The Carillon United Church of Christ, Congregational

(585) 492-4530

Editor: Kathy May

March 2017 The month of March can be known for several

things. 1st, it is one of the longest months of the year, with 31 days, following the shortest month, February with 28 days – or this leap year, with 29. March is the month that the 1st day of Spring calls home. It is also the home of St. Patrick’s Day, that day in which everyone is Irish and revelry along with corned beef and cabbage and, sometimes, green beer abounds. And on a more local note, March is the month where local Fish Fry’s begin rearing their heads at churches and civic organizations. But one notable occurrence in March is often forgotten, especially as we go further and further into the 21st century – and that is the Ides of March.

The Ides of March (Latin: Idus Martii) is the name of the 15th day of March in the Roman calendar, probably referring to the day of the full moon. The word “Ides” comes from the Latin word "Idus" and means "half division" especially in relation to a month. It is a word that was used widely in the Roman calendar indicating the approximate day that was the middle of the month. The term ides was used for the 15th day of the months of March, May, July, and October, and the 13th day of the other months. The Ides of March was a festive day dedicated to the god Mars (god of war) and a military parade was usually held. In modern times, the term Ides of March is best known as the date on which Julius Caesar was killed in 44 B.C. Caesar was stabbed (23 times) to death in the Roman Senate by a group of conspirators led by Marcus Junius Brutus and Gaius Cassius Longinus. The group included 60 other co-conspirators according to ancient historian Plutarch. According to Plutarch, a seer (teller of the future) had foreseen that Caesar would be harmed not later than the Ides of March and on his way to the Theatre of Pompey (where he would be assassinated), Caesar met that seer and joked, "The ides of March have come", meaning to say that the prophecy had not been fulfilled, to which the seer replied "Ay, Caesar; but not gone." This meeting is famously dramatized in William Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar (1599), when Caesar is warned by the soothsayer to "beware the Ides of March." Perhaps the most memorable quote coming out of the Ides of March is Caesar’s “Et tu Brute” - which can be variously translated as "Even you, Brutus?", "And you, Brutus?", "You too, Brutus?", "Thou too, Brutus?" or "And thou,

Brutus?". The quotation is today widely used in Western culture to signify the utmost betrayal.

As we are in the midst of March and the Lenten season of the Church year, I can’t help but think of a correlation between the Ides of March and what Lent is all about. How often do we, as professed children of God and followers of Jesus the Christ, betray our Creator and our Savior through what we say, what we do, what we think? How often do we decide to travel our own paths in life, either doing, saying and thinking those things which we know we should NOT do OR not doing, saying and thinking those things we know we SHOULD do?

And this is what Lent is all about: recognizing and admitting our “betrayal” of God/Christ. A 40-day period fashioned after the 40-day experience of Christ in the wilderness as he began his ministry, Lent is a time we are to dedicate ourselves to prayer, penance (atonement/apology), repentance, generosity to others and self-denial. Through these practices, we begin to better understand the passion, the trials, the agony and the suffering Christ endured for us, personally, as we journey toward the triumphant day of resurrection – Easter.

This 2017 Lenten season, I urge you, my friends, to make a concerted and determined effort to share in some or all of these practices. By giving up something you enjoy, by study of scripture, by regular intense and devout prayer (confession, intercession, thanksgiving, as well as for others), by generosity to others in many aspects of life, by committing to turn your life around to better following the path of Christ Jesus – these are the things that will enhance your life, not only during Lent, but throughout the entire year.

“Et tu Brute” were Caesar’s last words in recognition of Brutus’ betrayal of his apparent “friend”. I pray they are not God’s words or Christ’s words as we finish our earthly journey.

Shalom,

Pastor Bob

Pastor’s Fund During the month of February contributions to the

Pastor’s Discretionary Fund have been given by Bill Hall and Pastor Bob.

This fund is used in helping area folk in times of need. Your donations are greatly appreciated and may be given to Pastor or mailed to the church, indicated for the Pastor’s Fund.

If you or someone you know would like to receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion at home, please let Kathy in the church office know. You may reach the church office at 585-492-4530 or via email at arc-ucc@juno.com.

Anyone from 9th grade up is invited to share with us in our music ministry. Rehearsal is at 8:45am on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings at 6:00pm.

March Greeters 5 Romance Family 19 Lary Schaefer & 12 Jay & Kathy May Mike Giles 26 Harv Roll & Penny Rutledge

March Readers 5 Sheila Vrenna 19 Jeff Mason 12 Dona Roll 26 Nathan Tillinghast

March Nursery Schedule

5 Kathy May 19 Shannon King 12 Denielle Romance 26 Deb Wood

March Worship Coordinators 5 Shirley Kriedeman 19 Nathan Tilllinghast 12 Wally Lowth 26 Jo Sixt

March Birthdays 1 Mike Tanner 20 Barbara Comstock-King 2 Bryson King 21 Justin Romance 5 Ryan Bechdel 23 Lois Anneler 16 Dianne Szpak 24 Kelsey May 17 Dan King

March Bible Readings 5 Gen 2:15-17, 3:1-7 19 Ex 17:1-7 Psalm 32 Psalm 95 Rom 5:12-19 Matt 4:1-11 12 Gen 12:1-4a 26 1 Sam 16:1-13 Rom 4:1-5, 13-17 Psalm 23 John 3:1-17 Eph 5:8-14 John 9:1-41

Worship in March: March 5: 1st Sunday in Lent The Sacrament of Holy Communion Scripture: Romans 5: 12-19 Luke 5: 1-10 Sermon: Fear of Inadequacy March 12: 2nd Sunday in Lent Daylight Savings Time Begins Scripture: Mark 4: 35-41 Sermon: Fear of Circumstances March 19: 3rd Sunday in Lent Scripture: Mark 5: 35-43 Sermon: Fear of Death March 27: 4th Sunday in Lent Scripture: Ephesians 5: 8-14 Matthew 17: 1-9 Sermon: Fear of the Unexplainable

Lenten Worship

Each Wednesday during Lent (beginning with Ash Wednesday – March 1, and the imposition of ashes), PAC will host a morning worship at Hope Lutheran Church beginning at 11 am. Immediately following each Wednesday’s worship, a luncheon will be provided, hosted by the various PAC congregations. A schedule of luncheon hosts is: March 1 – Hope Lutheran, March 8 – 1st Baptist Church, March 15 – Arcade United Methodist Church, March 22 – Machias United Methodist Church, March 29 – Arcade UCC, and April 5 – Java Village Congregational Church and St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Please mark your calendars for this very special time of fellowship.

A Reminder: The

4th Sunday of every month is designated as “Food Pantry Sunday” at which time we receive non-perishable goods for our

Arcade Food Pantry, sponsored by PAC. Please feel free to bring your items to worship with you on the 4th Sunday.

Also, the PAC Food Pantry has announced that again in 2017, there will be a free food give-away the 2nd Friday of every month at the Arcade United Methodist Church. This give-away is open to everyone and is in addition to the Food Pantry’s regular times of operation on Mondays and Thursdays. Please watch for times.

Lenten Sermon Series During the Season of Lent this year, Pastor will be

preaching on the theme: Freedom from Fear. Each week we will look at a fear that many of us has in common and how we can overcome it, concentrating on the sacrifice that Jesus made for each and every one of us on the cross as he gave his body and shed his blood for the forgiveness of our sins.

The titles and corresponding dates are: March 5 – Fear of Inadequacy; March 12 – Fear of Circumstances; March 19 – Fear of Death; March 26 – Fear of the Unexplainable; April 2 – Fear of Hell – April 9 – Fear of Conquest; and April 16 (Easter Sunday) – Fear of the Unknown.

Please join us in worship as we embark on this series to prepare ourselves throughout Lent for the great day of Resurrection!!

Reminding You of an Opportunity! It’s painless and it’s so easy – no strings, no fuss, no

muss!! It’s the opportunity YOU have to give to the church.

You know those refundable bottles and cans you accumulate and aren’t quite sure what to do with or how to dispose of them? All you have to do is take them to Isaac’s Redemption Center at 34 Liberty Street, Arcade, NY (bagged and rinsed clean). Tell them you wish for your refund to go to the UCC Church and instead of getting a refund for your cans/bottles, our church will get the monies AND our Church Council is considering matching these monies in some fashion. All these funds will be used for our Youth Ministry at Arcade UCC. If you are unable to get your cans/bottles to Isaac’s yourself, call the church office and we will pick them up once a month and take them for you! How much easier could this be??

Won’t you consider helping out our youth program? We sure would appreciate it!!! Thank you.

Holy Week

Holy Week this year will see some changes in our worship schedule of the past. During this special and blessed week (April 10-14), we, as a PAC community will NOT gather at 7 am each morning for a communion worship at our Arcade UCC. We WILL gather in Wetzel Hall on Thursday (Maundy Thursday) at 6:30pm for a soup and bread supper, immediately followed by a time of worship with Holy Communion and hand-washing.

Then on Friday (Good Friday) PAC will gather for a Triore service at Arcade UCC. This service runs from 12noon to 3pm and will be led by PAC Churches. You are invited to attend for as long as you are able – coming and going during this worship time if necessary.

Please watch for details of this special time, immediately preceding the Day of Resurrection – Easter Sunday.

Lenten Bible Study

Each Wednesday in Lent (March 1,8,15,22,29 and April 5) we will have a Lenten Bible Study in the Great Room. We will begin at 6:30 pm with a soup and bread supper, followed by the study. This year we will be studying a series entitled: We Preach Christ Crucified.

Please mark your calendars and plan on joining us for this special time of fellowship and study on our Lenten journey.

FINANCIAL NEWS

Our non-pass-through expenditures between January 26 and February 28 included $7,357.98 pastor’s salary and benefits; $3,804.77 other salaries; $664.59 elevator maintenance; $422.99 insurance; $402.21 copier expenses; $281 village utilities; $189 gas bill; $171.50 cleaning service (final bill); $147.50 snow removal; $109.84 phone bills; $90.16 custodial supplies; $65.45 postage; $39 online service.

Our young people conducted the annual Souper Bowl of Caring service on February 5. As a result of this, many canned goods and a monetary donation of $455.01 were delivered to the PAC Food Pantry.

FUNDRAISERS

In order to meet our budget, we rely on several fundraising events. We are grateful to Debbie and Tom Scott and everyone who helped in any way with the pork dinner on February 18. At the moment, the profit is about $946, but we are awaiting one bill for advertising before we have a final number. Another pork dinner will probably be scheduled for September.

Our two biggest fundraisers are the Rummage Sale in early May and the Fall Festival in mid-October. Although those might seem to be in the distant future, it’s never too early to start setting aside those items you no longer need that someone else would love to buy at the rummage sale, and to begin gathering items that would make good baskets at the festival.

LONGEVITY MILESTONES

Congratulations to Debi Lutz and Phil Tanner on the

45th anniversary of their confirmation into membership on March 19.

Fundraiser! Women’s Fellowship is planning a Rummage Sale for

Friday and Saturday, May 5 and 6. All profits will go to the UCC General Fund.

Members of the congregation are encouraged to begin collecting items to donate as they do their spring cleaning. Household items as well as gently used baby and children’s clothing will be welcomed. Adult clothing cannot be accepted.

MARY HOSFORD FISHER WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP

Mary Hosford Women’s Fellowship met Monday,

February 6, 2017 in the annex. Following concerns and celebrations, Gwen St. John read an amusing story “Herman Schultz’ Wooden Leg.” This story, written in 1935, made us smile – Gwen felt we needed a little levity!

Minutes of the previous meeting and the treasurer’s report were read and accepted.

A bill for $50 for cleaning the kitchen floor was approved. A letter of thanks will be sent to Randy Lutz and Mike Giles of the Building and Grounds Committee. Our RADA inventory was presented and a report of our December candy sales indicated we cleared $425.

Reminders – Coffee Hour sign-ups, Roast Beef Dinner, Rummage Sale will be held May 5 and 6. It was decided to make the cookies for our Children’s Walk at Christmas time. More later. We were reminded that our “Help-a-Child” payment should be part of our budget. A kitchen clean-up day will be planned. We will be making six Advent Calendars this year for our Fall Festival Bazaar. Sheila Vrenna is hoping to organize a CPR training session. More information to come.

Our next meeting will be Monday, March 6. Margaret Homan, Secretary

NEWS OF OUR PEOPLE We extend our sympathy to Gloria Vogt and her

family on the death of their husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Richard “Dick” Vogt Sr., on February 12.

Dick and Gloria joined our church on November 21, 2010. When we honored our veterans every year in November, we honored Dick for his service to our country during the Korean War. We enjoyed the times in recent years when we had four generations of Richard Vogts worshipping with us.

Pioneer Association of Churches PALM SUNDAY CANTATA

Sunday, April 9 – 3pm

St. Mary’s Church

417 W. Main St., Arcade

Rehearsals March 12, 19, 26, April 2 from 2-4pm and April 8, 12-2pm – all rehearsals held

at St. Mary’s Church.

What is Lent? Lent is a period of fasting, moderation, and self-

denial traditionally observed by devout Christians. It begins with Ash Wednesday and ends with Easter Sunday. The length of the Lenten season was established in the 4th century as 46 days (not counting Sundays). During Lent, participants eat sparingly or give up a particular food or habit. It’s not uncommon for people to give up smoking during Lent, or to swear off watching television or eating candy or telling lies. It’s six weeks of self-discipline.

Lent began as a way for Christians to remind themselves of the value of repentance (the activity of reviewing one's actions and feeling contrition or regret for past wrongs. It generally] involves a commitment to personal change and resolving to live a more responsible and humane life). The seriousness of the Lenten season was seen as similar to how people in the Old Testament fasted and repented in sackcloth and ashes (Esther 4:1-3;Jeremiah 6:26). However, over the centuries Lenten observances have developed a much more "sacramental" value. Many Christians believe that giving something up for Lent is a way to attain God’s blessing.

But the Bible teaches that grace cannot be earned; grace is “the gift of righteousness” (Romans 5:17). Also, Jesus taught that fasting should be done discreetly: “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their

reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen” (Matthew 6:16-18).

If a Christian wishes to observe Lent, he/she is free to do so. The key is to focus on repenting of sin and consecrating oneself to God. Lent should not be a time of boasting of one’s sacrifice or trying to earn God's favor or increasing God’s love. God’s love for us could not be any greater than it already is.

Fund-Raiser: Our church continues to sponsor

a That’s My Pan fund-raiser. Brochures are available from Pastor Bob. Please pick up a brochure and consider making an order to help support our church, while receiving some great merchandise.

These items make great birthday, Easter, anniversary or anytime gifts for your family and friends or yourself!!Your order should go to Pastor Bob OR you may order online. Thank you.

Opportunities for Worship

On Sunday, March 19, everyone is cordially invited to attend the Service of Ordination and Installation of Jennifer Heckman to the Ordained Ministry in the United Church of Christ and as Pastor and Teacher at Cleveland Heights Christian Church, 4774 Union Rd, Cheektowaga, NY 14225. The worship celebration begins at 3pm and a fellowship time with refreshments will follow. If you’d like to attend, please let Pastor Bob know so reservations can be made and we can perhaps car pool

On Sunday, March 26, everyone is warmly invited to attend the Installation of the Rev. Raquel Alston as Pastor at Chaffee Community Baptist Church, 13510 Grove Street, Chaffee, NY. This service will begin at 4pm and a reception will be held immediately following the service.

Talking with God: The following was sent

to me a while back via internet by Dona Roll and I thought it was well worth sharing!! Me (in a tizzy) : God, can I ask you something? GOD: Sure. Me: Promise you won't get mad? GOD: I promise. Me (frustrated): Why did you let so much stuff happen to me today? GOD: What do you mean? Me: Well I woke up late, GOD: Yes Me: My car took forever to start, GOD: Okay.... Me (growling): At lunch, they made my sandwich wrong and I had to wait GOD: Hmmmm.. Me: On the way home, my phone went dead, just as I picked up a call GOD: All right Me (loudly): And to top it all off, when I got home, I just wanted to soak my feet in my foot massager and relax, but it wouldn't work. Nothing went right today! Why did you do that? GOD: Well let me see..... the death angel was at your bed this morning and I had to send one of the other angels to battle him for your life. I let you sleep through that. Me (humbled): Oh... GOD: I didn't let your car start because there was a drunk driver on your route that might have hit you if you were on the road Me (ashamed): ............ GOD: The first person who made your sandwich today was sick and I didn't want you to catch what they have, I knew you couldn't afford to miss work Me (embarrassed): Oh..... GOD: Your phone went dead because the person that

was calling was going to give a false witness about what you said on that call, I didn't even let you talk to them so you would be covered Me (softly): I see God GOD: Oh and that foot massager, it had a short that was going to throw out all of the power in your house tonight. I didn't think you wanted to be in the dark. Me: I'm sorry God. GOD: Don't be sorry, just learn to trust me.........in all things, the good and the bad Me: I WILL trust you God GOD: And don't doubt that my plan for your day is always better than your plan Me: I won't God. And let me just tell you God, thank you for everything today. GOD: You're welcome child. It was just another day being your God and I love looking after my children. AMEN!!

Youth Outing Our youth and friends from St. Stephens-Bethlehem

UCC in Amherst were photographed at an outing on Sunday, February 26 at XPhobia in Olean.

This adventure experience is owned and operated by our own Ryan Bechdel. The youth were locked in an Escape Room: an interactive game where participants must solve riddles, puzzles and clues to unlock the door in under an hour. They completed the adventure with only 10 seconds to spare. Good job, all!!

ANNUAL EVENT TO BENEFIT SENIOR WISHES

Join us April 27, 2017 from 6-9pm for the 4th annual Sips, Suds and Sweets event to raise funds for the Senior Wishes program. Guests will sample wine, beer and sweet treats while listening to live music. A live wish granting will take place during the event. Silent Auction, baskets, candy buffet and free valet parking. The event will be held at Fox Run at Orchard Park. Go to www.seniorwishes.org to purchase tickets or call 716-508-2121 for more information. Donations gratefully accepted for auctions. Senior Wishes, a program of the UCHS, grants low income seniors and those in care facilities, life-enriching wishes. We believe that just because someone is aging it doesn’t mean there are not still things they want to do, places they want to go, or people they want to see again.

COUNCIL CORNER

The February 28 meeting of the Arcade UCC was held in church annex. The meeting was called to order by Chair Rich Vogt. Devotions were led by Vanessa Adams based on David Schmidt’s “Why Your Church Needs a Written Vision.” This will help you see the needs around you and then seek God’s plan/wishes.

Concerns and celebrations were discussed. Minutes of the January meeting were approved. Treasurer’s report was discussed and approved.

Pastor reported that he will be in Chicago April 23-25 and will be working with Ryan Henderson and others on updating the “Manual on Ministry.” Pastor has canceled his July vacation plans as he will be undergoing knee surgery May 9. He will be using vacation time for the recovery period. Pastor also reports that there will be some changes to the PAC Lenten Services this year. The 7am PAC Holy Week Services that have been held here in the past have been canceled. A Good Friday Triore Service will be held here from noon until 3pm. There will be a Maundy Thursday Service at Arcade UCC at 6:30pm (Bread and Soup) with a Service of Communion and Handwashing at 7pm. There will be a Good Friday evening (7pm) service here. The PAC Palm Sunday Cantata will be held at St. Mary’s Church again this year and will be led by Dona Roll.

We are still waiting to hear from Bob Kutzuba regarding the approval for us to sign the Verizon Contract. Ashley Vogt is willing to help with the website, but would like to wait until after Easter. Pastor Bob presented information on a new church sign to

replace the current sign in front of the church proper. Cost is approximately $4,500. Zoning must be contacted for approval.

Women’s Fellowship will once again be holding their Rummage Sale the first weekend in May. The Christian Education Committee will be providing three baskets to be raffled off.

March Gatherings 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 – Lenten Worship Services @ Hope Lutheran Church – 11am with luncheon following worship 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 – Choir Rehearsal – 6pm 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 – Bible Study –Lenten Soup & Bread

Supper @ 6:30pm, Bible Study – 7pm 6 Women’s Fellowship – 1pm 8 Workers Union – 1pm 12, 19, 26 - Palm Sunday Cantata Rehearsal – 2-4pm St. Mary’s Church 14 Outreach – 7pm 17 Lenten Fish Fry – Hope Lutheran Church 4:30pm 25 Community Dinner - 4-6:00pm 28 Council – 7pm NOTE: Weight Watchers meets Wednesday evenings at 5:00pm in Wetzel Hall.

The Carillon is being compiled, printed and mailed by a committee of four – Audrey Erick, Margaret Homan, Kathy May and Sheila Vrenna. Please continue to watch for the deadline date for your articles and reports and give them to any of the above members. We hope to produce a quality newsletter. Any suggestions are welcomed. The deadline for the April issue is March 26, 2017.

The Carillon

Published 10 times per year by the United Church of Christ, Congregational, 297 Main St., Arcade, NY 14009. Pastor: Rev. Robert C. Dievendorf Office Phone: (585)492-4530 Office E-mail: arc-ucc@juno.com Website: arcadeucc.org Office Hours: 9:00am – 3:00pm (T-Th) Worship Schedule: 8:45am – Sunday School

9:00am Choir Rehearsal 10:30am Worship

For 48-year-old Iraq war veteran Robert Z., buying a house was an important step toward recovery from post-traumatic stress disorder. Then the floods came.

After completing military service, Robert established his own trucking company. But then depression and stress incapacitated him. He closed his business and moved in with friends. It took Robert years of hard work to get on top of PTSD, but he did it. “The house was the next step in trying to take care of myself again” Robert said. He found a “fixer-upper” in West Columbia, S.C., and began repairing it. Then the storms of October 2015 came. Days of incessant rain and wind caused a large tree to fall onto Robert’s roof. The damage opened the house to the continuing rainfall soaking walls, floors, ceilings and furniture. Robert did what he could, but it wasn’t enough.

United Church of Christ, Congregational 297 Main St. Arcade, NY 14009

Then he heard about the Disaster Recovery Support

Initiative (DRSI), a joint endeavor of the United Church of Christ Disaster Ministries, Brethren Disaster Ministries, and the Disaster Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) DRSI volunteers were happy to assist as part of their work in modeling long-term recovery processes in the wider community. They connected with the emerging local long-term recovery organization. They gutted Robert’s house and repaired the roof. They installed brand-new windows, walls, floor, electricals and plumbing. “These are not just people talking,” Robert said. “They are really doing something. I am amazed that someone would do it for me.” “Generous giving to One Great Hour of Sharing is enabling us to reach the most vulnerable families,” said UCC Disaster Ministries Executive Zach Wolgemuth. “It shows, you are here.”

Please give generously to this worthy cause. Envelopes will be available in your Carillon or in the narthex.