Now... there is a point to this mini theological treatise.

Transcription

1 WESTERN SPIRE May 2016 Clap your hands, all you peoples; shout to God with loud songs of joy. (Ps 47:1) Are you familiar with the term Frozen Chosen? If not, let me explain --- It s a term that s been applied to your sister and brother Presbyterians on occasion. If you re a lifelong Presby, you may understand the Chosen part. Presbyterians are part of the Reformed Tradition, which has claimed election as one of its doctrines. In days past, that doctrine claimed that God had elected (chosen) certain people for salvation before the beginning of human history. Today, our interpretation of election is more along the lines of elected to service a sense of calling, rather than a free pass to eternity or a sense of superiority. There are many scriptural bases for election, but perhaps the most commonly quoted is Ephesians 1:4, He chose [elected] us in Christ before the foundation of the world... Of course, the over-arching doctrine of Reformed theology is the Sovereignty of God, which reminds us that God alone will determine who are the elect...they could be everyone or noone, and we are presumptuous to place any human limits on whom God elects or calls or choses. Now... there is a point to this mini theological treatise. Let s move on to the word Frozen. Have you ever attended a Pentecostal worship service? Did your hands feel frozen to your side as those around you raised their arms in praise? Well then, you were a prime example of the Frozen Chosen! I ve certainly felt like one... when I was caught in the midst of the 1970 s Episcopal charismatic movement. But people change, and denominations change, and congregations change. I ve changed, and I ve seen congregations change... and I ve seen them actually enjoy doing so. When the choir sings something truly stirring, or the postlude rocks the building, or when one of our young people plays an instrument they ve practiced diligently, or when someone tells about an inspiring experience -- I can no longer hold it in! You ve heard me... I say Amen! I haven t shouted it, here at WPC, because the culture here is still pretty quiet. But... from now on, watch out! If I feel like shouting an Amen, I may shout it. If I feel like a Hallelujah, or clapping, I might just do it. And I ll encourage you to test the waters and express yourselves as well. In the Old and New Testaments and through the ages, the people of God expressed prayer through actions as well as speech and song. So in worship today it is appropriate a. to kneel, to bow, to stand, to lift hands in prayer, b. to dance, to clap, to embrace in joy and praise (W Enacted Prayer, Book of Order) Because, you know what, our Book of Order has encouraged these biblical responses and ways of worshipping God, but we haven t taken it seriously for most of our denomination s history. And it has cost us. People who don t want to feel their arms frozen to their sides, or to feel restricted in praise, often avoid staid mainline churches. It doesn t mean that everyone must change. But a little more enacted prayer might enliven worship, spread a little joy, add to the richness and variety of spiritual response and add to our hospitality as well. Perhaps you ll occasionally silently catch your breath, and on another occasion, you ll tap your foot, and on yet another, you ll stand up and clap. Praise for our wonderful, loving, extravagant, surprising, creative God isn t any more limited than our God is. God loves you for who you are and accepts your genuine worship response! Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous. Sing to the Lord a new song; Praise befits the upright. play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts. (Ps 33:1,3) Soli deo gloria! Pastor Robin

2 Preaching and Worship May 2016 May 1, 2016 Sixth Sunday of Easter Reader: Carol Sloan Ushers: Sandy & Jerry Kelly Toddler Room: Logan & Kelly Babcock May 8, 2016 Seventh Sunday of Easter Communion Sunday Mother s Day Cereal Sunday Reader: Sandy Kelly Ushers: Sandy & Jerry Kelly Toddler Room: Edie Chapman Communion Elders: Sharon Marr, Rena Haigh, and Steve Kennard May 15, 2016 Pentecost Sunday Grade 2 Bibles Confirmation Sunday Reader: Lynn Malboeuf Toddler Room: Carol & Andy Sloan Ushers: Sandy & Jerry Kelly May 22, 2016 Youth Led Service Grade 2 Bibles Last Day of Sunday School Church Picnic Reader: Janet Manktelow Toddler Room: Katie Mitchell Ushers: Sandy & Jerry Kelly May 29, 2016 Second Sunday after Pentecost Casual Sunday Reader: Sandy McMenamin Toddler Room: Sue Leonard Ushers: Sandy & Jerry Kelly The Worship Committee is seeking volunteers for ushers for the summer months and beyond. If you can help, please see or call Sharon Marr at We appreciate your willingness to help. The Worship Team would like to continue the practice of Casual Dress Sundays. During any month that has a 5 th Sunday, we ask that you wear casual clothes on that day. May 29 th is a 5 th Sunday, so please be comfortable in your casual attire that day. Thank you. 2

3 Deadline for the next SPIRE is Tuesday, May 17, Thank you! WPC Members and friends, Thank you for the kind thoughts, best wishes and prayers. Your cards and comments brightened some long days. I thank you all so much. Gary Haigh To everyone at Western Presbyterian Church: Thank you so much for all of the cards and food after the passing of my mother. Thank you to those who came to the calling hours and the memorial service. I was overwhelmed by your kindness, prayers and concern. Western Presbyterian Church truly is a wonderful place! Kathy Barr I want to express my sincere thanks for the many acts of kindness shown to me over the past six months. Each card and note, each phone call, personal visit and gift was much appreciated. They have all helped the long hours to pass. Your generosity and caring are truly heartwarming. Gratefully, Doris Coffman Do you have a young person in your family graduating from high school, college, or grad school this year? If so, please let the office know their name, their school, and their degree (if applicable). We d like to honor these young adults on June 5th by listing their accomplishments in the bulletin. 3

4 Who s ready to gear up and dig into a one-of-a-kind SPELUNKING adventure???? Cave Quest Vacation Bible School ROCKS! Literally! This over-the-top underground adventure will ground kids and adults in the rock-solid foundation of God s love; a love that takes us through life s dark times. Cave Quest will guide kids most important discoveries from God s Word in exciting Deep Bible Quests. Imagination Station will ignite kids creativity. Spelunker Sports & Games are full of meaningful, energy-packed fun. We ll meet kids who shine for Jesus the light of the world in KidVid Cinema and everyday we ll stop by Cavern Café for tasty, kidapproved subterranean snacks. So, save this date for a SUPER DUPER SPELUNKING adventure: August 1 st -5 th 9:00-11:30 am New Camper Open House at Camp Whitman is on May 14, 2016 from 2-4 pm. Join us for a short presentation about camp, a tour of the cabins, and activity areas and a question and answer session. Meet our camp coordinators and director. Join us on Memorial Day Weekend at Camp Whitman for family, church and youth group camping on May 27-30, Cabins are available to rent Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. 4 Person-Cabins are $35 a night. Staff Cottages with bathrooms are $60 a night. FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER: Call: camp@campwhitman.org 4

5 Notes from the Choir Loft Have you ever been moved by music? Are you not sure how to respond? Music should evoke, enhance and expand worshippers consciousness of the reality and grace of God. (PCUSA Book of Order, W ) We hope that we do that for you on a weekly basis. Any response you feel moved to express when we are done is appropriate. A simple Amen or Hallelujah is very fitting for some. Sometimes we all just hold our breath and let it out together. So, if the Spirit moves you, feel free to express it! Do you or does someone you know have a musical talent they would like to share with the church? We are always looking for people willing to share their gifts with the church over the summer (or any time for that matter). If you are interested in providing music for summer worship, please contact Heather Trapiss at HDTrapiss@rochester.rr.com before May 29 th. We would love to hear you this summer! The choir will have its last evening rehearsal on Thursday, May 5 th. We will be meeting at 9:20 on Sundays for the remainder of the choir season. 5

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7 NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER THURSDAY MAY 5, 2016 ONE NATION UNDER GOD ONE VOICE UNITED IN PRAYER TO BE HELD AT WESTERN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 101 EAST MAIN STREET PALMYRA, NY OUR SANCTUARY WILL BE OPEN FOR PERSONAL PRAYER 7 AM 6 PM. VESPERS SERVICE WILL BE AT 6 PM. ALL ARE WELCOME- COME AS YOU ARE. 7

8 NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER ONE NATION UNDER GOD, ONE VOICE UNITED IN PRAYER Today is the National Day of Prayer, and we welcome you to Western Presbyterian Church. Please pray for whatever or whoever is in your heart today. You may stay as long as you choose. If there is someone that you would like our deacons to pray for, please complete one of the white prayer cards found in each pew. You may place the card in the offering plates that are located at each sanctuary doorway. We invite you to worship with us each Sunday at 10AM. Eternal God, before you nations rise and fall; they grow strong or wither by your design. If we have turned from you, return us to your way, for without you we are a lost people. Show us there is no law or liberty apart from you. Give our leaders and decision makers at every level the courage to work for the good of the nation and the people they serve, putting aside selfish agendas. Help them to hear your voice. Please teach us peace so that we may plow up battlefields and pound weapons into building tools. Teach us to talk across old boundaries as brothers and sisters in your love. Talk sense to us so that we may wisely end every kind of prejudice and cruelty, which divides our human family. Help us to serve you as devoted people. Show us how to serve those in our communi- ties who are hungry, distressed and lonely. Help us to discern their needs and to take loving action for your glory. Prince of Peace, draw us together as one people who do your will, so that our land may be a light to other nations, leading the way to your promised kingdom which is coming among us. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 8

9 Spring Clean-up and Meet Larry Day! Come one, come all to our annual outdoor yard clean up! Get to know our very own Larry Sprague, sexton extraordinaire. We will meet at church on Saturday, May 21 from 8:00 till noon join us for any part of the morning you are available. Bring your own gloves and tools to use and share, marked with your name. Coffee, treats, and conversation will be available. We are so blessed by this wonderful facility this is a great opportunity to be good stewards of it. Many hands make light work! 9

10 Good Neighbor Fund The Good Neighbor Fund was started in 1989 by the area Clergy Council. This fund has provided help for hundreds of individuals and families in need since that time. Even though this fund has been endorsed and supported by the Clergy Council, for the most part it has been administered by the clergy and staff at Western Presbyterian Church. After Rev. Nancy s retirement, although the Clergy Council continued to support the idea of the Good Neighbor Fund, none of the council members were in a position to assume the responsibility. The Mission & Social Concerns Ministry Team at Western Presbyterian Church decided to take on the task. This team now acts as the governing board and our church secretary, Kathy Barr screens and organizes the requests for help. John Cook coordinates the interview process with a team. Macedon Baptist Church and the Reformed Church are both represented on the team of interviewers Cindy Platteter, Mary Jo Coleman, Lisa Premeslovsky, Calvin Bucknam, and Mary Ann Holden. This team brings a variety of experience that helps us all to grow and serve. Wilma Redman is the secretary/treasurer of the fund and WPC Treasurer, Eric Chapman is the auditor. Along with the distribution of money, we attempt to connect those who seek our help with other sources of aid and information. We cooperate with the funds administered by the St. Katharine Drexel Parish and the King s Daughter s to make sure all resources are used effectively. The Mission & Social Concerns Ministry Team is pleased to be able to keep this worthwhile mission operating for the good of our community. Since October 2015, when we restarted the Good Neighbor Fund we have helped 23 families and have received $16,746 in donations and grants. If you would like to contribute individually beyond the $3,000 allotted in the Mission & Social Concerns Ministry Team budget, you can make checks out to Western Presbyterian Church and note that it is for the Good Neighbor Fund. 10

11 SUMMARY OF INCOME AND EXPENSES Operating and Mission Funds March 1, 2016 Through March 31, 2016 INCOME AMOUNT Operating Pledges/Offerings $7, Per Capita $ Other Donations $ Income from Investments $0.00 TOTAL INCOME $7, EXPENSES Session Committees $2, Personnel $9, Mission $0.00 Per Capita $ TOTAL EXPENSES $12, NET INCOME (EXPENSES) ($4,293.00) 11

12 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. Many thanks! P.S. Snack is in the closet. Let Jody know when we need more. Thanks again for your help. 05/01/16 Logan & Kelly Babcock /08/16 Edie Chapman /15/16 Carol & Andy Sloan /22/16 Katie Mitchell /29/16 Sue Leonard /05/16 Rena Haigh /12/16 Maxine & Kelly Babcock /19/16 Sue Pringle /26/16 Carol & Andy Sloan /03/16 Irene Fadden /10/16 Ruth Dantz /17/16 Jody Pruitt /24/16 Nancy Talma *If anyone or anyone you know is interested in joining the team in providing infant and toddler care during the 10:00am service please contact Jody Pruitt, we would love to have you! Jody Pruitt

13 HAPPY BIRTHDAY HAPPY ANNIVERSARY May 1 Courtney Marr May 1 David & Patti Squier May 3 Emily McFarlane May 5 Thomas & Alicia Lynch May 5 Amanda Talma May 6 Scott & Wendi Gagliano May 8 James McFarlane May 11 James & Daphne Hemmings May 8 William Roland May 16 David & Elizabeth Lewis May 9 Noah Scribner May 17 Gary & Rena Haigh May 10 Cimberly McFarlane May 17 Terrence & Betsy Goodwin May 11 Brendon Trapiss May 20 Eugene & Barbara Bucknam May 11 Catherine Quigley May 21 William & Carolyn Roland May 15 Susan Moak May 24 Todd & Laurie Pipitone May 22 Michael Pinkney May 30 Peter & Irene Fadden May 23 Deborah Trombino May 24 Philip Opdycke May 26 Betty Walker If you are an active member and we have missed your birthday or anniversary, please contact the office at so we can add it to our list next time. If your anniversary or birthday is missing, it means it was not in the Data Base, which is where we get the list. 13

14 MAY 2016 SUN. MON. TUES. WED. THURS. FRI. SAT National Day 6 7 Installation of Bill 5 pm CTNS Board 2 pm Deacons 7 pm Mission/Social of Prayer 9:30 am to 4:30 pm Hassler as Elder of 6:30 pm Family Concerns Sanctuary Open Camp Whitman Session Promise Park 7 am to 6 pm Clean Up Day Presbyterian Church 6 pm Service 7 pm Fellowship 7 pm Choir 8 Mother s Day Communion Sunday Cereal Sunday 9 2:30 pm Rehearsal Select Choir 10 6:30 pm Property 11 7 pm Recital Select Choir 7 pm Christian Ed am Graveside Joan Lawrence Mann 15 Pentecost Sunday Confirmation Sunday SPIRE DEADLINE 18 7 pm Finance am to Noon-Spring Clean Up Day, Meet Larry Day 22 Last Day of Sunday School Youth Led Service Church Picnic pm Session Casual Dress Sunday 30 Memorial Day Office Closed 31 14

15 JUNE 2016 SUN. MON. TUES. WED. THURS. FRI. SAT pm Mission/Social Concerns 7 pm Choir 5 Mostly Music Sunday Honoring Grads 6 5 pm CTNS Board 7 pm Fellowship 7 2 pm Deacons 8 7 pm Christian Ed Scout Awards 19 Father s Day pm King s Daughter s FH & Kit. 6:30 Property 7 pm Worship SPIRE DEADLINE 15 7 pm Finance General Assembly begins Portland, OR pm Session 15