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The Chronicle
is
Published by
First Presbyterian Church 49 South Portage Street Westfield, New York
2018 |
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:
Pastor Ronald L. Sumption ronaldsumption@live.com (319) 432-8650 Administrative Assistant Polly M. Knopp
Custodian Brenda McCutcheon
Deacon of the Month April 2018
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Easter Joy
~ by Joanna Fuchs ~
Jesus came to earth,
To show us how to live,
How to put others first,
How to love and how to give.
Then He set about His work,
That God sent Him to do;
He took our punishment on Himself;
He made us clean and new.
He could have saved Himself,
Calling angels from above,
But He chose to pay our price for sin;
He paid it out of love.
Our Lord died on Good Friday,
But the cross did not destroy
His resurrection on Easter morn
That fills our hearts with joy.
Now we know our earthly death,
Like His, is just a rest.
We'll be forever with Him
In heaven, where life is best.
So we live our lives for Jesus,
Think of Him in all we do.
Thank you Savior; Thank you Lord.
Help us love like you!
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“ ’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ ” (Jeremiah 29:11, TNIV)
Dear Saints and Friends of the First Presbyterian Church of Westfield,
Last week we concluded a six-week Leadership Training session attended by eleven Session members and Deacons. Our study was based on a book by Paul Nixon called: I Refuse to Lead a Dying Church. This short book is a six-part manifesto about ministry in the mainline protestant context in the twenty-first century, written for church leaders, lay and clergy.
The premise of the book is that God intends every servant of the Resurrected Christ to be a servant of life. God has called leaders, lay and clergy together, to lead healthy, growing spiritual movements. It is the author’s belief that God invites every church in every sort of community setting to thrive! It is the author’s contention that any church can blossom and grow anywhere if it will become healthy enough spiritually and pay attention to the needs, experiences and sensibilities of those it seeks to serve.
The author, Paul Nixon, notes that most protestant denominations and congregations are preoccupied with a wide-ranging variety of holy tasks, such as issues of social witness, creating affordable housing, or just working conditions for the poor. These and the many other issues we are concerned about are holy issues, but if we are not creating more disciples to follow Jesus and serve humanity in these respects, our efforts will dry up in coming years. If we can’t reproduce disciples, we will dry up.
Nixon goes on to delineate characteristics that growing churches have in common, one of which is that most growing churches believe in evangelism – at least to the degree that they want new people in their ranks. The book presents six choices that need to be made by congregations that want to thrive, choices that can transform our congregation’s members, our church leaders, our church and the community we serve.
In the days ahead, I will share more with you, “unpacking” the information we have absorbed and some initial actions we hope to implement to help us at First Presbyterian Church of Westfield claim and live into God’s promise found in Jeremiah: “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future,’” (Jeremiah 29:11, TNIV).
Yours in Christ’s love and service,
Rev. Ron Sumption
P.S. It is very important that as many of our members as possible are involved in
planning for, and participating in, efforts to help our congregation thrive.
The leadership training mentioned above will be offered again in the near future.
Please prayerfully consider participating, then contact either Polly or me in the
church office.
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Thank you, every one!
WOW! Did you see all those people down stairs after the Sunday (3/25) church service? Awesome; absolutely awesome! And, when I got home, I opened a few cards, one of which really hit me. The front page, by Helen Keller, was (and still is):
The BEST and most BEAUTIFUL things in the world cannot be seen or even touched, but must be felt with the HEART – inside: My heart is thankful for you! That’s what you all said on the inside. I’m sure you don’t mind if I copy that and use it to thank you all for the most breathtaking, friendly surprise!
I’ll be thinking of you often and all that you do for those in need; for those who contribute their time to keep First Presbyterian alive; for those who also have a sense of humor and more.
As I now go to another place to add to the many churches I’ve learned from, {Westfield has been the longest- 47years} a friend told me there is a Presbyterian Church a hop, skip and jump from where I’ll be living. Guess where I’ll be Sunday mornings!!!
Although I leave with a few tears, I look forward to a new experience, a new kind of living, new everything. However, I’ll never forget all of you. May God be with you always,
Ann
P.S. Thank you so much for the beautiful painting of the church. I will treasure it forever.
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THE SESSION
Class of 2018
Hank Lynn
Jane McMaster
Diane Scarpine
Class of 2019
John Daily
Will Northrop
Mike Ricketts
Class of 2020
Marion Eno
Bob Rau
Jamie Scarpine
BOARD OF DEACONS
Class of 2018
Vacancy
Trudy Gollnitz
Sherry Mead
Barb Sanders
Class 0f 2019
Carolyn Bills
Dean Mead
Pat Sciarrino
Judy Sumption
Class of 2020
Sharon Humphrey
Elaine Parker
Mark Smith
Nancy Smith
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Mission/Outreach News....
"You shall be called repairers of the breach" Isaiah 58
Sharing God's love with our neighbors in-need around the world by providing relief from natural disasters, food for the hungry, and support for the poor and oppressed.
Jesus' ministry was among those who were most vulnerable. He preached good news to the poor and release to the captives. One Great Hour of Sharing helps us share this same good news to those same vulnerable people in our world today: those who are hungry, who are suffering from disaster, who are dealing with oppression in society.
While we trust our OGHS programs to respond to the needs of our poorest and hungriest neighbors, those programs can only do so to the extent of our generosity. We ask you to consider giving to the OGHS offering - you'll see how giving opens your heart to God's work in your own life. So we hope that you will join us on Easter, April 1, and that you'll join Christians all across the country in opening their heart to witness tangibly to the abundant love of God through One Great Hour of Sharing.
Envelopes for the offering will be available in the pew racks or you can mail your gift to the church office earmarked, "2018 OGHS" Please give generously!
Personal Care Items
April is our month to collect Personal Care items for the Westfield Food Pantry. Items needed: Toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, denture care products, men's shaving items, women's personal care items, shampoo, conditioner, bar soap and hand lotion. Please try to contribute some of these needed items for those less fortunate. Items can be placed in the shopping cart at the entrance to the church or in the church office. The pantry greatly appreciates our help!
Buckhorn Children & Family Services has had a 115 year history of providing quality programs intended to improve the lives of at-risk children, youth and their families. Buckhorn is now
facing critical financial circumstances which threaten
the continued existence of Buckhorn, its history and mission to provide a sanctuary of healht, healing and hope for at-risk
children, youth and families. This financial crisis is due
in large part to the costs of caring for the children and youth in their care. To help their financial crisis the Mission Committee has adopted two fundraising projects to help raise fund for Buckhorn.
KEEP SAVING THOSE DIMES!
"Dimes for Buckhorn." In September 2017 we began filling three 2 liter bottles with dimes. Each 2 liter bottle results in approximately $400. The bottles are located at the entrances to the sanctuary or you can bring them to the church office.
Buck(s) for Buckorn Children & Family Services: There will be boxes labeled "Buck(s) for Buckhorn" at the entrances to the sanctuary.
One dollar at a time we can help financially support at-risk children at
Buckhorn Children & Family Services
Chosen International Medical Assistance needs your shoes! Everyone has shoes they are no longer wearing, and don't know what to with, right? Chosen International Medical Assistance partners with funds2org to collect your used shoes. The shoes (including sneakers, boots, sandals, etc.) will be used to create and sustain micro-enterprise opportunities for low income entrepreneurs in developing nations. They will also stay out of landfills, AND, the more shoes collected, the more money Chosen IMA receives to continue its ministries! It's a Win, Win, Win! You can drop off your shoes at the church office or drop in a box located at the Portage Street entrance. Please rubber band each pair of shoes together. Thank you!
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Please prayerfully consider what is happening in our church, then address the following questions:
What one new idea would you like to see implemented in our church?
What role are you willing to take to see that new idea implemented in our church?
Also, to help improve communication, please provide your preferred email address.
Please mail or email (onestpresby@fairpoint.net) your responses to the church office. All responses will be given to Session and kept confidential.
Thank your for your help!
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April 19, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. the Presbyterian Women's Association will hold a workshop on Human Trafficking. Presented by Jessica McKeever, Chautauqua County Safe Harbor Coordinator and Community Educator from YWCA of Jamestown. Learn more about this global emergency that is reaching the lives of people in the Southern Tier.
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KITCHEN SHOWER ITEMS RECEIVED
February 2018
THANKS TO ALL WHO CONTRIBUTED TO THIS PROJECT. THE KITCHEN IS NOW WELL SUPPLIED WITH ITEMS USED MOST OFTEN.
38 DISH TOWELS
11 DISH CLOTHS
12 POT HOLDERS
5 OVEN MITTS
88 TALL KITCHEN BAGS
33 ROLLS OF PAPER TOWELS
600 VANITY FAIR NAPKINS
760 PAPER DESSERT PLATES
80 GALLON ZIPLOC STORAGE BAGS
180 QUART ZIPLOC STORAGE BAGS
28 GALLON ZIPLOC FREEZER BAGS
216 QUART ZIPLOC STORAGE BAGS
5-28OZ, 3-8OZ, & 1-90OZ DAWN DISHWASHING LIQUID
79.5 OZ REGULAR COFFEE
61 OZ. DECAF COFFEE
1000 WHITE PLACEMATS
24 CANS STERNO
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Chautauqua Area Habitat for Humanity:Habitat is currently renovating a home at 35 Beckman Avenue, Westfield.
To volunteer – the work sessions are from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every Saturday. No special skills are needed.If you would like to provide refreshments for the Habitat Volunteers please contact Debbie Caruso at Hurblut Church, 347-4045. Refreshments
are needed for Saturday mornings at 10:00 a.m.
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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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Nothing quite like REAL flowers! In 2018 we will continue the effort to have fresh flowers in Church every Sunday. The Church Sanctuary is a living place and a place to experience all that God has created. Flower donation are made directly to the church. A donation of $25.00 will cover the cost for one week. If you request “Special” flowers, i.e. Roses, you will be notified of the additional cost so a donation can be made to cover the overage. Flower request forms are available on the table where bulletins are found or you can call the church office at 326-2643. Please complete and put in the offering plate.
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The Grocery List
~ Author Unknown ~
Louise Redden, a poorly dressed lady with a look of defeat on her face, walked into a grocery store. She approached the owner of the store in a most humble manner and asked if he would let her charge a few groceries. She softly explained that her husband was very ill and unable to work, they had seven children and they needed food. John Longhouse, the grocer, scoffed at her and requested that she leave his store. Visualizing the family needs, she said: Please, sir! I will bring you the money just as soon as I can." John told her he could not give her credit, as she did not have a charge account at his store.
Standing beside the counter was a customer who overheard the conversation between the two. The customer walked forward and told the grocer that he would stand good for whatever she needed for her family. The grocer said in a very reluctant voice, "Do you have a grocery list?" Louise replied, "Yes sir" "O.K." he said, "put your grocery list on the scales and whatever your grocery list weighs, I will give you that amount in groceries." Louise, hesitated a moment with a bowed head, then she reached into her purse and took out a piece of paper and scribbled something on it. She then laid the piece of paper on the scale carefully with her head still bowed.
The eyes of the grocer and the customer showed amazement when the scales went down and stayed down. The grocer, staring at the scales, turned slowly to the customer and said begrudgingly, "I can't believe it." The customer smiled and the grocer started putting the groceries on the other side of the scales. The scale did not balance so he continued to put more and more groceries on them until the scales would hold no more. The grocer stood there in utter disgust. Finally, he grabbed the piece of paper from the scales and looked at it with greater amazement.
It was not a grocery list, it was a prayer which said: "Dear Lord, you know my Needs and I am leaving this in your hands". The grocer gave her the groceries that he had gathered and stood in stunned silence. Louise thanked him and left the store. The customer handed a fifty-dollar bill to the grocer and said, "It was worth every penny of it."
Only God Knows how much a prayer weighs.
So many of us do not take advantage of the power God has given us. A prayer!
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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, Doc and Dorothy Near, Betty Reid, Enid Beadle, Bev & Les Yeaney, Norma Vanderpool, Gloria Wakeley, Lillian Saunders, Mark Robbins Barb Lynn, Ann Wise
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, Abigail Jopek, Walter Brown, Cody Crandall & Cindy Harper.
Our Servicemen
Chief Petty Officer, James "JD" Watkins (Grandson of Betty Reid)
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Celebrations of Eternal Life...
Our deepest sympathy as a congregation is extended to the families and friends upon the death of their loved ones:
Ruth C. Stacy ~ Wednesday, February 14, 2018
Ethel J. Scarpine ~ Monday, February 19, 2018
Tammy L. Rothwell ~ Saturday, March 17, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with all who have lost loved ones recently.
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FINANCIAL REPORT
Income through February 28: $22,952.366
(2018 Pledges Paid to Date: $14,942.00 )
Expenses through February 28: $26,844.41
Investment Funds used through February 28: $2,500.00
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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
April 1
Anneliza Barney
April 2
Linda Bennett
Bethany Ellis
April 3
Steve Stratton
Gloria Wakley
April 5
Kay Hall
April 6
Sam McMaster
April 7
Walter Parker
April 8
Brian Fochtman
Lisa Fochtman
Derek Gregory
Steve Morse
April 9
Catherine Barton
April 10
Rachael Coon
Erin Guest
April 10
Corry Robbins
April 15
Jani Barney
Jenell Long
April 16
Jeff Guest
April 18
Amanda Esperson
April 19
John Daily
Bonnie Wysard
April 21
Barb Sanders
April 22
Leslie McTavish
April 23
Martha Bills
Bill Bills
Gail Locke
April 24
Laura Bohall
Nancy Smith
April 26
Judy Sumption
April 27
Gregory Wilson
April 28
Jonathan Wilson
April 30
Betty Felton
Regan Helman
Peter Kunow
ANNIVERSARIES
A special Anniversary Prayer...
That God's Eternal love
Will fill your heart this day
With joy and blessings from above
April 5
Les & Beverly Yeaney
April 8
David & Jodi Wilson
April 15
Jeff & Mindi Guest
April 20
Mark & Patty Robbins
April 28
Bryan & Stella Kelley
Sunday, April 1
~ Easter ~
10:00 a.m.
Sunday School
Christian Nurture ~ Adult Education
Choir Rehearsal
11:00 a.m.
Family Worship
~ Baptism ~
12:00 Noon
Special Coffee
Monday, April 2
7:00 p.m.
Mission/Outreach Meeting
Tuesday, April 3
5:30 p.m.
Worship & Music Meeting
Sunday, April 8
10:00 a.m.
Sunday School
Christian Nurture ~ Adult Education
Choir Rehearsal
11:00 a.m.
Family Worship
Sunday, April 15
10:00 a.m.
Sunday School
Christian Nurture ~ Adult Education
Choir Rehearsal
11:00 a.m.
Family Worship
Monday, April 16
5:00 pm.
Session Meeting
7:00 p.m.
Deacon Meeting
Wednesday, April 18
9:00 a.m.
Property & Finance Meeting
Thursday, April 19
7:00 p.m.
Presbyterian Women's Meeting
Sunday, April 22
10:00 a.m.
Sunday School
Christian Nurture ~ Adult Education
Choir Reherasal
11:00 a.m.
Family Worship
Sunday, April 29
10:00 a.m.
Sunday School
Christian Nurture ~ Adult Education
Choir Rehearsal
11:00 a.m.
Family Worship
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The Jelly Bean Prayer for Easter
Red is for the blood He gave.
Green is for the grass He made.
Yellow is for the sun so bright.
Orange is for the edge of night.
Black is for the sins we made.
White is for the grace He gave.
Purple is for His hour of sorrow.
Pink is for a new tomorrow.
A handful of jelly beans,
Colourful and sweet,
Is a prayer, a promise,
A loved one's treat!
Happy Resurrection Sunday!
