The LAC Centennial

PROMPTER

Advent & Christmas 2014

CHRISTMAS AT LAC . . .

December 24 Christmas Eve Worship

5 p.m. Candlelight Family Worship

8 p.m. Candlelight Worship with the celebration of Holy Communion Prelude of Christmas Music

11 p.m. Candlelight Worship with the celebration of Holy Communion December 28 First Sunday of Christmas

10 a.m. Service of Lessons and Carols

From Rev. Bill Crawford

As I opened the car door to pump gas at the Hess station just outside Cobleskill, New York, the biting cold air got my attention right away… along with the music. I had just dropped off my son Graham at his col-lege on a cold wintry night - and I was heading home.

A quick stop for fuel and I’d be on my way. There, beyond the bright neon-lit island of gas pumps where I stood, ready to swipe my card and fill up with regular, the darkness of the night in the rural country-side provided a stark contrast to the brilliance of what felt like a heav-enly light enveloping that spot – right there at the gas pumps.

What I heard in those moments sounded like church. I listened closely in the silence as the sweet tones were briefly punctuated by the roar and grinding gears of a tractor-trailer that blew by just as quickly as it came on the highway a few yards away. It was Ave Maria, sung beauti-fully! I looked around wondering. There was a shiny SUV at the ad-joining island; I took a few steps over to find out if that was the source. The driver pulled away right then, but still the music continued. I then noticed that the gas station had an audio system, with built-in over-head speakers. So, I was not dreaming. The music grew to a crescendo;

it was a really great rendition of Ave Maria. I smiled and thought of the weddings at which I offici-ated where folks tentatively re-quested that Ave Maria be sung; and they were surprised when I said, “Sure”. They had assumed Ave Maria was beyond Protestant tradition. Mary, the blessed one, is the bearer of great news, the bearer of Jesus. True, our tradi-tion avoids any focus on Mary that would deify her, as in “mother of God.” Rather, the Bi-ble speaks of her as the young woman child, engaged to be mar-ried and found to be pregnant; she becomes the mother of Jesus. Matthew’s Gospel notes that this happens “by the Holy Spirit.” Mary is the bearer of hope, com-mon but called. “Ave Maria” is the greeting to Mary from the an-gel Gabriel, upon the angel’s an-nouncement to her that she is to bear Jesus, the Messiah.

So it was that in the cold night air, approaching the Christmas season, I beheld the first strains of an advent message – the Lord’s coming, Christ is to be born!

There in the heavenly light at the gas pump, as the final verse of that spiritual singing trailed off into the night, a quick moment later – much to my surprise – I then heard the jingling beat, and

continued on page 4

The Prompter

A newsletter published quarterly by

The Larchmont Avenue Church 60 Forest Park Avenue

Larchmont, New York 10538 914-834-1800

You may reach staff members directly at the following extensions:

Senior Pastor: Rev. Dr. William P. Crawford 308

Director of Music Ministry: Douglas Kostner 307

Director of Christian Education: Louise Moore Williams 309

Bookkeeper: Marjorie Bee 310

Church Secretary: Melanie Murray 300

Sexton: Frankie Madrid 304

Evening Sexton: Franklin Taylor 304

Fax: 914-834-1832 Web site: www.lacny.org

Prompter Editor: Jane Land

Website Editors: Marge Lindblom

Dan Walden Jane Land

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LAC

Women’s Retreat

2015:

Hold the Date!

We’re still in the midst of raking leaves, but Spring is just around the corner, and, with it, the annu-al LAC Women’s Retreat. In 2015, the Retreat will be Friday evening March 27th through Sat-urday afternoon, March 28th. The Retreat is open to all women of college age and be-yond. More details to come…

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING:

BY-Law change approved,

new officers elected

At the special meeting of the congregation of the Larchmont Avenue Church on Sunday December 7 following worship, a change to the By-Laws was unanimously approved and Church Officers for the Class of 2018 and at-large members to the 2015 Nominating Committee were unanimously elected.

The amendment to the By-laws states: Section (f) of Article XI, Nomi-nating Committee, was modified to read as follows:

(f) Members of the committee shall be elected annually. Session, Trustees and Deacons may appoint their designees for successive terms. At-large members shall not be elected to serve more than 2 consecutive terms as an at-large member, and at least 3 of the at-large members shall not have served on the Nominating Committee in the preceding year either as a Board designee or at-large member.

Maintaining a few members with experience in the process from one year to the next has proven extremely helpful in completing the tasks of the Nominating Committee.

The following nominees were elected to Church Office:

Ruling Elders, Class of 2018:

Lynne Armstrong, Wes Huang, Cynthia Janelli, Todd King

Deacons, Class of 2018:

Mark Fraser, Robin Giacomo, Amy Hagar, Angie Leissl, Liz Nabholz, Ginny Poleman

Youth Deacons (one year term):

Olivia Giacomo, Katherine Larsen

Trustees, Class of 2018:

Jim Allen, Barbara Christiansen, Erin Kane, Anthony Manson

2015 Nominating Committee, At-Large:

Kristin DeFelice, Garr Di Salvo, Susan McLaren, Jill Sarkozi, Dan Wal-den, Judith Wong

Special thanks to the members of the 2014 Nominating Committee for their hard work:

Session: Greg Hawkins, Angie Leissl (chair) Deacon: Susan McLaren Trustee: Dan Walden At-Large: Patricia Allen, Mary Joyce Beringer, Chrystal Chambers, Su-zy Huang, John Irving, Justin Kane

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Coffee Hour Hospitality

The fellowship of coffee hour is one of the joys of Sunday at LAC. Please sign up to provide hospi-tality for the congregation one Sunday this winter. Coffee, bever-ages, platters, napkins and plates are all provided. Food will be laid out - you just have to bring the goodies. Too busy to bake? Purchased food is fine. Put your name on the sheet at coffee hour.

World Communion

Sunday Offering for Syrian Relief

Thank you to all who contrib-uted to the special offering for World Communion Sun-day, October 5. Larchmont Avenue Church raised more than $3000 to assist the Syri-an relief efforts of Presbyteri-an Disaster Assistance (PDA).

The humanitarian crisis in Syria, now in its fourth year, has become one of the larg-est of our day, with more than 9 million Syrians in need of assistance. PDA relief ef-forts focus on life-saving ac-tivities: treating and evacuat-ing the wounded and helping to provide water, sanitation, health, shelter and food.

LAC’s generosity is much ap-preciated.

Church & Society Committee

Help LAC bring Christmas cheer to 24 individuals in 7 local families The Christmas season is the perfect time to celebrate the spirit of giv-ing. This year, the Church & Society committee has three ways LAC members can participate in the Christmas basket program:

1. Adopt one of 24 individuals assigned to LAC by the Town of Ma-maroneck. Wish lists and sizes will be provided. It's a chance to pur-chase the perfect gift for someone who could use something special.

2. Donate The C&S committee will use monetary donations to pur-chase gift cards for families. This way, families can purchase the basics they need or they can choose to purchase gifts for their loved ones and experience the joy of giving themselves.

3. Drop off goodies to fill the family baskets. We're looking to add a little luxury to make the holidays special. Ideas include: body lotion, gloves, hats, scarves, hot cocoa, Christmas candies, small games or puzzles. These should be brought to church on Sunday, December 14.

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Retirement Assets can be a

Tax Burden: Consider a Gift

A retirement account, such as an IRA, 401(k), or 403(b), often com-prises a large portion of a per-son’s wealth. Yet did you know they are the most heavily taxed — and a perfect instrument for mak-ing a charitable gift at death?

The way in which you distribute the assets in your retirement ac-counts can reflect your faith and values. By naming Larchmont Avenue Church as beneficiary of your retirement account, you can pass on assets you no longer can use, and spare your estate the tax burden affiliated with these plans.

Simply ask the manager of your account to send you a beneficiary designation form, and complete it with the proper legal name of Larchmont Avenue Church. Do-ing so allows the funds to pass tax-free. Remember to consult your financial advisors on the ramifica-tions of this decision since indi-vidual circumstances vary.

If you are interested in discussing leaving Larchmont Avenue Church in your estate plans or for information about the Emily Lindsley Legacy Society recogniz-ing long term gifts to LAC, please contact Chris Templeman at 914-844-7279, Scott Meador at 914-287-4744 or Church Bookkeeper Mar-jorie Bee at 914-834-1800 ext. 310.

Information concerning numer-ous planned giving strategies that may suit your current needs or estate objectives can also be found at lacny.org/plannedgiving.

The Archive Committee hard at work in the

library, saving and organizing LAC’s past as we move into our second century.

familiar words in a familiar voice, of “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town.”

By now, it became obvious to me that the Hess station’s sound system was playing a Christmas season audio tape. I stood and listened atten-tively, already inspired by Ave Maria, with a gas tank – that was by now -- totally full. I remained still as the Latin strains of Ave Maria gave way to the bouncing chords of “He knows if you’ve been sleep-ing, he knows if you’re awake. . ..” Now, it wasn’t just because Bruce Springsteen was the singer of this particular rendition of the song that I was listening to it so closely. . . .

The Hess station moments reflect how much of the Christmas meaning and message we experience and take to heart: an oh-so-brief touch of something having to do with the “reason for the season” -- if that -- and then, blasts of jingles, pitch and kitsch as we rush and bustle into what we must buy or prepare or do. Meanwhile . . .

How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given So God imparts to human hearts, the blessing of His Heaven. No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in.

Advent blessings, Merry Christmas,

Bill

From Rev. Bill…, continued from page 2

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LENTEN/EASTER PROMPTER DEADLINE:

FEBRUARY 20

Please send all submissions to Jane Land at jland@optonline.net

and Melanie Murray at mmurray@lacny.org

SAVE THE DATE!

for the

2015

LAC RUMMAGE SALE

MAY 7 - 9, 2015

RUMMAGE

SALE

REPORT: $10000 to

LAC Mission

Partner HRC

As a result of the success of the 2014 Rummage Sale, LAC was able to donate $10,000 to the Hispanic Re-source Center. The Hispanic Resource Center (HRC) is a non-profit organization that aims to provide new immi-grant families with the tools they need to become self-sufficient and active mem-bers of the community. Some HRC programs address the areas of language develop-ment, computer literacy, and vocational and worker safety training.

The funds provided by LAC were used to partially fund the salaries of the Program Manager and the Senior Case Manager, positions critical in the development and deliv-ery of the HRC’s programs and services. LAC’s gener-ous gift was accepted by the HRC with deep appreciation and gratitude.

ADVENT & CHRISTMAS FLOWERS

Christmas calls us to a most heartfelt reverence for

life, and the celebration of hope born in God’s love. The col-ors, sights and sounds of the season sharpen our sens-es. The Church is alive and bustling with activity. The gifts of our people are evident in wonderful ways. We are most grateful for the Spirit we share at this precious time, and the journey before us as a church family. As has been our custom here at LAC, individuals’ con-tributions toward our Christmas decorations have helped in great ways to enhance the beauty of the Church. We hope you will consider such a gift in this current season. If you would like to join in this year’s efforts to prepare the Church with the flowers and decorations of Advent and Christmas, please send your contributions marked “Advent Flowers” to the church office by December 15. Please be sure to include the name(s) of the person(s) in whose memory the gift is given and the name of the person making the donation, so this information can be added correctly in our bulletin. If you would like to take your poinset-tia home with you on Christmas Eve, please let us know that as well. All other flowers will be delivered to LAC members who are in need of a little extra cheer this Christmas. Thank you for your commitment. May the fullness of Advent’s anticipation and the joy that is Christmas be yours. Peace on earth, good will to all!

During Advent, take a few minutes each day for this online devotional. Go to d365.org and click on Begin.

To sign up for a daily email reminder that includes a link to the day’s devo-tion, enter your email address at the top of the home page and click on Sub-scribe.

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CHURCH Family

NEWS

Weddings

Fran Barski and Tom Timmons were united in marriage on

Saturday, October 25.

Louisa Irving and Brian Harfenist were united in marriage on

Saturday, November 1.

Blessings to both couples!

Baptisms

Kieran, Jack, and Gavin Jacobson sons of Colleen and Dan, were baptized on

Sunday, November 9.

In Memoriam

John MacKenzie, beloved member of the LAC family, passed away on November 20 at his home in Nashua, NH. Our pray-ers are with his wife Evelyn and the MacKenzie family. A Me-morial service will be held at LAC on December 13 at 11 a.m.

Freda O'Brien, mother of Patty Towle, passed away Tuesday, December 2.

Lawrence Patrouch, father-in-law of Marjorie Bee, passed away on October 8. A mass was held on October 11 at the chapel at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne. Let us hold his son Lance, Marjorie, and the Patrouch family in our pray-ers.

Otto Plaue, father of Peter and father-in-law of Chrystie Mun-ves, passed away on November 12.

Ralph Sansbury passed away on Saturday, October 4. Our prayers are with his beloved wife Hannele, son Peter, and the Sansbury family. The funeral service took place in St. Louis on Wednesday, October 8.

Jane Margaret Walle, sister to LAC member, Ann Walle and mother to Zachary, passed away on October 24.

John H. Williams, father of Steve, Rich, and David, passed away on Thursday, October 30. A Memorial Service for John Williams was held at the Larchmont Avenue Church on Satur-day, November 22 at 2 p.m.

LAC

CHRISMONS

Continuing a long-standing tradition at Larchmont Ave-nue Church, we offer children (and adults) the 2014 Chris-mon, a cross. These will be available at coffee hour on Sundays in December.

The very first Chrismon at LAC, in 1974, was a fish, a symbol of early Christianity. Many symbols of Christ’s life and Christianity have ap-

peared in the series of Chris-mons—Christ Monograms—since then, one each year. These include the butterfly, star, angel, fish and chalice/cup that were our Chrismons for 2009 through 2013.

Over the course of years, the children of our church gather a collection of ornaments for their Christmas trees, and in the process, learn about the

symbols of our faith.

Many of the Chrismons from years past will be on display during fellowship in Decem-ber—some of the older ones were handmade for LAC. Come take a look! And pick up a list of all the Chrismons given over the years. We have a limited supply of re-cent Chrismons for those families who don’t already have them.

Thanks to TGIF for painting all the crosses! Our middle school fellowship group has helped prepare these Chris-mons for many years—a great service to our congre-gation. Louise Moore Williams

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BRING A GIFT TO THE MANGER

The congregation is encouraged to bring gifts for the Midnight Run and lay them at the “manger” at the end of our Christmas pageant on Sunday, December 21.

Blankets and men’s jackets and sweatshirts are desperately needed for cold nights on the street. New men’s underwear and tube socks, gently used pants, and travel-size toiletries are also useful in this important ministry to the homeless.

ADVENT WORKSHOP

Advent wreaths, Chrismons and Advent crafts were created and enjoyed by all ages of the Larchmont Avenue Church family at the annual Advent Workshop in the Carhart Room after worship on the First Sunday of Advent, November 30. Rev. Bill Crawford referred to LAC’s Advent Workshop as the best any-where; it has been a church tradition for almost forty years. Many thanks to Louise Moore Williams and all the volun-teers who helped organize and set up the workshop.

PERIODICAL

THE PROMPTER (U.S.P.S. 784-820) is published quarterly by The Larchmont Avenue Church, 60 Forest Park Avenue, Larchmont, N.Y. 10538. Periodicals postage paid at Larchmont, N.Y. 10538. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE PROMPTER, 60 Forest Park Avenue, Larchmont, N.Y. 10538.

ANNUAL LAC

CHRISTMAS CAROLING

Sunday, December 14

Please save the date for our annual caroling tradition: Sun-day, December 14. Gather at the church at 4 p.m. We will break into groups to carol throughout town and then return to the Kaufer Family home for a buffet dinner at 6 p.m.

If you know of a family or public location that could use the P-R-E-S-E-N-C-E of song, please contact Meg Kaufer (margaret.kaufer@verizon.net). We are always happy to con-sider ways to expand our circle so that we reach folks for whom the joy of music might be the only present that they need during the holiday season. This is an intergenerational event with plenty of room for the young as well as the young at heart!

Hudson River Presbytery Post

-Pastoral Policy

When a pastoral position with a congregation ends, there are bonds of affection between the minister and members of the church that continue to be cher-ished. Relations of friendship continue, but the pastoral rela-tionship does not. In order to avoid awkward situations and to encourage the new pastoral rela-tionship that will be established, the Presbytery has estab-lished the following guidelines, with the request that they be posted in the church newsletter and bulletin:

“When a pastor resigns from a pas-torate, retires from service, or be-comes Pastor Emerita/us, that minis-ter shall no longer perform pastoral functions such as weddings, bap-tisms, funerals, hospital visitation or counseling. Active or inactive church members should not request a former pastor to perform pastoral duties. If requested, the pastor shall tactfully decline. On occasion, the pastor or moderator may, with the approval of session/council, invite the former pastor to perform such duties.”