focus July 1 Volume 20, Issue 35 First Presbyterian Christians Serving, Learning and Loving

Transcription

1 Sunday focus First Presbyterian July 1 Volume 20, Issue 35 Christians Serving, Learning and Loving In This Issue Reflections Page 2 Coming Up in Worship Page 3-4 Summer Contributions Page 5 Church Page 6-7 Organ Recitals Page 8 In June Page 9 Prayers and Praises Page 9 July Calendar Page 10 Contact Us Page 11 Social Media & Website Page 11 1st July 1225 Fourth Street Fond du Lac, Wisconsin Voice fdloffice@fdlpresbyterian.org

2 Reflections The Wisdom of Loving Oneself 17 You shall not hate in your heart anyone of your kin; you shall reprove your neighbor, or you will incur guilt yourself. 18 You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord. Leviticus 19:17-18 We don t spend enough time studying the wisdom of what it means to love our neighbor as ourselves. In the passage from Leviticus, the context of this instruction is not holding a grudge, specifically in forgiveness. The most foolish people believe that in holding onto a grudge, they are punishing an individual who isn t even conscious of the issue. Repeatedly, people will state that they will not forgive, that they will never forget, and that they are going to hold onto the grudge to punish the wrong-doer. The problem is that the one holding onto the hostility is the one who pays the price and suffers the punishment. Why dedicate your life to resenting a person who has harmed you? If we love ourselves the way that the scriptures instruct us to love (ἀ γἀ πη or agape), we practice acceptance of ourselves, as a creation of God. We recognize that we have limitations, weaknesses, and challenges. At the same time, we appreciate that we have gifts, capabilities, and strengths, as well. In terms of forgiveness, this type of love allows us to feel the emotions, but not to dwell in them forever because that isn t the place where we choose to live. When we struggle with forgiveness, we do not deny the challenge or wallow in self-pity, but accept that this process is a lesson that will lead us to peace. It also helps to remember that we choose to forgive people, but this doesn t necessarily mean we are going to become buddies and hang out together. Forgiveness has an element of being a release of the past while being honest with ourselves about the experience. Our tendency is to distort past hurts, seeing nothing of our own role in the events that took place, and transferring all of our hurt and fear onto particular people or events. That roots us in the past, and essentially guarantees repeat of the same issues, with new people. Forgiveness is a process that takes time and practice. Often, we need help through this process and guidance. This is the path to knowing God. Loving others as we love ourselves is not selfish, it is the process of developing wisdom. Being selfabsorbed, narcissistic or conceited is not loving oneself. Quite the opposite, those traits arise from self-hatred and a lack of healing from past wounds. The most valuable loving relationships are with people who do not have illusions about the one they love they know them, and choose them. It is love that is committed and accepting. In the same way, loving ourselves, with understanding, forgiveness, and a commitment towards joy, leads us to be closer to God and closer to the people around us. This requires spiritual practice. A good spiritual practice usually takes time to think it through. What is the best time for you to pray, for thinking through and reflecting on your growing points? What do you need to help you see yourself in a thoughtful and realistic way? These are important questions to begin the process of loving oneself. The results and the conclusions are very much worth the work. Peace, Pastor Jack 2

3 Coming Up in Worship Christians Serving, Learning and Loving 07/01/2018 Communion Sermon: Are Those People Neighbors Too? Theme: The grace of God is for all people and we are called to not be partial in our acceptance. Purpose: The congregation will evaluate their own acceptance. Scriptures: Acts 10:34-48 God shows no partiality, Cornelius' household is baptized. Mark 6:7-13 Jesus sends the 12 disciples to all of the villages. What does it mean to us that God sent Peter to proclaim salvation and healing to the people Peter formally thought were unacceptable? What does it mean to us that God calls no one unclean or unacceptable? Do we accept Jesus commissioning to go out to all people? What happens to our faith and our relationship with God when we are stretched beyond where we are comfortable? What happens to us if we deny extending God s love to some people? How does it distort our relationship with God not to welcome others as brothers and sisters? 07/08/2018 Sermon: Neighbors We Aren't Sure How to Welcome Theme: God's call crosses boundaries and causes us to be in relationships with people whom we hadn't thought of as part of the family of God. Purpose: To call the congregation to let go of bias against people thought to be unacceptable. Scriptures: Acts 8:26-40 Phillip baptizes the Ethiopian Eunuch. Mark 5:15-20 The man with the demon is rejected by his community and goes proclaim Jesus among others. Who have we found it particularly difficult to accept as brothers or sisters in Christ? In what ways have we allowed judgment or discrimination to affect our attitude towards other people? In what ways do we prejudge and distort perceptions of groups, cultures, economic groups, or backgrounds? What does that do to us as Christians? What does it do to the church s testimony of Christ? 7/15/2018 Neighborhood Gossip Sermon: Neighbors choose words carefully. Theme: Our words reflect the heart of our relationships with one another, which then become part of our relationship with God. Purpose: The congregation will reflect upon how they speak about others. Scriptures: James 3:13-18 Show your wisdom in your words and actions. Mark 4:21-25 A lamp should shine, all will be disclosed and made clear. How is your relationship with God reflected in the way you speak about the people who are around you? Do you use your words to build up and to encourage or do your words reflect bitterness, envy, or hostility? What happens to us when we are reflective of God s love and presence? How does it feel to be someone who is consistent in showing and demonstrating the love of Christ? What can we do to learn to reflect the wisdom of Christ? 3

4 7/22/2018 Sermon: Making the Neighborhood Theme: God's people take joy in growing healthy relationships and reflecting God's love in the way they treat others. Purpose: The congregation will reflect upon their attitude towards people who are close to them. Scriptures: Romans 13:8-14 Owe no one anything but to love one another, and live honorably. Mark 4:26-34 The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed, what we sow is what will be produced. What is our role in shaping the community around us? What is Jesus call on us for how we build relationships? What should we be doing to intentionally assist our community and our nation in growing to be wise and healthy in relationships? How do we develop skills to that enable us to be thoughtful in how we build up the healthy elements of relationship in the world around us? 7/29/2018 Sermon: Neighbors and Politics Theme: Those who are mature in Christ are able to be confident in their own politics without attacking other people's points of view. Purpose: The congregation will learn to be healthy and wise in disagreement. Scriptures: Philippians 2:12-18 Do all things without murmuring and arguing, rejoice in relationship. John 6:25-34 The people want a sign and want to eat their fill of bread without commitment. How do we maintain a healthy ability to hold our points of view and opinions while allowing others to disagree with us? What are the traits needed to disagree and discuss as mature and authentic people? Why are some so easily upset by political disputes? What is the cause of discussions deteriorating into personal attacks and disrespectful language? Why are some unable to interact with the issues or concerns without feeling personally attacked? How as Christians (especially as Presbyterians) are we to teach others to engage in healthy discussion? 8/5/2018 Churchnic Communion Sermon: Salty Neighbors Theme: We are called to focus on being Christ's loving presence in the world. Purpose: The congregation will seek to find ways that they can be active, making a difference in the world. Scriptures: Colossians 2:8-17 Do not get caught up in philosophies or arguments, but know that you are forgiven through the death of Christ. Matthew 5:13-16 You are the light of the world, you are the salt of the earth. How can we be the salt that preserves and prevents decay in the community? What do we need to do in order to not become caught up in ideology or debates, but instead focus on doing things that bring hope and healing in the world? What causes neighbors to become divided or hostile towards each other? What are the vulnerabilities that cause people to become focused on insignificant differences rather than finding places of common hope and concern? How do we focus on developing the fullness of Christ s wisdom? 4

5 Christians Serving, Learning and Loving Summer Contributions Our financial team has developed an anticipated curve of giving and finances for the year, based on our past projections and expenses. The good news is that for the months of January through April our giving was on target or even slightly better than expected. The bad news is that May and June have not been up to our hopes. Our previous year-to-date giving has been enough to cover our financial needs. However, we want to remind everyone that in the summer we are operating mission trips, VBS, and a range of other summer activities. This is also the time when we are planning for a variety of programs that will begin in the fall. Every summer we see some reduction in contributions as people are spending more weekends away and enjoying summer activities. We hope that First Presbyterian Church has nurtured your faith and helped you grow in your fellowship and knowledge of Jesus. We also hope that this would be your invitation to support the work of our congregation by setting up an online contribution (through the website) or a direct deposit from your bank or other financial institution. Please consider making an electronic gift to help support our congregation. If you have not been participating in year-round giving, this is a good time to prayerfully reflect upon the gifts that God has given you and set up regular contributions. The work we do Serving, Learning, and Loving in Christ s name is important and we appreciate all of the people who take part in the work we do. Above all have a great summer. The Generosity Team Don Vahlsing Mary Robotka Paul Rudland Pastor Jack Harrison Electronic Donations Don t Take Vacations Keep your contribution current by donating electronically!. Safe, Convenient, Secure You can view all the information on our website. 5

6 Church Christians Serving, Learning and Loving July 1 - Growing Connections Different Walk, Different Talks hosted by Goran Koncos July 23 - Blood Drive August 11 - Back to School The popular series Different Walks, Different Talks is this Sunday, July 1 st at 10:15am, in the Parlor. Goran Koncos will be our speaker. He will speak about his walk through life and ministry. He ll talk about how his faith in God helped him face all of life s challenges and overcome negative circumstances. You will not want to miss this! Join us to hear Goran s interesting and inspiring story. Church Life Team Growing Connections: Different Walks, Different Talks The BloodCenter of Wisconsin will be at our church on Monday, July 23. They are bringing State Fair tickets for all blood donors! Appointment times are available from 2pm - 6pm. Please indicate your preferred appointment time at : bit.ly/fpjuly2018. This link will take donors directly to the appointment page. A sign-up sheet will also be available in the Narthex for those unable to sign up via the internet. As always, walk-ins are welcome but may experience a small wait. Sandwiches, snacks and beverages will be available after donation. Thank you for serving your community. The registration days will take place at the Salvation Army on: Saturday, August 11th from 8am - 2pm. We will have 3 shifts of 18 VOLUNTEERS EACH! That's a total of 54 Volunteers!! If we all work together, we can get this done! This shifts are: 7:40am- 10am 9:40am - 12:15pm 11:55am - 2:20pm. The alternate day is Monday, August 13th from 3:00pm - 7:00pm. We will have 2 shifts of 18 VOLUNTEERS EACH! Shifts will be: 2:40pm - 5:30pm 5:10pm - 7:30pm To sign up for these volunteer opportunities, and for sorting and distribution day, click on the link and find the "volunteer" tab (top right of the page). SAVE A LIFE GIVE BLOOD 6

7 August 15 - Loaves and Fishes September 2018 Consider Helping in the Nursery We will be serving Loaves & Fishes: Where Church of Peace 158 S. Military Rd. Fond du Lac, WI When August 15 Time 4:00-7:00pm If you are available to help prepare, serve, or clean up after the meal, please contact Lisa Warntjes: or warntjes@charter.net We want to make sure that we have enough volunteers. Dessert donations are also needed. They should be left in our church kitchen by noon on August 15. Thank you! The Mission of Loaves and Fishes Mark your calendars for the nine week, life-changing course that will help you reach your financial goals. Financial Peace University begins September 16 and goes through November 11. The cost is $75.00 per family. Pedro Arellano is moderating the class. There is a sign-up sheet at the Welcome Center. You will have access to the information for a full year plus you will receive an app, a workbook and Dave Ramsey s book Complete Guide to Money. Contact Pedro, if your have any questions ( or pedrothethird@gmail.com). Change your life and your legacy forever by learning to manage your money. The Nursery is available Sunday mornings from 8:45-10:45, in the summer, and 7:45-11:45 during the fall and winter months. The nursery is for children from birth through 3 years old. We provide loving care and teaching, during morning worship. What is the Purpose of the Nursery? The purpose of the nursery is to provide a safe, loving, fun and comfortable environment for both you and your child. To accomplish this, our workers will walk, rock, read, sing and play with the children to insure that they are happy and content. Due to limited space, safety concerns, and the desire to maintain a child/volunteer ratio of no more than 4:1, school-age children (kindergarten and older) are encouraged to be in worship. An Enrichment Class is provided for children age 3-Kindergarten. Our church family is growing and that growth is a wonderful blessing. If you are interested in volunteering in the nursery, please contact Jennifer at We ll be working on the fall schedule, soon! To feed the hungry without question or qualifications. To promote good nutrition with sensitivity to cultural diversity and in partnership with other organizations. 7

8 Summer Noon Organ Recital Series 2018 Join us on Thursdays 12:15-12:45pm Date Organist Location June 28 Robert Martin Church of Our Saviour Lutheran 363 S. Main St. July 12 Kris Bartelt, Georgene Antos, First Presbyterian Church Jake Kim and Emily Albrecht 1225 Fourth St. July 26 David Hein, Zachary Ross Hope Lutheran Church 260 Vincent St. August 2 Jared Stellmacher Church of Our Saviour Lutheran 363 S. Main St. August 9 Rev. Thomas Lijewski Shepherd of the Hills Catholic Church W1562 County Road B Eden August 16 Rev. Thomas Lijewski St. Mary s Catholic Church 59 E. Merrill Ave. August 30 Kenneth Hill Hope Lutheran Church 260 Vincent St. 8

9 In June Deacon of the Month Jolene Schry Elder of the Month Orv Kamphuis Coffee Hour Hosts Presbyterian Women Staff First Presbyterian Focus Please send submissions for the Newsletter to: Deadlines: July 5 for July 15 June 20 for July 1 July 5 for July 15 July 18 for August 5 Church Office Hours Monday - Wednesday - 5:00pm Thursday - 12:00pm Friday Closed Saturday 9:00-12:00pm Winter Worship (September - May) 8:00am & 10:30am Summer Worship (May - September) Ushers July 1 July 8 July 15 July 22 July 29 Nursery Care July 1 July 8 July 15 July 22 July 29 Communion Nancy Hilbert Carol & Lew Smith Carol Wetzel Mike Petersen Dave Erickson Judy Mellenthien Lynn Mellenthien Jim & Judy Dassow Larry Merrill Burt Mayborne Orv Kamphuis Bill & Sue Kuespert Tony Cook Sue Baker Jane Devine Jackie Wills Trisha Wills Jane Devine Prayers and Praises June Benson Liam Anderson Silas Willey Chastity Geisthardt Jesse Fisher Betty Stephens Dan Mitchell Ann & Arnold Leestma Carol Merrill Lincoln Deanovich Danielle Beachy Mary Rita Frize Mike Frize Rhonda Brewer Tina Sommerfeldt John Meyst Mission Trip Participants Prayer Partners Prayer request cards are in the pew racks and in the Prayer Box (on the small table in the Narthex). Put your request in the offering plate or the Prayer Box and we will partner with you in prayer. Rejoice: The gift of growing together in the body of Christ. Prayer Team If you wish to make a request for prayer, you may fill out a card and put it in the offering plate, the box in the Narthex, or share your prayer concern with the office. Prayers are forwarded to our Prayer Team via Carol Huebbe and distributed among prayer team members by telephone. 9

10 July 2018 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Independence Day High School High School Church Office is High School High School High School Mission Trip Mission Trip Closed Mission Trip Mission Trip Mission Trip 1 Canada Day High School Mission Trip 9a-10a Worship Coffee Hour Different Walks; Different Talks - Goran Koncos Talkback 2p-3p Woodlands Communion 8 9a-10a Worship 10a-11a Session Forum Coffee Hour Talkback 6:30p-8p Boy Scout Troop a-10:10p Installation of Officers (Lew and Carol Smith's Home) 9a-10a Worship Coffee Hour Talkback 22 9a-10a Worship Coffee Hour Talkback 6:30p-8p Boy Scout Troop Mission Trip Report 9a-10a Worship Coffee Hour Talkback 6:30p-8p Boy Scout Troop a-11:30a Staff 9 10a-11:30a Staff 3p-4p Management Team 16 10a-11:30a Staff 6:30p-7:30p Session 23 10a-11:30a Staff 2p-6p Blood Drive 30 Int'l. Friendship Day 10a-11:30a Staff 1p-2p Ruth Circle - Parlor 6p-7p AA (Gathering Room) 10 6p-7p AA (Gathering Room) 17 6p-7p AA (Gathering Room) 24 6p-7p AA (Gathering Room) 31 6p-7p AA (Gathering Room) High School Mission Trip 11 8a-9a Breakfast - Pump & Pantry 12p-1p Noon Prayer 5p-6p Generosity Team 6:30p-9p Table Tennis 6:30p-8p Creative Arts 12 12p-1p Organ recital (1st Church-- Sanctuary) 7p-8p Worship Team a-9a Breakfast - 7p-9p Cribbage Pump & Pantry 12p-1p Noon Prayer 3:30p-4p Membership Team 4p-5p Church Life 6:30p-9p Table Tennis 25 8a-9a Breakfast - Pump & Pantry 12p-1p Noon Prayer 6:30p-9p Table Tennis 9a-10a Tech Rehearsal a-10a Tech Rehearsal 10:45a-11:45a PYA at the Woodlands 21 9a-10a Tech Rehearsal World Hepatitis Day 9a-10a Tech Rehearsal 10

11 Church Staff Rev. Jack Harrison Pastor Jennifer Zander Director of Christian Education Kris Bartelt Worship Coordinator Mary Robotka Financial Assistant Deb Zorn Communications Coordinator Daliborka Koncos Jane Devine Nursery Attendant Volunteer Staff Bell Choir Director Joanne Marchionda Custodian Assistant Dave Weber DOVE Praise Team Becky Frize Terri Wilke Financial Assistant Sheryl Brown Elders on Session Krista Tahlman Clerk of Session Terry Albrecht Pedro Arellano Noah Baker Dave Erickson Nancy Hilbert Orv Kamphuis Trish Nonestied Paul Radlund Roger Rigterink Wendy Wilcox Carol Wetzel Deacons Sally Sleder, Moderator Dede Beachy Kay Burbach J. Brian Conran Carol Dykstra Larry Johnson Orv Kamphuis Session Liaison Christine Langille Debby Lorenz Lee Munson Phyllis Munson Dick Sleder Jolene Schry Social Media and Website First Presbyterian Church, Fond du Lac First Presbyterian Church FDL Fourth Street Fond du Lac, Wisconsin Voice