The Network a Publication of University Presbyterian Church September 2015 Pastor s Column You will find within this Network some tributes to our musician John Novak upon his 10th anniversary with our congregation. I offer mine here. The common refrain I hear when members speak about John is We re so lucky to have him! And indeed we are. But I would also add another description: We are blessed to have him. A blessing conveys a gift from God. And John is indeed a blessing, a gift, to our congregation. Clearly, he is an accomplished musician whose talents enrich our worship life. But he doesn't just possess musical talents. He also has a keen understanding of and appreciation for the message we seek to proclaim through both word and music. He grasps the theology behind what we do when we gather. There have been many times when working with John on a service where I have been enlightened by his insights into our faith. And this deep faith is transmitted through his music. And so we aren t just lucky to hear beautiful music each Sunday; we are blessed to have the good news of Jesus Christ shared with us through the vehicle of John s music. I know there are many Sundays when the power of God s message has touched all of our hearts and minds more powerfully through the means of John s music (and the choir he leads) than it ever could through the spoken word. And so I join our congregation in expressing my gratitude to John for his faithful and talented service to our congregation, and to God for a decade of blessings! Shalom, Tracy
2 WORSHIP COLUMN ~ September September 6th 23rdSunday in Ordinary Time 10:00 am Worship Service with Communion by Intinction Lectionary: Prov. 22;1-2, 8-9, 22-23; Ps. 125 James 2:1-10 (11-13), 14-17; Mark 7:24-37 September 13th 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time 10:00 am Worship Service Lectionary: Prov. 1:20-33; Ps. 19; James 3. 1-12; Mark 8:27-38 September 20th 25thSunday in Ordinary Time 10:00 am Worship Service Lectionary: Prov. 31:10-31; Ps. 1; James 3:13-4:3. 7-8a; Mark 9:30-37 September 27th 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time 10:00 am Worship Service Lectionary: Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22; Ps. 124; James 5:13-20; Mark 9:38-50 SEPTEMBER 2015 6 Carl Shepard 11 Laura MacDonald 12 Margaret Twisdale 19 Juanita Mattison 19 Richard Strub 19 Josef Beamer 20 Russell Williams 22 Mackenzie Maddock 25 Barbara Moran 26 Marietta Bratton 29 Joseph Beamer 2
3 Donate your Sole Program is doing so very well. Now is the time to bring gently used (or new) shoes and sneakers for those children that will not have the opportunity to get anything new for this upcoming school year. Your generosity has been overwhelming and we thank you from the bottom of our SOLES. Jericho Roads School Supply Update: Thank you for your donations to the School Supply Drive. Ginna Coon and Connie Michael made a great display in the sanctuary with a lot of the donated supplies and Tracy blessed during the service on August 16th. All items will be distributed to school kids who may be receiving new school supplies for the first time and it s all due to the generosity of our members and friends. Thanks! I would like to thank everyone from UPC who helped me with the Ride for Roswell this year. As I always said no one person can defeat cancer; it takes a team effort. This year the 100.2 & 62.5 mile courses were canceled because of inclement weather and possible thunder storms. I reluctantly rode the 45 mile route. The whole time I was riding I kept thinking of the 23rd Psalm. I didn't feel a rain drop till I was about 5 miles from the finish and it started pouring when I was a couple hundred yards from the finish. Even with the thunder storms there were 8,000 riders and $4.5 million dollars were raised for cancer research. Thanks for all contributions made to this worthy cause. Tom Somerville 3
4 The Jesus Creed: Loving God, Loving Others Adult Education Class September 13 through October What is the greatest commandment? Jesus answers this question by reciting the ancient Jewish creed that commands Israel to love God with heart, soul, mind, and strength. But then he amends it by adding another component: to love others as yourself. Tracy will lead a 7 week series examining this creed and how it can be used as a focal point for our spiritual maturity. Message from Gladys Gifford & Shirley Herman Small group study will resume in the fall will we do another Bible study? will we do a book review? The group meets for six weeks, usually on a Wednesday evening. Stay tuned, and make suggestions to Gladys Gifford or Shirley Herman. From: Tom Somerville... Mark your calendar for this upcoming scrumptious day on November 15th. The Deacons will be holding their annual SOUP & PIE sale. The Bills aren t playing that day so no one has an excuse. The Bills are playing the Jets the previous Thursday night. On the 15th you can either eat in or take it home and watch the Giants beat the Patriots. You could also put the soup in the freezer and watch the Bills beat the Patriots on Monday night November 23rd 4
5 University Presbyterian Food Panty Needs Your Assistance Dear members, friends and neighbors, Are you retired? Are you looking for ways to stay active and help out? Are you a student looking for SUMMER volunteer hours? Do you have a few hours to meet new people who can become new friends? Have you ever thought about volunteering in our Food Pantry? Maybe you have a card group, a lunch group or several friends, that would want to help out. Bring your group and we will get you started as a set group. Pick the day (Tuesday or Thursday) that would be good for you & your friends and work together. It s only 4 ½ hours once a month, unless you want to help more (yes!!!) and it s certainly easy work. PLUS, you will feel good about the time you spend with us, helping our neighbors. We are in need of 6-8 people (more would be great) to help us with distributing food to our clients. You would work with 2-3 other individuals who are already volunteers. You might guide a client through our "store" to help them choose their groceries. You might help to stock shelves. Call the Church Office 836-7660 for additional information. Our Statistics for July 2015 Infants 1 Children 58 Adults 135 Elderly 37 Total 231 Households: 137 It s worth trying!!! Equivalent meals: 2079 5
6 Interview with David Bartley David was born in Buffalo and grew up in the Lincoln Park area of the Town of Tonawanda. He graduated in 1975 from Kenmore East. He met his wife Marion while working in Niagara Falls, and have been together 28 years. They now reside in the Town of Wheatfield. David is a CPA and has worked in corporate finance for over 30 years. He was the Finance Director of North & South American operations for Unifrax in Niagara Falls. His position was eliminated in a corporate downsizing and recently David secured a new position that allows him to work from home. During their leisure time they enjoy traveling and have been to France, Italy and Ireland on vacation and business. He has also traveled to Brazil periodically in his last job. They also enjoy supporting the BPO and attending jazz concerts. In the summer you'll find him in the garden and doing landscaping. David also volunteers and speaks for Headway of Western New York, which is an organization that supports and advocates for survivors of traumatic brain injury. David's parents, John and Goldie Bartley, joined UPC in the 1950's after moving to the Buffalo area from Olean, NY. His father was a deacon and elder, and his Mom sang in the choir for many years. David and his brother were baptized at UPC, and have many fond memories of growing up with UPC as part of his spiritual life. He especially recalls the many friendships and fun times he had in the youth group. After college he was a member at North Presbyterian and at Deerhurst for a period, but drifted away from the church for a long time. Several years ago he began attending UPC and then in 2014 joined the congregation through profession of faith. One of the positives about UPC is its mission of service to the University Heights area since this is where he grew up and it means a lot to be able to give back to this community David's faith was tested in 2010 when he was involved in a bicycling accident and sustained significant brain injury. His recovery was a struggle and he wasn't sure whether he could continue to work. His faith in God helped him to recover and gain the confidence to move ahead with his life. The accident also caused him to step back and seek a new direction for his life. It is a process that's still unfolding for him. Since joining UPC he has been ordained as a deacon in 2015 and recently became a volunteer at the UPC Food Pantry 6
7 Congratulations John ~ 10 Years!!! UPC s organist and friend. It's been said that a church is made up of more than 4 walls and a ceiling. I think it's made up of many peoples talents brought together for the purpose of praising God and hopefully improving the condition of this world we share. We have been blest for the last 10 years by the talents of our organist/choir director John Novak. As I reflect on my years since joining the church I can say that the music has always been a huge attraction for attending regular worship at UPC. Since joining the choir my appreciation for John's musical abilities has grown tremendously. It amazes me weekly how he comes up with appropriate music, practice his part and manages to make our small dedicated choir sound almost professional. He's able to listen to us collectively and pin point every error & correct it. I'm sure the congregation can't appreciate the effort it takes to perform weekly at UPC and work as a full time teacher AND have outside interests. THANK YOU JOHN! And I look forward to many more years singing in the choir with you at the helm. Amy Erickson John Novak came to us as a breath of fresh air. His confidence, his musicianship, his serenity has continued to carry us forward at UPC, both in the choir and in the congregation. I am grateful to God for him. Gladys Gifford When John Novak joined UPC 10 years ago as music director and organist, it was like a breath of fresh air. His youth and enthusiasm completely rejuvenated the choir program. Although we knew instantly that John was an exceptionally gifted musician, the full extent of his talents became obvious over the months and years that followed. He can play anything from classical to contemplative, to gospel and rockin' revival! Choir rehearsals are fun because of John, and even though it can be hard work at times, it is always rewarding. John is a pleasure to work with, and his contributions to the music life of our church are unmatched. Thank you, John, for 10 years of making wonderful music at UPC!" - Barbara Kraemer, Choir Member continued on next page... 7
8 John is an incredibly talented musician that we are lucky to have at UPC. On the Sundays where I have performed with him, he demonstrates a talent for mixing in different instruments (in my case guitar) seamlessly, and is one of the most accomplished musicians I have ever performed with! - Scott Horton John, We enjoy your company when we are here, we miss your accompaniment when we are away, and making music with you is always making a joyful noise unto the Lord. Lee Ann Grace and Howard Henry John Novak is such a blessing! He is a true and faithful Minister of Music. He is a consummate organist, pianist, accompanist, teacher and director. He chooses varied, meaningful and beautiful music for us to sing. Being in choir is a joy and a privilege, and it s fun! The Taizé service offers beauty, peace, inspiration and solace. Plus, he s a kind and wonderful person. Thank you John, and we hope we haven t embarrassed you too much! - Elaine Swaine, choir member Having had John aboard is such a pleasure, not only for his own talents but additional folks he brought in to give special music at times, and let us not forget the awaited closing performance after the service. We all look forward to it! John has giving us so much enjoyment, I am thankful for his presence. Sometimes I wonder how he can juggle it all between teaching and playing and the new honor bestowed on him by the Organists Association which added to his work. Congratulations John, hope you will be with us for a long time, and may your ride in always be blessed with good weather! - Hilde Smith 8
9 The George Scott Big Band from the Colored Musicians Club offers a benefit concert to support Friends of Night People* Saturday, September 19 th 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm At University Presbyterian Church 3330 Main Street, Buffalo 14214 (Corner of Niagara Falls Blvd.) -- RECEPTION to follow the concert- Stay and meet the Band!! * Friends of Night People helps the poor, homeless and destitute in Buffalo, New York. They provide food, clothing, medical care, counseling and hope to those in need. All services are provided free of charge. Parking in church lot off NFBlvd and on street. Handicapped accessible / elevator. On bus line and U.B. South Metro stop. For more information, call 716-836-7660 9
10 THE NETWORK CALENDAR September 2015 Tuesday, 9/1 12 4 pm Food Pantry Wednesday, 9/2 5:00 pm Bible Study with Rev. Stuart Buisch ~ Holzwarth Room Thursday, 9/3 12 4 pm Food Pantry Friday, 9/4 5:00 pm Taizé Saturday, 9/5 10:00 am Breakfast with Friends @ Family Tree Restaurant holiday weekend check before going! Sunday, 9/6 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time 10 am Worship Service Communion by Intinction Monday, 9/7 Labor Day Church Office is closed Tuesday, 9/8 12 4 pm Food Pantry Thursday, 9/10 5:30 am to 9:15 pm EC Primary Elections - Reid Hall Lower Level (LL) 12 4 pm Food Pantry Sunday, 9/13 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Rally Day 9:00 am Worship Service 10:00 am Bible Study for adults and teens 11:00 am Worship Service 12:00 pm Coffee Hour Monday, 9/14 12:00 pm Presbyterian Women meeting welcome ladies Tuesday, 9/15 12 4 pm Food Pantry Wednesday, 9/16 5:00 pm Bible Study with Rev. Stuart Buisch everyone is invited... 7:00 pm Session Meeting Holzwarth Room Thursday, 9/17 12 4 pm Food Pantry Saturday, 9/19 7:00 pm Ministry to Community Presents the Colored Musicians Club performing for our members and friends. *** To benefit Friends of Night People a Free Will offering will be received to support this organization. Sunday, 9/20 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time 9:00 am Worship Service 10:00 am Bible Study for adults and teens 11:00 am Worship Service 12:00pm Coffee Hour Tuesday, 9/22 12 4 pm Food Pantry Thursday, 9/24 12 4 pm Food Pantry Sunday, 9/27 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time 9:00 am Worship Service 10:00 am Bible Study for adults and teens 11:00 am Worship Service Tuesday, 9/29 12 4 pm Food Pantry Thursday, 10/1 12 4 pm Food Pantry 10
11 Duffield Camp and Retreat News: This summer was awesome at Camp Duffield. Challenge Camp- Most of our previous campers were there to welcome a few newcomers. Lots of great activities- campfires, vespers, volleyball, crafts were highlighted by a performance by Jazzline, an awesome talent show, and a dance with a real live DJ! Did you know that one of our cabins actually has a group of about 5 men (campers and counselors) who have been attending camp and requesting to be in the same cabin for approximately 30 years? Science/Music Camp for Grades 3-8 saw a record high number of campers thanks to some good PR and some wonderful scholarshipping. Cabins were filled to the brim! NURT (performers from NU) performed for the campers. A local drummer came to instruct our drum circle. Tinikling dancing was a hit. Some professional actors came from NYC to teach. Telescopes were used by our young scientists. We studied stars, living creatures, the science of music, and had fun exploding little things! We were even able to fit in the usual swimming, creek walks, crafts, and games while learning how God expects us to make a difference ("You are the salt of the earth, you are the light of the world..."! Night Owls (teenagers) increased their numbers- and just barely fit in the lodge! They spent the week playing games while learning about God and His love and expectations for us. Late night games found our teens enjoying the woods in the dark and bouncing out of bed late enough to call breakfast lunch! A great group of young people, who bonded, worked together, played together, and learned more about their faith journey. Our staff was a diverse group from all walks of life who came willing to volunteer their time, energy, compassion, and talents. Campers learned as much from the staff as the staff learned from them! An awesome experience!! UPC was well represented by campers as well as staff! (3 campers and 7 staff were from UPC.) As we begin planning for the next year, we still need more individuals to assist in the areas of PR and writing for donations. Through the year, we have work parties to keep the camp site in good shape and always appreciate extra hands! If you have time and are interested, see me. Pat Cookfair-Casseri 11
12 Too many of us lead hectic lives. Our communities are filled with violence and suffering. Our personal pain and struggles can overwhelm us. How do we respond? How can we cope? University Presbyterian Church welcomes Christians from all traditions to unite in a special contemplative worship experience as we seek spiritual strength for the living of our days. Based on the style of worship practiced in the Taizé Christian community in France, these services offered on the First Friday of each month provide an oasis at the end of the week for all who are weary, troubled, or rushed. Special music from guest musicians, meditative songs, prayers, candles, and scripture readings allow each of us to find a quiet place of prayer and spiritual centering. We invite you to join us on Friday, September 4, 2015 from 5:30 to 6:00 PM. University Presbyterian Church is located at 3330 Main St., Buffalo (across the street from UB South Campus) with parking available in the church lot off Niagara Falls Boulevard. The church is also conveniently accessible using public transportation by taking bus or train to the University Metro station. Questions can be directed to the church office at 836-7660. A Taizé Service of Prayer, Music, and Meditation www.upcbuffalo.org/firstfriday 12