|
The Chronicle
is
Published by
First Presbyterian Church 49 South Portage Street Westfield, New York
JULY/AUGUST 2016 |
Church Office Hours 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 Noon Monday through Friday
Office: (716) 326-2643 Fax: (716) 793-6019
Website:
E-Mail:
Pastor Dana A. Vaughn
Administrative Assistant Polly M Knopp
Custodian Brenda McCutcheon
Deacon of the Month July 2016 Janet Odell August 2016 Elaine Parker |
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God in the Seasons
~ by Joanna Fuchs ~
Lord,
In Spring we are reminded
of the magnificence of Your creation,
as the earth is covered in verdant green,
with splendid splashes of color,
and we witness birth everywhere,
of animals bearing their young,
of buds turning into leaves and flowers
and our own moods being reborn
with renewed energy and life.
Lord,
in Summer, we remember
the warmth of Your love for us
and the light of Your goodness.
Both are everywhere for those who look.
Thank You for butterflies,
birds and wildlife for us to enjoy,
water to swim in,
and weather that frees us to romp and play
while outdoor pleasures are at their peak.
Lord,
In Fall, we thank you for Your cooling breezes,
that bring relief from the relentless summer heat.
We see bright colors fading and dying,
leaves turning brown, crisp, disintegrating,
only to be reborn next year,
reminding us that every living thing, including us,
must die in some way before being reborn.
Lord,
In Winter, as white snow blankets the ground,
we are reminded of Your purity and Your perfection.
The complexity and beauty of each single snowflake
only hints at Your transcendent intelligence and creativity.
We hunker down and snuggle in,
knowing this season will wind down
and Spring will reappear, as it always has
because You created an orderly, predictable universe,
not by chance, but from your flawless design.
Thank you for the seasons, Lord,
and everything in them
that You created for our enjoyment.
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Dear Friends Near and Far,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to inform you that after much discernment and prayerful consideration, I have accepted a call to another parish. I will begin serving as the Solo Pastor for a church in North Carolina starting in August.
This decision was difficult to make as I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at First Presbyterian Church. It is bitter sweet news to share with you all, as the opportunity to be closer to my family is certainly tempered with sadness, as I prepare to make my transition back down south. It is hard to leave a congregation that I truly value and love. However, I know God is calling me in a new and different direction.
I trust and believe in God's calling, not only for my own life but for the life of First Presbyterian as well. I feel confident that God is steadily at work in this church and will continue to lead you to new heights. I know there are great things ahead for First Presbyterian.
It has truly been an honor and a privilege to have served as your pastor. I am so grateful for of all the love, support and encouragement I have received along the way. It has been a great stop on my journey. One in which I will cherish forever. First Presbyterian and Westfield, NY will always hold a special place in my heart.
I join Paul in saying:
I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:3–6).
My last day will be in five weeks, on July 24th. We will hold a congregational meeting on that same day to vote on the dissolution of the pastoral relationship. I invite you to come visit me directly if there are any questions or if you would like additional information. As always, please feel free to contact me anytime at (540) 204-6930.
Your Pastor and friend,
Dana
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Reception for Pastor Dana
Sunday, July 24, will be Pastor Dana's last Sunday here at First Presbyterian Church. Please join us in the Parlor for a reception in her honor following the 10:00 a.m. Family worship.
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Mission/Outreach News....
Westfield Food Pantry ~ The month of JULY is the month for the First Presbyterian Church to collect food for the Westfield Food Pantry ~ paper goods, canned goods, soups, pasta, etc. Donations can be placed in the shopping cart located outside the sanctuary at the Portage Street entrance. The Pantry appreciates any and all donations!
The Mission Committee will host a yard sale at the home of Marjory Fritz on the weekend of July 29 and 30, to raise funds for on-going mission causes throughout the year. All parishioners 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 are asking that no clothing, large appliances or electronic items 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.) Items will be accepted beginning the week of July 18.
Looking ahead...the committee will host a "Welcome Back" picnic following worship on September 11.
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Getting to know you.....
Please join us at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, July 8, at the home of Phil and Linda Young on Bliss Road, and Friday, August 5, here at the church for a bonfire. It is 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! Plan to bring your own lawn chair. The Fellowship Committee will supply s'more making supplies.
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Thursday, July 21
and
Thursday, August 18
7:00 p.m.
Influenced by and based on ancient Celtic worship as well as its 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, July 21 and Thursday, August 18 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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2016 Chicken Barbecue Volunteers!
The 2016 Arts and Crafts Festival will take place on Friday, July 29, and Saturday, July 30, when our church will hold its annual chicken barbecue. Chicken dinners will be served on Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (or until the chicken is gone) and Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (or until the chicken is gone). This is the most profitable fundraiser the church has for the year. VOLUNTEERS for this event are NECESSARY for it to be successful. You can volunteer by calling Mike Ricketts/753-7831 or the church office/3262643.
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!
DELIVERIES ~ if you would like a chicken BBQ dinner and it is difficult for you to pick up your dinner, the church will offer delivery. Please call the church office/326-2643 by Wednesday, July 27, to place your order.
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VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Mid-August 2016
(dates will be announced in the Sunday bulletins)
"Camp Courage"
Get excited for a camping adventure! We'll sing songs, read Bible stories, make crafts and eat tasty treats! So join us this year for s'more fun at
Vacation Bible School.
If you would like to volunteer for VBS, donate snacks or give a donation toward supplies, please contact the church office/326-2643.
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Presbyterian Women's News...
ALL women of the church are invited to a picnic:
Tuesday, August 9
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
at Marilynne Northrop's
6722 Munson Road, Westfield
Please bring a dish to pass and a lawn chair.
The beverage and main entree will be provided. Transportation is available. Please call Ann Wise/793-9651 or the church office/326-2643.
COMING UP -- the Harvest dinners will be held on Fridays from September 30 through October 28. Information and sign-up sheets will be available in late summer. Volunteers are needed!
The Presbyterian Women's next meeting will be Tuesday, August 2, at 11:00 a.m. in the church parlor. All women of the church are welcome!
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"How sweet are thy words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth."
Psalm 119: 103
Please join us for an Ice Cream Social in the Parlor following worship on August 14. The Fellowship Committee will be serving chocolate, vanilla and strawberry ice cream with toppings of your choice.
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Save the Date!
The Annual Deacon "Picnic" will be held on
Monday, August 15, at 6:00 p.m. at
the Carlson Community Center
Lakeside Park, Mayville
Please bring your APPETITE! Food, beverage and table service will be provided. Come join the fellowship and fun.
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the simple solution to community fundraising
As a church we are participating in TOPS Markets "Cash for Causes" program. We have purchased 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 are available in $25, $50 and $100 denominations. Please call or stop in the church office to purchase a gift card.
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There are a few items that need attention inside and outside of the church building. We are reaching out to members and friends to help. If you would like to help in any way - by contributing your time, labor or resources - please contact the church office at 326-2643.
* Painting the Kitchenette.
** Miscellaneous outside trim painting.
** A new Portage Street entrance mat with the Presbyterian Church (USA) logo. The approximate cost is $400.00.
** Any fundraising suggestions.
** Minor painting in the Sanctuary.
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Clerk's Pen(cil) II
Following the call to order by Moderator Rev. Dana A. Vaughn and devotions and prayer by Beth Cluchey the Session took up the work of the church on Tuesday, June 9, 2016.
Actions taken at the meeting are summarized as follows:
~ Received the treasurer's report for the month of May 2016.
~ Approved the minutes of May 26, 2016
~ Changed the "Use of Building" guidelines for item III: the fees for the minister, organist and custodian for non-members will be negotiable. Included "any deviations must be cleared by the pastor." Also added, "No furnishings to be moved without permission."
Other Business...
~ Kay Barlow will be substitute organist on June 19 and 26, July 10 and 17. Brad Jopek will substitute on July 3.
~ A special coffee hosted by the Worship & Music Committee will be held on June 12 in honor of the 2016 Graduates.
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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, Prudence Putnam, Doc Near, Betty Reid, Enid Beadle, Bev & Les Yeaney, Norma Vanderpool, Don Strobl and Gloria Colgrove.
Family and Friends of our Congregation
Darrell Colgrove, Dee Jensen, Mary Grygier (Sister of Elaine Parker), Mike Strada (Brother of Elaine Parker), Jeff Greabell, Pauline Emilson, Abigail Jopek, The Pandolph/Peary Families (Friends of John Daily), Pam Goldych (Sister-in-Law of Marie Edwards), Tony Mele.
Our Servicemen.
Capt. Christopher Kittle
Chief Petty Officer, James "JD" Watkins (Grandson of Betty Reid)
SGT2 Arnold Soto (Grandson of Darla Augur)
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Income through May 31st: $71,524.71
(2016 Pledges Paid to Date: $35,477.00)
Expenses through May 31st: $68,405.57
Investment Funds used through May 31st: $16,325.00
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The Church recently 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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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
JULY
1st
Jackie Crandall
Hannah Tenamore
2nd
Mark Smith
5th
Cameron Corbett
6th
Elaine Parker
Ruth Stacy
10th
Richard Barney
11th
Robbie Gollnitz
Wendy Tenamore
12th
Linda McGuinn
13th
Jessika Fisher
Sara Fochtman
16th
Luke Smith
17th
Lewis Kocher
Hank Lynn
Kathy Machemer
18th
Tom Deakin
20th
Josh Helman
22nd
Mark Gollnitz
23rd
Aaron Esperson
24th
Melanie Truitt
25th
Eric Edwards
Pat Hayes
John Machemer
26th
Rebecca Barton
28th
Katie Guest
30th
Can Tenamore
31st
Amy Gregory
AUGUST
1st
Nancy Peters
2nd
Gwen Farver
3rd
Giles Bills
4th
Andy Deakin
Elaine Hall
Jean McCausland
5th
Jamie Scarpine
Jill Scarpine
7th
Ryan Bennett
8th
Mike Cluchey
Don Hamilton
9th
Linda Barber
10th
Sara Johnson
Cathi Wright
12th
Betty Reid
13th
Shelly Freyn
Trudy Gollnitz
Ramona Luder
14th
Connie Barton
Melanie McCutcheon
15th
Derek Edwards
16th
Kaylee Wilson
17th
Wade Gollnitz
Mary Ann Kolpien
Hannah Schultz
Payton Truitt
18th
Tracy Bennett
Cindy Norton
19th
Alec Freyn
Emelie Nixon Alexander
21st
Jake Knopp
22nd
Barb Kittle
Bill Locke
Paul Odell
23rd
Tom Lemke
24th
Heather Dunbar
Bob Rau
25th
Joe McMaster
Kathy Monroe
26th
Domenic Cusimano
30th
Prudence Putnam
ANNIVERSARIES
A special Anniversary Prayer...
That God's Eternal love
Will fill your heart this day
With joy and blessings from above
July
10th
Bill & Gail Locke
12th
Rob & Ricki Schofield
16th
Mark & Gini Gollnitz
19th
Gregg & Jenell Long
21st
Walter & Elaine Parker
29th
Peter & Carolyn Bills
AUGUST
1st
David & Beverly Carr
3rd
Chris & Melanie Truitt
11th
Dean & Sherry Mead
12th
Paul & Gwen Farver
Paul & Janet Odell
13th
Dean & Mary Jo Gollnitz
Matt & Karen Swank
16th
Andy & Ann Deakin
Peter & Crhis Trump
18th
Brian & Lisa Fochtman
20th
Jim & Penny Deakin
22nd
John & Kathy Machemer
23rd
Jim & Mary Beth Boyle
Larry & Linda McGuinn
27th
Mike & Beth Cluchey
28th
Mike & Kathy Ricketts
29th
Bill & Martha Bills
30th
Ralph & Gloria Wakeley
Sunday, July 3
9:00 a.m.
Christian Nurture ~ Adult Education
10:00 a.m.
Family Worship
Monday, July 4
Church Office Closed
Tuesday, July 5
Church Office Closed
Thursday, July 7
9:00 a.m.
Worship & Music
Friday, July 8
Summer Bonfire
~ at Phil & Linda Youngs home ~
Saturday, July 9
11:00 a.m.
Memorial Service for Mary Beckman
Sunday, July 10
9:00 a.m.
Christian Nurture ~ Adult Education
Thursday, July 14
5:00 p.m.
Session Meeting
Sunday, July 17
9:00 a.m.
Christian Nurture ~ Adult Education
10:00 a.m.
Family Worship
Wednesday, July 20
9:00 a.m.
Property & Finance Meeting
Thursday, July 21
Celtic Vespers Service
Sunday, July 24
9:00 a.m.
Christian Nurture ~ Adult Education
10:00 a.m.
Family Worship
Friday, July 29
11:00 a.m. - 'til
Chicken Barbecue
Saturday, July 30
11:00 a.m. - 'til
Chicken Barbecue
Sunday, July 31
9:00 a.m.
Christian Nurture ~ Adult Education
10:00 a.m.
Family Worship
Tuesday, August 2
11:00 a.m.
Presbyterian Women's Meeting
Wednesday, August 3
9:00 a.m.
Worship & Music Meeting
Friday, August 5
8:00 p.m.
Summer Bonfire
~ at the church ~
Sunday, August 7
9:00 a.m.
Christian Nurture ~ Adult Education
10:00 a.m.
Family Worship
Tuesday, August 9
6 p.m.
Presbyterian Women's Picnic
~ at Marilynne Northrop's ~
Thursday, August 11
5:00 p.m.
Session Meeting
Sunday, August 14
9:00 a.m.
Christian Nurture ~ Adult Education
10:00 a.m.
Family Worship
11:00 a.m.
Ice Cream Social
~ Hosted by Fellowship Committee ~
Monday, August 15
6:00 p.m.
Deacon Picnic
Lakeside Park - Mayville
Thursday, August 18
7:00 p.m.
Celtic Vespers Service
Sunday, August 21
9:00 a.m.
Christian Nurture ~ Adult Education
10:00 a.m.
Family Worship
Sunday, August 28
7:00 p.m.
Movie Night
~ Church Parlor ~
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Lest we Forget
Fireworks and cookouts
And time spent with friends.
Swimming and playing
The good times never end.
Best lest we forget
The reason for today
Let's all say it now
Happy Independence Day!
