O give thanks to the Lord, for God is good; for God s steadfast love endures forever. ~1 Chronicles 16:34

Transcription

1 WESTERN SPIRE November 2018 O give thanks to the Lord, for God is good; for God s steadfast love endures forever. ~1 Chronicles 16:34 Beloved members of WPC, How can it be that we are into November already? It doesn t seem possible- wasn t it just the end of summer? Time sure does fly Especially when you are busy; and what a busy fall we have had! In our home, we have a big white board calendar on which the current month is laid out, with all of our commitments and appointments on it in different colors representing who needs to be where and when. The month of October became so full (and a bit overwhelming!) that we started erasing days as they passed, just so we could keep better track of where we were! Of course, our calendar at home was reflective of our calendar here at church- full of long-held events (the rummage sale, team meetings, the Junia Gathering, and Western Horizons Sunday), but also new initiatives (W:espp, Coffee & Contemplation, a visit to the University of Rochester Protestant Chapel Community, and of course, Family Promise!). It is an exciting time to be the Church, particularly to be this congregation. We have so much to be thankful for! We are using our space to give shelter to the homeless; we are engaging in growing and stretching disciples of all ages; we approach each gathering as an act of worship; we are being the Church! At the same time, there are challenges we are confronted with. Like, how do we continue to fund all of these worthwhile activities? We are putting together our budget for next year, and right now we are looking at a deficit. This does not dishearten me, but I see it rather as a challenge that I am sure we can overcome. Yes, we are in times where our personal home budgets are tighter and giving to worthy groups and organizations is harder and harder, but the truth is this: we only exist as a church if its members contribute. So, I am calling on all of us to enter into a spirit of prayer around our giving and our stewardship (on which we have been talking a lot in worship!). As we pray - individually and corporately - I would encourage you to consider three things: 1. What am I thankful for in the congregation of Western Presbyterian Church? 2. What have I been giving, and can I increase? 3. What other ways can I be a steward of this congregation? (serving on a team, being a reader in worship, singing in the choir, etc.). Our stewardship occurs in many different ways! I am so incredibly thankful for all the ways this has been happening, and the ways this has been growing. The Spirit is calling us to be the light of Christ in the world, so friends, it s time to light the fire! Thankful for you, ~Pastor Kyle

2 Preaching and Worship November 2018 November 4, 2018 Communion Sunday Fall Back: Daylight Savings Time Ends Guest: Lea Kone, Camp Whitman Director Take Down: Reader: Edie Chapman Usher: Linda Pulcini Toddler Room: Jan Taylor Communion Elders: Irene Fadden, Sue Pringle, and Alicia Lynch November 11, 2018 Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost Veterans Day Guest Preacher: Rev. Judy Hay Reader: Sue Leonard Toddler Room: Irene Fadden Usher: Linda Pulcini November 18, 2018 Twenty-sixth Sunday after Pentecost RADA Cutlery Sale Hanging of the Greens Reader: Dr. Robert Ike Toddler Room: Ruth Dantz Usher: Linda Pulcini November 25, 2018 Christ the King Sunday No Sunday School Reader: Deb Trombino Toddler Room: Jody Pruitt Usher: Linda Pulcini The deadline for the next SPIRE is Tuesday, November 13th, Thank you! 2

3 Women s Association As chair of the RADA cutlery for the Women s Association, I would like to express my gratitude to the following people for their assistance at Palmyra Canal Town Days this year: Janet and Paul Manktelow for setting up and taking down the tent and tables and working a shift selling, salespeople: Ellen Avery, Jan Taylor, Wilma Redman, Randy Kennard, Sue Pringle, Jody Pruitt, Irene Fadden, Nancy Talma, Bron Lawrence, Bill Hassler, and Sandy McMenamin for setting up on Sunday morning. We would not be able to have this sale for two days without the participation of our church family and I am grateful for all the help I received this year. In appreciation, Elaine Hassler Please look for the RADA sale after coffee hour on Sunday Nov. 18th and get ready for the holiday season by purchasing your gifts early and adding to your kitchen supplies at home. Thanks to all our church family who have supported us in the past when we have had sales at coffee hour. Elaine Volunteer Needed Do you or someone you know practice the art of calligraphy? We are in need of someone to, from time to time, update the memorial book in the sanctuary. It takes a fine, steady hand, and a knowledge of calligraphy. Please see Pastor Kyle if you are interested. 3

4 Cold Weather Project Mittens, Scarves, and Hats Join us Wednesday, Nov. 7th 11:00 am 1:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall for fellowship and crafting. Bring along a pattern, yarn, and your needles or hook. I ve found looms that are used to make hats so if you don t knit or crochet come anyways. If you just want to talk and not craft, you are invited to come. We love to talk! Hope to see you there. Have a question? Call Irene faddenirene@gmail.com Mugs for Western Presbyterian Church Cost: $10 each If you d like one, let Irene or Jody know and we ll get one to you. 4

5 CTNS is having a photograph fundraiser on Nov. 10 th from 9:30 am until 2 pm Dear CTNS and WPC families, Canal Town Nursery School is thrilled to announce that professional photographer Scotty Haines/Amazing Memories Photography will offer individual and family portraits to our CTNS and Church members as a fundraiser for the Nursery School. For only $25 you can have your individual and family portraits professionally photographed for free. This includes: 10-minute photo shoot Professional Christmas-themed backdrop with lighting Individual photos, family portraits, or both 3 digital images with copyright release Once you receive your digital copies you can print as many photos as you'd like from anywhere you'd like! Digital copies will be provided within two weeks of the fundraiser with plenty of time to print as Christmas gifts. All proceeds benefit the students at Canal Town Nursery School. Bring cash or check made out to Canal Town Nursery School. *Come early to shop the raffle! *please be sure to leave a few extra minutes before your assigned time slot. Even a few minutes of lateness can impact the rest of the schedule. Stacey Denniston Director Canal Town Nursery School 5

6 Come join us for this unique way of sharing together the start of Advent, Saturday, December 1 st 10 am to 1 pm. We will have step-by-step instructions on how to create this picture using acrylic paints on an 8 X10 canvas. While painting, we will hear a faith message seeing the symbols of Christ and how some can be seen in the picture. All are welcome. Children must be supervised by an adult. These paints are messy. Please sign-up so that we have enough supplies for one and all. Sign-up sheet will be put up in mid-november. Donations are being collected for the food pantry as a participation fee. It is important to have an accurate count so that we can set-up fellowship hall best for this event. Church-wide Faith Paint ~ We will create this picture while working through a Christ symbolism message together. 6

7 Living Water for a Thirsty World Stewardship 2018 ~Isaiah 44:3 Light the Fire! Western Presbyterian Church has been busy during You can look at our list of activities and see some of the things we have been doing. There is so much more being done by our church family that are not listed, because as a church we are sharing God s light with those in our daily lives. Jesus came into the world as light to overcome the darkness. WPC continues to spread the light to our community and beyond. So, the question is: What do you bring that can enhance and sustain these ministries? What do you bring to enhance and sustain these ministries through time, treasure, and? Together we can Light the Fire and make it shine brightly, Irene Fadden, on behalf of the Generosity Team In the past year, WPC has been active in the community in many ways. Discipleship At least 9 of our youth and adults volunteered at VBS for 30 kids in our community Sunday School had 7 adults and teens volunteering to teach Young people led the worship last December, in May, and after VBS The Junia Gathering has encouraged women of the congregation and community through Fellowship and study. Kids made cards for those adults who are shut-ins 2 youth went to Camp Whitman The Sunday School shared several craft projects with members of the congregation during coffee hour Mission The Weekend Wellness program sent food home with 119 kids every Friday afternoon In the summer, we served nearly 500 lunches to kids at the library, about 21 kids each Monday-Thursday Volunteers administrated the Good Neighbor Fund, distributing $15, to 31 families helping 51 adults and 50 children through August 31st. Christmas Angel Gifts were given to 202 children in 80 families in the community The Social Concerns and Mission Ministry Team continued to help a mission in Africa called Qholaqhoe Mountain Connections in South Africa. 7

8 As part of in Wayne County, we host families throughout the year We brought in soaps and shampoos from hotels for families to use at the Day Center Every communion Sunday, the congregation brought in cereal and canned goods for the Food Pantry WPC volunteers helped many families in our community in need of good, nutritious food The church family provided 63 meals for families using the Food Pantry during the Easter Season The Food Pantry received many paper and cleaning supplies donated with a Reverse Advent Calendar Canal Town Nursery School had 3 classes in the and school year: 1 multiage classroom, 2 3-year old classes, and an active Mom and Tot group. In the Fall of 2018, 37 children are being served Women s Association provided birthday party bags for families coming to the Food Pantry Worship The bell choir blessed the congregation with joyful music The choir shared beautiful music throughout the year The sanctuary was opened to the community on the National Day of Prayer Organ recitals celebrated beautiful organ music with the community Service The Deacons prepared communion and the communion table every month, as well as taking it to shut-ins The Deacons sent out cards to members for birthdays and illnesses Deacons, members and pastor prayed every day for all on the Prayer List Deacons provided transportation to worship for 4 members who live at Parkwood Many volunteers brought in and served refreshments to celebrate lives after memorial services Fellowship Ministry Team held a game night, baseball outings, and a progressive dinner Fellowship Ministry Team celebrated those who have been members of our congregation for 50+ years Boy Scouts met in the church with leadership from our members Volunteers were in the Toddler Room every Sunday during worship Volunteers provided coffee hour every Sunday after worship Stewardship The property ministry team kept the church in good repair The property ministry team monitored the audio/visual system installed in the sanctuary The finance ministry team assured endowment funds were put to good use Women s Association held two rummage sales that raised funds for the church and helped good, affordable clothing get to those in need The 200th anniversary was culminated with an ice cream social for the community Please return the enclosed pledge form in the envelope provided. You may mail it or return it to the generosity box across from the office. We will dedicate all pledges together on Sunday, Nov 18,

9 Living Water for a Thirsty World ~Isaiah 44:3 Light the Fire! Name Do you desire offering envelopes for 2019? Financial Pledge per week / per month / per year In addition, are you able to cover the per capita of $50 for each member in your family? (Per capita is the tie that binds - annual support that unites the entire church in the ongoing and essential work that guides the Office of the General Assembly, the life of the PC(USA) and benefits every congregation and every mid council ministry. If you have more questions about this, please see Pastor Kyle!) Yes, I can Number of members in family No, I cannot at this time Our budget target is $183, 481. Every bit helps! We also recognize that our stewardship extends far beyond our financial gifts. Please indicate below if there are any ministry teams you would be interested in joining or participating in over the course of the next year. (Checking the box does not mean you are committing, simply that you are interested! The name of the team chair is beside each team name if you have questions about what that team s work involves.) Worship Team- Sharon Marr Christian Education Team- Jody Pruitt Mission Team- Rena Haigh Deacons Team- Sandy McMenamin Fellowship Team- Norm Underwood Property Team- James McFarlane Finance Team- Bill Hassler Generosity Team- Irene Fadden I have a ministry idea but I m not sure where it fits! 9

10 Do you like book clubs? Are you free between 9:00-9:45 on Sunday mornings? Would you like to find out new perspectives on current issues? Do you enjoy breakfast treats? Do you love to read? If you answered yes to any of those questions, this may be for you. What is it? A different kind of Adult Sunday School- a book club- reading a great book, Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult and discussing topics and how these topics relate to a modern Christian. We will also enjoy yummy breakfast treats at each club meeting. When is it? 9:00-9:45 am every other Sunday: January 13 January 27 February 10 February 24 Where is it? In Fellowship Hall at WPC How do I get involved? Starting in November, please sign up outside of Fellowship Hall by December 16. We need to allow time to order copies of the book. Is there a cost? Yes, you will need to purchase the book. You can purchase on your own, or order through church for $13. Who can I contact with questions? Emily Hunt by at edlugosh@yahoo.com or by phone

11 Double Your Impact operates in Wayne County, with volunteers who live in Wayne County to help families from Wayne County who are in need. We do so without Government funding through private grants and donations from people like you. To continue this mission in 2019, needs your support. As you prayerfully consider a donation to this worthy cause, please be aware that through December 31st your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar through a generous grant from the Bullis Foundation. To donate, visit our website at fpwayne.org and click the Donate button or send your check to of Wayne County at the address below. While you re on our website, checkout the Foundation Partners program. All gifts are fully deductible. 101 E. Main St., Palmyra, N.Y of Wayne County - Day Center Angels If you're looking for a way to help out with, consider chaperoning at the Day Center. These Day Center Angels will sign up for as little as 2 hours once or twice a week as their schedule permits, and other than just being there, there is no other work to be performed. The location is 72 Broad Street in Lyons; next door to the Presbyterian Church. The Day Center Angel sign-up link is: We need 2 angels present between the hours of 7AM to 5PM (9AM Sat and Sunday) and you get to choose the duration and time of day of you help. You may read/play with the kids, help with homework, talk with parents, help with office work or just have leisure time to check your s, read, etc. Please contact your Church Coordinators for additional details. For more information, help with signing up, or being added to our mailing list, please Lorraine Stephens: tropicalrainey@yahoo.com or John Stephens: Stephens@rochester.rr.com or call us at 315/ We ll help you get going with some training, and if you haven t already had one we ll perform a background check. 11

12 Second Week of December 2 nd December 9 th Before our first week is completed, it is time to sign-up again. Our next week won t be until Easter. An from Sign-up Genius will be sent out about the time this newsletter arrives. For those without , you may wish to sign-up with a friend who has . The Sign-up Genius will be for set-up, take-down, evening hosts and overnight hosts. This is my first attempt at Sign-up Genius, so please be patient with it. I will be putting up the paper and pen chart once some of the slots are taken. I will send out something for dinners in a different format. If you didn t volunteer last time, but would like to this time, let me know. I ll connect you with training and the Sign-up Genius. Thanks, Irene Fadden faddenirene@gmail.com 12

13 Pal-Mac HS Band Booster No Matter How You Stack It... We Need You! Please join us for an All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast Supporting the Pal-Mac HS Band Boosters When: Sunday, November 4, :30-11:30 am Where: Palmyra Masonic Temple 161 East Main Street, Palmyra, NY How Much: $6.00 each Breakfast includes: Pancakes, Sausage, Milk, OJ, and Coffee Purchase pre-sale tickets or can be purchased at the door. 13

14 With so many hands - a big job becomes a cheerful undertaking! Thank You to Everyone that gave their time and energy, their donations and bake goods and made purchases. You all added in your way to the success of our WPC Rummage Sale! Thanks, SO Much ~ Jody 2018 Fall 14

15 The prayer concerns listed are current as of 10/28/18. Please remember that all prayer requests are automatically removed from the list after one month unless the giver specifically requests continuation. Our Prayer Concerns Grieving: Family & Friends of Helene Scribner (requested by the Deacons) Family & Friends of Larry Luke (requested by Pastor Kyle) Family & Friends of Helen Huff (requested by Sylvia Lyon) Family & Friends of Alfred Guererri (requested by the Deacons) Family & Friends of James Callerame (requested by Lou Callerame) Family & Friends of Ruth Bush (requested by the Deacons) Family & Friends of Leslie Hall (requested by Sharon Marr) Serving in Armed Forces: (Please contact church office if no longer serving) Jeffrey Bavis, Kyle Chapman, Tim Henderson, Jake Hewitt, Adam Hill, Sarah Jagger, Joe Krebbeks, Patrick Magno, Brandon Maxwell, D.J. Phee-Henderson, Adam Stephens, Adam VanNatta, Logan Warner, Shod Williams Others for whom prayers have been requested: All caregivers, All victims of violence, hatred and hunger, Pat Beato, Jane Becker, Bethany, Barbara Bucknam, Dan Brotz, Josh Brotz, Jane Culver, Esther Dean, Art Duel, Ed Elsenheimer, Ed Forman, Janet Gelein, Nancy Grantling, Griffin, Jody s brother, Laura Loomis, Nick Loomis, Cim McFarlane, Matthew, Wesley Pruitt, Ray & Fran Stein, Becky Strause, Melissa Taylor, Val Taylor, Bob Trox, Connie West, Kathi Woodlock Please pray for those who wish to remain anonymous as they, too, need our prayers. Others for whom we continue to pray: Gene Bassage, Beverly Brownell, Doris Coffman, Tracy D Arduini, Harold M. Delhagen, Chris Laudise, Ashley Maragas, Luke Medina, Christie Romano, Marcia White. Congregation members in nursing homes or shut-in: Peg Eskild, Jamie Hemmings, Bev Mouton, Grace Williams Please remember that all prayer requests are automatically removed from the list after one month unless the giver specifically requests continuation. In the event of an emergency for which prayer is requested, please call Deacon Sandy Home smcmenamin@rochester.rr.com You may also call the church office to communicate your request through the Deacons Emergency Prayer Chain. Your Property Team would like to remind you that we have a monthly point person on call. If you spot an urgent issue that needs attending, please contact the appropriate person rather than the person you may have reached out to in the past. Month Name Home Phone Cell Phone Address November Phil Opdycke popdycke@rochester.rr.com Thank you! We appreciate all the members of our congregation being eyes and ears for our facility. 15

16 November Toddler Schedule Below is the Schedule for staffing of the Toddler Room during the 10:00 AM Sunday morning service. Thank you in advance for your extremely important mission of providing infant and toddler care. Please arrive about minutes early. If you find you are not available on your assigned date, please find a replacement. Many, Many, Many thanks! The Nursery is room # 5 South Side located on the 2 nd floor, Snack will be on the counter and a Vacuum will be in the closet next to the Green Room. Age appropriate toys will be available as well as a changing table. Please let Jody know when we need to refill the snacks. Once again, Thank -You for your help! 11/04/18 Jan Taylor Changes Have Been Made Please double check this Calendar. It will NOT be the same as the one posted in September. Thanks So Much! 11/11/18 Irene Fadden /18/18 Ruth Dantz /25/18 Jody Pruitt /02/18 Nancy Talma /09/18 Logan & Kelly Babcock /16/18 Carol & Andy Sloan /23/18 Sue Leonard /30/18 Rena Haigh /06/19 Maxine & Kelly Babcock /13/19 Sue Pringle *If anyone or anyone you know is interested in joining the team in providing infant and toddler care during the 10:00 am service, please contact Jody Pruitt, we would love to have you! Also, if you are no longer able to help, please let Jody know as well. Thanks ~ the CE Team Jody Pruitt jody.pruitt@gmail.com 16

17 HAPPY BIRTHDAY HAPPY ANNIVERSARY November 5 Katie Mitchell November 16 Andrew & Carol Sloan November 8 Michael Semans November 22 David & Patricia Pinkney November 8 Gary LaBerge November 9 Elizabeth Lewis November 10 Susan Leonard November 12 Rose Prober November 12 Terry Gendron November 13 Terrence Goodwin November 16 Nella McFarlane November 18 Abagayle Teeter November 24 Heather Trapiss November 25 Eleanor Giles November 26 Randy Kennard If we have missed your birthday or anniversary, please contact the office at so we can add it to our list next time! 17

18 NOVEMBER 2018 SUN. MON. TUES. WED. THURS. FRI. SAT. 1 All Saint s Day 6 pm Bell Choir 7 pm Choir am Pot Luck Breakfast with families 4 Fall Back: Daylight Saving s Time Ends Communion Sunday Guest: Lea Kone Take Down Family Promise 11 Veteran s Day Guest Preacher: Rev. Judy Hay 5 9 am Coffee & Contemplation Yellow Mills Dinner 4:30 pm CTNS Board 7 pm Fellowship 6 Election Day 2 pm Deacons SPIRE DEADLINE 7 pm Worship 7 11 am 1 pm FH Women s Gathering 1 pm Mission/Social Concerns 7 pm Christian Ed pm W: ESPP 8 6 pm Bell Choir 7 pm Choir 15 6 pm Bell Choir 7 pm Choir :30 am 2 pm FH CTNS Fundraiser Portraits am Junia Gathering FH 18 RADA Cutlery Sale Hanging of the Greens 4-8 pm Set Up CTNS Feast 25 Christ the King Sunday No Sunday School 19 Office Open 9 am to 2 pm 9 am to 12:30 pm CTNS Thanksgiving Feast 20 Office Open 9 am to Noon 9 am to 12:30 pm CTNS Thanksgiving Feast 7 pm Generosity Team pm King s Daughters FH 7 pm Session 21 Office Open 9 am to 2 pm 6:30 pm Property Thanksgiving Eve Service 7 pm pm W: ESPP 6:30 pm Circle IV Parlor 22 Thanksgiving Day Office Closed 29 6 pm Bell Choir 7 pm Choir

19 DECEMBER 2018 SUN. MON. TUES. WED. THURS. FRI. SAT am to Noon Angel Tree Delivery 10 am to 1 pm Faith Paint FH 2 Advent I 9 Advent II Communion Sunday 2 pm Caroling Take Down Family Promise 16 Advent III 23 Advent IV 30 First Sunday after Christmas No Sunday School Guest Preacher: Sister Barbara Moore 3 4:30 pm CTNS Board 7 pm Fellowship 4 2 pm Deacons pm King s Daughters FH & Kit. 7 pm Worship SPIRE DEADLINE 7 pm Session 24 Christmas Eve Office Closed 5:30 pm Family Christmas Service 10 pm Lessons & Carols 31 New Year s Eve Office Closed 25 Christmas Day Office Closed Jan. 1 New Year s Day Office Closed 5 1 pm Mission/Social Concerns 6-8 pm W: ESPP 7 pm Christian Ed. 6 6 pm Bell Choir 7 pm Choir pm Bell Choir 7 pm Choir pm W: ESPP 6:30 pm Property 26 Office Open 9 am to 1 pm Jan. 2 Office Open 8:30 am to 2 pm 20 CNTS: Santa 6 pm Bell Choir 7 pm Choir 27 Office Open 9 am to 1 pm Jan. 3 Office Open 8:30 am to 2 pm 7 8 Noon Warfields Circle IV Luncheon am Junia Gathering FH 21 CTNS: Santa