November 2013 • Peekskill Presbyterian Church WORSHIP SUNDAYS 10 AM Where to find . . . Pastor’s Message 2 Session Update 3 Church News 5-6 Upcoming Events 7-8 Ministry & Member Profiles 9 Bible Study 10 Calendar Centerfold MESSENGER THE MESSENGER NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION PEEKSKILL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH US POSTAGE PAID 705 SOUTH STREET WHITE PLAINS, NY 10610 PEEKSKILL, NY 10566-3396 PERMIT # 6604 TIME DATED MATERIAL – PLEASE DELIVER PROMPTLY RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
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PEEKSKILL, NY 10566-3396 PEEKSKILL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 2013 Messenge… · But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, which hath not
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We Gather Together
1 We gather together
to ask the Lord's blessing;
He chastens and hastens
His will to make known.
The wicked oppressing
Now cease from distressing.
Sing praises to his name,
He forgets not his own.
2 Beside us to guide us,
Our God with us joining,
Ordaining, maintaining
His kingdom divine;
So from the beginning
The fight we were winning;
Thou, Lord, wast at our side,
All glory be Thine!
3 We all do extol thee,
Thou leader triumphant,
And pray that thou still
Our defender wilt be.
Let thy congregation
Escape tribulation;
Thy name be ever praised!
O Lord, make us free!
November Birthdays
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privacy online ~
We want to celebrate you too; if we forgot your birthday, please contact the Church office.
Peekskill Presbyterian Church on Facebook and on the web at www.peekskillpresby.org • 914-737-3322
Connected Prayer Ministry - a quiet space and time for
meditation and prayer; in the parlor on the 4th Wednesday of
every month at 6 p.m.
A Prayer A Prayer A Prayer A Prayer
Grant me, O loving Jesus, to rest in Thee above every creature;
above all health and beauty, above all glory and honor, above all
power and dignity, above all knowledge and subtlety, above all
riches and arts, above all joy and gladness, above all fame and
praise, above all sweetness and comfort, above all hope and
promise, above all desert and desire. Above all gifts and favor
that Thou canst give and pour upon us, above all mirth and
exultation that the mind can receive and feel; finally, all the host
of Heaven, above all finally, above angels and archangels, and
above all the host of Heaven, above all things visible and invisible,
and above all that is not Thee, my God.
Because Thou, O lord my God, art above all things the best; Thou
alone art most high, Thou alone most powerful, Thou alone most
sufficient and most full, Thou alone most sweet and most full of
consolation. Thou alone art most lovely and loving, Thou alone
most noble and glorious above all things; in whom all good things
together both perfectly are, and ever have been, and shall be.
~ Thomas à Kempis, Of the Imitation of Christ
11 The The The The SpiritSpiritSpiritSpiritual Disciplineual Disciplineual Disciplineual Discipline of Stewardshipof Stewardshipof Stewardshipof Stewardship
When some people hear the word Stewardship, the first thing
that comes to mind is the financial aspect and as it relates to our
annual "Stewardship Campaign". Of course that happens each
year but in fact, "Stewardship" is everything you do in life
after accepting Jesus.
Jesus teaches us that our responsibility as his disciples is to
recognize that God is the provider of all that we possess and that
our call is to be generous givers of all of our resources whatever
they may be. God gave us everything, from the ground where you
might have built your house, to the trees that made up the wood
used to support it, to the water that you drink every day. Being a
generous giver is a spiritual response to God’s goodness. Giving
back to the Church and community should always be with a joyful
and willing spirit. As the Bible teaches in Corinthians 9:7: Each of
you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not
reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
As Christian stewards we acknowledge the greatness and
goodness of God through prayer, fellowship, study, and worship.
Examples of this are found throughout the Bible.
In Isaiah 40:31 it reads: But those who hope in the Lord will renew
their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run
and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
With all of the Stewards of the Peekskill Presbyterian
Church striving to be faithful servants, our Church will soar on
wings like eagles and never grow weary as we address the needs
of our Church and surrounding community today, tomorrow, and
all the days that follow.
~ Thanks to John Burke for this month’s discipleship message on Stewardship.
Church NewsChurch NewsChurch NewsChurch News 6
The FallThe FallThe FallThe Fall Work Work Work Work Bee Bee Bee Bee Have you noticed the absence of tall weeds in the cemetery? How about
the cleaner windows or the fresh clean banner on the front of the
Church? The Work Bee was a wonderful success, full of fellowship and
great work. The terrific turnout allowed us to concentrate on some
bigger projects. Volunteers painted the entrance railings and some of the
walls in the CE lobby. Others spruced up the santuary and gave the
kitchen an intense cleaning. Thanks so much to all the Church members
and to our dear friends from Gates of Heaven and Boy Scout Troop 284
who made it such a terrific day. We are all blessed to have such
dedicated and talented members and friends.
New Ministry Meeting Times New Ministry Meeting Times New Ministry Meeting Times New Ministry Meeting Times A couple of ministries have changed their meeting times. The Afghan
Knitters are now meeting on Fridays at 12 noon. The Mission Ministry
has rescheduled their monthly meeting to coincide with Soup Kitchen
Prep (Tuesday before the 4th Wednesday – yes it’s complicated) at 6 p.m.
Building SecurityBuilding SecurityBuilding SecurityBuilding Security
You may have heard that our Church experienced a break-in last
month. Someone cut through a window screen and broke into
the Pastor’s Study. The police were notified. As far as we could
tell, nothing was taken or damaged. Although this incident
seemed minor, it reminded us again that building security is an
important issue. If you are using the Church building, please be
sure to double check that all the windows are closed and doors
are locked when you leave. An insecure building not only
threatens our property, it creates risks for our volunteers, our
staff, and for the children in HeadStart. We need the help of
everyone who uses the Church to keep our building secure.
Commitment Sunday Commitment Sunday Commitment Sunday Commitment Sunday November 3November 3November 3November 3rdrdrdrd On Sunday November 3rd we’ll kick off our annual
pledge drive. That’s the day to bring your pledge card
to Worship and offer your promise to support the
Church financially throughout 2014. Whatever you can pledge
will be gratefully received. Your commitment will help give
meaningful shape to the budgeting process for next year.
Boy Scout Pasta Supper Boy Scout Pasta Supper Boy Scout Pasta Supper Boy Scout Pasta Supper Boy Scout Troop 284 is holding a pasta dinner fund
raiser on Saturday November 9th. There’ll be pasta,
meatballs, salad, bread, and a beverage all for $10.
Dinner will run from 5 – 8 p.m. in the Social Hall. Come on out
and support our troop!
Mt. Vernon Honoring Ray BrownMt. Vernon Honoring Ray BrownMt. Vernon Honoring Ray BrownMt. Vernon Honoring Ray Brown As part of their 125th anniversary celebration the Mt. Vernon
Presbyterian Church has decided to honor our own Raymond
Brown with an award for Meritorious Humanitarian Ministry
as a Community Leader. Mt. Vernon has heard about the
work Ray does here in Peekskill with the Boy Scouts, the
Christmas Dinner, and the youth of Peekskill. The celebration
will take place at Greentree, 538 Davenport Avenue in New Rochelle on
Friday November 8th; 7:15 p.m. for cocktails & silent auction, 8:00 p.m.
for dinner. The cost is $125 per person. Contact Pastor Stephany for
information about making a reservation. Praise God for Ray!
A Prayer for Thanksgiving by Brian F. King
Pastor’s Message - continued from page 2 10 thankful to God for this year.
• For families who have recently lost loved ones; offer a
prayer in their memory. Remind your guests that nothing
in all of creation could ever separate us from God’s love.
Be encouraged to find creative ways to share your faith with your
family and friends this year. College students, newlyweds, aging
family members, new parents, and everyone in between will
benefit from your spiritual
hospitality. It will sustain
them long after the
holidays have ended. It is
truly the best that we
have to offer.
By Faith,
Pastor Stephany
Personal Bible StudyPersonal Bible StudyPersonal Bible StudyPersonal Bible Study
Zephaniah 3:17
If ever you are feeling alone do not despair for the Lord is always
near to you. He has promised to be with us and save us from evil
if we will follow His teachings. When He sees that we are
spending time seeking His wisdom and studying His word He will
be joyous of our progress. Even when times seem hard and we
are troubled we can be calmed by the fact that God loves us
unconditionally. We should shout His name with intense praise
and share His goodness with whomever we come in contact with.
Questions to Contemplate:
• How easy is it for you to trust that God is with you always?
• Do you praise God fervently even in times of trouble?
• When you are learning more about God through study of
the scriptures, do you feel rewarded?
~ Thanks to Elder Charlene Woods for this month’s Bible Study
O Lord, with humble hearts we pray Thy blessing this Thanksgiving Day And ask that at table place, Where grateful folk say words of grace, That Thou will come to share the yield Thy bounty gave to farm and field.
We pray thy love will bless, O Lord, Each hearth, each home, each festive board; And that Thy peace will come to stay Where candles glow, Thanksgiving Day.
Pastor’s Office Hours Wednesdays 10 am – 3 pm
Thursdays 4 pm – 7 pm
Saturdays 11:30 am – 4:30 pm
By appointment on Fridays 10 am – 3 pm
9 Member ProfileMember ProfileMember ProfileMember Profile
ELLA SUTTLE … Hiding in Plain Sight!
Ella Suttle is a vital part of our
congregation, yet she’s so quiet about it,
that we can readily say she “gives her alms
in secret.” Whenever there is a need for
volunteers, Ella is present. She shows up,
sometimes without notice, and often just
in the nick of time. Ella has helped to decorate the church for the
Christmas holidays; cleaned pews, windows, etc. at work bees;
prepares lunch for the Sunday on Saturday program; assists with
the summer youth camp, and the list goes on! Be sure to greet
Ella and thank her for all her gifts of 'time and talent'.
The Nominating CommitteeThe Nominating CommitteeThe Nominating CommitteeThe Nominating Committee Because of its democratic history, the Presbyterian Church insists
that its leaders be elected by the members. As a result Peekskill
Presbyterian Church has a nominating committee whose task is to
select members to assist the Church in caring work (Deacons) and
in governance (Session). Each Nominator serves a two year term,
with half the group being replaced every year. Tina and Cliff are
co-chairs of this committee. The pastor is a non-voting member.
During the 1980's under the chairmanship of elder Dick Smith, the
committee was titled Nominating and Leadership Development.
Today, the task of the group is to identify leaders and help them
to become members of either Board. Nominating meets as
needed. When vacancies occur during the year the committee
will work to find a replacement. The slate of proposed officers
and nominating members is presented at the annual meeting for
the vote of those members attending. As always, nominations
Hanging of the GreensHanging of the GreensHanging of the GreensHanging of the Greens Saturday Saturday Saturday Saturday November 30November 30November 30November 30thththth Come deck the hall with boughs of holly and get the
Church ready for Advent and Christmas! We’ll be
decorating the sanctuary on Saturday November 30th (that’s the
Saturday after Thanksgiving) at 9 a.m. Come for the fun, the
fellowship, and the loveliness of God’s Church dressed in her best!
Bible Study: Bible Study: Bible Study: Bible Study: Creeds Creeds Creeds Creeds of the Churchof the Churchof the Churchof the Church David Denham is leading a multi-week Bible Study during the
Adult Education Hour on the Creeds of the Church and why they
are important. The study will explore the history, purpose, and
Biblical foundations of the creeds and their importance for today’s
Christians. Join the discussion after worship in the Parlor.
PAPA Interfaith PAPA Interfaith PAPA Interfaith PAPA Interfaith Thanksgiving Dinner on Thanksgiving Dinner on Thanksgiving Dinner on Thanksgiving Dinner on Sunday NovembSunday NovembSunday NovembSunday November 24er 24er 24er 24thththth
The Peekskill Area Pastors’ Association will host a free interfaith
community Thanksgiving Dinner at the First Hebrew Congregation
at 6 pm on Sunday November 24th. Our own Pastor Stephany will
be a featured preacher. All members of the community are
welcome join in this wonderful, annual Peekskill tradition.
Christmas Luncheon December 6Christmas Luncheon December 6Christmas Luncheon December 6Christmas Luncheon December 6
We are all excited about our new venue for the
Christmas Luncheon. We are hoping for a beautiful
day and the presence of many of our friends &
church family to celebrate with us at The Taormina
Restaurant in Peekskill. All Ladies of the church –
save the date, sign up and meet us at the Taormina Restaurant
December 6, 2013 – 12 noon to 3 pm. Good food and a great time
has been planned. Cost: $25 per person.
PEEKSKILL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH • NOVEMBER 2013 www.peekskillpresby.org