The Dorothy Horn Scholarship is awarded to female students from the Presbytery of North Central Iowa and adjacent Presbyteries who attend the University of Northern Iowa. It is an endowed scholarship administered by First Presbyterian Church of Cedar Falls. The Scholarship Committee is pleased to introduce two recipients of the Dorothy Horn Scholarship for 2023-2024. Both women are members of the choir at First Presbyterian Church, Cedar Falls, and help with the Shine Group for children.

Ruthellen Brooks is from Muscatine and is currently a freshman at UNI majoring in choral music education. As well as her activities in choral music, she a cellist, playing in the UNI symphony orchestra. Her various extracurricular activities in high school included Tri-M Music Honor Society, Show Choir, Student Council and Symphony and other choral groups. She helped at Bickford nursing home in Muscatine and managed Girls’ basketball, varsity and junior varsity at Muscatine High School.

Lillian Kallenberger is a sophomore at UNI majoring in choral music education. Her high school extra-curricular activities include National Honor Society, Tri-M National Music Honor Society, Key Club (secretary), Student Council, volunteer at bible school and music camp, various choral groups and symphony orchestra. She received a silver cord at graduation for 160+ hours of community service. At UNI she is a member of National Society for Collegiate Scholars, a member and upcoming president of ACDA (American Choral Directors Association), made the semi-finals of the NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing) competition, and was guest soloist for UNI Treble Middle and High school honor choir.

On Sunday, June 11, we will welcome back guest preacher, Rev. Paul Both, who was a refugee from South Sudan, Africa. Bound to Sudan by his devotion to sharing God’s ministry, he’ll talk about his ongoing mission work there with South Sudan Education Mission of which he is president and founder. SSEM is dedicated to improving Christian education and living conditions in New Nation South Sudan and Ethiopia.

A special offering will be received for Rev. Both for the primary school scholarship fund. (The annual tuition is $50 for one student.) Checks can be made payable to SSEM and will be collected during our time of offering. You can learn more and/or give online at ssemhome.org. We will also be collecting medications for SSEM. Please consider donating trial sizes of ibuprofen (such as Advil), acetaminophen (such as Tylenol), Band-Aids, and antibiotic ointment. There will be a potluck meal following worship.

At the Leadership Summit in April 2023 and the Spring Meeting of the Synod of Lakes and Prairies, participants explored the topic of Trauma-Informed Ministry and Becoming a Trauma-Informed Church.  For many this was a new topic.  The Transforming Communities/Vital Leaders Committee is offering a series of workshops in the coming weeks to allow a deeper understanding of the impact of trauma in the life of faith and Christian Community.  You can register for one or more, depending on your availability.

Thursdays 1:30-3:30 Central Time

Grief and Trauma, Thursday, June 1

Grief is a complicated experience made even more so by traumatic events. Recognizing the differences and clues to what is happening is important. Facilitated by Joanna Quanbeck.

Intersectionality and Trauma, Thursday, June 15

Intersectionality is the acknowledgement that everyone has their own unique experiences of discrimination and oppression and we must consider everything and anything that can marginalize people – gender, race, class, sexual orientation, physical ability, etc. Trauma is frequently connected with such marginalization. Facilitated by Julica Hermann de la Fuente.

Register now

In response to numerous requests for training materials to assist churches in planning and responding to an active shooter situation and other forms of human caused disasters, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is providing this Resource Guide.

Pastor Dr. John Kerr of LeRoy First Presbyterian of LeRoy, MN is retiring. His last Sunday service is June 4, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. with a Retirement Coffee and Gathering from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Church Fellowship Hall. All are welcome to wish Pastor John and Leslie well in their retirement.