Pastor’s
Passages
Issue: 25 – Fall/Winter November 2007
Pastor Terry Bobzien
517-523-2765 (Parsonage and Office)
517-499-5470 (Cell)
517-629-7381 (Albion Home)
Pastor’s
Passages
God’s Technology
As I write, I’m sitting in LA International Airport after a completely uneventful airplane trip. Uneventful, that is, as far as baggage, connections, friendliness, weather and scheduling. By contrast, the time spent looking out my window for three hours was priceless.
Loretta and I have a standing joke about a friend of ours, former Chaplain for Albion College, who preached at the United Methodist Church at least six times a year while he served there. He is a good preacher, was pretty young at the time, and would recognize himself from this description if he were to read it. He tackled interesting subjects in the many sermons we heard, and it was amazing how often he ended up in a state of awe. That’s the joke Loretta and I share. When we see something that seems so obvious, but evokes a response of “gosh, golly, gee or wow,” we have a nice recollection of his ministry among us, and a little chuckle.
Looking out the aircraft window, I was really in awe. Yes, if I didn’t say it right out loud, I surely thought, “Gosh.” “Golly!” “Gee-whiz!” “Wow!!” You see, I don’t get out much! I haven’t flown in several years, and the last time I flew to the American southwest was 1977. Maybe the terrain hasn’t changed much in 30 years, but my perspective on it has. What if Shepherd David or King David had been able to see the earth from that perspective before writing some of the Psalms? What would he have written then? The Psalms contain soaring praises of God and the creation. The view from a plane would have added some very colorful description, wouldn’t it?
On that trip, as we were coming out of dense clouds somewhere over the Illinois/Iowa state line, I thought about God’s technology in the water cycle. Clouds, rain, rivers, lakes, ground water, oceans, evaporation. Repeat for a few hundred million years. (Or, as the advertising goes: “Rinse and repeat.”) It never fails, and God never fails us. How about the sun? If we’ve calculated right, it’s on God’s schedule to bring the earth heat and light for another few billion years, God’s technology of controlled nuclear fusion still eludes we curious humans on earth. What about the greater cosmos? While on that trip I came across one site, perhaps ten miles east-to-west, that had the clear signs of meteor strikes in at least ten craters. In another location I’m sure I saw about twenty extinct volcanoes.
Is there any doubt why I left the TV on the seat back in front of me “off?” The scene unfolding before me wasn’t eight inches by five inches. It was 40 miles wide and 150 miles deep! Yes, I was struck in awe and wonder at God’s creation—God’s technology. The sure cure for human ego--always confident that we’re “so smart,” living with the notion that we’ve got just about everything in this big world figured out--is to look with fresh eyes at a completely new vista of God’s beautiful earth.
I pray that I more frequently have the opportunity to see
with new eyes and to admire our Creator God with a new heart. I’m praying the
same for you. God’s “old” technology is truly awesome!
Pastor Terry
Sunday
School!
Sunday School with Loretta Bobzien and helpers Lora Glei-Dietz and Patricia Rinck is a pretty popular place to be…concluding by how many children have joined us for church and Sunday School. Their smiles as they walk -- and run -- toward the followship room following the Children’s Moment show their joy.
Sunday School 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!
Adult Study Groups
Meet Sunday Morning and Wednesday
Paul: An Appealing or Appalling Apostle?
That mouthful of “P’s” and “L’s” above is the full title of a lecture by John Dominic Crossan and the title of a chapter in his book, In Search of Paul. The Adult Bible Study is based on the lecture through Thanksgiving time. We have two more in the series remaining. The class meets Sunday at 9:30 and Wednesday at 7:00 p.m., both in Fellowship Hall. The Wednesday session repeats the Sunday session, for the convenience of those who may need to switch times.
The writings attributed to Paul have several controversial, if not completely contradictory passages among the 13 books under his name. The most controversial directs women to be quiet in church, never lead or teach men, and to avoid makeup and jewelry. Does that sound like a formula you’d adhere to? One of his most-loved passages reads, “for in Christ Jesus, you are all children of God through faith.” “There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male or female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.” (Gal. 3:26, 28, NRSV) For “the rest of the story” join us for the remainder of the series. We’ll be “a-Paul-ed” if you miss it!
For Advent, the Adult class will be settling on the topic for the four weeks. One good suggestion has been a study on the book of Isaiah. Many of our favorite images about the birth of Jesus have come from this important book of prophecy. Terry has two study outlines for the book and, if the classes agree, we will be studying those important images which help to describe the way God came to live with us: Emmanuel!
On October 31, Halloween Night, Bible verses printed on magnetic shaped pumpkins along with candy were distributed to trick or treaters by the Deacons.
Remember,
God answers knee-mail!
Thanksgiving Dinner Tradition
& Hanging of the Greens
Join us November 18!
Sunday, the 18th, it will be hard to concentrate during our Worship Service! The church will be filled with the rich aromas of Thanksgiving dinner, our annual tradition. Please sign up for a dish to pass on the sheet in Fellowship Hall. All are invited and if you’re hungry when you leave, we’d be very surprised. After the meal, we’ll decorate the church interior and exterior for Advent and Christmas.
These events are about more than food and decorations. Even more important is the fellowship time we enjoy and the opportunity to work together as we “deck the halls” for the season upcoming. Worship together, eat together, laugh together and work together—it’s a perfect way to spend 3 hours.
Sign up, even if you’re not completely certain if you can make it. The signup is mostly to gauge the number of turkeys Cinda will need to roast and to make sure we have a good distribution of nice Thanksgiving dishes to pass. If you find out at the last minute you can join us and haven’t signed up, that’s OK, too. Please come and join the food and fun!
If you have a special event in your family that
you would like included in our next
newsletter, please let Sue, Nina or Pastor
Terry know.
Missionary Committee News
King’s Kupboard --
On the afternoon of Saturday, November 3, Gwen and Terry, and hopefully some parents, lead a group of our children and neighborhood kids to gather food for King’s Kupboard in Hillsdale. Economic conditions in Michigan mean that demand for nutritious food for families in a bind is more needed than ever before.
King’s Kupboard is a generous mission of Trinity Lutheran Church. No restrictive or embarrassing procedure is required to receive food from King’s Kupboard. That’s an important way that it is different from most food assistance organizations. At King’s Kupboard, only the name, phone number and a short note about the cause of the need is taken. All are welcome to receive a full bag of groceries on distribution days.
First Congregational Church of Pittsford has been supporting King’s Kupboard for many years. The Missionary Committee organizes a special food offering for Thanksgiving time in conjunction with our annual Love Loaves offering for donation to the World Vision.
InTouch Ministries --
Donations were received for four InTouch Ministries ‘Messenger’ audio players that will be sent to servicemen and women in Iraq and Afghanistan. The missionary committee donated an additional three. Therefore, seven devices will be sent!
Durling Family --
Missionary friends were guest speakers on September 30th. They joined us for Adult Bible Study and a potluck after the worship service. They told of their work in South American over the past several years. Presently they are home on a sabbatical for a period of time.
BLESSINGS TO ALL OF YOU!!!
We have some amazing volunteers in our church and they give in many, many ways. To those who have volunteered to do the lawn care this past summer, participated in Vacation Bible School, signed up and given weekly announcements, supplied fresh flowers for the alter, gathered orders and ordered pecans from Unique Women, worked at the very palatable and fun Ice Cream Social…whatever you do, a heartfelt thanks.
There’s a new look at the front door of our church. Porch railings were donated by the Unique Woman and were installed by Doug Dietz. How benevolent of them.
166th Annual Meeting Michigan Conference of Congregational Christian Churches
Marilyn Fansler, Cinda Walton and Pastor Bobzien attended the 166th Annual Meeting of the Michigan Conference of Congregational Christian Churches (NACCC), held in Rockwood, Michigan on October 20st.
At the business meeting a youth work and camp report was presented, along with reports from various associations within the state.
During the program participants had the opportunity to walk and experience a labyrinth, which was in the open yard of the Rockwood Congregational Church. A labyrinth is an ancient tool for prayer and meditation consisting of a winding path beginning at the periphery, which leads to a central space, which then is retraced out again by the same path.
It was also announced the 5th Annual Women’s Retreat will be held on February 22 and 23, 2008. The theme this year is “Women of the Bible.” This is sponsored by Central Michigan ACCC.
On Sunday, the 21st, the ordination of Mike Fales was held at the Olivet Congregational Church. He is a member of that church and a professor at Olivet College. Pastor Terry was present as a member of the Pastoral Parish Committee of the state association; Cinda attended as vice-moderator of the Central Association of Congregational Churches; and Marilyn Fansler and Becky Mielke attended as delegates from our church.
OCTOBER IS…
CLERGY APPRECIATION MONTH
“And now, friends, we ask you to honor those leaders who work so hard for you, who have been given the responsibility of urging and guiding you along in your obedience. Overwhelm them with appreciation and love.” 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13.
We appreciate Pastor Terry’s work, leadership, support and the difference he makes for God in our lives. Please keep him in your prayers as he continues his ministry and his education.
Church Restoration Fund
This picture, taken in September 2006, shows Jean Martolock from On-The-Level Masonry, working on the high portions of the church steeple/bell tower.
As stated in our last newsletter, the second phase of the tuckpointing project to our church has been completed. The final phase of restoration is to be completed in 2008.
Please continue to remember that contributing to the Memorial Fund for either designated or non-designated purposes is greatly appreciated. Money given in memory of a loved one or friend has allowed for many beautiful and functional additions to our property.
If you would like to make a contribution, honorarium or memorial to the Restoration Fund, please make your check out to the “The First Congregational Church of Pittsford,” noting “Restoration Fund,” and mail to P.O. Box 207, Pittsford, MI 49271, “Attention Marian Gier.” Thank you so much!
News to Note! 
BIRTHS:
Mark and Cindy LeaTrea welcomed home a daughter, Alyssa Maxine LeaTrea, born on September 4, 2007. Proud grandparents are Rex and Sharon LeaTrea and her great grandmother is Betty Marshall.
NEW MEMBERS:
The First Congregational Church of Pittsford is proud to announce the following new members to our church. Malinda Bowditch, Angela Draper, Bob and Betsy Jones, Les and Dot Moose, Teresa Nenycz and Patricia Rinck.
BAPTISMS:
Malinda Bowditch; Patricia, Casey, Kimberly, and Emily Rinck; and Bob Jones.
Count Your Blessings
By Johnson Oatman, Jr.
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called on to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.
►Wednesday, November 28
7:00 p.m. Adult Bible Study
Isaiah: The Lord is Salvation
►Sunday, December 2
9:30 a.m. Adult Bible Study
Isaiah: The Lord is Salvation
11:00 a.m. Worship, First Sunday of Advent
►Wednesday, December 5
7:00 p.m. Adult Bible Study
Isaiah: Mountaintops, Plowshares and the Cleft of
a Rock
►Friday, December 7
7:30 p.m. Hudson Christmas Cantata
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
►Saturday, December 8
7:30 p.m. Christmas Cantata
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
►Sunday, December 9
9:30 a.m. Adult Bible Study
Isaiah: Mountaintops, Plowshares and the Cleft of
a Rock
11:00 a.m. Worship, Second Sunday of Advent
3:00 p.m. Hudson Christmas Cantata
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
►Wednesday, December 12
7:00 p.m. Adult Bible Study
Isaiah: A Shining Light and a Tree Stump
►Sunday, December 16
9:30 a.m. Adult Bible Study
Isaiah: A Shining Light and a Tree Stump
11:00 a.m. Worship,Third Sunday of Advent
5:00 p.m. Christmas Caroling
Gather at Church
►Wednesday, December 19
7:00 p.m. Adult Bible Study
Isaiah: Spacious and Wide Abundant Living
►Sunday, December 23
9:30 a.m. Adult Bible Study
Isaiah: Spacious and Wide Abundant Living
11:00 a.m. Worship, Fourth Sunday of Advent
Christmas Program by Sunday School
►Monday, December 24
8:00 p.m. Candlelight Christmas Eve Service
1st. John Max Kelley
6th. Rebecca Drews
Emily LaJoie
10th. Steven Strachn II
13th. Loretta Bobzien
15th. Terry McLouth
19th. Eli Plopper
22nd. Benjamin Bobzien
4th. Carolyn Cox
12th. Mandi Smith
13th. Cinda Walton
20th. Lisa Bobzien
23rd. Josh Moore
25th. Leah Cox
27th. Robert Draper
1st. Betty Spahr
2nd. Vern Moore
3rd. Margaret Ross
6th. Lynette Brocht
8th. Rex LeaTrea
16th. Mark Maier II
18th. Adam Mielke
24th. Rex Hoover
3rd. Sara Klooster
Rebecca Mielke
17th. Daniel Draper
21st. Doug Gier
Mary Earl
John Klooster
22nd. Nina Draper
23rd. Mary Lou Burkhart
26th. Glenna Spahr
27th. Gail Ann Maier
Kevin Clark
28th. Pete Mielke
5th. Ella Mae Sheffer
6th. Ercel Julian
8th. Joyce E. Kisner
Beverly Borton
9th. Gary Stiverson
14th. Dave Armstrong
Kristy Marshall
17th. Mike Hoover
18th. Thelma Hoover
22nd. Catherine Warren
25th. Sandy Kehn
27th. Linda Hoard
28th. Gene Welper
Norman Spahr celebrated his birthday
on October 19. Happy belated
birthday, Norm!
………….Anniversaries
November
1st. Pete and Becky Mielke
3rd. Steven and Carlene Strachn
24th. Tom and Debbie Knueve
December: Anniversaries
5th. Bob and Betsy Jones
13th. Terry and Louise McLouth
22nd. Bruce and Nina Draper
February Anniversaries
18th. Terry and Loretta Bobzien
24th. Mark and Gail Maier
March Anniversaries
29th. Bob and Ercel Julian
“A thankful heart is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.”
Cicero