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Grace Notes VOLUME 156 RYE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ▪ 882 BOSTON POST ROAD ▪ RYE ▪ NY ▪10580 JANUARY 2016
This past year, as we engaged in our Im-
agine Initiative, one of the questions we
invited folks to reflect upon was a
“defining moment” that you have had at
Rye Presbyterian Church. I was struck
that for more than a few that moment had
something to do with worship, especially
during the Christmas season. A child’s
involvement in the Christmas pageant. A
candlelight Christmas Eve service. That
season has now come and gone. These
are now but cherished memories.
In the year before us, we look forward to the things that we only
imagined in our initiative last year beginning to take shape. A new
prison ministry with returning citizens (formerly incarcerated)
called “Coming Home.” Manse kitchens being remodeled. Fuller
funding for the third pastor on our staff doing ministry with chil-
dren and youth. These are things we look forward to in the New
Year.
In the church calendar, following Epiphany, we move into a
brief period known as “ordinary time” prior to the start of Lent – \
days that are not filled with the special or spectacular. We would
do well to welcome these days—not only remembering the past, or
looking forward to the future, but living in the “today.”
Frederick Buechner defines “today” this way: “It is a moment of
light surrounded on all sides by darkness and oblivion. In the en-
tire history of the universe, let along in your own history, there has
never been another just like it and there will never be another just
like it again. It is the point to which all your yesterdays have been
leading since the hour of your birth. It is the point from which all
your tomorrows will proceed until the hour of your death. If you
were aware of how precious it is, you could hardly live through it.
Unless you are aware of how precious it is, you can hardly be said
to be living at all.
“This is the day which the Lord has made,” says the 118th
Psalm. “Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Or weep and be sad in it
for that matter. The point is to see it for what it is because it will be
gone before you know it. If you waste it, it is your life that you’re
wasting. If you look the other way, it may be the moment you’ve
been waiting for always that you’re missing.
All other days have either disappeared into darkness and oblivi-
on or not yet emerged from it. Today is the only day there
is.” (Whistling in the Dark, pp. 105-6.)
While we are thankful for memories past and are excited about
what the future will bring, as we move into the New Year may we
be attentive to “today” and be thankful for God’s gift of each new
day in this New Year.
Peace,
What’s Inside?
Page 2: Adult Education, Coming Home
Page 3: Caring Connections, Empty Bowls,
Greening of the Kirk Elves
Page 4-5: Christmas Pageant
Page 6: Christian Education, Confirmation,
Communion Workshop
Page 7: Musical Notes, Guys Night Out,
Stop Hunger Now
Page 8: Sundays in January, Bible Study
Page 9: January Calendar
Page 10: Rye Presbyterian Nursery School
rye presbyterian church • grace notes • january 2016 (2)
Adult Education, Coming Home
Click for brochure
“Coming Home”
Program Begins!
Any and all who are
interested in partici-
pating in the Coming
Home program which
is an 18 life skills
program for returning
citizens (formerly
incarcerated) are in-
vited to join us for
our Mentor Training
on Thursday January 7, from 7:00-8:30
p.m. We will have a professor from
Fordham University School of Social
Work assist with this. It is designed to
introduce ALL who are interested in the
Coming Home program to the specific
needs and challenges our participants’
experience. The evening will provide an
introduction to the Coming Home pro-
gram while providing training for those
who specifically want to engage in the
mentorship role.
Mentorship is just one facet of the
Coming Home program. There are other
ways to engage that are equally as im-
portant to the program’s success. The
cornerstone of the Coming Home pro-
gram is a shared meal provided weekly
from 6:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday eve-
nings. Participants in the Coming Home
program have often told us that this is
the first time in their lives that they have
experienced a sense of community, be-
longing and acceptance. Please consider
joining us for dinner on Thursday eve-
nings, beginning January 21, from 6:00-
7:00 p.m.
Please also consider providing a meal
for the Coming Home program. Since
we encourage congregants to join in the
dinner we expect to have approximately
25 people in attendance. You might
want to partner with a friend or group to
provide a meal. Of course providing a
meal also includes the wonderful experi-
ence of joining us for supper, and assis-
tance in clean up! Linda Otness
(otness.linda@gmail.com) has volun-
teered to help coordinate this essential
piece of the Coming Home program.
Perhaps you have a special talent or
area of expertise that might be useful to
our participants. We are looking for vol-
unteers with experience in the areas of
job readiness (resume writing, interview
skills, etc.) basic financial self-
sufficiency skills (creating a budget,
choosing the best credit card option,
opening a checking/savings account,
etc.), clinical expertise in recovery from
trauma, building healthy relation-
ships. We work with our participants to
bring them a well-rounded life skills
program and are looking forward to
drawing from the vast experience and
knowledge of our congregation!
For more information or to volunteer,
please contact our Program Coordinator,
Janet Donat (donatjanet@yahoo.com) or
at (914),645-8822.
Rye Presbyterian Adult Education Presents
Fear, Violence, and Prejudice: How It Feels From Where I Sit
Sundays, January 10, 17, 24, 31
9:00-9:45 a.m. in the Westminster Room
This four-week class will explore the issues of fear, violence, and
prejudice from four different perspectives. Guest Speakers include:
January 10 - Cliff Wolf, a Jewish leader who serves as the AJC
Westchester Interreligious Relations Co-chair
January 17 - Dr. Thomas Ryer, an African-American Christian
minister and Founder/President of Transitioning Into
Society Inc.
January 24 - Shu’aib Abdur Raheem, a Muslim who is Program
Coordinator for Jewish Child Care Association
January 31 - Dr. Dale Irvin, president of New York Theological
Seminary
rye presbyterian church • grace notes • January 2016 (3)
Caring Connections, Empty Bowls, Greening of the Kirk Elves
Caring Connections
Course Completed
Rye Presbyterian Church is pleased to
announce the completion of the fall Car-
ing Connections course by twelve
church members.
Caring Connections is a 12-session
training based on the well-known Ste-
phen Ministry curriculum. Focusing on
the art of listening and distinctively
Christian caregiving, graduates of the
course may go on to become a Stephen
Minister, Stephen Leader, Friend Visi-
tor, or other church leader.
New Stephen Ministers will be com-
missioned during the 10:00 a.m. service
on January 24.
Thank you to our
2015 Christmas Elves for
The Greening of the Kirk . . .
Daya Carunia
Philip Cicchiello
Nancy Collins
Sarah Collins-Napier
Karen Donovan
Mona Hirson
Kristin Jautz
Lora Katsikas
Lisa Keegan
Gail Langeloh
Elizabeth Lukes
Peter Mackenzie
Roger Moyer
Nathanael Napier
Dee O’Brien
Stefan Radtke
Rita Schubert
Allison Sellon
Ron Sizemore
Sarah Snell
Terry Ann Weil
Elizabeth Zahm
and, of course, a very special thank-you to
Juan Velasquez and Alonso Osorio!
Save the Date . . .
16th Annual Fundraiser
Sunday, February 28, following 10:00 a.m. Worship
Beautiful pottery . . . A simple meal . . . Helping those in need.
RPC Tree-Lighting, December 6, 2015
rye presbyterian church • grace notes • January 2016 (4)
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rye presbyterian church • grace notes • January 2016
Sunday School
We will be focusing on Luke’s gospel
for most of January: learning about Je-
sus’ baptism, and how we can continue
his message of love and hope for all.
On January 17, there will be no Sun-
day School; children will be welcome in
the Westminster Room for Enrichment
activities.
On January 24, the children will join
Lisa Rawson for Singing Our Faith. The
older kids (3rd-8th grade) will also join
Rev. Huntley for Children’s Chapel.
The January Family Fellowship is the
return of the Stop Hunger Now program
on Sunday, January 24 from 11:30 a.m.-
1:30 p.m. Please join us for some fun
meal packaging!
Please contact Rachael Huntley for
further information.
Middle School Connection
Wednesday, January 6
5:30-6:45 p.m. at RPC
Wednesdays, January 20 and
February 3
Getting ready for “Empty Bowls”
fundraiser by making bowls at the
Clay Art Center, 5:30-6:45 p.m.
The CAC is at 40 Beech St. in Port
Chester—a right turn off Midland just
past Grace Church St. and the firehouse.
It is the first building on the right. Get
ready to get messy!
High School Youth
Happy New Year! All 9th–12th graders
are welcome at RPC’s High School
Youth Group.
Saturday January 16, 10:00 a.m.-noon Community Service at The Sharing Shelf
Sunday, January 24, 6:00 p.m.
Special Interfaith service honoring MLK
At Christ’s Church (meet at RPC)
Sunday, January 31, 6:00-7:15 p.m.:
Dinner & BINGO planning session
Contact Rachael Huntley with
any questions.
Confirmation 2016
Meetings this month
in the Westminster Room:
Sunday, January 10
4:00 (M-Z) and 5:00 p.m. (A-L)
Sunday, January 24
4:00 (A-L) and 5:00 p.m. (M-Z)
Sunday, January 31
4:00 (M-Z) and 5:00 p.m (A-L)
Christian Education, Confirmation , Communion Workshop
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High School Youth serve Dinner
at Noon at the Carver Center.
COMMUNION
WORKSHOP
SATURDAY, JANUARY 30
10:00-11:30 a.m.
The body of Christ? What is that all about?
And what exactly is in that cup??
If your child or children have been curious about the Lord’s
Supper, this is a great opportunity for children to learn more
about it, to be officially welcomed at the communion celebra-
tion of the church, and for you to grow in your faith together.
On Saturday, January 30, from 10:00–11:30 a.m., children in
the second through fifth grades are welcome to come with a
parent to this special workshop. Together we will explore the
meaning of the sacrament and how we celebrate it here at Rye
Presbyterian.
Space is limited, so please sign up by contacting
Rev. Love – dlove@ryepc.com. High School Youth Carolers
rye presbyterian church • grace notes • January 2016 (7)
From Jason Charneski
What Shall We Do (Musically)
in 2016?
That’s a very good question. RPC’s musical foundation is a
strong support on which to build (mind you, we mustn’t neglect
care of that foundation). Thus, with this is mind, I hope you can
imagine with me how you can support or participate in the fol-
lowing:
The introduction of the new hymnal, Glory to God, into the
church’s worship and community life. It is a resource filled with
things tried and true and neat and new: 853 hymns, psalms, spir-
itual songs, and settings of service music from many centuries
and places; orders of worship; and scriptural references and lec-
tionary aids.
The Chancel Choir offering its voice within worship on Maun-
dy Thursday (March 24), on Church and Justice Sunday, and on
“Jazz Sunday” – to be on Pentecost (May 15) this year. A dream
of mine is to offer Messiah, Handel’s master oratorio, in its en-
tirety through the course of a program year (perhaps structured
thus: Part I during Advent/Christmas; Part II during Lent; Part III
during Easter).
Tapping into the musical talents and abilities of church mem-
bers and friends for offerings in worship (especially during the
summer months, when the full choir is “on break”) and outside
of worship (a “musicale” some evening, or as means to introduce
music in the new hymnal that may be new to you).
What might a series of concerts (jazz, folk, Broadway, etc.) in
the summer, outdoors (on the Great Lawn?), do to raise the visi-
bility of RPC in the Rye and larger Westchester/Fairfield county
communities?
Celebrate the Jackson Memorial Organ, as come the end of
2016, it will enter its 36th year of service and inspiration to this
congregation.
Ever forward!
Jason
Musical Notes, Guys Night Out, Day of Service
Cantata Sunday, December 13, 2015
DAY OF
SERVICE
AT RPC
January 24
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
(A light lunch will be served.)
This program will be returning to RPC on Sunday, January
24. Stop Hunger Now is an international hunger relief agen-
cy. Everyone is encouraged to participate in this meal pack-
aging event; an immensely fun, hands-on, and rewarding
experience. A group of 40-50 volunteers can package
10,000 meals in just two hours! These meal packages are
then shipped around the world to support school feeding
programs and crisis relief. Please contact Rachael Huntley
at rhuntley@ryepc.com if you are interested in volunteer-
ing for this event.
Rye Pres Men's
Association invites
The Men of
Rye Presbyterian
Church
to YOUR VERY OWN WINTER BREAK!
Wednesday, January 13
Come join us for a classic Italian dinner,
to watch the Knicks beat the Nets,
and enjoy an evening of fellowship.
Please bring your own beverage to help us stay warm.
Festivities start at 7:30 p.m. in the Westminster Room.
Cost: $45 per head
Sign up at "church sign-up station" outside Assembly Room.
Checks can be left in the mailbox outside reception area --
payable to RPC, mark "Men's Event" on check memo line.
You may also sign up during coffee hour prior to January 13.
Payment may also be made online . . .
RPC website: www.ryepc.com / What’s Happening page
rye presbyterian church • grace notes • January 2016
January 3
January 10
January 17
January 24
8:30 a.m. Holy Communion in the Chapel 8:40 a.m. Prayer Gathering / Library 10:00 a.m. Morning Worship with Communion in the Sanctuary Sunday School -Children attend worship through children’s message.
8:30 a.m. Holy Communion in the Chapel 8:40 a.m. Prayer Gathering / Library 9:00 a.m. Adult Education / Westminster Room 10:00 a.m. Morning Worship in the Sanctuary Sunday School -Children attend worship through children’s message. 4:00 p.m. Confirmation Class: Names M-Z / Assembly Room 5:00 p.m. Confirmation Class: Names A-L / Assembly Room 8:00 p.m. Men’s Bible Study / Library
8:30 a.m. Holy Communion in the Chapel 8:40 a.m. Prayer Gathering / Library 9:00 a.m. Adult Education / Westminster Room 10:00 a.m. Morning Worship in the Sanctuary No Sunday School—Enrichment Activities -Children attend worship through children’s message.
8:30 a.m. Holy Communion in the Chapel 8:40 a.m. Prayer Gathering / Library 9:00 a.m. Adult Education / Westminster Room 10:00 a.m. Morning Worship in the Sanctuary Children’s Choir sings Stephen Ministry Commissioning Sunday School -Children attend worship through children’s message. 11:30 a.m. “Stop Hunger Now” Day of Service / Assembly Room 4:00 p.m. Confirmation Class: Names A-L / Assembly Room 5:00 p.m. Confirmation Class: Names M-Z / Assembly Room 6:00 p.m. High School Youth, Interfaith Svc., Christ’s Church 8:00 p.m. Men’s Bible Study / Library
8:30 a.m. Holy Communion in the Chapel 8:40 a.m. Prayer Gathering / Library 9:00 a.m. Adult Education / Westminster Room 10:00 a.m. Morning Worship in the Sanctuary Ordination and Installation of Officers Sunday School -Children attend worship through children’s message. 4:00 p.m. Confirmation Class: Names M-Z / Assembly Room 5:00 p.m. Confirmation Class: Names A-L / Assembly Room 6:00 p.m. High School Youth / Youth Rooms
Sundays in January, Bible Study
Men’s Bible Study
Sundays January 10 and 24,
8:00 p.m. in the Library
This month, the men of Sunday evenings will be continu-
ing their work through the Gospel of John. If you’d like
to join in and be a part of this ongoing, fellowship and
conversation, plan to gather on Sunday evenings January
10 and 24 at 8:00 p.m. in the church Library.
Wednesday Morning Bible Study
Wednesdays, January 6 and 20,
8:45 a.m. in the Library
A new chapter begins! With the Gospel of John under our belts, we move on in
2016 to the Epistles of John—three intriguing letters from
the gospel author to the community of faith. All are wel-
come to join in this ongoing reading and discussion .
Women’s Bible Study
Saturdays, January 9 and 30,
at 9:30 a.m. - January 9 in the Conference Room
January 30 in the Library
Please join Women’s Bible Study on Saturday mornings.
A warm welcome and hot coffee await! For further infor-
mation, contact Cynthia De Santis.
NEW OFFICER ORIENTATION Saturday, January 9, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Westminster Room
RPC OFFICER RETREAT Saturday, January 9, 12:00 noon-3:00 p.m.
Westminster Room
STEPHEN MINISTRY COMMISSIONING Sunday, January 24,
during 10:00 a.m. worship
ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION
OF OFFICERS Sunday, January 31,
during 10:00 a.m. worship
ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING Sunday, February 7,
following 10:00 a.m. worship
January 31
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CHURCH OFFICES AND BUILDINGS WILL BE CLOSED FRIDAY, JANUARY 1, IN OBSERVANCE OF NEW YEAR’S DAY AND
MONDAY, JANUARY 18, IN OBSERVANCE OF MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY
BOARD MEETINGS
Deacons: Wednesday, January 20, 7:30 p.m., Library
Trustees: Tuesday, January 26, 7:30 p.m., Westminster Room
Session: Wednesday, January 27, 7:30 p.m., Westminster Room
New Officer Orientation: Saturday, January 9, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Westminster Room RPC Officers Retreat: Saturday, January 9, 12:00 noon.-3:00 p.m., Westminster Room
WORSHIP AND STUDY
Worship on Sunday:
8:30 a.m. Holy Communion in the Chapel
10:00 a.m. Worship in the Sanctuary
Prayer Gatherings: Sundays, 8:40 a.m., Library
Adult Education:
Sunday Morning Ministry “Fear, Violence, and Prejudice”: January 10, 17, 24, and 31
Sunday School: Regular Sunday School January 3, 10, 23; 31; no Sunday School January 17 - Enrichment Sunday Confirmation: January 10: 4:00 p.m., last names M-Z / 5:00 p.m., last names A-L / Westminster Room January 24: 4:00 p.m., last names A-L / 5:00 p.m., last names M-Z / Westminster Room January 31: 4:00 p.m., last names M-Z / 5:00 p.m., last names A-L / Westminster Room
Men’s Sunday Bible Study: January 10 & 24, 8:00 p.m., Library
Wednesday Morning Book Study: January 6 & 20, 8:45 a.m., Library
Women’s Bible Study: Saturdays, 9:30 a.m., January 9, Conference Room, & January 30., Library
Women’s Discipleship: Tuesdays, 9:00 a.m., various locations, contact Rachael Huntley for information.
Children’s Communion Workshop: Saturday, January 30, 10:00 a.m.
YOUTH
Boy Scout Troop #2: Every Tuesday, 7:00 p.m., Assembly Room
Connection: Wednesdays, January 6, 5:30 p.m., Youth Room, and January 20 & February 3, 5:30 p.m., Clay Arts Center
High School Youth Group: Saturday, January 16, 10:00 a.m., The Sharing Shelf, Port Chester;
Sunday, January 24, 6:00 p.m., Interfaith Service honoring MLK, Christ’s Church (meet at RPC); and
Sunday, January 31, 6:00 p.m., Dinner & BINGO planning session, Youth Rooms
Rye Girl Scouts: Monday, January 11, 7:00 p.m., Youth Rooms
MUSIC
Chancel Choir Rehearsal: Sundays, 9:15 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.
Children’s Choir Rehearsal: Thursdays, 3:45 p.m., Choir Room
Youth Choir Rehearsal: Thursdays, 4:30 p.m., Choir Room
OTHER CHURCH MEETINGS, EVENTS, AND PROGRAMS
3 T’s: Tuesday, January 19, 10:00 a.m., Westminster Room
Family Fellowship: “Stop Hunger Now,” Day of Service at RPC, Sunday, January 24, 11:30 a.m., Assembly Room
Men’s Night Out: Wednesday, January 13, 7:30 p.m., Westminster Room
Mission & Outreach: Wednesday, January 6, 7:30 p.m., Library
Stephen Ministry:
Stephen Leaders: Tuesday, January 5, 5:30 p.m., Library
Continuing Education and Supervision: Tuesday, January 5, 7:00 p.m., Library
Thrift Shop: Thursdays, 10:00 a.m.-l:00 p.m.
Women’s Association:
Monthly Meeting: Monday, January 11, 9:00 a.m., Library
Worship and Music: Wednesday, January 13, 8:00 p.m., Conference Room
OUTREACH AND SUPPORT GROUPS
AA Rye Harrison Group: Mondays, 7:30 p.m., Assembly Room
AA Group: Thursdays, 7:30 p.m., Westminster Room
Friendly Visitors: Tuesday, January 5, 7:00 p.m., Westminster Room
Mr. Westchester/Al-Anon Group: Mondays, 7:30 p.m., Library
Sandwichmakers: Thursday, January 21, 11:00 a.m., Kitchen & Assembly Room
PHONE: 914-967-0842
rye presbyterian church • grace notes • January 2016
January Schedule of Meetings, Events, and Programs
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rye presbyterian church • grace notes • January 2016
Rye Presbyterian Nursery School
Greetings to the RPC Community
from Kristin Bassett Kumar and
Emma Whitman
Rye Presbyterian Nursery School held its
annual Holiday Caroling Party on Satur-
day, December 5th. The event is funded
by sponsorships and all proceeds go to-
wards tuition scholarships for the up-
coming school year. Over 50 parents and
staff volunteered to organize and run the
event. The festivities for the party in-
cluded a sing-along with children’s mu-
sician Zev and Christmas caroling lead
by The Rye High School Choir. The
event took place on a sunny and unsea-
sonably warm day making the outdoor
petting zoo and horse-drawn hay ride
particularly enjoyable! Our studio teach-
er, Gail Walter, organized a unique art
project for the children. The children
were able to create their own canvas for
the season. Some of them made Christ-
mas trees out of beads, foam pieces, and
wrapping paper, while others built cas-
tles with the collage materials. This was
a perfect activity for preschoolers!
In addition, families enjoyed buying
delicious homemade treats from the
bake sale and getting their photo taken
with Santa. Beautiful themed baskets
for children were given away in our
annual raffle. During the week before
the party, the students in each class-
room made an ornament to adorn the
Christmas tree in the Church assembly
room.
RPNS has participated in a Holiday
Caring and Sharing Program with The
New Rochelle Children’s Center for
Learning for
many years.
New Rochelle
Children’s Cen-
ter is a head
start preschool
that serves low
income and
homeless chil-
dren in West-
chester County.
During the holi-
day season,
RPNS families
volunteer to sponsor a child and provide
him/her with a toy, book, and an article
of clothing. RPNS parents are encour-
aged to involve their children in the pro-
cess by having them participate in the
selection of gifts for their sponsor child
and by making a personalized holiday
card to go with their gifts. Both the
RPNS Caroling Party and the Holiday
Caring and Sharing Program are made
possible by our generous community!
The Rev. Daniel Love, Co-Pastor
The Rev. Dr. John Miller, Co-Pastor
The Rev. Rachael Huntley, Minister of Christian Education
Lisa Rawson, Director of Choirs for Children and Youth
Rachael Huntley, Director of Christian Education
Maida Robinson, Chief Administrative Officer
Rosemary Annunziato, Church Secretary
Denise LeVan, Pastoral Assistant
Juan Velasquez, Head Sexton/Building Manager
Rye Presbyterian Church 882 Boston Post Road
Rye, New York 10580
Tel: 914.967.0842
www.ryepc.com
This is a Stephen Ministry church.
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