The Salt Shaker
May 2017
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH NEAR ELY
11100 Spanish Road, Ely, Iowa 52227
www.elypres.org and on Facebook
319-848-6424 [email protected]
FROM THE PASTOR
Looking back over your own experiences in
Sunday School, who do you remember? Your
great friend? Your favorite teacher?
One of my favorite teachers was my Uncle Jim
who taught Sunday School until he was well into
his 80’s. He was an old-school farmer who had a
glass eye and a wood finger—both from farm
accidents. He listened to us know-it-all high
schoolers and read to us stories out of his old
Bible and then lead us in discussions about what
it might all mean for us and our lives. Uncle Jim
(really my Great Uncle Jim) taught my dad’s
Sunday School class back in that day, then
continued to mine and my brothers over the
decades.
What was so great about him? He was a nice guy
who loved the Bible and cared for us. And without
planning to, he was there in the teacher’s chair
for a long time.
On Sunday, May 7 in our sanctuary, we will
recognize graduating High School seniors; give 3 rd
graders Bibles; recognize students in our Sunday
School; and, thank teachers.
Rachel Manders, a Paralegal, who has taught
Sunday School since 2015
Christal Bressler, a behavior disorder classroom
Teacher, who has taught Sunday School
periodically since 2001, and most recently 2011present
Dawn Zacek, an elementary school guidance
Counselor, who has lead the Children’s Choir
since 2012
Angie Ehle, the Intake Coordinator at Wheelchair
Ramp Accessibility Program (WRAP), who has
taught Sunday School since 1994 here and
elsewhere; and has formally lead as Director of
Youth Ministries since 2011
We thank God for who they are, what their faith
calls them to do, and we ask for God’s continued
blessing upon them and through them. May they
be the favorite Sunday School teachers that our
church children remember 50 years from now.
In Christ,
Pastor Julie
I would like to shine a spotlight on each of the
teachers this school year in our church program.
They love and encourage our church children in
their faith.
Diane Reist, a Pharmacist, who has taught Sunday
School in approximately 1972-1978 and then
again around 1993-present
Children of the church processed in with palm leaves
on Palm Sunday, April 9, 2017.
May 2017, page 1
FELLOWSHIP
GRADUATION OPEN HOUSE
We invite our church family and friends to join us
in celebrating Luke's graduation from Prairie High
School on Saturday, May 27, 4:00-7:00 p.m., at
our home. - Phil, Misti & Cole Huedepohl
RISE UP, O MEN
All are invited to attend “Rise Up, O Men” a
Church Basement Ladies production at Old
Creamery Theatre in the fall. Contact Jennie
Netolicky for details.
CHURCH DIRECTORY
Mark your calendars! We will be doing a church
directory this year. LifeTouch will be here to take
photos on the following dates:
 Thursday, September 7th from 2:00 p.m. –
9:00 p.m.
 Friday, September 8th from 2:00 p.m. –
9:00 p.m.
 Saturday, September 9th from 10:00 a.m.
– 5:00 p.m.
Scheduling for specific time slots will most likely
occur sometime toward the end of summer. If
you are interested in volunteering on the
Directory Committee, please talk to Rachel
Manders or Julie Schuett. We will be meeting
with the photographer in mid-July to go through
the process and promotional materials.
LADIES’ NIGHT OUT
Women of the church are invited to Ladies’ Night
Out on Monday, May 22 at 6:30 p.m. at
Lebowski's Bar & Grill, 925 Robins Square Drive,
Robins. Contact Jennie Netolicky for details.
MEN’S NIGHT OUT
PER CAPITA
Per Capita is $36.00 per member. Our
congregation will send $7,560.00 to the
Presbytery for our 2017 membership role. To
date we have received $1260.00 towards this
amount. Please prayerfully consider contributing
your per capita amount if you have not already.
Men of the church are invited to Men’s Night Out
on Tuesday, May 23 at Bandana's Bar-B-Q , 3707
1st Ave SE, Cedar Rapids in the Town and
Country Shopping Center. Contact Matt Zacek for
details.
Thank You - Stewardship Committee
May 2017, page 2
A FOLLOW UP FROM APRIL 23
PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION
WITH SONYA DARROW:
Sonya Darrow is an artist in partnership with
the National Czech & Slovak Museum and
Library. Sonya is exploring Czech settlements
in Iowa looking at objects, sounds & folklore.
First Presbyterian Church near Ely has been
asked to take part in her work. The result will
be an exhibition and presentation at
the NCSML in June, 2017 along with a
book. Sonya is seeking donations to complete
the art inspired by our rural
church community. These donated materials
can represent the Czech heritage or can be
materials that range from textiles to everyday
objects such as tools, handiwork, woodwork,
music, writings, drawings, etc.
In her creative process Sonya uses bits of things
she finds that possibly would have a Czech
connection. Many at the talk on April 23 thought
that they might have items she might be able to
use.
Joanne Chadima wanted to include this story
about an item she has in mind. Joanne writes:
My Babi Plucar crocheted. She made many trims
for pillow cases. For some reason – I just couldn’t
throw her beautiful handiwork away – so, I have
kept the crochet part of the pillow case – but
really don’t know what to do with it. I would
gladly donate this to Sonya. Perhaps she might
be inspired to use it someday. An example of the
Czech women embellishing something simple like
a pillow case.
One possible theme would be: pieces from our
mothers – it could be a rural Czech women’s
creation. Sonya would just about anything –
cloth, wood, pottery, dishes, and I’m sure
anything that would inspire.
It is a short time frame, but, if possible bring
items on Sunday, May 7 to display on a table in
the church basement and then to give to Sonya.
May 2017, page 3
EDUCATION
CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL
Sunday School Celebration on May 7: During
worship including: presentation of 3 rd grade
Bibles, recognition of graduating High School
Seniors, recognition of Sunday School students
and teachers. After worship: Children are invited
to bring their bicycles for bike decorating and bike
parade, and special outdoor activities at 10:45.
We celebrate the anticipated High School
graduations of Luke Huedepohl, MaKayla
Lindemann, and Logan Serbousek.
Congratulations.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
Scholarship forms are available for members of
the congregation seeking to continue their
education. All applications are due June
1st whether for the fall semester 2017, spring
semester 2018 or summer semester 2018. See
one of the committee members to get an
application - Alyson Eadie, Pat Kilberger, Penny
Serbousek, Tom Vavra or email your request to
[email protected].
ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT
Our annual Easter egg hunt was held during the
Sunday School hour on Sunday, April 9, 2017.
We celebrate Jacob Manders and Emmett
Stockdale receiving 3rd grade Bibles.
VBS and Summer Schedule
Mark your calendars now for these events coming
up:
 Vacation Bible School: the evenings of July
10-14 (Monday – Friday) with a light
supper starting each evening
 Summer Family Campout: August 12-13
(Sat – Sun)
 Backpack Sunday, August 13: students
bring their backpacks to worship for
blessing.
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL
Sunday May 7 in the church living room at 11:00
a.m.: Bill and Penny Serbousek and Terry and
Norm Zahradnik will lead a travelogue on their
travels to Alaska.
May 2017, page 4
Youth Schedule – May 2017
Sunday, May 7th:
9:30 a.m. Recognition of Graduating HS Seniors
10:45 a.m. Sunday School outside for all ages
6:30 p.m. Youth Group
FROM THE YOUTH DIRECTOR
Sunday, May 14th: Mother’s Day
NO Sunday School or Youth Group
Hello from the Youth Group!
Monday, May 15th:
9:30 p.m. clean up at the Kernels
Thank you to all who ordered Easter Lilies to
decorate the sanctuary for Easter Morning, and
thank you to Misti for receiving the lily order, and
thank you to Stephanie for creating the lily list for
the bulletin. Throughout the month of April,
youth offered special music and participated in
Bell and Adult choirs, as well as assisted during
worship as liturgists and ushers.
Tuesday May 16th:
9:30 p.m. clean up at the Kernels
This month, Youth will finish the study of God’s
Mission, and be wrapping up Sunday School. We
plan to make a meal for the Ronald McDonald
Room at St. Luke’s Hospital, and we will be
planning some spring and summer Helping Hands
Projects.
In May, youth will be doing some fundraising
activities, cleaning up the Kernels stadium after
baseball games. We will need 10 helpers each
night; if you are interested in helping the youth in
this way, please let me know! We will also be
placing a special edition, decorative potty,
complete with a new “flock” feature. Potty
placement request forms and potty insurance
forms can be found on the Youth Bulletin Board in
the fellowship hall downstairs.
As always, if there are any questions or
comments about the Youth programs, please feel
free to contact me.
Blessings,
Angie
Wednesday, May 17th:
3:00 p.m. clean up at the Kernels
Sunday, May 21st:
6:00 p.m. Third Sunday Supper –
bring a dish to share
6:30 p.m. Youth Group
Monday, May 22nd:
9:30 p.m. clean up at the Kernels
Tuesday, May 23rd:
9:30 p.m. clean up at the Kernels
Wednesday, May 24th:
3:00 p.m. clean up at the Kernels
Thursday, May 25th:
9:30 p.m. clean up at the Kernels
Sunday, May 28th:
6:30 p.m. Youth Group
Tuesday, May 30th:
9:30 p.m. clean up at the Kernels
Wednesday, May 31st:
9:30 p.m. clean up at the Kernels
Thursday, June 1st:
9:30 p.m. clean up at the Kernels
Sunday, June 4th:
6:30 p.m. Youth Group
May 2017, page 5
WORSHIP SCHEDULE & LEADERSHIP
May 7: Acts 1:1-11, Establishing THE Church,
Chancel Choir singing with the Chancel Bells.
Christian Education Recognition.
Greeters: Jim & Judy Serbousek
Ushers: Glenn & Sharon Modracek
Liturgist: Dan Manders
May 14: Mothers’ Day. Acts 1:12-26: Establishing
THE Church. Kids Singing
Greeters: Scott Tedrow Family
Ushers: Bob & Carol Andrle
Liturgist: Angie Ehle
May 21: Acts 2:1-21: Establishing THE Church:
Pentecost 1. Chancel Choir
Greeters: David Lindemann Family
Ushers: Betty Buresh
Liturgist: Calvin Chadima
May 28, Memorial Day weekend. Music Ministry
Recognition.
Greeters: Verne & Virginia Svec
Ushers: Viola Zahradnik
Liturgist: Moriah Tedrow
June 4, Pentecost. Holy Communion. Acts 2:2242: Establishing THE Church: Pentecost 2.
Greeters: Matt Zacek Family
Ushers: Carl & Barb Zahradnik
Liturgist: Brian Thompson
MUSIC MINISTRY
All church musicians are invited to perform
throughout the summer months. If you would like
to serve as a guest musician for a service this
summer, please contact Sharon Furler or
Stephanie Buonadonna.
FEBRUARY 16, 2017
SESSION NOTES
1. Average attendance in
February: 85
2. Membership as of February 28, 2017: 216
3. Motion approved the annual 2016 Church
Report presented by Clerk of Session,
Alyson Eadie for the Presbytery of East
Iowa.
4. Motion approved to receive Larry and
Debra Krohn into membership.
5. Christian Education chair Christal Bressler
sent out 27 letters to families with
children ages birth to 5th grade for a
March 5th discussion after worship. Also,
communicated to families with young
children that haven’t been seen in church
for a while.
6. Motion approved to send Christal Bressler,
Rachel Manders, Angie Ehle, and Pastor
Julie to the Christian Education Summit at
Echo Hill Presbyterian Church on March 10
and 11. The topic will be children and
youth involvement in church. Motion
approved to pay registration fee for
Christal and Rachel from Adult Christian
Education Fund totaling $120. Registration
for Angie and Julie will come out of their
continuing education funds.
7. Lifetouch Photography will be contracted
to take church photos for directory in fall
2017.
8. The Property Committee is investigating
greater electrical service. Dan Manders
and Eric Hentges have joined the property
committee. The third stove may be able
to be installed to run off a separate circuit
9. Wednesday morning Bible study is
finishing 1 Corinthians and will begin the
Gospel of John soon.
10. Pastor Julie attended the Association of
Presbyterian Christian Educators annual
conference in Denver, CO the last week of
January.
May 2017, page 6
WILMA CARSON
AUTOBIOGRAPHY
Over the next months, we are going to have a few
biographies of long-time members of the
congregation. This month's article focuses on Wilma
Carson in celebration of her 100th birthday. If you are
interested in being interviewed or have a suggestion
of someone else, please speak with Elaine Bailey.
Thank you, Elaine.

Wilma Carson Autobiography, written April 2017, at
age 99:
I treasure being a member of First Presbyterian
Church near Ely all of my life. Roy and I were affiliate
members of First Presbyterian Church in Sun City,
Arizona and I attended services at First Presbyterian in
Columbia, Missouri as long as I was able.
I have roots in the history of the Ely Church. My great
grandfather Josef Zvacek, same as Chuck Vavra’s (and
also George Chadima and Bob Zvacek) was one of the
founding fathers in 1859. Our family has the wood
trunk the Zvaceks used to emigrate – year 1854 is
engraved in the wood. A history of Czechs in America
tells that Josef led the singing at their services – a
talent which was passed on to the Vavra boys.
I was born May 30, 1917 to William and Tillie Skalsky
who were members of Rogers Grove Church. I was
baptized by Rev. Francis Pokorny with name
Wilhemina. Wilma was used as a nick name.
I graduated from Roger’s Grove Grade School and
from Ely High School – then a 2 year course in Coe
College for a teacher’s degree. I applied and was
accepted to teach in Roger’s Grove School, the same
school where I had been a student. I taught there for
3 years, then married and could no longer teach since
married women were not allowed to teach.
Roy and I were married December 29, 1938 by Rev.
Ludwig Burian – his first wedding since moving to
Iowa. Roy moved in with my family to take over the
farm work. My father was not well and had been
renting the land. Roy’s boyhood dreams of farming
came true. There was a language problem. My
grandmother Anna Skalsky lived with us and spoke
and understood only Czech. This made me main
interpreter. I remember Roy’s fear that we were
talking about him. I had to assure him all talk was
good.
Roy and I raised 2 children – Mary Rhae and William
Lloyd. This made a 4 generation family in one house.
This was a very loving family. “Love is patient and
kind----“ Corinthians 13:4-8.
Roy’s brother and wife were killed in a car accident
February 1960. Their 2 boys Jim 20 years old and Bob
17 were added to our family. Bob’s son, Scott and
wife and daughter now live on the farm.
Mary and Bill are now both retired. Mary and
husband Syd Walston live in Frankfort , Michigan. Bill
and Toni live in Columbia, Missouri.
Roy died May 27, 1994 in Sun City, Arizona where we
had a retirement home. I moved to my present home
July 2004 to be closer to family as I age. Bill and Toni
are great help when needed.
I live in a large Christian retirement complex which
offers many activities. Sunday evening vesper services
have a guest speaker from different church
denomination each week. I have many oldie friends
from all walks of life and from many states. I invite
any to visit me.
One of my fondest memories is baking kolaches for
the soup supper in our wood burning stove with
neighbors Bonnie, Elaine and Zelda. Roy’s job was
keeping the oven at an even baking temperature.
Another fun memory is of picking and pitting cherries
from Tom Vavra’s orchard. Viola found storage space
in their freezer until needed for kolaches.
I cherish all my Iowa friends very much!
Love to all, Wilma
Roy and Wilma Carson, church directory 1984
May 2017, page 7
2017 EASTER LILIES
The Youth Group would like to thank you for
honoring and remembering loved ones through
Easter lilies. The lily is a beautiful trumpet-like
symbol of purity, hope, and life.
Easter morn with lilies fair
Fills the church with perfumes rare,
As their clouds of incense rise,
Sweetest offerings to the skies.
Stately lilies pure and white
Flooding darkness with their light,
Bloom and sorrow drifts away,
On this holy hallow’d day.
Easter Lilies bending low
in the golden afterglow,
Bear a message from the sod
To the heavenly towers of God.
-Louise Lewin Matthews
In Honor of Chuck and Irene Vavra by Elaine and
Bryan Bailey
In Honor of Kenny and Ginny Kloubec by Elaine and
Bryan Bailey
In Memory of Gene Siroki and Marjorie Corkran by
Stephanie Buonadonna and family
In Memory of Joe and Esther Cerveny by George
and Joanne Chadima
In Memory of Milton and Lillian Chadima by George
and Joanne Chadima
In Memory of Dale Dorsey by Dan and Jodie
Chadima and family
In Memory of Trent Eadie by Todd Eadie family
In Memory of Willis Johanningmeier by Todd Eadie
family
In Memory of Emily Grenis by Ted and Becky Grenis
In Memory of Marvin and Esther Larimer by Ted
and Becky Grenis
In Honor of Armed Service Members by Larry and
Theresa Harder
In Memory of Brandon Vogt by Shane, Darla, and
Alivia Meyer
In Memory of Leo and Irma Modracek by Glenn and
Sharon Modracek
In Memory of Ronald and Margaret Johnson by
Glenn and Sharon Modracek
In Memory of Nancy Mortensen by Dave Mortensen
In Honor of Donald Luther Novak by Sharon Novak
In Memory of Sierra Maria Mitchell by Sharon
Novak
In Memory of Travis Reihman and his grandparents
by Ron and Donna Reihman
In Memory of Rev. Ludvik and Emily Burian by
Cindy Reisser, Ann, and families
In Memory of Edwin and Martha Buresh by Jeff,
Diane, Lauren, and Hailee Reist
In Memory of Charles and Emily Reist by Jeff,
Diane, Lauren, and Hailee Reist
In Memory of Richard, Eutona, Dennis, and Dale
Buresh by Jeff, Diane, Lauren, and Hailee Reist
In Memory of Harry and Kay Schuett by Steve,
Julie, and Daniel Schuett
In Memory of Wes and Lillian Serbousek by Bill and
Penny Serbousek and family, and Jim and Judy
Serbousek and family
In Memory of Lillian and Curly Ware by Bill and
Penny Serbousek and family
In Memory of Harold and Dorothy Sherman and in
Honor of Ralph and Alma Heitman by Dick and
Zelda Sherman
In Memory of Gloria Tedrow by Scott and Rene
Tedrow and family
In Memory of Verlee Andrle by Scott and Rene
Tedrow and family
In Memory of Elizabeth and Ralph Williams and
Galen and Esther Buterbaugh by Everett and
Linda Williams
In Memory of Brandon Vogt by Carl and Barb
Zahradnik
In Memory of All Our Loved Ones by Norm and
Terry Zahradnik
In Honor of Our Lord Jesus Christ by Norm and
Terry Zahradnik
In Memory of Jerry Zahradnik by Rae E. Zahradnik
In Memory of Mary Rouse by Rae E. Zahradnik
In Memory of F. P. Rouse by Rae E. Zahradnik
In Memory of Fran Covel by Rae E. Zahradnik
In Memory of Tony Zacek and Bob Moore by Matt,
Dawn Hailey, and Hannah Zacek, and Karen
Zacek
In Memory of Parents, Grandparents, and Siblings
by Karen Zacek, and Matt, Dawn, Hailey, and
Hannah Zacek, and Amy and Jeff Chance
May 2017, page 8
First Presbyterian Church near Ely Calendar, May 2017
Sun
Mon
Tue
1
2
9—Noon Office Hours
Wed
Thu
3
4
9:30 Bible Study @manse 9—Noon Office Hours
Fri
Sat
5
9—Noon Office Hours
6
12
9—Noon Office Hours
13
19
9—Noon Office Hours
20
26
9—Noon Office Hours
27
7:00 Bell Choir
7:30 Chancel Choir
7
Food Pantry Sunday
Sunday School Cel.
Czech…
9:30 Worship
10:45 Coffee Hour,
Sunday School
6:30 Youth Group
14
Mother’s Day
9:30 Worship
10:45 Coffee Hour,
8
9
9—Noon Office Hours
21
9:30 Worship
10:45 Coffee Hour,
6:00 Youth Group
SSS
22
28
Music Recognition
9:30 Worship
10:45 Coffee Hour,
6:30 Youth Group
29
Memorial Day Services:
9:00 Swisher Legion
11:00 Rogers Grove
10
11
9:30 Bible Study @manse 9—Noon Office Hours
6:15 Bell Choir
7:30 Chancel Choir
15
Newsletter deadline
16
9—Noon Office Hours
9:30 pm: YG Clean up at
Kernels
9:30 pm: YG Clean up at 3:00 pm: YG Clean up at
Kernels
Kernels
7:30 Chancel Choir
23
24
25
9—Noon Office Hours
9:30 Bible study @manse 9—Noon Office Hours
6:30 Ladies Night Out
9:30 pm: YG Clean up at
Kernels
Save the Date:
17
18
9:30 Bible Study @manse 9—Noon Office Hours
6:30 Mens Night Out
9:30 pm: YG Clean up at
Kernels
30
9—Noon Office Hours
3:00 pm: YG Clean up at
9:30 pm: YG Clean up at
Kernels
Kernels
7:30 Chancel Choir
31
9:30 Bible Study @manse
9:30 pm: YG Clean up at
Kernels
9:30 pm: YG Clean up at
Kernels
Saturday, October 21, 2017 will be the church’s annual
Chicken Noodle Soup & Kolach Supper, 4:00-7:00 pm
May 2017, page 9
11100 Spanish Road
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. Postage Paid
Ely, Iowa 52227
Permit #1
Ely, Iowa 52227
May 2017, page 10