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to make a change in position or direction to effect an end.

Here at FPC, we have been talking about and dealing with change a lot over recent years. You may be excited or frustrated by the changes that have taken place- possibly both! The concept of change itself is neither good nor bad; it is neutral. The purpose, process and end result determine whether change is good or bad. Our commitment to the end result plays a large part in whether we embrace or resist change. And what we have to give up, compared to our perception of what is gained, profoundly impacts our openness to change.

As we move into the fall, Stan Ott challenges us once again in his book, Twelve Dynamic Shifts for Transforming Your Church, and as we work with other churches in the presbytery that are participating in the Acts 16:5 INITIATIVE. Stan and others contend that there are twelve shifts that are necessary for the church to make in order to grow in vitality and effective Christian witness in this time of dynamic change in American culture. The proposed end result for these changes is greater vitality and effective Christian witness.

Two of the twelve shifts are:

SHIFT: The congregation and each of its ministries must become missional as well as communal. Mission is no longer one of the various programs of the church; it is the driving force and lifestyle of the congregation. Each ministry develops a balanced, three-fold goal of

1. Reaching those who are uninvolved and uncommitted,
2. Nurturing the spiritual growth and relationships of those who are involved, and
3. Sending every person to ministry.

SHIFT: Rather than a few people doing most of the work, members all pursue and participate in ministry, each person using his/her spiritual gifts and a servant’s heart both inside and outside the church.

In just two weeks, FPC is hosting the Sizzlin’ September Spree. We have a wonderful opportunity to live more fully into these two shifts in order to grow in vitality and effective Christian witness. The Sizzlin’ September Spree can either be a weekend event that is driven by a few people and over and done on Sunday, September 12 . . . or it can be a ministry opportunity, actively supported by the congregation, that is a beginning step in reaching out to our community, as it also deepens our own spiritual growth and relationships, and increases our commitment to be “sent” in humility to do ministry in every place and at all times.

If you believe in the end result, would you be willing to take a step to live into these ? To participate in the Sizzlin’ September Spree, contact Alisha Finn at 748-1544 or Lishp3578@gmail.com, or sign up on the bulletin board in the Gathering Area.

In Christ,

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Fall - a season of new beginnings

Calling Fall a season of new beginnings may seem strange. But for many of us it is a time of transitions- from kids returning to school, to many of us returning to a more regular schedule to our routines; and in particular, for the Early household, it has really been a time of major change. We just returned from a week of dropping our oldest daughter at college for her senior year and our second daughter to college for the first time, and in a couple of weeks our youngest will be starting high school. As I ponder how well have we prepared our kids for this next season of their lives, it really gets me thinking about what is the most important thing can we give our children. Obviously, a personal faith is an integral component in what we would desire for our children, but that is only the starting point and not the end. As Steven Covey shares in his book, “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,” “Living with the end in mind” is essential to living a life of purpose. “To begin with the end in mind means to start with a clear understanding of your destination. It means to know where you’re going so that you better understand where you are now and so that the steps you take are always in the right direction.” We have started asking our kids the question about what they desire for their futures so they can make decisions today to achieve their goals for the future.

We know our kids will be dealing with major decisions and change in their lives. “Change is one of God’s greatest gifts and most useful tools. Change can push us, pull us, rebuke us, and remake us... it is not something to run away from, as though we could, and in many cases, change is a function of God’s graciousness, not life’s cruelty.” * As our FPC family has experienced this summer, life has been filled with many life-altering changes for many individual families. Our kids will not be immune, so how do they deal with easy and not-so-easy changes that will occur? My gut belief is they will best be able to deal with decisions and changes in their lives if they have a group of friends that will challenge and question them through a common belief system that is based upon the Bible. How many of us specifically weigh advice from our friends as to whether it is Biblically based or not? And how many of us are able to remain faithful and strong in our decisions when they become hard or don’t follow the directions most of our surrounding society upholds? I ran across another quote I would like to share (in case you haven’t guessed yet, I have done a lot of reading this summer!): “It is usually easier for me to trust God for other people’s problems than it is for my own. But that’s why it’s good to have a prayer partner or a group of praying sisters. To hold up our shaky faith, to remind us of God’s promises, to stand with us when we don’t feel so strong ourselves.” (“Who Do I Lean On?” by Neta Jackson)

So this how I have been encouraging my kids this summer and what I am also encouraging our FPC community - do you have a group of praying friends that will help you trust God with your problems and move forward with Biblical wisdom in your life so you can achieve your end goals? If not, will you make this a new beginning in your life and find a group to support and encourage you? We are working with our existing groups to see which may have room, plus the small group ministry team is looking at what new topical small groups we could initiate this fall. Watch for additional information about groups for the fall and/or contact me to let me know what your interests are to help in our planning process. I am looking forward to this fall as a new beginning in our family’s life and in our church life!

“When life is sweet, say thank you and celebrate.
When life is bitter, say thank you and grow. ” *

Sharon Early, Connecting Ministries 

* From “Bittersweet” by Shauna Niequies

All Women Are
Welcome to Join Us!

The PW Circle, also known as Circle III, will be having its first meeting of the fall on Wednesday, September 15, at 1:30 pm in the dining room at church. This group meets once a month, the third Wednesday of the month, for a sharing time, a prayer time and a Bible Study using the Horizon’s Bible Study material. They started the study of Joshua last winter and will continue that study this fall.

These women feel very blessed to be able to meet together, share common everyday experiences, and share any prayer concerns they may have. If you would like to learn from or share experiences with the matriarchs of our church family, we invite you to join them on Wednesday, September 15, at 1:30 in the dining room of our church. You, too, will be blessed!

Presbyterian Women of the Presbytery

On Saturday, September 11, Presbyterian Women of the Presbytery will meet for their Fall Gathering at Union Presbyterian Church in Endicott. The Rev. Pat Raube will be the main speaker and will use song, story, poetry and conversation for a presentation on Revelation 22. Joan Wise-Hostetter will also present a workshop on Revelation based on the Horizons Bible study for 2010 - 2011. The program begins at 9:30 and concludes at 1:00 after lunch (at a cost of $5.00). Reservations are requested by September 7 and can be made by contacting Lisa Burts at unionpresbyterian. stny.rr.com or at 748-9651.

This presbytery group is “going green” and will now put out its newsletter on line. If you would like to receive The Caller, send your e-mail address to JoAnne Aynar at unpredictablejoa@aol.com.

Women of Faith Conference
- Last Call

There are still seats available on the Conklin Pres. bus for the Rochester Women of Faith event. If you or someone you know might be interested, please contact Dana Wolfe at 607-206-6738. The cost includes bus, overnight accommodations, lunch Friday and Saturday, October 8 and 9, hot breakfast on Saturday, cool pool and a hot Jacuzzi! Ladies, this is a wonderful way to rejuvenate and revitalize your life! The cost ranges from $165 to $195, depending ont he number in the hotel room. For more information about Women of Faith, check out their website: www.womenoffaith.com.

Back Door Reading from Your Parish Nurses

This has been a GOOD summer. Enjoying the out of doors is the best relaxation in the whole world! Maybe you enjoy sailing, swimming, picnics and the ants, hiking, traveling to parts unknown, or just sitting in your back yard and reading a good book! But even while relaxing we need to take stock of the moment and not forget some important disciplines.

One of these is our dietary habits. The daily diet should include all four food groups – grains, vegetables, fruits, and a protein or dairy product –including the school lunches you pack for your children. Be aware of over-feeding yourself or your family with a high carbohydrate menu – such as white bread, white pastas and sweets, including cookies, candy or soda.

You might be aware that Phyllis’s husband recently had coronary bypass surgery. He has completed a 12-week rehab program offered at a local hospital, and part of his instruction was on diet, obesity and Basic Mass (or Metabolic) Index (BMI). Two websites I found helpful in determining an individual’s BMI and the importance of body weight are www.whathealth.com/bmi/formula.html and www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/bminojs.htm.

Being overweight is a big problem in America. Some of the complications of obesity are high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol or abnormal body fats, coronary heart disease, stroke or gall bladder disease.

God instructs us how to take care of our bodies in I Corinthians 3:16 and 17. “Don’t you know that you yourself are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is sacred, and you are that temple.” When we think of our bodies as being God’s temple we realize the importance of taking care of them. Watching our dietary intake is just one way of doing that.

From Phyllis Camp and Bev Conklin

It has been about ten years, since Vince's ordination,
And his and Betty's coming to our congregation.
So it is a time for rejuvenation,
Having overcome many a trial and tribulation,
Filled with the happiness of elation,
Paired with joy and jubilation,
That hopefully will last over a generation.
Out of town friends, across the nation,
Were reached with written communication.
Some answered promptly, without hesitation,
Others declined, after due consideration,
But sent a generous donation.
Some church members are away on vacation,
Unable to attend, but send best wishes and felicitations,
Regretfully missing this momentus celebration!
Those of us here, gave our affirmation,
Adding to the excitement of anticipation.
There have been weeks and weeks of preparation,
Under Lynda Helmer's guidance and coordination,
She provided us with pertinent information,
And has succeeded in the whole conglomeration.
However, keeping the plans secret for the duration,
Has required considerable concentration.
With the fury of a raging conflagration,
Ethel Whittemore has been an inspiration,
To many members of the Women's Association.
She had an idea, which underwent germination,
Beginning to flower, after consultation
With Olivia Ide, who has an artistic reputation.
Together, they tastefully designed an original creation.
Under Ethel's supervision, and devoted dedication,
As well as her unbelievable determination,
An old art form has undergone revitalization.
Each gathering proved to be a congenial demonstration,
It was really a most pleasant revelation.
Many have worked, a varied representation
Of skills, along with blood, tears, and perspiration.
She may have felt she has been through Hell's fire and damnation,
After many, many moments of frustration.
But it has been a beautiful experience in cooperation,
From all who have had a hand in the participation.
The Whittemore living room served as the arena for confrontation,
Where our secret mission was performed like a delicate operation.
And now, as we make this presentation,
We trust our gift will be a sensation,
Representing, in a small way, our love and admiration,
Schemed especially for your edification,
To be received with your usual appreciation.
From the best church in all the nation,
Which has prospered under your administration.
You just can't beat this congregation,
Others could take note, and gain an education!