The Homesteader - November 23,  2016
Clean up Continues in North Carolina Following Hurrican Matthew
by Rick Jones, Presbyterian News Service
If there is anything good that can come out of a hurricane, it is preparation for the next one. That appears to be the feeling of residents and volunteers working in New Hope and Coastal Carolinas presbyteries in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew. While the eastern parts of the state took the brunt of flooding from the storm, many feel the cooperation between agencies and communities has made the cleanup effort a bit easier.   CLICK HERE   to keep reading...
Times of Transition: It's Not About Changing Churches, It's About Changing People
by Mark Roth, Presbyterians Today
This article examines how churches need to adapt to their ever-changing congregations, trying to meet the needs of their people and surrounding communities. It discusses how change within a church can be difficult, but is also necessary to encourage growth. It can also be challenging to meet the needs of the diversity and different generations of congregations.  CLICK HERE to read the article.
Recognition of Rev. Jock Paleak
First Presbyterian Church, Lincoln, invites you to join us for worship on Sunday, November 27th, at 11am, to celebrate the First Sunday of Advent, and to recognize the ministry of Rev. Jock Paleak as our Parish Associate and Pastor for Sudanese Ministry.   Jock has been with us for about a year, and this summer transferred his ordination to the PCUSA from the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and was appointed a Parish Associate and Pastor for Sudanese Ministry.  Under Jock's leadership, our Sudanese worship service has grown from a low of about 2-3 on a Sunday, to 72, and he ministers to the Sudanese not only in Lincoln, but across several states.

On Sunday, November 27th, our English and Sudanese services will combine to formally commission Jock in his role as Parish Associate, and we will follow the service with a potluck of American and Sudanese food.  All are welcome!
Who's Who in the Homestead Presbytery
Rev. Nancy Tuma
Rev. Tuma has been the pastor of Falls City First Presbyterian Church since September 2016.
Keep Thinking...
If your religion requires you to hate someone, you're doing it wrong.
In this issue
Blessing Opportunity  2 Corinthians 9:7-8
 
On November 29, 2016, the world comes together to give. Join your fellow Presbyterians and participate in the fifth annual #GivingTuesday, supporting mission and ministry at home and around the world. The Presbyterian Mission Exchange makes it easy to do all of your online giving in one place. Some giving ideas include: Giving to your home church, Presbyterian Mission Workers, or the Christmas Joy offering, among others!
Homestead Presbytery Happenings!
The Presbytery Prime Meeting was held on November 17th, 2016 at Wahoo First Presbyterian Church.  CLICK HERE  to read about highlights from the meeting.

2016 Robert Giles Outstanding Homesteader Award

Congratulations to Julie Hopp, the 2016 Robert Giles Homesteader Award Recipient! Julie is an Elder and a member at Nebraska City First Presbyterian Church.
2016 Advent Devotional Available
The 2016 Homestead Presbytery Advent Devotional, "The ABCs of Advent," with thirty different contributing writers, is available now by  CLICKING HERE.
Presbyterian Church (USA) Application for Special Committees
CLICK HERE  for information on applying for appointment to be on the 2016 committees, commissions, and task forces with remaining spots. Deadline is November 28th.
Lectionary Reading: Galatians 6:1-10
"My friends, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Take care that you yourselves are not tempted.  Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.  For if those who are nothing think they are something, they deceive themselves.  All must test their own work; then that work, rather than their neighbor's work, will become a cause for pride.  For all must carry their own loads. Those who are taught the word must share in all good things with their teacher. Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow.  If you sow to your own flesh, you will reap corruption from the flesh; but if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit.  So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest-time, if we do not give up.  So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith."