of St. Paul s United Church of Christ, Village of Attica

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of St. Paul s United Church of Christ, Village of Attica Church Viability As the Body of Christ in the world, the church is called not just to survive, but to thrive.

1 of St. Paul s United Church of Christ, Village of Attica Church Viability As the Body of Christ in the world, the church is called not just to survive, but to thrive. In order to thrive, a church must be built on a solid foundation. Spiritually, our foundation is Jesus Christ. Logistically, that foundation is known as the three legged stool of church viability. The first leg is critical mass. Most rural and small town churches in the United States have decreased in membership since the middle of the last century. Does that mean we are dying? Or could we just be returning to the reality of earlier in that century? Either way, if we do not recruit new people, we will cease to exist. And so I invite you once again to Invite One. Invite one person, not currently associated with a congregation, to some church event. Worship, as a weekly event, is probably the easiest way to invite someone. However, we also have special events which offer unique opportunities. Invite! When you Invite One, offer a ride or suggest a place and time to meet. Introduce them to others and help them feel welcome. Start searching now for whom you can invite. Pray for courage and for that person to be put into your life. Trust that Jesus will provide the person when the time is right. The second leg of three legged stool of church viability is financial viability. Stewardship asks us to give not to a budget, but as we are spiritually led. If we continue to give to a budget, our ministry will continue to decrease. Sooner or later, we will cease to be viable. Once again, we must turn to prayer. Ask Jesus what you are to offer to St. Paul s UCC, not just in your time and talents, but also from your treasure. If you don t currently tithe, what percentage of your income are you being asked to tithe? The Bible suggests anywhere from ten to twenty percent. Where are you now? Where is Jesus suggesting that you be? The third leg of three legged stool of church viability is vision. St. Paul s UCC already has a Statement of Mission. You can find it on page 2 of the Yellow Worship Book. How are we living into our mission? Where are we already following God? What do we need to improve on? Is our vision thriving, just surviving, or dying? Our Creator is a Living God. We serve a Risen Christ. We are to be inspired by the active Holy Spirit. Our church s future depends upon every one of us: our willingness to show up, to lean in, to lead and follow, to give generously, to be flexible, creative and hopeful. We are to ally ourselves with the entire Body of Christ and not just one gifted person. So, where do your interests lie? What can you add to our church s vitality? God is still speaking to us. What is Jesus saying? Where is the Holy Spirit leading us? How will we follow?

Why not call or visit, to let them know they are missed? Sept. 3rd 10am-12pm St. Vincent s School Aud. Bring your own bags.

.. ATTENTION: If you are a college student at any level, please email the church with your college address.

2 NEEDED Please make sure all newsletter submissions are in by this date. In the green folder on the office window or ed to: Ushers, Greeters, Layleaders, & Acolytes! Please consider signing up to serve the church one Sunday a month! Attica Food Link Distribution: Betty Watson Carol Shreder Terry Schroeder...and others who are physically unable to join us. Why not call or visit, to let them know they are missed? Sept. 3rd 10am-12pm St. Vincent s School Aud. Bring your own bags. We need baked goods from all children that went to summer camp - we are having a Bake Sale at the Rummage sale October 6th. Cookies, breads, etc. wrapped for sale... ATTENTION: If you are a college student at any level, please the church with your college address. (OR If you are the parent of a college student, please the church your student s mailing address.) WNYACIC Annual Meeting- Sunday November 5, 2017 The Association s Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, November 5 th at New Covenant United Church of Christ 459 Clinton Street, Buffalo NY. Lunch will be served starting at 1:00 PM. Worship begins at 2:00 PM and will be followed by our annual business meeting (approval of budget, election of new officers, committee members, etc.). We are looking for delegates to represent St. Paul s UCC. Interested? See Council President Justin Kipfer or Pastor Laurie. Sunday Bible readings: The first reading is italicized; the message text is bold. Bible Studies meet 7pm in the St. Paul s lounge & 10am in the MPR October 1: World Communion Sunday Exodus 17:1-7 Psalm78:1-4, or Ezekiel 18:1-4, Psalm 25:1-9 Matthew 21:23-32 Philippians 2:1-11 October 8: Rev. Hugh Pratt Mark 6:6-13 Acts 16:6-10 October 15: Exodus Psalm 106:1-6, Isaiah 25:1-9 Psalm 23 Matthew 22:1-14 Philippians 4:1-9 October 22: Exodus 33:12-23 Psalm 99 or Isaiah 45:1-7 Psalm Matthew 22: Thessalonians 1b-10 October 29: Reformation Sunday Deuteronomy 34:1-12 Psalm 90:1-6, 3-17 or Leviticus 19:1-2, Psalm 1 Matthew Thessalonians 2.1-8

C.R.O.P. HUNGER WALK The Church in Attica is sponsoring a walk for hunger this Sat., Sept. 30 th at 10am. Meet at the Gazebo in the Park; registration begins at 9:30am. We need WALKERS & PLEDGES!

Paul s & The Church in Attica in the fight against hunger.

3 C.R.O.P. HUNGER WALK The Church in Attica is sponsoring a walk for hunger this Sat., Sept. 30 th at 10am. Meet at the Gazebo in the Park; registration begins at 9:30am. We need WALKERS & PLEDGES! Please visit the event webpage: crophungerwalk.org/atticany/donate Click the Donate to a team link & in the box type St. Paul s UCC. Thank you for helping St. Paul s & The Church in Attica in the fight against hunger. Neighbors in Need Offering- October Neighbors in Need is a special mission offering of the UCC that supports ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States. One-third of NIN funds support the Council for American Indian Ministries (CAIM). Two-thirds is used by the Justice and Witness Ministries (JWM) to support a variety of justice initiatives, advocacy efforts, and direct service projects. Indigenous peoples understand that water is life. Last fall UCC members, friends, CAIM, national staff and many others joined our combined voices to Rise Up against big business interests in the Dakota Access Pipeline. Together, we stood in solidarity with our Native American sisters and brothers who are rightfully protesting to keep their water clean and safe for drinking, bathing, fishing, canoeing, and for the animals. Because our collective voices were heard and valued, an initial victory was attained. Unfortunately, an executive action by the current administration authorized an easement for the pipeline to cross a reservoir near the Standing Rock Sioux Nation. Thus, our work is not yet over. It is for situations such as this that we, as people of faith, join together to stand alongside our most vulnerable neighbors in their struggle for the sanctity of water whether they reside in Standing Rock, Flint, Michigan, the West Bank, Gaza, or whenever they are in need. It is what our Christian scripture obliges of us. It s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, and don t take yourself too seriously- take God seriously. Micah 6:8, the Message

9th We will be making more towel teddies. Please watch for a box in the Narthex for your donation of NEW hand towels; each bear requires 2 towels & about 18 of wide ribbon.

Location depends on our project! Sunday School Collecting for UNICEF in October According to UNICEF, every 3.6 seconds someone dies of starvation, and it is nearly always a person under the age of 5.

Nearly one-third of the world s children (about 500 million) have no access to sanitation facilities, and 400 million have no access to clean water.

4 Sisters in Faith Oct. 12th Devotional booklets for Sunshine boxes If you have any favorite inspirational quotes that you think we should include, please them to the church ASAP Nov. 9th We will be making more towel teddies. Please watch for a box in the Narthex for your donation of NEW hand towels; each bear requires 2 towels & about 18 of wide ribbon. Any color makes for a special bear! Dec. 16th Christmas Caroling & Potluck more info to come! We would love to hear your ideas! Please join us at 6:30pm the 2nd Thursday of each month. Location depends on our project! Sunday School Collecting for UNICEF in October According to UNICEF, every 3.6 seconds someone dies of starvation, and it is nearly always a person under the age of 5. In addition, one billion children around the world are severely deprived of at least one of the essential goods and services they require to survive, grow and develop. Nearly one-third of the world s children (about 500 million) have no access to sanitation facilities, and 400 million have no access to clean water. Together, these cause about 4,000 child deaths each day. That is why we ask you to contribute to Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF. Our children will bring boxes home from Sunday School. Others are available upon request. Donate & Pray- Hurricane Relief Pray for everyone involved in Hurricane rescue and relief efforts. UCC Disaster Ministries is already gearing up for our long-term recovery work in the region. Your contributions provide community support for holistic recovery, repairing house and home for families and children and restoring dignity for the most vulnerable who have lost everything in the wake of this catastrophic event. You can GIVE generously by going to ucc.org and clicking on the link to make a secure online donation. Gifts may also be made here today if you mark your check for Hurricane Support. Donations may also be sent directly to Wider Church Ministries, Financial Services - 6th Floor, 700 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, OH Because of OCWM, 100% of your donation goes to helping relief efforts.

St. Paul s UCC Christian Education Meeting Sunday, September 17, 2017 The meeting was opened with prayer by Laurie. Members present: Tom, Laurie, Danielle, Ruth, Pastor Laurie.

Sunday School: 7 children are in Confirmation. Discussion of Halloween Party on Sunday, Oct. 29 th after church. Confirmation students will help with the games.

5 St. Paul s UCC Christian Education Meeting Sunday, September 17, 2017 The meeting was opened with prayer by Laurie. Members present: Tom, Laurie, Danielle, Ruth, Pastor Laurie. Pre-School Report: Financial report given along with enrollment: 15 children in 3 year old class, 11 children in morning 4 year old class, and 9 children in afternoon 4 year old class. Sunday School: 7 children are in Confirmation. Discussion of Halloween Party on Sunday, Oct. 29 th after church. Confirmation students will help with the games. Children will be invited to wear costumes. Unicef boxes will be handed out in early October for children to return on the 29 th. Dunkirk: campers will sponsor the coffee hour in October. Eight children attended summer camp in Proceeds from Sauerkraut Supper Basket Raffle will go in Dunkirk camp fund for Campers will also offer a bake sale at the Oct. 6 th Rummage Sale. Heiffer Project an animal will be purchased in December. Discussion of a winter sledding party. Will be discussed further at future meetings. Next meeting is October 15 th. Meeting closed with The Lord s Prayer. Respectfully submitted, Ruth Hopfinger Christian Education is having a Halloween party October 29th. Please come to church in costume and join in the fun and games after church. We will have cider and doughnut holes. Sauerkraut supper Basket Raffle sponsored by Christian Education We are looking for basket donations from groups or individual people from our congregation...any theme is acceptable - big or small. Some ideas would be movie basket, pasta basket, chocolate basket, candy basket, scrapbook basket. Be creative and come up with something unique. Any questions contact any CE committee member.

7 2nd Annual End of Summer Fellowship Bash August 27, 2017 GOOD FOOD, GREAT FUN & FELLOWSHIP Photos curtesy of Chris Kipfer.

8 On Sunday September 3rd members of the Youth Mission Team visited the Attica SPCA. Photos curtesy of Lisa Knerr.

9 RALLY DAY SEPT. 10, rd Graders Joshua & Madelyn receive their Bibles from CE member Laurie Bellucci. Pastor Laurie & the children bless their backpacks for the upcoming school year. New Sunday school teachers are installed & prayed for. Photos curtesy of Chris Kipfer.

11 Party & materials provided by Neighborhood Art House, Batavia

12 DEACON S MEETING June 20, 2017 COUNCIL MEETING June 20, 2017 Members present: Pastor Laurie, John, Marie, Sharon, Lisa, Roy & Justin Meeting was called to order at 6:27pm Pastor Laurie led us in prayer OLD BUSINESS Justin made a motion to accept May minutes, Roy seconded, all in favor, motion carried. John gave an update on organ repairs; they should begin after school is out. Roy gave an update on the electronic system. Mr. Russell is going to help with the set-up. NEW BUSINESS We discussed Music Sunday; people really enjoyed it. The air conditioner is now working right! The Muckdogs outing is Friday, Aug. 4 th in Batavia. We will meet at the Stadium & go in as a group. We will sit in the stands & not have a food package. Lancaster, PA outing, will have more information on that in this Sunday s bulletin Marie gave a report about an AED; A Phillips Heartstart model seems to be the best choice, the cost is $1400. Also talked about a basic CPR course. Next meeting is Sept. 19, 6:30pm Meeting adjourned at 7:04pm Respectfully Submitted, Sharon Davis, Deacon Secretary Members present: Carl, Steve, Russ, John, Marie, Sharon, Lisa, Roy, Justin & Pastor Laurie Meeting was called to order at 7:05pm Pastor Laurie led us in prayer. Agenda reviewed, Marie made a motion to accept the agenda, Tom seconded, all in favor, motion carried. John made a motion to accept May minutes with correction, Steve seconded, all in favor, motion carried. Reports Treasurer Reviewed. Deacons Report John reported on organ repairs & electronics system; the Muckdogs evening August 4 th, and information on the Lancaster, PA outing will be in Sunday bulletin. John made a motion to purchase the Phillips Heartstart AED for $1400, Steve seconded, all in favor, motion carried. Marie will order it. Trustees Report Discussed placing another speaker by the choir when the electronic system is installed. The plexi-glass has been replaced. The carpet in the MPR will be replaced Pastor s Report None Christian Education Report This Sunday, cake & coffee will be served in the Fellowship Hall following worship OLD BUSINESS 100 Gideon Bibles were donated to us. Gina thought maybe we can send them to places that can use them. Roy reported on the postcard mailing, we do this later in the fall. Marie is checking on CPR classes and will put sign-up sheet on the board. The Summer Bash is August 27 th at the Firemen s Pavilion in the Attica Park. Passed around Counting & First Sunday schedules. Next meeting is Sept. 19, 7pm Steve made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Marie seconded, all in favor, motion carried. Pastor Laurie led us in reciting the Lord s Prayer in unison. Respectfully Submitted, Sharon Davis, Council Secretary

15 31 Being a Christian is like being a pumpkin. God lifts you up, takes you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. He opens you up, touches Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 Worship w/ Communion 10am Dunkirk Brunch Confirmation 11-12noon 8 Worship 10am Confirmation 11-12noon 15 Worship 10am CE Meeting Confirmation 11-12noon 22 Worship 10am Newsletter Deadline Confirmation 11-12noon 29 Worship 10am Halloween Party Confirmation 11-12noon 2 Bible Study 7pm 9 Bible Study 7pm 16 Bible Study 7pm 23 Bible Study 7pm 30 Bible Study 7pm 3 Food Link. St. Vincent s Aud. 10am-12pm Christopher Eddy Jr. Howard Jr. & Evelyn 4 Bible Study 10am Happy 154th Birthday St. Paul s UCC! Bible Study 10am Women s Fellowship Lunch 17 Deacons/ Trustees 6:30pm Council 7pm Cheri Phillips Lisa Knerr Liz & Jason Mest Bruce & Michelle Bradford 18 Bible Study 10am Eric Peters Bible Study 10am 5 Bell Choir 6pm Chancel Choir 7:15pm 12 Sisters in Faith 6:30pm Chancel Choir 7:15pm Nancy Colvenbach 19 Bell Choir 6pm Chancel Choir 7:15pm 26 Bell Choir 6pm Chancel Choir 7:15pm 6 Rummage Sale 8am 1pm Squash Party 27 Randy Berry 7 Rummage Sale 8 11am Bag 10am Lauren West Becki & Jeff Peters 21 Squash Party you deep inside and scoops out all the yucky stuff - including the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc. Then he carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside you to shine for all the world to see. 28

16 St. Paul s United Church of Christ 11 Washington Street Attica, NY of St. Paul s United Church of Christ, Village of Attica St. Paul s UCC, 11 Washington Street Just around the corner, first block down from Main Street. Join us for Sunday Worship at 10:00 am Sunday School for children K-7th Grade - Nursery always open! No matter who you are or where you are on life s journey, you are welcome at St. Paul s. Reverend Lauran Heidenreich Call the church at ( ), stpaulunited@verizon.net or pastorucc@verizon.net Website: atticaucc.org October: 1 Communion, Coffee Hour- Dunkirk Brunch 3 Food Link St. Vincent s Aud. 10am-12noon 4 Happy 154 th Anniversary St. Paul s UCC 6 & 7 Rummage & Bake Sale 11 Women s Fellowship Lunch Meeting (after Bible Study) 12 Sisters In Faith 6:30pm Upcoming dates to remember 17 Deacons 6:30pm, Trustees 6:30pm, Council 7pm 20/21 Squash Party 22 Newsletter deadline Nov. Save the Dates: Nov. 5 WNYACIC Annual Meeting 1pm Nov. 7 Sauerkraut Supper & Basket Raffle

of St. Paul s United Church of Christ, Village of Attica

of St. Paul s United Church of Christ, Village of Attica Customarily When Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, as was his custom. -Luke 4:16