The First Annual Hudson River Good News & Music Festival

Transcription

1 The Peekskill Presbyterian Church September 2014 The First Annual Hudson River Good News & Music Festival On a beautiful Saturday, August 16, from 1:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., The Peekskill Presbyterian Church grounds were transformed into a cross between an old-time camp meeting revival and a modern-day rock concert. In excess of 350 people from the Peekskill area converged to hear music, choral, and dance performances by six local churches, three invited gifted preachers of the Word, a Christian rap presentation, and a Christian rock band. Some were in English, some in Spanish (some both), reflecting the diversity of the crowd in attendance. None of us could recall ever experiencing such an interchurch event in the Peekskill area. Special attention was given to creating a program for young people involving Christian-themed crafts, face painting, kid-friendly snacks, and a clown making creative balloon constructions for the kids. This program was well-attended and buzzed with kid energy. About a dozen participants in the adult part of the program came forward to reaffirm their acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. The event also drew the attention of listeners peering out the windows of surrounding residences and standing on the sidewalks. The setting for the event was carefully prepared, including securing staging for the presentations, sound technicians and equipment, food vendors, chairs and a tent. Also handled was setting up a church information table, a first-aid station, festive decorations, and the placement of portable toilets. Every conceivable need was identified and addressed. A special effort was made to publicize the festival in every way, from road banners to flyer distribution in the Peekskill area to a variety of electronic, print and social media. This day was made possible, not only by a generous grant from presbytery and a $500 gift from an anonymous donor, but also by support from the Session and Pastor Graham Some of the Good News Festival Team and Worship 10AM Church Office Hours: Tues Fri, 9:30AM 2:30PM Upcoming Events: Sept. 7 Sept. 12 Sept. 17 Sept. 21 Sept. 21 Sept. 24 Sept. 25 Sept. 26 Sept. 28 Community Breakfast Women of Hope Luncheon Ladies Bridge Back to Church Sunday Silent Auction (following service) Connected Prayer Meeting Thirsty Book Club In This Issue: Apple Festival & Silent Auction (following service) Pastor s Message Session Update Member Profile Church News Bible Study Calendar Our Vision: The Peekskill Presbyterian Church is a faithful and diverse community of Christians with varied backgrounds, ethnicities, talents, and ages. Guided by the Holy Spirit, we are committed to nurture individual and corporate growth through Vibrant Worship, Committed Stewardship, Relationship Building Fellowship, Mission Focused Discipleship, and Servant Leadership. by (continued on Page 2)

2 Messenger September 2014 Page 2 ( Good News Music Festival, continued from Page 1) and by outstanding teamwork by members of the Good News Ministry. The gifts of the members of the Ministry were so vast that if we needed a master of ceremonies, one of us knew who to contact; if we needed a Christian rock band we knew a group to recommend; if we needed a tent someone knew where to get it. And so it went on. Thanks to Pastor Graham for her vision, strong leadership, and assistance to the event and to Steve Lynn, festival co-chair, for jointly writing the grant proposal that led to presbytery funding. Dan Harrison, festival co-chair and Good News Chairperson, ran meetings and coordinated overall activity. The Ministry grew in numbers over time; at last count the people to recognize are: Manny & Juliana Asare, John Bishop, Patrick Buckiewicz, Ray Brown, Terry Cadeaux, Debbie Campise, Beverly Dyckman, Ruthie Garcia, Jamel Haight, Vanessa Hull, Liz Maloy, Brenda Martinez, Toni Quest, Adam Sposato, and Charlene & Steve Woods. Additional help was given by Christine Button, Kathy & Rick Cerreta, Steven Denardo, Barbara Devir, Retha Gharzita, Jake Kerkapoly, Nancy O Hare, Josephene Ratnathicam, Caroline Renaud, Terry Rooms, and Marsha Vernon. In all, 29 people from the congregation (and two outside the congregation) assisted with the event. A very heartfelt thank you for all who helped with this event; it was extraordinary! We are convinced that this is an event the warrants repeating next year; our first post-evaluation task will be to figure out a way to fund it. ~ Thanks to Dan Harrison for the Festival Report A Message from Our Pastor Back to School Thanks be to God! I have just completed my first semester at the University of Rochester s St. John Fisher College, pursuing an Ed.D. in Executive Leadership. I cannot count the number of times that I contemplated withdrawing from this program. The jury is still out, so please pray for me. The demands of these accelerated Session courses Notes have had me spinning on my heels. I did manage to get away for a weeklong vacation this summer, but my books and my computer were in tow. Thank you for your prayers and for your support. I will make every effort to complete this degree while maintaining the standard of professionalism that ministry at the Peek requires. I am learning that major studies have been conducted on leadership styles that have come to me by way of the Holy Spirit. I have asked a few of you to participate in inventories to help score my leadership strengths and weaknesses. Survey results have determined that I am strongest in the areas of servant leadership, authentic leadership, and transformational leadership. In brief, servant leaders are ethical and lead in ways that serve the greater good of the organization, community and society at large. They are attentive to the concerns of their followers. They nurture them and empathize with them. Servant leaders help followers develop their full personal capacities. Jesus Christ was identified as the greatest example of a servant leader with Mahatma Gandhi coming in second. Authentic leaders are persons who have a genuine desire to serve others, they know themselves and they feel free to lead from their core values. Authentic leaders demonstrate five basic characteristics: they understand their purpose, they have strong values about the right thing to do, they establish trusting relationships with others, they demonstrate self-discipline and act on their values, and they are passionate about their mission. Transformational leaders set out to empower followers and nurture them in change. They attempt to raise the consciousness in individuals and get them to transcend their own self interests for the sake of others. The vision is the focal point for transformational leaders. It gives the leader and the organization a conceptual map for where they are going. Transformational leaders build and foster collaboration and celebrate the accomplishments of others. I am learning so much about myself as I gain the skills to become an executive leader and a faithful follower. May God continue to give me the energy, the humility, the strength and the discipline to make it to the finish line. May God be with all who are returning to school, starting school, going away to school, or sending loved ones off to school. Let us continue to grow and rise to the challenges that are before us. By Faith, Pastor Stephany

3 Messenger September 2014 Page 3 Prayers & Sympathy Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven. ~ Psalm 107: Prayers for Health Kevin Campise Nancy Horton Helen Lendsey Prayers for Celebration Matt Johns as he begins his new job ~ If you have prayer requests for concerns or Thanksgiving, please contact Philena Bolden Continued Prayer Helen Beuchert Polly Brandes Marge Crawford Joe Deutsch Elaine Galella Bob Straub Dot Whitehouse Seaman Robert Woods The people of the Middle East and in all areas of conflict All those struggling with addiction Session Notes Highlights from the August Session meeting... What is needed from a music minister Updates on the number of candidates interviewed for the music ministry position The need for someone to take on the publishing the Messenger Commended Christine Button for her outstanding job with the Messenger The need to hire a part time sexton Forming a committee to discuss handling of the investment of the fund investments of the church Selection of the style of lettering for The Peekskill Presbyterian Church on the west wall The correct placement of the cross on the same wall Corporate and Business need to discuss the trimming of the trees near the Memorial Garden The suspension of Sunday on Saturday and the repurposing of that program into the VBS program in August The need to replace 22 bricks that are experiencing problems The possible institution of Direct Deposit for congregant pledges Nominating will form teams to approach possible candidates to fill vacancies To have Garrison Tree Company to remove tree and bush at the Manse and to clean up the cemetery at the church ~ If you have any questions speak to Charlene Woods, clerk of Session Prayer Ministries Wednesday Morning Prayer Call Join Pastor Stephany Wednesday mornings between 7:30 7:45 a.m. for the call. To participate, dial ; when prompted, enter code # Prayer Chain Members of this ministry commit themselves to offer up prayers requested by the congregation and the community. More pray-ers are needed. To join the prayer chain, call or prayerrequests@peekskillpresby.org Connected Prayer Ministry A quiet space and time for meditation and prayer; the 4 th Wednesday every month at 6 p.m.

4 Messenger September 2014 Page 4 On Saturday, October 18th the Women of Hope will hold their Annual Tea in our Social Hall. White linen tablecloths, centerpieces, beautiful teapots and teacups will adorn each table. Finger sandwiches and desserts will be served. Wear your favorite fall hat and take part in the Penny Social Event. Each person is asked to bring an item ($5 value) for the event. If you are new to the Penny Social... upon arrival at the tea, you will be given a numbered envelope with tickets enclosed. You place your tickets in a container in front of any item for your chance to win. (If you do not bring an item for the event, not to worry you can purchase an envelope of tickets for $5 at the door.) We look forward to seeing all of the women of our church and all of their friends, too! Tickets will be on sale in September! Member Profile Steve Johns Steve Johns grew up in Croton, New York where he attended St. Augustine s Episcopal Church. He joined PPC shortly after marrying Linda in 1977, and has been an active member since then. They have one son, Matthew who grew up in this congregation. Steve retired from Con Ed in 2007, where he had worked as a mechanic for 35 years. Never one to sit idle, Steve keeps busy playing golf, bowling, visiting with his friend and longtime church member Joe Deutsch, watching sports, especially football (Go Jets!) and Nascar and working around his house. He can also be found working around the church, helping out whenever and wherever needed. Steve loves to travel with his wife. In the last few years they have visited the Grand Appropriate Scripture / Psalm Canyon, Las Vegas, Yellowstone, Mount Rushmore and Alaska. They are looking forward to a family trip to California this January, where they will be attending the Rose Bowl Parade and Game. ~ Thanks to Linda Johns for the Member Profile Now that Summer is over... The Lord s Attic Thrift Shop Is Open Wednesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays 10 a.m. 3 p.m. Apartment Needed Single woman with 2 cats seeking Section 8 housing. Single level preferred, but not required. If you have or know of a suitable apartment, please call Jeannette at Thank you.

5 Messenger September 2014 Page 5 Vacation Bible School The church was a busy place August 25 29, due to the Vacation Bible School Science, Art and the Spirit program. The 18 participants had a wonderful time with art and science projects, and also made their very own group music video all of which enhanced the Bible videos and discussions during the week. Brenda Martinez and Pastor Stephany put on a really great program for the kids, with the assistance of their amazing team: Terry Cadeaux, Diana Heaton, Lisa Hintze, Vanessa Hull, Toni Quest and Bethany Sposato. A big thanks to all who helped to make this a success!

6 Messenger September 2014 Page 6 Personal Bible Study Galatians 5:22-23 (RSV)... By contrast, the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. Galatians 5:14 (RSV)... For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 1. We think of the Ten Commandments as law. Think how each is based on love. 2. Study the gift of the Spirit. Identify your weaknesses as you attempt to live in the Spirit. 3. Seek strength through prayer, study, and meditation. 4. Think about one or more of your relationships (parent-child; worker-coworker, for example) and try to imagine how it would be affected by a stronger life in the Spirit. 5. In your mind, construct an image of (a family) (a community) (a nation) where everyone allows the single commandment. Can you hear the six o clock news? ~ Thanks to Rose Reed for the Bible Study Scripture Memorization Challenge 1. I John 5:11, 12. And this is the testimony: God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. 2. John 14:6. Jesus said to him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 3. John 14:1. Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. 4. John 3:35. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but must endure God s wrath. ~ Thanks to Rose Reed for the Memorization Challenge Serving with Joy in September Date Elder on Duty Hilda Arturi Roger Sparling Marsha Vernon Caroline Renaud Ushers Deborah Flood & Liz Maloy Vanessa Hull & Nancy Horton Linda Buckiewicz & Phyllis Froebrich Linda & Steve Johns

7 Messenger September 2014 Page 7 Worship Word Find ACOLYTE CHOIR COMMUNION COMMUNITY CONGREGATION ELDER FAITH FELLOWSHIP GROWTH HYMN LESSON LITURGY LORD MESSENGER MINISTRY PASTOR PEEKSKILL PRAYER PREACH PRESBYTERIAN SERMON TESTAMENT THANKFUL WORSHIP In view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:5-6 KJV

8 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY September * The church has other users, such as Head Start and Gates of Heaven. Contact the office to confirm availability, before planning a building event. Thank you! * 8:30am Community Breakfast 7 10:00am Worship (with Communion) 9:00am Nominating Committee 14 Labor Day Personnel Committee Mission Ministry Boy Scouts Christian Education 2 9 Deacons Meeting :00pm Ladies Bridge (Pat Button, Host) 6:30pm Corporate & Business Meeting 4 11 Session Pastor: School Women of Hope Luncheon Long Range Planning Meeting 20 10:00am Worship Boy Scouts Worship Ministry Pastor: School Back to Church Sunday 10:00am Worship (with Communion) 11:30am Silent Auction Personnel Committee Boy Scouts 3:30pm Presbytery Meeting 5:30pm Soup Kitchen Prep Connected Prayer Meeting Thirsty Book Club 9:00am Men's Breakfast & Bible Study 9:00am Stewardship Committee 28 10:00am Worship :30am Apple Festival & Silent Auction Boy Scouts October 7:00pm Corporate & Business Meeting Pastor: School Church Office Hours Tues Fri, 9:30AM 2:30PM office@peekskillpresby.org Thrift Shop Hours Wed, Thur & Sat: 10AM 3PM Pastor Stephany Graham Office Hours Wed: 10AM 3PM, Thur: 4 7PM, Alternate Fri & Sat and Mon & Tues: 11:30AM 4:30PM Church Website: Find Us on Facebook: Peekskill Presbyterian Church