August Pastor’s Manna

Filed Under Archives, Pastor's Notes

     In the July newsletter last month, I began referencing the results of the Gallup ME25 survey that we took back in the first two weeks of May.  I have now studied the methodology of reading the results of the survey and we are ready to look at the overall results and begin the process of interpreting the results and what they mean for us.
     There is good news and bad news in the results.  The good news is that in most of the results we exceed what is held up as the 75th percentile for the ‘Mean (Average) Score’, which means that we have a higher score then 75% of other churches in most of the items.
     The bad news however, is that even while we exceed how 75% of other churches are scoring, that is a relatively low-hanging fruit to grasp.  It is great to say that we had 34% of our members “strongly agree” on an item and the 75th percentile is 29%, but what that really means is that less than 4 out of 10 of our members strongly agreed on an item.  So while yes, we are scoring very well on a comparison basis with other churches, honing in on the questions actually reveals there is much work to be done.
            Inside this newsletter is a breakdown of the results, along with a comparison to other churches, but I encourage you to look at the most basic understanding of the numbers and ask yourself, are we satisfied with this percentage of members who are responding positively to a particular question.  I think we can do a lot better, if we intentionally approach these results, and through the month, and into August we are going to seek the input from our worshippers as to the meaning behind the results through different topics included in our bulletin insert on Sundays.
           I am very proud of our church, that our leadership has recognized the need to seek places where we are not as strong as we could be and strengthen our ministries!  This will be a fun time for us as we determine more fully who we are, who we want to be, and how we want to be!  Come and join us in worship downstairs this month as we build our community by looking at what these results mean for us.

In Him,
                                    Pastor Jon

Posted August 26, 2010, 3:22 pm | Comments Off 

150th Dinner October 9, 2010

Filed Under Archives

The dinner celebrating First Presbyterian Church’s 150th anniversary is Saturday, October 9, 2010 at the Doubletree Hotel at 16th and Farnam Sts. The invitations for this even have been mailed.  Please respond by October 1 using the RSVP card.  Include payment.  These may be mailed or placed in the basket for the dinner that will be in Calvin Hall.  Reservations with payment must be made by the deadline date.

This promises to be an enjoyable evening – one you will not want to miss.  If you did not receive your invitation or have questions about the dinner, please call 402 551-9747.

Posted August 16, 2010, 1:08 am | Comments Off 

2010 Brings 150 Years of First Presbyterian Church

Filed Under Archives

The year 2010 brings the celebration of 150 years of First Presbyterian Church. There are many activities planned throughout the year.  One of the major activities is our dinner on October 9, 2010, at 5:30 p.m. at the Doubletree Hotel.  Reservations are required.    If you are interested in attending this celebration and have not received an invitation and RSVP card, please contact Joyce at  (402) 551-9747.  We would love to have former members and friends of First Presbyterian Church attend this celebration.

Posted August 14, 2010, 6:35 pm | Comments Off 

Neighbors United

Filed Under Archives, Mission

Neighbors United

Interfaith Incorporation Transforms Park Avenue Neighborhood

Since September 2008 Omaha faith communities have served 17,000 free meals to residents of the Park Avenue neighborhood. Working together as the interfaith group “Neighbors United” these communities have also provided clothing, basic needs and social security services to their neighbors.

On May 27, 2010, 15 of the faith communities incorporated Neighbors United as a 501(c)3. The signing event was held at First Presbyterian Church, 216 South 34th Street. All in the community was invited to celebrate this interfaith collaboration.

Neighbors United began in partnership with inCOMMON Community Development as part of inCOMMON’s asset-based approach to community organizing in the Park Avenue neighborhood. Brittany Hanson of inCOMMON says: “In January 2008 nearly 20 leaders from Park Ave came together to honestly discuss the condition of their local neighborhood — now over two years later Neighbors United has become a dynamic local leader in collaborative, neighbor-driven action and holistic development. Neighbors United has worked hard to be inclusive, authentic and community-based and it has paid off — we have a lot to celebrate!”  

Participating faith communities: First Lutheran Church, First United Methodist Church, Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church, Metropolitan Community Church, First Unitarian, First Presbyterian Church, Westminster Presbyterian Church, St. James United Methodist Church, Countryside Community Church, United Methodist Ministries, St. Peters Catholic Church, St. Johns Greek Orthodox, First Baptist Church, Simple Free, First Christian Church 

Contact for more information:

Brittany Hanson, Director of Neighborhood Development

Organization: inCOMMON Community Development

Telephone Number: 402.933.6672

Email Address: brittany@incommoncd.org

Website: http://incommoncd.org/ministries/neighborsunited/

 

 About Neighbors United:

Neighbors United, an inter-faith group of local faith leaders and parishioners in the Park Avenue neighborhoods working to collaboratively, creatively and dynamically respond in service to the assets, needs and concerns of local neighbors

Posted August 8, 2010, 11:52 am | Comments Off