First Presbyterian Church Delhi, NY
COURIER February - March 2014
This coming month we at First Presbyterian have the privilege of hosting the
Susquehanna Valley Presbytery Assembly. In the PC (USA) the Presbyteries
are the larger, regional, governing bodies for the churches. It is at the
Presbytery Assemblies that we conduct the business for the region. But these
gatherings are not all boring meetings, with reports given and votes taken. It
is at these Assemblies that we are able to gather as a larger body of Christ’s
Church. While each church in our area is different from the other, when we
gather together we are able to view and experience the diversity of our
denomination. True, this diversity can be the cause of tension, but it is also a
testament to the working of the Spirit among the Church universal.
This Saturday, March 1, you are invited to come to be with your brothers and
sisters in Christ as we do the business of our Presbytery. Along with our
reports and voting, we will gather around Christ’s table in worship, eating the
feast of bread and wine. We will join our hearts in song and our voices in
prayer. We will fellowship, laugh, meet and make new friends. And best of all
in our gathering, we will see and celebrate the work that all of the churches
are doing to further the kingdom of God.
I encourage you to come to this Assembly and
see the workings of Christ among our church
leaders. Come and see that we are not alone
in this venture of being God’s created ones.
-Pastor Sarah
First Presbyterian Church 4 Clinton Street, Delhi, NY 13753
Phone: 607-746-2155 Fax: 607-746-2156
E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.fpcdelhi.org
Reverend Sarah Hooker, Pastor Officers and Boards 2014
SESSION
2014 Benjamin Althaus, 3460 Spring Valley Rd. Delhi, NY 13753 435-3476 Kevin Lee, 2 Cross Street, Delhi, NY 13753 746-6946 Nancy Lee, 2 Cross Street, Delhi, NY 13753 746-6946 VACANT
2015 Marty Conklin, PO Box 202, Hamden NY 13782 865-4387 Susie Little, 1618 Arbuckle Hollow, DeLancey, NY 13752 746-2536 Nichole Newbold, 45 Delaware Ave, Delhi, NY 13753 434-7705 Janice Raitt, 265 Main Street, Delhi, NY 13753 746-3193
2016 Lou Dibble, 113 Delside Drive, Delhi, NY 13753 746-6377 Joseph Maxwell, 22 Franklin Street, Delhi, NY 13753 746-3515 Renee Maxwell, 34 Clinton Street, Delhi, NY 13753 746-6128 Bea Mooney, 4537 County Highway #14, Treadwell, NY 13846 829-5507
DEACONS
2014 Betty Bell. 51 Hamden Hill Road, Delhi, NY 13753 746-2035 Harry Bell. 51 Hamden Hill Road, Delhi, NY 13753 746-2035 Joyce Goff, 485 Dunham Road, Delhi, NY 13753 746-8709 Ken Schermerhorn, 46633 St Hwy 10, Delhi NY 13753 746-8190
2015 Kathy Beveridge, 9786 Cty Hwy 14, Delhi, NY 13753 746-6283 Bonnie Fleming, 2205 Cty Hwy 16, Delhi, NY 13753 746-2697 Don Fleming, 2205 Cty Hwy 16, Delhi, NY 13753 746-2697 Sally Scrimshaw, 130 Delaware Ave., Delhi, NY 13753 746-8580
2013 Bette Braymer, 14 Second Street, Delhi, NY 13753 746-2810 Mary Conklin, PO Box 202, Hamden NY 13782 865-4387 VACANT VACANT
TRUSTEES
2014 Joe Cantwell, 13491 State Highway 28, Delhi, NY 13753 746-3611 Tom Leo, 200 Spencer Heights Road, Delhi, NY 13753 746-8265 John Pawlikowski, 1215 Hamden Hill Road, Delhi, NY 13753 746-2424 2015 Jacalyn Clark, PO Box 307, Delhi, NY 13753 845-676-4556
Edgar Goff, 485 Dunham Road, Delhi, NY 13753 746-8709 Linda Burr, 27 Crestwood Drive, Delhi, NY 13753 746-3046 2013 Jim Merwin, 232 Hamilton Drive, Delhi, NY 13753 746-6723 Vicki Noble, 75 Leisure Village Spur, Delhi, NY 13753 746-2013 Patrick Sullivan, 20898 State Highway 28, Delhi, NY 13753 746-3644
TREASURER George Thompson, 517 Olin Evans Rd, Franklin, NY 13775 829-6005
FINANCIAL SECRETARY Gia Cantwell, 13491 State Highway 28, Delhi, NY 13753 746-3611
CLERK OF SESSION Lou Dibble, 113 Delside Drive, Delhi, NY 13753 746-6377
Mission Emphasis for
February & March
Church World Service:
Blankets+
What is the CWS Blankets+ Program?
Blankets+ is a special mission opportunity for all ages. Some 8,000 congregations and
groups across the U.S. hold CWS Blankets+ events, providing funds to help people in need around the world.
For over 65 years, CWS has worked in partnership
with local communities to identify their needs and access the resources they need to build the
foundation for a more viable future, including: Blankets, tents, food and other emergency
supplies in the wake of a disaster Tools and seeds for refugees returning home to
replant their fields Wells for families living in drought prone areas
to provide clean, safe water to drink and to irrigate crops and gardens
Literacy training and microcredit for women struggling to realize their potential.
Again this year, our Presbyterian Women’s Group is encouraging us to take part in
this important work. Our contributions provide the means to transform lives and communities when they
are faced with an emergency or simply struggling to put
food on the table. Through the Blankets+ Program, our congregation can make a real difference in the lives of
real people in real need. For the past five years we have reached $800 to $1,000 annually in our support
for Blankets+ … let’s do it again this year!
A special envelope for your Blankets+ offering is contained with your newsletter. Envelopes are also
available in the pews in the sanctuary. In addition, cards are available in the church office or from Betty
Bell if you would like to make a donation to Blankets+ in honor of someone special. Thank you for reaching out
and making a difference!
Ten Things Food Banks Need
But Won’t Ask For
Some items are in high demand at the food bank and you may not realize it. Because they aren’t essentials, the staff doesn’t publicly
ask for them. A survey asked volunteers what items people would be most appreciative of and we’ve listed the top 10 below. If you’re
looking for an easy way to help out, pick some of these up while shopping and drop them off at the church.
1. Spices – Think about it. People who rely on the food bank eat a lot of canned food, rice, oatmeal, white bread, etc. They love spices. Seasoned salt, cayenne pepper,
chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, oregano, basil and so on. 2. Feminine Products – Can you imagine being worried about affording these? Pads,
tampons, panty liners, etc. 3. Chocolate – People don’t need it, but think about being in their shoes and how nice
it would be to be given a chocolate bar or brownie mix along with your essentials. 4. Toiletries – Grocery stores are great about donating surplus or unsold food, but
they have no reason to donate toilet paper, tooth paste, soap, deodorant,
shampoo, etc. Food stamps often don’t cover these. 5. Canned Meats and Jerky – This isn’t true of all food banks, but some struggle to
give users enough protein. 6. Crackers and tortillas – They don’t spoil and everybody likes them.
7. Baby Toiletries – Diapers, baby wipes, baby formula, baby shampoo, baby soap, baby food, bottles, etc.
8. Soup Packets – Sometimes you look at rice, beans, instant potatoes, and cans of vegetable and think, “What do I make with this?” Hearty soup is a complete meal.
9. Socks – From a former homeless person: “Socks mean the world to you. They keep you warm, make you feel like you have something new, and just comfort
you.” 10. Canned fruit other than pineapple – Food banks get a lot of pineapple donated.
Their clients love it when other kinds of fruit are available.
Cash donations for the Food Bank may be placed in the offering plate or left in the
church office. Please make checks payable to the First Presbyterian Church. Donation boxes are located in the Narthex and in the New Narthex or may be left in the church
office. May God fill your heart with generosity. Thank you for your ongoing support.
Report for Delhi Crop Walk 2013
Thank you to everyone who made this year’s
CROP Walk a success. First Presbyterian Church
had 12 walkers who raised $795.00. This won our
church the Bronze Sneaker Award. Overall, 97
walkers raised $5,578.25 with $1,394.56 going
to the local Delaware County Food Bank.
Benjamin Althaus has applied to the
Presbyterian Peacemaking Conference and has been accepted to go to Israel/Palestine with one
hundred other Presbyterians from across the nation this coming Spring. While there he will
be listening to a schedule of speakers from both
sides of the conflict, visiting key landmarks in Israel/Palestine, and studying the peace process. Upon returning from the trip, Ben will be sharing what he has learned with our
congregation and other congregations across the Presbytery and Synod. The purpose of this trip is to open dialogue and spread understanding in approaches to the peace
process in Israel/ Palestine. In addition to your prayers, Benjamin needs financial help to be able to attend the
Mosaic of Peace conference. Conference fees consist of a conference deposit and airfare deposit followed by two payments of $1,664.00 each. The next payment is due on
March 1, 2014. Any donations that you can give to help defray this cost would be greatly appreciated! Please make checks out to First Presbyterian Church of Delhi with
Mosaic of Peace written in the Memo section. The conference will occur April 28 – May 10 and has a website on Presbyterian Church USA’s site at the following address.
http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/peacemaking/mosaic-peace/ Ben is happy to speak to anyone about the trip if you have any questions or would like
to hear more about it. You may catch him at church on Sundays (when he isn’t at work) or by email at [email protected]. Thank you for your support.
Summer Camps
Information on summer camps arrives in the office regularly in
the spring. If you would like to see the brochures, please check
with Kevin Lee, Nichole Newbold, Gia Cantwell, Sarah Philion or
Nancy Althaus.
Fitness Classes Offered
The Senior Exercise Class will continue to meet
Monday and Wednesday mornings at 9:00 am in the Fellowship Hall. Dust off your sneakers and
join Corie Nealis for this Mission sponsored activity. In addition, there is a Fitness for Moms
class offered at 10:00 am on Wednesday in the Fellowship Hall. Child Care is provided. Both
classes are offered for free but donations are gladly accepted.
Spare Change
for Mission!
The “Least Coin/Mile of
Pennies” jar needs your help! Please look around for all those
coins that are weighing you
down and bring your coins in to the “Least Coin/Mile of Pennies”
jar in the narthex. These coins will help lighten someone else’s
load! The money collected from this jar goes toward the
“Fellowship of the Least Coin” supporting our extra-mile
mission giving with our brothers and sisters around the
globe. Please see the pamphlet in the narthex or stop by the
church office if you want to know more about this offering.
HELP WANTED!
The Chancel Guild has immediate
openings for someone who would like to
work behind the scenes. Members serve on a rotation basis for two months/year only.
Currently they are looking for someone to fill in either July/August or
November/December. The main responsibilities are caring for the
candles and changing the Paraments. Training is available.
Please contact any member of the Music,
Worship & Sacraments Committee or the Church
office if interested.
Nancy Lee, Barb Leo, Bea Mooney,
Nancy Mable, Janice Raitt
Choir News
Chancel Choir continues regular
rehearsals each Sunday afternoon at 12:30 pm. The Chancel Choir is always happy to
welcome new members. If you would like to join the choir, please feel free to come
to choir practice next Sunday! Note: There
will be no rehearsal on March 23.
The Chapel Choir and Rainbow Bells
will rehearse each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. in the Chapel. The Rainbow Bells will ring in
church on February 23 and April 27. The Chapel Choir will sing on March 30. Both
will participate in the Children’s Day service in June.
A Pealing Sound rehearsals continue at
6:00 pm each Wednesday evening in the Sanctuary. New members are always
welcome!
Child-care Room
February
16 – Darius Newbold 23 – Libby Kelly
March 2 – Liz Arehart
9 – Sarah Philion 16 – Gia Cantwell
23 – 30 –
There is a list of who will be providing
care each week posted on the Nursery door. Child care is provided from after
the children's sermon until the end of worship most Sundays. Please sign up
on the list posted on the child-care room door or contact Sarah Philion if
you feel called to serve in this way.
Hymnal
Donations
The new hymnal, Glory to God has
arrived. The hymnals have been purchased using Memorial funds. If
you are interested in making a donation toward a hymnal in honor or
memory of a loved one, please use the envelopes in the pews or contact the
church office. Checks should indicate
“hymnal” in the memo section and should be made out to the church.
Your Help is
needed!
Do you enjoy Coffee Hour Fellowship
following worship? Do the chancel flowers enhance your worship
experience? Then don’t miss the opportunity to be blessed and bless
others by helping with these ministries! Sign up today on the
posters in Fellowship Hall or give the church office a call.
March Madness
Family Game
Day
All are welcome to join together for
a potluck luncheon after church
on Sunday, March 16. After lunch,
stick around to join in on the
Madness of March and play a game.
A variety of board games will be
available or bring your favorite with
you!! Bring the family, get out of
the house and spend some time in
fellowship with your church family!
Bring a dish to share and your own
table service. The fellowship
committee will provide the drinks
and games!
Please check the name and address on
this newsletter and names on the birthday list. If there are any changes,
additions or corrections, which should be made, please contact the church
office at 607-746-2155 or e-mail [email protected]. Thank you!
Save the Date! for
Leadership
Development Day Fellowship * Plenary * Workshops * Resources
Saturday, March 22, 2014 at
First Presbyterian Church 296 Main Street, Oneonta
Schedule
8:30 – 9:00 am Registration
9:00 – 9:30 am Opening Plenary
9:40 – 10:30 am Workshops One
(choose one)
Book of Confessions
Book of Order
Church Operations: Nuts & Bolts
Treasurers & Finance
10:40 – 11:30 am Workshops Two
(choose one)
Evangelism & Mission
Ministries of Caring
Music & Worship
Spiritual Gifts & Leadership
11:35–12:00 Noon Closing Plenary
For more information, contact Pastor Sarah in
the church office.
Returnable
Bottles & cans
Don’t forget to drop your returnable bottles
and cans off at the church in the new narthex. The Youth Group really
appreciates all your help in their fundraising efforts towards mission.
Join Us for Senior
Meals
(Anyone 60 years of age or older can participate, including younger spouses.)
CALL (607) 746-2250 for Reservations
Lunch served Monday—Friday
11:30 a.m.—12:15 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church
Conference Room
LECTIONARY
READINGS
Consider reading the
lectionary texts for the upcoming Sunday as part
of your own devotions and in preparation for Sunday
worship.
February 16, 2014
Sixth Sunday after the
Epiphany
Deuteronomy 30:15-20
Psalm 119:1-8
I Corinthians 3:1-9
Matthew 5:21-37
February 23, 2014
Seventh Sunday after the
Epiphany
Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18
Psalm 119:33-40
I Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23
Matthew 5:38-48
March 2, 2014
Transfiguration Sunday
Exodus 24:12–18
Psalm 99
2 Peter 1:16–21
Matthew 17:1–9
March 5, 2014
Ash Wednesday
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Psalm 51:1–17
2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10
Matthew 6:1-6, 16–21
March 9, 2014
First Sunday in Lent
Genesis 2:15–17; 3:1–7
Psalm 32
Romans 5:12–19
Matthew 4:1–11
March 16, 2014
Second Sunday in Lent
Genesis 12:1–4a
Psalm 121
Romans 4:1–5, 13–17
John 3:1–17
March 23, 2014
Third Sunday in Lent
Exodus 17:1–7
Psalm 95
Romans 5:1–11
John 4:5–42
March 30, 2014 Fourth
Sunday in Lent
1 Samuel 16:1–13
Psalm 23
Ephesians 5:8–14
John 9:1–41
Pastor Sarah will be
following the Narrative
Lectionary.
The following readings will be used in worship on the
given Sunday. Please
consider reading these texts in preparation for
Sunday morning worship.
February 16, 2014
Sixth Sunday after Epiphany
PREACHING TEXT:
John 7:37-52 Jesus’ promise of the
Spirit’s living water PSALM TEXT:
Psalm 147:1-11
February 23, 2014 Seventh Sunday after
Epiphany
Holy Communion PREACHING TEXT:
John 6:35-59 The Bread of Life that comes from heaven
PSALM TEXT: Psalm 34:1-10
March 2, 2014
Transfiguration PREACHING TEXT:
John 9:1-41 Jesus is the light of the world – brings light to
the eyes of a man born blind
PSALM TEXT: Psalm 27:1-4
March 5, 2014 Ash Wednesday
PREACHING TEXT: John 10:1-18
Jesus the gate and good shepherd, who lays
down his life
PSALM TEXT: Psalm 23
March 9, 2014
First Sunday in Lent (Daylight Saving Time Begins)
Raising Lazarus PREACHING TEXT:
John 11:1-44 Raising Lazarus, Jesus
as the resurrection and life
PSALM TEXT:
Psalm 104:27-30
March 16, 2014
Second Sunday in Lent
PREACHING TEXT: John 13:1-17
Footwashing as a sign of Jesus’ love and example
PSALM TEXT:
Psalm 51:7-12
March 23, 2014
Third Sunday in Lent
Holy Communion PREACHING TEXT:
John 18:12-27 Trial before Annas,
Peter’s denial
PSALM TEXT: Psalm 17:1-7
March 30, 2014
Fourth Sunday in Lent PREACHING TEXT:
John 18:28-40 Jesus and Pilate,
kingdom not from this
world PSALM TEXT:
Psalm 145:10-13
Holy Communion will be served during
worship on Sunday, February 23 and on
Sunday, March 23, 2014. Please plan to
join us for these services. Come worship,
participate, commune and rejoice in the
divine majesty of Christ, whose glory
shone even when confronted with the
cross.
Upper Room
Devotionals
The devotionals for March and April are
now available on the information racks in
the Memorial Hospitality Room and outside
the church office. If you wish to contribute
to defray the cost, there is a wooden box
in the narthex.
Men’s Breakfast &
Bible Study
The Wednesday morning Men’s Breakfast
and Bible Study Group continues to meet
every Wednesday morning at 6:30 a.m.
The time begins with a hot breakfast
together and finishes with about 30
minutes of Bible Study, concluding at
about 7:30 a.m. Please consider joining
this special time of fellowship next
Wednesday morning!
Sunday School
Sunday School meets
every Sunday
at 9:30 am.
Please attend each Sunday and
bring your friends!
Sparks Group
Update
Submitted by Nancy Althaus
*SPARKS SCHEDULE CHANGE*
The Women’s SPARKS (Study, Prayer,
Action, Reflection, Koinonia) group
will meet Wednesday morning,
February 17 at 7:15 am at Crossroads
Café rather than meeting on
President’s Day. The group will follow
the usual meeting schedule - Monday
mornings at 7:15 am at Crossroads
Café on February 24, March 3, 10, 17,
24, and 31. All are welcome. The
group discusses the upcoming
Wednesday devotional from the Upper
Room. If you need a copy, please stop
by the church office. (They are
located in the rack outside the office
door.)
New members and friends are
welcomed at any time. This is a great
way to start your day, grow in your
faith, share in fellowship and nurture
one another through prayer! Please
see Nancy Althaus in the church office
if you have questions or simply join us
next week!
GIRL SCOUT
SUNDAY
The Girl Scouts will observe Girl Scout
Sunday on March 9th, 2014 during the
worship service and coffee hour. We
take this
opportunity to
express our
appreciation for
their service to
our community.
Ash Wednesday
Vesper Service
Wednesday, March 5th
at 6:00 p.m.
Start your Lenten season with this special worship experience led by Pastor Sarah.
This service is an opportunity to get focused as we begin our journey through
Lent together.
CONFIRMATION
CLASS NEWS
Confirmation will begin on February 16
with the information class in Pastor Sarah’s office. The final schedule will be
determined at that meeting. Additional
information may be picked up in the church office. If you have questions or are
interested in attending the class, please contact Pastor Sarah directly. All youth 7th
– 12th grade are invited – even if they are already members.
Lenten Program
- Spiritual Food
For Thought
Monday evenings, February 24th – April 7th
5:30 pm - Picnic Supper in Fellowship Hall
6:00pm – Class in the Library
All are welcome for Spiritual Food for Thought. Picnic dinner at 5:30 pm in
the fellowship hall with class beginning at 6:00 pm in the library.
On February 24 we will continue “How the Bible became the Bible led by
Chris Hooker. The topic for March 3rd
will be announced in the Church Life. On March 10, 17, 24, 31 and April 7,
the class topic for Lent will be “A Bead and a Prayer” led by
members of the Women’s SPARKS group
. Please call the church in advance if you will
need childcare coverage that night.
A cross made by ashes
The observance of Ash Wednesday, according to the Catholic Encyclopedia, dates from
at least the eighth century A.D. The ancient custom was for the worshipers to approach
the altar before the beginning of the Mass. A priest would dip his thumb into ashes made
from the previous year’s Palm Sunday palms and make the sign of the cross on each
person’s forehead.
Ash Wednesday is a time for repentance and the beginning
of Lent. Ashes were used in ancient times, according to
the Bible, to express penitence. Dusting themselves with
ashes was the penitent’s way of expressing sorrow for sins
and faults. An ancient example of one expressing his
penitence is found in Job 42:3-5. Job says to God: “I had
heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye
sees you; therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust
and ashes” (v. 5, NRSV).
Your help is
needed!
Donations of food and helpers are needed for the March 1 Presbytery meeting at our
Church. The PW will be providing the noon meal. Sign-
up sheets are in Fellowship Hall, the Narthex
and in the church office. We are looking for a variety of food donations including soup,
salads, rolls and sheet cake. Assistance is needed for dish washing and clean-up from
11:30 to 1:30. Thank You in advance for sharing your time
and talents!
Notes from PW
The Fall Bazaar was held on Saturday, November 2. All went very smoothly with
receipts currently $4,743.96. Kathy Sullivan encouraged people to come to a meeting
through an invitation in the Courier and Church Life to give input on the disbursement
of the Fall Bazaar money. A motion was made and passed at that meeting to donate
$1,000.00 to the First Presbyterian Church Christian Education Committee for ongoing
expenses and to give $500 to the Mosaic of
Peace program through PCUSA. This donation was designated to pay the registration fee for
Ben Althaus to attend the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program in Israel/Palestine this
spring.
The Blankets PLUS offering will be received
during the rest of the month of February and March. There will be bulletin inserts regarding
the offering on February 16 and 23. Betty Bell will offer a special Children’s Time on February
23.
The next Coordinating Team Meeting will be
held April 7th, 2014 (Monday) at 7:30 pm at the home of Janet Maxwell.
Youth Group
Notes
Thank you for everyone for their support of the youth group and
the sub sale. We were able to deposit $451 after our expenses!
Please remember to support the
businesses that donated items to us:
-Bagels and Cream -My Hero
-Price Chopper This week, the youth group put
together a care package for Seth
Malcolm who is serving our country overseas. We enjoy
hearing Mrs. Malcolm update us on Sundays!
We are also planning the Easter
egg hunt for April 19. Kids of all ages are welcome. The Easter
Bunny will be coming!
SPRING SHOPPING
ONLINE - Sign Up
for iGive.com
Believe it or not Spring is coming! Do your Spring Shopping online and
earn $$ for the Youth Group! You also Save Gas & Time!
There are now over 1300 websites to choose from!
It’s safe, private and very easy. Just go to our Link:
http://www.iGive.com/1stPresDelhiNY
There is no cost to you or our
Church! And with Many Special Deals it May Cost You Less!
Join today following the directions on the link (ask Nancy at the
Church Office if you need help) and earn up to 26% of your
purchases for the Youth Group.
To date $282.87 has been earned
to help them in their Mission Work.
2014 Easter Lilies
Order Form
Easter is just around the corner! All members and friends of First
Presbyterian Church are invited to provide LILIES for our Sanctuary on Easter Sunday, April 20. The plants may be given in memory of a
loved one, in honor of someone special to you, or as a gift to the Church. Those giving plants will be listed in the Church Bulletin on
Easter Sunday.
If you wish to order a plant, please complete the form at the bottom of this page and
send it to or leave it at the Church Office by Sunday, April 13. PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE IT WITH THE FLORIST. Lilies are $10.00 each this year. Make checks payable to FIRST
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (please note “Lilies” in the memo section of your check), and WE WILL ORDER THE PLANT FOR YOU. Please fill out the form at the bottom of this page as
this is the information for the Easter Sunday Bulletin. All plants must be ordered through
the Church office by Sunday, April 13.
You may take your plant after the service on Easter Sunday, April 20, but no later than Tuesday, April 22nd. Unless special arrangements are made, any lilies not picked up by
9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 23rd will be distributed by the Deacons. Protective wrappers will be in the Session Room for you to cover your plant in the event of cold
weather.
Thank you for contributing to the joy and beauty of this
celebration of Christ’s Resurrection.
BOARD OF DEACONS FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
PLEASE PRINT INFORMATION AS YOU WANT IT LISTED IN THE BULLETIN:
Your Name __________________________________________________________
In Memory of _______________________________________________________
In Honor of ________________________________________________________
I will pick up my plant after the Service on Easter Sunday _________________ I will pick up my plant on Monday or Tuesday (4/21 or 4/22) _______________
I do not want my plant; please have the Deacon’s brighten someone’s day! _________________ THE PRICE FOR THE LILIES THIS YEAR IS $10.00 REMINDER: Make checks payable to the First Presbyterian Church. Please note
“Lilies” in the memo section of your check. Orders must be placed by APRIL 13.
Session
NOTES
The next meeting will be held
on Wednesday, March 5th at 7:00 pm in the Conference
Room. This meeting will follow
the Ash Wednesday Vesper service (6:00 pm).
Annual
Reports
Annual Reports are available
in the church office and contain the 2013 year-end
treasurer’s reports as well as reports from all the
committees of the church. Please stop by and pick one
up if you did not get one earlier.
You Are
Invited!
First Presbyterian will be hosting the Presbytery of
Susquehanna Valley Assembly
meeting Saturday March 1. Anyone is welcome to attend
the meeting as an observer. All are also welcome to come
celebrate with us in worship and communion at 10am.
Please be on the lookout in the church life for specific
volunteer opportunities that day as we welcome our peers
in ministry to our Church building. If you know you
would like to be a welcoming presence that day as a
volunteer, please call the
church office.
Human Services
Committee
The Human Services Committee was formed with money left from the Estate of Leona McDowell.
There are bank stocks that have over the years supplied this fund. According to the Will, money is
to be used to help First Presbyterian Church Members who are in need.
The definition of “in need” is varied. In the
past, the items on the following list have been covered.
Medical bills Fuel Bills
Transportation costs (funerals, hospital stays, medical treatment)
Electric bills Nursing home costs Funeral costs
General expenses after illness or accident
Dental bills Rent
This committee is asking that everyone keep
other members in their hearts and prayers. If you see someone in need, please call the church
office.
Transfiguration
All over this magnificent world, God calls us to
extend his kingdom of shalom-peace and wholeness — of justice, of goodness, of
compassion, of caring, of sharing, of laughter, of joy, of reconciliation. God is transfiguring the
world right this very moment through us
because God believes in us and because God loves us.
What can separate us from the love of God?
Nothing. Absolutely nothing. And as we share God’s love with our brothers and sisters, God’s
other children, there is no tyrant who can resist us, no opposition that cannot be ended, no
hunger that cannot be fed, no wound that cannot be healed, no hatred that cannot be
turned into love, no dream that cannot be fulfilled.
—Desmond Tutu, God Has a Dream
TRUSTEES Highlights
NOTES FROM THE
JANUARY 15
TRUSTEES MEETING
Welcomed new trustees Jim
Merwin and Vicki Noble
Will look into getting more heat in
the youth group room
Set up committees for 2014
Many fire extinguishers need to be
recharged or replaced.
Will look into AED training
Currently getting bids for replacing
the furnace in the CE building
Carpet strips need to be installed
where carpet is separating
Bulletin boards will be moved to
the CE building from FH
Lights on the front bulletin board
are not currently working
Will look into motion sensors for
the lights in the bathrooms in CE
wing
Furnace room in FH needs to be
cleaned out
Finishing touches still need to be
done on the old nursery
Having water issues again in
Chapel Entrance to FH
Will begin looking into ways to
fund the reconstruction of the
walls in the Sanctuary
Reviewed and approved the
Financial Reports presented in the
2013 Annual Report
APPORTIONMENT
The Per Capita amount
for 2014 has been set at
$31.71 per member.
Per Capita apportionment is based on
membership as of December 31,
2012. Our apportionment is based on
229 members giving a total of
$7,261.59. The money is paid by our
church to cover our share of basic
operation costs of our Presbytery,
Synod, and General Assembly. Each
member is invited to contribute
$31.71 to help pay this obligation.
Notes from the
Financial
Secretary
If you would like a statement of
your giving for 2013, please feel
free to contact our Financial
Secretary, Gia Cantwell by calling her
home phone (746- 3611).
Leave a message if there
is no answer and she will
return your call.
If you have not already turned in
your pledge card and time and talent
surveys for 2014, please prayerfully
consider your stewardship for 2014
and turn these in as soon as possible.
You may send or bring them to the
church office or place them in the
offering plate. Thank You!
The family of Evelyn Dickson would like to thank
her church family for all that was done for her. A special thanks to Pastor Sarah for a heartfelt
service; to Nancy Althaus for facilitating the memorial service; to Jane Curley for the music;
to the Presbyterian Women’s Group, especially
to Bonnie Fleming, for the luncheon and last but not least to the Board of Deacons for all their
visits, cards and flowers and especially Heather Rosa for always being there.
Dear Members:
On behalf of the Delhi Children’s Christmas
Fund, I would like to thank you for your generous donation by taking care of several
families. It is through people like you that the children in the Delhi School district have a
wonderful holiday. We would like to thank those who donate in
memory of people who have passed on. I know from personal experience, it gives something
extra to those donations. Again, thank you all for your contributions. We could not do this
without you. Sincerely Yours,
Barbara K. Sturdevant Treasurer, Town of Delhi Christmas Fund
Dear Presbyterian Women: On behalf of the Delhi Children’s Christmas
Fund, I would like to thank you for your
generous donation of $150. It is through people like you that the children in the Delhi School
district have a wonderful holiday. We would like to thank those who donate in
memory of people who have passed on. I know from personal experience, it gives something
extra to those donations. Again, thank you all for your contributions. We could not do this
without you. Sincerely Yours,
Barbara K. Sturdevant Treasurer, Town of Delhi Christmas Fund
Dear Presbyterian Women,
Thank you so much for the care
package during finals week. It
always makes my day to get all those snacks in the mail! The
cookies were amazing and all those snacks were great to take
to school with me. Thanks for always remembering me. Merry
Christmas!
Love always,
Bethany
Dear First Presbyterian Church,
Thank you for the care package
sent to me at college. It was greatly appreciated, as always,
especially during a long finals week.
Thanks Again, Kyrra Howard
First Presbyterian Church
Women’s Group,
Thank you so much for the care
package during fall semester. The goodies were delicious and
greatly appreciated. Thank you for thinking of me throughout
my college years! God Bless
you.
Love, Sam Howard
Dear First Presbyterian Church Members,
Your thoughtfulness is appreciated very much. Thank you very much for the care package.
Sincerely, Kendall Aitken
Thank You, First Pres. Church for the Care
Package during finals. It gives me a nice break from studying and stressing.
Cody LaFever
Thank you so much for the care package! It means a lot to know you are thinking of me.
Best Wishes and Happy Holidays! Kacie Aitken
Dear Presbyterian Women and the Church,
Your thoughtfulness is appreciated very much. Thank you so much for thinking of me. Merry
Christmas! Thanks,
Kali
Presbyterian Women
The family of Evelyn Dickson acknowledges with
grateful appreciation your kind expression of sympathy.
Thank you for the thoughtful donation to the First Presbyterian Church in memory of our
mom.
Presbyterian Women
The family of Ed Gile acknowledges with grateful appreciation your kind expression of sympathy.
Thank you for your donation to the church in dad’s memory. He truly touched many lives and
will be missed. Many people have shared many stories and we have enjoyed them all.
Thank you!
Mom, Dave, Mary, Tom and family
From the Christian Education Committee:
We would like to thank everyone
involved in making our Children's Christmas Pageant a success!
Besides the usual Sunday School Teachers, Leslie McKeegan was
there for our practices and behind the scenes help the day of the
pageant - Thank you! One name
was inadvertently left off of the pageant program, Killian Mooney
was one of our Kings. We also had the addition of new beards
worn for the Living Nativity and the pageant - Thank you to Bea
Mooney for that donation.
Our prayers and sympathy remain with Barry Downing and Marsha Anderson
and families on the death of Ellie Klukkert on December 22, 2013.
Our deepest sympathy and prayers are
with Joe and Gia Cantwell and family on the passing of John McRedmond on
January 17, 2014.
We extend our prayers and sympathy to the family and friends of Reverend
Doug Haviland who passed away in
Iowa on January 14, 2014.
Sympathy and prayers are offered to Harold Eustis, Jane Curley, Colin Eustis
and the many friends of Charles Eustis who passed away on January 28, 2014.
We share our sympathy and prayers
with George Bolles and family at the loss of his wife, Janet who passed away
on February 6, 2014.
We offer prayers and sympathy to Melody Eldred and the family of Floyd
Eighmey, Melody’s father who passed
away on February 6, 2014.
Prayers and sympathy are offered to the family of Dorothy Tol who died on
Saturday, February 1. Dorothy was the maternal grandmother
of Rob Olsen and Great-grandmother to Robbie, Jacob and Annaliese Olsen.
Rob's mother, Laura (Lawson) Lee, has led us in worship on several occasions
as a CLP in our Presbytery.
If you know of anyone who is in the
hospital or in need of pastoral care, please call the church office. We would
rather be notified ten times than not be aware of the needs of the church family!
Our prayers are with those who have
recently had outpatient procedures, surgery, are facing major changes in
their lives, been hospitalized or are facing difficult health concerns.
LOVE CONQUERS ALL
The love for equals is a human thing —
of friend for friend, brother for brother. It is to love what is loving and lovely. The
world smiles.
The love for the less fortunate is a
beautiful thing — the love for those who suffer, for those who are poor, the sick,
the failures, the unlovely. This is compassion, and it touches the heart of
the world.
The love for the more fortunate is a rare
thing — to love those who succeed where we fail, to rejoice without envy with
those who rejoice, the love of the poor for the rich …. The world is always
bewildered by its saints.
And then there is the love for the enemy — love for the one who does not love
you but mocks, threatens and inflicts pain. The tortured’s love for the torturer.
This is God’s love. It conquers the world.
—Frederick Buechner,
The Magnificent Defeat
Mid - February through March
Birthdays
February 14 Joan L. Pawlikowski
Kathy Sullivan 15 Dylan Nealis
16 Betty Ann Clark Kelsey Little
17 William Bedient Mary Schmitt
18 Jane Curley Eustis 19 George Thompson 22 John Jack
23 Cindy Mostert 24 Amber (Pawlikowski) Magyar
26 Aimee Mignier 28 Courtney Kilmer
Carson King Cody LaFever
Ken Schermerhorn Bruce Wilson
March 1 Lois Palin Kenneth Rasmussen
2 Ashley Rosenthal Leslie Mignier
4 Christopher Mooney
Robert Wilklow 7 Colin Eustis
9 Nathaniel Mackey Rebecca Lee Vrendenburgh
10 Kathy Leahy Danielle Ennist
Anna Reinshagen
March 11 Donivin Allen
12 Allison Noble 14 Vance Kiviranna
Alex Beall 16 Katherine Reinshagen
18 Maddex Synan
19 Bette Braymer Jacek Holcomb
20 Bill Oliver Garrett Ellis
21 Kathy Beveridge Susie Little
22 Amanda Nealis Cadence Wakin
23 Tom Philion 24 Troy Ladlee
25 “Buzzy” Verspoor 26 Natalie Austin
Christa Burgin 29 Gary DeWitt
Laura Gregory
30 Sarah Pawlikowski Quentin McKeegan
Congratulations to Noah Oliver who received his Eagle Scout Award at a ceremony at the Delhi Fire Hall on December 21.
CHURCH BOARDS
February – 19 – Trustees
March – 2 – 9:30 a.m. – Deacons
5 – 7:00 p.m. – Session 19 – 7:00 p.m. – Trustees
GREETERS
February 16 – Barb & Tom Leo 23 – Kathy Sullivan
March 2 – Don & Jane Hymers
9 – Girl Scouts 16 – Ken Schermerhorn
23 – Betty and Harry Bell 30 – Nancy Althaus
LITURGISTS
February 16 – Sally Scrimshaw 23 – Tom Philion
March 2 – Sarah Philion 5 – Linda Malcolm
(Ash Wednesday)
9 – James White 16 – Heather Rosa
23 – Susie Little 30 – Tom Little
Daylight
Savings Time
Daylight Savings Time officially
begins at 2:00 am on Sunday March 9, 2014. Please remember
to turn your clocks ahead one hour before you go to bed on
Saturday, March 8th. We look forward
to seeing you each
and every Sunday
morning!
Worship Flowers
February 16 –
23 – March 2 –
9 – Vicki Noble 16 –
23 – Tom Little
30 –
Deacons Flower Responsibility: February – Don Fleming & Harry Bell
March – Bette Braymer & Mary Conklin
Hospital Visitation /Clothes Box/DCCCC: February – Harry Bell
March - Bette Braymer & Mary Conklin
Coffee Hour
February 16 – Diane Maxwell, Kathy Pernice,
Toni Jetter 23 – Barb Perkins, Laura and Jim
Gregory, Andy Baldauf March 2 – Sally Scrimshaw, Linda DeWitt,
Heather Rosa 9 – Girl Scout Sunday – Nichole
Newbold and Julia Ward 16 – MARCH MADNESS FAMILY GAME
DAY with DISH TO PASS DINNER NO COFFEE HOUR
23 – Jane Hymers, Barb Leo, Gia Cantwell, Andy Baldauf
30 – Betsy Bray, Helen Rosa, Margie Hume
Newsletter articles are due in the office Thursday, March 20th, 2014 in order to be placed in the April through mid-May Courier.
Mid - February through March 2014
FEBRUARY 2014
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
9 9:30 AM Sunday School 10:00 AM Chancel Choir Gathers 10:30 AM Worship 11:30 AM Coffee Hour Fellowship 11:45 AM Youth Group Meeting 12:00 PM Chancel Choir Rehearsal
10 7:15 AM SPARKS meeting at Crossroads Cafe 9:00 AM Senior Fitness Class 11:00 AM Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals 5:30 PM Spiritual Food for Thought
11 11:00 AM Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals 5:00 PM Weight Watchers
12 6:30 AM Men's Breakfast & Bible Study Group 9:00 AM Senior Fitness Class 10:00 AM Fitness Class for Moms 11:00 AM Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals 6:00 PM A Pealing Sound
13 10:00 AM Newsletter Assembly 11:00 AM Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals 6:00 PM Yoga
14
11:00 AM Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals
15
16 9:30 AM Confirmation Class 9:30 AM Sunday School 10:00 AM Chancel Choir Gathers 10:30 AM Worship 11:30 AM Coffee Hour Fellowship 12:00 PM Chancel Choir Rehearsal
17 9:00 AM Senior Fitness Class
18 11:00 AM Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals 5:00 PM Weight Watchers
19 6:30 AM Men's Breakfast & Bible Study Group 7:15 AM SPARKS meeting at Crossroads Cafe 9:00 AM Senior Fitness Class 10:00 AM Fitness Class for Moms 11:00 AM Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals 6:00 PM A Pealing Sound 7:00 PM Trustees Meeting
20 11:00 AM Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals 6:00 PM Yoga
21 11:00 AM Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals
22
23 Confirmation Class TBA 9:30 AM Sunday School 10:00 AM Chancel Choir Gathers 10:30 AM Worship with Communion 11:30 AM Coffee Hour Fellowship 12:00 PM Chancel Choir Rehearsal 4:00 PM Boy Scout Troop Meeting
24 7:15 AM SPARKS meeting at Crossroads Cafe 9:00 AM Senior Fitness Class 11:00 AM Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals 5:30 PM Spiritual Food for Thought
25 11:00 AM Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals 5:00 PM Weight Watchers
26 6:30 AM Men's Breakfast & Bible Study Group 9:00 AM Senior Fitness Class 10:00 AM Fitness Class for Moms 11:00 AM Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals 12:00 PM Delhi Clergy Association 6:00 PM A Pealing Sound 7:15 PM Music Worship and Sacraments Committee
27 11:00 AM Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals 6:00 PM Yoga
28 11:00 AM Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals
1 Confirmation Retreat at Presbytery Assembly PRESBYTERY ASSEMBLY AT FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF DELHI
MARCH 2014
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
2 9:00 AM Deacons Meeting 9:30 AM Sunday School 10:00 AM Chancel Choir Gathers 10:30 AM Worship 11:30 AM Coffee Hour Fellowship 11:45 AM Youth Group Meeting 12:00 PM Chancel Choir Rehearsal
3 7:15 AM SPARKS meeting at Crossroads Cafe 9:00 AM Senior Fitness Class 11:00 AM Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals 5:30 PM Spiritual Food for Thought
4 11:00 AM Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals 5:00 PM Weight Watchers 7:00 PM Fellowship & Friendship Committee Meeting
5 A Pealing Sound TBA 6:30 AM Men's Breakfast & Bible Study Group 9:00 AM Senior Fitness Class 10:00 AM Fitness Class for Moms 11:00 AM Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals 6:00 PM Ash Wednesday Vesper Service 7:00 PM Session Meeting
6 11:00 AM Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals 6:00 PM Yoga
7 11:00 AM Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals
8
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
MARCH 2014 (continued)
9 Confirmation Class TBA 9:30 AM Sunday School 10:00 AM Chancel Choir Gathers 10:30 AM Worship 11:30 AM Coffee Hour Fellowship 12:00 PM Chancel Choir Rehearsal 4:00 PM Boy Scout Troop Meeting
10 7:15 AM SPARKS meeting at Crossroads Cafe 9:00 AM Senior Fitness Class 11:00 AM Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals 5:30 PM Spiritual Food for Thought
11 11:00 AM Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals 5:00 PM Weight Watchers
12 6:30 AM Men's Breakfast & Bible Study Group 9:00 AM Senior Fitness Class 10:00 AM Fitness Class for Moms 11:00 AM Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals 6:00 PM A Pealing Sound 7:15 PM Christian Education Committee Meeting
13 11:00 AM Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals 6:00 PM Yoga
14 11:00 AM Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals
15
16 Confirmation Class TBA 9:30 AM Chancel Choir Rehearsal 9:30 AM Sunday School 10:30 AM Worship 11:30 AM March Madness Dish To Pass & Games 11:45 AM Youth Group Meeting
17 7:15 AM SPARKS meeting at Crossroads Cafe 9:00 AM Senior Fitness Class 11:00 AM Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals 5:30 PM Spiritual Food for Thought 7:00 PM Boy Scout Committee Meeting
18 11:00 AM Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals 5:00 PM Weight Watchers
19 6:30 AM Men's Breakfast & Bible Study Group 9:00 AM Senior Fitness Class 10:00 AM Fitness Class for Moms 11:00 AM Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals 6:00 PM A Pealing Sound 7:00 PM Trustees Meeting
20 NEWSLETTER DEADLINE 11:00 AM Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals 6:00 PM Yoga
21 11:00 AM Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals
22 8:30 AM Presbytery Leadership Development Day in Oneonta
23 Confirmation Class TBA 9:30 AM Sunday School 10:30 AM Worship with Communion 11:30 AM Coffee Hour Fellowship 4:00 PM Boy Scout Troop Meeting
24 7:15 AM SPARKS meeting at Crossroads Cafe 9:00 AM Senior Fitness Class 11:00 AM Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals 5:30 PM Spiritual Food for Thought
25 11:00 AM Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals 5:00 PM Weight Watchers
26 6:30 AM Men's Breakfast & Bible Study Group 9:00 AM Senior Fitness Class 10:00 AM Fitness Class for Moms 11:00 AM Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals 12:00 PM Delhi Clergy Association 6:00 PM A Pealing Sound
27 10:00 AM Newsletter Assembly 11:00 AM Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals 6:00 PM Yoga
28 11:00 AM Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals
29
30 9:30 AM Sunday School 10:00 AM Chancel Choir Gathers 10:30 AM Worship 11:30 AM Coffee Hour Fellowship 11:45 AM Youth Group Meeting 12:00 PM Chancel Choir Rehearsal
31 7:15 AM SPARKS meeting at Crossroads Cafe 9:00 AM Senior Fitness Class 11:00 AM Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals 5:30 PM Spiritual Food for Thought
1 11:00 AM Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals 5:00 PM Weight Watchers 7:00 PM Fellowship & Friendship Committee Meeting
2 6:30 AM Men's Breakfast & Bible Study Group 9:00 AM Senior Fitness Class 10:00 AM Fitness Class for Moms 11:00 AM Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals 6:00 PM A Pealing Sound
3 11:00 AM Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals 6:00 PM Sewing Fellowship 6:00 PM Yoga
4 11:00 AM Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals
5
Worship with us each
Sunday Morning
at 10:30 am!
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