FIRST UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Transcription

1 FIRST UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH of Troy, New York Feeding the Hungry in Body and Soul SPIRIT SERVICE COMMUNITY VISION NEWSLETTER September 2017 SPIRIT SERVICE COMMUNITY Spirit, Service, Community In This Issue: Memory and Hope Autumn One 2017 Worship at First United Memory and Hope Sunday in Ordinary Time September 10, Communion Based on Exodus 12: rd Children s Time: Remember, Restore, Renew Children remain in worship Adult Education: Autumn With The Architect The Rebel Song 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time September 17, 2017 Based on Exodus 14:9-31; 15:1b-11, Children s Time: Dancing Through The Seas Children s Church: Road to Freedom Adult Education: Autumn With The Architect Manna and Mercy Sunday in Ordinary Time September 24, 2017 Based on Exodus 16: th Children s Time: Manna and Mercy Children s Church: Tension in the Wilderness Adult Ed: Autumn With The Architect Page 1 Vibrant Worship and Spiritual Life: September Worship Children s Ministry Small Groups Page 4 Caring, Inclusive Community: September Birthdays Let s Get Together! Movie Night Food Donations Carol Howard Merritt Soul Café Fellowship Sign-Ups Prayer Shawl Ministry Branding Update Session Updates Albany Presbytery Building Visionaries Building Sale Process Buildings and Grounds Page 14 Passionate Mission and Advocacy: Empty Bowls Environmental Tips AIDS Zumba & Walk Page 16 Calendar CONTACT US Web: info@unitedprestroy.org Phone: (518) Fax: (518) First United Presbyterian Church th Avenue 1 Troy, NY 12180

2 Teach the Preacher Returns Wednesday, September 6, 4pm! VIBRANT WORSHIP and SPIRITUAL LIFE Children s Ministry News Welcome Back to School! Backpack Sunday will be held on Sunday, Sept. 10 Students of all ages and teachers are invited to bring a friend and their backpacks for our Blessing of the Backpacks. All participants will receive a special gift. Children will remain in worship and Communion with their families. Classes will begin Sept. 17 Welcome Back, Teachers! We are so grateful to welcome back our lead teachers Sue Connolly, Diane Chandler, Lois Lanoue and Nora McDowell. In September, lessons in the Season after Pentecost will be The Road to Freedom and Tension in the Wilderness discussing how we participate in liberating acts that shape our faith and considering how we might be agents of God s care. We are always looking for new students, teachers and assistants! Anyone interested in teaching or assisting, please contact Sue Steele at or sjwsteele@aol.com. Back to School Mission Project Speaking of being agents of God s care, Children s Church will sponsor a special mission project during September -- inviting church attendees to bring in school supplies and healthy snacks such as cereal, oatmeal packs, granola bars, mac and cheese, peanut butter and jelly, tuna, soup, bread, juice, fruit, canned vegetables, a Stewart's milk card good for a gallon of milk. Please consider participating in this project any Sunday throughout September. These backpack supplies and foods will be given to local children. This project will be a way we all fulfill our goal to feed the hungry in body and soul. 2

3 VIBRANT WORSHIP and SPIRITUAL LIFE Youth Group Begins September 10, 4pm! Pastor Gusti and John Husson are thrilled to join high schoolers and college students for bi-monthly youth group activities beginning September 10. Our first gathering will include yummy snacks, grapejuice-making, and worship planning for a Togolese-style service on October 1. Parents should plan to pick up your teens around 6pm. Chancel Choir Returns September 10 th! Rehearsals Begin Thursday, September 7, 7pm The Soul Feast Small Group is continuing into the program year with a new book to feed the soul. The Cultivated Life: From Ceaseless Striving to Receiving Joy By Susan S. Philips Beginning in October McCarty Room Contact the church office if you would like us to order your copy. Monthly drop-ins are welcome. 3

4 September Birthdays 9 th Karen Harpe, 11 th Don Drew 14 th Shirley Hinkamp, David Hains 15 th David Lanoue, 29 th Jim Parmelee 30 th David Hamlin Let s Get Together! While Sunday Service is a wonderful way to be together (especially at Peace time!), let s do more to get to know one another on a more personal level at activities that provide more time to talk. Some ideas we would like to propose: Table at the Oakwood Soul Café the second Monday of each month, starting up again on 9/11 after a summer hiatus. Wonderful meals are provided with a suggested donation of $3 per person. What a bargain and a great way to start the week! This is not only a way to meet together but also an opportunity to let people know about FUPC. Restaurant nights - we would choose a night out of the month and a different restaurant each month. People would sign up so we'd know how many to expect for table arrangements at a restaurant. o Proposed night for September Wednesday 9/20 at 6 p.m. at Greek House, 27 3rd St, Troy, NY Hosted meals at people's homes: people bring something to share if they are able. We could do this for lunch or dinner. o Idea 1 host determines date/time and hands out invitations at Sunday service for a meal during the week. Little planning and short timeframe involved. o Idea 2 host determines date/time in the future and communicates that through bulletin and/or newsletter. People sign up. Volunteers for hosts? Interested!!?? Have other ideas? Let us know. Peg Smith & Joan Rogers 4

5 Friday, September 8, :00 p.m. FUPC Sanctuary Featuring The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel How far would you travel to have a hip replacement you could afford? Or to a retirement without your family trying to take control? Or just to have an adventure you have never had before? This star-studded cast of Judi Dench, Tom Wilkinson, Bill Nighy, Maggie Smith and Dan Patel light up the screen with their comedy and serious emotions. When seven cash-strapped seniors decide to outsource their retirement to a resort in India, they experience romance, friendship and closure in unexpected ways. The hotel is managed by Dan Patel, who is working hard to impress his girlfriend s family and his mother, who thinks he is a failure. Patel has the slickest sales pitch you have ever heard, trying hard to convince everyone that The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is wonderful despite its shortcomings. Come and bring your friends for an enjoyable evening of entertainment, good eats and discussion. P.S. Watch for the sequel The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel coming in October!! Questions please contact Trudi or Miriam A Message from the Deacons The Deacons would appreciate continued support of the TLP Food Pantry. The jars with the pink labels are available for donations. Even with the warmer weather the need is still great, especially at the end of each month. 5

6 A Day With Carol Howard Merritt Saturday, September 9 10:30AM Book signing in Guilderland, NY at the Book House 1475 Western Ave # 62, Albany, NY PM Pre-Sale Books in Albany, NY at the First Presbyterian Church of Albany 362 State St, Albany, NY PM Keynote by Carol Howard Merritt in Albany, NY at the First Presbyterian Church of Albany 362 State St, Albany, NY PM Panel Discussion with Dr. Keli Rugenstein at the First Presbyterian Church of Albany 362 State St, Albany, NY PM Books again in Albany, NY at the First Presbyterian Church of Albany 362 State St, Albany, NY PM Dinner with the Author in Colonie, NY at Buca di Beppo, 44 Wolf Rd, Colonie, NY Tickets available Speaking event, dinner with the author, and a copy of her book: $100 Speaking event and dinner with the author: $80 Speaking event only: $40 Headlines about the church are dominated by the crises with it, from sexism to homophobia to intolerance. These stories reveal that some people already knew: the church isn t always holy. Author, speaker, and Presbyterian minister Carol Howard Merritt has seen it firsthand. Raised as a conservative Christian, Merritt found that the kind of religious institutions she grew up in had the potential to create healing but also isolation and deep suffering. People have suffered religious abuse, she writes, which can be different from physical injury or psychological trauma. She observes that in response, people no longer see the church as a safe space and often leave. In her transformative book Healing Spiritual Wounds (HarperOne; Hardcover;February 7, 2017), Merritt responds to the conflicting image of the church as a safe space and dangerous place, and provides a way to remain a part of the church and renew personal faith even when the institution falls short on its mission. This book s multistage plan help readers move from pain to spiritual rebirth by: Finding God; Healing their image of God; Recovering their emotions; Redeeming their broken selves; Reclaims their bodies; Regaining their hope; Reassessing their finances; Being born again 6

7 We're BACK! Join us to kick off another great year of food, family, community, and more food! As many of you know, three local families were displaced this August when fire destroyed their 9th Street home, and proceeds from this month's Soul Cafe will go right to them. Menu TBD but LOTS of strawberry rhubarb goodness as we say goodbye to summer! As our new church year begins, most of us look forward to the chance to visit after the service and enjoy some goodies while we catch up with friends or make new ones. Please look for the sign-up board at the back of the church and find a date when you can provide our refreshments. If you need help or would like to share a Sunday, please contact Betsy Belle Eadie, or betsyeadie@aol.com. Thank you so much for sharing in providing Fellowship Time. 7

8 FUPC Shawl Ministry The first gathering of the FUPC Shawl Ministry will be held Wednesday, September 13 from 1-3pm. We will meet in the McCarty Room. People knit or crochet shawls for many different reasons and we will discuss these and explore the concept of a Shawl Ministry. If you have any questions please contact Diana "Shawls...made for centuries universal and embracing, symbolic of an inclusive, unconditionally loving, God. They wrap, enfold, comfort, cover, give solace, mother, hug, shelter,and beautify, Those who have received these shawls have been uplifted and affirmed, as if given wings to fly above their troubles..." Janet Bristow-1998 Branding Update The session has appointed Katy Davis, Linda O Malley, and Pastor Gusti to continue the process of branding for our FUPC vision, mission, and purpose of Feeding the Hungry in Body and Soul. Upon reviewing the feedback from our first attempt at a logo (the one on the cover of this newsletter), we determined there was no way to incorporate the vast diversity of opinion into an updated branding. Therefore, we have decided to start from scratch using Linda s experience as a graphic designer. Stay tuned for more revealing as this creative process unfolds! 8

9 The Session met for Holy Conversations at the home of Peg Smith on Tuesday, August 29, 7pm Items discussed included: Gratitude for how far we have come as a congregation and for the future that lies ahead Review of the book Canoeing the Mountains: Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory by Tod Bolsinger. Discussion of where we are in the metaphor Tod describes. Decision to lead discussions on each part of the book for the Discernment portion of our session meetings throughout the next year. The Session will discuss Part One of Canoeing the Mountains at our next meeting. Contact the church office if you would like to receive a copy of this reading and/or join the Session in its conversation. Gratitude for the receipt of $70,000 from the Heinrich Medicus estate. Delay in decision on how to allocate those funds until we have more information about renovation needs. Request Treasurer to park the funds in the most appropriate place until a decision is made. The next Stated Meeting of the Session will be held Tuesday, September 26, 7pm in the McCarty Room. Session meetings are open. 9

10 Join many FUPC session members for the Albany Presbytery Day with Tod Bolsinger, Author: Canoeing the Mountains Explorers Lewis and Clark had to adapt. While they had prepared to find a waterway to the Pacific Ocean, instead they found themselves in the Rocky Mountains. You too may feel that you are leading in a cultural context you were not expecting. You may even feel that your training holds you back more often than it carries you along. Drawing from his extensive experience as a pastor and consultant, Tod Bolsinger brings decades of expertise in guiding churches and organizations through uncharted territory. He offers a combination of illuminating insights and practical tools to help you reimagine what effective leadership looks like in our rapidly changing world. If you're going to scale the mountains of ministry, you need to leave behind canoes and find new navigational tools. Reading this book will set you on the right course to lead with confidence and courage. Please register with the presbytery office by Monday, September 25 so we can have a count for lunch. Lunch cost is $

11 Building Visionaries Update Next Meeting TBD The Building Visionaries have contracted with Jim Conroy of Berkshire Hathaway to serve as our realtor for sale of all non-sanctuary property. The building is on the market and potential buyers are touring the facility. Please see pg 11 for information on the Sale Process. For Sale signs are posted near the rental property. Signs have also been placed in front of the sanctuary building, reading First United Here to Stay! The Renovations Sub-Group has contracted with architect Barb Nelson, from TAP, to discuss next steps in re-purposing the sanctuary. We have identified four key areas of focus for her work: heating system; accessibility; bathrooms; kitchen Autumn With the Architect September December CARING, INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY Adult Education Forums: September 10, 17, 24 Our process for engaging the congregation in conversation with Barb Nelson will begin September 10. She will lead three adult education forums to ascertain any additional essential items for her work. She will also answer any questions we may have around environmental sustainability issues. Additional Focus Groups: September October Barb will identify any key stakeholders in particular pieces of our renovation for follow up conversation. Examples may include (but are not limited to): children s ministry leaders; youth group; kitchen crew; office staff; worship team; etc Design Options: October November Barb will then incorporate our feedback into one or more design options (with pricetags) for the session to consider. Depending on the variations of her designs, the session may need to call a congregational conversation for additional feedback. Design Decision: December The Renovations SubGroup hopes to have a final decision for approval by the Session at their December 5 th meeting. --Pastor Gusti, John Husson, Fred Miller, Judy Moyer, Bill Moyer, Peg Savchik, Trudi Wybourn 11

12 Sale of Building Process As we look ahead to finalizing a sale of the rental property, please be advised of the following process, as per Presbyterian polity and the laws of the State of New York: 1. Realtor Jim Conroy has been contracted to market the facility. Because we may wish to entertain a buyer for the entire complex (including the Sanctuary) and remain as long-term tenants, we have been advised to list the entire property for sale and negotiate terms directly with any interested party. The entire property has been listed for $1.5 million All issues related to parking, courtyard access, possible separation of heating system, etc. will be negotiated directly with the buyer. 2. Negotiated Sale Agreement Comes to Session While the session does not have authority to agree to the sale, the members will want to ensure the terms of sale are in keeping with their vision for leading the congregation into the future. 3. Session Calls a Special Meeting of the Congregation All Special Congregational Meetings require the session to advertise the meeting in worship on two Sundays (one of which may be the day of the meeting). All official members of the congregation are entitled to vote on the Sale Agreement. A fifty percent, plus one, majority is required for the sale to be approved. 4. Albany Presbytery Board of Trustees Approves the Sale (This may occur simultaneously with item 2 or 3) In legal terms, the congregation holds the facility in trust for Albany Presbytery, which officially owns it. The Presbytery has commissioned the Board of Trustees to approve sale of property, according to terms acceptable to the presbytery. 5. New York State Court/Attorney General. (This may occur simultaneously with item 3) Religious corporations in the state of New York must apply for and obtain leave of the court or the attorney general. This will be handled through our attorney and realtor, once sale has been approved by the Board of Trustees. 12

13 Building and Grounds Maintenance Lead Remediation In late June, we were informed that two children in the EcoBaby Daycare tested positive for high levels of lead in their bloodstream. Follow-up testing discovered the need for lead remediation in portions of our rental property, mostly in the soil, but also in some peeling paint areas. 5 of our 7 elders were able to meet directly with Mark Vincent to discuss a plan to meet our obligation in a timely manner. We also contacted Jim Conroy to make sure our plans would not impede sale of the property. Remediation is well underway: the iron fence and gate have been scraped and will be repainted; the courtyard near the parking lot entrance will be fenced and gated; peeling paint on windows has been scraped and repainted; the memory garden has been mulched and will be fenced and gated; the area opposite the memory garden will be filled with sod. Re-Wiring In late April, we learned our electrical system was wired incorrectly, dangerously, and in some cases illegally. Re-wiring has been taking place ever since. The Sanctuary building is now fully re-wired. Re-wiring continues in the rental property. Temporary Handicap Ramp Regrettably with the lead remediation plan required by the County Health Department, we ve had a setback to installation of the temporary ramp at the southeast entrance near the church office. Once the fencing and landscaping are completed as part of the plan, we hope to proceed in time for handicap accessibility by Fall. Calling all Goats! Without a goat to graze on our lawn, we are in need of volunteers to mow/weed-whack the green space on either side of the church s main entrance and around the trees on Fifth Ave. Other outdoor gardening projects include trimming of shrubs around the church complex especially the parking lot area along Fulton St. and the alley to the rear. We have an historically beautiful complex and as good neighbors, it s important that we keep up our grounds. Any assistance will be greatly appreciated. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Sue Steele sjwsteele@aol.com or

14 PASSIONATE MISSION and ADVOCACY This Years Empty Bowls event will be held at the Italian Community Center on Sunday October 1, 2017 from noon until 3pm. Tickets may be pre-purchased for $15 at the following locations: Broken Mold on River Street, 3rd Street Potters, and North East Ceramic. Tickets are also available at the door for the same price. This event is meant to bring to our attention the number of people in our community who go hungry every day. (Thus, empty bowls). Local artisans donate pottery bowls that they have made and many local restaurants donate and serve several of their soups plus bread. Your ticket will allow you to pick the pottery bowl of your choice (there are so many beautiful ones it can be hard to decide on the one you want.or buy a second ticket and pick two bowls!!) And as many of the servings of soup that you would like. The proceeds go entirely to food pantries in Troy. So plan to head over to the ICC after worship on Oct. 1st for a yummy lunch and help a worthy cause at the same time. Environmental Theme Program Tips for the Month 14 When traveling, collect your recyclables (papers, plastics, metal, empty bottles...) and either leave them on the hotel room dresser/desk or turn them in at the front desk. Recycle cardboard, metal and "hard" plastic signs (lawn signs, etc.) The Humane Society often takes shoe boxes (possibly to use as transportation of small animals, may be used for "care packages" for when pets are adopted). Unless completely unusable, wash old bathroom rugs and make then into throw cushions.

15 PASSIONATE MISSION and ADVOCACY 15

16 CALENDAR Friday, September 1 Office Closed Saturday, September 2 Thursday, September 14 2:00 p.m. Finance Team ~ Church Office Friday, September 15 Thursday, September 28 Friday, September 29 Sunday, September 3 10:00 a.m. Worship 10:00 a.m. Nursery Care 11:15 a.m. Lemonade Lull Monday, September 4 Labor Day- Office Closed Saturday, September 16 Sunday, September 17 10:00 a.m. Worship 10:00 a.m. Nursery Care 11:15 a.m. Fellowship 11:45 a.m. Autumn with The Architect Saturday, September 30 9:00 a.m. Presbytery Meeting ~ Amsterdam Tuesday, September 5 Wednesday, September 6 4:00 p.m. Teach the Preacher Thursday, September 7 Friday, September 8 Office Closed 7:00 p.m. Movie Night ~ Sanctuary Saturday, September 9 A Day with Carol Howard Merritt Sunday, September 10 Communion 10:00 a.m. Worship 10:00 a.m. Nursery Care 11:15 a.m. Fellowship 11:45 a.m. Autumn with The Architect Grandparents Day Monday, September 11 Patriot Day Office Closed 6:00 p.m. Soul Café ~ Oakwood Tuesday, September 12 6:00 p.m. Special Presbytery Meeting ~ Ballston Spa Monday, September 18 4:30 p.m. MLMT/Mission Joint Meeting ~ Sanctuary Tuesday, September 19 3:30 p.m. Branding Group ~ McCarty Room Wednesday, September 20 2:30 p.m. TCC ~ Sanctuary 4:00 p.m. Teach the Preacher 6:00 p.m. FUPC Dinner at The Greek House, Troy Thursday, September 21 Friday, September 22 First Day of Autumn Saturday, September 23 Sunday, September 24 10:00 a.m. Worship 10:00 a.m. Nursery Care 11:15 a.m. Fellowship 11:45 a.m. Autumn with The Architect Monday, September 25 Wednesday, September 13 1:00p.m. Shawl Ministry ~ McCarty RM 2:30 p.m. TCC ~ Sanctuary 4:00 p.m. Teach the Preacher 16 Tuesday, September 26 1:30 p.m. Book Study ~ McCarty RM 7:00 p.m. Session Meeting ~ McCarty RM Wednesday, September 27 2:30 p.m. TCC ~ Sanctuary 4:00 p.m. Teach the Preacher