CHURCH INVOLVEMENT

OPPORTUNITIESJOYFUL EVENTS COORDINATOR

Would you like to plan a multi-generational event for families each month? This is a 12 month position with a stipend. The complete job description and application is available in the church office.

WEBMASTER NEEDEDThe Out-Reach Committee is seeking a person(s) to keep the church’s website updated. This individual(s) will need to be able to upload the Sunday worship sermon, add calendar and newsletter events, and many other changes to make our church website appealing and current for members and visitors. Please contact Rodger Payne (293-0355) or the church office (234-4543).

First Presbyterian Church Volume XXVIII Number 9 September 20164511 6th Avenue, Kearney, NE 68845 (308) 234-4543

www.fpckearney.org

PASTORRev. Dr. Stephen Price-GibsonSESSIONClerk: Georgia ByrnELDERS2016Georgia ByrnSteve CaseSteve MillerSharon Rees2017Karen DiestlerJohn IcenogleRodger PayneSara Sup2018Richard ElliottSandy McKirahanIngrid OrstedJulia TyeDEACONS2016Barb FriskoppJill HurtMary Jo MorrowJordan NelsonMark Nelson2017Leslie AbegglenKit AlffGary FeindJosh HoferEmily State2018Sally BrysonFred KrauseJill SageRuth Smith

COMMITTEE MODERATORSChristian Education – Steve Miller, Julie TyeFinance – Steve Case, John IcenogleIn-Reach (Congregational Life/Memorial) – Karen Diestler, Sara SupNominating – Steve Case, Steve MillerOut-Reach (Evangelism/Mission) – Rodger Payne, Georgia Byrn, Ingrid OrstedPersonnel – Georgia Byrn, Richard ElliottProperty & Grounds – John Icenogle, Steve MillerWorship & Music – Sharon Rees, Sandy McKirahan

The Chimes

A NOTE FROM STEPHEN:SOMETHING NEW

When does the year begin? That answer to that question is usually January 1. Because I am a minister who uses the lectionary, you may expect me to say the year begins with the first Sunday of Advent, which this year will be November 27. In Shakespeare’s day, most people thought the New Year began shortly after the vernal equinox—about March 25. By then it was noticeable that the days had begun to be longer than the nights, and it fits with the way we all feel renewed with the coming of Spring. I am still conditioned by my childhood experience of going back to school, usually on day after Labor Day. For me, and many others, the new year at church begins at the same time as the new year as school. I suppose that means, here and now in Nebraska, the New Year begins in late August, as the kids start pouring back into the classrooms. To me this is the “program year” of the church—if something is scheduled in March or April, it is late in the program year. Hopefully we are all refreshed by a summer filled with vacations, reunions, travels, family time, gardening, barbequing, and swinging in the hammock. It is time to begin a new program year revitalized and refocused. Some of the things to watch and listen for as the church’s program year of 2016-2017 begins:

If you have fallen out of the habit of coming to church on Sundays, September is a great time to get back into the groove.

Our three Ministry Emphases Teams (Nurture the Young and their Families, and Ministries of Compassion and Outreach to Inactives,) will be sharing the fruits of their labors with the congregation.

Choirs: The Chancel Choir and the Gloria Dei Bell Choir begin their Wednesday night rehearsals. The Chancel Choir sings every Sunday and we hear the Bell Choir on First Sunday.

Sunday School for all ages resumes on September 11. The Martha Circle begins its monthly Bible Studies from Horizons. The theme this year is “Who

Is Jesus?: What a Difference a Lens Makes” The Confirmation Journey begins with a parent’s orientation on Sunday, September 11, at 9:30

in the Church Library. The Confirmation Explorers, seventh grade and older, will have their first joint meeting on Wednesday, August 14. Each explorer will be given their own itinerary as they explore the world of Christian faith and the life of disciples prior to make a decision as to whether they will become full members of the church.

There will be plenty to interest and involve every member of the congregation, and those who want to join us in bearing witness to the love of Jesus Christ in Kearney and the world. So happy new (program) year. The great things about God’s grace is that it lets us make a new beginning any time. It is always true, as we sometimes say as words of pardon in our Sunday services:

“To all and to each, where regret is real, God pronounces pardon, and grants us the right to begin again.

See you in church!

Stephen

ALL IN THE CHURCH FAMILY

Thank Yous:Dear Church Family, Thank you all very much for the wonderful honor of being chosen “Person of the Season”. How special to be recognized and receive gifts! The cup is very good with the picture of the cross from our sanctuary on the front. The flowers in it are elegant and strong with rose buds, button mums and others I cannot name. I appreciate our church home and Pastor Stephen with deep gratitude. How hopeless we would feel if we did not or could not worship together each Sunday to sing, pray and listen to the message brought to guide and inspire us. The gospel is the center of our lives. If we maintain our commitment to it we will be blessed now and in the life to come. Thanks again with many blessings to each one. Lovingly, Margaret HolzrichterDearest Church Family, Thank you to all who sent cards, prayers, memorials, and words of condolence when my mother passed away after a very short bout with cancer. What a wonderful church family we are blessed to have! In Christian Love, Steve Miller and FamilyDear Friends at First Presbyterian Church, We would all like to thank you for your hospitality shown Faith youth group on our way to and from our San Diego Beach Camp week. The gym was a great way to unwind after our 400 mile trip from Minnesota. The treats provide were so thoughtful. Sincerely, Faith Lutheran and Jackson Lake Youth Group

Directory Changes:Contact the church office for any changes of members’ information. Due to privacy issues the members’ information will not be published publically.

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYSAlma Gaeth...................................................9/6Gayle Woodruff............................................9/6PJ Panowicz..................................................9/8Royal Jester.................................................9/10Sally Bryson................................................9/12Fulton Moyer..............................................9/12Madison Cobb.............................................9/13Kay Eckwert...............................................9/13Cindy Krause..............................................9/13Steve Rothenberger....................................9/14Kay Payne...................................................9/15Charlie Pickens...........................................9/15Robert Vohland..........................................9/15Pat Hild........................................................9/16

Kelly Koch...................................................9/16Patricia Elliott.............................................9/21John McKirahan........................................9/23Larry Meyer................................................9/23Vern Plambeck...........................................9/23Lee Sanks....................................................9/23Suone Stehlik..............................................9/23Kennedy Cobb............................................9/24Tom York....................................................9/24Gisele Guthard............................................9/27Jagger Guthard..........................................9/27Betty Lewis-Fisher......................................9/27Viola Pimper...............................................9/27Mary Kulhanek..........................................9/30

If your birthday is not on our list, please contact the church office. Thanks!

CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS

THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR

TALENTSAs always the summer special music was indeed SPECIAL. I would like to thank the following people for sharing their talents: Carol Wright; Linda Blackman; Hewitt Moyer; Vickie Nielsen; Angie, Maleah and Marissa Wright; Kearney Are Barbershoppers; Clayton Moyer; Natalie Radcliffe; Ben Nonhof; Christopher Barua; Sue Wallace; Connie Moon; and Sharon Rees. A special thank you to the Chancel Choir members who sang on Memorial Day weekend, their first Sunday “off”. Sandy McKirahan, Director of Music

MEN’S BIBLE STUDYWednesday Mornings

7:00 amThe Men’s Morning Bible Study meets every Wednesday morning at 7:00 am. After a light breakfast, we study and discuss the Bible passages and the study questions listed in the study guide. We finish by 8:00 am so that those who are still working may join us as well. All men of the church are welcome to attend!!

CALLING ALL YOUTH 3RD GRADE

AND UPAll youth 3rd graders and up whom want to provide a very special service to the Sunday morning Worship Service by being an acolyte are asked to contact Kathy Morrow at 233-1985. Training will be done as needed for those who are new!

MARTHA CIRCLE BIBLE STUDY

Greetings to all of you! I trust your summer has been good. The women of the Martha Circle are beginning a new study, “Who Is Jesus?” The first four lessons will consider Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John and how they portray Jesus. The meetings are the third Wednesday of the month at 2:00 in the church classroom. All women are invited to come and join in. The Martha Circle continues to serve the needs of community members; in September we will collect sweat pants, underwear, and socks for young school age children to give to the Kearney Public School for their disposal as needed. We will also give them $100 for other needs. The pot luck dinner on September 7 is a time of food and fellowship. It is open to all women. Come, bring a dish to share, and join with others to build supportive relationships that will nurture us as we grow in the knowledge of God’s Word and our responsibility to the world around us. Here are the dates for coming events:

September 7, 20165:30 pm

Fall Kick-off PotluckFamily Life Center

September 14, 201610:00 am

Pastor Stephen previewing Lesson One“Who Is Jesus?” based on the gospel of Mark

Church Classroom

September 21, 20162:00 pm

Martha Circle Bible StudyChurch Classroom

Grace and peace, Annabelle Wells, Moderator

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY LUNCH

SIGN-UPOur church will be serving the lunch at the Habitat for Humanity work site on Saturday, September 17th. Deacon Emily State will be signing up people to provide food for the lunch. Please sign up for bringing food. We will also need workers from our church on September 17th, so plan to come and work for Habitat for Humanity that day. The workday begins at 8:00 am every Saturday except for Holidays. You can stay all day, or a portion of the day. The build sites for this season are at 17th Street and Avenue M. Please check out our website at: www.habitat.kearney.net for building details, announcements, and other information.Thank you in advance for your help!

SISTERS IN SPIRIT (SIS) STUDY GROUP

Mondays Evenings7:00 pm

SIS (Sisters in Spirit) Study Group meets Monday nights at the church at 7:00 pm. We have started the Horizons Bible Study “Who is Jesus”. Join us and get a kick start on your circle studies. Call Georgia Byrn (308-440-9632) and leave a message if you need a ride. We’d love to see you!

WHAT’S ON THE BOOKSHELF?

Have you ever had an encounter with an angel? Have you known someone who has? What do Angels look like? Whom do they choose to visit! Why do they appear more often to children than to adults? Angel visitations have been reported throughout history and in different cultures. A Book of Angels by Sophy Burnham (09 E Bur) delights us with reflections on Angels past and present and how they touch our lives. A quote included in the book reads "It is said, and it is true, that just before we are born a cavern angel puts his finger to our lips and says, 'Hush, don't tell what you know.' This is why we are born with a cleft on our upper lips and remembering nothing of where we came from". -Roderick MacLeish Prince Ombra.     Many of you have heard of Albert Schweitzer but what do you know about him? In Albert Schweitzer's Gift of Friendship by Erica Anderson (09 E And), the author shows the man behind the legend and reveals his many-faceted personality. Ms. Anderson visited Lambarene to make the film about Schweitzer's life and work that was seven years in production. The film won an Academy Award for best documentary. She visited the Schweitzer hospital eighteen times and had many conversations with the doctor.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION NEWS

Sunday School TimeAdult – 9:15-10:15 am

Youth (Age 3-12th Grade) – 9:30 am-10:15 amNursery available for infants

Sunday School Kick offSeptember 11, 2016

9:15 amKickoff and Confirmation Orientation

September 25Bible Presentation

VIBRANT FAITH WORKSHOPOctober 5, 2016

Vibrant Faith: Are you ready?“We need families to be communities of faith practice. We need churches that are vital faith forming communities. We need all ages to be engaged for a lifetime. We need to engage those who no longer experience belonging and meaning in Christian faith.” ~vibrantfaith.orgWe have an exciting opportunity to transform the life of our congregation! Vibrant Faith consults with, trains and supports church leaders and members in developing meaningful faith experiences for congregations. Stephen Price-Gibson and Julia Tye are attending a one day workshop, Vibrant Faith Engaging Adults on Wednesday, October 5, 2016 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. We are seeking interested others to join us. This does involve travel on Tuesday evening; returning Wednesday evening. Workshop fees and travel expenses will be paid by Christian Education.Please:

Continue to keep our congregation in your prayers Check out the vibrantfaith.org website for more information Prayerfully consider attending the workshop on October 5, 2016 Contact Julia Tye to register or with questions

Join us, won’t you?

SEPTEMBER VOLUNTEER LIST

LITURGISTSSeptember 4 – Jon AbegglenSeptember 11 – Jill HurtSeptember 18 – Jean JohnsonSeptember 25 – Lissa WoodruffOctober 2 – Doug Giles

ACOLYTESSeptember 4 – September 11 – Carol & Raygan WrightSeptember 18 – Carol & Raygan WrightSeptember 25 – Addison Miller and

Derrick Nonhof

COFFEE HOSTSSeptember 4 – Lissa Woodruff and

Ethan KinneySeptember 11 – CE CommitteeSeptember 18 – September 25 – October 2 –

HOSPITAL CALLERSAug. 29-Sept. 4 – Sally BrysonSeptember 5-11 – Barb FriskoppSeptember 12-18 – Carol SmithSeptember 19-25 – Jill SageSept. 26-Oct. 2 – Jordan Nelson

FLOWERSSeptember 4 – Lissa WoodruffSeptember 11 – KC & Karen DiestlerSeptember 18 – Jack & Pat HildSeptember 25 – June McConnellOctober 2 – Emily State

USHERS/GREETERSSeptember 4

Jean JohnsonMary Jo MorrowGayle WoodruffAnn Young

September 11Kit AlffScott MattesonAlan ReesSara SupJulie Tye

September 18Beth JohnsonEldin & Annabelle WellsLissa WoodruffShawni Wright

September 25Dwayne & Vianne AndersonJohn IcenogleEarl & JoAnn Rademacher

October 2Judy RothenbergerRobert & Evelyn Vohland

COMMUNION SERVERSSeptember 4 – Alan Oldfather

Germaine OldfatherJudy RothenbergerEmily StateMary YorkTom York

REMINDERIf your schedule does not permit you to be here on your assigned Sunday, please trade with someone else and notify the church office at 234-4543.

KID’S PAGE

First Presbyterian Church Non-Profit Organization4511 6th Avenue U.S. POSTAGE PAIDKearney, NE 68845 Kearney, NE 68845

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BIBLE STUDY OPPORTUNIITES

YOUTH(Age 3-12th Grade)

Nursery Available for infantsSundays – 9:30 am

MENSundays – 9:15 am

Wednesdays – 7:00 am

WOMENSundays – 9:15 am

3rd Wednesdays – 2:00 pmMondays – 7:00 pm