The   Chronicle   is   Published by   First Presbyterian Church  49 South Portage Street  Westfield, New York             2018

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    Pastor Ronald L. Sumption ronaldsumption@live.com (319) 432-8650 Administrative Assistant Polly M. Knopp   Custodian Melanie McCutcheon   Deacon of the Month March 2018 Nancy Smith

 

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Lenten Poem

by Ann Weems

 

 

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Dear Saints and Friends of the First Presbyterian Church of Westfield, 

 

A sign at the entrance of a convent read: “Absolutely NO TRESPASSING! Violators will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Signed, the Sisters of Mercy.”

 

Our Lord Jesus called for brothers and sisters in God’s family to extend unlimited forgiveness to each other. In Matthew 18:21-35, Jesus gave us the most compelling reason of all to forgive one another. That reason is expressed in the story of a servant who owed a king a great debt of ten thousand bags of gold. When the servant could not pay, the master “had compassion on that servant, released him, and forgave the loan,” (Matt. 18:27, CEB).

 

Then that servant met a fellow servant, who owed him a paltry sum of one hundred coins, and “threw him into prison until he paid back his debt,” (v. 30). The king was angered when he heard. It was hardly appropriate for one who had been forgiven so much to make such an issue of a debt which was so little.

 

The thrust of the story depends largely on the amounts of money Jesus mentioned. The first servant’s debt was the equivalent of 30,000,000 days’ wages! If the first servant had worked every workday for 50 years, and given every cent he earned to the king, it would have taken him some 2,725 lifetimes to pay his debt!

 

Yet each of us has but a single lifetime to live. By any measure, the debt owed the king was unpayable, and the 100 coins owed by the second servant was insignificant.

 

What a reminder when we find our hearts hardening toward a brother or sister after a few repeated or perceived hurts. God, the great King, has forgiven us an absolutely unpayable debt. He has forgiven our sins, simply because He took pity on us. In contemplating the forgiveness we have received from God, we find the grace we need to forgive one another.

 

The church is simply a community of forgiven and forgiving sinners. Every individual who attends church has fallen short of the glory of God. Some, however, have received God’s free gift of salvation by grace!

 

Because God has forgiven you, you must forgive others. Why? Is this just another commandment “for your own good?” Yes!

 

Bitterness, anger, or a critical attitude will bring sickness to your heart and eventually to your body and to the body of Christ, which is the church. Forgiveness will make you free and release the Holy Spirit to bring healing to your life. So give up your grudges, grief, and guilt.

 

Ephesians 4:31-32 says, “Put aside all bitterness, losing your temper, anger, shouting, and slander, along with every other evil. Be kind, compassionate, and forgiving to each other, in the same way God forgave you in Christ.”

 

We are now in the season of Lent, which is a good time to work on being more forgiving.

 

Remember, next time you find it hard to forgive, meditate on the forgiveness you have received from our Lord. In contemplating the forgiveness we have received from God, we find the grace we need to forgive one another.

 

Forgiven because of Christ,

 

Rev. Ron Sumption

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SPECIAL COFFEE

~ Hosted by Worship & Music ~

 

Please join us on Palm Sunday, March 25, to honor and thank Ann Weidman for her   many years of dedicated service to acquiring liturgists for our worship services. Ann is relocating to the Rochester area to be near family.

 

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TIME CHANGE

 

Remember to spring ahead!  Set your clock ahead one hour

before retiring on Saturday, March 10, 2018. We don't want

you to be late for Church!

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Mission/Outreach News....

"You shall be called repairers of the breach"

Isaiah 58

Sharing God's love with our neighbors in-need around the world by providing relief from natural disasters, food for the hungry, and support for the poor and oppressed.

Lent is traditionally a season of fasting and prayer.  During this time, Christians pay close attention to spiritual disciplines that deepen our understanding of what God is doing in our lives and around the world.  As a church, we spend time together hearing about and praying for the ministries of compassion and justice done through our support of One Great Hour of Sharing.  

Jesus' ministry was among those who were most vulnerable.  He preached good news to the poor and release to the captives.  One Great Hour of Sharing helps us share this same good news to those same vulnerable people in our world today:  those who are hungry, who are suffering from disaster, who are dealing with oppression in society.

While we trust our OGHS programs to respond to the needs of our poorest and hungriest neighbors, those programs can only do so to the extent of our generosity.  We ask you to consider giving to the OGHS offering - you'll see how giving opens your heart to God's work in your own life.  So we hope that you will join us on Easter, April 1, and that you'll join Christians all across the country in opening their heart to witness tangibly to the abundant love of God through One Great Hour of Sharing. Envelopes for the offering will be available in the pew racks or you can mail your gift to the church office earmarked, "2018 OGHS"  Please give generously!

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Soles Healing Souls

Chosen International Medical Assistance

"A Christ ministry dedicated to improving the quality of life to all God's people for His glory."

I know that many of you reading this article like to go barefoot when possible, but can you imagine that being your only option?  In many places, that is the reality.  Chosen IMA continues to partner with Funds2orgs to make shoes available to people in areas that have never had this perceived necessity.  Chosen IMA collects the shoes, and Funds2orgs processes and distributes them to entrepreneurs around the world who have received training on how to run a business.  All shoes collected are used or re-purposed, and stay out of landfills.  Did you know that it is estimated that 300 million pairs of shoes end up in landfills each year?  Chosen IMA also receives 40 cents per pound of shoes, and they are able to invest that back into the ministry and make a greater impact in Erie, PA and around the world.  During 2017, many churches, schools, and organizations partnered with them by holding shoe drives, packing the shoes, and donating extra shoes from rummage and yard sales. Our church will continue to collect used shoes, boots, sandals, etc.  for Chosen IMA.  The container to deposit your shoes, is located at the Portage Street entrance.

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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 existence of Buckhorn, 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 fundraising projects to help raise funds for Buckhorn.

KEEP SAVING THOSE DIMES!

 

"Dimes for Buckhorn."  In September 2017 we began filling three 2 liter bottles with dimes.  Each 2 liter bottle results in approximately $400.  The bottles are 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.

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Westfield Community Kitchen  

For the month of March, we will be collecting some much-needed items for the Community Kitchen.  The "Wish List" is as follows:  small dessert plates, napkins, paper towels, individual sugar packets, salad dressings, decaf and regular coffee, dry soup mixes, Jello, puddings, powdered creamer, canned carrots, chicken broth, biscuit mix, cake mixes, aluminum foil (wide), Sweet n' Low and bleach.

The Community Kitchen greatly appreciates our help!

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Good Friday Gathering

Friday, March 30, 2018

Noon

 

The Westfield Ministerial Association again will sponsor a gathering at Noon on Good Friday, March 30.  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 12:00 Noon on Good Friday, March 30.  People are asked  to gather at the Moore Park Gazebo for opening devotions and the First 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 gather will be held at St. Peters' 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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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 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 elect 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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Sunday School

Resumes on

Sunday, March 18

Theme:

"Joining God's Team"

Come join us for "MEGA Sports Camp".  We will have sports and bible characters and stories, fun music, MEGA mascot and sports related teams.  Come learn about Jesus and His team of disciples.

 

The Sunday school will be doing a skit on Psalm Sunday—we would like everyone to participate!

Bring a friend!

See you Sunday, March 18

 

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Great Easter Egg-scapade

Saturday, March 31 2018

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, March 31, 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.  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, March 26.  This helps us plan for craft supplies.  If you have any questions, please call the church  office/326-2643.

 

Volunteers to “lend a hand” with egg dying, the craft area and/or Easter egg hunt are needed. To volunteer or to register for the event please call the church office/326-2643. DONATIONS of wrapped Easter candy and small toys (bubbles, stuffed animals, games, chocolate bunnies, etc.) are also needed and can be dropped off at the church office.

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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, Doc and Dorothy Near, Betty Reid, Enid Beadle, Bev & Les Yeaney, Norma Vanderpool, Lillian Saunders,  Mark Robbins, Ann Wise, Gloria Wakeley and Barb Lynn.

 

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, Cody Crandall, Cindy Harper and Walter Brown.

 

Our Servicemen

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:

 

Ruth C. Stacy ~ Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Ethel Scarpine ~ Monday, February 19, 2018

 

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

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A cardinal is a representative of a loved one who has passed. When you see one, it means they are visiting you. They usually show up when you most need them or miss them. They also make an appearance during times of celebration as well as despair to let you know they will always be with you. Look for them, they’ll appear!

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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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the simple solution to community fundraising

 

As a church we continue to 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 $50 and $100 denominations.               Please call (326-2643) or stop in the church office to purchase a gift card.

 

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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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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 session are Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

If you would like to provide refreshments for the Habitat Volunteers please contact Debbie Caruso at Hurlbut Church, 357-4045. Refreshments are needed for Saturday mornings at 10:00 a.m.

 

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FINANCIAL REPORT

Income through January 31:  $17,807.96

(2018 Pledges Paid to Date: $12,225.00)

Expenses through January 31:  $14,224.21

Investment Funds used through January 31:  $0.00

 

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Smile

 

A smile costs nothing, but gives much.

 

It enriches those who receive, without making poorer those who give.

 

It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever.

 

None is so rich or mighty that he can get along without it, and none is so poor, but that he can be made rich by it.

 

A Smile creates happiness in the home, fosters good will in business, and is the countersign of friendship.

 

It brings rest to the weary, cheer to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad, and it is nature's best antidote for trouble.

 

Yet it cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is something that is of no value to anyone, until it is given away.

 

Some people are too tired to give you a smile;

 

Give them one of yours, as none needs a smile so much as he who has no more to give.

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 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

9th

Ron Sumption

12th

Andy Fochtman

Drew Norton

15th

Ashlin Helman

Camden Rogers

16th

Ann Weidman

17th

Daxon Perkins

18th

Chris Truitt

19th

Bobby Udell

20th

Scott Rogers

21st

James Deakin

Linda Kelley

Felicia Lawson

22nd

Harry Barton

Lynnell Ellis

Bob Wilmarth

25th

Enid Beadle

Lisa Young

27th

Marilynne Northrop

28th

Mary Jo Gollnitz

30th

Giana Long

Jaime Long

 

Sunday, March 4

10:00 a.m.

Christian Nurture - Adult Education

Choir Rehearsal

11:00 a.m.

Family Worship

Monday, March 5

7:00 p.m.

Mission/Outreach Meeting

Tuesday, March 6

5:30 p.m.

Worship & Music Meeting

Sunday, March 11

10:00 a.m.

Christian Nurture ~ Adult Education

Choir Rehearsal

11:00 a.m.

Family Worship

Thursday, March 15

7:00 p.m.

Presbyterian Women's Meeting

Sunday, March 18

10:00 a.m.

Christian Nurture ~ Adult Education

Choir Rehearsal

11:00 a.m.

Family Worship

Monday, March 19

5:00 p.m.

Session

7:00 p.m.

Deacon Meeting

Palm Sunday, March 25

10:00 a.m.

Christian Nurture ~ Adult Education

Choir Rehearsal

11:00 a.m.

Family Worship

12:00 Noon

Special Coffee Hour

~ Hosted by Worship & Music ~

Good Friday, March 30

12:00 Noon

"Way of the Cross"

Gazebo in Moore Park

Saturday, March 31

10:00 a.m.

Easter Egg-scapade

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The Easter Egg

is hollow,

Just like they found

the tomb;

For it is meant to

represent

Christ has risen 

for you!

Matthew 28:6