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The Newsletter of Gilead Presbyterian Church, Carmel, NY April 2015

Dear Friends, A blessed and Resurrected Easter to you! It was an inspiring treat to have Dr. Susan Andrews, the General Presbyter of Hudson River Presbytery, preach for us recently. Her words were wise and instructive. If you’d like to hear her sermon, remember that most of our Sunday sermons, including hers, are available for listening through our website, www.gileadchurch.org, linked through our Multimedia page. Thanks to Warren Behan for doing the work on that technology. Susan mentioned that in our tradition, we often reference the understanding that we are a “priesthood of all believers,” because 1

Peter 2:5-9 refers to believers as a holy, royal priesthood. We’re all priests together, and the word “priest” in Latin is pontifex, which means “bridge builder.” I

had never heard that before (I think I took about six weeks of Latin in high school). I love that image. Are our actions, our words, even our thoughts and prayers, building bridges or walls? Would people who met us feel drawn to Christ, or pushed away? I think each of us can be challenged to be better, especially if we remember that the challenge is to be more welcoming and loving, to make our faith attractive. We’ll find if we do, we enjoy our own faith experience a little more, too.

There’s an old story which may be apocryphal about Nathan’s Hot Dogs. When he was first starting out in 1916 with a simple hot dog stand, business was slow until Nathan installed a fan to waft the odors of his wares to the lunch-time crowds, and the rest is history. And the question becomes, what scent are we giving off to attract the hungry for the bread of life? Grace, or grumpiness? At my last church there was a fellow who had a heart of gold but a tongue of fire, and the book of James tells us that the tongue can set the world ablaze, lit with the fires of hell. So it was with this fellow. He had a quick temper to boot, and even though he was in church every week studying love and light, often he would publically and angrily upbraid someone. I happened to invite one young woman to our church, but she had seen one of his outbursts, and she said, “Oh, I would never go to your church. I see the kind of people they have there.” Ouch. Let’s encourage one another to look into ourselves and see how we’re doing as bridge-builders. A century or so ago, a woman named Will Allen Dromgoole wrote a popular poem called “The Bridge Builder,” about an old man who managed to cross a river, and then turned back to build a bridge across the water. When questioned why he would make that effort when he’d already crossed…

The builder lifted his old gray head; “Good friend, in the path I have come,” he said,

“There followed after me to-day A youth whose feet must pass this way.

This chasm that has been as naught to me To that fair-haired youth may a pitfall be; He, too, must cross in the twilight dim;

Good friend, I am building this bridge for him!” (Father: An Anthology of Verse (EP Dutton & Company, 1931; http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/237102)

“Let all things be done for building up!” (1 Corinthians 14:26)

Love and light,

Martin

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Many thanks to all our musicians for their special efforts in making this Lenten

Season a musically meaningful time. As always, we welcome new members to all

our groups.

A Note from

Gilead Music Department April 2015

I think Spring is finally here, and with it, our globe-trotting

tenor, Annina Celli, is back from her trip “Down Under” (Australia & New Zealand). Welcome home, we missed you. Another sure sign of Spring is the NYSMA adjudications. We have several young musicians participating: Julia Miletti, Alex Vanderberg, Liz Pully, Jillian Blair, and if I have missed some others……. Good luck to all of you. Erin Clark was recently part of the production team in Brewster High School’s presentation of “Shreck”. Eric Mueller was a member of the cast of “Into the Woods” at Carmel High School and is now on his way to Rome to sing at the Vatican. What talent we have here at Gilead! And what’s more important, they’re always willing to share their talent to Praise God here at Gilead. So watch for them in upcoming Worship Services. We are so very proud of you! The very first week in April starts off, this year, with Holy Week. We are planning a full week of opportunities for you to prepare your hearts and minds for Easter through the Worship experience here at Gilead. The Gilead Music Department is a big part of that.

Holy Week Schedule: Wednesday, April 1, 2015 3:30 pm - Junior Bell Chimes 6:30 pm - Senior Bell Chimes 7:45 pm - Senior Choir

Thursday, April 2 7:00 pm - Maundy Thursday Tenebrae

Service at Gilead Friday, April 2

6:30 pm - Ecumenical Choir rehearsal at Drew Methodist Service at 6:30 pm - TBA

Easter Sunday, April 5

9:00 am - Family Service (with the Flowering of the Cross)

Eric Mueller, soloist - “Every Sunday is Easter Sunday”

Rebekah McGeachy, soloist 8:15 am - Junior Bell Chimes “Crown

Him With Many Crowns” 8:30 am - Praise Makers (will sing in

Worship)

11:00 am - Easter Sunday Piano/Organ Duets, 10:10 am - Senior Bell Chimes

“Because He Lives 10: 20 am - Senior Choir---

“Resurrection Victory”

All groups will continue to rehearse on their regular schedule after Easter. (See calendar below) April 8, Wednesdays Junior Bell Chimes @ 3:30 April 15 Senior Bell Chimes @ 6:30 April 22 Senior Choir @ 7:45 April 29 Happy Easter! Mary Temple, Music Director

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Gilead Youth Group News

April 2015

“For those who believe no proof is necessary” Adolescence is a time of learning and experiencing things for themselves. They seem to really need proof before they will believe. Thank goodness for GOOGLE. How many times have we told our kids something we know to be correct and yet they refuse to believe us? We often refrain from having to say” I told you so” many, many times.

The story of "Doubting Thomas" is one of the more recognizable episodes in the Bible. In the story, Jesus appears to his disciples after his

death. One of the disciples, Thomas, will not believe the man is Jesus until he touches his wounds. The story is typical of where our kids are at as teens post confirmation. They have many questions and doubts about their faith and it is important for us to help them understand how it all fits into their lives and ultimately makes them a better person and keeps them in a better place. We need to teach them that it is OK to ask questions about their faith, and that it is important to learn to trust God without lecturing and reminding them I told you so. I believe that it is through examples and activities and church involvement that we can teach these concepts to preteens and teens. I pray that all of our youth will continue to sort it all out and find solace at Gilead and in church activities. Happy Easter and Spring! Fran Croughan

Calendar of Events

Friday April 10 Midnight Run Sign-up Lounge

Sunday April 12

Youth Brunch following worship Friday April 17

Youth Activity at Gilead - “Win it in a minute”

FREE Bring Friends 7:00 - 9:30 pm Snacks served Call Fran 914.318.4381

Sunday April 19

Youth serve coffee hour

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Easter Party

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Holy Week Schedule

Palm Sunday – March 29 at 10:00 am - Worship Service with Palms

Maundy Thursday – April 2 at 7:30 pm – Tenebrae Service at Gilead

Good Friday – April 3

12:00 Noon – 3:00 pm – The Sanctuary will be open for silent prayer 7:00 pm - Ecumenical Service at Drew UMC

Easter Sunday – April 5

9:00 am Early Service 11:00 am Late Service

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RESURRECTION STORIES An eight week Bible Study of the resurrection of the Lord

Based on readings from The Revised Common Lectionary, Year B

Facilitated by Rev. Martin McGeachy (facilitate: to make something easier to do)

7:30 p.m. Monday evenings at Gilead beginning March 30, 2015 Join us as we explore what the Bible has to say to us about the resurrection of Christ, and how we experience resurrection in our own lives. Starting Monday, March 30, 2015 at 7:30 pm., we will gather weekly for eight weeks, reading ahead the upcoming Sunday’s stories about Easter, concluding with the coming of Pentecost. We will look at the historical context of the readings, and discuss their contemporary relevance. Everyone is welcome to join us for this Scriptural conversation, from the life-long student to the Bible-curious who has never read it before. All perspectives and faith traditions are welcome. There is no need to attend all the evenings. Just drop in when you can.

The readings:

March 30

Acts 10:34–43

Psalm 118:1–2, 14–24

1 Corinthians 15:1–11

John 20:1–18

April 6

Acts 4:32–35

Psalm 133

1 John 1:1–2:2

John 20:19–31

April 13

Acts 3:12–19

Psalm 4

1 John 3:1–7

Luke 24:36b–48

April 20

Acts 4:5–12

Psalm 23

1 John 3:16–24

John 10:11-18

April 27

Acts 8:26–40

Psalms 22:25–31

1 John 4:7–21

John 15:1–8

May 4

Acts 10:44–48

Psalm 98

1 John 5:1–6

John 15:9–17

May 11

Acts 1:1–11

Psalm 47

Ephesians 1:15–23

Luke 24:44–53

May 18

Acts 2:1–21

Psalm 104:24–34, 35b

Romans 8:22–27

John 15:26–27; 16:4b–15

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WORSHIP AND MINISTRY Pastor McGeachy generally follows the lectionary each week, but there are occasional exceptions. We are making these available for those who may wish to read the likely scripture readings in advance of Sunday worship. The daily lectionary and the Mission Yearbook for Prayer and Study are available on our website: www.gileadchurch.org.

Lectionary for Sundays and Festivals Scripture Reference April 2015

Wednesday of Holy Week—April 1 Resurrection of the Lord / Easter—April 5

Isaiah 50:4–9a Psalm 70:1–5 Hebrews 12:1–3 John 13:21–32

Acts 10:34–43 or Isaiah 25:6–9 Psalm 118:1–2, 14–24 1 Corinthians 15:1–11 or Acts 10:34–43 John 20:1–18 or Mark 16:1–8

Maundy Thursday—April 2 Easter Evening—April 5

Exodus 12:1–4 (5–10) 11–14 Psalm 116:1–2, 12–19 1 Corinthians 11:23–26 John 13:1–17, 31b–35

Isaiah 25:6–9 Psalm 114 1 Cor. 5:6b–8 Luke 24:13–49

Good Friday—April 3 2nd Sunday of Easter—April 12

Isaiah 52:13–53:12 Psalm 22:1–31 Hebrews 10:16–25 or Hebrews 4:14–16, 5:7–9 John 18:1–19:42

Acts 4:32–35 Psalm 133 1 John 1:1–2:2 John 20:19–31

Easter Vigil—April 4 3rd Sunday of Easter—April 19

Genesis 1:1–2:4a Psalm 136:1–9, 23–26 Genesis 7:1–5, 11–18; 8:6–18; 9:8–13 Psalm 46:1–11 Genesis 22:1–18 Psalm 16:1–11 Exodus 14:10–31; 15:20–21 Exodus 15:1b–13, 17–18 Isaiah 55:1–11 Isaiah 12:2–6 Proverbs 8:1–8, 19–21; 9:4b–6 Psalm 19:1–14 Ezekiel 36:24–28 Psalm 42:1–11 and Psalm 43:1–5 Ezekiel 37:1–14 Psalm 143:1–12 Zephaniah 3:14–20 Psalm 98:1–9 Romans 6:3–11 Psalm 114:1–8 Mark 16:1–8

Acts 3:12–19 Psalm 4 1 John 3:1–7 Luke 24:36b–48

4th Sunday of Easter—April 26

Acts 4:5–12 Psalm 23 1 John 3:16–24 John 10:11–18

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4/5 at 9:00 am

Warren Behan Holly Hoffner

Marion Hoffner

4/5 at 11:00 am

Penny Cameron Donna DiPippo

TBA

4/12 Annina Celli Rob D'Ascoli

Ellie Nielsen

4/19 Ann Clark Bart Casabona

Rob LoAlbo

4/26 Paul Francis Emma McLean Pauline Silberquit

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GILEAD NEWS

Gilead Greeting Cards Pam Festa has created Easter and Spring

Photo Greeting cards are available in the church living room for your holiday needs! Don’t forget those important celebrations like

Mother’s and Father’s Day, Graduations, Communions, Confirmations, Birthdays, Weddings, and any reason to make someone SMILE! All donations go to Gilead Presbyterian Church! Thanks Pam!

Lenten Prayer Please join us in the Sanctuary each Sunday during Lent (up to, but not including, Palm Sunday) at 11:30 a.m., as we pray for the health of our

church. Our mission is to open our hearts in prayer to receive the grace of God over Gilead, that He will guide us through our challenges so that we can know His plans for our church. Even if you cannot stay to

pray with us, you can pray for Gilead on your own time. We believe prayer can accomplish great things, and that the "family that prays together, stays together." Gilead is our family, and we want to see us thrive despite our struggles. God led the Israelites out of the wilderness, and sent His angels to be with Jesus in the desert; we trust that He will guide us in the path He has set forth for Gilead. Peace to all! Mariah and John Warren

Obituary for Raymond Anderson

Raymond Arthur Anderson, a long-time resident of Carmel, NY, died on Wednesday, March 18, 2015 at Putnam Ridge Nursing Home in Brewster, NY. He was

84 years old. Ray was born on May 12, 1930 in

Brooklyn, NY to Swedish Immigrants David and Ellen (Gustafson) Anderson. He was an active member of Fort Hamilton Presbyterian Church in Brooklyn and Gilead Presbyterian Church in Carmel, where he sang in the choir. Ray was a member of the Masons and he proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He retired from IBM in 1989 and volunteered at Putnam Hospital Center. Ray moved with his wife, Sally, to The Fountains at Millbrook in 2004 where they made their home together until just recently. Ray is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Sally (Sarah) Anderson, also of Putnam Ridge in Brewster, as well as his daughter, Darlene, and son-in-law, Dean Alexander of New Fairfield, CT. Ray will be greatly missed by his grandchildren Madison, of Bennington, VT, Jordan Rae, and Bryce (both of New Fairfield). Ray was blessed to have nieces – Linda Triozzi, Arlene Ferretti, and Lorraine Anderson – and nephews – Larry Ferretti and Richard Anderson – who were always a source of love and support for Ray and Sally. He is predeceased by his sister, Viola Ferretti, and his brother, Milford Anderson. In lieu of flowers, Ray’s family asks that you make a donation to the Gilead Presbyterian Church to support their Music Ministry.

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Sanctuary Flowers

The flower reservation chart for 2015 is now available. The chart (in the hallway outside the office) is for people to reserve a date to donate flowers for the

sanctuary. At least two weeks prior to the date selected, they should fill out the form under the chart to let us know if they will provide flowers or if they wish us to order flowers for them, if they have any special requests, and what they would like the bulletin to say. The flowers are $48 ($40 plus $8 delivery). They should give the form and payment to either Margery Amato or MaryLou Cassidy.

Are you in the loop?

Stay abreast of Presbyterian events,

resources, grants, and opportunities. Subscribe to Hudson Happenings, the bi-

weekly online newsletter of the Hudson River

Presbytery. Subscribe by emailing noelle@hudrivpres.org

or by clicking this link http://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?llr=jupymrgab&p=oi&m=1106537889417&sit=xehoquegb For a hardcopy HH sign-up sheet that you can use, click here. If you do sign-up people by paper, please be sure to return them promptly to Noelle Damico, noelle@hudrivpres.org or fax, 914-941-2263

Church School Teachers Needed

Teachers are still needed for this year’s church

school for all grades.

Experience is not a

requirement. We will

provide you with the

necessary curriculum materials and support. We

use a team approach, so no one

needs to make a commitment to

teach every Sunday.

Substitute teachers are also needed.

“Start children off on the way they should go,

and even when they are old they will not turn

from it.”

Proverbs 22:6

The Deadline for the May Shingle is

April 26th.

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Gilead Presbyterian Church has partnered with Flower Power Fundraising for this season's fundraiser.

Flower Power offers top-quality flower bulbs for our friends and

family members to purchase. All orders ship directly to our customers' homes and come with a 100% money-back guarantee. And the best part, we get to keep 50% of every dollar

sold!

Here's how the program works:

We've created a special web page, dedicated to our organization. The page features specific information about our group and explains how supporters can help us achieve our fundraising goals by purchasing flower bulbs and plants directly from Flower Power.

For every purchase made Gilead Presbyterian Church receives 50% of the sale price which counts toward our fundraising goal.

Now here's where you come in!

Automatically invite friends and family members to buy from our fundraiser. Click here to personalize your invitations and add email addresses to our fundraising drive.

Post your fundraising message on Facebook in just minutes. Click here to set up your personalized landing page and, once complete, you'll be able to "Share Now" with your

friends and family.

Our success is up to you! Please click on one of the options above today.

Have fun and thank you!

Stephanie Gould

Gilead Presbyterian Church

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Session Notes Session met for a regular called meeting on Tuesday, March 10th at 7:30 p.m. in the lounge. Highlights of the meeting:

Gilead received three new

members on Sunday,

February 22nd: Robert

Dutra, Linda Mahony, and

Carol Oeschlager.

Gilead received letters of resignation

from Martin & Julie Foley, and David &

Leanne Moody.

Via email, Session approved a motion

from the Finance Committee that “the

current Session Clerk and the Financial

Secretary have access to the safe in the

office, so that records can be stored

appropriately in a safe environment.”

Pastor’s Report for February: 27

pastoral care visits, 43 pastoral care

phone conversations, and three

Presbytery functions.

Following a discussion of fundraising

ideas for the church, Session decided to

pursue the following: Flower Power

(seed/bulb sales), continued sale of

greeting cards by Pam Festa, and

either/both a revival of our 2008

production of “Godspell” and an evening

of music and art entitled “Gilead By the

Lake.” Mariah Warren and Martin will

call an ACTS (Artists Coming Together

in the Spirit) to discuss the latter

fundraising ideas. Session will continue

to entertain more fundraising

suggestions, and invites congregation

members to come to the next

Stewardship committee meeting with

their ideas.

As part of our ongoing discussion, the

Session has adopted the following

statement via a unanimous vote: “We at

Gilead Presbyterian Church respect

each individual’s beliefs regarding same

sex unions. We do not judge, as only

God can judge others. An

individual’s belief in this matter is

between God and him/herself.”

Discussion began and will

continue on the differences between

PC(USA) and the other Presbyterian

denominations.

The proposed Nominations team

process for our Manual of Operations

will be edited and voted upon next

month.

The meeting adjourned with silent prayer at 10:12 p.m. Do you have a concern or a suggestion that you would like Session to consider? Please see Pastor Martin if you would like to speak to Session, or ask any Session member to share your thoughts at the meeting. A list of Session committees and chairpersons can be found in the lounge. The next regular meeting of Session will be Tuesday, April 14th, at 7:30 p.m. in the lounge. To purchase flowers from Flower Power, go to http://www.flowerpowerfundraising.com/campaign?campaign_id=21153

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Welcome to the Deacon’s Corner

Where you’ll find out what the Deacons have been up to each month!

The Deacons met Sunday March 22nd, and

discussed the following:

A search is still underway for 2 additional Deacons to serve

An event to reunite college aged kids/those who have been confirmed,

continues to be discussed with the youth Deacons!

We pray that the Carmel H.S. Choral Choirs

has a safe trip to the Vatican to perform for the Pope this week! Our own Youth Deacon Eric Mueller will be in attendance, wish him luck!

We thank Renae Lent for picking up some wine in NH for us to enjoy on Communion!

Robyn Steinberg volunteered to help keep the basic coffee hour supplies stocked and ready!

We thank 4 lovely young ladies who have been so diligently helping Lucy and Jose at Coffee hour lately!

A signup sheet for those wanting to donate food at coffee hour/lend their time was discussed.

Outreach and visitation continue to go well, but If you feel we have missed someone who may be in need of a visit-please see any of the Deacons and let us know!

18 Prayer requests were received for the Month of February

If you have any prayer requests (joys or

concerns) you may email them to

lsutton.dascoli@gmail.com or post them

directly on the Gilead Group Facebook

Page.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1643

33380282707/

Sermon Podcasts: www.gileadchurch.org/multimedia.html or gilead.sermonpodcasts.com/. They are also available through iTunes software.

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/GileadChurch#p/u

Facebook: Public Page: o http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gile

ad-Presbyterian-Church/139888512714485

Facebook Closed Group: o http://www.facebook.com/groups/16

4333380282707/

When you click on the Gilead Facebook page, please make sure you click on the “Like” button – it’s another way to keep up with events at Gilead.

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OUTREACH AND MISSION Midnight Run

On April 10th Gilead will be

participating in another Midnight Run to provide clothing and meals to the needy in New York City. As always volunteers are needed to participate in the run. Also needed: gently used clothing (adult only) and volunteers to prepare sandwiches. Please see either Martin or Fran for more information.

Arms Acres Are you cleaning out your closets to make way for the new clothes you received for Christmas? Please bring your gently used clothing for adults and adolescents to church during the month of January to be donated to the residents of Arms Acres. Some residents, upon arrival at Arms Acres, have brought little or nothing with them. Your clothing donations will be appreciated. They can also use suitcases and duffle bags when they leave to return home. A collection box will be available in the church lounge for your donations. Thank you!

Gilead Food Pantry The Gilead Food Pantry is open Friday mornings from 10:00 am until noon to offer food to those who are in need. Donations of food or funds are always welcome. Food items can be placed in the basket in the lounge, while funds are best given directly to Marj Williams or placed in the

offering basket with the notation “Food Pantry” on the envelope or memo line of your check.

The Food Pantry could especially use donations of tuna, pasta, soup, cake mix and frosting, coffee, tea, toilet paper, paper towels, soap (both bath and dish), paper towels, and pet food. Thank you! For more information on this important ministry, please see Marj Williams. While the goods received during the Kid’s Kitchen Collections have been a great help to the food pantry, please remember that other things continue to be needed, so please continue to bring other items on non-communion Sundays. Thanks!

Habitat for Humanity Habitat for Humanity is part of our church

mission. There are volunteer opportunities on house sites or off site work. Steve Biolsi is the Project Manager

for Habitat for Humanity of Putnam County. He can be reached at 914-774-9314. You can get more information on the web at www.habitatputnam.org and you can find them on Facebook.

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Gilead Church School

Kid’s Kitchen

As has been our tradition, children bring an offering for the food pantry on the first Sunday of each month. We are expanding upon this tradition by introducing the Gilead Church School Kid’s Kitchen. Each month will have a different theme, and children are requested to bring up an item related to that theme with them during “Time for the Young at Heart”. In September, the children will receive a new calendar for the next 12 months to remind them what to bring each month. Please help your child to remember to bring this important offering for our food pantry ministry. The calendar for this school year follows, and will be also posted on the Church School Bulletin Board by the Church School entrance. If you have any questions about this offering project please see Diana Drake Behan. The theme for April is an Easter treat and/or a 2 lb. Bag of Rice and for May is Complete Pancake Mix and Syrup.

Knitting Project Diana Behan is currently working with the staff of PS 369, situated in the south Bronx. This is a school which has been struggling. Most of its students come from homes living below the

poverty level, with many English language learners and students with special needs. In order to encourage more family participation in the life

of the school, they have created a knitting club for adults. The club meets at the beginning of the school day so that families can get together as their children attend classes. The club has limited funding and is in need of yarn, knitting needles, crochet hooks and other knitting supplies. If you have some extras of these items, and would like to support this mission, there is a box in the lounge where you can leave them.

Presbyterian Disaster Relief - Ebola Crisis

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is working with the West Africa Initiative (WAI) in Liberia and Sierra Leone and with Action by Churches Together (ACT) Alliance on the immediate medical crisis as well as the secondary impacts on communities in the region. The response has focused on:

Supplying essential protective gear and supplies to protect medical workers, Raising awareness on the symptoms of Ebola and preventive methods, Improving food security and incomes of families by maintaining agricultural production at the community

level.

PDA is monitoring reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other sources in the United States to determine an appropriate national response should a need arise.

Share your financial blessings to support the PC(USA) response to the Ebola epidemic, including immediate and long-term humanitarian needs. Please pray for the safety of health care workers, families and neighbors who seek to comfort and ease the suffering of those afflicted; for care, wisdom, and attentiveness on the part of all public health officials as they seek to monitor the severity of the outbreak and limit its spread; and for the compassion and courage of the Spirit to surround all those endangered by the virus, and for mercy to shelter those who have been exposed or lost loved ones.

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Financial Report

As of 2/28/15:

Regular Income Year to Date 21,800

Expenses Year to Date 31,941

Surplus (Deficit) (10,140)

We have paid off the loan that we received from the Presbyterian Church

(USA) to renovate and rehabilitate our educational wing! However, we also borrowed $40,000 from our own long-term investment account, with the full intention of repaying ourselves. So please continue to make contributions

to the building fund.

We also have other capital needs, including a new boiler and repaving the parking lot. Your contributions can be directed toward these needs also.

Please see Brenda Verdesi if you have any questions.

.

Online Giving Is Now Available Online giving is an easy, secure way to support Gilead Presbyterian Church. You can conveniently make a donation at any time. Just go to the Gilead website www.gileadchurch.org, and click on the “Donate” button, and you will be taken to the PayPal website to complete the transaction. (Please note that PayPal keeps 2.2% plus $ .30 for each transaction as a processing fee.)

You can also click here

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GILEAD GROUPS

Faith Discussion Group The Faith Discussion Group meets on Thursday is the lounge 7:30 pm.

Visitors from other churches, the purely curious, those with a lifetime of faith, and those with little faith to speak of, are welcome along

with all hard-core Presbyterians. Continuity and context are maintained, but if you can’t make every session, you will find that each week the Holy Spirit deals with those who attend. So come when you can.

Gilead Designers

Gilead Designers will be meeting at Gilead at 6:30 pm on April 17th. Anyone interested in

creating craft projects is invited. Please see Mary Temple or Ellen Nielsen for more information.

Our Daily Bread Please note that the current issue of our Daily Bread is now available in the lounge. Pick one up for some daily inspiration.

Stretch Exercise Classes

Stretch Exercise Classes are being given every

Monday and Thursday at 11:00 am at Gilead. Annina and her friend Brigitta have organized this ongoing class. There is a charge of $1.00 per class which is

being donated to Gilead every month. Those with physical problems would especially benefit by these classes. Everyone is welcome. If further information is needed, please contact Annina at 845-225-7012.

SpiritWalkers (Ecumenical

Hiking Group)

God spoke, “Let us make human beings in our image,

make them reflecting our nature

So they can be responsible for the fish in the sea,

The birds in the air, the cattle, and, yes, Earth itself, And every animal that moves on the face of the earth.”

Genesis1:26-28 The SpiritWalkers have not finalized their plans for this month, but if you would like to be kept up to date on the year’s schedule and any updates, please join the Spirit Walkers Ecumenical Hiking Group page on Facebook. We'd love for you to join us! Please see Mariah or John Warren if you have any questions. Happy trails! .

We look forward to seeing you as we explore the beauty of God’s creation!

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Gilead Prayer Chain The prayer chain organized by the Deacons is an avenue of support for congregation members who are experiencing joy, pain or dealing with

unexpected situations. Currently there are 19 members who have volunteered to be on the prayer chain and are emailed/called about prayer request as they come in. The Prayer

chain is a fast way to gain a community of support when you need it! If you have any joys/concerns you would like us to hear about, Prayers can be emailed to:

Prayer Chain Coordinator: Lindsay D’Ascoli :

Lsutton.dascoli@gmail.com

If you would like to volunteer to be added to our prayer chain email list

Email Lsutton.dascoli@gmail.com or contact (845)225-0221

.PET PRAYER CHAIN AND PET KORNER All things bright and

beautiful, All creatures great

and small, All things wise and

wonderful, The Lord God made

them all.

Our condolences go out to Marion and Holly Hoffner as their beloved pet cat, Ginger, aged 23, passed away on February 5th. Toby “cat” missed her so much that they’ve adopted from the Humane Society a ‘green-eyed’ playful 3 year old kitty named Jade. Now they’re all in the process of getting to know each other. Happy “tails” to all’! Jaggie, the 10 year old cat of Joyce Scott, will be returning home to Joyce after a long (3

months) stay with “relatives” Coonie Cat (Jaggie’s mother), Mike Pallas & Cyd. All have been tolerating each other while Joyce was recuperation from a leg injury. Readjustment Time! God cares about His creatures, and so do we. If your pet or you is in need of prayer due to your concern over your pet, please do not hesitate to call one of us: Alicia Briley 845-228-4672 Mary Lou Cassidy 845-225-7268 Shirley De Vries 845-279-8688 Joyce Scott 845-225-7293 Sue Surovic 845-225-2988 Eric Koehler 845-225-6355

Young Adults of Gilead Calling all Young Adults of Gilead - there is now a Facebook group just for you "Gilead

Presbyterian Young Adults". What age group are the Young Adults of Gilead? People post confirmation through college graduation. The group is brand new. It was created 4/24/12 and comments are appreciated. it is a place where you can find support and help when you need it or provide support and help when someone needs it. It is a way to stay connected to Gilead or reconnect with Gilead. Links to the Gilead website and PCUSA are there and events will be added they become known. Look for scripture and postings by Micah Rose Emerson, a former youth director of Gilead. Use the group as a way to keep God by your side as you find your way in the world. Come and have a look!

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Your Concrete

Weekly

Devotionals

by Rob LoAlbo

Join us in spirit every Thursday at 9:00 PM, and

pray with us for 10 minutes. These devotionals are

posted on Facebook at that time every week to

assist. For those not on Facebook, below are

some of those weekly devotionals. Use them with

us as a way to join our prayer group. We look

forward to “seeing” you there!

April 2: Commitment is a very powerful tool in

making sure goals get accomplished and

bonds are kept solid. When someone is fully

committed to a cause, nothing can stop him or

her. When two people are completely

committed to one another, nothing can come

between them. As such, if we are determined

to accomplish a task, the first step towards the

goal is commitment. Last week, I committed to

getting my taxes done. I set a date, worked

towards a plan, implemented that plan, and

tomorrow I will see that plan to completion

when I visit my accountant. Once I committed

myself, the rest fell into place quite easily.

Almost twenty years ago, my spouse and I

committed to each other in a wedding

ceremony, a public commitment. Since then,

we have spent time establishing plans to

maintain that commitment and deepen our

relationship. When my son was born, I

committed to being a good father to him and

have been working nonstop towards that goal

since then through time and action. In these

three cases, a commitment is made, and plans

from the person who committed follow shortly

after. When it comes to Christian commitment,

the rules are a little different. Proverbs 16.3

tells us to “commit to the Lord whatever you

do, and He will establish your plans.” Like in

the first three cases, the commitment comes

first, but what differentiates those commitments

from Proverbs is that in this verse, the plans

are established not by the person making the

commitment, but by the person to whom we

are committing. Quite a turn of events: when

there is a commitment to God, there is nothing

for us to do once we commit. He will determine

a course for that commitment that leads to

fulfillment and promise. If that series of events

is true, why are we as Christians not

committing more of our goals to God and

instead trying to take them into our own

hands? He promises that if we commit to Him,

He’ll take it from there. So, those new ideas

you have for making yourself a better person?

Commit to Him first. That new relationship you

want to pursue in your life? Commit to Him

first. That difficult task that you’ve always

wanted to tackle but never had the courage to

do so? Commit to Him first. As an additional

challenge, why not exceed what you think you

can do? I have and know of many anecdotes

where a commitment to God was beyond what

the person was capable of doing, but

somehow, it all come together. That

commitment can come in the form of giving.

Often, we look at our finances and see what

we can give to God, not what we should give to

God. And this giving may come in many forms,

not just monetary. Don’t limit yourself to what

you have and what you think you can

accomplish. If you limit your commitment, you

are limiting what God can do in your life. Trust

that the money will come from somewhere,

your schedule will develop more time than you

thought you had, and your strength will be

more than you thought it would be if you

commit to Him more than you think you can

give. Surrender your fears and apprehensions

to Him in the form of commitment. He will make

it happen. Amen.

_____________________________________ April 9: “Base!” we would yell as we tried our hardest to evade the catch of the person deemed “it” in our little game. Nowhere was safer than that place. We all have various places we retreat to for comfort and safety, where the rest of the world seems far enough away from us so that we can’t be harmed. Its purpose serves as a means of regeneration and renewal, where we can reboot ourselves or find comfort and safety. When it’s time to brush my dog Finn at night, he is initially nervous about the process, so he makes a beeline for the dog door, as he knows that

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during the winter, it’s too cold for me to chase him out there. At my job, I can find a quiet room or tucked away corner where I won’t be bothered for at least a half an hour, enough for me to regain my composure and my strength. For some, a nice warm bubble bath or a cozy fire is there escape. Asking my teenage students where they go when they need to decompress, most say their room, while a select few choose the outdoors where they can commune with nature. Wherever you go, we can all agree that we all need that special safe place where we can be alone, unbothered, and ourselves. While there, we become re-centered, remembering what is important in our lives. As Christians, the writer of Proverbs uses the idea of God as that place of comfort and refuge: “The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe” (18.10). The author uses the image of God as a well-guarded stronghold, a place that is safe from enemy attacks. The world is filled with forces that desire to steal that light of hope placed in us by the Holy Spirit. God’s love is enough to envelop us and take us away from the cares and worries of this world, protecting us when we most need it. The second part of the verse stresses the urgency to which we should be seeking shelter with Him, as the suggestion to “run” towards this tower is emphasized. So the real question then is how do we run to this “fortified tower” for safety and solace? Prayer and meditation are good starts. Finding time to withdraw from the world to a quiet place, away from the buzzing and beeping of our fast paced life, one can just sit quietly and listen for God’s still small voice. There is great comfort in knowing that the creator of the universe is spending time with you amidst the chaos of life and the world. If so moved, feel free to share what troubles you and lay your burdens at His feet. This week, when feeling overwhelmed by life, find time to withdraw and seek out God away from your life. A sense of renewal and reinvigoration from God, who loves you most of all, awaits. Amen.

April 16: As a camp counselor, the first day of camp was always the most awkward: you don’t know the kids, they don’t know you, and they don’t know each other. So to get everyone talking, we would develop icebreaker games. Of the most popular was the one where I would ask campers to reveal a scar they had and tell us how they got it. This low risk/high reward game always got kids talking. I would always go first, and would show the scar on my left arm where my high school friend Ben decided it would be a good idea to stab me with his pencil in the middle of class. There was no rhyme or reason to it; it just seemed like a good idea at the time. I don’t remember much about Ben and haven’t stayed in touch with him, but I always remember that moment of high school foolishness, where consequences aren’t really considered for our actions. Scars can reveal a lot about a particular time period or a significant moment. The sensory memories that flood back with scar stories are no mistake. They are imbedded in our brains, associated with that moment. Following my story, kids would often share their bicycle mishaps, foolish exploits, and poorly thought-out choices, and always with a smile. When we look back on what were no doubt painful experiences, we tend to smile as we remember just how much we learned in that moment and from that experience, thus changing the way we live now. The prophet Isaiah mentions just how much memory is tied into the markings on our skin: “I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands” (49.15-16). The marking that the prophet writes about come from when the nation of Israel thought that God might have forgotten about them, and this verse was His reply. Similarly, our scars and bodily markings make it so we never forget, as well. Despite the fact that scars can also reveal painful moments in our lives, we must also remember that scars are not the open wounds that they once were. They have healed over and left an indelible mark on our lives. Rarely, if ever, do we look at a scar on ourselves, wondering how that got there. We can instantly recall from whence it came. Thus, scars serve a purpose for us all: to remind us of how we have changed as a result of that fateful moment, to help us to see

The Shingle April 2015 Page 21 of 25

that moment’s significance, and we have come so far now as a result. That permanent mark should be a daily reminder that we are not the person we once were, but are now changed and better as a result. Scars should not represent mistakes made but wisdom gained. As Christians, we are changed individuals because of the markings God has made on our heart, marks so deep that our memory is tied to those moments of change. So, instead of covering them, show off your scars with pride to the world, letting it know that you are no longer the person you once were, but are now a changed person and on the right path. Amen.

April 23: There is an old joke that goes if you ever want to get out of jury duty, tell the judge that you are glad you got picked to serve, because you can spot a guilty person just as easy as that. On a related note, I recently read a fascinating CNN article written by pastor Craig Gross, who discussed a debate happening on his Facebook wall. This pastor believed in a heaven and a hell, and that eternity to one or the other is a judgment that is brought upon us all. He also knew that Judas was a man that was hand-picked by Jesus, walked with him for 3 ½ years, one who saw various miracles and unexplainable events, as Christ healed the sick, raised the dead, made the lame walk, etc. Judas was closer to Jesus than any of us have ever been. He watched Christ through all these events, cared for Him, and ended up making one mistake out of all the million correct decisions in his life during a very dark period in Judas’s life: betraying Jesus for 30 silver coins. Many believe that this sin of treachery is completely unforgivable, as many are quick to point out. So, he posted the question, “Is Judas in Heaven or Hell?” to his Facebook wall, and the responses were inflammatory. Many claimed, adamantly and angrily so, that Judas is in Hell and will be/deserves to be there forever. The pastor soon realized that he felt uncomfortable with the responses, but not because he agreed or disagreed with them. It was an issue he had wrestled with himself for a while. One such reason was that Gross believed that if you are to judge Judas by this standard, shouldn’t the

other apostles be judged similarly? Didn’t Peter commit the same sin as Judas, as Peter publicly renounced Christ three times? But if you were to ask people if Peter is in Hell, there would be a unanimous “no” to the issue, despite the fact that both men committed the same sin of denial. The main reason that Gross was so uncomfortable by the responses is because he realized how we, as Christians, are so quick to judge and condemn a person based on our own acquired knowledge and wisdom. James 4.12 tells us that “There is only one lawgiver and judge, He who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?” There are many of us who are certain as to Judas’s eternal resting place, convinced that they know his fate. But the truth is that none of us really know, and none of us should speak with such certainty as to anyone’s eternal salvation or damnation. Only God knows the heart of each and every one of us. How is it then, that both Judas and Peter, individuals who succumbed to the same sin, had such different outcomes: one killed himself and the other was the foundation of the church? Because, again, no one really knows the hearts of man but God himself. Yet, we continue to debate in such ridiculous rhetoric (this among other issues) when we don’t have all the facts, and most likely, never will. What we should really be doing is grounding ourselves in what we know for sure, that Christ died on the cross for our sins and demolished the grave for our salvation. That humbling truth should silence all other debate and unite us as Christian followers, instead of allowing these sidelining disagreements to divide us. So, this Easter, root yourself in His love and sacrifice, and allow all other noise and debate to be silenced. Amen.

_____________________________________

April 30: During this Easter season, it is very easy to be humbled by the sacrifice that Christ made for us with His death on the cross. Over the next few weeks, Christian churches everywhere will be either relaying or reenacting the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, and we will all attend church and be moved by this representation. It is a humbling experience that puts our lives into perspective. These images

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and words remind us of how much and how deeply we should feel His love. However, many of us will take the time out of our lives for these experiences, and then shortly after Easter, promptly forget about the impact these thoughts and images have made on us, thus getting back to our regular lives where we will begin to prepare for the next big holiday. We stumble at the sight of Christ on the cross, but how many of us are truly changed for good as a result? When we experience Easter, are we allowing our emotions to control our lives or are we allowing for Christ to affect our emotions? I’ve been taking a class online lately for school environment and bullying, and in reading the text, I’ve found myself being profoundly challenged by the material. It goes against what I’ve been practicing, challenging my interactions with students. The material is backed up by extensive research and examples, and I’ve found myself broken by the book and rebuilt as a result. In fact, my breaking was completely involuntary, as it was a reaction to the material. I approach my students in a similar fashion. I tell them at the beginning of the year that I will be spending a good deal of time breaking their practices and foundations down to the roots, and then will spend time building them back up on stronger, steadier foundations. Those who resist these classroom teachings find themselves crushed under the weight of the material, but those who allow themselves to learn, find themselves consequently broken down and built back up. If they allow me to work through them, their natural reaction will be to grow. In the telling of a parable, Jesus sums up his message in Matthew 21.44 with the message, “He who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed." Christ calls us to be broken vessels, ready to have his love poured into us. Too often, we don’t allow ourselves to be broken, just merely affected and emotionally involved. We are too meek and timid to allow Christ to really break us with His image and teachings, and we instead acknowledge His sacrifice but aren’t changed by it. We feel what we think we should feel, not what He wants us to feel. By being a broken vessel, we allow Christ to work through us, as we are not controlled by our own emotions and

desires. Instead, we allow Him to fill us with what He wants for us, not what we think He wants for us. This Easter, instead of filling yourself up with the emotional aspect of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection, empty yourself and allow for Christ to fill you up with what He wants for you. Don’t expect to feel a certain way: let emptying yourself be the goal so that Christ can fill you up with the unexpected. Amen.

The Shingle April 2015 Page 23 of 25

The CNS Pre-K Program is Gilead's nonsectarian school for 2 1/2 to 5 year olds. Since it was founded in 1949, the Pre-School has been a respected community resource for early childhood education. Our staff consists of three teachers and an aide with many years of experience at CNS between them. All are active members of the community and volunteers in the school district.

The school offers two, three and five day programs. They follow the same calendar as the Carmel Central School

district. In preparing a child for Kindergarten, their philosophy is teaching the whole child to grow. They provide a daily routine balanced between academic skills and lessons, crafts, free and structured play time, music, story time, computer time, snack, and outdoor activities on the large playground. The curriculum was developed in conjunction with the area kindergarten teachers to best prepare the child for kindergarten and instill an enthusiasm for learning in a fun loving environment. Utilizing the team teaching method, three teachers give a student to teacher ratio of approximately 8 to 1. For children scheduled to enter public school in September of the year, we routinely prepare a detailed evaluation of Kindergarten readiness.

For more information, please call the school at 845-225-8044, or visit them at www.carmelnurseryschool.com, or on Facebook.

Used with permission. Copyright Gospel Communications International, Inc.

www.reverendfun.com

Used with permission. ©Communication Resources, Inc.

www.churchart.com

The Shingle April 2015 Page 24 of 25

FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES

Tastefully Simple So far you helped raise over $100 for Gilead, simply by ordering The Food That You Love!

The Tastefully Simple Fundraiser will continue each month with a featured special. A link has been posted on the website, so you can order anytime.

If you would rather place your order with me or have any questions, please call me!

Cynthia Davern Tastefully Simple Senior Consultant

"the food you love, the time you deserve" 845-225-3878

cdavern1@verizon.net

There is an easy way to help Gilead’s finances if you shop at Amazon.com. Gilead receives a commission from Amazon if you enter their site through Gilead’s web page. Just go to www.gileadchurch.org and click on Gilead Staff Recommendations on the left side menu – the bottom choice just above the church’s name.

You can also reach that page directly at www.gileadchurch.org/marketplace4.html . You can bookmark the page for easier access!

From that page you can view books, music, and other items recommended by Gilead staff members, or search Amazon directly.

The Shingle April 2015 Page 25 of 25

Please accept our apologies if we have missed you during the year. If you wish to share these events, please either send an email to gilead@gileadchurch.org or leave a write it on a slip of paper and leave it in The Shingle mail slot in the office.

For more information about Gilead Church, please visit our web site: www.gileadchurch.org

Please remember that the deadline for submissions is the 20th of each month. Submissions preferably can be emailed to Martin McGeachy at the church office: gilead@gileadchurch.org with a copy to Warren Behan at TheShingle@gmail.com, or you may drop off a hard copy at the Office.

Gilead Presbyterian Church 9 Church St.

Carmel, NY 10512 845-225-4586

Email: gilead@gileadchurch.org

Martin McGeachy Pastor

Fran Croughan Youth Director

Mary Temple Music Director

Acknowledgements: Some Images © FaithClipart.com or ©Communication Resources, Inc. www.churchart.com

Birthdays

4/1 Alicia Briley 4/17 Mary Temple

4/3 Rebecca VanVlack 4/20 Rebekah McGeachy

4/5 Maksim Chepel 4/20 James Davern

4/5 Dorothea Evans 4/20 Janet Kern

4/6 Lee Halliday 4/22 Louise Andres

4/8 Katherine Chepel 4/22 Cindy Davern

4/8 Timothy LoAlbo 4/24 Kim Grieco

4/9 Renae Lent 4/28 Skyler Vennard

4/10 Patricia Karell 4/28 Carl Mueller

4/11 Anthony Stavrides 4/29 Pauline Silberquit

4/11 Nicholas Hynes 4/30 John Vangor

4/12 Bill Regan

4/13 Mariah Warren Anniversaries

4/13 Elfi Dierks 4/2 Dolores Knapp

4/14 Lindsay Evitts 4/8 Diana & Warren Behan

4/14 Geri Healy 4/20 Tracey & Thomas Hynes

4/15 Natalie Wright 4/25 Angela & Kenneth Cole

4/15 Elizabeth Erickson

10:00 AM Morning Worship with HolyCommunion and Church School

7:00 PM AA Meeting7:30 PM Bible Study:Resurrection Stories

6:30 PM Bell ChimesReheasal7:00 PM AA Meeting7:45 PM Senior ChoirRehearsal

11:00 AM StretchExercise Class6:55 PM Junior BellChimes Rehearsal7:10 PM Senior ChoirRehearsal7:30 PM MaundyThursday Service Sanctuary Will Be Open

12:00 Noon to 3:00 pm7:00 PM EcumenicalGood Friday Service atDrew UMC

10:00 AM PRPH

9:00 AM Easter Morning Worship11:00 AM Easter Morning Worship

7:00 PM AA Meeting7:30 PM Bible Study:Resurrection Stories

6:30 PM Bell ChimesReheasal7:00 PM AA Meeting7:45 PM Senior ChoirRehearsal

11:00 AM StretchExercise Class7:30 PM Faith DiscussionGroup

7:30 PM Midnight Run

10:00 AM PRPH

10:00 AM Morning Worship and ChurchSchool11:00 AM Youth Brunch FollowingWorship

7:00 PM AA Meeting7:30 PM Bible Study:Resurrection Stories

7:30 PM Session Meeting 6:30 PM Bell ChimesReheasal7:00 PM AA Meeting7:45 PM Senior ChoirRehearsal

11:00 AM StretchExercise Class7:30 PM Faith DiscussionGroup

6:30 PM Gilead Designers7:00 PM Youth Activity -Win in a Minute

10:00 AM PRPH

10:00 AM Morning Worship and ChurchSchool11:00 AM Youth Serve Coffee Hour

7:00 PM AA Meeting7:30 PM Bible Study:Resurrection Stories

6:30 PM Bell ChimesReheasal7:00 PM AA Meeting7:45 PM Senior ChoirRehearsal

11:00 AM StretchExercise Class7:30 PM Faith DiscussionGroup

10:00 AM PRPH

Shingle Deadline10:00 AM Morning Worship and ChurchSchool 7:00 PM AA Meeting

7:30 PM Bible Study:Resurrection Stories

6:30 PM Bell ChimesReheasal7:00 PM AA Meeting7:45 PM Senior ChoirRehearsal

11:00 AM StretchExercise Class7:30 PM Faith DiscussionGroup

10:00 AM PRPH