As we prepare for Christmas this week and reflect on Jesus' birth, I'd like to share a reflection by Rev. Sarah Speed that touch my own heart. I hope you find it meaningful.
Much peace to you all,
Pastor Amy
Invitations by Rev. Sarah Speed
I’ve been thinking about a universal truth—the way we all want to be invited in. We want the door to be opened with cheers of, “You’re here!” We want the clerk at the store to ask how we’re doing, and the waiter to wink at us and whisper, “Good choice.” We want the barista to learn our names, which people call being “a regular,” but it feels more like being known. We want the stranger to help us pick up our sodas when the case breaks, and the woman to put her bag in her lap on the subway, which is to mean, “Come, you can sit by me.” We cherish every open palm wave from the child in the grocery store and every city church with open doors when the organist plays.
At the end of the day we are all just a collection of heart and bones walking through this world, exchanging invitations, saying to one another in a million little ways— come matter here. Come make a difference here. Come be you, here.
Jesus didn’t receive much of an invitation. No one moved their bag to their lap, or opened the door to the inn and said, “You’re here!” Still, he came. What a gift it is to have a God who does not wait on my invitation.
What a gift it is
to have a God
who can’t imagine
being anywhere but here.
Artwork: "Ordinary Glory" by Rev. Lauren Wright Pittman; copyright 2021 A Sanctified Art
|
|
Christmas Eve Service, Dec. 24th, at 6:00 pm
We will gather on Christmas Eve at 6:00 pm for our traditional service of Scripture, carols, and candlelight. We hope you and your family join us as we celebrate the birth of Christ!
|
|
Relief Aid for Those Affected by Tornadoes
Throughout the rest of December, we will be collecting offerings for Presbyterian Disaster Assistance to help those who have been affected by tornadoes. We will dedicate those offerings on Christmas Eve. Any offering on the 24th will go to this special relief effort. Please put "PDA Tornadoes" in the memo of your checks.
|
|
Informal Worship Service Sunday, Dec. 26th |
|
We will gather on the 26th for worship at our regular 10 am time. However, the service will be simpler than usual. We will have a carol sing where church members can request songs. Pastor Amy will lead the group in a Bible Study. We will have a time of prayer. And then end with more carols. We hope you join us the day after Christmas for this informal time of worship. |
|
Christmas Joy Offering
The annual Christmas Joy offering was dedicated last Sunday, Dec. 19. The Christmas Joy Offering has been a cherished Presbyterian tradition since the 1930s, opening doors of opportunity for our leaders who are shaped and supported through your gifts—doors that lead to hopeful futures for young people at Presbyterian-related schools and colleges equipping communities of color.
Your gifts open doors that lead to relief for church workers and their families when critical financial needs arise. The Christmas Joy Offering has been a Presbyterian commitment for nearly 140 years, nurturing our leaders—past, present and future.
Please write "Christmas Joy" in the memo line of your check.
The final date to receive an offering in the office is Wed., Dec. 29. If you have any questions, please reach out to Amber in the office. We thank you for your generosity!
|
|
Mitten Tree
Break out those knitting needles and crochet hooks. We are again collecting hats, mittens, and scarves during the Advent season. A tree has been placed in Calvin Hall and you are invited to fill it with your wonderful creations. We will also accept purchased items if that is easier for you. The adult hats, mittens and scarves will be donated to the Salvation Army, Hospitality House and the People’s Clinic. Child size items will be given to area schools. Thank you all for your generosity.
|
|
Thank You for Pledging
We recently had our Stewardship Dedication Sunday. 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.
|
|
We thank each of you for your commitment to fulfilling your generous pledges for this current year, 2021. All pledges for 2021 need to be received in the church office no later than 11 am, Wed. Dec. 29 in order to be recorded for the year. Any prepaid 2022 pledges must also be received by this time. If you have any questions, please reach out to Amber in the office, amber@1stpresby.org, or 319-233-6145.
|
|
Tuesday Morning Bible Study
During Advent
During the season of Advent and Christmas, the Tuesday morning Bible Study will be incorporating art into the study of the sermon text. The artwork will support the theme "Close to Home".
Please join us this Tuesday, December 28th, 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!
|
|
Church Office Closures
The church office will be closed Mon. Dec. 27, and Mon. Jan. 3, in observance of the holidays. The church will also be briefly closed for lunch on Wed, Dec, 29 from noon to 1:30. All other office hours remain the same.
|
|
Our Section Leaders to be in the UNI Opera |
|
Pulpit Flower Volunteers Needed
We are once again accepting donations of flower arrangements for our Sunday Services. We currently have openings on January 2nd, 9th, 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!
|
|
Church Prayer List
New to the Prayer List:
Dean Bellinger, recovering from a lung infection
Ongoing/Continuing Prayers:
Joann Lockard, health issues; Jan Schwab, recovering at home from surgery on her toe; 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.
|
|
Church Family Birthdays
We celebrate our members with birthdays in December. If you get a chance, please join us in wishing them a very happy birthday!
December
04 David Ames, Addison Bovy
05 Alex Ames
08 Kathy McClain, Dan Paulsen
09 Ruth Meade
12 Rev. Dr. Pat Geadelmann
14 Dave Kabel
19 Peter Christensen
20 Jim Walker
26 Darlene Roberts
27 Amber Gilles
28 Frank Swallow
29 Darlys Varner
30 Penny Bunger
31 Jane Christensen, Russell Gemoll
|
|
Office Hours: M-Th 9:00am to 4:00pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
