Presbyterian Volume 56, Issue 3, April 2016
R E P O R T E R
Published by the First Presbyterian Church
11 Washington Street, Cumberland, Maryland 21502
301-777-3700 www.fpc-cumberland.org
“The Cup of Our Life”
Caroline M. Kelly, Pastor
In her book, The Cup of Our Life, Joyce Rupp shares her wisdom about the cup as a symbol of our spiritual
journey, “a constant process of emptying and filling, of giving and receiving, of accepting and letting go.”
In this poem, she describes this ongoing process.
May your cup be empty of clutter and full of the love of God!
Faithfully,
Generous God
so many times I’ve come
with my empty cup
a beggar of the heart
devoid of nourishment
depleted of energy
and you have filled
Generous God
so many times I’ve come
afraid of unknowns
full of negatives and no’s
fighting the challenges
closed and resistant to growth
and you have opened
Generous God
so many times I’ve come
a stranger to my spirit
crammed with cultural noises
caught in endless clutter
crowding my inner space
and you have emptied
Generous God
I come to you again
holding out my waiting cup
begging that it first be emptied
of all that blocks the way
then asking for its filling
with love that tastes like you
---Joyce Rupp
The Cup of Our Life
page 2 April 2016
March Session Highlights
The Session of First Presbyterian Church met in the church library at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 17, 2016,
for its stated monthly meeting. The Rev. Caroline M. Kelly served as Moderator. Ann Kellermeyer served as
Clerk.
The Session took the following actions:
Approved a motion to examine Sam Kauffman for membership at First Presbyterian Church of
Cumberland at the May session meeting after completion of study with confirmation advisor, Julie
Courtney, and Pastor Caroline, of the membership questions and writing a statement of his faith. He has
committed to attend confirmation class at his new church home in the fall.
Authorized the Clerk to write a letter to the Berean Independent Baptist Church, expressing our
congregation’s sorrow at the loss of their church in a recent fire.
Granted the request of former clerk and church member Ruling Elder Mildred Ransom that her funeral
be held at First Presbyterian Church and that Rev. Howard Newman would be allowed to assist the
present pastor here.
Approved the year to date financial statements as of February 29, 2016.
Approved the serving of communion at the Women's Retreat on March 19, 2016 by the Rev'ds. Judy
Johnson and Caroline Kelly.
Approved the Worship and Music Committee's recommendation that the Rev. Walt Peters be invited to
preach on Sunday, May 15, while Caroline is away.
Approved the Worship and Music Committee’s recommendation that the Rt. Rev. Martin Townsend be
invited to preach on Sundays, June 26 and July 3, 2016, while Caroline is away.
Approved the recommendation of the Personnel Committee to hire Olivia “Beau” Hartman as the
Interim Director of Music Ministries.
Approved the recommendation of the Administration and Finance Committee that $1,000 from the
Non-Wills and Memorials gifts fund be used to pay for the food for Judie Brown’s retirement dinner.
Approved a motion from Carolyn Mathews to present a citation to Judie Brown during Easter worship
service thanking her for service to the church.
In addition the Session heard:
A report from Rev. Caroline Kelly that she and Debbie Streicher, co-founder of Milestones Ministry, met
with three families about the possibility of using Milestones Ministry as a tool for faith formation and
connection with the larger congregation.
An update from the Director of Music Ministries Search Committee that they have extended the
application period until the position is filled and have suggested in their new advertising that they
would consider splitting the position between a choir director and organist.
If you have any questions, please contact the Clerk or Moderator.
Connect with First Presbyterian Church
April 2016 page 3
Like us on Facebook!
http://wwwfacebook.com/First.Pres.Cumberland
Meet Our Interim
Director of Music Ministries
Olivia 'Beau' Hartman is a local
singer and keyboardist with a
diverse musical background. In
addition to studying music and
theater at Frostburg State
University, she has experience in
sacred music, the barbershop
singing style, vocal jazz, and
playing folk and rock music.
While attending college, she
served at St Ambrose Parish, St
John's Episcopal Church, and St
Peter's Episcopal Church. After
returning from Baltimore in 2012, she accompanied Emmanuel
Episcopal Church's chancel choir under the direction of Dr Karen
Soderberg-Sarnaker. During that time in 2014, she assisted First
Presbyterian Church as a substitute musician. Beau maintains a private
studio for vocalists and beginner to intermediate piano students,
directs children's performance groups, and promotes music in the
community, and performs as much as possible in the region.
Beau writes,
Thank you for giving me the chance to serve First Presbyterian Church
as the Interim Music Director. I look forward to meeting all of the
musicians in the congregation. Please introduce yourself!
Nurture
Birthdays
Bill Workman 3-Apr
Chris Gallo 5-Apr
Eleaner Johnson 13-Apr
Nancy Hodges 14-Apr
Bob Kazary 14-Apr
Ann Kellermeyer 14-Apr
Gwen Harris 15-Apr
Matt Young 15-Apr
Mary Gallion 17-Apr
Brenda Luger 17-Apr
Dale Corley 22-Apr
Joyce Macy 25-Apr
Sue Scott 28-Apr
page 4 April 2016
An Update from the Youth
Ministry Coordinator
March was a busy month for our Youth Ministry as we not only had our regular Youth Meetings, but also
reached out to the community through a special mission opportunity. Some of the highlights from this past
month include:
Serving at the Union Rescue Mission : The youth came together and prepared a meal of fried chicken, green
beans, scalloped potatoes, dessert, and drink for the residents of the Union Rescue Mission. After we
finished cooking the meal here in the church kitchen, we drove over to the mission, served the meal and then
joined the residents in sharing the meal. There was enough food left for the mission to make another meal
out of it, which made the staff quite happy. Both the youth and the parents that attended had a great time.
We will be continuing this new ministry quarterly, with the next meal being served in May.
Meeting with the Rev. Jan Dus: The youth had the opportunity to meet with Rev. Dus and learn about the
work that is being done in Moldova. It was both an interesting and eye-opening experience.
Youth Group Meetings: We continue to meet regularly on Sunday evenings. A special thanks goes out to all
the people who prepare a meal for the youth each Sunday. It makes my life so much easier and provides a
great opportunity for the youth to gather around the table each Sunday and fellowship. We still have a few
openings to provide meals between now and the end of May. If you are interested in providing a meal,
please let me know. The youth have continued their study using the series “Hypocrite”, which I described in
last month’s article. Most recently, we talked about God’s unfathomable love for us.
Guys Spring Retreat: This past weekend, the youth guys
from First Presbyterian and the Westernport Church of the
Brethren (my home church) joined together for a weekend
retreat at Camp Swatara in Bethel, Pa. We had 10 young
men attend along with John Taube, who served as a second
chaperone.
The weekend’s retreat activities focused on the theme
of “Becoming a Man of God”, which focused on four
struggles young men face in their faith walk: Pride,
Passion, Thoughtlessness, and Fearing Man’s
Opinion. The guys also enjoyed many fun activities,
including a high ropes course, climbing tower, hikes
along the Appalachian Trail, and a hike to the
summit of the mountain where you can see for well over 20 miles. (Youth Update continues on page 5)
(Youth Update continues on page 5)
Learn & Grow
April 2016 page 5
Learn & Grow
Faith Formation
for Families with
Children
For the past year, the Christian
Education Committee has been
exploring a new tool for faith
formation called Milestones
Ministry. Co-created by Debbie
Streicher, a nationally known
Lutheran educator (who lives in
the area), Milestones is a
multigenerational faith formation
practice designed to help families
and church families grow in their
understanding of how God is
present in everyday life.
This approach revolves around
significant milestones, like baptism
and confirmation, but also
milestones like losing the first
tooth, starting the first day of
school or taking those first steps,
among others. The curriculum is
designed for all ages and includes
milestones for all stages of life, but
we are particularly interested in
offering the ministry to families
with children elementary age and
younger. If you or someone you
know is looking for a way to help
your children or grandchildren
experience how God is working in
their everyday lives, please contact
Pastor Caroline.
Women’s Retreat: The Cup of Our Life
Ten FPC women gathered for an overnight retreat at the Peterkin
Camp and Conference Center in Romney, West Virginia on March 18-
19. We rocked on the front porch, talked, ate, laughed, prayed and
rested during our time together. The Rev. Judy Johnson facilitated
conversation based on Joyce Rupp's book The Cup of Our Life, helping
us explore how the cups we use everyday are a rich symbol of life,
with its emptiness and fulness, its brokenness and flaws, and all of its
blessings. Pastor Caroline led us in evening and morning prayer and
we closed with a communion service led by Rev. Johnson.
(Youth Update continued from page 4)
Upcoming Events:
Graduation Sunday: I hope that you will be able to join us for worship
on Sunday May 8th (Mother’s Day) as we hold a special recognition for
our four youth who are graduating high school this year: Kaitlyn
Kauffman (Allegany), Will DiNola (BW), Grace Bryan (Allegany), and
Garrett Corley (Mountain Ridge).
Thank you for your continued support of our ministry.
Blessings,
Robby May
Youth Ministry Coordinator
page 6 April 2016
Opportunities to Serve
The Great Dakota Giveaway! Soup & Chili Rodeo, Live and
Silent Auction
First Presbyterian Church
11 Washington St.
Cumberland, MD
Fellowship Hall
Sunday, May 15th at 12:30 PM
Auctioneer: Buck Belt
Help us raise funds to send 24 inspired volunteers to serve at a
summer learning camp for children in South Dakota _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
The Great Dakota Giveaway
Sunday, May 15th at 12:30 p.m.
Yes, I will come to support our volunteers and enjoy this fellowship and food event.
(All the food you can eat for only $5 per person!)
Name: _________________________________________________________
Phone:_________________________________________________________
Email:_________________________________________________________
Number attending:_____________
I can donate the following items:____________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
I can donate the following service to be auctioned (babysitting, car wash, consulting, teaching):
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
If you have any questions or if you would like to make a donation,
please contact Robin Bissell at [email protected] .
April 2016 page 7
Nurture
Worship With Us
Joys and Concerns
Congratulations to Brittney Corley on the birth of a second daughter,
Azlynn Lorraine Corley, on March 30, and to the grandparents, Dale and
Sheri Corley.
JOYCE MACY’S 90TH BIRTHDAY OPEN HOUSE: You are invited to stop in and
celebrate with Joyce as she turns 90 on Saturday, April 23 from 2:00-5:00PM.
Contact the church office at 301-777-3700 to RSVP and for further details.
Many thanks to Sandra Burton for arranging the flowers
for Judie Brown’s Retirement Dinner on Wednesday, March
30. Also, thanks to Sandra, Barbara Aber, and Renee Kiddy for serving during the
dinner. Additional thanks to John Brown for all of his help with set up for the
dinner.
Prayers and sympathy to Betty and Brenda Luger on the death of Betty’s husband
and Brenda’s father, Rich Luger, on Tuesday, April 5. A memorial service will be
held on Sunday, April 10, at 2PM at First Presbyterian Church. A reception will
follow the service in the library.
Farewell to Judie Brown
This week the congregation said “enjoy a happy retirement” and “we’re glad you are staying in the area” to
our Director of Christian Music, Judie Brown. The music of Easter Sunday was triumphant with strings and
percussion adding so much to our voices raised in hymns of praise for Jesus Christ our risen Lord.
During the worship service we presented Judie with a photo
album of memories lifted from various collections, the
children and youth decorated a huge “THANK YOU JUDIE”
poster with butterflies to remind her to have a renewal of
life as she emerges into retirement and a resolution was read
summarizing some of the highlights of her decade with us.
On Wednesday night we held a retirement party for Judie in
the Fellowship Hall. Over 70 members and friends of the
congregation enjoyed a catered meal with a variety of
delicious cakes for dessert. Reverend Caroline blessed our
meal and Julie Courtney, with much inspiration, coordinated
what was nearly a variety show of entertainment. Cindy Corley representing the congregation presented
Judie with our cards and a check from our hearts. Many people helped to organize, assemble, arrange,
coordinate and bring about this retirement celebration for Judie to send her out with our love.
page 8 April 2016
First Presbyterian Church
To Judith Brown - Well Wishes on Your Retirement
Be It Known: That on behalf of the congregation of the First Presbyterian Church of Cumberland, Maryland
In recognition of your 10 years and 6 months of dedicated and exemplary service WHEREAS: you brought your years of music experience in New York City, Manhattan and New Rochelle to the mountains of western Maryland; WHEREAS: you arrived in Cumberland in early October 2005 to play our Möller organ and direct our choirs as our Director of Christian Music; WHEREAS: you introduced us to Charpentier, Halley, and St. James Music Press while keeping Vivaldi, Handel, Rutter and the 3 B’s in our repertoire; WHEREAS: you added depth to our special music by inviting gifted vocalist friends, especially Pat; and guest instrumentalists from the Maryland Symphony, West Virginia University, Frostburg State University and Shenandoah University to join us; WHEREAS: you challenged our children over a number of years to enhance their musical knowledge and abilities and to offer their very best to God in worship and to participate at the Choristers Guild Festival in Gaithersburg in March of 2010; WHEREAS: twice you brought us to tears while directing the majestic Glenn Rudolph work “The Dream Isaiah Saw” for pastor installations; and WHEREAS: in addition to your service at First Presbyterian Church, you have also served the community as Artistic Director of The Cumberland Choral Society, Adjunct Professor of Organ at Frostburg State University, accompanist in the Music Department at Frostburg State University, as well as taught voice, piano and organ privately.
We sincerely thank you for your faithful service and for sharing your talents and musical gifts with us over these many years.
Blessings from the congregation and Session this 31st day of March, 2016
Pastor: Caroline Kelly Clerk: Ann Kellermeyer Session: Carl “Buck” Belt, Sandra Burton, Cindy Corley, Dale Corley, Bob Courtney, Kaitlyn Kauffman, Cathy Levitas, Carolyn Mathews, Bill McElvie, Sandi Rowland,
Judy Stern, and Bryan Wodaski
Worship With Us
April 2016 page 9
Worship With Us
Director of Music Ministries
Position Announcement
Position Description for this 20 hour/week position is available upon request from our
Executive Administrative Assistant.
We are seeking a Director of Music Ministries who is proficient and experienced on organ/piano and in
choral training and direction. We seek someone who loves music and is open to incorporating diverse
musical genres in worship, is well organized and plans ahead, is creative in contributing to an inspiring,
spiritual environment, demonstrates initiative and is willing to think "outside the box", communicates well
verbally and in writing, and will be flexible in collaborating with the Pastor, staff and Worship and Music
Committee. This person should be interested in keeping up with trends and changes in music in the larger
world. If need be, we could consider dividing the responsibilities between two people, a choral director and
an accompanist. We follow the Reformed tradition of worship in the Presbyterian Church (USA).
Minimum qualifications:
Bachelor's degree (BA, BS, or BM) in music, sacred music, music performance, or music education, with
emphasis in applied organ and/or choral conducting and two years’ experience in organ performance and/or
choral direction in church settings.
Compensation Package:
Salary is dependent upon education and experience. $18,000 - $21,000
Benefits may include major medical, pension, 4 weeks of annual leave, continuing education
To Apply:
Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter. Provide no more than 20 minutes of audio or video
examples of rehearsal and performance, with the applicant demonstrating his/her abilities in choral
conducting as well as organ and piano accompaniment. Preferred formats are streaming audio, attached mp3
files, or links to online videos.
www.fpc-cumberland.org
Search Committee – DMM
Eleven Washington Street
Cumberland, Maryland 21502
Application Deadline:
These materials can be sent to the Search Committee until the position is filled.
Work Start Date:
To be determined.
page 10 April 2016
Address Service Requested
First Presbyterian Church
Eleven Washington Street
Cumberland, Maryland 21502
301-777-3700 www.fpc-cumberland.org
Sunday Worship Calendar
April 10: 11:00 AM Service for the Lord’s Day
Third Sunday of Easter
Acts 9:1-6; Psalm 30;
Revelation 5:11-14; John 21:1-19
April 17: 11:00 AM Service for the Lord’s Day
Fourth Sunday of Easter
Acts 9:36-43; Psalm 23;
Revelation 7:9-17; John 10:22-30
Aprill 24: 11:00 AM Service for the Lord’s Day
Fifth Sunday of Easter
Acts 11:1-18; Psalm 148;
Revelation 21:1-6; John 13:31-35
We Thank God For: