Vision

Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors

A newsletter of the First United Presbyterian Church

May 2012
The Day of Pentecost is May 27th. The Pentecost Offering will be received that day. See where your dollars will go...

A Pastoral Note

from Rick Otty

Dear friends, Easter afternoon, we had dinner with my mother, then drove to Boston for another dinner with our daughter, son-in-law and grandson. This enabled me to have a Micah-fix Monday, before hopping a Tuesday train to a meeting with New York City Presbytery, as a member of a Synod advisory team. With Amtrak now providing WiFi service, I had signed up for a webinar on 21st Century Church Communications that, amazingly, concluded at the moment the train came to a stop in Penn Station. The webinar included style and technical suggestions for websites and blogs, but an underlying premise was first contacts with a church in these times, are what are called touches, not personal contacts. The online world allows us to check things out from a distance, and anonymously. We are allowed to virtually enter organizations and buildings to check things out. For a church, this means understanding our website is primarily for visitors, not members. As I think of visitors to our church website, the concept of trust comes to mind. In the past, people trusted institutions schools and teachers, government and leaders, media and news anchors, businesses and banks, the church and clergy. While understanding no institution is perfect, there was an inherent trust institutions had the capacity for self-discipline and correction. Over the years, often by the actions of the entrusted, the attitude of trusting others until they break the trust has been replaced by prove to me you are to be trusted. It is with this attitude of distrust in mind we consider those who seek to visit us. The church itself has trust issues, the most prominent related to clergy misconduct, but there are less apparent ones as well. If we teach a theology that believing (trusting) in God will offer some kind of insurance protection from crisis, or its corollary, that if you experience hardship your faith must be weak, then it makes sense both children and adults will either believe God violated a trust when personal tragedy occurs, or suffer severe guilt for their unfaithfulness. If we preach the love of Jesus as all encompassing, and that all people are children of God, but then proceed to exclude based on race or ethnicity, gender or identity, class or lifestyle, then we are rightfully distrusted for not practicing what we preach. If we promote openness and integrity, but in our own life seem to treat others unfairly, suspicions arise and internal trust is tarnished. If we uplift Jesus teachings on caring for the least and the lost, but prioritize maintaining a building over sustaining lives, we will be labeled as hypocrites. Such examples of broken trust have turned people from the church as an institution, but many retain the sense of life having a spiritual dimension. Some will find answers in nature religions and others in a theology that provides them definite answers; yet, many are exploring the less than definite mystery of how God is at work in a world where wars rage, hunger increases, tragedy occurs, and cancer and Alzheimers disease touch many lives. I sense such explorers will find a place at First United if we can find ways for them to visit (and not just by entering the building.) I seek and cherish people and even institutions I can trust, those whose integrity and honesty cause them to speak out even at risk to themselves the teacher, the political leader, the newscaster, the church. We know the secrecy of the past was used to cover wrongdoing, and created distrust once revealed; and while today we honor the need for confidentiality, we also understand vacuums of information foster suspicion. Thus, as we prepare for visitors dealing with past issues of distrust about the church, we are wise to examine any issues of trust within our community of faith.

Scripture Readings for May

May 6 - Acts 8:26-40; Psalm 22:25-31; 1 John 4:7-21; John 15:1-8 May 13 - Acts 10:44-48; Psalm 98; 1 John 5:1-6; John 15:9-17 May 20 - Acts 1:15-17, 21-26; Psalm 1; 1 John 5:9-13; John 17:6-19 May 27 - Acts 2:1-21; Psalm 104:24-34, 35b; John 15:26-27, 16:4b-15

Ministry of Music News from

A Spendthrift Lover is the Lord A spendthrift lover is the Lord, who never counts the cost, or asks if heaven can afford to woo a world that's lost. Our lover tosses coins of gold across the midnight skies, and stokes the sun against the cold to warm us when we rise.

Maury Castro

As we bask in the miracle of Eastertide, I want to share with you a hymn passed along to me by Judy Moyer, written by the inspired Thomas Troeger.

Still more is spent in blood and tears to win the human heart, To overcome the violent fears that drive the world apart. Behold the bruised and thorn crowned face of one who bears our scars And empties out the wealth of heaven that's promised by the stars. How shall we love this heart-strong God who gives us everything, Whose ways to us are strange and odd, what can we give or bring? Acceptance of the matchless gift is gift enough to give. The very act will shake and shift the way we love and live.

Upcoming Music Events

Iliana Harpe, Vocal Concert. Sunday, May 6, at 1:30 pm. A recital of Jazz standards in partial fulfillment of Ms. Harpes undergraduate degree program at Sage. Reception to follow. Free. First United Childrens Choir. Our parish childrens choir will offer the worship in music on Sunday, May 13, which is Mothers Day. Albany Symphony Compose Yourself Final Concert. Saturday, May 19, 10 a.m. A composition recital demonstrating the work of the workshop participants since January. The concert is free and open to the public, and will be held in the Fellowship Hall at First United. Troy Childrens Chorus Spring Concert. Saturday, June 2, 5:00 pm. A concert of folk, Broadway, global and classical music. The chorus final concert of the year! This concert will take place at Steamer No. 10 Theater in Albany (500 Western Ave). Free. www.troychildrenschorus.org Trumpet Concert Friday, June 8, 7 pm. Three of the areas finest trumpeters, Peter Bellino, Eric Latini & Cathy Sheridan, will be presenting a joint recital in the Sanctuary at First United. Dan Foster will accompany at the piano and organ. Composers include Britten, Dello Joio, Ewazen, Gabaye, Ibert, Mendez, Torelli, and Wilson. This concert is free, with donations accepted. Festival Celebration Choir in Concert. Sunday, June 10, 3 pm. Festival! Does Broadway. A concert full of Broadway classics such as Hello, Dolly! 76 Trombones (with a solo by Don Drew), Seasons of Love, One, Just Hang On, Fiddler on the Roof, and many more. Maury A. Castro, conductor; Andrew Krystopolski, accompanist. www.festivalcelebrationchoir.org

Faith Education News from

Sunday Morning Classes Faith Ed

Leslie Kelly

May 6 No classes/children remain in worship May 13 and 20 Classes begin after the Childrens Message during worship May 27 No classes/Memorial Day Weekend June 3 No classes/Faith Ed Recognition during worship Adult Ed May 6 Jack Alexander from J Street
Mr. Alexander will be leading us in a discussion on the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. J Street gives voice to people who would like to see the United States take an active role in this conflict - to be pro-Israel is not to be anti -Palestinian. For more info on J Street - www.jstreet.org

May 13 Co-exist dvd and discussion

Who did you forgive this week? Join us on May 13 for the documentary film Coexist. This film tells the story of five survivors and three perpetrators of the 1994 Rwanda genocide, and how they live side by side today.

May 20 No class - Congregational Meeting May 27 No class/Memorial Day Weekend

Summer Events Summer Camp Its not too early to begin thinking about summer camp! Information for Camp Fowler www.campfowler.org, Holmes www.holmescamp.org, and Skye Farm www.skyefarmcamp.com are available on the websites. Policy and application form for camperships, through the Albany Presbytery, are available at www.albanypresbytery.org/youth_scholarships.html Camperships are also available through First United. For additional information please contact Leslie Kelly. Save the dates Vacation Bible School July 9-12/6-8pm

Announcements Heifer International Update - $373 was raised for Heifer International at the Food Fair. The Read to Feed program has concluded and money is now due. All money raised will go toward the purchase of animals for a family in need. It looks like the children will be able to provide 3 or 4 animals through Heifer International. Many thanks to everyone for their contributions! Children will be receiving certificates for their participation in the Read to Feed program.

Announcements

Knitting & Praying Our Way to GA - More Light Presbyterians are planning to have a rainbow scarf for every GA commissioner and advocate at the General Assembly (about 1500). If you'd like to help by knitting or crocheting a scarf, please see Shirley Hinkamp (shahinkamp@taconic.net) for directions. The deadline is 6/15. (GA begins on 6/29.)

CROP WALK - Come join TAUM as walkers and pledgers for the annual CROP walk, held this year on Sunday, May 6th. The CROP walk is the Church World Service fundraiser to benefit hunger relief in our neighborhood and around the world. Nationally and internationally, CWS has sent relief to those displaced by floods in Pakistan and in the eastern US, while continuing to support farming cooperatives in Haiti. Locally, the CROP walk supports seven food pantries in downtown Troy and the surrounding neighborhoods. The walk will kick off at 1:30 on May 6th from the TAUM offices, 291 Second Street with registration beginning at 12:30. Last year, the walk raised $14 K, of which 25% stays here to support those local food pantries. If you are interested in pledging, we will begin signing up folks after Easter, also during refreshment time.

Session Notes
Chandlee Gill - Clerk of Session The Session met on April 23 and Called for a meeting of the congregation for May 20, immediately following worship for the purpose of hearing a report of the Nominating Committee and electing a Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC). The Session asked the nominating committee to provide information about the slate before the meeting if at all possible. Nominations from the floor are permitted. With completion of the fire restoration work, discussed a question posed by Rick Otty about the importance of holding worship in the sanctuary. Heard a a report from Sue Steele, commissioner to the April 21 presbytery meeting and the work done during the day for flood relief in the community. Approved serving wine at the reveal of the restored balcony/sanctuary on May 20. Final bills for the restoration work have been submitted to the insurance company. Received the review of the 2011 finances from DeChants, Juglein & Johnson and the report of first quarter 2012 income and expenses. Heard that the church will open a credit card account for staff use for online purchases. Approved the replacement of the garbage disposal in the kitchen, estimated cost, $2000. Heard that all apartments will be rented by May 1.

SAVE THE DATE

May 20, 2012 3-5pm
Community Celebration
After the Fire: An Unveiling
Thanksgiving Reception

First United Presbyterian Church

May Birthdays 3 Donna Elia 5 Miriam Russell 6 Mark Abbott Lois Jensen 7 Lynne Stevens 11 Trudi Wybourn 15 Iliana Harpe 18 Mark Duggan 20 Jane Husson 21 Heather Hewitt 24 Heather Hallett 26 Sarah Shuster 28 Alexis Hooten Lois Lanoue Mary Magnan 29 Kylie Kerr Alice Kirstein 30 Aiden Strayer

May 2012
Sunday Mon
1
3:45 Troy Childrens Chorus 4:00 Bible Study 7pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal

Tue

Wed
2 3

Thu
4

Fri
5

Sat
10 am AA Group

9 am Chancel Choir 10am Worship 11:30 Childrens Choir Rehearsal 11:30 Adult Ed 12:30 Registration for CROP walk 1:30 CROP Walk 1:30 Iliana Harpe Recital 7:30 NA Group 9 am Chancel Choir 9:25 Childrens Choir 10am Worship Childrens Faith Ed 11:30 Adult Ed 7:30 NA Group

7
9:30 Music Together

8
3:45 Troy Childrens Chorus

10

11

12

10 am AA Group 10am Labyrinth

4:00 Bible Study 5:30 MLMT Meeting

6pm Music Committee Meeting 7pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal

13 Mothers Day 14
9:30 Music Together

15
3:45 Troy Childrens Chorus 7:00 Member care and outreach 7:15 Faith Education

16
2:00 Worship at the Eddy 4:00 Bible Study

17

18

4:00 Fa-Fin-Stew Meeting 7pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal

10am AA Group 10am Albany Symphony Final Class plus performance 6:00 Albany Sym- 11am Easter NY phonys Compose American Guild of Yourself Organists Concert

19

20

9 am Chancel Choir 10am Worship Childrens Faith Ed 11:30 Congregational Meeting 12:30 Deacons meeting 3:00 Community Celebration 7:30 NA Group

21
9:30 Music Together

22
3:45 Troy Childrens Chorus 7pm Sustainable Living

23

24

25

26
10am AA Group

4:00 Bible Study 7pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal

6:30 Session

27

9 am Chancel Choir 10am Worship 7:30 NA Group

28 Offices Closed

29
3:45 Troy Childrens Chorus

30

31

4:00 Bible Study

7pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal

Open Minds, Open Hearts, Open Doors: Where People with Differences Unite in Christ

First United Presbyterian Church 1915 Fifth Avenue Troy, New York 12180
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In this issue: Notes from Rick, Maury, and Leslie Whats happening in the community And more...

Vision
First United Presbyterian Church Officers
The Session Moderator - The Reverend Rick Otty

Newsletter is published 11 times a year by

First United Presbyterian Church, Troy, New York Rick Otty Maury A. Castro Leslie Kelly Carlie DAnnunzio Carla Fisk Shirley Hinkamp Interim Pastor Minister of Music Faith Education Director Financial Analyst Administrative Assistant Copy Editor

Class of 2012: Pat Carlson, Peg Drew, Chandlee Gill, Karen Harpe Class of 2013: David Lanoue, Dan Rogers, Trudi Wybourn, Sue Steele Class of 2014: Courtney Savaria, Jennifer Nelson, Florie Parmelee, Peggy Savchik
The Board of Deacons

Class of 2012: Bob Harrington, Bonnie Kerr, Carol Harrington, Claudia Schwendeman Class of 2013: Shirley Bowes, Steven Paul Bowes II, Dana Parker, Shirley Street Class of 2014: Martha Juenger, Marsha Mintz-Botsford, Pat Rudebush, Kerry Welcome

To Contact Us: you may call 518-272-2771 you may write to us at 1915 Fifth Avenue Troy, New York 12180 or you may email us at info@unitedprestroy.org
For pastoral emergencies call 518-479-0934 or email Rick@unitedprestroy.org