Our Worship Team
Pastor Geneva Acolytes Exeter Greeters
Oct. 4: Galen Rasmussen Weston Rayburn & Reagan Williams Judith Hulse & Phil Gallup
Oct. 11: Galen Rasmussen Vanessa Behmerwohld & Drake Nunns Barb Jansen
Oct. 18: Galen Rasmussen Carson & Walker Williams JoDeen & Phil Swartz
Oct. 25: Galen Rasmussen Emily & Max Turner Deana & Kevin Briggs
Volunteer Liturgists are needed during the month of October. If you would like to read the scriptures during the Worship Service one or more Sundays during the month, please sign your name beside the date(s) on the sign-up sheet on the table in the Fellowship Hall, or call Cris at the church office (402-759- 3239) and let her know what week you would like to volunteer.
Welcome to Fall!
By the time you read this, I will either be preparing for—or will have just celebrated—my installation as pastor of First Congregational United Church of Christ. Since this newsletter goes out to both the Geneva and Exeter congregations, I am grateful that they share the same name!
During the installation service, the promise I made was:
“I am willing, and I promise to serve this church faithfully, preaching and teaching the Word of God, administering the sacraments, and fulfilling the pastoral office according to the faith and order of the United Church of Christ.”
But an installation is not simply about the promise made by a pastor. The congregations
made a promise as well:
“We receive Galen as our pastor and teacher. We promise to labor with him in the ministry of the gospel and give him due honor and support. We gather with him and with the United Church of Christ as a sign of our mutual ministry in Christ's name.”
That fits perfectly with the theme we chose for the installation service: All Are Called.
This is more than the installation of one person as pastor. It is a reminder that all of us are called to be part of the ministry we call First Congregational United Church of Christ. Ministry is something we do together.
Paul reminds us of this in 1 Corinthians 12:4–7:
“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”
And then Paul concludes:
“Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.”— 1 Corinthians 12:27
There are great things ahead for us as a church.
Renewal has been an important word for us this year. We renew covenants. We renew our commitment to Jesus Christ and to the church. We renew our commitment to the challenge Jesus gave us to make disciples. And we continue looking for ways that we can Love God. Love Others. Make a Difference.
Renewal isn't simply remembering what we once promised. It is choosing again, today, to live into what God has called us to become.
As we look forward, we also have an opportunity to look back and celebrate God's faithfulness. On the last Sunday of October, we will celebrate the centennial of our church building and our organ. I hope you will take some time to join us as we celebrate 100 years of history, ministry, worship, and faithfulness.
But even as we celebrate the past, we continue looking toward the future.
Paul reminds us that we are the body of Christ, and each of us is a member of that
body. Each of us has a role to play. Each of us has gifts to offer. Each of us is called.
So as we begin this next chapter together, I invite you to consider a few questions:
Where is God calling you to serve?
What gifts has God given you for the common good?
And what part will you play in what God is doing next?
All are called. That includes you.
God bless, and have a great month!
Pastor Galen