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FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
35 State Street
Brockport, NY 14420
First Presbyterian
The
Spirit
2015
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Office Hours:
Monday — Friday: 9 am - noon
Phone: 585-637-3780
Fax: 585-637-5053
Pastor’s cell: 585-330-8744
Office email: [email protected]
Pastor email: [email protected]
Church website: www.firstchurch14420.org
OUR STAFF
Alan Dailey, Interim Pastor
Connie Kelley-Warner, Administrative Assistant
Randy Pollok, Adult Choir Director
Scott Maar, Bookkeeper
Roger Meiers, Sexton
The Members, All ministers in the name of Christ
FROM THE INTERIM PASTOR’S STUDY:
Love the Lord, your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind.
This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it, Love your neighbor as yourself.
All of the Laws and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.
( Matt 22: 37-40.)
What Does This Mean?
“There's nothing more
contagious than the
laughter of young
children; it doesn't even
have to matter what
they're laughing about.”
― Criss Jami, Killosophy
I thought I’d use my space this month to begin a conversation on exploring a topic through the lens of our
Pentecost seasonal theme “What does it mean?” The above text is the heart of Jesus’ message. In this
case the question might be, What does it mean to live out this message today?
We live in a post-enlightenment world. We ask questions, we have options, we have differing opinions
and beliefs on many issues and we are aware of many cultures and faiths in addition to our own. We live
in a diverse world. Each year we increase our understanding of this of our world far beyond what our
forefathers could have ever perceived. In his book The Heart of Christianity, Marcus Borg explains that in
today’s world there is no single right way to be a Christian. Yes, there are certainly some wrong ways,
like using Christian language is use to legitimate hatred or injustice, but there is no one right way. So, as
a Christian, what are my responsibilities in this world?
As a Christian living in a multi-cultural, multi-religious society, I believe I need to acknowledge that God
works through different people in different ways but the end goal is always the same… the promotion of
the Reign of God on earth, a reign that will be characterized by peace and harmony among all creatures
(Isa 11:6-9). It is a reality with which I have had to learn to make peace. However, in acknowledging that
the Christian voice is not the only view in this multi-voiced world, I have also found I can still be a clear
voice for Christ, living without compromise and remaining true to myself. As a Christian, I have a
responsibility to constantly seek Truth and discerning God’s will for my life. It is a truth that exposes,
judges and condemns us and our Christianity as well as others and their religions. It is a truth that will be
revealed only through my willingness to engage in these truth seeking encounters with those whose faith
and life are different from my own. It is dialoguing with and meeting people where they are. It is hearing
their voices and it is seeking the truth, a truth recognizable, because it is the transforming work of God
reconciling all kinds of people to one another. It is the love of God working among the poor, marginalized,
excluded and oppressed to help maintain a healthy life and welfare of all. It is a truth that echoes and
magnifies God’s work in the scriptures and it is truth whether it comes from Christians or non-Christians,
religions or secular scientists. In seeking this truth, I need to recognize that I know only in part, and can
see only dimly. I have learned I am not the only one seeking God’s Truth and that others may have
learned from God’s spirit what I can only rely on my faithfulness in Christ to know. For I believe that God
just might elect to use one of these encounters, that I just may see demonstrated elements of a life that is
closer to the life taught and demonstrated by Jesus, than my own. In this context, the biggest challenge is
to find ways of expressing the Christian alternative so that that choice becomes an appealing one among
other cultural choices.
Have a blessed day,
Pastor Alan
“The Recipe For A Good Life”
Ingredients:
6 cups of Forgiveness
5 spoons of Hope
4 cups of Love
4 quarts of Faith
2 cups of Loyalty
2 spoons of Tenderness
1 cup of Friendship
1 barrel of Laughter
Directions:
Take the Love and Loyalty and mix it thoroughly with Faith.
Blend it with Tend erness, Kindness & Und erstanding.
Bake it with Hope!
Sprinkle abundantly with Laughter
And serve daily with Generous helpings.
Source:
www.thewingsofinspiration.com
Befriending the Stranger
A ministry of the First Presbyterian Church of Brockport
Understanding Your Purpose
It has been said that, “The first step for congregations who wanted to become more
welcome and hospitable is to understand what their purpose is.” In his book, Behold I Do a
New Thing: Transforming Communities of Faith, author Kirk Hadaway poses this question,
“Are people being changed (transformed) in our congregation?. If this is our core purpose,
then we are called to be catalysts for making disciples open to God’s spirit and to be people
who love God and have compassion for others.”
Our local churches need to be places where people can encounter God, walk their spiritual
journeys together and live out the faith they profess. If our churches are places where
people are faithful to their promises, love their enemies, tell the truth and honor the poor;
places where one can be inspired to forgive one’s self and unconditionally accept others;
then our churches will be places where we are excited to be, rather than places where we
feel obligated to go on Sunday. When that occurs we will be more likely to want to share
that excitement.
Over the next several months we will be engaging in several exercises which should help us
in rethinking how we understand our purpose as a community of faith that would like to
bring about change, or positive transformation - in personal lives, the faith community, the
community around us and the world at large. In doing so we will also be preparing ourselves
to begin the search for a new pastor. In preparation for these sessions, you might consider
two questions in light of the above two short paragraphs:

How would you define our ministry in terms of who we are (our interests and gifts),
and why are we here?

In a perfect world, what would our congregation look like if we were faithfully able to
live out our purpose?
Adapted from: Randy Hammer, Practical Hospitality:
52 Ways to Ignite Your Congregation, 2009.
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained
angels without knowing it.
Hello Brockport Food Shelf Supporters!
During the month of April, with your support and the many hours put in by our hard-working
volunteers, the Food Shelf served 163 families including 112 children, 230 adults, and 45 senior
citizens. While most of these families were able to come to the Food Shelf, food was
delivered to 28 households for those who are either disabled or without transportation.
This year there was a new twist on the annual mail carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger
Drive. Instead of being held over the course of a week in June, it occurred on one Saturday,
May 9, same day as the national drive. Everyone was a little concerned about how this
would work out, but I am pleased to report that the community did not let the carriers or
the Food Shelf down as they set out 1,650 pounds of food for collection. A big THANK YOU to
the Brockport mail carriers and all those who contributed to this drive.
But back to April… we received 1,116 pounds of food from individuals, churches and other
groups during the month. This included donations at the “If Music Be the Food” concert
which also brought in over $400. Each and every donation, no matter how big or how small,
enables us to keep our shelves well-stocked and ready to help our neighbors who are food
insecure.
For the month of June, we continue to need CEREAL. You have all
responded generously to our requests for it in the past few months
and that has been a huge help. And, as we gear up to help families with
children this summer, donations of MAC’n’CHEESE would be welcome.
As always, we appreciate any and all donations of food items. We ask only that the date on
non-perishable food be not more than one year past the current date, i.e. anything with a
date of June 2014 forward is acceptable. Personal care and paper items are also gratefully
received.
Remember that if you know of anyone who needs help with food, please have them call us
at 637-8169. Someone will either answer the call or, if they leave a message, the call will be
returned, usually within an hour or two. We can help… and we do deliver to those who are
handicapped or without transportation.
And finally, this will be the last monthly update that I will be sending out. My husband, Mike,
and I are stepping down from our positions at the Food Shelf as of the end of May. We will
miss all the incredible volunteers that we’ve been fortunate enough to work with over the
last six years. We will miss all the generous people who have collected food and brought
donations to the Food Shelf. We cannot thank each of you enough for the opportunities and
experiences that you have given us as we all strive to relieve hunger here in Brockport.
Now let me introduce you to our new director, Debbie Vileria. Debbie has been a volunteer at
the Food Shelf since late last year. She is a hard worker and a fast
learner. She has good ideas about how to keep the Food Shelf
functioning well and she has a wonderful, cheerful personality. She will
do a terrific job.
Kathy Hayes
Director
Brockport Ecumenical Food Shelf
585-637-8169
THANK YOU Pricilla for sharing your
talents with the congregation . We ALL
enjoyed the story.
SANCTUARY CHANGE
Some of you may have noticed that the wooden communion table in the sanctuary below the pulpit has
become the home of our bronze cross and Christ candle. Up until now, these had been placed on a stand
next to where I sit. Since the cross and Christ candle are focal points of our faith, liturgy and worship; I felt it
important that they also be a more central focal point in our worship space. After conferring with the
session we agreed to move them to the center and also use that space to place our offering plates following
the Sunday morning collection.
Alexis Hinkley, granddaughter of Helen and John
Maier, will be graduating from Holley High School and
attending Buffalo State in the Fall.
Daniel Harper, son of Diane and Carlyle Harper, will
be graduating from Hilton High School. In the fall,
Daniel will be attending the University of Pittsburgh
to study chemical engineering.
Macdonald (Mac) Dailey, son of Sue and Pastor Alan
Dailey has graduated from MCC School of Nursing.
SPRING RUMMAGE SALE REPORT
THANK YOU to everyone who helped with the Spring Rummage Sale! All
of your time and effort are greatly appreciated. We absolutely could not do it
without the help of many of you. From set up to take down with sorting, pricing,
and cashiering during the actual sale, you did a wonderful job!
Up to date, we earned $3.025.29. If anyone still owes money for items
selected, please pay me as soon as possible so that we can
complete the accounting process for this sale.
Again, I thank everyone who
participated in the process of the
Spring Rummage Sale.
Alice Sykes
MacKenzie Willard, son of Melody Willard has
graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology
with a MS in information Science and Technology.
Doubt sees the obstacles.
Faith sees the way.
Doubt sees the darkest night.
Faith sees the day.
Doubt dreads to take a step.
Faith soars on high.
Doubt questions, “Who believes?”
Faith answers, “I …..”
Author Unknown
Follow, Follow
Never once did he say,
‘Worship me, I am the One’
Adoration was not sought
Or ever needed by the Son.
All he wanted was the heart,
No chant nor hollow plea,
The gift he asked? ‘Release your grasp…
Relax and follow me.’
Stuart Barrie
GROWING FAITH
June 2015
Men’s Breakfast
Monday, June 8, 2015, at 8:30 a.m. Millhouse Restaurant.
Match that number—Pentecost activity
By reading the Bible passage and then doing the arithmetic called for in each numbered step, you
should arrive at the correct final number, which is shown at the end of the list of steps. Can you match
that number?
Your starting number is 100. 100
**************************************************************************
Lunch Bunch
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
**************************************************************************
Women's Circle
Women's Circle will meet on Monday, June 22, 2015 at Java Junction at 8:30 a.m.
June 7, 2015
CONGREGATIONAL
MEETING
June 14, 2015
Children’s
Program
June 21, 2015
FATHER’S
DAY
1. How many days went by between the evening of the “first day of the week” and the next time Jesus
appeared to His disciples? (John 20:26) Add this number to your starting number.
Cards, Cards and more Cards!
2. How many fish did the disciples catch when Jesus told them where to cast their nets? (John 21:11).
Add this number to your total so far.
Be sure to check out the new card nook!
3. How many times did Jesus ask Peter, “Do you love me?” (John 21:15-17.) Divide your total so far by
this number.
Cards are available for anyone who would like to send one to our “home
4. For how many days after the Resurrection did Jesus appear to His apostles? (Acts 1:13) Subtract this
number from your total so far.
angel, (there is a list with names and
5. How many men in white robes stood by the apostles as Jesus ascended to heaven? (Acts 1:10)
Multiply your total so far by this number.
6. How many apostles were gathered in Jerusalem after Jesus ascended to His Father? (Acts 1:3)
Subtract this number from your total so far.
7. How many men were suggested to replace Judas as one of the apostles? (Acts 1:23). Multiply your
total so far by this number.
8. How many people, or “souls”, were baptized on Pentecost? (Acts 2: 41.) Add this number to your
total so far.
angels”. It’s really simple, you choose an
addresses), choose a card, write a note and
send it off. Our home angels will sure be
glad to hear from you. Please put a check
mark next to the name of the angel and
the month you are sending the card.
Donations of cards, envelopes and stamps
are always welcomed. Just leave the cards
You’re done!
in the mail box outside of the office and they
Your final number should be 3166.
will be added to the card nook.
Did you match that number?
Thanks for helping to make our home angels
feel connected to their church family.
PASTORAL CONCERNS
Please keep the following people in your prayers
Members: Health concerns: Ida Fox, Charlene Whipple, Andrea Rizzo, Phyllis Schafer, Bernie Kestler, Betty Collins,
Sandie Booth, Shirley Wilson, Dorothy Wolfe, Jay Giese, Brian Richardson,. Nancy Fowler and family, family of Robert May.
SUMMER
Newsletter
Deadline
June 15, 2015
Pastoral and emergency care:
The Congregational Meeting will be
held after worship on Sunday,
June 7, 2015, for the purpose
of electing officers.
It's Not What You Gather,
But What You Scatter
That Tells What Kind Of Life You
Have Lived.
Friends: Kevin Allison, Gail Behrens, Vicki Howell, Brenda Emery, Barbara Stewart, Raymond Hepler, Eleanor Mears,
Teresa Martin, Brian Sullivan, Ken and Nancy Douglass, farm workers, farmers, Mario Garcia, Patti Hepler, Paula StaringJones, Abby Bolthouse Kristofich, David McDonald, Mary Bojko. Henry Horton, Tim Tozer, Beverly Starling, Clara Postema,
Cindy Hare, Betty Schroeder, Wendy Buddle Ebersole, Sandra Pcionek, Jamie Herrmann, Patti Whitcoft, Valeria Varga,
Kathy Lee Torok, Leonora Johnson, Jerome Barczykowski, Katlyn and Tim Stocker, Clare Hovenga, Kristen and Brad
Hovenga, Kenneth Smith, family of Doty (Benda) Rochom, Maggie Caccamo, Marshall and Bev Starling, Gideon Lake.
Active military duty: Danny Tozer, Daric Barkee, Heidi Fyfe Stewart, David Hurn, James Mault, Sterling Yox, Korey
McNees Jr., Anthony Fico.
PASTORS AS WAITERS
FUNDRAISER
Pastor Alan Dailey
585-330-8744
[email protected]
E-Letter News
Subscribe to the E-Letter mailing list!
Send an email with Subscribe in the Subject field to:
[email protected]
The Spirit Newsletter
Submit content to Connie Kelley-Warner at
[email protected], 637:3780, or in Newsletter
mailbox at church. You can view The Spirit newsletter
online on the church website, www.firstchurch14420.org.
HARVEST HOME COALITION
Our Church
Calendar is
online!
With an internet
connection you can
check our church
calendar from our
website. Go to the
church website at:
http://
firstchurch14420.org/ At
the top of the website,
click on the Calendar link
to view the calendar: Use
the toolbar at the top to
navigate through the
year. Send us feedback!
First Presbyterian Church
Brockport, NY.
Monday, June 8th 2015: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Area Pastors act as Waiters One Night Only!
58 Main BBQ Restaurant
58 North Main Street
Brockport, NY 14420
585-637-2383
Donations go to the building fund for a new house
As you may be aware, we have had a collection of used “Good News” edition Bibles
which we have been offering to anyone who had an interest in taking them. The
surplus copies that were available near the rear entrance door have now been
donated to the Monroe County Jail and Prison Ministries. This ministry’s vision is to
bring the light of Jesus Christ into some of the spiritually darkest places in the world.
If you are interested in learning more about this ministry you may find more
information on their website here: http://www.goodnewsjail.org/ Thank you.
Thursday Evening Group to Begin Rob Bell Film Series
Beginning June 4, the Thursday Evening Study Group will begin an exploration with the Rob Bell’s Nooma
Film series. Each session will include a short film followed by group discussion. Each film comes in a
contemporary form that fits our world, addresses contemporary issues we care about followed by group
discussions which address related issues that we want to talk about.
The group will meet on alternate weeks from 6-7:30. Each session will be independent of the others so it is
not necessary to participate in a previous one for the evening to be appositive experience. The planned
schedule for the summer will be as follows:
Jun 4
July 30
June 18
Aug 13
July 2
Aug 27
July 16
COMMUNITY
GARDEN
Brockportcommunitygarden.weebly.com
How can I help? Glad you asked.
You can …
Sign up to weed and water. Sign up sheet is on the Oak Table.
Encourage friends, neighbors, strangers to help them selves.
Pass out business cards and fliers promoting the garden.
Pick ripe food and share with others.
MULDOON’S DOG
Muldoon lived alone in the Irish countryside with only a pet
dog for company. One day the dog died, and Muldoon went to
the parish priest and asked, 'Father, my dog is dead. Could ya'
be saying' a mass for the poor creature?'
Father Patrick replied, 'I'm afraid not; we cannot have services
for an animal in the church. But there is a Presbyterian
church down the lane, and there's no tellin' what they believe.
Maybe they'll do something for the creature.'
Muldoon said, 'I'll go right away Father. Do ya' think $5,000 is
enough to donate to them for the service?'
Father Patrick exclaimed, 'Sweet Mary, Mother of Jesus! Why
didn't ya tell me the dog was Catholic?
“And that's what innocence is. It's
simple and trusting like a child, not
judgmental and committed to one
narrow point of view. If you are locked
into a pattern of thinking and
responding, your creativity gets
blocked. You miss the freshness and
magic of the moment. Learn to be
innocent again, and that freshness
never fades.”
― Michael Jackson