Presbytidings – February 2018
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……
If you asked a dozen people “What is church and what its role in the world is today?” you would probably get a dozen different answers. 1 Corinthians 12:27-28 says “The Church is the body of Christ. Christ gives to the Church all the gifts necessary to be his body. The Church strives to demonstrate these gifts in its life as a community in the world.”
How do we demonstrate to the world that we are the body of Christ? Our PC (USA) Book of Order (Constitution) says the church is to be a community of faith, hope, love and witness[*]. This is no small task; we are drawn together by our faith and trust in Jesus Christ; however, building bonds of faith and trust across a group of people of diverse ages and interests takes work. We are the body of Christ, beautiful in its diversity, and always challenged to overcome personal opinions and preferences to follow Christ’s calling together.
The church is called to be a community of hope, a witness to the fact that through Christ God is preparing a new creation. The Church both participates in that new creation as well as looks forward to the promised new creation. The Book of Order also says the church “… is to be a community of love, where sin is forgiven, reconciliation is accomplished, and the dividing walls of hostility are torn down.[†] The Church is to be a community of witness, pointing beyond itself through word and work to the good news of God’s transforming grace in Christ Jesus its Lord.” The church is where we learn to be community, we learn compassion and love, we learn to care for our neighbor, we learn service.
Jean Vanier, in his book “Jesus, the Gift of Love”[‡] wrote the following piece entitled “Where We Learn.” Vanier knows about the challenges of developing community among diverse people, he is the founder of L’Arche, an international network of communities for people with intellectual disabilities. His words hold truth and challenge as they remind us that Jesus calls us into community with each other, not just people that look and think like us.
“Jesus had called them together to form community with him and around him
and with many other disciples, men and women, a bonding deeper than family ties.
Community where they learned to care for each other, where each one had his or her place
and gift to exercise, where they learned also about their brokenness, jealousy,
their desire for power and their need for forgiveness and healing, their need also to forgive;
where they learned continually to be open to the poor, the lame, the broken, and the blind.
Not a closed community for security, but a community for healing and for helping each one grow
in freedom and in love:
a community of mutual support which announced the good news by its existence
and from which some could go out to announce the good news of God’s love.
Jesus loved these men and women who had left all to be with him…
Those who follow Jesus and give up all for him will receive all from Jesus.”
As Christ followers, our community should be a place of welcome, of love and compassion, forgiveness and healing, a place of where our faith is stretched and deepened, where we are drawn ever closer to Christ and each other. Let each one commit this year to helping this congregation be a place where faith, hope, love and witness are a part of our spoken and unspoken witness to God’s faithfulness in our lives.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Teresa
Prayer for Lent
Let me keep Lent.
Let me not kneel and pray,
Forego some trifle every day,
Fast-and take sacrament-
And then,
Lend tongue to slander, hold ancient grudge,
Deny,
The very Lord whom I would glorify.
Let me keep Lent.
Let my heart grow in grace.
Let thy light shine till my illumined face
Will be a testament
Read by all…
That hate is buried; self-crucified;
New-born the sprit that shall rise on Easter morn.
Let me keep Lent.
Author Unknown
The season of Lent is a time of expectation and preparation which begins 40 days before Easter. Lent is to Easter what Advent is to Christmas. Easter is a movable celebration which means it is always the first Sunday after the first full moon after March 21st, then you count backwards 40 days, not including Sundays to Ash Wednesday. This year it is unusual that Lent begins and ends on other holidays; Ash Wednesday falls on Valentine’s Day and Easter on April 1s.
During the Lenten season we remember Christ’s ultimate sacrifice for the sins of humanity. Lent is a time of self-examination and preparation for Easter as we walk the road with Christ from the wilderness to Jerusalem and finally to Golgotha. Lent is a season of humility and repentance rather than the expectant joy of the Advent season.
Christians often choose to make personal sacrifices during Lent, giving up something to remind them of Christ’s sacrifice for each of us. It may be that during Lent you would like to add a personal discipline or practice to your life, acts of service, prayer or Scripture or devotional reading. Whatever the practice or discipline, Lent calls us to reflect on our lives and relationship with Christ.
The church uses a variety of colors and symbols to help tell Jesus’ story during Lent, from his time in the wilderness to his death on the cross and overcoming sin and death through his resurrection. We may see symbols that reflect Christ’s time in the wilderness, such as stones and dry grasses. When we gather for worship on Ash Wednesday you may choose to be marked with ashes which symbolize sorrow and repentance. The cup and bread are often displayed during the Lenten season as well as a towel and bowl which represent the Christ as the suffering servant. Other symbols associated with Lent and Easter include the crown of thorns, nails, the cross, the rooster, a bag of coins and a whip.
Each season of the church year has certain colors associated with it, the color for Lent is purple, which indicates penitence or repentance which is used on the pulpit and communion table. The color for Good Friday is black symbolizing sorrow. Easter Sunday you will see white on the communion table and pulpit. Easter lilies are also a part of the celebration as we declare on Easter Sunday, Christ’s triumph over death. Please plan to join us as we hear, see and experience again the story of Christ’s love for humanity during Lent and Easter.
Lenten Mid- Week Worship Services.
Do you ever feel the noise of the world around us keeps you from find times of rest, of sitting quietly and being in God’s presence? Most of us have a hard time finding time to listen for God. During our mid-week services this Lenten season we will seek the quiet and heighten our attention to hear the “still, small voice” of God as well as our own. The theme of our Lenten midweek services will be “Listen.” We will listen for God through prayer and meditation on Scripture.
We will begin the season with our Ash Wednesday worship and then beginning February 21st, we will continue the FPC Lenten tradition of joining together for a meal followed by worship. Join us for fellowship and worship as we seek to step away from the noise and busyness of the world to listen for God this Lenten season.
February 14th: Ash Wednesday; Finding Your Life; Listening Deeply
February 21st: Finding Your Cave: Listening Spaces
February 28th: Finding Your Breath: Listening to Our Bodies
March 7th: Finding a Word: Listening to the Texts
March 14th: Finding Your Power: Listening for Healing
March 21st: Finding Your Mystic: Listening Beyond the Voices
LOOKING AHEAD TO ASH WEDNESDAY
Observe a holy Lenten season this year. We will begin Lent with an Ash Wednesday service February 14th at 6:30pm.
LENTEN SUPPERS AND SERVICES
Our church family will gather for weekly suppers during Lent, beginning on Wednesday, February 21st, at 6:00pm. (Watch for the sign-up sheets on the Opportunity Table in Fellowship Hall.) Following the suppers, we will gather at 7:00pm for Lenten service.
COMMUNION
We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper on:
Sunday, February 4th (Misty Beair, Communion set-up elder)
Sunday, March 4th (Communion elder TBD)
Sunday, April 1st, Easter (Communion elder TBD)
SUPER SUNDAY SCHOOL!
The next Super Sunday School will take place Sunday, February 11th at 9:00am. We will discuss Lent and the various spiritual practices at this time of year. Christians often use familiar practices such as prayer, fasting, or giving up of something to be in solidarity with Christ. There are a wide variety of practices Christians can use to deepen their walk with Christ. Some people use journaling or other forms of artwork as a spiritual practice. The group will be preparing prayer journals for the Wednesday evening Lent worship services as we prepare to “Listen” for God. We will gather upstairs in the music room for our time of fellowship and creativity. Hope to see you on the 11th.
COMMUNITY CHAPEL SERVICE
Pastor Teresa will lead chapel services at Careage on Sunday, February 18th at 1:30pm. All are welcome to join her there.
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN
Presbyterian Women will continue to meet in the afternoons during February and March.
- Our next meeting is Wednesday, February 7th at 1:00 p.m. We begin each meeting with Bible Study. This month is Lesson 5 in Cloud of Witnesses: The Community of Christ in Hebrews. Glenda McDonald will lead the lesson. Following Bible study we will have our monthly meeting and continue planning for Spring Gathering on Saturday, April 5th. Jackie Owens is hostess.
- In March, we will meet on Wednesday the 7th at 1:00. Jackie Owens will be our Bible study leader for Lesson 6 and Martha Svoboda is hostess.
SEWING SOULS
- Sewing Souls will meet on Wednesday, February 21st at 1:00to continue work on a variety of projects. Karen Johnson is Hostess
- Sewing Souls will meet in March on the 21st at 1:00pm. Joyce Voyles will be the hostess.
SESSION
The Session will gather on Monday, February 26, at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
THE CHURCH DIRECTORY UPDATE
Have you changed your phone number or moved lately? Please use the update sheet on the Opportunity Table to make any changes to your current listing.
ELDER LIST 2018
Elder Class of 2018: Misty Beair, Gail McCorkindale, Jay O’Leary
Elder Class of 2019: Jim Curtiss, Jim Paige, Kevin Peterson
Elder Class of 2020: Glenda McDonald, Scott McLaughlin, Kent Pulfer
DEACON LIST 2018
Deacons Class of 2018: Karen Marra, Jill Sweetland
Deacons Class of 2019: Jan Liska, Jackie Owens
Deacons Class of 2020: Karen Johnson, Melissa Urbanec
HOMESTEAD PRESBYTERY
Our presbytery will gather on Saturday, 2/17, beginning at 10:00am, in Lincoln. Pastor Teresa will be attending, elders are welcomed to attend with her.
FPC ANNUAL REPORT
Our Annual Meeting was held on Sunday, January 28th. If you would like a copy of the report, you can pick up a copy on the Opportunity Table or contact Jenny at fpcwayne@gmail.com
CHURCH RUSTIC TREASURE ACCOUNTS
First Presbyterian Church #1220 Wayne Food Pantry #442
MANY THANKS!
- To the Wayne First Presbyterian Congregation: Thanks so much for the Christmas gift of Chamber dollars. I appreciate such a kind recognition. – Jane O’Leary
- Dear Congregation of First Presbyterian Church: There are no words to say enough thank yous to you for the cards and prayers you sent my way after I fell. It was so appreciated. Glen & I also want to say how much we appreciated the church letting Teresa have those extra days with us. Things were so confusing so it was a lifesaver to have her and get things straightened out. Hopefully she can make up the time somehow. Even though many miles separate us we feel close to your congregation. May God bless you all. Peace and prayers, Carolyn & Glen Confer
ROTARY BAKED POTATO FEED
The annual Rotary Potato Bake & Dessert Bar will be held Sunday, 2/11 from 11am-1:00pm at the Wayne City Auditorium. Adults $6 ($7 at the door), Children (8 & under) $3. St. Mary’s will also be holding their bake sale at this event!
KIWANIS PANCAKE FEED
The annual Kiwanis Pancake Feed will be held Tuesday, 2/13 from 5:00-7:30pm at the Wayne City Auditorium. Adults $7 ($8 at the door), Children (10 & under) $4. Proceeds support youth activities in our community.
HEAR WHAT GOD IS DOING IN SOUTH SUDAN
The Westminster Presbyterian Church in Lincoln, NE invites everyone to hear how Presbyterians are working to fix the water crisis in South Sudan. Rev. Rhonda Kruse (Mission Engagement Advisor) and Debbie Braaksma (Africa Area Coordinator) will be speaking on Saturday, February 24th from 5:30-7:00pm. A meal is also provided to those who attend. You must rsvp by February 16th. For more information see the poster in Fellowship Hall, or contact our church office at 402-375-2669 or fpcwayne@gmail.com
PLEASE PRAY FOR:
- Our community
- Our schools and teachers
- Our unchurched neighbors
- All who are battling cancer
- All who live in care centers
- Peace in the Middle East
- Persecuted Christians in Egypt, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, and North Korea
FIND US ON FACEBOOK
First Presbyterian Church – Wayne, Nebraska
FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS
(Would you like to see your birthday listed here?
Just contact the church office 402-375-2669 or fpcwayne@gmail.com)
7 Karen McElwain
10 Jodi Pulfer
20 Karen Marra
25 Pat Straight, Gabriel Peitz
27 Jan Liska
28 Amy Bowers
February 2018 – First Presbyterian Church
| Sunday | Mon-day | Tues-day | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
| Each Sunday Morning:
· Handbell Choir 8:45 · Worship 10:00 · Fellowship 11:00 |
1
KTCH devotions 5:40am |
2
KTCH devotions 5:40am |
3 | |||
| 4 Communion | 5
9:30 Wayne County Family Coalition 7pm Scout Den Meeting |
6 | 7
1:00 PW 7:00 Confirmation 8:00 Youth Group |
8 | 9 | 10 |
| 11
9:00 Super Sunday! 11:00 Ordination & Installation of Officers |
12
7:00 Scout Den Meeting |
13
4:15 Deacons Meeting |
14
7pm Ash Wednesday Service |
15 | 16 | 17
Homestead Presbytery Prime in Lincoln |
| 18
1:30 Careage Chapel |
19
7:00 Scout Den Meeting |
20 | 21
1pm Sewing Souls 6pm Soup Supper 7pm Lent Service |
22 | 23 | 24 |
| 25 | 26
7:00 Session Meeting |
27 | 28
6pm Soup Supper 7pm Lent Service 8pm Youth Group |
1
|
2 | 3 |
Greeter, Lector & Communion Elder Schedule
A quarterly 2018 lector & greeter schedule will be available later this month. As in the past, please find a replacement if you cannot make it, and contact the church office about any changes. If you would still like to be added, we would be happy to put your name on the substitute list. Thank you!
Lector/Greeter Schedule for February 2018
| 2/4/2018 | Sarah Wibben | Jackie & Milton Owens | Kevin Peterson | |
| 2/11/2018 | Jeryl Nelson | Jodi & Kent Pulfer | Jeryl Nelson | |
| 2/18/2018 | Braydn McCorkindale | Glenda & Pat McDonald | Jim Curtiss | |
| 2/25/2018 | Madison Urbanec | Jean & Phil Griess | The Hammers |
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[*] PC(USA) Book of Order F-1.0301, The Church is the body of Christ.
[†] PC(USA) Book of Order F-1.0301, The Church is the body of Christ.
[‡] From the magazine “Give us This Day” Liturgical Press. January 2018 pg. 202
First Presbyterian Church of Wayne, Nebraska 