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

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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

!

Presbytidings – April 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

On Facebook I follow a page called “Humans of New York” (or HONY for short). Basically, a photographer named Brandon wanders around New York City, looking for interesting people. He listens to their tales—sometimes sad, sometimes joyful, sometimes pathetic, sometimes heroic—he captures them in a photograph, and then he shares their stories on Facebook and on his blog. This past week, HONY followed the story of Omar Samra, an Egyptian adventurer and mountain climber. Omar is a member of the Highpointers Club, meaning he has climbed the highest mountain peaks on every continent. But sadly, Omar lost his wife, Marwa Fayed, two years ago, shortly after she gave birth to their daughter, Teela. Here is his description of the day he lost his wife:

“The birth went fine. Teela was born early so they took her and put her behind glass under a blue light. For the next few days, I went back and forth between Marwa’s room and the room where Teela was under the blue light. Eventually Marwa got better to the point where she could sit in a wheelchair, so I pushed her down the hall so she could meet our daughter. We all took a picture together. Later that afternoon we were preparing Marwa for a CT scan, and her sister was helping to take out her hair extensions. Suddenly Marwa sat up really fast, and she looked so scared, like she’d seen a ghost. She fell toward me and I took her in my arms and she started having a seizure. The doctors pulled me away and I started fighting with them, but they wheeled Marwa away to the ICU. They told me it would be fine, and I could go home, but I slept in the waiting room, and that night the doctor called my cellphone and said, ‘Come now.’ When I got to the ICU, they told me, ‘We lost her for a bit, and if she comes back now, we don’t know how much of her will come back.’ It didn’t feel real. It was like the movies. I was standing right over her and her heart rate monitor would go flat, and these two huge men would start hammering her in the chest, and she was so tiny, and her heart would beat for a couple more minutes and then it would go flat again. And then I heard the doctor say ‘Let’s give it one last try.’ And then I heard the doctor say ‘Time of death.’ And then he turned to me and said, ‘We’ll leave you here. Take all the time you need.’ And when they left me alone, I was like a madman. I didn’t know what to do. I started taking photos of her hands, and her feet, and I cut off bits of her hair. And when I walked out of the room I felt so empty. Like I was nothing.”

And although few of us have experienced exactly Omar’s circumstances, we have all lost loved ones. We can all sympathize with the feeling of having Death pull someone away from us, no matter how much we try to hold on. It’s a universal experience. But how we respond to Death is important, and it depends on our beliefs.

’m not sure of Omar Samra’s faith, but he said in a Facebook post, “When we deal with a loss so great, we have a choice. To give up on life or to fight.” And typical of his adventurer’s heart, he decided to fight: to battle against the darkness of despair and hopelessness. He chose to keep on living.

Thankfully, God himself has already fought on our behalf against the darkness. Jesus willingly embraced our suffering and our death when he was beaten and hanged on a cross. By dying a human death, God has fully identified with us: with our pain, with our struggle, with our darkness, with our sense of abandonment. And while that knowledge may not make everything magically better, it at least reminds us that Death no longer has the last word. It admonishes us that there is always, always, always hope.

But when Jesus died, it wasn’t just a passive acceptance of the inevitable. Like a crocodile pulling its unsuspecting prey into a death roll and drowning it, God lured Death to take the bait until he put Death itself to death. Like a python slowly squeezing the life out of its prey, Jesus took hold of Death and crushed the power out of it. And by rising from the grave, Jesus proved that Death could not hold him, and that he was victorious over all the powers of darkness and evil.

Omar Samra was correct: We all have a choice in life. We can choose despair and darkness when we meet our oldest enemy. Or we can choose to rely on the good news that Jesus has overcome Death on our behalf. I pray that we will all choose the latter, and that we will put our hope in God’s power revealed in the resurrection.

Pastor Ray

LENT AND EASTER SCHEDULE

Join our congregation as we follow Jesus to the cross and the empty tomb.

• April 2: Maundy Thursday service with Communion, 7:00pm
• April 5: Easter Brunch, 9:00am
• April 5: Easter Sunday worship with Communion, 10:00am

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 will take up the One Great Hour of Sharing offering on both Palm & Easter Sundays.

COMMUNION

We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper on Easter Sunday, April 5.

EASTER BRUNCH

All are welcome to share in a fellowship brunch on Easter morning, Sunday, April 5, at 9:00am. A sign-up sheet is on the Opportunity Table for anyone who would like to provide food. Youth grades 7-12 are encouraged to be there at 8:55 to help bus tables and serve food.

NO CHURCH SCHOOL

There will be no church school on Easter Sunday. We will resume on April 12. The last day of church school will be May 10 (Mother’s Day).

YOUTH GROUPS

• High School Youth: 4/1 & 4/15 from 7:30-8:30pm.
• High Youth: 4/8 & 4/22 from 7:30-8:30pm.

SESSION

The Session will gather on Monday, April 27, at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

EASTER LILIES

Please help us decorate our sanctuary for Eastertide by bringing your Easter lilies and placing them on the chancel.

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

Presbyterian Women will meet on Wednesday, May 6, at 6:30pm. Judy Lindberg will lead the Bible study. Joyce Voyles will be the hostess.

SEWING SOULS

The Sewing Souls will meet on Wednesday, April 15, at 6:30pm. Elaine Francis will be the hostess.

BROWN-BAG BIBLE STUDY

The Brown-Bag Bible study will meet on Wednesdays, April 15, 22, and 29, in the Goldenrod Room. We will not meet on April 8.

FPC DIRECTORY

Our new directories are available on the Opportunity Table. Keep track of each other!

HIGHWAY CLEAN-UP

We will do our spring highway cleanup after worship on Sunday, April 26. 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 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 26! Thanks in advance.

PACKING BACKPACKS

Help us pack backpack bags for our Food Pantry’s Wayne Community Schools Backpack Program on Wednesday, April 30, at 7:00pm. We will meet in Fellowship Hall and stuff bags for children in our school district who don’t have enough to eat on the weekend. Anyone can come and help, but we would like to know how many in advance so we can set up the stations properly. Please sign-up on the Opportunity Table, or give us notice at fpcwayne@gmail.com Thanks for your support!

MISSION GROUP’S DISASTER RELIEF WORK

Our church will be hosting a mission work group from Westminster Presbyterian church in Lincoln the week of April 20. They will be camping out in our church school rooms, showering at the Community Activity Center, and working in Pilger building houses during the day. They will be staying four nights with us: April 20-23. Please sign up at the Opportunity Table to provide an evening meal for the group at least one of the evenings. There will be about 12 adults staying here. Thank you for your hospitality!

RENOVATION UPDATE

As of March 29, our church has raised $26,450 for our sanctuary plaster repair project. Way to go! And thank you for your generosity! In the coming weeks, the session will be making final decisions about the bids that are being proposed to us, and, importantly, how we will pay for the work. We estimate that the project will cost in the neighborhood north of $65,000. So we will need to raise funds as well as tapping some of our existing funds. 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.

EMPOWERED TO CONNECT CONFERENCE

The Empowered to Connect Conference is a two-day conference designed to help adoptive and foster parents, ministry leaders and professionals better understand how to connect with “children from hard places” in order to help them heal and become all that God desires for them to be. The conference will be held at Journey Christian Church, April 10-11, from 9:00-5:00. The conference is free. Pre-registrations are being taken at office@journeychristianonline.org or call them at (402) 375-4743.

PIPE ORGAN REDEDICATION

You are invited to join the congregation of the New Zion Presbyterian Church for the rededication of their 1931 Moller Pipe Organ on April 19, 2015 at 2:00pm. The church is located at 4^th & Maple in Clarkson, Nebraska. A reception will follow the service.

GREAT PLAINS WEE KIRK CONFERENCE

This is a great opportunity to be inspired, motivated, encouraged and refreshed!  Join other Presbyterians who understand the special needs and opportunities of small member congregations May 4^th – May 6^th at Calvin Crest. See the bulletin board in Fellowship Hall for more details or check out www.fellowship.community/weekirk

SERMONS ON THE WEB

Pastor Ray’s sermons can be heard on our Web site: www.fpcwayne.org/media.

WAYNE STATE COLLEGE TRIVIA NIGHT

Help support WSC Soccer, and join the fun! Saturday, April 25, at 6:30pm. The venue will be held at the Armory in Wayne. See the event on Facebook at Trivia Night 2015 or https://www.facebook.com/events/1527232764221573/

A NOTE FROM PAT STRAIGHT:

“Dear Ones—Thanks for your birthday greetings. You must have put out the word in church as many of my cards came from friends at church. Thank them for me. I really enjoyed getting them…Love to all, Pat.”

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

First Presbyterian Church – Wayne, Nebraska

PLEASE PRAY FOR:

• The O’Leary Family
• 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 – APRIL 2015

5^th – The Peterson Family

12^th – Ken & Jan Liska, Jim Lindau & Joyce Reeg

19^th – Pat & Glenda McDonald, Scott & Lindsay McLaughlin

26^{th –} Milton & Jackie Owens, Jim & Shari Paige

GREETERS – MAY 2015

3^rd – The Peitz Family

10^th – The Worner Family

17^th – The Heese Family

24^th – John & Ania Fuelberth, Phil & Jean Griess

LECTORS – APRIL 2015

5^th – Milton Owens

12^th – Sydney McCorkindale

19^th – Tami Worner

26^th – Mark Hammer

LECTORS – MAY 2015

3^rd – Larry Heese

10^th – Jodi Pulfer

17^th – The Heese Family

24^th – Karen Johnson

 ACOLYTES – APRIL 2015

5^th – Taytum Sweetland

12^th – Ethan Wibben

19^th – Henry McCalla

26^th – Maria Ras

ACOLYTES – MAY 2015

3^rd – Braydn McCorkindale

10^th – Emily Worner

17^th – Bralen Murphy

24^th – Genevieve McCalla

April 2015 – 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        Genevieve McCalla, 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 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

I admit that I have purposefully avoided looking at the images and especially watching the video of the event: 21 young Egyptian men in orange jumpsuits—like common criminals in prison—being led out by masked murderers for execution along a beach on the Mediterranean Sea. It’s just too disturbing and gory for me. When I see a still shot of the video, I shudder and quickly switch to another mental image.

As you may know, on February 15, the Islamic State in Libya released a video showing the beheading of 21 Egyptian Christians who had previously been kidnapped in Libya. They were killed simply because they were Christians. In the brutal, five-minute video, the victims are heard calling out to Jesus in their final moments. Apparently hoping to instill fear into the hearts of all Christians and Westerners, the barbarians called their video, “A Message Signed with Blood to the Nation of the Cross.”

Christian leaders were quick to condemn the attacks.

Pope Francis, while visiting with a leader of the Church of Scotland (Presbyterian), commented on the beheadings. “The blood of our Christian brothers and sisters is a witness that cries out to be heard,” the Pope said. “It makes no difference whether they be Catholics, Orthodox, Copts or Protestants,” the Pope continued. “They are Christians! Their blood is one and the same. Their blood confesses Christ.”

Coptic Orthodox Pope Tawadros II said that the names of the 21 martyrs will be inserted into the Coptic Synaxarium, the Oriental Church’s official list of martyrs, a procedure similar to canonization in the Roman Catholic Church. Normally there is a 50 year waiting period before someone can be declared a martyr for Christ, but in this case, the criterion was waived.

It may be hard for us to fathom such violence, all in the name of religion. In addition, it all seems so far away from us, complicated by ethnic clashes, muddled by politics between Egypt and Libya, and shrouded in strange religious labels. Some Christians in the West have publicly distanced themselves from the unfortunate souls in Egypt, asserting that they are not really “true” Christians, since they are actually Coptic Orthodox Christians.* But that is simply shirking responsibility to stand in solidarity with Christians in other parts of the world who are being murdered for their faith in Christ.

Sadly, we probably have not thought of those martyrs in Egypt as our brothers in Christ either. But we have most likely ignored them due to living in our own insular, first-world bubble. Our concerns since February 15 have probably revolved mostly around the Oscars, the medical condition of Bobbi Kristina Brown, who Prince Harry’s new girlfriend is, or what color that dress really is!

But martyrdom still happens, even today. The twentieth century saw more people die for their Christian faith than any other century before. And the twenty-first is on track to break that record. And whether we like it or not, those poor men who lost their heads are our siblings in Christ. And whether we like it or not, we need to burst our bubble and pray for those who are persecuted and stand in solidarity with those who call out to Jesus for help.

I’m not advocating retaliation or violence or war (Jesus said something about resisting evil doers in Matthew 5:39!). And I’m certainly not advocating watching the video or even looking at screen shots of the video. In fact, if you want a substitute mental image, meditate on the new icon of the 21 martyrs (above), recently written by Tony Rezk to honor their memory. And as you meditate on the image of Jesus crowning the martyrs with eternal life, think about Jesus’ words (especially Matthew 5:10-12, or God’s words in 1 Peter 3:14) and pray for Christians who are persecuted because they belong to Jesus.

* I could explain to you how Copts are different than, say, standard Orthodox Christians, but it would be a long, complicated, historically conditioned, nuanced lecture, and your eyes would probably glaze over anyway. Suffice it to say: Coptic Christians believe in historic Christianity as much as—if not more than—us Western Protestants.

 – Pastor Ray

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 will have soup suppers and prayer services 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 29 at 10:00am
• Maundy Thursday, with Communion: April 2 at 7:00pm
• Good Friday Community Service: April 3 at 12:00pm (location TBA)
• Easter Sunday celebration, with Communion: April 5 at 10:00am

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME

Spring forward one hour the weekend of March 8.

COMMUNION

We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper on Sunday, March 1st,.

BROWN-BAG BIBLE STUDY

Our Brown-Bag Bible study will meet in Humanities 308 on March 4. We will not meet on March 11, because of spring break. Then we will resume meeting in the Goldenrod Room on March 18.

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

Presbyterian Women will meet on TUESDAY, March 3, at 6:30pm. Martha Svoboda will lead the Bible study. Karen Johnson will be the hostess.

SEWING SOULS

The Sewing Souls will meet on TUESDAY, March 17, at 6:30pm. Babs Middleton will be the hostess.

SESSION

The Session will gather on Monday, March 23, at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Terry Scheuneman, a ruling elder from Schuyler and our Committee on Ministry liaison, will be joining us for his annual visit. Please be there, and make Terry feel welcome to our church family!

DEACONS

Our board of deacons will meet on Sunday, March 8, at 11:00am (after worship) to set goals and make plans for the coming year.

YOUTH GROUPS

*High School Youth: 3/4 and 3/18 @ 7:30 p.m.

*Jr. High Youth: 3/11 and 3/25 @ 7:30pm.

FPC MATCHING GRANT

Look for yourself. The plaster in our sanctuary needs lots of work. We are preparing to tackle the work, especially with the help of a matching grant. A generous donor has offered to match out donations, up to $10,000 (for a total of $20,000), to help with the renovation. Just write a check to the First Presbyterian Church, with a memo of “sanctuary repair,” by March 15^th. Thank you!

ROOTS YOUTH CONFERENCE

Grow deep. Live tall. The ROOTS youth conference is coming to Wayne March 6^th & 7^th. This will be a life impacting weekend for middle and high school students. For more information, please go to:

www.crossrocklive.com/rootsconference.php

PHIL HAMMAN

Author and motivational speaker Phil Hamman is coming to Wayne! Sunday, March 8, at 2:00pm at Our Savior Lutheran Church (5th and Main). Our youth groups (grades 7-12) are invited—along with their parents—to hear Phil’s amazing story of hardship to faith. There might even be refreshments afterwards! And it won’t last more than an hour, guaranteed.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

The Wayne Public Library Spring Expand Your Horizon Series will focus on emergency preparedness this year. The series will be held at the library on March 10^th, 17^th and 24^th, featuring a different program each night from 6:30-8:00pm. The program series is free and open to the public. For more information, either stop by the library or call Rita McLean, Adult Services Librarian at 402-375-3135.

MIDLAND UNIVERSITY SPRING CHOIR TOUR

This concert series begins at Our Savior Lutheran Church on Friday, March 13, at 7:00pm. They will be featuring the Midlands Chamber Choir, the Clef Dwellers and an acoustic group. The fun begins at 5:30pm with a potluck meal. Please bring a hot dish and a side or dessert. All are invited to offer a big Wayne welcome to this fabulous group!

GARY RANDALL & WATCH THE LAMB

Gary Randall, singer/songwriter from Madison, South Dakota, will be in concert at Praise Assembly of God Church on Sunday, March 29^th at 2:30pm. This concert will include the Passion drama “Watch the Lamb.”

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 Ray to explore that possibility. See you there!

SERMONS ON THE WEB

Pastor Ray’s sermons can be heard on our Web site: www.fpcwayne.org/media.

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

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

First Presbyterian Church – Wayne, Nebraska

GREETERS – MARCH 2015

1^st – The Hammer Family

8^th – Ken & Karen Marra

15^th – The Worner Family

22^{nd –} The Urbanec Family

29^th – The Pulfer Family

GREETERS – APRIL 2015

5^th – The Peterson Family

12^th – Ken & Jan Liska, Jim Lindau & Joyce Reeg

19^th – Pat & Glenda McDonald, Scott & Lindsay McLaughlin

26^{th –} Milton & Jackie Owens, Jim & Shari Paige

LECTORS – MARCH 2015

1^st – Mark McCorkindale

8^th – Greg Worner

15^th – Jack Beeson

22^nd – Judy Lindberg

29^th – Phil Griess

LECTORS – APRIL 2015

5^th – Milton Owens

12^th – Sydney McCorkindale

19^th – Tami Worner

26^th – Mark Hammer

ACOLYTES – MARCH 2015         

1^st – Eleanor McCalla

8^th – Madison Urbanec

15^th – Braydn McCorkindale

22^nd – Bo Armstrong

29^th – Emily Worner

ACOLYTES – APRIL 2015

5^th – Taytum Sweetland

12^th – Ethan Wibben

19^th – Henry McCalla

26^th – Maria Ras

March 2015 – First Presbyterian Church

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, Ray McCalla

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!