December 2014 / January 2015 Presbytidings

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 17th through December 24th. 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 2nd 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 25th 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 21st. 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 3rd at 6:30pm for a bible study and their annual cookie exchange.
  • The January meeting will be held on the 7th 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 1st.

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, & 21st. 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 7th at 7:00pm.
  • The FPC Annual Meeting will be held after worship on Sunday, January 25th. A church potluck will follow.
  • Stewardship drive part 2 will begin in January.

GREETERS – DECEMBER 2014                                                                   

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

14th– The McCorkindale Family

21st – The Peitz Family

24th – The Peterson Family

28th – The Pulfer Family

GREETERS – JANUARY 2015

4th– The McDonalds & The McLaughlins

11th-The Worner Family

18th – The Beesons & The Hammers

25th – The McCorkindale Family

LECTORS – DECEMBER 2014

7th – Tiffanny Heese

14th – Judy Lindberg

21st – Jim Lindau

24th –(sign-up sheet)

28th – Jan Liska

LECTORS – JANUARY 2015

4th – Ken Marra

11th – Rachelle McCalla

18th – Gail McCorkindale

25th –Ken Liska

ACOLYTES – DECEMBER 2014

7th – Bralen Murphy

14th – Andy Wibben

21st – Braydn McCorkindale

24th – Eleanor McCalla

28th – Bo Armstrong

ACOLYTES – JANUARY 2015

4th – Emily Worner

11th Taytum Sweetland

18th – Madison Urbanec

25th – Ethan Wibben

December 2014 – First Presbyterian Church

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
   Each Sunday Morning:

o  Handbell Choir 8:45

o  Church School 9:00

o  Confirmation Class 9:00

o  Worship 10:00

o  Fellowship 11:00

 

1

6:00 Scout Den Meeting

2 3

6:30 PW Cookie Exchange & Bible Study

7:30 High School Youth

4 5 6

Afternoon:

Uken Piano Recitals

7

9:00 Kids’ program practice

11:00 Worship with Communion

6:45 Boy Scout Court of Honor

8

Ring Around Wayne 7:30pm

9 10

7:30pm

Jr. High School Youth

11 12 13
14

9:00 Kids’ program practice

15

6:00 Scout Den Meeting

16 17

5:00 Christmas Caroling

6:30 Soup Supper

18 19 20
21   Christmas Joy Offering

9:00 Kids’ program practice

22 23 24

5:30 Christmas Eve Service

25

Christmas Day

Church Office Closed

26 27
28 29 30 31 1

New Years Day

Church Office Closed

2 3

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

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
   Each Sunday Morning:

o  Handbell Choir 8:45

o  Church School 9:00

o  Confirmation Class 9:00

o  Worship 10:00

o  Fellowship 11:00

 

1 2 3
4 5

6:00 Scout Den Meeting

6 7

6:00 PW Potluck & Bible Study

7:30 High School Youth Group

8 9 10
1

Worship with communion

12 13 14

7:30 Jr. High Youth Group

15 16 17
18 19

6:00 Scout Den Meeting

20 21

6:30 Sewing Souls

7:30 High School Youth Group

22 23 24
25

11:00 FPC Annual Meeting & Potluck

26

7:00 Session

27 28

7:30 Jr. High Youth Group

29 30 31

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!

November 2014 Presbytidings

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 5th 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 19th 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 14-16th 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 7th.

NORFOLK RESCUE MISSION BANQUET

The Norfolk Rescue Mission’s 18th 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 11th 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-6th 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

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

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

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

23rd – The Heese Family

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

GREETERS: DECEMBER 2014

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

14th – The McCorkindale Family

21st – The Peitz Family

24th – The Peterson Family

28th – The Pulfer Family

LECTORS: NOVEMBER 2014

2nd – Marta Pulfer

9th – Larry Heese

16th – Greg Worner

23rd – Karen Johnson

30th – Mark Hammer

LECTORS: DECEMBER 2014

7th – Tiffany Heese

14th – Judy Lindberg

21st – Jim Lindau

24th – (signup sheet)

28th – Jan Liska

ACOLYTES: NOVEMBER 2014

2nd – Jon Worner

9th – Emily Worner

16th – Cate Worner

23rd – Gen McCalla

30th – Nina Hammer

ACOLYTES: DECEMBER 2014

7th – Bralen Murphy

14th – Andy Wibben

21st – Braydn McCorkindale

24th – Eleanor McCalla

28th – Bo Armstrong

November 2014 – First Presbyterian Church

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
   Each Sunday Morning:

  • Handbell Choir 8:45
  • Church School 9:00
  • Confirmation Class 9:00
  • Worship 10:00
  • Fellowship 11:00

 

1
2

Daylight Saving Time Ends

1:30 Planetarium Show @ WSC

Rake and Bake 1:00-5:00pm

3

6:00 Scout Den Meeting

4

7:00am – 8:00pm

Election Day

5

12:00pm Brown Bag Bible Study

6:30pm Presbyterian Women

7:30pm

High School Youth

6 7 8
9

Installation service at FPC Norfolk 4pm

10 11

Veterans Day

12

12pm Brown Bag Bible Study

7:30pm

Jr. High  Youth

13 14 15
16

Congregational Meeting 11:00am

17

6:00 Scout Den Meeting

7:00

Session  Mtg

18 19

6:30pm Sewing Souls

7:30pm

High School Youth

20 21 22
23

Community Thanksgiving Service – FUMC 5:00pm

24 25 26 27

Thanksgiving Day –

Office Closed

28

Office closed

29
30

Advent Decorating Party after Worship!

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!

October 2014 Presbytidings

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 7th 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 2nd 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 18th 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 7th 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 7th and Main.

WAYNE COMMUNITY CROP HUNGER WALK

The annual CROP Hunger Walk will be held on Sunday, October 12th.  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

5th – The Peterson Family

12th – The McCorkindale Family

19th – The Worner Family

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

Greeters November 2014

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

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

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

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

Lectors October 2014

5th – Luke Pulfer

12th – Bev Beeson

19th – Jim Curtiss

26th – Phil Griess

Lectors November 2014

2nd – Marta Pulfer

9th – Larry Heese

16th – Greg Worner

23rd – Karen Johnson

30th – Mark Hammer

Acolytes October 2014

5th – Emily Armstrong

12th – Madison Beair

19th – Shea Sweetland

26th – Gabriel Peitz

Acolytes November 2014

2nd – Jon Worner

9th – Emily Worner

16th – Cate Worner

23rd – Gen McCalla

30th – Nina Hammer

October 2014 – First Presbyterian Church

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Each Sunday Morning:

  • Handbell Choir 8:45
  • Church School 10:00
  • Worship 10:00
  • Fellowship 11:00

 

1

6:30 Presbyterian Women

7:30 High School Youth

2 3 4
5

World Communion Day

11:00 Congregational Meeting on Pastor Allowance

6 7 8

7:30 Jr. High Youth

9 10 11
12 13 14 15

6:30 Sewing Souls

7:30 High School Youth

16 17 18

2:00 Session Records Review

19

10:00 Grades 5-7 delivering gourds to care center

11:00 Highway Clean-up

20 21 22

7:30 Jr. High Youth

23 24 25
26

10:00 Grades 5-7 carving pumpkins

27

7:00 Session Meeting

28 29

7:00 Halloween Extravaganza!

30 31

 

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!

September 2014 Presbytidings

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 7th 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 2nd 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: 1st and 3rd = High School; 2nd and 4th = 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

7th – The Peitz Family

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

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

28th – The Pulfer Family

 

Greeters October 2014

5th – The Peterson Family

12th – The McCorkindale Family

19th – The Worner Family

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

 

Lectors September 2014

7th – Jim Curtiss

14th – Sydney McCorkindale

21st – Kent Pulfer

28th – Pat Straight

 

Lectors October 2014

5th – Luke Pulfer

12th – Bev Beeson

19th – Jim Curtiss

26th – Phil Griess

 

Acolytes September 2014

7th – Madison Urbanec

14th – Cate Worner

21st – Henry McCalla

28th – Maria Ras

 

Acolytes October 2014

5th – Emily Armstrong

12th – Madison Beair

19th – Shea Sweetland

26th – Gabriel Peitz

 

September 2014 – First Presbyterian Church

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Each Sunday Morning:

  • Handbell Choir 8:45
  • Church School 9:00
  • Worship 10:00
  • Fellowship 11:00

 

1

2

3

6:00 PW Potluck & Meeting

 

7:30 High School Youth

4

5

6

 

5:00

Church School Kickoff!

7

 

11:00 Sundae Sunday!

8

9

10

7:30pm

Jr. High Youth

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

6:30 Sewing Souls

7:30 High School Youth

 

18

19

20

21

Outdoor Worship & Potluck

22

7:00 Session

23

24

7:30 Jr. High Youth

25

26

27

28

29

30

       
             

 

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!

August 2014 Presbytidings

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

June/July 2014 Presbytidings

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 11th.  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 23rd 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 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 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 1st 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.

 10TH CHRISTIAN CROSS FESTIVAL

This event will be held on June 7th 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 6th 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 6-7th 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 15th 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 (4th 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                                                                                                     

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

8th – The McLaughlins & The Hammers                                                                                                                                                    

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

22nd – The Peitz Family                                                                                 

29th – 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                                                                                        

1st – Jim Lindau                                                                                 

8th – Tiffany Heese                                                                             

15th – Rachelle McCalla                                                                     

22nd – Jan Liska                                                                                   

29th – Ken Marra    

JULY 2014 

 6th – Angie Nelson 

13th – Ken Liska 

20th – Gail McCorkindale 

27th – Candyce Peitz                                                                                               

 

ACOLYTES

 JUNE 2014                                                                                        

1st – Maria Ras                                                                                               

8th – Emily Armstrong                                                                                   

15th – Madison Beair                                                                          

22nd – Shea Sweetland                                                                                  

29th – Gabriel Peitz 

 JULY 2014  

6th – Eleanor McCalla

13th – Bradyn McCorkindale

20th – Bo Armstrong 

 27th – Gen McCalla                                                                                                                                                            

 

June 2014 – First Presbyterian Church

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

1   Each Sunday Morning:

o  Handbell Choir 8:45

o  Church School 9:00

o  Worship 10:00

o  Fellowship 11:00

 

2

3

4

 

6:30pm Presbyterian Women

5

6

7

8

 

 

 

 

 

9

 

10

 

11

12

 

13

 

14

15

 

Father’s Day

 

 

 

16

17

 

18

 

6:30pm Sewing Souls

 

19

20

21

 

22

23

 

7:00pm Session Meeting

 

24

 

25

26

27

28

 

29

 

 

 

 

30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Each Sunday Morning:

o  Handbell Choir 8:45

o  Church School 9:00

o  Worship 10:00

o  Fellowship 11:00

 

 

1

2

 

6:30pm Presbyterian Women

3

4

 

Independence Day

5

6

Communion

7

 

8

 

9

10

 

11

 

12

13

 

14

15

 

16

 

17

18

29

 

20

21

 

22

 

23

24

25

26

 

27

 

28

 

No Session Meeting

29

30

31

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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!

 

May 2014 Presbytidings

Presbytidings – May 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

            In case you haven’t been paying attention this past week, Donald Sterling*, owner of the L.A. Clippers has been banned for life from the NBA and fined $2.5 million. In addition to being slapped with heavy sanctions, Sterling will likely be forced to sell the Clippers, even if he stands to make a ton of money on the deal—but that’s another story for another day.

            What, you may ask, was Donald Sterling’s transgression? Well, in case you have been living under a rock, Sterling was recently recorded** by his mistress*** spewing offensive racist comments. A celebrity gossip Web site broke the story, and the response from basketball players to cultural commentators to even the president of the United States has been swift in rightly condemning Mr. Sterling’s comments. Actually, some of the responses have condemned Mr. Sterling himself, and not just his comments.

            But what does this have to do with a church newsletter?

            Follow me here for a second: 1) Mr. Sterling’s racist comments are repulsive, and they betray an apparently stable attitude and worldview that he has espoused for many years. 2) For my limited knowledge of professional basketball, the NBA was right in their disciplinary action against Mr. Sterling. 3) An accepting and multicultural society like ours needs to address poisonous attitudes and encourage mutual respect among all people.

            However, I wonder if our culture hasn’t gone too far. It seems that every few months we (with cheerleading by the media and our cultural Sirens) root out another person in our midst who is unacceptable to us, we flog him or her with righteous indignance, and we throw him or her away into the garbage dump for bad people, feeling collectively better about ourselves for having exorcised some social evil embodied in that person. And it’s not just one type of person with one type of political persuasion that receives the scorn and shame of an entire nation; everyone is already on their last warning to keep their thoughts and behaviors in check, lest they, too, be cast into the outer darkness.

            But as a Christian leader, I am concerned that we condemn people so readily and close out the possibility of forgiveness and restoration. Think with me another second: What if Donald Sterling were to publicly apologize for his racist attitudes and behaviors?**** And not just the politically motivated non-apology that says, “I’m sorry if you were offended by my comments.” But what would we as a society do if he had a genuine change of heart, publicly repented and turned to God,***** and asked for forgiveness? Would we accept him and give him another chance? Or is Sterling’s sin one of the many unpardonable sins we have in our culture today?

            As Christians, forgiveness is at the heart of who we are. We have been forgiven of our sins, so we must be ready to forgive others for their sins (see Colossians 3:13b). It’s what we do. Even Jesus—to Peter’s dismay—told his disciples that they must keep forgiving others who offend us, because God keeps forgiving us when we offend him.

            So if I can offer yet another voice to this conversation about Donald Sterling and racism, it would be this: Yes, we need to gently encourage others toward respecting and loving all people, but yes, we also need to practice humility when faced with the temptation to condemn others.

            And while we’re at it, why don’t we all take a second and pray for Donald Sterling.

Pastor Ray

* Born in Chicago in 1934 as Donald Tokowitz.

** Apparently without his knowledge or consent, which is actually illegal and inadmissible as legal evidence in California.

*** That is, not his wife, Rochelle Stein. Apparently adultery is acceptable in the NBA.

**** Not to mention his adultery.

***** He’s Jewish.

 

COMMUNION

We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper on May 18.

 YOUTH GROUPS

  • High School Youth: 5/7 from 7:30-8:30pm.
  • Jr. High Youth: 5/14 from 7:30-8:30pm.

This will be our final gatherings for this school year. We will have special games and refreshments!

 CHURCH SCHOOL

The final day of church school will be May 11.

 CONFIRMATION UPDATE

Confirmation students will meet with their mentors on Sunday, May 4, from 9:00-9:45am. Confirmation Sunday will be May 18, during worship. There will be a special reception after worship to honor our Confirmation students.

 SESSION

The Session will not meet in May. The next session meeting will be held on Monday, June 23, at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

 EASTER LILIES

The beautiful Easter lilies were donated by the following families: Pulfers, Beesons, Fuelberths

 VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL UPDATE

Son Harvest County Fair Vacation Bible School is presented by Our Savior Lutheran and First Presbyterian Churches August 4-7 from 6:30-8:30 pm at the Wayne County Fairgrounds. Volunteers are needed- please let Melissa Murphy know if you can help or would like more information: (402) 499-3776 or MelissaMurphy81@gmail.com Youth sign up forms will be distributed soon. Don’t forget to like our page on Facebook- WayneVBS for updates!

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

Presbyterian Women will meet on Wednesday, May 7, at 6:30pm. Karen Johnson will lead the Bible study. Joyce Voyles will be the hostess.

SEWING SOULS

The Sewing Souls will meet on Wednesday, May 21 at 6:30pm.  The hostess will be Babs Middleton.

NESTFest 2014 is coming!   

Sunday, May 4th noon-3:00 at the elementary track.  Fun for the family, free food and games, pony rides, train rides, face painting and entertainment!  Parents can get information on the Nebraska Educational Savings Trust (a college savings plan).  

 RENEW WAYNE

Thank you to everyone who helped make the RENEW Wayne concert a success! Audio Adrenaline and Kutless rocked the Activity Center, and hundreds of fans heard the message.

 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

 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

 

MAY 2014                                                                                                      

4th – The Worners                                                                                           

11th – The Pat McDonalds & The Griesses                                                                                                    

18th – The McLaughlins & The Fuelberths

 25th – The Liskas & The Marras                                                  

JUNE 2014   

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

8th – The McLaughlins & The Hammers                                                                                                    

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

22nd – The Peitz Family

29th – The McCorkindale Family                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                             

LECTORS

 

MAY 2014                                                                                          

4th – Mark Hammer                                                                           

11th – Jack Beeson                                                                              

18th – Larry Heese                                                                              

25th – Phil Griess  

JUNE 2014

1st – Jim Lindau 

 8th – Tiffany Heese

15th – Rachelle McCalla

22nd – Jan Liska

29th – Ken Marra  

 

ACOLYTES

 MAY 2014                                                                                         

4th – Taytum Sweetland                                                                     

11th – Madison Urbanec                                                                   

18th – Ethan Wibben                                                                         

25th – Henry McCalla

 JUNE 2014  

1st – Maria Ras

8th – Emily Armstrong

15th – Madison Beair

22nd – Shea Sweetland

29th – Gabriel Peitz                                                                       

                                                                            

May 2014 – First Presbyterian Church

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Each Sunday Morning:

o  Handbell Choir 8:45

o  Church School 9:00

o  Worship 10:00

o  Fellowship 11:00

 

 

 

 

1

2

3

4 Confirmation class with mentors

5

 

6:00 Scout Den Meeting

 

6

 

7

6:30 Presbyterian Women

7:30pm

High  Youth

8

 

 

9

8:30am Wayne Women’s Club Brunch

 

10 (WSC Commencement)

11

12

 

6:00 Scout Pack Meeting

13

All day –

Wayne County Primary Elections

 

14

 

7:30pm

Jr. High Youth

15

16 Mrs. Uken recital

17

 

18

Communion

Confirmation Day

Mrs. Uken recital

19

 

6:00 Scout Den Meeting

20

 

21

 

6:30pm

Sewing Souls

22

23

24

 

25

26

No Session Mtg.

 

 

27

 

28

 

 

 

29

30

31

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MAY BIRTHDAYS

(Would you like to see your birthday listed here? 

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

           3          Joann Proett, Dave Peitz

            10        Jeryl Nelson, Bralen Murphy

            11        Karen Johnson, Soloman Peitz, & Tami Worner

            12        Joan Lage

            14        Bo Armstrong

            15        Jordan Alexander

            17        Jaci Alexander

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

            19        Glenda McDonald

            22        Marie Johnson

            24        Gail McCorkindale

            26        Dale Alexander


 

GET OUR NEWSLETTER BY E-MAIL

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

April 2014 Presbytidings

 Presbytidings – April 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

             It was the first movie I ever watched at home—on LaserDisc, of all things (remember those, the giant record-things that you had to flip over mid-movie?). We had checked it out from the library, and after much trial and error, we finally got it hooked up to our console TV set. The movie was Chariots of Fire.

            Chariots of Fire is the true story of two runners competing in the 1924 Olympics. Eric Liddell is a devout Scottish Christian who runs for the glory of God, and Harold Abrahams is an English Jew who runs to overcome prejudice. Eric’s sister, Jennie, wants him to leave competitive running to join the family on the mission field in China. Jennie feels Eric is putting running ahead of serving God, and she questions his commitment.

            In one scene, Eric attempts to help his sister see his point of view. Eric announces with a smile, “I’ve decided I’m going back to China. The missionary service has accepted—”

            Jennie interrupts him. “Oh, Eric, I’m so pleased.”

            Eric continues, “But I’ve got a lot of running to do first. Jennie, you’ve got to understand. I believe that God made me for a purpose, for China. He also made me fast, and when I run, I feel his pleasure. To give it up would be to hold him in contempt. You were right; it’s not just fun. To win is to honor him.”

            Although Eric Liddell may have been an extraordinary human being, his vocation as a Christian was the same as yours and mine. That scene conveys an important truth about serving God: Not everyone is made to be a missionary in a far-off place; but each of us is equipped with a particular gift that we must use to glorify God. In fact, our deepest pleasure (in Liddell’s case, running) is often the thing that brings God the most honor.

            Now, of course, we need to be careful that we don’t mistake God’s pleasure for garden-variety sin. God is never glorified by those who embrace sin. But when we truly discover the thing we were meant to do on this planet—and then when we do it—God is glorified.

            St. Irenaeus of Lyon (A.D. 130-202) commented that “The glory of God is man fully alive.” That is, when we see men and women living fully, carrying out their God-given vocations, then God receives credit and honor for making those saints and redeeming them in Christ. That’s part of why we remember Eric Liddell: not only because of his running ability, but because of why he ran.

            So what about you? What is the thing that when you do it, you feel God’s pleasure? What is the thing that when you do it well, you honor God? What is the thing that God made you to do and by not doing it you hold him in contempt?

            Maybe the better question is, If you’re not already doing that thing, then why not?

            So whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17 NIV)

 Pastor Ray

 

 LENT AND EASTER SCHEDULE

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

  •          April 2 & 9: Lenten supper and vespers
  •          April 13: Palm Sunday worship with the Presbyterian Pealers
  •          April 13: Gary Randall in concert at the City Auditorium, 7:00pm
  •          April 17: Maundy Thursday worship with Communion, 7:00pm
  •          April 18: Community Good Friday service, noon, at 7th and Main Streets
  •          April 20: Easter Brunch, 9:00am
  •          April 20: Easter worship with Communion

 

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 Palm Sunday, April 13, 2014.

 

COMMUNION

We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper on Maundy Thursday and Easter Day in April.

 

EASTER BRUNCH

All are welcome to share in a fellowship brunch on Easter morning, Sunday, April 20th at 9:00am.  A sign-up sheet is on the Opportunity Table for anyone who would like to contribute.

 

NO CHURCH SCHOOL OR CONFIRMATION

There will be no church school or Confirmation class on Easter Sunday.

 

YOUTH GROUPS

  •          High School Youth: 4/2 & 4/16 7:30-8:30pm.
  •          Jr. High Youth: 4/9 & 4/23 7:30-8:30pm.

 

COMMUNION WORKSHOP

It can be confusing for parents and kids who should take Communion during worship. So make plans to bring your kids to our Communion workshop on Sunday, 4/6, during church school time (9:00-9:45am).

 

CONFIRMATION UPDATE

Confirmation students will meet with their mentors on Sunday, April 6, from 9:00-9:45am. Our retreat to Calvin Crest will be April 25-27. We will meet at our church building at 5:00 and depart; we still need drivers to help transport down and back. Confirmation students who desire to join the church are invited to attend the session meeting on Monday, April 28, at 7:30pm. Confirmation Sunday will be May 18, during worship.

 

SESSION

The Session will gather on Monday, April 28, at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Confirmation students who desire to join the church are invited to attend.

 

EASTER LILIES

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

 

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL UPDATE

The next VBS planning meeting will be held 3/31 at 7 pm at the Max. Theme is Son Harvest Country Fair and will be held at the Wayne fairgrounds. Volunteers are welcome.

 

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

Presbyterian Women will meet on TUESDAY, April 1, at 6:30pm. Martha Svoboda will lead the Bible study. Elaine Francis will be the hostess.

 

SEWING SOULS

The Sewing Souls will meet on Wednesday, April 23rd at 6:30pm.

 

HIGHWAY CLEAN-UP

We will clean up trash on our stretch of Highway 35 (mile markers 33-35, east of Wayne) after worship on 4/27. Many hands make light work!

 

BROWN-BAG BIBLE STUDY

The Brown-Bag Bible study will meet on April 1, 8, 15, and 22 in the Goldenrod Room.

 

FPC DIRECTORY

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

 

I DON’T PLAY THAT INSTRUMENT

Pfaltzgraff and Pfriends will be putting on a concert in our sanctuary, Monday, 4/7, at 7:30pm. Lots of fun, and great music!

 

CONCERT & PASSION DRAMA

Join Gary Randall, a singer/songwriter from South Dakota, as he performs a free concert at the Wayne Auditorium on Sunday, April 13th at 7:00pm.

 

BIG BOX O’ STUFF

In the Fellowship Hall, near the bookshelves, there is a big box of stuff—cards, letters, other correspondences—from our church’s past. Since we are putting valuable documents in our new fire safe, and since not everything will fit in there, we would like to reduce the stuff lying around our building. So please take a few minutes to root through the box, and take what you like (or give to whomever might like it). At the end of the month, we will recycle the remainder of what’s in there. Thank you!

 

GREAT PLAINS WEE KIRK CONFERENCE

This is a great opportunity to be inspired, motivated, encouraged and refreshed!  Join other Presbyterians from <ay 6h – May 9th at the Holiday Inn, downtown Sioux Falls.  See the bulletin board in Fellowship Hall for more details.

 

BINGO NIGHT

B = BINGO!

I = It’s fun!

N = No youth group or PW that night!

G = Great prizes!

O = Outrageous fun!

Bingo night is coming to FPC! Wednesday, April 30, is a fifth Wednesday in April, and there are no other programs going on. So strap on your visor, grab your dauber, bring your friends, and come to FPC’s BINGO Night! Multigenerational fun with light snacks & prizes!

 

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 12th at 6:30pm.  The venue is yet to be announced.

 

RENEW WAYNE

CrossPoint campus ministry is bringing an amazing event to our community! Audio Adrenaline and Kutless will be playing at the Community Activity Center on Thursday, April 24. For more information, including how to volunteer, visit www.renewwayne.com, or find them on Facebook!

 

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

 

APRIL 2014                                                                                                   

6th – The Pulfer Family                                                                                

13th – The Heese Family                                                                               

20th – The Beesons, The Milton Owens                                                    

28th – The Worner Family                                                                            

MAY 2014

4th – The McLaughlins & The Fuelberths

11th – The Pat McDonalds & The Griesses

18th – The Worner Family

25th – The Liskas & The Marras

                                                                                                     

LECTORS

 

APRIL 2014                                                                                        

6th – Jim Curtiss                                                                              

13th – Bev Beeson                                                                             

20th – Karen Johnson                                                                        

28th – Judy Lindberg                                                                        

 MAY 2014

4th – Mark Hammer

11th – Jack Beeson

18th – Larry Heese

25th – Phil Griess

 

ACOLYTES

APRIL 2014                                                                                       

6th – Eleanor McCalla                                                                      

13th – Braydn McCorkindale                                                                       

20th – Bo Armstrong                                                                        

28th – Emily Worner                                                                        

MAY 2014

4th – Taytum Sweetland

 11th – Madison Urbanec

 18th – Ethan Wibben

 25th – Henry McCalla

                                                                                   

                                                                       

April 2014 – First Presbyterian Church

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

1   Each Sunday Morning:

o  Handbell Choir 8:45

o  Church School 9:00

o  Confirmation Class 9:00

o  Worship 10:00

o  Fellowship 11:00

 

 

1

 

6:30 Presbyterian Women

2

6:00pm Soup Supper

6:45 Lent Service

7:30pm

High School Youth

3

4

5

6

5th Sunday in Lent

 

9:00am Communion Workshop

7

 

6:00 Scout Den Meeting

7;30 Pfaltgraff & Pfriends

8

12pm WSC Brown Bag Bible Study

 

9

6:00pm Soup Supper

6:45 Lent Service

7:30pm

Jr. High  Youth

10

 

 

11

 

2:00 Wayne Women’s Club

12

13

Palm Sunday

 

One Great Hour of Sharing Offering

 

14

 

6:00 Scout Pack Meeting

15

 

12pm WSC Brown Bag Bible Study

 

16

 

7:30pm

High School Youth

17

7:00 Maundy Thursday worship with communion

18

12:00 noon Community Good Friday

Service

19

 

 

20

Easter Service

with

Communion

 

 

21

 

6:00 Scout Den Meeting

22

 

12pm WSC Brown Bag Bible Study

 

23

 

7:30pm

Jr. High School Youth

24

25

 

Confirmation Class to Calvin Crest until the 27th

26

 

 

27

 

Highway Clean-up after worship

28

7:00

Session Mtg.

(with confirmation students who wish to join the church)

 

29

 

 

30

 

No Youth Group

 

7pm Bingo Night

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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!

March 2014 Presbytidings

 Presbytidings – March 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 found this wonderful story about Billy Graham and Albert Einstein—of all people—shared by a man named John Huffman.

In January 2000, leaders of Charlotte, North Carolina, invited their favorite son, Billy Graham, to a luncheon. Rev. Graham initially hesitated to accept the invitation because he struggles with Parkinson’s disease. But the Charlotte leaders said, “We don’t expect a major address. Just come and let us honor you.” So he agreed.

After wonderful things were said about him, Graham stepped to the rostrum, looked at the crowd, and said, “I’m reminded today of Albert Einstein, the great physicist who this month has been honored by Time magazine as the Man of the Century. Einstein was once traveling from Princeton on a train when the conductor came down the aisle, punching the tickets of each passenger. When he came to Einstein, Einstein reached in his vest pocket. He couldn’t find his ticket, so he reached in his other pocket. It wasn’t there, so he looked in his briefcase but couldn’t find it. Then he looked in the seat by him. He couldn’t find it. The conductor said, ‘Dr. Einstein, I know who you are. We all know who you are. I’m sure you bought a ticket. Don’t worry about it.’ Einstein nodded appreciatively.

“The conductor continued down the aisle punching tickets. As he was ready to move to the next car, he turned around and saw the great physicist down on his hands and knees looking under his seat for his ticket. The conductor rushed back and said, ‘Dr. Einstein, Dr. Einstein, don’t worry. I know who you are. No problem. You don’t need a ticket. I’m sure you bought one.’ Einstein looked at him and said, ‘Young man, I too know who I am. What I don’t know is where I’m going.’”

Billy Graham continued, “See the suit I’m wearing? It’s a brand new suit. My wife, my children, and my grandchildren are telling me I’ve gotten a little slovenly in my old age. I used to be a bit more fastidious. So I went out and bought a new suit for this luncheon and one more occasion. You know what that occasion is? This is the suit in which I’ll be buried. But when you hear I’m dead, I don’t want you to immediately remember the suit I’m wearing. I want you to remember this: I not only know who I am, I also know where I’m going.”

Even fourteen years later, Billy Graham is still around; he hasn’t used that suit for its second occasion. But his message is still powerful and relevant. His story invites us to ask the question of ourselves: Do we know who we are (and whose we are), and do we know where we are going?

 Pastor Ray

 

ASH WEDNESDAY AND LENT

We will observe the beginning of Lent on Wednesday, March 5, at 6:30pm in the sanctuary. Please make plans to participate in our Lenten 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.

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME

Spring forward one hour the weekend of March 9.

COMMUNION

We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper on Sunday, March 2, the Transfiguration of the Lord.

CONFIRMATION UPDATE

Confirmation students will meet with their mentors on Sunday, March 2, from 9:00-9:45am. Our spring field trip will be on Saturday, March 15. We will meet at 5:00 at our church building and travel to St. Thomas Orthodox Church in Sioux City (1100 Jones St.) for their Great Vespers service at 6:30. Please eat a snack/supper before we leave! Also, remember that our retreat to Calvin Crest will be April 25-27.

 VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Forget the snow and cold weather, it’s time to talk about VBS! We will have a planning meeting on Sunday evening, 3/2, at 7:30pm in our Fellowship Hall. Bring a friend, and bring your best ideas! Oh, and a calendar might not hurt.

 PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

Presbyterian Women will meet on TUESDAY, March 4, at 6:30pm. Jackie Owens will lead the Bible study. Babs Middleton will be the hostess.

PREACH THE WORD!

If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about preaching, then come to Pastor Ray’s preaching workshop. Saturday, 3/15, 9:00-11:30am in the Fellowship Hall. Learn some basic skills for delivering a message during worship.

SESSION

The Session will gather on Monday, March 24, at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

COMMUNION WORKSHOP

It can be confusing for parents and kids who should take Communion during worship. So make plans to bring your kids to our Communion workshop on Sunday, 4/6, during church school time (9:00-9:45am).

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

First Presbyterian Church – Wayne, Nebraska

SEWING SOULS

The Sewing Souls will not meet in March. We will be sewing again on Wednesday, April 23rd at 6:30pm.

YOUTH GROUPS

*High School Youth: 3/5 and 3/19 @ 7:30 p.m.

*Jr. High Youth: 3/12 and 3/26 @ 7:30pm.

RENEW WAYNE

CrossPoint campus ministry is bringing an amazing event to our community! Audio Adrenaline and Kutless will be playing at the Community Activity Center on Thursday, April 24. For more information please visit www.renewwayne.com, or find them on Facebook!

 CHOOSE LIFE

The Wayne Area Right to Life group is looking for a contact in our congregation to receive updates and information about pro-life activities in our region. If you are interested, please contact Deb Dickey at debdickey@msn.com.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

Happy ninth anniversary to Pastor Ray! He began his tenure at FPC on February 28, 2005. As Craig Holstedt pointed out on Facebook, Pastor Ray has now passed him and become the third longest-serving pastor at FPC Wayne, behind Oliver Proett and Bob Haas. Congratulations!

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

GREETERS

MARCH 2014                                                                                               

2nd – Jim C., Pat S. Karen J. and Babs M.                                                   

9th – Jim L., Joyce R., Pat & Glenda McD.                                                 

16th – Milton & Jackie O., The Paiges                                                             

23rd – The Peitz Family                                                                                

30th – The Peterson Family

APRIL 2014

6th – The Pulfer Family

13th – The Heese Family

20th – The Beesons, The Milton Owens

28th – The Worner Family

 

LECTORS

MARCH  2014                                                                          

2nd – Beau Bowers                                                                            

9th – Shea Abraham                                                                          

16th – Sarah Wibben                                                                        

23rd – Greg Worner                                                                          

30th – Tami Worner   

APRIL 2014   

6th – Jim Curtiss   

13th – Bev Beeson 

20th – Karen Johnson

28th – Judy Lindberg                                                   

 

ACOLYTES

MARCH 2014                                                                                                

2nd – Jon Worner                                                                               

9th – Genevieve McCalla                                                                  

16th – Bralen Murphy                                                                        

23rd – Nina Hammer                                                                         

30th – Andy Wibben

APRIL 2014

6th – Eleanor McCalla  

13th – Braydn McCorkindale

20th – Bo Armstrong    

 28th – Emily Worner                                                                 

                                                                       

March 2014 – First Presbyterian Church

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

1   Each Sunday Morning:

  • Handbell Choir 8:45
  • Church School 9:00
  • Confirmation Class 9:00
  • Worship 10:00
  • Fellowship 11:00

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

2

 

7:30pm VBS Planning Meeting

3

 

6:00 Scout Den Meeting

4

12pm WSC Brown Bag Bible Study

6:30 Presbyterian Women

 

5

6:30 Ash Wednesday Service

7:30pm

High School Youth

6

 

 

7

 

 

8

9

1st Sunday in Lent

 

Daylight Savings Time begins

10

 

6:00 Scout Pack Meeting

11

 

12pm WSC Brown Bag Bible Study

 

12

6:00pm Soup Supper

6:45 Lent Service

7:30pm

Jr. High  Youth

13

14

 

2:00

Wayne Women’s Club

15

9:00 Preaching Workshop

5:00 Confirmation Class to St. Thomas

 

16

2nd Sunday in Lent

 

 

17

 

6:00 Scout Den Meeting

18

 

12pm WSC Brown Bag Bible Study

 

19

6:00pm Soup Supper

6:45 Lent Service

7:30pm

High School Youth

20

21

 

 

22

 

 

23

3rd Sunday in Lent

 

24

 

7:00

Session Mtg

25

 

12pm WSC Brown Bag Bible Study

 

26

 

6:00pm Soup Supper

6:45 Lent Service

7:30pm

Jr. High  Youth

27

28

 

 

29

30

4th Sunday in Lent

 

31

 

 

 

 

 

 

               

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


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