January 20th, 2022
Pastor Connection
A Note from Pastor Amy

I know that all the seasons are necessary. But on this cold January morning, I wish they weren't. It is fun to celebrate the budding green of Spring, to enjoy the lazy days of Summer, and reap a good harvest in the Fall. But winter feels cold, barren, and lifeless.

That's how it feels, but my head tells me that its not true. Squirrels burrow in their nests, sap waits to run in the trees, little buds hibernate in anticipation. They all sleepily wait for the warmth of Spring to call them out to a new world.

Is this true for the soul as well?

When life appears cold, barren, lifeless on the surface, does our spirit burrow deep inside to hibernate and rest like a fallow field. Is our quiet soul dreamily waiting for God's voice? Perhaps, only in this kind of slumber can we clearly hear a still small voice asking, "Are you ready? Can you feel a tingle of warmth? Can you see a glimmer of light? Your not imagining it. Is it time to come out and turn your face to the sun?"

I wish that winters of the soul weren't necessary.....but maybe they are just as necessary as frosty mornings in the middle of January.

Something to ponder, anyway....and as you do....hear these words from Caryll Houselander


God will enter into your night,
as the ray of the sun enters
into the dark, hard earth,
driving right down
to the roots of the tree,
and there, unseen, unknown,
unfelt in the darkness,
filling the tree with life,
a sap of fire
will suddenly break out,
high above that darkness,
into living leaf and flame.

(Quote found in Little Pieces of Light by Joyce Rupp)
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 page. The link to our YouTube page 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.

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.
Installing New Church Officers THIS Sunday

We are incredibly fortunate to be welcoming new church officers onto our Deacon Board and Session. Dan Davis and Craig Cose are starting the year as Elders. Nancy Catterson will be joining the Deacons. Be sure to join us this Sunday to show your gratitude and offer your prayers of blessing as they answer God's call to leadership.
"Spring Cleaning" Donation Opportunity

Dr. Elaine Eshbaugh, Professor of Gerontology at the University of Northern Iowa, is working on opening a dementia simulation house on UNI's campus. This will be an environment where people can experience what daily life with dementia might be like and will play an important educational role for students in gerontology, social work, and other related areas.

Many of you have heard Dr. Eshbaugh speak at our church on dementia and alzheimers during our Adult Forums. She is working on furnishing the house and would welcome receiving donations of a number of items that might be part of your spring cleaning or otherwise given away. Among the needs are the following:

A BED, Loveseat, Recliner, Accent chairs, End tables, Coffee table, A toaster, A coat rack, Nightstand, Smart TV (can be small or large), Bookshelf, Desk, Magazine rack, Vacuum cleaner, Lamps (floor and table), Bathroom and kitchen rugs/mats, TV trays, Microwave cart.

Dr Eshbaugh’s contact information is below. You may also contact Pastor Pat with questions. 

Dr. Elaine M. Eshbaugh
Professor of Gerontology
217 Latham Hall; University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0332a
Appointment Link: Click HERE

You may also contact Pastor Pat with questions.

Per Capita Giving

Per Capita connects Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregations and mid councils with the work of the wider church. As the primary source of funding for the Office of the General Assembly (OGA), it is how Presbyterians mutually and equitably share the costs of moving the church forward in the 21st century.

Per Capita giving makes it possible for: 
  • Presbyterians to discern and live out God’s call in their lives
  • Churches to connect with individuals seeking a call to ministry
  • Staff support for General Assembly committees and commissions
  • Management and coordination of General Assembly gatherings
  • Presbytery and synod leaders to gather for training and discernment
  • Counsel and support for churches in crisis (misconduct, legal matters)
  • Presbyteries to address matters of inclusion, participation, and representation at all levels of church leadership and decision-making
  • The denomination to build connections with ecumenical partners around the world
  • Presbyteries and pastors to receive support on immigration issues
  • Presbyterian history to be cataloged, preserved, and utilized by future generations

This year, First Presbyterian gives $39 for each member to the Presbytery. Please consider giving your portion. Mark on the memo of your check "Per Capita". Thank you for your generosity.

How Good It Is to Stay in Touch

Isn't it wonderful to get a friendly call after you have sat sheltering from the cold, snow, ice, and exposure to COVID? Last year at this time we activated a "Phone Tree" led by nine volunteers from the congregation to make calls to members simply to say "hello" and "check-in" with each other. It is an opportunity to "catch up," as well share joys and concerns.  We are looking for 8-10 volunteers to make calls. If you are willing to be on the calling team, please contact Pastor Pat at the church office by Thursday, January 20.  
Volunteers Needed

We are seeking volunteers to lead coffee hour following worship service on Sundays. A schedule is being prepared for the year. If you are willing and able to help or have questions about what this would entail, please contact Dianna Powell at 319-240-0255. Thank you!
Thank You for Pledging

We thank each of you for your commitment to fulfilling your generous pledges for the previous year, 2021. Also, 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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Tuesday Morning Bible Study

Please join us this Tuesday, January 25th, 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!
Our Section Leaders to be in the UNI Opera

Come support two of our section leadership, Madeleine Marsh and Athena-Sade Whiteside, in the UNI Opera! They will be performing in the production of Dido and Aeneas! The performance will take place January 29th and 30th at 7:30 p.m. in the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center. The snow date will be January 31st at the same time and place. You can purchase tickets here: https://unitix.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventList?groupCode=OPERA&linkID=twuni&shopperContext=&caller=&appCode=
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. Jan. 24, Noon Church Office
Session: Tue., Jan. 25, 5:30 pm

*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 on January 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.orgAlternatively, 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:
Gloria Frerichs, recovering from a stroke at Northcrest; George Day, dealing with health issues, 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 January. If you get a chance, please join us in wishing them a very happy birthday!

January
04 Jackie Bass
05 Donna Beaver, Rick Mananga, Dianna Powell
06 Breanna Platt
07 Marie Fernau
11 Billie Hesse, Terry Sage
12 Mary Kabel
13 Tristan Euritt
14 Erwin Jaeger, Beth Klann
15 Tom Christensen
16 Zachary Pruis
18 Sue Bickley, Alex Matthias, Jennifer Smith
21 Brad DeSerano, Stephanie Swenson
22 Steve Miller, Nancy Newhoff, Ethan Smith
27 Jennifer Bass, Libby Whyte
31 Stacy Robinson, Mike Shea


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