Roots & Wings First Presbyterian Church of Chili Rooted in Faith, Growing Together, Caring for the Community Angels: Messengers of Hope January 2018 Newsletter Volume 5, Issue 1 First Presbyterian Church of Chili 3600 Chili Avenue Rochester, NY 14624 A Stephen Ministry Church About Chili Pres Our Officers Board of Deacons Board of Trustees Session Our Committees Endowment Finance Mission Fund Nominating Personnel Our Seasonal Groups Lent Easter Pentecost Harvest Advent/Christmas/Epiphany Our Music Programs Choir Glorious Ringers Worship Team Ongoing Mission Support Cameron Community Ministries Habitat for Humanity SWEM Food Cupboard Presbyterian Church (USA) Offerings Souper Bowl One Great Hour of Sharing Blanket Sunday Peacemaking Joy January 2018 January 7 Epiphany Baptism of the Lord Communion bring your items for SWEM January 14 2 nd Sunday after Epiphany January 21 3 rd Sunday after Epiphany Honduras Mission Work January 28 4 th Sunday after Epiphany Annual Meeting Confirmation class Inside This Issue Wooten s Wonderings Music Minister News Youth News Angels at Work Family Pot luck and Game Day Roots & Wings page 1
Wooten s Wonderings During the season of Advent and Christmas, we have followed the messages of the angels as they came to Zachariah, Mary, Joseph and the shepherds. We have heard them call to us do not be afraid. We have heard the messages of hope, peace, joy and love. Now as we cross the bridge into the season of Epiphany, we take up the messages of the angels and become messengers ourselves. As we discover what it means to be messengers of hope, here is a poem by Ann Weems to help us on the way. Wouldn t It Be Grand to Be an Angel? by Ann Weems from Kneeling in Bethlehem Wouldn t it be grand to be an angel and have as your address The Realms of the Glory of God? And swing on rainbows, and gather stars in your pockets, winging in and out of earth in a flurry of moondust with the messages of God? Comforting the distressed, warning the righteous delivering the just, guarding little children? Of course, we can comfort and warn and deliver and guard. Maybe, if we get that right, we can swing on rainbows later. January 7 Get Up and Go Matthew 2: 1-23 January 14 Messengers of Truth Psalm 139: 1-6, 13-18 January 21 Messengers of Hope Mark 1: 14-20 & Jonah 3:1-5,10 January 28 Messengers of Love Mark 1: 21-28 It is not too late! Bring your Angels at Work Reverse Advent items to church. All of the hygiene items collected will be donated to House of Mercy in Rochester. Next meeting: December 9 10:00 AM Contact Sharon Breeze at 293-1340 or Pastor Brandi on Sunday or call the office at 889-9896 Roots & Wings page 2
LEADERSHIP.... At Its November 21, 2017 meeting, Session. received the Treasurer s report and financial reports for the month ending October 31, 2017 heard a report from Pastor Brandi on pastoral activities heard a report from the Clerk on correspondence sent and received placed activity dates on the Master Calendar -February 10, 2018 Church Leadership Development Day -June 10, 2018 Church Picnic - Union Station Park received Kristin Lynn Milner into the church by Reaffirmation of Faith. She will be publicly received during worship on January 14, 2018 with her father, Elder Kenneth Milner assisting. Kristin has been attending church on a regular basis and has met with Pastor Brandi to discuss membership and the responsibilities of membership. Kristin expressed how welcomed and how at home she feels here. She remembered how in her youth, she was involved with our youth group, going on mission trips and participating in those activities. She has been attending simple supper, has already volunteered to assist with Children s church and is eager to be involved with our Season teams. approved a letter to local funeral directors to assist them as they work with families who wish to have donations made to the church in memory of, or in honor of a loved one. There are six funds to which donations can be designated (General Fund, Mission Fund, Scholarship Fund, Memorial Fund, Endowment Fund and Housing/Investment Fund). The letter describes each Fund and how it is used. Funeral directors were advised to specify the Fund selected by the family in the published obituary. Clerk Huffman will prepare an article for the church newsletter so our church family will be more aware of the many giving opportunities for remembering loved ones through memorials or honorariums. approved a revised Memorial Fund Coordinator job description as recommended by Alice Hassett, Memorial Fund Coordinator. This will be placed in the Manual of Administrative Operation. revised and approved the Memorial Fund Policy. This will be placed in the Manual of Administrative Operation. received an updated flow-chart, prepared by Alice Hassett, Memorial Fund Coordinator to be used when receiving donations to the Memorial Fund. noted that the Nominating Committee is making progress to fill Board and Committee positions. received a preliminary report from the Stewardship Committee. 29 pledges were received on Stewardship Sunday representing an average increase of 11.9% over what these same units pledged last year. Letters have been sent to those who have not yet pledged. noted that preparation of the 2018 schedule of greeters and communion servers will soon be underway. Church family members are asked to notify the church office of dates they will not be available to serve as a greeter. heard a report on the November Presbytery meeting where much important business was accomplished such as welcoming new pastors, passing a 2018 budget, distribution of grants to congregations and agencies, approving a new policy and procedures handbook, approving the establishment of a mission center in the former Calvery-St. Andrews church building and a transformation to Healthier Congregations. received the report of the Endowment Committee that $20,000 in net proceeds from Endowment investments is anticipated for distribution in 2018 pending year-end (12-31- 2017) final Fund performance. The Endowment Committee will meet again in January to confirm the final distribution. approved the report of the Endowment Committee that as a result of 10-year review of the Policy, no changes be made to the Endowment Policy. approved the recommendation of the Board of Trustees that the church bank account be changed to Canandaigua National Bank. approved dividing equally, and donating the money raised through Browse and Buy Sales to the Honduras Mission Trip and the Roots & Wings page 3
Rochester Open Door Mission on Plymouth Avenue. Remitted by, Elder Nancy P. Huffman, Clerk of Session At its meeting on December 19, 2017, Session.. engaged in Advent Examen, an activity of reflection on the day. Pastor Brandi read a passage posing questions on the presence of God during the day today and then pausing so we could reflect on our own lives and occurrences today. Pastor Brandi opened the meeting with prayer. received the Treasurer s report and financial reports for the month ending November 30, 2017. noted that Pastor Brandi has had 25 pastoral contacts noted that Pastor Brandi reported that she noted that Pastor Brandi plans to take a vacation (stay-cation), December 16, 2017 through January 1, 2018. She will be in the pulpit on December 31, 2017. noted that Presbytery is looking for a pastor volunteer from each Neighborhood to serve on Presbytery s Big Picture Team. heard a report from Elder McCauley that the Nominating Committee is continuing its work to fill positions reviewed a report on the Stewardship Campaign prepared by Jerry Huffman. 56 pledges were received totaling $132, 443. There were 3 new and 35 increased pledges representing and additional $12,607. There were 2 decreased pledges representing a loss of $680. There were 6 lost pledges representing $11,850. 15 pledges remained the same representing $24,019. The average pledge per week is $41.08 and the average pledge per year is $2136. Session expressed gratitude for the generosity of our congregation which will allow us to create a 2018 budget that will sustain the many programs we enjoy. approved the Session annual report prepared by Clerk Huffman. noted that St. Pauly s Clothing Box now has a newsletter. The current newsletter suggested options for using social media for promoting the Clothing drop-off. We will begin posting on our web-site. It was noted that we are one of the most active drop-off locations. heard a report from Elder Horton, Chair of the Personnel Committee who provided an update on the process and timelines the Committee has put in place for receiving applications, interviewing, and hiring an Office Administrator. Elder McCauley, Office Administrator Pro-Tem, recused herself from this discussion and left the room. Session discussed the Office Administrator position description. The Office Administrator position has been advertised among our members and friends as well as in the Presbytery newsletter. Elder McCauley, has been tracking office activities and has provided that information to the committee. Remitted by, Elder Nancy P. Huffman, Clerk of Session Prayer Shawl Ministry The Prayer Shawl Ministry at Chili Pres has created over 20 shawls in the last couple of years. But they need a home. Starting in January, some shawls will be placed on the pews to help combat the chills of winter while you Worship. We will also have a display of shawls in the Fellowship Hall. If you know of someone that was mentioned in the prayers and concerns, is celebrating a special event or is in need of comfort or solace.please take one. This ministry is not limited to just those who Worship with us. All we ask is that you write down your name and the name of the person receiving the shawl on the clip board. P.S. - We are always looking for more people wanting to knit or crochet..we will teach you - this an easy craft and is VERY rewarding! Roots & Wings page 4
Greeters: Communion: January Worship Volunteers Jr. Greeter: Childcare: Children s Church: Coffee Hour: Greeters: Jr. Greeter: Childcare: Children s Church: Coffee Hour: Greeters: Jr. Greeter: Childcare: Children s Church: Coffee Hour: Greeters: Jr. Greeter: Childcare: Children s Church: January 7 Barb & Geoff Wasmer Sue Johnson, Barb Wasmer, Geoff Wasmer, Roger Willis Jessica Bilyou Sue Atwater Tom Leahy & Marla Guarnieri Vicky & Tom Leahy January 14 Darla & Dave Diehl Jordon Wilson Grace Engelbrecht Tom Leahy & Alice Zah Don & Marj Strine January 21 Bill Horn & Deb Lamphron Jacob Bilyou Laurie DePaul Kristin Milner & Tom Rader Kristin Milner January 28 Sue Edwards & Linda Enright Mira Wooten Barb Boerschlein Kristin Milner Honduras Mission Work and Supper Sunday January 21st 6pm join us for soup salad and Honduras Mission work! We need all hands on deck to clean and sort donated eye glasses. We have been blessed by numerous donations and need your help to clean and sort. Come enjoy a meal and have some fun joining our Honduras Vision Mission. Many thanks from the 2018 Honduras Mission Team: Andy Atwater, Sharon Breeze, Rashida Clarke, Lisa Snover, and Dan Wooten SWEM NEWS. A heartfelt thanks to all who donated food to SWEM in December. We delivered about 50 food items (45.7#) and while we were there a volunteer showed us around the food storage area and showed us what foods had abundance and pointed out what foods were needed. She said they are always running out of cereal and we had donations of cereal in December. There were no juices on the shelves so those are needed. The following foods are needed at the cupboard: Canned fruit, mayonnaise & Salad dressing, boxes of sugar, pancake syrup, instant pudding and some snack items (tab tops on cans are good for seniors and handicapped people) Foodlink provides canned vegetables and tuna to SWEM. The shelves were well stocked before the holidays but donations tend to lessen after. She said that some of the items mentioned will jazz up the menus for those dependent on SWEM. Thanks for your donations in December and your support throughout 2017. Please remember to bring food donations on Communion Sunday, January 7. Happy New Year Fred & Jane Schulitz $$ We have a new bank $$ After surveying all the banks and credit unions in Chili Center, the Board of Trustees recommended and the Session voted to dissolve our relationship with Key Bank and open a new general fund account (checking) and designated fund account (savings) at Canandaigua National Bank & Trust. They offer more services and a better interest rate. Another plus with Canandaigua National Bank, is that ANYONE who attends Chili Pres, can open an account for FREE and will receive $25 in their new account. Chili Presbyterian will also receive a free $25 in the general fund. There is no time limit to this offer. What a deal! February Newsletter deadline is January18 Annual Reports are due on January 3 Roots & Wings page 5
Donations and Opportunities for Giving to the First Presbyterian Church of Chili Our church family has many options to consider when directing donations or gifts to the church. The Session would like to let our church family and friends know of these various options donations made to the church in memory of, in honor of, or celebrating a life event of a family member. This list was recently sent to local funeral directors to assist them as they work with families who want to have donations made to First Presbyterian Church of Chili in memory of a loved one. The Session thought this listing would also be useful to keep in mind when updating a will, creating a will, or simply planning to make an outright gift to the church. First Presbyterian Church of Chili Donation Options Obituary, will, or gifting letter should state the name of the Fund to receive donations, bequests, or gifts. 1. First Presbyterian Church of Chili -- General Fund 2. First Presbyterian Church of Chili -- Mission Fund 3. First Presbyterian Church of Chili -- Scholarship Fund 4. First Presbyterian Church of Chili -- Memorial Fund 5. First Presbyterian Church of Chili -- Endowment Fund 6. First Presbyterian Church of Chili -- Housing/Investment Fund Brief description of each Fund. Donations placed in the General fund of the Church are used to support and improve the many programs we offer for Christian education, worship, community outreach, music ministry, youth development, etc. There are no specific and confining restrictions on how these fund monies are used and the Session determines how funds are used. Donations placed in the Mission Fund are restricted and must specifically be used to support mission and outreach programs as determined by the Mission Committee and the Session. Donations placed in the Chili Presbyterian Scholarship Fund are restricted and must specifically be used to award scholarships to graduates who demonstrate scholastic achievement, contribution of time and talent to the Chili church as well as commitment to humanitarian community programs. Funds are awarded as approved by the Session. Donations placed in the Memorial Fund are restricted and must specifically be used to purchase lasting material objects which appropriately enhance God's work through this body of Christ. The Session approves the use of Funds according to specifically defined criteria. Donations placed in the Endowment Fund are invested. Proceeds from the Fund investments are restricted and must specifically be used for "Outside the Walls" (mission), "On the Walls" (facilities), and "Inside the Walls" (programs) as approved by the Session. Donations placed in the Housing/Investment Fund are invested. Proceeds from Fund investments are restricted and must specifically be used to provide a housing allowance for the church pastor; and/or to provide for repair, rehabilitation and improvement of the church facilities. Roots & Wings page 6
Did someone use the F word in church? Sure did, we re going to have some FUN It's going to be a Sunday Fun-Day! Sunday, January 14th at noon-2 PM. Yes, it's a pot luck lunch and table games starting at noon on January 14th sponsored by your Advent/Christmas/Epiphany Team. The holiday hoopla is past, the decorations are put away and it's time to gather for church family time sharing good food and enjoying some fun playing games! Seriously...we're going to play games! Here's what to bring: A pot luck dish to share Your own table service -- plates, silverware, cups, napkins, etc. Your own soft drink or other non-alcoholic beverage A table game (or two) or card games to enjoy with another couple or group. Your fun-loving spirit! Sign-up sheet in Fellowship Hall
Announcements: Senior choir needs some more singers! If anyone is interested in singing, I would sure appreciate your voice! I have a whole new collection of new choir songs to prepare, and the more voices the merrier! We practice on Wednesday evenings from 7:30pm to 9pm. Please consider joining, and worshipping in our church through song. Bring your drum! During advent, I started reflecting on one of my favorite Christmas songs, The Little Drummer Boy. I began to realize new things about this classic fictional song that has challenged my faith which I will share with you. As the song goes, a small child is told to go see the newborn King. This child seems intrigued, and wants to pay homage to the Christ-child. I am sure there was some mystery to hearing about a newborn King. Wouldn t you want to see what people were talking about? So the boy goes to see Jesus. I think he must have realized that he came empty handed, and maybe that bothered him. He states that he is a Poor boy, and has a connection with the baby Jesus who is born in a stable stall, and not looking very glorious. The boy has brought a drum. It is all he has, and it seems that he realizes that there is something special about Jesus. So he plays. Pa rum pump pum pum. The boy seems to understand how important this moment is, and wants to give his time and talent to the newborn King. And the important line that may get overlooked in the song: I played my best for Him. Are we always trying to give our best to God? This little boy has nothing, but gives everything in his heart to worship this new king. I was then reminded of The Widow s Offering, from Mark 12. The widow gives the two coins, which is everything she has. She gives her best, her all. And God states that she is blessed beyond all others who have so much more. The widow has great trust and faith in Christ to provide for all her needs. Do we live like this? I think we aspire to live like these two examples, but it is not always easy. I know in my own life that it would be tough to let go and give God everything I have I question if I could do it. I also know that there are times we go through when all we can do is barely crawl into the church and struggle to understand God s plan for us. Then I started thinking some more. Does God need our best? Does God even need us? My conclusion is: Nope. God does not NEED us. But I believe that God CHOSE us. Now I chose to be married to my wonderful wife. I CHOSE to be one with her, and to give my best, my all to her. In the same way, I think our calling is to have that same DESIRE for Christ, the DESIRE to give our best to our relationship with Christ. I pray that you no matter where you are in life would have the desire to go to Christ, and to give your best, your all in whatever form that may be. Take some time to deepen that desire you have for our Creator and play your best drum routine, whatever that is for you, as a gift to the King. Be blessed and continue to let the music play. -Adam
(newyouth09.docx) CHILI PRESBYTERIAN YOUTH GROUP After church 11am-1pm February 4 th : SUPERBOWL SUBS! Name: Chili Presbyterian Youth Groups Location: Rochester, New York Web: chili-presbyterian.org Bio: Jr. and Sr. High youth looking to strengthen their faith in Christ and build lifelong relationships with others. @CHILIPRESYOUTHGROUP January 2018 Newsletter 160 160 Following Followers Can you say 2018? It is a New Year and with a new year comes some new excitement! First of all, we had a great December! We were able to have a great Christmas party with our confirmation group. We celebrated the birthdays of Aidan and Nicole as well! But most importantly, we were able to give the gift of Christmas to a family who really needed some joy. We joined with the deacons to help make this happen, providing some basic daily needs as well as some Christmas gifts for the family. As we start the New Year, we will be continuing confirmation class throughout the winter and spring, so please pray for our confirmands and faith partners as they seek a deeper relationship with Christ. Fun games during youth group! Our annual Super bowl Sub drive will be coming soon. If you are interested in a sub for the super bowl, please contact Adam at cpministerofmusic@gmail.com The schedule is below! Have a great January! -Adam and Whitney UPCOMING SCHEDULE: January 7 th : Youth and Parent Meeting! After church 11:00am January 14 th : No youth group after church. January 14 th : Game night at church! Sunday evening 6-10pm Bring friends! January 21 st : Youth Group After Church: 11am-1pm January 28 th : Confirmation Class! Questions? Contact Adam Scoville / cpministerofmusic@gmail.com / 585-269-8746