Presbytidings –

November/December  2016

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.”

A WORD FROM THE (new!) PASTOR:

Grace and peace to you,

 As the Advent season draws near I am reminded of the many journeys woven through the Scriptures of the season. During Advent we recall Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth, Joseph and Mary’s trip to Bethlehem, the shepherd’s journey from the fields to Bethlehem to  find Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus.  The journey of the Wise Men following the star to an unknown destination. 

In many ways my journey, as well as that of First Presbyterian, reminds me of the Wise Men who set off following the star unsure where the journey would end.  Likewise trusting the Holy Spirit, like following a brightly, shining star, we each began with a step.  

Your journey has been one of discovery, thinking about who you are as a community, what you envision for your future.  As a congregation you spent time in reflection and discernment about your life together and your next pastor.   When the Pastor Nominating Committee was elected they began a journey as you entrusted them to follow the Spirit’s leading moving through the discernment process of identifying a pastoral candidate.

When I began feeling the prompting of the Spirit that it might be time to move, I didn’t have a specific destination in sight.  I am delighted that led by the Holy Spirit our journeys came to a crossroad in October when you extended and I accepted the call to become your next pastor.   I look forward to getting to know each of you, to hear your hopes and dreams for your congregation, learn the history of your faith family, the community and where those stories intersect. 

Often in our journeys we encounter detours and while finding housing has caused a delay in my move to Wayne, it hasn’t dampened my enthusiasm to move into the rhythm of First Presbyterian.   January 8^th will be my first Sunday as your pastor.  We will begin our journey of faith and discipleship together in the New Year.  Like the Wise Men each of us are called to offer our gifts to Christ trusting our Triune God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we set out together.   We can be confident that wherever the journey leads our Triune God is faithful and give thanks that we go forward in God’s grace and love.

May the gifts of love, joy, hope and peace, be yours in abundance now and always,

 Pastor Teresa                                                

COMMUNION

We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper on Sunday, November 20, and Sunday, December 11th.

SESSION

The Session will gather on Monday, November 28, at 7:00 p.m.

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First Presbyterian Church – Wayne, Nebraska

COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING SERVICE

Christians in Wayne will gather on Sunday evening, 11/20, at the Praise Assembly of God Church for a worship service of giving thanks. The service will start at 5:00pm, and a soup-and-pie supper will follow in their fellowship hall. Please help us provide soup and pies by signing up at the Opportunity Table.

THANKSGIVING DAY

The church office will be closed both Thursday and Friday this Thanksgiving holiday. Please, do not hesitate to leave a message if you have a need at either (402)375-2669 or fpcwayne@gmail.com

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

Program practice for the Children’s Program (on December 18^th) will take place during Sunday School on December 4, 11 and 18.

FPC CHRISTMAS BAND

It’s time to dust off your instrument and play in the First Presbyterian Band! The program will be December 18^th, and anyone who plays an instrument is welcome, including beginners and friends of our church. Please contact Jay O’Leary if you have questions.

RING AROUND WAYNE

The Wayne community handbell concert will be Monday, 12/5, at the Armory at 7:30pm. Our own Presbyterian Pealers will be performing alongside the other local groups. Please show your support!

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

Presbyterian Women will meet on Wednesday, December 7^th at 6:30pm. Jackie Owens will lead the Bible study. The annual cookie exchange will also take place.

SEWING SOULS

There will be no Sewing Souls meeting in December.

BROWN-BAG BIBLE STUDY

Join us for stimulating conversation as we explore questions about God and the Bible Wednesdays at noon, in Fellowship Hall.

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 someone Jenny in the church office of the details.

MITTEN TREE

Please help us decorate our annual mitten tree this holiday season with gloves, hats, scarves and mittens. It is currently on display at U.S. Cellular on Main Street, but will be in Fellowship Hall in December.

COAT CLOSET

We want to thank all of you for the many items of apparel you brought to church last Sunday for the Coat Closet. We very much appreciate your help. Thank you!!  the Deacons

WAYNE FOOD PANTRY

We are expecting a very busy holiday season at the Food Pantry. Please consider making a donation to our program. 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.

LOOKING AHEAD TO ADVENT & CHRISTMAS

• The Hanging of the Greens will take place after worship on 11/20. Stick around to help decorate our building in anticipation of Christmas!
• We will go caroling to CareAge and The Oaks on Wednesday, 12/14 during supper time.
• The Children’s Christmas program and the FPC Christmas Band will be performing during worship on Sunday, December 18^th.
• Our Christmas Eve Service will be held at 5:30pm.
• There will be no morning worship on Sunday, December 25^th.
• Pastor Teresa Bartlett’s first Sunday with us will be January 8, 2017.

PROVIDENCE TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY

Providence Medical Center will be holding their Tree Lighting Remembrance Service on Sunday, December 11^th at 4:30pm. This is a time to gather together to remember and celebrate our loved ones lives. Refreshments and fellowship will follow the service.

MANY THANKS

Our gratitude goes out to John Fuelberth, as he spent many hours prepping and painting the pastors office. It looks wonderful. Thank you, John, for your dedication to our church.

GREETER, LECTOR, ACOLYTE SCHEDULES

NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2016

GREETERS: NOVEMBER 2016

6^th – The Peitz Family

13^th – The Peterson Family

20^th – The Urbanec Family

27^th – John & Anita Fuelberth, Jim & Shari Paige

GREETERS: DECEMBER 2016

4^th – Phil & Jean Griess, Ken & Jan LIska

11^th – The Worner Family

18^th Phil & Jean Griess, Jim Curtiss

24^th – The Hammer Family

25^th – no service

LECTORS: NOVEMBER 2016

6^th – Jim Lindau

13^th – Judy Lindberg

20^th – Phil Griess

27^th – Jeryl Nelson

LECTORS: DECEMBER 2016

4^th – Gail McCorkindale

11^th – Glenda McDonald

18^th – Ken Liska

24^th – no lector

ACOLYTES: NOVEMBER 2016

6^th – Taytum Sweetland

13^th – Ethan Wibben

20^th – Madison Urbanec

27^th – Ethan Wibben

ACOLYTES: DECEMBER 2016

4^th – Cate Worner

11^th – Bo Armstrong

18^th – Ethan Wibben

24^th – Nina Hammer

November 2016 – First Presbyterian Church

December 2016 – First Presbyterian Church

(Would you like to see your birthday listed here? 

Just contact the church office 402-375-2669 or fpcwayne@gmail.com)

NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS

2      Phyllis Hix

6      Brandon Beair

7      Rick Lund

10     Kevin Peterson

12     Ken Liska

12     Mark McCorkindale

13     Katherine Butler

14     Audrey Harder

18     John Gradwohl

28    David McElwain

DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS

1     Brittany Peterson

5    Tiffanny Heese

7    Candyce Peitz

14     Randy Dunklau

18     Beau Bowers

22    Nina Hammer

GET OUR NEWSLETTER BY E-MAIL

If you would like to receive this newsletter by e-mail (save a stamp, save a tree!), go to www.fpcwayne.org; on the home page, in the right hand column, there is a widget that says, “NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTION: Enter your e-mail address to receive Presbytidings, our church’s newsletter, by e-mail.” Enter your address in the white box, and click on the button that says, “Sign me up!” You will need to confirm your subscription through an e-mail message that will be sent to your inbox; this is safe! It is designed to keep spammers out of the picture! Share our newsletter with all your friends and family. Simple!

Presbytidings – September 2016

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.”

A WORD FROM THE PASTOR

The ancients believed that there are two kinds of time, Kronos and Kairos.  We all know about Kronos time.  That’s the one there isn’t enough of.  It’s the one we measure in minutes and hours and days, with watches and calendars.  Kronos time is fleeting, and the older we get the faster it fleets!  Kronos time is a quantity we use, waste, schedule, watch, and lose.  It is doctor appointments and work days, school years and graduations, wedding dates and anniversaries.  It’s the church lectionary year and the holidays we celebrate on designated days.  We all know about Kronos time.

Kairos time just is.  It’s sacred, special, immeasurable.  We don’t plan or schedule it.  It happens to us, or we happen into it.  It’s there, and gone, and lasts forever.  It’s often only moments, but those moments live forever in our hearts and memories.  Kairos time is the birth of a child, a wedding day.  It’s the moments in a marriage when the marriage is deepened because someone said I’m sorry, or I love you or just paused to listen at the end of a difficult day.  Kronos time is December 24^th.  Kairos time is the mystical moment when the candles are lit and we sing Silent Night remembering we are a community of believers.  Kairos time is God’s time, when we step out of the daily and into the mystery of eternity and timelessness.

In Kronos time, I’ve been your pastor for eight months.  I’ve driven two hours twice a week from Omaha to Wayne.  I’ve led 50+ hours of worship.  I’ve spent several hours each week in sermon and worship preparation.  And I could go on and on, with a list of how I’ve spent Kronos time. But the gift of this 8 months has been the Kairos time of baptism and confirmation, sharing in Bible studies, learning the back roads and the beauty of northeastern Nebraska, sitting by bedsides at CareAge and Brookdale, drinking coffee in living rooms with people who love this church and this area and can tell a story about every home I passed.

Kairos time is what we’ve shared together as I’ve been gifted to spend eight months with First Presbyterian Church.  Kairos time is why we are the church in the first place.  Kronos time just makes church one more thing on our “to do” list, another thing that happens in our week.  Kairos time makes that “thing that happens” a gift of community and caring, a celebration of God’s love for us and our love for God, one another, and God’s creation.  As Christians, we’re called to live in Kairos time, rejoicing each day that God is present, that Christ came to bring us life, that the Spirit guides and directs our living each moment.

We have to keep Kronos – the world demands that we show up where we’re supposed to and when we’ve said we would.  We get to keep Kairos, to live in God’s presence every moment and share that presence with the world.  Thank you for sharing Kairos with me for this time.  And do enjoy Kairos with your new pastor – who will arrive in God’s time.  Please be patient with your PNC, as they have to work in Kronos to find this new leader.  They are doing a wonderful job and are committed to finding the right person to lead and shepherd this congregation.  God’s time will provide just such a person.  Please be in prayer for that person and your new relationship.  Blessings on the road ahead! – Pastor Sally

ALL-CHURCH CLEAN UP

With all of the activities starting in September, we want our church home to look its best.  Come between 9:00 and noon on September 3 with dust cloth or mop and pail in hand.  We’ll be cleaning Sunday school rooms, the Coat closet, any windows that need washing, and generally sprucing up our sanctuary.  Come for work, fun and cookies!!

COMMUNION

We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper together on Sunday, September 11.

PASTOR SALLY

Pastor Sally’s last Sunday at FPC will be September 11^th. Come and join us for worship that day, and wish her well on life’s journey.

CHURCH SCHOOL KICKOFF & SUNDAE SUNDAY!

This fall we will have church school for grades preschool through 6^th grade beginning on Sunday, September 11, 9:00-9:45.

• On Wednesday, September 7, at 6:30pm, join us for a Church School and Youth Group Kick-off! We would like to invite students and their families, as well as volunteers and teachers, to join us for a time of food and fun! Sloppy Joes and fixins’, plus tie dye: bring a 100% cotton T-shirt and a friend!
• After worship on Sunday, 9/11, we will be celebrating with our traditional ice cream sundae Sunday.

Remember to bring your backpacks on September 11 for the back pack blessing during church!

 PRESBYTERIAN PEALERS

Our Hand-bell Choir will resume rehearsals on Sunday, 9/18 at 8:45am. New members are welcome! No experience is necessary. Please contact Jay O’Leary if you are interested.

SESSION

The next session meeting will be held on Monday, September 26, at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

• The Presbyterian Women will start the new year with a potluck supper on Wednesday, September 7 at 6:00pm with a potluck dinner, followed by a meeting to plan the coming year. The Bible Study this year will be “Who is Jesus?” All women are welcome. Come join us!
• “Faith Dollars” is a project that PW started a year ago. Dollar bills with an “F” minted on the front are very uncommon. At each meeting, members bring and “F” or Faith Dollars they have collected during each month. In May, we were able to donate $150 Faith Dollars to Haven House. We will continue to collect them and will decide where to donate the Faith Dollars later this year.

SEWING SOULS

• Sewing Souls will begin meeting again on the third Wednesday of every month. This month’s meeting will be held on September 21^st at 6:30pm. We will be starting new projects as well as continuing with projects such as pillows & pillowcases for children at Providence Medical Center.
• Thanks to everyone who donated items to send to Camp Calvin Crest for the Annual Quilt Auction. Without an official total yet for this year, the items sent from our church raised about $450 for the camp.

CALVIN CREST QUILT AUCTION

The items sent to the quilt auction in August from the Frist Presbyterian Church and Sewing Souls raised over $450 for Calvin Crest this year. Thanks to everyone who donated items and to those who attended the auction.

YOUTH GROUP MEETINGS RESUME

The first combined youth group will meet on Wednesday, September 7, from 6:30-8:30pm to make tie die and teach the Sunday school kids how it’s done!  Or just learn it yourself – bring a 100% cotton t-shirt to dye and a friend to learn along with you!

HEALTHY DATING FOR TEENS

Here’s an opportunity for teens and parents to learn about health relationships for teens, and the challenges of keeping those dating relationships healthy.  Join us at the Majestic Theater on September 21, 7:00 pm, for a haven House presentation and discussion of dating.  Light refreshments will be provided, and there will be door prizes!

CHAMBER OPEN HOUSE

Our church with sponsor the Chamber of Commerce Coffee on September 16 at 10:00am.  This is an opportunity to show off the newly renovated sanctuary, and let the community see the community ministries of First Presbyterian Church.  We’re excited about showing people the Coat Closet and Pantry.

THE POAM/OWLS FALL CELEBRATION: SPIRITUAL FRIENDSHIP

The Presbyterian Older Adult Ministry & the Older, Wiser, Livelier Saints (OWLS) Celebration at Calvin Crest will be held September 13-14, 2016. Please come and join friends and neighbors from across the Heartland for a two day celebration for older adults (50 and above). Overnight accommodations and great food are included. Check at our church office for details or go online at www.calvincrest.org

GREAT PLAINS PRESBYTERIAN PILGRIMAGE

Join this local pilgrimage to enhance your walk with Christ. It is a three day renewal that will last a lifetime. This journey in a Christian community will be held at Calvin Crest , September 29-October 2, 2016. For an overview of the program, see http://www.gpppilgrimage.org/faq.html or check the bulletin board in Fellowship Hall.

WAYNE COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE

The next community blood drive will be held Thursday, September 22 from 12:00pm – 5:30pm at the Wayne Fire Department located at 510 Tomar Drive. To make an appointment, contact the LifeServe Blood Center at 800-287-4903 or www.lifeservebloodcenter.org

SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME: A FAMILY’S STORY OF SURVIVAL

You are invited to attend a community presentation on shaken baby syndrome on Wednesday, September 14 from 6:30-8:00pm at the Wayne Fire Hall. Jill Junck is the featured speaker for the presentation and she will talk about how her family is coping with the after effects of shaken baby syndrome. There is no cost for the event, and no need to RSVP. This event is sponsored by the Northeast Nebraska Public Health Department and the Caring Connections Coalition.

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First Presbyterian Church – Wayne, Nebraska

PLEASE PRAY FOR:

• Our community
• Our schools and teachers
• The work of the Pastor Nominating Committee
• All who are battling cancer
• All who live in care centers
• All our students
• Peace in the Middle East
• Persecuted Christians in Egypt, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, and North Korea

Greeters September 2016

4^th – Jim Curtiss, Jim Lindau & Joyce Reeg

11^th – The Heese Family

18^th – Pat Straight, Jim Lindau & Joyce Reeg

25^th – The Pulfer Family

Greeters October 2016

2^nd – The Worner Family

9^th – The McCorkindale Family

16^th – Ken & Jan Liska, Jim & Shari Paige

23^rd – Karen & Ken Marra, Pat & Glenda McDonald

Lectors September 2016

4^th – Phil Griess

11^th – Kent Pulfer

18^th – Ken Liska

25^th – Pat Straight

Lectors October 2016

2^nd – Jack Beeson

9^th – Jim Curtiss

16^th – Mark Hammer

23^rd – Larry Heese

30^th – Karen Johnson

Acolytes September 2016

4^th – Taytum Sweetland

11^th – Ethan Wibben

18^th – Cate Worner

25^th – Nina Hammer

Acolytes October 2016

2^nd –Andy Wibben

9^th – Braydn McCorkindale

16^th – Bo Armstrong

23^rd – Madison Urbanec

30^th – Emily Worner

September 2016 – First Presbyterian Church

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS

(Would you like to see your birthday listed here?

Just contact the church office 402-375-2669 or fpcwayne@gmail.com)

6         Anita Fuelberth

8         Sharyn Paige

14        Angie Nelson

16        Marcile Uken

18        Jordan McDonald

19        Marilyn Murray

21        Jared Peterson

24        Jacob Pulfer, Misty Beair

29        Melissa Urbanec

30        Jared Yates, Madison Beair

GET OUR NEWSLETTER BY E-MAIL

If you would like to receive this newsletter by e-mail (save a stamp, save a tree!), go to www.fpcwayne.org; on the home page, in the right hand column, there is a widget that says, “NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTION: Enter your e-mail address to receive Presbytidings, our church’s newsletter, by e-mail.” Enter your address in the white box, and click on the button that says, “Sign me up!” You will need to confirm your subscription through an e-mail message that will be sent to your inbox; this is safe! It is designed to keep spammers out of the picture! Share our newsletter with all your friends and family. Simple!

Presbytidings – July/August 2016

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.”

A WORD FROM THE PASTOR

As I sought a message for this season of unrest and challenge in our world, I recalled this poem from A Pilgrim’s Way, by J. Barrie Shepherd.  It’s written for an Easter Sunday –“This is the day for rolling stones away” – but it’s equally appropriate for any day when we want to hide away and not venture out into our hurting, challenging, changing world.  Please enjoy this reminder that the freedom we have, the freedom we claim, comes from God and not others.  We find that freedom and joy in Christ and his resurrection.

– Pastor Sally

“And Rolled Back the Stone”

By J. Barrie Shepherd

A piece of rock,

That’s what people want nowadays – –

Something solid and dependable that

Will stand the tests of time; in other words,

Security, protection guaranteed, nailed down,

Sealed tight, foolproof against the triple threat

Of suffering, tragedy, and failure.  We build lives

Around such goals, spend our days pursuing education,

Real estate, investments, precious metals, locks

And chains, alarms for every window, every door.

And all this to protect ourselves

In a chancy, risky world.

Yet the more secure people get,

The more afraid they become;

The more layers of protection they amass,

The more they dread the loss of those defenses.

Until, just like that massive rock on Jesus’ tomb,

The “piece of the rock” they sought after

Seals them off from life, from freedom, and from love.

So it is that, long before death actually claims us,

We crawl inside our cozy air-conditioned tombs

And seal the entrance shut.

This day is one for rolling stones away.

This day is one for realizing, admitting to ourselves

That for all our stocks and bonds, for all our power,

Prestige, property, prosperity, we can never,

Never make ourselves ultimately secure.

We carry conscience with us behind all protective walls;

That and the consciousness that, soon or late,

The hour will come when we will be no more.

Roll away my heavy rock, O risen Christ.

Tear down the defenses I have built around

My anxious self.  Let your resurrected glory sweep away

Like chaff the empty, false securities I cling to,

And set me kneeling at your feet, knowing again

The one thing that can conquer fear is love,

The one gift that can lead to life is life,

Life seized and lived out to the full

In bold and daring freedom.

Roll away my rock, Lord; raise me

With soaring alleluias from my fearful death

To everlasting life in you.         Amen.

AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE YOUR STORY OF FREEDOM

Feel called to tell “the old, old story” in church in the coming weeks?  Pastor Sally is seeking volunteers to share their faith journey during Sunday worship.  She will work with you to speak your Good News (no more than 5 minutes, and probably shorter) about how you came to faith.  We need practice to tell our story, to witness to our faith.  Please consider sharing that witness so that others can grow in their faith.

PASTOR’S STUDY LEAVE

Pastor Sally and her family will be at Synod School at Buena Vista College, Storm Lake, Iowa, for the week of July 24-28.  When she returns, her schedule will be Wednesday morning through Sunday afternoon in Wayne each week.

BIBLE STUDY

We will be starting another Brown Bag study in August, using the same format we followed in May.  There will be a brief video, from a current subject expert, followed by discussion.  This series is on the Bible, how it was put together, and some of the key themes.  Please join us at noon on Wednesdays, starting August 3^rd.

PASTOR NOMINATING COMMITTEE

We have had several phone interviews of which one has been pushed to the call back list. The committee voted to have the next five vote-getters called for phone interviews. Many have already taken other positions and others just didn’t think the fit would be for them. We understand all of that.

We have requested another batch of PIFs (Pastor Information Forms) and have received those. We are working through those now. Our plan right now is to call a few more candidates for phone interviews and proceed from there. – Kevin Peterson, co-chair of PNC

2016 FOOD PANTRY NEWS

The food pantry has had a very busy year, we have already served over 100 families.  The Backpack Program served over 3,500 food bags in the 2015/16 academic year. Hunger really is an issue in the county.  Here’s just one story about the people we see on a regular basis:

Sue (not her real name) works 40 hours/week as a CNA in one of the care centers in the area.  With that job, she supports a household of herself and 4 children.  Sue was injured on the job and required surgery, and then was not allowed to work again until she had healed. She recently found another 20 hour/week CNA job at another care facility in a nearby town, because her current job is not enough to cover rent, utilities, food, medical care, and all of the other expenses of 4 growing children.  She comes to the pantry to augment her salary and feed those kids.  Our pantry truly fills an important need in our area.

Please consider a donation to help our ministry to Wayne Food Pantry. Our current need is canned soup, particularly the chucky kind. Checks can be made to the Wayne Food Pantry, and left with Jenny in the church office. We can also use volunteer hours, particularly with the distribution of food backpacks at the Wayne Elementary School, typically on Friday afternoons for approximately one hour. If you would like to help with this program, please contact Jenny Hammer or Jodi Pulfer.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL UPDATE

VBS is happening as you read this.   We’ve had wonderful opportunity to share the love of Christ with 35 children from around the community and beyond. Thanks to Our Savior Lutheran for once again providing the location and coordinating with us, and thanks to Misty Beair for representing FPC on the committee.

SUNDAY SCHOOL TO START

Sunday school will begin on September 11^th, Sunday, at 9:00 am. Come and bring your friends as we begin a new year together. Be sure to stick around for our annual “Sundae Sunday” at fellowship time after church that day!  We are still looking for people to teach for one month at a time.  If we have 3 or 4 people, each one will teach 2 or 3 months during the school year.  If you are interested, please call Misty Beair.

WAYNE GROW AN EXTRA ROW

Consider sharing your garden bounty this year with those in need in our community. Set aside a small bag of produce, and bring it to our food pantry.  The program was well received last year. You can help make a difference!  What we don’t give away will be for sale after church each Sunday, with the proceeds of the sale going to support the Pantry.

THE FLING for YOUTH

All youth from Missouri River Valley and Homestead presbyteries are invited to an end-of-summer event at Camp Calvin Crest from the evening of August 26^th through lunch on August 27^th.  Come for games, swimming, worship, hiking, campfire, Quilt Auction and more.  Call or email the church to register.  Must be entering 7^th thru 12^th grade.  Bring a friend!

SESSION

The next Session meeting will be held on Monday, August 22, at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

GOLF OUTING

Like to golf?  Plan on gathering a foursome for the Lutheran/Presbyterian Golf outing on Thursday, August 25^th at 5:30pm.  The format is Scramble with 4 person teams. You can come as a team or one will be made for you. $12 cost includes 9 hole greens fee. Please call Jim Curtiss with any questions.

SEWING SOULS

Sewing Souls is finishing up all of their projects for the Calvin Crest.  If you have items to add to their box, or if you want to help with the projects, please call Karen Johnson for more information.

CALVIN CREST QUILT AUCTION – August 27

You can view the quilts and start the silent bidding 10:00am and the live auction begins at 1:00pm. After you’ve looked at the quilts, you can enjoy a BBQ lunch before the auction. If you can’t make it to Calvin Crest, you can bid online at www.proxibid.com/calvincrest

TIME TO SHOW OFF

FPC is sponsoring the Chamber Coffee on Friday, September 16^th, at 10:00.  We want to share our new sanctuary with the community, and help people understand the ministries happening here.  We’ll be touring people through the sanctuary, the Coat Closet and the Food Pantry.  Come help serve or give tours, and enjoy time together with the community.

CONFIRMATION PHOTOS

Confirmation photos are off the wall and in a picture book, so that we can identify and label all of the photos.  If you have a confirmation photo that isn’t in the maroon book on the round table in the fellowship hall, please bring it in and add it.  If you know one or more of the confirmands in a photo, and/or the date of the photo, please add that too.  Thanks!

 YOUR CHURCH NEEDS YOU!

It’s summer, and the lawn is growing fast.  Thanks to John Fuelberth, Jim Curtiss and Jim Paige for mowing this far.  They would love to have some help.  Please sign up to mow.

We’re also in need of folks to provide coffee and treats on Sundays after church.  Doesn’t have to be fancy – store bought cookies are dandy.  Fellowship time is an opportunity to catch up with each other and share what’s going on in your family.  Please consider covering one of the fellowship times in August.

PRODIGAL SONS CONCERT

The Prodigal Sons, a gospel quartet from Ponca will be performing next Sunday evening, July 31, at the Dixon county fair in concord at 7:00 pm.  Admission is $5.00.  Plan on attending for an evening of song and fellowship.

BLOOD DRIVE

There will be a Wayne Community Blood Drive on Thursday, July 28 from 12:00pm-5:30pm at the Wayne Fire Department. To make an appointment contact LifeServe at 800-287-4903 or visit lifeservebloodcenter.org

BELONG TOUR

Interested in a faith-filled gathering of music, laughter and stories?  The Belong Tour is coming to Lincoln August 26^th and 27^th.  This is the sequel to Women of faith tours – great energy and awesome stories of God active in the world.  Check out the website – Belongtour.com – and then contact Pastor Sally about attending.  We’d love to get a group from Wayne.  Larger group lowers the ticket price, so invite your friends.

SAVE THE DATE

Nov. 19^th – the Isaacs are coming to Wayne!  Come and hear this nationally known Christian group, and help support the Wayne Area Church and Ministerial fund when you do.  Watch for more information about this event, and the fundraisers that will bring them to Wayne.  FPC is helping to sponsor this concert. Check out the website, and listen to some of their music, at http://www.theisaacs.com/

PLEASE PRAY FOR:

• All those affected by the recent shootings
• The people of France
• Our community
• Our schools and teachers
• Our unchurched neighbors
• All who are battling cancer
• All who live in care centers
• Peace in the Middle East
• Persecuted Christians in Egypt, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, and North Korea

LECTOR, ACOLYTE, GREETERS FOR JULY & AUGUST 2016

Sunday, 7/3/2016

Lector: Jeryl Nelson               Acolyte: Taytum Sweetland

Greeters: The Marras & The McLaughlins

Sunday, 7/10/2016

Lector: Glenda McDonald     Acolyte: Madison Urbanec    Greeters: The Liskas & The Paiges

Sunday, 7/17/2016

Lector: Candyce Peitz                        Acolyte: Ethan Wibben          Greeters: The Peitz Family

Sunday, 7/24/2016

Lector: Karen Johnson           Acolyte: Andy Wibben

Greeters: The McDonalds & Milton/Jackie Owens

Sunday, 7/31/2016

Lector: Kevin Peterson          Acolyte: Nina Hammer         Greeters: The Peterson Family

Sunday, 8/7/2016

Lector: Pat Straight                Acolyte: Bo Armstrong

Greeters: The Urbanec Family

Sunday, 8/14/2016

Lector: Mark Hammer           Acolyte: Braydn McCorkindale

Greeters: The McCorkindale Family

Sunday, 8/21/2016

Lector: Jim Curtiss                 Acolyte: Madison Urbanec

Greeters: The Fuelberths & The Griesses

Sunday, 8/28/2016

Lector: Bev Beeson                 Acolyte: Emily Worner                      Greeters: The Hammers

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First Presbyterian Church – Wayne, Nebraska

July 2016– First Presbyterian Church

JULY BIRTHDAYS

(Would you like to see your birthday listed here? 

Just contact the church office 402-375-2669 or fpcwayne@gmail.com)

7      Sarah Bloom

10    Shea Sweetland

11    Luke Pulfer

15    Greg Worner

16    Verlin Francis

21    Josephine Peitz

24    Mark Hammer, Zach Urbanec

27    Cate Worner

29    Marta Pulfer

30    Melissa Murphy

August 2016 – First Presbyterian Church

AUGUST BIRTHDAYS

(Would you like to see your birthday listed here? 

Just contact the church office 402-375-2669 or fpcwayne@gmail.com)

2      Gordon Granberg

3      Ken Marra

8      Nina Spangler

12    Alissa Johnson

20    Russ Urbanec

23    Hannah McCorkindale

27    Milton Owens

30    Layne Heese

GET OUR NEWSLETTER BY E-MAIL

If you would like to receive this newsletter by e-mail (save a stamp, save a tree!), go to www.fpcwayne.org; on the home page, in the right hand column, there is a widget that says, “NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTION: Enter your e-mail address to receive Presbytidings, our church’s newsletter, by e-mail.” Enter your address in the white box, and click on the button that says, “Sign me up!” You will need to confirm your subscription through an e-mail message that will be sent to your inbox; this is safe! It is designed to keep spammers out of the picture! Share our newsletter with all your friends and family. Simple!

Presbytidings – June 2016

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.”

A WORD FROM THE PASTOR

“Summertime, and the livin’ is easy.”  Whoever wrote that song didn’t have a lawn to mow, or kids home all day with “I’m bored!” on their lips.  They weren’t packing for vacations, driving through heavy traffic, or trying to figure out the summer baseball schedule.  A fellow pastor said recently that the summer schedule isn’t easier, just a “different kind of busy.”

So what’s your “different kind of busy” this summer?  Off to a vacation and building family memories?  Volunteering with the pantry or VBS, or any of the other places that contribute to a better, kinder life for others?  Planting, tending and preparing to harvest the crops that will provide food for the world?  The writer of Ecclesiastes says “to everything there is a season,” and calls us to look long and deep at what we are called to in this particular season.

The Carlson household is having a season of healing this summer, as I tend to my husband’s knee replacement surgery on June 9^th.  I’ll be in the pulpit every week (except June 12^th), and in the office on Mondays and Tuesday mornings.  Then it’s off to Omaha to be nurse and chauffeur for Greg’s healing.  I’ll be writing sermons and preparing bulletins from my desk in Omaha, and available by phone whenever you need pastoral care.  I’ve learned that the drive to and from Omaha is not so very far and I can be present at fairly short notice.  I am grateful for good friends and neighbors in Omaha who will tend and chauffer Greg on the days I’m in Wayne.

We’ll also have a season of spiritual growth this summer.  The Carlson household has been attending Synod School in late July for 16 summers.  It’s an opportunity to gather with Presbyterians from around the country for worship, learning, crafts, music, and wonderful fellowship.  We get to see friends we only see once a year.  This year I get to teach a course on making and using prayer beads, and take courses on basketry, yoga and the Bible.  This is VBS for the whole family; family camp with air conditioning – come join us!

FPC has a number of events happening this summer, too.  There will be concerts and VBS, special music in worship, and two new weekly offerings. Since we now have a beautifully renovated sanctuary, Session has voted to offer opportunities for prayer and communion at noon during weekdays. Mondays will be guided meditation on scripture, and Wednesdays will be communion. This is open to the community, so do join us and bring your friends. Both the guided meditation and the communion will last no more than 30 minutes, so there will be time for people to get lunch afterward. These weekday events will begin June 20^th. Please read through this issue of Presbytidings for all of the events and schedules.

Pastor Sally

SUNDAE SUNDAY

On June 12 we will gather with the churches of Wayne for an evening of music, prayer and ice cream, the perfect combination for time together with our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Bring your enthusiasm and your sweet tooth to the Willow Bowl no the Wayne State Campus, 6:00pm on June 12^th.

COMMUNION

We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper on June 5, 2016.

COLLEGE GRADUATIONS

We rejoice with our college graduates as they have completed degree programs this past May: Brittney Peterson, Andrew Pulfer, and Jacob Pulfer. Well done!

YOUTH GROUPS & CHURCH SCHOOL

Both youth and church school are finished for the year.  Thank you to Misty Beair for guiding our church school, and to Gail McCorkindale and Glenda McDonald for their able assistance in teaching.  Thanks to Greg Worner and Ronda Raas for their leadership of our youth.

PNC PROGRESS

The session elected the Pastor Nominating Committee at our May 15 congregational meeting.  The representatives are Misty Beair, John Fuelberth, Karen Johnson, Gail McCorkindale, Jim Paige, Kevin Peterson, Joann Proett, Kent Pulfer and Jon Worner.  Co-chairs are Kevin Peterson and Karen Johnson. Secretary is Gail McCorkindale. Thank you to these people for their willingness to serve.

Much of the work of the PNC is confidential, not made public to the congregation until the work is almost completed. There is reason for this “secrecy.” No one wants to get excited about a “candidate” only to be informed that this is not a final candidate, or we’ve decided that person is not the pastor to lead us in the direction we need to go. You have elected a committee to do the work of selecting the right pastor for this congregation. They will keep the members of the church informed about where they are in the process, and announce more information as appropriate to the call. Please encourage the members, pray for them, and do say thank you for their long hours of dedication.

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

Presbyterian Women will meet on Wednesday, June 1, at 6:30pm. Joyce Voyles will be the hostess.

SEWING SOULS

The Sewing Souls will meet on Wednesday, June 15th. The hostess will be Judy Lindberg.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL UPDATE

We still need treats for our joint VBS at Our Savior Lutheran.  VBS will be July 18-21 from 9:00 – 3:00 for children who have completed grades 1-6.  The theme is Upside Down, with Camp Carol Joy Holling providing the staffing for this event.  Lots of kids already signed up, so be sure and come for the fun!

There will be an evening VBS session for kids age 3-Kindergarten, from 6:30-8:30.  Sign-up sheets and volunteer sheets are on the Opportunity table.

UPCOMING FELLOWHIP EVENTS

• June 22 The Clarinet Spectrum will be presenting a concert in our sanctuary on Wednesday, June 22^nd at 7:30pm. The concert will include a broad selection of music, including several sacred hymns. Refreshments will be provided.

• August 25^th A golf outing co-sponsored with Our Savior Lutheran Church members (more details in July Presbytidings)

SAVE THE DATE

Nov. 19^th – the Isaacs are coming to Wayne!  Come and hear this nationally known Christian group, and help support the Wayne Area church and Ministerial fund when you do.  Watch for more information about this event, and the fundraisers that will bring them to Wayne.  FPC is helping to sponsor this concert. Check out the website, and listen to some of their music, at http://www.theisaacs.com/

CHURCH FURNITURE

Always wanted to own your own pulpit?  How about an oak pulpit chair?  The Session is taking sealed bids on the old church furniture, in order to get it out of the basement and into the home of someone who’d enjoy it.  You can see the furniture in the fellowship hall.  Submit a sealed bid in the church office, or online to FPCwayne@gmail.com.

CHURCH USE POLICY

Your session             has put together a church use policy in order to better monitor when and how the church is being used.  If you are planning an event, please pick up a copy of the form on the Opportunity Table in Fellowship Hall, or request a copy via email at fpcwayne@gmail.com Fill it out and return it to the church office so we can be sure the church is ready and available for your use and then cleaned for the next person.

2016 FOOD PANTRY BACKPACK NEWS

Due to the contributions and efforts of many individuals and organizations, we were able to provide over 3,500 backpacks to hungry school students for the 2015-16 school year. The program will continue this summer. We would be happy to receive 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.

WAYNE GROW AN EXTRA ROW

Consider sharing your garden bounty this year with those in need in our community. Set aside a small bag of produce, and bring it to our food pantry.  The program was well received last year. You can help make a difference!

PROVIDENCE HOSPICE WORKSHOP

Providence Medical Center Home Health Care and Hospice will be holding a memorial service on Sunday, June 12, at 2:00pm for patients who have passed away between June 2016 – May 2016. The service will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Wayne. There will be a balloon release, and refreshments will follow the service.

CHRISTIAN CROSS FESTIVAL

The Christian Cross Festival will be held at Sky View Lake in Norfolk on Friday, June 10, and Saturday June 11. Go and enjoy free admission, ministry, prayer, food, fellowship, a kid’s tent, inflatables and fireworks. Check it out at www.christiancrossfestival.org  A fun day to fellowship in Norfolk!

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First Presbyterian Church – Wayne, Nebraska

PLEASE PRAY FOR:

• Our community
• Our unchurched neighbors
• All who are battling cancer
• All who live in care centers
• The Pastor Nominating Committee
• Our national Presidential election process

GREETERS – JUNE 2016

6/5 – The Hammer Family

6/12 – Jim Curtiss, Karen Johnson, & Babs Middleton

6/19 – The Pulfer Family

6/26 – Jim Lindau, Joyce Reeg & Pat Straight

GREETERS-JULY 2016

7/3 – Ken & Karen Marra, Scott & Lindsay McLaughlin

7/10 – Ken & Jan Liska, Jim & Shari Paige

7/17 – The Peitz Family

7/24 – Pat & Glenda McDonald, Milton & Jackie Owens

LECTORS – JUNE 2016

6/5 – Jim Lindau

6/12 – Jan Liska

6/19 – Ken Marra

6/26 – Gail McCorkindale

LECTORS-JULY 2016

7/3 – Jeryl Nelson

7/10 – Glenda McDonald

7/17 – Candyce Peitz

7/24 – Karen Johnson

ACOLYTES – JUNE 2016

6/5 – Nina Hammer

6/12 – Andy Wibben

6/19 – Bo Armstrong

6/26 – Braydn McCorkindale

ACOLYTES-JULY 2016

7/3 – Taytum Sweetland

7/10 – Madison Urbanec

7/17 – Ethan Wibben

7/24 – Andy Wibben

June 2016 – First Presbyterian Church

JUNE BIRTHDAYS

(Would you like to see your birthday listed here? 

Just contact the church office 402-375-2669 or fpcwayne@gmail.com)

2     Jean Griess, Jill Sweetland

6     Connie Bargstadt

8     Brian Bowers, Carol Mosley, Austin McDonald

10    Karen Granberg

11    Emily Worner

18    Wes Beckenhauer

19    Dennis Spangler

GET OUR NEWSLETTER BY E-MAIL

If you would like to receive this newsletter by e-mail (save a stamp, save a tree!), go to www.fpcwayne.org; on the home page, in the right hand column, there is a widget that says, “NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTION: Enter your e-mail address to receive Presbytidings, our church’s newsletter, by e-mail.” Enter your address in the white box, and click on the button that says, “Sign me up!” You will need to confirm your subscription through an e-mail message that will be sent to your inbox; this is safe! It is designed to keep spammers out of the picture! Share our newsletter with all your friends and family. Simple!

Presbytidings – May 2016

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.”

A WORD FROM THE PASTOR

Did you ever give any thoughts to doorways?  Seems as if we’re always going in or out.  Out to work, the movies, the mall, out for a drink or to visit friends.  In to the doctor’s office, the school for a conference, the retirement party…. You get the picture.

Coming and going is what we do best – and we do a lot of it.

Did you know that the Hebrew people, our faith forefathers and foremothers, saw all that coming and going as holy, or at least they attempted to, as they sanctified their doorways, the thresholds to and from the world.  Every Jewish household had a mezuzah, a small box with a portion of the Torah (first five books of the Old Testament) in it, fastened to the doorway of the house.  And each time one left or arrived at home, one touched the mezuzah and spoke a quick prayer.  This is still a feature in many Jewish homes today.  And its purpose is to remind each person that God watches over all of one’s comings and goings.  God is a part of everything one does, and so the doorway by which one begins or ends one’s tasks is a very holy place.

What has all this to do with us?  To begin with, we’re back in the sanctuary again, and does it ever feel great!  Thanks to the dedicated leadership of many people, we are worshipping in familiar space, surrounded by the sounds of the pipe organ and the warmth of our newly painted/ carpeted/lighted/upholstered space.  Oh, there’s still work to do, and contractors to hound, but it’s mostly done and we are grateful to be in our familiar pews.  Whether you’ve been present every week thru the renovation, or you’ve not been in church for a bit, come see what has transpired.

Then there’s this month’s calendar.  If you start your newsletter reading with the calendar, you’ve already discovered that May is filled with major changes and events.  There’s Confirmation, with seven of our youth joining the church and the baptism of one them.  Then comes Mother’s Day, with graduate recognition, a day to acknowledge the end of four long years of high school and the beginning of a new adventure.  And we’ll also baptize Noah McLaughlin on that day.  On May 15 we’ll elect a Pastor Search Committee and celebrate the end of Sunday School, a break for our teachers and time to look at what the summer holds in the way of faith training.  Seems like a lot of changes and parties with nothing in common – right?

Wrong!  Think about the doorway.  We will spend May celebrating doorway events!  Our remodeled sanctuary is a doorway home, back to the familiar holy ground that has held us for so long.  Baptism is the entry into the family of God – a very holy doorway.  Confirmation is a doorway from the faith of our parents into claiming our own faith and becoming full members of God’s family in our own right.  Graduation is both an exit – from youth and family home – and an entrance – into adulthood, new learning, and thinking about starting one’s own home.  Electing a Pastoral Search Committee begins the process of finding new clergy leadership for this congregation, finding the right match to guide the congregation on the next phase of its faith journey.  The end of school, besides being a celebration for every school child, is a doorway into summer and exploring life in a more relaxed way.  It’s also the end of a year filled with one set of friends, teachers and classmates and looking toward what the next year at school will hold.

All of these are holy events, holy because God is a part of every part of our lives.  Holy because there is nothing we do which is outside of God’s vision, God’s participation.  This is true of more than just the events we celebrate at church.  The Jews were making a powerful statement by making the doorway a sacred space.  We would be well advised to do the same in our own homes, to take a moment each time we come in or go out, to remember the Lord’s presence in whatever we go to do or come from doing.  Does your threshold lead to more business – – – or yet another sacred adventure with God as participant?  Take time in this month of thresholds to consider your goings out and your comings in.

Pastor Sally

COMMUNION

We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper on May 1, 2016.

GRADUATION SUNDAY

Following the service on Sunday, May 8^th, join us as we celebrate our high school graduates. Jacob Abraham and Jacob Beair will be graduating from Wayne High, and Josephine Peitz is graduating from Wakefield High.

YOUTH GROUPS

High School and Jr High Youth will meet together on Wednesday, May 4^th. This will be our final gathering for the school year.

CHURCH SCHOOL

The final day of church school will be May 11^th.

SESSION

The Session will meet on Monday, May 23 at 7:00pm.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

The session has called a congregational meeting for Sunday, May 15, following worship (about 11:00am). The purpose of the meeting is to elect a Pastoral Nominating Committee. There will also be an opportunity for the congregation to ask questions about the process of finding a new pastor.

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

Presbyterian Women will meet on Wednesday, May 4, at 6:30pm. Martha Svoboda will lead the Bible study. Babs Middleton will be the hostess.

SEWING SOULS

The Sewing Souls will meet on Wednesday, May 18^th.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL UPDATE

We are excited to announce that we will be doing another joint VBS this year! This year it will be Our Savior Lutheran and First Presbyterian. VBS will be July 18-21 from 9:00 – 3:00 at Our Savior Lutheran Church. This is for children who have completed grades 1-6.  The theme is Upside Down, with Camp Carol Joy Holling providing the staffing for this event. No teachers are needed, but they sure can use some treats!

There will be an evening VBS session for kids age 3-Kindergarten, from 6:30-8:30.  Volunteers are needed for crafts and refreshments for this segment.  Sign-up sheets and volunteer sheets are on the Opportunity table.

WAYNE COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE

The next community blood drive will be held Thursday, May 26 from 12pm – 5:30pm at the Wayne Fire Department (510 Tomar Drive). To make an appointment, contact the LifeServe Blood Center at 800-287-4903 or visit www.lifeservebloodcenter.org

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First Presbyterian Church – Wayne, Nebraska

PLEASE PRAY FOR:

• Our community
• Our schools, administrators, teachers, graduates & students
• Our unchurched neighbors
• All who are battling cancer
• Victims of earthquakes in Ecuador and Japan
• All who live in care centers
• Peace in the Middle East
• Persecuted Christians in Egypt, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, and North Korea

GREETERS – MAY 2016

5/1 – Milton & Jackie Owens, Jim & Shari Paige

5/8 – The Peitz Family

5/15 – The Worner Family

5/22 – The Heese Family

5/29 – John & Anita Fuelberth, Phil & Jean Griess

GREETERS – JUNE 2016

6/5 – The Hammer Family

6/12 – Jim Curtiss, Karen Johnson, & Babs Middleton

6/19 – The Pulfer Family

6/26 – Jim Lindau, Joyce Reeg & Pat Straight

LECTORS – MAY 2016

5/1 – Mark Hammer

5/8 – Larry Heese

5/15 – Jodi Pulfer

5/22 – Tiffanny Heese

5/29 – Karen Johnson

LECTORS – JUNE 2016

6/5 – Jim Lindau

6/12 – Jan Liska

6/19 – Ken Marra

6/26 – Gail McCorkindale

ACOLYTES – MAY 2016

5/1 – Madison Urbanec

5/8 – Taytum Sweetland

5/15 – Emily Worner

5/22 – Ethan Wibben

5/29 – Cate Worner

ACOLYTES – JUNE 2016

6/5 – Nina Hammer

6/12 – Andy Wibben

6/19 – Bo Armstrong

6/26 – Braydn McCorkindale

May 2016 – First Presbyterian Church

MAY BIRTHDAYS

(Would you like to see your birthday listed here?

Just contact the church office 402-375-2669 or fpcwayne@gmail.com)

3         Joann Proett, Dave Peitz

10        Jeryl Nelson, Bralen Murphy

11        Karen Johnson, Soloman Peitz,   & Tami Worner

12        Joan Lage

14        Bo Armstrong

15        Jordan Alexander

17        Jaci Alexander

18        Jay and Jane O’Leary, & Taytum Joan Sweetland

19        Glenda McDonald

22        Marie Johnson

24        Gail McCorkindale

26        Dale Alexander

GET OUR NEWSLETTER BY E-MAIL

If you would like to receive this newsletter by e-mail (save a stamp, save a tree!), go to www.fpcwayne.org; on the home page, in the right hand column, there is a widget that says, “NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTION: Enter your e-mail address to receive Presbytidings, our church’s newsletter, by e-mail.” Enter your address in the white box, and click on the button that says, “Sign me up!” You will need to confirm your subscription through an e-mail message that will be sent to your inbox; this is safe! It is designed to keep spammers out of the picture! Please share our newsletter with all your friends and family.

Presbytidings – April 2016

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.”

A WORD FROM THE PASTOR

I have a bad habit of longing for the way things never were.

When my computer project self-destructs at the click of a mouse, I long for the days of my old Remington typewriter.  Of course, I forget how many bottles of White-out it took to finish a paper.  And if I spilled my diet Pepsi on the paper, I had to start all over again.

I think “rap music” is an oxymoron.  And I long for the good music of the 60’s.  Of course, a lot of it was called acid rock.  It had a way of eating away at America’s soul.

But politics were a lot different then.  We didn’t have Bernie or Donald or Ted or Hillary. Well, we did have Teddy Kennedy, Nixon and Spiro.  But the church was a lot better back then.  But if it was so much better back then, why aren’t the boomers still around?

That’s the funny thing about nostalgia or longing for the way things never were.  It’s the ‘30s without the Depression, the ‘40s without World War II, the ‘50s without the bomb, the ‘60s without drugs and riots, the ‘70s without apathy, the ‘80s without greed, and the ‘90s without Madonna, Michael Jackson and Marilyn Manson.

It’s as deluded as the fellow who said, “I don’t believe in astrology.  I’m a Sagittarian and we’re skeptical.”

The real problem with longing for the way things never were is its paralyzing effect on personal and corporate improvement.  If we really think things were better back then, there’s the temptation of giving up on praying and working and expecting to make things better right now.

Proverbs 29:18a has a word of caution for living that way: “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” (KJV)

Jesus put it this way: “Who would use old wineskins to store new wine?  For the old skins would burst with the pressure, and the wine would be spilled and the skins ruined.  Only new wineskins are used to store new wine.  That way both are preserved.” (Matthew 9:17, Living Bible)

While our Lord was clearly addressing the foolishly self-defeating behavior of people who don’t make room for his new blessings and opportunities for increasing Holy Communion with him and advancing his kingdom for the good of all, the main message is powerfully positive and persuading.  It means God is still alive and active and providing the way to build upon the best of the past for an even better future.

Our challenge it to stop longing for the way things never were.  We are called to grow and go with God, enlightened, encouraged and enabled by the Spirit.

Yesterday is not all it’s cracked up to be.  Change is happening all around us – it’s unstoppable!  And why would we want to keep doing things the way we did them 20 years ago, or 50 years ago?  As we await the return to our 100+year-old worship space, let us focus on new ways to be church.  As we gather to discern our pastoral needs for the future, let us call on new visions.  As we discover who God is calling our congregation to be in this 21^st century, let us be open to whatever God might have in store.

(with thanks to Rev. Robert Kopp, pastor who wrote the article that inspired this column)

Pastor Sally

MISSION STATEMENT AND PASTOR SEARCH PROCESS

On April 3, the congregation will be introduced to a process that will help us discern God’s desires for the future of FPC.  The process involves two weeks of daily scripture readings and prayer.  We ask that you take time each day to complete the reading and write down your reflection on the “picture” it presents for the church’s life and mission.  At the end of the two weeks, please use the summary sheet for your key ideas and impressions about the future of this church and the kind of pastoral leadership the church needs to go forward.  We will gather after church on April 17 for potluck and discussion around our discernment summaries.  The Session will then use your input to create the Church Information Form (CIF) which is the “job description” and vision for calling the next pastor.  The discernment packet was emailed to your home and is also available in print form at the church.

ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING

Since 1949 Presbyterians have joined with millions of other Christians through One Great Hour of Sharing to share God’s love with those in need. Your generous gifts assist those affected by natural disasters, provide food to the hungry, and assist in helping to empower the poor and oppressed. We received the One Great Hour of Sharing offering on both Palm & Easter Sundays and will be sending $588 to our national office, thanks to your generosity.

THANK YOU

Thank you to the deacons who served warm rolls and coffee on Easter Sunday, so that we could fellowship with all of the visitors.  We missed the brunch because of our renovation, but not the fellowship time!

CHURCH SCHOOL

Church school continues on Wednesday night at 6:30.  The last day of church school will be May 11.

MERCY MEALS

Mercy Meals of Nebraska is a non-profit organization that allows volunteers to package nourishing food that will be delivered by the Orphan Grain Train to children in need throughout the world.  Orphanages, refugee camps, feeding centers, disaster relief centers and local food pantries have been recent recipients of our food.

Misty Beair would like to take a group of our church youth (grades 3-12) to help package Mercy Meals at Grace Lutheran Church on April 5th from 6:30-8:00 PM.  If your child would like to help out, please let me know ASAP so I can give them a head count of how many will be there. mibeair1@waynebluedevils.org

YOUTH GROUPS

• High School Youth: dates to be determined 7:30-8:30pm.
• Junior High Youth: following Confirmation classes, 7:30-8:30pm.
• Confirmation: 4/6 youth to Greek orthodox service at 4:15, 4/13 and 4/20 from 6:30-7:30pm.

CONFIRMATION

Our confirmands have spent the past 3 months meeting together and learning about their faith and how it fits with the Presbyterian Church, USA.  They’ve met with mentors, interviewed elders and deacons, and been involved in service to church and community.  On April 25 they will meet with the Session, and on May 1 those who have decided to do so will join First Presbyterian Church.  Please make it a point to celebrate this special day with them.

SESSION

The Session will gather with the Confirmation Class on Monday, April 25, at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

Presbyterian Women will meet on Wednesday, May 4, at 6:30pm. Martha Svoboda will lead the Bible study. Babs Middleton will be the hostess.

SEWING SOULS

The Sewing Souls will meet on Wednesday, April 20, at 6:30pm. Judy Lindberg will be the hostess.

BROWN-BAG BIBLE STUDY

The Brown-Bag Bible study is starting a new study on the basics of faith – God, Jesus, Religion, the Bible, the Church, Salvation, and the Cross.  Join us for a brief video presentation from an active pastor/writer who will help us explore what we know, and what we question, about these topics.  This is an opportunity to explore our faith together.  We will meet on Tuesdays, at noon, in the Fellowship hall. We will not meet on April 5.  Then we’ll finish our study in May.

HIGHWAY CLEAN-UP

We will do our spring highway cleanup after worship on Sunday, April 10. Wear work cloths to worship! We will depart after worship to our stretch of Highway 35 (markers 33-35 east of Wayne). If we can get twenty people to help, the work will go very quickly. This is a great time for families to do a service project together. With plenty of help, this project takes less than one hour.  If you’d like to clean up, but not along the highway, you can stay at the church and help clean out the cupboards.  Our dumpster will be removed on April 11, so we want to be sure all of our excess “stuff” has been cleaned out.

If you have younger children in your family (too young to be out on the highway), and they want to help—don’t despair! We will have an adult located at the church to watch the kids. Our current plan is to have them do their own cleanup project in our church yard. We look forward to your help on April 10! Thanks in advance.  (Back up date is April 24 is the weather is bad on April 10)

RENOVATION UPDATE

We know this is taking longer than planned, and that we all want to be worshipping back in our beautiful sanctuary.  We think we’re entering the home stretch, with only side lights and carpeting yet to finish, and organ to be re-installed. Thank you for your support and your patience as we do this project right. If you have questions, please contact our property team leaders, Russ Urbanec and Greg Worner.

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP

Providence Medical Center is offering a grief support group on Tuesday evenings from 6:15-8:30.  The group begins April 5.  Please call NOW if you are interested, 402-375-4288.

WAYNE COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE

You can save lives! Just one pint can save three lives. The next Wayne Community Blood Drive will be held Thursday, April 28, from 9am to 3pm at the Wayne Fire Department. You can make an appointment by calling 800-287-4903 or visit www.lifeservebloodcenter.org

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

The Wayne Area Habitat for Humanity is considering starting its 5th house build in Wayne. If there is support from the community, the build will start in the fall. A lot for building the house has already been obtained. If you are interested in volunteering to help build, clean up, make lunches for volunteers, help with the organization, or pray, please talk to Mark Hammer. Thanks!

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

First Presbyterian Church – Wayne, Nebraska

PLEASE PRAY FOR:

• Our community
• Our schools and teachers
• Our unchurched neighbors
• All who are battling cancer
• All who live in care centers
• Peace in the Middle East

• Persecuted Christians in Egypt, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, and North Korea

LECTOR, ACOLYTE, GREETER SCHEDULE FOR APRIL & MAY 2016

GREETERS – APRIL 2016

3^rd – The Pulfer Family

10^th – The Peterson Family

17^th – Ken & Jan Liska, Ken & Karen Marra

24^{th –} Pat & Glenda McDonald, Scott & Lindsay McLaughlin

GREETERS – MAY 2016

1^st – Milton & Jackie Owens, Jim & Shari Paige

8^th – The Peitz Family

15^th – The Worner Family

22^nd – The Heese Family

29th – John & Anita Fuelberth, Phil & Jean Griess

LECTORS – APRIL 2015

3^rd – Phil Griess

10^th – Judy Lindberg

17^th – Ronda Ras

24^th – Tami Worner

LECTORS – MAY 2016

1^st – Mark Hammer

8^th – Larry Heese

15^th – Jodi Pulfer

29^th – Karen Johnson

ACOLYTES – APRIL 2016

3^rd – Cate Worner

10^th – Nina Hammer

17^th – Bo Armstrong

24^th – Braydn McCorkindale

ACOLYTES – MAY 2016

1^st – Madison Urbanec

8^th – Taytum Sweetland

15^th – Emily Worner

22^nd – Ethan Wibben

29^th – Cate Worner

April 2016 – First Presbyterian Church

APRIL BIRTHDAYS

(Would you like to see your birthday listed here?

Just contact the church office 402-375-2669 or fpcwayne@gmail.com)

1        Jorge Dunklau

4        Bev Beeson

6        Shari Dunklau

8        Andrew Pulfer

9        Kevin Armstrong

19      Taylor Racely

23      Jill O’Leary Scott

24      Gina McDonald

26      Phil Griess, Levi Heese

27      Stacey Alexander, Verianne McClain

29      Heidi Armstrong, Addie Murphy

30      Greg Bloom

GET OUR NEWSLETTER BY E-MAIL

If you would like to receive this newsletter by e-mail (save a stamp, save a tree!), go to www.fpcwayne.org; on the home page, in the right hand column, there is a widget that says, “NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTION: Enter your e-mail address to receive Presbytidings, our church’s newsletter, by e-mail.” Enter your address in the white box, and click on the button that says, “Sign me up!” You will need to confirm your subscription through an e-mail message that will be sent to your inbox; this is safe! It is designed to keep spammers out of the picture! Share our newsletter with all your friends and family. Simple!

Presbytidings – March 2016

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.”

A WORD FROM THE PASTOR 

Lent is a time of reflection, a time to draw more deeply under the shadow of God’s wings, a time to discover the abiding presence of God in every moment of life.  God calls us to name both our joys and our challenges, safe in the knowledge that he loves us more than we can possibly imagine.  God loves us in all our fallen-ness, and loves us too much to leave us in that fallen-ness.  Below is a modern psalm of lament, written for this Lenten time, to remind us that we are never alone, never without the sustaining hand of God, the saving love of Christ, and the surrounding hope of the Holy Spirit.

A Companion for the Journey

Some days, God, I feel abandoned.

Left alone,

disconnected,

unable to handle even the simplest tasks.

I wander confused, trying to sort out

the next step,

the next responsibility,

the next stage of the journey

It seems there is no one

to help sort out the challenges,

to help carry the load,

to provide a shoulder to cry on

and a listening ear.

You call me to wait, Lord, to wait on you:

to be still and stop the endless doing;

to be calm, and stop the endless consuming;

to be quiet and listen for your leading.

You call me to discover that I never journey alone,

that you provide companions for the journey

when I remember to seek them out.

You call me to discover that you are enough,

and I am enough, because of you.

Amen

May God bless this holy Lenten journey and guide you refreshed into Easter week.

Pastor Sally

LENTEN SUPPERS AND EVENING PRAYER

Are you too busy to pray? Living in a noisy world? Slow down and listen! Join us for warm fellowship and quiet evening prayer as we journey to the cross and the empty tomb! We have 3 soup suppers and prayer services remaining on Wednesdays during Lent. Please sign up at the Opportunity to provide food for our suppers.

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE

Join us as we travel to the Upper Room, to Calvary, and to the Empty Tomb. Here is our Holy Week schedule:

• Palm Sunday celebration, with the Presbyterian Pealers handbell choir: March 20^th at 10:00am
• Maundy Thursday: April 2^nd at 7:00pm
• Easter Sunday celebration, with Communion: March 27^th at 10:00am

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME

Spring forward one hour the weekend of March 13^th.

COMMUNION

We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper on Sunday, March 6^th.

BROWN-BAG BIBLE STUDY

Our Brown-Bag Bible study will meet in the fellowship hall March 1^st, 8^th and 15^th. We will be discussing the next study material on March 15^th.  Please join us for that conversation, or talk to Pastor Sally if you have suggestions.

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

Presbyterian Women will meet on TUESDAY, March 1^st, at 6:30pm. Jackie Owens will lead the Bible study. Martha Svoboda will be the hostess.

SEWING SOULS

The Sewing Souls will meet on Wednesday, March 23^rd, at 6:30pm. Elaine Francis will be the hostess.

SESSION

The Session will gather on Monday, March 21^st, at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

DEACONS

Our board of deacons has met recently to organize the Coat Closet work. If you are interested in helping with that work, please speak to a Deacon.

YOUTH GROUPS

*High School Youth: 3/2 and 3/16 and 3/30 @ 7:30 p.m.

*Jr. High Youth: 3/9 and 3/23 @ 7:30pm for Confirmation, followed by refreshments and conversation.

CHURCH RENOVATION

The renovation project continues. The lighting should go up as soon as the retro fit LED get approved by the state electrical inspector.  The painting is done, but we will have a final inspection after the lights are installed.  The old carpet is out & the new carpet will follow.

STACEY ALEXANDER BENEFIT

There will be a coed volleyball tournament on Saturday, March 19^th at the Wayne Activity Center. Both competitive and recreational teams will be playing. The tourney will be capped at 30 teams, and registrations must be postmarked by March 7^th. More details can be found at https://www.facebook.com/events/1538431343116573/  All proceeds will go toward research to help Stacey fight cancer.

GREAT PLAINS PRESBYTERIAN PILGRIMAGE

Presbyterian Pilgrimage is coming, the evening of April 7^th to April 10^th, at Camp Calvin Crest. What is it?  Pilgrimage is a journey in Christian community, designed to nurture Christians in their spiritual growth and to provide them with a renewed foundation for individual and community living. A Pilgrimage is not designed to convert anyone to Christianity. It is a renewal, meant for those who are already faithful and committed to Christ and His church. Pilgrimage is open to all denominations.

Why attend a Pilgrimage? You will change the horizons of your Christian walk. Pilgrimage will help you see your life journey differently. For those that are seeking growth and answers and for those that are content – all will come away with something greater in their walk with God.

For more information, speak with Pastor Sally, and go to http://www.gpppilgrimage.org.

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.  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://lakesandprairies.org/SynodSchool.

SUMMER CAMP @ CALVIN CREST

The warm weather is coming! We promise! And what better way to spend your summer than going to camp with friends and Jesus! Calvin Crest is officially open for summer camp registration: www.calvincrest.org/summer-camp. Pick out your week of camp and register your kid(s) or grandkid(s). Adherents of our church automatically get a 50% discount, paid by our session. If you register before March 15, there is a 15% overall discount. And if you bring along three first-time friends, you go FREE! We also offer additional scholarships, based on financial need. Visit with Pastor Sally to explore that possibility. See you there!

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

First Presbyterian Church – Wayne, Nebraska

The newly revised Lector, Acolyte, Greeter schedule is available

on the Opportunity Table in Fellowship Hall.

GREETER, LECTOR, USHER SCHEDULE – March & April 2015

MARCH BIRTHDAYS

(Would you like to see your birthday listed here?

Just contact the church office 402-375-2669 or fpcwayne@gmail.com)

16      Jason Racely

17      Jack Beeson

19      Judy Lindberg

24      Jacob Beair

25      Leigh Heese

28      Babs Middleton

29      Madison Urbanec

GET OUR NEWSLETTER BY E-MAIL

If you would like to receive this newsletter by e-mail (save a stamp, save a tree!), go to www.fpcwayne.org; on the home page, in the right hand column, there is a widget that says, “NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTION: Enter your e-mail address to receive Presbytidings, our church’s newsletter, by e-mail.” Enter your address in the white box, and click on the button that says, “Sign me up!” You will need to confirm your subscription through an e-mail message that will be sent to your inbox; this is safe! It is designed to keep spammers out of the picture! Share our newsletter with all your friends and family. Simple!

March 2016 – First Presbyterian Church

GET OUR NEWSLETTER BY E-MAIL

If you would like to receive this newsletter by e-mail (save a stamp, save a tree!), go to www.fpcwayne.org; on the home page, in the right hand column, there is a widget that says, “NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTION: Enter your e-mail address to receive Presbytidings, our church’s newsletter, by e-mail.” Enter your address in the white box, and click on the button that says, “Sign me up!” You will need to confirm your subscription through an e-mail message that will be sent to your inbox; this is safe! It is designed to keep spammers out of the picture! Share our newsletter with all your friends and family. Simple!

Presbytidings – February 2016

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.”

A WORD FROM THE PASTOR

Lent was a great aggravation to my mother.  “Presbyterians don’t celebrate Lent!  That’s a Catholic thing,” she would say.  “When did we start celebrating this Lent thing?!”  Mom was at least 6^th generation Presbyterian.  We have stood on the old family farm in Northern Ireland, and worshipped in the very plain Presbyterian church where we were related to half the congregation.  My family is old-school, Puritan plain, Presbyterian.  And anything that even sounded Catholic was anathema to my mom.

But times have changed.  When the Reformation threw out all of the rituals and observations of the Catholic Church, we limited faith to our heads.  We think deep and long about our faith, which is appropriate.  But we rarely sense our faith;

Smelling God’s presence in new-mown grass,

Tasting God’s tenderness in a sweet, juicy peach,

Hearing God stirring in the rustle of tree branches in the wind,

Touching God’s delight in soft kitten fur,

Seeing God’s power in a great storm.

As Presbyterians, too often we get caught up in thinking about God, about Salvation, about Forgiveness, and we never get past our thoughts into a deep dwelling in God’s presence.

This Lent, we plan to do exactly that – spend time in our Lenten Wednesday service savoring God, surrounding ourselves with the images of God that help us recognize him in all things, in every part of our lives.

Lent is a time of reflection, a time to consider our separation from God and how to decrease that distance.  That’s what sin is, after all – separation from God.  God seeks always to narrow that gap, by offering us grace upon grace, forgiveness overflowing.  God’s greatest desire is relationship with all of creation, and especially with the ones created in God’s image, US!

Relationships take time. Time spent in conversation.  Time spent just hanging out with the other.   Time listening, talking, being together.

Along with savoring God, and using our senses in the Wednesday evening services our Tuesday Brown Bag Bible studies will be spent growing our relationship with God.   We’ll take time to learn – and practice – different forms of prayer.

There’s nothing to read ahead, nothing to memorize, nothing to plan.  Just show up on Tuesday, or Wednesday, or both, ready to experience God and grow deeper in your relationship with the Holy.  See you there! -Pastor Sally

SESSION

The Session will gather on Monday, February 22, at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

COMMUNION

We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper on Sunday, February 7^th.

LOOKING AHEAD TO ASH WEDNESDAY

Observe a holy Lenten season this year. We will begin Lent with an Ash Wednesday service, in the fellowship hall, at 6:30pm on Wednesday, 2/10.

LENTEN SUPPERS AND SERVICES

Our church family will gather for weekly suppers during Lent, starting on Wednesday, 2/17, at 6:00pm. Following the supper, at 6:45, we will gather for prayer, song, and meditation.

Ecumenical Lenten Services

Ecumenical Lenten prayer services will be held on the first four Wednesdays (after Ash Wednesday) of Lent (February 17 & 24 and March 2 & 9).  The services will be hosted at a different area church each week and will begin at 12:00pm; followed by a light lunch.  The service will be about 20 minutes—so anyone coming who only has an hour off for lunch will be able to attend the service and have lunch in under an hour. A free-will offering will go to WACAM (Wayne Association of Congregations and Ministries). All are welcome!

The order and location of the services will be as follows:

• February 17—Our Savior Lutheran Church
• February 24—First United Methodist Church
• March 2— Mary’s Catholic Church
• March 9—First Presbyterian Church

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

Presbyterian Women met on Tuesday, February 9, at 6:30pm for a business meeting and a Bible study. Karen Johnson will be the leader and the hostess.

SEWING SOULS

Sewing Souls will meet on Tuesday, February 16^th at 6:30 p.m. Babs Middleton will be the hostess.

CHURCH SCHOOL UPDATE

Church School will continue to meet during Lent. Class will begin immediately after the soup suppers.

YOUTH GROUPS

High School Youth: 2/17 at 7:30-8:30pm. Jr. High Youth: 2/10 and 2/24 at 8:30pm-ish following confirmation. Bring a friend!  These times are estimates, as youth will begin as soon as the Lenten services end.

BROWN-BAG BIBLE STUDY

Join Pastor Sally for a Brown-Bag Bible Study, Tuesdays during Lent at 12:00, in the church fellowship hall.  Throughout Lent, we will be learning new prayer practices.  Come and discover new ways to grow closer to God.

THE CHURCH DIRECTORY UPDATE

Have you changed your phone number or moved lately?  Please use the update sheet on the Opportunity Table to make any changes to your current listing.

THE 2016 LECTOR, ACOLYTE, GREETER SCHEDULE will be available on the Opportunity Table next week.  As in the past, please find a replacement if you cannot make it, and contact the church office about any changes. If you would still like to be added, we would be happy to put your name on the substitute list.   Thank you!

2016 ELDER & DEACON LIST

Elders for 2015: Misty Beair (Discipleship), Jim Curtiss (Fellowship), Shari Dunklau (Memorials), Gail McCorkindale (Worship), Jeryl Nelson (Outreach & Stewardship), Jay O’Leary (Memorials & Stewardship), Ronda Ras (Outreach), Russ Urbanec (Property), & Greg Worner (Administration & Property).

Deacons for 2015: Jean Griess, Karen Marra, Lindsay McLaughlin, Jackie Owens, Jill Sweetland & Melissa Urbanec.

HOMESTEAD PRESBYTERY

Our presbytery will gather on Saturday, 2/20, beginning at 10:00am, at Fourth Presbyterian Church in Lincoln, for our first meeting of 2016. Pastor Sally will be attending.  Jim Curtiss will be attending for the Session.

CITY FUND PROVIDED BACK PACK

The Wayne Food Pantry recently received funds that allowed us to provide over 100 children enrolled in the Wayne Community Schools Backpack Program with a special bag to help them over the past Christmas holiday. We were able to purchase a loaf of bread, and a jar each of peanut butter & jelly for each child. The money for this project was made available through the City’s Trust & Agency Account, and came from the M.E.Way funds. In 1962 the Mary Elizabeth Way estate requested that the money be put in an interest bearing security and the income from the investment to be used by the City of Wayne for the use and benefit of undernourished and underprivileged children of the City of Wayne. We thank the City and the Estate on behalf of the children of Wayne.

SUMMER CAMP ONLINE REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

Camp is coming! Here are some camp things to think about, that will help you bear the cold weather:

• Camp for newborns through high school.
• Our church pays 50% for all of our adherents.
• Our church has several 100% scholarships for kids who wouldn’t otherwise get to go (talk to Pastor Sally confidentially!). Think about your neighbors and friends…
• Early bird special if you register before 3/15.
• Invite 3 (first-timers), go free.
• The best summer job you’ll ever have. Period.
• Volunteer opportunities.
• New pool!
• So sign up already! calvincrest.org/summer-camp

DEACONS REQUEST

The deacons are requesting donations of strong plastic and/or wooden hangers for the Coat Closet (no wire hangers, please!).

THE ANNUAL KIWANIS PANCAKE FEED

Kiwanis Pancake Feed with Sausage AND Eggs! Shrove Tuesday, 2/10, 5:00-7:30pm at the Wayne City Auditorium. There is a suggested donation of $7 for adults (in advance) or $8 at the door. Children (10 & under) are $4.

PLEASE PRAY FOR:

• Our community
• Our schools and teachers
• Our unchurched neighbors
• All who are battling cancer
• All who live in care centers
• Peace in the Middle East
• Persecuted Christians in Egypt, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, and North Korea

February 2016 – First Presbyterian Church

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS

(Would you like to see your birthday listed here?

Just contact the church office 402-375-2669 or fpcwayne@gmail.com)

7       Karen McElwain

10     Jodi Pulfer

20     Karen Marra

25     Pat Straight, Gabriel Peitz

27     Jan Liska

28     Amy Bowers

Presbytidings – June/July 2015

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.”

A WORD FROM THE PASTOR

Once upon a time, a ship wrecked at sea, and the Captain took the only remaining lifeboat, full of survivors, and he delivered them safely to the shore of an island. He instructed the survivors to build a bonfire to serve as a beacon to those who might be floating in the ocean, so they could swim toward the fire.

After the Captain left to go out and save more people, the survivors on shore quickly built a great fire to serve as a beacon.

But it wasn’t very long before the survivors began to disagree among themselves. Some remembered that the Captain had instructed them to build a tall fire, rather than a low fire, as they had done. So some of pro-tall-fire people—disgusted with the low-fire people—moved down the beach a ways and built a taller fire.

But it wasn’t very long before those tall-fire people began to disagree, too. Some recalled that the Captain had instructed them to use bamboo for the fire, rather than palm trees. After a major argument, the pro-bamboo people left to build a bamboo fire, leaving behind the foul, palm-tree burners.

And so it went: again and again. The survivors disagreed over the bonfires until there were many dim, small fires that dotted the shore. They disagreed about every conceivable issue, and they divided along every imaginable fault line. Some purists thought they were building a new fire just like the Captain had instructed—that they were restoring the right way that had been corrupted before. But others scoffed at all of them, insisting that the Captain wasn’t being literal about the size and shape of the bonfire.

And so went the arguing and dividing for a long, long time.

Eventually, the Captain returned with a load of survivors, and he asked some of the leaders: “Why have you built so many fires? It has made it difficult for those who are perishing to see the Light!”

And the Captain scolded them because they had missed the whole point of his instructions: that they serve as a beacon so the drowning could find their way to safety. And the survivors on the beach were sorry and mourned their stubbornness.

And there’s a lot of truth in that parable for how the church operates. We Christians have cavalierly carved up the Body of Christ, mistaking our preferences and pet theories for the essentials. We have happily sacrificed the unity of the universal church on the altar of doctrinal purity—as we understand it.

Did you know that, by many counts, there are some 40,000 separate Christian denominations in the world. Forty thousand. Of course, some of those are corresponding denominations separated only by language or jurisdictional boundaries; the Bulgarian Orthodox Church is the same as the Romanian Orthodox Church, except for language. But almost all of those denominations are distinct, unrelated Christian bodies. In the U.S. alone, there are 31 different Presbyterian denominations, and I can tell you from personal experience that similarity in polity and doctrine does not mean that they get along with each other!

Forty thousand. On the other hand, Jesus prayed, “I pray for those who will believe…that all of them may be ONE.” Not 40,000, but one. It is because of our petty human failures that we have not lived into Jesus’ vision of one body and one flock. We need Jesus’ intercession to help us realize what he has already accomplished through his death and resurrection: to assemble one body of believers.

Unity is, of course, important for its own sake. But unity among believers is also a witness to Jesus. Jesus said, “I pray also for those who will believe in me through their [that is, the apostles’] message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me…that they may be one as we are one…so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” (John 17:20-23)

By the time this is published I will be done with my position in as pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Wayne. Unity among believers has been the torch I have carried here in our community. And it is my parting prayer for the church in Wayne. Yes, there are many who are happy in their separate tribe here—who think 40,000 is a manageable number. And no doubt Wayne has a long way to go to realize Jesus’ vision of oneness. But I hope that friendships will develop among Christians and that there will be a blurring of our human-made boundaries.

I join Jesus in praying to the Father that we would all be one, just as he and the Father are one. Then the world will know. – Pastor Ray

FAREWELL POTLUCK & RECEPTION FOR PASTOR RAY AND FAMILY

Please join our church family for a potluck after worship on Sunday, May 31^st as we thank Pastor Ray and his family for their 10 years of service to our congregation.

The public is also invited to come from 11:45-1:45 for a cake reception.

SESSION

The next session meeting will be held on Monday, June 15, at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Our Executive Presbyter, Doc Wyatt, and our Committee on Ministry representative will help us begin the process of finding an interim pastor.

YOUR CHURCH NEEDS YOU!

During our interim period, we will need extra volunteers to make sure everything happens. Beginning today, we will be distributing a letter looking for youth group leaders, office volunteers, help with renovation, liturgists, preachers/speakers, and members of the pastor nominating committee. Please prayerfully consider how you can serve God. If we all pitch in a little, then we can accomplish a lot. Please return your document to Jenny at the church office. Thank you!

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

• Summer meetings for PW begin on Wednesday, June 3, at 6:30pm. The Hostess will be Babs Middleton and we will study lesson 9 of the Bible Study.
• The July meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 1, at 6:30.

SEWING SOULS

In June, Sewing Souls will meet on Wednesday, June 17, at 6:30 to work on items for Calvin Crest. The hostess will be Babs Middleton.

2015 FOOD PANTRY BACKPACK NEWS

Due to the contributions and efforts of many individuals and organizations, we were able to provide over 4,500 backpacks to hungry school students for the 2014-15 school year. That is an increase of approximately 1,000 bags from last year. The program will continue this summer. We would be happy to receive 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.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL UPDATE

We are excited to announce that we will be doing another joint VBS this year with Our Savior Lutheran and the First United Methodist. VBS will be July 20-23 from 6:30 – 8:30 at Our Savior Lutheran Church. Sign-up sheets are on the Opportunity table. The theme is Extraordinary: Ordinary People, Extraordinary God! You can contact John Fuelberth with any questions and find the sign-up sheets on the Opportunity Table. Find us on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/WayneVBS

CALVIN CREST QUILT AUCTION

10:00am and the live auction begins at 1:00pm. After you’ve looked at the quilts, you can enjoy a BBQ lunch before the auction. If you can’t make it to Calvin Crest, you can bid online at www.proxibid.com/calvincrest

WAYNE GROW AN EXTRA ROW

Consider sharing your garden bounty this year with those in need in our community. Set aside a small bag of produce, and bring it to our food pantry.  The program was well received last year. You can help make a difference!

PROVIDENCE HOSPICE WORKSHOP

Providence Medical Center Home Health Care and Hospice will be holding a memorial service on Sunday, June 7, at 2:00pm for patients who have passed away between April 2014 – May 2015. The service will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Wayne. There will be a balloon release, and refreshments will follow the service.

CHRISTIAN CROSS FESTIVAL

The Christian Cross Festival will be held at Sky View Lake in Norfolk on Friday, June 12, and Saturday June 13. Go and enjoy free admission, ministry, prayer, food, fellowship, a kid’s tent, inflatables and fireworks. Check it out at www.christiancrossfestival.org A fun day to fellowship in Norfolk!

RELAY FOR LIFE REMINDER

This year’s event will be held Friday, June 5^th from 6:00pm to midnight at the Kern Track & Field, near the Wayne Public Schools. Celebrate. Remember. Fight back.

HOSPICE TRAINING

Hospice of Siouxland will offer hospice volunteer training this summer in Pender at the House Memorial Library June 15, 18, 22 & 25^th from 3-6pm. There will be training for three programs: Hospice, Palliative Care and Children’s Comfort Care. For more information please contact a volunteer coordinator at 1-800-383-4545.

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

First Presbyterian Church – Wayne, Nebraska

PLEASE PRAY FOR:

• The McCalla family as they begin their new adventure in Arkansas
• All those affected by the recent storms
• The people of Nepal
• Our community
• Our schools and teachers
• Our unchurched neighbors
• All who are battling cancer
• All who live in care centers
• Peace in the Middle East
• Persecuted Christians in Egypt, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, and North Korea

GREETERS-JUNE 2015

6/7 – Jack & Bev Beeson, Mark & Jenny Hammer

6/14 – Jim Curtiss, Karen Johnson, Babs Middleton

6/21 – The Pulfer Family

6/28 – Jim Lindau, Joyce Reeg & Pat Straight

 GREETERS-JULY 2015

7/5 – Ken & Karen Marra, Scott & Lindsay McLaughlin

7/12 – Ken & Jan Liska, Jim & Shari Paige

7/19 – The Peitz Family

7/26 – Pat & Glenda McDonald, Milton & Jackie Owens

LECTORS-JUNE 2015

6/7 – TBA

6/14 – Jan Liska

6/21 – TBA

6/28 – Ken Marra

 LECTORS-JULY 2015

7/5 – Jeryl Nelson

7/12 – Glenda McDonald

7/19 – Candyce Peitz

7/26 – Luke Pulfer

ACOLYTES-JUNE 2015

6/7 – Nina Hammer

6/14 – Andy Wibben

6/21 – TBA

6/28 – Madison Urbanec

 ACOLYTES-JULY 2015

7/5 – Bo Armstrong

7/12 – Taytum Sweetland

7/19 – Ethan Wibben

7/26 – Henry McCalla

June 2015 – First Presbyterian Church

JUNE BIRTHDAYS

(Would you like to see your birthday listed here? 

Just contact the church office 402-375-2669 or fpcwayne@gmail.com)

2         Jean Griess, Jill Sweetland

6         Connie Bargstadt

8         Brian Bowers, Carol Mosley, Austin McDonald

10        Karen Granberg

11        Emily Worner

18        Wes Beckenhauer

19        Dennis Spangler

July 2015 – First Presbyterian Church

JULY BIRTHDAYS

(Would you like to see your birthday listed here? 

Just contact the church office 402-375-2669 or fpcwayne@gmail.com)

7         Sarah Bloom

10        Shea Sweetland

11        Luke Pulfer

15        Greg Worner

16        Verlin Francis

21        Josephine Peitz

24        Mark Hammer, Zach Urbanec

27        Cate Worner

29        Marta Pulfer

30        Melissa Murphy

GET OUR NEWSLETTER BY E-MAIL

If you would like to receive this newsletter by e-mail (save a stamp, save a tree!), go to www.fpcwayne.org; on the home page, in the right hand column, there is a widget that says, “NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTION: Enter your e-mail address to receive Presbytidings, our church’s newsletter, by e-mail.” Enter your address in the white box, and click on the button that says, “Sign me up!” You will need to confirm your subscription through an e-mail message that will be sent to your inbox; this is safe! It is designed to keep spammers out of the picture! Share our newsletter with all your friends and family. Simple!

Presbytidings – May 2015

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.”

A WORD FROM THE PASTOR

Well, the cat is out of the bag: Nearly everyone around has heard that I have accepted a new call to be the chaplain to Lyon College in Batesville, Arkansas. Over the past couple of weeks I have heard people express shock and sadness over my and my family’s departure from Wayne. But I have been overwhelmed and humbled by the expressions of gratitude and support. I am leaving here a blessed person, and I hope that I will leave a blessing as well.

There are a few random things I want you to know as I prepare to move on to this new adventure—in no particular order:

• You are loved. I have loved you, and God loves you. These ten years of walking together through joy and sadness have all been authentic. I have been blessed to share in your lives. I am not leaving because I don’t love you. I am leaving because I have discerned that God is reshuffling the board a bit and moving me one to a new corner of his kingdom.
• God will take care of you. This congregation existed in Wayne long before I arrived, and it will be around long after I leave. God is not done with you yet. So I encourage you to hang in there; invest in each other, care for each other. The interim period can be challenging, but that challenge brings you together and helps you build your identity as a family together. You will be fine.
• Get over me. Yes, it’s important who is in the pulpit every Sunday, and yes, it makes a difference who is the teaching elder for this congregation. But the next pastor doesn’t need to be a Ray clone. Maybe I’m assuming too much (some of you might be relieved that I’m gone!). But congregations can get into trouble when they dwell in the past too much. So forget about me. Embrace the interim pastor. And open your hearts to the next pastor who will call Wayne home.
• The presbytery will help you. They will help you find an interim pastor to fill in, short-term, while you elect a pastor nominating committee from the congregation. There are many competent, compassionate people in our presbytery who can help you through this process.
• Trust each other. The pastor nominating committee will do a good job of prayerfully considering possible pastors. Pray for the committee. Talk about your dreams for this church—not just who the pastor will be, but what you would like to do. You’d be amazed that many of those dreams don’t require a pastor at all. They just take someone like you to make them happen.
• Step up and step in. Losing a full-time pastor will mean that there will be some holes in the life of this congregation. But if we all step up a little, those gaps will be closed. When someone is in the hospital, don’t wait for the pastor to visit him or her. Do it yourself! When there are spots for guest preachers, don’t moan about how “good” or “not-so-good” the past preachers have been. Write a sermon and give it a whirl!
• Be kind to each other. Suspicion can creep in like roaches. Assumptions can foul the water. Trying to wrest control from someone else can be damaging and exhausting. You are a family: siblings of Big Brother Jesus and adopted children of God through faith. None are better or worse. You are all on the same footing. So be grateful for everything and pay attention more to the well-being of others more than who is “right.”

Thank you for your love and support. You will be fine. May the Lord bless and keep you always.

Pastor Ray

COMMUNION

We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper on May 5 and May 31, 2015.

YOUTH GROUPS

• High School Youth: Wednesday, May 6^th.
• High Youth: Wednesday, May 13^th.

These will be our final gatherings for this school year.

CHURCH SCHOOL

The final day of church school will be May 10^th.

SESSION

The Session will meet on Monday. May 18 at 7:00pm.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

The session has called a congregational meeting for Sunday, May 17, following worship (about 11:00am). The purpose of the meeting is to vote to concur with Pastor Ray’s decision to dissolve the pastoral relationship between him and FPC Wayne. There will also be an opportunity for the congregation to ask questions about the process of finding a new pastor and anything else relevant to his leaving.

FAREWELL POTLUCK & RECEPTION FOR PASTOR RAY AND FAMILY

Please join our church family for a potluck after worship on Sunday, May 31^st as we thank Pastor Ray and his family for their 10 years of service to our congregation.

The public is also invited to come from 11:45-1:45 for a cake reception.

EASTER LILIES

The beautiful lilies were given by Jane & Jay O’Leary, Pat Straight, and Wilva Jenkins family. Thank you.

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

Presbyterian Women will meet on Wednesday, May 6, at 6:30pm. Martha Svoboda will lead the Bible study. Babs Middleton will be the hostess.

SEWING SOULS

The Sewing Souls will meet on Wednesday, May 20^th. The hostess will be Judy Lindberg.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL UPDATE

We are excited to announce that we will be doing another joint VBS this year! This year it will be Our Savior Lutheran, the First Presbyterian and the First United Methodist. VBS will be July 20-23 from 6:30 – 8:30 at Our Savior Lutheran Church. Sign-up sheets are on the Opportunity table. The theme is Extraordinary!

MISSION GROUP HOSTING

Thank you to those who provided hospitality to the mission group from Lincoln who stayed in Wayne the week of April 20. You are a blessing to those workers!

FROM JANE & JAY O’LEARY

Thank you so much for the beautiful flowers which were at the visitation, funeral and finally back home in our own church.

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

First Presbyterian Church – Wayne, Nebraska

PLEASE PRAY FOR:

• Pastor Ray and his family as they begin a new calling from God
• Our community
• Our schools, administrators, teachers, graduates & students
• Our unchurched neighbors
• All who are battling cancer
• All who live in care centers
• Peace in the Middle East
• Persecuted Christians in Egypt, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, and North Korea

GREETERS – MAY 2015

5/3 – The Peitz Family

5/10 – The Worner Family

5/17 – The Heese Family

5/24 – Phil & Jean Griess

5/31 – John & Anita Fuelberth, Mark & Jenny Hammer

GREETERS – JUNE 2015

6/7 – Jack & Bev Beeson, Mark & Jenny Hammer

6/14 – Jim Curtiss, Karen Johnson, & Babs Middleton

6/21 – The Pulfer Family

6/28 – Jim Lindau, Joyce Reeg & Pat Straight

LECTORS – MAY 2015

5/3 – Larry Heese

5/10 – Jodi Pulfer

5/17 – Tiffanny Heese

5/24 – Karen Johnson

5/31 – Mark Hammer

LECTORS – JUNE 2015

6/7 – Jim Lindau

6/14 – Jan Liska

6/21 – TBA

6/28 – TBA

ACOLYTES – MAY 2015

5/3 – Braydn McCorkindale

5/10 – Emily Worner

5/17 – Bralen Murphy

5/24 – Genevieve McCalla

5/31 – Nina Hammer

ACOLYTES – JUNE 2015

6/7 – Nina Hammer

6/14 – Andy Wibben

6/21 – TBA

6/28 – Madison Urbanec

May 2015 – First Presbyterian Church

MAY BIRTHDAYS

(Would you like to see your birthday listed here?

Just contact the church office 402-375-2669 or fpcwayne@gmail.com)

3         Joann Proett, Dave Peitz

10        Jeryl Nelson, Bralen Murphy

11        Karen Johnson, Soloman Peitz, Tami Worner

12        Joan Lage

14        Bo Armstrong

15        Jordan Alexander

17        Jaci Alexander

18        Jay and Jane O’Leary, Taytum Joan Sweetland

19       Glenda McDonald

22        Marie Johnson

24        Gail McCorkindale

26        Dale Alexander

GET OUR NEWSLETTER BY E-MAIL

If you would like to receive this newsletter by e-mail (save a stamp, save a tree!), go to www.fpcwayne.org; on the home page, in the right hand column, there is a widget that says, “NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTION: Enter your e-mail address to receive Presbytidings, our church’s newsletter, by e-mail.” Enter your address in the white box, and click on the button that says, “Sign me up!” You will need to confirm your subscription through an e-mail message that will be sent to your inbox; this is safe! It is designed to keep spammers out of the picture! Share our newsletter with all your friends and family. Simple

!