December 2012December 2012

WORSHIP AT STONE IN DECEMBERWORSHIP AT STONE IN DECEMBER

December 2, 2012 – 1st Sunday of Advent – The Lord’s Supper – HOPE Jeremiah 33:14-16 A branch will come from David.

Psalm 25:1-10 a prayer for guidance and deliverance

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 Put on the helmet of hope.

Luke 21:25-36 signs of the coming of the Son of Man

Sermon The Helmet of Hope

December 9, 2012 –––– Second Sunday of Advent –––– PEACE Malachi 3:1-4 the Lord will appear in the temple

Luke 1:68-79 the song of Zechariah

Philippians 1:3-11 Paul’s prayer for the Philippians

Luke 3:1-6 proclamation of John the Baptist

Sermon Surpassing Peace

December 16, 2012 – 3rd Sunday of Advent –––– JOY Zephaniah 3:14-20 a song of joy

Isaiah 12:2-6 I will trust in God and not be afraid.

Philippians 4:4-7 Rejoice in the Lord always!

Luke 3:7-18 John’s message to repent

Sermon I Have Some Good News and…

December 23, 2012 – 4th Sunday of Advent –––– LOVE Micah 5:2-5a a ruler will come from Bethlehem

Luke 1:46b-55 The Magnificat (Mary’s song of praise)

Hebrews 10:5-10 Christ’s self-offering sanctifies us.

Luke 1:39-45 Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth.

Sermon Sanctified

Monday, December 24, 2012, 7:00 p.m. – Christmas Eve – The Lord’s Supper The Christmas story, anthems, carols are all bathed in the soft candlelight of

celebration as we observe the “Silent Night, Holy Night” of Christ’s coming.

December 30, 2012 – 1st Sunday After Christmas Day – The Lord’s Supper

a service of lessons & carols and a simple liturgy of the Lord’s Supper

TThhee CCoorrnneerr SSttoonnee Stone Church ~ The Church on the Green

The purpose of Stone Church is to be an inviting, spiritual community of Christ, engaging in worship that inspires and challenges us to learn and grow as we reach out in caring and service, trusting in the love of God.

Taizé Worship – Thursday, December 20, 7:00 p.m.

a service of candlelight, music and meditation

to prepare the soul for the advent of the Lord

P A S T O R ’ S

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It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christ-mas? Meredith Wilson (The Music Man) wrote the song in 1951:

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas Everywhere you go; Take a look in the five-and-ten, glistening once again With candy canes and silver lanes aglow. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, Toys in every store, But the prettiest sight to see is the holly that will be On your own front door.

I heard long-dead Perry Como crooning this tune last month as I sat reading my Kindle in a parking lot in Palm Bay, Florida, while my wife was shopping at Kohl’s. It was November 13. It was Florida. It wasn’t beginning to look a lot like anything to my eye except a strip mall studded with Palm Trees and an abundance of glittering chintz hanging in-congruously from the lampposts. So what does Christmas look like anyway? For most of us, I suppose, its family, food, good cheer, the decorations and the tree brought into the house and hung with lights and tinsel—a relic of an old culture’s superstition about preserving some life through the deadening threat of winter’s cold. What do you suppose God thinks of all the hoo-hah and the orgy of consumerism that “Christmas” has become in our culture? I think maybe the prophet Amos addressed that a few millennia ago (and I paraphrase slightly):

I hate, I despise your celebrations and I take no delight in your sanctimonious get-togethers. Take away from me the noise of your songs; I will not listen to the melody of your muzak. Instead let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream! (Amos 5:21-24)

I believe that the real Christmas, the Christ-mas acceptable to God, would look something like this: enough food, clean water, sturdy shelter, freedom from violence, mutual respect, justice and peace for everyone on the planet—and a healthy dose of care for the interdependent systems of that planet that sustain all life. For starters. It’s been dislocating for me since arriving at Stone in 2007 that “Christmas” begins the day after Thanksgiving in Clin-ton. I am happy that—if it must come so early—it now comes with an emphasis on mission, the Fair Trade Shoppe’s managing to address simultaneously the consumerist version of what Christmas looks like with the God’s-eye vision of supporting some of the most vulnerable of God’s children on this earth. If you’re uneasy about celebrating the birth of Christ by succumbing to the culture’s siren songs (whether crooned by Perry Como or mutilated by the Chipmunks), good! That’s a start toward making Christmas look a lot more like Christ-mas. How about supporting the Shoppe? How about setting gift money aside for the four Advent Offerings? How about an extra gift to Church World Service or the American Red Cross? How about volunteering your time at Hope House? Then, my dear friends, it really will begin to look a lot like Christmas. And the prettiest sight to see will be God’s wide smile behind the angel chorus that sings, “Peace on earth among God’s people!”

Deepeace,

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Page 3 The Corner Stone

Highlights of the November 5, 2012 Session Meeting ♦ Chapters 1 and 2 of Naked Spirituality were discussed.

♦ The treasurer’s report was reviewed and accepted.

♦ A preliminary budget for 2013 needs to be developed for the next Session meeting.

♦ The Property Committee reported that: – New steam pipes have been installed. – Dining room window sills need repair. – A new outlet will be installed in the sanctuary. – New flooring for the dining room is being investigated.

♦ Stone Church raised $775 of the $1915 for the CROP Walk.

♦ Habitat for Humanity concert on October 21 raised $994.

♦ Consecration Sunday pledge statistics were reviewed.

♦ The Session voted to receive the four Advent Offerings again.

♦ Sunday worship will be held in the Norton Room in January.

♦ Advent programs will be held with Three Steeples and Deansboro.

♦ A list of those who should be moved to the inactive roll will be developed for the next Session meeting.

♦ Linda Rance reported that the Deacons have been visiting and tending to our shut-ins and those in need.

♦ The Boy Scouts will attend the next Session meeting which is scheduled for December 10, 2012.

Special Advent Offerings Once again we will be celebrating Advent by taking a special offering during each of the four Sunday services. When we light the candle of Hope on the first Sunday of Advent, we will again receive an offering for Hope House.

The candle of Peace is lit on the second Sunday, and on that day we will receive an offering for the Coun-try Pantry.

The Christmas Joy Offering will again be received when we light the Joy candle on the third Sunday, and when we light the candle of Love, we will receive an offer ing for Emmaus House.

These special offerings have become an important part of our Advent worship experience, and we hope that you will join us on each of these Sundays as we seek to live out our calling to share the Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love of Christ with our neighbors both here and around the world.

Emmaus House in Utica

Hope House on Eagle Street in Utica

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News from the Country Pantry The Country Pantry is in need of the following: plastic bags, cranberry sauce, stuffing, macaroni and cheese, money for turkeys. And, of course, they will accept all items you wish to donate. Please leave items in the basket in the narthex. For further information call Judy LaGasse at 725-2217.

Three Sundays in Advent

Advent is a time of preparation for the coming of Christ. This Advent we join together with Three Steeples in Paris and Deansboro United Church of Christ for each of the first three Sundays in Advent for supper at 5:00 p.m. followed by program at 6:00 p.m. Here is the plan: December 2nd we’ll gather at Stone Church for a stew dinner and a “Christmas table drama.” December 9th we’ll meet at Deansboro for goulash and music by classical guitarist, Peter Griggs. December 16th we go to Paris’ Three Steeples for chili and the voices of Duelly Noted.

Three people from each church will provide the meals each Sunday (nine all told), and donations will be accepted for our local food pantries. A great way to gather with the larger community to observe the season of anticipation! Make these events part of your plans for the season of Advent.

Highlights of the November 13, 2012 Presbytery Meeting The Presbytery meeting was held on November 13, 2012 at First Presbyterian Church in Rome. ♦ Presbytery honored Janet Hoover on her retirement. ♦ There is a new website for the annual stats report. ♦ Presbytery voted to merge two committees into

what will be called Micah. It merges Mission, In-terpretation and Stewardship with Church in Soci-ety. Betsy Jay will chair Micah.

♦ Michele Coe was elected as chair of the trustees. ♦ Per capita will be $36.50 in 2013. ♦ 2013 budget was adopted as a deficit budget.

Thank you notes

We are grateful for all who minister in ways great and

small. This month we extend our thanks to . . .

. . . David Forbes for making a table for the church Christmas tree. . . . Mary Chamberlain for making a new table runner for the table on the altar. . . . All those who helped decorate the sanctuary, Norton Room, and downstairs dining room. . . . Donna Goodfriend for the beautiful new window globes. . . . Rob Kolb for leading us in a magnificent "congregational choir" singing of the "Hallelujah Chorus." . . . the Stone Storytellers for presenting the Book of Ruth and leading worship in the pastor's Absence. . . . Donna Goodfriend for her attention to the details of our worship. . . . Fred Kaiser for providing a new electrical outlet for our projection equipment. . . . John Stiefvater for removing the adhesive from the floor left by the old wire molding.

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Deacons’ Corner “O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good: for His mercy endureth forever.” Psalm 107:1

With Thanksgiving just behind us and Christmas almost here, we are likely to think about the good things in

our lives and give thanks to God for these blessings. Many prayers will be offered by those fortunate enough to have been blessed.

We should also think about those who don’t think they have anything to be thankful for. Some of our friends have prob-lems that seem overwhelming. Whether it’s us or someone we know, remember that your family at Stone Church is here for you. We are so fortunate to have such caring Deacons, dedicated Elders and a wonderful caring congregation. We at Stone Church are very blessed! The Deacons want to thank you all for all you do. So many of you say “yes” when we ask you to usher, host, serve com-munion, etc. You all make our work so much easier. Let’s make sure we remember all of our homebound or members who might need a “little something” over the holidays. Advent is an opportunity every year to get ready for God’s new appearing, and to receive the excitement and joy that comes with discovering what new things God has in store for us to be and do. Have a safe and wonderful Christmas. Love, The Deacons

The Five Bucks Bible Brunch Bunch

Several Stone members and friends have been gather-ing once a month for brunch and Bible study. Most recently we met at Seymour’s on Route 233 near Westmoreland and talked about “gratitude” as a pre-Thanksgiving theme. Attending November’s Bible Brunch Bunch were Carolyn Barnum, Trudi Christeler, Donna Goodfriend, Gil Palmer, Gil Adams and Fred Kaiser. We plan to meet again—this time at Stone

Church in the Norton Room—on Saturday, December 15 at 9:00 a.m. Dennis will be making a breakfast quiche. If you’re interested in joining us, just let Dennis know or call the church office so that we’ll be sure to have enough brunch for you! At December’s Brunch Bunch we’ll be exploring the Christmas stories in the gospels.

Carolyn Barnum, Trudi Christeler & Donna GoodfriendCarolyn Barnum, Trudi Christeler & Donna GoodfriendCarolyn Barnum, Trudi Christeler & Donna GoodfriendCarolyn Barnum, Trudi Christeler & Donna Goodfriend

Donna Goodfriend, Gil Palmer and Gil Adams at BrunchDonna Goodfriend, Gil Palmer and Gil Adams at BrunchDonna Goodfriend, Gil Palmer and Gil Adams at BrunchDonna Goodfriend, Gil Palmer and Gil Adams at Brunch

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Historical Period Revisited—A Glimpse into Stone Church’s Past

Rev. Thomas Hudson—Seventh Pastor from October 1869 – October 1871 (22 years) Thomas Hudson was born in Auburn, NY and received his preparatory education at Au-burn Seminary. From there he came to Clinton and graduated from Hamilton College in 1851. He returned to Auburn serving as their town clerk for three years and headed back to Hamilton to tutor two years in Latin, Greek and mathematics. After graduating from Auburn Theological Seminary in 1859, he served two pastorates before serving as a chap-lain of the 75th New York Infantry in the Civil War for about a year when poor health forced him to return home. Rev. Hudson became pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Northeast, PA for about 5 1/2 years before receiving the call to come to Clinton. Rev. Hudson received his D.D. in 1874. His pastorate here was well received for 22 years and won a warm place in the hearts of the Clinton community. His kindness, courtesy, and sympathetic friendliness drew him into the affections of people of all classes according to an article of the local Clinton Courier. While here he helped lead the people through the rebuilding of the present Stone Church following the fire of the “Old Stone Church.” Because the building committee

wanted the church to be built debt free, Rev. Thomas set about raising $1500 of the remaining $2500 needed to pay the final bill. Others of the committee were so impressed that they came up with the other $1000 themselves. He also was a member of the General Assembly at least four years and the stated clerk of the Utica Presbytery for ten years. He started the Hudson Bible Class which continued several decades.

Dr. Hudson chose to resign from Stone Church on the 22nd anniversary of his pastorate. The motion was made in the session minutes:

“In view of the close of the long and useful pastorate of Rev. Hudson, a pastorate of more than a score of years, unbroken by a single unpleasant incident, marked by resolute fidelity to duty and earnest purpose, a pastorate which bears the fruitage of his manhood’s prime and vigor, the members of this church and congregation would express to him their grateful appreciation of his efficient service, their affection for him and his family, and their purpose to profit by the example of his unblemished character, his godly walk, and eminent Christian virtues. Rejoicing that Dr. Hudson will continue to reside among us, it is our earnest prayer and trust that his coming years may be filled with useful labor in the cause of our common Master.”

Before he resigned as pastor here, Rev. Hudson was appointed clerk of the Board of Trustees of Hamilton College in 1884 and that same year was elected as a member of the board. In 1886 he became the treasurer of Hamilton College resigning in 1910 due to his declining years.

His life was not without adversity. His first wife Mary M. Clark died within two years of their marriage and their son died at age eleven. The memorial window at the southwest part of the Norton Room is dedicated to their son donated by Sunday School members. Rev. Hudson later remarried Clara Baber and had two daughters.

Dr. Hudson moved to Skaneateles in 1910 never forgetting his friends in Clinton by visiting them frequently. He died in 1912 following five weeks of illness at age 86 and he and his family are buried in Sunset Hill Cemetery Clinton. Midge Bakos

.

No Cooking Necessary! Many thanks to all of the Stone Church members and friends who faithfully serve dinner each month at Hope House. Your efforts are greatly appreciated!

As always, volunteers are needed on the fourth Monday of each month at 3:00 p.m. Note change of time (11:30 a.m.) for December 24 only. Questions? Call Ceil Gilbert, 853-8289.

Hope House’s Wish List Here’s the wish list for December: Coffee, hot chocolate, toiletries, new children’s toys, hats, gloves, scarves, and socks. Please leave items in the Norton Room. Questions? Call Ceil Gilbert, 853-8289.

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Fair Trade Shoppe Our Fair Trade Shoppe is open every Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Norton Room. We are selling products from: ♦ BeadforLife (recycled paper beads from Uganda) ♦ SERRV International (items from artisans and farmers around the world) ♦ Equal Exchange (coffees, teas, and chocolates) ♦ items from Ten Thousand Villages ♦ Women’s Bean Project (soup mixes, cookie mixes, dip mixes) ♦ Maggie’s Organics (clothing made with organically grown cotton).

Letter of thanks On behalf of the Board of Directors of Oneida County Habitat for Humanity, all our volunteer and our Partner Families, we extend our sincere thank you for your very generous donation of $67.50. . . . You have been very generous to our mission for which we are very grateful. Thank you again for trusting in our mission and making home ownership dreams come true. Habitat for Humanity, Inc.

Good Old Toys The attic, the closets, the base-ment: they are probably full of things that haven’t been seen or used in years, and some of those things are probably toys that your children once enjoyed. Is there still enjoyment left in them? If so, there are many children who would enjoy them, again. If you would like a good reason to shed some “stuff,” bring your gently used toys to Stone Church. Three Steeples will be happy to pick them up, clean them and wrap them to share with those who might not have the money this holiday season to give their kids as much as they would like.

Final day to drop off your toys at Stone Church is Monday, December 10th .

Light up a Life Please join Hospice & Palliative Care this holiday season by supporting “Light Up a Life.” A personal-ized ornament will be placed on a holiday tree in the location of your choice in memory of or honor of your loved ones. Locations include: Sangertown Square Mall, AmeriCU Credit Union, Coldwater Creek. Suggested donation: $10. For more information, call 735-6487, ext. 249.

Lunches needed Lunches are needed for Oneida County Habitat for Hu-manity volunteers working on a house at 303 Lansing Street, Utica on Saturdays over the next few months. A suggested lunch is assorted sandwiches, chips, cook-ies or fruit, and a beverage. Paper products for lunches are located on site. If you can help, please contact Cathy Rzeszot, Co-Chair of Faith-Based Relations Committee, at rzeszot.cathy@oneidacountyhabitat.org or at 336-6499 to schedule a lunch.

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Christmas at the Corner 2011Christmas at the Corner 2011Christmas at the Corner 2011Christmas at the Corner 2011

7 C'S CAFÉ WORKERS Pat Joseph Buzz Joseph Sherry Robinson David Joseph Julia Patrykas Samantha Gaffney John Stiefvater Jordan Robinson Larry Reynolds Owen Reynolds Jenny Schell Sue Gaffney David Ross Jon Byron Nikki Wahlberg Keely Schell Melinda Schell Sidney Dreimiller Karla Schell

FAIR TRADE AND CRAFT WORKERS

Linda Rance Hal Rance Dave Forbes Scott Leonard Lauralyn Kolb Helen Leonard Bev Miller Doris Locke Mary Chamberlain Judy LaGasse Sue Raitt Gary LaGasse Midge Bakos Tracy Lamb Mary Ann Stiefvater Donna Goodfriend John Stiefvater An extra thank you to . . . . . . all who made crafts, cookies and the peanut brittle made by John and Chris Menard.

. . . Ceil Gilbert for advertising and making the posters and distributing them.

. . . Buzz and Pat Joseph and Sherry Robinson for buying food and preparing it for the café.

. . . Judy and Gary LaGasse for putting together the cookie plates.

. . . the Kolb family and the St. Mary’s Church choir for the lovely music in the sanctuary.

. . . those who worked and baked (especially Ceil Gilbert) at the Farmers Market to earn extra money for the supplies used at the stroll.

. . . Gina Padgett for purchasing vegetables and food supplies at cost.

. . . the Stone Church elves (most named above) for setting up the sale and decorating the sanctuary, the dining room, and the Norton Room so beautifully. As usual, we heard many compliments from the general public on our crafts, Fair Trade, the café, and our beautiful church. Thank you everyone for a super effort!!!

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Shoppers Stroll 2012

Remember in Prayer If you would like to add someone to our prayer list or

would like to receive the prayer list for daily prayer,

please contact the church office at 853-2933 or go to

our website stonepres.org and click “Prayer Request.”

-Jenifer Travato -Gidget Royce-Pavlot -Eleanor Palmer -Family of Audrey Kaiser -Dave Wilbur -Judy Westerhoff -Danette Rosenberg -Lauralyn Kolb’s mother and family -Nancy Zelles (Grace Whittemore’s sister) -Buzz and Carol Sterling Barrows -Pat Coe (Ken’s mother) and family -Gilbert Palmer (Donna Goodfriend’s uncle) -Shari LeMonnier and family of Dan LeMonnier -Whittemore family -Family of Alan Weil

December Birthdays

1 - Peter Goodfriend 7 - Scott Miller Peter Jensen 8 - Mark Whittemore 12 - Cecilia Hwangpo 15 - Curt Miller Judy McDonough 17 - Lynn Hall Tom Pavlot, Jr. 18 - Andrew Bering 19 - Tiffany Fletcher - Joyce Wilbur 21 - Matthew Fletcher

23 - Gil Adams Mollie Arnal 24 - Mildred Schell 25 - Tim LaFont 28 - Wilma Lawson 30 - Peter Christeler

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Christmas Flowers

Poinsettias are available this year for those who wish to remember a loved one. Red, white, pink, or marble poinsettias are $9.50 for a 6 1/2” pot or $18 for an 8” pot.

Please fill out the form below and put in the collection plate or send to the church with a check made out to the church. The plants can be picked up after the Christmas Eve service. The order deadline is Sunday, December 9. Questions? Call Sue Forbes, 725-7234, or Peggy Weldon, 853-2933.

==============================================================================

Name of donor(s) ____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

Given in memory of ____________________________________________________________________

or

Given in honor of ____________________________________________________________________

Choice of color _____________________________

Amount enclosed _____________________________

-Ewa Lawrence -Jack Price -Christina Buschmann -Kogut family -Pavlot family

Don’t forget the Deacons! Please keep the Deacons in mind on the first Sunday of each month. All of the loose money collected on those Sundays goes to support the ministry of the Deacons.

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December 2012

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9a Choir

10:30a Worship

5p Advent Series - Stone

7p Boy Scouts

10a-6:30p Fair Trade Shoppe

5:45p Brownies

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 9a Choir

10:30a Worship

4p Lessons & Carols – HC

5p Advent Series - 3 Steeples

7p Session

7p Boy Scouts

7p Story Swap - KAC

10a-6:30p Fair Trade Shoppe

9a Bible Brunch

11a Storytellers’ rehearsal

4p Kirkland Bird Club

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 9a Choir

10:30a Worship

5p Advent Series - Deansboro

7p Boy Scouts

Newsletter deadline

8:30a CAM

10a-6:30p Fair Trade Shoppe

5:45p Brownies

7p Taizé worship

23 24 25 26 27 28 29 9a Choir

10:30a Worship

11:30a Hope House 7 Christmas Eve service

Merry

Christmas!!!

10a-6:30p Fair Trade Shoppe

30 31 9a Choir

10:30a Worship

The Corner Stone Stone Presbyterian Church P.O. Box 33 (8 S. Park Row)

Clinton, NY 13323

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Clinton, NY 13323 Permit No. 37

Rev. Dennis Dewey, Pastor

Home Phone: 797-1163; Cell (emergencies): 790-2214

E-mail: DenDew@aol.com

Rev. Gerald R. Platz, Pastor Emeritus

Director of Music: G. Roberts Kolb Sexton: Cros Harvey

Treasurer: Shelly Coe Clerk of Session: Patricia Joseph

Office Manager: Peggy Weldon Newsletter Editor: Midge Bakos

Office: 315-853-2933 www.stonepres.org E-mail: stonepres@verizon.net

Sunday Worship:10:30 a.m.; Church Office hours: 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

Please note…

The deadline for the January issue of the newsletter is Wednesday, December 19. Contact Midge Bakos, editor, at 853-2951 with questions or comments.

Newsletter team Many thanks to Midge Bakos, Carolyn Barnum, Trudi Christeler, and Doris Pryce who have collated, folded, taped and labeled this issue of The Corner

Stone just for you!