ADVENtURE NEWS

Faithful Shepherd Presbyterian Church2530 S. 165th Ave., Omaha, NE 68130

Rev. Nick Dougherty, Pastor Phone 402-330-2683 On the web at ‘www.fspresby.org’ Vol.31 No.4 March 2017 John & Marian Lord, Editors

March Highlights

SundaysCSunday School 8:45 a.m. CWorship 10:00 a.m. Wednesdays CSounds of Shepherds 6:00 p.m. CChoir Practice 7:00 p.m. (Except 7:30 on March 1)

Wednesday, March 1 Ash WednesdayCAsh Wednesday Service 7:00 p.m.

Friday, March 5 World Day of Prayer

Thursday, March 9 CAgape Latte 10:00 a.m.

Tuesday, March 14 CRetirees’ Luncheon 11:30 a.m.

Wednesday, March 15CYouth Group 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 16CBook Club 10:00 a.m.

Thursday, March 23 CPotpourri 10:30 a.m.

See enclosed calendar for more.

Are You Ready For AnEaster Egg Hunt?

Come one, come all! Our friendly egg hunt kicks off onthe green space on Saturday, April 8th at 10 a.m.Following the Easter Egg Hunt, we'll have fun indoorcrafts, games, and festive treats. Invite a friend orneighbor to join us!

Weather note: Weather permitting, our Easter Egghunt will take place outside on the southwest green space.If it's too frigid for our littlest bunnies to be outside, wewill hide the eggs inside the church and have our hunt inthe warmth of the building. Either way, all are invited tojoin us for a hopping good time!

Volunteer Opportunities: Starting on Sunday, March5th, there will be empty eggs for stuffing in the FamilyLife Center. Feel free to grab some coffee and spend afew minutes getting the eggs ready for the hunt! We willalso have a volunteer sign up sheet on the bulletin boardif you would like to come help out the day of the event.

Questions? Contact Danisha Hurst or Lauren Ruhe.

Session Updateby Marian Lord, Clerk of Session

During February, the Session

! Publicly received Steve and Cyndi Hope, Al andMarsha Krabbenhoft, Jeff Kaspar, and JeanneJancosek into the membership of FaithfulShepherd Presbyterian Church.

! Approved the purchase of a new computer system forthe church office.

! Approved an updated version of the EmployeeBenefits document for Faithful Shepherd.

Per Capit-O-Meter 2017 Per capita is an amount our church pays per memberto be divided amongst our Presbytery, Synod, andGeneral Assembly to fund the essential work the churchdoes. The majority of our per capita payment stays righthere in MRV. No church, no matter how big or small,can function without the support of its members! In 2017 Faithful Shepherd will pay $3,636 or $36.00per member of our church. $23.20 goes to ourPresbytery, $7.50 to General Assembly, and $5.30 toour Synod. Now it's our job to help pay it back!!!

So how are we doing?Per Capita paid: $3,636

Per Capita received: $714Percentage: 20%

Updated February 27, 2017 Thank you so much for those who have given andalways remember when you give, give joyfully!

The average Sunday morning worship attendance onSunday mornings in February was 84.

Bible Quiz Answer: A, B and D (See John 4:4-7ff.)

Who’s WhoSession members for 2016/2017: Patrick Ackerman,Kathleen Cherney, Paul DeCelie, Danisha Hurst, JoKaspar, Marian Lord, Gwen Mason, Lauren Ruhe, andMark Zach.Board of Deacons members for 2016/2017: GlendaBahr, Lloydette Carruthers, Pati Guida, Young Oliver,Dave Stage, Michelle Tibbels, Kathy Lea Wegner,Dixie Williams, and Chris Wittrig.

"Quote of the Month" Prayer should be the key of the day and the lock ofthe night.

—George Herbert

Have You Liked OurFacebook page ?

Yearning for Lent

The season between Advent/Christmas and Lent/Easter is a peculiar one to me. The worldseems so high at Christmas; everyone is a little nicer, more caring, more giving. The new yearcomes and the high of Christmas carries us for a little while. And then, something happens. Badhabits we tried to squash sneak back into our lives, looking out for one's self and self-interests seemsto trump the giving spirit that came with Christmas. We seem to settle and settle in.

I don't know about you, but this year and right now I need Lent. More than just that, I amyearning for it. I yearn for the Holy catalyst of Ash Wednesday to force me to look within and takeself-inventory on who I really and truly am — not who I claim, pretend, or act out to be. I yearn forthe weekly plod of discipleship that ends - but doesn't end at Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. Ineed the haunting tune and lyrics of Were You There to play through my head as I go about my daythese coming weeks.

I yearn for it.

One things that makes Christian discipleship unique among all the ink spilled of self-help andbetterment books is that to be a Christian disciple, in order to get better at life, we must come to gripswith that within us that is not of God — that keeps us separate. We can't get better or be a betterperson without dealing with the things we keep in the dark closets of our souls. For me, this is whatLent is all about.

Be reminded with me once again that our possessions, our rulers, our empires, our projects,our families and even our lives do not last forever. "You are dust, and to dust you shall return"(Genesis 3:19). Our lives are full only in Jesus Christ, whose destination was the cross before it wasthe empty tomb of Easter.

Once again Lent will end with us remembering the greatest miracle the universe has everseen. Jesus Christ will once again rise from death and bring us to life with him. What a spectacle,what a moment, what a party! Oh, and it will be a party, but before the party of the resurrection, let'sprepare and get real with ourselves through the journey of Lent.

Pastor Nick

Pantry Sunday

Pantry Sunday is the third Sunday of each month. Thatis when that month’s donations are dedicated. You canbring items any time during the month, though, and placethem in the shopping cart. The list of pantry items needed in March includes:dried beans, canned fruit and vegetables, canned tunafish, snacks (cookies, bars, etc.), pudding, ketchup, saladdressing, fruit juice, jelly, peanut butter, saltine crackers,cereal, pancake mix, syrup, Bisquick, toilet paper,Kleenex, shampoo and bar soap, and clothes detergent.

Bible Quiz In John 4, Jesus talks with a woman about living water.Where does that conversation take place?

A. SycharB. SamariaC. GalileeD. Jacob’s well

Worship StewardsNeeded

Worship Stewards include worship leaders, greeters,ushers, children's time leaders, sound/projection, andfellowship hosts. Please sign up on the sign-up sheet in the Family LifeCenter for the position and dates of your choice.

Pastor Nick's ReadingList

I would like to share the books I have recently read, ameither currently reading, or are next on the list. I wouldlove to hear about your list!

Reading:My Life with the Saints by James Martin, SJ (Thanks Marian!)The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make A Big Difference by Malcom Gladwell

Dabbling: The Sermon Ran Long: A Memoir of Marathons and Ministry by Carl L. Godwin

Finished:The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg

Deacons News

At the February meeting, the Deacons decided tocontinue providing jars of Aronia Berry jam/jelly to PastorNick so he can give them to Church visitors. New Church members were assigned to the DeaconCare Teams. The new video screens will be installed in the FamilyLife Center. A power point presentation regardingFaithful Shepherd Church will be prepared and updatedperiodically with Church News so new all Churchmembers, friends and guests can obtain information. Valentine gift boxes were prepared and delivered to our6 college students.

Dave Stage, for the Deacons

Were You There?

This year's Lenten theme is "Were you there?” as areflection of the fellowship Jesus had with His disciplesleading up to his crucifixion. It was a time of teaching,caring and preparation for the mission that lay ahead forJesus as well as the disciples. As you reflect on your ownfaith mission this Lenten season, Faithful Shepherd willprovide opportunities to enhance your journey. Jesuscommanded that we love one another and what better wayto do that than to experience the Lenten season together. Lilies and other spring flowers will grace the Sanctuarywith opportunities for those who wish to donate in honorof a loved one.

Palm Sunday ServiceApril 9th at 10:00 a.m.

Palm Sunday is celebrated the Sunday immediatelybefore Easter and commemorates Jesus' triumphal entryinto Jerusalem. This day begins what is referred to asHoly Week. A procession of believers laid down theircloaks and scattered palm branches in front of Jesus as herode in on a donkey. They chanted, “ Hosanna, Hosanna,Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.”

Maundy Thursday Service

April 13th at 7:30 p.m. Maundy Thursday is a time to remember the LastSupper of Christ with his disciples. Jesus’ time on earthwas coming to an end and as He supped with His chosenfew, He gave them final instructions. “A newcommandment I give unto you, that ye love one another;as I have loved you.” He then washed their feet todemonstrate how they were to serve, broke bread, blessedit, poured wine, blessed it, and commanded that they dothis often, in remembrance of Him.

Good Friday - April 14th Noon until 3:00 p.m.

Good Friday commemorates the day that Jesus wasbrought before Pontius Pilate and condemned to death. Hewas beaten and forced to carry His own cross to Calvary.Jesus agonized on the cross for six hours. During his last 3hours on the cross, from noon to 3 p.m., darkness fell overthe whole land until He died. This is a time for us tocontemplate the sacrifice that Jesus made for each andevery one of us. We ask that you take time from noonuntil 3:00 p.m. this day for meditation and prayer. Thechurch sanctuary will be open during this time for personalreflection.

Easter Sunday ServiceApril 16th

Sunrise service 6:45 a.m. Easter Breakfast 7:00 a.m.

Traditional Service 10:00 a.m.

Easter Alleluia He is Risen ! The New Testamentteaches us that the resurrection of Jesus, which Eastercelebrates, is the foundation of our Christian faith. Theresurrection established Jesus as the powerful Son of Godand is cited as proof that God will judge the world inrighteousness. God has given Christians "a new birth intoa living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ fromthe dead." Christians, through faith in the working of God,are spiritually resurrected with Jesus so that they may walkin a new way of life.

DQ Sunday

The next Dairy Queen Sunday will be on March 19th

from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Remember, a percentage of the proceeds go to theministry of FSPC! Hope to see you there!

Moderator's Notes

During February's meeting we established a date forour upcoming Session Retreat and Planning Day. YourSession will spend the morning of March 18th praying,planning, and preparing how to lead FSPC this seasonwith energy, intelligence, imagination, and love. I am looking forward to this opportunity to connect andcreate new opportunities and avenues of worship,ministry, and discipleship with each other and for thechurch.

Coffee or Lunch?

Pastor Nick still wants to meet everyone for coffee orlunch. He is looking for opportunities to get to know youeven better and he has found that at table over coffee or ameal is one of the best ways to do that. If you haven’t already, let him know when you areavailable.

Christian EducationNews

New Adult Education Study! Come at 8:45 and jointhe Sunday morning adult education class in a study ofsome well-known and not so well known women of theBible. Questions? Contact Linda Hindmarsh.

Youth Group Calendar

Wednesday, March 15th- 5:30 p.m. – Bible Study, dinner, & fellowship.

Finance Report

Operating Gifts and Expenses for last month and acomparison to same-month prior year amounts are shownbelow.

Jan '17 Jan '16Operating Gifts $18,374 $14,228Building Use Fees Interest & Other $ 0 $ 125Operating Expenses -$22,060 -$17,851Other - Incl Mortgs & Memorials -$ 458 -$ 454Surplus (Shortfall) ($ 4,141) ($ 3,952)

Monthly Actual Compared to Budget

Jan '17 Jan '17 Budget Actual Budget Difference

Operating Gifts $18,374 $14,295 +$4,079 OverOper. Exp., Mtges. & Other $22,518 $14,890 +$7,628 Over

During last month, operating gifts received were greaterthan budgeted and overall outlays were also greater thanbudgeted, with the net result of a cash flow ahortfall forthe month. There were five Sundays in January. QuarterlyMission payments and the 2017 Per Capita assessmentwere paid in January, accounting for much of the outlaysover budget. Staff Bonuses & Gifts received in Decemberof $2,385 were paid out in January. Restricted fundsreceived last month totaled $2,233, including Worship -$500, Church School & SS - $1,009, Fellowship - $4, PerCapita - $187, Jar Items - $10, Food Pantry - $25,Christmas Joy - $10, and Pastor’s Discretionary Fund -$488. As a reminder, FSPC can accept gifts of appreciatedstocks and other marketable securities. Please contact theFSPC office or your tax advisor for more details. The PerCapita assessment for 2017 is $36.00 per confirmedmember if you would like to make a specially designatedgift fot this purpose. If you have any other donation-relatedquestions, please contact the FSPC office at 402-330-2683. On behalf of Faithful Shepherd, thank you for yourcontinuing support and generosity.

-Rich Greene, Finance Director

World Day Of Prayer – Friday, March 3, 2017

Joys

Birthdays We wish a happy March birthday toEmily Wittrig (3/1), Katie Wittrig (3/1),Jim Weiss (3/2), Makenna Holmes (3/3),Debbie Hart (3/9), Michelle Tibbels

(3/9), Brandy Wegner (3/10), Mark Egger (3/11), MarianLord (3/11), Nancy Wright (3/19), Lloydette Carruthers(3/21), Dylan Jones (3/26), Rich Greene (3/27), and FredBealer (3/31). Ed. Note: If we have missed anyone, please let us know.

Anniversaries We wish a happy March weddinganniversary to Cory & Michelle Bremer(3/25).

Guests Recent Sunday morning guestsinclude Russell & Jessica E.; Kelsey L.;Katie P.; Paul & Ellen F.; Greg & SusanK.; Larry & Barb W.; and Emma R.

March Worship Schedule

Sunday, March 5: First Sunday in Lent Communion

Message: Broken VesselsPlease read Psalm 31.

Sunday, March 12: Second Sunday in LentMessage: Old DogPlease read John 3:1-17.

Sunday, March 19: Third Sunday in LentMessage: The Hope CyclePlease read Romans 5:1-11.

Sunday, March 26: Fourth Sunday in Lent Message: Of Sin and SightPlease read John 9:1-41.

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Faithful Shepherd Presbyterian Churchwww.fspresby.org2530 S. 165th AveOmaha, NE 68130

God’s Hands

Our life is like the dial of a clock.The hands are God's hands, passing overand over again - the short hand ofdiscipline and the long hand of mercy.Slowly and surely, the hand of disciplinemust pass, and God speaks at each strike.But over and over passes the hand of mercy, showeringdown sixty fold of blessing for each stroke of discipline ortrial. And both hands are fastened to one secure point: thegreat, unchanging heart of a God of love.

-Virginia Brandt Berg

See You in Church