Presbytidings – November 2019
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
The Session has called a congregational meeting for November 17th following worship. At the meeting we will elect a new class of deacons and elders, receive the budget and approve the terms of call for the pastor in 2020.
From the Pastor….
November brings cooler days and nights, the end of daylight savings time, completion of the harvest, and Thanksgiving. Seasonal changes and cultural activities remind us that summer is gone and will soon be just a memory. Perhaps your attitude is one of sadness as long summer days slide into shorter days and longer nights. Perhaps you’re looking forward to fall activities such as hunting, 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 anxiety and frustration? Attitudes matter; the Apostle Paul had an attitude of gratitude even in the midst of hardship. Paul spent a lot of time in prison and wrote many of his letters while in jail. He started all but one of his letters, Galatians, by giving thanks to God for the blessings in his life, especially for Jesus Christ. Paul was humbled by Christ’s sacrifice for him and all humanity. Even amid persecution and imprisonment Paul exuded an attitude of thanksgiving which grew from his relationship with Jesus Christ. In his letters he gave thanks for Jesus Christ, friends and churches that encouraged and supported him.
Attitude mattered for the Apostle Paul; he 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 [Christ] who gives me strength.”
There may be many things in our lives, in the world, for which we are not thankful still we can give thanks for our blessings; our salvation through Jesus Christ, our relationships with family, friends, and our faith community.
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. As a faith community each week we offer not only our praise but also renew our dedication to following Christ. Let us adopt Paul’s attitude to live with gratitude for large and small blessings, in good times and in hard times, not just this month when we focus on giving thanks, but always. I give thanks for God’s many blessings which includes each of you and the opportunity to serve in ministry with this community of faith.
Gratefully, Pastor Teresa
What are You Thankful For?
A special project for the congregation of First Presbyterian.
Often as we are gathered around the Thanksgiving dinner table, we share what we are thankful for. Indeed, we do have much to be thankful for this year. Pastor Teresa invites you to share what you are thankful for by taking a picture of something or someone you are thankful for. The plan is for these images to be assembled into a photo collage and shared with the congregation a little later in the month, If you take a photo of a person, please make sure you have their permission. If a beautiful sunset, or fall scenery bring gratitude to mind take a photo, if a warm fireside seat on a cold night or a hot meal is what you are thankful for share a photo. Send your digital photos to Pastor Teresa at tbartlett98@gmail.com or post them on our Facebook page. Later in November we will share our blessings and offer God our thanks.
PRAYER FOR VETERANS DAY
God of peace,
we pray for those who have served our nation,
who laid down their lives
to protect and defend our freedom…
We pray for those who have fought,
whose spirits and bodies are scarred by war
and whose nights are haunted by memories
too painful for the light of day…
We pray for those who serve us now,
especially for those in harm’s way:
shield them from danger
and bring them home,
soon…
Turn the hearts and minds
of our leaders and our enemies
to the work of justice and a harvest of peace…
Spare the poor, Lord, spare the poor!
May the peace you left us,
the peace you gave us,
be the peace that sustains,
the peace that saves us.
Christ Jesus, hear us!
Lord Jesus, hear our prayer!
Amen.
From – ConcordPastor.blogspot.com
STEWARDSHIP TEAM REPORT
The results of the 2019 stewardship campaign are as follows;
- 60 letters were sent (60 represents “giving units” which may be a couple or an individual-not total number of members).
- 27 pledges were returned, the total pledged was $66,000.00
The Stewardship Team recognize that some people like making a pledge while others who give prefer not to pledge but still give faithfully, either manner is faithful. The financial support of the congregation is necessary for the on-going ministry of this congregation.
DID YOU KNOW?
Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) have become a great way for people 70½ or older to take all or part of their Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from their Traditional IRA. The recent tax code changed the standard deduction for those over 65 to $26,600 for married filing jointly or $13,600 for single filers. Thus for many of us our church pledges will no longer be included in an itemized deduction. However, by making all or part of our pledge a Qualified Charitable Distribution directly from the IRA custodian or trustee to the church the distribution will not be included as taxable income to the IRA owner. Qualified Charitable Distributions can also exceed one’s specific RMD amount and still not be taxed.
While Qualified Charitable Distributions are not complex there are certain requirements and steps that should be followed so check with your tax professional.
-Ken Marra, Financial Advisor (Edward Jones)
COMMUNION
We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper on December 1st with Kent Pulfer as the communion elder.
CALLING ALL BAKERS!
The Presbyterian Women will be preparing cookie plates for homebound members of the congregation for Christmas on December 4th. FPC members are encouraged to donate 2 dozen holiday cookies for the cookie trays. Please have the cookies at church by December 3rd at 2:00 p.m. Thanks for helping spread some FPC joy and goodwill.
“LOVE CARVED IN STONE” 2019-2020 BIBLE STUDY
Bible study is an important part of Presbyterian Women’s gatherings. This year’s study, Love Carved in Stone, A Fresh Look at the Ten Commandments is open to all who would like to participate, men and women. The group will meet at 2:00 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month, except during Lent. Each lesson will be about thirty-five to forty minutes, depending on the discussion. Our time together is filled with learning, sharing, and laughter (lots of laughter!). We encourage all who want or need this time of spiritual connection to join us. This is an informal group that enjoys the time shared and the insights gained from time in study and fellowship. Join us!
LOVE CARVED IN STONE BIBLE STUDY
Our latest Bible study will be meeting on December 4th at 2:00pm in Fellowship Hall. All are welcome.
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN
The Presbyterian Women will be meeting on December 4th following Bible study for a meeting and to prepare holiday cookie plates for homebound members of the congregation.
SEWING SOULS
The Sewing Souls will meet Wednesday, November 20th at 2:00pm.
YOUTH GROUP NEWS
FPC Youth Group continues to meet on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. The dates for November will be 11/13 and 11/27 at 7:30pm.
HOMESTEAD PRESBYTERY
Our presbytery will gather at the Laurel Presbyterian Church on Thursday, 11/21 beginning at 9:00am.
COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING SERVICE
Everyone is invited to gather with us at the First Presbyterian Church on Sunday evening, November 24th for a Thanksgiving Worship Service. We will begin at 5:00pm and a soup-and-pie supper will follow in Fellowship Hall. We have a need of 4 soups and 4 pies, a sign-up sheet is on the Opportunity Table in Fellowship Hall. We are also in need of 4 kitchen hosts, please contact Pastor Teresa if you can help.
THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY
The church off will be open on Monday, November 25th from 9-noon and will be closed Friday November 29th for the Thanksgiving holiday.
SESSION
The Session will gather on Monday, November 25 at 6:30pm to prepare for the Hanging of the Greens on December 1st. The meeting will begin at 7:00pm in Fellowship Hall.
HANGING OF THE GREENS
We will be hanging the greens on Sunday, December 1st after worship. Stay tuned for details.
RING AROUND WAYNE
The Wayne community handbell concert will be Sunday, December 1st at 3:00pm at the Wayne City Auditorium. Our own Presbyterian Pealers will be performing alongside the other local groups. Please show your support!
MITTEN TREE
The Deacons request your help in decorating our annual mitten tree this holiday season with gloves, hats, scarves and mittens. The tree will be in Fellowship Hall in December.
CONGRATULATIONS WAYNE BLUE DEVILS SOFTBALL
CONGRATULATIONS to the Sweetland family and the Blue Devil Softball team on your back-to-back State Championships! And to Rob Sweetland who has earned the 500th win for the Blue Devils! Check out the photos in Fellowship Hall.
SALVATION ARMY BELL RINGERS NEEDED
The Wayne Extension Unit of the Salvation Army will be conducting its Annual Bell Ringing Campaign beginning Friday, November 22. The bell ringing campaign is the primary fundraiser for the Salvation Army in Wayne. Bell ringers are needed for 2-hour time slots on Friday or Saturday beginning Thanksgiving weekend to December 21st. Churches, service organizations, youth groups and others have been invited to participate in the bell ringing project.
Ninety percent (90%) of the total funds collected in the Wayne bell ringing campaign remain in the community and assist with housing, utilities, medical, transportation and other needs of families and individuals in Wayne. This year the Wayne SA Unit sponsored a back to school drive for school supplies for elementary children. The project was very successful and helped more than 70 children with backpacks and school supplies. School supplies were also donated to elementary teachers at the beginning of the school year.
This year First Presbyterian is scheduled on Saturday, December 7th from 11:00 to 1:00, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at Bomgaars and from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Quality Foods. The only requirements are to be friendly and welcoming, dress warmly and smile easily and say thank-you, oh yeah, a little wrist action with a bell. We can fill shorter time slots if we get more volunteers. There will be a sign-up sheet in Fellowship Hall. Last year’s volunteers were the Hammer family, Jim Curtiss, the Peitz family and Pastor Teresa.
Participation in the Salvation Army bell ringing campaign is one way we can live into our commitment of being a Matthew 25 congregation; as we are reminded in Matthew 25:40; ‘… whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
Please sign-up to ring the Salvation Army Bell this season. Our church is slotted for Saturday, December 7th. The sign-up sheet will be on the Opportunity Table. Here are the details:
1:00-3:00pm at Quality Foods
11:00-1:00pm at Bomgaars
1:00-3:00pm at Bomgaars
LOOKING AHEAD TO ADVENT & CHRISTMAS
- The Hanging of the Greens will take place after worship on 12/1. 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 1st at 3:00pm at the Wayne City Auditorium.
- Our congregation has been asked by the local Salvation Army Board to provide bell ringers on Saturday, December 7th as noted: Quality Foods from 1-3pm, and at Bomgaars from 11am-1pm and 1-3pm. Please sign up at the Opportunity Table.
- We may go caroling to Brookdale and Careage in December.
- Our Christmas Eve Service will be held at 5:30pm.
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. Thank you also to those who planted flowers and trimmed bushes, plants and trees. 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.
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
ATTENTION LECTORS & GREETERS
In an effort to streamline our Stewardship drive this year, it was decided to discontinue the Time & Talents sign-up sheet. Jenny will continue to call on those previously listed (lectors, greeters & prayer chain) unless you contact her otherwise. Likewise, please let her know if you wish to join the others in service.
Lector/Greeter Schedule for November 2019
| 11/3/2019 | Kevin Peterson | Kevin & Shannon Peterson |
| 11/10/2019 | Ronda Ras | The Ras Family |
| 11/17/2019 | Melissa Urbanec | The Urbanec Family |
| 11/24/2019 | tba | tba |
November 2019 – 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
· Set your clocks back 1 hour · Communion · 1:30 Wayne Countryview Chapel |
4
6:30pm Scout Den Meeting |
5
7:00pm Dialogues at Ekeko Blends |
6
2:00pm Bible Study 3:00pm Presbyterian Women 4:00pm NHS packs Backpacks |
7 | 8
|
9 |
| 10 | 11
6:30pm Scout Pack Meeting |
12
10:30am Organ Tuning 7:00pm Dialogues at Ekeko Blends |
13
10:30am WACAM 5:00pm Confirmation 7:30pm Youth Group
|
14
|
15
|
16
|
| 17
Congregational Meeting after Worship |
18 | 19 | 20
2:00pm Sewing Souls 3:30pm Girl Scouts 5:00pm Confirmation |
21
9:00-3:00 Homestead Presbytery at Laurel |
22 | 23 |
| 24
5:00pm Community Thanksgiving Service at FPC |
25
9:00am Church Office open 7:00pm Session
|
26
11:00am Northern Covenant Pastors Meeting |
27
5:00pm Confirmation 7:30pm Youth Group
|
28
Church Office Closed |
29
Church Office Closed |
30 |
NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS
(Would you like to see your birthday listed here?
Just contact the church office 402-375-2669 or fpcwayne@gmail.com)
6 Brandon B.
10 Kevin P.
12 Ken L.
12 Mark Mc.
14 Audrey H.
18 John G.
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
Wayne Coat Closet – First Presbyterian Church
Pastor Teresa Bartlett
402-375-2669 (office)
319-795-2911 (cell)
First Presbyterian Church of Wayne, Nebraska 