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The Chronicle
is
Published by
First Presbyterian Church 49 South Portage Street Westfield, New York
2017 |
Church Office Hours 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 Noon 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 June 2017 Sherry Mead |
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FATHER’S DAY
by Mary Frances Bogle
Over the years
As we grow old,
We remember our father
So brave and bold.
In the garden,
Leaning on the plow,
He would listen to me;
I see him now.
He would give advice
And understand;
He was always there
To lend a hand.
God made fathers
Strong and firm,
For he knew our lives
Would have great concerns.
So he gave us fathers
To teach us to pray,
And guide our lives,
And show us the way.
So on his day
Let's take the time
To say "Thanks, dad.
I'm glad you're mine."
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Dear Friends,
What a joy and an honor is has been for me to serve with you and get to know you over these past nine months. I have learned much from you and look forward to hearing about the good things happening with this community of faith in the future.
Seeing all the costumes at the Hallowe'en fun run, followed by Trunk or Treat in the parking lot showed me how creative and fun this community is. Your Harvest Dinners are legendary in the area and something of which you should be proud. They both raise funds for mission and ministry and serve as outreach so that others get to know you and enjoy your hospitality. The Christmas pageant was amazing. Having never served a congregation with so many winter travelers, I was glad to have you all return. We were fortunate in that our winter was pretty mild here. Seasons of Lent and Easter have flowed by with special worship services and book studies. Pentecost is around the corner as we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit.
I have loved getting to know each of you, your children, and your grand-children. We have celebrated so many of the parts of life together from beginning to end. And we have done it all with love. Your welcoming spirit and your longing to be faithful will serve you well into the future.
As our paths diverge at the end of June, know that you will not be far from my thoughts and prayers. I won't be back for events or services without an invitation from the pastor. We are connected through the faith we share and the love we have for all of God's people.
One of the goals of my faith journey has been to practice being in the moment more often than thinking about the past or the future. I find Wendell Berry's poem, "Be Still in Haste," helpful in my efforts.
Be Still in Haste
How quietly I
begin again
from this moment
looking at the
clock, I start over
so much time has
passed, and is equaled
by whatever
split-second is present
from this
moment this moment
is the first
Friends, every moment is the first moment. Do not speed by them. Live them fully. Live them faithfully. Notice the world around you and see God's grace, God's abundance, and God's care.
Peace be with you.
Cathy
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The congregation of First Presbyterian Church of Westfield, New York, at a special congregational meeting following worship on Sunday, May 21, 2017, voted to elect Ronald Sumption as pastor of First Presbyterian Church, effective July 1, 2017.
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The session voted to begin our summer worship schedule on May 29 at 10:00 a.m. and continue through Sunday, September 4.
Summer Church office hours will begin on June 5, and will extend through Friday, September 2. The office will be open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon during this period.
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Dear Saints and Friends of the First Presbyterian Church of Westfield,
Please allow me to introduce myself. I am Rev. Ron Sumption, and I have been called to be your minister. I have been an ordained Presbyterian minister, or teaching elder, for over 20 years. I have served congregations in Minnesota, South Dakota, Iowa, Illinois, and New York, most recently as Interim Minister in Medina, New York.
My wife Judy and I are both originally Midwesterners – Judy grew up in Minnesota, and I grew up in South Dakota. Judy and I have three adult children: Michelle, who is also an ordained Presbyterian minister serving in York, New York; James (and wife Brianna) who is working for a pipeline inspection company in Sydney, Montana; and Kaitlin (and husband Cameron) who is a homemaker and mommy of our six-and-a-half-month-old granddaughter Elliana, in Arlington, Virginia.
I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences degree from Thomas Edison State College in Trenton, NJ and my Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, NJ. I became ordained as a Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (USA) on January 14, 1996.
In the Old Testament, God made a promise to all believers: "For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope," (Jeremiah 29: 11, NRSV). Together, we can claim God's promise for this congregation, our mission and ministry, as well as for ourselves and for those we love.
You and I will be working together to lay the ground-work for God's promised "future with hope." It is my intention to assist you in celebrating First Presbyterian's history, strengthening our ties with the Presbytery of Western New York, renewing our vision for the future, reaching out into our community and our world with love and imagination in Jesus' name, and becoming a friend to all who will receive me.
To the end of becoming a friend to all who will receive me, Judy and I look forward to meeting and visiting with everyone personally. We also look forward to hosting and entertaining you in our home.
With God's help, with our confident faith in God through Jesus Christ, with teamwork in cooperation with the Holy Spirit, with much prayer, and with some coordinated effort among ourselves, we will realize God's promise and plan to give the First Presbyterian Church of Westfield a future with hope!
Yours in Christ's love and service,
Rev. Ron Sumption
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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. These gifts 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 it 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."
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 at
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.
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Chicken Barbecue on its way...
The 2017 Chicken Barbecue ~ it's not too early to be thinking about this year's BBQ to be held July 28 and 29. VOLUNTEERS for this event are NECESSARY for it to be successful!
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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America-Marching Forth
July 2, 2017
7:00 p.m.
Members and friends are invited to a musical performance by Bradley and Nancy Jopek, narrated by Roger & Abigail Jopek on Sunday, July 2, at 7:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, Westfield. The evening will be a tribute through music to our native land. Come listen to the sounds of "Star Spangled Banner," "Washington Post," "Yankee Doodle Boy" and many other favorites. Admission is FREE! Donations accepted for the Blue Star Mothers care package project.
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80th Birthday Celebration
The family of Gloria Colgrove invites members and friends to a celebration of Gloria's 80th birthday on Saturday,
June 10 from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the Noble Winery on Hardscrabble Road, Westfield. To better plan, please RSVP Cindy at 753-0006 by June 3 if you plan on attending. Please gift Gloria only with the honor of your presence!
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the simple solution to community fundraising
As a church we participating in TOPS Markets "Cash for Causes" program by purchasing TOPS Cash for Causes gift cards that are available 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 will be available in $25, $50 and $100 denominations. Please pre-order your card by calling the church office at 326-2643. Our profit to date is $550.00.
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Habitat Day: Lend-a-Hand
The Chautauqua Area Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical Christian Ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. The work continues at 35 Beckman Avenue, Westfield. There is a job for everyone; no special skills required. The work sessions are Saturdays from
8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
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Stewardship
Summer is coming! We are all beginning to plan vacations, reunions, picnics, cottage trips and so on...what a delightful time! We know we'll all be dashing in and out of town, but while you make your plans, we're asking that you all take a few moments to remember your stewardship for the church. Even when we are not in town, our church activities continue, as do the expenses. Please continue your giving during the summer months - we need your support. Thank you!
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Clerk's Pen(cil) II
Following the call to order and prayer by Moderator Rev. Catherine Rieley-Goddard and devotions by Beth Cluchey, Session took up the work of the church on Wednesday, May 17, 2017.
Actions taken at the meeting are summarized as follows:
~ Received the Treasurer and Deacon reports.
~ Per their request, placed Justin Smith and Luke Smith on Inactive Membership Rolls.
~ Approved the revised "Building Usage" guidelines.
Other Business...
~ Teacher and Student Recognition will be held during worship on June 11
~ Sunday, May 28, Trudy Gollnitz will be installed as Deacon, also John Daily and Mike Ricketts as Elders.
~ Acknowledged a "Thank you" note from Westfield Hospital Auxiliary for the use of Fellowship Hall on April 1, 2017.
~ On June 4 we will receive Sharon Humphrey into membership.
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June Bonfire
Please join us at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, June 3, for a bonfire here at Church. It is a time for all of us to gather together and enjoy each other's company around a bonfire. Everyone is welcome to join, so feel free to invite friends and neighbors! Be sure to bring your own chair. The Fellowship Committee will contribute
S'more-making supplies.
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Thursday, June 15, 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, June 15, at 7:00 p.m. - and bring your family and friends!
Additionally, if you would like to participate in the service as a reader, a choir member, an instrumentalist, a cantor or an acolyte, please call the church office at 326-2643.
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'Donate Now' button
The church has set up a "Donate Now" button on our 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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Sacrament of Baptism was celebrated on...
Easter, April 16, 2017, Norah Louise Johnson, child of
Tim Johnson and Jamie Scarpine, was baptized.
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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 & Dorothy Near, Betty Reid, Enid Beadle, Bev & Les Yeaney, Norma Vanderpool, Don Strobl, Lillian Saunders, Tammy Rothwell and Laurie Diehl.
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), Lois Lindstrom (Mother of Kathy Ricketts), Cathy Vilardo-Strobl, Linda Smalstig, Rosie & Dick Davies, Shawn Canfield (Son-in-Law of Mike & Kathy Ricketts).
Our Servicemen.
Capt. Christopher Kittle
Chief Petty Officer, James "JD" Watkins (Grandson of Betty Reid)
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Our deepest sympathy as a congregation is extended to the families and friends upon the death of their loved ones:
Lyle W. Raynor ~ Monday, May 22, 2017
(Father of Jodi Wilson)
Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with all who have lost loved ones recently.
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FINANCIAL REPORT
Income through April 30th: $34,022.11
(2016 Pledges Paid to Date: $19,564.35)
Expenses through April 30th: $47,126.55
Investment Funds used through April 30th: $11,000
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The Session voted to sell the metal folding chairs (previously used for the Chicken Barbecue) and green/yellow wooden chairs. The price for the metal chairs is $1 and the green/yellow wooden chairs $2. If you are interested please contact the church office at 326-2643
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JUNE 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
2nd
Patty Benton
Courtney Diehl
Matt Robbins
Cassandra Rogers
Joe Seminatore
3rd
Sharon Bane
5th
Alexander Deakin
6th
Elaine Morse
7th
Rob Saunders
8th
David Carr
Sarah Fritz
9th
David Gross
11th
Linda Horton
Mitchell Mead
Bev Yeaney
13th
Kathy Ricketts
14th
Dominic Crumb
17th
Tom Gross
19th
Gloria Colgrove
20th
Libbey Locke
21st
Ralph Wilson
Tesla Wright
23rd
Kari Knopp
Brittany Mead
24th
Gregory Schroeder
JUNE ANNIVERSARIES
A special Anniversary Prayer...
That God's Eternal love
Will fill your heart this day
With joy and blessings from above
2nd
Daryn & Rachael Coon
5th
Joe & Erin Seminatore
6th
Brian & Dona Hayes
Steve & Elaine Morse
9th
Harry & Connie Barton
14th
Chris & Teresa Barton
21st
Don & Candy Hamilton
22nd
Ralph & Janice Wilson
25th
Tom & Sue Gross
29th
Can & Wendy Tenamore
Friday, June 2
7:30 p.m.
Camp Fire
~ Church Lawn ~
Sunday, June 4
8:30 a.m.
Family Worship
9:00 a.m.
Christian Nurture ~ Adult Education
10:00 a.m.
Family Worship
~ Communion ~
Monday, June 5
7:00 p.m.
Mission/Outreach
Wednesday, June 7
9:00 a.m.
Worship & Music
Saturday, June 10
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
80th Birthday Celebration for Gloria Colgrove
~ Noble Winery ~
Sunday, June 11
9:00 a.m.
Christian Nurture ~ Adult Education
10:00 a.m.
Family Worship
~ Sunday School Student & Teacher Recognition ~
Thursday, June 15
7:00 p.m.
Celtic Vespers Service
Sunday, June 18
10:00 a.m.
Family Worship
~ Father's Day ~
Monday, June 19
7:00 p.m.
Deacon Meeting
Wednesday, June 21
9:00 a.m.
Property & Finance
Sunday, June 25
9:00 a.m.
Christian Nuture ~ Adult Education
10:00 a.m.
Family Worship
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Our Pride, Our Flag
~ By Roger W. Hancock ~
The American Flag means much to all,
opportunity for some, to better their lot.
Life in freedom the dream to live out,
ponder the Red, White and Blue.
Sacrifice of blood the seed of liberty,
responsibility to all to keep the treasure.
Fight or vote your duty is sure.
Pay tribute to the Red, White and Blue.
Bravery in sacrifice displayed by red,
purity of liberty, shown in white.
Justice for all within the blue.
Freedom colors; Red, White and Blue.
One star now for each of fifty states,
First thirteen states one strip for each.
Unity in diversity in our union's strength.
Power shown in the Red, White and Blue.
The union of white stars on blue,
when flag displayed, is on the left.
Red, white stripes stretching right
Display it right the Red, White and Blue.
As we read from left to right,
display the flag to prominent left.
When on the platform it's to your right.
Salute with pride the Red, White and Blue.
The American Flag the pride of all,
of conservative right to liberal left.
Consider freedom, consider truth,
do it proud for the Red, White and Blue.
