The Good News. Stewardship for Today. Special Events. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. 1 Chronicles 16:34

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1 St. Paul s Episcopal Church Chittenango, New York The Good News Volume 12 Issue 9 Special Events November 12th Holiday Bazaar November 13th Veterans Day Service November 20th Thanksgiving Service at St. Pat s Church at 7 PM November 24th Thanksgiving Day Service Holy Communion with Fr. Grover at 9:00 AM December 24th Christmas Eve Service Holy Communion with Fr. Mozeliak at 5:00 PM December 25th Christmas Day Service Holy Communion with Fr. 9:00 AM O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. 1 Chronicles 16:34 Stewardship for Today November 2016 For we are God s fellow workers; you are God s field, God s building 1 Corinthians 3:5-9 What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, as the Lord has assigned to each his role. I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. He who plants and he who waters are one in purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. For we are God s fellow workers; you are God s field, God s building. Written at a time of chaotic and uneven leadership, Paul s letter to the people of the church in Corinth reminds them that it is not Paul, who planted the church, or Apollos who was left with them to help raise up leaders from within, but God who is the admiral of this ship. Paul Tillich, perhaps the most influential 20th century theologian, commenting on the Apostle Paul s assertion that the gospel is a stumbling block, once said that the danger is stumbling over the wrong thing. Once again we come to the cycle in the church called stewardship. I m willing to bet that most of you are giving forth a silent groan. But let me tell you about a conversation that I had recently with a group of Kindergartners and 1st graders on this topic. Asking them if they had ever heard the word, stewardship, they all shook their heads gravely, but being optimistic by natural and full of curiosity, they began to offer their guesses. Is it a big boat full of beef stew? Or maybe like a pirate ship? We had a steward on our cruise, and he was a man. Not wanting to get too far off topic, I offered that sometimes we hear about stewardship in church, which prompted one curly haired girl named Sara to offer: I get my Mommy to help me get my pink princess bank off my shelf to get a dollar to leave at church. Thinking to myself, God provides I took that as an opening, and asked: What do you think would be better if Sara brought her dollar and left it at church or if we all brought money and left it at church? They all chimed in unison that it would be better if they all left some money at church. (Continued on Page 6) OUR MISSION STATEMEN T St. Paul s Episcopal Church in Chittenango, New York exists to restore all people to unity with each other and with God in Jesus Christ.

2 VOLUME 12 ISSUE 9 A Few Notes THE GOOD NEWS PAGE 2 We will be having a Recognition of our Veterans of Veterans Day during the Service, on November 13. With deepest Sympathy to Judy Olmsted, Ed Hoffman, Terry Hoffman and Larry Hoffman on the death of their Mother Vi Hoffman, who was active at St. Paul's during the 1960's Thanks to all who helped with the reception after the funeral service. Everything was lovely. Don t forget to change your clocks on November 6th! Fall back! Turn your clocks back one hour before you go to bed on Saturday. Ringers are needed for the Salvation Army post at Tops the week before Thanksgiving. Sign up sheets will be available Financials to Date As of September 2016: Balance Forward: $13, Income: $43, Payables: $47, Year to Date: $ 9, Thank you for keeping your Pledge up-to-date! Prayer List John Asam (Furtado request), Eric Baker (Courtwright request), Ron Barber (St. Paul s request), Karen Beres (Weisbrod request), Lynda Blaziaa (Gerling request), Alexa Bolton, John Brennan (Kraus s request) Jason Ceresoli (Furtado request), George Dirghalli, Billy Dougan (Montgomery request), Joanne Furtado (St. Paul s request), Holly Hix, Terry Hoffman (Hoffman request), Art Hildreth (Olmsted request), Evelyn McAllister (St. Paul s request) Woody McAllister, Jim Montgomery, Judy Montgomery, Kevin Pistillo, Yurie Rosenfeld (Gerling request), James Sherman (Grover request), Bill Stucker (Pokorny request), Joan Tedford, Joe Williams (St. Paul s request), Ruth Williams (St. Paul s request) Scott Wood, Kathy Yates-Davis (Yates request) Please send any changes or additions to stpaulschittenango@gmail.com.

3 VOLUME 12 ISSUE 9 THE GOOD NEWS PAGE 3 November Birthdays 07 Samantha Just 07 Susan Pratt 09 Ruth Williams 10 Derek McGork 10 Tiffany Raymond 11 James Smith 19 Todd Chappell 21 Jim Montgomery 22 David Randall 23 Robin Weisbrod 27 Andaria Oviedo 28 Katie Woodworth 30 Betsey Savage November Anniversary 03 Neil and Sue Huebler November Ministry Team Schedule November 6, 2016 Holy Eucharist - Fr. Leon Mozeliak L.E.M.: Robin Weisbrod Lessons: Becky Kraus/Fran Abriola Prayers: Sue Gerling Acolytes: Jim Montgomery/Ed Hoffman Elements: Jackson Family Ushers: Please Volunteer Coffee Hour: Vestry Counters: Don Lee/Sue Gerling November 13, 2016 Holy Eucharist - Charles Grover L.E.M.: Fran Abriola Lessons: Claudia Jensen/Roberta Kincaid Prayers: April Boyle Acolytes: Jim Montgomery/Ed Hoffman Elements: Furtado Family Ushers: Please Volunteer Coffee Hour: Olmsted Family Counters: Robin Weisbrod/Roberta Kincaid November 20, 2016 Holy Eucharist L.E.M.: Judy Olmsted Lessons: Judy Montgomery/Tania Mousaw Prayers: Dorothy Saunders Acolytes: Jim Montgomery/Ed Hoffman Elements: Robin and Clayton Ushers: Please Volunteer Coffee Hour: Tania Mousaw Counters: Don L./Robin W. November 24, 2016 Thanksgiving Eucharist - Fr. Charles Grover L.E.M.: TBA Lessons: TBA Prayers: TBA November 27, 2016 Holy Eucharist Fr. Charles Grover L.E.M.: Jim Montgomery Lessons: Robin Weisbrod/Judy Olmsted Prayers: Judy Montgomery Acolytes: Jim Montgomery/Ed Hoffman Elements: Buyea Family Ushers: Please Volunteer Coffee Hour: Please Volunteer Counters: Tania M./Judy O. Altar Guild for November: April Boyle Ida Goins Jennifer Jackson Get your ticket now for the Consecration of the 11th Bishop of Central New York Saturday, December 3, :00 AM 3:00 PM The Holiday Inn Convention Center 441 Electronics Parkway Liverpool, NY The event is free, but you need to get a ticket to reserve a spot as there is limited space available. A light reception will follow the service.

4 VOLUME 12 ISSUE 9 THE GOOD NEWS PAGE 4 News from the Pews The October 2016 Commission Reports Buildings and Grounds: Sand and paint window sills south side of church Contact contractors on bids for stairs to second floor D& B contacted for quote will submit prior to Nov meeting RP Remodeling contacted will submit bid NOV 7th Joe Swaites contacted for bid waiting for response for bid Also contacted: Arthur Vincent Company, Church Preservation and Restoration Specialist Request for bid on spire. Contacted Chittenango Code Enforcement Officer to submit to planning board staircase repair/rebuild for authorization and building permit. Nov. Finalize all bid work submit to Vestry for approval Weather dependent on staircase project most of contractors contacted prefer to do project in spring The onset of colder weather is the main reason to push to spring. Communication: Working on advertising for Bazaar. Respectfully submitted, Robin Weisbrod Education: Nothing new to report. Respectfully submitted, Judy Olmsted Fellowship: Working on food setup for Bazaar left in Julie Reals capable hands Setting up schedule for baking/cooking times for pie/soup donations. Respectfully submitted by Tania Mousaw Finance: Meeting: Wednesday October 12, 2016 Present: Robin Weisbrod, Ethel Barber, Judy Olmsted, Judy Montgomery, Brian Buyea, Jim Montgomery, Don Lee Reports reviewed, a few changes noted will update before Vestry Meeting Reviewed how we handle our investments with Diocese No transfers to savings this month Committee to begin working on budget for next year Discussion on Pledge Campaign for this year - Robin has letters ready to go out. Respectfully submitted, Don Lee Outreach: Continue to take baby things to Madison County. Continue support Food Pantry. Crop Walk went well. Thank you. Respectfully submitted, Sue Gerling Pastoral Care: Pastoral Care did a luncheon for after the funeral of Violet Hoffman for the Hoffman, Olmsted Family, gave each family a Mum Plant. Usual Cards have been sent out to the parish. Congratulation's have been sent out to Molly & Travis Huttar, as well as to Brittany & Erick Haas on their recent beautiful weddings. I am trying to get a new white Altar Chasuble and Stole. Many on the Altar Guild said it should be replaced. Respectfully submitted, Judy Montgomery Worship: Scheduled Thanksgiving Service with Fr. Grover, Christmas Eve Service(s) with Fr. Leon and Christmas Day Service with Fr. Grover. Respectfully submitted, Ed Hoffman

5 VOLUME 12 ISSUE 9 THE GOOD NEWS PAGE 5 Holiday Services St. Paul s Annual Bazaar Summer has raced by us and here we are only one month away from the St Paul s annual Bazaar, taking place on Saturday, November 12th. As always, a great lunch will be served with a selection of homemade soups, great salad bar, fresh baked corn bread and a choice from many homemade desserts. All this for only $6.50!! Best deal in town!! We are also blessed to welcome back the Chittenango High School Select Choir, who will perform from 11:00 to 11:30 in the church. I urge everyone to come and listen to these beautiful voices lifted in song. The choir director, Matt Stearns, tells me that the Choir looks forward to opening their holiday season at St Paul s. Roberta Kincaid has organized our many talented people to prepare some exceptional crafts that will be on sale from 9:00 to 3:00 in the Parish Hall. And, you won t want to miss the opportunity to buy some raffle tickets. We have some exceptional baskets donated this year! As they say, a dollar and a dream! Speaking of which we are accepting donated lottery tickets for the lottery board. You never know... Sign-up sheets are posted in the Parish Hall for food donations and volunteers to help serve lunch, sell raffle tickets and cashier for the craft booth. Please come and support the Bazaar. This is our largest and final fundraiser of the year. Start off your holiday season at St Paul s, Saturday, Nov 12th! Thursday, November 24th Thanksgiving Day Holy Communion with Fr. 9:00 AM Saturday, December 24th Christmas Eve Service Holy Communion with Fr. 6:00 PM Sunday, December 25th Christmas Day Service Holy Communion with Fr. 9:00 AM Psalm 100 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

6 VOLUME 12 ISSUE 9 THE GOOD NEWS PAGE 6 Stewardship Message Continued Simplistic yes, but still not too far afield. Many Episcopal churches are now working on stewardship. It s a time to leave our dollar at church, but more importantly it s time to acknowledge that for which we give thanks. Do let your gratitude be your barometer for that which you do to further God s Kingdom here in Chittenango. Do not let tithe be your stumbling block. For in my seasons within the church, I have learned this basic truth: God loves; we love God. We live, we give. It is why we were created. Givers that is what we were created to be to God s glory. We have all heard the stewardship mantra: time, talent, treasure. Let s put some flesh on it. Offer the gift of a regular presence in congregation. Step up and serve on a committee, or be brave and take a turn on Vestry, even if you never have before. Try a new short term project. Talk with your worshipping community about it. Together you can shape it and hone it into a thing of beauty. Who knows, it may be so valuable to the soul of the congregation that it becomes a permanent mission. God will be your guide and you can ask others to help you learn what you need to know. For what would Chittenango be without the presence of the good ship St. Paul s Episcopal Church? What difference would it make to life within this village, or life within this county, or life within this Diocese? What difference would it make in your life? Psalm 31 entreats us to be of good courage. Don t wait for someone else. Be an active disciple. Place your time and talent and treasure under the empty cross of our risen Lord. Poet Cynthia Langston Kirk offers this way to understand it: Stripped by God What would happen if I pursued God If I filled my pockets with openness, Grabbed a thermos half full of fortitude, And crawled into the cave of the Almighty Nose first, eyes peeled, heart hesitantly following Until I was face to face With the raw, pulsing beat of Mystery? What if I entered and it looked different Than anyone ever described? What if the cave was too large to be fully known, Far too extensive to be comprehended by one person or group, Too vast for one dogma or doctrine? Would I shatter at such a thought? Perish from paradox or puzzle? Shrink and shrivel before the power? Would God be diminished if I lived a question Rather than a statement? Would I lose my faith As I discovered the magnitude of Grace? O, for the willingness to explore To leave my tiny vocabulary at the entrance And stand before you naked Stripped of pretenses and rigidity, Disrobed of self righteousness and tidy packages, Stripped of all that holds me at a distance from you And your world. Strip me, O God, Then clothe me in curiosity and courage. (Continued on Page 7)

7 VOLUME 12 ISSUE 9 THE GOOD NEWS PAGE 7 Stewardship Message Continued So I offer you one man s vision, Salvador Dali, and interpretation: what if it looked different than we thought? What if we looked like this? What if the stewardship efforts of St. Paul s Chittenango was spurred forward by the windows of the Resurrection, driven out into the sea of community, each of us flapping our wings to the best of our ability, visible as an outward symbol of God s love in this place? Crazy image? Perhaps. Possible? Oh yes, and with God s help, we will! This was the Stewardship talk given to the members of St. Paul s at the gathering at Delphia s, Sunday, October 23rd by The Rev. Deacon Shelly Banner. Top 10 Reasons to be an Episcopalian (according to Robin Williams) 10. No snake handling. 9. You can believe in dinosaurs. 8. Male and female God created them; male and female we ordain them. 7. You don't have to check your brains at the door. 6. Pew aerobics. 5. Church year is color-coded. 4. Free wine on Sunday. 3. All of the pageantry -- none of the guilt. 2. You don't have to know how to swim to get baptized. And the Number One reason to be an Episcopalian: 1. No matter what you believe, there's bound to be at least one other Episcopalian who agrees with you. For quick updates and inspiring articles! Learn what s going on in our community, diocese, and throughout the world! Do Your Part! Mike Furtado, our Buildings and Grounds Manager, has posted a list in the Parish Hall of Things Needed to Be Done around the church. Come down at any time and help us cross items off the list. Your help is greatly appreciated! Do you have any news or events you would like to share with the parish? Let us know! All submissions must be sent to amyjanedieff@gmail.com or stpaulschittenango@gmail.com by the 20th of the month for the following month s newsletter.

8 St. Paul s Episcopal Church Chittenango, New York stpaulschittenango.net Forwarding Service Requested The Good News The November 2016 Newsletter of St. Paul s of Chittenango 204 Genesee Street Chittenango, NY (315) stpaulschittenango@gmail.com stpaulschittenango.net