Presbytidings – October 2013
The Newsletter of First Presbyterian Church
216 West Third Street, Wayne, Nebraska68787
(402) 375-2669 + www.fpcwayne.org
“Our chief end is to glorify and enjoy God forever.”
A WORD FROM THE PASTOR
It’s an awkward situation. What do you do when your daughter and her fiancé decide to call of their wedding, when all the plans have already been made? And just 40 days before the blessed event!? It happened to Carol and Willie Fowler, a couple from Atlanta, Georgia. But instead of griping and trying to cancel all the vendors, the Fowlers decided to turn a potential disaster into a blessing.
The Fowlers’ daughter, Tamara, was scheduled to be married at the Villa Christina hall, a very swanky place in Atlanta. And I mean, swanky. At first, when Tamara and her fiancé called off the expensive and lavish event that the Fowlers had planned and paid for, Carol and Willie were dismayed and upset. What to do?
Instead of letting it all go to waste, the Fowlers had an inspired idea. They decided to have the banquet anyway—and invite 200 of the city’s homeless people as the honored guests.
The Fowlers called Elizabeth Omilami from Hosea Feed the Hungry, an international Christian aid organization headquartered in Atlanta, to see if she could help make the feast happen. At first, Omilami thought the phone call was a prank, because no one is that generous. But after she was convinced of the Fowlers’ sincerity, she was able to invite 200 homeless people—including children—to the four-course gala.
Even Tamara—the jilted bride—attended the festivities that were originally meant for her!
And speaking of children, the Fowlers hired a clown to keep the kids entertained. And the Fowlers have apparently caught a vision for generosity: They titled the event “The First Annual Fowler Family Celebration of Love,” anticipating a second annual celebration next year.
And that kind of generosity blows your mind. Would you do something like that? Sure, maybe once—if a wedding fell through. But to schedule another one, just out of unselfish hospitality?
It reminds me of a parable that Jesus taught that is recorded in Luke 14. A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. When the time came, he sent out his servant to remind the guests that everything was ready.
But to a person, they all made excuses why they couldn’t attend.
And when the master found out about it, he was angry. He commanded his servant to go out into the streets and alleys of the city to bring in the poor, the blind, and the handicapped. And when that was done, there was still room. So the owner of the house sent out his servant again—this time outside the city, into the countryside and the remote places. “Compel them to come in,” he commanded, “So that my house will be full.”
It’s a stark reminder that God’s hospitality is more like the Fowlers’ of Atlanta than a lot of our own hospitality. Would we host a four-course feast for the filthy? Would we go out and round up the scum of society to come to a party at our house? Or is our hospitality more at arm’s length?
The amazing news is that we have been welcomed into God’s household, even if we are broken, poor, unclean, and spiritually blind. God has opened his feast to all who will respond, regardless of background or station. The question is whether we will respond with excuses or with faith.
Pastor Ray
SESSION
The Session will gather on Monday, October 28, at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
COMMUNION
We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper on Sunday, October 6.
HIGHWAY CLEAN-UP
We will do our fall highway clean-up after worship on Sunday, October 6. Wear work clothes! We will depart after worship to our stretch of Highway 35 (markers 33-35, east of Wayne). This is for everyone, but it is especially a service project for Confirmation students, who should be present.
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
The session has called a congregational meeting for Sunday, October 13, following worship (about 11:00am), for the purpose of voting on Pastor Ray’s compensation for 2014. All active members are encouraged to participate.
POTLUCK LUNCH
Following the congregational meeting on October 13, we will share a potluck lunch together as a church family. Bring food to share. Drinks and service are provided.
CHURCH SCHOOL
Church school for preschool through 6th grade meets from 9:00-9:45 every Sunday morning. If you would like to serve as a teacher, please contact Misty Beair (375-3773).
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN
Presbyterian Women will meet on Wednesday, October 2nd at 6:30pm. Karen Johnson will lead the Bible study for Lesson 1 in “An Abiding Hope.” Babs Middleton will be the hostess.
SEWING SOULS
Sewing Souls will meet to work on a variety of projects on Wednesday, October 16th. Joyce Reeg will be the hostess.
FIND US ON FACEBOOK
First Presbyterian Church – Wayne, Nebraska
YOUTH GROUPS
The junior high (6th through 8th grades) youth group will meet on October 9 and 23, from 7:30-8:30 p.m. The high school (9th through 12th grades) youth group will meet October 2 and 16, from 7:30-8:30 p.m. Bring a friend! Please note: there are five Wednesdays in October, so there will be no youth groups on the fifth Wednesday. All youth are encouraged to participate in the Mercy Meals event that evening.
MERCY MEALS OF NEBRASKA
Join the fight against hunger! We will be packing meals at the Orphan Grain Train facility (601 W Phillip Ave, Norfolk) on Wednesday, October 30, from 7:30-8:45pm. We will meet at our church building to car pool at 6:45pm. This is for everyone, but it is also a service project for Confirmation students.
CONFIRMATION FIELD TRIP
The Confirmation class will worship at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Sioux City (1421 Geneva Street) on Sunday, October 27. We will meet at 9:00am in the Youth Room for briefing. Then we will car pool to the church building. Everyone is welcome to join our Confirmation group!
MILITARY BIBLE STICKS
On Sunday, September 22, we received an offering to provide Bible Sticks for our active military personnel. Twenty-five dollars provides one service man or woman with a Bible Stick—a dedicated MP3 player with the New Testament and Psalms recorded on it. If you would like to contribute to this military outreach, visit www.faithcomesbyhearing.com/military to learn how you can support our troops.
BROWN-BAG BIBLE STUDY
Pastor Ray is leading an in-depth Bible study this fall through First Corinthians. WSC Student Center, Goldenrod Room, Wednesdays at noon. Bring your Bibles, bring your lunch, and bring your biggest questions!
FOOD PANTRY & BACKPACK PROGRAM
We are having a very busy year at the Food Pantry. We have already surpassed last year’s numbers by 25 requests! We are so thankful for the many donations that have been made. And the Backpack Program is also a great success. We have given out nearly 500 backpacks so far this fall. There is a great need in our community. Please contact Jenny at the church office fpcwayne@gmail.com for more information on how you can help.
SERMONS ON THE WEB
Pastor Ray’s sermons can be heard on our Web site: www.fpcwayne.org/media.
NEW CHURCH SIGN
If you haven’t already seen it, stop by the front (south) façade of our building and behold our new church sign. The structure is the same (given in memory of Pat Straight’s mother, Lenora Hook), but the insert is new and improved. Thank you to Rick Lund for his generous gift in memory of Bonnie. It is a blessing to our church.
2013-14 COLLEGE STUDENT LIST
We are in the process of updating our college student list for the current academic year. Parents or students, please contact either Ray or Jenny with any new or updated contact information. Thanks!
FPC SCRAPBOOKS
Do you have a gift for scrapbooking? We have some church memorabilia that should be preserved. Contact Jenny at the church office if you are interested in helping. We can supply any materials needed.
HERE SHE IS: MRS. ELKHORN VALLEY
Our own Rachelle McCalla will be representing our community as she competes in the Mrs. Nebraska pageant as Mrs. Elkhorn Valley. To learn more about the contest, including ticket information, visit www.mrsnebraska.net.
A reminder from the Secretary:
Pastor Appreciation Sunday is October 13th!
17TH ANNUAL LIFE CHAIN
You are invited to join the annual Life Chain on Sunday, 10/6 from 2:30-3:30pm. Signs may be picked up at the corner of 7th & Main prior to the event. Afterward, Martha Hawthorne (host of “Tuesdays with Mommy”) will speak, and refreshments will be served.
ABIDING HOPE: A RETREAT FOR WOMEN OF THE CHURCH
This retreat will be held at Camp Calvin Crest October 11-12th. The keynote speakers are Mary Cook-Jorgensen and Marilyn Stone. To preregister: krisp@homesteadpres.org or 402-489-5781.
MOPS: MOTHERS OF PRESCHOOLERS
Mops is a place for encouraging relationships, practical help and support. The local MOPS group meets at Journey Christian Church on the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of each month. A.M. sessions from 9:30-11:30am, and P.M. sessions are from 6:30-8:30pm.
WAYNE COMMUNITY CROP HUNGER WALK
The annual CROP Hunger Walk will be held on Sunday, October 13th. The CROP Walk is the original charitable walking event to end hunger both locally and internationally (i.e. the Wayne Food Pantry and WACAM). For information please go to www.crophungerwalk.org or contact Deb Hammer at debhammer@huntel.net 402-518-0423.
NORTHEAST NEBRASKA CHILDREN’S CHOIR
The NNCC is an auxiliary choir of the Wayne State College Chorale. This free program will help your kids (grades 2-6) learn to sing better and have the opportunity to sing with the WSC “big kids.” Tuesdays, 3:50-4:45. Contact Jackie Keller for more information: (402) 750-0637; jaquelynfkeller@gmail.com.
PLEASE PRAY FOR:
- Our unchurched neighbors
- Dawn Fuelberth as she undergoes chemotherapy
- All who are battling cancer
- CrossPoint Campus Ministry and our college students
- Peace in the Middle East
- Persecuted Christians in Egypt, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, and North Korea
GREETERS
OCTOBER 2013
6th – The Peitz Family
13th – P. Straight, B. Middleton, Pat & Glenda McDonald
20th – The Paiges & The Hammers
27th – The Urbanec Family
NOVEMBER 2013
3rd – The Heese Family
10th – The McLaughlins & The Beesons
17th – Jim Curtiss, John Rees, Verlin & Elaine Francis
LECTORS
OCTOBER 2013
6th – Jan Liska
13th – Tami Worner
20th – Ken Marra
27th – Rachelle McCalla
NOVEMBER 2013
3rd – Gail McCorkindale
10th – Glenda McDonald
17th – Angie Nelson
24th – Candyce Peitz
ACOLYTES
OCTOBER 2013
6th – Gabriel Peitz
13th – Jon Worner
20th – Solomon Peitz
27th – Zach Urbanec
NOVEMBER 2013
3rd – Layne Heese
10th – Maddie Stenka
17th – Beau Bowers
24th – Shea Sweetland
October 2013 – First Presbyterian Church
|
Sunday |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Saturday |
1 Each Sunday Morning:
|
1
3:45 NE Nebraska Children’s Choir |
2
6:30 Presbyterian Women 7:30 HS Youth |
3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 6
Highway Cleanup after fellowship |
7
6:00 Scout Den Meeting |
8
3:45 NE Nebraska Children’s Choir |
9
7:30pm Jr. High Youth |
10 | 11
2:00 Wayne Women’s Club |
12 |
| 13
Congregation Meeting & Potluck following Worship (Pastor Appreciation Sunday!) |
14 | 15
3:45 NE Nebraska Children’s Choir |
16
6:30pm Sewing Souls 7:30pm HS Youth |
17 | 18 | 19 |
| 20 | 21
6:00 Scout Den Meeting |
22
3:45 NE Nebraska Children’s Choir |
23
7:30pm Jr. High Youth |
24 | 25 | 26
1:00 Session Records Review |
| 27 | 28
7:00 Session Meeting |
29
3:45 NE Nebraska Children’s Choir |
30
7:30 Mercy Meals Packing (Youth activity in Norfolk) |
31 | ||
OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS
(Would you like to see your birthday listed here?
Just contact the church office 402-375-2669 or fpcwayne@gmail.com)
5 Dale Johnson
8 John Fuelberth
10 Brook Bowers, Jon Worner
14 Sydney McCorkindale
15 Reggie Yates
15 Pat McDonald
16 Marilyn Yates
18 Ronald Clark
20 Braydn McCorkindale
21 Rob Sweetland
22 Eleanor McCalla
23 Stephanie Racely
First Presbyterian Church of Wayne, Nebraska 