Presbytery of Western New York
E-Newsletter

February 2, 2010

Outpouring of Compassion
The Synod’s March Nor’E-News will be sharing information on the outpouring of compassion for the people of Haiti from Presbyterians within the Synod.  They are looking for one paragraph summaries of Haiti ministry being done through our presbytery.  Information and photos about hands-on ministry will be most welcome, as well as any information regarding future plans to be part of the long term recovery effort. 
Send news of your response or upcoming plans to the Presbytery office by February 11.

Warm Lap-top Quilts for Needy

While the disaster in Haiti takes precedent over most news items today, the need to help those in our own backyard must not be ignored. This is the philosophy of four women on the prayer-quilt committee in the Randolph United Presbyterian Church.  The lap-top quilts are hand made and each tie put in place is finalized with a prayer for someone who will receive the quilt.  Committee members shown are, from left, Sue Johnson, Lorielle Inkley and Noralyn Berger with a selection of warm colorful quilts.  Absent in photo is Rebecca Lecceadone.  Photo by Jack Berger.

Fish Fry at Lockport Home
There will be a Fish Fry at the Lockport Home on Friday February 26 from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m.  Cost is $8.00; $7.50 if you preorder by February 22. Questions, please contact Toni Parada at 434-8805 ext. 13. Click here for a flyer.

Griffins Mills Church Celebrates 200 Years
This summer, Griffins Mills Presbyterian Church will be planning events to celebrate its 200 years of service.  Early church records establish the founding date as August 18, 1810.  It was the Rev. John Spencer along with 10 early settlers who chartered the West Aurora Congregational Church in a small hamlet on Cazenovia Creek on land purchased from the Holland Land Company.  Our ties to the Presbytery began as early as 1830 when Deacon Conklin was appointed as a delegate to the Buffalo Presbytery. 
 
The current church building was dedicated on August 17, 1932 and is still maintained in its original Federalist style of simplicity.  There is a large 48" brass bell in the steeple that was purchased in 1844.  The meeting hall adjacent to the Church is from the same vintage and once had horse stalls behind. 
 
As our small congregation develops our celebration plans, we will be sure to post more information.

Duffield Available for weekend retreats
Camp Duffield is booked for February, but there are still some weekend dates for your retreat in March, April and May. Fees are $ 20/night per person.  www.CampDuffield.org

Events at Third Presbyterian Church, North Tonawanda
The little white church in the middle of Felton Street with the big, big heart.
A Valentine Party will take place on Saturday, February 13 at 5:00pm. A delicious catered dinner will be served. The musical group, Step and Time, will provide the entertainment. The cost is $10.00. Please make reservations by calling 754-1245 by February 5.
Lenten Soup Supper: Wednesdays, 5:00pm, February 24, March 10, 17, 24. Christian Story Teller Carol Ann Gleason will present Lenten messages through stories and parables.
Our church hosts the Sunday radio program “Taste of New Wine.” It is broadcast every Sunday on WJJL, 1440AM, at 9:00AM. Rev Dr. Jeffery L. Grove delivers a weekly sermon on this station which reaches all of Western New York and Southern Ontario, Canada.

Hygiene Kits for Haiti

Rev. Dr. Howard Boswell was at the Randolph United Presbytyerian Church for the clergy pulpit exchange on January 24 and blessed the Hygiene Kits that Elder Dick Chubon and others put together.  Plans are in the works for more kits, including baby kits.  Photo by Jack Berger.

Discounts available for Theatre of Youth Production
Theatre of Youth (TOY) is presenting the show ‘The Lion, the Witch and the
Wardrobe’ at its Allentown theatre beginning Friday, January 29, 2010.  This might be a good show for church youth groups and other church groups.  As a bonus the theatre is offering a discount offer for the weekend performances.  Click on the link www.theatreofyouth.org/lion_dis.php for details on show times and the discount offer.

Presbyterian World
Click here to read the latest issue of Presbyterian World, the e-newsletter about PCUSA international mission.

Interfaith Dialogue
Click here to read the latest issue of Interfaith Dialogue, the PCUSA e-newsletter about interfaith relations.

Listen Up!
On Thursday, February 11 Presbyterian World Mission will hold a webinar on the response for Haiti. It takes place from 1-2 p.m. Click here for more information.

Gifford to have double knee surgery
Gladys Gifford, chair of the Peacemaking sub-team of OMT, will be undergoing total knee replacement surgery on February 11, 2010.  She will have both knees done, and is planning to be in a rehab center afterward for an extended stay.  She will appreciate your prayers and cards.  

Courage for Winter

Randolph seldom gets the lake-effect  winter weather that Chautauqua County does, but most will agree that the beauty from sunshine and bright snow is the same everywhere. When Randolph hung their Character Counts banners on village lamp posts a few years ago few realized the recent snow on the signpost  would send such a  suggestive message.    Yes, God's messages are there to  whoever chooses to see them.  In this case Courage is what will be needed for the next couple months of winter, after which spring, summer and fall will be God's beautiful reward.  Photo by Jack Berger.

Eckhart Tolle Seminar
The very popular WNY Eckhart Tolle study group will hold two more study sessions on Sat. Feb 6th at 6:30pm and Tues. Feb 9th at 7:15pm at the Orchard Park Presbyterian Church 4369 South Buffalo Rd. Orchard Park NY 14127  662-9348(near the 4 corners). There were close to 50 enthusiastic folks who attended the last two meetings! We will view then discuss the second half of Eckhart's insightful DVD entitled "Finding Your Life's Purpose". Contact Dan Hay at 812-0179, Carol Murphy at 662-6138 or http://www.meetup.com/WNYEckhart-Tolle/ for more info on this engrossing inner peace experience.

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