A Note from Pastor Amy
Last Sunday, Pastor Pat shared a poem by Emily Dickinson about hope which has lingered with me throughout the week. Clearly we see the world’s need for hope, but we also see people suffering from fatigue, burnout, depression, and despair. Whether it is Covid, the news, or a personal struggle, I hear people’s weariness.
In times like these - perhaps more than others - it is important to define hope as more than staying optimistic or pushing through the pain. Rather, Christian hope is a gift offered when all human efforts fail. It is the promise that with Jesus the end of the world is never the end of the world. There is always possibility. I hope that you find Dickinson’s words as comforting as I have this week. I look forward to worshiping with you on Sunday.
Peace to you,
Pastor Amy
"Hope is the thing with feathers"
by Emily Dickinson
"Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune without words,
And never stops at all.
The sweetest in the gale is heard
And sore must be the storm
That could abash the little bird
That kept so many warm.
I've heard it in the chillest land,
And on the strangest sea;
Yet, never, in extremity,
It asked a crumb of me."
|
|
Annual Meeting of the Congregation, Next Sunday,
February 12, after worship
Please mark your calendars and plan to attend our the annual meeting of the congregation. Annual reports are available in the church office for any church member. Deacons, Elders, and Foundation members can find the reports in their church mailboxes. We will not be live streaming the meeting, so please make plans accordingly.
|
|
LIVE STREAMING WORSHIP Now Available!
We are now live streaming our Worship Services EVERY Sunday! The stream will start at 10:00 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.
If you do not immediately see the live stream, please keep refreshing the page, and it will show up.
You can also find the link to the YouTube page on the church website.
Click HERE for this week's 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 10:00 am.
|
|
First Church Book Club
Please join the book club on Thursday, February 13th. The club is currently reading "Simon the Fiddler" by Paulette Jules, to be discussed at this meeting. We will be meeting at The Market at Jorgenson Plaza at the Western Home South Campus, 5307 Caraway Lane in Cedar Falls, at 9:30am. Counter service starts at 10:00 am. Coffee or other beverages will be available and muffins and sweet rolls.
Next up: "Perestroika in Paris" by Jane Smiley.
If you are interested in joining, please reach out to Mary Kabel for more information!
|
|
Upcoming Adult Forum Series
We are so excited to again have the opportunity to learn about our neighbors who are working so hard to improve our community. This Sunday, Feb. 6th, we will hear from Sheritta Stokes from the newly established 1619 Freedom School. On Feb. 13th, Jenny Nelson from Love, Inc. will discuss that great project that meets in our church on Tuesday evenings. Barb Grant, from Operation Threshold, will speak with us on Feb. 27th, and inform us on the many ways that agency helps out the community. We have one last spot to fill on Feb. 20th and hope to have that soon. Please join us at 8:45 am in Calvin Hall.
|
|
Presbyterian Women Meeting
The Presbyterian Women will be meeting Wed., Feb. 16th, at 9:30 am in Calvin Hall. This month's meeting is when we will begin receiving pledges for 2022. You may read about the annual PW pledge and how it impacts local, national, and global mission projects by clicking HERE.
|
|
Last Sunday, January 30, was our long-time alto Section Leader, Athena Whiteside's last week with us. She is moving to Oregon for the next step of life. A reception bidding her farewell was held in Calvin Hall following the Worship Service. We wish you the best in all your future endeavors Athena! |
|
A very special puzzle was created with a beautiful picture of First Church as the subject. Through the efforts of many of you, the puzzle is now complete! Next time you are in Calvin Hall, take a peek at this beautiful puzzle! |
|
Lakeshore Center Camp Brochures
The Summer 2022 Lakeshore Center at Okoboji camp brochures have arrived and are available in the office.
|
|
Pastor Connection Distribution Time
Going forward, the Pastor Connection will be emailed out in the afternoon, rather than the morning. Thank you for your understanding!
|
|
Tuesday Morning Bible Study
Please join us this Tuesday, February 8th, 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!
|
|
Piecemakers Quilters Meeting Rescheduled
The Piecemakers have been rescheduled to meet on Saturday, February 12th, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. This month's project offers three options: a set of four 14.5" placemats, a 19.5" table topper, and a 24.5" table topper. This pattern lets us practice our use of partial seams. For fabric requirements or questions, contact Jackie Bass. Chicken Tortilla Soup or Cheeseburger Chowder will be provided for lunch. Bring a salad, dinner rolls/garlic bread, or a dessert to share if you wish. Remember to bring your "Show and Tell" following lunch!
|
|
Upcoming Church Meetings
Stewardship & Finance: Mon. Feb. 7, Noon Church Office
Christian Nurture & Fellowship: Mon. Feb. 7, 2:30 pm
Deacons Meeting: Tue. Feb. 8, 3:30 pm (Please note the time change.)
Piecemakers Quilters: Sat. Feb. 12th, 9:00am Fellowship Hall
Session: Tue. Feb. 15, 6:00 pm
Presbyterian Women: Wed. Feb. 16, 9:30 am
*All Meetings Held in Calvin Hall unless otherwise noted
|
|
Pulpit Flower Volunteers Needed
We are once again accepting donations of flower arrangements for our Sunday Services. We currently have openings February 20th and 27th, and March 13th, 20th, and 27th. 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!
|
|
Church Prayer List
With our Sympathy:
Neva Kerr passed away on Friday, January 28th. We offer our condolences to her family as they grieve her passing.
New to the Prayer List:
Sam Christensen, who had a severe fall and is recovering at the Med Center in Friendship Village; Pat Koenig, who is dealing with back pain
Ongoing/Continuing Prayers:
Janice and Paul Graham, Jennifer Lightbody's parents, who are dealing with health issues- especially Paul who recently fell and severed a vertebrae; Betty Wexter, continued recovery from a severe case of the flu; Sarah Wexter, Betty's daughter-in-law, recently diagnosed with a severe health condition; Gloria Frerichs, recovering from a stroke at Northcrest; Marilyn Lottich, recovering from health issues at home; Joann Lockard, health issues; Lorraine Baker, heart concerns; Marsha Platt, recovering from surgery, Cindy Trepp, health concerns; 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.
|
|
Church Family Birthdays
We celebrate our members with birthdays in February. If you get a chance, please join us in wishing them a very happy birthday!
February
01 Jan Schwab
04 Gerald Buls
05 Darlys Varner
06 Blandine Mananga
07 Donald Broadston
08 Andrew Jamieson
09 Colleen Jessen; Florence Ramsell
11 Harold Haasis
12 Bruce Bowers; Carol Carroll; Jean Curran
13 Sheryl Berry-Rudic; David McQuilkin; Susan Wexter
16 Samuel Christensen
17 David Dutton
20 Emma Schellhorn
21 Marvin Carroll
22 Krystal Matthias
24 Linda Wiles
25 Jan Bellinger
26 Jacob Quirk; Aubrey Robinson
27 Lucas Trepp; Mary K. Williams
28 Dean Bellinger; Nick Ellsworth
29 Michelle Schellhorn
|
|
Office Hours: M-Th 9:00am to 4:00pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
