|
The Chronicle
is
Published by
First Presbyterian Church 49 South Portage Street Westfield, New York
NOVEMBER 2016 |
Church Office Hours 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday
Office: (716) 326-2643 Fax: (716) 793-6019
Website:
E-Mail:
Temporary Pastor Catherine Rieley-Goddard crgwestfield@gmail.com (716) 310-6860 Administrative Assistant Polly M. Knopp
Custodian Brenda McCutcheon
Deacon of the Month November 2016 Richard Schroeder |
^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^
Thanksgiving Delights
by Joanna Fuchs
On Thanksgiving Day we're thankful for
Our blessings all year through,
For family we dearly love,
For good friends, old and new.
For sun to light and warm our days,
For stars that glow at night.
For trees of green and skies of blue,
And puffy clouds of white.
We're grateful for our eyes that see
The beauty all around.
For arms to hug, and legs to walk,
And ears to hear each sound.
The list of all we're grateful for
Would fill a great big book;
Our thankful hearts find new delights
Everywhere we look!
^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^
Dear Friends,
As we move into November, it seems suddenly Thanksgiving is just weeks away. Of course it is a time for family and friends to gather and enjoy one another’s company. We share food and drink; we catch up with those we have not seen for awhile. How many have a family tradition of a game of football in the afternoon? In my family, we often go on a long walk in the morning as an off-set to the eating that will come in the afternoon.
I think November is a great time to take stock and to think about what we are grateful for. Once we have done that, we can figure out how to share our abundance with others. I know many of you volunteer with various groups in the community -- serving on boards, building houses, preparing meals, acting, painting, and a host of other things that contribute to a vibrant community. Our society is built on the notion that volunteers and the work they do improve the lives of everyone in a community. I have been so impressed by the variety of ways members of First Presbyterian contribute to the community of Westfield and the larger community in just the few weeks I have been with you as pastor.
There was a time when volunteering and working together to achieve a mission was enough to make it happen. People would volunteer and contribute funds here and there and the project or activity would go on without a hitch. Life is more complicated now. The life of a congregation needs the work of volunteers and it needs the financial support of everyone who is part of the church.
This is the season of gratitude and it is the season of commitment of both financial and volunteer resources to support the work of the church. Members of the Nominating Committee have met to talk about who might be willing to serve as Deacons and Elders. The session is working on a budget for next year. We cannot continue our growth without your support. In these cooling days of the fall, while you count your blessings, please consider how you will respond when you are asked for support. Whether you are asked to serve or asked to give, your response will affect our future. Be a blessing to the church as the church has been a blessing to you!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Cathy
^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^
REMINDER
On Sunday, November 6, Daylight Saving Time ends. Remember to turn your clocks back on Saturday night before retiring. We don't want you to be too early for church!
^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^
For All the Saints
First Presbyterian Church
Sunday, November 6, 2016
Remembering members of our congregation who have died since All Saints Day last year.
Mary Beckman
Julia Hall
Paul Odell
June Reed
Jim Stacy
"For all the saints, who from their labors rest,
Who Thee by faith before the world confessed,
Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest.
Alleluia! Alleluia!"
^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^
Mission/Outreach News....
Peace & Global Witness Offering
~ Come to the Table of Peace ~
"Can God spread a table in the wilderness?" Psalm 78: 19
On World Communion Sunday, October 2, our congregation gave $100.00 to the Peace & Global Witness Offering ~ the third Special Offering of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Thank you for your donations! Twenty-five percent of donations remain with our church. The Mission Committee will determine how best to use our gifts to support local peacemaking initiatives or community-based ministries. The other 75% will be forwarded to the Presbytery of WNY where 25% will be used to support Presbytery and Synod peacemaking efforts and 50% will be forwarded to the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program of the Presbyterian Mission Agency so that it can continue to provide assistance and resources for congregations and other bodies of the PC (USA).
Operation Christmas Child a project of Samaritans Purse:
~ The Power of a Simple Gift ~
In 2015 more than 11 million shoebox gifts were collected!. That means Samaritan's Purse has delivered more than 135 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 150 countries and territories since 1993.
Each and every shoebox gift, given in Jesus' name, opens doors for boys and girls and their families to hear the Good News of the Lord Jesus Christ. As a result, churches are growing and communities are transformed.
We invite any member and/or friend to fill a shoebox. A pamphlet with information on how to pack your shoebox and suggested gifts is available at the entrances to the sanctuary or in the church office. Please have your shoeboxes returned on or before November 20 for a special dedication during the worship service.
ANGEL TREE
Plans are underway for the annual community mission project "Angel Tree" sponsored by Westfield Union Relief - a ladies aid society.
The "Angels" will be available for pick up early November. The date will be placed in the bulletin or you can call the church office.
Guidelines for your "Angel" gift: Have your angels name and number taped securely to your gift(s). Union Relief requests that all gifts be UNWRAPPED, gift boxes or bags are acceptable.
A dedication of your gifts will be held during morning worship.
Westfield Community Kitchen
For the month of November, we will be collecting some much-needed items for the Community Kitchen. The "Wish List" is as follows: small dessert plates, napkins, paper towels, individual sugar packets, salad dressings, decaf and regular coffee, dry soup mixes, Jello, puddings, powdered creamer, canned carrots, chicken broth, biscuit mix, cake mixes, aluminum foil (wide), Sweet n' Low and bleach. The Community Kitchen greatly appreciates our help!
^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^
Clerk's Pen(cil) II
Following the call to order, devotions and prayer by Moderator Rev. Catherine Rieley-Goddard the Session took up the work of the church on Tuesday, October 13, 2016.
Actions taken at the meeting are summarized as follows:
~ Received the Treasurer's report for September 2016.
~ Received the Deacon report for August and September 2016.
~ Approved the Session minutes for September 8, 2016.
~ Approved the use of Fellowship Hall and the kitchen by the Westfield Hospital Auxiliary on Tuesday, November 8, for a dinner.
~ Approved the use of three (3) rooms on the top floor of the Christian Education building by Lake Shore Center of the Art.
~ Approved (via e-mail) the purchase of a copier from Axiom Office Imaging.
Other Business...
~ The Sunday School children have been asked to design a cover for the Advent Devotion Booklet.
^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^
Pot Luck Luncheon
November 13, 2016
The Fellowship Committee will host a Pot Luck luncheon following worship on Sunday, November 13. Everyone is asked to bring a dish to pass and table service. The committee will provide a beverage. Your dish can be delivered to the kitchen prior the the worship service.
^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^
Celtic Vespers Service
Thursday, November 17
7:00 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church of Westfield
will host a Celtic Vespers service in November. This service is influenced by and based upon ancient Celtic worship as well as its modern survivals in worship communities much like the famous Iona Community in Scotland. Celtic Vespers is a beautiful service of evening prayer and will feature responsorial Psalms, prayers from the Carmina Gadelica, a candlelight procession, music based on Celtic tunes and a recitation of The Lord's Prayer in Gaelic. Please join First Presbyterian Church at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, November 17 ~ and bring your family and friends!
^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^
Prayer Concerns
A special prayer that you'll be blessed with tender care and needed rest, warm thoughts of friends that mean so much and most of all, God's healing touch.
REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR....
Members of Our Congregation
Kay Hall, Gwen Farver, Ruth Stacy, Prudence Putnam, Doc Near, Betty Reid, Enid Beadle, Bev & Les Yeaney, Norma Vanderpool, Don Strobl, Ethel Scarpine.
Family and Friends of our Congregation
Darrell Colgrove, Dee Jensen, Mary Grygier (Sister of Elaine Parker), Mike Strada (Brother of Elaine Parker), Jeff Greabell, The Pandolph/Peary Families (Friends of John Daily), Lexie Friedrich, Dick Wilson, Lois Lindstrom (Mother of Kathy Ricketts), Daniel Tinney (Son-in-Law of Betty Wilson), and Cathy Vilardo-Strobl.
Our Servicemen.
Capt. Christopher Kittle
Chief Petty Officer James "JD" Watkins (Grandson of Betty Reid)
SGT2 Arnold Soto (Grandson of Darla Augur)
^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^
Celebrations of Eternal Life...
Our deepest sympathy as a congregation is extended to the families and friends upon the death of their loved ones:
Paul C. Odell ~ Saturday, October 15, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with all who have lost loved ones recently.
^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^
2016 FINANCIAL REPORT
Income through September 30 - $126,525.05
( Pledges Paid to Date: $57,476.00 )
Expenses through September 30 - $123,408.29
Investment Funds used through September 30 - $28,125.00
^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^
As a church, we continue to participate in TOPS Markets "Cash for Causes" program. We have purchased TOPS "Cash for Causes" gift cards that are availabe to church members and friends. You pay the cash value of the card, and the church earns 5% on each card sold. We all buy groceries! There is no additional cost to you; you simply use the gift card. Cards are available in $25, $50 and $100 denominations. Please call (326-2643) or stop in the church office to purchase a gift card. To date, we have profited $316.00.
^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^
The Church has a "Donate Now" button on our website ~ steeplesinthepark.com. To give to our church and ministry, simply click on the donate tab located on the right hand side of the website. You will be directed to a SECURE Pay-Pal site to complete your donation. The Church greatly appreciates any and all contributions!
^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^
Looking for a Unique Christmas gift?
The Church has available commemorative glass tumblers, goblets and ornaments. The glassware has an etched picture of the church and the ornament is a reproduction of the church building on porcelain. The cost for each is as follows: Ornament - $10.00, Glass Tumbler - $5.00 and Goblet - $6.00. To acquire a piece of history, please call the church office at (716) 326-2643. If you are not local - arrangements can be made to have item(s) mailed. Thank you for your support!
^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^
Moms and Dads, get all your shopping done while the kids are entertained! The Fellowship Committee will provide care for your child(ren) on Saturday, December 3, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. so you can Christmas shop. The day will include games, movies and crafts. A lunch of hot dogs and mac 'n cheese will be provided. If your child(ren) has any dietary restrictions, we ask that you provide them a lunch. Space is limited, so please call the church office/326-2643 to register.
^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^
There are still a few items that need attention in the church building. We are reaching out to members and friends. If you would like to help in any way - by contributing your time, labor or resources - please contact the church office at
326-2643
** Miscellaneous Painting
** Any fundraising suggestions
^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^
BIRTHDAYS
We all join in extending Greetings
and Best Wishes for a Happy Birthday.
May this day be Richly Blessed
With Peace and Joy and
Everything that makes for Happiness.
1st
Chelsey MacCubbin
Josh Monroe
2nd
Ryleigh Sanderson
3rd
Jack Beckman
Luella Reynolds
7th
Kaelyn Helman
Elna Meleen
13th
Rob Schofield
15
Aimee Helman
Barb Lynn
16th
Beth Cluchey
Jonathan Corbett
17th
Bob Dyment
18th
Pam Truitt
19th
Scott Freyn
Alberta Parker
29th
Mindi Monroe
Rhiannon Seminatore
24th
Ann Wise
25th
Casey Northrop
28th
Don Strobl
29th
Judy Womeldorf
Linda Young
30th
Cameron Wright
ANNIVERSARIES
A special Anniversary Prayer...
That God's Eternal love
Will fill your heart this day
With joy and blessings from above
13th
Barb & Hank Lynn
15th
Lillian & Earl Saunders
21st
Sylvia & Walter Brown
Tuesday, November 1
11:00 a.m.
Presbyterian Women's Meeting
Wednesday, November 2
9:00 a.m.
Worship & Music
Sunday, November 6
10:00 a.m.
Choir Rehearsal
Sunday School
Christian Nurture ~ Adult Education
11:00 a.m.
Family Worhsip
Monday, November 7
7:00 p.m.
Mission/Outreach Meeting
Tuesday, November 8
~ Election Day ~
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Westfield Hospital Auxiliary Dinner
Thursday, November 10
5:00 p.m.
Session Meeting
Sunday, November 13
10:00 a.m.
Choir Rehearsal
Sunday School
Christian Nurture ~ Adult Education
11:00 a.m.
Family Worship
12:00 Noon
Pot Luck Luncheon
~ Hosted by the Fellowship Committee ~
Wednesday, November 16
9:00 a.m.
Property & Finance
Thursday, November 17
7:00 p.m.
Celtic Vespers Service
Sunday, November 20
10:00 a.m.
Choir Rehearsal
Sunday School
Christian Nurture ~ Adult Education
11:00 a.m.
Family Worship
Monday, November 21
7:00 p.m.
Deacon Meeting
Thursday, November 24
~ Thanksgiving ~
Church Office Closed
Friday, November 25
Church Office Closed
Sunday, November 27
~ First Sunday of Advent ~
10:00 a.m.
Choir Rehearsal
Sunday School
Christian Nurture ~ Adult Education
11:00 a.m.
Family Worship
^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^
Veterans Day
~ By Cheryl Dyson
On Veterans Day we honor all,
Who answered to a service call.
Soldiers young, and soldiers old,
Fought for freedom, brave and bold.
Some have lived, while others died,
And all of them deserve our pride.
We're proud of all the soldiers who
Kept thinking of red, white and blue.
They fought for us and all our rights,
They fought through many days and nights.
And though we may not know each name,
We thank ALL veterans just the same.
