Psalm 91
Those who dwell in the shelter of Infinite Light, who abide in the wings of Infinite Love, will raise their voices in praise: "My refuge and my strength; In You alone will I trust." For You deliver me from the webs of fear, from all that separates and divides; You protect me as an eagle shields its young, Your faithfulness is sure, like an arrow set upon the mark. I will not fear the shadows of the night, nor the confusion that comes by day, nor the dreams that awaken me from sleep, nor the daily changes that my life brings.
Though a thousand may deride this radical trust, ten thousand laugh as I seek to do Your Will, Yet I surrender myself to You, abandoning myself into Your Hands without reserve.
For You have sent Your angels to watch over me, to guide me in all my ways. On their hands, they will bear me up, lest I dash my foot against a stone. Though I walk among those who roar like the lion, or are as stealthy as the adder, in Your strength will I be saved.
"Because you cleave to Me in love, I will deliver you; I will protect you, who call upon My Name. When you call to Me, I will answer you; I will be with you in times of trouble, I will rescue you and reverence your life. All through the years, will I dwell in your heart, as Loving Companion Presence, forever."
~Nan C. Merrill, from "Psalms For Praying: An Invitation to Wholeness"
pgs. 190-191
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In Person Gatherings and Worship Resumes!
We are happy to report that we will be resuming in person meetings this week! From the information we have gathered, it seems there was not wide spread illness from gathering on October 3.
Therefore, all committee meetings, choir rehearsals, and in person worship will resume immediately.
We encourage people to continue to do the following:
- Stay home if you feel sick for any reason.
- Get tested as needed.
- Report to Pastor Amy if you have tested positive for Covid. She will hold this information in confidence. This is important for contact tracing.
- We encourage people to wear masks where you are at high risk for illness.
Thank you for your cooperation. We look forward to seeing you Sunday!
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Peacemaking Offering
On October 3, we celebrated World Communion Sunday and collected money for the Peace and Global Witness Offering. Thank you to all who have already contributed.
Through participation in the Peace and Global Witness Offering, we commit to building a more just and peaceful world. 25% of the offering will stay with our congregation to be given to Friends of the Family. Friends of the Family provides advocacy services for victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault, human trafficking and homelessness.
It's not too late to give! We will be collecting this offering through Monday, October 18, due to the worship service being cancelled last week. If you are mailing an offering, please mark it as Peacemaking. Thank you again for your generosity!
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Book Study of Caste: The Origins of Our Discontent by Isabel Wilkerson
Our church is participating in the Cedar Valley Book Read of Caste by Isabel Wilkerson. Starting Monday, October 18, we will meet for 4 weeks at noon in Calvin Hall. You can feel free to bring a lunch.
October 18 - Parts 1 and 2 (please note these are parts, not chapters)
October 25 - Parts 3 and 4
November 1 - Parts 5 and 6
November 8 - Parts 7 and 8, closing remarks
Participants have been asked to purchase the book on their own and read ahead for discussion. Drop ins are still welcome! Please let Pastor Amy know if you need help purchasing the book.
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Presbyterian Women Meeting
The PW will be meeting this month on Wednesday, October 20th from 9:30-11:30 am in Calvin Hall. Please bring picture(s) of your grandmother(s) to the meeting.
There will be a luncheon provided to all participants following the meeting. Please join us!
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Meeting of the Congregation
The congregation will meet after the worship service on Sunday, October 31, for the purpose of electing new church officers and changing the church by-laws to reduce the number of church officers. A more complete plan and slate of officers will be forthcoming. Please mark your calendars.
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Love Our Neighbors! Volunteer Opportunities
1) Become a virtual conversation partner and help an English Language Learner (ELL) student practice and improve English through conversations. Hawkeye College's Van G. Miller Center will provide training and support. Conversations may include anything of interest (culture, hobbies, family, everyday life). However, politics and religion may not be discussed because this is a government program. This is a vital program for those new to our community. You will be fulfilling an important role in someone's life.
2) The Waterloo Schools are seeking volunteers 55 years or older to be Reading Buddies with children in first grade who are participating in the Reading Recovery program. The time commitment is once or more a week. The time and day of the visit is determined by the volunteer and the teacher. Be an important part of a young person's learning.
For more information or to volunteer contact Jean Seeland, 319-493-2015.
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Mission Opportunities
There are two mission opportunities upcoming through the North Central Presbytery.
December 4-10, 2021: Mission Delegation to US-Mexico Border
Your are invited to join Presbyterians from across Iowa on a mission delegation to the US-Mexico Border. This delegation is planned in partnership with Frontera de Cristo, one of five Presbyterian Border Region Ministries. We will worship with and be in mutual mission with brothers and sisters in the Presbyterian Church in Agua Preita, and experience life and ministry along the US-Mexico border. The cost is $750 per person plus airfare. Register online at https://presbynciowa.org/frontera-de-cristo-application
March 3-16, 2022: Mission Study Israel-Palestine
Join Presbyterians from across Iowa as we visit biblical sites, meet local Christians and church leaders as well as representatives from the Jewish and Muslim communities and learn about the Israel-Palestine conflict and peacemaking and reconciliation efforts. The cost is $2,750 for double occupancy (single occupancy available at a higher cost) plus airfare. Scholarships available. Register online at https://presbynciowa.org/israel-palestine
Flyers available in the church office
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Live Streaming Worship
We are happy to report that our live streaming equipment is installed. Now, we are looking for a part-time staff member to run the camera and computer equipment each Sunday. If you are interested or know someone who is interested, please let Pastor Amy know. We are close to offering online options for worship. We will certainly let you know when things are up and running. Previously recorded church services continue to be available on the Vimeo website, located here: https://vimeo.com/user93382018
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2021-22 Knowing Your Neighbor Series:
“Loving Others / Worship Practices”
The Cedar Valley Interfaith Council is hosting a three part series as an opportunity to hear multiple faith traditions ways of caring for others, especially others different than ourselves. Also a few basic worship practices will be shared. The first presentation occured last Sunday. Thank you to those who attended. There are to more left! Presentations are made at each faith community's place of worship in order to bolster understanding.
October 17th SESSION 2 PRESENTATIONS
3:00— Masjid Al-Noor Masque
2110 Sager Ave., Waterloo, Iowa
4:00— First United Methodist Church
718 Clay Street, Cedar Falls, Iowa
October 24th SESSION 3 – Q&A
3:00 to 4:45 St. John Lutheran
715 College Street, Cedar Falls
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Join the Choirs!
It's never too late to join a choir! If you have musical interest and would like to participate in worship, please consider joining the bell choir or sanctuary choir. If you'd like more information, please call the office or contact Tyler Gajewsky or Melody Steed.
Bell Choir Rehearsal, Wednesdays 6:00-6:45 pm
Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal, Wednesdays 7:00-8:00 pm
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Tuesday Morning Bible Study
Please join us this Tuesday, October 19th, at 9am in Calvin Hall. All are welcome! Coffee will be provided. We will be looking at the upcoming sermon text. We hope you can join us!
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Sunday Coffee Fellowship Before Worship at 8:45am
Please join us each Sunday at 8:45am before the worship service for fellowship in Calvin Hall. Coffee will be served.
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Pastor On Leave
Pastor Amy will be on leave Sunday, October 17th.
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Committee Meetings
Mission and Outreach: Postponed
Christian Nurture and Fellowship: Mon. Oct 18th at 2:30 pm
Session: Tue. Oct 19th at 6:00 pm
All meetings in Calvin Hall unless otherwise noted
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COVID-19 Testing Options
If you are feeling ill, there are multiple low cost or free options to get tested. Some of them are also extremely accessible. Click on the link HERE (or enter into your website search bar: https://coronavirus.iowa.gov/pages/testing-locations) to find out where you can be tested based on your location.
There are several COVID-19 testing options available, including community and at-home testing.
· Health care providers may charge insurance for their time.
· Private labs may charge insurance or a flat fee.
· Other tests can be purchased from a pharmacy or other retailer to be done at home.
You can also go to any urgent care location to be tested.
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Records Update
If you have any personal information that has changed, such as a new address, a new phone number, phone number no longer in use, or a child's address which has changed due to attending college, please call or email the update(s) to Amber in the office. amber@1stpresby.org or 319-233-6145.
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October Church Calendar Print Version
If you would like a version of the October church calendar to print for your records, please click to access the calendar here.
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Pulpit Flower Volunteers Needed
We are once again accepting donations of flower arrangements for our Sunday Services. We currently have openings on October 31st, November 28th, December 5th and 26th. If you would like to donate, please contact Amber in the office to find a date that works for you. You can call the office or email Amber directly. 319-233-6145 or amber@1stpresby.org. Alternatively, you can let Nancy Valentine know on Sundays after service and she will relay your information to Amber. Thank you!
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Church Prayer List
With Our Sympathy:
Pam Terrell passed away October 7th. We pray for comfort and peace for her family.
New to the Prayer List:
Lloyd Hesse is currently in hospice care
Ongoing/Continuing Prayers:
The family of Sue Roberts as they continue to grieve her passing; Julie Clarke, for health concerns; Cindy Trepp, who is dealing with back pain; George Day, who has pneumonia; Lynda Cose, heart concerns; Sheryl Berry-Rudic who broke her hip and her femur in two places; Marsha Platt, awaiting surgery in November; Dee May, recovering at daughter's house; Marsha Muir recovering following knee replacement surgery; Barbara Benskin's brother, Bill Brenton, who has had a stroke; Ruth Meade broke her wrist and is dealing with eye issues; Joe Fernau, son of Marie Fernau, who has been diagnosed with lymphoma; Mable, great-granddaughter of Skip and Judy Mulock and their family, struggling with health issues; Steve Miller, ongoing health issues
Add to the Prayer List
Click HERE to submit a prayer request online. Our pastors will be praying for you and sharing concerns with the congregation as requested.
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Church Family Birthdays
We celebrate our members with birthdays in October. If you get a chance, please join us in wishing them a very happy birthday!
October
01 Katie Swallow
04 Isabelle Whyte
05 JoEllen Pruis
10 Emmalea Steere
11 Kimberly Jessen
13 Jerry Anders, Murtis Smith
14 Robert Dew
19 Polly Sorenson
26 Gloria Frerichs
27 Sue Albright
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Office Hours: M-Th 9:00am to 4:00pm
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