UNITED CHURCH NEWS

April, 2005 Issue 4

“A community of faith providing nurture, strength, and direction for living today in God’s world.”

From the Interim Pastor’s Pen:

What an incredible Lenten season! We had tremendous involvement in our Reflection Groups with 80 participants! Special thanks to the following folks who served as group facilitators: Paul Arras, Denny Baldwin, Marla Bennet, Andy Carlsen, Kim Cherry, Fred Davey, Norm Hatt, Beth Krauss, Kamal Jabbour, Joe Julian, Marjorie Julian, Lois Spitzer, Ken Spitzer, Kevin Sweder, and Jim Watts.

What next? The New Vision Team is preparing a congregational report. This report will include an integration of the biblical and contextual discussion that took place during the small groups as well as an assessment of the issues, concerns and challenges within our community and congregation. There will be recommendations for the future vision, mission and goals, staff talents (including pastoral), structural, and financial resources needed to fulfill vision. Stay tuned for the report.

As the New Vision Team completes their work, the formation of the Pastor Search and Nominating Committee (PSNC) is underway. Presently the Congregational Nominating Committee is publicizing the criteria for PSNC membership and reviewing nominations. The Congregation will elect a PSNC at the Congregational Meeting on June 5. The PSNC will then engage in a nationwide search and make a pastoral recommendation to the congregation. The congregation will then vote on this recommendation and if affirmative, a new pastor joins your church family.

As we continue on our journey at the United Church, I am reminded of the journey two disciples took from Jerusalem to Emmanus. A few days earlier these disciples had joined the thousands of pilgrims flocking into Jerusalem for the Passover. They had gone to Jerusalem with great enthusiasm and excitement as they were hopeful that Jesus would assert Himself as the military King of Israel and deliver them from the tyranny of Roman rule. To their dismay disaster struck on Good Friday, the death of Jesus – disappointment and despair. They thought they could count on Jesus, but then came the cross. Their hopes were shattered, their dreams for the future dashed. (Luke 24:13-35).

As these disciples were walking and discussing these tragic events, they were ignorant of the identity of the stranger who had joined them. Christ was walking with them but they were unaware. I believe there are times when we, like these disciples, become so caught up in our attempts to make sense of disappointing circumstances around us that we are unaware of the presence of Christ in our midst. Christ is always with us, involved in the events of our lives and our church, working on our behalf to bring clarity and hope.

As we continue on our road to Jerusalem, let us be ever mindful of the presence of Christ with us and may this presence give us comfort and joy to tell others, “It is true! The Lord has risen!” peace to you in the name of the Risen Christ.

Kathleen

WORSHIP FOR APRIL 2005

Easter is fifty days long, and there are eight Sundays including the Day of Pentecost. Sing, rejoice, and walk around the empty tomb in steady procession!

April 3 10:25 AM 2^nd Sunday of Easter

Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper (“served”)

Meditation: “Seeing Isn’t Believing” Rev. Dr. Waters, preaching

Scriptures: 1 Peter 1:3-9; John 20:19-31

Daylight Savings Time begins on this day!

Holy Communion? Think about it. Where and how do people meet the risen Lord in a "tangible way"? Peter says: "We are witnesses . . . God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead." (Acts 10: 39-41, NRSV)

April 10 10:25 AM 3^rd Sunday of Easter

Sermon: “Bread Broken, Eyes Opened” Rev. Dr. Waters, preaching

Scriptures: Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19; Luke 24:13-35

It is still Easter — a time for singing, saying, and dancing "Alleluia! Christ is risen!" The Word of God is both witness and proclamation. What is the connection between "our hearts burning within us" and sharing the good news as invitation to enter the life of the community (life within the baptismal covenant) and life in the Spirit (Acts 2:38)?

April 17: 10:25 AM 4^th Sunday of Easter

Sermon: “Open Doors, Open Minds” Worship Team, preaching

Scriptures: Acts 2:42-47; John 10:1-10

Rev. Dave Johnson, Executive Presbyter, and Rev. Janet Newman, Volunteer in Mission for Peace and Justice, both of the Presbytery of Cayuga Syracuse will join Kathleen Waters in exploring a theology of Peace and Justice for the church today.

April 24  10:25 AM 5^th Sunday of Easter - Earth Day Celebration

Sermon: “Whose World Is It?” Rev. Dr. Waters, preaching

Scriptures: Selective passages from Psalms 8 and 104; John 14:1-14

An essential part of our ongoing worship experience is to appreciate the beauty of God’s creation. Dr. Sarah Vonhof, Assistant Professor at SUNY – School of Environmental Science & Forestry (ESF) will provide insights into enlarging our stewardship and appreciation of God’s creation.

Pastoral Care: Rev. Waters works with our Congregational Care Committee and can be reached through the church office (637-3186), elders of the month, or at home.

Elders of the Month for April: Gail Sandle 637-8852 Beth Krauss 637-1215

Purpose of Elders of the Month: For members with a crisis, emergency situation, a particular concern or need for care, the elders of the month are available to assist the pastor, when a pastor is unavailable, or when the church office is closed.

Procedure for calling: please call the church office weekdays between 9 AM – 3 PM, otherwise call either the elders of the month or the pastor

ADULT STUDIES

Coffee Fellowship at 9 AM

9:00-10:15 (Beard Lounge) Easter has come and gone; now we Christians take the joy—and requirements—of the Easter message into our everyday lives. We welcome you to read about and then join one or more the potpourri of April offerings that reflect our commitment to God’s children ranging from next door to the other side of the world.

April 03: Joe Steiner will be our presenter this morning, discussing his experiences in disaster relief during the times he provided leadership training to members of historically peace churches. Joe will discuss what churches can do, both individually and collectively, to promote both short and long term service to areas suffering catastrophic changes. It’s hard to imagine a more current topic than this.

April 10: In Informational panel discussing the 6 year history of Jubilee House will feature Denny Baldwin, Steve Harrison, Lois Spitzer, Norm Hatt and Joanne Birge: quite a group, don’t you agree?! They will provide a history of Jubilee House and its purpose as a mission of the United Church. Their remarks will include a power point photo presentation by Chris Harrison with a question and answer period following the presentations. More members of the United Church have been involved in renovating and maintaining Jubilee House than in any other church mission project in recent memory. Come and learn why.

April 17: On this date, Dave Johnson, one of our own, and also Exective Presbyter of the Cayuga Syracuse Presbytery, will join Janet Newman, recently pastor at Sciopioville and a volunteer in Mission for peace and Justice for the Presbytery. In September of last year, she attended the Colloquium at Stony Point that was addressing peacemaking in a time of violence. Their presentation will bring us up to date on actions that eh Presbyterian Church USA is considering or has taken to encourage peace is this troubled area.

April 24: Suzanne Williams, Executive Director of the Syracuse Habitat for Humanity, will give us up-to-the-minute information on this most basic of needs. The group has committed to building five houses this year, including the first ever house completed entirely by women. Habitat has also opened a new store as a means of income: come, hear, learn. Maybe a hammer or pipe wrench is in your future!

9:00-10:15 (Women’s Lounge) Adult Bible Class Fred Davey continues as lead teacher during the second semester as the Bible Class continues its study of “Selections from the Book of Acts”. Come and be welcomed; perhaps this is the best after Easter experience for you.

9:15-10:15 (Downstairs in the Sunday School) Parent Group Continuing this year is an informal group for parents that features conversations about the joys and challenges of raising children, held during Children’s Sunday School times.

SEE SOMETHING THAT A FRIEND OR NEIGHBOR MIGHT ENJOY? INVITE THEM ALONG, IT’S A TERRIFIC WAY TO INTRODUCE THEM TO UNITED CHURCH….

CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR HEALTH?

For those of you who watch what you eat, here's the final word on nutrition and health. It's a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting medical studies.

1. The Japanese eat very little fat, and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat, and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

3. The Chinese drink very little red wine, and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

4. The Italians drink excessive amounts of red wine, and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

5. The Germans drink a lot of beer and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

CONCLUSION: Eat and drink what you like. Speaking English is apparently what kills you

Worship, Music & Spiritual Life

Easter is here for 50 days!

It is here forever, but on the calendar on April 3^rd we begin the second Sunday of the Great Fifty Days. The season from Easter to Pentecost (this year May 15^th) is also called the Great Fifty Days, a tradition inspired by the Jewish season of fifty days between Passover and ShavuotCthe feast celebrating the giving of the Torah to Moses.

“The Great Fifty Days Banner”

Retell the stories of Jesus’ appearances to the disciples after the resurrection --

Throughout church history visual arts have carried the Gospel message through many medium: stained glass windows, wood carvings, tapestries, banners, and more recently through multi-media presentations. Our congregation has several banners which are both beautiful and full of symbolism.

For the Easter season you will be seeing “The Great 50 Days Banner” which is a visual celebration of the key events from Easter to Pentecost. (Made by Virginia Hansen)

1) Empty cross & empty tomb - Easter

...an angel spoke to the women: why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen!

2) Broken bread - Road to Emmaus ...when they sat down to eat, the stranger took the bread and blessed it. Then, as he broke the bread to give it them, they recognized that it was Jesus, himself...

3) Nail-print hands - Thomas ...Jesus turned to Thomas and urged him to put his finger into the nail prints, Thomas fell to his knees and exclaimed, “My Lord and my God.”

4) Net of fish – disciples’ breakfast by the lake

....the stranger told the disciples to throw their net over the right side of the boat,...to their amazement, the net was so full of fish that it nearly broke...the stranger called them to come for breakfast; as he served them the bread and fish, they knew he was the risen Christ.

5) Sheep - Peter, Feed my sheep!

...after the breakfast of fish and bread, Jesus talked with Peter, he asked Peter if he loved him more than anything. Peter assured Jesus that he loved him. Then Jesus asked Peter to feed his sheep.

6.) People around the world - Commissioning

Jesus commissioned the disciples to go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all the things he had commanded them...

7) Praying figure - Ascension

After Jesus’ ascension into heaven, the disciples continually went to the temple to pray and worship; as they waited for the Holy Spirit they began to share what the risen Christ had taught them.

8) Tongues of fire - Holy Spirit, Foundation of the Church - On the day of Pentecost, the disciples were waiting together, when a sound from heaven as of a rushing wind was heard; tongues as of fire rested on each of them, they began to speak in different languages as the Spirit gave them power. Many believed and were baptized.

Beautiful singing!

Thank you to our Senior Choir, Jim Spencer and instrumentalists, for their inspiring presentation of John Rutter’s ARequiem@ March 13^th. The choir’s singing of this touchingly beautiful choral masterwork was dedicated to the loving memory of Senior Choir members Henry “Bud” Richardson and Kathy Willyard, and to Chris Steele, son of Chettie and Bob Steele.

Thank you to all the choirs - cherubs, children’s, youth and adult handbells, joyful sign choirs - for sharing your gifts and your dedication which enriched the season for all. What a joyful Palm Sunday Procession we had with all the children! Alice Hatt

Thank you to Kathy Bohnsack, the Worship & Spiritual Life Committee, and board committees for the Lenten Soup & Sharing suppers. The Wednesday gatherings provided a time of fellowship before the evening reflection groups.

CD of David Kim’s Concert!

We had a wonderful evening on March 11^th when UCF’s own David Kim gave a stunning piano recital in the sanctuary on a 9' Steinway piano (loaned from Clark Music). David’s playing was as beautiful and expressive as always, with a challenging program. What an accomplished musician! It was also an enjoyable evening because of many people who helped make it possible. Thank you to the coordinating committee: Linda Raymond, Sul-young Choi, John Price; the Reception Committee: Marti Vasiliades and 20 cookie bakers; Parking attendants: Dave Bender & DJ DeHority; heat providers Jim Mitscher and Bob Cherry, ushers, ticket sales attendants, patrons and business sponsors. You helped ensure a successful program and with your generous support we raised over $3,000 to benefit music ministries at UCF! For those who would like to purchase a CD, please make your prepaid order directly with Sul-young Choi, prepaid with $10. All proceeds benefit UCF music ministries.

What’s Up from Down Under

Sharing and Caring by the Young People

Of United Church

Mark these new events on your calendars !

APR. 3 DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME, SET CLOCK 1 HOUR AHEAD

APR. 24 Earth Day Service

MAY 7 Bowl-a-rama is rescheduled!!!!

MAY 19 - 20 Biblemania

Wow, the Gospel of Mark really is action packed!!!!! United Church was well represented at the Mar. 13 evening presentation by international biblical storyteller, Dennis Dewey, including Jenna and Laura Boland, Drew Craft, Rachel Mou-Thiel, Sam Graniero, Susie Spencer, Emily Olmsted, Lynn Watts and Sarah Ketcham. Mr. Dewey covered most of the Gospel of Mark in his lively dramatization at Immaculate Conception Church and did a wonderful job of portraying both Christ and the everyday human reactions of those around Him as this story of amazing ministry and sacrifice unfolded. Some of the kids were able to continue a fruitful discussion later over ice cream at Friendly's !!!

Letters of Friendship Sent to Hopelchen!!!

In February, Mission Possible kids met with Melodie Hoover from L.A.M.P, which stands for Latin America Missions Project. The group's name signifies what their mission is all about - spreading God's light! Our 6th and 7th grade kids learned that during the February break this relatively new organization was to send 5 high school students and 9 adults to the village of Hopelchen located in Campeche, a very poor region in Mexico. To help establish a relationship with the children in that community, each of our children wrote a letter in Spanish (with help!) and included their picture. The letters and a class picture were delivered during the February mission trip. Melodie planned to use the letters to make contact with Hopelchen kids and find out their needs. Mission Possible kids are looking forward to another visit from Melodie so they can think of ways to respond to those needs. Thanks to Maurine Watts and Roberta Mou for arranging this mission activity.

Children's Mission Yearbook All our fourth through seventh graders recently received their own copy of a Children's Mission Yearbook. Every two pages in this book of prayer and study covers one week in 2005. In it our kids can read how Presbyterians are involved with mission all around the world. Each week also features a word of the week, scripture and prayer for reflection. Recipes and crafts, suggestions for giving and for getting involved are also regular features. The kids are encouraged to bring their Yearbook with them to the service for enrichment. Be sure and ask them about it !!

RESCHEDULED!!!! Meet for an afternoon of Family Bowl-A-Rama-Lama-Ding-Dong Fun on Saturday, May 7, 1:00-4:00 p.m. at Green Lakes Lanes (corner of Route 5 and Duguid)!! Get two games and shoe rental for $5.00. All lanes equipped with gutter guards for the little ones and the rest of us "aimless" bowlers. We will also have another Raffle of Great Stuff!! Invite your friends and neighbors to join us for tons of fun and fellowship!!!! Sign up outside the sanctuary during April.

Join us on April 24 and celebrate

God's special creation with an

Earth Day Service

Sunday, April 24

Biblemania Is Back!!!! Who can ever forget the memorable performance of our own Ms. Connie Caldwell as Peter "Da Rock" at last year's Biblemania !! Mark the new date for this year's overnight filled with all new bible fun and learning on your calendar. In case you haven't heard it was been rescheduled to Fri., May 20 - Sat., May 21. This is a perfect opportunity to invite a friend! Look for more details in the May newsletter!

YEEHAW!!!! The Variety Show is coming and we need every one of you to reflect deeply upon the many talents God has heaped lavishly upon you and select one to share!!! How often do you get a chance to fling caution to the winds and wow the masses with your unbelievable skill and grace? Now, get out there and get prepared to trod the boards, hoof it, blow like Gabriel, and sing like an angel! No excuses - we know who you are!!!! DATE AND TIME TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON !!!!!!!

Calling All Campers !!!!! It's time to start making plans for awesome summer fun at camp!!! There are lots of fantastic opportunities for boys and girls at Vanderkamp, Camp Iroquois, Camp Vick and Camp Pathfinder. Water fun, sports, fellowship, crafts and fun, fun, fun for everyone!!!!!! Check bulletin boards for information and registration forms.

Judy Spencer

Director of Children’s Ministries

What’s Going Down Up

In The Attic????

MISSION TRIP DINNER THANK YOU

AND KICK-OFF EVENT A HUGE SUCESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kim Cherry for the Youth and Committee

Many thanks to all, who gave generously and ate well to make the Youth dinner a success. Thanks to your generosity the Youth earned $871.00 towards the cost of this summer’s planned mission trip with REACH work camps. This money will go toward the cost of transportation and adult chaperons for our group. With fifteen people plus gear going to Butler PA., we will be looking toward renting a 15 passenger vehicle, as well as, needing one minivan. We have two adult chaperones at this time but still need ONE MORE MALE adult to make this happen. COULD THIS BE YOU? Contact Andy Carlsen if you are interested.

The Youth have also been very busy with their own ReVisioning Session on Sunday mornings with our very own Paul Arras facilitating the group. Many thanks, Paul!!!!! The voice of our youth is very important for the future of our church.

Keep your eyes on this space for future exciting news of OUR youth.

United Church of Fayetteville

Board Highlights

March 15, 2005

• The Board reviewed a second draft of the Selection Process for The Pastor Search and Nominating Committee to clarify that nominees must be members of the church and that nominations will be received from the floor. All nominees must consent to be nominated.

• The Annual Meeting will be held June 5, 2005. At that time, program committee reports will be received, nominees to the Board will be elected and the Pastor Search and Nominating Committee will be elected.

• The Pastor’s report included several suggestions for improving communication between the Board, PCC and the congregation. These monthly highlights will appear in each newsletter from this point forward as a result of that conversation.

• It was moved, seconded and passed to send the Easter offering to One Great Hour of Sharing.

• Resumes have been received and reviewed in the process to fill our soon to be vacant Administrative Assistant position.

• Plans are underway to share information about the history of the acquisition and use of Jubilee House at an upcoming Adult Forum, April 10.

• The Willyard Family is working with the church to renovate the Choir room in the name of Kathy Willyard, a long time and dedicated member of the choir.

• A resolution was passed to send a letter of thanks to David Kim for sharing his wonderful talent with the church through his concert March 11.

• The Board and New Vision Committees are preparing for an upcoming retreat at the end of April. At that time they will review the work of the Reflection Groups and develop recommendations based on that work that will guide the work of the Pastoral Nominating Committee.

• The Board approved an unbudgeted purchase of a new laser printer for the office at a cost of $280. The existing equipment has served many years and no longer functions.

submitted by Gail Sandle

Support Ministries & Church Governance

Dear Congregation,

The Church Board would like to provide information to explain the structure and responsibilities of our church governing bodies and the role to which we as church members have all been called.  The United in Ministry Manual serves as a guidebook for our church leaders.  It was revised in 1998 from two previous governing manuals (revised in 1990 for the board of trustees and the board of deacons and elders) when United Church changed to a unicameral board. It is available to all members in the office and library (Women¹s Lounge) for your perusal. (Feel free to request a copy if you would like to keep one.)

We welcome and invite members of the congregation to share their gifts and talents by participating in a church committee, small group, educational opportunity, service project, and other activities to further their spiritual journey.  For further information contact the church office or the chairperson of a specific committee of interest.  Below is information which tells about the general principles of our government and structure and is found on pages three, four and five of this manual.

GENERAL PRINCIPLES

It is a key principle in the government of the United Church of Fayetteville that the power of government of the church does not rest in the hands of anyone individual but rather in a board of elected church leaders. The attached copy of the By-laws of the United Church gives a description of the make-up of the unicamera1 Church Board. It states the duties of the Church Board briefly as having "direct responsibility for the spiritual program and affairs of the church." These responsibilities include the following:

1. The Church Board has the responsibility to care for the membership of the church in spiritual matters.

Anything that requires a judgment of faith within the church is the responsibility of the Elders. For example, the Church Board has the responsibility to decide who is qualified for membership in the church and to require that those qualifications be met by attending a series of church classes that will instruct them as to what church membership requires. The Church Board has the responsibility to "examine" new members before they join the church as to their beliefs.

2. The Church Board is responsible for the program of Christian Education of the church.

It is their job through the appropriate committees of the Church Board to be sure that what is being taught is within the bounds of orthodox Christian theology and is adequate training for the congregation as to what it means to be a Christian living in today's world.

3. The Church Board has the final word on all programs that take place within the church, or under sponsorship of any church group.

4. The Church Board is responsible for all the worship of the church.

This is the case in every part of the worship service except what the pastor can or cannot say. The Church Board may place no restrictions on the content of the sermon. However, they are responsible for the setting of the hours of worship, what form the service itself should take (e.g. folk or traditional) and every other part of the service ( e.g. . music and types of prayers, etc.) and the types of services offered by the church (e.g.. funerals, weddings, baptisms, agape meals, etc.). In consultation with the Pastor and the Worship & Spiritual life Committee, the Church Board shall approve all candidates for baptism (with adult or infant)! and shall establish the place and time for the celebration of the Lord's Supper. All Elders serve communion on a rotating basis.

5. The Church Board, being charged with the spiritual welfare of the congregation, must be ready at all times to offer, as individuals with the pastor, counsel to families or individuals in distress.

6. The Church Board shall be responsible for the supervision of staff members.

7. The Church Board shall have responsibility to direct the congregation in its mission to the world.

This means that the Church Board will engage the members of the congregation in some form of relevant outreach to the surrounding community and to the world through its program and ministries, and through the giving of its money to mission support.

8. The Church Board is legally empowered by the state government to receive, hold, manage, invest or transfer all physical assets and to conduct and manage all affairs of the church.

9. The Church Board is responsible to hold the title of all the church property (and buildings) for the Corporation (the legal name of the congregation).

10. The Church Board must keep in repair the property for purposes of church program.

11. The Church Board is to invest or disperse all funds given or left in a will to the church, paying particular attention to the terms of the gift.

12. The Church Board is directly responsible for all activities that are held on its property.