Last Sunday, I spoke about joy as a gift of discipleship, but it is not always something within our control. We can't always muster up a joyful feeling. Rather we remember God's providence in the past and look expectantly to the future knowing that God will offer us moments of joy again.
As I prepared for this week's Pastor Connection, I opened one of my favorite prayer books - Guerrillas of Grace, by Ted Loser. This particular prayer speaks to this idea. God gives the gift of joy! May Loser's words stir in your heart today.
Much peace,
Pastor Amy
Waken in Me a Sense of Joy
O extravagant God,
in this ripening, red-tinged autumn,
waken in me a sense of joy
in just being alive,
joy for nothing in general
except everything in particular;
joy in sun and rain
mating with earth to birth a harvest;
joy in soft light
through shyly disrobing trees;
joy in the acolyte moon
setting halos around processing clouds;
joy in the beating of a thousand wings
mysteriously knowing which way is warm;
joy in wagging tails and kids' smiles
and in this spunky old city;
joy in the taste of bread and wine,
the smell of dawn,
a touch,
a song,
a presence;
joy in having what I cannot live without -
other people to hold and cry and laugh with;
joy in love,
in you;
and that all at first and last
is grace.
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THIS SUNDAY Meeting of the Congregation
The congregation will meet after the worship service on THIS Sunday, October 31, for the purpose of electing new church officers and changing the church by-laws to reduce the number of church officers. Please mark your calendars.
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE NOMINATIONS FOR OFFICERS AND PLAN FOR REDUCING THE NUMBER OF OFFICERS.
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Finding the Important Dates in Your Life
THIS Sunday, October 31
Have you forgotten the date of your baptism? How about confirmation? Or when you joined the church? Have you ever wondered exactly when your parents joined the church? Or grandparents?
THIS SUNDAY, October 31, you have the opportunity to find out! Jackie Bass and Jan Schwab will be available before and after the worship service with our church's permanent record books. They will be available to look up baptisms, marriages, confirmations, and more for you and your family members. They will be in Calvin Hall before the service and in the hallway after the service. There will even be some sticky notes for you to write down the dates and share them on our church timeline.
We hope you take advantage of this opportunity to delve into your history.
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All Saints Sunday, November 7th
On All Saints Day, Christians celebrate the connection we share as God's children both in heaven and on earth. All Saints Day is a meaningful time to remember those who have passed on and who now enjoy communion with God for all eternity.
On Sunday, November 7th, First Presbyterian Church will take some time during worship to honor those who have passed away since March 2020. While we remembered some of these beloved members last year online, we recognize that this will be the first time our congregation has gathered in person and remember those whom we've lost. On that day, there will be a memory table set up in the hallway with pictures of those who have passed away. There will also be a special coffee hour after the worship service for church members, family, and friends to share stories and condolences.
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"Knowing Your Neighbor" Series
Starting in November during Adult Forum, 8:45-9:30
Come and learn about our neighborhood. During the months of November and
December, we will have a special series about the Walnut Neighborhood. We will learn about what is currently happening, how to get involved, future visions for the neighborhood, and how the neighborhood has inspired non-profits. Coffee will be served.
We are pleased to announce this schedule of speakers:
November 7 Laura Hoy, An Overview of the Neighborhood
November 14 Aly Parrish and Dylan Does, Habitat for Humanity
November 21 Matthew Gilbert, Visioning for Walnut St. Baptist Church Building
November 28 We will take a breather the Sunday after Thanksgiving
December 5 Dusky Steele, House of Hope
December 12 Try Pie
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A Message from Stewardship and Finance
The Stewardship and Finance Team is happy to announce that our church received another grant for $60,000 from the Pauline Barrett Charitable Foundation. Pauline was a long time member of our church who always supported the work and ministry our our congregation. Her generosity continues to benefit our church and we hope it inspires others to give as well.
Our Stewardship Dedication Sunday is scheduled for November 14. We will pledge our tithes and offerings during the worship service that day. In case you missed it, please click HERE to read a letter from Stewardship and Finance regarding our annual stewardship campaign. We hope that you continue to prayerfully consider how you will give to God through your time, treasure, and talents.
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Piecemaker Quilters Anniversary
This October marks the 15th anniversary of the Piecemaker Quilters. Rita Campbell taught the Missouri Star quilt pattern to a Calvin Hall full of eager students on Saturday, October 21, 2006. Since that time, the Piecemakers have continued to meet the third Saturday of every other month (except 2020) to practice their skills and make projects ranging from quilts, to table toppers, to casserole carriers, to purses and bags. First Church quilters and fellow quilters from the community now take turns teaching classes that help increase our quilting skills; the group also shares fellowship and a delicious lunch together. The Piecemakers have made and donated numerous pillowcases to the Cedar Valley Hospice, catheter bag covers to local nursing homes, and given quilts to the Waterloo Warming Shelter and the Iowa Mother's Association. Following Rita's example, the Piecemakers have made and given quilts to First Church members who have had surgery or are facing other health-related issues. To date, 119 quilts have been lovingly made and given to church members. This group welcomes and is eager to share their love of quilting with anyone interested. Contact Jackie Bass, Marie Fernau, or Mary Mumm if you are interested in learning more about the Piecemakers.
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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. We will meet every Monday at noon through November 8. You can feel free to bring a lunch.
(please note these are parts, not chapters)
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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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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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, November 2nd, 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 this Sunday at 8:45am before the worship service for fellowship in Calvin Hall. Coffee will be served.
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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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Pulpit Flower Volunteers Needed
We are once again accepting donations of flower arrangements for our Sunday Services. We currently have an opening on December 5th. 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
Ongoing/Continuing Prayers:
Billie Hesse and family as they continue to grieve the death of Lloyd Hesse; The family of Pam Terrell as they continue to grieve her passing; The family of Sue Roberts as they continue to grieve her passing; Cindy Trepp, who is dealing with back pain; Lynda Cose, heart concerns; Sheryl Berry-Rudic who broke her hip and her femur in two places; Marsha Platt, awaiting surgery in November; Marsha Muir recovering following knee replacement surgery; Barbara Benskin's brother, Bill Brenton, who is in hospice care; 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 November. If you get a chance, please join us in wishing them a very happy birthday!
November
04 Gary Lee, Melanie Smith
06 Alexander Quirk
07 Richard Platt
09 Barbara Mead
16 Don Schwab
22 Dennis Bass, Loren Sommerlot
23 Sue Halvorson
24 Debbie Miller
28 Laura Christensen, Andy Frerichs, Janis Shea
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Office Hours: M-Th 9:00am to 4:00pm
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