January 2015
March
2013
December
2011
Though the carols of Christmas still ring in the air and snow is just
beginning to gather on the lawn as I write this, we are already looking
forward to Lent and Easter at First Presbyterian! This year we will be
again offering a congregation-wide small group experience through the
weeks of Lent, and it my hope that this shared study will continue to
strengthen the faith and unity of our congregation.
In its earliest forms, we read of gatherings of Christians meeting in
homes, sharing in fellowship and prayer, caring for one another - the
church. One can almost imagine, even before the gospels were in
written form, people assembling to share the stories of Jesus’ ministry and to reflect together in
conversation what that witness meant for the living of their own lives. Our lives as Christians
involve relationships, both with God and with other followers of Christ. It is in the building of
relationships with one another and sharing the journey of faith, that we can discover and deepen
dimensions of our own faith life. Participation in a small group allows a place for those
relationships to grow in a way that compliments the experience of community in a larger
worship setting.
Participation in a small group also allows for fruitful, reflective conversation on a topic. The
particular curriculum that we will be using for our small groups is a series based on
conversations with author Kathleen Norris. Presented in DVD format, the series invites
consideration of how we determine what matters the most in our lives. Through the weeks,
groups will look at the place of belief, community, the Bible, and place in creating lives of
meaning and impact. Our hope is that all of our members will take advantage of this time as a
way to grow both individually and as a congregation in our faith. To that end, we will be
offering groups in a variety of settings and at a variety of times to compliment various schedules
and commitments.
I encourage you, while you are making your New Year’s resolutions, to resolve to try out a
small group this year. The commitment you make for those five weeks will offer the benefits of
real relationships and a broadened understanding of your faith that will last for years to come.
Peace in the new year!
Pastor Heather
Sunday, January 25th at 11:00AM
Fellowship Hall
The Annual Meeting of the Congregation of First Presbyterian
Church has been called by the Session for Sunday, January
25, 2015 for the purpose of shall also reviewing and receiving
reports of boards and committees, financial statements and
approve terms of call for the pastors.
The Fellowship Committee has planned light refreshments for
the meeting, which will take place following the worship
service at approximately 11:00AM in the Fellowship Hall.
SUNDAY SCHOOL RESUMES JANUARY 4
Our lessons in January will surround
the faith practice of prayer and ritual
as essential to the life of faith. By
reclaiming familiar rituals and
through exploring new rituals, we
may begin to recognize the holy in
the ordinary, mark time and space as
sacred, and give meaning to our
whole lives.
Don’t forget that our Sunday
morning schedule has changed. We now gather
upstairs in the chapel at 9:00AM for opening time and
music, moving to our classrooms at 9:15AM and
dismissing at 9:45AM to allow time to attend 10:00AM
worship.
SMALL GROUPS DURING LENT
Make plans to join us for a
congregation-wide small group
experience during Lent. Based on
DVD presentations by author,
Kathleen Norris, the study will
engage participants in discussion
about what matters most in our lives and our life
together. What differences do belief, the Bible,
community and place make in our lives? How can we
foster the practices and connections that we need to
create a life of meaning?
Groups will be available on Sunday mornings and at
various times throughout the week. Sign up begins on
February 1. Pastor Heather is still developing the
group of leaders which will host the various groups. If
you are interested in learning more, please contact
her at [email protected].
Page 2
MANY COMMUNITIES, ONE WORLD
Love Your Neighbor
OUR NATION, WORLD & BEYOND
Our world is vast and diverse, and most of our communication is impersonal. Why should we care about the distant stranger? Our nation and
world are huge and contact is mostly impersonal. Should we care about
distant strangers?
January 4 Life in the Cosmos. Are we alone? Discussion will be
led by Donald Gurnett, Professor of Astronomy, University of
Iowa. He specializes in space research with significant
involvement in NAISA’s Voyager 1 & 2, Galileo, and Cassini
flights to the outer planets and the Mars Expression mission
currently reporting on a comet’s near approach to earth. He has
received the Iowa Regents Award for Faculty Excellence and has
been elected a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and
Sciences.
January 11 Civility in Politics – Influencing Government. Are
civil relationships possible and effective among our elected
representatives? How can we as constituents best influence
government decisions? Discussion led by Tyler Olson, Vice
President at Paulson Electric and has served as Iowa State
Representative and State Chair of the Democratic Party He has a
law degree from the University of Iowa and formerly practiced
law at Bradley & Riley in Cedar Rapids.
January 18 US World Influence - Responsibilities & Challenges.
Have we developed a “superiority complex”? How has swagger,
complacency and entitlement affected our relations throughout
the world? Discussion led by Derek Buckaloo, Associate
Professor of History, Coe College. Dr. Buckaloo received his BA
in International Relations at Stanford University, and did his
graduate work in US History at Emory University, where he
received his Ph.D. His teaching specialties currently include 20 th
Century US History, Native American History and Latin American
History. His research focuses on the Vietnam War and recent
American politics and culture.
Contemporary, religious and secular topics are presented and
discussed in an insightful, adult, Christian context. Sessions
are held downstairs in the Wernimont Room. Forum meets
each Sunday from 9:00-9:45AM.
First Presbyterian Church • 5th Street & 3rd Avenue SE
Cedar Rapids • 364-6148 • www.fpccr.org
No Forum on January 25, but Sunday School will be held.
January 2015
REPORT OF THE WORSHIP AND MUSIC COMMITTEE
In response to requests during the listening sessions on our worship schedule, here is a summary of
comments received at those sessions.
Five meetings were held for members to discuss our Sunday morning schedule. A total of about 110
persons attended the five meetings; another half-dozen messages were received by email and many
hallway conversations were held.
Comments from all meetings fell out along three major themes. Here is a description of those
themes and representative comments from the five listening sessions:
Theme One—Fellowship/Community
 We lack a fellowship time, and the sanctuary looks empty. I feel forced to choose between seeing the
children and hearing the choir.
 Current format is competitive between education and fellowship (both occur at the same time)
 Fellowship needed to keep us together including children, interaction between older and younger
generation vital
 We look like a poorly attended church no matter which service you attend
 To show support and concern for each other; fellowship more difficult with two services
Many comments raised particular points about music, children’s sermons and programs, times
conducive to work and family schedules. But virtually all expressed a desire for “fellowship in the New
Testament sense” as Herb has put it—time together over coffee and cookies, time to rub elbows and
know each other, time to learn about the ways we might care for each other beyond coffee and cookies,
opportunities to be the community we say we want to be, to be God’s church in the heart of the city.
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Theme Two—Options for worship
We left our previous church because it had two services, one modern and one traditional. Gradually
the modern service took over, and eventually the traditional service disappeared. Can we blend both
styles into one service, to find a single service which pleases everyone?
I’m a retired teacher. I had to change my teaching style over the years to meet the needs of the
students. I’ve been a member for many years. I think we need to go back to the church’s objectives,
attract a new and different membership, perhaps having two different services simultaneously.
People who like [the current schedule] are silent on the issue. One service did not allow for different
styles; two services offers opportunity for different style. I like the casual atmosphere of the 9:00
service.
The services are too much the same. We come to early church to allow for a longer day after church.
We thought the objective was to create more interest for young families.
Our early service is “worship lite,” an echo of what this church understands as traditional worship.
It needs to be different, in terms of gospel imperatives. It also needs to engage people who aren’t
here. What is here for them? It’s appropriate for the new pastor to have this discussion with Session
and the congregation.
Theme Three—Celebrating our togetherness
I like two services, the choice. We need to work on filling pews with members that we have. Every
member knows a member who does not come – pick one person that does come and spend some
time with them individually and find out why they are not coming
People go back to church when they are start having kids…got to know generations of people. Now
we do not see friends in their 80s, kids do not have historical ties of family trees. Kids have the feel
that they are just showcased for second service, then not part of the service.
We are a stronger church with one service, filled, but be prepared to make moves.
Continued on page 4→
Page 3
January 2015
←Continued from page 3
And finally, a few folks offered comments that drew all these themes together:
 I realize there is likely a huge financial burden that goes along with offering more and varied
opportunities, but personally I would be much more comfortable going broke knowing that we did
everything we could to make a difference; everything we could to be active with the message;
everything we could to share the opportunities inside and outside our walls rather than to exist for
the sake of existing inside our own comfortable ways and walls.
 We should look at our mission as a church. We should ask what we must do to continue as a
church, and to perform our mission.
And that mission, as set out in our mission statement of 1993: We seek to be a vital, caring
Christian community committed to the sacred and spiritual amid the secular by experiencing God in
Christ, in worship, service, education, and fellowship. We welcome others searching for this same
experience.
The Worship and Music Committee begins 2015 working to make a fulfilling Sunday morning
worship experience for all in our congregation, and seeking new ways to reach new friends and
members in the days and weeks to come. Thank you for taking this journey with us and with one
another.
Laura Behrens, Chair
Worship and Music Committee
The Architecture of Old First
In 1867, when the nation was starting to heal from the Civil War and Cedar Rapids was a town
of only 3,300, First Presbyterian Church, known affectionately as “Old Muddy,” and its members
were there to serve those who returned from the war. If you would like to know more of the
history of the church building that replaced “Old Muddy,” along with notes concerning its
distinctive architecture, pick up one of the recently reprinted brochures located in the Gathering
Space.
Starting with January 4, the Sunday
Morning Schedule is as follows:
8:45-11:15AM Supervised Childcare for
infants through first grade
9:00-9:45AM Sunday School and Forum
10:00-11:00AM Worship Service
11:00AM
Fellowship
Page 4
January 2015
C h i l d r e n
F i r s t
P r e s b y t e r i a n
310 Fifth St SE
Cedar Rapids, 52401
NEW SUNDAY SCHOOL TIME
Sundays
9:00am Sunday School Starts
10:00am Worship Service
Wednesdays
6:00-7:00pm
7:00-7:15pm
7:00-8:00pm
7:15-8:30pm
Middle School Youth
Youth Dinner
Confirmation
High School Youth
Youth Meetings – Every Wed Night!
The regular meetings for middle school and high school
youth are a great way for our youth to relax, share
what’s going on in their lives, discuss our faith as it
relates to them, and have fun. All middle school and
high school youth and their friends are encouraged to
join us. Youth meet downstairs in the youth rooms.
Middle School Youth Wed nights from 6:00-7:15pm.
For youth in grades 6-8.
Dinner is served for all youth from 7:00-7:15pm.
Confirmation Class Wed nights from 7:00-8:00pm.
For grades 7-8.
High School Youth Wed nights from 7:00-8:30pm. For
grades 9-12.
Children’s Fun Night
All kids in grades 2-7 are invited for a night of fun
and games at Church. We’ll play, pray, eat, and play
some more! Bring clothes & shoes to run in and a
flashlight. 6:30-9:00pm on Fri, Jan 9
&
Church 319-364-6148
Robb cell 319-333-9280
Heather cell 319-899-0094
Youth
C h u r c h
webpage: www.fpccr.org
email: [email protected]
email: [email protected]
Christmas Pageant Pictures!!!
January 2015
THURSDAY, 1
New Years Day - Church Closed
FRIDAY, January 2
1:00PM Linn Community Food Bank
SATURDAY, January 3
7:30PM Principles B4 Personalities
SUNDAY, January 4
8:45AM - 11:15AM Childcare
9:00AM Sunday School & Forum
10:00AM Worship Service
11:00AM Fellowship
4:30PM SEMP Meal
MONDAY, January 5
9:30AM Witwer Bridge
1:00PM Linn Community Food Bank
TUESDAY, January 6
12:00PM AA Meeting
1:00PM Linn Community Food Bank
6:00PM Mission Committee Mtg
6:15PM Youth Committee Mtg
6:30PM Principles B4 Personalities
7:00PM CE Board Mtg
WEDNESDAY, January 7
9:00AM Foster Care Review Bd
9:30AM Thrift Shop
12:00PM Calendar Staff Meeting
1:00PM Linn Community Food Bank
6:00PM Handbell Choir Rehearsal
6:00PM Middle School Youth Group
7:00PM Youth Dinner
7:00PM Confirmation Class
7:00PM Chancel Choir Rehearsal
7:00PM High School Youth Group
MONDAY, January 12
9:30AM Witwer Bridge
1:00PM Linn Community Food Bank
TUESDAY, January 13
12:00PM AA Meeting
1:00PM Linn Community Food Bank
5:30PM Deacons
6:30PM Principles B4 Personalities
7:00PM Membership Committee Mtg
WEDNESDAY, January 14
9:30AM Thrift Shop
12:00PM Calendar Staff Meeting
1:00PM Linn Community Food Bank
2:00PM Bible Study at Cottage Grove
2:00PM Bible Study at Meth-Wick
6:00PM Handbell Choir Rehearsal
6:00PM Middle School Youth Group
7:00PM Youth Dinner
7:00PM Chancel Choir Rehearsal
7:00PM High School Youth Group
THURSDAY, January 15
1:00PM Linn Community Food Bank
FRIDAY, January 16
1:00PM Linn Community Food Bank
SATURDAY, January 17
7:30PM Principles B4 Personalities
SUNDAY, January 18
8:45AM - 11:15AM Childcare
9:00AM Sunday School & Forum
10:00AM Worship Service
11:00AM Fellowship
11:00AM PNC Gathering
4:30PM SEMP Meal
THURSDAY, January 8
9:00AM Foster Care Review Bd
1:00PM Linn Community Food Bank
MONDAY, January 19
9:30AM Witwer Bridge
1:00PM Linn Community Food Bank
FRIDAY, January 9
9:00AM KIVA
1:00PM Linn Community Food Bank
TUESDAY, January 20
12:00PM AA Meeting
1:00PM Linn Community Food Bank
6:00PM Fellowship Committee Mtg
6:30PM Principles B4 Personalities
7:00PM Session
SATURDAY, January 10
7:30PM Principles B4 Personalities
SUNDAY, January 11
8:45AM - 11:15AM Childcare
9:00AM Sunday School & Forum
9:00AM PNC Gathering
10:00AM Worship Service
11:00AM Fellowship
4:30PM SEMP Meal
Page 6
WEDNESDAY, January 21
9:00AM Foster Care Review Bd
9:30AM Thrift Shop
12:00PM PEO Luncheon & Meeting
1:00PM Linn Community Food Bank
6:00PM Handbell Choir Rehearsal
6:00PM Middle School Youth Group
7:00PM Youth Dinner
7:00PM Chancel Choir Rehearsal
7:00PM High School Youth Group
THURSDAY, January 22
1:00PM Linn Community Food Bank
FRIDAY, January 23
9:00AM KIVA
1:00PM Linn Community Food Bank
SATURDAY, January 24
9:00AM SibShop (ARC)
7:30PM Principles B4 Personalities
FAMILY PROMISE HOST WEEK
JANUARY 25 - FEBRUARY 1
SUNDAY, January 25
8:45AM - 11:15AM Childcare
9:00AM Sunday School & Forum
10:00AM Worship Service
11:00AM Annual Meeting & Fellowship
4:30PM SEMP Meal
MONDAY, January 26
9:30AM Witwer Bridge
1:00PM Linn Community Food Bank
TUESDAY, January 27
12:00PM AA Meeting
1:00PM Linn Community Food Bank
6:30PM Principles B4 Personalities
WEDNESDAY, January 28
9:30AM Thrift Shop
12:00PM Calendar Staff Meeting
1:00PM Linn Community Food Bank
2:00PM Bible Study at Cottage Grove
2:00PM Bible Study at Meth-Wick
6:00PM Handbell Choir Rehearsal
6:00PM Middle School Youth Group
7:00PM Youth Dinner
7:00PM Chancel Choir Rehearsal
7:00PM High School Youth Group
THURSDAY, January 29
1:00PM Linn Community Food Bank
FRIDAY, January 30
1:00PM Linn Community Food Bank
SATURDAY, January 31
7:30PM Principles B4 Personalities
January 2015
January Birthdays
1/2
1/2
1/2
1/2
1/3
1/3
1/4
1/5
1/5
1/7
1/7
1/8
1/13
1/13
1/13
1/15
1/16
1/17
1/17
1/18
1/18
1/18
1/19
1/19
1/19
1/19
1/20
1/21
1/21
1/22
1/22
1/23
1/24
1/25
1/26
1/26
1/26
1/27
1/29
1/29
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1/31
1/31
Page 7
John Wagor
Bruce Bjorseth
Kendra Smiley
Suzanne Weems
Susan Gehring
Eric Stark
Patti Huey
Marty Smith
Mindy Olson
Max Proctor
Albert Christophersen
Jack Walters
Lisa Morris
Ellen Fisher
Catherine Crew
Nicholas Monroe
Caroline Gehring
Steven Davis
Abigail Wilcox
Joanne Johnson
Ethel Knutson
Pauline Weber
Timothy Van Deest
Emily Van Heukelom
Timothy Courtright
Kristopher Keuseman
Gabriel Orris
Ruth Ann Herbert
David Hayes
Charlotte Pence
John Baseler
Catherine Basile
Joan Force
Steve Goettel
Mary Ellen Horak
Lindsay Poe
John Purdie
Grant Bramel
Pat Reed
Brandon Thompson
Robert Courtright
Micah Jauhiainen
Nick Basile
Aidan Wilcox
January Anniversaries
1/3
1/13
1/20
1/22
1/22
1/25
Bob & Shirley Fisher
Pat & Minnie Dreibelbis
Brian & Sharon Hallstoos
Tim & Katie Virden
Dick & Margaret Jackson
Chuck & Frances Sessions
Elder & Deacon Installation
Installation of Elders and
Deacons, elected at our
December 7 congregational
meeting will be during the
worship service on January 25,
2015. Elected deacons are
invited to attend the Deacon’s
Meeting on January 13 at
5:30PM and elders are invited
to the Session meeting on
January 20 at 7:00PM. Elder
training dates are yet to be
determined.
Preaching Schedule
January
January 4th – Pastor Isenberg
January 11th, 18th & 25th –
Pastor Hayes.
February
Pastor Isenberg will be
preaching each Sunday
during the month of
February.
THE EVENING BOOK GROUP
will meet on Monday, January
19, 6:30pm, in the home of
Fran Brown, 3100 Shasta Ct
NE, 365-3942. The book for
discussion is The Boys in the
Boat by Daniel James
Brown. This is the story of
how the rowers on the
University of Washington
crew, all sons of loggers,
shipyard workers, and farmers,
challenged for the gold
medal at the 1936 Berlin
Olympics. All First Pres men
and women are invited to
participate in the discussion.
FAMILY PROMISE HOST WEEK
JANUARY 25 - FEBRUARY 1.
Spend a couple of hours
helping families in need
during our host week for
Family Promise. Volunteers
sign ups will be in the
Gathering Space, or contact
the church office to sign up.
The more, the merrier!!
SARAH CIRCLE
No meeting in January
Next Meeting February 5
INTERSECTIONS
will not meet in January.
Watch for information about
the February meeting.
January 2015
First Presbyterian Church
310 Fifth Street SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Permit No. 124
Return Service Requested
News and Views
“At the Heart of the City”
Published Monthly
Issue 1 - January 2015
Church Staff
Pastor Herb Isenberg
[email protected]
Youth Ministries Robb Missall
[email protected]
Associate Pastor Heather Hayes
Parish Associates
[email protected]
Robert Bouton
Director of Music Ministries
Jeremy Brigham
Dr. Fred Kiser
John Elliott
[email protected]
Parish Nurse Deb Sedlacek
Organist Neal Marple
[email protected]
[email protected]
Phone: 319-364-6148
Fax:
319-364-2110
Treasurer Joan Riley
[email protected]
Facilities Supervisor Eric Stark
[email protected]
Administrative Team
Nona Hutchinson
[email protected]
and
Virginia Lyttle
[email protected]
Web:www.fpccr.org
Office Hours 8:30am - 4:45pm M-F