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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:
Pastor Ronald L. Sumption ronaldsumption@live.com (319) 432-8650 Administrative Assistant Polly M. Knopp
Custodian Brenda McCutcheon
Deacon of the Month October 2017 Nancy Peters |
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Flamboyant Autumn
~ By: Joanna Fuchs ~
Autumn's picturesque arrival
Is a colorful array
Of red and gold and orange,
In flamboyant, rich display.
Autumn days are shorter;
The nights are getting cool;
Geese fly south in flocks,
As kids go back to school.
Winter still is dreaming
Of snow and icicles,
As we put away our swimsuits,
Our boats and bicycles.
Wisps of smoke from chimneys
Tell of cozy, crackling fires;
Fall is being born,
As summer now retires.
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“Then the little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’ When he placed his hands on them, he went on from there,” (Matthew 19:13-15, NIV).
Dear Saints and Friends of the First Presbyterian Church of Westfield,
This past weekend, I took a few vacation days. Judy and I camped at Letchworth State Park. On Sunday morning, we left the park and travelled to York United Presbyterian Church in York, New York to worship at the church where our daughter, Michelle, is the pastor.
On our way to the church, we passed the York Central School grounds in Greigsville, shortly before 10:00 am. There was a youth soccer tournament in progress. The parking lot was packed with cars. I would estimate there were over 200 people there.
I thought about the fact that most of the adults present at that soccer tournament were members – or at least affiliated in some way with congregations like ours.
I wondered how many of them would not be in Worship that morning. Then I thought about what we as leaders and members of this body of Christ are doing to address this Sunday morning exodus from our Worship and Sunday school classes.
That late, great “philosopher” Yogi Berra once said, “If the fans quit coming out to the stadium, you can’t stop them.”
In a recent article in Time magazine, it was noted that children’s sports activities, have become an industry that generates $1.5 billion in annual revenue, and that is projected to continue growing for the foreseeable future. That means that children’s sports activities, many of which are conducted on weekends, particularly Sunday mornings, are here to stay.
Are we going to get all those children, parents and grandparents who are at Sunday morning sports activities to suddenly stop participating in or attending such activities and come to church on Sunday mornings? I don’t think so. But I believe that if we are willing to be creative and flexible, we can at least paritally reverse the exodus of Worship attendees.
So what are we to do? Let’s begin by looking at the Bible passage above. In that passage, we see that parents had brought their children to Jesus for His blessing, but the disciples tried to discourage the parents from doing so, thinking that Jesus had better things to do than to take time to be with the children. In response to the disciples, Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these,” (Matthew 19:13-15, NIV).
In our own way, we may be acting like the disciples, who had good intentions, but were actually causing a hindrance to Jesus’ blessing of the children. We have our primary Worship and Sunday school times on Sunday mornings, and that is a good thing.
But, the reality is, people are going to be participating in non-church activities on Sunday mornings which conflict with our traditional times. That’s not likely to stop.
We can insist that they stop their non-church Sunday morning activities - which will fall on deaf ears. Or we can be pro-active, and offer an alternative day and time – and perhaps even alternative type – of Worship and Sunday school, in addition to our traditional Sunday morning offerings. One possible opportunity would be to offer a more relaxed family-oriented Worship service on Monday evenings that begins with a simple meal which we would prepare, accompanied by a separate Bible-oriented activity time for younger children.
We also need to prayerfully consider ways to take church to others. One suggestion is to have a mobile classroom that could be parked near children’s sports activity sites, to offer Bible-oriented activities during the games for the young siblings of those participating in the sports activities.
Perhaps those who encourage non-church activities on Sunday mornings are acting counter to Jesus’ admonition to not hinder the children coming to him. It is not for us to judge others. Our part is to not be a hindrance ourselves through our own good intentions.
Our Bible passage above says that, “When [Jesus] placed his hands on them, he went on from there.” We are called to find ways to bring children to Jesus for his blessing, and go on from there.
Yours in Christ’s love and service,
Rev. Ron Sumption
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The Presbytery of Western New York will conduct a service of installation for Ronald L. Sumption, as Pastor of our church on Sunday, October 22, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend.
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Congratulations to Jamie Scarpine and Tim Johnson on the birth of their son, Connor Jack Johnson, born Sunday, September 10, 2017. The proud grandparents are Jim and Diane Scarpine, great-grandparents are Phil and Linda Young, Ethel Scarpine and Louise Young.
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JOIN US FOR...
Sunday School Kick-off
October 1, 2017
10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Bring a friend or neighbor!
Specials and crafts each week in the month of October!
October 1
"Finding God's Way"
Teachers: Mrs. Scarpine & Mrs. Corbett
Don't eat breakfast we will be making pancakes!
October 8
"Serving God"
Teachers: Mrs. Young & Mrs. Sciarrino
~ Story about the vineyards ~
Craft ~ Grape craft activity
Make invitation for October 15
October 15th
"Come to the Party"
Teachers: Mrs. Tenamore & Mrs. Northrop
Grape juice & grape jelly ~ Special time of sharing with the
Adult Christian Education Class.
October 22nd
"Paul Gives Thanks"
Teachers: Mrs. Scarpine & Mrs. Corbett
Craft ~ Shining Lights
October 29th
"The Greatest Commandment"
Teachers: Mrs. Tenamore & Mrs. Sciarrino
Awarding of the Prize Basket
Craft Activity: making mini banners
Each Month with good attendance you will have a chance to win a prize basket!
We invite parent(s) to stay during Sunday school, and enjoy refreshipments in Fellowship Hall or if your prefer attend the Adult Education class.
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Mission/Outreach News....
Proclaim the Peace of Christ
Ephesians 2: 14 - 17
"So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near."
The letter to the Ephesians tells us that Jesus came to proclaim a peace that is universal. While the earthly ministry of Jesus was in a specific age and place, the peace he shared is limited by neither time nor geography. As followers of Christ, our call to witness/work for peace begins in our own neighborhoods and extends to the ends of the earth. It is a demanding call, but it is one that Presbyterians at all levels of the church are seeking to follow.
The Peace & Global Witness Offering exists to support the holistic and wide-ranging witness of the whole church.
At the national level, this witness is done in direct support of those working to heal the divisions in violent contexts like South Sudan. It means creating educational materials that equip congregations to deal with important issues, from disagreements to bullying to gun violence. It means bringing leaders together who have made a profound witness for peace around the world and deploying them as a resource to congregations and leaders. And it means speaking up for the vulnerable around the world through a seat at the United Nations table. The Offering strengthens the collaboration of the Peacemaking Program and the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations with the reconciliation work of global partners through World Mission.
Yet the Offering is as much about our congregation living out a commitment to peacemaking, proclaiming Christ's peace. Twenty-five (25%) percent of the Offering remains with our congregation. The Mission Committee will determine how best to use our gifts to support local peacemaking initiatives or community-based ministries.
The Peace & Global Witness Offering sustains a witness in many forms and at every level of the Presbyterian Church (USA), but all are bound together in Christ. Together they are a living proclamation of the peace we know in Christ, who puts an end to hostilities and speaks peace to those near and far.
Please join us on October 1 as our church celebrates World Communion Sunday, and we commit to being instruments of the peace we find in Christ. Please come ready to give generously to the Peace & Global Witness Offering. Offering envelopes will be available in the pews or you can mail your donation to the church office earmarked "Peace & Global Witness Offering".
Westfield Community Kitchen
For the months of October and November, we will be collecting some much-needed items for the Community Kitchen. The "Wish List" items are as follows: small dessert paper plates, napkins, paper towels, individual sugar packets, salad dressings, decaf and regular coffee, dry soup mixes, Jello, puddings, powdered creamer, chicken broth, biscuit mix, cake mixes, aluminum foil (wide), Sweet n' Low and bleach. The Community Kitchen greatly appreciates your help!
Buckhorn Children & Family Services has had a 115-year history of providing quality programs intended to improve the lives of at-risk children, youth and their families.
Buckhorn is now facing critical financial circumstances which threaten the continued of its existence, its history and mission to provide a sanctuary of health, healing and hope for at-risk children, youth and families. This financial crisis is due in large part to the costs of caring for the children and youth in their care. To help their financial crisis the Mission Committee has adopted two new fundraising projects to help raise money for Buckhorn. They are as follows:
SAVE THOSE DIMES!
"Dimes for Buckhorn" In September we began filling two 2-liter bottles with dimes each with results of approximately $400. On Sundays, the bottles will be located at the entrances to the sanctuary; during the week, please bring them to the church office.
Buck(s) for Buckorn Children & Family Services
There are boxes labeled "Buck(s) for Buckhorn" at the entrances to sanctuary. One dollar at a time we can help financially support at-risk children at Buckhorn Children & Family Services.
"Everyone should give whatever they have decided in their heart. They shouldn't give with hesitation or because of pressure. God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9: 7
Operation Christmas Child ~ a project of Samaritan's Purse:
"The Power of a Simple Gift"
Since 1993, millions of boys and girls in more than 140 nations have experienced God's love through your shoe box gifts, enabling local churches and ministry partners to share the life-changing Gospel of Jesus Christ ~ God's
greatest gift.
Operation Christmas Child is a life-changing outreach that brings joy and hope to children in desperate situations worldwide through gift-filled shoe boxes and the Good News of God's love.
We invite all members and/or friends to fill a shoe box. A pamphlet with information on how to pack your shoe box and suggested gifts will be available mid-October at the entrances to the sanctuary or the church office. Please have your shoe box(es) returned on or before November 19 for a special dedication
during the worship service.
Chosen International Medical Assistance
Chosen International Medical Assistance needs your shoes! Everyone has shoes they are no longer wearing and don't know what to with, right? Chosen International Medical Assistance partners with funds collect your used shoes. The shoes (including sneakers, boots, sandals, etc.) will be used to create and sustain micro-enterprise opportunities for low income entrepreneurs in developing nations. They also will stay out of landfills, AND, the more shoes collected, the more money Chosen IMA receives to continue its ministries! It's a Win, Win, Win! You can drop off your shoes at the church office or drop in a box located at the Portage Street entrance. Please rubber band each pair of shoes together. Thank you!
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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 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 are participating in TOPS Markets "Cash for Causes" program from which we have purchased 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 for 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.
To date, we have profited $575.00
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HAYRIDE
The Fellowship Committee will host a hayride on Friday,
October 6, from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. and Saturday,
October 7, from 10:00 a.m. - 11 a.m. The ride will begin at the home of Marilynne Northrop on Munson Road. Children under the age of 12 are asked to be accompanied by an adult. Everyone is welcome, so feel free to invite friends and neighbors!
Directions: Travel west on Route 20 (Main Street) for one mile. Turn left on Munson Road. Travel 1.3 miles—Northrop home on the left.
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5K RUN- WALK-JOG-BIKE
Saturday, October 28
Our Halloween 5K is sure to be a fun way for people of all ages to enjoy the Halloween season. Check-in will start at 9:00 a.m. in the Parlor and
run/walk/jog/bike beginning at 10:00 a.m. in front of the Church in Moore Park. Everyone is invited and encouraged to wear their Halloween costume. There will be a prize given for the best costume and best couples costume. Post-race fun will include treats for all! Pre-registration is $20.00 (by October 17) and will include a 5-K t-shirt. On the day of the event the fee is $25.00. To pre-register please call the church office/326-2643.
Volunteers are needed for the 5K run/walk/job/bike to help with registration, waivers, encouragers, setting up, taking down. To volunteer please call the church office/326-2643.
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Trunk-or-Treat is a Halloween event sponsored by the cCurch where members and friends are invited to decorate their vehicle trunks for Halloween. The best way to plan for decorating your trunk is to pick a theme, and perhaps you can dress up to match the theme as well. The decorated cars will fill the parking lot Tuesday, October 31, from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. as the community kids enjoy trick-or-treating before heading over to the parade.
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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 and Dorothy Near, Betty Reid, Enid Beadle, Bev & Les Yeaney, Norma Vanderpool, Don Strobl, Ethel Scarpine, Lillian Saunders, Tammy Rothwell, Mark Robbins, Ann Wise.
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), Cathy Vilardo-Strobl, Shawn Canfield (Son-in-Law of Mike & Kathy Ricketts), Cindy Harper
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:
Lois Lindstrom ~ Friday, September 1, 2017
(Mother of Kathy Ricketts)
Russell Poletto ~ Wednesday, September 13, 2017
(Brother of Kathy Ricketts)
Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with all who have lost loved ones recently.
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FINANCIAL REPORT
Income through August 31: $69,404.25
(2017 Pledges Paid to Date: $36,150.00 ~ 83% of pledges paid)
Expenses through August 31: $101,304.40
Investment Funds used through August 31st: $29,700
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OCTOBER 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
Bev Carr
Irene Maxwell
Joanna Seminatore
3rd
Earl Saunders
4th
Zachary Johnson
Madison Schroeder
5th
Amy North
7th
Janice Wilson
10th
Jason Ellis
12th
Rick McCutcheon
13th
Bryan Kelley
14th
Dona Hayes
Gerry Rogers
Evan Rudewicz
15th
Paul Cleveland
18th
Emma Bishop
22nd
Janet Reid
23rd
Diane Scarpine
24th
Chester Machemer
25th
Nate McCutcheon
26th
Brooke Helman
28th
Jay Northrop
29th
Daryn Coon
Cheryl Ann Perkins
31st
David Luder
ANNIVERSARIES
A special Anniversary Prayer...
That God's Eternal love
Will fill your heart this day
With joy and blessings from above
5th
Richard & Anneliza Barney
6th
Bob & Wendy Dyment
Jim & Alberta Parker
18th
Tracy & Linda Bennett
21st
Doc & Dorothy Near
29th
Warren & Gloria Colgrove
Sunday, October 1
10:00 a.m.
Choir Rehearsal
Sunday School
Christian Nurture ~ Adult Education
11:00 a.m.
Family Worship
~ Communion ~
Monday, October 2
7:00 p.m.
Mission/Outreach Meeting
Wednesday, October 4
9:00 a.m
Worship & Music Meeting
Friday, October 6
4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Hayride
5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Roast Turkey Harvest Dinner
Saturday, October 7
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Hayride
Sunday, October 8
10:00 a.m.
Choir Rehearsal
Sunday School
Christian Nurture ~ Adult Educaiton
11:00 a.m.
Family Worship
Monday, October 9
Columbus Day
~ Church Office Closed ~
Friday, October 13
5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Roast Pork Harvest Dinner
Sunday, October 15
10:00 a.m.
Choir Rehearsal
Sunday School
Christian Nurture ~ Adult Education
11:00 a.m.
Family Worship
Monday, October 16
5:00 p.m.
Session Meeting
7:00 p.m.
Deacon Meeting
Wednesday, October 18
9:00 a.m.
Property & Finance Meeting
Friday, October 20
5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Baked Ham Harvest Dinner
Sunday, October 22
10:00 a.m.
Choir Rehearsal
Sunday School
Christian Nurture ~ Adult Education
11:00 a.m.
Famly Worship
12:00 Noon
Coffee Hour
~ Hosted by Deacon's ~
3:00 p.m.
Installation of Rev. Ronald L. Sumption
Friday, October 27
5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Chicken & Biscuit Harvest Dinner
Saturday, October 28
10:00 a.m.
5K Walk-Run-Jog-Bike
Sunday, October 29
10:00 a.m.
Choir Rehearsal
Sunday School
Christian Nurture ~ Adult Educaiton
11:00 a.m.
Family Worship
Tuesday, October 31
4:30 - 6:00
Trunk or Treat
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"I love autumn
the one season
of the year
that God seemed to
have put there just
for the beauty of it."
