Presbytidings –
November 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.”
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING – NOVEMBER 11th
The Session has called a congregational meeting for November 11th following worship. At the meeting we will elect a new class of deacons and elders. Approve the terms of call for the Pastor for 2019. In addition the Session is requesting a change to the bylaws which will reduce the number of elders from 9 to 6 over the course of the next three years. Copies of the bylaw changes will be available prior to the meeting. Should weather prohibit meeting on the 11th or having a quorum the congregation meeting will be held on November 18th.
From the Pastor…
October 31st was Reformation Day; it’s the date in 1517 when Martin Luther, a professor at the University of Wittenberg and priest of the City Church, posted his 95 Theses in Wittenberg, Germany protesting the Catholic Church’s sale of indulgences. Indulgences were sold as a way to release a loved one from purgatory, to relieve one from sin; in reality indulgences were a fund raising effort for the building of the Basilica of St. Peter by Pope Leo X. Luther was not alone, there had been other voices speaking against the church and calling for reform, some voices were silenced violently, yet reformation work was continued by Luther and his successors.
Most historians say it was Luther’s 95 Theses, his theological reasons against the sale of indulgences and other practices of the Catholic Church that led to the reformation. Luther didn’t start out to establish a new church, only reform some practices of the Catholic Church, but in time his work led to the establishment of the Lutheran church. Theologians like Ulrich Zwingli and John Calvin followed Luther’s lead and from their work the Reformed Protestant churches, such as the Presbyterian were born.
Luther thought rather than support the extravagant lifestyle of the Pope and the building of churches the wealthy Catholic Church could do more to help the poor. Care for those in society became an important issue for Reformers as they stressed that each state or country had a responsibility for the “…transformation of society for the betterment of all persons.”[*] Luther was a public theologian in his day speaking out against excesses of the church and calling for change in the church and society.
The reformation period was a turbulent time in Europe, change was resisted, and society was in turmoil. The turbulence of the Reformation brings to mind other periods in history when there has been division and schism. Times when Christians stepped out against the prevailing culture to work for change and justice. Martin Luther King Jr. comes to mind for his work with civil rights. Martin Luther King Jr. was jailed and eventually assassinated for his work. Luther for his stance was branded a heretic and was eventually excommunicated from the Catholic Church. Luther and Martin Luther King encountered challenges and violence in their work for the “…transformation of society for the betterment of all persons.”
The current mid- term election cycle and the level and type of political rhetoric we’ve heard has brought to my mind these other turbulent periods in history when society has been divided by words, actions and even violence. Faith and our understanding of Scripture help us understand the world, gives meaning and purpose to our lives and how we view and interact with others. Some say faith and politics don’t mix however cognitive or not, one’s politics, beliefs about society and how it should function, are informed by one’s faith which also informs decisions about what causes one supports, as well as the use of personal resources.
How might our faith help us bridge the divide society is currently experiencing and think about common goals, shared hopes and the place of where faith and community needs intersect? I recall a 2016 conversation about community and politics with radio host Krista Tippett, E.J. Dionne, and David Brooks. Brooks, an author and columnist for The New York Times, noted that religion can play a role in shaping individuals and society. Brook’s said;
“ I long for a more active religious voice in the public square — and I have a set of formulas, where — we need to become more communitarian in a society that has become too individual. We need to become more moralistic in a society that’s too utilitarian. And we need to be more emotional in a society that is too cognitive. And religion speaks those three languages very well.”[†]
Religion can be a way to create richer community life, develop and deepen the moral framework of individuals, as well as society and foster compassion and empathy. We can do this by getting to know our neighbors, building relationships, listening to opinions other than our own, working with those whom we many not always agree. Jesus taught “‘Love your neighbor as yourself,” (Matthew 22:39). Our loving actions should include grace and mercy, we are to be about inclusion rather than exclusion. We Presbyterians profess in our Brief Statement of Faith that “…we are to work with others for justice, freedom and peace.”
The world, our country, our communities, even our churches are in constant reform, change and growth is seldom easy, often painful yet we can be a part of reshaping our society, not to our personal vision but to God’s vision of a society that is loving, merciful, a society in which we care for one another and justice is not withheld. Let us pray for wisdom, for openness to hear God’s guidance, to see the face of God in others and continue to work for the “…transformation of society for the betterment of all persons”[‡] through our actions, words and prayers.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Teresa
DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME
Daylight Saving Time will end on Sunday, November 4, 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 4th with Kevin Peterson as the communion elder.
December 2nd with Glenda McDonald as the communion elder.
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN
Presbyterian Women will meet Wednesday, November 7th at 2:00pm. Jackie Owens will lead the Bible study which will be lesson 2. Karen Johnson is the hostess.
SEWING SOULS
The Sewing Souls meeting for November is yet to be announced.
COMMUNITY CHAPEL SERVICES
Pastor Teresa will lead chapel services at the following locations throughout the month of November:
- RADIO DEVOTIONS Pastor Teresa will be giving devotions on 104.9 Big Red Country KTCH the week of November 12th – 16th at 5:40am.
- BROOKDALE CHAPEL Pastor will lead chapel at Brookdale on Wednesday, November 14th at 1:30pm.
DEACON MEETING
The deacons will meet Tuesday, November 13th at 4:15pm.
YOUTH GROUP
FPC Youth Group continues to meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month. The dates for November will be 11/14 & 11/28 at 7:30pm.
HOMESTEAD PRESBYTERY
Our presbytery will gather at Hickman, NE on Thursday, 11/15, beginning at 10:00am.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY HOUSE DEDICATION
We invite you to join the Wayne Area Habitat for Humanity group as they dedicate & bless the latest build for the Nicole Owens (Jon Webb) family on Sunday, November 18 1:30-3pm at the First Presbyterian Church of Wayne. The home will be blessed and dedicated from 3:00-3:30pm at 319 S. Nebraska Street. Habitat builds simple, decent houses with the help of the partner families and sells them to qualifying families at no-profit and no-interest. Homeowners must repay the cost of building their home with no interest charge and 100% of the mortgage payments going towards the funding of future Habitat houses.
COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING SERVICE
Everyone is invited gather on Sunday evening, 11/18, at St, Mary’s Catholic 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.
THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY
The church office will be open on Monday, November 19th from 9-noon, and will be closed both Thursday and Friday for the 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 26, at 7:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.
HANGING OF THE GREENS
We will be “Hanging of the Greens” on Sunday, December 2nd after worship. Stay tuned for details.
RING AROUND WAYNE
The Wayne community handbell concert will be Sunday, 12/2, at the Wayne City Auditorium at 3:00pm. Our own Presbyterian Pealers will be performing alongside the other local groups. Please show your support!
FPC CHRISTMAS BAND
It’s time to dust off your instrument and play in the First Presbyterian Band! The program will be December 16th, and anyone who plays an instrument is welcome, including beginners and friends of our church. Please contact Jay O’Leary if you have questions or sign-up at the Opportunity Table.
MITTEN TREE
The Deacons request your help in decorating 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 12/2. Stick around to help decorate our building in anticipation of Christmas!
- Begin the Advent season by supporting our Presbyterian Pealers at Ring Around Wayne on Sunday, December 2nd at 3:00pm at the Wayne City Auditorium.
- Our congregation has been asked by the local Salvation Army Board to provide bell ringers as noted: ShopKo on Friday, 12/7 from 4-6pm, and Saturday, 12/8 from 11am-1pm and 1-3pm. Please sign up at the Opportunity Table.
- We may go caroling to Brookdale and Careage in December.
- The Youth Christmas program is planned for Sunday, December 16 during the worship service. The FPC Christmas Band may also perform that day.
- Our Christmas Eve Service will be held at 5:30pm.
ADVENT CANDLE LIGHTERS NEEDED
Pastor Teresa is looking for couples, families or individuals who would like to assist with lighting the Advent candles during worship in December. All readings will be provided in advance. Your participation in this seasonal tradition will be appreciated. A sign-up sheet will be in Fellowship Hall or you can contact Pastor Teresa.
The dates are:
December 2nd
December 9th
December 16th
December 23rd
THANK YOU!!!
Thank-you to the many individuals who took care of the mowing of the church lawn over the course of the last several months. Your gifts of time have made sure the church grounds were looking nice for Sunday as well as for other church and community events. Thank- you to each one who gave of their time.
HOLSTEDT’S NEW ADDRESS
Craig and Susan Holstedt stopped by for a surprise visit during worship on Sunday, October 21st. Craig is now retired, and they have moved back to the Kansas City area.
Please contact the church office if you would like to have their contact info.
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 2018
| 11/4/2018 | Bev Beeson | Jack & Bev Beeson | Jean & Phil Griess |
| 11/11/2018 | Judy Lindberg | The Urbanec Family | |
| 11/18/2018 | Gail McCorkindale | The McCorkindale Family | |
| 11/25/2018 | Candyce Peitz | The Peitz Family |
November 2018 – 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 | 2 | 3
10-11am Coat Closet open |
|||
| 4
· Set your clocks back 1 hour · Communion · Presbyterian Pealers perform
|
5
9:30am WCFC Meeting 6:30pm Scout Den Meeting |
6
Election Day in Fellowship Hall |
7
2:oopm Presbyterian Women |
8 | 9 | 10
10am Mobile Food Pantry at Journey Church |
| 11
11:00 Congregational Meeting |
12
*5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living
6:30 Scout Den Meeting |
13
*5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living
4:15 Deacon Meeting |
14
*5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living
10:30am WACAM
3:30 Brookdale Chapel
7:30 Youth Group |
15
*5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living
9:00 Presbytery @ Hickman |
16
*5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living
|
17
|
| 18
1:30 Habitat for Humanity House Dedication 5:00 Ecumenical Thanksgiving service at St. Mary’s Catholic Church
|
19
6:30 Scout Den Meeting
9:00 Church office open |
20 | 21
|
22
Church Office closed |
23
Church Office Closed |
24 |
| 25
|
28
7:00 Session Meeting
|
29
|
30
7:30 Youth Group |
|||
(Would you like to see your birthday listed here?
Just contact the church office 402-375-2669 or fpcwayne@gmail.com)
NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS
6 Brandon Beair
10 Kevin Peterson
12 Ken Liska
12 Mark McCorkindale
13 Katherine Butler
14 Audrey Harder
18 John Gradwohl
28 David ‘Max’ McElwain
Contact Information:
First Presbyterian Church
216 W. Third Street
Wayne NE 68787
FPC Office & Wayne Food Pantry:
402-375-2669
Tuesday – Friday, 9am – 12 noon
Websites:
Church: https://fpcwayne.org/
Wayne Food Pantry: https://fpcwayne.org/food-pantry/
FIND US ON FACEBOOK
First Presbyterian Church – Wayne, Nebraska
Wayne Food Pantry – Wayne, Nebraska
Pastor Teresa Bartlett
402-375-2669 (office)
319-795-2911 (cell)
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[*] Deprater, Bill. Why Study the Reformation Era? Presbyterian Outlook Vol 198 #23 November 7, 2016.
[†] https://onbeing.org/programs/david-brooks-e-j-dionne-sinfulness-hopefulness-and-the-possibility-of-politics/ Accessed 10/31/18
[‡] Deprater, Bill. Why Study the Reformation Era? Presbyterian Outlook Vol 198 #23 November 7, 2016.
First Presbyterian Church of Wayne, Nebraska 