The Homesteader - November 10,  2016
Pay it Forward
by Richard Wyatt
What is the purpose of your church?  It is mission and ministry of course! So many of our churches are doing great and wonderful things in both.  Not the least of which is inspiring worship each Sunday.  Many have food banks, mission trips, community projects, children's ministries during the week, and many more.
Members having a good understanding of what the church is doing, is key to mission and ministry success.  If the members are aware of the activities, they are better enabled to match their interests, passions, imagination, and talents in order to become partners in the ministries. CLICK HERE to read more!
Why study the Reformation Era?
The Presbyterian Outlook, by Bill Deprater
This article looks at how the Presbyterian church benefits from studying the history of the church and religion as a whole. "We are shaped by the past, yet we cannot return to the past, but must move forward into he future." The author examines how reading and hearing scripture, roles in the church and society, and advancements in liberal arts and sciences have affected the church over time.  CLICK HERE to read the article.
Who's Who in the Homestead Presbytery
Rev. Don Ball
It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of Rev. Don Ball, who died on October 24, 2016. Rev. Ball was a Presbyterian Pastor from 1963 until his retirement in 1992, most recently serving at the First Presbyterian Church in Cedar Bluffs. He also served in the United States Marines and was Program Director for Camp Calvin Crest for five years. Please keep his loved ones in your prayers. For the obituary, please  CLICK HERE.
Standing Rock Reservation Statement
The West Central Region of the United Church of Christ has released a statement of witness on the protests at Standing Rock Reservation. Please  CLICK HERE   to read the statement.
In this issue
Blessing Opportunity  2 Corinthians 9:7-8
 
The Arbor Day Foundation is planting trees to help rebuild communities ravaged by Hurricane Matthew.  CLICK HERE for more information and to donate.
Youth Mission Trip 2016 Video
Youth Mission Trip 2016
Youth Mission Trip 2016

Homestead Presbytery Happenings!

   Lincoln's Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church held a silent auction/fundraiser for it's Youth Mission Trip

   Heritage Presbyterian Church in Lincoln had a taco fundraiser for their mission trip and youth group.


Keep Thinking...
There is no higher religion than service. To work for the common good is the greatest creed. -Albert Schweitzer
Gospel Reading: Matthew 20: 1-16
"For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard.  After agreeing with the laborers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard.  When he went out about nine o'clock,  he saw others standing idle in the marketplace;  and he said to them, 'You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.' So they went.  When he went out again about noon  and about three o'clock , he did the same.  And about five o'clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, 'Why are you standing here idle all day?'  They said to him, 'Because no one has hired us.' He said to them, 'You also go into the vineyard.'  When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, 'Call the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.'  When those hired about five o'clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage.  Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage.  And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner,  saying, 'These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.'  But he replied to one of them, 'Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage?  Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you.  Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?' So the last will be first, and the first will be last."