Volume 23 No.

August 2013
Summer Worship Services are held at 9:00 a.m.
Cherry Blossoms A gentle breeze sprinkles delicate white petals along the path. They are so gently, randomly spread upon the ground; yet to me uniquely placed an artists hand at work. Too holy for the heavy tread of coarse and flattening feet. I move around sacred space, stepping instead into tall grass so as not to disturb the masterpiece. Yet a voice asks, Why avoid this beauty by treading on another? Are not both my work? It continued: All created things are subject to the stepping of another. You, my child, bear the marks of others sometimes cruel passing feet. In time, death will happen upon you; will add you to the patient earth. The point is not to walk upon some of creation and seek to protect others from your gait. Rather, as you step, wherever you step, to step reverently and tenderly.

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Volume 23 No. 8

The Path The path is not a road. A road is a means of conveyance for those who have reasons and destinations and are ruled by time and urgencies. The path is not so. It has no reasons or purposes other than itself. It has no destination. Indeed, it disappears at the slightest hint of an end; like the deer at the edge of a dusk shadowed wood who at the mere turning of the shoulder bounds into cover. It has no need for time for it contains and transcends all tenses, great and small and infinitesimal. Its only signs are the waxing and waning of light, the seamless movement of seasons, never the same and wax and wane of a life. Yet even this time is timeless. It is only present; all else is guarded by Another for unknown and unfathomable ends. Thus there is on the path no urgency; no need to get somewhere, to be efficient and above all useful. No need, unless it is the urgency born of longing not to miss the path for the walking.

Forrest Gump When my friend the woman ranted and screamed and raged at the father who abused and shattered her life and threw stones until, grabbing and kicking dust there were no more I observed, Sometimes there just arent enough rocks. Yet here this field has been combed year after year and there are always piles of rocks. This is the human dilemma: When we hurt and rage there are never enough to cast at our antagonists. When we try to rout them out of our broken hearts there are always more.

Stewart

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Lay Readers, Greeters, and Ushers

August 4 Lay Reader Trudy Hutchinson Serving Communion
Marian Nitsky * Jerry Ostrander George Hannett Joanne Wagner

Greeter/Usher Maureen Kimmerer Ushers Bill Sarbello Sue Ferris Dianna Newman Communion Preparation August 11 Lay Reader Diane Irwin

Hannah Hunter-Harris Gwyn Ramage

Greeter/Usher Laura Smith Ushers Steven Smith Chandra Reis Jon Reis

* Denotes team leader. The team leader should call the other servers in advance to make sure they plan to attend church on the designated day. If not, the server should find a substitute and let the team leader know.

August 18 Lay Reader

Nancy Messersmith

Greeter/Usher Trudy Hutchinson Ushers Mark Hutchinson Lynda Jacobsen Howard Jacobsen

WE ARE COUNTING ON YOU!

If you are unable to serve on your scheduled date, please
FIND A SUBSTITUTE

and
NOTIFY THE CHURCH SECRETARY.

August 25 Lay Reader

Betty Dietz

Greeter/Usher Betty Koban Ushers Chuck Koban Nancy Messersmith Ron Messersmith

The Deacon on Call for AUGUST is

e~~=eJe~=

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Upcoming Schedule for Lay Readers, Greeters, and Ushers

Sept 1 (Labor Day Weekend) lay leader: Hiram Eberlein greeter: Dorothy Favitta ushers: Cindy Schultz Nancy Snyder Joy Harding Melinda Reilly Sept 8 (back to 10 AM services) lay leader: Sue Ferris greeter/usher: Bettye Goodnow other ushers: Wayne Goodnow Irma Morris Bill Morris Sept 15 lay leader: Wayne Goodnow greeter/usher: Chandra Reis other ushers: Jon Reis Don Montgomery Henry Montgomery Sept 22 lay leader: greeter: ushers: Oct 13 (Columbus Day Weekend) lay leader: Mark Hutchinson greeter/usher: Joanne Wagner other ushers: Nancy Snyder Chandra Reis Jon Reis Oct 20 lay leader: greeter: ushers:

Michael Masley-Hannett Mickey Nieman Terry Nieman Laura Smith Steve Smith

Nov 3 lay leader: Ron Messersmith greeter/usher: June Edick other ushers: Mickey Nieman Terry Nieman Ruth Ryf Nov 10 lay leader: greeter: ushers:

George Hannett Maureen Kimmerer Betty Koban Chuck Koban Dorothy Rice Dianna Newman

Bill Morris Maureen Kimmerer Charlotte Hasselbarth Bill Hasselbarth Don Montgomery Henry Montgomery

Sept 29 lay leader: Carl Hasselbarth greeter/usher: Nelda Polansky other ushers: Ann McKinney Peter McKinney Ruth Ryf Oct 6 lay leader: Bill Hasselbarth greeter/usher: Charlotte Hasselbarth other ushers: Joan Niecey, Lynda Jacobson Howard Jacobson

Nov 17 lay leader: Peter McKinney greeter/usher: Katy Waggener other ushers: Ann McKinney Laura Smith Steve Smith Nov 24 lay leader: Mickey Nieman greeter/usher: Gwyn Ramage other ushers: Bill Ramage Terry Nieman Ruth Ryf

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A note from Mickey Nieman:

Not long after Terry and I joined HUPC in Summer 2010, I took over two tasks: making up the lists of lay leaders, greeters and ushers for Sunday and special services and organizing drivers for Nancy Gerstenberger's transportation to and from church services. Both of these tasks gave me a chance to meet many people I might not otherwise have met, and I've enjoyed talking and working with all of you who have served. However, because of our frequent travels, I am stepping down -- as of Dec 2013 -- from those two responsibilities. Anyone willing to work on the Sunday and special service lists should contact any member of the Worship Committee (I would be happy to help with information). Anyone willing to organize rides for Nancy should contact the deacons. There will also be a need for extra people for this year's Christmas Eve services; anyone willing to serve at either of those should contact me ASAP (356-1691).

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Happy Birthday...
Peter McKinney (August 7) Ruth Ryf (August 9)

Happy Anniversary
George & Maryanne Masley-Hannett (August 7) Peter & Ann McKinney (August 22) Chuck & Betty Koban (August 23) Marc & Katy Waggener (August 30)

Hannah Hunter-Harris (August 10) Jerry Ostrander (August 24) Matt Williamson (August 29) Ron Messsersmith (August 30) Carl Hasselbarth (August 31)

If you would like your special occasion celebrated in the Good News newsletter, please contact Hannah Hunter Harris at hhhannahhunter@gmail.com

The Stained Glass Windows of HUPC

(compiled and edited by Al Deitz in 2008. )

Window No. 3 (Jesus, the Good Shepherd) Location: Second Window on southeast side of church wall. Names: Rev. Dr. Belden Pastor 1886 Rev. Webster W. Belden was called to HUPC on Nov. 27, 1881 and stayed ten years. This was the longest stay of any pastor up to that time. The present church building was built while he was here, and fifty-three new members joined during his leadership. Our church history book states that he donated this window.

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Our greatest fulfillment lies in giving ourselves to others.

Henri J.M. Nouwen

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August Mission of the Month:

New Faith Family Center in Albany, NY

New Faith is located at 259 South Pearl Street, Albany, NY. The Executive Director of the program is Sue Jones. The Director of the program, and our liaison, is Nancy Dore. Basically, New Faith is Capital City Rescue Mission's response to a rapidly growing segment of the homeless population, specifically women and children. The Center offers them apartments which are a place of safety and stability where life issues and questions can be addressed in a supportive Christian environment.

In addition to offering apartments, the Center offers education, career development, life skills, parenting skills, addiction recovery, health care, spiritual support and community outreach
.

HUPC has been partnering with the Center for well over a decade. We adopt a family at Christmas, make the children Easter baskets, and we donate to them on an as-needed basis. For example, they notify us when they need baby items or kitchen items, and we fill that particular need. We supply them with cleaning supplies and women's/children's clothing on a fairly regular basis.

We've had an opportunity to meet many of the residents, and it's exciting to watch them grow and flourish as they finish the 18month program at New Faith. Our interactions with New Faith over the years has created a strong bond between our HUPC family and theirs, and we support and applaud the amazing work that they do.

No life of faith can be lived privately. There must be overflow into the lives of others.
Eugene H. Peterson Page 8

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Volume 23 No. 8

HUPC
BROOKS CHICKEN AND RIB BARBECUE TAKE OUT ONLY

THURSDAY, August 8, 2013 4:00 PM thru 7:00 PM (or when supply is exhausted)

It's fun! It's tasty! It's Mission!

Please volunteer to help out with the barbecue. The work is fun and is only a two hour investment in time. Also, brownies are needed. Please help out! Sign-up sheets are in the back of the church. For more information please see Ron Messersmith or Mike Poelma.
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Good News CORNERSTONE PROTESTANT CAMPUS MINISTRY -

Volume 23 No. 8

CONGREGATIONAL PARTNER BREAKFAST

SATURDAY, AUGUST 24 9 10:30 A.M. at INTERFAITH CENTER (aka Chapel House) SUNYA campus

If you would like to learn more about the Campus Ministry program and meet some of the student leaders, please join Charlotte Hasselbarth at it's Congregational Partner Breakfast. The program will include, an overview of it's mission and service projects, an introduction to it's Bible Studies and Theology on Tap, plus brainstorming ideas for congregational involvement. Contact Charlotte at chasselbarth@hotmail.com or 356-0637 by Aug. 20 if you would like to go.

With summer in full swing, people may be drinking more out of cans. Please save your pull-tabs for the Schoharie Library fund. You can put them with pull-tabs from other foods such as canned fish or soup.

They can go in the basket on the windowsill in the kitchen near the sink. Margaret Gardam will pick them up periodically.

Thank you.

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NEWS OF PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

In September, on September 24, both circles will meet jointly for a potluck supper at 6:00 p.m. and beginning of a new Bible study, An Abiding Hope: The Presence of God in Exodus and Deuteronomy, led by Stewart Pattison.

The Coordinating Team will meet on Tuesday, September 10 at 9:30 a.m. to plan fall activities.

On Tuesday, June 18, approximately 15 members and friends of HUPC PW met for dinner at Avila, home of Laurel Edwards and Gerry Oakley. Following a delicious dinner, both ladies invited us to see their apartments.

Please feel welcome to join HUPC Presbyterian Women at anytime.

Protestant Campus Ministry

Patrons Dinner
First Lutheran Church, 181 Western Avenue, Albany NY

Thursday, September 26, 2013

6:00 p.m. Silent Auction 7:00 p.m. Dinner and Program

Featuring: Bishop Marie Jerge Upstate New York Synod, ELCA

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On Thurs. June 13, several PW women attended a program sponsored by the Brazilian Immigrant Center to hear about it's Domestic Workers Project of Fairfield County. The project received a $5,000 a '13 Thank offering grant. Attached is an article written by Rita Hooper, the Together in Service Coordinator for the Synod of the Northeast. Rita is the author of the Churchwide Gathering recap articles from last summer and is our USA Mission Experience representative.

Your Thank Offering at Work!

On Thursday, June 13, seven women represented the Synod of the Northeast at a Thank You luncheon, hosted by the Brazilian Immigrant Center in New Canaan, Ct. BIC is a recipient of PWs Thank Offering. Our ladies came from NY, NJ and Ct. We were welcomed by Meghan Vesel, Deputy Director and blessed as their executive director Natalicia Tracy (Mass. BIC) and Nellie Alta. a domestic worker originally from Ecuador, shared their stories and told us about their journeys; from Exploitation to Empowerment. The mission of BIC is to help the domestic worker, most easily defined as a nanny, house cleaner or elderly care attendant. These people are often immigrants. While many are educated in their own countries they may not be able to find employment in their field here. Teachers, social workers and lawyers may find themselves as domestic workers in the United States. They are in need of a job and do what is asked of them sometimes to the detriment of themselves, their children and their own families. BIC is open to all regardless of immigration status, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, religion or any other status. They work through advocacy and mediation programs, educational workshops ranging from safety issues to English and citizenship classes. They are currently working on a Bill of Rights for Domestic Workers in Ct. BIC began in Mass. and is expanding to CT. with their headquarters in Bridgeport. There is so much more to tell, but just wanted to share with my sisters who were not able to attend. I am so glad to be part of an organization that works with other groups to make a change that makes a difference. Your Thank Offering Money is being well spent! Peace.. Rita Hooper, Together in Service Coordinator for PW in the Synod of the Northeast from Presbytery of Cayuga-Syracuse Page 13

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Hamilton Union Happenings

AUGUST 2013
Tue Wed
1

Sun

Mon

Thu
2

Fri
3

Sat

Communion

5
7pm Session M eeting (L)

6
3:30pm Brownie Troop 1495 (M )

7
7pm Boy Scouts (D) 7pm Webelos Scouts (D) 7pm Poking Brook Dancers (M ) 7pm Chess Club (L)

Newsletter Deadline

10

9am Worship Service (S)

4pm Brooks BBQ

11
9am Worship Service (S)

12

13
3:30pm Brownie Troop 1779 (M ) 7pm SCA Chorus (M )

14
7pm Boy Scouts (D) 7pm Webelos Scouts (D) 7pm Poking Brook Dancers (M ) 7pm Chess Club (L)

15

16

17

18
9am Worship Service (S)

19

20
3:30pm Brownie Troop 1495 (M )

21
7pm Boy Scouts (D) 7pm Webelos Scouts (D) 7pm Poking Brook Dancers (M ) 7pm Chess Club (L)

22

23

24

25
9am Worship Service (S)

26

27
3:30pm Brownie Troop 1779 (M ) 7pm SCA Chorus (M )

28
7pm Boy Scouts (D) 7pm Webelos Scouts (D) 7pm Poking Brook Dancers (M ) 7pm Chess Club (L)

29

30

31

D = Downstairs

L = Lounge

S = Sanctuary

M = Multipurpose Room

C = Choir Corner

HAMILTON UNION PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

2291 Western Avenue Guilderland, New York 12084-9747

NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID GUILDERLAND, NY 12084 PERMIT #1

Change Service Requested Dated Material Please Deliver Promptly.

Church: (518) 456-5410 FAX: (518) 456-0002 Rev. Pattison (H) 456-1373 E-mail: hupc@nycap.rr.com Website: HamiltonUnionPresbyterianChurch.org

Ministers: The People of Hamilton Union Our Staff: Rev. Stewart Pattison, Pastor Rev. Douglas Gray, Pastor Emeritus Rev. Mary Jo Pattison, Parish Associate Charlotte Palmeri, Director of Music Cheryl Cootware, Church Secretary

Newsletter deadline for the September issue is

Thursday, August 8

GOOD NEWS
Published monthly by the Session, and mailed to each church family household, students away from home, and others.

Mark Hutchinson, Editor Email Address: goodnewshupc@gmail.com