I could never have imagined this coming Holy Week. In January, I started making preparations with the staff about sermon texts, music, palms, Christian education series, etc., etc. etc. Now, I am scrambling to figure out how to re-create the Holy Week and Easter experience through technology. We have definitely traveled into uncharted territory. Our footing may feel a little unsure this year. We won't have the familiar and comforting traditions that make us want to sing Hallelujah.
But, at the very same time....isn't that what Holy Week is really all about in the end? Uncharted territory. Unsure footing. Uncomfortable questions. Maybe in an odd way, this year, we will experience Holy Week more like those first disciples experienced it.
I encourage you in the next week to actually read the passion story - ALL of it. Pick a gospel and get started. You might be surprised at how easy it is to find yourself in the story this year. Because like those early disciples, we know less about what to expect. We come with lots of anxious questions circling in our heads. We come when grief has left us feeling raw and vulnerable. We are not always the best version of ourselves, even though we are desperately trying to be.
But the good news is when we find ourselves in the story of Holy Week this year, we will find Jesus right there with us yet again. Holy Week will happen this year, dear friends, because Jesus still enters into the grief, anxiety, pain, and death of this world to redeem it. Holy Week will happen. So, let the journey begin. And let's remember that we don't walk it alone.
Peace,
Pastor Amy
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This year, all five Presbyterian Churches in Waterloo and Cedar Falls are working together to provide a 20 minute worship experience for each day of Holy Week. The services will include different pastors and musicians from each church, including Pastor Amy, Pastor Pat, and Dakota. Be watching your emails, Facebook, and our website each morning for a new video. The preaching schedule for the services is:
Monday: Cleansing the Temple
by Rev. Christine Kaplunas, Unity Church
Tuesday: Arguing with Religious Leaders
by Rev. Johnny Janssen, Cedar Heights Church
Wednesday: Anointing with Perfume
by Rev. Amy Wiles, First Church, Waterloo
Thursday: Jesus Washes Feet
by Rev. Dave Kivett, Cedar Heights Church
Friday: The Day It Ends
by Rev. Brad Braley, First Church, Cedar Falls
Saturday: He Was Not There
by Rev. Tricia Jacobs, Westminster Church
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For Families During Holy Week
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Families! During Holy Week, Spark House will be posting daily activities on their
Facebook
and
Instagram
pages. Posts will begin
THIS Sunday, April 5.
Activities will include a game or craft that can be modified to what you may have at home. If you need supplies, let Stephanie know! She would be happy to drop off supplies at your door! Be looking for videos and daily updates from Stephanie!
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Zoom Coffee with Pastor Amy
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Join Pastor Amy for coffee via Zoom on Tuesday, April 7 at 9:00 a.m. All church members welcome. You will need a computer with a camera and microphone. Most newer computers have these features already built in. Click on this link.
https://zoom.us/j/419024066
Grab a cup of coffee and join in the fellowship.
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Social Distancing Music Series
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UNI Guild of Carillonneurs is hosting a "Social Distancing Series." Several students will be playing the campanile on campus this week, including our own Dakota Anderson and Brenda Sevcik. Dakota plays Thursday at 2 p.m and Saturday at 12 p.m. Brenda plays Friday at 3 p.m. Take a stroll on campus and enjoy the music or tune in via
Facebook.
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Are you looking for ways to serve?
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First, social distancing is a way of loving your neighbor! It is not just about protecting your self. Social distancing is about "flattening the curve." It takes into consideration the needs of doctors, nurses, those who are most vulnerable, and our larger society who has a multitude of health issues.
With that being, additional ways to love our neighbor might vary at this time, according to our own unique situations and abilities. But still, anyone can bring a little kindness into the world. Here are just a few suggestions:
- Consider writing encouraging messages or Bible verses on sidewalks or the path to your door to lift someone's spirit.
- Post a thank you note on your mailbox to your postal worker.
- Order take out from a local restaurant
- Decorate your door with hearts and a greeting for friends as they walk by.
- Are you feeling crafty? Consider making a fabric mask for health workers. There are lots of how to videos on YouTube or you can check out THIS article. Several people in our congregation are working on this project. You may call Jan Bellinger is you need more guidance. Please call the EOC at 319 291-4373 for information on how to drop masks off.
- Visit the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley website. They list a wide range of opportunities through out our community.
- Visit the Food Bank website. Food security is an important issue to our congregation. Even though our Sunday Supper ministry is suspended, you can still help those who might be hungry.
- What else can you think of?
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Our church is creating a phone chain ministry in order to maintain community and relationship among members. We are asking people to reach out for a quick conversation simply to check in with people and maintain friendships.
All members are welcome to participate regardless of age or life circumstance. We hope that this will help keep people stay connected, especially those who do not have access to email or the internet. If you wish to participate please call the office or email Pastor Pat.
pat@1stpresby.org
.
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In our Thoughts and Prayers
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For specific individuals with health issues:
Jordan, (granddaughter of Ann Sage who is quarantined for two weeks on the cruise ship where she works due to a passenger's contraction of the virus), for Alexa, (granddaughter of Janis Shea who works in the health care and is subjected to the virus), Don Broadston, home; Pat Stanhope, Friendship Village; Shirley Sorensen, home; Neva Kerr, NewAldaya (Hospice); Crystal Lorenze, recovering from back surgery; Paul Holtz, Hospice Care; Mary Davis, Ravenwood; Steve Miller, home; Ruth Bowers, Rosewood; Jennifer Lightbody, home; Donna Harman, Pavilion, Friendship Village (Hospice Care); Dorothy Hummel, home.
Broader prayer concerns from the congregation:
that all will stay well and stay in
Prayers of joy from the congregation:
Thanksgiving/gratitude for all the ways our church family is reaching out with calls and notes
Appreciation for the online worship services, the sermons and music
Thank you from Brenda Sevcik
Brenda says, "Thank you to everyone who reached out after her grandmother's passing. Your emails, cards, and prayers were appreciated. It was so nice to hear from so many of you. I can't wait to see you all as soon as we can gather again!"
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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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Worship with Us...at Home
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Pastor Amy will be leading worship through videos that you can watch on Sunday morning. You can watch them at any time. However, we encourage you to keep your Sunday routine. Watch at 10:00 a.m. at the same time as other church members. Check your email, Facebook, or our church website on Sunday morning to participate. Watch Pastor Amy explain more...
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April
2 Bradley Mananga
3 Tommy Roberts
4 Paul Kabel
7 Jim Christensen
8 Cathy Bowers
9 Diane Ernster, John Wiles
10 Nicky Newhoff
11 Jo Beaver, Brian Powell
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Join our Facebook Groups!
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First Presbyterian Church | Waterloo, IA | 319-233-6145 | www.1stpresby.org
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