United Church of Warsaw

I love the changing of the seasons! I never realized how much I enjoyed these transitions until I moved to Bakersfield, California back in 1991 and was confronted with perpetual summer. Oh, come December the liquid amber trees would turn red, and in January the Tule fog would roll in – for awhile – and then the spring wildflowers would come for what seemed like a day … and it would be SUMMER AGAIN. One autumn I was so desperate for any sign of fall that my mother shipped me a box of leaves she had raked up from the lawn (not much for postage). I opened the box, took it outside, and the children from the preschool and I took turns throwing the leaves in the air – they had never seen leaves like this before! In time I learned to find the rhythm of changes in California – the seasons were there, (and they lasted longer than a day) but they were subtle and different from the seasons I knew in my childhood. Fortunately for me I was living in farming community, and the local farmers helped me to find the unique rhythms of that community, and to appreciate the beauty of God’s creation in a new and wonderful way.

Modern advances in agriculture and transportation can cause us to forget some of those rhythms that have been part of communities for a very long time. One of the great celebrations people have engaged in throughout human history – especially in agricultural communities – is the Harvest Service. Call it Harvest Home, Harvest Thanksgiving – whatever you call it, it is a time set aside to offer thanks to God for the gathering in of the harvest for this year, a reminder to share what we have been given with grateful hearts. We, who can eat imported strawberries in January, often forget our links to the farming community right here in our own backyard, and the natural rhythms and seasons that govern life in our community. This service is a time to celebrate the agricultural heritage of our community, to offer God thanks for the gathering of the harvest, and to pray that the land may rest well and be replenished so that there will be another harvest next year. In Scottish rural communities, almost more people attend the Harvest Thanksgiving Service than attend the service on Christmas Eve! It is a beautiful testimony to a community coming together to offer thanks for God’s enduring faithfulness, and the pride taken in their identity as a farming community.

We will have our first Harvest Home Service on Sunday October 28th at 10 am. As this is also a Family Service Celebration, children and young people will be fully involved in the service. Gary and Betty Burley are working with me to plan the service, and we will involve our local farming community in every way possible. The church will be decorated with a harvest theme (watch the Sunday bulletin for details for how you can participate in this), and together, as a church family, we will give thanks for God’s bounty, and for our farming community.

This is just one example of the many exciting things happening here in our church home. Take time to look through your newsletter to see all the many opportunities awaiting you here at the United Church of Warsaw. You are always welcome – be it for a social event, a special occasion, or for worship on Sunday morning. If it has been awhile since you’ve been home, perhaps Harvest Home is a good time to come back. In the words Henry Alford:

Come, ye thankful people come; raise the song of harvest home.
All is safely gathered in, ere the winter storms begin.
God, our maker, does provide for our wants to be supplied.
Come to God’s own temple, come, raise the song of harvest home.

With love and prayer,
Kim

College Students and those serving in the Military

We are trying to update the records we have for our college students and our military personnel. If you know of anyone who is related to our church who is either in college (either at home or away from home) or serving in the military, please provide the church office with their contact details. We want to make sure we can keep them in our prayers, and keep in touch with them.

Master list of those who are Shut-In and living in Nursing Homes and Assisted Living

Rev Kim is compiling a master list of all those who require regular pastoral care, especially those who are currently home-bound, in nursing homes, hospice, hospitals, or assisted living facilities. If your or your loved one has not yet received a visit from Rev Kim, it may be because she does not know you are in need of a visit. Please contact the church office (786-3868) to let her know of any people who are in need of a pastoral visit.

Food Pantry Sunday

Each month on Communion Sunday (which is usually the first Sunday of the month except in September, when it is the second Sunday of the month) we will celebrate the ministry of the Food Pantry by having a special collection. For the weeks prior to the collection we will list in the Bulletin any specific needs the pantry has. Of course you are welcome to bring your contributions at any time, but we will take a special collection on Food Pantry Sunday.

There will be a box to collect your donations at the doors when you enter the sanctuary. During the first hymn, the children and youth of the church will bring the gifts forward and put them before the communion table. In this way we hope to make the contributions visible, and help our children to learn about this important ministry of our church and community.

Minister’s Days Away

Pastor Kim takes Friday and Saturdays as her days off each week, unless there is an emergency or important church activity scheduled for those days. In case of an emergency, please call her at the manse: 786-5687.

Pastor Kim will be out of the church on vacation for the following dates: Oct 14th; Oct 29th –Nov 8th – returning to lead worship for Veteran’s Day on Nov 11th.

Results of the September Your Opinion Counts Survey

In September we had our first Your Opinion Counts Survey available during worship on two consecutive Sundays. The topic for comment was Adult Education, and the feedback you provided is as follows:

Number of people responding: 49 (39 signed formed, 10 unsigned forms)

1. I want to participate in an adult study group.
Yes: 18
No: 14
Maybe: 17

2. I would like the study group to meet:
Once a week: 7
Once every two weeks: 16
Once a month: 14

3. I would like the group to meet at the following times:
Early morning breakfast (7 am): 1
Weekday Morning: Mon (3) Tue (5) Wed (3) Thu (4)
Weekday Lunchtime (sharing a meal): Mon (6) Tue (4) Wed (7) Thu (5)
Weekday Afternoon: Mon (6) Tue (7) Wed (5) Thu (6)
Weekday Dinnertime (sharing a meal): Mon (6) Tue (5) Wed (5) Thu (6
Weeknight Evening: Mon (10) Tue (10) Wed (9) Thu (14)
Sunday After Church (sharing lunch): (16)
Sunday Afternoon: 5
Sunday Evening: 5

4. I would like the group to study the following:
Bible Study Only: 2
Bible Study alternating with topical studies of interest: 33

I enjoy learning through:
Reading: (26) DVDs: (12) Discussion: (30) Experiential: (13)
Other: (1) Group Activities: (1) CDs: (1)

Thank you for taking the time to share your views through this first survey. The next survey will be in church on October 7th and 14th.

Family Services

The fourth Sunday of every month (10/28, 11/25, and 12/23 for 2007) is Family Service Sundays. On these Sundays the entire church family will worship together – there will be no Sunday School. The service will be shorter in length and be designed in such a way as to allow participation of all age groups. We hope that our children and youth will learn that they are not only part of the Sunday School and Youth Group, but are also an important part of the worshipping community that gathers on Sunday morning – and thus build a worship habit that will hopefully carry over into adulthood! We also honor the example and spirit of Jesus, who said: “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” Thank goodness for our children, who are here to teach us what it means to enter the kingdom!

New Members

We will receive new members into the church on Sunday, October 21st. If you are not currently a member and would like to join the church, please speak to Pastor Kim.

Pastor’s Study Group – “Bible Stories We Didn’t Learn In Sunday School”

In response to the opinions expressed in the Your Opinion Counts Survey, we will begin the Pastor’s Study Group(s) in October. We will start by offering two groups that meet as follows:

The First and Third Thursday Evenings (Oct 4th and 18th) at 7 PM in the East Room

The First and Third Sunday Mornings After Worship (Oct 7th and 21st ) at 11:30 AM
(bring a sandwich – get your drink from coffee hour)

The sessions will last 60-90 minutes and include a number of different components. The topic for the October sessions is: Bible Stories we didn’t learn in Sunday School… Bring your Bible and a willingness to grow in your faith and spiritual life.

The sessions in November are entitled: “Unplug the Christmas Machine” – how to prepare to have a meaningful holiday season.

If you have any questions contact Pastor Kim.

Table Campaign

Thanks to the resourcefulness of Bob Blake and the leadership of UC Warsaw, we now have beautiful new round tables for the fellowship hall! Now…all we have to do is raise the funds to pay for them.
If you are willing and able, buy a table – $ 80
If you want to eat, please buy a seat – $ 10

It would be great to ‘retire’ this debt before the community thanksgiving dinner, so please give generously, as you are able, to support the fellowship ministry of our church.

Veterans Day Service – Sunday November 11th, 10 am

This Veterans Day we want to involve as many of our Veterans (and those who are currently involved in the Service) in the worship service. Please make yourselves known to Pastor Kim, so she can involve you in the planning of the service. Also, please make sure she is aware of all persons related to our congregation who are currently serving in the military, so they can be remembered during this service (and at other times throughout the year).

Prayers and Concerns:

Kenneth H. Fuller, Jr. , husband of Barbara Fuller, step-father of Suanne (Dennis) Grove and grandfather of Christa, David, and the late Lauren Grove, passed away September 18, 2007. Funeral services were held Friday September 21, 2007. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church. Please remember Ken’s family in your thoughts and prayers.

Drama Group to Form

If you were in church on Sunday September 23rd to see the scripture passage dramatized by our impromptu drama group, you discovered what a powerful tool this is for sharing the gospel – and definitely an area where more is better!

We are forming a group that will be available to bring the scripture to life during worship
(and perhaps grow into other projects in the future.) The group is open to all ages, and will meet briefly on Sunday October 28th immediately following worship to decide on a convenient time to meet to discuss the next project. If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Kim.

STARBURST NEWS:

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord— Col. 3:23

This is one of my favorite verses from the Bible, and certainly one that describes the work of one of the teachers at Starburst: After 8 years of devoted service to the students of the Starburst Christian Preschool, Tawnnee Conley has chosen to pursue a job at the Warsaw Public School. This has been a long time goal for Tawnnee and I rejoice with her as God has recently opened the door to this opportunity.

I have been so blessed by Tawnnee’s friendship and all that she has brought tot the Starburst program. Her humor, compassion and heart for the Lord will surely be missed. Please join with me in asking God to bless her in her new position.

Joining the Starburst staff as the new teacher of the 3 year olds will be a familiar face, Mrs. Melanie Simmons. Mel has worked with us for almost as long as Tawnnee has been here. She has served as an aide during the time when her children attended Starburst and then as a substitute teacher for the past couple years. She has worked very closely with Mrs. Conley and brings with her great patience, a very loving and kind nature and a wonderful work ethic. We are grateful that God has opened the door for Mel to join us.

October brings the sounds and smells of fall to Starburst. A visit to the fire department and fall outings are being planned as well, as we are enjoying our fabulous weather! Happy October!

A MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE!!!

One of the squares from the rubber mat which is used by Starburst preschool in the fellowship hall is missing. If you come across it somewhere, please return it to Starburst. Thank You!

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Warsaw Food Pantry Report—August 2007

During the month of August we had 105 families consisting of 155 adults, 96 children and 26 seniors for a total of 277. There were 18 new families.

The following people donated food:

Our Congregation Linda & Jordan Barber
Loyal Order of Moose Don Ayers
United Methodist Church Judy Laird
St. Michael’s Church Quinn & Logan Plesums
Trinity Episcopal Church Dorothy Keenan
Five Star Bank Alva Crawford
Adele Kunze Leonard Lee
Donna Ramsey Ken & Liz Stout
Lynn Auble & family

Cash donations:
$23.00 Ruth Durfee
$50.00 Anonymous
$15.00 Anonymous
$25.00 Full Gospel Church

We hope we haven’t omitted anyone and we are very thankful for the generosity of so many people.
Respectfully,
Joyce Neeley
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ACOLYTES & LITURGISTS
DATE ACOLYTES LITURGISTS
Oct 7 Karl Kunze 495-6797 Jim Carter 786-2169
Oct 14 Ethan Schafer 786-0574 Lynn Saxton 786-8527
Oct 21 Cassandra Blake 786-5398 Hugh Ten Hagen 786-3127
Oct 28 Chris Meyer 322-7396 Ellen Chandler 786-2845

Thank you for serving as acolytes and liturgists. If you cannot serve on the suggested date, please exchange with someone and inform the church office (786-3868) of the change early in the week in allow correct information to be printed in the Sunday bulletin. Thank you.

Anyone interested in becoming a Liturgist or Acolyte – please contact the church office.

BOARD OF BENEVOLENCE NEWS . . ..

GET RID OF THOSE BOTTLES AND CANS

An account to benefit the Youth Group has been established at the Redemption Center of the Full Gospel Church. If you have redeemable cans and bottles to donate, you may take them to the Redemption Center and the credit will go to the Youth Group.

Our Adopted Family

Mom Lori Allbright has her hands full with new baby son Ashor and Kindergartener Isis. Dad Andrew has been deployed to Afghanistan.

In October Benevolence plans to send a care package to Andrew. You may contribute by bringing any of the following items to place in a box, which will be located in the East Room or the office: oreos, Reese’s peanut butter cups, dark chocolate, salt and vinegar potato chips, sponge candy, sun chips, plain ice tea mix, chex mix sweet-n-salty, silly putty, baby wipes, or puzzle books. You may think of other things fun to send to him as well.

Please keep the entire family in your prayers!

Coming Events:

CHICKEN BARBEQUE
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Following worship 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
$7.50 Adults Pre-sale $8 Adults at the Door
$5 Children (12 and under) Pre-sale $5.50 Children at the Door

Please sign up to set-up, work in kitchen, and clean up. The more workers we have, the merrier time we have! Also, please sign up to make a pie or two for dessert.

How many ways can a blanket be used?
Are you using your blanket now to keep warm at night? Is that the only way you use your blanket?

A blanket costs $5 and can be used in many ways. On Sunday, October 21st, a special collection will be received to purchase as many blankets as possible. Church World Service will distribute these blankets to people in need in various parts of the world.

IF YOU WANT TO EAT, PLEASE BUY A SEAT.
IF YOU’RE WILLING AND ABLE, BUY A TABLE.

20 round tables, which will seat 8 people each, have been purchased at a good sale price. Soon we should be able to enjoy a more intimate fellowship while dining. Donations are now being accepted to help us pay for these tables: $80 a table or $10 a place seating.

Samaritan’s Purse Boxes: November is coming, and boxes need to be filled with goodies for children all around the world. More information will follow in the November newsletter.
Angel Action News

Angel Action is in need of various small items to fill Christmas baskets for the elderly of Wyoming County. You can help by donating the following items:
Small sample size toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant (man or woman) soap, and lotions. Also razors, books of stamps, tissues, note pads, combs, socks, puzzle books, pens, etc. Please give them to Jeff or Linda Thomas any Sunday between now and the first week of December. The elderly of Wyoming County THANK YOU!
October Birthdays
1Janelle Weber 12 Peter Stout 22 Chris Willey
2Max Fisher Shane Sundt 24 Linda Corey
3Michaela Serventi 14 Carolyn Miller Peter Flint
4Frederica Grove Peyton Donald Grawe 25 Stephanie Gillen
Brandon Cousins 16 Jyssecia Fisher Whitney Wallace
Matt Hess 18 Robert Humphrey 27 Michael McGuire
8Elise (Hume) Misisco Pam Hess 28 George Ann Carter
Laura Cummins Dillon Miller 29 Francis Head
10 Brad Tiede 20 Stephen Sheer Jean White
Flora Parmelee 21 Karen Page Katie Sue Fisher
30Margaret Gardner
31David Baker
Howard Wood

October Anniversaries
6 David & Donna Mager – 1985
7 Melissa & Wayne Holley – 1988
8 Brenda & Joseph Gillen – 1977
10Valerie & Doug Hulme – 1980
11Scott & Amanda (Hurst) Savidge – 2003
12Mark & Brenda Lee Heineman – 1991
22 Norma & Jack Spencer – 1955
25Eleanor & Ralph Van Tyne – 1947

YOUTH GROUP:

We will be joining with the GVA Youth for the following events, so mark your calendars now…
GVA YOUTH CALENDAR
2007-2008

Shanty Town, November 2-3, @Henrietta UCC
Sleep in a box…Eat lots of chili…Raise money for a new Habitat House…
See the friends you made at the fall retreat!

A Fast that Lasts, January 11-12, @ Spencer port UCC
Amaze yourself with the power of fasting…Learn about hunger in the world…
Raise money for One Great Hour of Sharing…More friends and fun!

Family Mission Day, February 18 & 19 @ Salem Nutrition Center,
Serve a delicious lunch…Make an impact in Rochester…Friends and more…
Bring the whole family…Reward yourself at the bowling party afterwards!

Sponsored by the GVA Program & Mission Support Committee

New York State Youth Event at Watson Homestead, March 7-9
Swim, dance, play…Worship, sing, and pray…Attend cool workshops…
See the friends you met at the fall retreat…Meet new friends from all over NY!

Sponsored by the NY Conference

Spring Fling at St. John’s Meadows, DTBA
Dance with the stars…Oops, I mean the seniors…Eat yummy treats…
Practice for the prom…Or just watch…Make a grandma or grandpa smile!

Sponsored by Mountain Rise UCC

ABC Walk – a- Thon, May 30-31 starting @ Salem UCC
Get in shape…See downtown…Raise money for the Salem Nutrition Center,,,
Bring your whole family…Invite your old friends…Make new friends!

For more information, watch the Trumpet or call the host church.