Presbytery of Western New York
E-Newsletter

July 20, 2010

NEWS FROM AROUND THE PRESBYTERY

Third Presbyterian Church of North Tonawanda celebrated the Sacrament of Baptism for four children within the last three months.  Our annual church picnic was celebrated on June 25, Friday, from 5:30-9:00 in Pine Woods Park.  The games and activities included:  water balloon and egg throwing, sack races, and bingo.  A special outside worship service took place in Veteran’s Park in North Tonawanda on Sunday, July 18th at 10:45 AM.  Special music was provided with an opportunity to renew our faith and commitment to Christ in word and deed.  Breakfast was served after the worship service.  VBS will be held from August 2nd through the 6th, 6 to 8 PM.  The theme is “God’s Beautiful Creation.”

Pastor Jason Cashing is leading Franklinville Presbyterian Church in reflection on “Who are we called to be?”  Jason recommends the following resources:  Tribal Church:  Ministering to the Missing Generation (addressing how to reach out and support people in their 20s and 30s) and A New Kind of Christianity:  Ten Questions that Are Transforming the Faith.  VBS will be held from August 22nd through the 25th, 6 to 8 PM.

North Presbyterian Church of Tonawanda will hold the annual summer luncheon on August 4th at 12 noon at Pane’s Restaurant.  RSVP by July 18th.  VBS will be held from July  26th through the 30th.  The theme is “Camp Edge:  Experiencing and Discovering God Everywhere.”

Activities at Hamburg’s Wayside Presbyterian Church include a continuing prayer-shawl ministry, blood-pressure screening, and a collection of loose coins:  “Change for Change.”  A chicken barbeque will be held on Wednesday, August 4th, beginning at 3:30 PM.  The book clum is reading Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Lisa Genova’s Still Alice.

The deacons of Riverside Presbyterian Church in Niagara Falls sponsor monthly “Deacon Missions.”  These include providing support for the Niagara County Action Program that targets the economically disadvantaged and working poor families and for Carolyn House that serves victims of family violence.  VBS is scheduled for August 2nd through the 6th.  The theme is “Galactic Blast:  A Cosmic Adventure Praising God.”

Lockport’s Second Presbyterian Church is holding Saturday evening worship, dinner, and enrichment programs.  On July 24th, the Cleveland Drive Men’s Gospel Choir will sing; on July 31st, the Vintage Praise Band from Buffalo’s Riverside Baptist Church will perform.

The newsletter of Portville’s First Presbyterian Church contained a photo essay, “The Chores of Summer.”   Projects included wood restoration, steeple painting, cement work, and other heavy-duty outside tractor projects.

Westminster Presbyterian Church of Buffalo is holding a picnic lunch and adult fellowship at a member’s home in Canada.  The church broke ground on a project for a new West Entrance.  Book study is focusing on Saving Jesus from the Church, by Rev. Robin R. Meyers.  The West Side Bazaar, supported by WEDI, is planning a grand opening in the next few weeks.

The Vacation Bible School at Kenmore Presbyterian Church will be held from August 16 to the 20th.  The theme is “Through the Wardrobe:  A Narnian VBS.”

Westfield’s First Presbyterian Church is collecting cans and bottles for mission (“Yes, We CAN Support Mission”).  A special offering will be collected on August 29th for the Presbytery of Southern Louisiana, on the 5th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.  A chicken barbeque will be held during Westfield’s Arts and Crafts Festival, July 30th and 31st, from 11 AM on.

LOOKING WAY AHEAD

August 14th – Kenmore Presbyterian Church will work on a Habitat for Humanity house.
September 11th – North Presbyterian Church of North Tonawanda will sponsor a presentation by the Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship at 5 PM, followed by a potluck dinner.  RSVP by September 1st, by calling 692-3086. 
October 1st and 2nd - Kenmore Presbyterian Church will hold an all-church rummage sale.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF WEST SENECA CELEBRATES 100 YEARS

Children and members of First Presbyterian Church of West Seneca made banners celebrating the centennial of the founding of the church.  In addition, blankets were made and donated to the firehouse, next door to the church.

PLEASE JOIN US

Please join us for an afternoon of Pizza, Pop, and Praise! at the First Presbyterian Church, 149 Broad St., Tonawanda.  The Worship Team would like to invite you to our contemporary, family-style service of worship, Saturday, July 24th, for prayer, music, and fellowship.  All are welcome!

DIRECTOR OF MUSIC SOUGHT

The First Presbyterian Church of Gloversville, NY is seeking to hire a part-time Director of Music. Click here to go to the Job Openings page for more information on the position.

VIBRANT CHURCHES HAVE RETREATS
 
The use of Retreats and Camping Ministry is a proven way to grow your church.   Retreats provide quality time and are a lot of fun.  No church is too small to have a retreat.  Men’s retreats are currently quite popular and provide for a way for the men to find Jesus.  Also whole church retreats work for smaller churches.   Start small with a single night retreat at Camp Duffield.   The cost is only $ 20/person per night (plus your food costs).    Visit www.CampDuffield.org for more details.

NEWS FROM FAITH UNITED IN KENMORE

Pictured below are photos from July 4th at Faith.

The United Presbyterian Church has PLANNED ANOTHER “PIG ROAST”  for SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, from noon till 1:30 PM. Tickets are $10.00.  There will also be a special “hot dog” meal for children 10 and under.  Plan to attend and bring your neighbors and friends.  There will be a limited number of tickets (to match the size of the pig).  Get your tickets early.  Don’t miss all the fun and good food.  Call Donna Chubon, 358-2521; Noralyn Berger, 358-6821; Sue Johnson, 287-2832; Tom/Kay Wade, 358-5951; or Mary Myers, 358-9405, to get your ticket.
Note to our Readers:  Please include the above announcement in your church bulletins.