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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. - 12:00 Noon Monday through Friday
Office: (716) 326-2643 Fax: (716) 793-6019
Website:
E-Mail:
Pastor Ronald Sumption (319) 432-8650 ronaldsumption@live.com
Administrative Assistant Polly M Knopp
Custodian Brenda McCutcheon Melanie McCutcheon
Deacon of the Month July 2017 Joe Seminatore August 2017 Mark Smith |
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Precious Gifts
~ Author Unknown ~
Yesterday a butterfly
Came floating gently through the sky.
He soared up through the atmosphere
Then drifted close enough to hear.
I said, "I'd love to fly with you
And sail around the way you do.
It looks like it would be such fun
To fly up toward the summer sun.
But I have not your graceful charm.
I haven't wings, just these two arms.
I've been designed to walk around.
My human feet must touch the ground.
Then magically he spoke to me
and told me what his wish would be.
He said, "What I'd love most to do
Is walk upon God's Earth with you,
To squish its mud between my toes
Or touch my finger to my nose.
I'd love just once to walk around
With human feet to touch the ground,
But I have not two legs that swing,
I haven't arms, just these two wings."
And so we went our separate ways
In wonder and surprise.
For we'd both seen God's precious gifts
Through someone else's eyes.
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“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God – what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12: 2, NRSV
Dear Saints and Friends of the First Presbyterian Church of Westfield,
God must like times of change because God sure creates a lot of them. Throughout the Bible we find many examples of change. The biblical witness tells a moving, changing story of God’s actions throughout history. The witness of Scripture describes major transitions in God’s relationship to the world.
Change is orchestrated by God. Change is inevitable. Knowing that God is driving the process of change, why then don’t times of change get enthusiastic applause within the church? Probably because change is generally accompanied by struggle of some sort. At its best change causes anxiety; at its worst, it causes pain. We want to avoid as much pain and struggle as possible.
Yet, in divine wisdom, God consistently allows us to experience change and pain and struggle. It’s as if God has created us so that we grow through change and the things that accompany it. The more we experience this journey, the more it seems we are struck by the central message of our Christian faith: Resurrection is won through the cross (change); there is a time of change between Good Friday and Easter Sunday that leads to blessing.
This change that occurred from Good Friday to Easter Sunday that leads to blessing is called the Good News. This Good News is the answer to the question: ”Why does God, over and over again, fill our lives with so many times of change?” Maybe, just maybe, it is because as humans, we are slow learners! We have to hear and experience the story over and over again. We must stay in touch with our history.
It isn’t very long into the journey of change when God’s people again become anxious, in need of the reassurance of God’s presence. It’s for times like that that Jesus promised he would send his Holy Spirit to be with us: “I will ask the Father and he will give you another Advocate [the Holy Spirit] to be with you forever,” therefore, “Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid,” (John 14:16, 27).
We are at the beginning of a new time of ministry together, a time of change, growth and movement towards a new identity as an organization. But moving from the “old” to the “new” is seldom without stress and conflict. As a congregation experiences growth and moves toward a new identity as an organization, there is often longing for the time when they were held together by a “family” feel. Sometimes a congregation discovers that it must move from being a family to being a community. This is the time to cast a new vision for ministry and to draw a new plan for mission. Now is the time to set about putting some substance to the vision and mission, the plans and dreams for the future of our congregation.
The Good News of Jesus Christ tells us that we are not left on our own to experience the change and implement our new vision and plan. God will be with us. We also need to listen for the Holy Spirit to guide us.
God must certainly like change, for it is pumped into the very heart of the creation. Change is the living history of every congregation. It is the living history of this congregation. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift in Jesus Christ that will lead us into our future together!
Yours in Christ’s Service,
Rev. Ron Sumption
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A Memorial Service for Kathryn "Dee" Jensen will be held at our church on Saturday, July 8, at 11:00 a.m. Her family welcomes all to attend to celebrate Dee's life. A light lunch will be served after the service in Fellowship Hall.
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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 28 and 29, 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 on East Main Street) Items for the yard sale will be accepted beginning the week of July 17.
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Clerk's Pen(cil) II
Following the call to order by Moderator Rev. Catherine Rieley-Goddard and devotions and prayer by Hank Lynn the Session took up the work of the church on Thursday, June 15, 2017.
Actions taken at the meeting are summarized as follows:
~ Received the Treasurer & Deacon reports.
~ Approved Church Mutual as our insurance carrier.
~ Approved continuing Celtic Vespers service for July, then a decision will be made on the continuation of the service.
~ Approved the terms of Cathy Rieley-Goddard's departure as Transitional Pastor. Her final day will be June 30 with 2 weeks of accrued vacation time.
~ Sharon Humphrey will be received into membership in July 2017.
Other Business...
~ A reception will be held on Sunday, June 25 in honor of Cathy Rieley-Goddard.
~ A brunch will be held July 16, in honor of our new pastor, Ronald Sumption and his wife Judy, following morning worship.
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Pot Luck Brunch
Sunday July 16
The Fellowship Committee will host a Pot Luck Brunch following worship on Sunday, July 16. Everyone is asked to bring a dish to pass and table service. The committee will provide a beverage. The committee will be available in the kitchen prior to the service to accept your dish.
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Family Game Night
August 20
6:00 p.m.
The Fellowship Committee will host a "Game Night" on Sunday, August 20. Family and friends of all ages are invited. There will be a variety of inside and outside games for everyone to enjoy!
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July and August Bonfires
Please join us at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, July 7 and Friday, August 4, 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 20, 2017
7:00 p.m.
Influenced by and based on ancient Celtic worship as well as it 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 20, 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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Save the Date!
The Annual Deacon "Picnic" will be held on
Monday, August 14, 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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2017 Chicken Barbecue Volunteers!
The 2017 Arts and Crafts Festival will take place on Friday, July 28, and Saturday, July 29, 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/326-2643.
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 26, to place your order.
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VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Monday, August 14 and Tuesday, August 15
9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Ages:
Kindergarten - 5th Grade
"The Great Treasure Hunt"
Get ready for a great treasurer hunt! Featuring pirates, angels and a whole lot of God's Love! So join us this year for a Treasure Hunt at Vacation Bible School.
A snack and lunch will be provided each day.
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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Habitat Day: Lend-a-Hand
The Chautauqua Area Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical Christian Ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. They are currently working at 35 Beckman Avenue, Westfield. There is a job for everyone; no special skills required. The work sessions are Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
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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. To date our profit is: $695.00
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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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Stewardship
Summer is here! We are all beginning to plan vacations, reunions, picnics, cottage trips and so on...what a delightful time! We know we'll all be dashing in and out of town, but while you make your plans, we're asking that you all take a few moments to remember your stewardship for the church. Even when we are not in town, our church activities continue, as do the expenses. Please keep up your giving over the summer months - we need your support. Thank you!
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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, Tammy Rothwell, Lillian Saunders.
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), Lois Lindstrom (Mother of Kathy Ricketts), Cathy Vilardo-Strobl, Shawn Canfield (Son-in-Law of Mike & Kathy Ricketts) , Rosie & Dick Davies and Linda Smalstig.
Our Servicemen.
Capt. Christopher Kittle
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:
Donald A. Fritz - June 8, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with all who have lost loved ones recently.
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FINANCIAL REPORT
Income through May 31st: $ 43,998.42
(2017 Pledges Paid to Date: $25,430.35 )
Expenses through May 31st: $58,891.10
Investment Funds used through May 31st: $15,000
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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
Jackie Crandall
Hannah Tenamore
2nd
Mark Smith
5th
Cameron Corbett
6th
Elaine Parker
Ruth Stacy
10th
Richard Barney
11th
Wendy Tenamore
12th
Linda McGuinn
13th
Sara Fochtman
16th
Luke Smith
17th
Hank Lynn
Lewis Kocher
20th
Josh Helman
22nd
Mark Gollnitz
24th
Melanie Truitt
25th
Eric Edwards
Pat Hayes
26th
Rebecca Barton
28th
Katie Guest
30th
Can Tenamore
31st
Amy Gregory
1st
Nancy Peters
2nd
Gwen Farver
Erin Seminatore
4th
Andrew Deakin
Elaine Hall
Jean McCausland
5th
Jamie Scarpine
Jill Scarpine
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
Chris Kittle
Melanie McCutcheon
15th
Derek Edwards
16th
Kaylee Wilson
17th
Wade Gollnitz
Mary Ann Kolpien
Hannah Schultz-Truitt
Payton Truitt
18th
Tracy Bennett
Cindy Norton
19th
Alec Freyn
Emelie Nixon-Alexander
21st
Jake Knopp
22nd
Barb Kittle
Bill Locke
23rd
Tom Lemke
24th
Bob Rau
25th
Joe McMaster
Kathy Monroe
26th
Domenic Cusimano
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
Anniversary
AUGUST
1st
David & Bev Carr
11th
Dean & Sherry Mead
13th
Paul & Gwen Farver
Dean & Mary Jo Gollnitz
16th
Andrew & Ann Deakin
Peter & Chris 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 2
8:30 a.m.
Early Worship
9:00 a.m.
Christian Nurture ~ Adult Education
10:00 a.m.
Family Worship
~ Communion by Intinction ~
Monday, July 3
~ Church Office Closed ~
7:00 p.m.
Mission/Outreach Meeting
Tuesday, July 4
Inpendence Day
~ Church Office Closed ~
Wednesday, July 5
9:00 a.m.
Worship & Music Meeting
Friday, July 7
8:00 p.m.
Campfire
~ Church Lawn ~
Satruday, July 8
11:00 a.m.
Memorial Service for Kathryn "Dee" Jensen
Sunday, July 9
9:00 a.m.
Christian Nurture ~ Adult Education
10:00 a.m.
Family Worship
11:00
Pot Luck Brunch
~ Hosted by Fellowship Committee ~
Tuesday, July 11
10:30 a.m.
Fellowship Meeting
Thursday, July 13
5:00 p.m.
Session Meeting
Sunday, July 16
9:00 a.m.
Christian Nurture ~ Adult Education
10:00 a.m.
Family Worship
Wednesday, July 19
Property & Finance Meeting
Thursday, July 20
7:00 p.m.
Celtic Vespers Service
Sunday, July 23
9:00 a.m.
Christian Nurture ~ Adult Education
10:00 a.m.
Family Worship
Friday, July 28
10:00 a.m.
Mission Yard Sale
11:00 a.m. - ?
Chicken Barbecue
Saturday, July 29
10:00 a.m.
Missin Yard Sale
11:00 a.m. - ?
Chicken Barbecue
Sunday, July 30
9:00 a.m.
Christian Nurture ~ Adult Education
10:00 a.m.
Family Worship
Wednesday, August 2
9:00 a.m.
Worship & Music
Friday, August 4
8:00 p.m.
Camp Fire
~ Church Lawn ~
Sunday, August 6
8:30 a.m.
Early Worship Service
9:00 a.m.
Christian Nurture ~ Adult Education
10:00 a.m.
Family Worship
~ Communion by Intinction ~
Monday, August 7
7:00 p.m.
Mission/Outreach Meeting
Tuesday, August 8
10:30 a.m.
Fellowship Meeting
Thursday, August 10
5:00 p.m.
Session Meeting
Sunday, August 13
9:00 a.m.
Christian Nurture ~ Adult Educaiton
10:00 a.m.
Family Worship
Monday, August 14
9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Vacation Bible School
~ The Great Treasure Hunt ~
6:00 p.m.
Deacon Picnic
~ Lakesire Park, Mayville ~
Tuesday, August 15
9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Vacation Bible School
~ The Great Teasure Hunt ~
Wednesday, August 16
9:00 a.m.
Property & Fiance Meeting
Sunday, August 20
9:00 a.m.
Christian Nurture ~ Adult Education
10:00 a.m.
Family Worship
6:00 p.m.
Family Game Night
~ Fellowship Hall ~
Sunday, August 27
9:00 a.m.
Christian Nurture ~ Adult Education
10:00 a.m.
Family Worship
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The Starfish Story
by: Loren Eiseley
One day a man was walking along the beach when
he noticed a boy picking up and gently throwing
things into the ocean.
Approaching the boy he asked: "Young man, what are you doing?"
The boy replied, "Throwing starfish back into the
ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them back, they'll die.
The man laughed to himself and said, "Do you realize there are miles of miles of miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? "You can't make any difference."
After listening politely,
the boy bent down, picked up another starfish and
threw it into the surf, then smiling at the man, he said:
"I made a difference to that one."
