Pastor Connection

June 18th, 2020

A Note From Pastor Amy

This week holds several special days that we can commemorate and hold in prayer - Juneteenth, the anniversary of the killing of nine worshippers engaged in Bible Study at Mother Emanuel African Methodist Church in Charleston, and a day calling for National Moral Revival. As we strive for a more just world and pray for peace and reconciliation, may the words of Maya Angelou serve as a reminder and inspiration to keep singing of freedom.

Peace be with you,

Pastor Amy

Caged Bird

BY MAYA ANGELOU

A free bird leaps

on the back of the wind

and floats downstream

till the current ends

and dips his wing

in the orange sun rays

and dares to claim the sky.

But a bird that stalks

down his narrow cage

can seldom see through

his bars of rage

his wings are clipped and

his feet are tied

so he opens his throat to sing.

The caged bird sings

with a fearful trill

of things unknown

but longed for still

and his tune is heard

on the distant hill

for the caged bird

sings of freedom.

The free bird thinks of another breeze

and the trade winds soft through the sighing trees

and the fat worms waiting on a dawn bright lawn

and he names the sky his own

But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams

his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream

his wings are clipped and his feet are tied

so he opens his throat to sing.

The caged bird sings

with a fearful trill

of things unknown

but longed for still

and his tune is heard

on the distant hill

for the caged bird

sings of freedom.

Observances This Week to Recall and Hold in Prayer

Wednesday, June 17 marks the 5 ^th anniversary of the killing of nine worshippers engaged in Bible Study at Mother Emanual African Methodist Church in Charleston, South Carolina. Pray for the families who lost loved ones, the church and the community that healing may continue.

See https://faithandleadership.com/mother-emanuel-five-years-later?utm_source=fl_newsletter&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=fl_topstory

Friday, June 19, known as Nineteenth Day or Juneteenth, marks the emancipation and end of slavery for African Americans in 1865, nearly 2 ½ years later than the Emancipation Proclamation signed by President Abraham Lincoln on Janurary 1, 1863. Juneteenth is celebrated as a national holiday by African Americans. The NAACP of Blackhawk County has conducted a virtual celebration this year due to COVID-19. Its website https://www.facebook.com/waterloonaacp has a series of recorded programs including an official proclamation of “Freedom Week” by Waterloo Mayor Quentin Hart and Cedar Falls Mayor Robert Green. Pray that justice may no longer be denied or delayed.

Saturday, June 20 “A National Call for Moral Revival: The Mass Poor Peoples Assembly and Moral March in Washington, D.C.: a Digital Justice Gathering.” The Poor People’s Campaign is a movement to end interlocking injustices, including systemic race, poverty, and ecological devastation. A 2.5 hour program will be broadcast Saturday, June 20 at 10am EST and 6:00 pm EST and again on Sunday, June 21 at 6pm EST. See poorpeoplescampaign.com . The Rev William Barber II is the leader of the group with over 200 churches and organizations, including The Presbyterian Church USA, listed as Mobilizing Partners. Pray for all those areas where injustice still exists and to be led to engage in effecting change.

New Sermon Series

Unraveled, Seeking God When Our Plans Fall Apart

Preaching Schedule

June 14 JEREMIAH 29:1-7 || Plant Gardens & Build Houses

June 21 2 SAMUEL 3:7; 21:1-14 || Rizpah Mourns Her Sons

June 28 LUKE 19:1-10 || Zacchaeus the Wealthy Tax Collector

July 5 EXODUS 5:1-2; 7:8-23 || Pharaoh Hardens His Heart

July 12 MATTHEW 14:22-33 || Peter Sinks in the Water

July 19 ACTS 9:1-20 || The Conversion of Saul to Paul

July 26 GENESIS 18:1-15; 21:1-7 || Sarah Laughs

Aug 2 JOHN 4:1-29 || The Samaritan Woman at the Well

Aug 9 EXODUS 1:22, 2:1-10 || Moses’ Mother Gives Moses Up

Aug 16 MARK 5:1-20 || Jesus Heals Legion, a Man Possessed by Demons

Aug 23 JOB 28:12-28 || Job’s Lament and Loss

Aug 30 JOHN 20:19-29 || Doubting Thomas

Zoom Bible Study

We are making a few changes to our regular Zoom Coffee Hour. Starting next Tuesday, we will be engaging in a deeper Bible Study. The group will study the upcoming sermon text together to prepare for worship, share our own insights, and gain a better understanding of Scripture. This is open to ALL church members. Be sure to grab your Bible and join us!

Our next coffee hour will be Tuesday, June 23, at 9:00 a.m. Click this link to join. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88566321757

Online Giving Available

Thank you to all those who are continuing to faithfully give their pledges and offerings to the church. In an attempt to make giving easier during this time, we have initiated online giving to our church through the Presbyterian Foundation. Click on the button below to set up on account for continual giving. You may also give a one time gift. You may also continue to mail checks to the church. Please call Kelley if you have questions.

We are still engaging in meaningful ministry and your offerings make that ministry possible. Thank you for your generosity and please continue to give as you can.

In Our Thoughts and Prayers

New to the prayer list and updates:

Esther Cutforth, Bob Cutsforth's mother, who has been as Hospice House for the past several days.

Gerald Buls, who just received a diagnosis of cancer of the lymph nodes.

For specific individuals:

Donna Beaver is recovering from surgery for carpal tunnel on her other hand; Jo Beaver is recovering from knee surgery, prayers of safety for Lorraine Baker's nephew and Barbara Benksin's son, who are both truckers; Kason (Connie Leeper's daughter-in-law's nephew, recovering from a car accident; Rev. Gary Catterson, recovering from surgery at home; Steve Miller, Iowa City; Bob Cutsforth, who began treatment for cancer this week; The Platts' friends in Venezuela who are struggling with food and other resources; Karen Dew's cousins, Sherry and Holly, who have been affected by COVID-19, Joe Fernau (Marie's son), who started treatments for lymphoma; Sarah (granddaughter of Evelyn and Carl Boice) who is an RN at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester MN, and her husband, Dylan, who is an essential non-medical worker at Mayo; Megan and Emma Schellhorn as they work at Fareway; Jan and Dean Bellinger's daughters and granddaughters who are serving in hospitals and nursing care facilities; for Alexa (granddaughter of Janis Shea) who works in an essential business credit union and is subjected to the virus; Courtney Pilcher who works in health care services; Don Broadston, home; Pat Stanhope, Friendship Village; Shirley Sorensen, Friendship Village; Neva Kerr, NewAldaya (Hospice); Crystal Lorenze, recovering from back surgery; Paul Holtz, Hospice Care; Mary Davis, Ravenwood

Broader prayer concerns from the congregation:

that justice and lasting peace will come to our nation

leaders in all areas who are making decisions for people's well-being

all those living and working in nursing homes, assisted living, and retirement communities

workers at Tyson's

that all will stay well

all doctors, nurses, and health care providers along with their families

all those who are essential workers

those who are strictly quarantined for a variety of reasons

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!

19 Jenny Bass, Mark Fairbanks, Paul Mead,

Kim Reisinger, Colette Shull

21 Lorraine Baker

25 Olive Whyte

26 Barbara Young

28 Kevynne Wimberley

30 Theresa Braby

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