A Prayer for Independence Day
written by Jill Duffield
Published in Presbyterian Outlook July 4, 2018
Lord of all, we recognize that true freedom comes through you, that our ultimate loyalty belongs to you and that our real identity is bestowed upon us by you. Every day is a gift, every breath a moment to give you praise, every hour one in which to live what you command.
Knowing that you are Alpha and Omega, we ask for the wisdom to properly order all else. On this day when we celebrate our country’s independence, we give thanks for the many blessings we enjoy in this land: the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; the ability to speak what is on our minds, even when what we have to say is contrary to popular opinion or public policy; and the freedom to worship (or not). Help us to recognize that such marks of human dignity are for all people and that you, O Lord, love and value every person and place you have made.
May our patriotism be subject to your law, our loyalty to country never higher than our obedience to your will, our pride of nation always secondary to our humble attempts to follow Jesus Christ. As we commemorate this Independence Day, we remember that all people are created equal, because you Lord created us all and called us good. May our actions, laws and hearts reflect the character of our Creator. Amen.
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Church Picnic
Here are some photos from the church picnic at Byrnes Park, which was held last Sunday, June 27th. Thank you to all who attended and helped to make this event so fun!
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Update on Worship
At their most recent meeting, Session approved further changes to our in-person worship service.
We are now singing all congregational hymns in worship. We have also removed all markings from the pews. We respect those who wish to continue to socially distance.
Session continues to appreciate your prayers, understanding, and grace as we continue to move forward.
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Mark Your Calendars: Guest Speaker Rescheduled
We were planning to host a conversation with Amgad Beblawi, our presbytery's new Mission Executive this past Tuesday. Unfortunately, Amgad had a family emergency and we needed to reschedule. Amgad will come on Monday, July 12th, at 5:30 pm to share about justice work and the church's role in that work. Church members are invited and welcome to attend. We hope to see you there to join in the discussion.
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A Flamboyance of Flamingos Spotted in the Wild!
Rumor has it that some First Presbyterian members have been seeing pink birds on their lawns. Obviously, these flamingos love Presbyterians and they are wonderful representations of God's love for us. If you find a flamboyance of flamingos on your lawn, enjoy for a bit and then be sure to pass the love along. The office would also love a photo of these crafty creatures making their appearances! Feel free to email a photo to amber@1stpresby.org. Today's photos are Lorraine Baker and Ruthie and Thomas Wiles enjoying the flamingos!
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Piecemakers Quilters Meeting
Piecemakers will meet on Thursday, July 29th, from 9:00am to 2:00pm. Since most are now retired, it was decided to meet on a weekday in the summer and allow those with summer activities to have their weekends free. The project will be a quilt, Cribsize-King (pattern also includes info on a table runner). The pattern is a Turning Twenty pattern called "Hope Chest Treasures". Jackie Bass will teach this class. Fabric requirements are fat quarters or a chance to raid your scrap basket. If you plan to attend this class, please email Jackie and she will see that you receive a pattern.
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Celebrate Our Neighborhood
Tuesday, August 3rd is the national celebration of Neighborhood Night Out. We will gather at Harvest Vineyard/Impact Church on East 4th St from 5:30-7:30 for a potluck, good conversation, games for children, and a talent show. This is an excellent opportunity to meet and greet our fellow neighbors. Just bring a side dish to share, everything else will be provided.
Dust off those tap shoes, dig out the music to your favorite song, or practice some good jokes because we are having a neighborhood talent show that evening. Please contact the church office if you wish to share your talent.
We also need some help before, during, and after the event. A sign-up sheet for volunteers is in the church office.
This promises to be an evening of fun. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend!
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Tuesday Morning Bible Study Resumes!
Please join us this Tuesday, July 6th, 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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Book Club Resumes
The First Church Book Club has resumed their monthly meetings. The club will meet this month on Thursday, July 8th at 9:30 am, at the Crossroads Hy-Vee restaurant. We will be meeting in a private room. We are reading "Educated" by Tara Westover. Please join us!
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Presbyterian Women Taking a Summer Hiatus
PW will not be meeting in the months of July and August. We look forward to seeing you in September!
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Pastors On Leave
Our pastors will be on leave the following dates:
Pastor Amy will be on leave July 5th through July 8th.
Pastor Amy will be on leave July 22nd through July 24th.
Pastor Amy will be on leave July 26th through July 29th.
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Holiday Office Closure
The church office will be closed this Monday, July 5th, in observance of Independence Day.
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Office Closing Early
The church office will be closing early at 3:00pm on this upcoming Wednesday, July 6th, and all other Tuesdays in July and August. All other office hours remain the same. Thank you for your understanding.
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Friends Memory Cafe
Friends Memory Cafe is a new monthly program to support leisure, fun, and friendship for people living with dementia or memory impairment, their caregivers, and all others interested in being a part of this supportive community! The events will feature refreshments and nature-related programs or activities. This program will meet the 1st Wednesday of each month at Hartman Reserve Nature Center. The first of these will be held this Wednesday, July 7th, from 10-11 am! Please RSVP as size is limited; call 319-214-0711 and leave a message to reserve your spot! For more information please contact the office or your deacon.
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North End Arts & Music Festival
The North End Cultural Center is producing and hosting two entertainment opportunities for us to enjoy this summer. Please attend if you are interested.
Gospel Celebration
July 23rd, 2021 7:00 pm
Waterloo East High School
Arts & Music Festival
July 24th, 2021
Parade starts at 10:00am
Festival starts at 12 noon
Located at Ferguson Field Park, corner of Oneida and Linden Streets
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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 July 25th, August 1st and 15th, and September 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th . 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
Prayers of Joy:
Carl and Evelyn Boice's first great-grandson, Deacon Richard, was born on June 23rd to Sarah and Dylan Woolums of Stewartville MN. Grandmother is Cheryl Boice James
New to the Prayer List:
Pam Terrell is at Mercy One dealing with health issues.
Dee May fell and broke her rib. We pray for a speedy and gentle recovery.
Evelyn and Carl Boice's son,Scott, was diagnosed with colon cancer and will be having surgery on August 2 in Watertown SD
Ongoing/Continuing Prayers:
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; Donna Beaver recovering from foot surgery; Angie (Kim Swallow's friend) who works at the Anamosa State Penitentiary; Steve Miller recovering from surgery at home
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 July. If you get a chance, please join us in wishing them a very happy birthday!
July
1 George Day
6 Elliott Whyte
9 Louis Christensen, Alicia Russell
10 David Swallow
15 Lynda Cose
16 Tony Pruis, Carmen Trepp
19 Dorothy Hummel
21 Michael Ames, Blake Robinson
22 Evelyn Boice, Mary Mumm
23 Sawyer Swenson
24 Michael Lightbody
25 Connie Leeper
27 Barbara Benskin
28 Layla Sommerlot
29 Sally Davis, Daniel Klann
30 Madison Fairbanks, Pat Stanhope
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First Presbyterian Church | Waterloo, IA | 319-233-6145 | www.1stpresby.org
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