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.”
Lenten Poem
by Ann Weems
Lent is a time to take time to let the power of our faith story take hold of us,
a time to let the events get up and walk around in us,
a time to intensify our living unto Christ,
a time to hover over the thoughts of our hearts,
a time to place our feet in the streets of Jerusalem
or to walk along the sea and listen to his Word,
a time to touch his robe and feel the healing surge through us,
a time to ponder and a time to wonder….
Lent is a time to allow a fresh new taste of God!
Perhaps we’re afraid to have time to think,
for thoughts come unbidden.
Perhaps we’re afraid to face our future
knowing our past.
Give us courage, O God,
to hear your Word
and to read our living into it.
Give us the trust to know we’re forgiven
and give us the faith
to take up our lives and walk.
MID-WEEK LENTEN SERIES
MEALS WITH JESUS
Most of us eat three meals a day. Over the span of a year, that’s 1,095 meals. We celebrate events in our lives with meals, we share with family in our conversation around the table. Just as the table or a meal is a common element of our lives so the table is one of the most common elements in the gospel of Luke.
Jesus ate with a variety of people and used the time gathered to teach, correct and challenge his fellow diners. In Luke there are 10 stories of Jesus dining with various people. During Lent we will be looking at six stories of Jesus sitting down to a meal with others. Jesus’ example encourages us to invite friends, outcasts and even enemies to know God’s story of love and salvation through sharing table fellowship together.
March 9th – The Banquet at Levi’s House (Luke 5:27-39)
March 16th – Feeding the 5,000 (Luke 9:10-17)
March 23rd – Hospitality at the House of Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42)
March 30th – Dinner at the Pharisee’s House (Luke 14:1-24)
April 6th – Hospitality at the House of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10)
April 14th – Maundy Thursday – The Last Supper (Luke 22:7-38)
LENTEN SUPPER & SERVICE
We will gather for weekly suppers during Lent through Wednesday, March 21st beginning at 6:00pm. The supper sign-up sheets are on the Opportunity Table in Fellowship Hall. Afterward, we will gather for Lenten services at 7:00pm. All are welcome.
From the Pastor:
In worship we’ve been following Christ’s teaching from the Sermon on the Plain found in the Gospel of Luke. In Chapter 6 Jesus is teaching about discipleship, he’s focused on instructing the men he has called to follow him. If you’ve ever stepped into a job that was out of your comfort zone and required a steep learning curve you can identify with the disciples who Jesus called from such vocations as tax collectors and fishermen to be “Fishers of people.”
In the Sermon on the Plain Jesus teaches his disciples will encounter both blessings and woes. People will often despise followers for the choice they made to trust and follow Jesus. Jesus doesn’t pull any punches, discipleship isn’t easy. Jesus calls his disciples to love their enemies and do good for them, pray for those who mistreat them and to “turn the other cheek.” Jesus requires disciples to forgive others freely and not to judge others. God will judge us by the same measures disciples judge and treat others.
In Jesus’ short ministry he gathered and taught disciples and sent them out to teach and share the gospel of Jesus with others. Jesus laid the foundation for the church but he didn’t establish the church. The disciples and the Apostle Paul were instrumental in establishing churches and their ministry and outreach. The Greek word translated in the New Testament as “church” is Ekklesia (or ecclesia). It comes from ek, meaning “out from and to” and kaleo, meaning “to call,” The ekklesia in the New Testament is a group of people, an assembly or a congregation who have been called out of the world and to God; it is the people, not a building that is the church.[*]
1 Peter 2:9-10 gives an overview of those who are “called out” to be God’s people; “… you are a chosen people, royal priests, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession. You were chosen to tell about the wonderful acts of God, who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.At one time you were not a people, but now you are God’s people. In the past you had never received mercy, but now you have received God’s mercy.
Followers of Christ are “called out” to tell about God, to be bound together by their faith and trust in Jesus Christ. God’s people are all those who believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. The church universal includes Presbyterians, Lutherans, Methodists, Catholics, Baptists and others. Different denominations may order their worship differently, differ in how they ordain and call pastoral leadership and their governance, however the common denominator is Jesus Christ.
As Jesus laid out it can be challenging to be a follower of Christ so the regular support and encouragement of other Christians is invaluable. For followers of Christ whether in the 1st century or 21st century there are a variety of reasons to join a faith community. I want to highlight three: faith, fellowship and mission or service to others.
In a community of faith, we seek to hear and understand God’s Word as a guide for our lives. The Scriptures give us a mirror to see our lives, helping us learn to live in community, care for each other and creation. We often need to be reminded that we are not God and to be humbled by God’s presence and action in our lives.
Being a member of a faith community gives a sense of belonging and rootedness, it is a place where we are known and can know others. In a community of faith joys and sorrows can be shared, we respond with thanksgiving and praise to God’s blessings as we worship together. As a member of faith community, we meet people who are different ages, have different life experiences and backgrounds and we can learn from each other.
In a faith community we are challenged by Jesus’ teachings to live in a way that is often counter to the world around us. Jesus says don’t live just for yourself, live for others as well. Since the first century the church has cared for widows and orphans and has continued to care for the poor, needy and sick. The church has established schools, hospitals and other institutions to care for the needy, sick and orphaned in their communities and around the world. Jesus taught we are to love our neighbor as ourselves, our neighbors may be near or far away. For the neighbors close by FPC helps through the Coat Closet, Backpack and Pantry programs. If you want to work on a larger scale there are ministries within the church such as Presbyterian Disaster Response which give on the ground assistance to people after natural disasters or other traumatic situations. There are a variety of service opportunities within the denomination.
The church is a community of believers who practice their faith, fellowship with each other and the surrounding community, and offer service to their community and beyond. Let us continue to build on the foundations that our ancestors established here at FPC, they worked together to build a house of worship. We carry forth that tradition offering the Triune God our praise and thanksgiving. I give thanks for the faithful members and friends of FPC for sharing their faith, fellowship and gifts. We are the church together, sharing the faith and God’s love through our actions. Hebrews 10: 24-25 reminds us “We should keep on encouraging each other to be thoughtful and to do helpful things. 25 Some people have gotten out of the habit of meeting for worship, but we must not do that. We should keep on encouraging each other, especially since you know that the day of the Lord’s coming is getting closer.” We have been called out to be the family of God in this place let us continue to worship to deepen our faith, spend time in fellowship supporting and encouraging each other and reaching out in mission and service to our community and beyond. May God continue to guide us in these endeavors.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Teresa
NEW MEMBER CLASS
If you are interested in joining the FPC faith family please contact Pastor Teresa. Tentative plans are being made for a new member class in the next couple of months. The class would help participants to learn about membership as well as the history and governance and Presbyterian Church USA. It is anticipated this class would be completed in one setting.
Members of other mainline denominations may ask the church which holds their membership about a letter of transfer to FPC. Contact Pastors Teresa for more information if this is your situation.
COMMUNION
- We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper on Sunday, March 6th, 2022. John Fuelberth will serve as the Communion Elder.
- Communion will also be celebrated on Sunday, April 3rd, with Mark Hammer as the Communion Elder.
DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME!
Spring forward one hour the weekend of March 13th. You might be caught walking into church just as worship is finishing up!
DEACONS MEETING
The Deacons will meet Wednesday, March 16th at 4:30pm in Fellowship Hall.
SESSION
The Session will gather on Monday, March 28th, at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Mark Hammer will provide the devotions.
ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING
For more than 70 years, One Great Hour of Sharing has provided us a way to share God’s love with our neighbors in need. In fact, OGHS is the single, largest way Presbyterians come together every year to work toward a better world.
The three programs supported by One Great Hour of Sharing – Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, the Presbyterian Hunger Program, and Self-Development of People – all work in different ways to serve individuals and communities in need. From initial disaster response to ongoing community development, their work fits together to provide people with safety, sustenance, and hope.
First Presbyterian will be collection the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering on Easter Sunday, April 17th and April 24th.
FPC DIRECTORY UPDATE
Jenny is working on an update to the FPC Church Directory. Please submit any changes by March 31st to fpcwayne@gmail.com or call the office at 402-375-2669. Thank you!
PRESBYTERIAN PEALERS
We are very proud of our Presbyterian Pealers! See and hear the bells by watching the February 20th video of the worship service posted on our FB page.
Center front: Director Jay O’Leary.
Back row: Mark McCorkindale, John Fuelberth, Austin Galles, Gabe Peitz, Steve McCorkindale.
Middle row: Sydney McCorkindale Story
Gail McCorkindale, Alison Stineman, Anita Fuelberth, Jenny Langdon.
FROM THE PC(USA)- DISASTER ASSISTANCE FOR UKRAINE
| “(God) shall judge between the nations and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.” — (Isaiah 2:4) The current Russian invasion that started on February 24 follows eight years of conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Hundreds of thousands of people across the country are enduring bombings and assault by Russian military forces; and have lost power, been cut off from water and fuel. As people head toward the western regions, there is a shortage of food and other basic supplies. The reports of displaced persons inside Ukraine continue to rise every day, already in the hundreds of thousands. The UN anticipates that as many as 6.7 million will be displaced internally. Likewise, Ukrainians are fleeing to neighboring countries, primarily to Poland, Hungary, Moldova, Romania, Slovakia, while others have moved to other European countries. Again, current estimates from the UN are that the refugee numbers could also reach several million. These borders have remained open until now even as lines are growing. Partners are raising particular concern for the women and young children who make up the majority of the refugees as many men are now barred from leaving the country. As part of the international humanitarian community, PDA urges that governments and non-governmental organizations provide assistance without discrimination due to concerns for the Roma and people of other nationalities who have also been displaced by the conflict. In the midst of the chaos, there are sibling churches and ecumenical partners who are already providing assistance with basic items for survival. Initial assistance being provided includes shelter, food, clothing, blankets, baby food and diapers, other hygiene supplies, flashlights and candles, generators and fuel. Our first priority is to provide funding to these partners on the ground. While the scale of this crisis is new, receiving refugees from Ukraine and other countries in Central and Eastern Europe is not, which means we have trusted, established partners with the knowledge and expertise to carry out this important work. In fact, One Great Hour of Sharing — the single largest way that Presbyterians come together every year to provide hope, help and relief — was started in response to refugees coming out of Europe. Our response to the situation in Ukraine will include both financial and technical assistance as the network of faith communities providing humanitarian assistance grows in the months ahead. The needs for the response will be great. God’s people are called on to stand in the “GAP” — Give. Act. Pray. GIVE. ACT. PRAY. 1. GIVE: Gifts can be made online, by calling (800) 872-3283, by texting PDAUKR to 41444, or by check made payable to Presbyterian Church U.S.A. with “DR000156-Ukraine” on the memo line. Mail to: Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) P.O. Box 643700 Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700 2. ACT: Urge the U.S. government to support generous aid for refugees and civilians suffering in Ukraine, and call for engaging a diplomatic solution to the conflict. 3. PRAY: That the conflict might end soon and peace be restored. Pray for the courage and resolve the of Ukrainian people |
GREENWOOD CEMETERY CAMPAIGN
At the January Session meeting the Greenwood Cemetery Association gave a presentation about their fundraising efforts to make numerous improvements in the cemetery. The Session thought the information was worthy of sharing with the congregation. The following letter gives you a brief overview and contact information if you desire to know more about the projects or want to make a donation toward these projects.
–Pastor Teresa
From: Greenwood Cemetery Board of Trustees
Dear Community Member,
We think you will agree that Greenwood Cemetery is a source of community pride. Our groundskeepers and the Board of Trustees have been working hard to assure that the cemetery is well-kept for families and visitors. With the renewed interest in family and regional history the past few years, we understand the importance of maintaining a beautiful and accessible site.
We need some generous help with financial support in order to continue our work. While there are minimal funding sources inherent to the cemetery, such revenue is limited. These sources include the sale of lots, donations, sale of permits, burial fees and the interest earnings from the Perpetual Care Fund.
In addition to constant mowing and trimming, there are many projects underway. The west road has been replaced by the City of Wayne, we completed a labor intensive cleanup during the winter of 2020, trees have been trimmed or removed due to pine wilt and we still have many projects to address. There is a need for more road resurfacing, the Chapel is in need of renovation, we need to start an aggressive re-treeing program to replace those lost trees, our database management software enhancement will streamline and perfect our processes and finally, our goal is to start a stone repair plan and establish and acquire structures for above ground burials.
Greenwood Cemetery is asking you to consider making a contribution to the cemetery for general care and special projects. Your contribution is tax deductible as the Cemetery is a 501-c 13 non-profit.
Please send donations to:
Greenwood Cemetery Association
PO Box 292
Wayne, NE 68787
Thank you for considering this request.
Amy Bowers, President Jay O’Leary, Vice-President
Bob Liska JoAnn McKenzie
Shelley Gilliland Marta Nelson, Secretary
Enclosed is my tax deductible contribution to Greenwood Cemetery Assoc. of Wayne, NE
Name ___________________________ Amount_____________
Address ___________________________
___________________________
March 2022 – First Presbyterian Church
| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
| Every Sunday 9:00 Pealers Practice 10:00 Worship 11:00 Fellowship | 1 | 2 7:00pm Ash Wednesday Service | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 6 10:00am Communion John Fuelberth, communion elder | 7 | 8 | 9 10:00am Pastor at WACAM 6:00pm Soup Supper 7:00pm Lenten Service | 10 10:30am Pastor at Salvation Army Meeting | 11 | 12 1:00pm LeaderWise “Bridgebuilder” Workshop |
| 13 Daylight Savings Time Begins – Spring Forward! | 14 9:30am Wayne Family Coalition Meeting | 15 | 16 4:30pm Deacons Meeting 6:00pm Soup Supper 7:00pm Lent Service | 17 | 18 | 19 |
| 20 | 21 7:00pm Session Meeting | 22 | 23 3:30 Kinship Pointe Chapel 6:00pm Soup Supper 7:00pm Lent Service | 24 | 25 | 26 |
| 27 | 28 7:00pm Session Meeting | 29 | 30 6:00pm Soup Supper 7:00pm Lent Service | 31 Word in Faith column runs 7:00pm Maundy Thursday Service | 1 | 2 |
LOOKING AHEAD TO LENT & EASTER
Observe a holy Lenten season this year.
- We will begin Lent with an Ash Wednesday service March 2nd beginning at 7:00pm.
- Lenten Supper & Service – We will gather for weekly suppers during Lent through Wednesday, March 21st beginning at 6:00pm. The supper sign-up sheets are on the Opportunity Table in Fellowship Hall. Afterward, we will gather for Lenten services at 7:00pm. All are welcome.
- Palm Sunday Service on Sunday, April 10th at 10:00am.
- The Maundy Thursday service with communion will be held Thursday evening, April 14th.
- Celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord at our Easter Sunday service with Communion at 9:00am on Sunday, April 17th, 2022.
MARCH BIRTHDAYS
(Would you like to see your birthday listed here?
Just contact the church office 402-375-2669 or fpcwayne@gmail.com)
24 Jacob B.
28 Babs M.
29 Madison U.
______________________________________________________
Save the date for the 2022 PW Synod Gathering
June 16-19, 2022
Hilton Garden Inn
1132 Larsen Park Rd
Sioux City, Iowa 51106
PW: Better Together Tied Together With Love
Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NIV)
A cord of three strands is not easily broken
Registration Fee – $100.00 for entire gathering
Commuter fees – Thursday (includes meal) $25.00
Friday – $75.00, Saturday – $50.00, Sunday only – No charge
Enclose check payable to ‘PW-SLAP
Return completed Registration with registration fee before May 15, 2022
To: Maggie Horak, 5601 Barrington Park Dr, Lincoln, NE 68516
Homestead Presbyterian Women will be offering some scholarships to this event, watch for further details.
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
FPC Service Recordings
can be found at:
*Facebook @ First Presbyterian Church – Wayne, Nebraska
*Our website @ fpcwayne.com
*YouTube @ FPC of Wayne Nebraska
FPC Online Worship Bulletins can be found at:
Pastor Teresa Bartlett
402-375-2669 (office)
319-795-2911 (cell)
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[*] What is the definition of ekklesia? (compellingtruth.org) Accessed 3/1/2022
First Presbyterian Church of Wayne, Nebraska 
