Presbytidings – July/August 2023

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Presbytidings – July/August 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.”

SAVE THE DATE – AUGUST 6TH: THE HEAVENLY HENS

A SPECIAL WORSHIP SERVICE

We are pleased to welcome the Heavenly Hens, a ladies triple trio, to FPC on August 6th. The group will lead worship and share their faith through music. Don’t miss it.  

From the Pastor…..

I recently read a story about a mother’s encouragement for her child. Pauline Einstein received a note from her son’s elementary school teacher saying the boy was too dumb to learn and wasn’t going to amount to anything in his life. Rather than accept the teacher’s assessment Pauline told her son he was so smart his teachers could no longer teach him. The determined mother bought several books and started teaching her son. Pauline Einstein didn’t give up, she believed in her son’s abilities and that he was going to change the world. Pauline’s intuition was correct, Albert Einstein became one of the most famous physicists of the 20th century.[*]

After his mother’s death, Albert found the teacher’s note from so many years before. Tears filled his eyes, not out of hurt for the words written but for the love and compassion his mother had for him, for the words of encouragement and support she offered. (theodysseyonline.com) Pauline Einstein’s is an excellent example of how someone’s encouragement can change a life, in her case her son Albert. Encouragement breathes life into our souls and can make a difference in each of our lives. 

We meet another example of an encourager in the book of Acts by the name of Joseph. Acts describes him, “Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”)….” (Acts 4:36). We learn from this passage several things about Barnabas that he is a Levite, meaning he’s from a priestly family. He is from Cyprus and that Barnabas is his nickname, which means “Son of Encouragement.” His nickname was given to him by the apostles, and it stuck. Barnabas was a quiet but important force in the early church, giving of his time and resources and supporting others in ministry. 

Most of us know the story of Saul, a persecutor of Christians until he met Jesus on the road to Damascus. As a result of his radical transformation Saul was changed from a persecutor of the faith to proclaiming faith in Jesus Christ. Christians were terrified of Saul, renamed as Paul, they struggled to believe his transformation was authentic. Scripture tells us Barnabas introduced Saulto the apostles and explained “… how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus” (Acts 9:27, NIV). Barnabas must have taken time to listen to Saul’s story, to recognize the change in Paul’s focus and faith. God used Barnabas to encourage Saul to become a leader in the early church and for the disciples to accept him as a leader.

What if Barnabas had not been the “son of encouragement” but a “son of discouragement”? Maybe Paul, would have failed to connect to the apostles and Paul would have never made multiple journeys sharing his faith, preaching, teaching, and planting seeds of faith in many places.

        I recently came across the website of Jim D. Akers, a speaker and author who had written and posted an article entitled, “5 Qualities You Need to Be a Great Encourager” (https://jimdakers.com/2016/08/05/5-qualities-you-need-to-be-a-great-encourager). Akers comments that these qualities can be developed and nurtured in each of our lives. We can see how Barnabas embodied these qualities in his life and ministry.

#1—A Genuine Heart for People.

Encouragers demonstrate a genuine heart for people, as well as real and loving concern for others. Encouragers are keenly aware of when changing conditions and circumstances ignite fear, break hearts, or rob someone of their passion. The condition of your heart is a measure of your willingness and capacity to encourage yourself and others. Real encouragement is heartfelt, Barnabas not only encouraged his companions John Mark and Paul in their ministries, he also encouraged the church in Jerusalem by selling some of his personal property and giving the proceeds to the church (Acts 4:37).

#2—An Empathetic Ear

Great encouragers consistently seek to understand people, they listen actively and with empathy. Meaningful encouragement is grounded in understanding—being able to accurately interpret what other people are saying. Encouragers are as comfortable with your fears and failures as they are with your hopes and dreams. Barnabas was able to be the conduit between Paul and the early leaders of the church who were very suspicious of this one-time persecutor who was now proclaiming faith in Jesus Christ. Surely Barnabas had to listen not just to Paul’s words, but also to his heart about the experience that changed his life.

#3—An Eye for Potential

Encouragers see people’s untapped potential because they don’t just see you where you are but have a vision of where you can go. By looking at people as work-in-progress they can provide mentoring that enables the discovery and development of one’s unique gifts and talents.  John Mark was mentored and encouraged by his cousin, Barnabas, in ministry.

#4—A Consistent Source of Hope

Encouragers see circumstances and conditions as changeable. They are prayerful problem-solvers and help create solutions and pursue positive change. They know that resistance and failure are the inevitable companions of lofty goals and dreams and consistently deliver words of hope that support others to the finish line. Even when John Mark left working with Paul and Barnabas for a time Barnabas encouraged him to return to ministry.

#5—Setting a Positive and Inspiring Example

Barnabas was a great encourager, comfortable with a variety of people and roles. Great encouragers are pictures of humility, authenticity, compassion, and action. An encourager is consistently the same publicly, privately, and personally. 

Every important race in life will bring us face-to-face with adversity, resistance, and challenges. While encouragement does not guarantee one immediate relief or victory it serves to move us towards creating a pattern of increasing effectiveness and impact.

Barnabas’ encouragement helped move Paul from the sidelines of Christianity to a key mission to the Gentiles. No doubt hearing words of encouragement made a great difference in Paul’s life or in John Mark’s life. Barnabas didn’t care who got the glory, he cared about building God’s Kingdom and encouraging God’s people.No doubt, Barnabas’ life reflected what he saw and experienced in his relationship with God and he set a great example in nurturing others through words and acts of encouragement. Never underestimate the power of encouragement. You can also become an encourager and make a difference in your life and the lives of others.

Grace and peace,

          Pastor Teresa

4th OF JULY OFFICE CLOSURE

The FPC Office and Wayne Food Pantry will be closed on Tuesday, July 4th.

SUMMER COMMUNION DATES

  • Sunday, July 9th. Communion Elder, Suzanne Sjuts.
  • Sunday, August 13th. Communion Elder, John Fuelberth.

COMMUNITY CHAPEL SERVICES

Pastor Teresa will lead chapel services at the following locations through the summer:

  • COUNTRY VIEW CHAPEL Pastor will lead Country View chapel on Sunday, July 9th at 1:30pm.
    • Pastor will also lead Country View chapel on Sunday, August 27th at 1:30pm.
  • RADIO DEVOTIONS Pastor Teresa will be giving devotions on 104.9 Big Red Country KTCH the week of August 14th – 18th at 5:40am.
  • KINSHIP POINTE CHAPEL Please join Pastor Teresa as she leads chapel at Kinship Pointe on Wednesday, August 16th at 3:30pm.

Runza and Wayne Salvation Army Unit join forces for “Christmas in July” Fundraiser

The Wayne Salvation Army unit is pleased to be working with our local Runza on a “Christmas in July” event said chairperson, Pastor Teresa Bartlett. Tuesday, July 11th between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m. Runza will donate 15% of their sales to the Wayne Salvation Army Unit. The focus of this fundraiser is supporting the Wayne Salvation Army’s school supply give away event to be held on August 14th.  Join us in any manner; eat in, drive through or carry out and help us meet the needs of Wayne students.

The Salvation Army reinvests donations raised from fundraising such as the seasonal Red Kettle Campaign into the community through various projects such as the Back-to-School project. The Salvation Army Unit also receives support from the Wayne Community Chest. Volunteers are always welcome if you are interested in helping please contact chair, Pastor Teresa Bartlett 402.375.2669.  

COFFEEHOUSE WORSHIP DATES

CoffeeHouse Worship continues this summer on the following dates:

  • July 16th at 10:00am – Gerard Ras will lead the discussion, John Fuelberth will serve as host.
  • August 20th at 10:00am – Gordon Granberg & Pastor Teresa will lead the discussion. A host is still needed.

PASTOR’S STUDY LEAVE

  • Pastor Teresa will be out on study leave July 24th – 31st.
  • If you have a pastoral need while Pastor Teresa is away, please contact the office at (402)375-2669 or fpcwayne@gmail.com

NO JULY 30TH WORSHIP SERVICE

Since Pastor Teresa will be on study leave on Sunday, July 30th, there will not be a service at FPC. You are encouraged to attend the Wayne County Fair Community Worship at 10:00am in the grandstand or another congregation.

SESSION MEETINGS

  • There will be no session meeting in July.
  • The next session meeting will be held on Monday, August 28th, at 7:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall

HOMESTEAD PRESBYTERY MEETING

The Homestead Presbytery will meet at Calvin Crest on August 12th.

CALVIN CREST FAMILY FUN DAY – August 19th, 2023

Calvin Crest’s Fun Day on Saturday, August 19th is perfect for families, friends, children, adults, community members and grandparents!  The event offers activities for all ages including music, games, hikes, crafts, food and fellowship. 

You can find more information at https://calvincrest.org/familyfunday/

BASKET DONATIONS REQUESTED FOR CALVIN CREST FUN DAY AUCTION

Calvin Crest will have a “Basket Auction” on Family Fun Day, August 19th. This has taken the place of the quilt auction they used to hold every August. Organizers are asking each church to donate one or two baskets. 

Mark, Jenny & Nina will be collecting gift card donations to regional restaurants, online shopping (i.e. Amazon, Target) or retail shopping, such as Ace Hardware, Bomgaars, etc. Any amount will be accepted. We ask that your donations be delivered to church prior to before Friday, August 18th or we can pick them up. Thank you so much for your support.

COME ONE, COME ALL! END OF SUMMER FPC POTLUCK!

Crack open those cookbooks and start planning your special dish for the long anticipated FPC potluck! We will come together as a church family on Sunday, August 27th after worship. The church will provide the drinks, plates and table-service. Looking forward to seeing you there!

FOOD PANTRY & BACKPACK NEWS 2023

The food pantry has served over 100 requests so far this year. The Backpack Program has served approximately 5,000 food bags in the 2022/23 academic year. We serve the Wayne Community Schools, St. Mary’s and Tower Schools. The program continues this summer. We appreciate 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.

CONGRATULATIONS TO MR. & MRS. MILTON OWENS!

Milton & Jackie Owens celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on June 27th. We congratulate them on their platinum anniversary and wish them many more years of wedded happiness.

GALLES THANK YOU LAWN MOWING

We thank our super-hero family, Austin, Michelle, Jacoby, Sydney and Miles for mowing the lawn all summer. It is very greatly appreciated.

July 2023 – First Presbyterian Church

SundayMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturday
Each Sunday Morning: 10:00 Worship11:00 Fellowship     1
2    34 Church office & Food Pantry Closed5  6  7  8  
9 10:00am + Communion 1:30pm + CountryView Chapel  10 9:30am + Wayne Family Coalition11  5-8:00pm Runza supports Salvation Army12  13  14  15  
16 10:00am CoffeeHouse Worship  17  18  19  20  21  22  
23  24 Pastor on study leave25 Pastor on study leave26 Pastor on study leave27 Pastor on study leave28 Pastor on study leave30 Pastor on study leave  
31 Visitation Sunday – no FPC service   Pastor on study leave          

July Birthdays

                    10      Shea S.

                    21      Josephine P.

          24      Mark H.

          29      Marta P.

August 2023 – First Presbyterian Church

SundayMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturday
  1  2  3  4    5    
6 10:00am Worship with Heavenly Hens  7      8    9 10:30 + WACAM Meeting  10  1112 Homestead Presbytery Meeting @ Calvin Crest
13 10:00am + Communion  14 5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living   8:30am All day Salvation Army set-up & give away school supplies (4:30-7:30pm)15 5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living  16 5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living 3:30pm Kinship Pointe Chapel17 5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living  18 5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living    19   Family Fun Day at Calvin Crest
20 10:00am CoffeeHouse Worship  21  22  23  24  25  26
27 11:00 All-church Potluck! 1:30pm CountryView Chapel  28 7:00pm Session  29    3031    

AUGUST BIRTHDAYS

                                                2          Gordon G.

                                                3          Ken M.

                                                8          Nina S.

            27        Milton O.

            30        Layne H.

FPC WORSHIP SERVICE LIVE AND RECORDED:

This summer you can take us with you wherever you are!

            Zoom: (This option is a live broadcast.) Check your email for an invitation from Pastor Teresa.

Facebook: @ First Presbyterian Church – Wayne, Nebraska

Website: fpcwayne.com

YouTube: @ fpc of Wayne Nebraska

Check it out!

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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[*] Why We Should All Strive To Be More Like Albert Einstein’s Mother. Accessed 6/21/2023.

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