Pastor Connection September 24, 2026

A Note from Pastor Tim

Both YouTube and Facebook have something called reels – short videos about a variety of subjects. One favorite theme is one that follows this general outline. The narrator or main character tells a story in which they are blindsided by people like a spouse or employer who want to radically change the terms of the relationship without warning to devastating effect. For example, the spouse files for divorce in such a way as to render the narrator helpless. Or the employer fires them with no warning and no substantive reason for it. The narrator exits and regroups. There is an equalizer of some sort that restores the power imbalance oftentimes to where the narrator now has the upper hand. The details vary. It can be a sharp attorney who catches an illegal move, a relative who has power to right the situation, or the absence of the narrator brings about significant if not complete destruction of the perpetrator’s life.

This pattern mimics the gospel. Humanity is in a world of hurt.  Writing around 759 BC, Isaiah lamented a world full of falsehoods and lies, violence, and actions that crush and destroy people. There is no peace because of injustice and deceit. Frankly, nothing has changed since then. We still live in a world where being exploited is the fault of the victim, and fleeing injustice often results in even more oppression. The protections that hold oppression at bay are now ignored, and the demise of programs that kept people from starvation are seen merely as an ‘oh well’.

Jesus came into the world to redress the wrongs we encounter. We often perpetuate injustice as much as we experience it, God’s plan of redemption is extremely well-crafted. The first stage is to change the people who practice injustice. We see this all the time in scripture –tax collectors who were rewarded for predatory practices are now welcomed into God’s kingdom. Sons who spend their inheritance prematurely and recklessly are given extravagant banquets when they return. Mercy and grace rule for those who acknowledge their role in being unjust and their desire to change. We’re told that "God opposes the proud, but he gives grace to the humble." (James 4:6) Humbleness involves owning when we’re unjust. But the second stage is this - at some point justice will prevail. Those who persist in being unjust will be held accountable. God’s righteousness and justice will prevail, and none can prevent it.

The good news is that God wants us to be the side of justice; that we would be those who exhibit both mercy and righteousness. He’s given us the resources to do so. Let’s work together so that the life of God in us will bloom with righteousness and justice, truth and grace, until that day when Jesus returns and all will be just and right for all – just like it was in the beginning.

Peace,

Tim

Potluck & A Movie

Please join us for a potluck and movie after the Worship Service on Sunday, September 27. Hot ham and cheese sandwiches will be provided, please bring a side or dessert to share!

Donation Request

If you are in the process of downsizing or just cleaning out things,

our Partner in Education, Cunningham School has a special request. They

would like board games for the kids to play during inside recess. The

games can be used or new. We will have a box in Calvin Hall for the

games. Board games actually teach great skills like creative thinking,

cooperation, and strategy design. Plus they help keep the kids off of their

laptops and keep the teachers sane during inside recess.

Downtown Waterloo Trick-or-Treat

Spooky Loo, the annual Downtown Waterloo Trick-or-Treat event, will be here before we know it! Spooky Loo 2026 will be held on Saturday, October 31, from 10am to Noon.

There are a few ways you can help reach out to our neighbors in Waterloo:

·       by passing out treats to the kids

·       by donating treats for the day

·       by praying for the kids and their families for a fun and safe Halloween

If you decide to donate, we need candy, yogurt bites (a BIG hit with the kids!), or fruit snacks. The deadline to donate at the church is Thursday, October 29.

Questions? Contact Terry Sage, Jean Seeland, or Pastor Tim.

Hy-Vee Receipts

It's that time again! We are collecting Hy-Vee receipts dated June 1st or later for our Partner in Education, Cunningham Elementary. Please place them in Amber's mailbox in the office or bring in during the week. Thank you!

Quilt Stories

Rita Campbell started this Thimbleberries quilt. Rita completed the center part of the quilt. Marie Fernau added the borders and binding. When assembling the quilt, the blocks were set on point. The rows are diagonal and then the ends of the rows and the corners are filled in with triangles to form a rectangular quilt.

When I Googled Thimbleberries quilts, I found that the Thimbleberries quilts are classic country style patchwork and applique designs created by fabric designer and author Lynette Jensen. Thimbleberries is known for straight, simple lines, bold shapes, symmetry, and rich deep country colors.

Live Streaming Worship

We live stream 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/firstpreswaterloo. 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 Sep. 24:

6:00 pm Gift of Life Prayer Meeting Gym

Friday Sep. 25:

6:30 pm Gift of Life Worship Rehearsal Gym

Saturday Sep. 26:

8:00 am Gift of Life Intercessory Prayer Gym

Sunday Sep. 27:

10:00 am Worship Service Sanctuary

11:00 am Potluck & Movie Calvin Hall

11:30 am Gift of Life Service Gym

5:00 pm Sunday Supper

Monday Sep 28:

5:30 pm Gift of Life meeting GoL offices

Tuesday Sep. 29:

4:00 pm Love INC Begin Now Full Building

Wednesday Sep. 30 :

6:00 & 7:00 pm Bell & Vocal Choir Rehearsals

Thursday Oct. 1:

6:00 pm Gift of Life Prayer Meeting Gym

Friday Oct. 2:

6:30 pm Gift of Life Worship Rehearsal Gym

Saturday Oct. 3:

8:00 am Gift of Life Intercessory Prayer Gym

6:00 pm Gift of Life Program 6:00 pm Gym

Sunday Oct. 4:

10:00 am Worship Service Sanctuary

11:30 am Gift of Life Service Gym

5:00 pm Sunday Supper

Pulpit Flower Volunteers Needed

We are accepting donations of flower arrangements for our Sunday Services. We currently have October 4th, 18th, and 25th 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 info@firstpreswaterloo.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:  Marie Fernau

Mission and Outreach: Mallory Sage, Sue Albright, Marsha Muir 

Christian Nurture and Fellowship:  Terry Sage, Dan Davis 

Worship and Music:  Nancy Valentine, Marsha Muir, Jackie Bass 

Personnel: Dan Davis, Sue Albright 

Building and Grounds: Craig Cose 

Church Prayer List

Ongoing/Continuing Prayers:

George - friend of the Cose's

April Pearce - Linda Wiles' daughter

Bob & Beth Hurley's granddaughter

Rev. Dr. Pat Geadelmann

Penny Bunger

Lily - Stan & Diane Ernster's Granddaughter

Karen Hahn

Cameron DiFiore - Nancy Valentine's nephew

Marsha Muir

Dan Wilson - Amber's Uncle

Lucas Christensen- Jim's Grandson

Dragan Rudic

Deb Miller

Barb Young

Janice Bellinger

The Gilles Family

Steve Miller

Prayer for Member Households:

Marvin & Carol Carroll

Rev. Gary & Nancy Catterson

Jane Christensen

Prayer in the Presbytery:

First Presbyterian Churches, Reinbeck & Grundy Center IA

801 8th St., Grundy Center, IA 50638

405 Broad St. Reinbeck IA 50669

Prayer for Local Church:

St. Ansgar Lutheran Church, 1122 W. 11th St. Waterloo 50702

Click HERE to view their website

 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 or click HERE.

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 September. If you get a chance, please join us in wishing them a very happy birthday!

September

01 Karen DeSerano

02 Regina Buls, Mitchell Sage

07 Cheryl Ersland

08 Nancy Catterson

12 Karen Hahn

13 Carl Boice

18 Jean Seeland

19 Paige Bass

24 Craig Cose

29 Eddie Halvorson

First Presbyterian Church 505 Franklin St | Waterloo, IA | 319-233-6145 |

www.firstpreswaterloo.org

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