Presbytidings – November 2014

The Newsletter of First Presbyterian Church

216 West Third Street, Wayne, Nebraska 68787

(402) 375-2669 + www.fpcwayne.org

“Our chief end is to glorify and enjoy God forever.”

A WORD FROM THE PASTOR

William Whiting Borden was born in 1887 in Chicago to a wealthy family (think Borden dairy). When he graduated from high school at age 16, he was already a millionaire, and as a graduation present, his parents gave him a trip around the world. As he traveled the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Europe, his heart ached for the lost. As a Christian, he determined that he was going to go to the mission field to reach people for Christ. Some of his friends contended that William was “throwing himself away as a missionary.” But with uncommon focus, Bill wrote two words in the back of his Bible in response to the naysaying: “No Reserves.”

Borden went to Yale University and proved himself to be a young man of uncommon spiritual maturity. He led a revival of sorts at Yale, successfully connecting 1,000 of Yale’s 1,300 students into prayer groups. In one of his journal entries during college, Bill wrote: “Say ‘no’ to self and ‘yes’ to Jesus every time.” One of Borden’s friends said about him, “Although he was a millionaire, Bill seemed to realize always that he must be about his Father’s business, and not wasting time in the pursuit of amusement.” Upon graduation from Yale, Borden turned down some high-paying job offers. In his Bible, he wrote two more words below his previous entry: “No retreats.”

Following college, Bill enrolled at Princeton Theological Seminary, a Presbyterian seminary in New Jersey. His focus grew around reaching the Muslim Kansu people of China. Once that goal was in sight, Borden never wavered. When he finished his studies at Princeton, he set sail for China. But since his goal was to be a missionary to Muslims, he stopped in Egypt to learn Arabic.

While staying in Egypt, tragedy struck William Borden. He contracted spinal meningitis, and within a month, the 25-year-old Chicagoan was dead. When news reached the States, nearly every American newspaper carried the story. Borden’s biographer later wrote that, “A wave of sorrow went round the world…Borden not only gave (away) his wealth, but himself, in a way so joyous and natural that it (seemed) a privilege rather than a sacrifice.”

And to us, this may all seem like a huge calamity, even a waste of a perfectly good young life. We may theorize, “Couldn’t he have done more with his wealth than going on a dangerous mission that got him killed? Why did Borden have to be so focused on his crazy plan?” Even at the end of his life, William Borden didn’t see his life as a waste, though. Prior to his death, he wrote two more words in the back of his Bible, underneath the other two entries. The last one said, “No regrets.”

If anything, Borden’s selfless and Christ-focused life is an indictment against our wishy-washy “pursuit of amusement.” Is there anything we would be willing to sacrifice our lives for? Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” (Mark 8:34b-37)

And that bit about taking up a cross, by the way, isn’t promoting arbitrary suffering for no good reason; and it doesn’t mean that we have to go to China to commit our lives to reaching the lost for Jesus. But Jesus’ invitation to take up our cross means that we must die to self—to be crucified with him—so that we can live for him. Or, as William Borden put it, “Say ‘no’ to self and ‘yes’ to Jesus every time.”

The question for us, then, is, What are we willing to “throw away ourselves” for? When we reach the end of our lives—whether we are 25 or 95—will we be able to say that we gave ourselves over to something that made an eternal difference, or not?

William Borden was buried in the American Cemetery in Cairo. His gravestone says this:

A Man in Christ

He arose and forsook all and followed Him

Kindly affectioned with brotherly love

Fervent in spirit serving the Lord

Rejoicing in hope patient in tribulation

Instant in prayer

Communicating to the necessity of saints

In honour preferring others

Apart from faith in Christ there is no explanation for such a life.

Although such a story about William Borden may not make sense to everyone, it makes perfect sense when you take into consideration faith in Christ. May this be explanation that gives shape to our lives.

Pastor Ray

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME REMINDER

Daylight Saving Time ends the first weekend of November. Don’t forget to set your clock back one hour this weekend!

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COMMUNION

We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper on Sunday, November 2, and Sunday, December 7.

 SESSION

The Session will gather on Monday, November 17, at 7:00 p.m. in the Music Room (upstairs). Please note that this is the third Monday, rather than our typical fourth Monday.

RAKE AND BAKE

High school youth from all over Wayne will be doing a service project together on Sunday, 11/2, from 1:00-5:00. Meet at St. Mary’s parking lot, and wear work clothes!

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH

On Sunday, 11/9, we will be praying for Christians all over the globe who are persecuted for their faith. For more information about the International Day of Prayer, please visit www.persecution.com/idop.

COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING SERVICE

Christians in Wayne will gather on Sunday evening, 11/23, at the First United Methodist Church sanctuary for a worship service of giving thanks. The service will start at 5:00pm, and a soup-and-pie supper will follow in their fellowship hall. Please help us provide soup and pies by signing up at the Opportunity Table.

THANKSGIVING DAY

The church office will be closed both Thursday and Friday this Thanksgiving holiday. Please, do not hesitate to leave a message if you have a need at either (402)375-2669 or fpcwayne@gmail.com

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

Presbyterian Women will meet on Wednesday, November 5^th at 6:30pm. Karen Johnson will lead the Bible study on Reconciling Paul. Elaine Francis will be the hostess.

SEWING SOULS

A variety of projects are underway for local missions and Calvin Crest. Come sew with us on Wednesday, November 19^th at 6:30pm. Babs Middleton will be the hostess.

FPC COOKBOOK

The Presbyterian Women would like to complete the church cookbook by Christmas. Please send any new favorite recipes you have found to julind42@abbnebraska.com or put a copy in the Presbyterian Women’s box in Fellowship Hall.  We would like to dedicate this project in memory of Sandra Metz. Thanks for your help with this project.

YOUTH GROUPS

High School Youth Group will meet 11/5 and 11/19, from 7:30-8:30pm.

Junior High Youth Group will meet on 11/12. There will be no Jr. High Youth on 11/26, due to Thanksgiving break.

BROWN-BAG BIBLE STUDY

Join us for stimulating conversation as we explore our deepest questions about God and the Bible! Wednesdays at noon, in the Goldenrod Room (WSC Student Center), while classes are in session.

WAYNE FOOD PANTRY

We are expecting a very busy holiday season at the Food Pantry Please consider making either a cash or financial donation to our program. There is a great need in our community, please be generous. Please contact Jenny at the church office fpcwayne@gmail.com if you have any questions.

HOMESTEAD PRESBYTERY

Our presbytery will gather at the Clarkson Zion Presbyterian Church on Thursday, 11/20, from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Ray and Rachelle will be attending; if you would like to go along, please contact them!

SERMONS ON THE WEB

Pastor Ray’s sermons can be heard on our Web site: www.fpcwayne.org/media.

NATIONAL DONOR SABBATH WEEKEND

Become an organ, eye and tissue donor. November 14-16^th is the National Donor Sabbath Weekend. Please talk to your family members about becoming a donor.  For more information, call 1-800-718-LIFE or go to www.DonatelifeNebraska.com

DRIVE FOR THE KIDS

Help us collect supplies for area kids who are in need. We are supporting: Haven House of Wayne, the Ronald McDonald House of Siouxland, Head Start of Wayne, and the Rainbow World Child Care Center. Donations may be dropped in Fellowship Hall. The drive will continue through Sunday, December 7^th.

NORFOLK RESCUE MISSION BANQUET

The Norfolk Rescue Mission’s 18^th annual banquet will take place on Thursday, November 6 at Divot’s DeVent Center at 6:30pm. They would like to share their vision with you. Enjoy a delicious meal, listen to inspiring music and be challenged by a dynamic speaker. Tickets are FREE, Reservations are required. Call 402-371-6484 today!

PROVIDENCE MEDICAL CENTER GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP

Providence Medical Center is offering a Grief Support Group on Tuesday evenings through November 11^th beginning from 6-8 pm. Please contact Shirley in the Home Health/Hospice office at (402) 375-4288 for more information.

2016 SCOTLAND HOMESTEAD PRESBYTERY PILGRIMAGE

Scotland May 20-28, 2016 Discover our Presbyterian heritage while enjoying magnificent landscapes, and welcoming, friendly people. Please join us in this exciting pilgrimage! For more information: www.homesteadpres.org or 402-474-0612

CALVARY KID’S CLUB

Calvary Bible Evangelical Free Church is starting an afternoon children’s program on Tuesday from 3:45-5:00pm. The program is for K-6^th grades. They will use the curriculum from the Child Evangelism Fellowship program. Please call (402) 375-4946 or (402)860 3059 for more information.

LOOKING AHEAD TO ADVENT & CHRISTMAS

• The Christmas/Advent Decoration Party will be held after worship on 11/30. Stick around to help decorate our building in anticipation of Christmas!
• The children’s Christmas program will be during worship on Sunday, December Misty Beair and Melissa Murphy are organizing the program. If you would like to help, please contact them.
• We will go caroling to CareAge and The Oaks on Wednesday, 12/17 during supper time.

PLEASE PRAY FOR:

• Our unchurched neighbors
• All who are battling cancer
• All who live in care centers
• CrossPoint Campus Ministry and our college students
• Peace in the Middle East
• Persecuted Christians in Egypt, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, and North Korea
• Unity among Christians

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

First Presbyterian Church – Wayne, Nebraska

 

GREETERS: NOVEMBER 2014

2^nd – John & Anita Fuelberth, Phil & Jean Griess

9^th – Ken & Jan Liska, Ken & Karen Marra

16^th – Scott & Lindsay McLaughlin, Jim & Shari Paige

23^rd – The Heese Family

30^th – Milton & Jackie Owens, Jim Lindau & Joyce Reeg

GREETERS: DECEMBER 2014

7^th – Jim Curtiss, Pat Straight, Karen Johnson, Babs Middleton

14^th – The McCorkindale Family

21^st – The Peitz Family

24^th – The Peterson Family

28^th – The Pulfer Family

LECTORS: NOVEMBER 2014

2^nd – Marta Pulfer

9^th – Larry Heese

16^th – Greg Worner

23^rd – Karen Johnson

30^th – Mark Hammer

LECTORS: DECEMBER 2014

7^th – Tiffany Heese

14^th – Judy Lindberg

21^st – Jim Lindau

24^th – (signup sheet)

28^th – Jan Liska

ACOLYTES: NOVEMBER 2014

2^nd – Jon Worner

9^th – Emily Worner

16^th – Cate Worner

23^rd – Gen McCalla

30^th – Nina Hammer

ACOLYTES: DECEMBER 2014

7^th – Bralen Murphy

14^th – Andy Wibben

21^st – Braydn McCorkindale

24^th – Eleanor McCalla

28^th – Bo Armstrong

November 2014 – First Presbyterian Church

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
Each Sunday Morning: Handbell Choir 8:45 Church School 9:00 Confirmation Class 9:00 Worship 10:00 Fellowship 11:00						1
2 Daylight Saving Time Ends 1:30 Planetarium Show @ WSC Rake and Bake 1:00-5:00pm	3 6:00 Scout Den Meeting	4 7:00am – 8:00pm Election Day	5 12:00pm Brown Bag Bible Study 6:30pm Presbyterian Women 7:30pm High School Youth	6	7	8
9 Installation service at FPC Norfolk 4pm	10	11 Veterans Day	12 12pm Brown Bag Bible Study 7:30pm Jr. High  Youth	13	14	15
16 Congregational Meeting 11:00am	17 6:00 Scout Den Meeting 7:00 Session  Mtg	18	19 6:30pm Sewing Souls 7:30pm High School Youth	20	21	22
23 Community Thanksgiving Service – FUMC 5:00pm	24	25	26	27 Thanksgiving Day – Office Closed	28 Office closed	29
30 Advent Decorating Party after Worship!

NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS

(Would you like to see your birthday listed here?

Just contact the church office 402-375-2669 or fpcwayne@gmail.com)

2        Phyllis Hix

6         Brandon Beair

7        Rick Lund

10        Kevin Peterson

12        Ken Liska, Mark McCorkindale

13        Katherine Butler, Tillie Jones, & Rachelle McCalla

14        Audrey Harder

18        John Gradwohl

28        David McElwain

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