Articles

PCM Congregation,
We would like to take this opportunity to share with you a change to our Sunday morning schedule. At the recommendation of the Worship Committee, the Session has approved eliminating the 8:00 a.m. service for the foreseeable future. In addition, the Sunday service start time will shift to 10:00 a.m. This change will begin on Sunday, September 10th when we shift away from our summer hours. The Sunday School start time will remain 9:00 a.m.

This change is being made for several reasons. First, the attendance at the 8:00 a.m. service has dwindled to an average of less than ten individuals, especially true since we resumed services after Covid. While we recognize that there are obviously a few individuals who enjoy this early time, the Session no longer believes the low attendance numbers justify the scheduling of staff, volunteers, and any other resources to support the service.

Second, as the congregation continues to move forward in the hiring process for a new permanent Pastor, we want to ensure that prospective candidates do not perceive a poorly attended and early service as some sort of burdensome obligation and thereby not consider our available position as a positive opportunity worth applying for. If a new Pastor feels there is sufficient need to restore the early service, the Session will act at that time.

We recognize that this decision will discourage a few individuals and we apologize for any disappointment it creates. The decision was not made lightly. We strongly hope the individuals impacted by the change will shift to worshipping with the congregation at 10:00 a.m. or take advantage of our Live Stream option.

Thank you for your understanding of this change and we look forward to your continued support. Please feel free to share your thoughts or concerns with PCM Leadership.

Yours in Christ,
The Session
Presbyterian Church of the Master

1. Access your profile in One Church and select “text opt-in” when you edit your mobile phone contact information.
2. Use the form below and confirm your intent. We will take care of the rest.

PCM has a great members software system for tracking all our member information. One of the major benefits is that it allows everyone access to church information. From providing an online church directory, to providing easy online giving options and volunteering opportunities, One Church is a great tool for enhancing your participation at PCM.

If you haven’t set-up your online account yet, watch the following video we produced. It gives you a great overview of One Church and login instructions. Below the Introduction are some other more detailed videos about One Church.

If you have further questions, do not hesitate to contact Becky Widhalm, the PCM Office Administrator. She can assist you or arrange or additional assistance.

Beginning Monday, August 1, the Rev. Dr. Gary Eller joins Church of the Master as the new Interim Pastor and Head of Staff. He will serve PCM during the time the congregation searches for a new full-time permanent Pastor.

Dr. Gary S. Eller served as president of the Omaha Presbyterian Seminary Foundation for fifteen years, 2007 – 2022. He teaches historical studies at
Creighton University, the University of Nebraska Omaha, and the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary.

He was ordained in 1978 and has pastored churches in Tennessee, North Carolina, Florida, West Virginia, and Nebraska.

Dr. Eller is a graduate of the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, Princeton Theological Seminary, and Vanderbilt University. He is a member of
several Boards and civic organizations. Gary is married to Sharon. They enjoy their grandchildren, the arts, travel, reading, and various sports.

Welcome Gary!

The Session’s COVID-19 Management Team has decided, given the dramatic improvement in the health situation in Douglas County, to relax our restrictions, effective immediately (February 23).
We will no longer request that everyone wear a mask. Those who feel more comfortable wearing a mask will be encouraged to do so. This applies to meetings and to worship.
Food and beverage events will be permitted, including Sunday coffee hour as soon as the hosts are prepared to resume doing it.
Note: We will continue to monitor the situation. If there is a resurgence (after all, there are several letters of the Greek alphabet left!) we may need to reimpose restrictions.
Pastor Bob

If you get a message purporting to be from me asking you to buy gift cards, IT IS A SCAM! Do not reply to the sender.

If you ever have a request from me that you suspect may be legitimate, call or text me to verify it before you spend any money.

This has now happened to two of our church members.

Pastor Bob

Lent Study this year will be “Seeking the Intercultural Church.” We will look at Scripture and experience to consider the challenges and hopes of being a multicultural church.

The study is from the Thoughtful Christian. Each week there will be a handout which I will make available on our website and our Facebook Family & Friends group. I will also have print copies available for those who come in person.

This will be a hybrid event Wednesday evenings at 7:00. Those coming in person will meet in the Library; those joining remotely will use Zoom.

We begin Wednesday, March 9 and meet every Wednesday through April 13. Don’t worry if you have to miss a session; read the handout and you’ll keep up pretty well!

Contact me if you have any questions.

Pastor Bob

In advance of Sunday’s annual congregational meeting, the following link will allow you to download a copy of the annual report.

Click here to download.