A Note from Pastor Pat
When was the last time you used a plumb line? There were a few wrinkled brows when I posed that question in our Bible study Tuesday morning. A plumb line is used to determine if a wall or building or other structure is truly vertical, a measure necessary to assure stability in construction and in such tasks as hanging pictures. It is a simple tool: a piece of cord with a heavy object, typically metal, attached and hung to provide a vertical sightline which reflects alignment. There is evidence of its use by Egyptians back to 2500 BCE, and continuing today modernized by the use of lasers.
In the Hebrew scriptures and our text this week from Amos 7:7-15, the vision of a plumb line becomes a test and measure of justice and righteousness. The herdsman/become prophet Amos is sent by The Lord to go from his field in Judah to Israel with these words, "See, I am setting a plumb line in the midst of my people Israel; I will never again pass them by...." (7:8b). In short, God has had it with the Israelites. The plumb line has become an instrument of judgment.
Where do you see the plumb line, the measure of justice and righteousness, in our society today? In your own life? What keeps you balanced, centered, aligned, and true to you beliefs, values, and faith?
As a spiritual practice, consider taking a piece of paper and drawing a plumb line down the middle of the page. Write on the line where you feel balanced and grounded in your faith and daily living. On either side note where you have been pulled or drifted away from that center. Where/how are you called to realign? What will enable you to change? Do the same for how you see our society. Where/how are you and we the church called to act?
May God give us grace and mercy as we strive to respond to God's call in our lives. I look forward to worshipping with you this week.
Peace,
Pastor Pat
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Guest Speaker Monday July 12th
Amgad Beblawi, our presbytery's new Mission Executive, will come on Monday, July 12th, at 5:30 pm to share about justice work and the church's role in that work. Church members are invited and welcome to attend. We hope to see you there to join in the discussion.
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Update on Worship
At their most recent meeting, Session approved further changes to our in-person worship service.
We are now singing all congregational hymns in worship. We have also removed all markings from the pews. We respect those who wish to continue to socially distance.
Session continues to appreciate your prayers, understanding, and grace as we continue to move forward.
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Fiesta! A Celebration of Latino Culture
July 8th, 9th, and 10th at Riverloop Amphitheatre will be Live Music, Food, and Activities for the entire family! Free admission!
Thursday July 8th: 7:30pm- Waterloo Municipal Band performs accompanied by a Latin dance performance.
Friday July 9th: 6:00pm- El Camino Taco Truck
7:00pm- Pinata
7:45pm- Zumba Dance with Angelica Rodriguez
9:15pm/Dusk- Cinema on the Cedar presents Selena
(in Spanish with English subtitles)
Saturday July 10th: 5:30pm- Riverloop Rhythms with live music by
Tropicante mariachi band, soccer and boxing demos, traditional dance performance, and craft activities. El Camino Taco Truck, ice cream, snacks, and beverages will be available on site.
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A Flamboyance of Flamingos Spotted in the Wild!
Rumor has it that some First Presbyterian members have been seeing pink birds on their lawns. Obviously, these flamingos love Presbyterians and they are wonderful representations of God's love for us. If you find a flamboyance of flamingos on your lawn, enjoy for a bit and then be sure to pass the love along. The office would also love a photo of these crafty creatures making their appearances! Feel free to email a photo to amber@1stpresby.org. Today's photos are Lorraine Baker and Ruthie and Thomas Wiles enjoying the flamingos!
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Piecemakers Quilters Meeting
Piecemakers will meet on Thursday, July 29th, from 9:00am to 2:00pm. Since most are now retired, it was decided to meet on a weekday in the summer and allow those with summer activities to have their weekends free. The project will be a quilt, Cribsize-King (pattern also includes info on a table runner). The pattern is a Turning Twenty pattern called "Hope Chest Treasures". Jackie Bass will teach this class. Fabric requirements are fat quarters or a chance to raid your scrap basket. If you plan to attend this class, please email Jackie and she will see that you receive a pattern.
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Celebrate Our Neighborhood
Tuesday, August 3rd is the national celebration of Neighborhood Night Out. We will gather at Harvest Vineyard/Impact Church on East 4th St from 5:30-7:30 for a potluck, good conversation, games for children, and a talent show. This is an excellent opportunity to meet and greet our fellow neighbors. Just bring a side dish to share, everything else will be provided.
Dust off those tap shoes, dig out the music to your favorite song, or practice some good jokes because we are having a neighborhood talent show that evening. Please contact the church office if you wish to share your talent.
We also need some help before, during, and after the event. A sign-up sheet for volunteers is in the church office.
This promises to be an evening of fun. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend!
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Tuesday Morning Bible Study Resumes!
Please join us this Tuesday, July 13th, 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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Pastors On Leave
Our pastors will be on leave the following dates:
Pastor Amy will be on leave July 22nd through July 24th.
Pastor Amy will be on leave July 26th through July 29th.
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Office Closing Early
The church office will be closing early at 3:00pm on Tuesdays in July and August. All other office hours remain the same. Thank you for your understanding.
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Friends Memory Cafe
Friends Memory Cafe is a new monthly program to support leisure, fun, and friendship for people living with dementia or memory impairment, their caregivers, and all others interested in being a part of this supportive community! The events will feature refreshments and nature-related programs or activities. This program will meet the 1st Wednesday of each month at Hartman Reserve Nature Center. Please RSVP as size is limited; call 319-214-0711 and leave a message to reserve your spot! For more information please contact the office or your deacon.
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North End Arts & Music Festival
The North End Cultural Center is producing and hosting two entertainment opportunities for us to enjoy this summer. Please attend if you are interested.
Gospel Celebration
July 23rd, 2021 7:00 pm
Waterloo East High School
Arts & Music Festival
July 24th, 2021
Parade starts at 10:00am
Festival starts at 12 noon
Located at Ferguson Field Park, corner of Oneida and Linden Streets
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Pulpit Flower Volunteers Needed
We are once again accepting donations of flower arrangements for our Sunday Services. We currently have openings on July 25th, August 1st and 15th, and September 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th . 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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Thank You
Thank you for the cards and prayers sent during my recovery from my knee surgery. I thank God for the friendships that you showed.
-Marsha Platt
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Church Prayer List
Prayers of Joy:
Carl and Evelyn Boice's first great-grandson, Deacon Richard, was born on June 23rd to Sarah and Dylan Woolums of Stewartville MN. Grandmother is Cheryl Boice James
New to the Prayer List:
Jean Priebe, at Allen hospital dealing with health issues
Ongoing/Continuing Prayers:
Pam Terrell, at MercyOne Waterloo dealing with health issues; Dee May, recovering from a broken rib; Evelyn and Carl Boice's son Scott, who has been diagnosed with colon cancer and will be having surgery on Aug. 2 in Watertown, SD; 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; Donna Beaver recovering from foot surgery; Angie (Kim Swallow's friend) who works at the Anamosa State Penitentiary; Steve Miller recovering from surgery at home
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 July. If you get a chance, please join us in wishing them a very happy birthday!
July
1 George Day
6 Elliott Whyte
9 Louis Christensen, Alicia Russell
10 David Swallow
15 Lynda Cose
16 Tony Pruis, Carmen Trepp
19 Dorothy Hummel
21 Michael Ames, Blake Robinson
22 Evelyn Boice, Mary Mumm
23 Sawyer Swenson
24 Michael Lightbody
25 Connie Leeper
27 Barbara Benskin
28 Layla Sommerlot
29 Sally Davis, Daniel Klann
30 Madison Fairbanks, Pat Stanhope
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First Presbyterian Church | Waterloo, IA | 319-233-6145 | www.1stpresby.org
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