“A community of faith providing nurture, strength, & direction for living today in God’s world.”
From the Interim Pastor’s Pen:
“I know God won’t give me anything I can’t handle,
I just wish He didn’t trust me so much”
- Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa’s quote, has described my thoughts in the last few months. In November I was diagnosed with breast cancer; in December I had surgery to remove the cancerous growth; and I am scheduled to have a double mastectomy on March 2. The medical staff expects my recovery to be full and I continue to be grateful to God, my family and the United Church community for the support I have received throughout this journey.
I will need the entire month of March to focus on my recovery and plan to return to the church the first of April, but at a slower pace. Anticipating this, the Staff Support Committee, in consultation with the Church Board, contracted with the Rev. Norm Keim to provide pastoral coverage during my absence. Many of you recall that Norm provided similar coverage prior to my arrival as your Interim Pastor in September of 2004.
The Elders of the Month for March (Beth Krauss and Kathy Bohnsack) are prepared to provide guidance for members during any crisis or emergency situation. They can be reached through the church office or at their homes. In addition, you are served by exceptionally competent staff who are also available to assist with needs that may arrive. Please don’t hesitate to contact any of them.
In consultation with the Worship and Spiritual Life committee outstanding guest preachers have been lined up for March. Each of these preachers has spoken at UCF in the past and we gladly welcome them back. Worship for the last Sunday in March will be spiritually uplifting as the choir leads us in a time of exploring the hymns of the faith. (See the next few pages for detail.) In addition, on Wednesday evening during March, guest clergy will be present for our Soup and Sharing gathering and lead a time of biblical reflection.
I am grateful for the denominational support we receive from both ABC and PC(USA) representatives. The Rev. Russ Duncan, the Committee on Ministry liaison to UCF will attend the March Board meeting and provide resources as needed.
As I take this time away, I am confident you are well cared for by able leadership and God’s grace will be abundantly displayed. My family and I truly appreciate your prayers and thoughts during this time.
In God’s grace,
Interim Pastor
Worship for March 2007
Sunday Worship at 10:25 AM, Child Care provided 9 AM - Noon
Before worship coffee fellowship with Adult Ed groups at 9 AM,
Fellowship Time each week after worship in Fellowship Hall
March 4 - Second Sunday in Lent
10:25 AM Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper Rev. David Johnson
Scriptures: Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18; Psalm 27; Philippians 3:17-4:1; Luke 13:31-35
Liturgist: Gail Sandle
March 11 - Third Sunday in Lent
10:25 AM Sermon: “The Interfaith Imperative” Rev. Dr. Jim Wiggins
Scriptures: Isaiah 55:1-9; Psalm 63:1-8; 1 Corinthians 10:1-13; Luke 13:1-9
Liturgist: Jason Larson
March 18 - Fourth Sunday in Lent
10:25 AM Sermon: “To Boldly Go” Rev. Dr. John Buskey
Scriptures: Joshua 5:9-12; Psalm 32; 2 Corinthians 5:11-21; Luke 15:11b-32
March 26 – Fifth Sunday in Lent
10:25 AM “A FESTIVAL OF HYMNS: The Writers Tell Their Stories”
Choral Worship Service; Scripture: Psalm 126
Welcome our Guest Preachers
March 4 – The Rev. David Johnson has been the Executive Presbyter for the Presbytery of Cayuga-Syracuse since 1997. A New Jersey native, he received his BA from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA and his MDiv from Princeton Theological Seminary. Dave was ordained in 1973 and installed as Pastor of the United Presbyterian Church of Slatington, PA. He served that pastorate for 24 years, was active in the Presbytery of Lehigh and the Synod of the Trinity, and served as Stated Clerk of Lehigh Presbytery for twelve years. As Executive Presbyter, Dave oversees the Presbytery staff and coordinates the ministry and mission of the Presbytery. His wife, Barbara is a member of United Church, who leads three spirituality groups, and daughter, Amy is in the 5th grade.
March 11 – Rev. Dr. Jim Wiggins joined the faculty of the Department of Religion at Syracuse University in August 1963 and until his retirement in 2001. Presently Dr. Wiggins is the Executive Director of InterFaith Works of CNY (previously the InterReligious Council of Central New York). He is on the Diversity Council of Onondaga Community College, a member of the Board of Directors for Hospice of Central New York and for Dolma Eco-Tours. Previously he was on the Board of Directors of the Onondaga Pastoral Counseling Center for nine years and has authored or edited four books, most recently In Praise of Religious Diversity. Dr. Wiggins is a retired United Methodist Church clergyman and married to Elizabeth Wiggins, a speech-language pathologist and therapist. Betsy is the Co-founder of Women Transcending Boundaries. Cf. www.wtb.org.
March 18 – Rev. Dr. John Buskey is the Executive Director of Outdoor Ministries and Field Minister for the American Baptist Churches of New Your State. In this role, he oversees the Youth Ministry, Camping Ministry, and many of the conference programs within this American Baptist Churches region. Rev. Buskey has also served churches in Nicholasville, KY; Oneida, NY; and Edmeston, NY. John is married to Jean Lynn, his wife of 20 years. They have two children Melissa and Michael and reside in the village of Manlius.
Worship, Music & Spiritual Life
“A FESTIVAL OF HYMNS: The Writers Tell Their Stories”
March 25th Choral Worship Service
Christians have always been a singing people! We have a unique heritage of singing hymns which helps to shape our faith. There have been countless hymnwriters through the centuries and new ones keep appearing in 2007! They have needed to express in song their faith, their belief, their love of God, and sometimes, their anguish, doubt, and fear as well. The Senior Choir will lead this unique service by American composer Hal Hopson featuring significant hymn writers through the ages, from the fourth century through the twentieth century, telling their own stories in the first person. Following each short monologue is a hymn-anthem for choir, congregation, organ, brass, piano and handbells.
Eleven significant hymn
writers, from fourth-century Bishop Ambrose though twentieth-century Sydney
Carter will be featured in costume, among them are: Martin Luther, John Calvin,
Isaac Watts, Charles Wesley, Catherine Winkworth, Fanny Crosby, Sydney Carter
and others. Hymns included are:
A mighty fortress; O God our help in ages past; O for a thousand tongues to sing; Now thank we all our God; Shall we gather at the river; Blessed assurance; Lord of the dance and others.
Our brass quintet includes: Jeff Stockham and David Driesen, Trumpets, Jim Spencer, French Horn, Jim Greenwald, Trombone, Brenda Conley, Euphonium.
Easter Music Gifts
A gift of $10 (or more)
given in memory or in honor of a loved one will help to defray the cost of
special music and guest instrumental soloists for our glorious celebration of
Easter and other special music services. From time to time some have dedicated
memorial gifts for this purpose or for choral services or musicals. Your gift
will be especially appreciated due to a reduction in the Worship &
Spiritual Life Committee budget for 2007. An acknowledgment will be placed in
the Easter bulletin when the information is given by the donor. Checks
should be made out to United Church and marked for Easter music and accompanied
by a note “Given in memory of (or in honor or)....... by .......”
Thank you very much. Worship & Spiritual Life Committee
Lenten Suppers ~ "Soup and Sharing"
A time to gather in this holy season
to deepen our community,
and to renew and strengthen our faith
as the body of Christ!
Join us each Wednesday in Lent beginning Feb. 28th through March 28th, at 5:45 PM our annual Lenten Soup & Sharing Fellowship evenings. Church committees are coordinating the suppers with the Worship & Spiritual Life Committee. Anyone can sign up to bring soup, bread, cheese or fruit, use the chart in the hallway for the date of your choice. Please sign up each week with the number coming!
This year there will be two adult program offerings and two exciting programs for children and youth, a homework club, and nursery/toddler care with pre-registration by Monday noon each week. (more information in the Lenten pamphlet; adult groups noted below)
Two Wednesday evening Adult Sharing Groups:
I. Lenten Bible Study “Bound for Golgotha” Women’s Lounge
Lent is a time to examine our hearts and our lives in order that we may be more fully shaped to participate in God’s purposes. Using the Lectionary texts each week we will watch and pray on our Lenten journey.
Led by Rev. Dave Johnson, Jason Larson, Dori Parmenter, Rev. Norm Keim, Rev. Louise Shepard
II. “Living the Questions” Beard Lounge This is a popular DVD and discussion series on contemporary issues of faith. (Five weeks of this 12 week series will be viewed during Lent.)
Led by Norm Hatt & Gail Sandle (More information about this series on the Adult Ed page)
Sunday, April 1 - Palm Sunday
The children will lead a jubilant procession with palms in celebration of Jesus= triumphant entry into Jerusalem
Thursday, April 5 - 7:30 PM Maundy Thursday Service, Sacrament of Lord=s Supper, with congregational hymns, Senior Choir.
Thursday, April 5, 9 PM - Friday, April 6, 10 PM Good Friday Prayer Vigil - The "Journey of the Cross" follows several "stations" around the sanctuary marked by the symbols of the Lenten banner. Plan to sign up for the time you would like to be in the sanctuary.
Friday, April 6 - 7:30 PM Good Friday Tenebrae Service, Meditations in Music & Scripture, with congregational hymns and Taize prayers around the cross. The Holy Week drama will be revealed through music and art, as the lights are gradually dimmed.
Sunday, April 8 EASTER FESTIVAL OF THE RESURRECTION
Easter celebration with choirs, handbells, brass quartet and timpani. The One Great Hour of Sharing offering will be received. Musical Gathering at 10:15 AM; Processional at 10:30
Alice Dickerson Hatt, Minister of Music & Worship
Sunday, April 1 – Palm Sunday
Church Breakfast – 8:15 AM
(sponsored by Men’s Covenant Group)
Intergenerational Sunday –
“A Walk Through Holy Week”
a congregational event for the whole church family!
All are invited –
please sign up in the hallway!
Swiss Egg and Cheese Bake,
Muffins, Coffee cakes and Fruit.
Come and bring a friend!
“A Walk Through Holy Week”
After breakfast, children and adults will share in a unique Biblical dramatization! “A Walk through Holy Week” is a very powerful experience. Together we will experience the events of Holy Week in Jerusalem so that we can better understand the story that is at the center of our Christian faith.
We begin after breakfast in Fellowship Hall by imagining that we have come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. We observe Jesus entering Jerusalem, the children, his followers, and the response of the moneychangers in the court of the temple.
Tour groups will then be led by guides to dramatic
scenes in rooms throughout the church to visit the same places that Jesus went
to, or was taken to, during the last week of his life. The tour will take you
to meet disciples in the Upper Room and in Gethsemane, you will witness Pilate,
the chief priest and a scribe in Pilate’s Court, and a centurion and bystander
at Golgotha, and you will overhear an encounter of an angel with the women at
the Tomb.
Over 25 Seekers and high school youth will participate in the dramatic costumed roles. Many of the scenes will have songs for the travelers to sing which will be led by our youth instrumentalists.
The Intergenerational Sunday is planned by our Educational Branch committees (Children’s, Youth & Adult) and the Worship & Spiritual Life Committee. Church School, Choirs, and Adult Ed classes will not meet separately on this Sunday; everyone will gather in Fellowship Hall.
Adult Education
March 2007
I. Adult Forums [Meets in Beard Lounge] Sunday Mornings 9:00 AM - 10:15 AM
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.
March 4: Dr. Jim Watts: “Afterlife in the Bible,” Part I (Old Testament era). Dr. Watts is Associate Professor in the Department of Religion of the School of Arts and Sciences of Syracuse University. He teaches a variety of courses on the Hebrew Bible. Dr. Watts is a member of the United Church and chairs the Pastoral Search and Nominating Committee
March 11: Dr. Jim Watts: “Afterlife in the Bible,” Part II (Inter-testamental period)
March 18: Dr. Jim Watts: “Afterlife in the Bible, Part III (early Christian era)
March 25: Dr. William West: “Music of Holy week.” Dr. West is a regular presenter at the Adult Forums. He is a musicologist with a Ph.D. in fine arts from Syracuse University, and teaches at University College, LeMoyne College and Onondaga Community College. Dr. West is also the program annotator for the Syracuse Symphony and instructor at the OASIS programs.
II. Bible Study in Women’s Lounge [Women’s Lounge] Sunday Mornings 9:00 – 10:15 AM
Led by Fred Davey, the Sunday morning Bible study group is currently reading and studying the Book of Hebrews.
III. A Parents’ Place [Downstairs - Room 5] Sunday Mornings 9:00 – 10:15 AM
Informal, unstructured conversation about the joys and challenges of raising children. Coffee and tea available.
IV. Opportunities for study and discussion during Lent
A.“Living the Questions,” - Video discussion series on contemporary issues of Christian faith. This discussion series is a continuation of the 13-part discussion series started in the fall. Two groups are available: One will meet at 7:00 p.m . on Sunday evenings, starting Sunday, February 25, and will be led by Connie Caldwell and Betsy Nash. A second group will meet on Wednesday evenings, starting February 28, at 6:50 p.m., after the Lenten supper, and led by Gail Sandle and Norm Hatt. Each video session lasts about 40 minutes, followed by discussion. Each session includes conversations with theologians such as Marcus Borg, church leaders such as Tex Sample, sociologists and biblical scholars. Sessions also include suggestions for engagement in social justice, plus jazz interpretations of hymns by John Bell.
B. Bible study. Bible study on the lectionary scripture of the week will be led by different leaders: Jason Larson, Rev. Dave Johnson, Dori Parmenter, Rev. Norm Keim, and Rev. Louise Shepard. This will be offered at the same time as “Living the Questions.”
Youth & Seekers
|
|
|
SEEKERS |
UPCOMING EVENTS:
3/4/07 12:30-2:30 PM: Bowl-a-Thon
3/11/07 5-7:30 PM: Senior High Activity
3/15/07 7PM: Youth Committee Mtg
3/25/07 9:30 AM: Joint Seeker & Youth mtg
3/25/07 5-7:30 PM: Seeker/Youth Activity
Every Wed. night – Youth Lenten Activity
The Souper Bowl of Caring: On February 4th, the youth collected $169.38 to support local efforts to address the needs of the hungry. Thank you to those of you who donated money. The youth will be deciding which local food charity to support sometime this month. Charities that have been considered so far include the Samaritan Center, the Manlius Food Pantry, the Food Consortium, and the Salvation Army.
Seekers visited Bethany Baptist Church: Seekers attended a rousing worship service at Bethany Baptist Church on February 11th. The preacher at the church sang part of his sermon that day and there were a few Seekers who suggested that maybe we should institute this practice at our church. Do we have any preachers who want to sing the gospel for us? J
Planning for Summer Mission Trip: Since the February 2nd meeting was canceled, we will be rescheduling this meeting. Information will be soon forthcoming. If you have any questions about details regarding the mission trip, please contact Tom Parmenter or Janet Press.
Bowling for Dollars: On March 4th, the youth will be having a Bowl-a-Thon to raise money both for our youth who are going on summer mission trips as well as to support a yet-to-be-determined local charity. (Proceeds will be split 50/50). They’ll need sponsors, so please sponsor our youth through this event. You can either pledge so much money per pin (i.e. 5¢ per pin at a score of 100 = $5) or a flat amount. Each youth will be bowling two games and there will be prizes given for the best bowler, the top money-raiser, and the top pledge-getter.
Youth-Related Contromentaries (i.e. controversial documentaries): Beginning February 28th, for the Lenten Series, youth and Seekers are invited to watch and discuss three different documentary films over a six-week period with relevance to their lives and future. We will begin with the film, An Inconvenient Truth (PG), staring Al Gore, and decide on the others as a group. Super Size Me (PG-13) and Jesus Camp (PG-13) are a couple of other possibilities. Parents and other interested adults are also welcome. See the Lenten Series Pamphlet for more details.
Sunday Evening Programs: The Senior High will be meeting next on March 11th in the evening. A joint Seeker and Senior High activity will be held on March 25th. The combined meeting on the 25th will be a rehearsal for the Palm Sunday Intergenerational “Walk through Holy Week”.
Bibles for Youth: We have ordered Study Bibles for all youth and seekers. The cost is $20 for any parent or mentor who might like to offset the cost to the church for these bibles. We may also be having an orientation to the Bible class in conjunction with the distribution of these Bibles. More detailed information will be forthcoming through e-mail and/or personal calls. Contact Tom Parmenter or Tracey Kuhns with any questions.
What’s Up from Down Under
Sharing and Caring by the Young People
Of United Church
Mark these new events on your calendars!!
Wed. Mar. 7 Wednesday Lenten Studies
14, 21 & 28 5:45 pm Soup Supper 6:50 pm Kid’s Lenten Fellowship
& Homework Club
Sun. Apr. 1 8:15 am Palm Sunday Breakfast & Intergenerational
Walk Through Holy Week
LENTEN FELLOWSHIP FOR KIDS! Lenten studies for children at the Wednesday Soup Suppers will continue for March 7, 14, 21 & 28. Each night will include a short Lenten lesson followed by kid-friendly activities in the Fellowship Hall, including organized games, crafts or videos. The Homework Club will also be up and running for those needing to do school work. Sign up and let us know you are coming!!
NEED INFANT/TODDLER CARE FOR LENTEN SOUP SUPPERS? We are happy to provide toddler or infant care for the Wednesday Lenten Soup Suppers. Please notify the church office (637-3186) by the Monday prior to the Wednesday suppers you plan to attend. Thank you!
BIBLEMANIA 2007 "BY HOOK OR BY HARP"
Mark Friday, May 4, 5:30 pm – Sat, May 5, 9 am on your calendar for this overnight filled with bible learning, songs, games, crafts and (back by popular demand !!) dinner in a desert tent. Get ready to dive into the middle of the Bible !!! Sign up coming in April. Invite a friend now !!!!!!
MARCH SUNDAY SCHOOL MISSION: ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING
During the months of March and April, Children’s Worship offerings will go to One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS). One Great Hour of Sharing is an ecumenical program that raises money and awareness to build sustainable communities, provide disaster relief and minister to refugees. Your child will receive an OGHS fish bank and a giving calendar with activities through Lent and up to Easter. Use it in your family to learn more about people in need around the world.
WHAT’S WITH
ALL THOSE SHEEP ANYWAY? Leanne
Larson and Sarah Olmsted spent time teaching their 4th and 5th
graders about sheep. Why sheep? When the
scriptures were written sheepherding was a common and well understood part of
everyday life and sheep and shepherds appear in the scriptures as frequent
themes. By helping students to understand the real nature of sheep and the job
of a shepherd, these students will be better able to interpret the scriptures
they encounter.
CURRICULUM UPDATE . . . . During the Lenten Sundays, children in Pre-K through 5th grade will be introduced to Jesus’ teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, including lessons on the Beatitudes, Salt and Light, The Lord’s Prayer and The Golden Rule.
HANKS FOR THE VALENTINES !!! On Sunday, February 11, a S.W.A.T. (Sealed With A Tune) team of UCF children visited June Fitch, Avis Clintsman and Irene Rigni. Our happy bunch serenaded each special friend then delivered hand-made valentines with a noisy chorus of "Happy Valentines Day!" Valentines were also mailed to our college students by Lynn Scharbach and delivered to other shut-ins by Barb McKean and the Congregational Care crew. Special thanks to Wendy and Cheryl Schmidt, Dori Parmenter, Leanne Larson, Sarah Olmsted, Barb Johnson and Cindy Rosbrook for helping with this event.
A PERFECT WINTER DAY …. A small but enthusiastic crowd turned out on Sat., Feb. 11 for winter fun at Highland Forest. Joe Foster and his daughter, Gabriela, enjoyed cross-country skiing. Dave, Kaitlin and D.J. DeHority braved snowboarding and sledding down a lickety-slick hill. The Ketcham’s started with a beautiful horse-drawn sleigh ride (with 7 deer keeping them company) and then moved on to sledding. It is reported that Greg and Dave delivered some impressive sledding and very spectacular wipeouts. In the end, everyone gathered for a steaming cup of hot chocolate in the lodge!!! Ahhhhh!!!!
CALLING ALL CAMPERS !!!!! Now is the time to make plans with your friends 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!!!!!! They even offer shorter 3 day/2 night sessions for first time campers. Check bulletin boards for open house and registration information soon.
Applications for camp scholarships are available in the church office and should be submitted before April 30.
Judy Spencer, Director of Children’s Ministries
And now yet another word from your Nominating Committee…
At our April Annual Meeting of the Congregation, we will be electing Board members for the following positions:
Staff Support/Personnel Chairperson This committee has second level supervisory responsibility for employees of the Church (Employees are expected to relate to the Senior Pastor as their primary supervisor). Each employee has a liaison assigned from the committee. The committee works with personnel issues including salaries and compensation, performance appraisals, establishing new positions, job descriptions and hiring decisions.
Congregational Care Chairperson This committee is dedicated to sharing Christ’s love by assuring that the sick, grieving, and homebound of our congregation are always connected to our church family.
Stewardship & Interpretation Chairperson The committee plans, organizes and conducts the Annual Stewardship Drive; teaches and interprets the components of stewardship in all life.
Finance Committee Board Representative This committee currently has a chairperson who is unable to attend Board Meetings. The committee is responsible to monitor and report the financial activities of the church so that the Board members may see clearly both the record of receipts and disbursements and the management of all other church monies and investments. The committee is responsible for reviewing the Auditor’s report, and is also to maintain proper insurance for the church.
These very brief descriptions are presented to give you an idea of some of the leadership gifts we are asking individuals to volunteer to share with our congregation. The members of the Nominating Committee will be happy to discuss in further detail any area you feel called to serve. Nominating members are: Beth Krauss, Cindy Burke, Rich Hole, Dallas Bowser, Gloria Manuel and Cindy Rosbrook. We look forward to hearing from you.
Welcome our New Members!
John and Susan Miller are in Syracuse during the winter and summer months in order to see their daughter Dori Miller Parmenter, granddaughter, Abby and son-in-law, Tom. The rest of the year they live in Pella, Iowa, their home for over thirty-five years. In Iowa they are active in a Reformed Church of America congregation. John, who retired from teaching in the English Department at Central College, likes to bike and garden. Susan is a quilt historian. They also have a son, Bryan, who is an astronomer in Chile.
Tom and Dori Parmenter have been extremely active in our church as Tom became the Director of Youth Ministries in August. Dori is a working towards the completion of her PhD in Religion at Syracuse University. Prior to joining the staff of UCF Tom worked as a therapist at Liberty Resources in Syracuse. He provided support to families of youth involved in the juvenile justice system. We welcome Tom and Dori and their precious daughter Abby.
Presbytery Day
“Open the toolbox”
March 24, 2007
9:30 – 3:00
Pebble Hill Presbyterian Church
$15.00 Registration
includes food by Dave Forrest
Morning Workshops:
Hi(gher) Tech Worship – Tim Coombs
The Spiritual Journey from Easter to Pentecost – Kate Kotfila
Transformation, Sister Act – Roger Martin
Stewardship, More than Money – Scott Cupp
Workshop for Clerks of Session – Earl Arnold
Creating a Welcoming Environment – Colin Prichard
Rotation Sunday School Ideas – Karen Wolff
Afternoon Workshops:
Issues and Solutions around High Tech Worship – Tim Coombs
Worship Ideas for the Pentecost Season – Kate Kotfila
Conversations on Transformation – Roger Martin
Stewardship – Done a New Way – Scott Cupp
Problem Solving for Clerks of Session – Earl Arnold
How to Determine whether you are an evangelist –C. Prichard
More resources – Karen Wolff
Sign up sheets available in the church office
or contact Renee Perry at the Presbytery office.
Creative Childcare Provided
The steeple series
The UNITED CHURCH OF
FAYETTEVILLE
Presents
~~~~~
THE STEEPLE COFFEEHOUSE
A Celebration of Folk Music
FEATURING
“John Price”
and other guest performers
Saturday, March 24, 2007 7:30-10:00 pm
$5.00 admission includes dessert and unlimited coffee and tea
Event held in Fellowship Hall, United Church of Fayetteville
310 E. Genesee Street, Fayetteville, NY (315) 637-3186
The UCF parking lot is accessible from Walnut Street, Genesee Street, and Chapel Street.
On-street parking is also readily available.
Save the dates!
Saturday, April 28th
11th Annual “Way-Off Broadway” Variety Show
Part of the Steeple Coffee House Series & fundraiser for the Youth Mission Trip
Saturday, May 19th - 7:00 PM
SU Brass Ensemble Spring Pops Concert at United Church!
IRC’s new title reflects growing diversity
The InterReligious Council of Central New York has changed its name to InterFaith Works in response to the growing diversity of faith communities in Central New York.
Through its new name and mission statement – ¬to affirm the dignity of each person and faith community and to create relationships and understanding through education, service and dialogue InterFaith Works is reaching out to engage more faith communities, including Mormons, Christian Scientists, Native Americans, and to deepen relations with Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Bah’ais and Sikhs.
“With a more inclusive name and
mission, we can better communicate and achieve our goals,” said Dr. Jim
Wiggins, executive director of InterFaith Works. “The reality is that for the
past 20 years, Central New York has experienced great growth of diversity in
faith and spiritual communities, and we hope that our new name and mission
convey our welcome to each one of those communities.”
InterFaith Works was originally formed more than 30 years ago to encourage open dialogue, understanding, support and interaction among faith communities. Today InterFaith Works offers six programs: Center for New Americans, Community Wide Dialogue to End Racism, Covenant Housing, Long Term Care Ombudsman, Senior Companions and Spiritual Care.
“The new name and mission of
InterFaith Works clearly articulate the core purposes of openness and
inclusiveness, repositioning the organization to better serve the community,”
said Dr. Thomas Wolfe, president of InterFaith Works’ Board of Directors and
dean of Hendricks Chapel at Syracuse University. “InterFaith Works is a great
benefit to Central New York, and we encourage people of all faiths to get
involved and help us carry out our mission to make our community a better
place.”
For more information, visit www.interfaithworkscny.org or call 449-3552.
Pastoral Coverage during March:
For the month of March, The Rev. Norm Keim will be with us doing pastoral care. He and his wife, Gloria, have been a part of the United Church for twenty-five years and Norm was a member of our choir. Norm is an American Baptist minister who was United Ministries Chaplain at Hendricks Chapel from 1961-1973. He was adjunct professor of film studies at the Newhouse School from 1973 – 1985 and founder/director of the S.U. Film Studies Center as well as created “Film Forum” at The Gifford Auditorium and The Regent Theatre from 1967-1980. He currently is an educational consultant with The Regional Learning Center doing career counseling and is often filling the pulpit in many area Baptist churches. He also enjoys repairing old books (Bibles and leather bound volumes.) Gloria was on the staff of Hospice for 12 years and is now a volunteer on the Pediatrics floors at University Hospital. The Keims have four children, four grandchildren and one great grandchild. Norm will be working with our own Congregational Care Committee and can be reached through the church office and at his home (478-7258).
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Submitted by Bob Craft
Financial statistics for the month of January are as follows:
This chart shows real dollars
|
|
January |
Year to Date |
|
Income |
$29,067. |
$29,067. |
|
Expenses |
$23,253. |
$23,253. |
|
Difference |
$5,814. |
$5,814. |
For January, income exceeded expenses by $5,814. This is a great way to start the year!
This chart shows pledge and plate income as a percent of the yearly budget
|
|
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
2004 |
|
January |
9.61% |
7.5% |
7.5% |
8.2% |
|
Year to date |
9.61% |
7.5% |
7.5% |
8.2% |
This chart compares pledge and plate giving as a percent of the budgeted amount for the year. If income was steady throughout the year and met projections, we would expect to see numbers of 8 to 9 percent through January. We are on track, or a little ahead.
Please Use Your Offering Envelopes!
Please use your offering envelopes. Use of your envelopes makes it easier for the counters to do their job each Sunday, and helps avoid mistakes. When you don’t use your envelopes the counters have to manually look up your envelope number and write your contribution down on paper. When you use your envelope, the number is printed, helping to reduce errors. It also helps if you write your envelope number on the check, and the amount of your contribution on the envelope. Thank you for your assistance!
Submitted by Bob Craft, chair
$500 goes to Pakistani University Student
At the January meeting the Board voted to send $500 to Dr. Maqsood Kamil to help with a scholarship for a young Pakistani. The money will come from the remainder left over in the New Horizons fund. You will remember his visit to The United Church last fall as part of A Peacemaking trip to the U.S. Submitted by Scott Manuel
The Good Books Project: Help buy Bibles for the children in Sunday School! Every week after worship there is a cart of books for sale at the back of Fellowship Hall, each for $1. Buy as many as you like, and all the proceeds will be used to buy Bibles for children in Sunday School. Bring in your used books from home and donate them for other church-goers to read. Browse the books that are brought in. Buy a few good books, and help our children own THE Good Book!
Michael Olmsted, Stewardship committee
“Attic Treasure Sale”
or
“One Man’s Trash is Another Man’s Treasure”
sponsored by the Committee in Stitches
May 11 and 12
Spring cleaning? Donate your attic treasures to the Attic Treasure Sale, which will be held on May 11 and 12th! Donations may be dropped off from May 1 through May 9. Anyone interested in set up on Thursday afternoon, May 10th or during the sale, please call Bonnie Kennedy or any member of the “Committee in Stitches”. (Please no large appliances, upholstered furniture, clothes, books or storm windows) Proceeds will be used to help with the general church budget.
PRAYER
SHAWL/HEALING SHAWL MINISTRY
WHEN: March 8th first meeting
Where: Beard Lounge
Time: 1:00 PM
The Prayer Shawl Ministry started in 1998 in Little Rock, Arkansas at the Grace Presbyterian Church. It has since grown nationally by the grass roots. It is an ecumenical organization. The ministry’s message is one of hope and healing.
What is a Prayer Shawl? It can be a shawl, stole, lap blanket or wide scarf. They can be knitted, crocheted or sewn. They are usually made with a specific person in mind so when that person receives the gift they know that they have been thought of and prayed for in their time of need.
The sewn ones are at least two pieces of material sewn together into shawls (2½ yards long) or lap quilts (1½ yards). They are then knotted/tied with embroidery floss. The knots represent the prayers for the person receiving the shawl/blanket.
If you are interested in being a part of such a ministry, please bring your materials for the article you want to work on and join me. Anyone is welcome. If this day of the month isn’t convenient call and let me know when it is possible for you to meet during the month. For more information, call Shirley Anderson (637-8500)
TABITHA CIRCLE
NO MEETING IN MARCH
The next meeting will be April 11th at 7:30 pm. Mary Reeve of Hilltop Herbery in Cazenovia will be doing a presentation on herbs. She will talk on how to grow, what the uses are of different herbs, either cooking or medical. Her herbery has a wonderful selection of scented geraniums.
Everyone is welcome to come and listen. For more information, call Connie Leech (637-8298) or Shirley Anderson (637-8500).
BAKE YOUR WAY TO GREAT ENTERTAINMENT
Steeple Coffeehouse bakers are needed for the March 24th event, “A Celebration of Folk Music”. Each dessert provided earns the chef one free ticket to the evening’s entertainment.
Contact Diane Brundage (233-9322) or e-mail (thebeaner99@yahoo.com) by March 4th.
Mardi Gras
a great Success!
On Friday, February 16, the United
Church of Fayetteville hosted a Mardi Gras Celebration pot luck, New Orleans-type
dinner with Dixieland music provided by F-M junior David De Hority and his
one-man band. Participants donated over a dozen instruments to be sent to
Hurricane Katrina
victims and several hundred dollars to be used to ship them. United
Church is working with Dick Ford, who heads Signature Music, an organization in
Syracuse that helps enable youngsters to play musical instruments and also
sponsors summer music camps at Ithaca College. Signature Music collects
instruments and together with volunteer repair people, provides them for
children here and in New Orleans as part of an ongoing program. For more
information about donating a musical instrument, contact the Church at
637-3186. Many thanks to Ann Chu for organizing this event!
Matt Craft cordially invites you to his
Eagle Scout Court of Honor.
Come celebrate this momentous occasion
with Matt on Saturday, March 17th at 1:00 pm
in the Sanctuary.
A reception will follow in Fellowship Hall.
Beginning Sign Language classes, taught by Charlotte Ashworth, UCF member and our Sunday interpreter, will be offered on Monday evenings, starting March 5 (10 weeks) from 7:00 – 8:30 PM in Women’s Lounge. Emphasis on basic conversational Sign Language; also vocabulary and prayers used during worship services, deaf culture and more. Cost is $100 payable to UCF at the first class. (No refunds after the second class.) Proceeds from the class will be divided; with half as an honorarium for the teacher, and half for church programs at UCF. Thank you, Charlotte, for providing this opportunity for the church and the community! Sign up in the church office before February 26th – space is limited
Easter Plants for our Sanctuary
Your donations of Easter plants make our church beautiful and are a meaningful way to remember your loved ones or honor someone with whom you have shared the joys of Easter. If you wish to contribute an Easter plant, please make a check payable to United church marked for Easter Plant for $10.00 for each plant. An acknowledgement will be placed in the Easter bulletin when the information is given by the donor. Please return it by April 2nd to the United Church office.
United Church Congregational Care Ministry
Part of each member’s ministry is to respond to the needs and hurts of others through prayer and other acts of caring. We also lift up joys and celebrations and offer thanksgiving to God for births, birthdays, anniversaries and other milestones in members’ lives. To update this list contact Barbara McKean.
A Rose: Celebrating the recent birth of Elizabeth Steiner, Born, January 21, 2007 to Michael and Anne Steiner. Elizabeth is the granddaughter of Joe and Cara Steiner.
Staff: