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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:
E-Mail:
Pastor Ronald L. Sumption ronaldsumption@live.com (319) 432-8650 Administrative Assistant Polly M. Knopp
Deacon of the Month September 2018
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Summer and Fall
By Nona Kean Duffy
Today it still is summer,
Tomorrow will be fall.
I see the purple asters,
I hear the autumn's call.
I feel the warm sun shining
As a balmy south wind blows;
I see more flowers blooming,
And I see the grass still grows;
The goldenrod is waving,
The bees are in the clover.
I hear a distant honking --
The geese are flying over.
The maple leaves are golden;
The pumpkins round and yellow.
The apple cheeks are rosy,
The pears are getting mellow.
The nuts are growing rounder,
The cornstalks, brown and sear.
By twenty lovely tokens
I know that fall is near.
Today it still is summer,
Tomorrow will be fall.
Today I still am barefoot --
Oh, how I love it all!
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Dear Saints and Friends of First Presbyterian Church of Westfield,
[Jesus said,] “You didn't choose me but I chose you and appointed you so that you could go and produce fruit and so that your fruit would last,” (John 15:16, CEB).
Any set of beliefs that a person adopts is to be used as criteria to evaluate choices. This may sound a little stuffy, but it expresses a vital truth. I began thinking about this after reading again the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes recently. The Teacher of Ecclesiastes concluded that life was meaningless, and from that starting point went on to distinguish options in life which were better than others.
We Christians start with a different set of conclusions. We believe that life is meaningful. God loves us, and has chosen us in Jesus' words, “to go and produce fruit,” (John 15:16, CEB).
The point being that we do not live in a secular universe, formed by chance. We live in a universe created by a personal God, who has chosen to love us – and chosen us to love and serve God.
What options are “better” then if our set of beliefs about the world is formed by a belief in God and by experience of God's love? Well, some of life's better things for the Christian include: caring more about people than about things. Giving ourselves to serve rather than to be served. Storing up treasure in heaven rather than on earth. Spending time with God's Word rather than on social media. Making time for our families rather than spending all our time and energy on our jobs. Depending on God rather than ourselves, and expressing that dependence in prayer. And so on. You can add to this list as easily as I can.
You see, our problem isn't in knowing what “better than” choices are open to us as Christians. Our problem is in making those choices daily.
No, this isn't one of those “let's add on some guilt” messages. It's just a reminder. The secular life – that is, life lived as if God doesn't matter – really is meaningless. God's call to you and me to make “better than” choices is God's invitation to discover something that secular people can never know.
We discover a truly meaningful, and therefore blessed life. We discover that the “better than” choices we make for Jesus' sake end up as blessings for us.
Yours in Christ's love and service,
Rev. Ron Sumption
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Sunday....
The Worship service on "Welcome Back Sunday," September 9, will begin our 11:00 a.m. service schedule for the Fall/Winter months. Following the service will be a luncheon hosted by the Mission/Outreach Committee
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Sacrament of Baptism was celebrated on Sunday, July 8, 2018 when Josephine Elaine Machemer, daughter of John and Kathy Machemer, was baptized.
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THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU…
When you see these fine young ladies—Marie Edwards, Ramona Luder, Alecia Gerdy, Marion Eno and Diane Scarpine—please give them a BIG "thank you" for volunteering their time to clean the sanctuary, parlor, bathrooms, hallways, etc. and weeding the perimeter of the church. Thank you ladies! You are very much appreciated!
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Friday, September 14 & Saturday, September 15
The Next-to-New Sale will be held Friday, September 14, 11 a.m to 5 p.m. and Saturday, September 15, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. THIS IS NOT A
RUMMAGE SALE. They are still accepting donations of clothing, shoes and jewelry.
The sale is to raise funds for the general operating expenses. The unsold items will be donated to the Vietnam Veterans of America.
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& Wellness Support
Sunday, September 16, 2018, the Presbyterian Women's group will be hosting a Wellness Support Opportunity at our church after the Worship service. Flu and pneumonia vaccinations will be offered free of charge by Sarah Fritz, registered pharmacist, representing Rite Aid Pharmacy, Jamestown, NY. Blood pressure readings will also be available, along with a variety of informational material on various health and wellness topics of interest. This service will be available to all members of our congregation as well as any family or friends from our community. In order to participate, anyone interested will need to provide their insurance card, along with a completed “Screening Questionaire and Consent Form.” These forms are available at entrances to the Sanctuary or in the church office. Coffee and refreshments will be provided in the Parlor. Vaccinations and blood pressure readings will be administered in the Library. Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity, and please feel free to invite your friends and family members to participate as well. Should you have any questions, please direct them to Sarah Fritz, Pat Sciarrino, or Polly in the church office.
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Mission/Outreach News....
Personal Care Items: September is our month to collect personal care items for the Food Pantry. Items needed are toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, denture care products, men's shaving items, women's personal care items. shampoo, conditioner and hand lotion. Please try to contribute some of these needed items for those less fortunate. The Food Pantry appreciates any and all of our donations.
"Welcome Back" Picnic: On Sunday, September 9, the Committee invites you to a picnic lunch following the 11:00 a.m. worship. The menu will include hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, corn on the cob, watermelon, dessert and a beverage. A donation of $10.00 will be appreciated (no charge for children and students). The proceeds will benefit ongoing mission projects. If you plan to attend please call the church office/326-2643.
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."
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 sustainmicro-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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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 continuedexistence 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 the
sanctuary. One dollar at a time we can help financially support
at-risk children at Buckhorn Children & Family Services
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2018 HARVEST DINNER
VOLUNTEERS
The Mission Committee/Presbyterian Women are looking for volunteers for the Harvest Dinner's during the month of October. Volunteers are NECESSARY for the dinners to be successful. Please call the church office/326-2643 to volunteer for a date(s) listed below.
WEEK 1
Thursday, September 27th
1:00 p.m.
Friday, September 28th
2:30 p.m.
3:30 p.m.
4:30 ~ Cashier or Hostess
5:15 ~ Delivery
5:30 ~ Clean-up
WEEK 2
Friday, October 5th
2:30 p.m.
3:30 p.m.
4:30 p.m. ~ Cashier or Hostess
5:15 p.m. ~ Delivery
5:30 p.m. ~ Clean-up
WEEK 3
Thursday, October 11th
1:00 p.m.
Friday, October 12th
2:30 p.m.
3:30 p.m.
4:30 p.m. ~ Cashier or Hostess
5:15 p..m. ~ Delivery
5:30 p.m. ~ Clean-up
WEEK 4
Thursday, October 18th
10:30 a.m.
Friday, October 19th
2:30 p.m.
3:30 p.m.
4:30 p.m. ~ Cashier, Hostess
5:15 ~ Delivery
5:30 p.m. ~ Clean-up
WEEK 5
Friday, October 26th
2:30 p.m.
3:30 p.m.
4: 30 p.m. ~ Cashier or Hostess
5:15 p.m. ~ Delivery
5:30 p.m. ~ Clean-up
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2018
Friday, September 28
Roast Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Stuffing, Corn, Butternut Squash,
Cranberry-Orange Relish and Assorted Desserts.
Friday, October 5
Roast Pork, Mashed Potatoes, Sauerkraut, Seasoned Green Beans,
Warm Fruit, Homemade Rolls and Assorted Desserts.
Friday, October 12
Chicken and Biscuits, Mashed Potatoes, Buttered Peas & Carrots, Cranberry Salad and Assorted Desserts.
Friday, October 19
Meat Loaf, Potato Stuffing, Harvard Beets, Sunset Salad, Succotash, Homemade Rolls and Assorted Desserts.
Friday, October 26
Baked Ham, Scalloped Potatoes, Vegetable Medley, Waldorf Salad, Homemade Rolls and Assorted Desserts.
Adult Dinner $11.00
All dinners include a beverage.
Sit down, take-out or delivery available.
For delivery ~ please call the church office/326-2643 before Noon on the day of the dinner.
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Nothing quite like REAL flowers!
We continue the efforts 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. There are still dates available, please call the church office/326-2643 to request a week for flowers in memory or in honor of a special person.
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.
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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, Dorothy Near, Betty Reid, Bev Yeaney, Gloria Wakeley, Lillian Saunders, Mark Robbins, Barb Lynn, Laurie Diehl and Ople Gollnitz
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), Walter Brown, Cody Crandall & Bill Best.
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:
Norma Vanderpool ~ Friday, July 27, 2018
William E. Locke ~ Monday, August 6, 2018
(Father of Bill Locke)
David R. Eggert ~ Monday, August 6, 2018
(Brother of Betty Reid)
Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with all who have lost loved ones recently.
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A calm and undisturbed
mind and heart
are the life and health
of the body
Proverbs 14: 30
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FINANCIAL REPORT
Income through July 31,2 018: $68,679.69
(2018 Pledges Paid to Date: $35,741.00)
Expenses through July 31, 2018: $90,927.60
Investment Funds used through July 31, 2018: $27,200.00
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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 availble 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 avaiable in $50 and $100 denominations. Please call 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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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
September 1
Aryanna Ellis
Marjory Fritz
September 2
Brenda McCutcheon
September 3
Clinton Parker
Ariana Robbins
Justin Smith
September 4
Mark Robbins
September 7
Jane McMaster
September 10
Connor Johnson
September 11
Dylan MacCubbin
September 12
Norah Johnson
Time Wise
September 14
Brett MacCubbin
September 15
Jean Mead
Margaret Parker
September 16
Nicole Corbett
Nancy Hagedorn
September 17
Heidi Duncombe
Sharon Humphrey
September 18
Jeff Monroe
Matt Monroe
Dorothy Near
September 19
Lillian Saunders
September 22
Matt Swank
September 25
Kellie Sacilowski
September 26
Penny Deakin
Karen Swank
September 28
David Wilson
ANNIVERSARIES
A special Anniversary Prayer...
That God's Eternal love
Will fill your heart this day
With joy and blessings from above
September 3
Phil & Linda Young
September 4
Derek & Brittany Edwards
Hoyt & Elaine Prince
September 12
Brett & Terri MacCubbin
September 15
Scott & Shelly Freyn
September 26
Barry & Cathi Wright
September 27
Eric & Marie Edwards
Sunday, September 2
9:00 a.m.
Christian Nurture ~ Adult Education
10:00 a.m.
Family Worship
~ Communion ~
Monday, September 3
Church Office Closed
Tuesday, September 4
7:00 p.m.
Mission Meeting
Friday, September 7
5:00 p.m.
Women's Retreat
~ Chautauqua Institute ~
Sunday, September 9
"Welcome Back" Sunday
10:00 a.m.
Choir Rehearsal
11:00 a.m.
Family Worship
~ Guest Preacher ~
Friday, September 14
11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Next-to-New Sale
Saturday, September 15
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Next-to-New Sale
Sunday, September 16
10:00 a.m.
Choir Rehearsal
11:00 a.m.
Family Worship
~ Guest Preacher ~
Monday, September 17
7:00 p.m.
Deacon Meeting
Tuesday, September 18
7:00 p.m.
Session Meeting
Wednesday, September 19
9:00 a.m.
Property & Finance Meeting
Thursday, September 20
7:00 p.m.
Presbyterian Women's Meeting
Sunday, Setptember 23
10:00 a.m.
Choir Rehearsal
Friday, September 28
5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Roast Turkey Harvest Denner
Sunday, September 30
10:00 a.m.
Choir Rehearsal
11:00 a.m.
Family Worship
~ Guest Preacher ~
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