eNews March 28th

Welcome, Rev. Nancy Martin Vincent!

On March 22, the Session officially called the Reverend Nancy Martin Vincent to serve as our interim pastor.  In that role, Nancy will guide the congregation through the transition process, including creating a vision for our future and searching for a new installed pastor.  She brings a wealth of experience in transitional ministry, having served as interim pastor for five other congregations.

Nancy lives in Emeryville, CA with her husband Paul and their dog Gabby and will be preparing to move here in time for her official start at Southminster on April 17.  

Your Pastoral Transition Team thanks everyone in the congregation for its prayer support and input during the search process.  We have sought God’s guidance at every point and are pleased to present Nancy to the congregation.  Look for more about (and from) Nancy in the days and weeks to come.

Seeking Housing Ideas for Pastor Nancy

Your Pastoral Transition Team is asking for housing rental ideas for our new interim pastor, Rev. Nancy Martin Vincent.  Pastor Nancy will be moving from the San Francisco area to begin her time with us on April 17.  She is hoping to find a home with 2-3 bedrooms with space for an office – not too big, but enough room for visits from her husband, Paul and their dog Gabby.  It would be nice to have an outside area for Gabby and furnishings would also be a desirable bonus.

In case Nancy finds a place that is otherwise suitable, but not furnished, we are also soliciting offers of furniture that members of the congregation might have in surplus or willing to loan during the interim period.

We thank those who have already come forward with ideas and possibilities – please keep the ideas coming!

Join Pastoral Transition Team for Update on April 1 After Worship

Wanting a little more information about our new interim pastor, Nancy Martin Vincent?  The PTT will be hosting an informal update session after worship next Sunday, April 1 in the library.  All are welcome to bring their questions or just come to listen.

Slackers next Monday 9-3 (April 2)

Men’s First Tuesday Breakfast (April 3) 8AM  at Des Moines Creek Restaurant

Easter Egg Hunt after church on Palm Sunday. We encourage all children ages 2 to 12 to participate in our annual Easter Egg Hunt after church. Weather permitting, it will be outdoors or held indoors. Please be sure to invite neighbors, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, etc.!

One Great Hour of Sharing

This special offering will be received on April 1, Palm Sunday.  Each year Christians in many denominations across America join hands to help the needy.  Here’s an official statement describing what OGHS is all about:

One Great Hour of Sharing is an offering that makes the love of Christ real for individuals and communities around the world who suffer the effects of disaster, conflict, or severe economic hardship, and for those who serve them through gifts of money and time. Today, projects are underway in more than 100 countries, including the United States and Canada. In the 1990s, receipts have exceeded $20 million annually. While specific allocations differ in each denomination, all use their One Great Hour of Sharing funds to make possible disaster relief, refugee assistance, development aid and more.

PC-USA divides the offerings among three of its ministries:  Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, Self Development of People and the Presbyterian Hunger Program.  Please be in prayer about your opportunity to participate in this annual campaign for Christians to unite in showing the love of Christ to those in need.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Pictures from March 18th Sunday Worship Service – Ben’s last sermon  http://www.spcdesmoines.org/celebrating-with-ben/

Boy Scout Troop 392 (Kory Hollingsworth's troop) is collecting food for the local food bank.  Please bring donations of canned/boxed food and hygiene/baby products to church on Sunday and help fill the barrel.  Last year the troop collected 1,993 lbs of food -- almost a ton!  Consider what is for dinner at your home this week....remember the request to "feed my sheep" and let's take that literally.   Pass this information on to a friend who may not receive the e-news!  

Upcoming Services
Sunday, April 1 – Palm Sunday (no communion – serving communion on Easter)     Beaver Viau Preaching
Thursday, April 5 – Maundy Thursday – Stations of the Cross and Soup & Bread dinner in Fellowship Hall at 6pm –
         Service in the Sanctuary at 7pm
Friday, April 6 – Good Friday combined service with Marcus Whitman at 7pm–
         Rob and Lynell Caudillo leading.
Sunday, April 8 – Easter
         7:30 am – Sunrise Service at the Cove – Erin McArdel leading
        10 am – Worship at Southminster – Beaver Viau preaching