‘Tween Sundays
A Midweek E-mail from First Presbyterian Church of Jamestown, New York
August 10, 2016
Don Ray, Pastoral Associate
On the day I am writing this (we will be in Virginia on August 10), I read in my daily devotional
book (Sarah Young’s Jesus Calling written as Jesus speaking):
“Hold my hand and walk joyously with me through this day. Together we will savor the pleasures
and endure the difficulties it brings. Be on the lookout for everything I have prepared for you:
stunning scenery, bracing winds of adventure, cozy nooks for resting when you are weary, and
much more. Since I am the way, staying close to me is staying on course.”
When I walk, or do what I call “no brainers,” I am in one of two modes. Sometimes I focus my
mind on some issue or project I need to work through. Other times, I keep my mind and spirit
open to what I see, hear and experience from around me. On my walk Saturday morning, I was
between modes. I was processing plans for our trip but I also wanted to be open. I altered my
route to perhaps attract my attention to less familiar surroundings.
Sunflowers caught my eye, drawing my attention down a driveway to the back corner of a house.
The sight of a half dozen stems, ten feet tall with huge leaves and blooms taking shape halted my
steps. Sunflowers fascinate me. Traveling in rural Pennsylvania several years ago, we saw fields
of sunflowers, blooms all facing the same direction. Apparently something in the growth of the
stem probably affected by the heat of the sun causes the bloom of a growing plant to rotate with
the sun through the day. From a seed less than a half inch long comes this impressive stem and
foliage, a beautiful bloom, growing with its environment, producing oil and seeds appealing and
healthy for birds and humans.
I know that my mind left to its own resources can be limited and even lead me astray. I am
grateful for this vison of beauty and wonder. I could write about my lesson from the sunflower
that ran in my mind, but I think I will just suggest that you go with mind and spirit open to creation
and see a sunflower—or whatever catches your eye and attracts your attention to the wonder of
God.
Don
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
August 14 – Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Worship during the summer continues in Bellinger Chapel at 9:30 am. Bob Hagel will be
preaching and remember there are no Adult Education or Sunday School classes but
children are most welcome during worship. ALL ARE WELCOME to join Summer Choir this
Sunday, August 14. Rehearsal is at 8:45 a.m. in the chapel, followed by 9:30 a.m.
worship. Come make a joyful noise to the Lord!
After worship there will be fellowship time in SJM Fellowship Hall. The Hospitality
Committee is providing the cookies again this summer.
This Sunday, August 14
Liturgist: Sheila Dunn
Greeter: Rosie Hagel
Ushers: Greg Kellogg and Gayle Schulte
Next Sunday, August 21
Liturgist: David Marshall
Greeter: Oliver Hagel
Ushers: Donna Beal and Pat Kinney
We want to hold up the following to be remembered as you go through your days:
Mick Yates, George Jarrell of the Barbershoppers, First Pres staff, friends and family who
have health, job or other concerns, and for the good health and well-being of all of the
2016 Rio Olympians. “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of
prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying
for all the saints.” (Ephesians 6:18) As a reminder to all members, the church only learns
of illness, surgeries, hospital stays, etc. from you or a family member. WCA/other hospitals
do not call to notify us when a member may be a patient. We urge you to let us know ahead
of time (if having surgery) or to call us (or have a family member/friend call us) when
something happens that you would like to be added to the prayer list or you would like a visit
from the pastor.
PERSONNEL NOTE: Barb Brown has tendered her intention to retire to the Personnel
Committee. Barb has been working for First Presbyterian since May, 1987, and has seen pastors
and members come and go and now it is her turn to leave. Barb’s last day will be August 26. Barb
has requested no fuss as she leaves but if you would like to honor her time with us, please send her
a card, an email ([email protected]) or stop by the office if near the church to say
good-bye.
DATES ON THE CALENDAR FOR YOUTH:
Sunday, August 14: Youth group swim party on Sunday, August 14th from 1:00 to 3:30 pm at
Jane and Jerry Lockwood’s home. We will all meet at the church by 1:00 pm and leave from
there. Bring your suits, towels and squirt guns!
HELP THE HOUSE and the HUNGRY. During the summer months, the Mission
Committee is once more asking your help in providing for the Birdie Turner
house. Women who are trying to become independent while they are coping with
drug or alcohol addiction, and who need a safe, structured environment to live
in with new friends reside at the house. Because Birdie Turner has no perpetual
source of funding, our congregation is a big help to them when we donate much
needed household items. The “house” will be set up in or near the Fellowship
Hall and you can bring your donations of paper products (toilet paper, paper
towels), laundry and bath soap, cleaning products, personal care items, and bath,
hand towels and wash cloths and leave them during church hours. The Mission
Committee will also continue to help the food pantry next door at First Covenant.
The next food pantry will be on August 16. The Mission Committee is
encouraging you to help with “a meal for the month.” August’s items are tuna,
boxed potatoes, corn, pineapple, graham crackers or Nilla wafers. You may also
bring other nonperishable food items and personal items as well. The food can
be left in the basket in the Fellowship Hall that is placed near “the house”.
DATE FOR YOUR CALENDAR. Community Helping Hands will be celebrating its 15 th
anniversary on Friday, August 12. The “Family Fun Block Party” will be held at the Gateway
Center from 1:00 – 3:00 pm. There will be music, food, tours, backpack giveaways and a “thank
you” program at 2:00 at this community event.
If you have something special happening to you or family that you would like your friends at First Pres
to know about, please send the information to the office to [email protected]. Peggy will
be sure to add the news to this weekly email.
DATES TO MARK ON YOUR CALENDAR!
August 14 – Summer Choir
August 18 – ACP/UPK Open House
August 24 – Session meeting
August 26 – Barb Brown’s last day
Blessings to everyone!
Have a great week.
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