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The Connection News from
The United Church of Warsaw
Who We Are: The United Church of Warsaw is called by the Holy
Spirit to
follow Jesus Christ through loving and serving God and all God’s
people.
Volume 3, No. 1 – January 2014
Editors: Rev. Dr. Barbara Therese and Cindy Kiel
Reflections from ‘The Rev’
A New Year? A New Spirit!
The month of January means…a new year, a new calendar and a new
number to write on checks, on letters and on documents. A new year
means…change…for each one of us…in some way. If a new year means
“change,” then why not allow a change of spirit, too? Our
spirit—our human spirit--is our most precious internal possession.
Our spirit constitutes our greatest source of human energy. Our
spirit is to us what roots are to a tree and what wings are to a
bird. And, while our spirit is capable of ascending to great
heights, our spirit is also capable of plummeting to great depths.
The spirit can be an oak unmoved in a storm or a frail reed swaying
in the wind. The spirit can be a blazing fire or a dying ember. The
spirit can be a restless stream or a stagnant pond. The spirit can
be a sail filled with wind or a limp flag. The spirit can be a
desert wild flower or a hothouse-raised highbred. The spirit can be
a piece of granite or a piece of china. What is it that causes the
spirit to sink? And what is it that causes the spirit to soar?
Sadness weighs the spirit down. Joy lifts the spirit up. Criticism
erodes the spirit. Praise fortifies the spirit.
Continued on Page 2
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Reflections from ‘The Rev’ (Continued from Page 1)
Failure shrinks the spirit. Success expands the spirit. Despair
causes the spirit to wilt. Hope breathes new life into the spirit.
Rejection wounds the spirit. Acceptance heals the spirit. Fear
poisons the spirit. Love purifies the spirit. Hatred cripples the
spirit. Solitude calms the spirit. Prayer strengthens the
spirit.
* * * * * The month of January is often a time when
humans—fleetingly—consider New Year’s resolutions. Many of us have
heard these resolutions. Some of us have spoken these resolutions.
Few of us have implemented these resolutions. “In this new year, I
will… …eat differently, …drink differently, …exercise differently,
…live differently.” The care and health of the human spirit are as
vital to human life as are the care and health of the human body. A
doctor asks, “What are you doing to take care of the health of your
body?” God asks, “What are you doing to take care of the health of
your spirit?” In Psalm 51:10 is this one-verse prayer: Create in me
a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit
within me. God invites us, “Come to me that I may put a new and
right spirit within you.” In this New Year, how may God put a “new
and right spirit” within you? The ways that God may change your
spirit are many. I offer two ways: 1. Allowing God to reach into
you 2. Allowing God to reach out through you You allow God to reach
into you when you share in God’s spirit within the worship and
fellowship of a faith community: Attending worship services,
participating in fellowship gatherings, assembling for prayer,
meeting for scriptural or spiritual study.
Continued on Page 3
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Reflections from ‘The Rev’ (Continued from Page 2)
You allow God to reach out through you when you share God’s
spirit with others: calling or visiting a homebound individual,
extending a spoken or written word of care to those who are
grieving and suffering, contributing (physically or materially) to
the life of a faith community in its worship, its fellowship, its
mis-sion and its on-going operations. In this New Year, both God
and The United Church of Warsaw invite you to allow a “new and
right spirit” to be born in you. May you share in the worship,
fellowship, prayer, study, mission and on-going operations of The
United Church. Allow God to reach into you. Allow God to reach out
through you. God’s blessings of the New Year…to you and through
you. Beside you in the journey of faith, Rev. Barbara
Want to Know More about The United Church?
Do you want to learn why and how The United Church of Warsaw
became “United”? Do you want to hear about the history of The
United Church and about the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) and the
United Church of Christ (UCC)? Do you want to know the difference
between the “South Church” and the “North Church”? Do you want to
take a “tourist’s tour” of The United Church…including an
opportunity to ring the bell in the tower of the North Church? Are
you interested in becoming a member of The United Church of Warsaw
but wonder what church mem-bership may mean? If your answer is
“Yes” to any of these five questions, then please join Rev. Barbara
for a New Member/Inquirer Class on Sunday, January 26, at 11:30
a.m. in the Pastor’s Office. The informal but informative class
(approximately one hour) will allow participants to receive
information about The United Church of Warsaw as well as to ask
questions about the church’s past and present. If you are
interested in attending the New Member/Inquirer Class, please
contact Rev. Barbara at the Church Office (585-786-3868) or by
email ([email protected]).
A new Prayer Group, committed to praying for the congregation of
The United Church of Warsaw and for the worshipping Body of Christ
within our faith community, will begin meeting on Sunday, January
12, 2014, at 9:45 a.m. The Prayer Group will meet every Sunday
morning and will gather in the Conference Room (opposite the Main
Street entrance of Miller Chapel). The leader of this newly formed
Prayer Group is Sherry Cousins. Please call Sherry (cell:
585-322-5128) with any questions.
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F.A.C.E. Group: Inside the Church, Outside the Church and
Beyond
With the spiritual season of Advent and the holy event of
Christmas, December is an abundant month of abundant church
activities. Thus, throughout the month of December, the F.A.C.E.
Group (i.e., the Faith And Caring Encounter Group) was visible and
audible often at The United Church of Warsaw.
On Sunday morning, December 1, the youthful members of the
F.A.C.E. Group participated in the annual “Hanging of the Greens”
service during Sunday worship. Then they collectively helped to
decorate the church, both inside and outside. Afterward, F.A.C.E.
Group members formed a Christmas Joy Package assembly line in
Fellowship Hall. Together the youthful participants assembled 20
Joy Packages for church members and friends who are home-bound or
who reside in local adult health care facilities. On Communion
Sunday, December 8, two members of the F.A.C.E. Group participated
in worship as Communion Servers. Each month, the youth of The
United Church will continue to contribute their presence and spirit
on Communion Sunday.
On Sunday morning and early after-noon, December 15, the
F.A.C.E. Group dared the newly fallen inches of snow and personally
delivered the Christmas Joy Packages to the home of Dorothy Slocum,
to three residents at The Cloisters (Betty Mayle, Flora Parmelee
and Hope Rase) and to two residents at the Skilled Nursing Facility
(Jack Kibler and Verna Schneckenburger) in the Wyoming County
Community Hospital. Because of time constraints and a No-Visitation
Policy (due to an outbreak of a flu virus), Rev. Barbara
hand-delivered Christmas Joy Packages to four residents at Eastside
Care Facility later that Sunday. Another five members of The United
Church received separate Joy Packages throughout the month of
December.
On Sunday, December 22, members of the F.A.C.E. Group gathered
to prepare for the Candlelight Service on Christmas Eve. Then, on
Tuesday evening, Christmas Eve, F.A.C.E. Group members greeted
worshippers, distributed both bulletins and candles and then shared
in the Lighting of the Candles of Christmas. What a memorable month
December was at The United Church of Warsaw! The F.A.C.E. Group
contributed significantly to the many memories that were made. The
F.A.C.E. Group members and Rev. Barbara (who organizes and leads
the group’s activities) thank the many members of The United Church
who generously contributed the items collected for the Christmas
Joy Packages. The bounteous donations enabled the youth to bring
smiles to the faces and delight to the hearts of those who received
the Joy Packages.
God bless you, one and all!
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Pay It Forward
Some months ago, I was given the task of delivering four small,
hand-crafted wooden bowls to members or friends of our church. I
was asked simply to pass the four bowls along to someone whom I
felt might enjoy them. I did that. And I visited and talked at
length with two recipients about the “Pay It Forward” concept.
Although I was simply the messenger, passing along the gifts was
extremely fulfilling. I felt like one of the three Kings (but
without the gold, frankincense and myrrh) or the Fed-X guy who
keeps stopping here with surprises. The very first bowl was boxed,
bagged and delivered to another zip code. The second was chuck full
of M&M’s, covered with Saran wrap and tied up in a cute little
bow. (I bet I untied that ribbon three or four times. I did eat a
few before I remembered the Eighth Commandment. I think that’s the
one about stealing.) The bowl went to a friend who is in law
enforcement. The bowl held less green M&M’s than one might
ex-pect in a random sampling. The third bowl was filled with small
toiletries and personal items. It went to the Front Desk at Wyoming
County Community Hospital here in Warsaw. Recipient? Unknown. The
last vessel was sent to the American Red Cross with a note of
explanation and a check. Some day these very same bowls may be
passed along to other people in a similar fashion. There were no
strings or rules attached to these gifts. They were simply…gifts.
If you ever come to possess one, know that someone is “Paying It
Forward.” The giver is thinking of you. Enjoy the gift for a while
and then…pass it along. With these sentiments in mind, please keep
the people listed below in your thoughts and prayers. Make a New
Year’s resolution to give more than you receive. Celebrate the joys
and concerns that may follow. Try to “Pay It Forward” with a visit,
call or card to someone who would value any one of those three
gestures. Prayers of gratitude for: The birth of twins—Reed and
Davin Carter (parents: Todd and Whitney Carter; grandparents: Jim
and George Ann Carter) The birth of Ella Joy White (grandmother:
Jean White) Prayers of peace and comfort for: The family of
Elizabeth Krupa as they experience the passing of Elizabeth
(“Betty”) The Steve McCabe family as they experience the loss of
Steve’s father, Donald McCabe Sandy Domnissey and her family as
they experience the loss of Sandy’s husband, James Domnissey
Prayers of strength and healing for: Arlene Baker, Clayton Carlson,
Harry Litz, Lexi Sonricker and her family, Jack Spencer, Larry Wood
Prayers of assurance for those residents in: The Cloisters: Betty
Mayle, Flora Parmelee Eastside Living Center: Lucille Carlson,
Phyllis Drennen, Judy Plowe Skilled Nursing Facility: Jack Kibler,
Verna Schneckenburger
Continued on Page 6
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6 Congregational Care (Continued from Page 5)
Prayers of safety and guidance for: Those serving in the
military Our Florida “snowbirds” and those who travel Prayers for
God’s power and encouragement for: Those making positive steps
towards a healthier and more joyful New Year Our youth…for they are
our future. Respectfully, Mary Rase Congregational Care
Committee
Bell/Chime Dedication in Memory of Mary E. Clark
On January 28, 2014, the faith community at The United Church of
Warsaw acknowledges the first-year anniversary of the passing of
long-time church member Mary E. Clark. This past autumn, on October
27, The Fisher/Clark family presented to The United Church of
Warsaw an add-on third octave of chimes in loving memory of Mary
Clark. Eight members of the Fisher/Clark family played one piece
together. Jennifer Fisher (granddaughter of Mary Clark) played two
solo pieces that were accompanied by another granddaughter on the
piano. During that Sunday service, the bell chimes were officially
dedicated.
The congregation thanks the Fisher/Clark family mem-bers who
participated in the memorable service and those who contributed to
the Bell/Chime Memorial in honor of Mary E. Clark.
Official Statements of Contributions
for 2013 Tax Year
It is January. But April 15—the deadline for State and Federal
Tax filings-- will arrive soon! For those who need an official
statement of their monetary contributions to The United Church
of
Warsaw during the 2013 Tax Year: Please present your request for
a Financial Statement in writing to our Administrative Assistant,
Cindy
Kiel. Include the address where you want your statement mailed.
Cindy will then submit your request to Bob Cummins, the Church
Treasurer. To the address that you
provide, Bob will mail the official statement of your monetary
contributions given in 2013. This document may be included in your
2013 Tax Returns (both State and Federal).
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Christmas Pageant at The United Church of Warsaw On Sunday
morning, December 15, the sanctuary was alive with the sound of
Christmas carols and scripture readings! Adults, youth and children
from the congregation participated in the presentation of A Musical
Christmas Story. The scenes and characters depicted God’s Promise,
Gabriel and Mary, Bethlehem and the Inn, the Shepherds, the Angels
and the Wise Men. Narration was provided by Mr. Hans Kunze and Mrs.
Sherry Cousins. Readings were offered by members of the F.A.C.E.
Group. The various characters were portrayed by the youth and
children in the Sunday School. Mrs. Cindy Flint (Sunday School
Director) organized and guided the pageant. Mrs. Nora Fisher
(Sunday School teacher) and Ms. Tracy Fisher (Pageant Assistant)
supervised costumes and make-up. Jennifer Fisher and Jyssica Fisher
provided bell music. The congregation added their voices to hymns
and carols throughout the pageant. Together the joyous event of the
coming of Christ was re-enacted and celebrated by all who
participated in and witnessed A Musical Christmas Story.
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Sign-Up Sheets for Sunday Ministry
for January and February are on the tables
in the East Room.
Following Worship and during Fellow-
ship Time, please add your name to the lists
for Greeters, Scripture Readers, Ushers,
Communion Servers and Refreshment
Providers.
May you give from your essence,
not just from your excess.
January Acolytes Our acolytes for January 2014 are listed below.
We thank these
young people for bringing the light
into our Sunday worship time.
January 5 Lauren Howard
January 12 Grace Kunze
January 19 Joe Fisher
January 26 Emily Howard
Mission News: White Gifts and Angel Action
This past Christmas, children in Project Head Start received a
White Gift from our church family. This year, The United Church of
Warsaw also sponsored three families through Angel Action. As a
faith community, we are blessed to be able to share. I am certain
that our gifts helped those families have a joyous Christmas! Thank
you all for your support. Sincerely, Linda Thomas Mission
Committee, Chairperson
Snackpaks for Kids Food items needed include: juice boxes, fruit
cups, puddings, cereals, peanut butter, jelly (in plastic
containers), macaroni and cheese, spaghetti, granola bars, and
peanut butter crackers. A complete list of needed food items is
attached to the collection box in The Connection. Thank you to all
who have generously donated.
Crossroads House Wish List
Crossroads House is approaching their 16th year serving the
terminally ill in Genesee and Wyoming counties. They are very
thankful for the generosity and kindness of all who support their
unique mission.
• Forever Postage Stamps • Cases of White Copy Paper ( 8 1/2” x
11”) • Pastel Copy Paper (8 1/2” x 11”) • Gift Cards to: Walmart,
Office Max, Tops,
Home Depot and Aldi’s • Gift Certificates to: Ficarella’s,
Pauly’s Pizza,
Southside Deli and Subway • Disposable Gloves (Latex Free),
Med/Large • Paper Towels • Regular/Decaf Coffee and Creamer • Large
Bags of Chicklet Gum • Large Bags of Regular and Peanut M&Ms
for
candy machines You may give your donations to Betty James.
Thoughts for the New Year
Take time to think. Thoughts are a source of power. Take time to
play. Play is the secret to enduring youth. Take time to read.
Reading is the fountain of wis-dom. Take time to pray. Praying is a
rock of strength in time of struggle. Take time to love. Loving is
what makes life worth-while. Take time to laugh. Laughter is the
music of the soul. Take time to give. Any day of the year is too
short for selfishness. Take time to do your work well. Pride in
your work nourishes the spirit. Take time to express gratitude.
Appreciation is the frosting on the cake of life.
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Greetings from Starburst! December has passed, but what a
delightful month it was! We sang for our friends at The Cloisters
and for Starburst families. We also made many decorations for our
Christmas tree as we celebrated the birth of our Lord. We talked
about being thankful for the gifts we received. More importantly,
we were
reminded that giving is an equally special part of our Christmas
holiday. Our classes will resume on Monday, January 6, 2014, at
which time our classrooms will be filled with penguins and
dinosaurs! If you happen to come by at that time, don’t be afraid
of the loud roars you may hear. Our dinosaurs are mostly friendly.
☺. With all the December snow we received, we do hope to get
outside for some play time. We hope that you may do the same!
Abundant blessings to you and your family in the New Year.
Larene
Wish List
Paper napkins, tomato soup, vegetable soup, Oreo cookies, oyster
crackers, dinosaur-shaped cookies or crack-ers, penguin and fish
stickers. Thank you!
Operation Christmas Child Update Thank you to all who generously
gave gift-filled shoeboxes to the Operation Christmas Child
Ministry! We collected 275 shoeboxes from our congregation,
neighboring churches and local communities. You put smiles on the
faces of many children. May God bless each of you.
Warsaw Food Pantry We helped 153 families in November. There
were 231 adults, 142 children and 34 seniors for a total of 407.
There were 15 new families. We provided 26 families with a turkey
and a bag of vegetables for their Thanksgiving meal. We received
food donations from the following:
Our United Church of Warsaw congregation First United Methodist
Church
Immanuel United Methodist Church St. Michael’s Roman Catholic
Church
Valley Chapel Free Methodist Church Jean Burrows
Dorothy Keenan Gary Carlson
Cub Scouts Food Drive Fidelis Care
Starburst Christian Preschool Children
Warsaw Elementary School Student Council
Warsaw Middle and High School Student Council
Monetary donations totaling $425.00 were received from: Dennis
and Lucy Krajewski Helen Derrick
Fred Heller Anonymous Donor
November was a very busy month. We appreciate the continued
support of our congregation, our community and all who contribute
to the Food Pantry. Respectfully, Joyce Neeley, Director
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January Birthdays
2 Barb Litz
3 Rosemarie Schoff
10 Kim Humphrey
12 Harry Litz
14 Joseph Fisher
17 Ryan Humphrey
19 Laura (Fridley) Donnelly
23 Royce Fisher
Richard Humphrey
28 Judy Plowe
29 Kathy Humphrey
Mark Pickard
31 Edwin Fisher
January Anniversaries
Harry and Barb Litz January 18, 1969
Rudolf and Adele Kunze January 31, 1953
If your birthday or anniversary is not listed, please accept our
apologies. Kindly advise the Church Office (in writing or by email)
of your birthday or your anniversary and wedding year and we will
add your information to our data-base. Thank you!
February Newsletter Deadline
The February 2014 Newsletter deadline will be Wednesday, January
15, 2014.
What’s Happening? Each week, check out the bulletin boards in
The Connection to learn what’s happening in our area churches and
in our community.
The United Church of Warsaw Presbyterian (U.S.A.) and
United Church of Christ (Congregational) 10-22 South Main
Street
PO Box 205 Warsaw, NY 14569
585-786-3868 Office Hours: Monday-Friday
9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Office Email: [email protected]
Website: www.ucwarsaw.org
2014 Commission Pastor
Rev. Dr. Barbara Therese
Clerk of Commission Lance Bush
Congregational Care
George Ann Carter and Donna Mager
Education Committee Jeff Thomas and Jim Carter
Facilities Committee
Brian Howard and Mike LaWall
Ministry Committee Sherry Cousins and Jean Bassett
Mission Committee
Linda Thomas and Anne Barnett
Personnel Committee Cindy (Fisher) Flint and Donna Perkins
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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
Church Office closed
2
Food Pantry 9-11 a.m.
Weight
Watchers
5:00-7:30 p.m.
3
Food Pantry 9-11 a.m.
4
5 Choir Practice 9:15 a.m. Worship, Communion, Sharing-the-Light
Food Collection 10 a.m. F.A.C.E. Group 11:30 a.m.
6
Food Pantry 9-11 a.m.
Moms in Prayer
3:30 p.m.
7
Weight Watchers
8-10:30 a.m.
Food Pantry 11 a.m. to
1 p.m.
8
Choir Practice 7 p.m.
9
Food Pantry 9-11 a.m.
Weight
Watchers
5:00-7:30 p.m.
10
Food Pantry 9-11 a.m.
11
12
Choir Practice 9:15 a.m. Prayer Group 9:45 a.m. Worship Service
and Baptism 10 a.m.
13
Food Pantry 9-11 a.m.
Moms in Prayer 3:30 p.m.
Commission Meeting 6:30 p.m.
14
Weight Watchers
8-10:30 a.m.
Food Pantry 11 a.m. to
1 p.m.
15
Starburst Board Meeting 4 p.m. Choir Practice
7 p.m.
16
Food Pantry 9-11 a.m.
Weight
Watchers
5:00-7:30 p.m.
17
Food Pantry 9-11 a.m.
18
19
Choir Practice 9:15 a.m. Prayer Group 9:45 a.m. Worship Service
10 a.m.
20
Church office
Closed
21
Weight Watchers
8-10:30 a.m.
Food Pantry 11 a.m. to
1 p.m.
22
Choir Practice 7 p.m.
23
Food Pantry 9-11 a.m.
Weight
Watchers
5:00-7:30 p.m.
24
Food Pantry 9-11 a.m.
25
26
Choir Practice 9:15 a.m. Prayer Group 9:45 a.m. Worship Service
10 a.m. New Member/Inquirer Class 11:30 a.m.
27
Food Pantry 9-11 a.m.
Moms in Prayer
3:30 p.m.
28
Weight Watchers
8-10:30 a.m.
Food Pantry 11 a.m. to
1 p.m.
29
Choir Practice 7 p.m.
30
Food Pantry 9-11 a.m.
Weight
Watchers
5:00-7:30 p.m.
31
Food Pantry 9-11 a.m.
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The United Church of Warsaw
Presbyterian (U.S.A.) and
United Church of Christ (Congregational)
10-22 South Main Street
PO Box 205
Warsaw, NY 14569
Worship Service: Sundays at 10 a.m. Sunday School 10:20 a.m.
Please join us! All are welcome! 585-786-3868
[email protected] www.ucwarsaw.org
New Member/Inquirer Class on January 26
Do you want to learn: how the United Church became “United”?
about Presbyterians and Congregationalists?
more about membership at The United Church?
Please join the New Member/Inquirer Class
on Sunday, January 26,
at 11:30 a.m.,
in the Pastor’s Office * * * * *
Call the Church Office (585-786-3868)
for more information
