Presbytidings – January 2021

Posted on January 8, 2021 by First Presbyterian Church of Wayne, Nebraska

Presbytidings – January 2021

The Newsletter of First Presbyterian Church

216 West Third Street, Wayne, Nebraska 68787

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

From the Pastor….

We are just a few days into the new year, each year has its share of hopes and fears, of joys and challenges. This year we are hoping and praying to see an end to the COVID 19 pandemic, as well as see our lives return to some pre-pandemic norms. It seemed like much of 2020 was lived under a dark cloud of anxiety, even fear. This world can be a beautiful place and yet we are often afraid. We fear what will happen to us tomorrow or how we will do on our new job or what someone will say about us, we afraid of losing a job, of getting a serious disease. Afraid of the crazy driver that causes a wreck, the random disease, the market crash, or a friend who turns against us for their own selfish reason; there are many things which are beyond our control and can make us anxious and afraid. We are reminded not to put our faith in our own abilities and strengths rather we should put our faith and trust in our Triune God. It’s not always easy to let go and trust God, but the Scriptures tell us repeatedly not to be afraid.

Psalm 27:1-3 reminds us; The LORD is my light and my salvation–whom shall, I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life–of whom shall I be afraid? When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident. (Psalm 27:1-3)

Psalm 27 is attributed to King David who had his share of frightening experiences, from being a warrior, to being stalked by King Saul. Even as King, David had many challenges. David’s words remind us there is no reason to fear because God is in control and is working according to God’s plan. Like David look back in your life and see how God has been present and been your stronghold. Jesus Christ is often referred to as the light of the world, he is the one who dispelled the darkness of sin with the glory of his holiness, the one who bought hope into sinful world. Our hope, our help is in Jesus Christ. When we trust the Lord with all our being, there is no reason to live in fear for our Triune God is always faithful.

May God’s peace be with you today and always,

Pastor Teresa

SESSION

The Session will meet on January 16^th from 9:00 to 12:30 for a time of training and planning for 2021. All Session members including the incoming class of elders should plan to attend. We will be reviewing polices of the congregation as well as planning for communion, monthly devotions and organizing Session teams.

FPC ANNUAL MEETING

Our annual congregational meeting will follow worship on Sunday, January 24^th. If you are responsible for a particular ministry (e.g., music, nominating, church school, property), please submit a brief report to the church office (fpcwayne@gmail.com) by Tuesday, 1/12.

SESSION & DEACON TEAM REPORTS DUE

2020 Session members & Deacons are reminded to compile a summary report for your area which will need to be sent to the office by Tuesday, January 12th.

THANK-YOU

Thank you for the wonderful gift from the congregation, your generosity is deeply appreciated. Thank-you also to each one who sent a card or remembered me in other ways. As we begin our fourth year of ministry together, I am every more grateful for your gifts of friendship, your support and encouragement as we share in the ministry of First Presbyterian Church. Grace and peace to each of you, Pastor Teresa.

Thank you to the FPC church family for your generosity this Christmas season. I am grateful for your gifts and support. Jenny

Thank-you to all who assisted during the Advent season as lectors, greeters and Advent candle lighters.

November 29th- Phil and Jean Griess

December 6th– The Peitz Family

December 13th – Gail and Mark McCorkindale

December 20th -Maria, Aaron Ras, Suzanne Sjuts.

Thank-you to Ronda, Maria Ras, Suzanne Sjuts, Jay and Jane O’Leary for sharing the gift of music for our Christmas Eve service. Thank-you to Mark, Jenny and Nina Hammer, Jim Curtiss, Ronda Ras for their participation as readers for our Christmas Eve Service.

Thank-you to Kent and Jodi Pulfer and Phil and Jean Griess who donated poinsettias for the Advent season.

CHRISTMAS JOY OFFERING

The Christmas Joy Offering is one of the four denominational offerings, the others are One Great Hour of Sharing, The Pentecost Offering, Peace and Global Witness Offering. The Christmas Joy Offering has been a cherished Presbyterian tradition since the 1930s. The offering distributes gifts equally to the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions and to Presbyterian-related schools and colleges equipping communities of color. The Assistance Program provides critical financial support to church workers and their families. Presbyterian-related schools and colleges provide education and leadership development while nurturing racial and ethnic heritage. Thank-you for your generosity to this special offering. Our collection for this year was $220.00

FILLING THE MANGER

The Filling the Manger project was a new mission project tied to the Presbyterian Giving Catalog. The Giving Catalog is a part of the Presbyterian Mission Agency and allows individuals or congregations purchase or give toward a variety of projects that help people in the developing world. You can choose from a variety of projects related to water, agricultural, people, a variety of aid kits as well as livestock.

Members were encouraged to “Fill the Manger” by donating for the purchase of an animal to help a family in a third world country. The suggested gifts were a piglet ($40.00), a flock of chickens ($25.00), a pair of goats ($178.00) or a portion of a cow ($50.00-$450.00). This project is one way we can live into our pledge to be a Matthew 25 congregation. We are reminded that whenever we care for those in need, we are caring for our Lord, Jesus Christ. (Matthew 25:31-46) Thank-you for your support. FPC members purchased 2 pairs of goats, 3 piglets and 3 flocks of chickens for a total of $551. For more detailed information you can go to Presbyterian Online Giving Catalog (pcusa.org).

WAYNE COAT CLOSET

The Wayne Coat Closet opened in November with a revised procedure to protect clients and volunteers. The Coat Closet has been working on an order/appointment system. When a person contacts the office about the need for a coat, we take down the information regarding sizes and then shop for the client. If we have the items requested, we set an appointment for them to stop at the church and pick-up the items. The community has been generous with donations of coats and this year. We didn’t have a donation box at the library as in past years. Even with the altered system of coat distribution a total of 141 coats were given out in 2020.

WAYNE FOOD PANTRY AND BACKPACK PROGRAM

The numbers continue to rise at the Wayne Food Pantry. We currently have 153 children on our Backpack Program (in previous years we used to average around 100). We were able to distribute our holiday PB&J bags to all at the holiday. Nine Wayne Community School families and eight Head-start families received Thanksgiving Baskets, thirteen Wayne Community School families received Christmas vouchers and eight Head-start families received Christmas Baskets. We had over 300 visits to the Food Pantry in 2020 and distributed over approximately 4,000 backpacks to the Wayne Community Schools. We are so thankful for the many donations that were made.

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 H.

5 Terry B.

9 Jenny H.

10 Emily A.

11 Joyce V.

20 Kent P.

27 Jim P.

28 Jackie O.

31 Elaine F., Shannon P.

January 2021 – First Presbyterian Church

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
					1 New Year’s Day! (office closed) Pastor on vacation	2 Pastor on vacation
3 Pastor on vacation No worship	4 5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living	5 5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living	6 5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living	7 5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living	8 5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living	9
10 Communion	11	12 Annual reports due	13	14	15	16 9:00-12:30 Session Retreat
17	18 Homestead Presbytery Conversation	19	20	21	22	23
24 Annual Congregational Meeting	25	26	27	28	29	30
31

Contact Information:

First Presbyterian Church

216 W. Third Street

Wayne NE 68787

FPC Office & Wayne Food Pantry:

402-375-2669

fpcwayne@gmail.com

Tuesday – Friday, 9am – 12 noon

Websites:

Church: https://fpcwayne.com/

Wayne Food Pantry: https://fpcwayne.com/food-pantry/

Wayne Coat Closet:

Wayne Coat Closet

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

First Presbyterian Church – Wayne, Nebraska

Wayne Food Pantry – Wayne, Nebraska

Wayne Coat Closet – First Presbyterian Church

Pastor Teresa Bartlett

402-375-2669 (office)

319-795-2911 (cell)

Presbytidings – December 2020

Posted on December 4, 2020 by First Presbyterian Church of Wayne, Nebraska

Presbytidings –

December 2020

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.

From the Pastor….

The Cross in the Manger

If there is no cross in the manger,
     there is no Christmas.
If the Babe doesn’t become the Adult,
     there is no Bethlehem star.
If there is no commitment in us,
     there are no Wise Men searching.
If we offer no cup of cold water,
     there is no gold, no frankincense, no myrrh.
If there is no praising God’s name,
    there are no angels singing.
If there is no spirit of alleluia,
    there are no shepherds watching.
If there is no standing up, no speaking out, no risk,
      there is no Herod, no flight into Egypt.
If there is no room in our inn,
      then “Merry Christmas” mocks the Christ Child,
      and the Holy Family is just a holiday card,
      and God will loathe our feast and festivals.
For if there is no reconciliation,
      we cannot call Christ “The Prince of Peace.”
If there is no goodwill toward others,
      it can all be packed away in boxes for another year.
If there is no forgiveness in us,
       there is no cause for celebration.
If we cannot go now even unto Golgotha,
      there is no Christmas in us.
If Christmas is not now,
       if Christ is not born into the everyday present,
       then what is all the noise about?

“The Cross in the Manger” by Ann Weems from her collection of poems, Kneeling in Bethlehem.

This powerful poem puts Christmas into the proper perspective. We can get caught up in all of the activities and emotions of the Christmas season, shopping, decorating our homes and the perfect tree, baking, spending time with family, watching our favorite Christmas movies. Whatever our family practices and traditions they aren’t the core of Christmas, Jesus is. The poet’s words challenge us to remember that Christmas, the birth of Christ was just the beginning, we must see the full spectrum of Jesus’ life and ministry. God sent Jesus into the world to take upon himself our sin, thinking lovingly of each and every individual living at that time and yet to be born, which includes you and me. Jesus didn’t remain an infant, he grew into a man and took on the ministry God had sent him to do. That ministry revealed God’s love and faithfulness, also the tension between fear and hope, joy and sorrow, risk and reward. Jesus came for sinful humanity, and yet many did not recognize him as God’s son. Remember the manager which received the Christ child and the Cross where he breathed his last were made by human hands and yet Christ gave himself up for each of us. Christmas is about a Savior who entered the world to save us all, think about that as you celebrate this year.

Merry Christmas,

Pastor Teresa

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE: December 24^th, 7:00 pm

The Session decided that FPC will not have an in-person Christmas Eve service this year. We all know how different church seems without singing and Christmas Eve would be especially hard without singing our favorite hymns. The Session decided to go with a Zoom service of Lessons and Carols, which will allow each household to sing out at home safely with their family. You are encouraged to have an Advent wreath or candles set up in your home and to participate with the lighting of the candles at church. In addition, have your lights low in your home and join in the candlelight portion of the service passing the light from family member to family member. You might even consider projecting the service from your computer to your TV so you can see others participating in the service. It will not be the same as gathering together in the sanctuary, but we will remember and mark the night of Christ’s birth together in a unique way. The service will begin at 7:00 p.m. (you can sign in beginning at 6:45pm). The service will be recorded and posted on our You Tube and Facebook pages. You are free to share the worship invitation with your family members. The bulletin will be emailed in advance with the words to the hymns so you can print as many copies as you need. This is not a traditional service but 2020 has been unique in so many ways. The Session & Pastor Teresa hope you will be blessed as we celebrate Christ’s birth.

COMMUNION

We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper on December 6^th with Kent Pulfer as the communion elder. Communion in January will be on the 10^th.

ADVENT CANDLE LIGHTING 2020

During this Advent season some are gathered for worship at home. Those at home are invited to prepare a space for an advent wreath, or at least 4 candles and join each week in the candle lighting during worship. You can use the traditional colors of 3 purple and one 1 pink or shades of blue. Any color of candles will work to join in marking the passing of the weeks. Thank you to the following who will be assisting with Advent Candlelighting:

November 29^th Candle of Hope: Phil & Jean Griess

December 6^th Candle of Love: The Peitz Family

December 13^th Candle of Peace: The McCorkindale Family

December 20^th Candle of Joy: The Ras Family

December 24^th Christ Candle: Pastor Teresa

ADVENT DEVOTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Annually Presbyterians Today offer an Advent devotional in its November/December edition. This year the Advent and Christmas devotional is on-line at Presbyterian Mission Agency Advent and Christmas Devotional 2020 / Presbyterians Today / Presbyterian Mission Agency

This year’s devotional is based on the poem “I will Light Candles This Christmas” by Howard Thurman.

I Will Light Candles This Christmas

By Howard Thurman
I will light candles this Christmas,
Candles of joy despite all the sadness,
Candles of hope where despair keeps watch,
Candles of courage for fears ever present,
Candles of peace for tempest-tossed days,
Candles of grace to ease heavy burdens,
Candles of love to inspire all my living,
Candles that will burn all year long.

Each week’s Advent and Christmas theme will be a stanza from Thurman’s poem, followed by a reading from Scripture, a short meditation and closing prayer. At the start of each week will be a reflection question and you are invited to light a candle (or play the video of the candle provided) and ponder more deeply that week’s theme.

Throughout the seasons of Advent and Christmas you are invited to submit pictures of the candles you are lighting — actual wax candles or photos of the “flames,” the little actions done by your hands — that are lighting your community with love. These pictures will be posted on Presbyterians Today’s social media sites such as Facebook.

In addition other on line Advent devotionals include Biola University’s Center for Christianity, Culture and the Arts which hosts an Advent devotional which features music and art at http://ccca.biola.edu/advent/2020/

Another Advent and Christmas series can be found on d365.org This year’s devotional is entitled – “Following the Star,” the music with these devotions is always wonderful.

You are encouraged to look at these options for your Advent devotions.

Alternative Gift Giving Ideas

Filling the Manger

Last summer this congregation responded with generosity to our Chickens Around the World Project which was linked to Wayne’s Chicken Days Celebration. FPC exceeded the goal of $100.00 for 4 flocks of chickens and gave a total of $650.00 or 26 flocks of chickens.

For some that may have been your introduction to the Presbyterian Giving Catalog. The Giving Catalog is a part of the Presbyterian Mission Agency and allows individuals or congregations purchase or give toward a variety of projects that help people in the developing world. You can choose projects related to water, agricultural, people, a variety of aid kits as well as livestock. You are encouraged this year to give a gift through the Presbyterian Giving catalog. You can participate with FPC as we seek to “Fill the Manger” by donating for the purchase of an animal to help a family in a third world country. If you have someone who is hard to buy for consider buying a piglet ($40.00), a flock of chickens ($25.00), a pair of goats ($178.00) or a portion of a cow ($50.00-$450.00). You can read more about these items at Presbyterian Online Giving Catalog (pcusa.org) or pick-up at catalog in Fellowship Hall.

This is one way we can live into our pledge to be a Matthew 25 congregation. We are reminded that whenever we care for those in need, we are caring for our Lord, Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:31-46).

If you or your family make a gift of one or more of these critters, let Pastor Teresa know what animal and she will add to our “virtual manger” the animals the congregation has gifted. For more detailed information you can go to Presbyterian Online Giving Catalog (pcusa.org)

You might consider a gift to Filling the Manger in memory or honor of your loved one instead of purchasing a poinsettia this year. We will recognize your gift in our Christmas Eve bulletin.

MITTEN TREE

The Deacons request your help in decorating our virtual mitten tree this holiday season with gloves, hats, scarves and mittens. The tree will be in Fellowship Hall in December.

WAYNE FOOD PANTRY

We are expecting a very busy holiday season at the Food Pantry. With gifts from the community we were able to provide nine baskets to Wayne Community School families and eight Head-Start families at Thanksgiving, and we hope to provide about the same number this Christmastime. We will also be distributing nearly 150 bags with peanut butter, jelly & a loaf of bread to the children on the Wayne Schools Backpack Program. Please consider donating to the Food Pantry. 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.

ALTERNATIVE GIFT GIVING IDEAS TO SPREAD CHRISTMAS CHEER

Local Gifts for Kids: Help area children have a Merry Christmas through the Gifts for Kids program. Select a tag from the Gifts for Kids tree at Bomgaars. There are a variety of ages of children and requests. Once you’ve selected a tag(s), leave the bottom of the tag with a cashier. Shop for the items and return the unwrapped gifts with the tag to Bomgaars before December 20^th.
Here are some Web sites that will inspire you to give gifts that will make a real difference in people’s lives:

www.worldvision.org

www.samaritanspurse.org

www.compassion.com

www.churchworldservice.org

www.mbfoundation.org

www.heifer.org

calvincrest@calvincrest.org

specialofferings.pcusa.org/christmasjoy.html

presbyteriangifts.org

The Wayne Coat Closet

The Wayne Food Pantry

The Nativity Escape Room: An Advent Activity

Can You Solve the Mysteries of the BIRTH OF JESUS

A popular current recreational activity is “escape rooms” which require a variety of problem-solving skills to resolve and get out of a virtual room. Escape room activities challenge several skills in individuals and teams. If this type of activity intrigues you are invited to try The Nativity Escape Room. The activity includes a combination of ciphers, Morse code, cryptograms and other puzzles which require critical thinking. The activity is based on the nativity of Jesus Christ. The objective of the Nativity Escape Room is to read and solve the 4 mysteries of the Nativity, complete the final challenge to earn a key, representative of the Keys to the Kingdom. There are four mysteries which give you biblical background, there is a code to break and a question to answer before you move onto the next mystery. Each code you crack will reveal facts about the story of Christ’s birth. You must complete all the mysteries to get the final code. While this material was designed for youth, it could be fun for individuals of any age, as activity with your children and grandchildren or team of friends. You have an hour to complete all four mysteries, you are on your honor about staying in the time limit!!

If you are interested in trying The Nativity Escape room, contact Pastor Teresa via email or text. You will be mailed two envelopes, one will be labeled 4 Mysteries of the Nativity and should be opened first the second envelope should be opened only after you have completed the 4 Mysteries and cracked the code. If you correctly solve the mysteries and crack the code take a photo of yourself, team or family with your key and post it on our FPC Facebook page. You are encouraged to challenge yourself and your family this advent season with The Nativity Escape Room.

CHRISTMAS JOY OFFERING

The Christmas Joy Offering has been a cherished Presbyterian tradition since the 1930s. The Offering distributes gifts equally to the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions and to Presbyterian-related schools and colleges equipping communities of color. The Assistance Program provides critical financial support to church workers and their families. Presbyterian-related schools and colleges provide education and leadership development while nurturing racial and ethnic heritage. This has been a Presbyterian commitment for nearly 140 years. We will receive the Christmas Joy offering on Sunday, December 20^th, however you may make your gift any time before December 27^th. Please note on your check or offering envelope that the gift is for the Christmas Joy offering.

COMMUNITY CAROLING ON WHEELS: Sunday, December 20th

Because of COVID, we are not able to do many of the things we are used to doing during the Christmas Season. Pastor Nick Baker of Wayne First United Methodist Church has proposed a Community Christmas Caroling event. In co-ordination with KTCH, the songs of the season will be played on the radio so that the Wayne Community can tune in and sing along. Watch the bulletin for more details.

Members of Wayne First UMC and Carroll UMC plan to gather in their cars to sing (perhaps in the Ameritas Lot, or the old bank lot where the big Christmas tree is). Participants are encouraged to decorate their cars, bring hot chocolate, etc. Everyone will stay in their cars, but it’s a chance to “carol together”. The thought is that even though we can’t be “together” as we want, the entire community can be connected in one spirit as they sing from their homes, cars, wherever!

PASTOR’S VACATION & STUDY LEAVE

Pastor will be on vacation December 25^th, 2020 – January 8^th, 2021.
Lay speaker Dave Fritz will be leading worship service on Sunday, December 27, 2020. There will be no ZOOM component.
No service will be held of Sunday, January 3, 2020. (Communion will be held on January 10^th.)
If you have a pastoral need while Pastor Teresa is away, please contact the office at (402)375-2669 or fpcwayne@gmail.com

HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS

Monday, 12/21/2020, through Thursday, 12/24/2020, open 9am – 1pm
Monday, 12/28/2020 through Friday, January 1, 2021, closed

STEWARDSHIP TEAM REPORT

The results of the 2021 stewardship campaign as of November 30th are as follows:

61 letters and pledge forms were sent out, (this represents “giving units” which may be a couple or an individual or friend, not total number of members.
28 pledge forms have been returned, the total pledged is $76,453.70.

The Stewardship Team recognizes that some people like making a pledge while others who give prefer not to pledge but still give faithfully, either manner is faithful. The financial support of the congregation is necessary for the ongoing ministry of this congregation.

TAX REMINDER

All donations for the 2020 calendar year need to be to Anita Fuelberth no later than Tuesday, December 31, 2020 for tax purposes.

SESSION

The Session will not meet in December. They will gather for a retreat January 16^th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Snow date for the retreat is January 23^rd.
2020 Session members & Deacons are reminded to compile a summary report for your area which will need to be sent to the office by Sunday, January 10th. Thank you!

FPC ANNUAL MEETING

Our annual congregational meeting will be after worship on Sunday, January 24^th. If you are responsible for a particular ministry (e.g., music, nominating, church school, property), please submit a brief report to the church office (fpcwayne@gmail.com) by Sunday, January 10^th.

PMC ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING REMEMBRANCE SERVICE

Providence Medical Center is hosting their annual Tree Lighting Remembrance Service in a virtual rather than in-person format this year. The service will be available to be viewed on the PMC website (www.providencemedical.com) and the PMC Facebook from December 6-31. We’ll also have personalized snowflakes on the tree which will later be mailed to all our bereaved families. Although we wish we could gather in person, we hope this will still be a meaningful service to remember those we miss and grieve at this Christmastime.

THANK YOU!

Our thanks to our session members for decorating the sanctuary this Christmas season.

DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS

5 Tiffanny H.

7 Candyce P.

14 Randy D.

18 Beau B.

22 Nina H.

(Would you like to see your birthday listed here?

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

December 2020 – First Presbyterian Church

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
Each Sunday Morning Worship at 10am	*5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living	1 *5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living	2 *5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living	3 *5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living	4 *5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living	5 *5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living
6 Communion	7	8	9	10 10am Pastor at Salvation Army Meeting	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18	19
20 Christmas Joy Offering	21 Church Office open	22 Church Office open	23 Church Office open	24 7:00pm Zoom Candlelight Christmas Eve Service	25 Pastor on vacation Church Office closed	26
27 Worship with Dave Fritz	28 Pastor on vacation Church Office closed	29 Pastor on vacation Church Office closed	30 Pastor on vacation Church Office closed	31 Pastor on vacation Church Office closed	1 Pastor on vacation Church Office closed	2 Pastor on vacation

LOOKING FORWARD TO 2021

Worship with Communion will be held Sunday, January 10, 2021.
The Session will gather for a retreat on Saturday, January 16^th from 9am-noon.
The FPC Annual Meeting will be held after worship January 24, 2021.

Contact Information:

First Presbyterian Church

216 W. Third Street

Wayne NE 68787

FPC Office & Wayne Food Pantry:

402-375-2669

fpcwayne@gmail.com

Tuesday – Friday, 9am – 12 noon

Websites:

Church: https://fpcwayne.com/

Wayne Food Pantry: https://fpcwayne.com/food-pantry/

Wayne Coat Closet: https://fpcwayne.com/wayne-coat-closet/

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

First Presbyterian Church – Wayne, Nebraska

Wayne Food Pantry – Wayne, Nebraska

Wayne Coat Closet – First Presbyterian Church

Pastor Teresa Bartlett

402-375-2669 (office)

319-795-2911 (cell)

Presbytidings – November 2020

Posted on November 6, 2020 by First Presbyterian Church of Wayne, Nebraska

Presbytidings – November 2020

The Newsletter of First Presbyterian Church

216 West Third Street, Wayne, Nebraska 68787

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

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

From the Pastor….

For some reason Ecclesiastes 3, the familiar “…there is a time for everything…” passage, came to mind this morning. The Biblical text was inspired by God and is attributed to King Solomon. The truth of this scriptural passage is reflected in the world around us in nature as each season brings change. As the days cool the leaves turn colorful and crops ripen ready for harvest, the fall season is followed with the cold and snow of winter, which then turns to spring, bringing flowers and then summer’s growth. The Ecclesiastes passage reminds us of the changing seasons of our lives, which contain good and bad, joy and sorrow, building up and tearing down, life and death.

Do you remember Pete Seeger’s 1950’s hit, “Turn! Turn! Turn,” also known as “For Everything There Is a Season”? You can refresh your memory with this video – https://youtu.be/2zx6j4vI8lE. The song is notable for being one of the few that has a large sequence of Biblical text set to music.^[*] The words of the title “Turn, Turn, Turn” are used throughout the song as a kind of bridge, most of the lyrics are adapted word for word from the King James version of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, however Seeger did rearrange the sequence of the words for his popular song,

The Seeger’s song was released during the years of strife from the Vietnam War, a time when fatigue and anger with our country’s involvement in Vietnam had caused deep divisions in our country. At the end of verse four, Seeger added the following words in closing, “a time for peace, I swear it’s not too late.” The call for peace struck a chord with the American people and the desire to see the war come to an end.

As a country we are again in a time of division and polarization on many levels, economic, racial, and political. I write this on November 3^rd as Americans go to polling places to cast their votes for leaders in their communities and the country. We are fortunate to be able to participate in the selection of our leaders, however; seldom is everyone happy with the results of an election. It will be true this year as in many other years that some will be elated with election outcomes; others will not be happy.

Another area where we are polarized is regarding COVID 19. COVID has had a variety of impacts in each of our lives the effects of the virus extend beyond people in our community to the world. This season of virus is not one we would have chosen but we can trust that in time we will move into a new season, a season when there will be a better understanding of the virus and a vaccine to slow the spread and we can resume more normal activities. In this season I hear many stories of broken relationships because of views about the virus or politics. In this time of challenge Seeger’s words speak again, reminding us that it is not too late to work for peace and reconciliation. 1 John 4:19-21 sets the expectation for Christians in community, “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.” In God’s wisdom and creativity, we each reflect the image of God and are called to honor, love and care for each other. As King Solomon wrote “…there is a season for everything” the coming days and even years will be the season for loving one another.

We don’t have to all think alike. Problems may often have more than one solution, we can only solve those problems whether in the church or our country by respecting each other, listening to one another and working together. As Christians we should be involved with planting seeds of co-operation and peace, working to mend torn relationships, gathering and building each other up rather than tearing each other down. We have faced challenging seasons before, this season will not be the last. Let us resolve to work together to usher in a new season of purpose and peace.

Blessings,

Pastor Teresa

STEWARDSHIP REMINDER

Members and friends of the congregation should have received a year to date statement of giving for 2020 and a 2021 intention of giving form. If you did not receive this information please contact Anita Fuelberth.

You are asked to prayerfully review your information and return the intention of giving form to Anita Fuelberth right away. You can mail the form to Anita or drop your envelope in the container at church. This information is helpful to the Session in planning for 2021. Thank You for your support and dedication to FPC.

DID YOU KNOW?

Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) have become a great way for people 70½ or older to take all or part of their Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from their Traditional IRA. The recent tax code changed the standard deduction for those over 65 to $26,600 for married filing jointly or $13,600 for single filers. Thus for many of us our church pledges will no longer be included in an itemized deduction. However, by making all or part of our pledge a Qualified Charitable Distribution directly from the IRA custodian or trustee to the church the distribution will not be included as taxable income to the IRA owner. Qualified Charitable Distributions can also exceed one’s specific RMD amount and still not be taxed.

While Qualified Charitable Distributions are not complex there are certain requirements and steps that should be followed so check with your tax professional.

-Ken Marra, Financial Advisor (Edward Jones)

COMMUNION

We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper on November 8^th with Shari Dunklau as the communion elder.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

The Session has called a congregational meeting for November 22^nd following worship. At the meeting we will elect a new class of deacons and elders?, receive the budget and approve the terms of call for the pastor in 2021. The snow date will be December 6^th.

WORSHIPPING DURING COVID

FPC returned to worship in the sanctuary August 9th. We are doing a blended service with folks in the sanctuary and others joining us via Zoom. The transition hasn’t been without its challenges.

It is wonderful to sit in our beautiful sanctuary and hear Jane play the prelude and hymns. However, I know acutely that changes to the service which include wearing masks, spacing, lack of singing, every other pew seating and changes to the offering and communion and the lack of Fellowship time following worship seem very strange. These measures are encouraged by the Health Department and have been agreed to and implemented by the Session to keep participants healthy especially as cases of COVID rise in our county.

While it would be great to have everyone gather in the sanctuary again each person must make their own determination if they feel comfortable returning to in person worship. Everyone’s participation in whatever form is appreciated.

Along with each of you I look forward to the day when we no longer must wear masks when we can sing out loudly, shake hands and give high fives. We don’t know when that day will be, until then let us continue to be vigilant with our practices and give thanks for the ability to gather. We will continue to pray for a vaccine and treatment for this virus which has taken so many lives in our country. I hope to see many more of your faces in person before long.

Pastor Teresa

“INTO THE LIGHT: FINDING HOPE THROUGH PRAYERS OF LAMENT” PW 2020-2021 BIBLE STUDY

The 2020–2021 PW/Horizons Bible Study is “Into The Light; Finding Hope Through Prayers of Lament.” This nine-lesson study, by author Lynn Miller revives lament as a proper theological response to the difficult situations of our world. One of the foundational points of the study is that, in scripture, lament usually leads to hope. After crying out to God, the one who laments remembers God. And while that doesn’t fix things in the moment—the injustice, the loss still exists—the lamenter is strengthened to face the world and to hope. And for us as Christians, hope is not just an emotional response or an attitude of pie in the sky. Hope implies movement: both God’s inherent movement toward justice and our movement toward God. Recovering lament may be one of the church’s most timely gifts to the world.”

You can learn more about the Bible Study at https://www.presbyterianwomen.org/bible-study/

The Bible study is available for $10.00 plus shipping. You can purchase on line at www.presbyterianwomen.org/shop or call 800/533-4371, Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM EST.

PRAYER FOR VETERANS DAY

God of peace, we pray for those who have served our nation,
who laid down their lives to protect and defend our freedom…

We pray for those who have fought, whose spirits and bodies are scarred by war
and whose nights are haunted by memories too painful for the light of day…

We pray for those who serve us now, especially for those in harm’s way:
shield them from danger and bring them home,
soon…

Turn the hearts and minds of our leaders and our enemies
to the work of justice and a harvest of peace…

Spare the poor, Lord, spare the poor!

May the peace you left us, the peace you gave us,
be the peace that sustains, the peace that saves us.

Christ Jesus, hear us! Lord Jesus, hear our prayer!

Amen.

From – ConcordPastor.blogspot.com

HOMESTEAD PRESBYTERY

Our presbytery will meet via Zoom on November 12^th at 10:00am. John Fuelberth & Pastor Teresa will attend.

To Give Thanks…

is to remember how it feels

to experience belonging, to look long

around a laden table and be glad to claim

a place among that gathered company.

To give thanks is to remember

what has been-time’s bewildering recital-

and, despite so much, to look ahead

with undiminished hope.

To give thanks is to recall with heartache

all those absent from the assembled,

the dear departed, those, too,

who never made it in the first place,

due to loss, or want, foul fortune, being born

at the wrong place, at the wrong time.

To give thanks takes all that we have been,

all that we are and yet might be, and shapes it new

around a fuller, richer, broader future feast.

J. Barrie Shepherd

THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY

The church office will be open on Monday, November 23^rd from 9-noon and will be closed Thursday & Friday, November 26^th & 27^th for the Thanksgiving holiday.

SESSION

The Session will gather on Monday, November 23^rd at 6:30pm to prepare the sanctuary for the Advent and Christmas Season. The meeting will begin at 7:00pm in Fellowship Hall.

MITTEN TREE

The Deacons request your help in decorating our annual mitten tree this holiday season with gloves, hats, scarves and mittens. The tree will be in Fellowship Hall in December.

First Presbyterian Church Modifies Wayne Coat Closet Procedures

The First Presbyterian Church Coat Closet supplies an important need in Wayne and surrounding communities by offering a variety of children’s, men’s and women’s coats and a limited number of winter accessories such as hats, gloves, snow pants and boots. FPC Deacons operate the Coat Closet and appreciate the support of the community in this outreach.

As with many areas of our lives COVID has caused significant changes, the same is true with the operations of the FPC Coat Closet. Beginning on November 1^st the Coat Closet will be operating on an appointment only system. Persons who need coats are encouraged to call the church office and an order form will be completed over the phone. Clients are asked to have the gender and the size of the requested coats available to give the volunteer. Color preferences may be shared but cannot be guaranteed. A volunteer will look through the Coat Closet inventory and determine if the requested coats are available and an appointment for the client to come to the church and pick up the coats will be arranged. These changes are in response to COVID to protect clients and customers as well as volunteers who work in the Wayne Food Pantry and the Coat Closet as they share space at 1^st Presbyterian. Similar procedures have been put in place with the Wayne Food Pantry.

The Coat Closet needs boys and girls coats this year especially sizes 5 to 18. Gloves, mittens, hats, and scarves are always appreciated. Donations of clean coats in good condition of all sizes can be dropped off at the church, Tuesday through Friday between 9 a.m. and Noon. Please call ahead or knock when you arrive to pick up coats or leave a donation. There will not be a drop box at the public library this year. If you need additional information, contact the church office at 402.375.2669.

SALVATION ARMY BELL RINGERS NEEDED

The Wayne Extension Unit of the Salvation Army will be conducting its Annual Bell Ringing Campaign in November and December. The bell ringing campaign is the primary fundraiser for the Salvation Army in Wayne. Bell ringers are needed for 2-hour time slots on Friday or Saturday. Churches, service organizations, youth groups and others have been invited to participate in the bell ringing project.

Ninety percent (90%) of the total funds collected in the Wayne bell ringing campaign remain in the community and assist with housing, utilities, medical, transportation and other needs of families and individuals in Wayne. This year the Wayne SA Unit sponsored a back to school drive for school supplies for elementary children. The project was very successful and helped more than 100 children with backpacks and school supplies.

This year First Presbyterian is scheduled on Saturday, December 6^th from 11:00 to 1:00, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at Quality Foods. The only requirements are to be friendly and welcoming, dress warmly and smile easily and say thank-you, oh yeah, a little wrist action with a bell. We can fill shorter time slots if we get more volunteers. There will be a sign-up sheet in Fellowship Hall.

Participation in the Salvation Army bell ringing campaign is one way we can live into our commitment of being a Matthew 25 congregation; as we are reminded in Matthew 25:40; ‘… whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Please sign-up to ring the Salvation Army Bell this season. Our church is slotted for Saturday, December 6^th. From 11:00-1:00pm and 1:00-3:00pm at Quality Foods. Please contact the office to sign up.

LOOKING AHEAD TO ADVENT & CHRISTMAS

Our Christmas Eve Service will be held at 5:30pm.

Thank-you!!!

Thank-you to the Session and the congregation for the beautiful flowers and gift certificate in recognition of Pastor Appreciation month in October. Thank-you also to folks for the cards, emails and to those who left surprises on my desk. 2020 has been a particularly unusual year and I really appreciate the support of the Session and the congregation as we work through the many challenges we have encountered and continue to face.

Thank-you,

Pastor Teresa

A TIP OF THE HAT

Thank-you to the many individuals who took care of the mowing of the church lawn over the course of the last several months. Thank you also to those who planted flowers and trimmed bushes, plants and trees. Your gifts of time have made sure the church grounds were looking nice for Sunday as well as for other church and community events. Thank-you to each one who gave of their time.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Our best wishes to Joyce Voyles and to Martha Svoboda who have both recently moved to be nearer their families. Please contact the church office if you would like their addresses. Consider sending them a note to congratulate them on their new homes.

NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS

(Would you like to see your birthday listed here?

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

6 Brandon B.

10 Kevin P.

12 Ken L.

12 Mark Mc.

13 Katherine B.

14 Audrey H.

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.com; 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 2020 – First Presbyterian Church

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
1 * Set your clock back one hour * 10:00am Worship	2	3	4	5	6	7
8 10:00am Worship with Communion	9	10	11 10:00am Pastor at WACAM	12 Piano Tuning 10:00am Homestead Presbytery	13	14
15 * 10:00am Worship	16	17	18	19	20	21
22 * 10:00am Worship – Congregational Meeting after Worship	23 9am-12pm Office open 6:30pm Session Meeting	24	25	26 Thanksgiving Day Office Closed	27 Office closed	28
29 * 10:00am Worship	30 5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living	1 5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living	2 5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living	3 5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living	4 5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living	5

Contact Information:

First Presbyterian Church

216 W. Third Street

Wayne NE 68787

FPC Office/Wayne Food Pantry/Coat Closet

402-375-2669

fpcwayne@gmail.com

Tuesday – Friday, 9am – 12 noon

Pastor Teresa Bartlett

402-375-2669 (office)

319-795-2911 (cell)

Websites:

Church: https://fpcwayne.com/

Wayne Food Pantry: https://fpcwayne.com/food-pantry/

Wayne Coat Closet:

Wayne Coat Closet

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

First Presbyterian Church – Wayne, Nebraska

Wayne Food Pantry – Wayne, Nebraska

Wayne Coat Closet – First Presbyterian Church

[*] http://singingthesonginmyheart.com/turn-turn-turn/ Accessed 11/3/2020

Presbytidings – October 2020

Posted on October 2, 2020 by First Presbyterian Church of Wayne, Nebraska

Presbytidings – October 2020

The Newsletter of First Presbyterian Church

216 West Third Street, Wayne, Nebraska 68787

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

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

From the Pastor……

The maple tree down the street from my house is putting on quite a show with its colorful orange foliage. The tree is consistently the first in the neighborhood to color and drop its leaves, marking the change from summer to fall. In a year filled with uncertainly and change it was wonderful to see something so normal and I especially appreciated its consistency and beauty this year.

Since March many of the markers of times and seasons such as proms, graduations, camps, visiting family, worship and even vacations have been upended by COVID 19. We lament the changes in our lives, events that haven’t happened, changes in how we socialize with each other and even how we worship. It’s not been easy to change our patterns and habits, learning to be cautious about a virus we can’t see but which can be deadly. We lament the irregularity of our lives the constant shifting and adapting, we desperately want to get back to normal. In many ways we can identify with the author of Psalm 13 who wrote.

¹How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?
    How long will you hide your face from me?
²How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
    and day after day have sorrow in my heart?
    How long will my enemy triumph over me?

³Look on me and answer, Lord my God.
Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death,
⁴and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,”
and my foes will rejoice when I fall.

⁵But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
⁶I will sing the Lord’s praise,
for he has been good to me.

Yes, we wrestle with our thoughts and grieve the changes in our lives, and we may even feel we’ve been abandoned by God. Frustrated as we are that we must curtail hugging and handshakes, wear masks and social distance, worship without singing, God has not abandoned us. Like the psalmist we need to reflect and remember God’s presence with us. We need to trust in God’s unfailing love and promise of salvation. Remember God’s love and blessings during other hardships and dark times because it’s often not until we reflect on those challenges that we can discern God’s presence with us.

Unlike the summer season, this season of pandemic is not yet over. We pray for the success of scientists and researchers for a vaccine and drugs to treat people. So, we wait, not without hope, remembering that even in times when we are frustrated that we are not left alone. A good verse to memorize or put on the fridge in these days might be Deuteronomy 31:8, The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” In a year of remarkable change put your faith in the one who is unchangeable and eternally faithful, our Triune God.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Teresa

HOMESTEAD PW ZOOM FALL GATHERING: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2020

Fill your favorite tea cup and join us on October 3^rdfor a morning shared with your PW sisters. We will have an informal chat from 8:30 – 9:00 then start the program at 9:00am. We should be done before we all need lunch around 11:00.

Homestead Presbytery is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Presbyterian Women Fall Gathering
Time: Oct 3, 2020 08:30 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89862558648?pwd=SmQvcHJhcE5BNWlwZndKaHhmRVpKQT09
Meeting ID: 898 6255 8648
Passcode: 959683
One tap mobile
Dial by your location

+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Meeting ID: 898 6255 8648
Passcode: 959683
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbExJmXF8R

“INTO THE LIGHT: FINDING HOPE THROUGH PRAYERS OF LAMENT” PW 2020-2021 BIBLE STUDY

You can learn more about the Bible Study at https://www.presbyterianwomen.org/bible-study/

The Bible study is available for $10.00 plus shipping. You can purchase on line at www.presbyterianwomen.org/shop or call 800/533-4371, Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM EST.

WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4^th

We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper together on Sunday, October 4. 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, around the world. The communion elder is Jean Griess.

STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN – OCTOBER 18-November 2, 2020

FPC Stewardship’s Campaign will begin October 18^th and run through November 2^nd. During this time you will receive a mailing from the financial secretary and the Session. It is hoped that you will reflect on the information you receive and consider prayerfully your continued support of First Presbyterian Church. In this most unusual year with many twists and turns we continue to be the church, meeting together in new ways and serving the community through the Food Pantry. Your support financially and with your presence and encouragement to our Deacons and Elders and staff are particularly important at this time.

PASTOR BARTLETT OUT AT PASTORAL LEADERSHIP REVITALIZATION PROGRAM

The Pastoral Leadership Revitalization (PLR) program, made possible by a three-year grant, directed by the Omaha Seminary Foundation has begun. The program seeks to help pastors find a balance between personal and profession life as well as offers support in ministry. The PLR program focuses on first call pastors and those in small and rural settings. Pastors from the presbyteries of Central Nebraska, Missouri River Valley, Missouri Union and Homestead Presbytery have been invited to participate in the 3-year program. Pastor Bartlett was invited by the Homestead Interim Executive, Stephen Earl, to apply for Pastoral Leadership Revitalization Program and was accepted.

Each participant is assigned a coaching mentor which is a hybrid of a coach and a mentor, who will meet with participants in person or electronically monthly. In addition to regular interaction with a coaching mentor the program includes a variety of retreats. There is no expense to the churches, pastors or presbyteries as all expenses are covered by the grant from the Lily Foundation. The next retreat for Pastor Teresa is October 12th-15th, 2020. Sessions and congregations are encouraged to support their pastors participating in the program.

FALL DECORATING

If you would like to provide pumpkins, gourds or other fall decorations (artificial or real) to use in decorating the sanctuary, please bring those items to church by October 6^th and leave them in Fellowship Hall or with Pastor Teresa.

PASTORAL COMMUNITY OUTREACH SERVICES

Pastor Teresa will lead pastoral outreach services at the following locations throughout October:

WORD IN FAITH Pastor’s article for the Wayne Herald will appear in the newspaper on October 22^nd.
RADIO DEVOTIONS Pastor Teresa will be giving devotions on 104.9 Big Red Country KTCH the week of October 19^th – 23^rd at 5:40am.

SESSION

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

LECTORS & GREETERS NEEDED!

As with many things COVID has upset our regular schedule of lectors and greeters. We need volunteers to fill in these positions. You can lector via Zoom if you choose to however, we need in person greeters. Please consider if you can assist in either of these roles and contact Jenny to volunteer. Thanks for your assistance.

LIFE CHAIN IN WAYNE

The National Life Chain was started in 1987 by a small Pro-life ministry called Please Let Me Live. Every first Sunday of October, Life Chain invites various churches and congregations across the U.S. and Canada to stand on designated sidewalks for an hour to pray and be a witness for the defenseless unborn. Here, in Wayne, we gather at 2:30 p.m. on the northeast corner of 7th & Main Sts. to pick up signs and then fan out on the sidewalks to form a cross. No need to wear a mask while standing & praying; we will be 20′ apart. Bring a lawn chair if you need to and bringing a friend is great, too!

Wayne Food Pantry, School Backpack Program Benefit From Runza Feeds The Need Fundraiser

BY Aaron Scheffler, KTCH/KCTY, | September 25, 2020

WAYNE – The Third annual Runza Feeds the Need Fundraiser was held Tuesday, September 22, 2020 where 10% of sales were donated to local pogroms focusing on youth hunger & food insecurity. Locally, the Wayne Food Pantry and School Backpack Program will receive $354.09 from this fundraiser.

The food pantry is a nondenominational group of volunteers and it’s housed in the basement of the First Presbyterian Church located at 216 West 3^rd Street. Jodi Pulfer is a volunteer at the food pantry. She stated the group is completely community funded. “We want to thank the community because we’re 100% sponsored by the community,” said Pulfer. “We receive no grants or outside funding. Everything we that have comes from the local community’s donations.”

The goal of the food pantry is to help individuals and families through rough spots in their lives by supplying them with approximately a month’s supply of food. Last year, the Wayne Food Pantry served nearly 1,200 people and 307 households. As of Tuesday, September 22 the group has served 600 people and 161 households in 2020. The pantry may be used up to three times per year by a client.

The Wayne County Food Pantry also helps the Wayne Community Schools deliver Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets of food.

The Wayne County Backpack Program began in April of 2013 to assist families whose children may experience food scarcity on the weekends or may have children home alone. “We accept donations of any single serve items,” Pulfer added. “They cannot be homemade prepared. They must be something that small child can eat on their own.” From late August through late September, the distribution of backpacks has grown from 59 to 143. Sites being delivered to include the Early Learning Center, Elementary, Junior High, High School, St. Mary’s and Tower School. Letters were sent to families of the Wayne Community Schools school system inviting them to participate. The program, which is completely sponsored by the donations to the Wayne County Food Pantry that are specific to the Backpack Program, provides a weekend supply of nutritious food for children when school lunch and breakfast is unavailable on a weekend.

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME

Daylight Saving Time will end on Sunday, November 1, 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!

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 J.

8 John F.

10 Brook B.

18 Ron C.

20 Braydn Mc.

21 Rob S.

GET OUR NEWSLETTER BY E-MAIL

October 2020 – First Presbyterian Church

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
Sunday Morning Worship 10:00am				1	2	3 8:30am PW Fall Gathering via Zoom
4 World Communion Day (Communion Elder – tba)	5	6	7	8 10:00am Salvation Army Mtg.	9	10
11	12 *(Pastor out – retreat)*	13 *(Pastor out – retreat)*	14 *(Pastor out – retreat)*	15 *(Pastor out – retreat)*	16 4:30pm Coat Fair Set-up at High School	17 10:30am Coat Closet Coat Fair at High School
18	19 *5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living	20 *5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living	21 *5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living	22 5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living Word in Faith runs in Wayne Herald*	23 *5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living	24
25	26 7:00pm Session	27	28	29	30	31

Contact Information:

First Presbyterian Church

216 W. Third Street

Wayne NE 68787

FPC Office/Wayne Food Pantry/Coat Closet

402-375-2669

fpcwayne@gmail.com

Tuesday – Friday, 9am – 12 noon

Pastor Teresa Bartlett

402-375-2669 (office)

319-795-2911 (cell)

Websites:

Church: https://fpcwayne.com/

Wayne Food Pantry: https://fpcwayne.com/food-pantry/

Wayne Coat Closet:

Wayne Coat Closet

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

First Presbyterian Church – Wayne, Nebraska

Wayne Food Pantry – Wayne, Nebraska

Wayne Coat Closet – First Presbyterian Church

Presbytidings – September 2020

Posted on September 2, 2020 by First Presbyterian Church of Wayne, Nebraska

Presbytidings–September 2020

The Newsletter of First Presbyterian Church

216 West Third Street, Wayne, Nebraska 68787

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

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

From the Pastor…..

The weather was cool and crisp on Tuesday morning. I had my first pumpkin spice coffee of the season, it seemed like a normal, late summer day. Yet, we know it hasn’t been normal for several months. We continue in a pandemic that has touched each of our lives in one way or another. Thousands of people across the country are grieving and hurting from the loss of loved ones to COVID. We give thanks for those who have recovered from the virus and all the essential workers who have kept things moving, even if slowly. COVID isn’t all, bad news crashes on us like waves at the coast, hurricanes, fires, drought, flooding, violence in some of our cities, a contentious political season, racial tensions, unemployment and economic challenges, we wonder what is next. These are troubling days with the myriad of things happening which stir up fear, anger, perhaps even the desire to withdraw from society all together.

These are very unsettling times on so many levels and there are many things we don’t understand. When answers are hard to come by, we turn to the Scriptures where the stories of people who traversed wilderness, faced droughts and natural disasters, were enslaved, discriminated against and faced injustices are recorded. The stories should give us hope that others have encountered troubling times and God was with them. We must not turn our back on God or one another in these difficult times. There are no simple answers or fixes to the challenges we face. We must work together to defeat COVID, stamp out racism, work for justice for all people, and participate as citizens in our country’s political process by voting.

When we don’t know anything else, we can lean into what we do know, we know whose we are and who we trust, our Triune God. Our God is sovereign, creator of heaven and earth and loves us beyond our comprehension. We acknowledge that hope and peace are not rooted in this life, that Christians are not exempt from trials and tribulations. Our hope is rooted in Christ, His sacrifice for us, and the promise of being united with Him one day. No matter what happens in this earthly life in Christ we have the promise of salvation. In these difficult days do not give into fear and dismay. Look to our Triune God may God’s ever abiding love give you a sense of peace, even unexpected joy. The words of the Apostle Paul from Romans 15:13 (NIV) are my prayer for each of you; ^“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” In these challenging times with so few answers look to the one who has all the answers, our Triune God.

May faith, hope, joy, and peace be yours,

Pastor Teresa

IOWA DERECHO

On August 10, severe thunderstorms with long track damaging winds (derecho) devastated Iowa, causing widespread power outages for more than 150,000 people for several days. As many as 14 million acres of farmland were also damaged by the storm.
PDA is working with the Presbyteries of North Central Iowa, Des Moines, Prospect Hill and East Iowa to respond to this storm. National Response Team members are virtually deployed to assist with the initial response.

DEACONS MEETING

The Deacons will be meeting via Zoom and in person on September 9^th at 4:15 p.m.

COAT CLOSET CHANGES FOR FALL 2020

As with many things COVID has changed the manner of operation of the Coat Closet. The Coat Closet will remain closed to the public and will not be accepting any coat donations and will not have a drobox at the library this fall. The deacons are planning a special Coat event in October, stay tuned for details in upcoming weeks. We anticipate beginning to receive donations toward the end of October first of November and being open by appointment for those who are needing assistance.

COMMUNION

Sunday, September 13, 2020 (please note this is the second Sunday in September). Kent Pulfer, Communion Elder.
Sunday, October 4, 2020. Communion elder to be announced.

2020 HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE RECOGNITION SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER 27^th

FPC looks forward to recognizing our 2020 High School graduates; Gabriel Peitz, Madison Beair, Shea Sweetland, and Emily Armstrong during worship on Sunday, September 27^th. Hope you will join us in worship and hear of the plans of these young people and their educational goals.

SESSION

Monday, September 28, at 7:00 p.m.
Monday, October 26, at 7:00 p.m.

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN’S MATTHEW 25 PROJECT

Often the pills people receive in developing countries are wrapped in paper scraps. They have no protection from moisture or the elements. They certainly are not safely out of the reach of small children, how can you safety-proof a piece of paper! The orange pill bottles we take for granted are gratefully received in many parts of the world. The Matthew 25 folks state “Our pill bottle program fulfills the dual needs of improving medical care in developing countries and caring for our environment.” The collection of clean, empty pill bottles, with labels removed, will continue until September 20^th. There is a basket in Fellowship Hall to receive the pill bottles. The PW Leadership team will be doing a Mission Caravan to collect the pill bottles in advance of the October 3^rd Fall gathering.

HOMESTEAD PW ZOOM FALL GATHERING: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2020

Fill your favorite tea cup and join us on October 3^rdfor a morning shared with your PW sisters. We will have an informal chat from 8:30 – 9:00 then start the program at 9:00. We should be done before we all need lunch around 11:00. We encourage you to meet together at your church if you don’t have access to Zoom. A follow up email will be sent as it gets closer with the link to use for the call. For more information please call Karen Johnson.

RUNZA FEEDS THE NEED

Our local Runza Restaurant is hosting a special fund-raiser for the Wayne Food Pantry & Backpack Program on Tuesday, September 22^nd. Please support us by making plans to pick up Runza for lunch or dinner that day!

SPIRIT OF HOPE

“For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness.” Galatians 5:5 ESV

Wall Hanging created by FPC Sewing Souls & completed by special contributor Judy Lindberg.

This wall hanging was started circa 2012-2013 as a project for Sewing Souls. The idea was brought to the group by one of the ladies of the church, who had had seen similar wall hangings while visiting another church.

The group selected a pattern, fabric was purchased. The various pieces were cut, and the project begun. The design echoes a stained-glass window and in time the group decided they did not have the skills to complete the project in the manner it deserved.

In 2020, Judy Lindberg, a founding member of the FPC Sewing Souls, took it upon herself to finish the wall hanging. Using the pieces which were already cut, she completed the beautiful wall hanging.

Judy returned the wall hanging to FPC asking it to be hung in Fellowship Hall as a salute to the women and the many projects of the Sewing Souls group.

TOMATO, BASIL AND FETA SALAD

Here is a great salad recipe by Jan Liska to use up all those veggies coming out of the garden these days. Thanks Jan!

6 dices tomatoes (Romas are best)

1 small cucumber, peeled, quartered & chopped

3 chopped green onions

¼ cup fresh basil leaves, cut in thin strips

3 Tablespoons olive oil

2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar

3 Tablespoons crumbled feta cheese

Salt & Pepper to taste. Toss together in a large bowl and enjoy!

A Prayer as I put on my mask:

Creator,

As I prepare to go into the world,

Help me to see the sacrament

In the wearing of this cloth –

Let it be “an outward sign

Of an inward grace” –

A tangible and visible way of living

Love for me neighbors,

As I love myself,

Christ,

Since my lips will be covered,

Uncover my heart,

That people would see my smile

In the crinkles around my eyes.

Since my voice may be muffled,

Help me to speak clearly,

Not only with my words,

But with my actions,

Holy Spirit,

As the elastic touches my ears,

Remind me to listen carefully –

And full of care –

To all those I meet.

May this simple piece of cloth be

Shield and banner,

And each breath that it holds

Be filled with your love.

In your name and

In the name of love

I pray. May it be so, May it be so.

Author unknown.

Love one another with brotherly affection

Outdo one another in showing honor.

Romans 12:10 (ESV)

SEPTEMBER 2020 – First Presbyterian Church

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
Each Sunday Morning: Worship 10:00 in-person or via Zoom		1	2	3	4	5
6	7 Labor Day	8	9 10:30 WACAM Meeting 4:15 Deacons Meeting	10 10:00 Salvation Army Meeting	11	12
13 Communion – Kent Pulfer, elder	14	15	16	17	18	19
20	21	22 11:00 Northern Covenant Pastors Meet Runza Feeds the Need for the Wayne Food Pantry!	23	24	25	26
27 2020 High School Graduate Recognition	28 7:00 Session Meeting	29	30	1	2	3 PW Gathering

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS

6 Anita F.

8 Sharyn P.

24 Misty B.

29 Melissa U.

30 Madison B.

Contact Information:

First Presbyterian Church

216 W. Third Street

Wayne NE 68787

FPC Office & Wayne Food Pantry:

402-375-2669

fpcwayne@gmail.com

Tuesday – Friday, 9am – 12 noon

Websites:

Church: https://fpcwayne.com

Wayne Food Pantry: https://fpcwayne.com/food-pantry/

Wayne Coat Closet: https://fpcwayne.com/wayne-coat-closet/

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

First Presbyterian Church – Wayne, Nebraska

Wayne Food Pantry – Wayne, Nebraska

Wayne Coat Closet – First Presbyterian Church

Pastor Teresa Bartlett

402-375-2669 (office)

319-795-2911 (cell)

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

Presbytidings – August 2020

Posted on July 29, 2020 by First Presbyterian Church of Wayne, Nebraska

Presbytidings–August 2020

The Newsletter of First Presbyterian Church

216 West Third Street, Wayne, Nebraska 68787

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

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

From the Pastor…..

Dear First Presbyterian family,

Grace and peace to each of you. The last several months have been challenging as COVID 19 has impacted our church, community and the world. One of the great challenges for a faith community is not worshipping together. After careful consideration, the Session determined at their July 20th meeting to resume in person worship on August 9^th. I look forward to resuming in person worship and seeing the congregation gathered in the sanctuary. Each person will need to make their own decision about when they are ready to return to worship.

Your co-operation will be needed as we move into Phase Two of our three phase process, for while we are returning to the sanctuary, it will not be worship as usual. As per previous correspondence, in Phase Two we will follow CDC guidelines which includes social distancing and wearing masks. Families can sit together, but social distancing will be required between unrelated persons. As per CDC guidelines there will be no congregational singing, no passing of the peace, the offering plate will not be passed and fellowship following worship will be suspended until further notice. Entering or exiting the church you are asked to maintain social distancing and visit outside weather permitting.

Sanitation measures such as the use of hand sanitizer will be required. Additionally, to minimize high touch surfaces we will remove Bibles and hymnals and we will use alternative methods for music and bulletins. The bulletin will continue to be emailed for use with Zoom or in-person worship.

The Zoom worship option will be available for those who do not feel comfortable in returning to in person worship. In addition, the video of the service will continue to be posted on You Tube, Facebook and our webpage usually on Sunday afternoon or Monday. The link can also be emailed to those who desire it, please let Jenny or Pastor Teresa know if you want the video link. If you do not have internet access and are not yet comfortable with returning to worship, we can continue to mail a copy of the service to you.

Session members will be serving as greeters/ushers the first few weeks. The greeters and ushers will make sure that everyone uses hand sanitizer as they enter the building, assist people with being seated and record attendance. While we hope each member will wear their own mask, masks have been ordered should a member or visitor require one. If you had previously signed up as a greeter or usher, you will be contacted in advance and if not comfortable serving at this time you are free to decline.

I am sure some of these changes will be frustrating, but we cannot go back to the way things were until we can assure the safety of all. It is unknown how long we will be operating in Phase Two, the Session and I will continue to monitor CDC guidelines and trends in our area. I thank the members of the Session for their leadership and careful consideration of options for worship since COVID first interrupted our community in March.

As we resume in person worship it will look and feel different; however, when we gather to offer praise whether in a sanctuary, a living room or on a patio we are engaged in worship of our Triune God. Let us be faithful, to God and to one another as we work through the challenges of this time. May we seek to follow the words of the Apostle Paul as he wrote in his letter to the Roman church; Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. (Romans 12:12 NIV). Looking forward worshiping with you soon.

Grace and peace be with you,

Pastor Teresa

FPC ONLINE WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

FaceBook:https://www.facebook.com/fpcwayne/

YouTube: First Presbyterian Church of Wayne, Nebraska

Our web page: https://fpcwayne.com/media/

COMMUNION: Sunday, August 16, 2020.

TUESDAY ZOOM CHECK-IN

Each Tuesday morning at 10:00 a.m. we are meeting on Zoom to check-in with each other. You can stop by for a few minutes or stay longer. Topics at Tuesday check-in have ranged from golfing, to new recipes, as well as sharing favorite books and movies. The invitation goes out via email on Monday or early Tuesday morning. The main thing is a time for fellowship- remember to bring your own coffee!!! CU on Tuesday.

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN & SEWING SOULS:

Meetings are cancelled for the time being.

COMMUNITY CHAPEL SERVICES

Pastor Teresa will lead chapel services at the following locations:

WORD IN FAITH Pastor’s article will appear in the August 13, 2020 Wayne Herald.

RADIO DEVOTIONS Pastor Teresa will be giving devotions on 104.9 Big Red Country

KTCH the week of August 17^th – 21^st at 5:40am.

SESSION Meeting

Monday, August 20, at 7:00 p.m.

Looking Back …. Thank God (Him)

Looking Ahead …. Trust God (Him)

Looking Around …. Service God (Him)

Looking Up …. Expect God (Him)

Author Unknown.

OFFERING AND GIFTS

Thank-you for your continued financial support of the church during this time. Your gifts support the life and ministry of First Presbyterian Church. If you would like to simplify your life you might check at your bank for a bill pay service. This service allows you to set up reoccurring payments to businesses or the church and have the designated funds withdrawn from your account and mailed per your direction. If you find this idea worth consideration check-out your bank’s website, often you are able to set this up from your home computer. You can always call your bank for assistance. Or you can mail your offerings to Anita Fuelberth, our financial secretary or to the church (216 W. Third St., Wayne).

AUGUST 2020 FOOD PANTRY NEWS

The food pantry is continuing to serve Wayne County during the COVID 19 situation, we have already served around 130 families. The Backpack Program served approximately 3,500 food bags in the 2019/20 academic year. Please consider a donation to help our ministry to Wayne Food Pantry and Backpack Program.

SIGN-UP FOR LAWN MOWING DIGITALLY

Please check your email for the lawn mowing schedule Jenny has prepared. We will need one or two people to mow each week. If you can share in this effort, please sign up via the email document or call the church office. The current list is below:

Week of July 27, 2020	John Fuelberth
Week of August 3, 2020	Bowers Family
Week of August 10, 2020	Bowers Family
Week of August 17, 2020	Bowers Family
Week of August 24, 2020	Bowers Family
Week of September 1, 2020	McCorkindale Family
Week of September 7, 2020	McCorkindale Family
Week of September 14, 2020
Week of September 21, 2020
Week of September 28, 2020

August 2020 – First Presbyterian Church

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
Each Sunday Morning: Worship 10:00	27 Pastor on vacation	28 Pastor on vacation	29 Pastor on vacation	30 Pastor on vacation	31 Pastor on vacation	1 Pastor on vacation
2 Pastor on vacation	3 Pastor on Study Leave	4 Pastor on Study Leave	5 Pastor on Study Leave	6 Pastor on Study Leave	7	8
9	10 (Word in Faith column due)	11	12 10:30 WACAM	13 10:00 Pastor at Salvation Army Mtg. Word in Faith Column runs	14 Homestead Presbytery Prime	15 Homestead Presbytery Prime
16 Communion – Jean Griess, elder	17 5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living	18 5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living	19 5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living	20 5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living	21 5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living	22
23	24 7:00 Session	25	26	27	28	29
30

AUGUST BIRTHDAYS

2 Gordon G.

3 Ken M.

8 Nina S.

12 Alissa J.B.

20 Russ U.

27 Milton O.

30 Layne H.

SAVE THE DATE: RUNZA FEEDS THE NEED

Our local Runza Restaurant will host a special fund-raiser for the Wayne Food Pantry & Backpack Program on Tuesday, September 22^nd. Please support us by making plans to dine at Runza that day! Invite your friends!

CHRISTIAN CROSS FESTIVAL

The Christian Cross Festival may be a one day event on August 29^th this year. They have two obstacles to overcome: Covid-19 and Fundraising. They are going to make the attempt though and with God’s blessing we will have the event on Saturday August 29^th, possibly as an online event. Headliner 7eventh Time Down with Maddie Rey, My Savior Story, A Day Awaits and more TBA Check it out on Facebook at Christian Cross Festival or online at www.christiancrossfestival.org

Contact Information:

First Presbyterian Church

216 W. Third Street

Wayne NE 68787

FPC Office & Wayne Food Pantry:

402-375-2669

fpcwayne@gmail.com

Tuesday – Friday, 9am – 12 noon

Websites:

Church: https://fpcwayne.com

Wayne Food Pantry: https://fpcwayne.com/food-pantry/

Wayne Coat Closet: https://fpcwayne.com/wayne-coat-closet/

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

First Presbyterian Church – Wayne, Nebraska

Wayne Food Pantry – Wayne, Nebraska

Wayne Coat Closet – First Presbyterian Church

Pastor Teresa Bartlett

402-375-2669 (office)

319-795-2911 (cell)

GET OUR NEWSLETTER BY E-MAIL

FPC Worship Update as of 6/26/2020

Posted on July 1, 2020 by First Presbyterian Church of Wayne, Nebraska

First Presbyterian Church of Wayne

216 West Third St.,

Wayne, Nebraska 68787

June 26, 2020

Dear First Presbyterian family,

Grace and peace to each of you. I want to give you an update on resuming in person worship. I miss our time together and know that you do as well; however, these are unusual times which call for an unusual but measured response.

Considerations about resuming in person worship will always be made with an abundance of caution and concern for those most at risk and with guidance from the PC(USA), CDC guidelines and the best scientific knowledge available. Due to the nature of COVID 19 many practices done in worship such as singing, responsive reading and passing the peace increase the risk of virus transmission between participants. Numerous accounts show religious gatherings have led to community spread.

The Session determined at their June meeting it was not yet time to resume in person worship, we will remain in Phase One of our three phase process. Some of our members will find this decision a disappointment. Please realize this was not a decision taken lightly, but with the best interest of all members in mind.

In the May 29^th newsletter, a three-phase process for re-opening was outlined. FPC is currently in Phase One. I am grateful for technology such as Zoom, Facebook and You Tube which allow us to remain connected. Weekly the printed service with video links is posted to Facebook. The video of the service is posted later in the week to Facebook and the church You Tube account. Those who do not have internet access are receiving a printed copy of the service.

The learning curve for the Zoom worship format has been steep for me as well as the congregation. I appreciate the congregation’s flexibility and understanding in this time. I am pleased to report that on an average, between all the formats, we are reaching about 45 people each week, higher than our normal summer attendance. Please feel free to share the Zoom invitation to invite others to join us. We will not post the Zoom invitation on the website or Facebook as a security precaution.

If you are not getting worship, either printed or an emailed copy, please contact me as I want to make sure people have access to worship and announcements. I am happy to email a video copy of the service to all who request it if they cannot access Facebook or You Tube.

Currently, we are looking at moving into Phase Two, resuming in person worship in August. The August date will allow the pastor a time of vacation and study leave before resuming in person and online worship. The Session will make a final determination about moving into Phase Two in mid-July.

Phase Two will not be worship as usual. Worshippers will be required to follow CDC guidelines including social distancing and wearing masks. As per CDC guidelines there will be no congregational singing, no passing of the peace, the offering plate will not be passed and fellowship following worship will be suspended. Sanitation measures such as the use of hand sanitizer will be required. Additionally, to minimize high touch surfaces we will remove Bibles and hymnals and use alternative methods for music and bulletins. Online or streamed worship will be available for those who do not feel comfortable in returning to in person worship.

Phase Three may be several months in the future and would be evidenced by the lifting of most state/county restrictions while continuing safe practices we have put into place. Online or streamed worship will continue. Even in this phase there may be adjustments, for example we may have to resume wearing masks should there be a change in the public health risks, by being cautious we hope to avoid any setbacks.

These are unprecedented times, most of us will never experience anything like this again in our lives. In a most unusual way, we have been called to show love to our neighbors by keeping our distance. It is not easy and can be frustrating, but we cannot go back to the way things were until we can assure the safety of all. In the meantime, consider these words from 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV) “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” May the power of the Holy Spirit, the love of this faith community for others, as well as the display of self-discipline and patience, guide us in the days ahead.

Grace and peace be with you,

Pastor Teresa

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Romans 12:12 (NIV)

Presbytidings – Summer 2020

Posted on May 29, 2020 by First Presbyterian Church of Wayne, Nebraska

Presbytidings – Summer 2020

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.”

From the Pastor & the Session….

Grace and peace,

“When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place” (Acts 2:1). So begins the account of the gift of the Holy Spirit to the church in the book of Acts. As we approach Pentecost this year, it will not be possible for our congregation to be “all together in one place.” However, since we closed our doors in response to the public health concern, we have not stopped being the church. Yes, we yearn to be together, we miss gathering, greeting one another, and worshipping in God’s house. The congregation has been gracious and flexible adapting to all the changes which have been made in how we worship as we continue to be the church. While we have not been able to gather physically, it has been rewarding that many members and friends have contacted Jenny or Pastor Teresa via phone or email to let us know they are reading the service via the email or on Facebook. Modern technology gives us the ability to keep in touch in a variety of ways, to see one another in Zoom worship, fellowship, and meetings, it is not however, the same as being together. Technology is helping keep our circle unbroken until we can gather in-person again.

While COVID 19 is a part of our lives there are many things to take into consideration before resuming in-person worship even as many restrictions in Nebraska are being loosened. Current CDC guidance and medical information suggests gathering in a congregational setting for an hour of worship presents unique and greater risks than a quick trip to the grocery store. At the Session meeting on May 22nd it was determined that we would wait and reassess resuming public worship on June 14th. We know this decision is a disappointment to some as other congregations in our community have resumed worship, or plan to begin on Pentecost Sunday. The decision to resume public worship will be made with an abundance of caution and concern for those who are most vulnerable and with consideration of the best scientific knowledge available and with guidance from the PC(USA). The Session’s concern is for the health of all our members and friends.

Resuming in-person worship will consist of at least three phases. We are currently in Phase One; members and friends receive the order of service and Zoom meeting information via email, which all are free to share with friends or family. Members and friends that do not have access to technology or social media are mailed hardcopies of the service. Sunday mornings the pastor is managing the technology for our Zoom online service and leading worship. In the future limited access may be given to four or five people to assist with worship either as worship leaders or to assist with technology. We have recently begun recording worship and uploading it to our You Tube page (First Presbyterian Church of Wayne) so others can view worship.

During Phase One, Pastor Teresa and the Session will continue evaluating the equipment needed to be able to share worship online via You Tube or Facebook Live or similar format.

There is no firm date for moving to Phase Two, which would be resuming in-person worship. Moving into Phase Two will require an assessment of current confirmed cases of COVID 19 in Wayne and adjoining counties and if the numbers increasing or decreasing. The Session is prayerfully considering what procedures will be needed and in place before returning to in-person worship. Phase Two will require worshippers to follow CDC guidelines including social distancing and wearing masks. There will be other changes, the PC(USA) and CDC recommend that singing be suspended, no passing of the peace, the offering plate will not be passed and fellowship following worship would also be suspended. Sanitation measures will be put in place which might include removing Bibles and hymnals, we will consider what other methods might be used to provide these elements as well as an order of service. The Session also recognizes that some will want to continue to worship at home, so online or streamed worship will continue for those who feel more comfortable not attending church.

Phase Three may be several months in the future which would be evidenced by lifting most state/county restrictions while continuing safe practices. Online or streamed worship will continue. Even in this phase there may be adjustments, for example we may have to resume wearing masks should there be a change in the public health risk. Being deliberate and cautious we hope that when we get to Phase Three, we can avoid any setbacks.

We will have countless opportunities during the next several months to continue to exercise the spiritual gifts of patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control. There will surely be awkward moments and mistakes as we adjust to new protocols and practices. There will continue to be times of frustration, disappointment, and grief. Even during these changes, there are blessings, we are witnesses to the new thing God is doing, such as how this congregation has adapted to new technology for worship, Session meetings, even fellowship. Let us be faithful, to God and to one another as we work through the challenges of this time in the life of our congregation and world. Let us be guided by the Word, responsive to the Spirit, and open to the grace of God, remembering that nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Romans 12:12 (NIV)

Pastor Teresa & FPC Session

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN TO CELEBRATE COMMUNION JUNE 7^th

Sunday, June 7^th FPC will celebrate communion during our Zoom worship. Under guidance from the PC(USA) the FPC Session has authorized communion for that date. Each family is encouraged to gather the elements: bread and juice (it can be any type), and have them available. The Communion table will be set at church and we will proceed through the liturgy. The pastor will offer the words of institution after which each household will be invited to share the bread and cup with those in their household. While we will be physically separated we will be united by the Spirit in this celebration of Communion. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Pastor Teresa.

FPC YOUTUBE CHANNEL – A NEW WAY TO WORSHIP

Check out our youtube channel for worship videos at:

First Presbyterian Church of Wayne, Nebraska

TUESDAY ZOOM CHECK-IN

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN & SEWING SOULS

Both PW and Sewing Souls meetings are suspended for the time being.

SESSION

The next session meeting will be held on Monday, June 22, at 7:00 p.m.

FPC 2020 GRADUATES & SCHOLASTIC ACHIEVEMENTS

This year graduation was quite different as some ceremonies were postponed and others are happening virtually. You are encouraged to help our FPC graduates celebrate with cards or other mementos of celebration.

Our 2020 FPC high school graduates:

Gabriel Peitz – Wakefield, plans to attend Wayne State College as an RHOP major.

Shea Sweetland – Wayne, plans to attend Wayne State College in Sports Management.

Madison Beair – Wayne, plans to attend University of Nebraska Lincoln in Childhood Psychology.

Emily Armstrong – Wayne, plans to attend Wayne State College in Elementary Education.

Our FPC College Graduates:

Josephine Peitz – Wayne State College, Biology major, psychology minor. Planning for grad school.

Leigh Heese -Wayne State College, Early Education major. Teaching 3^rd grade in Schuyler, NE.

Andrew Pulfer – University of Nebraska Medical Center, assigned residency at the University of Rochester/Strong Memorial Hospital-NY, Pediatrics in Rochester, NY.

Eleanor Edwards Scholarships

The Session received three applications for the Eleanor Edwards Scholarships. Scholarships were awarded to:

Gabriel Peitz will be attending Wayne State. He has been accepted into the Rural Health Opportunities Program as a pre-medicine/chemistry major.
Shea Sweetland will be attending Wayne State with a major in Sports Management.
Madison Beair will be attending the University of Nebraska Lincoln to study psychology with the goal of a doctorate in Clinical Child Psychology.

Congratulations to each of you. When we are able to resume worship in the sanctuary the Session will determine a date for the presentation of the scholarships and honor our graduates.

FPC Students Recognized for Scholastic Achievement

FPC had three students who were recognized for their scholastic achievement based on being in the top 10 students in their class based on GPA.

Taytum Sweetland – Sophomore
Braydn McCorkindale – Sophomore
Nina Hammer – 8th Grade
Also, friend of the congregation and Presbyterian Pealer – Christopher Woerdemann, Senior.

Gabriel Peitz – Valedictorian of his class in Wakefield.
All of our high school graduates have been recognized with additional scholarships and awards.
Aaron Ras was the recipient of the NSCI Elite 18 Award for the 2nd year. The award is given to the student athlete holding the highest-grade point average with the most credits earned among the 15 institutions playing baseball in the NSIC.

FPC WSC Students Honors Presentations:

Josephine Peitz “CHARACTERIZING THE ACETYLATION OF CORE BINDING FACTOR BETA” Instructor: Dr. Douglas Christensen
Aaron Ras “MEASURING EMOTIONAL CLARITY AND ITS RELATION TO DISSOCIATION IN COLLEGE STUDENTS” Instructor: Dr. Daniel Miller

Update on Jon Worner

Jon is planning to attend Concordia College in Moorhead, MN in the fall and major in music. His scholarships include: Presidential Scholarship, Music Scholarship and the Concordia Choir Scholarship (which is given to one incoming student each year chosen by the Director of Choirs).
The Worners are hosting a Zoom graduation party on Sunday, May 31. You may contact Jenny in the office to reserve a spot and receive a Zoom link.

Congratulations to each of our FPC students on your scholastic achievements. Please keep all the young people in our congregation and community in your prayers.

EASY SUMMER RECIPE

If you are looking for new recipes to try this summer, we still have a few First Presbyterian Cookbooks left. Contact Jenny in the church office for more info. Meanwhile, here is a recipe for an easy summer supper provided by Jan Liska from “Thank God for Food…and Good Cooks! Volume II, page 3.

Cowboy Caviar (Chip Dip)

2 cans gold & white kernel corn (drained)

1 can black beans (drained)

1 can black eyed peas (drained)

1 cup finely chopped red onion

1 can original Rotel tomatoes

½ cup red wine vinaigrette

Combine and refrigerate till serving. Serve with tortilla chips or crackers.

ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING OFFERING

This year FPC’s One Great Hour of Sharing totaled $280.00. Well done!!

2019/20 FOOD PANTRY & BACKPACK NEWS

The food pantry has had an interesting year so far, we have served over 120 requests. The Backpack Program has served approximately 3,500 food bags in the 2019/20 academic year. The program will continue this summer. We would be happy to receive donations such as individually wrapped packages of nutritious food & snacks or financial donations. Contact Jodi Pulfer or Jenny Hammer at the church office: fpcwayne@gmail.com or (402)375-2669 for more details. Please consider a donation to the Wayne Food Pantry and Backpack Program ministry.

OFFERING AND GIFTS

Thank-you for your continued financial support of the church during this time. Your gifts support the life and ministry of First Presbyterian Church. While we are not meeting in person, the church office and the Wayne Food Pantry remain open with operating regular hours. It may be challenging to remember to mail your offering to the church or Anita, when we are not meeting in person. If you would like to simplify your life you might check at your bank for a bill pay service. This service allows you to set up reoccurring payments to businesses or the church and have the designated funds withdrawn from your account and mailed per your direction. If you find this idea worth consideration check-out your bank’s website, often you are able to set this up from your home computer. You can always call your bank for assistance. Or you can mail your offerings to Anita Fuelberth, our financial secretary or to the church (216 W. Third St., Wayne).

CHRISTIAN CROSS FESTIVAL

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads, stepdads, granddads, adoptive fathers, foster fathers and father figures. Give thanks to God for the men in your lives who have guided, encouraged, challenged and loved you. On Father’s Day take time to let them know you remember and are grateful.

What Makes a Dad

(Author unknown)

God took the strength of a mountain, The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun, The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature, The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages, The power of the eagle’s flight,
The joy of a morning in spring, The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity, The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities, When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete, And so, He called it… Dad.

SIGN-UP FOR LAWN MOWING DIGITALLY

FPC Lawn Mowing

Week of June 1, 2020	Shari Dunklau
Week of June 8, 2020	Peitz Family
Week of June 15, 2020	John Fuelberth
Week of June 22, 2020	Peitz Family
Week of June 29, 2020
Week of July 6, 2020
Week of July 13, 2020
Week of July 20, 2020
Week of July 27, 2020

June Birthdays

2 Jean G., Jill S.

6 Connie B.

8 Brian B., Carol M.

10 Karen G.

18 Wes B.

19 Dennis S.

26 Pastor Teresa

June 2020 – First Presbyterian Church

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
Each Sunday Morning: o 10:00 Worship	1	2 10:00am FPC Zoom Check-In	3	4	5	6
7	8	9 10:00am FPC Zoom Check-In	10	11	12	13
14	15	16 10:00am FPC Zoom Check-In	17	18	19	20
21 * Father’s Day	22 7:00pm Session Meeting	23 10:00am FPC Zoom Check-In	24	25	26	27
28	29	30 10:00am FPC Zoom Check-In

July Birthdays

10 Shea S.

21 Josephine P.

24 Mark H., Zach U.

29 Marta P.

July 2020 – First Presbyterian Church

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Each Sunday Morning:

o 10:00 Worship

10:00am

FPC Zoom Check-In

5:00pm

Boy Scout Court of Honor

10:00am

FPC Zoom Check-In

10:00am

FPC Zoom Check-In

10:00am

FPC Zoom Check-In

Contact Information:

First Presbyterian Church

216 W. Third Street

Wayne NE 68787

FPC Office & Wayne Food Pantry:

402-375-2669

fpcwayne@gmail.com

Tuesday – Friday, 9am – 12 noon

Websites:

Church: https://fpcwayne.org/

Wayne Food Pantry: https://fpcwayne.org/food-pantry/

Wayne Coat Closet: https://fpcwayne.com/wayne-coat-closet/

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First Presbyterian Church – Wayne, Nebraska

Wayne Food Pantry – Wayne, Nebraska

Wayne Coat Closet – First Presbyterian Church

Pastor Teresa Bartlett

402-375-2669 (office)

319-795-2911 (cell)

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Presbytidings – May 2020

Posted on May 1, 2020 by First Presbyterian Church of Wayne, Nebraska

Presbytidings – May 2020

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.”

From the Pastor…..

Happy May,

It is a beautiful sunny day today, the grass is green, the trees are budding out. The trees on the west side of the church are in full bloom and look lovely. I’m waiting with anticipation for my tulips at home to open, if the rabbits don’t eat the plump buds first! We have been anticipating Spring and it seems it’s finally here. Yet many of the things we associate with springtime the opening of baseball and track season, school events such spring musicals, proms, even graduation for high schools and colleges are not happening or have been delayed. Some of our most cherished celebrations, such as Palm Sunday and Easter have been quite different this year as we respond to COVID 19. There will be many changes ahead.

As you know COVID 19 and the restrictions on gatherings has significantly impacted churches. In the weeks since we last worshiped together the FPC family has adapted remarkably well to a new way to worship via Zoom. Many in the congregation may have never heard of this video conferencing software before March. Zoom allows participants on the platform to see and hear each other. We tried Zoom worship for the first time on Maundy Thursday and since then every Sunday morning we gather between 10:00 and 10:15 a.m. to check in and prepare for worship at 10:15 a.m. Easter Sunday it was great to have the Worner family join us via Zoom as well as Joyce Reeg and Jim Lindau, Karen from Denver, two cats and two dogs!! It was a non-traditional service still we celebrated Christ’s resurrection.

FPC now has a You Tube channel, First Presbyterian Church of Wayne. We can record our services on Sunday and upload to our You Tube channel, which means you can share the link to our worship services with friends and others who are not able to join us on Sunday.

The Zoom invitations are emailed on Saturday and most people after the initial Zoom set up can click on the link and join the meeting easily. If you are having trouble, please contact the office. In order to preserve a layer of security for our worship I will not post the Zoom link on the Facebook page; however, you are free to share the link with friends and family.

Governor Ricketts has loosened business and gathering restrictions however Homestead Presbytery and the FPC Session both agree the time is not yet right to resume in person worship or any other activities at the church. We will continue with Zoom worship until further notice. I will be inviting members of the congregation to participate in worship by serving as Lector, reading prayers or responsive readings.

While we are not meeting in person the work of the church continues, Jenny and I are keeping regular office hours. The work of the Wayne Food Pantry and Backpack Program continues with donations and distribution of food. See the article elsewhere in the Presbytidings about the refrigerator the Pantry recently received.

In the midst of all these changes I thank the Session for their responsiveness to the many new challenges we have faced in the last few weeks from learning how to use and participate in Zoom Session meetings and worship, to taking care of the regular business of the church. These are challenging times and it seems we will need to be flexible for many months as we work our way through this pandemic.

Psalm 46:1-3 (Message translation) reminds us that we are not alone:

God is a safe place to hide,

ready to help when we need him.

We stand fearless at the cliff-edge of doom,

courageous in sea storm and earthquake,

Before the rush and roar of oceans,

the tremors that shift mountains.

Jacob-wrestling God fights for us,

God-of-Angel-Armies protects us.

The Triune God is our refuge and shelter, loves and protects us, is as close as a prayer. We are not alone; we are not abandoned. Let us focus on seeing God’s presence with us giving us strength and courage for each day.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Teresa

Mother’s Day – May 10^th

Thank-you to every woman for the many roles you play whether as mother, spouse, employee, employer, mentor, grandmother, friend, role model, spiritual friend. Not all women are mothers, but all women have a mother – if your mother has been an example of faith and grace in your life give thanks and let her know how much you appreciate her. If this Mother’s Day you are missing a special woman in your life- give thanks for all that woman was to you, whether she was a wife, teacher, grandmother, mother or friend. Each of us, women and men should do our best to reflect the love and grace of God to those around us.

Congratulations to our FPC 2020 Graduates

Congratulations to our graduating seniors; Gabriel Pietz, Wakefield High School, Madison Beair, Shea Sweetland and Emily Armstrong from Wayne High School. We hope to honor our graduates with a reception at an appropriate time later in the year.

Tuesday Zoom Check-in

FPC Receives a Payroll Protection Program Loan

The Session approved making an application to the Payroll Protection Program through State Nebraska Bank. The Payroll Protection Program is open to faith-based organizations. The PPP is essentially a forgivable loan at 1% interest that can be used to cover payroll costs for 8 weeks. Jodi Pulfer, the treasurer, calculated the following for FPC employees for 2.5 months, keeping all employees at their current level.

Jane $337.50 Salary

Jenny $1,333.50 Salary

Teresa $2,643.75 Salary

$1,212.50 Housing

$252.50 403b Plan

$1,588.88 Pension

$7,368.63 Monthly total

$18,421.58 2.5 months

The loan requested and approved was $18,421.58. This is an unsecured loan and would be forgiven as long as we use it for payroll and maintain our staff at the current rate. Homestead Presbytery gave approval to all churches in the Presbytery to apply for these funds based on congregational needs. Thank-you to Jodi for taking care of the initial paperwork and the Session for taking prompt action so that we were able to secure the funds.

Food Pantry Changes Procedures to Meet COVID 19

The Wayne Food Pantry in response to COVID 19 is now operating on an appointment basis. Clients are to call the church and complete the documentation via phone. The staff then puts the food outside the west door awaiting pick-up by the client.

Kent, Jodi, Jenny, Pastor Teresa and Food Pantry volunteers Deb Daehnke, Rita McLean and John Fuelberth (and now Phil Does) have adapted to a remarkable number of changes as the virus endures. We continue to work hard to make sure that the Wayne Food Pantry is prepared to meet the needs in the community as they arise.

Please note that the Backpack Program is still going strong at Wayne Community Schools. Jodi continues to coordinate that portion of our program as we strive to provide another food source for children in need.

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Local Dairy Farmers Fill Community Need

The Wayne Food Pantry has just received some new refrigeration capacity thanks to local dairy farmers, Kent & Jodi Pulfer, MPM Farms, and Doug & Mary Temme, Temme Dairy. The industrial grade refrigeration until was provided through a Community Relief Grant setup by Midwest Dairy, an organization representing 6,500 hardworking dairy farm families throughout the Midwest.

“MPM Farms applied for a community relief grant and we were fortunate to receive one,” stated Jenny Hammer, Wayne Food Pantry Coordinator. “This unit will help keep the families our food pantry serves nourished with dairy and other perishable items during this unprecedented time.”

Offering and Gifts

Please remember that even though we are not worshipping in person, expenses continue, insurance, utilities, as well as salaries. Please mail your offerings to Anita Fuelberth, our financial secretary or to the church (216 W. Third St., Wayne).

FPC Offering of Prayers

In this difficult time there are many things we cannot do, but one thing we can do whether at church, at home and at any time is pray. As you offer your daily prayers of praise and thanksgiving add the following to your prayers.

Monday: Pray for FPC and churches in Wayne and around the world.

Tuesday: Pray for local, state, national leaders.

Wednesday: Pray for medical professionals and all who work in the healthcare.

Thursday: Pray for essential workers; retail such as grocery, gas stations, police, fire etc.

Friday: Pray for families, children and parents, grandparents. Those who will mourn the loss of loved ones during this pandemic.

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 P., Dave P.

10 Jeryl N.

11 Karen J., Solomon P.

12 Joan L.

14 Bo A.

18 Jay and Jane O., Taytum S.

22 Marie J.

24 Gail Mc.

May 2020 – First Presbyterian Church

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
					1	2
3 10:00am Worship via Zoom	4	5 10:00am FPC Zoom Check-In	6	7	8	9
10 10:00am Worship via Zoom	11	12 10:00am FPC Zoom Check-In	13	14	15	16
17 10:00am Worship via Zoom	18	19 10:00am FPC Zoom Check-In	20	21 Word in Faith 10:00am Homestead Presbytery via Zoom	22	23
24 10:00am Worship via Zoom	25 5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living Memorial Day* 7:00pm Session Meeting	26 5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living* 10:00am FPC Zoom Check-In	27 *5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living	28 *5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living	29 *5:40am KTCH 104.9 Moment for Living	30
31 10:00am Worship via Zoom

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Week: Name:

Week of April 27, 2020	John Fuelberth
Week of May 4, 2020	Mark Hammer
Week of May 11, 2020	Rob Sweetland
Week of May 18, 2020
Week of May 25, 2020
Week of June 1, 2020	Shari Dunklau
Week of June 8, 2020
Week of June 15, 2020
Week of June 22, 2020
Week of June 29, 2020

Contact Information:

First Presbyterian Church

216 W. Third Street

Wayne NE 68787

FPC Office & Wayne Food Pantry:

402-375-2669

fpcwayne@gmail.com

Tuesday – Friday, 9am – 12 noon

Websites:

Church: https://fpcwayne.com/

Wayne Food Pantry: https://fpcwayne.com/food-pantry/

Wayne Coat Closet: https://fpcwayne.com/wayne-coat-closet/

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

First Presbyterian Church – Wayne, Nebraska

Wayne Food Pantry – Wayne, Nebraska

Wayne Coat Closet – First Presbyterian Church

Pastor Teresa Bartlett

402-375-2669 (office)

319-795-2911 (cell)

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!

From the Pastor…

Posted on April 23, 2020 by First Presbyterian Church of Wayne, Nebraska

Greeting friends,

I wanted to share this article from the April 14^th edition of Presbyterian Outlook. The author, Jill Duffield, does a great job with the image of Holy Ghost glitter. Let us all remember to carry some Holy Ghost glitter with us, a little sparkle even in hard times.

Grace,

Pastor Teresa

Holy Ghost glitter

by Jill Duffield

As a kid, I liked glitter. A lot. I still find myself drawn to anything that sparkles. My mother called me a crow given my attraction to all things shiny. I confess that even as an adult I covet those little kid shoes that light up with each step. I remember one Easter sunrise service, the church still mostly dark as worship had not yet started, when a child made his way to the front pew with red lights blinking from the soles of his feet the entire way up the aisle. I loved the idea of that little child being a literal light to the world, or at least a blip of intermittent hope to our small congregation yet to hear the news that Christ had risen indeed. Would that our discipleship was as obvious as red, flashing lights in the middle of a dark and silent sanctuary. If only we sparkled and shone like the unicorns, hearts and stars on kindergartners’ backpacks in September. Wouldn’t it be grand if we distributed God’s grace as far and wide, as insidious and relentless, as the glitter from a Sunday school art project?

I long for some over-the-top, well-past-tacky, impossible-to-miss signs of holy glory made evident through those of us called to be salt and light. I imagine Jesus saying, “You are the glitter of the world.” Get in every nook and cranny to the point that it is impossible to clean up or eradicate. Be so generous with it that years from now it will turn up on your shirt and be inconspicuously transported out into the neighborhood. What if Jesus had said, “You are the rhinestones of the earth”? Decorate indiscriminately. Make everyone appear to be the royal priesthood God made them to be. Tiaras all around! Be the bedazzlers of creation wielding fanciful, delightful, colorful additions to anyone in need of knowing their beauty. Make sure no denim jacket, plastic bin or cotton T-shirt goes without the adornment of the Most High God. Make the clothing of Christ glisten and shine like a parade of would-be Disney princesses lined up to see the latest “Frozen” movie.

I know we are dust and to dust we shall return, but in the interim, could we be Holy Ghost glitter? Could the shoes that make us ready to proclaim the gospel include blinking lights or at least some reflective tape? I want us to call attention to ourselves in order that we might point to the source of the light in which we bask and play. I want our complete joy to be unmistakable, as palpable as preschoolers sporting superhero costumes or Queen Elsa gowns, not concerned with what’s practical or socially acceptable but motived solely by delight.

I know we are sinners saved by grace, but in that knowledge, could we be the glow sticks of God, cracked open and shaken so that we shine and create whimsical patterns in the darkness for all to see? Might we be neon beacons of possibility in the middle of someone’s dark night of the soul?

I know we are beloved children and divine images called good, fallen, corrupt, finite and flawed. But, in this time could we be Jesus’ dollar-store jewelry, too — audacious, colorful, accessible, large and loud, unmissable outward signs of unfathomable, too often invisible grace?

How about if we thought of ourselves, honestly, as Holy Ghost dust, divine dirt, Godly grit, those who apart from saving grace are worthless fire fodder, but through the love of the Almighty are deemed priceless? What if we recognized that we are this strange combination of common and sacred, totally depraved but beloved anyway, complex kaleidoscopes of Christ whose beauty is revealed when viewed through the light of the world? Wouldn’t that realization be a source of rejoicing and celebration? Wouldn’t it be a cause to get out the glue sticks and spread the glitter, break out the glow sticks and wave them with abandon or don sparkles, crowns and light-up shoes to the grocery store? We could create a parade of the redeemed and reconciled, returning prodigals and found sheep, those whose faces shine from being in the presence of God.

Grace and peace,

Jill

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Wayne Food Pantry, School Backpack Program Benefit From Runza Feeds The Need Fundraiser

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