Stone Presbyterian Church ~ The Church on the Green

December 2008

THE CORNER STONE

WORSHIP AT STONE IN DECEMBER

Thursday, December 4, 2008 - Taizé Service, 7:00 p.m.

Taizé is a form of contemplative Christian worship that incorporates meditative practices, a mystical service of candlelight, scripture, prayer and silence that makes use of simple chants. These chants express a basic reality of faith, quickly grasped by the mind. As the words are sung over many times, this reality gradually penetrates the whole being. Come and experience the still, small voice.

December 7, 2008 - Second Sunday of Advent – The Lord’s Supper - LOVE

Isaiah 40:1-11 – Comfort my people. 2 Peter 3:8-15a – A thousand years are as a day to God. Mark 1:1-8 – John the Baptist appears. Sermon Too Close for Comfort The season of preparation for the coming of the Christ is heralded by the appearance of an Elijah-like figure dressed in camel’s hair: John the Baptist, announcing the coming of one who is like no other. We prepare the way of the Lord, the way of love. We will receive a special love offering for Emmaus House.

December 14, 2008 - Third Sunday of Advent - JOY 2 Samuel 7:1–11, 16 – The Lord will establish the house of David forever. Luke 1:47–55 – The Magnificat Luke 1:26–38 – The Annunciation Sermon No Trickle Down Joy! As we celebrate the coming of Emmanuel, “God with us,” we rejoice that in Jesus Christ God has become one of us, sharing our experience. We will re-ceive the special “Christmas Joy Offering” for support of racial/ethnic minis-tries and assistance programs for retired church workers.

December 21, 2008 - Fourth Sunday of Advent - PEACE

Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 – The Spirit of the Lord is upon me. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 – The God of peace will be with you. John 1:6-8, 19-28 – John declares his mission. Sermon Not As the World Gives

Our special offering goes to the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program as we pray for the peace of the world and peace in our own lives.

December 24, 2008, 7:00 p.m. – Christmas Eve Candlelight – The Lord’s Supper The magnificent music of the Stone Church Choir meets the wonder of the story told by the Stone Church Storytellers in this candlelight celebration of the coming of the Light of the World.

December 28, 2008 - First Sunday after Christmas - A Service of Lessons and Carols

Everything Has Changed

In 2006 Stone Church leadership made the decision to go “full speed ahead” and embrace a full ministry, including calling a full-time designated pastor, focusing on mission, and investing in our infrastructure despite the recent declines in membership, program and finances. They hoped that by healing the wounds from the dissolution of the previous pastoral relationship, working together to provide a consistently high-quality worship experience, emphasizing mission, and making a concerted and intentional effort to grow, the investment of reserve funds in the strategy just might well pay off—that Stone might at least stabilize if not begin to turn around.

For 2008, that entailed budgeting and drawing on our reserves to the tune of about $40,000. But, as we all know, in September the bottom fell out of the stock market, and the bottom continued to go lower and lower into the later fall. By the time Stone Church Session met in early November, the value of the reserve funds in the Wachovia ac-count had dwindled to about $89,000—down 25% due to the market just in October alone! Leaving for vacation in Flor-ida the morning after that Session meeting, I felt a little like someone who had just been given a diagnosis of a terminal illness. Suddenly, everything had changed. The challenge of a turn-around was no longer projected over five to six years because, if everything stayed the same as it was on November 1, Stone’s reserves would be depleted in just two years’ time.

The first thing I determined to do was not panic. Fear inevitably drives us toward wrong-headed decisions. But try as I might to build a psychological wall around my vacation, the anxiety found outlet in my dreams. As the drumbeat of sobering economic news continued to beat into my psyche, I came to realize that we are living through an extraordi-nary moment in history. A headline observed that the big automakers from Detroit were to meet with elected officials in Washington to plead their case; without help, they’ll be out of business in six months. It would appear that Stone Church has better prospects than those of GM, Ford and Chrysler!

In the Presbyterian system of government it is the Session that sets the budget. The elders with whom I have spoken about this rapidly emerging challenge agree that we need to let ministry drive our decision-making, not fear. There is little doubt that that there is much to do as we explore creative ways to discern and support the ministry to which we are called. Saving a few dollars here and there by “trimming the budget” is not the answer. We need structural, systemic change. At our December 8 meeting of Session, we’ll look at various options for opening up the process of taking a broad-based look at Stone’s ministry and future—all options on the table. It will be important for us to be some-what “presbygational” in this effort—seeking valuable input from all the members and friends who are, as the masthead on our worship bulletin declares, the “ministers” of the church.

We’ll be holding several roundtable discussions after Christmas to gather your input. In the meantime feel free to share your brainstorms, revelations, epiphanies, wild ideas, dreams and druthers with your church leaders. Email me, write to me, call me and let me know what major changes you think need to be made to reconfigure our ministry for this new century/millennium—or for the next two years.

Struggling with the question of just what to put on the cover of this issue of The Corner Stone in light of these developments, I suggested that we feature what is most central to our life together as a church—our worship for the month of December. I am confident that the ministry and mission of Stone Church will continue into the future. But it may look very different. It may be configured in ways we have not yet imagined. Our call is be faithful, to seek the will of God, to love one another and to love the world that God loves so, to keep praying and working and seeking peace and justice in the midst of a frightened, changing world. In the season of Advent we look forward to the future of Christ’s coming. As a people, we have the assurance of Emmanuel, “God with us.” Though everything has changed, this much remains the same.

Glory to God in the highest! Deepeace,

THE CORNER STONE PASTOR’S

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The Stone Storytellers met in November at the home of Dave Forbes to tell stories and make plans for the next several months. The Storytellers will be taking part in the Christmas Eve Service at 7:00 p.m., December 24 at Stone, telling the birth stories from Matthew and Luke throughout the service. Earlier in the month, they will “take it on the road,” telling those same stories in afternoon worship at the Presbyterian Home on December 7. Scott Leonard reported on his storytelling at his “home church” in Dayton, Ohio, and how the wife of the pastor of that church expressed to him interest in learning more about biblical storytelling. Scott was able to put her in touch with Tom Boomershine (founder of the Network of Biblical

Storytellers and Dennis Dewey’s mentor), a retired New Testament professor who lives in Dayton! Small world! We assigned stories for worship in the coming months. The Stone Storytellers will be leading worship on February 1 while Dennis is at the Calvin Symposium on Worship in Grand Rapids. Throughout the first few months of the year we’ll hear Joyce Wilbur telling the beginning of the creation story, Donna Goodfriend telling the call of Samuel, Dennis and Scott telling the whole of Jonah, Dave Forbes reciting the poetry of Isaiah, Grace Whittemore telling of God’s cove-nant with Noah and others. Some Stone Storytellers will be meeting with Dennis’ students in the Academy for Biblical Storytelling to be held at the Good News Center in Utica early in December. We hope to offer an early Lent workshop event open to churches in the area to prepare for the telling of the passion/resurrection narratives. We are also planning a Palm Sunday evening performance of “Stories from the Gospel of Matthew.” The Stone Storytellers meet next at the church on Monday, December 22 at 7:00 p.m. to rehearse for the Christmas Eve service. All are welcome to join us and to tell stories even if they cannot attend the meetings. Just let Dennis know if you’re interested!

CREDO, Anyone? For the last year and a half we have invited you to share what you believe in The Corner Stone in a feature called “Credo,” which is Latin for “I believe.” We have enjoyed the faith sharing of a dozen-and-a-half members of Stone and have been inspired by their thoughtful expressions of what is important to them in their walk with God. We would very much like to continue this tradition, giving everyone a chance to contribute and to share their faith. If you would be willing to write a brief (one to three paragraphs) statement about your faith, about how you encounter God in your life, about what is really important to your spirituality, please contact Sherry Robinson, Donna Goodfriend or the pastor, or just call the Church Office. We’d be glad to have you share yourself in this unique way. When we share our faith, we not only engage in a spiritual discipline that helps us articulate our deep thoughts and feelings, but we give support to others who seek to be faithful as well. When Stone Church members read your “Credo,” they may well say to themselves, “That’s the way I feel, too.” Please join us in this worthwhile effort!

Thank You Notes

There are many kinds of ministry that taken together constitute the mission of Stone Presbyterian Church. We are grateful for all who minister in ways great and small. This month we extend our thanks to. . . . . . Barb Stockbridge for assisting with communion with the homebound. . . . Fred Kaiser for repairing the damaged coat rack. . . . all who brought photos of loved ones for our “All Saints Service.” . . . Bonnie and Jim Hyde for donating a new coffee pot. . . . John Menard for the repair of the manse steps. . . . Ceil Gilbert, Celeste Clawson, Barb Stockbridge, Emily Hughes, and Joyce Wilbur for set-up/cleanup for the November 16 potluck luncheon. . . . Lauralyn Kolb and Pat Joseph for set-up for All Saints. . . . Pat Joseph and Dave Forbes for pinch hitting as liturgists in the month of November. . . . Stone Storytellers for their commitment to learning the stories by heart over the next few months. . . . all those who have contributed to the Clock Tower Restoration Fund even in advance of its official “launch.” . . . all who have made pledges of time, talents, and treasure for 2009.

Note: If you’d like to express thanks for a service ministry someone has done,

please let us know and we’ll include it in a future newsletter.

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Clock Tower Campaign is off and running!

The Clock Tower Team is hard at work as we must raise over $75,000 to fix the Clinton Clock Tower. We are reaching out to the residents, businesses and service organizations as well as the congregation for the restoration and repair project. In October the Clock Tower was on the front page of the Clinton Pennysaver and a nice article was in the October 29, 2008 Clinton Courier communicating to the public that help is needed. On November 9, during church announcements, the Women's Association presented a generous $300 donation for the Clock Tower Fund. Thank you to the Women's Association and to all of you who have sent in contributions. To date our Clock Tower Restoration Fund has a little over $8,000. By the time you receive this newsletter a large bulk mailing of letters to the community will have been mailed. There will be Great Christmas gift fund-raising items for sale at the Shoppers Stroll, so be on look out!

At the last Session meeting the Clock Tower Team asked if they could receive the loose change offering every 3rd Sunday of the month and this was approved by the Session. God is very much alive and working in our Church!

Highlights of the November 3, 2008 Session Meeting ♦ Discussed an article about handling elder burn-out ♦ Voted to receive the Treasurer’s Report ♦ Heard update on the Clock Tower Campaign and various fundraisers being planned to support it ♦ Voted to authorize that the loose offering collected on the third Sunday of each month will go to the Clock Tower

Campaign ♦ Voted to authorize $2400 towards repair of the organ ♦ Heard a report that a profit of $482 was made at the Blue Flag luncheon on November 2 ♦ Heard that a youth play will be held after worship on December 7 or 14 ♦ Voted to invite Carol White and SERRV to sell goods for Church World Service on December 21 ♦ Discussed cost of living increases for the staff for 2009 ♦ Heard from the Finance Committee that quotes for the church’s insurance policy and coverage will be available at

the next Session meeting ♦ Reviewed a budget draft for 2009 ♦ Discussed possibility of reducing the size of the boards for both the Session and the Deacons ♦ Reaffirmed that the Annual Meeting will be January 25, 2009

Mission Money The Fair Trade Shop showed income of $122 and expenses of $109. We continue to contribute to the Unified Mission Fund. Soup at Schools income was $5.

Dollars and Sense Pledges/loose offering ($7014) was down from September. We realized interest from the Presbyterian Foundation, brought in $808 in fundraising, and had $20 income from building usage. Rent was received from our tenant. Total income for October was about $8,892.

Expenses included our usual church staff and minister costs ($8,277) and pulpit supply expenses of $175. Utility bills continue to be minimal ($337), we had minimal maintenance bills for the church but did have expenses at the manse of about $480. Office/committee expenses were about $1370. Total expenses for October were $10,696. For the month of October expenses outdid income by about $3200. To cover these expenses we did have to withdraw $5000 from our Wachovia account. The Wachovia account continued to decline due to the declining stock market. The church portion went from $124,135 at the end of September to $89,990 at the end of October. Total church monies went from $152,871.55 to $110,517 this month. The church funds showed a decrease in value of $42,454.

Ann Smallen, Treasurer

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.

Hearts money The Hearts monies are unfortunately declining.

The Hearts Wachovia has only about $2700 left in

it and the checking account has about $3,100.

The Hearts money has most recently been used to

pay for the clock tower study and to repair the

church ceiling and roof.

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Scout News Scouting has been very strong in our community, and on behalf of Troop 9, I greatly thank all of those who supported Troop 9's “Scouting for Food.” Thanks to you, we have been able to give many, many meals to those in need. Within the Troop, we have been busy lately even though the weather has gotten progressively colder. In essence, we have been working on our required merit badges on the path to Eagle. Our troop is lucky to have the help of Mrs. Asu, merit badge counselor for Citizenship in the Community. From broad topics of “think globally, act locally,” to attending a school board meeting, we've been learning a lot! In addition to this, our troop is electing new leaders soon. I'll be back with more news next month! Until then, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Respectfully submitted, Gregory Jo, Star Scout, Troop 9

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Musical Events for the Advent/Christmas Season with Members of Stone Community

♦ Bach, Christmas Oratorio. Hamilton College and Community Oratorio Society, G. Roberts Kolb, conductor. Ensemble members include Dennis Dewey, Susan Dewey, David Kolb, Katrina Schell, and Nick Stagliano. Wellin Hall, Hamilton College. Tuesday, December 2, 8:00 p.m. ♦ Hamilton College Service of Lessons and Carols, with the College Hill Singers, G. Roberts Kolb, conductor. Hamilton College Chapel. Sunday, December 7, 4:00 p.m. ♦ Amahl and the Night Visitors. Open Hand Theatre. Role of Amahl is sung by Hannah Rosenstein. First English Lutheran Church, James and Townsend Streets, Syracuse. Performance dates follow (Role of Amahl is double-cast. At press time, it was not known which of these performances Hannah will be singing.): Friday, December 5 at 8 p.m. Saturday, December 6 at 8 p.m. Friday, December 12 at 8 p.m. Saturday, December 13 at 8 p.m. Sunday, December 14 at 2 p.m. Friday, December 19 at 8 pm Saturday, December 20 at 2 p.m. ♦ Utica Männerchor Holiday Concert. David Kolb, conductor. Utica Männerchor Hall, 5535 Flanagan Rd., Marcy. Friday, December 12, 7:30 p.m. ♦ 22nd Annual Messiah Sing. G. Roberts Kolb, conductor. Soloists include David Kolb and Katrina Schell. Zion

Episcopal Church, 140 W. Liberty St., Rome. Sunday, December 21, 3:00 p.m.

Book Group meets Continuing their study of Take

This Bread by Sara Miles, the members of the Book Group will meet at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 6 at the church. Questions? Call Joyce Wilbur, 853-2350, or Elaine Mushtare, 841-4648.

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Please note…

The deadline for the January issue of the newsletter is Wednesday, December 17.

Contact Midge Bakos, editor, 853-2951, with articles for submission.

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

As always, volunteers are needed on the fourth Monday of each month. Please add this rewarding opportunity to your schedule! Sign up now in the Norton Room!

Hope House Wish List These items are on Hope House’s current wish list: warm coats, jackets, mittens, scarves, hats, socks, hygiene products, small toys, coloring books, and children’s books. Chicken or beef broths, large juices, coffee, creamer, tea, cocoa, mayo, cereals, gravies, salad dressings, sugar, and sugar substitutes would also be appreciated. Please place items in the basket in the Norton Room. Thanks for your generosity!

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Blue Flag Luncheon a success!

Thank you to everyone who attended or donated to the Blue Flag Room luncheon on November 2nd. We real-ized a profit of $482.00. Mission Interpretation & Stewardship Committee

Luncheon Theater

Join us for lunch and a readers’ theater play entitled “Bethlehem PD” following worship on Sunday, December 7. Both young and not- so-young will perform the play while you enjoy a delicious soup and bread lunch.

Hope you can come!

Kirkland Community Bloodmobile

Saturday, December 6, 2008; 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM Schillings Burns Young VFW Post 9591

Franklin Avenue, Clinton NY

New and Past Blood Donors Needed (ongoing need for 0 type blood)

Call 853-6300 or e-mail Rudge44@aol.com to schedule your appointment.

Walk-ins are essential to meet increased goal

due to holiday shortages. Sponsored by Kirkland Community Organizations

Fair Trade at Stone Church Don’t miss our sale of items from SERRV Interna-tional and Ten Thousand Villages—both Fair Trade organizations—at Stone Church following worship on Sunday, December 21. Come pick up last min-ute gifts for Christmas and great stocking stuffers for the whole family. Jewelry, baskets, and home décor items will be available. Please note that this is part of our mission project.

Fair Trade at the KAC From now until Christmas, the Kirkland Art Center will sell items from SERRV International and Ten Thou-sand Villages. Jewelry, baskets, gift items, home décor and more will be available from 9:30 to 4:30 Monday through Friday.

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

Rev. Amos Delos Gridley—Minister, Writer, Artist—1819-1876

A.D. Gridley, as he was more familiarly known, was the third son of Stone Church’s Deacon Orrin Gridley and an 1839 graduate of Hamilton College. In the fall of 1840 he entered Auburn Theological Seminary and later graduated from Andover Seminary in 1843. For a short time he was a professor of Latin and modern Languages at Amherst College. In 1849 Rev. Gridley became the pastor of the Waterville Presbyterian Church-- a successful pastorate of four years but due to a severe hemorrhage of the lungs and much to the sorrow of the people of Waterville, he was compelled to resign. He returned to Clinton where he resided for twenty years at his Williams Street home. A.D. used his knowledge of landscape gardening and gave to the college and community his time and his talents receiving no monetary return.

In 1873, Dr. Gridley and Professor North were appointed to take charge of the art collections in the Memorial Hall. He was a landscape painter and was noted for his piece entitled ‘Ganasouke Bay’ that showed his grasp of nature and his correctness of drawing.

He was always busy either in the garden, or at the easel, or with the pen of a scholarly writer. His best works were: “Thoughts for the Afflicted” published in 1854, and his “History of the Town of Kirkland” published in 1874—a legendary history of the village.

When the ‘Old Stone Church’ burned, he was active on the building committee. A.D. designed the Rose window enlist-ing Sunday-School children to help bear the $70 cost. He knew his time was near and prepared an address for the dedica-tion of the new “Stone Church” that was to be read by his good friend Professor North. At age 56 he died only three months after the fire.

A great Christian friend to the community known for his daily devotional walks and an active 38-year member of Stone Church, the stained glass window “The Beloved Disciple” was installed as a fitting memorial to the Rev. A.D. Gridley. Midge Bakos

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Fred Kaiser, Master Craftsman

I happened to mention to Fred Kaiser some weeks ago that I wish that we had candle stand on which to place our Advent Wreath— one that could double as a Christ Candle stand for the season of Lent. A few weeks later he showed up in my office with a set of detailed, meticulous drawings—several “conceptions”—and asked me which one I preferred. A few short weeks after that, and--- Voila! The amazing skill of Fred Kaiser has produced yet another treasure for Stone Church’s ministry! We dedicate this lovely piece when we light our first Advent candle, the candle of HOPE! Thanks, Fred!

Dennis Dewey

Portrait by M.B. Ray

Remember in Prayer

Gil Adams Family Padgett Family Fletcher Family Kaytryn Bentley & Family Mary Ellen Brandis Lori Chamberlain Cookenham Family Dortha & Bill Glaser Donna Goodfriend & Family Meadows Family Eleanor Palmer Chris & Peter Jensen James Taurisano Eli Anderson Maria Dynek-Matyszczuk Henry Delwo, Bonnie Hyde’s father Dick & Elaine Schmidt Karen Stockton’s husband Cynthia Arthur Gwen Lallier Allen Solomon

Don’t forget our serviceman! Tim Fletcher, Matt’s brother, is stationed in Afghani-stan. His address is: Tim Fletcher SOTF33, CJSOTF-A APO AE 09354

1 - Peter Goodfriend 4 - Hezekiah Webster 7 - Scott Miller Peter Jensen 8 - Mark Whittemore 12 - Cecilia Hwangpo 15 - Curt Miller Judy McDonough 16 - Coralie Cookenham 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

December Birthdays

Note to our homebound friends Greetings to our homebound friends! Please note that you will not be receiving your usual bulletins with personal notes until after Thanksgiving. We wish you and your families a very happy holiday!

Carolyn Barnum

Greeters & Hosts December 7 December 14 Wilma & Gene Lawson December 21 Bonnie Hyde December 28 Donna Goodfriend

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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.

A New Kid on the Block We are happy to report that

Ceil Gilbert's grandson was born on November 11, 2008. His name is Oliver William Gilbert, he weighs 6 pounds, 13 ounces and is 20 inches tall. His parents are Jon and Jodi Gilbert, 41 Cassatt Avenue, Berwyn, PA 19312-1310.

Congratulations, Ceil!

Ushers December 7 Carolyn Barnum & Buzz Joseph December 14 Celeste Clawson & Ceil Gilbert December 21 Linda & Hal Rance December 28 Midge Bakos & Sherry Robinson

Happy Birthday, Hez! Hez Webster will celebrate his 95th birthday on December 4. Our heartiest congratulations, Hez!!!

Rev. Dennis Dewey 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: Ann Smallen Clerk of Session: Scott Leonard Office Manager: Peggy Weldon Newsletter Editor: Midge Bakos Office: 315-853-2933 www.stonepres.org E-mail: stonepres@verizon.net

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Christmas Flowers

Poinsettias are available this year for those who wish to remember a loved one. Red, pink, white, or marble poinsettias are $16 each. Please fill out the form below and put in the collection plate or send to the church office with a check made out to the church for the exact amount. The plants can be picked up after the Christmas Eve service. The deadline for ordering is Sunday, December 7. Questions? Call Helen Leonard, 737-7671, or Peggy Weldon, 853-2933. ============================================================================== Name of donor(s) ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ Given in memory of ____________________________________________________________________ or Given in honor of ____________________________________________________________________ Choice of color _____________________________ Amount enclosed _____________________________

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

Clinton, NY 13323

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