A Note From Pastor Pat
This week in worship our text is Exodus 16:2-4; 9-15. The setting is in the wilderness of Sin with Moses and Aaron and the Israelites. The Israelites have been freed of their slave status under Pharoah and crossed the Red Sea. The translations variously describe the Israelites as “complaining,” “murmuring,” and “grumbling.” Their hunger and thirst prompt a call to return to bondage. How short their memories are of the abuse suffered as slaves of Pharoah! They desire to return to what had become “normal” for them; for at least they had been well-fed there.
Have you ever been in a situation like that? When the known of the past, as hard or undesirable as it might have been, was preferred to the unknown of the present and potential future? Where was God for you in those times? How did you respond?
Methodist minister and author Ted Loder invites us to share in his prayer:
“Go with Me in a New Exodus.”
O God of fire and freedom, deliver me from my bondage to what can be counted and go with me in a new exodus toward what counts, but can only be measured in bread shared and swords become plowshares; in bodies healed and minds liberated; in songs sung and justice done; in laughter in the night and joy in the morning; in love through all seasons and great gladness of heart; in all people coming together and a kingdom coming in glory; in your name being praised and my becoming an alleluia, through Jesus the Christ.
May it be so for us! I look forward to worshipping with you this week.
Peace,
Pastor Pat
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Sunday Supper Update
All of the Presbyterian Churches in the Cedar Valley are now gathering in person for worship, and congregations are meeting more for ministry and fellowship. Therefore, the pastors of the churches are having more conversations about how to resume Sunday Supper. We hope to provide a communal meal in the Fellowship Hall of First Church starting sometime in the Fall of 2021. At the same time, there are some challenges when it comes to making plans and we appreciate people's patience and help as we move forward. A longer update was sent to the congregations outlining these challenges and future plans. Please click HERE to read the letter and learn more details.
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Church Brunch and
Discussion About the Church's Future
Session is having conversations about the church's future and are asking for your input and direction. We are having a congregational gathering on Sunday, August 15, right after worship in the Fellowship Hall. Session will provide brunch. This will be an important time and we hope that all church members can attend and participate. Volunteers needed! If you would be willing to help serve the catered brunch, please contact Amber in the office, 319-233-6145 or amber@1stpresby.org. Thank you!
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Moving to Live Streaming Worship
Our church plans to live stream our worship services beginning mid-September. Equipment will be installed in the coming months as we prepare for this change. With that in mind, our last pre-recorded worship service will air on August 1. We will take a break for several weeks from online worship. During that time, we hope you consider attending our in-person worship service. Thank you for your patience and understanding. We will be sure to send out instructions about live streaming in September.
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Communion Will Be Served!
Starting on August 8, we will resume our worship schedule of celebrating communion on the second Sunday of the month. This will change only in October when we celebrate World Communion on the first Sunday of that month. People will be invited to come forward to receive the elements. Individually packaged elements will be available for those who feel more comfortable staying in their seats. We look forward to gathering around the Lord's Table once more.
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Irish Fest Parking Fundraiser
Irish Fest will be coming to Lincoln Park, right across from the church, the first weekend in August; August 6-8. We again plan to take advantage of our location and use our parking lot as a fundraiser. The Bell Choir, and Buildings and Grounds Committee will be the recipients of the proceeds. We need additional volunteers to help park cars and collect the fees. Each volunteer time slot will last about 2-1/2 hours. We will start Friday afternoon, then Saturday afternoon and evening, and end Sunday afternoon and evening. Someone will be in the hall on Sunday mornings to sign up volunteers. To volunteer you can also call Mary Mumm or Jackie Bass to pick your volunteer spot. The money will be spent to help with expenses for the handbell festival in summer 2022, and parking lot repair either this fall or during 2022. The Bell Choir and Building and Grounds Committee appreciates your help.
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Mark Your Calendars: Bring Your Own Picnic
First Church will be holding another Bring Your Own Picnic directly following the worship service on August 8th. Please mark your calendars to join the church family for food and fellowship!
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Church Members Needed for Neighborhood Night Out
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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God Loves RAGBRAI Riders!
On Wednesday, July 28th, 16,000 bicyclists rode into Waterloo. First Church gave them a warm welcome at Craig and Terry Sage's farm with a "God loves you" haybale.
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Tuesday Morning Bible Study
Please join us this Tuesday, August 3rd, 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 leading a Pastor retreat and out of the office August 2nd through August 4th.
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Office Closing Early
The church office will be closing early at 3:00pm on Tuesdays in August. All other office hours remain the same. Thank you for your understanding.
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First Church Book Club
Please join the book club on Thursday, August 12th. The club is currently reading "Anxious People" by Fredrik Backman, to be discussed at this meeting. Location yet to be determined. Next up: "Vanishing Half" by Brit Bennett.
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Life Line Screening
Catch health problems before they go too far. Life Line Screening offers a 5-test package to thoroughly check you for risk of stroke, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic conditions. The combination of these tests helps detect problems- before you have symptoms- and while you and your doctor can still take action...so you can keep doing the things you love.
Offered: 5 important screenings for $149, a savings of $181.
- Carotid Artery Screening (Plaque)
- Heart Rhythm Screening (Atrial Fibrillation)
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening
- Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening
- Osteoporosis Risk Assessment
When: Wednesday August 18th
Where: Black Hawk County Conservation Board Community Room,
1346 W. Airline Hwy
Flyer located on the bulletin board by the office.
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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 September 5th, 19th, 26th, and October 3rd . 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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Card Shower for Liz Poole
Liz Poole is turning 90 on August 2nd, and the family has planned a card shower. Please send Liz a card to help her celebrate! If you need her address, feel free to contact Amber in the office at 319-233-6145, or amber@1stpresby.org.
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Celebration of Life for Kitty Ott
First Presbyterian Church is invited to a Celebration of Life for Ms. Kitty Ott, hosted by her family on Saturday, July 31st from 1pm-4pm, at the Center for the Performing Arts in Waterloo. People will gather in the Visual Arts Studio on the second floor (follow the sign to the "Kitty Ott Celebration of Life"). The room opens to a patio overlooking the river with outside access and walking paths for all those who might still want to limit their exposure in public places. It will be an informal gathering to share stories and honor Kitty's memory.
For anyone who would like to share a story of Kitty, the family would be honored to share it on the 31st. If you'd like to send a short video, please email Kitty's daughter, Emily Millar, no later than July 23rd, at emillar@msn.com. If you'd like to share a story via email, the family would appreciate receiving it no later than July 26th.
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Card Shower for Betty Wexter
Betty Wexter is turning 90 on August 7th, and the family has planned a card shower. Please send Betty a card to help her celebrate! If you need her address, feel free to contact Amber in the office at 319-233-6145, or amber@1stpresby.org.
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A Thank You Message
Many, many thanks for the huge number of birthday cards and letters. They were clearly tokens of friendship and love. I feel blessed to be the recipient of such a powerful gift. I am very grateful to have had the experience of worshipping and working with you for over half of my life. I miss you all but I am with you all in spirit every Sunday and beyond. Good health to you all and God bless you.
George F. Day
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Church Prayer List
Prayers of Joy:
Jan and Dean Bellinger's grandson Tyler and his wife Amanda welcomed baby Kaysen James on July 28th. What a blessing, congratulations to the family!
New to the Prayer List:
Barbara Benskin's brother, Bill Brenton, who has had a stroke
Ongoing/Continuing Prayers:
Jean Priebe is dealing with health issues at Allen Hospital; Ruth Meade broke her wrist and is dealing with eye issues; Shianne, Jan and Dean Bellinger's granddaughter, pregnant with baby Hudson, dealing with pregnancy complications; Pam Terrell, dealing with health issues at home; 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 and August. If you get a chance, please join us in wishing them a very happy birthday!
July
29 Sally Davis, Daniel Klann
30 Madison Fairbanks, Pat Stanhope
August
2 Liz Poole
4 Danielle Deserano
5 Nicole Jamieson
6 Courtney Pilcher, Kira Sommerlot
7 Chris Bass, Betty Wexter
13 Larry Lightbody
14 Ryan McDowell
15 Marsha Platt
17 Connie Dawson
19 Craig Sage
20 Kevin Deserano, Marsha Muir
21 Bryce Bowers, Judy Lee
22 Joann Lockard, Megan Schellhorn
24 Lucas Robinson
26 Stephen Quirk
27 Kari Narey, Mallory Sage
29 Pat Narey
30 Dennis Bunger, Will Kabel, Jennifer Lightbody, Megan Wheelock
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First Presbyterian Church | Waterloo, IA | 319-233-6145 | www.1stpresby.org
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