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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. - 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday
Office: (716) 326-2643 Fax: (716) 793-6019
Website:
E-Mail:
Transitional Pastor Catherine Rieley-Goddard crgwestfield@gmail.com (716) 310-6860 Administrative Assistant Polly M Knopp
Custodian Brenda McCutcheon
Deacon of the Month February 2017 Richard Schroeder
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Thank God for Little Things
Thank You, God, for little things
that often come our way ~
The things we take for granted
but don't mention when we pray ~
The unexpected courtesy,
the thoughtful, kindly deed ~
A hand reached out to help us
in the time of sudden need ~
Oh, make us more aware, dear God,
of little daily graces
That come to us with "sweet surprise"
from never-dreamed-of places.
"Blessed be the Lord,
who daily loadeth us with benefits..."
Psalms 68: 19
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Dear Friends,
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Mission/Outreach News....
Pennies for Hunger
Our church will again receive the "Pennies for Hunger" offering the last Sunday of every month in 2017. During the month, have a jar or basket on your kitchen or dining room table. Each member of the family may put in two cents for each meal. Then bring all the pennies the last Sunday of the month. If everyone does this, you will be amazed at how much we can raise to help feed the hungry. This would amount to about $1.80 per person each month. Multiply that by 50 and we could raise at least $90 during that time, or more than $1,000 per year.
"Souper" Bowl Luncheon
The Mission Committee invites you to its annual "Souper" Bowl get-together after church on Sunday, February 5. Come and join your friends for a bowl of homemade soup, salad, bread and a dessert. Coffee, tea and juice will be provided. A suggested donation of $10.00 is requested along with a can of soup(s) which will be given to the Westfield Food Pantry.
There will be NO charge for children and/or students.
Westfield Community Kitchen
For the month of February, 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!
Angel Tree
The Church received the following "Thank you" note from Union Relief for our participation in the Angel Tree gifts: "Your special ways and generous heart make a beautiful difference. Thank you so much." A personal note was added: "Thank you for the many angel gifts you provided to Union Relief for needy children in our community. Your generosity helped us provide gifts to 140 children this year.
Blessings, Janet Greene"
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2016 Harvest Dinners
Income/Expenses
September 30
Served 139, Receipts $1,405.00, Expenses $77.27, Profit $1,327.73
October 7
Served 104, Receipts $1,066.00, Expenses $126.15, Profit $939.85
October 14
Served 72, Receipts $710.00, Expenses $123.42, Profit $586.58
October 21
Served 69, Receipts $710.00, Expenses $127.90, Profit $582.10
October 28
Served 120, Receipts $1,135.00, Expenses $98.34, Profit $1,036.66
For 2016 total dinners served 504, Receipts $5,026.00, Expenses $553.08, Profit $4,472.92
Income/Expense History of the Harvest Dinners
2009
Served 324, Receipts 2,745.98, Expenses $532.56, Profit $2,213.42
2010
Served 295, Receipts $3,144.61, Expenses $484.61, Profit $2,660.00
2011
Served 343, Receipts $3,486.40, Expenses $503.40, Profit $2,983.00
2012
There was a sixth meal served after church due to the amount of left-overs from a Friday dinner. This creased the receipts as well as profit.
Served 351, Receipts $3,707.00, Expenses $496.53, Profit $3,209.47
2013
Served 359, Receipts $3,786.00, Expenses $522.90, Profit $3,263.31
2014
Served 403, Receipts $4,147.00, Expenses $551.62, Profits $3,595.38
2015
Served 458, Receipts $4,700.00, Expenses $545.83, Profit $4,154.92
2016
Served 5094, Receipts $5,026.00, Expenses $553.08, Profit $4,472.92
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BUY A CHAIR
In recent years the Women’s Association has purchased light weight tables and sponsored a successful campaign to buy chairs for Fellowship Hall. Recently we had an event where all the tables and available chairs were used but some guests had to stand up for lack of accommodations. This highlighted the need for more tables and chairs in order to maximize the space in Fellowship Hall. To accomplish this, four tables, 100 chairs and a storage rack would be required. This would enable the replacement of all the old chairs, many of which are becoming unsafe.
To make this possible the Women’s Association is initiating a “BUY A CHAIR” appeal and asking donors to help meet this need. The cost for a new chair is $20, tables are $50 and a rack is $175.
If you wish to help with this project, there will be specially marked envelopes in the pews or cash/checks made payable to the Women’s Association which may be left in the office.
Thank you in advance for your support in equipping Fellowship Hall to full seating capacity. Then accommodations will be available for crowds we hope to have at future events.
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You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored?...You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Matthew 5: 13 - 16
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Care Kits for Homeless Veterans
The Southwest Branch of the Presbytery will be assembling 70 care kits for homeless veterans in our area. At the February branch meeting the care kits will be assembled. We are asking members and friends to donate items for the kits. The needed are as follows: small Kleenex packs, pens and small pads of paper. The items can be dropped off at the church office by February 21.
the simple solution to community fundraising
As a church we are participating in TOPS Markets "Cash for Causes" program. We have purchaed 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 grociers! There is no additional cost for you; you simploy use the gift card. Cards are available in $25, $50 and $100 denominations. Please call (326-2643) or stop into the church office to purchase a gift card.
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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 Thursday, January 12, 2017.
Actions taken at the meeting are summarized as follows:
~ Received the Treasurer and Deacon reports.
~ As recommended by the Worship & Music Committee the following 2017 Communion dates were approved: January 8 (Formal), February 5, March 1 - Ash Wednesday, March 5, April 16 (Formal) - Easter, May 7, June 4, July 2, August 6, September 3, October 1 (Formal) - Worldwide Communion, November 5 and December 3.
~ As recommended by the Property & Finance Committee the 2017 Budget was approved.
~ Approved the use of the Sanctuary by Lake Shore Center for the Arts on September 6, 8 and 15 for the production of "Harvest Moon" and December 15 for "It's a Wonderful Life" with a dinner in Fellowship Hall prior the the productions.
~ Approved the change to the third sentence for Item #13, Nominating Committee of the By-Laws to the following: "And the congregation shall elect four (4) additional other members, none of whom can be currently serving on the Session or Board of Deacons, to serve for a one (1) year term." The change to the by-laws will be approved at a future congregational meeting.
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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 Near, Betty Reid, Enid Beadle, Bev & Les Yeaney, Norma Vanderpool, Don Strobl, Gloria Colgrove, Tammy Rothwell, Dorothy Near, Erma Lloyd, Lillian Saunders.
Family and Friends of our Congregation
Darrell Colgrove, Mary Grygier (Sister of Elaine Parker), Mike Strada (Brother of Elaine Parker), Jeff Greabell, Abigail Jopek, The Pandolph/Peary Families (Friends of John Daily), Cathy Vilardo-Strobl and Lois Lindstrom.
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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Celebrations of Eternal Life...
Our deepest sympathy as a congregation is extended to the families and friends upon the death of their loved ones:
Kathryn D. "Dee" Jensen ~ Monday, January 16, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with all who have lost loved ones recently.
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Per Capita
The PER CAPITA is an amount of money assessed each member of the local church for the administrative costs of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Churhc (USA), the Synod of the Northeast, and the Presbytery of WNY. The church pays approximately $35.00 per each active member of the congregation for the Per Capita.
Any contribution to help defray the costs the Per Capita expense would be appreciated. Please make your check payable to First Presbyterina Church, earmarked "Per Capita ~ Ecclesiastical Apportionment" and mail to the church office or place in the offering plate on Sunday morning.
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FINANCIAL REPORT
Income through December: $190,830.98
(2016 Pledges Paid to Date: $76,063.00)
Expenses through December 31, 2016: $187,578.01
Investment Funds used through December 31, 2016: $41,015.00
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The Church has a "Donate Now" button on our website ~ steeplesinthepark.com. To donate to our church and ministry, simply click on the donate table 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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2017 Stewardship Update...
Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9: 7
To date total pledging unit is 48 for a total giving of $55,970.00
There is, of course, still time for any and/or all of those members of First Presbyterian Church who have not pledged to do so.
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Celtic Vespers Service
Thursday, February 16, 2017
7:00 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church of Westfield will host a Celtic Vespers service in February. This service is influenced by and based upon ancient Celtic worship as well as its modern survivals in worship communities much like the famous Ional Community in Scotland. Celtic Vespers is a beautiful service of evening prayer and will feature responsorial Psalms, prayers from the Carmina Gadelica, music based on Celtic tunes and a recitation of the Lord's Prayer in Gaelic. Please join First Presbyterain Church at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, February 16 ~ and bring your family and friends!
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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
Mae Machemer
2nd
Ralph Bohall
Tim Truitt
4th
Larry McGuinn
Brenda Steele
5th
Dean Mead
9th
Jennifer Barber Banschback
14th
Dean Gollnitz
15th
Ryan Norton
Cole Tenamore
Montana Truitt
18th
Mindi Guest
Al Hall
19th
Carolyn Bills
23rd
Barry Wright
24th
Peter Bills
Mary Beth Boyle
Ople Gollnitz
Erica Sanderson
25th
Gini Gollnitz
26th
Brenda Nelson-Rathmell
28th
Jeremy Riedesel
ANNIVERSARIES
A special Anniversary Prayer...
That God's Eternal love
Will fill your heart this day
With joy and blessings from above
7th
Cindy & Doug Norton
18th
Bonnie & John Wysard
23rd
Trudy & Wade Gollnitz
Wednesday, February 1
9:00 a.m.
Worship & Music Meeting
Sunday, February 5
10:00 a.m.
Choir Rehearsal
Sunday School
Christian Nurture ~ Adult Education
11:00 a.m.
Family Worship
12:00 Noon
"Souper" Bowl Luncheon
Monday, February 6
7:00 p.m.
Mission/Outreach Meeting
Thursday, February 9
5:00 p.m.
Session Meeting
Sunday, February 12
10:00 a.m.
Choir Rehearsal
Sunday School
Christian Nurture ~ Adult Education
11:00 a.m
Family Worship
~ Ordination/Installation of Church Officers
Thursday, February 16
7:00 p.m.
Celtic Vespers Service
Sunday, February 19
10:00 a.m.
Choir Rehearsal
Sunday School
Christian Nurture ~ Adult Education
11:00 a.m.
Family Worship
12:00 Noon
Pot Luck Luncheon
Monday, February 20
Presidents' Day
Church Office Closed
7:00 p.m.
Deacon Meeting
Sunday, February 26
~ Transfiguration of the Lord ~
10:00 a.m.
Choir Rehearsal
Sunday School
Christian Nurture ~ Adult Education
11:00 a.m.
Family Worship
12:00 Noon
Coffee Hour
~ Hosted by the Deacon's ~
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The Smile Virus
Smiling is infectious,
you catch it like the flu,
When someone smiled at me today,
I started smiling too.
I passed around the corner
and someone saw my grin;
When he smiled I realized
I'd passed it on to him.
I thought about that smile
then I realized its worth.
A single smile, just like mine
could travel round the earth.
So, if you feel a smile begin,
don't leave it undetected.
Let's start an epidemic quick,
and get the world infected!
