This Sunday, we continue to explore our Advent Theme: 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 point to our vulnerabilities.
This week, we look at the story of Mary and Elizabeth, Luke 1:39-45.
Scripture says that Mary ran away when she heard she was pregnant. She was scared, uncertain about her future, and faced possible ridicule or worse from her neighbors and family. She ran away looking for reassurances and refuge. Each of us can probably resonate with Mary's emotions. Have you ever felt like running away? Where did you find refuge and reassurance?
For Mary, it was in the hospitality, encouragement, and love of Elizabeth. When life is uncertain, people always find their footing when they experience love. Maybe it is found in the love of family, or maybe a friend, or hopefully the church. God has given us the gift of love so that we can find strength even in those moments when we feel like running away from it all. The love we share with one another is a sign of God's love, too. God is always there for us wrapping her loving arms around us in an everlasting embrace.
Rev. Sarah Speed articulates this beautifully in her poem "Come on Home."
We all know the feeling -
the shaky ground,
sinking sand,
water-is-rising,
sun-is-fading feeling
that makes steady breathing
an entire miracle,
and holding back tears
a marvel in and of itself.
And when those days come,
I call my parents.
And I call my church,
and I call my friends,
and they say in unison
what God has said from the very beginning,
which is "Come on home."
Is there anything more healing
than an open door?
If you're seeking sanctuary,
if the waters are rising-
listen.
It may be hard to hear,
but God is always saying,
"Come on home."
See you Sunday.
peace,
Pastor Amy
Artwork: "Dance for Joy" by Hannah Garrity; copyright 2021 A Sanctified Art
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Christmas Joy Offering
The annual Christmas Joy offering will be dedicated THIS Sunday, the last Sunday of Advent, Sun., Dec. 19. The Christmas Joy Offering has been a cherished Presbyterian tradition since the 1930s, opening doors of opportunity for our leaders who are shaped and supported through your gifts—doors that lead to hopeful futures for young people at Presbyterian-related schools and colleges equipping communities of color.
Your gifts open doors that lead to relief for church workers and their families when critical financial needs arise. The Christmas Joy Offering has been a Presbyterian commitment for nearly 140 years, nurturing our leaders—past, present and future.
Please write "Christmas Joy" in the memo line of your check.
The final date to receive an offering in the office is Wed., Dec. 29. If you have any questions, please reach out to Amber in the office. We thank you for your generosity!
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Relief Aid for Those Affected by Tornadoes
Throughout the rest of December, we will be collecting offerings for Presbyterian Disaster Assistance to help those who have been affected by tornadoes. We will dedicate those offerings on Christmas Eve. Any offering on the 24th will go to this special relief effort. Please put "PDA Tornadoes" in the memo of your checks.
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Mitten Tree
Break out those knitting needles and crochet hooks. We are again collecting hats, mittens, and scarves during the Advent season. A tree has been 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.
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Thank You for Pledging
We recently had 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.
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We thank each of you for your commitment to fulfilling your generous pledges for this current year, 2021. All pledges for 2021 need to be received in the church office no later than 11 am, Wed. Dec. 29 in order to be recorded for the year. Any prepaid 2022 pledges must also be received by this time. If you have any questions, please reach out to Amber in the office, amber@1stpresby.org, or 319-233-6145.
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Thank Offering
The Presbyterian Women would like to thank you for your generosity with the annual Thank Offering. The total received is $1,280.00. Your gifts will be used for many worthy programs to assist women and children in need.
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Muziq Trio to Perform on December 16
Muziq Trio, a clarinet trio of UNI graduates, will be performing at our church on Thu., Dec. 16, at 7:00 pm, The program will consist of two pieces: Ludwig van Beethoven - "Trop for clarinet, cello, and piano in B-flat major, Op. 11" AND Astor Piazzolla - "Four Seasons" trio for violin, cello, and piano. The concert is free and open to the public. We hope you will join us and enjoy this wonderful musical event.
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Christmas Eve Service, Dec. 24th, at 6:00 pm
We will gather on Christmas Eve at 6:00 pm for our traditional service of Scripture, carols, and candlelight. We hope you and your family join us as we celebrate the birth of Christ!
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Informal Worship Service Sunday, Dec. 26th |
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We will gather on the 26th for worship at our regular 10 am time. However, the service will be simpler than usual. We will have a carol sing where church members can request songs. Pastor Amy will lead the group in a Bible Study. We will have a time of prayer. And then end with more carols. We hope you join us the day after Christmas for this informal time of worship. |
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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, December 21st, 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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Church Office Closures
The church office will be closed Mon. Dec. 27, and Mon. Jan. 3, in observance of the holidays. All other office hours remain the same.
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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 January 2nd, 9th, 16th, 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.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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Thank You
I want to thank Pastor Amy and Pastor Pat for their phone calls and prayers.
I, also, what to thank the people for their prayers, cards, flowers, and the Christmas tree that lights up.
Also, a thank you to the Piecemakers who made my quilt for me and a special thank you to the Congregation who gave it to me. Very nice.
Blessings,
Lorraine Baker
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Thank You
Dear First Presbyterian,
Thank you for thinking of me during finals! I am grateful for the comfort food you all have provided me. I am excited to see you all again soon!
Thank you!
Mitchell Sage
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Church Prayer List
New to the Prayer List:
Dean Bellinger, recovering from a lung infection
Ongoing/Continuing Prayers:
Joann Lockard, health issues; Jan Schwab, recovering at home from surgery on her toe; 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.
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Church Family Birthdays
We celebrate our members with birthdays in December. If you get a chance, please join us in wishing them a very happy birthday!
December
04 David Ames, Addison Bovy
05 Alex Ames
08 Kathy McClain, Dan Paulsen
09 Ruth Meade
12 Rev. Dr. Pat Geadelmann
14 Dave Kabel
19 Peter Christensen
20 Jim Walker
26 Darlene Roberts
27 Amber Gilles
28 Frank Swallow
29 Darlys Varner
30 Penny Bunger
31 Jane Christensen, Russell Gemoll
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Office Hours: M-Th 9:00am to 4:00pm
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