north star · jan 5: 105 morrow street elmira, ny 14901 jan 12: anita kirk 715 riverside drive ......
TRANSCRIPT
Meet the Staff
Rev. Jim Hicks Temporary Supply Pastor
Office Schedule Monday and Tuesday,
8:30 am - 1 pm
Paul Holland Music Director
Office Schedule Tuesday, 2 - 4 pm &
during rehearsals
Barbara Mosher Church Organist
Deb Stamp Director of Children
Office Schedule & Youth Ministries
Monday - Friday
(hours vary)
Kim Townson Office Administrator
Office Schedule Monday - Friday
9 am - 2 pm
North Star
January 2020
IN THIS ISSUE:
Letter from Pastor Hicks: Page 2 Warm Welcome: Page 3 -Border Buddies We are Family: Page 4 -In our Thoughts & Prayers -Send a Card -Special Thank You Children & Youth: Page 5 -Letter from our Director of Children &
Youth Ministries -Kids’ Corner Activity Did You Know: Pages 6-7 -Helpful info for you Happenings: Pages 8-9 -Save the Dates & Quips and Quotes -Border Buddies Brunch and Auction In the Spotlight: Pages 10-11 -Poinsettia Dedications A Special Invitation: Page 12 -Horseheads FPC Pastor Installation Stewardship Thoughts as we Enter 2020: Page 13 NPC Business: Pages 14-15 -December Session Summary -January Worship Volunteers Monthly Calendar: Page 16
North Presbyterian Church 921 College Avenue Elmira, NY 14901-2048
www.northpres.church Phone: 607-734-2977 Fax: 607-734-2978 Worship: Sunday at 9:30 am Sunday School: 11:00 am
Making Disciples - Making a Difference
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January, 2020 A Letter from Pastor
Whenever I see this picture of Salvador Dali’s “Drooping Clock,” I pause to wonder if he
painted it during the month of January. The first month of the year is usually listless, sluggish and
uneventful. After the busy days of Christmas and the celebrations of New Years, people are
usually exhausted and fatigued. The level of hectic activity wanes. Time seems to stagger, stumble
and “droop.” It’s ‘ho-hum” January.
But not at North Presbyterian Church! This month’s calendar is full, and January prospects
are brisk and bright. Our first Sunday in January begins with a sermon entitled “It’s About Time!”
What is more appropriate for consideration on January 1 than “time”!
What else is on the agenda for January? (1) A new Sunday Adult Class study open to all
begins January 5 in the library from 11:00 to 11:45 a.m. on the topic “the gospel of John”; (2) Jeff
Richards and his crew are again planning for the Wednesday Night Fellowship Dinner on January 8
at 5:30 p.m.; (3) the Men’s Breakfast is being held at the church on January 11 at 8 a.m.; (4) the
men’s breakfast is followed at 9 a.m. with a “Saturday Work Day,” involving small jobs around the
church; (5) the Annual Report Packets are made available for distribution to the congregation on
Sunday, January 19; (6) three week-day Bible and topical studies led by members of our church
are being held throughout the month; and (7) the Annual Congregational Meeting is held after
worship on Sunday, January 26, with a dish-to pass luncheon following. In keeping with our church
by-laws, we will be presenting annual reports from organizations and session, a financial report for
the preceding year, a budget for the current year, and the election of members to serve on the
session and deacon boards and the nominating committee.
We should also pray for the Pastor Nominating Committee which presently is interviewing
candidates for the position of solo pastor at our church. A special Congregational Meeting will be
called once the final candidate is found. At that meeting there will be the sharing of background
information regarding the candidate, possible inter-active discussion and a vote on the proposed
pastoral call. We look forward to that possibility in the near (?) future.
The Bible tells us, “Redeem the time!” (Eph. 5:16). No relaxed pace for us at North
Presbyterian Church! We are in January in the busy mode of redemption and making many things
new!
Sincerely in Christ – Jim Hicks
(TSP with TLC)
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Glenda Miller of Boarder
Buddies will be visiting NPC
on January 5th to worship with
us, give a Minute for Mission,
and provide an update on the
Border Buddies Ministry in an
Adult Forum to be held in
Willits Hall following our
coffee hour.
Join us as we give her a warm
welcome and learn more
about this important ministry!
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Jan 5: Glen & Dorla Bolt
105 Morrow Street
Elmira, NY 14901
Jan 12: Anita Kirk
715 Riverside Drive
Elmira, NY 14904
Jan 19: Hope Dubois
8 Aspen Ridge Apartments
Elmira, NY 14904
Jan 26: Earl & Liz bush
37442 Loganberry Court
Zephyrhills, FL 33542
Jan 5: Anne Beattie and Brenda Bobby
Jan 12: William Bobby and Alexander Bottcher
Jan 19: James Bottcher and Norma Brooks
Jan 26: Maxine Burroughs
and William Burroughs
Jesus tells us
to pray without ceasing -
for the good of God's people.
Send a Card Today!
Thank you to all who participated in the recent
North Presbyterian Church Stewardship
Campaign. A total of $107,728 has been pledged
so far for 2020. If you have not submitted a pledge
card, please consider prayerfully doing so.
Thank you!
Special thanks to Bob Russell for building a new
sanctuary crèche. We appreciate you!
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Children and Youth Ministry January 2020
Children & Youth
Happy New Year everyone!!! With the New Year comes a sense of
renewal and hope for the future. I’m hoping you all had a wonderful and
blessed Christmas. I also hope everyone had a chance to relax and recharge
after the busy Holidays!
We will be having a meeting with all parents of children aged 11yrs
and up near the end of January to discuss going on a mission trip this year.
We have some kids who have never gone and some who have been on two
or three and are old veterans at it. It’s a wonderful experience for the kids
and a great way to make new and lasting friendships. Fundraising goes hand
in hand with plans for a mission trip. Our shred bag fundraiser has been a
success and we have reached our first goal of $250.00. We did so well we
have decided to extend it. If you are interested in purchasing one you can
contact the church or find me on Sunday after church and we will be glad to
get you one.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the stuffing of stockings
and hanging of the greens in November. We ended up making 112
stockings for the children of our food pantry families. We also donated four
boxes of toys, books, art supplies, gloves, mittens and hats to the Elmira
Psychiatric Center for the children during holiday time. It was a great
blessing that we were also able to provide Christmas presents for a family in
need. A big thank you to Linda Palmer for helping me gather items for this
family.
I will be on vacation from January 3rd through the 11th. Please
contact the Church Office or Ann Motley if something should need
attention while I’m away.
Sunday school resumes on January 5th. I will have someone filling in
for me (hopefully Miss Mickey) while I’m
away.
Many Blessing to all in the New Year!!
Deb Stamp
Director of Children and Youth Ministry
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January Sermon Schedule:
January 5:
It’s About Time!
January 12:
First Place, Second Fiddle
(First in the series:
“Into the New”)
January 19:
The Temptation of Satan
(Second in the series:
“Into the New”)
January 26:
Just a Little Miracle
(Third in the series:
“Into the New”)
The Food Pantry is in need of the
following items in January.
Thank you for your generosity!
January Shopping List:
Canned Pasta
Tuna Fish
Boxed Potatoes
NOTE:
The Food Pantry will be closed: 1/01 &1/20
DID YOU KNOW?...
In the winter months it is so easy to
leave behind a scarf or mittens. Did
you know there is a Lost & Found
drawer in the Narthex behind the
Welcome Center? Missing something?
Go take a peek and see it it’s in there!
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PLEASE TAKE NOTE!
Staff and committee chairs have
church email addresses!
If one of these addresses belongs
to your position and you are in
need of assistance setting it up,
please contact the church office.
PLEASE NOTE THAT EFFECTIVE
9.1.19 THE OLD CHURCH OFFICE
EMAIL ADDRESS HAS BEEN
DISABLED.
We are always working to keep the church website and Facebook pages up to date and user friendly. It’s
a wonderful resource to keep “in the know” with church happenings, calendars, sermon audios,
devotional resources, volunteer opportunities, and reminders. Check it out!
Committee/Coordinator Email Address
Audit [email protected]
Buildings & Grounds [email protected]
Building Use [email protected]
Clerk of Session [email protected]
Deacons [email protected]
Education [email protected]
Fellowship [email protected]
Finance [email protected]
Mission & Outreach [email protected]
Nominating [email protected]
Staff Relations [email protected]
Tech & Communications [email protected]
Treasurer [email protected]
Worship & Music [email protected]
Staff Email Address
Church Administrator [email protected]
Director of Youth Ministries [email protected]
Music Director [email protected]
Organist [email protected]
Pastor [email protected]
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The Thursday
Morning Musicales
invite you to attend a
free performance in
the sanctuary on
January 16th. Come
enjoy trombonist,
Norman Wilcox and
friends, at 10:15am.
Quips and Quotes (submitted by the TSP with TLC)
My uncle Al likes fishing in Wisconsin and is still boasting about the prize muskellunge he caught back in 1940 or
1941. “I'll tell you how big that fish was,” he’s fond of saying on little or no provocation. The guide took a picture of it for me, and the picture alone weighed sixteen pounds!”
Friendship is God’s special way of loving us through someone else.
Love is the only thing that power cannot command and money cannot buy.
DOCTOR (to plump patient): “Your diet will be very simple. If it tastes good, spit it out.”
When you have nothing left but God,
Then you become aware that God is enough.
The deep sea diver has scarcely reached the sea bottom when a message from the surface left him in a dilemma – “Come up quick,” he was told. “The ship is sinking!”
Definition: “epistle,” a female apostle.
Church
Work Day:
Same dates, at 9am.
Join us!
Men's’ Breakfasts
at 8am:
Jan 11
Feb 8
March 14
NPC Congregational Meeting
and Dish to Pass Luncheon
on Sunday January 26
following worship service.
Save the Date!
Wednesday Fellowship Dinners
at 5:30pm:
Jan 8
&
Feb 5
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Poinsettia Dedications
Thank you!
Given By: In Loving Memory Of:
Vicki Balon and Lori Lee Parents, Doris & James Ernest
Grandmother, Marion L. Gillmer
Sister-in-law, Mary Ernest
Joan Barneski Husband, Don Barneski and
Daughter, Paula Barneski Mathes
The Brooks Family Mark H. Brooks
Pam & Bill Caroscio Our Parents
Jim Casselberry & Dolores Cummings Richard & Doris Casselberry
And Thomas Rupp
The Dalrymple Family Robert & Mary Dalrymple
Raymond & Dorothy Fassett
Robert Fassett
Harry & Marilyn Edwards Geri VanHouten and
Merril VanHouten
Bill & Bobbi Furnas, Chase Johnson, Joan Mullaly,
Rachel & Josh Ray Johnson,
Tom & Judy Furnas
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Poinsettia Dedications
Thank you!
Given By: In Loving Memory Of:
Suzie Hoskins Parents, Stanley & Shirley Hoskins
Son, Tadd Llewellyn
Grandparents, and Uncle Lloyd
Theresa & William Houck Thomas Roe
Chris Miller Fred Miller
Jim & Linda Palmer Tom Roe, Carl Draxler,
Sidney & Florence Palmer
Mike & Deb Stamp Bert & Beverly Wilcox,
Donald & Theresa Stamp,
George & Nita Springstead,
Daniel Stamp, Clifford R. Davis
Annette Stevens Parents, Merton & Anna Stevens
Sisters, Joan Monachino and
Peggy VanWormer
Sylvia Tuller Husband, Ken Tuller
Given By: In Honor Of:
Harry & Marilyn Edwards Merril Glen VanHouten, Jr.,
Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, Deceased
The Houck Family James & Linda Palmer
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As the New Year approaches, many people begin to think about their 2020 goals. Areas can range from health and wellness, a new career, retirement, reconnecting with family, starting a new hobby,
volunteering, or managing their finances better. Most adults choose one to two areas and target their time, energy and resources to be successful. Too many goals would be overwhelming and could lead
to throwing the towel in real fast! Through prayer, thoughtful attention and a clear vision we can accomplish almost anything we set our minds to. God has bestowed upon each one of us specific skills
and resources. It is our journey to explore and understand God’s purpose for our lives.
While considering the 2020 plan for OUR church, we first need to consider OUR purpose and how to achieve that purpose. Is it to double our membership? To enhance family support, education, meals
and activities? Refurbish the NPC Food Pantry? Spruce up the outside of the church? To offer supportive housing to homeless youth. To have our doors open to the community each evening for a
place of fellowship, study, warmth and comfort? To offer another worship service on a different date or time? Enhance our connections with the partners who regularly use our facilities? Perhaps, to have separate youth worship services, geared more to developing the youth relationship with Christ in a
relatable way. Is financial health our priority?
After determining a goal or two, an action plan is needed. We can’t lose weight if we continue eating the same diet. Just like our church culture, our membership, finances, and mission will not change by
continuing to approach our discipleship in the same way.
For a moment, please consider if our 2020 goal is “to attract families with school aged children”. What would that look like? What could you do to help accomplish that goal? What activities would our church
sponsor and participate in? How would the community know that is our goal? What would we do differently?
Similarly, what if our goal is to increase income by 10%, roughly $10,000. What would that look like? What could you do to help accomplish that goal? What activities would our church engage in to raise money? How would the community know that is our goal? What would we do differently? How would
we act and behave?
How can we take our resources and our talents, to work together to serve God? “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:21
I ask you, to please join me in intentional prayer over the coming weeks. This season is to recognize
the AWESOME gift we received in Jesus Christ. God gave him to us. We are charged with sharing His Word and His Love with the people of this community. What are God’s plans for North Presbyterian Church? This is a time of community revitalization and North Presbyterian Church still stands…God
has a plan for us!
Please, join me in prayer to find it.
-Theresa Houck
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Session Summary
December 16, 2019
Rev. Hicks determined that a quorum was present and called the meeting to order. The meeting was convened in Scripture and prayer led by Cindy Kalweit.
Session reviewed and approved the minutes of the November 18, 2019 stated Session meeting as submitted.
Session unanimously re-affirmed the memberships of Christine Miller and Francis Stethers. Christine and Francis will be restored to NPC’s Active Membership Rolls.
The Treasurer reviewed the Financial Statements including the Profit and Loss Budget Performance for November and the Account Activity Summary for the Endowment Fund. Pledge income for November was $6,128 over budget. Year-to-date income is $110,973.61 as compared to budgeted income of $115,468.00. The Endowment Fund had a change in market value of $29,164 in November. Session received the report (with thanks) including monthly and year-to-date financial statements as presented.
The Financial Secretary reviewed the 2020 proposed NPC budget. Session approved the budget, as amended, and with allowance for adjustments if more 2019 Pledges are received.
Rev. Hicks provided a written report of his monthly activities. He also supplied Session with a Sermon schedule through February 23, 2020. Rev. Hicks also shared a letter he sent to recent visitors. It was suggested that Rev. Hicks reach out to try to set up a home visit. The Church Activity Calendar was reviewed by the Session.
Jeff Richards provided a written report of the November 19 Presbytery meeting. He noted that Presbytery approved the allocation of $46,000 in logging revenue (from timber harvested from Camp Whitman) to a restricted account to be used for maintenance of Camp Whitman. Rev. Hicks thanked Jeff for his continued commitment to Presbytery and for keeping NPC connected and involved.
Bill Furnas reviewed a new Building Use Fee Schedule.
Barb Duryea thanked Bob Russell for the hand-made wooden cross necklaces that will be given to new members.
Jeff Richards reported Caroling to homebound members was successful. Thanked Tim, Cheryl, and Steve Allison for coordination.
Ann Motley reported that the Christmas Stockings were a huge hit with the Food Pantry families. Over half of the stockings were handed out on Saturday, December 14. The stockings will be available for pick up during Food Pantry hours until December 23 rd. The Director of Youth Ministry is considering a youth mission trip to Ohio for the summer of 2020. She will be meeting with youth and parents to discuss and see if there is any interest.
Session agreed by consent to invite Glenda Miller of Border Buddies Ministries to NPC in January for an Adult Forum opportunity. Glenda will be asked to provide a Minute for Mission during the worship service.
Jeff Richards reported that the Nominating Committee is still looking for people to fill 3 open positions on Session (Deacons, Finance, Worship and Music).
Session approved the updated job description for the Church Financial Secretary position.
Suzie Hoskins reported that she has received a lot of positive feedback regarding the All Saints Day Service of Remembrance. She also noted that Christmas decorations will be taken down on Monday, January 5th. She would appreciate anyone who could come and help out.
Session formed an ad-hoc kitchen update committee. The committee will get quotes for a new stove, and cupboard for the kitchen as well as chairs for Willits Hall. They will present a proposal to the Buildings and Ground Committee for approval. Once approved by the Session, the Kitchen Upgrade Project will be presented to the congregation as a fund raiser.
Session members and Rev. Hicks expressed their appreciation to Suzie Hoskins for all of her hard work and dedication as Chair of the Worship and Music Committee.
The meeting adjourned in prayer at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Kalweit, Clerk of Session
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January Worship Volunteers
Worship Assistant 1/5 Jeff Richards 1/12 Cindy Kalweit 1/19 Gunner Wilson 1/26 Ethan Wilson Children & Youth Message 1/5 Jeff Richards 1/12 Cindy Kalweit 1/19 TBD 1/26 TBD Communion: Intinction 1/5 Linda Palmer, Barb Duryea, Wendy Swatling, Suzie Hoskins, Cindy Kalweit, Kurt Kalweit, Joe Rolls Greeters 1/5 Linda Palmer 1/12 Joan Barneski 1/19 Jeff Richards 1/26 Maxine Burroughs
Ushers 1/5 Cindy & Kurt Kalweit 1/12 Janice Williams and Phil Carpentier 1/19 Tim & Cheryl Allison 1/26 Deb & Mike Stamp Nursery & Wee Worship 1/5 Liz Wilson and Linda Palmer 1/12 Mickey Vischansky and Deb Stamp 1/19 Ann Motley and Leigha Hoskins 1/26 Karen Wilson and Barb Duryea Tech Booth 1/5 Bill Furnas 1/12 Tim Allison 1/19 Ed Wilson 1/26 Cheryl Allison
Prayer Partner 1/5 Linda Palmer 1/12 Becky Kowulich 1/19 Bobbi Furnas 1/26 Cindy Kalweit Counters 1/5 Suzie Hoskins and Deb Stamp 1/12 Phil Carpentier and Jeff Richards 1/19 Kurt & Cindy Kalweit 1/26 Annette Stevens and Jim Mosher Fellowship Time 1/5 Maxine Burroughs and Linda Palmer 1/12 Karen Wilson and Missy Ripley 1/19 Barb Duryea and Karen Mosteller 1/26 Ann Motley and Glenda Solowiej
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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 NEW YEARS DAY CHURCH OFFICE AND FOOD PANTRY CLOSED
2 8:30: Yoga 12:00: Red Cross Blood Drive 6:30: AA Meeting
3 10:00: Food Pantry 5:15: AA Meeting
4 8:00: AA Meeting
5 9:30: Worship & Communion 10:30: Fellowship 11:00 Sunday School
6 10:00: Food Pantry 1:00: Deacons Meeting
7
8:30: Yoga 6:30: AA Meeting 6:30: Women’s Bible Study 6:40: Men’s Bible Study
8 Bulletin Info Due 10:00: Food Pantry 12:00: Noon Bible Study 5:00: Worship & Music Mtg 5:30: Fellowship Dinner 6:00: Bell Choir 6:30: Praise Band 7:30: Chancel Choir
9 8:30: Yoga 1:00: Mission & Outreach Meeting 6:30: Communications & Technology Meeting 6:30: AA Meeting
10 10:00: Food Pantry 5:15: AA Meeting
11 8:00: Men’s Breakfast 9:00: Church Work Day 800: AA Meeting
12 9:30: Worship 10:30: Fellowship 11:00: Sunday School
13 10:00: Food Pantry 6:30: Buildings & Grounds Meeting
14 8:30: Yoga 5:30: Christian Education Meeting 6:30: AA Meeting 6:30: Women’s Bible Study 6:40: Men’s Bible Study
15 Bulletin Info Due 10:00: Food Pantry 12:00: Noon Bible Study 12:30: FP Coalition Meeting 6:00: Bell Choir 6:30: Praise Band 7:30: Chancel Choir
16 8:30: Yoga 10:15: Thursday Morning Musicales 6:30: AA Meeting
17 10:00: Food Pantry 5:15: AA Meeting
18 8:00: AA Meeting
19 9:30: Worship 10:30: Fellowship 11:00: Sunday School
20 MLK JR. Day CHURCH OFFICE AND FOOD PANTRY CLOSED 6:30: Board of Session Meeting
21 8:30: Yoga 6:30: AA Meeting 6:30: Women’s Bible Study 6:40: Men’s Bible Study
22 Bulletin Info Due 10:00: Food Pantry 12:00: Noon Bible Study 6:00: Bell Choir 6:30: Praise Band 7:30: Chancel Choir
23 8:30: Yoga 6:30: AA Meeting
24 10:00: Food Pantry 5:15: AA Meeting
25 8:00: AA Meeting
26 9:30: Worship Followed by Congregational Luncheon and Dish to Pass Luncheon
27 10:00: Food Pantry
28 8:30: Yoga 6:30: AA Meeting 6:30: Women’s Bible Study 6:40: Men’s Bible Study
29 Bulletin Info Due 10:00: Food Pantry 12:00: Noon Bible Study 6:00: Bell Choir 6:30: Praise Band 7:30: Chancel Choir
30 8:30: Yoga 6:30: AA Meeting
31 10:00: Food Pantry 5:15: AA Meeting