First Presbyterian Church

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1 The White Spire First Presbyterian Church Lowville, NY 1 A Note from Pastor Laurie: Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes It will likely come as no surprise that change has been on my mind a great deal of late! As a child of the 0 s I keep hearing the chorus to the David Bowie song, Changes in my head every time I think of the word, and the experiences of change I have been going through. For all the times that I heard it, I never realized the profound implications of the chorus (which is honestly the only thing I remember about the song.) In the song, the word changes is drawn out, ch, ch, ch, changes, as if it is spoken with the stutter of fear, lament, or anxiety, naming what we feel when we experience change of any variety. It is a well talked about truth, that most (all?) of us hate change, or at least certain types of change. I remember when they changed the layout of Shop Rite, (the store I used to shop at); the whole community spent countless hours expressing their frustration and dissatisfaction. No one could find anything, or see the logic of the milk being relocated to a second room in the back of the store! All that is to say, there is great truth in the quote, the only thing constant, is change! Ironically when you look up the quote, it changes every time, as is attributed to many different people! Likely the phrase has been repeated so often by a variety of people who have experienced deep and consistent change. In any case, you would think, with all the experiences of change in our lives that we would become more adept at it than we sometimes are. We struggle with change! Even if you didn t experience the change of your last child going off to college this fall, I know you have been experiencing change in your life. 1 In this Issue... Pastor s Note Sept. Preaching Worship, Education, Fellowship Mtg. 2 Backpack Blessing Choir Fellowship Dinner Lyons Falls Worship Adult Ed Classes Presbyterian Women Prayers Vacation Office Closure Thank You Congratulations Session Notes 5 Mission News 5 VBS 6 Death Café Flat Jesus Travels Memory Joggers Summer Photos 8 Sept. Calendar 9

2 Relationships change, circumstances change, our bodies ability to do things change. In our congregation, there have been many who have been experiencing dramatic changes over the past few months; and many more who have had changes in their lives over the past few years. Whether it is the loss of someone dear, (a very hard change to experience), or retirement, moving, or a new job, (which can be more positive changes), change is hard! Where do you find strength and help, courage and hope in the midst of change? We need all those things! As I have been experiencing changes in my own life, I have appreciated the wisdom I have found in The Book of Joy, a book I received as a gift before arriving in Lowville, and one of the books our book study group has been reading this summer. I have enjoyed the wisdom of the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, what a gift to read this book exactly when I needed its insights! I have also found encouragement in remembering the many stories in the Bible about change. This fall, we will explore several stories of change, and it is my hope that we all might find some wisdom to help us as we live in an ever changing world. May God bless and sustain us in whatever time of change you are experiencing. -Pastor Laurie September Preaching Plans September with its many changes, including the anticipation of the changing weather and the soon to change leaves, is the perfect time to explore the changing circumstances of Abraham, who is sent on an incredible journey; and Joseph, the famous dreamer of dreams. As I have been mindful of the changes in the lives of so many in our congregation (myself included), I thought it would be helpful to begin the month with a worship service that focuses on change, including a litany that offers an opportunity to name the changes we have experienced. I hope you can join us for worship this month as we explore these dramatic stories of change. September 2 Changes, Genesis 12:1-9 (Blessing of the Backpacks and Flat Jesus Awards) September 9 Tracey Koss will be leading worship September 16 Steve Vance will be leading worship September 2 Dreams and Dreamers: Dangerous Dreams, Genesis :1-5 (Join us after worship for a fellowship meal and the Dreamworks Movie: Joseph: King of Dreams) September 0 Dreams and Dreamers: Interpretation, Genesis 0:1-2 Worship, Education and Fellowship Planning Meeting Our next Worship, Education and Fellowship planning meeting will take place on Sunday, September 2 nd after worship. We will begin to discuss Fall worship plans, including hymns and songs, artistic elements, and other ways to enhance the message. We will also discuss upcoming fellowship events and education plans. Upcoming Worship Series include, a series on Joseph entitled Dreams and Dreamers; a Stewardship series, It s a Wonderful Church; drawing inspiration from the classic movie, It s a Wonderful Life; and an Advent series on Angels, entitled Messengers and Messages. 2

3 Blessing of the Back Packs and Flat Jesus Awards As summer comes to an end, join us at worship on Sunday, September 2, as we bless the backpacks, teachers and students as the school year begins. Children are encouraged to bring their backpacks or school bags to worship! We will also distribute the Flat Jesus awards and view the compete slide show of all that Flat Jesus learned this summer at the end of worship. Don t miss this end of summer celebration. Choir News The new year will begin with a p.m. Wednesday, September 5 rehearsal for men that would like to sing the next Sunday, September 9. Regular choir practice will begin on September 16 prior to the worship service at 8:5 a.m. Any questions, please contact Leon at Leon Austin, Director of Music Fellowship Dinner Everyone is invited to our September 2 fellowship dinner (Indoor Picnic!). Please bring a dish to pass. Hot dogs, rolls, and beverage will be provided. Outdoor Worship and Picnic at Lyons Falls On Sunday, August 26th, we joined the Presbyterian Churches in Lyons Falls, Forestport, and Boonville for an outdoor worship service at the Riverside Park. A strong storm swept through Lowville early that morning, but when worship began, the skies were clear...and it was very chilly in the pavilion! The four pastors, Pastor Elizabeth, Pastor Aggie, Pastor Mike and Pastor Laurie led worship. Mike offered a wonderful message about being neighbors (and included many Mr. Rogers references!) to the 50 or so attendees. The offering was divided among the four churches and each donated $8.50 to their local Food Pantry. After worship and communion, we shared a meal and played some games. The pie eating contest turned into a showdown with two young boys and the four pastors. Of course our own Pastor Laurie was the champion pie eater, and Cindy Young submitted a great picture from the scavenger hunt which included 15 items found in nature. Learning Together: Fall Adult Education Classes This fall, there will be several opportunities to learn together. A Bible Study class on the book of Acts will be offered on Tuesdays from 2:00-:0p.m., using the book, Intrusive God, Disruptive Gospel: Encountering the Divine in the Book of Acts, by Matthew Skinner. Acts is a book filled with adventure stories, which captures the struggle of the early church in the days after Jesus death and resurrection. In Acts, we learn about the ways that the church adapts and expands to become more inclusive. Acts has much to teach the church in any age. Join us for this exciting exploration of the book of Acts. In addition to the Bible Study, a Theology/Spirituality class will be offered on Wednesday evenings from 6:00-:0p.m. We will use the book, The Divine Dance: The Trinity and Your Transformation by Richard Rohr. This approachable book offers an insightful picture of the relational nature of God. In a time of extreme divisiveness, the Trinity, can provide a vision for what the church and world can become. Join us for this deep look at the complexity of God, and discover how a deeper understanding of the Trinity can impact all our relationships in profound ways. Classes will start in late September. Sign up in the office or on the clipboard in the sanctuary for any of these classes, so that we can make sure we have enough books for everyone. This summer the Presbyterian Women s Bible Study continued to learn together through a book study group. We plan to continue the book study on Tuesdays from 10:00-11:00 a.m. twice a month. Our next two books will explore the lives of Mr. Rogers and C.S. Lewis. Presbyterian Women s Retreat Vanderkamp Center September All women of the church are invited to attend this annual overnight retreat held at the camp, on the north side of Oneida Lake. To register, please contact Phyllis Rohr. For car pooling arrive at the church parking lot to depart for camp.

4 Congratulations Please pray for: Michelle Blair, J an Cook, Karen Jones, Jennie Kelly, Angie Widrick, Jane & George Haldow, Jean & Dave Puddington, Esther Feldmann (Rochester) Lewis County Nursing Home: Mary Rhode #1, Marian Holliday #111 New Daughter/ Granddaughter Congratulations to Caleb and Sloane Schweitzer on the birth of their daughter, McKinley Sierra Schweitzer on August 1. (And to proud Grandma, Roberta Zehr!) New Great Grandchild A new great grandson was born on August 5 to Jan Cook by granddaughter Maia Swasey and her husband Cody Robenski. He is named Elijah James Robenski. Best wishes to all on this new beginning! Pastor s Vacation Pastor Laurie will enjoy a vacation from September through September 1. If you have a need please contact elders Kelly Clark at or Jim Schlieder at Tracey Koss will lead worship on September 9 and Steve Vance will lead worship on September 16. Office Closure On September 12th, our church secretary, Jennie Kelly will be undergoing hip surgery. Please keep Jennie in your prayers and be aware that the office will be closed from September 12th until Pastor Laurie returns from vacation on September 18th. Brett Golas & Rachael Waite Brett Golas and Rachael Waite were married July 28 at the Hayloft at Moonshine Farms, Port Leyden with Rev. Ed Steckly officiating. Thanks Corner Special thanks to: Nat Virkler for all his fantastic work around the church property this summer: trimming the shrubs, edging the sidewalks and grading the parking lot. Thank you very much!! All who donated cans and bottles to help fund the Delaware Mission Trip of Courtney Terry. Tracey Koss for leading worship and Sylvia Virkler for playing the piano on July 29 and August 19. Our Fair Parade helpers: the Weiler family, the Aucter family, Pat Blonk and Pastor Laurie. Our Summer worship participants: Jan Cook, Steve Vance, Rolly Meeks, Holly Aucter, Tracey Koss and Linda Grimes. Bryant Vance & Hannah Juliano Steve and Joanne Vance are happy to share the news that their son, Bryant Charles and Hannah Elizabeth Juliano were married in San Clemente, CA on August 25, Bryant is a graduate of Messiah College while Hannah attended Berkelee School of Music. Both are vocalists as Bryant is the bass for Rockapella, and Hannah is a lead vocalist for The Silver Arrow Band. Hannah is also an independent music arranger. Together they will produce the second national tour of Vocalosity, an a cappella musical, in September They reside in Jersey City, NJ. All our VBS volunteers and youth who had a great week learning about Jesus. Our August 2 Stone Soup Crew of Rolly Meeks, Kay Laribee, Steve Ropel, Betty Woods, Phyllis Rohr, Eric Virkler, Pastor Laurie and Donna Diller. Rodney Rubar for using his winnings from the Lowville Farmer s Coop to give a generous gift of equipment to help clean up the church grounds. Presbyterian Church, I d like to thank you for the graduation gift you gave

5 Session Notes The following notes were taken from the regular session meeting of August 1. Financial Report: the Financial Report in the new Profit & Loss format which showed figures from January through July was presented. Work is going well with our new Accountant, Wendy Hoskins of North Country Tax & Records. Approved wedding request for a 2 p.m. October 1 for Alan Koss and Terry Bertany at church. Study Leave Change: Pastor Laurie attending study leave October 1-5, instead of October Structure/Finance/Personnel: This committee continues to work on the church s financial procedures and they are also continuing to work on the employee reviews. Worship/Education/Fellowship: Pastor Laurie reported that Vacation Bible School was a great success. There were 0 children in attendance and 1 FPC children joined the fun. Approved to have Jenna Weiler as a nursery care provider. A discussion and motion was made to establish a policy that we make every effort to have two nursery care providers available each week was made to insure safety. Mission and Outreach: the church has been asked to assist with the Office of Aging in collecting shelf stable food items for them The committee will work on this. The church has received a letter from the estate of Rosalee Boissy for a $5,000 donation. The Death Café was discussed and plans are being developed to hold the café in October. Discussion on ordering signs for church parking lot was held. 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 COME SEE US 0 N. State Street Lowville, NY 16 CALL US US officepreslow@gmail.com VISIT US ONLINE Mission Committee News Stone Soup Dinner The next dinner will be held on Thursday, September 20 at 5 p.m. Please look for the sign up sheet to volunteer to provide food and to help with the dinner. The menu is Sloppy Joes, coleslaw and applesauce. Office for the Aging Food List The Mission Committee is asking us to help the Office for the Aging as they collect stable food items to be used in the event that they are unable to deliver meals to participants due to winter storms. Please bring your items to church and leave on the steps in the sanctuary October and 1. Needed items are: Tuna or salmon pouches Peanut butter Canned fruit in 100% juice Whole grain dry pasta Stay in Touch canned chicken dry milk dried fruit, no sugar brown rice Tomato sauce (low sodium) plain oatmeal Dried beans, peas, lentils Canned vegetables (low sodium, no salt) Canned beans (lentils, kidney, white beans, low sodium, no salt preferred) Ensure/Boost/Glucerna Unsweetened applesauce Whole wheat/grain crackers Whole grain, low sugar cereal (plain Cheerios, Chex, Kix, bran flakes, etc.) 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

6 What an amazing week we had at Shipwrecked VBS! There were 2 kids who joined us throughout the week. Jonah and Kelsey Aucter; Sunsetta Cavanaugh-Drapper; Kyleigh Jones; Harrison, Cole and William Salce; Jack and Lydia Stevens; Josh and Jordyn Weiler; Charley and Josie Vance from FPC were able to join us for the fun and sixth grader, Jenna Weiler attended as a helper this year! Each day at Bible School we met a different Bible buddy and learned a Bible point that was easy to remember. On Monday, Hope the Jaguar taught us that, "when we're lonely...jesus rescues;" and we heard a Bible story about lost things from Luke 15. On Tuesday, Beacon the Toucan taught us, "when we worry...jesus rescues;" and we heard a story about Martha, one of Jesus' friends who worried. On Wednesday, we met Rae the Manta Ray and learned that, "when we're in trouble...jesus rescues." We heard a Bible story about Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. On Thursday, our Bible buddy was Guac the Iguana, who taught us, "when we do wrong, Jesus rescues;" and we listened to the story of Jesus on the cross. On Friday, we met Moe the Sloth who taught us, "when we're powerless...jesus rescues." Our final story was when John and Peter healed a man who couldn't walk. Some of our favorite songs for the week included, "My Lighthouse," and "Won't Worry bout a Thing." Thanks to everyone from Lowville United Methodist, Trinity Episcopal and our church who helped to make it an amazing week! Our helpers this year included: Kelly Adsit, Holly and Joe Aucter, Casey Salce, Jenna Weiler, Cindy Young, Jessica Vance and Pastor Laurie. And an extra special thanks to our Stone Soup sandwich crew (and all who donated food) for the surprise picnic after VBS which fed a lot of hungry helpers, kids and families! 6

7 Death Café Some time ago, I heard about churches and hospice groups offering an opportunity to talk about one of the topics we least like to talk about...death! Talking about death is hard! The Death Café concept was formed with a hope to make it less hard to talk about and think about death with the support of others. In my time in ministry, I have walked beside many families as they have experienced death, and I have learned about death from friends at hospice...and I have discovered that I have so much more to learn! On Monday, October 15th at 6:0pm, I hope you will join me for the first in a series called Death Café. The evening will include refreshments, offer some practical ideas and a space to talk together, in the hope that we can help one another through these difficult conversations. To help us get ready for our conversation, we will show the Pixar movie, Coco after church on Sunday October 1th. Peace & Global Witness Offering On Sunday, October we will receive the Peace and Global Witness Offering. We join other Presbyterians as active peacemakers, enabling the church to promote the peace of Christ by addressing systems of injustice in our communities and across the world. 25% will stay in our congregation, 25% will join congregations in our area and 50% will support work being done by Presbyterians across the globe. Synopsis of the Summer Travels of Flat Jesus 2018 Whew! What a busy summer! It seems that once again it has flown by! It also seems that once again Flat Jesus has been on the go this year he has traveled to 15 different states, two countries (US and Canada) and all the way to Europe! We received 169 pictures of Flat Jesus participating in an incredible variety of activities. He has learned so much this summer. Flat Jesus has been taught about modern carpentry, modern boating, gardening, sightseeing, flying on an airplane, bowling, cattle judging and taking road trips. He has been spotted at golf courses, dive-in movie theaters, the beach, Beaver Camp, a PW meeting, Stone Soup and VBS. He even learned to ride a bull, play card games and bake muffins. He travelled far and wide visiting relatives and friends and vacationing. Flat Jesus even went to the doctor (a couple of times!) He particularly loved returning to his roots and spending time and teaching the little children in Sunday school. Many thanks to all who sent in photos this year! What a blessing to be able to be reminded that Jesus (flat, D or spiritual) is truly with us wherever we go. Special note of thanks to our esteemed AV guru Rolly for his unending efforts in putting the slideshows together. We couldn t do it without you! Where will Flat Jesus go next summer? -Holly Aucter Remember: Our Flat Jesus aw ards and the complete slide show will be presented after worship on September 2nd. Memory Joggers for September Date Ushers Cash Up Prayers Communion/Meetings 9/2/2018 Bonnie & Carole T Koss S Vance *K Clark, S Vance, R Meeks & C Dunbar 9/9/2018 Weiler family K Jones J Cook 11:15 am Prayer & Care Team Meeting 9/16/2018 Heidi & Eric C Dunbar L Grimes 9/18/ pm Session Meeting 9/2/2018 Rodney, Mark & Linda K Clark M McDowell 11:15 am Stone Soup Meeting 9/0/2018 Heidi & Eric A Bingle H Aucter * Indicates elder in charge

8 Pictures of some of our Summer Celebrations... Showdown at the Baa Baa Corral by our Sunday school children on June 1 Special Celebration of the 60th Wedding Anniversary of Dick and Lind Grimes, June 2 Thanking Heather Adsit for her years of childcare in our nursery Miss Cindy and her kids Our Crazy Hat Day winners on June 1,

9 2 September 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday COMMUNION CELEBRATED Flat Jesus prizes awarded 10:00 AM Worship 11:00 AM Coffee Hour/fellowship hall 11:15 AM Worship Committee Meeting/ Fellowship hall 9 10:00 AM Worship with Tracey Koss leading worship 11:00 AM Coffee Hour/fellowship hall 11:0 AM Prayer & Care Ministry Meeting/fellowship hall 16 8:5 AM Choir Practice 10:00 AM Worship with Steven Vance leading worship 11:00 AM Coffee Hour/fellowship hall 2 First Day of Autumn 8:5 AM Choir Practice 10:00 AM Worship 11:0 AM Fellowship Meal /fellowship hall 12:00 PM Movie: Joseph: King of Dreams 0 8:5 AM Choir Practice 10:00 AM Worship 11:00 AM Coffee Hour/fellowship hall 11:0 AM Stone Soup Meeting Church Office Closed Labor Day 10 8:0 AM Office Open/AH 8:5 AM Knitting Group/AH 1 8:5 AM Knitting Group/AH 2 8:5 AM Knitting Group/AH 12:00 PM Office Open 8:0 AM Office Open/AH :00 PM Tai Chi/church 11 PW Retreat at Vanderkamp 8:0 AM Office Open/AH :00 PM Tai Chi/church 18 9:0 AM Office Open/AH 2:00 PM Bible Study/Andover House :00 PM Tai Chi/church 6:00 PM Session/AH 25 9:0 AM Office Open/AH 10:00 AM Book Study/AH 2:00 PM Bible Study/Andover House :00 PM Tai Chi/church 5:00 PM Utica Presbytery meeting/ Three Steeples, Paris 5 8:0 AM Office Open/AH 10:00 AM Tai Chi/church :00 PM Meditation Group/ AH 12 PW Retreat at Vanderkamp 10:00 AM Tai Chi/church 19 9:0 AM Office Open/AH 10:00 AM Tai Chi/church 6:00 PM Theology Class 26 9:0 AM Office Open/AH 10:00 AM Tai Chi/church 6:00 PM Theology Class 6 8:0 AM Office Open/AH 5:00 PM Stone Soup/LUMC 1 :0 PM Stone Soup/ Trinity Church 20 9:0 AM Office Open/AH 5:00 PM Stone Soup /fellowship hall 2 9:0 AM Office Open/AH :0 PM Stone Soup/ Assembly of God Pastor Laurie on vacation 8:0 AM Office Open/AH 1 Pastor Laurie on vacation 1 8 Pastor Laurie on vacation Pastor Laurie on vacation 9