This Sunday, we continue to explore our Advent Theme: Close to Home. When something hits close to home, it affects us deeply. During the Advent and Christmas season, we journey through scriptures and rituals that are tender, heavy with emotion, and point to our vulnerable.
This week, we look at John the Baptist and his message to "prepare the way of the Lord" - Luke 3:1-18.
John compels us to look beyond our own vulnerabilities and focus on the vulnerabilities of our world. When crowds come to him and ask what they should do (vs. 10-14), he gives clear instructions. Don't hoard your belongs. Don't exploit others. Don't cheat people and lie to them for your own personal gain. John's idea of repentance is dependent on living in just ways so that all people flourish. Those who are vulnerable are lifted up. Those who are using power in hurtful ways are brought low.
As we consider John's message to us, we are also compelled to ask, "What should we do?" What are the actions we can take so that the most vulnerable among us are lifted up? How should we repent from our current path, so that all people in our world today can flourish?
When things hit close to home, they often cause us to reflect on the ways we need to change. As we continue to walk to Advent journey, may we have the humility and courage to prepare God's way of justice in a hurting world.
peace,
Pastor Amy
Artwork: "A Closer Walk" by T. Denise Anderson; copyright 2021 A Sanctified Art
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Advent Devotional Booklet
There are Advent devotional booklets available in the church office for anyone who would like to pick one up. The daily devotions support this year's theme, "Close to Home," and will prepare you for worship each week. If you would like a copy mailed to you, please reach out to Amber in the office, amber@1stpresby.org, or 319-233-6145.
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2021 Advent Calendar
Please click HERE to open a unique advent calendar for your refrigerator or other visible place. Each day, move a magnet to the next place on the calendar and complete the daily prompt together as a family. Copies also available in the church office.
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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 has been 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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Thank You for Pledging
We recently had our Stewardship Dedication Sunday. Thank you all for your generosity in returning your 2022 pledge cards. It is never too late to return your pledge card. If you need a blank card, copies are available; please contact the office.
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We thank each of you for your commitment to fulfilling your generous pledges for this current year, 2021. All pledges for 2021 need to be received in the church office no later than 11 am, Wed. Dec. 29 in order to be recorded for the year. Any prepaid 2022 pledges must also be received by this time. If you have any questions, please reach out to Amber in the office, amber@1stpresby.org, or 319-233-6145.
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"Knowing Your Neighbor" Series During Adult Forum, 8:45-9:30
Come and learn about our neighborhood. During
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:
December 12 Try Pie
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Christmas Caroling in the Walnut Neighborhood
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Christmas Caroling in the Neighborhood! TONIGHT, 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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House of Hope Festival of Lights
Join House of Hope’s Festival of Lights this weekend, Dec. 10-12 from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Lost Island KOA campground, 4550 Hess Rd., Waterloo. Park your car and walk through a winter wonderland of lights, with live Christmas music, hot chocolate and cookies. There is also a drive through only night Thu. Dec. 9. All proceeds benefit House of Hope programs. $20.00 per car! For more information or to purchase tickets, click here: https://houseofhopeccd.charityproud.org/EventRegistration/Index/7367, email duskys@houseofhopeccd.org, or call 319-232-3823.
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Christmas in Walnut
Saturday, December 11
Thank you to those who gave toys and gift cards for Christmas in Walnut! 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. Christmas in Walnut will be open this Saturday. There are still volunteer opportunities on the 11th. If you wish to help out that day, please contact Pastor Amy. amy@1stpresby.org
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Handel's Messiah at First Presbyterian
THIS Saturday, December 11, at 3:00 pm
Met Chorale will be performing Handel's Messiah in our beautiful sanctuary the afternoon of the 11th.
Tickets are $15 or $25 per family. Students are free. 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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Presbyterian Women Christmas Tea
The annual PW Christmas Tea and cookie exchange will be held on Dec. 15 at 1:00 pm. If you have signed up for the cookie exchange, place 3 cookies in 20 bags, or wrapped in Saran Wrap, plus 1 dozen cookies to be shared at the Tea. This would be a total of 6 dozen cookies. We will arrange your exchange cookies and make sure everyone gets 1 of each bag to take home. This will be a fun time to fellowship and get in the spirit of the season! *Please note there is no regular PW meeting in the morning on this day* Please call Marsha Platt at 319-290-4078 if you have any questions.
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Muziq Trio to Perform on December 16
Muziq Trio, a clarinet trio of UNI graduates, will be performing at our church on Thu., Dec. 16, at 7:00 pm, The program will consist of two pieces: Ludwig van Beethoven - "Trop for clarinet, cello, and piano in B-flat major, Op. 11" AND Astor Piazzolla - "Four Seasons" trio for violin, cello, and piano. The concert is free and open to the public. We hope you will join us and enjoy this wonderful musical event.
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Christmas Joy Offering
The annual Christmas Joy offering will be held the last Sunday of Advent, Sun., Dec. 19. The Christmas Joy Offering has been a cherished Presbyterian tradition since the 1930s, opening doors of opportunity for our leaders who are shaped and supported through your gifts—doors that lead to hopeful futures for young people at Presbyterian-related schools and colleges equipping communities of color.
Your gifts open doors that lead to relief for church workers and their families when critical financial needs arise. The Christmas Joy Offering has been a Presbyterian commitment for nearly 140 years, nurturing our leaders—past, present and future.
Please write "Christmas Joy" in the memo line of your check.
The final date to receive an offering in the office is Wed., Dec. 29. If you have any questions, please reach out to Amber in the office. We thank you for your generosity!
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Christmas Eve Service, Dec. 24th, at 6:00 pm
We will gather on Christmas Eve at 6:00 pm for our traditional service of Scripture, carols, and candlelight. We hope you and your family join us as we celebrate the birth of Christ!
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Why Can't We Have Christmas The Way That it Was?
by Dan Davis
Dan Davis (our resident church poet) shared his latest writing at the church Christmas brunch last Sunday. We thought others would enjoy it as well. Thanks, Dan, for sharing your talents.
Why can't we have Christmas the way that it was?
I'm tired of the answer, well...just because.
That simplistic answer really chaps my hide
And who left them in charge to decide?
I know how Christmas still makes me feel
But so many act like it's not a big deal
Why can't it be Christmas like when I was a child
When we sang about an infant so tender and mild?
When you walked into Grandma's and first saw the stable
Or when you finally got to sit at the big people's table
The look on the faces of the young and the old
Whenever the Christmas story was told
It seems we've forgotten what it all means
It's so hard to grasp all the nonsense we've seen
The stores give us Christmas when they find it handy
As they set up their wares by the Halloween candy
Those old Christmas movies, we all know their names
But the ones they make now are always the same
I know Christmas will never be the way that it was
Because time changes everything, that's just what it does.
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Tuesday Morning Bible Study
During Advent
During the season of Advent and Christmas, the Tuesday morning Bible Study will be incorporating art into the study of the sermon text. The artwork will support the theme "Close to Home".
Please join us this Tuesday, December 14th, 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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Upcoming Church Meetings
Session: Thu. Dec 9, 5:15 pm
Stewardship & Finance: Tue. Dec 14, 12 noon in Church Office
Session: Tue. Dec. 14, 6:00 pm in Fellowship Hall
Deacons: Tue. Dec 14, 6:30 pm
All meetings in Calvin Hall unless otherwise noted
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Church Office Closures
The office will be closed this Monday, Dec. 13, from noon to 1:30 pm. We will be open the rest of the day.
The church office will be closed Mon. Dec. 27, and Mon. Jan. 3, in observance of the holidays. All other office hours remain the same.
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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 January 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th (and the entire year of 2022 if you would like to lock in a later date). 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:
Joann Lockard, health issues; Jan Schwab, recovering at home from surgery on her toe; Lorraine Baker, heart concerns; Marsha Platt, recovering from surgery, Cindy Trepp, health 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 December. If you get a chance, please join us in wishing them a very happy birthday!
December
04 David Ames, Addison Bovy
05 Alex Ames
08 Kathy McClain, Dan Paulsen
09 Ruth Meade
12 Rev. Dr. Pat Geadelmann
14 Dave Kabel
19 Peter Christensen
20 Jim Walker
26 Darlene Roberts
27 Amber Gilles
28 Frank Swallow
29 Darlys Varner
30 Penny Bunger
31 Jane Christensen, Russell Gemoll
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Office Hours: M-Th 9:00am to 4:00pm
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