Food For Thought
April 2017
A Springtime Faith
We have had a pretty mild winter this year. Sure, we have had bouts of ice and snow, but for
the most part we have been able to see the grass all winter long. So much so, that in early March,
there were buds in the Chanticleer Pear tree outside my house. Three times now, since those buds
appeared, we had cold, cold weather, even light snow, but those buds are still there, emerging
after a long, cold, barren winter. To the budding flower, an icy covering surely isn’t what it was anticipating as it grew and prepared to blossom. I can imagine the budding flower crying out: “This
isn’t what I was expecting!”
I think our faith is a lot like this. When we baptize people, the symbolism is very strong (I will be
preaching about this on April 2). As the person submerges below the surface (or sprinkled with
water), it symbolizes a death to the old life, and as they emerge from the water it points to a new
life, a rebirth in Christ.
As we begin our new lives in Christ and continue to live those lives, these lives are not free from
effects similar to the icy winds of winter on a newly budding branch. Reminders of our old ways,
our old lives creep back…they remind us of when we were living in the world, but had not yet
budded to the new life we are promised in Christ. These reminders may appear to be setbacks to
us.
When temptation strikes, when faith is weak, when worries press upon us, it can seem like God
isn’t there, like we are being tested! Just as that flowering bud keeps growing, knowing
that springtime is right around the corner, we also must persevere.
The cold, dead winter of our life before Jesus Christ is behind us. Reminders may surface from
time to time, but we have a springtime of growth and joy ahead of us. Our Springtime of Faith is
always coming, even when it seems like we are in the middle of a cold hard winter.
There will always be days that cause us to cry out, “This isn’t what I was expecting!”, but have
hope and have faith because God has promised that we are one of His own. We need not worry
about what is coming, we need to just grasp onto what is promised...His Sonshine will always be
upon us!
In Him,
Pastor Jon
Manna is the name of the food which was eaten by the Israelites during their travels in the desert
during the Exodus from Egypt. God provided the Israelites with Manna from Heaven each day,
sustaining them throughout their journey in the wilderness until they reached the Promised Land.
The month of March brought us NEW SCOUTS!
So far, we have bridged over three new scouts to
What’s Happening in First
our Troop, Nicholas Boldt, Wyatt Krohn and Zander
Presbyterian’s Boy Scout Troop? Kochen who came to us from Pack 341. We are
scheduled to have two more new scouts join us from a
Pack in Benson on April 4th !
th
th
On March 14 and 15 Troop 31 sent four scouts down to the Open Door Mission Distribution Center. The
scouts worked with other volunteers sorting and distributing food to those in need while at the same time
earning the necessary hours to finish their Eagle required Citizen in the Community merit badge. March 24th
thru the 25th Troop 31 camped out at Wakonda in Bellevue. The scouts cooked some awesome food, went on
a hike and worked on scout requirements for their next advancement.
Upcoming dates to mark on the calendar:
April 18th - We will be holding our Spring Court of Honor where the scouts will be receiving merit badges and
rank advancement. The ceremony starts at 7 pm so please come join us to honor these young men.
On April 29th, we will be holding an Eagle Ceremony for two scouts here at the church, please watch for further
details.
Troop 31 will be holding its ANNUAL CAR WASH FUNDRAISER on May 20th, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at
Remington Heights Retirement and Assisted Living located at 12606 West Dodge Road. The Troop will be
providing FREE Hot Dogs, Chips and a drink (ALL DONATED) while you wait for your car, truck or SUV to be
washed. The cost is $5 for Cars and $7 for SUV’s & Trucks. Please mark your calendars so you can stop
out and say ‘Hi!” to the Troop at while they wash your vehicle to raise money for Summer Camp!
Roger Harpster, First Presbyterian Church Troop 31 Scoutmaster
2017 Neighbors United
Saturday Meals
We set our Saturday dates for serving the Neighbors United
Meals at First Baptist Church in 2017, please mark your calendars.
We will serve on July 8, September 9, and October 14. Please plan
on joining us in this important outreach to the community!
We have asked a consultant to help us discover how we can best meet
the congregations hopes, needs and desires primarily concerning worship,
but the consultant will also work with interested committees in how they
can enhance other ministries as well
There will be surveys available until April 26th. We are interested in hearing from everyone so please visit
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GSRPZSJ to fill out the survey. If you are unable to fill this out online, we
also have printed copies available by calling the church office.
Our consultant will also be hosting open forums to hear peoples’ thoughts on worship on Wednesday, April
19th at 6:30pm, and Sunday April 23rd at 1:30pm. Our worship staff will not be present at these meetings so
that you will feel comfortable speaking freely. Please plan to join us for these open forums so that we can hear
your thoughts and build our worship services in ways that glorify God and help us to worship Him more fully!
Churchwide Survey
Pantry News
The Pantry appreciates receiving jelly and jam for the children's cupboard, which
is a special kid-only area with kid-friendly and favorite foods.
We continue to need toilet paper, dish soap and syrup, but currently have an ample supply of plastic bags
and egg cartons.
The pantry is working on a special Easter project. They would like to distribute cosmetic bags with hotel
sized soaps and shampoos and are collecting the bags and the toiletries.
Lastly, please mark your calendars for the third Thursday of every month at 9:00 a.m. A truckload of food
is scheduled to arrive monthly. Volunteers are needed! Please call Judy Money for more information or to
volunteer, 402-557-8674.
Thanks for your continued support!
Trustees Reminder
In order to prevent the loss of anything of importance, the Trustees
would like to remind the congregation that any item in the church that is
to be disposed of needs to be passed by the Trustees. Thanks
We will welcome a refugee family into our
community as a co-sponsor with Lutheran Family
Services (LFS). FPC’s role will be to furnish the new
home and welcome the family into the community.
Refugee Assistance
We are seeking volunteers to fill a third need, which
is to support the family and help them succeed in our
community. We need volunteers to visit the family and acclimate them to life in the US before we are able to
commit to level 3. They'll need help with daily tasks such as getting around town, shopping, learning, and many
other needs.
For more information visit https://www.lfsneb.org/service/refugee-reception-placement/ or contact a member
of the CCGM refugee team.
CHURCH, COMMUNITY AND
GLOBAL MISSION (CCGM):
Per Capita is per member dollar amount that each church pays to our
2017 Per Capita: $36.00 Presbytery, Synod and General Assembly. Many members make a
decision to pay their own per capita, which greatly helps the church. If
this is something you would do to help, simply indicate on a check, or
on an envelope that you would like that payment to go towards your per capita. Thank you!
Van Usage
Name Tags
The van drivers are more than happy to pick people up and bring them to church,
and to return people to their homes, but due to insurance concerns, the church van
drivers are not permitted to make stops for errands or lunch breaks.
We continue to welcome new members and we have many repeat visitors.
Can you help them feel welcome and acquainted by wearing the nametags provided in
Calvin Hall? It is always so much easier to feel a part of things if you know people’s names!
The Marketing/Outreach Committee’s goal to keep our website fresh and full of
the latest information pertaining to news and events here at FPC. So if you don’t
see an article that you think should be on the website, contact Joyce Prohaska at
[email protected]. Also, if you would like to submit something to be placed on the website, please also
send that information to Joyce.
Thank you, Marketing & Outreach
Church Web Site
All Church Retreat
Save the Date!
Think July and save the date for the July 29th
Church Retreat at Calvin Crest.
Please join the Fellowship and Hospitality
committee members as they begin to plan for a day of
fellowship and renewal.
The new on-line directory is ready to be used. If you need help
accessing it, please call Sherri.
ALSO: a new printed version is available in the office from Phil,
Judy or Sherri. Thanks.
Easter Flowers
Pictorial Directory
Enclosed in the newsletter is an order form for Easter
flowers. Please complete the form and return it with
payment by Sunday, April 2nd. The flowers will be
available to pick up after Easter service.
Spiritual Formation and
Discipleship for Adults and Children & Youth
New life…
Winter is finally over! The signs of Spring are all around us. There is something special about this time of
year as the world wakes from its winter nap. It is a perfect reminder of our education theme for this year
GROW – Grasp the Riches, Open the Word! What better way to jump into Spring then to seek opportunities to
GROW in our faith!
A few opportunities to GROW this month: Our Wednesday Night Downtown services continue through Lent
as we seek to Make Room for God. As we enter into Holy Week we have special worship services as we
participate in the celebration and excitement of Palm Sunday, witness the Last Supper on Maundy Thursday,
and experience the darkness of Good Friday.
I hope this Spring becomes a season of growth in your life, whether that be participating in Sunday morning
classes, Sunday worship, Wednesday Night Downtown, or perhaps you would like to start something new!
This Lent I invited you to enter into the season with purpose and take a look at all that we as a church were
offering: several opportunities to enhance your Lenten journey. Whether it was doing a practice on your own
like reading along with our Lenten Devotional, or being together in Sunday morning worship, Wednesday Night
Downtown Services, or Small group Bible studies, there were opportunities for you to have observed Lent in a
new way.
Blessings,
Pastor Jenni
Sunday Morning Schedule
8:45 am – 11:45 am
Nursery Care Provided: 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Christian Education Hour for all ages in Millard Hall
Adult Classes
The Present Word, led by Amy Rodie
An adult Bible class led by Alan Reinarz
Children & Youth Classes - Month of April
Preschool: Julie Symens
Kindergarten – 3rd grade: Sarah Anderson & September Symens
4th – 7th grade: Lindsey McKee
8th – 12th grade: Kris Adler-Brammer
10:30 am -Worship
All youth are welcome in church for worship. Younger children (2nd grade &
younger) may return to Millard Hall after the children’s message for Children’s
time.
Wednesday Night Downtown
5:45 pm
6:15—6:50 pm
6:30 pm
7:00 pm
Dinner
Children’s Music
Wednesday Night Downtown Worship; Adult Study after Easter
Youth Group
Downtown Disciples
Kindergarten -5th Grad
Nursery Care
Our nursery provides childcare in a loving, nurturing environment for
infants through two-year-olds. Nursery care is provided
Sunday mornings from 8:45 am until 15 minutes after the completion of Worship approximately 11:45 am. On
Wednesday nights, child care is provided from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm while our WND program is being offered.
Our goal is to provide a safe and nurturing environment for each and every child. If you have any questions
about FPC’s child care, please call Pastor Jenni 402.345.5383.
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Summer Camp
Summer camp information is now available for Camp Calvin Crest. Calvin Crest’s summer camps offer children
and youth opportunities to grow spiritually, physically, and emotionally in a spiritually safe environment. Studies over
the last 20 years show that over half of the youth and adults who participate at camps, conferences and retreats at
Lenten Services
Making room for God is the theme for our Lenten services at Wednesday Night Downtown.
There is something about being intentional, pausing and reflecting on the meaning behind
these 40 days before Easter. Through our series we will explore different spiritual practices,
as tangible ways of making room for God in the busyness of our daily lives.
March 29 – Lectio Divina
April 5 – Praying in Color
Bible Study Opportunities: Wednesdays
Thanks to our Small Group leaders and those that participated in this six
week Small Group Bible study.
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Our WND adult study class A Passionate Life continues after Easter, April 19.
A Passionate Life is designed to transform the life of every believer through biblical principles
presented in the form of eight simple and memorable shapes. These shapes form a discipleship
approach that help each of us gain a greater understanding of what God intends to do in our
personal lives, in our church and in the world. Come and join us Wednesday nights following
dinner at 6:30 as we continue on this faith journey.
Bible Study Opportunities: Sundays
Scripture Reading, Sundays at 9:00 a.m.
The Scripture Reading group, facilitated by Alan Reinarz, meets in a first-floor classroom in Millard Hall. The
usual practice is to read the Scripture passage(s) announced for that Sunday's worship, in the larger context of the
entire chapter, for example, and other related Scripture passages. Basic Bible study aids are consulted.
Application of the passage(s) to contemporary life situations are discussed. Time is made to share and pray about
personal concerns and blessings.
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The Present Word, Sundays at 9:15 a.m.
You are invited to join an adult learning group that meets 9:15 – 10:15 Sunday mornings for a Bible-based
study, facilitated by Amy Rodie. We use The Present Word materials (provided), and in the coming weeks will
focus on ‘God’s sovereignty.’ It will be encouraging, especially this election season, to be reminded that God is in
control. All adults are welcome; this is a friendly group that likes to talk, and you are free to chime-in or not. Any
level of familiarity with God’s Word is appropriate.
Please come! We meet in the northeast east corner on the first floor of Millard Hall.
Young Adults at FPC
Join us to see “Clue: The Musical” at the Bellevue Little Theatre on Saturday, April 8th. We
will gather at the theatre at 7:00pm for a 7:30pm showing. If you are interested in attending,
please contact Kris Adler-Brammer at [email protected] so group pricing can
be explored.
Mariners
The next Mariners’ meeting is scheduled for April 25th at 6:00 p.m. Please
watch the bulletin for more information about the program. All are welcome!
The FPC Sunday sermons are now available on-line.
The sermons can be streamed directly from the First Presbyterian
Church website (fpcomaha.com) or downloaded for portability.
To see a list of sermons ready to stream, please follow this link:
http://www.fpcomaha.org/media/
VBS 2017 June 12-16 (and in Schuyler June 25-29)
Make plans to join us as we become Galactic Starveyors searching the visible to
discover the invisible! During this year’s VBS we will scan the skies and explore God’s
Word to discover how God created us to be all that we can be. We will discover the God
of the universe! Will you explore with us?
An informational meeting for Schuyler VBS will be held after worship on April 23rd for
anyone interested in participating or helping with this mission project.
Youth Group
FPC Youth meet Wednesday evenings from 6:30pm to 8:00pm. Any youth, 8th
grade through high school, are invited to participate as well as bring a friend.
Here are the events planned for April:
April 5 – Due to no gathering on the 12th, the youth will be dining out tonight.
April 12 – No WND due to Holy Week.
April 15 (Saturday) – The youth will help with the Easter Egg Hunt
April 19 – Gather for regular programming
April 26 – Last WND for the school year. We will gather for our traditional games
and fellowship.
Ted, Susan, & Kris
Looking ahead to summer here are some dates to add to your calendar:
June 12-16 - Our Galactic Starveyor VBS
June 25-29 - We head to Schuyler for VBS
July 8-15 – Our mission trip
Our free Community Easter Egg Hunt will be held Saturday, April
15th at 10:00am. A great opportunity to invite your friends and
neighbors to come and join the fun!
Did you know that last year at our community Easter Egg Hunt we hosted over 100 children and their families?
That is a lot of candy filled eggs, over 1,000 to be exact! This year we are anticipating an even bigger crowd
which means we need more candy filled eggs…which also mean we need your help!
If you would like to donate wrapped candy (please no nuts) or small prizes to help us fill our 1,000+ eggs please
place them in the Easter basket in Calvin Hall by Sunday April 2nd.
Graduation Sunday
Sunday, May 21st will be special in the life of the church as we
recognize those who are graduating this year. Please plan to join us
as we celebrate these graduates with a blessing during worship and a
reception follows. If you are a graduate or have a graduate in your
family, please contact the church to let us know where you will be
graduating from and what your plans are following graduation.
Please contact Kris Adler-Brammer in the church office with your
graduation information or with any questions.
Sunday April 30th is Spiritual Formation & Discipleship Appreciation
Sunday! GROW was our theme for Christian Education this 2016-2017 school year
and it has been a great year of growing together. On this special day we will
recognize all those who gave their time and talent to plant the seeds of faith in
others during the year – Sunday morning, Wednesday evenings, VBS, Castalar
Kids night, and other CE events. Make plans now to join us for worship and a
special thank you All-Church Brunch to honor all who faithfully serve. Please RSVP
by April 26th by signing-up in Calvin Hall following worship or by calling the church
office.
30 Hour Famine is a mission organized through World Vision. On March 24th &
25th, the youth participated in a 30 hour fast. During those 30 hours, those who
participated gave up eating for a time of prayer, service and fellowship. On Friday
evening, the weekend began with a time of fellowship. On Saturday morning and
afternoon, the youth spent time serving those who struggle to find their next meal.
Their service was done at MOHM’s place in Council Bluffs. The youth then broke
their fast together with communion and a meal together around the table. The youth
collected pledges for their 30 hours together. The pledges collected were then given
to MOHM’s place to help further their mission to serve those in need. Thank you to
all who supported the youth in this mission.
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ABOUT MOHM’s PLACE (Messengers of Hope Ministries): MOHM’s is a service organization that
grew out of the mission of Christian Worship Center Ministries (CWC) in Council Bluffs. In 1994, the mission
began with Rev Harry and Ginny Wallar, along with CWC, driving around in a little white van handing out
peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, chips, fruit and a juice box to those living on the street. The Wallar’s
realized there was a greater need than their “little white van” could meet so they expanded. They purchased a
bus and converted it into a mobile kitchen that they could drive around the neighborhoods serving the
homeless and the hungry. Once again, the Wallar’s discovered the mobile kitchen just wasn’t enough. After
many incarnations of growth, in September of 2008, the vision of MOHM’s place became “New Visions
Complex” turning into the first 62-bed men’s shelter, 26 transitional living unit for single men and single
women, a meal site that would seat 250, and an administration building for the homeless and near-homeless
of Council Bluffs. The program currently sleeps 100 men per night, the transitional housing is always full and
has a waiting list, and they feed approximately 6,000 meals monthly. The Wallar’s have expanded “New
Visions Complex” to include “New Visions Omaha” which will begin to provide those same services to the
hungry and homeless of Omaha.
Attention College Students and High School Seniors
There are four scholarships available through First Presbyterian Church:
The David Arenz Memorial Scholarship, now in its 35th year!
To apply for this scholarship, the applicant should call, or write their
desire to Kathy Arenz. Please provide information about them
selves and where they plan to attend college. The amount of this
scholarship is $1,000, which is mailed directly to the college and
applied to the student’s account. More details are available
through Susan Smith or Kathy Arenz.
The General Scholarship Fund
Members of First Presbyterian Church and their children are eligible to apply for scholarships from this
fund for either a one-time $500 scholarship towards an accredited college; or a $2,000 scholarship
toward post-graduate Seminary course work. Application forms are available through the office.
Alyce and Clifford Paxton Fund
This fund was established in 1998 by a bequest from the Clifford Paxton Trust. The income of this fund
is to be used to assist young people attend and complete their education at any Presbyterian
Theological Seminary. To apply, write to Session, requesting consideration and include information
about yourself and where you will attend college.
The Mel Thomas Scholarship
This scholarship is administered by the First Presbyterian Church Session. Applications can be made
through our clerk of Session, Leanne Johnson.
Shortly after Easter, we
College Care Packages
will send round two of care
packages to the college
students of FPC.
This is
greatly appreciated by the college students who receive them and will be especially
helpful as they are preparing for finals and finishing up their school year.
We will be collecting goodies for these care packages and, in order to have
enough items for all of the packages, we need your help. If you would like to contribute items, they can be dropped off in the basket that will be located in Calvin
Hall. Donations will need to be received no later than Sunday, April 16th. The following are some items you
might contribute:
Individual servings of chips, pretzels, cookies, oatmeal, easy mac n cheese, goldfish, etc.
Candy, granola bars/protein bars, microwave popcorn, gum, crystal light powder packages
Tide pods laundry soap (we can divide these into smaller packages for each student), dryer sheets
Fun Easter candy (as our delivery date will be just after Easter Sunday)
$5 - $10 Starbucks gift cards
Or another items you think may be helpful to our college students.
We will be filling about 12 care packages so items in multiples are appreciated. If you have any questions
about donating, please feel free to talk with Kris Adler-Brammer.
Crossroads Connection
Upcoming Mission Dates for 2017
We have scheduled our dates for Crossroads Prison Ministry
this year. We will be leading worship and providing meals at
Crossroads Prison ministry on the following Sundays:
August 13, and November 12.
Please join us in this vital ministry!
2017 Holy Week Schedule
Palm Sunday
Celebrating the Triumphal
Entry of our Lord
April 9
10:30 a.m.
First Presbyterian Church
Sanctuary
Maundy Thursday
Living Last Supper
Communion Worship Service
April 13
6:30 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church
Sanctuary
Good Friday
Candlelight Service
“The Seven Last Words of Christ”
April 13
6:30 p.m.
West Hills Presbyterian Church
3015 S 82nd Avenue
Omaha, NE 68124
April 16
10:30 a.m.
First Presbyterian Church
Sanctuary
Easter Morning
Celebrating the Resurrection of
Our Lord, Jesus Christ
“He Lives!”
April Mission Focus—
Keep Omaha Beautiful
The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it. Ps 24:1
O sing to the Lord a new song;
sing to the Lord, all the earth
Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;
let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
let the field exult, and everything in it.
Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy.
Ps 96:1 & 11-12
In 2016 First Presbyterian Church adopted Turner Park in a partnership with Keep Omaha Beautiful. Since
then we have cleaned numerous loads of trash from the park. Troop 31 cleaned a long stretch of trail between
Turner Park and Hanscom Park.
Even with our efforts, trash continues to choke the area. A recent FPC Bible study covered Psalm 96 and the
question was posed, “How can we help nature praise the Lord”? One answer is that when we see the flowers of
the field and trees of the forest clogged with litter we can increase our efforts to reduce, reuse, and recycle. We
can also go out and clear our misplaced waste so that nature is able to break out in full song!
The Church, Community, and Global Mission Committee (CCGM) is looking to expand our clean-up efforts.
We are working with KOB to organize a larger area clean-up on the Sunday after Earth Day; the dream is to
claim this as Creation Day. Look for more information in future bulletins and e-Mannas.
If you are interested in joining the cleaning activities, contact David McBride at [email protected]. If you are
unable to attend the organized clean-ups, please consider getting out whenever and wherever you can to be a
good steward and help the forest sing for joy!
Stephen Ministry News for April 2017
People often ask, “What exactly is a Stephen Minister?”
One way to put it is that Stephen Ministers are the After People.
Stephen Ministers are there:
. . . after the phone call you hoped you’d never get;
. . . after the funeral, when everyone has left and the emotions you’ve held at bay come
crashing in on you;
. . . after the relationship falls apart and the bottom falls out of your life;
. . . after the doctor says, “I’m sorry, but there’s nothing more we can do;”
. . . after the nursing home director shakes your hand and says, “Welcome to your new
home;”
. . . after the last child honks the horn, waves, and drives away—and the house
suddenly seems empty;
. . . after the gavel comes down, the handcuffs go on, and your loved one is led away;
. . . after the baby arrives, demanding more of you than you ever dreamed possible;
. . . after you find a pink slip with your final paycheck;
. . . after your family and friends have heard your story one too many times, but you still
need to talk it out.
Stephen Ministers are the After People. They are ready to come alongside you—or your friends, neighbors,
coworkers, or relatives—and provide comfort and support for as long after as needed. If you or someone you
know could use a Stephen Minister please talk with Becky Hines or Pastor Jenni.
Family Fare
Receipt Update
Thanks to all who have been saving Family Fare receipts. The total so far is
$8,345.13. When we collect $150,000 we get a $1,000 rebate from Family Fare.
Keep those receipts coming!
Presbyterian Women in the Church
The next Prayer Shawl Ministry will be
Tuesday, April 18th from 5:00 PM to
7:00 PM. Please come as you are able.
Lessons will be provided for those who
don’t know how to crochet or knit!
If you know
someone in need
of a prayer shawl,
please
contact
Melissa Davis or
Phyllis Phillips.
“For the outpouring of kindness
shown to our family through
memorials, cards, phone calls,
and to the many women who put up tables and prepared the
delicious luncheon following Jack’s memorial service. All was
overwhelming and appreciated more than we can say. A
special thanks to Dr. Sloan and Pastor Jenni for being by Jack’s
side, and ours, during his illness and death. It is marvelous to
have such a wonderful and caring church family. May God
bless you all!”
Lillian Anderson and Family
THANK YOU
"Thank you to all my church friends who honored my ninetieth
birthday with a greeting; the choir surprise party; many phone
calls; luncheons; and beautiful cards.”
Mary Mahoney
Shares and Prayers
PLEASE PRAY FOR PLEASE PRAY FOR: Peace and comfort to the families of those who
died: The family of Marlyne Hoffmann * The family of Ruth Lawver * Don Cole, father of Bonnie
Newman * Liz Frampton, friend of Melissa Davis * Marcia Eaton * Chad Beutel's father, Dan *
Jack Anderson * Leanne Johnson’s mother, Charlotte Hiatt Cancer Patients: Charla * Chuck
Adkins * Roger Baumgartner * Natalie Bauerkemper, granddaughter of Bill and Clara Beatty *
Chuck * Dee Engelbert * Sally G * Phyllis Gentry * Michelle Kirkpatrick * Aaron Kittrell * Dorothy
Mattern * Linda Nelson * Norma Olsen * Leona Post *Sue Ross * Judy Rudloff * Rod Shada *
Shirley * Rose Vieira * Lenn Woods For Healing & Strength/Blessing & Guidance: Lillian
Anderson * Alex Barrett * Nancy and Don Blake * Berylene Boseck * James Boyd * Don Brewer
* Jean Carter * Norma Cox * Cheryl Crawford * Tom Creps * Nancy Culbertson * Martha Doyle
* Mary Lou Edson * Gwen Elsasser * Brandon & Christine Feller * Melanie Felton and her
granddaughter * David Fitzgerald * Ardys Fluehr * Cel Forbes * JoAnn Haafke-Anderson *
Loretta Halverson * Shirley Hancock * Lillian Anderson's daughter, Susan Hanson *Lauretta
Heidorn * Becky Hines * Jeff Hogue * Pat Hudson * Nancy Jelinek * Baby Justin * Pauline Kawamoto
* Haley Keenan * Tyler Keenan * Tim Konecny * Bee Lowrey * Marvin Lyman * Linda Lynch * Jerry
Mahoney* Doug Marr * Carol Matschullat * Max, Linda Hooker’s great-nephew * Lindsey McKee *
Barbara McQueen * Maria Meares * Karen Morrison and her family * Andy, Krista and Grace
Perleberg * Jake Petersen * Kit Petersen * Mariah Selby * Betty Sender’s niece, Edie * Michelle
Sheets * Heather Sjodin * Kathy Stockham’s cousin's granddaughter * John Swirzinski * Bob and Mary
Wisler * Rich Wright Long Term, Recurring Health Issues, General Concerns and/or Special
Prayers of Care:
Ann Brietenbauch * Charles & Laura Cook * Gertrude Day * Esther Dye * RH
Fanders * Betty Fulton * Joyce Gibson * Frances Goranson * Martha Helligso * Eunice Hill * Zelma
Johnson * Esther Karnik * Mary McLendon * Margaret Rice * Thelma Stenlund * Mary Summers *
Dolly Wilson Praise and Thanksgiving: for the birth of Iona Rincon Safe Travels: for the University
of Colorado students passing through Omaha
*Please help us keep this prayer list current. If there are any updates or omissions, please contact
Sherri. How to reach out to those in need of support and encouragement: Keep those listed in your
daily prayers; Drop in to visit whenever you may be in the area of one of our home-bound members;
Mail a card (multi-purpose cards are available in Calvin Hall by the Display Case);
and/or make a short phone call.
Thank you for your continued and fervent prayers for those in need!
Pictures, Please!
If you have pictures of church events from 2017, please share them! You can
email pictures to [email protected]. Pictures may be used as part of the
announcements before church and/or at the annual meeting. Thanks!
Directory Updates
Please update your directory!
Don Brewer
13735 Polk Plaza #205
Omaha NE 68137
Matt & Elizabeth Darling
10551 Broadmoor Ct #1002
Omaha NE 68114-4846
Jeff & Angela Boyum
224 S 85 St
Omaha NE 68114-4253
Ray Eaton
St Joseph Villa
2305 S 10 St #204
Omaha NE 68108-1108
Bottom Page Thoughts By: Sherri Petersen “Break Me off a Piece of that Kit Kat Bar”
I was reading an overly-sensationalized story on Facebook the other day: “28 People who Now Regret Life
Changing Decisions.” There were at least five tattoo-related stories (imagine having your ex-spouse’s name in
large letters across your forehead…) There were a few about treating people poorly, drinking, smoking, and goofing
off in college. The one that really resonated with me was the man who wrote that he was more regretful of the
inaction in his life. He could name several times he failed to do something that would have made his life better or
that could have changed someone else’s life. He said, “Sometimes the stuff you don’t do is worse than the stuff you
actually do.”
This man’s regret is especially timely during Lent. When I was young, I used to “give up” candy. It wasn’t too
much of a sacrifice, though, because I didn’t eat much candy. I gave up pop, which was a little tougher; but I still did
not feel deprived. As I aged I realized there isn’t much in the way of food or treats that I would really miss. Rather
than giving things up, I looked for opportunities to take on. I spent more time with family, gave more of myself to
charities, spent more time in the Word, and looked for ways to make a difference in the lives of others.
No matter what I did, I wanted to fulfil 1 Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast,
immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”
At the beginning of last year my husband, Keith, began a new practice at the grocery store which has turned into
a regular event, but seems extra special during Lent. Whenever we are being rung up by someone especially
friendly, Keith asks, “What’s your favorite candy bar?” Whatever the answer is, he buys the candy, then hands it to
the cashier. Each person has always been surprised and very thankful. While the responses haven’t changed
much, the reason for the gifting has: since we never know what kind of day the worker has had, we don’t require a
smile or conversation from them; maybe a simple candy bar from us will bring about a smile and make the
experience better for the next person in line.
During a late trip to Fareway recently, we were the only two left in the store just ten minutes before closing. Both
the cashier and the sacker were very friendly, young gals who laughed at Keith’s jokes, a response for which I am
always thankful. As the cashier rang up the last item, we asked and discovered that both girls liked Kit Kats and
both were equally grateful for the candy surprise. In the parking lot, after loading groceries, this sweet little girl
sacker began to cry. She shared that her 86 year-old grandfather was just diagnosed with non-treatable bone
cancer which made her weekend unbearable. The candy bar, to her, was a sign that even when things are bad,
people do care.
We talked for several minutes, then through her tears, she said “God bless you!” I assured her that He had,
hugged her and promised to pray for the family. As I got into the car and closed the door I realized that God used a
$.50 candy bar, a generally banned item during Lent, to open up a conversation about faith, love and hope.
Our actions do not need to be big, grand gestures like tattooing someone’s name across our face, or donating a
million dollars to a charity; often the simple things mean the most to those in need.
I have done plenty in my life that I wish didn’t happen, (though I have no tattoo stories) but I will never regret
reaching out to someone, whether it be with a hug, a kind word or a candy bar because I know that when done to
glorify Him, the Lord will turn breaking off a piece of a Kit Kat bar into something truly special.
Anniversaries
Birthdays
Ruth Gilliland
Jake Darling
Maxwell Darling
McKenna Pentland
Tom Helligso
Fallon Leahy
Gertrude Day
Carol Hunter
Makenzie Berg
Nola Cowles
Matt Darling
Joyce Reimer
Chris Sullivan
Douglas Boyd
Lee Grauf
Zach Grauf
R. H. Fanders
Jessica Jackson
Sondra Reese
Merryellen Towey Schulz
David Anderson
David Schroeder
Brian Johnson
Tracy Kelly-Fields
Shelly Smith
Susan Smith
Judy Boswell
Shannon DellaLucca
Mary Summers
Amelia Nielsen
Wayne Woodard
Becky Curlis
Tina Grauf
Doug Marr
Paul Jelinek
Eleni Reeves
Jeff Shannon
Larry Taylor
Braeden Grauf
Deloris Ellison
Tristan Shockey
Evan Graumann
Chris Majeres
Matt Wolf
Jonah Aney
Ollie Bowers
Jayna Heuertz
Erich Sender
Lori Sullivan
April 1
April 3
April 3
April 3
April 4
April 4
April 6
April 6
April 6
April 6
April 7
April 8
April 8
April 9
April 9
April 9
April 10
April 10
April 10
April 10
April 11
April 11
April 12
April 13
April 13
April 13
April 14
April 14
April 15
April 15
April 17
April 19
April 19
April 19
April 20
April 20
April 20
April 20
April 20
April 21
April 22
April 25
April 25
April 26
April 27
April 27
April 27
April 29
April 29
Congratulations!
Tom & Sandi Helligso
Mark & Victoria Gammell
Don & Joan Swanson
Mike & Daun Retelsdorf
April 2
April 3
April 12
April 22
If we missed your birthday or anniversary,
please let us know!
Contact Sherri at [email protected]
or call 402-345-5383.
SCRIP is handy to have
for birthdays, get well gifts
and
year-round
fun!
Traveling? Most SCRIP can be used across the
US. Order SCRIP through Pastor Jon or check
with Sherri to see what is on-hand. Remember,
your SCRIP order means money back to FPC!
See a complete list at www.glscrip.com.
SCRIP NEWS
E-Giving:
E-asy
E-fficient
E-ssential
Want to give electronically
to First Presbyterian
Church?
You can by visiting the website
(www.fpcomaha.org)
or use your smart device to scan here
April Usher Team:
Dave Keister, Arlis Dowding, Phil Franco, Jeanene Gustafson & Allison Newland
First Presbyterian Church of Omaha
“Keeping Christ Central”
216 South 34th Street
Omaha, NE 68131
Non-Profit Org
U.S. Postage Paid
Omaha Nebraska
Permit #171
Return Service Requested
First Presbyterian Church Staff
Senior Pastor: Dr. Jonathan Sloan [email protected]
Associate Pastor: Rev. Jennifer Blake [email protected]
Director of Youth and Young Adults: Kris Adler-Brammer
[email protected]
Music Director: Timothy Houfek [email protected]
Organist & Bell Director: Joyce Reimer [email protected]
Organist & Pianist: Alex Barrett
Admin. Assistant: Sherri Petersen [email protected]
Building/Finance Manager: Sondra Reese [email protected]
Director of Youth and Young Adults: Kris Adler-Brammer
[email protected]
Part-Time Office Staff: Phil Franco [email protected]
Judy Boswell [email protected]
Building Specialist: Greg Lincoln
Custodian: Rick Murray
(Please contact Sondra to reach Greg or Rick.)
Newsletter Editor: Sherri Petersen
OFFICE HOURS
Monday-Friday
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Phone: 402-345-5383
Fax: 402-345-5227
Website: www.fpcomaha.org