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.30 No.10 Sep tember 2016 John & Marian Lord, Editors

September Highlights

SundaysCSunday School 8:45 a.m. (Starting 9/18)CWorship 10:00 a.m. (Except 9/11 - See below)WednesdaysCSounds of Shepherds 6:30 p.m. CChoir Practice 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, September 8 CAgape Latte 10:00 a.m.

Sunday, Sptember 11 RALLY DAYCWorship @ Zorinsky Lake 10:15 a.m.CPicnic & games following worship

Tuesday, September 13CRetirees’ Luncheon 11:30 a.m.

Thursday, September 15CBook Club 10:00 a.m.

Sunday, September 18 CDQ Sunday 11:00 a.m.CYouth Group Kickoff 4:00 p.m.

Thursday, September 22CPotpourri Lesson & Lunch 10:30 a.m.

Friday, September 23 CCarpool to serve at Siena/Francis House 4:00 p.m.

See enclosed calendar for more.

Worship @ Zorinsky!

Time to kickoff the new Sunday School season!

Come worship with us in shelter #1 at Zorinsky LakePark, 156th and F Street, on Sunday, September 11th at10:15 a.m. The choir will sing and we’ll enjoy a picnic-style lunchand games afterwards. Restrooms are within 100 feet anda playground is within 50 feet of the site. There are also 14-18 picnic tables for seating under theshelter but you might want to bring a camp chair. You can help build excitement by inviting your familyand friends. You can also share our Facebook event tohelp spread the word. For questions or to offer assistance, contact KathleenCherney, Danisha Hurst, or Lauren Ruhe. See you at Zorinsky!

Find Financial Peace

FSPC is hosting Dave Ramsey’s Financial PeaceUniversity, a nine week course, on Sunday evenings at 6p.m., beginning September 11th. If you have questions, contact Steve Drager or PastorNick.

Session Updateby Marian Lord, Clerk of Session

During August, the Session ! Authorized the Building and Grounds Committee to

move forward with the replacing of the floor inthe Family Life Center.

! Discussed various ways in which the differentcommittees can look for opportunities tostrengthen the pillars of Worship, Growth,Service, and Sharing.

DQ Sunday

The next Dairy Queen Sunday will be on September18th from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Remember, ten percent of the proceeds go to theministry of FSPC! Hope to see you there!

Life Line Screening FSPC will again be hosting Life Line Screening, anorganization offering early detection testing for stroke,diabetes, and heart disease. They will be here onMonday, September 12th. Pre-registration is required. Registration/information sheets are available in theFamily Life Center on the table by the east entrance.

The average Sunday morning worship attendance inAugust was 81.

Bible Quiz Answer: D (See 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.)

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" It may be that when we no longer know what to dowe have come to our real work, and that when we nolonger know which way to go we have come to our realjourney. The mind that is not baffled is not employed.The impeded stream is the one that sings.

—Wendell Berry, Standing by Words

Have You Liked OurFacebook page ?

A Season of Peace: Introduction and Invitation

I have come to believe that peacemaking is one of the hardest calls in this Christian life. Peacemaking constantly calls us out of our faith's comfort zone and into a battle zone. Peacemakingtakes wisdom, maturity, and discipline. Join me again this year as we intentionally enter a season ofmaking peace within ourselves, our relationships, our communities, and beyond.

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to thepoor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let theoppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." (Luke 4:18-19).

Jesus calls us to be peacemakers.

We see this every day as we experience our world's need for Christ's reconciling love, peace,and justice. We feel this as we long to know God's peace in our hearts and relationships. The promiseof Jesus "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God" (Matthew 5:9) is botha comfort and a challenge. It reminds us that the path of peace is something we both follow andforge.

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus reads the Isaiah passage that would frame his en-fleshed life. Itis here that he grounds his calling in the work of peace. "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, becausehe has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to thecaptives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of theLord's favor" (Luke 4:18-19).

In his identification with this ancient passage, Jesus declares what he sees his mission to be.This is peacemaking: preaching good news; proclaiming freedom and healing to those imprisoned;releasing those in oppression, proclaiming the time is now. It is both inspiring and daunting torecognize that each of us has been given that very same Holy Spirit, our own call entwined withChrist's mission to be bearers of peace and justice. We know the world needs us to follow Christ aspeacemakers so that we can all live and thrive in an unjust and conflict-ridden world. It is not an easycalling, but we embark on this pilgrimage together and with the presence and guidance of Jesus.

Distractions are everywhere, threatening to pull us to the margins of living an authenticpeace-filled Christian life. Important issues, breaking news, and our ragged pursuit of a moremeaningful spiritual life all distract us. We are reminded of this every time we power up ourcomputers, turn on the television, or struggle to handle conflicts in our families and communities in away that will not alienate them or us. And we certainly experience it as we negotiate our own innerworlds of chaos and longing.

The journey of peace is a pilgrimage of our whole selves: spirit and body; heart, feet, andmind. The pursuit of God's peace is both an inner and outer journey where the well-being of one isheld in the well-being of all. In order for us to walk farther along this road of peace-full living, wecan and should engage both inner and outer aspects of faithful spiritual living. Doing so allows us tobecome more authentic and effective bearers of peace in our world.

Because of these reasons, we invite you into A Season of Peace that will engage yourimagination and offer opportunities for you to live more fully into your calling as a peacemaker. It isfor the curious and the jaded, the beginner and the experienced peace seeker. Spend a new seasonwith Jesus, the peacemaker, and see if this might become your way of being authentically Christianin the world.

-From presbyterianmission.org/ministries/peacemaking/season-peace

To find out more and find help to enter into an intentional Season of Peace check out thewebsite listed above.

Shalom, Pastor Nick

Finance Report

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

July '16 July '15Operating Gifts $12,902 $12,644Building Use Fees Interest & Other $ 125 $ -0-Operating Expenses -$13,054 -$13,833Other - Incl Mortgs & Memorials -$ 465 -$ 2,370Surplus (Shortfall) ($ 492) ($ 3,559)

Monthly Actual Compared to Budget

July '16 July '16 Budget Actual Budget Difference

Operating Gifts $12,902 $13,325 -$ 423 UnderOper. Exp., Mtges. & Other $13,394 $13,631 -$ 237 Under

During last month, operating gifts received wereslightly lower than budgeted and overall outlays were alsoslightly less than budgeted, with the net result of a cashflow deficit for the month. VBS costs were $276 overbudget (seasonal), grounds/snow removal costs were$750 under budget, with most other line items near orbelow budget for the month. Quarterly Mission pledgepayments were paid out in July. Restricted funds received last month totaled $276,including Per Capita - $70, Jams & Jar Items - $141,Food Pantry - $55, and Fellowship - $7. The Per Capita assessment for 2016 is $34.58 perconfirmed member if you would like to make a speciallydesignated gift for this purpose. If you would like tomake any other specially designated gift or have any otherdonation-related questions, please contact the FSPCoffice at 402-330-2683. On behalf of Faithful Shepherd, thank you for yourcontinuing generous support of the mission of FSPC.

-Rich Greene, Finance Director

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!

Finished:Run with the Horses: The Quest for Life at its Best byEugene H. Peterson

Reading:Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus: A Devout MuslimEncounters Christianity by Nabeel Qureshi

Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Next Up: Pastor as Minor Poet by Craig Barnes

Missional Church by Darrell Guder

Bible Quiz Which of the following sports does Paul use meta-phorically to describe the Christian Life?

A. Fishing

B. Running a race

C. Boxing

D. Both B and C

E. All of the above

Moderator's Notes

A Reflection on Jeremiah 29:1-14

I began August's meeting by reading from Jeremiah 29. During the Babylonian exile there were some religiouselites trying to convince those who were exiled that theywere not going to be in exile for long and to 'hold out' fortheir return to Jerusalem. Jeremiah's words were verydifferent, incredibly unpopular, but they were the truth. Jeremiah knew God's plan, Jeremiah knew that this exilewould last two generations. Jeremiah preached for thosein exile to do something uncomfortable – to live as part ofthe community in Babylon. Plant a garden. Find womenand men for your sons and daughters to marry. Pray forthe well-being of Babylon. I shared with our elders that there are times in our liveswe find ourselves in exile – removed from our comfort-able dwellings and become strangers in a strange land. Inexile God calls us to be mature and to live a life of faithand flourishment knowing God's presence is not fleeting. The work of a church leader can be pretty simple andstraightforward; the work of a church leader can alsoseem like an exile from the norm. In either case we arethere to work in the presence of God and in community. Think about where you may feel in exile in your life. Where has God put you that is outside of your comfort-able dwelling? Now think about how you can flourish –even in exile, even as a stranger in a strange land.

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.

Per Capit-O-Meter2016!

Per capita is an amount our church pays per member tobe divided amongst our Presbytery, Synod, and GeneralAssembly to fund so much of the essential work thechurch does. The majority of our per capita payment staysright here in MRV. No church, no matter how big or small,can function without its members! Faithful Shepherd has written a check for $3,735 or$34.58 per member of our church. Now it's our job to helppay it back!!! So how are we doing?

Per Capita paid: $3,735Per Capita received: $1,825

Percentage: 49%Updated: August 30, 2016

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

Sunday School News School is back in session! Our 2016-2017 ChurchSchool year begins on Sunday, September 18th and ourchild/youth program will look a little different this year. We will have a whole-family “Grow with Me” class fortoddler-aged children and their parents/guardians from9:15-9:45; an Early Elementary Classroom for our K-3children from 9:00-9:45; and a twice-a-month Wednesdayevening fellowship & fun time for 4th-12th graders, with afun outing or activity on the first Friday of each month.We are excited to try something new with our children andyouth for the beginning of our 2016 Sunday School year! Adult Sunday School will continue to meet from8:45-9:45. We are always looking for topic suggestionsand leaders for these dynamic classes! Sign ups for each age group will be up in the FamilyLife Center starting in September. Questions? Contact amember of the CE Committee. Other notable dates to put on your calendar:Trunk or Treat – October 29th from 4:00-5:00 p.m. at thechurchMovie Night - November 18th (time TBD)Christmas Program – start practicing October 23rd

Meet the Congregationby Michelle Tibbels

Linda Fouts Meet FSPC member Linda Fouts. Linda was born inBeaver Falls, PA but moved to Texas at the age of five. Linda has two adult children, Roy and Dena. Roy, theeldest, was born in San Diego, California, but now livesin Omaha. Dena was born in Arlington, Texas, and alsocurrently resides in Omaha. Linda has lived in Omaha off and on for 30 years, withperiods of time in Texas in between. One year ago, on Jazz Sunday 2015, Linda visitedFSPC for the first time. She was previously a member ofPeace Presbyterian, but she found FSPC to be such a nice,friendly church with lots of talent and great music, thatshe decided to stay and make FSPC her new churchhome. Linda finds herself feeling more and morecomfortable with each passing week. Over the years, Linda's interests and hobbies outside ofchurch have included, tennis, working outside in the yard,going to movies with friends and playing Bridge. Welcome, Linda! We are glad you are here!

Chariots and Horses "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses," proclaimsPsalm 20:7 (NKJV). "But we will remember the name of theLORD our God." Do these antiquated modes of transporta-tion make this verse irrelevant to us? Not if we broaden ournotion of chariots and horses. Some trust in fancy cars, boats, bikes or snowmobiles forstatus or entertainment. Some trust in big houses, expensivefurniture or high-end fashion to feel important. Some trustin investments or a promised inheritance for security. Sometrust in food, painkillers or alcohol to feel good - for awhile. Some trust in military might, academic degrees,sports, relationships and so much more. Let's help one another trust instead in the name - andtrustworthiness - of our God. Even the psalmist didn't do soalone; verse 7 says "we." We need friends, Christianmentors and, above all, the Holy Spirit to assist us. In Godwe'll find our answers, our strength and our purpose.

Deacons News

The Deacons met in August and reviewed the variety ofways our Church serves communion and the idea that wewant to be inclusive and open to everyone who wants topartake. We discussed having inserts to our Church Directorywith New Member information provided periodically toallow us to keep in contact with all members of theCongregation. It was decided not to include serving at Siena/Francishouse as a specific Deacon project, but to encourage andsupport members who do assist there. Pastor Nick indicated a Master Church Calendar isbeing established for all organizations at the Church to useto better coordinate our activities. Pastor Nick alsoprovided a handout with information for us to considerregarding way we can continue to enhance our ability tofulfill our role as Deacons.

Dave Stage, for the Deacons

Youth Group Kickoff Faithful Shepherd Presbyterian Church invites you tokick back with friends as we kick off our youth group for anew year. Grab a friend and join us at Woodhaven Park.

Sunday, September 18th

4 - 6 p.m.

Meet/walk to the park from Pastor Nick’s house at15924 Frances Circle

Omaha, NE 68130

Youth entering 4th through 12th grade, grab your friendsand your family and join us for games, a picnic in the park(provided), and to see what our youth group has to offer!

RSVP to pastorfspresby@omhcoxmail.com

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.

Do Something! God wants our work to be meaningful and satisfying.No matter what we do, it should provide a reason to getup each day and use the talents God has given us. AsBenjamin Franklin said, "The man who achieves makesmany mistakes, but he never makes the biggest mistake ofall: doing nothing."

Pantry Sunday

The first Sunday of each month is Pantry Sunday, whenthat month’s donations are dedicated. You can bring items any time during the month,though, and place them in the shopping cart. The list of pantry items needed in September is thesame as last month and includes: dried beans, canned fruitand vegetables, canned tuna fish, snacks (cookies, bars,etc.), pudding, ketchup, salad dressing, fruit juice, jelly,peanut butter, saltine crackers, cereal, pancake mix,syrup, Bisquick, toilet paper, Kleenex, shampoo and barsoap, and clothes detergent.

Community Playhouse Do you just want to get up and dance when you hear "Iwill follow Him?", "My God", or "Oh Happy Day"? If so,get your act together and sign up for a night of sisterhoodfun at Sister Act: The Musical coming to the OmahaCommunity Playhouse. We will be looking purchase tickets for 7:30 show onSaturday, September 24th. Sign up by emailing bySuzannedpt@gmail.com or on the sign up in The FamilyLife Center. If we have enough people to get a group rate, ticketswill be $30 ($20 for students) so grab a sister and sign upby September 4th.

POAM/OWLS Celebration

The Presbyterian Older Adult Ministry/Older WiserLivelier Saints group will hold a two day celebration onSeptember 13 & 14 at Camp Calvin Crest. Enjoy a variety of speakers, worship, song, music, food,crafts, games, entertainment, and fellowship. The keynotespeaker will be Dr. Wendy M. Wright, Professor ofTheology at Creighton University. For more information or to register, visit www.calvincrest.org.

Save the DateOMAHA

CROP Hunger Walk

Sunday, October 9th

2 p.m. at Luther Memorial Lutheran Church

crophungerwalk.org/omahane

Pass it On!

Joys

Birthdays We wish a happy September birthdayto Bob Eppler (9/3), Rachel Stage (9/3),Glenda Bahr (9/7), Kim Konig (9/14),Gwen Mason (9/16), Ashley Hergott(9/18), D.J. Divoky (9/19), Wendy Grieb(9/19), Jaiden Tobin (9/22), McKenzie

Tobin (9/22), Dave Stage (9/23), Beth Weiss (9/26), andJeannette Cleaver (9/30). Ed. Note: If we have missed anyone, please let us know.

Anniversaries We wish a happy September weddinganniversary to Paul & Janet DeCelie(9/4), Philipp & Lauren Ruhe (9/13),Steve & Susan Drager (9/15), and toRichard & Nancy Wright (9/19).

Guests Recent Sunday morning guestsinclude Harv & Pat D.; Mark & Kelly E.;Al & Marsha K.;Janneane G.; Sara G.;Becky G.; Jeff K.; Eric & Sara P.; LeeB.; Nate, Ashley, Owen, & Sadie D.;Dave F.; Kay F.; Kay S.; Max & Pat W.;

Marguerite S.

September Worship Schedule

Sunday, September 4: Twenty-third Sunday inOrdinary Time

CommunionMessage: Room at the TablePlease read Psalm 96:1-9 and Luke 14:15-23.

Sunday, September 11: Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Message: No WakePlease read Matthew 8:23-27.

Sunday, September 18: Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Message: Wheel LifePlease read Jeremiah 18:1-11.

Sunday, September 25: Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Message: A Field for the FuturePlease read Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15.

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

Rest and Rainbows

Sometimes it's important to work for that pot of gold. But other times it's essential to take time off and to make sure that your most important decision in the day simply consists of choosing which color to slide down on the rainbow.

—Douglas Pagels, These Are the Gifts I'd Like to Give to You

See You in Church