February Volume 28 No. 02. What Do I Have?

Transcription

1 February 2018 What Do I Have? What do I have, Lord, that you would need me as a servant? Eyes, he said, to see the beauty in all that I ve made and my children as they travel life s highway. Hands, he said, to reach out and touch hurting souls, to give a hug or encouraging pat on the back. Ears, he said, to listen to my still, small voice of love and to hear my children when they cry for help. Heart, he said, so you may know the full love of my Spirit and love my children as I have loved you. Thomas Butler Feet, he said, to lead my children through this world of strife and to help them run from sin and follow me. Mouth, he said, to lift up your voice and sing praises to me so others may hear the joy in your heart.

2 Lenten Series: The History, Faith and Practice of Islam Beginning on Sunday, February 18 we will continue our journey of learning about other faiths. Having spent twelve weeks learning about Christianity we now embark on an exploration of Islam. The lectures are given by John L. Esposito Professor of International affairs and Islamic Studies at Georgetown University. The first four lectures are as follows: 1. Feb 18 (11:30-1pm), Feb 21 (10-11:30 am) Islam Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow 2. Feb. 25 and Feb 28 (same times) The Five Pillars of Islam 3. March 4 and March 7 (same times) Muhammed Prophet and Statesman 4. March 11 and March 14 (same times) God s Word the Qur anic World view Islam is, with Judaism and Christian faiths, one of the three Abrahamic religions; that is, it finds its spiritual source in the life and spiritual journey of the patriarch, Abraham. Islam affirms the validity of Judaism and Christianity. We are all understood to be people of the book. Of course what the book is is different for each tradition. Islam acknowledges many of the Jewish and Christian texts; yet its founding scripture, the Qur an, is authoritative. Over a period of time, what became the Qur an was revealed to the prophet Mohammed and written down as given without interpretation. Mohammed did reflect on the scriptures and that body of teaching is called the hadith. Over the past thirty years Islam has entered western awareness through the rise of radical fundamentalists who have, as have many Jewish and Christian groups with their own scriptures, extracted certain teachings of the Qur an and interpreted in ways which have skewed the teachings of Islam, condoned violence and coerced obedience to a code completely at odds with the heart of this beautiful faith. As Christians we have the same history and so are in no position to sit in judgment. Instead, we are called to learn about Islam and to listen to our Muslim sisters and brothers. As we do this I pray that we will resonate with much of what we discover. We will come to appreciate our own more deeply. In the spring we will continue the study. Dates will be announced. Stewart Page 2

3 Lay Readers, Greeters, Ushers and Counters February 4 Lay Reader Betty Deitz Greeter Katy Waggener Ushers Betty Koban Sue Smith Carl Hasselbarth Trudy Hutchinson Communion Servers Trudy Hutchinson * Wayne Gannett Fred Sirois Debbi Waggener Counters Billy DeBarthe Laura Smith February 18 Lay Reader Greeter Ushers Counters George Hannett Carolyn Sarbello Bill Sarbello Margaret Gardam June Edick Beverly Montgomery Peter McKinney Carolyn Sarbello * Denotes team leader. The team leader should call the other servers in advance to make sure they plan to attend church on the designated day. If not, the server should find a substitute and let the team leader know. February 11 Lay Reader Greeter / Usher Ushers Counters Jack Haefeli Laura Smith Steve Smith Mickey Nieman Terry Nieman Bill Hasselbarth Hannah Hunter-Harris February 25 Lay Reader Greeter Ushers Counters Page 3 Cornerstone Ministry Hannah Hunter-Harris Bill Hasselbarth Charlotte Hasselbarth Debbi Waggener Nancy Snyder Margaret Gardam Ruth Ryf Liz Egan

4 Lay Readers, Greeters, Ushers and Counters March 4 Lay Reader Mark Hutchinson Greeter/Usher Trudy Hutchinson Ushers Bill Hasselbarth Charlotte Hasselbarth Wayne Gannett Communion Servers Mickey Nieman * Keni Banda Nelda Polansky Sue Smith Counters Billy DeBarthe Laura Smith March 11 Lay Reader Jack Haefeli Greeter/Usher Shirley Irwin Ushers Hannah Hunter-Harris Nelda Polansky George Hannett Counters Bill Hasselbarth Hannah Hunter-Harris March 18 Lay Reader Greeter/Usher Ushers Counters March 25 Lay Reader Greeter / Usher Ushers Counters Debbi Waggener Melinda Rielly Don Montgomery Henry Montgomery TBD Peter McKinney Carolyn Sarbello Bill Hasselbarth Jack Haefeli Margaret Gardam Hiram Eberlein Bill Sarbello Margaret Gardam Ruth Ryf Liz Egan WE ARE COUNTING ON YOU! If you are unable to serve on your scheduled date, please FIND A SUBSTITUTE and NOTIFY THE CHURCH SECRETARY. Page 4

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6 Dear HUPC Family, MJ and I thank you so much for your generous Christmas gift. As I always say, the love that comes with the gift means even more than the gift itself. This year the money will go straight into the fund for Elizabeth s wedding. Stewart A Heartfelt Thank You to the congregation for your generosity this Christmas. I love directing and playing with our Hamilton Ringers and am so proud to be a part of our music ministry. I also want to give the Presbyterian Women a special thanks for their gifts as well, the cookies were a delicious treat. You all honor me with your support. In His Spirit, I say Ring On! With thanks, Rae Rau Page 6

7 Love doesn't make the world go round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile. Franklin P. Jones Page 7

8 HUPC to Host Presbytery on Feb. 10 th If you love listening to the Bell Choir but think playing with us would take too much, now is the time to speak with Rae! She is looking for people who are interested in a short-term commitment, playing for Palm Sunday. Rehearsals would start in February. All are welcome, experienced and novice ringers alike. Come see what the excitement is all about! Hamilton Union will host a morning meeting of Albany Presbytery on Saturday, February 10 from 9:30-Noon. Help is need from 8-10 am to help with parking, greeting and setting up/cleaning up refreshments. If you are able to help with any of these service opportunities please come! If you are curious about what happens at Presbytery meetings there will be no easier opportunity. Worship will feature our Early Worship model which was supported by a Presbytery New Initiatives Grant. Happy New Year. As I complain that I am cold, I cannot help but think of the homeless. So many people have suffered hardships in our area recently. Fortunately we have people like you to help with their needs. Thank you for all you do. You make a big difference. Dish Soap Laundry Detergent Shampoo Tooth Paste Prepared Microwave Meals Mac and Cheese Granola Bars Fruit Snacks Crackers Bar Soap Personal Care Items If you need assistance or have questions, please feel free to call Pat Adler at Page 8

9 Happy Birthday to Fern Weber (February 1) Kenneth McKaig (February 19) Katy Waggener (February 23) Steve Smith (February 25) Happy Anniversary to John & Fern Weber (February 1) If you would like your special occasion celebrated in the Good News newsletter, please contact Hannah Hunter-Harris at or Dear Members of Hamilton Union Presbyterian Church, Thank you for your continued generosity to the Guilderland Food Pantry. You continue to be one of our largest supporters. You have donated 200 pounds of food, and other items such as scarves, hats, clothes, personal hygiene supplies and extra Brook's BBQ. We appreciate your call to collect the food that appears in your church bulletin. We have been blessed to be housed in your church for almost 40 years and to have your church body as a contributing force. God bless you and Have a Happy New Year! Susan Hennessy and Mark Hopper Directors of the Guilderland Food Pantry Session Highlights from January 8 Discussed preparation for the February 10 Presbytery meeting to be hosted by HUPC. Treasurer s report indicated a year-end budget surplus of $5,471 to be added to the Operating Fund Balance. The Finance team recommended retaining Curran Investment Management. There was an increase of 12% of net assets over last year, much of that due to positive investment performance. The Session thanked outgoing elders Mike Poelma, Nancy Messersmith, and Ron Messersmith for their service on the Session! Page 9

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11 Dear Friend of Family Promise, We hope you are able to attend the 4th annual Give Your heart to a Homeless Family celebration which will be held on Thursday, February 8, 5:30-7:30pm at Glennpeter Diamond Centre located at 1544 Central Avenue in Albany. Admission is free! Come enjoy free hors d oeuvres, cash bar and if you wish, you may purchase drawing tickets to win one of many beautiful baskets filled with items from local businesses. This is a great way to celebrate our mission and we welcome everyone to join us at this celebration. Admission: Free Drawing tickets offered to win baskets: 2/$5, 5/$10, 12/$20 Free hors d oeuvres and a cash bar with all proceeds going to Family Promise! Glennpeter Diamond Centre Central Avenue (across from Delmonico s Steak House) Please R.S.V.P by February 1st by calling or capitalregionfamilypromise@gmail.com Thank you, Mary Giordano Executive Director Family Promise of the Capital Region From the Stewardship Committee: The Per Capita Apportionment for 2018 is $43. This amount represents a share of the expenses of the Presbytery, the Synod, and the General Assembly. For Hamilton Union Presbyterian Church this amounts to $4,558 for 2018 and must be paid regardless of how much members contribute. Accordingly, we ask all members to make a special contribution of $43 to cover this amount in recognition of our being a part of the Presbyterian Church. There is a blue envelope provided in the box of offering envelopes for this purpose. Please use this envelope in making your contribution so we give you credit for the contribution. Thank you for your support. The Stewardship Committee Page 11

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13 Ash Wednesday Soup and Sandwich Supper Wednesday, February 14 6 pm to 7 pm Presbyterian Women will host its Annual Ash Wednesday Soup and Sandwich Supper. Soup, beverage and dessert will be provided. Just bring a sandwich. We will be finished in time for the 7 pm Worship Service. There will be sign up sheets in the back of the Sanctuary and the Multi-Purpose Room. For questions, contact Mickey Nieman at or mickeynieman@gmail.com or Katy Waggener at or katyatmags@aol.com Tuesday, February 20, 6 pm -7:30 pm Cornerstone Protestant Campus Ministry Food and Faith Program - Food & People Needed Food and Faith is a program of the Cornerstone Protestant Campus Ministry held at the Interfaith Center on the U Albany campus. Local churches provide a meal and lead devotions on Tues. evenings. Hamilton Union will host on Tues., Feb. 20. Donations of main dish, side dish and dessert for twelve are needed, plus people to visit with the students. There will be sign up sheets in the back of the Sanctuary and in the Multi- Purpose Room. Food needs to be brought to the kitchenette in the Christian Education Building, in a disposable container, labeled "Campus Ministry", by 5 pm that night. If you would like to eat and visit with the students, a carpool will leave the church at 5:15 pm or come to the Interfaith Center at 6 pm. For questions, contact Charlotte Hasselbarth at chasselbarth@hotmail.com or Page 13

14 Presbyterian Women - News All Women are Welcome All women are invited to participate in any Presbyterian Women s activity at any time. There is no need to make a commitment to join the organization. For questions about Presbyterian Women contact Charlotte Hasselbarth at chasselbarth@hotmail.com or Our next Circle Meeting will be on Tues, Feb 27 from 10:30 am 12:30 pm. Lesson 4, According to John from the Horizons Bible Study, Who is Jesus? What a Difference a Lens Makes will be covered. Extra copies are available. Bring a bag lunch. Beverage and dessert is provided. Collecting Easter Basket Items Sunday, February 18 to Sunday, March 25 Presbyterian Women will be collecting items for Easter Baskets to be distributed to New Faith Family Center at the Capital Area Rescue Mission, the Family Life Center at Schenectady City Mission, and Living Resources, Inc. Needed are: chocolate rabbits and eggs, coloring books, sidewalk chalk, jump ropes, bubbles, small books and toys, sticker books, crayons and markers, jellybeans, marshmallow chicks, Easter M&M s, Hershey kisses, peanut butter eggs, foilcovered chocolate eggs, plus cash to equalize baskets and purchase cellophane bags. Collection Boxes will be in the back of the Sanctuary and in the Multi-Purpose Room Page 14

15 Bake Sale - Cornerstone Protestant Campus Ministry Sunday, February 25 Students from the Cornerstone Protestant Campus Ministry at UAlbany will be hosting its semiannual bake sale in the Multi-Purpose Room during Coffee Hour. The baked goods will be available for a donation. The money raised supports their work on campus including worship, dinner programs, Bible studies, service projects and social events. Men s White Athletic Socks, Flip-Flops and Laundry Detergent Collection Presbyterian Women is changing its approach to collecting needed items for the Interfaith Partnership's Emergency Overflow Shelter. Going forward, we will collect men s white athletic socks, flip flops and laundry year round. Collection boxes are in the back of the Sanctuary and in the Multi- Purpose Room. HAMILTON UNION GROUP Congregational news and event information is sent out on a regular basis. If you would like to receive such notices, contact Charlotte Hasselbarth at chasselbarth@hotmail.com. Let love live long; let hate live short. Burmese proverb Page 15

16 Please know that I am most appreciative of you, the congregation, the Presbyterian women and my wonderfully talented and dedicated choir, who blessed me at Christmas time. Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness! Over the years, I ve noticed that many involved in Christian ministry end up with a depleted immune system following Christmas and Easter and I m happy to report that I ve been in good health this year and am reflecting on the fact that it was close to five years ago that I received my cancer diagnosis. That s quite a landmark for a survivor and I m grateful to God and to those who offered prayers, their support and encouragement as I went through treatment and beyond. I share the following, and likely you are familiar with it: Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. (New American Standard Bible) This is evidenced in the fact that In His Presence was birthed over 2 years ago and recently became incorporated as a charity in New York state. We have sent out over 400 cards to individuals affected by cancer, not counting the nearly 100 Christmas cards sent out this year alone. While attendance on Thursdays is limited to ladies who ve personally had a diagnosis, we are hopeful to include the public at large to upcoming programs. As you recall, last year the Lincoln presentation was snowed out, but we are going to try once more. Lincoln An Intimate View from His Family s Perspective Everyone is invited Thursday, February 15th, 11:15 am 12:15 p.m. in the Lounge. Presented by Catherine Ritchey, from Glenville and a member of In His Presence. Learn about a man, his family, and interesting connections to famous people in our area. Catherine is an Author/Historian and Descendant of Abraham through her mother. Her maiden name was Hanks and her family has been traced back to Nancy Hanks, Mother of Abraham Lincoln. Page 16

17 Third Women's All Church Retreat - Home and Away! Save These Dates: AWAY Saturday, March HOME - We will see who is interested and find a date that works! All women are invited to participate in one of two Women s All Church Retreats in March. The weekend one will be held at the Pattison's home in Chatham, MA from Friday to Sunday March The purpose of the retreat is to enjoy each other's company, on Cape Cod during it s off-season, while exploring our faith together through a discussion of a book, prayer practices and dulcimer music. The local retreat will be planned around the convenience of those wishing to attend. This year we are reading a challenging book by local author and Times Union columnist Amy Biancolli. The name of the book is Figuring Sh*t Out. The book is a series of essays about the worst year of Biancolli s life, when her beloved husband, spiritual writer Christopher Ringwald, suffered a terminal bout of depression and took his own life. While the author is deeply honest about paralyzing disruption to her own life direction and the depth of pain this loss caused her family and their wide circle of friends, it is also about how one s faith, strong community support, and persistent hope can enable a next chapter to emerge. The book is by turns compassionate, and angry, deeply sad and very funny. It is a testimony to the power of faith and the eternal bonds of love. The book is available in the library, electronically, in a kindle edition and it can be purchased at bookstores locally. MJ Pattison has two copies to loan out. Registration, including meals for the weekend retreat will be about $20 and transportation is by carpool. Accommodations are cozy, but with airbeds, and a couple of good friends who choose to share queen and king size beds, we can accommodate thirteen women at the house. The local retreat will be scheduled based on who is interested and can include those who were on the overnight retreat, so that this can be a shared experience. We will need at least eight people to hold the local retreat. In the past it has worked well to reserve a room at the Gateway Diner and spend a couple hours over breakfast or lunch. A sign-up sheet along with details will be in the Multi-Purpose Room in Feb. If you have any questions, please contact MJ Pattison at or mjpattison@gmail.com, or Charlotte Hasselbarth at or chasselbarth@hotmail.com Page 17

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19 Hamilton Union Happenings céäêì~êó=omnu= Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 9:30am In His Presence (L) 7:15pm Choir Rehearsal (C) 2 3 9:30am Bell Choir Rehearsal (L) 11am Deacons Meeting (L) 4 Communion 8:30am Early Worship Service (S) 10am Worship Service (S) 5 6 3:30pm Brownie Troop 1495 (M) 7pm Session Meeting (L) 7 7pm Boy Scouts (D) 7pm Webelos Scouts (D) 7pm Poking Brook Dancers (M) 7pm Chess Club (L) 7pm Making Connections (Q) 8 Newsletter Deadline 9:30am In His Presence (L) 7:15pm Choir Rehearsal (C) :30am Bell Choir Rehearsal (L) 11 8:30am Early Worship Service (S) 10am Worship Service (S) :15am Deacons Meeting (L) 3:30pm Brownie Troop 1779 (M) 14 7pm Boy Scouts (D) 7pm Webelos Scouts (D) 7pm Poking Brook Dancers (M) 7pm Chess Club (L) 7pm Making Connections (Q) 15 9:30am In His Presence (L) 7:15pm Choir Rehearsal (C) :30am Bell Choir Rehearsal (L) 18 8:30am Early Worship Service (S) 10am Worship Service (S) :30pm Brownie Troop 1495 (M) 21 7pm Boy Scouts (D) 7pm Webelos Scouts (D) 7pm Poking Brook Dancers (M) 7pm Chess Club (L) 7pm Making Connections (Q) 22 9:30am In His Presence (L) 7:15pm Choir Rehearsal (C) :30am Bell Choir Rehearsal (L) 25 8:30am Early Worship Service (S) 10am Worship Service (S) :30pm Brownie Troop 1779 (M) 7pm SCA Chorus (M) 28 7pm Boy Scouts (D) 7pm Webelos Scouts (D) 7pm Poking Brook Dancers (M) 7pm Chess Club (L) 7pm Making Connections (Q) D = Downstairs L = Lounge S = Sanctuary M = Multipurpose Room C = Choir Corner Q = Quiet Room

20 HAMILTON UNION PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 2291 Western Avenue Guilderland, New York Change Service Requested Dated Material Please Deliver Promptly. Church: FAX: Rev. Pattison (H) (Office) (Pastor) Website: HamiltonUnionPresbyterianChurch.org hu-pc.org Ministers: The People of Hamilton Union Our Staff: Rev. Stewart Pattison, Pastor Rev. Mary Jo Pattison, Parish Associate Charlotte Palmeri, Director of Music Rae Rau, Director of Handbell Choir Cheryl Cootware, Church Secretary Newsletter deadline for the March issue is Thursday, February 8 GOOD NEWS Published monthly by the Session, and is available electronically on our website. Copies are also mailed to select church family households, students away from home, and others. Mark Hutchinson, Editor Address: goodnewshupc@gmail.com