|
The Chronicle
is
Published by
First Presbyterian Church 49 South Portage Street Westfield, New York
2019 |
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:
Administrative Assistant Polly M. Knopp
Custodian Daniel E. Dibble
Deacon of the Month APRIL 2019 Dean Mead April Greeters Bob Rau |
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Easter is God's promise,
which His Son came to fulfill,
A promise of eternal life
for all who seek His will --
Season of the budding trees,
the lily in its glory,
The greening hills, the daffodils,
the holy Easter story.
Easter is the joy of spring,
God's gift and triumph, too,
Reminding us of Jesus' love
in which we're born anew.
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April Pulpit Supplies
Please join us in April for Family Worship at 11:00 a.m. - the pulpit supplies are:
April 7
John Daily, Elder
April 14
James Sanford - Layperson
Jim is a Certified Lay Preacher. He believes that worship is a time not so much for learning, but a sacred moment dedicated to joyful sharing: the sharing of God’s love for us as expressed in His Son our Lord; a time for sharing and showing
our love and respect for each other, in action and prayer; it is the sharing of one brief hour in a week to praise and thank our Lord and King for all His blessings. When a congregation invites him to preach, they give him the privilege of sharing his ever maturing faith in an unchanging God of love and grace. Jim is retired from Sears Roebuck where he worked for about forty years; he is an active member Brighton Volunteer Fire Co. and is a die-hard Buffalo Bills fan having been a season ticket holder for over fifty years. He loves golf and plays three times a week in good weather but his scores never seem to improve. His home church is Faith United Presbyterian Church in Kenmore.
April 21
Elder John Daily—Preaching
Rev. Dr. Arthur Webster—Communion
April 28
Patricia Townsend - Layperson
Pat is a lay preacher trained in the Presbytery’s Lay Academy. She served as pastor of North Park Presbyterian Church for three and a half years and as Executive Director of Journey’s End Refugee Services in Buffalo for four years, but most of her career has been spent doing research, writing, and teaching as a medical and environmental anthropologist in Papua New Guinea and the United States. Her University of Michigan doctorate is in cultural anthropology. She and her husband Bill, a civil
engineer, in their retirement, are active volunteers with a coloition working
on nuclear issues at the West Valley Demonstration Project and with their
congregation, North Presbyterian in Williamsville. They have one daughter, Alison, and a 13-year-old granddaughter, Elizabeth.
As a high school student, Pat read the book of Revelation straight through at one sitting and was blown away by its vision of the majesty of God. She is looking forward to revisiting that experience with us, these many decades, later in a stretch of time when Revelation appears in the Revised Common Lectionary
during Eastertide.
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Good Friday Gathering
Friday, April 19, 2019
The Westfield Ministerial Association again will sponsor a gathering at Noon on Good Friday,
April 19, 2019. 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, April 19, 2019. 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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FINANCIAL REPORT
Income through February 28, 2019: $17,199.67
(2018 Pledges Paid to Date: $10,512.00)
Expenses through February 28, 2019: $18,696.12
Investment Funds used through February 28, 2019: $0.00
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Great Easter Egg-scapade
Saturday, April 13, 2019
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, April 13, 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, April 8. 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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Mission/Outreach News...
You shall be called repairers of the breach
Isaiah 58
Around the world, millions of people lack access to sustainable food sources, clean water, sanitation, education, and opportunity. The three programs supported by One Great Hour of Sharing—Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, the Presbyterian Hunger Program, and Self-Development of People—all work in different ways to serve individuals and communities in need. From initial disaster response to ongoing community development, their work fits together to provide people with safety, sustenance and hope.
One Great Hour of Sharing will be received on Easter, April 21, each gift helps to improve the lives of people in these challenging situations. The Offering provides us a way to share God’s love with our neighbors in need.
One Great Hour of Sharing, makes a difference in the world.
Presbyterian Disaster Assistant (PDA) — works alongside communities as they recover and find hope after the devastation of natural or human-caused disasters, and support for refugees. PDA receives 32% of funds raised.
Presbyterian Hunger Program (PHP) — takes action to alleviate hunger, care for
creation, and the systemic causes of poverty so all may be fed. PHP received 36% of funds raised.
Self-Development of People (SDOP) — invests in communities responding to their
experiences of oppression, poverty and injustice and educates Presbyterians about the impact of these issues. SDOP receives 32% of funds raise.
We hope that you will join us on Easter, April 21, 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, "2019 OGHS" Please give generously!
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Medical Benevolence - Haiti Nursing Student
The Mission Committee has begun a campaign to raise funds for a scholarship to scholarship to support the education of a nursing student in Haiti. This program is under the auspicious of the Medical Benevolence Foundation.
Fundraising projects will be undertaken throughout 2019 in support of the nursing student. There are specially marked envelopes in the pews for donations or you can send your donation to the church earmarked "Haiti Nursing
Student". Also Pill bottles have been distributed in which pariticpants are asked to contribute coins for desingated "Medical Activities". If you haven picked up a pill
bottle please contact the church or Marjory Fritz/326-4277. MISSION IS THE HEART OF THE CHURCH SO LET’S KEEP THE HEART HEALTHY!
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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 o 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. 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 to the church.
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Personal Care Items
April is our month to collect Personal Care items for the Westfield Food Pantry. Items needed: Toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, denture care products, men's
shaving items, women's personal care items, shampoo, conditioner, bar soap and hand lotion. Please try to contribute some of these needed
items for those less fortunate. Items can be placed in the shopping cart at the
entrance to the church or in the church office. The pantry greatly appreciates our help!
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PER CAPITA
Providing the means to strengthen the connections of our work, and build lasting relationships to help all Presbyterians share God’s love through mission and ministry
The PER CAPITA is a fundamental way in which all of the nearly 10,000 congregations and mid councils of the Presbyterian Church (USA) connect,
participate and share in the work of the wider church. Per capital is the primary
source of funding for the Office of the General Assembly, and is how Presbyterians mutually and equitably share the costs of coming together to discern the Spirit's leading the future.
The church pays approximately $31.00 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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OPPORTUNITY TO HELP
As we are all aware the past few years have been disastrous in terms of earthquakes, hurricanes, wild fires and flooding, both nationally as well as internationally. In order to respond immediately to these emergencies Church World Service supplies much needed recovery items such as Hygiene Kits. These kits are filled with basic supplies to help victims stay clean and healthy.
As part of the Mission giving of the Women’s Association we are asking for help in filling Hygiene Kits to be sent to Church World Service. Items listed below can be brought to church and placed in the specially marked box outside the office before April 7th.
-Hand towels (no fingertip, bath, or dish towels, no microfiber)
-Wash clothes
-Wide tooth combs
-Fingernail or toenail clippers
-Bath size bar of soap in original package
-Toothbrushes in original packages
-Standard size Band-Aids
Once assembled the kits will be taken to the Fredonia Presbyterian Church which is a drop-off depot. The Women’s Association will assume payment of the $2.00 /kit processing fee.
Thank you for any help you are able to give to make this project successful in helping victims of natural disasters.
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A Basketful of Easter Inspiration
by Harry Hills
“Excuse me,” said the young man, standing awkwardly at the open church door. “I’m here to pick up an Easter basket for my daughter. Am I in the right place?”
“Well, we have baskets, but they’re not Easter baskets for kids; they’re food baskets,” I explained.
That morning I had arrived early at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church here in Carmichael, California, to help distribute the baskets to needy families for Easter. To make sure everyone was taken care of, we had handed out numbers to the recipients that matched the basket they were supposed dto receive. Each one containted a full Easter dinner—a whole ham, potatoes, bread, vegetables and a pie—plus enough staples to help feed a family for a week.
“Why don’t you come in?” I offered the man.
He looked disappointed. He shook his head, and peered over his shoulder. “I can’t…my daughter is waiting for me in the car,” he said. He gave her a little wave and turned back toward me. “I’m grateful for the food, but when I heard you were giving away baskets for Easter...well, I thought they would be Easter baskets for children,"
he continued. "I promised my daughter one." He glanced over his shoulder again
“I left her in the car because I wanted to surprise her.”
I felt bad, but there was nothing we could do. Our volunteers had put together food baskets, not Easter ones. We didn’t have the means to make up anything else. The man handed me his number, and I walked over to where the baskets were waiting for pick up.
A bulge in one of the baskets caught my eye. What is that? I wondered. Leaning in and looking more closely, I could see, unmistakably, an Easter basket—filled with an
assortment of candy and Easter eggs—wrapped with ribbons and tucked inside with the food.
One of the volunteers must have added it by mistake! I thought. Then I looked at the man’s number in my hand. Well, I'll be...
“Happy Easter,” I said to the man, handing him the only food basket with an Easter basket inside—the very same basket with his number on it. “Someone knew just what you needed.”
Someone sure did.
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Clerks Pen(cil) II
Following the call to order, devotions and prayer by the Moderator, Cynthia Wicker-Lundquist the session took up the work of the church on Tuesday, March 19.
Actions taken at the meeting are summarized as follows:
~ Received the treasurer and deacon reports.
~ Approve the use of Fellowship Hall by the Westfield School 7th Graders for a
pancake breakfast on Monday, May 27.
~ Approved the use of Memorial Funds to pay four (4) additional SUNY Fredonia
students on Palm Sunday.
~ Approved the Property & Finance Committee to negotiate with Lake Shore
Center for the Art to have use of the entire upper floor.
Other Business:
~ Plans are underway for the annual Easter Egg-scapde scheduled for
Saturday, April 13.
~ The following individuals were approved to serve in leadership positions :
Nominating—Gloria Colgrove, Mission/Outreach - Marjory Fritz
Property & Finance - Mike Ricketts, Treasurer - Bob Rau,
Fellowship/Membership—Marilynne Northrop.
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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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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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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
Dorothy Near, Betty Reid, Lillian Saunders, Mark Robbins, Barb Lynn, Ople Gollnitz, Sharon Bane, Pat Sciarrino and Pat Hayes.
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),
Jim Eversole.
Chief Petty Officer, James "JD" Watkins (Grandson of Betty Reid)
Lt. Victgor Gutirrez, U.S. Army Rangers (Grandson of Jack Beckman)
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APRIL 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
Anneliza Barney
2nd
Bethany Ellis
3rd
Steve Stratton
4th
Arielle Corbett
6th
Sam McMaster
8th
Brian Fochtman
Lisa Fochtman
Derek Gregory
Steve Morse
10th
Rachael Coon
Erin Guest
12th
Corry Robbins
15th
Jani Barney
Jenell Long
19th
John Daily
Bonnie Wysard
Josephine Machemer
21st
Barb Sanders
22nd
Leslie McTavish
23rd
Martha Bills
Bill Bills
Gail Locke
24th
Laura Bohall
Nancy Smith
26th
Judy Sumption
27th
Gregory Wilson
28th
Jonathan Wilson
30th
Betty Felton
Regan Helman
APRIL ANNIVERSARIES
A special Anniversary Prayer...
That God's Eternal love
Will fill your heart this day
With joy and blessings from above
8th
David & Jodi Wilson
20th
Mark & Patty Robbins
Monday, April 1
7:00 p.m. Mission/Outreach Meeting
Sunday, April 7
10:00 a.m.
Choir Rehearsal
Christian Nurture ~ Adult Education
11:00 a.m.
Family Worship
Saturday, April 13
10:00 a.m.
Great Easter Egg-scapade
Sunday, April 14
~ Palm Sunday ~
10:00 a.m.
Choir Rehearsal
Christian Nurture ~ Adult Education
11:00 a.m.
Family Worship
Monday, April 15
7:00 p.m.
Deacon Meeting
Tuesday, April 16
7:00 p.m.
Session Meeting
Wednesday, April 17
9:00 a.m
Property & Finance
Good Friday, April 19
12:00 Noon
Stations of the Cross
~ Moore Park ~
Easter, April 21
10:00 a.m.
Choir Rehearsal
11:00 a.m.
Family Worship
~ Communion ~
Sunday, April 28
10:00 a.m.
Choir Rehearsal
Christian Nurture ~ Adult Eductiaon
11:00 a.m.
Family Worship
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Jelly Bean Prayer
~ Author Unknown ~
Little jelly beans
Tell a story true.
A tale of Father's love just for me and you.
GREEN is for the waving palms.
YELLOW is for the sun above.
BROWN is for the soft earth where
People sat hearing of HIS love.
A SPECKLED bean for fish and sand.
RED for precious wine and
BLACK is for the sin HE washed
From your soul and mine.
PURPLE's for the sadness of HIS family and friends, and
WHITE is for the glory of the
Day HE rose again.
Now that you've heard the story
You know what each color means.
The story of our Father's love
Told by some jelly beans.
So every morning take a bean
They're really very yummy.
Somthing for the soul, you see
And something for the tummy.
