|
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 April 2017 Dean Mead |
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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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Dear 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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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.
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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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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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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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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
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!
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
The 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
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, 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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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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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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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 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
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.
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 ~
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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APRIL 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
APRIL 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
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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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
