First Presbyterian Church Kearney, Nebraska

Sunday School & Wednesday Night Live Leadership Recognition

First Presbyterian Church — Fri, 11 May 2012 17:46:48 +0000

SUNDAY SCHOOL & WEDNESDAY NIGHT LIVE LEADERSHIP RECOGNITION May 13, 2012
During 10:30 a.m. Service
Please join us Sunday May 13th for Sunday worship where the Sunday School Teachers and Wednesday Night Live Leaders will be recognized for their fantastic work and support. May 13th wraps up the Sunday School program for the Spring. The Christian Education Committee is proud to highlight the following volunteers that bring the message of Christ to live at FPC Kearney through two wonderful programs, Sunday School and Wednesday Night Live.
Amanda Badgley
Rich Elliott
Gary Feind
Lorraine Feind
Barb Friskopp
Myron Haines
Dwayne Hibbs
Jack Hild
Jill Hurt
Erin Jenkins
Peggi Jenkins
Mary Kulhanek
John McKirahan
Rose Miller
Steve Miller
Jeff Newby
Rona Newby
Bev Pickens
Charlie Pickens
Janet Pickens
Stephen Price-Gibson
Earl Rademacher
JoAnn Rademacher
Alan Rees
Sharon Rees
Ruth Slominski
Tiffany Tarvestad
Paulette Wagner
Annabelle Wells
Eldin Wells
Shawni Wright

Join us in the Fall and be part of Sunday School! Classes will resume on August 19th.
Consider helping to coordinate next season’s programming. Contact Lorraine Fiend at (308) 390-7455 for more details and how you can be an active part of Christian Education at First Presbyterian Church Kearney.

Prime of Life

First Presbyterian Church — Thu, 03 May 2012 19:09:40 +0000

PRIME OF LIFE

Sunday, May 6 – 6:00 p.m.

Prime of Life will meet on Sunday, May 6, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Hosts for May are: Charlie and Bev Pickens, Emily State, Joan Hartman and Helen Marshall. Contact one of the hosts to confirm your attendance.

Vacation Bible School

First Presbyterian Church — Wed, 02 May 2012 01:28:10 +0000

VBS Registration Form

Crossroads Center Planting Seeds of Hope

First Presbyterian Church — Tue, 01 May 2012 15:50:51 +0000

The event will include a delicious meal, guest testimonials, an update about what God is doing at the Crossroads Center, and wonderful fellowship. Individual tickets are $25 each and seating is available in tables of ten attendees. Seating is limited to the first 500 responses. Tickets are available in the church office. For more information call (308) 236-5688.

It’s Graduation Time!

First Presbyterian Church — Tue, 01 May 2012 15:41:57 +0000

READY, SET, GO!
IT’S GRADUATION TIME!
Congratulations to the following graduating High School Seniors.
Brittany Shultz
Chet Wallace- Award recipient of a $400 school scholarship from FPC
Wishing you all the best with your studies next Fall and Spring.
College graduates are:
Michael Miller, Bachelor of Arts, Biblical Studies, Liberty University, May 12, 2012
Collin Rees, Bachelor of Science, Engineering, Harvard, May 24, 2012
Benjamin Tye, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Illustration and Comic Art, Minneapolis College of Art and Design, May 12, 2012
All graduates will be honored on May 13th during the Sunday 10:30 a.m. worship service.

Easter Egg Extravaganza Success

First Presbyterian Church — Tue, 01 May 2012 15:41:16 +0000

EASTER EGG EXTRAVAGANZA SUCCESS!
Thank you to all that participated with the egg hunt on Saturday April 8th. Nearly 50 adults and children were in attendance. Thank you Ruth Slominski for donating plastic eggs and candy! And thank you Ruth Slominski and Phil Feese for detailing the church lawns for the egg hunt. The event was a lot of fun for kids and adults. Thank you

Lenten Lunch Thank You

First Presbyterian Church — Tue, 01 May 2012 15:40:11 +0000

We had a very successful Good Friday Lenten Luncheon. Thank you to all of the people who donated food and the sandwich crew, tray filler crew and everyone involved in the event! This project could not be fulfilled without all of our volunteers. Thank you all so very much. Sincerely, Patricia Elliott, Women’s Bible Study Circles Coordinator

Thank you from the Mission Committee

First Presbyterian Church — Tue, 01 May 2012 15:39:12 +0000

The Mission Committee would like to thank everyone who donated items, baked some wonderful goodies, helped sell, made signs, or supported us at the Garage/Bake Sale on April 14th. We currently have made approximately $1100.00 with a few donations still coming in. It shows us that when people come together, great things can be accomplished. We are in the planning stages for a Go and Serve Mission trip in the future. We will keep you posted. Thanks again for the support.

Our Loved Ones in Military Service

First Presbyterian Church — Tue, 01 May 2012 15:37:38 +0000

OUR LOVED ONES IN MILITARY SERVICE

Colonel Gary D. Haines is the son of Myron and the late Evalyn Haines. He graduated from Kearney High School and went on to attend the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, graduating in 1990. His first base assignment was at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska. During this time he married his wife Robin. They have five children, Breanna, Nicolas, Hunter, Claire, and Caleb. Col. Haines went on to attend Texas A & M and received his Master’s Degree in Computer Science. He returned to Colorado Springs and taught Computer Science at the Air Force Academy for three years. Col. Haines has seen many moves during his career. He has been stationed at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado Springs; Langly Air Force Base, Newport News, Virginia; Scott Air Force Base, Bellville, Illinois; Randolph Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas; and back to Scott Air Force Base where the family currently is living. Scott Air Force Base handles transportation for all of the military and Gary handles the communications aspect of their travel. We are proud of his service to our country.

Book Browse

First Presbyterian Church — Tue, 01 May 2012 15:29:37 +0000

BOOK BROWSE

The city library is not the only one to enjoy improvements. Thanks to Annabelle, Eldin, Jill and Gordon, our church library now has 56 more volumes. See the complete list on the narthex bulletin board. For starters, you might want to check out:

101 Hymn Stories – the inspiring true stories behind 101 favorite hymns by Kenneth W. Osbeck. (see shelf 03)

Not Trying Too Hard by Bob Sitze who advocates a small-step-approach to change providing readers with the necessary tools to engage what is possible without trying too hard. (04 E)

Games Games Games for people of all ages – a game for everyone’s taste, for every situation, for every age. (07 E)

Session Notes

First Presbyterian Church — Tue, 01 May 2012 15:28:00 +0000

SESSION NOTES

The Session and Board of Deacons held their annual joint meeting on Tuesday, April 24th before the regular meetings of the Session and Board of Deacons. The two councils primarily explored which group should be responsible for working with community mission agencies, the Deacons or the Session’s Mission Committee. It was informally agreed that two Deacons and two Elders would serve on a “bridge” committee to propose a framework. The Deacons were told they should provide input to the Finance Committee by October for next year’s budget.

The Session held their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 24th. A brief overview of the meeting is below.

The formation of a joint “bridge” committee was approved with Elders Pat Hild and Doug Giles to be representatives from Session. Procedures for committees’ submissions for next year’s budget to the Finance Committee were discussed. Thoughts regarding new Deacons and Elders for next year were also discussed in preparation for the Nominating Committee’s work.

Session approved collection of a love offering for Ballet Emmanuel on April 29th. Christian Ed also announced that a movie will be shown at church on Wednesday, May 23rd. Rev. Price-Gibson announced that the Presbytery is planning another Invite a Guest service on August 19th.

Beach Thoughts

First Presbyterian Church — Tue, 01 May 2012 15:25:14 +0000

BEACH THOUGHTS

I love the ocean, and I treasure memories of the times when my family vacationed at the beach. There is something so soothing about sitting in the sun, listening to the sound of the surf. You can be as busy as you choose, what with swimming, fishing, snorkeling, bird watching, restaurant hopping, or boardwalk shopping. Or you can just do nothing. The beach is one place where active people can just do nothing and not feel guilty.

Some people go to the same beach their parents and grand-parents enjoyed. But it is unlikely that our great-grandparents loved the ocean shore. In their day, most beaches were deserted, and the coastline was considered to be dangerous and desolate places, where ships were wrecked on hidden rocks, fishermen were lost in the storms, and pirates came suddenly to kill and steal and destroy. While there have always been those who made their fortunes and their livings on salt water, nobody thought of it as a place of beauty and peace. Too many people died or disappeared, too many hearts were broken by the sea.

So how did the unfriendly shore become a fun-in-the-sun place? Simply put, people started to go there together in large numbers. Lighthouses made the sea lanes safer, and piracy was stamped out. You could swim all you wanted if there were other people keeping track of you. Many more people could make their living on the coast by meeting the needs of visitors. Your property and your children and your life were safe.

Many people feel about religion the way our ancestors felt about the sea. Things of the spirit can be strange and forbidding— perhaps even dangerous. Phony cults, abusive leaders, peculiar rituals, exotic disciplines seem like the riptides and pirates and storms that used to make the sea dreadful. Religion is like the sea—something that it is better not to face alone. But if we “serve the Lord with gladness” together, we can be refreshed and renewed in a way that no beach resort can match. The power and purpose we all need for our lives to be worth living are always more easily learned in Christian community—and sometimes they are available in no other way.

Each of us has our own unique relationship with God, but the surest mark of an increasing intimacy with God that we are able to give and receive help from others, especially those who seek to draw closer to God day by day. This is the reality expressed in familiar Bible verses.

I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.” Psalm 122:1

Love one another, as I have loved you. John 15:12

And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deed, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another.

Hebrews 10:24, 25

This is a truth we need to constantly keep telling our children, our relatives, our friends, our neighbors—and ourselves.

See you in church. Stephen

Vacation Bible School Registration

First Presbyterian Church — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:39:00 +0000

VBS will be held Sunday, June 24 thru Thursday, June 28.

RegistrationForm

Garden

First Presbyterian Church — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 20:56:20 +0000

Crossroads Rescue Mission

First Presbyterian Church — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 19:14:17 +0000

CRITICAL NEEDS LIST—CROSSROADS CENTER

RESCUE MISSION—KEARNEY

Current census: 23 individuals
After being at our maximum capacity of 27 for a couple of days, we are back to 23 women, men and families. This week we had a follow-up presentation on grocery shopping, a session on improving parenting skills and a staff member from Good Samaritan Hospital gave a presentation on smoking cessation. We continue to seek individuals or groups who are interested in helping our guests build their skills.

Upcoming dates:
April 24th—12:00—Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting
May 4th—Seeds of Hope 1st Annual Gala—6:30 PM—Younes Conference Center— Tickets are available in the church office, at the Center or by calling 236-5688.

FOOD
1. a) Critical food needs: COFFEE, TOMATOES—SAUCE, DICED, WHOLE, SPAGHETTI SAUCE, ELBOW MACARONI, NOODLES, CHILLI, TOMATO JUICE, CHILLI POWDER, VINEGAR, SYRUP, SUGAR, BROWN SUGAR, YEAST, COFFEE CREAMER, CANNED FRUIT, CREAM SOUPS, EVAPORATED MILK, MARGARINE, BUTTER!
2. b) General food needs: fresh vegetables and fruits, pasta, tuna, ketchup, Hamburger Helper, Tuna Helper, cereals, rolled oats
Lawn mower
Laundry products for use in “high efficiency” washers & bleach
Laundry baskets or bags
Trash bags
Plastic storage containers—4, 6 & 8-quart size
Gift cards to local retailers for purchase of socks, shoes and underclothing.
Bikes
Hand sanitizer
Baby products—safety q-tips, “sensitive” wipes, baby towels & cloths
Cleaning products—stainless steel cleaner, dish soap, sponges with abrasive
side

Thank you to all of you for your generous support in so many ways! God bless you!

Family Fun Fest

First Presbyterian Church — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 17:42:26 +0000

FAMILY FUN FEST

APRIL 29 – 2:00-4:00 P.M.

YANNEY PARK

Date: Sunday April 29th
Where: Yanney Park
Time: 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Admission is Free and the event is open to the public

Make plans now to attend the Family Fun Fest. The community-wide event is Christian based and for families. Area churches have joined together and local sponsors have proudly presents “Out of the Box” from Maranatha Camp (http://maranathacamp.org/html/OTB.htm). With 25 years of experience in performance arts ministry and evangelism, the Schiros travel promoting Maranatha Camp and Maranatha Ministries using Out of the Box Performance Arts. Along with the Out of the Box performance, you will also find inflatable play houses and carnival foods.

For questions or more information on how you can donate your time or services please contact Tiffany at 293 4687

Taize Worship Service

First Presbyterian Church — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 19:53:05 +0000

Taize Worship Service

Sunday, April 15, 2012

7:00 p.m.

The TAIZE Community was first developed in Taize, France by Brother Roger Shutz in the 1940’s with an ecumenical group of church people from all over the world. It is from this community that TAIZE worship has come.

Our faith begins and ends in worship; yet so often our worship can be submerged in a welter of instruction, edification and moral exhortation. In many churches on a Sunday morning there is little opportunity for corporate quiet, for reflection, for focusing in on the God who speaks to us in the silence of our hearts. The great contribution made by the TAIZE Community has been the popularization of a more contemplative approach to worship.

TAIZE worship includes candlelight, prayers, readings, soft music, and silence. The service is very meditative and offers a wonderful opportunity to be silent and center on the Lord.

The service is open to the entire community.

Come as you are – and bring your friends.

Sponsored by the Worship and Music Committee of First Presbyterian Church, Kearney

Mission Committe Garage / Bake Sale

First Presbyterian Church — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:08:05 +0000

MISSION COMMITTEE GARAGE/BAKE SALE

Saturday, April 14 – 8 am-2 pm

The Mission Committee plans to have a garage/bake sale on Saturday, April 14th at 8 am to 2 pm. You can start bringing your treasures to the church during the week of April 9th. We will provide pick up service for those who need some help getting their items to the church beginning on April 10th. Baked goods are also needed. Please don’t bring computers. They just don’t sell. If you can volunteer your time, please let Pat Hild (236- 9989) know or just show up!

Christian Education Opportunities

First Presbyterian Church — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 17:08:17 +0000

The Christian Education Committee is actively seeking a Sunday School Superintendent OR Co-Superintendents. This person(s) will work and is supported by the pastor and the Christian Education Committee to oversee the Sunday School Program. Please contact Lorraine Fiend at (308) 390-7455 if you are interested and/or more information.

Sunday School Superintendent Volunteer Position

The duties of the Superintendent of Sunday School at First Presbyterian Church of Kearney include:

Securing teachers for classes that meet on Sunday mornings
Coordinating selection of curriculum
Facilitating teacher training in the fall
Organize the teacher commission in September
Become a member of the CE Committee

Wednesday Night Live Coordinator

The responsibilities of the Wednesday Night Live Coordinator at First Presbyterian Church of Kearney include:

Programing
Education
Recreation
Common meal

Save Labels for Cash

First Presbyterian Church — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 02:25:34 +0000

Please save your Best Choice labels (UPC symbol) and bring them to the church where a box will be located in the church office. For every 1,000 labels we will receive $30. Best Choice products are available at Grand Central Apple Market. Some Best Choice products excluded are aluminum soda cans, aerosol cans, and cigarettes. We have reached 1,000 labels but keep collecting for another 1,000 labels. Thank you!

Ballet Emmanuel in Rain

First Presbyterian Church — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 21:25:22 +0000

Sunday April 29th, 2012 @ 10:30

Easter Morning Breakfast

First Presbyterian Church — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 17:21:49 +0000

The Congregational Life Committee will be serving breakfast after the Early Easter Worship Service. Please come to the worship service and enjoy fellowship and food following the service.

Lenten Luncheons

First Presbyterian Church — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 17:18:18 +0000

Lenten Lunches are held every Friday at Noon during Lent. The lunches are sponsored by the Kearney Ministerial Association and are open to everyone. The community is invited to the Fellowship Hall of First United Methodist Church, 4500 Linden Drive. The cost for the lunch is $5 per person, with a portion of the proceeds being given to local missions.

“Life Through the Cross” is the theme with the focus verse: 1 Corinthians 1:18 The teaching about the cross seems foolish to those who are lost. But to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Meal Host Congregation:
April 6 (Good Friday)
First Presbyterian Church

American Boychoir

First Presbyterian Church — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 16:46:30 +0000

Reminder:

On Monday, April 23, the American Boychoir will be traveling to Kearney from Colorado Springs. The Worship and Music Committee has volunteered our church to host the boys overnight. Founded in Columbus, Ohio in 1937, the choir has been located in Princeton, New Jersey, since 1950. Its members – boys in grades 4 through 8 – come from around the country to pursue a rigorous academic and musical curriculum at the American Boychoir School.

There are 30 boys in the choir, so we need 15 families who could provide them with lodging and breakfast. To show their appreciation for our hospitality, the choir has offered to do a private mini-concert for the host families upon their arrival at our church. If possible, we would also like to offer them a potluck dinner. They will be traveling to Lincoln the next day.

If you could host two boys (separate beds), please let Sandy McKirahan or Kathleen Johnston know. This is a great opportunity for our church to extend our hospitality to the United States’ premier concert boy’s choir.

Easter Egg Extravaganza

First Presbyterian Church — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 18:37:03 +0000

EASTER EGG
EXTRAVAGANZA
APRIL 7 – 1:00-2:30 PM

Calling all little ones…..it’s time to celebrate Eastertime!
Egg Hunt begins at 1:00 p.m. Snacks and fellowship to follow in the Family Life Center
This event is free and open to the public. Bring yourself, your children, your grandchildren, even your neighbor- It promises to be a great hunting adventure.

News From Susie

First Presbyterian Church — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 17:57:37 +0000

March 2012

NEWS FROM SUSIE

(Susie Frerichs, local Presbyterian Missionary in Mexico)

Dear Friends at First Presbyterian Church,

Though my service with the PCUSA ended on December 31st, 2011, I continue to minister as a missionary member of the Santisima Trinidad Presbyterian Church which I joined by transfer of membership in early January. During its January meeting, the Presbytery of the Huastecas named me as lay pastor of the Diving Savior PC of La Laguna, Orizatlan, Hidalgo for the coming year. Our goals for this coming year are to see more families come to Christ in the community, encourage spiritual growth among members, increase and diversify our membership, elect a leadership team, and build an annex to be used for classrooms and fellowship area. In August our congregation will host the next ordinary meeting of Presbytery of the Huastecas. Abraham and I are excited about recent purchase which will allow us to travel for ministry engagements as well as farm work for a fraction of the cost of the use of our truck – our 2011 Honda Bros 150 motorcycle. In addition to my responsibilities with the church in La Laguna, I also guest preach when invited by other congregations, women’s groups, and youth ministries in our presbytery. But, I am also enjoying my work as a farm wife, preparing meals for my husband and his workers, tending to the beginnings of my own garden on another piece of land we own within the community, feeding our pig, “Lola”, and other projects around the home. I was recently given not one but TWO sewing machines so I guess that is a hint that I need to start on those mending projects that have been piling up on me as well as drag out my Jr. High sewing skills and actually create something of my own. We shall see how that goes….. As to the farm, the corn fields are at a variety of stages, but all have tasseled and we are likely to begin harvesting dry corn in another month or so. The sugar cane will be harvested later this month and our bees are busy making honey from the orange blossoms which will also be harvested in the next 15 days…..never a dull moment on the farm or in ministry! For all of you who have been supporting my salary through the PCUSA, I remind you that my severance pay (called re-entry grant) will end April 30th, so any gifts to the PCUSA beyond that date will be diverted to other missionaries serving the denomination. Thank you for your faithful support over the years and for your continued prayers.

Future Giving to the Presbytery of the Huastecas

During its January meeting, the Presbyery of the Huastecas agreed to maintain its partnership with Presbyterian Churches in the United States with whom they have been working for the past 6 years, as long as these partners did not support the constitutional changes which led to the break in the relationship between our two denominations. If your congregation is interested in visiting us and participating in construction, evangelistic or educational ministries, just let me know. We look forward to your visit. Also, the Board of Directors of Proyecto Amistad of Laredo, TX (one of the former Presbyterian Border Ministries which now operates as an independent Presbyterian educational ministry) has agreed to be a channel for future support for the Presbytery of the Huastecas. If you desire to support the work of the Presbytery, please simply send your gift to Proyecto Amistad at PO Box 17866, San Antonio, TX 78217, with a note that it is for the Huastecas. Funds will later be forwarded to the Presbytery of the Huastecas. If you do send a gift, please be sure to email me with that information so I can inform the Presbytery of your gift and we can thank you in due time. Thank you for your generosity and love for the Lord’s work in this region of Mexico!

In Christ’s love,

Susie Frerichs de Hernandez

Kearney Housing Agency Job

First Presbyterian Church — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 17:56:51 +0000

KEARNEY HOUSING AGENCY JOB

Kearney Housing Agency has a part time position available immediately for kitchen helper/ substitute cook. Scheduled to work 19 hours per week, Monday-Friday. Must be able to assist in preparation, serving and clean up of meals in senior complex according to applicable food service regulations and facility requirements. Additional hours will be required occasionally to cover for cook and other staff when absent. Must be able to complete routine activities including reading, bending, lifting, handling hot items, using kitchen appliances, and clean up duties with appropriate chemicals. Must be able to interact in a positive manner with residents. Applications available at: Kearney Housing Agency, 2715 Avenue I, Kearney NE 68847; 308-234-3000.

Kearney Crossroads Center Rescue Mission

First Presbyterian Church — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 17:56:12 +0000

KEARNEY CROSSROADS CENTER RESCUE

MISSION

CRITICAL NEEDS LIST

1. FOOD
a. Critical food needs: MILK, cooking oil, cooking spray, dairy products, mayo, salad dressings, sandwich meat, spices (any kind), CHICKEN, PORK!
b. General food needs: fresh vegetables and fruits, pasta, # 10 cans

2. Laundry products for use in “high efficiency” washers
3. Laundry baskets or bags
4. Trash bags
5. Plastic storage containers—4, 6 & 8- quart size
6. Gift cards to local retailers.
7. Food service thermometers
8. Large (up to 20” X 24”) cookie sheets 9. Yard equipment and garden tools for community garden
10. Cleaning products—stainless steel cleaner, dish soap, sponges with abrasive side 11. 12” frying pans
12. Bikes
13. Small chest freezer
14. Large bowls with lids
15. Child-care during meal preparation time so single mothers can help.

Thank you to all of you for your generous support in so many ways! God bless you!

Vacation Bible School

First Presbyterian Church — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 17:50:38 +0000

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL JUNE 24-28, 2012 6:00-8:30 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church

“SKY:
Everything is Possible with God”

Vacation Bible School is scheduled for June 24 -28 from 6:00 to 8:30 pm. The theme this year is “Sky: Everything is Possible with God”, (Mark 10:27). Please make your calendars for this event parents and grandparents. The Flight Crew is looking forward to a large group of crew members to learn of God’s great presence in our lives.

The Flight Crew isn’t complete so anyone wanting to share is this amazing experience can contact Lissa Woodruff at 308- 627-6635.

Also we will be accepting donations to help offset the cost. If you would like to give money either contact Rose or Lissa. This will be money well spent on the youth in our community!

Let’s all join in to make this fun for all “kids” involved no matter the age!

Honoring our Graduates

First Presbyterian Church — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 17:45:44 +0000

HONORING OUR GRADUATES

Sunday, May 13th

We will be honoring high school and college graduates on Sunday, May 13th during the worship service. Please notify the church office at 234-4543 if someone in your family is graduating this spring.

WNL Wrapped Up for the Spring

First Presbyterian Church — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 17:44:12 +0000

WNL ALL WRAPPED UP FOR THE SPRING!

Thank you for all those that attended, participated, and enjoyed the WNL programming for Spring 2012. A HUGE thank you to all the volunteers that helped out: Kitchen Crew, Bible Study Teachers, Music Directors, Game Coordinators, meal-time leaders, Sunday Spice Leaders and Youth Group Leaders.

Consider helping coordinate next season’s programming. Contact Lorraine Feind at (308) 390-7455 for more details.

Youth Group Ski Trip

First Presbyterian Church — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 17:35:53 +0000

YOUTH GROUP

SKI TRIP

Notes of Thanks from the kids themselves:

Thank you for your donations for this wonderful trip.
Thank you, I had a wonderful time. Thanks for donations!
Thank you for funding our ski trip. I enjoyed learning to ski.
It was thrilling!

Mission Committee Garage & Bake Sale

First Presbyterian Church — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 17:32:50 +0000

MISSION COMMITTEE GARAGE SALE
& BAKE SALE Saturday, April 14, 2012

8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
You can start bringing your treasures to the church during the week of April 9th. We will provide pick up service for those who need some help getting their items to the church beginning on Tuesday, April 10th. Please don’t bring computers; they just don’t sell! Baked goods are also needed and can be brought to the church on Friday. If you can volunteer your time, please let Pat Hild (236- 9989) know or just show up!

Lawn Care Help Needed

First Presbyterian Church — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 17:30:18 +0000

Anyone interested in helping mow the church lawn this summer, please contact Gary Feind at 237-2668 or Rose in the church office at 234- 4543. We would like to have several mowing “teams” so we can set up a rotating schedule. It takes 1 to 2 hours per week on Friday or Saturday. The church has riding mowers – Volunteers are needed. Thank you.

Our Loved Ones in Military Service

First Presbyterian Church — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 17:29:51 +0000

Linda Youberg is the sister of Sharon Rees. Linda joined the military in 1990 after completing her degree in Physical Therapy in North Dakota. Linda serves as a Physical Therapist with the Navy and is currently stationed in Sicily, Italy. She and her husband have two sons, ages 9 and 12. They will be stationed in Sicily for the next two years. Linda was aboard the USS Vinson in the Persian Gulf when 9/11 occurred. The ship had just started
its journey back to the USA and was called back to the Gulf during the crisis. Linda was recently promoted to Captain. Please keep Linda and her family in your thoughts and prayers as she serves our country overseas.

Ladies of First Presbyterian Church

First Presbyterian Church — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 17:27:45 +0000

Hannah Circle
7:00 p.m. Monday, April 16
Janet Pickens’ Home

Ruth Circle
1:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 17
Church Classroom

B.A.G. Ladies Circle
5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 18
Church Library

Session Notes

First Presbyterian Church — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 17:21:01 +0000

The Session held their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 20th. A summary of the actions are below.

A special Session meeting was requested by Rev. Price-Gibson on Wednesday, March 28th at 8:00 p.m. for the purpose of examining the 2012 confirmation class youth. The Session approved the special meeting. The Confirmation Class youth will be received into membership on Sunday, April 1st during the 10:30 a.m. worship service.

Rev. Price-Gibson will be participating in the “Leadership in Ministry” workshop at Lost River, West Virginia on April 16-18.

The Finance Committee recommended sending the remaining budgeted balance of mission support to Susie Frerichs before April.

The Session approved the motion from VBS Director Lissa Woodruff to solicit donations to supplement the VBS budget in order to plan special programming for this year’s VBS.

Easter Cantata

First Presbyterian Church — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 17:15:21 +0000

The Chancel Choir will present “The Lenten Sketches” by Joseph M. Martin during the Maundy worship service on Thursday, April 5. In the words of Joseph Martin:

“Inspired by the life and message of Jesus Christ, artists in every medium have endeavored to capture the magnificence of His ministry among us. From poets and painters to singers and sculptors, the human spirit has long labored to convey through artistic expression the deep, deep things of faith. In the Lenten Sketches I have chosen to focus on some of the important scenes in the last days of Christ’s life, and with words and music build a frame to cradle God’s Masterpiece of grace.”

This will be a multi-media presentation of words, music and art.

A Note From Stephen

First Presbyterian Church — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 17:06:42 +0000

It is the time of year when the ducks and turkeys are getting plumper and the geese and cranes are coming and going in their epic migratory journeys. More and more tractors are working the fields. There are days when the combination of chirping birds, spring flowers, blue skies, and soft breezes make one understand why the ancient Persian word for garden was ‘paradise.’ Easter and spring seem to belong together. All our senses and the world around us seem to celebrate the return of energy and life, after the harsh bleakness of winter.

And yet, I sometimes wonder about our fellow Christians who live in the Southern Hemisphere, in Africa, Australia, and South America. For them, Easter comes at a time of year when the trees are beginning to lose their leaves, and they feel the approach of colder days and longer nights. I wonder if celebrating an autumn Easter would intensify the resurrection message of the triumph of life over death.

Whether we celebrate Easter in the springtime of the year or the autumn of our life, the gospel is the same announcement of the victory of forgiveness and life over sin and death.

I hope you will come to our worship and other church activities during this month with a special sense of anticipation, especially during Holy Week. The services on Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday are all bringing into focus the great truth that God did something wonderful for the whole world on the first Easter. God is ready to do something equally wonderful for us this Easter as well. Please note the schedule and details of Holy Week services elsewhere in this issue of the Chimes.

I also hope that you will seriously consider inviting a friend or family member to come to celebrate the resurrection with us on Easter Sunday morning, at either our Early Easter Celebration at 7:00, or our Easter Worship Service at 10:30. In between there will be a wonderful breakfast at 8:00 and a full range of Sunday School Classes at 9:00. Not being in church on Easter is like having a birthday party alone. Through the welcome that we extend to others, we express the welcome that God is extending to them through the gospel of our risen and living Lord.

See you in church! Stephen

One Great Hour of Sharing

First Presbyterian Church — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 16:25:42 +0000

Many of our churches have been asking how can they help those affected by all of these natural disasters. One way your church can help is by supporting the OGHS offering, which provides core funding for the work of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) around the world.

Offering Distribution for OGHS:

36%: Presbyterian Hunger Program
32%: Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
32%: Self-Development of People

The theme this year for the One Great Hour of Sharing is “Sharing Brings Joy to Others, to God, and to Us.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-9). The OGHS offering is received during Lent, especially on Palm Sunday, April 1 and Easter Sunday, April 8th. For more information about the OGHS, please go to www.pcusa.org/oghs.

Summer Camps

First Presbyterian Church — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 18:09:07 +0000

SUMMER CAMPS

Synod School, July 22-27, 2012 “Singing the Lord’s Song In a Strange Land”, at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa; website: www.lakes and prairies.org – Activities for the whole family.

Calvin Crest Camp Conference and Retreat Center in Fremont, Nebraska; website: www.calvincrest.org – Various camps for all ages.

Highlands Presbyterian Camp and Retreat Center in Allenspark, Colorado; website www.highlandscamp.org – Camps for youth and adults.

Visit the websites of these camps for more information. Scholarships are available for all of the above camps. Also the church will pay up to 50% of the camp fees for youth wishing to attend a Christian summer camp.

Easter Extravaganza – April 6

First Presbyterian Church — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 17:11:33 +0000

Saturday, April 6 – 1:00-2:30 pm – First Presbyterian Church

Easter Egg hunts for our Church School youth, their families and anyone who might like the “joy of the hunt.” Kids – bring your friends, cousins, etc.!! Grandparents – bring your grandchildren!!! A fellowship time with snacks and crafts will follow the hunts.

Holy Week Schedule

First Presbyterian Church — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 17:35:56 +0000

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE

Palm Sunday

April 1
10:30 a.m. – Worship Service with Communion and Confirmation

Maundy Thursday

April 5
7:00 p.m. – Worship Service with Communion and “The Lenten Sketches” Choir Cantata

Good Friday

April 6

12:00 p.m.

Good Friday Worship Service & Lenten Lunch Hosted at First United Methodist Church Worship Service by Kearney Ministerial Association Lunch by Women of First Presbyterian Church

Easter Egg Extravaganza

April 7 1:00 p.m.

Easter Sunday

April 8
7:00 a.m. – Early Easter Worship Service 8:00 a.m. – Breakfast
9:15 a.m. – Sunday School
10:30 a.m. – Easter Triumphant Worship Service

Prime of Life

First Presbyterian Church — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 17:30:31 +0000

PRIME OF LIFE

Sunday, April 1 – 6:00 p.m.

Prime of Life will meet on Sunday, April 1, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Hosts for April are: Jean Henke, Joan Giles, Robin Bowers, Lee and Delphine Sanks. Contact one of the hosts to confirm your attendance. A film on the North Platte Canteen is the program.

Prime of Life is a social group that meets at the church on the first Sunday evening of each month for a light meal, delightful program, and wonderful fellowship. We want to extend an open invitation to everyone of the “mature age” of 55 or older. Singles and couples are welcome.

Lenten Luncheons

First Presbyterian Church — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 18:07:29 +0000

LENTEN LUNCHEONS

Questions to help guide you:

What has the Cross taught you about what it means to follow Christ?
How does the Cross save you?
How does the Cross empower you?

Host Congregations:

March 30
Family of Christ Lutheran Church

April 6 (Good Friday)
First Presbyterian Church

The Life of Christ – Dr Marilyn J. Musick

First Presbyterian Church — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 17:17:52 +0000

THE LIFE OF CHRIST

As represented in Paintings and Organ Music through the Centuries Organ Works performed by Dr. Marilyn J. Musick

Friday, March 30, 2012 — 7:30 pm St Luke’s Episcopal Church 2304 Second Avenue, Kearney

Vacation Bible School

First Presbyterian Church — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 17:22:40 +0000

SAVE THE DATES: JUNE 24-28, 2012 VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

“SKY” Everything is Possible with God

Vacation Bible School is scheduled for June 24 -28 from 6:00 to 8:30 pm. The theme this year is “Sky : All things are possible with God”. Please make your calendars for this event parents and grandparents. The Flight Crew is looking forward to a large group of crew members to learn of God’s great presence in our lives.

The Flight Crew isn’t complete so anyone wanting to share is this amazing experience can contact Lissa Woodruff at 308-627-6635.

Also we will be accepting donations to help offset the cost. If you would like to give money either contact Rose or Lissa. This will be money well spent on the youth in our community!

Let’s all join in to make this fun for all “kids” involved no matter the age!

Mission Committee Garage / Bake Sale

First Presbyterian Church — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 17:20:53 +0000

MISSION COMMITTEE GARAGE/BAKE SALE

Saturday, April 14 – 8 am-2 pm

Gospel, Ghastly and Grim – Lenten Study – March 28

First Presbyterian Church — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 17:04:22 +0000

“TIME-TRAVELERS, GHOSTS, AND ZOMBIES” A Lenten Study
Wednesdays, February 29 – March 28

6:30-7:30 p.m. – Family Life Center

Bring your Bible. Pages to help with the lecture and discussion will be handed out on a week-by-week basis. If you cannot come to the entire study, you are invited to come to one or several of them. Although short texts are listed, it is suggested that you read the larger story in which the text is imbedded.

Wednesday, March 28

Topic: Tales of the Macabre

Texts: Judges 19:17; 2 Kings 2:24, 9:35; Acts 5:10; Mark 15:34

Theme: The horror of the cross is better seen in juxtaposition with other stories.

Crossroads Center Rescue Mission Update

First Presbyterian Church — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 16:18:31 +0000

CROSSROADS CENTER RESCUE MISSION UPDATE

Our most critical needs are as follows:

1. FOOD

Critical food needs: milk, sugar, cooking oil, cooking spray, dairy products, mayo, salad dressings, sandwich meat, spices (any kind), chicken, pork
General food needs: fresh vegetables and fruits, pasta, dried beans, #10 cans

2. Phone cards

3. Laundry products for use in “high efficiency” washers 4. Laundry baskets or bags
5. Trash bags
6. Plastic storage containers—4, 6 & 8-quart size

7. Gift cards to local retailers
8. Food service thermometers
9. Hand sanitizer
10. Large cookie sheets (up to 20” X 24”)
11. Yard equipment and garden tools for community garden
12. Cleaning products-stainless steel cleaner, dish soap, sponges with abrasive side 13. 12” frying pans

14. Bikes
15. Small chest freezer

16. Large bowls with lids

Thank you to all of you for your generous support in so many ways! God bless you!