Tag Archive | Two Congregations

Pastor’s Post – September 2017

Sep6

From the Pastor:

I hope that each and every one of you had the opportunity to rest and recreate a bit during the summer months. I am writing this on Labor Day afternoon—a bright and beautiful end-of-summer experience. One can already feel fall creeping in around the edges of the sunshine, but then, the crisp, cool days we can expect during that season are a treasure to anticipate.
Something else to anticipate is the exciting progress we will be attempting this year toward a full and complete merger of our two congregations into one. There won’t be many dull moments! Although I know that we all have our fears and concerns about the process, we should also know that there will be a lot of inspirational conversation and creativity. For example, we shall soon be choosing a name for our new fellowship. I hope that all of you will be involved in this process.
We also will be selecting a new mission statement. Our “Plumbline Committee,” ably co-chaired by Marilyn Rodahan and Wendy Moran, convened again in August, and they are bringing to us a proposed Mission Statement. Here it is:
As an open and welcoming Community of Christian Faith, we accept and honor that responsibility as we partner with all faiths in bringing hope and love to our world. Using Christ as our example, we are committed to reaching out to one another, showing God’s love through service to our community, and seeking new and relevant ways to involve ourselves in meeting the needs of others. Through continual prayer, worship and study of scripture, we are an ever transforming church.
In addition, the committee is offering us a “branding statement” that could easily fit on letterhead, brochures and web sites:
Our Transforming Church:
Join us and develop a personal relationship with Christ through study, worship, and service.
Please read these statements over carefully and thoughtfully. Is this the way you think our church should represent itself to the world? Is anything missing? We will have an opportunity to vote on both statements in congregational meetings in coming months. Your thoughts about them at this moment are welcome.

Pastor’s Post – June 2017

May31

What Will be Happening in Church This Summer

Summer is a time to relax, slow down a bit, and maybe try a thing or two new and different.  I know that many of you will be away vacationing part of the time.  When you travel, look for opportunities to worship with other congregations.  You may pick up ideas that will enrich our spiritual life here.

The Love We Share sermon series

During June, I will be delivering a special series of sermons on the subject:  “The Love We Share.”  (It turns out that I unconsciously borrowed this title from a song in a Disney animated movie about mermaids!)  We will explore together how God’s love for us informs our love for each other, including sexual love, and how the church’s understanding of gender and sexual orientation and marriage has changed and continues to change.  I understand that this remains an area of controversy in churches, and it is not my intention to sow discord, but it is important that we reflect together on certain issues as we strive to shape the mission of our new church.  At least one of the sermons will include an opportunity for dialogue with the congregation, and if there is a felt need for more conversation and study, we certainly can arrange that as well.

Pentecost:  Celebration of the Spirit

Sunday, June 4, the Day of Pentecost, we will be blessed by a special musical contribution by Justin Ramlall who plays the trombone.   Come on time so you won’t miss his prelude.

Honoring our children and young people

Sunday, June 11 during worship we will honor our Sunday School teachers and students and celebrate the achievements of our young people who are completing another school term, graduating or otherwise distinguishing themselves.

Guest Preacher

Sunday, July 9 I will be in St. Louis, attending the bi-annual meeting of PCUSA people known as the “Big Tent.”  The Rev. Mark Tammen, General Presbyter for Long Island, will be preaching at Massapequa.  It has been awhile since Mark has been with us, so please take advantage of this opportunity to hear Mark’s presentation and to greet him.

Worship and Recreation in the Great Outdoors

Last summer the Gathering wrapped up its year by going outside.  We shared a time of reflection and prayer at a nearby organic farm on a warm Sunday afternoon in late June.  This year, the sessions are inviting all members and friends to a special outdoor worship service and picnic on Sunday, July 16.  We will gather at 10 a.m. in Wantagh Park.  The lunch is potluck.  Our reservation allows us to stay as long as we wish through the afternoon, so there will be plenty of time to enjoy God’s creation and have fun together.

Special Music

Our music and choir director, Wayne Dietrich, will be away the first three Sundays of July.  Stella LaMassa and others will be arranging special musical contributions for worship that you won’t want to miss.

Lay Preachers in August

I will be away after Sunday August 6 until Labor Day weekend.  For three Sundays you will be blessed by messages from members of our churches who have volunteered to preach in my absence.  I am sorry I will miss these occasions, and if you are in town, you will really enjoy being in church on those Sabbaths.

Cast Your Vote! Naming our Church

May31

  

Whats in a Name

Naming Our New Church    

As our congregations continue to move forward toward merger, we need to begin to think about a name for our new ministry together. We are asking all of you to think about a name for what will be our new church. During the months of May & June suggestions may be submitted to Maria Studer or Joan Tischner, the Clerks of our         Sessions. We look forward to your ideas. The final decision on the new name will be made by the Joint Sessions.

Please write down your name suggestion and drop it in the suggestion box on the Narthex table at Levittown & Massapequa.

Optional – Member’s Name_________________________________________

New Church Name_______________________________________________