Epistle - First Presbyterian Church of Valatie
Transcription
Epistle - First Presbyterian Church of Valatie
Epistle “We are a small congregation, part of God’s larger family, teaching and living God’s Word, and sharing God’s love throughout the community.” Newsletter of First Presbyterian Church of Valatie Reverend Kathi L. Jones, Pastor Volume 3 Issue 2 P.O. Box 267, 3212 Church Street, Valatie, NY 12184 email: [email protected] 518-758-9658 February 2016 From the Pastor’s Pen The season of Lent is upon us. Except for what is termed “ordinary time” from after Pentecost to Christ the King Sunday in November, it is the longest season in the church year. It always strikes me as a “downer” time; it’s during winter and the tone of it is solemn. Who wants to deal with it? Yet, I find the opportunity to have a topic to study makes it a much more intentional, and even, encouraging time. I look forward to the study and time spent in reading and quiet reflection. It helps me to anchor myself in the season. I believe that if one does not experience the events of the Lenten season, one cannot fully experience the miracle of Easter. Worship becomes more focused as it dwells on conversations and events that lead Jesus to Jerusalem and his death. We begin the season on Ash Wednesday, this year on February 10. The liturgical use of ashes originates in Old Testament times. Ashes symbolized mourning, mortality and penance. For instance, in the Book of Esther, Mordecai put on sackcloth and ashes when he heard of the decree of King Ahasuerus (or Xerxes, 485-464 B.C.) of Persia to kill all of the Jewish people in the Persian Empire (Esther 4:1). In the fifth century B.C., after Jonah's preaching of conversion and repentance, the town of Ninevah proclaimed a fast and put on sackcloth, (Jonah 3:5-6). These Old Testament examples evidence both a recognized practice of using ashes and a common understanding of their symbolism. Jesus Himself also made reference to ashes. Referring to towns that refused to repent of sin although they had witnessed the miracles and heard the good news, our Lord said, "If the miracles worked in you had taken place in Tyre and Sidon, they would have reformed in sackcloth and ashes long ago" (Mt 11:21). The early Church continued the usage of ashes for the same symbolic reasons. Eventually, the use of ashes was adapted to mark the beginning of Lent, the 40-day preparation period (not including Sundays) for Easter. In our present liturgy for Ash Wednesday, we use ashes made from the burned palm branches distributed on the Palm Sunday of the previous year. The priest/pastor blesses the ashes and imposes them on the foreheads of the faithful, making the sign of the cross. We renew the promises made at our baptism, when we died to an old life and rose to a new life with Christ. Finally, mindful that the kingdom of this world passes away, we strive to live the kingdom of God now and look forward to its fulfillment in Heaven. Lent is not a bad season after all with that kind of a beginning! May you reflect this Lenten season on the journey of Jesus and find your way to repenting of your sins – perhaps through ritual and study. We have the opportunities available this Lent. Kathi Volume 3 Issue 2 Page 2 Session Notes The Annual Congregational Meeting The Session met last in its regular meeting on Wednesday January 20 in the Library. After opening with devotions and prayer, the Session: Elected Melissa Barton as the Clerk Approved the minutes from the December session meeting With great regret, heard of the passing of Walter Austin-Michaud, a former member, and expressed sorrow for his family Organized themselves by signing up for devotions, communion set-up, communion assisting and committee assignments Received the Treasurer’s report for the end of 2015 Approved a 2% cost of living increase for all of the staff Approved the recommendations of the Finance and Stewardship Committee for the 2016 Budget Heard that the Transitional Presbyter, the Rev. Shannon Vance-Ocampo, would be participating in worship on February 7 Heard that the Ecumenical Ash Wednesday Service would be held here on February 10 at 7:00pm. Heard that Boy Scout Sunday would be recognized on Feb. 14 with our Troop 114 participating in worship Approved dates for communion in 2016 Approved having traditional communion sered January through May and September through December with intinction June through August Heard that the Lenten Supper and Study series will be held on Thursdays Feb. 11 through March 18 Heard that March 13 would be Celebrate the Gifts of Women Sunday Heard that a piece of gutter needs to be replaced on the CEB There being no more business to be done, the session was adjourned until its next meeting on Wed. Feb. 17 at 7:00pm. The Annual Meeting of the Congregation took place on Sunday January 31. Following a wonderful chicken parm and spaghetti lunch with salad and bread and homemade cakes, all prepared and served by the Deacons, the meeting was called to order and opened with prayer. Melissa Barton, newly elected Clerk of Session, took the minutes for the meeting. Voting in the affirmative to approve the Call of the Meeting, determining that a quorum was present, adopting the docket, and approving the minutes of the 2015 meetings of the congregation, all took place in quick order. The Pastor’s Report was reviewed and it was noted that we lost 3 members by death, Alan Judson, Jim Gilmore and Mary Gene Strobel who were all remembered in a memorial moment. Our membership is now at 77. Nominations from the floor for four congregational members of the Nominating Committee were: John Coons, Vieve Gay, Steve Hohneker and Marge Laurie. There were no more nominations and so the nominations were closed and the clerk was asked to cast one ballot for those nominated. There will be 2 elders appointed to the committee with one of them becoming the chair. and one deacon will be appointed to the committee. Changes in the by-laws were presented, having had a first reading meeting earlier in the month when questions were asked and general discussion happened. Changes to the size of the Board of Deacons and the Session were the primary changes being presented. The boards would each be smaller. After discussion the vote was taken and approval of the changes presented was given. The rest of the reports were read and received. The session adopted Budget for 2016 was presented for information as well as the 2015 end of year Treasurer’s Report. The year ended in the black instead of in the red as anticipated for which all were grateful. Everything moved along nicely with some discussion during the Building and Grounds report, the Memorial Fund Report, and the 2016 Annual Budget presentation. Many thanks to all who helped to make the lunch and meeting run smoothly. Volume 3 Issue 2 Page 3 Christian Nurture Reverend Shannan Vance-Ocampo will be joining us on February 7th to lead us in worship. She is the Transitional Presbyter of the Albany Presbytery. We will be hosting the Ecumenical Ash Wednesday Service this year. It will be held on Wednesday, February 10th at 7:00 pm. The service will include the imposition of ashes. Please mark your calendars and plan to join us for this service that marks the beginning of Lent. Save the Dates! The Lenten Study this year will begin on Thursday, February 11th at 5:30 to 7:00 pm. We will have a light dinner and have six sessions on Handel's Messiah - the Bible references and music that goes with it. The Methodists are being invited to join us. Plan on being with us to deepen your knowledge of often used biblical passages for Easter and enjoy a light meal together. The Boy Scouts will be joining us during our worship service on February 14, 2016 and they will host our coffee hour after the service. In an effort to reduce our heating oil bills our worship services will continue to be held in the Fellowship Hall through March 13 and will return to the sanctuary on March 20. * * * * * Presbyterian Women Thanks to the generosity of our congregation, the Presbyterian Women were able to give 62 pairs of mittens and gloves 22 hats and 4 hat and glove sets to the Hudson Sa Care Center and Ichabod Crane Schools. One Great Hour of Sharing supports projects that break the cycles of poverty, hunger and thirst, as well as providing aid during times of crisis. The bulk of the One Great Hour of Sharing offering goes to support water, hunger, disaster relief and empowerment programs. Focusing on these four areas allows One Great Hour of Sharing to address some of the root causes of suffering in our world. Your gifts make hope possible. We will be receiving the One Great Hour of Sharing through Easter, 2016. Please be generous! **** Flowers for Worship It is always nice to have flowers on the table to brighten up worship. There are sign up sheets available to let us know which Sunday you would like to donate them. They may be given in memory of someone on an anniversary or birthday or in honor of someone for a milestone achieved or just because. Call the office and leave a message if you need to. We need to have who is giving the flowers, the occasion for which they are given and whether you want to take them after service or have us deliver them to someone we think will enjoy them. You are responsible for getting the flowers and getting them to church. They can be your own arrangement or something more professionally arranged. We look forward to seeing flowers more often to brighten the service for the glory of God! In Our Thoughts and Prayers Gale Bury – had successful surgery on Tuesday Feb. 2 on his right shoulder. We are grateful that it went well and wish him well in his recovery. Volume 3 Issue 2 Page 4 Prayer List We pray for: Ash Wednesday • People with heart disease • Presidents of the United states past and present • Protection from dangerous weather conditions • Animals that have been abandoned or abused • Prison inmates and those involved in the criminal justice system • Nursing home health aides and Hospice workers • Those who commute to work during winter storms February 10 We are thankful for … Ecumenical Worship Service 7:00 PM FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS 2/1 Hertha Matuszek 2/2 Vieve Gay 2/2 Madison Jostlin CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL • The ability to read and enjoy our favorite books • Love in all forms - from God, family and our pets • Unexpected kindness If we have missed your Birthday or Anniversary on our list, please give Naomi in the office a call. We want to celebrate with you and let others know about your special day. If you are reaching some other significant milestone let us know. LECTIONARY FOR FEBRUARY Feb. 7: Exodus 34:29–35; Psalm 99; 2 Corinthians 3:12 - 4:2; Luke 9:28 - 36, 37 - 43 Feb. 10: Ash Wednesday: Joel 2:1 - 2, 12–17 or Isaiah 58:1 - 12; Psalm 51:1 - 17; 2 Corinthians 5:20b - 6:10; Matthew 6:1 - 6, 16 - 21 Feb. 14: Deuteronomy 26:1 - 11; Psalm 91:1 - 2, 9 - 16; Romans 10:8b - 13; Luke 4:1-13 Feb. 21: Genesis 15:1 - 12, 17 - 18;Psalm 27;Philippians 3:17 - 4:1; Luke 13:31 - 35 or Luke 9:28–36 Feb. 28: Isaiah 55:1 - 9; Psalm 63:1 - 8; 1 Corinthians 10:1 - 13; Luke 13:1 - 9 Volume 3 Issue 2 Study, Worship, and activities During Lent Page 5 February 10 Wednesday 7:00pm. Ash Wednesday Service First Presbyterian Church Preacher of the Day: Pastor Anton Kapusi from Seventh Day Adventist Church February 11 Thursday 5:30pm. Supper and Study Soup/Sandwiches Session 1 – Behold the Lamb of God February 14 1st Sunday In Lent 9:30am. 9:45am. 11:00am. 12:15pm. Sunday School Adult Education Worship Coffee Hour ages 3 – grade 9 graduated high school and up Boy Scout Sunday hosted by Troop #114 February 18 Thursday 5:30pm. Supper and Study Soup/Sandwiches Session 2 – He Trusted in God February 21 2nd Sunday In Lent 9:30am. 9:45am. 11:00am. Sunday School Adult Education Worship ages 3-grade 9 graduated high school and up February 25 Thursday 5:30pm. Supper and Study Soup/Sandwiches Session 3 - Who is This King of Glory? February 28 3rd Sunday In Lent 9:30am. 9:45am. 11:00am. Sunday School Adult Education Worship ages 3-grade 9 graduated high school and up Supper and Study Soup/Sandwiches Session 4 - I Know That My Redeemer Liveth Sunday School Adult Education Worship ages 3-grade 9 graduated high school and up Sacrament of Holy Communion Supper and Study Soup/Sandwiches Session 5 - Why Do the Nations Rage? 9:30am. 9:45am. 11:00am. Sunday School Adult Education Worship 12:15pm. Coffee Hour ages 3-grade 9 graduated high school and up Celebrating the Gifts of Women Sunday hosted by the Women of the Church March 3 Thursday March 6 4th Sunday In Lent March 10 Thursday March 13 5th Sunday In Lent March 17 Thursday March 20 Palm Sunday March 24 Maundy Thursday March 27 Easter 5:30pm. 9:30am. 9:45am. 11:00am. 5:30pm. 5:30pm. 9:30am. 9:45am. 11:00am. 6:00pm. 6:30am. 11:00am. Supper and Study Holy Week Begins Sunday School Adult Education Worship Supper and Worship Soup/Sandwiches Session 6 - Worthy is the Lamb ages 3-grade 9 graduated high school and up Light supper Sacrament of the Last Supper Easter Dawn Service Place – TBD Celebration of the Resurrection Worship Volume 3 Issue 2 Page 6 From the Mailbag Dear Friends, Thank you for your generosity and gift of $830.00 to Heifer International. The end of extreme poverty is within our grasp, and your help matters. Your commitment t to helping others gives hope to families who once struggled with hunger and poverty and provides the foundation for strong farming families. Families in rural villages like Peru, India and Ghana have more secure futures to look forward to as well, because of your generosity. Best of all, through Heifer’s tradition of Passing on the Gift, your gift will be multiplied for many seasons to come. Thank you for investing in Heifer International to help make a better world—one family at a time. Sincerely, Pierre U. Ferrari President and CEO Dear Friends, Thank you for embracing a different—and difference making approach to gift giving. By choosing a gift of $330.00 from the CWS Best Gift catalog, you're helping families in need, here at home and around the world. Through your generous heart, you're helping someone beat hunger and break the grip of generational and situational poverty, or to find solace as they flee their homes. Gifts form the Best Gift catalog: • Provide poor communities with access to clean, safe water. • Empower women to earn and income and feed their families • Teach struggling farmers climate specific agricultural methods • Support people displaced by natural disasters of civil conflict as they begin to rebuild their lives We are deeply grateful for the vital part youre playing in building a world with enough for all. With your compassion, together we can and will change lives for the better. Sincerely, Rev. John L. McCullough, President and CEO, Church World Services Dear Friends, Thank you for you gift to Special Offerings of $155.00! Your gift to SO999999 represents a unique way to support a wide range of ministries across the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). These ministries include disaster assistance, self development projects, hunger relief, ministries with youth and young adults, peacemaking programs, racial ethnic education at Presbyterian related schools an colleges, and the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions. Together, these ministries supported bu Special Offerings, represents our collective withness to the love of Jesus Christ. Thank you so much for your continues support. With sincere gratitude, Bryce Wiebe, Manager, Special Offerings First Presbyterian Church, Valatie February 2016 Sun Mon 1 Tue 2 Wed Thu 4 3 9 Sat 5 6 12 13 19 20 26 27 10:00 am. Presbyterian Women 7:00 pm. Boy Scouts 7 Transfiguration of 8 Fri 10 11 the Lord 9:30am. Sunday School 9:45am. Adult Education 11:00am. Worship 12;15pm. Coffee Hour 12:30pm. Deacons’ Mtg. Sacrament of Holy 14 First Sunday in 15 7:00 pm. Buildings & Grounds 7:00 pm. Boy Scouts 16 7:00 pm. Ecumenical Service at First Presbyterian 17 5:30 pm. Supper and Study 18 Lent 9:30 Sunday School 9:45 Adult Education 11:00 Worship - Boy Scout Sunday 12:15 Coffee Hour 21 Second Sunday 22 2:00 pm. Warm Up America! 7:00 pm. Finance & Stewardship 7:00 pm. Boy Scouts 23 5:30 pm. Supper and Study 7:00 pm. Session 24 25 in Lent 9:30 Sunday School 9:45 Adult Education 11:00 Worship 12:15 Christian Nurture 7:00 pm. Boy Scouts 5:30 pm. Supper and Study 28 Third Sunday 29 in Lent 9:30 Sunday School 9:45 Adult Education 11:00am. Worship 12:15 Coffee Hour Food Pantry Hours Monday 12noon to 2pm Wednesday 2/3, 2/17, 2/24 6 - 8 pm Saturday, 2/13 & 2/27 9 -11 am Soup Sampler 11:00 - 1:30 pm. 3212 Church Street P. O. Box 267 Valatie, NY 12184 Phone: 518-758-9658 Email: [email protected] TIME SENSITIVE INFORMATION-PLEASE DELIVER PROMPTLY Soup Sampler & Bake Sale Saturday, February 27, 2016 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. February 10, 2016 Ecumenical service at 7:00pm. Pastor Anton Kapusi, from the Kinderhook Seventh Day Adventist Church will bring the message. The imposition of ashes will be part of the service. All are welcome and encouraged to begin their Lenten season in worship. Sandra Hohneker, Treasurer Melissa Barton, Clerk of Session Choose from 20 + different varieties of Homemade Soup! Lunch Includes All-You-CanEat Soup, Crackers, and a Beverage. Bill Ring, Financial Secretary Ardelle Stewart, Organist Naomi Handley, Secretary Virginia Becker, Sexton