Presbytidings – May/June 2023
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…
Most of us when visiting somewhere new have felt anxious, uncertain, like an outsider, perhaps even unwelcome. There are other times when we feel comfortable, non-anxious, we feel like we belong. What is the difference between those two settings? What gives you a sense of belonging? Does belonging bring to mind a place, family, biological or chosen, or friends? Is belonging being called by a nickname only those who love you use? Who are your people? Who would inconvenience themselves to care for you, who has your back? Who are the ones to whom you belong?
The dictionary describes belonging as a close or intimate relationship, a feeling of security. Belonging is complex, it is more than hospitality and a friendly welcome which is extended from host to guest, it’s when the guest no longer feels like a guest, but a member of the “family.”
The website belonging-project.com suggests reasons for the importance of belonging; “Belonging matters because it is integral to so many other needs in the human heart: to be seen, heard, affirmed, included, and chosen. In fact, belonging is vital not just for thriving but for surviving. Failed belongingness is a key component of suicidal ideation. To belong is to believe we are inextricably bound to others (in the spirit of Ubuntu) so belonging nurtures the recognition that my well-being is caught up in yours. Giving birth to belonging is necessary for so many other aspects of human flourishing: curiosity, creativity, courage, compassion.” Dustin Benac writes in the April issue of Presbyterians Today that “Belonging is the question of our generation, and so many of our communities are silently suffocating because they lack the belonging, they need to survive much less flourish.” When you belong to a family, a group, a church, or a club you feel like you “fit in” that you are able to offer your skills and gifts, for the good of the group as well as acknowledge your own faults, all this leads to the flourishing of the individual and the group.
In Paul’s letter to the church at Ephesus (Ephesians 2:19-22 ESV) he gave an image of belonging as community writing; “To the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.” The temple is not just one stone, but many stones, built on the Cornerstone of Jesus Christ, each stone important to the whole and provides strength and resiliency. Belonging, like building, requires intention and time, practices such as worship, singing, confession, sharing a meal together can work to develop belonging for members of a faith community, or other group, deepening understanding, and relationships with each other. Belonging is integral in faith communities as faith gives us connection with others and leads to sharing in care and service in our communities and beyond.
Scripture uses images to help explain our relationship with Christ, one of the most familiar is the image of the Shepherd and the sheep. The flock is composed of a variety of sheep that trust and follow the shepherd; they know the shepherd’s voice. The shepherd knows he has a responsibility to care for and protect the sheep. In John 10:14-15 Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.” There is no greater marker of belonging and being loved than that one is willing to lay down one’s life for another. We are the sheep of God’s pasture, the people of God, our relationship is confirmed in baptism and affirmed by Jesus’ death, our sins nailed to the cross with Christ. Scripture says, “You have been bought with a price,” that price was Jesus’ life which he offered willingly for the sins of the world. Christ’s resurrection proclaims God’s power, grace, and love to the world as well as offers an invitation to all who seeking a place of belonging which can be found in a relationship with Christ.
On the Belonging to God[*] website Scott Cormode of Fuller Seminary has written; ‘When I say I belong to God, I mean that I am indelibly etched into God’s family tree. I cannot be removed or cast out. God has adopted me into God’s family. And it is a gift of God, and not the result of some heroic act that merits my inclusion in the royal family. I did nothing to become a part of God’s family and (here’s the best part) I can do nothing to get kicked out of that family. Belonging is the antidote to fear. I know that God promises that nothing can separate any of us from the love that God lavishes on each person in God’s family. And I know that belonging to God gives me an identity that derives from God’s love and specifically not from any action I take to prove myself worthy of that love. In short, I have nothing to fear because I belong to God.” We are loved and we belong, The Presbyterian Book of Confessions contains the Heidelberg Catechism and these words; “I belong—body and soul, in life and in death—not to myself but to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ.” May these words offer each of us a sense of place and belonging. Thanks be to God.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Teresa
SPRING GATHERING OF HOMESTEAD PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN
The Homestead Presbyterian Women will have their spring gathering “God’s Promises” at Calvin Crest on May 5th & 6th with or without over-night options. Friday night begins at 5:00 p.m. with dinner and informal conversations. On Saturday, we will begin at 8:30am with breakfast treats & coffee, followed by a program of communion, and speakers: Louise Van Poll – Synod PW Moderator and her experience as a GA Commissioner; Nancy Sloan – Homestead PW Secretary speaking on “Jesus, God’s Promises Fulfilled; Rev. Jane Holtzclaw – Homestead PW Coordinator of Literature & Resources with an overview of next Horizon’s Bible Study. All those interested may speak with Pastor Teresa concerning the details.
GRADUATION SUNDAY – MAY 7th
- Join us on Sunday, May 7th as we recognize our FPC senior graduate Braydn McCorkindale, who will be graduating from Wayne High School. Braydn plans to attend UNL and pursue a degree in Actuarial Science. Following the service, there will be a time of fellowship. All are welcome!
- Congratulations also to Solomon Peitz graduating from Doane University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. We wish him every success!
- Sydney Story will graduate from Creighton University School of Law and will be move with her family back to Wayne, Nebraska. Welcome home, Sydney!
CONGRATULATIONS!
- Congratulations to Jodi Pulfer DVM who was selected by Wayne Rotary to receive the 2023 Golden Wheel Award which was announced at the annual District Conference on April 1.
- Congratulations to Braydn McCorkindale and Nina Hammer on being recognized for their excellent academic achievements.
MOTHER’S DAY – MAY 14, 2023
Happy Mother’s Day – Thank-you to every woman for the many roles you play – whether as mother, spouse, employee, employer, mentor, grandmother, friend, role model, spiritual friend. Not all women are mothers, but all of us have a mother – if your mother has been an example of faith and grace in your life give thanks and let her know how much you appreciate her. If this Mother’s Day you are missing a special woman in your life- give thanks for all that woman was to you, whether she was a wife, teacher, grandmother, mother or friend. Each of us, women and men should do our best to reflect the love and grace of God to those around us.
God’s Helpers
God could not be in every place
With loving hands to help erase
The teardrops from each baby’s face,
And so He thought of mother.
He could not send us here alone
And leave us to a fate unknown;
Without providing for His own,
The outstretched arms of mother.
God could not watch us night and day
And kneel beside our crib to pray,
Or kiss our little aches away;
And so He sent us mother.
And when our childhood days began,
He simply could not take command.
That’s why He placed our tiny hand
Securely into mother’s.
The days of youth slipped quickly by,
Life’s sun rose higher in the sky.
Full grown were we, yet ever nigh
To love us still, was mother.
And when life’s span of years shall end,
I know that God will gladly send,
To welcome home her child again,
That ever-faithful mother.
— George W. Wiseman
SPECIAL FELLOWSHIP TIME – MAY 14TH
Thank-you to the family of Joanne Proett who are hosting fellowship following worship on May 14th in celebration of their mother’s May birthday. Thank-you for the hospitality.
PASTOR’S VACATION
- Pastor Teresa will be away on vacation Monday, May 8 – Monday, May 15th. Ronda Ras will fill the pulpit on Sunday, May 14th. Please contact the office if you have pastoral needs.
HOMESTEAD PRESBYTERY MEETING
May 18th, 2023
Beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Beatrice, NE – First Presbyterian Church
COMMUNION
We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper on the following days in May & June:
- Sunday, May 7st at 10:00am (Communion elder, John Fuelberth)
- Sunday, June 4th at 10:00am (Communion Elder, Kent Pulfer)
COFFEEHOUSE WORSHIP
We will hold CoffeeHouse Worship on the following dates in May & June:
- Sunday, May 21st at 10:00am. Shai Dunklau will lead the discussion.
- Sunday, June 18th at 10:00am. We are in need of a discussion leader, contact Jane O’Leary or Pastor Teresa if you are willing to be a discussion leader. We also need someone to volunteer as fellowship host for May and also June.
SESSION MEETINGS
- The Session will be meeting on May 22nd at 7:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Devotions: Gail McCorkindale.
- The Session will meet on June 26th at 7:00pm in Fellowship Hall. Devotions: Jane O’Leary.
COMMUNITY CHAPEL SERVICES
- Radio Devotions: Pastor Teresa will be giving devotions on 104.9 Big Red Country KTCH Monday, May 8th – Friday, May 12th at 5:40am, and again on Monday, June 26th – Friday, June 30th at 5:40am.
- Kinship Pointe: Pastor will lead chapel at Kinship Pointe on Wednesday, May 17th at 3:30pm, and again on Wednesday, June 28th at 3:30pm.
- Wayne Country View Chapel: Pastor will lead chapel at Wayne Country View on Sunday, May 28th at 1:30pm.
- Word in Faith Column: Pastor’s column in the Wayne Herald will appear on Thursday, June 29th.
The Presbyterian Church (USA) has four annual special offerings; One Great Hour of Sharing, Christmas Joy, Pentecost, Peace and Global witness. FPC has participated with the One Great Hour of Sharing at Easter and Christmas Joy for many years. The Pentecost offering will be collected on May 28th, Pentecost Sunday.
Each year on Pentecost Sunday, we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit and the birthday of the church. The Holy Spirit connects us with the church of the past, continues to inspire the church of today, and points us to the church of the future.
The Pentecost offering is focused on the youth of the church. Since the Pentecost Offering started in 1998, Presbyterians have raised more than $16 million for ministries that benefit younger members of God’s family. Presbyterians believe we are called to support and care for young people to help them build a solid foundation of faith. Gifts to the Pentecost Offering connect with God’s hope and future, supporting ministries with children, youth and young adults helping them grow in faith, so they may build the church of the future.
Each participating congregation keeps 40% of funds raised to initiate or support programs for young people in their communities or for events or projects that are youth related. The FPC Session decided our offering will go to Calvin Crest Camp in Fremont. The camp has been and continues to be important in the lives of many of our FPC family. The remaining 60% is used by the Presbyterian Mission Agency to support children-at-risk, youth, and young adult ministries. When we all do a little it adds up to a lot, thank-you for your generosity in the Pentecost offering.
WATCH FOR THE HEARING SURVEY IN YOUR IN-BOX
The Session is seeking to gain information from the congregation about the effectiveness of the sound system and if changes might assist those who have hearing difficulties in the sanctuary. Please complete the brief questionnaire in your email in-box. This same survey was distributed in worship earlier in May but we received too small a sample, so even if you had completed a paper survey please complete the electronic form. It would be helpful if everyone completed the form to help the Session in planning and decision making. If you have any questions please contact Pastor Teresa. Thanks for your assistance.
JOYCE VOYLES
Joyce (Anhalt) Voyles, age 85, of Wayne, NE passed away Sunday, April 2, 2023 at Good Samaritan Society of Canton, SD. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Wayne and at one time was very active in the Presbyterian Women’s group and knitted many hats for the Coat Closet.
Services:
- A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 24th at 10:30 AM at First Presbyterian Church in Wayne, NE.
- A Celebration of Joyce’s Life will be held on Saturday, June 24th at 4:00 PM at 46888 274th St. Lennox, SD.
Local arrangements are with Hasemann Funeral Home of Wayne.
The family suggests that memorials be made to: Alzheimer’s Association www.act.alz.org/donate.
Cards may be sent to: Jim Voyles, 46888 – 274th Street, Lennox SD 57039.
CORRESPONDENCE
- A note from the Proett family: “To the lovely people who took the time to be of help to us, we thank you. The lunch for our mom was just what she wanted! Pinwheels & all. We greatly appreciate all you do for that lovely church! Mom loved it so. Fondly, Jeanne Gardner & family of Joann Proett.”
- And another note from the Halseys in South Dakota: “Ken & Erin Halsey are alive and well in Spearfish, SD. We treasure our years of active membership and look forward to a visit at some time this year, time will tell. Best wishes to all! Ken & Erin
SYNOD SCHOOL
Want to go to camp as a family this summer? Plan to Join Presbyterians from all over the Midwest at Buena Vista College, in Storm Lake, IA July 23-28, 2023. Plan on a week of inspiring worship, educational speakers, arts and crafts, and lots of new friends for the entire family. There is programming available for every age and every interest. Want more information? Go to http://www.lakesandprairies.org/SynodSchool
LAWN MOWING
We thank the Galles family for volunteering to mow the church lawn this summer. Thanks also to John Fuelberth and Mark Hammer for agreeing to mow for the month of May. There are still two weeks at the end of July that need to be covered, and then more dates beginning in September moving into the fall that will need to be filled. If you can share in this effort, please sign up via the email Google document, sign-up on the Opportunity Table in Fellowship Hall or call the church office.
SUMMER CAMP @ CALVIN CREST
Summer is coming! We promise! And what better way to spend your summer than going to camp learning about Jesus with friends? Calvin Crest is officially open for summer camp registration: http://www.calvincrest.org/summer-camp/ Pick out your week of camp and register your kid(s) or grandkid(s). Our young people may apply for a scholarship to pay ½ of the cost of registration. Additional scholarships, based on financial need may be available. Please ask Jenny or Pastor Teresa for an application.
GRIEF & LOSS COMMUNITY SUPPORT GROUP
Grief and loss are complicated journeys, they can take many forms, and leave us changed. Please consider joining a welcoming and kind community of support. We will meet Wednesdays in June and on Wednesday, July 5th from 6:00-8:00pm at the PMC Hospice Office, 803 Providence Road, Suite 103. Call Kathy to register at 402-375-7659.
FREE PIANO IN FELLOWSHIP HALL
First Presbyterian has received the gift of an electric keyboard from Jay and Jane O’Leary in memory of their sons, Jed and JD. Thank you, Jane and Jay O’Leary, for your generosity. The Session determined with the gift of the keyboard we will no longer need the Acrosonic brand piano currently in Fellowship Hall. The piano is in good useable condition; however, it will likely need tuning after moving. The Session will give the piano to any member of the congregation at no charge. The recipient must remove the piano from the property. Please speak to Pastor Teresa if you are interested in the piano.
MAY BIRTHDAYS
(Would you like to see your birthday listed here?
Just contact the church office 402-375-2669 or fpcwayne@gmail.com)
3 Dave P.
10 Jeryl N.
11 Karen J., Solomon P.
12 Joan L.
18 Jay and Jane O., Taytum S.
24 Gail Mc.
May 2022 – First Presbyterian Church
| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
| Each Sunday Morning: Handbell Choir 9:00Worship 10:00Fellowship 11:00 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 PW Spring Gathering | 6 PW Spring Gathering |
| 7 10:00am Worship with Communion & Graduation Reception | 8 Pastor on Vacation *5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living | 9 Pastor on Vacation *5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living | 10 Pastor on Vacation *5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living | 11 Pastor on Vacation *5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living | 12 Pastor on Vacation *5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living | 13 Pastor on Vacation |
| 14 10:00am Worship with Ronda Ras Pastor on Vacation | 15 9:30am Wayne County Family Coalition | 16 | 17 3:30pm Kinship Pointe Chapel | 18 10:00am Homestead Presbytery @ Beatrice | 19 | 20 |
| 21 10:00am CoffeeHouse Worship | 22 7:00pm Session Meeting | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 |
| 28 10:00am Worship – Pentecost Offering 1:30pm Country View Chapel | 29 | 30 | 31 |
Clipartbest.com
What Makes a Dad?
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
By Unknown Author
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 2022 – First Presbyterian Church
| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
| Each Sunday Morning: 10:00 Worship11:00 Fellowship | 1 | 2 | 3 | |||
| 4 +Communion | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 |
| 18 CoffeeHouse Worship * Father’s Day | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 Joyce Voyles Service |
| 25 | 26 *5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living 7:00pm Session Meeting | 27 *5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living | 28 *5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living 3:30pm Kinship Pointe Chapel | 29 *5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living Word in Faith appears in the Wayne Herald | 30 |
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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[*] Belonging to God | Fuller Seminary Accessed 4/7/2023.
First Presbyterian Church of Wayne, Nebraska 