1. news

First Presbyterian Church of Southold
The Good News
Volume 55, Issue 8
There’s an exciting opportunity
here on the North Fork for local
hands-on mission. Habitat For Humanity of Suffolk County is building
a house in Orient! The Deacons
have graciously agreed to a “dollar
for dollar matching funds” short
term campaign in order for us to
meet (and potentially exceed) the
goal of $2500 to make us a Sponsoring Organization. Becoming a
Sponsoring Organization places us
at the front of the line to send
volunteers and teams to assist
with the building project. Another
reason we’re keen on becoming a
Sponsoring Organization is
because the new homeowner will
be Mr. Michael Bredemeyer, who
some of you will recall was
confirmed in our church over a
decade ago.
“Wallraising” and scheduling volunteers will get under way this month,
and we plan on assembling willing
folks with all skill levels to come out
on Saturdays to lend a hand.
October 2014
Finally, after so many wondered
aloud for so long about opportunities for mission in our back yard,
here it is. Habitat for Humanity’s
vision is a world where everyone
has a decent place to live. As
stated on their national website,
their mission is “to put God’s love
into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities
and hope.” I first learned about
Habitat for Humanity over twenty
years ago when I traveled with a
youth group to Charleston, South
Carolina to help rebuild after Hurricane Hugo. It is a solid and responsible organization that now
builds in the U.S. as well as all over
the world.
We look forward to the Habitat
build in our neighborhood and to
helping to keep young people and
families live sustainably on the
North Fork.
Yours on the journey,
Peter Kelley
The Good News
Volume 55, Issue 8
Session Meeting Hi-Lites
Tuesday September 16, 2014
Session members gathered together for the first regular meeting after the summer hiatus. Following an opening devotional, members engaged in a discussion
about areas of the church’s ministry where an individual or small group is carrying the burden of providing for the church’s needs. Two areas initially identified
were Christian Education (especially for planning and coordinating programs)
and Eagles Wings (which provides transportation for local residents to critical
medical appointments). Session will be considering how we organize our ministries, and what can be done to increase involvement.
An opportunity to become a sponsoring organization for the Habitat for Humanity Build in Orient (for our own Michael Bredemeyer) was approved. Donations
will be solicited for the $2,500 fee, with the Deacons pledging a matching challenge (up to $1,250). Sponsors get first dibs on sending work crews, so this will
be a great way for the church to participate in local mission in our own backyard.
The Session was pleased to approve two baptisms: Bentley
Jack Bondarchuk, infant son of Warren and Deborah Angevine
Bondarchuk (held on September 14th), and Dorothy Antionnette
Gatto infant daughter of Michael and Danielle Notaro Gatto
(date to be scheduled).
Tuesday Prayer Gathering Back By Popular Demand
A Prayer Gathering is starting up on
Tuesdays at 10:00AM in the Old Manse.
All are welcome; membership not required; ability to pray out loud in a group is
also not required. The one hour time frame will include time for fellowship, and
time experiencing different forms of prayer in a group.
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The Good News
Volume 55, Issue 8
Southold Presbyterian Women
Our Circles invite you to attend one of our meetings.
You are always welcome.
Contact a Circle as follows:
Bible Study ....................... Lorna Tuthill, 765-3652
Evening Fellowship .......... Carol DeLong, 765-2597
Mission Barn .................... Eleanor deReeder, 765-3082
Circle Meetings
Women Ask Questions
Does the Apostle Paul’s message in his Second Letter to the Corinthians have meaning for Presbyterian
women today? Bring your questions to—
Southold PW Bible Study Circle, which meets
monthly on the 3rd Thursday at 9:30 AM in the 1836 Manse. All women, of any
age, are invited to sign up to receive a study book and join us at any meeting.
PW Bible Study next meets on Thursday,
October 16 – 9:30 AM at the 1836 Manse
We ask questions and share our faith stories
Evening Fellowship Circle meets on Wednesday, October 22 – 6:00 PM at the
home of Marion Latham for a Covered Dish Supper.
They're here......
If you've been around the Manse, CE building kitchen and Church, maybe
you've noticed the recycling containers are in place!
We're off in the right direction of recycling our planet's
precious resources.
We hope they're convenient and easy to use.
Stay tuned for more important messages
from the church youth group on recycling.
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The Good News
Volume 55, Issue 8
Junior/Senior age Youth upcoming events – participation is never limited to First
Presbyterian Church – friends are always welcome!
October 10th 7:00-8:30pm
TBA: Stay Tuned and watch for e-mails
October 24th-27th Clairvaux Farms “Mini” Mission Trip
(SEE CHURCH OFFICE FOR MORE INFO)
November 14th-16th 30 Hour Famine
“Love God. Serve The Hungry. Do the Famine.”
Friday night youth meet at church for a potluck feast before beginning their fast at
9 pm. Youth spend the night at the manse Friday night, spend the day together Saturday, staying very busy, sleep at the manse again, and end the fast with breakfast Sunday morning. They are allowed water and specific juices only for the 30 hours. Sometimes a lengthy walk is necessary to obtain that water, signifying what many have to do
in their everyday lives to obtain a drink of water. And, yes, sometimes it has happened
that one has needed to "break the fast" before the 30 hours ends, and that's okay! It's
all a part of the learning process. Which also includes taking on a different identity,
(you'll have to participate to find out what that means), but what teenager wouldn't love
to pretend to be someone else for a few hours!
November 21st 7:00-8:30pm
Youth Group at the Mattituck
Movie theater to see
“The Hunger Games: Mocking Jay”
December 19th 7:00-8:30pm
Youth Group Christmas
RSVP to Carol in the church office
765-2597 or [email protected]
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The Good News
Volume 55, Issue 8
Perpetual Care
Church members (at least the taphophiles) are hanging out in
the cemetery these days. No, they are not getting a jump on
Halloween. Rather, they are copying names and
dates from the old gravestones onto survey forms, so they can
then be inputted into a searchable computer program, one that
will be enormously useful to folks doing genealogical research. They note, as well, characteristics of the stones
(are they marble? slate? sandstone? how tall? how wide?).
Sometimes stones are easy to read. Other times old inscriptions can be hard to
decipher. Volunteers use a tall mirror to focus sunlight on unreadable letters
and numbers. Amazingly, sunlit stones often become legible.
Two professional conservators are assessing the condition of each stone, prioritizing them according to their need for repair. Sadly, many of these historic
stones (antiques that happen to live outdoors) are in rough shape. Starting next
year, Cemetery Committee members will embark on a restoration program, one
that will most likely take years.
Our cemetery, the oldest English-speaking cemetery in New York State, is a
treasure. It is a record of our Town's history: early founders of our Church and
Town, Puritans who struggled to make a life here, and patriots who
fought for us are all buried here. Their gravestones deserve our
protection.
Centuries-old stones have stories to tell, though sometimes the
stories are obscured by the passage of time. That row of tiny
stones for children, brothers and sisters, who died one after another. Were they struck by some dread disease? Or the 46-yearold mother of 14 children. How did she die? What happened to her
motherless children? Whatever their stories, at least their inscribed
stones give testament to long-ago lives once lived, however briefly.
Cemetery Committee members are providing "perpetual care" for
these deserving stones, some of which date to the late 1600's. We are committed, of course, to caring for them long into the future. Whether death occurred
three centuries ago or yesterday, Committee members are doing their very best
to honor all those interred in our extraordinary cemetery.
If you want to pitch in, or learn more, call Jane Andrews, the Cemetery
Director, at (631) 283-6145 or email her at [email protected].
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The Good News
Volume 55, Issue 8
Where in the world is Dr. Geelhoed? Well, for once he is at
home where he is recuperating, but not exactly resting.
Though he is not ready to run a marathon, he has started his
reconditioning with short runs so as to be ready for one in
early December. He is also very busy making plans for the
annual circumnavigation mission to Africa and the Philippines.
The Malawi phase will have a large team of surgeons
and students. Mission to Heal has established an official relationship with Calvin College, Dr. Geelhoed’s alma mater, and students participating in a mission will receive
college credits for their volunteer activities. Many Calvin students have participated in
past missions and more than a few were inspired to pursue a medical career. Efforts
are now underway to develop this same relationship with other colleges and universities. Training for the delivery of health care to third world countries is a major goal of
Mission to Heal.
Many experts now dealing with the Ebola crisis say that among the challenges
facing them are the lack of trained personnel from Western and African nations, and the
deep mistrust remote villagers often hold for western medical practices. M2H has been
working to bridge these gaps for many years. When M2H visits remote areas, it does
not impose itself, it immerses itself. Adaptability is key if any progress is to be made
and an understanding of the local cultures is critical. At a recent USAID conference on
Ebola held in Washington, DC with seven hundred global health professionals in attendance, it was discovered that there were only two people who had ever been to Liberia,
Dr. Geelhoed and M2H Board Member, Jay Miller. Hopefully there will be a recognition of the need for smaller on the ground teams rather than the world counting on huge
NGO’s to do what is necessary.
We know that Jesus Christ did not just talk about the poor and outcasts, he
waded among them. Our congregation is following His lead when we do missions like
Youth Group Trips, Maureen’s Haven, Habitat for Humanity, Tuesday Night Suppers,
Wings of Eagles, and Mission to Heal. Praise God.
"I have come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element. It is
my personal approach that creates the climate. It is my daily mood that makes
the weather. I possess tremendous power to make life miserable or joyous. I
can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration, I can humiliate or humor,
hurt or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis is
escalated or de-escalated, and a person is humanized or de-humanized. If we
treat people as they are, we make them worse. If we treat people as they ought
to be, we help them become what they are capable of becoming."
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
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The Good News
Volume 55, Issue 8
Chinese Auction and Bake Sale
November 15
Encore! Last year’s Chinese Auction for the benefit of Mission was such a success, it’s coming
back this year bigger and better. It will be held on November 15th, 2014 in the C.E. Building.
Viewing and bidding for the baskets will start at noon and end at 2:00 PM. Drawing will take
place at 2:00 PM. A great addition this year is the concurrent Bake Sale.
We have been gathering items to auction. So far we have donations of toys, handmade afghans, spa items, housewares, collectibles, and gift certificates. But we hope that you will be
able to find more things to auction. Be creative! We have assembled baskets for dog and cat
lovers, bakers, home decorators, and women in need of some pampering. What can you come
up with? Look in your closets for items you have never used and then build on them. Maybe you
have a set of cake pans—add a cake mix, spatula, and your favorite recipe for a “baker’s basket.” Maybe you have some sandpaper, paint brushes, and tarps you’ve never used. Make a
“painter’s basket!” And please keep your eyes open for baskets. Sometimes you can find them
at yard sales.
Thanksgiving falls only two weeks later and the Bake Sale will sure help to lessen work for that
holiday. Frozen homemade but unbaked apple pies can be pre-ordered for pick up and baking
at home. Pecan and pumpkin pies will be frozen already baked as they defrost easily. We already have some pre-orders. Pies are $15.00 each. Order some for your own family and tell
your friends about this. Fresh pies, cakes and breads will be at the event for purchase. Cider
and cookies will be served so that people can have some refreshments as they are waiting for
the drawing.
The day will be lots of fun and hopefully help some people to get some gifts and baked goods
for the holidays. A wonderful group of women have stepped up to the plate, but we could use a
lot more help for both the auction and the bake sale. Can you bake, either a pre-order pie, items
for the bake sale, or cookies to serve? Are you available to help assemble and decorate baskets? Can you help out at the event by serving refreshments, selling tickets, setting up, or at the
drawing?
We will have sign-up sheets during coffee hours in the coming weeks for both volunteers and
pre-order pies. Karen Danzer is heading up the Bake Sale and Marguerite Schondebare is
working on the Chinese Auction. This is an opportunity to help out even if you do have busy
lives with work and family. Some of the preparations will be done during the day and others in
the evening. Please contact Karen at 765-1530 – [email protected], or Marguerite at 7655344 – [email protected]. You can also speak to Joan Mathie, Carol Taplin, Marion
Latham, Eleanor DeReeder, and Doris Skrezik. Please join us in
these efforts.
All proceeds from this event will go to support Mission Trips for
youth and for Mission to Heal. These missions enhance the Christian life of not only the participants, but of our congregation at large.
People are changed when they work with those in need. Ever notice that the best way to make yourself feel good is to do something
for someone else?
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The Good News
Volume 55, Issue 8
October Birthdays
Desmond Tetrault ....................10/1
Penelope Kelley .......................10/1
Cassidy Mignone .....................10/2
Stephen McConnell..................10/3
Emily Miller...............................10/3
Carol Brewer ............................10/3
Ann Romeo ..............................10/3
Carol Chilton ............................10/4
George Hoffner ........................10/5
David Doroski...........................10/5
Bridgit Reeve ...........................10/6
Karen Danzer ...........................10/7
Albert Albertson .......................10/8
George Beach ..........................10/8
Elizabeth Goldsmith .................10/9
Amy Doering ............................10/9
Michelle Fevola ........................10/9
Kim Gatz ..................................10/9
Heather Ross .........................10/10
Susan Dingle..........................10/11
Matthew Mellas ......................10/11
Kyle Schwartz ........................10/11
Quincy Brigham .....................10/11
G. Palmer Schade..................10/12
William Thompson .................10/13
Shirley Darling........................10/14
Matthew Gillies.......................10/15
Sonya Brigham ......................10/15
Skye McHugh.........................10/15
Pamela Batist ........................ 10/17
David DeFriest ....................... 10/18
Judy Dart ............................... 10/18
Kathleen Nickles .................... 10/19
Andrew Haupt ........................ 10/20
Danielle Pagano .................... 10/20
Cathy Campbell ..................... 10/21
Camryn Koke ......................... 10/21
Susan Connolly ..................... 10/22
Nicholas Van Mater ............... 10/24
Tia Flythe ............................... 10/24
True McDonald ...................... 10/24
Lori Salmon ........................... 10/25
Michael Romeo...................... 10/25
Dina Smith ............................. 10/26
Hudson Bohn ......................... 10/26
Sailor Ross ............................ 10/27
Kieran Nish ............................ 10/27
Colby Golz ............................. 10/29
Carly Golz .............................. 10/29
Elizabeth Tasca ..................... 10/29
Katie Russell.......................... 10/29
Marie Pilles ............................ 10/30
John Bertani .......................... 10/30
Ted Beach ............................. 10/30
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The Good News
Volume 55, Issue 8
TRANSITIONS
Each issue of Good News will include a monthly column
called “Transitions” which will list major life transitions of
members of our church family: births, graduations, new
jobs, moving, weddings, deaths…all the important transitions in our lives. We are asking you to help keep us
abreast of any transitions you would like listed.
Please call the church office with any news.
Deaths:
Our condolences to Kevin and Karen Boergesson on the death of
his dad, Albert Boergesson, on August 30. A Funeral Service was
held on September 4th with Rev. Kelley officiating.
AED Unit Now Available at Church
Perhaps you have already noticed the red, black and white stickers appearing both inside and outside the Sanctuary. They are there to remind both members of the congregation and visitors that an automated external defibrillator is now available for emergency use. It can be found hanging on the wall in the small room to the left of the Chancel, often referred to as the choir room.
An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a portable device that
checks the heart rhythm. If needed, it can send an electric shock to
the heart to try to restore a normal rhythm. AEDs are designed to treat
sudden cardiac arrest, (SCA). They are lightweight, battery-operated,
portable devices designed for use by anyone if trained medical personnel are unavailable. Each unit comes with instructions, and the
device will even give you voice prompts to let you know if and when
you should send a shock to the heart.
Ninety-five percent of people who have SCA die from it—most within minutes. Rapid
treatment of SCA with an AED can be lifesaving. It just might be a good idea to check
out its location in the event you, or others, ever need to use it.
IT’S CARE PACKAGE TIME AGAIN!
Care packages for our college students and those in the military
will be sent out very soon! The Deacons who will be assembling
them and need their names and addresses.
Please notify the church office
if you know of anyone who would like to receive a package.
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The Good News
Volume 55, Issue 8
Prayer Concerns
The people listed here have been on our prayer list this
month. Let us remember them in our personal prayers.
Joan Alfano
Rev. Doug Bartlett
Carol Spooner
Ethel Polaski – Donna Merkel’s mother
Cynthia Florio – cousin of Linda Fasbach
Joseph Bongiardina
The Littlejohn Family
Arnoldo Sandoval – friend of Emily O’Brien
John & Corinne Bednoski
Gerry Hayden
Judy Moore – daughter of Millie Bennett
Timothy DePaulis
The Sieni Family friends of Heather Lee’s
Corinne Moore
Warren and Beverly Oltmanns
Donna Quinn
Karen Macken
Sue Sweeney – friend of Donna Merkel
Ed Baumann
Max Gray
Bonnie Ryan
Mary Ann Irving
Men at Mattituck Sober House
Joann Wilson – aunt of Peggy Beach
Evelyn (Evy) Carroll –2 yr. old cousin of Dawn
Carroll-Nish
Susan Lindsey
Jamie Lengyel
Jimmy Eicher – friend of the Battermans
Rachel Hines
Heather Sachtleban
Vanessa Diaz & Family – friend of the Battermans
Cenjic – friend of Caroline & John Orgass
Diana Hansen – daughter of Ron and Arline Smith
Brian Monnin
Keith Logan – brother of Donna Grzesik
Mary Elizabeth Bohr
Billy Moore
Georgia Huntley – friend of Jay Batterman
Ericka and Zachery Auer
Nancy and Robert Hyatt – Melissa DeSimone’s
parents
Michael Rochford – son of Alyse Rochford. Alyse
is a friend of Mary Pickard’s
Mary, Zac & Shari Reed
Arthur Jacknow – co-worker of Jay Batterman
Mary Swingler
Barbara Miller
Lenny Fasbach – brother-in-law of Linda Fasbach
Charlie Wilson – uncle of Peggy Beach
Chris Lagois – friend of Jay Batterman
Karen Featherstone
Betty and Bill Price
Barbara and Bob Hoehler – friends of Debbie
DePaulis
Hannah Prokop
Eileen Schavetta
Debra Wilcox
Eric Enden
Andrew Diamond – relative of Jay Batterman
Jean Volkel – friend of Laura Koster
Barbara Hoehler friend of Debbie DePaulis
Julia Nesbitt – young friend of the Barnetts
Craig Bell – brother-in-law of Audre’ Pedersen
Marcia Hamilton
Aiden Fraser
Doris Lindley
Maria Fedele
Michael Elshazly—son-in-law of Marion and
Terry Latham
Craig Schenone—friend of the DeLongs
Alex Headlee—nephew of Ada Horton
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“God is our refuge and
strength, a very present help
in trouble…”
~Psalm 46
The Good News
Volume 55, Issue 8
Paula Breen
Roberta Hering
Betty Bangert – aunt of Roberta Hering
Harriet Enright
Denise Rathbun
Ray Mathie
Annette Ray
Bobby Teodoru – friend of Heather Lee
Joan Davis – friend of Roberta Hering
Carol & Dan Shybunko
Ruth Conroy – mom of Karen Lee
Charles Kirsch – brother of Kathy Saccamano
Gloria Tylee – mom of Steve Tylee
MaryPat Mazzaferro – friend of Jay Batterman
Pam Thompson – cousin of Verna Fitzpatrick
Dick Salerno
Marie Pilles
Bill Egan
John Sabian
Everett Pfeiffer – nephew of the Don & Doris
Bayles
Eva and Anthony – friends of the Bayles’
Sue Lutjens – niece of Florence Schoenbaechler
Carole Wydur – cousin of Penny Coyle
Elaine Horton
Jane Sweeney
Heather Cusack
Kole Chase – grandson of Mike and Linda McGinness
Deborah Siebert
Joann Santora – mom of Dina Reilly
Haley Sulihan – HS Student from Shelter Island
Donna Chiella – sister of Paula Breen
Sebastian Hildebrandt
Drew “Doobee” Hansen 7 yr old niece of Kathy
Hansen
Tara Gatz – niece of Val Gatz
Harriett Kaufman – friend of Karen Lee
Judith Campbell – friend of Bonnie Hoffner
Philip Braddock – friend of Ellie Hall
Steve Steinmacher – friend of Linda Fasbach
Maya Reilly
Emmy Stickle – friend of Arline Smith
Ann Dixon
Linda Ranger – friend of Karen Lee
Penny Coyle
Elizabeth Benack
Helen Mowbray
Colleen
Linda McGinness
Max Gilardi – friend of Vinny Primivera
Kevin Wells – friend of the Horton’s
Dr. Carlos & the Akobo Community
Walter Bamonto
John Merwin (Jack) Albertson son of Al Albertson
Ryan Bohoslawec
Delvin Hemby - co-worker of Heather Lee
Barbara Jacobs
Bessie LaFreniere
Egan Delaney
Eric Fieldele
Elanie Vavas – friend of Linda Fasbach
Carol Ostwald – sister of Joan Mathie
Jed Hoffner
Val Reeve
Barbara Parsons – mother of Karen Mazzaferro
Audrey Barnett
Irwin Katz
Rosalind Barker – friend of the Johnston’s
Louise Molnar – grandmother of Jamie and Matthew
Allison Zinn – Granddaughter of Jean Jacobs
Donna Angevine – daughter of Jean Jacobs
Margaret Conroy
Brenda Taraku
Jackie – Ashlie Heath’s aunt
Paul Farnham
Michael Barnes – friend of Dee Nelson
Laura Garcia – friend of the Batterman’s
Nancy Morizzo
Gary Gordon – Sheila Kromas’ nephew
Kim Galway
Katie Wade
Phyllis Gilbert – Ruth Schwartz’s mom
Francis Smith
Barbara Hofmann – friend of Dee Nelson
Tracy Alvarez – cousin of Ada Horton
Christine Sweeney & Family
Peter Petty – cousin of Verna Petty Fitzpatrick
Karol – friend of Jane and Rusty
Stan Schoonmaker
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First Presbyterian Church of Southold
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
P.O. Box 787
Southold, New York 11971
Phone: 631-765-2597
Fax:
631-765-9109
Email:
Rev. Dr. Kelley
Church Office Good News Articles
PAID
Permit No. 31
Southold, NY 11971
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
See you on Sunday!
Visit us on the web at
www.fpcsouthold.org
There comes a time in your life
when you walk away from all the drama
and people who create it.
You surround yourself with people who make you laugh.
Forget the bad and focus on the good.
Love the people who treat you well,
pray for the ones who don't.
Life is too short to be anything but happy.
Falling down is a part of life,
getting back up again is living.
—Jose N. Harris