Mar. 2015 - First Presbyterian Church

March 2015
Observances: Adopt a Rescued Guinea Pig Month – American Red Cross Month – Brain Injury Awareness Month – Expanding Girls’ Horizons in Science &
Engineering Month – International Ideas Month – International Women’s Month – Irish-American Heritage Month – Mad for Plaid Month – Music in Our Schools
Month – National Kite Month – National Nutrition Month – National Umbrella Month – National Women’s History Month – Sing with Your Child Month
http://www.brownielocks.com/march.html
The Vine
March 2015
First Presbyterian Church of Penn Yan
Rev. Paul E. Malles, Pastor
211 Main Street, P.O. Box 639, Penn Yan 14527
Telephone 315-536-8235
www.pennyanpresbyterian.org
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9 AM – Noon
Coming Events
March 3
7:00 PM
Trustees meeting
March 4
7:00 PM
Choir rehearsal
March 5
12:00 PM
Lenten Lunch at First Baptist Church
March 7
8:00 AM
Men’s Breakfast at the Wagner
March 8
Daylight Savings
11:45 AM
Deacon’s meeting
March 12
12:00 PM
Lenten Lunch at First Baptist Church
March 18
7:00 PM
Session Meeting
March 19
12:00 PM
Lenten Lunch at First Baptist Church
6:00 PM
Supper Club
12:00 PM
Lenten Lunch at First Baptist Church
March 26
March 29
March 31
Soup and Bread Sunday
7:00 PM
Worship & Music meeting
Pastor’s Ponderings ________________________________________________
The Importance of Lent
Throughout March we will be in the season of Lent. The word Lent comes from the Middle
English word for “spring.” Lent is six weeks prior to Easter Sunday. It is the period of 40 days
before Easter excluding Sundays which comes to 46 days in all.
This season of preparation began on Ash Wednesday with the imposition of ashes. Ashes on a
person’s forehead mark a person’s commitment to Jesus Christ. Ashes are particularly used to
symbolize mourning and repentance. They are visible reminders of the words in Genesis that tell
us “You are dust and to dust you shall return.” In Middle Eastern cultures, symbols of
commitment, like marriage, are marked by a round colored circle on a person’s forehead. This is
especially true in India. More and more Protestant churches are beginning Lent with an Ash
Wednesday service.
Near the end of Lent there are two special days, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. We have a
service for each of these days. On Maundy Thursday, April 2, at 6:00 p.m. we will have a Seder
Meal Communion Service. This meal helps us better understand what it was like for Jesus and
the disciples when they were together for the Last Supper. Our Good Friday service, April 3, at
7:00 p.m. is called a Tenebrae Service. We hear the account of Jesus’ journey to the cross as
described in the Gospels. A candle is extinguished as the story progresses. By the end of the
Tenebrae Service the sanctuary is lit very softly and we leave in silence.
Lent is when we prepare ourselves for Easter by strengthening our faith. Most often people
decide to give something up for Lent. People will refrain from eating food that is not essential,
like candy, cake, or other sweets. The self-discipline encouraged during Lent can lead to new
ways of healthy living for the rest of our lives.
If something is a struggle to give up, then it might indicate that we are too closely attached to it.
Making a sacrifice for Lent is a sincere way of saying, “God, you are more important to me than
this thing I am giving up.” Our sacrifice reminds us of the costly sacrifice Jesus made for us on
the cross.
See you in church,
Pastor Paul
Article of the Month
Living Well
By Jeanine Santelli, PhD, APRN, AGPCNP-BC, FAAN
Not Alone
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month and this year the theme is “Not Alone in Brain Injury.”
2.4 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) each year. According to the Centers for
Disease Control and Injury Prevention, the leading causes of TBI are:
 Falls (35.2%)
 Motor vehicle-traffic crashes (17.3%)
 Struck by/against events (16.5%)
 Assaults (10%)
Brain injury is unpredictable in its consequences. Brain injury affects who we are, the way we
think, act, and feel. It can change everything about us in a matter of seconds. The most
important things to remember:
 A person with a brain injury is a person first.
 No two brain injuries are exactly the same.
 The effects of a brain injury are complex and vary greatly from person to person.
 The effects of a brain injury depend on such factors as cause, location, and severity.
For more information go to www.biausa.org
Sunday Scriptures for March
March 1
March 8
March 15
March 22
March 29
Genesis 17:1-7, 15
Exodus 20:1-17
Numbers 21:4-9
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Psalms 118: 1-2, 19-29
Mark 8:31-38
John 2:13-22
Ephesians 2:1-10
John 12:20-33
Mark 11:1-11
Ushers and Greeters for March
March 1
March 8
March 15
March 22
March 29
Ushers
Steve Matteson and Stuart Porter
Jennifer and Tim Craver
Robyn Ballard and Teresa Ballard
Connie McNamara and Bill Turner
Lyn and Taylor Fitch
Greeters
Sandy Carlson and Daisy Heller
Donna and Ray Marshall
Mary-Howell and Klaas Martens
Judy and Jack Wilbert
Nancy Burt and Sandy Learn
The Deacons thank everyone for serving as ushers and greeters. If you cannot serve on the
date assigned, please let the office know so the correct names appear in the bulletin.
Since there are only two ushers named for each Sunday, the greeters need to help with
passing the offering plates. We appreciate your willingness to participate in the service.
Bibles Studies
During March, the Wednesday Morning Bible Study Class will read passages from in the New
Testament:
March 4
Jesus Promises an Advocate, John 1:29-34
March11
The Spirit of Truth John 16:4-15
March 18 Receive the Holy Spirit, John 20:19-23
March 25 The One Who Comes Mark 11:1-11
Prayer Line
Charlotte Gillespie
536-7185
Judy Wilbert
607-292-6958
Carol Clarke
536-0657
Nancy Burt
Carol Crain
536-8286
536-9652
Please keep the following in your prayers: Jean Constantine, Elizabeth Craver, Maryanne Fabich,
Nelson Hansen, Bruce LeClaire, Sonny Ogden, and Gene Spanneut.
Food For The Needy
Non-perishable goods such as pasta, pasta sauces, peanut butter, cereals, canned vegetables, and
fruits are always needed. Thank you to everyone for contribution to this program to help feed
the hungry in our area and other areas. Helpers are always welcomed. Please have your
contributions here at the church, in the box in the entry hall, by Tuesday, March 17th for
distribution on Friday, March 20th. Thank you!
Let’s Celebrate
The following have birthdays in March. Feel free to cut this portion out and pray for those
whose birthdays and anniversaries are listed below:
Janice Liebe
Duane Ballard
Lyman Beecher II
Jordan Hopkins
Jean LeClaire
March 1
March 4
March 8
March 9
March 10
Linda Jackson
Gene Spanneut
Art Alderman
Lyman Beecher III
Charlotte Gillespie
March 14
March 18
March 28
March 29
March 30
Congratulations To All!
Have we missed your birthday or anniversary? If so, we are very sorry – please let us know by
filling out the form below and bringing it to the Church Office!
Name ____________________________________________________________________
Church /Local News
News from Trustees
Sound system training: Wouldn’t you like to learn about the church sound system??!!! Jon
Burt will be doing training on the system so we can have others available when help is needed.
Please see Jon if you are interested.
News from the Presbyterian Women
The Presbyterian Women are having a brief meeting following service and fellowship on
Sunday, February 1st to discuss our commitment to the Yates Christmas Program (formerly
Christmas for the Needy).
Miracle Cloths: The Presbyterian Women are selling streak-free microfiber Miracle Cloths as a
fundraiser – a package of 2 is $5.00. The cloth fiber is a special yarn that is strong and is
virtually lint-free - it does not damage any surface. The fibers grab and hold dirt, dust and grime
- tough on dirt and gentle on surface - these cloths are GREAT for cleaning windows and almost
anything else. Please see Sandy Carlson.
News from the Worship and Music Committee
Layreaders: We are in need of layreaders for our Sunday morning services – please sign-up on
the sheet on the church bulletin board. Please note that the readings for each Sunday of the
month are noted under ‘Sunday Scriptures’.
Maundy Thursday Seder Service Help Needed: Our Maundy Thursday service will be held at
6 PM on Thursday, April 2nd. The Seder service we had for last year seemed to be a success, so
we thought we’d try it again, now that we know what is involved. However, it is too much for
one committee to put on alone, since a lot of the set-up happens immediately before the dinner.
We invite the congregation to help provide the necessary elements and set-up. A sign-up sheet
will be posted on the bulletin board outside the sanctuary for the following:
 Readers – hostess and youngest child
 Food (must be at church available to be set out on the table by 4 PM on Thursday,
April 2nd)
- 2 bottles of grape juice
- 2 boxes of matzo
- Lamb bone
- 1 jar of horseradish
- 50 sprigs of parsley
- 1 dozen eggs, hard boiled (to be quartered
- Charoset ingredients (see recipe): must be made on Thursday
 Daytime setup (do morning or afternoon, but must be done by 4 PM on Thursday,
April 2nd)
- Arrange tables in U-shape, with 50 chairs
- Set tables with placemats, silverware, luncheon plates and napkins
 Evening setup (arrive at 4 PM on Thursday, April 2nd)
- Make salt water
- Make charoset
- Set plates according to diagram
Please note that the charoset should be made that day; you may sign up to bring the ingredients,
make it, or both. If there is not enough interest in having a Seder again, we will celebrate
Maundy Thursday with a simple worship service. Please contact any Music and Worship
Committee member with questions.
Charoset: Original recipe makes 3 cups
6 apples - peeled, cored and chopped
1 cup finely chopped walnuts
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon white sugar
3 1/2 teaspoons honey
1/3 cup sweet red wine
Good Friday Observance: The First Presbyterian Church of Penn Yan is again holding our
own Good Friday Observance at our church. The observance is April 3rd at 7:00 PM. and is a
Tenebrae Service to include Scripture readings. All are invited to attend this special Holy Week
observance.
News from Outreach
Letter from First Baptist Church: Outreach received a letter from the First Baptist Church
regarding the subs sold for ‘Super Sub Sunday’: “The Board of Mission of the First Baptist
Church of Penn Yan wishes to thank you for participating in our “Super Sub Sunday” fundraiser
for Yates County Habitat for Humanity. We are delighted to report that we sold 144 Super Subs
and raised $784.00 for Habitat for Humanity. This is $58 more than you helped us raise last
year. This could not have been possible without your help and support”. ‘With great
appreciation and thanks’.
From Lorene Martin:
I am delighted to be writing to you under these circumstances. As you may know, I have for
a long time felt a call to travel overseas and provide medical care to those less fortunate. I finally
have such an opportunity taking place in June of this year.
I will be traveling with an organization called Youth with a Mission (YWAM). This is an
organization that was established in 1960. YWAM has many bases all over the world and I will
be traveling to Australia to take part in a Medical Discipleship training program. This means
that I will spend three months in Perth, Australia learning to better disciple and share the gospel
with individuals. I will also be learning useful medical skills like how to set up emergent clinics
in rural areas as well as learning treatment for many prevalent diseases of many third world
countries. I have specifically chosen this base because they provide a medical component to the
training. After the training I will go on a three month mission trip to another country to apply the
skills that I have learned. This destination is unknown at this point, this decision will be made
based upon the YWAM contacts that are available and in need.
The total cost that I need to raise is between $10,000 and $12,000. This would include the
cost of the training portion, outreach portion, plane ticket and other living expenses. The reason
that there is not one total cost is because the outreach at this point is undecided and depending on
where that is, it will cost different amounts. Throughout this time, I will be continuing to work
as a Registered Nurse. During this time, I will be saving and contributing financially to this trip
as well. As well as working as an RN, I will also be taking online courses to attain my
Baccalaureate in Nursing. I will be unable to finish this program prior to my departure but due
to the nature of the program, I can finish when I return.
My time with YWAM will also be a stepping stone in preparing me for my future and the
plans that I believe God is calling me to. I have for many years felt the calling and desire to
participate in long term mission’s opportunities. I think that six months will give me a good
amount of experience and insight into what this may look like. I also hope to one day become a
Nurse Practitioner and attain a Master in Public Health. Both of these courses of study would
allow me to provide care overseas to those less fortunate.
I am looking for people who are willing to pray with me during the next several months prior
and during my trip. This would include prayers for safe travel, meeting financial deadlines, and
the ability to minister to people wherever I am. I am asking you to prayerfully consider
supporting me financially. If you are able to help, please contact Joy. Thank you for your
support. May God continue to bless you! With love, Lorene Martin
Lenten Lunches
The theme for the 2015 Lenten Luncheons is Pondering the Parables: A Journey to the Cross.
The lunches begin at noon at the First Baptist Church on Main Street, Penn Yan. The cost is
$6.00 per person. Meals are being provided through the Wagner Restaurant again this year with
area churches serving and providing the desserts. The following is a schedule of the lunches
March 5:
The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:1-32) by Pastor Rich Norman
Meatloaf
St. Mark’s and St. Luke’s Episcopal Churches serving
March 12:
The Wise and Foolish Maidens (Matthew 25:1-13) by Pastor Elizabeth Boesen
Beef Stew
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and Bluff Point UMC serving
March 19:
Three Servants with Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) by Pastor Jeff Childs
Ziti
St. Michael’s Catholic Church serving
March 26:
The Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25:31-46) by Pastor Judy White
Scalloped Potatoes with Ham
Penn Yan UMC and Benton UMC serving
Soup and Bread Luncheon
On Sunday, February 22nd, after the service, we were again treated to a delicious soup and bread
luncheon - YUM, YUM, YUM!!! The youth are continuing with the soup and bread luncheon
on the last Sunday of March (March 29th) to support their summer mission trip. Please come and
join us for a wonderful selection of soup and bread, and delightful fellowship.
Supper Club
Our February 17th supper club was great fun - Idelle led us in a fun sing-a-long. We sang the
traditional Blue Moon at the end of which, several singers spontaneously broke out into the
version made popular by The Marcels!!! Just a note that ‘Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head’
is a song that was written for the 1969 film ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’ – it won an
Academy Award for Best Original Song!!
On March 19th, Helen Stewart will share her traveling experiences with us – isn’t it exciting to
travel to far places while still in Penn Yan!!!! Bring a dish to pass and your own table service.
Penn Yan First Presbyterian Church Talent Showcase
There is so much talent in our church! Let’s share it with the community!
WHEN: this summer – a Friday night, a Saturday or Sunday afternoon or evening
WHERE: First Presbyterian Church Sanctuary and Crosier Hall
COST: $10/ticket (proceeds to benefit the Presbyterian women’s local missions
Our many talented people are needed to pull this off. It would entail preparing for a performance
on the stage in the sanctuary or a booth in Crosier Hall. We could serve refreshments made by
our talented bakers. We could have baskets to raffle. Everyone can do something. Don’t hide
your light under a basket. Contact Robyn Ballard at 607-243-5619 or [email protected] or
complete the form below and return it in the collection plate or mail to 4763 Bath Road, Dundee,
NY 14837
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Name- __________________________________
Phone _______________________ email ____________________________________
Talent ________________________________________________________________________
Brief description ________________________________________________________________
Date(s) to avoid, if possible _______________________________________________________
More ideas, thoughts and concerns:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nursery Help
The church needs volunteers to help in the nursery during our Sunday service. Please see the
Nursery Rotation Schedule on the bulletin board to sign-up. We greatly appreciate your help!!!!
Do you know???
In a closet in the church office, there are wonderfully old, old Bibles and related books. Do you
have any background information about them??? If you do, we would be so excited to learn
about them!!!
Wouldn’t you LOVE to ‘Ring’?
Do you think you might be interested in joining the church Bell Choir?? We have so much fun
at our weekly rehearsals and then bring so much musical joy when playing during service. If you
are interested, please contact Robyn Ballard and/or Joy Pallischeck.
Walking Can Be Fun!!!
On Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 9 AM – 10 AM, we have an exercise group in Crosier
Hall. It started with a group that used to go to Curves, then they were at the Owl’s Nest, but the
flooding stopped them. The group requested use of Crosier Hall until they can find another
home. All are welcome – the group walks in place to a video which can be from 2-3 miles but is
very low impact. This good exercise program is free but the walkers give a donation into a
bucket – about once a month, they put names of local charitable organizations in a hat and
choose one to give the donated money. Please come and join the fun!!!!
Per Capita
The Presbytery of Geneva has worked hard to keep the Per Capita apportionment at the same
amount as last year's raise of $1.00 to the current $44.00 amount. This year they are continuing
this effort to keep the amount at $44.00.
Have you considered electronic giving?
Several of our members have chosen this newer way of giving – how about you? If you wish to
make church contributions automatically via electronic transfer, please request an authorization
form from Linda Bracht (315-279-1545 or [email protected]).
Presbytery of Geneva
If you are interested in learning about what is happening at the Presbytery of Geneva, you are
welcome to go on their website at www.presbyteryofgeneva.org. Click on ‘Meeting Info’ then
enter the username ‘directory’ and the password ‘fingerlakes’.
For news of the Presbyterian Women in the Presbytery of Geneva, go to the presbytery website,
then ‘Presbyterian Women’, and ‘The Link’ at the bottom of the page:
http://www.presbyteryofgeneva.org/wpcontent/uploads/2009/10/The_LINK_Winter_Spring_2014-final-1.pdf
Also, take a look at the Quarterly News – download the resource at
www.presbyterianwomen.org; select ‘about PW’, then select ‘Quarterly Newsletter’.
PCUSA – General Assembly news
If you are interested in learning about what is happening at the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.),
you are welcome to go on their website at www.pcusa.org. Click on ‘News & Announcements’
then ‘General Assembly News’ to read about the 221st General Assembly of the Presbyterian
church (U.S.A.) that was held from June 14th-21st in Detroit, Michigan.
Old Photos
Klaas and Mary-Howell Martens Honored
We congratulate Klaas and Mary-Howell on being honored as Northeast Organic Farming
Association of New York ‘Farmers of the Year’. The full article ‘Grains are center stage at
organic farming forum’ can be found on the church bulletin board or the February 15, 2015 issue
of the Democrat & Chronicle.
KIds
Corner
The Donkey Ride: Jesus and the disciples were about to go to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover, a
special feast that remembered the time when God set the Israelites free from slavery in Egypt.
“Go into the village, and you will find a young donkey,” Jesus told the disciples. When they
returned with the donkey, Jesus rode it into Jerusalem. Because Jesus was so popular, people
began to wave branches and shout, “Jesus is our king! Hosanna! Hosanna!” Everyone was
happy. Begin from the “Start” arrow, and see if you can find your way through the palm
branches to Jesus.
Answer:
March 2015
Sun
Mon
1
Namesake Day
Dr. Seuss Day
Tues
2
10:30 Worship;
Communion;
Sunday School
Daylight Savings
Wed
3
National
Pancake Day
National
Grammar Day
4
7 PM Trustees
meeting
8
Napping Day
9
10
Dream 2015 Day
11
15
16
Oreo Cookie
Day
6
Iditarod begins
7
23
24
19
29
25
Spinach Day
10:30 Worship;
Sunday school
Soup/Bread lunch
10 Bible Study
12 PM Lenten
Luncheon
Pencil Day
30
31
7 PM Worship &
Music mtg
13
Potato Chip
Day
14
Spring
20
(Vernal Equinox)
Corn Dog Day
21
12 PM Lenten
Luncheon
6 PM Supper Club
The Annunciation
10:30 Worship;
Sunday school
Earmuffs Day
12 PM Lenten
Luncheon
10 Bible Study
7 PM Session
22
8AM Men’s B’fast
Wagner Rest.
12
18
17
10:30 Worship;
Sunday school
Palm Sunday
5
Sat
12 PM Lenten
Luncheon
7 PM Choir
Rehearsal
10 Bible Study
St. Patrick’s Day
Tuskegee
Airman Day
World Book
Day
Fri
10 Bible Study
10:30 Worship;
2¢ meal; birthdays
Sunday School
Deacon’s mtg
Ides of March
Thu
26
27
28
First Presbyterian Church
211 Main Street, PO Box 639
Penn Yan, NY 14527
March 2015