www.westfieldchurch.org 1

The CORNERSTONE 2 Pastor Mark

3 Family Ministry

3 Ladies’ Spring Fling

4 Construction Corner

4 JOY (Senior Adult Ministry)

5 Director of Music

5 Special Friends

A publication of Westfield Presbyterian Church - An ECO Congregation What’s INSIDE

VBS Registration Opens May 1 Registration for Westfield’s 2018 VBS opens May 1. This year’s theme is Shipwrecked: Rescued by Jesus. Children age 4 through grade 5 can venture into an uncharted island where they will survive and thrive! Anchor kids in the truth that Jesus carries them through life’s storms. The adventure takes place June 11-15. Visit our website to register and learn more about the best week of summer!

Honoring Graduates

Graduation Sunday at Westfield is May 20. All our

high school and post-high graduates will be recog-

nized during worship and celebrated during brunch

following worship. A Baccalaureate service for Mo-

hawk graduates will be held in the high school audi-

torium at 7:00 P.M. on May 20. Featured speaker is

new Director of MoCo House Judi Spears. Please

join our community in praying for our students.

M AY 2018

Westfield’s 2018 Confirmation Class (l-r) Delta Stoner - instructor, Vance, Hayley, Hannah,

Katelyn, Isabella, Emily, Lorraine Book - instructor

Welcome to the Church Family! Westfield is proud to announce the confirma-

tion of six youth to our church family on

May 13 during worship.

On April 12 they were presented to Session

by their advisors Lorraine Book and Delta

Stoner. The class has been under their in-

struction since September 2017.

The class shared their corporate Statement

of Faith and The Apostles’ Creed and

answered some general questions from

the Session.

A special thank you to parents and family

members who have supported these stu-

dents throughout this important journey.

www.westfieldchurch.org 2

As a young preteen in the early 1980’s I

was introduced to a song through a TIME

Magazine commercial that captured my

heart and imagination. I found myself

singing it’s beautiful poetic lyrics con-

stantly—even subconsciously, not realiz-

ing I was humming it unless somebody

would point it out to me. My mother

shared with me that the song was actually

from the 1960’s, and it’s words were al-

most verbatim from the book of Ecclesi-

astes in the Bible.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 is among the best

known passages of Wisdom Literature

found in the Old Testament. Folk singer/

songwriter Pete Seeger put this passage to

music in the late 1950’s and called the

song “Turn, Turn, Turn.” The song later

became an international sensation when

The Byrds covered it in 1965. Roger

McQuinn immortalized the song by play-

ing his 12-string Rickenbacker guitar to

the words penned nearly 3,000 years ear-

lier: “For everything there is a season,

and time for every matter under

heaven…” Ecclesiastes goes on to share

that there is a time to be born and die,

plant and harvest, kill and heal, break and

build, weep and laugh, mourn and dance,

cast away and gather stones, embrace and

not embrace, seek and lose, keep and

throw away, tear and sew, be silent and

speak, love and hate, war and peace.

The passage is essentially about transi-

tions in life. Westfield Church has been

in a state of transition for several years.

She has undergone staff changes, de-

nominational changes, and a new vision

for future ministry through the construc-

tion of a new Family Life Center. While

a long and faithful interim pastorate

from Paul Votaw helped to provide sta-

bility during this time, the church has

been waiting for her new called-and-

installed pastor to arrive—to help bring

stability and build solidarity, as West-

field moves into her bright future.

My family has just recently entered into

a state of significant transition. In-

between selling our home in Kansas City

and buying a new home here, we have

had to say “so long” (as C.S. Lewis fa-

mously wrote, Christians never say

goodbye!) to many good and faithful

friends, withdraw our son from his

school and enroll him in a new school,

and leave our oldest kiddo (who is a

junior in college) behind. Please do not

misunderstand me, we are excited to be

at Westfield and are eager to build last-

ing relationships with you all, but every-

thing in our lives has been turned upside

down. I am happy to share with you that

Isaiah has transitioned well into his new

school and is making friends.

The author of Ecclesiastes certainly rec-

ognized and understood how life can be

full of ups and downs, transitions and

changes, and yet saw them all bringing

glory to God. At chapter 3:12-13 he

writes, “I perceived that there is nothing

better for them than to be joyful and to

do good as long as they live; also that

everyone should eat and drink and take

pleasure in all his toil—that this is

God’s gift to man.” (ESV) As Westfield

Church and the Hughes family grow to

know one another, and love one another,

I ask for your prayers and your patience.

May we faithfully transition together

into the mission and ministry that God

desires at this time and at this place.

It is a sincere honor and privilege to be

your pastor.

The MARK of the Times by Pastor Mark Hughes

The CORNERSTONE May 2018

Congratulations Judi Spears!

Please join us in congratulat-ing Judi Spears who is serving as the new director of MoCo House! Judi’s vibrant faith, gift of hospitality, love of our com-munity, creativity and vision continue to bless us! Java Jog News! Support the coffee house while having fun in the community: Sign up to-day for the 5th annual 5K run/2 mile walk fundraiser on Memo-rial Day. Registration is $20. More information at mohawk-coffeehouse.com or stop in to sign up.

www.westfieldchurch.org 3

them to step in and cross the river any-

way. When they stepped, God moved.

Their church planting team agreed that

God was calling them to step in, and

when they did, God formed RiverCross

Church.

Within one mile of where they worship,

there are over 3,000 homes; this

neighborhood is the fastest growing part

of the city. This allows for a huge oppor-

tunity to meet people, build relation-

ships, and display Jesus, which drives

RiverCross to pray, dream, and work

hard.

Family Ministries News by David Champ, Director of Youth & Family Ministries

Church Plant Spotlight: RiverCross

Check out these upcoming events in May

that families can enjoy together as well as

some great date night options:

For Families:

May 3-5 at 7 P.M. – Mohawk Elementary

School Musical

May 4-6 at 7 P.M. – Lion King Jr. at New

Castle Playhouse

May 5 – 10 A.M.-5 P.M. – Kentucky Derby

& Cinco De Mayo – Volant Village Shops

May 12 – 9 A.M. – John Thompson Me-

morial 5K run/walk – Neshannock High

School (cost $17/pre-registered person,

$20 day of)

May 12 – 7 P.M. – New Castle Regional

Ballet Spring Performance (Tickets and

information call: 724-658-7122)

May 19– 8 A.M.-6 P.M. – Lawrence

County Garden Mart – Cascade Park

May 19 – 10 A.M.-6 P.M. – Train Day Fes-

tival – West Pittsburg Train Station

Rev. Karl Schafer and family of

RiverCross Church in Visalia, CA

Please pray:

For a student ministry to be-

gin, despite their so far unsuc-

cessful efforts

For at least a dozen new fami-

lies in their neighborhood to

get connected with River-

Cross this year

For their relationship with the

local elementary school to

grow and continue to be posi-

tive

Once Upon a Dream: Spring Fling Event

Join the Women of Westfield on Saturday, May 5 at noon for their Spring Fling luncheon

and program. Mary Mikesell will give An Overview of the Mt. Jackson Museum and Park.

Other “homegrown” entertainment will be featured and lunch will be catered by Dessie.

Please make your reservation by Monday, April 30, by calling the church office at

724.667.7045 or filling out a reservation slip in the bulletin.

The CORNERSTONE May 2018

May 24 - 28 – Memorial Day Week-

end Classic Dog Show – Lawrence

County Fairgrounds ($5/carload)

Date Night Options:

May 4 – 5-8 P.M.– First Friday Fiesta

at Nova Wine Cellars

May 9 – 7:30 P.M. – Horns Aplenty

Concert sponsored

by the Hoyt Arts

Center (Tix $20)

May 19-20 –

10 A.M. -5 P.M. –

Spring Garden and

Tea Party – Volant

Village Shops (Tix

$20)

The vision of RiverCross is to make re-

lationships with Jesus real. They want to

see everyone changed and impacted by

finding or deepening their relationship

with Jesus. Their story is tied to the Bi-

ble’s story about Joshua, specifically

when he was leading God’s people into

that destination they had dreamed of for

decades. Standing on the far banks of the

Jordan River, they were poised to enter

and yet at the same time wondered how

it was possible. Looking at an overflow-

ing river, it seemed impossible to take

those last steps that would help them

realize God’s promise. But God called

www.westfieldchurch.org 4

The Mission Team is hard at work with

preparations for their trip which is only 8

weeks away. Your support to this point

has been wonderful. There are two more

fundraisers scheduled that need your help.

Sunday, May 6 - Donate a Meal

There will be an envelop in the Sunday

bulletin asking you to donate the cost of

one meal for a Mission Team member

($2.28) based on the costs in 2017.

That isn’t much more than a cup of coffee

so we hope you will fill those envelopes

on the 6th.

Sunday, June 3- Loose Change Offer-

ing - This Sunday we will bring “ye olde

milk can” and ask you to bring all your

loose change, empty your piggy banks,

clean out your pockets, dust off the

dresser, empty the coffee can, and do-

nate it all for the mission trip.

As we represent Westfield Church in the

mission field in June, we are excited for

the work ahead of us in West Virginia

and grateful for your prayers and finan-

cial support as we carry out God’s mis-

sion.

Because the fleur-de-lis resembles a lily — a symbol of pu-

rity — it is sometimes used to represent the Virgin Mary.

Due to its three-petal form, the fleur-de-lis also symbolizes

the Holy Trinity

Support and Prayers for Mission Team

The CORNERSTONE May 2018

Westfield Facilities Use and De-velopment Group (WFUDG-Building Committee) met four times in March. The AIA con-tract with RSSC was discussed, checked by Attorney Robert Clark, and is now signed by Ed Clark, president of the Trus-tees, and Debbie Liggett, Clerk of Session. Members of the committee met with the Trus-tees on March 20 and dis-cussed all plans for preliminar-ies to construction. Lee Ann Martin is now serving on the WFUDG committee as another Trustee representative. Frank B. Taylor Engineering of New Castle has been chosen as the Civil Engineer. All expenses, costs, payments, etc. will be channeled through the Foundations of Hope check-ing account and not mixed with the Current Expense Account of the church. Please keep up your support in prayer, as well as financially. Be sure to designate your giv-ing for the building project as “Foundations of Hope.”

Tres (Not Cinco) de Mayo at JOY by Doreen Hietsch, Director of Senior Adult Ministries

Yes, you read that right … because of

calendar restraints, JOY (Just Older

Youth) will be having a fiesta on MAY 3

this year, making the celebration Tres de

Mayo, rather than Cinco de Mayo. Grab a

friend and see what the day has in store

for us.

In other happenings this month, we’re

hoping to explore different ways to use

some of those photos that are sitting in a

box (or in your camera and on your

phone) as an ongoing project. We’ll look

at some samples early in the month, share

some ideas and start a few creative pro-

jects.

Remember that Potluck Luncheon we

had in the fall? It begs for a repeat!

Pull out your favorite recipe and make

something to share with us on May 31.

Caring and conversation are always a

part of our group but exercise with

Susan, lunch with our talented cooks,

and games with “Vanna” are also on

the schedule. We’re hoping to see

some of our autumn visitors return now

that the win-

ter is behind

us. Some of

those in our

group are

still looking

for card

playing part-

ners. If 500

(or other

card games) interest you, we can make

it happen. Add a little JOY to your life!

JOY tip of

the month: Take a

walk in a local park to

see what’s growing.

Christian Symbol: Fleur-de-lis

www.westfieldchurch.org 5

Special Friends

Russ & Judy Bryan at their residence

Alice Fullerton at her residence

Shirley Gibson

at Carriage Court

Eleanor Gwin Mary Lou Williams

at Avalon

Pearl Jolley at her residence

Angel A’s Discipleship & Membership Update

Angel Angelica checking in and announcing that WE NEED WARMER WEATHER as we get closer to some upcoming events! Mother’s Day is May 13 and Graduation/Promotion Sunday is May 20 The graduates will be honored with a brunch in the parlor following worship. The Senior Citizen Picnic will be June 9 at noon. Come enjoy some great picnic food and fun. Summer Evening Bible Studies are in the works. There will be more to come on dates and speakers. D & M is continuing to focus on welcoming new members, stop in to Coffee and Conversation and learn more (also get a heavenly bite to eat!) And speaking of Coffee and Conversation: please sign up.

The CORNERSTONE May 2018

Stained Glass Concerts by Sarah Phillips, Director of Music

Come, Christians, Join to Sing A Musical Celebration

Sunday, May 20 6:30 P.M.

Poland Presbyterian Church

Poland Presbyterian Combined Choir & Village Ringers

Sheet & Tube Brass Quartet Area soloist & instrumentalists

Directed by Steve Pridon

All donations benefit Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley

Desserts and beverages

following the program

The Youngstown Symphony has a series

of concerts they perform in area churches.

These concerts are entitled “Stained

Glass” concerts. The symphony partners

with different churches, develops a pro-

gram of sacred music, and provides a

lovely Sunday afternoon of choral and

orchestral music.

In April, the symphony came to Board-

man United Methodist Church. I was

privileged to sing in the chorus. It was the

perfect antidote to the “let down” after

all the glorious Holy Week and

Resurrection Sunday music.

The program featured Op.45 Ein

Deutsches Requiem (A German

Requiem) by Johannes Brahms.

This is a large scale work for

chorus and orchestra, composed

between 1865 and 1868. It is

comprised of seven movements.

Nestled in the middle is a serene

pastorale of exceptional beauty,

and it is hardly surprising that

“Wie lieblich sind deine

Wohnungen” or “How Lovely Is

Thy Dwelling Place” is so widely known

and loved. It is based on Psalm 84: 1, 2,

and 4. The text is taken from the Lu-

theran Bible.

How lovely is thy dwelling place,

O lord of hosts, to me!

My thirsty soul desires and longs

Within thy courts to be;

My very heart and flesh cry out,

O living God, for thee.

How happy are they who dwell with thee

And praise thee without rest.

Brahms built on the ideas that Mar-

tin Luther established earlier in Ger-

many. The themes of faith and free-

dom have spoken powerfully to

Protestants ever since.

Martin Luther translated the Bible

into German so the people could

read the word of God on their own

without a translator. He also com-

posed hymns, chorales, and settings

of the mass in German so the people

could praise God in their native

language. He also influenced

great composers: Bach’s

cantatas, oratorios, motets,

chorales, hymns, and organ

works … Handel’s

“Messiah” … Mendels-

sohn’s “Reformation Sym

phony” … Meyerbeer’s

“The Huguenots” … and

Brahms’ “A German Req-

uiem”.

Martin Luther said, “I

would fain see all the arts,

and music in particular,

used in the service of Him

who hath given and created them.”

“A German Requiem” by Brahms is

an uplifting composition. Brahms

said, “We sing no dirges nor lamenta-

tions, but comforting songs of the

forgiveness of sins, of rest, sleep, life,

and resurrection of the departed

believers, for the strengthening of our

faith, and the stirring up of the people

to a true devotion.”

www.westfieldchurch.org 6

National Day of Prayer Thursday, May 3

Pray for America: Unity Ephesians 4:3

Learn more at

www.nationaldayofprayer.org

Meet new member Gerri Reese. She lives

in Enon Valley close to daughter and son-

in-law Peggy and Ed Clark. Gerri retired

from The Medical Center (now Heritage

Valley Beaver), where she worked in the

operating room.

She loves to spend time with her 7 grand-

sons ages 14-29. When needed she helps

Ed and Peggy on the farm. You will also

find her with the Mat Makers on Wednes-

day nights.

Gerri was born and raised in Pittsburgh,

but loves living in the country.

Say Hello to Leroy Keim

Leroy is a very busy guy! He is now liv-

ing and working at the Walker Farm. He

is a jack of all trades there—building the

free-standing cabins, remodeling, taking

care of the fruit trees, doing general

maintenance, building crafts for the retail

shop and whatever else needs to be done.

Leroy raises an heirloom white corn and

sells the seed. He will do remodeling

when needed. Take a look at the newly

remodeled flower room (photos below)

for an example of his expertise. Leroy

enjoys old farm machinery and old agri-

cultural ideas regarding horse farming.

He has invented a tool frame for tilling.

Leroy has 12 grandchildren he likes to

spend time with. He also keeps in touch

with his brothers and sisters.

Meet Gerri Reese

The CORNERSTONE May 2018

The Cornerstone is a monthly

publication of Westfield

Presbyterian Church.

We are a congregation of the

Covenant Order of Evangelical

Presbyterians.

We worship together every Sunday at

11:00 A.M. We welcome all members,

friends, and visitors to join us.

Editor & Office Secretary:

Maribeth Jones

Church Staff:

Rev. Dr. Mark Hughes

Senior Pastor

Rev. David Champ

Associate Pastor of Youth & Family

Ministries

Sarah Phillips

Organist/Choir Director

Doreen Hietsch

Director of Senior Adult Ministries

Stacy Cosgrove

Financial Secretary

Dave Micco

Custodian