Pres Clippings. Inside this issue: Inside this issue: 4 Information. Movie Night. Women s 4. Operati 6

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1 Pres Clippings Dear Friends in Christ, What a weekend we just had at First Pres! Friday night s Trunk and Treat was a smashing success! We had nine cars with trunks opened and decorated. As guests visited each car, they received a treat. We had donuts on a string. (When was the last time you tried to eat a donut hanging on a string without using your hands?) We also had hotdogs, popcorn, cider, and hot chocolate all for free. We planned for up to 75 attendees. At least 120 people showed up. The Youth Christian Education Committee members and helpers all did a great job adapting to the unexpected attendance. Moreover, hats off to the committee because it was willing to take a risk and try something new. Most of us will opt for what makes us comfortable, rather than taking a risk. It s much easier and less stressful if we stick with what we know and what makes us comfortable. However, the fact remains that without the challenge of risk, growth is often stunted and outreach doesn t happen. What s the old saying? A tree grows stronger when it is buffeted by wind and storm. The challenges posed when we take a little risk help us grow taller and stronger, all in the name of Jesus. Speaking of risk, over 130 years ago two women from our congregation, Sarah Smith and Clara Rose, boarded a train that took them to the west coast where they boarded a ship and sailed to Japan, landing in Tokyo. They went to teach and spread the gospel in word and deed. Sarah found a girls school, called Hokusei Gakuen, in a day when girls education was practically non-existent in Japan while Clara founded a Kindergarten. Sunday, the seven 2017 missionaries who represented our church at the 130th anniversary celebration of the Hokusei Gakuen School System, and the 120th anniversary celebration of the Rose Kindergarten, led worship. The bottom line to their message to us is two fold: first, the relationship with these two schools is important for all parties involved. (continued >) First Presbyterian Church October 31, 2017 Inside this issue: Inside this issue: * Sunday 2 Worship * Adult Bible 3 Group Pledge to Start! 3 * Rummage Sale Movie Night 4 Information * GriefShare Calling Team 54 Surviving the Holidays! Women s 4 * Circle of 5 Women Operati 6 Gathering * Yankee Trader Christmas Party! * Minute for Mission Please Remember! FEED MY SHEEP November 5th: 6 7 BATH SOAP & TOOTHPASTE & SOFT TOOTHBRUSHES

2 We have much to learn from them, but at the same time, they take a lot of inspiration from us. The second part of their message to us is: sustaining and building our relationships with the people of these two schools will take an increased effort on our part. The group has returned with many ideas on how to keep the relationships lively and strong. In the days and weeks to come, expect to see some of those ideas unfold. Watch for ways that you can be involved. I leave you with a thought first spoken by Archbishop of Canterbury William Temple: The church is the only organization that exists only for its non-members. Outreach and mission are at the core of our life together as a church. After all, it s what Jesus did, and as Christians, we are Christ-followers! Love and peace, Betsey * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS Yes, it s that time of year when we change the clocks. The fall back time change is Sunday, November 5th. Please turn your clocks back one hour before you go to bed on Saturday, November 4 th, so that you will be on time for church on Sunday morning! THIS WEEK S SUNDAY SERVICE November 5, 2017 ~ 10:30 a.m. 22nd Sunday after Pentecost Sacrament of Holy Communion The Rev. Dr. Betsey Crimmins will lead us in worship and preach. The Chancel Choir will sing. The Greeters and Ushers will be Pat Holmstrom, Nan Peterson, Greg and Anne Lamb. The Sunday School leaders will be Kera and John Stanley. The Deacons preparing Communion are Mike Crimmins and Rich Buchheimer. The Elders serving Communion are Mike and Patricia Kapusta, Desiree Rogers, John Stanley, and Joanne Tunison. The Chancel Flowers will be given by Tom and Betsy Stegbauer. The Fellowship Hour will be hosted by Greg and Anne Lamb. Childcare will be available. All are welcome to attend! 2 NEXT WEEK S SUNDAY SERVICE November 12, 2017 ~ 10:30 a.m. 23rd Sunday after Pentecost Dedication Sunday The Rev. Dr. Betsey Crimmins will lead us in worship and preach. The Chancel Choir will sing. The Greeters and Ushers are Jim Barr, Dottie Tholfsen, Mike and Rehana Stanley. The Sunday School leaders will be Kera and John Stanley. The Chancel Flowers will be given by Ellen Marsh Death. Childcare will be available. All are welcome to attend! THANK YOU to all the volunteers who decorated their cars, handed out treats, and helped in any way with the Trunk and Treat Event on Friday, October 27, THANK YOU to everyone who participated in the Sunday worship service on October 29th...the Chancel Choir for singing...scott Kelley for playing the trumpet and Jill Kelley for playing the flute...clare van den Blink, Paul and Lynn Hornbuckle, John and Joanne Luce, Chuck and Kay Stewart who led the worship and offered the morning

3 message...barb Horton, Andrew LaVere, Connie and Rich LaVere for Greeting and Ushering...Greg Lamb and Jane Ivanick for giving the Minutes for Mission...John Luce for Lay Reading Joanne Luce for giving the Children s Sermon...Kera Stanley and Carole Wereski for leading Sunday School during worship...mike Crimmins who ran the power point which was prepared by Clare van den Blink...John Stanley for cooking the Japanese luncheon...connie LaVere for providing the desserts...the Chancel Flowers were in loving memory of the members and friends of the First Presbyterian Church who have passed into the arms of God this past year: Thomas Mike (6/16/15), Margarete Snead (11/20/16), John G. Copley, Jr. (1/10/17) & Jeanette Copley (5/25/17), Philip Ripley (5/24/17), Florence Langeland (6/24/17), Anna Ivanick (8/2/17), and Susan Panyla (10/23/17). ADULT BIBLE GROUP "BIBLE BASICS: ABOUT GOD" STARTS NOVEMBER 5, 2017 "Bible Basics" is a new Bible group for adults who desire to deepen their understanding of God, the Bible, and living the Christian life. The first five-week series "Bible Basics: About God" is Sundays at 9:30 a.m. from November 5 through December 10 (no class November 26). "Bible Basics: About God" explores the Trinity, the divinity of Jesus, and the humanity of Jesus as Christmas approaches. Adults are welcome to join any or all gatherings. For more information, please contact the church office or Patricia Kapusta at (607) or patricia.kapusta@outlook.com. 3 CY 2018 STEWARDSHIP PLEDGE CAMPAIGN is near the end. Please if you intend to pledge, get your pledge cards into the church office ASAP. Thanks, Greg Lamb ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL The Adult Sunday School class invites you to join them at 9:30 a.m. in the parlor area. The class will be discussing the lectionary readings for each Sunday. The lectionary readings for Sunday, November 5 th : Joshua 3:7-17 and Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37; Michah 3:5-12 and Psalm 43; 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13; and Matthew 23:1-12. SUNDAY SCHOOL IS COOL! It s time to come to Sunday School!! Sunday School for all youth will take place during the worship service at approximately 10:45 a.m. Children will be dismissed from worship to Sunday school class immediately after the children s sermon to a multi-age curriculum. Please come and join us! HELP WANTED! Our church is looking for Nursery Care Givers and a Nursery Director. These are paid positions. The time is Sunday mornings, approximately 9:30 to noon. If you or someone you know would like to apply, please send a resume and cover letter to the church. Anyone 14 years (with working papers) and older is welcomed to apply. Also, please help us get the word out about these open positions. Please mention it to someone you know who might be interested. Thank you.

4 RUMMAGE SALE INFORMATION RUMMAGE SALE NO-NO S...We do not accept electronics such as TV s, computers, computer monitors and computer printers. Please do not send in stained clothing or broken items. Norm Schamel asks that metal recycling and bottles not be brought in during the rummage sale week-november 4 th -11. We need the room for kitchen sale items. Please hold on to the bottles and metal recycling until the rummage sale has ended. Thanks for understanding. RUMMAGE SALE PICK-UP...if you need things picked up from your house, please call the church at and then we can schedule the pick up. Please let us know if we are picking up furniture. If the item is very large, Cynthia Malcovitch will come and take a picture of the item and put it on Craig s list. TAX INFORMATION...Sue Weaver has printed out tax forms where you list what you have given to the church rummage sale and you can assign a value to the items. It does not mean that we would sell it for that amount but you are accessing the value of your donation. WORKERS...The Rummage Sale is a huge endeavor and we need workers. We are going to set up the tables on Thursday, November 2, at about 1pm. The workers who are there are also able to bring their items as we will then start the set up. Bringing items on Friday, November 3, 2017 are allowed if you agree to work the rummage sale and you agree to put your items where they belong. We will of course, assist you. It helps you and all of us as things are then already in areas where they belong. Organization has then begun. On Sunday, November 5 th, please plan to stay after church. That is the general drop-off day. We supply lunch. This is a group endeavor that raises money for our church and its many missions and jobs. As you all know, church is more than a service on Sunday. It is about using our Christian beliefs and values in the real world and enjoying fellowship. RUMMAGE SALE WORKERS SCHEDULE: A Quick Guide To When Your Help Is Needed Thursday, November 2 ~ 1 pm - Setting up tables. Friday, November 3 ~ 9 am - 3 pm - Sorting rummage and organizing. Saturday, November 4 ~ 9 am-noon - Continue organizing rummage. Sunday, November 5 ~ 12:30 pm-3:30 pm. Lunch & Emptying cars of rummage. Monday, November 6 ~ 9 am-3 pm or later - Continue rummage sorting and setting up. Tuesday, November 7 ~ 9 am 3 pm or later - Continue setting up and pricing of items. Wednesday, November 8 ~ 9 am 3 pm or later - Organization of items and pricing. Friday, November 10 ~ 9 am - Making sure we are ready for Saturday. Saturday, November 11 ~ Rummage Sale 8:30 am-noon - Need workers from 8 am-4:30 pm. Clean-up from the sale and disassemble of the racks, etc. Need at least 10 people for this. 4

5 AED/CPR TRAINING There will be an AED and CPR training on Saturday, November 4 at our church in Room 10 from 9 a.m. 12 noon(ish). There is 1 slot available on a first come, first serve basis. If you d like to sign up, please call the church office at GRIEFSHARE The next GriefShare meeting is on Monday, November 6th from 6 8 p.m. in the Parlor. GriefShare is a thirteen week video-based Christian seminar and support group for those who have lost a spouse, a parent, a child, a family member or friend. At GriefShare, you ll learn valuable information that will help you through this difficult time in your life. GriefShare leaders are Meredith Tifft, Barb Squires, and Patricia Kapusta. The only cost is $15 for the workbook. For more information, call the church office at GRIEFSHARE PRESENTS... SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS Monday, November 13th ~ 6 p.m. GriefShare Presents: Surviving the Holidays is a helpful, encouraging seminar for people facing the holidays after the death of a loved one. The seminar offers practical suggestions and reassurance through video interviews with counselors, grief experts and other individuals who have experienced the holidays after their loved one s death. While created for individuals grieving the death of a loved one, the seminar is relevant for anyone facing the holidays after a life change like divorce or the empty nest. For more information, contact the church office at (607) or kespreselm@stny.rr.com. 5 CIRCLE OF WOMEN GATHERING! The Circle of Women will have their next gathering on Monday, November 6th at 10 a.m. in the Parlor. Judy Gooding will bring materials for us to make Thinking of You cards. We welcome other women in the congregation to come too. This is an easy fun activity. We will have refreshments too and good conversations! The KNITTING4PEACE POD meeting for today, Tuesday, October 31 st, has been cancelled. The next K4P meeting will be on Tuesday, November 7 th, from 3-4:30 p.m. in the Genesis Room. VOLUNTEER AT THE FOOD BANK! Volunteers are needed to support the Food Bank of the Southern Tier. We have committed to the Food Bank to work a 6-8 p.m. shift on the 2nd Thursday of each month. The next volunteer time is on November 9th. If you are able and interested in helping our First Pres group help the Food Bank we would love to have you join us. If you would like to get a better idea about what the Food Bank of the Southern Tier does you can go to their website at FREE THANKSGIVING DINNER You are invited to attend our church Free Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday, November 23rd in the Hoffman Great Room. Everyone in the church and in the community is invited to come! We are looking for volunteers to come and help. Please contact Mike Kapusta at if you are able to help.

6 FUNDRAISING EVENT FOR PUERTO RICO RELIEF Friday, December 1 ~5:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. First Presbyterian Church will host a community fundraising event on Friday, December 1, 2017 from 5:00 7:30 p.m. (Please note the change of day.) There will be a dinner and a silent auction. We will need donations for the auction, which could be baskets, gift certificates, etc. We are in need of any and all who would be willing to volunteer to make this event successful. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, November 21st at 6:30 p.m. where specific details will be discussed and decided. This is an opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a time of critical need. It is also an opportunity to reach out and engage our greater community. Please consider this important calling. For more information, please contact Joanne Tunison at FLOWER CHART The 2018 Chancel Flower Chart is now posted on the bulletin board in the hallway across from the kitchen. You are welcome to sign up for your favorite date(s) when you chose to provide the Chancel Flowers for worship. Bouquets for the chancel are $40 each. Unless otherwise indicated by the donor, the flowers then are separated into bouquets after worship. The bouquets are then delivered to those who are sick or homebound, by the Deacons. FLOWER CHART The Chancel Flower chart is located in the hallway across from the kitchen. The 6 next available date is December 3rd. Bouquets for the chancel are $40 each. The flowers are separated into bouquets after worship and then delivered to those who are sick or homebound, by the Deacons. Please sign up on the Flower Chart or call the office for assistance. Thank you. 28th ANNUAL YANKEE TRADER CHRISTMAS PARTY! Saturday, December 16th ~ 6:00 p.m. Young at Heart is the name for the fellowship and fun activities for the adults of our church aged 21 and over. The Yankee Trader Party is pure fun tucked into a very busy season a chance to relax and enjoy each other s company. You are invited! The party will be held at the home of Mark and Jane Ivanik in Elmira, starting at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 16th. Please bring your favorite hors d oeuvres and beverage to share. Also, please bring a wrapped gift that costs you NO MORE THAN $20, one per adult. The gift may be valued at more than $20, but please don t spend more than $20 per gift. Start thinking now about what savvy or silly gift you will bring to be stolen (yes, that s the game), oooed and ahhhhed at. Because parking is limited at the Ivaniks house, guests will meet at a nearby location TBD at 6 p.m. and car pool to their house. SHEEP CART FOOD DONATIONS We appreciate all the non-perishable food donations to the food pantry that is given to the North Presbyterian Church. Please check the USE BY/SELL BY DATES when donating food items. The food pantry cannot

7 take any expired food. The food cart is located in the missionary lobby. Thank you. HOST A FELLOWSHIP HOUR! The sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board in the hallway by the kitchen. The next upcoming available dates are and November 12, 19, & 26. The church provides the beverages; you provide the eats. Keep it simple-pretzels, cheese and crackers, bagels cut in bite size pieces, cut up apples and things like that, are always a hit! Or gather up some friends and host as a team! MINUTE FOR MISSION ~ October 29, 2017 Greg Lamb Our Stewardship Campaign, Our Journey With Jesus, Together Making a Difference, is drawing to a close. The Committee would like to thank all who have already turned in their pledge cards. We would also like to thank Betsey for her guidance, as well as the administrative who helped so much and continues to do so with regards to the Campaign. That would be Kelly Stewart, Sue Weaver, and Kathy Menges. Without them, the Committee s tasks would be harder. So if you see them, please thank them for us. As of this past Wednesday, October 25th this is the status: Total pledged to date: $132.0K Total pledging units to date: 57 New pledging units: 6 # Early Bird Pledges: 54 Last year total: $177K, so we are at 75% of last year s total As of this date, there were 27 folks/families that pledged in our previous campaign for the CY 2017 Budget but have not as yet turned in their current pledge card. I would ask that these 27 folks along with others who plan on pledging to support the church do that as soon as possible. This would greatly assist the Finance Committee and Session as they plan for next year expenses. This would also greatly assist the Stewardship Committee as it would cut down on our follow-up calls. These calls will start later this week. So if you want to avoid chatting with Mud or Mike or myself, please get your pledge cards in quickly. Thanks again for your support and your support for OUR Church! * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 7 FURNITURE SALE CONTINUES! There is still furniture for sale located in the Hoffman Great Room. If interested in purchasing any of this furniture, please stop into the church office or call Jane Ivanick at JOIN THE CHANCEL CHOIR! The Chancel Choir has rehearsals on Thursday evenings at 7:15 p.m. in the Betschen Music Room. Sunday morning rehearsals are at 9:30 a.m. in the sanctuary. Have you been thinking about joining the Chancel Choir? Then this is the time to do it! Speak to Melissa Moore for further information:

8 THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK... On all Saints Day, I pray that you are protected by His love and sheltered by His care. The Rev. Dr. Betsey R. Crimmins, Pastor Felix Perez, Outreach & Service Specialist Gary Tucker, Organist Scott Kelley, Instrumental Director Kelly Stewart, Church Secretary Fred Betschen, Church Treasurer Barbara Squires, Clerk of Session Melissa Moore, Director of Music James Stewart, Sr., Church Sexton Susan Weaver, Financial Secretary Paul Kingsbury, Assistant Church Treasurer Church Office (607) Visit our website: