From Pastor Bill. There will be no regular worship service at 10:45 on Sunday, September 27 th. Our work that day will be our worship.

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1 From Pastor Bill Last month I asked the question: How can we make the connection between our worship life and our actions in the world on behalf of others? Too often we imagine a sort of divide exists between our spiritual and active lives. In fact, we need them both. While Paul might insist on the importance of faith over works, we also have the voice of James who tells us, faith without works is dead. Neither of them is wrong, even though they seem to be saying opposite things. Paul reminds us we cannot earn our way into God s presence, but are invited simply to acknowledge that presence and give thanks, while James reminds us that living in God s presence compels us to act compassionately and justly in the world to demonstrate our gratitude. Faith and works are inextricably bound for followers of Jesus. That s why on September 27 th we re going to dedicate a Sunday to service in the community. Our service in various places, such as the Williamsville Youth and Family Center, the Amherst State Park, Willow Lodge at the VA Hospital, or the home of a North Church member, will be our worship for that day. We ll gather at 8:30 to orient ourselves and remind ourselves why we re called together, and then we ll scatter across the area to engage in acts of care and service. There will be no regular worship service at 10:45 on Sunday, September 27 th. Our work that day will be our worship. This is a new endeavor here at North. It may feel odd to some. But if we enter it with open hearts and minds I m sure it will be every bit as gratifying and fulfilling as regular Sunday morning worship. Please come join us, dressed appropriately for the job you re planning to do that day, at 8:30 for a light breakfast and time for prayer, then after the work is done, come back to join us for lunch at 11:30 so we can share our experiences together and give thanks for the ways God calls us to worship and work to reveal God s presence in the world. Peace, Pastor Bill (Read more about Service Sunday on page 3.) 1 The Presbyterian Village (behind North Church) is one of the worksites on September 27.

2 The View from Here By Cynthia Machamer You wouldn t know it by looking at the quiet, mild-mannered 20-something, but Brad Hahn gets around. From Buffalo s downtown architectural structures to its waterways and grand homes, he gives the curious-minded unique views to the Queen City via feet, bike, bus or kayak. Two winters ago he created Explore Buffalo, an affiliate of the Wellness Institute of Greater Buffalo, a non-profit company that offers tours guided by highly trained and knowledgeable docents, one of which is Brad. If you know Brad, you re not surprised he chose his current profession. At the University at Buffalo he majored in political science, geography and English, graduating in As a college sophomore he began volunteering as a docent with Preservation Buffalo Niagara. After funding issues threatened the continuation of an extensive tour program, he launched Explore Buffalo with a group of volunteer docents and serves as its executive director. He says that last year some 6,000 people took tours. Explore Buffalo, which employs Brad and two other staff a full-time Assistant Director This past May folks from North Presbyterian Church took the grain elevator tour the grounded one where you experience the monumental scale of the grain elevators up close. and part-time Administrative Coordinator rents office space in First Presbyterian Church at 1 Symphony Circle, Buffalo. The two most popular tours are the Brewing Buffalo Bus Tours and the Silo City Grain Elevators. 2

3 Brad leading a kayak tour (photo provided by Brad) This past May folks from North Presbyterian Church took the grain elevator tour the grounded one where you experience the monumental scale of the grain elevators up close. Those who want exercise and height can embark on the vertical tour, taking the stairs to the top of the silos. Andres Soom and I did the vertical one, said Jim McConnell, and we are still shaking in our boots (at least I am). Brad was in middle school when he and his family joined North Presbyterian Church. We live across the street and thought, Let s give that church a try, he said. We liked it and stuck around. The year after Brad was confirmed he joined Session as a youth North helped me get to where I am today. I was terrified of public speaking, but because of opportunities [at North Church], now I have no problem getting in front of TV cameras. Brad Hahn representative for two years. In 2007 he helped Jim McConnell, who was on the Communication Committee, launch a new website for North Church. Brad graduated from Williamsville South High School in Brad has helped serve meals to folks at Friends of Night People on Hudson Street in Buffalo for the past five years. He serves on Session as an Elder. He is grateful to North for helping him grow into the person he is today. North helped me get to where I am today, he says. I was terrified of public speaking, but because of opportunities during confirmation and serving as a liturgist, now I have no problem getting in front of t.v. cameras. When asked how he would like to see the church expand or change to meet the needs of the 21 st century, Brad said he hopes North will seek ways to use the building more, citing its ample classrooms, large hall space and other handicap accessibility. 3

4 Look for this logo and click on it. Celebrating 60 Years in Williamsville! We continue to celebrate 60 years in Williamsville. So far we have shared in the Walk of Abraham, Walk Off Hunger, and we hosted a car show- in July. Check out for more photos. Upcoming events include the following: Service Sunday, September 27, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. World Communion and Peacemaking Sunday October 4. Sunday, December 6 Worship celebration to conclude the anniversary commemoration. 4 Be sure you re included in the 60 th anniversary edition of the Pictorial Directory. Sign up for September 18 or 19 at Service Sunday: Combining Worship and Action Service Sunday, September 27 As a community of faith, we North Church strive to reach out in ministry and mission to the world. On Sunday, September 27 our Service Sunday we will all have an opportunity to serve in our own community. Plan to join us for this church-wide activity! Register at We ll gather at 8:30 a.m. in Westminster Hall for breakfast and opening worship. Around 9:15 we will depart for various service sites, then return to North by 11:30 for sharing, lunch and closing worship. Our worksites include Family Justice Center-Amherst Satellite, Amherst State Park, Willow Lodge at the Veterans Administration Hospital, Presbyterian Village at North Church, and the homes of two North Church folks. Amherst State Park, one of several worksites North Church will partner with on September 27. For children and for adults who prefer to stay at North, there will be crafts, cooking and clean-up activities. Plan to join

5 other North Church families as we demonstrate how we are God s hands, heart and voice in service to the community. Schedule 8:30 a.m. Meet at Westminster Hall (North Church for light breakfast and brief worship service) 9:15 Carpooling from church to service sites 9:30-11:30 Groups working at service sites in Amherst and Williamsville 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Lunch, sharing time, and closing worship in Westminster Hall October 4: Welcome Home, Peacemaking Sunday, A Homecoming Celebration Gathering at 10:45 am service Come one and all long-time members, regular attendees, those who have worshipped at North but may be among those no longer regularly attending. Come share stories about our worshipping community, honor our long-term members, celebrate who we have been, who we are and who we hope to become. Special reception to follow service. Invite your friends to attend. We Love Babies! Lisa Emily born to Raya Jarjees and Rami Almaqdasy on August 16, Congratulations! Jack Lawrence Beauregard, born August 22, Congratulations to first-time grandfather Warren Marcus! Shower for Church Nursery The nursery for infants through age three is an important part of the ministry of North Church. It is in need of some new items for our beautiful children so we are throwing a shower on Sunday, September 13! There are many ways you can help: 1. Buy a gift at the registry at Target or Babies R Us (or any store of your choice). If you use the registries, the first name is North, and second name is Church. 2. Make a monetary donation to North Church with nursery on the memo line. Send check to North Presbyterian Church, 300 N. Forest Rd., Williamsville, NY We need youth to help us set up and clean up on Sunday morning, September We need children to help us unwrap gifts during coffee hour on September 13. Please bring your wrapped gift on Sunday, September 13. We will have cake, coffee, and punch. Wish List for Nursery (prices range from $4.98-$100.00) Fisher Price Jumperoo LeapFrog Learn & Groove Musical Table Fisher-Price Rainforest Melodies & Lights Deluxe Gym Tiny Love Tummy-Time Mat Pillow & Mat - Frog Comfort & Harmony mombo Toy Bar Comfort & Harmony mombo Deluxe Graco Swing By Me LX Portable 2-in-1 Swing - Little Hoot Mamas & Papas Baby Snug Floor Seat & Activity Tray Bright Starts Take N Shake (Colors/Styles Vary) Bright Starts Bunch-O-Fun - Monkey 5

6 6 Bright Starts Snuggle & Teether - Monkey Infantino Topsy Turtle Mirror Pal Infantino Activity Stacker Bumpy Ball Infantino Hide & Seek Jittery Pal - (Colors/Styles Vary) Lamaze Jacques the Peacock Melissa & Doug Pull-Back Vehicles Infantino Spiral Activity Toy Infantino Discover and Play Soft Blocks Infantino Big Top Discovery Cube Infantino Textured Multi Ball Set Infantino Sensory Pals Baby Einstein Octoplush Rattles - several needed Lolly & Friends Rattles Dandelion Organic Ring Rattle Infantino Shake & Smile Rattle Pal Where Love Lives By Allan Ryan I want to go where love lives, Where it never ceases but always gives. Where it has no boundaries or gates Or submits to any regulate. Freedom is its only name, Where nothing stops or can constrain The firm embrace Of any creed or race. Love raises up the tired, the worn, The hurt, the hopeless and forlorn. All who come to love s new grace Find peace or flowing in this place. Wait not to satisfy desire As life s demands conspire To keep you from love s appeal Love stands and waits and wants to heal. August 8, 2015 What Happened at Session On August 10, 2015, the Session and Board of Deacons met together for supper and a time of sharing of joys and concerns. Following that, the Session met for its regular meeting where the following actions were taken: Received the report of the Children s & Youth Task Force: o Voted approval to enter into a contract with a Pre-Teen Fellowship Coordinator to supervise members of the congregation who are teaching Church School, and act as a resource to them; to plan and supervise two fellowship activities each calendar month, with a commitment to fund this position for three years. And o Voted to proceed in working with other congregations to develop a detailed proposal to enter into a contract for services with a lay High School Youth Director on a shared and integrated basis. Approved the action item from the Property Committee to negotiate with the Tulumello Construction company for repair of the sidewalks; funding to come from the Fixed Asset Reserve Account. Approved the action item from the Finance Committee to extend the contract with Kirisits & Associates, CPAS, through January Approved the action item from the Finance Committee to initiate a New

7 Initiatives Fund and the application for use of the funds. It was also approved that a committee consisting of one or two Session members and one at-large member from the congregation to administer the fund. Voted to approve the first request for a grant from the New Initiatives Fund to finance the costs involved with Service Sunday in the amount of $1865. Any funds remaining after costs are paid will be returned to the New Initiatives Fund. Sylvia Bigler, Clerk of Session Check out the September calendar at Staff Member Participates in Historic Ceremony On Sunday, August 23, Judy Blackchief, North Church s bookkeeper, gave the invocation at the historic wreathlaying ceremony held at Forest Lawn Cemetery in North Church s bookkeeper Judy Blackchief gave the invocation at the historic ceremony in August. (Photo by Mary Beth Karr.) Buffalo, where Ely S. Parker is interred. Parker was a Seneca attorney, engineer and tribal diplomat. He was commissioned a lieutenant colonel during the American Civil War, when he served as adjutant to General Ulysses S. Grant. He wrote the final draft of the Confederate surrender terms at Appomattox. Later in his career, Parker rose to the rank of Brevet Brigadier General, one of only two Native Americans to earn a general s rank during the war. President Grant appointed him as Commissioner of Indian Affairs, the first Native American to hold that post. He died August 31, Besides Judy, other participants at the ceremony included descendants of Ely Parker, Douglas Kohler, the Erie County historian, Rifle Volley & Taps, Civil War reenactors, and Tonawanda Seneca Hymn Singers. Visit to see more photos. Local Actor Coming to North All Welcome Saul Elkin, past chair of the drama department at the University at Buffalo and founder of Shakespeare in the Park (Delaware Park in Buffalo), will be the guest speaker at the men s breakfast gathering on Saturday, October 10, at 8:00 a.m., in Westminster Hall. His talk will be centered on the local aspects of his outstanding career. All are welcome. Cost is $7.00 per person for the continental breakfast. Sign up for the breakfast on Sunday, September 20 or October 4. 7

8 Elkin is also the artistic director of the Jewish Repertory Theater. Coming from Jewish immigrant parents, he came to Buffalo in the late sixties to teach theatre at UB. A decade later he founded Shakespeare in the Elkin (left) in a Shakespeare in the Park production. Park, finding the initial funding for electricity from the mayor of the city, Mayor Stanley Makowski, and further funding from UB s theatre department. We are invited to attend the play he is currently directing, My Name is Asher Lev, on Sunday, November 1, at 2:00 p.m., at the Jewish Community Center (JCC), 2640 N. Forest Rd., Getzville. Based on the best-selling novel by Chaim Potok (The Chosen), My Name is Asher Lev is a new American play set in post-war Brooklyn, which tells the powerful story of a boy prodigy who must be a painter at any cost against the will of family, community and tradition. Please reserve your space by paying $25 by check no later than Sunday, September 20, to North Presbyterian Church, and write JCC play on the memo line. TWO WORSHIP SERVICES, CHURCH SCHOOL, ADULT EDUCATION, AND CHILDREN S & YOUTH CHOIR RESUME SEPTEMBER 13! International Peacemaker Program Nominates Rami Al Maqdasi Rami Almaqdasi (pictured below) is one of 10 Presbyterians who have been nominated to serve as an International Peacemaker in 2015 for the Presbyterian Church (USA). In an increasingly conflict-ridden and fragmented world, the God who grants peace and wholeness calls Christians to understand and address the root causes of violence and injustice so that we may share in mending the brokenness that exists in our world. Peacemaking is the human response to God s gift of peace giving. Presbyterian Mission Agency The Presbyterian Peacemaking Program makes it possible for leaders from partner denominations and organizations around the world to visit the Presbyterian Church (USA) each year to interpret issues of peace and justice. By sharing stories of their work and witness, they help the Church understand concerns around the world and provide insights that can inspire us to greater faithfulness. 8

9 To the Men of North Church: Men s Fellowship Is Going into Retirement, Unless The Men s Fellowship is currently in its 8 th year and has hosted more than 60 programs during this time. However, the original leadership is also eight years older, and quite frankly, is approaching burnout. Some of us can no longer even do the four-minute mile. We feel, therefore, that now is the time for us to phase out our involvement in the organizing and maintaining of the Men s Fellowship group. We have earned emeritus status at this point. We will continue to carry out our roles until the final meeting in November Clearly, none of us wants to see the Fellowship simply wither. It is such a grand vehicle for men to become better acquainted, which is, and remains, our primary aim. However, now it is time for two or three men to take over the reins for us. The same format for meeting/tours could be followed, or it could be different according to the preferences of new leadership. The question is: Who out there is prepared to lead Men s Fellowship? We hope that the men at North Church will prayerfully consider our request for rejuvenated leadership. We will gladly work alongside you during a transitional take over stage. One of us, Jeff Weaver, was a founding member of the Fellowship and served as its treasurer during these eight years. He was in support of our intended actions, and we deeply regret his untimely passing. If you have questions or wish to have a conversation about the Men s Fellowship, please feel free to contact any of us. We would love to talk to you about Men s Fellowship. Don Boyer (dwboyer1@verizon.net) Tony Link (link4694@roadrunner.com) Jim McConnell (jimmc2@roadrunner.com) Newsletter Deadline The next North Star deadline is September 15. With Sadness (Deaths) Edward Sprague Jr. (Jim Sprague s father) on August 21. Fred Whaley (Ginny Bradley s brother) on August 23. Adult Education: 9:30 a.m. in the library September 13 and 20; and October 4 When I was in prison, you visited me (Jesus, as quoted by Matthew) Continuing our discussion of mass incarceration and solitary confinement, we will view the new video from the National Religious Campaign Against Torture, Breaking Down the Box. A speaker and discussion will explore opportunities to support proposed state and federal legislation that is receiving (unusual!) bipartisan support regarding prisons. We will also discuss the powerful little book Between the World and Me, by Ta-Hehisi Coates, written as a letter from a father to his 15-year-old son. Atlantic magazine correspondent Coates writes of the hazards and hopes of black male life. Toni Morrison says of this book, This is required reading. And, having read it, Pastor Bill Hennessy also commends it to us. Line up to put one of the public library copies or the church library copy on hold or purchase one at our first meeting. 9

10 October 11, 18, 25; and November 1 and 8 Do. Doing What It s All About Christianity has been expressed in countless ways over the centuries. Now is no different. This series is about what s next for those who follow Jesus. Love God with all your heart, soul strength and mind. Come do what it s all about. Incarnation, Compassion, Politics, Passion, Resurrection are the themes explored by contemporary theologians for 20 minutes and then by us in reflection and discussion. Bible Study, 9:30 a.m., Resource Center Begins Sunday, September 13 We will continue with Acts. As in previous years, study leaders volunteer. Labor Day The church office will be closed on Monday, September 7, to observe Labor Day. We will reopen for regular business hours on Tuesday, September 8, at 8:30 a.m. Church Directory Is your directory outdated? Have you lost your copy? No worries. Request an updated copy from the church office. Simply n.church@verizon.net or call Flowers Beautiful flowers that adorn the sanctuary on a Sunday morning bring joy to everyone. If you would like to memorialize or honor someone you love, call or the church office at n.church@verizon.net or We will call the florist and order an arrangement for you. Prices including delivery range from $35 and up. Save the Dates: October 1 Welcome Home Sunday Youth Retreat to Duffield 25 Flu Shots 28 Introduction to Mindfulness Course Children s/youth Choir Children s/youth Choir practice begins on Sunday, September 13, at 9:30 a.m. in the south basement. All children in kindergarten through 8 th grade are invited! We ll be participating in worship services several times throughout the year, and of course, we ll have our Christmas pageant on December 20 th at 10:45 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. 10