T h e We a t h e r Va n e

Transcription

1 First Presbyterian Church of Avon T h e We a t h e r Va n e Mar 2014 The Session Nancy Toland- Clerk of Session/ Crisis Aid Jim Blease-Stewardship/ Rummage/Web TF Paul Collins - Christian Ed/ Trustees/Web TF Ken Hallett Presby. Rep. Nominating Carl Hogan Worship/Lenten Lunches/Rummage Sales Susie LaBine Christian Ed./ Web TF Kelly Mandarano Personnel/ Mission Int./Web TF Julie Mead Fun Raisers/ Fellowship Acts/Hospitality From the Pastor The preacher s five year old daughter notice that her father always paused and bowed his head for a moment before starting his sermon. One day she asked him why. Well, honey, he began, proud that his daughter was so observant of his messages. I m asking he Lord to help me preach a good sermon. How come He doesn t answer it? she asked. In this long slog of cold, snowy winter I thought a little chuckle would help us all. My thanks goes out to Judy Staudinger for sending this and a few other smiles along. In praying for the preacher to finally have a good sermon, and wondering if our prayers will ever be answered, we can be assured that our prayers for spring to come will be answered. As unlikely as it may seem the weather will warm up, the snow will melt and all of nature will begin to wake from its long winter nap. Jerry Rothrock Trustees/Spec Accounts Scott Schlesing Venture Crew 86/Fun Raisers Christian Trewer Nominating Board Of Deacons Betty Taromino- Chair Christina Bowman Youth Helper Sandy Chambers TBA Elaine Neth- TBA Susie Rothrock Crisis Aid Jackie Staples TBA Judy Staudinger Memorial Terri Tugel Keep in Touch Julie Witzel TBA One of the sure signs that spring is on its way is that Lent is upon us. Beginning on Tuesday, the 4th, we will be gathering once again at Avon Central Presbyterian Church for hot food, warm fellowship, and checking to see how the other preachers are doing these days. As you can see in this Weathervane we will be considering the fruits of the spirit. We will be using a passage from Paul s letter to the Galatians for our reflections. Actually, in his letter to his brothers and sisters in Galatia, Paul is pretty steamed that they have turned from the good news of God s grace in Jesus Christ and have taken up legalistic arguments about who is saved and who isn t. Paul knew that getting tangled up in black or white thinking; judging who is right and who is wrong; living by the letter of the law and not the spirit of the law led to all sorts of bad outcomes outcomes that actually made a mockery of the law. Such self righteous ways lead to jealousy, strife, anger, quarrels, factions, envy, drunkenness, sexual licentiousness, and all sorts of life denying, soul destroying thoughts and behaviors. Paul could not believe that these people who had heard the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ could turn back to the ignorant, vicious ways of the world. (Continued on page 2)

2 Page 2 (Continued from page 1) In comparing the ways of the so-called legalistic world to the Spirit filled way of life in Christ, Paul writes: In contrast, the fruit of the Sprit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. There is no law against such things. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, competing against one another, envying one another. In our world, today, we can plainly see how the self righteous, legalistic, fanaticism of so-called religious people can lead to the life destroying behaviors against which Paul warned. In every nation and culture we can find these works fo the flesh. Your invitation in this season of Lent is to seek out the fruits of the Spirit, first in your own life, then in our family of faith, then our community and finally in all the world. As we live the patience, self control, kindness, generosity and gentleness, that are only possible when we are in God s Holy Spirit, we will begin to know the love, peace and joy for which God created us. All of this may seem as improbable as the preacher giving a really good sermon, but as sure as spring follows winter, if we open ourselves to God s healing, guiding, sustaining Holy Spirit we will find the strength and grace to live these fruits of the Spirit. C H U R C H S T A F F Minister : The Rev. Dr. Thomas E. Taylor Parish Associate: The Rev. Dr. S. Sauvé Choir Director: Joelle Lachance Organist/Bell Choir: Joanne Cole Secretary: Debi Leinbach for WeatherVane articles: Avonmongeau@frontier.com Treasurer: Lori Cruz Church: Congratulations Stephanie Sauvé!! And I know one thing for sure, if you come to the Lenten Luncheons you are going to get some mighty good food. Carl Hogan, our Lenten Luncheon Master Sergeant, tells us that we will be having Sloppy Joes when our church hosts (which is on March 11th!) And if you cannot make the Lenten Luncheons, you are still invited to consider the fruits of the spirit in your life. I have found it amazing what a little patience and especially self control can do for my own peace of mind. Further I have truly found that as I am generous, God and life is wondrously generous to me. Stay strong and warm. Don t give up hope. Spring will be here. And God s grace is ever sure. I hope to see you soon. Tom

3 Page Lenten Luncheons: The Fruits of the Spirit All the Lenten Luncheons will begin at 11:45am and be held at the Avon Central Presbyterian Church. The following are the dates, topics and hosting churches: March 4 Peace Epiphany Lutheran 11 Patience and Self Control First Presbyterian 18 Generosity Avon Wesleyan 25 Joy St. Agnes Roman Catholic April 1 Faithfulness Avon Central Presbyterian 8 Gentleness and Kindness Avon United Methodist 15 Love Zion Episcopal

4 Page 4 From the Church Family Recently we have prayed for the families and friends of: Joyce Faust, Ed Merrin Jean Nixon, Mark Warda, Mary Lou Davidson, Alice Clifford, John Appleton, Janice White, Sherry Euberty, Margaret Jones, Rae Struble, Barb Torregiano, Madaline Simpson, and Mary Driscoll. We have also included in our prayers the following: Ellen Sklanka, Bob Boyd, Linda Heeler, Pat Bishop, Fran Stanley, Bev Hogan, Kenny Pierson, Ricky Voss, Marshall Swanepoel, John Panek, Dawn Hanna, Millie Sackett, Jean Tummonds, Russell Toland, Jane Batzel, Betty Hanna, Seth Powell, Dorothy Stevens, Marian Marshall, Joan Francis, Bruce Harmes, Dylan Gruschow, Mike McBride, Jack Schlesing, Gene Schlesing, Robert Wandtke, Kathy Brian, Amanda Joy Mayer, Simon Meyer, Warren Brill, Jeanette Ryan, Sandy Piampiano, Pat Richardson, Ed Loriot, Irene Klink, John Gorsage, Paul Gorsage, Evie Kirkwood, Mary Jane Gifford, James Ayers, Lisa Holtz, Barb Labanski, Sharon Rowlinson, Marcia Barrett, Samantha and Jacob Rickman, Ray and Dorothy Buckley, Dick Rowan, Larry Quackenbush, Joan Francis, Kim and Paul Gillette, Cindy McNaulty, Doris Bailor, the families and friends of the Sandy Hook victims, Colleen Brown, Roger Morey, Becky Irish and family, Violet Wark, Georgia Robbins, Ron Pyetta, Desiree Stockholm, Allen and Wanda Bailey, Francis Mann, Jerry Henry, Ray Faucett, Kelli Vollmer and family, Katie Vollmer, Bill Sidlauskas, Lisa Rowe, Carl Hogan, Pete Ronhone, Mary Beth Wllingford Linda Hartzel, Barb Labanski, Mamie Pembose, Ron Rothrock, Brian Simpson and family, Clora Currin, Dick Christie, Beatrice Katelly, Dick Rapp, Don and Amy Briggs on the death of Don s brother, Dr. Buschbaum, Micha Fonaana, John Farmer, Gerogia Robins, June Brown, Lorrianna Kirkwood, Bruce Harmes, Tim Baumer, Doty and Mick Benzie, and Jim Tanner.. We have prayed for safe trips for Ron, Kathy, Jeffery and Joan to the Dominican Repbulic; the Sklankas to AZ; Mike and Bev Morey to Tennessee and for Sue Culbertson. We continue to pray for all of our first responders and their families. We also have prayed for all those who serve our nation at home and abroad, especially: Joshua Davidson, Kyle Bilanic, Kyle Cameron, Derek Dumas, Benjamin Williams, Scott Sutherland, Richard Darcy, Zackery Lubanski, Sean Thurston, Robbie Webster, Casey Henderson, Dylan Smoot, John Bidwell, Michael Cook, Adam Barrett, Steven Jervis, Joe Coburn, Casey Henderson, Devon Schlesing, Nelson, Powell, Jr., Tony Morales, Zack McGee, and Serena Strozewski, and Jeff Fox. Among the many things for which we are grateful we have lifted prayers of thanks for: the birthdays of Brody Hatfield, Charles Neth, Raleigh Rose Neth, Errynn Ryleigh White as well as her infant baptism, and Ashley Schillinger s 11 th birthday; the 44 crosses donated to the Avon Interfaith Council s 2014 Christmas Baskets; Georgia Robbins successful surgery; Kenny Pierson s heart recovering; Kay Pfluke s family being present for Errynn s baptism; the Boy Scouts of American and our new Venture Crew 86; for the 30 years of ordained ministry of the Rev. Dr. Stephanie Sauve; for the 40 years of ordained ministry of Tom Taylor; Avon s All County Chorus with Hunter Mead and Joanne Cole s band; for our new Elders, Deacons and Church officers; the Valentines the Sunday School sent out, expecially the one received by Sylvia Ryan; Barb Labanski doing better; for our Building Committee as they begin work on the Fellowship Hall ceiling on Saturday, Feb. 22 nd ; Jennifer Ryan not injured in her recent accident; the Avon varsity swim team winning sectionals with Allyson Gregor and Jennifer Welch.

5 Page 5 News About Lagom Landing Your PW Crafters (along with our church) have been supporting the ministry of Lagom Landing for several years. Many of you have asked, what is Lagom Landing? It is a program started and run by Rev. Laurel Nelson and her husband Rock Castor in Dansville, NY. They are leading a ministry for young adults, years old, that are trying to get some direction and knowledge on what their free life is to be now that they are out of school. The program offers the young adults 10 months to reflect in a safe space while learning from practices of labor, simplicity and community while they are transitioning into adulthood. Students work with their hands, primarily in the skilled building trades, gardening, food preservation and cooking. Worship, reading and journalizing are also included in the program. One of the building trades was replacing the roof of an elderly person s home. With all of these together the Lagom Landing community is learning to listen to God s spirit working through the rhythms of the day. They are learning at a much slower pace, creatively using their hands to build up their community, developing their spirits and job skills as God guides them to embrace their free lives. Please go to lagomlanding.com if you would like more information. Terri Tugel is collecting "Box Tops for Education" and Labels for Education this school year to support elementary schools in high poverty neighborhoods whose classrooms are in need of many basic supplies. Simply cut out the BoxTops for Education logo or Labels for Education found on many grocery items and put them in the envelope on the bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall. Thanks for your support.

6 T h e W e a t h e r V a ne P a ge 6 We Care Spring Schedule With Changes Lesson 6 & 7 March 26, 2014 (March 12 Cancelled) Lesson 8 April 16, 2014 (New date) Lesson 9 May 28,2014 *Please note the cancellation of the March 12 session and the combination of lessons 6 & 7 *New date for April MAR GREETERS MAR ACOLYTES Mar. 2 Communion Mar. 2 Peggy Donaldson Mar. 9 Kristie Webster & Ashley Schillinger Mar. 9 Ken & Sheila Hallett Mar. 16 Noah Orman & Michael Welch Mar. 16 Clara Elkins Mar. 23 Phoebe Collins & Kristie Webster Mar. 23 Julie Witzel & Judy Staudinger Mar. 30 Ethan Low & Tony Sayavong Mar. 30 Sunday School Classes

7 Page 7 We started 2014 by celebrating with Marion Marshall for her 99th birthday. Many many blessings Marion!!! The 52 Club Sweetness Night was a fun and delicious time for Club Members. Pictures taken in the photo booth are displayed in the Fellowship Hall.

8 Page 8

9 Page 9 March 2014 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT Each Mon. PW Crafters 9:30 am 5:15pm AA Each Thurs 12:15AA 7:30pm AA & Alanon 1 Each Sat. 12 Noon SIS 2 10:00am Worship w Holy Comm :45am Lenten Luncheon at Avon Central Presbyterian 5 Ash Wednesday :00am Worship :45am FPC Hosting Lenten Lunch at Avon Central Pres :00am Worship 17 7:00pm Session 18 11:45am Lenten Luncheon at Avon Central Presbyterian :00am Worship :45am Lenten Luncheon at Avon Central Presbyterian 26 1:30pm WeCare :00am Presbytery Meeting 30 10:00am Worship 12:30pm Memorial Committee meets at FPC 31 Apr WV articles due 3/16

10 THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD A Sunday School teacher decided to have her young class memorize one of the most quoted passages in the Bible - Psalm 23. She gave the youngsters a month to learn the chapter. Little Rick was excited about the task - but he just couldn't remember the Psalm. After much practice, he could barely get past the first line. On the day that the kids were scheduled to recite Psalm 23 in front of the congregation, Ricky was so nervous. When it was his turn, he stepped up to the microphone and said proudly, 'The Lord is my Shepherd, and that's all I need to know.' First Presbyterian Church 5605 E. Avon Lima Road Avon, NY NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE Mar 2014 WeatherVane PAID PERMIT NO.21 AVON, NY Or current resident Apr WeatherVane Articles Due Mar. 16, or earlier if able