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THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 2017
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Servants of God,
Grace and peace to you in the Lord, Jesus Christ. I hope this day/week finds you well, my friends. Well, here we are. A new fall season is officially upon us. 2017 is waning, with only three months remaining. May we treat every remaining day of this year (and truly every breath) as an opportunity to build up our love of God and neighbor.
The month of October begins and ends with evidence of God's activity and handiwork in our lives. This month gets off to a running start by virtue of World Communion Sunday being October 1, followed by our elders, deacons, and pastors bringing Communion to our homebound and hospitalized members. That same afternoon, the
Crop Walk for Hunger gets underway at 1:30pm, beginning at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Cedar Falls. On a related note, the junior and senior high youth will be packing meals on October 11 via the
Feed My Starving Children program.
Also from an outreach perspective, we are continuing to pray and lift up the victims of numerous natural disasters in our part of the world. But we have also decided to act. We understand there are many worthy causes of our time and resources. However, I encourage you to participate/donate toward our assembling of hygiene kits for these victims. We are accepting donations through October 15.
From a Christian Education standpoint, we are offering our second miniseries of the semester, focusing on the inclusion and celebration of the differently-abled. These sessions will be held during the Sunday school hour (10:00-11:00) on October 1 and 8 in Fellowship Hall. Our next Theology Pub (Tuesday, October 17 at Pepper's at 7:00pm) will explore the same topic.
We are also gearing up for our 2017 stewardship campaign. Offering a pledge of giving to God and Christ's Church is always important. Yet, it feels particularly vital at this point in time-this time in which we have just asserted "stewardship" as one of our new core values-this time in which we have just approved a new mission statement that underscores our collective ministry of being "sent out" into the world. My friends, our generosity is a crucial avenue by which God's love is sent out into a hurting world.
Our stewardship theme this year is "Seek Ye First" (Matthew 6:33-34). In our overbooked lives, our lives of to and fro, we become busy with worry, particularly about things we cannot control. Our God calls us to strive first for the kingdom of heaven and for righteousness. As new creations in Jesus Christ, I believe we
can control the extent to which we seek first God's will in our lives. In response to all that God has given us, may we seek to give first to God and to strive first for God's righteousness.
Believe it or not, Cedar Heights will celebrate its 101
st birthday on Sunday, October 22. And if that doesn't satisfy your need for grand anniversaries, we will celebrate the 500
th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation on October 29, including a remembrance of the saints.
Sisters and brothers in Christ, as we watch the leaves change and proclaim God's abundant diversity in Creation, may our hearts change along with them.
Faithfully,
Rev. Johnny Janssen
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PARKING LOT EXIT CLOSED
Please take note that the south exit to Rownd Street is closed. Future construction might close the north entrance from Rownd Street into the parking lot as well. The north entrance and exit off of Rainbow Drive is open. Please drive carefully through the parking lot during this time of closure. Thank you!
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OUR MAGNOLIA TREE
Some of you may have noticed the Magnolia tree, outside our main entrance, has not been looking very healthy. The Building and Grounds committee actively tried to save the tree from a fungus. The treatments that have been applied have had little effect and much of the tree is dead. It is with heavy heart that we will be removing the tree this fall. There are no immediate plans to replace the tree, though we are looking at options.
Thank you,
B&G Committee
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- - - - - - - - ADULT EDUCATION - - - - - - - -
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MEN'S BIBLE STUDY:
Meets weekly, at the Cedar Falls Panera on Friday mornings at 7:00 AM for a time of Bible study and fellowship. We will continue studying lectionary passages.
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TALK ABOUT THE TEXT (TATT)
On Sundays starting October 22, one of the pastors will be leading a Bible study during the 10:00 hour. The study will focus on the Biblical passage to be preached from each Sunday. Those coming from the 9:00 service will receive a "review" of the text, while those attending the 11:00 service will receive a "preview" of the text.
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WOMEN'S BOOK CLUB:
Come join us on Thursday, October 12 at 9:30 a.m. as we discuss "The Waiting" by Cathy La Grow.
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WOMEN'S CIRCLE BIBLE STUDY:
We are using the study from Horizons Magazine, "Cloud of Witnesses: The Community of Christ in Hebrews."
All women are invited to join us for Lesson 3 on Thursday, October 26 at
1:00 p.m. at the church. Kathy Orr is the host.
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THE UNITY PROJECT:
Tired of arguing politics? Tired of naming and blaming? Join us for
the Unity Project on Sunday afternoons this October.
This event sponsored by the Cedar Valley Interfaith Council is designed to bring people together to listen to one another and find common ground. We will gather each Sunday afternoon from 2-4 p.m., Oct. 1 through 22 at the Waterloo Arts Center. Our last gathering will include a shared meal and a prayer service and will be later in the afternoon on Sunday, October 29.
Each week will cover a different theme with different
presenters including Willard Jenkins from our church. All are welcome. Look for flyers promoting the Unity Project in the commons and for information online at https://www.the-unity-project.org/
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- - - - - YOUTH & CHILDREN EDUCATION - - - - -
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FLAT JESUS
Flat Jesus is a playful reminder that God is always with us wherever we go!
Flat Jesus is a paper figure you can cut out and color. Kids of all ages (and adults) are invited to join in on "Flat Jesus". Copies can be found in the Commons.
Jesus can accompany you as you go out into the world - whether you're hanging out at home, playing in the neighborhood, or travelling around the world. Take pictures with Flat Jesus and share them with us along with a description of where you've been. We'll gather the pictures and display them in the Commons.
You can post pictures of Flat Jesus' adventures on social media or email them to
[email protected]. Think of all the places where our church could share Jesus!
Please share your photos with us!
Click links below for direct connection:
PHOTOGRAPHY NOTICE: Any images submitted may be used for promotion of our activities. When photographs or videos about "Flat Jesus" are used, we will not identify children by their
full names.
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SUNDAY SCHOOL
Our Sunday School curriculum for children, Growing in Grace & Gratitude, is rooted in the foundation of Presbyterian identity where God's grace and our gratitude are the heartbeat of our faith, life, and worship; extends an invitation to discipleship that inspires children to learn and practice hospitality, generosity, and love; and reaches beyond Sunday morning, encouraging children to live their lives as an expression of God's grace. It includes an online resource for families that accompany each lesson. It also has an ebook and weekly home lessons/activities. Grace Sightings, sessions reach beyond Sunday morning, encouraging children to live their lives as an expression of God's grace at home and at school. Sunday School classes will meet at 10 a.m. and will be offered for various age groups: 2-3 year-olds will meet in the Nursery (upper level), Pre-1st will meet in the classroom across from the Nursery, 2nd-5th grades will meet in the room across from the Youth Room (lower level).
WORSHIP EXPLORERS
All children PK-3rd grade are invited to join Janelle each Sunday following the children's message during the 11 a.m. service. The children will be out of worship only during the sermon each week. The curriculum to be used is called "Gateways to Worship". It is a program of worship activities designed to help children grow as worshipers and to equip them to participate in worship. The goals are (1) to offer children an opportunity to worship God in their own way and (2) to introduce children to worship in the sanctuary by doing the following:
* Exploring the five movements of worship
* Exploring and observing the sacraments
* Learning the Lord's prayer and doxology
* Hearing church music and learning a few hymns
* Exploring the seasons of the church year
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Wednesday Nights @ Cedar Heights meets from 6-7:30 p.m. All families are invited to mark their calendars and join us for another fantastic fall. Our evenings together will abound with joy and goodness as we gather around tables for a meal and spend time learning, growing and having fun in the company of great friends. The meal will begin at 6 p.m. and activity/lesson will be 6:30-7:30 p.m. The groups will be PreK-1st and 2nd-5th grades. Students will be learning from Whirl! Every Whirl lesson follows a four-part sequence: Welcome, Hear, Respond, and Launch (WHRL!). Each week, kids and leaders start their time together by identifying where they are in the church year and watching an animated video to set up the lesson. Next, they dive into the Whirl Story Bible, respond to the scripture lesson with creative leaflet activities, and circle up to review the lesson and pray. There will be a meal sign-up for families. We will also enjoy some service activities and lots of fun!
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World Communion Sunday
October 1, 2017
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Sermon:
"Lots of Tongues - One Name"
Old Testament:
Exodus 17:1-7
New Testament:
Philippians 2:1-11
Communion and Home Communion
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Sunday, October 8, 9 and 11 a.m.
"Losses & Gains" by Dr. Dave Kivett
Old Testament: Exodus 20:1-4
New Testament:
Philippians 3:4-14
Sunday, October 15, 9 and 11 a.m.
"Peace & Giving" by Rev. Johnny Janssen
Old Testament: Numbers 6:22-27
New Testament:
Philippians 4:1-9
"Worrying" by Dr. Dave Kivett
Old Testament: Deuteronomy 8:11-18
New Testament:
Matthew 6:25-34
Sunday, October 29, 9 and 11 a.m.
"Martha and Mary Mixed" by Dr. Dave Kivett
Old Testament:
Proverbs 27:18
New Testament:
Luke 10:38-42
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Jeff Crandall, Judy Pfalzgraf, Betty Zeman, Kathryn Rogers' son, Matthew VanHooreweghe; for those affected by all the natural disasters; for the
people of Bihembe, Rwanda; for those currently serving in the military; and for all facing surgery, difficulty, or times of great challenges.
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SERMONS AVAILABLE
A few people have asked for copies of recent sermons. Those copies are available at the welcome desk just outside the sanctuary at the top of the stairs. The sermons date back to the Sunday after the election. The pastors are happy to print more as needed.
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Thank you to Lynette & Harry Banks for volunteering this Sunday!
We still need one more volunteer for today's open shift from 3:30-5:30 p.m.
See sign-up sheet in the Commons for future dates.
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CHCPC RESPONDING TO RECENT US DISASTERS WITH
HYGIENE KITS:
The Collection of supplies will be
Sunday, September 17 through Sunday, October 15
. The children and youth will help assemble these kits on October 25.
We are asking for individual items listed below. You are not expected to make an entire kit, unless you desire. If you are unable to shop, donations will be needed for shipping, and handling at the ware-house. Thank you for your help in this time of great disasters in our country.
Hygiene Kit supplies consist of:
Hand towel measuring approximately 16" x 28"
(no fingertip or bath towels)
Washcloth
Wide-tooth comb
Nail clipper
Bar of soap (bath size in wrapper)
Single toothbrush (in original packaging)
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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE AT
CEDAR HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY
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As a Partner in Education (PIE) with Cedar Heights School, our church members have three
opportunities to help students this fall.
1.
Two Volunteer Readers
are needed to read a single book to a Kindergarten or First Grade Literacy Class the week of November 6 - 10. Books will be available late October to review. More than two volunteers would allow more classrooms to be covered. This would be a 20 minute commitment one time.
2.
Six Volunteer Pen Pals
are needed for students with reading and writing challenges. Only Cedar Heights is participating in this. The procedure will be that the student will write in a notebook (a few sentences or a paragraph as they are able), the notebooks will be deliv-ered by the teacher to the church, our volunteers will write in them, and then the Outreach Committee will return them to the school at the next PIE meeting. This would be a monthly commitment of a few minutes with a chance to meet the student at the end of the year.
3.
Mentors for Six Boys
are needed. The principal has identified six boys with limited role models that would benefit from contact with young men to grandfather-types for a 20 minute, weekly commitment. The time together would be during the school day at school, to: hang out and talk, read together, play a brief game, go outside to the playground, etc. The goal is to develop a relationship with the young man.
SIGN-UP SHEET IN THE COMMONS.
You can make a difference in a young child's life.
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Read/Download Worship bulletins HERE!
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