Presbytidings–August/September 2019
The Newsletter of First Presbyterian Church
216 West Third Street, Wayne, Nebraska 68787
(402) 375-2669 + www.fpcwayne.com
“Our chief end is to glorify and enjoy God forever.”
From the Pastor…..
And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you
did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ Matthew 25:40
An invitation arrived in the mail earlier this year, it wasn’t addressed to an individual but to the whole church. The invitation was to be a Matthew 25 church. A Matthew 25 church is a vision based on Matthew 25:31-46 which calls Christians to actively engage in the world around us, so that our faith comes alive and we’re open to new possibilities for ministry around us. Convicted by the biblical passage the 222nd and 223rd (2016 & 2018) General Assemblies challenged the PC(USA) to act boldly and compassionately to serve those who are hungry, oppressed, imprisoned or poor.
Participating Matthew 25 churches can select one or more of the three focus areas of the initiative:
- Building congregational vitality by challenging congregations and their members to deepen and energize their faith and grow as joyful leaders and disciples actively engaged with their community as they share the gospel of Jesus Christ in word and deed.
- Dismantling structural racism by fearlessly applying our faith to advocate and break down the systems, practices and thinking that underlie discrimination, bias, prejudice and oppression of people of color.
- Eradicating systemic poverty by acting on our beliefs and working to change, laws, policies, plans and structures in our society that perpetuate economic exploitation of people who are poor.
I’m pleased to announce that at the June meeting the FPC Session voted to become a Matthew 25 congregation. As a Matthew 25 church, we seek to put into action Jesus’ words “…to care for the least among us…” we have the freedom to focus on one area or branch out to all three. Our initial focus at FPC will be poverty. According to Donna Frischknecht Jackson in an article for the May/June Presbyterians Today magazine, poverty is the greatest threat to the healthy development of children. Long lasting negative consequences of poverty include inadequate quality and quantity of food, exposure to violence, underfunded schools and lack of early childhood educational opportunities, frequent housing mobility and exposure to pollution and other health risks. FPC will continue to assist people through the Food Pantry and Coat Closet, both are ways this congregation addresses issues of economic hardships in our community.
There are numerous books for study on poverty or racism which might be great opportunities for us to stretch our understanding about these issues. In addition to focusing on poverty and racism we might find that congregational revitalization may happen as our church grows in vitality and purpose as disciples. A church active in its community often attracts others to join in their work and worship.
The Matthew 25 Vision invites participation and co-operation not only within a congregation but with other groups or agencies to address poverty and racism. Members of this congregation are already actively engaged with other organizations in the community which address issues of poverty: housing, health care, economic issues and education.
Matthew 25 is an invitation to all PC(USA) churches to serve and by doing so make the world a better place. You can learn more about being a Matthew 25 church at Pcusa.org/Matthew 25. The Session and I would be happy to hear other ideas of how you think FPC might live into being a Matthew 25 church based on the 3 focus areas. I am excited about the opportunity to see where God is leading us.
Grace and peace, Pastor Teresa
About the Matthew 25 logo:
The circular shape represents unity and equality. Like God, a circle has no beginning and no end, and it symbolizes our continuing effort to help one another. The shape also suggests a globe that points to our engagement with the world.
The three interlocking figures represent the equality of all people without gender or race bias. They have their arms around each other, symbolizing friendship, protection and service. The number three suggests the three focus areas of congregational vitality, structural racism and systematic poverty, as well as the Trinity.
The color palette is bright, lively, friendly and energetic — suggestive of our active commitment.
Finally, the legend “Matthew 25” below the symbol is the literal identification of the mark. We use a handwritten font to make the point that active engagement in the world requires human effort.
“DIALOGUE” A CONVERSATION ON REFUGEES AND IMMIGRATION
Refugees and immigration are very much in the news these days. The community is invited to join in a conversation helping us learn from people who have experience with refugees and immigration. Beginning September 24th, First Presbyterian Church and Our Savior Lutheran Church, will offer an opportunity to enter a dialogue about refugees and related issues. Immigration is a complex subject and it is hoped that this conversation will help each of us gain a better understanding of the underlying issues that drive immigration including economic factors, and violence (such as war or gang violence). Participants may also recall the stories of their own families of transition and change.
The group will enter an 8-week discussion guided by a series entitled Dialogues which offers eight unique perspectives from experienced authors from renowned organizations such as World Relief and Church World Service that provide insight into refugee stories and experiences. The following are the essays for each week’s discussion:
September 24th – “The Story We Live In” by Brianne Casey
October 1st – “A People Without a Place” by Dr. Beth Oppenheim-Chan
October 8th – “A Global Perspective” by Jenny Yang
October 15th – “A Network of Care” by Sarah Krause, MS
October 22nd – “Facing Our History” by Halima Z. Adams
October 29th – “Looking for Home” by Aubrey Leigh Grant
November 5th – “Where Do We Go From Here?” by Matthew Soerens
Issues related to immigration; refugees, migrants are a difficult: however, it is hoped that this time of study and conversation will expand our learning and understanding. The goal is not to cause conflict or division but to have thoughtful conversation that is informed by our Christian faith and voices of experience. These conversations will be open to the community nonetheless an RSVP is appreciated so that we will have sufficient number of books for participants. Participants can attend one or all the weekly sessions. The group will meet weekly at Ekeko Blends, 110 Main St., Wayne at 7:00 p.m. There is room for all to join the conversation. For more information or to RSVP contact Pastor Teresa via email tbartlett98@gmail.com or call the church office 402.375.2669.
SESSION
- Monday, August 26, at 7:00 p.m. Devotions: Kevin Peterson.
- Monday, September 23, at 7:00 p.m. Devotions: Jane O’Leary. Interim Executive Presbyter Stephen Earl will be in attendance.
GOLF OUTING
Like to golf? Plan on gathering for a Lutheran/Presbyterian Golf outing on Tuesday, 8/27 at 5:00pm. Supper and prizes will follow that evening. If you don’t golf, come for the social hour at 5:30pm.
COMMUNITY CHAPEL SERVICES
Pastor Teresa will lead chapel services at the following locations:
- RADIO DEVOTIONS Pastor Teresa will be giving devotions on 104.9 Big Red Country KTCH the week of August 26th – 30th at 5:40am.
- BROOKDALE CHAPEL Pastor will lead chapel at Brookdale on Wednesday, September 4th at 3:30pm.
- WAYNE COUNTRYVIEW CARE: Pastor will lead chapel at Wayne Countryview Care on September 22 at 1:30pm.
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN & SEWING SOULS
- Presbyterian Women will meet Wednesday, September 4th at 12:30pm for a salad lunch.
- Sewing Souls will meet Wednesday, September 18th at 1:00pm.
- The PW Fall Gathering will be held at Calvin Crest Conference Center on September 13th & 14th. Please see Karen Johnson for more details.
COMMUNION
- Sunday, September 8, 2019. Kent Pulfer, Communion Elder.
- Sunday, October 6, 2019. Glenda McDonald, Communion Elder.
SUNDAE SUNDAY
Please join us on Sunday, September 8th during fellowship for our traditional Sundae Sunday.
YOUTH GROUP
Youth Group will be starting up again in September. Stay tuned for kick-off details!
CHICKEN OFFERING UPDATE
The total for the Chickens Around the World offering was $650.00!!! Thank-you for your generosity.
RUNZA FEEDS THE NEED
Our local Runza Restaurant is hosting a special fund-raiser for the Wayne Food Pantry & Backpack Program on Tuesday, September 17th. Please support us by making plans to dine at Runza that day! Invite your friends!
AUGUST 2019 FOOD PANTRY NEWS
The food pantry has had a very busy year, we have already served nearly 700 people. The Backpack Program served approximately 4,300 food bags in the 2018/19 academic year. Please consider a donation to help our ministry to Wayne Food Pantry and Backpack Program.
WAYNE GROW AN EXTRA ROW
Consider sharing your garden bounty this year with those in need in our community. Set aside a small bag of produce, and bring it to our food pantry. The program was well received last year. You can help make a difference! What we don’t give away will be for sale after church each Sunday, with the proceeds of the sale going to support the Pantry.
CALVIN CREST CAMPER REPORT
Hello, my name is Nina Hammer. I am 13 years old and in 8th grade. I have been going to Calvin Crest for 7 years. Calvin Crest is an amazing place to spend time, grow spiritually, and connect with others. Calvin Crest helps people make so many bonds with friends, most of my best friends I met through Calvin Crest because I feel God willed it for us to go at the same time and meet. Every week I went I met some of the most amazing people. One of my favorite and best things about Calvin Crest is that the people there aren’t mean, they don’t judge you, they are genuinely kind, and they are amazing children of God. Each year I have noticed how much I liked it and always wanted to go back, but this year I noticed a change in the way I felt about it. I felt more connected there with new friends than I do in my own town. The week at ranch camp it rained most days, meaning we could only ride 2 of those days out of the 4 days usually planned. On the first day we met up with our counselors, our cabin mates and the rest of the camp. We played a meet and greet game and I got to spend time with 4 crazy friends that I have now bonded to through Calvin Crest. The next day we went out to Camp Cedars, came back for lunch, had F.O.B. (nap time), went swimming, had a snack and then we had B.L.A.S.T. (Bible Learning and Study Time). This year I feel more connected with God than ever before. I could feel him in our presence when I was at camp; I could see him in everyone there. Thank you so much for helping me go to camp again this year and get away from the cruel reality of this world.
Due to technical difficulties beyond our control, we have had to change our church website address to fpcwayne.com
LECTOR/GREETER SCHEDULE – AUGUST 2019
| 8/4/2019 | Gordon Granberg | Karen Johnson | Pat Straight |
| 8/11/2019 | Glenda McDonald | Pat & Glenda McDonald | |
| 8/18/2019 | Milton Owens | Milton & Jackie Owens | |
| 8/25/2019 | Jeryl Nelson | Jeryl & Rochelle Nelson |
August 2019 – First Presbyterian Church
| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
| Each Sunday Morning:
o Worship 10:00 o Fellowship 11:00 |
1
|
2
|
3 | |||
| 4
Communion – Jean Griess, elder
|
5
9:30am Wayne Co. Family Coalition
|
6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| 11
1:30 Wayne Countryview Care Chapel |
12 | 13
4:15 Deacons Meeting |
14
10:30 WACAM |
15 | 16
Homestead Presbytery Prime at Calvin Crest |
17
Homestead Presbytery Prime at Calvin Crest |
| 18
5:00 WSC Student Expo |
19
|
20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 |
| 25 | 26
5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living
7:00 Session
|
27
5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living
5:00 FPC/OSLC Golf Outing |
28
5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living
|
29
5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living
|
30
5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living
|
31 |
AUGUST BIRTHDAYS
2 Gordon G.
3 Ken M.
8 Nina S.
12 Alissa J.
20 Russ U.
23 Hannah M.
27 Milton O.
30 Layne H.
Lector/Greeter Schedule for September 2019
| 9/1/2019 | Maria Ras | The Ras Family | |
| 9/8/2019 | Mark Hammer | The Hammer Family | |
| 9/15/2019 | Jim Curtiss | Ken & Jan Liska | Jim Curtiss |
| 9/22/2019 | Karen Johnson | Ken & Karen Marra | Karen Johnson |
| 9/29/2019 | Mark McCorkindale | The McCorkindale Family |
September 2019 – First Presbyterian Church
| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
| 1
Each Sunday Morning: o Worship 10:00 o Fellowship 11:00 |
2 | 3 | 4 | 5
|
6
|
7 |
| 8
Communion – Jean Griess, elder
|
9
9:30am Wayne Co. Family Coalition
|
10 | 11
10:30 WACAM |
12 | 13
PW Fall Gathering @ Calvin Crest |
14
PW Fall Gathering @ Calvin Crest |
| 15 | 16 | 17
Runza Feeds the Need for the Wayne Food Pantry! |
18
1:00 Sewing Souls |
19 | 20
|
21
|
| 22
1:30 Wayne Countryview Care Chapel
|
23
7:00 Session with Interim Executive Presbyter
|
24
11:00am Northern Covenant Pastors |
25 | 26 | 27 | 28 |
| 29 | 30
|
1 | 2
|
3
|
4
|
5 |
SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS
6 Anita F.
8 Sharyn P.
14 Angie N.
24 Misty B.
29 Melissa U.
30 Madison B.
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.com
Wayne Food Pantry: https://fpcwayne.com/food-pantry/
Wayne Coat Closet: https://fpcwayne.com/wayne-coat-closet/
FIND US ON FACEBOOK
First Presbyterian Church – Wayne, Nebraska
Wayne Food Pantry – Wayne, Nebraska
Wayne Coat Closet – First Presbyterian Church
Pastor Teresa Bartlett
402-375-2669 (office)
319-795-2911 (cell)
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First Presbyterian Church of Wayne, Nebraska 