April 2019 Issue - See story on Page 2 - Orchard Park Presbyterian Church
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April 2019 Issue
Images by Doug Carpenter
See story on Page 2.
Page 2 April 2019 The Grapevine
From the Pastor
We all have it within us to make inspired us (see cover), we should all feel
a difference in the world. I firmly good about this vital outreach. And when
believe this is true. I am regularly our Mission Ministry Team sees pressing
inspired by those who see needs locally (Family Promise
opportunities, pursue them, and by renovations), nationally (the tornado in
their action make the world a Alabama), and internationally (Feed My
better place. I’m not talking about Nobel Prize Starving Children), and commits funding
winners, I’m talking about everyday women and from our Mission Fund (see page 7),
men who are willing to do the thing that is right which is supported by our Legacy Fund,
in front of them: those that have a heart for their (thanks to the generosity of OPPC
neighbor, who have compassion for the poor, supporters) we can all celebrate. And
who know the power of forgiveness, who live when one of our own like Nate
each day as a gift of God expressed in loving Houghton returns to OPPC to share with
service. us news of the Congo Leadership
When news reports regularly chronicle acts of Initiative (page 4), and how it is impacting
hatred, bigotry, and violence, I think of all those the lives of thousands of young people in
people I know who quietly go about their lives the DRC, we should utter a collective
loving God and doing good in the ways they can prayer of thanksgiving and recognize that
with what they have. It is this steady, quiet, the youth in our midst have the potential
understated work that often brings about the to be the leaders of tomorrow.
greatest change. By participating in and supporting OPPC
One of the great things about being part of a you are making a difference in the world.
faith community is when one part of the And for that I give thanks to God.
community (body) does something remarkable, Blessings,
we all get to participate in the success. So when
Tuesdays with Tools constructs a new, expanded
Blessing Box because Michele Pellette has Pictured in cover photo: Michele Pellette and Tuesdays With Tools
members: Perry Babcock, Mike Morrow, Al Sager, Jim Wilson, John
Beyer and Roger Murphy.
OPPC Staff
Phone Email Address
The Rev. Dr. Richard Young, Pastor Ext. 304 dick@oppchurch.org
The Rev. Allyn Foster, Pastoral Assistant Ext. 306 allyn@oppchurch.org
Linda Babcock, Director of Education & Mission Ext. 307 lindab@oppchurch.org
Gregory White, Director of Music Ext. 305 greg@oppchurch.org
Sherry Pomeroy, Faith Community Nurse Ext. 309 sherry@oppchurch.org
Bonnie Arnold, Director of Handbells & Children’s Music bonnie@oppchurch.org
Deborah Babski, Office Manager Ext. 303 debbie@oppchurch.org
Aimee McCann, Executive Assistant Ext. 301 aimee@oppchurch.org
Deborah Galloway, Administrative Support Coordinator Ext. 302 deb@oppchurch.org
Perry Babcock, Audio Visual Technician perry@oppchurch.org
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.– 4:00 p.m. Phone: 716-662-9348
Visit us on-line at: www.oppchurch.org — or — e-mail us at: info@oppchurch.org
Worship Schedule: Sundays at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
The Grapevine April 2019 Page 3
Peace, Love & Food Community Meal is celebrating six months of offering a
FREE meal to the community. So far we are averaging two dozen folks from the community plus
some OPPC folks and volunteers who gather monthly and eat together like a family! Winter Break
was a great opportunity for our youth to volunteer and one of our smallest blessings painted the
"To Go Lunch" bags for those wishing to take food home. The next meal is April 18 and
volunteers can sign up to bring food or help with all parts of the meal. If you'd rather not dine
alone or are finding groceries more expensive, then please join us!
Your mission dollars at work!
March was "Mission Madness" as we hosted Family Promise guests; a Food Drive with other
local churches; the Peace, Love & Food Community Meal; Congo Leadership Team meet
and greet and a guest speaker from Feed My Starving Children. From our “Mission Fund,” the
Mission Ministry Team allocated $5,000.00 to Family Promise for a renovation project to
upgrade the Day Center; $1,000.00 to Auburn United Methodist Church in Alabama to help
them assist friends and neighbors hit by the deadly tornado just a few miles from the church;
$800.00 to Feed My Starving Children for the mobile pack event at Villa Maria in April and
$300.00 to purchase organic soil for the seedling planting for GMNO which benefits Buffalo area
folks. Please contact Andrew Brydges at brydgesandrew@gmail.com or Ryan Kilpatrick at
Kilpatrick.32@outlook.com with questions or suggestions for future Mission involvement.
“Faithful
Citizenship”
Lenten
Supper Series
6:00 -7:30 p.m.
Wednesdays
through April 10.
A light supper will be offered for OPPC member, Jack Fischer, plays the vibraphone
$6 per person. donated by the Orchard Park Foundation of
Sign–up sheets are at the Welcome Center. Academic Excellence during a meet and greet on
March 4 at the OP Middle School.
NEWSLETTER DEADLINE May edition of
The Grapevine ~ Tuesday, April 16, at 9:00 a.m.
Page 4 April 2019 The Grapevine
FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE will
meet on Wednesday, April 3, at
10:00 a.m. in the Irene Irving
Room. Lesson Seven of
God’s Promise: I Am With You 9 a.m.—Noon Br ing your tools and come
will be discussed. All women are join the crew. If you have any questions,
welcome! For more information please contact
please contact Barbara Roberts Jim Wilson.
or Sue Sager.
One Party,Twice the Celebrating!
At OPPC, we’re always up for a good celebration. Sunday, March 3rd’s return of our always-popular Mardi
Gras Party once again demonstrated our commitment to fun. This year, our “Fat Tuesday”-inspired fete
happily proved doubly festive by also offering us an excellent opportunity to celebrate another important
event that took place the very same day: longtime OPPC Pastoral Assistant Allyn Foster’s 86th birthday. As
bead-bedecked revelers feasted on Mardi-great munchies that included chili, mac and cheese, and delicious
desserts, the holiday’s traditional King Cake provided the perfect place for our much-loved friend to wish
upon and blow out his birthday candles.
Photos by Doug Carpenter.
The Congo Leadership
Initiative (CLI) CLI was founded
by OPPC member Nate Houghton while he
was attending Cornell University. Recently
Nate visited OPPC with Robert KUMKUM
MUBIALA and Emmanuel BARAKA
KANYONI, Co-Founders of CLI. Nate,
Robert and Emmanuel gave a presentation
between services on Sunday, March 17.
They gave an update about "The State of
the Congo Leadership Initiative," 10 years
later and shared details of their Leadership
Training Program, the Small Business
Initiative they started, as well as the
challenges of living and working in the
Democratic Republic of Congo. OPPC is
proud to be a supporter of CLI since its inception. Photo by Doug Carpenter.
(CLI website: www.congoleaders.org).
The Grapevine April 2019 Page 5
RUMMAGE SALE
Friday, April 12, and Saturday, April 13
The Rummage Sale is rapidly approaching. If you have any items for the sale,
you may drop them off by Sunday, April 7, in the hallway behind the Fellowship
Hall stage. The Clark Street entrance will be open Sunday (noon-6:00 p.m.),
Monday – Friday (1:00-6:00 p.m.) and Saturday (9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.).
Many volunteers are needed to set up tables, sort and price items, work at the
sale and clean up after the sale. Please check the sign-up chart at the Welcome Center.
The Rummage Sale will be held on Friday, April 12, from 2:00 until 8:00 p.m. On Saturday, April
13, the Bag Sale will take place from 10:00 a.m. until noon. Admission is $1.00 for the Bag
Sale and each filled bag costs $1.00.
If you have any questions, please contact Sue Sager.
BREAKING NEWS - OPPC Presbyterian Women present…
Another First Lady to visit Orchard Park!
Last year Presbyterian Women had the honor of hosting Eleanor Roosevelt (portrayed
by Denise Reichard). This year another former First Lady, Dolley Madison, will be
coming to our community to tell us about her eventful life. A luncheon will be held on
Saturday, May 18, at noon in the Reception Room. Tickets ar e $10.00 and will be
available starting on Sunday, April 28.
Mission Workshop meets Presbyterian Women
Wednesdays Coordinating Team
10:00 a.m. to Noon will meet on Monday, April 1,
The Meeting Place at 1:00 p.m. in The Meeting Place.
Many thanks to those who helped our guest family, Chrystal, Jesse, Melody and
Harmony feel welcome at OPPC. Thanks be to God, they are now settled in
permanent housing! It is a blessing to be able to provide safety, comfort and
nourishment to families experiencing homelessness. We are grateful to those
who gave of their time: Amanda and Trevor Lagoda, Jamie Owens, Dawn,
John, Jack and Charlie Fischer, Jim and Meredith Wilson, Jan Robinson, Carol
Savage and Victoria, John Beyer, Kathy Houghton, Denise and Danielle Day,
Jeff Somerville, Linda Babcock, Claudia and Michael Rodems, Marilyn Ballard, Mary Wolf, Melissa Wales,
and Judy Williams. Family Promise is required to provide a number of training opportunities for volunteers.
There will be a training session held at OPPC on April 4, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. All are welcome. Please notify a
coordinator if you will be attending.
Our next hosting is May 31 - June 7. If you are interested, please contact one of the coordinators,
Joan Holl or Donna Morrow at mikedonna63@gmail.com.
CSA Fundraiser, Off to the Races
Saturday, May 4, 4:30 - 9:00 p.m. at the
Main House at Knox Farm State Park. Contact
Michele Pellette at mpellette@gmail.com for
tickets and information. Tickets also may be
purchased at crossroadssprings.org.
Page 6 April 2019 The Grapevine
SUNDAY MORNING
Youth Bells Kids Sing at
EDUCATION FOR ALL AGES
Nursery care for infants through will ring at 10:30 a.m.
three years old: 10:30 a.m. worship
9:15 - 11:45 a.m.
9:30 - 10:15 a.m. Classes for: service on service on
Ages 4 years - 5th Grade Sunday, Sunday,
Middle/High School Class
Adult Education March 31. April 7.
NO EDUCATION CLASSES on Easter Sunday, April 21
The Nursery WILL be staffed 10:15-11:45 a.m.
The Confirmation Class of 2019 will be received into membership at the 10:30 a.m. service on
Sunday, April 7. Join us as eight high school youth lead the worship service they have planned and
stay for a reception hosted by the Membership Ministry Team.
Maddie Boeheim and Gerry Scofield
volunteering at Bread of Life
Outreach Center. Jamie Owens & Trevor Lagoda
setting up for Family Promise hosting.
Youth in grades 6-12 are invited to attend the Spring Craft & Chat with guests at Fox
Run on Sunday, March 31 from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. The permission slip will be available in
the weekly Constant Contact, on the OPPC website, at church, and at Fox Run. Please
RSVP to Mrs. B at lindab@oppchurch.org .
Thursday Morning Men’s Study Group
meets every other Thursday at Panera Breads in OP at 7:00 a.m. We will meet on
April 11 and 25. Contact Doug McMahon at mill1276@aol.com for mor e infor mation.
Sunday Morning Adult Ed BS4BP Bible Study for Busy People
Adult Education continues with BS4BP (Bible Study for Busy People) using the Disciple
Bible, the "fast track" version. You may join the class already in progress for a refresher
for what you may have learned earlier in life or if you are curious about the Bible and
learning for the very first time. For more information or a book, please contact Laurie
Patterson by email at Laurie@MonarchBroadcast.com.
The Grapevine April 2019 Page 7
departs and returns midweek this summer!
2019 The crew will depart Wednesday, June 26 to
Erie, PA and return to OP on Wednesday, July 3.
Contact Linda Babcock at lindab@oppchurch.org for more information
about this high school age mission opportunity.
Feed My Starving Children
Once again OPPC and the Mission Ministry Team are working with Villa Maria
College to pack meals for Feed My Starving Children. Many of you have
generously donated to this in the past, and many have come to help with the
packing. This is a wonderful outreach and a really fun ministry
opportunity. There will be a sign-up sheet at the Welcome Center. The dates and
times are: Friday, April 5, 6:00-8:00 p.m. & Saturday, April 6, 9:00 -11:00 a.m., noon-2:00 p.m., and 2:30
-4:30 p.m. Families with kids of all ages are encouraged to sign up!
If you would like more information, please contact Deborah Yeomans, Mission Ministry Team Member.
April 14 ~ 9:30a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Please join our Earth Care Team, and our youth in transplanting
vegetable seedlings for GMNO. GMNO gives organic vegetable plants to people in the inner city
who have no access to healthy vegetables - teaching them to grow their own. This is a fun, community
time. We transplant our seedlings to ready them to be given to people who have no access to healthy
vegetables, and for food kitchens to grow fresh vegetables to use in their meals, as well as our own
church garden which helps supply the Blessing Box and our Peace, Love & Food Community Meals.
Please come to the Undercroft and help us transplant our seedlings to get them ready to be taken to our
distribution sites. No gardening experience necessary - just a willing heart! Last year we gave out over 1,000 organic
vegetable plants. We need many hands to continue this ministry!
Thank you,
Earth Care Team
ECO PALMS The palms used to decorate the sanctuary and for people to take home with them on Palm
Sunday are Eco Palms. These palms are harvested in a sustainable manner which is how we can play a part in the
stewardship of God's creation. As we enjoy the palms we are also contributing an important role in protecting
forests, local jobs and sustainable livelihoods in harvesting communities.
OPPC Book Club presents:
The Woman in the Window by A. J. Finn
Tuesday, May 21, 7:00 p.m. in the Conference Room
OPPC Book Club will not meet in April due to Easter.
Our May 21 book is the bestselling fictional thriller, The Woman in the Window,
by A.J. Finn. Anna Fox lives alone, an agoraphobic recluse in her New York City
home, unable to venture outside. She spends her day drinking wine, watching
old movies, and spying on her neighbors.
Then the Russells move into the house across the way: a father, a mother, and
their teenage son. But when Anna, gazing out her window one night, sees something she shouldn't,
her world begins to crumble and shocking secrets are laid bare.
What is real? What is imagined? In this twisty and powerful thriller, nothing is as it seems.
Recalling the best of Hitchcock, this novel of psychological suspense will have you on the edge of
your seat. Please join us - all are welcome!
June 25: Leadership in Turbulent Times by Doris Kearns Goodwin
No book club in July or August
Page 8 April 2019 Calendar The Grapevine
Location Legend: SANCT –Sanctuary; RR—Reception Room; LB—Library; CR—Conference Room;
IIR—Irene Irving Room; FH—Fellowship Hall UC—Undercroft; MDO—Nursery; MG—Memorial Garden
PW—Presbyterian Women
The Grapevine April 2019 Page 9
HEALTH MINISTRY TEAM NEWS
Monday, April 15, from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Orchard Park Presbyterian Church Health Ministry Team,
along with AARP and DecideWNY, which includes organizations such as Center for Elder Law and
Justice and Hospice Buffalo, is welcoming the public to a “Bring Your Proxy to Dinner” event. This
event will include The Conversation Project presentation on advance care planning and advance
directive forms, followed by an opportunity to start these difficult conversations with loved ones in a
facilitated advance care planning workshop. Cost is $4.00 per person at the door (dinner and
materials). Flyers and registration available at the Welcome Center. For more information and
registration details, please call Orchard Park Presbyterian Church office at 716-662-9348 or e-mail
sherry@oppchurch.org or visit www.DecideWNY.org/NHDD
Community Health Survey
Are you interested in helping the health department and local hospitals with health planning efforts
to improve the health and overall well-being of our community? You can take the Erie County
Community Health Survey using one of the links below via Catholic Health or Kaleida Health. The
survey is also available at the Welcome Center.
https://www.chsbuffalo.org/community-health-assessment-consumer-survey or https://www.kaleidahealth.org/kyi/news/?i=11477
OPEN DOOR @ OPPC: Memory Care Respite Program
The second Tuesday of each month from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (next program is April 9). For more
information, to register your loved one, or discuss volunteer opportunities please contact Sherry
Pomeroy sherry@oppchurch.org or 662-9348 ext. 309.
Health Ministry Team Annual Evaluation and Planning Retreat
Wednesday, April 24, 6:00-8:30 p.m. Dinner will be provided.
Blood Pressure Screening ~ Sunday, April 28, after both
worship services in the Conference Room Area.
Brought to you by Faith Community Nursing.
Page 10 April 2019 The Grapevine
Easter Flowers
Please help
decorate the
Sanctuary for
Easter. To
order foil- will be on Thursday, April 11, at 11:30
wrapped plants a.m. with lunch and a program
in honor of, or in memory of, featuring Denise Reichart, historical
loved ones, please complete an impersonator. She is retiring her series
envelope and enclose $8.00 per plant at the end of year and we are happy to
(lilies, pink hyacinths, or present her most popular, ELEANOR
yellow tulips.) ROOSEVELT.
Envelopes are located at the The lunch will be pasta with broccoli and chicken, fruit
Welcome Center. Checks are salad, and Skippy cups. The cost is $10 per person.
payable to Orchard Park Please sign up at The Welcome Center or call the
Presbyterian Church and church at 662-9348. Reservations will be accepted
marked Easter Flowers in the through April 8.
memo section. Our final program for Spring will be on May 9,
featuring guests from Messinger Woods and their
Last day to order flowers is April 4. feathered friends.
ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING
is a denominational offering that is celebrating its 70th Anniversary! This offering
has been a springboard for Presbyterians to share God's love with our neighbors
in need around the world by providing relief to those affected by natural disasters
(Presbyterian Disaster Assistance), food to the hungry (Presbyterian Hunger
Program) and empowering the poor and oppressed (Self-Development of
People). This is the single, largest way Presbyterians come together every year
to work toward a better world.
On Palm Sunday, April 14 we will receive this special offering as we "Open
Doors, Open Hearts" to those hungering for hope!
Updating OPPC's Church Directory Photos
Like all families, our congregation has grown and changed since
we last printed our church directory in 2017. So to help us all keep
up with and connected to OPPC’s extended family, we’ll be
producing an updated directory later this year and are issuing an
open invitation to anyone who’d like to have a new,
more current photo taken of themselves or their family or who’ve
simply never had their picture included in the directory
before. Watch for sign-up sheets in the Welcome Center later in
April for scheduled sittings that will begin in May. And if that should
not be convenient for you, you’re welcome to e-mail an electronic
image to deb@oppchurch.org along with any name and/or contact
information changes. Thank you for participating in and supporting
the spirit that makes OPPC so special.The Grapevine April 2019 Page 11
The Thursday, April 18
Peace, Love & Food The church office will
Community be closed on Monday,
Meal April 22, in observance
will feature of Easter.
Chicken Tetrazzini,
tossed salad,
bread & butter and
dessert. Please sign up at The Welcome
Center to bring a food item or to help with the
meal. We are growing our population of folks Congregational
at our tables and can use some volunteers to Meeting
assist in the kitchen! Volunteers are able to
join in for dinner as well! If you know of
Sunday, April 28
anyone who eats alone or whose grocery bill following 10:30
may exceed their income then please invite a.m. Worship
them to attend with you! For more
information contact Linda Babcock at Service.
662-9348 x 307 or lindab@oppchurch.org.
Sympathy to ... Prayer Families
Bonnie Smiszek and family on the
recent death of her mother, Dorothy
of the Week
Wood.
Week of April 7: Donna LaJoie
Baptisms at OPPC The Kevin LeFauve Family
Albert & Nancy Lesakowski
Gordon Jeffrey Bruzgul, son of Andrea The Richard Lester Family
Week of April 14: Megan Linehan
(Somerville) and Jaron Bruzgul, on Jim & Pat Linehan
February 24, 2019 The Sean Linehan Family
Lou Long, Greg Long
Week of April 21: Mike & Nancy Malachowski
Isla Harper Johnson, daughter of Kate The Dan Mania Family
(Linehan) and Eric Johnson on Barbara Marino
March 10, 2019 Brett Marino
Week of April 28: Pam Martin
Bob & Maureen Maskrey
Brooke Ridge Helwig Amy May
daughter of Doug & Pam May
Laura (Ridge) and David Helwig on Please join in keeping these church
March 24, 2019 family members in prayer during the
week designated for them.Orchard Park Presbyterian Church Non-Profit
4369 South Buffalo Street Organization
Orchard Park, NY 14127-2611 U.S. Paid Postage
PERMIT # 39
Forwarding Service Requested
A thriving faith
community engaged in
compassionate service.
Holy Week Worship Schedule
Palm Sunday, April 14
8:30 & 10:30 a.m. Worship
9:30 a.m. Seedling Planting - FH
One Great Hour of Sharing Offering
Maundy Thursday, April 18
7:00 p.m. Worship
Good Friday
April 19 ~ 7:00 p.m.
Community Worship at
Nativity of Our Lord
R. C. Church
Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 20 ~ 10:00 a.m.
Easter Sunday, April 21
Worship
8:30 & 10:30
Babycare 10:15—11:45 a.m.
No Education ClassesYou can also read
