Presbytidings –
December 2023/January 2024
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….
This month Gordon wrote a lovely prayer that was printed in the November 30th edition of the Wayne Herald. Thank-you Gordon for sharing your thoughts. Gordon’s words remind us that in the transition from Thanksgiving to Christmas we must not let the culture of Christmas crowd out Christ. Preparation of our hearts and minds for the coming of the Christ Child will be more meaningful and long lasting than beautifully wrapped packages and their contents. Each of us need to prepare the way for the coming of our Lord, preparation will be different for each of us. Gordon’s prayer is a reminder of God’s greatest gift to us, the Christ Child, and the gift we can return to our Triune God which is our humble, grateful, thankful hearts.
Merry Christmas,
Pastor Teresa
Preparation Matters;
A Prayer for Advent.
Rev. Gordon Granberg, Deacon
Ordinarily, Lord God, I can easily glide from giving thanks on one national holiday to the next grand event, celebrating Christmas. But I need to pause just now and pray—seeking Your presence—in order to ready myself, sharpen my focus, and attend to Your Spirit. The Bible records the humble simplicity of that early occasion: “The time came to deliver her child…and she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him bands of cloth and laid him in a manger…Luke 2:6-7).
Matthew’s account indicates that the wealthy magi “knelt down…paid him homage…and offered him gifts (Matthew 2:11).” What a potent contrast to our modern lavish commercial merchandising!
In our day, large crowds of people throng the streets of New York City and millions more across the country watch via television. This year we’ve already seen dozens of luxurious floats, bobbing balloons, and enthusiastic bands stream from Broadway and 34th Street to Herald Square. Transfixed we gawked as this grant event climaxed with the tumultuous welcome for our nation’s current most popular personality Santa Claus.
Now as recent memory of expressing our thanks for Your bountiful gifts and generous grace fades God, we’d halt right now. We earnestly invite You to intervene and discourage us from crowding You out of Christmas. We appeal to You—stop us from lavish overspending and manipulative gifting. Because we are convinced that preparation matters, God, we urge You to help us step back from all the frenzied commotions and establish time for settled worship and quiet devotion as we await the promised gift of Your Son, Jesus the Christ. In His name we pray, Amen.
Prepare the Way
Isaiah 40: 1-5 NIV
Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.
Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her
that her hard service has been completed,
that her sin has been paid for,
that she has received from the Lord’s hand
double for all her sins.
A voice of one calling:
“In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord;
make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Every valley shall be raised up,
every mountain and hill made low;
the rough ground shall become level,
the rugged places a plain.
And the glory of the Lord will be revealed,
and all people will see it together.
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE: December 24th, 5:30pm
Worship Christ, the newborn King! Saturday, December 24, at 5:30pm. Bring your loved ones for a special candle-lit service celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
COMMUNION
- We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper on December 3rd with Kent Pulfer as the communion elder.
- January 14, 2024 will be the next worship service with communion.
“A SURPRISING GOD”, AN ADVENT DEVOTIONAL
An Advent devotional book entitled “A Surprising God” will be distributed on Sunday, December 3rd to each family in worship. It is hoped you will enjoy this devotional reading during the Advent season. The readings are short, but very pertinent to today. I encourage you to read the preface from the authors, Rev. Tom Long and Donyelle McCray. We have a book for every family, if you are not in worship you can get it the following week or stop by the church office. The books are a gift to the congregation via funds from the Presbyterian Foundation for this congregation’s educational use.
ADVENT CANDLE LIGHTING 2023
Thank you to the following who will be assisting with Advent Candlelighting:
November 26th Randy &Shari Dunklau
December 3rd Nate & Sydney Story
December 10th Austin & Michelle Galles & family
December 17th Michael & Suzanne Sjuts & family
December 24th Mark & Jenny Hammer
ADVENT SERIES: “The Angels Speak”
At Christmas time, angels are a familiar sight, we have angels on our trees, wrapping paper, Christmas cards, in the nativity scene. We sing about them in our Christmas hymns. Angels are often depicted as benevolent celestial intermediaries or messengers between God and human beings, protectors and guides for humans. In both Old and New Testaments of the Bible there are various accounts of angels. Angels capture our imaginations and spark our interest in spiritual and supernatural things, but what do we know about angels?
The word angel derives from the Greek angelos, meaning “messenger.” In Hebrew, the language of the Old Testament, no single word precisely corresponds to the word angel. Instead, there is a rich and varied vocabulary to describe these celestial beings including “sons of God,” “heavenly beings,” and “hosts” (see, for example, Genesis 5:22; Job 1:6; Psalm 103:21). Angels are spiritual beings that don’t have physical bodies, though they sometimes appear and interact with people.
Angels appear throughout the Bible during significant moments in the history of God’s people. Angel’s commission people to a specific task (think of the angel of God who appears to Moses from the burning bush). Angels speak God’s words to prophets, redirect or guide someone’s actions at a critical moment, or act in ways that offer protection for God’s people. Angels provided for Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4:11). An angel gives Christ strength in Gethsemane (Luke 22:43). Angels have been an important part of God’s dealings with humanity from Genesis to Revelation.
Angels are an integral part of the events surrounding the Christmas story. Our Advent theme this year is “The Angels Speak”. November 26th we heard the account of the angelic encounter between Zechariah when the angel, Gabriel, announced Zechariah’s and Elizabeth’s long-offered prayers for a child had been heard. On December 3rd we will hear of another angel visitation when Gabriel brought news of another unexpected pregnancy. December 10th we will hear of Joseph’s encounter with an angel and on December 17th the encounter of the shepherds and the heavenly host of angels.
Just because we don’t read stories from our own time of people seeing angels filling the night sky, or encountering men in dazzling white robes doesn’t mean God no longer sends messengers to interrupt our everyday existence. The angels in the birth narratives of Jesus were God’s messengers of hope, peace, salvation, direction, warning, telling of Jesus’s identity. The angels of Christmas came to deliver important messages to people who were hoping for God to intervene in a mighty way and God did intervene in a most remarkable way, through the birth of a baby.
THINKING ABOUT ANGELS: Angel Trivia
- How many angels are named in the Bible? Look for the answer in the December 3rd bulletin.
- If an angel appeared to you in what are the first words you would most likely hear the angel say? Look for the answer in the December 10th bulletin.
- Do angels have wings and halos? Look for the answer in the December 17th bulletin
- Is it ever recorded the Bible that angels sing? Look for the answer in the December 24th bulletin
- What gender are angels? Look for the answer in the December 24th bulletin
CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS
Poinsettias may be displayed in the sanctuary in honor or memory of the loved ones in your life. We will acknowledge the arrangements in the Christmas Eve program. Please inform Jenny in the church office of the details. You can bring them anytime, you are asked to take them home after the December 24th worship service.
PRESBYTERIAN PEALERS
The Presbyterian Pealers will be performing at the Sunday morning worship service on December 17, 2023.
PMC ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING REMEMBRANCE SERVICE
The PMC Annual Tree Lighting Remembrance Service will be held Sunday, December 3rd at 2:00pm in the Providence Medical Center Auditorium.
CHRISTMAS JOY OFFERING
The Christmas Joy Offering has been a cherished Presbyterian tradition since the 1930s. The Offering distributes gifts equally to the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions and to Presbyterian-related schools and colleges equipping communities of color. The Assistance Program provides critical financial support to church workers and their families. Presbyterian-related schools and colleges provide education and leadership development while nurturing racial and ethnic heritage. This has been a Presbyterian commitment for nearly 140 years. We will receive the Christmas Joy offering on Sunday, December 17th, however you may make your gift any time before the end of the year. Please note on your check or offering envelope that the gift is for the Christmas Joy offering.
SEASON OF GIVING
In this season of giving the Session is encouraging the congregation to support local non-profit agencies such as Salvation Army, Haven House, the Backpack Program, Wayne Food Pantry, Coat Closet, and WACAM. In Fellowship Hall you will find a box labeled for each agency. Drop your cash or check gift into the box or boxes of your choice. Even small gifts can make a big impact, and these gifts don’t need to be wrapped! Thanks to Jane for making the colorful boxes.
You can give toward an international mission of providing a family a pair of goats through your donation to the Presbyterian Giving Catalog. A pair of goats cost $175.00. The final day for making an offering for the Season of Giving will be December 17th. If you give by a check your donation will be recorded by the financial secretary.
MITTEN TREE
The Deacons request your help in decorating our mitten tree this holiday season with gloves, hats, scarves and mittens. The tree will be in Fellowship Hall.
WAYNE FOOD PANTRY
We are expecting a very busy holiday season at the Food Pantry. With gifts from the community and the WACAM group we were able to provide 12 families from Wayne Community Schools and 13 Head-Start families with grocery store vouchers and hams. We hope to provide about the same number this Christmas-time. We will also be distributing nearly 140 bags with peanut butter, jelly & a loaf of bread to the children on the Wayne Schools Backpack Program. Please consider donating to the Food Pantry. There is a great need in our community, please be generous. Please contact Jenny at the church office fpcwayne@gmail.com if you have any questions.
PASTORAL COMMUNITY OUTREACH SERVICES – December 2023/January 2024
- December 2023:
- WAYNE COUNTRYVIEW CHAPEL: Pastor will lead a chapel service at Country View on Sunday, December 3rd beginning at 1:30pm.
- KINSHIP POINTE: Pastor will lead chapel service on Wednesday, December 27th, beginning at 3:30pm.
- January 2024:
- RADIO DEVOTIONS: Pastor Teresa will be giving devotions on 104.9 Big Red Country KTCH the week of January 8th – 12th at 5:40am.
- KINSHIP POINTE: Pastor will lead chapel service on Wednesday, January 10, beginning at 3:30pm.
- WAYNE COUNTRYVIEW CHAPEL: Pastor will lead a chapel service at Country View on Sunday, January 21st beginning at 1:30pm.
PASTOR’S VACATION & STUDY LEAVE
- Pastor will be on vacation December 25th, 2023 – January 7th, 2024.
- No service will be held in the morning on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023.
- The Christmas Eve service will be held at 5:30pm.
- No service will be held Sunday, December 31, 2024.
- On Sunday, January 7, 2024 Gail McCorkindale will be the worship leader.
- Communion will be held on January 14th, 2023. John Fuelberth serving as communion elder.
- If you have a pastoral need while Pastor Teresa is away, please contact the office at (402)375-2669 or fpcwayne@gmail.com
HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS
- The church office will be closed the week of December 25th. We will re-open on Tuesday. January 2nd, 2024.
- Pastor Teresa will be on leave Sunday, December 25 – Monday, January 8th, 2024. Please leave a message if you have a need at either (402)375-2669 or fpcwayne@gmail.com
TAX REMINDER
All donations for the 2023 calendar year need to be to Anita Fuelberth no later than Friday, December 29, 2022 for tax purposes. Any mailed donations must be postmarked no later than Wednesday, December 27th, 2023.
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING: November 17Th, 2023
At the November 17th Congregational meeting the budget for 2024 was presented which included the terms of call for the pastor. Copies of the budget are available in Fellowship Hall.
The Nominating Team presented the following slate of officers;
Elder – Gerard Ras (1st term)
Mark Hammer (2nd term)
Deacon – Sydney McCorkindale Story (1st term)
A nomination from the floor was received to elect Jenny Hammer (1st term) as a Deacon.
The slate of officers was approved. Thank-you to these folks who said yes to be leaders in the congregation. The installation of officers will be January 14th during worship.
COFFEE HOUSE TO RETURN IN 2024
CoffeeHouse Worship will return on February 18, 2024. Please contact Jane to volunteer or share ideas for topics. We will also need volunteers for treats and to make the coffee so please watch for the sign-up sheet to volunteer. We look forward to more discussion about the Scriptures’ and how they impact our lives. Coffee House begins February 18th.
SESSION
- The Session will not meet in December.
- The Session will gather for a retreat Saturday, January 20th, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for a time of training and planning for 2024. All Session members including the incoming class of elders should plan to attend. We will be reviewing polices of the congregation as well as planning for communion, monthly devotions and organizing Session teams.
- If you are responsible for a particular ministry (e.g., deacons, music, nominating, church school, property), please submit a brief report to the church office (fpcwayne@gmail.com) by Friday, 1/19/2024.
FPC ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
Our annual congregational meeting will follow worship on Sunday, January 28th. If you are responsible for a particular ministry (e.g., deacons, music, nominating, church school, property), please submit a brief report to the church office (fpcwayne@gmail.com) by Friday, 1/19/2024.
SESSION & DEACON TEAM REPORTS DUE
If you are responsible for a particular ministry (e.g., deacons, music, nominating, church school, property), please submit a brief report to the church office (fpcwayne@gmail.com) by Friday, 1/19/2024.
HERITAGE SUNDAY: October 29th, 2023
Sunday, October 29th the congregation of First Presbyterian Church was reminded of our history and encouraged to continue to look for what God is calling us to do today and into the future. Jane O’Leary shared the history of the church in a reading entitled “A Church Nail” first shared at the church’s centennial. Jane had updated and revised the reading to 2023. The congregation also recognized all those who had been members 25 or more years. There are a total of 33 people who have called FPC their church home for more than 25 years. Those who were present for worship that day posed for a photo. The photo and an entire list of 25+ members is posted in Fellowship Hall. As a congregation we are to remember the past and learn from it but move forward into new challenges and opportunities in this place and at this time. We celebrate God’s many blessings, a beautiful building as well as a variety of resources including our many faithful members. Thanks be to God.
December 2023 – First Presbyterian Church
| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
| Each Sunday Morning: Pealers practiceWorship 10:00Fellowship 11:00 | 1 | 2 | ||||
| 3 *Communion *FPC Advent Book distribution *1:30 Countryview Chapel *4pm Cub Scouts *7pm Backpacks packed | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
| 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
| 17 *Presbyterian Pealers performance *Christmas Joy Offering | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 5:30pm Christmas Eve Service |
| 24 *No morning worship service *5:30pm Christmas Eve service | 25 Merry Christmas! Jesus is born! | 26 Church Office closed | 27 Church Office Closed *3:30 Kinship Pointe | 28 Church Office closed | 29 Church Office closed | 30 |
| 31 No worship service |
DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS
5 Tiffanny H.
7 Candyce P.
14 Randy D.
18 Beau B.
22 Nina H.
January 2024 – First Presbyterian Church
| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
| 1 Pastor on vacation | 2 Pastor on vacation | 3 Pastor on vacation | 4 Pastor on vacation | 5 Pastor on vacation | 6 | |
| 7 Speaker: Gail McCorkindale | 8 5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living | 9 5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living | 10 5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living *10:30 WACAM *3:30 Kinship Pointe | 11 5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living *Salvation Army | 12 5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living | 13 |
| 14 Communion Installation of Elders/Deacons | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 Session Reports due | 20 9:00am Session Retreat |
| 21 1:30 Pastor leads Countryview Chapel | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 |
| 28 Annual Congregational Meeting | 29 | 30 | 31 | |||
JANUARY BIRTHDAYS
2 Larry H.
5 Terry B.
9 Jenny H.
10 Emily A.
20 Kent P.
27 Jim P.
28 Jackie O.
31 Shannon P.
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
Pastor Teresa Bartlett
402-375-2669 (office)
First Presbyterian Church of Wayne, Nebraska 