News and Events of Interest for Members and Friends of The
SPRINGBOARD
July 2016 – August 2016
News and Events of Interest for Members and Friends of the
First Presbyterian Church
Montgomery, NY
Dear Friends in Christ,
“Wow! It’s a hot one!” a member of the church commented one morning after worship. He was right… it was certainly a hot and humid day! At the onset of a wonderful new season, we found ourselves in the heat of later summer weeks. By now parents know well that their children are out of school. Life has slowed down; the days are long. It seems like winter was a long time ago… and now well forgotten. Yet, if we consider this again, has it really?
In a spiritual sense, Christmas is never for only one specific time of year. We carry that great event of mystery and wonder in our faith at all times and places. We live it out in our everyday lives. The Lord calls us to use our gifts and talents to bring Him honor. God calls us into healthy relationships with one another and to develop them. God calls us to repentance, confession, forgiveness, and love so that we may experience Christ’s peace. Without a doubt, we may have Christmas in July… or summer, or any day of the year!
I would like to share a perspicacious and inspiring poem entitled, “Promise Yourself,” by Christian D. Larson. In light of all the troubles in the world right now, it speaks to the heart. He writes: “Promise yourself to be strong, that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. To talk of health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet. To make all your friends feel that there is something in them. To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true. To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and expect only the best. To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about our own. To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile. To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have not time to criticize others. To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.”
As we look forward to the summer months of renewal and relaxation, may these words continue to fill our spirits with the Christmas message hope and peace. Christ is with us; Christ is our helper and friend. May we always be wise to look to Him… and experience Christmas in July!… and for every day of the summer for that matter.
Warmest Regards,
Pastor Dave Widmer
FOOD PANTRY
First Presbyterian Church will be staffing the pantry next in December. Thank you to those who have donated their time to the pantry. Some everyday items that are needed are any breakfast cereal, pasta, peanut butter & jelly, tomato products, any canned or dry goods, coffee, tea., canned or bottled fruit juice. Of course, all donations are greatly appreciated. VOLUNTEERS are needed! The pantry is open Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. to noon and Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. If you can help or have any questions, please call Mary Prior @ 457-1867 or Joan Rembe @ 457-6341 or see Doug Hantusch.
BARBECUE AT ST. MARY’S
Members and friends of the First Presbyterian Church have been invited to a picnic at St. Mary’s church. If you would like to go, please call the office and leave a message so we can get an approximate number to St. Mary’s.
‘The celebration of our nation’s independence is a time for us to reflect on the many God-given rights guaranteed by our Constitution, especially Religious Liberty which respects our right to worship as we choose.
In keeping with this spirit, on behalf of the parishioners of Holy Name of Mary- Assumption I cordially invite you to our annual Independence Day Interfaith Picnic on Sunday, July 10th beginning at 2:00 p.m. at 89 Union Street. This afternoon of fellowship helps us to recognize and enjoy the beauty of Religious Liberty.’
BBQ ON THE LAWN
Come one, come all!!! To a Community BBQ!
We are inviting the parishioners of Holy Name of Mary Assumption (St Mary's) to join us for a BBQ on our side lawn on August 21st at 1:00. We will have a sign up list for food and attendance as we did last time. If you have a pop up tent to help provide shade on a sunny day, that would be great! Please contact either Carol Jellema or Cynthia Nokland.
SUMMER KIDDIEKEEP
During the summer we ask for volunteers to do Kiddiekeep. If you can help, please sign up on the sheet in the Kiddiekeep room.
PRAYER SHAWL GROUP
Prayer Shawl Group will not meet during July & August. Please let us know of anyone in need of prayer & a prayer shawl during the summer. (See back page for the list of Deacons.)
THIRD ANNUAL WALKING TACOS ON THE LAWN
We will again have Walking Tacos for sale for everyone to enjoy on General Montgomery Day from noon to 5 pm. We will need help with tent set-up, night before prep, and serving on GMD. Please contact Cynthia Nokland, Carol Jellema, or Heather Benedict if you can help.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Sunday School registration for the 2016-2017 year will be Sunday, September 11th at 10:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. The first day of Sunday School is Sunday, September 18th!!
YOUTH GROUP
As our youth enjoy a fun filled summer with vacations, summer camp and helping mom & dad around the house (LOL), please keep them in mind as they gather together at Holmes Camp. We have veterans and brand new campers that need your prayers as they are away from their families. Don’t forget to stop by Lemonade on the Lawn and see our youth on General Montgomery Day!!
WESTMINSTER GUILD
The next meeting of Westminster Guild will be on Monday, September 12th, at 7:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. The program will be presented by Rebecca Kramer about her experience at ‘Triennium’ and refreshments will be served by Barbara McPhillips & Wilma Mirola. August 28th is Guild’s turn to support Coffee & Conversation. Finger sandwiches and salads galore!! Let’s have some summertime fun!
INQUIRER CLASS
If you are looking for a warm church family or just curious about faith, you are more than welcome to join our Inquirer Class. At this point we are getting names together for the fall. Please prayerfully consider being part of our fellowship and let Pastor Dave know if you are interested. There is no pressure to join the church with this class.
2015 GRADUATES
Ben McNutt, Frank Hoeffner, Jordan Giagiakos, Jake Gleason and David Stanley are our 2016 graduates from high school this year.
Ben, son of Tom & Wendy McNutt, graduated with a regents diploma! He plans on working at Shop-Rite for a while but first he is looking forward to spending two wonderful weeks at Camp Huntington! Ben plans to head to college in the fall of 2017.
Frank, son of Stacey Hoeffner and Frank Hoeffner, was not only a high school graduate but also an Auto Technician graduate from BOSES He received a scholarship from both BOCES & Valley Central. For the summer Frank will be working on the farm and in September plans to go to college in Morrisville for Diesel Mechanic.
David is the son of Monse Stanley and Bob Stanley. He completed his Eagle project in our church this spring. He will be starting school in August at Orange County Community College and will be studying criminal justice.
Jake is the son of Jeff & Traci Gleason. He will be going to Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, NY, majoring in electrical construction. Jake is also an Eagle Scout!
We hope to have news about Jordan for the next issue.
Congratulations and God bless you all!!
We know there are more who graduated from college this year. Please contact the church office so we can share your news with your church family!
NEW MEMBERS
Members of the confirmation class made their profession of faith on Sunday, May 15th. They are Michael Flannery, Isabelle Nokland, Matthew Mosenson, Johanna Mosenson & Abigail Noklandoeffner. It was a wonderful service!
Welcome, all!
CHANGES, CHANGES, CHANGES
Those of you trying to keep your membership list current will want to make the following changes:
Add:
Michael Flannery Isabelle Nokland
7 Tyler Street 266 Wilson Street
Montgomery, NY 12549 Montgomery, NY 12549
Matthew Mosenson Abigail Nokland
114 Coleman Road 266 Wilson Street
Walden, NY 12586 Montgomery, NY 12549
Johanna Mosenson
114 Coleman Road
Walden, NY 12586
JULY 2016
July 3, Sun. 10:00 a.m. Worship – Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
July 10, Sun. 10:00 a.m. Worship
2:00 p.m. Barbecue at St. Mary’s
July 17, Sun. 10:00 a.m. Worship
July 24, Sun. 10:00 a.m. Worship
July 31, Sun. 10:00 a.m. Worship – followed by Lemonade on the Lawn
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* SPECIAL DAYS *
* *
* Birthdays *
* *
* Betty Locke – July 5 Julie McPhillips – July 31 *
* Sarah Jellema – July 6 Ralph Smiley – August 1 *
* Mason Jellema – July 13 William Feffer – August 3 *
* Darin Jellema – July 13 Samantha Marvin – August 10 *
* Elizabeth Brentnall – July 14 Ken Jellema – August 12 *
* Payton Squillace – July 15 Kelly Coons – August 12 *
* Jeff Sibley – July 16 Amelia Frissora – August 17 *
* Michael ElkinCondon – July 17 Bob Stanley – August 17 *
* Faith Mitchell – July 18 Joseph McNutt – August 18 *
* Craig Goldberg – July 18 Glenn Schoonmaker – August 20 *
* Taylor Doce – July 20 Jameson ElkinCondon – August 20*
* Shaun Jellema – July 21 Zackary Sibley – August 22 *
* Andrew Feffer – July 21 Ginny Goins – August 22 *
* Mercedes Giagiakos – July 22 Carrie Sweet Starr – August 23 *
* Katherine Tirante – July 24 Kyle Marvin – August 25 *
* Susanne Morrone – July 25 Robert Neubauer – August 28 *
* Sara Ackerson – July 29 Joseph Prior – August 28 *
* David Ackerson – July 30 Pat Hubbell – August 28 *
* *
* Anniversaries *
*
* Heather & George Benedict – July 12 Joan & Al Ruger – August 8 *
* Darin & Sarah Jellema – July 13 Glenn & Linda Schoonmaker - *
* Tom & Wendy McNutt – August 1 August 17 *
* Carry & Erv Starr – August 1 Joe & Heather Conley – August 23 *
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AUGUST 2016
Aug. 7, Sun. 10:00 a.m. Worship – Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
********DEADLINE FOR SPRINGBOARD ARTICLES ********
Aug. 14, Sun. 10:00 a.m. Worship
Aug. 21, Sun. 10:00 a.m. Worship
1:00 p.m. Barbecue
Aug. 28, Sun. 10:00 a.m. Worship
This is a list of church officers. Please refer to your membership list for telephone numbers.
Interim Pastor Rev. David T. Widmer
Clerk of Session Heather Benedict
SESSION (Elders)
Class of 2017 Class of 2018 Class of 2019
Robin McPhillips Georgia Baker Kevin Conero
Marlene Wood Carol Jellema Heather Benedict
Carl Van Dyke John Nokland Jessie Chapman
BOARD OF DEACONS
Class of 2017 Class of 2018 Class of 2019
James Carlstrom Wendy McNutt Kathleen Prior
Glen Danischewski Cynthia Nokland Beth Kehoe
Betty Decker Joanne Toombs Beth Maida
SESSION COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS
Buildings & Grounds John Nokland & Kevin Conero
Membership Development Robin McPhillips & Jessie Chapman
Nominating Committee Robin McPhillips & Marlene Wood
Personnel Committee John Nokland & Carl Van Dyke
Christian Education Heather Benedict & Carol Jellema
Stewardship & Budget Committee Kevin Conero & Marlene Wood
Worship Committee Georgia Baker & Carol Jellema
Westminster Guild President Cynthia Nokland
CHURCH STAFF
Office Secretary Carol Jellema
Church Treasurer Taylor Raimondo
Financial Secretary Heather Ross Benedict
Organist/Choir Director Marcia Woodall
Floral Secretary Georgia Baker
Custodian Larry & Jessie Chapman
Sunday School Officers Tom McNutt ~ Superintendent
Janis Guaragno ~ Treasurer
The church office hours are Thursday and Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The office phone number is 845-457-5383, the fax number is 845-457-7055, and our email is . Visit our website at fpcmontgomery.com
The manse phone number is 845-769-5412. Pastor Dave’s email is
The church mailing address is First Presbyterian Church
100 Union Street
Montgomery, NY 12549