FEBRUARY 2012

The First Presbyterian Church

459 Park Avenue, PO Box 611

Waverly, New York 14892-0611

607-565-4034

Web Site: www.waverlypres.org

Church E-Mail: wavpres@stny.rr.com 

A Message From Interim Pastor Rev. Dale Francis …

Change is in the air. Winter is 25 one day and 50 the next, sort of like early March. Who knows what early March will bring. Change is in the church air as well. We are getting used to the revised worship and Sunday School schedule and as we do our overall attendance is increasing.

We are beginning a stewardship emphasis and challenge which normally we experience in the fall. The session is working with a rather fluid budget this year as we anticipate many changes which will affect the budget. We are not sure of the specific changes, so cannot be sure of the budget. We will be offering some ministry challenges which are beyond our budget with the challenge that we will do them when we receive the promise of funding. This approach to the budget and our stewardship is an attempt to put ministry first.

We completed a bible study series during advent that focused on the birth stories in Matthew and Luke by Dr. Kenneth Bailey. It was well received and drew some folks from the wider community as well as some of our own folks. We will be beginning another series by Dr. Bailey focusing on the parables in Luke. The times for this series will be Noon and 6:00 p.m. on Wednesdays starting February 8^th. This will extend through the Lenten season and well into May. We will incorporate the studies into the Lenten soup dinners during that season. Ash Wednesday is February 22^nd, earlier than many years. This will usher in the many special opportunities to worship and serve that the Lenten/Easter season brings.

We will be electing officers February 5^th with the congregational meeting between worship services, another change but one which I hope will be convenient to worshipers in both services.

I spent a couple days last week at a Presbytery council retreat. It once again reminded me of how hectic our ordinary life is. We did a centering prayer time at the Friday afternoon opening worship which was designed to help us empty our minds of all the ordinary stuff so we could focus on God and God's wishes for this Presbytery in the remainder of the retreat. On the way home Saturday I think I was finally getting my mind clear. It is practically impossible to clear our minds and hear God in the continual din and business of this modern world. This is the opposite of multi-tasking and I fear is a skill many of us are losing. It is however a very healthy and important skill to hone. There are some things we can do that will help us. One is to only focus on God during worship. Use the prayer and music times to listen for the presence of God. Don't hear the words of scripture and the sermons intellectually (although I do try to have intellectual and theological integrity in the sermons), but rather listen for the nudging of the Spirit. Allow yourself to follow where the spirit leads. Do not fall into the temptation to make the passing of the peace a time for doing quick church business. It is more important to genuinely express and receive Christ's peace from one or two people that we might not agree with than to say hi to twenty or thirty people.

In your daily life, begin with prayer and scripture. I think it was Martin Luther who said that he started each day with an hour of prayer, unless he expected it to be a particularly hectic and troublesome day. Then he started with two hours of prayer. It is amazing how the day goes more smoothly when we can begin with prayer. It might also be helpful to try in our prayer time to offer to God our forgiveness to those we expect to meet during the day. You will be amazed at the difference in your attitude toward others when you meet them already having forgiven them – both for past experiences and for what may transpire. It is our belief that through Christ, God has forgiven our sins. Why should we not forgive others in the same way? There is a sense in which that is the deeper meaning of Shalom. I wish you oneness and wholeness with God. It is that meaning of Shalom I intend by using it at the end of prayers and the service Benediction.

Shalom, Dale

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“DID YOU KNOW” … (Stewardship Committee)

Per Capita … What is Per Capita anyway? Perhaps we should begin with what Per Capita isn’t. It is not your personal payment to PCUSA. Nor, is it your Church dues. The Church does not require these of any member. You may be assured that if you find that you cannot contribute any funds to the Church, you are still welcome as a member. That is one area that the Church differs from secular organizations. God welcomes you regardless of your circumstances.

Per Capita means per head and is merely a factor by which the “greater” Church determines the proportion that each of the fifty-one local Churches in our Presbytery is expected to contribute toward the expenses of Presbytery, Synod, and General Assembly. (They could, just as well, use square footage of property, or some other criteria). Per Capita is, of course, more equitable. We will address the percentages to each entity further on.

As further explanation, Per Capita as used in our case was designated as $31.23 for 2011. This was a total apportionment of $3,841.00 for Waverly Presbyterian Church for last year. This figure was calculated and based on the number of active members on December 31, 2009. (Please note, we do not have to contribute for members who are inactive.) We reported that we had 123 active members at that time. In 2012 our apportionment will be $3,853.98, which is based on a Per Capita amount of $31.59 and membership of 122 that was reported on December 31, 2010.

So how is Per Capita apportioned and used beyond the local Church? The Per Capita is split into three funds. Sixty-six and one-half per cent goes to Presbytery, 12.5% to Synod, and 21% to General Assembly. The Presbytery’s portion is used to cover the salaries and expenses of their staff. It also covers the expenses of running the Presbytery’s Mission Center. It helps provide leadership training events, a newsletter, mission interpretation, and much, much more! In truth, Per Capita money keeps our Presbytery running smoothly! The portions of these funds that go to Synod and General Assembly are used for similar expenses and programs at those levels of the “greater” Church.

So why do we suggest that you may want to contribute this extra amount? Frankly, if the Church was not facing a $35,000 deficit in 2012, we probably wouldn’t be. We, the Stewardship Committee, are obligated to search for ways to enhance the flow of income necessary to keep the Church solvent. It is our thought that some members might get personal satisfaction from contributing this portion that represents their membership in PCUSA. On the other hand, this amounts to sharing part of the load of that portion of our Church’s finances that we are obligated to send to Presbytery anyway.

Still have questions? If you have any questions about Per Capita, please speak with Mark Middaugh, Chair of Finance, Jim Collins, Chair of Stewardship, Jim Kinney, our Treasurer and/or Dale Barber, our Presbytery Commissioner. Thanks!

Souper Bowl … The youth will be collecting dollars and canned food on Sunday, February 5th to help fight hunger in our community. Teens will collect dollar bills in their soup pots after worship. Canned goods will be collected, too!

MEN’S PALM SUNDAY COMMUNION SERVICE AND BREAKFAST … will be held Sunday, April 1^st at the Waverly Presbyterian Church. Worship is at 7:00 a.m. and breakfast will follow the worship service. Please call or e-mail Margo Eike at wavpres@stny.rr.com, meike@stny.rr.com or 565-4034 by Monday, March 26^th if you plan to attend. Please join with the men from the Sayre and Athens Presbyterian Churches for worship and breakfast.

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The Last Sunday of every month is “Sharing Sunday.” Please bring in non-perishables for The Food Pantry and Chow for Children. The next Sharing Sunday is February 26^th.

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Elders and Deacons for 2012 (to be voted on at the February 5^th Congregational meeting at 10:15 a.m.) … Elders to be voted on are: Linda Jayne, Mark Middaugh and Chris Spaulding. Deacons to be voted on are: Colleen Kinney and Alison Ward.

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OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHIES TO:

Family and friends of Adolphine (Nina) Kundu, who passed away in January.

The Membership & Fellowship Committee would like to invite all adults to join us for our annual Lasagna Dinner.

Adults, please join us for a truly enjoyable evening! Several delicious varieties of Lasagna and Salads on the side. Enjoy getting to know one another.

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CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL
WHO CELEBRATE THEIR ANNIVERSARY

SUNDAY EDUCATION HOUR – 10:00 a.m. - 10:50 a.m.

Pre-K through Twelfth -- Jumping In – 10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. Children and youth, you are invited to plunge into God’s great love with us! Skits, Music, Offering, and More! (In the Social Hall)

Unit 1 covered “God’s Incredible Rescue Plan” from the birth of Moses to the Exodus from Egypt and through the parted water of the Red Sea.

Unit 2 starts in February: The 40-Year Campout

Daily Deliver (Manna and Quail)

Grasshoppers, Giants and Grapes, Oh My! (Exploring the Promised Land)

Red Rope Rescue (Rehab and the Spies)

The Walls Came Tumblin’ Down (Fall of Jericho)

Diving Deeper– 10:15 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. Classes for Pre-K to Fourth and Fifth thru Twelfth.

• Pre-K – Fourth grades – Kid Connection curriculum; This class takes the Bible story from Jumping In – and goes deeper! Lots of hands-on activity to help kids understand the Bible and what it means for our lives. Teacher: KC Ward

• Fifth – Twelfth grades – Creative Bible Study - led by Joe Dabroski - Using a different Bible passage each Sunday, the class uses some creative ways to think about the Scripture and discover what God is teaching us.

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YOUTH GROUP – For youth sixth – twelfth grades. Meets every other Sunday. The next meeting is Sunday, February 5.

STUFFED ANIMALS FOR ELDERWOOD … The church's children and youth will be delivering handmade Valentines to Elderwood on Sunday, February 12^th. They traditionally take small stuffed animals as well, donated by our congregation. If you would like to donate a new, small, stuffed animal to help share our love and God's love, a box will be available in the lounge. Thank you!

Share-the-Love Valentine Making Party - Friday, February 3^rd, at 6:30 p.m., has been set for a valentine making party. Children, teens, and any adults who can help are invited to come make the many valentines needed for Elderwood. We'll have valentine snacks, a fun group game, and devotional about God's love.

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ADULT ED – 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel, led by Marion Dabroski

“Gospel in Life: Grace Changes Everything" by Tim Keller will be finishing up in a few short weeks.

NEW SERIES COMING UP … A Chip Ingram Video Series “Romans 12 - Living on the Edge.” What does an authentic follower of Christ look like? Who is qualified? Do you have to pass a test? Chip Ingram will lead the class through the relational profile of a genuine disciple that the Apostle Paul puts forth in his letter to the Romans, chapter 12. Come and see. Real gospel for real life. Study guides: $5.00 each. Please contact Marion Dabroski or Stephanie Maslin by February 19^th if you would like to order one.

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NEW Mid-Week Study! Wednesdays at Noon and 6:00 p.m. – Starting February 8^th.

Dr. Ken Bailey received good reviews from the Advent Study (A Clear View of Jesus’Birth). He is coming back (via DVD) for an encore performance! “Parables of Jesus in Luke” will take an insightful and unconventional look at the teachings of Jesus. Dr. Bailey’s theological education and his lifelong residence in middle-eastern countries give him a unique cultural and historical perspective on the Scriptures. Come and see. Hear God speak to us through the “living and active” Word. Led by Pastor Dale Francis.

LENTEN STUDY: The PARABLES series will continue and be the LENTEN STUDY during the season of Lent. SOUP AND BREAD Lenten Suppers will begin on Wednesday, February 29^th. Supper will be at 6:00 p.m. in the Social Hall, followed by the study. The soup and bread are provided each week by volunteers. If you would like to make soup or bread for a Lenten supper, please contact Stephanie Maslin or sign up on the sheet in the Social Hall.

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The next Mobile Food Pantry will be in the Waverly Pres parking lot on
Wednesday, February 15^th at 12:00 Noon.

The next Community Meal at Waverly Pres is Thursday, March 22^nd.

Jerry McIntire Update … Church Member Jerry McIntire is currently a resident at Elderwood Nursing Facility. He continues making progress with therapy. Please continue to uphold Jerry in prayer. We are thanking God for Jerry’s recovery and continued healing. Jerry would be greatly encouraged by visits, notes and cards. Children and youth should be accompanied by an adult. Jerry’s address is:

Gerald McIntire, Elderwood Nursing Facility, 37 North Chemung Street, Waverly, NY 14892

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MOVIE NIGHT …

Saturday, February 11^th at 7:00 p.m. in the Lounge

(Sponsored by The Worship Committee)

SYNOPSIS: Praise Band: The Movie is the funny, yet touching story of one band's efforts in a small town church. Through their growing music ministry, the band not only reaches out to their community, but also grows in their own individual walk with God. Matt Young (Adam Melton), the new worship leader, is hired by Pastor James Monroe (Dana Bryan) to serve Crossroad Community Church when their music director of 30 years suddenly retires. But accepting this job means Matt has to move, leaving behind everyone he has ever known; friends, family and especially longtime girlfriend Patty Hayes (Ashley Bryan).

Immediately, these young church leaders meet with much opposition from members of their congregation who still cling to traditional roots and their familiar worship service. Led by church treasurer Wayne Wilson (George Hamilton IV), the congregation resist the idea of change and Matt's new style of guitar driven music.

Despite resistance, Matt quickly assembles an unlikely group of talented musicians, Mark Lewis (Justin Ricketts), Luke Daniels (Dave Yelverton), John Collins (Jeff Luckadoo) and Wayne Wilson's granddaughter Ginny Taylor (Makenzie Little), each dealing with their own unique set of life's issues. Together, they find a common bond and unite a dwindling flock through their daily walk with God.

Praise Band ... on Wednesday night they're average, but on Sunday morning they rock as they're praising God! Produced and Directed by Grammy Award Nominee and Dove Award Winner Dave Moody.