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Fi r s t P res s

As I write, I am just

about seven weeks

shy of my first

anniversary here in Warren. It doesn’t seem

possible that it has been almost one year.

Joan and I have been very blessed to be

called to such a wonderful church.

Everyone has been so helpful and

welcoming. We couldn’t ask for a more

beautiful area to live in. We were both very excited a few weeks ago

when we learned that “if summer comes on a weekend this year, we

have a party” <just kidding>. Seriously, the weather in Warren is not

that much different from what we are both used to, with Joan growing

up in Northern Michigan and me in Northeastern Ohio. We also

couldn’t ask for a better group of people for our church family! I want

to thank all of you for making us feel so welcome.

I am also very excited, because we are approaching a time of new

beginnings for our church. In just a few weeks (June 12 – 13), we will

be having a Leadership Retreat at the Lake

Chautauqua Lutheran Center. Many of our currently

serving Elders and Deacons will be in attendance.

This will be a time for us to begin wrestling with the

question “WHY are we here?” In others words,

“What is God calling us to do?” So often churches

ask the wrong question. They are concerned with

“What programs can we add, or what can we do, to

get more people in the door?” They put the cart

before the horse. The most important issue is to

determine what God is asking of us. Once we have

discerned what we believe God is calling us to then,

and only then, can we successfully ask “What

resources do we have, and what can we do, to (Continued on page 13)

Annual Roll

Review 2—8

Christian Ed 9-12

Mission News 20

Worship &

Music 21

Dinner with

Friends 22

The Lectionary 25—

27

Contents:

June & July 2015

F i r s t P r e s b y t e r i a n C h u r c h

PROCEDURE FOR ANNUAL REVIEW OF ACTIVE MEMBER ROLL

This procedure is the Session’s best effort to honor both the specific

rules and the intent of the membership information contained in the

Book of Order (copy of relevant sections attached).

The Care & Spiritual Growth Ministry Team will review all Active

Members for the following criteria:

Has the person attended in the last two years?

Has the person contributed financially in the last two years?

Has the person contributed time in the last two years?

Is the person homebound, or is there some other health reason

he/she cannot attend or participate?

Are there other considerations explaining the lack of

participation in the last two years (e.g. military service, college,

etc.)?

Anyone actively serving in the military will remain on the

Active Member Roll until he/she is discharged or asks to

be removed. After discharge, they will be subject to the

same review as all other members.

Students: just because a person is a college student does

not mean the ministry team will automatically recommend

that he/she remain on the Active Member Roll. Other

factors, such as attendance/participation prior to going to

college, or while home on break, will be taken into

account.

Other situations will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

If the answer to any of the above is: “Yes”

The person will remain on the Active Member Roll, and

no further action will be needed.

If the answers to all of the above are: “No”

(Continued on page 3)

A n n ua l R o l l R ev i ew

F i r s t P r e s b y t e r i a n C h u r c h Page 31

J u n e & J u l y B i r t h d a y s

Adult

Sally Kasper June 3

Liz Brown June 4

Susan Johnson June 4

Jean Reynolds June 10

Cynthia Hammersley June 11

Lynda Slocum June 11

Dorothy Wingert June 12

Charles Steklacic June 17

June Carlson June 19

Deane Passmore June 19

Joanna Freeburg June 20

Barb Greenlund June 21

Richard Swanson June 22

Joanne Nelles June 24

Jennie Dobson June 25

Richard King June 26

Martha Holtz July 2

Colleen Vignere July 2

Sally Metzgar July 4

Jessica Dolan July 5

John Hanna July 5

Richard Lowe July 7

Thomas Blasco July 8

Gordon Hand July 8

Paul Ignatius July 8

Eleanor Dyke July 9

Patricia Durbin July 13

Winifred Wills July 13

Wally Blyth July 14

Richard Seager July 14

Tom Osborn July 16

Tina Huey July 17

Jeffrey Bonavita July 19

My Ignatius July 22

Martha Jones July 22

Tara Constable July 23

Pam Lyle July 23

Barry Dietsch July 25

Richard Freeman July 25

Pat King July 25

Heather Dietsch July 26

Ron Christy July 28

Peter Hoffman July 28

Michelle James July 28

Paul Cree July 31

Susie Spangler July 31

Youth

Emily Colvin June 12

Zachary English June 13

Madison James June 17

Savanna Carlson July 23

F i r s t P r e s b y t e r i a n C h u r c h 0 F i r s t P r e s b y t e r i a n C h u r c h Page 3

A letter will be sent to the person, asking his/her intention about

membership (copy attached).

If the response to the letter is: “I want to become active again in

First Presbyterian Church, and I will pray for the church, attend

worship, financially support, and be involved in the ministry to

the best of my ability.”

The ministry team will respond, acknowledging that the

person will remain on the Active Member Roll, and

suggesting ways the person might reconnect with the

ministry of the church.

No further action will be needed.

If the response to the letter is: “I am unable to attend worship or

be involved in the ministry at First Presbyterian Church, but I

wish to remain active, and I will pray for and financially

support the church to the best of my ability.”

The ministry team will make contact either in person, or by

telephone, to determine if they have any reason to expect

that the person will follow through with prayer and/or

financial support.

If the ministry team believes the person’s intent …

They will send a letter acknowledging the request, and

indicating their hope that the person will be able to

reconnect with the ministry of the church in the near

future.

The person will remain on the Active Member Roll,

and no further action will be needed.

If the ministry team does not believe the request is genuine

…

They will send a letter to the person explaining why

they will be recommending that he/she be removed

from the Active Member Roll.

The ministry team will recommend to the Session that

(Continued from page 2)


the person be removed from the Active Member Roll.

If the response to the letter is “I need a call or visit from a

ministry team member, or the pastor.”

A member of the ministry team, or the pastor, will contact

the person as requested.

The resulting action(s) taken will depend on the content

of the discussion with the person.

If the response to the letter is “I am attending another church,

so please remove me from the membership roll of First

Presbyterian Church.”

The ministry team will recommend to the Session that the

person be removed from the Active Member Roll.

If the response to the letter is “I wish to be removed from the

membership roll of First Presbyterian Church.”

The ministry team will recommend to the Session that the

person be removed from the Active Member Roll.

If there is no response to the letter, the ministry team will

recommend to the Session that the person be removed from the

Active Member Roll.

All recommendations to the Session for removal from the Active

Member Roll will be accompanied by a list of all actions taken by

the ministry team leading up to their decision.

The Session will review all requests for removal from the Active

Member Roll.

If the Session concurs with the recommendation …

A letter will be sent to the person informing him/her of

the action taken and why.

The person will be removed from the Active Member

Roll, and no further action will be needed.

If the Session disagrees with the recommendation, it may

simply state that the person should remain on the Active

Member Roll.

A letter will be sent to the person, explaining that the



Dear Pastor, My father should be a minister. Every day he gives us a

sermon about something. Robert, Age 11, Anderson.

Dear Pastor, I'm sorry I can't leave more money in the plate, but my

father didn't give me a raise in my allowance. Could you have a

sermon about a raise in my allowance? Love, Patty. Age 10, New

Haven.

Dear Pastor, My mother is very religious. She goes to play bingo at

church every week even if she has a cold. Yours truly, Annette,

Age 9, Albany.

Dear Pastor, I would like to go to heaven someday because I know

my brother won't be there. Stephen, Age 8, Chicago.

Dear Pastor, I think a lot more people would come to your church if

you moved it to Disneyland. Loreen, Age 9. Tacoma.

Dear Pastor, I liked your sermon where you said that good health is

more important than money but I still want a raise in my allowance.

Sincerely, Eleanor, Age 12, Sarasota.

Dear Pastor, Please pray for all the airline pilots. I am flying to

California tomorrow. Laurie, Age 10, New York City.

Dear Pastor, I hope to go to heaven someday but later rather than

sooner. Love, Ellen, Age 9. Athens.

Dear Pastor, Please say a prayer for our Little League team. We need

God's help or a new pitcher. Thank you, Alexander, Age 10, Raleigh.

Dear Pastor, My father says I should learn the Ten Commandments.

But I don't think I want to because we have enough rules already in

my house. Joshua, Age 10, South Pasadena.

Dear Pastor, Who does God pray to? Is there a God for God?

Sincerely, Christopher, Age 9, Titusville.

Dear Pastor, Are there any devils on earth? I think there may be one

in my class. Carla, Age 10, Salina.

Dear Pastor, How does God know the good people from the bad

people? Do you tell Him or does He read about it in the newspapers?

Sincerely, Marie, Age 9, Lewiston.

Dear Pastor, I liked your sermon on Sunday. Especially when it was

finished. Ralph, Age 11, Akron.


From the Sess ion …

To add a little levity to the newsletter this month, here are excerpts from

some interesting letters from children to pastors . Enjoy .

Dear Pastor, I know God loves everybody but He never met my

sister. Yours sincerely, Arnold, Age 8, Nashville.

Dear Pastor, Please say in your sermon that Peter Peterson has been a

good boy all week. I am Peter Peterson. Sincerely, Pete, Age 9,

Phoenix.



Highlights of the Regular Meeting of May 21, 2015

Met with two representatives from the Presbytery’s Committee on

Ministry for their required Triennial Visit. It was good to discuss

our ministry with representatives of our regional governing body.

Approved a new procedure for the Annual Review of our Active

Member Roll. This new procedure will allow the Session to

exercise its responsibilities regarding membership and also improve

our communication with members. See page 2 and following for

details …

Approved an outing to the Faith & Family Night with the

Jamestown Jammers on August 1.

Approved working with a musical group called Simple Gifts to

design an outreach to the community for early next year.

Approved a plan to have all the various ministry teams help with

the Farmer’s Market this summer. This will spread the workload,

and take some of the pressure of the Mission Team.

Cancelled the Regular June Meeting. The next meeting will be July 16.

Letters from C h i ldren. . .


Session has not removed him/her from the Active Member

Roll and why.

The person will remain on the Active Member Roll, and

no further action will be needed.

If the Session disagrees with the recommendation, it may ask the

ministry team to review the situation.

The resulting action(s) taken will depend on what the

Session has asked and what the ministry team has

determined after review.

Any situations that fall outside these guidelines will be dealt with on

a case-by-case basis as directed by the Session.

Excerpts from The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church

(U.S.A.), Part II, The Book of Order 2013 – 2015:

G-1.03 THE MEMBERSHIP OF A CONGREGATION

G-1.0301 The Meaning of Membership and Baptism

In Jesus Christ, God calls people to faith and to membership in the

Church, the body of Christ. Baptism is the visible sign of that call and

claim on a human life and of entrance into the membership of the church.

The baptism of children witnesses to the truth that God’s love claims

people before they are able to respond in faith. The baptism of those who

enter the covenant of membership upon their own profession of faith in

Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior witnesses to the truth that God’s gift of

grace calls forth a response of faithfulness. Thus, the triune God,

incarnate in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, gives to the

Church not only its mission but also its understanding of membership.

G-1.0302 Welcome and Openness

A congregation shall welcome all persons who trust in God’s grace

in Jesus Christ and desire to become part of the fellowship and ministry

of his Church (F-1.0403). No person shall be denied membership for any

reason not related to profession of faith. The Gospel leads members to

extend the fellowship of Christ to all persons. Failure to do so constitutes

a rejection of Christ himself and causes a scandal to the Gospel.



G-1.0303 Entry into Membership

Persons may enter into active church membership in the following

ways:

a. Public profession of faith, made after careful examination by

the session in the meaning and responsibilities of

membership; if not already baptized, the person making

profession of faith shall be baptized;

b. Certificate of transfer, when a person is a member of another

Christian church at the time of transfer;

c. Reaffirmation of faith, for persons previously baptized in the

name of the triune God and having publicly professed their

faith.

G-1.0304 The Ministry of Members

Membership in the Church of Jesus Christ is a joy and a privilege.

It is also a commitment to participate in Christ’s mission. A faithful

member bears witness to God’s love and grace and promises to be

involved responsibly in the ministry of Christ’s Church. Such

involvement includes:

proclaiming the good news in word and deed,

taking part in the common life and worship of a congregation,

lifting one another up in prayer, mutual concern, and active

support,

studying Scripture and the issues of Christian faith and life,

supporting the ministry of the church through the giving of

money, time, and talents,

demonstrating a new quality of life within and through the

church,

responding to God’s activity in the world through service to

others,

living responsibly in the personal, family, vocational, political,

cultural, and social relationships of life,

working in the world for peace, justice, freedom, and human



and two New Testament readings. One way you might use the Daily

Lectionary would be to read the Morning Psalm(s), the Old Testament

reading, and one of the New Testament readings each morning; then,

you could read the Evening Psalm(s) and the remaining New Testament

reading in the evening. As an example of how this works, I have

included the readings for the Thursday of the First Week of Advent

here:

If you would like to use the lectionary in your daily devotional time,

you can find information about the readings on The Presbyterian

Church (U.S.A.) website at www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/

devotions/. There you will find links to a variety of resources: online

readings from the Daily and Revised Common Lectionaries; printing

the lectionary readings; subscribing to a list, where the daily readings

are sent to your email address each morning; subscribing to a podcast

called “Hear the Word,” which allows you to listen to the readings; the

PC(USA) Office of Theology and Worship’s “Daily Prayer” app for

both iPhone and Android devices; and others. We would like to

encourage you to take advantage of these resources. They will certainly

enrich your devotional time!

Day Psalm Year 1 Year 2

First Week of Advent

Thursday Morning: Ps. 18:1–

20; 147:12–20

Evening: Ps. 126; 62

Isa. 2:5–22

1 Thess. 3:1–13

Luke 20:27–40

Amos 4:6–13

2 Peter 3:11–18

Matt. 21:33–46


Through the three-year cycle, we do not read the entire Bible. The

intent is to give the church an overview of the entire Bible, because as

much as we would like to think otherwise, many people only hear the

Bible read on Sunday morning, and never read it for themselves.

Therefore, the reason our church follows the lectionary is to ensure that

we are exposed to as much of the Bible in worship as possible. Often

pastors will use a sermon series, where they preach a number of

sermons relating to a particular topic. These can be very interesting, but

the problem with using this exclusively is that the pastor can tend to get

stuck in his or her “favorite books” of the Bible while ignoring other

books. In addition, the pastor will only choose passages that fit into his

or her topic for the series. By following the lectionary the pastor is

forced to preach on one of the readings assigned to that particular

Sunday.

Our church will use a combination of these methods in determining

what readings will be used in worship. As a general rule, we will follow

the Revised Common Lectionary. In fact, in case you want to read the

upcoming passages, we include the readings for the following Sunday

in each week’s worship bulletin on the announcements insert. At

various times we may decide not to use the lectionary, and select

particular readings in order to address a particular subject (e.g.

stewardship). At other times, a sermon series may also be appropriate

(e.g. using a series on the “Last Words of Christ” during Lent).

However the readings are chosen, the goal will always be to expose the

congregation to as much of the Bible as possible in worship, while still

keeping worship interesting and relevant.

A Daily Lectionary was also developed for use in daily prayer. The

Daily Lectionary is similar to the one used to select readings for Sunday

morning. It is a two-year cycle of readings that provides for reading

through the New Testament twice and the Old Testament once during

the two-year period. Although there are exceptions, each day normally

has Psalm readings (morning and evening), an Old Testament reading,

Year A Year B Year C

First Sunday of

Advent

Isa. 2:1–5

Ps. 122

Rom. 13:11–14

Matt. 24:36–44

Isa. 64:1–9

Ps. 80:1–7, 17–19

1 Cor. 1:3–9

Mark 13:24–37

Jer. 33:14–16

Ps. 25:1–10

1 Thess. 3:9–13

Luke 21:25–36


fulfillment,

participating in the governing responsibilities of the church,

and

reviewing and evaluating regularly the integrity of one’s

membership, and considering ways in which one’s

participation in the worship and service of the church may

be increased and made more meaningful.

G-1.04 CATEGORIES OF MEMBERSHIP

The membership of a congregation of the Presbyterian Church

(U.S.A.) includes baptized members, active members, and affiliate

members.

G-1.0401 Baptized Member

A baptized member is a person who has received the Sacrament of

Baptism, whether in this congregation or elsewhere, and who has been

enrolled as a baptized member by the session but who has not made a

profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Such baptized

members receive the pastoral care and instruction of the church, and

may participate in the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.

G-1.0402 Active Member

An active member is a person who has made a profession of faith

in Christ, has been baptized, has been received into membership of the

church, has voluntarily submitted to the government of this church,

and participates in the church’s work and worship. In addition, active

members participate in the governance of the church and may be

elected to ordered ministry (see G-2.0102). Active members shall

regularly, after prayerful consideration, recommit themselves to the

disciplines and responsibilities of membership outlined in G‑1.0304.

The session shall have responsibility for preparing those who would

become active members of the congregation.

G-1.0403 Affiliate Member

An affiliate member is a member of another congregation of this

denomination or of another denomination or Christian body, who has

temporarily moved from the community where the congregation of

membership is situated, has presented a certificate of good standing

from the appropriate council or governing body of that congregation,


and has been received by the session as an affiliate member. An

affiliate member may participate in the life of the congregation in the

same manner as an active member except that an affiliate member

may not vote in congregational meetings or be elected to ordered

ministry or other office in the congregation.

G-1.0404 Other Participants

Persons who are not members of, or who may have ceased active

participation in, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) are welcome and

may participate in the life and worship of this church and receive its

pastoral care and instruction. The invitation to the Lord’s Supper is

extended to all who have been baptized, remembering that access to

the table is not a right conferred upon the worthy, but a privilege

given to the undeserving who come in faith, repentance, and love (W-

2.4011). Confessing members of other Christian churches may

present children for baptism, in conformity with W-2.3014.

G-3.02 THE SESSION

…

3.0204 Minutes and Records

Minutes of the session shall be subject to the provisions of G-

3.0107. They shall contain the minutes of all meetings of the

congregation and all joint meetings with deacons and trustees.

Each session shall maintain the following roll and registers:

a. Membership Roll

There shall be rolls of baptized, active, and affiliate members in

accordance with G-1.0401, G-1.0402 and G-1.0403. The session shall

delete names from the roll of the congregation upon the member’s

death, admission to membership in another congregation or

presbytery, or renunciation of jurisdiction. The session may delete

names from the roll of the congregation when a member so requests,

or has moved or otherwise ceased to participate actively in the work

and worship of the congregation for a period of two years. The

session shall seek to restore members to active participation and shall

provide written notice before deleting names due to member

inactivity.


T h e L e c t i o n a r y


The Lectionary — What It Is and How We Use It

Up to now, we have done a series of articles discussing the Church

Year. We are now entering a long stretch of time called “Ordinary

Time.” Ordinary Time begins after Pentecost and extends through the

last Sunday of the Church Year on the feast of the Reign of Christ (also

called Christ the King) in November (November 22 this year). With

that in mind, it’s a good time to leave the Church Year and talk about

worship, and why we do what we do. This month we will discuss the

lectionary. A lectionary is a system of selected readings assigned to the

various days of the church year. The purpose of a lectionary is to

provide for a disciplined use of the whole range of scripture in worship.

The Common Lectionary was first released in 1983 by a group called

the Consultation on Common Texts, which was made up of

representatives from various North American Christian denominations.

Since 1983, use of the Common Lectionary increased rapidly among

various denominations. Our church uses a later revision of this

lectionary called the Revised Common Lectionary. This lectionary

contains scripture readings for each Sunday and Festival of the

Christian Year in a three-year cycle. The other major lectionaries used

today are the Roman Catholic, Episcopal, and Lutheran Lectionaries.

Each Sunday or Festival generally has four readings assigned to it: one

from the Old Testament or Acts; one Psalm; one Gospel passage; and

one reading from either an Epistle (the letters of Paul and others),

Revelation, or Acts. The three years are distinguished by readings from

different gospels: Matthew in Year A, Mark in Year B, Luke in Year C.

John is distributed over the three years with a heavy emphasis during

Lent and Easter. Two types of readings are used. During the periods of

Advent to Epiphany and Lent to Pentecost, the readings are usually

topical — that is, there is some common theme among them, which

relates to the time in the church year. During the Sundays after

Epiphany and Pentecost the readings are continuous (reading through a

book, then on to another), with no necessary connection between the

lessons. As an example of how this works, I have included the readings

for the First Sunday of Advent here:


D e a c o n s by C l a s s

Deacon Parish #

Class of 2015

Carol Hanna ----------------------- 6

Cindy Lobdell ------------------ 13

Marjorie Neel --------------------- 8

Priscilla Powley ------------------ 9

Dawn Sears ------------------------ 1

Susie Spangler ------------------ 14

Class of 2016

Colleen Vignere ------------------ 2

James Eggleston ---------------- 15

Bette McAmbley --------------- 12

Amy Hines ------------------------ 4

Pat King -------------------------- 11

Richard Swanson ----------------- 3

Deacon Parish #

Class of 2017

Ann Ferguson --------------------- 5

Shelly James--------------------- 10

Ray Pring -------------------------- 7

Class of 2015

Howard Ferguson

Martha Goodman

Anne Higgins

Martha Leathers

Lynn Sears

Class of 2016

Betty Bauer

Kay Dolan

Tim Greenlund

Gloria Lasher

Rick Strohmeyer

Class of 2017

Mark Phillips

Jane Strohmeyer

E l d e r s b y C l a s s Total number of Elders reduced from 15 to 12. (Class sizes will even

out over the next three years.)

PARISH ASSIGNMENTS have

been reassigned and Deacons

appointed to the parishes listed here. If you have any questions,

please call the church office.

C h r i s t i a n E d u c a t i o n


PACE 2014-15

Another year of PACE comes to an end. We had a great time this year

with a great group of kids. The year ended with 9 kids who are excited

to come back next year along with some of their siblings. To end the

year, we had a Carnival in the manse yard. The kids had a great time.

Lots of cotton candy and snow cones were consumed. The kids loved

the bounce houses, face painting, piñata and magician. We had 13 kids

and 11 parents join us in the fun. I would like to give a huge thank you

to those helped out and made it all possible: Kyle Brecht, Ben Check,

Carolyn Fry, Vickie Eggleston, Jane Strohmeyer, Dahlia Sitler, Nakyia

Arline, Robin Thomas and

Alex Dolinger.

Vacation Bible School

This year I am trying

something new and we will be

having a Weekend VBS!

VBS will run Friday, June 19th (6-8pm) and Saturday, June 20th and

Sunday, June 21st (1-3pm). Come join us for faith, fellowship and fun!

Rummage Sale

Thank you so much to all who helped with the sale and donated to it! A

special thanks is going out to the following people: Carrie Duckett,

Ryan Duckett, Marilyn McCoy, Dottie Wingert, Bob Sears, Shelley

James, Kay Dolan, Marcy Huey, Jessica Dolan, Vickie Eggleston, Susie

Spangler, Lynda Slocum, Debbie Hunter, Susie Pirillo, Gloria Lasher,

Gordon Hand, Ann Ferguson, Anne Higgins, Tracey Kranak, Kyle

Brecht and Ben Check.

Our total money earned was $770.17


From Dawn Sears, DCE


Reformed Theology

For the past month I have been working on my first class in a series of

many to become certified in Christian Education. My first class was on

Reformed Theology. Going into this class, I knew very little about

Reformed Theology, its history and its progression.

For the first 3 weeks of class, we worked online. Reading assignments

were given and then we would have to journal about our thoughts,

feelings and questions. We also had to respond to the journals that

others wrote. Through this process, I got to know my classmates and a

little bit about how they feel about certain topics.

I arrived in Virginia on April 21st. I met the other 11 students, who I

already felt like I knew. We were all very different (age, race, gender,

occupation, denomination) but we all came together for a common goal.

For 3 days, Jim Brashler – a retired seminary professor, lectured us and

discussed the history and progression of Reformed Theology in the

Presbyterian Church. I learned so much about how the Presbyterian

Faith has grown into what it is today. I was thrown terms such as Belgic

Confessions, Christology, Eschatology and Iconoclasm. It was a very

overwhelming few days, but the information I attained will help me

grow as a Christian Educator. I look forward to signing up for my next

class.

New State Laws

As I’m sure many of you have noticed, the State is now requiring new

regulations on how to handle those who work with children. Here are

the new rules:

* Anyone over the age of 18 who will be working with children (paid or

volunteer) will need the following clearances:

- Background Check

- Child Abuse Clearance

- FBI Fingerprints (unless you have lived in PA for at least

10 consecutive years)

- Mandated Reporter Training

* All clearances must be redone every 3 years.


Joys & Concerns Congratulations to:

Case Neall, who was baptized

Sunday, May 12, 2015 Case is

the son of Jen and Josh Neall,

grandson of Georgeann and

Norm Chamberlain and great-

grandson of Jennie Dobson.

Case also has two brothers,

Brok and Wyatt.

Christian Sympathy to:

Chuck and Lois Conaway on

the death of Chuck’s sister,

Betsy Yerkes, 85, who died

Saturday, May 9.

Visitation List

Warren Manor -

Winnie Wills

Soldiers & Sailor’s Home,

Erie

Larry Stewart

At Home -

Don Davis

Sally Kasper

Geneva Nagy

Golden Living Center—

Kinzua

Carol Budd

The Rouse Home or Suites

Martha Jones

Penny Krespan

Patty Lundahl

Violette McAmbley

Becky Swanson



D i n n e r w i t h F r i e n d s

Saturday, June 20 ~ 5:30 P.M.

Sprague’s in Portville, NY

Dinner with Friends will meet at 5:30 P.M. Saturday, June 20, at the at

Sprague’s in Portville,

New York. If you are

interested in attending,

please sign up in the

Third Avenue hallway.

June’s host is Bette

McAmbley (726-1694).

For questions or to

arrange transportation,

please contact Bette.

Wa r re n G i v e s

Thank you to all those who

contributed to this year's

Warren Gives program. We

had a total of 26 donations,

totaling $3,485. The matching

amount was $487.90, bringing

our total to $3,972.90. WOW!

Thank you, thank you, thank

you ...

* Anyone who works with children

must see me to ensure that we are

in compliance with the new law.

I will be keeping track of

everyone’s clearances and making

sure they are up to date. Please

contact me with any questions or

concerns that you may have.

Updated Nursery Policies

and Procedures

All parents/guardians whose

children regularly attend the

nursery must volunteer on a

regular basis in order to provide

enough adults in the rooms to

keep the children safe.

Please consider this a ministry

to our young families and an

opportunity to show parents

and children the love of Christ

in every situation.

Always maintain a Christ-like

attitude when instructing the

child and model the love and

respect you are asking the child

to show you and others. As a

nursery worker your goal is to

engage the child relationally,

which will give you an

opportunity to influence the

child’s life.

Physical punishment is

forbidden for all nursery staff

and volunteers, including

parents who serve in a room

with their own children.

Parents are not allowed to scold

or physically punish their own

children during their time in the

nursery as this is upsetting to

other children in the room.

Parents must label all bottles

and sippy cups with the child's

name.

All activities for children over

12-months-old should include a

lesson about Jesus, the Bible,

character building, loving God

or loving others.

For the protection of all

children and workers, neither

children nor workers nor

volunteers with any of the

following symptoms will be

admitted into the nursery:

Fever within the last 24

hours

Vomiting or diarrhea within

the last 24 hours

Untreated Pink Eye or other



This newsletter is a combined

summer issue for June and July.

The next newsletter will be out by

August 1. Articles for the August

newsletter would be appreciated

between July 8 and (no later than)

July 20. Thanks to everyone who

contributes and makes our

newsletter the informative

publication it is.

Combined Issue

eye infection

Symptoms of childhood

diseases – chicken pox, fifth

disease, hand foot and mouth

disease, etc.

Sore throat

Any communicable disease

Croup

Common Cold, including

colored runny nose

Lice, including the presence

of eggs or nits

These are the guidelines that we

follow and we expect children,

staff and volunteers to be free of

these symptoms for 24 hours

prior to coming back to the

nursery.

In the case a Nursery Ministry

worker suspects a child is sick or

does not meet the standards of the

Wellness Policy, he/she should

contact the Nursery Director who

will contact the parents. An ill

child may not stay in the

classroom.

*A complete list of the updated

Policies and Procedures can be

found in my office or up in the

Nursery. Please contact the

church office if you have an

questions or comments.*

(Continued from page 11)

Eric and Becky

Hinderliter

will be at FPC

to worship with us

and share on

Sunday, July 19, 2015

F i r s t P r e s b y t e r i a n C h u r c h F i r s t P r e s b y t e r i a n C h u r c h Page 21

Things have slowed down for our

committee. Additionally, we have

added friends to our group so that all

the work is not being done by a few

people. We are greatly appreciative

for these people joining us.

We were responsible for the coffee

hours the month of May and the new

people made it possible to do the

five (5) coffee hours, with Lynn and

Bob Sears doing two of them.

A big thank you to the Hunter/

Dietsch family who provided potted

plants for all the women of the

church on Mothers Day in memory

of their mother, Donna Dietsch.

On Mothers Day Case Neall was

baptized. He is the son of Jen and

Josh Neall, grandson of Georgeann

and Norm Chamberlain and great-

grandson of Jennie Dobson.

Also on Mothers Day the bell choir

played some amazing songs and it

was great to see that they have new

covers for their tables that are an

improvement. The others were old

and stained from the bells. Our

regular choir did a fantastic job as

usual. We are lucky to have all the

dedicated musicians in our choirs.

Thank you.

Rev. Lee Beckes is preaching on

May 31. Also on that day we will be

having the Picnic in the Parking Lot

with hot dogs, buns, snacks, and

dessert after the church service.

You are still able, until the end of

May, to contribute toward a Glory to

God hymnal dedication if you so

desire. All gifts up to and including

$ 20 will receive a bookplate. You

may purchase a hymnal in honor or

memory of family or friends. You

will get an additional bookplate for

each $ 20 contribution.

We are investigating having the Red

Cross first aid training so we are

prepared for any emergency in the

church. It is open to the

congregation and would like to know

who is interested and willing to take

the class. Call the church office if

you are interested.

On June 22 Kay Dolan will give the

message and on June 29 Rev. Lee

Beckes will be preaching. On July

19 Eric Hinderliter will be giving the

message.

Enjoy your summer and remember

we are here every Sunday. Hope to

see you.

Wo r s h i p & M u s i c


M iss io n N ew s

Mission Committee has been very

active this month. One of the biggest

events is our ANNUAL MISSION

TRIP that has been scheduled for

October 4 – 10, 2015 at POINT

PLEASANT BEACH, NEW

JERSEY for Hurricane Sandy

Relief. We are looking for lots of

able bodies to come and help us. You don’t need to be a skilled

laborer, just have a big heart and a willingness to participate.

PLEASE, SIGN UP SOON SO WE HAVE A COUNT FOR THE

TRIP!!!!! IF you have never been on a mission trip or have and

are torn about whether to go this year, COME ALONG, YOU

WILL BE BLESSED !!!!

In other news on the committee, FARMERS MARKET will

begin on July 11 and run through the end of October. We are

always looking for volunteers and lots of goodies from your

kitchen and produce from your gardens.

FALL WORKDAYS at the Camps are scheduled as follows:

Westminster Highlands – September 12, 2015

Camp Lambec – September 19, 2015

And don’t forget the FLAMINGOS which are a great way to say

“hello” to a friend or relative (or make the preacher cringe). All

proceeds from this fundraiser go to Relay for Life. Orders will be

taken through May 31 and deliveries can be made through June 6.


accomplish what God is asking of us?” If we focus on God and our

relationship with God, the numbers will take care of themselves.

We have talked about moving forward a number of times over the last

eleven months. Now it is time to begin. I have mentioned a number of

times, both from the pulpit and in various conversations, that this is not

something that will happen overnight. A wise person once told me “I

don’t know if you can go too slowly in a church, but I do know you can

go too fast!” It has taken time for me to get to know the church and for

you to get to know me (and I am still learning every day). Way back in

December, I asked you to begin praying about the ministry of our

church, and the process we must go through to determine our calling. I

also asked you to consider making some New Year’s Resolutions for

2015. I think two of them are crucial for the process we are about to

embark upon. They are: We will embrace change, not as something

uncomfortable, but as an opportunity; and we will look first for God’s

guidance, instead of our own personal agenda.

Let’s be honest – none of us likes change. However, the only thing that

you can count on in life, with any certainty, is that there will be change.

Like it or not, the church in the cartoon has a recipe for decline. God

would never lead the church backwards! If you haven’t already, please

begin praying for our leadership. Pray that they will look forward, not

back; pray that they will listen for God’s voice; pray that God will give

them vision; and pray that we can work together to accomplish the

goals God has for us. If we don’t know why we are doing something,

then we can’t expect others to respond to what we are doing. “Why?”

must come first.

That will be our

question, and that

should be the focus

of our prayers for the

time ahead. I don’t

know about you, but

I can’t wait to see

where God will lead

us! Blessings …

GROUP ONE Susie Spangler, Captain 723-9363

Beverly Callahan 757-8475

Kay Dolan 723-3185

Sylvia Follett 723-9734

Joyce Hishman 726-0568

Richard King 723-8256

Amy Neiport 779-9030

Priscilla Powley 757-8567

Carol Torrance 726-0819

August 20, 2015 February 11, 2016

DESSERTS Ann Ferguson 723-4494

Joyce Hishman 726-0568

Tina Huey 726-2917

Priscilla Powley 757-8567

Dorothy Wingert 723-6656

GROUP THREE

Lynda Slocum, Captain 726-4990


Ron Carlson 723-5209

Kay Dolan 723-3185



Deane Passmore 723-1443

Susie Pirillo 726-7423

Don Scott 723-3632

July 2, 2015 December 10, 2015

DESSERTS Mindy Colvin 726-2844

Louise Crozier 723-8690

Tina Huey 726-2917

Susie Pirillo 726-7423

GROUP TWO

Patti Anderson, Captain 757-9268

Deane Anderson 757-9268


Ron Carlson 723-5209



Lisa McPherson 726-9422

May 14, 2015 October 15, 2015

DESSERTS Mindy Colvin 726-2844

Jennie Dobson 723-1190

Connie Johnson 723-7208

Tina Huey 726-2917

SUBSTITUTE DESSERTS

Ann Ferguson 723-4494

Martha Goodman 723-1262

SUBSTITUTE SERVERS

Ann Ferguson 723-4494

Carol Hanna 723-2179

Kathy Lang 726-1780

Susie Spangler 723-9363

Carol Torrance 726-0819

Dottie Wingert 723-6656

NOTE: Team Captains and “Early”

people should be at the kitchen at

3:00 p.m. All others should be there at

4:00 p.m. If you can not be there at

your assigned time, please arrange

for your own substitute. It is not

your Team Captain's responsibility!

All members of each team are

responsible to help the two kitchen

aides with clean up after everyone

has eaten.

S h a r ing P la ce S ch ed u le


Beverly Callahan ................... 757-8475

Bev Eldridge .......................... 72301649

Elsie Giegerich ...................... 723-9436

Marty Goodman .................... 723-1262

Rose Mary Landon ................ 726-0469

Bette McAmbley .................... 726-1698

David Snyder ......................... 688-4911

Susie Spangler........................ 723-9363

Carol Torrance ....................... 726-0819

Debbie Vicini ......................... 723-1658

DUTIES FOR KITCHEN AIDES

1. Help the cook with food preparation when needed. 2. Make coffee.

3. Allow the host committee to take over other responsibilities when they arrive at 3:15.

4. Help the cook prepare plates for serving. 5. Make certain all food is marked and properly wrapped for storage in the freezer.

6. See that all dishes and equipment are put away in their proper places.

June 4, 2015 2:00 P.M. Carol Torrance

Debbie Vicini

June 11, 2015 2:00 P.M. David Snyder

Debbie Vicini

June 18, 2015 2:00 P.M. Elsie Giegerich

Bev Eldridge

Debbie Vicini

June 25, 2015 2:00 P.M. Bev Callahan

Rose Mary Landon

Debbie Vicini

July 2, 2015 2:00 P.M. Susie Spangler

Marty Goodman

Debbie Vicini

July 9, 2015 2:00 P.M. Debbie Vicini

Joyce Hishman

July 16, 2015 2:00 P.M. Carol Torrance

Debbie Vicini

July 23, 2015 2:00 P.M. David Snyder

Debbie Vicini

July 30, 2015 2:00 P.M. Elsie Giegerich

Bev Eldridge

Debbie Vicini

S h a r i ng P la c e H e l p e r s


F i r s t P r e s b y t e r i a n C h u r c h Page 18 F i r s t P r e s b y t e r i a n C h u r c h

F i r s t P r e s b y t e r i a n C h u r c h F i r s t P r e s b y t e r i a n C h u r c h Page 17

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