First Covenant awarded the Dr. Martin Luther King Award

February 6, 2020 by marsha Leave a Comment

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”

—Strength to Love, 1963 by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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

Every January the Martin Luther King Center in Erie, PA recognizes an individual or organization that personifies the challenge Dr. King issued to all of us. He once said ‘Life’s most persistent and urgent question is ‘what are you doing for others?’ and this is the basis of what led the King Holiday Committee to select the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant for the prestigious “Dr. King Award.”

2020 Dr. King Award presented to the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant for “their passion for the under represented and the compassion for fair and equitable treatment for all.”

Erie’s MLK Center celebrated the 10th Anniversary of the King Holiday Awards with a dinner on January 11, 2020 at the Erie Bayfront Convention Center. “The Dr. King Award is presented to an individual or organization that personifies the concept of that quote by Dr. King and is committed to making the community a better place by the contribution of time, actions, talents and dedication. It is the living, breathing mission of the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant that made the decision to present the 2020 Dr. King Award to First Covenant an easy one,” says James Sherrod, executive director of the MLK Center.

First Covenant Pastor Chris Weichman, Seph Kumer – Director of Community Engagement, Monty Service – Coordinator of Missional Music and several church elders and members attended the awards dinner. The keynote speaker for the evening was Dr. King’s son, Martin Luther King the III. Sherrod presented the award to the First Covenant. The inscription on the award reads “Presented by The Dr. Martin Luther King Holiday Committee to the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant for their passion for the under represented and the compassion for fair and equitable treatment for all.”

Five years ago First Covenant conducted a mission study in preparation for the calling of a new pastor. This extensive study asked members of the congregation and staff about the church’s activities, ministries and the community. The results provided a new vision for First Covenant that became known as ‘Our Future Direction.’ The summary includes the ‘Four Pillars of First Covenant.’ They are: neighborhood relevance; better use of our building; a renewed focus on children, youth and families; and a focus on hospitality. By embracing these ‘Four Pillars,’ First Covenant has fundamentally changed how it does ‘church.’

James Sherrod (center) of the MLK Center of Erie presents the representatives of First Covenant the 2020 Dr. King Award.

“God has called us through some interesting and challenging years over the past decade. But when we paused and asked God to show us His desires for us as a church, and then we really, truly put effort into listening, God took us in some uncharted, unfamiliar, uncomfortable, risky direction. Let’s keep asking God for that guidance and let’s keep listening and risking. For I am sure God has more uncharted, unfamiliar, uncomfortable, risky things in store for us! Aren’t you excited for that?!” says Kumer.

When asked about the significance of First Covenant receiving the Dr. King Award, Kumer believes it is really not a recognition of US so much as a recognition that God is doing something IN US and THROUGH US that others have noticed. “The recognition is really all about God’s work, showing us how to build bridges and partnerships. It shows that listening and taking risks and being about the long, slow business of building relationships is worthy of our time and resources. It’s not so much that we have accomplished something as it is that God is inviting us to look around and see where God is already at work, and to join in,” says Kumer.

Since the mission study in 2015, First Covenant has been transformed by this new focus on community engagement, outreach and neighborhood relevance in Erie’s west bayfront neighborhood. What has evolved includes partnering with the Martin Luther King Center for annual Thanksgiving dinners, and developing other partnerships that include Gannon University, Erie City Mission, Strong Vincent Middle School and the City of Erie. “I believe this honor is the result of humbly listen to and learning from our neighbors. Over the past five years we have been willing to take risks and step out of our comfort zone. Our hope for the future is to continually learn from our neighbors and partner with other organizations to more fully live out MLK’s dream for Erie,” says Service.

“I hope it is humbling us. I hope it is helping us realize our community has much to offer. Much we can learn from. If we want to. If we listen. If we are willing to engage outside of the box. If we are willing to ask God what our blinders might be. What we are missing when we think we are so gifted and wise and talented that we miss the gifts and wisdom and talents of those around us. I think there are things God wants to teach our congregation that we can only learn from a posture of humility, of eagerness to learn, of willingness to “walk with” instead of ‘need to lead.’ Truly it is God’s amazing work,”says Kumer.

Dr. David Oyler is the General Presbyter for the Presbytery of Lake Erie. Oyler, believes in a post-Christendom culture the church is re-learning that the building of trust in Christ as Lord occurs one relationship at a time. “The honoring of First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant with the MLK Award indicates something quite profound about what it means to be ‘church.’ Church, of course, involves worship, music and education. At the same time it involves mission – and sometimes that mission is right outside our front door. That involves understanding that tradition is still powerful (and important) while at the same time initiating new connections in new ways. Sometimes we barely know where to begin. First Covenant has had the courage to take risks and look toward nontraditional ministries,” says Oyler.

The ‘Four Pillars’ of First Covenant, including neighborhood relevance, is serving as a pathway to the future, a future that looks considerably different from the past.“At one time – not all that long ago – mission was seen as ‘out there’; often across salt water. Early in the 21^st century there is a new appreciation for mission as being nearby. This is particularly true as we observe the neighborhoods changing around us. When a church becomes increasingly disconnected from a neighborhood it creates complications for effective ministry and worship. Attention to the culture and traditions of our neighborhood is vital for future effectiveness,” says Oyler.

Several years ago Seph Kumer gathered some folks, including neighbors of First Covenant, and invited them to join him at Perry Square in downtown Erie for the start of Erie’s annual MLK Day walk. In 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed into law legislation honoring Dr. King and making the third Monday of January a federal holiday. The Nobel Prize winning, civil rights leader was born January 15, 1929. This year Kumer gathered folks again for the annual walk, which is held on MLK Day. The walkers travel along West 6th Street, passing right in front of the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant and then walk on to the MLK Center.

“We walk in solidarity with our Erie neighbors to remind ourselves of the values and dreams Dr. King challenged us to live out. Dreams for a united community where ALL know they are valued, NONE are left behind, and injustices are dismantled. A vision Dr. King took right from the Bible. So, YAY for ALL of US. But even more importantly, thank you GOD,” says Kumer.

The Big Event 2020: “Where’s the Light?”

January 16, 2020 by marsha Leave a Comment

You are invited to The Big Event 2020

The Presbytery of Lake Erie invites you to explore and to consider how the church can reframe her ministry in light of the change in society’s perspective on religion. This Big Event 2020 will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, 250 West 7th Street, Erie 16501.

The keynote speaker is L. Roger Owens, Ph. D, Associate Professor of Christian Spirituality and Ministry at the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.

This Big Event brings together speakers from several denominations and ministries for a day filled with learning and worship. You will leave feeling encouraged, refreshed, and more prepared for joyful service to our Lord. The cost is only $15. We encourage congregations to bring a team of members to cover all the workshops of interest.
A panel of four community and church leaders will kick off our day of exploration. Our guests include:
• Marcus Atkinson, Director of ServErie
• Josh Botts, Family and Youth Director, of the Second Presbyterian Church of Oil City
• Sr. Anne McCarthy, OSB, develops new ministry through Benetvision & Monasteries of the Heart
• The Honorable Joseph Schember, Mayor of the City of Erie

Keynote Speaker:We will welcome L. Roger Owens, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Christian Spirituality and Ministry at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary to speak on the subject: “Leadership in the Dark Night of the Church.” An ordained Elder in the North Carolina Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, Roger is the author of a number of books in spirituality. Among the courses he teaches at PTS are “Spiritual Formation,” “Parish Leadership and the Practice of Ministry,” and “Practicing Communal Discernment.”

The keynote address begins at 10:30 a.m. on March 28, 2020.

The cost is $15, payable online, in advance by mail, or at the door and includes the noon meal.
Please register on this website at https://pbylakeerie.org/the-big-event-2020-registration/

or click the link below for the registration form:
PLE Big Event 2020 then the mail by March 10, 2020.
Presbytery of Lake Erie
2816 Elmwood Avenue
Erie, PA 16508

2020 Clergy Retreat February 10-12

January 15, 2020 by marsha Leave a Comment

The 2020 Clergy Retreat is February 10 – 12 for all Clergy and Commissioned Ruling Elders

of the Presbyteries of Western New York & Lake Erie.

The registration deadline is January 27! (link to the registration form below)

Unleashing the Power of Your Full Voice: A Practical and Transformational Approach

to a Much-Overlooked Tool – with Barbara McAfee

As pastors, we spend a good part of every day in conversation — with family members, colleagues, community members and parishioners. We also use our voices to convey the Word to our congregations. As important as our voices are, few of us know how to use them to their full potential. Many of us feel self-conscious about how we sound, but don’t know how to make authentic, lasting change in our voices.

Learning to consciously tap the full range of expression available to you makes it much more likely that your message will reach the minds and hearts of your listeners — in spite of the background noise of these chaotic and challenging times. Working with your own full voice makes you a more skillful listener as well.

In this joyful, embodied, and practical presentation, we will:

Assess our vocal strengths, habits, assumptions, and challenges
Increase vocal awareness, flexibility, and expression using the Five Elements Framework
Identify ways to use voice to project authority, express passion, extend compassion, and convey vision in everyday conversations
Discover how to listen to what the voices of others are saying about them
Gather a list of practices to continue individual vocal development

Use this registration form … PLE 2020 clergy retreat … and send payment to the PLE.

The 2020 Clergy Retreat will be held at the Clarion Hotel in Dunkirk on Lake Erie. The address is: 30 Lake Shore Drive East, Dunkirk, NY 14048. Phone:716: 366-8350

Girard breaks ground on new church building

December 12, 2019 by marsha Leave a Comment

Girard Congregation begins construction on a new church –

“The sacred presence of God is evident.” – Rev. David Oyler

“God is faithful and God’s people are generous.” – Rev. Nicola Vitiello

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

The congregation of the First Presbyterian Church of Girard reached a major milestone on Sunday, November 24. Church members, with shovels in hand, including the young and not so young, held a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the start of construction on a new church building.

“It feels surreal to see construction starting,” said The Rev. Nicola Vitiello, pastor of the Girard church. “Its been a long road with many decisions, some hard, and looking at a lot of good ideas. Planning the construction of a building that will fit the needs of today and the needs of the future (which we can’t fully know obviously) is also a challenge. This is a tremendous opportunity and we want to do it right,” he said.

Rev. Nicola Vitiello (Left) at the groundbreaking ceremony on November 24, 2019 where a new building will replace the church destroyed by fire in 2018.

In July 2018, fire destroyed the 126 year old church building built in 1892. The cause of the fire was not determined. In March of 2019, crews began demolishing what remained of the church to clear the site for new construction. The original First Presbyterian Church of Girard was built at East Main (Route 20) and Church Streets in 1832. A storm destroyed that structure. Now, construction is underway on the third church building at the location.

Over the last 16 months, Girard church members have held worship services at the Lake City Presbyterian Church. The congregation has been planning and raising funds to rebuild the church building with the sale of bricks and a GoFundMe page. The new church building will cost about $3.3 million and may be completed by the end of 2020.

“The biggest difference in the design is that the new building will be one level,” Vitiello said. “The former building’s basement was not handicapped accessible and that was a problem. The one level design will mean the building will take up more of the property. There will be a sanctuary, social hall, 3 classrooms, kitchen, offices, community room, storage areas, and the part of the building that faces Route 20 will look similar to the former building. The food pantry will be housed in the new building. It will be funded by insurance, donations, fundraisers, and possibly a loan and what results from some cost saving measures currently being explored.”

At a time when the general trend is closing churches, new construction of a house of worship is extraordinary.“It is what people want, not just members, but the countless number of people from all over the country who have sent money to help rebuild on the same site. We have a fresh start, a chance to hit a reset button and do something wonderful for the community,” Vitiello said.

The Rev. David Oyler, General Presbyter for the Presbytery of Lake Erie, knows that in the mainline traditions the building of a new church building is relatively rare.

“In the last 12 years there have been two new church buildings in Lake Erie Presbytery,” Oyler said. “Both, however, emerged out of tragedy. The Harmonsburg Presbyterian Church building burned to the ground in January, 2008. They have since rebuilt a building for the 21^st century. And, of course, the Girard building was destroyed by fire.”

The Girard congregation suffered a devastating loss. Yet, members rallied and in little over a year and a half members are focused on the future. There is more at work in the Girard community than just the rebuilding of a church structure.“It is a great joy to watch a faith community function at its very best,” Oyler said. “Just as individuals go through a grief cycle after a traumatic event, so do congregations. The Girard Session, and their Pastor Nicola Vitiello, have done a splendid job of paying attention to the grief cycle of the congregation. There is a Holy Spirit inspired movement evident. Some days are better than others, however, in the several times I have now been with them over the last 16 ½ months, the sacred presence of God is evident. In worship, in music, in education and in the ground breaking most recently,” Oyler reflected.

Rev. Vitiello, has served as pastor at the Girard church for the past nine years. The last 16 plus months being the most difficult, yet revealing.“God is faithful and God’s people are generous,” said Vitiello.”Ministry is hard by itself; adding all that’s come in the aftermath of the fire has made my work much harder as there are almost daily things that come to my attention that I need to deal with or delegate that relate to the project. I have learned that the church is not the building but the building is important and serves as a sacred space for people,” he said.

Girard church members have firmly put their future in God’s hands. Rev. Dr. Oyler has witnessed this faith-in-action and the process that has led to renewal. “God is wonderfully powerful in ways not easily defined. Out of a most difficult experience comes new growth, new stretching, new perspective on what it means to be ‘the church’. Author Rusty Reno wrote a book some years ago titled ‘In the Ruins of the Church’ in which he reminds us that we are always standing on the shoulders of those who have preceded us. A local congregation builds on what has come before with an eye on the future. That is wonderfully evident as Girard shares Good News in their community and testifies to the power of God, even in a time of tragedy. God is wonderfully present in a most powerful fashion.”

Seeking Peace on the Korean Peninsula

December 10, 2019 by marsha Leave a Comment

Presbytery of Lake Erie Passes an Overture on the Korean Peninsula and sends it for General Assembly Consideration

The Presbyterian Church (USA) is a connectional church. That means that there are many documents – like the Book of Confessions and Book of Order – that guide our common life together. In addition presbyteries are permitted to send overtures to the General Assembly on matters that draw the attention of faithful Presbyterian Christians. In November the Presbytery of Lake Erie approved an overture to be sent to the 224^th General Assembly, to be held in Baltimore in June of 2020. This overture deals with the continuing strained relationships on the Korean Peninsula. It emerged out of the conversations that were enhanced through the visit of International Peacemaker Rev. Moon-Sook Lee to Lake Erie Presbytery in September of 2019. In summary, it seeks to continue to encourage PCUSA commitment to work toward peace in a portion of the world which has had a complex history in recent centuries. This overture will be considered by a committee of the General Assembly. If recommended by the committee, it would then be voted on by the entire General Assembly. Click on the link below to view the entire overture:

PLE – REAFFIRM THE NEED FOR A PEACE TREATY FOR THE KOREAN PENINSULA

Becoming “Unglued” at the First Presbyterian Church of Harborcreek

October 31, 2019 by marsha Leave a Comment

“We won’t be around a few years down the road if we continue to do church as usual.”

– Commissioned Lay Pastor Robin Cuneo, First Harborcreek

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

World Communion & Peacemaking Sunday, October 6, 2019 at the First Presbyterian Church of Harborcreek. The congregation stepping out of their comfort zone to pray for peace in the community instead of in the pews.

On World Communion Sunday on October 6, 2019 members of the First Presbyterian Church of Harborcreek, Pennsylvania left the pews and ventured outside to “Pass the Peace” in their community. They lined up in front of the church on Buffalo Road, carrying signs that read “Pray for Peace” and “Let there be Peace on Earth.” This is not a regular activity during Sunday morning worship service. Definitely irregular even a bit “unglued.”

The idea of the “Unglued Church” started in Pittsburgh and became a movement. It grew out of a harsh reality facing many churches today; dwindling attendance, declining membership and diminishing relevance in their communities. Susan Rothenberg is a pastor and a leader of the “Unglued Church Project” in the Pittsburgh Presbytery. In a Presbyterians Today article published October 21, 2016, Rothenberg said “Many of our congregations are at the end of their lifecycle. Many of them will lose what they believed is most dear to them. The neighborhood they once knew. Their familiar space. Their comfortable way of “being church.” The loss congregations face is real, and it is deep. It is loss that deserves to be honored and grieved. To be truly faithful, however, we need to also acknowledge that loss isn’t the whole story or even the end of the story. Often it is only when we have run out of our own ideas that we finally make space for the Holy Spirit to do its work.”

Robin Cuneo is the Commissioned Lay Pastor at the First Presbyterian Church of Harborcreek.

Robin Cuneo is the Commissioned Lay Pastor at First Harborcreek, a suburban church established in 1832 in Harborcreek Township, which is located east of the City of Erie. Cuneo began her ministry at Harborcreek just as the “Unglued Church Project” began to grow and gain traction beyond the Pittsburgh Presbytery.

The process of changing how they ‘do church’ began with open discussion about the future of First Harborcreek. “Basically, it’s a group meeting for most of a year, looking at what they’ve always done, what is no longer working, and how those things can be changed or let go and what new (ideas) might work. Our facilitator (each church has a different one) was Rev. Rebecca Taylor of Warren,” Cuneo said. The Presbytery of Lake Erie (PLE) has embraced the “Unglued Church Project” and is supporting member churches to explore new possibilities.

The idea of taking the message of “peace” to the streets on World Communion and Peacemaking Sunday came from Elder Barbara Griffith and her husband Brian who are both on the ‘unglued’ team at First Harborcreek.

Brian & Barbara Griffith, members of Harborcreek’s “Unglued Team” now known as the “The Trailblazers.”

“It has enabled the embers of our faith to be rekindled into a burning flame. Participation in ongoing and new activities have increased. The ‘unglued’ team has added members and grown into a new group called the Trailblazers,” Griffith said. “Because of the ‘unglued project’ our church adopted a new conviction statement: LOVING & SERVING GOD AND OTHERS AS JESUS DOES,” she said.

More is going on than just ungluing members from the pews. “We’ve realized our need to be more visible and active in the community instead of just within our walls. Barb gives me credit for starting that with once-a-week free lemonade during my first summer there. Our front faces busy Buffalo Rd. (Rte. 20) yet we don’t use those doors, so I was afraid passers-by didn’t know there was anything going on in that building. So, I asked for volunteers each week to sit on the front steps with me and wave to traffic and hand out lemonade. You wouldn’t believe the number of waves and honks, and the positive responses,” Cuneo said.

Change never comes easy, yet the members of First Harborcreek were ready to embrace something new. “We have a dream session that quickly recognizes good ideas, and the congregation is VERY good and encouraging about trying new things. It was a bit of short notice, but everyone in church that day (World Communion Sunday) who could walk and stand easily participated – even our two worst walkers/standers,” Cuneo said.

Members of First Harborcreek called this unglued event “Hands Across Harborcreek” and carried signs asking drivers to ‘Pray for Peace.’

They called the unglued action “Hands Across Harborcreek,” and the response from the community has been very positive. “We joined hands and sang “Let There Be Peace on Earth and let it begin with ME”. We also prayed for 5 minutes for “Peace” as we held each other’s hands. Starting with our congregation and then to the greater Erie area we continue to hear good comments about this activity including coverage on television and Facebook. Other local churches have expressed interest in joining us next year.”

“Showing our faith openly on the street was scary at first,” Griffith said. “This was certainly a new trail for us to navigate. AND we found by ‘PRAYING FOR PEACE’ on the street was a very uplifting experience for all of us and for some of those people in the cars passing-by,” she said.

Pastor Robin and her Trailblazers have embraced the “Unglued Church Project” and the ideas for even more activities to take the church and its members out of its traditional comfort zone are flowing. “We already had a free family fun night. It was a big success. Members also cleared out a disused room in our pre-school building for grandparents to use as a warming center in winter when they don’t want to brave the weather to pick up kids. We’re considering a regular community game time. Plus, ‘unglued’ is cross-pollinating other groups, such as Wine and the Word book group which seems excited to explore some community gathering space. The ideas just seem to be popping all over!” Cuneo said.

A renewed focus on community and serving that community in the name of Jesus Christ is growing at First Harborcreek thanks in part to the ‘Unglued Church Project.’ Elder Barbara Griffith said “our congregation realizes there is no quick fix. They appear to want to join us on our expedition serving the needs in our community. God’s spirit moved us to go out of our comfort zone.”

Susan Rothenberg of the “Unglued Church Project” came to this conclusion, “often it is only when we have run out of our own ideas that we finally make space for the Holy Spirit to do its work.”

A Journey of Faith for the Rev. Anita Bernhardt

October 10, 2019 by marsha Leave a Comment

“I have always felt that ministry is the greatest profession

and that pastors are given the tremendous gift of sharing life with the best people!

Rev. Anita Bernhardt

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

Emmanuel Presbyterian Church on Perry Street in East Erie is facing the same challenges as other churches in the Presbytery of Lake Erie and across the U.S.A. The Emmanuel Church Session invited Rev. Anita Bernhardt to serve as Temporary Supply Pastor in 2018. Now in 2019, Pastor Anita is celebrating her 30th year of Ordained Ministry. Her journey began in Kentucky with stops in Virginia, Missouri, Illinois, Minnesota, North Carolina and now northwest Pennsylvania. Along the way she has held many leadership roles including Pastor, Hospital Chaplain, Conference Minister, Executive Director and Associate Presbyter. Initially she began her ministry in the United Church of Christ and now is a pastor in the Presbyterian Church (USA). She believes all of it has been a privilege. Pastor Anita says “not only that, we pastors are entrusted with the most important, significant, and deeply meaningful conversations. We are allowed into the inner recesses of the human heart (symbolically) and share in multiple life-altering moments. Brought together by God’s grace, my faith grows alongside yours in deeply meaningful engagement. What a great honor and privilege!”

The following is a conversation I had with Pastor Anita Bernhardt about her faith journey to Erie and how she is moving Emmanuel Church into the future. Her responses are in Q & A format:

Describe your experiences that you believe were steppingstones on your journey that led you to Emmanuel Presbyterian Church?

“I suppose that the first step toward my pastorate at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church was the discernment of a call to pastoral ministry at a young age. I was a Student Pastor during college for the 9^th District of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Kentucky, followed by seminary training at Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, VA. (now Union Presbyterian Seminary), and ordination as a Minister of Word and Sacrament. I was ordained January 6, 1989 (Epiphany Day) by the United Church of Christ (UCC) and served local churches within the UCC in Fulton, MO., Mexico, MO., Dodge Center, MN. and Hickory, NC. I also served as a full-time hospital chaplain at a large Catholic hospital in Bloomington, IL. while my husband, PC(USA) pastor, Rev. Dr. James Bernhardt (currently, Sr. Pastor at Wayside Presbyterian Church in Erie and also a member of the Presbytery of Lake Erie) was pastor of Clinton Presbyterian Church, Clinton, IL., 1992-1999. In addition, while living in Hickory, NC, I was a Ten Thousand Villages Fair Trade store manager associated with the Mennonites and an Associate Conference Minister for the Western NC Association of the UCC. Because a Conference Minister in the UCC is a Mid-Council position roughly equivalent to a General Presbyter in the PC(USA), I was called and served as an Interim Associate Presbyter in the Presbytery of Western NC for over 6 years (2009-2016). Our move to Erie necessitated a new call for me (James started at Wayside on 12/1/2015). I began ministry in Erie with an 18-month Interim Pastorate at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church on Sterrettania Road before landing at Emmanuel Presbyterian on November 1, 2018 as a Temporary Supply Pastor. Though I am doing the tasks of an Interim Pastor, Temporary Supply Pastor status allows for consideration of a call leading to installation at Emmanuel. Whew! Even I recognize what a convoluted journey that is! Meanwhile, having served in 6 major denominations, I recently transferred my ministerial credentials from the UCC, my denomination of over 30 years, into the PC(USA), hoping that God can make full and better use of my leadership abilities during what is likely my final decade of active ministry. I was received into membership into the Presbytery of Lake Erie on June 25, 2019.”

Worship at Emmanuel Church now incorporates the latest technology to bring to life the message of the week from the Gospel.

How have those experiences shaped your ministry along the way and today?

“Experience has given me an appreciation for the diversity and wideness of Christ’s Church (large “C”, as in universal) across denominational and faith lines. I have come to understand that, while there are important differences and distinctions, we have a common purpose and calling to serve God incarnate in Jesus Christ. All disciples, myself included, must find their own particular way to join in the community of believers to further God’s activity in the world and spread the Gospel of Christ’s love for all. Experience has also convinced me that this mission is increasingly challenging in our rapidly-changing times and requires elevated levels of openness, creativity, energy, and persistence! “

If you had to list your top three priorities for mission and ministry, what would they be and why?

Nurturing healthy, substantial relationships with Jesus Christ, including facilitating the development of new relationships, because nothing is more important than knowing Jesus as Lord and sovereign of all.
Growing the faith in practical, accessible ways that help disciples navigate and attach meaning to the joys and challenges of this life, because life should be lived intentionally and in faithful service.
Strengthen and increase the community of believers in the Church, still Christ’s chosen vessel, emboldening faith internally and empowering radical welcome externally.

What specific and/or unique challenges do you face as pastor of an inner-city, east Erie church?

“Besides all of the above (!), Emmanuel shares in the anxiety of the whole Church over slippage in worship & Sunday School/faith nurture attendance. Emmanuel is a church that used to have over 600 members (now 136) and we have a large building to match those “glory days”. Faithful use of our building, too large for ONLY our own needs, is a constant. In addition, the fear of continued loss of vitality is ever-present. Calming these anxieties and keeping the focus on what God is doing into the future is an important part of contemporary ministry.”

Church attendance is down and the days of attending church as an obligation are long past. How do you encourage people to want to attend?

“On the simplest level, I try to offer a worship experience that they will not want to miss! I work at infusing worship services with variety, creativity, sound biblical content, life relevance, and sensory saturation that leaves people hungry for more. We talk about Jesus (a lot!) using ordinary language, employ a plentitude of beautiful music in many styles, study scripture mindfully, pray meaningfully, and take advantage of the most recent in audio-visual technology. I also believe that fostering a firm sense of belonging to the body of believers helps to keep disciples returning to the fold of their faith family.”

Dr. David Oyler, General Presbyter of the PLE (left) and Rev. Anita Bernhardt (right), Temporary Supply Pastor of Emmanuel Church.

What does “transforming church” mean to you and how doing so will lead us into the future?

“ I believe that we are living in a time when the Church is particularly challenged to keep pace with the rapid transformation of our society. The advances in technology, science, culture, communications, and global interdependence (to name a few) mean that the Church also dare not stand still. Instead, we need to stand strong in our confidence in Jesus Christ, who will lead us into the future. Trusting Christ, we are then able to try a variety of new things without undue attachment to outcomes. If at first we don’t succeed, we should try, try again with a new idea, constantly and attentively listening for the voices of those around us who are searching and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.”

How are you engaging children and youth in this process of “transforming church?”

“If the Church doesn’t look the same today as it did a generation ago, then neither does the nuclear family. While I believe that children and youth are a vitally important part, I affirm the multi-generational nature of the body of Christ. For example, if parents and grandparents of children are not engaged in the life of the Church, the children are also less likely to actively participate. In my opinion, the “transforming church”, instead of targeting children and youth for individualistic special attention, should be helping whole families navigate their changing structures, stressed dynamics, and unexpected challenges, so that disciples of all ages can meet life with faith, confidence, and healthy relationships.”

What haven’t I asked you about that you would like to discuss?

“I have always felt that ministry is the greatest profession and that pastors are given the tremendous gift of sharing life with the best people! Not only that, we pastors are entrusted with the most important, significant, and deeply meaningful conversations. We are allowed into the inner recesses of the human heart (symbolically) and share in multiple life-altering moments. Brought together by God’s grace, my faith grows alongside yours in deeply meaningful engagement. What a great honor and privilege!”

Children Helping Children Provides A Lesson in Giving

September 18, 2019 by marsha Leave a Comment

A Lesson in Giving

How God’s Spirit is working to restore, renew and rebuild in Girard, Pennsylvania

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

Losing a treasured church is devastating, yet the people of the First Presbyterian Church of Girard are moving forward. It’s been over a year since the historic church building, built in 1892, was leveled by fire. At the time, fire investigators were doubtful that a definite cause of the fire could be determined. This is a congregation where generation after generation from the same families support this church as its faithful. Those faithful servants continue to seek God’s will as they move from catastrophic loss to recovery. They are committed to rebuilding a new Presbyterian church in Girard.

On Sunday, July 21, 2019 – the one year anniversary of the fire – some neighbor’s attended the Girard worship service including Karen Potocki of Wayside Presbyterian Church. Her father – Keith Sundberg – is the Associate Pastor at Wayside. Karen is a regular Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher. Another connection is that Malinda, the wife of the Rev. Nicola Vitiello, who is the Pastor of the Girard church, and Karen became friends many years ago when they both attended Grove City College. Karen was her RA and they have kept in touch through the years. There’s another connection: Keith Sundberg was Rev. Nicola Vitiello’s mentor when he began his ministry at Girard Presbyterian.

Potocki delivered the children’s sermon on July 21 and told a wonderful story of how many children from Wayside Presbyterian Church, as well as people from five other states, have contributed numerous books for the re-creation of a children’s library for the Girard church following the fire. The book ‘The Giving Tree‘ by Shel Silverstein, first published in 1964, is a favorite among Christian educators because it teaches the lesson of generosity. It was one of the first books selected by the children to give to the children of Girard. The following includes a Q & A conversation with Karen about the book donations from the children of Wayside to the children of Girard and a Q & A with the Rev. Nicola Vitielo of Girard about the future of the Girard church:

How did the children of Wayside become involved in helping to recreate and rebuild the children’s library at Girard?

“The idea to donate children’s books to Girard Presbyterian came from my dad, Keith Sundberg. He suggested the idea to Wayside and invited the families with children to submit their favorite children’s book suggestions. The idea spread quickly. The Girard church had been listed in the prayer requests, and we had mentioned them every week in church. I think everyone in our congregation was eager to do something because the folks from Girard had been heavy on our hearts and minds. So, many jumped at this opportunity to help. The children of Wayside contribute to a Sunday School offering each week, and they voted to have the offering this year go toward buying children’s books for the Girard Presbyterian Church.”

“On a personal note, my own children and I had been searching for a way to help since the fire occurred. It happened on a Saturday night/ Sunday morning as we were gearing up for Vacation Bible School, and my kids and I drove out to the site first thing Monday morning before the start of VBS, thinking we might be able to gather some of the rubble (bricks or pieces of wood) and do a craft project during VBS to present to the Girard church, but inspectors were currently on the premises, and they said that no one was allowed (on the property because of the ongoing fire investigation). So, we had to abandon the idea of a craft project.

When Dad suggested this book project a few months later, my kids turned to me and eagerly started listing books we should suggest. My daughter insisted that they needed the book, The Giving Tree, which we went home and ordered almost immediately. We also chose to order and donate the book, What’s Wrong with Timmy? by Maria Shriver. This is a book that I first learned about because it was in our Wayside library, and I have a son who has special needs, and I read that book to his classmates at the beginning of each school year. My kids and I had felt so much pain for Girard as we sat in the parking lot looking at the wreckage that Monday morning in July of 2018, and they commented about it every time we were in Girard. We were just so eager to do something for the Girard folks.”

This project went beyond Wayside; explain what happened and how those connections came to support the Girard church?

“As I mentioned, even visitors to Wayside were so moved that they brought in donations. In addition, Keith shared the story of this project with his friends at the Eastern Association of Presbyterian Church Educators, which has members from 5 states plus the District of Colombia, and many of the folks from that group sent in donated books.”

Describe how the children felt about being able to help replace the books lost in the fire at Girard a year ago?

“Many of the children were like my own children who were just so excited to take action on behalf of this congregation that we had been thinking about and praying for every week. One young boy eagerly suggested his favorite prayer books, the books he read with his parents each night. The kids new they wanted to share the books that meant something to them. They wanted the children at Girard to also be able to have those special experiences of sharing a story with someone you love. They wanted their favorite stories to be shared with the children of Girard Presbyterian. Each week, our Sunday School starts with story time, and if the kids really liked a book that Keith had selected for story time one week, their first thought was that it should be a book that we give to the Girard children with the donations that had been collected.”

What was it like for the children of Wayside to actually help select the books?

“Keith plans a few special Sunday School events each year to which the whole family is invited, and the lessons are pertinent to faith in the family and how to develop and maintain faithful traditions and how those traditions and practices can be meaningful to the whole family. At one such family-oriented Sunday School lesson, Keith set out descriptions and/or examples of the books that had been suggested for purchase. Then kids and parents were all invited to put stickers on the cards of the books they would vote for. Which ones did they most want to purchase for Girard? There was a lot of excitement and eagerness about the voting, and people were happy to explain why they had suggested one book or another. The book that got the most votes, quite handily, is called ‘Be Kind.’ This is the book I read when presenting the books to the children of the Girard church on the one-year anniversary of the fire. Kids get it. As adults, we spend a lot of time and energy discussing the intricacies of our faith and worrying about so much stuff. The kids know that at the end of the day, the most important message to pass on is to be kind. Also, it is important to note that one of the Wayside Elders, Tracey Bowes, is the owner of the local bookstore, Pressed, and she offered to order the books at a discount that allowed us to order almost all of the books that had been suggested.”

What did the children of Girard think about these gifts?

“We presented the books during the children’s sermon at the Girard worship service that marked the one-year anniversary of the fire. It was an emotional service. A lot of the emotions for the congregation came back to the surface as they re-lived the pain and joy of the last year. It was very exciting to see the the faces of the children when I surprised them with the gift from our children. When I announced that we had hoped to purchase 15-20 books but instead ended up with over 70 books to donate, there was an audible gasp, followed by many smiles and tears throughout the congregation.”

“After the service, one of the members from Girard came up to me to express her gratitude to our church for this gift. She introduced herself as the “superintendent of Sunday School.” She explained that she had been concerned about gathering resources for Sunday School, and she had been looking for books to purchase. In her Amazon cart, she had two books that she wanted to purchase, but she hadn’t done so yet because of the cost. The two books she was waiting to purchase were Be Kind, which is the one I read during the children’s sermon, and another one called ‘Maybe God is Like that Too,’ which is the other book I had held up because it too had gotten a lot of votes after we read it during our Sunday School.”

What lessons can be learned from the children’s efforts at Wayside?

“People appreciate when they can do something. We prayed for Girard each week, but our folks jumped at a call to action, a chance to give and do something meaningful and memorable. We said that we hoped Wayside’s favorite stories became Girard’s favorite stories. We hoped this would be a gift that would keep on giving.”

What about the joy of receiving these gifts?

“Immediately following the service, one of the members came up to look through the books and talk to me about the gifts. She said she hadn’t realized that other churches were continuing to talk about and pray for them every week. Dr. Oyler, Head Presbyter for the Presbytery of Lake Erie, had greeted the congregation during that service and mentioned that he talks about the Girard church at nearly every church he visits, and I had mentioned during the children’s sermon that we continue to offer them up during our Prayers of the Congregation every week.”

“We talked about how it felt weird for her congregation to be receiving so much over the last year. I explained that I have a child who was very sick for a time, and we were given a lot during that time by people from our congregation and beyond, and it was difficult for me as well to be the receiver of so much, but I kept telling myself to allow others the joy of giving, and I promised that I would do my best to pay it forward some day. She said that she has noticed that her congregation has changed over the last year, and that they will most certainly be a congregation of action, of doing things for others more so than before the fire. They too will be paying it forward for years to come. She is sure of it. They are forever changed.”

What is the message to all?

“Stories are powerful. The sharing of stories builds bridges and makes connections. Pay attention when there is a call to action, when you have a chance to act. When that action involves making connections to others, even better. In the immediate aftermath of a tragedy, people are eager to act immediately, but sometimes it is valuable to wait for an opportunity that comes later when an idea comes up that will have a lasting impact.”

The following is a Q & A with the Pastor of the Girard church, Rev. Nicola Vittelo:

What is your take-away from the children’s efforts to support the Girard Church?

“It’s a touching example of generosity, especially as the idea came from youth. In our digital age it’s nice to still see a value on picture books.”

Can you describe what this past year has been like for you?

“It’s very challenging to do all that I normally do as a pastor in conjunction with all that’s happened. Nearly every day there is an e-mail or call that in some way is a result of the fire and so it’s something I have to think about and figure out what to do with that info/request. My stress level has thankfully come down. It’s still odd to drive by the church grounds and see nothing there.”

Explain the process of moving forward after such a devastating fire?

“Thanks to the generosity of Lake City Presbyterian and local funeral director Dan Edder the church was given a temporary home and an office space. It took awhile to become operational in a new church building and office and to figure out how to do the programs/activities we had done before in a new space. In some cases, we have utilized other church buildings that have offered space for church events. After interviewing a few contractors, the Session hired BSI to do the project. A Building Team of 6 church members was created to meet with BSI regularly and work on a design of the new building. Sub-committees of the Building Team were formed for various areas in the church and they had and will continue to have input into those areas when the Building Team tells them input is needed on something.”

What is the status for rebuilding the Girard church?

“The overall plan of the new building is coming together. It’s had to be shrunk to lower costs and effort is still going on to do that to bring the final cost more in line with what insurance will pay and what’s been fund-raised. Soil testing continues on the grounds and the engineers from BSI are evaluating that. There was hope there would be a ground-breaking this fall but that will not occur. Too much still has to be done and there would not be enough time before winter to get all that done and start construction. This is such a unique opportunity and we want to take the time to do this right.”

What are the biggest challenges that you face?

“One is the need for patience as church members and those in the community keep asking “when will construction start?” I have reminded the congregation of 2 PCUSA churches near where I grew up which both had fires. One took 4 years to rebuild and the other is still in the process which they estimate will be 4 years. A second is continuing to try to lower the cost while also making sure we can build what we need. A third is the yielding to representative government in the sense of the Session and Building Team making many of the decisions. Everyone in the congregation cannot have input on every single aspect of the new building and that’s hard because everyone has their own idea of what it should look like, what’s important, etc…”

What can the community do to support the Girard church?

“Beyond prayer, financial contributions continue to be needed to help cover what insurance won’t. Checks can be mailed to PO Box 106, Girard, PA 16417. A Go Fund Me page for the church can be accessed from the church website girardpc.org

How is the Spirit working within this congregation and its community to move into the future?

“The church developed a mission statement and is going to start having conversations about how to implement it. The elders and I have been reading ‘Canoeing the Mountains,’ a book that talks about Christian leadership in uncharted territory. We’ve had conversations about what is our purpose, what is the new building for, and how can it be an aid to the community.”

As the Girard church and community continue to make progress on rebuilding a new house of worship, Rev. Vitiello is concerned the actual cause of the fire will never be known because of the intensity of the fire and that too is a challenge in not having closure. But what truly surprises Rev. Vitiello most, is the on-going generosity of others. “The generosity from so many people and groups and the fact that this continues more than a year after the fire,” said Vitiello. “It’s the kind of generosity that has a lasting impact.”

From the pages of a most beloved book, not only did the children of Wayside Presbyterian listen to the lesson on generosity found in ‘The Giving Tree,’ they put it into action. With support from others including children, the Girard church is benefiting from those with generous hearts. Giving the people of the Girard congregation support and encouragement to help them move forward in faith.