UNITED CHURCH NEWS                                                           June 2006

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

 

 

From the Interim Pastor’s Pen:

 

As I am writing to you our state and nation is on the eve of a momentous debate regarding same sex-marriage.  On May 31 the New York State’s Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments in lawsuits filed on behalf of same-sex couples seeking the right to marry.  A number of religious leaders from a broad spectrum of religious traditions, holding diverse views regarding marriage, have submitted a brief adding their names to those supporting the rights of same gendered couples to marry.

 

The day after we celebrate Pentecost, June 5, the U.S. Senate is scheduled to debate a proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would ban gay marriage.  I know that thoughtful people of faith can and do disagree on the issue of marriage.  America’s many religious traditions reflect this diversity of opinion and this is true of those at the United Church of Fayetteville.  Many believe that we should respect the rights of each religious group to decide whether or not to sanction marriage of same-sex couples.  Many believe it is not the federal government’s role to prefer one religious definition of marriage over another, much less to codify such a preference in the Constitution.  This would be contrary to our Constitution that seeks to ensure religious liberty of all. 

 

As the New York State Court of Appeals and the U.S. Senate debates this topic, leaders from our own denominations continue to struggle with understanding how our faith in God and high regard for Scripture impacts our view or marriage and our understanding of human sexuality. 

 

During the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church meeting beginning on June 16, commissioners will be asked to vote on recommendations from the Theological Task Force on Peace Unity and Purity.  The task force calls for the denomination to stay together while deep disagreement over issues like the ordination of gay and lesbian persons continues to remain, believing that “The gospel makes a difference in how we deal with those with who we disagree.”  The task force report reminds the denomination that it is the responsibility of the whole church to set ordination standards and the responsibility of the ordaining regional body to apply those standards.  In the PC(USA), regional bodies, such as the Presbytery of Cayuga Syracuse ordain ministers, while the Session (Church Board) ordains elders and deacons. 

 

The response to these recommendations indicates that not everyone is satisfied.  Some believe the recommendations don’t go far enough to lift discriminatory restrictions on gays and lesbians persons while others are unhappy with deficiencies in the recommended enforcement of stating restrictions.

 

These same types of discussions are taking place among American Baptist Churches and it is obvious that faithful Presbyterians and American Baptists continue to disagree on ordination standards. 

 

As governmental and denominational representatives debate these important issues, I invite each of us to pray that God’s Spirit will continue to work among this nation and the church.  I echo the prayer of St. Augustine, “Holy Spirit, descend plentifully into my heart.  Enlighten the dark corners of this neglected dwelling and scatter there thy cheerful beams.”

 

May the spirit we share at Pentecost be with you throughout the coming month and may God’s Spirit guide our lives and work together as we seek to further the Kingdom of God on earth.

 

 

Kathleen Waters, Interim Pastor

 

 

 

 

Worship for June 2006

Sunday Worship at 10:25 AM

Child Care provided 9 AM to Noon June 4; other Sundays during worship time

Before worship coffee fellowship with Adult Ed, 9 AM on June 4th (last church school)

Fellowship Time each week after worship in Fellowship Hall

Summer Worship begins at 9:25 AM on June 25, Summer Child Care time: 9 AM-11 AM

 

 

June 4       Day of Pentecost (Wear Red!)

10:25 AM       Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper (served)

                        Installation and Ordination of Church Officers                                                         

Meditation:  “Pentecost People”                                         Rev. Dr. Kathleen Waters

Scriptures: Acts 2:1-21; Psalm 104:24-34;35b; John 15:26-27, 16:4b-15.

 

June 11     Trinity Sunday

Gathering at 10:15 AM       Worship in Mill Run Park, Manlius, Church Picnic

                        Sermon:  “Mysterious Words”                                             Rev. Dr. Kathleen Waters

                        Scriptures: Isaiah 6:1-8; Psalm 29; Romans 8:12-17; John 3:1-17

                        Bring a chair or a blanket to sit on! 

                        More information about the picnic in this newsletter!

 

June 18     11th Sunday in Ordinary Time

10:25 AM       Honoring Graduates

                        Sermon:  “Change the World”                                            Rev. Dr. Kathleen Waters

                        Scriptures: 1 Samuel 15:34-16:13; Psalm 20; Mark 4:26-34

                        Commissioning of Youth for Mission Trip

                   Time of Passage:  Recognizing Tim Underwood

 

June 25     12th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Worship Time changes to 9:25 AM through September 10th

                        Sermon:  “In the Boat Together”                                                Rev. Louise Shepard

                        Scriptures: 1 Samuel 17:32-49; Psalm 9:9-20; 2 Corinthians 6:1-13; Mark 4:35-41

 

Welcome our Guest Preacher for June 25 – Rev. Louise Shepard:

The Rev. Louise Shepard is our guest preacher for June 25.  Louise is an ordained, American Baptist minister and the Pediatric Chaplain at SUNY, University Hospital.  She completed her clinical pastoral education residency and fellowship at Carolinas Health Care System, Charlotte, NC.  She is also certified in Thanatology and has done medical research in integrative therapies, i.e., Reiki-trained practitioner.  She has a Master of Theology from St. Bernard’s Seminary, Rochester, NY and MSEd from SUNY, Oswego.  She has two adult daughters and sons in law

and five grandchildren.  Welcome Rev. Shepard. 

 

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.

Elder of the Month for June: Janet Press and Beth Krauss.

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 Education

Forums and Bible Study

 

Sundays 9:00 - 10:15 AM

Join us for coffee, fellowship & discussion

I.  Forums in Beard Lounge

Forums are presentations and discussions which focus on timely topics of Christian social concern, personal and spiritual development, Bible study, or explorations of our Christian heritage and world religions.  Through Forums we seek to provide a place for understanding special topics or current issues of our Christian presence in the community and world.

 

June 4 – Immaculee Kyondiva, a rather recent immigrant from the Congo will tell us about her experience as a refugee.  Perhaps you saw her picture and read about her in a recent issue of the Post Standard.  She has been sponsored by the Refugee Resettlement Program of the Inter-religious council.

 

II. Bible Study in Women’s Lounge

The 9:00 AM Bible study recently completed their sessions and will combine with Adult Forum on June 4.

 

III.  A Parents’ Place  [Downstairs in Room 5]

9:15 AM  The parent’s place continues this year as an informal group for parents that features conversations about the joys and challenges of raising children.

 

Suggestions for future Adult Forums – please speak with Chairperson Ed Clarke or a member of the committee:  Lois Coleman, Shirley DeHority, Dorothy Harrold, Jason Larson, Dick Lang, Jackie Meyer, Carol Reinsmith, Lois Spitzer, Joe Steiner.

 

Mission Trip Update!  June 18 – 9:00 AM in Fellowship Hall

Paul Arras was in Romania from April 16th to the 22nd. He was one of four leaders for a group of 18 high school kids from an International School in London. In all, there were 200 high schoolers from around Europe on the trip. They were split among various projects during the week, rotating jobs each day. The group dug out a drainage ditch that was flooding, built a playground at an elementary school, built a basketball court in a town park, and taught English classes to middle school-aged children.  Paul will give a presentation on his trip on June 18th at 9:00 AM in Fellowship Hall!

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are happy to welcome Diane and Richard Brundage to our church family.  Diane and Richard moved to the area about a year ago.  They have a daughter Alison, who is a student at the SUNY at Albany.  Diane works for M&T Bank on Erie Blvd.  Prior to moving to Manlius she was a nursery school teacher.  Richard is a manager at AXA Equitable.  He is involved in Leadership Greater Syracuse and the Rescue Mission.  Both Diane and Richard enjoy time with their daughter, music, theater, travel, kayaking and motorcycling.  They were both active in volunteering at their previous church in Briarcliffe, NY.  Welcome!

 

We also are very pleased to welcome Judy and Jane Richardson as re-newed members of United Church.  Judy and Jane are the daughters of Nancy and Bud Richardson.  They both grew up in this church and joined the church as youth.  They recently returned to Fayetteville after teaching school in Connecticut for nearly thirty years.  They are both reactivating their membership!

 

Worship, Music & Spiritual Life

 

Pentecost Sunday – June 4 – Wear Red!

Pentecost is often referred to as the birthday of the church.  The color red is used on this festival day, for the tongues of fire that represented the Holy Spirit.  Wear something red to worship that day!

Pentecost is the Greek name given to the Jewish Festival of Shavuot, which occurs 50 days after Passover.  In biblical times, Jews from all over the Roman Empire would congregate in Jerusalem for the festival.  As recorded in Acts 2:1-21, the apostles were in Jerusalem to celebrate the Jewish festival.  Gathered together in one place, the Holy Spirit rushed through the room like a mighty wind and tongues of flame (red) appeared on their heads.  The Christian church claims Pentecost as a festival day, falling at the end of the Season of Easter.

The Youth Handbell Choir will play the prelude; the Children’s Choir and Senior Choir will sing anthems in the festival communion service.

If you believe and I believe and we together pray,

the Holy Spirit must come down and set God’s people free!

(Zimbawean song)

June 11th Outdoor Worship in the Park & Church Picnic

Come celebrate worship under God’s canopy!

Gather at 10:15 a.m. in Mill Run Park, Manlius.

Bring a chair or a blanket to sit on!

Music led by brass players, guitars, keyboard!

An old fashioned church picnic follows, with hot dogs, hamburgers, lemonade and iced tea, bring a dish to pass!

Sign up with the number coming!  (If rain, meet at church)

 

Honoring Graduates in worship June 18th

Class of 2006 high school graduates will be recognized in the annual baccalaureate worship service the Sunday before graduation.  Our high school graduates are Dan Blumenthal, Mwelwa Bwalya, Pete Girardi, Rob Gordon, Sam Harrison and Steve Kuhns. If you have a college graduate in your family, please contact the church office with information about your   graduate to be included in the bulletin or newsletter.

 

A Time of Passage with Tim Underwood

As Tim leaves his time of employment at UCF, we will celebrate and acknowledge his year with us as youth leader and offer good wishes for his future journey of faith.  There will be a reception after the service to honor both Tim and the graduates!

Commissioning Youth Mission Trip

June 18th is also the Sunday we commission the youth and leaders going on the Youth Mission Trip this summer: Matt Craft, Ben Girardi, Kevin Gordon, Rob Gordon, Jess Ziomek, Esau Price, Lizzy Price, Sarah Spencer, Loren Royer, with Anne Mackenzie, Janet Press

 

An Invitation....

Worship & Spiritual Life Committee meetings are open to all interested persons.  Please join us at the next meeting  Tuesday, June 13, 7 p.m., Women’s Lounge.  Come and help make  worship at the United Church meaningful and vital for you and the congregation. Thank you to Gail Sandle, for becoming the interim chairperson of the committee.

 

Hatt’s off!

United Church has a wonderful group of music leaders who guide our children, youth and adults in many music making opportunities every week throughout the school year!  On Sunday, May 21st we recognized in worship the volunteer leadership of:

Judy Spencer, Sue Boland,  Cherub Choir;

Jim Spencer, Sarah Vonhof, Children’s Choir;

Sul-young Choi, Youth Handbell Choir assistant;

Barbara Morison, Joyful Sign Choir,

Jackie Meyer, Lori Lommel, Janet Press, Children’s Signing Choir.

Thank you to all the choir members for their faithful participation and for making a joyful song/sign to the Lord at United Church this year!

The Senior Choir’s last Sunday before summer will be June 18th.  Watch for summer music choir sign-up sheets for women’s chorus, men’s chorus, ensembles, and summer bells!

Thank you Jim Spencer & Syracuse University Brass Ensemble

A wonderful benefit concert was heard at their Spring concert at UCF May 20th!  We have a treasure here in our midst with the concerts that Jim’s brass ensemble brings to United Church.  Extend your thanks to him on behalf of the church!  Also a special thank you to Marjorie and Joe Julian and their committee for the work they did to organize the many aspects of putting on the concert as a fundraiser for United Church mission support!

 

Two June Senior Recitals by Dan Blumenthal

at United Church sanctuary,

Saturday, June 10, 3 PM – Violin,

and Thursday, June 15, 7 PM – Saxophone,

with Barry Blumenthal, piano.

Join us for Dan’s violin recital with works by Bach, Beethoven, Kreisler and Wienawski, and his senior saxophone recital with works by Bach, Bozza, Creston, and Marcello!

Dan is a senior at F-M High School, class of 2006, and an active member of UCF, the Youth group, Youth Handbell Choir.  He will attend the University of Michigan. studying music performance and music education this fall. He is a National Honor Society member, president of F-M’s chapter of Tri-M Music Honor Society.  He is the recipient of the Onondaga County Music Educator’s Association music scholarship this year.  Dan has participated in numerous All-County, Area All-State, and Conference All-State Festivals.  He is a member of Syracuse Symphony Youth Orchestra, was a finalist in the SSO Youth Concerto Competition. (he qualified in two instruments). The recitals are free and open to the public.  Reception following.

 

                                                            ~ Alice Dickerson Hatt, Minister of Music & Worship

 

What’s up from Down Under

 

What’s Going Down Up

In The Attic????

 

 

 

I was jogging the other night. I love to jog; it helps me think things over.  I find it spiritually uplifting.  It is my way to connect with God. Anyways, I was jogging a four miler, so I had several hours to think (due to my grueling pace), and I was talking to God (try doing this aloud, people look at you funny).  I asked the Lord a number of questions: Will I be happy in Oregon?  Did I make the right decision?  And, “will the youth group survive without me?”  God did not answer my first two questions, but answered the latter saying, “get over yourself.” 

 

I saw a lot unfold May 21st 2006.  The youth group came together and created their beautiful interpretation of the worship service.  They put a lot out there and created a brilliant gift for not only the congregation but most importantly Christ as well.  This youth group has a wonderful foundation, which is Christ. They accomplished so much and I am certainly proud to be a part of this group.  
 
We went to St John the Divine in New York City in February, and the unique cathedral is not nearly complete yet.  There is much to build, and restore-essentially, they are 100 years away.  Why would anyone want to attend a church that isn’t even near completion?  Well, the parishioners understand their mission.  They continually build looking to the future.  They are building for upcoming generations, but no matter what happens, their foundation is and will always be Christ. United Church’s foundation is Christ, which is quite noticeable.  It was clearly instilled in the UCF youth to serve Christ, not a leader, and to create a program for the future. Matt Redman states it so beautifully in the chorus of the song Heart of Worship, “I'm coming back to the heart of worship, and it's all about you, its all about you Jesus.” Thanks UCF youth for constantly bringing me back to the heart of worship. 
           
Finally, we have finished the youth room renovation project.  Thanks to all that donated various appliances to the room.  The youth worked hard on the room, but special thanks go out to Tracey Kuhns and family for their creativity, time and effort.  That room would not be as spectacular as it is without their dedication.  May was eventful, and we still have a few more weeks to go until summer break.  We will have our final Sunday school June 4th.  We will also have orientation meetings for the mission trip throughout June.  And lastly, high school grads will be recognized Sunday June 18th, also, mission trippers will be commissioned during the service.  One final note, Curtis Wenke is still recruiting people to go to Promise Keepers June 23-24th.  Please, if interested in going, contact either Curtis or myself.  Here are some other events for the month of June:

 

~Dan Blumenthal’s recitals at UCF

  Saturday June 10th 3pm, violin

  Thursday June 15th 7pm, saxophone

~Pool party - June 16th 4-8:30 pm at the Girardi’s home

 

Congrats to Pete Girardi. Last newsletter I stated that he was attending U of Vermont.  I was wrong; instead, he is attending University of Montana. Congrats to my new neighbor.  

 

In Christ, Timothy Underwood

SETTING SAIL
   ON A JOURNEY OF FAITH

Upcoming Seeker Events:

June 4           9:30 a.m. Final Morning Seeker Class Ice Cream Sunday-Last day of Sunday School

 

June 11         Church Picnic at Mill Run Park gather at 10:15 a.m., service at 10:30 followed bypicnic. Bring chairs. Ants optional!!!!

June 16         4-8:30 p.m. Pool party for 7-12th grade

June 18         9:00 a.m. Paul Arras Mission Trip presentation in       Fellowship Hall Graduation Sunday Farewell to Tim Underwood in worship

 

Farewell, Tim! We say goodbye to our Youth Director, Tim Underwood at the end of June. Tim is heading out to a job in his field in Oregon (Hey! I said in his field, not in a field!!!) Even though Tim has only been with us a year he has accomplished much in blending our youth together into an even stronger family. Thanks, Tim and many blessings!

It Would Be Wise to bring your community service and church service logs up to date before the summer begins. You will find the forms to fill out in your Seeker notebooks. Remember to get a signature from the supervising adult.


It’s Ice Cream Sunday Be there on Sunday, June 4 for the last Seeker class till next September and enjoy ice cream compliments of Mr. Stu Bruce, head usher extraordinaire with sweet regards for your excellent friendship and help in the sanctuary all these many Sunday mornings.

Seekers Helping At Church Picnic !!! Sunday, June 11 the congregation will gather at Mill Run Park for a wonderful service in God's great outdoors !!! The service will be followed by a delicious picnic.  Gather at 10:15 a.m. and bring your chairs! The service will begin at 10:30 a.m. Seeker’s will help set up, assist people getting to the picnic site and are in charge leading games !!!!

Pool Party !!!! Seekers, Seniors Highs and parents, get out those swim fins for the pool party and farewell to Tim Underwood on Fri., June 16 from 4-8:30 p.m. at the Girardi’s. Bring a side dish to pass, main course on the grill will be provided. Parents will discuss next year’s offerings for youth including a sexuality series with a Christian basis.

On A Mission With Paul Arras! Paul will give a presentation on his recent week-long mission trip to Romania on Sunday, June 18 beginning at 9 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

Samaritan Center Servers Dished It Out!!! Twelve Seekers and adults headed on down, baseball caps at the ready, to help Sul Young Choi dish up a delicious dinner at the Samaritan Center on Saturday, May 13. Thank you for helping with this important mission in our community!!!

Amen To A Great Youth Service !!!! Many thanks go to all the youth and their worship planning mentors for a creative, refreshing and uplifting worship service on May 21. The ushering, readings, music and sermon were alive with energy in as the youth invited the congregation into the presence of the Lord through their moving perspective on “Changing Times”.

Hey, It Was An International Dinner, Not A Road Rally !!!!

In what turned out to be an excellent call by youth leadership, the Road Rally scheduled for May 21 was transformed into an International Dinner for youth in grades 7-12 and their parents. It was an adventure for all with lots of delicious food, fun activities for the youth and good discussion for the parents!

Help Find A New Youth Director !!!! The search for a new Director of Youth Ministries will begin ASAP. Volunteer to help review and update the job description, serve as a member of the search committee, or provide input about what you think is important in a youth director and in our youth program. Help spread the news of our search around the community and point out any possible candidates. Speak to Sarah Given, Tracey Kuhns or Janet Press if you are interested or have ideas to share.

Parents, What Makes A Great Seeker/Youth Program? Great leadership, great kids, great activities and parents who are willing to get involved! And how can you get involved? New members are always welcome on the Youth Committee. This committee provides Sunday morning education, social activities and mission activities for both senior high youth and the Seekers program. It meets at 7 p.m. on the first Monday of the month in the upstairs Youth Room.

You can be a big help in other ways. Be willing to lend a hand, take the abuse prevention training our church requires so that you can chaperone, open up your home, prepare food, drive, take the lead on an activity. When requests for help go out, have the courtesy to respond whether the answer is yes or no. That way we know you have heard and considered! Get your youth to the programs. Support them in fulfilling their commitments.  Model a faithful commitment to learning about the word of God, serving in the church and in the community, and bringing your faith into your everyday life and encourage the same in them. The rewards are greater than you can imagine!!!!


 

 

Highlights from the Board Meeting

 

April 18th, 2006

 

 

 

Treasurer’s Report - Scott Manual brought up the gap in revenue and expenses and the underun in revenue.  The Board discussed how to manage this and how it compared to prior years.   

 

Jubilee House updates - Norm Hatt gave an update of the Jubilee House Work Group Update.  They may be able to present a report to the Board by the next meeting.  Several options are being considered –