The Season of surrender

Our Vision:

The Peekskill Presbyterian Church is a faithful and diverse community of Christians with varied backgrounds, ethnicities, talents, and ages. Guided by the Holy Spirit, we are committed to nurture individual and corporate growth through Vibrant Worship, Committed Stewardship, Relationship Building Fellowship, Mission Focused Discipleship, and Servant Leadership.

The Peekskill Presbyterian Church March 2015

Worship Sundays – 10AM

Church Office Hours:

Tues - Fri, 9:30AM - 2:30PM

Upcoming Events:

March 18 Educators’ Roundtable – 7PM (Upper Room)

March 21 Men’s Roast Beef Dinner – 6:30PM (Social Hall)

March 21 Bridge Club – 7:30PM (Host: Tina Wileikis)

March 24 Soup Kitchen Prep – 5:30PM March 25 Connected Prayer – 6PM

March 26 ‘Thirsty’ – 7:30PM

March 27 Book Club – 7:30PM

March 29 Holy Week Begins Palm Sunday – 10:00AM

April 1 Worship – 7:30PM

April 2 Maundy Thursday – 7:30PM Last Supper Reenactment

April 3 Good Friday – NOON Worship – 7:30PM

April 5 Easter Sunday – 10:00AM Worship (with Communion)

In This Issue:

Pastor’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Church News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7

Session Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Prayer Info . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Deacons Daily . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Clerk’s Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Bible Verses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Invite your Family and Friends to Holy Week 2015 Sunday March 29, 2015 Palm Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m.

Wednesday April 1, 2015 Healing Service supported by the Church Diaconate Thursday April 2, 2015 Dramatic Reenactment of the Last Supper 7:30 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. (Communion Served) Friday April 3, 12:00 p.m. Good Friday Service (Rev. Graham Preaching) Friday April 3, 2015 7:30 p.m. -8:45 p.m. Seven Lasting Words (Homilies by Church Elders) Elder John Bishop, Elder Terrence Rooms, Elder Charlene Woods, Elder Ruth Garcia, Elder Philena Bolden, Elder Caroline Renaud, Elder Brenda Martinez Sunday April 5, 2015 10:00 a.m. Resurrection of the Lord/ Easter Sunday (With an Easter Egg Hunt for children following) Chancel and Praise Choir Director: Matthew Russell also featuring Special Guest Musicians, Canters, and Singers.

The Peekskill Presbyterian Church 705 South Street, Peekskill, NY 10566 914-737-3322

Messenger – March 2015 Page 2

“Just as there are seasons of the year, there are seasons of the soul; changes in the atmospheric pressure that sweep over the human spirit. We move in and out of them, often without being aware of them, almost unconsciously and without appreciation for the new experiences they bring our way.” ~ An excerpt from Listening For God: A Ministers Journey, written by Dr. Renita Weems.

March is women’s history month. During this time of year, I am compelled to think about and pay tribute to the women of the Bible and the women of the church. So many brilliant and talented women laid the foundation for future generations. They did this with little recognition and in spite of the barriers they were up against.

We must never forget the nameless women whose faith led them to support the ministry of Christ, spread the gospel, teach the Bible, and build, maintain and sustain churches throughout the centuries.

One such woman has had a particular impact on my life. Dr. Renita Weems is a graduate of the Princeton Theological Seminary. She became an Old Testament scholar and through her first book, Just A Sister Away, she has enlightened women all over the world; helping us to understand the role of women in the Bible and in Christendom from a womanist perspective.

Dr. Weems other books include, I Asked for Intimacy: Stories of Blessings, Betrayals and Birthing’s; Listening For God: A Ministers Journey; Showing Mary: How Women Can Share Prayers; and Battered Love: Overtures to Biblical Theology

As I was preparing to attend seminary, I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Weems and assist her as she presented the keynote address at the church of my initial formation. Dr. Weems continues to be a sought after preacher and speaker. She has been a part of the faculty at Vanderbilt University. Her books continue to provide insight into the role of spiritualty in everyday life.

Dr. Weems lectures and sermons continue to challenge and inspire me. She is one of my most significant long-distance teachers. Thanks to Dr. Weems and other women scholars, teachers, missionaries, elders, deacons and others whose faithfulness we continue to depend upon to help us understand the significant roles of women in Biblical and Christian history.

By Faith,

Pastor Stephany

A Message from Our Pastor –

“Sisters of the Spirit”

The Peekskill Presbyterian Church 705 South Street, Peekskill, NY 10566 914-737-3322

Messenger – March 2015 Page 3

Session Update

Highlights from the February Session

meeting . . .

The minutes from January 2015 meeting were

approved. Two Abstentions due to absence.

New Session Members are Susan Dahl, Caroline

Renaud, Philena Bolden, and Ruth Garcia.

Motion was presented to have Mission and Good

News to discuss the proposal presented to the church by Karl Schumacher concerning

establishing a Limited Meal Program in the church

social hall. – Unanimously approved.

Elders, Caroline Renaud, Brenda Martinez, John

Bishop, Philena Bolden, Ruth Garcia, Terrence Rooms, and Charlene Woods will participate in the

Good Friday Service by presenting the “Seven Last

Words”

Educators’ Round Table Meetings are planned for

the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m.

Baptism of Hudson Schwer on May 17 was

approved unanimously.

Good News was given permission to submit their

Challenge-To- Change Fund application to

Presbytery for consideration – Approved Unanimously

Charlene Woods was appointed as chair of the

Nominating Committee. This is a two-year

position.

On Sunday March 8th , there will be a substitute

minister while Pastor Graham is on vacation.

Presbytery does offer grant writing seminars

available to those who are interested.

~ Submitted by Charlene Woods, Clerk of Session

JELLY BEAN COLORS AND MEANINGS

ORANGE IS FOR HEAVEN SO BRIGHT.

(2 Samuel 22: 13-14)

YELLOW IS FOR GOD’S PERFECT LIGHT.

(Revelation 21:23)

BLACK IS FOR THE SINS WE’VE MADE.

(Romans 3:23)

WHITE IS FOR OUR CLEANSING FROM SIN.

S(Psalm 51: 1-2)

GREEN IS FOR OUR NEW LIFE IN HIM.

(Colossians 1:10)

PINK IS FOR HIS FREE GIFT TO SHARE.

(Mathew 28: 19-20)

PURPLE IS FOR THE CROWNS WE’LL WEAR.

(2 Timothy 4:8)

The Peekskill Presbyterian Church 705 South Street, Peekskill, NY 10566 914-737-3322

Messenger – March 2015 Page 4

Prayer Ministries

Wednesday Morning Prayer Call

Join Pastor Stephany Wednesday mornings between 7:30 – 7:45 a.m. for the call. To participate, dial 1-559-726-1000;

when prompted, enter code 703 336 #

Prayer Chain

Members of this ministry commit themselves to offer up prayers requested by

the congregation and the community. More participants are needed.

To join the prayer chain, call 914-737-3322 or email prayerrequests@peekskillpresby.org

Connected Prayer Ministry

A quiet space and time for meditation and prayer; held the 4th Wednesday every month,

at 6 p.m. in the Parlor

Continued Prayer

Polly & Don Brandes Dr. Edward Castner (for remission)

Marge Crawford Joe Deutsch Elaine Galella Bruce Simon Bob Straub Dot Whitehouse Seaman Robert Woods The people of the Middle East and in all areas of conflict All those struggling with addiction For the prisoners

Prayers for Comfort

To the family of Mrs. Nellie Ruth Keller (Patricia Button’s mother) To the family of Elsa Shapiro (Yselle Shapiro’s mother) ~ If you have prayer requests for concerns or Thanksgiving, please contact Philena Bolden

~ Matthew 7:7

“Ask, and it will be given

to you; seek, and you will

find; knock, and it will be

opened to you.”

.

Prayers & Sympathy

OUR MISSION

In response to the profound

love of God through Jesus

Christ toward all, we welcome

everyone to join us as we study

and proclaim the gospel, seek

the will of God, grow in

spiritual maturity, share our

resources, and respond in

service to the needs of our

members and our neighbors

The Peekskill Presbyterian Church 705 South Street, Peekskill, NY 10566 914-737-3322

Messenger – March 2015 Page 5

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when

did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and

give you something to drink? When did we see you a

stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and

clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison

and go to visit you?’

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever

you did for one of the least of these brothers and

sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:37-40

Please let us know what gifts you may want

to offer to those in your congregation . . . A

ride? Companionship? A meal? We still

have information slips in the pews in the

sanctuary. We ask that you fill them out and

let us know how you can help – or to let us

know if you are in need of assistance.

You might also choose to call or e-mail the

church office to let us know. (914-737-3322

or office@peekskillpresby.org)

We hope to compile a list of helpers who can

be called on when a need arises. Thank you!

Hebrews 13:16

“ Do not neglect to do good and to

share what you have, for such

sacrifices are pleasing to God.”

The Deacons Daily

Sometimes out of the mouths of babes we learn the greatest lessons. I would like to share a story I came across that proves this point.

The author is unknown.

Every child comes with the message that God is

not yet discouraged with man. Now the story goes

thus: a little shepherd boy was watching his sheep

one Sunday morning and he heard the bells of the

church ringing. And watching the people walk

along the pasture where he was, he happened to

think to himself, “I would like to communicate with

God! But, what could I say to god?”

He had never learned a prayer. So, on bended

knee, he began to recite the alphabet. As he was

repeating this prayer several times, a man passing

by, heard the boy’s voice and peaked through the

bushes. He saw the young boy kneeling with folded

hands, eyes closed, repeating the alphabet.

He interrupted the boy. “What are you doing,

my little one?” he asked. The boy replied, “I was

praying sir, “The man seemed surprised and said,

“But why are you reciting the alphabet?” The boy

explained, “I don’t know any prayers, sir. But I do

want God to take care of me, and to help me care

for my sheep. And so I thought, if I said all I did

know which is the alphabet, He could put the letters

together into the right words, and then He would

know all that I need and what I meant to say!”

The man smiled and said. ”Bless your heart, I

know God will hear you and put the letters together

correctly!” Knowing this, the man went on to

church realizing that he had just heard the finest

sermon he could possibly have heard that day and it

came from the heart of a small child.

Maybe if we thought like little children and let

God put together all of our letters and forming the

words that would represent what we wanted and

what we should say, things would probably work

out a lot better than we humans could ever have

planned with our sophisticated words!!!

Messenger – March 2015 Page 6

Join us for a review of the

Bible,

From Genesis to the Book

of the

Revelation of John.

Meeting

11:30 a.m.

In the Church Parlor

The Peekskill Presbyterian Church 705 South Street, Peekskill, NY 10566 914-737-3322

Messenger – March 2015 Page 7

Scripture Memorization Challenge

1. Psalm 37:4, 5. Take delight in the LORD, and He will give you

the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in

Him, and He will act.

2. Psalm 16:8. I keep the LORD always before me; because He is

at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

3. Isaiah 26:4. Trust in the LORD forever, for in the LORD God

you have an everlasting rock.

4. Exodus 15:2. The LORD is my strength and my might, and He

has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise Him,

my father’s God, and I will exalt Him.

~ Thanks to Rosa Reed for the Memorization Challenge

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Serving with Mirth in March ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Date

1 . . . . . . . .

8 . . . . . . . .

15 . . . . . . .

22 . . . . . . .

29 . . . . . . .

Elder on Duty

Christine Button . . . . .

CindyLou Bohler . . . .

Ray Brown . . . . . . . . . .

Linda Buckiewicz . . . .

Kathy Cerreta . . . . . . .

Ushers

Linda Buckiewicz & Phyllis Froebrich

Linda & Steve Johns

Diana Heaton & Lynne Nayman

Marsha Vernon & Debra Campise

Jean Kaiser & Harry Percoulis

Acolyte

Steven Denardo . . . . .

Chelsea Sackey . . . . . .

Brenda Martinez . . . . .

Steven Denardo . . . . .

Marsha Vernon . . . . . .

Marjory

Stephany

Mary

Donald

Kristin

Beverly

Grace

Rebecca

Jessica

Miranda

Diana

Courtney

Joan

Walter

Tracy

Brianna

Christina

Robert

Donald

Brenda

Marsha

March Birthdays

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

8

10:00am – Worship

3 – 8pm: (Social Hall in Use)

(Pastor - Vacation)

9

7:30pm – Boy Scouts

10

6:00pm – Deacons 6:45pm – Fit Club 7:00pm – Chancel Choir 7:30pm – Gates of Heaven

8:30pm –

Praise Choir

11

6:30pm – AA

12

7:30pm – Session

13

12:00pm – Knitting

Pastor: School

14

15

10:00am – Worship (with Communion)

16

6:00pm – Personnel

7:00pm - Performing Arts Ministry Rehearsal

7:30pm – Boy Scouts

17

6:45pm – Fit Club 7:00pm – Chancel Choir 7:30pm – Gates of Heaven 8:30pm –

Praise Choir

18 6:30pm – AA 7:00pm – Educators Round Table

19

5:00pm – Head Start Parent Mtg. (Social Hall)

20

12:00pm – Knitting

21

5 – 8pm: Men’s Roast Beef Dinner (Social Hall) 7:30pm – Bridge Club

(Tina Wileikis)

22

9:00am – Stewardship Meeting 10:00am – Worship

23

7:00pm - Performing Arts Ministry Rehearsal

7:30pm – Boy Scouts

24

5:30pm – Soup Kitchen Prep 6:45pm – Fit Club 7:00pm – Chancel Choir 7:30pm – Gates of Heaven 8:30pm - Praise Choir

25

6:00pm – Connected Prayer Meeting 6:30pm – AA

26 7:00pm – Investment Committee Meeting 7:30pm – Thirsty

27

12:00pm – Knitting 7:30pm – Book Club

Pastor: School

28

29

10:00am – Worship

Palm Sunday

30

7:00pm - Performing Arts Ministry Rehearsal

7:30pm – Boy Scouts

31

6:45pm – Fit Club 7:00pm – Chancel Choir 7:30pm – Gates of Heaven 8:30pm - Praise Choir

1

6:15pm – Thrift Shop Mtg

6:30pm – AA

2

7:00pm – C & B Meeting

7:30pm – Last Supper Reenactment

Maundy Thursday

3

(Office Closed)

(Elders Preaching) Good Friday

4

5

10:00am – Worship (with Communion)

Easter Sunday

6 (NO Mission Mtg.) 7:30pm – Boy Scouts

7

6:45pm – Fit Club 7:00pm – Chancel Choir 7:30pm – Gates of Heaven 8:30pm –Praise Choir

Church Office Hours –

Tues – Fri, 9:30AM – 2:30PM

914-737-3322 office@peekskillpresby.org

Church Website:

www.peekskillpresby.org

Find Us on Facebook:

Peekskill Presbyterian Church

Pastor Stephany Graham

Office Hours –

Wed: 10AM – 3PM, Thur: 4 – 7PM, Alternate

Fri & Sat and Mon & Tues: 11:30AM – 4:30PM

Thrift Shop:

Wed, Thur & Sat

10AM – 3PM

845-538-2669

* Remember that the church has other users,

such as Head Start and Gates of Heaven.

Please contact the office to confirm availability,

before planning a building event.

Thank you! *

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ A P R I L ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~ A P R I L ~ ~ ~

7:30pm – Worship

(Healing Service)

12:00pm – Worship

7:30pm – Worship NO Easter

Vigil