First Presbyterian
Church of Tonawanda
.
Because God's
love is for all
Everyone is always welcome.
We pray that God may bless you with
peace, inspiration, and strength. We are a community, seeking to learn what it means
to follow Jesus. No matter what you may
be going through no matter where
you may be on your faith journey,
you are most welcome here!
Live Worship Steaming available and Service in Church
at 10:30AM Sundays!!!
It will be streamed on Facebook Live on our Facebook page
www.Facebook.com/firstprestona/live
Upcoming Highlights
NEWS FOR THE PEWS September 21, 2023
FROM THE PASTOR
This week our All Age Faith Formation on Sunday at 9:30 in the parlor explores our Spring theme of "Planting Seeds of Faith" using the image of the tree firmly planted by water. We'll start with the Godly Play story of "The Parable of the Mustard Seed," told in a circle for all students, toddlers to seniors. Then we'll pray together before choosing materials or discussion groups to help us "work" with the stories.
One form of "work" will be viewing a 5-minute video from The Bible Project to go deeper into the basic story, and then discuss that. Teenagers through adults may be interested in this. There are also art materials, montessori story pieces, Legos, and crafting items for those who want to create something. There are journals for those who prefer to write or draw along these themes. Journals and workbooks are available for all ages.
If you prefer a more traditional Bible Study class, join Janet Haacker's class in the Parlor Dining Room using the lesson outline at the end of this email.
Watch the Sunday School videos for teens and adults online and come prepared to talk about them on Sunday at 9:30.
Last week's video can be viewed at this link:
https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/water-of-life/
This week's video can be viewed at this link:
https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/tree-of-life/
Join FPCT for worship this Sunday, September 24, 2023, at 10:30am in person and livestreamed on Facebook. “Something for Nothing” leans on scripture from Exodus 16:2-15, Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45, and Matthew 20:1-16. The Israelites complained to Moses that God had brought them out to the desert to starve. God sent manna to feed them every day. In the Gospel parable, Jesus tells a story about workers who agree to a fair wage, and are then upset when workers who come later in the day earn the same wage as they do. How do you feel about getting something for nothing? How do you feel when you see someone else get something for nothing?
We welcome Maria Crisafulli as musician this Sunday in Kurt's absence.
As always, I look forward to meeting with any of you I haven't yet spent time with, either at your place or in my office.
See you Sunday!
Pastor Rebecca
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
UFO’s Coming on September 22 from 7pm-9pm.
Come and enjoy fellowship while working on your “unfinished object.” We will meet in the parlor.
The Pastor’s Study: Tuesday, September 26 at 11am or 7pm
Come to this discussion group and explore “Blessed and Blessing,” based on Kate Bowler’s devotional prayers in “The Lives We Actually Live: 100 Blessings for Imperfect Days”. This discussion considers questions of how we are blessed, and how we bless God and one another when life isn’t perfect, and many days aren’t easy. This will be offered the fourth Tuesday of the month two times a day, either at 11am or 7pm.
Faith Formation All Age Event: Saturday, October 14th 5:30pm-8:00pm
Come and join the fun at the third all age Faith Formation Event co-sponsored by First Presbyterian Church and the Center for Christian Growth. Our theme will be “Bearing Fruit.” The event includes supper, scripture, song, and activity stations for all ages. So invite your neighbors and friends, everyone is welcome.
Outreach Team has a few new ways for us to connect:
* Facebook private church conversation group
Reach out to Betsy or Pastor Rebecca to be added to the private chat group on Facebook. This is reserved for members and friends, a place where we can share prayer requests and calendar updates without sharing to the whole world.
* Discord church server
Reach out to Billy or Pastor Rebecca to be added to the Discord server. We're beginning to use this to share CE files and curriculum, as well as offer an open space to chat and share.
Mission Opportunities:
* Body and Soul Pantry The pantry closet is running low on the following: Adult and youth socks, small toothpaste, travel size shampoo and deodorant, small shaving cream, quart size zipper storage bags, peanut butter-large & small size, jelly, cereal, pet food and ramen noodles. Any questions, contact Diane Charsley or Marilee Mathias.
* Church To-Do list has been moved across the narthex to the Outreach board for easier access. Be sure to check to see what you can do!!
Church T-shirts - All orders have come in. If you need a different size or color, sign up on the sheet or let us know in the office.
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ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL
Please take a few minutes and read the appointed Lectionary readings that we are using for September 24, 2023:
Come join us as we discuss the lesson at 9:30am on September 24th, 2023.
See what YOUR special message is!
Jonah 3:10-4:11 Phil 1:21-30 Matt 20:1-16 Ps 145:1-8
How Do These All Come Together?
*Jonah taught us that God wants as many people as possible to have the opportunity to hear His Message, feel His LOVE & accept Him into their heart.
*Paul tells us that even tho we “suffer” in various ways, our life has meaning & can be the way that others find their eternal life thru FAITH & TRUST in Christ.
*Jesus’ parable is His way to get us to understand that no matter how long or “short” our FAITH & TRUST in God/Christ is, we will all be “paid/given” a place in eternity - either at the beginning of the line or at the end!
*The Psalm is our recognition of God’s Greatness & our need to share that with many others!
Question for You:
Are you ready & willing to move beyond your “obstacles/hesitations” to help another find their place in line for eternity?
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REMINDERS
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The Deacons are organizing coffee hour every Sunday after worship. Please join in for fellowship and coffee; the sign-up sheet is in the Narthex.
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PRAYER CONCERNS
If you have a prayer request, please contact Pastor Rebecca at 315-317-6140 or the church office at 716-692-1319.
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CALENDAR
Thursday, Sept 21
9:00am – 2:00pm Office Hours
10:00am Alcoholics Anonymous (Circle II Basement)
Friday, Sept 22
7:00pm UFO (Parlor)
Saturday, Sept 23
10:00am Alcoholics Anonymous (Circle II Basement)
Sunday, Sept 24
9:30am New Sunday School Orientation (for All Ages)
10:30 am Worship for all ages (Sanctuary)
11:30am Coffee Fellowship for all ages (Parlor)
Monday, Sept 25
10:00 am Alcoholics Anonymous (Circle II Basement)
Tuesday, Sept26
9:00am – 2:00pm Office Hours
11:00am The Pastor’s Study
7:00pm The Pastor’s Study
Wednesday, Sept 27
9:00am – 2:00pm Office Hours
Thursday, Sept 28
9:00am – 2:00pm Office Hours
10:00am Alcoholics Anonymous (Circle II Basement)
Saturday, Sept 30
10:00am Alcoholics Anonymous (Circle II Basement)
Sunday, Oct 1
9:30am Faith Formation (All Ages)
10:30 am Worship for all ages (Sanctuary)
11:30am Coffee Fellowship for all ages (Parlor)
List of Officers
ELDERS
Class of 2024 Class of 2025 Class of 2026
Betsy Crocker Tom Dugan Michael Barry
Patricia Loeswick (One Year) Nancy Rolando
William Welch, IV
DEACONS
Class of 2024 Class of 2025 Class of 2026
Mike Donovan Linda Barry
Lynn Hyland Gail Borycki
Alvin Marohn Laura Marohn
Marlene Tyrrell
TREASURER
- Tom Dugan
Church Parking Lot
Please, if you are able to walk, we would appreciate if you would park on the surrounding streets near the church
and leave the spaces in our parking lot for our folks who need them most. Thanks very much.
Hunger Sunday:
Don't forget that the third Sunday of the month is Hunger Sunday. Food and cash donations are welcome
and proceeds are donated to the Twin Cities Community Outreach. Any food items may be dropped off at Donna and Bruce Blinston's front porch at 25 Elmwood Park West. Thank you for your continued support.
Deacons Tonawanda School Mission Project
The Deacons are continuing to partner with the the Tonawanda Elementary Schools to provide much needed clothing items to needy children. This is an ongoing mission project and the Deacons would like to thank the people who have donated so generously. The schools have expressed an urgent need for underwear in the
following sizes: Boys and Girls underwear size 6 and size 8 at one school and Boys underwear sizes 6-8,
10-12, and 14-16 at a second school. Either a monetary donation or clothing donation is acceptable. See Jane Crossan or Leslie Dugan for more details on how you can donate and what items are needed. There is also a designated tote in the Narthex to place your donations.