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Was it celebrating Pastor Appreciation Sunday? Or the fact that in Christ all are welcome? Or perhaps it was attracted by the sweetness of God's grace?
Why would a fly do this?
Maybe it's that this newsletter has SO MANY GOOD & IMPORTANT things in it that we wanted make sure you'd open it & then read on.
Celebrate the grace, good news and joy of Discovery!
Embrace the Chaos!
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In this Edition - Worship:
Q: Can you sin like a Pirate?
A. The Apostle Paul says: Aye, Maties
See more below in 10/11/20 worship reflections
Q: Ready to lip sync We-Are-Family?
A: See October 18 Worship song/YouTube link
Get ready for Romans 4!
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Also in this Edition:
-October 18: Peace Walk & Drive thru Pics
-Prayer Tip of the Week:
Golden Rule Prayer & Golden Fall Colors
-Extra Pictures
-Chefs Emma & Alyssa
See where the communion bread came from
See where Helene has be traveling
-Worship materials & links
-Romans Study Continues: One in the Spirit!
-Hope, love & the power of community
-Your pics & input & a bit of fun as always
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Quick Zoom Link for any Wednesday Bible Study 6:30
Study of Romans!
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Sunday October 18 was special!
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Discovery had its first-ever Peace Walk through the neighborhood. Three pastors, Michael, Dilcia & Sarah, opened the walk with a prayer in 3 languages.
Members of all ages from 3 congregations participated.
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Back seat drivers say yum!
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Phyllis's mom made this gorgeous fall blouse
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Tony is back: Stamped with stickers!
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Paul got the group revved up to walk!
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More October 18 & other pics below!
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One in the Spirit:
Romans Study - Study page
Study on own or with Wednesday Zoom group
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We are united as disciples.
Discovery Presbyterian Church has something to offer to the world and to our American community--
Prayer, theology and a deep & practical community of love that transcends politics.
Come & "be transformed" (Romans 12:2) by study of the powerful book of Romans!
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Embracing the Chaos: Your stories
2020-2021
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Discovery's Fall Tradition
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Every fall Discovery pauses to give thanks to God for what God is doing in our lives and through our church.
When we stop and celebrate these gifts the Spirit stirs up our calling and we become inspired to work with God more deeply. Year by year we learn how to share.
Christians call this work of joy, collaboration and responsibility “Stewardship.”
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Usually we put together elaborate slideshows and music, "movies," that we share during worship.
This year, true to our theme of "Embracing the Chaos," we get to try something new.
As Christ is with us in our chaos, we live in faith and not fear.
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Our study of Romans emphasizes that we are One in the Spirit. To show our oneness in the Spirit and our unity with one another this year we will be sharing little stories from one another. The Spirit is keeping us connected, thanks be to God!
Through this God can use us as signs of unity, love and peace in the world.
No matter what is going on, Discovery remains faithful to Jesus Christ. Now let's celebrate how the Spirit is at work in our midst!
(PS It's not too late to add your story. We'll be sharing stories for the next 5 weeks. Send your story or picture to Pastor Sarah [email protected])
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A scripture I have been focusing on is Philippians 4:8-9.
It helps me be more positive.
Fill your minds on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious
—the best, not the worst;
the beautiful, not the ugly;
things to praise, not things to curse
I have also been imagining Jesus next to me, walking with me. It helps me to be closer to God and to make God foremost in my life.
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(Picture Carol hyper-ventilating a little bit.) Now that I have calmed down, I will explain. Yesterday at the eye doctor I found out I have a hole in my left retina. It came on suddenly. Right now it looks like I spread Vaseline over my left lens. I have not been able to read without effort in my right eye for years. I can kinda sorta work through the letters. I cannot read what I am writing now, but the letters on the keyboard are much bigger. So I need a procedure called a vitrectomy. I am apprehensive but resigned.
I am trusting God’s way in all of this. This is me… embracing the chaos.
I have found comfort in a camp song I learned years ago:
I am not alone
for the Master watches over me
and he cares
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Chaos: Finding Support & Micah
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In the mid 90’s, the chaos of my first marriage moved into the chaos of the divorce process. At the time, I knew well only one other person who had been divorced – the always-wise Vonice Darling. She gave me my most helpful piece of advice; only do today what you must do today. That insight sustained me throughout the process. Fortunately, I have never had another lengthy period of unrest in my personal life, but in times of difficulty I pull her sage advice out of my memory banks. Since Covid began impacting all our lives this past Spring, I seem to be thinking of that phrase again more often.
I’m also struck by this wonderful verse:
What does the Lord require of you but to seek justice,
and love kindness,
and walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8
I’ve been trying to understand what’s been happening on many fronts these last months…
Beth also includes a song link!
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Embracing the Chaos
What's your story, Villagers?
More of your words featured each stewardship week
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OCTOBER 25:
No Fear & Reformation Sunday!
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Throw on a mask - You know the Halloween kind!
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Worship in Costume!
Demonstrate that you have no fear!
This is how Discovery traditionally celebrates the Protestant Reformation.
We are part of a courageous and creative tradition.
& send in your pics from anytime this season.
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November 1
All Saints (after clocks "fall back" 1 hr)
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Who are the Saints in your life?
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Every year Discovery lifts up the names of "saints" those who have died and gone on before us to the Lord.
If you'd like someone mentioned in worship, please share that name with Pastor Sarah & also feel free to share how you know this person.
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November 8
Drive thru Fellowship!
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After worship come drive thru for a pumpkin bar.
You may also drop off your pledge for 2021.
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So worship in whatever way - on site Radio Drive in; broadcast, recorded later...
AND ALSO
11:35-12:05 Swing by for a treat.
We'll have those Pledge cards sent out to you, too, for you to prayerfully return.
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Item drive for a bit longer
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Bring items for Stephen Center
Breakfast items
Cold Cereals
Coffee
And: it's not too late to support Church World Service, either.
We've collected for the CROP Walk traditionally on that date and you may donate directly to Church World Service below (see link). All their funds reliably go to those in great need. If you'd rather write a check and have Discovery mail it in (you can mail that in or drop off like we do offerings).
Church World Service is also the organization that does Blanket Sunday (which we usually support on Brownie Sundae). This is a crucial time to be supportive of such efforts.
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Mission: Blood Drive October 18
Good day also to drop off your cereal & coffee
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Sign up with the Red Cross
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They are very good about following Covid protocols.
And you know we are, too, at Discovery. So sign up & come donate if you can!
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Golden Rule Prayer
Prayer for civility
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Joyce F-S saw this prayer and it reminded her of our current study: "1 in the Spirit"
It is called "A Golden Rule Prayer"
It includes a link to helpful resources for those interested in being 1 with ALL God's children, particularly in these times.
Religious leaders from across a broad spectrum have all endorsed this.
Link below...
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Sunday October 11
Worship Reflections
Sin like a pirate - We're in the same boat
Sermon notes, etc
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![](https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/sys/S.gif) |
Village People voted Pirate #1 Sinner; Medical person the least.
(Hippie was #2)
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![](https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/sys/S.gif) |
![](https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/sys/S.gif) |
Romans 3, however, said everybody is equal in sin. How is this? Sermon notes say more!
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Our Study of Romans continues!
During Time for Discovery the Village People of Romans voted who was the biggest sinner. The Pirate (absent, but seen on screen) "won." Meanwhile, Paul writing in Romans says God has a completely different view of sin!
Here are sermon notes from last Sunday:
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We Are Family!
Sunday October 18, 2020
Romans 4:1-5, 11,16,23-24
Worship Links & materials
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Welcome to Livestream
at 10:30 AM Omaha Time
or worship later with a recording
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For this reason it depends on faith,
in order that the promise
may rest on grace
Now the words,
“it was reckoned to Abraham,”
were written not for his sake alone,
but for ours also.
Romans 4:16, 23-24
Make sure to get the study snapshot found in a link in this news letter.
Welcome to worship!
Click on the links below.
Did you miss last week's service or another one? Click on the same links.
For those on Facebook
Want sermon cliff notes from previous week? See above (or sometimes below)
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This week in the Village
More October 18 Pics & your pics!
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Thank you, helpers. Marilyn R. sewed Halloween masks to give away!
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Name blessing before walk
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Addy & Pastor Sarah raced. Addy won every time.
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Charlene's Righteousness diagramming
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Helene was in the Ozarks!
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Discovery's Pirate (Joann H.) saw this yard pirate last week!
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Oct. 4 - Communion Bread - Back story
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Worship tech group & Radio worshipers enjoyed this!
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One special ingredient started this way...
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Apple Butter! Part 2!
(Part 1 featured 2 weeks ago with AJ)
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CDC Guidance for Holidays
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What to think about for
-Halloween
-Thanksgiving
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All of us are thinking through the special seasons. All of us want to be safe, respectful and honor the times creatively & well.
Here is some guidance from the CDC.
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Offering - Thank you & Keep it Up!
And we will be welcoming all to make a pledge toward 2021 as we Embrace the Chaos together!
We appreciate your faithful giving this whole time!
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Don't worry. We know it's difficult times.
If you have a question about an offering or pledge, please contact Larry Scott.
Snail Mail
You can send offering by snail mail.
Discovery Presbyterian Church
4622 Monroe St.
Omaha, NE 68117
Discovery mail checked regularly and will be safely counted and deposited.
Catch up later if able
That is fine.
We'll update later if these protocols change.
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Zoom Connecting to Bible Study
6:30 Wednesdays All are welcome!
Click below & extra tips for callers
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You can see what to study above.
You can join a group to study through a link below.
Most Wednesdays Study through Zoom!
Meeting id is 542 329 485 if you are calling in (instructions below)
If you can read this, you can click below and join in.
General notes &
Special Instructions for calling in
Many of you will use a cell phone and use the Zoom (free) app and enjoy video. You can click on link and follow pretty simple instructions.
Many of you will join with a laptop or other device. Please click on the link and you can follow pretty simple instructions.
Tip for everyone: Hit mute once you are in and when not speaking. Zoom alerts to all noise - even soft noises and that can make it harder for a group to focus.
Our focus for this written piece is, How to call in.
Here's what to do, to dial into a Zoom call from ANY phone (cell or landline):
1 Dial this number provided by Zoom: 1-646-558-8656 (not toll free)
2 The voice will say: "Welcome to Zoom, enter your meeting ID, followed by pound."
3 For Wednesday Bible Study
you enter 542 329 485#
(No spaces necessary, they just make number easier to read)
4 Voice will say: "Enter your participant ID, followed by pound."
You just press the pound sign only: # (No participant ID needed)
5 Wa-lah! You should be in
Note: You can practice these Zoom phoning steps and or the links at anytime outside the meeting time.
You can contact Joyce for assistance
for whatever scenario you are in. Joyce Serenil 402-345-6093 (yes, home phone is best)
And if you are skilled in Zoom, let Pastor Sarah or Joyce know and you'll be added to the helper list.
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Reference: Over all Tech/Home Support
from Chris Carroll our home tech coordinator
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Facebook Live
Tips
-We attempt to start the livestream before 10:30 (say around 10:25) to make sure it's working and that you have a wide entrance ramp for joining.
-You can stream live right away from website. You don't have to wait for recording. It just may take a minute to start.
-If you have hearing problems try using earbuds or headset.
-You may need to be patient - sometimes at the beginning it takes a while to make sure the stream is working ok. So far eventually (even if it's 10-15 minutes) we've got things going!
Reach out to Chris:
402-598-9186
Different people are helping with differing things.
Lyn is helping people connect to the Facebook live stream.
Joyce is helping people connect to Zoom (group conferencing).
And several others are standing by to help, too.
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Worship: Tech Helpers for Face Book Live
Lyn Schneider, Chris Carroll, Ruth Goodman
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Contact Lyn or other FB team member during the live feeds
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Lyn Schneider
(402)880-5813
Lyn or another team member monitor the feed during its transmission.
Thanks for sending signals to Lyn or whomever (they introduce themselves on FB each Sunday) about the audio or whatever.
Sometimes on site it's hard to hear or know what the output is!
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Mental, Social & Spiritual Support
and basic Q&A!
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Email
(please use that email and not the church office one)
Cell phone
402-319-9859
(Please use this number and not the church office number.)
Prayer requests
I'm glad to keep things in prayer or with your permission use them for Sunday morning. Since we are live streaming I will be careful about how things are shared.
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For the World
For hope, healing and faith
For those sick
For caretakers
For people working on front line and planning and leading on behalf of others.
For equipment and coordination of needs
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For people facing economic uncertainty
For job loss
For those incarcerated
For all struggling with mental health
For everyone adapting
Lord, use this time in surprising ways to heal relationships and lend clarity in human purpose.
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You are loved!
Prayers of healing, wisdom & hope to all.
Worship 10:30 Sundays
Livestream or Recorded
via
or
Neighborhood Radio Station 93.1
Study 6:30 Wednesday through Zoom
Youth/Young Adults - Car Hops & other ministry
(contact Pastor Sarah to get on list)
To God be all Glory!
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