t he weathervane - old first church · 2015-11-30 · 20 g. e d 6 h tor t, 43-0 631-427-2101 g ted...
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T he Weathervane December 2015
Old First Presbyterian Church Worship Services: Sundays at 10:00 a.m.
2
From the Interim Pastor’s Study
My, oh my, what a busy month we’ve had here at Old First—busy and exhilarating!
Here’s a brief news clip of all our Old First events in chronological order:
Transition News:
First, your session and the congregation have met to complete the visionary piece of our
Mission Study. We received 89 Questionnaires from the congregation—and approxi-
mately 65-70 attended the Congregational Gathering on November 1. Take it from
someone who used to do market research for a living—those numbers are remarkable—
and at least twice what researchers normally expect to receive. (I’d say there are some
very interested members out there!) We discovered that we are a “people church” with
strengths in hospitality and strong fellowship. We are proud of our church and the tradi-
tions and history it carries. What’s more, we received almost 50 adjectives to describe
the behavioral characteristics you’re seeking in your new pastor. Talk about a super he-
ro! I’m also happy to report that we are moving right along to complete the Mission
Study to get to the next stage in our process of calling your next minister.
Presbyterian Women’s Fall Fair: I was told when I arrived in Huntington that the annual
“Fair” is one of the signature events in the life of Old First. Someone sent me pictures of
last year’s Fair, but they did not do justice to what I saw and experienced on November
14. I observed and participated in a microcosm of our congregation—members and
friends who all came together for fellowship, some very hard work—but most of all to
serve Christ in our community and world. What an outpouring of love, grit and determi-
nation! I’m still on my “Fall Fair” high as I write this article.
2016 Stewardship Campaign
We celebrated an ambitious campaign on Sunday, November 15 as we prepare to enter
our 358th year of ministry in Huntington! Many thanks to all of you who have submitted
their pledge! If you weren’t able to be in worship on the 15th, the Stewardship & Budget
Committee would appreciate receiving your pledge card as soon as possible so budget
information can be prepared--and we prepare to launch our church for another year of
faithful ministry in our town.
Thanksgiving Baskets
Ken and I did arrive last fall in time for Thanksgiving Baskets, another of the signature
events of our congregation. More pictures would have belied what we saw as we entered
Parish Hall to pack baskets. Good thing there were two of us putting in cans of vegeta-
bles (we were only “two short”, once!) Things are abuzz this week as the stage fills
with empty boxes, chairs and packing stations are set up and attention is given to last
minute details. And we can hardly wait to see the expectant smiles on the families we
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If you haven’t already submitted the dates for your birthday and anniversary, please let the church office know as soon as possible so we can list them in the Weathervane for the appropriate months. Please note that since there is no Weathervane for the months of January, July, and August, these special days will be listed in the previous months’ issues.
Birthdays
Sing a song of Birthdays Full of fun and cheer
And may you keep on having them For many a happy year.
(Anonymous)
Anniversaries
Love begins in a moment, grows over time, and lasts for eternity.
(Anonymous)
Love never ends... (1 Corinthians 13:8)
2 Ken Lewis
13 Heather Adams
19 Pete Feterolf
28 Cynthia Stewart
May you be showered with all God’s best blessings today and always.
Special Days to Celebrate January
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Birthdays
Sing a song of Birthdays Full of fun and cheer
And may you keep on having them For many a happy year.
(Anonymous)
Anniversaries
Love begins in a moment,
grows over time, and lasts for eternity. (Anonymous)
Love never ends... (1 Corinthians 13:8)
23 Martha Tibbetts 19 Peter & Lucy Feterolf
26 Heather Tucker
31 Else Haddock
Lief Andresen
Special Days to Celebrate December
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Family Service
10:30 p.m. Special Christmas Music
serve!
Advent and Christmas
It’s a good thing the holidays fall just after our two November events—it would be awful
to have to come down so fast! For on Sunday, November 29th, we will begin our celebration
of Advent, four weeks before Christmas Day. The word Advent, comes from Latin, adventus,
which means coming. And during the beautiful time leading up to the birth of our Savior, we
prepare for the coming of our Lord on Christmas Day. Plan to join your church family during
Advent!
Pick up an Advent Calendar available outside Parish Hall for adults beginning Nov. 29.
(Children will receive their own special Advent Calendar in Sunday School.)
Join your church family for two Christmas videos in the Fiske Room:
Friday, December 4 at 7:00 pm, “A Christmas Story” (Very funny, for families)
Sunday, December 6 at 3:00 pm, “The Nativity Story” (Engaging, also for families)
Worship with us every Sunday at Old First as families light the Advent candles, special
music is offered and we hear the story of the coming of our Savior.
The Children’s and Youth Christmas Pageant will be held on December 20, the 4th
Sunday of Advent during worship. Come to watch and listen as they enact the story of
the first Christmas in Bethlehem.
Join us on Christmas Eve—the holiest and most beautiful evening of the year:
Children’s Christmas Concert at 5:00 p.m.
Family Christmas Eve Service at 5:30 p.m
Christmas Concert at 10:30 p.m.
Traditional Christmas Eve Service at 11:00 p.m.
Service of Lessons and Carols on Sunday, December 27 at 10:00 a.m.
Thanks to all of you, my husband Ken and I have had the privilege of ministering with and
among you for an entire year. Wishing you all a blessed Advent and joyous Christmas! See
you in church!
Faithfully,
Rev. Anne
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Prayer List Requests
If you would like to place someone on the Prayer List, please fill out forms located in the Narthex, and return to the Church Office. Additional forms are located in the hallway between
Parish Hall and the Sanctuary and in the office.
In Our Prayers
Ashley Andresen (Katie’s daughter), Kevin Behrens (Brian’s son),
Charla Bolton (former member and friend of OFC), Paul Burgess (member),
Paige Burkeholder and family (Melissa Terc’s sister and family),
Regina Conzelmann (member),
Ellen Correll and Family (OFC Financial Secretary), Kerry Degnan (member),
Joy Eipel (Mark Mandrakos’ mom), Lee & Gail Forker (Melissa Terc’s parents),
Patricia and Ed Gunthner (Mark’s parents),
Dave and Else Haddock (members), Betty Hasteadt (member),
Janet and Bill Higby (former OFC members), Pat Horner (member),
Clarissa Jost (member), Wendy Kennedy (Peter Storey’s sister),
Mike Macchiaroli (Barbara Macchiaroli’s son), Priscilla McGuire (member),
Jason Montransky (6-year old friend of Katie Andresen), Kim Myers (member),
Robert and Cindy Raynor (Brett’s parents), Rebecca Raynor (Brett’s sister),
Dan Rooker (Laure McKenna’s brother), Carol Saenger (member),
Bradley Samuel (Mary’s son), Winifred Slater (member),
Tom Stewart (friend of the congregation), Daphne Storey (member),
Ruth Terc (John Terc’s mother), Brad Thayer (former member),
Tom Tucker (member), Grace Youngquist (member). ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Do not worry about anything,
but in everything by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
(Philippians 4:6)
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You are invited to contribute to the news and newsworthiness of our congregation!
The Weathervane is published by Old First Church and distributed to members and friends
of Old First Church.
Please know that there is no January issue of the Weathervane.
The deadline for the February 2016 issue of the Weathervane is
January 14, 2016 @ noon.
Please mail, hand deliver, or e-mail submissions to the Church office at
Weathervane assembly will be the last Wednesday of each month. Anyone who is available
and would like to help out, please let the church office know. Thank you.
If you do not want to receive a paper copy of the Weathervane so we can reduce postage
cost, please let the office or me know. Thanks.
WEATHERVANE DEADLINE
Keep in Touch …
...When going to Huntington Hospital, be sure you list “Old First Presbyterian Church” as your church. Hospital workers provide lists of Protestants and Presbyterians, but often do not know what “Old First’s” affiliation may be.
...If you are aware of a member in the hospital, please let us know. Many people are admitted through emergency and will not appear on any church lists. Your minister is there often and wants to call on you. Please help by informing the church. We care.
PHONE NUMBERS IN THE DIRECTORY: We are making a major update to our
church directory. Many people have changed phone numbers or use their cell phone
numbers to the exclusion of their land lines. In order to facilitate better communica-
tions within the congregation we would like to enter the phone number which you
prefer to use in the directory.
Please call the church office or e-mail [email protected]
and give your preferred number to Cherie.
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Christmas Poinsettias
One of the highlights of this coming Christmas season is the floral decorations within our sanctuary. Christmas flowers have a two-fold purpose - to decorate our sanctu-ary and to enable the sick and homebound to receive the flowers as a token of love and Christmas spirit from the church family. If you would like to provide flowers for these purposes, please fill out the form below and send it to:
Heather Tucker, Presbyterian Women Old First Church 125 Main Street
Huntington, NY 11743 The cost of a flower donation is $15 per plant. Please indicate how many plants you want to donate, and indicate whether you would care to bring your flowers home with you or would like to donate it to the church for distribution to our infirm church mem-bers. All requests must be in by Sunday December 13th. No late orders, please. We would like to thank all those who contribute to making our sanctuary a place of beauty and spiritual warmth during this Christmas season.
Number of Plants: __________________ Total Cost: __________________
□ Would like to take home. □ Would like to donate
Presented in loving memory of or in honor of:_____________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ By: ______________________________________________________________ (Please make checks payable to Presbyterian Women, Old First Church. To ensure correctness, please double check forms and be sure they are received by Heather Tucker by December 13th)
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December Worship Schedule
Sunday, December 6 - 2nd Sunday of Advent 10:00 am: Worship with Communion
Sunday, December 13 - 3rd Sunday of Advent 10:00 am: Worship w/Kids’ & Youth Choirs
Sunday, December 20 - 4rd Sunday of Advent 10:00 am: Worship with Pageant
Wednesday, December 24 - Christmas Eve 5:00 pm music by Kids’ and Youth Choirs
5:30 pm Family Worship Service
10:30 pm music by the Sanctuary Choir
11:00 pm Candlelight Worship Service
Sunday, December 27 - 1st Sunday after Christmas Day 10:00 am: Worship Service of Lessons and Carols
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Stewardship and Budget Committee
As the Holidays approach, we would like to thank the generosity of our congre-
gation for their efforts in this year’s Stewardship campaign. There are many
changes going on at Old First now. We are in between installed pastors, but
have been blessed with the Rev. Anne Stewart Miller as our interim minister.
We are in flux, as major renovations are happening in the interior of our church
and shortly to the outside. But the one constant is our congregation. We are al-
ways steadfast in our beliefs and in the missions and programs of our church. It
shouldn’t surprise me (being a member for 33 years) but it always does. Your
generosity and commitment to our church is amazing and it is my honor to be
the one to say “Thank you” for sharing your blessings once again.
The Stewardship Committee
Jim Colbert Chair
Community Food Council
The Community Food Council is in need of donations of non-perishable food items, canned goods and items such as toilet paper (always needed) which are not covered by food stamps.
Please bring in your donations on Communion Sunday
Canned tuna or chicken and soup Thank you for your generous donations.
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OFC Holiday Monthly Movie Presentations
Come celebrate the season and kick off our new Monthly Movies at OFC program
by joining us for these upcoming movies in our newly renovated Fiske room shown
on our new, large flat-screen T.V! Refreshments included.
Friday, Dec. 4th 7 pm “A Christmas Story”: A young boy in 1940’s Indiana,
dreaming of his ideal Christmas gift—a genuine Red Ryder Carbon Action Air Ri-
fle. In this comedy Christmas classic, Ralphie will do anything (including mounting
a full-scale hint-dropping, Santa-begging campaign) to achieve his goal!
Sunday, Dec. 6th 3 pm “The Nativity Story”: A beautiful telling of one of the
world’s most familiar stories. Join Mary and Joseph on an incredible journey of hope
and discovery. The film is epic in its scope, yet intimate in its portrayal of this his-
torical biblical family. (Note: This film will serve as our congregational gathering
celebrating the Nativity in lieu of the Living Nativity this year).
Please contact Leslie Schult or Anne Gunthner with any questions.
Offer of rides to those with no transportation would be greatly appreciated!
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Old First Church Mission Thrift Store
The Clothesline Thrift Store is looking for a volunteer for Thursdays and
Fridays — the 11:00am -1:30pm shift.. If you think you are interested in help-
ing — even for an occasional Thursday or Friday, please contact Cynthia at
[email protected] or 516-780-2185.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thrift Store Hours:
We are open Tues., Thurs., & Fri. from 11am to 4pm
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We accept clothing donations during hours of operation.
A special thank you to everyone who contributed to our Annual Fall Fair - those who continue to chair the booths and those who have joined our force this year, those who dedicate endless hours to setting up the fair, and those who donate the thousands of "no longer wanted items which someone else really needs." It has been my pleasure to work with all of you again this year on this most important charitable event. Rest a little - and get ready for next year!
Thank You,
Kathy Porter, Fall Fair Chairperson
Many of you already know that Cynthia may be moving away from Huntington…
If you think that “managing” our Thrift shop is something you would like to do
(by yourself or with a committee), please contact Cynthia Stewart (text or call)
516-780-2185
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Youth Ministry Update
I hope that you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Youth Club and
TUXIS continues to grow and thrive. Thank you to everyone at
OFC who have continued to support all of the youth programs and
activities. Some of the activities over the past year include: ski trip,
bake sale, car wash, Hi-Hi, Operation Sweet Tooth, Toys for Tots,
Fashion Show, Halloween Party, Thanksgiving Prayer Service,
overnight sleep-in, Family Bowling Night, as well as bi-monthly TUXIS meetings
and weekly Wednesday evening lessons, activities, crafts and dinner. We look
forward to another faith filled and exciting year! I know 2016 will be a wonderful
year. Please look for e-mails and in the bulletin for information on HI-HI, the ski
trip, and upcoming Mission Trips.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all!
Some exciting events in December: November 22nd: TUXIS 6:00- 7:30 pm
December 3rd: Wednesday evening activities including a lesson on Advent
December 6th: TUXIS- 6:00-7:30 pm
December 9th : Wednesday evening lesson and Christmas activities
December 13th: Mother/daughter (friend, niece, sister) tea and ornament swap
after coffee hour in Parish Hall
December 20th: TUXIS- 6:00-7:30 pm Christmas Party (details to follow)
December 23rd: Kids and Youth Choir sing at Huntington Hospital with Diane
Starost with Christmas Celebration to follow in Parish Hall
We are a Toys For Tots drop off site for Family Service League. Please remem-
ber to bring in an unwrapped toy or wrapping paper by Sunday, December 20th
Please call or e-mail if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.
Merry Christmas! Katie On a Personal note, thank you all for all of your prayers, kindness and thoughts
for Ashley. It meant so very much to us all!
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CHURCH SCHOOL NEWS
The Church School children would like to thank Gail and Bill Johnson for
providing the Bibles for our third graders this year.
All of the children will be receiving a special Advent calendar to help them
count down to Christmas. Be sure to share this experience with your child!
Our mitten tree will be set up in Parish Hall beginning Sunday, December 6th.
Please help us by donating hats, gloves, mittens and scarves. All of the items
will be given to the Family Service League.
Mark your calendars! "Soaper Bowl Sunday" begins January 3rd. This year we
will be collecting donations of soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc.
More info to follow.
- Bob and Pat Miller and Kerry Degnan
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Living out faith in the midst of a Caring community of women
Coordinating Team Meeting
Moderator: Susan Oehrig (718-499-6138)
email: [email protected]
PW Board meeting Tuesday, December 1st
Refreshments at 9:30am, Meeting begins at 10:00am
Living out faith in the midst of a Caring community of women
Circle 1 (Evening Circle)
Leaders: Priscilla Jahier (351-4941)
Monday night, December 14th at 7:30PM.
Christmas Gathering at the home of Heather Adams.
Please RSVP to Heather at (516) 624-6840
and let her know whether you will bring an appetizer or dessert.
Circle 3 Bible Study
Co-leaders: Holly Baptista (757-0719) and Gloria Burgess (424-5168),
Lucy Fetterolf (co-leader emeritus)
Meets the 2nd Tuesday each month at 12:30pm in the Fiske Room
Our next meeting will be Dec. 8th. We will be discussing Chapters 3 and 4.
Circle 4 Quilting
Leader: Asenath Fuchs (692-4139)
Thursday Mornings at 9:30am in Room 101
Meetings for December will be December 3rd, 10th, and 17th
All are welcome. No experience necessary.
Will be working on the Quilt for this year
and shoulder covers for oncology patients at the Huntington Hospital.
Circle 6 Crafts—Holiday Shoppe
Leader: Kris Colbert (271-4072)
Fridays, 9:45am in the Craft Room.
No December meetings
Will meet again January 8th 2016
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FOOD 4 THE SOUL
Once a Month-Sunday Mornings- Just for Teens
Mark your calendars, so you don’t miss the once a month class just for teens,
Food 4 the Soul. OUR NEXT CLASS WILL BE DEC. 6th !!!!!!
Future class is Jan. 10th.
Join us from 9:30-11am in the Youth Room upstairs.
Food- Cooking- conversation- activities- and BIBLE exploration.
Come find out what it's all about.
Please, if you can, RSVP to Gretchen, so she can have a count for the food.
CHRISTMAS PAGEANT 2015
Christmas will be here before you know it and so will the annual Christmas Pageant.
Important dates for your calendar.
Sunday, Dec. 6th— during Church School costume sorting & distribution
Sunday, Dec. 6th—after church for 1 hour practice for speaking parts
Sunday, Dec.13th—after church DRESS REHEARSAL
*(Lunch, practice, and complete run through.)
Sunday, Dec.20th during Worship Service Christmas Pageant
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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat November 29 November 30 1 2 3 4 5
1st Sunday of Advent
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 2nd Sunday of Advent
13 14 15 16 17 18 20 3rd Sunday of Advent
20 21 22 23 24 25 26 4th Sunday of Advent Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED
27 28 29 30 31 2016 January 1 2016 January 2
1st Sunday after Christmas Day
New Years Eve New Years Day
CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED
9:30a Prayers
10a Worship
10:20a Church School
11:30a Mother/Daughter Tea
Ornament Swap
6:45p AA
9:30a Prayers
10a Worship-Pageant
6:45p AA
9:30a Prayers
10a Worship
6:45p AA
9:30a PW Board
11a-4p Thrift Store
1p AA
6p Girl Scouts
7p Deacons
7:30p NA
12p PW Christmas Luncheon 5-5:30p Kids’ Choir
5-7p Kids’ & Youth Club
5:30-6p Youth Choir
5-10p GS Silver Award Ceremony
7:15p AA
7:30p BS Troop 32
9:30a Prayers 9:30a Food 4 the Soul
10a Communion Worship w/K&Y Chrs.
10:20a Church School 3p Movie “The Nativity Story”
6:45p AA
6:30p TUXIS
7:30p Trustees
7:30p NA
11a-4p Thrift Store
1:00p AA
11a-4p Thrift Store
1:00p AA
5-5:30p Kids’ Choir
5-7p Kids’ & Youth Club
5:30-6p Youth Choir
7:15p AA
7:30p BS Troop 32
11a-4p Thrift Store
1:00p AA 7:30p NA
9a Music & Worship Comm. 9:30a Prayers
10a Worship
10a Church School 6:45p AA
7:15p AA
6p PW/C-1 Christmas
Gathering
7:30p NA
11a-4p Thrift Store
12:30p PW Circle 3
1p AA
7p Session
5-5:30p Kids’ Choir
5-7p Kids’ & Youth Club
5:30-6p Youth Choir
7:15p AA
7:30p BS Troop 32
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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat November 29 November 30 1 2 3 4 5
1st Sunday of Advent
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 2nd Sunday of Advent
13 14 15 16 17 18 20 3rd Sunday of Advent
20 21 22 23 24 25 26 4th Sunday of Advent Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED
27 28 29 30 31 2016 January 1 2016 January 2
1st Sunday after Christmas Day
New Years Eve New Years Day
CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED
12p PW Christmas Luncheon 5-5:30p Kids’ Choir
5-7p Kids’ & Youth Club
5:30-6p Youth Choir
5-10p GS Silver Award Ceremony
7:15p AA
7:30p BS Troop 32
9:30a PW C-4 Quilting
11a-4p Thrift Store
8p Choir
9:30a Al Anon
11a-4p Thrift Store
4-6:30p Three Harbors
7p Movie Night
11a-4p Thrift Store
5p Music by Kids’/Youth Choirs
5:30p Family Service
10:30p Music by Sanctuary Choir
11p Candlelight Service
9:30a PW C-4 Quilting
11a-4p Thrift Store
5-10p Rex Arts Cabaret
8p Choir
9a Al Anon
11a-4p Thrift Store
5-9p L.I. MTF Rex Arts
5-5:30p Kids’ Choir
5-7p Kids’ & Youth Club
5:30-6p Youth Choir
7:15p AA
7:30p BS Troop 32
7:15p AA
5-5:30p Kids’ Choir
5-7p Kids’ & Youth Club
5:30-6p Youth Choir
7:15p AA
7:30p BS Troop 32
9:30a PW C-4 Quilting
11a-4p Thrift Store
8p Choir 9:30a Al Anon
11a-4p Thrift Store
11a-4p Thrift Store