August 2016
Holidays & Special
Dates
August 1 - 5
Vacation Bible School
August 14 - 21
Family Promise Week
August 28
Signups for Adult Education
begins
Sunday Schedule
9:30am
Childcare in the Nursery
10:00am
Worship in the Sanctuary
AUGUST BIRTHDAYS
1
Rick Blevins
7
Dorie Hall
2
Dwight Holman
8
Charmayne Bell
3
Roger Larson
9
Marjorie Hermanson
Fran Wylder
10
Lois Woodmansey
Sherry Beaver
4
19
Olive McCarty
Kelly Koontz
25
Tanya Cameron
Jan Christofferson
Roberts
13
Patricia Boyle
28
Kathy Meadors
Brooke McFerrin
14
Shirley Gearhart
Kari Rosenleaf
29
Carole Dahl
Holly Neibauer
30
Butch Steele
Bethany Hultz
Weekly Office
Schedule
Open Monday - Friday
8:00am to 5:00pm
Jennifer Lipe
Bonnie Feddes
16
Sundays, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, Room 7
September 11 - September 25
Facilitator Team Coordinator: Judy Buer
Book and Material: $10
Stop by or call the office to signup or purchase the book
Contact Judy Buer with questions 761-5623 or [email protected]
Randy Dempsey
24
Elaine Hundley
Fall Faith Institute: The 3 Colors of Ministry
Signup: August 28th dur ing coffee hour in the Social Hall
Robin Allaire
Dan Petersen
15
See pages 4 and 5 for 130th Celebration summary and photos.
Carol Bronson
11
Georgia Vining
Fran Wylder also recovered and restored a historic photo of First Presbyterian
Church’s Sunday School and Pastor Virgil Scott. This photo, from 1913-1914,
is now hanging in the East Wing near the Central Ave. entrance (above).
Everyone is welcome to gather
in the Social Hall for Coffee
Hour, following Worship
Marla Wilckens
Gary McFerrin
Sally Newhall
5
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In June, we celebrated First Presbyterian Church’s 130th Anniversary. A recap
of events and photos are inside this newsletter. As part of this celebration, the
Great Falls Tribune interviewed our two eldest members, Helen Wilson
(102 years old) and Harry Hermanson (98 years old) to hear their perspectives
on the changes that have occurred in Great Falls and reminisce on their
favorite memories.
Open during the noon hour
except on Mondays or during
vacations/illnesses.
Bryn Keegan
12
The office staff takes pride in
being here to serve you.
If you’re unsure if we are open,
feel free to call us at 453-1411
to verify before your arrive.

Summertime Recipe
Strawberry Watermelon Popsicles
3 heaping cups cubed watermelon

1 heaping cup strawberries (fresh or frozen)

zest and juice of 1 lime
Place all ingredients in a blender and puree until
completely smooth. Pour into popsicle molds and
freeze 3-4 hours, or until very solid.
1
Mission/Ministry
A UGUST
Charles and Melissa Johnson
As we prepared to leave for Zambia last week, we experienced a wide
range of emotions. Our son Brien came to Atlanta, where we could spend time
together as a family. On Saturday evening, our daughter, Meagan, hosted
dinner for us, our family, and our dear friends, Jimmy, Jan and Cobi Shafe. It
was very special to be surrounded by loved ones.
On Sunday morning, March 13, we were able to attend worship at our
daughter’s family’s church and witness the dedication of our new grandson,
Max. Following lunch it was time to head to the airport with our 20 bags,
where we said our tearful goodbyes to Brien, Meagan, Eric, Lucy and Max in
front of the Atlanta-Hartsfield International terminal.
When we finally arrived in Lusaka, just after noon on Tuesday, we were met by our supervisor, Nancy Collins,
PC(USA) Regional Liaison for East Central Africa; Rev. Dr. Victor Chilenge, who is Moderator of the Church of Central
Africa Presbyterian/Zambia (CCAP/Zambia) and heads the Projects and Development Department; and Rev. Gerald
Phiri, who heads the HIV/AIDS program for CCAP/Zambia. But only 9 of our 20 bags arrived (since then, another 10
have arrived, with only one remaining lost). Melissa left the airport with Nancy, while I went with Rev. Phiri to the
immigration office to pick up my work permit. The next day was spent at the customs office, working to have our
vehicle cleared at the border. (We hope we will be able to get it in the next few days.) We’ve also been doing other
various housekeeping chores and shopping for some essentials. On Thursday, March 17, we met with the leaders of
the Synod of CCAP/Zambia; we were welcomed and learned more about the work of our partner church and how we
will fit into that work.
As many of you know, it took 16 months from the time we submitted our application until we received word
of our invitation to serve in Zambia. Since being here we have learned that our partner, CCAP, has been waiting since
2011 for the development specialist position to be filled. We fought back tears as Rev. Phiri welcomed us. He shared
an African proverb, which I wish I had known when we applied in February of 2014: “Walking slowly does not prevent
a person from arriving.” Rev. Kabendama has also said that because no one had even applied for the position during
this time, they feel like God had us in mind for the work here.
In subsequent meetings we’ve heard more about Chasefu Theological College and Chasefu Model Farm. We
learned about the strategic plans for both entities and how Charles will figure into these plans, both in the near future
and beyond. We also heard about many programs where Melissa might serve. We are excited to be joining a
motivated church partner who has already begun working toward the goals that were laid out before us. Eventually
the desire is that Chasefu will become a university, with the following: School of Theology, School of Agriculture,
School of Nursing and School of Healthcare.
To be involved in such plans, in the beginning stages, is a great privilege. At the close of our most recent
meeting we learned how Holy Week is traditionally celebrated in Zambia, beginning with Palm Sunday, which we
experienced this morning. We are so fortunate to have arrived in time to celebrate Easter in our new home, and we
will be sure to share our observations and thoughts in a future Facebook or blog post. So, what are our initial thoughts
after being here five days? First and foremost, we are finally where we are meant to be; not a day goes by when this is
not validated. We have been surrounded by love from the moment we stepped off the plane. And we are excited
about the work we will be doing here. Second, we are also excited about experiencing our first Easter in Zambia.
Third, Lusaka is a beautiful, modern city. Fourth, we are looking forward to arriving in Lundazi, where we will make
our new home. Now, if South African Airlines can just find the one “lost sheep” duffel bag with all of Melissa’s clothes
in it, we’ll be in business.
As we begin our new life as mission co-workers in Zambia we are deeply grateful for your prayers, for your
regular correspondence, and for your financial support. You are our partners in ministry! If you don’t already, please
prayerfully consider becoming part of our family of support. Your prayers and your financial gifts make this ministry
possible.
Grace, peace and love to all,
Charles & Melissa
Connect with the Johnsons:
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
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Sunday
Monday
1
8:30a Peace Place
9a Morning Out
Tuesday
2
Wednesday
3
8:30a Peace Place
9a Morning Out
Thursday
4
7p Stephen
Ministry
1:30p Prayer
Partners RL
Friday
5
8:30a Peace Place
9a Morning Out
Saturday
6
4:30p Peace Place
Night Out
7:30p Al-Anon
Rm 6
Vacation Bible
School
7
8
*Regular Schedule 8:30a Peace Place
No Sunday School 9a Morning Out
Vacation Bible
School
Vacation Bible
School
Vacation Bible
School
Vacation Bible
School
9
10
8:30a Peace Place
9a Morning Out
11
12
8:30a Peace Place
9a Morning Out
13
20
1:30p Prayer
Partners RL
14
15
*Regular Schedule 8:30a Peace Place
9a Morning Out
7:30p Al-Anon
Rm 6
16
1:30p Prayer
Partners RL
Family Promise
Week
Family Promise
Week
21
22
*Regular Schedule 8:30a Peace Place
9a Morning Out
Family Promise
Week
23
17
8:30a Peace Place
9a Morning Out
18
7p Stephen
Ministry
19
8:30a Peace Place
9a Morning Out
4p Peace Place
Board Rm 7
630p River
Readers
7:30p Al-Anon
Rm 6
Family Promise
Family Promise
4:30p Peace Place
Night Out
5p Nursery Night
Out
Family Promise
Week
24
8:30a Peace Place
9a Morning Out
25
1:30p Prayer
Partners RL
7:30p Al-Anon
Rm 6
End of Family
Promise Week
28
29
*Regular Schedule 8:30a Peace Place
9a Morning Out
Signups for Adult
Education Starts
1:30p Prayer
Partners RL
30
26
8:30a Peace Place
9a Morning Out
Family Promise Week
27
6 pm Food Servers
at Rescue Mission
31
8:30a Peace Place
9a Morning Out
11
Mark Your Calendar!
Date
Usher Captain
Greeter Captain
Van Driver
Children and Youth Ministry
Devotional Readings
Wow, I can't believe how fast the summer is flying by. Here are a few
activities ahead for the month of August:
Isaiah 1:1, 10-20
August 7
Dwight Holman
Bruce Buer
Dean Schamp
Psalms 50:1-8, 22-23

Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16
Isaiah 5:1-7
August 14
Paula Jackson
Janet Buls
Tom Hazen
Psalms 80:1-2, 8-19

Hebrews 11:29-12:2

Jeremiah 1:4-10
August 21
Paul Lindstrom
Jim Carter
Bruce Buer
Psalms 71:1-6
Hebrews 12:18-29
VBS (Vacation Bible School) will be held August 1st-5th from 8:30 to
11:30 each day for children ages 4 to 6th grade. Come and enjoy some
crafts, music, a wonderful bible lesson, and games. A light breakfast will
be served each morning before the fun starts. Want to know more?
Contact the church office or Erin Holley.
Church-wide camping trip in the Little Belt Mountains at Logging Creek
Campground. Bring your tents, campers, and stuff to make s'mores! All are welcome to join. Be on the
lookout for more details in the church bulletin or the church Facebook page.
Downpour Festival is here again! August 20th & 21st. Come out and listen to some great music and meet
new friends. Artists this year include Manic Drive, Shawn McDonald, Manafest, NF, Phil Wickham, and
Jeremy Camp. For more information on events and times check out the website at: downpourfestival.com
Jeremiah 2:4-13
August 28
Penny Adkins
Dave Herman
Scott Royce
Psalms 81:1, 10-16
Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16
Communion Servers
Rescue Mission Meal Servers
Sunday, August 7th
Friday, August 26th 6 pm
Judy and Bruce Buer
Bonnie and Renae Feddes
Jennie Yates and LeAnn Feisthamel
Jan Gorman and Sharon Hansen
The 2016 Per Capita is $40.00 per member.
First Presbyterian Church
The church is responsible to pay this amount for each
member for the administrative costs of the Presbyterian
Church. This total is divided between Presbytery $29.38,
Synod $3.50, and General Assembly $7.12.
Operating Fund as of June 30, 2016
Some members feel their pledge covers this fee. But if
you would like to cover this expense over and above
your pledge, the Session would be very grateful. We
urge each of our members to be personally responsible
for this fee.
It amounts to $15,040 of our church’s 2016 budget.
Year-to-Date Income:
$222,274
Year-to-Date Expenses:
$195,934
Over (Under) Year-to-Date:
$26,340
FPC will be hosting Family Promise August 14-21, 2016. Please consider volunteering for duties that are
needed to make this ministry possible. We need people to prepare meals, play with the children, stay
overnight, donate food for breakfast and lunches, and to do laundry on the following Sunday, August 21st.
To get involved, please fill out the form provided in the Sunday bulletin and drop off at the office or contact
Kathy Herman at (847) 313-5868 or Bonnie DeNoma at 799-9822.
FISH is feeding more this year compared to last year and more in June
compared to May.
In the year to date, June had 367 more people that were provided with
food compared to last year. We fed more in June than in May, with an increase
of 63 more people. We are feeding more this year and like last year, we are not
seeing a drop in numbers with the start of Summer.
The week of July 17th was our week to staff FISH and thank you very
much to all who worked that week. If you have not previous worked at FISH and
would like to, please see Dave Herman. It is a way to meet others in our church.
Thank you for your contributions.
With your help we can continue to support
the church’s mission throughout our year.
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3
130th Anniversary Celebration
June 19th, 2016
Peace Place says YES to Toby’s House!
It may be hard to believe, however, Cascade County has the highest rates of child
abuse in our entire state. You may be one of many Montanans who shudder at the
thought of even one more infant, toddler, preschooler or youth becoming a victim
of this horrible fate. Most of you are already aware that Peace Place became a reality to help fight incredible
odds of keeping at-risk families safe.
A large and appreciative congregation filled the sanctuary for First Presbyterian Church’s 130 th
anniversary celebration on Sunday, June 19, 2016.
The processional was led by Bob Kampfer, playing his bagpipes, followed by Hannah Rosenleaf and
Aries Alonso, Acolytes; Darrell Schamp, Beadle; and Doug Ormseth, Crucifer.
Three pastors brought special meaning to the service. Everett Bosch was liturgist; Jim and his wife
Joanne Hinch, shared highlights of their time here and Steve Hundley gave an inspiring sermon.
Music Director Joan Schmidt prepared significant music including the beloved hymn “Amazing Grace”,
arranged by Jason W. Krug and performed by Mary Papoulis, violinist, and Joan Schmidt, pianist. Other music
was “Fly Away to Glory” sung by the Cathedral choir under the direction of Alex Rosenleaf and the
“Centennial Hymn” (Sharing Joy and Sorrow Together) by Gordon and Mary Richards, sung by the
congregation.
Now there’s another amazing service coming to town, bringing relief and protection to scores of young
families in our county: Toby’s House Crisis Nursery! Most of us remember the story of tiny October Perez,
known to her family as “Toby”, who lived a short life of tragic abuse. We honor her memory with this new
initiative.
Toby’s House will offer round-the-clock, licensed care to young children for up to 72 hours. Parents may be
suffering from crisis, trauma, extreme stress or wrenching grief. Before long, Toby’s House will stand ready
to offer support!
How can you help Toby’s House become a reality? Join IGA owners and supervisory
staff as they embrace this vital mission. Save IGA brand UPC labels and IGA will
donate .10/per item. Just 500 will add $50 to help build the new crisis nursery. We
encourage you to watch for many other ways to help out as committed volunteers
offer fundraisers and events around Great Falls. Check out Toby’s House website at
toby’shousemt.org & on Facebook: Toby’s House Crisis Nursery.
Dusty Molyneaux, trumpet, added his talents to the music selections. Alice Lorentz and Jane Bratcher
provided floral arrangements. Adessa Bentley was celebration photographer.
A gala reception followed the service in the fellowship hall, organized by Dean Schamp and his
committee with a giant 130th birthday cake and other refreshments and decorations provided by Mary
Fagenstrom. Early church memorabilia gathered by Denise Mort was on display. One large photo of Sunday
School children taken in approximately 1914 and framed by Fran Wylder was of special interest. It is now
hanging inside the doors by the church office. A guest book was signed and will go into the church time
capsule. Tours to various places in the church were offered.
Let’s change Cascade County into a place where ALL children are treasured and
protected! Containers will available around the church for your labels.
Norma Ashby, Chairman of the celebration, thanked everyone who helped make the celebration a
success. “It was a memorable day in the life of First Presbyterian Church, the first church in Great Falls, “ she
said.
Contact Elaine for more information 868-9345
Dear Members of First Presbyterian Church,
The debut performance of the Great Falls College Community Choir in Carnegie Hall on
May 28, 2016 exceeded all of our expectations. Your financial support made this
opportunity possible for our students. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Cindy Stevens
Dear Church Family,
Thank you so much for the engraved Bible and brunch. I will be able to use the
Bible for the rest of my life. A special thanks to Kurt, Mary, April, and Erin for
helping to put the brunch on. Along with a thank you to Craig for putting up the
chairs and tables and for also lending them to us for my grad party.
Left: Pastor Steve and Elaine Hundley wearing period piece clothing. Pastor Steve wearing a 100 year old top hat owned by
Harry Mitchell (Great Falls mayor from 1923-29 ) and Elaine Hundley wearing a 100 year old cape provided by Norma Ashby.
Right: Pastor Steve and Elaine Hundley rode in a 1918 Model T Ford Touring Car owned by Kurt Baltrusch to announce First
Presbyterian Church’s 130th Anniversary Celebration during the Great Falls Fourth of July parade.
Love,
LynDee Feisthamel
4
9
130th Anniversary Celebration
June 19th, 2016
What's cooking with Presbyterian Women during August?
Some of us will be cooking.
When First Presbyterian hosts Family Promise in August, members of PW will
provide a dinner. We've done it once and it was fun, plus a great opportunity
to meet the Family Promise folks. Anyone who would like to volunteer can
contact Marla Wilckens.
And we're pre-sorting for the rummage sale.
Thursday mornings at 9, anyone who wants to help will meet in the Social Hall and begin
organizing all the wonderful things that are being donated. By doing a little work now, we save
ourselves a lot of work later.
Anyone who wants to can help. You don't have to be a PW member, just stop by for an hour or
so. Questions? Contact Denise Mort, 453-0135.
Don't forget, the annual Rummage Sale is going to be held in September this year. Set-up will be
on Wednesday, Sept. 7. The sale will be Thursday and Friday, Sept. 8 and 9, and the sack sale on
Sept. 10.
Help is always needed, so put this event on your calendar.
GF Rescue Mission Back to School Rally
Sunday, August 28th 2:00pm - 4:00 pm
The Great Falls Rescue Mission is hosting a “Back 2 School Rally” as well as other events
throughout the coming school year, hoping to provide school supplies for more than 1,000
children. They are asking help by:
 Collecting back to school supplies at our church
 Promoting giving school supplies
 Volunteering to put backpacks together the week of August 22nd and to help on the day of the event,
August 28th.
 Donate children's Bibles to be given to the children during the event.
Please bring donated supplies to the Great Falls Rescue Mission (in the alley at 326 2nd Ave. S.) by
Wednesday, August 17th. We also need volunteers to pack and distribute supplies from August 22-26.
To volunteer, call us at 406-761-2653
Back to School Supplies List
5. Plastic tab dividers
12. Pencil boxes
1. Solid color backpacks
6. Pocket folders
2. 3-ring zippered binders
7. Dry erase markers (black)
13. Pencil pouches - plastic for
binders
3. Wide and college ruled spiral
notebooks
8. #2 pencils
14. 12” rulers
9. Colored pencils
15. Scissors
4. Wide and college ruled loose
leaf paper
10. 4 oz liquid glue
16. Store gift cards to purchase
supplies not donated
11. Stick glue
8
Top Line
Second Line
Third Line
Bottom Line
Left: Pastor Steve Hundley Center: Pastor Jim Hinch and his wife Joanne Right: Pastor Everett Bosch
Left: Joan Schmidt Center Left: Mary Papoulis Center Right: Dusty Molyneaux Right: Jim Kampfer on bagpipes
Left: Norma Ashby interviewing Jim and Joanne Hinch Center: Cathedral Choir Right: Helen Wilson, 102 years old
5
Left: Harry Hermanson, 98 years old Center: Social Hall Reception Right: Kitchen crew helping at the after service reception
130th Anniversary Celebration Pastor Memories
As part of the 130th Anniversary Celebration, during the year we will have an ongoing series
of previous Pastors’ favorite memories of their time at First Presbyterian.
130th Anniversary Celebration Pastor Memories
Associate Pastor Jerry Poole, 1980-1990
Associate Pastor Brett Becker, 1991-1997
Here are some of my fondest memories:
One of my fondest memories of First Presbyterian Church was
the reception given to my wife, Anita, and me when we first
arrived. The lay leadership composed a song that they sang to
us. It was warm, funny and inviting. I still remember the words
to the first verse and sing it to others when I recount my time in
Great Falls:
*Christmas Eve services at 7, 9 and 11 p.m. Carols accompanied
by Mary Richards on the organ and bell choir anthems with Pam
Kampfer.
*The Church Centennial year, 1986. We dressed up in period
clothes and former pastors came and preached.
Welcome to Great Falls!
*In addition to Jim Hinch who shared his tool box ministry skills
with me, I was fortunate to work with John Dutzar, Howard Van
Dyke and the office staff including Pat, Billie, Cheri, Roy and
other saints.
It’s cold here, you know.
We walk on ice, we drive in the snow.
On Sunday’s we all go to church.
*One of my best memories was our wedding. Polly Junkermeier and I invited the congregation
and they filled the sanctuary.
Jerry Poole
Kennewick, WA
Or the rodeo!
The other personal memory involves my daughter, Leah, who was four at the time. I had
brought her with me into the sanctuary one Saturday night as I rehearsed my sermon for the
next morning. Inside, the beautiful stained glass windows glowed, including one of Jesus.
When we finally turned off the lights and got back in the car, parked in the alley below one of
the stained glass windows, Leah looked up at the darkened glass, not decipherable from
outside the sanctuary and said to me, “Daddy, why is Jesus stuck in the church?” It was a
theological moment that has kept me thinking to this day about the role and the visibility of
our faith in society.
Pastor Vernon Towne, 1989-1998
My ministry began on Nov. 1, 1989. It took several days to drive
from Eastern Pennsylvania to Central Montana. My trip was
extended one day when the highway was closed at Wall, South
Dakota due to a huge snowstorm.
Many blessings to First Presbyterian Church, Great Falls in the years to come.
When I arrived in the City of Great Falls, I stopped to buy gas and
could not open the car door. Putting my shoulder to the door
would not open it and the window would not roll down. So I
crawled over the television set in the passenger’s seat and exited
the car.
Rev. Dr. Brett A. Becker
Carpinteria, CA
FPC History Tidbits

Going around to the driver’s side of the car I noticed that it was
covered by ice. What a surprise!
Thinking about it later, I remembered how cars passing me on Montana’s snow-covered
roads throwing up melting snow, ice and water while the temperature was below freezing.
I needed the help of the service station manager to break off the ice and free the door.

It was another of Montana’s weather related challenges.
Vernon Towne
Las Vegas, NV
6
The third, and first duly installed pastor of First Church, was the Rev. Mr. Robert M.
Ramsey, called March 1, 1894. He came under his own terms. When offered a salary of
$1,500 a year, his reply was, “Make it $1,200 and promise to give at least $200 a year to
foreign missions and I’ll come.”
In 1923, the five member Board of Deacons at First Church was opened to include
women. In 1926, the Board of Deacons was discontinued, its work to be carried on by the
newly organized Association of Presbyterian Women.
~ From Don Bosley’s history of First Church, “Sharing Joy and Sorrow Together: First One
Hundred Years”
7