From the Interim Director of Music Ministries

Transcription

1 Published by the First Presbyterian Church 11 Washington Street, Cumberland, Maryland Presbyterian R E P O R T E R Volume 56, Issue 4, May 2016 From the Interim Director of Music Ministries Sobonfu Somé states The clarity of my intention is the beginning of my prayer. My intention in coming on board at First Presbyterian is to maintain and further the music ministry. I know that I will only be with the congregation for a short time, but in that time, I hope to do all that I can. St. Augustine is credited with saying, Singing is praying twice. I hope that every word we sing in worship is a prayer and felt with the heart. I have heard some beautiful singing coming from the congregation and I hope it continues. If the bulletin says to sing, don t be afraid! Lift your voice! Up to this point, worship at First Presbyterian has been a blessing for me. In the mission statement printed in the bulletin every Sunday, it is made clear that this body of faith wants to do good work for its own people as well as the people outside its doors. I have already felt transformation and I see the effect it takes in others around me. Reaching outside the doors is something that I believe is essential to our faith, and I am hoping to introduce some programming that would encourage that. Starting June 12 th, we will be having a Contemplative Prayer Service in the style of the Taizé community in the chapel at 7 pm. You can come as you are, invite a friend, or the person walking down the street. You may remain silent or participate in the singing and reading. We have heard a few Taizé songs recently in worship: Ubi Caritas, Sing Praise and Bless the Lord, and the Glory to God. You can also bring an instrument to join in! We are hoping to hold this service every other week. Another activity that I am planning is a combined, community concert to feature our choir, local church choirs, youth musicians, and other praise ensembles entitled All Kinds of Praise to celebrate the rich and diverse American Praise and Worship tradition. More details to come! Mark Steiner of Steiner Organs has agreed to work with me to understand the organ at First Presbyterian better and I am looking forward to adding organ to the worship service on Pentecost. The choir will continue to sing until June 5 th. Stop into a rehearsal on Wednesdays at 7:30 pm or shoot me an for more information: hartmanmusichouse@gmail.com. You can also me if you are interested in being involved in Summer special music, the Taizé service music and planning, or All Kinds of Praise. It is a blessing and a joy to work with the music program at First Presbyterian! Thank you for your support! Olivia Beau Hartman

2 May 2016 Connect with First Presbyterian Church April Session Highlights page 2 The Session of First Presbyterian Church met in the church library at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 21, 2016, for its stated monthly meeting. The Rev. Caroline M. Kelly served as Moderator. Ann Kellermeyer served as Clerk. The Session took the following actions: Approved the 2015 Statistical Report submitted by the Clerk. Approved the recommendation of the Mission Committee that the Dakota Learning Camp Auction on May 15 be advertised to the Cumberland area community. Approved the recommendation of the Mission Committee that during the Dakota Learning Camp Auction on May 15 the Youth may conduct a car wash with all proceeds benefitting the Dakota Learning Camp. Approved the recommendation of the Worship and Music Committee to invite Rev. Ann Atkins to preach on April 24 in Rev. Kelly s absence. Approved the serving of communion by Rev. Kelly during training of ruling elders-elect on April 14 and May 1. Approved the recommendation of the Personnel Committee to create a process for granting staff emergency loans. In addition the Session heard: A report from the Director of Music Ministries Search Committee that they have advertised in the Cumberland Times-News and on Monster.com. A report from the Pastor on her attendance of the Next Church Gathering where she attended workshops on arranging the worship space for flexibility and on small group gatherings focused on fellowship and a variety of topics related to faith. A report from the Pastor that she is hosting a class for people interested in knowing more about our church. A report from session members who have been in touch with inactive members. A report from Bryan Wodaski, Cindy Corley, and Ann Kellermeyer on the Wild, Wild West Ministry Group-sponsored Leadership Training that they attended. A report from Dale Corley of the Buildings and Grounds Committee on Anticipated Repairs and Capital Expenses. The meeting ended with a Taizé worship service led by Interim Director of Music Ministries Beau Hartman. If you have any questions, please contact the Clerk or Moderator.

3 Nurture May 2016 page 3 Do You Enjoy Spending Time With Friends? If so, would you be willing to visit some of our home bound or nursing care church friends? Perhaps serve communion? It's easy and we can easily train you if you have never done it before. Please prayerfully consider this great need in our congregation. If interested, leave your name and the best way to contact you with Brittany in the church office. You just might find that what you receive is so much more than what you give. Watch us live on Livestream- Sundays at 11 a.m. You can either signup through your address or Facebook account. new.livestream.com/accounts/ Spring Luncheon Birthdays Shirley Jenkins 5-May Bill Kellermeyer 6-May Paul Aber 7-May Gary Hendrickson 7-May Nancy Hall 8-May Carolyn Weaver 8-May Buck Belt 11-May Juanita Fix 12-May JB Robinette 12-May Christopher Weddle 12-May Lauren See 14-May Sherri McKenzie 18-May Marisa Aurigemma 19-May Ronnie Barb 28-May Bob Lange 28-May Susan Mills 30-May Mary Spangler 30-May A SPRING LUNCHEON will be held for our members 70 years and older at the home of Caroline Kelly and Jim Mooney on Saturday, May 28 from 11-1PM. Please R.S.V.P. to Nancy Hodges or the church office by Wednesday, May 25 if you would like to attend and if you need a ride. Caregivers are welcome. Like us on Facebook!

4 May 2016 Learn & Grow An Update from the Youth Ministry Coordinator page 4 Friends: Congratulations and best wishes to Grace Bryan who will graduate from Allegany High School and attend Virginia Commonwealth University School of Art in the fall. Congratulations and best wishes to Garrett Corley who will graduate from Mountain Ridge High School and attend Frostburg State University in the fall. Congratulations and best wishes to Will DiNola who will graduate from Bishop Walsh High School and attend Drexel University College of Media, Arts, and Design in the fall. Congratulations and best wishes to Kaitlyn Kauffman who will graduate from Allegany High School and attend University of Maryland, Baltimore County, where she will be a Public Affairs Scholar in the fall. It s unbelievable to me just how fast this school year has gone. It seems, only a few weeks ago, we were planning for Halloween on the Hill! Now, I m thinking about the Summer Youth Calendar and our mission trip to Logan, WV. As the school year comes to an end, we are still busy with a variety of activities in the youth ministry. May is probably the most stressful time of the year for our youth due to the many tests they are taking, end of year activities, and much more. I would ask you to please be in prayer for our youth this month as they work through all of these activities and offer them a word of encouragement when you see them in church. Youth Group Meetings April was an incredibly busy month for me due to the end of semester activities for my paramedic program. As a result, we ve had to get a little creative with youth meetings this month: Sunday April 3 No Youth due to the Guys Retreat at Camp Swatara in Bethel, PA. Sunday April 10 No Youth due to Robby being out of town. Sunday April 17 Nadene volunteered to lead Youth Group, however it was cancelled due to youth not being available. Sunday April 24 The Youth Group met for an evening snack and fellowship at Dairy Queen in LaVale. Upcoming Events: Graduate Recognition Sunday I hope that you will be able to join us for worship on Sunday May 8 th (Mother s Day) as we hold a special recognition for our four youth who are graduating high school this year: Kaitlyn Kauffman (Allegany), Will DiNola (Bishop Walsh), Grace Bryan (Allegany), and Garrett Corley (Mountain Ridge). Thank you for your continued support of our ministry. Blessings, Robby May Youth Ministry Coordinator

5 May 2016 page 5 Nurture Learn & Grow Joys and Concerns Vacation Bible School Save the Date Dear Friends, Thank you for your support at the time of Richard s passing. We are thankful to be part of a loving congregation. Your cards, calls, and expressions of sympathy are a blessing to us. Particular thanks to all who assisted with the reception following the memorial service. Lovingly, Betty and Brenda Luger Vacation Bible School will take place the week of June 20-24, beginning with supper at 5:30 followed by the program from 6-8PM. The theme is Ocean Commotion-Diving Into Noah's Flood. More information and details will be found in future newsletter and bulletins. If anyone would like to participate with the puppet team (ages 8+) that week, you can contact Debbie ******************************************************************************** I just wanted to thank everyone from your church who helped with food, drinks, and setup at Mr. Luger s memorial service. You did a great job. Thank You. From the Members of the Barrelville Church and Liz Corley ******************************************************************************** Special thanks from Charlene Lelinski: Thank you so much for all the well wishes, cards, calls, wonderful meals, and prayers following my surgery. They really helped lift my spirits during my convalescence. I am so thankful to have such a wonderful church family. God bless you all. Sympathy and prayers for Bill Macfie and family on the death of his mother, Molly MacFie, on Monday, April 25th. Staff Vacation Notice Please note that Rev. Kelly will be on vacation from May 9th May 17th. For pastoral emergencies during her absence, please contact the church office at or the Rev. Hans Killius at (240) Brittany will be on vacation from May 31st to June 7th. The church office will be open from 9-12PM by office volunteers. Please note that the Church office will be CLOSED on Monday, May 30th in observance of Memorial Day.

6 May Pentecost Offering The Pentecost Offering is traditionally received on the day of Pentecost (May 15, 2016). It provides a direct way to meet the needs of children at risk, youth, and young adults. Congregations are encouraged to keep 40% of the Offering to support ministries benefitting these age groups in their communities. This year, as in the past, the Mission Committee decided to use our 40% to help The Family Junction, the purpose of which is to promote positive parenting to ensure nurturing family experiences for the children of Allegany County. The General Assembly s portion (60 percent) provides leadership development opportunities for Presbyterian youth and young adults and supports children-atrisk programs at the national level. Since 1998, Presbyterians of all ages have raised more than $8 million for these ministries that benefit younger members of God s family. Please consider giving generously to this special offering on May 15, Also, the Worship & Music Committee invites all to wear RED on Pentecost Sunday to symbolize the gift of the Holy Spirit given by God to the church. Opportunities to Serve The Great Dakota Giveaway! Soup & Chili Rodeo, Live and Silent Auction First Presbyterian Church 11 Washington St. Cumberland, MD Fellowship Hall Sunday, May 15 th at 12:30 PM Auctioneer: Buck Belt page 6 Help us raise funds to send 24 inspired volunteers to serve at a summer learning camp for children in South Dakota The Great Dakota Giveaway Sunday, May 15 th at 12:30 p.m. Yes, I will come to support our volunteers and enjoy this fellowship and food event. (All the food you can eat for only $5 per person!) Name: Phone: Number attending: I can donate the following items: I can donate the following service to be auctioned (babysitting, car wash, consulting, teaching): If you have any questions or if you would like to make a donation, please contact Robin Bissell at rbissell444@gmail.com.

7 May 2016 page 7 Opportunities to Serve Presbyterian Disaster Assistance: Ecuador and Japan Save the Date: Summer Lunchbox Program Last month, the coast of Ecuador was rocked by an earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale. This came on the heels of two separate earthquakes in Japan, the first measuring 6.2 on the scale; the second, 7.0. As aftershocks continue to threaten, more than 500 lives have already been lost. Thousands of other people have been injured, and communities lie in ruins. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) is working in collaboration with our partner the ACT (Action by Churches Together) Alliance to respond to this crisis, providing support to those suffering in the aftermath. As our immediate response takes shape, PDA is also preparing for long-term support for both Ecuador and Japan. Long after the initial wave of relief recedes, PDA will remain to accompany the people of Ecuador and Japan as they rebuild their lives, walking the road out of this chaos with hope. To contribute toward this disaster relief, make out your check to First Presbyterian Church and note PDA in the memo line. You may put it in the offering plate during worship or mail it to the church office during the week. The days are getting longer and warmer (sort of), and the end of the school year is in sight. You know what that means.the 2016 Summer Lunchbox season is fast approaching! We will again be making and delivering lunches for eight Fridays this summer -- beginning Friday, June 24 and running through Friday, August 12. Please plan to join us for any or all Friday mornings this summer. We welcome all helpers. Stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks, or contact Cathy Levitas with any questions. Reason for the Season During the month of December 2015 our congregation took part in donating to the Reason for the Season Offering. One of the organizations that our donation went towards was the Presbyterian Education Board in Pakistan. This year our donation was applied to seven scholarships at Kinnaird Academy.

8 May 2016 Worship With Us page 8 Top 0 Reasons to Move Up Front in Church Over the past several years, the Worship and Music Committee has introduced several practices to help us enhance our sense of community during worship: serving communion by intinction, having the choir sing from the front of the sanctuary on a regular basis and looking at ways we could arrange a sanctuary built for 300+ worshipers to better accommodate our current Sunday regulars. Our latest idea is to create a new back row in the sanctuary. Rather than removing pews, we are asking you to consider moving forward (three rows if you sit on either side aisle) and five rows (if you sit in the middle aisle). Back row people can still be back row people, just a little closer to the front. À la Dave Letterman, we ve composed our own Top 10 List to Move Up Front in Church: #10. To explore the wilderness and brave new world of the first five pews. #9. To get a clear view of the beads of sweat on the liturgists' brow #8. To embrace the challenge of hiding in plain view in the front of the church...instead of the back. #7. To see if Beau's fingers are truly flying that fast across the keys, or if it is really just a Player piano. #6. To emerge from the cave under the choir loft and get a good look at our longtime and faithful sound tech Joe Aurigemma. #5. To check out the super soft cushions on the rarely used right front pews. #4. To become a Live Stream celebrity and enjoy your 15 minutes of fame. #3. To be closer to the food and drinks in the Library on First Sunday Fellowship. #2. To sit in front of Phil Mills so you don't have to struggle to see over his head. And the #1 reason to sit in the front of the sanctuary... To see if Caroline really does occasionally sport pink flip flops under her robe.

9 May 2016 page 9 Special Notes ELIJAH FRIDAY, MAY 20 and SUNDAY, MAY 22 Thank You, Gracias, Merci Beaucoup, Thank You! To my FPC Church Family I would like to extend a personal invitation to everyone to attend the Cumberland Choral Society s 75 th Anniversary Celebration in its presentation of Mendelssohn s epic oratorio ELIJAH. I had the privilege of performing this with Robert Shaw many years ago in Carnegie Hall, NY, NY. We will be using his edition of the work with his amazing editing, which bring the entire work to life. Elijah was commissioned by the Birmingham England Music Festival in the 1840 s and the work was meticulously translated into English and sung in English for its premiere. Our concerts, likewise, will be sung in English. Our 70-member voice choir will be accompanied by a 17-piece professional orchestra. Four professional soloists will complete the presentation. Elijah, the bass-baritone, will be Christopher Mooney, whom I worked with in New York for 10 years, as will our tenor, James Kerr, my soloist in New York for 15 years. I hope you can come to these special 90-minute events and see the life of the prophet Elijah come to life in dramatic form. FRIDAY MAY 20 7:30PM SUNDAY MAY 20 3PM SANCTUARY OF FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ADMISSION $10 Thank you! JUDIE BROWN A huge thank you to everyone for my wonderful retirement celebrations and recognitions. I was so completely overwhelmed by all of your truly heartfelt and genuine love, care, and support. Beginning with a Worship and Music Committee party and moving to a wonderful Sanctuary Choir dinner at Ottaviani s, recognitions and gifts from the Session and congregation, and culminating with an amazing delicious dinner with so many tributes (I was so impressed everyone remembered every voice lesson during choir rehearsals!), the month of March was truly special and one which I will never forget. I continue to rejoice in the fact that I am still a member of this vibrant community. I have retired solely from the church and not from The Cumberland Choral Society, private teaching, playing the organ, or any other kind of music. To stop music would not be possible for me since it is such an intricate part of my being. I look forward to seeing and being with you in the coming days. Thank you again! JUDIE

10 May 2016 page 10 First Presbyterian Church Eleven Washington Street Cumberland, Maryland We Thank God For: Address Service Requested Sunday Worship Calendar May 1: May 8: May 15: May 22: 11:00 AM Service of Word & Sacrament: Holy Communion Sixth Sunday of Easter Acts 16:9-15; Psalm 67; Revelation 21:10; 12:22-25:5; John 5:1-9 11:00 AM Service for the Lord s Day Ascension of the Lord Sunday Recognition of High School Seniors Acts 1:1-11; Psalm 47; Ephesian 1:15-23; Luke 24: :00 AM Service for the Lord s Day Day of Pentecost wear RED! Acts 2:1-21 Psalm 104:24-34, 35b Romans 8:14-17; John 14:8-17 (25-27) 11:00 AM Service for the Lord s Day Trinity Sunday Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31; Psalm 8; Romans 5:1-5; John 16:12-15 May 29: 11:00 AM Service for the Lord s Day Second Sunday after Pentecost 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39; Psalm Galatians 1:1-12; Luke 7:1-10