Newsletter - May 2008
Table Talk
The Newsletter of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Boardman, OH 44512
FROM THE PASTOR
Sunday, April 13th was a special and important day in the life of the Westminster Presbyterian Church, Boardman, OH. And it didn’t even happen on church grounds!
I speak of the Ordination and Installation of The Reverend Henry Pearce. Some of you new to the congregation aren’t familiar with this elder as he has not been around on many Sundays. He has popped in on a Kirkin’ O’ The Tartans Sunday to do the Roll Call of The Clans & Blessing of the Tartans. And he has taught an evening class here as well as attending worship when he has “a Sunday off”. Off from what? From being pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Niles (and before that, the Hungarian Presbyterian Church on Mahoning Avenue). Henry has been a Commissioned Lay Preacher for over 11 years. And after taking all the necessary courses at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, and after being approved by the Preparation For Ministry Committee and by Eastminster Presbytery itself, Henry was ordained last Sunday afternoon. A whole bunch of you from Westminster were there to witness it and enjoy fellowship at the reception afterwards. And by the way, Henry enjoyed the “Clergy Tartan and Tie” presented to him by elders Susan Sheridan and Barbara McConnell.
As Barbara and I gathered with the other members of the Commission in the church library there before the service, I thought of all Henry had shown us over the years about faith, witness, obedience and sacrifice:
·with wife, Melissa, and Barb McConnell, he began our Scottish Festival, Dinner, Golf Outting and “Kirkin’ of the Tartans” in the early 90s;
·with Melissa’s support, he took the step of faith to leave his secular job (his own Video business) to take the Commissioned Lay Preacher course through Presbytery;
·he lead the Hungarian congregation for 5+ years, bringing new ideas to that historic church;
·he began Seminary, journeying to Pittsburgh weekly (a trek that would continue for over 5 years!); he also attended various ministry seminars in our region, often on “church growth” topics;
·he served as Moderator for a year of Eastminster Presbytery, attending many clergy ordination/installations (among many other responsibilities of that role!)
·he led FPC Niles, then, again initiating new programs (like the huge “Pumpkin Sale” fundraiser in October);
·both sons, Max (now a junior at Miami U. of OH) and Ben (a senior at Poland) have been varsity wrestlers and soccer players at Poland; Henry was often a/the coach in re-cleague soccer; some of you recall his playing on our church softball team in Boardman Park…he was a good hitter/fielder, too!
And now God has called him to serve as pastor of both the Vienna and Niles FPC Churches. I’m sure he will bring innovative ideas to worship and creative initiatives to church programming in the days ahead.
So often, Henry has said to us in various contexts: “Who will be the next Commissioned Lay Preacher to come out of Westminster Church?”. So I’ll close with that – Henry’s challenge to you.
Pentecost Sunday
The Birthday of the Church will be celebrated on May 11th at both services “Please Wear Something Red!”
Communion - Pentecost Sunday -- May 11th
JUST FOR FUN—All ladies are invited to join Louise Joachim (Rev. Joachim’s mother) and wear a hat of your choosing to church on Mother’s Day, May 11th. If you’re feeling adventurous, you might consider wearing a red hat, since May 11th is also Pentecost!
Hopkins 4-K for Cancer
Again this year, the bicyclists from Hopkins 4-K for Cancer will be traveling 4,000 miles from Baltimore to San Francisco, to raise awareness of the fight against cancer. They will be staying at Westminster overnight on Thursday, May 29. The group is planning to arrive in shifts beginning around 2:00, much earlier than last year. We will be providing dinner and breakfast for the group of approximately 25-30 young adults. They enjoy meeting the hosts who are providing accommodations for their trip so we will have a pot-luck dinner at 6:30 for our entire congregation to welcome this group and hear about their journey. They will not be asking for donations. They have already collected pledges before they begin their trip (like our Relay for Life team.)
Please bring extra large portions of your dish because these young people burn many extra calories during their 50 to 110 miles a day of cycling and have large appetites. Also, if anyone can provide breakfast items for the group (milk, orange juice, granola bars, cereal, fruit, etc.) or snack items for the earlier arrivals so they don’t starve while waiting for their teammates, it would be greatly appreciated. Also, anyone interested in helping with the dinner and clean up please let me know. There will be a sign-up sheet in the office so we can have an approximate count for seating.
It really is a pleasure to meet these committed young people and hear about their experiences. Come to dinner and have an enjoyable evening!
Vivian Naome
American Red Cross Blood Drive
May 19th,
Westminster Church 1:30 – 7:00
We are looking for volunteers to help with the registration and canteen help. If you have any questions call Wanda Smith (330-755-1673)
Circle of Love
May 20th @ 9:30 AM
Bring personal items for
Protestant Family Service.
Snacks for children
It’s not too late to sign up for the new pictorial directory! May 17th , 18th, are the days we are scheduling for our new Pictorial Directory, it has been 5 years since our last one. With nearly 500 members, it is so helpful to new members when they are trying to learn everyone’s name, not to mention our long-time members as well! Please keep these dates open. Sign up will be Sunday morning in the Narthex. Dorothy Courtney will be the chair of this project. Call Peggy Connolly to set up your appointment during the week ( 330-758-0372.)
Women’s Spring Luncheon - May 3rd - 11:30 Fellowship Hall
Speaker: Shirley Griffin Topic: (Closet Full of Clothing and Nothing to Wear)
Cost for tickets $8.00.
Tickets are on sale Sunday after worship.
Vacation Bible School 2008 “Cosmic City”
Our 2008 VBS is now scheduled for June 23rd thru 27th in the morning. Amy Joachim from Westminster & Geri Jacquet from St. Charles will be our directors. It will be held at St. Charles. We will need many volunteers and of course children!! More information will be coming your way!
RELAY FOR LIFE!
Westminster Church is again participating in the 2008 Boardman Relay for Life on May 16th & 17th. The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life is a wonderful community event to celebrate life, raise awareness, and funding to fight against cancer, and for a cure. In 2007, the Westminster Team had thirty youth and adult members and raised $3,230! Out of town friends or relatives? They can also give to the Westminster Team online at www.boardmanrelay.com. The Relay is open to all, please sign up in the Church Office. Questions? – please contact Team Captains Pete Mirich or Jennifer Timmer or Mark Luke .
Mission Notes!
The Needles’s Eye Christian Counseling Center
74 Kenmore Ave.
Youngstown, Ohio 44507
Telephone: 330-744-1582
Westminster Presbyterian Church
119 Stadium Dr.
Youngstown, OH 44512
I would like to thank you for your financial contributions and support to our center over the past few years and extend an invitation for financial consideration for 2008.
The Needles’ Eye Christian Counseling Center will be offering and /or planning the following programs this year.
1.Saturday evening Youth Program for girls & boys ages 13 to 18 held at the Needles’s Eye from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. This program is a time of fellowship, games, study and learning life skills for adults as well as peers.
Saturday evening Youth Program for girls & boys ages 13 to 18 held at the Needles’s Eye from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. This program is a time of fellowship, games, study and learning life skills for adults as well as peers. 2.Boys to Men programs held on Thursday from 4:00 to 6:00 pm concentrating on education, recovery and aftercare.
Boys to Men programs held on Thursday from 4:00 to 6:00 pm concentrating on education, recovery and aftercare.3.Our “Fresh Voices” program marked its fifth year with a weekend in January for 25 teens from the ages of 13 to 18. Teens were encouraged to express their thoughts about what they live, see and hear in a safe and protected environment away from their parents and /or caregivers through teaching sessions, group discussions, games and good wholesome fun. Teens were given information to help them make right choices, solve problems and have positive thoughts for successful living.
Our “Fresh Voices” program marked its fifth year with a weekend in January for 25 teens from the ages of 13 to 18. Teens were encouraged to express their thoughts about what they live, see and hear in a safe and protected environment away from their parents and /or caregivers through teaching sessions, group discussions, games and good wholesome fun. Teens were given information to help them make right choices, solve problems and have positive thoughts for successful living. 4.The Women’s Advance is being planned for a weekend in April at the Needle’s Eye where one come together sharing their experience, strength and hope with one another.
The Women’s Advance is being planned for a weekend in April at the Needle’s Eye where one come together sharing their experience, strength and hope with one another. 5.Summer Bible School Program will be a joint effort with St. Patrick’s Church.
Summer Bible School Program will be a joint effort with St. Patrick’s Church. 6.Summer Youth Camp is planned for July 18, 19, & 20, 2008 at Joseph Badger Meadows Camp and Conference Center with “Respect” as this year’s theme.
Summer Youth Camp is planned for July 18, 19, & 20, 2008 at Joseph Badger Meadows Camp and Conference Center with “Respect” as this year’s theme.7.A summer trip for our youth is being considered to the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum located in Baltimore, Maryland close to Washington, D.C.
A summer trip for our youth is being considered to the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum located in Baltimore, Maryland close to Washington, D.C.8.We are proud to continue our Good News Program on Saturday mornings as well as our Women in Recovery meetings on Wednesday.
We are proud to continue our Good News Program on Saturday mornings as well as our Women in Recovery meetings on Wednesday. 9.We have started the “Princess Program” for girl’s ages 5 to 12 years old. Our “Princess Program” meets once a month for an overnight stay at the Needles’s Eye Center. This program grooms girls to remain little girls. We are teaching etiquette and manner as well as social skills.
We have started the “Princess Program” for girl’s ages 5 to 12 years old. Our “Princess Program” meets once a month for an overnight stay at the Needles’s Eye Center. This program grooms girls to remain little girls. We are teaching etiquette and manner as well as social skills. We continue to assist in making in house treatment a reality for those that feel hopeless and /or desperate because of drugs and alcohol. Also, we will continue feeding those that come in hungry. All of our programs are guided by the principles of the Christian faith as a means of encouragement and a way of living. We will spend our gifts, talents and abilities toward spreading the Good News of Our Lord.
If you should have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at the above address and telephone number.
Sincerely, Mrs. Irma Davis
Director, The Needle’s Eye
Love Letter from Taft Elementary School
We are very thankful to Westminster! The opening of the school year is a busy time for everyone! The school supplies that you donated were just perfect and helpful. The goodies at Halloween, thanksgiving and Christmas were very much appreciated. We welcome you to visit our school at any time and to also be aware that you are an instrumental part of the Taft Family.
Thanks again!
Respectfully yours,
Michael Schubert, Principal
Session authorizes purchase of A.E.D.
……Donations sought
Ok, so what is an AED. In the event of a person having a heart attack (cardiac arrest), an automated external defibrillator both reads the person’s condition and leads the rescuer through commands to “shock” or treat with rescue-breathing. If you’ve had a CPR course, you are familiar with this.
Our A.E.D. would be located in the Usher’s Closet at the rear of the sanctuary, and of course, we’re hoping we never have to use it. Schools, airports, grocery stores, etc. are supplied with AEDs and we want to be prepared as well to save a life if the situation ever arises.
The Session is asking our members to consider
making a donation to the purchase of the AED which will be through Zee Medical Inc. The total cost is $2100. If you have any questions, please phone the church office or speak with Joe McGee or Rev Joachim.
A thank-you goes to the subcommittee who did the study before we bought: Bruce Burns, Bob McCollum, Joe McGee and Rev Joachim.
We need names of Graduates!
Call the church office so we can honor high school, college or technical school graduates on June 1st during the 10:30 worship service.
BACCALAUREATE 2008
On Sunday, May 18, at 2:30 pm
Baccalaureate will be held at St Charles R.C. Church.
Cell Phones Help Crisis Shelter
The Crisis Shelter of Lawrence County in New Castle collects old cell phones for use in safety planning. Phones no longer in use will still activate a 911 call for victims of domestic violence or sexual assault who need police response. Extra donated phones are recycled through Shelter Alliance which distributes them to low-income populations globally and pays the Crisis Shelter for the phones. This money helps to sustain Crisis Shelter services to men, women and children who are victims.
Your old cell phones are always welcome and especially now. Shelter Alliance is running a competition. There will be a drawing for one of five $1,000 prizes. To be eligible to win, the Crisis Shelter must send in 300 used cell phones between April 15 and June 15. Please talk to friends and family and co-workers about donating used cell phones and help us reach our goal. Cell phones can be turned in to the church office or call Melissa Pearce. Thank you!
SESSION NOTES
April 16, 2008
~The Session was shocked and saddened
at the death of John Huebert who was being
considered for the Choir Director position.
~Session accepted Bob Guyan's verbal resignation as Elder, via elder Walt Miller.
Nominating Committee will now be searching for a replacement.
~The Annual Corn Roast is being planned for August.
~Motion was approved to purchase an
Automated Defibrillator Device for approximately
$2,000, from Memorial funds and/or special plea
to the congregation.
~Drilling of the gas well is tentatively scheduled to begin after July 25.
~Approval was given to donate the large mixer from the kitchen that has rarely been used in recent years.
~May 11 is Pentecost and Mother's Day.
All women are encouraged to wear a hat and the entire congregation is encouraged to wear red.
~June 1 will be graduate recognition Sunday and on June 8 the choir will be recognized.
~Amy Joachim, Christian Education, met with Geri Jacquet of St.Charles to plan for
Vacation Bible School on June 23-27
at St. Charles.
~Patty Manning, Debbie Kempers and
Laura Castellano have joined the C. E. Committee.
~The Neighborhood Block Party/Ice Cream
Social is planned for July 13, at 6 PM.
~A graduation party for Taft School students will be in early June.
~The goal of $5,000 for One Great Hour
of sharing was surpassed ($5,080).
~Motion approved to sponsor Needle's Eye
"Kids To Camp" held in July at Camp JBM.
~Snacks will be taken to the "Group Work
Camp" sites in June. These groups are youth and young adults from across the country, working in our area to help with home repairs for those in need.
~Approval given for a motion to provide flashlights for Samaritan's Purse, to be paid for with funds from the adult Sunday
School classes (a project of the New Wilmington Mission Conference.)
~Jim Herr was elected as Commissioner for the next Presbytery Meeting at Hubbard on May 13.
Share the Windfall!
As a response to our nation’s huge deficit and sluggish economy, the leaders of our federal government have decided to send each of us some money. To me, it sounds as questionable as the department stores ads that tell me “the more you spend, the more you save”. Nevertheless, if someone is going to send us money, I think it is our patriotic duty to accept it. Furthermore, they don’t want us to save it, but to spend it right away! Is America great, or what?
I suggest you share the wealth. When you receive your Economic Stimulus Check, consider giving a tithe (10%) to the church. At church, we promise to spend it right away in order to help stimulate the economy. At this time of year, after the gas bills we encounter during the winter, we could use the help. For the sake of God and Country, keep us in mind!
Sincerely,
Pastor Paul Heine, Martin Luther Lutheran Church, Youngstown
Don't the Lutherans have a good idea for us Presbyterians! Rev DBJ
SCOTTISH TEA
I want to thank Eleanor Miller and her committee for their help with our Scottish Tea this year while I was away in Boston with Joe as he ran the Boston Marathon. Also, thank all of you who offered to bake for this event. We couldn’t present this special event that is a wonderful culmination to our Kirkin’ of the Tartan service each year without your help. Thank you so much!
Susan McGee
CAMP SUNNY SIDE UP
We will again be offering a wonderful summer experience for children 3 years old through second grade. Camp Sunny Side Up will run for 4 weeks this year: June 23rd – July 18th. If you know of any families who have children in this age bracket, please tell them about Sunny Side Up and have them phone the church for more information. The camp meets from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each day and we have great fun learning about different aspects of nature and the critters that live in it. Each week we have a songfest, sports program, outdoor Chapel, a cook-out, visitors, flag raising and lowering, crafts, water play, games, bubble table, and more. It’s great fun! Campers can attend 2 weeks or 4 weeks.
SERENDIPITY
It’s that time of year again…time to be thinking about registering children for next year’s pre-school program. If you know of anyone who is looking for a good Christian pre-school for their child, please send them our way.
Art Show
An event for which you should mark your calendars is our Annual Art Show. The children have been busy all year creating some wonderful masterpieces. I know you will be impressed. There is no charge for this event. Just come and enjoy. May 14th, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
If, however, any of you would be able to help serve punch, replenish the hors d’oeuvre table, and keep the coffee brewing, please let me know. You can work in half hour shifts, hourly shifts or just as long as you can give us. Thanks so much!
YARD CLEAN-UP DAY is scheduled for Saturday, May 10th from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Bring your yard tools and join us to spiffy up our Church grounds after our long, hard winter.
