Presbytery of Western New York
E-Newsletter

August 3, 2010

TONAWANDA INDIAN CHURCH IN BASOM BURNED

As a result of a fire, believed to be arson, on July 18th, the Tonawanda Indian Church in Basom held “church at church” on Sundays at 10:30 AM - outside.  They were singing Seneca hymns (because they can do that with no accompaniment) and were in lawn chairs, but they were at their church.

Judy Blackchief led the outdoor service at the Tonawanda Indian Presbyterian Church on Sunday.  Lee Winnie led the Thoughts for the Day and Prayers.  Also in attendance were Jane Blackchief, Catherine Skye, Melissa Smith, and Janita Byars.
 
At a time to be determined, the congregation will request specific assistance with labor and donations to help with painting, windows, and doors.  They lost a cross given to them by Colonial Village Church several years ago, a handmade banner with the old PC logo, a pulpit banner that was red velvet with a gold cross, a handmade quilt cover on their organ (3-4 ft. square).  Their piano was not salvageable.  There are holes in the walls due to post-fire inspection.  They also lost 4 pews, the American flag, and their sanctuary carpet.
 
If you and your church are able to help in any way, please contact Judy Blackchief at 542-5364, so that planning will include you.  Please continue to keep this congregation and its neighbors in your prayers.

MUSIC EVENTS AT FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN EAST AURORA

On August 19th, the music department will host Summer Sing: Faure’s Requiem, and all are invited to come to sing, play, and/or listen.  The evening event will begin at 7 PM, and feature Leah Schneider, soprano, Jeff Thompson, baritone, and Betty Pitcher, organist, and the choir. Kathleen Keenan-Takagi will conduct singers and orchestra.  Scores will be provided for those who wish to sing along.  If you wish to play in the orchestra, call ahead so we can set aside music for you (652-0160 for the office or 632-2226 for Kathleen).  A reception will follow.  A free-will offering will be accepted to help with expenses.
 
On Sunday, August 22nd at 7 PM, Clara Keenan Terrell will present an oboe recital.  Clara is the niece of Kathleen Keenan-Takagi and an oboe performance major at University of Oregon.  Clara will also play special music at the worship service that morning.  Clara’s recital includes the well-known Concerto in C minor, by Benedetto Marcello, and a composition written this year by David Horton, an organist in Eugene, OR.  There is no charge for the recital.  A reception will follow.

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN HOLD SALAD PICNIC

The Presbyterian Women of the Presbytery of Western New York met on July 21st for their annual Salad Picnic and fellowship.  They enjoyed the beautiful weather and the breathtaking view of Niagara River at the Youngstown home of Carol J. Rogers. 

CONGREGATIONAL TRANSFORMATION MINISTRY TEAM TRAVELS TO JAMESTOWN

On July 28th, members of the PWNY Congregational Transformation Ministry Team (CTMT) met at the home of Poet of Transformation Janita Byars.  The team reviewed responses from an Appreciative Inquiry project that included an envisioning question regarding the future work of  CTMT.

NEWS FROM SPRINGVILLE’S FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

On Saturday, August 21st, at 5 PM, the First Presbyterian Church of Springville’s Outreach and Worship/Fellowship teams will sponsor “Springville Saturday Night.”  After a time of singing and worship at 5 PM, those present will enjoy a corn roast with burgers, hot dogs, and side dishes.  The Mission committee is sponsoring a community-wide chicken and biscuit dinner on Friday, September 10th, to benefit Love, Inc.  The congregation also raised funds to purchase 35 Bibles for Haiti.

PRESBYTERIAN SENIOR CARE

For 50 years, Presbyterian Senior Care of Western New York, Inc., has provided warm, caring, and safe living environments for seniors of all capabilities and faiths. Dedicated to ensuring the security, dignity, and comfort of its residents, Presbyterian Senior Care fulfills its mission by offering a range of services and communities from independent apartments and an Enriched Housing Program to senior care residences and skilled nursing care.  As one of the largest long-term care providers in Western New York, Presbyterian Senior Care ministers to the needs of more than 500 residents on a daily basis. Check us out at www.pscwny.org or our Quick Link on the Presbytery's homepage at www.pbywny.org.

HIDDEN TREASURE IN RANDOLPH

COALITION FOR ECONOMIC JUSTICE
 
Canal Side Update:  Today, we advanced a significant step forward in our canal-side Community Benefit Agreement (CBA) campaign, as the Common Council refused to accept a development agreement brokered behind closed doors between the mayor and the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation!  Due to an influx of calls and letters from CEJ and Canal Side Community Alliance members, the council stood by their pledge to withhold transfer of land to the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) until a CBA is negotiated. The item will come back to the council in September, which effectively means we have 7 weeks to fight for a true community agreement!  Our Canal Side Community Alliance continues to grow every day, and strengthen in both numbers and activity. This Monday, faith leaders from VOICE Buffalo held a press conference on the steps of City Hall calling for community voices to be heard in the development process, and for public investment to generate real benefits for the residents of Buffalo. They then carried a letter signed by faith leaders to the offices of Council members, and urged them to support a CBA.

OFFERING OF LETTERS RECEIVED AT UNIVERSITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, BUFFALO

University Presbyterian Church accepted the call to conduct an Offering of Letters, regarding the conditions at the Erie County Holding Center.  Organized by Gladys Gifford, the congregation heard a Minute for Mission during worship on July 11th and July 18th, and signed letters during the coffee hour after worship.  The letters were lifted up for a blessing on July 25th, and mailed the next day to members of the Erie County Legislature.  A total of 23 letters were sent by constituents of six legislators.

Congratulations, University!  May other congregations in Erie County follow your example!

WEBSITE LINK FOR PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

Presbyterian Women has a new place on the Presbytery of WNY website!  Check us out, at pbywny.org and click on Presbyterian Women under the Main Menu. 

TORNADO RIPS THROUGH RANDOLPH
 
God had his gentle finger on the Randolph United Presbyterian Church when the church was built 40 years ago.  In light of the recent tornado that ripped through Randolph's Main St. a week ago, it was a blessing in disguise.  When this church was built the great discussion was, "Which way will the church face:  Church Street or Main Street?"  Thanks to building committee member Noralyn Berger's suggestion, the church should face the "corner," a suggestion that was accepted and recommended to the contractor.  Had the church been built facing Main Street (south), it would have received tremendous damage from a very tall street maple that had toppled on to the present entrance to the church, which could have caused tremendous structural damage.  Had it been built facing (east), the tall confer trees that lost their tops during the tornado could have easily damaged the front of the church.

You make the decision.  Was it faith, wise planning, or both that saved  this Church from the tornado that did tremendous damage to the Main St. area of this small village on Saturday, July 24th?   Minor damage to the church included a small section of flashing on the roof in front of the church.  Praise be to God!  And, praise to the members of that pioneering  building committee for their foresight, 40 years ago.
Article and photo by Jack Berger