 from the May 2009 issue of The Spire
InSPIREd Dear Friends, From the dictionary: Pressure – the stress or urgency of matters demanding attention It's Wednesday afternoon, a few days past the deadline for submissions to The Spire, and I've been informed by the editor that I am the sole reason this issue has not yet been printed and mailed. The column is called "InSpired," but inspiration has not yet struck. Pressure – the weight of social or economic imposition Buyouts, bailouts, foreclosures, cutbacks, layoffs – whew! It's enough to make me nervous, anxious, fearful, and suspicious. I rather imagine you feel that way as well.Exigency – a state of affairs that makes urgent demands I respond to deadlines and urgent tones. This article will soon be finished. Christians respond to crisis and fear, usually with courage, compassion, and imagination. I know we'll get through this current economic nightmare. No more blame, excuses, or regrets. We're going to be a better church and a better nation because we are people of the Resurrection. Resurrection – return to life, reanimation, transformation, restoration, resuscitation, revival, rebirth, renewal, renaissance Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed! Sincerely,
 Each year I look forward to signs of new life as Spring moves towards Summer. With God's strong sun to warm the earth and a little nurture from us, gardens bloom and thrive. I rejoice in their beauty, breathe in their fragrance, and know I have received a great gift. It's like that in our church, isn't it? Here we flourish in the warmth of God's love. Here we find welcome, acceptance, grace, and love. Gathered by God, we grow, and serve, and find food for our spirits. Here we discover a gift too great to be kept to ourselves. We want to spread the love. Each year we receive a special offering that helps the church's love to grow and thrive. Called "Strengthen the Church," this offering funds new congregations and renews existing ones. It supports programs for youth and young adults and nurtures current and future leaders. And it sends the God is Still Speaking Ministry's message of extravagant welcome and inclusivity into our world. Smithfield UCC will receive this offering on May 31 – the birthday of the church – Pentecost Sunday. I invite you to celebrate by giving to Strengthen the Church. Your generous gift today ensures a vibrant church tomorrow. The goal for this year is $375.00. Spread the Love. Strengthen the Church. God is still speaking. Peace, Grow with God This June at Camp Downtown This June, children, youth, and adults from seven downtown churches will come together for Camp Downtown: the Pittsburgh Downtown Ministerium's annual Vacation Bible School program celebrating all our city has to offer.  Our 2009 theme is "Growing With God." Through games, crafts, music, and snacks, we will explore stories of God's nurturing care for creation and for each one of us. We'll share lunch together, visiting a different congregation each day. Each afternoon, we will take a field trip around our city, visiting PNC Park, riding the inclines, and even taking a Just Ducky tour! Of course, there will be plenty of time for splashing in the fountains and making new friends. The camp will take place Monday, June 22, through Friday, June 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Extended hours are available for working parents if necessary. Children entering grades K-6 are invited to participate as campers, and youth in grades 7-12 can serve as counselors. The cost is only $25 per child, which includes five days of lunch and snacks, a t-shirt, and all excursions – an amazing value! A registration form is enclosed with this issue of The Spire; be sure to share it with your grandchildren, neighbors, and friends. Return it to the church office with payment by June 10. Adults are also welcome to participate; the camp's success depends on our crew of dedicated, creative adult volunteers. If you can spend the week with us (or if you can help for a day, a morning, or an afternoon) we would love to have you! Please speak with Liddy Barlow if you are interested in taking part. Camp Downtown is supported by Smithfield UCC, First Lutheran Church, First Presbyterian Church, Epiphany Catholic Church, St. Benedict the Moor, St. Mary of Mercy, and Trinity Cathedral. Together, learning more about our diversity and finding common ground, we live out Jesus' prayer that "they may all be one." We hope your family will take part in this exciting annual event. To learn more, please visit the Social Hall after worship on Sunday, May 17, to watch a brief DVD from last year's camp or contact Liddy Barlow with questions.
I'm wearing my webmaster hat this month to update you on the SUCC website at smithfieldchurch.org  Recent postings, with access from the home page, include photo stories of two intergenerational experiences: the "Let us Break Bread Together" education event and the Easter Egg Hunt on Easter Sunday. You'll also find links here to each current edition of The Spire, to our church's UCC "Here's the Church and Here's the Steeple" video, to church-wide ministry opportunities, and to external websites dedicated to hunger in Pennsylvania and country-wide. Near the bottom of the home page is a link to the Smithfield Church archives' Guide to Church Registers. We receive frequent letters and calls from family history researchers as well as from people trying to track down a single baptismal, confirmation, marriage, or death/funeral record. There is also a link to this information at the bottom of the Contact Us page. Are you new to the congregation and curious about the Walk-in Food Ministry and the Severe Weather Emergency Shelter? Visit the Outreach page for details of monthly food distributions and of the shelter's services. This page also provides information about other ways that we reach out to and serve the downtown community. Keep in mind that the Sitemap, accessible through a link at the top of the home page as well as at the bottom of that page, will give you access to stories and photos of past events and to past newsletters. I also manage the as-needed VirtualSmithfield e-mailings that relate information about illnesses, deaths, and special needs and celebrations of the congregation. If you have never received one of these, it means we don't have your e-mail address. You can send it to me at pneal@smithfieldchurch.org or pgyneal@yahoo.com. Faithfully, STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL 2009! To help with set-up, food preparation, serving, or clean-up, please call John Canning at 412-322-3974. And if you've never participated as a volunteer or customer, take a look at the photo story from the 2008 Festival Generosity and Commitment: The second in a series of columns on stewardship  John Titus asked us to share the reasons why we give of our time and money to Smithfield, and the biggest challenge is to keep it brief. We will do our best to limit our many feelings. The beauty of the sanctuary was one of the first "awe" moments that we experienced. After partaking of the Sunday service for a few weeks, we decided that we liked Doug's messages, the music, and the overall beliefs (e.g. God is Still Speaking) of the church. Then, we slowly got to know the real heart of Smithfield, the people. We felt welcomed with a warmth and fellowship that we had not experienced anywhere else. Why do we give of our time, hearts, and pocketbook is an easy question to answer. Smithfield has brought us such joy and happiness that we want to do our part for the present and to ensure Smithfield's growth for many generations to come. Bill and Connie Connelly Operation Expire Continues to Expand We continue to receive an astounding number of expired coupons for our military personnel in Germany! Many are from our own members. Even some who don't particularly enjoy clipping coupons are participating! Thank you! We are very grateful to receive monthly packages from two other United Church of Christ churches in Western Pennsylvania. Our troops stationed overseas describe the arrival of each new batch as being "like Christmas." The program allows them to stretch their U.S. dollars and occasionally have some "extra" treat for themselves or their children.  The coupons are used on base and are good for up to six months after they expire. They must be individually trimmed close to the outline or border since they are scanned by machines when received by the manufacturers. They must be sorted into two categories, food and non-food. Then they are mailed to an APO in flat rate boxes. I cannot say thank you enough to all of you who participate! Mary D'Angelo
To the Smithfield Congregation at Easter! This is the time that all believers recognize our Lord and Savior's resurrection. That is why the "heavenly angels" rolled that stone from the grave. And one day we believers will also rise with Him. John 14:1-4. "He is Risen Indeed." At this time I would like to thank each congregant who opened their hearts and purses in honor of my 14 plus years of service to the church. Thank you! Alexander P. Fedornak (see the sitemap for earlier issues)
5/26/09 |
From the President's Pen
– through you and me!