Presbytidings – Summer 2020

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 & the Session….

Grace and peace,

“When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place” (Acts 2:1). So begins the account of the gift of the Holy Spirit to the church in the book of Acts. As we approach Pentecost this year, it will not be possible for our congregation to be “all together in one place.” However, since we closed our doors in response to the public health concern, we have not stopped being the church. Yes, we yearn to be together, we miss gathering, greeting one another, and worshipping in God’s house. The congregation has been gracious and flexible adapting to all the changes which have been made in how we worship as we continue to be the church. While we have not been able to gather physically, it has been rewarding that many members and friends have contacted Jenny or Pastor Teresa via phone or email to let us know they are reading the service via the email or on Facebook.  Modern technology gives us the ability to keep in touch in a variety of ways, to see one another in Zoom worship, fellowship, and meetings, it is not however, the same as being together. Technology is helping keep our circle unbroken until we can gather in-person again.

While COVID 19 is a part of our lives there are many things to take into consideration before resuming in-person worship even as many restrictions in Nebraska are being loosened. Current CDC guidance and medical information suggests gathering in a congregational setting for an hour of worship presents unique and greater risks than a quick trip to the grocery store. At the Session meeting on May 22nd it was determined that we would wait and reassess resuming public worship on June 14th. We know this decision is a disappointment to some as other congregations in our community have resumed worship, or plan to begin on Pentecost Sunday. The decision to resume public worship will be made with an abundance of caution and concern for those who are most vulnerable and with consideration of the best scientific knowledge available and with guidance from the PC(USA). The Session’s concern is for the health of all our members and friends.

Resuming in-person worship will consist of at least three phases. We are currently in Phase One; members and friends receive the order of service and Zoom meeting information via email, which all are free to share with friends or family. Members and friends that do not have access to technology or social media are mailed hardcopies of the service. Sunday mornings the pastor is managing the technology for our Zoom online service and leading worship. In the future limited access may be given to four or five people to assist with worship either as worship leaders or to assist with technology.  We have recently begun recording worship and uploading it to our You Tube page (First Presbyterian Church of Wayne) so others can view worship.

During Phase One, Pastor Teresa and the Session will continue evaluating the equipment needed to be able to share worship online via You Tube or Facebook Live or similar format.

There is no firm date for moving to Phase Two, which would be resuming in-person worship. Moving into Phase Two will require an assessment of current confirmed cases of COVID 19 in Wayne and adjoining counties and if the numbers increasing or decreasing. The Session is prayerfully considering what procedures will be needed and in place before returning to in-person worship.  Phase Two will require worshippers to follow CDC guidelines including social distancing and wearing masks. There will be other changes, the PC(USA) and CDC recommend that singing be suspended, no passing of the peace, the offering plate will not be passed and fellowship following worship would also be suspended. Sanitation measures will be put in place which might include removing Bibles and hymnals, we will consider what other methods might be used to provide these elements as well as an order of service. The Session also recognizes that some will want to continue to worship at home, so online or streamed worship will continue for those who feel more comfortable not attending church.

Phase Three may be several months in the future which would be evidenced by lifting most state/county restrictions while continuing safe practices. Online or streamed worship will continue. Even in this phase there may be adjustments, for example we may have to resume wearing masks should there be a change in the public health risk. Being deliberate and cautious we hope that when we get to Phase Three, we can avoid any setbacks.

We will have countless opportunities during the next several months to continue to exercise the spiritual gifts of patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control. There will surely be awkward moments and mistakes as we adjust to new protocols and practices. There will continue to be times of frustration, disappointment, and grief. Even during these changes, there are blessings, we are witnesses to the new thing God is doing, such as how this congregation has adapted to new technology for worship, Session meetings, even fellowship. Let us be faithful, to God and to one another as we work through the challenges of this time in the life of our congregation and world. Let us be guided by the Word, responsive to the Spirit, and open to the grace of God, remembering that nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Romans 12:12 (NIV)

Pastor Teresa & FPC Session

 

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN TO CELEBRATE COMMUNION JUNE 7^th

Sunday, June 7^th FPC will celebrate communion during our Zoom worship. Under guidance from the PC(USA) the FPC Session has authorized communion for that date. Each family is encouraged to gather the elements: bread and juice (it can be any type), and have them available. The Communion table will be set at church and we will proceed through the liturgy. The pastor will offer the words of institution after which each household will be invited to share the bread and cup with those in their household. While we will be physically separated we will be united by the Spirit in this celebration of Communion. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Pastor Teresa.

 

FPC YOUTUBE CHANNEL – A NEW WAY TO WORSHIP

Check out our youtube channel for worship videos at:

First Presbyterian Church of Wayne, Nebraska

 

TUESDAY ZOOM CHECK-IN

Each Tuesday morning at 10:00 a.m. we are meeting on Zoom to check-in with each other. You can stop by for a few minutes or stay longer. Topics at Tuesday check-in have ranged from golfing, to new recipes, as well as sharing favorite books and movies. The invitation goes out via email on Monday or early Tuesday morning. The main thing is a time for fellowship- remember to bring your own coffee!!! CU on Tuesday.

 

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN & SEWING SOULS

Both PW and Sewing Souls meetings are suspended for the time being.

 

SESSION

The next session meeting will be held on Monday, June 22, at 7:00 p.m.

 

FPC 2020 GRADUATES & SCHOLASTIC ACHIEVEMENTS

This year graduation was quite different as some ceremonies were postponed and others are happening virtually. You are encouraged to help our FPC graduates celebrate with cards or other mementos of celebration.

Our 2020 FPC high school graduates:

Gabriel Peitz – Wakefield, plans to attend Wayne State College as an RHOP major.

Shea Sweetland – Wayne, plans to attend Wayne State College in Sports Management.

Madison Beair – Wayne, plans to attend University of Nebraska Lincoln in Childhood Psychology.

Emily Armstrong – Wayne, plans to attend Wayne State College in Elementary Education.

 

Our FPC College Graduates:

Josephine Peitz – Wayne State College, Biology major, psychology minor. Planning for grad school.

Leigh Heese -Wayne State College, Early Education major. Teaching 3^rd grade in Schuyler, NE.

Andrew Pulfer – University of Nebraska Medical Center, assigned residency at the University of Rochester/Strong Memorial Hospital-NY, Pediatrics in Rochester, NY.

 

Eleanor Edwards Scholarships

The Session received three applications for the Eleanor Edwards Scholarships. Scholarships were awarded to:

• Gabriel Peitz will be attending Wayne State. He has been accepted into the Rural Health Opportunities Program as a pre-medicine/chemistry major.
• Shea Sweetland will be attending Wayne State with a major in Sports Management.
• Madison Beair will be attending the University of Nebraska Lincoln to study psychology with the goal of a doctorate in Clinical Child Psychology.

Congratulations to each of you. When we are able to resume worship in the sanctuary the Session will determine a date for the presentation of the scholarships and honor our graduates.

 

FPC Students Recognized for Scholastic Achievement

FPC had three students who were recognized for their scholastic achievement based on being in the top 10 students in their class based on GPA.

• Taytum Sweetland – Sophomore
• Braydn McCorkindale – Sophomore
• Nina Hammer – 8th Grade
• Also, friend of the congregation and Presbyterian Pealer – Christopher Woerdemann, Senior.

 

• Gabriel Peitz – Valedictorian of his class in Wakefield.
• All of our high school graduates have been recognized with additional scholarships and awards.
• Aaron Ras was the recipient of the NSCI Elite 18 Award for the 2nd year. The award is given to the student athlete holding the highest-grade point average with the most credits earned among the 15 institutions playing baseball in the NSIC.

FPC WSC Students Honors Presentations:

• Josephine Peitz “CHARACTERIZING THE ACETYLATION OF CORE BINDING FACTOR BETA” Instructor: Dr. Douglas Christensen
• Aaron Ras “MEASURING EMOTIONAL CLARITY AND ITS RELATION TO DISSOCIATION IN COLLEGE STUDENTS” Instructor: Dr. Daniel Miller

 

Update on Jon Worner

• Jon is planning to attend Concordia College in Moorhead, MN in the fall and major in music. His scholarships include: Presidential Scholarship, Music Scholarship and the Concordia Choir Scholarship (which is given to one incoming student each year chosen by the Director of Choirs).
• The Worners are hosting a Zoom graduation party on Sunday, May 31. You may contact Jenny in the office to reserve a spot and receive a Zoom link.

Congratulations to each of our FPC students on your scholastic achievements. Please keep all the young people in our congregation and community in your prayers.

 

EASY SUMMER RECIPE

If you are looking for new recipes to try this summer, we still have a few First Presbyterian Cookbooks left. Contact Jenny in the church office for more info. Meanwhile, here is a recipe for an easy summer supper provided by Jan Liska from “Thank God for Food…and Good Cooks! Volume II, page 3.

Cowboy Caviar (Chip Dip)

2 cans gold & white kernel corn (drained)

1 can black beans (drained)

1 can black eyed peas (drained)

1 cup finely chopped red onion

1 can original Rotel tomatoes

½ cup red wine vinaigrette

Combine and refrigerate till serving. Serve with tortilla chips or crackers.

 

ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING OFFERING

This year FPC’s One Great Hour of Sharing totaled $280.00.   Well done!!

 

2019/20 FOOD PANTRY & BACKPACK NEWS

The food pantry has had an interesting year so far, we have served over 120 requests.  The Backpack Program has served approximately 3,500 food bags in the 2019/20 academic year. The program will continue this summer. We would be happy to receive donations such as individually wrapped packages of nutritious food & snacks or financial donations. Contact Jodi Pulfer or Jenny Hammer at the church office: fpcwayne@gmail.com or (402)375-2669 for more details. Please consider a donation to the Wayne Food Pantry and Backpack Program ministry.

 

OFFERING AND GIFTS

Thank-you for your continued financial support of the church during this time. Your gifts support the life and ministry of First Presbyterian Church. While we are not meeting in person, the church office and the Wayne Food Pantry remain open with operating regular hours.  It may be challenging to remember to mail your offering to the church or Anita, when we are not meeting in person. If you would like to simplify your life you might check at your bank for a bill pay service. This service allows you to set up reoccurring payments to businesses or the church and have the designated funds withdrawn from your account and mailed per your direction. If you find this idea worth consideration check-out your bank’s website, often you are able to set this up from your home computer.  You can always call your bank for assistance. Or you can mail your offerings to Anita Fuelberth, our financial secretary or to the church (216 W. Third St., Wayne).

 

CHRISTIAN CROSS FESTIVAL

The Christian Cross Festival may be a one day event on August 29^th this year. They have two obstacles to overcome: Covid-19 and Fundraising. They are going to make the attempt though and with God’s blessing we will have the event on Saturday August 29^th, possibly as an online event. Headliner 7eventh Time Down with Maddie Rey, My Savior Story, A Day Awaits and more TBA Check it out on Facebook at Christian Cross Festival or online at www.christiancrossfestival.org

 

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads, stepdads, granddads, adoptive fathers, foster fathers and father figures. Give thanks to God for the men in your lives who have guided, encouraged, challenged and loved you. On Father’s Day take time to let them know you remember and are grateful.

 What Makes a Dad

(Author unknown)

God took the strength of a mountain,  The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,  The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,  The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,  The power of the eagle’s flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,  The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,  The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,  When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,  And so, He called it… Dad.

 

SIGN-UP FOR LAWN MOWING DIGITALLY

Please check your email for the lawn mowing schedule Jenny has prepared.  We will need one or two people to mow each week.  If you can share in this effort, please sign up via the email document or call the church office. The current list is below:

FPC Lawn Mowing

 

Week of June 1, 2020	Shari Dunklau
Week of June 8, 2020	Peitz Family
Week of June 15, 2020	John Fuelberth
Week of June 22, 2020	Peitz Family
Week of June 29, 2020
Week of July 6, 2020
Week of July 13, 2020
Week of July 20, 2020
Week of July 27, 2020

 

June Birthdays

2         Jean G., Jill S.

6         Connie B.

8         Brian B., Carol M.

10        Karen G.

18        Wes B.

19        Dennis S.

26        Pastor Teresa

 

 June 2020 – First Presbyterian Church

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
Each Sunday Morning: o 10:00 Worship	1	2 10:00am FPC Zoom Check-In	3	4	5	6
7	8	9 10:00am FPC Zoom Check-In	10	11	12	13
14	15	16 10:00am FPC Zoom Check-In	17	18	19	20
21 * Father’s Day	22 7:00pm Session Meeting	23 10:00am FPC Zoom Check-In	24	25	26	27
28	29	30 10:00am FPC Zoom Check-In

 

July Birthdays

10        Shea S.

21        Josephine P.

24        Mark H., Zach U.

29        Marta P.

 

 July 2020 – First Presbyterian Church

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
Each Sunday Morning: o 10:00 Worship			1	2	3	4
5	6	7 10:00am FPC Zoom Check-In	8	9	10	11
12 5:00pm Boy Scout Court of Honor	13	14 10:00am FPC Zoom Check-In	15	16	17	18
19	20	21 10:00am FPC Zoom Check-In	22	23	24	25
26	27	28 10:00am FPC Zoom Check-In	29	30	31

 

 

Contact Information:

First Presbyterian Church

216 W. Third Street

Wayne NE  68787

 

FPC Office & Wayne Food Pantry:

402-375-2669

fpcwayne@gmail.com

Tuesday – Friday, 9am – 12 noon

 

Websites:

Church: https://fpcwayne.org/

Wayne Food Pantry: https://fpcwayne.org/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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