Pastor Connection
December 31, 2020
Poems of Preparation
This Sunday will end our seasonal theme: Those Who Dream. We will read Matthew 2:1-12, the story of the magi. I'd like to share one last poem from Sanctified Art by Sarah Are to prepare our hearts and minds for this Sunday. It is also a nice reflection as we begin a new year. Peace, Pastor Amy

I Imagine

I imagine they packed bags—
Water and food, blankets and clothes.
I imagine they packed tools—
Maps and telescopes that could bring the stars closer,
As if the sky was a comforter they could pull near.

I imagine they hugged loved ones and said,
“We’ll be back soon.”
And when loved ones said,
“Don’t leave,”
“It’s risky,”
“You don’t even know what you’re chasing,”
I imagine they put lips to foreheads and said,
“There is a light in the darkness. I must chase that.”

And then I imagine they walked.
I imagine they walked until legs were tired and knees gave out.
Maybe they told stories on the road and laughed into open sky,
Or maybe they sat in silence and prayed for more light.
However the road unfolded, I imagine it was not easy.

I imagine all of this, not because I’ve chased stars,
But because I have dreamed.
And these dreams for justice make the Magi’s story my own.
For every time we fight for justice,
We start in the dark.
We hug loved ones and say,
“There’s a light in the darkness, I must chase that.”
We walk until we’re tired,
And then we keep walking.
We laugh at the open sky as a form of resistance.
We pray in the night for signs of more light.
And no matter how important the journey is,
And no matter how much progress we make,
The journey to justice is never easy.

And so I pray,
That maybe one day,
We will be like the Magi,
And will walk ourselves into the light.
Until then, don’t forget—
There’s a light in the darkness.
We must chase that
Tuesday Bible Study
We will resume our Tuesday morning Bible study next week, starting Tuesday January 5, at 9:00. Pastor Amy will be leading a discussion on the sermon text for Sunday. We hope to see you there!

Zoom Link for Bible Study: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84324390762
Meeting ID: 843 2439 0762
Ways to Give
Thank you for the generous ways you continue to support our church ministry. Remember that you can also give online. May God bless our offerings.
In Our Thoughts and Prayers
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Ongoing/Continuing Prayers:
Kason (Connie Leeper's daughter-in-law's nephew) who is recovering from brain surgery, Florence Ramsell at Northcrest, Mary K Williams recovering from surgery at home, Steve Miller recovering from surgery at home, Rita Campbell who is dealing with health issues, Jan Bellinger, recovering from knee surgery at home; Lori and Suzanne (members of the Bellinger's family) who continue to deal with health issues; Jim Clarke receiving treatment for cancer; prayers of safety for Barbara Benskin's son who is a trucker; Joe Fernau (Marie's son), who is recovering from lymphoma; Neva Kerr, New Aldaya (Hospice); Paul Holtz, Hospice Care

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.
Happy Birthday!
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December
31 Jane Christensen

January
4 Jackie Bass 
5 Donna Beaver, Rick Mananga, Dianna Powell
6 Breanna Platt
7 Marie Fernau

First Presbyterian Church | Waterloo, IA | 319-233-6145 | www.1stpresby.org