FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 35 State Street Brockport, NY 14420 First Presbyterian The Spirit 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 Mothers hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever. FROM THE INTERIM PASTOR’S STUDY WISDOM FROM THE INNOCENCE OF CHILDREN I am the way, the truth and the life. Children are Born Innocent by Jan Hunt No one comes to the God except through me. ( John 14:6). Just what does the text, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me,” mean to each of us? It is a text I always struggled with as I had frequently been led to understand it as the only way to eternal life with God was to be Christian, as if we as Christians had been given our own private pathway to eternal life. Since I truly felt that God created all people, loves every one of us and wants us to live together in community; then perhaps God does speak to us in different ways and in different voices. I was encouraged along this path in seminary when I came to understand that the first followers of Jesus, those who were there before there was a church, were originally referred to as followers of “The Way” or followers of the teachings of Jesus’ teachings, teachings which turned the status quo upside down and encouraged a total change in lifestyle. And so following Jesus seems to be truly more about lifestyle and outlook change than a single set of beliefs and it was this transformation. In reflecting on this I came to understand the text more as “following the way of Jesus” rather than understanding it simply as following or believing in the “person of Jesus.” A few years ago I ran across this story, in Sojourners magazine, about Billy Graham, one of the world’s great evangelists. The article described a time when Dr. Graham was speaking at Harvard University, which surprisingly echoes this understanding of that same text. He had spoken to a huge crowd of student followers many of whom had waited up all night to get a seat. After giving a very moving sermon, he asked for questions. One young believer stood up and asked this question: “Since Jesus said, ‘I am the way, the truth and the life, and no man cometh to the Father except through me,’ doesn’t that mean that people from other religions-Jews and the rest-are going to hell?” Dr. Graham replied, “I am sure glad that God is the judge of people’s hearts and not me! And I trust God to decide those questions justly and mercifully.” The student was disappointed and pressed further, “Well, what do you think God will decide?” Graham demurred, “Well God doesn’t really ask my advice on those matters.” Another questioner started again, “Well, what about those who aren’t even monotheists-like Buddhists?” Graham replied, “You know I’ve been to some Buddhist countries, and so many of the people I’ve met seem to live more like Christ than too many of the Christians I’ve seen.” Based on this I have now come to realize that this understanding is one idea that both we and our more fundamentalist Christian brothers and sisters can agree. What a nice surprise. Have a blessed day, Pastor Alan What do you see when you look into the eyes of a newborn? When I first looked into the eyes of my son, I saw trustfulness, curiosity and joyfulness. I saw no deviousness, meanness or selfishness. In that instant it became clear to me that if he ever acted in a devious, mean, or selfish way, his behavior would have been created by circumstances, not by him. In that instant, I knew what a great responsibility I had to honor and protect his innocence and joy in life. Children are born innocent. They want only to be loved, to learn, and to contribute. Those parents who are not able to appreciate this truth, miss what should be the most precious moment of their life. They cannot trust their child - they instead suspect him of being somehow flawed and requiring constant correction. The emphasis is on fixing something, not on enjoying and learning about this new person. The focus, from that point on, is on the child's behavior, not on the parent-child connection. A parent's attitude is absolutely critical in determining the kind of relationship they will have with their child. I find nothing sadder than seeing a parent who has somehow missed seeing their child's basic sweetness and good intentions, and thus believes that punishment is necessary to set him on the right path. This parent is always watchful, looking for ways to correct the child, which stifles his natural exuberance. This kind of suspiciousness is self-fulfilling - the child who is punished responds emotionally - as does any other person - with anger and fantasies of revenge, and physiologically with a burst of the stress hormone cortisol. The parent then feels justified in continuing and even escalating the punishments. The child is from then on seen as potential trouble - as the enemy. The parent who is fortunate enough to see in his newborn's eyes only love, curiosity, and joy, will continue to trust and enjoy their child. Instead of looking for "misbehavior", this parent looks for ways to connect and to bring joy into their child's life. This attitude is also self-fulfilling, because love begets love. The child responds to being loved and trusted as we all do - by loving and trusting in return. What takes place at the moment a parent first looks into their child's eyes sets the stage for a lifetime of joyful connection, or a lifetime of struggle. It sets the stage for a rewarding relationship of trust and connection, or a battle between adversaries. This first meeting carries the seeds of years of happiness or misery. For those who can see their newborn's innocence and pure intentions, parenting may be challenging at times, but it is never a burden. Look closely at this new being. Learn from him how delightful and simple life is meant to be. It's just an instant of time, but once this truth is fully grasped, it lasts forever. The parent who is fortunate enough to see in his newborn's eyes only love, curiosity, and joy, will continue to trust and enjoy their child. Instead of looking for "misbehavior", this parent looks for ways to connect and to bring joy into their child's life. This attitude is also self-fulfilling, because love begets love. The child responds to being loved and trusted as we all do - by loving and trusting in return. What takes place at the moment a parent first looks into their child's eyes sets the stage for a lifetime of joyful connection, or a lifetime of struggle. It sets the stage for a rewarding relationship of trust and connection, or a battle between adversaries. This first meeting carries the seeds of years of happiness or misery. For those who can see their newborn's innocence and pure intentions, parenting may be challenging at times, but it is never a burden. Look closely at this new being. Learn from him how delightful and simple life is meant to be. It's just an instant of time, but once this truth is fully grasped, it lasts forever. And I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free. Many thanks to Betty And I won't forget the men who died, Collins. She gave the church two lovely who gave that right to white linen tablecloths. me. The Women’s Circle ~Lee Greenwood will enjoy using them with her silver service set which she had given us. Many Thanks Betty! Hello Brockport Food Shelf Supporters! Spring has finally arrived much to everyone’s relief. What a glorious feeling to find daffodils blooming! During the month of March, the Food Shelf’s team of hard-working volunteers served 163 families including 119 children, 229 adults, and 41 senior citizens. As happens every March, the community responded to the Scouting for Food Drive with great generosity. After collecting all the bags on Saturday, March 21, a group of Scouts brought 1,584 pounds of food to the Food Shelf where our volunteers received, sorted, and shelved them. Thanks to each of you and all the Scouts who participated in this event. In addition we received over 1,600 pounds of food from individuals, churches and other groups during the month. This is such a great help as we strive to keep our shelves stocked with healthy food. Your monetary donations are also much appreciated as we buy many perishable items each week. We are also able to buy items from the Foodlink inventory at greatly reduced prices. For the month of May, we could again use donations of CEREAL and any kind of SOUP. 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 May 2014 forward is acceptable. Personal care and paper items are also gratefully received. Please note that we have recently changed our hours. We are now open 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. each of the first four Thursdays of the month. We are closed on any fifth Thursday in a month which means we will NOT be open on April 30th. 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. Kathy Hayes Director WHERE IS YOUR CITY? TRANSITIONS: The ultimate challenge of Jesus’ ministry was to go to the city, the city of Jerusalem. This city, which was the center of education, religion, and politics, was also the place where corruption and crimes abounded. Yet, Jesus went there anyway. Following Jesus to the city was a risky business. Many would-be followers dropped out when they saw this ultimate danger. What will it require of us to move to the city? I ask this question whenever I find myself wanting to settle down in the comfort of material wellbeing. God may not ask us to physically move to the city, but God does require that we reach out to hurting people with the gospel, wherever they might be. - Kyungsig Samuel Lee Korean Family Devotions. John Morrison Emiratis, 1404 Long Pong Road, Rochester NY “Why do They Call It Easter?” Saturday, May 16, 2015 During the Children's Message on Easter, Sunday one of the kids asked, “Why do they call it Easter?” Only a partial answer is available in De Ratione Temporum (The Reckoning of Time) by the Venerable Bede, a monk who lived in northern England and died in 735. “In olden time the English people . . . calculated their months according to the course of the moon. April [was called] Eosturmonath, which is now translated 'Paschal month,' and which was once called after a goddess of theirs called Eostre, in whose honor feasts were celebrated in that month. Now they designate the Paschal season by her name, calling the joys of the new rite by the time-honored name of the old observance.” What this does not say is when the change took place or why the Christians decided to retain the old name. 10:00 a.m.—noon First Presbyterian Church German Ostern likely has a similar history. Paschal, only an adjective in English, derives through Latin Pascha from Greek Πάσχα which, confusingly, refers both to Passover and Easter. Both the languages of northern Europe—Danish and Norwegian Pǻske—and southern-- French Pâques, Italian And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt Pasqua, and Spanish Puscua--show this not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her derivation. name be. And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she David Hale shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her. ~ Genesis 17:15-16 SPRING RUMMAGE SALE - 2015 WORKERS NEEDED We will setup for the Spring Rummage Sale on Sunday, May 3 following the Coffee Hour. Pizza and pop will be provided. Children’s Activity: Planting seeds to bring home. FREE butterfly bushes to the first 100 people. May 4 - Arrange and price merchandise - 9 a.m. –5 p.m. May 5 - Arrange and price merchandise - 9 a.m. –5 p.m. May 6 - Arrange and price merchandise - 9 a.m. –5 p.m. May 7 - Arrange and price merchandise - 9 a.m. –5 p.m. GARDEN TALK ACTUAL RUMMAGE SALE Thursday, May 7 - 1 - 7 p.m. Friday, May 8 - 9 a.m.- 7 p.m. Saturday, May 9 - 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. (Half price sale) on COMPAINION GARDENING WITH ANITA We will clean up after the Rummage Sale promptly at 1 :00 p.m. until done on Saturday, May 9. PLEASE set aside whatever time you possibly can to help. If you have any questions, concerns or suggestions, please speak with Alice Sykes GROWING FAITH Do you have a recipe you would like to share? Submit via e-mail to [email protected] by the 15th of each month. Tell the story behind the recipe or why you like to use it. Gluten free chocolate chip cookie! 2 1/4 cups Gluten-Free Flour Blend (see below) 1 teaspoon gluten-free baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum 3/4 cup Butter, softened 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1/2 cup sugar 2 Eggs 2 teaspoons gluten-free vanilla 1 (12-ounce) package (2 cups) gluten-free semi-sweet chocolate chunks or chips Heat oven to 375°F. Combine flour blend, baking powder, baking soda, salt and xanthan gum in bowl. Set aside. Combine softened butter, brown sugar and sugar in bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla. Continue beating, scraping bowl often, until well mixed. Gradually add flour mixture, beating at low speed until well mixed. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop dough by rounded tablespoon, 2 inches apart, onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 9-12 minutes or until light golden brown. (Do not overbake.) Let stand 1-2 minutes on cookie sheets; remove to cooling rack. Homemade Black Bean Veggie Burgers Ingredients Original recipe makes 4 patties 1 (16 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed 1/2 green bell pepper, cut into 2 inch pieces 1/2 onion, cut into wedges 3 cloves garlic, peeled 1 egg 1 tablespoon chili powder 1 tablespoon cumin 1 teaspoon Thai chili sauce or hot sauce 1/2 cup bread crumbs Directions If grilling, preheat an outdoor grill for high heat, and lightly oil a sheet of aluminum foil. If baking, preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C), and lightly oil a baking sheet. In a medium bowl, mash black beans with a fork until thick and pasty. In a food processor, finely chop bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Then stir into mashed beans. In a small bowl, stir together egg, chili powder, cumin, and chili sauce. Stir the egg mixture into the mashed beans. Mix in bread crumbs until the mixture is sticky and holds together. Divide mixture into four patties. If grilling, place patties on foil, and grill about 8 minutes on each side. If baking, place patties on baking sheet, and bake about 10 minutes on each side. MAY 2015 Men’s Breakfast Monday, May 11, 2015, at 8:30 a.m. Millhouse Restaurant. ************************************************************************** Lunch Bunch Tuesday, May 12, 2015 Tuesday, May 26, 2015 ************************************************************************** Women's Circle Due to Memorial Day, Women's Circle will not meet on Monday, May 25, 2015. The Elevator Is Working! After months of delay, the elevator was repaired in time for Easter. Hallelujah! Our Cheney Handi Lift was built in 1986, installed shortly after that. There are four 4” hard rubber wheels moving in steel channels on the north wall which keep the lift level. One of them broke into small pieces, causing the lift to tilt and become inoperable. Two other wheels were cracked and could have broken at any time. It was decided to replace all four wheels. Since the manufacturer is out of business, obtaining replacement wheels was a long and expensive process. Each wheel cost $350.00. Accessing the channels to replace the wheels involved cutting holes in the channels, which had to be welded shut. The final cost was $5,488.19, which has been paid from Major Maintenance. Our insurance company regards the breaking of the wheels as normal wear and tear, and will not cover any of the cost. Thanks to those who made special contributions to Major Maintenance. Additional contributions to meet the on going needs of this fund are always welcome. David Hale, for the Trustees “What Does This Mean?” The Pentecost Team has begun planning the activities for this season. It’s not to late to join in on the fun. Please let Pastor Alan or Priscilla Baglio know if you are interested in helping in any way. SENIOR CITIZEN’S YOU ARE INVITED TO THE ANNUAL SENIOR CITIZEN BREAKFAST SPONSORED BY OMS STUDENT COUNCIL. PLEASE JOIN THE SUTDENT COUNCIL AS THEY WELCOME AREA SENIOR CITIZENS TO HONOR THEM AND SHOW APPERSIATION FOR ALL THE SUPPORT GIVEN THE STUDENTS. BREAKFAST WILL BE SERVED FROM 8:00 a.m. —9:15 a.m. ON MAY 19, 2015, AT THE OLIVER MIDDLE SCHOOL CAFETERIA, 40 ALLEN STREET, BROCKPORT. PASTORAL CONCERNS Aurora House Still Needs Our Help! Please remember to put a container for pull tabs from beverage containers at any get together you might be hosting. Please remember to place a container on your snack table asking that pull tabs from beverages be placed in the container. Ask others that might be hosting a party to do the same. Please place your contributions in the acrylic container found at the back entrance of the church. 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, Vivian May, Robert May, Dorothy Wolfe, Jay Giese, Nancy Fowler and family, the Maar family, family of Virginia Wright JUNE Newsletter Deadline for information is MAY 15, 2015 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, Marshall Starling, Clara Postema, Sri Ram Bakshi, Alice Goosley, 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, family of Ursula Lamont, Clare Hovenga, Kristen and Brad Hovenga, Kenneth Smith, family of Doty (Benda) Rochom, Jeff Wheinwald., family of Kenneth Smith, Al Capurso. 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 Pastoral and emergency care: Pastor Alan Dailey 585-330-8744 HARVEST HOME COALITION First Presbyterian Church The Good Samaritan Fund is in need of replenishing. This fund is used to help church and community members with medical expenses. If you are able to give even the smallest amount will help someone get the care they need. Please mark your check in the memo Good Samaritan Fund. 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. 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 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 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, “Woman, behold thy son!” Then saith he to the disciple, “Behold thy mother!” And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. (John 19:25-27) Befriending the Stranger An outreach ministry of The First Presbyterian Church of Brockport Beauty Causes People To Take Notice of Your Church. Spring is clean up time and healthy, growing churches always find the time to take care of their church building and grounds. Why? Because this is often the first encounter and impression many people will have of the congregation and we all know how important a first impression can be. All of us love beauty and are moved by beauty. Beautiful landscaping and well cared for flowers and shrubbery are important in and of itself for beauty’s sake and by investing in this at our churches, we also become co-creators with God. But beautifying the church is also a form of welcome and outreach. The messages that attractive landscaping send out are that something is happening at this church and these people appreciate how their church looks to others and to God. But perhaps equally as important, beautifying the church also causes people to stop and take notice of a place they may have blindly passed by for months or perhaps even years. Beautifying the church is not limited to flowers and landscaping. The church sign may need to be revisited and freshened up and windows need to be washed to say nothing of the curtains that hang in them on the inside of the church. The wood surfaces of the building often need to be scraped or even painted and the front walk might be crumbling. All of these things make a statement of what this church means to us. Since two pair of eyes are always better than one and three or four are better yet, it is always timely for each one of us, when we have a moment, to do a “visitor walk through” of the church grounds and the facility looking around as though you were a first time visitor looking at the church as some place you might like to be apart of. Jot down note about areas which might benefit from some sprucing up and then offer to help get it done. That might be all it takes to get passerby to decide to stop in some Sunday. Adapted from: Randy Hammer, Practical Hospitality: 52 Ways to Ignite Your Congregation, 2009. John 15:13: “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” There is no higher expression of love then to give up your very life – to be willing to leave family and friends behind, knowing death is immanent. To the many brave heroes who have gone before, thank you for your sacrifice of love. THE BEAUTY OF MATH 1x1=1 11 x 11 = 121 111 x 111 = 12321 1111 x 1111 = 1234321 11111 x 11111 = 123454321 111111 x 111111 = 12345654321 1111111 x 1111111 = 1234567654321 11111111 x 11111111 = 123456787654321 111111111 x 111111111=12345678987654321 And Adam called his wife’s name Eve; because she was the mother of all living. ~ Genesis 3:20 Priscilla Baglio to be honored At Citi-Wide GRCC Faith in Action Dinner Priscilla Baglio has been selected as the honoree from Brockport Presbyterian Church to be recognized at the 24th Annual Greater Rochester Community of Churches Faith in Action Dinner on Tuesday evening, June 2. She was selected for her tireless service to others here in our congregation as well as throughout the entire region in the western part of Monroe County. The dinner will be held at the Burgundy Basin Inn in Bushnell’s Basin off 490E and generally draws 450-500 people from the Monroe County area. Tickets for the dinner are $40 and we are planning on purchasing at least one table for Brockport Presbyterian to be there to support Priscilla. Anyone interested should see Connie to make a dinner selection and reservation by May 13. We expect there will be several carpools going from here and also there is also a small amount of scholarship money available in the event someone desiring to go needs assistance. In the event you have any questions see either Connie or Pastor Alan. Philippians 2:3-4: “Let nothing be done through SANCTUARY CHANGE strife or vainglory; but in Some of you may have noticed that the wooden communion table in the lowliness of mind let each sanctuary below the pulpit has become the home of our bronze cross and esteem other better than Christ candle. Up until now, these had been placed on a stand next to where I themselves.” 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 Fighting so that others can go worship space. After conferring with the session we agreed to move them to on living and enjoying the center and also use that space to place our offering plates following the freedom requires service and Sunday morning collection. self sacrifice. There are countless heroes who have given their very lives and in doing so esteemed the hopes and dreams of others over their GROWTH own. "Calamities can bring growth and enlightenment," said the Master. And he explained it thus: "Each day a bird would shelter in the withered branches of a tree that stood in the middle of a vast deserted plain. One day a whirlwind uprooted the tree, forcing the poor bird to fly a hundred miles in search of shelter -- till it finally came to a forest of fruit-laden trees." And he concluded: "If the withered tree had survived, nothing would have induced the bird to give up its security and fly." Anthony de Mello, SJ A baby asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?" "Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you." The child further inquired, "But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy." God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy." Again the child asked, "And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?" God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak." "And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?" God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray." Brockportcommunitygarden.weebly.com Calling ALL green thumbs! You are invited to help plant! MAY 30, 2015—10.30 a.m. Bring your trowel and knee pads. We will provide the plants, soil and fun!!!! "Who will protect me?" God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life." "But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore." God said, "Your angel will always talk to you about me and will teach you the way to come back to me, even though I will always be next to you." At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name." "You will simply call her, 'Mom.'" - Unknown COMMUNITY GARDEN John 13:34: “A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” Many joined the service to demonstrate love through military vigilance and self sacrifice. We are grateful to the service of these great heroes. Come help make this community garden a success. RAIN DATE, JUNE 6, 2015
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