Issue: 22 – Fall/Winter November 2006

Pastor Terry Bobzien

517-523-2765 (Parsonage and Office)

517-499-5470 (Cell)

517-629-7381 (Albion Home)

Pastor’s Passages

As I write this column, the election is still before us. By the time you read this, we will all know the outcomes. As I write this, only God knows the results. But this note is not about politics, but citizenship.

Citizenship in God’s Kingdom reflects not only the next life, but the here-and-now. God has a vision for this world that is at odds with the way humans practice our world citizenship. Jesus began his teaching ministry at the synagogue in Nazareth, his home town, and read from the scroll of Isaiah, “…he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18-19) Jesus clearly understood the meaning of God’s Kingdom here.

Our citizenship in our town or township, state, nation and world should be molded by our citizenship in God’s Kingdom. It is my prayer that you will find a way to live more fully in God’s Kingdom as Jesus outlined in Luke. In the world of civics, we will seek rational discourse that avoids character assassination. We will demand moral and ethical behavior that reflects high standards and expectations. We will work to reduce angry confrontation that destroys community and national unity. Where government programs interact with the lives of the poor and disadvantaged, we will expect no favoritism toward the privileged (that’s us, folks). President George H.W. Bush pleaded for a “kinder, gentler nation.” That is still a worthy objective for citizens of the world, and it is certainly a fruit of the Kingdom.

Where will we find the strength to live within this vision of God’s Kingdom? The source of all strength is to embrace the power of the Almighty One, the Creator; to seek the daily experience of knowing and following Emmanuel, the Savior; and to accept the rush of Truth from the Spirit of Grace, the Counselor. Every morning, may our prayers and our scripture reading be directed toward finding God’s Way for our daily walk. It isn’t enough to KNOW God, nor enough to LOVE God. We also must SERVE God. Indeed, in this life, next to our worship and praise of God, the only outward sign of our faith is the way we live as citizens of the Kingdom daily. God puts in our path hundreds of opportunities every year to exercise our citizenship in God’s Kingdom. We will respond with grace, kindness, helpfulness and generosity. That’s the Kingdom Way. That’s the Jesus Way.

God bless each of you as we approach this holy season of the Incarnation. God cared enough for us to take on human flesh and live among us. It’s a time to celebrate!

Pastor Terry

Fun in Sunday School!

Sunday School began September 10, and along with it a new format for the Children’s Moment during the worship service. Now, along with the scripture for the day, the children take out items from the “Discovery Bag.” They think of ways the objects are related, and how that connects us to the Bible story.

The Discovery Bag then is taken out to the Sunday School area and used for more exploration of the theme. The materials are by Seasons of the Spirit, an inter-denominational curriculum, and both the children and teacher Loretta Bobzien are having a great time. The crafts are a key method of teaching the daily theme.

Our attendance has ranged as high as seven, with average attendance around four. It is an important beginning in our efforts to reach out to the Pittsford neighborhood. If you have family or neighbors that have children of ages four to twelve, encourage them to come join the fun!

Subject: Where is your Bible?

I wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phones?
What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
What if we flipped through it several times a day?
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
What if we gave it to kids as gifts?
What if we used it as we traveled?
What if we used it in case of an emergency?What if we panicked when we lost it?
What if we upgraded it to get the latest version?What if we read our Bible as often as we talk on our cell phone?
This is something to make you go...hmmm...where is my Bible?
Oh, and one more thing. Unlike our cell phone, we don't ever have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill.

165^th. Annual Meeting Attendees

Marilyn Fansler, Clare Monroe, Cinda Walton and Pastor Bobzien attended the 165th Annual Meeting of the Michigan Conference of Congregational Christian Churches (NACCC), held in Greenville, Michigan on October 21^st. Following the annual business meeting, all enjoyed a program by Rev. Dr. Lottie Jones Hood titled "The Congregational Way: One In The Spirit", reflections on 2 Corinthians 13:14.

Church Restoration Fund

This picture, taken in September, shows Jean Martolock from On-The-Level Masonry, working on the high portions of the church steeple/bell tower.

Cleaning, tuck pointing and sealing the brick, as well as foundation repair, has been completed on the steeple/bell tower and on the east side of the church. If you haven’t stopped by to see the finished work, please do. The folks from On-The-Level Masonry did a very nice job. As was noted in the last newsletter, this was just the first leg of a 2 to 3 year project to tuck point/repair all 4 sides of the oldest portions of the church. We hope you will consider a gift to the Restoration Fund in the coming year, so that we can continue the work next summer.

Thank-you, Your Trustee Board

News to Note!

BIRTHS:

John and Sara Klooster welcomed home a daughter, Elizabeth Nina Klooster, born on June 1^st. 2006. Elizabeth weighed 8lb.13 oz. Proud grandparents are Bruce and Nina Draper and Ben and Loretta Klooster; and great grandparents, are Bob and Betsy Jones and Don Draper.

Joe and Angela Draper welcomed home a son, Alexander Joseph Draper, born June 3^rd. 2006. Alexander weighed 8lbs. 15.2oz. Proud grandparents are Theresa Neumann and Greg Neumann and Bruce and Nina Draper; and great grandparents are Doris and Bob Neumann, Bob and Betsy Jones and Don Draper.

WEDDINGS:

Rebecca Brocht and Dustin Drews were united in marriage on October 14^th. 2006 at the First United Methodist Church in Mt. Pleasant. Becky is the daughter of Brian and Lynette Brocht.

Cindy Hanson and Mark LeaTrea were united in marriage on October 21^st. 2006 at St. Mary's Church in Aurora, IL. Mark is the son of Rex and Sharon LeaTrea and the grandson of Betty Marshall.

Amanda Hoover and Nicholas Smith were united in marriage on November 4^th. 2006 at the Pittsford Wesleyan Church. Pastor Doug Plunkett and Pastor Terry Bobzien performed the ceremony. Amanda is the daughter of Mike and Kay Hoover and the granddaughter of Rex and Thelma Hoover.

SPECIAL NEWS:

William Sungman Brocht was dedicated by Pastor Terry Bobzien at our church on September 3^rd. 2006. William is the son of Capt. Joseph and HyunOk Brocht.

Amelia Anne Dietz was baptized by Pastor Terry Bobzien at our church on October 8^th. 2006. Amelia is the daughter of Doug Dietz and Lora Glei-Dietz.

Tim Burkhart, son of Donald and Mary Lou Burkhart, grew up attending our church. Tim now has a son, Ryan Burkhart, who is a college freshman at Notre Dame. Ryan is a kicker on the Notre Dame Football team, playing some in each game. Friends and family have enjoyed watching him on TV. Ryan's maternal grandparents, Jerrold and Cynthia Way, are also local residents,

In Memory

Our church family lost two dear and long time members in 2006.

Charles George Gier passed away on April 22^nd. 2006. George graduated from Pittsford High School in 1950. He married Marian Jane (Perrin) Gier on April 6^th. 1951. Lifelong residents of Pittsford, George and Marian raised 4 children here and were later blessed with 7 grandchildren.

George engaged in farming most of his life and was very involved in farming related organizations and activities. George also served on the Hillsdale County Road Commission Board for 26 years. Other interests and activities included the Bits & Harness Pony Club, Hills and Dales Western Square Dance Club, and 4-H Club Livestock Leader. George was a charter member of the Pittsford Lions Club where he actively served as a member and an officer.

George began attending our church in 1951 and became a member on Palm Sunday, 1958. In 1959 George was elected to serve on the Trustee Board, and served in that capacity through the 1960’s and again in the 1980’s through 1996. George served on the Deacon Board in the 1970’s and was Church Moderator from 2000 until the time of his death.

During the 1960’s, George was an active participant in the Trustee project of planting and harvesting a field of corn; proceeds of which went to benefit the church. He was also involved in the new church well project; updates on the old parsonage as well as our present parsonage on Market St.; and helped with the new carpet installation in our church sanctuary. He served as a negotiator for the church in the purchase of our present parsonage. George always tried to do his part in whatever needed to be done.

Evelyn May Monroe passed away on September 14^th. 2006. Evelyn graduated from Holland High School in 1929 and Hope College in 1933. She married Clare Edwin Monroe on June 19^th. 1937. The Monroe’s resided in Hillsdale County since 1944. Evelyn and Clare raised 5 children, and were blessed with 11 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Evelyn’s teaching career took her to several schools, before she retired in 1976. She served as Pittsford Township Treasurer from 1961 until 1991. Evelyn’s other activities and interests included the Hillsdale County Federation of Republican Women, Hillsdale County Republican Party, Pittsford Garden Club, and Clan Munro Association, traveling, gardening and reading.

A long-time member of our church, Evelyn served 16 years as a Sunday School teacher, was a Deacon, and a member of the Ladies Guild, Unique Women, and Women’s Fellowship Organization. She retired as church Treasurer in June 1999 after 25 years of service. Evelyn served for many years as the church Election Committee Chairwoman, ensuring that the leadership roles in the church were filled each year. Most recently she served as Sunshine Chairwoman, performing the task of mailing hundreds of cards each year, as part of the church’s card ministry. Whatever the church event, Evelyn was always an active participant.

George and Evelyn shared their talents, time and love, for the betterment of our church and our community. They will be sadly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing them.

The following is a complete list of Celebrations of Life Pastor Terry conducted in the immediate area in 2006. May God's comfort continue to be with all of the families in the coming months.

E. Maxine LeaTrea 3/18/06

C. George Gier 4/26/06

Donald Dietz 5/06/06

Dennis Lickly 9/05/06

Lucile Stiverson 9/15/06

Evelyn Monroe 9/19/06

Memorial Garden

The new plants in the Maginty Memorial Garden, as well as new landscaping to the area in front of the handicap ramp have been completed. This project was made possible by the Richard Marshall Memorial Fund as well as a donation made by the Glei Family. We anxiously await springtime, for the new plantings to mature into their full splendor. Thanks to the Marshall and Glei families for helping to enrich the beauty of our church grounds.

Unique Women

The Unique Women’s group would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have supported our projects during the past year; most recently, our annual pecan sale. Pecans will be arriving soon!

Marian Gier hosted a luncheon and UW meeting at her home on October 28^th. After a wonderful meal with apple pie for dessert, the group discussed the upcoming year’s projects. The group voted to make a donation towards the purchase and installation of new porch railings at the front church doors. Officers elected for the 2006-2007 year are Beverly Borton, Pres., Marian Gier, VP, Lynette Brocht, Sec./Treas.

Daily Rules from God

1. Wake Up !!...Decide to have a good day. "Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalms 118:24

2. Dress Up !!...The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7

3. Shut Up!!...Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking. "He who guards his lips guards his soul." Proverbs 13:3

4. Stand Up!!...For what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything."Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..." Galatians 6:9-10

5. Look Up !!... To the Lord.
"I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me." Phillippians 4:13

6. Reach Up !!... For something higher. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, And He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6
7. Lift Up !!... Your Prayers.

"Do not worry about anything; instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING." Philippians 4:6

Remember, God answers knee-mail!

Music Committee

We need your voice in the choir. Won’t you join us? “Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful.” Psalm 147:1.

Adult Study Groups

Meet Sunday Morning and Wednesday

The current Adult Study “All About the Bible” concludes on November 12, with Bible Sunday. We’ve talked about the original languages, the canon, the early translations, the King James translation and modern English translations.

Adult Study will resume Sunday, November 26 at 9:30, and continue each Sunday through December 17. The Advent unit of study is “Congregational History and Beliefs.” A Wednesday group of the same material will be offered as well, for those who would rather attend during the week.

Pastor Terry will be pleased to receive other suggestions for topics that can be covered in four to six week units. The poll taken regarding adult studies has helped the Deacons and Terry to plan classes which will involve more people and help to build our faith through knowledge.

Upcoming Events

* The annual Thanksgiving Dinner will be held after church on November 19^th. The sign-up sheet is on the Fellowship Hall bulletin board. This is a great time of thanksgiving, fellowship and good food. We hope you will plan to attend.

* Thanksgiving Baskets will soon be on the altar for your non-perishable food donations. These baskets are delivered to area families.

* We continue to donate monthly to the Kings Kupboard Food Pantry. The basket for those donations can be found in the Fellowship Hall.

* Sunday, December 10^th. Fellowship Night hosted by Beverly and Floyd, at Beverly Borton’s home, 2911 W. Hallett, at 6p.m. Everyone is invited to attend!

* Please watch the church bulletin for details, dates and times of the upcoming church Christmas events.

Office Telephone 517-523-2765. Church Telephone 517-523-2385.

Terry Bobzien, Pastor, Cell Phone 517-499-5470.