Presbytery of Lake Erie

What gifts do you bring?

The Giving Season: What gifts do you bring?

Written by Marsha MacKinnon, Webmaster for the Presbytery of Lake Erie

Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Christ, born into this world to save it. Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace for all. The Magi saw the star above Bethlehem and were compelled to see the wonder of a newborn king who would be the Savior of the world. Whether you follow this star or not, the Season of Giving began with the Magi in the East. What gifts did they bring him? Rare items for that time: gold, frankincense and myrrh.  What gifts do you bring? What gifts are you willing to share with others?

It has been said that we are all gifted in some way. It’s also been said that we are all gifted differently. Gifts bestowed by God. We can also offer gifts of time, talent and treasure to others and to the community. What gifts are you willing to share?

On the walls of the business office at the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant in downtown Erie are works of art made of colorful fabric, both hand and machine stitched, and crafted by JoAnn Peters. JoAnn is the number cruncher at First Covenant; she handles all matters financial. Her skill with numbers and her ability to pay attention to detail supports not only her tasks for First Covenant, but her evolving skill as a fiber artist.

JoAnn started sewing as a teenager and has been seriously quilting for the last 12 years. This past July, she submitted her work to Campbell Pottery for their annual juried art show titled In the Garden. JoAnn had entered pieces in local guilds and craft shows before, but the Campbell Pottery Juried Art Show represented a new challenge for her.

“Well, my sister called to say she was entering one of her pieces in the mixed media category and wanted to know if I had something for the fiber art category. I turned around looking at the piece hanging in my office and said, ‘well yes I do.’ I didn’t know the show was also a contest. I was really just interested in getting in it and possibly selling the quilt. Once my sister told me that her piece along with a photograph her daughter put in was accepted, I checked my email thinking ‘what about mine?’ Two hours later I got the word that ‘Rose Garden’ was accepted into the show. I was so thrilled that all three of us had something on display. The next day I received another email from the gallery (Campbell Pottery) saying, “We are happy to inform you that your entry ‘Rose Garden’ received First Place in this year’s show!” I about fell off my chair and had to read it several times because I couldn’t believe it.”

Not only did JoAnn capture the top prize, her first-place quilted artwork was purchased by a woman who lives in New Jersey. The buyer was passing through the area and made a stop at Campbell Pottery, saw the quilt and made special arrangements to take it with her. Campbell Pottery, located just south of Edinboro, is a major stop for art enthusiasts and artists alike. Master Potter Bill Campbell has been winning national awards and perfecting his craft for decades. His designs are featured in over 500 galleries across the country. His wife, Jane Campbell, manages the art store-turned-tourist destination and gallery and oversees all the juried art shows held at that location.

When asked about what she enjoys so much about her chosen art form, JoAnn says she finds it very relaxing. “It’s playtime for me. Just the relaxation of handling beautiful fabrics and free motion quilting on my machine. I like patterns with a little challenge. Most of the time it’s seeing the fabric that decides what I will create from it. I usually hang the finished top for a few days to decide how to quilt it. Once I have an idea, I don’t stop until it’s done. I like to keep trying new designs just to see if I can do it. I spend most of my free time at my machine especially the weekends when I can get two full days of quilting done. I Love being able to hang a completed work.”

The photos in this article only give you a taste of the exquisite work and rich, beautiful colors JoAnn selects for her quilts. In the summer of 2017, JoAnn’s quilted artwork was featured for a time in what has become known as the First Covenant Community Gallery. It’s a space near the office that has been repurposed to bring a variety of visual experiences to those walking by on their way to a class, meeting or worship. This space was included as a stop on Erie’s Gallery Night where area art shops and galleries open their doors and showcase the variety of work from local artists. JoAnn said, “I was excited to have people come and browse and sold many of them that night.”

JoAnn Peters has taken a passion for quilting to a new level and is now an award-winning fiber artist. This journey began some years ago. Yet along the way, she discovered that sharing her talents with others held a certain satisfaction. We’re treated to a visual gift when JoAnn completes her latest project and hangs it on the wall in the office at First Covenant. Thanks for sharing JoAnn.

 

 

Endeavor Enjoying the Blessing of Water

Endeavor Church Blessed With Water

Written & Posted by Marsha MacKinnon, Webmaster for the Presbytery of Lake Erie

When it comes to counting your blessings, where do you start? For members of the Endeavor Presbyterian Church they are really counting their blessings now. For  the first time in the 120 year history of the church, the building now has running water. That is a blessing.

It was a time consuming project that required many hands to make it happen. But now is it complete and for the first time Endeavor has restroom facilities in the church building.

Commissioned Pastor Roger Snyder is thankful and grateful. “Thanks so much for all the help… God!, The Community of Endeavor, Jim Ziegler, Rev. Sue Montgomery, Rev. David Oyler, Lake Erie Presbytery, Mike Come, Jon Hitchcock, Snavely Excavating, The Barnett family, Swissvale Presbyterian Church, Rev. Mellissa Morris, Ed Mead, Carey Carl, Pleasantville Presbyterian Church, King’s Lumber, Hickory Township, Jr. Hall, Grant’s “Little Store”, The Trading Post, Classic Ink, the EPC church family!!! 

If you didn’t grow up in the country, it’s difficult to imagine not having running water and restroom facilities. Yet until very recently the members of the Endeavor church have never had running water. The following is a Q & A conversation with the Commissioned Pastor of the Endeavor Church, Roger Snyder.

How long has this project been in works? The restroom project was envisioned in March of 2107.

Many people can’t even grasp the idea that a public building – like a church- wouldn’t having running water and restrooms. Unless, the church is in the country. Explain so readers can understand what a big deal this project truly is to the members of Endeavor and the community.

This church is in a rural area! I’ve heard it said that it’s 5 miles past the edge of civilization! Installing the restroom is a big deal for our area. Although we live in a rural area, we all have the same basic needs. The idea of being able to worship as a church family is an element sorely needed in our area. The idea of not being able to use a restroom for an hour and a half is prohibitive to some sharing in worship. Initially, I was thinking of our aging population… in actuality, it’s a blessing for parents with young children as well! As our church grew from “the faithful five”, we invested in a porta potty. Some laugh but this was actually a step up! One new (previously unchurched family) had a one year old who would say “Take me to the “stink house” grandpa!” We were glad it was there for her! With the indoor restroom, young parents can feel comfortable taking children knowing they have a place to “go”, wash hands, and take care of personal needs. As an older male, I can testify. Picture driving on a long ride when the driver doesn’t like to stop for anything! The urge hits, you grit your teeth, clench every muscle you have and pray you make it to the next stop. It’s painful. This burden of pain has been lifted for those who really need a restroom on demand!!!

 This wasn’t a “simple” project was it? What all was involved in making this project a reality?

Enabling and installing the restroom was quite a logistical challenge. A mere year and a half ago, this church only had enough finances to last a couple more years. The available financial resources with larger community involvement and a growing congregation turned our income into a positive cash flow. This being said… we did feel led and wanted to work without debt moving forward. We prayed and wanted the project to be paid for in addition to our normal cash flow. Since one of our goals was to make this wheelchair/disability friendly, we reached out to the Lake Erie Presbytery. There was some mention of being able to help through Presbytery funds for such events. More importantly, our General Presbyter reached out to several with our need. Right away, Rev. Sue Montgomery, who is an advocate of disabled persons, was notified… and God began His work networking. The very next day, Swissvale church, near Pittsburgh, had just received some money from a long-time member who was adamite about people attending worship. The church felt strongly that a portion of that money should be spent in a way that really made a difference in people’s lives. They contacted Rev. Sue Montgomery with this need for an opportunity. EPC and Swissvale proceeded to engage in a lasting relationship. They ended up sending us a check that covered half of our expenses!!! Ok… our vision was on its way to becoming a reality.

Because we live near a scenic tributary that empties into the Allegheny River, we are very environmentally sensitive. We obtained permits from our township, who supported our mission. Our site was inspected, and our plan was approved.

A skilled member of our congregation agreed to mastermind the interior work that would need to be completed. A neighborhood friend, whose family and EPC went back several generations, agreed to the outside work and plumbing. A holding tank was purchased and installed by a local excavating company. Jim Ziegler proceeded to complete a well, pump and exterior plumbing to and from the building.

Meanwhile, since most projects take twice the funding and twice the time of an original estimate, we continued to raise funds.

We had a community opportunity to buy apparel with the EPC logo as a fundraiser. A dear friend who works for a printing company near Butler, worked with us to develop a logo based on a stain glass window in our church. The shirts were designed with the setup costs waived and sold at production cost enabling us to raise money. Not only did this raise money but soon the sense of mission became a community involvement… a source of conversation at the local stores and the beauty shop. Neighbors who didn’t even know the church was still open, were making positive comments about the new activity and became well dressed around town supporting our new logo!

 One member of our congregation was a senior in High School. As part of his activities, wanting to make a positive difference in our community and church, began working on a Community Supper to raise funds. We had hoped for 30 – 50 suppers to be purchased. We were floored when over 200 community members showed up buying over 300 meals. The people preparing the meal had to keep running to the neighboring towns to buy out their supplies of noodles and sauce!!! There were friends of the church, neighbors and a real getting together of community in support helping God help us. I get emotional thinking about it. This ended up raising another major piece of the financing puzzle.

 Since the wiring of the church was so old, it was deemed necessary to run entirely new service from the meter to new breaker boxes and subsequent wiring. A local electrical contractor helped us out with all of this. On one trip to the crawlspace, the basement steps broke. Thankfully, there were no injuries. The old and dry rotted steps were immediately replaced. These were two spinoff projects, not originally anticipated, that were completed.

 Exterior work was getting done, the interior being remodeled, all the while praying to God the budget would hold! Finally, in mid-October 2018, our project was completed and local history is made. The final environmental inspection was completed. We are the first church in our neighborhood of three churches who actually have running water!!!

 Most people take for granted a lot of blessings in their lives. How has Endeavor been blessed?

 I see a blessing as God’s favor and  God enabling us to help the Kingdom, our neighbors and ourselves. God’s faithfulness in bringing together financing and the necessary help have been a huge visual testimony of God’s love and provisions for Endeavor and the neighboring communities.

 Throughout the entire process, aside from now having “a place to go,” what has been the greatest benefit to the Endeavor Church?

 Having “a place to go” certainly has its benefits. The process of God working through others has been every bit as valuable. I reflect on a time I was in the dark, damp spider infested crawl space (I have claustrophobia, praying like David in the 23rd Psalm and the “valley of death”), with our two main helpers. Both had family members in our books dating back to the early 1900’s. Neither had been to this church for years. I mentioned that they both had relatives looking down and being satisfied that they were keeping this church family active for another generation. The smile on their faces brought goosebumps. People are genuinely happy and satisfied when we do what God wants us to do.

In this day of electronics and several cars per family, there is a developing need for people spending real time together. This project has enabled, and continues to enable, this particular church to be a vessel in which people come together in common mission helping God! For our sleepy little community, who has gradually withdrawn from neighbors in the context of modern times, this was like ringing a bell… “God is alive, well and active right next to you!!!”

The Synod features this water project on it’s website, click on this link: http://www.syntrinity.org/featured/running-water-was-an-endeavor-that-lake-erie-congregation-was-willing-to-attempt/

Girard Presbyterian: Rebuilding on Faith

Rebuilding on Faith…

Written by Marsha MacKinnon, Webmaster for the Presbytery of Lake Erie

The First Presbyterian Church of Girard sustained a catastrophic loss in the summer of 2018. The church building, built in 1892, was consumed by fire. Despite this devastating loss, there is something very positive growing from the ashes of this historic church in Western Erie County. While strong faith has been evident here for well over a century, The Rev. Nicola Vitiello, Pastor of the Girard church, believes that faith is now stronger, deeper and richer than before. “I would say that from the perspective of the congregation there has been a coming together, a new togetherness,” said Vitiello. “Attendance in worship is up, participation in fellowship is up and involvement in Sunday School(Faith Formation) all are up. Members have become more active.”

Fire on July 22, destroyed the 126-year-old sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church in Girard, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Laurie Kraus)

Sometime in the early morning hours of July 22, 2018 fire erupted at the First Presbyterian Church of Girard. Thirteen fire companies, from Girard and Lake city and others throughout the western region of Erie County  responded to the fire scene and every effort was made to save the structure. It just wasn’t possible. The members of  the Girard congregation were shocked that their beloved church building was no longer standing where it had stood for 126 years. While the main church building was a total loss, the volunteer fire firefighters were able to save an adjacent building that houses the community food pantry. The food pantry continues to serve those in need in the Girard community. The exact cause of the fire will not likely be determined due to the intensity of the fire.

Members of First Presbyterian Church of Girard and representatives from 20 local churches gathered on July 24, 2018 for a prayer service in the church parking lot. (Photo by Laurie Kraus)

Shock, loss and grief, came together during a prayer service that was held on July 24, 2018 in the church parking lot. In attendance, church members, neighbors, local clergy, the Rev. Dr. David Oyler, Head Presbyter of the Presbytery of Lake Erie and the Rev. Dr. Laurie Kraus, director  of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is well known for supplying volunteers to support people after natural disasters. This time representatives would help the Girard church through their grief and recovery and look to the future.

Rev. Dr. David Oyler felt deeply about the loss to the Girard church. While the church building is no longer standing, the church is actually the people of the congregation. “As General Presbyter, I had two immediate responses when I heard this most difficult news early on the morning of July 22.  My first response, ‘Oh, what a difficult, heart breaking tragedy.’  My second response: ‘The people of the Girard congregation are wonderfully resilient people.  And they shall prevail.’  When I first drove by the devastated church building I was overwhelmed by empathy, yet knowing that God alone is Lord of the church,” said Oyler. 

Lake City Presbyterian Church is demonstrating faith-in-action, where neighbors are helping neighbors, by opening its doors to the Girard congregation. On Sundays, Lake City has worship at 9 a.m. and Girard has worship at 11:00 a.m. and Sunday School is at 9:30 a.m. Thanks to donations of office supplies, the Girard congregation has a new temporary office located across the street from their former church building on Main and Church streets in Girard.

According to Pastor Vitiello, the Session of the Girard church has hired a contractor to demolish, design and build a new church building at the same location. “The congregation has had one listening session, and more to follow so people can be heard and the Elders will be informed about what the congregation wants,” said Vitiello. About two-thirds of the cost to rebuild the Girard church will be covered by the insurance policy. To raise funding for the remaining third of the cost, the congregation has created a restoration fund so contributions can be made to complete the project.   Demolition of the site is expected to be completed before winter, so that construction by the contractor, Building Systems, Inc.(BSI)  can begin in April/May 2019.

While the grief process continues and plans continue to develop for the future, Pastor Vitiello is happy and impressed with the amount of progress already made to rebuild a new church. “One of the challenges for me is to try to pastor in a way that I’m used to pastoring, and at the same time try to help in the effort to build of a new church.”

While the grief process continues, the members of  Girard Presbyterian are rebuilding on faith.  “There are many, many steps to take in this renewing process.  Yes, there are physical and logistical items to address – removal of debris, insurance settlements, temporary worship location, office space and a host of other issues.  Even more this is a time of spiritual reflection and renewal for a congregation,” said Oyler.  “The church has been surrounded by the prayers of countless congregations and individual Christians.  There has been an outpouring of supplies and generous financial gifts from churches across Lake Erie Presbytery and beyond.  God has a continuing faithful ministry developing in the midst of the Girard Presbyterians.  They have a message to share of Jesus Christ, but also one of hope in the face of adversity, resilience, and perseverance in the midst of physical loss.  Faith formation continues on…thanks be to God!”

The Girard congregation is offering its thanks and gratitude to all the firefighters who responded to the fire. Church members are providing two dinners for those firefighters to thank them; on November 1 in Girard and November 5 in Lake City. The Girard congregation is rebuilding on faith. To help them complete the rebuilding donations can be made to: First Presbyterian Church of Girard, PO Box 106, Girard, PA  16417.

 

 

Spotlight on Faith: “Unafraid”

Unafraid: Living with Courage and Hope by Adam Hamilton

In this five-week study based on his book Unafraid author Adam Hamilton explores the worries and fears most of us experience. Your small group can learn to identify fears and discover practical steps for overcoming them; all in the light of Scripture and a faith that promises again and again that we can live with courage and hope. In addition to the Leader Guide, which includes session plans, activities, and discussion questions, a DVD featuring Hamilton, and a book are also available. The five-session DVD features Adam Hamilton presenting to a group in his engaging style. The video segments are approximately 15-18 minutes each and, when combined with the book, make an ideal five-week group study.

       The Presbytery of Lake Erie Resource Center is staffed Monday and Tuesday from 9 a.m.– 1 p.m. and is open Wednesday and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.  It is located in the Elmwood Avenue Presbyterian Church, located at 2816 Elmwood Avenue, Erie. For more, call 814.868.4891 ext. 5 or email [email protected]

Reflections: “Enough To Go On”

MaryAnn McKibben Dana writes a splendid article in the June 20 Christian Century. It is titled ‘Enough to Go On: Doing Improv Changed My View of Scarcity’. In it she addresses the benefit she has gained in participating in improvisational theater. I drew on that theme in the July 29 installation sermon for Rev. Rebecca Taylor at First Church, Warren. So here is the question: ‘What does improvisational church look like? Is there a basis for such thinking in the parables of Jesus? If so, what are the implications for where you live and the ministry in which you are engaged? What does ‘improv theater’ say to the 21st century church? (If you want to think about this even more you are encouraged to read her article, page 11, June 20, Christian Century.)

Dr. David Oyler

Reflection: A Rethink on Indulgence

Christian Century recently carried an article entitled ‘Indulgence’.  Indulgence can sound self centered.  We indulge in our favorite foods – hot fudge sundaes, a bowl of blackberries, pound cake.  But in the article various contributors spoke of indulging in the incredible grace of God – observing a sunset, holding hands with an elderly friend, talking to a neighbor.  So what indulgence might you engage in this summer time season?’

Dr. David Oyler/Head Presbyter of the Presbytery of Lake Erie

Reflection: Anticipating Holy Week

March, 2018

And So The Church Draws Close to Holy Week:

Lent is a time of deep reflection and yearning for the power and presence of God.  The prayer below was prayed by Walter Brueggemann at Allegheny College, August 16, 1989.  It is a prayer of yearning in our own age as well:

With the energy we have,
we begin the day,
waiting and watching and hoping.

We wait,
not clear about our waiting.
But filled with a restlessness,
daring to imagine
that you are not finished yet-
so we wait,
patiently, impatiently,
restless, confidently,
quaking and fearful,
boldly and daring.

Your sovereign decree stands clear
and we do not doubt.
We wait for you to dissolve in tender tears.
Your impervious rule takes no prisoners,
we wait for you to ache and hurt and care over us
and with us
and beyond us.
Cry with us the brutality
grieve with us the misery
tremble with us the poverty and hurt.
Attend to us – by attending in power and in mercy,
remake this alien world into our proper home.

We pray in the name of the utterly homeless one,
even Jesus.

Amen.

Reflection: Community Engagement

 

Engagement in a World That Seems Upside Down

‘Some (people) have perhaps become hermits with the thought that sanctity could only be attained by escape from others.  But the only justification for a life of deliberate solitude is the conviction that it will help you to love not only God but also others.  If you go into the desert merely to get away from people you dislike, you will find neither peace nor solitude; you will only isolate yourself with a tribe of devils.’
  -Thomas Merton, Seeds of Contemplation, page 52

 

There are moments when it is tempting to withdraw from the world.  Merton suggests otherwise.  What do you think?  How does your thinking influence your theology and your practice?

Dr. David Oyler

Reflections: The Sovereignty of God

THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD IN A CHAOTIC WORLD

John Calvin and Calvinism get a great deal of bad press over the concept of predestination.  (A concept that is, honestly, not very well understood by many.)  However, the theology which Calvin lived may have something important to say to our current culture.  When the world seemed to be falling apart, when disease and early death had seen an increase across Europe, he lifted up a different theme.  The kingdom in this world belongs to God alone.  The larger picture pointed to God as their help and hope, even as they were mired in some miserable circumstances.  And Calvin ‘resolutely refused to give up any part of human life as beyond hope of redemption.  Not economics, nor politics, nor church, nor the physical life…[all were in] need of restoration to the harmony of God’s kingdom.’ (Niebuhr, The Kingdom of God in America, p. 39).  As a new year dawns, regardless of what it might hold, Calvin may have something to teach us.  What do you think?                                                                                                                                                                                      -David Oyler

Reflections: A Second Look at “The Kingdom of God” by H. Richard Niebuhr

 

Recent days have found me re-reading the classic book ‘The Kingdom of God in America’ by H. Richard Niebuhr.  The substance of the book was provided in lecture form by Niebuhr more than 80 years ago.  At the same time it is fresh and relevant early in the 21st century.  Throughout the book he addresses the intermingling of faith and culture – and the implications it has for the church.  Included is this quote: ‘As a religious movement the Reformation was characterized above all by its fresh insistence on the present sovereignty and initiative of God.’  From there on he assumes that theological principle as he examines the culture in which he lived and continues to inform us to this day.  He speaks of God’s direct rule in a world where we sometimes think of terms of human sovereignty over medicine, politics, economics, etc.  Check it out!  There is something to be learned by revisiting the old classics!

Dr. David Oyler