At the sound of the tolling midnight bell

a brand new year will begin.

Let's raise our hopes in a confident toast,

to the promise it ushers in.

May your battles be few, your pleasures many,

your wishes and dreams fulfilled.

May your confidence stand in the face of loss

and give you the strength to rebuild.

May peace of heart fill all your days.

May serenity grace your soul.

May tranquil moments bless your life

and keep your spirit whole.

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Dear Saints and Friends of First Presbyterian Church of Westfield,

 

Has this ever happened to you? You have a brand new car, it has all the “bells and whistles,” and it has a powerful V-8 engine. You get in it to go somewhere, but the car doesn’t move. You sit and wonder what could be wrong, then you pop the hood and look at the engine, hoping to find something obviously amiss that you can fix and that’ll get the engine started, but there’s nothing wrong that you can see. The engine won’t start and still the car does nothing. 

All that power, all the capabilities of taking you places, but the car won’t run. All the things you could see and do if only you could get this new car running. And you think: what good is this thing I’ve invested so much into? It doesn’t improve my life at all! 

But then, just out of idle frustration, you turn on the ignition. The car starts! The engine roars to life!  You put it in gear and start driving towards unlimited opportunities and possibilities. And you think: this is how it’s supposed to work!

Well, if you’ve ever driven a car, you know enough to turn on the ignition to start the engine. You’re probably thinking: I’m smart enough to know the ignition has to be turned on in order to get the car to operate properly. It’s a small thing to do, but it produces tremendous results.   

But what about your faith? Have you ever wondered why your faith only produces minimal results, why it seems to drain you instead of energizing you, why it seems to take so much effort and yet produce so little joy or deep satisfaction? If you’re feeling that way, it’s probably because you haven’t found the ignition switch to make it run properly.

Do you know where the ignition switch is to get your faith to produce the tremendous results that Jesus promised? It’s found in prayer. 

Every time you get in your car to go somewhere you turn on the ignition to start the engine. And that helps you to be more productive. But how many days have you tried to start out without prayer? Yes, you can scrape by without prayer, but with prayer, your faith and life can produce even more wonderful results. 

Jesus taught us to pray for a reason – to tap into the matchless grace, the magnificent promises, and the marvelous resources of Almighty God. Why? Not only are we equipped to fulfill God’s call upon our lives, but we are fulfilled. 

Don’t go another day without assessing your prayer life and making changes.  Even if you are thriving spiritually, no person ever prayed too much or experienced “too much of God!”

Yours in Christ,

Rev. Ron Sumption

 

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Ordination/Installation of Church Officers

On Sunday, January 7 during the 11:00 a.m. worship service the Installation and/or ordination of newly elected Officers will take place. 

 

 

Annual Congregation Meeting

Sunday, January 21, 2018

 

The Annual Congregation meeting will be held Sunday, January 21, 2018 to  approve the Annual Congregational minutes of January 15, 2017,  Special Congregational Meetings of April 9, 2017,  May 21, 2017 and December 10, 2017, and to receive reports of the Committees of Session and Congregational Organizations.  Copies of the 2017 Annual Report will be available at the entrances to the sanctuary on January 14, 2018.

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New Member!  We are happy to welcome Judy Sumption as a member.  She joined First Presbyterian Church on Sunday, December 10, 2017.

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2018 Stewardship Campaign ~ Update

 

"Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.  And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by  always having enough of everything you may share abundantly in every good work."      2 Corinthians 9: 7 - 8

 

To date, total pledging units 41 for a total of $52,110.00

 

Pledges are essential to our church's planning process in order to determine our annual budget and determine how we will cover our operating expenses.  Our Stewardship goal for 2018 is to cover the operating expenses of the church so we no longer draw from our investments.

There is still time for any and/or all of those members and friends of First Presbyterian Church who have not pledged to do so.  If you didn't receive a letter and pledge card and you would like one, please call the church office/326-2643.   Please mail your pledge card to the church office earmarked "Stewardship".

 

We are grateful for each and every gift given to the church!

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Mission/Outreach News....

 

Christmas Joy Offering

~ The Wondrous Gift is Given ~

"Thanks be to God for this indescribable gift."  2 Corinthians 9: 15

 

The total to date for the 2017 Christmas Joy Offering, the 4th special offering of Presbyterian Church (USA), was $220.  Half of your offering will support the assistance programs of the Board of Pensions that help faithful servants.  The other half will go to support the ministries of racial ethnic schools and colleges with students trying to discover and develop the gifts God has given them.  All of them will help to increase the joy of the family of God.  Thank you to all who supported this offering. 

 

ANGEL TREE

Thank you to each and everyone who helped support the 2017 Angel Tree Mission. The Angel Tree is also supported by other churches in our community.  Our church gave thirty (30) children in the Westfield area many wonderful gifts from this program for the holidays.  Thank you for your generous support to this local mission!

 

 "Yes, We CAN support Mission"

The Mission Committee extends its thanks to everyone for their donation of can deposits throughout the year.  The "CAN" fund-raising project has been VERY successful!  For 2017 we raised $511.05 (since July 2010, we have raised $2,138.60). We hope everyone will continue to donate their empty cans and plastic bottles that have a refundable deposit to help our Church continue its mission.

 

Pennies for Hunger

The "Pennies for Hunger" offering were received the last Sunday of each month during 2017.  The total contributions received for 2017 was $187.88 and was divided between Westfield Community Kitchen and Food Pantry.

Winter Picnic

January 14, 2018

The Mission Committee invites you to a picnic lunch after church on Sunday, January 14.  The menu will be listed in the Sunday bulletin.  Please call the church office at 326-2643 to make a reservation.

Westfield Food Pantry

January is our month to donate shelf and table products for the Pantry.  They appreciate any and all donations.  Please help anyway you can!

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 funds2org to 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 will also 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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KEEP SAVING THOSE DIMES!

"Dimes for Buckhorn."  In September we began filling three 2 liter bottles with dimes.  Each 2 liter bottle results in approximately $400.  The bottles will be located at the entrances to the sanctuary or you can bring them to the church office.  

 

Buck(s) for Buckorn Children & Family Services

There will be a box 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.

 

2017

During 2017 the Mission Committee supported the following mission projects from donations and fund-raisers:  Faith in Practice - $200, Buckhorn Children & Family Services - $1,500, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance - Hurricane Harvey - $630, Chautauqua Area Habitat for Humanity - $300, Westfield Ministerial Association - $200, Westfield Memorial Hospital - R.E.D. - $400, Lake Erie Blue Star Mothers - $200, Chautauqua Jail Chaplaincy - $200, Presbytery of WNY - Mission Fund - $400, Presbyterian World Mission - $200, Marion Medical Mission - Shallow Well - $400, Chautauqua County Rural Ministry - $200, Westfield Food Pantry - $350, Westfield Community Kitchen - $350, Ronald McDonald House Charities - $300, Renaissance House - Kid's Escaping Drugs - $400, Buffalo City Mission - $400, Heifer International - $510, Presbyterian Women's Association - $200, Chautauqua Hopsice & Palliative Care - $300, Postage for Operation Christmas Child - $39, 2017 Vacation Bible School $76.80.

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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 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 (326-2643) or stop in the church office to purchase a gift card.  For 2017 we profited $692.50.

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'Donate Now' button 

 

The church has a "Donate Now" button on our 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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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 Church (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 cost of the Per Capita expense would be appreciated.  Please make your check payable to First Presbyterian Church, earmarked "Per Capita ~ Ecclesiastical Apportionment" and mail to the church office or place in the offering plate on Sunday mornings.  

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Habitat Day:  Lend-a-Hand

The Chautauqua Area Habitat for Humanity if 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 session are Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

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Clerk's Pen(cil) II

 Following the call to order by Moderator Rev. Ronald L. Sumption and devotions and prayer by  Diane Scaparine the Session took up the work of the church on Monday, December 18, 2017.

Actions taken at the meeting are summarized as follows:

~ Received the Treasurer and Deacon Reports for November & December.

~ Approve the use of Fellowship Hall and Kitchen for a Chicken & Biscuit dinner hosted by the Boy Scouts.

~ Approved the additional terms of call for Rev. Ronald Sumption:  "Sick leave to accumulate at one (1) day per month, but unable to be paid for unused sick days when leaving the postion.  Retroactive to July 1, 2017."

~ Called annual congregational meeting for Sunday, January 21, 2018 following worship.

~ Approved 2018 Communion Schedule using same schedule as 2017.

~ Approved to hold worship in the Parlor during the months of January and February.

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Nothing quite like REAL flowers!

 

In 2018 we will continue the effort to have fresh flowers in Church every Sunday.  The Church Sanctuary is a living place and a place to experience all that God has created.  Flower donations are made directly to the church.  A donation of $25 will cover the cost for one week.  If you request "Special" flowers, i.e. roses, you will be notified of the additional cost so a donation can be made to cover the overage.

 

Please call the church office/326-2643 to request a week in 2018 for flowers in memory or in honor of a special person.

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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, Ethel Scarpine, Lillian Saunders,  Mark Robbins, Ann Wise, Holly 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), Cindy Harper, Cathy Vilardo-Strobl, Cody Crandall.

Our Servicemen.

Capt. Christopher Kittle 

Chief Petty Officer, James "JD" Watkins (Grandson of Betty Reid)

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FINANCIAL REPORT

Income through November 30:  $97,278.93

(2017 Pledges Paid to Date: $50,670.35 ~ 86% pledges paid)

Expenses through November 30:  $145,076.10

Investment Funds used through November 30:  $45,200.00

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"Two Boys"

 

Two little boys, ages 8 and 10, are excessively mischievous.

 

They are always getting into trouble and their own parents know if any mischief occurs in their town, the two boys are probably involved.

 

The boys' mother heard that a preacher in town had been successful in disciplining children, so she asked if he would speak with her boys.

 

The preacher agreed, but he asked to see them individually.

 

The mother sent the 8 year old in the morning, with the older boy to see the preacher in the afternoon.

 

The preacher, a huge man with a deep booming voice, sat the younger boy down and asked him sternly,  "Do you know where God is, son?"  The boys' mouth dropped open, but he made no response, sitting there wide-eyed with his mouth hanging open.

 

So the preacher repeated the question in an even sterner tone, "Where is God?!  Again the boy made no attempt to answer.

 

The preacher raised his voice even more and shook his finger in the boys face and bellowed, "WHERE IS GOD?!  The boy screamed and bolted from the room, ran directly home and dove into his closet, slamming the door behind him.

 

When his older brother found him in the closet, he asked, "What happened?"  The younger brother, gasping for breath, replied, "we are in BIG trouble this time!"  "GOD is missing, and they think WE did it!"

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JANUARY 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

Joan Lemke

2nd

Steve Peters

3rd

Marie Edwards

Lorraine Heald

Kelly Knopp

4th

Mark Meleen

5th

Warren Colgrove

Kai Diehl

6th

Laurie Diehl

7th

Britttany Edwards

8th 

Joan Allen

10th

Richard Barney

11th

Norma Vanderpool

12th

Jill Raynor

16th

Justin Ellis

19th

Cortland Knopp

20th

Alisha Ellis

Mike Ricketts

22nd

Charles Machemer

26th

Jennifer Barton

28th

Ricki Schofield

30th

Linda Drake

JANUARY ANNIVERSARIES

A special Anniversary Prayer...

That God's Eternal love

Will fill your heart this day

With joy and blessings from above

14th

Jeff & Kathy Monroe

Monday, January 1

Happy New Year

~ Church Office Closed ~

Tuesday, January 2

7:00 p.m.

Mission/Outreach Meeting

Wednesday, January 3

9:00 a.m.

Worship & Music Meeting

Sunday, January 7

10:00 a.m.

Christian Nurture ~ Adult Education

Choir Rehearsal

11:00 a.m.

Family Worship

~ Ordination/Installation of Church Officers ~

Sunday, January 14

10:00 a.m.

Christian Nurture ~ Adult Education

Choir Rehersal

11:00 a.m.

Family Worship

12:00 Noon

"Winter Picnic" Luncheon

Monday, January 15

5:00 p.m.

Session Meeting

7:00 p.m.

Deacon Meeting

Wednesday, January 17

9:00 a.m.

Property & Finance Meeting

Sunday, January 21

10:00 a.m.

Christian Nurture ~ Adult Education

Choir Rehearsal

11:00 a.m.

Family Worship

12:00 Noon

Annual Congregational Meeting

Sunday, January 28

10:00 a.m.

Christian Nurture ~ Adult Education

Choir Rehearsal

11:00 a.m.

Family Worship

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Bless this year

with love and light.

Bless this year

with faith and sight

Bless this year

with grace and ease.

Bless this year

with joy and peace

By:  Mary Davis