Women s Circles Sarah Circle is June 11 at 6:30pm at Sue D Angelo s. Newsletter Deadline The next North Star deadline is July 15.

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1 1 From Pastor Bill June 1 st marks the beginning of a three-month period of renewal for North Church and for me. North was fortunate to be awarded a grant from the National Clergy Renewal Program of the Lilly Foundation in August of 2013 to finance my time away and the church s needs while I m gone. Our application can be found on the North Church website, but the theme of this renewal period is Exploring Thin Places. Thin places is a reference from Celtic spirituality to places in the world where the barrier between the human and divine is very thin and easily crossed. Rather than thinking of those places literally as actual physical locations, however, many Celtic spiritual writers have come to think of them conceptually. In my own life, for instance, a thin place is music in the Irish tradition. Such music puts me in touch with the sacred in ways other music does not. Having a chance to explore that music and to see where it originates has been a dream of mine for a long time. That s why the focus of my time of renewal will be a trip to Ireland and Scotland with my family. Although the whole renewal time is three months, June 1 st to August 31 st, our time overseas will only be July 1 st to August 5 th. My time in June will be spent with my family preparing for our son Matthew s graduation and for the trip, as well as spending five days on my own in a Franciscan monastery here in New York. After our return in August, we ll bring my mother here to spend some time with her and then get ourselves ready for the new school year and my return to work on September 2 nd. While I m away a number of special worship, study and fellowship experiences are being planned for our congregation. With the help of the Rev. Dr. Gary Percesepe as temporary supply pastor, you will have time to explore further some of the insights learned from Rev. John Bell, who will lead us in a day of workshops on May 31 st and deliver the sermon at In my time away I m looking forward to a chance to re-focus my energy for a while and explore areas of interest I ve never had time or resources for in the past and sharing that experience with my family. worship on June 1 st. Pastor Gary is here to work with you in planning worship and study as well as provide pastoral care while I m away. His time here and any special events planned, such as John Bell s visit, are financed through the grant from the Lilly Foundation. In my time away I m looking forward to a chance to re-focus my energy for a while and explore areas of interest I ve never had time or resources for in the past and sharing that experience with my family. I m also looking forward to returning renewed and reinvigorated for ministry with and among all of you. While this opportunity is the result of a grant from an outside source, I m deeply grateful to North Church for the gift of time you ve given me. Burn-out in ministry is so common as to be almost a cliché. The best preventive for it is time to step back and reflect. In August I ll mark my 25 th anniversary in ordained ministry; having a chance to stop for a while and sort out my priorities while engaging in activities I love is a rare privilege. Thank you, all, for this time. Many thanks, also, to the leadership from the congregation that has made this renewal period possible. Especially, thank you to Jeff Ebsary who, as chair of Personnel, first brought this concept to the Session s attention; to Jeff Faunce, Margaret Drury, Neil Arnold and Mary Beth Karr who worked with me to formulate our application for the grant and in mobilizing others to plan the congregation s activities during the summer. This is a great opportunity for North and a strong testament to this congregation s health and well-being as we search new vistas for insight and depth in our spiritual journey. Friends, have a wonderful summer. Enjoy the opportunities for worship, study and fellowship being offered you. And in September, when we re all back together again, I hope to hear some exciting stories of renewal. God s peace to you all, Pastor Bill

2 Adult Ed. Opportunities Reconciling Paul: A Contemporary Study of 2 Corinthians Sundays, 10:50am/Library June 15-August 10 Paul s writings are some of the most influential in Christianity. Revisiting the struggles Paul faced and the authenticity and integrity of his theology is an essential task for churches today in the midst of great change. Paul like us wrestled with and questioned his faith as he tried to live as authentically as possible in an ancient world that, like ours, was also in the midst of great change. Concepts of shared partnership, power in weakness, healing, reconciliation, love and a new apostolate all figure prominently in Elizabeth Hinson-Hasty s reading of Paul. The study is available in the church office for $8. Embracing an Alternative Orthodoxy: Richard Rohr on the Legacy of St. Francis Wednesdays, 7pm/Lib June 4, 11, 18, 25, and July 2 Calendar Meeting There is a calendar meeting for committee chairs and church staff on Tuesday, June 24, from 5:30-7:00pm, at Panera s on 5311 Main St. in Williamsville (Dutch treat). Please RSVP to Cynthia at n.church@verizon.net or We meet twice a year to review the church calendar. This helps us reduce conflicts in scheduling. If you can t come, please appoint someone from your committee. Women s Circles Sarah Circle is June 11 at 6:30pm at Sue D Angelo s. Martha Circle is June 17 at 10:30am in the church library. Newsletter Deadline The next North Star deadline is July 15. What Happened at Session? At called meetings of Session on April 5, 13, and 27, 2014, the following actions were taken: Richard Rohr is a Franciscan priest and founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, NM. His most recent books are Immortal Diamond and Falling Upward. (Watch a sample video on YouTube at churchpublishing.org.) Our study will include a 20-minute DVD of five topics central to Franciscan theology and practice by Father Rohr. In addition Fr. Richard Rohr interacts with a small group of adults. Our discussion will follow. Each week we will consider one of the following 1. Atonement Theory, 2. Eco-Spirituality, 3. The Christ who existed before Christianity, 4. Orthopraxy vs. Verbal Orthodoxy (Living Like Jesus), and 5. Mysticism over Moralism Bible Study/Resource Center We will be studying the Gospel of Luke. All are welcome. No preparation or document purchases are required. Like last year, the leadership of the sessions will rotate, voluntarily, among the attendees. Visit the blog at 2 Heard the faith statements of confirmands Madison Kahler and Aaron Boos, and voted to confirm them during the worship service on Sunday, April 7, 2014, at 10:45 a.m. Voted to receive into membership David Balcom, Cynthia Machamer, Warren Marcus, and Shirley Mazourek during the 10:45 a.m. worship service on April 13, Received the report of the Property Committee about refurbishing/renovating the sanctuary. By consensus of those Session members present, the Task Force was charged with development of a presentation package outlining three options for proceeding, and that they plan and conduct a forum whereby the congregation will have input on going forward, with this event to happen in September or October Removal of one pew on either side of the center aisle, adding handrails on the chancel steps, and replacing the carpet and associated tasks, shall take place regardless of whether or not further renovation is approved.

3 At its regular meeting on Monday, May 5, 2014, the following actions were taken: Heard the faith statement of Olivia Ebsary, Deaconelect, and voted to approve her for ordination and installation on Sunday, May 11, 2014, at the 10:45 a.m. worship service, at which time Elders-elect Lee Broad and Chad Kahler (both of whom have been previously ordained) will be installed on Session. Discussed the refurbishment/renovation of the sanctuary and reiterated its direction to the Task Force. Received information from the treasurer that PC House Calls has done a preliminary evaluation of the NPC computer system. Received the report of the Administration/Personnel Committee that the staff evaluations have been completed. Scheduled the combined meeting with the Board of Deacons to take place in October Learned that the Membership Committee is planning a new pictorial directory to be available in Sylvia Bigler, Clerk Summer Worship Schedule June 1 (with John Bell) June 8-August 31 September 7 10:45am service only/sanctuary 9:30am service only/sanctuary Begins two services: 8:30 and 10:45 Share Your Musical Talent Anyone interested in helping with summer music is encouraged to contact Marlene Harrington at or mwharrington.35@verizon.net. There will be opportunities to sing in an informal intergenerational choir. Rehearsals will take place at 9:00 Sunday morning, when needed. There may be opportunities for soloists as well. Please let us know of your interest. SAVE THE DATE: Voices Ending Violence You are cordially invited to attend the annual Voices Ending Violence breakfast on June 13 at the Buffalo Convention Center, 153 Franklin Street. Registration is at 7:30am and the program will follow from 8-9am. Several survivors of domestic violence will speak, and this year there will be a video presentation of how the Northtowns satellite came into being. You were a part of making that happen and now you can see how the community and you were facilitators of that reality. The program will end promptly at 9am so that those persons going on to their workplaces can do so. This is the Family Justice Center s major fundraiser of the year. The breakfast is free, but there will be an opportunity for you to make a donation to the important work they are doing. We want North Church to be well represented, so if you can attend, please speak to Sue D Angelo or JoAnne Alderfer by June 1 st. Carpools will be arranged as needed. Thank you for your ongoing support of this worthy cause that is saving lives and giving hope to the neighbors and friends of our community. With Sympathy David, (son of Bill & Margaret Clark), passed away on May 1. Notes from the Mission Committee As part of our efforts to keep you informed of our activities, this month we would like to highlight our efforts to help communities in the US and worldwide cope with emergencies. Every year there are disasters and crises that disrupt and devastate the lives of millions of people. Through our mission giving we try to help in a few different ways. At the start of each year we set aside between five and 10 percent of our mission funds for emergency needs. In addition, some of the special offerings funds, e.g., Peacemaking or Christmas, have been directed toward disaster relief. In 2011 these funds were used to support flood relief to the Presbyteries of Albany and Susquehanna following hurricane Irene. The same year we supported Church World Services (CWS) relief after the Japanese earthquake and tsunami as well as the Horn of Africa famine. 3

4 In 2012 we contributed to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) for Hurricane Sandy relief. We also purchased cleanup buckets to assist in relief efforts following the Midwest tornados that summer. We were able to support the purchase of food baskets for Syrian refugees in Turkey and give to the Mennonite Central Committee to further aid Syrian refugees. In 2013 crisis and emergency support was provided to tornado victims in the American Midwest, to typhoon victims in the Philippines and to Syrian refugees. In addition we were able to address local hunger emergencies with funds sent to Meals on Wheels, Food Bank and the WIC program. We are careful to send these funds to agencies and groups that are effective in their work and provide support that large-scale government assistance does not. The church website has links to these and other agencies receiving support from our congregation. We are always grateful for your generous contributions to these efforts. Planned Giving Celebration North celebrated Legacy Sunday on May 4 with a stimulating sermon from Pastor Bill and a reception following the second service to honor the members of the Legacy Society*. The Legacy Society is composed of North Church members who have included the church in their estate planning. A pamphlet titled Remembering North with a Legacy Gift was included in the bulletin on May 4 that explains what legacy giving is along with some examples. Additional copies of the pamphlet are on the literature table near the corridor to the church office. Legacy giving benefits North in many ways such as 4 ensuring support for the church s mission and ministries in the future, helping meet unexpected needs that may arise, supplementing annual giving during tough economic times, and by funding important projects without the need for specific appeals. A special thank you to Sally Haywood and those who assisted her who made the reception such a wonderful occasion to bring us all together to visit with one another and enjoy some delicious treats. From The Planned Giving Committee Joe Alber Roger Gross Mary Beth Karr Legacy Society Members Maxine Bell The children of Grace & Howard Haines** Barbara & Charles Beyer** Mary Beth Karr & Joe Alber Kerri & Randy Bigler Louella and Edwin** Knight Hilde Boehmke** Donald Cockburn** in memory of his parents Constance Klein** Adeline Noble** Gerry Cook** Ann and Brian Pettit Roger Gross Bernice Ward** **Deceased A New Baby! Congratulations to new parents Joseph & Emily Hopkins on the birth of their son, Noah Paul, who was born on Friday, May 2. Sixth Annual Walk of Abraham The five-mile Walk of Abraham will take place on Thursday, July 17, at 5:30pm. North Presbyterian Church is the starting point for this solidarity walk, which brings together the Islamic Society of Niagara Frontier, the Network of Religious Communities, Congregation Havarah, and North and Westminster Presbyterian churches. The event takes place in conjunction with the ninth annual Tent of Abraham event. Those activities begin at the Islamic Center on Heim, followed by a breaking of

5 the fast and a five-course dinner. Participants may also take part in shorter walks, if they choose: four-mile walk begins at Indian Trail and North Forest roads; one-mile walk begins at Heim Middle School. Non-perishable food items and cash donations will be collected for the needy. Please sign up by July 10 by calling North Presbyterian Church at or n.church@verizon.net. Dear Church Friends, A note to say hello and to thank you for the many beautiful cards, notes and prayers during our recent loss. They certainly lifted our spirits and were so very meaningful in such a sad time. Again, many thanks for your thoughts and prayers! In Christ, Bill and Margaret Clark Host Families Needed Lee Broad, a member of our congregation, is a member of the Williamsville Rotary Club and is its Youth Exchange (YE) officer. Host families are needed for periods of two to four months for foreign students (male and female aged 15 to 18) coming to the Williamsville area. (Doug and Connie Littlewood have recently been a host family and are looking forward to visiting the Youth Exchange Student and her family in Spain later this year!) These students are engaging, above average academically, mature, and looking to make a difference in the world. Rotary s highly regarded Youth Exchange program has been active for more than 30 years and involves approximately 8,000 students annually. If you would like more information about either program, please contact Lee at (716) or lcbroad@earthlink.net. Office Closed The church office will be closed on Friday, July 4, to celebrate Independence Day. Visit the Chautauqua Institution Everyone is invited to visit the Best Small Town in America (as determined by the Smithsonian magazine). This outing/event, which is sponsored by the Men s Fellowship, will take place on Thursday, August 7. Featured speakers include Ken Burns and Geoffrey Ward on The Roosevelts in Chautauqua s amphitheater at 10:45am. At 2:00pm Krista Tippett, the hostess of On Being, will be featured at the Hall of Philosophy. Cost: $36 Parking: $8.50 (We encourage you to arrange carpooling on your own.) Bus tours: available at 2 and 4pm at a cost of $5 each (Tickets are available at the gate; they fill up fast so purchase them at the gate upon arrival.) Restaurants and maps: a list of restaurants and maps are available upon entry to the grounds. Morning church service: the Rev. M. Craig Burns will be preaching in the amphitheater at 9:15. (The Presbyterian House across from the amphitheater hosts a coffee time at the end of the service and before the lecture.) Extended visit: If you wish to extend your day to include the 8:15pm concert, you would need to purchase a fullday ticket at $76. Guest conductor of the symphony will be Bruce Hangen; horn soloist will be Roger Kaza. Final comments: The day is yours to explore the grounds. It is helpful once you arrive to purchase a Chautauqua Daily newspaper (always being sold in the amphitheater) to read about events of the day. Please sign up in Westminster Hall so we have an idea of how many people are planning to attend. You will purchase your tickets at Chautauqua that day. Kudos! Tony Link was a special guest at a special assembly at Maple West Elementary School on April 11 when the school celebrated its designation as a 2013 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. Link, Maple West s first principal, was recognized for his long-time leadership. The school was one of 286 schools nationwide that received the award conferred by the U.S. Department of Education last September. National Blue Ribbon status is 5

6 based on overall academic excellence or progress in improving student academic achievement. Thank You to All Our Teachers! On May 18, during the 10:45am service, we formally recognized and thanked everyone who taught church school this year. There were many who volunteered for our three six-week sessions. Below is a list of everyone who has taught this year (given in the order of when they first taught a class starting in September through this month; family members are listed together to save space): Debbie & Tim Hutton Lauren Stirling Wayne & Kennedy Schultz Bob & Norma Henderson Randy & Kerri Bigler Jo Yorko Dawn & Kevin Heck Laura Moyer Bob and Marcy Monin Jessica Kranso Ann McIlroy Chad, Erin, Ashtyn & Madison Kahler Ed Eisenlord Tara Martin Mary Louise Berg Lynda, Callie & Chrissy Roemer Julie Wolfley Shirley Mazourek Be sure to take a moment and thank all these people for their service. Church School Teacher Signups for the Fall There will be sign-up sheets, schedules, and resources available in Westminster Hall after the Sunday, June 1, service. Please consider giving of your time in the mission of this church to our children. For quick reference, here are the dates: Session 1 5-class commitment: September 21&28, October 5, 19, and 26. Session 2 5-class commitment: November 9, 16, 23 and December 7 & 14 Please pray for our Niagara Falls Mission Project Students: Alex Bogart, Aaron Boos, Ashtyn Kahler, and Madison Kahler Adults: Dates: Peter Martin Commissioned by the congregation during the 10:45am service on June 29. Gone to Niagara Falls June 29-July 3 Presenting during a worship service at some point in September! What we re doing: Working with YouthWorks and nearly 100 other youth and adults from various other churches to serve urban Niagara Falls and Buffalo Please pray that God would bless our efforts to serve our neighbors in urban Western New York. 6

7 The fun begins Monday, August 18, and ends Thursday, August 21. Program runs daily from 9:00-12:00. VBS 2014! North Presbyterian Church invites all children grades universal pre-k to fifth to get cookin at SHAKE IT UP CAFÉ VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL. Children will explore and experience RECIPES for living out God s Word. They will enjoy fun Bible stories, creative crafts, hands-on activities, great music, recreation and OF COURSE FABULOUS SNACKS. ****This free program will be made possible by the generous commitments of volunteers. If you are interested in participating in any manner, please call Madison Kahler or Erin Kahler at Text erkahler@roadrunner.com. Thank you in advance. (See registration form next page. You may fill it out and mail it to North Presbyterian Church, 300 North Forest Rd., Williamsville, NY ) 7

8 North Presbyterian Church -Vacation Bible School 2014 August 18 th -21 st : 9:00a.m. to 12:00p.m. daily REGISTRATION FORM Child s Name Birthdate Grade Entering Child s Name Birthdate Grade Entering Child s Name Birthdate Grade Entering Child s Name Birthdate Grade Entering Allergies Parent/Guardian Names Address Home Phone Cell Phone Address Church Affiliation In case of emergency (when the parent/guardian cannot be reached) please contact: Name Relationship to child Home Telephone Cell Phone 8