Vision

A newsletter from the First United Presbyterian Church Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors

July/August 2012
We will gather for worship at 9:30 am July though August. Again this year we will be worshipping with the Congregation of Cornerstone Community Church, 570 3rd Avenue in Lansingburgh.
July 1 at Cornerstone Community Celebration of Holy Communion Pastor Allen Siebold preaching Girl restored to life/ woman healed Mark 5:21-43 July 8 at Cornerstone Community Pastor Rick Otty preaching Homecoming Rules Mark 6:1-13 July 15 at Cornerstone Community Pastor Otty preaching Reasons to Dance 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19; Mark 6:14-29 July 22 at Cornerstone Community Pastor Siebold preaching Out with the Old, in with the new Revelation 19-22 (excerpts) July 29 at FUPC Pastor Siebold preaching Feeding 5000/ Healing Sick John 6:1-21 August 5 at FUPC Pastor Otty preaching A Royal Coverup 2 Samuel 11:26-12:13a August 12 at FUPC Pastor Otty preaching The Bread of Life John 6:35, 41-51 August 19 at FUPC Pastor Siebold preaching I AM the Living Bread John 6:51-59 August 26 at Frear Park Pagoda

Dear friends, I am writing this letter a day after sharing our monthly Communion service at the Eddy. Being it was the first day of summer, I offered some recollections of my own childhood summers, and how the pace of life in our neighborhood changed once school was out. Unless rained out, it was almost daily baseball at the sand pit, and bike rides on the streets of Hampton Manor, and swimming in the lake at the bottom of the hill. Our family usually took a summer vacation, sometimes at a rented cabin near the ocean, and other times as a traveling tour of historic sites. My only real organized activity was Little League baseball. Times change. As far as I know, there is no longer swimming in Hampton Manor Lake, so one must travel to a pool or lake. As we look at the lives of our older grandchildren, we see multiple organized activities built into their summer all good. Yet, as a friend noted in a recent conversation, there is a difference between kids in organized activities and informal times of play in ones neighborhood. In organized activities, someone has set the rules, provided the equipment, and there are umpires or referees to reconcile close calls. Even video games seem to have built-in rules one may master, but not adjust. When you play in the neighborhood, one needs to negotiate rules, scrounge up the needed equipment, and settle disputes. I never recall playing organized baseball without the ball having its leather cover, but there were times in our sand pit games when all we had was a coverless ball of tightly wound string. We learn about life when the kid who has the only bat, becomes upset and takes it home. And yes, there were times when disputes were not settled peacefully. Still, there was a sense of freedom and learning that took play in these self-organized activities. Summers offer a change of pace in the church as well. While I welcome our sharing worship with the Cornerstone Church of Lansingburgh in July and August, it will also seem strange to be away from our worship setting for four weeks. Fewer sermons to write and meetings to attend open opportunities to both catch up on the postponed to do list, as well as offer space to think ahead creatively to Fall activities. The Pastor Nominating Committee will be hard at work this summer and the Session will need to attend to some strategic planning so the PNC can offer a clear picture of the church a new pastor will be joining in ministry. At yesterdays Eddy service, I shared that one of my favorite verses of Scripture is from Jesus Sermon on the Mount: Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed as one of these. The verse is both a reminder for, and assurance to us to allow God to care for us, and for us to set aside worry and control May we each find time to sense the freedom of a changed pace this summer. May we sense the effortless wonder of the God-gifted lilies of our own lives to grow and give beauty. May we be attentive to our need, and take the needed time for refreshment, not only to heal tired bodies, but to enliven weary spirits. Gods blessings on your summer, and I look forward to our worshiping together at both Cornerstone and First United. With Christs peace,

Music News By: Maury Castro, Director of Music Ministries

In celebration of this years exciting music-making, here is a picture of the Troy Childrens Chorus final concert at Steamer No. 10 Theatre on June 2. They did a great job!

Pick-Up Choir If you enjoy singing in a group, consider joining a pick-up choir on Sunday, August 12, at 8:30 a.m. The choir will rehearse one or two simple pieces to sing for the worship service at 9:30 a.m. Troy Childrens Chorus It is not too early to begin thinking about who you could invite to join the Troy Childrens Chorus! Rehearsals begin September 11. Go to www.troychildrenschorus.org for more info. Dedicate an Anthem - Congregants are invited to donate $25 toward the purchase of new choral music, and the church will match that $25 in order to purchase a new 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 is sung in church, this will be recognized. To participate in this ongoing program, please contact Maury A. Castro.

Faith Education By: Leslie Kelly, Coordinator of Educational Ministries

Join us for Gods Amazing Gift of Animals, the Faith Education Summer Program (formerly known as vbs) Open to children entering grades K-7. Adults and youth are welcome to come for the therapy dog presentations. Monday Evening July 9 ( 6-8pm) Come meet & interact with therapy dogs! Learn how they help people. Wednesday Morning July 11 ( 10am-Noon) Come hear stories about animals changing peoples lives! Thursday Evening July 12 (6-8pm) Meet and interact with more therapy dogs discover the many ways dogs provide therapy for people. Face Painting, Crafts, Games, Music and Bible Connections!! Pick the times that fit your family schedule, come for one day or all three! For more information contact: Leslie Kelly at 272-2771 or by email leslie@unitedprestroy.org Summer Program Registration Name: ________________________ Address: _______________________ _______________________________ Grade Completed: ---------------------Phone:_________________________ Emergency Contact Info:_________ _____________________________ Allergies:_____________________ Dates my child will attend: _________________________________________ Parent/Guardian: ________________________________________________ Return to: Leslie Kelly First United Presbyterian Church 1915 Fifth Ave. Troy, NY 12180 E-Mail:_________________________ Childs Age:____________________

SESSION NOTES Highlights of Actions at Stated Session Meeting, Monday, June 25, 2012
Submitted by Sue Steele
Were led in a service of Evening Prayer to open and close the meeting. At the request of the Pastor Nominating Committee as it prepares the Church Information Form, considered the churchs current mission statement, and affirmed its substance. Approved request for support of Community Gardens application for a Presbyterian Hunger Program Grant. Recorded the wedding of Rachel Schiewe and Taylor Dotson on June 2, 2012. Approved the request of Joe and Carolyn Warden to transfer membership to First Presbyterian Church, Charlottesville, PA. Received, with thanks, the donation from the Bowes Family for purchase of 24 new Sing the Faith books. Approved the recommendation of the Personnel Committee regarding candidates for the positions of the church administrative assistant. Approved changes to Misconduct Policy as recommended by the Personnel Committee. Approved the Education Coordinators request to reduce from 30-24 hrs/wk., salary reduction accordingly. Approved Personnel Committees recommendation to give 12 months notice to staff regarding any major change that affects hours, salary, or benefits, except when mutually agreed upon. Approved the Clerk of Session to update/sign an EPF/CFA application for state funds. Next Session meeting Aug. 27 (unless a special meeting needed prior)

Pastor Nominating Committee

FUPCs PNC was elected at the Congregational Meeting on May 20th and includes Don Drew, Ben Hallett, Martha Juenger, Pauline Kamen Miller, Judy Moyer, Jennifer Nelson, Florie Parmelee, and Sue Steele. The group has covenanted to meet weekly throughout the summer to complete our Church Information Form (CIF) which describes our church in detail and will catch the eye of the next person to be called as our pastor. Don was selected as our leader and Pauline and others will help him manage details as the process progresses. We ask that the congregation keep the PNC in prayer throughout our work and that you feel free to share your ideas to be included in the CIF with any of us.

Scripture Readings for July & August July 1 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27; Psalm 130; 2 Corinthians 8:7-15; Mark 5:21-43 July 8 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10; Psalm 48; 2 Corinthians 12:2-10; Mark 6:1-13 July 15 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19; Psalm 24; Ephesians 1:3-14; Mark 6:14-29 July 22 2 Samuel 7:1-14a; Psalm 89:20-37; Ephesians 2:11-22; Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 July 29 2 Samuel 11:1-1-15; Psalm 14; Ephesians 3:14-21; John 6:1-21 August 5 2 Samuel 11:26-12:13a; Psalm 51:1-12; Ephesians 4:1-16; John 6:24-35 August 12 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33; Psalm 130; Ephesians 4:25-5:2; John 6:35, 41-51 August 19 1 Kings 2:10-12, 3:3-14; Psalm 111; Ephesians 5:15-20; John 6:51-58 August 26 1 Kings 8:(1,6,10-11) 22-30, 41-43; Psalm 84; Ephesians 6:10-20; John 6:56-69 Bible Study to Resume on September 5th Regular attenders of the Bible Study group have decided not to meet during July and August, but will resume weekly gatherings on Wednesday, September 5th from 4:00-5:15pm. The group reads through and discusses the four lectionary passages for the upcoming Sunday. Consider now whether this might be a part of your Fall discipline. Contact Rick Otty for more information.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
July
2 6 9 12 13 14 15 25 27 31 Casey Jean Lanoue Jennifer Jaffarian Earl Turner, Sr. Andrew Schwendeman Don Lutz Allyn Warman Katelyn Steele Bill Moyer Miriam Parmelee Gavin Crobok

August
2 3 10 12 18 20 26 28 29 30 31 Brenda Westbrook Serge & Sergio Zewou Breanne Crobok Laura Rogers Caleb Welcome Chandlee Gill Betty Turner Kristine Wohlfahrt Kerrie Zagursky Jean Miller Rose Alexander Randy Shuster Ethan Strayer Leigh Jensen

New Baby Rebecca Ruth McDaniel-Pinzer was born to Virginia McDaniel and Becky Pinzer on June 1st. Ruth weighed in at 8 lb 12 oz at birth. Proud grandparents include Mary and Carl McDaniel. Virginia grew up in Troy and First United. Ruth, Virginia and Becky live in Arkansas where both Virginia and Becky work for the US Forest Service. Their address is Post Office Box 1993, Mena, AR. We send our warmest welcome to Ruth and our love to all. Like to see a picture? Ask Margaret Stoner Dear%Friends%at%First%United,% % A%heartfelt%thanks%for%your%prayers,%cards,%notes,%calls,%visits,%food,%and%equipment%during%the%time%of%my%total% knee%replacement%surgeries%and%my%recovery%process.%%Bill%and%I%are%deeply%grateful%to%have%been%surrounded% by%your%support%and%care,%so%important%even%now%as%I%continue%to%heal.% % With%appreciation%and%love,% Judy%Moyer%
To Rev. Rick Otty and FUPC: Sending thanks for your prayers, cards, phone calls, and visits at the hospital from Rev. Otty during my bypass surgery. I am so blessed to have such loving and kind people in my life. With your kindness, I am now recovering beautifully! Thanks again, With much love, Hazel H. Farrell

July 2012
1
9:30 am Worship at Cornerstone 7:30pm NA Meeting

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3pm Roxbury Farms

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10am AA Meeting

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9:30 am Worship at Cornerstone 7:30pm NA Meeting

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6-8 pm Summer Faith Ed Activities Interact with Therapy Dogs!

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3pm Roxbury Farms

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10am-12pm Summer Faith Ed Activities Stories of Animals And Noahs Ark!

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6-8 pm Summer Faith Ed Activities Interact with Therapy Dogs! 6:30 pm PNC Meeting

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10am AA Meeting

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9:30 am Worship at Cornerstone 7:30pm NA Meeting

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3pm Roxbury Farms

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10am AA Meeting

5pm MLMT Meeting

6:30 pm PNC Meeting

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9:30 am Worship at Cornerstone 7:30pm NA Meeting

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3pm Roxbury Farms

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10am AA Meeting

6:30 pm PNC Meeting

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9:30 am Worship at FUPC 7:30pm NA Meeting

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3pm Roxbury Farms

August 2012
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10am AA Meeting

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9:30 am Worship at FUPC 7:30pm NA Meeting

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3pm Roxbury Farms

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10am AA Meeting

6:15pm Personnel

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8:30 am Pick-Up Choir Rehearsal 9:30 am Worship at FUPC 7:30pm NA Meeting

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3pm Roxbury Farms

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10am AA Meeting

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9:30 am Worship at FUPC 10:30 am Deacons Meeting 7:30pm NA Meeting

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3pm Roxbury Farms

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10am AA Meeting

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9:30 am 3pm Roxbury Worship at Farms Frear Park Pagoda 7:30pm NA 6:30 pm Meeting Session Meeting