The Steeple View
February 2012
Old Steeple Community Church
United Church of Christ
656 Main Road, PO Box 154, Aquebogue, NY 11931
Church Office (631) 722-3070
Parsonage (631) 722-4238
Fax (631) 779-3385
E-mail: oldsteeple@optonline.net
revled@optonline.net
Website: www.oldsteeplechurch.com
Ministers: All the People of the Church
With
The Rev. Dr. Ledyard S. Baxter
Moderator: Bobby Goodale
Choir Director/Organist/Composer in Residence: Guy M. L. Fein
Office Administrator: Amy Cosgrove
Office Hours: Monday 1-5PM, Tuesday & Thursday 9AM-1PM
“SOUPERBOWL” OF CARING
Sunday, February 5th. As we cheer on the NY Giants, let’s also think of those less fortunate in our community. The Christian Action Committee & Sunday School will again be collecting cans of soup (as well as any non-perishable food items, toiletries, or monetary donations) to be delivered to the Long Island Council of Churches.
YOUTH AND FAMILY FELLOWSHIP
The program for February will be an old fashioned Board Game Night (leave those electronic devices at home!) on Saturday, February 11th at 6PM in the Fellowship Hall. Games and beverages will be provided, we just ask that you bring a donation for the Long Island Council of Churches and a simple snack to share. “Youth” of all ages are welcome and bring along a friend!
~ VIEWS AND REFLECTIONS ~
Our Annual Meeting of the congregation on January 22 following worship and a pot luck lunch was well attended and very upbeat in spirit. Several people who have not previously served on our boards and committees were elected to various positions, some of them representing a new emerging generation of church leaders.
The Annual Meeting is a time of summing up and celebrating the life of our church during the past year. The printed Annual Reports are available at the church. I’d like to offer here my own report which highlights several new ventures that feel to me like “Holy Spirit work” and show promise for the future health and growth of Old Steeple Church.
Minister’s Report for 2011
“You are the light of the world.” - Matthew 5:14
Once again, during the darkest days of winter, we have entered the season of light - Epiphany - it means “to make manifest.” It begins with the biblical wise men revealing to the world that Jesus is the long awaited Messiah, the manifestation of God on earth. We have been wonderfully reminded of that sacred story and reality by our young people in their creative Christmas pageant; by a Christmas Eve sanctuary filled with townspeople, carols, and candlelight; and by a series of new programs and possibilities.
A new and well attended monthly Bible Study Group led by Tom Behr has emerged from our Board of Deacons. A “Youth and Family Fellowship” began last October with a Halloween party, followed by a “Make your own Pizza Night” in November, a “Polar Express night” in December, and with a Pot Luck Dinner and Wildlife Rescue Center program in January. Stephanie Woychuk and Janet Wright - have provided the key leadership here so far. There is a need to share this opportunity and responsibility to keep things going, but I like to think that we have turned a corner in terms of getting “the next generation” more involved in the church.
Other new ventures include a Family Communications Workshop led by Nancy Baxter for those who are eager to learn how to be more effective with their kids and other adults in the home; and a new prayer group to be led by Theresa Moreno is planned to begin in late January.
Going back a bit, in June we received into membership three adults through Reaffirmation of faith and four young people through Confirmation. Following the worship service that day, Keith Luce, our “White House” and Jedediah Hawkins chef, with the help of his wife Marta, served us a delicious “Confirmation Brunch.” Another All Church Picnic followed the Children’s Day program the next week.
We are blessed with some new families attending worship and/or other events – I am (happily) running to keep up – and trying to “match up” Deacons and other current leaders to cultivate supportive relationships with these newer folks.
There are several new and many continuing Mission projects: The Church School children are all excited about Heifer Project and have gotten the congregation involved in this creative way of helping low income families become more self supporting. We have some volunteers for a public school Mentoring Program being promoted by the Riverhead Clergy Council; We supported the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Drive with Bell Ringers; We are in our 4th season with the Maureen’s Haven homeless program; We are encouraging financial support of the Riverhead Clergy Council weekly Radio Ministry on WRIV; We organized another successful community CROP Walk to combat hunger in October; We even tried a Bread for the World Offering of Letters to promote more effective foreign aid to Africa as part of a UCC hunger emphasis in November.
Our “Young at Heart” Adult Fellowship has had another widely varied series of educational and inspirational programs through the year including a Valentines Bible Study, Lyle Wells on Long Island Farming, the Long Island Interfaith Environment Network on Sustainability and Conservation, Roman and Diane Sadowy on their round the world sailing odyssey, Bob Kent hosting us at the Cornell Extension Service, Astronomer Ralph Maust leading us on a “Walk through the Solar System,” Theresa Drozd presenting the new Riverhead School Mentoring program, and Kimberleigh Costanzo engaging us in her bottles to wells African development project. Some of these programs - like local farm support, conservation, the Mentoring program, and the Bottle Drive invite our further participation.
We had some special worship celebrations including “Finding Your Faith on Broadway” in February, a “Gospel Music” service in October, and yet another “Colonial Worship Service” on Thanksgiving Sunday. Spring and Fall Farmers’ Services, Ecumenical Lenten Services, and a Community Thanksgiving Service provided additional ways to reach beyond our walls to be in worship and fellowship with others.
It is always a great privilege to share in the lives of our people - to “walk the boundaries” - especially in times of great meaning and transition. The year began on a very sad note with the loss of Jenna Morris, Katie Stewart, and Jan Smith during the Christmas season. Through the year in addition to monthly Communion services, there were 7 Baptisms, 9 weddings, and 7 funerals - all listed in the Clerk’s report.
Thanks to all who faithfully support Old Steeple Church financially. There has been a shortfall in anticipated and budgeted giving which has been partially offset by our cell tower rental income. We need to focus more on personal Stewardship for our long term sustainability.
Thanks to the Trustees for all their parsonage repairs and upkeep, including recent efforts to let there be “more light” (outdoor security lighting) and less water (basement flooding.)
On September 25 the congregation “conspired” with Nancy and others to recognize my 40th Ordination anniversary. I knew of the basic plan, but there were some nice surprises that day. I thank you for that outpouring of love (I still respond well to “positive reinforcement”) and for your enthusiastic support of our many ministries that we all share together throughout the year. We are both truly blessed to live and work among you.
Many thanks as always to our dedicated church staff: Amy Cosgrove - our consistently efficient and upbeat office administrator; Guy Fein, our creative choir director and “Composer in Residence;” and Lorraine Link, our caring custodian. Special thanks to Bob Link for the excellent repainting of our sanctuary pews. I am indebted as always to my devoted wife and colleague, Rev. Nancy Baxter, who has continued giving special attention to the young people and their families.
Thank you to all our leaders, members, and friends who make up this Old Steeple Church family as a part of The Body of Christ. The various group and committee reports tell more of our story of the life and work of this great fellowship of faith in the name and Spirit of the One who brings us new life and light and who calls us - as his messengers in our moment of history - to be that light for others.
Respectfully submitted with continuing love and gratitude for all of you,
Rev. Led Baxter
Gathered and welcomed
by the loving Spirit of Jesus Christ,
we are listening and responding
to the still-speaking God
who calls us into ministries of friendship with compassion
and peace with justice.
(Adopted by the Congregation on June 25, 2006 and incorporated into the By-laws on March 21, 2010)
The task ahead of us is never as great as the power behind us.
THANK YOU!
Perhaps you were aware that we had a program presented by the Wildlife Rescue Center of the Hampton's on Saturday, January 21. A loyal, faithful group arrived with delicious prepared dishes to share before the presentation. The selections were varied and tasty. (Excellent baked Lima Beans, Jeri!!) Those who could not be there missed good food and good fellowship. A sincere expression of appreciation goes to all those who attended, shared the meal, helped to set up and helped to clean up. As always, those many hands made the work seem like fun!
Nick, the speaker from the Wildlife Center, arrived with Beauty. Beauty is a Red Tailed Hawk that Nick had trained, and clearly loved, that was brought to the Wildlife Center with problems with his talons. This magnificent bird has survived several operations over the past seven years and will remain at the center rather than be released back into the wild. Several of the children in attendance were able to touch this bird and feel the silky feathers. The second guest that Nick introduced was a Great Horned Owl. This mighty bird had been found as a baby at the foot of a pine tree. Its pelvis and leg bones were fractured and it appeared that the baby would not survive. However, the Wildlife Rescue Center never gave up and neither did this creature. He is alive and well and sharing his story with the community. The third and final guest was a baby possum that was found, with several brothers and sisters, and brought to the Center. This little guy lost his tail and could not be released back into the environment as were his other siblings. Now he will be an ambassador to our community to help us understand what we can do to help our fellow creatures survive and thrive. Nick answered questions, provided information about the Wildlife Center, and helped us understand what we can do if we find an injured or young animal that needs help. The goal of the Center is to heal and release. Of course, if that is not possible they will keep and care for any animal for the remainder of their life. This Wildlife Rescue Center was responsible for the care and healing of the swan that had an arrow in its neck and the turtle that had been "shot" with a nail gun. We are fortunate to have this amazing and incredible organization in our area. If you wish to have more information, there are pamphlets available at the church.
SOLDIER PACKAGES
Please let Donna Atkins know the names and addresses of overseas soldiers who would like to receive a package. Donations of small snack food items (nothing that can crumble), shaving cream, sunscreen, gum, individual packages of drink mixes, dry skin lotion, foot powder, aspirin, cough drops, and Frisbees can be left in the “Soldier Donations” box in the back of the sanctuary. Please check the dates on the items - some things have a very short shelf life. Donations for postage should be given to Donna.
MARCH STEEPLE VIEW
Articles for the March issue of the “Steeple View” are due in the church office by Thursday, February 23rd.
MAUREEN’S HAVEN
(Taken from OSC’s Maureen’s Haven Coordinator
Diane Sadowy’s Annual Report)
As of January 22, 2012, the Old Steeple Maureen’s Haven program has provided 6 nights of dinners, breakfasts and bag lunches to a total of 82 homeless men at the Grange. The cost has been $405 to the Church, leaving a balance of just under $300 in the Maureen’s Haven fund for the rest of the season. Meals are provided on the first and third Mondays of the month from November through March, leaving 50-70 more meals to be served for the last 4 Mondays.
The average cost of about $70 a night for all these meals has been possible because of the very generous donations of food and dry goods to the Maureen’s Haven program from the Old Steeple community. The $300 left in the fund should carry us through the rest of the season. The willingness of all the volunteers to cook and help serve and prepare the meals has made my job as coordinator a pleasure.
Now, however, we need to consider how to prepare for next season. Diane welcomes any suggestions on how to raise funds for the 2012-2013 season and will be happy to coordinate such an effort. Please contact her at svdragonfly@hotmail.com or (631) 886-1853.
Your heart is happiest when it’s beating for others.
TAKE THE PLUNGE
FOR THE HOMELESS
A benefit for Maureen’s Haven Homeless Outreach Program on Sunday, February 12th at Veteran’s Memorial Park, Mattituck. Registration is at 9AM and Plunge at 11AM. Please call 727-6831 for more information and a pledge kit. Our own Diane Sadowy has been challenged to participate and is seeking pledges. All donations are tax-deductible and checks should be made out to Peconic Community Council. Please contact Diane at 886-1853 or svdragonfly@hotmail.com to pledge or donations can be left with Amy in the Church Office.
CHRISTMAS BAZAAR CRAFTS
Over a dozen “crafty” Old Steeple People (and one toddler) converged on the Luce Hall on January 23rd brimming with ideas for crafts to sell at the Christmas Bazaar. There were lots of “show and tell” items, and happy reminiscing of good times in Mary Goodale’s basement. We all left with inspiration and the resolve to work on our projects during the whole year. Still needed are ideas for some larger items and lots of helping hands. Everyone is welcome to attend the next meeting on Monday, February 20th at 1PM in the Luce Hall.
YOUNG @ HEART GOES
“TO THE DOGS”
On Wednesday, February 15, in the church fellowship hall (downstairs) with our usual brown bag lunch at noon and program from 12:30 to 1:30, we will have a visit from Bernie Ferracane, a member of our Community for the Blind and Sighted that meets weekly at Old Steeple Church, and a pre-trainer of guide dogs for visually impaired people. Bernie will bring one or more of these delightfully friendly “guide puppies” along with a DVD to describe the work of the Guide Dog Foundation. This is a great opportunity for more of us to learn about this valuable ministry within our church family and community. You can just show up. All are welcome. But it helps in planning the set up if you call the church office at 722-3070 or respond by e-mail at oldsteeple@optonline.net to let us know that you can attend.
SPRING SOUP SUPPER
The spring Soup Supper will be held on Sunday, March 4th from 5-7PM. Help is needed with soups, breads, desserts, set up, clean up, and waitstaff. Please watch for the sign-up board coming to the sanctuary soon! Tickets are available for $10/Adult & $7/Children. Please contact Donna Doroszka at dnj66@optimum.net or 722-4131 to volunteer and/or purchase tickets.
ASH WEDNESDAY WORSHIP TO BE HELD AT BAITING HOLLOW
February 22 is Ash Wednesday. We are all invited to Worship together with our larger Riverhead UCC family (First Congregational in downtown Riverhead, First Parish on Sound Ave., Baiting Hollow, and Old Steeple) at Baiting Hollow Congregational Church at 7:00 PM. Rev. Dianne Rodriguez will be offering the sermon. Pastor Stan, who will be hosting us says, “We will be blending several traditions during the celebration of the liturgy that evening to offer a tremendous beginning to our individual Lenten pilgrimages.”
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten Season - a time of prayer, repentance, and reflection on our shared journey to the sorrow of the cross and the joy of Easter.
The Riverhead Clergy Council is also again organizing an ecumenical series on Thurs evenings in Lent at 7:30 PM beginning with March 1 at Riverhead United Methodist Church, followed by March 8 at the House of Praise Church, 573 Roanoke Ave. (In the Grace Episcopal Chapel) Please watch for the rest of the schedule in our March Newsletter.
God loves us the way we are,
but too much to leave us that way.
MAKE MELODY TO THE LORD
Today, we'll discuss the difference between liturgical churches and non-liturgical. For the record, we are non-liturgical. In spite of this, it's good to understand the difference.
A Christian liturgy is a pattern for worship used regularly by a Christian congregation or denomination. The origin of the liturgy is from the Hebrew ceremonies in the Temple or the synagogue.
The principal Christian liturgical churches are the Roman Catholic, Episcopal and Lutheran churches. All three denominations have a set order of worship that includes the "Ordinary" of the mass. The Ordinary, which has fixed, unchanging texts is made up of the Kyrie ("Lord/Christ have mercy"), Gloria in Excelsis ("Glory be to God on high", based on the angels' song in Luke), the Creed (usually the Nicene Creed), the Sanctus ("Holy, Holy, Holy", sung by angels in Isaiah) and Benedictus ("Blessed is he.."), and the Agnus Dei ("Lamb of God"). The liturgy may also include Introits and Graduals, which do change each Sunday, and other prescribed forms. Many of these elements are chanted or sung.
It should be noted that other denominations, such as the Greek Orthodox Church, have different liturgies. Quakers who meditate quietly until inspired to speak call their service a "liturgy of silence".
We are non-liturgical because, even if we decided to include some of these elements, our denomination does not demand that we do so. In fact, the New Century Hymnal, which is the current hymnal of the United Church of Christ, has a section called "Service Music" which includes the elements listed above. Our hymnal, the Chalice Hymnal, is actually the hymnal of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and does not have those elements.
Some people enjoy the familiarity that a repetitive liturgy brings. Others like the freedom that comes from not being required to follow a particular form. Our services do follow a pattern, which is created by our minister, not by our denomination.
Of course, the most common element of all Christian services is the Lord's Prayer. It is found in Matthew 6:9-13 and in Luke 11:2-4. Still, we should remember Jesus did not insist on our saying it, but that we should use it as a pattern for our individual prayers.
There are differences between denominations in the words of the Lord's Prayer. Roman Catholics do not conclude The Lord's Prayer with "For thine is the kingdom...", which the reformers had found in a Greek text of the gospel, but today we know is not in the original. We also use the word "debts", which is found in Matthew but not in Luke. Other denominations use "sins" or "trespasses". Still, it is nice to know that each Sunday millions all over the world are sharing in the repetition of The Lord's Prayer.
Following the "Offertory", we sing "The Doxology". A Doxology is actually any short hymn of praise, usually to the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Common Doxologies are therefore the "Gloria in Excelsis" and "Gloria Patri". The words of the Gloria Patria are: "Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall, world without end. Amen". Some denominations add the Gloria Patri following every recitation of Psalms.
The Doxology that we use was written in 1674 by Thomas Ken, an Anglican Bishop of Bath and Wells. It was part of his hymns, "Awake My Soul" and "With the Sun". We use an old, traditional form of this hymn. In The New Century Hymnal, to make it non-gender specific, the last line has been changed to "Creator, Christ and Spirit, One." In fact, New Century has six different doxologies in its section of service music.
Guy M. L. Fein
Old Steeple Choir Director, Organist and Composer in Residence
Old Steeple Prayer List
Prayers & Concerns:
Those in harm’s way who serve our country including Solomon Brown (Goodale-Warner), Christopher Mascia (Smith & Mascia) & Rick Stevenson
The Family of Gladys Brigham (Moore)
The Health and Spiritual Life of Old Steeple Church
The Orient Congregational Church, UCC
At Home/Hospital:
Kathy Anthony (Hawkins) Lucy Marino
Amy Bordvik (Moore) Liam McGuire (Fein)
Verna Campbell & Diane Moyse (Robertson)
Bonnie-Sue Luce Mason Munch (Czajkowski)
Christine Coffey (MacLeod) Willie Prange (Fein)
Veronica Costanzo (Fein) Elizabeth Rather (Wells)
James Disbury (Robertson) Brad Reeve, Sr.
Rebecca Doyle (Fein) Debbie Reeve
Susanne Ellis (Moore) Lois Reeve
Jordan L. Fisher (S. Reeve) Millia Rodriguez (Berkowitz)
Harold Goodale, Sr. Anne Rogers (Lapinski)
Jesse Goodale, Sr. Lorie Russell (Hawkins)
Michael Hubbard Jim Smith (Hawkins)
Lynn Jacobs (Atkins) Holly Stott (Behr)
Loretta Jones (Hawkins) Christopher Timpone
Peg Kaelin (Hawkins) (Woychuk)
Lee Anna Lynch (Fein) Justine Wells
Lenny Makowski Morgan West (Moore)
Nursing Home:
Eric Alexander John Ryvik
David Boles (Moore) Debbie Wilcox (terKuile/Andresen)
Lettie Downs Jean Young
We welcome additions/changes. Please contact the Church office
or by indicating on the Sunday prayer cards that
your request be on this prayer list. 2/12