A Thank You Note from Pastor Amy
I usually try to offer words of encouragement and support through the pastor notes each week. But, today I take a moment to express my gratitude for the ways you have encouraged and supported me, particularly during these last four years while I completed my Doctorate of Ministry in Biblical Preaching at Luther Seminary.
For four years, wonderful professors have led me through coursework expanding my insight and understanding of preaching. My classes have covered the following topics: Preaching as the Word of God; Preaching Delivery; Preaching in Context; Gender, Power, and the Pulpit; Preaching on Racism; and Preaching Scripture as Narrative. Plus, I conducted my own research through my doctoral thesis where I explored the intersection of female preaching delivery, listener expectation, and emotion. While challenging, all of this work has given me a deeper love and appreciation for my call to preach.
This Sunday, June 6, I will graduate. This simply would not have been possible without your generosity and love. Throughout this time, you have given me time away each summer. You have participated in focus groups. You have helped with my tuition expenses. Most touching, you have shown genuine interest in my studies and progress. What a gift! Thank you for this opportunity!
Luther is holding a virtual graduation ceremony this Sunday at 3:00 pm Central. While I am sad that I can not celebrate in-person at Luther Seminary, I am glad that more people might be able to watch the ceremony who would not have traveled otherwise. If you are interested in watching the ceremony, you can visit the Luther Seminary website. A link will be shared on this page closer to time. https://www.luthersem.edu/commencement/
Just as I have grown into a more faithful preacher, I hope that our church has also felt the benefits of my education and have grown as well. I deeply believe in the power of preaching and the dynamic experience of God’s Word proclaimed in worship. Thank you for helping me to better live out the call to preach that I love so much!
Much peace and love,
Pastor Amy
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Congratulations to Reverend Doctor Amy Wiles
The First Church family offers our heartfelt congratulations to Pastor Amy for her phenomenal achievement of obtaining her Doctorate of Ministry Degree in Biblical Preaching. Please join us following worship this Sunday during coffee hour to honor and celebrate Pastor Amy's graduation!
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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 8:30-1:00, 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!
We had a nice turnout for our Tuesday Bible Study this week. Please join us this Tuesday, June 8th, at 9am in Calvin Hall. All are welcome! Coffee and snacks 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 Pat will be on leave June 4th through June 10th.
Pastor Amy will be on leave June 13th through June 19th.
Pastor Amy will be on leave July 5th through July 8th.
Rev. David Feltman will be delivering the sermon on Sunday, June 13th.
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 15th, June 22nd, and June 29th. All other office hours remain the same. Thank you for your understanding.
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Presbyterian Women Meeting
The next Presbyterian Women meeting will be held Wednesday, June 16, in Calvin Hall at 9:30.
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Mission and Outreach Special Guest Speaker
The Mission and Outreach team has invited Amgad Beblawi, our Presbytery's new Mission Executive, to speak at their next meeting on Tuesday, June 8th, from 4-5 pm in Calvin Hall. Amgad will be sharing his perspective and ideas in regards to mission and outreach of the church. In particular, he will be answering questions that the Mission Team has been discussing related to justice work. Church members are invited and welcome to attend. We hope to see you there to join in the discussion.
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Mark Your Calendars! First Church Fellowship Gathering Planned
On 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. Be looking for more information on how to express your gratitude for the contributions Dakota has given to our church family.
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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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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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Walnut Street Baptist Church Spruce Up Opportunity
The community is looking for 10-20 volunteers to spruce up Walnut Street Baptist Church, 415 Walnut Street, after a winter of sitting empty. They were able to get so much done last summer as they emptied out the building. On June 4 and 5, from 9 a.m. to Noon, we are just going to polish, dust, sweep, and do a little more detail cleaning.
A community consultant has been hired and plans are underway for a focused effort of listening and dreaming about the renovation and reuse of this beautiful historic building. We want people to be able to have a look at it this summer and want to make sure it's looking good for the touring.
If you are interested or know of others who might be interested in cleaning for 1-3 hours (9-Noon) on Friday, June 4, or Saturday, June 5, even if it just for a part of the morning, please click and sign the form at the link below or pass this information on to others. Many hands make light work, and this effort will certainly continue to be one of collaboration the whole way to completion. The community continues to be hopeful and prayerful for what might become of this beautiful historic space.
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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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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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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 May 30th, June 20th (Father's Day), and all of July. 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
With Our Sympathies:
Paul Holz passed away on April 16. While Paul was not officially a member of our church, he was supportive of our ministry and regularly attended Sunday Supper and worship. We are sad to share this news so late after his passing. We only recently learned the news. Paul's obituary can be found here. https://www.thegazette.com/obituaries/paul-holtz/
Ongoing/Continuing Prayers:
Joe Fernau, son of Marie Fernau, who has been diagnosed with lymphoma; Julie Clarke, dealing with some health issues; Darlys Varner for an easy transition as she has moved to live with her daughter; Marilyn Lottich, recovering from time in the hospital; Mable, Skip and Judy Mulock's great granddaughter who is 7 months old, struggling with health issues; Nancy Newhoff recovering from surgery; 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; Barbara Benskin recovering from injuries from a fall; Steve Miller recovering from surgery at home, prayers of safety for Barbara Benskin's son who is a trucker; Paul Holtz, Hospice Care
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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