Pastor Connection September 3, 2026

A Note from Pastor Tim

In August of 2014, a commuter trapped his leg between a train and the platform while boarding the train in Perth, Australia when he stepped awkwardly, causing him to slip down the gap between platform and the train. There were attempts to free him. For example, passengers were asked to stand to the other side of the carriage to tilt the weight of the train away from the man, but it was not enough to free him.  Train staff then got fifty or so passengers to line up outside the train on the platform.  On command they pushed and pushed again.  Their efforts allowed a couple of passengers to pull the man onto the platform where EMT’s provided treatment.   (See the video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIQxrArMI7M )

All too often when we see people in trouble, we go through some sort of investigation to determine if they are responsible in some way for the problem.  If we decide they are, we withhold compassion and assistance.  The passengers did not stand around trying to decide if his situation warranted action on their part.  In this situation train staff approached it with compassion.  They engaged the problem until they found the right solution freeing the man from his unusual imprisonment.  The passengers willingly moved around and exerted themselves to help someone in trouble.  People didn’t scold him for not watching where he was stepping or become angry because their train was delayed.

The people who pushed on that train to free the man came from diverse backgrounds, were traveling for a variety of reasons, and represented a cross section of Australian society, somewhat like the church.  We’re all different in one way or another.  But like that group that came together for a specific purpose, we come together for the specific purpose of following Jesus and learning to be like him.  There are huge needs that people around us have and they are frankly unable to save themselves.  They’re stuck between the rock of the platform and the hard place of the train.

 

As followers of Jesus we’re called to unite in our mission to be part of God’s loving interventions in our world.  We’re to show compassion to those in need, gathering ourselves as God’s people so that as one, we push on the proverbial trains we encounter.  Jesus calls us to demonstrate his compassion and grace in all we do.  Regardless of who we are, our status in the world, or the worldly resources we have, we are to use those in aid of others.  If we could go back and somehow measure the force that each person generated as they pushed, we would find amounts that differed greatly.  But when everyone did it together, the total made the rescue happen.  The same is true for us.  When we act together, the impact makes a difference in our community and the larger world around us. People see God at work and are drawn to him.  And that’s a good thing.

Peace,

Tim

*Editor's note: Please check out the video! It is pretty amazing to watch.

Piecemaker Quilters

September Piecemakers will meet on Saturday, September 19, from 9:00 a.m. To 2:00 p.m. Bring your current project to work on and enjoy the fellowship of other quilters. The main entree for lunch will be provided; please bring a salad or dessert to share. As always, don't forget to bring your "Sew and Tell" for after lunch.

Thank You

Thank you to everyone who brought in School Supplies! Cunningham was very appreciative when the supplies were delivered. We donated over 4,000 sheets of paper, 2,000 post-it-notes, 700 writing utensils, 40 folders & binders, 35 glue sticks and scissors, almost 8,000 tissues and Clorox wipes! Amazing! Thank you all for participating in this mission supporting our local children!

Thanks from the Mission and Outreach Team

Love INC Classes Begin Now

This Tuesday, September 15, Love INC will begin their fall session of Begin Now Classes. Begin Now classes offer learning opportunities around an array of topics, from Bible studies to budgeting. These classes allow Love INC families to engage with a facilitator and other class members in order to grow mentally and spiritually.

The classes have grown exponentially and they utilize the full building with the exception of Calvin Hall and Gift of Life rooms. Please pray for good outcomes for the participants.

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

This quilt was a kit started by Rita Campbell and finished by Marie Fernau. The colors remind me of autumn with the browns, greens, and rust colors.

The rust and black star blocks use a light tan background and the green and brown star blocks use a medium tan background. The use of the different backgrounds help set off the blocks, but it makes the cutting and sewing more difficult to get the right pieces where they belong.



The star blocks and log cabin blocks blend together to make an eye-catching pattern. There are (384) 1 1/2-inch squares from the black fabric to create the diagonal lines. Can you find all of them?

Office Closed

The church office will be closed on Monday, September 7,in observance of Labor Day. Normal hours will resume on Tuesday.

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

Friday Sep. 4:

6:30 pm Gift of Life Worship Rehearsal Gym

Saturday Sep. 5:

8:00 am Gift of Life Intercessory Prayer Gym

Sunday Sep. 6:

10:00 am Worship Service Sanctuary

11:30 am Gift of Life Service Gym

5:00 pm Sunday Supper (Gift of Life)

Monday Sep 7:

LABOR DAY

Church Office Closed

5:30 pm Gift of Life meeting GoL offices

Tuesday Sep. 8:

10:30 am Deacons

12 Noon Stewardship & Finance Church Office

4:00 pm Love INC Begin Now Full Building

5:00 pm Missions

Wednesday Sep. 9 :

4:00 pm Gift of Life Prayer Meeting Gym

Thursday Sep. 10:

9:30 am Church Book Club Offsite

Friday Sep. 11:

12 Noon LINK Meeting

6:30 pm Gift of Life Worship Rehearsal Gym

Saturday Sep. 12:

8:00 am Gift of Life Intercessory Prayer Gym

10:00 am Social Justice Coalition Meeting

Sunday Sep. 13:

10:00 am Worship Service Sanctuary

11:30 am Gift of Life Service Gym

NO Sunday Supper

Pulpit Flower Volunteers Needed

We are accepting donations of flower arrangements for our Sunday Services. We currently have September 20th and 27th 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

New to the Prayer List:

Marge Polacek

Ongoing/Continuing Prayers:

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:

Sheryl Berry-Rudic and Dragan Rudic

Mark & Sue Bickley

Carl & Evelyn Boice

Prayer in the Presbytery:

First Presbyterian Church, 204 2nd St., Irvington, IA 50560

CRE Tony Raw

Click HERE to view their website

Prayer for Local Church:

Sacred Heart and Queen of Peace Catholic Parishes, 627 W. 4th St.

Waterloo 50702

Revs. Thomas McDermott, Paul Naw, Kevin Earleywine, & Gregory Lambert

 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