Presbytidings – June/July 2013

The Newsletter of First Presbyterian Church

216 West Third Street, Wayne, Nebraska 68787

(402) 375-2669 Ë www.fpcwayne.org

“Our chief end is to glorify and enjoy God forever.”

A WORD FROM THE PASTOR

So what was on Jesus’ mind as he prepared to leave this world? Among other things, us. Specifically, all believers of every time, place, and flavor. Before his arrest, Jesus prayed in the garden: “My prayer is not for them alone [that is, his disciples]. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message [that is, you and me], 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. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—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.”

Sometimes we are so far from Jesus’ prayer that it’s embarrassing. He prayed that we would be one church, and yet we are not. It’s the uncomfortable reality of American Christianity: we have carved up the body of Christ into thousands of disparate groups, factions, and sects who often have little to do with each other. We harbor suspicion, telling ourselves that “they” are not really authentic Christians. We cling to our distinctives, majoring in the minors at the expense of unity. But our lack of unity compromises our witness to the world, and the dark forces of evil rejoice at a divided, weak church.

But there is a better way. Real progress toward Christian unity will not come by waiting for denominational leaders to forge new alliances (it is against their interests to cede any territory to other factions, unfortunately). But real change will come when we Christians on the “front lines” choose to love our neighbors and trust other Christians who worship in a different building than ours. And real unity will emerge when Christians come together to pray and to work on God’s mission in the world.

There is an opportunity to forge such unity that is sprouting in our own neighborhood. A Christian from another congregation has invited all of us to help realize her vision of unity and service to our community. Her goal is “to provide an ecumenical presence in the community that will enhance the opportunities to serve the spiritual, physical, and mental health needs of individuals and families in the community of Wayne and the surrounding region.”

If that vision sounds compelling to you—as a way of living into Jesus’ prayer for unity—then join the next phase of our conversations: Thursday, June 20, at 7:00 p.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church’s building. And please join me in praying that we would be one, even as Jesus and the Father are one.

Blessings to you and your families!

Pastor Ray

SESSION

The Session will gather on Monday, June 24, at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. There will be no meeting in July (unless needed).

SUMMER OFFICE HOURS

Beginning the first week in June, the church office will be open Wednesday – Fridays, from 8:30-11:30am.  Otherwise, you can always send an email at fpcwayne@gmail.com

COMMUNION

We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper on Sunday, June 2. Jim Paige is the ruling elder responsible for the elements and the servers.

SONSURF VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Surf’s up, dude!  Catch a wave to VBS at FPC!

• June 3 – 6, from 6:00-8:30 p.m.
• For kids completing K – 6^th grade.
• What can we say?  It’s free!
• What else can we say?  How about POOL PARTY!  Thursday, June 6, from 8:30-9:30pm @ the Wayne Municipal Pool.
• E-mail fpcwayne@gmail.com or call (402)375-2669 to register.

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

Presbyterian Women will be meeting Wednesday, June 5, at 2:00pm.  Karen Johnson will lead us in our final Bible study for the year.  Babs Middleton will be the hostess.  We will also be planning our Annual Tea set for July 10^th.

SEWING SOULS

Sewing Souls will meet on Wednesday, June 19, beginning at 3:00pm.  Supper will be provided.  Come “sew” before and/or after supper.  We will have a variety of projects to work on, so we can use a variety of skills!

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN ANNUAL TEA

Mark your calendars for July 10^th at 5:30pm for the Presbyterian Women’s Annual Tea.  All women are invited to attend.  More details to follow…

PASTOR RAY’S VACATION

Pastor Ray will be on vacation the following dates:

• July 1-7
• July 29 – August 14

If you have a pastoral need, please contact the church office or Charity Potter (402-870-1059).

CHICKEN SHOW

Our church will be operating a bouncy house for Henoween, Friday, July 12, (5-10pm) and the Chicken Show, Saturday, July 13 (11am-4pm). We will need workers, so please watch for a sign-up at the Opportunity Table.

CHURCH COOKBOOK

Keep the recipes coming in!  We want to have as many recipes as possible for the new edition of the cookbook.  Send your recipes to Jane O’Leary @ jane@inebraska.com or put them in the basket on the Opportunity Table.

PREACHING WORKSHOP

Ever felt the itch to deliver God’s message? Well, this could be your opportunity! Learn the basics of preaching at Pastor Ray’s preaching workshop. If you are interested in possibly filling the pulpit sometime, please talk to Pastor Ray. We will schedule a workshop based on everyone’s schedules.

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

We are now on Facebook! You can “like” us at “First Presbyterian Church – Wayne, Nebraska.” Tune in for the latest updates from our church.

BACKPACK PROGRAM

The Summer Food Pantry Backpack program has begun. This program provides a weekends supply of nutritious food for children when school breakfast and lunch is not available. We are in need of individually packaged food such as microwaveable meals, juice pouches, and fruit or pudding cups. Please contact Jenny at the church office for more information on how you can help.

fpcwayne@gmail.com

BIRTHDAYS, BIRTHDAYS, BIRTHDAYS

Thirty-nine and holding? Sweet sixteen? The anniversary of your 29^th coming up? Old enough to know better, but still too young to care? Over the hill? Or none of your business? Birthdays are funny things: some people love ‘em, and some people hate ‘em. They can be joyous or awkward, depending on the person. Some Sundays, usually during announcements and always at the families’ initiation, members of our congregation announce their birthdays. And sometimes we sing and honor them. And other times, birthdays are overlooked entirely, apparently snubbing the special person. Obviously, our church doesn’t want to honor some and ignore others, so as a matter of consistency, let us all agree to not observe birthdays during worship (or announcements). If you wish to celebrate a birthday for your loved one, feel free and encouraged to host Fellowship Time, complete with cake, candles, and singing. But let’s use worship to focus on the Main Thing, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. We will continue to list our members’ birthdays in the newsletter and on KCTY (if you have been overlooked, please let us know asap!) but will make no other official attempts to observe birthdays. Thank you for your input and your understanding! And happy birthday to you…whenever it rolls around for you.

 FAMILY FELLOWSHIP NIGHT

…will begin again this fall.  We will start the new academic year with a picnic on the grounds!  Stay tuned for more information.

PMC MEMORIAL SERVICE

The Home Health Care & Hospice Program of Providence Medical Center will be holding a memorial service for the patients who have died (between May 2012 and April 2013 on Sunday, June 2^nd at 2:00pm.  The service will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Wayne, 516 N. Main Street.  Balloons will be released in memory of loved ones, and refreshments will be served.

CHRISTIAN CROSS FESTIVAL

The 9^th Annual Christian Cross Festival will be held at Skyview Lake in Norfolk on Saturday, June 8^th from 1:00 – 10:30om.  This is a FREE event that includes something for almost everyone!  Special guests this year are: Fireflight, Jason Gray, and Jill Miller.  Check it out at christiancrossfestival.org

CHRISTIAN COMEDIAN BOB SMILEY

Comedian Bob Smiley will be performing at the Viareo Great American Comedy Festival in Norfolk. Catch his act on Sunday, June 16^th.  For more info go to: www.facedownproductions.com

CALVIN CREST QUILT AUCTION

The 16^th Annual Quilt Auction and BBQ is scheduled for Saturday, August 24^th. Make plans to join this great fundraising event. Beautiful quilts are donated and there is a live auction. The BBQ beforehand is the best around. This is the date to bid on a great gift for yourself or someone else.

WAYNE GROW AN EXTRA ROW

Across the nation gardeners are donating their extra fresh produce to their local Food Pantry.  We would like to introduce this practice to the Wayne Community. As the gardening season gets into full swing, we ask that when you have extra garden produce that you bring it to our Food Pantry. So while picking your produce you could set aside a bag of beans, a few tomatoes, a bag of lettuce or spinach, cucumbers, squash, eggs, anything really. It doesn’t have to be a lot, if everyone does it, it will add up fast!

OUR SAVIOR’S FRONT PORCH

The after school program at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Wayne has openings for the 2013-14 school year.  This program in available for children in grades K-4.  Contact Michelle Combs at (608)778-5413 for more information.

PLEASE PRAY FOR:

• Our unchurched neighbors
• Those affected by the storms in Oklahoma
• Our VBS program
• Summer safety

GREETERS

JUNE 2013

2^nd – The Heese Family

9^th – Jim Curtiss, John Reese & The Paiges

16^th – The Petersons

23^rd – The Marras & The Murphys

30^th – The Pulfer Family

JULY 2013

2^nd – Glenda McDonald

9^th – Candyce Peitz

16^th – Kevin Peterson

23^rd – Jodi Pulfer

30^th – Ronda Ras

JULY 2013

7^th – Pat Straight

14^th – Jeryl Nelson

21^st – Kent Pulfer

28^th – Bev Beeson

ACOLYTES JUNE 2013

2^nd – Layne Heese

9^th – Beau Bowers

16^th – Shea Abraham

23^rd – Sarah Wibben

30^th – Eleanor McCalla

JULY 2013

7^th – Madison Urbanec

14^th – Bo Armstrong

21^st – Taytum Sweetland

28^th – Ethan Wibben

June 2013 – First Presbyterian Church

 Presbytidings – May 2013

The Newsletter of First Presbyterian Church

216 West Third Street, Wayne, Nebraska 68787

(402) 375-2669 + www.fpcwayne.org

“Our chief end is to glorify and enjoy God forever.”

 A WORD FROM THE PASTOR:

The Secret to Happiness

It’s the illusive quest for countless individuals.  Just as explorers spent their lives seeking the Fountain of Youth in the New World, many people seek desperately after happiness.  But maybe happiness is not “out there” to be discovered.  And maybe happiness is not some destination that sits atop our ambition.  But maybe happiness is something that can be attained on the inside—despite our circumstances.

Sonja Lyubomirsky, a psychologist at the University of California, Riverside, has written extensively about happiness.  Less happy people share traits like frequently comparing themselves to others (and finding personal disappointment when others succeed), making excuses, and ruminating about unhappy events.  Happy people, on the other hand, have a greater tendency to store up positive moments in their memory.

Based on Lyubomirsky’s work, here are eight ways to be happier:

1.      Be kind to others.

2.      Live in a home that’s rented, not owned.

3.      Count your blessings and practice gratitude.

4.      Be thrifty and live within your means.

5.      Become a parent.

6.      Learn to savor positive experiences.

7.      Take steps in pursuing life goals.

8.      Stay healthy and live long.

Excellent advice for living and discovering happiness.  And did you know that the apostle Paul knew the secret to happiness?  He said so when he wrote the Christians in Philippi.  “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”  And Paul knew about “every situation” in a way that we never will: prison, beatings, persecution, enemies.  And it turns out that being content—or “happy,” to use the world’s shorthand—is not connected to circumstances.  It is not a destination to be discovered.  But deep-seated joy comes from knowing Christ and the power of his resurrection (Philippians 4:11-12), even if there is to be some suffering along the way.

The source of Paul’s contentment is a beautiful statement of trust: “I can do all things through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13)  Or, to translate his words more expansively, “I can prevail against any situation—even if it means just getting by—because of the living Jesus who empowers me.”

If we are able to put that confession of faith at the center of our lives, then we will know the secret to happiness also, without ever setting foot outside our homes.

Pastor Ray

PLEASE PRAY FOR:

• Our unchurched neighbors
• Denny Spangler
• Tiffany Heese

YOUTH GROUPS

High School Youth Group will meet on Wednesday, May 1st, at 7:30pm for their final meeting of the year.  It will be a scavenger hunt, so please bring a friend and a car to drive!

Junior High Youth Group will meet on Wednesday, May 8th, at 7:30pm for their final meeting of the year.  It will be field day, wear comfortable shoes!

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

The May meeting of Presbyterian Women will be Wednesday, May 1^st at 6:30pm.  Joyce Voyles will be the hostess, and we will be discussing Lesson 8.

SEWING SOULS will not meet in May.  We will finish our current project during the PW meeting on May 1^st.  On June, Sewing Souls will meet to work on projects for Calvin Crest.

COMMUNION

Sunday, May 5th, we will celebrate the Lord’s Supper, as well as the baptism of Piper Marie Sykes, daughter of Jeremy Sykes and Breanna Bowers (and great-granddaughter of Joann Proett).

GRADUATING SENIORS

Congratulations to our graduating Wayne High School seniors: Logan Abraham, Jaci Alexander, Austin McDonald, and Jacob Stenka.  Also, congratulations to Taylor Racely, who is graduating from Wayne State College with his bachelor’s degree.  We will be honoring our graduating seniors in worship on Sunday, May 19th.

Baccalaureate for Wayne High School will be Friday, May 10th, at 6:30pm in the high school gymnasium.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

VBS will be June 3 through 6, from 6:00-8:30 p.m. Put it on your calendar, and don’t forget to bring a friend!

COMMUNITY PRAYER DAY

Come and pray for our community and nation!

Thursday, May 2, First National Bank Community Room; 12:00-1:00pm.

CHICKEN SHOW

Our church will be operating a bouncy house for Henoween, Friday, July 12^th and the Chicken Show, Saturday, July 13th.  We will need workers, so please watch for a sign-up at the Opportunity Table.

CHURCH COOKBOOK

Keep the recipes coming in!  We want to have as many recipes as possible for the new edition of the cookbook.  Send your recipes to Jane O’Leary by email (jane@inebraska.com) or put them in the basket on the Opportunity Table.

MISSING!

If you have borrowed the ironing board (from the back hall) or the pitcher that goes with the iced tea maker, please return them…

SUMMER CAMP

Calvin Crest has an awesome variety of summer camps for kids of all ages! Choose from horseback, mountain biking, adventure, nature education, or traditional camps that all blend camp fun with love for Jesus. Pick up a brochure at the Opportunity Table in fellowship hall or visit http://www.calvincrest.org/Summer_Camp.php for more information. Our church will pay for 50% of the cost of camp. Also, if you invite three friends who have never been to Calvin Crest before, you go for free!

NEED A SUMMER JOB?

Calvin Crest is looking for summer staff to work with campers. They need people for counselors, lifeguards, crafts, and health care. Applicants should be Christian high school graduates and preferably at least 18 years old. Visit www.calvincrest.org/job_opportunities/php for more information. If you are in grades 9-12, you can also be a CSI—camp staff intern!

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

We are now on Facebook! You can “like” us at “First Presbyterian Church – Wayne, Nebraska.” Tune in for the latest updates from our church.

 GREETERS

MAY 2013

5^th – The Worner Family

12^th – The Liskas & The Milton Owens

19^th – P. Straight, K. Johnson, & The Griesses

26^th – Verlin & Elaine Francis, & The Beesons

JUNE 2013

2^nd – The Heese Family

9^th – J. Curtiss, J. Reese & Paiges

16^th – The Peterson Family

23^rd – The Marras & The Hammers

30^th – The Pulfer Family

LECTORS

MAY 2013

5^th – Gail McCorkindale

12^th – Tiffany Heese

19^th – Sydney McCorkindale

26^th – Angie Nelson

JUNE 2013

2^nd – Glenda McDonald

9^th – Candyce Peitz

16^th – Kevin Peterson

23^rd – Jodie Pulfer

30^th – Ronda Ras

      ACOLYTES

MAY 2013

5^th – Jon Worner

12^th – Solomon Peitz

19^th – Zach Urbanec                                                                         16^th – Shea Abraham

26^th – Maddie Stenka

JUNE 2013

2^nd – Layne Heese

9^th – Beau Bowers

16^th – Shea Abraham

23^rd – Sarah Wibben

30^th – Eleanor McCalla

MAY BIRTHDAYS

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 & Jane O’Leary,  Taytum Sweetland

19       Glenda McDonald

22        Marie Johnson

24        Gail McCorkindale

26        Dale Alexander

 Presbytidings – April 2013

The Newsletter of First Presbyterian Church

216 West Third Street, Wayne, Nebraska 68787

(402) 375-2669 Ë www.fpcwayne.org

“Our chief end is to glorify and enjoy God forever.”

 Chuck Colson, who was an assistant to President Nixon and who died last April, was convicted for his involvement in the Watergate scandal.  Colson served time in federal prison for his crimes, and later he became a Christian and a famous apologist for the Faith. Here is what he said about Jesus’ resurrection:

“When I am challenged on the resurrection, my answer is always that the disciples and 500 others gave eyewitness accounts of seeing Jesus risen from the tomb [1 Corinthians 15:5-6]. But then I’m asked, ‘How do you know they were telling the truth? Maybe they were perpetrating a hoax.’ My answer to that comes from an unlikely source: Watergate.

“Watergate involved a conspiracy perpetuated by the closest aides to the president of the United States—the most powerful men in America, who were intensely loyal to their president. But one of them, John Dean, turned state’s evidence, that is, testified against Nixon, as he put it, ‘to save his own skin’—and he did so only two weeks after informing the president about what was really going on—two weeks! The cover-up, the lie, could only be held together for two weeks, and then everybody else jumped ship in order to save themselves. Now, the fact is that all those around the president were facing was embarrassment, maybe prison. [But] nobody’s life was at stake.

“But what about the disciples? Twelve powerless men, peasants really, were facing not just embarrassment or political disgrace, but beatings, stonings, execution. Every single one of the disciples insisted, to their dying breaths, that they had physically seen Jesus bodily raised from the dead. Don’t you think that one of those apostles would have cracked before being beheaded or stoned? That one of them would have made a deal with the authorities? None did. Men will give their lives for something they believe to be true; they will never give their lives for something they know to be false.

“The Watergate cover-up reveals the true nature of humanity. Even political zealots at the pinnacle of power will, in the crunch, save their own necks, even at the expense of the ones they profess to serve so loyally. But the apostles could not deny Jesus, because they had seen him face to face, and they knew he had risen from the dead.

“No, you can take it from an expert in cover-ups…that nothing less than a resurrected Christ could have caused those men to maintain to their dying whispers that Jesus is alive and is Lord. Two thousand years later, nothing less than the power of the risen Christ could inspire Christians around the world to remain faithful—despite prison, torture, and death. Jesus is Lord: That’s the thrilling message of Easter. It’s a historic fact, one convincingly established by the evidence—and one you can bet your life upon.”

Hallelujah!  He is risen!

Pastor Ray                                                 

SESSION

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

YOUTH GROUPS

High School Youth: 4/3 and 4/17 at 7:30 p.m.

Junior High Youth: 4/10 and 4/24 at 7:30 p.m.

BROWN BAG BIBLE STUDY

We will meet on April 4, 11, and 18 to finish out the semester. We will finish out Ephesians and briefly tackle Philippians.

MIDDLE SCHOOL RETREAT

Calvin Crest is hosting a middle school retreat for kids in grades 6-8: April 19-20 (Friday-Saturday). The cost is $49, but the church will pay 100%. To learn more (and to register), visit http://www.calvincrest.org/Youth_Retreats.php. And adult chaperons are free!

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

VBS will be June 3 through 6, from 6:00-8:30 p.m. Put it on your calendar, and don’t forget to bring a friend!

SUMMER CAMP

Calvin Crest has an awesome variety of summer camps for kids of all ages! Choose from horseback, mountain biking, adventure, nature education, or traditional camps that all blend camp fun with love for Jesus. Pick up a brochure at the Opportunity Table in fellowship hall or visit http://www.calvincrest.org/Summer_Camp.php for more information. Our church will pay for 50% of the cost of camp. Also, if you invite three friends who have never been to Calvin Crest before, you go for free!

NEED A SUMMER JOB?

Calvin Crest is looking for summer staff to work with campers. They need people for counselors, lifeguards, crafts, and health care. Applicants should be Christian high school graduates and preferably at least 18 years old. Visit www.calvincrest.org/job_opportunities/php for more information. If you are in grades 9-12, you can also be a CSI—camp staff intern!

WOULD YOU LIKE TO JOIN OUR PRAYER GROUP?  Just contact Jenny at the church office (402)375-2669 or email us at fpcwayne@gmail.com, and we will be glad to add your name!

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN will meet on Wednesdays again beginning with our April 3rd meeting at 6:30 pm.  Jackie Owens will lead our Bible study and Babs Middleton will be the hostess. 
SEWING SOULS will also move our sewing days back to Wednesday.  In April we meet on Wednesday, April 17 at 6:30.  There is plenty to work on no matter what your sewing skills.

CHURCH COOKBOOK

We are still collecting recipes for a second church cookbook.  Since this is a project Sandra Metz was interested in completing, we would like to finish the cookbook and dedicate it to her.  It would be great if every family could submit at least one recipe, but we would love more!  Recipes can be emailed to jane@inebraska.com  or they can be left in the basket on the Opportunity Table.  Thanks for your help with this project.

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

We are now on Facebook! You can “like” us at “First Presbyterian Church – Wayne, Nebraska.” Tune in for the latest updates from our church. 

PLEASE PRAY FOR:

• Our unchurched neighbors
• Denny Spangler
• Tiffany Heese

GREETERS

APRIL 2013                                                                                                 

7^th – The Pulfer Family                                                                                 

14^th – The McLaughlins & The Fuelberths                                                  

21^st – The Sweetland Family                                               

28^th – The Peitz Family                                                                                

MAY 2013

5^th – The Worner Family

12^th – The Liskas & The Milton Owens

19^th – P. Straight, K. Johnson, &  The Griesses 

26^th – Verlin & Elaine Francis, & Jack & Bev Beeson

LECTORS

APRIL 2013                                                                                      

7^th – Ken Marra                                                                                

14^th – Rachelle McCalla                                                                     

21^st – Levi Heese                                                                                

28^th – Ken Liska                                                                                 

MAY 2013

5^th – Gail McCorkindale

12^th – Tiffany Heese

19^th – Sydney McCorkindale

26^th – Angie Nelson

ACOLYTES

APRIL 2013                                                                                      

7^th – Emily Armstrong                                                                      

14^th – Maddie Beair                                                                           

21^st – Shea Sweetland                                                                       

28^th – Gabriel Peitz  

MAY 2013

5^th – Jon Worner

12^th – Solomon Peitz

19^th – Zach Urbanec

26^th – Maddie Stenka     

April 2013 – First Presbyterian Church

APRIL BIRTHDAYS

            1       Genevieve McCalla

           4       Bev Beeson

           8       Andrew Pulfer

           9       Kevin Armstrong

          19     Taylor Racely

           23     Jill O’Leary Scott

          26     Phil Griess, Levi Heese

     27     Stacey Alexander, Verianne McClain

          29     Heidi Armstrong

          30     Greg Bloom

 GET OUR NEWSLETTER BY E-MAIL

Presbytidings – March 2013

The Newsletter of First Presbyterian Church

216 West Third Street, Wayne, Nebraska 68787

(402) 375-2669 Ë www.fpcwayne.org

“Our chief end is to glorify and enjoy God forever.”

A WORD FROM THE PASTOR:

Happy anniversary…to us!  On Monday, February 28, 2005—after we four McCallas moved in and got situated in the manse—I started work as your pastor with a trip to St. Luke’s hospital in Sioux City and an evening session meeting.  And it’s been an amazing eight years since then.  I feel blessed every day that I get to do this job.  We McCallas feel that we have fit into this community very well, and we are blessed to have made some good friends here.  So as we mark this occasion, I want to offer my thanks: to all of you for your support and love, and to God for bringing us to a good place together.  And as I look ahead to the coming months and years, here is my wish list for our congregation:

• That each person would feel the love of Jesus Christ and the love of our congregation;
• That we would grow in optimism for our future together;
• That we would pack our sanctuary every Sunday;
• That we would invite others to participate in our church family and experience the joy of community;
• And that we would practice forgiveness and making amends with each other.

Pastor Ray

SESSION

The Session will gather on Monday, March 25, at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME!

Spring forward one hour the weekend of March 10. Don’t get caught walking into church just as worship is finishing up!

ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING OFFERING

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 Palm Sunday, March 24, 2013.

FUN FAMILY FELLOWSHIP NIGHT!Calling all families with kids 18 years and younger! Family Fellowship Night is a time for families to fellowship together! Join us for spaghetti, and then a time of games and socializing on Saturday, March 16, at 5:30pm.  This event is free, but you do need to sign-up at the Opportunity Table.  Bring your favorite game & a dessert or side item to share.

LENT

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus as we journey to the cross and the empty tomb together. Every Wednesday during Lent, we will have a soup supper at 6:00 and a brief prayer service at 6:50 in the sanctuary. There will be child care available during those services.

Please sign up at the Opportunity Table to provide soups, sandwiches, or desserts for the suppers.

YOUTH GROUPS

High School Youth: 3/6 and 3/20 at 7:30 p.m.

Junior High Youth: 3/13 and 3/27 at 7:30 p.m.

Youth are encouraged to attend our soup suppers and evening prayer services during Lent!

SUMMER CAMP

Calvin Crest has an awesome variety of summer camps for kids of all ages! Choose from horseback, mountain biking, adventure, nature education, or traditional camps that all blend camp fun with love for Jesus. Pick up a brochure at the Opportunity Table in fellowship hall or visit http://www.calvincrest.org/Summer_Camp.php for more information. Our church will pay for 50% of the cost of camp.

MIDDLE SCHOOL RETREAT

Calvin Crest is hosting a middle school retreat for kids in grades 6-8: April 19-20 (Friday-Saturday). The cost is $49, but the church will pay 100%. To learn more (and to register), visit http://www.calvincrest.org/Youth_Retreats.php. And adult chaperons are free!

NEED A SUMMER JOB?

Calvin Crest is looking for summer staff to work with campers. They need people for counselors, lifeguards, crafts, and health care. Applicants should be Christian high school graduates and preferably at least 18 years old. Visit www.calvincrest.org/job_opportunities/php for more information. If you are in grades 9-12, you can also be a CSI—camp staff intern!

THE 2013 LECTOR, ACOLYTE, GREETER SCHEDULE is available on the Opportunity Table.  As in the past, please find a replacement if you cannot make it, and contact the church office about any changes.  Thanks!

CHURCH DIRECTORY UPDATE

The search for church updates has begun. Have you changed your e-mail address or dropped your land-line this year? Please check the Opportunity Table for an update sheet if you need to make any changes to your current listing, or e-mail the church office at fpcwayne@gmail.com.

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN & SEWING SOULS

Presbyterian Women will meet Tuesday, March 5, at 6:30pm in Fellowship Hall.  Martha Svoboda will lead the Bible study.  All women of the church are invited to join us.  Sewing Souls will meet on Tuesday, March 19, at 6:30pm.

COOKBOOK PART II

We are still working on a second edition of our church cookbook.  Our goal is to have at least one recipe from every family in the church.  Consider adding your recipes to our latest edition.  Recipes can be e-mailed to Jane O’Leary at jane@inebraska.com OR you can leave them in the basket on the Opportunity Table.

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK

We are now on Facebook!  You can “like” us at “First Presbyterian Church – Wayne, Nebraska.”  Tune in for the latest updates from our church.  Many thanks to Rich & Melissa Murphy for creating our page.

AMERICA’S FARMERS GROW COMMUNITIES

Kent Wilke (a farmer in here in Wayne County) was selected as a winner in America’s Farmers Grow Communities, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund. Wilke selected our Wayne Community Food Pantry to be the recipient of a $2,500 donation.  We will use the money to make some much needed repairs and renovations to the space downstairs.  Our hats are off to Kent & Carol Wilke!

CONCERT AND PASSION DRAMA

Join Gary Randall, a singer/songwriter from South Dakota, as he performs a free concert at the Concord Evangelical Free Church on Sunday, March 24, at 7:00pm.

 PLEASE PRAY FOR:

• Our elders and deacons
• Our unchurched neighbors
• Sandra Metz
• Denny Spangler

GREETERS

MARCH 2013                                                                                              

3^rd – The Worner Family

10^th – The Beesons & The Griesses

17^th – The Milton Owens & The Liskas

24^th – The Peterson Family

31^st – J. Curtiss, J. Rees, K. Johnson & B. Middleton

APRIL 2013

7^th – The Pulfer Family

14^th – The McLaughlins & The Fuelberths

21^st – The Sweetland Family

28^th – The Peitz Family

LECTORS

MARCH 2013                                                                                  

3^rd – Larry Heese

10^th – Karen Johnson

17^th – Judy Lindberg

24^th – Leigh Heese

31^st – Jan Liska

APRIL 2013

7^th – Ken Marra

14^th – Rachelle McCalla

21^st – Levi Heese

28^th – Ken Liska

March 2013 – First Presbyterian Church

MARCH BIRTHDAYS

16     Jason Racely

17     Jack Beeson

19     Judy Lindberg, Ray McCalla

24     Jacob Beair

25     Leigh Heese

28     Babs Middleton

29     Madison Urbanec

Presbytidings – February 2013

A WORD FROM THE PASTOR:

There is a YouTube video that has been viewed 37 million times (embedded above).  At the beginning, you see the famous surfer Laird Hamilton on a surfboard, and he is being towed along by a jet ski.  Although it’s too close to see (and I assume it’s being filmed from a helicopter), you can sense that Laird is riding a massive, gathering wave.  He lets go of the tow rope, and he is on his own.  And as the camera pulls back, you see him in proper context: he is a tiny speck atop the crest of a 65-foot breaker.  And you assume that he’s not only insane, but that he’s going to die on the video.  The wave begins to curl, and Laird zooms down the tube, water crashing all around him.  He is propelled by an incomprehensible power as the wave races toward the shore.  But during the whole time, Laird remains upright—and I’m sure it was the ride of a lifetime for him.

God’s kingdom is like a wave on the move, too.  It is enormous beyond our comprehension, and it has power that we could never muster on our own.  All we can hope to do is catch the wave—as a family of believers, together—and hang on for the ride of our lifetimes.  Church is not just another human institution that relies on human cunning and planning to exist and thrive.  It is sustained by a supernatural power that can carry us along to places we never thought we could go.  If we allow him, God the Holy Spirit will propel us forward, out of the old ruts into a new and unexpected future.

I believe that God is doing some amazing things among us at FPC.  And more importantly, I believe that he is preparing to do more amazing things among us in the future.  I’ve said it before, but I believe our best days are ahead of us!  We don’t need to worry about what other churches are or are not doing.  We don’t need to make excuses about the limits of our talents and budget.  Because God in our midst is like a wave gathering far from shore: he will take us amazing places, by his own power, if we are willing to go along.

During 2012, we saw evidence of God doing something new at FPC.  Our membership grew by 10%.  And that is truly amazing, since most churches in the United States are either stagnating or declining.  Ten percent!  But this is a sign of momentum.  Our worship attendance also grew, bringing us to 55% participation (worshipers/active membership).  We could certainly do lots better, but once again, we are way ahead of the curve, since most churches average about 40%.

So this is my challenge to you as a congregation for the New Year: Let us ride the wave of God’s kingdom, enjoying the thrill of his supernatural power.  We need to grow deeper in our relationship with Jesus Christ, and we need to invite others to come and participate in what God is doing in our midst.  I can’t say for sure what lies ahead—although I have some guesses, if you want to ask me—but what I can say for sure is hang on: God’s wave is gathering.

Pastor Ray      

SESSION

The Session will gather on Monday, February 25th at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

ASH WEDNESDAY AND LENT

Lent is nearly upon us!  So let us fix our eyes on Calvary as we journey to the cross and the empty tomb together.

Ash Wednesday service will be on 2/13 at 6:30 p.m. Then, every Wednesday during Lent, we will have a soup supper at 6:00 and a brief worship service at 6:45 in the sanctuary.

Note: Youth groups will meet as usual at 7:30 p.m., following the Lenten activities, and Presbyterian Women will meet on Tuesday, 3/5, at 6:30 p.m.

Please sign up at the Opportunity Table to provide soups, sandwiches, or desserts for the suppers.

THE 2013 LECTOR, ACOLYTE, GREETER SCHEDULE

is available on the Opportunity Table.  As in the past, please find a replacement if you cannot make it, and contact the church office about any changes.  Thanks!

THE CHURCH DIRECTORY UPDATE

has begun.  Check the Opportunity Table for an update sheet if you need to make any changes to your current listing.

WINTER GREETING FROM CHURCH SCHOOL!

This year our church school children chose to donate their offerings toward a local group or charity (which will be decided in May). To date, we have collected $16.35. All of those pennies and quarters do add up!

A big thank you goes out to Rhonda Ras for organizing our Christmas Program, and to all of the volunteers who helped each Sunday with the practices. – Misty Beair

YOUTH GROUP MEETINGS

The high school youth group will meet on 2/6 and 2/20. The junior high youth group will meet on 2/13 and 2/27.

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN & SEWING SOULS

Presbyterian Women will meet Wednesday, February 6^th at 6:30pm in Fellowship Hall.  Judy Lindberg will lead the Bible study – The Ties That Bind.  Karen Johnson will be hostess for the meeting.  All women of the church are invited to join us.  Watch for announcements on the next meeting of the Sewing Souls.

COOKBOOK PART II

We are still working on a second edition of our church cookbook.  Our goal is to have at least one recipe from every family in the church.  Have you ever been asked “is this the recipe in the cookbook?” when you brought something for one of our potluck dinners or Fellowship time?  Consider adding it to our latest edition.  Recipes can be emailed to Jane O’Leary at jane@inebraska.com OR you can leave them in the basket on the Opportunity Table.

MISSING: STEEL CHAIRS

Have you seen any extra steel folding chairs from our Fellowship Hall? We seem to be missing a few. Please send them home—no questions asked.

CHILDREN’S CHORUS

The Northeast Nebraska Children’s Chorus is starting up again, and will be accepting kids in grades 2-6. Rehearsals will be here at FPC on Tuesdays from 4:00-4:45 pm. For more information, contact Brandi Kolbeck, instructor, at brkolbe1@wsc.edu or (402) 369-6354.

THE ANNUAL KIWANIS PANCAKE FEED will be held Sunday, February 17^th from 9:00am – 1:00pm at the Wayne Armory (800 E. 7^th Street).  Adults are $5, Children 3-12 are $3.00, and children 2 and under eat for free.  The proceeds will go to Boy Scout Troop #174 and Wayne Youth.

 PLEASE PRAY FOR:

• Our pastor, encouragement for him!
• Our college students
• Bonnie Lund’s family
• Sandra Metz
• Denny Spangler
• Jackie Owens, recovering from shoulder surgery
• God’s Spirit to move us

 GREETERS

 FEBRUARY  2013                                                                                       MARCH 2013

3^rd – Verlin & Elaine Francis, Jim Lindau & Joyce Reeg                  3^rd  – The Worner Family

10^th – The Paiges & The Hammers                               10^th – The Beesons & The Griesses

17^th – The McCorkindales                                  17^th – Milton & Jackie Owens, The Liskas

24^th – Pat & Glenda McDonald, & The McLaughlins                           24^th – The Petersons

31^st – J. Curtiss, J. Rees, K. Johnson & Babs

LECTORS

FEBRUARY 2013                                                                             MARCH 2013

3^rd – Bev Beeson                                                                                 3^rd – Larry Heese

10^th – Phil Griess                                                                                10^th – Karen Johnson

17^th –   Jim Curtiss                                                                              17^th – Judy Lindberg

28^th –   Jack Beeson                                                                            24^th – Leigh Heese

31^st – Jan Liska

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS

          7        Karen McElwain

10     Jodi Pulfer

20     Karen Marra

24     Jacob Beair

25     Pat Straight, Gabriel Peitz

27     Jan Liska

28     Amy Bowers

To view our current church calendar anytime, please visit http://www.fpcwayne.org/calendar.

A WORD FROM THE PASTOR:

Over Thanksgiving weekend, I watched lots of television—all football—which is something I’m not accustomed to.  So consequently, I also got to see lots of commercials during the breaks.  One of the most irritating ones I saw was the Target Red Card ad, featuring a Red-Bull-powered couple that bursts out of nowhere as a shopper uses her Red Card to pay for her order.  Maybe you’re smiling right now because you saw it, too.  And maybe you’re wondering what I’m wondering: What were the Target marketing people thinking?

Anyway, the Target Deals Duet (as they’re officially known—and no, I’m not making this up) sing “Target Red Card!  Target Red Card!” to the tune of Handel’s timeless and universally known “Hallelujah” Chorus from his oratorio, Messiah.  The strangest and most jarring part of the fifteen-second spot was not when the male portion of the duet shrieks, “Save 5% and get free shipping!”  (Wikipedia tells me that the man’s name is Kirby Heyborne, and that he is a well-known Mormon actor and performer; but that’s another article for another day, apparently!)  No, the more jarring part was at the end: the singers sing, “It’s on!  It’s a sale!  Hallelujah!  Target Red Card!  Hallelujah!”

Now, I don’t know if the writers of this spot don’t know what “Hallelujah” actually means, or if they do, in fact, know, but just don’t care.  Because Hallelu Yah is a Hebrew phrase that crops up frequently in the Old Testament, especially the Psalms (see Psalm 111).  A loose translation of this second-person-plural imperative would sound like this: “Y’all praise Yah (that is, Israel’s covenant God, aka “the LORD”)!”  Or something to that effect.  (The traditional rendering has been, “Praise ye the LORD.”)  And maybe it’s just me, but I find this invitation to worship the LORD a little strange in a commercial that invites people to come and spend money at their store.

And maybe it’s nothing more than just a confused little fifteen-second ad.  But maybe it’s a symbol of our confused culture.  Because for us, hyper-consumerism has reached the point of becoming its own religion, complete with rituals (Black Friday, camping out at Best Buy), temples (Target et al), and objects of worship (the best deals/the latest gadgets).  I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that we Christians in America have become a bit confused about what Christmas is (hint: it doesn’t start until December 25) and what it’s all about (hint: it’s not just the freedom to put up Nativity scenes, to make sure we say, “Merry Christmas” instead of “Happy Holidays,” or the thrill of buying stuff, but it’s about celebrating the mystery of the Incarnation of God the Son).

According to Rick McKinley, Chris Seay, and Greg Holder in their 2009 book Advent Conspiracy, the amount of money Americans spend on Christmas is about 45 times the amount of money it would take to supply the entire world with clean water.  No, that is not a mistake.  Forty-five times over.  That should serve as a sobering wake-up call for any of us who have been mindlessly worshiping at the altar of hyper-consumerism.  Maybe it’s time for us Christians to do something different during Advent and Christmas—to make a positive difference, rather than just going along with the culture.  And in that respect, maybe the subliminal message of the Target Red Card ad is timely and appropriate: Praise the Lord (and not the stuff).

May your Advent be filled with holy anticipation, and may your Christmastide be bathed in peace, love, and joy.

Pastor Ray                                         

PLEASE PRAY FOR:

• Our college students
• Denny Spangler & his family
• Eric Liska
• The family of Perry Hoemann

CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

The kids’ Christmas program will be during worship on Sunday, 12/23. Invite your family and friends! Rehearsals will be during church school time on 12/2, 12/9, and 12/16.

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE

Our Christmas Eve Candlelit Service will be Monday, 12/24, at 5:30 p.m. If you would like to read Scripture, serve as a greeter, or provide music, please contact Pastor Ray.

SESSION:

There will be no session meeting this month.  We will meet again on January 28, 2013, including the new class of ruling elders.

WAYNE ROTARY CLUB’S ANNUAL SOUP & DESSERT SUPPER will be Thursday, December 6^th, from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Wayne City Auditorium. Come for homemade chicken noodle or chili soup, dessert, relishes and a drink. All funds benefit youth programs & scholarship fund. Adults $6, Kids 10 & under $3

RING AROUND WAYNE

Enjoy a Christmas concert on Friday, 12/7, at 7:30 p.m. at the Wayne Armory. The program will feature handbell choirs from FPC, Grace Lutheran, Our Savior Lutheran, and First United Methodist Churches.

CHURCH BAND

The band is getting back together again! We will play during worship on Sunday, 12/16. Please sign up at the Opportunity Table or contact Jay O’Leary to participate (375-2335; jayo@inebraska.com). Rehearsals will be announced at a later time.

CHURCH POTLUCK

Celebrate our church family on Sunday, December 16, following worship (about 11:15). Bring some food to share, and if you forget, or don’t want to, just get in line, because there’s always plenty!

CHRISTMAS CAROLING

Join us in sharing the joy of Christ, Wednesday, 12/19^th. We will meet at The Oaks at 5:10; after singing for the residents there, we will visit CareAge, possibly Providence Medical Center, and then return to the Fellowship Hall for soup and dessert.

YOUTH GROUPS

Middle School Youth Group will meet on Wednesday, 12/12, at 7:30 p.m.

And High School Youth Group will meet on Wednesday, 12/5, at 7:30 p.m.

Please note: there will be NO YOUTH GROUP ON DECEMBER 19^th & DECEMBER 26^TH.

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

PW will meet on December 5^th at 6:30pm. The lesson leader will be Karen Johnson (lesson three). This will also be the Annual Cookie Exchange. In January, PW will meet on January 2^nd at 6:00pm. This will be a potluck supper, with a Bible study on lesson four.  We invite all women of the church for Bible study, fellowship, and great food!

SEWING SOULS

The Sewing Souls will not meet in December or January.  We will set a new schedule for sewing at the PW meeting in January.

YOUTH TRIENNIUM

Attention high school youth: The Presbyterian Youth Triennium is coming next summer! July 16-20, 2013, at Purdue University. A group from Homestead Presbytery will be traveling out. Homestead Presbytery will pay for the travel expenses, and our session will pay for half of the registration fee, in order to make this amazing experience affordable. Talk to Pastor Ray if you have any questions, and you can  visit www.presbyterianyouthtriennium.org for details.

WANTED: HANDBELL CHOIR MEMBERS!

The Presbyterian Pealers Bell Choir is looking for new members. We meet on Sunday mornings at 8:45am. If you are interested, please contact a bell choir member or Jay O’Leary.

ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS GIVING

There are many ways to give to those in need this holiday season—and to avoid the overload of “stuff” on Christmas. Here are some Web sites that will inspire you to give gifts that will make a real difference in people’s lives.

www.worldvision.org

www.samaritanspurse.org

www.compassion.com,

www.churchworldservice.org

www.mbfoundation.org

www.heifer.org

calvincrest@calvincrest.org

PMC HOLIDAY TREE: Please join the Providence Medical Center in their holiday tradition by honoring your loved one with a ribbon bow on their 17^th holiday tree.  They will accept any and all donations.  Please contact Sandy Bartling at 402-375-3800, ext. 7922.

HOLIDAY SCHEDULE FOR THE CHURCH OFFICE

Pastor Ray will be taking some family time during the week of December 25-January 1^st, as well as the church secretary.  The church office will be open on December 26^th -27th, but will be closed the rest of the week.  If you need anything, please feel free to leave a message on the church’s voicemail, or contact one of the church’s elders. Regular office hours will resume on Tuesday, January 2nd, 2013.

SEASON OF LIGHT

The Fred G. Dale Planetarium at Wayne State College will begin its 2012 holiday show Season of Light at 2 and 3 p.m.  Dec. 2^nd. Season of Light traces the history and development of many of the world’s most endearing holiday customs, all of which involve lighting up the winter season.  Season of Light will be presented at 6:30 & 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7, 14 and 21, and at 2 & 3 p.m. Dec. 2 and 16. The suggested donation for all shows is $5 for adults and $3 for children. For more information, go to: www.wsc.edu/planetarium. Come and experience the “Season of Lights”!

COAT CLOSET AND FOOD PANTRY

The Coat Closet & Food Pantry needs your help! You can bring your donations to the church office during regular office hours. The Coat Closet can use winter coats for all ages (especially kids), snow pants, snow boots, hats, gloves, and mittens. The Food Pantry is in need of such things as canned fruit, canned meat (tuna, chicken, etc.), soups, pasta, Hamburger Helper, spaghettios and macaroni & cheese! Thanks for your help!

CHRISTMAS JOY OFFERING:

The Christmas Joy Offering will be taken on Sunday, December 23.  Whether providing financial assistance to current and former church workers and their families or providing opportunities for deserving students to attend Presbyterian-related racial ethnic colleges and schools, your generous gifts to the Christmas Joy Offering will bring good news of great joy to the poor in circumstance or spirit.  Thank you!

2013 NEBRASKA SCIENCE BOWL Teams of young scientists from all over Nebraska will gather at Wayne State College for the annual Nebraska Science Bowl.  Middle Schools will meet January 26^th, and High Schools will meet February 2, 2013.  The competition is fun, fast-paced, and intense as the winning team at each level receives an all expense paid trip to the National Science Bowl in Washington D. C. later in 2013. The goal of the Nebraska Science Bowl as well as the National Science Bowl is to encourage students to excel in science and mathematics. The opening ceremony will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by a round robin competition from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon.  The top four teams in each division will then advance to the double elimination competition, beginning at 1:00 p.m.  Medals will be awarded to the top 4 teams.

Presbytidings – November 2012

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:                 

Sometimes the Bible is eerily relevant. Proverbs 22:1 advises: “A good reputation is better than much wealth; high esteem is better than silver and gold.” As I have been reading about Lance Armstrong lately, I have thought about how the quest for wealth and accolades can sometimes cloud a person’s judgment and lead to destruction.

In case you haven’t been keeping score, Lance Armstrong—the legendary bicyclist and cancer survivor—was found guilty of using steroids during his cycling career, violating the rules about performance-enhancing drugs in his sport. So now he has been stripped of his record seven Tour de France titles. He will also have to pay back nearly $4 million to the French Cycling Federation as prize money for the Tour de France, plus as much as $12 million to SCA, a promotions company. Armstrong has also lost his job with Nike, RadioShack, Oakley, and Anheuser-Busch, costing him millions in future earnings. Maybe most poignantly, Lance Armstrong has resigned from his own foundation, LIVESTRONG.

But Lance Armstrong has lost other things that are arguably more important than money and titles. Gone is the trust he had earned from countless young people who looked up to him (How many people have taken off their yellow wristbands in the past month?). Gone is the hope he inspired for many who struggle with cancer. Gone is his good reputation as a competitor. Now, Armstrong has been disgraced and labeled as a liar, a cheat, and a hypocrite. Will Rogers, the famous humorist and commentator, famously observed, “It takes a lifetime to build a good reputation, but you can lose it in a minute.”

So true.

And while I don’t want to pile on Lance Armstrong during his very public scandal, he serves as a warning for all of us. We must build our lives on the solid rock of Jesus Christ and his words, and not the shifting sands of fame, money, and human approval. We must always prize the truth and strive to practice honesty in all our affairs. And we must always prioritize God’s kingdom and his righteousness, trusting that he will faithfully provide for us according to our needs.

So join me in praying for Lance Armstrong, that he would come to terms with his dishonesty, admit his fault, and seek to start a new way of life. And while we’re at it, let’s pray for ourselves, that we would take inventory of our lives and make sure we have our priorities in order.  Because so-called “heroes” may fall, but Jesus Christ is always trustworthy.

Pastor Ray

LORD’S SUPPER

We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper on Sunday, November 4th. We will also take Communion to the residents of The Oaks at 1:30 p.m. on November 4th.

SESSION: The Session will gather on Monday, November 26th, at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

 PHONE NUMBER SHUFFLE

Pastor Ray has cancelled his previous cell phone; so if you dial 518-0512, it will be defunct! But his “new” cell phone number is the McCallas’ old home phone number. You can reach him at (402) 833-5251.

GENERATION LIFE

Generation Life is a group of young men and women who commit a year or more of their lives to promote life and chastity. They are holding two separate meetings on Thursday, November 8, in the Ramsey Theater on the WSC Campus. High School Students will meet from 7:00–8:00pm. College Students will gather from 8:00-9:00pm. Visit www.generationlife.org for more information.

NATIONAL DONOR SABBATH WEEKEND

Become an organ, eye, and tissue donor! November 9-11, is the National Donor Sabbath Weekend. Please talk to your family members about becoming a donor. For more information, go to www.DonatelifeNebraksa.com or call 1-800-718-LIFE.

CELEBRATING GOD’S ABUNDANCE

After worship on November 11, we will share a potluck lunch as a church family. Please bring something to share!

 FILL A HOLIDAY FOOD BASKET FOR OTHERS

With the help of our congregation and other local organizations, we will put together many boxes of food for appreciative individuals and families from our local community this holiday season. Please help us by filling our food basket located by the opportunity table in Fellowship Hall. Many thanks for all of your help and support!

COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING SERVICE & SUPPER

Join Christians in the community for worship, food, and fellowship on Sunday, November 18, at Praise Assembly of God, 1000 E. 10^th Street in Wayne. The service will begin at 5:00pm, with a supper to follow. Please sign up at the Opportunity Table to provide soups and pies for the supper.

 YOUTH TRIENNIUM

Attention high school youth: The Presbyterian Youth Triennium is coming next summer! July 16-20, 2013, at Purdue University. A group from Homestead Presbytery will be traveling out. Homestead Presbytery will pay for the travel expenses, and our session will pay for half of the registration fee, in order to make this amazing experience affordable. Talk to Pastor Ray if you have any questions, and you can  visit www.presbyterianyouthtriennium.org for details.

YOUTH GROUPS     

Middle School Youth Group will meet on Wednesday, 11/14 and 11/28, from 7:30-8:30 p.m. in the Youth Room.

And High School Youth Group will meet on Wednesday, 11/7 and 11/21, from 7:30-8:30 p.m. in the Youth Room. B

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

PW will meet on November 7 at 6:30pm. The lesson leader will be Judy Lindberg. Hostess will be Elaine Francis. We invite all women of the church for Bible study, fellowship, and great food!

SEWING SOULS

The Sewing Souls will meet Saturday, November 17 at 9:00am to clean the church kitchen. Judy Lindberg will be the hostess. Come for more great food and fellowship!

WANTED: HANDBELL CHOIR MEMBERS! 

The Presbyterian Pealers Bell Choir is looking for new members for the Christmas season. We meet on Sunday mornings at 8:45am. If you are interested, please contact a bell choir member or Jay O’Leary.

THANK YOU            

The session would like to sincerely thank our three outgoing ruling elders for their service: Sandra Metz, Tiffanny Heese, and Marilyn Yates. You have been a blessing to our church!

WELCOME, NEW MEMBERS!

Please welcome the newest members of our FPC family: John Rees, Milton & Jackie Owens, and Dave & Shelly Owens.

PLEASE PRAY FOR:

• Our college students
• Terry Beair’s mother
• Mark Hammer’s family
• Hazel Roberts
• Max McElwain’s family
• Our nation and community
• Rain (and spiritual renewal!)

Presbytidings – October 2012

The Newsletter of First Presbyterian Church

216 West Third Street, Wayne, Nebraska 68787

(402) 375-2669 ✙ www.fpcwayne.org

“Our chief end is to glorify and enjoy God forever.”

A WORD FROM THE PASTOR: The Worst Drought

As of last week, the University of Nebraska’s Drought Monitor  (www.droughtmonitor.unl.edu) has all of northeast Nebraska—not to mention most of the state of Nebraska—in the most severe category of drought, labeled “exceptional.” We are in the worst dry spell in a generation. Wayne alone is well short of its typical rainfall total of 26.3 inches per year, and it seems we’ve reached a crisis point: we badly need rain.

And I would suspect that most of us know what it’s like to have a drought of the soul: when we feel dried up, parched, thirsty deep inside. Life has a way of sapping our joy and draining our hope until we feel like the crispy, brown grass outside. Our sedative culture deadens our spiritual sensitivity, and sometimes we stumble along, numb to the lush life that God intends for us. And unfortunately—even though we may search diligently—there is nothing in the world that can assuage our thirst.

There’s an old Keith Green song called, “My Eyes Are Dry,” that goes like this: “My eyes are dry, my faith is old, my heart is hard, my prayers are cold. And I know how I ought to be alive to you and dead to me.” And I know I’ve felt like that: as crusty as the dry ground in the fields of northeast Nebraska. Just like the weather, it seems we sometimes reach a crisis point: we badly need a fresh outpouring of God’s Spirit to revive us.

Thankfully, Jesus promised just that to all who believe in him: “Everyone who drinks this [plain well] water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:13-14) And that is good news, like a steady, soaking autumn rain that quenches the cracked earth.

To quote Keith Green again, “What can be done for an old heart like mine? Soften it up with oil and wine: the oil is you, your Spirit of love. Please wash me anew with the wine of your blood.” During times of spiritual drought, we need to seek Jesus, who is the source of eternal refreshment. So while we’re praying for rain, let’s also pray for God’s renewing Spirit.

Pastor Ray

 Presbytidings – September 2012

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: That Poisonous Question                   

Truthfully, most of the stuff I learned in graduate school about counseling is long gone from my memory. (Or, to put a positive spin on it, everything I learned there has been “fully incorporated” into my mind, so the details have faded a bit. Or maybe not…) But regardless of what has lapsed, there is one thing that has stuck with me all these years. It was a little piece of practical advice during my intro to counseling techniques class in my first year: In interpersonal conversation, avoid “why” questions. At the time, I didn’t see the importance of that little nugget, but in the ensuing years I have experienced how “Why” is the poisonous question.

Think about it: a friend confides something to you—a decision, a thought, a feeling—maybe something that seems unreasonable and irrational to you. Maybe your friend is seeking support, sympathy, or even advice. And you respond by saying, “Why would you do a thing like that? Why would you even think that?!” And guess what? Relationship diminished; awkward space created; friend withdraws after having his or her hand figuratively slapped.

After reflecting on it, I’ve discerned why “why” is such a poisonous word in relationships: it’s a judgmental question that reveals a judgmental attitude—the opposite of humility. “Why” is a rhetorical question of sorts, because there is an implied answer behind it. “Why would you do/say/think/feel such a thing?” (Understood answer: Because you are a defective person, and your life skills are clearly impaired.) Ouch.

On the other hand, Scripture gives us a different rule book for how we should treat others—especially our brothers and sisters in Christ. Our inner voice may say, “What’s wrong with this person?” But the voice of God says, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” (Ephesians 4:2 NIV) When our inner being wants to gird ourselves with belligerence, God says, “Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:12b-13 NIV)

So the next time you feel that poisonous question forming in your mouth, stop. Swallow it. Keep the poison from spreading. Think about your attitude, and repent if you need to. Ask God to change your heart, and think of a different way to respond to others: with gentleness, humility, and love.

Pastor Ray

September 2012

First Presbyterian Church