Pastor Connection 4/21/2022

April 21st, 2022

Pastor Connection

*Artwork Credit: “The Incredulity of Saint Thomas” Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio

John 20:26-28

Jesus and Thomas

A week later His disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then He said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” Thomas answered Him, “My Lord and my God!”

A Note From Pastor Pat

Welcome to the Season of Easter, this second Sunday of Eastertide! You thought Easter was last week, and this was “Low Sunday” when many take a break from church? Not so! Easter spans seven weeks, 50 days to Pentecost, with Ascension occurring on the 40th day. Easter is just beginning!

Each week the scripture texts will portray the risen Christ surrounding us. Resurrection is not simply return, but transformation, and we each are called to engage in that transformation. We will witness the disciples coming to belief in the midst of their paralysis from the grief of the crucifixion. We will come to believe with the disciples that Jesus comes back for us and breathes the Holy Spirit to accompany and empower us. In that return, Thomas makes the greatest confession of all, “My Lord and My God.”

Poet and author Wendell Berry suggests that we practice resurrection by breathing Christ’s presence within and around us. What might that look like for you? For our church as we continue in discernment? How do we see the wounds of Christ in the world? How might we be called to reach into them? I pray that we might individually and collectively be led deeper into Christ during this season.

This will be my last Sunday in worship. I will, however, continue to be present in the office and available for visits and conversation during the next week. I invite you to call or drop by for conversation if you would like. I am extraordinarily grateful for the opportunity to serve First Presbyterian Church, Waterloo. Thank you, thank you for the opportunity and trust you have placed in me. My heart goes out to you!

May the Peace of Christ be with you all!

With love,

Pastor Pat

Saying Farewell to Pastor Pat

This Sunday, April 24, will be Pastor Pat's last Sunday preaching for First Presbyterian before she retires. Please come to support her and shower her with love on this final Sunday at 10:00 am.

Assistance for Ukraine

This past week, on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, the Presbyterian Churches in the Cedar Valley held combined services for the two holy days. Offerings were collected and designated to be sent to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance to directly provide much needed relief to those affected by the war in Ukraine. Between the two services, the Presbyterian community raised $1,314.00 for our Ukrainian brothers and sisters. Thank you to all for your generous spirit.

In addition to this offering, First Presbyterian's Mission and Outreach Committee sent $500.00 to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance specifically for relief in Ukraine.

One Great Hour of Sharing

It is not too late to give! The final date to receive an offering is Monday, May 2, 2022, for our special offering gifts for One Great Hour of Sharing. Please write OGH in the memo line of your check.

This offering provides relief from natural disasters, food for the hungry, and support for the poor and oppressed. Europe is facing its largest humanitarian crisis since World War II. The United Nations estimates up to 18 million people, both internally displaced and refugees, will eventually be impacted.

According to reports from Action by Churches Together (ACT) Alliance, Ukrainians are facing reduced or disrupted services in water, heating, electricity, transportation and telecommunications. Health services have deteriorated rapidly due to shortages of medical supplies and personnel.

Your gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing allow for an immediate response from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) when emergencies first occur, often responding to crises that never make it into the news.

To stay informed about the work Presbyterians are doing in and around Ukraine, visit pcusa.org/pda/ukraine. To learn more about One Great Hour of Sharing and the vital ministries it supports, visit pcusa.org/oghs.

In this season of Easter, pray for our siblings in Ukraine. Pray for peace. And pray that all of us will remember that we are the Church, together

Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!

Our Sanctuary was beautifully decorated with 48 spring flowers this past Sunday for Easter. The flowers included the traditional Easter Lilies, along with Hyacinths, Tulips, and Mums, which were new for this year. Flowers were donated by the congregation In Loving Memory of those who have passed,

In Honor of those who are living, and as a gift to the church.

The Ritual of Friendship Sign-In

At the end of each pew is a black binder with "The Ritual of Friendship" forms in them. If you are comfortable, please add your name and information so that we can once again celebrate our friends who attend service together!

First Wednesday Club

Come join the First Wednesday Club for lunch, conversation and a closer look at the Bible. Bring your own lunch and take part in this very informal time of fellowship. Like the name says, we will meet on the First Wednesday of every month, in Calvin Hall, at noon. Our first meeting will be Wednesday, May 4. We look forward to seeing you there.

CPR/AED Recertification

Six members of First Presbyterian Church, Dennis Bass, Jan Bellinger, Gary Catterson, Nancy Catterson, Mary Mumm, and Terry Sage, recently had their CPR/AED certifications renewed for the next two years; Other members with current certification are asked to share that information with Amber in the office in order to be added to the current listing. This is being posted in strategic places throughout the building. Thank you!

Volunteer Help Requested

Do you have a few hours free on Thursday mornings? Do you like doing easy tasks that will greatly help someone else? We have a place for you. Each Thursday morning, Amber sends out the Pastor Connection and the weekly bulletin. She could use some expert help in folding, stuffing and sealing envelopes. Come at 9:30 a.m. It should not take more than a few hours and you will be done by 11:30 or before. If you are willing to commit one Thursday morning a month to help, please contact Jean Seeland, 319- 493-2015 or sign up in church office.

Hy-Vee Receipts

Have you been saving Hy-Vee receipts and wonder if they are still being collected? Well they are! Please drop them off to the church office before April 30 to benefit Cunningham School (our partner in education) this year. The school with the highest total in receipts will receive a monetary prize. Thank you for saving your receipts!

Updated Church Directory

An updated church directory is now available! There are printed copies available in the church office, or click HERE to access a copy. Updated April 2022. If you need one mailed, please reach out to Amber in the church office, 319-233-6145, or amber@1stpresby.org.

Tuesday Morning Bible Study

Please join us this Tuesday, April 26th, at 9am in Calvin Hall. All are welcome! Coffee will be provided. We hope you can join us!

LIVE STREAMING WORSHIP Now Available!

We are now live streaming our Worship Services EVERY Sunday! The stream will start at 10:00 am on Sundays, and you can view it live on our YouTube channel wherever you have internet access!

If you are unable to watch the service live, the video will be recorded and you can watch at any time by clicking on the video on the YouTube page. The link is (Click Here) bit.ly/1stpresby.

You can also find the link to the YouTube page on the church website.

Click HERE for the bulletin.

We look forward to worshiping with you every week!

PLEASE NOTE: We will continue to meet IN PERSON at the church every week on Sunday at 10:00 am.

Pulpit Flower Volunteers Needed

We are once again accepting donations of flower arrangements for our Sunday Services. We currently have openings May 29, Jun 5 (Pentecost), Jun 19 (Father's Day), and Jun 26. 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!

Church Office Opening Late

On Monday, May 2, the church office will be opening at 9:30 instead of 9. Thank you for your understanding.

Reminder: Worship Service Time Change

On NEXT Sunday, May 1, the Worship Service will be starting at 11:00 am. This will be the starting time for services throughout the summer as we share Pastors with the other Cedar Valley Presbyterian Churches. Adult Forum Coffee Hour will begin at 10:00 am during this period of change.

*THIS Sunday, April 24, will start at 10:00 am as usual.*

Thank you for your understanding and accommodations as we adjust the schedule for the summer.

Thank You

Thank you to the church and the deacons for the beautiful flowers sent to me for the Easter season. I would also like to thank you for all the thoughts and prayers sent for me.

Dorothy Hummel

Church Prayer List

New to the Prayer List:

Joe Fernau, son of Marie Fernau, is having a biopsy on Fri. Apr. 22. We pray it is free of cancer cells!

Ongoing/Continuing Prayers:

Don Broadston's friend, Jean Singer, struggling with lung health problems, Ed Halvorson, recovering at home from gall bladder surgery; Lorraine Baker, recovering from heart surgery; Pat Narey, Kari O. Narey's husband, recovering at home from a bone infection in his foot; Richard Gajewsky, Tyler's grandfather, who was recently diagnosed with cancer; Sam Christensen, recovering from a severe fall at the Med Center in Friendship Village; Pat Koenig, dealing with back pain; Janice and Paul Graham, Jennifer Lightbody's parents, who are dealing with health issues- especially Paul who recently fell and severed a vertebrae; Sara Wexter, Betty's daughter-in-law, recently diagnosed with a severe health condition; Gloria Frerichs, recovering from a stroke and settling in to her new home at Friendship Village; Joann Lockard, health issues; Barbara Benskin's brother, Bill Brenton, who is in hospice care; Mable, great-granddaughter of Skip and Judy Mulock and their family, struggling with health issues; Steve Miller, ongoing health issue

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.