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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
Custodian Daniel Dibble
Deacon of the Month November 2018 Mike Cluchey |
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Psalms of Thanksgiving
Psalm 69: 30
I will praise the name of God
with a song;
I will magnify him with thanksgiving.
Psalm 100: 4
Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!
Psalm 106: 1
Praise the Lord!
Oh give thanks to the Lord,
for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever!
Psalm 75: 1
We give thanks to you, O God;
we give thanks, for your name is near.
We recount your wondrous deeds.
Psalm 44: 8
In God we have boasted
continually,
and we will give thanks to your
name forever.
Psalm 86: 12
I give thanks to you, O Lord my
God, with my whole heart,
and I will glorify your name forever.
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“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it,” (Malachi 3:10, TNIV).
Dear Saints and Friends of the First Presbyterian Church in Westfield,
The story is told of a very wealthy man who stood to tell the congregation of a very large church about his Christian faith. “I’m a millionaire many times over,” he said, “and I attribute it all to the rich blessings of God in my life. I remember that turning point in my faith. I had just earned my first dollar and I went to a church meeting that night. The speaker was a missionary from Africa who told about his work with the people. I knew that I only had a one dollar bill and had to either give it all to God’s work or give nothing at all. No discussion of 10%, 20% or more. It was all or nothing. So at that moment I decided to give my whole dollar to God. I believe that God blessed that decision, and that is why I am a rich man today.”
He finished and there was an awed silence at his testimony as he moved toward his seat. As he sat down an older lady sitting in the same pew leaned over and said to him: “I dare you to do it again!”
It’s giving pledge time again. This is the time for us to think about our stewardship of the gifts God has given to us, then prayerfully determine what we will dedicate to God. Stewardship involves an understanding, an attitude and an action.
When you understand that all you have really belongs to God, you will have a totally different concept of wealth and material things. With this attitude, you transfer everything over to God in your heart, and you are ready to become his manager, or steward. By following this pattern, giving and sharing become a joy and not a burden, a privilege and not merely a duty.
God has a deeper reservoir for giving than any of us. He wants us to be in the distribution business, not in the storage business. Our wealth should move in one side and out the other. This keeps the pipeline open and the tanks filled for the people who need the things we are able to provide. Nothing moves through a clogged pipeline; neither can God’s blessings.
Many times we pray for God’s blessings but only hold out a small cup in which to catch them. Be ready to handle what God sends you. Be a good steward – always ready to accept God’s grace and ready to pass it along.
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it,” (Malachi 3:10, TNIV).
Yours in Christ’s love and service,
Rev. Ron Sumption
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Thursday, November 1, 2018
Remembering members and friends of our
congregation who have died since
All Saints Day last year:
Enid Beadle
Gwendolyn Farver
Jeff Guest
Jean Mead
Newell "Doc" Near
Tammy Rothwell
Ethel Scarpine
Ruth Stacy
Norma Vanderpool
Lester Yeaney
“For all the saints, who from their labors rest,
Who Thee by faith before the world confessed,
Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest.
Alleluia! Alleluia!”
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REMINDER!! On Sunday, November 4, Daylight Saving Time ends. Remember to turn your clocks back on Saturday night before retiring. We don't want you to be too early for church!
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The 2018 Stewardship Campaign is up and running!
“Everyone should give whatever they have decided in their hearts. They shouldn't give with hesitation or because of pressure. God loves a cheerful giver. .” 2 Corinthians 9: 7.
A letter and pledge card was mailed the first week in October. If you didn't receive a letter and pledge card and you would like one, please call the church office/326-2643. Our Stewardship goal for 2019 is to cover the operating expenses of the church so we no longer draw from our investments. We are grateful for each and every gift given to the church!
Please have your pledge card returned by Friday, November 16th. A sealed box has been placed in the Narthex of the church, or you can return your pledge card to the church office to the attention of the Stewardship Committee.
Please join us on Sunday, November 18 for a dedication of your gifts.
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THE SESSION
Class of 2018
Hank Lynn
Jane McMaster
Diane Scarpine
Class of 2019
Marie Edwards
Polly Knopp
Mike Ricketts
Class of 2020
Marion Eno
Marilynne Northrop
Marjory Fritz
BOARD OF DEACONS
Class of 2018
Mike Cluchey
Trudy Gollnitz
Sherry Mead
Barb Sanders
Class of 2019
Carolyn Bills
Dean Mead
Pat Sciarrino
Judy Sumption
Class of 2020
Sharon Humphrey
Elaine Parker
Mark Smith
Nancy Smith
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Mission/Outreach News....
Peace & Global Witness Offering
Now may the Lord of peace...give you peace at all times in all ways." 2 Thessalonians 3: 16
On World Communion Sunday, October 7, our congregation gave $173.00 to the Peace & Global Witness Offering ~ the third Special Offering of the Presbyterian Church (USA).
Thank you for your donations! Twenty-five percent of donations remained with our church. The Mission Committee designated $43.25 to Hurricane Florence relief efforts. The other 75% was forwarded to the Presbytery of WNY where 25% will be used to support Presbytery and Synod peacemaking efforts and 50% will be forwarded to the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program of the Presbyterian Mission Agency so that it can continue to provide assistance and resources for congregations and other bodies of the PC (USA).
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Operation Christmas Child
A project of Samaritans Purse
~ The Power of a Simple Gift ~
For the past 25 years, Samaritan's Purse has been collecting shoeboxes filled with gifts and delivering them to children in need around the world. Each box is an opportunity for a boy or girl to experience the love of God in a tangible way and hear the Gospel.
Each and every shoebox gift, given in Jesus' name, opens doors for boys and girls and their families to hear the Good News of the Lord Jesus Christ. As a result, churches are growing and communities are transformed.
We invite any member and/or friend to fill a shoebox. Available in the Church Library are plastic shoeboxes for anyone to pick up and use. A pamphlet with information on how to pack your shoebox and suggested gifts is available at the entrances to the sanctuary or in the church office. Please have your shoeboxes returned on or before November 18 for a special dedication during the worship service.
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Westfield Community Kitchen
For the month of November, 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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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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SAVE THOSE DIMES!
"Dimes for Buckhorn." We continue to fill 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 Buckhorn 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.
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ANGEL TREE
Plans are underway for the annual community mission project "Angel Tree" sponsored by Westfield Union Relief -
a ladies aid society.
The Angels will be available for pick-up in early November. The date will be placed in the bulletin or you can call the church office.
Guidelines for your "Angel" gift are: Have your angel's name and number taped securely to your gift(s); Union Relief requests that all gifts be UNWRAPPED; gift boxes or bags are acceptable.
A dedication of your gifts will be held during morning worship.
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Clerk's Pen(cil) II
Following the call to order by Moderator Rev. Carol LeBlanc and devotions and prayer by Diane Scarpine the Session took up the work of the church on Tuesday, October 16, 2018.
Actions taken at the meeting are summarized as follows:
~ Received the Treasurer and Deacon Reports.
~ Approved the use of the Parlor on Satruday, December 22 by Pat Sciarrino.
~ Approved the use of the Parlor on Saturday, November 3 by Rachael Coon.
~ Approved the one year Lease Agreement between the Church and Y W C A.
~ Accepted the estimate from Tri-County Restoration for repairs to the wall in the stairwell leading up the sanctuary.
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NEEDED!
Elders, Deacons and Members-at-large
The 2018 Nominating Committee is currently seeking Elders and Deacons for the Class of 2021. Following are the positions needed:
ELDERS - Three (3) are needed for a 3 year term. The session meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month.
DEACON - Four (4) Deacons needed for a 3 year term. They meet the 3rd Monday of each month.
Members-at-Large - Four (4) needed for the 2019 Nominating Committee, Members-at-Large. It is a commitment for 1 year.
If you’re one who has served as an elder previously, perhaps you’re ready to return to serve again. Maybe you’ve never experienced being an elder. If not, you will be greeted gratefully.
Do not hesitate! Contact Jane McMaster by phone - 792-4696
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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, Ople Gollnitz and Judy Sumption.
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.
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:
Jeffrey Guest ~ Wednesday, October 17, 2018
Jean A. Mead ~ Sunday, October 21, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with all who have lost loved ones recently.
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Looking for a Unique Christmas gift?
The Church has available commemorative glass tumblers, goblets and ornaments. The glassware has an etched picture of the church and the ornament is a reproduction of the church building on porcelain. The cost for each is as follows: Ornament - $10.00, Glass Tumbler - $5.00 and Goblet - $6.00. To acquire a piece of history, please call the church office at (716) 326-2643. If you are not local - arrangements can be made to have item(s) mailed. Thank you for your support!
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SUNDAY FRESH FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS
We continue the effort to have fresh flowers in Church every Sunday. The Church Sanctuary is a living place, a place to experience all that God has created. The fresh flowers arrangements are delivered by the Deacon's to our shut-ins, who are ill or those hospitalized.
The fresh flower arrangements are given by members and friends of the congregation throughout the year. Some are in memory of loved ones, or in honor or appreciation for a special person. Our Flower Calendar is in NEED of donors.
Flower donations are made directly to the church. A donation of $25.00 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 or e-mail at onestpresby@fairpoint.net to reserve a special date.
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The simple solution to community fundraising
As a church we continue to participate in TOPS Markets "Cash for Causes"program by purchasing 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 will be available in $50 and $100 denominations. Please call church office at 326-2643 or stop in the church office to purchase a gift card.
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FINANCIAL REPORT
Income through September 30: $81,515.10
(2018 Pledges Paid to Date: $43,266.00)
Expenses through September 30: $116,759.65
Investment Funds used through September 30: $33,200.00
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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 contribution.
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2018
HARVEST DINNERS
DATE # SERVED RECEIPTS EXPENSES PROFIT
SEPT. 28 131 $1467.00 $ 78.79 $1388.21
OCT. 5 99 $ 1097.00 $112.11 $ 984.89
OCT. 12 122 $1343.00 $100.09 $1242.91
OCT. 19 77 $ 866.00 $147.51 $ 718.49
OCT. 26 81 $ 908.00 $104.09 $ 803.91
TOTALS 510 $5681.00 $542.59 $5138.41
ADVANCED $600.00($300.00 each Mission & Women’s Assoc.)
EXPENSES $542.59
RETURNED $ 57.41 ( $28.71-Mission & 28.70-Women’s Assoc.)
HISTORY
YEAR # SERVED RECEIPTS EXPENSES PROFIT
2009 324 $2745.98 $532.56 $2213.42
2010 295 $3144.61 $484.61 $2660.00
2011 343 $3486.40 $503.40 $2983.00
*2012 327/351 $3473/3707 $487.04/496.53 $2985.96/3209.47
(5/6meals)
2013 359 $3786.00 $522.90 $3263.31
2014 403 $4147.00 $551.62 $3595.38
2015 458 $4700.00 $545.83 $4154.17
2016 504 $5026.00 $553.08 $4472.92
2017 486 $4988.00 $512.95 $4475.05
**2018 510 $5681.00 $542.59 $5138.41
* In 2012 there was a 6th meal served after church due to amount of left-overs from a
Friday dinner. This increased the receipts as well as the profit.
** In 2018 the price was increased to $11.00 from $10.00
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Presbyterian Women's Association
November Event
Thursday, November 15, at 7:00 p.m. in the Church Parlor the movie "Hoovey" will be shown. “Hoovey” is a true and inspiring movie about Eric 'Hoovey" Elliott who along with his family refused to surrender. Instead, the family turns to one another and their faith to rebuild their lives and their sons. Step by grueling step with faith, love and the tireless work of a mother and father, Hoovey learns to walk again.
The movie is open to everyone. Bring a friend!
Upcoming in December for all women of the church:
Thursday, December 13 at 7:00 p.m. "A Cup of Christmas Tea". More information will be available in the bulletin and the December Newsletter.
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NOVEMBER 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
Chelsey MacCubbin
Josh Monroe
2nd
Ryleigh Sanderson
3rd
Jack Beckman
Luella Reynolds
7th
Kaelyn Helman
Elna Meleen
13th
Rob Schofield
15th
Aimee Helman
Barb Lynn
16th
Beth Cluchey
Jonathan Corbett
17th
Bob Dyment
18th
Pam Truitt
19th
Scott Freyn
Alberta Parker
20th
Mindi Monroe
Rhiannon Seminatore
24th
Ann Wise
25th
Casey Northrop
28th
Don Strobl
29th
Judy Womeldorf
Linda Young
30th
Cameron Wright
ANNIVERSARIES
A special Anniversary Prayer...
That God's Eternal love
Will fill your heart this day
With joy and blessings from above
13th
Barb & Hank Lynn
15th
Lillian & Earl Saunders
Sunday, November 4
10:00 a.m.
Christian Nurture - Adult Education
Choir Rehearsal
11:00 a.m.
Family Worship
~ Communion ~
Monday, November 5
5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Hospital Auxiliary Dinner
Tuesday, November 6
7:00 p.m.
Mission Meeting
Sunday, November 11
10:00 a.m.
Christian Nurture - Adult Education
Choir Rehearsal
11:00 a.m.
Family Worship
Monday, November 12
Veterans Day Observed
~ Church Office Closed ~
Thursday, November 15
7:00 p.m.
Presbyterian Women's Association
Movie - "Hoovey"
Sunday, November 18
10:00 a.m.
Christian Nurture ~ Adult Education
Choir Rehearsal
11:00 a.m.
Family Worship
~ Dedication of 2019 Pledges ~
~ Dedication of Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes ~
Monday, November 19
7:00 p.m.
Deacon Meeting
Tuesday, November 20
7:00 p.m.
Session Meeting
Wednesday, Novmeber 21
9:00 a.m.
Property & Finance Meeting
Thanksgiving, November 22
Church Office Closed
Friday, November 23
Church Office Closed
Sunday, November 25
10:00 a.m.
Christian Nurture ~ Adult Education
Choir Rehearsal
11:00 a.m.
Family Worship
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Give Thanks
for each new morning
with its light
for rest and shelter
of the night
for health and food
For love and friends
for everything
thy goodness sends
Happy Thanksgiving!
