The Carillon United Church of Christ, Congregational

(585) 492-4530

Editor: Kathy May

July/August 2014 “Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought

forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal…” These, of course, are the immortal words of Abraham Lincoln as he delivered them on the afternoon of Thursday, November 19, 1863, at the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, four and a half months after the Union armies defeated those of the Confederacy at the Battle of Gettysburg. Our nation was at that time a mere 87 years old striving to live up to the principle that “all men are created equal.” These words will be, no doubt, repeated in celebrations throughout our land during the commemoration of our nation’s birthday.

Let’s fast-forward history through the Civil War, Spanish-American War, World Wars I and II, the Korean Conflict, Vietnam, the Gulf Wars, and Afghanistan to present day and try these same words on for size: “eleven score and 18 years ago our fore parents brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all humankind are created equal.” Hmm. These words sure do sound familiar – and nice, too! But let’s ask ourselves the question that screams loudly to us in 2014 – have our actions over these past 11 score and 18 years supported, confirmed and truly represented these words?

Well, to find the answer to this question we have but to look at each evening’s news, or look around us in our villages and cities in which we live, or (sadly) be observant in many of our churches. You see, it is in each of these three venues that we can see what a difference in acceptance, affirmation, interactions and relationships there is based solely on the tint of one’s skin, the accent of one’s speech, the recipient of one’s love, the faith of one’s practice – and we can go on and on and on! Let me be very clear in saying that all of us are NOT like this. But it is unfortunate that those that are, are the ones that others read about or see on TV, that are seen in our municipalities and are “sticking out like sore thumbs” in our churches.

As the birth of our nation of America is approaching,

I am drawn by Lincoln’s words to God’s message of love found in scripture, particularly being drawn to the words of Jesus found in Mark 12.29-31: “Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (NRSV) Loving God – loving neighbor. It seems simple enough. But why, then, isn’t it so?

We currently are in the Church season of Pentecost – a 26 week period in which we celebrate the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in each of us. For us, as Christians, we pray that as the Spirit resides in each of our hearts, we might be boldly led to enact and make a daily practice of loving God and our neighbors. In a practical sense, this means that we honor, respect, forgive, comfort, and encourage those who are interwoven in our lives in any way regardless of what we perceive to be their differences from us.

Realizing that change is a slow and tedious process, my prayer this Fourth of July is that we might be a part of God’s children (perhaps in a leading role someway) who set the stage for a nation of the future that is truly imbued with the equality of ALL humans, across the board, bar none!!

May you be safe this July 4th and always. May you continue to be richly blessed by the God of America and all creation. May you joyously celebrate our nation’s birth and all for which she stands. And may you strive earnestly to right the wrongs and injustices which still exist in our world.

Happy July 4th!! And God Bless America! –

Shalom, Pastor Bob

If you or someone you know would like to receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion at home, please let Kathy in the church office know. You may reach the church office at 585-492-4530 or via email at arc-

ucc@juno.com. Anyone from 9th grade up is invited to share with us in our music ministry. Rehearsal is at 8:45am on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings at 6:00pm.

July Greeters 6 Margaret Homan & 20 Bill & Karen Schaper Shirley Kriedeman 13 Lois Yauchzy & 27 Bob & Deb Wood Gwen St. John

July Readers 6 Leann Pokigo 20 Lois Anneler 13 Marilyn Pirdy 27 Deb Scott

July Nursery Schedule

6 Shannon King 20 Gwen St. John 13 Amy Tillinghast 27 Sheila Vrenna

July Worship Coordinators 6 Bill Hall 20 Shirley Kriedeman 13 Tom Scott 27 Bev Giles

July Birthdays

3 Sharon Koch 16 Phil Tanner 4 Peter Roll 19 Shelby Lund 9 Frank Wood 23 Nathan Sledge

July Anniversaries

4 Bob & Stacey (Lund) Fudella – 1 yr. 5 Jay & Kathy May – 33 yrs. 16 Darwin & Lois Anneler – 43 yrs. 23 George & Suzanne Norton – 54 yrs. 27 Gordon & Ginger Comstock – 46 yrs.

July Bible Readings 6 Gen 24:34-38, 42-49, 20 Gen 28:10-19a

58-67 Psalm 45:10-17 Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 Rom 7:15-25a Rom 8:12-25 Matt 11:16-19, 25-30 Matt 13:24-30, 36-43 13 Gen 25:19-34 27 Gen 29:15-28 Psalm 119:105-112 Psalm 105:1-11, 45b Rom 8:1-11 Rom 8:26-39 Matt 13:1-9, 18-23 Matt 13:31-33, 44-52

Worship in July: July 6: 4th Sunday after Pentecost

The Sacrament of Holy Communion Scripture: Romans 7:15-25 Matthew 11:16-29, 25-30 Sermon: The Devil Made Me Do It!

July 13: 5th Sunday after Pentecost To Be Announced July 20: 6th Sunday after Pentecost To Be Announced July 27: 7th Sunday after Pentecost Scripture: Romans 8:26-39 Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 Sermon: Proofless Conviction

Pastor’s Fund The Pastor’s Discretionary Fund has been the

recipient of generous gifts by the following for the Month of June: anonymous donors, the Family of Bill Erick, The Family of Fran Striker Jr, and Pastor Bob.

Due to costs of a cold winter and other areas of helping people with their needs, the fund is once again in need of your generosity. Please make checks payable to The Pastor’s Fund and mail or bring them to church. Thank you!!

August Greeters

3 Jay &Kathy May 24 Gwen & Laurel Becht 10 John & Kim Common & Candy Hayden 17 Shirley Kriedeman & 31 The Tillinghast Family Margaret Homan

August Readers

3 Mike Tanner 24 Randy Lutz 10 Liz Lowth 31 Justin Romance 17 Frank Wood

August Nursery Schedule

3 Gwen St. John 24 Worship in the Park 10 Sheila Vrenna 31 Deb Wood 17 Sharon Koch

August Worship Coordinators

3 Wally Lowth 24 Harv Roll 10 Margaret Homan 31 Bev Giles 17 Molly Holland

Worship in August: August 3: 8th Sunday after Pentecost

The Sacrament of Holy Communion Scripture: Isaiah 55: 1-5

Matthew 14:13-41 Sermon: Jesus, the Carbohydrate of Life! August 10: 9th Sunday after Pentecost Scripture: Romans 10: 5-15 Matthew 14: 22-33 Sermon: Reach Out and Touch Someone! August 17: 10th Sunday after Pentecost Scripture: Matthew 15: 21-28 Sermon: Is Jesus Really Prejudiced? August 24: Worship and Picnic in the Park 11th Sunday after Pentecost Scripture: Romans 12: 1-8 Matthew 16: 13-20 Sermon: We Don’t All Like Broccoli! August 31: 12 Sunday after Pentecost Scripture: Romans 12: 9-21 Matthew 16: 21-28 Sermon: Love Without a Mask

August Birthdays 4 Joshua Taylor 25 Kennedy Camp 5 Martha Bray 26 Rick Vogt 5 Chelby Rogers 27 Jay Czesak 5 Lois Yauchzy 28 Margaret Homan 8 Lee Pirdy 29 Glen Holland 8 Denielle Romance 31 Kelsey Lund 10 Deb Scott 19 Gwen St. John

August Anniversaries

1 Steven & Erin Zink – 15 yrs. 4 Jim & Sheila Vrenna – 13 yrs. 11 Joel & Michael Ferry 15 Barbara & Dan Comstock-King – 14 yrs. 17 Skip & Amy Tillinghast – 17 yrs. 19 Robert & Debbie Wood – 32 yrs. 23 Rich & Helena Vogt – 33 yrs. 26 David Cagwin & Dona Roll – 35 yrs. 31 Tom & Debbie Scott – 39 yrs.

Choir Rehearsals: Do you like to sing? Is your heart full of praise for our Lord? Have you ever considered being a part of our choir at UCC, Congregational? We are always looking for additional

voices in our choir, so why not consider coming out to our rehearsals on Wednesday evenings at 6:00pm and sharing the joy of praising God through song?

August Bible Readings

3 Gen 32:22-31 24 Ex 1:8-2:10 Psalm 17:1-7, 15 Psalm 124 Rom 9:1-5 Rom 12:1-8 Matt 14:13-21 Matt 16:13-20 10 Gen 37:1-4, 12-28 31 Ex 3:1-15 Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22, 45b Psalm 26:1-8 Rom 10:5-15 Rom 12:9-21 Matt 14:22-33 Matt 16:21-28 17 Gen 45:1-15 Psalm 133 Rom 11:1-2a, 29-32 Matt 15:(10-20), 21-28

It’s coming … and it’s

going to be GREAT!! It’s our Community Vacation Bible School, this year at Hope Lutheran Church, August 4-7 from 5:30 til 8 pm each evening.

ALL youth from pre-k to 6th grade are invited, welcomed and encouraged to come and join with all of us for fun, fellowship, worship and surprises. Planning for this special week is in the final stages, with details forthcoming in our church bulletin. Registration in advance is encouraged by contacting Hope Lutheran Church at 585-492-2530 or by contacting Pastor Bob for a registration form.

Invite your neighbors, friends, children and grandchildren for a time filled with fun, laughter, learning, and lots of surprises!! Hope to see you there!

It’s Getting to be Picnic Time!

On Sunday, August 24th, our annual Arcade UCC picnic will be held. That day, we will gather as a congregation at the Arcade Village Park for worship at 11:00am.

Following our worship, everyone will enjoy our famous and delicious picnic which includes hot dogs (provided by our church) and a wide variety of side dishes (everyone is invited to bring a dish to share and their own table service). Our own praise band, Far Cry will be playing that day as we worship in a less formal setting.

Bring along your favorite lawn chair and dress comfortably and casually (and weather-appropriate). Watch for more details in our weekly worship bulletins, but mark the date NOW!! See you in the park!

Bible Study

While Bible Study is on a summer hiatus, it’s certainly NOT too early to start thinking about this fall. We will re-start our bible Study Class on Wednesday, September 10 at 7pm. We will finish looking at the life of Jesus and will then undertake the study of Islam.

This should be a very exciting and informative study as we invite a guest speaker and share together our thoughts and impressions together.

Hope you join us!

Festival of Choirs

On Saturday, August 16, members of our Arcade UCC Choir plus our accompanist, Laurie Sledge, will once again travel to Port Allegany, PA for the annual Festival of Choirs. It will be a day of great fellowship and wonderful Christian music as well as competition among registered choirs competing for a financial prize, but also singing for and to the praise of God!

The choirs will be judged on: stage presence, diction, blending of voices and overall performance.

Why not consider coming with us to support our choir, but also to enjoy fellowship, refreshments, beautiful scenery and great music? See Dona Roll, Vanessa Adams or Pastor Bob for details.

FINANCIAL NEWS

Our total non-pass-through expenditures for June 4-July 2 included $7,553.78 pastor’s salary and benefits; $2,476.38 other salaries on June 13 and 30; $1,070.45 UCC state conference in Niagara Falls; $400 part of hurricane relief trip to Long Island; $393.75 cleaning; $361 travel; $356.56 village utilities; $307.26 gas; $259.61 copier; $200 UCC Western Area; $153 insurance; $129.07 postage; $75 pastor’s discretionary fund; $62.93 phones; $37.20 miscellaneous; $35 confirmation reception; $34.99 online service; and $29.59 Pentecost flowers.

Two major items on our property-- the carpet in Wetzel Hall and the trim around the exterior of our largest stained-glass window--were replaced in June, for a total cost of over $4,000. Due to the current large deficit in our church budget, neither of these items was funded from the church checking account. Instead, both projects were paid for from our Endowment Fund. We thank the Endowment Committee for paying for these improvements, and the members of the Buildings and Grounds Committee for their hard work in preparing for and carrying out these projects.

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NEWS OF OUR PEOPLE Congratulations Laurie Sledge on the birth of her

grandson and to Lois Yauchzy on the birth of her twin great-grandsons.

Lloyd Knose Celebrates 50 Years with BVFA In March of this year, Lloyd Knose, past member of

the Bomansville Volunteer Fire Association, celebrated 50 years with BVFA. He joined the fire company in 1964 and held titles as Chief, Assistant Chief, President and Vice President. Lloyd was a former President of the Lancaster Fire Council and the BVFA First Aid Team. He started the water ball competition and purchased the old Buffalo fire truck with water ball team funds. He is also a life member of the WNY Volunteer Fireman’s Association.

Congratulations, Lloyd!

Mary Hosford Fisher Women’s Fellowship

The June 9 meeting of the Mary Hosford Fisher

Women’s Fellowship was opened by Chair Liz Lowth with cares and concerns. There were eleven ladies present. Prayers and devotions by Gwen St. John followed. Gwen shared readings from a book on “Friendship” she had received from Joann Roll.

Minutes from the previous meeting and the financial report were read and approved. Thank you notes for gifts received from Women’s Fellowship were shared.

The next PAC meeting will be their annual picnic on June 17 at Hope Lutheran Church and will include election of officers. A baccalaureate service for Pioneer Central High School graduates will be held on Thursday evening June 26 at 7pm. All are welcome.

Upcoming important dates include: September 19, German Dinner; October 10, Pork Dinner; and October 18, Fall Harvest Festival.

Our next meeting will be Monday, September 8 at 1pm in the Great Room. All ladies of the church are members and invited to attend.

Marilyn Pirdy, Secretary

Good Friends Making Great Music

The next UCC Concert Series will feature the

Pioneer Community Band

Under the direction of Mr. Jared Burch

Saturday, August 9, 2014 6:00pm

Arcade Village Park Shelter

Join us for an evening of music

and fellowship.

Proceeds will benefit UCC General Fund

Outreach Committee

The Outreach Committee has scheduled Food Pantry

collections for Saturday and Sunday, June 13 and 14 at Save-a-Lot if there are enough volunteers to cover the two days. Otherwise we will collect only Saturday, June 14 from 9am – 6pm. We will have our next collection in September at Brass’ Shurfine.

We will be serving picnic dinners for the summer at our Free Community Dinners. We will serve hot dogs in June, hamburgers in July and hot dogs in August. We do require two new team leaders. We will have a list of duties for team leaders and a sign-up sheet soon.

Our annual worship and picnic in the Arcade Park has been scheduled for August 24 at 11am. There will be a sign-up sheet in July for those attending and for volunteers with trucks to transport tables, etc.

Liz Lowth, Secretary

The Church Office will be closed the week of July 14-18 to accommodate staff vacations. If you have a pastoral emergency, please contact Rev. Dr. Robert Zimmerman at 716-496-5176. The office will reopen on Tuesday, July 22.

Marilyn Pirdy on “Kinds” of Stewardship Lois Anneler asked me to write a message about

Stewardship and I have given it a bit of thought. I do tithe – from my own income, not Lee’s, which

makes me not a major giver. Lee was a farmer from age 14 until as long as he was

able. In his heart he still is although others do the actual work now. Lee has some health issues. One of our sons said “And I thought you were invincible!” Nice to know. Back then farmers practiced the most basic stewardship – care of the land, the animals and of the family, friends and neighbors. Most farmers I have known have the most simplistic faith, usually practiced from a tractor seat instead of the front pew. We had, and still do have, a special affinity for children. We raised nine of our own and a few others along the way. They learned the basics of hard, rewarding work; family togetherness and no matter how big you are, you can still cry for the bottle lamb that didn’t make it. Do an honest day’s work for your pay.

We believe in the Golden Rule. We believe in basic kindnesses. If someone is sick, take them soup. If a kid needs a job – give him (or her) one. Go to weddings and birthdays and funerals. If you take a gift for a new baby, remember the other kids, too. Simple rules. Easy to be a steward.

As a family, we contribute to other causes. We have a family Christmas celebration before the actual date. Being such a large family we have 60-70 people of all sizes. We ask each person, large or small to contribute $5.00 each. Then, we nominate and vote on which cause we wish to give to this year. Some offer matching funds and that helps. Some of the ones we have supported have been St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and Mercy Flight. Abbey did an internship at the Lakota Indian Reservation in South Dakota and that was one also.

Support of your chosen place of worship is important stewardship. So many people give generously of their time and talents as well as monetary gifts. That should receive equal appreciation.

Once again this year, we passed a deficit budget. The median age of our congregation is increasing with many on a fixed income. These are expensive buildings and programs to maintain. We must all be as generous as possible and also practice good husbandry of these gifts…

Bless you all. Marilyn

News from the Endowment Committee

Unless otherwise specified by the donor, the principal amounts of gifts to the Endowment Fund are retained and preserved, and only the income earnings from the managed investments of the principal may be spent.

Of these total earnings, one half may be spent annually for a specific project or program, and at such other times as deemed necessary and/or feasible for capital improvements and/or major buildings and grounds maintenance programs of the church. These funds may roll over from year to year.

This Year’s Disbursements: Chair for the Pastor’s Office $598.00 General Fund $3500.00 Balance – Carving Station $101.17 Carpeting – Wetzel Hall $3506.25 Stained Glass Window Frame Repair $1075.00 One fourth shall be spent annually for outreach into

the community, Western New York State and overseas. These funds must be allocated annually.

This Year’s Disbursements: New York Help $200.00 PAC Food Pantry $250.00 Dunkirk Conference Center $200.00 Pioneer PRO $200.00 Ronald McDonald House $100.00 St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy $100.00 Buffalo City Mission $100.00 Total $1150.00 One fourth may be spent annually for any purpose

listed above. These funds may roll over from year to year.

This Year’s Disbursements: Pastor’s Discretionary Fund $400.00 Fortunately, the Committee has rolled over funds

preparing for a “rainy day.” Unfortunately, we’ve experienced an abundance of “rainy days” this year.

Dear Church Family –

There are not enough words to express our deepest gratitude for your kindness when our Matthew Reinhart left his earthly home to

live with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We’re given many gifts as we go through life. Some

we’re allowed to enjoy for a long time, others only briefly. We know that each person is given the gift of time on this earth to live, to learn, to love and to leave a footprint. Each gift has the power to change us, enrich us and make us better people. Matthew was a gift given to us from God to cherish, nurture and share. As it was appropriately stated, “it takes a village to raise a child.” Thank you all for being “the village” in Matthew’s life.

A special thanks to Bob and Deb, Dr. Comstock, his staff, Pastor Bob for the beautiful service and compassion, the Women’s Fellowship for the wonderful luncheon and you, the congregation, for your prayers, kind words, many phone calls, gentle hugs, memorial gifts, floral tributes and delicious food. They all were a comfort to us as we began our new ‘normal’ lives.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for loving and supporting Matthew and our family during this difficult time.

God’s Peace, Wyn, Debbie, Megan, Brandon and Lleyton Matthew

Open House Celebration for Margaret Homan’s 90th Birthday

Sunday, August 24 – 2-5pm Everyone is invited to join in an Open House

(sponsored by our Women’s Fellowship) on August 24 from 2-5pm in Wetzel Hall in honor of Margaret Homan’s 90th Birthday! Please plan on joining us for this special event for a special lady!! Cards are certainly welcome, but no gifts, please. See you there!

Membership Class

Pastor Bob would like to have a Membership Class this fall at Arcade UCC, Congregational.

If you have interest in making our congregation your church home OR if you would just like to learn more about our United Church of Christ, please see Pastor Bob so a schedule can be made.

Looking Ahead:

On Sunday, September 7, we will resume our 10:30 am worship schedule.

On Sunday, September 14, we will be

celebrating Rally Day for our Sunday School. The Christian education Committee will be providing a breakfast for all involved with Sunday School that morning, beginning at 9 am in Wetzel Hall. Bring your family and friends to help launch this year’s Sunday School program here at Arcade UCC!!

During worship on September 24 , we will celebrate Commitment Sunday – a time when we prayerfully and generously respond to our commitment in support of our congregation for 2014-2015. PLEASE, plan on joining us for worship that day as we commit to God our financial support.

Our forebears, oppressed by the tyrannical rule of Great Britain, decided to challenge this rule with the concept of a nation that, years after her birth, would be recalled as having been conceived in liberty and

dedicated to the proposition that all men and women are created equal. While, in the greater scheme of things, America’s 238th birthday on July 4 is but a stage of infancy when compared to much of the rest of the world, we have grown into the greatest, most powerful nation on the planet. All because some folk desired to live in freedom – freedom to make mistakes, freedom to form a society and a government that is founded on God’s divine influence, God’s direction and God’s unending love and grace for all humankind!

Take time on July 4th to ponder our great nation and to say a prayer of thanks to God for all the blessings and privileges we enjoy in her freedom.

July Gatherings 1 Worship/Music - 5:30pm 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Choir Rehearsal – 6pm 26 Community Dinner - 4-6:00pm 26 Concert featuring “Kenaniah,” the Tate Music

Label Recording artists will perform at the Arcade United Methodist Church. Free admission, but a pass-the-hat love offering will be taken for the band. 7:30pm, Corner of Main and Pearl Sts.

August Gatherings 4 Council - 6:30pm 4-7 Vacation Bible School – 5:30pm – 8pm @ Hope Lutheran Church 5 Worship/Music – 6:30pm 6, 13, 20, 27 Choir Rehearsal – 6pm 9 UCC Concert Series – featuring the Pioneer

Community Band – Arcade Park – 6pm 13 Building & Grounds – 7pm 16 Festival of Choirs – Port Allegany, PA 24 Annual Church Picnic 11am– Arcade Village Park Bring dish to pass and table service

24 Open House – Margaret Homan’s 90th Birthday 2-5pm in Wetzel Hall 26 Council – 7pm 30 Community Dinner – 4-6:00pm NOTE: Weight Watchers meets Wednesday evenings at 5:00pm in Wetzel Hall.

The Carillon is being compiled, printed and mailed by a committee of four – Audrey Erick, Margaret Homan, Marilyn Pirdy and Sheila Vrenna. Please continue to watch for the deadline date for your articles and reports and give them to any of the above members. We hope to produce a quality newsletter. Any suggestions are welcomed. The deadline for the September issue is August 24, 2014.

The Carillon Published 10 times per year by the United Church of

Christ, Congregational, 297 Main St., Arcade, NY 14009. Pastor: Rev. Robert C. Dievendorf Office Phone: (585)492-4530 Office E-mail: arc-ucc@juno.com Website: arcadeucc.org Office Hours: 9:00am – 3:00pm (T-Th) Worship Schedule: 9:00am Choir Rehearsal 9:30am Worship

United Church of Christ, Congregational

297 Main St. Arcade, NY 14009