First Congregational Church of Greene, New York United … · 2017-06-29 · First Congregational...

First Congregational Church of Greene, New YorkUnited Church of Christ – Founded 1811

The CongregationThe Congregation is published monthly, except July and August, which are combined.

Volume LXVII July/August 2017 Number 57

Spirituality: The center of our Integrity: With honesty andDaily life is to continuously respect we support everyone’simprove our relationship with freedom to develop theirChrist and all God’s Creation. relationship with God.Compassion: Actions that Belonging: In sharing andwelcome and accept all people celebrating life, we supportand help them experience the our commitment to all othersgood feeling of God’s to nurture a family relationshipunconditional love. of belonging.

Harvesting the Past —Sowing the Future —Growing with God

The Congregation is published monthly, except for July and August, which are combined.OFFICE TELEPHONE: 607-656-4923 E-mail address: [email protected] Pastor’s Study: 607-656-7449

Website Address: http://www.uccgreene.org

Facebook Page: www.facebook/uccgreene.comWorship Every Sunday at 9:55 a.m.

Summer Church Office Hours: Tuesday - Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, UCC28 N. CHENANGO STREETGREENE, NY 13778

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Pastor: Rev. Curtis WhitmanModerator: Stephen BentleyBoard of Deacons: Donna PossematoBoard of Property: George MarrBoard of Christian Ed.: Melissa NeudelMissions: Donna MoorheadChoir Director: Ken JonesOrganist: Zach CrandallOffice Assistant/ Newsletter Coordinator: Linda TeterCustodian: Dave Anderson

Vacation Bible School, July 25th, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Greene Area Churches Ecumenical Picnic @ Lion's Park, Sunday, July 30th,11:00 a.m.

September Newsletter Deadline, Monday, August 21st

Have A Great Summer!

Address:

28 N. Chenango StreetGreene, NY 13778

Phone: 607-656-4923

Pastor’s Office: 607-656-7449

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.uccgreene.org

First Congregational Church, UCC

jULY 2017Harvesting the Past — Sowing the Future — Growing with God

S u n M o n T u e W e d T h u F r i S a t

1

2Worship 9:55 a.m.CommunionFamilies in NeedCollection

3Exercise Class 9:00a.m.

4 Independence Day

(office closed)

5WIC 8:30-4:30

6Prayer Team 10:00 a.m.

Zumba 6:00 p.m.


All Season Adven-turers 4H meeting4:30 p.m.

8Train Club 9:00 a.m.

9Worship 9:55 a.m.


11 12Exercise Class 9:00a.m.


ABC Support Group10:00 a.m.

Zumba 6:00 p.m.


15

16Worship 9:55 a.m.


Property Board 7:00p.m.


20Zumba 6:00 p.m.


22

23Worship 9:55 a.m.

30Ecumenical ChurchPicnic @ Lion’s Park11:00 a.m.


25VBS 5:30-8:30 p.m.


27Prayer Team 10:00a.m.

Zumba 6:00 p.m.


29

Address:

28 N. Chenango StreetGreene, NY 13778

Phone: 607-656-4923

Pastor’s Office: 607-656-7449

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.uccgreene.org

First Congregational Church, UCC

AUGUST 2017Harvesting the Past — Sowing the Future — Growing with God

S u n M o n T u e W e d T h u F r i S a t

1CCS 10:00 a.m.

2WIC 8:30-4:30


Zumba 6:00 p.m.


5

6Worship 9:55 a.m.CommunionFamilies in NeedCollection




ABC Support Group10:00 a.m.

Zumba 6:00 p.m.


12Train Club 9:00 a.m.

13Worship 9:55 a.m.


Property Board 7:00p.m.

15Lifeline Screening9:00-5:000


17

Zumba 6:00 p.m.


19

20Worship 9:55 a.m.


NEWSLETTERDEADLINE



Zumba 6:00 p.m.

25

Exercise Class 9:00a.m.

26

27Worship 9:55 a.m.

Food Pantry Collec-tion



31Prayer Team 10:00a.m.

Zumba 6:00 p.m.

MINISTER’S MUSINGS

From time to time, work in the church canbecome frustrating and challenging. The church inorder to function in a vital way in our community,needs to have as many members as possible beinginvolved in the ministry of the church. However,with the busy lives we all lead, it is not uncommonto hear people say, “I don’t have the time”. Othersmight say that they are too involved with otherprojects or organizations. Still others may respondthat they just do not know what they could dobecause they do not really have any skills or talentsto help them in the work of the church.

I am sure that each of us has something wecan contribute to the growth of God’s kingdom hereon earth. Reading scripture, sharing a musical talent,serving on a board or committee, helping out onchurch work days or at church dinners. These arebut a few of the ways we can find our way asChrist’s disciples to do the work of building up thekingdom of God. The point is, we all need to beworking together in order to do the work God callsus to be doing. The work of the church is not justintended for one person or even a few people. Weare called by God to be the body of Christ. It isthrough worship, fellowship and ministry that webecome a supportive community for one anotherand others.

Let me share this story of what one man andhis church accomplished together. Russell Conwellwas a 19-year-old freshman at Yale Universitywhen the Civil War began. Russell left school tolead a group of volunteer soldiers from his homestate of Massachusetts into battle.

One day late in the war, Confederates firedupon his platoon’s camp. Fleeing across a bridge,Russell left behind his gun and sword. AgainstRussell’s orders, his young orderly, Johnny Ring,ran back to retrieve Russell’s sword. Before Johnnyreturned, the rebels had set fire to the bridge. As helay on the ground, Russell tried to aid and comforthim, but within two hours Johnny Ring was dead.His final words were: “I am not afraid to die. I ama Christian.”

Johnny’s Christian assurance profoundlyimpressed Russell who considered himself anatheist at the time. Greatly moved by Johnny’s faith

and action, Russell made a vow. He would becomea Christian and he would work 16 hours a day, eightfor Johnny and eight for himself.

Russell became a Baptist pastor and servedthe Temple Baptist Church in Philadelphia, one ofthe largest churches in America at the time

Conwell not only served his church, he alsofounded Temple University and the SamaritanHospital in Philadelphia.

Russell Conwell developed a speech called,“Acres of Diamonds,” and it was so popular that hegave it hundreds of times annually. The essence of itreferred to the “riches” we can find in our ownlives and our own place under God’s direction.

Russell took whatever money he receivedfrom giving this popular speech and providedscholarships for some 1,647 young men whoattended Temple University over the years. Hisgreat contributions to the church and the world werebasically due to his vow in honor of Johnny Ringand to his faithful dedication to God.

There are riches for us all to find as we dothe work of God together. We may not start auniversity or a hospital, but we can make adifference in the lives of other people as we do thework of Jesus Christ in building up the kingdom ofGod. Working together to accomplish the ministryGod places before us is one way to share the love ofGod with other people. May we find ourselves richbeyond belief as we make a difference doing thework of God in our church.

Blessings and peace,

Pastor Curtis

JULY BIRTHDAYS

5 Rev. Curtis WhitmanLyndsie Jones

6 Emily Breck9 Lee Breck

14 Phyllis AuwarterSusan Schultheis

16 Peg French17 Ken Jones21 Samantha Mack23 Molly Hubbard

AUGUST BIRTHDAYS

1 Faith Neal6 Norman Bauer

12 Kay DoakPeg Marr

14 George Estey15 Zoya Babiy

Lyubov Babiy21 Clinton Orzell23 Robert C. Root25 Jeffrey Ketcham27 Donna Moorhead30 Kathy Estey31 Sean Gagnon

JULY ANNIVERSARIES

2 Thomas and Faith Neal8 Joseph and Donna Possemato17 Dan and Laurel Acunto28 Charles and Maggie Hurtgam

AUGUST ANNIVERSARIES

3 Timothy and Susan Borchardt10 Kelsey (Bauer) and Scott Harvey11 Reyn and Joan Smith

(Any additions or changes, please contact the churchoffice at 656-4923)

FOOD PANTRY

A collection is held the last Sunday of every monthfor the Food Pantry. Boxes are provided in theNarthex and the Social Hall. Please help supportthose less fortunate. Boxes are always available ifyou forget to bring in your items on the last Sunday.

CLOTHING BANK

If you have clothes you no longer need or no longerfit, there is a Clothing Bank in the village. It islocated above the village office. Hours are 10:00a.m. to Noon every Tuesday, Thursday andSaturday. Items are free and they will acceptgently used clothing, shoes, boots, coats, etc.

FAMILIES IN NEED

On the first Sunday of every month theMission Committee collects 5 items for families inneed; Toothpaste 6 oz., Bath Soap 4 oz., Shampoo15 oz., Dish Soap 16 oz., and individually wrappedbathroom tissue. Boxes are provided in the SocialHall and Narthex.Thanks for your help in supporting this project.

UCC Coffee Hour 2017

If your name is listed first, please call the others tocoordinate for the day you are scheduled. If youcan't attend please contact the others on your team.If have any questions please feel free to contactDonna Possemato, coffee hour coordinator at656-7964, [email protected] for all your help! For the summer months ofJuly and August, please keep coffee hour simple. Forexample: coffee, water, punch, cookies, crackers andcheese, etc. Thanks for all your help!

July 2: Peg Marr, Karen BryantJuly 9: Winstons, ChapmansJuly 16: The Roots, Tom & Faith NealJuly 23: Lilleys, Donna PossematoJuly 30: GAC Ecumenical picnic at Lions ParkAug 6: Dave Pollock, Marge Meade, Ruth BennettAug 13: Borchardt, Martin, SherwoodAug 20: Paula Basa, Pat FordAug 27: Meister's, Kay Doak

If there is a 5th Sunday in a month, the church willhave a pot luck luncheon after worship. UpcomingThankful Sundays will be October 29th and December31st, 2017

Just a reminder…

If you change your address please call the churchoffice at 656-4923. We need to keep our recordsup to date for mailings and the church directory.

THANKS!(Please also call the church if you change your e-mail address or phone number.)

Prayer Team

We are looking for individuals who would like tojoin Pastor Curtis on Thursday mornings at 10:00a.m. for a time of prayer. Prayers will be lifted upfor those who are mentioned on Sunday morningsduring our “Sharing of Joys and Concerns”. Inaddition we will be lifting up prayers for those listedfrom week to week in our “Remember in ourPrayers” section of the bulletin. Come and be apart of this prayer team as we lift our concerns toGod and join our spirits in prayer. Prayer Team willmeet on July 6th, 13th, 27th and August 3rd, 10th,24th, 31st.

CHURCH FAMILY COUNCILMEETING DATES

The 2017 meeting dates are as follows:

Council meeting dates are at 6:00 PM:9/2812/14

Budget Informational meeting: 11/6/2017 at6:00 p.m.Annual Meeting: January 21, 2018 after worshipservice.

COMMITTEES AND CHAIRS

Church Family Council - Steve Bentley, 656-8434Property Board - George Marr, Chair, 656-9452Deacons - Donna Possemato, Chair, 656-7964Board of Education - Melissa Neudel, 656-7009Mission Comm. - Donna Moorhead, 656-8325Women’s Fellowship - Nancy Root, 656-8990Head Usher - Russ Haberl, 656-9092Altar Flowers - Nancy Sloan, 656-8473Prayer Chain - Sharon Fowler, 656-9647

SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTERDEADLINE:

Monday, August 21st.Please e-mail your article to [email protected]

SUNDAY COLLECTION COUNTERS

July 2: Loretta Meister & Philip BartonJuly 9: Philip Barton & Paula BasaJuly 16: Paula Basa & Donna PossematoJuly 23: Donna Possemato & Jim GagnonAugust 6: Marlene Sherwood & John LoparcoAugust 13: John Loparco & Nancy RootAugust 20: Nancy Root & Russ HaberlAugust 27: Russ Haberl & Sharon BartonIf you are unable to count for the week you arescheduled, please find someone to take your place andnotify the church office with the new name.

SUMMER MUSIC

The Deacons Board is looking for individuals whowould like to share their musical talents over thesummer months during the special music time oroffertory time in our worship service. If you areinterested in singing or playing a musical instrumentthis summer please see a Deacon Board member orsign up on the date that you would like to perform.The signup sheet is located in the social hall.Summer dates available are: July 2, 9, 16,August 6, 13, 20, 27, and September 3. Please takethis opportunity to share your talents and show yourlove of God through music.

UPDATE YOUR DIRECTORY

Charlie Hurtgam email address:[email protected]

During the months of July and Augustthe church office will be open

Tuesday-Thursday9:00 - 12:00

USHERS FOR 2017

July: Tom & Faith NealAugust: Phil WhitmanSeptember: Gary & Sharon WinstonOctober: George & Peg MarrNovember: Philip & Sharon BartonDecember: Bob & Nancy Root

SCRIPTURE READERS

Scripture ReadersJuly 2: Donna PossematoJuly 9: Sharon Winston

July 16: Jon LoparcoJuly 23: OPEN

August 6: OPENAugust 13: Donna Possemato

August 20: OPENAugust 27: OPEN

There is a signup sheet on the round table in thesocial hall.

Thank you to everyone who has signed up!

DEACONS

Can it be possible that we have concluded one more“year” at First Congregational? We wish ourgraduates all the best as they follow their dreams,and hope that they will remember the roots theyhave established here at First Congregational, aswell as our little town of Greene, NY. How many ofyou remember when Matt was the voice of God,coming from the balcony ... and Leanna was theofficial acolyte for many years! (Just one of theprivileges of being the pastor’s daughter ....)

Our Sunday school staff has managed to presentanother great Children’s Sunday program. MaryBorchardt made a wonderful giving tree!! Teachersshould be proud. It is a daunting task to provide arole to EVERYONE when the age range is 3 yearsto 16 years! Yet, somehow this is alwaysaccomplished. And accomplished in amazing ways!

We will only have one picnic/worship service thissummer. On Sunday, July 30th, we will meet withthe other Greene area churches, at 11:00 am, forfellowship at Lions Park. Bring a chair, a dish topass, your place setting. Beverages of water, icedtea and lemonade will be provided. (NO provisionsfor grilling will be provided.)

We wish everyone a safe and relaxing summer.Summer worship time will remain at 10:00 a.m.Communion will be served, as usual, on the firstSunday of July, August, and September. We have anumber of guest performers scheduled for musicalpresentations during the summer months. Some willbe our trusty, familiar faces. And some will be new.I’m not going to tell you who will do what when.You need to come and find out! But I promise youwill be surprised, and glad that you came. IF YOUwould like to volunteer your musical talents, wewould LOVE to have you! Contact DonnaPossemato.

A continuing need for scripture readers exists.Don’t be afraid to sign up more thanonce! You won’t be turned away.

Submitted by,Joan Paino

LIFE LINE SCREENING

Life Line Screening, a leading provider ofcommunity-based preventive health screenings, willoffer their affordable, non-invasive and painlesshealth screenings at First Congregational ChurchUnited Church of Christ on 8/15/2017. Fivescreenings will be offered that scan for potentialhealth problems related to: blocked arteries which isa leading cause of stroke; abdominal aorticaneurysms which can lead to a ruptured aorta;hardening of the arteries in the legs which is astrong predictor of heart disease; atrial fibrillation orirregular heart beat which is closely tied to strokerisk; and a bone density screening, for men andwomen, used to assess the risk of osteoporosis.Register for a Wellness Package which includes 4vascular tests and osteoporosis screening from $149($139 with our member discount). All fivescreenings take 60-90 minutes to complete. Inorder to register for this event and to receive a$10 discount off any package priced above $129,please call 1-888-653-6441 or visitwww.lifelinescreening.com/communitycircle ortext the word circle to 797979

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Claucine & Esther Evans55 Birdsall St.Greene, NY 13778(607) [email protected]

Michael, Jeannie & Zachary Orzell3747 State Hwy 206Chenango Forks, NY 13746(607) [email protected]

GRADUATES

John Cemay, son of Cem & Pam Cemay, grandsonof Kay Doak, is graduating from Chenango ValleyHigh School and will attend SUNY Broome tostudy Engineering Science.

Cody Compeau, grandson of Ron & Jean Compeau,graduated from Clarkson University. He is pursuinga career in construction management in Oregon.

Andrew Heon, grandson of Ron & Jean Compeau,graduated from Middletown High School inMaryland. He will attend Hood College inFrederick, Maryland.

Matt DeJager, son of Carol & Art DeJager, isgraduating from Greene Central School. He willattend SUNY Cobleskill to study AgriculturalEquipment Technology.

Nora K. Gagnon, daughter of Jim & Cindy Gagnon,is graduating from Greene Central School and plansto attend SUNY Broome.

Damien Guilbaud, son of Julie and VincentGuilbaud, and grandson of Sharon and GaryWinston, will be graduating from Cary, NorthCarolina high school on June 12th. Graduatingsalutatorian of his class of 550 students, Damienwill attend North Carolina State University, Raleighin the Fall where he will major in BiochemistryEngineering.

Jason Mercando, grandson of Fred and DonnaKroncke, is graduating from Washington College inChestertown, MD with a Bachelor of Sciencedegree in Biology, a concentration in Biochemistryand a minor in Chemistry. This summer he willalso be going to the University of California SanFrancisco for an internship focused on cancer andstem cell research. In the Fall he plans to attend thePhiladelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Zachary Orzell, son of Mike and Jeannie Orzell,graduates from Greene High School and will bepursuing a Doctorate of Physical Therapy atMisericordia University.

Tyler Schultheis, son of Theresa Schultheis andTony Schultheis, will graduate from Elmira Collegewith a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.

Catherine Smiley, daughter of Greg Smiley,graduating Pre-Med from William & Mary.

Leanna Whitman, daughter of Rev. Curtis & PamWhitman, will be graduating from Greene CentralSchool, She will attend LaSalle University inPhiladelphia, PA in the Fall to pursue a nursingdegree to become a nurse practitioner.

Congratulations!

CHURCH TRIP TO ALASKA

Many people in our congregation have expressed aninterest in going to Alaska. So plans are in theprocess for a 12 day trip for the summer of 2019.This would include a 7 day cruise on either Princessor Holland America cruise line plus 3 days on landto include time in Denali National Park plus 2 daystravel. Prices and itineraries will be available inthe late fall. We are working with a travel agentthat George and Kathy Estey have used in the pastand highly recommend. If you have the slightestinterest in being part of this trip, please let PamWhitman know as soon as possible.

LIBRARY NEWS

The following titles have been added to the churchlibrary.

The Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon (Donatedby Ron and Jean Compeau)

Outlander

Dragonfly in Amber

Voyager

Drums of Autumn

The Fiery Cross

I challenged someone to take the entire series andread them over the summer, and Claudia Curtisaccepted the challenge. These are all large books(Ms. Gabaldon has much to say) so I was surprisedto see the books were returned after just three

weeks. Speed reader! โ

The Cutthroat: An Isaac Bell Adventure by CliveCussler and Justin Scott (Donated by George Estey)

You can find this book in the Clive Cussler sectionin the library. Books are shelved by series, and startwith the Isaac Bell series.

Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates: TheForgotten War That Changed American History byBrian Kilmeade and Don Yeager (Donated byGeorge Estey)

This is the little-known story of how a newlyindependent nation was challenged by four Muslimpowers and what happened when America's thirdpresident decided to stand up to intimidation.

The Trident Deception by Rick Campbell (Donatedby George Estey)

On a routine patrol, the USS Kentucky, a Tridentballistic missile submarine carrying a fullcomplement of nuclear warheads, receives a launchorder. What the Kentucky's crew does not know isthat the order did not come from the U.S.

government but from a rogue intelligence group—one with operatives secretly embedded withinWestern intelligence organizations who are intenton using the Kentucky to carry out a devastatingagenda. Clive Cussler fans will like this book.

Empire Rising by Rick Campbell (Donated byGeorge Estey)

After a long, secret military buildup, China launchesa swift and deadly attack on Taiwan, but that’s notthe only a move in a much deadlier game.

Second book in Rick Campbell’s series dealing withthe Navy generally and submarines specifically.

“Campbell uses his background as a retired Navycommander and his familiarity with submarines tocraft a terrific thriller. He does an amazing job,balancing character interaction with high-octaneaction. The best novel about submarines since TomClancy’s The Hunt for Red October.”

The Antique Shop Mysteries series update

If you are reading the Antique Shop Mysteries(widow Maggie Watson, daughter Emily, and tabbycat, Snickers, who figures prominently in all thebooks) we have a new addition (no. 11 in theseries).

A Chime to Kill by Elizabeth Goddard

Somerset Harbor, Maine, is getting a new bakeryand Maggie has the delightful task of decorating theinterior with vintage fare from her antique shop. Amysterious clock is unearthed during therenovations. Maggie takes it upon herself to dig upany information available about the perplexingtimepiece.

Previous books in the series

Stranger in the Looking Glass

The Secret Letter

The Christmas Riddle

Pieces from the Past

A Ring of Deception

Loom and Doom

Six Feet Undertow

Death Takes a Holiday

Framed for Life (I really liked this one, aheartwarming tale of a woman looking for herpaternal roots in Somerset Harbor.)

Season of Misdeeds

A Chime to Kill

And, we have a free book on our shelves fromanother mystery series, which was sent by mistakeinstead of A Chime to Kill. The book is No 1 in anew series, Secrets of Castleton Manor Library andis titled A Novel Murder. It will be on the shelvesnear the quilt series and Antiques Mystery Series.

No Book Sundays in July and August, but you cansign out books yourself.

1. Choose your book.

2. Remove the card from the card pocket inside

the book and write your name on the card

and date you borrowed the book.

3. Put the card in the checkout box on the

display cases.

4. When you return a book, place it in the

basket marked “Returns.”

Happy reading!

Peg Marr, Librarian

Christian Caring Services in Need ofDispatchers!

Christian Caring Service is in need of dispatchers -people who take calls from clients and match them withdrivers from the list of available drivers. Dispatchershave a one month rotation 3-4 times a year. For moreinformation please call Sharon Gagnon at 656-7730 orNancy Root 656-8990.

GAC ECUMENICAL WORSHIPAND PICNIC

July 30th at 11:00 a.m.

The Greene Area Churches invites the communityof Greene and its churches to come and worship atthe Lion's Park pavilion on Sunday, July 30th at11:00 a.m. Following the worship service everyoneis invited to a picnic meal under the pavilion.Those who attend are asked to bring a chair, a dishto share and a place setting. Drinks of water, icedtea and lemonade will be provided. An offeringwill be taken during the service to support theGreene Area Churches. Come out and join us forthis ecumenical event on July 30th. Don't forget ourworship time is at 11:00 a.m. and there will be noservice at the church that day. See you at the Lion'sPark!

HISTORICALLY SPEAKING

June has been a VERY busy month for our churchfamily! On June 4, Pentecost Sunday, we welcomedtwo confirmands, Josh Fowler and Logan Pixley,into membership. Josh and Logan were servedCommunion first by Pastor Curtis. Congratulationsto these two fine young men and their families.

Confirmation ceremony

Parents with confirmands

Communion

Logan and Josh with Pastor Curtis

Louis, Logan, and Wanda Pixley and Jennifer, Josh,and Bill Fowler with Pastor Curtis

Logan and Josh with confirmation cake

June 18: Children’s Day and Honoring Graduates

The Sunday school youth presented a delightfuldramatization of Shel Silverstein’s The Giving Treewith Mary Borchardt as The Tree and LeannaWhitman as The Boy. Helping to complete the storywere other members of the cast who acted asnarrators and readers.

Prelude: Josh Fowler

Anthem: "Inscription of Hope"

Graduates honored included Matt DeJager, ZacharyOrzell, and Leanna Whitman, Greene CentralSchool, and Tyler Schultheis, graduate of ElmiraCollege. The Mission Committee awardedscholarships of $1,000 each to Matt and Leanna.Congratulations to all.

Scripture Readers: Josh, Amy, Kristofer

Josh

Amy

Kristofer

Preschool poem: Ariana, Leo, and Kristofer

“The Giving Tree”: The Tree (Mary) and The Boy(Leanna)

(Leanna)

"The Giving Tree" readers

More readers: Mallory, Amy, Logan

"The Giving Tree"

Sunday school awards

The offering: Mallory with Logan, Jacob, Kristofer, Josh

Prayer of Dedication of Gifts and Self

June 25: New members welcomed.

New members reaffirming their baptism into thefaith and family of Jesus Christ

Greeting ofChristian love

Welcome new members: Michael,Jeannie, and Zachary Orzell; Estherand Claus Evans, Pastor Curtis

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

We are asking for your support in making ourVacation Bible School a success this summer!

We still need these items: hamburger and/or hotdog buns, boxes of Kraft macaroni and cheese, bagsof chips,

juice, watermelons, grapes, cheese and crackers.

If you can help that night, please let me know!

We have a busy night planned and it will be FUN!!

Thanks in advance!

Katha Root, 656-9654 or 334-7114

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL(VBS)

Tuesday, July 25, 20175:30pm - 8:30pm

Congregational Church28 North Chenango StreetGreene, NY 13778607-656-4923

Schedule of events:5:30 - 6:00: Dinner - hamburgers and hot dogs,macaroni and cheese, chips, juice, fruit andcheese and crackers.6:00 - 7:00: Veggie Tales Movies, lesson and sing-a-long7:00 – 7:30: A message from the ChristianClowns7:30 – 8:15: Rock Painting and crafts8:15 – 8:30 Closing and prayer

Fun for children ages 4-10!

Everyone is welcome!

Global Ministries

Adventures in Hospitality“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, forby doing that some have entertained angels withoutknowing it.” Hebrews 13:2

One rainy afternoon, Alberto, the local pastoralintern, and I were Bible sharing with the few youthwho came. Suddenly, two strangers walked up to thechurch door. Greg, a Brazilian, and Joyce, fromMalaysia, were traveling all over Southeast Asia.The two traveled light; each with just a smallbackpack.

“We’re looking for a place to stay” Greg said.“Like a guesthouse?” I asked.“No,” he said. “We don’t usually pay foraccommodation, we like to stay with families. Wedon’t need a room or even a shower.”

After a brief discussion, Alberto invited them tostay in the parsonage with him. It’s a big house butquite run-down. Nevertheless, the couple waspleased to receive the hospitality. In the evening weshared a meal together and heard of their adventuretraveling the world relying on the hospitality oflocals.

Greg and Joyce embodied a spirit of grace andsimplicity. Despite the rain and rough travel, theywere committed to relying on local hospitality,kindness, and generosity. Some would call themnaïve of course, but what we saw in them was awisdom born of trust, discovery, and open-heartedness. Their visit, I’d say, was the highlight ofour week.

We all know that the world can be a scary andtroubling place. When we look around it’s quiteeasy to see scarcity rather than abundance and toexperience anxiety rather than trust. But Greg andJoyce reminded us of something we are alsocontinually discovering: that the world issurprisingly reliable; kindness, and generosity arealways available; and grace truly does abound.

Tom and Monica Liddle serve with the ProtestantChurch of East Timor. Their appointment is madepossible by your gifts to Disciples Mission Fund,Our Church’s Wider Mission, and your specialgifts.

TREASURER ARTICLE

With help from other Church members, I researchedthe Church’s Restricted Endowment funds. TheRestricted Endowment funds are defined usually byan attorney’s letter stating the amount of the gift(principle) and how the Church may use it. Allrestricted funds require the Church to use only theannual income from the fund and to keep the initialprinciple in the account.

This is NOT all the gifts we have received, only theRestricted Endowment funds that haddocumentation.

The spreadsheet below list the name of the personthat left the restricted gift to the Church, the purposeof the gift as required in documentation, and theinitial principle. I have listed the RestrictedEndowment accounts at the top of the spreadsheetand at the bottom is the total principle in eachaccount. Just a reminder, Principle is what mustremain in the account.

If anyone has more information, please let meknow. I will include any information as long as Ihave documentation to back it up.

In July, I plan to have a finance informationmeeting; most likely after Sunday services July 16th.Another date or time may be considered, just let meknow what works for most members. One questionthat will be answered at this meeting is: What is theincome we can spend from the RestrictedEndowment accounts?

Submitted by Loretta [email protected]

Total Principle for Endowment Funds

Name Original date Restricted monies purpose Initial Principle General Endowment Missions Sunday School Capital Improvement Music

Harrison-Mead 1999 Church shall retain $20,000 20,000.00$ 20,000.00$

May apply all net income for

general purposes of church

Chris Gibson 2004 Church shall retain $10,000 10,000.00$ 10,000.00$

May apply all net income for

general purposes of church

Rev. George Foster 1954 To be held in trust and invested 1,000.00$ 500.00$ 500.00$

in securities. May apply net income

to: 1/2 for current expenses

and 1/2 for home and foreign missions

Annie E. Stanton no date Invest and reinvest. Income for 500.00$ 500.00$

operation and maintenance of church

Berry Cline 1969 In trust to be invested and yearly 10,000.00$ 10,000.00$

income to be used for general expenses

Florence I. Rogers 1983 $29,499.69 to be used in UCC 34,332.93$ 29,499.69$ 4,833.24$

General fund and $4,833.24 in the

Sunday School fund. Income accruing

may be collected.

Harry Rogers 1983 Monies to used in Sunday School 5,000.00$ 5,000.00$

Endowment fund

Marcia Meister 1996 General operating expenses 10,000.00$ 10,000.00$

Endowment fund

Kay Eggleston 1997 Endowment for Special Projects 10,000.00$ 10,000.00$

Donald and Helen Jackson 1998 Invested at the discretion of the

Trustees- General Endowment 1/4 5,000.00$ 5,000.00$

Sunday School Endowment 1/4 5,000.00$ 5,000.00$

Capital Improvement 1/4 5,000.00$ 5,000.00$

Music 1/4 5,000.00$ 5,000.00$

Merck shares 1996-1998 Sale of Merck was placed in

Endowment Funds of:

Capital Improvement Fund 7,214.19$ 7,214.19$

Music Fund 5,000.00$ 5,000.00$

General Fund 5,000.00$ 5,000.00$

Sunday School Fund 5,000.00$ 5,000.00$

Total Principle for each 90,499.69$ 500.00$ 19,833.24$ 22,214.19$ 10,000.00$

Endowment Account

First Congregational Church of Greene, New York United … · 2017-06-29 · First Congregational...

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