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Luke 8:26-39
Jesus Heals the Gerasene Demoniac
Then they arrived at the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee.
As He stepped out on land, a man of the city who had demons met Him. For a long time he had worn no clothes, and he did not live in a house but in the tombs.
When he saw Jesus, he fell before Him and shouted at the top of his voice, "What have You to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You, do not torment me" - for Jesus had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. (For many times it had seized him; he was kept under guard and bound with chains and shackles, but he would break the bonds and be driven by the demon into the wilds.)
Jesus then asked him, "What is your name?" He said "Legion"; for many demons had entered him. They begged Him not to order them to go back into the abyss.
Now there on the hillside a large herd of swine was feeding; and the demons begged Jesus to let them enter these. So He gave them permission. Then the demons came out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned.
When the swineherds saw what had happened, they ran off and told it in the city and the country. Then people came out to see what had happened, and when they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. Those who had seen it told them how the one who had been possessed by demons had been healed.
Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them; for they were seized with great fear. So He got into the boat and returned.
The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with Him; but Jesus sent him away, saying, "Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you." So he went away, proclaiming throughout the city how much Jesus had done for him.
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Pentecost Special Offering
The Pentecost Offering unites us in a church-wide effort to support young people and inspire them to share their faith, ideas, and unique gifts with the church and the world.
We will continue accepting offerings through Sunday, June 19. All offerings must be received in the church office by Monday, June 20. Please give as your heart leads. 40% of the Pentecost offering stays with First Church for local ministries with children at risk. You may also mail an offering to the church. Please write Pentecost on the memo line of your check.
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Christmas in July
The Mission and Outreach Team invites you to participate in a Christmas in July event that will benefit our Partner in Education, Cunningham School. From July 3 to July 17 you will have an opportunity to donate funds that will purchase school uniforms, socks, and underwear for students at Cunningham. After consulting with the staff at Cunningham, it was determined that those were the items most needed by the students. There will be a box in the church office (disguised as a Christmas present). Simply drop your check or cash into the box. You may also mail a check to the church office. Please write "Christmas in July" in the memo line.
The Mission Team thanks you for your kindness.
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Waterloo Bucks Game
Take me out to the ballgame! Join us Saturday, July 16, at Riverfront Stadium for an evening of Bucks baseball! Cheer on the Waterloo Bucks as they battle the Eau Claire Express. Game time is 6:35 pm and the cost is only $9.00 per person. If you want to join us, sign up in the office no later than Sunday, July 10. There are also fireworks scheduled for after the game. Come out and enjoy an evening of fun with your First Church friends with Bucks baseball!
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National Night Out
This year's National Neighborhood Night Out is August 2 and the Walnut Neighborhood is already making plans. Last year we had wonderful volunteers from First Presbyterian who helped make the evening a success. We are beginning again to solicit volunteers for the event. Volunteers are needed for:
- Set up - 4:30 pm - 8 people needed
- Servers - 5:10-6:10 pm - 6 people needed
- Clean-up - 8-10 people needed
(We do not need to provide all the volunteers, but we would like First Presbyterian to again be represented)
There will also be a talent show. Brush up on your jokes, songs, and dances and sign up to perform. We know we have lots of talent at First Presbyterian!
A sign-up sheet for volunteers will be in the office. Thank you!
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Celebration Ringers Attend Handbell Festival
On June 9-12 eight Celebration Ringers joined 200 other bell enthusiasts from Minnesota, North and South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Manitoba for the 2022 Area 7 Handbell Festival. Prior to the festival our ringers rehearsed seven pieces of music that were part of the final festival concert. Beginning Friday morning and continuing through Saturday, the ringers participated in classes to improve their ringing skills, learn new techniques and even yoga to enhance their performance. On Friday evening they attended a concert featuring Strikepoint, a professional bell choir. There were also at least 2-3 rehearsals a day in preparation for a public concert on Sunday afternoon. Over 100 guests attended the concert and a good will offering was taken to support the Duluth Food Bank.
Of course, the choir also took time to enjoy the sights of Duluth in their off time, exploring the shops and restaurants in Canal Park. After the concert on Sunday afternoon, they were fortunate to watch two ships come into the Duluth Harbor.
The Celebration Ringers would like to thank the congregation for supporting them and their fundraisers. We couldn’t have attended without you!
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We are thrilled to continue our partnership helping children in our community! The Hip Hop Literacy program will be hosting their summer classes in our building again this year. 20-30 children will gather in our space Monday through Thursday from 9:00-1:00, starting June 13th and running through July 21st.
Hip Hop Literacy serves children 8-17 a nutritious breakfast and lunch, and provides transportation to and from our building. They meet in Fellowship Hall and the Gym and mentors guide them in using music to write their own songs, encouraging reading, writing, cultural, and musical literacy. Upstairs in the old Presbytery offices they are able to record these songs! Throughout the program music videos are produced, building children's confidence in themselves and their accomplishments.
Overseeing the program is Dr. Shuaib Meacham, UNI Associate Professor of Literacy Education. To read a bit about Dr. Meacham, click HERE.
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Salvation Army Urgently Seeks Volunteers for Expanded Noon Lunch Program
This summer, the Salvation Army will expand their free, nutritious Noon Lunch Program to FIVE days a week! With food stamps returning to pre-pandemic amounts, high inflation, and children being out of school for the summer, many families are experiencing a critical need for food assistance. Being hungry is no way to spend a childhood, yet so many Cedar Valley youth rely on school as their main source for food. We hope by expanding the Noon Lunch Program to five days a week (June 13 - September 2) we can help fight hunger for all, but volunteers are necessary if we wish to make this hope a reality!
Limited number of volunteer spots are available each day. We ask that you email or call ahead to schedule your volunteer shift(s). For additional information, or to sign up, please contact Katie Harn at 319-235-9358 or katie.harn@usc.salvationarmy.org.
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Hymn Sing!
Do you have any favorite hymns that you haven't sung in a while? Rev. Dave and Sue Feltman will be hosting a hymn sing at their home on Sunday, June 26, at 6:30 pm. It will be outside (and mostly in the shade). Rain date will be Sunday, July 3, same time. The Feltman home is 9206 Hess Road, Waterloo.
We will be using the Presbyterian Hymnal "Glory to God". Please bring yours or perhaps borrow one from your church. We will have a few extras for those without access to it. The format is simple. Call out a hymn that you would like to sing, and we'll all sing it!
Please bring your own lawn chair, your choice of bug spray just in case, and perhaps a small plate of cookies to share. We will have water available.
So that we may adequately prepare, let us know either by email or text if you will be going. We look forward to seeing you and singing your favorite hymns!
suefeltman76@gmail.com Sue's cell: 515-570-9258 or davidafeltman@gmail.com Dave's cell: 319-231-3570
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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.
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Tuesday Morning Bible Study
Please join us this Tuesday, June 21st, at 9am in Calvin Hall. All are welcome! Coffee will be provided. We hope you can join us!
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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.
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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 July 17, 24, and 31. 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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Upcoming Church Meetings:
Tue June 21: Session 6:00 pm
*All meetings held in Calvin Hall unless otherwise noted*
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Staff on Leave
The office manager, Amber, will be out of the office on Wednesday and Thursday, June 22 & 23. Feel free to email Amber or call and leave her a voicemail and she will get back to you on Monday, amber@1stpresby.org. Volunteers will keep the office open those days from 10 am to 2 pm.
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Church Prayer List
New to the Prayer List:
Sue Albright, who will be having her left shoulder replaced July 6th, with 4-6 months of rehab following.
Ongoing/Continuing Prayers:
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 recovering from shoulder surgery; Joe Fernau, son of Marie Fernau, will be having a bone marrow transplant in the next few weeks; 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; Gloria Frerichs, recovering from a stroke and settling in to her new home at Friendship Village; Joann Lockard, health issues; 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 June. If you get a chance, please join us in wishing them a very happy birthday!
June
01 Travis Bowers
04 Nancy Valentine
05 Jackson Bass, Marilyn Lottich, Samuel Smith
08 Judy Anders, Sarah Christensen, Steve Cose
09 Shirley Sorensen
11 David Kabel, Doug Newhoff
16 Theresa Ames
19 Jennifer Bass, Mark Fairbanks, Paul Mead, Kim Reisinger, Colette Shull
21 Lorraine Baker
25 Olive Whyte
26 Barbara Young
30 Theresa Braby
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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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