The Shingle - June 2015

The Shingle June 2015 Page 1 of 24

The Newsletter of Gilead Presbyterian Church, Carmel, NY June 2015

Dear Friends, Our denomination meets nationally every two years to debate and set policies, and at that bi-annual meeting, the General Assembly, a Moderator is elected to serve the meeting and then travel the country for the next two years as a representative of our denomination. This person usually ends up preaching and listening at many, many of our churches. Heath K. Rada, our current Moderator, posted a statement last month in which he offered some views about what he has seen and heard across the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in the last ten months. You can read the entire statement at http://pres-outlook.org/2015/04/what-i-am-seeing-and-hearing-across-the-church-moderators-statement/, but it’s too long to reprint here. He doesn’t shy away from the pain our denomination has felt in the last year, grappling with disagreements over controversial issues, but he begins his remarks with a word of hope. While all denominations are seeing declines in numbers, including our own, there are influxes of new life and new interest, particularly among young adults with small children. Many of them are returning to church. Since those are many of the new people we are getting at Gilead, I thought I would share with you what Heath said about why they are attracted to the Presbyterian Church. He writes:

We are a safe place where these young people can come and search for their faith identities. They can ask questions and seek answers and

pursue deeper understandings of the faith without fear of judgment or feeling they shouldn’t have questions. They say the Presbyterian Church embodies the teachings of Jesus who taught us to love one another and respect one another.

They say that we are a church without walls. Over and over, they say that we are a place where they can live out their faith. They don’t

have to be in church every Sunday, but they are not going to let down the feeding programs for the poor when they are scheduled to be there. They may take a hike

instead of attending worship on some Sundays, but they know they will come back and be fed and then be equipped to go into the world as living servants of Jesus.

They say that we care for all of God’s children—regardless of race, creed, or gender issues. They do not all agree with gay marriage, but they say that being a part of a denomination that allows for them to have different opinions models the love of Christ, which they believe is true and is not hypocritical—a trait many of them have found in other denominations. Let me hasten to add that I see and hear about this phenomenon in urban areas. Rural areas are not having the same experience. But rural areas are also working hard to

http://pres-outlook.org/2015/04/what-i-am-seeing-and-hearing-across-the-church-moderators-statement/





keep young adults living in their towns and communities, because they are choosing to leave in large numbers. So my first question to us as [Presbyterians] is, How are we going to address this new influx of dynamic Christians? How can we serve them in ways that will enhance their effectiveness and undergird their excitement as PC(USA) members?

Last month the Gilead Session met with representatives from our Presbytery for a triennial visit to check in and see how we are doing. They reported that we had a great amount of positive ministries and resources,

while acknowledging the grief of having lost some friends this year because of disagreements. They urged us not to expend any more of our energies on that

pain, but come together to do what we do so well at Gilead—trying to be a family that serves God and our neighbor. To paraphrase Heath Rada, how can we attract and retain the dynamic young families who are coming to us to find a deeper relationship with Christ? Let’s all recommit ourselves to working hard at Gilead to keep together, and keep positive, not so much for ourselves, but for those who are coming to us to find the Light. Keep shining!

Love, Martin


A Note from

Gilead Music Department June 2015

The Choirs will be participating in

Worship through of June 28. June 7

Senior Choir & Soloist June 14 (Children’s Day)

Praise Makers Junior Bells Soloists

June 21 (Father’s Day)

Senior Bell Chimes Senior Choir Gilead Women & Girls singing to their

Fathers June 28

Senior Choir Gilead Gospel Group

Music for Worship for July & August will be

supplied by our very talented musicians breaking up into smaller ensembles and solos.

If you would like to get involved on a limited

basis during this summer schedule, this is the opportunity for you! The “Gilead Hi Tones” (soprano & altos) and the “Gilead Lo Tones” (tenors & basses) will be singing, as well as

instrumental solos & ensembles.

Call Mary Temple (225-6958) to get involved.

Rehearsal schedule for June June 3

3:30 pm Junior Bell chimes 6:30 pm Senior Bell Chimes 7:45 pm Senior Choir

June 10

3:30 pm Junior Bell Chimes (will play in Worship June 14)

No Senior Bell Chimes or Senior Choir Rehearsal

June 17

No Junior Bell Chimes until September 9

6:30 pm Senior Bell Chimes (Last rehearsal until September 9)

7:45 pm Senior Choir (last rehearsal until September 9)

June 24

7:00 pm Senior Choir 7:30 pm Lo-Tones & Hi Tones (Prep for

Summer Worship)

Many thanks to the musicians, parents and grandparents for their faithfulness in getting

themselves or their children to rehearsals and coming early or staying late to participate in

Worship, thereby enriching everyone’s Worship experience. Have a Great Summer!

Mary Temple, Music Director


Gilead Youth Group News

June 2015

Summer 2015: No school. Church.

Sleepovers. Tanning. Beaches. Church.

Water fights. Tank tops. Flip flops.

Church.

Lemonade.

Summer

crushes.

Sunglasses.

Taking Pictures.

Church. Late

nights.

Swimming. Ice-cream. Church.

Memories. Warm air. Camps. Church.

Shorts. Sleeping in. Summer Breeze.

Church. Tan lines. Vacations. Sand

castles. Long hair. Mud fights. Bonfires.

Slushies. Church. Pool parties. Sun

kissed hair. Flowers. Barbeques.

Church. Blue skies. Concerts. Ball

games. Church.

Hope to see you all!!! It will be just as rewarding, perhaps even better, than all the other fun things you planned this summer. Make your summer activities count. Sunscreen not needed @ Gilead

Calendar of Events

Friday June 12 Outdoor Games Hot dogs Church Project TBD 7:00 - 9:30 pm FREE - Friends Welcome RSVP

Sunday June 14

Children’s Day Ice Cream Social after Worship

Saturday June 20

Playland Trip 4:00 -11:00 pm RSVP Fran Friends Welcome

Sunday June 21

Youth Serve Coffee Hour Planning Meeting for Summer Mission Projects

One must maintain a little bit of

summer, even in the middle of winter. Henry David Thoreau


Fathers Day

My Hero

My hero is the quiet type,

No marching bands, no media hype,

But through my eyes it's plain to see,

A hero, God has sent to me.

With gentle strength and quiet pride,

All self-concern is set aside,

To reach out to his fellow man,

And be there with a helping hand.

Heroes are a rarity,

A blessing to humanity.

With all they give and all they do,

I'll bet the thing you never knew,

My hero has always been you.

--Anonymous

http://christianity.about.com/od/fathersday/qt/fathersdayquote.htm

http://christianity.about.com/od/fathersday/qt/fathersdayquote.htm


You’re a grand old flag You’re a high flying flag And forever in peace may you wave You’re the emblem of The land I love The home of the free and the brave Every heart beats true ‘Neath the red white and blue Where there’s never a boast or brag Should old acquaintance be forgot Keep your eye on the grand old flag The grand old flag

You’re a grand old flag You’re a high flying flag And forever in peace may you wave You’re the emblem of The land I love The home of the free and the brave Every heart beats true ‘Neath the red white and blue Where there’s never a boast or brag Should old acquaintance be forgot Keep your eye on the grand old flag Keep your eye on the grand old flag Keep your eye on the grand old flag By George M. Cohan


Children’s Day June 14, 2015

Celebration of Children’s Dreams for Our World

Our children have been leaning how their faith and the teachings in the Bible relate

to their world.

Come share with them their faith dreams for our world.

The Youth Group will be holding an Ice Cream Social

following worship.


WORSHIP AND MINISTRY Pastor McGeachy generally follows the lectionary each week, but there are occasional exceptions. We are making these available for those who may wish to read the likely scripture readings in advance of Sunday worship. The daily lectionary and the Mission Yearbook for Prayer and Study are available on our website: www.gileadchurch.org.

Lectionary for Sundays and Festivals Scripture Reference June 2015

2nd Sunday after Pentecost—June 7 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time / Proper 5

4th Sunday after Pentecost—June 21 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time / Proper 7

Semicontinuous1 Samuel 8:4–11 (12–15) 16–20 (11:14–15) Psalm 138 2 Corinthians 4:13–5:1 Mark 3:20–35

Complementary Genesis 3:8–15 Psalm 130 2 Corinthians 4:13–5:1 Mark 3:20–35

Semicontinuous

1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4–11, 19–23) 32–49 Psalm 9:9–20 or 1 Samuel 17:57–18:5,

10–16 Psalm 133 2 Corinthians 6:1–13 Mark 4:35–41

Complementary Job 38:1–11 Psalm 107:1–3, 23–32 Corinthians 6:1–13 Mark 4:35–41

3rd Sunday after Pentecost—June 14 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time / Proper 6

5th Sunday after Pentecost—June 28 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time / Proper 8

Semicontinuous 1 Samuel 15:34–16:13 Psalm 20 2 Corinthians 5:6–10 (11–13) 14–17 Mark 4:26–34

Complementary Ezekiel 17:22–24 Psalm 92:1–4, 12–15 Corinthians 5:6–10 (11–13) 14–17 Mark 4:26–34

Semicontinuous 2 Samuel 1:1, 17–27 Psalm 130 2 Corinthians 8:7–15 Mark 5:21–43

Complementary Lamentations 3:22–33 Psalm 30 Corinthians 8:7–15 Mark 5:21–43

6/7 Warren Behan

Renae Lent Louis Lent Phil Engler Bridget Kessman

6/14 Tina Annunziato Rob D'Ascoli

Rob LoAlbo

6/21 Penny Cameron Holly Hoffner

Marion Hoffner

6/28 Annina Celli Tony Stavrides

John Warren

http://www.gileadchurch.org/


GILEAD NEWS

New Chairs in the Lounge Pam and David Festa recently donated the new chairs in the Lounge.

Please come check them out and thank Pam and David.

June 7 Lori Hylton, formerly a member of Gilead, and now Office Assistant and Food Justice Coordinator for our Hudson River Presbytery, will be taking the pulpit on June 7 while Martin is in Delaware presiding at the wedding of two of our newest members, Bob Dutra and Linda Mahony. Please join us and extend a warm welcome to Ms. Hylton.

Gilead Greeting Cards Spring Greeting Cards are available in the

church lounge for a suggested donation of $1.00 per card! ALL DONATIONS GO TO GILEAD! Don’t forget those

important celebrations like Baptisms, Confirmations, Mother’s and Father’s Day, Graduations, Weddings, Birthdays and any reason to make someone SMILE and KNOW THAT THEY ARE LOVED!

Weddings Pastor Martin McGeachy and Cindy Kosacz are pleased to announce that they are getting married this August! The ceremony will take place during Gilead’s regular Sunday morning worship at 10:00 a.m. on August 23, and everyone is welcome to attend, and stay for an informal picnic under the tent after church. Bob Dutra and Linda Mahony.will be getting married on June 7th. Pastor McGeachy will be officiating.

HARP PERFORMANCE

Elizabeth Ojeda, Carnegie Hall and Eastman School of Music performer, will perform a benefit concert on

Sunday, June 14, at 3 pm at Gilead Presbyterian Church.

Tickets are $5.00 per person or $10.00 per family at the door. All proceeds will go to support Gilead’s life and ministry. A reception with the performer will follow.

Broken Hymnals If you find a hymnal that is damaged, please put in in the office so that it can be repaired. Thank you!

The Deadline for the July Shingle is

June 23rd.


Rebekka McGeachy graduated from Arlington High School and will be attending Dutchess Community College

Will Davern graduated from Carmel High School and will be attending SUNY Oneonta

Jessica Diaz will be attending Columbia College in Chicago.

Phoebe Foard graduated from Wagner College

Casey VanVlack graduated from Clinton Community college

Tori DuBon graduated from SUNY Geneseo

If we missed any high school or college graduate, please accept our apologies. We will be happy to acknowledge these accomplishments next month.

Revised Lay Reader List The Lay Reader List has recently been revised. The new list is posted on the bulletin board outside the church office.

Sanctuary Flowers The flower reservation chart for 2015 is posted in the hallway outside the office. This chart is for people to reserve a date to donate flowers for the

sanctuary. At least two weeks prior to the date selected, they should fill out the form under the chart to let us know if they will provide flowers or if they wish us to order flowers for them, if they have any special requests, and what they would like the bulletin to say. The flowers are $48 ($40 plus $8 delivery). They should give the form and payment to either Margery Amato or MaryLou Cassidy.

The Farm at Holmes The Farm at Holmes is offering farm shares for

the spring and summer 2015 season for $650 for a 20 week season that will run from late May through mid-October (actual

startup date will be announced as it is weather-dependent). The amount of vegetables varies each week, approximately enough for a family of four. Our pickup day will be each Thursday from 2-6pm. For additional information or want to find out if there are still memberships available email us at [email protected].

If you have questions, see the website for the helpful section “Frequently asked Questions” http://thefarmatholmes.org/.

To become a member please fill out the application. Mail the application with a check or credit card information (checks for $650 should be made out to PCA – the camp 501c3 organization behind the farm project). Completed applications should be mailed to:

The Farm at Holmes Camp

60 Denton Lake Road

Holmes, NY 12531

mailto:[email protected]

http://thefarmatholmes.org/


Session Notes May 2015 Session Synopsis Session had three meetings this April. Below are the highlights of each. Called joint meeting of Elders and Deacons with Stated Clerk of the Presbytery Susan DeGeorge, Saturday, May 9th at 10:00 a.m. in the Knieriem Room.

Discussion of Presbyterian

characteristics: relational,

representative,

constitutional

Discussion of duties of

Elders & Deacons, how

elected.

Examination of Pastor’s responsibilities,

primarily to preach the Word, administer

sacraments

Regular called meeting on Tuesday, May 12th at 7:30 p.m. in the lounge.

Pastor’s Report for April: 30 pastoral

care visits, 25 pastoral care phone

conversations, 1 funeral and 3

Presbytery functions. Communion was

not served, as it was served the last

weekend in March due to Easter.

Our April income was above average,

due to Easter, and the operating budget

is steady at present, but we may face

higher bills this month as our snowplow

company is slow in billing. Summertime

is tough, financially, as people are

away.

June 14th will be a busy day, with it

being Children’s Day, Sunday School

Superintendent Diana Drake Behan

being commissioned to attend a

conference, and the Davis family

coming for a visit to have a brief

memorial for Gina’s mother. An ice

cream social will follow worship.

Discussion regarding our boiler, which

failed to meet code in three areas. The

boiler is from the 1960s and is

inefficient. New information shows that

we may be able to have a natural gas

line run in, which would be a cheaper

fuel source than oil. Buildings and

Grounds will look at our fuel source

options and come up with a

report/proposals to we can replace the

boiler prior to heating season.

Our “Flower Power” fundraiser raised

around $300.

Congregant Bill Brett has self-published

a historical novel, “Next Year in

Constanta.” He would like to hold a

book talk at a local library and

donate any proceeds of the talk to

Gilead.

Session reviewed the

congregational survey and

approved, with edits.

Called Triennial meeting with members of the Presbytery’s Committee on Ministry on Tuesday, May 19th at 7:30 p.m. in the lounge.

Sharing of our experiences at Gilead,

ones that engaged, enlivened and

motivated us.

Noted that we are a community full of

compassion, nurture and care; a family

Noted that we also have a great deal of

anxiety taking away our energy from the

positives

Questions to look at: Who are we

(Gilead) now? What are we called to

do?

Doing ministry, reaching out, bringing

new people in, being the Church of

Jesus Christ

We are a church that really wants to

serve this community- must keep the

spark going

Do you have a concern or a suggestion that you would like Session to consider? Please see Pastor Martin if you would like to speak to Session, or ask any Session member to share your thoughts at the meeting. A list of Session committees and chairpersons can be found in the lounge. Please note that anyone is welcome to serve on one or more committees. The next regular meeting of Session will be Tuesday, June 9th, at 7:30 p.m. in the lounge.


Welcome to the Deacon’s Corner

Where you’ll find out what the Deacons have been up to each month!

The Deacons Did not meet during May.

If you have any prayer requests (joys or

concerns) you may email them to

[email protected] or post them

directly on the Gilead Group Facebook

Page.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1643333

80282707/

Are you in the loop?

Stay abreast of Presbyterian events, resources,

grants, and opportunities. Subscribe to Hudson Happenings, the bi-weekly online newsletter of the

Hudson River Presbytery. Subscribe by

emailing [email protected] or by clicking this

link http://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?llr=jupymrgab&p=oi&m=1106537889417&sit=xehoquegb For a hardcopy HH sign-up sheet that you can use, click here. If you do sign-up people by paper, please be sure to return them promptly to Noelle Damico, [email protected] or fax, 914-941-2263

Church Committees Gilead has a number of committees to help to run the church and keep it growing. Each committee is chaired by a member of Session.

If you would like to help out with this important work, please volunteer for one of the committees. Or, if you are unable to commit to that, but have a great idea, please talk to the

appropriate committee Chair. The committees and their Chairs are:

Buildings and Grounds John Vangor

Communications Pam Festa

Congregational Life Vacant

Education Margery Amato

Mission Stephanie Gould

Personnel Carolyn Lewis

Stewardship Lou Lent

Worship Tony Stavrides

Sermon Podcasts:

www.gileadchurch.org/multimedia.html or gilead.sermonpodcasts.com/. They are also available through iTunes software.

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/GileadChurch#p/u

Facebook: Public Page: o http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gile

ad-Presbyterian-Church/139888512714485

Facebook Closed Group: o http://www.facebook.com/groups/16

4333380282707/

When you click on the Gilead Facebook page, please make sure you click on the “Like” button – it’s another way to keep up with events at Gilead.


https://www.facebook.com/groups/164333380282707/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/164333380282707/



http://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?llr=jupymrgab&p=oi&m=1106537889417&sit=xehoquegb



http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rDbx_RH9O3f2iIhU5ZyfrGPLE2cIkX8Ln8LExbZKBC2XWvynl242CBNgjxao_z2R3Xs62Ju-RhGRuB2Uw1FwGlGT3fguDWX4c8FSqxssJr4aoyC-C_sHuzYQgcsSdeJzYj6Si_xGLXuEor2vjSq21C_lTFsD0uT36hardiO7BYE7uJNsOUBUV787zMjeCqIil_GGrI3eMA4tpCUoXgJa3qQDEIO5eNGt2xCD92dA2rMRc9yFHscSQ_4FvY3fppgmOWi4wXI76Uo=&c=8VyX791BF4ArniSSmd77xC6-4OY0noFlmNYlBg4K6hO3egSHNiWvFA==&ch=G6uynbklTm1ZRUVgKtDziydahIWOfD9246256C8mLa3yp4exAENObw==


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http://www.youtube.com/user/GileadChurch#p/u

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http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gilead-Presbyterian-Church/139888512714485



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OUTREACH AND MISSION Gilead Food Pantry The Gilead Food Pantry is open Friday mornings from 10:00 am until noon to offer food to those who are in need. Donations of food or funds are always welcome. Food items can be placed in the basket in the lounge, while funds are best given directly to Marj Williams or placed in the

offering basket with the notation “Food Pantry” on the envelope or memo line of your check.

The Food Pantry could especially use donations of tuna, pasta, soup, cake mix and frosting, coffee, tea, toilet paper, paper towels, soap (both bath and dish), paper towels, and pet food. Thank you! For more information on this important ministry, please see Marj Williams. While the goods received during the Kid’s Kitchen Collections have been a great help to the food pantry, please remember that other things continue to be needed, so please continue to bring other items on non-communion Sundays. Thanks!

The National Association of Letter Carriers and U.S. Postal Service conducted its annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive on Saturday, May 9th. A large portion of the items collected by the Carmel Post

Office are donated to our food pantry. We thank the Postal Service and its employees for their generosity!

Gilead Church School

Kid’s Kitchen

As has been our tradition, children bring an offering for the food pantry on the first Sunday of each month. We are expanding upon this tradition by introducing the Gilead Church School Kid’s Kitchen. Each month will have a different theme, and children are requested to bring up an item related to that theme with them during “Time for the Young at Heart”. In September, the children will receive a new calendar for the next 12 months to remind them what to bring each month. Please help your child to remember to bring this important offering for our food pantry ministry. The calendar for this school year follows, and will be also posted on the Church School Bulletin Board by the Church School entrance. If you have any questions about this offering project please see Diana Drake Behan. The theme for June is paper napkins and for July is Juice Boxes and Cookies

http://www.helpstampouthunger.com/




Presbyterian Disaster Relief - Nepal

The death toll from this past weekend’s devastating earthquake in Nepal continues to rise, closing in on 4,500. Rescue and recovery efforts are being hampered by the damage from collapsed buildings, landslides and aftershocks. Some villages and small communities have been virtually wiped out by the 7.8 magnitude quake, the worst in more than 80 years according to government officials.

The government of Nepal has declared a state of emergency, saying rescuers are still not able to reach some villages with needed food, water, blankets and medicine. Gathering information from the areas is a particular challenge. Ground transportation is hampered by debris in the roadways, and there are few helicopters to transport goods.

The quake struck on April 25 just west of the Nepali capital of Kathmandu and caused avalanches around Mount Everest. At least 20 hikers are known to have died, and dozens more injured, when an Everest basecamp was partially buried, according to government officials.

“Forty of the 75 districts in Nepal have been affected, some of them severely, especially in the central and hilly regions,” said Nirmal Singh, head of emergency for CASA (Church’s Auxiliary for Social Action). “Hospitals are near the breaking point with a rush of the injured, and some families lost more than one member in the calamity.”

Singh told Presbyterian Disaster Assistance staff that the powerful aftershocks on Sunday sent people scurrying into open fields, streets and school buildings. One tremor, he said, lasted more than 30 seconds and could be felt in India and Bhutan.

“Rescuers have been hunting for survivors under heaps of debris with bare hands as well as with heavy equipment, though the efforts have been hampered by fresh tremors, thunderstorms and snowfall in the mountain ranges,” he added. “With electric poles and lines uprooted, most parts of the country have no electricity, and

authorities say the situation is likely to continue for the next few days.”

Meantime, PDA is working with its partner in the region, ACT Alliance, whose members are already on the ground in Nepal, to meet immediate needs such as food, water and other supplies.

“As long-term recovery plans are developed, PDA will accompany and further financially support our partners in the area to ensure a comprehensive recovery is sustained,” said Laurie Kraus, PDA coordinator.

Financial support for relief efforts can be designated to DR999999 with reference to Nepal. Gifts can be made online, by phoning 800-872-3283 weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. EDT, by mailing a check to Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), PO Box 643700, Pittsburg, PA 15264-3700, or by texting “PDA” 20222 to make a $10 donation.

http://pda.pcusa.org/page/give/


Financial Report

As of 3/31/15:

Regular Income Year to Date 40,337

Expenses Year to Date 55,156

Surplus (Deficit) (14,819)

We have paid off the loan that we received from the Presbyterian Church

(USA) to renovate and rehabilitate our educational wing! However, we also borrowed $40,000 from our own long-term investment account, with the full intention of repaying ourselves. So please continue to make contributions

to the building fund.

We also have other capital needs, including a new boiler and repaving the parking lot. Your contributions can be directed toward these needs also.

Please see Brenda Verdesi if you have any questions.

.

Online Giving Is Now Available Online giving is an easy, secure way to support Gilead Presbyterian Church. You can conveniently make a donation at any time. Just go to the Gilead website www.gileadchurch.org, and click on the “Donate” button, and you will be taken to the PayPal website to complete the transaction. (Please note that PayPal keeps 2.2% plus $ .30 for each transaction as a processing fee.)

You can also click here


https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=kRZc3azUEYO1fhaJxhPhS_jEtmbZ3mRAknUvRXF5n0pNGQgQ3g8Pxlb380C&dispatch=5885d80a13c0db1f8e263663d3faee8d66f31424b43e9a70645c907a6cbd8fb4


We look forward to seeing you as we explore the

beauty of God’s creation!

GILEAD GROUPS

Faith Discussion Group The Faith Discussion Group meets on Thursday is the lounge 7:30 pm.

Visitors from other churches, the purely curious, those with a lifetime of faith, and those with little faith to speak of, are welcome along

with all hard-core Presbyterians. Continuity and context are maintained, but if you can’t make every session, you will find that each week the Holy Spirit deals with those who attend. So come when you can.

Gilead Designers

Gilead Designers will be meeting at Gilead at 6:30 pm on June 19th . Anyone interested in creating craft

projects is invited. Please see Mary Temple or Ellen Nielsen for more information.

Stretch Exercise Classes

Stretch Exercise Classes are being given every

Monday and Thursday at 11:00 am at Gilead. Annina and her friend Brigitta have organized this ongoing class. There is a charge of $1.00 per class which is

being donated to Gilead every month. Those with physical problems would especially benefit by these classes. Everyone is welcome. If further information is needed, please contact Annina at 845-225-7012.

SpiritWalkers (Ecumenical

Hiking Group)

God spoke, “Let us make human beings in our image,

make them reflecting our nature

So they can be responsible for the fish in the sea,

The birds in the air, the cattle, and, yes, Earth itself, And every animal that moves on the face of the earth.”

Genesis1:26-28 We are looking at options for the future of Spirit Walkers. If you have an interest in hiking with us, please send a message to Mariah ([email protected]) or John

([email protected]) and let us know

what you would like to do.

For those who wanted to hike Mountain Lakes Park with us last month but didn't make it, we will be repeating the trail on Saturday, June 20th at 10:00 a.m. for Mariah's "Climb Out of the Darkness" hike to raise awareness of and support for postpartum mood disorders. You need to register for this hike, solely for legal purposes. There is no fee. For more information, you can check out http://bit.ly/COTDHudsonValley2015. Hope to see you on the trail! Mariah & John Warren .



http://bit.ly/COTDHudsonValley2015


Gilead Prayer Chain The prayer chain organized by the Deacons is an avenue of support for congregation members who are experiencing joy, pain or dealing with

unexpected situations. Currently there are 19 members who have volunteered to be on the prayer chain and are emailed/called about prayer request as they come in. The Prayer

chain is a fast way to gain a community of support when you need it! If you have any joys/concerns you would like us to hear about, Prayers can be emailed to:

Prayer Chain Coordinator: Lindsay D’Ascoli :

[email protected]

If you would like to volunteer to be added to our prayer chain email list

Email [email protected] or contact (845)225-0221

.PET PRAYER CHAIN AND PET KORNER All things bright and

beautiful, All creatures great

and small, All things wise and

wonderful, The Lord God made

them all.

God cares about His creatures, and so do we. If your pet or you is in need of prayer due to your concern over your pet, please do not hesitate to call one of us: Alicia Briley 845-228-4672 Mary Lou Cassidy 845-225-7268 Shirley De Vries 845-279-8688 Joyce Scott 845-225-7293 Sue Surovic 845-225-2988

Young Adults of Gilead Calling all Young Adults of Gilead - there is now a Facebook group just for you "Gilead

Presbyterian Young Adults". What age group are the Young Adults of Gilead? People post confirmation through college graduation. The group is brand new. It was created 4/24/12 and comments are appreciated. it is a place where you can find support and help when you need it or provide support and help when someone needs it. It is a way to stay connected to Gilead or reconnect with Gilead. Links to the Gilead website and PCUSA are there and events will be added they become known. Look for scripture and postings by Micah Rose Emerson, a former youth director of Gilead. Use the group as a way to keep God by your side as you find your way in the world. Come and have a look!

Our Daily Bread Please note that the current issue of our Daily Bread is now available in the lounge. Pick one up for some daily inspiration.






The Pet Prayer Chain And Pet Korner Reminds You:

It Is Tick Season

How to deal with ticks

Take away the spots they’re likely to

hang—trim shrubs and keep grassy areas

mowed. Wear clothes that make it hard for

them to get to skin and easy to spot—light-

colored clothing and long sleeves; tuck

pants into socks at ankles. Check yourself,

kids, and pets regularly—especially when

you’ve been out in a meadow or woods.

Got one on you? You want to remove it

without squishing it or leaving the head

(which will be nestled into the skin) behind.

Matches, nail polish, or petroleum jelly

could irritate it, increasing the chance it’ll

transmit disease. Grasp it as close to the

skin as possible (tweezers could help) and

pull steadily until the little bugger lets go.

Then treat the bite with first aid as you

would a scratch. If you think the tick fed for

more than 24 hours, keep it for ID and

possible diagnostic work by putting in the

freezer or a small jar with rubbing alcohol.

What they look like

Ticks have eight legs. You’ll most likely find

them on your family or pets. Around here

we’ve got American dog ticks, brown dog

ticks, Lone Star ticks, Ixodes cookei and

deer ticks (aka the black-legged tick). The

ones that blow up to be a gray balloon are

dog ticks. Other than that it can be hard to

tell without a magnifier. Diagnostic labs

can help you ID what kind you’ve found.

Where they live

Moist areas with long grass, or branches at

people- or deer-height. The shrubby

boarder between a lawn and the woods is

a hot spot. So are meadows.

Cornell University – New York State

Integrated Pest Management Program

http://www.nysipm.cornell.edu/whats_bugging_you/ticks/default.asp Graphic:

https://naturalunseenhazards.wordpress.com/t

ag/ticks/

http://www.nysipm.cornell.edu/whats_bugging_you/ticks/default.asp

http://www.nysipm.cornell.edu/whats_bugging_you/ticks/default.asp

https://naturalunseenhazards.wordpress.com/tag/ticks/

https://naturalunseenhazards.wordpress.com/tag/ticks/


Your Concrete

Weekly

Devotionals

by Rob LoAlbo

Join us in spirit every Thursday at 9:00 PM, and

pray with us for 10 minutes. These devotionals are

posted on Facebook at that time every week to

assist. For those not on Facebook, below are

some of those weekly devotionals. Use them with

us as a way to join our prayer group. We look

forward to “seeing” you there!

June 4: Unconditional love is sometimes hard

to find and maintain, but this past weekend, I

saw perhaps the most quintessentially perfect

example of it ever. As a friend of mine, and a

fellow teacher, John is one of the manliest

people I know. At 6 foot 2 and 220 pounds

(with most of it muscle), he cuts an imposing

but reserved figure. As my school’s wrestling

coach, he drills his team hard and on to many

victories. So it came as quite a surprise to me

when he told me that he would be starring as

Daddy Warbucks in the musical “Annie”. He

came about the role because his 8-year old

daughter volunteered him for the production

(most likely because he is already bald to

begin with and thus looks the part), and he

didn’t want to disappoint her. Never having

acted or sang in public before, he was a mess

of nerves about having to be on stage. As

such, the director assigned him four songs,

several lines, and even a dance number, all of

which he slaved away at for a month in

practices. Over that month, he turned various

shades of crimson as he spoke of his

participation, but he also refused to give up.

Not wanting to miss the opportunity to see him

act, sing, and dance, I attended the

performance ready to lovingly poke fun at his

contributions. Instead, what I witnessed was a

father that loved his daughter so much that he

would do anything for her. His unconditional

love for her propelled him forward through that

afternoon. Afterward, he confessed to me that

he felt like a fool up on stage, but I told him that

if his daughter didn’t already think it before, she

now knows he’s the greatest dad in the world.

The unconditional love he showed her was so

perfect that it was hard to miss and hard not to

adore. It’s that same unconditional love that

Christ has for us, love that says He would do

anything for us because He loves us more than

we can imagine. 1 John 3.16 defines His

unconditional love in this way: “This is how we

know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his

life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives

for our brothers and sisters.” There is no

greater love that one can have for another than

to give up his or her life for them. On that stage

that day, John gave up all the dignity and pride

he had, putting aside what anyone might think

of him, because he loved his daughter that

much. How much more Christ loves us in that

He would sacrifice His own life for us despite

how we speak of Him, ignore Him, and refuse

Him on a daily basis. It is unconditional love

that Christ shows us in that He would still

choose to die for us even when we reject Him.

We are His children, and He longs to love us

no matter what the personal cost, a trait that

was imitated and reflected in this father’s

dedication to his daughter’s wishes. As His

children, we may never fathom the depth of

Christ’s love for us, but we can try to remember

His unwavering dedication. This week, look to

model and imitate that dedication to those

around you, embodying the same self-sacrifice

for those you love. Let Christ’s unconditional

love shine brightly through you, as your

example may end up being a quintessentially

perfect example for those who may miss it

otherwise. Amen.

________________________________________________________ June 11: As it would happen, the last day of April (today) is officially National Poem in Your Pocket Day, and I wanted to do something big. As someone who believes in community, connection, and beauty, I saw the day as a chance to do something wonderful and special, and have us as a school be connected by it. The night before, I had a vision: that everyone in the school, students, faculty, staff, administration, would have a poem in their pocket by the end of the day. So, I found ten poems that would motivate, inspire, and challenge people, and I mass photocopied


them all. Making ten piles, I told my students that they would be armed with poems for the day and would be in charge of distributing them to the whole school. (I also asked another teacher in my department to join in, who was way more than willing to do so.) I told my students that this was an opportunity to make people feel wanted and special. I told them to take seven poems: one for themselves, five for five people they didn’t know, and one for someone who works in the building. I mentioned that there are many people, students and staff, who feel that they don’t matter, that no one thinks of them, and that for the most part, they feel invisible. Today was the day that they would feel wanted and seen, when someone they didn’t know gave them something beautiful. I wasn’t really sure how this would go over, but by midday, I saw a distinct change in the school that began with such a small gesture. Like a chain event, where one person made someone else feel good, which in turn made the giver feel good, who then wanted to give out more poems, and so on, joy was everywhere. Students were talking and smiling at one another, and teachers came by excitedly showing all the poems they were getting. And they all weren’t just stuffing them in their pockets; they were reading them, talking about them, and creating a community. The biggest testament was that out of over a thousand poems, I didn’t find a single one on the floor, as everyone found value in the event. One good deed begat another, where those who modeled the deed influenced others to be kind to others, and so on. Ephesians 4.32 exemplifies this chain of events: “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Christ is the ultimate example, and when we model ourselves after Him, others see that light and can’t help but want to be a part of it, letting it shine through themselves as others are drawn to it. This month started with a spark of an idea and burned into a roaring fire because of a little kindness and love. We often times don’t realize the enormous effect we are capable of, and how we can change people’s lives with so little. There was nothing great about my actions, but my charge of kindness to a small group lead to so many feeling so much

better about themselves to the point that I feel as if I only caught a glimpse of the good that was done. This week, create a spark by modeling Christ’s love and kindness. You may not always be able to witness the entirety of your impact, but then again, it may still turn into a fire beyond your control. Amen. _____________________________________

June 18: This past week, I, along with many others, celebrated the ritualistic holiday of “Cinco de Mayo,” a day when we all eat at Mexican restaurants and revel into the wee hours of the morning. Having a child in tow, I am limited in life as to how much reveling I can partake, so the evening had to promptly end at bedtime (aka 7:30). Additionally, as I am no longer single and in my twenties, the amount of drinks was limited to one (which was easy since the cost was high and the cup was small). So, I found myself indulging in one of my favorite pastimes: the all you can eat buffet. Stretching around the patio, the savory feast included maybe ten different kinds of meats, various chip and vegetable combos, grilled and seared items, and overstuffed tortillas. Being a fan, I tried to pace myself. Despite justifying my first trip with a side salad, I quickly loaded up, making four total trips for more, not to mention eating what my family could not, and not including the various items I grabbed in passing. And the kicker to it all is that the food wasn’t exactly the elixir of life or the food of the gods: it was just pretty good. I ate so much that the next day, I wasn’t hungry for lunch. Those who saw me the next day said that I looked down and depressed, and I felt it. I felt gross in my own skin, lethargic and disgusting. I had spent so much time indulging my appetite, that I pushed myself past my own physical limits. Looking back, I can’t quite figure out why I was so bent on eating as much as I did, except when I start to look at it from the perspective of our sinful nature. Romans 8.5-6 says that “for those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” My mind was so set on fulfilling the needs of my flesh, that eating itself


became an insatiable hunger. With every bite, I anxiously waited for the next mouthful to satisfy me. When it didn’t, I moved on to the next entrée, hoping to find fulfillment there. Sin has a similar nature. When our goals are set on satisfying any aspect of our bodies, we become so enraptured with satiation that we continue down that road, hoping that the next experience will satisfy us. Taking an objective and Christian look at the situation, we should know that there is no level of satisfaction to be achieved: no matter how far down that road we travel, it just becomes longer and more winding, leading to our own destruction. Many of us are dead set on satisfying some aspect of our life that will never plateau. We continue to obsess with fulfilling ourselves, destroying our spirit in the process. The only real lasting and fulfilling satisfaction we will find in life is through the love of Christ. By turning to Him and seeking Him out in all we do, we will find ourselves fulfilled and desiring nothing more than Him. Look to your life this week and identify what it is that just growing hungrier with each encounter and realize that feeding it more will never satisfy it. Amen.

June 25: I recently received a letter that referred to God’s ability to hear us despite our feelings to the contrary. In the letter, the author (who is also my brilliant and devout uncle) said that astronomers estimate that the Milky Way Galaxy, our galaxy, contains over 200 billion stars just like our sun. Additionally, there are billions of galaxies like the Milky Way, with more being found every day. Some of these galaxies are millions of light years apart from each other, a light year being the distance light travels in a year (the speed of which is 186,000 miles per second). As such, it would take 100,000 years at the speed of light just to cross from one edge of the Milky Way to the other. With the Hubble telescope and others like it, astronomers can still only see about 5% of our ever-expanding universe. Recently, astronomers discovered galaxy EGS-zs8-1, which is 13.1 billion light years away (meaning that it is also 13.1 billion years old). As you might imagine, our universe is so vast, complex, and detailed, that we aren’t even a small tear in a large salty sea. In a universe

this large, can God really hear our prayers despite all that is going on in it? My uncle also wrote to me about Hannah, the focus of 1Samuel 1 and 2. One day, the priest Eli was resting. Hannah was praying to the Lord and told Him that if He made her able to conceive and give birth to a son, she would dedicate the child to Him all the days of his life. Hannah was barren, which was a source of scorn from others, but her husband still loved her. Eli the priest was watching her pray but did not know she was praying: “As she kept on praying to the LORD, Eli observed her mouth. Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk and said to her, ‘How long are you going to stay drunk? Put away your wine.’ ‘Not so, my lord,’ Hannah replied, ‘I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the LORD. Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief’” (1 Samuel 1.12-16). Shortly after, Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son because God heard her prayer. She called him Samuel which literally means “heard by God.” Despite the fact that Hannah was praying in her heart, where no one could hear her, and despite the fact that the earth is such a tiny part of an enormous solar system, God heard her prayer. We often doubt the effectiveness of our prayers, thinking that they are going unheard because they are not answered in the way we desire them to be, but the truth is that God hears our every thought, desire, and want, despite the seemingly small nature of our existence. It is Hannah’s example that displays God’s love for us, that despite not only the unceasing noise of this world but despite the billions of light years size of our universe, God can still hear your smallest prayer in your heart. So, when you pray this week, be sure to know that He can hear you, is actively listening to you, and loves you so much that He would cross a universe just to answer your prayer. Amen.


The CNS Pre-K Program is Gilead's nonsectarian school for 2 1/2 to 5 year olds. Since it was founded in 1949, the Pre-School has been a respected community resource for early childhood education. Our staff consists of three teachers and an aide with many years of experience at CNS between them. All are active members of the community and volunteers in the school district.

The school offers two, three and five day programs. They follow the same calendar as the Carmel Central School

district. In preparing a child for Kindergarten, their philosophy is teaching the whole child to grow. They provide a daily routine balanced between academic skills and lessons, crafts, free and structured play time, music, story time, computer time, snack, and outdoor activities on the large playground. The curriculum was developed in conjunction with the area kindergarten teachers to best prepare the child for kindergarten and instill an enthusiasm for learning in a fun loving environment. Utilizing the team teaching method, three teachers give a student to teacher ratio of approximately 8 to 1. For children scheduled to enter public school in September of the year, we routinely prepare a detailed evaluation of Kindergarten readiness.

For more information, please call the school at 845-225-8044, or visit them at www.carmelnurseryschool.com, or on Facebook.

Used with permission. Copyright Gospel Communications International, Inc.

www.reverendfun.com

Used with permission.

©Communication Resources, Inc. www.churchart.com

http://www.carmelnurseryschool.com/

https://www.facebook.com/CarmelNurserySchool


FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES

Tastefully Simple So far you helped raise over $100 for Gilead, simply by ordering The Food That You Love!

The Tastefully Simple Fundraiser will continue each month with a featured special. A link has been posted on the website, so you can order anytime.

If you would rather place your order with me or have any questions, please call me!

Cynthia Davern Tastefully Simple Senior Consultant

"the food you love, the time you deserve" 845-225-3878

[email protected]

There is an easy way to help Gilead’s finances if you shop at Amazon.com. Gilead receives a commission from Amazon if you enter their site through Gilead’s web page. Just go to www.gileadchurch.org and click on Gilead Staff Recommendations on the left side menu – the bottom choice just above the church’s name.

You can also reach that page directly at www.gileadchurch.org/marketplace4.html . You can bookmark the page for easier access!

From that page you can view books, music, and other items recommended by Gilead staff members, or search Amazon directly.



http://www.gileadchurch.org/marketplace4.html


Please accept our apologies if we have missed you during the year. If you wish to share these events, please either send an email to [email protected] or leave a write it on a slip of paper and leave it in The Shingle mail slot in the office.

For more information about Gilead Church, please visit our web site: www.gileadchurch.org

Please remember that the deadline for submissions is the 20th of each month. Submissions preferably can be emailed to Martin McGeachy at the church office: [email protected] with a copy to Warren Behan at [email protected], or you may drop off a hard copy at the Office.

Gilead Presbyterian Church 9 Church St.

Carmel, NY 10512 845-225-4586

Email: [email protected]

Martin McGeachy Pastor

Fran Croughan Youth Director

Mary Temple Music Director

Acknowledgements: Some Images © FaithClipart.com or ©Communication Resources, Inc. www.churchart.com

Birthdays

6/1 Leanne Moody 6/18 Brandon Miletti

6/2 Chris Devlin 6/20 Dean Silverblade

6/3 Jacob Verdesi 6/24 Cindy Briley

6/6 Joseph Montano 6/24 April Behan

6/8 William Brett 6/24 Elaine Cole

6/8 Craig Dickson 6/26 Erica Alfonzetti

6/11 Brandon Davis 6/30 Maeve Healy

6/12 Allison DiPippo

6/12 David Krebs Anniversaries

6/13 Brandon Devlin

6/13 Caroline Francis 6/6 Mary & John Temple

6/13 Carl Erickson, Jr 6/11 Becky & Merwin Foard

6/14 Joyce Scott 6/21 Lauren & Rob LoAlbo

6/16 Mark Surovic 6/22 LucyLee & Jose Ojeda

6/16 Sean Regan Ann & Greg Clark

6/17 Kirsten Sweeney 6/25 Shirley & Don DeVries

6/18 Carolanne Browne






http://www.faithclipart.com/

http://www.churchart.com/

Lay Reader: Mariah WarrenTrinity Sunday10:00 AM Morning Worship withHoly Communion and ChurchSchool11:00 AM Youth Activity GradesPre-K to 4

7:00 PM AAMeeting

7:30 PMEducationTeam Meeting

6:30 PM BellChimesReheasal7:00 PM AAMeeting7:45 PM SeniorChoir Rehearsal

11:00 AMStretchExercise Class7:30 PM FaithDiscussionGroup

10:00 AM PRPH

Lay Reader: Warren BehanLori Hylton, Guest Speaker10:00 AM Morning Worship andChurch School

7:00 PM AAMeeting

7:30 PMSessionMeeting



7:00 PM YouthActivity:OuddoorGames

10:00 AM PRPH

Flag DayLay Reader: Tina Annunziato10:00 AM Children's Day Service11:00 AM Ice Cream Social afterWorship3:00 PM Elizabeth Ojeda HarpConcert

7:00 PM AAMeeting



6:30 PMGileadDesigners

10:00 AM PRPH4:00 PM PlaylandTrip

Father's DayFirst Day of SummerLay Reader: Penny Cameron10:00 AM Morning Worship11:00 AM Youth Serve CoffeeHour12:00 PM Youth Planning Meeting

7:00 PM AAMeeting



10:00 AM PRPH

Lay Reader: Annina Celli10:00 AM Morning Worship

7:00 PM AAMeeting

7:00 PM AAMeeting


IndependenceDay10:00 AM PRPH

The Shingle - June 2015

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