November 2016 A Monthly News Publication For Members and Friends Published by: Westminster-Moriah-Olivet Presbyterian Church 714 Washington St. Utica, NY 13502 Church Community News Don’t forget to set back your clocks on Sunday, November 6th. Reformation Sunday October 30th is “Reformation Sunday,” a Sunday when Protestant churches remember who we are. Today, when our emphasis is rightly on ecumenical cooperation and even interfaith relationships, it doesn’t help to celebrate when the Church of Jesus Christ was fractured and fell into terrible opposition, war and bloodshed. However, it does make sense to remind ourselves often, that the Church needs to be continually reformed in its beliefs and practices. To avoid development in our beliefs means that we wind up clinging to worn out thinking while the thinking of the rest of the world keeps changing. And to never question our religious practices means that the Church becomes a worn- out institution instead of the living body by which Christ takes form in the world today. If we don’t keep examining ourselves and the Church through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we will be like the salt of the earth that loses its saltiness or the light of the world whose light is hidden. When we sing the Reformation hymns (e.g. “A Mighty Fortress is Our God”); when we recite the Reformation Creeds (e.g. The Scots Confession); when we remember the pioneers of Reformed faith (e.g. Luther, Calvin, Knox); let us remember that they all were trying to make the Church better in their day, by renewing it according to the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That Gospel is the “north star” of the Church. It resets our course and tests our integrity. But we must listen to it, and open ourselves to its message and let it reform us. That is not easy because we become comfortable with our memories and traditions and don’t want to change and adapt to a new world that sometimes feels so strange and different. How then do we move forward with confidence? The answer: “by faith!” Faith is the way that we keep moving forward in our lives. “As you received Jesus Christ (by faith), so walk in him.” Col. 2:6. Faith is the way to keep renewing ourselves and the Church for today and however many tomorrows we have. So come and worship God through Jesus Christ on Reformation Sunday, and “times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord.” Acts 3:20 Pastor Umidi
Transcript
November 2016 A Monthly News Publication For Members and Friends
Published by: Westminster-Moriah-Olivet Presbyterian Church ���� 714 Washington St. ���� Utica, NY 13502
Church Community News
Don’t forget to set
back your clocks
on Sunday,
November 6th.
Reformation Sunday
October 30th is “Reformation Sunday,” a Sunday when Protestant churches
remember who we are. Today, when our emphasis is rightly on ecumenical
cooperation and even interfaith relationships, it doesn’t help to celebrate when
the Church of Jesus Christ was fractured and fell into terrible opposition, war
and bloodshed. However, it does make sense to remind ourselves often, that
the Church needs to be continually reformed in its beliefs and practices. To
avoid development in our beliefs means that we wind up clinging to worn out
thinking while the thinking of the rest of the world keeps changing. And to
never question our religious practices means that the Church becomes a worn-
out institution instead of the living body by which Christ takes form in the
world today. If we don’t keep examining ourselves and the Church through
the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we will be like the salt of the earth that loses its
saltiness or the light of the world whose light is hidden.
When we sing the Reformation hymns (e.g. “A Mighty Fortress is Our
God”); when we recite the Reformation Creeds (e.g. The Scots Confession);
when we remember the pioneers of Reformed faith (e.g. Luther, Calvin,
Knox); let us remember that they all were trying to make the Church better in
their day, by renewing it according to the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus
Christ. That Gospel is the “north star” of the Church. It resets our course and
tests our integrity. But we must listen to it, and open ourselves to its message
and let it reform us. That is not easy because we become comfortable with our
memories and traditions and don’t want to change and adapt to a new world
that sometimes feels so strange and different.
How then do we move forward with confidence? The answer: “by faith!”
Faith is the way that we keep moving forward in our lives. “As you received
Jesus Christ (by faith), so walk in him.” Col. 2:6. Faith is the way to keep
renewing ourselves and the Church for today and however many tomorrows
we have.
So come and worship God through Jesus Christ on Reformation Sunday, and
“times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord.” Acts 3:20
Pastor Umidi
Book Discussion Group
“The Language of Flowers”
by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
Monday, December 5th
6:30 PM @ Acacia Village
Book summary: Victoria, who is 18 years old, is home-
less and sleeping on a bench in the park. She is
befriended by a local florist who discovers her talents
and helps her discover herself and a new life.
Books are available in the church office.
Church Community News Page 2
Carpool Trip to The BeechesCarpool Trip to The BeechesCarpool Trip to The BeechesCarpool Trip to The Beeches
"Christmas in the Fifties”"Christmas in the Fifties”"Christmas in the Fifties”"Christmas in the Fifties”
Lunch & Show
Tuesday, December 6th
Cost $50.95
Departing from Westminster at 11 a.m.
Join us as we get in the holiday spirit with
a carpool trip to the Beeches in Rome for
a delicious buffet lunch followed by a delightful show.
“With over two dozen songs of Christmas and of that
era, this unusual show will stir many a memory and let
you take home a new appreciation for the Holy Sea-
son.”
Reservations needed by November 27th. To sign up or
for more information call Linda at 732-6518.
First Presbyterian’s
38th Annual Community
Thanksgiving Dinner
They anticipate feeding about 1,000 people
this year, so anything you can do to assist will be
greatly appreciated! An hour or two, a dollar or two,
a prayer or three will help!
They have wonderful opportunities for you to
help financially, with a donation of food, or by volun-
teering. Call Tom Wattles, coordinator, 732-5112.
Thank you in advance for your continued support!
Women’s Bible StudyWomen’s Bible StudyWomen’s Bible StudyWomen’s Bible Study
Saturday, November 12th Saturday, November 12th Saturday, November 12th Saturday, November 12th
9:00 AM @ Panera’s 9:00 AM @ Panera’s 9:00 AM @ Panera’s 9:00 AM @ Panera’s
