John 2:1-11 - The Wedding at Cana
On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." And Jesus said to her, "Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come." His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, "Fill the jars with water." And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, "Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward." So they took it. When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now." Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
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"Spring Cleaning" Donation Opportunity
Dr. Elaine Eshbaugh, Professor of Gerontology at the University of Northern Iowa, is working on opening a dementia simulation house on UNI's campus. This will be an environment where people can experience what daily life with dementia might be like and will play an important educational role for students in gerontology, social work, and other related areas.
Many of you have heard Dr. Eshbaugh speak at our church on dementia and alzheimers during our Adult Forums. She is working on furnishing the house and would welcome receiving donations of a number of items that might be part of your spring cleaning or otherwise given away. Among the needs are the following:
A BED, Loveseat, Recliner, Accent chairs, End tables, Coffee table, A toaster, A coat rack, Nightstand, Smart TV (can be small or large), Bookshelf, Desk, Magazine rack, Vacuum cleaner, Lamps (floor and table), Bathroom and kitchen rugs/mats, TV trays, Microwave cart.
Dr Eshbaugh’s contact information is below. You may also contact Pastor Pat with questions.
Dr. Elaine M. Eshbaugh
Professor of Gerontology
217 Latham Hall; University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0332a
You may also contact Pastor Pat with questions.
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Per Capita Giving
Per Capita connects Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregations and mid councils with the work of the wider church. As the primary source of funding for the Office of the General Assembly (OGA), it is how Presbyterians mutually and equitably share the costs of moving the church forward in the 21st century.
Per Capita giving makes it possible for:
- Presbyterians to discern and live out God’s call in their lives
- Churches to connect with individuals seeking a call to ministry
- Staff support for General Assembly committees and commissions
- Management and coordination of General Assembly gatherings
- Presbytery and synod leaders to gather for training and discernment
- Counsel and support for churches in crisis (misconduct, legal matters)
- Presbyteries to address matters of inclusion, participation, and representation at all levels of church leadership and decision-making
- The denomination to build connections with ecumenical partners around the world
- Presbyteries and pastors to receive support on immigration issues
- Presbyterian history to be cataloged, preserved, and utilized by future generations
This year, First Presbyterian gives $39 for each member to the Presbytery. Please consider giving your portion. Mark on the memo of your check "Per Capita". Thank you for your generosity.
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How Good It Is to Stay in Touch
Isn't it wonderful to get a friendly call after you have sat sheltering from the cold, snow, ice, and exposure to COVID? Last year at this time we activated a "Phone Tree" led by nine volunteers from the congregation to make calls to members simply to say "hello" and "check-in" with each other. It is an opportunity to "catch up," as well share joys and concerns. We are looking for 8-10 volunteers to make calls. If you are willing to be on the calling team, please contact Pastor Pat at the church office by Thursday, January 22.
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Volunteers Needed
We are seeking volunteers to lead coffee hour following worship service on Sundays. A schedule is being prepared for the year. If you are willing and able to help or have questions about what this would entail, please contact Dianna Powell at 319-240-0255. Thank you!
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Piecemakers Quilters Meeting
The Piecemakers will meet on Saturday, January 15th, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. This month's project offers three options: a set of four 14.5" placemats, a 19.5" table topper, and a 24.5" table topper. This pattern lets us practice our use of partial seams. For fabric requirements or questions, contact Jackie Bass. Chicken Tortilla Soup or Cheeseburger Chowder will be provided for lunch. Bring a salad, dinner rolls/garlic bread, or a dessert to share if you wish. Remember to bring your "Show and Tell" following lunch!
On Saturday the day of, please check your email regarding cancellations due to weather! We want everyone to be safe!
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Presbyterian Women
The PW will meet Wed., Jan. 19, at 9:30 am in Calvin Hall. The Bible Study will include Lessons 4 and 5 from "What My Grandmothers Taught Me".
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Thank You for Pledging
We thank each of you for your commitment to fulfilling your generous pledges for the previous year, 2021. Also, thank you all for your generosity in returning your 2022 pledge cards. It is never too late to return your pledge card. If you need a blank card, copies are available; please contact the office.
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Thank You from Missions and Outreach
The Mission and Outreach team wishes to send our thanks to all in our congregation who generously contributed hats, mittens, and scarves. We are pleased to let you know that we are able to contribute a box of items to the following organizations: Cunningham School, Irving School, Salvation Army, Hospitality House, and Peoples Clinic. Because of you, many people in our community will stay warmer this winter. We are deeply appreciative of your caring and thoughtfulness. If anyone would like to join our team, please let Donna Beaver or Jean Seeland know.
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Tuesday Morning Bible Study
Please join us this Tuesday, January 18th, 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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Our Section Leaders to be in the UNI Opera
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Upcoming Church Meetings
Piecemaker Quilters: Sat. Jan. 15, 9:00 am Fellowship Hall
Presbyterian Women: Wed., Jan 19, 9:30 am
Stewardship & Finance: Mon. Jan. 24, Noon Church Office
Session: Tue., Jan. 25, 5:30 pm
*All Meetings Held in Calvin Hall unless otherwise noted
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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 January 16th, 23rd, and 30th (and the entire year of 2022 if you would like to lock in a later date). 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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Church Office Closure
The church office will be closed Mon., Jan. 17, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Normal hours will resume on Tuesday.
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Thank You
Thank you to our First Church Family for your cards, concerns, and prayers during my recent hospital stay and surgery. Thanks to Pastor Amy and Pastor Pat for their phone calls and visits. I look forward to being back to church and being with you soon.
Blessing for the New Year!
Jan Schwab
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Church Prayer List
New to the Prayer List:
Gloria Frerichs, recovering from a stroke at Allen Hospital; George Day, dealing with health issues
Ongoing/Continuing Prayers:
Marilyn Lottich, recovering from health issues at home; Joann Lockard, health issues; Lorraine Baker, heart concerns; Marsha Platt, recovering from surgery, Cindy Trepp, health concerns; Barbara Benskin's brother, Bill Brenton, who is in hospice care; 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; 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.
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Church Family Birthdays
We celebrate our members with birthdays in January. If you get a chance, please join us in wishing them a very happy birthday!
January
04 Jackie Bass
05 Donna Beaver, Rick Mananga, Dianna Powell
06 Breanna Platt
07 Marie Fernau
11 Billie Hesse, Terry Sage
12 Mary Kabel
13 Tristan Euritt
14 Erwin Jaeger, Beth Klann
15 Tom Christensen
16 Zachary Pruis
18 Sue Bickley, Alex Matthias, Jennifer Smith
21 Brad DeSerano, Stephanie Swenson
22 Steve Miller, Nancy Newhoff, Ethan Smith
27 Jennifer Bass, Libby Whyte
31 Stacy Robinson, Mike Shea
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Office Hours: M-Th 9:00am to 4:00pm
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