Murray Presbyterian Church

Murray Presbyterian Messenger

January 2008 – Happy New Year!

Message from Pastor Jeff……….

Dear Church Family,

When I was growing up I liked going to church (at least most of the time). I learned many things about the Bible and about God in my Sunday School and Confirmation classes. My friends and I did not always pay attention to what was being taught, but church was a great place to hang out. The churches I attended nurtured my faith in many positive ways. Yet I must admit that the most powerful spiritual experiences I had growing up did not happen at church.

During my junior high years I attended a Fellowship of Christian Athletes camp at a college in Minnesota. The FCA camp I attended was amazing and has had a lasting influence on my life. At this particular camp they had great speakers who communicated the gospel message in ways that were easy to understand. That week I heard testimonies from many professional and college coaches and players. The camp also had a great Christian band. On one of the final nights of the camp they had a speaker that invited people to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Hundreds of jr. and sr. high kids accepted Christ that night and lives were forever changed.

Since then I have often reflected back on how important that camp was in my Christian life. Many of you have also shared with me how you’re life has been positively influenced through Camp Calvin Crest or through the Women of Faith conferences. As a church we need to continue to help people grow in their walk with Christ though our own programs. At the same time we need to enable and encourage our fellow members to attend Christian camps and events that will provide additional learning and spiritual formation.

One event that I want to encourage all of our jr. and sr. high kids to attend is the “Dare to Share” youth event in Lincoln, Nebraska on February 22 and 23. I want to see as many kids as possible attend this exciting Christian youth conference. Every year this event draws thousands of kids from around the state to hear great speakers and music. Please call the office as soon as possible to sign up for this event. The cost is $45 per person, but there are scholarships available for those who need help paying for the cost of the camp.

There will be other conferences, events, and camps in the future that we will be announcing. I hope you will consider going to camp or conference yourself. You’re life may be forever changed!

In Christ,

Jeff McDonald

Acts 20:24

Prayer Concerns

Charlene Gochenour: Prayers for strength.

(414 N. Elm Street – Weeping Water, NE 68463)

Karen Waters: Prayers for strength.

(909 Beaver Lake Blvd. – Plattsmouth, NE 68048)

Dave Clawson: Prayers for healing.

(9302 Milford Road-Plattsmouth, NE 68048)

Don Loftin: Prayers for healing & strength. (9500 Milford Rd.-Beaver Lake, NE 68048)

Cindy Rueth: (Julie Nickels cousin) Prayers for healing & strength.

Nickey Johnson: Prayers for healing & strength (Jim too). (922 N. 9^th Street-Plattsmouth, NE 68048)

Kris Johnson: (Joyce’s daughter) Prayers for strength and healing.

Julie Nickels: Prayers for strength & healing after neck surgery.

5312 12^th Avenue – Murray, NE 68409

Dee Lewis: (Judy Simpson’s mom). Is home from the hospital. (103 E. Deer Lane-Plattsmouth, NE 68048)

Additional Prayer Concerns:

The Parents of Steve Burg.

Jean & Stan Poore: Healing & strength.

(108 Bonham Circle-Council Bluffs, IA 51503)

Rev. Keith Cook: Prayers for strength.

(17664 Jackson Plaza-Omaha, NE 68118)

Thoughts & Prayers for our shut ins:

Lottie Johnson: continual prayers.

(1750 S. 20^th Street-Lincoln, NE 68502)

Mildred Moritz: Prayers for adjustment.

(1300 Avenue D-Plattsmouth, NE 68048)

*Remember the members of our Armed Forces, who are serving overseas and stateside. We especially pray for those stationed in the Middle East.

*Philmore Williams

*Laura Livingston, daughter of Gayle Iverson

Continued Prayers of Comfort for:

The Family of Charles Spangler

The Family of Ivan Craft

The Family of Haley Eldred

The Family of Barbara Wohlfarth

The Family of Rick Riekemann

Our thoughts and prayers go up for the family of Barbara Townley. Barbara has passed away. Her husband, Judd, was Pastor here in the late 1980’s and he is suffering from Alzheimer’s. (Last address I had is - 1205 SW 29^th Street, Apt. 429 – Topeka, KS 66611-3200 – Please let me know if it is different)

If you are interested in Membership Class - Pastor Jeff McDonald will be glad to talk to you!

In case you are interested – Virginia Spangler has posted a poster containing a series of concerts that are presented at the Presbyterian Church of the Cross – Omaha. They have wonderful music and are FREE (unless you care to donate).

If you have keys to the church and are no longer involved with the Session or Deacons, (or on a committee that you need them) would you please turn them in to the office so that we have them available for someone who does. Thank you! Pastor Jeff

If anyone is missing a name tag or has their name misspelled, please let the office know so that it can be corrected. Thank you!

The price if $49.00 per person for the two day event if the tickets are purchased before January 25^th. There are also scholarships available through the conference and our church.

Please let Pastor Jeff know if you are interested in attending and invite a friend. This will be a wonderful opportunity to fellowship with many teens of faith and those wanting to become of faith. I hope all of the P.Y.F. students will attend.

FOOD PANTRY for JANUARY

Conestoga Elementary has “extra” clothing on hand in case a student has the need to “change” during the school day. I remember various occasions my children came home in different sweat pants, shirts and sweat shirts. Even underwear I hadn’t seen before. Speaking of which, they are in need of undies for little boys in sizes from three (3) to seven (7). If you can help, please put them in the basket provided and we will make sure that they are delivered. Thank you! Helen Worthan

If you have information that needs to be put in the Bulletin or Newsletter, please contact Karen Savage by calling her at 402-227-2031 or emailing her at tksavage@alltel.net. You can also leave a note in her mailbox in the storage room or send an email to the church address Thank you!

We are gearing up for the New Year and will have a regular meeting in January. Please watch the bulletin for the date. We are also looking forward to attending the Dare 2 Share conference in Lincoln, NE in February and will provide the details to you as soon as we have them. Thank you!