NEWS from the PEWS
Published by KENMORE U.C.C.
295 Delaware Road Kenmore NY 14217
February 2012 Newsletter
Pastor’s Reflection
No Christian escapes a taste of the wilderness on the way to the Promised Land.
Evelyn Underhill, The Fruits of the Spirit
Here are some mistaken notions:
Christians claim they are perfect but in fact
are hypocrites.
The church is filled with saints not sinners.
Bad things never happen to good Christians.
If those notions are mistaken (which they are) then why be a Christian? And why go to church? Let me correct the mistaken notions:
Christians are hypocrites who are in search of perfection.
Christians know the “standard’ who is Jesus the Christ. We can talk the talk but find it ever so difficult to walk the walk. NONETHELESS we confess our hypocrisy, seek forgiveness, receive God’s grace and try again.
The church is filled with those who love God and others saints and sometimes (many times) do things that don’t reflect love at all.
Yes, Paul was right “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) The church is people striving to be faithful to God in all the settings of life.
Christians know what to do when bad things happen.
The Bible makes the assumption that ba d things will happen to good people. Then the Bible uses a plethora of examples of how to do with those “bad things”. Here are some ways that Christians “deal with” the bad things: prayer, support each other, give of their time, talent or treasure to meet a need and speak of hope.
As we approach Lent, may we let go of some preconceived notions and embrace our journey through the wilderness of life. Know that “God has put a little heaven in our hearts so that we will never settle for less.”
(From the Message 2 Cor 5:5)
Our Church Council Members are:
Darren Watling…………President
Karen Pritchard……..Vice President
Patricia Burgstahler………Secretary
Barbara Bachman……….Treasurer
Daniel Chase
Kathy Taber
Mary Lou Haug
Deb Mirando
Jil Mattson
GREETERS
FEBRUARY
5th Danbury Lane,
Available
Delaware Rd.,
Available
12th Danbury Lane,
Edie Roberts
Delaware Rd.,
Available
19th Danbury Lane,
Available
Delaware Rd.,
Available
26th Danbury Lane,
Available
Delaware Rd.,
Available
LAY READER
FEBRUARY
5th Available
12th Available
19th Available
26th Connie Kudrna
COFFEE HOUR
5th The Haugs
12th Burgstahler and Cameron
19th The Pidanic Family
26th Available
ACOLYTE
5th Available
12th Available
19th Available
26th Available
BIRTHDAY’S
FEBRUARY
3 Gabrielle Custard
14 Sue Carl
14 Tinie Leaderstorf
22 Dolores ONeil
23 John Einhiple
27 Rich Sinclair
28 Andrew Gonlag
FLOWER
PLACEMENT
FEBRUARY
5 Altar
–
In loving remembrance of Naomi Schaffner, love from her sisters Carolyn and Viola Schaffner.
Piano –
In loving memory of Mary Cookingham – Bailey – with love and remembrance from her Mom-in-law – Doris.
12 Altar –
In loving memory of loved ones – Tinie Leaderstorf
Piano – Available
19
Altar-
In celebration of Alice Cameron’s 89th birthday – love from Pat, Dean, Karen, Jim, Jennifer and Family.
Piano – Available
26 Altar – Available
Piano - Available
Treasurer’s report 1/1/11 – 12/31/11
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash – HSBC Checking Account 71,118.43
Vanguard Prime Money Market 97,053.37
Total Current Assets $114,171.80
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
A/P Employees FIC 254.62
(4th Q 2011)
Altar Guild 1,335.35
Growth Group 3,081.71
Sunday School 1,227.80
Total Current Liabilities $ 5,899.48
TOTAL INCOME
(detail up request)
$74,266.24
EXPENSE
Benevolences
Christmas Fund Offering $ 216.00
Neighbors in Need 213.00
NY Conference UCC 2,500.00
Network of Religious Communities 100.00
WNY Area Churches in Covanent 672.00
3,701.00
Minister’s Compensation
Car Mileage 269.50
Housing & Utilities Allowance 10,849.98
Salary 11,316.65
22,436.13
OPERATING EXPENSE
Building & Equipment $ 991.75
Building & Grounds 5,320.38
Employer FICA 1,510.53
Miscellaneous 943.75
NY Disability 449.10
Piano & Organ 118.00
Property & Umbrella Ins. 3,745.00
Salaries 19,118.50
Substitute Organist 60.00
Substitute Pastor 1,518.36
Suupplies & Postage 990.81
Taxes (Sewer District) 375.91
Utilities: Electric 1,506.21
Gas 4,486.81
Telephone 935.01
Water 214.42
Workmen’s Comp 732.00
Total Operating Expenses 43,016.54
Total Expenses $ 69.153.67
NET INCOME
1/1/11 – 12/31/11
$ 5,112.57
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara J. Bachman
Treasurer
Dried Palms Needed!!
Pastor Jan is looking for dried palms to be used for Ash Wednesday. If you have dried palms and would be willing to donate them, please bring them to Pastor Jan before February 19th.
Lent Begins on Ash Wednesday, February 22!
Lent is a journey, for both the church and individuals, of intense self-examination, of penitence for alienation from God and one’s fellow creatures and for preparation for restoration. The season is focused on a journey in which one realizes the complete gift of Jesus Christ for others. It is a journey that requires facing the cross. As the season approaches its climax, it is remembered that Jesus was determined to complete his mission and that he suffered greatly…When Jesus prayed on the cross that God would forgive his executioners and those who betrayed him, he exhibited the complete union of himself with that central characteristic of God, unqualified love. –
Quoted from Imaging the Word, An Arts and Lectionary Resource,Volume 1 1994 p. 145. Pastor Jan will be
using the theme of journey for this year’s Lenten series of sermons. Our journey together begins on Ash Wednesday, February 22. The Ash Wednesday service will be held at 7 pm in the sanctuary.
We have changed our email address for church – please make a note that it is now
Kenmoreucc@verizon.net
.
We would like to introduce the newest member of our congregation, Norene Havens. She grew up in the Town of Tonawanda, but moved away when she got married. After living on a dairy farm and spending many years living in Barker, N.Y, she and her husband Bob have just moved back to Tonawanda. She enjoyed helping at the Advent Workshop and going caroling to our shut-ins. One of her favorite things to do is to practice clowning. She looks forward to being part of the activities and future of the church. Be sure to welcome her when you see her next Sunday, sitting next to her Aunt Alice, the “welcome lady”.
Norene Havens address:
38 Hawthorne Ave.
Tonawanda, NY 14223
(716) 795-9150
Bits and Bytes
Just a few things to mention/remember:
- Women’s Fellowship will meet on Feb. 2 at 6:30. It will be our annual Penny Sale so look around for some treasures with which you are willing to part. Bring your pennies and take home someone else’s treasures. It is always good fun. Bring a friend and receive some extra tickets for the sale.
- St. John’s UCC (Amherst St. Buffalo) is having a spaghetti dinner from 4-7 pm on February 11. Bring your Valentine or bring a friend for a great meal and help to support a church which works hard to meet their budget.
- The Sunday School is collecting used Christmas cards for future Sunday School projects. Also, used calendars and tabs from the top of pop cans. We are also collecting old unwanted CD’s (we use the shiny back side) and the plastic cases they come in. If you have any of these things, please give them to any of the Sunday School teachers. Thanks.
Council Briefs
- Many good things were heard about the holiday activities.
- Preparation for the upcoming Annual Meeting
- How can we help Dunkirk CC celebrate its 90th birthday?
- Looking at our funeral guidelines
- Discussed reduction of council to 9 members
- Revised counting schedule for 2012
Yoga classes are now being offered at Kenmore UCC!
Ms. Angel Bailey studied at the Himalayan Institute and is now leading classes on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7 -8 pm in the large Sunday school room downstairs. Angel is inviting church members to try the class for free! You can come one or both days to enjoy stretching and exercising in a grateful and comfortable environment. For more information see Karen Pritchard.
FLOWERS
Remember to contact Sandy to order Altar or Piano flowers for that special person or occasion for this coming year. Lorbeer’s does a wonderful job for our church. We are beginning our new year – so we have plenty of room for you to save that special date.
Note: After Sunday February 12th payment for flowers should be directed to Barb Bachman in Sandy’s absence.
COFFEE HOUR
We have a wonderful tradition here at KUCC and that is our coffee hour right after church. If you enjoy attending, we would invite you to sign up to serve – just ask anyone while you are having that second cup at coffee hour. We will even assist by making the coffee and setting up if you decide to take a turn. Look for Mary Lou’s calendar to sign up in Fellowship hall – many dates available.
SIGN OF SPRING…
The order forms for Easter flowers will be out at the end of February. This year the prices have stayed the same and we will be offering the following:
Tulips (variety of colors) $6.00
Hyacinths (variety of colors) 6.00
Lilies 7.00
These plants are beautiful for Easter and for gifts – stay tuned for the order forms in February.
WE NEED AN ARTIST….
We have the brushes, stencils, paints, board – all we need is YOU! Our hanging sign at the front of the church is in need of some new signs with some meaningful “quips.” There is no time frame – so it at your leisure – but please think of helping your church out. Contact Sandy for more info – 716-983-6827.