St. David’s Episcopal Church

3951 Seneca Street

West Seneca, NY 14224-3412

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St. David’s Diary

September 2008 - Volume 14, Issue 5

St. David’s Episcopal Church

3951 Seneca Street

West, Seneca, New York 14224

Office - 674-4670 - Undercroft 674-4544

www.stdavidepiscopalchurch.org

                                                                                                WARDENS:

                                                                   Doug Turner 827-8582 or Cell 998-6542

                                                                   Butch Wiest 649-7139 or Cell 783-1191

                                                VESTRY MEMBERS:

                                                          Larry Covert (823-9118)  Todd Dearlove (674-9073)

                                                          Sharon Goepel (675-4946)        Patti Hartz (828-0043)                                                                                                               Ed Jeziorowski (823-4892)          Dennis Stoberl (861-5687)

                                                          Vic Thiell (479-1947)                 Ginger Trautwein (675-3091)

                                                          Bob Woollacott (310-9986)

                                                          Treasurer: Richard Gryksa

October Diary Deadline . . . . September 17^th     

            Congratulations to Bob Forrest and Sheila Lowery who will be married on September 6 at Forestview Christ of God Church, Lewiston.

                The following dates will help you to plan any future submissions for the Diary for the next year.

October 2008 Diary - September 17^th

November 2008 Diary – October 22^nd

December 2008/January 2009 Diary – November  19^th

February 2009 Diary – January 21^st

March 2009 Diary – February 18^th

April 2009 Diary – March 18^th

May/June 2009 Diary – April 15^th

July/August 2009 Diary - June 17^th

September 2009 Diary - August 19th

            Church School will begin Sunday, September 7^th, 2009. We have an exciting year planned and encourage all children to keep regular attendance. We will be studying both the Old and New Testaments and will again prepare for the Christmas Eve Pageant starting Mid November. 2 Video Sundays are also planned to coincide with Clam Chowder Prep.

            Starting this year we are asking that children arrive by 9:45 at the latest every Sunday. We will have a gathering activity planned every Sunday and need to start classes promptly at 10:00.

            Here we are, at the second year of class already, and ready to go! This Fall will be very intense, as we will begin on September 7^th to do intense Bible study in preparation for Confirmation. This past year we worked on both the Book of Common Prayer and Ministry, hopefully all was not forgotten over the summer.

We will meet every Sunday, promptly at 10:00, and no absences will be allowed. We will also have a couple of special events scheduled this year, which will be announced as plans are finalized. See you all on September 7^th.

                                                                                    God be with you, Cathy Covert and Carol Weist

                This year’s Vacation Bible School Rainforest Adventure was a huge success with over 70 children attending daily. St. David’s attendees included Tara Delaney, Sydney Mayer, Jerome Hooker, Rebecca Kroll, Hannah and Jason Lehsten (Vic Thiell’s grandchildren). Jodi Moran once again volunteered as a pre-school leaders and I served again as one of the “snack ladies”.  
            St. David’s annually contributes $300 towards VBS, half of which comes from proceeds from the Book/Bake Sale. Each of the churches involved (St. John’s Lutheran, Grace Lutheran and First Presbyterian) all contribute towards the funding of VBS so that we may offer this at no cost to the community. We provide envelopes to the “campers” if they wish to make a free will donation toward our mission project. This year’s donations went to a mission in Peru which provides schooling, medical and dental care and refuge to homeless children. We surpassed our goal of $300 and raised over $550 through the generosity of our “campers”.
            I would like to thank everyone for their generous donations from our “wish list” and for your children’s participation in our Rainforest Adventure.            

                                                                                                                                                            Sincerely, Karen Kroll

            They all add up----so keep them coming!! We average $10 to $12 per week which relates to over $500 per year. Most important is that it goes to the building fund to pay down the mortgage.

·        Article 3 of the New York State Religious Corporation Law spells out how parishes are to be governed including the time when a priest is not present. The Wardens become the legal and responsible temporal and spiritual leaders until such time as a rector takes responsibility.

·        This means the Wardens in consultation with the Vestry make decisions for the good of the parish. They must be conscious of the spiritual needs of the congregation. Wardens assume responsibility for the continuance of parish life and preside at Vestry meetings, special meetings and the Annual meeting. Vestry is responsible for the conduct of worship services. All properties belonging to the parish are under the care of the Wardens.

·        Below is an outline of who to contact. Following this outline will help us not fall victims to confusion, disorder, rumors and false assumptions about parish matters. 

Who Do I Call If……?:

• Emergencies needing a priest: A Warden (Doug Turner (827-8582 or 998-6542)

                                                                      (Butch Wiest (649-7139 or 783-1191)       

• Non Emergency Hospitalizations: Church Office any time

• Middle of the Night Emergencies: A Warden

• Property Emergencies: A Warden

• To arrange for baptisms and marriages: A Warden

• To use undercroft or church house or any property of the church: A Warden

      The Church Office. Because there is no secretary, office hours are not set. Messages are checked for daily. Lynne Smith is in the office several times a week. Call her (674-1246) if you need access. 

      Any Vestry member may be consulted and bring a parish concern to the Wardens and/or Vestry meeting.

      Decisions on parish governance and spending are made at Vestry meetings held the third Wednesday of each month.

                The pots and pans are ready as well as the Brotherhood to nourish the congregation again this year. If you haven't experience this breakfast feast---it is time you did!!! It happens on the third Sunday of each month.
            You start with some OJ followed by a plate built by you of scrambled eggs, sausage, ham or bacon, the brotherhood’s own hash browns, pancakes, coffee, tea, or milk, and enjoy a filling tasty, nourishing start to the day.
            Make sure you sign up in the narthex for the first event on Sunday Sept. 21^st---9 am. See ya there!!

            Certificates are available after 8:00 service (see Ed Jeziorowski) and after 10:00 service (see Lynne Smith). Certificates are $10 with $3 going to St. David’s Women’s group for projects and outreach.

We pray God’s protection for all men and women who may be called at this time to serve their Country in the perilous situation which now confronts us, May He be with them at all times, guard them, keep them safe and bring them at the last safely home. Pray in particular for:

Seaman Recruit Christopher J. Bauer                          Pvt Patrick Craig,1^st Batt. Marines

Srgt. Mjr. Christopher Drake                                       Spl. Ryan Gagliardo, 202^nd MP Co

Tech Sergeant Billy Geary                                                       Pfc. Edward Houck             

Cpl. Patrick F. Kanaley (USMC)                                 Lcp. Andrew Kanaley (USMC)

Chief Warrant Ofcr. 3 Jonathan Koziol           Pvt. Matthew Kraamer                  

E-4 Scot Kramer                                                         LCpl. Dan Vranjes      

Master C.P.Ofcr. Brian T. Schlicht                             MA3 Cynthia Slinkosky                         

Major John White                      

                Just ending the second year of this campaign. What started as a $50,000 goal has now reached $94,000!! That certainly is an accomplishment for the St. David’s community. This effort has enabled us to project that our debt will be completely retired at the end of the campaign which is Sept. 2011.
            Another important point is that all pledges are current which definitely helps our financial condition.

            How is it that when Sunday comes around everything, usually, looks ready to go. It is because behind the scenes members are continually offering their time and talents to keep St. David’s a welcoming place. This past week is a fine example of that dedication.

            First, on Monday a smell was beginning to permeate the entry way and downstairs hall. On Tuesday is was much stronger and by Wednesday it was really getting bad. On Thursday, Andy Greco and his son-in-law discovered a rabbit in the air vent for the furnaces and removed it. Problem solved. Much thanks. 

            Second, for a long time the carpets in the church have needed cleaning. And then, on Sunday, they were clean!! This second big thank you goes to Dennis Stoberl who spent many hours doing this job – a labor of love for sure. 

            Do you see a job that needs to be done? Can you offer your time and talent to see that it happens? See a Warden and he will help you get started.

                Our Parish picnic will be held Sunday, September 14th after 10:00 service. There will be bounce house for the kids- hot dogs, beverages and dessert provided. Please bring a dish to pass.

            And this may be a good time to invite a new family to meet our St. David’s family.

            The second season of summer concerts got under way on July 10 just about as envisioned by the originator of these concerts, Nancy Fagan. But Nancy, herself, could not be at the concerts.

         “Having received the diagnosis of leukemia just two weeks before the summer concerts began, I missed the fun and process of guiding the series. We could not have had a better greeter than our friend, Butch Wiest. I thank him for taking over and all of you who came and supported our project. Those who took pictures for me and those myriads of cards you all sent while I was hospitalized and the pleasure of hearing about the concerts diverted from illness to the joy of the project being carried on.

            I am eating good and feeling good, but have a road to follow in my future. Thank you, Butch and all.” Love, Nancy Fagan

As of this writing, 6 successful concerts have been held. Over 400 people have attended and over $900 has been collected for various ministries. It seems that the plan to cover some of our expenses by selling bottled water is not to be realized – weather and other factors have resulted in very limited sales. Maybe there is a lesson for us here? One full concert and one half of a concert were held inside because of weather. We all thank Nancy who has had the audacity to see the vision of these concerts and then work mightily to see that they became reality. Thanks be to God.

            The timing did not work out last June, but the Vestry and others want to give recognition and appreciation to those who gave so much time, talent, energy, effort and dollars to the building and completion of our new addition. Although the date is not finalized, it is expected to have a parish Appreciation Dinner early in October on a Friday evening. More details as to cost, time, date will be available very soon.

Columbarium - n. A sepulchral vault or other structure with recesses in the wall to receive the ashes of the dead. (American College Dictionary)

            The St. David’s Columbarium is a thirty-two niche (single space) unit for the utility of those parishioners that have optioned for cremation rather than cemetery burial. The Columbarium is a wall mounted cabinet, with embossed bronze plates on the face and trimmed in oak.

            Disposition (inurnment) of the cremains (ashes) can be either after the Burial Rite at Church, or privately at a later time.

            Columbarium space is reserved by obtaining an application from the Columbarium Committee, completing the application, and submitting the completed application along with a check for either full or partial payment. Full payment (no other fees) is at this time $300.00 (preferred partial payment is $150.00).

            Currently, inurnment occupies 5 spaces, 15 spaces are reserved leaving 12 spaces available for reservations.

Questions???  See or call Bill Gentry 824-0873; Ed Jeziorowski 823-4892 or a warden.

            A number of people have asked that the Spiritual Check- Up as presented by Fr. Dedde during Lent be put in the Diary. It is obviously not Lent anymore, but a spiritual check-up is always appropriate no matter the season. And since each Commandment is followed by a series of questions for self-examination, only one Commandment per issue will be printed. The questions, if taken seriously, can take a goodly period of time to work through. And there is always the Confession of Sin each Sunday service and private confession also.

            I John 1:8  “If we say ‘we are not guilty’, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us; if we        confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

II. Thou Shalt Not Make To Thyself Any Graven Image – Idolatry and Fear – Have I loved some person or thing more than I love God? Failed to do what I knew was right from fear that I might be unpopular or suffer hurt or embarrassment? Do I worry about food, money, health? Have I learned the meaning of COURAGE? If I suffered some great loss, pain, disappointment, would I also loose my FAITH?

            Thanks to the efforts of Cheryl Paluch, St. David’s now has a web page!!  You can find us at www.stdavidepiscopalchurch.org. There is much to do to start a web page and also much that can be done.  Cheryl is looking for ideas and help in keeping this page current and interesting.  You can e-mail her at cheryl_paluch@yahoo.com.

                We continue to pack it in the bins! Heaven is with St. David’s!! We are averaging $50 to $75 per month and that can easily be increased with a bit more effort!! I know it is very easy to put it out for the town, so it takes a bit more to bring it to St. David’s.

            We are entered in a contest if we can recycle 20% more than we did last year with the opportunity to win $250 to $1000. A great time to put some effort in to help us get our share!!

                The Discernment Committee started meeting in the middle of May 2008. Our members include: Ed Baker Jr., Jennifer Brock, Nancy Fagan, Mary Neill, Carol Ann Premonics (chair), Ginger Trautwein, Andrew Turner, and Carol Wiest. Our first line of business was to pray for God’s guidance in this process. We are called the discernment committee because it is up to us to prayerfully and diligently seek God’s Will to discern who is being called to be Saint David’s next Rector.

            We put two surveys’ together to give to all parish members 12 years old and up to fill out. We had a good return rate from both surveys. The first survey was to help put a parish profile together and the second was to discover the needs/wants of the congregation for a new Rector. All this was completed by the middle of August.

            For the discernment committee, this was a very valuable process. I feel that everyone on this committee is aware of the wants and needs of Saint David’s. Two main goals that the congregation stated very clearly were: increase membership and support the youth ministry.

            The committee’s next job will be to work with Canon Tori Duncan (our Transitions Officer) to begin reviewing candidates, interviews and visitations.

“Almighty God, giver of every good gift; look graciously on Saint David’s, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a rector for this parish, that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”                                                   (BCP, p.818)

            A while back I heard/read a phrase “thanksgiving and praise before faith”. I’ve written it down in a few places and have been thinking about the truth of these words. 

            Many years ago, when my faith was much less than the proverbial mustard seed, when I was not in a ‘good place’ at all in my life, I was blessed with a few wise persons who offered me counsel and prayer. I admitted that even though I attended church and made sure my children went to Sunday School, it all seemed like an empty, rather meaningless exercise. One of these persons, sent by God I am positive, suggested that I begin by thanking God each day for the things that I could thank Him for. At that time, my thanksgivings were for a sunny day, a green tree, etc. But it was enough for God. The thanksgivings I began to give intentionally were used by God to increase bit by bit my faith and trust in Him. As I look back over the years, I marvel that from those little offerings of thanksgiving and praise grew a faith that has carried me through a number of life’s challenges. The secret, I think, is that we have to practice thanksgivings and praises every day. Faith won’t just pop up when we need it, it comes from deep within as we discover bit by bit that God is good and He loves us and values us. Peace, lynne

            Are you giving daily thanks to God for the blessings in your life? For the challenges that increase your faith? For difficult times that make you a stronger Christian? Giving thanks and praise to God is a strong foundation on which we can build our faith. For over one hundred years the United Thank Offering Blue Box, placed in a prominent place in the home, has encouraged persons like yourself to develop the practice of daily thanksgiving and praise. A coin in the Blue Box every time you give thanks will become a blessing to another through one of the yearly grants totaling about $3 million. Just this past year, St. Peter’s, Westfield received an UTO grant of $14,700 to upgrade the areas of the church used to serve meals to the community and provide other services. Another grant request from this Diocese was not granted – not that it was not worthy, but that grant requests far outnumber the thank offerings available.

            ur United Thank Offering Ingathering Sunday will be Sunday, October 5. Plan to bring in your overflowing UTO blue box then. UTO blue boxes are always available on the Narthex table.

                Folk Group Rehearsals are resuming on September 8^th at 7:00pm for another year. We will be meeting on Monday evenings at church. We are eagerly seeking additional voices and instruments. You can call Amy Turner at 827-8582 with any questions or just come and join us on September 8^th. Folk Group is open for ages 12 and up.

            Five of St. David’s youth headed off to various Church Camps this summer. What did they gain? What do they remember most? We asked each of these young men to share their thoughts. Here is what they said or wrote.

            Gared Brock attended the National Episcopal Youth Event in San Antonio from July 8 to 13. His outstanding memories are of the friends he made from the diverse parts of the country (Rochester, Hawaii, New England states and Chicago) and the one and one half hour sermons that were “really good”. Those attending met in diverse small groups each day. One of the lessons Gared had was how much dioceses differ in their enthusiasm for church participation. He has come back from EYE enthused about having more people come to church and find out what it is all about.

            Jon Brumbaugh and Andrew Turner attended the Diocesan Senior High Camp. This was Jon’s first time at Senior High Camp. He noted that the two classes he took “Sex under a Tree” and a class on addictions led by our former Rector, Fr. John Paul, were very helpful. And, oh yes, his favorite memory is ordering pizza from the dorms. He is really enthused about going back next year. 

            This was Jeffery Turner’s first visit to Junior High camp. Jeff said “My favorite thing about camp was that you got to pick the activities that you wanted to do. There were many choices such as guitar lessons, knitting, rock climbing, archery, nature walk, four square, swimming, and ladder ball. There was a dance during the week that was fun. The food was awesome. The most important thing I learned at camp was to be yourself and to think of others before yourself. I plan on going back next year and hope that some more of my friends from St. David's will go too.” Drew Laudenslager also went, this was his second year at Junior High camp. He said it was great seeing friends he’s made at Sleep Away camp and at Junior High camp that he’s only been able to text and IM since last year. He’s sad because many of them will be going to Senior High Camp next year and he won’t get to see them for 2 years. He’s hoping to go to more diocesan events so he can see them sooner.

            Thanks to all who contributed to help defray the costs of these camps. We contributed $123 in the Summer Camp envelopes and over $500 to the EYE event.

            Today, August 19, I went to Trinity, Hamburg to help prepare the September postcard mailings inviting people who have moved into the Southern Erie Deanery zip codes within the past month to attend an Episcopal Church. We prepared two sets of mailings (almost 400 postcards each). The first cards will be sent out this week and the second set two weeks later. Next month a new mailing will be prepared and sent to the next group who have moved into the zip codes covered. Now, here is the important part - West Seneca had the largest number (61) of cards to be mailed. Cards are also sent to Lackawanna, Blasdell, Elma, South Buffalo – all areas where we have some members living. Even if a very few of these respond (remember each month a new group will receive two postcards two weeks apart) EACH OF US MUST be prepared to welcome the stranger who comes. The most efficient way to do this is to come to the workshop on September 9 as described below. peace, lynne

September 9 (Tuesday) at 7:00 at St. David’s – A workshop open to participating Southern Erie Deanery Churches on Evangelism and Community Presence Project. This total project is designed to make the wider community aware of the Episcopal Church in their midst and to help parish members develop skills and materials to welcome and include the stranger.

            Since elsewhere in this issue ministry with youth and church growth are identified as the two things we, as members of St. David’s would like to focus on in the future, this workshop holds special importance – especially if you are one of those who said ‘growth’ was important.

            Already fifteen persons from St. David’s have signed up. If you are interested in this project, please contact Jerry (675-2763) or Lynne (674-1246) so we can have enough materials on hand for the evening.

            The project will last a year with cost being covered by a Diocesan grant. As a member church, we will be participating in twice monthly post card mailings to people who move into the zip codes we serve. We will be participating in events that raise the awareness of the Episcopal Church in the deanery area. We will be coordinating with the other churches on Google advertising and local newspaper articles. 

            The next time you are shopping at the MARKET OR TOPS---ask for the manager and thank him/her for there gift card fund raising program. most important is that they are supporting the community. This is only they help a lot of organization in town. Never hurts to say thanks from the people who patronize there store. DO IT!!

            The Fund Raising Committee has been in action since Spring 2006. The energy and enthusiasm of Amy Turner has made this committee a success. The second part of this success is the willingness and enthusiasm of the committee members to make suggestions and to give of their time, energy and talent to see projects through. Present committee members are Amy Turner, Bob Woollacott, Cindy McMillen, CarolAnn Premonics, Vic Thiell, Lynne Smith, Karen Kroll,  Karin Billinghurst. The committee took a bit of a break over the summer but met again Sunday, August 24 between services to develop a calendar and activities for the upcoming year. Ongoing fund raisers are the paper bins and e-bay sales. 

            The goals of the FRC are to make up the income lost from Clam Chowder sales as that income is designated to the Building Fund until loans are paid off and to coordinate fund raising events both for the parish and for outreach and mission. The group recently decided to designate 10% of any profits to local outreach needs.

            If you or someone you know, is eight years of age and interested in assisting in the Sunday service please contact Sharon Goepel at 675-4946. We will provide training with one of our experienced acolytes until you are comfortable enough to be on your own. 

            We start on the first day of Church School and are scheduled to the last day of Church School. During the summer months we ask that you volunteer to serve if you are attending either service. We try to have everyone serve one or two times per month. Here is our current  list of acolytes: Patrick Mayer, Drew Laudenslager, Rebecca Kroll, Mitch Goepel, Nick Goepel, Andrew Turner, Jeff Turner, Mitchell Pearce, Madeline Dearlove, Hannah McMillen, Dylan Pearce, and Gared Brock. If you are wish to be added or removed from this list call me at 675-4946 or email me at RGoepel98@verizon.net. If you planning on serving this year please provide me with dates that you will not be available so we can avoid absences.

            I would like to thank Dennis & Linda Funseth who have been doing a marvelous job of keeping the flower beds in front of the church so good. Dennis Stroberl replaced an eyesore bush on the east side of the church and replaced with a smaller and better looking bush.

            I would also like to thank Butch and Carol Weist who are doing a very hard job of cutting out, trimming weeding along the church house. It sure looks a lot nicer when the beds are weeded and the bushes are trimmed.                      Thanks to all!!!! - Ed Jeziorowski              

            If it were not for all the volunteers doing a variety of smallish, but very important tasks, managing this ministry of church life would fall apart. We have been without a paid office person for a number of years now (although every once in a while the Vestry does offer to double the pay (or even triple it). I usually refuse because it is a labor of love that I do. What is important is that every once in a while all the people who faithfully do their part in making the ‘office work’ work be recognized for their invaluable service.

            First there are Carol Wiest and Patti Hartz, co-office workers with me. With their help, many tasks that need to be done in a timely manner are actually getting done in a timely manner. Recently the three of us journeyed to Chautauqua Institute for a Diocesan Secretaries Day. We learned a variety of things to help our office function a little better, met other secretaries from around the diocese and had a very enjoyable day in between warm rain drops. Patti and Deacon Alice Turner keep the pledge statements up to date, making entries after the counters (Alene Brock, Vic Thiell, Jim Fagan, Pat Fowlow, Pat Krohn, Karen Kroll, Jeff Premonics, Lynne Smith, Ginger Trautwein, Bob Forrest) record the Sunday offerings. I want to thank Bob Forrest for his time in being a counter as he passes his place on to Don Paluch who will join the counters in September. Karen Kroll also prepares the readers schedule (no easy task to be sure) and helps Richard Gryksa, our most capable Treasurer with some of his work. Pat Krohn puts together the counters schedule. Joan Roth comes in on occasion to help sort papers that have piled up. Dick Wohlert keeps our parish directory and parish and diary mailing lists up to date with his generous supplying of time and materials. The Sunday bulletin comes to you courtesy of Faith Laudenslager and Sharon Goepel. It is a time consuming task they take on week after week. Faith is also, of course, the editor of the Diary and you can see the list of supportive people on the front inside page. Cheryl Paluch does the work on our web page (address on the front inside cover). Ed Jeziorowski and Mickey Bauer have worked to keep the computer up and efficient.

            The office is now operating from the new space, although we are still moving things over and rearranging as necessary. Our goals in the months ahead are to transfer all programs to the newer computer, sort the files which contain many, many years of materials (some of which need to be kept), continue to collect and put together St. David’s records for historical and archival purposes and to collate parish members information. peace, lynne

                I’ve been to happening. So I have to tell you, if you haven’t gone and you’re eligible to go, THEN WHAT’S STOPPING YOU? Excuse me I’m getting ahead of myself.   Happening is a conference, that is to use the tagline this diocese has given it, a Christian experience held by teenagers for teenagers. It does have some adult staff but getting to and from different activities is entirely up to the rector and assistant rector, who are part of the youth. Any one in 9^th grade and above can go and a weekend is held in the spring and fall. Also, adults can go as candidates, the term used for people who are at happening for the