SEPTEMBER - 2010

The First Presbyterian Church

Waverly, New York 14892-0611

www.wavpres.org

(607-565-4034)

A Message from Pastor Cynthia

My First Week As a Pastor

by Pastor Cynthia

This past Wednesday, August 25^th, I celebrated my fourteenth anniversary as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament.  It's hard to believe that it's been fourteen years.  My ordination service was on a hot Sunday afternoon in 1996.  If you look at the photos, you'll notice my red nose and swollen eyes.  I carried a box of tissues around the church with me.  I couldn't stop crying.  I cried because I was happy, sad, exhausted, and overwhelmed.  It was a stressful/blessful week.  And no sooner would I get myself together and I would see my Dad crying, and I would start up again.  My Dad didn't want me to move so far away from the family!  To tell you the truth, I didn't want to move away from my family and friends either, but I knew that God was calling me to go to Lyons to be the pastor there.  Their pastor had died suddenly, at age 50 of heart complications and I was being called to help the congregation to deal with its grief, and to heal.

My ordination service was beautiful.  Singers from the four churches that I served, formed an Ordination Choir.  I had liturgical dancers.  My Mom and Dad presented me with a pastor's robe.  Wow.  It was such a special day … and such a crazy week.  The ordination service was at Watchung Avenue Presbyterian in North Plainfied, NJ (my home church).  After the service, the Presbyterian Women had a reception for us in the social hall.  Then we went to my Mom and Dad's house for another reception for family and friends.  I'm not sure what time we got to bed that night, but it was late.

The packers were at our house bright and early on Monday morning.  All day long, the packers packed and friends, family and neighbors stopped by to say good-bye (more kleenex and tears!).  The packers returned on Tuesday and Em and William played hide and seek around all the boxes.  There were so many things to think about that I was numb.  The movers came on Wednesday.  They loaded our "life" into the moving van and headed out.  I remember crying as we left our house on Manning Ave. as we headed off on God's adventure.  Jon and I followed behind in two cars.

We arrived in Lyons sometime around 11:30 p.m.  The folks in Lyons weren't sure when we would arrive, (and neither were we) so they left the manse doors unlocked and the lights on for us.  We slept on the floor because all of our stuff was still in the moving van.  I can remember waking up (stiff) and wondering what to do about breakfast.  I opened the refrigerator and found that it was full of all sorts of delicious food: an answer to my prayers!

I was anxious to start unpacking when I received some bad news: that the moving company didn't have any helpers lined up to unload the van.  Oops, a small oversight.  I fought back the tears.  Jon and the driver walked into town to try and wrestle up some help.  I walked next door to the Presbyterian Church, to tell someone that we had arrived safely.  I guess I looked more than a bit dishelved because the church secretary thought I was there to get food from the food pantry.  Jon and the driver returned with some good news.  They found a few men who wanted to make a few extra bucks unloading the van.  I directed the men as they carried the boxes into the house: That box goes in Emily's room.  That box is for the dining room.  And on and on it went.

Around suppertime, there was a knock on my door.  It was the entire property committee.  They came to welcome me and invite me to attend an important meeting- that night.  That night?!  You're Kidding.  They weren't!  They were going to meet with the contractors for a renovation project and thought it would be helpful to have me there.  Now mind you, I hadn't even been in town 24 hours.  I was stunned at their request – but wanted to start out on the right foot and heard myself saying "sure."  I went reluctantly to the meeting.  It was mind-boggling.  I was even more tired after the meeting.  I didn't remember hearing anything about a renovation in my interviews and our conversations.  I had a knot in my stomach.

We spent the next two days: Friday and Saturday unpacking all 216 boxes and moved the empty boxes into the garage.  Em and William spent the day swimming with a family from church.  They were pretty excited about the new house, and new town.  Sunday morning came and we all went to worship at Lyons Presbyterian.  Another pastor, Rev. Tim Johnson, led the service and introduced us to the congregation.  It was so strange ... like being in a movie or a dream.  Nothing seemed real.

After worship, we had an open house at the manse and folks came over to check things out.  There were so many people to meet and greet.  It was mind-boggling.  That Sunday afternoon, Jon left Lyons to drive back to NJ, to live in our empty house in North Plainfield, NJ.  He hadn't found a job "up north" in our visits to the area.  The reality was that we still hadn't yet sold our house and we had a mortgage.  So Jon lived and worked in NJ and commuted to Lyons on weekends.  To say it wasn't the ideal situation is putting it mildly!  It was very stressful on all of us.  And it went on for many months until he was hired to work at a small internet Cafe in Lyons and we finally sold the house.

But I remember that Sunday, just one week after my ordination, watching Jon drive away, thinking, "Oh God.  Please help me.  I'm scared and I don't know if I can do this on my own."  I fought back the tears.  That night, when the kids were in bed, I sat on my porch and looked at the stars and thought about all that had happened in one week: my ordination, the move, leaving family and friends, starting a new chapter in my life, a commuter marriage, the upcoming church renovation etc.  I was totally exhausted, but strangely enough, I felt at peace – because I knew that I was exactly where God wanted me to be and I knew, that somehow it would all work out.  And it did.

One of my favorite bible verses comes from 1^st Thessalonians: "The One who has called you is faithful."  I knew then that God would give me (give us) the strength and courage to do the work that I was called to do.  And 14 years, later, I know I am where God wants me to be and God will give me the strength and courage I need to do the work I am called to do, because the one who has called us IS indeed faithful.  Thank you for being part of my journey – and my life.  Lots of love, blessings and peace!  Pastor C

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Pastor Cynthia will be away on Study Leave
from August 30^th through September 9^th.

The Reverend Doug Stearns will be the Pastor on call for emergencies during that time.

You can call the office or your Deacon if you have a church related question.

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On Sunday August 1^st we celebrated Phyllis Chaffee’s ministry of music, honoring her as our Organist Emeritus here at Waverly Presbyterian.  A reception was held following the worship service for Phyllis.  Thank you, Phyllis for your many years (12 years) of dedication playing the organ for Waverly Presbyterian Church.

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SERVICE OF REMEMBERANCE …

There will be a service of remembrance at the Waverly Barton Fire Department on Saturday, September 11^th.  The service will honor and remember all the victims of the tragedy of September 11^th including fire service personnel, law enforcement, civilians, and families of all who were lost in the attack.  The public is invited to join members of the Fire Department at 9:45 a.m. for the ceremony.  Fire, EMS and Law Enforcement are encouraged to come in uniform.  Local churches are encouraged to ring their bells for a brief period of time at
9:52 a.m. as part of day's remembrance.  The Fire Department is located on Donnelly Parkway in Waverly.

Colleen Kinney has offered to ring our bells that morning, thank you Colleen.

God Bless!

Pastor Cynthia

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PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN
OF THE PRESBYTERY OF SUSQUEHANNA VALLEY …

Invite you to our “Fall 2010 Gathering”.  Come along with us on “Journeys Through Revelation” at the Union Presbyterian Church, Endicott, New York.  Saturday, September 11^th from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  Please RSVP by Tuesday, September 7^th to Lisa Burts, 607-748-9651, or unionpresbyterian@stny.rr.com.  (Lunch - $5.00 – Babysitting available upon request.)  Hope to see you there.

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LADIES PIE SOCIAL! Saturday, September 25^th
from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.  Ladies and girls!  Do you like to bake?  Do you like to eat pie?  Come and sample a variety of yummy homemade pies!  Enjoy fun and fellowship too!  Invite your friends!

Martha Kress, singer and guitarist will be our guest that day.  Martha and her husband, Dale, live in Gillett, PA and have two grown sons.  Martha has been singing since high school. She travels with her guitar to churches and events across the Southern Tier of New York and Northern Tier of Pennsylvania to share her love of music and love of God.  (A free will offering will be received.)  For more information, please call Joan Pachuta at 607-565-2714.

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A new day is dawning at Waverly Pres ... and that day is Sunday morning!  Starting at a new time, in a different location, with an all-new format, children and adults will be invited to a fresh, new way of learning!

"JUMPING IN" – 9:35 a.m. (right after the early service)

"DIVING DEEPER" – 10:05 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Where? – In the Social Hall

What is "JUMPING IN?"  It's a fun, large group gathering for kids and adults.  A fun, light, way to 'jump in" and learn about God and growing in faith.  Every Sunday will be different.  It may be a movie about nature and God, or a skit, or a special guest, even a Bible Trivia contest.  JUMPING IN will end with a song or two.  Those who would like to leave are free to go after JUMPING IN.

What is "DIVING DEEPER?”  Kids, teens, and adults who are ready to study and grow deeper in faith will be doing just that.  Age groups will divide, and meet at separate tables in the Social Hall.  All age groups will start the fall learning and studying about our Christian faith.  What do we believe and why do we believe it?  unior High through Adult classes will be using Josh McDowell's curriculum “Belief Matters," "Don't Check Your Brains at the Door," and other resources.

Pre-K through Fourth Grade will meet with teacher Tammy Mastrantuono and do a variety of learning activities.

The Bible Trak of Adult Ed will continue to do a Bible Study in the Chapel.

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DEACON’S CORNER …

“Generosity”

Each of us has something to offer to someone in need, according to the grace given us.  If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith.  If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.  (NIV, Romans 12:6-10)

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SAVE THIS DATE … Saturday, September 11^th at 7:00 p.m. for “Sweet Song Concert.”  The Valley Four members are: George Lohmann singing bass, Mike Ebbers, Randy Kerr and Erik Larson singing either tenor or baritone, and Mike Sheldon sings tenor.

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HISTORY COMMITTEE … (Sub-Committee of Stewardship Committee)

Sunday, October 31^st will be a day to celebrate the Heritage of our church.  Plans are under way to invite guests for the service and there will be displays of our historical collection.  There are lots of pictures to bring back happy memories.  If you have any ideas for the program or things to share – please let Helen Allen (607-565-3038) or Larry Green
(570-888-6983) know.  We are looking forward to a great day!

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Deadlines, Deadlines, Deadlines ... by Pastor C …

Every job has its deadlines and Margo's is no different.  We need your help in order to meet an important deadline.  The deadline for our Window is the third Monday of every month.  A lot of work goes into getting our church newsletter (The Window) ready.  Articles have to be typed, reformatted, and edited.  Then it's time to photocopy, fold, label them, stamp them and sticker and mail them in New York and Pennsylvania.  We aim to get the newsletter to families before a month begins – so that everyone will know what's happening in the life or our church (and not miss something wonderful!)

The newsletter is a big job.  And that's why we need your help.  Please submit your newsletter articles by the third Monday of the month.  You can e-mail your articles, drop them off in person, snail mail them to us, fax them, or send them by pigeon carrier.  Please help Margo to meet the deadline (and reduce her stress) by submitting your articles in a timely manner.

On a related note- thanks to our production team, Chaired by Connie Ellis.  She is assisted by Marj Twining and Lois Shadduck.  These women do a terrific job in getting the newsletters ready for mailing.  So please get out your calendar (or blackberry) and circle the third Monday of every month as a reminder to get us your news.  Is your committee sponsoring an event?  Do you have a joy to celebrate?  Please send us your news!

On a related note: The News from the Pews goes out weekly and that's something I put together.  Please e-mail me your news each Monday for inclusion in the News from the Pews by sending your news to me at revchh@hotmail.com.  If you want your article placed in the Window too, just make a note of that and I'll make sure that Margo gets it.  Don't forget to check out our church website at www.waverlypres.org.  There's lots of good information and even a link to the church calendar.  So again, thanks for your help in making our deadlines.

Blessings and peace!  Pastor C

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A Rainbow over Waverly Presbyterian … Thanks to Terry McNeal and the cast for their wonderful production of "A Handful of Rainbows."  The kids did a GREAT job and through their efforts, they raised over $700 for the church.  A special thanks to Joe Dabroski for all of his help (and expertise) with the curtain and lights.  Thanks to all who contributed goodies for the bake sale and to those of you who came and supported the cast and show.  Let's give the entire cast a standing ovation!!!

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Choir and Wings … After a nice break for summer, the choir will be starting up again soon.  Our first rehearsal will be on Thursday, September 9^th from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.  And we will sing for the first time, on Sunday, September 12^th during the 11:00 a.m. service.  And we are winging it so to speak ... with, chicken wings, that is!  Linda Peters will be bringing chicken wings to our choir rehearsal on September 9^th and we will meet and eat- after rehearsal.  Please bring a beverage or a snack to share.  Linda has chosen a great piece to start out our year and we are looking forward to "Making a joyful noise unto the Lord."  Please be on time to the choir rehearsal as we have just a short time to prepare for singing.  Thanks.  Our regular rehearsals are going to be on Sunday mornings from 9:30 -10:30 a.m.  New members are welcome.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call Linda at 607-731-5908.

“DID YOU KNOW” … (Stewardship Committee)

Financially, the Church fared better than usual over the Summer season.  However, we are now at that crucial time when people are winding down their vacations and returning to the normal work-a-day world.  It is, at this time, that the Church is realizing it's first shortfall in income for this year.  Unfortunately, there is no corresponding shortfall in expenses.

You've heard this all before: "The Treasurer is tearing his hair out."  "The bill collectors don't take vacation."  Nothing has changed except that we got farther through the year before it happened.  That's a good thing.

Our purpose in telling you this is to keep you informed, as we promised, of the financial status of the Church.  With this information, just as you adjust your household budget from time-to-time, you can help us fulfill the obligations of the Church.

Dates to remember – From the Stewardship Committee:

Saturday, September 18^th --         The First Presbyfest Arts & Crafts Show.  (This will be a great place to start your Christmas shopping.  We look for everyone’s support in making this a success.)

Sunday, October 31^st --                  Heritage Sunday.  (This will be your first opportunity to see the History of Waverly Presbyterian Church all assembled in the new Archives Room.

Bob and Sallyann Rice will be sharing this special Sunday with us.

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THE BRIDGE 21^st ANNUAL BAKE SALE …

Saturday, September 11^th at Tops Market – 8:30 a.m. until gone

BAKE SALE FUNDRAISER FOR THE BRIDGE … The Bake Sale will be held on Saturday, September 11^th at 8:30 a.m. – ‘til gone – Tops Food Market in Sayre.  All proceeds go to The Bridge of the Penn-York Valley Churches.  Please, will you bake your special pies, breads, cookies, fudge or other treats?  And/or … will you make a donation to The Bridge?  You can mail donations to: The Bridge, PO Box 202, Sayre, PA  18840 [with supplemental funds provided by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans”].  Baked goods can be dropped off at the Catholic Charities in Waverly Thursday, September 9^th and Friday, September 10^th from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

The Bridge is a non-profit organization of 36 churches in the Penn-York Valley that serves residents of the school districts of Sayre, Athens and Waverly.  The Bridge attempts to span the troubled waters in the lives of our neighbors by providing emergency shelter, utilities (including heat and electricity), clothing, food, transportation, and other emergency assistance in the name of Jesus Christ.

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Celebrating Pastor Cynthia's Anniversaries ...

On Sunday, August 29^th, we celebrated two special anniversaries: the Fourteenth Anniversary of Pastor Cynthia's ordination and the Third Anniversary of her ministry with us here in Waverly.  The Personnel Committee hosted a reception at 9:30 a.m. – between our two worship services so that everyone could attend.   Congratulations again to PC

Pastor Cynthia graduated in the first class of women from Rutgers College in 1976 with a BS in Education.  After her graduation, she joined the Peace Corps and served in Jamaica, West Indies as a Special Education teacher and teacher trainer.  She started "The School of Hope", a school for special needs children in Santa Cruz, a rural area of the country.  After returning to the U.S., Cynthia worked for Dun and Bradstreet for 15 years, as a technical support representative providing computer hardware and software support to D&B's online customers.  Cynthia became active in her church, helping in the nursery, teaching Sunday School, serving as Sunday School Superintendent and then Director of Christian Ed.  Her Pastor, Rev. Brooks Smith urged her to explore her call to ministry.  She started seminary in the fall of 1991, the same year that William started kindergarten and Emily was going into second grade.  She went to seminary in the evenings while continuing to work part-time at D&B  during the day.  It took her five years going year round, to complete the requirements.  She graduated from  New Brunswick Theological Seminary in the spring of 1996  and was awarded a MDiv (Master's of Divinity- cum laude).

She was called to be the pastor at the Lyons Presbyterian Church and was ordained as a Minister of Word and Sacrament on August 25, 1996 at her home church: Watchung Avenue Presbyterian Church in North Plainfield, NJ.  One of her favorite memories of the service was having a Unity Choir with members from four churches that she served.  Cynthia received her Doctorate in Ministry (DMin) from Mccormick Seminary in 2003.  She spent the summer of 2005 on a sabbatical living in "Transfiguration Monastery," a Benedictine women's monastery in Windsor, NY.  She was assigned the job of monastery cook and used her free time to finish her first book, "The Lice Lady: Stories of Faith, Hope, and Love."  She has special training in the areas of Domestic Violence, Spiritual Direction and Fire Chaplaincy. 

She moved to the Valley in August of 2007 and is currently serving as the Chaplain to the Waverly Barton Fire Department.  She volunteers as an on-call chaplain at the Robert Packer Hospital.  She serves as a voucher writer for "The Bridge" and is the treasurer of the Valley Clergy Association.  She is especially excited about a conference on Alzheimer’s Disease that she is co-convening in October.  Cynthia published her second book in 2008, "Glimpses of God's Grace: More Stories of Faith Hope and Love."  She is a featured writer for the Morning-Times newspaper and substitutes for Chuck Carver, as a news broadcaster at WATS/WAVR (The Choice) from time to time.  She enjoys reading, writing, singing and travel.  She's participated in many mission trips at home and abroad.  The thing that she is most proud of?  Her children: Emily, is a teacher in Osaka, Japan and William is a Director at Penn, Schoen and Berland, an international marketing company in Washington, DC.  She says" being Em and Will's mother is the most wonderful gift of all."  PC loves living in "The Valley" and loves being the pastor of our church.  She especially wants to thank the members of our church for their care and prayer during the difficult time of transition in her life of becoming single again. (Things are getting better.)  She knows with certainty God brought her here to the Valley and is grateful for the opportunity to serve our church and community.

OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHIES TO:

Family and friends of Judy Walston who passed away in August.  She is the daughter of Carole Shipman.

Family and friends of Norma J. Holland, who passed away in July.  She is the daughter of Gloria Noble and Kyle and Bryan Holland’s mother.

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CONGRATULATIONS TO Tracy Merrill and Karl Temple on the birth of their son, Logan Temple.  Logan was born on Monday, August 23^rd; he is 21 inches long and weighs
8 lbs. 4 ozs.  Congratulations also to Logan’s big sister, Catherine.

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Supper Club for Single Women … You are invited to gather at the manse (461 Pennsylvania Avenue in Waverly) on Tuesday, September 7^th for pizza and salad!  Come and enjoy the company and conversation!  There are certainly challenges and blessings to living alone as single women.  Let’s share stories and ideas.  We’ll have a brief time of devotion and prayer.  I hope you can come and join us for an evening of food and fellowship.  Please call me at
607-742-5247 or email me at revchh@hotmail.com to RSVP.  Peace, Pastor Cynthia.

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BOOK GROUP … After taking the summer off, the book group will be regrouping and meeting on the third Tuesday of the month.  We will meet on Tuesday, September 21^st at 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel.  Our selection this month is “Have a Little Faith” by Mitch Albom.  The book is about two men, a Rabbi and a Pastor who whose lives demonstrate what faith is all about.  The story deals with complex issues: how to endure when difficult things happen, what heaven is; intermarriage; forgiveness; doubting God and the importance of faith in trying times.  It is a story of faith, hope and love.  Everyone is welcome.  Come share!  Come listen!  Come grow in your faith!  For more information, please see Stephanie Maslin or Pastor C.

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INTERSECTIONS: WHERE FAITH AND LIFE MEET … (September 28th).

You are invited to join us at Beeman’s Restaurant on the last Tuesday of the month to talk about current events through the lens of our faith.  We’ll meet at 7:15 a.m. to order breakfast, share joys and concerns and a brief time of prayer.  We’ll start the discussion at 7:30 a.m. sharp and will finish up by 8:00 a.m., so you can get to work on time.  For those who have a more flexible schedule, we can linger ‘til 8:15 and enjoy a second cup of coffee.  Each time we meet, we will tackle a different topic in the news.  You are welcome to bring a friend.  Please RSVP to Pastor C (by Monday, September 27^th) by calling or emailing her at revchh@hotmail.com as Beeman’s needs an approximate head count.  (FYI: Breakfast is on you.)  Here is the tentative list of HOT TOPIX:

September 28^th at 7:15 a.m. —Immigration

October 26^th at 7:15 a.m. - Unemployment

November 30^th at 7:15 a.m. - Reclaiming Christmas: Surviving the Christmas Crunch.

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Margo Eike, Church Secretary will be out of the office from Friday, September 24^th until Tuesday, October 5^th.  Someone will be checking messages on a daily basis.

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DON’T FORGET … HELP IN UPDATING OUR RECORDS …

If You: Have a new home address; a new e-mail address; a new phone number (home or cell); would like to receive the Church Window (the monthly newsletter) via e-mail; would like to receive the News from the Pews via e-mail; Do not want to receive the Church Window or News from the Pews; or know of someone who would like to be included in either our e-mail or mailing list, and you would like us to include your birthday or anniversary, please let Margo know at either wavpres@stny.rr or 607-565-4034.  Thank you.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL
WHO CELEBRATE THEIR ANNIVERSARY

Saturday Night at the Movies

Saturday, September 25^th at 7:00 p.m.

Featuring the animated movie: "Cars"

It has great music and a great message.  Fun for the whole family!! And it's free!

We'll provide the popcorn and beverage. 
Come enjoy a Saturday night at the movies with your friends at WPC

Sponsored by the Membership and Fellowship Committee

For additional information, please call Chris and Shannon at 607-972-7223.

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