April 2006 - THE HERALD
FREEDOM PLAINS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Non-Profit Org.
Post Office Box Four Hundred
LaGrangeville, New York 12540 U.S. Postage
P A I D
"RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED" Newburgh, NY
Permit No. 4003
Freedom Plains Presbyterian Church
Staff:
Rev. Paul Lent, Pastor
Rev. Heather Finck, Parish Associate
Denise Bassen, Music Director
Susan Walsh, Administrative Assistant
Linda Jacobs & Maryanne Russo, Co-Directors of Sunday School
Bonnie Biskup, Parish Nurse
Kevin Coyne, Sexton
Katherine DeFiglio, Junior Choir Director
Donna Logan & Em Jorgenson, Bell Choir Directors
Office Hours: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Office Telephone: (845) 452-0684
Office Fax # (845) 452-7816
E-Mail Address: office@fppchurch.org
Website: fppchurch.org
THE HERALD
Freedom Plains Presbyterian Church
Founded 1827 APRIL, 2006
From the Pastor's Desk
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. (John 1:5)
Dear Friends,
As the sun heads back into our hemisphere, and the days lengthen, you can see life preparing to spring forth. Light is such a powerful force in our world. The seasons, and even to some extent, our moods are ruled by it. In Jesus' day, there were people, just as there are people today, who doubted the power of light and who believed in the superior power of darkness. In a world like ours, that is so full of suffering, violence, fear, and so much uncertainty, it is easy to see why some people resign themselves to believing that darkness is more powerful than light.
The Bible is crystal clear. Light is more powerful than darkness. For Christians, keeping the faith is about embracing the light of the world. Keeping the faith gives us the power to make abundant life spring forward.
The power of the resurrection and Easter is the power of light over darkness; the power of hope over despair, the power of life over death!
I invite you and encourage you to connect to the power of light, the power of The Risen Son, Jesus, who is light to a land that dwells in deep darkness. In short, I invite you to connect to and live in His glorious light.
Shine,
LIBRARY NOTES –Book Review – A merciful boss we don't deserve, the final stage of life's journey, a life full of busy-ness, risky love and extravagant gestures, God's uncommon use of the common, contempt for fakery – these are just some of the topics touched on in Max Lucado's book "The Final Week of Jesus". The author invites us to walk with Jesus on his journey to Jerusalem where a divine plan is in place. There was no time to waste as "distilled truths were taught. Deliberate deeds done. Each step calculated. Every act premeditated." Lucado asks us to listen to, to watch closely and to mediate on what is occurring during this most critical week in all eternity. Are we getting all the messages? Are we learning all the lessons that Jesus has prepared for those who would follow Him? This short book is worthwhile reading as we focus our thoughts on the meaning of the crucifixion and resurrection during the Lenten season. "And the Angels were Silent" and "Six Hours one Friday" are other books by Max Lucado also located in the Lenten section of the library. Following are just a few of the many recent additions to the library, Care of the Soul by Thomas Moore, The Moral Intelligence of Children by Robert Coles, The Long Program by Peggy Flemming, The World's Great Religions for Young Readers, This too Shall Pass – Keeping Faith During tough Times by M. Huffman.
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN
CALENDAR GIRLS
We are still in need of a few hostesses to decorate a table and prepare a dessert for 8 guests.
The jazz group, The Mockingbirds, will entertain us on May 6 at 6:00 PM with music which includes songs from Duke Ellington, Cole Porter, and Miles Davis, to name a few. (Elaine Miller, Ray Thielke and Dan Marx form this talented trio). They have studied with such greats as Dave Samuels and Ernest Murquiz. The combination of piano, vibes, percussion and bass are guaranteed to get your feet tapping. In addition, our own Nancy Auffarth, a talented singer who worked on and off Broadway for years, will join them in singing a few songs.
If you have any questions or are interested in getting more information about Calendar Girls, please contact Jennifer Barry at 473-5421.
HEALTH MINISTRY
Office hours 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM and 12:00 –12:30 PM
For appointments call 724-5631.
B/P Screening – Weekly on Sunday mornings.
Bulletin Board:
"Stomp out Stroke" – Are you at risk? Signs and symptoms to be aware of, treatments. Strokes require immediate treatment. St. Francis Hospital is now a stroke center.
"Winter Blues" – Seasonal Affected Disorder – If you are feeling funky add more light to your life!
"Flu" – Recognize the difference between the flu and cold symptoms.
Care Notes: On Emotional and Spiritual health available in Parish Nurse Office, Narthex and Fellowship Hall.
Prayers for Comfort and Healing:
Mary and Laurie Best, Karen and Mike Benson, Maureen Cavanaugh, Joyce Coice, Eileen Doherty, Jill Edmonds, Tammy Maier, Robert Pagliaro, Diane Soyka, Thomas Wardell, Edward Van Etten, Devin Resler, Trevor (Strafella Family), Helen Underwood.
PICTORIAL DIRECTORY UPDATE
For people who have not yet received their Olan Mills photos, please call 1-800-596-3731, prompt #5. We would like to thank everyone who helped us surpass our goal of 150 photos. The total portraits taken were 203. This allows us to have extra directories and extra pages in each directory. If you are new to the Church and have not been photographed for the Directory, please see Julie Carmichael, Carolyn Boak or Kathleen Newton. A delivery date will be announced soon.
YOUTH MINISTRY
JHYF INFORMATION
Retreat at Holmes –A huge thank you to Rev. Paul Lent, Marie Taylor, Rob Rice and Robin Garzoni (from Holmes staff) for stepping up to the plate when I was struck by the flu the Friday of our retreat. Our junior highs are so blessed to have adults invested in their social and spiritual development. A camp game of murder was almost unnecessary, as youth gradually became sick or had to leave early. I am sure that time cooking together and contemplating the God given gifts we have been blessed with created memories that will make us laugh for months to come. Thank you all.
Easter Egg Hunt – The JHYF will be hosting an Easter Egg Hunt for pre-school thru 5th grade children on Saturday, April 8 at 1:00 PM. We will meet in Fellowship Hall and the youngest children will have a chance to hunt first. Please bring your own small basket! Rev. Heather Finck
SHYF INFORMATION 
World Vision's 30 Hour Famine – The SHYF will experience World Vision's 30 Hour Famine beginning Friday night, April 21 thru April 22nd. Please support this effort by sponsoring a teen for this event of fasting and learning about hunger issues, while raising money to help those who are suffering because of hunger.
Lunchbox – On Sunday, March 19 approximately ten members got together during church and prepped the food to be served later that day at the Lunch Box. The group also served during coffee hour. Eight of the ten went with Melissa, who planned and executed this project with the kids, to join Bonnie and Lou Biskup and George Wade to serve at the Lunch Box. Tammy Maier
Homeless Shelter – SHYF collected 10 pairs of new pajamas in 3 weeks and 6 pairs of new socks for the Homeless Shelter. Stephanie Weidera will be delivering them with a letter from our group when she goes to the shelter to volunteer on March 29. We want to thank the congregation for always being supportive of our projects.
Meeting Info – There will be no meeting on April 16, since it is Easter Sunday. We will keep you posted through emails, mailings and calls from your officers. Also, check out our new online church calendar at www.fpp.church.org. to keep up to date on events. Please don't hesitate to call Tammy Maier at 473-9048 or Melissa Haras at 454-4930 if you have any questions.
APPALACHIAN SERVICE PROJECT – The next ASP mtg. at the church will be held on April 23 at 7:00 PM. All volunteers and those who plan on joining us this year, please fill out the form in this April Herald and submit it to the church, along with your check in the amount of $140. Rev. Paul Lent
ATTENTION GRADUATING SENIORS!!
The Scholarship Committee is currently accepting applications for monetary scholarships from seniors who will be continuing their education. The forms are available at the church office and must be submitted by May 7, 2006. The requirements are as follows:
Student must have been a member of Freedom Plains Presbyterian Church since October 1 of the year he/she enters the final year of high school.
Student's parents need not be members of Freedom Plains Presbyterian Church.
Student must submit an application to be considered for a scholarship award. The application must indicate:
a) specific educational plans, including vocational training, as well as college studies.
b) include a statement of activities in the life of Freedom Plains Presbyterian Church.
The Scholarship Committee
