What's Inside?

Newsletter of Sewickley Presbyterian Church September 2017

WHAT’S INSIDE? SPC Office...... 2 Chancel Choir Returns...... 5 Family Matters...... 3 Music Opportunities...... 5 Fall Dates...... 3 A Little Bit of History...... 5 FriendShip Preschool...... 4 New Chapel Organ Dedication. 6 Dollars & Sense...... 4 SPC Kids...... 8 Thank You...... 4 SPC Youth Ministry...... 9 Anna Singer Anniversary.... 4 Day on the Lawn...... 10 Marianne Cornetti Returns.. 4 Backpacks & Thank Yous...... BC Hours Monday - Friday 9 AM - 5 PM

Phone Fax 412.741.4550 412.741.1210

Address 414 Grant Street Sewickley, PA 15143

Web Address www.sewickleypresby.org

The SPC newsletter, Interpreta- tion, is published once a month. New Member classes are held The deadline for submitting con- VISITATION nd several times throughout the year. tent is the 2 Tuesday of each If you or a member of your family Please call Sharon Barber in the month. Please make submissions are in the hospital and would like church office to sign up or you to Jennifer Johnson at jjohnson@ a visit, please call the church office may sign up online. sewickleypresby.org. to let us know.

SPC STAFF

REV. KEVIN J. LONG SHARON BARBER JENNY HAY STEPHANIE SMITH Pastor Assistant to the Pastor Director of FriendShip Preschool Administrative Assistant home: 412.741.2075 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] DAVE BREIT JENNIFER JOHNSON ELIZABETH SZUBA REV. SARAH BIRD Media Engineer Director of Communications Youth Program Coordinator Associate Pastor [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] MIKE CREAMER BRIAN MACK CHARLIE BARNHART REV. STEWART LAWRENCE Director of Youth Ministries Director of Children’s Ministries WILL BETTS Volunteer Parish Associate [email protected] [email protected] JOEY TOMALES [email protected] Custodial Staff R. CRAIG DOBBINS, CCM LAURA MIKUSH, CCA Director of Music Ministries Business Administrator [email protected] [email protected]

JEREMY FISHER BETH ROM Worship Leader Volunteer Coordinator [email protected] [email protected] FAMILY MATTERS by Rev. Kevin J. Long

I imagine that most people are also paying attention. I wonder, what is it they see in us adults would agree that there are few when they come to church? Or when they see us out and about in things more important than fam- Sewickley, walking through the village, working out at the gym, or ily. Family is not only what tells hanging out at a football game? Here in the church, we are quick us who we are, but it shapes to proclaim that God is the most important thing in our lives. But is so many things about our lives. that what our children see when they watch our lives day to day? Through our families, we come Do they see us walking the walk of faith? Do they see us prioritizing to understand how the world our relationship with God, living as grateful stewards of all that God works, what our place in the has given to us, and acting as agents of reconciliation in the world? world is, and how we are sup- And do they feel welcome and an integral part of our family? posed to live in it. And by growing up in a family, we are taught If we are truly a family here at the church, then we need to be what has value in life. These values are learned whether we realize living like one, being welcoming and hospitable to others as we it or not, whether families are deliberate about it or not. Children love, support and forgive one another as Christ has done for us. Of pay attention, and they know when the things course, that doesn’t mean that we’re always their parents say are just words and when going to get it right. Our church family is just as they are actually meant. In other words, our flawed as our biological families are. But here, actions are just as important as our words, if we learn to live by grace, encouraging one an- not more. Therefore, it is important, especially other to “run with perseverance the race that as parents, that we don’t just talk the talk but is set before us, looking to Jesus, the pioneer walk the walk as well. and perfecter of our faith” (Heb 12:1-2).

One of the greatest things about the church is This fall I am going to be preaching a sermon that it is also a family, a family of faith brought series called, “Family Matters,” looking at together by Jesus Christ who has called each of us by name and some of the earliest members of our family of faith in the book of claimed us as his own. In the waters of Baptism, we have been Genesis. Just like our families, they had their share of problems adopted into the family of the Triune God, becoming sons and and didn’t always handle things the way they should have. How- daughters of the Father as well as siblings and co-heirs with the ever, God continued to be faithful and gracious to them, blessing Son. But in this family, water is thicker than blood, for these familial them along the way. Perhaps by looking at their story, we can learn relationships are even more significant and eternal than the ones a few things about how to walk the walk of faith. After all, it is our into which we were born. In this family, we also learn what has val- story, too. ue in life and how we are supposed to live. And here our children

SAVE THE DATES FOR FALL Fall is almost upon us and that means we’ll be getting back to three September 10 September 15 worship services, Sunday School, and all of our weekly and month- One Worship Service Only Journeymen ly groups will get back to meeting together. at 10 AM September 17 Everyone will be receiving a Fall Kick-Off schedule in the mail, but September 12 Fall Kick-Off Sunday mark your calendars for these important dates today! Koinonia Retreat 8, 9 & 11 Worship Services Men’s Huddle 10 AM Sunday School Chapel Organ Dedication September 13 Chapel Organ Recital Youth Kick-Off for Parents & Kids Bible Basics Grades 6-12 ANNA SINGER CELEBRATES 15 YEARS ON STAFF Anna Singer began her duties as our Soprano Soloist/Section leader on September 5, 2002. In addition to her many Chancel Choir-related duties, over the years Anna has served as a Lay Reader, choreographed Youth Choir numbers for Choir Lite, she and her husband, Don Kortlandt, have hosted many choir fellowship gatherings, and most recently she produced a daily blog on FRIENDSHIP PRESCHOOL Facebook during the Chancel Choir’s recent tour to Scotland. The FriendShip Preschool will be welcoming in a new school year Wednesday, September 6. The FriendShip staff will be busy pre- Ms. Singer’s day job is as an announcer/programmer for WQED- paring their classrooms the last week of August. Seventy-five chil- FM In addition, she maintains a small private studio. dren are currently enrolled in our six weekly classes. FriendShip will be holding a “Meet and Greet” morning August 31 and Septem- When you see Anna, take a moment to thank her for her many con- ber 1 to give children and their families a chance to say hello to their tributions to both the worship and musical life of this congregation. teachers and visit their new classrooms. The beginning of school is always such an exciting time!

The 2nd floor of the church is always such a happy and exciting learning environment for the children each weekday. Please come upstairs and visit our classrooms if you are not familiar with Friend- Ship. We currently have a few openings in our PreK afternoon class for children who will be turning five by next summer. In addition to our weekly classes, we offer a Friday Stay and Play drop-off program and daily lunch open to any child in the community ages 22 months - 5 years. Please contact Jenny Hay, Director, at jhay@ sewickleypresby.org or 412-741-4550, ext. 225 if you would like more information.

-- Jenny Hay, Director of FriendShip Preschool

DOLLARS & SENSE by Laura Mikush MARIANNE CORNETTI Did you know? In 2016, we used seven cases or 672 rolls of toilet paper for the church and Faith House. RETURNS

Former Mezzo-soprano Soloist/Section Leader Marianne Cornet- ti will participate in the 10 AM service on Sunday, September 10. Internationally known and respected, Ms. Cornetti served this con- THANK YOU gregation from 1990 through 1994. During that time, she made her debuts at The Metropolitan Opera and the Washington Opera. In On Sunday, August 13 at the conclusion of the 10 AM service, I was the intervening years, her career has taken her to the major opera honored to have been called to the front of the Sanctuary to receive houses in Western Europe, Asia, South America, and North Amer- kind words regarding the 30 years I have served as your Director of ica. Music Ministries. Given that the anniversary occurred on that day made it even more special.

In addition, I was overwhelmed to have been given a beautiful Wa- terford clock inscribed for the occasion, an extra week of vacation for 2018, and a generous monetary gift. It has been and continues to be both a pleasure and an honor to have served this congregation in this capacity. Please know that Susan and I, as well as Maggie after her arrival among you, have been continually blessed by you. You have enfolded us in your loving arms and cared for us, enabling us to grow in many ways.

God willing, we look forward to working with you for a few more years.

In peace and joy, Craig Dobbins

A little bit of history THE GREAT PEW CONTROVERSY In the hallway leading out to the back door of the building (on the main floor of the church), you will find the sign pictured below. This particular photo shows assigned seating that people paid for back in 1899.

In 1899, all of the pews had been purchased by church members leaving no room for visitors or non-pew owners. The $6,000 annual pew rental revenue was used to pay the pastor’s salary.

The following questions were considered when trying to solve the issue of more seating: should the congregation add a gallery, en- large the sanctuary, combine smaller families into one pew, or allow visitors to find a seat after the last bell?

After much controversy, it was decided to discontinue the sale of all pews and to instead raise funds through solicitation of the church members, which marked the beginning of Stewardship at our church.

CHANCEL CHOIR IN SCOTLAND Sixteen members of our Chancel Choir (and four groupies) spent July 30 – August 6, 2017 in Scotland as one of six choirs within the denomination who represented the PC(U.S.A.) at the festival honoring the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. Our own Anna Singer was one of two soloists for the closing concert in Greyfriars Kirk in Edinburgh. The trip began in Glasgow and included a day in Stirling. Additional performances were at the Church of the Holy Trinity (Presbyterian) in St. Andrews and St. Giles Cathedral (Pres- JOIN ONE OF OUR MUSIC byterian) in Edinburgh. Please know that your thoughts and prayers for choir members and GROUPS their families as they traveled were greatly appreciated. There are many opportunities to take part in either choral or instru- mental groups at SPC. You may choose from singing, bell ringing, and/or playing with our 9 AM worship team. All ages are welcome.

For a complete list of musical groups, please visit our website or contact one the individuals below:

Adult Choirs | Vocal and Handbell Craig Dobbins: [email protected] 9 AM Worship Team Jeremy Fisher: [email protected] Youth Choir Colin Farley: [email protected] Children’s Choir Carrie Beynon: [email protected] NEW CHAPEL ORGAN RECITAL & DEDICATION

September 16 & 17

On Friday, July 21, a large truck from the Bedient Pipe Organ Company pulled up to the church. Several people from the congregation assisted with moving the parts of the organ into the chapel on Saturday morning, July 22. The formal installation process began that day and was completed on July 27. The tonal finishing of the instrument was completed on August 3.

As previously announced, the new organ will be dedicated the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, September 16 and 17. A recital for donors and church members who worked on the project will be held on Saturday, September 16. At the request of the Chapel Organ Committee, the recitalist will be our Director of Music Ministries, Craig Dobbins. The recital will be repeated for the general public on Sunday, September 17 at 3 PM. The formal dedication of the organ will take place during the 8 AM service on Sunday, September 17. For further information, please contact Mr. Dobbins at 412-741-4550, x205 or [email protected].

See the next page for pictures of the installation or visit our Facebook page for many more pictures!

SAVE THE DATES September 13 Club 345 | 3:45 PM | Faith House September 17 Fall Kick-Off | 8, 9 & 11 AM Worship Services 10 AM Sunday School September 24 1st & 3rd Grade Bible Presentation

VBS RECAP

When was the last time you were in a room with 70 children? Was it city walls. This story reminds us that no matter what the situation, when you were a counselor at church camp? Are you a teacher and no matter how impossible something might seem, God is for you, it happens all the time? Well, for me it was August 4 on our closing and he won’t let you down. This theme stuck with me as we made day of Vacation Bible School, and every day of VBS for that matter. it through another year of VBS. There’s something restorative about seeing so many kids singing, worshiping, and growing in their faith together. There were times when I was preparing for the week that I felt overwhelmed. I didn’t know if I would have time to finish everything. I Every day we learned a different Bible point that taught us some- wasn’t sure if pushing camp back into August would work. I didn’t thing true about God’s relationship with us. On day one we learned know how well our new volunteers would do. To cut it short, I was that “God Made You” to which the kids would respond “Wow God!” worried, stressed, and a bit nervous, but looking back at everything In Imagination Station that day, everyone made their own teddy now, it was great! It’s amazing how smoothly everything went and bear. Kids filled them with cotton balls, pom poms, ribbon, glitter, how wonderful all of our volunteers were. When you’re doing min- and whatever else we could find. That made sure that each bear istry like this things always find a way to work out. Looking back, I was unique and made special, just like how God made each of us am reminded of our day two theme, “God is for you,” and when God unique and special! is on your side, who could ever be against you? We spent a week teaching kids about our faith, while spending hours in worship and On day two, our crews learned about the story of Israel’s spies fellowship together, and if that’s not God’s work then I don’t know who snuck into Jericho and whom Rahab helped escape. As part what is. of this story, we snuck into Jericho, but when we were discovered we needed to leave in a hurry! That’s where Rahab came in as she -- Brian Mack, Director of Children’s Ministries hid us on her roof and then helped us leave by climbing over the *check out more pics on our Facebook page! DUFFY ROBBINS IS BACK! September 23 | 9 AM - 12 PM | Dining Room

You may recall Duffy’s hilarious and helpful seminar during our You’ll leave this session with some practical advice about: Parental Guidance Series last winter. Well, he’s coming back in September to talk about Real-World Parenting for Imperfect Par- ▬ How to enforce rules without forcing away your child; ents. ▬ How to build communication with a child who has stopped talking; “The problem with parenting is that we have to practice on live sub- ▬ The three most basic life skills a teenager needs to learn; jects” -- Duffy Robbins. Just when we think we’ve learned a little ▬ Picking the battles that are truly worth fighting about how to do it better, another child comes along, with a different ▬ How to turn the darkness of consequences into the light of personality, and different issues, and different aspirations. And we discovery; have to learn all over again! But, there are some basic principles ▬ How to talk about sex - even if you don’t want to. that encircle the whole process. We’re going to look at those principles in this seminar in a way that will encourage you, empower you Don’t miss this great opportunity to gain some knowledge and and maybe even make you smile. spend time with friends who are also raising kids!

SURF CITY & SUMMERTIME SAVE THE DATES After a week’s worth of early mornings, late nights, no sleep, and September 9 Day on the Lawn | 9 AM - 3 PM sand EVERYWHERE, we have safely returned from Surf City up September 10 Confirmation Meeting for Parents & Students at Lake Michigan. Man was it a blast! There was so much going 4:30 PM | Faith House on that it’s hard to separate what happened on each day. Between September 17 First day of Sunday School | 10 AM | FH the water tubing, jet skis, kids getting blobbed into the clouds, dune Youth Kick-Off Party for Students & Parents wars, club time, and so much more, it’s safe to say that we had a at 5 PM very packed schedule. September 23 Parenting Seminar with Duffy Robbins In the midst of everything going on, though, we had some fantastic 9 AM - 12 PM | Dining Room time to dive into the Word and worship together, not only amongst ourselves from SPC, but also alongside 300+ other students and adults from the Pittsburgh area. Getting a chance to hear from speakers in both the mornings and evenings was an awesome way to frame our days without a doubt, as they were bookends to each PITTSBURGH YOUTH day’s festivities. WORKERS CONFERENCE There are so many stories to tell, but rather than sharing them all here I encourage you to ask our students about what made their ex- September 29 | 8:30 AM - 4 PM perience so great. Maybe they will mention the breathtaking sand Held at Christ Church at Grove Farm dunes, perhaps the color games, or maybe even the 20 minutes of silence we all had on Thursday night. The great thing about camp All volunteers or those interested in volunteering in the youth pro- is that we all have shared experiences along with unique experi- gram are encouraged to sign up for this conference. Join Mike ences. It’s safe to say that Surf City was definitely the highlight of Creamer, Director of Youth Ministry, and Elizabeth Szuba, Youth the summer for some people, and we hope to make our return next Program Coordinator, for a day of worship, great speakers, and year! working sessions on topics ranging from helping busy kids to helping those who are hurting. Here is a link to register and learn more -- Mike Creamer, Director of Youth Ministry http://www.pywc.org/. PREP WEEK is almost here! September 1 - 8 So much goes on the week leading up to the sale that it can’t be fully explained in a short paragraph. The church is constantly filled with many people that week. If you’ve signed up to work in a specific department, you’ll soon be SEPTEMBER 9 | 9 AM - 3 PM contacted about getting ready for the sale day. If you ha- ven’t volunteered yet, please consider adding your name to a department! Sign-up sheets are in the Robinson Room and/or you may find them online also.

DAY OF SALE September 9 9 AM - 3 PM At 9 AM, on the day of the sale, the security tape is cut from around the trees lining the church property and the floodgates of shoppers are opened! It’s an incredi- ble sight to see as people rush to different areas to find good deals. Being a part of DOL is an experience worth having. Much help is needed on the sale day whether to help with security, to work in a department, to help people carry their purchases to their vehicles and for many other tasks. Sign-up to help -- you’ll be glad you did! DONATION DROP-OFFS September 1 & September 2 9 AM - 12 PM There are only two more Donation Drop-off Days left! Take advantage of dropping off items from your home that are taking up space and that you don’t need or use any- ALL HANDS more! Help is always needed on Drop-off Days as well, so sign-up today if you have a few hours to spare! ON DECK September 6 5:30 PM (dinner), 6 - 8 PM (working) All Hands On Deck gives those who work during the day the chance to volunteer at Day on the Lawn. Meet at 5:30 for a pizza dinner and then plan on working (sorting, pric- ing, etc) from 6 - 8 PM. Childcare is available for the eve- ning by our very own Brian Mack. Join in on the fun! RSVP to Amy Szuba at [email protected].

UNDERWRITING There are upfront costs necessary to host Day on the Lawn. Every department needs basic supplies; the event needs to be promoted with advertising; tents, tables, stor- age and disposal containers are rented in advance -- it all adds up. DOL proceeds benefit local, regional, national and international mission, but expenses must be covered first. That’s what underwriting means to DOL – YOUR financial contributions offset the expenses, and MORE MONEY GOES TO MISSION! Please consider underwriting a portion of DOL expenses; it will make a BIG differ- ence in an already BIG Day.

Donations can be made at the church office. Thank you! 414 Grant Street | Sewickley, PA | 15143 www.sewickleypresby.org

This newsletter is published by Sewickley Presbyterian Church

BACKPACKS & THANK YOUS!

Imagine how it would feel to arrive on your first day of school without a backpack. Fortunately, that will not be a reality for many students in the Ambridge area. Thanks to the Deacons and to the gen- erosity of our congregation, we were able to supply a total of 106 backpacks for students in Kindergarten through grade 12.

The Backpack Distribution Day at the Center for Hope was very successful! The amount of smiles and gratitude from the children as well as their parents made the event joyful for the receivers along with the givers. They enjoyed having design options from which they could choose, and their faces beamed with excitement to return to school!

Sue Otto is always appreciative of our support at the Center for Hope. She informed us she will give any extra backpacks to the Ambridge school nurse who will distribute them to the students who do not have one.

The Deacons send a big thank you to those who went shopping and those who financially supported this project. Tina was able to purchase additional backpacks and necessary supplies for this much needed project. Please know your acts of kindness are greatly appreciated by our neighbors.