Pastor’s
Passages
Issue: 26 – Spring March 2008
Pastor Terry Bobzien
517-523-2765 (Parsonage and Office)
517-499-5470 (Cell)
517-629-7381 (Albion Home)
Pastor’s
Passages
I’ve been reading an old (1988) book by Robert Fulghum. It Was On Fire When I Lay Down On It. The book begins: “A tabloid newspaper carried the story, stating simply that a small-town emergency squad was summoned to a home where smoke was pouring from an upstairs window. The crew broke in and found a man in a smoldering bed.
‘“After the man was rescued and the mattress doused, the obvious question was asked: ‘How did this happen?’
‘“I don’t know. It was on fire when I lay down on it.’”
This book was written before Bill Engvall’s “Here’s Your Sign” comedy routine was invented!
The book has many touching moments and a few hilarious ones. What I’ve learned from Fulghum is that stories are about much more than just the skin and bones of the plot. People since the beginning of human communication have been telling stories not just for the history but for the meaning—the muscle of life. People don’t pass on wisdom and history through bare fact, they transmit them through story. Stories give us something to wrap our imagination around. Stories let us draw and color on a big canvas in our mind’s eye when we hear of what happened to another person.
In our Bible we have an amazing number of stories which communicate God’s presence with God’s people through thousands of years. The stories we read about God reaching into human history humble us, yes; but they should also encourage us. The Almighty continues to care so much for us that God is always trying to get our attention—and once God’s got it—to stun us with goodness. Our God never stops creating, never stops speaking, never stops acting and never stops loving.
As we round the corner toward spring (how many prayers for the coming of spring have been offered up in the last six weeks?) we will remember the God who comes to us in story through Scripture, in conversation through other Christians, in observation of created beauty and in comfort through the Spirit’s presence.
The stories we tell and the stories we hear or read can be powerful reminders of God’s daily reassurance that God will never leave us. All of life is lived as story and all of life can testify to God’s greatness. May the story that is your life be a sweet one and enrich all of those around you.
God’s Peace,
Pastor Terry
Holy Week Events
Holy Week celebrated this early is a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence! The next time Easter will be this early (March 23) will be the year 2228, 220 years from now. The last time it was this early was 1913, so only people 95 or older were around for that!
Palm Sunday service will be March 16 at 11:00. We’ll have the sanctuary decorated with extra greenery and everyone will take home a palm leaf, the reminder that Jesus entered Jerusalem to the waving of branches and shouts of joy.
Our most somber service of the year is Maundy Thursday, March 20 at 7:30 p.m. This is our own tradition of the observance of the Last Supper, seated around a long table similar to daVinci’s famous painting. We serve communion in more of a meal setting and follow it with a service of Tennebrae. For those who have been in attendance for many years, you may not have known the name but you do know the ritual. As scriptures are read, which describe the last hours of Jesus’ life, candles are extinguished one by one. At the end of the service the sanctuary is dark. It is a powerful reminder of Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice for us. This service will change how you think about Easter. Easter means more after attending Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services.
Good Friday service this year will be held at the First Congregational Church of Pittsford at 7:00 p.m. Pastor Don Lee of the Osseo United Methodist Church will be preaching and all of the fine people of that congregation will join us in worship. We have many fond associations with this congregation and are eager to host this year.
We have two opportunities to worship on Easter Sunday this year. The Deacons have agreed it is a good time to bring back Easter Sunrise service. Actual sunrise time is 7:24 this year, so in order to start with the dawn we will begin worship at 7:00 a.m. Following this very special worship service we will prepare the Easter Breakfast, to be served from 8:30 to 10:00. A signup sheet for Easter breakfast food items is in Fellowship Hall. If you are able, please sign up to bring muffins, fruit, juice, egg casserole or another specialty of your house. We’ll have some extra time between the breakfast and Easter Sunday worship at 11:00 so there will be videos and a hymn sing to keep us busy and happy! We’ll make sure to have special activities for the children too.
Easter Sunday worship at 11:00 will be extra special this year. Please make sure all of your family and neighbors are invited to this service. The songs, scriptures and sermon will be different from those at the sunrise service. The themes will differ, in that the Sunrise service will focus on the discovery of the empty tomb at daylight and the 11:00 service will focus on the stories told later in the day about the amazing Resurrection of Our Lord.
Holy Week is my (Terry’s) favorite season of the Christian year. Christmas is always special, but after finding out there’s a baby coming it’s all celebration from start to finish. Holy Week is different. It begins with a flourish, Palm Sunday. Celebration is in the air. Jesus knows differently, he knows he’s going to be betrayed and what will follow. The mood turns dark. The disciples get weak. The worst happens. Then the claim of God over Creation explodes! God declares victory! That movement from celebration to darkness to victory is the stuff great stories are made of.
Please come observe the complete story with us this Holy Week at the First Congregational Church.
Power Lab Vacation Bible School - 2008
We’ve been blessed with excellent turnout over the last two years for Vacation Bible School. Your promotion of VBS to your families and our communities has given us a wonderful base of children to whom we can offer God’s Good News. After looking at several Vacation Bible School programs, we have selected “Power Lab” by Group Publishing as this year’s program.
The dates will be July 14 to 18, 2008, a week later than the last two years. The Deacons anticipate moving a week away from the July 4 holiday will help families who traditionally travel or camp around that time. The time will be 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., with a light meal served at 5:30. Moms and dads (or grandparents) are welcome to stay for the meal.
Power Lab is based on a science theme. The kids will love the examples from science of how God works in our world. If you would like to preview the program, the internet address is http://www.groupvbs.com/powerlab/index.asp
If you have a problem with the address, email Terry at terrybob (at) gmail-dot-com and ask him to email the link to you.
We will have a preview day at the end of March to show the program to kids and adults. Donations are welcome to help with the expenses of the VBS and we will need many volunteers again this year to help with group leadership, meals and snacks, games, skits, songs and set design. Becky Mielke is co-ordinating VBS this year, assisted by Pastor Terry. Contact either of them if you can help again this year. Becky will be leading music, Pastor Terry on stories, Loretta Bobzien and Tricia Rinck on crafts, and several others of you have volunteered to help as needed.
This is a fantastic outreach to the children of our families and communities! It is a lot of work, but is also a great time of fun and fellowship. No church is ever so alive as when it’s full of exhuberant children! We are blessed! Join us, and plan to help as you are able July 14 to 18.
Jeff and Heather Gier were blessed with the birth of a daughter, Meghan Louise, on December 13, 2007
Grandparents are Dave and Pattie Gier.
Sara and John Klooster were blessed with the birth of a daughter Katharine Rosalia on February 2, 2008. Grandparents are Bruce and Nina Draper.
Naomi Kehn and Joshua Wilson were blessed with the birth of a daughter, Madalyn Ava, on February 3, 2008. Grandparents are Sandy and Tom Kehn.
Amanda and Steve Rathbun were blessed with the birth of a daughter, Jayda Jean, on February 28, 2008. Great Grandparents are Louise and Terry McLouth.
Matthew Kehn and Cynthia Jones were blessed
with a son, Tyler Matthew, on March 6, 2008.
Great Grandparents are Tom and Sandy Kehn.
NEW MARRIAGE
Recently Bev Borton and Floyd Allion were married in Florida. Congratulations to a beautiful couple.
Belated Birthday Wishes To:
Lora Glei-Dietz on January 15th.
Michelle Clark on February 2nd.
Makenna Dietz on February 21st.
Katherine LaJoie on February 23rd.
March
5th. Ella Mae Sheffer
6th. Ercel Julian
Hyun-Ok Brocht
8th. Joyce E. Kisner
Beverly Borton Allion
9th. Gary Stiverson
14th. Dave Armstrong
Kristy Marshall
Katie Dietz
17th. Mike Hoover
18th. Thelma Hoover
22nd. Catherine Warren
25th. Sandy Kehn
27th. Linda Hoard
28th. Eugene Welper
31st. William Brocht
April
2nd. Clare Monroe
3rd. Kathryn Plopper
8th. Jeremy Rinck
11th. Jeffrey Anspaugh
12th. Aaron Clark
16th. Aimee Otto
20th. Owen Glei
26th. Daniel Anspaugh
28th Ruth Rinck
29th. Adam Clark
Casey Rinck
May
4th. Jim Watson
8th. Stephanie Marshall
13th. Judy Glei
Kimberly Rinck
14th. Louise McLouth
19th. Russ LaJoie
22nd. Darlene Clark
29th. Marge LaFollette
30th. Betty Marshall
Dustin Drews
1st. Elizabeth Klooster
3rd. Alexander Draper
7th. Lucille Stiverson
8th. Doug Dietz
13th Dot Moose
17th. Jacob Gier
22nd. Tom Kehn
24th. Charlotte Marshall
Jane Verdon
27th. Marilyn Fansler
28th. Amelia Dietz
29th Emily Rinck
30th. Bruce Draper
12th Phil Rinck
13th. Erik Gier
18th. Nancy Armstrong
19th. Debbie Knueve
23rd. Anthony Marshall
28th. Bobby Shough
29th. Terry Bobzien
30th. Sharon LeaTrea
SURPRISE 30TH ANNIVERSARY
Loretta and Terry thank you all so much for the surprise 30th Anniversary party after church on February 17, 2008. Thank you for the cards, gifts,and well-wishes. You are all good at keeping big secrets! (And sneaky too!)
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO…………
March
29th. Ercel and Bob Julian
May
12th. Dan and Dawn Blair
June
8th. Brian and Lynette Brocht
12th. Doug and Lora Dietz
21st Jim and Susan Watson
24th. Tom and Sandy Kehn
July
1st. Rex and Sharon LeaTrea
6th. Matthew and Autumn LeaTrea
7th. Joseph and HyunOk Brocht
11th. Owen and Judy Glei
27th. Don and Jane Verdon (1969)
Our local missionary family from Waldron will soon return to the mission field. Please continue praying for them as they explore their next assignment.
UNIQUE WOMEN NEWS
The Unique Women have been quite busy this winter.
Loretta lead the members in the restoring of the dolls
project, which were then donated, with many going to
Domestic Harmony. Friendship Boxes were distributed to
over 20 people who enjoyed the treats and goodies one
snowy week in February. The Cradle Roll Department has
been reinstated in our church, and. a rose will be placed
the alter for any member or affiliated member who has
new baby.
On Sunday, June 15, 2008 a breakfast will be held for the
men of our church in honor of Father’s Day.
SPRING SALAD LUNCHEON
The Unique Women will be hosting the Spring
Salad Luncheon on April 5, 2008, at 12:30 p.m.
at the church. Loretta Bobzien will be our
speaker. Ladies of the church are encouraged
to invite family and friends. This spring
affair will take the place of the annual Mother
Daughter Tea. Guests are very welcome and
reservations are needed by March 29, 2008.
Please RSVP either to Marian Gier at
523-2645 or Sandy Kehn at 523-4242.
Calendar of Events 
Ø Palm Sunday - March 16 at 11:00 a.m. Worship and Sunday School.
Maundy Thursday - March 20 at 7:30 p.m.
Ø Good Friday - March 21 at 7:00 p.m.
Easter Sunrise Service - March 23 at 7:00 a.m. Easter Breakfast, 8:30 a.m.
Easter Sunday Worship, 11:00 a.m.
April 5, Saturday, 12:30 p.m.- Salad Luncheon for ladies and guests of the church.
May 11, Sunday, 9:30 a.m. - Mother’s Day Breakfast sponsored by the men of the church.
June 15, Sunday, 9:30 a.m. - Father’s Day Breakfast sponsored by the Unique Women
In Sympathy
Our church family was deeply saddened by the recent passing of Malinda Bowditch and Arlene Maier. Our sincere condolences to the Bowditch and Maier families.
Brick Restoration Final Phase and Major Memorial Gift
The Trustees have contracted On the Level Masonry of Palmyra, Michigan to complete the brick restoration begun in 2006. On the Level is headed by Jeanie Martolock, who has performed excellent restoration work, replacing hundreds of scaled and broken bricks and tuckpointing the east and south sides of the original structure.
The west and northwest sides of the church will be finished this year. The most notable change in appearance will be the repair of the areas of the two former chimneys high on the west wall. With the restoration, those bricks will be replaced and the wall will be a flat surface. All other areas will be repaired to be as new.
The congregation was blessed at the beginning of the year with a special Memorial Gift in the amount of $5000 in honor of Max Borton (beloved, deceased husband of Bev) and Beverly Allion (beloved, deceased wife of Floyd) to be used for the Brick Restoration Fund. This gift enabled the Trustees to make the decision to forego additional fundraising to reach the total cost of $28,645 for the Brick Restoration. We are very touched that Bev and Floyd would choose to honor their loved ones with this gift to the congregation. Thank you!
The Trustees also express their appreciation to all of the people who have faithfully supported the work of this congregation with their many gifts, both in regular giving and through Memorials. It is because of our financial health that this phase of the Brick Restoration is possible without additional fundraising.
We appreciate the tip from Dick Anspaugh that bricks that match our church exterior are available at a demolition site near his home. Dick had performed some of the original demolition work and made arrangements with the property owner. Throughout this project we have been able to pick bricks that are an excellent color and size match to our own. For comparison, the Grange Hall bricks are expected to sell for $0.80 each. In the course of this restoration, we will use over 1200 replacement bricks. Thanks, Dick!
When the weather breaks in the spring, our congregation is first on the job list of On the Level. This phase is more extensive than the previous two years’ work, so could take close to two months to complete. We’ll all be watching!
Projects and
People... 
The Trustees have a full slate coming up this summer. Many church repairs are in the process. A 200 amp service box will be installed which will help the air conditioning, lights and sound system in the church; the parsonage will be re-shingled; and the water problem in the basement is being addressed as well as sealing of cracks in the wall and floor.
UPDATE from Pastor Terry
A Report by Pastor Terry
Most of you are aware that I have begun seminary (again!). In the fall term of ’07 I took one class, “Biblical Perspectives on Suffering and the Atonement,” at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, IN. The class was wonderful and the seminary a very special place. The transfer credits from my early days at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary were not going to mesh well with AMBS’ Master of Divinity program.
This winter term I enrolled at Ecumenical Theological Seminary in Detroit for three classes: “Introduction to Worship,” “Theology of Ecology and Spirituality,” and “Seminary Collegium.” It appears most credits will transfer, which will be very helpful.
January, February and early March I’ve been in class every Tuesday night, some Thursdays all day, and some Thursday nights. When the new class schedule is settled for spring term, beginning the last week of March, I will post my class schedule on the bulletin board in Fellowship Hall. If you need to reach me, you’re welcome to call even when I’m at seminary. The phone will be on “vibrate” so I may be able to call back soon in the event of an emergency.
If the scheduling works as planned, I will graduate in the spring of ’10 with a Master of Divinity degree. I am very grateful to the congregation, the Deacons and the Trustees in making allowance for the extra time demands of seminary study. The Congregational Foundation for Theological Studies provides both seminar experience in Congregational Studies as well as generous scholarship money. I am grateful for your support as I pursue further education so that I may better serve our Lord through serving First Congregational Church.
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A late Easter, a long cold spring.
French Proverb
Good thing we’re having an early Easter!
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