First Presbyterian Church. Delhi, NY COURIER

Transcription

1 First Presbyterian Church Delhi, NY COURIER September - October 2017

2 Rev. Dr. Lisa Ruth Mays Interim Pastor First Presbyterian Church 4 Clinton Street Delhi, NY Emergency pastor@fpcdelhi.org Hey, you! You are the Church! I am not a Presbyterian by birth. That s a very long story, but for now, let me just say that there were several things that drew me toward joining myself to a Presbyterian Church. The major influence for me was the manner in which mission and ministry is organized; if taken seriously, our tradition emphasizes the priesthood (ministry) of all believers. The ministry of all believers that meant me - way before I ever thought about Seminary. And that is precisely how a church should function if it wants to experience a vibrant life of worship and service. Furthermore, it is the most important way to reach out to others and to grow a congregation. What ministry do you want to be a part of? You are vital to this congregation. You may be aware that volunteerism is at an all-time low, and not only is this the case in the church. But we are interested in our church; we love our church, and we care deeply about our church. Good starting point. What are you willing to offer to your church to see great things for God happen? I am certain many of you have served energetically for years in this congregation, and I appreciate what I see in this regard since I have been here. I remind us all however, that sustaining a vibrant church is a long-distance run, not a sprint, and it takes not just the 20%, but the other 80% as well. Again, please hear me, I recognize all that is being accomplished here and by no means want to criticize. This is just a loving reminder that each of you make this church better, and there may be some of you who could come forward to serve the Lord in this church. The Elders of this church are given responsibility to ensure that mission and ministry take place in and through this congregation. The Session consists of 8 Elders, and each Elder has an assignment to ensure that a team (or committee) works toward the objective in specific areas of mission and ministry. That could mean that in some cases, there are 2 Elders on a committee with no other folks to see the work happen. More would be better, for everyone involved. Point blank, not any one person, or two, can cover all the necessary bases to put mission and ministry in place and help it along. Your church needs you your brain, your heart, your enthusiasm, your energy, wisdom and insight. We are better because of you. And let s face it no matter how energetic your next pastor may be, he or she cannot make this church thrive without you. Here are some simple, doable, and fun instructions: Come to worship get on the page with all the others in worship and with what God s Word is saying to you, and to us. Read the Word every day. Ask your interim pastor about a study group if you are interested in that. Pray, and pray for your church every day. Bring your little ones to Sunday School, bring your teens to Confirmation Class. Bring your grandmother, too. Invite your family and friends to worship, come to coffee hour and enjoy the people there. Join the choir, join a committee, get inspired about a new mission or ministry that will help others. We are the Church. Let s learn together how to live into that amazing call from God. In Jesus Pastor Lisa

3 SESSION First Presbyterian Church 4 Clinton Street, Delhi, NY Phone: Fax: office@fpcdelhi.org Website: Reverend Doctor Lisa Ruth Mays, Interim Pastor Officers and Boards Susie Little, 1618 Arbuckle Hollow, DeLancey, NY Joseph Maxwell, 22 Franklin Street, Delhi, NY Renee Maxwell, 34 Clinton Street, Delhi, NY Kathy Sullivan, State Highway 28, Delhi, NY Jeffrey Gearhart, 93 Delaware Ave., Delhi, NY Carolyn Massey, P.O. Box 21, Hamden, NY Bea Mooney, 4537 County Highway #14, Treadwell, NY Tom Philion, 282 Delside Drive, Delhi, NY DEACONS 2017 Joe Cantwell, State Highway 28, Delhi, NY Joyce Goff, 485 Dunham Road, Delhi, NY Heather Rosa, 72 Meredith Street, Delhi, NY Betty Bell, 51 Hamden Hill Road, Delhi, NY Donna Burgin, St Hwy 10, Delhi, NY Vicki Noble, 75 Leisure Village Spur, Delhi, NY Kevin Lee, 2 Cross Street, Delhi, NY Barbara Thompson, 517 Olin Evans Rd, Franklin, NY George Thompson, 517 Olin Evans Rd, Franklin, NY TRUSTEES 2017 Erica Cantwell, 1730 Scotch Mountain Rd, Delhi, NY Art Maxwell, 34 Clinton Street, Delhi, NY Steve McKeegan, P.O. Box 321, Delhi, NY Bruce Burr, 27 Crestwood Drive, Delhi, NY Tom Leo, 200 Spencer Heights, Delhi, NY VACANT 2019 Jacalyn Clark, PO Box 307, Delhi, NY Ed Goff, 485 Dunham Road, Delhi, NY VACANT TREASURER George Thompson, 517 Olin Evans Rd, Franklin, NY FINANCIAL SECRETARY Gia Cantwell, State Highway 28, Delhi, NY CLERK OF SESSION Susie Little, 1618 Arbuckle Hollow, DeLancey, NY September October 2017

4 2017 Peace & Global Witness Offering Mission Emphasis Proclaim Christ s Peace So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. Ephesians 2:14-17 The letter to the Ephesians tells us that Jesus came to proclaim a peace that is universal. While the earthly ministry of Jesus was in a specific age and place, the peace he shared is limited by neither time nor geography. As followers of Christ, our call to witness/work for peace begins in our own neighborhoods and extends to the ends of the earth. This Offering exists to support the holistic and wide-ranging witness of the whole church. For generations, and to the ends of the earth, Presbyterians have borne witness to Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. Our witness has been profound in our own communities and in places we ourselves have never been, around the corner and around the world. The funds raised have been and will be used by local congregations (25%), mid councils (25%), and the Presbyterian Mission Agency (50%), to advance a witness to Christ s peace in all areas of life and society. These funds support the important work of networking and educating Presbyterians done by the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program, as well as strengthening connections to the wider world through the reconciliation work in which the Mission Agency is engaged. Please give generously as you are called to the Peace & Global Witness Offering: At First Presbyterian Church of Delhi - Offering envelopes are available in the pews and throughout the church or you may contact the church office. Text PEACE to to give $10 presbyterianmission.org/give/peace-global

5 A Season of Peace is a four-week pilgrimage (September 3 October 1) designed to deepen the pursuit of peace for congregations, small groups, families, and individuals. Through daily peace reflections, family activities such as peace cards, Bible studies, an intergenerational peace fair, and other online resources, you are invited to define and deepen your calling as a peacemaker. This is a season of encouragement, challenge, inspiration and education. Explore the Five Peacemaking Affirmations recently approved by Presbyterian Church (USA). Through the 29 days of this year s Season of Peace, we are invited to: Commit to the Gospel of Peace Confess our Complicity Reclaim Christ the Peacemaker Practice New Peace Strategies Transform our Structures and Work for Peace Find resources at Sign up to receive daily reflections in your inbox by visiting and checking Path of Peace under the category of Advocacy and Social Justice. Jesus calls us to be peacemakers. But who do you say that I am? Matt. 16:15 Delhi CROP Hunger Walk Sunday, October 15, 2016 Meet at United Ministry Church, 46 Church St., Delhi Registration: 1:30 P.M. Walk: 2:00 P.M. The mission committee will be acting as the church contact for this year's Crop Walk. We need both walkers and supporters. Contact the church office if you have any questions or wish to be a sponsor. Register online to walk on our team or to contribute at Sign-up forms are also available at coffee hour and in the church office to walk or to be a sponsor. Walk route is 6 miles with a 1 mile loop for people who need a shorter distance. A patrol car is available for anyone who needs a ride back to the church. Walkers bring a vegetable for the soup which is served when they return, bread and drinks are provided, pets and strollers, college students and runners are welcome. Crop Hunger Walk materials are available at the church. The 25% local grant from the CROP Hunger Walk supports the Delaware County Food Bank.

6 Hurricane Harvey Relief Donation Drive - Cash donations for Hurricane Relief may be left in the office or placed in the offering plate. Please mark clearly hurricane relief on the envelope and/or on your check. Checks should be made out to First Presbyterian Church. Thank you for your support of this immediate mission need.

7 Event Details Walk Date: 10/01/2017 Walk Location: SUNY Campus & Village of Delhi (Delhi, NY) Check-in/Registration Time: 10/01/2016 at 1:00 pm Walk Program Begins: 2:00 pm Walk Ends: 3:00 pm Register online at: Join the community of nearly 250k people walking in hundreds of cities across the country in support of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. All donations are 100% tax deductible and will help bring AFSP one step closer to achieving their bold goal to reduce the suicide rate 20% by If you have any trouble with the online registration or donation, just stop by the office or give Nancy in the office a call. Thank you! Spare Change for Mission! The Least Coin/Mile of Pennies jar needs your help! Please look around for all those coins that are weighing you down and bring your coins in to the Least Coin/Mile of Pennies jar in the narthex. These coins will help lighten someone else s load! The money collected from this jar goes toward the Fellowship of the Least Coin supporting our extra-mile mission giving with our brothers and sisters around the globe. Please see the pamphlet in the narthex or stop by the church office if you want to know more about this offering. DON T FORGET!! Returnable Bottle & Can Collection benefits the Youth Group Mission Work Please drop (well rinsed out please!) returnable bottles & cans off in the new Narthex THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Alzheimer s care team If you are interested in supporting others by serving on an Alzheimer s care team, please contact the office. The team would provide respite for people who are struggling to care for someone in their home with Alzheimer s or other memory loss diseases. Training is provided (3 hours). A four person team would then have a 2 hour time commitment each month. Brochures with additional information are available in the church office and on the bulletin board in the office hallway.

8 Sewing Fellowship The Sewing Fellowship will meet at 3:00 pm on Tuesday, September 12, September 26, October 10, October 24, November 14, and December 12. Come join us in working on mission projects, projects for the 2017 bazaar or your own projects. If you have any questions please contact Nancy Althaus in the church office. We will meet in the Blue Room. Please join us and bring a friend. If you are unable to make it at 3 pm, please come when you are able. We plan to meet until 5 pm. All are welcome CHRISTMAS STOCKING MISSION Before we know it, the December Christmas stocking collection for mission projects will be here! We hope everyone is filling their stockings. If you have misplaced your stocking or have questions about this mission, please contact the church office or pick up a stocking from one of the baskets throughout the church. ONGOING MISSION We continue to collect and deliver baby blankets and hats, prayer shawls and pillowcases for Albany Medical. This is an ongoing mission project for our church. Completed items may be left on the shelf in the hospitality room. If you need a copy of the guidelines or a pattern, please see Nancy in the church office. Keep up the good work! The Presbyterian Women hosted a Bake Sale on Friday, July 21st at the Fair on the Square. We would like to thank everyone who so graciously made phone calls, donated baked goods and helped out at the booth. We raised $ which goes toward our mission work. Thanks again to everyone!

9 Holiday Bazaar Saturday, November 4th, 2017 As you know the Holiday Bazaar is on Saturday, November 4th from 9:00am to 3:00 pm. Hope everyone is working on crafts and plants. Please hold onto White Elephant items until Monday, October 2nd-there will be a table set up in front of the piano in the Fellowship Hall. Please separate books and place them in boxes upstairs in the Blue Room off to right side. We ask that all items be brought in NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 25TH! The sooner the better as this will help the committee in sorting items. There will be a basket in the church office for jewelry on October 2nd also. The Kirk has put aside a lot of books, children s items, Christmas items, crafts, jewelry, Silent Auction and White Elephant items already! Once again the Booth chairs and co-chairs are: Luncheon- Bonnie Fleming & Kathy Sullivan Bake Sale- Barb Leo, Barb Perkins & Jane Hymers Books & Plants- Linda Dewitt Jewelry- Toni Weaver Knitting, Crochet & Crafts- Barb Thompson Christmas- Linda Burr, Vicki Noble & Donna Burgin Silent Auction- Donna Torma Children s- Karen LaFever White Elephant- Margie Hume & Helen Rosa If any of these people ask you for help we hope you will gladly say yes OR you may contact them to volunteer. On Sunday, October 29th Betty Bell will be asking for some strong men and women to carry some tables and the White Elephant items up to the Chapel. Then Thursday evening some help will be requested to set up tables for the other areas and Friday, November 3rd will be set up day for everything. We will keep you posted in Church Life as the Big Day approaches! THANK YOU! In October be on the lookout for sign-up sheets to supply food items or volunteer your time to support the Holiday Bazaar luncheon. We will once again be having quiche, salad, bread and fruit crisp for that event.

10 WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY JOINT WORSHIP SERVICE Join us for a joint worship service on Sunday, October 1, 2017 here at First Presbyterian Church at 10:30 am. We will be joined by our brothers and sisters from United Ministry. Sunday School will be held as usual here at First Presbyterian Church. The choirs will combine their God-given voices that day. Please watch the church life for any changes or additions to the choir rehearsal schedule. DEVOTIONAL AVAILABLE The Upper Room Devotionals for September and October and Our Daily Bread Devotionals for September, October and November are available on the table in the Narthex and outside the church office. These are available in both large print as well as a small pocket edition. Be sure to pick yours up today! If you wish to make a contribution to defray the cost, there is a wooden box in the Narthex or contributions may be left in the church office. Children s worship bags Puzzles, small toys, coloring and drawing materials are located in the hospitality room on the shelves. Children are welcome to select a bag with items of their choosing to use during worship. Children s Bulletins are also available. You may return the materials to the shelves at the conclusion of the service or simply leave the bag in the pew. Join us for worship and a celebration of World Communion on October 1 st at 10:30 a.m. sparks group Submitted by Nancy Althaus The Women s SPARKS (Study, Prayer, Action, Reflection, Koinonia) group continues to meet Wednesday mornings at 7:30 am at Crossroads Café. All are welcome. Our current study utilizes the book, The Names of God. Each week of this study stands alone so please join the group whenever possible. If you would like a copy of the book, please see Nancy in the church office. New members and friends are welcomed at any time. Please see Nancy Althaus or Bea Mooney if you have questions or simply join us next week! This is a great way to start your day, grow in your faith, share in fellowship and nurture one another through prayer!

11 Chapel Choir and Rainbow Bells These groups rehearse during the Sunday School time Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. beginning September 10. Welcome back, Chancel Choir! You will be singing the anthem on Sunday, September 10 during worship, so gather in the chapel by 10 am to warm A Pealing Sound Handbell Choir Rehearsals begin Wednesday, September 27 at 4:30 pm in the Sanctuary. Anyone 9th grade and older is welcome. The group will be rehearse each Wednesday from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm. There will be no rehearsal on September 13 or September 20. Please contact Bea Mooney at or moonbeam413@gmail.com if interested OR just show up! Come join us! Bring a friend! up. Regular rehearsals will resume Wednesday, September 6th at 5:45 pm. The Chancel Choir is always happy to welcome new members. If you would like to join the choir, please feel free to come to choir practice any Wednesday or contact Billy Meredith. See you in the choir loft soon! There are plus OLD hymnals being stored in the Chapel that need to be claimed soon, or they will be disposed of. They are FREE for the taking from a box under the table in the Chapel. Any hymnals left in the box when Bazaar preparations begin, will be disposed of. Lots have family members names in them and could be used for the Angels made for the bazaar. Please, help yourself and preserve a little FPC family history. From: Your busy Church Mouse!

12 October 8, 2017 Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, Psalm 19 Isaiah 5:1-7 Psalm 80:7-15 Philippians 3:4b-14 Matthew 21:33-46 LECTIONARY READINGS Consider reading the lectionary texts for the upcoming Sunday as part of your own devotions and in preparation for Sunday worship. September 3, 2017 Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost Exodus 3:1-15 Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b Jeremiah 15:15-21 Psalm 26:1-8 Romans 12:9-21 Matthew 16:21-28 September 10, 2017 Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost Exodus 12:1-14 Psalm 149 Ezekiel 33:7-11 Psalm 119:33-40 Romans 13:8-14 Matthew 18:15-20 September 17, 2017 Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost Exodus 14:19-31 Psalm 114 or Exodus 15:1b-11, Genesis 50:15-21 Psalm 103:(1-7), 8-13 Romans 14:1-12 Matthew 18:21-35 September 24, 2017 Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost Exodus 16:2-15 Psalm 105:1-6, Jonah 3:10-4:11 Psalm 145:1-8Philippians 1:21-30 Matthew 20:1-16 October 1, 2017 Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost Exodus 17:1-7 Psalm 78:1-4, Ezekiel 18:1-4, Psalm 25:1-9 Philippians 2:1-13 Matthew 21:23-32 October 9, 2017 Columbus Day/ Canadian Thanksgiving Day Deuteronomy 8:7-18 Wisdom of Solomon 10: Corinthians 9:6-15 Luke 17:11-19 October 15, 2017 Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost Exodus 32:1-14 Psalm 106:1-6, Isaiah 25:1-9 Psalm 23 Philippians 4:1-9 Matthew 22:1-14 October 22, 2017 Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost Exodus 33:12-23 Psalm 99 Isaiah 45:1-7 Psalm 96:1-9, (10-13) 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 Matthew 22:15-22 October 29, 2017 Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost Deuteronomy 34:1-12 Psalm 90:1-6, Leviticus 19:1-2, Psalm 1 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 Matthew 22:34-46 November 1, 2017 All Saints Day Revelation 7:9-17 Psalm 34:1-10, 22 1 John 3:1-3 Matthew 5:1-12 November 5, 2017 Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost Joshua 3:7-17 Psalm 107:1-7, Micah 3:5-12 Psalm 43 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 Matthew 23:1-12

13 The Mission committee will be having a meeting on September 24th following church. If you are interested in mission work please join us. We are looking for some congregation members to help us. Help the Youth Mission Work SHOP AT IGIVE.COM FOR ALL YOUR FALL NEEDS It does not cost you or our church anything! There are over 1750 websites from Ancestory.com to Zales including favorites like L.L.Bean, Lands End, JC Penney, Pet Care RX, and Hotels.com! ATTN: MEN- it is not just for women shoppers- check out websites like Bass Pro Shops, Apple, Sears (for Craftsman Tools) and Tire Rack (with their donation of 2.4% a set of tires could generate a nice donation!) It is SAFE, PRIVATE and VERY EASY- just go to our church link: Join today following the directions on the link (ask Nancy at the Church Office if you need help). Add the igive button and never miss a donation. Save gas, time and even $$ while you shop with some special deals like FREE shipping, sales and coupons at many of the websites! And when you make a purchase, every cent of the percentage comes to our church. No administration costs, fees or mark-ups for you or our church! How can they do this for free?- igive.com is paid a sales commission over and above any charitable contribution % and many merchants also advertise on the igive website (usually offering great deals for shoppers). TO DATE----- $ has been earned to date!!! So please join and start your fall shopping! FOOD BANK MISSION REMINDER! Help us fill the food box each week and help our friends and neighbors in need. Food Bank donations may be left in the box across from the office door or in the narthex. Cash donations are always welcome and may be placed in the offering plate (clearly marked) or left in the church office. Please make checks payable to the First Presbyterian Church of Delhi. Thank you for your continued support of this important mission. Extra Produce in your Garden? The Food Bank can use your extra garden bounty. Just drop off at the Food Bank here in Delhi at United Ministry from 1-3 pm on Monday afternoon or 3:30 5:30 pm on Thursday afternoon. If these hours are not convenient for you, please contact the church office and we can help you bless others with your extra vegies!

14 First Presbyterian Church Delhi, New York Budget vs. Actual January - July 2017 *Please note the budget column represents the budget for January through July only. Please contact Treasurer George Thompson or the church office if you have any questions. Respectfully Submitted, George Thompson, Treasurer

15 Highlights of Trustees August 15 th Meeting Carpets in CE wing have been steam cleaned The Manse side doors have been fixed Carpet runners have been purchased for CE wing Work on the new handicap entrance and repairs to the belfry have been complete New storm doors have been installed at the Manse Still awaiting parts to fix the water fountain in the CE wing Motion lights have been installed in the rest rooms Otis Spunkmeyer cookies will be sold this year Laurie Aitken will be operating a pre-school day care in the child care rooms, 3 hours per weekday mornings. Replacement windows are done in FH driveway side, social room and old nursery. Senior meals will be leaving at the end of September Security cameras for the main entrance door by the office and by The Kirk to be installed shortly Working on a remote locking system for nighttime lockup. Motion light to be installed in the office hallway. The moss on the gazebo will be removed Awaiting on 2nd driveway repair/replacement estimate The next meeting of the Trustees will be held on September 20 at 6:30 pm. APPORTIONMENT The Per Capita amount for 2017 has been set at $36.60 per member. Per Capita apportionment is based on membership as of December 31, Our apportionment is based on 184 members giving a total of $6, The money is paid by our church to cover our share of basic operation costs of our Presbytery, Synod, and General Assembly. Each member is invited to contribute $36.60 to help pay this obligation. To date we have received $2, towards this obligation from our church family. We will once again be having the Cherrydale (Otis Spunkmeyer) cookie dough fund raiser at First Presbyterian Church. The sale will begin on September 10th and conclude on October 10, Kathy Sullivan will be chairing this fundraiser to benefit the fuel fund. If you are interested in buying or selling cookies please let Kathy know so that she can assist you with that. Our goal this year is to sell 350 packages of cookies. This would give us 40% profit from the sales and the items would ship for free. Please support this great opportunity. The cookies will arrive around the second week of November.

16 Longtime Member Recognition We will be recognizing our Longtime Members on Sunday, October 29th during the worship service. God has richly blessed our Congregation with these faithful people. Please plan to join us for worship as we honor their service to God and at a special coffee hour hosted by the Membership Committee. ADDRESS CORRECTIONS If you move or change your address, please contact the church office as soon as possible but at least within 30 days, with your new mailing information. Please remember, the Courier is now sent electronically. Paper copies of the Courier are available for pick up at the church. Couriers are only mailed to those who have made a written request. If you do not receive your Courier in a timely manner (via or regular mail), please contact the church office at or office@fpcdelhi.net. Thank you for helping us stay current and share the church news with you. Addresses needed for Those away in College & Military Please contact the church office by phone, fax, or post with your student s or military member s address for this year. Our caring congregation wishes to encourage our students and military with cards and prayers and even a care package at times! Help us help our students and military stay connected to their church family. Church on Facebook First Presbyterian Church of Delhi, NY is on Facebook. Please join us by entering First Presbyterian Church of Delhi, NY in Search and click on Like. (Tip: be sure to include NY in your search) Please be sure to Share with your Facebook friends to help spread this message Flower and Coffee Hour volunteer posters are up in Fellowship Hall. If you would like to donate flowers for the Chancel on a Sunday, please sign up for any of the available Sundays. Volunteers are needed for Coffee Hour throughout September, October, November and December. Please consider serving and providing goodies for this important time of fellowship in our church family. You may give Janet Maxwell or the church office a call or simply sign up in Fellowship Hall. Thank you!!

17 We welcome Jeff Gearhart, Carolyn Massey, Bea Mooney, and Tom Philion as our new class of Ruling Elders for We would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude and appreciation to Gail Dibble and John Nealis for the time they have served on Session. I would like very much to find folks who would benefit from a small group experience. Due to my schedule, we would need to meet in the morning or some other time in the day. A small group is a great place to learn from the Bible and to make friends in an informal setting. I like to limit the group time to 1 ½ hours I know people lead busy lives. I also find it best to meet once a week for 5 or 6 weeks, then take a break in other words, you would not be committing for all eternity! We usually decide together when the next set of meetings will begin. Small group ministry is beneficial for our lives and our faith lives. Please let me know if you would like to be part of a small group. It would be nice to begin in mid-september. Contact the Church Office if interested or need more information Pastor Lisa We welcome our newly elected Pastor Nominating Committee: Betty Bell, Jeff Gearhart, Leslie McKeegan, Vicki Noble, Sarah Philion, and alternate - Joe Maxwell. Please keep this group of people in your prayers as they work to follow God s guidance in securing an installed Pastor for our congregation. A prayer for our church Lord Jesus, we pray that you will somehow give us ears to hear, hearts to love and wills devoted to serve; that in the days to come this congregation may be known not for our glory but for thine alone - a congregation of people who know you; that this place may be an oasis, a place where people come to find out about you, where lives are straightened out and made whole, where people find the peace that passes understanding. Give us, we pray, a heart to desire these things above all else. We pray through Jesus Christ. Amen.

18 Don t Miss Our Kick- Off Family Sunday!! September 10:30 am Is it the NFL? No! It s FPC Delhi s Celebration of the Generations in worship as we get back in the swing of things. Sunday School for the kids begins 9/10 at 9:30 am with a brandnew curriculum. The children will sing and sign some fun songs for us from VBS. All this and more. Please plan to enjoy a fellowship meal after worship. All are invited for this special event. Bring you father, your grandmother, your uncles and aunts and friends and family to celebrate in the life of the church! Make a joyful noise to the Lord!

19 All kids who participated in VBS at FPC this summer are invited to come to the September 10th (10:30 am) worship service to sing and sign a few of the songs they learned. This is Family Sunday and the Kick-Off for the church year, followed by a picnic. Sunday School begins at 9:30 am. Your child/children will make the worship service a great blessing to others - they will be Super Heroes! Please come and meet Miss Linda at 10 am to go over the songs before the service. For info or questions contact Pastor On Sunday September 10 at 9:30, Pastor Lisa would like to meet with students, along with parents or guardians, who are interested in taking a Confirmation Course (7 th grade on up). We will meet in the library. The challenging part will be to find a day and time to meet for class since everyone s schedules are so full. This can be a great learning experience for all, and a fun faith building experience. Please come find out what Confirmation is all about so we can get going this fall!

20 The sympathy of the congregation is extended to Rev. Dr. Barbara Renton and family on the recent death of her husband, Joe. If you know of anyone who is in the hospital or in need of pastoral care, please call the church office, Pastor Lisa or any Elder. We would rather be notified multiple times than not be aware of the needs of the church family! Our prayers are with those who have recently had outpatient procedures, surgery, are facing major changes in their lives, been hospitalized or are facing difficult health concerns. Human Services Committee This committee was formed with money left from the Estate of Leona McDowell. There are bank stocks that have over the years supplied this fund. According to the Will, money is to be used to help First Presbyterian Church Members who are in need. The definition of in need is varied. In the past, the items on the following list have been covered. Fuel Bills Medical bills Transportation costs (funerals, hospital stays, medical treatment) Dental bills Rent Electric bills Nursing home costs Funeral costs General expenses after illness or accident This committee is asking that everyone keep other members in their hearts and if you see someone in need, please call the church office.

21 Thank you! Thank you to everyone involved in making "Hero Central" Vacation Bible School such a success! And the success can be counted many ways: Volunteers from both the church and the community were quick to say, "yes, I'll help!", the talents of volunteers were put to good use in creating a thoughtful, educational, and meaningful experience that helped to "plant a spiritual seed" in our youth, the enthusiasm of the children and the volunteers was infectious and the smiles and laughter that could be heard throughout the week testified to the fun that was had by all! The donations of food, decorations, information, and craft materials were all greatly appreciated! And the mission to help our local food bank was a great success too! The food contributed by VBS children totaled over 100 pounds. Thank you everyone! Thank you to the many talented musicians who added wonderful music to our summer worship services. Nancy Althaus, Andy Baldauf, Connie Beall, Gia Cantwell, Ed Goff, Nancy Haynes, Renee Maxwell, Pastor Lisa Ruth Mays, Bea Mooney and Helen Rosa. We appreciate your musical talents! 65th Anniversary Blessings to Mr. and Mrs. Dick and Marilyn Wickham. The Wickham s were married on July 6, May God continue to bless your marriage. God Bless Art and Renee Maxwell who celebrated their 40 th wedding anniversary on August 12. May you continue to be blessed with love and happiness.

22 Nominating Committee Submitted by Tom Philion, chair The Session candidates have been announced. They are: Jeff Gearhart Carolyn Massey Bea Mooney Tom Philion Jeff Gearhart and Tom Philion were installed on August 20 th, Bea Mooney on August 27 th, and Carolyn Massey will be ordained & installed on September 10 th. Trustees and Deacons are still looking for one member each to serve for the term. If you know of anyone willing to serve please contact Tom Philion at (518) The ad hoc Pastor Nominating Committee has been established. Members are: Session Jeff Gearhart Trustees Sarah Philion Deacons Betty Bell At-Large Leslie McKeegan and Vicki Noble Alternate Joe Maxwell There is no Nominating Committee meeting scheduled at this time. Editor s note The Pastor Nominating Committee will be commissioned during worship on September 10. We invite everyone to worship each Sunday morning at 10:30 am. All are welcome to worship and fellowship! Special bulletins for the young and young at heart are available. Coloring Sheets are available for children and adults wishing to "Pray in Color"! Our services are held in the Sanctuary. All are welcome! Kandice and Adam Brenner were blessed with a son, Ethan Michael Brenner on July 28, Ethan is the first grandson of proud grandparents Diane and Rusty Maxwell. He is also welcomed by his aunts and uncle: Amanda and Jordan Palmer and Allison Maxwell. Congratulations on the newest addition to your family.

23 Correction! Rev. Hemant Tandi offered a power point presentation on August 6 on the Grace and Peace Mission to Orissa. The web address for the mission was incorrectly listed in the bulletin that day. The correct address is Anyone interested in joining our exciting new Christian Education program, please come to our start up meeting on September 6 at 5:30 p.m. in the library. When you have a sense of calling whether it s to be a musician, soloist, artist, in one of the technical fields or a plumber there is something deep and enriching when you realize it isn t just a casual choice; it s a divine calling. [That s] not limited to vocational Christian service, by any means. Charles R. Swindoll

24 September 1 Bruce Burr 2 Scott Clark Nancy Morley Janice Raitt 3 Gary Leahy Ava Sprague 4 Donna Burgin 6 Kevin Raber 9 Liz Arehart 13 Kenneth Soden 14 Bob Mackey 15 Carter Hilton 16 Diane Maxwell Patti Merwin 17 Geoff Rosa Jeffrey Smith 18 Joseph Maxwell 20 Elisa Bray David Kelly 21 Jacob Magyar 22 Robert Mable 23 Peter Gioffe 24 John Maxwell Rusty Maxwell Marin Kilmer 25 Madeline Borow Jaime Mills David Mooney 26 Erin (Mooney) Olsen Courtney Rosa Vincent Rosino 27 James Aitken Arthur Howard Jacqueline Maxwell Doug Pawlikowski 28 Allison G. Maxwell 29 Genevieve McKee Logan Nealis James Thomson October 1 - Bonnie Fleming Ella Hilton Anna Stoop 2 - Noah Oliver Tyler Gregory 3 - Tammy (Dibble) Retz 4 - Betsy Clark Don Fleming Delia Estramonti 5 - Anne Valentine Addison Hill 8 Angelica Lockerbie 9 Hannah O Leary Clarice Valentine 10- Charlotte Kelly 11 - Duane LaFever 12 - Marty Conklin 15 - Ethan Malcolm Ryan Malcolm Robert Pope 16 - Ryan Sullivan David Rosa William C. Perkins 17 - Sean Mooney William Bagley Melody Barrett 18 Lydia Malcolm 19 - Jerry Kilmer Anna Newbold 20 - Erica Cantwell 21 - Wes Warren Clara Stewart Bill Morley 22 - Esther Lee 24 - Jac Curley 25 - Harry Bell Alberta Anderson Etta Newbold Sara O Connell George Rippe Michael Roberts 26 Carolyn Kirby Darius Newbold 27 - Judy Bauer Marcia Bagley 28 - Gavin O Rourke- Soccorso Joan Ball Benjamin Althaus 29 - Erin (Kilmer) Austin 31 - Alex Malcolm Card Shower Let us help Madeline Borow celebrate her 94th Birthday on September 25 by sending her birthday wishes. Cards may be sent to: Mrs. Madeline Borow, Skywald Manor, 19 Sawmill Road, Delhi, NY If your birthday is missing from this list or you know of someone in the church family who has a birthday not shown here, please contact the church office. Thank You!

25 CHURCH BOARDS September 6 6:30 p.m. Session 20 6:30 p.m. Trustees October 1 9:30 a.m. - Deacons 4 6:30 p.m. Session 18 6:30 p.m. Trustees September 3 Joan & Jerry Maxwell 10 Janet Maxwell Jerry & Joan Maxwell September Deacons Flower Responsibility & Hospital Visitation: Betty Bell and Donna Burgin October 1 The Family of Evelyn Dickson 8 Susan & Jeff Gearhart 15 Betty & Harry Bell 22 Sullivan & Thomson Families 29 October Deacons Flower Responsibility & Hospital Visitation: Joe Cantwell Newsletter articles are due in the office by Monday, October 23, 2017 in order to be placed in the November - December Courier. LITURGISTS September 3 Ed Goff 10 Barb Thompson 17 Carolyn Massey 24 Linda Malcolm October 1 Pastor Lisa 8 Bea Mooney 15 Bruce Burr 22 Sarah Philion 29 Al Perkins Anyone wishing to participate in the Worship Service as Liturgist should contact the church office. COFFEE HOUR September 3 Summer Schedule 10 Tailgate Fellowship 17 Barb & Ron Geywits, Anne Valentine 24 Nancy Lee, Barb Thompson October 1 Mission Committee 8 Helen Rosa & Margie Hume 15 Volunteers Needed 22 Volunteers Needed 29 Membership Committee OFFICE Notes If you have an item or announcement to be placed in the Church Life section of the bulletin, it must be in the office by 9:00 on Thursday morning. The office will be closed on Monday, September 4, 2017 in observance of Labor Day. The office will be closed on Monday, October 9, 2016 in observance of Columbus Day.

26 The Kirk Thrift Shoppe Thank you everyone for all the wonderful donations. We are truly blessed to have such caring and generous church and community members. Many thanks also to all the volunteers who continue to make this all possible! It is a lot of work but it is a lot of fun and it has been a joy to work with such dedicated people. Please join us- Nancy Thomson nsgthom@gmail.com if you wish to volunteer. The months of September and October we will start with Back-to-School and lighter fall clothes. We will still have some summer clothes out for the whole family until the weather turns colder- hopefully not for a long while! We hope to have the beautiful quilt that Polly DellaCrosse and Bonnie Fleming made for the Office of the Aging raffle for display in the shoppe (when it is available and not at a fair or festival) before the Delhi Harvest Fest on Saturday, September 23 rd and offer tickets for sale. There are pictures of it on the hallway walls outside The Kirk Shoppe but pictures don t do it justice! It is beautiful! Please keep those donations coming inyou may leave them under the hallway table outside the Thrift Shoppe or in the upstairs hallway outside the church officethere are three bins there. We could really use clear plastic zipper bagsmedium size, large paper shopping bags with handles and large plastic bins for storage. Many thanks to all! On Sunday October 1, 2017 we will be recognizing the volunteers who have given of their time and talents to make the Kirk a wonderful success. Please join us in the celebration including a special coffee hour to follow church. The Mission committee will be sponsoring a soup luncheon on September 30th from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM to celebrate the one year anniversary of the Kirk. The luncheon will be a free will donation. It will include soup, bread and cupcakes. Look for signup sheets to help with this event or to donate food.

27 SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS Sunday School begins September 10 at 9:30 am with a brand new exciting curriculum! Join us and bring your friends for this awesome faith building experience.

28 September 2017 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday September Mission Emphasis Peace and Justice Offering 10 Commissioning the PNC FAMILY SUNDAY Otis Spunkmeyer Cookie Sale Begins 9:30 am Confirmation Meeting 9:30 am Sunday School 10:00 am VBS Children Gather in Sanctuary 10:00 am Choir Gathers 10:30 am Worship 11:30 am Tailgate Fellowship Lunch 17 9:30 am Sunday School 10:00 am Choir Gathers 10:30 am Worship with Communion 11:30 am Coffee Hour 24 9:30 am Sunday School 10:00 am Choir Gathers 10:30 am Worship 11:30 am Coffee Hour 11:40 am Mission Committee Meeting Hurricane Relief 11 10:00 am Monday Morning Bridge 11:00 am Delaware County Senior Council 11:00 am Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals 18 11:00 am Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals 7:00 pm Boy Scout Committee Meeting 25 10:00 am Monday Morning Bridge 11:00 am Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals 7:00 pm MWS meeting 12 11:00 am Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals 3:00 pm Sewing Fellowship 5:30 pm Weight Watchers 19 11:00 am Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals 5:30 pm Weight Watchers 6:00 pm Crafters Club for Bazaar at the home of Betty Bell 26 11:00 am Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals 3:00 pm Sewing Fellowship 5:30 pm Weight Watchers 6 7:30 am SPARKS at Crossroads Cafe 11:00 am Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals 5:30 pm Christian Education Meeting in the Library 5:45 pm Choir Rehearsal 6:30 pm Session Meeting 13 7:30 am SPARKS at Crossroads Cafe 11:00 am Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals 5:30 pm Girl Scout Meeting (CR & New Narthex) 5:45 pm Choir Rehearsal 20 7:30 am SPARKS at Crossroads Cafe 11:00 am Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals 4:30 pm A Pealing Sound Bell Rehearsal 5:45 pm Choir Rehearsal 6:30 pm Trustees Meeting 27 7:30 am SPARKS at Crossroads Cafe 11:00 am Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals 12:00 pm Delhi Clergy Association 4:30 pm A Pealing Sound Bell Rehearsal 5:45 pm Choir Rehearsal 7 11:00 am Delaware Opportunitie s Senior Meals 6:00 pm PNC Meeting 14 11:00 am Delaware Opportunitie s Senior Meals 21 4:00 pm Delaware Senior Meals 7:00 pm Taize Prayer Service at St. John's Episcopal Church 8 9:00 am Kirk Thrift Shoppe Open 10:00 am Yoga - "Gentle" Yoga 11:00 am Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals 15 9:00 am Kirk Thrift Shoppe Open 10:00 am Yoga - "Gentle" Yoga 11:00 am Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals 22 9:00 am Kirk Thrift Shoppe Open Opportunities 10:00 am Yoga - "Gentle" Yoga 11:00 am Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals 28 11:00 am Delaware 29 9:00 am Kirk Thrift Shoppe Open Opportunitie s Senior Meals 10:00 am Yoga - "Gentle" Yoga 11:00 am Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals 9 9:00 am Kirk Thrift Shoppe Open 16 9:00 am Kirk Thrift Shoppe Open 23 9:00 am Kirk Thrift Shoppe Open 9:30 am Gravestone Cleaning Workshop 30 SUNY Delhi Community Service Weekend 9:00 am Kirk Thrift Shoppe Open 11:00 am Kirk Anniversary Soup Luncheon

29 1 SUNY Delhi Community Service Weekend 9:30 am Deacons Meeting in the Library 9:30 am Sunday School 10:00 am Choir Gathers 10:30 am Worship with Communion- Joint service with UM at FPC 11:30 am Coffee Hour honoring Kirk Volunteers 1:00 pm Out of the Darkness Walk Registration 8 9:30 am Sunday School 10:00 am Choir Gathers 10:30 am Worship 11:30 am Coffee Hour 15 9:30 am Sunday School 10:00 am Choir Gathers 10:30 am Worship 11:30 am Coffee Hour 1:30 pm CROP walk Registration 2:00 pm CROP WALK 22 9:30 am Sunday School 10:00 am Choir Gathers 10:30 am Worship 11:30 am Coffee Hour October 2017 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday :30 am SPARKS at 9:00 am Kirk Thrift Shoppe Open 11:00 am Delaware 5:30 pm Weight Watchers Crossroads Cafe County Senior 6:00 pm Crafters Club for 10:00 am Yoga - "Gentle" Yoga Council?? Bazaar at the 29 Bazaar set up 9:30 am Sunday School 10:00 am Choir Gathers 10:30 am Worship with long time member recognition 11:30 am Coffee Hour home of Betty Bell 9 Columbus Day 10 Otis Spunkmeyer Cookie Sale 10:00 am Monday ends Morning Bridge 16 7:00 pm Boy Scout Committee Meeting 23 NEWSLETTER DEADLINE 10:00 am Monday Morning Bridge 7:00 pm MWS meeting 30 Bazaar set up 3:00 pm Sewing Fellowship 5:30 pm Weight Watchers 17 5:30 pm Weight Watchers 6:00 pm Crafters Club for Bazaar at the home of Betty Bell 24 3:00 pm Sewing Fellowship 5:30 pm Weight Watchers 31 Bazaar set up Halloween 5:30 pm Weight Watchers 6:00 pm Crafters Club for Bazaar at the home of Betty Bell 4:30 pm A Pealing Sound Bell Rehearsal 5:45 pm Choir Rehearsal 6:30 pm Session Meeting 11 7:30 am SPARKS at Crossroads Cafe 4:30 pm A Pealing Sound Bell Rehearsal 5:45 pm Choir Rehearsal 18 7:30 am SPARKS at Crossroads Cafe 4:30 pm A Pealing Sound Bell Rehearsal 5:45 pm Choir Rehearsal 6:30 pm Trustees Meeting 25 7:30 am SPARKS at Crossroads Cafe 12:00 pm Delhi Clergy Association 4:30 pm A Pealing Sound Bell Rehearsal 5:45 pm Choir Rehearsal 1 Bazaar set up All Saints' Day 7:30 am SPARKS at Crossroads Cafe 4:30 pm A Pealing Sound Bell Rehearsal 5:45 pm Choir Rehearsal 6:30 pm Session Meeting :00 pm Taize Prayer Service at Immanuel Lutheran Church 26 2 Bazaar set up 13 9:00 am Kirk Thrift Shoppe Open 10:00 am Yoga - "Gentle" Yoga 20 9:00 am Kirk Thrift Shoppe Open 10:00 am Yoga - "Gentle" Yoga 27 9:00 am Kirk Thrift Shoppe Open 10:00 am Yoga - "Gentle" Yoga 3 Bazaar set up 9:00 am Kirk Thrift Shoppe Open 10:00 am Yoga - "Gentle" Yoga 9:00 am Kirk Thrift Shoppe Open 14 9:00 am Kirk Thrift Shoppe Open 21 9:00 am Kirk Thrift Shoppe Open 28 9:00 am Kirk Thrift Shoppe Open 4 BAZAAR! 9:00 am Kirk Thrift Shoppe Open