A Note from Pastor Pat
This week we are in the boat with Jesus and the disciples. Last week I enjoyed several relaxing days away fishing in northern Minnesota. The lake was beautiful. We watched the bald eagles, the loons and the ducks, great blue herons, and sea vegetation. As for the fish, well, they were sparse! Nonetheless, it was a good time away.
Our text this week is Mark 4:35-41, the story of Jesus in the boat with the disciples in the midst of a storm. The disciples were terrified. Jesus was asleep. Can you imagine? What does it feel like to be caught on a lake in a storm with waves rolling into the boat or driving down a road in the snowstorm in the midst of a whiteout?
The lyrics from “Stand by Me” by Elvis Presley describe how the disciples might have felt, as well as what we have experienced this past fifteen months during the pandemic:
“When the storms of life are raging
Stand by me
When the storms of life are raging
Stand by me
When the world is tossing me
Like a ship out on the sea
Thou who rulest wind and water
Stand by me.”
The disciples were terrified and confronted the sleeping Jesus, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” Jesus got up, “rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still[P1] ! Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, “ Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” (Mark 4:38b-40).
Storms rage in our world today, exacerbated by the pandemic, over issues of race, justice, economics, health care, education, climate, politics, the church, and more that threaten our peace. We are in the boat, and there is danger in the water. How will the storms be stilled? From where will peace come?
Join us in worship this Sunday! I look forward to seeing you as we delve further into the text.
Peace,
Pastor Pat
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This Sunday! First Church Fellowship Gathering Planned
On this Sunday, June 20th, the First Church family will be holding a Bring Your Own Picnic event at Byrnes Park. We will gather and spend time together at the shelter, immediately following worship. There is a playground for the kids to enjoy! We will also be taking time that day to honor Dakota, our choir director before he leaves for Texas. Please join us if you are able!
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Congratulations Jean Seeland!
Our own Jean Seeland has been awarded the YWCA's Women of Persimmon Youth Advocate Award. This is an annual award given to a woman who exemplifies the YWCA's mission of eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.
Specifically, the Youth Advocate is awarded to a woman who
is an advocate for the health and well-being of youth, either by engaging in advocacy efforts on behalf of youth or working directly with young people through nurture, empowerment, and inspiration.
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Happy Father's Day
We wish a very happy and special Father's Day to all of the Fathers and Father figures. Your involvement and guidance in our lives is so important and we take this day to celebrate you!
Thank you for all that you do!
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Juneteenth Celebration Events
Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in the U.S. It marks the day - June 19, 1865 - when enslaved people in Texas learned of Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, which had been issued in 1863. It is sometimes called Freedom Day and is an important holiday for Black Americans.
You can join the celebration at these Waterloo events June 19:
Music, food, games and fun from 1:00 to 6:00pm at Gates Park, East Fourth Street and Lester, Waterloo.
A concert featuring Felicia Smith-Nalls will be at Gates Park from 7:00 to 10:00pm.
A concert will be held at the Riverloop amphitheatre at 7:00pm. Featuring soprano Whitney Morrison and baritone Sidney Outlaw, with pianist Pedro Yanez, the program will include African American spirituals and art songs as well as opera arias.
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Mark Your Calendars: Guest Speaker Rescheduled
We were planning to host a conversation with Amgad Beblawi, our presbytery's new Mission Executive this past Tuesday. Unfortunately, Amgad had a family emergency and we needed to reschedule. Amgad 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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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.
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Book Club Resumes
The First Church Book Club has resumed their monthly meetings. The club will meet on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 9:30 in Calvin Hall. Please mark your calendars to join us next month!
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New Partners in Ministry- Hip Hop Literacy
We are thrilled to form a new partnership helping children in our community! The Hip Hop Literacy program will be hosting their summer classes in our building this year. 40 children will gather in our space Monday through Thursday from 8:30-12:30, starting June 14th and running through July 22nd.
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Coffee Hour Following Worship
Please join us for coffee hour following the Worship Service in Calvin Hall. Coffee and light snacks will be provided, so please grab a cup and enjoy spending a little time together after church.
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Tuesday Morning Bible Study Resumes!
Please join us this Tuesday, June 22nd, 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 June 13th through June 19th.
Pastor Amy will be on leave July 5th through July 8th.
Pastor Pat will be delivering the sermon on Sunday, June 20th.
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Office Closing Early
The church office will be closing early at 3:00pm on the following Tuesdays this month: June 22nd, and June 29th. All other office hours remain the same. Thank you for your understanding.
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Vacation Bible School
First Presbyterian church would like to share an opportunity for VBS at Westminster Presbyterian with you!
Westminster is offering "Knights of North Castle Vacation Bible School"
June 21 - 25, 2021 / 9am-12pm
Ages 3 thru kids going into 5th grade
They will hold VBS outside as much as possible this year to provide a safe environment and masks will be required.
If you are interested in attending or know someone who is, please visit https://wpcw.org/vbs/ or call their office at 319-234-5501.
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Summer Camp at Lake Okoboji
We are happy to announce that Lakeshore Center at Okoboji is having summer camp this year! The theme for this summer is "Leap into Adventure". There are camping options for children, youth, and families. The Christian Nurture and Fellowship Team will help defer the costs for those who wish to attend. You can find more information about their different camping programs by visiting the following website: https://www.lakeshorecenteratokoboji.org/summer-camp.html. There is also information in the church office. Please contact the church if you or your family plans to participate.
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This Weekend! Impact Church Garage Sale
Impact Church Annual Garage Sale, 715 E. 4th Street, Waterloo.
Friday, June 18th 8AM-5:30PM
Saturday, June 19th 7:30AM-3PM
This may be held outside of the church, so feel free to stop by and shop!
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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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Allen College ACE-SAP Free Clinic
Allen College is holding free clinics this summer for those who are uninsured or underinsured. A variety of services are offered, including free screening and assessment of chronic illnesses like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. They offer medication assistance and community referrals. The clinic offers psychiatric nurse practitioners by appointment. ACE-SAP partners with the I-Smile program to do dental assessments and fluoride applications for those who lack dental care. They may be able to assist with costs for dental problems due to receiving a grant from Delta Dental. The clinic is staffed by students in the master's program at Allen College, supervised by licensed faculty.
The clinic is open 9am to 5pm on Wednesdays through June and July at the Salvation Army, 207 Logan Avenue in Waterloo. For more detailed information, please see the letter and flyer on the bulletin board next to the church office, call or email Amber at 319-233-6145; amber@1stpresby.org, or visit the website, https://www.allencollege.edu/ace-sap-free-clinic.
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Activity Book Drive
Impact Church needs your help! May 23rd- June 26th, 2021. Impact is collecting the following items for residents at Manor Care Health Services in Waterloo.
-Coloring books-Large print word find books-Large print crossword puzzle books-Sudoko books-Markers-
Drop donations off daily at: Impact Church, 715 E. 4th Street Waterloo
You can also donate by check, via CASHAPP at $impactchurchwloo, or on their website at www.impactchurchwloo.com/online-giving/
For more information please call 319-595-1015 or email impactchurch@gmail.com
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Church Directory
If you would like an updated church directory, please contact Amber in the office, amber@1stpresby.org or 319-233-6145. We have a version which can be emailed, or if you would prefer a paper copy, we can send you one in the mail.
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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 18th and 25th, and August 1st, 15th, and 29th. 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 Prayer List
Ongoing/Continuing Prayers:
Joe Fernau, son of Marie Fernau, who has been diagnosed with lymphoma; Marilyn Lottich, recovering from time in the hospital; Mable, great-granddaughter of Skip and Judy Mulock and their family, struggling with health issues; Donna Beaver recovering from foot surgery; Evelyn and Carl Boice's son who is ill; 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 June. If you get a chance, please join us in wishing them a very happy birthday!
June
1 Travis Bowers
3 Drew Newhoff
4 Nancy Valentine
5 Jackson Bass, Marilyn Lottich, Samuel Smith
8 Judy Anders, Sarah Christensen, Steve Cose
9 Shirley Sorenson
11 David Kabel, Doug Newhoff
16 Teresa Ames, Jean Priebe
19 Jennifer 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
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