August 11th, 2022

Pastor Connection

Hebrews 11:29 - 12:2


By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as if it were dry land, but when the Egyptians attempted to do so they were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell after they had been encircled for seven days. By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had received the spies in peace.


And what more should I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets-who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.Women received their dead by resurrection. Others were tortured, refusing to accept release, in order to obtain a better resurrection. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned to death, they were sawn in two, they were killed by the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, persecuted, tormented-of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground. Yet all these, though they were commended for their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better so that they would not, apart from us, be made perfect.


Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.




Church (Indoor) Picnic!


First Presbyterian Deacons are planning a church picnic on August 14 after church in Fellowship Hall (picnic in the cool!). August 14 is Rev. Dr. Kivett's last Sunday with us so we will thank him for his leadership for the last few months. Deacons will provide grilled brats and hamburgers, potato salad, baked beans, fruit salad, drinks, and ice cream sundaes for dessert. 

Neighborhood Play Day


The Mission and Outreach team is planning a Neighborhood Play Day on Saturday, August 20 10 a.m. to noon for children ages 5 – 10 in the Walnut Neighborhood.

We hope this is just the first of many such play days in the neighborhood.

Volunteers are needed to help on that morning. If you are willing, please sign up in the office. Thanks.

Upcoming Guest Pastors and Service Time Change


Sunday, August 14 is Rev. Dr. Dave Kivett’s last Sunday with us. We wish him well as he begins his sabbatical. However, we do have some fun plans for worship for the last two Sundays of August. 


On August 21, Rev. Julie Erkel-Hagee, pastor at First Presbyterian in Cedar Falls is not only preaching but she is bringing her entire congregation to worship with us. That will be a great service. 


On August 28, we will have the pleasure of hearing Rev. Christine Kaplunas preach. Watch for next week’s Pastor Connection to read about plans for September. 


Please note that we will continue to worship at 11 a.m. in August, but will return to our traditional 10 a.m. time frame in September.

Baptism at First Presbyterian


Last Sunday, August 7th, there was a beautiful baptism of Brennan Wayne Shull, son of Sam and Mary Shull, and grandson of our very own Colette Shull. Welcome to the family of Christ Brennan!

Thank You - Irish Fest Parking Fundraiser


Thanks to all who helped with the parking lot fundraiser last weekend during Irish Fest.  It was hot!  But we heard lots of cool Irish music and collected $1280.  The money will be used by Building & Grounds Committee for building maintenance. The music seemed to bounce off the KWWL building so it was like sitting in front of the band. 


Thank you: Jerry Anders, Judy Anders, Jackie Bass, Dennis Bass, Dennis Bunger, Penny Bunger, Gary Catterson, Nancy Catterson, Billie Hesse, Billie’s daughter, Mary Mumm, Nancy Newhoff, Marsha Platt, Richard Platt, Marge Polacek, Craig Sage, Terry Sage, Don Schwab, Jean Seeland, Zack Pruis, and Barb Young 

THANK YOU!

Building & Grounds

Antique Quilts: Stories


The quilt hanging in the hallway this month was made by Jennie Mariah Clark Easterbrook, Nancy Valentine’s great-grandmother.  It was given to Nancy’s father as a wedding gift on August 7, 1949.


This quilt is hand sewn, hand quilted, and finished with bias binding in the Double Irish Chain pattern.  This pattern first appeared by that name in 1926.

The quilt has been well loved and well used.  This quilt was made to be used and it was used on her parent’s bed every day.  Nancy remembers taking naps with her sister on this quilt when it was on her parent’s bed.  She didn’t get much sleep because she spent her time looking for her favorite square, a square that shows several clowns dressed in pink beating drums.  After that, she would look for matching squares.  She found very few.


Nancy’s great-grandmother was born August 29, 1874, in Huron, Ohio and died on June 4, 1960, in Elyria, Ohio.  Her twin sister, Jessie Bethiah Clark, died exactly three years earlier in 1957.  Interesting note: June 4 is Nancy’s birthday.

NAMI Peer-to-Peer Education Program


Free Mental Health Education Program, Thursdays, Sep. 22 - Nov 10, from 6-8 pm. Held at First Congregational Church, 608 W. 4th St. Waterloo.

The deadline to register is Thu., Sep. 8th.


  • A scripted class created by the national office and offered around the country
  • A weekly eight-session recovery-focused course for adults with mental health conditions
  • A class that helps people in a confidential and safe environment
  • A program led by trained and certified peers with mental health conditions
  • A great resource for information on mental health and recovery
  • A course that offers respect, understanding, encouragement, and hope
  • A class that builds on the strength and resilience of participants


To register or for further questions, please contact Leslie Cohn at 319-235-5263, or namibh@qwestoffice.net

Register to Vote


Have you moved? Do you know someone who has? Would you like to register to vote? There are voter registration forms on the counter in the office, or you can click HERE to access a digital copy. Please take and fill out. Then send to this address:


Black Hawk County Courthouse

Courthouse Room 210

316 E. 5th St.

Waterloo, IA 50703

Directory Information Update


Amber will be preparing an updated directory soon. If you have any changes that need to be made, such as address, phone number, or email, please email amber@1stpresby.org or call the church office at 319-233-6145.

Updated Church Directory


An updated church directory is now available! There are printed copies available in the church office, or click HERE to access a copy. Updated April 2022. If you need one mailed, please reach out to Amber in the church office, 319-233-6145, or amber@1stpresby.org.

Tuesday Morning Bible Study


Please join us this Tuesday, August 16th, at 9am AT Dan Davis' home, 715 Central Ave. Apt. 108, Evansdale. All are welcome! Coffee will be provided. We hope you can join us!

LIVE STREAMING WORSHIP Now Available!


We are now live streaming our Worship Services EVERY Sunday! The stream will start at 11:00 am on Sundays, and you can view it live on our YouTube channel wherever you have internet access!


If you are unable to watch the service live, the video will be recorded and you can watch at any time by clicking on the video on the YouTube page. The link is (Click Here) bit.ly/1stpresby


You can also find the link to the YouTube page on the church website.


Click HERE for the bulletin.


We look forward to worshiping with you every week!


PLEASE NOTE: We will continue to meet IN PERSON at the church every week on Sunday at 11:00 am.

Upcoming Church Meetings


Mon. Aug 15: Foundation 5:15 pm


*All meetings held in Calvin Hall unless otherwise noted

Church Office Closed


The church office will be closed Monday, August 22, 2022. Regular hours will resume on Tuesday.


Thank you for your understanding.

Pulpit Flower Volunteers Needed


We are once again accepting donations of flower arrangements for our Sunday Services. We currently have openings all of September and beyond. 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.orgAlternatively, you can let Nancy Valentine know on Sundays after service and she will relay your information to Amber. Thank you!

Church Prayer List


With Our Sympathy:

We pray for the family of Polly Sorenson, who passed away on Monday, August 8. We pray for Brian and Dianna Powell and family for the loss of Brian's father, John Podvin, on Sunday, Aug. 7th; Continued prayers for the family of Darlys Varner, who passed away at her son's home in Texas on Thursday, Aug. 4th


Ongoing/Continuing Prayers:

George Day, who has been diagnosed with pneumonia; the Fernau family thanks you for continued prayers as Joe makes progress in his recovery from a bone marrow transplant; Sue Albright is recovering at home after she had her left shoulder replaced Tuesday July 6th, with 4-6 months of rehab to follow; Dan Davis, who fell and broke his femur, followed by surgery to repair it, recovering at home as of Friday 7/29; Pat Narey, Kari O. Narey's husband, recovering at home from complications from his foot surgeries in February; Betty Wexter, dealing with health issues; Don Broadston's friend, Jean Singer, struggling with lung health problems; Richard Gajewsky, Tyler's grandfather, who was recently diagnosed with cancer; Sam Christensen, recovering from a severe fall at the Med Center in Friendship Village; Janice and Paul Graham, Jennifer Lightbody's parents, who are dealing with health issues- especially Paul who recently fell and severed a vertebrae; Sara Wexter, Betty's daughter-in-law, recently diagnosed with a severe health condition; 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.

Church Family Birthdays


We celebrate our members with birthdays in

August. If you get a chance, please join us in wishing them a very happy birthday!


August

02 Liz Poole

04 Danielle Deserano

05 Nicole Jamieson

06 Courtney Pilcher; Kira Sommerlot

07 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 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




First Presbyterian Church 505 Franklin St | Waterloo, IA | 319-233-6145 | www.1stpresby.org

Office Hours: M-Th 9:00am to 4:00pm

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