The White Spire. First Presbyterian Church. Lowville, NY. A Note from Pastor Laurie: In this Issue...

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1 The White Spire First Presbyterian Church Lowville, NY 1 A Note from Pastor Laurie: Learning Stories So how s the learning going? In last month s Spire, I wrote about learning, and encouraged us to take up the challenge of learning. I hope you have been seeking to learn something new! I have been enjoying the opportunity to learn about the faith of Eleanor Roosevelt through our June Book Study of Eleanor: A Spiritual Biography. I have been inspired to discover how Eleanor s faith was woven so deeply into how she lived her life, how she exemplified compassion and how she advocated for change. At our study this week, I invited the group to think about the Eleanor s of our day: those who, driven by faith and compassion, are working to change the world from the way things are, to the way they could be. As challenging as this sounds I believe that this is what we do whenever our faith compels us to act with kindness, or to stand up for justice, or to learn more about those people and situations that we do not understand. Lately it seems like I keep circling around to this revelation: we need to learn more about the people and situations we do not understand. This is especially vital with the divisiveness of the world we live in. Rather than rushing to judgment, or dismissing others, I am finding it helpful to step back and wonder about what experiences have shaped their thinking. Seeking to learn their stories has helped me to move to deeper compassion. Some of this insight, I discovered after watching a TED talk video that I referenced in a recent sermon, called, The Danger of a Single Story. (If you are reading this online, and are interested in watching the video, you can click on the title to go to the link.) The thoughtful words of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, the presenter of this TED talk, reminded me of how often we look at someone, or hear about some situation and distill them or it down to a single story. That story shapes how we see them (or it). (Continued on page 2) 1 In this Issue... Pastor s Note 1-2 July Worship 2 August Worship 3 Memory Joggers 3 Church News 4 Thank You 5 Nursery & Children 5 VBS 6 Session Notes 7 Bible Study Thoughts 7 Food Pantry 8 July Calendar 9 August Calendar 10

2 (Continued from page 1) Consider those you disagree with, or some situation you have been hearing about in the news that you have made up your mind about. Have you reduced them (or it) to a single story, in other words made up your mind about what it is (good or bad) and stopped listening and learning. What would happen if you looked deeper at the complexities of the person or issue, and spent time trying to learn more than one story about the person or situation? One of the things I love about being a Presbyterian, is that our denomination encourages conversation about issues. As much as we have experienced conflict over those issues it is a testimony to the way we value questions and learning and discovery, rather than the imposition of one view that all must believe or be labeled as heretical. This provides freedom, but it also should compel us to wrestle, explore and seek more information, always asking the question, how does my faith speak to and offer insight to this situation or issue or person? So in these months ahead, I encourage you to seek to learn stories, because of your faith. Explore issues through the eyes of faith. Seek to learn the complex and complicated stories of the people who are affected by complicated issues or situations. As the refugee crisis has been on my mind in recent weeks, I spent some time on the Presbyterian Church website, and found many resources and even a video called The Genesis of Exodus, (If you are reading this online, you can click on the video title to watch the 49 minute video) that helped me to learn more about why some are leaving their country and trying to cross the boarder. If you are interested in learning more about the Presbyterian Church s involvement on Immigration, you can click here or visit the denominational website at PCUSA.org. May God Bless you as you seek to learn the complex and multidimensional stories. -Blessings, Pastor Laurie Flat Jesus Take your picture of Flat Jesus with you this summer while you are on vacation, at camp, sitting on the porch, let your imagination inspire you! your pictures to Pastor Laurie (pastorpreslow@gmail.com) or bring to the church office so we can post them in the fellowship hall. Don t forget to check the wall to see where folks have taken Flat Jesus! Have fun!! THEOLOGY of PIXAR: July Sermon Series In July, our worship will go to infinity and beyond! as we look at the connection between faith and story. We will explore faith through the lens of some popular family movies by Pixar, in a series titled: the THEOLOGY OF PIXAR! If you are not a frequent movie goer, don t worry! We will be showing a different Pixar movie each Friday evening at 7 pm in our church sanctuary prior to the Sunday the film will be featured in worship. Friday movies are free and complimentary popcorn will be provided. This is a great series to invite a friend to! All are welcome to join us on our journey to infinity and beyond! Friday June 29th at 7 pm - TOY STORY Free Movie & Popcorn Sunday July 1st at 10 am Worship: Theology of Pixar Toy Story Friday July 6th at 7 pm CARS Free Movie & Popcorn Sunday July 8th at 10 am Worship: Theology of Pixar Cars Friday July 13th at 7 pm FINDING NEMO Free Movie & Popcorn Sunday July 15th at 10 am Worship: Theology of Pixar Finding Nemo Friday July 20th at 7 pm THE INCREDIBLES Free Movie & Popcorn Sunday July 22nd at 10 am Worship: Theology of Pixar The Incredibles3 Sunday, July 29th: Tracey Koss will preach on a favorite Disney movie while Pastor Laurie is on vacation. 2

3 August Worship In August, we will explore the book of Ruth, which offers an amazing look at compassion and faith! August 5: Ruth 1:1-22; Loyalty in Loss August 12: Ruth 2:1-23; Gleaning Hope August 19: Ruth 3:1-18; Seize the Day August 26: Ruth 4:1-22; Reversal (or September 2)* *Note: We may be joining Lyons Falls, Boonville and Forestport for outdoor worship and a picnic on August 26th. Look for more information in the weekly bulletin. Crazy Hat Day Winners There were many prizes given for our Crazy Hat Contest. We hope to have a picture of our Winners included in the September Spire! Thanks to all who joined in the fun! Summer Coffee Hour We will continue our weekly coffee hour during July and August. You are invited to sign up to host. Look for the sign-up sheet on the grand piano or go to the church website ( for the sign-up sheet on the right hand side of the first page. Summer Special Music If you are interested in providing special music this summer please see our Director of Music, Leon Austin. September Choir Practice Extra Our Director of Music is planning to try for an extra weeknight choir practice starting in mid- September. The time and date TBA in the September White Spire and upcoming bulletins. The hope is to offer a time better suited for others in addition to the Sunday morning practice time. Memory Joggers for July Date Ushers Cash Up Prayers Communion/Meetings 7/1/2018 Bonnie & Carole T Koss J Cook *R Meeks, K Clark, J Schlieder, T Koss 7/8/2018 Weiler family K Jones S Vance 11:15 am Prayer & Care Team Meeting 7/15/2018 Heidi & Eric C Dunbar R Meeks 7/22/2018 Rodney, Mark & Linda K Clark H Aucter 7/29/2018 Weiler family A Bingle T Koss * Indicates elder in charge Memory Joggers for August Date Ushers Cash Up Prayers Communion/Meetings 8/5/2018 Bonnie & Carole S Vance L Grimes *T Koss, H Aucter, K Jones, A Bingle 8/12/2018 Weiler family J Schlieder H Aucter 11:15 am Prayer & Care Team Meeting 8/14/ pm Session Meeting/AH 8/19/2018 Heidi & Eric H Aucter T Koss 11:15 am Stone Soup Meeting 8/26/2018 Rodney, Mark & Linda R Meeks R Meeks * Indicates elder in charge 3

4 Please pray for: Karen Jones, John Parker, Nat Virkler, Jane & George Hadlow, Jean & Dave Puddington, Irene Bowen, Esther Feldmann (Rochester) Lewis County Nursing Home: Mary Rhode #314, Marian Holliday #111 Congratulations and thank you to Linda and Dick Grimes as they recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on June 22 with a special reception following worship on June 24. Sympathy The sympathy of the congregation is extended to Carmen Sweet and family on the death of his sister, Lori Maldonado of Hernando, FL. Prayer and Care Team The Prayer and Care team meets on the 2nd Sunday of the month to pray for those in need of prayer and to develop plans to reach out with cards and calls. All are welcome to join them on July 8th and August 12th. Congratulations to all our Graduates! Jeremy Kingsley After 6 years and 3 summers, Jeremy graduated on May 20th from Ithaca College as a Doctor of Physical Therapy. He then traveled to Parker, Colorado where he is spending the summer completing his 4th clinical rotation. After that he will continue to study and prepare for his Boards Exam scheduled for this fall. It has been a long, hard, exciting and rewarding road! Very well done! -Mary Anne Kingsley Summer Office Hours The office will be closed the first week of July and will reopen on Thursdays only during the summer beginning on July 12 at 8:30 a.m. Pastor Laurie on Vacation Pastor Laurie will enjoy vacation July For your needs please contact elders Holly Aucter, or Mary Anne Kingsley, Delaware Workcamp Courtney Terry will be attending the Delaware Workcamp event again this summer. She will be gone from July We wish her a great trip! Voices of the River News Voices of the River (an all male chorus group) begins rehearsals for their summer concert on June 26 at 6:30 p.m. at Lyons Falls Presbyterian Church. Originally founded by John Schlieder many years ago and has been going ever since. The concert is August 16th at 7 p.m. at the Lyons Falls Presbyterian Church Leon will have information on this if you are interested. After our great performance at church on Mother s day, I know that there are voices out there that can sing and would be greatly appreciated. Let me know if you would like to go. Leon Austin Joshua Sponaugle Josh will head out to Buffalo for his next adventure. In August (on the day before his birthday) he will start his Freshman year at the University at Buffalo. Josh has always been adept at Math and he has a keen interest in Politics and is planning to major in Economics and Political Science. *Note: We received information on two of our graduates which we published in the June White Spire. If we receive anymore graduates information, we will share in future issues. 4 COME SEE US 7707 N. State Street Lowville, NY CALL US US officepreslow@gmail.com VISIT US ONLINE Stay in Touch If you are not receiving weekly s from Pastor Laurie, please her at pastorpreslow@gmail.com so that she can add you to the list. Follow Us on Facebook

5 Nursery Care Job Opportunity We are in need of a nursery care provider for our little ones beginning in July. We are looking for someone to provide care for our little ones every other Sunday morning from 9:45-11:15 a.m. If you are interested (or know anyone who may be) please contact Holly Aucter at aucterh@yahoo.com or call or text Thank you! In the interim we are looking for volunteers to cover the nursery. Let us know if you can help! -Holly Aucter THANK YOU! Special thanks to: Our Sunday school teacher Cindy Young and SS parents for their desire to take our children to another level in their spiritual growth this past year!! Our recent Stone Soup cooks who have offered their talents each month to give some much needed energy to this mission program. Thank you for stepping forward. Amy Bingle, Phyllis Rohr and Holly Aucter for facilitating the annual Ice Cream Social on June 17. Everyone who was involved in the June 14 LACS Baccalaureate held at our church. Kudos to the Presbyterian Women for their lovely refreshments, decorations and to Phyllis Rohr, Dorothy Payne and Pat Blonk for being such gracious hosts! Thank you also for the generous food donations, and to Rolly Meeks for his extra efforts from the balcony, and our ushers Mary Anne Kingsley, Jackie Schlieder and Amy Bingle. Our Presbyterian Women for acknowledging our high school and college graduates with gifts of congratulations from the church. Our June prayer leaders: Holly Aucter, Jan Cook, Tracey Koss and Rolly Meeks; and John Parker and Bob Payne for helping with our Law and Order series. A big thanks to our choir members and director for their dedication of time and talents through their gifts of inspiring music each Sunday. Your gifts are greatly appreciated!! Our Sunday school children, teacher Cindy Young and Worship Committee elder Holly Aucter for the wonderful play Showdown at the Baa, Baa, Corral on Sunday, June 17; and to all our wonderfully talented children! Karen Jones for leading our June Stone Soup Meal with help from Rolly Meeks, and all who gave so generously to support this ministry. Betty Woods for her donation of an electric heater for the nursery area and a rug for church use. The Aucter family for their gift of two roasting ovens given in memory of long-time member Esther Windover, Summer Sunday School and Nursery On Sundays after the children s message, we will continue to offer Sunday school for children in pre-school thru 6th grade. Nursery is available for infants and toddlers. Sunday school and the Nursery are located on the lower level of the church building, and parents are welcome to check on their children during worship. Noisy Offering News Because of the generosity given for the Noisy Offering to benefit Heifer Project we received $420. The Sunday school will be ordering a share of a heifer, a share of a water buffalo, a sheep, a pig, rabbits and honeybees. Thank you for your support to this important ministry! Gotta love these faces! Bell Choir practice participants: Josh Weiler, Kelsey Aucter, Leon Austin, Jenna Weiler and Jonah Aucter Vacation Bible School is Coming! We are working with the Lowville Methodist, and Trinity Episcopal Church folks to offer Vacation Bible School Shipwrecked! Rescued by Jesus. VBS will be held at the Lowville Methodist Church August from 9am-12pm. The sign up deadline is July 29th and the registration form can be found on page 6. 5

6 VBS Registration Form (One Per Child) August 13-August 17, 2018 from 9am-12pm at Lowville United Methodist Church Vacation Bible School is open to age 3 (potty-trained or with parent) to grade 5. Please return this form to any of the participating church offices (see below), or to: pastorpreslow@gmail.com. Space is limited, so register early. The registration deadline is July 29 th. Child s name: Child s gender: Child s age: Date of birth: Last school grade completed: Name of parent(s): Street address: City: State: ZIP: Phone (best contact): ( ) Home address: Home church (if you have one): T-Shirt Size: 3T 4T Youth S (6-8) Youth M (10-12) Youth L (14-16) Youth XL (18-20) Media Release (church website, newspaper): Yes No Allergies or other medical conditions: In case of emergency, contact: Phone: Relationship to child: Other Information We Should Know: Pick Up Instructions: (Who has permission to sign your child out during the week?) Shipwrecked: Rescued by Jesus Vacation Bible School is sponsored by: Lowville United Methodist Church Trinity Episcopal Church First Presbyterian Church 7618 N. State Street 5411 Trinity Ave 7707 N. State Street Lowville, NY Lowville, NY Lowville, NY

7 The following notes were taken from the regular session meeting on June 12. Pastor Laurie shared pastoral care concerns. Correspondence: A thank you card was received from Nat and Sheila Virkler. Leadership Development Book Discussion: Spiritual Leadership by Joan S. Gray Review of Chapter 5 ensued. Gray talked about the ways churches can discern what communities need. Check-in on recent fellowship hall worship: Feedback was that hearing has been difficult for some, which can be improved. Approved to be a part of the Black River Parish Worship and Picnic for August 26 th if it happens in Lyons Falls. Approved job descriptions presented. Wendy Hoskins of North Country Tax & Records has been asked to take over accounts payable, deposits, quarterly taxes, W2 s and annual taxes. Session will still handle cash up and Carole Dunbar will handle pledges. Jim Schlieder has the application for the permit to take down the shed. Worship/Education/Fellowship: Minutes from their June 3 rd meeting were submitted. Mission & Outreach: The May Stone Soup dinner served over 130 dinners which included fellowship diners, take outs, food pantry staff, and 15 home deliveries. Approved for Steve Vance to ask Dennis Dewey, a biblical storyteller, to speak at church with a free will offering. Carole has asked Ned Merrell to speak about estate planning at Death Café event being planned for October. There will be no Session Meeting held in July. The next meeting will be held on August 14th. Elders: Holly Aucter, Amy Bingle, Kelly Clark, Carole Dunbar, Karen Jones, Tracey Koss, Rolly Meeks, Jim Schlieder and Steve Vance Pastor Laurie serves as moderator with Mary Anne Kingsley as Clerk of Session 7 Bible Study Thoughts Pastor Laurie recently asked our Monday evening Bible Study folks to share their thoughts about Bible Study. Carolyn M Johnson Why I come to Bible Study: After finding out about the Bible and the basics in Sunday school, I wanted to know more; some bits of insight beyond the basics, as in READING THE BIBLE AGAIN FOR THE FIRST TIME. For me, more means learning more of something in the Bible I have an avid interest in, and gaining something new, some new insight into it. It's also the thrill of study and discovery. Discovering can take many forms: what, in precise ways, is The Way of the Lord? How can one apply it to living, especially in the conundrum of the world as it is now? What is the best way to follow Jesus guidelines? How can we get to know, experience, the presence of God on the Earth (as in nature, in children, and?), also within us (as through God-given gifts, awe in nature, a child's joy, some wondrous experience ). What is spirituality? What is the wisdom Christ taught, lived? What are the mysteries ever there to uncover? Avid interest in the basics, something a bit beyond the basics, even scholarly insights into the Bible and theology, all known scriptures (in the Bible and even some newly discovered scriptures), even intense pondering! P.S. I like the video commentaries too. Thank You Note! A great big THANK YOU to all of our church family. You were all there for us in so many ways during Nat s recent heart attack. Thoughts, prayers, phone calls and food were all greatly appreciated. A special thanks to Phyllis who not only drove me to Utica, but stayed with me Tuesday and beyond! Also to Pastor Laurie and Pat who came to St. Elizabeth s to visit Nat on Wednesday. Most, but not least we can t forget to say thank you for the beautiful patriotic red, white and blue bouquet of flowers that Nat received. -Nat and Sheila Virkler

8 During the month of August we collect for the Lowville Food Pantry Food items: Baby Food\Cereal\Formula Baking Items Beans, Canned and Dried Beef Stew Bread Mixes Breakfast Cereal Cake Mix and Frosting Canned Fruit and Vegetables Canned Pasta Canned Chicken\Meats Chicken and Beef Broth Chili Coffee\Tea Condiments Crackers\Cookies Cranberry Sauce Drink Mixes or Juices Ensure\Protein Drinks Evaporated\Shelf Stable\Dry Milk Flour\Sugar\Sweeteners\Syrup Gravy Jell-O or Pudding Jelly or Jam Mac-n-Cheese Muffin Mixes Oatmeal Pancake or Baking Mix Peanut Butter Pork and Beans\Baked Beans Potato Products Ramen Noodles Rice-White or Brown\Rice Products Sauces Salmon\Tuna\Mackerel Side Dishes Snacks for Children Soups Spaghetti\Pasta\Noodles Spices\Herbs Stuffing Mix Tuna\Beef\Chicken Helpers 8 Other items: Shampoo and Conditioner Tooth Brushes and Tooth Paste Soap Baby Powder Deodorant\Cologne Razors and Shaving Cream Toilet Paper, Paper Towels, Napkins Kleenex Hand Sanitizer Band Aids Diapers Lotions Paper Plates and Cups Plastic Silverware Dish Liquid Pet Foods Q-Tips Wash Cloths, Towels The pantry also accepts Fresh Vegetables and Fruits along with Fresh Eggs from Local Growers. If you have gently used clothing or household items that you would like to donate to someone in need, contact the Pantry. Chances are the Pantry can find a home for most items. We also accept Toys, Coloring Books, Gently used Dishes\Pots\Pans\Silverware and Good Blankets, Sleeping Bags and Sheets to help the Homeless with a second chance and in the event there is a local emergency. Emergency supplies are always welcomed. The Pantry accepts Turkeys and Dinner Fixings for Thanksgiving, Hams and Fixings for Christmas Dinner for those who may not fit in to other holiday programs. Cookbooks and Book Shelves are greatly appreciated to expand Our Open to the Public Recipe and Nutrition Education Nook at the Pantry. When someone knocks, We open the door.

9 1 COMMUNION CELEBRATED 8 July 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 11:30 AM Prayer & Care Meeting/fellowship hall with Tracey Koss preaching :00 PM AA/A 4 Independence Day :30 AM Office Open/AH 19 8:30 AM Office Open/AH 26 8:30 AM Office Open/AH 6 7:00 PM Pixar Movie: "Cars"/sanctuary 13 7:00 PM Pixar Movie: "Finding Nemo"/sanctuary 20 7:00 PM Pixar Movie: "The Incredibles"/ sanctuary

10 5 COMMUNION CELEBRATED 12 August 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 11:30 AM Prayer & Care Meetingfellowship hall 19 11:30 AM Stone Soup Meeting/fellowship hall 26 NOTE: Possible date for Outdoor Worship and Picnic with Lyons Falls, Forestport and Boonville Presbyterian Churches :00 AM Ecumenical VBS/ Lowville United Methodist Church :30 AM Church Office Open/AH :00 AM Ecumenical VBS//Lowville United Methodist Churcj 6:00 PM Session/AH :30 AM Church Office Open/AH 1 7:00 PM Meditation Group/AH :00 AM Ecumenical VBS//Lowville United Methodist Church :30 AM Church Office Open/AH 2 8:30 AM Church Office Open/AH 9 8:30 AM Church Office Open/AH 4:30 PM Stone Soup Dinner/ Trinity Church 16 8:30 AM Church Office Open/AH 9:00 AM Ecumenical VBS// Lowville United Methodist Church 7:00 PM Voices of the River Concert/Lyons Falls Presbyterian Church 23 8:30 AM Church Office Open/AH 4:30 PM Stone Soup Dinner/ Assembly of God Church 30 8:30 AM Church Office Open/AH 5:00 PM Stone Soup Dinner/ Lowville Baptist Church :00 AM Ecumenical VBS//Lowville United Methodist Church :30 AM Church Office Open/AH 10