Presbytidings – October 2022
The Newsletter of First Presbyterian Church
216 West Third Street, Wayne, Nebraska 68787
(402) 375-2669 + http://www.fpcwayne.com
“Our chief end is to glorify and enjoy God forever.”
From the Pastor…
The little “meme” above isn’t new but is an interesting analogy of Christians being like pumpkins. We’re not physically like pumpkins – orange, round and filled with gunk and seeds aplenty. Grace Sanders[*] in her blog article suggests we consider the analogy an encouragement. Sanders’ article “Four reasons why Christians are like pumpkins”shared the following thoughts:
1. We are hand selected.
God hand selects us! We are chosen! Very much like in the verse John 15:16, where Jesus is giving the Vine and the Branches illustration, reads: “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit – fruit that will last – and so that whatever you ask in my name the father will give you.” – John 15:16
2. We’re washed clean.
We all know how dirty pumpkins can appear at times! In order to clean them, of course we have to wash them! The blood of Jesus washes away our sins, the things that make us as humans unclean. A pumpkin has an inside and an outside. Not only does God wash us clean from the outside, he removes our sin, and in doing that we are washed clean and made new from the inside out. We are not captive to sin, or the shame that comes with it, because through Christ we are made new! “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
God carefully removes our seeds of doubt, hate, and greed. Instead of holding onto these unfruitful seeds, God replaces them with seeds of faith, hope and love.
3. He gives us a smile.
God brings such a joy to our lives, and our smiles are living proof of this. “My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you – I whom you have delivered.” – Psalm 71:23
4. He shines through us.
When Christ dwells in us, we shine through to the people around us. Through the darkness, we can reflect His light to glorify our Father. One of my favorite bible verses is found in Matthew 5:16, reading: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
No matter whether you celebrate Halloween or you don’t, I hope this analogy encourages you as Halloween approaches. At a time when so many are celebrating darkness and all things scary, you can be a shining light to all believers and unbelievers. Pray for those who do not believe, your friends, family, students or colleagues, and show each of them the love that your Father in Heaven shows us.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”- John 1:5.
Sander’s words remind us of God’s amazing grace and that when Christ dwells in us, we have love and light to share with others, may we always do so with a smile.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Teresa
Ready, Set, Brew:
New service brewing this fall – Coffee House Worship
One of the things most people enjoy about worship and fellowship are the relationships which are built with each other and the ways we support each other in faith. In an attempt to deepen and broaden those relationships and our faith, FPC is going to offer a new worship experience, Coffee House. The Session approved this experiment for three weeks: October 23, 30th and November 13th. The desire is to offer a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere we will meet in Fellowship Hall around small tables, coffee and refreshments will be available as desired throughout the service.
Yes, it’s different format, however the Old Testament describes places where people gathered and encountered God, stone alters, tabernacles, temples to name a few. The Gospels tell us Jesus worshiped, preached and taught in many places in the synagogues and temples but also in the wilderness, on hillsides and at lakeshores. The first Christians worshiped at the temple, in synagogues, homes, catacombs even prisons. All heaven and earth belong to God, we may worship in any place. The important thing isn’t the place, but the gathering of believers and Christ’s presence among them.
The worship format of Coffee House will be the same as our regular worship however instead of a meditation we will have guided conversation where we learn with and from one another. The format will be similar to the “Meals with Jesus” Lenten series. Jesus taught by asking questions and challenging his disciples and others to think in new ways. We desire to build deeper bonds of relationship as we think and learn together. This is an opportunity to reengage some of our members and youth with a different worship format. It is hoped everyone will engage this experiment with openness. This is a three-week trial; we will be in the sanctuary for communion on November 6th and in the sanctuary for the Advent season. Plan to join us for Coffee House worship beginning October 23rd.
WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2022
Sunday, October 2nd is World Communion Sunday, a day when we share the Bread of life and the Cup of salvation alongside Christians in all different traditions, around the world. The communion elder will be Shari Dunklau.
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN’S FALL GATHERING
Please plan to join us for the
Homestead Presbyterian Women’s Fall Gathering
Saturday, October 8, 2022 at Camp Calvin Crest
9:00 coffee, 9:30 start – Should end before 3:00
1 Peter 4:10 verse for the day –
10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others,
as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
$10 registration for lunch
Email Joan Berglund for registration with your name and church name or you may pay at the door
Checks will be made out to PWPH
If you wish to mail your check and registration ahead, you may to Joan Berglund, 545 S 28th St, Lincoln NE 68510
For questions, please call or email Terri Sherman
terrisherman@windstream.net 402-525-6008
FPC DEACONS TO HOST COAT GIVE-AWAY: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15TH
Saturday, October 15th, the First Presbyterian Church Deacons will be hosting a coat give away from 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Coats for all ages will be available, the selection will be limited to stock on hand. In addition to coats there is a limited selection of hats, scarves and gloves. Each “shopper” can select one coat and accessories, parents may select for their children. The event is open to all area individuals and families. The Deacon’s will be setting up on Thursday afternoon October 13th with volunteers. On October 19th we will return the coats to the basement. If you are able to assist please contact Pastor Teresa.
STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN: OCTOBER 16-30, 2022
FPC Stewardship’s Campaign will begin October 16th and run through October 30th. During this time you will receive a mailing from the financial secretary and the Session. It is hoped that you will reflect on the information you receive and consider prayerfully your support of First Presbyterian Church. Your support financially and your presence & encouragement to our Deacons and Elders and staff are particularly always important.
PASTORAL COMMUNITY OUTREACH SERVICES
Pastor Teresa will lead pastoral outreach services at the following locations throughout October:
- KINSHIP POINTE CHAPEL: Pastor Teresa will lead a chapel service at Kinship Pointe at 3:30pm on Wednesday, October 5th.
- WAYNE COUNTRY VIEW CHAPEL: Pastor will lead a chapel service at Country View on Sunday, October 16th beginning at 1:30pm.
- RADIO DEVOTIONS: Pastor Teresa will be giving devotions on 104.9 Big Red Country KTCH the week of October 24th – 28th at 5:40am.
HIGHWAY CLEAN-UP
Wear your work clothes to worship on Sunday, 10/23/2022. We will go out to our stretch of Highway 35 (mile markers 33-35) after worship to pick up litter.
SESSION
The next session meeting will be held on Monday, October 24th at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
- We need fellowship hosts to prepare refreshments. Please sign up in Fellowship Hall or contact Jenny. Please consider sharing the gift of hospitality.
- Greeters & lectors are needed. Please volunteer or say “yes” when asked.
WAYNE FOOD PANTRY SCHOOL BACKPACK PROGRAM UPDATE
The Wayne County Backpack Program provides a weekend supply of nutritious food for children when school lunch and breakfast is unavailable on a weekend. The program began in April of 2013 to assist families whose children may experience food scarcity on the weekends or may have children home alone. At the beginning of each school year letters are sent to families of the Wayne area schools inviting students to participate. The program is completely sponsored by donations to the Wayne County Food Pantry that are specific to the Backpack Program. We do accept donations of any single serve items; however, they must be something that small child can prepare and eat on their own. From late August through late September, the distribution of backpacks has grown to approximately 140 bags distributed weekly. Sites include the Early Learning Center, the Elementary, Junior High, and High Schools, St. Mary’s and Tower School.
DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME
Daylight Saving Time will end on Sunday, November 6, 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!
So What Is “Pilgrimage” All About?
Have you heard people talking about “pilgrimage” and wondered what it’s about? You’ve probably heard it is a 3-day renewal or retreat. Maybe you’ve heard it started back in 1948 in Spain and was part of the Roman Catholic Cursillo movement and is now, similar to Walk to Emmaus, Tres Dias and Kairos Prison Ministry. You might have also heard it’s held at Camp Calvin Crest in Fremont, Nebraska. Not too far away that you have to worry about “traveling” but far enough away that you can disconnect from the day to day secular world.
What you probably didn’t hear is you can “Come as You Are”! That’s right, just be yourself and be accepted and loved. You see, God meets you where you are and throughout the weekend surrounds you with His love. You’ll experience grace, music and laughter all while walking the path God has chosen for you.
As good as that all sounds, that’s not even the best part! The weekend has been a wonderful experience for many people and has acted as a stepping stone to help them return to their own environments spiritually nourished and inspired to love one another while continuing to serve the Lord, however that looks for you. Won’t you come join us …….
Weekend #28 is October 13-16, 2022 and Weekend #29 is March 15-19, 2023
Website http://greatplainspilgrimage.org
If interested contact Cyndee Widman: registrar@greatplainspilgrimage.org
or Gail McCorkindale: mccork@abbnebraska.com
OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS
(Would you like to see your birthday listed here?
Just contact the church office 402-375-2669 or fpcwayne@gmail.com)
5 Dale J.
8 John F.
10 Brook B.
18 Ronald C.
20 Braydn McC.
21 Rob S.
October 2022 – First Presbyterian Church
| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
| Sunday Morning Worship 10:00am Fellowship 11:00am | 1 | |||||
| 2 World Communion Day 7:00pm WSC packs Backpacks | 3 | 4 | 5 3:30pm Pastor leads Kinship Pointe | 6 | 7 | 8 PW Fall Gathering at Calvin Crest |
| 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 10:30 Pastor at WACAM meeting | 13 4:00pm Coat Fair Set-up | 14 | 15 10:00-1:00am Coat Closet Coat Fair |
| 16 1:30 Pastor leads Country View Chapel STEWARDSHIP DRIVE THRU 10/30/22 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 5:30pm Fellowship Hall reserved for special event | 22 |
| 23 10:00am Coffee House Worship 11:00am Highway Cleanup 4:00pm Cub Scouts | 24 5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living 7:00pm Session | 25 5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living | 26 5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living | 27 5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for | 28 5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living | 29 |
| 30 10:00am Coffee House Worship STEWARDSHIP DRIVE ENDS | 31 |
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Contact Information:
First Presbyterian Church
216 W. Third Street
Wayne NE 68787
FPC Office/Wayne Food Pantry/Coat Closet
402-375-2669
Tuesday – Friday, 9am – 12 noon
Pastor Teresa Bartlett
402-375-2669 (office)
319-795-2911 (cell)
Websites:
Church: https://fpcwayne.com/
Wayne Food Pantry: https://fpcwayne.com/food-pantry/
Wayne Coat Closet:
FIND US ON FACEBOOK
First Presbyterian Church – Wayne, Nebraska
Wayne Food Pantry – Wayne, Nebraska
Wayne Coat Closet – First Presbyterian Church
[*] Four reasons why Christians are like pumpkins | Teen Life Christian Youth Articles, Daily Devotions (fervr.net) Accessed 9/28/2022.
First Presbyterian Church of Wayne, Nebraska 