Newsletter of the Marcellus First Presbyterian Church
Main & North Streets, Marcellus, NY 13108
315-673-2201
June 2015
Cake Walk - Olde Home Days
It's that time of year again. It's time
to start thinking about making those
cakes for our annual Cake Walk. We
had such a successful year last year
with over 40 cakes donated. Let's try
and make it bigger and better this
year. Remember, all proceeds go to the
Marcellus Food Pantry and each cake
equals $48.00 worth of food.
This year the Cake Walk will again
be a part of the Marcellus Olde Home Days celebration on
Saturday, June 6th, from 10:00 - 12:00 noon in front of the
church.
All cakes should be left at the church kitchen by 9:30
Saturday morning. (Friday is OK too) Cakes must be covered
and labeled with your name, phone number, and type of
cake. Please no cakes that need to be refrigerated.
If you have any questions or are interested in helping out
that morning please see Jane Horyl or call 673-1598. It's a
fun day and a very worthwhile project.
The Master's Touch Chorale
There will be a concert of Christian music on Sunday,
June 7, 2015 at 4:30 p.m. in our sanctuary.
Master's Touch Chorale is a volunteer choir
and is beginning their 23rd year
of singing around the central New York
area. They have also sung three times at the
White House. The concert is titled
"The Good News - A Musical Journey."
Please join us for a wonderful and inspiring
afternoon of Christian music.
Inside This Issue…
Cake Walk
1
Master’s Touch Chorale
1
Gnagy Gnotes
2
Calendar
3
Caring Ministry
4
Minute for Mission
Finance & Stewardship
5
Thank You Notes
6
Graduates
7-9
Christian Education
10-11
Presbyterian Women
12
Spirituality in the Second
Half of Live
12
Food Pantry Hours:
Tuesday 11AM-12PM
and 7-8 PM
June 2015 Page 1
Gnagy Gnotes
“In the Loop.” As Presbyterians, we work together, sharing our joys and concerns but also sharing
the work of the church. In order for this way of doing things to work well, however, all the groups:
Session, Deacons, Committees, PW, pastor, staff, and congregation, need to stay connected. So here
are some “Gnotes” on ways for all of us to stay “in the loop:”
Keep everyone in the committee or group “in the loop” regarding meetings, decisions, concerns, etc. A simple way of doing this is to use “Reply to All” when using email. When you reply
regarding a change in meeting date or time, a question, concern or suggestion, use “Reply to All” to
communicate your thoughts with everyone in the group. Keep everyone “in the loop!”
Not everyone uses email all the time, or even at all. Make sure you keep those people “in the
loop” as well. You might want to designate one member of your group as the alternate contact person, reaching out by phone call or personal reminder. Keep everyone “in the loop!”
Keep the pastor and the church office “in the loop.” One suggestion Session is implementing
this month is to have copies of all committee minutes forwarded to the church office and the pastor, in
addition to committee members. Sue Cramer and I will then see that they are distributed to Session
members. That way, Session can be kept “in the loop” more than just once month. Being kept “in the
loop” will enable all of us to do our jobs better, quicker, and more efficiently. (Gnote: You could
also click “cc” and copy us on other emails, too.) Keep Pam and Sue “in the loop!”
Pastoral concerns: Please know that I am always ready to hear from you regarding issues in
your lives. And as your pastor, I will not share that with anyone without your permission. You will
only be “in the loop” with me and as many others as you care to include (one exception: certain
emergencies/crises.) And please do keep me “in the loop” – I’d rather get a phone call from ten
people about someone being ill or in the hospital than not getting any calls!
Open Office hours: I will plan to be in the office on Tuesday mornings, from 10-12, beginning June 9. Please feel free to stop in, and keep us in the loop together!
I have a new cell phone with a Syracuse number. People saw “Herkimer” come up in Caller ID
(my old number was from my former home in Herkimer County) and sometimes didn’t answer
because they did not know who it was! So here is my information, to keep “in the loop”:
Mailing address: 2678 Howlett Hill Road, Marcellus NY 13108.
Phone numbers: Home: 315-673-4575 Cell: 315-956-3829
Grace and peace,
Pastor Pam
June 2015 Page 2
June 2015
Sun
Mon
1
Tue
2
Wed
3
Thu
4
7 pm Mission
Interpretation
Meeting
8 pm AA Mtg
8 pm Al Anon Mtg
10
Fri
Sat
5
6
8 am Men’s
Devotions
9 am Zumba
10 am—12 Noon
Cake Walk
10:30 am
Coffee hour at First
Cup Café
Olde Home Days Begins
7—Communion
8
9
9 am Orenda Springs
9:30 am Worship
4:30 pm Master’s Touch
Chorale Concert
7 pm Board of
Deacons Mtg
10 am – Noon
Open Office
Hours
14—Flag Day
15
16
17
18
9:30 am Worship
6 pm Finance
Committee Mtg
7 pm Building &
Grounds Mtg
7 pm Fellowship
& Outreach Mtg
10 am – Noon
Open Office
Hours
8 pm AA Mtg
8 pm Al Anon Mtg
10:30 am
Coffee hour at First
Cup Café
11:30 am P.W.
Picnic in the Park
8 pm AA Mtg
8 pm Al Anon Mtg
11
12
13
10:30 am
Coffee hour at First
Cup Café
8 am Men’s
Devotions
9 am Zumba
10 am Spirituality in the second
half of life
19
20
8 am Men’s
Devotions
9 am Zumba
Churchwide Gathering of P.W. begins and ends June 21
21– Happy Father’s Day
22
23
24
25
9:30 am Worship
7 pm Session
Meeting
10 am – Noon
Open Office
Hours
8 pm AA Mtg
8 pm Al Anon Mtg
10:30 am
Coffee hour at First
Cup Café
26
27
8 am Men’s
Devotions
9 am Zumba
Pastor Pam begins vacation and will return by July 3rd.
28—Graduation Sunday
29
30
9:30 am Worship
June 2015 Page 3
Communion To
Shut-Ins
The Deacons coordinate the offering of
the Sacrament of Holy
Communion to the homebound on
Sundays that we celebrate the Sacrament in worship.
The next opportunity for them
to deliver Communion will be on
June 7. If you are homebound and
would like to receive Communion,
please call the Church Office, 6732201, or Debbie Swankey, Moderator of the Deacons, at 673-1403
CONNECTIONS
Connections is published the first
of each month by the Marcellus
First Presbyterian Church.
Deadline for materials is the 20th
of the month preceding the month
of publication. Submit materials
and address changes to Church
Office.
Marcellus First Presbyterian
Church
PO Box 147, 1 East Main St.
Marcellus, NY 13108
Phone: 315-673-2201
e-mail: [email protected]
website:
www.marcelluspresbyterian.com
Summer Hours
(Memorial Day through Labor Day)
Worship:
9:30 AM
Nursery Care Provided
No Church School
Views expressed are those of the
authors and not official positions
of the Session, unless noted.
Food Pantry Hours
Tuesdays
11 am - 12 noon & 7 - 8 pm
Caring Ministry
IN OUR PRAYERS…
HAPPY BIRTHDAY...
...Lynn Rice
...Carmen Costa
...Family and friends of
Bob Dingman
...Bill Lathey
...Jan Linderman
...Jean Reichard
...Bud Flitcroft
...Betty Kenyon
...Donna Oberlender
...Roger Hakes
...Mike Caster
...Our Armed forces worldwide
...Our friends & loved ones in need
...Peace
HAPPY ANNIVERSERY...
Charlie & Marion Smith
Jerry and Nina Wickett
Alec & Lisa Vaughn
Laddie & Jane Horyl
Tom & Lisa Baker
06/07
06/12
06/14
06/16
06/24
Hala O’Neil
Ann Kolb
Sean Winoski
Karl Barner
June Laird
Nancy Holden
Dick Lautenslager
Deb Abbott
Barb Patti
Hollis Abbott
Gwenn Rice
Bob Dean
Deb Morocco
Suzanne Alexander
Greg Quick
Heather Baker
Shirley Marble
Jane Tobin
Lynn Higgins
Ann Carey
Jerrod Gates
Ed Nelson
Jeb Cramer
06/04
06/04
06/05
06/06
06/07
06/07
06/07
06/10
06/13
06/13
06/14
06/14
06/14
06/16
06/17
06/17
06/18
06/18
06/18
06/20
06/23
06/28
06/29
Getting to Know You & You & You…….
Pastor Pam would like to get to know the members and
friends of MFPC better. Thus, your Fellowship & Outreach
Committee has decided to help out by organizing small,
informal groups that will meet in various locations
throughout the summer to give Pam the chance to chat
with about 6-8 people at a time. Place & time will be decided
by the coordinator of each session. It is suggested that light
refreshments would be nice to have at the events.
If you would like to be included in one of these groups,
please call the church office or sign up using the clipboards
during any worship service during the month of June.
June 2015 Page 4
Minute for Mission
Karl Barner presented a Minute for Mission on the Day of Pentecost, Sunday, May 24,
2015 on behalf of the Finance and Stewardship Committee, and Session has made some
decisions on the use of the proceeds from the sale of the Fenlon House. Here is a summary of
Karl’s presentation and the ways in which the proceeds will be used.
You receive a gift, get your tax refund, perhaps a windfall, extra dollars appear….what’s
your first thought: a new car, a new appliance, fix the roof, or the crack in the ceiling? In our
case we received the proceeds from the Fenlon House sale. Upon much reflection, discussion,
disagreement and finally consensus, we have made some decisions:
“Give back a portion to God”. How much? To what mission? This is in the discernment
process with Finance and Stewardship, along with Mission and Interpretation
committees and of course finally approval by Session.
From: Luke 6:38
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running
over, will be put into your lap, for the measure you give will be the measure you get
back .”
Debt: We have paid off the Boiler loan… $33,000 dollars, a significant savings on interest
payments.
From: Romans 13:7-8
“Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom
revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.
Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has
fulfilled the law”
Our Church: Buildings and Grounds will be funded for projects:
LED lights : which will save the church on electric bills with a fast return on
investment
A new phone system: increased productivity and safety
More to follow
Savings: We hope to also tuck some away for the proverbial rainy day
So we hope we have been good stewards, as we have chosen to:
“Give back to a portion to God” thru mission
Pay off our largest debt
Invest back into our church building
From 1 Peter 4:10
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards
of the varied forms of God's grace.
Thank you
June 2015 Page 5
Thank You...
May 19, 2015
To our Marcellus First Presbyterian Church Family,
We cannot begin to thank you enough for the reception and
gifts you gave us on Sunday in gratitude for our serving
with you during the "time-between" Bill leaving and Pam
arriving. The gift card for Daniel's is most welcome as we
love to dine there. Believe it or not, Richard loves the pizza
and feels it is the best in the area. Ginny just likes to eat.
And, oh, the beautiful Christmas ornaments! They will have
special places on our tree, always reminding us of our
loving church family, whom we love right back.
We also want to thank Mary Barner for the beautiful
prayer, adapted from a Native American prayer, offered in our honor during worship. We love
Native American spirituality and, on occasion, Mary sends much appreciated Native American
prayers to Ginny.
It was our honor and privilege to do what we could to make what could have been a difficult
period of time one that was less difficult and anxious. Your openness to and appreciation for
our leadership and preaching was truly heartwarming. We look forward to being a part of the
MFPC church family for years to come. We love you all very much.
With blessings and gratitude,
Ginny and Richard
Thank you! Merci (French) Yin acca muoc (Dinka) Cam On (Vietnamese)
Dhanyabad (Nepali) Ka Lawm (Chin Burmese) Hvala (Bosnian)
Mahadsanid (Somali) Da Blu (Karen Burmese) Shukran (Arabic)
Gracias (Spanish) Asante (Swahili)
These are the many words that the New Americans program at InterFaith Works use to
say thank you. During January and February we collected gently used coats for new arrivals to
our climate. We continue to collect household items so that New Americans can enjoy a clean
bed with clean sheets; have dishes, pots and pans to prepare meals; and enjoy clean towels and
bathroom amenities. A box is available in the gathering space for continued donations. These little gifts go a long way towards investing in the people of the New Americans program. Thanks to
all for your lovely donations.
Sue Wegman
June 2015 Page 6
Graduates
Sean Winoski is a Senior at Marcellus High School. He is an
Honor Society Member, having maintained High Honor Roll for all
four years of High School. He has been active in the school
community, serving as a French horn player in several bands, a
stage crew member, and an Spanish Honor Society participant. Sean is an Eagle Scout and is an active member of the Order
of the Arrow, the Boy Scout Honor Society, serving as Committee
Chair for their Ceremonies Team. He has received the Arrowman
of the Year Award, Best Committee Award, as well as Vigil, one of
the highest honors in the Order of the Arrow. Sean recently
traveled to Albany as speaker in front of the New York State
Legislature in the State of Scouting Address. Sean has also been
recognized in the Marcellus School District for his citizenship and
service, having received the Ashley English Memorial Award, as
well as the Frank D’Andrea Memorial Award for his compassion,
Sean Winoski
as well as his positive attitude, perseverance and determination. Sean was also recognized by the University of Rochester,
receiving the Susan B. Anthony and Fredrick Douglas Award for Social Justice. Sean is employed
at the Chocolate Pizza Company. In his spare time, Sean enjoys old movies and music. He will
be attending George Washington University in the Fall of 2015.
Karen Cramer, daughter of Susan and Jeb Cramer, and
granddaughter of Bob and Joanne Cramer, is graduating from
Marcellus High School on June 28th. She was a member of the
soccer and track teams throughout all 4 years of high school and
has been in a wide variety of Clubs and AP classes. Karen enjoys
anything outdoors, especially skiing and fishing.
Karen has decided to join the United States Marine Corp
and will leave for Pariss Island, NC in September to begin her
training. She has selected the field of Intelligence and is hoping to
travel the world.
Karen Lander Cramer
June 2015 Page 7
Graduates
Jeffrey Beyel is a member of the Class of 2015 from Marcellus
High School. Jeff has attended church since he was an infant. Jeff
has been an active member of the church from his initial debut as a
shy cow in his first Christmas pageant, to Jr & Sr High youth groups,
Presbyterian Youth Triennium, trombone player in the brass
ensemble and Youth Elder. In addition, he has been actively
involved in many music ensembles (Concert Band, Symphonic
Band, Jazz Band, All Country Band, & All State Band). This fall, Jeff
will be attending Binghamton University (SUNY) where he will be
enrolled in the School of Management to study Accounting. Jeff
would like to say thank you to everyone who has supported him
during his time in Marcellus.
Jeffrey Beyel
Julie Ann Becker is the beloved daughter of Tom and Joyce
Becker. Julie is graduating this year from Marcellus Central School
where she has thoroughly enjoyed her years spent there.
Julie’s favorite subjects have always been English and Social
Studies. At the age of 9, she was published in a book entitled
A Celebration of Young Poets. Julie wrote a poem about leaves and
was selected along with other students across the country for this
honor. Ever since 8th grade, she has had a love for the Civil War
and expanded her sights in 10th grade to include global history.
She also has a love of performing arts, taking dance lessons since
the age of 2 and is currently taking a Master Class through the Red
House Theatre in Syracuse, which introduces all types of theatrical
genres to each student. She also takes private violin lessons and
Julie Becker
hopes to do something in the performing arts in her spare time
once she gets her career started.
Julie has been accepted into Onondaga Community College for the Fall semester. She will
be studying Humanities while there, working towards a teaching degree in History. After she
graduates from OCC she has plans to enroll in Cortland State to continue her studies there. She
would like to obtain her Master’s at Syracuse University and might even consider obtaining a
PhD in the future. Julie is interested in obtaining a dual degree in History and Production. She
would like to be able to film documentaries about History along with teaching.
Julie is hard working and she has always been very deteremined to set her sights high. The
future looks bright for Julie with all her endeavors.
June 2015 Page 8
Graduates
Tyler Young, son of Mark and Lisa (Darling) Young, and
grandson of Hugh and Viola Darling, will be graduating from
Liverpool High School in June with Honors. Tyler is a very talented
writer; he has written many articles for the school newspaper. He
plans on attending college to further enrich his talent and to decide
which path to take with his writing. Tyler enjoys reading the works
of Steinbeck and Shakespeare, as well as watching old movies. We
are sure we will see something in print with Tyler’s name in the
future!
Tyler Young
Megan Ferderick, daughter of David and Julie (Darling)
Frederick, and granddaughter of Hugh and Viola Darling, graduated
from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on May 10,
2015. Last fall, Megan traveled to Japan to experience the Japanese
culture and take classes at a university in Japan. She graduated with
a degree in both Japanese and Communications, in which she hopes
to pursue a career.
Megan Frederick
Olivia Grace Marziale
Olivia Marziale, granddaughter of John and Carolynn Longuil,
will be graduating from Manlius Pebble Hill School in Dewitt on June
6th. She is the daughter of Jennifer and John Marziale of Camillus.
(Jennifer, a graduate of Marcellus High School, was a member of
Marcellus First Presbyterian Church.)
Olivia was a member of both the lacrosse and soccer teams at
MPH throughout her junior high and senior high school years. In
addition, she was named to the National Honor Society. Olivia has
been a volunteer at both Upstate Medical Center at Community
Hospital and Silver Fox Senior Center in Baldwinsville.
Olivia will be attending St. John Fisher College in Rochester
and will be majoring in biology. She has been awarded both a
Presidential Scholarship and a Science Scholarship by the college.
June 2015 Page 9
Christian Education
Children’s Sunday—MAY 31st
This year’s Children’s Sunday service will
be held this Sunday, May 31st. We have wonderful children at our church and it’s a blessing to be
able to devote a morning to celebrating them.
Orenda Springs Day- Sunday, June 7th
A date has been set for the youth at MFPC to
spend the day at Orenda Springs Experiential
Learning Center in Marcellus. On June 7th, we
will plan to meet at Orenda Springs at 9:00am
and spend the first part of the day doing some
service work for that organization. This will
likely involve some physical labor of some sort,
so kids will want to dress appropriately. The second part
of the day will be spent participating in some challenges
at the various sites on the
property. These experiences
will be geared toward building camaraderie within our
group, and encouraging individual personal growth. This
will be a nice culminating event near the end of
our Sunday School year and we hope that all
youth will plan on attending. Each person attending is welcome to bring one friend and/or sibling
with them. The cost is typically $30 per person.
We will ask that youth pay $15 of that fee and
MFPC will pay for the rest. Please give your
money and your completed waiver form to
Allison Ray on the morning of the 7th, if not
before. Children will not be allowed to participate in the course challenges if they do not
submit their waiver.
Please RSVP to Allison so that we have a final
count of the number of folks going (MFPC kids
and guests). Thanks!!
Thank You
Presbyterian Women
In recent weeks, the Presbyterian
Women made the generous decision to
provide financial support to MFPC
children attending Vanderkamp Summer
Camp this year. We have three young
people who are registered for a camp
session in July. The money provided by
the PW will help provide a fantastic
opportunity for our young people to
enjoy a summer experience at a safe
camp focused on their personal and
spiritual growth! In the fall, the kids will
speak to the congregation to let them
know about their summer experiences
at VK. If your child is interested in the
programs at Vanderkamp, please speak
to Allison Ray or check out the camp
offerings at www.vk.org.
Christian Education
Winding Down….
This Sunday will mark the end of another
year of Christian Education programming
at MFPC. It has flown by! There will not
be Sunday School classes or formal youth
group meetings during June, as parents
have indicated it gets too hectic with end
of the school year activities and early
summer family commitments. We will
continue to host some youth activities
over the summer, so please keep checking
your email and texts to find out about upcoming events, like movie nights, BBQs,
fun at the park, and who knows what
else! We will keep in touch! Thank you
so much to all of the teachers and nursery
volunteers who made this another meaningful year for the children at our church.
June 2015 Page 10
Christian Education
Youth Night Antics
We had another fun evening with all of the kids a few weeks ago at church. We grilled up some
hot dogs and burgers, completed the Little Free Library, watched a movie and played some fun
games like Ninja. Perhaps the most ridiculous and entertaining game was “Human Hungry
Hippos,” which involved laying on your stomach on a scooter with a laundry basket in front of
you to serve as your hippo jaws. Your partner held your feet and wheeled you around trying to
gather plastic balls….the team with largest catch at the end of the game won. It was a
riot….though I think some of the kids pulled some muscles in their efforts! Here are some
pictures from the evening…
June 2015 Page 11
MARCELLUS FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
P O Box 147
Marcellus, NY 13108
Address Service Requested
Presbyterian Women
PW will meet for a Picnic in the
Park on June 10th at 11:30 am.
Please bring your own table service, beverage, and a dish to pass.
Dessert will be provided. The
location within the park will be
announced at a later date.
Jackie Davies
Please use P.O. Box 147 when corresponding with the Church
SPIRITUALITY IN THE SECOND HALF OF LIFE
a conversation for people 50 years of age and older
led by the Rev. Dr. Ginny Smith
On Saturday, June 13, from 10:00 - 11:30 AM in the Fireplace Room, we will continue
our discussion on HOW WE EXPERIENCE GOD IN OUR LIVES. Joan Chittister's book,
The Gift of Years: Growing Older Gracefully, has been an excellent resource in guiding our
conversations and our gatherings. Our topics on June 13 will be "Wisdom" "The Present" and
"Legacy," based on chapters in the book with the same titles. Everyone from our congregation,
as well as others, is invited to join us for some very lively and insightful conversations around
the topics of the day.
Food for thought and reflection from Joan's book -----1)about WISDOM - "Wisdom is not insisting on the old ways of doing things. It is the ability to
make the ancient truth the living memory of today. . . . A blessing of these years is to have the
opportunity to take on the role of thinker, of philosopher, of disputant, of interrogator, of spiritual
guide in a world racing to nowhere, with no true human goal and no lived wisdom in sight."
2) about THE PRESENT - "Age is meant for the revival of the spirit. Age is meant to allow us to
play ---with ideas, with projects, with friends, with life. . . . The present finds its way into the
center of our world as it has never done before."
3) about LEGACY - "A blessing of these years is to have the time to complete in ourselves what has
been neglected all these years, so that the legacy we leave to others is equal to the full potential
within us."
Looking forward to seeing you!
June 2015 Page 12