JUNE STEEPLE VIEW ARTICLES
Articles for the June issue of the “Steeple View” are due in the church office by Monday, May 27th.
SOLDIER PACKAGES
Please give the names and addresses of overseas soldiers who would like to receive a package to Donna Atkins. She is also in need of donations of small snack food items (nothing that can crumble), shaving cream, sunscreen, gum, individual drink mixes, dry skin lotion, foot powder, aspirin, cough drops, & Frisbees which can be left in the “Soldier” box in the back of the sanctuary. Please check the dates for shelf life on the items. Donations for postage should be given to Donna.
MUSIC AND THE
PEACE & JUSTICE TEAM
By Guy Fein
I am combining my usual music and peace and justice articles into one about Earth Day, which took place on Monday, April 22nd.
Earth Day was started in 1970, largely under the efforts of Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin. The height of hippie and flower-child culture in the United States, 1970 brought the death of Jimi Hendrix, the last Beatles album, and Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water”. Protest was the order of the day, but saving the planet was not the cause. War raged in Vietnam, and students nationwide increasingly opposed it.
At the time, Americans were slurping leaded gas through massive V8 sedans. Industry belched out smoke and sludge with little fear of legal consequences or bad press. Air pollution was commonly accepted as the smell of prosperity. “Environment” was a word that appeared more often in spelling bees than on the evening news. Although mainstream America remained oblivious to environmental concerns, the stage had been set for change by the publication of Rachel Carson's New York Times bestseller Silent Spring in 1962. The book represented a watershed moment for the modern environmental movement, selling more than 500,000 copies in 24 countries and, up until that moment, more than any other person, Ms. Carson raised public awareness and concern for living organisms, the environment and public health.
Earth Day 1970 capitalized on the emerging consciousness, channeling the energy of the anti-war protest movement and putting environmental concerns front and center. What started as a one time, uniquely American event, taking place in only 1970, has grown to be an annual international event, now celebrated in 192 countries.
As Christians, we must be aware of our responsibility for caring for God’s creation – the Earth. In Leviticus 25:23-24, we read, “The land is mine and you are but aliens and my tenants. Throughout the country that you hold as a possession, you must provide for the redemption of the land”. Thus, we are stewards of the land. We do not worship the earth, but rather show our love of God by caring for his creation.
Although there are many songs celebrating the earth, the “Earth Day Anthem” below satisfies the requirements for a universal song associated with Earth Day. The tune is Ludwig van Beethoven's “Ode to Joy”. It’s Hymn No. 2 in our Chalice Hymnal. The words for Earth Day are:
Joyful joyful we adore our Earth in all its wonderment
Simple gifts of nature that all join into a paradise
Now we must resolve to protect her
Show her our love throughout all time
With our gentle hand and touch
We make our home a newborn world
Now we must resolve to protect her
Show her our love throughout all time
With our gentle hand and touch
We make our home a newborn world
MUSIC PERFORMERS CLUB
GUEST RECITAL
Saturday, May 18th at 4:30PM at the Wading River Baptist Church, 1635 Wading River Manor Road
There will be performances of Bach, Brahms, Chopin, and more, with a reception following. Our own Guy Fein will be performing and all are welcome to attend!
THANK YOU!
I would like to thank the Deacons and the congregation of Old Steeple for “Amy Appreciation Day” on April 21st. Your generosity and caring is greatly appreciated! Amy Cosgrove
OLD STEEPLE CHICKEN BBQ
Saturday, July 6th
THANKS to Diane Sadowy who agreed to serve as Chairperson for the BBQ!!! She will be looking for help from everyone so please give her a call at (631) 886-1853 or e-mail to svdragonfly@hotmail.com to volunteer.
GRADUATES
We are looking for names of any high school or college graduates in our church families so that we can share their accomplishments. Please call Amy at the church office at 722-3070 or e-mail oldsteeple@optonline.net with those names, where they are graduating from, and any future plans.
LOOKING AHEAD
Sunday, June 2nd – Holy Communion & OCWM Offering
Friday, June 7th-Sunday, June 9th – New York Conference Annual Meeting, Tarrytown, NY
Sunday, June 16th – Baptism of Alethea Chingos
Sunday, June 23rd - Baptism of Liam Smith
COMMUNITY BOARD MINUTES
April 21, 2013
The Community Board Meeting was called to order at 11:25AM by Jean Lapinski (filling in as Moderator until Bobby Goodale returned later in the meeting).
Present: Jean Lapinski, Jim & Noel DeLong, Gerry Hegner, Elly Hawkins, George Schoenberg, Janet Wright, Richard Reeve, Ray & Donna Atkins, Barbara & Guy Fein, Barbara Moore, Robert & Andrea Hanulec, Jeannine Martin, Bob Dillingham, Nancy Dillingham, Fay Young, Bobby Goodale, and Amy Cosgrove.
Janet Wright led us in an opening prayer.
Minutes from the March 17, 2013 Community Board Meeting and April 14, 2013 Corporate Meeting were reviewed. A correction was made to Rev. Patt’s title on the March 17th minutes. A motion was made by Guy Fein and seconded by Janet Wright to accept the March 17th minutes as corrected and the April 14th minutes as written. The motion was carried.
Elected Committees:
Trustees: Robert Hanulec reported that the parsonage project is moving along. The floors have been refinished, a new back door has been installed, and the kitchen countertops are scheduled to be delivered this week. Volunteers are needed for a clean-up day at the parsonage on Saturday, May 4th starting at 9AM. Tasks are indoor cleaning, including dusting of the walls following the sanding of the floors, and yard work to be ready for Rev. Jacquie’s arrival. Jean Lapinski offered some furniture for Jacquie if she’d like it.
Lighthouse Security has been contacted about a carbon monoxide detector for the new heating system in the boiler room.
Diane Sadowy has volunteered to be the Chicken BBQ chair this year. It was decided that we will not sell separate children’s tickets.
Deacons: Andrea Hanulec gave the pulpit supply line-up: April 28th – Rev. Mark Applewhite, May 5th & 12th – Rev. Joan Finck (former interim at 1st Congregational), May 19th – Rev. Dr. Jane Ann Groom and baptism of Connor MacLeod, May 26th – Bobby Goodale, June 2nd – Rev. Jacquie Patt.
A big thank you went out to the Deacons for their hard work over the last year. Today was “Amy Appreciation Day” and she was presented with a balloon and gift in worship to thank her for her work.
Christian Education: There still has been no meeting of the committee this year. Bobby Goodale has volunteered to serve as chair and set up a meeting for a Sunday after worship until an official chairperson has been decided. Among other topics, they will discuss Children’s Day.
Christian Action Committee: Barbara Moore thanked everyone for their Long Island Council of Churches donations and reminded us there is a perpetual need in the community.
Music Committee: Guy Fein reported the choir had extra rehearsals (and extra voices) to prepare for Easter. He will be away on May 5th and Elly Hawkins substitute. In July, Guy will attend the UCC Music Association Conference in Seattle.
Association and Conference Delegates: The Spring Association meeting will be held on Sunday, May 5th at the Patchogue Congregational Church.
Last Sunday was the Installation of Rev. Sean Murray at Riverhead First Congregational. Janet Wright said that Rev. Jacquie’s installation will most likely be held in the Fall.
Search Committee: Janet Wright reported that she has had numerous conversations with Rev. Jacquie Patt, and Jacquie is very happy about coming to Old Steeple. Janet suggested the members of the Search Committee become the Pastor Parish Relations Committee. Jacquie is planning to leave Detroit mid-May to start her life in Aquebogue and will begin preaching at Old Steeple on June 2nd. Janet thanked the committee for their hard work and the congregation for their support.
Appointed Committees:
Thank you to Jeannine Martin for today’s refreshments.
Old and Ongoing Business:
Safe Church Policy: The Safe Church Committee (Jean Lapinski, Richard Reeve, Stacy Young, Terri Andresen, Gerry Hegner, and Bobby Goodale) has met several times. A draft was approved by the group, and a copy sent to Allen Smith for review. He offered a few suggestions, which were implemented, and a draft was sent to our insurance company, Church Mutual (still awaiting their response). A copy will also be given to Rev. Jacquie for her input and approval. Jean had copies available and input is welcome. A corporate vote will be required to adopt the policy.
New business:
Barbara Moore suggested a changing table in the upstairs bathroom area – a pull down type. The Trustees will discuss it at their next meeting.
Andrea Hanulec expressed her concern about a proposed 10 foot high free standing digitally illuminated sign for the All Star Bowling Alley on Route 25 in Aquebogue. It is felt that the sign would not reflect the character of the town and will also be a safety issue. Andrea had petitions to sign for anyone interested. There will be a ZBA hearing on Thursday, April 25th, at 7PM at Riverhead Town Hall.
Celebrations and Hopes:
Janet Wright hopes for a larger Sunday School. Guy Fein hopes that Rev. Jacquie is an alto.
Robert Dillingham made a motion to adjourn the meeting and Guy Fein Seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at Noon.
The next meeting will be held on May 19th.
Respectfully submitted,
Amy Cosgrove, Substitute Clerk