“A community of faith providing nurture, strength, & direction for living today in God’s world.”
From the Interim Pastor’s Pen:
On Sunday, April 22 the United Church of Fayetteville participated in a remarkable event, an event that hasn’t taken place in over 25 years, the congregation extended a call to the Rev. Dr. Linda Even to become your next installed pastor. There is great anticipation and excitement for this new chapter in your life together as pastor and congregation.
The Pastor Search and Nominating Committee worked diligently for nearly two years to seek a candidate who would provide the broad skills that would match the needs of this congregation and they are convinced they were successful. Thanks abound to this committee and although they were “officially” dismissed as a committee, they will remain available to support Linda as she transitions to her role as pastor.
Linda will begin on August 1 and my last Sunday with you will be June 17. John the Baptist spoke of the joy that comes with preparing for a wedding and the delight of the bridegroom’s friend. (John 3:28-29). I have had joy in serving you as you prepare for the arrival of your new pastor (and grateful my exit from the United Church will be much more positive than that of John the Baptist!)
As with a wedding, much preparation has been done. Through the mission study process you placed the tenure of your former pastors in perspective; you decided what is important and worthwhile from the past which you wish to carry into the future; and you appropriately ventilated feelings and determined to move forward into your future.
During this process you established a realistic image of your congregation, viewing yourselves as a separate entity from former pastors’ personality and style; you developed a broad vision for your future and established goals and objectives to make that vision become a reality. In addition, you expanded your communication and the method of making decisions. Conflicts continue to occur, but they do so with a commitment to open discussion and resolution. You are ready to work together for the continued witness of God’s presence through this community of faith.
As I prepare to depart I do so with a great deal of joy and satisfaction that your preparatory work has been done well. I also leave with some sadness as I will be leaving people who not long ago were strangers but now have become friends. I will always be appreciative for your love and support to my children and especially to me during my recent surgery and recovery. Your next pastor is entering into a church family that loves as Christ has loved.
I appreciate your prayers as I explore possible ministry and other work opportunities in the greater Syracuse area. I trust that as God led me to the United Church, a new opportunity will unfold.
In Christ’s
love,
Worship for May 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
May 6 5th Sunday of Easter
10:25 AM Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
Meditation: “The New Mandate” Rev. Dr. Kathleen Waters
Scriptures: Acts 11:1-18; Psalm 148; Rev. 21:1-6; John 13:31-35
May 13 6th Sunday of Easter
10:25 AM Festival of the Christian Home Rev. Gerry Platz
Scriptures: Acts 16:9-15; Psalm 67; Rev. 21:10, 21:22-22:5; John 14:23-29
Recognition of Teachers and Choir Leaders
May 20 7th Sunday of Easter
10:25 AM Seeker Sunday Rev. Dr. Kathleen Waters
Sermon: “Everyone is Watching”
Scriptures: Acts 1:1-11; Psalm 47; Ephesians 1:15-23; John 17:20-26
Reception of New Members – from the Seekers’ class
May 27 Day of Pentecost (Wear Red!)
10:25 AM The impact of Pentecost remains today. Jason Larson
Scriptures: Acts 2:1-21; Psalm 104:24-34;35b; John 14:8-17.
Welcome our Guest Preacher for May:
May 13 - Rev. Gerry Platz - Gerry has served the Westminster Church in Albany, New York for 6 years, the Stone Presbyterian Church in Clinton, New York for 24 years, and for the last 12 years he has served as in interim pastorates in New York and New Jersey. He received his Masters of Divinity degree from McCormick Seminary in Chicago and his Bachelor’s degree from Maryville College (Tenn). He is married with three children and one grandchild.
May 27 – Jason Larson - Jason is a graduate student at Syracuse University in the Department of Religion and a member of the Adult Education Committee and bible study leader. He and his wife Leanne moved here from New Hampshire and have been members of the United Church since 2005. They have two children Ransom and Rebekah.
Congregational Care
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 May: Janet Press and Lizzy Price
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.
Worship, Music & Spiritual Life
Sunday, May 13, Teacher and Choir Leader Appreciation
A dedicated team of teachers and choir leaders work to show God’s love to our children, and with us all. They open the many riches in God’s Word, and make us SMILE every Sunday morning! Let’s honor them on Teacher Appreciation Day, on May 13th! At the end of each spring semester we plan for a time in worship to say “thank-you” to our teachers and volunteer choir leaders – pre K through 12th grade, and adult education programs.
Please add your own creative way to say thank-you!
Pentecost Sunday – May 27th
Wear flame colors - red, orange, yellow – to worship!
Pentecost - the birth of the Church!….In Acts 2 the speaking of tongues to the nations gathered in Jerusalem opened up the possibility that each nation would find its own unique way to express and to live out discipleship in Christ. The first followers were going to go home and tell the story in their own language and with their own variations and nuances. (www.ucc.org/worshipways).
$ Do you speak or read a language other than English? Participate in the retelling of the powerful story of the first day of Pentecost on May 21st by speaking a few verses of scripture in your language during the reading of Acts 2:1-21. Contact Lorraine Schmidt if you can assist.
“A Festival of Hymns: The Writers Tell Their Stories” Thanks to all who participated in worship on March 25th. Members of the Senior Choir, with Brass Quintet, Soloists, Youth Choir and Handbell choirs led a festive pageant of our faith through our heritage of hymns, from fourth-century Bishop Ambrose though twentieth-century Sydney Carter. The hymn writers (in costume) were portrayed by:
Jason Larson (with Rebekah Larson as assistant), Greg Ketcham, Roger Cherry, William West (guest presenter at Adult Forum), David DeHority, Jennifer Greene, Mike Olmsted, Brenda Hines, Alice Borning, Chikwa Bwalya, Bob Boland, Kevin Sweder, and Phyllis Danks as Traveling Pilgrim. Thank you to Linda Raymond, Lorraine Schmidt, Lynn Scharbach, Sul-Young Choi, Debbie Bender, Marti Vasiliades who assisted with the many preparations.
Laity Sunday, Men of the Church Thanks to the men who led worship April 15th,
from young Dylan Hines on up. The bulletin introduced the service: “The
laity Sunday service recognizes the gifts and the contributions to ministry
that men have made in every congregation. It is to give thanks for the witness
that they make in the home, the workplace and the community. It is a time to
celebrate the unique possibilities that lie ahead in the future when men and
women, working together, lift up the gospel in every realm of their daily
existence. All men of the Church have been called by God to share their time,
talents, spirit and energies in fulfilling their call to be disciples of Jesus
Christ.”
The scripture of John 20:19-31, Thomas’s doubts about the resurrection and his subsequent witness, was the focus for the sermon and faith sharing, given by six men, Jason Larson, Erwin Dimon, Roger Cherry, Kevin Sweder, Jim Spencer, Mike Olmsted, after a dramatic monologue on “Thomas Reflecting” by Andy Baxter.
Coming in June Sunday, June 17th - Baccalaureate/Graduation Sunday - 2007 If you have a high school or college graduate in your family, let the staff know the details!
Alice Dickerson Hatt, Minister of Music & Worship
What’s Up from Down Under
Sharing and Caring by the Young People
of United Church
Mark these events on your calendars!
Fri./Sat. May 4/5 BIBLEMANIA Overnight!!!
Sat. May 11 Attic Treasure Sale Sun.
May 13 Teacher Appreciation Sat.
May 19 7 p.m. SU Brass Concert Fundraiser
Sun. May 27 Pentacost Sunday Sun.
June 3 Last Day of Sunday School Classes
Sun. June 10 Church Picnic
BIBLEMANIA 2007 "BY HOOK OR BY HARP"
Be there to dive into the middle of the Bible and explore the Psalms!! Register ASAP for this fun, fun, fun overnight on Friday, May 4, 5:30 p.m. – Sat, May 5, 10:30 a.m. Enjoy bible learning, songs, games, crafts, dinner in a desert tent, and songs around a campfire. Learn to felt wool and visit with a shepherdess and real live lamb! Way cooool !!!! Invite your friends! Open to 1st -7th graders.
LET’S SAY THANKS TO ALL THE TEACHERS !!!!! On Sunday, May 13, be on hand to thank all our teachers for a wonderful year of teaching and leading. We are so blessed by the talented and dedicated people that have modeled God's love for us all -the teachers, music leaders and all the special people in our congregation who see and encourage God's promise in our children.
LESSONS ON A TREE . . . Thanks to Joe Foster, Gabriela and Nico’s dad, our children’s worship center featured a special learning tree for the Lenten and Easter season. Ornaments, created from communion cups, hung from bare branches. Each ornament was filled with a different reminder of our Christian journey – ashes, salt, water, soil, grain, grape juice… After Easter, flowers and butterflies appeared, symbols of our new life in Christ.
MAY SUNDAY SCHOOL MISSION: Children’s Worship offerings collected in May and June will go the local FM Food Pantry. We can help feed our community in many ways!
BOOKS FOR BIBLES !!!
Over $113 dollars have been raised through the sale of used books to buy bibles for our Sunday School program. We need $500 to reach our goal. Donate a book, buy a book at the back of Fellowship Hall!
NEW FRIENDS !!!! Be sure and say hello to the new kids in church, Tim and baby sister, Renee Brewer and parents, Skeeter and Jamie Altes. We're glad to have you with us !!!!!!
"AN EVENING OF
BRASS" FUNDRAISER Sat., May 19, 7:00 p.m.
This concert by Syracuse University Brass
Ensemble is a great event for kids and their families because they cannot
possibly get louder than 35 pieces of brass and percussion !!!!! Kids are
fascinated by all the sound, sparkle and motion. Proceeds will benefit the
missions of United Church.
ARE YOU A FIRST TIME CAMPER? Try a shorter two-night camp just for first timers. Find fun, fun, fun for everyone at Vanderkamp, Camp Iroquois, Camp Vick and Camp Pathfinder!!!!!! Day camps, overnight camps, wacky camps, equestrian camps, extreme camps, family camps, and special needs camps. Check out details and download registration forms at the websites listed below.
Pathfinder -www.abc-nys.org/camps/ Open House – June 2, Cooperstown, NY
Camp Vick -www.abc-nys.org/camps/
Open House – June 9, Sandusky, NY
Vanderkamp -www.vk.org/summercamp/
Open House -Sunday, June 3rd from 1:00 to 5:00 pm, Cleveland, NY
Camp Iroquois -www.campiroquois.org/
YMCA Day camp in Manlius, NY
Interested in a camp scholarship? Pick up an application in the church office.
God’s love is powerful and great things can happen when we, as a community in Christ and as individuals in services
let it flow thorugh us!
Judy Spencer
Director of Children’s Ministries
Adult Education - May
2007
Forums and Bible Study
Sunday mornings from 9:00 AM – 10:15 AM
I. Adult Forum [Meets 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.
May 6: Douglas Igelsrud (member of First Church United, Syracuse): observations on recent trip to Cuba. Doug Igelsrud has been active for many years in promoting awareness of Latin American and is a retired member of the Syracuse Symphony.
May 13: Cathy Leo Grande (Chair of the Department of Education, LeMoyne College): Does educational testing advance educational quality?
May 20: Debra Glisson and Phyllis Danks (members of the United Church, and educators in the Fabius-Pompey School District): recent mission trip to Chile.
May 27: To be announced
June 3: Gustav Niebuhr: Treatment of the issues of immigration in media and contemporary Christianity. Gustav Niebuhr is the former religion editor for the New York Times and currently teaches at Syracuse University in the Department of Religion and in the Newhouse School of Journalism. (Rescheduled from April 15)
II. Bible Study in Women’s Lounge [Meets in Women’s Lounge]
May 6 - 27: 9:00 AM. Led by Fred Davey, the group will read and discuss a book of the Bible to be chosen by the group.
III. A Parents’ Place [Meets on basement level in Room 5]
9:15 AM. Informal, unstructured conversation about the joys and challenges of raising children. Coffee and tea available.
The Lenten series of “Living the Questions” has been completed. The last 2 sessions will be presented on Sunday evenings May 6 and 13 at 7:00 PM in Beard Lounge.
Youth & Seekers
|
|
|
SEEKERS |
UPCOMING EVENTS:
4/29/07 8:45 AM: Seeker mtg w/ Board
5/1/07 7:00 PM: Youth Committee Meeting
5/4 - 5/6/07: Retreat at Pathfinder Lodge?
5/20/07 10:25 AM: Seeker Confirmation
6/3/07 10:25 AM: Youth Service
6/3/07 6:30 PM: Variety Show
Bowl-a-Thon: On March 4th, 14 youth raised over $1000 bowling at Green Lakes Lanes. Half of the money raised is going to support the youth who are participating in our summer mission trip (and our Triennium delegate). Half is going to support a local charity. DJ DeHority won prizes for bowling the highest score and raising the most money. Thank you to everyone who sponsored one or more youth for this event.
Lenten Contromentaries: The Wednesday night series of documentaries viewed during Lent was a big success. We watched and discussed four different movies, including: An Inconvenient Truth (2006), Super Size Me (2004), Jesus Camp (2006), and Why We Fight (2005). We had a small group of five or six youth each movie night, which was perfect for engaging discussion.
Walk Through Holy Week: I want to thank all those who performed and provided logistical support for the Walk Through Holy Week Event. Many attended and the response from those who came was very positive. Thanks for everyone who came.
Way Off Broadway: The variety show that was originally scheduled for April 28th has been postponed and rescheduled for June 3rd at 6:30 PM. The show was postponed since we had overwhelming feedback that it was a bad weekend for people who would like to participate and attend. As a result, I hope that everyone who wanted to participate, but couldn’t, will now sign up their act to perform. Look for the sign up board in the hallway outside of Beard Lounge or directly notify John Price or Tom Parmenter.
Seeker Confirmation: I would like to remind Seekers to bring your completed faith statement to the Board meeting at 8:45 AM on 4/29/07. This is a mandatory meeting for anyone wanting to be confirmed on May 20th, confirmation Sunday.
Retreat at Pathfinder Lodge: There is a retreat at Pathfinder Lodge in Cooperstown, NY, from May 4th through May 6th for anyone who would like to go. The retreat starts at 7 PM on the 4th and ends at 1 PM on the 6th. The cost is only $5 for anyone who would like to go. Please let me know if you are interested in this as soon as possible. So far only one person has expressed interest. This is a great opportunity for meeting and sharing in fellowship with other youth.
Youth T-shirt sale: The youth will be selling T-shirts to try and raise more financial support to help defray costs for the summer mission trip. Please watch for more details.
Thank you all for your continued support in ministering to the youth of our church. They are such a talented and intelligent group of individuals and I am blessed with the opportunity to share in this segment of their faith journeys.
Tom Parmenter, Director of Youth Ministries
Board Meeting Highlights
March 20th
Highlights – APRIL 2007 CHURCH BOARD MEETING
April 17th, 2007
Kathleen offered a Leadership reflection on the need for listening and praying. She also offered insight into the Tuesday morning prayer group.
Reviewed the terms of call for Rev. Dr. Linda Even as Pastor and Head of Staff as well as her Person Information Form.
Board retreat will be Saturday, April 21 in Beard lounge with lunch in the Women’s lounge. Rev. Even will join us for lunch. The retreat focus will be on making the church more welcoming.
Cindy Burke gave an update on the Nominating Committee nominations.
Rev. Waters tentative departure plan was discussed; she would like to pose some general questions to the regarding the interim time.
The March Finance report was discussed and approved; additionally, there was discussion of why Building Use is often under budget.
The Draft Finance Policy was read for information and then approved by the Board.
Recent visitors were mentioned.
Denny Baldwin and Peter Vander Voort were present to discuss the Access Project which is a part of the capital campaign. The next step is to receive the detailed drawings and put the project out for bid. Motion to accept the concept and authorize returning to architect for detailed drawing prior to going out to bid was approved.
Rich Hole was present to discuss the status of the Building Project Coordination Work Group report The group has met about four times and worked up a report, which is now in draft stage which includes rough costs for some items.
Approved postponing the decision on the AV project until the Work Group report is received.
Update on Kathy Willyard Project provided by Rich Hole as well. Costs are higher than expected. The Board voted to affirm the direction and progress of the project.
Village of Manlius 4th of July Celebration
The Village of Manlius has invited local organizations to participate in their annual Fourth of July Celebration. This would be a fantastic opportunity for UCF to gain name recognition in our community. How would you like to take this event under your wing and give it some life? If you are interested in helping out please see Beth Krauss.
Are you a creative person?
Would you like to see the good news about UCF spread?
Ask Beth Krauss about an exciting opportunity that UCF has for you!!!
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Submitted by Bob Craft
Financial statistics for the month of March are as follows:
This chart shows real dollars
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|
March |
Year to Date |
|
Income |
$19,544. |
$70,287. |
|
Expenses |
$26,040. |
$71,195. |
|
Difference |
$(6496.) |
$(908.) |
For March, income was behind expenses by almost $6,500. This puts us behind for the year by just over $900.
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% |
|
February |
7.11% |
6.39% |
6.51% |
9.07% |
|
March |
6.26% |
6.66% |
7.97% |
6.72% |
|
Year to date |
22.98% |
20.57% |
22.02% |
23.97% |
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 about 25 percent through March. Income was almost on track.
“Attic Treasures 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 Friday, May 11 from 12-5 PM and Saturday, May 12 from 9-4! 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.
An invitation…..
Stephen Kuhns would like to invite the members of the United Church congregation to his Boy Scout Eagle ceremony being held on Saturday, May 12th at 10:00am at the Columbia Presbyterian Church in LaFayette. Steve achieved his Eagle rank last summer but was not able to have the ceremony before he was off to Duquesne. Since this is such a milestone achievement, we wanted to celebrate it at our first opportunity. We hope you will join us on May 12th as we honor Steve’s dedication and hard work. (Tracey Kuhns)
From the Fellowship Corner:
What a wonderful turnout we had on Friday, April 20th to greet Linda Even! The following Sunday was just as well attended. No fellowship event could take place without the hard work of many people. I just want to say thank you to everyone who stepped in to give a hand - from fellowship committee members to honorary fellowship committee members (you know who you are!). United Church is truly blessed to have such dedicated folks.
Speaking of dedication, those same people are the ones who step in to host coffee hour on Sunday mornings. I am concerned that we are burning the fellowship committee members out and am hoping that some more of you folks that so enjoy that coffee time right after church will consider hosting it yourself. The sign-up sheet is in the hall outside the kitchen and we promise not to leave you twisting in the wind—there is a notebook with all the instructions and at least one member of the fellowship committee is around on any Sunday to lend a hand or answer questions. Please help out and sign up this Sunday. And don’t forget to drop your token of appreciation into the donation basket…those monies go to purchase the coffee supplies and paper goods used by all the committees here at church.
Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns…we are always looking for new committee members so if you feel called to serve in this way, please let me know.
Together in Christ,
Tracey Kuhns
PRAYER SHAWL/HEALING SHAWL MINISTRY
WHEN: May 10th
Where: Beard Lounge
Time: 1:00 PM
Why a Shawl? Over the centuries, shawls have come to symbolize shelter, peace, and spiritual sustenance.
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.
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. Everyone 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.
Shirley Anderson (637-8500)
TABITHA CIRCLE
Pot-Luck Appetizer & Dessert
Wednesday, May 9th
6:30 PM
Last Meeting of the Year!
This will be our last meeting of the year. Instead of having a Pot-Luck Dinner, we decided to have only appetizers and desserts to give us more time to visit. Please come to meet some wonderful women. If you would like to bring an appetizer or dessert to share, please call Shirley Anderson (637-8500) or Connie Leech (637-8278) to let us know what you plan to bring. If you decide at the last moment that you would like to come but don’t have time to prepare something, come anyway as there is usually enough food to feed all of us several times over!
SU Brass Spring Pops Concert
Saturday, May 19, 7 PM
United Church’s Sanctuary
The Syracuse University Brass Ensemble has very generously agreed to perform for the F-M community. The proceeds from this concert will aid the mission of United Church of Fayetteville.
The concert is open to the public; donation of $8 for adults and $6 for students. Tickets will be available after Sunday Worship on May 6th and 13th.
Please invite your friends, family, co-workers to this wonderful event!
Be a Sponsor!
We invite your support of this concert as a sponsor of your favorite instrument! The proceeds from the concert will support missions of United Church. Sponsors will be listed in the program as indicated below. Your sponsorship would be greatly appreciated and in return we will print your business card or advertisement in the program. The choice of levels are:
$100 - Baritone horn: full page ad & two free tickets
$ 75 - Tuba: 3/4 page ad & two free tickets
$ 50 - Trombone: 1/2 page ad & one free ticket
$ 25 - French horn: Business card or 1/4 page ad
$ 10 - Trumpet: Your name is printed as a sponsor
We are deeply grateful for any contributions you can give. If you are able to participate as a friend of the concert, please speak with Beth Krauss (637-1215). In order to be included in the program, all donations must be received by Monday, May 14, 2006. We hope you will attend this wonderful Evening of Brass for our Fayetteville community and invite your friends to enjoy as well.
Thank you Jim Spencer & Syracuse University Brass Ensemble
Let’s build a capacity audience for our benefit pops
concert of the SU Brass Ensemble on Saturday, May 19th, 7 pm!
We have a treasure here in our midst with the exciting concerts that Jim Spencer’s SU Brass Ensemble brings to United Church.
Extend your thanks to Jim on behalf of the church!
Buy your tickets ahead, beginning after worship in early May.
A special thank you to Beth Krauss and her committee for organizing the many aspects of putting on the concert as a fundraiser for United Church mission support! (see above for sponsorship information)
Submit your business card for an ad as a starter!
~ Alice Dickerson Hatt
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.
Staff: