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!

Presbytidings – February 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

If you’re on Facebook, you probably started to see them popping up on your News Feed along about late December: “It was a great year. I’m glad you were a part of it!”

That was the default status for Facebook’s algorithmically generated Year in Review, highlighting random pictures you uploaded throughout 2014. But that review didn’t always go over very well, because, hey, for lots of people 2014 wasn’t a great year.

That was the case for Eric Meyer, who received a notification that said, “Eric, here’s what your year looked like!” And there, in the middle of the graphic was a picture of his recently deceased little girl, Rebecca, who died in 2014 at age 6 of complications from brain cancer.

Eric, who is himself a computer geek, says: “And I know, of course, that this is not a deliberate assault. This inadvertent algorithmic cruelty is the result of code that works in the overwhelming majority of cases, reminding people of the awesomeness of their years, showing them selfies at a party or whale spouts from sailing boats or the marina outside their vacation house.

“But for those of us who lived through the death of loved ones, or spent extended time in the hospital, or were hit by divorce or losing a job or any one of a hundred crises, we might not want another look at this past year.

“To show me Rebecca’s face and say ‘Here’s what your year looked like!’ is jarring. It feels wrong, and coming from an actual person, it would be wrong. Coming from code, it’s just unfortunate. These are hard, hard problems. It isn’t easy to programmatically figure out if a picture has a ton of Likes because it’s hilarious, astounding, or heartbreaking. Algorithms are essentially thoughtless.”

But we, unlike computer programs, don’t have to be thoughtless. I’m just like everyone else, because I don’t always know what to say to someone who is experiencing loss. Even with lots of practice and training, I still feel like I put my foot in my mouth. A lot.

But the important thing for those of us who find ourselves in that position is not that we say just the right thing (that’s always a long shot), but that we are present, that we walk alongside those people, that we offer support and compassion to the grieving.

Caleb Wilde, who is a funeral director in Pennsylvania and who maintains an enormously popular blog, Confessions of a Funeral Director, reposted this list from grief.com, outlining the best and worst things you can say to someone in grief:

The Worst Things to Say to Someone in Grief

1. At least she lived a long life, many people die young.
2. He is in a better place.
3. She brought this on herself.
4. There is a reason for everything.
5. Aren’t you over him yet, he has been dead for a while now.
6. You can have another child still.
7. She was such a good person God wanted her to be with him.
8. I know how you feel.
9. She did what she came here to do and it was her time to go.
10. Be strong.

The Best Things to Say to Someone in Grief

1. I am so sorry for your loss.
2. I wish I had the right words, just know I care.
3. I don’t know how you feel, but I am here to help in any way I can.
4. You and your loved one will be in my thoughts and prayers. (Or something like, “God bless you during this difficult time!” But avoid too much theologizing. –Ray)
5. My favorite memory of your loved one is…
6. I am always just a phone call away.
7. Give a hug instead of saying something.
8. We all need help at times like this, I am here for you.
9. I am usually up early or late, if you need anything.
10. Saying nothing, just be with the person.

Regardless of how you approach a grieving person, it’s important that you be sensitive, be supportive, be present, and don’t be thoughtless like a computer algorithm.

Pastor Ray

SESSION

The Session will gather on Monday, February 23, at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

COMMUNION

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

CHURCH SCHOOL UPDATE

Beginning Sunday, February 1st, Church School will return to the 9:00 hour.

February’s teachers are: Marta Pulfer and Lindsay McLaughlin.

March’s teachers are: Tami Worner and Melissa Urbanec

April’s teachers are: Marta Pulfer and Lindsay McLaughlin

WE STILL NEED TEACHERS FOR MAY!  Please contact Melissa Murphy at melissamurphy81@gmail.com and let her know if you would be willing to help.

LOOKING AHEAD TO ASH WEDNESDAY

Observe a holy Lenten season this year. We will begin Lent with an Ash Wednesday service, in the sanctuary, at 6:30pm on Wednesday, 2/18. Throughout Lent, we will be following a DVD curriculum called “Listen: Praying in a Noisy World.”

LENTEN SUPPERS AND SERVICES

Our church family will gather for weekly suppers during Lent, starting on Wednesday, 2/25, at 6:00pm. Following the supper, at 6:45, we will gather in the sanctuary for prayer, song, and meditation. We will follow a DVD curriculum called “Listen: Praying in a Noisy World.”

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

Presbyterian Women will meet on Wednesday, February 4, at 6:30pm.  Karen Johnson will lead the Bible study. Jackie Owens will be the hostess.

SEWING SOULS

Sewing Souls will meet on Tuesday, February 17^th at 6:30 p.m. Babs Middleton will be the hostess.

YOUTH GROUPS

High School Youth: 2/4 and 2/18 at 7:30-8:30pm. Jr. High Youth: 2/11 and 2/25 at 7:30-8:30pm. Bring a friend!

BROWN-BAG BIBLE STUDY

Join Pastor Ray for a Brown-Bag Bible Study, Wednesdays at 12:00, in the Goldenrod Room in the WSC Student Center.

THE 2015 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. If you would still like to be added, we would be happy to put your name on the substitute list.   Thank you!

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.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

Happy tenth anniversary to Pastor Ray! He began his tenure at FPC on February 28, 2005. Pastor Ray is the third longest-serving pastor at FPC Wayne, behind Oliver Proett and Bob Haas. Congratulations!

2015 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: Connie Bargstadt, Jean Griess, Joan Lage, Lindsay McLaughlin, Shari Paige, & Melissa Urbanec.

HOMESTEAD PRESBYTERY

Our presbytery will gather on Saturday, 2/21, beginning at 10:00am, at Heritage Presbyterian Church in Lincoln, for our first meeting of 2015. Pastor Ray will be going if anyone would like to tag along.

PRESBYTERY GRANT

The Wayne Food Pantry recently received a grant from our Homestead Presbytery that allowed us to provide 135 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. Our thanks to the Homestead Presbytery!

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 Ray 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

SERMONS ON THE WEB

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

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

First Presbyterian Church – Wayne, Nebraska

TRI-COUNTY RIGHT TO LIFE BREAKFAST

The Tri-County Right to Life Breakfast will be held Saturday, 2/7 at 9:30am in Holy Family Hall at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  Their speakers will be Brooke Jech, Senator Dave Bloomfield, and Greg Schleppenbach, Executive Director of Nebraska Right to Life.  All congregations are encouraged to attend.

THE ANNUAL KIWANIS PANCAKE FEED

The Kiwanis Pancake Feed with eggs and sausage will be held Sunday February 15th, 9:00 am to 12:45 pm at the Wayne City Auditorium. Tickets are $8 for adults, $4 for children and are on sale from Kiwanians or at the door.​

FUNDRAISING CONCERT

Join the Front Porch Pickers as they perform a fundraising concert for the Wayne Association of Congregations and Ministers on Sunday, February 15^th at 2:00pm. The concert will be held at Our Savior Lutheran Church. Refreshments will be served afterward.

PLEASE PRAY FOR:

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

GREETERS – FEBRUARY 2015                                                                                         

1st – John & Anita Fuelberth, Phil & Jean Griess

8^th – The McCorkindale Family

15^th – Jack & Bev Beeson, Mark & Jenny Hammer

22^nd – Jim Curtiss, Karen Johnson & Babs Middleton

GREETERS – MARCH 2015

1^st – The Heese Family

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

15^th – The Worner Family

22^nd – The Urbanec Family

29^th – The Pulfer Family

LECTORS – FEBRUARY 2015                                                                                         

1st – Pulfer

8^th – Gail McCorkindale

15^th – Ronda Ras

22^nd – Bev Beeson

LECTORS – MARCH 2015

1^st – Mark McCorkindale

8^th – Greg Worner

15^th – Jack Beeson

22^nd – Judy Lindberg

29^th – Phil Griess

ACOLYTES – FEBRUARY 2015                                                                                         

1st – Genevieve McCalla

8^th – Bralen Murphy

15^th – Nina Hammer

22^nd – Andy Wibben

ACOLYTES – MARCH 2015

1^st – Eleanor McCalla

8^th – Madison Urbanec

15^th – Braydn McCorkindale

22^nd – Bo Armstrong

29^th – Emily Worner

February 2015 – 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

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 – December 2014 / January 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

Happy Hanukkah! This year the Feast of Dedication, as it’s also called, runs from December 17^th through December 24^th. But I’m not just trying to be multicultural in my greeting. Hanukkah is something that even Jesus, as an observant Jew, celebrated. In fact, like most things that Jesus did, he added new and deeper meaning to it!

Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after it had been desecrated in the 2^nd century BC. The story of Hanukkah is recorded in 1 Maccabees, which is part of the Deuterocanon not included in our Protestant Bibles.

Prior to the year 165 BC, the Jewish people who lived in Judea where living under the rule of the Greek kings of Damascus. During this time the Seleucid king Antiochus Epiphanes took control of the Temple in Jerusalem and forced the Jewish people to abandon their worship of the Lord, as well as giving up their sacred customs and reading the Torah. Antiochus made them bow down to the Greek gods. And according to historical records, Antiochus even defiled the Temple by sacrificing a pig on the altar and spilling its blood on the holy scrolls of Scripture. Very un-kosher!

In response to this severe persecution, a group of four Jewish brothers, led by Judah, decided to raise up an army of religious freedom fighters to resist their oppressors. These men of fierce faith and loyalty to God were given a surname by their countrymen: Maccabee, meaning “hammer.” The small band of warriors fought for three years with “strength from heaven” until achieving a miraculous victory and deliverance from foreign control.

After regaining the Temple, the Maccabees cleansed the Temple, cleared it of all idolatry, and readied it for rededication, which took place in the year 165 BC, on the 25^th day of the Hebrew month called Kislev—overlapping with our contemporary December.

So Hanukkah received its name, the Feast of Dedication, because it celebrates the Maccabees’ victory over Greek oppression and the rededication of the Temple. But Hanukkah is also known as the Festival of Lights, because immediately following the miraculous deliverance, God provided another miracle of provision.

In the Temple, the eternal flame of God was to be lit at all times as a symbol of God’s enduring presence. But according to tradition, when the Temple was rededicated, there was only enough oil left in the Temple to burn the flame for one day. The rest of the oil had been defiled by the Greeks during their invasion, and it would take a week for new oil to be processed and purified. But at the rededication, the Maccabees went ahead and lit the eternal flame with the remaining supply of oil, and God’s Holy presence caused it to burn miraculously for eight days, until the new sacred oil was ready.

This is what Jesus celebrated as the Jews remembered God’s faithfulness to his people. “Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade.” (John 10:22-23 NIV) Jesus’ mere presence in the Temple made the Jewish leaders curious. This was the man whom many said was the Messiah—who healed and taught in God’s power. Previously, God’s presence was expressed through the eternal flame which burned in the Temple. But now, God’s presence was expressed in the person of Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, the Light of the world. Jesus himself became the new Temple, the place where heaven and earth overlap, where God dwells among humanity.

Even today, this is what we celebrate. Not just a miracle that God accomplished on behalf of the Maccabees long ago. But we celebrate that God has come near to us, to live among us in Jesus Christ the Lord. This time of year we observe a holy season, remembering when Jesus was born in Bethlehem to bring God’s light into the world permanently. During this time of waiting, let us also be cleansed, purified, and dedicated to the Lord our God.

• Pastor Ray

(Historical information is taken from christianity.about.com.)

SESSION

The session will meet at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 26, 2015, including the new class of ruling elders. (There will be no session meeting in December.)

COMMUNION

We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper on Sunday, December 7.

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

The UnFrozen Christmas program will be during worship on Sunday, 12/21. Rehearsals will be 12/7 and 12/14 at 9:00am, plus any additional rehearsals. Invite your grandparents, friends, and neighbors!

ADVENT CANDLE LIGHTERS

Please sign up at the Opportunity Table to light the Advent candles during worship.

FPC CHRISTMAS BAND

It is time to make arrangements for the Christmas Band. If you are able to play, please sign up on the list on the opportunity table. We may also have various ensembles. If you have questions, see Jay O’Leary.

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS

Poinsettias may be displayed in the sanctuary in honor or memory of the loved ones in your life. We will acknowledge the arrangements in the Christmas Eve program. Please inform someone in the church office of the details.

CHRISTMAS CAROLING

We will go caroling to CareAge and The Oaks on Wednesday, 12/17, during supper time. Please gather at The Oaks at 5:00pm. Bring a (musical) friend! After we finish singing, we will return to our Fellowship Hall for a soup supper. Please sign up at the Opportunity Table to provide food for the supper.

CHRISTMAS JOY OFFERING

Our Christmas Joy Offering will be taken on Sunday, December 21^st. Whether providing financial assistance to current & 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 circumstances or spirit.

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE

Worship Christ, the newborn King! Wednesday, December 24, at 5:30pm. Bring your loved ones for a special candle-lit service celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.

PAJAMA SUNDAY

Sunday, 12/28, will be Pajama Sunday! Wear your pj’s, slippers, and bathrobes to worship that day. And it’s okay to bring a favorite stuffed animal, too!

YOUTH GROUPS

High school youth group will meet on Wednesday, 12/2, from 7:30-8:30, and on Wednesday, 12/17, at 5:00pm at The Oaks for caroling.

Jr. high youth group will meet on Wednesday, 12/10, from 7:30-8:30pm for our Christmas party and Wednesday, 12/17, at 5:00pm for caroling. See you there!

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

• Presbyterian Women will meet on Wednesday, December 3^rd at 6:30pm for a bible study and their annual cookie exchange.
• The January meeting will be held on the 7^th at 6:00pm. This meeting will be the potluck supper, business meeting and Bible study. Judy Lindberg will be the leader.

SEWING SOULS

• Sewing Souls will not meet in December.
• The January meeting will be 1/21. Elaine Francis will be the hostess.

SALVATION ARMY BELL RINGING

Our church is scheduled to ring the bells at Pac N Save and Shopko on Friday, 12/5 between the hours of 5:00-8:00p.m. Please sign up to ring at the Opportunity Table.

WAYNE ROTARY BAKED POTATO & PIE LUNCH

This annual event will be held on Sunday, 12/7 from 11:00 a.m.-1:30pm at the Wayne City Auditorium. Tickets are $6 for adults and $3 for children 10 & under, and may be purchased at the door.

RING AROUND WAYNE

The Wayne community handbell concert will be Monday, 12/8, at the Armory at 7:30pm. Our own Presbyterian Pealers will be performing alongside the other local groups. Please show your support!

HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS

*The church office will be closed on Thursday, 12/25.

*The office will also be closed Monday, January 1^st.

Please, do not hesitate to leave a message if you have a need at either (402)375-2669 or fpcwayne@gmail.com

MITTEN TREE

Please help us decorate the tree in Fellowship Hall with gloves, hats, scarves and mittens.

WAYNE FOOD PANTRY

We are experiencing a busy holiday season at the Food Pantry. We are so thankful for the many donations that have been made. Please consider making a donation of either your time, some food, or even a financial gift. Please contact Jenny at the church office fpcwayne@gmail.com if you have any questions.

SERMONS ON THE WEB

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

PLEASE PRAY FOR:

• Our community as it continues to recover from the tornado
• Our unchurched neighbors
• All who are battling cancer
• All who live in care centers
• CrossPoint Campus Ministry and our college students
• Peace in the Middle East
• Persecuted Christians in Egypt, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, and North Korea

ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS GIVING

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@calvincreat.org

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

First Presbyterian Church – Wayne, Nebraska

SEASON OF LIGHT

The WSC Planetarium will begin its 2014 holiday show “Season of Light” on Friday December 5, at 6:30 and 7:30 pm. 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 pm on December 5, 12, 19 & 20, and at 1:30 pm on December 7, 14, & 21^st. 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.”

* Please join us as we gather as a congregation at the planetarium show on 12/14 at 1:30.

LOOKING FORWARD TO 2015

• Worship with Communion will be held Sunday, January 11, 2015.
• The Session will meet on Monday, January 7^th at 7:00pm.
• The FPC Annual Meeting will be held after worship on Sunday, January 25^th. A church potluck will follow.
• Stewardship drive part 2 will begin in January.

GREETERS – DECEMBER 2014                                                                   

7^th – Jim Curtiss, Pat Straight, Karen Johnson, Babs Middleton

14^th– The McCorkindale Family

21^st – The Peitz Family

24^th – The Peterson Family

28^th – The Pulfer Family

GREETERS – JANUARY 2015

4^th– The McDonalds & The McLaughlins

11^th-The Worner Family

18^th – The Beesons & The Hammers

25^th – The McCorkindale Family

LECTORS – DECEMBER 2014

7^th – Tiffanny Heese

14^th – Judy Lindberg

21^st – Jim Lindau

24^th –(sign-up sheet)

28^th – Jan Liska

LECTORS – JANUARY 2015

4^th – Ken Marra

11^th – Rachelle McCalla

18^th – Gail McCorkindale

25^th –Ken Liska

ACOLYTES – DECEMBER 2014

7^th – Bralen Murphy

14^th – Andy Wibben

21^st – Braydn McCorkindale

24^th – Eleanor McCalla

28^th – Bo Armstrong

ACOLYTES – JANUARY 2015

4^th – Emily Worner

11^th Taytum Sweetland

18^th – Madison Urbanec

25^th – Ethan Wibben

December 2014 – First Presbyterian Church

DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS

(Would you like to see your birthday listed here?

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

1          Brittany Peterson

5          Tiffanny Heese

7          Candyce Peitz

14        Randy Dunklau

18        Beau Bowers

19        Dorothy Stevenson

20        Rich Murphy

22        Nina Hammer

31        Henry McCalla, Knox McCalla

January 2015 – First Presbyterian Church

JANUARY BIRTHDAYS

(Would you like to see your birthday listed here?

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

2       Larry Heese

5     Terry Beair

9       Jennifer Hammer

10     Emily Armstrong

11     Joyce Voyles

15     Haley McElwain

20     Kent Pulfer

24     Claudia Racely

27     Jim Paige

28     Jackie Owens

31     Elaine Francis, Shannon Peterson

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 – November 2014

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

William Whiting Borden was born in 1887 in Chicago to a wealthy family (think Borden dairy). When he graduated from high school at age 16, he was already a millionaire, and as a graduation present, his parents gave him a trip around the world. As he traveled the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Europe, his heart ached for the lost. As a Christian, he determined that he was going to go to the mission field to reach people for Christ. Some of his friends contended that William was “throwing himself away as a missionary.” But with uncommon focus, Bill wrote two words in the back of his Bible in response to the naysaying: “No Reserves.”

Borden went to Yale University and proved himself to be a young man of uncommon spiritual maturity. He led a revival of sorts at Yale, successfully connecting 1,000 of Yale’s 1,300 students into prayer groups. In one of his journal entries during college, Bill wrote: “Say ‘no’ to self and ‘yes’ to Jesus every time.” One of Borden’s friends said about him, “Although he was a millionaire, Bill seemed to realize always that he must be about his Father’s business, and not wasting time in the pursuit of amusement.” Upon graduation from Yale, Borden turned down some high-paying job offers. In his Bible, he wrote two more words below his previous entry: “No retreats.”

Following college, Bill enrolled at Princeton Theological Seminary, a Presbyterian seminary in New Jersey. His focus grew around reaching the Muslim Kansu people of China. Once that goal was in sight, Borden never wavered. When he finished his studies at Princeton, he set sail for China. But since his goal was to be a missionary to Muslims, he stopped in Egypt to learn Arabic.

While staying in Egypt, tragedy struck William Borden. He contracted spinal meningitis, and within a month, the 25-year-old Chicagoan was dead. When news reached the States, nearly every American newspaper carried the story. Borden’s biographer later wrote that, “A wave of sorrow went round the world…Borden not only gave (away) his wealth, but himself, in a way so joyous and natural that it (seemed) a privilege rather than a sacrifice.”

And to us, this may all seem like a huge calamity, even a waste of a perfectly good young life. We may theorize, “Couldn’t he have done more with his wealth than going on a dangerous mission that got him killed? Why did Borden have to be so focused on his crazy plan?” Even at the end of his life, William Borden didn’t see his life as a waste, though. Prior to his death, he wrote two more words in the back of his Bible, underneath the other two entries. The last one said, “No regrets.”

If anything, Borden’s selfless and Christ-focused life is an indictment against our wishy-washy “pursuit of amusement.” Is there anything we would be willing to sacrifice our lives for? Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” (Mark 8:34b-37)

And that bit about taking up a cross, by the way, isn’t promoting arbitrary suffering for no good reason; and it doesn’t mean that we have to go to China to commit our lives to reaching the lost for Jesus. But Jesus’ invitation to take up our cross means that we must die to self—to be crucified with him—so that we can live for him. Or, as William Borden put it, “Say ‘no’ to self and ‘yes’ to Jesus every time.”

The question for us, then, is, What are we willing to “throw away ourselves” for? When we reach the end of our lives—whether we are 25 or 95—will we be able to say that we gave ourselves over to something that made an eternal difference, or not?

William Borden was buried in the American Cemetery in Cairo. His gravestone says this:

A Man in Christ

He arose and forsook all and followed Him

Kindly affectioned with brotherly love

Fervent in spirit serving the Lord

Rejoicing in hope patient in tribulation

Instant in prayer

Communicating to the necessity of saints

In honour preferring others

Apart from faith in Christ there is no explanation for such a life.

Although such a story about William Borden may not make sense to everyone, it makes perfect sense when you take into consideration faith in Christ. May this be explanation that gives shape to our lives.

Pastor Ray

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME REMINDER

Daylight Saving Time ends the first weekend of November. Don’t forget to set your clock back one hour this weekend!

COMMUNION

We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper on Sunday, November 2, and Sunday, December 7.

 SESSION

The Session will gather on Monday, November 17, at 7:00 p.m. in the Music Room (upstairs). Please note that this is the third Monday, rather than our typical fourth Monday.

RAKE AND BAKE

High school youth from all over Wayne will be doing a service project together on Sunday, 11/2, from 1:00-5:00. Meet at St. Mary’s parking lot, and wear work clothes!

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH

On Sunday, 11/9, we will be praying for Christians all over the globe who are persecuted for their faith. For more information about the International Day of Prayer, please visit www.persecution.com/idop.

COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING SERVICE

Christians in Wayne will gather on Sunday evening, 11/23, at the First United Methodist Church sanctuary for a worship service of giving thanks. The service will start at 5:00pm, and a soup-and-pie supper will follow in their fellowship hall. Please help us provide soup and pies by signing up at the Opportunity Table.

THANKSGIVING DAY

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

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

Presbyterian Women will meet on Wednesday, November 5^th at 6:30pm. Karen Johnson will lead the Bible study on Reconciling Paul. Elaine Francis will be the hostess.

SEWING SOULS

A variety of projects are underway for local missions and Calvin Crest. Come sew with us on Wednesday, November 19^th at 6:30pm. Babs Middleton will be the hostess.

FPC COOKBOOK

The Presbyterian Women would like to complete the church cookbook by Christmas. Please send any new favorite recipes you have found to julind42@abbnebraska.com or put a copy in the Presbyterian Women’s box in Fellowship Hall.  We would like to dedicate this project in memory of Sandra Metz. Thanks for your help with this project.

YOUTH GROUPS

High School Youth Group will meet 11/5 and 11/19, from 7:30-8:30pm.

Junior High Youth Group will meet on 11/12. There will be no Jr. High Youth on 11/26, due to Thanksgiving break.

BROWN-BAG BIBLE STUDY

Join us for stimulating conversation as we explore our deepest questions about God and the Bible! Wednesdays at noon, in the Goldenrod Room (WSC Student Center), while classes are in session.

WAYNE FOOD PANTRY

We are expecting a very busy holiday season at the Food Pantry Please consider making either a cash or financial donation to our program. There is a great need in our community, please be generous. Please contact Jenny at the church office fpcwayne@gmail.com if you have any questions.

HOMESTEAD PRESBYTERY

Our presbytery will gather at the Clarkson Zion Presbyterian Church on Thursday, 11/20, from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Ray and Rachelle will be attending; if you would like to go along, please contact them!

SERMONS ON THE WEB

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

NATIONAL DONOR SABBATH WEEKEND

Become an organ, eye and tissue donor. November 14-16^th is the National Donor Sabbath Weekend. Please talk to your family members about becoming a donor.  For more information, call 1-800-718-LIFE or go to www.DonatelifeNebraska.com

DRIVE FOR THE KIDS

Help us collect supplies for area kids who are in need. We are supporting: Haven House of Wayne, the Ronald McDonald House of Siouxland, Head Start of Wayne, and the Rainbow World Child Care Center. Donations may be dropped in Fellowship Hall. The drive will continue through Sunday, December 7^th.

NORFOLK RESCUE MISSION BANQUET

The Norfolk Rescue Mission’s 18^th annual banquet will take place on Thursday, November 6 at Divot’s DeVent Center at 6:30pm. They would like to share their vision with you. Enjoy a delicious meal, listen to inspiring music and be challenged by a dynamic speaker. Tickets are FREE, Reservations are required. Call 402-371-6484 today!

PROVIDENCE MEDICAL CENTER GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP

Providence Medical Center is offering a Grief Support Group on Tuesday evenings through November 11^th beginning from 6-8 pm. Please contact Shirley in the Home Health/Hospice office at (402) 375-4288 for more information.

2016 SCOTLAND HOMESTEAD PRESBYTERY PILGRIMAGE

Scotland May 20-28, 2016 Discover our Presbyterian heritage while enjoying magnificent landscapes, and welcoming, friendly people. Please join us in this exciting pilgrimage! For more information: www.homesteadpres.org or 402-474-0612

CALVARY KID’S CLUB

Calvary Bible Evangelical Free Church is starting an afternoon children’s program on Tuesday from 3:45-5:00pm. The program is for K-6^th grades. They will use the curriculum from the Child Evangelism Fellowship program. Please call (402) 375-4946 or (402)860 3059 for more information.

LOOKING AHEAD TO ADVENT & CHRISTMAS

• The Christmas/Advent Decoration Party will be held after worship on 11/30. Stick around to help decorate our building in anticipation of Christmas!
• The children’s Christmas program will be during worship on Sunday, December Misty Beair and Melissa Murphy are organizing the program. If you would like to help, please contact them.
• We will go caroling to CareAge and The Oaks on Wednesday, 12/17 during supper time.

PLEASE PRAY FOR:

• Our unchurched neighbors
• All who are battling cancer
• All who live in care centers
• CrossPoint Campus Ministry and our college students
• Peace in the Middle East
• Persecuted Christians in Egypt, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, and North Korea
• Unity among Christians

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

First Presbyterian Church – Wayne, Nebraska

GREETERS: NOVEMBER 2014

2^nd – John & Anita Fuelberth, Phil & Jean Griess

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

16^th – Scott & Lindsay McLaughlin, Jim & Shari Paige

23^rd – The Heese Family

30^th – Milton & Jackie Owens, Jim Lindau & Joyce Reeg

GREETERS: DECEMBER 2014

7^th – Jim Curtiss, Pat Straight, Karen Johnson, Babs Middleton

14^th – The McCorkindale Family

21^st – The Peitz Family

24^th – The Peterson Family

28^th – The Pulfer Family

LECTORS: NOVEMBER 2014

2^nd – Marta Pulfer

9^th – Larry Heese

16^th – Greg Worner

23^rd – Karen Johnson

30^th – Mark Hammer

LECTORS: DECEMBER 2014

7^th – Tiffany Heese

14^th – Judy Lindberg

21^st – Jim Lindau

24^th – (signup sheet)

28^th – Jan Liska

ACOLYTES: NOVEMBER 2014

2^nd – Jon Worner

9^th – Emily Worner

16^th – Cate Worner

23^rd – Gen McCalla

30^th – Nina Hammer

ACOLYTES: DECEMBER 2014

7^th – Bralen Murphy

14^th – Andy Wibben

21^st – Braydn McCorkindale

24^th – Eleanor McCalla

28^th – Bo Armstrong

November 2014 – First Presbyterian Church

NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS

(Would you like to see your birthday listed here?

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

2        Phyllis Hix

6         Brandon Beair

7        Rick Lund

10        Kevin Peterson

12        Ken Liska, Mark McCorkindale

13        Katherine Butler, Tillie Jones, & Rachelle McCalla

14        Audrey Harder

18        John Gradwohl

28        David McElwain

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 – October 2014

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’ve never really known anyone personally who has gotten in trouble with the law. I mean more than a speeding ticket: I mean really in trouble with the law. And recent local events have changed that for me. For lots of us, the legal system has suddenly become up close and personal. And the news has caused me to re-think how I should respond to people who may have done something immoral and illegal, even when the truth is not fully known.

What is the right way for a Christian to respond to someone in trouble—not to mention how to treat his or her family?

Probably most of us have a gut reaction that demands justice and punishment, especially when the misdeed in question is repugnant to our sensibilities. This mindset of retributive justice is deeply ingrained in our American legal system. This way of thinking treats bad deeds as a crime against the state and against abstract principles of right and wrong; and it demands punishment that fits the crime—an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.

I recently read an exchange on social media about a dog that had been stolen by a man, who then gave it away and claimed no knowledge of the dog at all—even though it sounded like everyone knew he had done it. And there were two types of responses by those who chimed in on how to proceed with the dog thief: punitive and restorative.

The punitive response: “I hope they fine this guy big time and some jail time wouldn’t hurt him at all so he can sit and think about what he did.”

And the restorative response: “I hope they get their friend [i.e., their dog] back.”

Sometimes, especially when we don’t know or care about the guilty party, it’s easy for us to say, “Throw the book at him!” Or, “Put him in prison and throw away the key!” But is that always the best outcome? It seems that a better question to ask when someone is caught in a crime, is to say, “How can this be made right? How can this person be restored to wholeness and be reunited with his family?” Because it doesn’t do anyone good to throw an otherwise decent person into prison for the rest of his life, with no chance of his kids knowing their father and no chance of a wife being reconciled to her husband. This is the restorative approach: when wrongdoing is seen as a violation against another human being, and the solution is reconciliation between the two parties—the one at fault and the one faulted.

And I’m not just talking about one notorious example. But when a kid is naughty at school and hurts others: How many chances do we give him before we demand that he is shipped off for good? And when someone offends us deeply with hurtful words: How much rope do we give them before we write them off as dead and go about our lives without them? How many times must we forgive our brother or sister who has wronged us? (Matthew 18:21)

C.S. Lewis poignantly wrote that, “To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.” We tend to see sins like we are looking a city’s skyline: some tall and some short; some big and some little. But God sees sins as one looking down on the city: all the buildings—skyscrapers and bungalows alike—look the same to him. Although we may judge some sins as particularly vile or abominable, God sees them all the same: our sins just as much a problem as the other guy’s sins.

Lewis’ comment is a pretty fair summary of Colossians 3:13b: “Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” It’s amazing to think that God is able to forgive everything we have done. And yes, even that. In his unfathomable mercy poured out at the cross, God forgives the little sins and the big sins alike. And we must always be humble when looking at someone else’s wrongdoing, knowing that we have temptations in our own hearts, and that sometimes the only difference between us and the guy in court is that he acted on his temptations and we didn’t—or that he got caught and we didn’t.

I feel the weight of our broken world. Whether it’s dog theft, or something “worse,” there is plenty wrong with the world. Whether it’s something scandalous and public, or merely the secret temptations that seethe inside us, there is plenty of guilt to go around. But thankfully, God is forgiving and gentle and merciful. Jesus has died to take away all our sins and to forgive us. So let us always keep that in the front of our minds, and let us always pray impartially for those who struggle publicly and for those who struggle privately.

Pastor Ray

COMMUNION

We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper together on Sunday, October 5. It is World Communion Sunday, a day when we share the Bread of life and the Cup of salvation alongside Christians in all different traditions. We will also pray for unity in the Body of Christ, that we may be one, even as Jesus and the Father are one (John 17:22).

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

The session has called for a congregational meeting after worship on Sunday, October 5th (11:00 am). The item of business is approving a compensation package for Pastor Ray for 2015. All active members are encouraged to participate.

BROWN-BAG BIBLE IS BACK

Pastor Ray is leading a Bible study in the Goldenrod Room (WSC Student Center), Wednesdays at noon while classes are in session. Bring a friend, bring your deepest questions about life and faith, bring your lunch, bring a Bible, and bring an open mind and heart!

HOMESTEAD RECORDS REVIEW

FPC Wayne will host the northern group of clerks of session for their annual records review on Saturday, 10/18, at 2:00 pm.

HIGHWAY CLEAN-UP

Wear your work clothes to worship on Sunday, 10/19. We will go out to our stretch of Highway 35 (mile markers 33-35) after worship to pick up litter. This is a great time for families to do a service project together.

SESSION

The next session meeting will be held on Monday, October 27, at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

CHURCH HALLOWEEN PARTY

Kids and youth of all ages! Bring a friend to our church’s Halloween extravaganza! Wednesday, 10/29, 7:00-8:00 pm in our Fellowship Hall. There will be refreshments, pumpkin decorating (bring your own pumpkin, if you can), games (there has been word of a donut-on-a-string game and apple bobbing), and a costume contest! Don’t miss out!

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

Presbyterian Women will meet Wednesday, October 1 at 6:30.  We will begin our Bible Study: Reconciling Paul a study of 2nd Corinthians. Jackie Owens will lead the Bible Study this month.  Karen Johnson is the hostess.

SEWING SOULS

Sewing Souls has donated 12 pillow cases with pillows to Providence Medical Center.  The travel size pillows are given out to children at the hospital.  We will be working on more pillowcases to keep their closet full, along with other projects.  It is never too early to start working on projects for Calvin Crest.  Join us on Wednesday, October 15 at 6:30 to work on these projects.  Sewing Souls have also completed and donated catheter bag covers to the hospital. The hostess this month is Babs Middleton.

YOUTH GROUP

The high school youth group will meet on 10/1 and 10/15, 7:30-8:30pm, in the youth room. Grades 9-12.

The junior high youth group will meet on 10/8 and 10/22, 7:30-8:30pm, in the youth room. Grades 6-8.

Our Savior Lutheran Church is hosting a movie night for high school students on Wednesday, 10/22. Watch for more details!

NOTE: There will be no youth groups on the fifth Wednesday of the month, 10/29. Instead, there will be an all-church Halloween party! See details above.

CHURCH SCHOOL UPDATE

This fall we are having church school during worship, for grades preschool through 7^th grade. Church school features “What’s in the Bible?” a series by the creators of Veggie Tales. Church school is during worship this fall (10:00-11:00am), so you can sleep in a bit longer! Bring a friend!

Grades 5, 6, and 7 will be delivering gourds on 10/19 and carving pumpkins on 10/26, during church school. Don’t miss out!

SISTINE CHAPEL SHOW AT THE WSC PLANETARIUM

Join other members of our church family as we view the Sistine Chapel from the comfort of the Wayne State College Planetarium on Sunday, November 2^nd at 1:30pm.  Reservations are encouraged, so a sign-up sheet is on the Opportunity Table.  Suggested donations for planetarium shows are $5 for adults and $3 for kids.  Scholarships are available, ask at the church office.

FELLOWSHIP TIME CHANGES

After experimenting with different configurations over the summer, the session has announced a new policy about Fellowship Time after worship. We will keep the sign-up sheet at the Opportunity Table and encourage people to provide refreshments for after worship to enable fellowship. The key direction for people providing snacks is this: Keep it simple! It doesn’t need to be elaborate or overly filling. Fruit, cookies (store-bought is fine), or even just coffee is great. And when no one signs up for Fellowship Time, we will ask (in advance) the greeters to put on a pot of coffee and set out a package of cookies from the freezer. Thank you for your cooperation! Our goal is to efficiently provide a reason for people to linger with each other after worship.

CROSSPOINT CAMPUS MINISTRY

CrossPoint is fired up and ready to go this year! But they need your help to do even more! If you would like to help with some of the CrossPoint activities, please contact the director, Josh Sievers, at (502) 649-1924 or joshsievers@live.com. To see what CrossPoint is all about, visit www.crosspointwayne.net. They are hosting a Bible study every Wednesday evening at 7:30pm.

LIFE CHAIN

The 18^th Annual Life Chain, hosted by Wayne Area Right to Life, will be held Sunday, October 5, 2014, from 2:30-3:30 along Main Street and 7^th Street in Wayne, Nebraska. Participants will stand to form the shape of a cross, to silently pray and witness for an end to abortion. (If you can’t stand, bring your lawn chair.) Signs may be picked up at the corner of 7^th and Main.

WAYNE COMMUNITY CROP HUNGER WALK

The annual CROP Hunger Walk will be held on Sunday, October 12^th.  The CROP Walk is the original charitable walking event to end hunger both locally and internationally (i.e. the Wayne Food Pantry and WACAM).  For more information please go to www.crophungerwalk.org or contact Deb Hammer at debhammer@abbnebraska.com

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME

Daylight Saving Time will end on Sunday, November 2, at 2:00am. Don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour, or you’ll have plenty of time for solitary meditation in the sanctuary!

SERMONS ON THE WEB

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

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP

Providence Medical Center will be hosting a Grief Support Group during October and November.  Times are dates are posted on our bulletin board.  For more information, please contact Shirley at PMC’s hospice division (402) 375-4288.

SUMMER MISSION CAMP 2015?

Are you interested in joining the mission trip to Colorado in 2015? Please contact Chris Hansen at First Presbyterian in Lincoln if you have ANY questions or would like to join the group. Chris can be reached at yaya@fpclincoln.org or 402-477-6037. We would love to send some youth (grades 6-12) on a mission trip next summer! Please visit with Pastor Ray if you are at all interested.

MISSION AND MINISTRY IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

Do you have an interest in the Czech Republic? Join Karen Moritz as she speaks to the Homestead Presbytery in Clarkson, NE, on Thursday, November 20. Karen works with the PC (USA) and the Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren (ECCB). For more information check http://www.homesteadpres.org/index.html

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
• CrossPoint Campus Ministry and our college students
• Peace in the Middle East
• Families and individuals who are hurting, or who are in trouble.
• Persecuted Christians in Egypt, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, and North Korea

Greeters October 2014

5^th – The Peterson Family

12^th – The McCorkindale Family

19^th – The Worner Family

26^th – Jack & Bev Beeson, Mark & Jenny Hammer

Greeters November 2014

2^nd – John & Anita Fuelberth, Phil & Jean Griess

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

16^th – Scott & Lindsay McLaughlin, Jim & Shari Paige

30^th – Milton & Jackie Owens, Jim Lindau & Joyce Reeg

Lectors October 2014

5^th – Luke Pulfer

12^th – Bev Beeson

19^th – Jim Curtiss

26^th – Phil Griess

Lectors November 2014

2^nd – Marta Pulfer

9^th – Larry Heese

16^th – Greg Worner

23^rd – Karen Johnson

30^th – Mark Hammer

Acolytes October 2014

5^th – Emily Armstrong

12^th – Madison Beair

19^th – Shea Sweetland

26^th – Gabriel Peitz

Acolytes November 2014

2^nd – Jon Worner

9^th – Emily Worner

16^th – Cate Worner

23^rd – Gen McCalla

30^th – Nina Hammer

October 2014 – First Presbyterian Church

OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS

(Would you like to see your birthday listed here?

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

5         Dale Johnson

8         John Fuelberth

10        Brook Bowers, Jon Worner

14        Sydney McCorkindale

15        Reggie Yates

15        Pat McDonald

16        Marilyn Yates

18        Ronald Clark

20        Braydn McCorkindale

21        Rob Sweetland

22        Eleanor McCalla

23        Stephanie Racely

GET OUR NEWSLETTER BY E-MAIL

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

Presbytidings – September 2014

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

 Fire the committee! All of them!

“You and I are not integrated, unified, whole persons. Our hearts are multi-divided. It’s like we have a board room in every heart. Imagine: a big table, leather chairs, coffee, bottled water, and a whiteboard. A committee sits around the table in your heart. There is the social self, the private self, the work self, the sexual self, the recreational self, the religious self, and others. The committee is arguing and debating and voting, constantly agitated and upset. Rarely can they come to a unanimous, wholehearted decision. We tell ourselves we’re this way because we’re so busy with so many responsibilities. But the truth is that we’re just divided, unfocused, hesitant, and unfree.”

 When we follow Jesus, we have a choice. We can invite him to be a part of our committee; give him voice and vote on all decisions; allow him to be another factor in how the Self chooses to conduct our lives. The other choice is to fire the whole committee—every last member, including Almighty Self—and ask Jesus to be Lord over our whole lives.*

 Sadly, we often choose the first option. And that is a major problem for Christians in America, regardless of our faith tradition. We are deplorably unformed in the Faith. Our Christian identity is not the defining factor in our lives, but just one of many. Tragically, many Christians are indistinguishable from secular people who profess no faith beyond their self-reliance. Too often there is little difference between our beliefs, convictions, and behaviors and the beliefs, convictions, and behaviors of those who don’t follow Jesus. We make Jesus a member of our committee, but nothing more. We worship him on (most) Sunday mornings and consult him when all else fails.

 But that is not what being a follower of Jesus is all about. That approach lacks integrity. If we call Jesus Lord, then we need to treat him like it. We need to fire the committee in our hearts and surrender our whole lives to him. In practice, though, making Jesus Lord is not complicated. It’s actually pretty straightforward—it’s a matter of training our fleshly bodies to follow Jesus: being formed in God’s image through worship, making a habit of praying throughout the day, reading Scripture—even if it’s on your smartphone!—fasting from excessive food, serving others, and giving our money to God’s purposes in the world.

 So as school starts this fall, and as our church programs start up, let’s all make a point to fire the committee in our hearts and enthrone Jesus over all parts of our lives.

 Pastor Ray

 *Credit for these words and ideas goes to Ray Ortund, writing for The Gospel Coalition.

COMMUNION

We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper together on Sunday, September 7.

CHURCH SCHOOL KICKOFF & SUNDAE SUNDAY!

This fall we will have church school during worship, for grades preschool through 7^th grade and it will begin on Sunday, September 7. We will be featuring the “What’s in the Bible?” series by the creators of Veggie Tales. Church school is during worship this fall (10:00-11:00am), so you can sleep in a bit longer!

• On Saturday, September 6, at 5:00pm, join us for a Church School Kick-off! We would like to invite students and their families, as well as volunteers and teachers, to join us for a time of fellowship, food and fun! Hot dogs and fixins’, fun and games: bring a friend!
• After worship on Sunday, 9/7, we will be celebrating with our traditional ice cream sundae Sunday.

PRESBYTERIAN PEALERS

Our Hand-bell Choir will resume rehearsals on Sunday, 9/7 at 8:45am. New members are welcome! No experience is necessary.

OUTDOOR WORSHIP AND POTLUCK

We will be changing things up a bit on Sunday, September 21. We will be worship outside, in our backyard, and enjoy God’s creation. Afterwards, we will be celebrating our church family with a potluck lunch. Please bring something to share (and if you don’t remember, just pretend you did!). Also, please bring a lawn chair to sit on. The Front Porch Pickers will be leading our worship that day.

CROSSPOINT CAMPUS MINISTRY

CrossPoint is fired up and ready to go this year! But they need your help to do even more! If you would like to help with some of the CrossPoint activities, please contact the director, Josh Sievers, at (502) 649-1924 or joshsievers@live.com. To see what CrossPoint is all about, visit www.crosspointwayne.net.

BROWN-BAG BIBLE IS BACK

Pastor Ray will again be leading a Bible study in the Goldenrod Room (WSC Student Center), Wednesdays at noon while classes are in session, beginning 9/3. Bring a friend, bring your deepest questions about life and faith, bring your lunch, bring a Bible, and bring an open mind and heart!

SESSION

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

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

The Presbyterian Women will start the new year with a potluck supper on Wednesday, September 17 at 6:30pm.  Following the meal we will meet to plan for the year ahead.  The Bible Study this year will be Reconciling Paul: A Contemporary Study of 2^nd Corinthians.

SEWING SOULS

Sewing Souls will have their first meeting on Wednesday, September 17 at 6:30pm.  We have unfinished projects to resume, and we need to make plans for new ones.  It is never too early to start thinking about projects for the Calvin Crest Quilt Auction next year!  Everyone is welcome.  We need people to sew, to pin, to cut, to press, and some seam rippers as well!

CALVIN CREST QUILT AUCTION

The items sent to the quilt auction in August from the Frist Presbyterian Church and Sewing Souls raised over $150 for Calvin Crest this year. Thanks to everyone who donated items and to those who attended the auction.

YOUTH GROUP MEETINGS RESUME

The first High School group will meet on Wednesday, September 3, from 7:30-8:30pm. Jr. High Youth will meet on Wednesday, September 10, from 7:30-8:30pm. We will alternate youth groups: 1^st and 3^rd = High School; 2^nd and 4^th = Jr. High. Bring a friend!

FELLOWSHIP TIME CHANGES

After experimenting with different configurations over the summer, the session has announced a new policy about Fellowship Time after worship. We will keep the sign-up sheet at the Opportunity Table and encourage people to provide refreshments for after worship to enable fellowship. The key direction for people providing snacks is this: Keep it simple! It doesn’t need to be elaborate or overly filling. Fruit, cookies (store-bought is fine), or even just coffee is great. And when no one signs up for Fellowship Time, we will ask (in advance) the greeters to put on a pot of coffee and set out a package of cookies from the freezer. Thank you for your cooperation! Our goal is to efficiently provide a reason for people to linger with each other after worship.

FOOD PANTRY/COAT CLOSET RENOVATION

The Coat Closet will return to its home in the basement this week. Many thanks to Greg and Tami Worner and the Boy Scouts. Please take a look next time you have a few minutes. This project was funded by the Monsanto America’s Farmers Grow Communities grant (The Ken & Carol Wilke Family), the Food Pantry, the Coat Closet, and the Boy Scouts. Great Work!

NORTHSTAR FOOD DRIVE

NorthStar Services will be hosting a food drive to benefit our food pantry on Thursday, 9/25, 11:00am-5:00pm at the Sinclair parking lot.  Donations of two or more items will receive a free 32 oz pop refill (you must bring your own cup).  Anyone who donates five or more items will be entered in a drawing for a $25 gas card to Sinclair.

GRETA MORRIS MEMORIAL SERVICE

We will celebrate the life of one of the Lord’s good and faithful servants, Orgretta Morris. Saturday, September 27, at 11:00am in our sanctuary. Committal and lunch will follow.

SERMONS ON THE WEB

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

SUMMER MISSION CAMP 2015?

Are you interested in joining the mission trip to Colorado in 2015? Please contact Chris Hansen at First Presbyterian in Lincoln if you have ANY questions or would like to join the group. Chris can be reached at yaya@fpclincoln.org or 402-477-6037. We would love to send some youth (grades 6-12) on a mission trip next summer! Please visit with Pastor Ray if you are at all interested.

2014 ADVENT DEVOTIONAL WRITERS NEEDED

The Homestead Presbytery is looking for anyone interested in writing devotions for their Advent Devotion booklet.  The specifics are on the bulletin board in fellowship hall, or you can follow this link: http://myemail.constantcontact.com/2014-Advent-Devotional-Writers-Needed.html?soid=1109101676462&aid=CpFWSf3P8uE  Assignments will be made at the end of September.

THE POAM/OWLS FALL CELEBRATION: WHO DO YOU SAY I AM?

The Presbyterian Older Adult Ministry & The Older, Wiser, Livelier Saints (OWLS) Celebration at Calvin Crest will be held September 16-17, 2014. Please come and join friends and neighbors from across the Heartland for a two day celebration for older adults (50 and above). Overnight accommodations and great food are included. Check at our church office for details or go online at www.calvincrest.org

GREAT PLAINS PRESBYTERIAN PILGRIMAGE

Join this local pilgrimage to enhance your walk with Christ. It is a three day renewal that will last a lifetime. This journey in a Christian community will be held at Calvin Crest , October 2-5, 2014. For an overview of the program, see http://www.gpppilgrimage.org/faq.html or check the bulletin board in Fellowship Hall.

MISSION AND MINISTRY IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

Do you have an interest in the Czech Republic? Join Karen Moritz as she speaks to the Homestead Presbytery in Clarkson, NE on Thursday, November 20.  Karen works with the PC (USA) and the Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren (ECCB). For more information check http://www.homesteadpres.org/index.html

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
• CrossPoint Campus Ministry and our college students
• Peace in the Middle East
• Persecuted Christians in Egypt, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, and North Korea

Greeters September 2014

7^th – The Peitz Family

14^th – Jim Curtiss, Pat Straight, Karen Johnson, & Babs Middleton

21^st – Milton & Jackie Owens, Jim Lindau & Joyce Reeg

28^th – The Pulfer Family

Greeters October 2014

5^th – The Peterson Family

12^th – The McCorkindale Family

19^th – The Worner Family

26^th – Jack & Bev Beeson, Mark & Jenny Hammer

Lectors September 2014

7^th – Jim Curtiss

14^th – Sydney McCorkindale

21^st – Kent Pulfer

28^th – Pat Straight

Lectors October 2014

5^th – Luke Pulfer

12^th – Bev Beeson

19^th – Jim Curtiss

26^th – Phil Griess

Acolytes September 2014

7^th – Madison Urbanec

14^th – Cate Worner

21^st – Henry McCalla

28^th – Maria Ras

Acolytes October 2014

5^th – Emily Armstrong

12^th – Madison Beair

19^th – Shea Sweetland

26^th – Gabriel Peitz

September 2014 – First Presbyterian Church

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS

(Would you like to see your birthday listed here? 

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

              6         Anita Fuelberth

             8         Sharyn Paige

            14        Angie Nelson

            16        Marcile Uken

            18        Jordan McDonald

            19        Marilyn Murray

            21        Jared Peterson

            24        Jacob Pulfer, Misty Beair

            29        Melissa Urbanec

            30        Jared Yates, Madison Beair

GET OUR NEWSLETTER BY E-MAIL

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

Presbytidings – August 2014

The Newsletter of First Presbyterian Church

216 West Third Street, Wayne, Nebraska 68787

(402) 375-2669 + http://www.fpcwayne.org

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

A WORD FROM THE PASTOR

Why do bad things happen? Well, for one thing, it all depends on how you define “bad.” Consider a parable about an old man who lived in a small village. He was the poorest man in the village, but he owned the most beautiful white stallion. And the king had offered him a small fortune for it. After a terribly harsh winter, during which the old man and his family nearly starved, the townspeople came to visit.

“Old man,” they said, “you can hardly afford to feed your family. Sell the stallion, and you will be rich. If you do not, you are a fool.”

“It’s too early to tell,” replied the old man. A few months later, the old man woke up to find that the white stallion had run away.

Once again the townspeople came, and they said to the old man, “See, if you had sold the king your horse, you would be rich. Now you have nothing! You are a fool!”

“It’s too early to tell,” replied the old man.

Two weeks later, the white stallion returned, and along with it came three other white stallions.

“Old man,” the townspeople said, “we are the fools! Now you can sell the stallion to the king, and you will still have three stallions left. You are smart.”

“It’s too early to tell,” said the old man.

The following week, the old man’s son—his only son—was breaking in one of the stallions and was thrown, crushing both his legs.

The townspeople paid a visit to the old man, and they said, “Old man, if you had just sold the stallion to the king, you’d be rich, and your son would not be crippled. You are a fool.”

“It is too early to tell,” said the old man.

Well, the next month, war broke out with the neighboring village. All of the young men in the village were sent into the battle, and all were killed.

The townspeople came, and they cried to the old man, “We have lost our sons. You are the only one who has not. If you had sold your stallion to the king, your son, too, would be dead. You are so smart!”

And once again, the old man said, “It’s too early to tell.”

Like the townspeople, we are tempted to jump to conclusions and judge a situation as either black or white, “good” or “bad.” But we don’t see the whole picture. We see only our finite, human side of the tapestry of life. We do not see the eternal, divine plan that holds the complicated world together. Our ways are not God’s ways, and we see only dimly, as though in a clouded mirror.

So even when we are tempted to judge a situation—to ask that age-old question, “Why do bad things happen?”—let us remember that it all depends on how we define “bad.” And ultimately, it all depends on God’s infinite wisdom. So let us approach life with a dose of humility and faith in the one who works all things together for our good.

Pastor Ray

A CHANGE IN THE WIND: Presbytidings:

Due to changes in postal regulations, we are changing the formatting and distribution of our newsletter.

• Starting with this issue, we would like to encourage anyone with internet capabilities to subscribe to our online edition (detailed instructions are at the end of the newsletter) or simply read it online at either http://www.fpcwayne.org/blognewsletter or on our Facebook page.

• For those of you who are unable to reach our congregation, a paper copy with be mailed.

• Jenny will also make a few paper copies available in the Narthex and in Fellowship Hall. Please let her know if you have any questions.

COMMUNION

We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper together on August 3.

SESSION

The next session meeting will be held on Monday, August 25, at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN & SEWING SOULS

Presbyterian Women & Sewing Souls will be taking a short reprieve for the month of August. Meetings will begin again in September.

YOUTH GROUP MEETINGS RESUME

The first Junior High youth group meeting for the new academic year will be held Wednesday, August 27th at 7:30pm. The first High School group will meet on Wednesday, September 3rd at 7:30pm.

HAZEL ROBERTS

Hazel Roberts passed away July 2 in Wayne. A service was held at FPC on July 5. Memorials may be directed to the Roberts family for later designation.

FOOD PANTRY/COAT CLOSET RENOVATION

Many thanks to Greg Worner & Mark Hammer and their families for putting in many hours renovating our church basement. Please take a look next time you have a few minutes. This project was funded by the Monsanto America’s Farmers Grow Communities grant (The Ken & Carol Wilke Family), the Food Pantry, the Coat Closet, and the Boy Scouts. Great Work!

CALVIN CREST NEWS:

• GOAL REACHED! Calvin Crest has reached their goal for the new pool! Thank you to everyone who helped them reach this milestone. Celebrate with them on August 16th for a day of games, activities, pool party and ground-breaking ceremony. Enjoy hot dogs and burgers on the grill and finish the evening singing songs around the campfire with Dave Friedli. The quilt auction and activities for the kids begin at 1:00 PM. The pool will be open from 3:00-5:00 PM with ground breaking and supper at 5:30.

• CALVIN CREST QUILT AUCTION

Mark your calendars for the 17th Annual Quilt Auction on Saturday, August 16. Quilts will go on display at 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 http://www.proxibid.com/calvincrest

SERMONS ON THE WEB

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

SUMMER MISSION CAMP 2015? Are your youth interested in joining the mission trip to Colorado in 2015? Please contact Chris Hansen at First Presbyterian in Lincoln if you have ANY questions or would like to join the group. Chris can be reached at yaya@fpclincoln.org or 402-477-6037. We would love to send some youth on a mission trip next summer! Please visit with Pastor Ray if you are at all interested.

FOOD PANTRY & BACKPACK NEWS

We are gearing up for the new school year. Last year we served over 3,500 backpacks to the Wayne community. In July, a high school group (Launch Leadership) came up from Lincoln and packed 400 backpacks for us. We would still be glad to accept donations (individually wrapped packages of nutritious food & snacks, financial donations, time…) Contact Jenny at the church office: fpcwayne@gmail.com or (402)375-2669 for more details.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL UPDATE

Son Harvest County Fair Vacation Bible School, will be held August 4-7 from 6:30-8:30 pm at the Wayne County Fairgrounds. Find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WayneVBS We are in need of the following supplies:

• empty (& rinsed) 1 & 2 liter plastic bottles

• watermelon (cut in wedges)

• apples (whole)

• caramel dip for apples

• dirt pudding cups (1 dozen per donation) The recipe is on the Opportunity Table and available online at: http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/dirt-cups-57763.aspx.

These items are needed at the church by Monday, August 4th by 12:00 noon.

BACK TO SCHOOL BRUNCH

Join us for a Back to School Brunch, Sunday, August 24th at 9:00am. Sign-up sheet is on the Opportunity Table in Fellowship Hall.

CHURCH SCHOOL KICK-OFF

Church school will resume for the fall semester on Sunday, September 7. This is for kids, preschool through 6th grade. Invite a friend!

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!

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

First Presbyterian Church – Wayne, Nebraska

PLEASE PRAY FOR:

• The family of Hazel Roberts

• Our community

• Our schools and teachers

• Our unchurched neighbors

• All who are battling cancer

• All who live in care centers

• CrossPoint Campus Ministry and our college students

• Peace in the Middle East

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

GREETERS

AUGUST 2014

3rd – Phil & Jean Griess, Ken & Karen Marra

10th – Pat & Glenda McDonald, Mark & Jenny Hammer

17th – The Heese Family

24th – The Worner Family

31st – Jim & Shari Paige, Ken & Jan Liska

29th – The McCorkindale Family

SEPTEMBER 2014

7th – The Peitz Family

14th – J. Curtiss, P. Straight, K. Johnson, & B. Middleton

21st – Milton & Jackie Owens, Jim Lindau & Joyce Reeg

28th The Pulfer Family

LECTORS

AUGUST 2014

3rd – Kevin Peterson

10th – Jodi Pulfer

17th – Mark McCorkindale

24th – Ronda Ras

31st – Bev Beeson

SEPTEMBER 2014

7th – Jim Curtiss

14th – Sydney McCorkindale

21st – Kent Pulfer

28th – Pat Straight

ACOLYTES

AUGUST 2014

3rd – Bralen Murphy

10th – Nina Hammer

17th – Andy Wibben

24th – Taytum Sweetland

31st – Ethan Wibben

SEPTEMBER 2014

7th – Madison Urbanec

14th – Cate Worner

21st – Henry McCalla

28th – Maria Ras

August 2014 Calendar – First Presbyterian Church

Each Sunday Morning:

o Handbell Choir 8:45

o Church School 9:00

o Worship 10:00

o Fellowship 11:00

8/4 – 7th SonHarvest VBS at Wayne County Fairgrounds 6:30-8:30pm

8/24        Back to School Brunch 9:00am

8/25        Session Meeting 7:00pm

8/27        Jr. High Youth Meeting 7:30pm

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

30 Layne Heese

GET OUR NEWSLETTER BY E-MAIL

If you would like to receive this newsletter by e-mail (save a stamp, save a tree!), go to http://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

Presbytidings – June/July 2014

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

According to reliable sources,* back in 1970, the government of Australia imposed strict quotas on farmers in the western provinces. The government wanted to prevent farmers from harvesting all their wheat crops, thereby keeping both prices and demand high. A farmer in western Australia, Leonard Casley, wasn’t happy with the imposition, so he did what most proud, independent souls would have done: he seceded his farm from the nation of Australia.

After disputes with regional and national officials, Casley declared his 75-square-kilometer tract of land to be a sovereign nation, the Principality of Hutt River. He also proclaimed himself as Prince Leonard I of Hutt and his wife as Her Royal Highness Princess Shirley of Hutt, Dame of the Rose of Sharon. Over the next several years, and through complicated legal wrangling, Leonard kept the government at bay and even issued his own currency and stamps. Even today, Prince Leonard still rules over his micronation in western Australia.

 It takes courage to stand up to the forces of tyranny, even if the Principality of Hutt is a somewhat silly example. But I believe there comes a point when it becomes necessary for every Christian to dissolve the bands which have connected them to an oppressive master. And no, I’m not advocating moving to remote parts of Montana and establishing a new micronation, separate from America. But the secession needs to happen in our hearts.

Our culture is a foreign one for Christians, and increasingly so. Like a dictator, our secular culture imposes all sorts of quotas upon us: how we should live, how we should look, how we should think, what we should believe. The American culture–in its red and blue manifestations alike–is often incongruous with the practice of following Jesus. And part of being a Christian is seceding from worldly quotas and declaring our dependence, not on ourselves, like Leonard Casley, but on a power greater than this world. We must all choose to take up our title as sons and daughters of the King of kings, rather than remain as slaves to an oppressive system.

 Thankfully, our king’s dominion is not of this world (John 18:36). Following Jesus’ resurrection, he returned to the realm of God we call heaven, where he reigns in his glorified body at the Father’s right hand. Hence, our allegiance is not to any particular worldly system, but to Jesus and his kingdom which pierces the darkness of our world. Indeed, “our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” (Philippians 3:20 NIV)

 So there’s no need to engage in legal wrangling, as Leonard Casley did, and there’s no need for armed rebellion. As Christians, we simply need to be courageous and declare our loyalty to Jesus our king.

* Wikipedia, of course.

 Pastor Ray

COMMUNION

We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper on July 6th.

 SESSION

The next session meeting will be held on Monday, June 23, at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.   There will be no meeting in July.

 PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

Summer meetings for PW begin on Wednesday, June 4 at 6:30pm.  Hostess is Jackie Owens and Judy Lindberg will lead lesson 8 of the Bible Study.  The July meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 2 at 6:30.  Elaine Francis will be the hostess.  There will be no meeting in August.  Meetings will begin again in September.

SEWING SOULS

In June, Sewing Souls will meet on Wednesday, June 18 at 6:30 to work on items for Calvin Crest, and to finish the catheter bag covers for Providence Medical Center.  Hostess will be Judy Lindberg.

 OGRETTA MORRIS

Gretta (Ogretta) Morris, a previous member of FPC, passed away May 17 in California.  A service will be held in our area this fall.  Condolences may be sent to: Roger Morris, 2101 North Westwood, Santa Ana, CA  92706

 DR. ELAINE BENTHACK YOST

Dr. Elaine Benthack Yost died on April 18, 2014 in Minnesota.  A visitation was held at the Washburn McReavy Chapel in Minneapolis.  Her obituary is posted on the board in Fellowship Hall.

HENOWEEN DONATIONS

Our church will once again be hosting the teen dance at Henoween, Friday, July 11^th.  We will be selling pop and bottled water for the kids.  Donations are needed, and may be brought to the church kitchen.  Thank you for your support!

SERMONS ON THE WEB

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

2014 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 2013-14 school year.  The program continues this summer, and we would be glad to accept donations (individually wrapped packages of nutritious food & snacks, financial donations, time…) Contact Jenny at the church office: fpcwayne@gmail.com or (402)375-2669 for more details.

 VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL UPDATE

VBS Volunteers are needed! Son Harvest County Fair Vacation Bible School, will be held August 4-7 from 6:30-8:30 pm at the Wayne County Fairgrounds. Please contact Melissa Murphy (402) 499-3776 or MelissaMurphy81@gmail.comif you can help or would like to sign up.  Find us on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/WayneVBS

 JULIE & MIKE WITH THE VICTORY BAND

This great seven piece band from Northeast Nebraska will perform at the Wayne County Fair on Wednesday, July 23^rd at 8:00pm.  A free will donation will benefit the Wayne Food Pantry Backpack Program.  Featuring country gospel, patriotic and contemporary Christian favorites!

CALVIN CREST QUILT AUCTION

Mark your calendars for the 17^th Annual Quilt Auction on Saturday, August 16.  Quilts will go on display at 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

 DRIVE FOR THE KIDS

Help children in our area who are in need (Haven House, Siouxland Ronald McDonald House, Wayne Head Start, and Rainbow World).  Check the large donation box in Fellowship Hall for a list of needed supplies.  Every little bit helps!

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 1^st at 2:00p.m. for patients who have passed away between May 2013 – April 2014.  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.

 10^TH CHRISTIAN CROSS FESTIVAL

This event will be held on June 7^th from 1:00-11:00pm at Skyview Lake in Norfolk, Nebraska.  Go and enjoy free admission, ministry, prayer, food, fellowship, a kid’s tent, inflatables and fireworks.  A fun day to fellowship in Norfolk!

 RELAY FOR LIFE REMINDER

This year’s event will be held June 6^th from 6:00pm to midnight at the Wayne State College indoor track.

Celebrate. Remember. Fight back.

 FIND US ON FACEBOOK

First Presbyterian Church – Wayne, Nebraska

SET APART GIRL CONFERENCE

For girls of all ages, this beautiful weekend will refresh and revive your spiritual walk and give you a vision for set-apart femininity that is practical. June 6-7^th at Miss Molly’s (203 Main Street).  Contact Holly Torres at torresholly@yahoo.com or (402)369-0117 for more information.  The outreach project for this conference is the Wayne Food Pantry.

ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS DAY

June 15^th is known as “Elder Abuse Awareness Day.”  Abuse in later life occurs when an older person is subjected to a pattern of coercive behaviors, used to gain and maintain power and control.  Usually the victims have ongoing, trusting relationships with abusers, such as spouse/life partner, adult children, other family members and some caregivers.  If you or someone you know is experiencing elder abuse, help is available.  Haven House can offer crisis intervention and support services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.  Anyone requesting assistance can call the agency’s 24 hour crisis line at 1-800-440-4633.

 AL-ANON AND ALATEEN

These organizations are world-wide fellowships committed to providing comfort and support to relatives and friends of alcoholics.  They also provide understanding and encouragement to the alcoholic using the “12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous” as the spiritual guide.  A meeting is held locally on Wednesdays at 8:00pm at the Wayne Municipal Building at 306 Pearl Street (4^th floor, southeast conference room).  Contact Nancy H. at (402)518-1062 for more information.

 PLEASE PRAY FOR:

• The families of those who have recently died
• Our community
• Our schools and teachers
• Our unchurched neighbors
• All who are battling cancer
• All who live in care centers
• CrossPoint Campus Ministry and our college students
• Peace in the Middle East
• Persecuted Christians in Egypt, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, and North Korea

Have a great (and safe) summer!

GREETERS

 JUNE 2014                                                                                                     

1^st – J. Curtiss, Pa. Straight, K. Johnson, B. Middleton                                

8^th – The McLaughlins & The Hammers                                                                                                                                                    

15^th – J. Lindau, J. Reeg & The Paiges                                                           

22^nd – The Peitz Family                                                                                 

29^th – The McCorkindale Family 

JULY 2014 

6th – The Peterson Family 

13th – The Pulfer Family  

20th – The Heese Family

 27th The Beesons & The Fuelberths                                                                                                               

LECTORS

JUNE 2014                                                                                        

1^st – Jim Lindau                                                                                 

8^th – Tiffany Heese                                                                             

15^th – Rachelle McCalla                                                                     

22^nd – Jan Liska                                                                                   

29^th – Ken Marra    

JULY 2014 

 6th – Angie Nelson 

13th – Ken Liska 

20th – Gail McCorkindale 

27th – Candyce Peitz                                                                                               

ACOLYTES

 JUNE 2014                                                                                        

1^st – Maria Ras                                                                                               

8^th – Emily Armstrong                                                                                   

15^th – Madison Beair                                                                          

22^nd – Shea Sweetland                                                                                  

29^th – Gabriel Peitz 

 JULY 2014  

6th – Eleanor McCalla

13th – Bradyn McCorkindale

20th – Bo Armstrong 

 27th – Gen McCalla                                                                                                                                                            

June 2014 – 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 2014 – 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!