May 2011 Vision Newslletter

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Vision A newsletter of the First United Presbyterian Church

Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors

MAY 2011

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stained glass B lack ened B y F ire wit hinN o L ight E nters O r R adiates

the Passion of flamesalive, searing bright, consuming

they warm the heart and soul, as candlesleft untended to breed and grow, D estruct ion

in the A ftermath, P ain of L oss and Confusiongather in the S trength O f T he L ord

though D ark ness nowwit h L ove and R estorati on

the L ight wil l il luminate again

li k e the P hoenix B urned T o A shesto R ise A gain M ore Gl orious than before.

D ebra A . B rownApri l 9, 2011

Spring Showers Bring May Flowers



2A Pastoral Notefrom Jacquelyn Pinkowski

Signs [miracles] reveal Jesus as God at work among us, but they also reveal how unready so many of us are to acce

nd embrace what is revealed and how contentious we can become when the God in heaven that we worship turns oue involved in the details of our daily lives on this earth in ways that don’t fit our preconceptions.‖

From Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places” by Eugene H. Peterson, pa

CONGRATULATIONS!

hellyann Holder became a U.S. citizen in March. This has been a very long process for Shellyann. We rejoice wier and Jennifer Nelson, Everest and Seneca that what once was a dream has finally been accomplished. ―but for G

hings are possible.‖ (Matthew 19:26)

rom your Interim Pastor

We are in the midst of the Easter Season. The church once again is out of step with society. For most people, Eastends on Easter Sunday afternoon. But, as Christians we continue to celebrate Easter for 7 weeks. Our Easter ends wentecost. Jesus’ disciples enjoyed the presence of Jesus 40 days and continued to be in a spirit of awe and wonder

fter. On the 50th day, the Day of Pentecost, the disciples were so filled with the Holy Spirit that the beginning of w

we now know as the Christian Church was born.During the Easter season you my notice some differences in the worship service. First, there is no Prayer of ConfesThis is a time of celebration and joy, In the Gospel of Matthew Jesus is asked by the Pharisees why his disciples didast like other people. ―And Jesus said to them, ―The wedding guests cannot mourn as long as the bridegroom is wit

hem, can they? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them and then they will fast.‖ (Matth:15) During Easter the bridegroom (Jesus) is still with us and so we continue to rejoice. We will confess again afte

entecost.

You will also notice that each week during Easter we will not be reading from the Old Testament, but will be readinrom The Acts of the Apostles. Again, our focus is on the days immediately after Jesus’ resurrection. History is alw

mportant, but during this very special time, we are called to rejoice, for Jesus is risen.

We will continue to worship in Fellowship Hall for the foreseeable future. The entire sanctuary must be cleaned andl that is accomplished we will not be able to use the sanctuary. May we all celebrate the wonder and mystery of Eahroughout the entire Easter season by worshiping together, rejoicing in the knowledge of the love that God has for ef us.

Blessings,

ackie

Sermons for the Upcoming Month of May

May 1, 2011 - 2nd Sunday in Easter

―Wanting Proof‖

Scriptures: Acts 2:14a, 22-32; Psalm 16; 1 Peter1:3-9; John 20:19-31

May 15, 2011 – 4th Sunday of Easter

―Finding Pasture‖

Scriptures: Acts 2:42-47; Psalm 23, 1 Peter 2:1925; John 10:1-10

May 8, 2011 – 3rd Sunday in Easter

―Remembering‖

Scriptures: Acts 2:14a, 36-41; Psalm 116; 1 Peter

1:17-23; Luke 24:13-35

May 22, 2011 – 5th Sunday in Easter

Reverend Al Siegel — Guest Pastor

Scriptures: Acts 7:55-60; Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16;

Peter 2:2-10; John 14:1-45

May 29, 2011 — 6th Sunday in Easter

Reverend Rick Otty — Guest Pastor

Scriptures: Acts 17:22-31; Psalm 66:8-20; 1 Pet

3:13-22; John 14:15-21



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Things to Ponder...Being Presbyterian

Theology

Some of the principles articulated by John Calvin remain atthe core of Presbyterian beliefs. Among these are the sover-eignty of God, the authority of the scripture, justification bygrace through faith and the priesthood of all believers.What they mean is that God is the supreme authority

throughout the universe. Our knowledge of God and God’spurpose for humanity comes from the Bible, particularlywhat is revealed in the New Testament through the life of Jesus Christ. Our salvation (justification) through Jesus isGod’s generous gift to us and not the result of our own ac-

complishments. It is everyone’s job — ministers and laypeople alike — to share this Good News with the wholeworld. That is also why the Presbyterian church is governedat all levels by a combination of clergy and laity, men andwomen alike.

Points of interest

Presbyterians confess their beliefs through statements thathave been adopted over the years and are contained in The

Book of Confessions. These statements reflect our under-standing of God and what God expects of us at differenttimes in history, but all are faithful to the fundamental be-liefs described above. Even though we share these commonbeliefs, Presbyterians understand that God alone is lord of the conscience, and it is up to each individual to understandwhat these principles mean in his or her life.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA)

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance enables congregations mission partners of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) to wness to the healing love of Christ through caring for communities adversely affected by crisis and catastrophicevents.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) is the emergenc

and refugee program of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A.The core budget, including staff and administrative costfunded through the One Great Hour of Sharing, and its pgram work is additionally funded through designated gif

FUPC experienced the fire on March 26. As I was tryinmake sense out of how to coordinate various projects anprograms I remembered a conversation that I had 3 yearago while attending a General Assembly. That conversation was with the Associate for Disaster Response in theU.S. We talked about the scares that remain after a churhas a fire, so I sent an e-mail to him. A few days later CShaw (Executive Presbytery) knocked on my door and

asked if I would like some help. PDA had contacted herand they were willing to send a team in to help us with tvarious issues after a fire. I was overjoyed. This is a woderful example of what it means to be Presbyterian. If opart of the body (a specific church) is hurting, the wholebody responds.

We have had tremendous help from Gary Popson fromErie, PA and Rev. Merritt Shatz, from Md. Gary is a retired insurance agent and Merritt is a clergywoman. Botare specially trained to help churches when they have ex

perienced a fire. In the first meeting with Gary, he casumentioned that PDA had $10,000 available to help us wwhatever expenses we might be incurring during this timHe said it so casually that I almost missed it. There needto be a letter from Cass requesting the funds. They will directed through Albany Presbytery. Again, how we heeach other in difficult times.

This help is coming to us from the funds that PDA receifrom our annual One Great Hour of Sharing. We have sported this special offering for many years, never expectthat we would be recipients of their great ministry. OneGreat Hour of Sharing is our way of helping others in thmidst of disasters all around the world.

Thank you for your support of this year’s One Great Hou

of Sharing.

Thank you PDA for Gary and Merritt and their knowledand wisdom.

Thank you PDA for the $10,000 that will help us see thathe restoration of the fire will be complete.



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Ministry of Music Newsfrom Maury Castro

Thanks to the recommendation of Marsha Cutting, a tal-ented composer and musician in our congregation, I’ve re-cently discovered www.pandora.com. This website is a ra-dio station that, through the music genome project, allows

an individual to create the radio station of their choice. Onesimply enters a song or performer that one likes; then thewebsite will play music similar to that song. One’s prefer-

ences are finely tuned by indicating a thumb’s up or athumb’s down on any given selection. These preferencesare saved in your account. I love it, and have a 19 th centuryopera station as well as a funky cool station. I’m constantlyhearing new music within a genre that I enjoy. I’m thinking

of creating a kid’s music station for my daughters. If you’relooking for a way to spice up your listening life and bring abit more joy around, try it out!

A Troy Night Out Event: Katelyn Steele in Concert.Friday, May 27, 7 pm. Ms. Steele will present a variety of selections, repeating her senior recital as a voice major atthe College of St. Rose. Her clear, full tones fill our space,making this a concert not to be missed! Admission is freewith donations accepted.

NEST Benefit Concert Cancelled.Some may be wondering if this annual event is taking place this year – sadly, it has been cancelled. The status and mission of NEST has been uncertain as of late, so it was thoughtthat it would be best to cancel this benefit concert. Fur-

thermore, Brian Bowes, friend of our congregation andone of the main forces behind this event, moved toNashville in February! We hope to see this event returnin 2012!

3nd Annual Troy Music Day Camp. Do you want tointroduce your child to the world of music in a fun-filleenvironment? Or perhaps you want to strengthen yourchild’s already-developed musical foundation? Troy

Music Day Camp is for you! This camp, which runs atFirst United from June 27 – July 8 (two weeks thisyear!), will give your child a variety of fun-filled learn-

ing experiences associated with music such as singing,dancing, introductions to a variety of instruments andcomposers, field trips, guest musicians, and more. Thecamp is open to children entering grades 1-6. The pro-gram day runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with extensions to7:45 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. If you are interested in registeing, please pick up a registration brochure at church orgo to www.unitedprestroy.org to find a downloadableform there.

Dedicate an Anthem - Congregants are invited to do-nate $25 toward the purchase of new choral music, and

the church will match that $25 in order to purchase anew anthem (each anthem in our library costs about$50). The donor may dedicate the anthem to the person(s) or event of their choice, and when that anthem issung in church, this will be recognized. To participate ithis ongoing program, please contact Maury A. Castro.

http://www.unitedprestroy.org/




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Faith Education Newsfrom Leslie Kelly

Faith Education Open House and Dedication

Sunday, May 15th there will be a plaque dedication cere-mony during worship in memory of Robin J. Wheeler.After the service and refreshment time, a plaque donatedby Jean Miller will be placed on the second floor naming

it the Robin J. Wheeler Faith Education Suite. The largebalcony room has been refurbished and all the faith educa-tion rooms, including the nursery will be open for viewingat that time. Robin was a professional counselor, educa-tor, and strong supporter of our faith education program.She was also a 50 year member of the congregation whosepositive energy and faithful service inspired us all. All arewelcome. Joan Rogers will be hosting the refreshmenttime after worship.

Robin J. Wheeler (March 29, 1945-June 2, 2010)

―HONK IF YOU LOVE JESUS!‖

Please join us in the Rose Room after worship on May 8

for a closer look at bumper stickers - ―Honk if you love

Jesus‖. That is one of the oldest religious bumper stick-

ers around. You probably had some reaction to it, and it

may or may not have resulted in your tooting your horn.

Miriam Parmelee, John Buckley and Don Drew will facili-

tate this adult education opportunity. We will explore how

we react to religious slogans not only seen on bumper

stickers, but everywhere. Remember John 3:18? What do

you think about when you see a Jesus fish on a car? How

about a Darwin fish? How about OPEN HEARTS, OPEN

MINDS, OPEN DOORS?

Sunday School

Faith Ed classes for children will be held May 1, 8, and 2

after the children’s message during worship time.

Godly Play classes will be held for children, ages 3-5. Cdren ages 6 and over will be involved in ―The Great Com

sion‖ workshop rotation. All children are invited to partipate.

On May 22, the Sustainable Living Group, that meets

at the church, ―will share some of the many environmenta

friendly ways to get along with everything.‖ Please plan

joining us for this informative program.

Book Packs are ready for the children to borrow from th

Wheeler Room. Each book pack has 2 or 3 books for you

your child to read and talk about together. There is also a

activity included in each pack that reinforces the theme o

books. Please sign out and borrow one book pack at a tim

Save the Date – Vacation Bible School will be held Au4, 5:30pm-8pm

Hygiene Kits

The children of the church invite you to participate in helthem put together hygiene kits, as a ―way to reach disastevivors and those in need, with the hope of Christ.‖ This pgram is encouraged by Presbyterian Disaster Assistancethrough Church World Service. We are collecting the foling items for the kits: bar of soap (bath size in wrapper),toothbrush in original packing, washcloth, wide tooth c

nail clipper (no metal files or emery boards), hand towe

16”x18” (no fingertip or bath towels) and 6 bandages. Wwill also need one gallon size zip lock bags to pack the kin. There is a basket in Fellowship Hall for you to leave items. Anything that you can contribute will be much apated.

Thanks to everyone for their contributions to the Foo

Fair! Over $400 was raised to go toward the “Raise O

Roof” fund and everyone enjoyed a delicious buffet.

I’d like to share the words to a song that we sing in SundaSchool with you, it sums up that good feeling in the air w

everybody works together.

“Love, love, love.

That‟s what it‟s all about.

„Cause God loves us, we love each other,

All of us here are sisters and brothers.

Everybody sing and shout,

„Cause that‟s what it‟s all about!!

It‟s about love, love, love,

It‟s about love, love, love.”



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PRESBYTERIAN RAINBOW

INVITES YOU TO A

POST-AMENDMENT 1 0- A VOTING

WORSHIP GATHERING AND RECEPTION

SUNDAY, MAY 22, 2011, 4:00 PM

WE WILL GATHER . . .

To pray for our Church

To celebrate those who have come before us

To share the ONE Gospel

which is good news for all persons,

NO EXCEPTIONS .

WHO SHOULD COME?

Elders . . . Members of congregations . . . Deacons . . .

Pastors . . . YOU!

First United Presbyterian Church

1915 Fifth Avenue, Troy

(Downtown, between Fulton and Grand)

www. unitedprestroy. org /272- 2771

www.presrainbow.org






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Coffee Hour Hosts for May

May 1- Roof Task Force

May 8 - Jennifer Nelson

May 15 - Joan Rogers

May 22 - NEEDS A HOST!

May 29 - Bonnie Kerr

Thank you to those who have signed up! Can you

help? Please sign up and share in creating our fello

ship time. Questions? Call Don Lutz at 283-6920

An Evening with Betty LaDuke

The Chapel + Cultural Center at RPI is pleased to presen

―An Evening with Betty LaDuke‖ on Thursday, May 12

2011 at 7:00 PM. Admission is FREE! A reception wil

follow.

Betty LaDuke is a nationally renowned artist, educator,

humanitarian who is exhibiting her series of 21 painting

entitled ―Dreaming Cows‖ at the Chapel + Cultural Cent

from May 9, 2011 until June 30, 2011. This exhibit cele

brates the work of Heifer International, a non-profit hum

tarian organization dedicated to ending world hunger an

saving the earth by providing livestock, trees, training an

other resources to help poor families around the globe b

come self-reliant. Heifer International bases its practice

the principle of sharing and teaches recipients to ―Pass th

Gift‖ to other families.

Betty LaDuke will be speaking about her profound expeences on numerous Heifer International-led educational

study tours throughout almost 50 countries, including

Rwanda, Uganda, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Kosovo. It

this important work with Heifer International that inspir

Betty’s ―Dreaming Cows‖ series of paintings.

Come and hear this thought-provoking artist whose com

ment to social justice world-wide inspired paintings of in

credible beauty and power, works that reflect a spirituali

and deep respect for cultural diversity, communities wor

ing together, gender equality, and Mother Earth!

The Chapel + Cultural Center at RPI is located at 2125 B

dett Avenue, Troy, NY 12180. For more information,

please contact Anne Tory, Director of the Chapel + Cult

Center at 518-274-7793 or [email protected]. You may als

visit us at our website: www.chapelandculturalcenter.or

.

Announcements

Raise Our Roof Food Fair A Success!

Just a note to thank everyone who contributed their

time and energy to making our Palm Sunday Food Fair

a success. The variety of favorite foods prepared madeit a smorgasbord of tasty treats. As of press time the

total amount raised for the roof fund for our historic

church building was $425.00. Blessings to all and our

appreciation to you for your patience and support. This

is a message from the Faith Education students, par-

ents, teachers, and committee.

Meals on Wheels for the Eadie Family

As many of you know, Betsy Eadie is dealing with kid-

ney failure and will soon begin dialysis. She is proba-bly a candidate for a transplant, but finding a donor is avery large challenge. An associate of hers is beginningthe process of coordinating offering the Eadies' help,particularly meals. Her name is Jennifer Hurd. Jenn'scontact information is: [email protected] or 518-283-5187. She prefers emails but phone calls arefine. Be aware that any phone messages will be re-turned, but may take a day or two. Jenn also has a re-source that offers meal ideas and recipes for the dietrestrictions that accompany this health issue.

Happy

Mother’s

Day!

mailto:[email protected]





8Session Notes

he session met in a marathon meeting that occurred over twoights, April 25 and 26. ―How can they do that?‖, you might

sk. They adjourn at a decent time on Monday night to returnn Tuesday night for a four hour meeting. Here’s what hap-ened. (Please note: the newsletter deadline means that fullxplanation doesn’t happen here. These are NOTES. Watch

our email and snail mail for more information.)

Received an invitation from Tim Coombs, Presbytery staff forongregational Transformation, for a regional gathering to hearbout how the presbytery can help local congregations. First

United’s invitation is for May 19. Speak to Jackie or Chandlee

f you want more information and would like to attend.

Received the resignation of Bonnie McCaig from the sessionffective July 1, so that she can deal with some personal mat-ers.

Heard that the lunch with Oakwood members has been resched-led for September 11.

Heard from Faith Education Ministries that dedication of theaith Education Suite will happen on May 15.

Received a report from FaFinStew about the 2011 budget defi-it. The session acted to request that committees, task forces,nd team expenditures be cut for the rest of 2011 by 10 percent.

On first reading , the session acted to take up an additional 1 %raw from the General Endowment to cover the projected defi-it of $31,000. The endowment policy requires action at twoeparate session meetings Background: the session passed aeficit budget in December 2010 with a commitment to revisithe budget in April after the first quarter. The session referredack to the committee a discussion of an additional request tohe congregation.

nvited Michael Adee, executive director for More Light Pres-yterians to be at First United on a date in October.

Welcomed Merritt Schatz and Gary Popson, PDA volunteers,who reviewed the status of the cleanup, insurance, and stresselated to an event such as a fire. Plan to attend the informa-

onal meeting on May 1.

Agreed that the roof capital campaign will be delayed for a few

months. Stay tuned , as task forces will be established to deter-mine what will be included and how much it will cost. Soonou will have input to how big a plan should get. Please answerhe call to serve God in this way.

Acted to begin the process for seeking a new pastor with an allay Saturday retreat in September focused on Appreciative In-uiry with the Rev.Tim Jones. Stay tuned.

he session adjourned at 10:30 with the celebration of theord’s Supper.

May Bi r t h d ays

3 Don n a El i a5 M i r i am Ru ssel l

6 M a r k A b b o t t

Loi s Jen sen

7 Lyn n e Steven s

11 T ru d i W ybour n

15 I l i an a Harpe

18 Mar k Du ggan

20 Ja n e Husson

21 Heat h er Hewi t t

26 Sar ah Sh u ster

28 Al ex is HootenLois Lan ou e

Mary Magn an

29 Kyl ie Ker r

Al i ce Ki r stein

30 Aid an St r ayer

Ha p p y Bi r t h d a y t o

you a l l !



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May 2011Sunday Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

19:00 Chancel Choir

10:00 Worship

(Children in SundaySchool)

11:00 Refreshments

11:30 Faith Ed

12:30 CROP Walk

7:30 NA Group

2 3

6:30 Human Re-sources Meeting

4

6:30 Bible Study

5

4:30 WorshipCommittee Meet-ing7:00 ChancelChoir

6 7

10 AM AA Group

8 Mother’s Day

9:00 Chancel Choir

10:00 Worship

(Children in SundaySchool)

11:00 Refreshments

11:30 Faith Ed

7:30 NA Group

9 10

3:45 TroyChildren’s

Chorus5:30 MLMT Meet-ing7:15 Faith Educa-tion CommitteeMeeting

11

6:30 Bible Study

12

6:00 Music Com-

mittee7:00 ChancelChoir

13 14

10 AM AA Group

15

9:00 Chancel Choir

10:00 Worship

11:00 Refreshments

11:30 Wheeler Room

Dedication

7:30 NA Group

16

7:00 Membercareand Outreach Meet-ing

17

3:45 TroyChildren’s Chorus

18 19

4:00 Fa-Fin-StewMeeting

7:00 ChancelChoir

20 21

10 AM AA Group

22 9:00 ChancelChoir 10:00 Worship(Children’s Sunday

School)

11:00 Refreshments

11:30 Faith Ed

4:00 Pres. RainbowReception

7:30 NA Group

23 24


25 26

7:00 ChancelChoir

27

11:00 Concert for Special Caremembers

7:00 Kate SteeleRecital

28

10 AM AA Group

299:00 Chancel Choir

10:00 Worship

11:00 Refreshments

11:30 Faith Ed

7:30 NA Group

30 31


6:30 Session



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Vision Newsletter is published 11 times a year by

First United Presbyterian Church, Troy, New York

Jacquelyn Pinkowski Interim Pastor

Maury A. Castro Minister of Music

Leslie Kelly Faith Education Director

Carlie D’Annunzio Financial AnalystCarla Fisk Administrative Assistant

To Contact Us: you may call 518-272-2771

you may write to us at

1915 Fifth Avenue Troy, New York 12180

or you may email us at [email protected]

For pastoral emergencies call (518) 279-7401 or (406)794-

9360

or email [email protected]

In this issue: Things to Ponder...

Notes from Jackie, Maury, and Leslie

What’s happening in the community

And more...

First United Presbyterian Church Officers for 2011,

2012 & 2013

The Session

Moderator - The Reverend Jacquelyn Pinkowski

Class of 2011: Debbie Brown, Sue Steele, Courtney Savaria,

Karen Harpe

Class of 2012: John Buckley, Pat Carlson, Peg Drew, Chandlee

Gill

Class of 2013: David Lanoue, Bonnie McCaig, Dan Rogers,

Trudi Wybourn

The Board of Deacons

Class of 2011: Martha Juenger, Don Lutz,

Marsha Mintz-Botsford, Pat Rudebush

Class of 2012: Bob Harrington, Bonnie Kerr, Courtney Savaria,

Claudia Schwendeman

Class of 2013: Shirley Bowes, Steven Paul Bowes II, Dana

Crobok, Shirley Street

Open Minds, Open Hearts, Open Doors:

First United Presbyterian Church

1915 Fifth Avenue

Troy, New York 12180

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Where People with Differences Unite in Christ

Documents

May 2011 Vision Newslletter