The Chimes Community Presbyterian Church

COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH VOLUME 47, NUMBER 4 APRIL 2020

 The Chimes Community Presbyterian Church
 Our Community; a living, evolving, dynamic Christian Congregation, striving
 towards mutual respect as we experience a very real God inviting very real
 people to live in the joy of the Spirit.

 What Shall We Do?”
In our current epidemic and the world-wide response to Covid-19, “What shall we do?” resonates with
me... with us. CPC, “What Shall We Do?”

God speaks of ‘peace beyond understanding. ’Today, it might mean to possess peace when no one can
understand why you have any peace at all. God shows us time and time again we are loved, and we
were formed to love God and love our neighbors. Peace comes with keeping people safe and edging
towards God’s edge — not always being self-protective but thinking of others. We need to be safe
AND to care for ourselves and others as God desires for us. So, what does that look like?

What can we do in the five areas of Christian expression that we have done since the time of Christ?
Here is what I came up with:

1. Worship. Until we can physically gather again, worship is
being offered online at You-Tube as well as on our
Facebook account. My puppets will participate in worship
beginning in April.

 2. Giving. At this time, the only way we have to keep our
 ministries alive is to keep giving consistently. Please continue
 to give generously if you are able. You can mail your offering
 to: CPC, 703 N. Pokegama Ave., Grand Rapids, MN, 55744.
 Or go to CPC’s website
 http://www.communitypresbyterianchurch.com/ and click
 on the “give now” button.

COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH VOLUME 47, NUMBER 4 APRIL 2020

3. Teaching and Discipleship. We are offering the
Lenten study by email, and are looking at ways to Zoom
or Skype the Tuesday morning study, as well as other
possibilities. Participation might be easier than before as
we will try an online format. More about this will be in
the newsletter.

 4. Praying. This activity can continue regardless of
 “physical distancing.” Quick Notes will continue to be
 sent out, so we can pray for those on the prayer list, as
 well praying for each other, our church, our community,
 our country, our world.

5. Service. Start with looking towards our neighbors,
sharing our willingness to care for them and inviting
them to attend worship through our Facebook account
and website, and You-Tube. Call members and others
whom we know live alone to check in, to pray with
them. Offer to deliver groceries, medicine, or whatever
they need. Just listen when they express fear or any
other emotion. The peace that passes understanding
right now means to hold on to the peace that is
promised, not the peace that we might not feel.

I hope these small steps help you in this time of extreme change while following a God who is
unchanging. Let’s offer each other grace to know we are all doing the best we can with what we’ve got
right now, and that we are still and always God’s beloved. I thank God for you in this time of
challenge.

Peace,

Pastor Cheryl

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COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH VOLUME 47, NUMBER 4 APRIL 2020

Did You Know? …….The Seal of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A.
Last month in the Chimes we talked about the liturgical colors and calendar of
the church. This month I thought it might be good to review the significance
of the seal of the Presbyterian Church. You may remember seeing the seal on
the cover of our pew Bibles and on giving envelopes for One Great Hour of
Sharing and Christmas Joy etc. The seal is a symbolic statement of the
Presbyterian church's heritage, and identity, it is both simple and complex.
Let’s look at the parts of the seal to see this.

 The basic symbols in the seal are the cross, Scripture, the dove, and flames. The
 dominant structural and theological element in the design is the cross — the
 universal and most ecumenical symbol of the Christian church. The cross represents
 the incarnate love of God in Jesus Christ and his passion and resurrection. Because
 of its association with Presbyterian history, the Celtic cross was chosen as a model
 for this contemporary rendering of the ancient symbol.

The two center lines of the cross became the representation of an open book. This
integration of the horizontal dimensions of the cross with the book motif
highlights the emphasis which the Reformed tradition has placed on the role of
Scripture as a means of knowing God's word.

 Beneath the image of the book is the suggestion of a lectern or pulpit, which captures
 the important role of preaching in the history of Presbyterian worship.

Notice that upper portion of the cross is the shape of a descending dove. As a
symbol of the Holy Spirit, the dove is intimately tied to the representation of the
Bible, affirming the role of the Spirit in both inspiring and interpreting Scripture in
the life of the church. The dove also symbolizes Christ's baptism by John and the
peace and wholeness which his death and resurrection bring to a broken world.

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COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH VOLUME 47, NUMBER 4 APRIL 2020

 Integrated into the lower part of the design are flames which form an implied triangle,
 a traditional symbol of the Trinity. The flames themselves convey a double meaning: a
 symbol of revelation in the Old Testament when God spoke to Moses from the
 burning bush and a suggestion of the beginning of the Christian church when Christ
 manifested himself to his apostles at Pentecost and charged them to be messengers of
 the good news of God's love.

The triangle also suggests the nature of Presbyterian government, with its concern
for balance and order, dividing authority between ministers of the Word and
laypersons and between different governing bodies. This understanding of the
church was based in part on an important idea in Reformed theology, the covenant,
which God establishes with people to affirm God's enduring love and to call us to
faith and obedience to Jesus Christ.

 Looking more closely at the seal you may discover other elements that are part of the
 design. For example, in the shape of the descending dove you can also see the form
 of a fish, an early-Christian sign for Christ, recalling his ministry to those who hunger.
 You may also see the shape of a chalice or baptismal font within the cross.

In 1 Corinthians, Paul described the church as a body with many members, illustrating the pluralism of
the church and the many gifts which God gives to its members. So too the Presbyterian seal’s
individual parts, when taken together, form an encompassing visual and symbolic unity, while not
exhausting the richness of possible interpretations.

If you have any other questions you want answers to, submit them to the office and we will try to
respond in the next issue of the Chimes.
~Barb Meyer
Clerk of Session

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COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH VOLUME 47, NUMBER 4 APRIL 2020

A Message from CPC Youth Director,
Betsy Whirley
Some of you might know my position as Youth Director at
CPC has been a second job, and that for the past 18 years I
have spent my work days as a Public Health Nurse for Itasca
County. For some of this time, I have been lucky enough to
work part-time. I wasn’t looking for a second job. The Youth Director position kind of found me.
Last month, after much consideration, I submitted a letter of resignation effective May 2020. Part-time
public health staff had been asked to work more hours. My days, already bursting, could no longer
accommodate two jobs. I expected my extra hours would be filled with home visits. This was March
1st. Whispers of a Coronavirus were just beginning in our Public Health cubicles. It’s not that we had
never talked about preparedness or pandemics. Over my time at Public Health, we practiced mass
dispensing exercises and learned Incident Command, all of it seeming a little like fantasy. Lately my
days have been filled with some “business as usual”, layered with educating, information gathering and
sharing, calling, comforting, and planning. I have a “home office” in our extra bedroom, and the two
teenagers in my home are forging some semblance of a routine. There is vigilance to social distancing,
and staying home, as my spouse works in a hospital. The world we knew on March 1st, is so different,
and it will be some time before it is “right” again. For me, it has also been a reset that I didn’t realize I
needed. I’ve come to see the gifts I share in my work day are enough. At home, there’s been time to
reconnect with my family, in a way I had been missing. Without other obligations, we have cooked
meals together, gone for walks, cleaned up the roadside, checked on neighbors, tended to relatives,
baked, read out loud, created, painted, sorted, sewed, repaired and just been present. There is still pain
and grieving, worry and sadness, fear and frustration. I carry a guilt for finding relief in something
affecting humanity so deeply, but I also feel sure my decision to step down as Youth Director came at
just the right time. Eventually, life will return to normal. A new person will step up with a passion for
youth. For now, I am thankful to have had the opportunity to serve at CPC.
In this time of uncertainty, I urge you to follow the Governor’s order to stay home. The goal of this
directive is to slow the virus spread to a rate that our health systems can manage. This action will
require additional time adhering to staying home and social distancing. It will involve personal sacrifice
for everyone. But ultimately, it will save lives. Find creative ways to care for others. Call someone
who might be isolated or lonely. Read to a child via technology, tutor a student on-line. If you are
healthy, volunteer. Share with others. And, in this time of crisis, please use reputable sources to get
information. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Centers for Disease Control have
excellent content available on their websites. Briefings from Governor Walz to the public occur daily.
For specific COVID-19 health questions, MDH has a hotline available Monday-Friday from 7am to
7pm at (800)657-3903. Locally, you can call (218)327-6784 to be connected with Itasca County Public
Health’s information phone line available during business hours. To find a comprehensive list of
COVID-19 related resources, please contact 211/First Call for Help.
~ Betsy Whirley

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COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH VOLUME 47, NUMBER 4 APRIL 2020

Community Presbyterian Church
Youth News
The youth had been preparing to serve a soup and
bread dinner on Maundy Thursday. Unfortunately,
this event is cancelled. If the dinner is rescheduled,
that information will be announced.
But…enjoy the photos! 

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COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH VOLUME 47, NUMBER 4 APRIL 2020

CPC April Birthday’s
 Wishing you each a wonderful day!
 Gary Hawkinson ~ April 1
 Scott Cook ~ April 2
 Janice Burch ~ April 3
 KC Jones ~ April 3
 Daniel Loeffler ~ April 4
 Grayci Kangas-Olson ~ April 5
 Mary Jo Jess ~ April 6
 Dan Connelly ~ April 7
 Peter Nord ~ April 7
 Kathleen Chesness ~ April 9
 Molly MacGregor ~ April 9
 Anna Procopio ~ April 9
 Emily Johnson ~ April 11
 Arthur Thurston ~ April 11
 Bonnie Henriksen ~ April 12
 Kristi Ferraro ~ April 13
 William Johnson ~ April 13
 Gayle Chesness ~ April 15
 Knox Connelly ~ April 15
 Jaci David ~ April 15
 Russ Hemphill ~ April 15
 Amber Silvis ~ April 16
 Chris Peterson ~ April 17
 Emilie Zasada ~ April 17
 William Rutherford ~ April 19
 Del Matteson ~ April 20
 Nina Whirley ~ April 20
 Rhonda Axtell ~ April 22
 Sarah Kjorlien ~ April 22
 Gayle Randall ~ April 22
 Christina Hoskins ~ April 25
 Leo Miltich ~ April 25
 Patty Christensen ~ April 27
 Jim R. Marshall ~ April 30

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COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH VOLUME 47, NUMBER 4 APRIL 2020

 News of the Family
Special Prayers
• Those with health challenges and/or recovering from surgery.
• Lois Krook, Gail Schaar, Syd Gray, Verla Stabe, Kay Olson, Julie Jondreau, Kim, Peggy Marshall,
 Kathy
• Those mourning the death of a loved one.
• For our Church during pastoral transition
• Those with cancer and other illness
• Those going through divorce & other separation
• Families faced with mental illness, depression, addiction, and sorrow
• For our Presbytery, Synod and General Assembly
• For our military personnel and their families
• For those navigating the aging process with their parents and loved ones

Nursing Homes/Assisted Living
Autumn Lane: Lois Krook
Brookstone Manor Memory Care: Marianne Wilson
Grand Village/Lodge: Virginia Saxhaug
Pleasant Seasons: Dorine Seamans
River Grand: Susie Hickman, Elaine Martin and Joyce Spawn
Majestic Pines: Betty Akre, Gayle Chesness, George & Vi Korol, and Joyce Micheletti.
Oak Hill Assisted Living: Jan Shock and Bev Stanley
Keystone Bluffs (Duluth): Verla Stabe

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COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH VOLUME 47, NUMBER 4 APRIL 2020

 Worship with us at Community Presbyterian
 Sunday at 10am via Facebook Live
 until further notice.
 Watch the service on Tuesday evening at 5pm or Wednesday
 morning at 9am on ICTV.
 (A youtube link will also be emailed to you.)

 Bible Study
 Bible Study meets every Tuesday at 9:30 A.M.
 in the Parlor. Bible study is postponed
 until further notice.

 Tentatively, Game Night will be Friday, April 17
 Yet, TBD.

Donations to the Food Bank/Food Shelf can continue to be dropped off in the
church lobby during office hours. There are many members in our community
that are in need help more than ever during this time of crisis. In March, over
111 lbs of food and more than $300 was donated by CPC. Thank you!

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COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH VOLUME 47, NUMBER 4 APRIL 2020

A Note of Thanks…
To Community Presbyterian Church Members,
I cannot extend my gratitude enough to you all for sending college
students care packages. It never fails to make me smile seeing the
little notes that the youth write to us. Receiving things like this
every year is always so inspiring to me because it really expresses
how much my town not only supports myself, but so many other
individuals as well!
I hope all is well with the members of CPC and I am very thankful
for all of the support!
About me:
I am currently a junior at UMD and double majoring in Financial
Planning and Professional Sales. I am also a Resident Advisor in the
dorms with nearly 40 freshmen. I recently have accepted an
internship for the summer of 2020 with Northwestern Mutual in
Duluth as a Financial Planner. Getting closer and closer to the real
world.
Sincerely,
Brett Rodenberg

Dear Community Presbyterian Church,
Thank you for your recent donation to Second Harvest North Central Food Bank. Your support helps us
meet the ongoing need for hunger relief in our area. People are struggling often having to choose between
buying food or paying rent. With your help, we can work to relieve some of those struggles. On behalf of
the many hungry kids, seniors and families you have helped, thank you.
Second Harvest Board Member,
Erich H.

Dear Community Presbyterian Church,
Thank you so much for helping put food on the table for hungry men, women and children in our community.
Your gift of $1,000 to Second Harvest for the Minnesota Food Share March Campaign will allow us to leverage
additional dollars to help restock the Food Shelf at Second Harvest. You are making a difference! Your generous
gift is so very much appreciated!
Sincerely,
Sue Estee, Executive Director

Dear Church Council & Congregation,
Thank you for your generous support of the organization. Your $500 donation will allow us to continue to
provide safe, temporary shelter and meals to people who are experiencing homelessness while they look
for housing and employment. $250 will be dedicated to the Homeless Prevention Fund and $250 to the
General Fund.
Through February 2020 we have had 34 guests, 489 bed nights- 82% full and 441 meals.
Thanks so much!
Ron Oleheiser, Executive Director

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COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH VOLUME 47, NUMBER 4 APRIL 2020

Library Update
Spring has sprung and looking forward to new beginnings, green leaves, budding flowers, and NO
MORE SNOW!!!!

What a fabulous CONGREGATION of readers, listeners and those being read to!!! WE ARE
SPOT ON!!!!

New additions:

Board Books:
1. You Are Light by N. Becker: BB BEC
Magical and please, please hold it up to the LIGHT!!!!
2. I LOVE THE EARTH by Todd Parr: BB PAR
3. When Spring Comes by Kevin Henkes: BB HEN
4. Curious George Curious About Spring: BB PLA
5. Five Little Ladybugs by Melanie Girths: BB GER

Children's:
1. The Very First Easter by Paul L. Maier: E 392.2 MAI
2. I Love Spiders by John Parker: E PAR
3. Everything Spring by National Geographic: G ESB
4. North Woods Girl by Aimee Bissonnette: E BIS
5. Balloonia by Audrey Wood: E WOO
6. A Walk Through the Woods by Louise Greig: E GRE

Juvenile:
1. Where Is the Vatican? by Megan Stine: J STI
2. What Is Climate Change by Gail Herman: J 323.32 HER
3. The Magician's Elephant by Kate DiCamillo: J DiC

Young Adult:
1. The World Ends in April!!by Stacy McAnulty: YA McA:
Check it out!!!!

DVD'S
1. Mamma Mia: Family DVD MAMM
2. A Dog's Purpose: Family DVD A DOG
3. The Lake House: Adult DVD THE L
4. August Rush: Family DVD AUGU
5. The Book Club: Adult DVD THE B

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COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH VOLUME 47, NUMBER 4 APRIL 2020

6. SING: Family DVD SING

Adult Fiction:
1. Mercy by Jodi Picoult: PIC
2. The Alice Network by Kate Quinn: QUI
Both funny and heart breaking, the epic journey of two courageous
women is an unforgettable tale of little-known wartime glory and
sacrifice
3. The Printed Letter Bookshop by Katherine Reay: REA
4. Where the Forest Meet the STARS by Glendy Vanderah: VAN
A heartwarming magical story that will remind readers of a Modern
Day

Adult Non-Fiction:
1. Canoeing the Mountains by Tod Bolsinger: 253 BOL
Christian Leadership Uncharted Territory
2. The Spy AND the Traitor by Ben Macintyre: 327.72 MAC The Greatest Espionage Story Of
The Cold War!!!
3. Canoeing the Boundary Waters Wilderness by Stephen Wilburs: 973.37 WIL A Sawbill Log
4. The Johnstown Flood by David McCullough: 974.8 McC
5. Morning Light by Ann Weems: 811.54 WEE
Alleluia to Easter's Morning Light

30 New additions once more!!
THANK YOU!!

Spring is definitely in the air and thank you to one and all for your amazing participation in truly
using our CPC Library in every possible way and for your generous donations either gently used
books or monetary gifts.

It is so very much appreciated and we have such a larger check out clientele now as more of Peggy
Marshall's yoga and strength building patrons know they too, can check out materials!!!

Please mark these dates on your calendar:
Book Challenge deadline is Thursday, April 2nd!!!!

Earth Day Challenge deadline is May Thursday, May 7th!!!

Good Luck Guys! May you reap glory!
Happy Easter to all and celebrate our planet!

Sincerely,
Juliet Jones

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COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH VOLUME 47, NUMBER 4 APRIL 2020

Deacon Doings
The CPC Deacons each contributed to the contents of the Easter Goodie Baskets for
our members/friends that are homebound, recently widowed, or going through a very
rough spot.

We moved the date up to Friday, March 20 to bring a bright spot and cheer as the
world hunkers down during the Covid-19 crisis.

Special thanks to Jennifer who got the fun Easter baskets in the first place, added her
own thoughtful and tasteful touches and assembled the baskets.

~ Lay Pastor Mary

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COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH VOLUME 47, NUMBER 4 APRIL 2020

Earth Day Challenge
Earth Day is officially April 22nd, 2020, and our CPC
library has a host of books about taking care of our
earth, recycling, climate change, endangered species,
saving our natural resources, loss of habitat, etc. and
what we can do to make a difference.
Your challenge, CPC Congregation, is to write one
paragraph, about what you can do to help the
environment of our community of Grand Rapids.
One paragraph is all that is required and again adults,
young adults and juvenile readers, can certainly write
their own. The younger set may tell their ideas and
thoughts to a sibling, parent, grandparent, who can
then transpose those thought onto paper.
All that is needed for the little ones is name and age.
How can we each make a small contribution to make
Grand Rapids a better community environmentally?
Deadline for this challenge is Thursday, May 7th, 2020, and the one with the most innovative ideas will
also receive a $25.00 gift card from the Village Book Store.
There will be a basket at the Children's table to hand in your EARTH DAY challenge.
Check out all the materials we carry about OUR EARTH, and see what amazing solutions you can come
up with.
April 22nd 2020 is the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, founded by Wisconsinite Gaylord Nelson.
Please do one small thing on this special anniversary for our community to lesson our carbon footprint on
our fragile Earth.

GOOD LUCK CPC, May the challenge begin!!!!

Juliet Jones

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COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH VOLUME 47, NUMBER 4 APRIL 2020

News from the Peace and Social
Justice Committee
Around the world, millions of people lack access to
sustainable food sources, clean water, sanitation, education,
and opportunity. The three programs supported by One
Great Hour of Sharing- Presbyterian Disaster Assistance,
the Presbyterian Hunger Program and Self-Development of
People – all work in different ways to serve individuals and
communities in need. Received during the season of Lent,
each gift helps to improve the lives of people in these
challenging situations. The offering provides us with a way
to share God’s love with our neighbors in need. Please
consider a generous donation. You may pay online at
presbyterianmission.org/give-oghs or
text OGHS to 20222 to give $10
Thank you,
PSJC

 An Unexpected Gift
 A member of the church found this $50
 bill in a book that belonged to his late
 father. He thought his dad would like
 him to do something good with it, so he
 donated it to PSJC to give to Second
 Harvest!

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COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH VOLUME 47, NUMBER 4 APRIL 2020

The Community Café of Grand Rapids provides a free three course meal every Tuesday and Thursday
from 4:30pm to 6:30pm at the Keisler Center to all people of our area. Several churches in Grand Rapids
support the café with both donations and volunteer time. CPC has long held the second Tuesday of each
month as a time we offer to volunteer help. We have depended on a few people to fill this spot each
month. We are now in need of others who might give just two hours every eight months to help those in
our community.
If you might want to help a very needed cause, please call Jennifer at our church, 326-8515 or email office
@communitypresbyterianchurch.com and she will tell you what dates are open. You can also stop by the
office as the sign-up sheet is there. If you have any questions, feel free to call Biz Peterson at 256-1863.
The café serves the most fundamental need for life…food. Let’s help others who are hungry.
Thank you,
Biz Peterson, PSJC

 Flower Fund
 The Worship Taskforce will be ordering flowers soon and would
 welcome your donations to the church’s Flower Fund for their
 purchase. Any dollar amount would be greatly appreciated. Your
 donation can be made in memory of, or to honor a loved one. Please
 complete the form and mail to the office or email Jennifer at
 office@communitypresbyterianchurch.com

 EASTER FLOWERS
 Easter Flowers may be purchased in memory of, or to honor a loved one. Please complete this
 form and place it in the offering plate or bring it to the church office.
 In Memory (Please circle one) In Honor
 Name (please print):
 ________________________________________________
 Given by (please print):
 ________________________________________________

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COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH VOLUME 47, NUMBER 4 APRIL 2020

 Book Group- April 2020
 This month’s selection is: Educated, by Tara Westover
 The book group is postponed for meeting in April.

 ABOUT EDUCATED
 Tara Westover was seventeen the first time she set foot in a
 classroom. Born to survivalists in the mountains of Idaho, she
 prepared for the end of the world by stockpiling home-canned
 peaches. In the summer she stewed herbs for her mother, a midwife
 and healer, and in the winter, she salvaged in her father’s junkyard.
 Her father forbade hospitals, so Tara never saw a doctor or
 nurse. Gashes and concussions, even burns from explosions, were
 all treated at home with herbalism. The family was so isolated from
 mainstream society that there was no one to ensure the children
 received an education, and no one to intervene when Tara’s older
 brother became violent.
 Then, lacking a formal education, Tara began to educate
 herself. She taught herself enough mathematics and grammar to be
 admitted to Brigham Young University, where she studied history,
 learning for the first time about important world events like the
 Holocaust and the civil rights movement. Her quest for knowledge
 transformed her, taking her over oceans and across continents, to
 Harvard and to Cambridge. Only then would she wonder if she’d
 traveled too far, if there was still a way home.

 ★★★★ out of four
 "A heartbreaking, heartwarming, best-in-years memoir."
 — USA TODAY

 "Alluring...courageous."
 — NEW YORK TIMES

 “An amazing story, and truly inspiring. It’s even better than you’ve
 heard.”
 — BILL GATES

 "Superb."
 — THE TIMES

 "Fit to stand alongside the great modern memoirs."
 — THE SUNDAY TIMES

 May’s book selection is Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

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COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH VOLUME 47, NUMBER 4 APRIL 2020

 Odds & Ends
 History on the hymn:
 “Christ Arose”
"Music, with me has been a side issue," confessed Robert Lowry. ". . .
I would rather preach a gospel sermon to an appreciative audience
than write a hymn. I have always looked upon myself as a preacher and
felt a sort of depreciation when I began to be known more as a
composer."
 Whatever his feelings, when Robert Lowry died on this day,
November 23, 1899, in Plainfield, New Jersey, it was as a hymnwriter
that he was best known; and that is how he is still remembered. A
Baptist minister, he wrote the words and music for "Shall We Gather
at the River," "Christ Arose," and "Nothing but the Blood of Jesus."
In addition to those popular hymns, he wrote the music for several others that are loved by the church.
Three of the best known are "All the Way My Savior Leads Me," "We're Marching to Zion," and "I
Need Thee Every Hour."
 Robert was born in Philadelphia in 1826. Seventeen years later, he became a Baptist. Soon
afterward he entered the University of Lewisburg (now Bucknell) with the intention of becoming a
pastor. After graduation, he took a church in West Chester. Over the next 45 years, he pastored five
churches in Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey. From 1869 on, he pastored while teaching at his
alma mater and then serving as its chancellor.
 The stories behind several of Robert's hymns are intriguing. For example, "Shall We Gather"
was written on a day late in the Civil War while he lay prostrate from heat. As he drowsed, his mind
flew to the passage from Revelation that describes the river flowing from the throne of God. "I began
to wonder why the hymnwriters had said so much about the 'river of death' and so little about the 'pure
water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and the Lamb.'
 "Shall we be among the privileged number who stand before the throne singing the praises of
the Savior?" he asked himself. Then he answered his own question, "Yes, we'll gather!" That became
the foundation of the song. Invigorated with the thought, he got up and composed the tune at his
pump organ.
 "Christ Arose" came to his mind as he was enjoying his devotions one evening. He was
impressed by the words of the angel at Christ's empty tomb, who said to the frightened women, "He is
not here, but is risen!" The tune he composed moves from the somber verse to the joyful chorus.
 Up from the grave He arose,
 With a mighty triumph o'er His foes,
 He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
 And He lives forever, with His saints to reign.
 He arose! He arose!
 Hallelujah! Christ arose!
Whether he liked it or not, Robert's songs, not his
sermons, made him famous. At a Sunday school
Centennial in England, the chairman said, "I am told that Dr. Lowry, the author of 'Shall We Gather at
the River' is present; we should be glad to hear from him." The moment Robert reached the platform
the crowd erupted into uncontrollable applause.
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COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH VOLUME 47, NUMBER 4 APRIL 2020

Outreach Supplies needed for the Boys & Girls Club
 • AA Batteries (for STEM Cart activities)
 • 8 x 10 white board w/ markers
 • Games:
 o Connect Four
 o Uno
 o Playing Cards
 o I Spy
 o Candy Land
 o Twister
 o Checkers/Chess
 o Jenga
 o Monopoly
 o Hungry Hippo
 o Stuff the Pig
 o 100 – 500-piece puzzles
 o Mancala
 o Sorry
 • Red Solo Cups to stack and build towers
 • Reams of blank paper
 • Colored Pencils
 • Clear Tape
 • Fun paper designs
 • Ribbon
 • Yarn
 • Marker Sets
 • Stick Glue
 • Magnetic Letters
 • Pencils & Sharpeners
 • Clay
 • Play-Doh
 • Crafty Things
 o Pipe cleaners
 o Puff balls
 o Beads
 o Googly eyes
 o Water colors/brushes
 o Popsicle sticks
 • Stress Balls (for parents ☺)
 • Hygiene products
 o Shampoo/Conditioner
 o Deodorant
 o Hand Sanitizer
 o Soap
 o Dish soap & lotion

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COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH VOLUME 47, NUMBER 4 APRIL 2020

What have YOU been up to?
During these uncertain times, all of our daily lives have been changed in way or another.
Julie Roy-Dahline and Dean Dahline have been up to some fun projects! They shared
some photos. Enjoy!

(Send your photos of what you’ve been up to, to office@communitypresbyterianchurch.com to appear
in the May Chimes. Whether it’s a project, reading, spending time outdoors , snapping some photos,
playing games, etc; let’s keep connected!)

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COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH VOLUME 47, NUMBER 4 APRIL 2020

 Some positive thoughts and pictures to brighten your day.
 We will get through this together.

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COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH VOLUME 47, NUMBER 4 APRIL 2020

Easter Traditions from Around the World

 French children don’t get treats from the Easter
 bunny; they get them from the Easter bells.
 According to Catholic teaching, no church bells
 can ring between Holy Thursday and the Easter
 Vigil, on account of the solemnity of the days
 around Jesus’s death. Eventually, a legend
 evolved that said the church bells weren’t rung
 because they grew wings and flew to Rome to be
 blessed by the Pope. Then they returned Easter
 day with chocolate and presents for local kids.

 Even though Christians only make up 2.5
 percent of India’s population, they still have
 elaborate Easter festivities, especially in the
 northeastern states. The western India state Goa
 celebrates with carnivals, complete with street
 plays, songs, and dances. People exchange
 chocolates, flowers, and colorful lanterns as
 gifts.

 On Pasqua (“Easter” in Italian), residents of
 Florence celebrate a 350-year-old tradition called
 scoppio del carro, which means “explosion of the
 cart.” A centuries-old cart is loaded with fireworks
 and pulled in front of the Duomo, where spectators
 watch the pyrotechnics go off. It’s meant to be a
 sign of peace and a good year ahead. South of
 Florence is the town Panicale, where the big
 celebration happens the day after Easter (called
 Pasquetta, or little Easter). Locals gather for the
 annual Ruzzolone, a competition that involves
 rolling huge wheels of Ruzzola cheese around the
 perimeter of the village.

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COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH VOLUME 47, NUMBER 4 APRIL 2020

 The day before Easter, families prepare a
 “blessing basket.” It’s filled with colored eggs,
 sausages, bread, and other important food and
 taken to church to be blessed. In Polish culture,
 Lent isn’t over until a priest blesses this basket.
 Like their Italian neighbors, the Polish save
 their most notable tradition for the day after
 Easter: Smigus Dyngus. Young boys try to get
 girls (and each other) wet with water guns,
 buckets of water, and any other means they can
 think of. Legend has it that girls who get soaked
 will marry within the year.

 Many communities in England have Easter
 performances of Morris dancing, a traditional
 type of folk-dance dating back to the Middle
 Ages. Men dress up, wearing hats and bells
 around their ankles, and wave ribbons while
 dancing through the streets. It’s believed that
 the dances drive the spirits of winter away and
 bring good luck. Another famous Easter
 tradition (recognized around the world) is egg
 jarping. Two players smash hard-boiled eggs
 together, and whoever has the egg that’s still
 intact is the winner.

 The island of Corfu gets pretty messy on the
 morning of Holy Saturday. Residents take part
 in the annual “Pot Throwing,” and it’s exactly
 what it sounds like. They throw pots, pans,
 and other earthenware out of windows. Since
 the tradition marks the beginning of spring,
 it’s supposed to symbolize the new crops that
 will be gathered in new p

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COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH VOLUME 47, NUMBER 4 APRIL 2020

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COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH VOLUME 47, NUMBER 4 APRIL 2020

Humor Corner… A laugh is a smile that bursts!

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COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH VOLUME 47, NUMBER 4 APRIL 2020

 COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
 CHURCH STAFF AND LEADERS
Ministers……………………………………………………………………………………All Members
Interim Pastor………………………………………………………… Reverend Dr. Cheryl Fleckenstein
Pastors Emeriti……………………………………………The Rev. Dick Massaro & The Rev. Peter Nord
Commissioned Lay Pastor…………………………………………….………………….... ...Mary Shideler
Office Coordinator…………………………………………………………………...… Jennifer Fasteland
Music Staff…………………………………………………... Darcy Reich, Cheryl Young, & Mary Jo Jess
Director of Christian Education ……………………………………………………...........Vangie Mattfield
Director of Youth ……………………………………………………….…………………Betsy Whirley
Financial Secretary…………………………………………………………………. ………Kelly Peterson
Church Treasurer………………………………………………………………………… Brian Peterson
Getting in Touch with Us
Phone: 218-326-8515
Email: office@communitypresbyterianchurch.com
Website: www.communitypresbyterianchurch.com
Treasurer: petersonaccounting@gmail.com

 CPC Values

 As you enter Community Presbyterian Church, you are…
 Invited to Experience Spirituality
 We Observe, Nurture, Celebrate, and Seek a Deeper Understanding of God’s Presence in Our Lives.
 Invited to Experience Participation
 Our Members are encouraged and led to be Active, Growing, Vibrant, and Engaged in Body, Mind and
 Spirit.
 Invited to Experience Relationship
We share and enjoy extravagant hospitality, and witness God’s love and grace as we interact and rely upon
 one another through life’s journey.
 Invited to Experience Respect
Every Person has Value; We strive to welcome and embrace the unique gifts of all God’s beloved children.
 Invited to Experience Celebration
 We are a joy-filled community, where play and laughter have a place in how we glorify God and create
 loving relationships with one another.
 Our Community; a living, evolving, dynamic Christian Congregation, striving towards
 mutual respect as we experience a very real God inviting very real people to live in the joy
 of the Spirit

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COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH VOLUME 47, NUMBER 4 APRIL 2020

 OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH
ELDERS (Moderator- Rev. Dr. Cheryl Fleckenstein- Clerk of Session – Barb Meyer)
 2020 2021 2022
 Mike Johnson JoAnn Bakken Keith Anderson
 Cathy Cleary Debbie Vergin Lenora Evans
 Susie Loeffler Bryon Fraser Barb Meyer
 Denny Anderson Steve Wright Niels Henriksen
 Jeff Lightfoot
DEACONS (Moderator– Mary Shideler – Secretary- Krislyn Watson)
 2020 2021 2022
 Kay Staley Lori Bertram Janet Anderson
 Pat Jorstad Norma Eppinga Kathleen Chesness
 Laurie Bailey-Lane Krislyn Watson Dave Marshall
 Donna Waech Rhonda Axtell Rick Blake
 Chuck Meyer Peggy Marshall Vicki Fraser
TRUSTEES (Moderator – Deb Kee – Staff- Vacant)
 2020 2021 2022
 Doug Pennertz Don Axtell Roger Bertram
 Deb Kee Chris Peterson Mike Bliss
 Tim Massaro Julie Roy-Dahline Steve Ewens
 Jeff Taylor
 STOCK GIFTS
Community Presbyterian Church has received an increasing number of stock gifts as a way for people to fulfill their
annual pledge. This has great advantages for you and your taxes and we are pleased to assist you. You should call and
ask for instructions from your broker AND tell us what stock you are transferring to our account. Normally, we will not
know the source of the stock gift unless you tell us. We want to make sure we can credit your statements. We also have
forms in the office to give your broker.
 INVESTING WITH PILP
Did you know that investing any of your CD’s (certificates of deposit) or savings with PILP (Presbyterian Investment
Loan Program) will help our church lower its interest rate on our building loan? That will bring the church savings of
over one hundred thousand dollars over the course of our loan! If you are interested, please contact our PILP
representative Suzie Gwinn at 1-800-903-7457, ext. 5969 or suzi.gwinn@pcusa.org

FROM THE TREASURER FINANCIAL REPORT AS OF February 29, 2020
 February 2020
 Income/Expense- February Actual YTD Actual YTD Budget
 General Fund
 Total Revenues- General $20,267.53 $47,992.21 $64,679.30
 Fund
 Total Expenses- General $27,134.44 $60,035.49 $67,602.66
 Fund
 Income Minus Expenses- ($6,866.91) ($12,043.28) ($2,923.36)
 General Fund

 Feb Income Minus ($2,142.55) ($4,250.10) $2,802.72
 Expenses- Building Fund

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