WESTERN SPIRE

September 2016

Dear Friends,

It’s been almost a year since I first came to Palmyra and got acquainted with the wonderful folk of Western

Presbyterian Church. In that time we’ve shared joys, laughter, losses, and tears. We’ve worked hard,

celebrated seasons and milestones, shared deep spiritual thoughts, intimate family passages, and consumed

lots and lots of cookies and punch!

My work with you, as I told you, was to shake things up. We’ve tried some different things in worship,

adapted leadership styles, taken a few big steps in mission outreach, and made some headway in updating our

Manual of Organization, and (finally) made some actual decisions about the audio-visual proposals!

Your IPNC that hired me worked at lightning speed, so it shouldn’t have surprised me that the PNC would work

equally quickly. But that means that we didn’t finish everything I’d hoped to accomplish before my time here

was up. And the relationships we’ve built, which seem so fresh and new, are coming to a long pause in a way

that may seem abrupt.

But I will be passing the torch to Pastor Kyle with my blessings. You will be gaining a leader who matched all

the criteria the PNC felt were important, and whom they chose unanimously, enthusiastically, and with the

guidance of the Holy Spirit. My own contact with Kyle has been very positive, and I am impressed by his

writing. I look forward to meeting him in person.

And after some time has passed, I will perhaps have the opportunity to visit WPC. Just as with Nancy Farrell,

please do not ask me to perform any pastoral functions. We need at least a year’s space to allow for a smooth

transition. For those with whom I have a social friendship, that will of course continue. And I will keep all of

you and this church in my prayers. You are a very special congregation, and I have thoroughly enjoyed

“shaking things up” with you for the past eleven months.

We now have a month to finish the work that we can, say our goodbyes, and look ahead to a wonderful future

for this church and its ministry in the name of Jesus Christ.

In Christ’s shalom,

Pastor Robin

The session of Western Presbyterian Church calls for

a special meeting of the congregation on September 11, 2016, following worship, for the sole purpose of voting on the call

to Rev. Kyle Delhagen and the associated Terms of Call.

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The PNC is pleased to recommend Rev. Kyle Delhagen to the congregation as our next pastor.

Come meet Pastor Kyle and his family on Saturday, September 10 from 3:00 to 5:00 in the

fellowship hall.

Come to worship on September 11 and hear Pastor Kyle preach. Then the congregation will

meet to vote on calling him to join us on our journey serving in the world as God leads us.

Elena and Kyle are coming to us

from Philadelphia where both were

teachers in a Christian school and

Kyle served his first congregation.

On July 27, Atticus James Delhagen

joined their family in person.

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Kyle’s ordination is in the Reformed Church of America. Kyle is planning to change his ordination to the PCUSA after about 6 months, but because of the following agreement, being a pastor in the Reformed Church of America he is able to serve at Western Presbyterian. In the Book of Order, Appendix B.* Official Text, A Formula of Agreement between the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Presbyterian Church (USA), the Reformed Church in America and the United Church of Christ. It has been declared that any of these institutions have come together and are in full communion with one another.

We recognize each other that the gospel is rightly preached and the sacraments rightly administered according to the Word of God

Withdraw any historic condemnation by one side or the other as inappropriate for the life and faith of our churches today

Continue to recognize each other's Baptism and authorize and encourage the sharing of the Lord's Supper among their members

Recognize each other’s various ministries and make provision for the orderly exchange of ordained ministers of Word and Sacrament

Establish appropriate channels of consultation and decision-making with the existing structures of the churches

Commit themselves to an ongoing process of theological dialogue in order to clarify further the common understanding of the faith and foster its common expression in evangelism, witness and service and

Pledge themselves to living together under the Gospel in such a way that the principle of mutual affirmation and admonition becomes the basis of a trusting relationship in which respect and love for the other will have a change to grow.

*Copies of Appendix B are on the bureau across from the office.

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Preaching and Worship

September 2016

September 4, 2016 Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Elder/Reader: John Kratzert Ushers: Don & Ruth Dantz Toddler Room: Rena Haigh

September 11, 2016 Communion Sunday

Pastor Kyle Delhagen Preaching

Congregational Meeting after worship

Elder/Reader: Jody Pruitt Ushers: Don & Ruth Dantz Toddler Room: Maxine & Kelly Babcock Communion Elders: Dave & Pat Pinkney and Cim McFarlane

September 18, 2016 Canal Town Days Hymn Sing

Elder/Reader: Lynn Malboeuf Ushers: Don & Ruth Dantz Toddler Room: Sue Pringle

September 25, 2016 Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost

First Choir Sunday

Sunday School Begins

Elder/Reader: Janet Manktelow Ushers: Don & Ruth Dantz Toddler Room: Jan Taylor

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Dear Church Family,

Thank you very much for the scholarship to attend Camp Whitman this

summer. This was my 4th year and I LOVED IT!! Water Week was tons of

fun. I got to Paddle Boat, Canoe, ride on the Banana Boat, tye dye, tried

Archery for the 1st time and learned how to boondoggle. I can’t wait to go

back next summer.

Love, Emily McFarlane

Deadline for the next SPIRE is Tuesday, September 20th, 2016. Thank you!

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During the week of August 1-5, 2016, Western Presbyterian Church and Palmyra Reformed Church experienced

a SPELUNKING adventure. Cave Quest grounded children, teens & adults in the rock-solid foundation of

God’s love, a love that takes us through life’s dark times.

This over-the-top, underground adventure helped kids (and adults) explore God’s incredible power & love!

Bible Points were:

Jesus gives us HOPE. Jesus gives us COURAGE.

Jesus gives us DIRECTION.

Jesus gives us LOVE.

Jesus gives us His POWER.

God’s Word came to life when kids used all five senses

in :

Sing & Play Rock (worship)

Deep Bible Quests

Spelunking Sports & Games

Cavern Café and

Imagination Station

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Library Snack Program This program completed the first year in June. Children were welcomed to the Palmyra Library after school on Monday through Thursday for snacks and often a library activity. Average child participation was from 15-20. Snacks consisted of goldfish, granola bars, juice boxes, cheese, and fruit gummies. Motts in Williamson donated a variety of applesauce cups. Funding was from church members, local individuals and other patrons. Sheila Koeberle,

a church member and the library employee in charge of this program, is investigating the possibility of grants for the 2016-2017 school year.

Thank you to all those who have contributed to making this program a success!

The choir returns! On Sunday, September 25 the choir will resume its regular schedule of rehearsals and Sunday worship. We welcome new members from grade 8 and up. Rehearsals are Thursday's from 7-8. Please come check us out! We would love to have new members!

DO YOU HAVE EXTRA BIBLES?

Or other Christian publications that are gathering dust on your bookshelf? Love Packages describes itself as "a ministry aimed at putting Christian literature and bibles into the hands of people around the world. We send them to ministries in many poor countries to distribute freely to people hungry for the Word of God." According to the website (LovePackages.org) they accept bibles, Sunday school materials, publications, books, reference books, video and audio materials. Your donations can be mailed to:

Love Packages 220 Union Street Butler IL 62015

WPC will be creating a new directory for our 200th anniversary. Schedule your session today: Lifetouch will be at WPC on Tuesday, September 6th from 2 to 9 pm. Please see Deb Trombino (315-597-6783) or Roxanne Kachel (585-303-8754) to schedule a time. You can also sign up for your Portrait Session on our WEBSITE (http://wpreschurch.org/) Click on “Bicentennial Member Directory” (under the stylized sunflower, upper left) Your friends or neighbors can also sign up- each family will receive a free 8 x 10, each church family will receive a free directory, and the church will receive a donation for each family!

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Toddler Schedule

Below is the Schedule for staffing of the Toddler Room during the 10:00 AM Sunday

morning service. Thank you in advance for your extremely important mission of

providing infant and toddler care. Please arrive about 10-15 minutes early.

Many thanks!

P.S. Snack is in the closet. Let Jody know when we need more. Thanks again for your help.

As schedules change- Please reacquaint yourself with the Toddler Schedule. If you are scheduled and cannot make it- please make arrangements for another person to cover. Thank You

*If anyone or anyone you know is interested in joining the team in providing infant and toddler care during the

10:00am service please contact Jody Pruitt, we would love to have you!

Jody Pruitt 315-331-3211 jody.pruitt@gmail.com

09/04/16 Rena Haigh 315-597-5971

09/11/16 Maxine & Kelly Babcock 315-986-0926

09/18/16 Sue Pringle 315-597-9533

09/25/16 Jan Taylor 315-597-4293

10/02/16 Irene Fadden 585-802-7594

10/09/16 Ruth Dantz 315-597-2143

10/16/16 Jody Pruitt 315-331-3211

10/23/16 Nancy Talma 315-597-5003

10/30/16 Logan & Kelly Babcock 315-986-0926

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

September 4 Barbara Bucknam September 3 David & Sheila Koeberle September 5 Bronwen Lawrence September 5 Ray & Martha Beato September 7 Gary Haigh September 6 James & Susan Bush September 8 Elaine Hassler September 20 Tony & Amie Fabrizio September 10 Andy Sloan September 21 Wesley & Janet Baragager September 13 Kathryn Hutton September 16 Shirley Bassage September 18 Alicia Lynch September 20 Patricia Pinkney September 23 Oliver Koeberle September 28 David Koeberle

If you are an active member and we have missed your birthday or anniversary, please contact the office at 597-9171 so we can add it to our list next time. If your anniversary or birthday is missing, it means it was not in the Data Base, which is where we get the list.

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SEPTEMBER 2016

SUN. MON. TUES. WED. THURS. FRI. SAT.

1

2

3 11 am Memorial

Service Marie Curran

4 Worship at 10

5 Labor Day Church Office Closed

6 2 pm Deacons 2-9 pm Pictures

Setting

7 3 pm Mission/Social

Concerns

8

9

10 10 am to Noon

Session Brunch

3-5 pm Meet & Greet

Pastor Kyle

11 Communion

Sunday

Pastor Kyle

preaching

Congregational Mtg.

12 5 pm CTNS Board

7 pm Fellowship

13 6-9 pm King’s

Daughter’s FH & Kit.

6:30 pm Property

7 pm Worship

14 7 pm Christian Ed.

15

16 Set Up Canal

Town Days

17 Canal Town Days

18 Canal Town Days

Hymn Sing

19

20 SPIRE

DEADLINE

21 7 pm Finance

22 7 pm Choir

23

24

25 First Choir

Sunday

Sunday School

Begins

26

27 9:30 am-3 pm Geneva

Presbytery Mtg.

7 pm Session

28

29 7 pm Choir

30

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OCTOBER 2016 SUN. MON. TUES. WED. THURS. FRI. SAT.

1

2 World Communion

Sunday

3 5 pm CTNS Board

7 pm Fellowship

4 2 pm Deacons

5 7 pm Mission/Social

Concerns

6 7 pm Choir

7 8

9

10

Columbus Day

Office Closed

11 6:30 pm Property

7 pm Worship

12 7 pm Christian Ed.

13 6 pm Bell Choir

7 pm Choir

14 3:30-8 pm

Rehearsal Wedding

15 11:30 am-4 pm

Wedding Jacob

Crerand & Rachel

Cooley 8 am to 10 pm

Society for Creative Anachronism Day of Classes

16

17 6-7 pm Set Up

Rummage Sale

18 SPIRE DEADLINE

6:30-9 pm Set Up

Rummage Sale

19 9 am to 9 pm Set

Up Rummage Sale

7 pm Finance

20 9 am to 5 pm

Rummage Sale

6 pm Bell Choir

7 pm Choir

21 9 am to 5 pm

Rummage Sale

22 9 am to 11 am

Rummage Sale

Tear Down

11:30 am to 1 pm

23 Western Horizons

Sunday Pot Luck Luncheon

24 25 6-9 pm King’s

Daughter’s Parlor

7 pm Session

26 27 6 pm Bell Choir

7 pm Choir

28 29

30 Reformation

Sunday

Casual Sunday

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