Presbytidings –
November 2017
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.”
From the Pastor….
November brings cooler days and nights, raking leaves, the end of daylight savings time, completion of the harvest and Thanksgiving. Perhaps your attitude is one of sadness as warm summer days slide into shorter days and longer nights. Maybe you are happy to pull on a sweatshirt or sweater and exchange flip flops for boots. Do you look forward to activities like hunting, the upcoming basketball season, preparing for Thanksgiving or getting a head start on Christmas shopping?
As we move into November is your attitude one of thankfulness and gratitude or fear and frustration? This year we have seen not only natural disasters in the world around us, but also violence in many forms. These events weigh heavy on our minds and hearts, even if we are not personally affected. Our hearts go out to those who face the challenges of rebuilding homes and lives.
Christians are not exempt from hardship and challenges. We may experience changes in health, changes in residence, the loss of a job, broken relationships with family or friends, death of loved ones, natural disasters or be impacted by violence. It is true there may be many things in our lives, in the world, for which we are not thankful.
The apostle Paul had an attitude of gratitude even in the midst of hardship. Paul spent a lot of time in prison, wrote many of his letters as a prisoner. He started all but one of his letters, Galatians, giving thanks to God for the blessings in his life, especially for Jesus Christ. He also gave thanks for the lives and service of the friends and churches to which he was writing.
Even when confused and in the midst of persecution and imprisonment Paul exuded an attitude of thanksgiving. His thankfulness was not dependent on his circumstances, but was a matter of attitude. Paul’s attitude of thanksgiving grew from his relationship with Jesus Christ. He was so humbled by Christ’s sacrifice that he was always giving thanks. Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians while in jail, he penned; “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus…” (Phil. 2:5). Paul went on to explain how Jesus humbled himself, taking the form of a servant so that we might be saved from our sins. Attitude mattered for the Apostle Paul, who recognized that no matter his physical circumstances his relationship with Jesus was his greatest treasure. Paul wrote in Philippians 4:11-13;
“….for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him [Christ] who gives me strength.”
Attitudes do matter in how we see ourselves and the world around us. No matter the circumstances we can name things to be thankful for our homes, meaningful work, material blessings, our health, even if our abilities are diminished, our attitude should be one of gratitude for blessings large and small. Ultimately the things we should be most thankful for are not “things” but the blessings of relationships with family, friends, and our faith community and with Jesus Christ. Thanksgiving and gratitude for what Christ has done for each of us should flow from our relationship with Jesus and permeate every area of our lives; home, work, recreation as well as worship. As a faith community in worship we offer not only our praise but also renew our dedication to following Christ. Let us adopt Paul’s attitude of gratitude, not just this month, but always, so our hearts may be overflowing with gratitude to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
With an attitude of gratitude for God’s many blessings,
Pastor Teresa
FPC HERITAGE SUNDAY
The above were present on October 29th to be recognized for membership of 25 or more years.
Front Row- Left to Right- Philip Griess, Jack Beeson, Joann Proett, Jean Griess
Back Row – Bev Beeson, Wesley Beckenhauer, Jay O’Leary, Jane O’Leary, Anita Fuelberth,
John Fuelberth.
The congregation of Wayne’s First Presbyterian Church celebrated the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation and the roots of Presbyterianism which grew from the reformation on Sunday, October 29th. Theologian John Calvin, a leader in the Presbyterian Church, was a contemporary of Martin Luther’s, who along with other visionary clergy saw the need for reform in the Catholic Church of their day. The FPC congregation will spend the next few weeks learning about the 5 Sola’s of the reformation; “Grace Alone, Faith Alone, Christ Alone, Scripture Alone and To the Glory of God Alone.” Rooted in the reformation these doctrinal understandings are key elements of Presbyterian theology.
The congregation also heard a brief history of First Presbyterian Church. The first service was held in 1881 conducted by Rev. G.M Lodge of Shelby, Iowa, in December of 1881 the Presbyterian Church was chartered with 11 members. The current church building was constructed in 1898. Significant changes and improvements to the structure have been made through the years including the addition of a kitchen and Fellowship Hall in 1925. Through the years many projects to maintain and improve the building have taken place including the sanctuary renovation in 2016, painting the building and replacing the front entry steps and railing which were completed in 2017.
Deacons, Sunday school and Vacation Bible school programs have been a part of the life of the congregation from the early days. There have been men’s and women’s groups, choirs, quartets; the congregation organized a Boy Scout troop in the 1920’s. The church continues to minister to the community through the Food Pantry and Coat Closet housed at First Presbyterian Church.
Through the years the women of the church had been active in assisting with the work of the church and many projects related to the decoration or renovation of the manse and the church, offering not only labor but also funds.
The first woman elder was elected to the Session in 1964. Today the Session, the governing body of the local church, is composed of men and women who guide the mission and ministry of the congregation.
A display in Fellowship Hall featured historical photos as well as recent congregational activities and a list of those who have been members 25 years or more. It also contained a history written by Mrs. Dorothy Huse Nyberg for the 75th anniversary of the congregation in 1956. In addition a story by Jane O’Leary called the “Presbyterian Nail”, a light-hearted look at church history was included in the display. The congregation of First Presbyterian has raised up three men who entered the ministry; Lloyd Cunningham, John Wheatly and Willies Ickler.
Pastor Teresa Bartlett commented “The history of First Presbyterian shows the perseverance and faithfulness of its members in establishing and maintaining a house of worship. We give thanks for those who established this congregation in 1881 and all of the faithful members who have supported the ministry of the church through the years.”
As part of the Heritage Sunday celebration those of the congregation who have been members 25 years and longer were recognized. Pastor Bartlett said “It is wonderful to be able to celebrate the witness of 37 members who have participated in the life of this congregation for 25 or more years. We give thanks for God’s faithfulness and the variety of ways which the members of the congregation have been and continue to minister to the community.” A special time of fellowship was held following worship with cakes prepared by Audrey Harder.
The following members were recognized:
Sixty -five years plus – Erna Mellor, Wes Beckenhauer, Pat (Shirley) Straight, Joan Lage, Rick Lund.
Fifty-five years plus – Joann Proett , Gerrie Christensen, Phil Griess , Jack and Bev Beeson , Karen Marra,
Judy Griess
Forty-five years plus – Phyllis Hix, Jean Griess, Babs Middleton, Verlin and Elaine Francis,
Ken and Jan Liska, Joyce Reeg,
Thirty-five years plus– Jim and Sharyn Paige, Verianne McClain, Dennis and Nina Spangler,
Karen Johnson, John and Anita Fuelberth, Amy Bowers, Connie Bargstadt.
Twenty-five years plus – Glenda McDonald, Jill Sweetland, Jay and Jane O’Leary, Heidi Armstrong, Jill Scott, Ken Marra
DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME
Daylight Saving Time will end on Sunday, November 5, at 2:00am. Don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour, or you’ll have plenty of time for solitary meditation in the sanctuary!
COMMUNION
We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper on the following Sundays:
November 5th with Shari Dunklau as the communion elder.
December 3rd with Kevin Peterson as the communion elder.
SUPER SUNDAY!
Please join us for Super Sunday! on November 12th. Join us as we make a blessing tree. All ages are invited to gather from 9:00-9:45am.
DEACON MEETING
The deacons will meet Tuesday, November 14th at 4:15pm.
SEWING SOULS
Sewing Souls will meet Wednesday, November 15 at 6:30pm. Jackie Owens is the hostess that night. There will be no Sewing Souls meeting in December.
HANGING OF THE GREENS
We will be “Hanging of the Greens” and sharing a soup and sandwich lunch on Sunday, November 19th after worship. Stay tuned for details.
COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING SERVICE
Everyone is invited gather on Sunday evening, 11/19, at Our Savior Lutheran Church for a Thanksgiving worship service. We will begin 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. Pastor Teresa will provide the message that evening.
THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY
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
SESSION
The Session will gather on Monday, November 27, at 7:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.
RADIO DEVOTIONS
Pastor Teresa will be giving devotions on 104.9 Big Red Country KTCH the week of November 27th –December 1st at 5:40am.
RING AROUND WAYNE
The Wayne community handbell concert will be Monday, 12/4, at the Armory at 7:30pm. Our own Presbyterian Pealers will be performing alongside the other local groups. Please show your support!
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN
Presbyterian Women will meet on Wednesday, December 6th at 6:30pm. Martha Svoboda will lead the Bible study. The annual cookie exchange will also take place.
FPC CHRISTMAS BAND
It’s time to dust off your instrument and play in the First Presbyterian Band! The program will be December 17th, and anyone who plays an instrument is welcome, including beginners and friends of our church. Please contact Jay O’Leary if you have questions.
MITTEN TREE
Please help us decorate our annual mitten tree this holiday season with gloves, hats, scarves and mittens. It will be in Fellowship Hall in December.
WAYNE FOOD PANTRY & COAT CLOSET
We are expecting a very busy holiday season at both the Food Pantry and the Coat Closet. Please consider making a donation to our programs. 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.
LOOKING AHEAD TO ADVENT & CHRISTMAS
- The Hanging of the Greens will take place after worship on 11/19. Stick around to help decorate our building in anticipation of Christmas!
- This Advent season the Confirmation youth will be leading the Advent lighting and readings during worship.
- Begin the advent season by supporting our Presbyterian Pealers at Ring Around Wayne on Monday, December 4th at 7:30pm in the National Guard Armory.
- We will go caroling to Brookdale and Careage in December. Time and date to be announced.
- The Youth Christmas program will be held Sunday, December 10 during the worship service.
- The FPC Christmas Band will be performing during worship on Sunday, December 17th.
- Our Christmas Eve Service will be held at 5:30pm.
WITH THANKS…
Dear Presbyterian Friends, thank you for the get well wishes and thinking of me while I was recovering from my broken fibula. Your cards were very much appreciated and brightened my days as I received each one of them. May God bless each one of you. – Audrey Harder
- Our thanks to Glenda McDonald for providing the beautiful fall decoration for our church faithfully every year.
- Thank you to Jodi Pulfer for the planters with chrysanthemums in front of the church earlier this fall.
- Thanks to Jodi Pulfer and Shari Dunklau for the transitional decorations outside the narthex.
- Thanks to Jane O’Leary for the cornucopias provided for Heritage Sunday.
FIND US ON FACEBOOK
First Presbyterian Church – Wayne, Nebraska
CHURCH RUSTIC TREASURE ACCOUNT
If you would like to donate items to the Church’s Rustic Treasure accounts, the numbers are listed below. Just take your item to the store counter, and give them the account number listed below. The proceeds will come back to us:
First Presbyterian Church #1220 Wayne Food Pantry #442
Lector/Greeter Schedule for November 2017
| 11/5/2017 | Candyce Peitz | The Peitz Family | ||
| 11/12/2017 | Gail McCorkindale | The McCorkindale Family | ||
| 11/19/2017 | Milton Owens | The Urbanec Family | ||
| 11/26/2017 | Candyce Peitz | tba | Jim & Shari Paige |
November 2017 – First Presbyterian Church
| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
| Each Sunday Morning:
o Handbell Choir 8:45 o Worship 10:00 o Fellowship 11:00
|
1
6:30 Presbyterian Women 7:00 Confirmation
|
2 | 3 | 4 | ||
| 5
Communion
|
6
9:30 WCFC Meeting 7:00 Scout Den Meeting |
7 | 8
7:oo Confirmation 8:00 Youth Group |
9 | 10 | 11 |
| 12
9:00 Super Sunday!
|
13
7:00 Scout Den Meeting |
14 | 15
6:30 Sewing Souls 7:00 Confirmation |
16
10:00 Presbytery @ Nebraska City |
17 | 18 |
| 19
11:00 Hanging of the Greens with lunch 5:00 Ecumenical Thanksgiving service at OSLC
|
20
7:00 Scout Den Meeting |
21 | 22
3:30 Pastor leads chapel at Brookdale 8:00 Youth Group
|
23
Church Office closed |
24
Church Office Closed |
25 |
| 26
|
27
*5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living
7:00 Session Meeting
|
28
*5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living
|
29
*5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living
7:00 Confirmation |
30
*5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living
|
1
*5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living
|
|
(Would you like to see your birthday listed here?
Just contact the church office 402-375-2669 or fpcwayne@gmail.com)
NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS
2 Phyllis Hix
6 Brandon Beair
7 Rick Lund
10 Kevin Peterson
12 Ken Liska
12 Mark McCorkindale
13 Katherine Butler
14 Audrey Harder
18 John Gradwohl
28 David ‘Max’ McElwain
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First Presbyterian Church of Wayne, Nebraska 