Hear the Good News!!

Transcription

1 Special points of interest: Remember that worship is at 9:30 a.m. every Sunday during the Summer. Office Hours for the summer are from 8:00 until 3:00. The secretary will be away from July 27 until July 31. On those days the office will be open from 9:00 until 1:00. Don t forget: August has five Sundays! Noisy Sunday is coming!!! Hear the Good News!! Newsletter of New Hartford Presbyterian Church July August 2015 Vacation Bible School is here!!!! NHPC Summer 2015 Vacation Bible School is here!!!! July 6 10 from 9-11:30am. Calling all kids age 4 through entering grade 6! Come every day or come as many as you can. We can t wait to see you! Registration forms are available in Fellowship Hall or the church office. Sign up now! At SonRise National Park you will be pointed right to Jesus! You will have a great time singing songs, creating crafts, listening to Bible stories, eating delicious snacks, and playing games. But most importantly, you'll discover Jesus provides what you truly need in every challenge of life. Pastor Sue Riggle to be Installed August 23 The final event that will complete the Rev. Dr. Sue A. Riggle s arrival here at New Hartford Presbyterian Church will take place on Sunday, August 23, when she will be formally installed as our pastor. The 3:00 p.m. service will be led by a commission of the Utica Presbytery and followed by a reception in Fellowship Hall. Summer schedules fill up quickly, so now s the time to reserve the date The 3 p.m. service will be led by a commission of the Utica Presbytery. on your calendar so you don t miss this important and historic occasion that will officially begin Rev. Sue s pastorate here at NHPC! July/August 2015 Volume 20, Number 7 45 Genesee St. New Hartford, NY Phone: Fax: newhartfordpresbyterian.org Rev. Dr. Sue A. Riggle, Pastor Inside this issue: Celebrate! 2 July 3 From the Pastor s Heart 4 August 5 Sunday School News 6 Committees 7 Coming Soon 8 Thank you The inspiration and healing power that I have received from this wonderful congregation has helped me thru these difficult times. Your support has been much appreciated. Thank you! Judy Winfield

2 It Happened in June!!! Celebration Sunday was June 14. We had a lot to Celebrate! We also celebrated a Baptism!! We have a new On Monday, We packed meals custodian VBS is Coming! Men s Breakfast Men s Fellowship Breakfast at 8:00 a.m., Saturday, July 11 and August 8, 2634 Genesee St. in Utica (less than one mile from Church). All men from the church are invited to enjoy our fellowship of food, camaraderie, and friendly conversation. Hope to see YOU there! Page 2 Faith Forum September 20 at 5:00 PM Sherry Anne Lints will share her faith story with our congregation. Sherry Anne is a Doctor of Chiropractic and certified fitness trainer who was born with a bilateral hearing and speech impairment. She has a special ministry and shares God s message of unconditional love and forgiveness by acting, singing and speaking in churches, coffeehouses, women s conferences, youth retreats, seminars and other venues worldwide. She has released three music CDs and a music video. Those who have heard her perform will agree, that it will be an experience you will not forget. Look for more information in the September newsletter. HEAR THE GOOD NEWS!!

3 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 9:30 Sew n Sews 7:00 Getting to Know You :00 AM Prayer 8 9:30 Sew n Sews :00 AM Prayer 15 9:30 Sew n Sews AM Prayer 22 9:30 Sew n 26 Hope House Meal Prepared July Vacation Bible School Sews 7-9 Fellow ship Hall in use AM Prayer 29 9:30 Sew n Sews Secretary Away 2 3 Pastor s Day Off Office Closed for Fourth of July 9 10 Pastor s Day Off Pastor s Day Off Pastor Day Off Pastor s Day Off :00 Men s Breakfast 18 JULY /A U GUS T 2015 Page 3

4 4 8 AM Prayer 5 9:30 Sew n Sews 6 7 Pastor Day Off AM Prayer AM Prayer SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT Newsletter Articles are Due Today 23 3:00 Installation of Pastor Hope House Meal Prepared 30 Noisy Sunday 7:00 Deacons 7:00 Committees AM Prayer 19 9:30 Sew n Sews :00 Session August Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 12 9:30 Sew n Sews Pastor Day Off :00 Newsletter 9:30 Sew n Sews All Minutes are Due Today 21 Pastor Day Off Pastor Day Off :00 Men s Breakfast Page 5

5 Happy Birthday August 1 Olivia D Onofrio 2 Kathleen Jarrett 2 Robin Pendasulo 9 William C. Morris 10 Bea Begent 10 Ruth Begent 10 Ian Lee 16 Janet Heffron 16 Tori McLean 16 Louellen Jones 17 Danielle Huey 17 Christina Carr 18 Deborah Cooney 19 Jim Hyde 20 Daniel Gus 20 Carol Harris 25 Ann Allen 25 Eric Sloma 27 Barbara Glueck 27 Grace Callard 28 Keith Fenstemacher 28 Crystal Recore 29 Gary Fountain 29 Katie Painter 29 Cole Paradis 29 Cohen Paradis 30 Eleanor McLean 30 Daniel Winn Is your birthday in July or August? Are you on one of our lists? If not, please call the church office and you will be added for next year. Page 6 Sunday School News Fall Sunday school for our school age children will begin on Sunday, September 13 th at 9:30 a.m. This year we will have a little different configuration of classes! Our youngest children, ages 3, 4, and Kindergarteners will meet downstairs in the room next to the choir room and will follow the Wee Believe Curriculum from PC(USA). First and second graders will meet as a group in the open classroom at the top of the stairs. We will be using a brand-new curriculum from PC(USA) called Growing in Grace and Gratitude. Third, fourth, and fifth graders will meet in what was formally known as the older kid s room. They will also use the Growing in Grace and Gratitude Curriculum geared to their age level. Sixth, seventh, and eighth graders have a newly formed classroom adjoining the computer room. Their classroom has been setup more like a living room with a couch and chairs. We believe this is more conducive to conversation as they explore the book of James with regard to having issues, favoritism, money, watching what they say, evangelism, and more. They will also have direct access to the computers if necessary. We look forward to seeing all the children at 9:30 on Sunday, September 13 th! About Our New Sunday School Curriculum This is an excerpt from PC(USA).. Growing in Grace & Gratitude is rooted in the foundation of Presbyterian identity where God's grace and our gratitude are the heartbeat of our faith, life, and worship; extends an invitation to discipleship that inspires children to learn and practice hospitality, generosity, and love; and reaches beyond Sunday morning, encouraging children to live their lives as an expression of God's grace. Sessions of Growing in Grace & Gratitude are grounded in Bible stories that reveal God's grace. Through fun activities, prayer, and singing, children and their leaders will celebrate the meaning of this grace in their lives as they encounter a living God. Needed: Teachers! Is this year the year you d like to teach one of our Sunday school classes for our children?? Feel free to start by teaching one class. You ll enjoy the children and the experience so much that soon you ll sign-up for more! Our new curriculum arrives in mid-july. By mid-august it should be ready for dissemination. Please call ( ) or the church office and let Rosemary know that you are interested in teaching. You may also call Janet Blando ( ).

6 From Your Pastor s Heart I don t know where the idiom confession is good for the soul comes from, but I know it to be true, and, wanting my soul to feel good, I have something to confess. I ve known for some time my life has been out of balance. For instance, I m reading a novel for the first time in three years. My reading has been strictly academic - meant for gathering information, getting ideas, learning from the pro s - all to enhance my work as a preacher and clergyperson. Before moving to New Hartford, God s Spirit began impressing upon my spirit to find center again. The challenge for me comes from being so out of practice. I find myself diving headlong into trying to find it. Laughably, instead of gradually becoming balanced, letting it resurface on its own, I m treating center as something that needs to be conquered, accomplished now. I confess that as I sit waiting to feel balanced, my mind tries to yank my body forward, be rested now, be healthy now, be in balance now, it says, dragging my body after it as a running child drags her rag doll behind her. Two of the most powerful urges in my life have been to draw nearer to God and to serve God. So, how do I reconcile my fierce need to be doing ministry, with my need to find balance? Maybe you can relate. Have you ever been pulled in so many directions that you forget what it s like to rest, or read for pleasure? Do you run ahead of yourself, pushing yourself to do more, get more, be more, instead of just being? If so, I hope you ll chuckle with me when I share something I read yesterday from one of my favorite devotionals. This excerpt comes from God Calling, by Two Listeners (edited by A.J. Russell). June 14; Face Today With Me. It is not circumstances that need altering first, but yourselves, and then the conditions will naturally alter. Spare no effort to become all I would have you. Follow every leading. I am your only Guide. Take each day, and with no backward look, face the day s problem with Me, and seek My Help (sic) and guidance as to what you can do. Now, tell me you didn t take a deep breath and smile when you read that! Friends, in these summer months of vacationing, or in these days of retirement, or in these of ordinary days of working, remember to face today and every day with God. When we find ourselves loosing or looking for balance, may we remember what the Psalmist wrote, Be still and know that I am God! (Ps. 46:10) Remember with me that Elijah looked for God in the great wind, and in the earthquake, and in the fire; but God was not in them. God was in the sound of sheer silence. (1 Kings 19:11-13) May we listen to our spirit, our body and our mind. May we listen for God. Thanks for listening to my confession. I feel better and I hope you do, too. Grace and peace for the journey ahead. From you pastor s heart, Sue Happy Birthday July 1 Roseann Christman 1 Amanda Winn 1 Peggy Schmitt 2 Thomas Marchitelli Jr. 2 Isla McCullough 3 Andrew Steates 3 Melissa Wines 4 Robert Montesano 4 Betsey Weaver 5 Candace Sege 6 Martha Barrick 6 Jack Demma 6 Jason Powles 6 Nathan Winn 7 Mari Sosnowski 11 Lindsey Taube 12 Susan Fountain 13 Frank Giotto 14 Christine Ruben 15 Gina Freiberger 15 Del Snow 16 Donald Fague 16 James Schmatz 16 Elizabeth Worth 19 Debbie Green 20 Sandy Millen 20 Gwendolyn Morris 22 TJ Sittig 25 Lynn Montesano 26 Kara Passalacqua 26 Abigail Brooks 27 Grace Bisaccia 27 Abigail Bisaccia 29 Amy Bashant 31 Dorothy Brown Job Opening: NHPC is looking to hire a non-church member for our nursery. The applicant must be at least 16 years of age, able to work every Sunday from 9:15-Noon and summer hours 9:15-11:00. The position will be available mid August. Please have applicant contact the church office. Page 4 HEAR T HE GOOD NEW S!!

7 From the Mission Committee As most of you know, the Mission Committee tries to make an impact Locally, nationally, and even globally. This summer, the Mission Committee is addressing the need to help local children whose families face limited financial resources. Each fall, schools require their students to bring in numerous school supplies that will be used throughout the year. Many families, especially those with more than one child, find it difficult to fulfill this school requirement. That s where we, as a Christian community, can help. The Mission Committee will be placing baskets in the Narthex as well as in Fellowship Hall to collect school supplies after VBS ends in mid July. We are asking that right up until August 24, members of the congregation help with this ministry by bringing school supplies to place in these baskets. The following are a few suggestions: pencils, blue and black pens, colored pencils, composition notebooks, spiral notebooks, wide ruled paper, child scissors, ruled index cards, hi-lighters, crayons, two pocket folders and even book bags or back packs for the children to use going back and forth to school. The collected supplies will be picked up on August 24 and distributed by the Neighborhood Center. Please help us make a difference to local children and families. We can help ensure that these children start their school year off on the right foot. Thank you. Your Committees At Work Christian Formation Christian Formation is a very busy committee throughout the year. Our year really starts in September. Because we work a lot with children s activities, we need to keep the school calendar in mind. If working with the children of the church sounds like something you would like to be involved with, our committee is for you. Over the summer we will recruit Sunday school teachers for September through December, then again later in the year for January through June. This upcoming year we will have 3 age groups, K-2, 3-5, and middle school aged children that will need teachers every Sunday from 9:30-10:20. The lessons are very easy to follow. The materials are already prepared. All the teachers need to bring is some enthusiasm. You don t have to be a bible expert to participate as a teacher. We also have a preschool program running at the same time. It s never too young to start teaching about God and faith! It all starts off with a Sunday School kick off the 2 nd Sunday in September. In addition to educating the youth of our church, Christian Formation is also in charge of putting together adult Sunday school. We recruit teachers for that as well as finding interesting curriculum for adults looking forward to furthering their education. We are involved in creating a schedule of candle lighters, nursery helpers, and children s church volunteers. We organize the upcoming confirmands to meet with Pastor Sue during their confirmation process. As the holiday season approaches, we are in charge of 2 big events. First, during Sunday school in Advent, the children make Christmas gifts for their families. Also, we are in charge of coordinating The Happening. This is our annual children s performance to celebrate the birth of Jesus. It usually involves a play, some readings, and of course singing. This is followed by creating the paper chain for the Christmas tree. Twice a year, our committee is in charge of organizing a Community/ Faith Forum. We pick a subject, find a speaker, and provide a light supper. The goal is to help educate our congregation on community issues as well as create a stronger sense of Faith. Other duties of this committee include handing out Bibles to the first graders, planning youth activities over the school holidays, a Halloween and Easter celebration, providing Advent and Lent booklets and activities, and recognition of the graduating seniors. As summer approaches, we are in charge of preparing and organizing the service for Celebration Sunday. This service is run by the children. They do almost all of the parts of a regular service including the sermon, singing, and collection! It is a great way to end their year and kick off summer! Even though the school year is over, the fun doesn t stop. We organize and put on the annual Vacation Bible School program that has become a staple of this church. Children from all over the area participate in this fun and educational week. Many adults and older youth dedicate countless hours to make this event so special! JULY /A U GUS T 2015 Page 7

8 HEAR THE GOOD NEW S!! New Hartford Presbyterian Church 45 Genesee St. New Hartford, NY NON-PROFIT O R G. U. S. P O S T A G E P A I D N E W H A R T F O R D, N Y P E R M I T N O. 3 5 Return Service Requested Summer 2015 We re on the web! newhartfordpresbyterian.org Coming Soon! Adult Sunday School Adult Sunday school will resume at 9:30 am on September 13 th. Sara Ayala will conduct a study on the Nicene Creed and the counsel at Nicaea. We will explore the meaning of the Creed, its creation, and its importance to us today as individuals and as Presbyterians. Rummage Sale October 1 Start collecting your stuff. It will be here before you know it. Donations will be accepted from Sunday, September 27 until Tuesday, September 29 at 4:00 p.m. The summer is a great time to go through what you have and get ready to donate to the sale. Nursery School News The 4 and 5 year olds in Mrs. Zalewski's class are quite pleased to announce that they will be donating $1, to The Thornwell House. "Lena and Friends Lemonade Stand" was open every Friday morning during the month of May from 10-11:30. Lena's mother is a special education teacher in Utica and she and her students ran their own lemonade stand and raised $ for The Thornwell House. Thank you to everyone who visited our stand! Happy Summer! Hear the Good News!! Is a publication of: New Hartford Presbyterian Church 45 Genesee Street, New Hartford, New York Church: Fax: pastor@newhartfordpresbyterian.org office@newhartfordpresbyterian.org Church Office Hours Summer Hours 8 am until 3 pm. (lunch 12:00 until 1:00) Church Staff Ministers: Every Member of the Congregation Rev. Dr. Sue A Riggle, Pastor Rev. Dr. Richard L. Manzelmann, Pastor Emeritus James Hanosh, Minister of Music Rosemary Walters, Office Administrator Arthur Christopher, Bookkeeper Custodian: Bob Balfoort