The late pastor, Dr. Bill Self, who taught at McAfee School of Theology, told a story about a time when he and his wife went on a trip. They were sitting on the airplane when the flight attendant stopped to take their drink order. Dr. Self noticed that the woman was wearing a beautiful gold cross. He asked, “Are you a Christian?” She said, “Oh no. This is just for fun.”1

I think there are lots of people who think a little like that flight attendant. Many Christians seem to think faith is just for fun. Following Jesus is something to play at when it is convenient. They think, “My faith should support me, my world view, and demand nothing of me.” Any faith that claims first place in their lives - above job or leisure or even family - is not acceptable. The Season of Lent stands as a stark and needed corrective. For 40 days, we journey with Jesus as he gets closer and closer to the cross. In worship, we will continue to look at the Gospel of Mark, and the stories will focus on the difficulty of discipleship. They will include phrases such as “Sell everything you have and give it to the poor”, “Whoever wants to be great among you must be a servant”, and “You will be hated by all because

of my name.” We will watch as Jesus’ message requires sacrifice, courage, generosity, forgiveness, and grace. Ultimately, it will require him to give his entire life. As Christians, this can be a difficult path to follow. At the same time, we remember that the cross is not the end of our journey. Jesus did the difficult work of sharing love, justice, and hope at the expense of his life. But no grave could contain him. Likewise, we might feel the difficulties of discipleship, but Jesus is walking with us and can never be stopped. Jesus’ transforming message is always alive and at work in us and through us. I’d like to share a blessing by Jan Richardson to begin your Lenten journey. May it encourage you even when the path is difficult. Peace for a meaningful Lenten Season, Pastor Amy Blessing That Makes a Way for You2

What I know is that this blessing will begin as soon as you set out. That this blessing will meet you in every step. That it is gladly

bound to you and cannot do without you. That you are part of the path this blessing makes: that it creates a way not only for you but through you and in you, that it finds its road as you find yours. I can hardly fathom how it is that this blessing is already waiting for you even as you fashion it, step by faltering step. But there it is, in all its wending mystery. So may you meet it with courage. May you enter it with clarity. May you walk it with wisdom. May you travel it with joy. May you come to it not as one buffeted by chance but as one who has chosen. Uncertain, perhaps; unready, perhaps; but this path. This one. With abandon. This. 1William L. Self, “King for a Day, Luke 19:28-44,” Day1.org, http://day1.org/4648-king_for_a_day 2Jan Ricardson, “Blessing That Makes a Way for You,” Circle of Grace: A Book of Blessings for the Seasons, (Orlands: Wanton Gosdpeller Press, 2015), 135.

MARCH 2020

The Carillon

Inside this issue: Education/Fellowship Looking to Lent Holy Week

2-3

Worship and Music Session Highlights Stewardship Report

4-5

Mission Children, Youth, and Families Life of the Church

6-7

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH –WATERLOO, IOWA

CHURCH STAFF

Rev. Amy Wiles, Pastor/Head of Staff

Rev. Pat Geadelmann, Associate Pastor of Care and Visitation

Stephanie Swenson, Director of Children, Youth and Families

Kelley Galyen, Office Manager

Dakota Andersen, Sanctuary Choir Director

Melody Steed, Handbell Choir Director

Brenda Sevcik, Organist/Accompanist

PAGE 2

Tuesday Morning Bible Study

Our church’s Tuesday morning Bible Study continues to meet each week at 8:30 a.m. at Cabin Coffee in Waterloo. Come and join Pastor Amy as we discuss the upcoming sermon text.

New Beginnings Book Group

The New Beginnings Book Group will meet Thursday, March 12 at Cabin Coffee in Waterloo at 9:30 am. The group will read “If the Creek Don’t Rise” by Leah Weiss.

If anyone wants to join this wonderful group and needs a copy of the book, please contact Mary Kabel.

Presbyterian Women

Please join the PW for lunch for the Lenten Lunch series beginning March 4 at noon in Calvin Hall. The cost of the lunch is $5.00. Please join us for a good lunch and an interesting study during Lent.

Rebekah Circle will meet March 18 at 10:00 a.m. in Calvin Hall. We are continuing our Bible Study, “Love Carved in Stone.” Anyone is welcome to join us for the Bible Study.

Upcoming Dates

March 4—Lenten Lunch at Noon

March 11—Lenten Lunch at Noon

March 18, 2020—Rebekah Circle at 10:00 p.m. in Calvin Hall

Lenten Lunch at Noon

March 25—Lenten Lunch at Noon

A Visit from the New Pastor to the Presbytery Ian McMullen, our new pastor to the presbytery, will preach during worship and speak at Adult Forum on Sunday, March 1, at 8:45 a.m. Ian will be explaining new staffing changes with two other presbyteries: Prospect Hill and Des Moines. He will also share other news and happenings with our presbytery. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet Ian and ask questions you have about the larger church.

“Church Basement Ladies” A Night at the Theater

Join others in our congregation in a night at the theater. The Waterloo Community Playhouse offers the play, “Church Basement Ladies” on Friday, March 20 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students. The production is a humorous musical comedy about what really goes on when church ladies get together to cook meals for church functions. Please sign up in office if interested and we will reserve tickets. Thank you.

March Piecemakers

The Piecemaker Quilters will meet on Saturday, March 21, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Carol Kern will be our instructor and will demonstrate and let us practice quilting on our sewing machines. You will need to bring a “quilt sandwich” (top, batting, bottom) to practice on. She will teach us how to stipple and meander to complete those small projects like table toppers and runners.

By request, lunch will be Walking Tacos. E-Mail Jackie (jjddbass@gmail.com) to donate an item for the tacos. We are always glad to accept sides and desserts to complete the meal.

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A New Adult Education Series “Embracing Forgiveness”

Beginning Sunday, March 8 and extending for five weeks, Pastor Pat will lead a new study “Embracing Forgiveness” developed by Episcopal Priest Barbara Cawthorne Crafton. Rev. Crafton has served several parishes in the New York City area and was a chaplain on the waterfront of NYC during the recovery effort after the World Trade Center bombing. Each week we will view a DVD selection that opens with a presentation by Rev. Crafton, followed by comments from a small group she is working with, and then have a time of sharing among our group. Rev. Crafton writes, “Everybody has something about forgiveness. There’s somebody [who] did something terrible you can’t get past, or maybe you did something you can’t forgive yourself for, or [there’s] someone else [who] can’t forgive you.” What is the first thing that comes to mind for you in this matter of forgiveness? Mark the dates on your calendar. Come and let us explore together.

Lenten Lunch and Learn

Lenten Lunch and Learn starts Wednesday, March 4, at noon. Pastor Amy will be leading a study by Amy-Jill Levine where we will explore the stories of Jesus’ last days leading to the resurrection. A delicious lunch will be served for $5.00 by the Presbyterian Women. Come and join during this time of fellowship!

Lenten Devotions From Suffering to Salvation

Each Lent, we are called to prayerfully consider Jesus' sacrificial love, receive it, share it and demonstrate it to others. A spiritual icon of the 20th century, Henri Nouwen wrote about this love which continues to captivate millions. In this year's Lenten devotions, Nouwen excerpts are accompanied by Scripture passages and original reflections composed by author Christopher Klofft. Free copies are available to pick up in the office.

2019 Holy Week Schedule Palm Sunday, April 5: The Sanctuary Choir, Children, and Youth will process with palm branches during the 10:00 a.m. worship service. We will celebrate Communion during worship as well. Following the service, we will join in the Fellowship Hall for a Brunch Potluck. Look for more details in upcoming bulletins and Friday emails.

Holy Week Prayer Services: Short prayer services will be held in the Chapel each morning (Monday-Friday) at 8:30 a.m. during Holy Week (April 6-10). These services will be an opportunity to start your day with prayer, Scripture, and singing. We hope you take advantage of preparing for Easter in this special way. Pastor Amy will have a foot washing service during Thursday morning of this week.

Maundy Thursday, April 9: Join us at 6:00 p.m. for a worship service and the celebration of the Lord’s Supper.

Good Friday, April 10: We’ll gather at 6:00 p.m. for a Tenebrae Service (Service of Darkness).

Easter Sunday, April 12: Join us at 10:00 a.m. as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. There will be no Adult Forum, The Well (Youth Fellowship), or Sunday Supper .

PAGE 4

February Communion

The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper will be celebrated during the worship service on Sunday, March 8.

Lenten Sermon Texts Living Out the Kingdom—Lessons on Discipleship

March 1: Rev. Ian McMullen Preaching Mark 10: 17-31

March 8: Jesus came to serve and not be served Mark 10: 32-52

March 15: Paying taxes to Caesar Mark 12: 13-17

March 22: Widow paying temple taxes Mark 12: 28-44

March 29: End of Age; Be watchful Mark 13: 1-8, 24-37

Sanctuary and Bell Choir

Celebration Ringers rehearses on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary.

Sanctuary Choir has rehearsals on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. in the music room.

There will be no Bell or Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal on Wednesday, March 18.

Opening Pulpit Flowers in 2020

The following dates are available to provide pulpit flowers. Please call the Church Office if you wish to reserve one or more of these dates.

Open dates are: March 29 April 5 May 17, 31 June 7, 14, 28 July 5, 12, 26 August 16, 30 September 6, 27 October 18, 25 December 6

Easter Flower Order Forms Coming Soon!

The Worship and Music committee will have details about ordering Easter flowers in the upcoming weeks. Be watching the bulletins and Friday Pastor Emails for more information on how to order your flowers.

Dakota Andersen’s Voice Recital

Our Sanctuary Choir Director, Dakota Andersen, is having a voice recital Thursday, March 12, at 6:00 p.m. in Davis Hall at UNI. Davis Hall is located in the Gallagher Bluedorn. We welcome and encourage you to come and support Dakota’s talents and hard work.

PAGE 5

January Highlights

The Session of First Presbyterian Church met Tuesday, January 28th, 2020. Rev. Amy Wiles called the meeting to order and a quorum was declared. She opened the meeting with prayer. Minutes of the November Session meeting were approved. The Treasurer’s reports for November and December were approved and filed for audit.

Hats and scarves donated during the Christmas season were distributed to Cunningham School and the Hospitality House. A big thank you to all who contributed.

The nursery is being transformed with new toys and books for our littlest ones. Thanks to all who generously donated.

February Highlights

The Session of First Presbyterian Church met Tuesday, February 18, 2020. Rev. Amy Wiles called the meeting to order and a quorum was declared. She opened the meeting with devotions. Minutes of the January Session meeting and the Annual Meeting of the Congregation-Corporation and the First Presbyterian Foundation were approved. The Treasurer’s report for January was approved and filed for audit.

The Mission and Outreach Team reported that our congregation will support two global mission coworkers this year. Both are based in countries in Africa. The team will post a bulletin board with information on our global mission.

One Great Hour of Sharing offering will be collected on April 5th.

The congregation is invited to attend a play at the Waterloo Community Playhouse on March 20. The play is “Church Basement Ladies”. A sign-up sheet will be in the office.

The Session authorized serving communion on April 5th, Palm Sunday.

Stewardship Report Current Period YTD Annual YTD (January) 2020 Budget 2019 Total Income $ 12,919.85 $ 12,919.85 $366,803.96 $12,980.26 Total Expenses $ 37,954.24 $ 37,957.24 $366,803.96 $37,522.91 Excess Income/Expenses -25,037.39 -25,037.39 0.00 -24,542.65

PAGE 6

Thank You from the Catholic Worker House

HyVee Receipts for Cunningham School

A reminder that you can bring in your HyVee receipts to be donated towards our Partner in Education, Cunningham Elementary. We are down $5000 from last year and would appreciate your help! Please drop off your receipts in the church office!

One Great Hour of Sharing

Around the world, millions of people lack access to sustainable food sources, clean water, sanitation, education, and opportunity. The three programs supported by One Great Hour of Sharing Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, the Presbyterian Hunger Program, and Self-Development of People —all work in different ways to serve individuals and communities in need. From initial disaster response to ongoing community development, their work fits together to provide people with safety, sustenance, and hope. The banner verse for this year’s offering is “You shall be called repairers of the breach” (Isaiah 58:12). The contributions we make to the One Great Hour help repair the breach in people’s lives. We will collect the offering on Palm Sunday, April 5. If you would like to use a fish bank to collect your daily offering toward OGHS, the banks and giving calendars are available in the church office.

PAGE 7

The Well

The Well meets every Sunday 3:30-5:00 p.m. All Junior High/Senior High Youth are welcome to join us!

WE WILL NOT MEET MARCH 22.

Shine SHINE continues on Wednesday nights at 5:30-7:00 p.m. at Cedar Falls First Presbyterian Church. During Lent, Supper will be served from 5:00-6:00 p.m. Families are invited to come earlier if they choose or continue coming at 5:30 p.m. There will be a game time for children at 5:40 if they finish eating before the regular programming at 6:00 p.m. WE WILL NOT MEET MARCH 18.

First Church Family Birthdays for March

Mar 6 Jim Polacek Mar 8 Dan Davis Mar 12 Eric Dew Mar 13 William Barnes Mar 15 Tom Campbell, Marge Polacek Mar 16 Mark Bickley, Brady Swenson Mar 18 Kim Swallow Mar 22 Ann Sage, Heather Wheelock Mar 23 Connor McClain, Amy Wiles Mar 24 Cody McDowell Mar 26 Dale Lottich Mar 27 Cindy Trepp

Parent’s Night Out

Our Youth hosted a Parent’s Night Out in February. Brody Powell, Zach Pruis, and Mitchell Sage , with the help of Dianna Powell, Jean Seeland, and Jan and Don Schwab, cared for 6 children. They enjoyed supper, playing games, and enjoying the updated Nursery! Thank you Youth and volunteers for a great night!

Welcome New Member

We welcome Kevin McClain as a member of our church. Kevin was also recently elected to Foundation. Thank you for serving!

In Loving Memory

Cassandra Taylor Joined Church Triumphant on

Sunday, February 16

March Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

Ian McMullen visits during Adult Forum

2

3

10:30 a.m. Worship and Music 4:00 p.m. Mission & Outreach 5:00 p.m. Love INC 5:30 p.m. Building & Grounds

4

Noon Lenten, Lunch, and Learn

5

6 7

8

Daylight Savings Time Begins

Communion

9

10

9:00 a.m. Foster Care 4:00 p.m. Personnel 5:00 p.m. Love INC 5:00 p.m. Stewardship and Finance 5:30 p.m. Christian Nurture & Fellowship 6:30 p.m. Deacons

11

Noon Lenten, Lunch, and Learn

12

9:30 a.m. New Beginnings

13 14

15 16 17

6:00 p.m. Session

18

10:00 a.m. Rebekah Cir-cle Noon Lenten, Lunch, and Learn

NO SHINE NO MUSIC REHEARSALS

19

20 21

22

No Well Youth Group

23 24

9:00 a.m. Foster Care

5:00 p.m. Love INC

25

Noon Lenten, Lunch, and Learn

26

27

28

29

30 31

5:00 p.m. Love INC

Each Sunday: 8:45 a.m. Coffee and Conversation 10:00 a.m. Worship Service 3:30 p.m. The Well (Junior/Senior High Fellowship) 5:00 p.m. Sunday Supper

Each Tuesday: 8:30 a.m. Tuesday Morning Bible Study 1:00 p.m. Staff Meeting

Each Wednesday: 5:30 p.m. SHINE (Elementary and Parents) at 1st Pres. Cedar Falls 6:00 p.m. Celebration Ringers Rehearsal 7:30 p.m. Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal

505 Franklin Street Waterloo, IA 50703

Phone: 319-233-6145

F I R S T P R E S B Y T E R I A N C H U R C H

First Church Leadership Team Elders: Donna Beaver, Jim Christensen, Tom Christensen, Mary Kabel, Dan Klann, Nancy Newhoff, Terry Sage, Jean Seeland and Nancy Valentine

Deacons: Jan Bellinger, Lynda Cose, Beth Klann, Gary Lee, Kathy McClain, Marsha Muir, Mary Mumm, Marsha Platt, Richard Platt, and Marge Polacek

PWC Moderator: Marie Fernau

Treasurer: Mary Mumm

Clerk of Session: Jean Seeland

Foundation President: David Kabel

Contact Us Phone: 319-233-6145

You may also e-mail the staff at the following addresses:

Rev. Amy Wiles

amy@1stpresby.org Rev. Pat Geadelmann

pat@1stpresby.org Stephanie Swenson

Stephanie@1stpresby.org Kelley Galyen

Kelley@1stpresby.org Dakota Andersen

anderdav@uni.edu Melody Steed

melnkans@verizon.net Brenda Sevcik

brenda@1stpresby.org

We are on the web! www.1stpresby.org

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Church Office Hours

9:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday (closed 12:00-1:00 for lunch hour)

Closed on Fridays