Vision

A newsletter of the First United Presbyterian Church

Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors
November 2010

STEWARDSHIP THOUGHTS from the Pastor

What's inside:
11 Announcements Stewardship time, and you have questions, right? How much should I give?
7 Birthdays How much can I afford? Should I pledge? Will I give a fixed dollar – or a per-
13 Calendar centage of income? Good questions, but maybe a bit beside the point. Let
1 Feature: STEWARDSHIP me share a story that helps show what I mean.
1 Thoughts from the Pastor
FUPC's Goal is 100% — When I was five, my father had back surgery. Not all that unusual, except
3 Tear off card for YOUR support! that he was at that time a dairy farmer. It was time for planting silage for the
Cool Congregations: Stewardship of cows, alfalfa for hay and wheat for the harvest. Without them, we would fail.
8 the Earth Riding a tractor, however, was out of the question; in fact, he could barely sit
10 FAITH EDUCATION
up. One of our closest neighbors stopped to see how we were doing. He lis-
2 FUPC is under construction
HELP Wanted
tened, then left without saying much. Two mornings later, we were awak-
12
4 Joseph’s House ened by the sound of one tractor after another pulling into our barnyard,
6 MUSIC each with a harrow and drill on the back, ready to plant whatever we needed.
13 Oakwood Decommissioning By nightfall, ten neighbors saved our farm. All refused payment, even for
10 Operation Christmas Child fuel, and none ever spoke of it again. They didn’t ask what they ought to do,
2 Our Pastors or how much was enough. They were a community and understood what it
7 Poinsettia Order Form meant to share what they had for the good of others.
12 Prayers
5 Session Notes My understanding of stewardship and what it means in my life has been
9 THE Retirement Party to Remember shaped by such experiences. Stewardship is not about what I ought to give as
12 Unity House a duty, but rather what I want to share in gratitude. What does this commu-
6 Victorian Stroll nity mean to me? What does it mean to be God’s child in this place? How
6, 10 Youth and Young Adults have I been gifted and blessed, and how do I use those gifts in a way that say
“thank you” to God and the community around me? How do I use my time
and my talents as well as my financial resources in a way that reflect what I
believe in my heart and soul?
To me, that is stewardship--a life of gratitude to God for all that I have been
given. It takes many forms, from time shared to a hand lent to skills shared.
And, yes, it’s about pledging, too. I invite you, in this season, to reflect on
what you want to share with First United Presbyterian Church—time, talents
and treasure. At this time of transition and change, how we share as a com-
munity is more important than ever. I invite you to prayerfully consider how
you will share in this community in the coming year, and to fill out the form
on page 3.

Peace,
Ken Applegate
page 1
FUPC is UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Every church is always “under construction” as it strives to dis-
cern God’s will – and to do it. Currently, FUPC is “under con-
struction” – or renovation in several ways. It’s a stressful
time; it’s scary; it’s exciting; it is even liberating!
FUPC is transitioning pastors.
Reverend Alexandra Lusak retired last month.
Reverend Ken Applegate is delivering great sermons and
moderating Session during October and November.
Reverend Paul Randall will deliver the sermon on Nov. 14,
as Rev. Applegate has a previous commitment.
During Oct and Nov., Rev. Donna Elia and the Rev. Al Siegel
are providing emergency pastoral care. They can be
reached through the church office or Chandlee Gill, clerk of
session, at 274-0478.
Your Session selected the Reverend Jackie Pinkowski as
FUPC’s interim pastor. She will begin on December 5 (may
stop in at the Nov. 28 potluck) and will be here for approxi-
mately 1 year.
In the next year, FUPC will continue “under construction.”
Repair or replacement of the roof over fellowship hall
Session and the Congregation will be rethinking FUPC’s
staffing and finances
The congregation will be working through the Presbyterian
process of self-assessment and “search” for a permanent
pastor. (Expect more information in January.)
We already see success in some of our “construction” efforts.
In 2007, FUPC made the decision to seek a full-time Minis-
ter of Music. Lots of discussion — even skepticism!
Maury Castro joined FUPC’s staff in August 2008. He built
a foundation for FUPC’s music programs, which are now
growing!
When financial crisis loomed, Session made the bold deci-
sion to maximize rental revenues. Although we miss some
comfortable spaces that we “lost” to tenants, the income
allows FUPC to continue to do God’s work in Troy.
FUPC values high quality faith education, and has tried vari-
ous staffing plans for the program. Leslie Kelly began as Co-
ordinator of Educational Ministries only two months ago
and improvements are already obvious!
The best is yet to come!
.
OUR PASTORS —
Reverend Ken Applegate — is preaching and moderating Ses-
sion at FUPC in October and November. Ken is an ordained
Presbyterian minister and has served the Albany Presbytery in
many ways, as pastor, trustee, committee member and chair.
He is a frequent pulpit supply as churches move through pas-
toral changes. Ken works as a carpenter Mon. thru Fri. at Hud-
son Valley Restorations in Lansingburgh, where he a partner.
Reverend Paul Randall — is preaching at FUPC on November
14. (Rev. Applegate has a previous commitment.) Paul is a re-
tired pastor who worships at Westminster Presbyterian Church
in Albany, where he also sings in the choir.
AND — OUR INTERIM PASTOR:
Reverend Jacquelyn J. S. Pinkowski — will serve as FUPC’s full
time, interim pastor for approx. 1 year as the congregation goes
through the requisite process of “searching” for a new, perma-
nent pastor.
Rev. Pinkowski has been serving as interim pastor in Montana
for the past year and will begin at FUPC on Dec. 5. The follow-
ing is an excerpt from the presentation she will make to Presby-
tery on Nov. 16.
“I was born in Cincinnati, Ohio and spent most of my life there
learning to enjoy the arts, educational opportunities and excite-
ment of a larger city. At the same time I spent a lot of time on
the farm. My mother was raised on a farm in Gallipolis
(Southeastern Ohio) and that became my second home. This
has helped me to enjoy living in the city as well as understand-
ing and appreciating what life is like on the farm. The Presbyte-
rian Church was a vital part of my growing up – both in Cincin-
nati and Gallipolis. It was here I felt at home and accepted.
“I married at a very early age and had 2 wonderful children
early in the marriage. Again, the church was the central focus
for our family. I was ordained a Deacon when my children were
young and then an Elder several years later. As my children
grew I started evening college at the University of Cincinnati
with an emphasis in psychology. It was during this time that I
first felt God calling me into ministry.
“My marriage ended after 25 years and I began exploring
where God was leading me now. That searching led to starting
my own consulting business in “people skills” and traveling the
country presenting seminars for the business community. Dur-
ing this time I realized that I was in ministry and came to a new
understanding of the “priesthood of all believers.” Several
years later a colleague asked if I had ever regretted not going to
seminary. That opened the floodgates and within three years I
found myself commuting from Cincinnati to Chicago each week
so that I could keep my consulting business going as well as at-
tend McCormick Seminary full time.
“I was ordained in 1997, the same year that I married Ron Pin-
kowski. Since my ordination, I have served various size congre-
gations, from small rural churches to large city churches and
have fallen in love with Interim Ministry.
page 2
It’s STEWARDSHIP SEASON –

The Goal is 100%! I plan to support FUPC in 2011!

FUPC is a community of special people. We have different skills, Please complete this card and place it in the offering
resources, personalities and beliefs. We love each other. We
plate or mail it to the church office by Nov. 21, 2010.
respect each other. We pray for each other. Together we seek
God’s will – and we work together to do it. FINANCIAL SUPPORT --
I/We plan to make financial contributions in the amount
November is traditionally the time when churches ask their of $_______________ in 2011.
members and friends to prayerfully plan their participation for
I/We will contribute: ___ Wkly ___Mnthly ___Quarterly
the upcoming year. Members are asked to provide their church
with information about their planned participation – financial ___________________________________
AND otherwise – so that the church can plan the upcoming pro-
(Name, please print)
gram year.

In previous years, during these fall campaigns, we have consid- OTHER SUPPORT –
ered:
Additionally, I/We plan to support FUPC by:
Completing “planned offering” cards as a way of assisting
FUPC in developing its budget for the upcoming year; __ Attendance at worship
__ Praying for FUPC regularly
the spiritual discipline of making regular, planned offerings
of talents and resources; __ Participating in choir
our offerings as gratitude for God’s bountiful generosity to __ Leading adult education
us;
__ Providing office coverage for a few hours
our participation at FUPC as part of a continuum whereby __ Teaching faith education
each generation joins “a great cloud of witnesses” to God’s
grace – and provides for the next generation of believers. __ Participating in _________________ ministry or
committee
other ways I am able to contribute:
This year, our FUPC faith community needs the support of EACH
member more than ever! FUPC needs EACH member to com- _________________________
plete the tear-off form on the right indicating their planned sup-
port for 2011 -- time, talent or treasure.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION –

Why fill out and return the card? ___ I prefer to put my offering in an
Writing the plan on the card formalizes it in YOUR mind. It envelope. Please send envelopes to me
gives you a specific goal. ____ My offering will be in the form of stock
The returned cards are REALLY helpful in the church’s plan- ____ I will make these offerings via “automatic” pay-
ning process for 2011. (The Stewardship Chairman receives ments from my checking account
the cards, adds the amounts together, communicates the
total to your Session – and destroys the cards. The total pro-
vides a starting place for the annual program budget. )
This evidence of support is valuable information for our new
interim pastor. FUPC is not “in decline” – it IS a small com- First United Presbyterian Church
munity of committed believers.
1915 Fifth Ave., Troy, NY 12180
In a few months, FUPC will post information to attract pastor www.unitedprestroy.org
applicants. FUPC membership’s 100% response to the 2011
planned giving campaign will attract the best applicants.

page 3
Your Offering – How Much?
Joseph’s House

Have you ever calculated what percentage of your income you The state budget cut funding for homeless programs
spend on cable TV? On telephone? On church offerings? It can while families continue to slide into homelessness.
be very interesting – and uncomfortably revealing. Our local homeless shelter, Joseph’s House turns
away people almost every night FUPC directs some it
its mission dollars to Joseph’s House ($500 from Dea-
First, locate your weekly or annual income in the columns on the cons budget). Additionally, FUPC assists in some of
left of the chart below. the Joseph’s House programs.
MEALS – Joseph’s House staff cook dinner Mon – Fri-
day. Local churches provide weekend meals on a ro-
Then, think about the average weekly amount – on average for
tating basis. FUPC is providing meals for the Dec. 18-
the ENTIRE year. Look across the line that correlates to your in-
19 weekend, and is looking for a volunteer to lead the
come to find your average weekly spending. The TOP of the col-
food preparation team
umn indicates the % of income.
INN FROM THE COLD – FUPC and other local
INCOME
churches help Joseph’s House by providing space for
2% 5% 6% 8% 10% some “overflow” in winter. This “Inn From the Cold”
Weekly Annual
program is seeking volunteers to assist the staff for
$200 $10,400 $4 $10 $12 $16 $20 these overnights. To hear more and/or take the re-
quired volunteer training, attend a coffee hour talk
with Paul Delio from Joseph’s House on Nov. 14 at
$300 $15,600 $6 $15 $18 $24 $30
11:30am at Christ Church United Methodist . If you
have questions, call John Husson at 233-0847. He
$400 $20,800 $8 $20 $24 $32 $40 and others have found this to be a richly rewarding
ministry.
$500 $26,000 $10 $25 $30 $40 $50 WINTER WALK – FUPC encourages members to par-
ticipate in this important fund raiser for Joseph’s
$600 $31,200 $12 $30 $36 $48 $60 House!
Attend the Winter Walk Kick-Off Reception on De-
$800 $41,600 $16 $40 $48 $64 $80 cember 2 and enjoy a great meal with music and
dancing. You can complete some of your holiday
shopping at the Silent Auction and Holiday Raffle.
$900 $46,800 $18 $45 $54 $72 $90
Attend the Pancake Breakfast from 8:30 – 10:30AM
at the First Baptist Church on Third Street in Troy.
$1,000 $52,000 $20 $50 $60 $80 $100
Participate in the Winter Walk itself on Saturday,
$1,500 $78,000 $30 $75 $90 $120 $150
Dec. 4th at 11am, through a pledge – OR by joining
in the Walk.
Contact Paul Dellio pdellio@josephshousetroy.org or
$2,000 $40 $100 $120 $160 $200
$104,00 272-2544, ext. 15.
0

page 4
Session Notes Session Notes (continued)
On September 27, the session On October 31 — approved a 1-year contract with the
Rev. Jacqueline Sower Pinkowski to serve as interim pas-
Shared a pot luck meal together for the last session meeting with
tor.
Alexandra Lusak as moderator.
Salary $33,000
Met with the Rev. Tom Gregg, pastor of West Charlton Presbyte- Housing 20,000
rian Church and Committee on Ministry representative to FUPC Medical Reimbursement 2,000
during the time between installed pastors. Reviewed the Presby- Total Effective Salary $55,000
tery policy for interactions between the retiring pastor and the Benefits:
congregation. The following statement must be announced: Social Security Offset (7.65%) 4,207
Pension & Medical (31.5%) 17,325
When a pastor or a member of the Presbytery's professional Dental Insurance
staff resigns from a pastorate, retires from service, or becomes Vouchered Expenses 750
Pastor Emeritus, that person must cease to perform official func- Continuing Education 1,640
tions, such as weddings, baptisms, funerals, hospital visitation or Vouchered mileage 1,500
counseling for people in the community. The bonds of friendship Total Benefits 25,422
need not be broken, but the OFFICIAL relationship must be termi- Total package $80,422
nated to allow for the successor to truly become the pastor of the (+ Dental Insurance)
congregation, or Presbytery administrator. It is inappropriate to Vacation of one month (4 Sundays), study leave of 2
request the former pastor or administrator to perform such pas- weeks, and full moving costs
toral duties. If requested, he or she must tactfully decline.
(http://albanypresbytery.org/com/com_policies/
com_relationship_policy.pdf)
Welcomed Jennifer Nelson into membership by profession of faith
Approved the communion schedule for 2011
Agreed to a moratorium on NEW building use requests until Jan. 1. GET BACK IN THE HABIT
The building is almost fully used many days, and room set up and Summer has interrupted our usual church habits.
oversight is difficult.
BUT now we are back to our usual worship
Approved expenditure for a temporary “fix” for the fellowship hall
service. So this is a reminder to remember the
roof until a permanent solution is planned and funds are raised.
Deacons envelope in the pew rack. These
Received the Don Bowes’ resignation from session, effective Dec.
31. The session expressed its thanks to Don for his service. contributions provide the life line for your
Approved recommendation from the Faith Education Committee Deacons to continue their support of so many
to participate in Operation Christmas Child missions within our congregation and out to our
Approved sponsoring the Marriage Equality NY Wedding March community.
Oct. 16.
Approved contribution to the Labor Religion Coalition in recogni-
tion of its 30th anniversary.
Agreed to continue to offer Equal Exchange coffee and chocolate
products for sale at fellowship time.
On October 25, the session
Received an update from the interim search committee
Clarified definition of exempt and non exempt staff means.
Received the 2009 financial statements and Financial Review let-
ter as required by the Book of Order.
Reviewed finances at 3rd quarter 2010 and authorized a $13,000
withdrawal from the Bradt Building Fund for rental repairs and
repairs to the furnace.
Approved Bonnie McCaig’s request to pay to paint fellowship hall
balcony area in remembrance of Robin Wheeler .
Heard a report on the recent server, data and email problems.

page 5
 Ministry of Music News
from Maury Castro
“Music is for everyone” – if you go to the home page
Victorian Stroll Music
of the music portion of the church website, this statement
will greet you. At First United, this statement is more than In addition to the Victorian Stroll Worship Service at 11
simply a slogan, however. There is an increasing sense of am on December 5, there will be two full hours of jazz
our mission not only to share great music with the widest from 2-4 pm at First United brought to us by RPI and
possible audience, but to make it as financially accessible to Troy High School performers. As well, the Troy Chil-
as many people as possible. Hence, we generally have no dren’s Chorus will be giving a concert at Pioneer Bank,
admission charges to concerts, or give nominal suggestions off of Monument Square, at 1 pm. Victorian Tea: Enjoy
for donations. Or we offer a high-quality music camp in the tea sandwiches and sweets served from noon to 12:45
summers that is less than half the cost of most similar PM in Fellowship Hall.
camps. Why should music be for everyone? Because it stirs
Dedicate an Anthem
something inside our deepest selves that has the power to
inspire us and shape us into something better. This is a gift The Session has approved a new initiative to bring fresh,
that should be for everyone. new music to our choral library and to our services. Con-
gregants are invited to donate $25 toward the purchase
First United Welcomes Maria Elmer! of new choral music, and the church will match that $25
in order to purchase a new anthem (Each anthem in our
Ms. Elmer was recently selected to serve as the Troy Chil- library costs about $50). The donor may dedicate the
dren’s Chorus accompanist intern for the autumn semester. anthem to the person(s) or event of their choice, and
A certified New York State Music Educator (Birth - Gr. 12), when that anthem is sung in church, this will be recog-
Maria brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to this nized. To participate in this ongoing program, please
position. Ms. Elmer graduated from Nazareth College of contact Maury Castro.
Rochester with her B.A. in Music with a concentration in
Flute (2010). A native of Cohoes, she has been an active
participant in the music scene of the capital district, per- Join the Christmas Eve choir! Rehearsals on Dec. 2, 9, 16,
forming in the piano trio that she founded, and serving as and 23 from 7-7:45 pm in the Rose Room. Contact Maury
pianist/organist for Trinity Presbyterian Church in Scotia. at the church or maury@unitedprestroy.org if interested.
All-Mendelssohn Choral Concert.
Featuring the combined choirs of First Presbyterian Church,
Albany, and First United Presbyterian Church, Troy, this
concert will include some of Mendelssohn's finest works for
chorus. The two shorter works, Verleih uns Frieden and I
Waited for the Lord (from Lobgesang), will be followed by
the weighty Lauda Sion, accompanied by string quartet and
organ. Maury A. Castro and Michael Lister, conductors;
Nancy Frank, organist. Admission is free with donations
accepted. A reception to follow. The concert will be held
TWICE:
Nov. 7 at 4pm FUPC
Nov 14 at 4pm First Presbyterian, Albany

page 6
October Birthdays November Birthdays
3 Zack Shuster 2 Chiara Castro & Fred Miller

6 Alexandra Lusak 3 Kathleen Roe

8 Helene Shea 6 James Eadie

11 Pat Rudebush 17 Victor Zewou

Alyson Turner 19 Peggy Drew

16 Peter Hamlin 24 Claudia Schwendeman

Mary Elyce Turner 25 Johanna Eadie & Hannah Street

26 Alzadie Turner 26 Garrett Hamlin

30 Greg Duggan 30 Corinne Curtis

page 7
 First United can be a Cool Congregation.
Five members of First United attended the Cool Congregations workshop on September 26 at Christ Church Method-
ist. The subject of the workshop was how to SAVE MONEY. And be cool. Very cool. We may or may not believe that
climate change (aka global warming) is going to be the biggest problem we face in the next century, but we can all relate to sav-
ing money. And since we can do this at the same time that we help the environment, what’s not to love?
The Session has voted to join Interfaith Power and Light, a religious response to global warming. They offer a list of 25 sugges-
tions that we can ALL try to implement — and the maximum cost involved for any of them is $25 (list is included on the following
page). And some of these can save you lots and lots of MONEY. If you are interested in joining this effort, contact Don Drew at
drewd@rpi.edu.

Be co o l,
D o n D rew

page 8
Dear First United friends,
Thank you for what was an absolutely won-
derful retirement celebration! I am still bask-
ing in the afterglow. The meal was excep-
tional, the entertainment, marvelous, and
the gifts, so meaningful – and lots of fun.
Thank you to all of you who took time out of
busy lives to make the evening so memora-
ble for me, and thank you to all who have
sent cards and notes from near and far.
I am awed to have been so bountifully
blessed by the exceedingly generous mone-
tary gift presented by your Clerk of Session
at the end of the festivities. It will make
possible a trip that I have long hoped to
take, a visit to Eastern Europe and Western
Russia, the land of my paternal forbears, at a
time yet to be determined. Thank you all
from the bottom of my heart.
You are a rare and remarkable congregation.
It was a great privilege to serve as your pas-
tor from August 2000 until October 2010. I
am confident that God has great things in
store for you. May God’s richest blessings
be yours. Always.
With faith, hope, and much love,
Alexandra

page 9
 Educational Ministries News
from Leslie Kelly
Operation Christmas Child
Faith Education — CHURCH SCHOOL
Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse,
is about bringing Christmas to a child in need. “ The Mis- November church school will include Godly Play for the
sion of Operation Christmas Child is to demonstrate God’s younger children and the We Believe Workshops focused on
love in a tangible way to needy children around the world, “The Great Commandment” for elementary and up. Work-
and together with the local church worldwide, to share the shops for November will include Drama, Audiovisual, and Mu-
Good News of Jesus Christ.” A shoebox is filled with small sic & Worship. We will conclude “the Great Commandment”
gifts such as hygiene items, school supplies, and small toys. unit of study with a Mission workshop on Nov. 21st culminating
A personal note may be included along with a picture, and our Operation Christmas Child mission project. The new Veg-
if your name and address is included the child who re- gie Tales DVD “Saint Nicholas, A Story of Joyful Giving” will be
ceives the box may write back. A $7.00 donation helps shown, which includes the new song by Matt West with Amy
cover shipping and if contributed online, you can track the Grant – “Give this Christmas Away”, written especially for Op-
destination of your box. eration Christmas Child.
The boxes will be collected here at church on Nov. 21 and No classes on November 28. Everyone is invited to a potluck
brought to a collection center. From there they will travel lunch and Advent Wreath Making Intergenerational Event, af-
to a processing center where a book about Jesus is in- ter the church service.
cluded in the box, in the language of the area the box will
be sent. Everyone is encouraged to pray for the child who
will receive their box. More information is available at Faith Education — ADULT EDUCATION
www.samaritanspurse.org click on Operation Christmas
November 14 – John Buckley will facilitate a “coffee and con-
Child. Brochures with instructions and labels for boxes are
versation” time to explore possibilities for future Adult Ed pro-
also available at church. Everyone is invited to pack a box
for a child in need. Please contact Leslie Kelly, Coordinator grams and planning.
of Educational Ministries, with any questions. November 21—Everyone is invited to join the children and
watch the Veggie Tales DVD “Saint Nicholas, A Story of Joyful
Fair Trade Chocolate Giving.”
We participated in the “Reverse Trick or Treating” program November 28 – Intergenerational Event – Potluck lunch and
in October, distributing approximately 300 pieces of Fair Advent Wreath Making. Sign-up sheets will be available on
Trade chocolate to the community along with information November 14 for those who wish to attend.
regarding forced child labor and poverty on some cocoa
Youth are welcomed and encouraged to join the Adult Educa-
farms in the Ivory Coast. One of the recommendations to
tion Hour.
help prevent the use of abusive child labor and guarantee
a fair income for cocoa farmers is to purchase Fair Trade
Certified chocolate. One company that has agreed to go
100% fair trade by 2012 is Green & Black’s. According to
the website their products are available locally at Hanna-
ford, Price Chopper, CVS and Target. “Smaller chocolate
companies like Equal Exchange and Divine Chocolate…have
been sourcing Fair Trade certified cocoa and building rela-
tionships with cocoa farmers for years. These smaller
companies are not only setting a higher standard for cor-
porate responsibility, but also show it is possible for choco-
late companies to institute programs that work to end
child labor and force labor by purchasing Fair Trade certi-
fied cocoa beans.”

page 10
 Educational Ministries News (cont’d)
YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS
Youth of Albany Presbytery (YAP) is a new ministry being formed for and by the youth of the Albany Presbytery. Check it
out at http://albanypresbytery.org/yap.html. Planning is already underway for a few events:
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO HARRY POTTER – planned for the MLK weekend of Jan 14-16, 2011 at Christ the King, Center
Greenwich.
Trip to Taize, France – July 9-19, 2010 Educational and fun trip with a spiritual side to Taize, France (with 2 days in
Paris). This trip is for youth and young adults who will be 17 or older in 2011. YAP needs to know soon if you are inter-
ested. A deposit of $250 is due by Dec. 27, 2010 to hold your spot. Help with funding is available. Questions can be di-
rected to Tim Coombs tcoombs@earthlink.net or 518-669-0123.
ABBY PARMILEE – has the honor of being included in a select group of her college choir that is traveling to the Prague Choral
Festival in The Czech Republic. Abby is thrilled and expects that this experience will help in her intended career as a teacher
and performer/creator of the arts.
Abby is offering art services in return for contributions towards HER portion of the cost of the trip. She paints, creates digital
art, sketches, makes bracelets out of forks and enhances digital photos.

ASSITANCE NEEDED: UPCOMING Faith Education – A REMEMBRANCE FROM LESLIE —

Could you prepare one lesson and teach it for three
Sundays? The Faith Education committee is seeking
your assistance with our Rotation Model curriculum.
You will select a lesson from the Road to Emmaus unit
(computers, art, music, drama, audiovisual, etc.) With
the assistance of Leslie Kelly, Coordinator of Educa-
tional Ministries, you will become familiar with the les-
son and materials. You will teach the lesson three
times to three different age groups. The lesson is the
same but the students rotate to a different teacher
each week.
A sign-up sheet is posted in fellowship hall. If you are
interested please sign up and if there is someone you
know who could assist you (act as a shepherd), have
them sign up too. In the future they may be able to
teach and you can assist them.
We also need help with our younger children in the
Godly Play program. It would also be for a three week
time period. We would appreciate anyone who has
experience with the Godly Play curriculum and would
like to assist us to contact us. If you are interested in
this but don’t have training – we do have training
video’s available.
It is fun and a short term commitment. You will enjoy
working with our wonderful young people. Please let
us know if you would be willing to peruse the curricu-
lum and maybe give it a try!
(by Bonnie McCaig for the Faith Education Committee)
On my way to work this morning I was thinking about how I was
going to talk with the church school children about “who is
your neighbor?” It made me think of my neighbors while
growing up – the Wheeler family – Robin and her mother Mary
and Tim and his mother Margaret. How we used to enjoy our
Christmas Eve visits with them. We would bake lots of extra
goodies to share with our nearby neighbors and they would do
the same. We were always invited in at the Wheeler’s and
Mary and Margaret immediately made us feel at home.
Each Christmas they bought a new piece to add to their nativity
set, which we looked forward to seeing. One year they had pur-
chased a traditional German nativity, with tiers of angels, shep-
herds, and the holy family in the center, which when lit by the
candles encircling it, would rotate. It was carved out of wood
and was very beautiful. I remember how excited Margaret was
to show it to us. We had to be very patient and then slowly it
began to spin around. This was followed by a variety of won-
derful Christmas cookies (usually served by Robin), laughter,
petting the animals and more sharing of stories before we
walked back home.
The hospitality and love they shared with us has always stayed
with me - a kind presence in our little corner of the world, al-
ways willing to share their company with the 4 kids who lived
next door.
Neighbors are close by and far away, some we know, some we
know only by their circumstances – all of them God’s children,
our brothers and sisters. I thank God for the Wheelers, part of
my spiritual family, for the positive influence they had on my
life. page 11

Prayers of the people . . .
Prayers of loving care and support…
Prayers of joy…
Prayers for the larger church …
…for sisters and brothers in Christ at the Argyle Presbyterian
Church as the congregation leaves the Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A.) for the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.
Prayers for the wider world …
…for the people of Pakistan, rebuilding their lives after dev-
astating floods
…for our Muslim brothers and sisters who have been sub-
jected to discrimination and vilification in the controversy
which erupted regarding the Park 51 community center and
mosque in New York City
…for the residents of Christ Church, New Zealand, follow-
ing the major earthquake there
Unity House serves the “underserved” in Troy.
FUPC directs some of its mission dollars to Unity
House ($500 from Deacons budget) , leases space
to Unity House for its preschool program for devel-
opmentally disabled children, and participates in a
number of the Unity House programs.
Unity House will launch its annual Adopt-a-Family
program in December to provide toys to over 1,000
local families struggling with poverty. Contact
Elizabeth O'Flaherty at 518-274-2633 ext. 284 or
eoflaherty@unityhouseny.org
ANNOUNCEMENTS —
GET BACK INTO THE HABIT
Remember the Deacons envelops in the pew racks. Your contribution each week
is the life line for your Deacons to continue their support of the many missions
within our congregation and community.
THANK YOU
Bonniejo Willard thanks FUPD for kindness and supportive words on the loss of
her mother, Alberta Willard. You can obtain Bonniejo’s address from the
Church office.
TROY LARGER PARISH FOOD PANTRY
Our FOOD PANTRY in the Oakwood Church basement is overwhelmed with folks
looking for help. Linda O’Mally reports that they are getting folks who were pre-
viously served by THREE church food pantries that are not closed!
Can you stretch a little and put a can or item in the Food Basket each week – or
drop something into the Pink Jars at the doors into Worship each week?
If you can stretch a bit, SOMEONE will have food on their plate, and be reminded
that God’s people care!
KEYS FOUND
A set of keys was found several weeks ago. If you are missing your keys, check
with the Church Office between 9am and 1pm Mon-Friday.
HELP WANTED – 3 month assignment
FUPC has a sign in the courtyard where we can display a short announcement.
Shirley Bowes generally puts the letters on the sign (SCARY MUSIC CONCERT – Oct
29). She would like to transfer this job to someone for the time that she is in
Florida. Call Shirley or the Church Office to volunteer and to arrange “training.”
HELP WANTED – 1 month assignment
Individual (or a family) to organize FUPC’s efforts to assemble and deliver meals
to Joseph’s House Dec. 18. You don’t have to Julia Child or Emeril LaGasse!!
What’s required?
First week of Dec.: Decide on a menu . Give grocery list to the office for the
Dec. newsletter and bulletins. (Sample menus and shopping lists available
from prior years. Shirley Bowes is available to advise. And the congregation
ALWAYS provides the requested groceries.)
Week of Dec: 13-18: Coordinate an able team of volunteers in meal prep on
Dec. 18. (Again, Shirley Bowes is available by phone – even from Florida!)
Dec.. 18: Assure delivery of the meals to Joseph’s House. Be DONE by 1 pm!
Won’t you please prayerfully consider giving your time and talent to this impor-
tant mission? Contact Bonnie Kerr at 986-1609 if you are able to serve as the
December meal chairperson.
HELP WANTED – 1 night assignment
FUPC and other local churches assist Joseph’s House, a homeless shelter, by pro-
viding limited space for “overflow” in the winter. Volunteers are needed to at-
tend a few hours of training, then sign-up to for 1+ nights to stay over with the
guests and a staff from Joseph’s House. Others have found this to be a very re-
warding ministry. Contact the church office, or call John Husson at 233-0847 for
information.
page 12
 November 2010
Sunday Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2 3 4 5 6
AA—10:00am
Roxbury
Farm

5-10 PM Choir 1-7 PM Choir

3:45-PM Troy
6:00 PM—Music Children’s 7:15 PM Faith Ed
7-9 PM Choir Dress Rehearsal Program
Chorus
Together

10:00am Worship
Rev. Ken Applegate
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
3:30-6 Roxbury
11:30am Faith Ed Farm 9:30 AM FUPC Staff AA—10:00am
5:30 PM Roof
Meeting
3-5pm Festival of Meeting
Music and Chocolate 3:45-5 PM Troy
Children’s Chorus 7:30pm Chancel
6:00 PM—Music
(St. Jude, Wyantskill) 5:30 PM Personnel Choir (362 State St.
Together 5:30pm More Light
4pm Mendelssohn Committee Meeting
Albany)
concert at FUPC Ministry Team

10:00am Worship
Rev. Paul Randall
14 15 16
9:30-5 Presbytery
2pm FUPC led wor-
17 18 19 AA—10:00am
20
Mtg in Valatie
ship at Eddy
11:30am Faith Ed
3:30-6 Roxbury 5:30pm Nominating
11:30am Inn from the 9:30 AM -
Farm Committee
Cold training and info LABYRINTH
6:00 PM—Music 3:45-5 Troy Chil- 7:30pm Capital Pride
session dren’s Chorus
Together singers at RPI Cul- 7pm Chancel Choir
4pm Mendelssohn tural Center
Concert at Albany
Pres

10:00am Worship
Rev. Ken Applegate
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
AA—10:00am
11:30 Faith Ed 10am - Pres
(Christmas Child THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY
Rainbow
boxes due) 6:00 PM -Music Office Closed
3:45-5 Troy Office Closed
2pm Oakwood Together Children’s Chorus
Church Decommis- 6:30 PM Session
sioning Service Meeting

10:00am Worship
28 29 30 Dec 5—
Rev. Ken POINSETTA
3:45-5 Troy orders due
Applegate
Children’s Chorus
11:30 Faith Ed
6:00pm—Music
Pot luck/wreath mak- Together 7:15 PM Faith Ed
ing following service
7pm NA Group
page 13
Open Minds, Open Hearts, Open Doors:
Where People with Differences Unite in Christ

First United Presbyterian Church

1915 Fifth Avenue
Troy, New York 12180
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

First United Presbyterian Church Officers for 2010

Vision Newsletter is published 11 times a year by
Session
First United Presbyterian Church, Troy, New York
Class of 2010: Karen Harpe, Bonnie McCaig, 1915 Fifth Avenue Troy, New York 12180
Peggy Smith Savchik www.unitedprestroy.org
Class of 2011: Don Bowes, Debbie Brown, Email: info@unitedprestroy.org
Sue Steele Phone: (518) 272-2771
Class of 2012: John Buckley, Pat Carlson, Peg Drew, Coming soon! Pastor
Chandlee Gill Maury A. Castro Minister of Music
Board of Deacons Leslie M. Kelley Coordinator of Educational
Class of 2010: Betsy Belle Eadie, Kathleen Roe, Ministries
Dan Rogers, Shirley Street Carlie D’Annunzio Financial Analyst
Class of 2011: Martha Juenger, Don Lutz, Suzanne Petty Administrative Assistant
Marsha Mintz-Botsford, Pat Rudebush Lynne Stevens Housekeeper
Class 2012: Bob Harrington, Bonnie Kerr,
Courtney Savaria, Claudia Schwendeman

page 14