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October 2005 - THE HERALD
THE HERALD
Freedom Plains Presbyterian Church
Founded 1827
________________________________ ___October 2005__
From the Pastor's Desk
'Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell--and great was its fall!' Matthew 7:24-27
Dear friends,
As I sat down to write the newsletter last month there was a hurricane named Katrina making its way across Florida. Today there is another hurricane, Rita, making its way through the Florida Keys. The future is seldom clear, but there are a few things I have learned, and been reminded of in this past month that are important for our lives and particularly our faith.
- We need each other. Too often in this society we feel isolated and alone, and yet when the storms hit, how powerfully we are reminded that we need each other.
- We can do something. There are always things we can do to help our neighbors next door, or hundreds and even thousands of miles away. How proud I am of our Deacons sending off 54 aid packets within days of the Hurricane strike. They also sent 40 teddy bears, and I am proud of this congregation that has sent around $6000 for hurricane relief through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance already, and donations are still coming in. The Senior High Fellowship is also getting involved. They are collecting school supplies.
- We know what is really important. There is nothing like disaster to remind us what is really important. If you had to leave your house quickly, what would you take? Whose phone numbers and contact information would you want? Who would you call quickly to find out if they were all right?
What I was reminded of this past month is that it is not our houses that God is ultimately concerned with; it is our lives and our loves. God promises that everyone who hears God's words and acts on them will build lives that are built on the Rock, so that whatever comes, we will be together, we will respond reaching out to a world in need, and we will know what matters most. Keep the faith; it is the truest protection from the storms of life.
Yours in Christ,
Paul
HEALTH MINISTRY
Office hours – Sundays 10 AM – 11 AM & 12 PM-12:30 PM
B/P screening – Sundays, on ongoing basis.
Bulletin board – Tick-borne illnesses.
Care Notes – on emotional and spiritual health are available in the P.N.office and Narthex.
Pamphlets – on health issues in Parish Nurse Office and both bathrooms. Living Will info and forms in P. N. Office.
Weight Reduction Program – Sundays 10 AM – 11 AM – You can join any time.
Walking Group – to start. See Heather Peterson.
Prayers for Comfort and Healing: Mary Best,Maureen Cavanaugh, Jill Edmonds, Madeline Hanka, Carol Kniffen, Rodney McClure, Devin Resler, Fred Stuebner, Christine Vinson, and Stefanie Widera.
Bonnie Biskup, Parish Nurse 724-5631
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN
RUMMAGE SALE - The annual fall rummage sale, sponsored by the Presbyterian Women will be held on Saturday, October 15 from 9am to 1pm. Your donations of clothing and household items in good, salable condition will help to continue the success of this fundraising event. Donations may be left in the church basement beginning SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9 after church, but PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, NOT BEFORE.
Help is needed for:
- Setup Thursday and Friday mornings and/or afternoons, (9am-12pm, 1pm-3pm)
- The sale itself Saturday morning (9:00-1:00)
- Cleanup on Saturday afternoon from 1pm on (a few strong arms are needed to haul heavy things)
Please Call Marie Coyne if you would like to help 635-8619.
APPLE PIE BAKING – Save the date! Sunday, November 6, 8:30 AM we will be baking apple pies for the Holiday Craft Fair.
IN MEMORIUM
Arlyss Goettel
MISSION
The Mission Committee has changed their meeting date. They will now meet on the 3rd Monday of the month at 6:00 PM.
WORTH READING/CHECK MISSION BULLETIN BOARD
- World Ark magazine (9/05-10/05 issue) has a great article by Barbara Kingslover on Heifer International's role in Peru.
- Nor'easter-Leadership News (7/05-8/05 issue) has an interesting article on the new role synods will take in the restructuring of PCUSA.
RURAL AND MIGRANT MINISTRY –$5.00 buys a delicious lunch and fellowship the last Sunday of the month at noon. Join us for ziti and meatballs, vegetable lasagna, and more, finished off with ice-cream crepes. Limited seating for 25 so sign up on the Mission bulletin board. The proceeds benefit the summer camp scholarship fund.
DCIC Quiz
Q. Where can you go to…
- get inspired by an award winning Gospel Choir?
- enjoy a Latino children's choir, singing in Spanish?
- delight in the sounds of a large bell choir?
- hear a combined interfaith choir and more?
- enjoy the beauty of a very pretty campus?
- reward yourself (and a friend) with an enjoyable afternoon?
- hear Camerata Chorale
A. The answer to all of the above:
DCIC 31st Annual Interfaith Music Festival
Sunday, October 23, 3 PM
Vassar College Chapel
Adults: $10, Students & Seniors: $5, Children Under 12: $2, Reserved Section: $25
-- a fun raising fundraiser for Dutchess Co. Interfaith Council
Bring a friend and carpool! Tickets: 471-7333 or at the door
Save the date: Alternative Gift Fair, sponsored by DCIC, Nov. 12-13 at The Manor at Woodside, 168 Academy St., Poughkeepsie.
WEBSITE – Thanks to Dick Roeser for updating the church website (FPPChurch.org). Check out the page that gives an overview of our mission commitments and choose your projects. Link to the monthly calendar to see which ones are current or ongoing.
HOLIDAY MEALS – Are you starting to plan your Thanksgiving celebration? So are we! In order to open our Fellowship Hall to the community so that those who are alone or as couples can enjoy a turkey dinner with all the fixins, we need volunteers. The Peterson family would welcome co-hosts so they can plan a menu and organize three shifts (cooks, set-up, clean-up). Each year, each of our holiday dinners serves 60-100 people, some of who come great distances for the tradition and are most appreciative. Please call Heather and Vince at 452-7974.
PCUSA PEACEOFFERING – Thanks to all who supported this yearly special offering of the national church organization. As we keep prayers for peace in our hearts, our generosity allows our church to stand for peace in the world among humans and with our environment. Of the total amount raised, (goal $2,000) 25% will stay at FPPC to initiate a forum on teaching non-violence to children.
EARTH STEWARDS FORUM – Mana Jo Greene is the environmental director of the Clearwater and has won numerous awards for her commitment to and expertise on environmental issues in the Hudson Valley. We are fortunate to be co-sponsoring her discussion of these issues here at FPPC on Wednesday, November 16, at 7:00 PM. Following the discussion and a Q & A session, refreshments will be served by members of AAUW. With over 50 people anticipated to be in attendance, join us for a lively, informative discussion.
KATRINA – Thank you for all the monetary support for Katrina's victims. Our direct contributions to PCUSA Disaster Relief, as well as General Mission giving, keeps that fund accessible for immediate relief. In addition, our contributions to CROP, CWS-Blanket Fund, Habitat for Humanity, and One Great Hour of Sharing help with special support in emergency situations.
A TEDDY BEAR TALE – Every Sunday there are prayer bears sitting in the sanctuary ready to travel to the sick, the lonely, and those in need. The bears are a huggable reminder that our congregation prays for and cares about the rest of the world. They have traveled as far as Texas, Colorado, Arizona, and California. They have been duplicated when more than one person at FPPC thought about the same friend in need. Well, guess what? St. John's Reformed Church in Red Hook heard about our bears and decided to replicate the project, which was launched this Labor Day weekend. We wish them success with this important outreach project.
SLEEPOUT FOR THE HOMELESS
Friday, September 30, 2005
6p.m. to 9a.m. Saturday morning
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Corner of Mansion and North Hamilton Streets
City of Poughkeepsie
sponsored by the Social Issues Committee of Dutchess Greens
Please let your people know about this. Everyone is invited to stay over; stop by; drop off items for Hudson River Housing and Dutchess Outreach including:
food pantry staples, pillows, blankets and sheets, adult outerwear, gloves, and hats and scarves for adults and kids
Children's winter clothing (the 150 Katrina evacuees in the County arrived without adequate clothing for this climate).
HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR
The Holiday Craft Fair will be held on Friday, November 18th and Saturday, November 19th. Please mark your calendars for holiday shopping, food and baked goods. Will also need volunteers to help. Stay tuned for further information....
JR. HIGH YOUTH FELLOWSHP
UPCOMING EVENTS – Tuesday, October 4 – 4:00 5:30 PM meeting at the church
Saturday, October 15 – Bake Sale 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Sunday, October 23 – Trip to Barton Orchards
SR. HIGH YOUTH FELLOWSHIP
MEETING DATES: Monday, October 3 – 7:00 – 8:00 PM
Sunday, October 16 – 7:00-8:00 PM
Monday, November 7, 7:00-8:00 PM
Tuesday, November 22 – 7:30 PM Cook for the Homeless
Sleepover till Nov. 23 – 8:00 AM
TRIPS: Headless Horseman – Thursday, October 27
We Need All of You in our New Church Directory!
It's that time again in the life of our Church—we are publishing a new Church Directory, in which we hope to include family photos of all of our Church members and friends. Please let us include your family's photo in the Directory—it won't be the same without you! We have contracted with Olan Mills to publish our directories. They will be taking the photographs on the following days:
Monday, October 24
Tuesday, October 25
Friday, November 25
Saturday, November 26
You must reserve a timeslot for your family photo to be taken. Reservations can be made one of two ways. First, we will be holding sign-ups during the beginning of October in Fellowship Hall after each service; however, if you would like to sign up from your home or office, go to www.signup.olanmills.com. The Log-In Password is our church phone number 845 452 0684. It is quick and easy!
We see this as a great opportunity to have an updated directory for our Church, and it will also give families an opportunity to acquire updated family portraits. Each family receives one free 8x10 portrait, with no obligation to buy more; however, you will be given the opportunity to purchase additional photos if you choose, and all photos will be available on time for holiday gift giving.
Please support the Church with this important project by submitting your information and reserving a time slot for your photograph. For more information, or if you would like to assist us with the Directory, please see Julie Carmichael, Les Roe, Carolyn Boak, Kathy Newton, or Jeani Lyons, or call the church at 452-0684.
LIBRARY NOTES:
The following new books have been purchased for the library. Look for them in the "new book" section:
Don't Know Much About the Bible, by Kenneth Davis
A Brief History of Everything, by Ken Wilbur
The Wave, by Lyn Mayo
Children and Grief, by Stephen Arterburn
Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger, by Ronald Sider
A History of the Middle East, by peter Mansfield
The Postmodern World, by Millard Erickson
Junior Bell Choirs are Starting Up in November
The Youth and Children's Bell Choirs will be starting up again in November. I hope to see many former members who survived my first year directing the bell choirs, and welcome any children and teens who want to give it a try. It is a great way to contribute to the church community and worship service. Rehearsals are once a week and we play about during the worship service once every 4-5 weeks during the season.
The Youth Bell Choir is for middle and high school grade boys and girls who already sing or play an instrument, and know how to read music. All returning members get to retain their bells from last year, or get first choice at any unreserved bells, whichever they choose. Older teens are particularly welcome to give it a try! The season will be mid-November through the end of May and rehearsal will be after Sunday School until 11:15 am.
The Children's Bell Choir is for 4th, 5th or 6th grade boys and girls who can read music or have taken general music in school or younger children who already play an instrument. The season will be mid-November through Palm Sunday. Rehearsal will be Thursday evenings, either at around 5:15 or 7:30, whichever is most convenient for the children's families.
Please note that attendance is very important at every rehearsal, so keep that in mind when considering joining these groups. Please call me at 635-1431 or e-mail me at dmlogan@hvc.rr.com to sign up, or else see me after the 9 am worship service starting in late October at the sign-up table.
Donna Logan
Director, Youth and Children's Bell Choirs
LOOK BACK – LOOK AHEAD
Summer 2005 – Summer 2006
MISSION TRIP
Church Potluck Supper
Sunday, November 6
6 PM at the Church
Come and see pictures, enjoy wonderful food, and hear about the Church's trip to Appalachia this past summer. All Church members and friends are encouraged to attend. Stay tuned for more information.
September 2005 - THE HERALD
THE HERALD
Freedom Plains Presbyterian Church
Founded 1827
________________________________ September 2005__
From the Pastor's Desk
Count Our Blessings
Dear Friends,
I hope you have all had a wonderful summer. Is it hard to believe that it is September already?
Church has been a busy place this summer. We had a wonderful Vacation Bible School, a successful Mission trip to Kentucky, and all throughout the summer attendance has been great. Thinking about his summer and looking ahead to the fall I keep thinking, "the Past is Prolog," and do you know what that really means? It means you ain't seen nothing yet!
Great things are in store for the coming year. First and foremost, we have been blessed with Rev. Heather Finck's presence with us over the last year. During the past year, she has worked 6 hours a week. Starting in September, the session has contracted with her for 19 hours. Most of that additional time will be used supporting and nurturing our youth programs. Heather has always said that her real love is working with Junior and Senior High kids, but last year she had to add, I only wish I had the time. Now she does.
Church School resumes on September 11 at the 9 AM service. Again this year, we are blessed to have Linda Jacobs and Maryann Russo as our Co-Superintendents. Since they started the position in January, this is really their first full year and everything is shaping up great!
You may or may not know that our very own Ben Sung finished a Masters Degree in Biblical Studies from Princeton Seminary last year. He has graciously offered to teach a Bible study during the ten o'clock hour his year entitled: Let's Have the Joy of Reading the Scriptures Together. We as a congregation, and I as a pastor are blessed to have Ben around to remind us of how important the Bible, and more to the point, the study of the Bible is to our faith and our lives together.
As our Mission trip volunteers returned from Kentucky, they all seemed to return with at least two things. One, lots of laundry, and two, almost everyone seems to have the desire to go back again next summer. So we already have a group forming to organize a trip for next summer.
Also, we are blessed with some new faces around here, and we struggle to know each other. Thankfully a group started to meet this summer to organize our next Church Pictorial Directory. Look for more details to come. This is an idea whose time has come again.
Perhaps last but not least, I want to share with you a long-range project that is just starting with a small task force. We are starting to look at a process for doing a site plan for our church buildings. A task force has been meeting with architects who might help us to think about what our church might look like in the years ahead. Completing such a plan will enable us to start addressing current needs, like to state of Fellowship Hall.
These are just a few things that are on the deck for the year ahead. Can you tell I have had a nice summer, because as I write this I am not thinking about all the work we have ahead of us, but rather how blessed I am to be your pastor. The past is Prolog, people. We are in for a great year.
Blessings,
HEALTH MINISTRY
Office hours – Sundays 10 AM – 11 AM & 12 PM-12:30 PM
B/P screening – Sundays, on ongoing basis.
Bulletin board – Tick-borne illnesses.
Care Notes – on emotional and spiritual health are available in the P.N.office and Narthex.
Pamphlets – on health issues in Parish Nurse Office and both bathrooms. Living Will info and forms in P. N. Office.
Weight Reduction Program – Sundays 10 AM – 11 AM – You can join any time.
Walking Group – to start. See Heather Peterson.
Prayers for Comfort and Healing –Mary Best, Betty Brands, Maureen Cavanaugh, Jill Edmonds, Madeline Hanka, Carol Kniffen, Alice Logan, Rodney McClure, Devin Resler, Fred Stuebner, Christine Vinson, and Stefanie Widera.
Bonnie Biskup, Parish Nurse 724-5631
FREEDOM PLAINS NURSERY SCHOOL
Our church-sponsored Freedom Plains Nursery School is presently accepting registrations for the 2005-2006 school year. Call Valorie Parry, Director, at 485-1145
Mondays, Tuesday, Wednesdays, 9:00 AM to 12 noon, three year olds.
Thursday & Friday, 9:00 AM to 12 noon, three year olds.
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 12:30 to 3:00 PM, four year olds.
Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, 9:00 to 12 noon, four year olds.
Call Valorie Parry, Director at 485-1145.
TEDDY BEAR MINISTRY
BIRTHS
Nicole Maria Ruiz
Kaylee Lynn Papa
Nicholas Robert Ryone
Dillon Longbard
MISSION
The Mission Committee meets the second Tuesday of the month at 6:00 PM.
30th Annual Dutchess County Crop Walk
Save the Date
Sunday, October 2, 2005
It's not too early to mark your calendars for this annual event. Freedom Plains Presbyterian Church has a long tradition of participation in the CropWalk: as walkers, sponsors, and winners of the CropWalk Poster Contest.
Every year, CropWalkers help provide relief and development assistance in more than 80 countries. Check out Church World Services' website, www.cropwalk.org, for up to date information on projects currently being funded.
Look for the CropWalk table in Fellowship Hall this September where you can register to walk or sponsor a walker. For more information, please contact Evan Burrow at 473-0537.
PEACE OFFERING – PCUSA has four special offerings a year, each with a different focus. The Peace Offering is always collected on World Communion Sunday because it reminds us of our connection to the rest of the world . . . . . its people and the environment. Knowing the current state of the world, please consider as many ways as possible that your dollars could be used, and contribute generously. Our goal this year is that the 25% kept for local use will total $500 so that we can host a mini-conference on teaching non-violence to children at home and in schools.
LUNCHBOX
Taking the Edge Off…
The heat was oppressive. Two large fans moved the hot, humid air but could not relieve the workers as they stood over steam trays and hot coffee. During breaks, they would stand in front of the fan, trying to take the edge off, praying for some more permanent relief from the heat.
On Sunday, August 14th, a team from Freedom Plains brought the makings of a wonderful barbeque chicken dinner to the Lunchbox, Poughkeepsie's soup kitchen. Five of our teens and three adults helped prepare and serve the midday meal. Despite the unprecedented heat, our youth worked hard and made us proud! When the meal prep was done, and the fans
beckoned, our children ignored the call and volunteered to mop bathrooms and pack the next day's meal for a program that feeds AIDS patients. They chopped, mopped, and never stopped!
When the day was done, over 150 people had been fed. The generosity of your donations, which exceeded all expectations, meant that Freedom Plains would be providing much of the food for the following Tuesday's lunch as well. Our teens packed meals for over 75 local AIDS patients, and the soup kitchen was cleaner when we left!
We cannot relieve all the problems of the urban poor, any more than those two fans could relieve the sweltering heat of that Sunday, but like the fans, our willingness to step forward and serve, above and beyond the call and with smiles on our faces can take the edge off.
Thanks to all who answered the call and donated food and cash, and thanks to the following people who sweated through that afternoon and gave the Lunchbox clients hope: Kristin McGurl, Rebecca Pepe, Annalise Puckette, Ian Taylor, Nick Taylor, Regina Burchfield, Gail Gemmel and Marie Taylor.
HOLIDAY DINNERS – We feed the homeless and the poverty stricken at the Lunchbox twice a year, but we also feed the local community three times a year in our own Fellowship Hall. Our holiday dinners at Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter have "fed the 5,000" since we started them in the 80s. Each year we look for hosts to plan and prepare a meal on a specific holiday; then we invite the community. With the help of volunteers, the hosts provide a delicious meal and friendly, festive atmosphere for those who are couples or alone and cannot prepare the meal themselves.
RURAL AND MIGRANT MINISTRY – Each year Jill Edmonds raises $500 for scholarship so that migrant teens can attend a church leadership camp. This year's series of fundraisers will be luncheons on the last Sunday of each month in Fellowship Hall after the second worship service. The cost will be $5.00 with a limit of 25 people. The meal will consist of a choice of main entrée and two other dishes along with dessert. Besides helping a worthy cause, this gives our members a chance to share a meal and fellowship. Please sign up on the Mission bulletin board or call 473-3998 and leave a message. Takeout is an option. The first luncheon is September 25th and will feature salads and cheesecakes.
Make Hunger History – An Update
The Hunger-Free Communities Act is a crucial step to reducing hunger in our country. It seeks to cut food insecurity in half by 2010. There are 36 million people – including 13 million children – in the United States who struggle to put enough food on the table. Earlier this year, many of you wrote your representatives in Congress concerning the Hunger Free Communities Act. By now, many of you have received responses to your letters. This legislation is now a Bill in both the Senate (S. 1120), with 25 co-sponsors, and in the House of Representatives (H.R. 2717), with 98 co-sponsors. To date Sue Kelly, John Sweeney, Hillary Clinton and Chuck Schumer have NOT signed up to cosponsor this legislation. So if you are concerned about hunger in our country and you have not written your legislators, it is not too late to write or e-mail them to let them know your views.
DCIC News – Dutchess County Interfaith Council, DCIC, works to promote understanding and respectful relationships among diverse religious and ethnic communities. The organization also strives to focus the attention and energy of faith communities, nonprofit organizations and public agencies on issues of concern to the people of Dutchess County. If these objectives make sense to you, there are many ways to help out. Check out the volunteer opportunities page posted on either the Mission Bulletin Board or on the web at www.dutchessinterfaithcouncil.org. Use your creativity, skills, and expertise for long or short-term projects. For example: singers, artists, publicity submitters, and helpers for special events are needed. Volunteers at DCIC enjoy working with a diverse group of people sharing common goals. Come join us! See Ruth Sheets for more information.
DCIC will hold the 30th Annual Crop Walk on Sunday, Oct. 2. Walkers and sponsors are needed! On Sunday afternoon, October 23, the Interfaith Music Festival will be held at Skinner Chapel at Vassar College. More details will be forthcoming.
APPALACHIAN MISSION TRIP
A Teenager's perspective – by Nick Taylor
TSUNAMI BOATS – many of you already generously supported tsunami relief efforts, but a special request has come through Hudson River Presbytery. One of our retired ministers, Peg Howland, toured the devastated areas of India and discovered the need for new fishing boats to restore the livelihood in one village (of many). The 100 families have agreed that 20 boats could be shared in a cooperative venture that would support the entire community. HRP is trying to raise the $60,000 needed to accomplish that goal. What would it cost to replace the infrastructure of each of our livelihoods (buildings, computers, furniture, etc.)? Please send a generous contribution to: Presbytery of Hudson River, 50 Dayton Lane, Suite 202, Peekskill, NY 10566. Checks to HRP should be designated "Boats for India Fisherfolk."
HOMELESS SHELTER – On the fourth Wednesday of each month our church supplies dinner to feed 12 homeless people. We also supply the volunteers to serve the meal and cleanup (7-11 PM). This mission project was started by one of our teenagers over 15 years ago and has been run by teenagers ever since. Please help our new coordinator by calling Stefanie Widera (677-3399) to volunteer.
N EW YORK - Responding to what it anticipates may be the largest U.S. relief and recovery effort in its history, humanitarian agency Church World Service (CWS) says its Executive Director and CEO Rev. John L. McCullough will travel to Hurricane Katrina-devastated New Orleans Louisiana , arriving in Baton Rouge tomorrow evening (Wed Aug 31 - Sat. Sept 3), to personally assess emergency and long-term recovery needs and to meet with area faith leaders.
"Church World Service is particularly concerned about the plight of what we anticipate to be a high percentage of poor people, the elderly and other vulnerable populations throughout the affected Gulf Coast area and beyond," he says. "Stories of individuals who had to stay in New Orleans their homes because they couldn't afford to evacuate personify that crisis.
Yesterday (Mon Aug 29) CWS issued a national fundraising appeal for survivors of Katrina and has directed an initial shipment of emergency supplies it hopes will reach Baton Rouge tomorrow (Wed. August 31) for distribution.
While in New Orleans the region, McCullough hopes to connect with area faith leaders "to offer immediate support, solidarity and hope."
This week, CWS's disaster response specialists are meeting with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials via telephone conferences, along with partners in the faith community and state Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOADs) to identify material resource needs and storm-affected areas where CWS will concentrate its efforts.
In addition to providing emergency aid following domestic disasters, CWS specializes in assisting in the development of community-based, long-term, recovery organizations that are established in impacted areas to help vulnerable populations and those with unmet needs.
CWS Associate Director for Domestic Emergency Response Linda Reed Brown says, "We anticipate deploying at least 11 of our disaster recovery liaisons just in Mississippi and Louisiana, where greatest need is seen. Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi will be the first to get our attention next week, when it is safe to go there. At that point," she says, "we'll be performing extensive assessments and can begin organizing local long term support systems."
"With such catastrophic damage," says McCullough. "It will be awhile before we know the full extent of lives lost and material destruction, but we can be sure that recovery will take a very, very long time.
"There is no question that the area's faith leaders will shoulder a massive amount of responsibility in caring for those populations and helping them find resources," said McCullough, "at a time when the church leaders themselves may have suffered great personal losses."
One of the first agencies called by FEMA along with the Red Cross in times of national disaster, New York-headquartered CWS responds to natural and human-caused disasters internationally and domestically.
Brown says, based on its work in disasters affecting a comparable geographic area and knowledge of disaster experience in an affected area, CWS estimates as many as 20 recovery organizations may be organized and supported in Louisiana, Mississippi, northwest Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky.
CWS may also deploy its specialists to Tennessee and Kentucky, Brown says, where the agency will closely monitor Katrina's impact as a potentially serious tropical storm.
The global agency will also respond on request in other states affected by Katrina, including Florida where its domestic disaster recovery liaisons helped more than 40 communities develop capacity in long-term recovery during the 2004 hurricane season, CWS will respond on request.
Individuals and groups wanting to help Katrina's survivors are urged to contribute cash rather than material goods.
FOR THOSE WHO WOULD LIKE TO HELP, FREEDOM PLAINS CHURCH WILL BE ACCEPTING DONATIONS THAT WILL BE TOTALED AND FORWARDED TO PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH USA. PLEASE NOTE ON YOUR CHECK: Hurricane Katrina Disaster Aid
MUSIC PROGRAM
This month, we resume our schedule of two services on Sunday. Our music program will be back in full swing. Thank you to those who offered their musical gifts over the summer. With two Sunday services and the holiday seasons, there will be many opportunities for ensembles and soloists to enrich our worship here at Freedom Plains. The Senior Choir will continue to sing at the 11:00 service, and always welcomes new, or returning, members. The Freedom Ringers will be back and would love to have additional members. They will be holding a session for future players soon.
The Junior Bell Choir has been co-ed since last season, and these young people made a marvelous contribution last season. The bells are an enchanting addition to worship, and are great fun to ring! Anyone interested in participating in any aspect of the music program is welcome to contact me, Denise, right after service in the choir loft, via telephone at 226-1564, or on the internet at dbassen@msn.com.
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN
Mark your calendars! Monday, September 26 - 6:30 PM dinner out at P.C.'s Paddock. Call Gail Arnold if interested 452-7309.
Summer 2005 - THE HERALD
THE HERALD
Freedom Plains Presbyterian Church June 2005
Founded 1827
From the Pastor's Desk
Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song,
and his praise in the congregation of saints. (Psalm 149.1)
Dear Friends,
It is hard to believe that we have almost come to the end of another program year here at Church. Starting June 26th the Church will start its summer schedule, which will have us worshiping at 10 AM Sunday mornings. As we complete this first year of two worship services, I want to say to each and every one of you, "thank you."
Trying something new is seldom easy and yet I have been amazed at how smoothly this transition has gone. With the help of coffee hour hosts, Sunday School teachers, the choir, the bells, ushers, greeters, counters, and all of you, we have not only made a transition, but we have made the transition well.
Hopefully summer will give us a little break and time to reflect and unwind a little. My hope is that each of you might be able to find some time to pray for Freedom Plains Church. To first pray saying thank you for this past year at the Church and then pray asking God, "What's next, where are you leading us Lord?"
We have so much to be thankful for, and I believe so much to look forward to.
God Bless,
SUMMER WORSHIP 10 AM
Starting June 26th, 2005
Summers aren't what they used to be. I'm not even sure we can talk about summer as a slower time anymore, however, summer at Church is still a little slower and wonderful. Hopefully all of you will find some prolonged time to step off the treadmill and into that magical summer schedule that is marked by what does not happen; no school, no work, no frantic pace. Time to sit on the beach or the lake, watch the kids play, read a good book, and even stare up into a cloudless summer night sky. Summer worship strives to be an hour of that kind of time in your life, so even if summer is too busy, make the time to come to church. You will be glad you did.
HEALTH MINISTRY
Office hours – Sundays 10 AM – 11 AM & 12 PM-12:30 PM
B/P screening – Sundays, on ongoing basis.
Bulletin board – Do you know the relationship of gum disease to heart disease?
Care Notes – on emotional and spiritual health are available in the P.N.office and Narthex.
Pamphlets – on health issues in Parish Nurse Office and both bathrooms. Living Will info and forms in P. N. Office.
Weight Reduction Program – Sundays 10 AM – 11 AM – You can join any time.
Walking Group – to start. See Heather Peterson.
Prayers for Comfort and Healing – Mary Best, Alice Logan, Maureen Cavanaugh, Devin Resler, Betty Brands, Norma and Herman – Nancy Auffarth's parents, Nicholas Bisceglia, and Laurie Woolever's husband and father.
Prayers for Bereavement – The family of Edna Givens
Bonnie Biskup, Parish Nurse 724-5631
Freedom Plains Presbyterian Church is pleased to welcome the following new members:
Doreen and Robert Byrnes have a year old daughter, Megan. Doreen is a Veterinary Technician and Robert is a Senior Caseworker in Westchester County. They enjoy camping, motorcycling and skiing.
Barbara and Michael Dalton have moved to Dutchess County from Pennsylvania to be close to their daughter Joy Richwine and her family. Michael is a retired mechanic.
Marisa deGregoriis has moved to the area from Colorado and works in the Arlington School District.
Matt and Aimee Heinly have two sons – Ethan attends the Nursery School at FPPC and Gavin is a 2 year old who keeps his stay-at-home mom company. Aimee enjoys traveling and playing tennis.
Keri and Jim Papa are brand new parents of Kaylee. Keri is on maternity leave from her teaching position in the Wappingers School District. Jim is a senior financial analyst who also enjoys participation in the Beekman Fire Department.
Frank and Lisle Pepe are transferring from the Morristown United Methodist Church in N.J. where they were involved with a couple's communications class. Frank was also involved with Appalachia Service project there. Both he and their son, Glenn will be going to Kentucky this summer with the group from FPPC. Frank came to this area to be the Superintendent of the Arlington School District; where their children Glenn and Rebecca attend. Their older son, Stephen is in grad school. Lisle enjoys walking, reading, cooking and baking.
Don and Petra Clark Sagliano enjoy gardening at their new home. Don is a CPA and a Vice President of Arnoff Moving and Storage. Petra is kept busy with her daughter Danielle's activities.
THE CONFIRMATION CLASS OF 2005
We are happy to welcome this year's Confirmation Class into membership of Freedom Plains Presbyterian Church: Russell Hoag, Jay Logan, Kaitlyn Maier, Annalise Puckette, Lindsay Rinehart, Cheryl Spencer, and Ian Taylor
MISSION
BLANKET APPEAL – A total of $730.00 was collected.
OGHS – A total of $1,663.00 was collected. Thank you for your contributions.
Bread for the World's Campaign to Make Hunger History
Bread for the World continues to build bipartisan support in both the Senate and the House for the Hunger Free Communities Act. Members of the House and Senate from both parties have expressed their interest in co-sponsoring the bill, and the final language is now being crafted. The Hunger Free Communities Act of 2005 would establish the commitment of the administration and Congress to achieving two very attainable goals: cutting hunger in the United States in half by 2010 and eliminating it by 2015. This legislation calls on Congress to adequately fund the national nutrition programs and support the work of church and local groups to fight hunger in their communities. Further information is available on www.bread.org
On May 22, letters from our congregation to Rep. Sweeney, Rep. Kelly, and Sen. Clinton and Schumer were dedicated in an offering, and later mailed. Thank you to all who participated.
UPCOMING DCIC EVENTS
DCIC 19th Annual Tour of Houses of Worship
This year's tour is not to be missed! The tour will be held Sunday, June 12 from 2 to 5 PM beginning at the Episcopal Church of the Messiah, Route 9 (6436 Montgomery Street), Rhinebeck. The second stop will be the Omega Institute Sanctuary and Library on Lake Drive, Rhinebeck. (The Rhinebeck campus of the Omega Institute is the nation's largest holistic learning center.) The tour will finish at the Pleasant Plains Presbyterian Church at Hollow Road and Fiddlers Bridge Road, Staatsburg, where refreshments will be served following the program. The program will highlight the history from 1837 as well as their building expansion, which includes renovating a historic one-room schoolhouse and setting it on a new foundation to create an integrated visual effect. A donation of $5.00 per person is suggested. Pre-registration is requested, but you may also pay at the door. For more information, call 471-7333 or visit the website at www.dutchessinterfaithcouncil.org.
GET OUT OF THE HEAT AND INTO THE DONOR POOL!!!
FPPC is sponsoring a Blood Drive on Wednesday, July 13 (1:30 – 6:00 PM). Volunteers are needed to man the sign-up table in Fellowship Hall on Sundays. Blood supplies run low during the summer months so call today and make a difference! Jill Underwood 724-8388.
SANDWICH MAKERS AND COOKIE BAKERS NEEDED!!!!
The Central Hudson Valley Chapter of the American Guild of Organists is hosting their convention in Poughkeepsie on June 22-25. Many concerts and activities are planned during this time. On Thursday, June 23rd, our church will be making lunches for the participants. This is a fund-raiser for us. Help is needed on Wednesday and Thursday to make sandwiches and pack the lunches. We also need cookies for the lunches. Other items – fruit, granola bars – are being donated. Please consider making cookies or helping on that Wednesday or Thursday. If you have any questions, please contact Linda Jacobs (724-3552) or Marie Coyne (635-8619)). Thank you.
HOST FAMILIES NEEDED!!!!
15 students from Spain are still in need of a host family from June 29th-July 26th. Students are 14-18 years old, speak English, have planned trips, insurance, spending money and can share a room. You get to pick your student. We ask that you provide 3 meals, and some transportation. Working families welcomed and also families who can accommodate for only 2 weeks. Please open your hearts and home and give one of the students the opportunity to experience America. Please call Nicole (845) 464-7189. Thank you.
FREEDOM PLAINS NURSERY SCHOOL
Our church-sponsored Freedom Plains Nursery School is presently accepting registrations for the 2005-2006 school year. Call Valorie Parry, Director, at 485-1145
- Mondays, Tuesday, Wednesdays, 9:00 AM to 12 noon, three year olds.
- Thursday & Friday, 9:00 AM to 12 noon, three year olds.
- Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 12:30 to 3:00 PM, four year olds.
- Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, 9:00 to 12 noon, four year olds.
Call Valorie Parry, Director at 485-1145.
PLEASE tell your friends! Our enrollment is very low for this time of the year. Help us keep this valuable service available to our community.
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Body
May 2005 - THE HERALD
THE HERALD
Freedom Plains Presbyterian Church
Founded 1827
________________________________ _ __ May 2005__
From the Pastor's Desk
For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you,
that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine. Romans 1:12
Dear Friends,
A couple of weeks ago, Christine and I hosted a New Members Tea at our house. Freedom Plains is blessed to have such a nice group of people looking to join our Church family. As we sat out on the back deck and people shared just a little of their life journeys, it occurred to me that often we take one of God's greatest gifts for granted. God has given us each other and when we share our stories and time together, we are blessed.
Freedom Plains Church is filled with so many interesting and wonderful people and in truth I am still discovering that. The truth is I do not know most of you as well as I would like to. I imagine I am not the only one who feels that way around here.
In our fast paced world, with all the comings and goings, Church is likely the most profound experience of community we will have, but it does not just happen. We need to find ways to spend our precious time together, to get to know each other. God has given us each other, let's figure out how to better understand, enjoy, and know this great gift. After all, sometimes I believe the best way to get to know God is to get to know others and the power of God in their life.
Sincerely,
HEALTH MINISTRY
HEALTH MINISTRY - Office hours – Sundays 10 AM – 11 AM & 12 PM-12:30 PM
B/P screening – Sundays, on ongoing basis.
Bulletin Board – Risks for heart disease and steps to prevent it.
Weight Reduction Program – You can join our weekly program any Sunday. Come feel better and improve your health.
Thought for the Day: Next time you have blood work for a physical, ask to have a C-Reactive Protein test – measures artery inflammation. (see bulletin board)
Prayers for Healing and Comfort – Edna Givens, Dick Peverly, Mary Best, Alice Logan, Maureen Cavanaugh, Devin Resler, Bruce – Linda Hayes' brother, Anne Vaughan, Betty Brands, and Norma & Herman – Nancy Auffarth's parents.
Prayers of Bereavement – Al Wohrman family
Bonnie Biskup, Parish Nurse 724-5631
WORSHIP & CHANCEL
MEMORIAL FLOWERS
A deficit of over $800 in the memorial flower fund was discovered recently. This amount represents several years of defaulted payments for Sunday Worship flowers. If you have signed up for memorial flowers in the recent past, please check your records to be sure that you have paid for them.
For future reference, the $25.00 cost of memorial flowers must be paid by the Sunday prior to the date to which you have committed. Checks should be made payable to Freedom Plains Presbyterian Church, but it is imperative that the checks have a notation which indicates the purpose of the donation and the date for which the flowers have been purchased. Cash donations must be also accompanied by a notation. Memorial flower payments may be made by mail, in person at the church office, or by placing them in the collection plates.
Those making a donation for memorial flowers should call the church office and indicate to Sue Mayfield, Administrative Assistant, whether they wish to take the flowers with them or would like to have the deacons distribute the flowers to shut-ins.
SPAGHETTI DINNER
SATURDAY, JUNE 4
Those going on the Work Camp this summer will host a Spaghetti Dinner Saturday, June 4th in Fellowship Hall. More information will be forthcoming. Please mark your calendars and save the date.
MISSION
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY BRICK SALE – Did you know that Habitat for Humanity builds a house somewhere in the world every 26 minutes? In fact, here in America, millions of families are living in substandard housing – homes with structural problems, leaky roofs, faulty wiring, no indoor plumbing. The Mission Committee will be having its annual "Brick Sale" after church on Sunday, June 5th to benefit Habitat. Won't you stop by in Fellowship Hall and purchase one of our delicious "bricks" (small loaves of homemade breads and cakes) and help support this worthwhile cause?
BLANKET SUNDAY – On April 17 we unveiled our "Blanket" poster boy. Congratulations to Dick Roeser for being this year's distinguished head! For the cost of $5.00 you can help someone in need of warmth, care, and shelter some place in the world. An anonymous donation has again been made to honor each of the babies born into our church family this year. When you make your contribution, you may pick up a card to honor someone important to you.
EASTER DINNER – Thanks to the Richwine family for organizing a wonderful Easter dinner for members of our congregation and our community. Thanks also to all their volunteers for helping to setup, serve, cook, and clean-up.
PENTECOST OFFERING – One of the four special offerings to PCUSA occurs during Pentecost. Its purpose is to raise money for youth programs, particularly for young people at risk. 40% of the funds stay in our local church to help us create programs. What a perfect way to honor our young people, especially our confirmands as they prepare for their spiritual journey, by making a donation that would help a young person who gets less support from his/her family and/or community. Please be generous. There will be messages for mission and special envelopes for this cause.
EARTH STEWARDS – The Earth Steward Committee is a part of the Mission Committee and has many activities during the year including Road Clean Up. Please recycle, reduce and re-use in recognition of Earth Day 2005.
Skip one twenty mile car trip each week – Transportation – overwhelmingly in automobiles-is responsible for about a third of American greenhouse gas emissions. If 1,000 of us do this we will prevent nearly a million pounds of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere yearly.
Eat one fewer beef meal each week – Livestock consume 70 percent of American grain, and 18 percent of all American water usage is devoted to that grain's production. If 1,000 of us do this we will save over 70,000 pounds of grain, 70,000 pounds of topsoil, and 40 million gallons of water each year.
Move the thermostat 3° F – Heating and cooling represents the biggest chunk of our home energy consumption. If 1,000 of us do this we will prevent more than a million pounds of CO2 emissions each year.
Eliminate lawn and garden pesticides – Americans directly apply millions of pound s of pesticides to home lawns and gardens each year, polluting precious water resources. If 1,000 of us do this we will spare the environment from 950 pounds of toxins each year.
FROM AUDUBON – November-December 2004
Penny Pinching – In the late 1970's the U.S. government allocated about 2.5 cents of every federal dollar to natural resources and the environment. Today that spending has dropped by almost half, to about 1.4 cents per dollar, as national defense of other priorities have assumed a greater share of the budget. Although federal spending has risen steadily through the 1990's, and jumped significantly in the past four years, spending on everything from clean air and water to national parks has yet to reach 1970's levels again. The future hardly looks brighter, with today's big federal deficit expected to balloon even more because of tax cuts, entitlement programs, and national security needs – unless, of course, Americans let their lawmakers know that solving environmental problems and maintaining our nations' heritage are worth the cost. Text and analysis by R. Neil Sampson
FREEDOM PLAINS NURSERY SCHOOL
Our church-sponsored Freedom Plains Nursery School is presently accepting registrations for the 2005-2006 school year. Call Valorie Parry, Director, at 485-1145
- Mondays, Tuesday, Wednesdays, 9:00 AM to 12 noon, three year olds.
- Thursday & Friday, 9:00 AM to 12 noon, three year olds.
- Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 12:30 to 3:00 PM, four year olds.
- Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, 9:00 t0 12 noon, four year olds.
LIBRARY NOTES
If you haven't checked out the church library in a while, you may want to take a few moments to explore the updates that have been made in recent months. The library committee has been weeding out the old to make room for some new and varied titles in print, audio and video. There is something for everyone from pre-school to adults.
We have retained most of the true "classics": Bibles, Bible study guides, titles by C.S. Lewis, Catherine Marshall, Billy Graham, Norman Vincent Peale, Dr. James Dobson, etc. Books that offer help in dealing with parenting, caring for aging parents, cancer, loss of a loved one and/or general life stresses abound. For lighter inspirational reading there is a shelf of both new and classic novels and an assortment of meditation, quotation and short story titles such as the Chicken Soup books. Especially timely are both the DVD and video versions of Mel Gibson's Passion of the Christ, and if you've read and been intrigued by The DaVinci Code you may want to get some background and perspective with Breaking the DaVinci Code by Darrell Bock.
For children, there are picture books ranging from Bible stories to Dr. Seuss, award winning books such as Lewis's Narnia series, as well as The Prince of Egypt and other videos. One picture book might be of particular interest since it was covered recently on the news. Beatrice's Goat by Page McBrier tells the story of a little girl in Uganda whose family benefited from the gift of a goat through the efforts of The Heifer Project (an effort many in our church have supported over the years). Because of this gift, Beatrice could afford to go to school – and as reported last month – is now attending college in the United States!
We hope you take a peek and find something to suit you or your children. Just sign your name and phone number on the card and leave it in the file box on the shelf. If you have ideas for titles you feel would be worthwhile additions to the collection we would love to hear from you. Pamela Woodward, Library Committee
FREEDOM RINGERS (ADULT HANDBELL CHOIR) NEWS
The Freedom Ringers will be playing on May 22nd for their final time this season. Due to a move by one of our ringers and the hoped-for sabbatical of another, we will be in need of additional adult (post high school/males and females) players for next season. Also, we will need to have substitute players who can "step in" as needed. Our rehearsals are Thursdays, from 6:30PM to 7:25PM, and will begin mid to late October. Prerequisites are the ability to read music and a strong commitment to attending rehearsals. I will be holding a session for future players one evening in the fall. If you are interested in joining us for some hard work and fun-filled rehearsals, prior to contributing to the worship services at Freedom Plains, please give me a call. Em Jorgensen (471-2979)
ANOTHER BEAR SUCCESS STORY
Recently a tough retired railroad worker (nick-named "The Whip") who had just turned 78 years old had a very serious stroke. He was paralyzed on one side of his body. I tried to get someone to drive a bear down to "the whip" but everyone said he was too tough and rough a man to receive such a gift, so I drove down to White Plains myself. When I handed him this bear and read him the attached tag it brought him to tears and within two weeks he was speaking, walking and yes, barking orders again.
If you know someone in need, please take a bear and deliver it. They work!
Paul F. Schatz
One of many Deacons
- SUMMER WORK CAMP UPDATE!!!!
We do have a few spots still open – if interested please speak with Paul, 452-0684.
AUCTION
DID YOU MARK THE DATE?
May 21, 2005
WE NEED: Thursday 5/19 – "Sorters" & "Dusters"
Friday 5/20 "Setter uppers" etc.
See Kathy N., Doug M., Laurie T., Nancy R., Diane E., or Phil A. or call the church office.
3 PM – PREVIEW
A light supper and refreshments will be available during the preview hours. All proceeds will help to defray the cost of the upcoming summer Appalachia trip for participating youth.
5 PM – AUCTION BEGINS!
UPCOMING DCIC EVENTS
Interfaith Story Circles focus on stories of faith and spirituality. The circle is composed of peoples of different faiths, bringing the riches of their story traditions to the table, recognizing the value of our diverse truths and those we hold in common. You are welcome to come and listen! Two events are planned: "Spiritual Mothers",
Tuesday, May 3rd, 7:15 PM, Hyde Park Reformed Church, 4408 Albany Post Road (Route 9), Hyde Park, and "Re-Creation", Thursday, June 2nd, 6:00 PM,
Linwood Spiritual Center (Sisters of St. Ursula), 139 South Mill Road, Rhinebeck.
Note: The June 2nd Story Circle will begin with a pot-luck picnic overlooking the Hudson, so please come with some food to share and be prepared to enjoy the view and the stories.
MAKE HUNGER HISTORY
Our letter writing campaign is under way. Please remember to write your representatives in Congress about the Hunger Free Community Legislation. Remember that a short letter is infinitely more effective than no letter at all. Stop by the table in Fellowship Hall for more information. Please bring back your letters so they can be dedicated. Thank you for your support of this important issue.
Hello. I am Christine Lenore Vinson and I am schizophrenic. I am 19 years old, and was diagnosed mere four months ago. I struggle every day to lead a normal life. What I've noticed though, is that this disease is so full of misconceptions and stigmas, so I've decided to do something about it. I am willing to risk everything to raise awareness. On Wednesday, May 25th, 2005 at 7 PM I will be giving a speech, here at Freedom Plains, sharing my most personal experiences. There will be facts and poetry and refreshments as well. Won't you come to learn something new, and maybe even break some of your own stigmas?
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