The Shingle July 2014 Page 1 of 22

The Newsletter of Gilead Presbyterian Church, Carmel, NY July 2014

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A VIEW FROM A PEW By Don De Vries

Is God Calling You? Jeremiah is a major prophet of

the Old Testament. We know this because the book by his name is so long, much like Isaiah. And, like Isaiah, Jeremiah was called by God to be a prophet. As Alex Vandenberg explained to our congregation one Sunday last fall, “a prophet listens to God, and then tells the people.” Jeremiah knew he was to be a prophet because he listened to God. In the Book of Jeremiah Chapter 1, verses 4 and 5, we learn that “The word of the Lord came to me saying, ‘Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, and before you were born, I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah clearly heard this call, and served God faithfully. It was certainly an offer Jeremiah couldn’t refuse. He was going to be a prophet, not by his own actions, but because he was called to the duty by God. And having called him, God also assured Jeremiah that He would provide the strength and the words to accomplish His purposes. This is the nature of a calling. It is from, and by God, and is accompanied by the assurance of God’s guidance and sustaining power. It’s the same process that happens when people are called to be church school teachers, or Ruling Elders, or Deacons, or Pastors. It often has little to do with what a person wants, but everything to do with what God wants. If you are asked to be a teacher, or asked by the Nominating Committee to be a candidate for the Session or the Board of Deacons, you can be sure that God is calling through those who ask. Prophets do not volunteer; those who volunteer are not necessarily called. Elders and Deacons are not supposed to campaign for their office; God calls whom he wishes to serve.

People have asked me, “How do I know what God wants me to do? How do I know if He is calling me?” It requires faith, knowledge of scripture concerning calling by God, and a willingness to submit to God through prayer If you are approached by the Church School Superintendent with a request to teach in the school, you are probably hearing God’s call. If a member of the Nominating Committee, whose job is to provide candidates for election by the congregation, asks to put your name on the slate of proposed officers, you are probably hearing God’s call. If you volunteer or campaign to be nominated, it may be for your reasons that have nothing to do with God’s call. All who truly serve are called by God

through His word, and through the words of others who express His call. The same is true of membership in a congregation. It’s God’s call.

Like Jeremiah, persons who are called can be assured of His guidance and sustaining power to serve well. Moses and Jeremiah both told God they couldn’t serve because they couldn’t speak. They did possess strong faith in God, however, and understood that when God told them He would provide the words, they could depend upon that promise. So can we when we are called by God according to His purposes. Let’s pray for ears to hear when He calls us, and for His strength to serve well. Amen.

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A Note from

Gilead Music Department July 2014

As our fall/winter/spring activities end, I want to thank all of our musicians who have so faithfully participated throughout the 2013-2014 year. The Senior Choir, the Senior Bell Chimes, the Praise Makers, the 3Gs(our Gospel Group), Jr Bell Chimes/Orff Instruments,

the Flute Choir, and all the solos and ensembles that have added so much to our Worship Services with their talents. Pastor Martin again penned and sang a lovely tribute “Ode to the Choirs 2014” for the wonderful talent of Gilead to the tune of “Mame”. It was greatly appreciated. Martin, your father would be so proud of you! We thank you, too, the congregation, for all your support and help with moving equipment and in general lending a hand. And we cannot forget our wonderful subs, who have come in sometimes at a moments’ notice to stand in for an absent choir member. Warren Behan, our tech person, is always there to make sure the microphones are working and in the proper place. But not to worry!! Summer has its own special treats. There will be Vocal and Instrumental Soloists, Duets, the Hi Tones, the Lo Tones, Piano/Organ Duets, Piano Quartets (2 keyboards 8 hands), Tuba soloist, Harpist, Guitars (Acoustic and Electric), Harmonicas….. All Praising the Lord! Music will abound, so don’t miss a Sunday! If you would like to join in

any of these groups, let me know. I have my clip board at the ready! I forgot to mention that summer time is also “Favorite Hymn” time. Page through the Hymn books and jot down your favorites. Then look for the “Music Box” and request sheets that will be in the lounge. Fill them out and place them in the Box. We already have requests for Patriotic Hymns for the 6th of July. Here is a sample of what’s being planned: June 29

Penny Cameron, Pianist Mariah Warren, Soloist, accompanied

by Leah Riordan July 6 - Communion Sunday

John Vangor, guitar, Communion Music Robin Garzoni and the Holmes Camper

Singers Alex Vandenberg—Tuba Solo

July 13

Summer Bell Chimes Eric Mueller, vocalist/ organist

July 20 - Gospel Sunday

Gilead Gospel Group (3G’s) Jacquie VandenPlas & Don DeVries,

Duet July 27

Mariah Warren, Joan Francis, Renae Lent and Jacquie VandenPlas singing

See you in Church! Mary Temple, 845 225 6958

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Independence Day

by Michael D Nalley

The tea went in the sea It started with a Big Bang

Brave men longed to be free long before the bell rang

The war took its toll

though battles were won Liberty was the goal of almost everyone

In order to form a perfect union

The preamble was written as they offered a communion

before the soldiers were smitten

Ideals stood firm in the revolution, some have been lost along the way, as democracy is another evolution.

Nothing's louder than Independence Day

http://www.poems-and-quotes.com/special/poems.php?id=1223314

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Volunteers Needed!

Volunteers are needed to teach our Summer Church

School that serves children going into

2nd grade and younger. You only need

to make a one time commitment –

there usually is a different volunteer each week.

Please see Diana Behan or Ellen Nielsen if you would be

willing to teach at least one

Sunday this summer.

“Start children off on the way they

should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”

Proverbs 22:6

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Congregational Life Event

Gilead Church Family Fellowship week

Date: August 17-24th

This event should be booked by yourself as soon as possible by contacting Bayley's

Location:

275 Pine Point Road Scarborough, ME 04074 Phone: 207.883.6043

Resort Information: go to http://www.bayleys-camping.com

Event Coordinator Erik Vandenberg E-mail erik@athruzhomeinspection.com

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

Lectionary for Sundays and Festivals Scripture Reference July 2014

Third Sunday after Pentecost—June 29 Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Proper 8)

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost—July 6 Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Proper 9)

Semicontinuous Genesis 24:34–38, 42–49, 58–67 Psalm 45:10–17 Romans 7:15–25a Matthew 11:16–19, 25–30

Complementary Zechariah 9:9–12 Psalm 145:8–14 or Song of Solomon 2:8–13 Romans 7:15–25a Matthew 11:16–19, 25–30

Semicontinuous Genesis 25:19–34 Psalm 119:105–112 Romans 8:1–11 Matthew 13:1–9, 18–23

Complementary Isaiah 55:10–13 Psalm 65:[1–8] 9–13 Romans 8:1–11 Matthew 13:1–9, 18–23

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost—July 20 Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Proper 11

Seventh Sunday after Pentecost—July 27 Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Proper 12)

Semicontinuous Genesis 28:10–19a Psalm 139:1–12, 23–24 Romans 8:12–25 Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43

Complementary Wisdom of Solomon 12:13, 16–19 or Isaiah 44:6–8 Psalm 86:11–17 Romans 8:12–25 Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43

Semicontinuous Genesis 29:15–28 Psalm 105:1–11, 45b or Psalm 128 Romans 8:26–39 Matthew 13:31–33, 44–52

Complementary 1 Kings 3:5–12 Psalm 119:129–136 Romans 8:26–39 Matthew 13:31–33, 44–52

7/6 Tony Stavrides

Paul Francis Joan Francis Louis Lent Renae Lent

7/13 Mariah Warren

John Warren Eric Kohler

7/20 Warren Behan

Cindy Kosacz Elaine Cole

7/27 Annina Celli

Diana Drake Behan Warren Behan

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GILEAD NEWS

Romberg Award

Music Director Mary Temple announced during the Children’s Day service that Elizabeth Ojeda is this year’s winner of the Romberg Award. The

Award is given to encourage Church Musicianship. Elizabeth has contributed to the Gilead Worship for the past 9 years in Music Makers, Junior Bell Chimes and, of course, her wonderful harp solos. She has embodied the spirit of the A. Aileen Romberg Award. The award was established to honor the memory Aileen, who was a long-time Organist and Choir Director at Gilead. Congratulations, Elizabeth!

The Gilead Youth News and Calendar is being sent out

separately this month. Please contact Youth

Director Fran Croughan if you have any questions.

Elders & Deacons Annual Meeting

What Are Our Core Values?

The elders and deacons met in the church lounge on Saturday, June 7, 2014 to identify what we, as a church, uniquely have to offer so that we can be more insightful about our vision for the future. The list of 31 core value suggestions collected from the congregation was discussed and condensed. With Jesus Christ as the basis of all our values and freedom as an element of all our values, three core

values were identified: Love (thought), Faith (word) and Purpose (deed). As these were explored, three significant aspects of each were identified. The Gilead congregation is welcoming, accepting and bonding in fellowship (fellowshipping). Our faith is scriptural, traditional, and flexible. Our purpose is offering opportunities, listening and encouraging. We believe these core values draw people to come to Gilead initially and then stay to become part of the Gilead church family. If you’d like to make further comments, please talk to the pastor, an elder or a deacon and they will be sure your comments are respectfully considered and discussed

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Help Needed Our fine Coffee Hour Servers

are in great need of assistance!

A couple of our regular helpers

have had to take some time off.

This is a wonderful way to share

your time and talents with the

church, and a great way to get

to know more of our members.

If you can help out even a couple of Sundays a

month, please see Lucy Ojeda.

Do We Have Committees?

Yes! We have committees at Gilead. Each year, Pastor Martin appoints committee chairs to assist him with many aspects of church life.

Committee chairs generate many ideas but many also come from members of the congregation. Have a great idea? Wonderful! Please be sure to keep the appropriate committee chair in the loop. Check the bulletin board in the lounge for the current list of chairs. We look forward to hearing from you!

Calling all graduates…

If any member of your immediate family has graduated or is graduating this year, please let us know. We would like to acknowledge this milestone in the August

edition of The Shingle. You can email the good news to TheShingle@gmail.com or jot the information down and give it to either Rev. McGeachy or Warren Behan.

Revised Ushering Schedule

There have been revisions made to the 2014 Ushering Schedule, a copy of which will be

distributed separately. If you are unable to usher on your scheduled date please call someone from this list to substitute for you. Thanks!

Renae Lent 282-8052

Louis Lent 282-8052

Roy Knapp 225-9559

Dolores Knapp 225-9559

Emma McLean 225-7518

Bart Casabona 228-7331

The Deadline for the July Shingle is

July 26!

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Photos by Gina Davis

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Session Summary

Session met on Tuesday, June 10, 2014. The summary of the Elders/Deacons

annual meeting (see Shingle article) was the basis for the opening devotional and prayer. A request that Gilead participate in the local outreach mission The Farm at Holmes (www.thefarmatholmes.org) was discussed and accepted as our summer mission. A request from a congregation member that we have a suggestion box was approved. Paul Verdesi offered to make an attractive box and to monitor the box to be sure all suggestions are received and directed appropriately for consideration. The stickiness of the pews was discussed. Various cleaning techniques were discussed and Windex seems to be the best option at this time. Since the stickiness does not come off easily, cleaning a pew takes some time and effort. Session would be pleased to have volunteers from the congregation come in at their convenience to work on a pew or two. A sign-up sheet has been posted in the lounge with an information sheet on how to clean the pews. Session will meet again on July 8 at 7:30 in the lounge. Have a concern? Please share it with an elder or come join us at Session.

Deacons’ Corner

Welcome to Deacon’s Corner where you’ll find out what the Deacons have been up to each month!

According to The Book of Order of the Presbyterian Church (USA): The office of deacon as set forth in Scripture is one of sympathy, witness, and service after the example of Jesus Christ. Persons of spiritual

character, honest repute, of exemplary lives, brotherly and sisterly love, warm sympathies, and sound judgment should be chosen for this office.

It is the duty of deacons, first of all, to minister to those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to any who may be in distress both within and beyond the community of faith. They

shall assume such other duties as may be delegated to them from time to time by the session, such as leading the people in worship through prayers of intercession, reading the Scriptures, presenting the gifts of the people and assisting with the Lord’s Supper.

At Gilead please remember:

If you have any prayer requests (joys or concerns) you may email them to lsutton.dascoli@gmail.com or post them directly on the Gilead Group Facebook Page. https://www.facebook.com/groups/164333380282707/

The Gilead Facebook page is a closed group but if you would like to be added, please email lsutton.dascoli@gmail.com

.

Please remember to support the Deacons’ Fund, either by using the special quarterly envelopes or by designating “Deacons’ Fund” on a check.

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OUTREACH AND MISSION

Arms Acres Our neighbors up the street, Arms Acres, are in need of some gently used items to help support their clients in rehabilitation. These include clothing for men, women, and adolescents (adult sizes only). These include shirts, pants, jackets, belts, socks, and shoes. Also needed are suitcases and duffle bags. Please leave your donations in the box in the lounge. Thank you!

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

while funds are best given directly to Marj Williams or placed in the offering basket with the notation “Food Pantry” on

the envelope or memo line of your check. The Food Pantry could especially use donations of complete pancake mix, syrup, cake mix, frosting, instant potatoes, and pet food. Thank you! For more information on this important ministry, please see Marj Williams. While the goods received during the Kid’s Kitchen Collections have been a great help to the food pantry, please remember that other things continue to be needed, so

please continue to bring other items on

non-communion Sundays. Thanks!

Gilead Church School

Kid’s Kitchen

As has been our tradition, children bring an offering for the food pantry on the first Sunday of each month. We are expanding upon this tradition by introducing the Gilead Church School Kid’s Kitchen. Each month will have a different theme, and children are requested to bring up an item related to that theme with them during “Time for the Young at Heart”. In September, the children brought home a

calendar for the next 12 months to remind them what to bring each month. Please help your child to

remember to bring this important offering for our food pantry ministry. The calendar for this school year follows, and will be also posted on the Church School Bulletin Board by the Church School entrance. If you have any questions about this offering project please see Diana Drake Behan.

The theme for July is Juice Boxes and Cookies, and for August is Toilet Paper.

Habitat for Humanity Habitat for Humanity is part of our church mission. There are volunteer opportunities on

house sites or off site work. Steve Biolsi is the Project Manager for Habitat for Humanity of Putnam County.

He can be reached at 914-774-9314. You can get more information on the web at www.habitatputnam.org and you can find them on Facebook

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Financial Report

As of 4/30/14:

Regular Income Year to Date 74,341

Expenses Year to Date 79,472

Surplus (Deficit) (5,131)

We’re in the final stretch…. Help Gilead payoff our Renovation Loan

Outstanding Renovation Loan Balance: $13,205,21 Monthly Payment: $ 1,835

Number of Payments Remaining: 5

.

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

You can also click here

Did You Know? If each family donated $100

towards the renovation loan, we could pay off the balance

of the loan

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GILEAD GROUPS

Faith Discussion Group

Summer recess for this group began after the meeting on Thursday May 22 and will be continued until September 4th, 2014 at 7:30

PM. The ’13-’14 season has focused on the Gospel of Mark and the Book of Ecclesiastes. The next discussions will concern Paul’s

Letters to Timothy. Make plans now to attend when you can. Meetings are held in the lounge each Thursday from 7:30 until 8:30 PM. Visitors from other churches, the purely curious, those with a lifetime of faith, and those with little faith to speak of, are welcome along with all hard-core Presbyterians. Continuity and context are maintained, but if you can’t make every session, you will find that each week the Holy Spirit deals with those who attend. So come when you can. Talk with Don De Vries for more information about this group.

Gilead Designers

Gilead Designers will be meeting on July 18th. The group meets at Gilead at 6:15 pm. Anyone interested in creating craft projects

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

Stretch Exercise Classes

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

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

Our Daily Bread

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

Young Adults of Gilead

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

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

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SpiritWalkers (Ecumenical

Hiking Group)

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

make them reflecting our nature

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

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

Genesis1:26-28

Join us on Saturday, July 19th, for a hike to Earl's Chimney (the remnants of a real chimney) in the woods of Putnam County. This easy-moderate trail crosses small streams and will hopefully be full of blueberries and huckleberries ripe for the picking. The trail ends at a secluded viewpoint and we don't have to climb a mountain to get there! We'll be meeting at Drew UMC at 10:00 a.m. to carpool, as parking at the trailhead is limited. For more information, see John or Mariah Warren.

We have a lot of fun hikes planned for 2014, many of them new to the Spirit Walkers. This

summer, we're hoping for some good blueberry and huckleberry picking on the trail to Earl's Chimney, and in the fall, we'll be looking for hawks at the Arthur Butler Memorial Sanctuary. Our annual camping trip to Kingswood in Hancock, NY (under 2.5 hours away) will be the weekend of August 16th. The campground is run through the Methodist Church in NY, and is family-friendly, with swimming, canoeing, hiking, tractor rides, and more. A special feature of Kingswood is the Stone Ministry, the building of an outdoor chapel in the woods. Each person who comes to Kingswood is invited to add their own stone to this ever-evolving structure. It's an amazing experience, and it's great to see how much the chapel has grown each year.

For more information on our hikes or the camping trip, please contact Mariah or John Warren at 845-319-2127, or gaelcat@comcast.net. We'd love for you to join us!

If you would like to be kept up to date on the year’s schedule and any updates, please join the Spirit Walkers Ecumenical Hiking Group page on Facebook. .

We look forward to seeing you as we explore the beauty of God’s creation!

December Theatrical Production

We're halfway to Christmas, so it's time to start planning for our next event! Will we have another

Journey to the Manger, or something different?

Anyone interested in brainstorming ideas/offering feedback is welcome to join us for a planning meeting/BBQ at the home of John and Mariah Warren on Friday, July 18th at 6:30 p.m. Please

RSVP by calling 845-319-2127. Thanks!

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Your Concrete Weekly Devotionals

by Rob LoAlbo

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

pray with us for 10 minutes. These devotionals are

posted on Facebook at that time every week to

assist. For those not on Facebook, below are

some of those weekly devotionals. Use them with

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

forward to “seeing” you there! July 3: There are so many signs of spring that I look forward to seeing every year. For some, it's the melting of all that snow and for others it's the buds on the trees. My mother and I always send each other messages when we spot the first robin of the year. However, for my son, it is the opening of the fruit stand down the road from us, a sign that spring is on its way. He loves to go down and buy fresh crisp apples, pick out some leafy green lettuce, and find just the right cucumber to dip in some ranch dressing when he gets home. The workers there love his wide-eyed optimism, charm, and politeness and look forward to his visits so much that they usually have a cookie waiting for him. That cookie is reflective of characteristics that exists within him. I know that he is a good and kind person not because that goodness and kindness has a physical form that can be seen with the eyes, but because I can see the fruits of that goodness in the response he gets from others. Other people's exterior reactions reflect his interior heart. Isaiah writes, "The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever" (32.17). This verse indicates that there are qualities that although cannot be seen, exist within us and manifest themselves outwardly. Like the wind we cannot see, we can still see its effects. Like the fruit stand, the buds, the melting snow, and the robin, they all reflect that coming of spring. And like that cookie, it reflects his character. So what is being reflected in our lives? What outwardly manifestations exist that reflect our character? Do they reflect who we truly are?

May our actions and our fruit reflect a deep passion for our savior and a desire to live according to Him. Amen.

________________________________________________________ July 10: When I find myself brimming with annoyance and anger, I can usually take a minute, count to ten, and bring myself back down. If I'm in the middle of the situation, and can't get away from what's angering me, I've been known to push down on the floor, as if I'm sending my anger through my feet into the ground. (Try it sometimes. It can work really well.) But every once in a while, anger gets the best of me, and I let someone have it. This outburst is usually controlled and logical, and I can annihilate the person in front of me through the correct choice of facts, phrasing, and conviction. That I've somehow

been treated unfairly and unjustly, this outburst is usually stemming from a feeling of righteousness. And I usually feel as if I have God on my side. I'd thought that I was reading the scripture carefully when I read James 1.19: "My dear brothers and

sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." I figured that I was within the boundaries of His law by taking my time to unleash on the person with which I was upset and angry. However, we so often forget the following verse which says otherwise: "because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires" (James 1.20). For those of us who feel we are justified in our anger towards others, God desires not our eruption of emotion but our outpouring of love. So many nations, relationships, and families have been divided because one or both felt that they were right in their anger. This week, and perhaps in a specific relationship, instead of building yourself up with righteous anger, shore yourself up with God's grace. Try unleashing that instead. Amen.

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July 17: There are signs everywhere: chaos and confusion, crying, screaming, and gnashing of teeth. The Bible warns us of the events that come with the end. "But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days" (1 Timothy 3.1). At the end of May and all of June, the end of the school year is all those things. The students are more wild than ever, with behavior on a permanent slide while thoughts of summer pervade their minds instead of thoughts of passing classes. And those who have not been passing all year long are in a complete panic because the end is near. Phone calls home, begging and bargaining, and tantrums are the norm, followed by teacher frustration and burn out. The end is awful for us all in those hallowed halls. If you didn't have a calendar, you could easily guess that the last days of school are here as the signs are everywhere. The Bible writes about what the signs are of the end, as the outside world reflects the spiritual nature of our existence. Similarly, the tone of our environment reflects the nature of our hearts and minds. Like the signs of the end times, the panic in students can be felt in the tone of the school. To combat it, some of us set a tone of comfort with our classrooms that promotes calm, acceptance, and hope. As a result, students act positively and constructively while they are in these calmer places. My room reflects the nature of my heart and mind, as I don't allow these last days to tear me down. I live as if every day is the last, and so live it to its fullest. This week, instead of allowing these last days to bring you down and discourage you, be an island in the sea of chaos around you by allowing your environment to reflect the love of God and the hope of salvation you have in your heart. Amen.

________________________________________________________ July 24: Training a dog is never easy. The constant barrage of "no" and "off" gets old real fast. No food is safe and no pillow is spared. (If you're lucky, the legs of your furniture will go unscathed.) Having just gotten a dog to foster this week, I can attest to the exhaustion that comes with having to discipline a young dog. So many times I want to just let him do what he wants to do. It's so much easier on both of us. Eat whatever's available instead of maintaining a disciplined diet? That's easy. Table scraps are readily available. Jumping up on the counter?

Let him be. He's not hurting anyone and it's easier to just ignore it than correct it. And the dog seems to enjoy life more without the grief. But that's thinking short term. Hebrews 12.11 says that "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Having an older dog that went through the same process, it was so tiring at the time, but she is so easy to deal with now and is a model dog for the new one. The same goes not only for our own children and the investments we make in their youth, but for ourselves, as well. It's easy to not spend time developing a disciplined and spiritual lifestyle, but when we are frustrated by something we said or did, we can't blame anyone but ourselves for not leading a life that invites correction and the proper path. It's hard to maintain discipline, but the rewards are plenty later in life. This week, start yourself on the right path and stay the course even when it is hard to do. It's worth sticking with it. Amen.

________________________________________________________ July 31: Walk down any isle in the supermarket, and you will immediately feel bad about yourself. Apparently, I am not thin enough, my deodorant is not strong enough, and my floors don't shine the way they should. Everything is new and improved and better than what I currently have. Commercials on TV shout that my car doesn't get high enough gas mileage, doesn't have voice-activated controls, and isn't any good because it isn't from this year (it's actually a 2004). The message that is being sent to me loud and clear is that I'm not good enough. It's very easy to be lost in this sea of negativity that consumerism and advertisers have created for us. It's enough to make us forget that we're doing anything right. Thankfully, the Apostle Paul remembers that we are doing some things rights: "Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing" (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Paul gives us a command to execute in our daily lives, but he also reminds us that we are doing a great job. He focuses on the positive and reinforces it with a command to keep up the good work, a very encouraging command that probably wouldn't go over too well with advertisers as a buying slogan. It's a very inspiring command that motivates us to stay optimistic and hopeful. So this week, go out and keep up the good work. Focus on what is good in your life. You're doing a great job and don't forget it. Amen.

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

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

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

Prayer Chain Coordinator: Lindsay D’Ascoli :

Lsutton.dascoli@gmail.com

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

Email Lsutton.dascoli@gmail.com or contact (845)225-0221

PET PRAYER CHAIN AND

PET KORNER

All things bright and beautiful,

All creatures great and small,

All things wise and wonderful,

The Lord God made them all.

God cares about His creatures, and so do we. If your pet or you is in need of prayer due to your concern over your pet, please do not hesitate to call one of us: Alicia Briley 845-228-4672 Mary Lou Cassidy 845-225-7268 Shirley De Vries 845-279-8688 Joyce Scott 845-225-7293 Sue Surovic 845-225-2988 Fortunately, our “links” haven’t received any requests for prayers or concerns from the congregation or friends of Gilead for our dear pets. Several weeks ago I received a call from Mary Temple. She said her dear friend Joy McGrath had called her from Vermont to say that it’s been 3 years since we started praying for her pet Dancer, a Lab mix, who was gravely ill with a diagnosis of melanoma and is still barking and chasing birds and squirrels. According to Mary her friend said “apparently Dancer’s the only one that doesn’t know she’s sick! Hah! Continued…

Prayer requests can also be posted on the Facebook page. I will be checking in with anyone who submits a request by phone, in person or email if they would also like the request posted on the Facebook page. I've noticed sometimes it helps to get comments of encouragement and support when you have a prayer! If you have any questions, always feel free to ask.

The Shingle July 2014 Page 19 of 22

About the same time 3 years ago, Cyd Scott’s pet cat Coonie had a collision with a car on Rt. 52 in Kent. She was about to be euthanized by a police officer when Cyd’s mom, Pallas came upon the scene. She scooped her up in her arms and drove Coonie to the vet in Patterson where she

underwent intensive care for weeks. It was “touch and go”, but after months of loving care at home she slowly recovered and resumed a normal cat life. Three years later after receiving much love, care, and prayers both pets are living their “normal” pet lives. Thank you for your prayers. Dancer and Dacuna (aka Coonie)

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

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

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

ad-Presbyterian-Church/139888512714485

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

4333380282707/

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

Only a Smile

A friend of mine came over and…

We talked about this life…The

happiness of laughter and…The

foolishness of strife…How much it

means to face the world…With

faith and courage true…To under-

take a certain task…And really see

it through…And how unfortunate

it is…To sorrow and despair…

And not have the confidence…To

conquer everywhere…We said some

people do not see…The comfort

they could find…If they would only

try to smile…And leave their tears

behind…And then we wished with

all our hearts…That we could find

a way…To show the world the

wisdom of…A smile for every day.

James Metcalfe

The Shingle July 2014 Page 20 of 22

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

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

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

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

Used with permission.

Copyright Gospel Communications International, Inc.

www.reverendfun.com

Used with permission.

©Communication Resources, Inc. www.churchart.com

The Shingle July 2014 Page 21 of 22

FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES

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

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

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

Cynthia Davern Tastefully Simple Senior Consultant

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

cdavern1@verizon.net

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

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

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

The Shingle July 2014 Page 22 of 22

Birthdays

7/2 Shane Moody 7/26 Beth Delanoy

7/3 Erin Thomas 7/27 Claire Jolley

7/6 Julia Stere 7/28 Nicholas Gould

7/10 Wade Spinelli 7/31 Brittany Brown

7/10 Erik Delanoy

7/12 Rich Perez

7/13 Bartholmew Casabona III Anniversaries

7/16 Joseph Montano, Jr.

7/17 Tracey Hynes 7/8 Beth & Carl Erickson

7/18 Faith Rand 7/26 Sue & Bill Surovic

7/19 Carol VanVlack

7/22 James Healy

7/24 Jesse McGrath

7/24 Katherine Stan

7/25 Olivia Casabona

7/25 Daisiana Figueroa

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

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

Please remember that the deadline for submissions is the 20th of each month. Submissions preferably can be emailed to Martin McGeachy at the church office: gilead@gileadchurch.org with a copy to Warren Behan at TheShingle@gmail.com, or you may drop off a hard copy at the Office.

Gilead Presbyterian Church 9 Church St.

Carmel, NY 10512 845-225-4586

Email: gilead@gileadchurch.org

Martin McGeachy Pastor

Fran Croughan Youth Director

Mary Temple Music Director

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

JULY 2014

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

29Lay Reader: Martin Schuldt10:00 AM Morning Worship and SummerChurch School

307:00 PM AA Meeting

1 27:00 PM AA Meeting

311:00 AM StretchExercise Class

4 510:00 AM PRPH

6Lay Reader: Tony Stavrides10:00 AM Morning Worship with HolyCommunion and Church School

77:00 PM AA Meeting

87:30 PM Session Meeting

97:00 PM AA Meeting

1011:00 AM StretchExercise Class

11 1210:00 AM PRPH

13Lay Reader: Mariah Warren10:00 AM Morning Worship and SummerChurch School

147:00 PM AA Meeting

15 167:00 PM AA Meeting

1711:00 AM StretchExercise Class

18

6:30 PM DecemberTheatrical Planning Meetingat Mariah and JohnWarren's house6:30 PM Gilead Designers

1910:00 AM PRPH

20Lay Reader: Warren Behan10:00 AM Morning Worship and SummerChurch School

217:00 PM AA Meeting

22 237:00 PM AA Meeting

24

Shingle Deadline11:00 AM StretchExercise Class

25 2610:00 AM PRPH

27Lay Reader: Annina Celli10:00 AM Morning Worship and SummerChurch School

287:00 PM AA Meeting

29 307:00 PM AA Meeting

3111:00 AM StretchExercise Class

1 210:00 AM PRPH

Calendar