The   Chronicle

 

is

 

Published by

 

First Presbyterian Church 

49 South Portage Street 

Westfield, New York  

 

 

 

  

April 2017

2017

 

Church Office Hours

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Monday through Friday

 

Office:  (716) 326-2643

Fax:  (716) 793-6019

 

Website:

www.steeplesinthepark.com

 

E-Mail:

onestpresby@fairpoint.net

 

Transitional Pastor

Catherine Rieley-Goddard

crgwestfield@gmail.com

(716) 310-6860 


Administrative Assistant

Polly M Knopp

 

Custodian

Brenda McCutcheon

 

Deacon of the Month

April 2017

Dean Mead

 

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Easter

Easter Love

By:  Joanna Fuchs


On Easter we celebrate love,

love coming down from heaven,

love blanketing the earth

in transforming embrace;

unique and infinite love,

giving more than we can imagine

for us, to cleanse our sin,

a perfect sacrifice, Lamb of God,

the walking, talking Word.

He is teacher, role model, friend,

this God in human form,

dying, then rising from the dead,

proving all who believe

will also rise

to have eternal life, with Him,

Lord of all.

Oh, Happy, Happy Easter!


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Easter1Dear Friends ,

 

The session recently decided it was time for us to purchase new Bibles for the pews. We have been using the Revised Standard Version for many years. Many of us are used to its language for our favorite passages. It feels like an old friend when we turn to it for comfort and understanding. But, times change, people change and our understanding of the language and how we speak with one another changes. So we have purchased a more recent translation, the Common English Bible (CEB), for use in our worship services.

 

This translation was completed in 2011. A group of denominations came together to support this new translation including the PCUSA, the United Church of Christ, the Disciples of Christ, the Episcopal Church and the United Methodist Church. They wanted to make the Bible accessible to new generations using more natural wording. It will sound different at first, particularly when you hear favorite passages. And it will bring fresh understanding as you hear different word choices. For example, the translators have chosen to use the word harass rather than persecute, human one rather than son of man.

 

The new Bibles are on their way. I encourage you to get to know them when they appear in the pews. We will use them for reading Psalms during worship in the coming months. You can also check out the website -- http://www.commonenglishbible.com/home ~ to see for yourself what it is like. You can look up your favorite passages there and compare the word choices with what you are used to. Think about what you like about the new and the old.

 

The words we use to describe our experience of the holy are symbols pointing us toward God. Consider this collection a new set of signposts for us to follow along the way.

 

Let me know what you think of our new Bibles as you get to know them better during the coming months.

 

Blessings,

Cathy


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Community Kitchen2

Presbyterian Night at the Westfield Community Kitchen

The Westfield Community Kitchen invites our members and friends as guests to dinner on Wednesday, April 5, at 5:00 p.m. at the Methodist Church.  The kitchen is not only a place that provides nutritious meals to those in need, it is a time for fellowship.  

PCUSA

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 Maundy Thursday

Agape Meal

Maundy Thursday

April 13, 2017

6:00 p.m.

The Worship & Music Committee will host an Agape meal on Maundy Thursday, April 13, at 6:00 p.m. in the Church Parlor.  We will consider what the last supper Jesus had with his disciples might have been like, including looking at the Jewish tradition of a Seder meal. Members and friends of the community are invited to attend.  Please make reservations by calling the church office/326-2643.


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Way of the Cross

The Way of the Cross Good Friday Gathering


The Westfield Ministerial Association again will sponsor a gathering at Noon on Good Friday, April 14.  The annual gathering has been a common way of participating in the passion and suffering of Jesus Christ as a Good Friday service of remembrance.  A walking journey with various stops reminds participants of different moments of Christ's passion journey and encourages reflection and contemplation.


The gathering will begin at  Noon on Good Friday.  People are asked to gather at Moore Park Gazebo for opening devotions and the First Station.  They will then walk to First Presbyterian Church for the Second Station and then to St. Peter's Episcopal Church for the Third Station.  There will be two options at St. Peter's.  Those who have difficulty walking may choose to remain at St. Peter's for the remainder of the Stations.  Those who are able may choose to continue the walk.


People are free to join the gathering and leave at any point.  In the case of inclement weather, the entire gathering will be held at St. Peter's Episcopal Church.  The churches of Westfield invite and welcome all interested people to journey the Way of the Cross with them.


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 Tenebrae service

Good Friday Tenebrae Service

April 14, 2017

 

"Tenebrae" is the Latin word for "shadows" or "darkness."  The Tenebrae service has been celebrated by the Christian church for  hundreds of years.  The service consists of readings, congregational responses and sung responses ~ all of them centering on the events of Good Friday.  As the service progresses, the lights are dimmed until finally we leave the sanctuary in darkness and silence.


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Eggscapade


Great Easter Egg-scapade

Saturday, April 15, 2017

10:00 a.m.


Calling all kids (moms, dads and grandparents, too!) ~ don't miss all the fun at the Easter Egg-scapade.  All kids, ages "walking twos" through 5th grade be sure to join us at First Presbyterian Church at 10.00 a.m. on Saturday, April 15, for a super time!  We'll be having the Great Easter Egg Hunt (don't worry, moms and dads, our hunts are done by age groups so that everyone has a chance to find eggs) followed by egg dying and decorating and an age-appropriate craft.  All kids will have the opportunity to have their picture taken with the Easter Bunny.  Lots of fun and laughter guaranteed!


We hope that you and your child(ren) will be able to join us for this most enjoyable morning!  If so, please call the church office by Monday, April 10.  This helps us plan for craft supplies.  If you have any questions, please call the church   office/326-2643.


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Mission/Outreach News....


Personal Care Items

Personal Care ItemsApril 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!


One Great Hour of Sharing

One Great Hour of Sharing

"You Shall Be Called Repairers of the Breach."

 Isaiah 58

 

Started in 1949, One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) is a long-standing ecumenical effort aimed at raising the funds necessary to provide relief and reconstruction for communities in the aftermath of disaster. 

 

Around the world, millions of people lack access to sustainable food sources, clean water, sanitation, education and opportunity.

 

Each gift to the OGHS helps to improve the lives of people in these challenging situations.  The Offering provides us a way to share God's love with our neighbors in need.  In fact, OGHS is the single, larges way that Presbyterians come together every year to work for a better world.

 

One Great Hour of Sharing, received during the season of Lent, makes a difference in the world through three impactful programs:  Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, the Presbyterian Hunger Program and Self-Development of People.

 

Presbyterian Disaster Assistant (PDA):  PDA works alongside communities as they     recover and find hope after the devastation of natural or human-caused disasters.

 

Presbyterian Hunger Program (PHP):  PHP takes action to alleviate hunger and the    systemic causes of poverty so all may be fed.

 

Self-Development of People (SDOP):  SDOP invests in communities responding to their experiences of racism, oppression, poverty and injustice and educates Presbyterians about the impact of these societal ills.

 

We hope you will join Christians all across the country in opening their hearts to witness tangibly the abundant love of God through One Great Hour of Sharing.  Envelopes will be available in the pew racks or you can mail your gift to the church office earmarked, "2017 OGHS."  Please give generously! 

 

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Clerk's Pen(cil) II

 Following the call to order by Moderator Rev. Catherine Rieley-Goddard and devotions and prayer, the Session took up the work of the church on Tuesday, March 9, 2016.

 

Actions taken at the meeting are summarized as follows:

~ Received the Treasurer and Deacon Report for February 2017

~ Removed Janet Odell's name from active membership rolls due to death.  

(Death:  February 19, 2017)

~ Transferred active membership of Walter and Sylvia Brown to Lighthouse Christian Fellowship Church, Westfield.

~Approved the use of Fellowship Hall and Kitchen to Westfield Hospital Auxiliary on    April 1, 2017, for a chicken and biscuit dinner.

~ Approved the Sacrament of Baptism of Norah Louise Johnson, daughter of Jamie Scarpine and Tim Johnson on Easter, April 16, 2017.

~ Approved the "One License" subscription to access hymns

~ Approved the use of the parlor for Chautauqua County Habitat for Humanity on April 12 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

~ Approved the purchase of Common English Bible pew bibles. 


Other Business...

~ Easter Egg-scapade will be held on Saturday, April 15, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. in        Fellowship Hall.

 

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Easter Lilies

 

LiliesThe Worship & Music Committee of the Session of the church is now  accepting donations given as Easter memorials of your loved ones.  The contributions make possible the palms on Palm Sunday and the beautiful display of Easter lilies which so enhance our worship service on Easter.  As we rejoice at the news of our Risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, it is a most fitting tribute that we remember those whom we love and who have gone to share in his great Kingdom.  The price per lily this year is $11.00.  If you would like to give an Easter Lily as an Easter Memorial or Honorarium please call the church office/326-2643.  After the Easter service the lilies are distributed by the Deacons to the ill and shut-ins.

 Should you wish to take your donation to one of our members or otherwise, it is important to let us know your intentions so enough  lilies can be  ordered.


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Prayer Concerns

Prayer Concerns4A 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, Dorothy Near, Betty Reid, Enid Beadle, Bev & Les Yeaney, Norma Vanderpool, Don Strobl, Ethel Scarpine, Gloria Colgrove, Lillian Saunders, Tammy Rothwell, Erma Lloyd, Jim Scarpine.

 

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), Linda Smalstig, Cathy Vilardo-Strobl, Lois Lindstrom (Mother of Kathy Ricketts).

 

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:

 

David M. Delcamp  ~ Wednesday, March 15, 2017

                                                                                   (Brother-in-Law of Penny Rothwell)

 

Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with all who recently have lost loved ones. 

 

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FINANCIAL REPORT


Income through February 2017:  $19,222.72  

(2016 Pledges Paid to Date: $10,665.35)

Expenses through February 2017:  $21,929.71

Investment Funds used through February 2017:  $2,000.00

 

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Stewardship 

 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 units is 56 for a total giving of $65,374.00

 

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.

 

You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result.  2 Corinthians 9: 11

 

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Donate Now 

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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cash for causes 

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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Celtic Vespers

Celtic Vesper Service

Thursday, April 20, 2017

 

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 Carmins Gadelica, a candlelight procession, a brief incense rite, music based on Celtic tunes and even a recitation of The Lord's Prayer in Gaelic, Celtic Vespers will offer a truly unique spiritual service.

 

Please join us on Thursday, April 20, at 7:00 p.m. ~ and bring your family and friends!


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BUY A CHAIR

 

Chairs - whiteIn 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.    

 

NEWS ALERT...To date donations have been received to purchase 4 tables, 50 chairs and a chair storage rack.  The goal of 100 chairs is halfway achieved.


We thank all who have donated to the BUY A CHAIR campaign and encourage others to consider a contribution which will enable us to buy 40 more chairs.


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Story of God Musical

~ Story of God Musical ~ 

The Ministerial Association is sponsoring "Story of God Musical" - a captivating theatrical journey from Genesis to Revelation - on Friday, April 7, from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. in the Westfield Academy Auditorium.  Free admission - a free-will offering will be taken to benefit the production company.  


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BirthdaysAPRIL 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

Anneliza Barney


2nd

Linda Bennett

Bethany Ellis


3rd

Steve Stratton


4th

Arielle Corbett

Gloria Wakeley


5th

Kay Hall


6th

Sam McMaster


7th

Walter Parker


8th

Brian Fochtman

Lisa Fochtman

Derek Gregory

Steve Morse


9th

Catherine Barton


10th

Rachael Coon

Erin Guest


12th

Corry Robbins


14th

Kevin Young


15th

Jani Barney

Jenell Long


16th

Jeff Guest


18th

Amanda Esperson


19th

John Daily

Bonnie Wysard


21st

Brian Gollnitz

Barbara Sanders


22nd

Leslie McTavish


23rd

Martha Bills

Bill Bills

Gail Locke


24th

Laura Bohall

Nancy Smith


27th

Gregory Wilson


28th

Jonathan Wilson


30th

Betty Felton

Regan Helman


 

anniversaries2APRIL ANNIVERSARIES

A special Anniversary Prayer...

That God's Eternal love

Will fill your heart this day

With joy and blessings from above


5th

Les & Bev Yeaney


8th

David & Jodi Wilson


15th

Jeff & Mindi Guest


20th

Mark & Patty Robbins

 

 

Calendar of Events3


Saturday, April 1

5:00 - 6:30 p.m.

Westfield Hospital Auxiliary Dinner

~ Fellowship Hall ~


Sunday, April 2

10:00 a.m.

Sunday School

Christian Nurture ~ Adult Education

Choir Rehearsal

11:00 a.m.

Family Worship


Monday, April 3

7:00 p.m. 

Mission/Outreach Meeting


Wednesday, April 5

9:00 a.m.

Worship & Music Meeting

5:00 p.m.

Presbyterian Night at the Westfield Community Kitchen


Thursday, April 6

12:10 p.m

Brown Bag Lenten Series


Sunday, April 9

10:00 a.m.

Sunday School

Christia Nurture ~ Adult Education

Choir Rehearsal

11:00 a.m.

Family Worhsip

12:00 Noon

Congregational Meeting


Tuesday, April 11

5:00 p.m.

Session Meeting


Maundy Thursday, April 13

6:00 p.m.

Agape Meal


Good Friday, April 14

Church Office Closed

12:00 Noon

Way of the Cross

7:00 p.m.

Tenebrae Service


Saturday, April 15

10:00 a.m.

Easter Egg-scapade

~ Fellowship Hall ~


Easter

11:00 a.m.

Family worship

~ Communion ~

~ Sacrament of Baptism ~


Monday, April 17

Church Office Closed


Wednesday, April 19

9:00 a.m.

Property & Finance Meeting


Thursday, April 20

7:00 p.m.

Celtic Vespers Service


Sunday, April 23

10:00 a.m.  

Sunday School

Christian Nurture ~ Adult Education

Choir Rehearsal

11:00 a.m.

Family Worship

12:00 Noon

Coffee Hour

~ Hosted by Presbyterian Women


Monday, April 24

7:00 p.m.

Deacon Meeting


Sunday, April 30

10:00 a.m.

Sunday School

Christian Nurture ~ Adult Education

Choir Rehearsal

11:00 a.m.

Family Worship

 

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Count your Blessings

By: Author Unknown

I've never made a fortune,
and it's probably too late now.
I don't worry much about that,
I'm happy anyhow.

And as I go along life's way,
I'm reaping better than I sowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed.

Haven't got a lot of riches,
and sometimes the going's tough.
But I've got loving ones all around me,
and that makes me rich enough.

I thank God for all his blessings,
and the mercies He's bestowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed.

I remember times when things went wrong,
My faith wore somewhat thin.
But all at once the dark clouds broke,
and the sun peeped through again.

So Lord, help me not to gripe,
about the tough rows I have hoed.
I'm drinking from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed.

If God gives me strength and courage,
When the way grows steep and rough.
I'll not ask for other blessings,
I'm already blessed enough.

And may I never be too busy,
to help others bear their loads.
Then I'll keep drinking from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed


Easter3