A publication of Trinity United Presbyterian Church TOUCHSTONE February 2015 Vol. 34 No. 2 Trinity United Presbyterian Church ● 79 W. Fayette Street, Uniontown, PA 15401 724-437-2709 ● www.trinityupc.net ● [email protected] A look at our chancel ministry, By Meg Thompson One day about eight years ago, I was particularly more than that, He had provided a gift for me to sad because I had no means with which to cheer a give to my friend that I could have never given by new friend of mine. She was a poor, lonely, older my own means. Somehow the daisies uplifted me like nothwoman suffering from emphysema and other meding else had in a long time. Their beauty made me ical concerns. I was in my very early twenties and could only care for my own basic needs. I had feel beautiful when I had been feeling so weak and given the woman my friendship, for it was all I worthless lately. And the gift of them made me had to give. She appreciated me, and I learned a aware that God had not forgotten me nor my lonely friend. lot from her. That evening, I arrived at my friend’s It was a Monday morning, and my friend apartment in bright spirits. “These are for you, was feeling extra hopeless and had just left my work office after a long, sad cry. I felt inadequate from God,” I told her. She placed the magnificent arrangement in and powerless to do much more than pray for her. her small, nearly empty apartment and was moved I knew that was enough, but I still felt badly that I could not offer her some tangible thing. “Lord, to tears. When her crying ceased, she brightened. She began to talk to me animatedly about many what can I do?” I prayed. Soon some church ladies came in to care things. She told me how she loved to cook and for the chancel table from the Sunday service. that she would make me dinner one day soon. The flowers were not money, or a door to a From my office, I could hear their happy banter as better life, or medicine that would offer reprieve they worked. After a while, they came to me sweet and smiling as always, and in their southern from her pains, but they were a delightful gift accents that I loved so much said, “Meg, we didn’t from Father God that reminded two of his daughknow what to do with these flowers and unani- ters that He knew exactly where they were and exactly what they needed and that He would almously decided you should have them!” They plopped ways be their Provider. a gigantic basket full of luscious daisies on my desk. It was so beautiful to me that I almost cried, and I felt so loved by God that He would allow me to have something so special and probably pretty expensive. And Easter Flowers at Trinity Chancel flowers have been a big tradition at Trinity Church for many, many years. Chancel flowers have been a big tradition at Trinity Church for many, many years. In recent years, interest in donating flowers for Sunday morning services has faded. We can attribute this to many factors, including the price of flowers. Continued on page 5 P AGE 2 Our Fellowship Happy Birthday! “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 2—Morgan Cahn 16—Mary Gene Cramer 3—Carol Ashton 16—Lynn Laughner 3—Ben Eddy 16—Lauren Molchan 4—Sidney Anderson 17—May Funk 4—Don Ashton 17—Tonye Sharp 4—Harry Haught 19—Wayne Workman Sr. 4—Brandon McMahon 20—Margie Breakiron 4—Bill Ulmer 20—Lauren Spellman 6—Meagan McMahon 20—Diane Williams 7—Harry Albert 21—Tyler Shaffer 10—Margaret MacDonald 27—Bob Spellman The Rev. Dr. John Sharp would like to thank the members of Trinity Church for the luncheon that they honored him with on November 2, 2014. “I am also humbled each time I see ‘Pastor Emeritus’ in the Sunday bulletin, and I am taken back by the generosity of the feelings put forth. I thank you,” he said. 15—Wayne Workman Jr. Trinity United Presbyterian Church ● 79 W. Fayette Street Uniontown, PA 15401 ● Phone: 724-437-2709 ● Fax: 724-437-2700 www.trinityupc.net ● [email protected] Reverend Tom Holslag, Interim Minister Reverend Dr. John Sharp, Pastor Emeritus Kyle Lively, Director of Music Meg Thompson, Secretary William Addis, Sexton Prayer List “Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16) Please especially pray for these: Feb 2– 8 Henry Gerome, Lyndsay and Ayva Jesko, Donna Teeter, Seth, Amy, Seth & Casey Caton Feb 9—15 Harry Jr. & Toni Haught, Bob & Pat Tran, Wayne and Mandy Workman Feb 16—22 Rob, Dana, Sidney, Ryan and Avery Anderson, Carol McDowell Feb 23—Mar 1 Mary Jane Kanyok, Marika McFadden, Bob Zirkle, Marti Yocum P AGE 3 Around the Church I don’t know about you but last month seemed to go by pretty fast. And with February already upon us I have a few positive things I’d like to share. First of all, Sunday Worship attendance has been pretty good for the most part. And when I see the sanctuary relatively filled each Sunday it motivates me to have as good a message as possible to share with all of you. February is also important, particularly this year, because there are some unique opportunities we have as a congregation that may not come along ever again, and here’s one. During February we’re going to have a financial campaign to help raise funds to pay off the “Roof Project” that started last fall. You might say, “That doesn’t sound too exciting to me.” But when a very generous individual in the church steps forward and says that they will match dollar for dollar whatever the final cost of the ‘Roof Project,’ then it becomes exciting! Don’t you think? The Buildings & Grounds Committee will soon be meeting and putting together a financial campaign to help raise $60-70,000, which represents half the cost that will be matched to help pay-off the final bill once the “Roof Project” is completed later this Spring. My prayer would be that you pray how much God might be asking you to contribute to this once in a life-time opportunity that our physical plant here at Trinity was in dire need of. Also this month and for the rest of the year I’ll be stressing evangelism. In other words how might we grow Trinity for God’s Kingdom? What I’m asking and challenging each of you to do is to invite as many of your friends and neighbors as possible to come worship with us on Sunday morning. If you can get them in the door then I believe a certain percentage of them will desire to become part of the loving and caring community that you already are here at Trinity! Pray for those whom you think might bring their new gifts and who will benefit from joining God’s community here at Trinity. I’ll also be offering a ‘New Members Class’ for four weeks starting on February 15th. Stay warm and enjoy the recent snows that we’ve been having. God’s blessings as Lent begins on Wednesday February 18th at our Ash Wednesday Service that will begin at 7:00 pm in the Chapel that evening. In Christ’s Service, Rev. Tom Holslag—Interim Pastor What’s coming up for Book Journey Members of Book Journey will travel back in time in February 3, when the group meets to discuss O Pioneers by Willa Cather. This quintessential American novel, published in 1913, is described as a “loving celebration of Nebraska and its immigrant people at the turn of the twentieth century” (Willa Cather Foundation website). Along with My A ntonia and Death Comes for the Archbishop, it is among Cather’s best known and most revered works which focus on the pioneer spirit on the western frontier. Book Journey meets on the first Tuesday of the month (September— May) at 7:00 p.m. in the parlor. One-time visitors and new members are always welcome to join in our informal and congenial discussions. -Jean Nass P AGE 4 Tidings from the Tower “Trinity and America, 1937-1946” When the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the entire U.S. population “went to war,” including all the good folks living in Uniontown. Nationwide 3.5 million women stood side-by-side with 6 million men on assembly lines as the U.S. turned out war materials and equipment. The U.S.S. Uniontown, a patrol frigate, was commissioned and served in the Atlantic. General George Marshall received his fifth star and was made General of the Army and Chief of Staff. On the home front, movies were big news. Disney’s “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” opened in 1937 and “Gone with the Wind” premiered in 1939, the later being the most discussed and most expensive movie to date. From the introduction of nylon stockings in 1938 to the appearance of the two-piece bikini bathing suit in 1946, fashion and fads dominated. Tupperware was developed in 1945, the same year World War II ended. TV was in its infancy, but it mushroomed after the war. U.S.S. Uniontown In Uniontown, WMBS began operating in 1937 and Uniontown High School played its first night football game at Hustead Field. Townspeople enjoyed a week-long celebration of Uniontown’s sesquicentennial along with a Fall Foliage Festival. And all America celebrated the surrender of Germany and Japan in 1945. At First Presbyterian Church in 1946, a plaque was dedicated “In honor of those who represent our church in service of God and country” and contained the names of 89 men and seven women who served. P AGE 5 Featured Ministry: Chancel Continued from page 1 The gift of flowers was very important to the giver who preferred to have the flowers on the altar on a particular Sunday, remembering a birthday, anniversary or death. But it seems to me that many people have fond memories of the days when the chancel was always adorned with flowers. Some church members have even donated both live and artificial arrangements just for the sake of not having an empty chancel table. “It’s a tradition at our church and I do hate to see it completely fail,” said Cindy Jones, the current Chancel Chair. Clara Link was also the Chancel Chair for 13 years starting around 1967. At that time, the merger between First and Second Presbyterian churches was fresh. The schedule for the flowers to be on the chancel table at First Church was completely filled, and with the addition of remembrance flowers from Second Church there was an overload. Sometimes at a service, two bouquets were on the chancel table and a bouquet on each of the smaller tables in the front of the sanctuary. Clara took over for Mrs. Charles Hubbard, who had been the chairperson for many years. Clara shares her memories of that time as follows: “The gift of flowers was very important to the giver who preferred to have the flowers on the altar on a particular Sunday, A chancel display in the past remembering a birthday, anniversary or death. We have beautiful tall silver vases. One of the vases was in memory of Carolyn Feather. Red roses were to be placed in the Feather vase on a particular Sunday. A financial bequest had been given to the church by the donor for this on-going remembrance. Mrs. Hubbard’s schedule was interesting and I tried to follow it to the letter. Serving on the Chancel Committee was an honor. One member’s name was on the list for fifty years; however, she was inactive during my service. We always kept room for the offering plates on the altar (stacking two and two) when having big full displays. Since I served on the Chancel Committee, I am always aware of the flowers on the altar or the table. We found that the flowers on the small tables are more noticeable as the light is better.” Aside from the chance to donate something beautiful in memory or in honor of loved ones or their milestones, what do flowers really add to a Sunday service? Flowers come in an astonishing array of colors, scents and forms and are appreciated for their uplifting effects on the spirit, body and mind. Studies show that keeping ornamental plants in the home increases memory retention and concentration. The calming influence of natural environments increases a person’s ability to concentrate on the tasks at hand. Keeping flowers around the home and in the workplace also greatly reduces a person’s stress levels. Natural aesthetic beauty is soothing, and ornamental flowers lower anxiety levels. Continued on page 6 A chancel display in the past P AGE 6 Featured Ministry Easter Flowers at Trinity Continued from page 5 If flowers can have these effects in the home, surely they can have similar effects anywhere, including church. In addition, flowers that are left after Worship at Trinity are traditionally put in vases and taken to shut-in church members or those in the hospital. Studies show that shrubs, trees and flowers have a practical application in hospitals. The presence of plants in patient recovery rooms greatly reduces the time necessary to heal. The soothing effects of ornamental flowers and plants are so great that simply having daily views of flowers and other ornamental plants in landscaped areas outside patient recovery rooms significantly speed up recovery time. Maybe this is a ministry that does more for us all than we have realized, and maybe it is time to give it another chance to bless us again. Maybe it’s time to start again noticing the flowers on the chancel table, to enjoy them, to take time to remember the person they are given in memory of, or to appreciate the person they are honoring. Maybe more shut-ins can receive the gift of lovely flowers that says, “You are not forgotten.” In our haste, we miss many magical moments that if we stopped to recognize them could make a big difference in our lives. “Stop and smell the flowers,” is a misquote of advice from the golfer Walter Hagen that appeared in the 1956 book, The W alter Hagen Story. But the idea is not lost. He had said, “You’re only here for a short visit. Don’t hurry. Don’t worry. And be sure to smell the flowers along the way.” The “Harvest Table” at a Thanksgiving Service in the past. HOW TO DONATE CHANCEL FLOWERS: There are many options! Contact Cindy Jones, Chancel Chair, to get started. Many families choose one or more Sundays on which to annually donate flowers. Contact the Chancel Chair to find out what Sundays are available. (Many are!) Or, one time donations are always welcomed! Birthday Flowers: We would like to begin having flower s each month to honor all bir thdays. Choose one month of the year to donate birthday flowers in honor of all church member birthdays during that month! Remember, you can either take care of the ordering yourself, or tell the Chancel Chair your preferences. Or, you could simply donate an amount (starting at $30.00) and let the Chair choose the arrangement. The Chancel Committee also decor ates the chancel and sanctuar y for var ious holidays and seasons. They can always use an extra hand or more members. Contact the Chancel Chair if you would like to be more involved. P AGE 7 Outside Groups Meeting at TUPC Church Calendar NA Mondays, 10:30 AM & 7PM AA Tuesdays, 7PM Alanon Wednesdays, 8PM NA (Women) Wednesdays, 7PM NA Thursdays, 10:30AM NA Fridays, 10:30 AM & (Men) 7PM NA Sun 1 Mon 2 10am Adult Sunday School 11am Worship 12pm Coffee Hour 4pm Organ Recital 8 Tue 3 4 9 10 Thu 5 7pm Book Journey 10am Adult Sunday School 11am Worship 12pm Coffee Hour Fri Sat 6 7 13 14 6:00 Bells 7:15 Choir 11 12 10:00am Presbyterian Women 6:00 Bells 7pm Session 15 16 10am Adult Sunday Touchstone ArtiSchool cle Deadline 10am New Member Class 11am Worship 12pm Coffee Hour 17 22 24 10am Adult Sunday School 10am New Member Class 11am Worship 12pm Coffee Hour Wed Saturdays, 7:00PM 23 18 7:15 Choir 19 20 21 27 28 Ash Wednesday 7pm Ash Wednesday Service 6:00 Bells 25 26 7:15 Choir 6:00 Bells 7:15 Choir Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; It is not irritable or resentful; It does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. ...And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13) P AGE 8 From the Music Ministry Many church musicians subscribe to various groups and receive literature and magazines that usually only appeal to the select that are “nerdy” enough to read it. With that said, I try to get my hands on all the literature I can from choral and organ groups, and even one from my former days as an English Education major. The article (below) that is being shared this week is from one such magazine to which my first organ teacher subscribed for me and I’ve continued for fourteen years. I’ve come back to this article many times over the years because it is a good refreshment of the call to serve and also to share with the congregation to remind how powerful the music during worship needs to be. The article is shared in its entirety. I hope you enjoy it and that is speaks to you in a similar way. Also, I wish to include a littler blurb about the Anthem the choir sang this past Sunday (1/28)- “We Walk By Faith”. Without an engineering feat in the 1830’s, the real Dunlap’s Creek might have remained forever a small stream unnoticed outside the community of Brownsville, through which it flows. Today, one-hundred, seventy–five years later, Dunlaps’ Creek Bridge, part of the original Route 40 and the first bridge in America to be constructed of cast iron, still stands. Today, also, there are two hymn tunes still standing with the title, one from Southern Harmony with the text, “My God, My portion”, and this one I found in both the 1990 Presbyterian Hymnal and the current Lutheran Online Hymnal called, “We Walk by Faith and Not by Sight.” It’s a favorite tune of mine and several in the choir that really does “hit home.” I hope your February is full of love! Perspectives By Shirley Schroeder From “The Organ Portfolio” September/October 2004 “Oh, come on. What you do isn’t all that important,” argued Dan. “Think you could handle the job?” asked Carrie. “Bet you’d fall apart before the bell rang.” “Really. All you do is play a little music. Can’t be all that hard.” “A little music. Ever go to a service where the organist doesn’t care about the job and it shows? I have, and it draws attention away from what’s important— God’s word.” “Yea, well, I gotta get going.” Watching her brother walk away, Carrie wonders, “I know my job is important, but am I making too much of it?” When looking at the big picture, is an organist really all that vital? Someone sitting on an organ bench, playing a little music one or two hours a week on a Sunday morning? Joe Average strolls into church—the preservice music softly playing so that he has some time to meditate. He slumps into a pew next to the aisle and bows his head. The bell rings and the strands of “Open Now They Gates of Beauty” envelop him and he grabs the hymnal. On cue he begins to sing, his thoughts on the beautiful words of the familiar hymn. Organ ends. He rises for the liturgical responses. Easy to handle— just follow the organ. It’s always there. He fumbles for his envelope during the offertory, thinking how lovely “Amazing Grace” sounds with a violin playing the melody. He realizes the endless love of his God every time he ponders the words to that hymn. Continued on page 9 P AGE 9 From the Music Ministry Continued from page 8 After the benediction, the lively Bach Tocatta indicates it’s time to leave. He rises, nods a greeting here and there, and bounds out the door with the music ringing in his ears. Another Sunday, another church service attended, and he feels a quiet peace after worshiping his God and hearing God’s Word. Joe’s church holds 200 members and sits on a corner in Peoplesville, USA. It’s one of thousands and thousands like it across the nation. The scene described above goes on every Sunday of the year in most of these churches. Does it seem at times that the organist is taken for granted? If so, is that any different than how we feel about the pastor or the teachers or the janitor? What these people do can be compared to a professional athlete who has perfected his game to the point where what he does looks easy to the spectator. But looks can be deceiving. It takes a lot of hard work for the professional to make a performance look easy. Take Susie Starlet. She looks at her job as organist much like an actress in a play. She must be there; must know when to come in, when to wait. Her hymn introduction has to be accurate to ensure confidence so she can lead the congregation in singing. The pastor trusts she’s going to be there when he needs her and the people trust her. Much rests on her shoulders because they depend on her. She must not falter or the flock is lost. All Susie’s practicing culminates in a smooth service. One event follows the other in a logical, precise way. When all goes well, she’s barely noticed, but let something go wrong and all eyes turn to her. If there’s a change in the service, she better catch it or there’ll be that awkward silence when the goofs and the smooth flow of the service will be disrupted. Susie must pay attention to her duties every minute of the service—except during the sermon, when she can sit and listen like everyone else. Only then can she relax and catch her breath. With the pastor’s “Amen” she’s quickly back on the bench and the drama continues for the rest of the service. Susie strives to portray relaxation and confidence. Enthusiastic hymn playing is essential. Her goal is to have her musical talents come off as background for meditation, leadership for hymns and liturgy, and accompaniment for choirs. She must not falter. She must carry on until the last member leaves the church and the curtain falls, for she is an important part of the drama. How significant is an organist? Imagine a service without one. Could a service even function? Of course. Years ago there were no organists. The only music was voices struggling along. But then again, imagine Easter without improvisations of “Christ the Lord is Risen Today” or “I Know that My Redeemer Lives” - no thrilling sounds of “O Holy Night” on Christmas Eve or “the Birthday of a King” on Christmas Day. How different it would be. So what Susie Starlet does is important. When looking at the broad picture, the pastor, organist, choir, architecture, décor, furniture are all there so members can worship God and hear God’s Word. A well-organized service is the best climate for this to be accomplished. So, as organists, whether we’re taken for granted—which really means doing the job so well it seems easy—or truly appreciated, we understand the importance of our role. Keeping our eye on the goal—aiding worshippers in drawing near to God—makes it all worthwhile. ◊ P AGE 1 0 P AGE 1 0 Family Fun in February The third Monday in February, observed in the United States in honor of US presidents, especially George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, who were born in February. Saturday, February 14, 2015 Monday, February 16, 2015 Sunday, February 1, 2015 Football Themed Pizza! SOUPER Bowl! The Fayette County Community Action Agency Food Bank’s Annual Souper Bowl Program: For every dollar donated and earmarked for the food bank, they will be able to provide $10.00 worth of Nutritious foods. You may also participate in Souper Bowl Sunday by donating non-perishable food items. As you watch the game and enjoy your special Super Bowl recipes, we urge you to spend a moment to reflect on your less-fortunate neighbors. Super Bowl Party Game Idea! Send checks to: Fayette County Community Action Agency Food Bank 119 North Beeson Boulevard Uniontown, PA 15401 U.S. POSTAGE PAID 79 West Fayette Street Uniontown, PA 15401 ———— NON-PROFIT ORG. Trinity United Presbyterian Church Permit No. 85 Uniontown, PA Return Service Requested Please join us for Music Director Kyle Lively’s organ recital! Kyle will perform some top hits and favorite requests.
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