Epistle - First Presbyterian Church of Valatie

Epistle
“We are a small congregation, part of God’s larger family, teaching and living
God’s Word, and sharing God’s love throughout the community.”
Newsletter of First Presbyterian Church of Valatie
Reverend Kathi L. Jones, Pastor
Volume 3 Issue 2
P.O. Box 267, 3212 Church Street, Valatie, NY 12184
email: ifirstpresbyter1@nycap.rr.com
518-758-9658
February 2016
From the Pastor’s Pen
The season of Lent is upon us. Except for what is termed “ordinary time” from after Pentecost to Christ
the King Sunday in November, it is the longest season in the church year. It always strikes me as a
“downer” time; it’s during winter and the tone of it is solemn. Who wants to deal with it? Yet, I find the
opportunity to have a topic to study makes it a much more intentional, and even, encouraging time. I
look forward to the study and time spent in reading and quiet reflection. It helps me to anchor myself in
the season. I believe that if one does not experience the events of the Lenten season, one cannot fully
experience the miracle of Easter.
Worship becomes more focused as it dwells on conversations and events that lead Jesus to Jerusalem
and his death.
We begin the season on Ash Wednesday, this year on February 10. The liturgical use of ashes
originates in Old Testament times. Ashes symbolized mourning, mortality and penance. For instance, in
the Book of Esther, Mordecai put on sackcloth and ashes when he heard of the decree of King
Ahasuerus (or Xerxes, 485-464 B.C.) of Persia to kill all of the Jewish people in the Persian Empire
(Esther 4:1). In the fifth century B.C., after Jonah's preaching of conversion and repentance, the town of
Ninevah proclaimed a fast and put on sackcloth, (Jonah 3:5-6). These Old Testament examples evidence
both a recognized practice of using ashes and a common understanding of their symbolism.
Jesus Himself also made reference to ashes. Referring to towns that refused to repent of sin although
they had witnessed the miracles and heard the good news, our Lord said, "If the miracles worked in you
had taken place in Tyre and Sidon, they would have reformed in sackcloth and ashes long ago" (Mt
11:21).
The early Church continued the usage of ashes for the same symbolic reasons. Eventually, the use of
ashes was adapted to mark the beginning of Lent, the 40-day preparation period (not including Sundays)
for Easter. In our present liturgy for Ash Wednesday, we use ashes made from the burned palm
branches distributed on the Palm Sunday of the previous year. The priest/pastor blesses the ashes and
imposes them on the foreheads of the faithful, making the sign of the cross. We renew the promises
made at our baptism, when we died to an old life and rose to a new life with Christ. Finally, mindful that
the kingdom of this world passes away, we strive to live the kingdom of God now and look forward to its
fulfillment in Heaven.
Lent is not a bad season after all with that kind of a beginning!
May you reflect this Lenten season on the journey of Jesus and find your way to repenting of your sins –
perhaps through ritual and study. We have the opportunities available this Lent.
Kathi
Volume 3 Issue 2
Page 2
Session Notes
The Annual Congregational Meeting
The Session met last in its regular meeting on
Wednesday January 20 in the Library. After
opening with devotions and prayer, the
Session:
 Elected Melissa Barton as the Clerk
 Approved the minutes from the December
session meeting
 With great regret, heard of the passing of
Walter Austin-Michaud, a former member,
and expressed sorrow for his family
 Organized themselves by signing up for
devotions, communion set-up, communion
assisting and committee assignments
 Received the Treasurer’s report for the end
of 2015
 Approved a 2% cost of living increase for all
of the staff
 Approved the recommendations of the
Finance and Stewardship Committee for the
2016 Budget
 Heard that the Transitional Presbyter, the
Rev. Shannon Vance-Ocampo, would be
participating in worship on February 7
 Heard that the Ecumenical Ash Wednesday
Service would be held here on February 10
at 7:00pm.
 Heard that Boy Scout Sunday would be
recognized on Feb. 14 with our Troop 114
participating in worship
 Approved dates for communion in 2016
 Approved having traditional communion
sered January through May and September
through December with intinction June
through August
 Heard that the Lenten Supper and Study
series will be held on Thursdays Feb. 11
through March 18
 Heard that March 13 would be Celebrate
the Gifts of Women Sunday
 Heard that a piece of gutter needs to be
replaced on the CEB
There being no more business to be done, the
session was adjourned until its next meeting on
Wed. Feb. 17 at 7:00pm.
The Annual Meeting of the Congregation took
place on Sunday January 31. Following a
wonderful chicken parm and spaghetti lunch
with salad and bread and homemade cakes, all
prepared and served by the Deacons, the
meeting was called to order and opened with
prayer. Melissa Barton, newly elected Clerk of
Session, took the minutes for the meeting.
Voting in the affirmative to approve the Call of
the Meeting, determining that a quorum was
present, adopting the docket, and approving the
minutes of the 2015 meetings of the
congregation, all took place in quick order.
The Pastor’s Report was reviewed and it was
noted that we lost 3 members by death, Alan
Judson, Jim Gilmore and Mary Gene Strobel
who were all remembered in a memorial
moment. Our membership is now at 77.
Nominations
from
the
floor
for
four
congregational members of the Nominating
Committee were: John Coons, Vieve Gay,
Steve Hohneker and Marge Laurie. There
were no more nominations and so the
nominations were closed and the clerk was
asked to cast one ballot for those nominated.
There will be 2 elders appointed to the
committee with one of them becoming the chair.
and one deacon will be appointed to the
committee.
Changes in the by-laws were presented, having
had a first reading meeting earlier in the month
when questions were asked and general
discussion happened. Changes to the size of
the Board of Deacons and the Session were the
primary changes being presented. The boards
would each be smaller. After discussion the vote
was taken and approval of the changes
presented was given.
The rest of the reports were read and received.
The session adopted Budget for 2016 was
presented for information as well as the 2015
end of year Treasurer’s Report. The year ended
in the black instead of in the red as anticipated
for which all were grateful.
Everything moved along nicely with some
discussion during the Building and Grounds
report, the Memorial Fund Report, and the 2016
Annual Budget presentation. Many thanks to
all who helped to make the lunch and meeting
run smoothly.
Volume 3 Issue 2
Page 3
Christian Nurture
Reverend Shannan Vance-Ocampo will be
joining us on February 7th to lead us in
worship. She is the Transitional Presbyter of
the Albany Presbytery.
We will be hosting the Ecumenical Ash
Wednesday Service this year. It will be held
on Wednesday, February 10th at 7:00 pm.
The service will include the imposition of
ashes. Please mark your calendars and plan
to join us for this service that marks the
beginning of Lent.
Save the Dates!
The Lenten Study this year will begin on
Thursday, February 11th at 5:30 to 7:00 pm.
We will have a light dinner and have six
sessions on Handel's Messiah - the Bible
references and music that goes with it. The
Methodists are being invited to join us. Plan
on being with us to deepen your knowledge of
often used biblical passages for Easter and
enjoy a light meal together.
The Boy Scouts will be joining us during our
worship service on February 14, 2016 and
they will host our coffee hour after the service.
In an effort to reduce our heating oil bills our
worship services will continue to be held in
the Fellowship Hall through March 13 and will
return to the sanctuary on March 20.
* * * * *
Presbyterian Women
Thanks to the generosity of our congregation,
the Presbyterian Women were able to give 62
pairs of mittens and gloves 22 hats and 4 hat
and glove sets to the Hudson Sa Care Center
and Ichabod Crane Schools.
One Great Hour of Sharing supports projects
that break the cycles of poverty, hunger and
thirst, as well as providing aid during times of
crisis.
The bulk of the One Great Hour of Sharing
offering goes to support water, hunger,
disaster relief and empowerment programs.
Focusing on these four areas allows One
Great Hour of Sharing to address some of the
root causes of suffering in our world. Your
gifts make hope possible.
We will be receiving the One Great Hour of
Sharing through Easter, 2016.
Please be generous!
****
Flowers for Worship
It is always nice to have flowers on the table
to brighten up worship. There are sign up
sheets available to let us know which Sunday
you would like to donate them. They may be
given in memory of someone on an
anniversary or birthday or in honor of
someone for a milestone achieved or just
because.
Call the office and leave a
message if you need to. We need to have
who is giving the flowers, the occasion for
which they are given and whether you want to
take them after service or have us deliver
them to someone we think will enjoy
them. You are responsible for getting the
flowers and getting them to church. They can
be your own arrangement or something more
professionally arranged. We look forward to
seeing flowers more often to brighten the
service for the glory of God!
In Our Thoughts and Prayers
Gale Bury – had successful surgery on
Tuesday Feb. 2 on his right shoulder. We are
grateful that it went well and wish him well in
his recovery.
Volume 3 Issue 2
Page 4
Prayer List
We pray for:
Ash Wednesday
•
People with heart disease
•
Presidents of the United states past
and present
•
Protection from dangerous weather
conditions
•
Animals that have been abandoned
or abused
•
Prison inmates and those involved
in the criminal justice system
•
Nursing home health aides and
Hospice workers
•
Those who commute to work during
winter storms
February 10
We are thankful for …
Ecumenical Worship
Service
7:00 PM
FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS
2/1 Hertha Matuszek
2/2 Vieve Gay
2/2 Madison Jostlin
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL
•
The ability to read and enjoy our
favorite books
•
Love in all forms - from God, family
and our pets
•
Unexpected kindness
If we have missed your Birthday or Anniversary
on our list, please give Naomi in the office a call.
We want to celebrate with you and let others
know about your special day. If you are
reaching some other significant milestone let us
know.
LECTIONARY FOR FEBRUARY
Feb. 7: Exodus 34:29–35; Psalm 99; 2 Corinthians 3:12 - 4:2; Luke 9:28 - 36, 37 - 43
Feb. 10: Ash Wednesday: Joel 2:1 - 2, 12–17 or Isaiah 58:1 - 12; Psalm 51:1 - 17; 2
Corinthians 5:20b - 6:10; Matthew 6:1 - 6, 16 - 21
Feb. 14: Deuteronomy 26:1 - 11; Psalm 91:1 - 2, 9 - 16; Romans 10:8b - 13; Luke 4:1-13
Feb. 21: Genesis 15:1 - 12, 17 - 18;Psalm 27;Philippians 3:17 - 4:1; Luke 13:31 - 35 or
Luke 9:28–36
Feb. 28: Isaiah 55:1 - 9; Psalm 63:1 - 8; 1 Corinthians 10:1 - 13; Luke 13:1 - 9
Volume 3 Issue 2
Study, Worship, and activities During Lent
Page 5
February 10
Wednesday
7:00pm.
Ash Wednesday Service
First Presbyterian Church
Preacher of the Day:
Pastor Anton Kapusi from
Seventh Day Adventist Church
February 11
Thursday
5:30pm.
Supper and Study
Soup/Sandwiches
Session 1 – Behold the
Lamb of God
February 14
1st Sunday
In Lent
9:30am.
9:45am.
11:00am.
12:15pm.
Sunday School
Adult Education
Worship
Coffee Hour
ages 3 – grade 9
graduated high school and up
Boy Scout Sunday
hosted by Troop #114
February 18
Thursday
5:30pm.
Supper and Study
Soup/Sandwiches
Session 2 – He Trusted
in God
February 21
2nd Sunday
In Lent
9:30am.
9:45am.
11:00am.
Sunday School
Adult Education
Worship
ages 3-grade 9
graduated high school and up
February 25
Thursday
5:30pm.
Supper and Study
Soup/Sandwiches
Session 3 - Who is This
King of Glory?
February 28
3rd Sunday
In Lent
9:30am.
9:45am.
11:00am.
Sunday School
Adult Education
Worship
ages 3-grade 9
graduated high school and up
Supper and Study
Soup/Sandwiches
Session 4 - I Know That
My Redeemer Liveth
Sunday School
Adult Education
Worship
ages 3-grade 9
graduated high school and up
Sacrament of Holy Communion
Supper and Study
Soup/Sandwiches
Session 5 - Why Do the
Nations Rage?
9:30am.
9:45am.
11:00am.
Sunday School
Adult Education
Worship
12:15pm.
Coffee Hour
ages 3-grade 9
graduated high school and up
Celebrating the Gifts of
Women Sunday
hosted by the Women of
the Church
March 3
Thursday
March 6
4th Sunday
In Lent
March 10
Thursday
March 13
5th Sunday
In Lent
March 17
Thursday
March 20
Palm Sunday
March 24
Maundy Thursday
March 27
Easter
5:30pm.
9:30am.
9:45am.
11:00am.
5:30pm.
5:30pm.
9:30am.
9:45am.
11:00am.
6:00pm.
6:30am.
11:00am.
Supper and Study
Holy Week Begins
Sunday School
Adult Education
Worship
Supper and Worship
Soup/Sandwiches
Session 6 - Worthy is the
Lamb
ages 3-grade 9
graduated high school and up
Light supper
Sacrament of the Last
Supper
Easter Dawn Service
Place – TBD
Celebration of the Resurrection Worship
Volume 3 Issue 2
Page 6
From the Mailbag
Dear Friends,
Thank you for your generosity and gift of $830.00 to Heifer International. The end of extreme poverty is within our grasp, and your help matters.
Your commitment t to helping others gives hope to families who once struggled with hunger and poverty and provides the foundation for strong
farming families.
Families in rural villages like Peru, India and Ghana have more secure futures to look forward to as well, because of your generosity. Best of all,
through Heifer’s tradition of Passing on the Gift, your gift will be multiplied for many seasons to come.
Thank you for investing in Heifer International to help make a better world—one family at a time.
Sincerely,
Pierre U. Ferrari
President and CEO
Dear Friends,
Thank you for embracing a different—and difference making approach to gift giving. By choosing a gift of $330.00 from the CWS Best Gift
catalog, you're helping families in need, here at home and around the world.
Through your generous heart, you're helping someone beat hunger and break the grip of generational and situational poverty, or to find solace as
they flee their homes. Gifts form the Best Gift catalog:
•
Provide poor communities with access to clean, safe water.
•
Empower women to earn and income and feed their families
•
Teach struggling farmers climate specific agricultural methods
•
Support people displaced by natural disasters of civil conflict as they begin to rebuild their lives
We are deeply grateful for the vital part youre playing in building a world with enough for all. With your compassion, together we can and will
change lives for the better.
Sincerely,
Rev. John L. McCullough, President and CEO, Church World Services
Dear Friends,
Thank you for you gift to Special Offerings of $155.00! Your gift to SO999999 represents a unique way to support a wide range of ministries
across the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). These ministries include disaster assistance, self development projects, hunger relief, ministries with
youth and young adults, peacemaking programs, racial ethnic education at Presbyterian related schools an colleges, and the Assistance
Program of the Board of Pensions.
Together, these ministries supported bu Special Offerings, represents our collective withness to the love of Jesus Christ. Thank you so much for
your continues support.
With sincere gratitude,
Bryce Wiebe, Manager, Special Offerings
First Presbyterian Church, Valatie
February 2016
Sun
Mon
1
Tue
2
Wed
Thu
4
3
9
Sat
5
6
12
13
19
20
26
27
10:00 am.
Presbyterian
Women
7:00 pm.
Boy Scouts
7 Transfiguration of 8
Fri
10
11
the Lord
9:30am. Sunday School
9:45am. Adult Education
11:00am. Worship
12;15pm. Coffee Hour
12:30pm. Deacons’ Mtg.
Sacrament of Holy
14 First Sunday in 15
7:00 pm.
Buildings &
Grounds
7:00 pm.
Boy Scouts
16
7:00 pm.
Ecumenical
Service at First
Presbyterian
17
5:30 pm.
Supper and
Study
18
Lent
9:30 Sunday School
9:45 Adult Education
11:00 Worship - Boy
Scout Sunday
12:15 Coffee Hour
21 Second Sunday 22
2:00 pm.
Warm Up
America!
7:00 pm.
Finance &
Stewardship
7:00 pm.
Boy Scouts
23
5:30 pm.
Supper and
Study
7:00 pm.
Session
24
25
in Lent
9:30 Sunday School
9:45 Adult Education
11:00 Worship
12:15 Christian Nurture
7:00 pm.
Boy Scouts
5:30 pm.
Supper and
Study
28 Third Sunday 29
in Lent
9:30 Sunday School
9:45 Adult Education
11:00am. Worship
12:15 Coffee Hour
Food Pantry Hours
Monday 12noon to 2pm
Wednesday 2/3, 2/17, 2/24 6 - 8 pm
Saturday, 2/13 & 2/27 9 -11 am
Soup Sampler
11:00 - 1:30 pm.
3212 Church Street
P. O. Box 267
Valatie, NY 12184
Phone: 518-758-9658
Email: ifirstpresbyter1@nycap.rr.com
TIME SENSITIVE INFORMATION-PLEASE DELIVER PROMPTLY
Soup Sampler & Bake
Sale
Saturday, February 27, 2016
11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
February 10, 2016
Ecumenical service at 7:00pm.
Pastor Anton Kapusi, from the
Kinderhook Seventh Day Adventist
Church will bring the message. The
imposition of ashes will be part of
the service. All are welcome and
encouraged to begin their Lenten
season in worship.
Sandra Hohneker, Treasurer
Melissa Barton, Clerk of Session
Choose from 20 + different
varieties of
Homemade Soup!
Lunch Includes All-You-CanEat Soup, Crackers, and a
Beverage.
Bill Ring, Financial Secretary
Ardelle Stewart, Organist
Naomi Handley, Secretary
Virginia Becker, Sexton