"Our Mind's Stonehouse"

Benjamin Weir, a missionary in the Middle East, was taken captive by terrorists and held in solitary confinement. Blindfolded and cut off from the outside world, he endured deep isolation with no one to speak to and no sense of where he was.

What could he do? In many ways, all he had was a beating heart and a mind still free to think. To endure the long days, he began drawing from what was stored within him. After his release, he reflected, “I called up my memory bank, things that were stored in my mind.”

He recalled Scripture passages he had learned years before. He remembered lines from William Shakespeare, the words of hymns and songs, and the faces of those he loved. He reflected on his work, his family and the steady grace of God throughout his life.

Looking back, he said, “Whatever is in your mind is what you have to draw on.”

That truth lingers. What we place in our minds today shapes what we will lean on tomorrow. It invites a simple but important question: What are we storing away? May we fill our thoughts with what is true, pure and life-giving, with the story of Christ and the hope of His saving grace.

Pastor Mark

Rally Sunday will take place on Sunday, September 13th during our 10:00am service. Please join us to celebrate our children progressing further into their faith with our Sunday School Program. Sunday School sessions will then resume throughout the year and begin at 10:15am in the Sunday School rooms, located on the lower level of the church.

Choir changes for Fall: Beginning Wednesday, September 9th, Choir Practice will be held at 5:30 PM in the Sanctuary. Beginning Sunday, September 13th, practice will be held at 9:15 AM in the Music Room. Cantata practice will begin on Wednesday, September 23rd at 6:30 PM in the Sanctuary. Anyone is welcome to join and sing in the choir. More information regarding the Christmas Cantata will be available in future Worship Service Bulletins.

Our Textile Social Group has been busy this summer. Shown below are members Doris Boogerd (left) and Anita Weinrick making a delivery of afghans, pillowcases, pillows and tote bags to the Diane Pepple Center.

What is a Trustee?

If you have ever wondered about the role and responsibilities of a FUPC Trustee, let me shed a little light on the subject.  (with credit to the FUPC Trustees Handbook)

In the very briefest summary, Trustees are charged with taking care of the financial and physical welfare of the church.  Now let’s add a bit more explanation to that definition.

The financials include monitoring the general fund and all bills and payroll to be paid as well as several specified funds.  The physical buildings include the church itself, the Sugar Island cabin, as well as three rental houses.  Officers are elected, and they become the officers of the corporation. Committees are formed to complete the necessary work.  Some committees are comprised of both trustees and session members, as determined by the Book of Order.  Trustee members usually volunteer for one, two, or sometimes three committees.  The committee members are tasked with the following areas:

Audit – an annual audit to review the church financial statements and procedures.

Building and Grounds - responsible for the physical upkeep of the church and grounds.

Building Use - responsible for overseeing requests for church use by members and non-members

Finance/Budget - works with members of Session to prepare the yearly budget that passed is passed by the congregation at the annual meeting.  However, the entire board reviews financial statements at each monthly meeting.

Insurance - reviews all insurance policies on church property, seeks quotes and files claims as needed.

Memorial - helps with the distribution of any gifts given to the Memorial Fund in memory of a loved one.

Newsletter – responsible for contributing articles to the Chimes newsletter at least quarterly.

Nominating - finds nominees for open positions on Session, the Board of Trustees, the Deacons, and the Nominating Committee, that are then presented to the congregation for election at the annual meeting.

Personnel - oversees all paid personnel matters of the church.

Property Management - oversees all aspects of the rental property owned by the church (with abundant help from Alicia Cottle). They also oversee the retreat cabin on Sugar Island.

The FUPC Trustees are congregation members hailing from a variety of industry backgrounds, each bringing a unique perspective to the group.  If you are interested in serving the church as a member of the trustees, or would like to know more about the monthly requirements, please see any of the current trustees.  If you are concerned you lack the financial knowledge, rest assured, a variety of talents are needed to build a well-rounded board.  (Are you handy with tools? We can use your help!)  We welcome your interest and willingness to serve.  Along with the service to the church, the camaraderie and opportunity to form friendships with church members you may only know from across the sanctuary is a real perk!

I’ll provide more information on board members in another article, but in the interest of space, the current FUPC Board of Trustees:

Ron Meister – President

Rich Brawley – Vice President

Lois Kenney – Treasurer

Judy Bawks – Secretary

Ann Bourque

Jennifer Reattoir

Roger Roe

Jerry Coutant

Dear Church Family and Friends:

I can not tell you how surprised and happy I was to receive all your cards, texts and phone calls for my 80th birthday. Thank you so very much for taking the time to remember me. I do miss all of you. Blessings to all,

Roberta Lackey

The annual Memorial Candle Lighting, Dedication Service will be held on Sunday, October 18th.

PW would like to thank everyone who donated items for the rummage sale, all who helped set up the items, all who donated food, all who helped at the sale, and all who purchased items. As a result, the proceeds of $2049.00 went to missions. A big "Thank You" to each of you!

ATTENTION! ATTENTION! Our annual bazaar will be held November 7th. Our theme this year is "O Holy Night". Ideas and suggestions for decorations would be appreciated. Our bazaar has a Kitchen and Craft Booth, a Bake Sale and Grandma's Attic Booth. To make our bazaar a success we need donations to all of these booths as well as items for a silent auction. The best part of the bazaar is the fancy tea sandwiches and cookies. This event is a whole church function and not just a few members of PW. PLEASE start planning now to help with donations and helping the week and day of the bazaar.