July 2018 "Work hard, play hard" is a common approach to life (sometimes spoken with a bit of bravado). But this approach is missing a key element...rest, quiet, solitude. A healthy life with a growing soul needs this rhythm, this back and forth. Far from wasting time, silence and solitude are necessary for us to appreciate the blessings of work and the blessings of play. Periods of silence allow for us to be reintegrate our experience of life, feelings, bodies, minds, and souls. God's desire is for to be whole people not fragmented. This summer take 10 minutes a day just for sitting silently. Notice what happens in you. First, you will probably come up with a list of things you forgot to do. Jot them down and its like you are telling that part of your mind "I'm not going to forget but now is not your time to talk." If you fall asleep notice that you probably aren't getting enough sleep. When your mind races (this is a when not an if for most of us) jot down where your thoughts are going...worry, anger, fear, sadness, joy, desire. Writing this down can be a way of acknowledging what's is going on within us. When we are quiet it gives your soul (which tends not to yell to get your attention) a chance to say to the rest of you...here is something really important to pay attention to.imagine taking those insistent things which come to mind and sitting with them on the green grass in a quiet place where the Shepherd has lead you. Know that the Shepherd has given you the grace to carry it or put it down and there are others who can give counsel and companionship as well. May your summer have a life-giving rhythm of work, quiet, and play. Pastor Garrett Annual Church Picnic On June 10, as part of our worship service, we built a prayer tree outside our church doors. We have rainbow wind twisters purchased by the mission committee, that are in honor of various organizations who care for our community. We put the twisters up at the end of the service and pray for each of these organizations. We will continue our prayers for the work of these organizations and their staff throughout the summer. The purpose of this prayer tree is to be a visible reminder to those who work to care for our community and the desire we have to be connected with them through Jesus. Thank you to all who were part of this day! Below are some pictures from the picnic.
Highlights from June Session Meeting The ruling elders are organized into these committees: Missions (Rob Santos, Linda Hook) Worship & Music (Joe Gorman, Bill Newell) H.O.M.E. (hospitality, outreach, membership, evangelism) (Pam Carges, Linda Hook) Personnel (Pat Gallagher, Tim Fay) Buildings and Grounds (Brian Everts, Jack Raitt) Preschool Steering Committee (Tim Fay) Stewardship (no elder assigned) Brian Everts reported that we are still waiting for Brennan Stained Glass to begin restoration work on the sanctuary windows. The wet weather has slowed down Brennan's current project. We are still taking bids for work that needs done on our parking lot.our Spiritual Formation staff are not planning on any major changes in the schedule of our Sunday Faith Classes per feedback received from the congregation. We will be making a stronger advertising push for our adult Bible study led by the Gormans on Sunday as well the children and youth classes. They are planning for a variety of one-time after church all church classes beginning in the fall. Four members of the Deacon Board presented a draft plan for helping and leading the congregation increase our capacity to care for those in our congregation. This will have an educational component for officers, a mission component engaging our children, and will be organized to include anyone who wants to engage in this ministry. The session and deacons will be meeting jointly on July 17 to jointly continue the planning for this deacon initiative and set some goals for the upcoming year of ministry.rev. Anderson July Mission Minutes: Requesting Prayer for LFPC Next Steps in Mission We have put our hands to work building hygiene kits and mannah packs. We have walked our local streets listening for God's voice and learning about our community neighbors. So what are the next steps for LFPC service in mission in our community? Please pray on this over the summer. As ideas or opportunities or thoughts come to you, please contact Rob Santos or anyone on the mission committee. General Assembly PC USA General Assembly met June 16-23 in St. Louis. USA news site is at: http://www.pcusa.org/news/ A sampling of some of the articles from mission related decisions or actions taken: GA223 opts for continued corporate engagement over divestment Assembly addresses racism, gun violence, capital punishment Commissioners ask RE/MAX to discourage sale of property in Israeli settlement colonies Actions seeking peace on the Korean Peninsula, in Sudan and Central America approved by 223rd General Assembly (cont d on Page 3)
Office of Public Witness Resources For those looking for support in voicing your concerns as Presbyterians, the PC USA Office of Public Witness has been at work for you. See their website at: http://capwiz.com/pcusa/home/ Isaiah's Table Moving to New Location Isaiah's Table ministry is moving to 223 Marcellus St. in Syracuse. Health Care Supplies Needed for Refugees The Center for New Americans would appreciate donations of the following health care supplies needed for refugees: Raised toilet seats Reachers Bed railings Wheelchairs Walkers Canes Shower benches/chairs Tub transfer benches Sock assist aids Raised toilet seats with handles Bed mobility assist rails Bed wedges Pill organizers Grab bars Toilet safety rail Electronic blood pressure monitors and cuffs Footstools or stepstool with handrails Adjustable height tilt over bed tables Handheld shower heads To make a donation, please contact Genevieve Marshall, mental health and wellness coordinator, at gmarshall@interfaithworkscny.orgor 315-449-3552, ext. 206. Respectfully submitted, Rob Santos Friends in Faith Preschool We are now accepting preschool applications for the 2018-2019 school year.if you are interested or have questions please contact Tracie at 315-457-4090.We have LIMITED spots available for the 2 and 4 year old program. Call today! Special Music The Choir is going on hiatus... Beginning on Sunday, 24 June, we will be in need of Special Music to replace the Choral Anthem during services. Please consult with Steve and David and sign up for an opportunity to minister. The choir will return to Services on, or about 16 September, so there are many opportunities to share your talents. Thank you for your consideration! CNY Photographers Meets 6:30pm every third Monday of the Month at LFPC. This month's meeting is on Monday July 16th in Fellowship Hall. All are welcome.
SEE You in the FALL!! The Men's Group meets the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month in the church coffee shop at 8:30 a.m. We meet for prayer and fellowship. The group takes part in many community service projects. All men welcome! **************************************************************************************** The Elsie O'Neil Circle meets next on Thursday September 20th at 12:30 p.m. for lunch and fellowship in Fellowship Hall. All ladies welcome! Bi-Annual Rummage Sale We have decided to make a trial change in the Fall. We are going to set-up for the sale the last week in October, on Wednesday and Thursday, have the main sale on Friday from 9-3 as usual, then have the 3$ bag sale on Sat. from 9-12, with clean-up to follow. We are hoping this will work smoothly, and it will, especially if we are fortunate enough to have many helpful volunteers. In closing, the Elsie O Neil circle appreciates how much help you give by patronizing our yearly sales. We are able to help the least of us, knowing it is as Jesus expected from those capable of reaching out. The Elsie O Neil Circle July Birthdays 4 Tom Ogden 6 Lynda Fauler 7 Jeff Williams 8 Foster Smith 9 Steve Uhl 11 Benjamin Kittle 12 Jim Thayer 14 Skylar Johnson, Sherry Choat 13 Linda Everts, Billy Copp, Tom Spak 30 Eileen DeGroff Remember the Food Pantry Just a gentle reminder that as you shop for the food pantry consider purchasing lots of fruits and vegetables. Foods with 7 grams of protein are considered protein. LFPC Food Pantry Shopping List: -Canned Vegetables, -Canned Fruit in juice or water (not syrup), -100% juice Protein rich foods 7 grams per serving: -Beans, Canned meats, -Canned fish, -Peanut butter (If anyone has been omitted from this list, please call the church office) Pastor Garrett will be away at Vanderkamp from July 1st to July 6th. If you need to reach him you may call the Vanderkamp Center at 315-675-3651. The Church Office Hours for July will be: July 2nd-July 6th 9:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., We will be CLOSED on Wednesday July 4th for Independence Day. For the week of July 9th-July 13th we will be open from 1:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m. For the week of July 16th-end of July we will be open 9:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
Our New Officers were ordained and installed on June 10: Elders: Jack Raitt, Tim Fay, Linda Hook Deacons: Marianne VanHoute 1 year, Simon VanHoute youth deacon 1 year,linda Newell 3 years, Leigh Anne Herd 3 years, Ben Kittle 2 years Congregation members to 2018-19 Nominating Committee: Linda Everts, Eileen DeGroff We prayed for our newest Deacons after their Installation on June 10th Bottle Drive We are still collecting returnable cans and bottles for the preschool. There is a bin downstairs outside of Fellowship Hall to place your donations. Please rinse the cans and bottles out first. Thanks! Floral Offering If anyone would like to share some flowers from their garden during the summer, we would appreciate their offering on Sunday mornings. Thank you! ARE YOU A DEMENTIA CAREGIVER? Attend an Alzheimer s Association Caregiver Support Group Do you feel like you re all alone? Would you like to learn from others dealing with the same challenges as you? Support groups provide emotional, educational and social support for caregivers. Join an Alzheimer s Association support group and learn how the power of your peers can help you navigate your journey. We meet the 2nd Saturday at 11 a.m. at LFPC. Facilitators: Florence Felt & Skip Collins. For more information, call (315) 472-4201. Community Events and Info: The Open Table FREE Community Meal will be held at St. Matthew s Episcopal Church, 900 Vine St. Liverpool, SUNDAY July 29th from 4-6p.m. If you would like to donate a dessert item or volunteer at the community event, please call the church office at 315-457-4633. All are welcome to come and EAT! The August 2018 Newsletter Deadline is Monday July 23rd by 12 noon. Please get all articles and pictures into the church office by 7/23. You may call Heather at 457-3161 or email lfirstpr@twcny.rr.com. She is in the office Monday-Friday from 9:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Copyright 2018 Liverpool First Presbyterian Church, All rights reserved.