First Presbyterian Church of Omaha, Nebraska

February Pastor’s Manna

jsloan — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:42:45 +0000

In the January newsletter, I shared with you on the results of the Engagement items of the Gallup ME25 survey, comparing the results from May of 2010, with the results from the survey we completed in November of 2011. Those results showed that all of the engagement items increased. The engagement items listed last month have to do with how the survey respondents feel connected to First Presbyterian Church of Omaha.

In this month’s results comparisons on the Spiritual Commitment side of things, you will see that not all of those results increased, and a few even decreased. These have to do with how respondents feel connected to their spiritual side of their life. Even though the average score on two did decrease, we see spectacular growth when we compare these results to the results from 18 months ago. In both 2010 and 2011 the results were generally much higher than the national average, so the best we can compare to from that point on is to our own results in previous surveys.

The problem in all this, however, is if we look at results and feel satisfied. There is always an area to work on. These past 18 months a lot of focus has been made on spiritual growth, and as a result we say large increases in the survey results for questions in that area. Does that mean that we have reached a point where we can stop our quest for spiritual growth and a closer walk with Jesus Christ? By no means!

The journey we are on needs constant striving, consistent seeking, and focused determination to be nearer to our Lord then we were the day before. It is only though recognizing that the journey never ends, that we can set our attitude to be one of searching for ways in which we can learn more about God, the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ.

Should we celebrate our results? Absolutely! We have done great things, but now the question we must ask each other is, what are the next great things that God is calling us to do?

In Him, Pastor Jon

SCOTTISH HERITAGE SUNDAY

lfeddersen — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 20:56:02 +0000

The 151st Annual Meeting of FPC Feb. 5

jcprohaska — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 19:52:49 +0000

The 151st Annual Meeting of the Congregation of First Presbyterian Church will be held in Knox Fellowship Hall downstairs on Sunday, February 5, 2012. Lunch will be served at 12 noon and the meeting will begin at 12:45 p.m. Copies of the Annual Report will be available. Reports will be received, officers elected, and Nominating Committee chosen. All members are encouraged to attend. Child care will be provided.

Janaury Pastor’s Manna

jsloan — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 06:01:57 +0000

Happy Day After Christmas!

Last month Lori and I were invited to go to a Matthew West Christmas concert. On his Christmas Album, he has a spectacular song called Day After Christmas. In this song Matthew writes about the letdown that can occur after Christmas, after the presents are opened, the family has gone, and Christmas Dinner has been eaten. In his song he reminds us that even though Christmas is over, the Light of the World is still here in our world.

As you begin this new year of 2012, remember that Good News and great Joy that Jesus Christ is born, and lived, and remains in this world. Just because Christmas Day is over, doesn’t mean Christ’s presence is any different on this world then it was on December 24^th. Just because your decorations are being put away does not mean we put the message of Christmas away until next winter. No, Jesus came that we might have life, and have it abundantly, it is a yearlong gift, a gift that should guide us in all that we do as Christians who place their trust in the Lord.

Did you know that the Christian church calendar begins with the 1^st Sunday of Advent each year? This reminds us what our lives and our years are about. We begin our Church year, with the anticipation of the birth of a Messiah, and we move throughout the year anchored to that wonderful news. We are able to make it through the year, through the difficult times, through the joys, through the wonders, and through the fears, because we start our year with the birth of a child, a Messiah, who came that we might know love, and peace, and joy, and hope.

So even when Christmas is over, actually BECAUSE the birth of Christ occurred, the light of the world is still here. Let us join together this year celebrating the days the follow Christmas, all year long Let us celebrate together the change that the coming of our Lord has made in our lives.

In Him,

Pastor Jon

First Presbyterian Shirts for Sale

lfeddersen — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 14:50:54 +0000

Would you like a First Presbyterian shirt? Below is a list of shirts available. T-Shirts (adult and youth sizes) – $12 for short-sleeved; $17 for long-sleeved; Hoodies – $20; Collared Polo Shirts - $18; V-Neck T-Shirts – $15. In most cases, shirts in shades of white, blue, and yellow can be ordered. Please talk with Rev. Sloan or Allison in person on Sundays. They make a nice witnessing tool for all at activities. Get one today!

Find Us on Facebook

jsloan — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 13:50:27 +0000

Help FPC Earn Money by Shopping With Scrip

jcprohaska — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 12:35:49 +0000

Have you remembered to shop with Scrip? Help FPC earn additional money by purchasing Scrip either in Calvin Hall on Sundays or through the available website. You can add as much as 13% from the purchase of your Scrip to our church. One can purchase Scrip for many familiar stores and now we even have a grocery store. Stop by the table in Calvin Hall to see the list of stores available to you and make your purchases. Scrips ordered this Sunday will be ready for you next Sunday. Happy Shopping!

Young Adults Group

lfeddersen — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 23:32:30 +0000

PLEASE COME!

Note that there is a change from our original plans since we have NO SNOW SO SLEDDING IS OUT. The potluck will be held plus a subsitute activity. For details, contact Doug Walters at (402) 345-5383 or dwalters@fpcomaha.org.

Did You Attend the Wassail Party?

jcprohaska — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 19:47:58 +0000

FPC had its second annual Wassail Party on December 18. This was a time for fellowship, singing carols, eating cookies, drinking home-made wassail made by Pastor Jon and his wife Lori, and having fun. Our congregation is truly a family, and this was one family celebration. Jesse led us in Christmas Carols, and one can see him in the picture with this story. Look on the picture page of this website for pictures of the cookies and other pictures of this party.

You are Invited to Attend Christmas Week Activities

jcprohaska — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 19:06:55 +0000

As we enter the last week of Advent, First Presbyterian Church Omaha invites you to the many activities of the week. Sunday, December 18 at 10:30 a.m. the choir will sing a cantata titled “Season of Wonders.” Pastors Jon Sloan and David Paul will be celebrating the miracle of Christmas through their narration. Later that evening, attend the second annual Wassail Party at 7:00 p.m. in Knox Hall. This is a time for fellowship, cookies, old-fashioned Wassail and Christmas carols. It was a lot of fun last year, so this year promises to be another enjoyable evening!

The place to be on Christmas Eve is our church for our candlelight service! Our service begins with a music prelude at 4:30 p.m. The music prelude will include vocal and instrumental music. Our beautiful candlelight service begins at 5:00 p.m. If you want a warm glow in your heart about Christmas, then First Presbyterian Church is the place to be on Christmas Eve. You will be received with a very warm welcome. Join us!

Don’t miss Christmas service on Sunday, December 25 at 10:30 a.m. Celebrating the birth of Jesus is the reason for Christmas. Also, Christmas doesn’t fall on a Sunday that often, so come and enjoy a special time. Merry Christmas!