First Presbyterian Church Delhi, NY

COURIER Email Edition

November 2012

First Presbyterian Church Delhi, NY

COURIER November 2012

Salt, Light and a City – thoughts from the very temporary Pastor

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be

restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid.

No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so

that they may give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:13-16

All too often we read these verses as pointing to our individual lives, and consequently to our personal spiritual life or behavior. This fits with a popular American way of

thinking – religion is personal, and mostly individual - I have mine, you have yours. A variety of other thoughts come from the same way of being spiritual or religious. After

all the English language doesn't make much distinction between you = singular person

and you = plural group of people.

OK, so the folks in the South have got it right – there is 'you all' = a plural you – and if

you are in Pittsburgh, the waitress might say 'yins' – another you plural – or in the

upper peninsula of Michigan 'yous' – so, yes there are regional ways of saying you plural in American English. But most Bible translations avoid these non-standard ways.

Too bad, because the original languages have them. Greek and Hebrew both have a clear 'you' plural and a clear 'you' singular that look and sound different from each

other. The majority usage in scripture is you plural. In other words – what we all too often read as applying to us individually and personally often applies to us as a group –

as a plural you.

We are the light of the world. We are the city on the hill. We are the salt of the earth. Us together – plural. In other words – these verses address God's people and help to

define what it means to be Church (you plural). Not church as organization or building or institution. Church as 'us people' in a group. We exist to be seen. We live to be

flavorful and invade the world with our taste (and other salt properties too?) We are to shine together, not just hang together.

So, yes we also live the salt, light and other characteristics as individuals - but we aren't

really meant to be alone or lone rangers. We are meant to do it together. It’s hard for an individual to be a whole city anyway. As a 'city' – we are a visible community.

No matter how the church changes in this generation or the next – or even the next five

years - these words of Jesus endure – they are about us – in every age and place and circumstance.

There are other words that Jesus gives which also tell what the 'you' plural church as

community is and how we are to live the reality of what we have been drafted into – like “Go into all the world – make disciples – baptize” And we have been drafted if we have

been touched by God – for in reality it is not a voluntary choice (another American myth – we choose where we 'go to church') – God drafts people and we don't choose where

we sit at the table either – God gives us gifts and makes us sit with others we might not choose. And instead of 'going to church’ we are the church – even without a building or

organization.

Today, there are new ways of communicating and 'going' and being connected to other people in a myriad of ways we never had before. The global village is here. The

Internet and the broadcast media connect us with all humanity (or at least over 70%). But in the midst of all that change – we are what Jesus said we are – and it is a

challenge to key onto what he said in practical ways – to connect the spiritual and the daily life and the reality of what God is working on with all the divergent directions

possible to human beings.

I have been enjoying being with you – being part of 'us' in this place. As a temporary Pastor I see a bigger picture of who we are than just one congregation. As a person

who has been drafted, I have found the 'us' of the people of God in a lot of places over the years – in very different denominations and worship styles and groups. Jesus is

right. We are salty – and sadly – like salt of the olden days, we sometimes lose flavor and need to be restored. We do have reputations. Every group of Christians I have

served has had a ‘reputation’ in its community. Sometimes the reputation outlives its

usefulness and the community needs to see that the group of God's people is different than the old reputation and is a group with light and love from God. Even though I

don't know many of you – and haven’t' gotten to know you well – I know already that you are a delightful group of people and I hope your wider community finds this out in

new ways in days to come. Jesus is right – you are the light of the world.

Submitted by Pastor Jim Martin

First Presbyterian Church 4 Clinton Street, Delhi, NY 13753

Phone: 607-746-2155 Fax: 607-746-2156

E-Mail: fpcdelhi@delhitel.net Website: www.fpcdelhi.org

Officers and Boards 2012

SESSION

2012 Susie Little, 1618 Arbuckle Hollow, DeLancey, NY 13752 746-2536 Nichole Newbold, 45 Delaware Ave, Delhi, NY 13753 434-7705 Barbara Thompson, 517 Olin Evans Rd., Franklin, NY 13775 829-6005 Nancy Thomson, 21101 State Highway 28, Delhi, NY 13753 746-3131

2013 Betty Clark, 15468 State Highway 28, Delhi, NY 13753 746-2829 Lou Dibble, 113 Delside Drive, Delhi, NY 13753 746-6377 Bea Mooney, 4537 County Highway #14, Treadwell, NY 13846 829-5507 John Nealis, 3962 Peakes Brook Rd., Delhi, NY 13753 746-2542

2014 Kevin Lee, 2 Cross Street, Delhi, NY 13753 746-6946 Nancy Lee, 2 Cross Street, Delhi, NY 13753 746-6946 Dylan Nealis, 3962 Peakes Brook Rd., Delhi, NY 13753 222-1506 Gerry Pilgrim, 25 Main Street, Delhi, NY 13753 746-2867

DEACONS

2012 Bonnie Fleming, 2205 Cty Hwy 16, Delhi, NY 13753 746-2697 Don Fleming, 2205 Cty Hwy 16, Delhi, NY 13753 746-2697 Janice Raitt, 265 Main Street, Delhi, NY 13753 746-3193 Kathy Sullivan, 21031 State Highway 28, Delhi, NY 13753 746-7287

2013 Donna Burgin, 40859 State Highway 10, Delhi, NY 13753 746-2269 Vicki Noble, 75 Leisure Village Spur, Delhi, NY 13753 746-2013 Heather Rosa, 72 Meredith Street, Delhi, NY 13753 746-7659 Helen Rosa, 234 Honest Brook Road, Delhi, NY 13753 746-3866

2014 Betty Bell. 51 Hamden Hill Road, Delhi, NY 13753 746-2035 Harry Bell. 51 Hamden Hill Road, Delhi, NY 13753 746-2035 Joyce Goff, 485 Dunham Road, Delhi, NY 13753 746-8709 Ken Schermerhorn, 46633 St Hwy 10, Delhi NY 13753 746-8190

TRUSTEES

2012 Jacalyn Clark, PO Box 307, Delhi, NY 13753 845-676-4556 Edgar Goff, 485 Dunham Road, Delhi, NY 13753 746-8709

Linda Burr, 27 Crestwood Drive, Delhi, NY 13753 746-3046

2013 Ben Bray, 511 County Highway 2, DeLancey, NY 13752 746-7854 Tom Little, 1618 Arbuckle Hollow, DeLancey, NY 13752 746-2536 Patrick Sullivan, 21031 State Highway 28, Delhi, NY 13753 746-7287

2014 Joe Cantwell, 13491 State Highway 28, Delhi, NY 13753 746-3611 Tom Leo, 200 Spencer Heights Road, Delhi, NY 13753 746-8265 John Pawlikowski, 1215 Hamden Hill Road, Delhi, NY 13753 746-2424

TREASURER George Thompson, 517 Olin Evans Rd, Franklin, NY 13775 829-6005

FINANCIAL SECRETARY Gia Cantwell, 13491 State Highway 28, Delhi, NY 13753 746-3611

CLERK OF SESSION Lou Dibble, 113 Delside Drive, Delhi, NY 13753 746-6377

Printed on: Monday, November 5, 2012

2012 Thank

Offering

Again this year our mission emphasis for

November is the annual Thank Offering of our denomination’s organization of

Presbyterian Women. Offering envelopes for this special mission appeal can be found in this edition of the Courier as well as in the

pew racks in our sanctuary. In 1888 Eliza Clokey challenged

members of the General Missionary Society to give one dollar above each member’s usual contribution as a “thank offering to our

Lord.” That challenge extends to Presbyterian Women today. Our

contributions to the Thank Offering allow us to support programs that are making a difference in the lives of women and children

around the world. In spring of 2012, 26 of the 70

proposed projects submitted were chosen as recipients of Thank Offering grants from gifts given in 2011. Thirteen of the projects are

national, 13 projects are international. Fifty-three percent of the 2011 offering funds will

support health ministries. In 2012, projects receiving Thank Offering grants include Health Projects that will:

• provide diapers to unemployed and low-income families in a county that has the

highest unemployment rate of the largest counties in Ohio, • establish a garden to grow produce for a

community and initiate a weekend backpack feeding program for children who are

dependent on school lunch programs to meet their daily food requirements, • purchase a cereal dryer and a 100 ton

cereal silo to improve food security and provide a source of income generation for

over 7,500 refugees in a refugee camp in the Congo,

• expand the maternity and newborn wards

in a hospital in Malawi and build housing for nurses,

• support a community health project in eastern Zambia, • decrease infant and maternal mortality and

morbidity in Guatemala by training indigenous birth attendants and provide

supplies for cleaner and safer home births, • build a sensory park with therapeutic trails for people with disabilities in South Carolina,

• empower the community to provide advocacy for women and children infected

with HIV/AIDS in Kenya, • improve access to comprehensive health care for low income

uninsured adults and children in northwestern Washington state with a

mobile medical clinic, and • help fund an Arkansas camp for children

who are suffering trauma because they have been involved in natural disasters; Education Projects that will

• build classrooms in Malawi and Namibia where education is the key to raising

orphans and vulnerable children out of poverty, • educate women of rural Kasai on the

importance of obtaining marriage certificates to protect their property and rights after the

death of their husbands, • train elementary teachers and adult volunteers in Malawi in partnership with the

Presbytery of Northern New York, • provide art education to homeless and

economically deprived youth in Kansas City, Missouri, • provide parenting classes for parents in

Philadelphia whose children have been placed in foster homes with the hope that

families might be reunited, • offer English and computer classes for disabled young girls in Pakistan so that they

can improve their employment skills, • provide funds to hire a Sunday school

coordinator for Sudanese children so that their Christian Education is culturally and linguistically appropriate; Building Projects

that will • replace an antiquated heating system in a

domestic violence shelter in Wyoming,

• install a mushroom and spawn laboratory production unit to improve nutritional needs

and provide a means of economic self-sufficiency,

• construct a water tank, motor and pipeline at a girls’ high school in India providing 1,000 girls with clean water,

• rebuild a Christian camp in Smolensk, Russia that has been destroyed by fire; and

Immigration • provide pastoral assistance to incarcerated immigrants and their families in Connecticut,

and

• provide legal and domestic violence counseling, and ESL classes to Brazilian

immigrants in Central Florida.

Through the gifts of the Thank Offering, Presbyterian Women offers hope to the world, confident in God’s steadfast love for

all humankind. We give as we are blessed, offering mercy to others as God is merciful

to us.

Please give as generously as you have been blessed. The

goal for 2012 is $900,000.Thank you for your support!

“As God’s chosen ones . . . clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.”

—Colossians 3:12

Use the following calendar and contribute as suggested for four weeks or for the whole year. The pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, and dollar bills will really

add up! But feel free to contribute more than is suggested!

The Deacons are continuing their

mission for the Christmas Food Baskets. We need your help in

preparing the food baskets and gifts for the children of families in need in

the Delhi School District. We will help approximately 30 – 35 children and a

dozen families. We are able to help this many families by providing

Christmas dinner with just a few extras.

We are asking the congregation to

support this annual project by bringing any of the following items: juice,

crackers, fresh white potatoes, canned sweet potatoes, canned ham, stuffing

mix, canned fruits and vegetables, cranberry sauce, gravy, pickles,

pumpkin pie mix or pie shells. With the money we receive from both the Mission

Committee and the Angel envelopes, the

Deacons will “fill in the blanks” with other fresh items such as milk, eggs,

cheese, fruit, etc.

WE MUST REMEMBER THAT THE FOOD

BANK STILL NEEDS OUR HELP, TOO!

The Angel envelopes will be in the

pews, ready for your contributions, during the month of November.

Envelopes are also enclosed in this edition of the Courier. We ask that

donations be made by December 16th.

A Christmas tree will be hung with

angels in the narthex area off the Boyd entrance beginning

November 19th asking for Christmas gifts for the children of

these families. Gifts should be placed under the tree or returned

to the church office by December 16th. If you take an angel from

the tree, please remember to “sign up” your angel on the sheet by the

tree, including your name and phone number.

If you would like to have the Youth

Group do your shopping, please

contact Susie Little at 746-2536 or leave a message in the church office

(746-2155).

The Mitten and Sock

Tree will be in the narthex

beginning November 19th

awaiting your many contributions of mittens, hats,

scarves and socks. Donations should be made to the Mitten Tree by December

16th.

We know that the First Presbyterian

Church family will open their hearts once more to those less fortunate.

Thank you.

The Board of Deacons

Christmas will soon be here. We would like to invite all

members and friends of First Presbyterian Church to provide Poinsettias for our Sanctuary on Sunday, December 23rd and

Christmas Eve (Monday), December 24th. The plants may be given in memory of a loved one, in honor of someone special to

you, or as a gift to the Church. Those giving plants will be listed in the Christmas Eve Bulletin.

If you wish to order a plant, please complete the lower portion

of this letter and send or bring it to the Church Office with $10.00 each no later than

Monday, December 17th. Please do not leave it at the florist. Make checks payable to the First Presbyterian Church and include with your order. We will order the plant of

your choice for you. If you wish to purchase your own plant, please fill out the form at the bottom of this page and mail or bring it to the Church Office no later than December

17th so the information can be placed in the bulletin.

You may take your plant after the service on Christmas Eve, December 24th, or pick it up

at the church by December 27th. Protective wrappers will be in the Session room for you to cover it if needed because of the weather.

Poinsettias that are designated to be given to a member

on the Deacon's List will be delivered by the Deacons.

Thank you for contributing to the joy and beauty of this

celebration of Christ’s birth.

The Deacons of First Presbyterian Church

PLEASE PRINT INFORMATION AS YOU WANT IT LISTED IN THE BULLETIN:

Your Name ____________________________________________________________

In Memory of __________________________________________________________

In Honor of ____________________________________________________________

Gift to the Church_______________________________________________________

I will pick up my plant after Christmas Eve Service ____________________________

I do not want my plant; please give to a member on the Deacons List _____________

I will purchase my own poinsettia _____________________________________

The price of each Poinsettia is $10.00.

Please make checks payable to: The First Presbyterian Church.

1

FOR JUST TEN DOLLARS, YOU CAN GIVE AN AFRICAN ORPHAN GIRL A REAL SHOT AT A FUTURE

Across Zimbabwe, girls without any other option are forced into early marriage to men who are abusive, unfaithful and, in too many cases, infected with HIV. We’re trying to change that. We’re trying to give them nothing less, and nothing more, than control over their own destinies. How? Since “women’s work” doesn’t get you very far in Zimbabwe, last year, we trained two girls in welding and basic building techniques– from laying brick to pouring cement. Now, we’re trying to establish an expanded version of that program, ZimGirls Welding, and grow it into an independent company for future trainees. And we plan to make it a model and template for other microenterprises run by, and tailored to, dozens of young women orphaned by AIDS. The umbrella program, Zimkids Orphan Trust, is a finalist in a competition sponsored by Nike and the GlobalGiving Foundation to improve the lives of girls across the world. In order to become one of the twelve winning organizations – each of which will get about $30,000 - we need as many individual donations as possible during the month of November. Donations don’t need to be large. Since it’s the NUMBER of donations, not the total amount raised, that will catapult us to the top, even $10 will make an enormous difference. Our goal is 1000 donations. So can you spread the word and ask your friends and family members to give our girls a helping hand? Every little contribution is worth a LOT to us. Let’s take these young women viral! You can donate two ways – and PLEASE, not before November 1 or after November 30 - By credit card: Go to http://www.globalgiving.org/projects/building-girls-futures/ and the follow instructions. By Check: Payable to “Global Giving”. Must be received by November 15

th to be counted.

Make sure to note that donation is to be applied to Zimkids Girl Effect Challenge – Building Girls Futures project. Mail to Global Giving, 1023 15th Street, NW, 12th Floor, Washington, DC 20005 For more information on Zimkids, go to www.zimkids.com or facebook/zimkids

Sermon Schedule November 2012

November 4, 2012 11:00 a.m.

Sunday after All Saints Day

Gospel Reading Matthew 1:18–25

Old Testament Lesson Ruth 4:1-17

Sermon - "The Rest of the Story"

November 11, 2012 11:00 a.m.

Thirty-second Sunday in

Ordinary Time

Old Testament Lesson Joel 1:1-13

Gospel Lesson Matthew 20:1-16

Sermon –"What Did We Sign Up For?"

November 18, 2012 11:00 a.m.

Thirty-third Sunday in

Ordinary Time

Thank Offering and

Stewardship Sunday

Gospel Lesson Luke 1:39-56

Old Testament Lesson 1 Samuel 2:1-10

Sermon "A Song of Thanksgiving"

November 25, 2012 11:00 a.m.

Christ the King Sunday

The Sacrament of Communion

Old Testament Lesson Jeremiah 33:14-18

New Testament Lesson Revelation 1:9-20

Sermon “Meeting Jesus Again”

A solemn prayer

May our religion be

filled with gladness and may our worship of

thee be natural. … Endow us with courage

that is born of loyalty to all that is noble and

worthy, that scorns to compromise with vice

and injustice, and knows no fear when

truth and right are in jeopardy. Guard us

against flippancy and

irreverence in the sacred things of life.

Grant us new ties of

friendship and new opportunities of

service. Kindle our hearts in fellowship …

and soften our hearts with sympathy for

those who sorrow and suffer.

—From The West Point

Cadet Prayer, Colonel C.E. Wheat

For those of you that missed the presentation of the youth group in September,

here is the story we shared that day. In the selection from the book of James that Kelsey just read, we hear about the power of prayer. Part of

our orientation at Huntersfield Christian Training Camp on Monday night, was a brief history of how the

camp got started and how they got involved in Hurricane Irene. This is the story I would like to share

with you now and it illustrates just how powerful prayer can be.

The Huntersfield got started over 40 years ago by Rev Roger Shafer and his wife Yvonne. Rev Shafer died

last year but Yvonne continues to play an integral role in the daily life at the retreat. Over the years, it

has evolved from an old farm at the end of a valley up on a mountain top, into a facility that today has a

huge gym, a 3 story dorm building and dining hall with a beautiful chapel. There are apartments on site

for staff and down the road is where the current director, Charlie Gockel and his family live.

Charlie is the pastor up at Huntersfield and he and his congregation wanted to become more involved with

the everyday life of the citizens of Prattsville. They had a meeting on Sunday, August 21, 2011 to discuss

ideas and after throwing a few around they decided to pray that God would find a way to help them

provided for the people of Prattsville. We all know what happened the following week, it started to rain.

Safe up on the hill, the Gokels got word that things weren’t so good downtown. Charlie tried to get to

town but couldn’t due to road and bridge washouts. So he and another

man that lived and worked at Huntersfield, went over an old logging road

through the woods to make it to another road that lead to town. They

started gathering displaced people and by the end of the first night, they

had over 80 people sheltered in rooms of their camp.

They fed them. They kept them safe. Some went quickly to homes of

family. Others stayed. They had some families with them until just

before Christmas.

The Town Supervisor invited Charlie to the first meeting to evaluate the

situation and to start organizing a recovery plan. As questions like,

“what are we going to do with the donated food that is already coming

in?” The Supervisor asked “Charlie, can you handle that?” Charlie of

course said yes. “What about all the clothes and household stuff and

cleaning supplies?” Charlie, can you handle that? And of course Charlie

said yes. The gym at Huntersfield was soon converted into a large

warehouse. Shelving units were built and food was organized, clothing sorted and everything was

distributed to those who needed it. When we were there, one wall still had cases of donated water and

another had shelving housing cleaning supplies and tools.

Then the questions of who was going to deal with all these volunteers that were showing up to help.

Charlie can you handle that? And Charlie said yes. Other organizations were there at the beginning and

Charlie coordinated with them. Huntersfield had found their way not only into the daily life of the

Prattsville people but became an essential element in their survival.

One day Charlie was down town and saw the Town Supervisor sitting in his truck just watching the many

volunteers from all over the country that had arrived to help in the mucking out and the rebuilding of his

town. Charlie walked over to the truck and just stood there, giving silent support. Finally the Supervisor

spoke. “Charlie, where do they come from? Why do they come?”

Charlie knew then God had answered his congregation’s prayers. Charlie’s congregation has grown as he

is now the minister at the Methodist church in the village of Prattsville as well as continuing to minister up

at the camp. Huntersfield continues to coordinate the volunteers and the donated money that flows into

Prattsville. They house and feed the bodies and souls of the volunteers. They reach out to residents who

have run out of money, or are still waiting for insurance money, and provide the money for materials and

the labor to get projects done. Without the volunteers, the cost of rebuilding would have made it

impossible. God has given them not only a purpose to continue but a way to show the people of Prattsville

the depth of God’s love.

In closing, I want you to know what a wonderful job you have done in helping raise these children of ours.

I asked my car full on the way home up the hill at the end of a work day, “Why do we come?” and they

answered without hesitation, “Because that’s what people do, they help one another. Why would you NOT

go?” My prayer is that they and us as a congregation, continue to believe that people reach out to one

another and help each other, because that is what Jesus has charged us to do. Thank you again for all of

your support in the endeavors of youth group. - Submitted by Susie Little

The Church Decoration Committee and the Fellowship

Committee are making plans to decorate our Church building for the holiday season this year. Your

participation as a member of the Church Family would be greatly appreciated. If interested in participating, please

indicate your contribution to the decorating on the form below. Write the names as you wish them to appear in

the Church bulletin on the Sunday before Christmas and the Christmas Eve bulletin.

Fill out the form below and place it in an envelope marked "CHRISTMAS WREATHS” and place the envelope

in the collection plate or leave it in the Church office.

The price of each wreath is $15.00. You may pay with cash, or by a check made payable to First Presbyterian Church. This may either be put in the envelope with your order or

you may pay at the Church office. Please clearly mark your envelope for Christmas wreaths.

Monies from the Memorial Fund were used to purchase artificial decorations. The

Decoration Committee previously purchased the roping and the window displays. They are very nice and may be used year after year. It saves money and still allows us to

have great decorations around the church. Thank you to everyone for contributing to this project in the past.

Orders, with the payment enclosed, must be in by Monday, November 26th.

Thank you for your participation.

Fellowship & Friendship Committee

I (We) would like to contribute to the Christmas Wreaths in the following way:

_____ Order a wreath in honor of ___________________________________

_____ Order a wreath in memory of __________________________________

_____ Order a wreath as a gift to the Church

Given by:___________________________________________________________

REMINDER: Please make all checks payable to: First Presbyterian Church

Mark your calendars

for December 9th to welcome our new Pastor! Pastor Sarah will lead us in worship followed by dinner hosted by the Fellowship Committee and the Pastor Nominating Committee. Watch for details in the December Courier.

Christ the King Sunday – Communion

Christ the King is a title given to Jesus in several passages of Scripture.

It is a title used by most Christians. The Feast of Christ the King is celebrated on

the last Sunday of the liturgical year, before the New Year begins with the first

Sunday of Advent.

As so many of us are already thinking about Christmas, Christ the King Sunday

helps us to remember that Christmas is about much more than a baby in a

manger. It’s about a sovereign Christ.

Christ’s Lordship is an integral message

in the New Testament and to the faithful practice of Christian worship.

This Sunday helps us focus our attention and our worship on Christ’s reign over

the world.

Elder on Call

Dates Elder Contact #

11/4 – 11/17 Nichole Newbold 607-434-7705 (cell)

11/18 – 12/1 Lou Dibble 607-267-6845 (cell)

12/2 – 12/15 Nancy Lee 607-746-6946

The Session has established guidelines for the Elder on Call which includes

responding to an emergency as a caring presence, representing the church at

community/ecumenical events/disasters, and offering prayer for personal needs.

Please feel free to call the Elders with

any concerns you may have.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS The Committees of the church welcome

your input, ideas and enthusiasm! Most committees are also looking for

interested people to become involved in the work of the church. Please feel free

to attend any of the committee meetings listed on the church calendar or in the

church life section of the weekly bulletin. You may also call the church office if you

are interested in a committee or have an interest in attending a committee

meeting.

STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY – November 18, 2012

Sunday SCHOOL

Sunday School is available each

Sunday morning at 9:45 am. We welcome new students at any time.

Classes begin at 9:45 am each Sunday morning. Please join us

next week.

MEN’S BREAKFAST

& BIBLE STUDY

The Wednesday morning Men’s Breakfast and Bible Study Group continues to meet

every Wednesday morning at 6:30 a.m. The time begins with a hot breakfast

together and finishes with about 30 minutes of Bible Study, concluding at about 7:30 a.m. Please join us this

Wednesday! If transportation is a problem, you may call the church office.

DEVOTIONALS

AVAILABLE

The Upper Room Devotionals for

November & December are now available

on the information racks in the Memorial Hospitality Room and outside the church

office. If you wish to make a contribution to defray the cost, there is a wooden box

in the Memorial Hospitality Room.

BOOK STUDY

Book Study – please show your

interest by signing the sheet in the

church office. Pastor Martin will lead a book study on Diana Butler Bass’ recent

book (February 2012): “Christianity After Religion: The End of Church and

the Birth of a New Spiritual Awakening” during his remaining time with us.

There will be two times – one during Sunday School on October 28, the four

Sundays of November and

December 2. The other will be

scheduled according to responses of people

involved with Sunday School who need another time –

probably Thursday evenings except for

Session meeting night. The book cost is around $17 – although some used books

may be available at a lower cost. More about Diana and the book at

http://www.dianabutlerbass.com

A family prayer

Lord, behold our family here assembled.

We thank you for this place in which we dwell for the love that unites us,

for the peace accorded us this day, for the hope with which we expect the

morrow, for the work, the health, the food, and

bright skies that make our lives delightful for our friends in all parts of the earth.

Amen

—Robert Louis Stevenson

Highlights of Trustees October 21st Meeting

Highlights from the October 17, 2012 Trustees Meeting:

Trench has been dug from the CE building to the shed, electric line has been

placed and a sono tube has been installed for the parking lot light

50” section of gutter has been installed on the Chapel

Sidewalk stones by the Manse have been installed

Manse work is complete and ready for the new pastor

SUNY nursing students will again be hosting a spaghetti dinner on 11/8

Next Trustees Meeting has been rescheduled to November 14th, the 2nd

Wednesday at 7pm

Otis Spunkmeyer® Fundraiser news

GREAT NEWS!! Cookies will be in during the week of

the 12th. Anyone ordering cookies will be notified of the date as soon as we hear from the distributor.

GREAT RESULTS!! Year # sold $'s for FPC 2011 219 1314.00 2012 223 1427.20 Plus $18 donation Thank you everyone for helping out. The cookies are to be delivered during the

week of November 12th. Anyone who sold cookies, will need to pick up the pink sheet portion of the order sheet from Tom Leo in order to notify your buyers of when the cookies will be in. Another great year!

APPORTIONMENT

The Per Capita amount for

2012 has been set at $31.59

per member. Per Capita

apportionment is based on

membership as of December 31,

2010. Our apportionment is

based on 229 members giving a

total of $7,234.11. As of

November 4th, we have received

$2,596.68 toward this

obligation. The membership

number is based on the 2010

Statistical Report. The money is

paid by our church to cover our

share of basic operation costs of

our Presbytery, Synod, and

General Assembly. Each

member is invited to contribute

$31.59 to help pay this

obligation.

First Presbyterian Church Delhi, New York Budget vs. Actual

January - September 2012

*Please note the budget column represents the budget for January through September only. Please contact Treasurer George Thompson or the church office if you

have any questions.

Respectfully Submitted, George Thompson, Treasurer

If anyone wants to know if they are up to date with their pledge, have

paid their apportionment, or any other information about their giving, please give me a call at 746-3611 or e-mail giajoe@delhitel.net.

Thank you,

Gia Cantwell, FPC Financial Secretary

Presbyterian Women

CARE PACKAGES FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

On December 4, 2012 the PW will be packing and

shipping goodie boxes to college students as they prepare for finals for the fall semester. Donations of

snack items and money will be accepted. There will be a donation box in the narthex for your convenience. If

you know a college student that would enjoy the box please make sure to drop their name and

address off in the church office.

Suggested goodie box items are: popcorn, cup of soup, candy bars, gum, granola

bars, fresh fruit (apples and oranges), homemade cookies, hot chocolate mix etc.

We also welcome volunteers to pack the boxes on Dec. 4th at 7:00 PM in the

red room. Any questions call Kathy Sullivan or the church office.

Thank You!

The Presbyterian Women would like to thank everyone who contributed to the Soup and Salad lunch on

October 21st. Over $550.00 was made to benefit mission work at the event.

Presbyterian Women Important Dates

November 18, 2012 – Thank Offering Sunday

December 4, 2012 at 7:00 PM - PW

coordinating team will meet at the church with

volunteers to pack care packages for college students.

CHRISTMAS STOCKING MISSION

Please remember to fill your

stockings. On December 2nd, 9th, and 16th and 23rd the PW

will be collecting the Christmas Stockings that

were sent in the January 2012 Courier. The stockings

will be collected before worship in the narthex. You

may also leave your stocking in the office during normal

office hours. Stockings will be received in the narthex on

December 2nd by Margie

Hume and Kathy Sullivan, December 9th and December

16th by Margie Hume and Kathy Beveridge and

December 23rd by Margie Hume and a helper to be

announced.

Half of the money received will go to Habitat for

Humanity and half to Hospice. If you do not have a

“stocking”, please see Janet Maxwell or Nancy in the

church office.

RAITT ROOM

(ARCHIVE ROOM)

OPEN MONTHLY

The Archive Room will be open after Church on the first Sunday of each month. Stop by and

view your Church's history. No food or beverage is allowed in the room so please stop

before you go to coffee hour.

Church Replicas

Make Great

Gifts

The Presbyterian Women are

selling Cat’s Meow replicas of the church. These two-dimensional

wooden buildings make ideal gifts and keepsakes. To see a sample or

purchase, please stop by the church office during normal office. Each

building sells for $15.

Help the

Youth Group-

Sign Up for iGive.com

Do your early Holiday Shopping online and

earn $$ for our Youth Group!

You also Save Gas & Time! There are now over 1100 websites to choose from!

It’s safe, private and very easy. Just go to our Link:

http://www.iGive.com/1stPresDelhiNY It Does Not Cost You or Our Church Anything!

And with Many Special Deals it

May Cost You Less! Join today following the directions on the link (ask Nancy at the Church

Office if you need help) and earn up to 26% of your purchases for the Youth Group. To date

$264.10 has been earned to help the Youth Group in their Mission Work.

Longtime

Member

Recognition

We were pleased recognize the following longtime members on

Reformation Sunday, October 28th during the worship service. Our

Congregation has been richly

blessed with these special people.

50 years: William Oliver Frieda Snyder

55 years: Edison Gile

Olive (Petie) Gile Lloyd Grant

Jane Hymers

65 years: John Braymer Donald Hymers

We celebrated their many years of

faithfulness and service at a special

coffee hour hosted by the Membership Committee in their

honor.

MISSING A DISH?

Please check the kitchen in

Fellowship Hall for any dishes you may have left at the church in the

last several months. There are many “extra” dishes that have

been left from various dinners, funeral receptions and Vacation

Bible School. Help us keep the kitchen

clean by picking your dish up today.

Thank You!

You are invited

To help us kick off

the Christmas season!

Where: First Presbyterian Church When: Friday, November 30, 2012

Time: 6:30 pm

Bake cookies and decorate them! Make Christmas ornaments and crafts!

Sing Christmas carols! Decorate our church Christmas tree!

The 28th ANNUAL COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING DINNER

is quickly approaching!

Sponsored by the Delhi Clergy Association and hosted by

Immanuel Lutheran Church, the dinner will be held on Thursday, November 22, 2012 from 12 noon to 3 pm at the

Delhi Fire Hall. Music will be provided by The Tremperskill

Boys and much of the food served will be locally sourced and homemade, including all-natural, antibiotic and hormone free

turkeys. The public is invited, free of charge, and all are welcome! Freewill offerings will be accepted. Reservations

are greatly appreciated, but not required. If you are able to help organizers by making reservations in advance, please

call Pastor John Priest at 746-2098, or send an e-mail to jpriest2@stny.rr.com

to indicate the number of people in your party and the approximate time

you plan to arrive on Nov. 22nd. Delivery of meals to shut-ins is

available, but advance notice to Pastor Priest is required.

Volunteers are needed for cooking, serving, clean-up, and

driving folks to the dinner and back home after the meal. Our church has been asked to furnish 10 loaves of fall

breads; 6 large butternut squash (Baked whole until tender); 8 gallons of cider and 4 (15 oz.) cans of real whipped cream.

Sign-up sheets are located in the church office and in the church narthex area for these food items. All items

should be brought to the Delhi Fire Hall on Wednesday, November 21st between 11:00 am and 6:00 pm.

Annual

Ecumenical Community

Thanksgiving Service

sponsored by the

Delhi Area Clergy

Association

will be held

SUNDAY,

November 18th

7:00 pm

at the Delhi

Community Church,

46378 State

Highway 10, Delhi.

Please bring canned

goods or other food

staple items to

benefit the Delaware

County Food Bank.

I would like to thank everyone for the

phone calls, visits, flowers and cards during my problem with my knee.

God bless you all, Jane Howard

Thank you to my church family and

friends for all your prayers, cards, calls, understanding and support as I recover

from surgery. Your thoughtfulness and Christian caring are such a huge help in

the recovery process. I am truly blessed

to have each one of you in my life. Shalom,

Nancy Althaus

We wish to thank our church family and friends for all the prayers, expressions of

care, sympathy and concern, cards, calls, and support you have provided us.

David’s mother always enjoyed attending services here at First Pres. Whenever she

visited. Words cannot express our thankfulness for the love you have

shown us. May God Bless each of you. In Christian Love,

Dave, Nancy,

Benjamin & Bethany Althaus

Congratulations to Linda

and Gerald DeWitt who were recently blessed by

the birth of Anna Grace

DeWitt, their newest grandchild! Anna was born

October 12, 2012. She is the daughter of Gary and Kate DeWitt of Utah and joins

big sister Giorgia. May God’s Blessings be with the DeWitt family.

November 2 Joyce Goff Nancy Haynes

4 Linda Malcolm 5 Corie Nealis

11 Karen LaFever Mary Conklin

13 Leslie McKeegan 14 Jane Hymers

17 Gia Cantwell 19 Barbara Thompson

21 Shawn Malcolm

22 James Gregory 23 Nancy Mable

Nieve (Malcolm) Yepez 24 Tony Cecce

Jason Hewlett Julie Mable

Jack Rippe* 25 Richard Morley

26 Elisa Moxley 27 Wendi Haynes Ecklund

Carol Presby 28 Donald Hymers

30 Aubrynn Nealis Dezeree Wakin

Addresses for those on Deacons List

*Jack Rippe

1362 Smith Hill Road East Meredith, NY 13757

We wish to extend our sympathy and

prayers to:

Jim and Ellen Deely on the passing of

Ellen’s mother, Eleanor Hutchinson.

Helen Weerheim on the death of her

husband, Howard.

David, Nancy, Benjamin and Bethany Althaus at the passing of David’s mother,

Gene Althaus on October 28th.

Alberta Anderson, Norma Wansor, John

Anderson, Jr., Jeremiah Anderson, Katie Anderson, Danyelle, Anthony and Caleb

Ambrose and the family and friends of John Anderson, Sr. who passed away

November 1.

If you know

of anyone who is in

the hospital

or in need of pastoral

care, please call the

church office. We would rather be notified

many times than not be aware of the needs of the church family!

Our prayers are with those who have

recently had outpatient procedures, surgery, are facing major

changes in their lives, been

hospitalized or are facing difficult health concerns.

Please check the name and address on this newsletter and

names on the birthday list. If there are any changes,

additions or corrections, which should be made, please contact the church office at

607-746-2155 or e-mail

fpcdelhi@delhitel.net. Thank you!

Child-care Room

November 11 – Darius Newbold November 18 – Sarah Philion

November 25 – Gia Cantwell

We continue to seek volunteers

that would be able to go into a revolving rotation to work in the

childcare room during church. As well as adult volunteers for

childcare, we are looking for youth 8th grade and higher to sign up

“willing to help” sheet. Those looking to sign up can call

Nichole Newbold 434-7705

Congratulations to Angela Nygren and Steve Koiser who

were united in marriage on October 27, 2012. The couple

now resides in Jefferson, NY

May God Bless your marriage!

Returnable Bottles

& cans

Don’t forget to drop your returnable bottles and cans

off at the church in the new narthex. The Youth Group really appreciates all your help in their

fundraising efforts towards mission.

Sign Up!

The 2012 Flower and Coffee Hour volunteer

posters are up in Fellowship Hall. If you would like to donate flowers for the Chancel on a Sunday or if

you would like to make cookies for Coffee Hour or help serve, please sign up for any of the available

Sundays.

We are in need of people to help with Coffee Hour several Sundays in December. Please sign

up in the Fellowship Hall, call Janet Maxwell or the church office so we can continue our time of

fellowship. Thank you for helping out by signing up today!

Anyone wishing to participate in the Worship Service

as Liturgist should contact the Nancy Lee.

Anyone wishing to greet members and guests as

they arrive at church should contact Vicki Noble or the church office.

Food Bank

Beginning November 11th until the Food Baskets are distributed, the

collected items will be displayed in the Fellowship Hall. Please stop

during Coffee Hour to see what we have and make your purchases

accordingly. Items for donation should be placed in the FOOD BOX. Ed Goff will see

that the food is taken downstairs each week and displayed. This will help keep our supply mixed for the

holidays. Thank you for your continued support as we enter the busy holiday season.

FOOD BANK

NEEDS

The need for food in Delaware

County remains great. Please note that donations of dried

herbs and seasonings are

now welcome any week. Remember that fresh potatoes

and onions can be donated on the last two Sundays of each month. Food is being gathered

for the food baskets as well. Lists of items needed are

found on the food box lid. Cash donations may be given

to Ed Goff or left in the church office. Please make checks

payable to the Delaware

County Food Bank. Donation

boxes for food are located in the Narthex and in the New

Narthex or may be left in the church office.

May God fill your heart with generosity. Thank you for

your ongoing support!

NEW ADDRESS

Gene Vandenbord Robinson Terrace Nursing Home

Bathgate Unit, Room 8B 28652 State Highway 23

Stamford, NY 12167

(No phone as yet)

If you move, please contact the church office as soon as possible but at least within 30 days, with your

new mailing information. Couriers addressed incorrectly are returned to us and we are charged

additional postage. If you do not receive your Courier in a timely manner, please contact the

church office. Thank you for helping us comply with postal regulations and save on the cost of postage. If you have an address for a college student

from First Presbyterian Church that would like to receive the newsletter at

school and a care package during finals week, please

contact the church office at 607-

746-2155 by November 21st!

(Anyone 60 years of age or older can participate, including younger

spouses.)

CALL (607) 746-2250 for

Reservations Lunch served Monday—Friday

11:30 a.m.—12:15 p.m. First Presbyterian Church

Conference Room

Human

Services

Committee

The Human Services Committee was formed with

money left from the Estate of Leona McDowell. There are

bank stocks that have over the years supplied this fund.

According to the Will, money is to be used to help First

Presbyterian Church

Members who are in need. The definition of “in need” is

varied. In the past, the items on the following list have

been covered. Medical bills

Fuel Bills Transportation costs

(funerals, hospital stays, medical treatment)

Electric bills Nursing home costs

Funeral costs General expenses after

illness or accident

Dental bills Rent

This committee is asking that everyone keep other

members in their hearts and prayers. If you see someone

in need, please call the church office.

WORSHIP FLOWERS

November 4 – Nancy & Kevin Lee

11 – Marty Conklin 18 – The Sullivan & Thomson

Families

25 –

Deacons Flower Responsibility:

Donna Burgin and Vicki Noble Hospital Visitation / Clothes Box

/DCCCC: Donna Burgin

GREETERS

November 4 – Betty Ann Clark 11 – Mrs. Philion's 4th, 5th

and 6th grade classes 18 – Don and Bonnie Fleming

25 – Harry and Betty Bell

LITURGISTS November 4 – Sally Scrimshaw

11 – Renee Maxwell

18 – Barb Thompson 25 –

Newsletter Deadline

Newsletter articles are due in the office, Wednesday, November 21st,

2012 in order to be placed in the

December Courier.

CHURCH BOARDS

November 8th – 7:00 pm Session November 19th – 7:00 pm Deacons

November 14th – 7:00 pm Trustees

Coffee Hour

November 4 – Toni Weaver, Helen

Rosa, Linda DeWitt 11 – Mary Conklin, Linda Burr,

Betsy Bray 18 – Barb Leo, Jane Hymers,

Margie Hume 25 – Sally Scrimshaw, Jackie Clark

Office Hours

The Church office is open Monday –

Thursday from 8:45am to 2:30 pm and 8:45 – 12:00 pm on Friday and

Saturday. If you have an item or announcement to be placed in the

Church Life section of the bulletin, it must be in the office by 9:00 on

Thursday morning.

The church office will be closed on

Thursday, November 22nd for Thanksgiving.

NOVEMBER 2012 November Mission Emphasis

Thank Offering

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 4 ELDER ON CALL NICHOLE

NEWBOLD

9:45 AM Book Study led

by Pastor Martin

9:45 AM Sunday School

11:00 AM Worship 12:00 PM Coffee Hour

12:05 PM Raitt Room

(Archive Room) open

12:30 PM Chancel Choir

Rehearsal

12:30 PM Mission Committee

5 ELDER ON CALL

NICHOLE NEWBOLD

9:00 AM Senior

Fitness Class

10:00 AM Fitness

Class for Moms 11:00 AM Delaware

Opportunities

Senior Meals

6 ELDER ON CALL

NICHOLE NEWBOLD

11:00 AM Delaware

Opportunities

Senior Meals

2:00 pm John Anderson, Sr.

Memorial Service

5:00 PM Weight

Watchers

7 ELDER ON CALL

NICHOLE NEWBOLD

6:30 AM Men's

Breakfast & Bible

Study Group

9:00 AM Senior Fitness Class

10:00 AM Fitness

Class for Moms

11:00 AM Delaware

Opportunities Senior

Meals 6:00 PM A-Pealing

Sound

7:00 PM Fellowship

& Friendship

Committee Meeting

8 ELDER ON CALL

NICHOLE NEWBOLD

11:00 AM Delaware

Opportunities Senior

Meals

4:00 PM Nursing Students Spaghetti

Dinner

6:00 PM Yoga

7:00 PM Session

Meeting

9 ELDER ON CALL

NICHOLE NEWBOLD

11:00 AM Delaware

Opportunities Senior

Meals

10 ELDER ON CALL

NICHOLE NEWBOLD

11

ELDER ON CALL NICHOLE NEWBOLD

9:45 AM Book Study led

by Pastor Martin

9:45 AM Sunday School

11:00 AM Worship

12:00 PM Coffee Hour 12:30 PM Chancel Choir

Rehearsal

12

ELDER ON CALL NICHOLE NEWBOLD

Otis Spunkmeyer

Cookies will be

delivered this week

9:00 AM Senior

Fitness Class 11:00 AM Delaware

County Senior

Council

13

ELDER ON CALL NICHOLE NEWBOLD

11:00 AM Delaware

Opportunities

Senior Meals

5:00 PM Weight

Watchers

14

ELDER ON CALL NICHOLE NEWBOLD

6:30 AM Men's

Breakfast & Bible

Study Group

9:00 AM Senior

Fitness Class 10:00 AM Fitness

Class for Moms

11:00 AM Delaware

Opportunities Senior

Meals

6:00 PM A-Pealing Sound

7:00 PM Boy Scout

Committee Meeting

7:00 PM Trustees

Meeting

15

ELDER ON CALL NICHOLE NEWBOLD

11:00 AM Delaware

Opportunities Senior

Meals

6:00 PM Yoga

16

ELDER ON CALL NICHOLE NEWBOLD

11:00 AM Delaware

Opportunities Senior

Meals

17

ELDER ON CALL NICHOLE NEWBOLD

1:00 PM Bird Club

18

ELDER ON CALL LOU DIBBLE

Stewardship Sunday

Thank Offering Sunday

9:45 AM Book Study led

by Pastor Martin

9:45 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Worship

12:00 PM Coffee Hour

12:30 PM Chancel Choir

Rehearsal

4:00 PM Boy Scout Troop

Meeting 7:00 PM Community

Thanksgiving Service at

Delhi Community Church

19

Angel Tree, Mitten and Sock Tree up

for donations

ELDER ON CALL

LOU DIBBLE

9:00 AM Senior

Fitness Class 10:00 AM Fitness

Class for Moms

11:00 AM Delaware

Opportunities

Senior Meals

7:00 PM Deacons Meeting

20

ELDER ON CALL LOU DIBBLE

11:00 AM Delaware

Opportunities

Senior Meals

5:00 PM Weight

Watchers

21

ELDER ON CALL LOU DIBBLE

NEWSLETTER

DEADLINE

6:30 AM Men's

Breakfast & Bible

Study Group 9:00 AM Senior

Fitness Class

10:00 AM Fitness

Class for Moms

11:00 AM Delaware

Opportunities Senior Meals

11:00 AM Donations

for Thanksgiving

Dinner to be taken

to Delhi Fire Hall

6:00 PM A-Pealing Sound

22

ELDER ON CALL LOU DIBBLE

12:00 PM Community

Thanksgiving Dinner

23

ELDER ON CALL LOU DIBBLE

11:00 AM Delaware

Opportunities Senior

Meals

24

ELDER ON CALL LOU DIBBLE

25 Christ the King Sunday

ELDER ON CALL LOU

DIBBLE

9:45 AM Book Study led

by Pastor Martin 11:00 AM Worship

11:00 AM Worship with

Communion

12:00 PM Coffee Hour

12:30 PM Chancel Choir

Rehearsal 1:30 PM Hanging of the

Greens in the Sanctuary

26 ELDER ON CALL

LOU DIBBLE

Wreath Orders Due

9:00 AM Senior

Fitness Class 10:00 AM Fitness

Class for Moms

11:00 AM Delaware

Opportunities

Senior Meals

7:30 PM Christian Education Meeting

27 ELDER ON CALL

LOU DIBBLE

11:00 AM Delaware

Opportunities

Senior Meals 5:00 PM Weight

Watchers

28 ELDER ON CALL LOU

DIBBLE

6:30 AM Men's

Breakfast & Bible

Study Group 9:00 AM Senior

Fitness Class

10:00 AM Fitness

Class for Moms

11:00 AM Delaware

Opportunities Senior Meals

12:00 PM Delhi

Clergy Association

6:00 PM A-Pealing

Sound

29

ELDER ON CALL LOU

DIBBLE 11:00 AM Delaware

Opportunities Senior

Meals

6:00 PM Yoga

30 ELDER ON CALL LOU

DIBBLE

Last Day for Global

Giving online

donations for ZimKids Girl Effect Challenge

11:00 AM Delaware

Opportunities Senior

Meals

6:30 PM Christmas

KickOff

1 ELDER ON CALL LOU

DIBBLE