June 2011 Final - First Presbyterian Church of Albany

The First Presbyterian
Volume 65 No 10
June 2011
More Light Sunday - June 5, 2011
Special Adult/Youth Education Class
"Make It Better"
By Bob Willower, More Light Committee
On More Light Sunday, June 5, 2011, there will be a combined
adult / youth class at the regular education time, 9:30 am, in the
Rose Room.
The mission theme for this year's More Light Sunday is “Make It
Better.” On that day we will join other churches, campus ministries
and More Light Presbyterian Chapters around the country in
worship, education, and community mission action.
I will sing of loyalty and justice;
to you, O Lord, will I sing.
Psalm 101:1
See p. 4, Ordination Standards.
In This Issue
Pause Here a Moment . . . ...........2
Join the Pride Parade....................3
CROP Walk 2011..........................3
A Landmark Decision....................4
Youth Garden, Phase II ................5
A Project to Conserve Water ........5
FPC Website in Top 10.................6
First Pres on Facebook.................7
Summer Schedule.........................7
While we can rejoice in the national ratification of the 219th
General Assembly's Ordination Amendment 10-A (see p. 4), we
know that there is still much to do to create safe homes, safe
schools, and safe churches for all youth, including God's LGBT and
questioning children and youth.
The epidemic of teenage suicides of LGBT youth and the
persistence of anti-gay bullying in our schools and communities
calls for a faithful response from all of us. To that end, we have
invited a team from the Gay Lesbian and Straight Education
Network (GLSEN) to offer this educational session on the current
state of our schools regarding bullying, especially that based on
sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in our
schools. They will also present actions that we can take to help
"make it better."
The team will consist of Wayne Manchester, co-chair of the local
GLSEN chapter, and several students from area high schools and
colleges. After their presentation, there will be time for questions
and answers. Please plan on joining us for this important
educational opportunity.
Special Offering for Pentecost......8
Presbyterian Mission Yearbook....8
The Upper Rooms.........................9
Education Celebration...................9
Ministry Recognition Sunday, June 19.
Is this a Healthy Congregation? ...9
During both services members will be
recognized for the various volunteer ministries
that happen through First Presbyterian Church.
Deacons’ Doings .........................10
Schedules and Calendars..... 10-11
The First Presbyterian
Pause Here a Moment . . .
Editor’s note: These thoughts come from the Rev. Richard Davis. He made
them while serving a church in Switzerland, but in a former life he served as
the Youth Director of Rev. Glenn Leupold’s youth group in Minnesota.
First Presbyterian Church
Albany, NY
Founded in 1763
Miriam Lawrence Leupold
Glenn D. Leupold
Co-Pastors
Michael Lister
Director of Music
Nancy J. Frank
Organist
Christy D’Ambrosio
Youth Director
Robert C. Lamar
Pastor Emeritus
Elders
Gladys Crowder
Clerk of Session
Joyce Bascom
Debra Fagans
Freda Gardner
David Hannay
Ray Henrikson
Charles Kite
Carolyn Lemmon
Harry (Skip) Meislahn
Donald Mark
Stephanie Kite
Peggy Schalit
Deacons
David Nichols
Moderator
Keith Barber
Paul Bascom
Marian Eaton
Jacquelyn Ellsworth
Fay Fairfax
Richard Gascoyne
L. Lee Helsby
David Hinchen
Annette Johnson
Margaret Leupold
Judith Mark
Jessica Mathias
Dwight Smith
Barbara Speck
David Takor
Cynthia Winter
Margaret Zettle
Why Can’t We Talk?
One of the big changes I've noticed in [the U.S.] —and elsewhere around the
world—is the disappearance of respectful, reasonable dialogue. This concerns
me because society seems to be turning super-sensitive and downright hostile
when it comes to those who hold opposing convictions. As a new believer and
newlywed, I spent the summer of 1971 in Huemoz, Switzerland, living and
studying at L'Abri, the Christian community (commune?) led by Francis and
Edith Schaeffer. Having come to faith in the midst of the disillusionment of the
60's, I was starved to find some philosophical and theological “meat”.
Existentialism had left me longing for more. L'Abri provided that. And one of
the cornerstones of Schaeffer's methodology was his willingness to give all
questions a fair hearing. This resonated with my liberal arts education (liberal,
in the best sense of the word), and it fit well with the teachings of Christ.
In seminary, I discovered the rabbinical approach to learning, which
encourages the methodical asking of question after question to peel away the
layers covering the truth. I've tried to apply these lessons in my ministry, with
the foundation being a confidence that truth can stand on its own against all
the alternatives. It's my conviction that if Christianity is what it claims to be, it
will outshine the competition. But today I continue to see mounting insecurities
in the Christian camp. Many seem to have substituted dogma for debate and
defensiveness for winsome discussion. Why is this? Has the sacred
succumbed to the secular?
I think one of my colleagues hit the nail on the head in observing, “Because we
live in an age of individualism and moral relativity, we've lost the ability to
distinguish between disagreement and personal rejection. We can't separate
our opinions from who we are as people. So when someone disagrees with us,
we take it as a personal affront. Or, even worse, a personal attack.” This is a
good insight. Our delicate egos and personal insecurities have left us clinging
to our need to be right. If someone disagrees with us, he must be the enemy.
Whether it's politics, religion, personal ethics, or any other forum of ideas,
people are becoming ever more entrenched and are easily threatened by the
prospect of having to compete against other perspectives.
It saddens me to see educated people reduced to name-calling. This has led
to the demise of dialogue. Political candidates now lower themselves to
childish antics. Public figures stoop to backbiting. In the midst of all this, what
will we do to represent God's truth? I sure hope we'll raise our game and show
our class in Christ by refusing to clash, slash, or make a splash. All we have to
do is, as Scripture advises, “reason, rebuke, and encourage — with great
patience and careful instruction.” In this world of competitive values, stress and
anxiety, and seductive voices, let us demonstrate our assurance in Christ and
our love for the lost. Christ is ever strong — but never strident.
2
The First Presbyterian
Sunday, June 12
Join the Pride Parade
By Joyce Bascom, More Light Committee
The Pride Parade, a demonstration of solidarity within
the community that First Pres celebrates in the More
Light tradition, will be held June 12, the second Sunday
in June.
In previous years the rainbow balloons have
been a hallmark of the Pride Parade. This year
First Pres will carry banners and march for
justice in a context that reaches beyond church
law.
For several years our presence found expression in a
colorful float. This year we will march with signs and
banners. Two SUV’s have been offered for decorating
and for a few people to ride the route, while others will
walk. We begin decorating at 9:30 am, assemble in
Washington Park around 11, and about noon the group
starts down State Street. All are welcome to join the
parade.
We share a booth in the park after the parade with
Presbyterian Rainbow (a coalition with the other two
More Light Churches in Albany Presbytery, along with
22 other Presbyterian churches in our Presbytery who
are willing to have their churches listed as welcoming to
all).
We are grateful for the support of our pastors and the
congregation of FPC for these and other justice issues
in our community and within our denomination.
Come see the parade after church on June 12.
Crop Walk 2011
Mounted police guard the walkers on the
day of CROP walk, 2011.
By Nann Daley
Led by mounted police and bagpipers in full regalia,
CROP Walk, 2011 started its trek through the streets of
Albany. Marching for First Presbyterian church were 13
walkers backed by 47 pledgers. We logged in $1,120.00
at the time of the march with Katie Fletcher in the lead.
We gathered on the lawn of the First Lutheran Church on
Western Ave. and had a quick lunch and prayer. After
opening remarks the walk began. Some walked "The
Golden Mile,” but most walked the entire 4.5. mile loop.
CROP Walk is a worldwide fundraiser that addresses the
ever increasing issues of hunger and poverty. The
poverty rate in the United States is approximately 14%
and in the Albany area 23%. Proceeds will be used to
stock the shelves of our local food pantries and to
support Church World Services programs to help the 850
million people around the world who are hungry.
3
Thank you to the volunteers from First Pres who
collected donations and to all who supported them.
The First Presbyterian
Ordination Standards
All other church-wide standards for ordination
remain unchanged. (There was never a prohibition
against a person being ordained based on sexual
orientation, as long as that person was celibate.)
A Presbyterian Landmark
Decision
Ordaining bodies continue to retain the right and
responsibility to determine their own
memberships. A congregation continues to elect
their deacons and elders and the session
examines them for suitability of office. Likewise,
presbyteries examine individuals for suitability to
be ordained as ministers of the Word and
Sacrament.
In July 2010, the 219th General Assembly of the
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) approved a proposed
amendment (10-A) to the Book of Order, part of the
PC(USA) Constitution, regarding ordination
standards. As with all constitutional changes,
Amendment 10-A required ratification by a majority
of the PC(USA)’s 173 presbyteries (regional bodies)
for it to become part of the Book of Order. On May
10, 87 presbyteries have approved Amendment 10A, which is the minimum number needed for
ratification.
What’s next?
Amendment 10-A will take effect on July 10, 2011
(one year after the adjournment of the last
assembly). Already, the change has energized
many conversations at all levels across the
PC(USA) about how we can best enable the gifts
of those called to service in Christ’s church and
have mutual respect for each other’s integrity. In
addition, sessions and presbyteries will review
their processes for examination.
What will change?
The following provision that is currently in the Book
of Order (G-6.0106b) will be changed:
Those who are called to office in the church are to
lead a life in obedience to Scripture and in
conformity to the historic confessional standards of
the church. Among these standards is the
requirement to live either in fidelity within the
covenant of marriage between a man and a woman
(W-4.9001), or chastity in singleness. Persons
refusing to repent of any self-acknowledged practice
which the confessions call sin shall not be ordained
and/or installed as deacons, elders, or ministers of
the Word and Sacrament.
First Presbyterian Church has been involved for a
number of years with the efforts to modify these
ordination standards with language that does not
exclude our LGBT brothers and sisters. We
rejoice with this action and will continue to work for
justice for all people.
The new language (Amendment 10-A) will read:
In recent years
the stoles of
“rejected
clergy,”
constrained
from ordination
by the Book of
Order have
been displayed
in our
Sanctuary in a
“Shower of
Stoles” with the
individual story
of the excluded
clergyperson.
The passage of
Amendment
10-A marks a
new day in the
life of the
Presbyterian
Church (USA).
Standards for ordained service reflect the church’s
desire to submit joyfully to the Lordship of Jesus
Christ in all aspects of life (G-1.0000). The
governing body responsible for ordination and/or
installation (G.14.0240; G-14.0450) shall examine
each candidate’s calling, gifts, preparation, and
suitability for the responsibilities of office. The
examination shall include, but not be limited to, a
determination of the candidate’s ability and
commitment to fulfill all requirements as expressed
in the constitutional questions for ordination and
installation (W-4.4003). Governing bodies shall be
guided by Scripture and the confessions in applying
standards to individual candidates.
What does this mean?
A person in a same-gender relationship can be
considered for ordination as deacon, elder, or
Minister of the Word and Sacrament.
4
The First Presbyterian
Youth Garden, Phase II
By Christy D’Ambrosio
Attention All Youth and Interested Adults:
Phase II of the Youth Garden is underway. The
Property Committee has graciously granted a
request for a composter. Jerry Wergedal has
been busy putting the composter together and
building an addition onto the current raised
planters. Limbs that were prohibiting the sun
from shining into our garden have been lopped off
by Davey Tree and Lawn Care.
In last year’s
Phase I garden,
the site was
chosen, the ground
was prepared, the
seeds were sown,
the plants were
nurtured, and the
harvest was
reaped. This year
starts Phase II.
We are currently in the process of planting and
caring for the garden. We still need to line up
more care takers on a regular schedule. If you
are interested, youth or adult, please contact
Christy D’Ambrosio (449-7332).
A Project to Conserve
Water
By Christy D’Ambrosio
Our youth continue to work on projects
generated from their experience on visiting the
United Nations headquarters in New York.
Currently we are in the process of placing half
gallon plastic jugs into the water cabinets of
every toilet in the church building. Each plastic
jug is rinsed clean, partially filled with rocks or
marbles, and then filled with water and capped
off. The jug is then
placed in the water
cabinet of a toilet where
it serves to reduce the
down cycle of the
flushing sequence.
When the water
cabinet refills, less
water is used because
of the displacement
created by the half
gallon jug.
Please consider
donating empty half
gallon jugs with caps to
the youth for this
project. Please contact
Christy D’Ambrosio
(449-7332).
A very special thank you to all Easter
Brunch attendees, contributors, and
volunteers for making the Easter Brunch
Fundraiser for the Youth a great success!
5
The First Presbyterian
FPC Website Places in the
Top Ten
By Tim O’Toole, FPC Webmaster
To paraphrase John Wesley, “Why should the
devil have all the best websites?”
First Pres has had a presence on the web for
over a dozen years. Seven years ago I
inherited its well-designed and artistic site from
Troy Soka. Just one look at the home page
and I knew he and unnamed others had
captured the essence of FPC. The look and
feel were most inviting, and the coverage of all
significant aspects of our spiritual life was
complete and compelling.
A month ago I received an e-mail from a total
stranger, Jeremy Myers, who wrote an article
for Examiner.com in which he critiqued
Albany’s many church websites, and rated FPC
in the top ten.
6. Mission. What opportunities does the website
list for getting involved in the wider community?
None of the churches in the top ten got a perfect
score in all six categories. That is really a good
thing, because FPC’s website, like any website, is a
work in progress.
Sincere flattery is also welcome in my inbasket, but more importantly he explained his
rating criteria which are most instructive.
In the past year we’ve integrated a number of
changes on our site, including up-to-date photos of
our members and activities, audio sermons (in mp3
format for web surfers), music videos, and most
recently color newsletters.
Mr. Myers rated church websites based on six
criteria (paraphrased below):
1. Discoverability. How easy is it to find the
website? That was the easy part for him.
He used Google.
Website enhancements have been a team effort. Dave
Quist got the ball rolling with audio sermons, editing
dozens of CDs on his home Macintosh. FPC’s
Network Administrator, Bruce Brynolfson has
championed the use of CDs to spread the word to
shut-ins and visitors.
2. First impressions. What does the home
page say about the church? Is the color
scheme appealing? If there are pictures,
what do the pictures say about the church?
Are navigation buttons well labeled?
FPC’s music staff and guest artists have provided us
with many hours of quality sound – all the more
inviting when visitors hear them live. There are the
“usual suspects” like Deb Rocco, Fiona McKinney,
Chris Trombley, Nancy Frank and Gordon Hibberd,
kicked into overdrive by our energetic music director,
Dr. Michael Lister. But there are also “unusual
suspects” like Jack Holmes, who resurrected FPC’s
bell choir, or the next generation of FPC musicians,
epitomized by cellist Helen Lewis, or the energetic
cast of The Giving Tree.
3. Navigation. Is the website easy to
navigate? Is a common theme and color
scheme carried throughout the website?
Are the navigation buttons always in the
same place?
4. Information. Does the website contain
easy to find and important information for
potential new visitors, such as service
times, address, and contact information?
FPC’s Youth Director, Christy D’Ambrosio is working
constantly on fresh content reflecting our very active
youth program. I only wish we could reproduce her
annual youth musicals on the web.
5. Instruction. Are there further instructional
elements in the website, such as a
doctrinal statement, online sermon audio
files, and free Bible study tools?
Continued on p. 7, FPC Website.
6
The First Presbyterian
Continued from p. 6, FPC Website.
Deb Fagans revamped FPC’s Mission
page, recently, stressing our Outreach
commitment to serving the greater
community. That would have yielded us a
higher score in criterion six (timing is
everything).
Susan Byrnolfson
Gierthy once again
enhances our
musical offerings
with an oboe solo.
Dick Gascoyne took on the newsletter
several years ago, turning it into a first
class publication. All the greater now that
he has made it available on the web in
living color. (Color is the same price as
black and white on the web.)
There is one silent partner in all this –
digital technology – that makes crystal
clear audio, vibrant still photographs and
captivating music videos available
immediately and affordably.
Mr. Myers appraisal was gratifying, but
now we need a second opinion. You
don’t need to be a doctor. Just drop by
www.firstpresalbany.org and take a look
around. Then go to the Contact Us page
and e-mail your thoughts to me, Tim
O’Toole, www1ceman@earthlink.net
The Bell Choir,
under the direction
of Jack Holmes,
adds to the
worshipful music
experience.
The Age of the Internet
First Presbyterian Church
on Facebook
Summer Schedule
One Worship Service at 9:30 AM
By Ray Henrikson, Chair, Communications
and Technology Committee
June 26
July 3
First Presbyterian Church
FOCUS at First Presbyterian
Church
July 10
First Presbyterian Church
July 17
First Presbyterian Church
July 24
First Presbyterian Church
July 31
First Presbyterian Church
August 7 FOCUS at Trinity Methodist
August 14 First Presbyterian Church
August 21 First Presbyterian Church
August 28 First Presbyterian Church
Sept 4
FOCUS at Emmanuel Baptist
Sept 11
First Presbyterian Church
Homecoming in the Park
Facebook is in the news every day. Over
40% of the population of the USA, and
600,000,000 people worldwide, have a
Facebook account. Being on Facebook
allows users to create personal profiles of
themselves, and it facilitates communication
between friends and involvement with special
interest groups.
Not wanting to be left out of this major
advancement in the way people and
institutions communicate, Session decided to
create a presence on Facebook of our
church. It is up and running now. Check it
out and feel free to contribute.
7
The First Presbyterian
Another On-line Opportunity
Sunday, June 12
Special Offering
for Pentecost
Presbyterian Mission
Yearbook
By Debra Fagans, Outreach and Mission
Committee
You can read the Presbyterian Mission
Yearbook on line. This is a gem of a book
that brings you stories daily about what
Presbyterians are doing right down the street,
in a neighboring town, or across the world.
Our denomination takes up four special offerings
during the year. We recently participated in the
One Great Hour of Sharing Offering that is used for
disaster assistance, hunger programs, and selfdevelopment of people at home and around the
world.
Get inspired, get ideas for our congregation,
get excited about all that is being done in our
name. Just go to
http://gamc.pcusa.org/ministries/missionyear
book and scroll down to “Get readings by
email,” hit the subscribe button, and every
day you will find a new message in your
inbox.
The Pentecost Offering is a little different. While
60% of what is given goes to our denomination to
be used for youth programming (such as the
Triennium) and child advocacy, 40% remains with
our congregation to use locally for the same foci.
Last year our portion went to the FOCUS program,
Computers for Kids. However. FOCUS has
decided not to continue that program for the
coming summer. Instead, this year the Outreach
and Mission Committee will dedicate the money to
two programs:
Giffen Elementary School, located on South
Pearl Street, is the site of a project of the
Inward Journey / Outward Journey group.
There may be an opportunity for you to join
the group when they begin tutoring students
as part of their continuing journey.
• First we will make up the difference that our
youth need to finance their summer mission trip to
Lyons, NY, July 17-23 to a work camp where they
will be part of an organized group repairing homes.
They have been working hard to raise money for
this endeavor and we hope to top their coffers.
• Any money left after this will go to a new
outreach that members of the Inward
Journey/Outward Journey group have started at
Giffen Elementary School on Pearl Street, here in
Albany. After much study of the neighborhoods
around the church and much prayer and self study,
the group decided that the best way to be helpful
was to work with a school to help students achieve
their potential. Some will be tutoring reading,
others math, and some reading to children to
improve listening vocabulary. Money from the
Pentecost Offering will enable them to purchase
needed materials they can use with their students.
They are very excited about this new outreach and
hope to be able to open it up to others in the
church in the fall.
Above the door of the entrance to Giffen Elementary
School you will see this sign:
Please consider helping with these two worthwhile
endeavors.
8
The First Presbyterian
The Upper Rooms
The Story of Lydia, Acts 16
The current rotation in The Upper Rooms (our
Christian education program for children in grades
kindergarten through 8) began May 29 and runs
through June 12. This rotation’s theme is “Lydia,” and
the children are exploring Acts 16:11–15, 40 through
movie, drama, music and worship. Teaching this time
around are Ellen Eisenbraun, Amy Robinson,
Stephanie Kite and Pastor Miriam.
Helen Lewis pours milk and juice, just one example of
the presence and participation of the young people of
our church community.
If you are interested in participating next year in this
intergenerational project, please contact Rev. Miriam
Lawrence Leupold. Who learns more in this endeavor
– the young students or the teacher / mentors?
Sunday, June 19, at 9:30 am
Light Brunch and Education
Celebration
Join us on Sunday, June 19, at 9:30, in Assembly
Hall for our Education Celebration where all ages will
be celebrating our Sunday morning Christian
Education program. Join us for a light breakfast of
finger foods and a fun-filled program looking back
over this past year.
And again the youthful presence is noted in a quintet
directed and accompanied by Dr. Michael Lister,
Director of Music.
Teachers, shepherds, adults, youth and children are
all invited to join this celebration of a fabulous year.
Back by popular demand is the Backward Jeopardy
Game.
Come and see how much we have learned this year!
You’ll see a video featuring highlights of the year,
hear about plans for next year, honor those who
played a special role this year, and participate in
interactive activities. Don’t miss this opportunity for
fellowship!
A Presbytery Project
Is this a Healthy Congregation?
As part of the Session’s and congregation’s
participation on an Albany Presbytery project
centered on the elements of thriving congregations
and congregations in distress, a group gathered in
Assembly Hall after worship service to survey
results of some probing questions: What attracted
you to First Pres? What are the strengths here?
The weaknesses?
9
The First Presbyterian
Mid-term ordination of new deacons:
Dwight Smith, David Hinchen,
Margaret Leupold, and Jessica
Mathias.
Ushers and Greeters Schedule
June 5
8:30
10:45
Bruce Brynolfson
Team 5 - Robert Seelye, Virginia Seelye, Donald Mark,
Marilyn Riddle, Phillip Riddle, Sarah Sperry
June 12
8:30
10:45
Peter Thomas
Team 6 - Lee Helsby, Fay Fairfax, Carolyn Garvin, Diane
Cornell, Harriet Seeley, Cynthia Winter
June 19
8:30
10:45
John Myers
Team 7 - Elly Rice, William Storrs, Sherry Hall, Irving
Smith, Alice Schrade, Gerald Wergedal
June 26
9:30
Team 1 - Margaret Leupold, Jamie Kim, Araglin Kite, Liam
Kite, Annabel Lewis, Mackenzie Robinson, Jason Scarlett,
Ekong Takor
Deacons’ Flower Ministry
June 5
Latham, Menands-Loudonville – David Takor, David Nichols, Richard
Gascoyne
June 12 Rensselaer - Paul Bascom, Jackie Ellsworth, Cynthia Winter
June 19 Guilderland-Schenectady – Lee Helsby, Dwight Smith, Marian Eaton
June 26 Albany South - Fay Fairfax, Barbara Speck, Annette Johnson
Coffee Hour for June is hosted by the
Rensselaer Neighborhood Flock.
Fair Trade Market is on the second Sunday, June 12.
10
Deacons’ Doings
Currently Deacons are
deliberating on the issue of
Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation
Training and the possible
acquisition of a defibrillator in
order to meet emergency needs
that might occur within the
church buildings.
Jessica Mathias, already a
trained technician in the
technique, has checked out the
possibility of Red Cross training
which would start with interested
Deacons. The project is still on
the drawing board.
Meanwhile, the board has been
revitalized by the addition of four
new deacons, whose pictures
appear above at their ordination
during a May worship service:
Dwight Smith, David Hinchen,
Margaret Leupold, and Jessica
Mathias.
Deacons are brainstorming
ideas for summer neighborhood
flock gatherings. Any
suggestions? Please contact
the deacon-shepherd of your
local neighborhood flock.
The First Presbyterian
June 2011
1
2
Wednesday
9:30-11:30 am Heldeberg Music
4:30-6:30 pm Heldeberg Music
5:30 pm
AA
7:00 pm
Epilepsy Group
7:00 – 8:30 JI, JO meeting
Thursday
7:00 am
Men’s Bible Study
9:30-11:30 am Heldeberg Music
5:30 pm
AA
6:30 pm
Bell Choir Rehearsal
7:00 pm
AA
7:30 pm
Chancel Choir Rehearsal
3
Friday
6:00-8:00 pm AA
4
Saturday
8:00 a.m.–7:00 pm AA
5
6
7
8
9
Thursday
7:00 am
Men’s Bible Study
9:30-11:30 am Heldeberg Music
5:30 pm
AA
7:00 pm
AA
7:30 pm
Chancel Choir Rehearsal
11 Saturday
9:30 am
7:30 pm
12 Sunday
8:30 am
9:30 am
9:45 am
10:45 am
11:45 am
Noon
Presbytery Mtg @ Cohoes
AA
Worship (Communion)
Education for all ages
Chancel Choir Rehearsal
Worship
Fellowship
Fair Trade Market
Pride Parade
13 Monday
5:30 -7:30 pm Heldeberg Music
7:00 pm
AA
14 Tuesday
7:45 am
5:30 pm
6:45 pm
7:30 pm
Men’s Bible Study
More Light Sunday
AA
8:00 am–7:00 pm AA
Deacons
8:30 am Worship (Communion)
Wash Park Assoc.
9:30 am Education for all ages
9:45 am Chancel Choir Rehearsal 15 Wednesday
10:45 am Worship (Communion)
9:30-11:30 am Heldeberg Music
11:45 am Fellowship
4:30-5:30 pm Heldeberg Music
12:00-1:30 pm Youth Mission Trip
5:30 pm
AA
Orientation/Safety Mtg.
6:00 pm
Save the Pine Bush
7:00 – 8:30 JI, JO meeting
Monday
5:30 -7:30 pm Heldeberg Music
16 Thursday
7:00 pm
AA
7:00 am
Men’s Bible Study
9:30-11:30 am Heldeberg Music
Tuesday
5:30 pm
AA
7:45 am
Men’s Bible Study
7:00 pm
AA
5:30 pm
AA
7:30 pm
Chancel Choir Rehearsal
5:30 pm
Committee Night
• Membership
17 Friday
• Outreach & Mission
Deadline for July-Aug Newsletter
• Property
• Worship
18 Saturday
7:00 pm
Dinner
11:00-1:00 Private Gathering
7:30 pm
• Christian Ed.
• Communication & Tech.
Wednesday
9:30-11:30 am Heldeberg Music
4:30-6:30 pm Heldeberg Music
5:30 pm
AA
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19 Sunday
8:30 am
9:30 am
9:45 am
10:45 am
11:45 am
Worship (Communion)
Education Celebration
Chancel Choir Rehearsal
Worship (Communion)
Ministry Recognition
Fellowship
20 Monday
5:30 - 7:30 pm Heldeberg Music
6:00 pm
FOCUS Exec. Board Mtg
at Westminster
7:00 pm
AA
21 Tuesday
7:45 am
12:30 pm
5:30 pm
7:00 pm
Men’s Bible Study
Staff meeting
AA
Session Coaching
22 Wednesday
9:30-11:30 am Heldeberg Music
4:30-5:30 pm Heldeberg Music
5:30 pm
AA
23 Thursday
7:00 am
Men’s Bible Study
9:30-11:30 am Heldeberg Music
5:30 pm
AA
7:00 pm
AA
26 Sunday
9:30 am Worship (Communion) &
Youth Trip Commissioning
10:30 am Fellowship
27 Monday
5:30- 7:30 pm Heldeberg Music
7:00 pm
AA
28 Tuesday
7:45 am
5:30 pm
7:00 pm
Men’s Bible Study
AA
Session
29 Wednesday
9:30-11:30 am Heldeberg Music
4:30-5:30 pm Heldeberg Music
5:30 pm
AA
30 Thursday
7:00 am
Men’s Bible Study
9:30-11:30 am Heldeberg Music
1:30 pm
Extra Helpings setup
3:00-5:45 Extra Helpings dist.
5:30 pm
AA
7:00 pm
AA
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
ALBANY, NY
Permit No. 63
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
362 State Street
Albany, NY 12210
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
The First Presbyterian
Lectionary
Jun 5
Jun 12
Jun 19
Jun 26
Office hours
7th Sunday of Easter
Acts 1:6-14; Ps. 68:1-10, 32-35
1 Peter 4:12-14, 5:6-11; John 17:1-11
Day of Pentecost
Acts 2:1-21 or Num. 11:24-30; Ps. 104:24-34, 35b
1 Cor. 12:3b-13 or Acts 2:1-21; John 20:19-23 or
John 7:37-39
Trinity Sunday
Gen. 1:1—2:4a; Ps. 8
2 Cor. 13:11-13; Matt. 28:16-20
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:30 am to 1:30 pm
Secretary
Sandra Marr
Phone
Fax
Web
E-mail
518-449-7332
518-449-3104
www.firstpresalbany.org
info@firstpresalbany.org
The First Presbyterian Newsletter
is published 11 times a year.
13th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Gen. 22:1-14; Ps. 13
Rom. 6:12-23; Matt. 10:40-42
Editor
Layout
Rev. Glenn D. Leupold
Richard C. Gascoyne
Please notify the church office of
any change in address.
Recordings of the worship service
are available from the Church
Office.
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