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The Chronicle
is
Published by
First Presbyterian Church 49 South Portage Street Westfield, New York
2017
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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 MAY 2017 Pat Sciarrino |
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Blessed Mothers
~ Author unknown ~
Blessed are the Mothers who love God, for their children shall
not be ignorant of their Creator and His plans concerning them.
Blessed are the Mothers who love the word of God, for their
children shall know of the way, the truth and the life.
Blessed are the Mothers who love the house of God, for their
children shall enter there and sit with them in the presence of God.
Blessed are the Mothers who love to pray, for their children
shall feel the power of prayer and many shall find salvation.
Blessed are the mothers who love to give the cause of Christ,
for their children shall become supporters of the Kingdom of God.
Blessed are the Mothers who love the family altar, for they
shall have their reward in this world and in the world to come.
Blessed are the Mothers who love to speak kind words to their
neighbour's children, for thereby they shall win
other boys and girls besides their own to Jesus Christ.
Blessed are the Mothers who love to be companions to their
children, for they shall be called understanding Mothers.
Blessed are the Mothers who love to fight life's battles
bravely with a strong and steadfast faith in God, for their
children shall know where to find strength in time of need.
Blessed are the Mothers who, when they are old and gray,
can look back upon memory's wall with no regret and can say,
"I brought my children up in the fear of the Lord."
Theirs are the mansions in glory.
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Dear Friends,
As summer quickly approaches I look forward to the long evenings sitting in the yard, listening to children playing and sharing stories with friends. It is this act of sharing our stories that helps us move through our lives as part of the community. Our conversations and our memories help us figure out the choices we make for our future. For those who are older, stories draw our memories out, clear the cobwebs, inspire younger generations. For younger folks, stories help us learn from the past, see what is possible, and lead us unto our future.
I am fascinated by how telling our stories to one another changes both the teller and the listener. Through the practice of speaking and listening our brain chemistry is changed. We find our connections become stronger when we share pieces of ourselves through our stories. We weave a great tapestry together when we tell our stories. We bring different colors of thread, sometimes dark, other times bright. Sometimes when we listen and tell often the weave is tight, the picture brilliant. When we forget to listen, when one person is silent, the weave becomes loose, the image muddy. As we grow and change together the tapestry changes with us. It is a living thing we maintain together.
I love this time of year when the stories more easily emerge. The days are long, we find ourselves relaxing more often. We have campfires and bonfires, picnics, visits to the beach, all places where stories are told and stories are made. I encourage you to become the storyteller you already are. Become the audience for the stories of others. And remember that each story is but one thread in the one story of God’s people.
Blessings,
Cathy
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Our Summer Worship schedule begins Sunday, May 28, at 10:00 a.m. and will continue through Sunday, September 3, 2017. In addition to our regular 10:00 a.m. worship service there will a 8:30 a.m. service on the first Sunday of each month during the summer.
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Mission/Outreach News....
Sunday, June 4
"For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all."
~ Acts 2: 39 ~
Each year on Pentecost Sunday we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the church.
Acts 2 tells the story of the Holy Spirit descending on the disciples as tongues of fire, and casts them from their place of contemplation and fear, out into the streets, preaching in languages they couldn't understand for the benefit of all the people gathered there. They told the story of Jesus and taught the people what it meant. This was the beginning of faith formation, meant to inspire and encourage all who gathered into a lifetime of faith. Then as today, the Holy Spirit empowers anyone who will receive to change their lives, to radically share, to gather across lines of difference, to join in communities of compassion and care.
On Sunday, June 4, when we gather, we will receive the Pentecost Offering. Gifts to the Pentecost Offering celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit and support our congregation's efforts of faith formation in the first third of life, from childhood through young adulthood. Our congregation will retain 40 percent, and will be designated by our Mission Committee for local youth focused programs. The remaining 60 percent will be sent to the Presbyterian Mission Agency to support national initiatives of our denomination focused on helping children, youth, and young adults develop their life of faith through supportive communities, caring mentors, and faith-related nurture and service. The Pentecost Offering makes a difference for the life of the whole church and for congregations like ours.
Let us thank God for giving us the opportunity to share our gifts generously. Thank you for your support of the Pentecost Offering. Envelopes will be available in the pew or you can send it to the church earmarked "Pentecost Offering".
YARD SALE
The Mission Committee will host a yard sale at the home of Marjory Fritz on the weekend of July 28 and 29 to raise funds for on-going mission causes throughout the year. All members and friends are asked to donate one or two nice items for the sale. If you need assistance in getting your item(s) to the church, please contact the church office/326-2643. We also ask that no clothing be donated for this particular sale. (If you have clothing you wish to donate, please consider using the St. Pauly clothing drop-off shed located at the Lakeshore Assembly of God Church on East Main Street.) Items for the yard sale will be accepted beginning the week of July 17. VOLUNTEERS
are needed for the following times each day of the sale: 10a.m. - 12 Noon, 12 Noon - 2 p.m., 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. If you would like to volunteer please contact Hank Lynn/326-4314 or the church office/326-2643.
"You Shall Be Called Repairers of the Breach."
Isaiah 58
Our thanks go out to everyone who made a gift to the One Great Hour of Sharing offering on Easter. As of this date our gift of $527.00 and will be sent to the Presbytery for distribution to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, Presbyterian Hunger Programs and Self Development to serve people seeking to reclaim and restore their lives.
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National Day of Prayer
Thursday, May 4, 2017
7:00 p.m.
Eason Hall
The 66th annual National Day of Prayer, May 4, 2017, will have profound significance for our country. It is an unprecedented opportunity to see the Lord's healing and renewing power made manifest as we call on citizens to humbly come before His throne.
The theme for 2017 is "For Your Great Name’s Sake! Hear Us... Forgive Us...Heal Us!" Taken from Daniel 9: 19, which says, “O Lord, Listen! O Lord, Forgive! O Lord, Hear and Act! For Your Sake, O My God...”.
Please join the Westfield Ministerial Association on Thursday, May 4, at 7:00 p.m. at Eason Hall - Everyone is welcome!
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Thursday, May 18, 2017
7:00 p.m.
Influenced by and based on ancient Celtic worship as well as it modern survivals in such a worship communities as the famous Iona Community in Scotland, Celtic Vespers is a beautiful service of evening prayer. Featuring responsorial Psalms, prayers from the Carmina Gadelica, a brief incense rite, music based on Celtic tunes, and even a recitation of The Lord's Prayer in Gaelic, Celtic Vespers offers a truly unique spiritual service. Please join us on Thursday, May 18 at 7:00 p.m. - and bring your family and friends!
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"How sweet are thy words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
Psalm 119: 103
Please join the Fellowship Committee for an Ice Cream Social in the Parlor following worship on Sunday, May 21. The Fellowship Committee will be serving chocolate, vanilla and strawberry ice cream with toppings of your choice.
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Clerk's Pen(cil) II
Following the call to order by Moderator Rev. Catherine Rieley-Goddard, devotions by Phil Young and prayer by John Daily the Session took up the work of the church on Tuesday, April 11, 2017.
Actions taken at the meeting are summarized as follows:
~ Received the Treasurer and Deacon report
~ Approved the use of Fellowship Hall on Monday, May 29, for Veteran's Breakfast sponsored by the 7th graders at Westfield School
~ Approved vacation time for the Pastor from May 4 through May 12, 2017
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LOOKING AHEAD....
The 2017 Chicken Barbecue ~ it's not too early to be thinking about the Chicken Barbecue. This year's BBQ is July 28 and 29. VOLUNTEERS for this event are NECESSARY for it to be successful!
The following are areas of opportunities for you to volunteer: kitchen, servers, corn huskers or cookers, chicken cookers, runners, parking lot or ticket sales. To have a convenient choice of the day or time you prefer, volunteering soon will guarantee the day and time of your choosing. DON'T DELAY! You can volunteer by calling Mike Ricketts/753-7831 or the church office/326-2643.
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May
May is the month
Of sunshine and flowers
Birds in their nests,
And one or two showers.
Games to play and kites to fly
Or just looking at the sky.
We could spend a year this way
If the year were made of May.
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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, Doc and Dorothy Near, Betty Reid, Enid Beadle, Bev & Les Yeaney, Norma Vanderpool, Don Strobl, Lilliam Saunders, Tammy Rothwell, Erma Lloyd, Gloria Colgrove, Jim Scarpine and Beth Cluchey.
Family and Friends of our Congregation
Darrell Colgrove, Mary Grygier (Sister of Elaine Parker), Mike Strada (Brother of Elaine Parker), Abigail Jopek, The Pandolph/Peary Families (Friends of John Daily), Cathy Vilardo-Strobl, Linda Smalstig, Lois Lindstrom (Mother of Kathy Ricketts).
Our Servicemen.
Capt. Christopher Kittle
Chief Petty Officer, James "JD" Watkins (Grandson of Betty Reid)
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FINANCIAL REPORT
Income through March 31st: $23,494.19
(2016 Pledges Paid to Date: $15,319.35)
Expenses throughMarch 31st: $34,464.28
Investment Funds used through March 31st: $8,500.00
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the simple solution to community fundraising
As a church we continue to participate in TOPS Markets "Cash for Causes" program. We have available to members and friends TOPS "Cash for Causes" gift cards. 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.
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The church has a "Donate Now" button on its Website ~ steeplesinthepark.com. To donate 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.
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O, to be a liturgist!
You come to church every Sunday. Or, naturally, you're bound to miss a few. That's okay 'cause God understands. What He kind of wonders is why He doesn't 'see' more Presbyterian faces on the liturgist platform?
Did you know that there now are only six from our congregation who are filling the liturgist calling? A few more men and women would make a difference in more than one way.
First of all, you say to your self, "I'd do that, but I'd get too nervous and freeze." No, you wouldn't. The reason you'd do great is that one, you'll practice at home; and two, once you've done it, you will wonder why it took so long to sign up. It's just like talking to the family across the dinner table.
So, give me a call (753-2414) or e-mail me at scoop505@roadrunner.com I'll even meet you in the church during the week and we'll practice.
And, you'll be giving Anneliza Barney, John Daily, Marie Edwards, Marilynne Northrop, Mike Ricketts and Steve Stratton a Sunday off.
Ann E. Weidman
Liturigst 'Signer-upper'
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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
Scott Gross
5th
Mary Ann Buettner
Melanie Ricketts
7th
Tina Neal
9th
Jodi Wilson
12th
Will Northrop
Les Yeaney
14th
Ian Beckman
Jim Boyle
Marion Eno
Destinee Rogers
17th
Paul Farver
19th
Terri MacCubbin
Pat Sciarrino
21st
John Wysard
24th
Sue Gross
27th
Candy Hamilton
30th
Julie Travis
ANNIVERSARIES
A special Anniversary Prayer...
That God's Eternal love
Will fill your heart this day
With joy and blessings from above
14th
Ramona & David Luder
15th
Polly & Jake Knopp
25th
Nancy & Mark Smith
May 1
7:00 p.m.
Mission/Outreach Meeting
Wednesday, May 3
9:00 a.m.
Worship & Music
11:00 a.m.
Presbyterian Women's Meeting
Thursday, May 4
7:00 p.m.
National Day of Prayer Service
~ Eason Hall ~
Friday, May 4
May Friendship Day
Sunday, May 7
10:00 a.m.
Christian Nurture ~ Adult Education
Choir Rehearsal
11:00 a.m.
Family Worship
~ Communion ~
12:00 Noon
Cinco de Mayo Luncheon
~ Hosted by Mission ~
Sunday, May 14
10:00 a.m.
Christian Nurture ~ Adult Education
Choir Rehearsal
11:00 a.m.
Family Worship
Monday, May 15
7:00 p.m.
Deacon Meeting
Wednesday, May 17
9:00 a.m.
Property & Finance Meeting
5:00 p.m.
Session Meeting
Thursday, May 18
7:00 p.m.
Celtic Vespers Service
Sunday, May 21
10:00 a.m.
Christian Nurture ~ Adult Education
Choir Rehearsal
11:00 a.m.
Family Worship
12:00 Noon
Ice Cream Social
~ Hosted by Fellowship Committee
Thursday, May 25
Ascension of the Lord
Friday, May 26
Church Office Closed
Sunday, May 28
10:00 a.m.
Family Worship
Monday, May 29
Church Office Closed
6:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Veteran's Breakfast
~ Fellowship Hall ~
Sponsored by 7th Graders at WACS
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We walked among the crosses
Where our fallen solders lay.
And listened to the bugle
As TAPS began to play.
The Chaplin led a prayer
We stood with heads bowed low.
And I thought of fallen comrades
I had known so long ago.
They came from every city
Across this fertile land.
That we might live in freedom.
They lie here 'neath the sand.
I felt a little guilty
My sacrifice was small.
I only lost a little time
But these men lost their all.
Now the services are over
For this Memorial Day.
To the names upon these crosses
I just want to say,
Thanks for what you've given
No one could ask for more.
May you rest with God in heaven
From now through evermore.
By: C.W. Johnson
