Stewardship Dedication THIS Sunday
Dear First Church Family,
Why do we give? Presbyterian theology explains that we give out of grace and gratitude. In response to God’s grace, we share our time, unique abilities, and money with grateful and generous hearts. In so doing, we participate in God’s activity and mission in the world.
As we prepare for another Stewardship Dedication Sunday, I am struck by how grateful I am for God’s grace displayed in our church and congregation. Every day, I can see God working through loving, dedicated, faithful church members.
As Nancy Newhoff articulated in her letter a few weeks ago, our church is still engaged in meaningful ministry even as we discern our church’s future. For instance, we are now allowing more groups back into the building to use our facility such as the Hip-Hop Literacy group, LOVE Inc and others. The music program continues to enhance our worship each Sunday. We continue to host book studies, Bible studies, and programs to learn about work in the Walnut Neighborhood. The mission committee continues giving to programs in need. And of course, there are numerous pastoral care efforts both within our congregation and beyond the walls of the church.
The ministries we love and cherish would simply not be possible if church members did not faithfully give. Thank you again for the many ways you participate in God’s mission for our congregation!
THIS Sunday, November 14, you are invited to consider your giving to God through the church. Pledge cards are enclosed for 2022. We will bring our pledges forward during the worship service and dedication them to God. How will you give of your time, talent, and treasure this coming year?
Thank you for your support and dedication to the ministry of First Presbyterian. May God continue to shower us with blessings through your generosity.
Peace,
Pastor Amy
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"Knowing Your Neighbor" Series
Starting in November during Adult Forum, 8:45-9:30
Come and learn about our neighborhood. During the months of November and
December, we will have a special series about the Walnut Neighborhood. We will learn about what is currently happening, how to get involved, future visions for the neighborhood, and how the neighborhood has inspired non-profits. Coffee will be served.
We are pleased to announce this schedule of speakers:
November 14 Aly Parrish and Dylan Does, Habitat for Humanity
November 21 Matthew Gilbert, Visioning for Walnut Street/Faith Temple Historic Church Building
November 28 We will take a breather the Sunday after Thanksgiving
December 5 Dusky Steele, House of Hope
December 12 Try Pie
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Presbyterian Women Thank Offering
Since 1888, Presbyterian women have expressed their deep sense of gratitude for God's blessings in their lives by giving back to people in their communities and around the world. Through the Thank Offering, we can help fund programs that provide education, relief from disasters, safe housing, cooking instructions, training for justice and advocacy work, and so much more.
You are invited to participate in the annual Thanksgiving Offering. Please make checks payable to PWC and write "Thank Offering" in the memo line. The offering will be received during the praise service on November 21st, or you may send it to the church office by November 30th.
To read more about the PW Thank Offering, please click HERE to read a full letter outlining the good work the offering enables.
Thank you,
Presbyterian Women in the Congregation
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Presbyterian Women Meeting
PW will meet Wednesday, Nov. 17, at 9:30 am in Calvin Hall. Bring your ideas for ways to remember our homebound at Christmas time. Also, there will be a sign up to participate in the PW cookie exchange. Come ready to sign up for the type of cookie or candy you would like to make!
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Piecemakers Quilters Meeting Saturday Nov. 20
The Piecemakers will meet on Saturday, Nov. 20, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Mary Mumm will be showing us how to make a throw pillow and put a zipper in the back for ease in putting the pillow form inside. Feel free to contact Mary if you have questions. Since our gathering is so close to Thanksgiving, Olga has offered to make a turkey/dressing casserole. You're invited to bring your favorite Thanksgiving dish to go along with this main casserole - anything from appetizers to dessert. Be sure to bring your show and tell for after lunch. We will also review the projects for 2022. We hope you are able to join us!
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Little Free Library
Wanted! A person or persons who love children and love books to keep our Little Free Library stocked! We have a good supply of books on hand and funds to buy more. You can also be involved in helping to select those books for purchase.
Interested? Contact Amber in the office or Marge Polacek
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Suffering to Hope Retreat
Monday, Dec. 6 - Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021
at Lakeshore Center
Lakeshore Center, in partnership with Leaderwise, Omaha Presbyterian Seminary Foundation, NCI Presbytery, and Prospect Hill Presbytery, invite you to a reflective time away to acknowledge and begin to heal the losses, individual and collective, that have taken their toll because of the pandemic. Mark Sunby and Kara Montgomery Johnson, to experts in grief from Leaderwise, will lead the retreat. If you are struggling with loss, this retreat will help you on the path toward healing.
For more information, click HERE to view the brochure, grab a copy in the church office, call the camp at 712-337-3313, or go to www.lakeshorecenteratokoboji.org You may also contact Pastor Amy for more information.
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Waterloo Senior Center Open House
Visit the new location! Monday, Nov. 15, 9:00-11:00 am. YWCA - 425 Lafayette in Waterloo.
Stop by and check out the new location, enjoy refreshments, and sign up for door prizes!
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Advent Church Decorating
The Worship and Music Team are going to be decorating the church for Advent. Volunteers would be very much appreciated. We will meet in the Sanctuary on Monday, November 22nd, at 10:00 am. If you are able to assist please contact Sally Davis, Mary Kabel, or Nancy Valentine. You may also email amber@1stpresby.org or call the church office.
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All Church Christmas Brunch
Sunday, December 5, after worship
We will be gathering this year as a church family to celebrate the Advent and Christmas season with our traditional brunch. This will be a wonderful time of food, fellowship, and holiday cheer! RSVP cards will be in the bulletins each Sunday. You may also call the office to let us know you will attend. Deadline for RSVP is Monday, November 29. If you wish to help, please contact Terry Sage.
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Christmas in Walnut
Saturday, December 11
Christmas in Walnut is back! Many community partners come together to share Christmas joy by hosting the Christmas Store from 9am-noon at the Boys & Girls Club, next door to Harvest Vineyard Church. The store gives parents who are facing financial challenges the opportunity to shop for their own children by selecting new toys/gifts that will be priced at a great discount.
Our church will be helping to collect toys for the store! Click HERE for a list of toy options. The list will also be available in the church office. You may bring your toys to the church starting now through December 5. There are also volunteer opportunities on the 11th. If you wish to help out that day, please contact Pastor Amy. amy@1stpresby.org
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Mitten Tree
Break out those knitting needles and crochet hooks. We are again collecting hats, mittens, and scarves during the Advent season. A tree will be 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.
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Opportunities to mix and mingle in the Walnut Neighborhood
- Christmas Caroling in the Neighborhood! Thursday, Dec. 9th, 5:30-7:00 pm. Meet at the Boys and Girls Club.
- Next neighborhood meeting, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022
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Handel's Messiah at First Presbyterian
Saturday, December 11, at 3:00 pm
Met Chorale will be performing Handel's Messiah in our beautiful sanctuary the afternoon of the 11th. This will be a wonderful time of inspiring music. Mark your calendars and visit their website for more information. https://www.met-chorale.com/
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Live Streaming Worship
We are happy to report that our live streaming equipment is installed. Now, we are looking for a part-time staff member to run the camera and computer equipment each Sunday. ** If you are interested or know someone who is interested, please let Pastor Amy know.** We are close to offering online options for worship. We will certainly let you know when things are up and running. Previously recorded church services continue to be available on the Vimeo website, located here: https://vimeo.com/user93382018
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Join the Choirs!
It's never too late to join a choir! If you have musical interest and would like to participate in worship, please consider joining the bell choir or sanctuary choir. If you'd like more information, please call the office or contact Tyler Gajewsky or Melody Steed.
Bell Choir Rehearsal, Wednesdays 6:00-6:45 pm
Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal, Wednesdays 7:00-8:00 pm
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Tuesday Morning Bible Study
Please join us this Tuesday, November 16th, 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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Records Update
If you have any personal information that has changed, such as a new address, a new phone number, phone number no longer in use, or a child's address which has changed due to attending college, please call or email the update(s) to Amber in the office. amber@1stpresby.org or 319-233-6145.
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Upcoming Church Meetings
Session: Tue. Nov. 16, 6:00 pm
Presbyterian Women: Wed. Nov. 17, 9:30 am
Piecemaker Quilters: Sat. Nov. 20, 9:00 am Fellowship Hall
Foundation: Mon. Nov. 22, 5:30 pm
All meetings in Calvin Hall unless otherwise noted
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Pastor on Leave
Pastor Amy will be on leave Monday Nov. 22nd through Sunday Nov. 28th
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Church Prayer List
New to the Prayer List:
Marsha Platt had surgery Wednesday, Nov. 10. We pray for a quick and easy recovery
Ongoing/Continuing Prayers:
Cindy Trepp, who is dealing with back pain; Lynda Cose, heart concerns; Sheryl Berry-Rudic who broke her hip and her femur in two places; 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.
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Church Family Birthdays
We celebrate our members with birthdays in November. If you get a chance, please join us in wishing them a very happy birthday!
November
04 Gary Lee, Melanie Smith
06 Alexander Quirk
07 Richard Platt
09 Barbara Mead
16 Don Schwab
22 Dennis Bass, Loren Sommerlot
23 Sue Halvorson
24 Debbie Miller
28 Laura Christensen, Andy Frerichs, Janis Shea
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Office Hours: M-Th 9:00am to 4:00pm
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