T he Weathervane. Old First Presbyterian Church Worship Services: Sundays at 10:00 a.m. September Old First Presbyterian Church. Non Profit Org.

Transcription

1 Old First Presbyterian Church 125 Main St, Huntington, NY Rev. Anne Stewart Miller, Interim Pastor Return service requested Non Profit Org. U.S POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 146 T he Weathervane September 2015 Old First Presbyterian Church Worship Services: Sundays at 10:00 a.m. 20

2 From the Interim Pastor s Study What a delightful summer it s been here on the North Shore! Yes, it was hot and muggy now and then, but otherwise, our summer has been sublime! A time to lay back a little, go into neutral and enjoy this beautiful place we call home. But while many could loll away during this gorgeous season, some of us were also busy getting ready for fall and the beginning of our program year in Christian Education, Outreach, Mission and our annual Stewardship Campaign. This fall will also mark the beginning of the three-year Capital Campaign for the restoration and preservation of our historic building. Hear more on that soon! In the meantime, watch for big things to happen as the steeple scaffolding is erected, the preservation work done, and the makeover of the Fiske Room completed! Not only that, this Interim Pastor and our Transition Team (Jim Colbert, Susan Oehrig and Leslie Schult) have been preparing for a very busy fall. Meeting since April, we ve had our ears to the ground--holding up a face mirror to OFC. This involved chewing on the data received from our Officer Survey earlier this year to consider what our officers see as our congregation s strengths what it is doing well--along with the things it doesn t do so well or may even need some fixing. We ve even considered and named the proverbial skeletons in our closet every church has them. What s the upshot of all of this? The Transition Team has determined that this fall, our session and congregation are ready to begin the next phase of our interim time, the Mission Study. A part of this also involved listening to folks talking--hearing where they re coming from or how they view the state of things at OFC. We ve learned that some of you are anxious to wrap things up, to just get some pastor in here--enough already! Others may be thinking, How much longer? as the old adage goes. These are all perfectly normal questions, not unusual, during an interim time. Most folks just want to get back to normal whatever that is--because the status quo is often so much easier on the nerves than having church affairs up in the air. I d like to reassure you that our time together won t be much longer. But that s only for God to know at this point though I can assure you that God does indeed know the name of your next permanent (installed) pastor. I can also assure that we are on track in our process. I also offer (based on where we are now) that by this time next year, I ll venture your Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) will be elected and up and running. Based on the completed Mission Study to start this fall, the PNC will first be tasked with writing the Ministry Information Form (our congregation s resume that circulates around the denomination). Then, the PNC will begin receiving and vetting resumes from minister candidates. The committee will conduct interviews, listen to sermons and eventually, nominate the final candidate who will be elected by the congregation to be your next pastor. 2 Special Days to Celebrate September Birthdays Sing a song of Birthdays Full of fun and cheer And may you keep on having them For many a happy year. (Anonymous) May you be showered with all God s best blessings today and always. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ If you haven t already submitted the dates for your birthday and anniversary, please let the church office know as soon as possible so we can list them in the Weathervane for the appropriate months. Please note that since there is no Weathervane for the months of January, July, and August, these special days will be listed in the previous months issues. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 19 Anniversaries Love begins in a moment, grows over time, and lasts for eternity. (Anonymous) Love never ends... (1 Corinthians 13:8) 4 Roberta Williams 14 Doug & Amy Buffone 6 Ed Williams 26 Heather & Douglas Adams 8 Rachel Deegan 27 Jane Carter & Gil Battistin Lucy Fetterolf 20 Tessa Battistin 23 Brett Raynor

3 You are invited to contribute to the news and newsworthiness of our congregation! The Weathervane is published by Old First Church and distributed to members and friends of Old First Church. The Weathervane is not published in July and August. Please submit news to the church office for inclusion in the Thursday Updates. The deadline for the October 2015 issue of the Weathervane is September 15 noon. Please mail, hand deliver, or submissions to the Church office at cheriecornell@oldfirstchurchhuntington.org or office@oldfirstchurchhuntington.org Weathervane assembly will be the last Wednesday of each month. Anyone who is available and would like to help out, please let the church office know. Thank you. If you do not want to receive a paper copy of the Weathervane so we can reduce postage cost, please let the office or me know. Thanks. Keep in Touch WEATHERVANE DEADLINE Keeping Up To Date In an effort to maintain accurate member contact information, it is important to let us know your new address if you have moved or have changed your phone number and/or address. Please contact the Church office by phone: , cheriecornell@oldfirstchurchhuntington.org or stop in so we may continue to keep you informed through mail, and phone....when going to Huntington Hospital, be sure you list Old First Presbyterian Church as your church. Hospital workers provide lists of Protestants and Presbyterians, but often do not know what Old First s affiliation may be. What to do, what to do? 1. Work hard to trust and support the process laid out and approved by your session. 2. Take a deep breath and soak in some more patience. 3. Save the date (s): October 24 - Session Retreat, 9-3, Recognizing and Appreciating Our Past. November 1 - Congregational Gathering & Potluck after worship, Recognizing and Appreciating our Past. (Note the theme going here.) 4. Finally, consider these questions: Do we do our time of transition the right way--thoughtfully, carefully and prayer fully? Or, do we rush tear through the process the easier way to save time, then call the wrong pastor one who would not be a good fit for Old First? Yes! I assure you there is a strong correlation between completing the tasks of transition the right way and calling the pastor who will be the best fit the one who possesses the right gifts and skills to lead Old First into its bright future. (That would be the future identified by the congregation during its Mission Study.) I stated in my resume and discussed with the Interim Search Committee, I desire to serve a congregation that sees itself at a key juncture; a time to catch its breath and think purposefully and prayerfully about the congregation s future. Dear colleagues in ministry! I have great hope in all that is to come here and all that holds for Old First. We are making the time to catch our breath as we rightfully prepare to march boldly into your future. Together, let s continue to faithfully call your next pastor! Faithfully, Rev. Anne Stewart Miller Interim Pastor...If you are aware of a member in the hospital, please let us know. Many people are admitted through emergency and will not appear on any church lists. Your minister is there often and wants to call on you. Please help by informing the church. We care. 18 3

4 In Our Prayers Pray at every opportunity in the Spirit (Ephesians 6:18) Kevin Behrens (Brian s son), Charla Bolton (former member and friend of OFC), Paige Burkeholder and Family (Melissa Terc s sister and family), Ellen Correll and Family (OFC Financial Secretary), Taylor Datolli (friend of the Jim Perry family), Kerry Degnan (member), Joy Eipel (Mark Mandrakos mom), Lee & Gail Forker (Melissa Terc s parents), William Gray (Dorothy Mandrakos father), Dave and Else Haddock (members), Betty Hasteadt (Member), Janet and Bill Higby (former OFC members), Pat Horner (member), Clarissa Jost (member), Wendy Kennedy (Peter Storey s sister), George Korinek (friend of Judy Kahrs), Mike Macchiaroli (Barbara Macchiaroli s son), Kay McCann (Ellen Correll s mom), Priscilla McGuire (member), Kim Myers (member), Robert and Cindy Raynor (Brett s parents), Rebecca Raynor (Brett s sister), Dan Rooker (Laure McKenna s brother), Carol Saenger (member), Bradley Samuel (Mary s son), Winifred Slater (member), Peter and Daphne Storey (members), Ruth Terc (John Terc s mother), Brad Thayer (former member), Diane Walker (member), Grace Youngquist (member). ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Please call the church office to remove names from the prayer list. Thank you ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Gerry and I want to thank all of you for your prayers and support during my recent surgery. Your kindnesses through cards and phone messages and particularly well needed meals were overwhelming. We are humbled by the love and care you so generously gave to us. Thank you, each of you...from the bottom of my "healing heart" Leslie Schult ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Heartfelt thanks are given to you who so thoughtfully remembered my Bill who passed away in April. Old First truly has a big heart!!! My love and thanks to all. Vera Murphy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Thank you to Pastor Willis Todd for waiving his honorarium guest minister fee and donating it back towards the Deacons Thanksgiving Baskets fund. Both he and his wife, Michelle, are truly generous and spirit-filled and we were so blessed to have his presence with us as a guest minister while Pastor Anne was away! Anne Gunthner, Worship Chair Thank You Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer (Romans 12:12 - New International Version NIV) Community Food Council The Community Food Council is in need of donations of non-perishable food items, canned goods and items such as toilet paper (always needed) which are not covered by food stamps. Prayer List Requests If you would like to place someone on the Prayer List, please fill out forms located in the Narthex, and return to the Church Office. Additional forms are located in the hallway between Parish Hall and the Sanctuary and in the office. Completed forms may be left on the Secretary s desk or in the Church office mailbox. Thank You. 4 Please bring in your donations of cereal and soup Thank you for your generous donations. 17

5 Save the Date! The Presbyterian Women of Long Island Retreat, October 6th & 7th. Please plan to join us for this special time of reflection and spiritual renewal. It will be held in the beautiful setting and retreat house at Comaria in Sag Harbor Bay. ( We would love to have a group of OFC women attend together! September 2015 Worship Schedule Sunday, September 6 th - 23 rd Sunday in Ordinary Time 10:00 am: Communion Worship Sunday, September 13 th - 24 th Sunday in Ordinary Time 10:00 am: Worship Sunday, September 20 th - 25 th Sunday in Ordinary Time 10:00 am: Worship & Church School Sunday, September 27 th - 26 th Sunday in Ordinary Time 10:00 am: Worship & Church School BACKPACKS From the Organist /Senior Choir Director Thank you 55Xs There were 55 people who participated in the backpacks this year. Whether you bought, packed, or made a financial donation; all of you made it possible to pack 98 backpacks. Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! (Psalm 95:2) Choir rehearsals resume again beginning the Thursday after Labor Day, September 10 th at 8:00pm in the Choir Room. All are welcome to join members, non-members, and teens. If you like to sing, please come and let us praise God together in song. Thank you again. (There are 800 needed in the Huntington area this year!) 16 5

6 Youth Ministry Update OFC BOOK CLUB Kindness is a language that the deaf can hear and the blind can see - (Mark Twain) I hope that you all had a wonderful, fun, and relaxing summer! For the youth and Kids club- we have another year of exciting events, trips, lessons, prayer services and crafts planned. TUXIS will focus on discussions, community service, trips, and fellowship. Wednesday September 9th Youth clubs begin again - prayer service, crafts, open gym and dinner. Wednesday- September 16th Youth group- lesson on creation, crafts, dinner Sunday- September 20th Parent Meeting and Ice Cream Social Sunday- September 20th TUXIS 6:30-8:00 Wednesday- September 23rd No Kids Club due to schools being closed We are very excited about the continued growth and success of our youth programs and TUXIS. I will be asking for parent volunteers on Wednesday evenings to ensure that the programs continue to run smoothly. We will discuss this at our parent meeting. Please do not hesitate to call or contact me with any questions or concerns. I am looking forward to another great school year. You are cordially invited to join us on Sept. 27th, Oct. 11th & 25th (at 11:15 a.m. in the newly renovated OFC Fiske Room) for a special book discussion: 7 MEN AND THE SECRETS OF THEIR GREATNESS* (By Eric Metaxas) How did George Washington resist the temptation to become the first king of America and why did William Wilberforce give up the chance to be prime minister of England? What enabled Jackie Robinson to surrender his right to fight back against racists, or Dietrich Bonhoeffer to jeopardize his freedom and courageously defy the Nazis? We all need great examples; we need to understand what it means to be a man and what God intends men to be; and we need to be inspired. In looking back to seven outstanding men of history, Eric helps us to understand the essential elements of manhood at any age. *You may pick up a copy of this book for $12 at the Old First Church office from Cherie Cornell starting September 1st. Please RSVP to Tom Bosch or Anne Gunthner if you plan on attending some or all of the discussion dates. With Kind Regards, Katie OFC Movie Night: A Movie night is planned for sometime in September in our newly renovated Fiske room!. More info. to come watch for it in weekly update s and the church bulletin. Thank you! 6 15

7 ! Save the date! Church School begins on Sunday, September 20th. Come for Church School and stay for the ice cream Treats provided by CE during coffee hour immediately following the service Hope to see you then. - Bob and Pat Miller 14 7

8 Youth Music Program Moderator: Susan Oehrig ( ) PW Executive Board Meeting will be Wednesday, September 9 th, at 9:30am in room 101 Circle 1 (Evening Circle) Leader: Priscilla Jahier ( ) Next gathering will be October 21 st. Details to follow Circle 3 Bible Study Co-leaders: Holly Baptista ( ) and Gloria Burgess ( ), Lucy Fetterolf (co-leader emeritus) Usually meets the 2nd Tuesday each month at 12:30pm in the Fiske Room The September meeting will be Tuesday, September 15 th Circle 3 will be holding its organizational meeting and beginning a basic Bible study program. Circle 4 Quilting Leader: Asenath Fuchs ( ) Thursday Mornings from 9:30am to 11am in Room 101 Beginning September 10th. All are welcome. No experience necessary. Quilting Circle will be assembling the quilt for 2015 and making shoulder covers for the oncology patients at Huntington Hospital. Circle 6 Crafts Holiday Shoppe Leader: Kris Colbert ( ) Fridays, 9:45am in the Craft Room. Craft circle will begin again Friday, September 11 th "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord" Psalm 100 Do you like to sing or play an instrument? Come join us! Rehearsals for the Kids Choir and the Youth Choir are on Wednesdays in the choir room beginning Wednesday, September 9th, The program is as follows: Kids Choir (grades 1-3) 5:00-5:30 pm Youth Choir (grades 4-8) 5:30-6:00 pm Choirs perform 1-2 times per month, at special functions and hold a concert in May. A calendar is issued in September and in January with a list of performance dates, special events and non-rehearsal days. This calendar is also coordinated with the surrounding school district concerts, and vacation days. Instrumentalists are welcome to participate in the service by performing a solo or duet, with the choir, or use your music skills to play a handbell! Rehearsal time would be on an as needed basis. If interested, please send an to Mrs. Starost indicating student interest, grade level and instrument name. Grades 9-12 welcome too! Singers come join us on Wednesday, September 9th! Any questions? See Mrs. Starost on Sundays or -youthchoir@oldfirstchurchhuntington.org *** (More PW news on page 16) *** Living out faith in the midst of a caring community of women 8 13

9 Transition Team Update The Transition Team has been hard at work; Rev. Miller, Leslie Schult, Jim Colbert, and Susan Oehrig have been meeting since April, throughout the summer and now move into the fall with several important events ahead. Our first milestone is the Mission Study. This document will articulate OFC s history, values and vision while outlining our ministerial priorities and pastoral profile. To achieve this, we now reach out to our church leaders and the congregation for your input. Our schedule of events follow. Please mark your calendar and plan on participating in this very important next step in our Pastoral Search. As we continue to move forward, we thank you for your patience and your support. Sept. 4 Friday Transition Meeting Sept. 11 Friday Transition Meeting Sept. 13 Sunday Moment for Mission- Jim Colbert Oct. 24 Sat. Session Retreat Day Nov. 1 Sunday Congregational Luncheon Old First Church Mission Thrift Store The next meeting of THE CLOTHES LINE will be a potluck lunch & meet at Fiddlers Green Beach on Wednesday, September 9, 12:00 - ALL WELCOME - Bring a bathing suit and towel and a food dish to share ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Annual Back-to-School Sale Friday, September 11th and Saturday, September 12th 11am to 4pm. Volunteers needed to help sort and sell. Please contact Cynthia phone: Continuity gives us roots; change gives us branches, letting us stretch and grow and reach new heights. (Pauline R. Kezer) * * * * ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Regular Thrift Store Hours: We are open Tues., Thurs., & Fri. from 11am to 4pm ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We accept clothing donations during hours of operation. It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. (Deuteronomy 31:8) 12 9

10 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat August 30 August :30a Prayers 10a Worship 6:45p AA 7:30p NA 1p AA 7:15p AA 7:30p BS Troop 32 9:30a Al Anon 6 7 Labor Day Holiday 8 9 9:30a Prayers 10a Communion Worship 6:45p AA :30a Prayers 10a Worship 6:45p AA CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED 7p Trustees 7:30p NA 1p AA 7p Session 7p Deacons 12:30p PW C-3 Bible Study 1:00p AA 9:30a PW Board 5:00p Kids Choir 5-7p Kids & Youth Club 5:30p Youth Choir 7:15p AA 7:30p BS Troop 32 5:00p Kids Choir 5-7p Kids & Youth Club 5:30p Youth Choir 7:15p AA 7:30p BS Troop :30a PW C-4 Quilting 8p Sr. Choir Rehearsal :30a PW C-4 Quilting 8p Sr. Choir Rehearsal 9:30a Al Anon 9:45a Crafts 9a Al Anon 9:45a Crafts st Day of Autumn :30a Prayers 10a Worship 10a Church School 6:45p AA 7:30p NA 1:00p AA 5:00p Kids Choir 5-7p Kids & Youth Club 5:30p Youth Choir 7:15p AA 7:30p BS Troop 32 9:30a PW C-4 Quilting 5:30p Waller/Vecchio Wed. Rehearsal 8p Sr. Choir Rehearsal 9a Al Anon 9:45a Crafts 2/3p Waller/Vecchio Wed October 1 October 2 October 3 9:30a Prayers 10a Worship w/kids & Youth Choirs 10a Church School 6:45p AA 7:30p NA 1:00p AA 5:00p Kids Choir 5-7p Kids & Youth Club 5:30p Youth Choir 7:15p AA 7:30p BS Troop 32 9:30a PW C-4 Quilting 8p Sr. Choir Rehearsal 9a Al Anon 9:45a Crafts