On Pentecost Sunday, we commissioned a group called the Acts 16:5 Vision Team. The Acts 16:5 Initiative is a three-year process that churches in our presbytery are undertaking in order to become more effective in what we are all about as a church. It is based on a process developed over time by E. Stanley Ott, former pastor of a Presbyterian church in Pittsburgh, and now president of the Vital Churches Institute. Stan has been meeting with representatives from congregations in our presbytery since October 2009, and serves as our coach and mentor in this process.
The purpose of this initiative is to assist and equip congregations in a deliberate process of transformation. The verse that this initiative takes as its motto is Acts 16:5, a summary statement in the story of how the ministry of Jesus of Nazareth and a handful of disciples expanded across the Middle East and into Asia Minor, touching live and changing the world. It says, “So the churches were strengthened in faith, and grew daily in numbers.”
The Rev. Paul Collier began his ministry with First Presbyterian Church in Mason City on September 1, 2007. He previously served as Associate Pastor at the Presbyterian church in Mankato, Minnesota and as Director of Christian Education in Denton, Texas. Paul was ordained in 1999.
A native of Texas, Paul received his BA in English from North Texas State University and a Master of Divinity from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in 1999. Paul is currently completing a Doctor of Ministry degree at Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, Georgia.
Paul and his wife, Claudia, are parents of a son, Paul, who is a student at Minnesota State University, Mankato.
Beth has been the Director of Christian Education at FirstPresbyterian Church since November, 1998. She became our children’s choir director in the fall of 1996, combining her love of music and her love of children. This is Beth’s dream job, as she works with children, youth, and adults and is able to share her faith. Beth has served on many of our Presbytery Committees including Christian Nurture Leadership and Development, Mission and Ministry Board, and on the Camp Board for the Presbyterian Camp on Okoboji.
An example to youth that you don't always end up doing what you go to college for, Beth has a BA degree in Administrative Management from the University of Northern Iowa and a Masters degree in College Personnel Administration from Central Missouri State Univeristy. Beth has worked as a Residence Director at Rockford College in Rockford, Illinois and for 13 years, she was the administrator of Associates in OB-GYN in Mason City, Iowa. She has completed the coursework for the Lay Academy of NCI Presbytery and is an eligible lay pastor.
Beth and her husband, Steve, have three daughters, Jennifer, Kristen, and Stephanie.
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Nate Ruge, Youth Director
Nate was installed as our youth director at First Presbyterian in September of 2008. He is an Iowa State university graduate with experience working with youth through the Community Y of Marshalltown, interning at the Parks and Recreation Department of Ankeny, Iowa and being part of the summer staff at the Presbyterian Camp on Okoboji.
Nate is originally from Fort Dodge, Iowa where he and his family are life-time members of the 1st Presbyterian Church of Fort Dodge. He was active in church and youth group as a participant and mentor.
Nate and his wife Kara were married this past October.
Since 1997, Dennis has served as Director of Music at First Presbyterian Church, as well as producing and directing six performances of Handel's Messiah with orchestra in our sanctuary.
After growing up in Mason City, Dennis graduated from Iowa State University with a BA in Vocal Music Performance, with an emphasis in vocal performance, vocal pedagogy, choral music literature and choral conducting. He is the founder and director of Una Vocis, an auditioned area chorus which performs rich and challenging choral music while offering its unique contribution to the musical landscape of north Iowa.
Dennis has led several performances of choral works for the North Iowa chapter of the American Guild of Organists and, in 1997, served as music director for the local theatre production of Fiddler on the Roof. Before moving back to Mason City in 1995, Dennis and his wife Camille lived in Seattle and sang with the Seattle Symphony Chorale. Dennis and Camille have two sons, Tristyn and Skyler.
Donna DePrenger, Director of Hand Bell Choir
Since 1998, Donna has served as Director of Hand Bell Choirs at First Presbyterian Church. Prior to that she was the director of the Choir of the Kirk from 1965 to 1975. She is an active member of the church serving on verious committees such as Christian Education and Worship and Music. Presently she is an Elder of the church.
Donna is retired after teaching piano at North Iowa Area Community College for 15 years.
Bev Grell, Administrative Secretary
Bev joined the staff at First Presbyterian Church in April of 2003. Before the church, Bev was employed as the bookkeeper at Farmers Elevator in Clear Lake for 19 years. Bev enjoys the people she meets and the flexibility the job gives her. Bev and her husband, Ray, live in Clear Lake and have 4 grown children and 2 grandchildren. When not working, she loves watching the grandchildren, Reagan and Nathan. Bev is also very involved with her home church in Clear Lake, serving as treasurer and on the elder board.
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Shirley Harmon, Financial Secretary
Shirley Harmon joined the staff of First Presbyterian in May, 2001. A Cedar Rapids native, she attended Coe College and Cedar Rapids Business College. Before being hired as bookkeeper for Elderbridge Agency in the spring of 1979 she held various office positions. Shirley retired as Fiscal Director of Elderbridge in 1999.
Carol Kelly, Custodian
Marlene Schroeder, Organist
Marlene has been organist for two years at our church as well as working at Dewey Kruger Music Center in Northwood. She has previously served a number of churches across North Iowa as organist.
As newly appointed mission co-worker to the Congo, Bob reflects on the theological significance of kneeling for ordination, kneeling before the people of Congo, and humbling oneself by giving up the privilege and status of English, taking off one's shoes on the holy ground of another's culture and learning their language.
Esther writes of the privilege and joy of sharing the journey of students of Payap University, sharing joy and struggles, and sharing God's love with those who do not know him yet. Also a critical need for English speaking teachers to offer courses in the Hotel and Turism field.
Highlights from the first weeks of a new mission co-worker with an introduction to her classes at the seminary, the students she teaches, and her sense of mission there.
First Presbyterian Church | 100 South Pierce | Mason City, Iowa 50401 | 641-424-4273
With the love of Jesus Christ,
First Presbyterian Church welcomes you
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Church in Action
