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February 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
THE HERALD Freedom Plains Presbyterian Church Founded 1827 ________________________________ _ February 2006__ From the Pastor's Desk Dear Friends, As I am writing, the nation prepares for the annual event. Advertisers, retailers, and TV programming all herald the coming of Super Bowl XL. Here at Church we even use the hype to raise awareness of hunger in our community with Souper Bowl Sunday. I have a sister-in-law who is a big football fan, and while she is polite to me, in truth I think she is a little hostile towards religion. It drives her crazy when a player scores a touchdown or makes a great play and makes a gesture acknowledging God in gratitude. She almost rants, "Does he actually think God is rooting for his team?" "How stupid is that?" She has asked me my opinion and I have given it, although I think she may prefer to rant. I don't know about you, but it took me a long time to learn how to accept a complement, and in truth it still makes me uncomfortable. Now imagine being a young football player 23 years old, and tens of thousands of people watching in the stands, millions watching via television and all praising you. To me it seems the right thing to do is to deflect the complement a little; maybe thank God for the opportunity to make such a play, or thank God for the God-given ability. Now, most of us are not in a situation where so many people are watching us, and yet, the same theory applies. When was the last time you thanked God for the opportunities you have: opportunities like being a good father or mother, being a good friend, or being a good daughter or son, or even being a good Christian. In the bigger picture God is on our side, guiding us along to be our best selves, and in our achievements comes gratitude. Peace, Paul P.S. For your information, more Presbyterians live in and around Pittsburgh than any other place in America. NEW ELDERS, DEACONS AND CNC MEMBERS We are pleased to announce the election of the following: Elders: Class of 2009 Gerry DeFiglio, Kevin DelBene, Maureen Doherty, Diane Emmett, Annalise Puckette, Rich Roeser and Susan Tempest Deacons: Class of 2009 Jan Malone, Lisle Pepe, Anthony Ricci, Les Roe, Marie Taylor, and Ian Taylor CNC members: Kathy Newton, Vince Peterson, Paul Schatz In addition, we wish to thank the following retiring Elders from the Class of 2006: Marie Hasenpflug, Paul Horstmann, Linda Jacobs, Mark Logan and Henry Rosado; and Deacons from the Class of 2006: Dorothy Dunham, Richard Frank, Marisa Kaley, Renie Milliken, Erin Murphy and Vince Peterson for their service to our church. HEALTH MINISTRY Office hours Sundays 10 AM 11 AM & 12 PM-12:30 PM Care Notes on emotional well-being available in Parish Nurse Office and narthex. Weekly B/P screenings on a weekly basis on Sundays. For appointments call Bonnie Biskup at 724-5631. Bulletin Board "Stomp Out Stroke" risk factors, and preventative measures for stroke. "Winter Blues" short days, lack of light "Flu" Is it a cold or the flu? Bonnie Biskup, Parish Nurse 724-5631 Prayers for Comfort and Healing Mary Best, Karen & Mike Benson (Spencer family), Maureen Cavanaugh, Eileen Doherty, Madeline Hanka, Diane Soyka,, Pam Krenzke, Mary Moody, Devin Resler, Trevor- (Strafella family), Thomas Wardell, and Edward VanEtten. Prayers for Bereavement Auffarth family Dave's mom Scoralick family Barb's brother Bob Joys Birth of Ike Quinn, Herman and Jerry Boldrin's grandson.
MISSION CHRISTMAS JOY Thanks to all who supported the Christmas Joy offering which supports minority colleges through PCUSA and enhances pensions and benefits for retired ministers and missionaries. RURAL & MIGRANT MINISTRY Thanks for supporting the Chocolate Lovers' Bake Sale February 12. The next fundraiser will be a luncheon on March 26 at noon. Sign up on the Mission bulletin board or call Jill Edmonds (473-3998). SUPER BOWL SANDWICHES Thanks to everyone who purchased a sandwich Super Bowl Sunday. EASTER DINNER Please call the church (452-0684) to volunteer to host the Easter Dinner for our community. It's a rewarding experience and easy this time with the ham and vegetables in the church freezer already. HOMELESS SHELTER please call Stefanie Widera (677-4316) to volunteer an evening of your time to cook or serve dinner for the homeless in our area. Especially in the winter months, a warm meal and smile are appreciated. BROOKHAVEN APARTMENTS Many thanks to the congregation and friends of the Freedom Plains Presbyterian Church. Your donations of gifts and money to the Brookhaven Apartments were greatly appreciated. We were able to provide much needed clothing, toys, and household items to the residents to bring cheer to their holiday.
DCIC News February's Story Circle at FPPC Dutchess County Interfaith Council sponsors monthly story circles. A circle is composed of people of different faiths sharing the richness of their story traditions. A leader begins by telling a story or two based on the month's theme; then the circle is open for any who wish to tell a story -- no need to plan or sign up ahead. Listening to stories can be a way into the heart of the other. On Tuesday, February 21, 7 pm 8:30 pm there will be a story circle at FPPC, Wheeler Chapel. The theme will be "Welcoming Strangers". This event is free, and all are welcome. It promises to be a relaxing, entertaining, enjoyable evening. Hope to see you there! For more information, call Ruth Sheets, 473-6202. LIBRARY NOTES Coming soon to your church library The Chronicles of Narnia, The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe! If you haven't seen this worthwhile and popular film yet, you may want to borrow it from our library. The film may very well spark interest in the book series, which is also available in our library, for those children who are not already familiar with the set. Written by C.S. Lewis, a British writer who is well known for his writings on Christianity for adults, this fantasy series has a wonderful adventure story interwoven with a Christian message. In addition to this film and series of books, we also have many of the adult books by Lewis. His logical and intellectual approach to Christian apologetics makes for valuable and inspirational reading. A few of the titles you may want to check out are Mere Christianity, Miracles, The Screwtape Letters, A Grief Observed, The World's Last Night and other Essays, Reflections on the Psalms, and Shepherd's Notes on C.S. Lewis's The Problem of Pain/A Grief Observed. Pam Woodward FREEDOM PLAINS NURSERY SCHOOLOur church-sponsored Freedom Plains Nursery School is presently accepting registrations for the 2005-2006 school year. Call Valorie Parry, Director, at 485-1145
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