Pastor Connection November 14th 2024

A Note From Pastor Randy

My Continuing Education week was spent attending the annual meeting of the Eastern Europe Partnership Network (EEPN) in Salt Lake City. There are many partnership networks in the PCUSA that bring together Presbyterians from around the U.S. who share a common international focus. To my count, there are currently 28 different partnership networks in Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, Asia and Europe.

Participants in the networks share information, learn from each other, coordinate their efforts and find ways to have greater impact together. For those who want to learn more about EEPN, there is a tool kit available on the PCUSA website. Visit pcusa.org/toolkits/EEPN and be sure to

click on “how to use the toolkit.”

One of the highlights of our meeting this year was to hear via zoom from Dumitru Roibu from Moldova. You may know that Moldova is the poorest country in eastern Europe. A group from EEPN recently travelled to Moldova to help strengthen this partnership. Dumitru is a dynamic leader who has been working with youth. He is the director of the YMCA in Moldova. He recently received a grant of $6 million from HP to supply computers in schools. Through the efforts of mission co-worker Ellen Smith, he received a grant from the PCUSA to help refurbish an old building as a community center. We have raised the idea of bringing Dumitru and youth from Moldova to the Presbyterian Youth Triennium next summer.

I was able to offer a little help with two questions going forward. First, how can we connect EEPN to similar groups who are doing work in eastern Europe (there are many)? From my time in Waterloo, I learned of the work of Rev. Jan Dus in Ukraine. EEPN has been working with partners who support Ukrainian refugees, but we have not been in Ukraine since the war started. I contacted Rev. Dus and he replied in a positive way. Hopefully we can develop a

working relationship with his organization.

Second, how can we construct a theological basis for addressing the complex situation in Eastern Europe? From my volunteer work with the World Communion of Reformed Churches in Hannover, Germany, I knew that they did theological studies in response to various critical issues around the globe. I wrote to Hanns Lessing in Hannover asking if they had done any recent theological work in Eastern Europe. I have yet to hear back from him.

I trust this gives you a sense of what EEPN is about. One final note. Ellen Smith recently shared an email with me from the Hope Center in Vilnius, Lithuania. I have visited this center. It houses Ukrainian refugees and has a food and clothing distribution program for the homeless. For a few different reasons, it is currently in financial straits. First Presbyterian Church’s Mission Team decided to give $500 to the Hope Center from Global Mission Support. I will pass this along with gratitude!

2025 Pledges

Thank you to everyone who turned in their pledge cards on Dedication Sunday or who mailed them to us. We are blessed to have such giving and dedicated members. We are looking for several more cards to be turned in. If you have misplaced your pledge card and need another, please contact Amber in the

church office to get another or click on the link below to print a paper copy. If you have forgotten to send yours in, please do so as soon as you can. Pledges help us plan our budget for the coming year. Thank you again for all of you who have turned in a card.

Nancy Newhoff

Stewardship Team

For a copy of the pledge card, please click HERE.

Piecemakers Quilters

The Piecemakers will meet on Saturday, November 16, from 9:00 – 2:00. The Valentine wall hanging project has been rescheduled to our January 2025 meeting at the request of Carol. Instead, Mary Mumm will show us the layout for our Mystery Quilt. If you haven’t been working on the Mystery quilt, feel free to bring your current project to work on. It’s also time to bring your ideas/patterns for consideration by the group for 2025. We’ll discuss next year’s projects after lunch and our “sew and tell.” We are ordering pizza for lunch, so please RSVP to Jackie or Mary Mumm so we can plan appropriately. We will ask for donations for the pizza. Feel free to bring a salad or dessert to share.

PW Thank Offering

Dear Members and Friends of First Presbyterian Church

The scripture for the 2024 PW Thank Offering is from 2 Corinthians 9:11-12. “You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us; for the rendering of this ministry not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God.”

This scripture passage written by Paul to the people of Corinth gives us a helpful guide to giving generously. Paul prays for God’s blessing upon the Christians in Corinth who give, and hopes that as they receive they are more able to give. All of this is done to glorify and honor God.

You may bring your offering to the worship service on November 17 or you may send it to the church office by November 30. Please make checks payable to PWC.

Your prayers and financial support of PW’s Thank Offering is an expression of

thanksgiving to God.

Together in Service

Ann Sage

Please click HERE to read the letter in its entirety.

Music Opportunities

Opportunity! If you have a child or grandchild who would like to play a piece or sing a song during December please contact me and we will schedule them as part of a Sunday morning prelude time! Selections should be from Christmas Carols or other sacred repertoire. 

Opportunity 2! Do you read a little music? Can you count to 8? You may be perfect to serve in the ministry of bell ringing. We mostly ask for dedication and a good sense of humor! Contact Linda. 

The Deacons Care Fund

What is the Deacons Care Fund? Deacons have a Care Fund that can be used to minister to those in need in our congregation as described in the Book of Order. If you or someone you know has a need, please reach out to Rev. Randy Argall or your Deacon. Your Deacon will inform Rev. Argall and he will ask to talk with you either by phone or in person. Rev. Argall will listen to your story and offer prayer with you. Other services besides financial could be offered. Your request will always be confidential.

Free Concert: Metropolitan Chorale November 17

Mitten and Hat Tree

The Mission and Outreach team is once again planning to have a mitten and hat tree. There is such a need in our community for warm items.

Please get out your knitting needles, crochet hooks, or just purchase extra items when you shop. The tree will be in Calvin Hall after December 1.

Thank you.

UNI Glee Club Concert

Tickets have been purchased for the UNI Glee Club Concert on Friday, Dec. 6 at 7:30 pm. There will be a sign up in Calvin Hall if you would like to attend. Please sign up by Dec. 2! The costs are covered by the Christian Nurture Team, 24 tickets have been purchased. Tickets are at will call and will be picked up by Terry Sage. Please join us for a night of great music!

Church Christmas Dinner

Christmas dinner will be in Calvin hall on December 8, right after worship. Chili and the fixings will be provided, along with drinks. Please bring a side dish or dessert to share. Hope to see you there!  

Christmas Cookies Requested!

We have another request for all of you great bakers. On December 15, Terry Sage and Donna Beaver cook for Sunday Supper. A dessert of frosted Christmas Cookies would be a festive treat for our dinner guests.

If you are willing to make some cookies, please sign up in Calvin Hall. You can just bring to church on December 15. Thanks.

Welcome Sunday December 15

Session has set December 15 as the Sunday we will welcome new members during worship. A reception will follow in Calvin Hall. If you know someone who may be interested in joining our church family, please let them know about this date and share their names with the church office or Pastor Randy.

There may be three different scenarios that bring new members to us.

1. Baptized persons who are transferring membership from another Christian church are received by letter of transfer.

2. Baptized persons who are coming from active membership in a church that does not issue letters of transfer are received on reaffirmation of faith.

3. Baptized persons who have ceased to participate in the life of the church, but who now desire to participate actively in it, are restored to membership through reaffirmation of faith.

At the center of the liturgy used during worship, we ask all being welcomed to answer four questions.

1. Trusting in the gracious mercy of God, do you turn from the ways of sin and renounce evil and its power in the world? I do.

2. Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Lord and Savior, trusting in his grace and love? I do.

3. Will you be Christ’s faithful disciple, obeying his Word and showing his love? I will, with God’s help.

4. (After reciting the Apostles’ Creed with the entire congregation) You have publicly professed your faith. Will you be a faithful member of this congregation, share in its worship and ministry through your prayers and gifts, your study and service, and so fulfill your calling to be a disciple of Jesus Christ? I will, with God’s help.

December 15 is the third Sunday of Advent, typically given to the theme of joy. What joy it will be for us to welcome new members on that day!

Quilt Stories

QUILT NAME: BUTTERFLY GARDEN

This quilt is a combination of piecework, cross stitch embroidery, and paper pieced piecework made by Mary Mumm. It started with the (5) cross stitch squares (in the middle of the quilt) done by Paul Ostrem, Mary’s brother-in-law. The butterfly squares are surrounded by flower squares. To finish the quilt, a paper-pieced border of a flower garden was added. The butterfly garden is complete. It is now queen size.

Ask a quilter to explain what some of the terms mean.

It was entered in the 2024 Iowa State Fair. It won second place in its class.

Thank You

Thank you for your wonderful response for treats for Cunningham. You are always so generous. I know the teachers at Cunningham will enjoy the delicious goodies.

LIVE STREAMING WORSHIP

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. The video will also be posted on our Facebook page and the website on Monday mornings.

You can also find the link to the YouTube page on the church website.

Please click HERE for the Sunday bulletin.

We look forward to worshiping with you every week!

Church Calendar

Thursday Nov. 14: 6:00 and 7:00 pm Choir Rehearsals

Saturday Nov. 16: 9:00 am Piecemaker Quilters Fellowship Hall

Sunday Nov. 17: THANK OFFERING

10:00 am Worship Service, Stewardship Sunday Sanctuary

5:00 pm Sunday Supper Fellowship Hall

Monday Nov. 18: 5:15 pm Foundation Meeting

6:00 pm NECC Painting Class Fellowship Hall

Tuesday Nov. 19: 9:00 am Bible Study

10:00 am Staff Meeting Church Office

5:00 pm Love Inc. Full Building

6:00 pm Session

Wednesday Nov. 20: 9:30 am PW Meeting

Thursday Nov. 21: 6:00 and 7:00 pm Choir Rehearsals

Sunday Nov. 24: 10:00 am Worship Service Sanctuary

5:00 pm Sunday Supper Fellowship Hall

Pulpit Flower Volunteers Needed

We are accepting donations of flower arrangements for our Sunday Services. We currently have December 15th and 29th, and all of January available. 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!

Elder Standing Team Assignments 

Stewardship and Finance:  Nancy Newhoff 

Mission and Outreach: Sally Davis, Mallory Sage, Sue Albright 

Christian Nurture and Fellowship:  Terry Sage, Dan Davis 

Worship and Music:  Mary Kabel, Marsha Muir, Sally Davis 

Personnel: Dan Davis 

Building and Grounds: Craig Cose 

Church Prayer List

New to the Prayer List:

Mary K. Williams

Lyonel Pearce, Linda Wiles' son-in-law

Ongoing/Continuing Prayers:

Evelyn Boice

Dr. Patrick Hitchon, Don Broadston's friend

Karen Horsfall, Jan Bellinger's friend

Gary Catterson

Connie Leeper

Don Broadston

Pat & Kari Narey

Jan Schwab

Steve Miller

Prayer for Member Households:

Rev. Gary & Nancy Catterson

Jane Christensen

Jim & Marianne Christensen

Prayer in the Presbytery:

Burt Presbyterian Church, 204 Elm St., Burt, IA 50522

CRE Kent Madison and CRE Walt Reemtsma

Click HERE for their website

Prayer for Local Church:

Trinity American Lutheran Church, 605 W. 4th St., Waterloo, IA 50702

Pastor Evan Meester

 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.

Online Giving

Make a secure donation online using your phone's camera with this QR code. Tell us in the "notes" if you would like to designate your gift.

Thank you for your generosity.

Church Family Birthdays

We celebrate our members with birthdays in November. If you get a chance, please join us in wishing them a very happy birthday!

November

04 Gary Lee, Melanie Smith

06 Alexander Quirk

07 Richard Platt

16 Don Schwab

22 Dennis Bass, Loren Sommerlot

23 Sue Halvorson

24 Debbie Miller

26 Ivy Gilles

28 Laura Christensen, Andy Frerichs, Janis Shea

First Presbyterian Church 505 Franklin St | Waterloo, IA | 319-233-6145 | www.1stpresby.org

Office Hours: M-Th 9:00am to 4:00pm