From the Pastor Worship together, Teach and learn from one another, Nurture each other with care and love, and Reach out in ministry

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1 From the Pastor Some of you may recognize this picture as the parament now draping our communion table in worship. A few weeks ago I talked with our kids about what this picture looks like and what it might mean. We agreed it was a woman sowing seeds, perhaps of wheat or corn or barley in a field. But we also could see that this might be an image of God sowing seeds of love or grace or hope in the world. Jesus used a similar image in the gospels when talking about God s kingdom. He compared it to a farmer sowing seeds, but sowing them indiscriminately and lavishly. The seeds fall everywhere. Sometimes they fall in thorns and are choked off; sometimes they fall on the road and are taken away by birds; sometimes they fall in shallow, rocky soil, put down short roots and are burned by the hot sun. But some of them fall on good soil and produce many times more than ever imagined possible. Jesus used deliberate images in his parables as a way to help his followers (then and now!) to visualize what God is doing in the world and what we re called to do as disciples. A lot of what the church does is sowing seeds. Sometimes those seeds fall on rocky ground or take very shallow root, but there are times when the soil is good and the roots go deep and the growth that results is a wonder. This year I m hoping we can sow seeds that will take deep root in the life of North Church. The Session has approved a budget that represents what we believe is essential for North s future marks the first year we will support the position of Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministry entirely within the budget. Over the last two and a half years we ve all seen how vital this position is for North. More families are participating in more areas of the church s life than we ve seen in quite a while. Our Youth Fellowship is growing and relationships are deepening. Our Sunday school, using a creative new format, is engaging our children in new and exciting ways. This is a position that is all about sowing seeds of love, grace and hope. Other ways we are sowing seeds include our worship life, our educational program for adults, our care for one another through joys and sorrows, and our mission outreach to the city of Buffalo, to communities in other parts of the country, and to people in need throughout the world. These four areas form the core of our life together, as expressed in our mission statement: Brought together by our shared faith in Jesus Christ, Called by God to live as faithful disciples, Blessed by our diverse gifts and experiences, We commit ourselves to: Worship together, Teach and learn from one another, Nurture each other with care and love, and Reach out in ministry and mission to the world. While it s possible to think of our budget as a series of lineitems assigned to various committees, I ve found it helpful to think of how it supports each of these core commitments. Over the last several months we ve been talking a lot about what is important here at North, what keeps people attached here. Over and over we heard about these four areas of concern. The most important were our worship life and sense of community, but mission and education were close behind. As we prepare for the coming year, and you consider your financial commitment to North Church, I hope you ll think about what seeds have been sown in your life because of your relationship here. And I hope you ll consider increasing your commitment to North through the giving of your time, your abilities and your finances so we can continue to sow seeds of grace, love and hope in the world. Peace, Pastor Bill 1

2 North Church Members Honored O n Sunday, September 23, the three Circles of Presbyterian Women of North Church honored three individuals with Lifetime Memberships in Presbyterian Women. Presbyterian Women in the Presbyterian Church (USA) began the tradition in 1912 of awarding these lifetime memberships as a way of honoring church members for their Randy and Kerri Bigler. (Not pictured: Howard Reyder.) commitment to Christ and the mission of the church, as well as the purposes of Presbyterian Women, which are: to nurture the faith through prayer and Bible study, to support the mission of the church worldwide, to work for justice and peace, and to build an inclusive, caring community of women that strengthens the PCUSA and witnesses to the promise of God s Kingdom. Speaking for Sarah Circle, Cindy Ebsary cited Kerri Bigler for her untiring efforts on behalf of the young people of North Church through her leadership skills on the Youth Ministry Team (YMT), her work on their fundraisers, as well as planning and participating in the senior high mission trips over the past several years. In addition, Kerri serves meals at Friends of Night People, has taught in the Sunday school, and currently serves North as a Deacon. Ruth/Mary Circle honored Howard Reyder for his many years as a past superintendent of the Sunday school, followed by many more years of volunteer service to the Presbyterian Homes of WNY at its Oakwood assisted living/skilled nursing facility. Carol Brennan told the congregation that when it was announced that Oakwood was in need of volunteers, Howard appeared the very next day and continued working there for many years, until his retirement from that activity. His untiring support of and care for both the young, and the old and infirm, is a blessing to all of those children of God. Carol Meyers, on behalf of Sarah Circle, noted that, since he joined North Church as a teenager in 1975, Randall Bigler has filled many roles. He has been an advisor to the senior high youth group, taught in the Sunday school, has served and is currently serving as a member of Session, Chaired the Nominating Committee, Co-Chaired the Pastor Nominating Committee that brought Pastor Bill to North Church, and is an active member of the Properties Committee. His many skills, along with the generosity of his time, are huge benefits to North Church. A big thank you to Kerri Bigler, Howard Reyder, and Randall Bigler for giving so freely of their many gifts to further the mission of North Church, Presbyterian Women, and the PCUSA. 2

3 This and That Dates to Remember The next North Star deadline is November 15. Adult Ed. Offerings Noise Nov. 11 (9:30 a.m. in S251) What kind of noise do you have in your life? Do you ever surround yourself with noise intentionally? Join with others in a conversation about this Nooma DVD presentation by Rob Bell. Nov. 18-Dec. 23 (9:30 a.m.) Join a host of experts via DVD for a conversation around the relevance of Jesus for the 21 st century. Topics include Jesus Through the Ages, Who Was Jesus?, What Can We Know about Jesus (And How)?, The World Into Which Jesus Was Born, and Teachings of Jesus: the Wisdom Tradition Turkey Basket Project Once again it is time to start working on our Turkey Basket Project. Last year more than 500 families received a turkey and all the fixings for their thanksgiving dinner, due to the effort of our congregation, the Presbyterian Village, Shir Shalom (formerly Temple Beth Am), Temple Beth Zion Religious School, Amherst Presbyterian Church, Williamsville 3 East High School, local Girl Scout Troops, and many corporate sponsors. There will be sign-up sheets in Westminster Hall following services beginning October 22 nd. Please sign up and let us know how you can help. A complete basket includes: Frozen turkey 2 cans vegetables 2 cans fruit Cranberry sauce Stuffing mix Potatoes Brownie mix or dessert Beverage (optional) We will accept complete baskets or any of the items listed above as well as financial donations as we will need to purchase at least 350 turkeys to meet our commitment this year to 500 families. A complete basket costs approximately $25.00 Also, if Wegmans offers its program this year that allows you to buy a turkey at a very reasonable price with a minimum purchase, please think of purchasing one or two for us, as the ones we have ordered are costing us substantially more. If storage is a problem, contact Anne McIlroy and she will arrange to have the turkey picked up and stored until needed on Nov. 18. Also, please continue to keep those Dash s tapes coming throughout the year as the money received from Dash s Markets helps us purchase many of the items needed to make up these baskets. The distribution will be at Temple Beth Zion Religious School on Sweet Home Rd. in Amherst on Sunday, November 18. Any questions, please contact Anne McIlroy at or Cindy Adams at Workshop for Children and Adults Advent Angels Arts Workshop is for children and adults on Nov. 12 from 4-7 pm in Westminster Hall. Cost is $5. Led by North Church s artist-in-residence Mary Mohlke. Call the resource center at or the church office, , to sign up. Balaam s Ass or Heavens Are Declaring but Are We Listening This is a workshop on science, Christianity, and the worship, education and mission of 21 st -century congregations, presented by the Presbyterian Association on Science, Technology and the Christian Faith (PASTCF) on Saturday, Nov. 10, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Rev. James B. Miller, Ph.D., general missioner of PASTCF, will be the leader. Sessions include How We Got Here from There, What We Know about the Universe God Is Creating, and Living the Faith in a Participatory, Evolving Creation. Registration is $10 for PASTCF members and students, and $20 for general registrants. RSVP to North Church at or n.church@verizon.net by Monday. Nov. 6.

4 Remember This: 25 Years Ago Alice I. Swager, a founding member of North Presbyterian Church, died October 21, 1987, at the age of 85. Born in Scotland, she came to America in (This was reported in the 25 Years Ago section of The Amherst Bee on October 24. North Church Website Have you checked out the website lately? Tara Martin, our webmaster, has been doing an excellent job of keeping us informed of ongoing activities. Visit Coats for Journey s End Now that the weather is colder, Journey s End Refugee Services (JERS) once again needs gently used, clean, warm winter outerwear for newly arrived refugees. JERS will resettle more than 50 refugees in the month of September, all from climates much warmer than Buffalo, so the need is great. Especially needed are coats, boots, hats, and gloves for men and women, and boys and girls of all ages. Most of the clients are slight in stature. (Larger sized adult clothing can go to Friends of Night People.) You may bring your donations to North Church and put them in the labeled box in the Mission Area Town of Amherst Warm Clothing Project for Children The Warm Clothing Project began 24 years ago when the Williamsville 4 Rotary Club joined forces with the Town of Amherst Youth Board to provide children with warm, new winter clothing in two town schools. The children were from families who were financially struggling. Almost 40 children were helped the first year. In 2011 the Warm Clothing Project helped 303 children from more than 90 families. Our generous resources were individuals, organizations, school groups and faith groups. Referrals to the Warm Clothing Project come from school social workers, counselors, teachers and nurses working in the Amherst, Sweet Home and Williamsville School Districts. Additionally, referrals come from two local food pantries serving families in the 14221, 14226, 14228, and ZIP codes. The coordinator of the Warm Clothing Project connects with families and schools to ensure that all available services are accessed and to prevent duplication. Those who are able to purchase new winter clothing for children are needed. Here s how to help: Contact Mrs. Kathy Mobarak-Miller, BSW, by November12 th. Town of Amherst Youth & Recreation Dept., , ext.7523 or kmobmiller@amhers t.ny.us Offer to assist one or more child/youth. The WCP helps babies through age 18. Receive information on each child/youth: gender, age, grade, size, etc. and the two to three winter clothing items needed as requested by the parent/guardian. (Most needs are winter jackets, school clothes, pajamas, winter boots) Return the items to the Town of Amherst Youth & Recreation Department no later than December 3 rd. If you wish to include additional items for the child/youth such as a book, other clothing items, a toy, etc., be assured that the child/youth will receive the additional items. Fact: Between 2004 and 2011, just over 2000 children and youth have been served by the Town of Amherst Warm Clothing Project. Amherst Youth Consortium Leadership Team of the 2012 Warm Clothing Project: Alicia Girard, Senior Williamsville East Sam Kremer, Freshman, St. Joseph s Collegiate Institute Zahra Radpasand, Junior, Williamsville South Grace Sokolowski, Senior,UB

5 5 Jennifer Zhang, Junior, Williamsville South Ms. Amanda Allaire, Intern, Buffalo State College, Junior Congratulations! Adeline Jarret was one of five residents who were recognized September 23 at Elderwood Village at Glenwood as part of Centenarians Day, which honors people who are at least 100 years old. Congratulations! Ruth-Mary Cirle Ruth-Mary Circle will meet Tuesday, Nov. 13, at 9:30 a.m. in Bldg. 1 of the Presbyterian Village. Since Thanksgiving is coming soon, members will discuss things that make us happy, and for which we are thankful. Visitors are always welcome. Men s Fellowship Recap On October 13 th the Men s Fellowship sponsored a congregational tour of some of Buffalo s historic architectural treasures. The tour was very admirably led by our inhouse docent Brad Hahn. Starting off with a breakfast at the Towne Restaurant on Allen St., we then convened at the Market Arcade building on Washington St., to hear of its history as well as that of other historic downtown buildings including the Electric Building, Old Buffalo Savings Bank, City Hall as well as Buffalo s oldest building (or oldest foundation anyway). We then visited the inside of the recently renovated Lafayette Hotel. Included also was the nationally famous Guaranty building and the interior of St. Paul s Cathedral with its magnificent stained glass windows. Brad s background knowledge, enthusiasm and narratives were fascinating. It was an extremely well conducted tour, thoroughly enjoyed by about 20 North Church folk. Some photos are available on our website. Baby, it s cold outside and we d like to keep the cold outside on cold days. The hallways are not heated and so the doors to the various rooms and Westminster Hall need to be kept closed as much as possible, particularly after the last person leaves so the room will be warm for the next users. The doors from the entryways into the narthex should be closed, particularly when the sanctuary doors are open. Since the pews and sanctuary floor get quite cold during the week, Mike may turn the ceiling fans on high when he arrives to help warm them. An usher or coordinator should turn them off when people start arriving for the service. Advent Potluck Picnic for Children and Adults Sunday, Dec. 2, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Advent music, drama and chrismons Bring a dish to pass and your own table service. We ll grill the hot dogs! Sign up or call the church office at (Sponsored by the Worship Committee.) Carol Band 2012 Musicians of any age who have played at least one year are welcome to play in the carol band during the 5:00 Christmas Eve service. Please contact Marlene Harrington at or at mwharrington.35@verizon.net. A rehearsal will be held on Saturday, Dec. 22. PLEASE RESPOND BY NOV. 28 TH IF INTERESTED. New Hymnal Coming! Are we ready? A new Presbyterian hymnal will be published in the fall of It will have been 23 years since the current one was published. In that time there have been changes in worship, and many new hymns have been written. Due to new paper technology, the hymnal will contain many more pages without an increase in size and weight! Worship committee is studying the advisability of replacing our current hymnal with this new up-to-date version and would welcome your comments. Thank You Letter from Town of Amherst Dear Members of the Mission/Community Committee, I am writing to update you on the $1,200 in scholarship funds you donated to our organization this past June. Six children were able to receive assistance due to your generosity. Four of the families reside in the

6 Williamsville Central School District and two in the Sweet Home Central School District. All have household incomes of less than $29,999. At least one of the families represents an active domestic violence situation. Two of the families are continuing to face chronic underemployment. One family represents a single parent going back to school. Each family that received assistance was able to contribute a small portion of the cost of care. Because of your gift, these children were able to participate in a quality summer day camp/childcare experience and continue to be served in our afterschool programs this fall. We truly appreciate your understanding of the need for such services and your willingness to provide support for these families. Because of you, parents know that their children are safe and cared for, leaving them to focus on issues of employment, education and selfhelp. You are indeed making a difference in the lives of children and families in the Town of Amherst! Sincerely, Mary-Diana Pouli Executive Director Sympathy and Prayers Our thoughts and prayers are with families who lost loved ones: Ruth Blackstock, 10/16/12 Barbara Ebsary, 9/27/12 Thalia Kelsey, 7/14/12 Robert Meyers, 9/26/12 Flowers for Sunday Morning Worship If you would like to provide flowers for a Sunday morning worship service, please call the church office at for the date you would like and the wording for the bulletin. Flower bouquets are $34. Cynthia will order them for you. Church Office Closed The church office will be closed on Monday, November 12 to observe Veterans Day. It will reopen for normal hours on Tuesday, November 13, at 8:30 a.m. Also, the office will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday, November 22 and Friday, November 23. It will reopen on Monday, November 26, at 8:30 a.m. 6

7 Goulash fundraiser! November 11 right after the 10:45am service. Please consider staying after and supporting our youth summer trips to Dallas and Triennium. The goulash is free but donations will be gratefully accepted. Youth Group will meet the night before over dinner from 6-8pm to prepare the goulash, make signs, etc. We ll also do our usual devotions and some games. Obviously we ll also need your help Sunday morning to serve it. Thanks for a great Fall Retreat! Eight young people from North Church and seven from Clarence Presbyterian gathered at Camp Duffield for a great week of enjoying nature, team-building exercises, and learning about the family of Christ. A special thanks to Brian Pettit for his wonderful work as the speaker for the weekend and to our young people for being so willing to fellowship with other youth in the Presbytery. All the pics from the weekend are up at northchurchwilliamsville.org/getinvolved/youth/youth-group/. (Scroll down a ways). Please check them out! VBS Update Last month I wrote an article about Vacation Bible School and the future. In the process, I promised another one in this month s issue, mostly concentrating on the need for a volunteer to take leadership of this program, which we all know Callie Roemer had done this last summer. Upon further consideration, that article would be better timed for this spring when perhaps folks may have a better handle on their summer schedule. In the meantime, if you haven t already, please thank Callie Roemer for her wonderful leadership and servant spirit this last August. Our very successful Beach Trek VBS program would not have happened without her! Peter Martin Director of Youth, Children, and Family Ministry Teachers Needed! Our Church School program is now in full swing and needs your help. See below for a list of open spots along with the dates, and please check northchurchwilliamsville.org/teachers/ for a full description of the teachers roles. Session 3 South Side (4 yrs thru 3rd grade class) Two Bible Story Teachers Two Mission, Craft, & Activity Teachers Teacher Collaboration Lunch at noon on January 6 Classes meet on January 13 January 20 January 27 February 3 Session 3 North Side (4th-8th grade class) Two 7th & 8th grade small group teachers Teacher Collaboration Lunch at noon on January 6 Classes meet on January 13 January 20 January 27 February 10 Please prayerfully consider this opportunity to serve our families, and contact Peter Martin or a member of the Kids Ministry Team if interested. 7

8 Two Exciting Summer Trips for our Youth Group... North Church Youth Mission Project 2013 Missions to the other side of the country 8 (i.e. Dallas TX) The first is our annual youth mission project. As a youth group, we ve committed ourselves to a 4-year rotation of mission project locations local, regional, national, and international. In 2011 we stayed right in Buffalo (local) and in 2012 we traveled 3.5 hours away to Watertown, New York (regional.) This year is a national location so we are going to Dallas, Texas! This trip is for anyone who will be 14 years or older at the time of the event. We will be flying down on Sunday, June 30, and back either Friday, July 6, or Saturday, July 7, depending on flight prices. We also need adults who would consider coming to Dallas to minister alongside our young people. For anyone, youth or adult, who is interested, please go to our website at northchurchwilliamsville.org/ mission-project/ for all the details. Our next trip is our own denominational youth conference Triennium held every three years and meeting at Purdue University in Lafayette, Indiana. This is a fellowship and worship-oriented event that emphasizes large group speakers and worship as well as small group fellowship with other Presbyterian youth. This event is open to any young person currently in 8 th - 12 th grade. We will depart Monday night, July 15 at 1 st Presbyterian of West Seneca with all the other youth groups of the Presbytery of WNY and drive back on Friday, July 20, arriving at 1 st Presbyterian of West Seneca late that evening. No adults needed for this the Presbytery supplies those but young people please consider this opportunity as well and more details are available at the website at northchurchwilliamsville.org/triennium/ It is our hope that youth may consider doing both of these trips. Because of our many fundraisers and the gracious contribution of our congregants, these will be affordable. Lastly, registration deadline for both trips is January 6, including adults, as we have to buy plane tickets to Dallas. Please consider these amazing opportunities! Youth Outreach to Friends of Night People Please come out and help! For: all 7 th -12 th grade Youth Place: Friends Outreach Center at 394 Hudson St. Buffalo Time: Tuesday, November 27. We will meet at the church at 4pm and arrive back at the church 7:30pm Forms: There is the usual youth permission slip. Please contact the church by Wed., Nov. 21 (so Friends can know exactly how many people are coming), if interested.