November 18th, 2021
Pastor Connection
THIS SUNDAY 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
Thank You for Pledging

This past Sunday was 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.
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!
"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 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
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.
Little Free Library

We would like to thank Barb Young for volunteering to head up our Little Free Library program! Her experience as a school librarian will be a valued addition to the program. If you would like to volunteer to assist with this endeavor, please contact Barb Young.
Theme for This Advent Season

It is difficult to believe that December is so close. Many of you are already preparing for the holiday season. And so, we wanted to tell you a little about our church's theme for this year for Advent and Christmas - "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 vulnerable. We carry the memories and truths of this season close to our hearts. This year we will explore those things held close to the heart. Those things that might feel a bit vulnerable.

Created by A Sanctified Art, "Close to Home" acknowledges the “already but not yet” tension of our faith: Emmanuel is with us, and yet, God’s promised day—our everlasting home—is not fully realized. It names our deep longing for God to come close to us through the stories of Scripture.

Ultimately, this season reminds us that God is our home and resting place. God draws near and makes a home on earth—sacred ground is all around us. This Advent, may we be comforted by the One who dwells intimately with us. May we expand safety and sanctuary for everyone wandering far from home. May we come home— wherever home is found—to live fully with joy, hope, and courage.
Poinsettia Orders

Our Sanctuary will be adorned with poinsettias on Christmas Eve, Friday. Dec. 24th, 2021. Poinsettias are ordered from Petersen & Tietz Greenhouse and will cost $13.25 each. The deadline to order your poinsettia is Wednesday, Dec. 8th. No orders will be accepted after that date. Order forms will be in the bulletins on Nov. 21st, 28th and Dec. 5th. You may also access an order form HERE. Please include payment with your order form and mark "Poinsettia" on the memo line.
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.
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.
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.
All Church Christmas Brunch
Sunday, December 5, after worship
(and brief congregational meeting)

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.

We will hold an incredibly brief congregational meeting right before we eat to elect one more deacon.
Christmas Concert: "Have Yourself an OK Christmas"

On Sunday, December 5, at 3 pm, Cedar Heights Community Presbyterian Church, 2015 Rainbow Drive in Cedar Falls, will be hosting a concert. Professional string duo The OK Factor (Olivia and Karla) will be offering a very special Christmas concert. There is no entrance fee, but freewill offerings/donations are much appreciated, 10% of which will go to the Northeast Iowa Food Bank. Please join them for this great opportunity to get into the spirit of the season.
Support Our Partner in Education

Our Partner in Education, Dr. Walter Cunningham School for Excellence, 1224 Mobile St. Waterloo, is having a winter concert PreK - 2nd grade on Tue. Dec. 7th at 5:30 pm. Our own Handbell Director, Melody Turnquist-Steed will be directing. This is a wonderful way to support our students as well as Melody!

Due to limited parking, carpooling is advised. Those interested should contact the church office so that carpooling can be arranged.
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. Any contributions can be placed on the table in the old library, or you may bring it to the church office. There are also volunteer opportunities on the 11th. If you wish to help out that day, please contact Pastor Amy. amy@1stpresby.org
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. 
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
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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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, November 23rd, 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!
No Pastor Connection Nov. 25

There will be no Pastor Connection sent out on Nov. 25, due to the short week and Thanksgiving holiday. We will be sending out a flyer with information on Advent and Christmas activities.
Upcoming Church Meetings

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
Pastor on Leave

Pastor Amy will be on leave Monday Nov. 22nd through Sunday Nov. 28th
Thank You from the Hesse Family

The family of Lloyd Hesse extends our most sincere gratitude for all of the acts of kindness shown to us throughout Lloyd's illness and death. All prayers, cards, visits, and kind words of sympathy were very much appreciated.
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Church Prayer List

New to the Prayer List:
Lorraine Baker, who had a heart procedure on Tuesday, 11/16. She is recovering at home.

Ongoing/Continuing Prayers:
Marsha Platt, recovering from surgery, Cindy Trepp, who is dealing with back pain; 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


First Presbyterian Church | Waterloo, IA | 319-233-6145 | www.1stpresby.org
Office Hours: M-Th 9:00am to 4:00pm