Presbytery of Western New York
E-Newsletter

March 9, 2010

NEWS FROM ACROSS THE PRESBYTERY

The Thursday book club of Orchard Park Presbyterian Church will be discussing The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society,  by Mary Anne Shaffer and Annie Barrows.  Music and the Arts will present David and Felicia Meyer in a pre-St. Patrick’s Day concert, Sunday, Marcy 14th, at 4 PM.

Niagara Presbyterian Church is supporting the 30th annual Good Friday Men's Breakfast, April 2nd.  The event is an ecumenical gathering for worship of men from area churches at the Niagara Active Hose Fire Co. on Lockport Rd.,  just east of Military Rd. at 7:30 AM. Adults $8, students $4.

Randolph United Presbyterian Church will hold a salad and sandwich luncheon and  “Salestravaganza” on Saturday, March 13, from 11 AM to 2 PM.  There will also be a spring pie sale for Palm Sunday and Easter.

Third Presbyterian Church, North Tonawanda, is preparing hygiene supplies and first–aid kits and taking weekly collections during Lent for Haiti. Christian storyteller Carol Ann Gleason will present Lenten messages through stories and parables at the Wednesday Lenten Soup Suppers at 5 PM.  A Saint Patrick’s Day dinner (corned beef, cabbage, and “the works”) will be served on March 13th at 5 PM, with special Irish music by Ramundo.  A youth outing will be held on March 20th at Skateland Family Center.  On March 21st, a Spring and Easter Celebration Luncheon will be hosted by the deacons, after church.

Hamburg’s Wayside Presbyterian Church has a Thursday, 6 PM, series of potluck dinners and discussions on The Last Week, by Marcus J. Borg and John Dominic Crossan.

The Spirituality Committee of Buffalo’s First Presbyterian Church is sponsoring a series of opportunities for participants to become more open to God’s presence in their lives.  They are studying Ben Campbell Johnson’s book, Living Before God – Deepening Our Sense of the Divine Presence.  Also planned is a retreat at Stella Niagara Seminary on June 4th and 5th. 

Rev. Stuart Buisch leads an Intercollegiate/Inter-generational Bible Study on Tuesdays at 5 PM (March 9, 23; April 6, 20; May 4, 18; June 1, 15, 19) at Buffalo’s University Presbyterian Church in the Holzwarth Room. 

On March 21st, at 2:00 PM, Matt's Music and First Presbyterian Church in Tonawanda will put on a concert to benefit the "Partners in Health" charity in Haiti. One of the students at the music store lost many of her family members in the earthquake and she wanted to do something for the country, so the concert idea was born. Many of the teachers and students will be performing, as will the church's choir and Praise Team. Mary Alice Demler from WGRZ (Channel 2) will be the MC. Anyone who wishes to attend is welcome and a free-will offering will be taken at the event. A reception will follow the concert in the church parlor.

Maryvale Drive Presbyterian Church is hosting a Krolick's Fish Fry and Theme Basket Auction on Friday, March 12th,  from 4 to 7 PM. The church is located at 425 Maryvale Drive (off of Harlem Road) in Cheektowaga. The cost is $9.25 for adults and $6 for children 10 and under. There is also a landlubber option of Chicken Tender Dinner for $7.50 for adults and $4 for children. The dinner includes salt potatoes, coleslaw, rolls, beverage, and dessert.  Please call the church for a reservation at 892-4426 or just come on and join us. Takes outs will be available.

First Presbyterian Church of Buffalo is selling chapel pews to raise funds for the Bicentennial Celebration.  For more information, contact Christina Trachtenberg at 88-7250, X11.  The Women’s Book Club will be studying Gary Ross’s book, Blackbird Rising:  A Novel of the American Spirit.  A message from the newsletter:  Are you on Twitter? If so, follow us @1stChurchBflo.  (Not sure what Twitter is? It's a social networking/micro-blogging site on the Internet. You can view our "tweets" at http://twitter.com/1stChurchBflo ). 

The adult classes of First Presbyterian Church of Niagara Falls are emphasizing “fairness” in their study entitled, “A Community with at Mission.”  The classes are held on Sundays at 10 AM in the Fireside Room. 

The newsletter of The First Presbyterian Church of Youngstown features a “Hymn of the Month.” This month’s hymn is “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded.”  The text is traced to St. Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153), whose life encompassed the first two Crusades.   Two youth special events are scheduled:  rock climbing at Niagara Climbing Center on March 14th and a movie (The Power of One) on March 21st.

First Presbyterian Church of Lewiston announces the following events:
Saturday, March 13th, Noon:   The Cub Scouts will be holding their annual Pine Wood Derby in the Social Hall
Tuesday, March 16th, 6 PM: "Tastee Tuesday" Dinner & Bible Study (Corned Beef & Cabbage)
Sunday, March 21st, Noon to 5 PM:  Boy Scout's Chicken BBQ in the Social Hall
Wednesday, March 24th:  Red Cross Blood Drive in the Social Hall.

Bacon Memorial Church (Niagara Falls) presents a St. Patrick’s Day event and corned beef and cabbage  meal, “A Taste of Ireland,” on Saturday, March 13th, at 5 PM.  Adults - $8; children - $5.

On Saturday, March 13th, at 6:30 PM, Kenmore Presbyterian Church will be hosting the premiere of Pistachio, the newest Veggie Tale movie.  This event is free and includes the movie, popcorn, activities, and games.  
 
THANK YOU TO PWNY FROM SUE CLARK IN IRAQ
Sue Clark, from Third Presbyterian Church of North Tonawanda - currently stationed in Iraq, requested donations of unused greeting cards for troops there.  Two large boxes of cards were collected and sent from PWNY.  In a thank-you note from Iraq, Sue wrote, “Thank you for all the blank cards.  I have sorted them and took them over to ‘Red River.’  It is a very homey and relaxing place for the troops to enjoy.  The cards are very much appreciated by all.  God Bless, Sue”  Please note:  Another box of blank cards will be sent in mid-April.  Please bring your blank cards to the April 13th Presbytery meeting or to the PWNY office prior to that time.

11TH NATIONAL MULTICULTURAL CHURCH CONFERENCE

On May 27th-30th, PC(USA) is sponsoring the 11th National Multicultural Church Conference, at Marriott O’Hare, Chicago.  Early-bird rates save up to $85.  Learn more at www.pcusa.org/multicultural.

HOUSING NEEDED FOR SUMMER BASEBALL TEAM

A local Christian baseball team is looking for host families.  NIAGARA POWER BASEBALL CLUB brings boys together from all over the country to play ball from May 31st - July 29th.  The players need room to sleep, a place to shower, facilities for laundry, and breakfast (plus an occasional meal on days they are not playing).  No transportation is needed.  The home games are played in Niagara Falls at Sal Maglia Stadium.  Cal Kern is the president and general manager and will vouch for the boys.  This year the club is offering a $200 stipend to host families.  If you would like to learn more about the team, check out the website at www.niagarapower.org.  If you are willing to host a boy or two, please contact Pam Kilmer or Louise Wasko at First Presbyterian Church, Lewiston, at 754-4945.

MacAlpine PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH HOSTS GOSPEL CONCERT

A full sanctuary, warm hearts and sweet melodies!   "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord!"

Photos by Bill Bauza

INVITATION TO JOIN TRIP TO EL SALVADOR

Click here for a complete description of an immersion pilgrimage to El Salvador, led by Dr. Timothy Wadkins and the Rev. Tracy Daub:  “Faith and Justice in El Salvador,” August 15-23,  2010.

NEWS ABOUT PC(USA)’S INTERNATIONAL MISSION

Click here for the online newsletter Presbyterian World. 

MARCH WOMEN-IN-THE-ARTS FESTIVAL EVENTS

As part of a month-long festival throughout the month, on March 6th, from noon to 2:45 PM, women crafters and story tellers will be at Kenmore Presbyterian Church, 2771 Delaware Avenue, Kenmore, and, at 3 PM, a concert of sacred and secular music will feature women composers. (Free will offering.)  On March 21st, at 5 PM, at First Presbyterian Church, Symphony Circle, Buffalo, "Sisters in Song:  The Music of Sister Theophane Hytrek and Hildegard von Bingen" will be presented by Carole Harris and William Fay.  Also performing are organists Patrick Barrett, David Bond, Diane Green, and David Snyder; and Lewiston women's choral group, Voces Regales $10 general admission, $5 for women religious.  For more information, contact Carole Harris at ccjjharris@roadrunner.com and/or (716) 289-1310. On Friday, March 26th, at 7:30 PM, Barbara Harbach will be offering an organ recital at First Presbyterian Church of East Aurora, 9 Paine Street (at Main Street 20A). More information is available at 652-0160. (Free will offering.)

STEPHEN MINISTRY WORKSHOP IN NORTH EAST, PA

On Saturday, April 24th, Park United Methodist Church in North East, PA, is hosting a Stephen Ministry Workshop from 9 AM to 1 PM.  Registration begins at 8 AM, and refreshments will be served. This workshop is an excellent opportunity for church leaders and other members to learn about the Stephen Series, a ministry system that equips and mobilizes laypeople for effective caring ministry.  At the workshop, you will experience a sample of the training Stephen Ministers (lay caregivers) receive, and you will take home practical knowledge and skills on “Ministering to Those Experiencing Grief” and “How to Care in a Distinctively Christian Way.” You will also learn why churches from more than 150 different Christian denominations use the Stephen Series for training and organizing laypeople for one-to-one caring ministry.  The cost of the workshop is $15 per person or $50 for a group of four or more from the same congregation.  For more information, or to register for the Stephen Ministry Workshop, call Stephen Ministries at (314) 428-2600. You can also register online at www.stephenministry.org/workshop. We hope to see you at the workshop!

GOD’S SEARCHLIGHT

Photograph and article by Jack Berger
This photograph was not taken on a Sunday morning or from our Randolph United Presbyterian Church yard.   It was a spontaneous photo-op from the parking lot of the Randolph Truck Stop Restaurant.  Time did not permit me to "set up," so-to-speak.  Hand held and trusting my old tired legs would make sturdy tripod, I took advantage of the moment God gave me to photograph the beam of light that lasted only a minute or two and sent me a lasting spiritual message.  There was no manipulation and the light beam was not inserted. He gave me simple beauty to share with others. I really think....If I believe...I can see!!!!  Amen!

REV. JAMES BRAZELL TO GIVE A “HEALTHY CONGREGATIONS” WORKSHOP, MAY 21 AND 22

A Healthy Congregations workshop will help pastors and church members enhance their capacity to manage “self” in a non-anxious way in church, home, workplace or community.  On May 21st,and 22nd, the Rev. James Brazell, interim pastor at Wayside Presbyterian Church, Hamburg, NY, will offer ways to detect and avoid unhealthy patterns of behavior.  Participants will learn how to keep anxiety from becoming infections and how to put limits on invasive behavior.  Click here for a  brochure. The workshop is sponsored by the Education Committee of Western New York.

LOOKING WAY AHEAD

Orchard Park Presbyterian Church is running a food drive on Sunday, March 21st.  Food will be distributed to Southtown’s food pantries.  “Go for the Dough” hunger-awareness walk and “Putting Out Poverty Run” (to benefit Friends of Night People) are both scheduled for Sunday, April 11th. 

From Deerhurst Presbyterian Church:  On Monday April 19, 2010, from 7:15 pm until about 10 pm, Amy Olson and Barbara Burr will be holding a Community Education Class that will cover very basic life-saving skills, as well as informing  people about the Medical Emergency Plan that will be implemented at Deerhurst.

At Third Presbyterian Church, North Tonawanda, Rev. Dr. Jeffery L. Grove will lead an adult study series:  “The Story of David -  From Shepherd to King of Israel,” on Saturdays (April 24, May 22, October 23, November 23, December 18), from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM. 

At Crittenden Presbyterian Church (3320 Crittenden Rd., Crittenden), April 9th and 10th, the Fourth Quilt Show and Chinese Auction will be held.  Admission $4.  “Straight to the Point Quilt” will be raffled off on Saturday.

At Camp Duffield, September 26th and 27th, Rev. Gary Larson, Sara Larson, Jonathan Woodworth, and Deb Limburg will lead a couple’s weekend retreat.  $125 per couple.  Contact Glenn Tanner, 6 Lenox Ave., Lancaster, NY 14086.

SPRING DINNER LOCKPORT PRESBYTERIAN HOME

Click here for a flyer describing Lockport Presbyterian Home’s 17th Annual Spring Dinner, Sunday, March 21st.

WORSHIP MUSIC LEADERS NETWORK SHARES PLANS FOR THE FUTURE
On Monday, February 22nd, the second meeting of the Worship Music Leaders Network was held.  Plans were discussed regarding the music component of Presbytery Day, October 2nd, that will include a seminar by Bill Carter and a performance by Carter and the Presbybop Ensemble at the worship service.  Also planned for inclusion in the service is an area-wide youth choir (Grades 4-8), conducted by Dr. Teryle Watson.  PWNY worship music leaders are invited to select children to participate.  Preparation materials will be available after Easter.  The other major proposed project is the creation of two CDs:  one, featuring the favorite hymns of PWNY congregations; and the other, a demonstration of “cutting-edge” choral music.  This project is funded, in part, by the grant from the Synod of the Northeast and the Presbytery Partnership Group.  More information is forthcoming. The next meeting of the Network will be held on Monday, March 22nd, at 4:30 PM at the PWNY office.  All pastors and music leaders are welcome.

WURFFEL/SILLS STUDENT LOAN INFORMATION
The Synod is receiving Wurffel/Sills Scholarships/Interest-Free Student Loan Program applications for 2010. Please note that the Synod now offers the scholarship/loan applications on line. Please direct inquiries to www.synodne.org for a downloadable version.  The application and essay are due in the Synod on April 1st and supporting documents to the application are due on April 15th.   The program is for individuals who are or will be pursuing higher education goals and will be attending seminary, undergraduate, graduate or educational programs at accredited institutions on a full-time basis.  All applications will be reviewed by the Individual Grants Task Force. Three applications are chosen for scholarships. Those not chosen for the scholarship program will be reviewed for eligibility to receive an interest-free loan.  Please call Helen Mansfield at the Synod office if you should have any questions, at 800-585-5881 or 315-446-5990.

LENTEN RESOURCES AVAILABLE IN THE RESOURCE CENTER

From Mary Mohlke:  Looking for a study book, a drama for Lent or worship resources for
Holy Week? A special listing of Lent resources that are in the Resource Center is available by clicking here.

FREE INSTRUMENT AVAILABLE IN BLASDELL

We have a Baldwin organ that needs a transplant to a church or other facility. It works--just never gets played. It's free--just pick it up. The contact person would be Karen at Union Presbyterian at 823-5137.

DISASTER SPIRITUAL AND EMOTIONAL CARE WEBINAR – APRIL 24TH

Lutheran Disaster Response in Upstate NY is giving a Disaster Spiritual Care webinar to be held on Saturday, April 24th, 9 AM to Noon.  The webinar is being presented by Rev. Kevin Massey, Executive Director of Lutheran Disaster Response, and will last 90 minutes.  It will be followed by a facilitated discussion about how spiritual care can be offered in local communities in disaster.  Host sites and facilitators are:
 
            Buffalo – Holy Trinity Lutheran Church - ELCA                    Rev. Eric Olsen
            Rochester – St. John’s Home                                           Gary Roller
            Utica – American Red Cross of the Mohawk Valley               Peg Ward
 
Advance registration is GREATLY APPRECIATED.  Register by e-mail to Patsy Glista at pglista@lutherancare.org. Click here for a flyer.

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