardship in the Bible. Count me as blessed by God to be your Minister. In Christian Service, Pastor Giovanna Arnold Scriptures and Titles Nov. 5 - Higher Education Sunday Sharon Shields will be preaching "The Power of a Dream" Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34   Nov. 12 - Congregational Meeting and Potluck Devotional: "Giving is a Heart Matter: Psalm 127, Mark 12:38-44   Nov. 19 - Thanksgiving Sunday "Why Give Thanks?" Hebrews 10:11-25, Mark 13:1-8   Nov. 26 - Sunday after Thanksgiving "Spiritual Desires of a Christian" Psalm 132:1-18, Galatians 5:22-26   Dates to Remember November Birthdays 3    Gene Seibert 4    JoAnn Brown 5    Connie Racicky 8    Robert Swanson 9    Anna Peacock 10  Barbara Hammons 18  Owen Pashby 20  Michael Staberg 21  Marcus Quy 22  Rachael Arnold 23  Judi Yost 24  Diane Willadsen 26  Lacy Nimmich 27  Eric Booe 28  Jean Uarich       Travis Sewell   November Anniversaries 14  Gina and Ryan Pashby 25  Katheleen and Tony Lass A Word About Our Honorees Birthdays Gene Seibert grew up on a farm near Macksville, KS, the youngest of three boys. After graduating from high school, Gene went to Kansas State for two years, and then spent three years showing cattle professionally. It was during one of those trips to Lincoln when he met and fell in love with Judy. The couple married, and began farming again near Gene's family's farm. They raised two sons during their 25 years on the farm. Judy then began working for Aramark, a company that specializes in institutional food service. Her job caused the family to move to Hutchinson, Kansas, for several years, then later to Blair, NE and on to Lincoln. Gene and Judy have been part of the HCC family for several years now. Gene co-chairs the Welcoming Committee, is a member of the diaconate, is very active in the Friendship Bridge fellowship group, playing a major part in the creation of the HCC choo-choo. He has also served as lay leader and recently chaired the nominating committee. JoAnn Brown grew up in the Havelock area and has been part of the HCC family for most of her life. She and Jean Dana are sisters, and both her family and her husband John's family were very active in the church. Many in the Havelock and surrounding area remember JoAnn as an employee at the Havelock (now Pinnacle) Bank. JoAnn and John are parents to Shauna and Scott and grandparents to Bill. JoAnn is experiencing some health problems and will soon be moving to Plattsmouth to receive special care. Connie Racicky grew up in the HCC family, one of the daughters of Olive Montgomery. Connie and her sisters were very active in the HCC youth activities, and the family has continued to participate in special events at HCC. Connie operates a day-care in her home, and she provided excellent care for her mother over the years of her extended illness. The Rev. Dr. Robert Swanson was pastor at HCC for ten years from 1992-2002. At the time of his retirement from HCC, he had devoted over 50 years of his life to the ministry. In addition to his ministry, Bob was an avid sports fan and bicycle racer. He now lives in Columbia, Missouri, near one of his daughters. Anna Peacock grew up in the HCC family. In fact, she and her family lived right next door to the old church building. Anna was active in youth activities as a teen-ager, and as an adult has served in many capacities in the church, including nursery helper, member of the diaconate, youth sponsor, and elder. She and Curt also participate in many special events and Friendship Bridge activities. Anna and Curt are parents to Dwayne, Patrick, and Shannon, and grandparents to Shayne, Destinee, Nathan, Nicole, Moses, and Diego. Anna recently retired from the University after 40 years of service. She and Curt are currently hosting two foreign exchange students, Simon from Germany and Christos from Australia. Barbara Hammons was born in Arkansas. Her family moved to Wichita, KS when she was a young child, and she attended elementary and junior high school there. The family moved to Weeping Water, NE when Barb was entering high school, which is where she and Roger met. After graduating from high school, Barb worked for several years at Sapp Brothers in Omaha; and following her marriage to Roger in 1973, she moved to Lincoln. Along with being "Mom" to daughters Nickelle and Jessica and "extra mom" to Jeni Phillips, Barb has worked at various places over the years, most recently for the Lincoln Public Schools in food service. She enjoys being with people and provides a good deal of ministry to friends and people she meets who need a friend. She has several interesting collections, including lighthouses, spoons, and cups, and she fills her spare minutes doing beautiful cross stitch handwork. Barb enjoys participating in the special events at HCC. Owen Pashby will be a big two-year-old on November 18th. He is the son of Gina and Ryan and grandson of Teresa and Steve Miller. He likes to help Mom with just about every task around the house, from unloading the dishwasher to putting away the pots and pans. He's become quite the talker on the telephone these days. He enjoys his Hot Wheels, and he has a great time riding the HCC choo choo. Michael Staberg is the son of Larry and Sandy Staberg. Although he graduated from Southeast High, he spent a lot of time on the north side of town with Grandpa Elmer and Grandma Wilma. Michael is now our close HCC neighbor, as he has bought his grandparents' home on Colfax. He works at Walmart on North 27th in the automotive department, so his new home on the north side of town is just the ticket. Marcus Quy is the husband of Jessie (Hammons) Quy, son of Stan and Lanet Quy, and son-in-law of Roger and Barbara Hammons. Marc was born in Omaha and graduated from high school in Valley, Nebraska. While attending Peru State College, he became acquainted with the Hammons girls. Marc and Jessie are newlyweds, having just been married on Sept. 9th. Marc is currently attending Southeast Community College, studying computer science. Marc was gracious enough to share his computer skills with HCC last Christmas to help with the Christmas program and other technological magic. He and Jessie participate in various HCC special events. Rachael Arnold, daughter of Pastor Giovana and the Rev. Robert Arnold, is looking forward to birthday #15. She is a freshman at Lincoln High School. She plays clarinet in the band, and enjoys music, writing, animation and computer games. Her constant companion and "buddy" is her dog Dixie. Rachael and her family are "co-members" of both HCC and Southview. Rachael enjoys participating in special activities and events at both churches. Judi Yost grew up in northeast Lincoln, graduating from Northeast, UNL, and holding her master's degree from Doane College. She is a teacher at Dawes Middle School in Lincoln and has been part of the HCC family since her marriage to Mike in 1980. The Yost's have raised their two daughters, Shandra and Kayla, in the church; and Judi has been active in many special events, youth activities, Friendship Bridge, the Diaconate, and is now serving as chair of the Pastoral Relations Committee. Whenever a helping hand is needed, Judi is there. Diane Willadsen grew up in the HCC family and was active for many years. She is a 4th grade teacher in the Elmwood-Murdock School System. Finally tiring of the daily commute to Murdock, Diane and her husband Ellis built a home in rural Cass County, closer to work for both of them. Before moving, Diane was active at HCC in Sunday School, youth group, choir, Vacation Bible School, and many special events. Some of us remember the exciting Bible School when Diane recounted her experiences of training in a special NASA space program for educators. Diane and Ellis are parents to Amy, who is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Kearney in law enforcement. Lacy Nimmich is a freshman at Lincoln Northeast this year, and she's looking forward to birthday #15. She is the daughter of Rhonda Nimmich and sister to Kristina, Samantha, and Sabrina. She enjoys music and is involved in both singing and dance. The last few months have been pretty eventful for Lacy, as she got to go on the Culler Middle School trip to Washington, D.C., attended Kamp Kaleo during the summer, and was selected to be a cheerleader. She has been part of the HCC family since she was 8, and she is active in WWJD Crew, helping with the church nursery, and many special events. Eric Booe is son of Bill and Linda Booe, the husband of Nickelle (Hammons) Booe, and the other son-in-law of Barbara and Roger Hammons. Eric and Nicki are both graduates of Lincoln High School. Eric was active in scouting as a youth, participating in activities with Max and Cindy Nelson's sons, John and Andy. Between Roger and Barbara's involvement and the tie with the Nelsons, Eric began to feel at home at HCC. He has been a big help on several projects and attends special events at HCC. Jean Uarich is Ron's wife and Jack Rosecrans' sister. After growing up in northeast Lincoln, Jean moved to Missouri, where she raised her family. We are so happy that she returned to Lincoln and found her church home at HCC. None of us can forget Ron's proposal to Jean at the end of the worship service several years back, and the countdown to the wedding. Jean is active in worship, Talent Night, special events, and has been nominated to serve on the diaconate beginning next year. Some of us have to check to be sure we're not seeing double when we see Jean with her twin Joyce Weeks. Although not identical, the sisters look a lot alike and enjoy tricking folks occasionally. Travis Sewell is Irene Sewell's younger grandson. He grew up in the HCC family and was active in Sunday School, Kids' Night Out, Talent Night, and Junior Choir. Travis is currently helping his grandmother with cooking and other household chores as she regains her strength following a bout with pneumonia. Anniversaries Gina and Ryan Pashby are the parents of Owen, and daughter and son-in-law of Teresa and Steve Miller. They are approaching anniversary # 8 this year. The two met through some friends in Lincoln following high school. Ryan is a graduate of Lincoln Northeast, and Gina graduated from Lincoln High. They were married in 1998 at East Lincoln Christian Church. Ryan works at Schworer Volkswagen and Gina is employed at Nelnet. The Pashby's attend worship and have been participants in a number of our special activities. Both were a great help last winter in making the Soup Supper and Silent Auction for Roger Hammons a big success. Katheleen and Tony Lass are getting ready for anniversary number 64 this year. The Lass's met at a gathering of some friends when Tony was stationed in Lincoln during the war, and before long, the wedding bells were ringing. After the war, Tony returned to Lincoln, working as a meat cutter. Eventually, he and his brother-in-law started Bill and Tony's IGA Store in Havelock, across the street east of the Bank. Tony and Katheleen joined HCC in 1986. Tony was active in the choir and as a member of the diaconate. Katheleen served as president of the CWF, special events chair, and on various other committees. The Lass's moved to Omaha some years back to be near family. We wish you all happy special days!   November Prayer Focus 5    Nemaha Christian, Pastor Michael Schmidt 12  North Platte First Christian, Supply Pastor 19  Lincoln Southview Christian, Rev. Robert Arnold 26  Weeping Water First Christian, Rev. Dr. James McReynolds   Upcoming Events Regular Meetings 1    Elders, 8 pm 6    Friendship Bridge, 7 pm 13  General Board, 7 pm 28  PRC, 7 pm 29  Elders, 8 pm - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Sundays - WWJD Crew, 7 pm Wednesdays - Bible Study, 10 am (except 11/2) - Choir Rehearsal, 7 pm Thursdays - Bible Study, 10 am (except 11/2) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Pastor Giovanna on vacation - Pastor Giovanna is taking a few days off the first week of November. If anyone needs assistance during that time, please call Mike Yost, Moderator (464-0955) or Jean Holt, Chair of the Elders (525-7574). Sharon Shields from the Regional Office staff will be preaching for us on Sunday, November 5th. Food gifts for the Pantry will be dedicated on November 5th - Let's fill our chancel to overflowing for the dedication of Pantry gifts on November 5th. The young people have already given us a great start. If each of us brings a few things to add, it will make a tremendous blessing for the hungry families in our community. Election Day - On Tuesday, November 7, from 8 am to 8 pm, the church will be serving as a polling place for the election. Don't forget to vote. Congregational Meeting and Noon Potluck Dinner - Be sure to circle November 12th on your calendar and plan to enjoy the fun and fellowship of a potluck dinner. The occasion is our annual congregational meeting. Rummage Sale, Luncheon, and Bake Sale Extravaganza on November 16, 17, and 18 - The Friendship Bridge is hosting, and we are all needed to help, with this major event. We are asked to: Bring rummage items Nov. 13-15. Bring baked goods first thing in the morning on the 16th, 17th, and/or 18th. Sign up to help if you can. Sign up to contribute food items for the luncheon (see lists). Come and bring friends to enjoy the luncheon and all the fun. As indicated, the doors will open at 8 am sharp on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. We hope to have lots of nice sale items and a good crowd of shoppers. Don't miss out on the fun! Time to begin practicing for the Christmas Program already! The first two practices for the Christmas play have been set: bring a brown bag lunch and join in the fun following worship on November 19th and 26th. If you love Christmas (and who doesn't?), come join the group as we discuss parts, costumes, and story lines for the Christmas program of 2006. Thanksgiving Day is November 23rd - This is that wonderful time to enjoy family and friends as we give thanks for our many blessings. The church office will be closed that day. FYI 2007 Proposed Budget presented for congregational consideration - The Board meets as the Budget Committee each year and works out a proposed budget for the congregation to review and approve or amend at the congregational meeting. Attached on page 9 is a copy of the proposed 2007 budget. Significant changes include: $600 increase in the pastor's salary $125 increase in church school materials Addition of $1440 ($30/week for 48 weeks) for a paid nursery attendant $455 increase in insurance $150 added for floor maintenance and $300 added for mowing expense. The increase amounts to a total dollar change of $3,256, or 5.8% over the 2006 budget. The largest increase is the addition of an amount for a paid nursery attendant. The Board felt that it was unfair to expect this important task to rely entirely on dedicated volunteers. Some special gifts have been received to get us started with this project, and more would be welcome. Although finances are always tight, we seem to be keeping up with expenses so far in 2006, thanks to everyone's dedicated giving. WWJD Crew continues with great participation - The young people are really excited this year and involved in various mission projects, study, and fun activities. At last count, about 8 regular visitors from the neighborhood are attending youth group meetings. Sponsors and helpers include Roger Hammons, Curt Peacock, Jeni Phillips, and Mike Yost. What a joy to see the enthusiasm of this group! Thanksgiving Offering to be received November 19th and 26th - The Thanksgiving Offering helps the educational units of our church, including our undergraduate schools and seminaries. More information will be coming during November. Please give generously. Gifts needed for Immigrant Family - We are still uncertain when our family from the Ukraine will be arriving, but HCC has a list of the items for which we are responsible to help them get set up. Each of the Disciple congregations in Lincoln assumed responsibility for a particular room or set of items needed. Our room is bathroom and cleaning supplies. Check the list at the church, and please bring a donation so that we're ready when the family arrives in Lincoln. Fall Festival Planned at Southview Christian - On Saturday, November 11, the Southview Church is hosting a fall festival, complete with Bake Sale and Country Store. A queen-sized quilt will be raffled off, along with Super Saver gift certificates. The times are 9:30 am to 2 pm, with lunch served from 11 to 1. The HCC congregation is invited to share in this fun event with our sister congregation. In Our Church Family Our thoughts are with Byron and Sheryl (Yost) Hansen and their family with the death of Byron's mother Helene Hansen on Oct. 25th. Byron's father Claire and the family have had more than their share of grief recently, with Mrs. Hansen's death following so closely the death of Byron's brother. We're keeping you in our prayers, Byron and Sheryl. We're also praying support for Jerry and Karen Cunning, with the death of Jerry's sister Rebecca Showen, who died on Oct. 26th. Becky has been on our prayer list for a number of months as she fought cancer. We send November greetings to those of our members who don't get out very often: Elaine and Keith Althouse, Don Riblett, Alta Perkinton, Beverly Helmkamp, Tony and Katheleen Lass, and Jim Donaldson. We hope your windows give you a good view of the beauty we're seeing this fall. The leaves and the sunshine this season are simply breathtaking. Others in God's care include: Derald Bickford, Johna Berner Kozak (friend of Judi Yost), Harold Egbarts (step-father of Mary Bickford and Debra Herman), Leonard George (friend of Judy Seibert), Marjorie Gregg (Julie Hefner's grandmother), Jamie Lynn Peterson (granddaughter of the Woodrum's), Ralph Reed (brother-in-law of Mary Reed), Bert and Millie Turnwall (Judi Yost's parents), and Frances Scott (Julie Seier's mother). Those serving in the military with ties to HCC families include: Jamie Bevens, Jeremy Bickford, Missy Bickford, Vern Blackwell, David Keith, Josh Markle, and Jake Whitaker. These young people are particularly in our prayers through these difficult days of the war, and as we remember all our veterans as well. Peg Hutchison has relocated to the Waverly Care Center, Room 108, following a short stay in the hospital. The address is 11041 N. 137th St., Waverly, NE 68462. I know she would enjoy hearing from her HCC family. We're thinking of you, Peg. We're happy to report that Irene Sewell is home again following a stay in the hospital. We're glad you're improving, Irene. We're keeping John and JoAnn Brown in our prayers, as they adjust to the new arrangement for JoAnn's care. Judy Nyhoff was back in church already on Sunday following cataract surgery on one eye. She's scheduled to have the second eye done on November 4th. We're thinking of you, Judy. The Nimmich family is enjoying a visit from Samantha and her family. Everybody's enjoying playing with Mason, who is growing like a weed. What a delight to have Howard and JoAnn Duncan joining us and JoAnn singing in the choir! Welcome, welcome, Duncans! Howard and JoAnn live at Legacy Terrace. JoAnn is a retired school teacher and Howard is retired from Burlington/Northern. Welcome also to Glen and Bobbi Buchanan, who have been attending worship and participating in special events in the last few weeks. The Buchanan's live on Morrill, not many blocks from the church. It's so good to have you, Glen and Bobbi. Among our special visitors last Sunday were Scott, Lee and Dillon Marshall, and Susan and Gail Hanneman, Laura, Elliott, and Garrett, who were helping us celebrate All Saints Day, with the dedication of the beautiful new Memorial plaque in Marie Marshall's memory. One of the names that will be included on the plaque is that of our fun-loving sister, Alberta Marsh, who loved Halloween. The children of the congregation got to share Alberta's delightful spirit through pictures of her in costume. We also welcomed Mark Dale-Thompson and his family, Pierce, Chase, and Chase' friend Cody, who were visiting for the week-end at the Dale household. Kudo's for Oct. go to... All of our church folks and good neighbors who helped make the "Trick or Treat for Canned Goods" such a big success. Judy and Gene Seibert for the great meal following the Trick or Treat event. The great youth sponsors who helped with the lock-in for the young people at the church. The prayer garden "angels" who have planted more fall plants and bulbs to make our garden beautiful.   From the 121st Psalm: "I lift up my eyes to the hills-- from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth..." Calendar: November 2006 1 - Wednesday 7 pm - Choir 8 pm - Elders 5 - Sunday 9:15 - Sunday School 10:15 - Fellowship Coffee            - Kid's Music 10:45 - Worship Shut-in Communion 6 - Monday 7 pm - Friendship Bridge 7 - Tuesday 8 am to 8 pm, Election, Don't forget to vote 8 - Wednesday 10 am - Bible Study 7 pm - Choir Practice 8 pm - Worship Committee 9 - Thursday 7 pm - Bible study 11 - Saturday Veterans Day Fall Festival at Southview CC 12 - Sunday 9:15 - Sunday School 10:15 - Fellowship Coffee               Kid's music 10:45 - Worship Congregation meeting Noon - potluck dinner 13 - Monday 7 pm - General Board Meeting 15 - Wednesday 10 am - Bible study 7 pm - Choir Practice 16 - Thursday 8 am - 4:30 pm - Rummage Sale, Bake Sale, Lunch 19 - Sunday 9:15 - Sunday School 10:15 - Fellowship Coffee             - Kid's Music 10:45 - Worship Noon-Brown bag, Play Practice 22 - Wednesday 10 am - Bible study 7 pm - Choir Practice 23 - Thursday Thanksgiving Day 26 - Sunday 9:15 - Sunday School Pastor's Class 10:15 - Fellowship Coffee             - Kid's Music 10:45 - Worship Noon-Brown bag, Play Practice 28 - Tuesday 7 pm - PRC meeting 29 - Wednesday 10 am - Bible Study 7 pm - Choir Practice 8 pm - Elders Meeting   Happy Autumn!   Newsletter Archive Thanksgiving Offering Received, November 19, 26 Please Give Generously   Serving During November: Elders: Presiding - Anna Peacock Shut-in Communion. - Bill Seier, Dan Skalak Members of the Diaconate: Preparation - Mary Bickford Serving - Ron Uarich, Mike Staberg, Gene Seibert, John Dale, Roger Hammons, Hope Bickford/Dan Herman Greeters: Gene and Judy Seibert Lay Leader: Jeni Phillips Editor - Jean Dale Copying and Mailing - Anna Peacock Web-site Editor - Curt Peacock Mailing Labels - John Dale

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