August

 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after giving thanks he broke it, gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat, this is my body.”
-Matthew 26:26

I'm pretty sure there's a cashier at a Walmart in Connecticut who thinks I'm a serial killer.

About two years ago now, I had a specific problem. It was chicken processing day at the Zellweger house - for the unfamiliar, that's the day the chickens move from the pasture to the freezer - and after having dispatched all of the birds, I realized we had a problem. We store our chickens in very nifty heat-shrink bags that seal with zip ties. I had bought bags from a new supplier that year, and discovered on opening the box that the zip ties were not included. So, off to the store I went. As I headed out the door, Jocie reminded me we also needed trash bags, and a new tarp. Making the drive to the store and looking at the distinctive red stains on my jeans, I realized we could use some bleach as well.

So, there I was at Walmart, wearing jeans with streaks of red on them, buying zip ties, trash bags, bleach, and a big old tarp. The cashier looked at me, a confused expression on her face, and asked if I'd found everything I needed. Thinking about that one chicken that had escaped and made me chase it around the yard, I cracked a smile and said "everything but the stun gun." Then I paid for my items and walked out the door. I was about halfway home when I realized that without context, my appearance, shopping cart, and sense of humor seemed like something out of a low budget Dexter reboot.

The early church had a similar misunderstanding on their hands. In the second century, Justin Martyr wrote an Apologetic (that is, a defense, not a request for forgiveness) attempting to vindicate Christianity of multiple charges, including that of cannibalism. Why cannibalism? Well, it turns out when you talk about getting together in worship to partake of the body and blood of your anointed one, misunderstandings can happen. In chapter 66 of his First Apology, Justin explains the eucharist in detail to try and clear up the misconceptions. People at the time were very skeptical that he was telling the truth, and charges of cannibalism persisted for another 150 years.

We use a lot of strange language when talking about church. We have a room we call a sanctuary that is not a place where people are protected from government authorities. Our Labyrinth is not an impossibly difficult maze wandered by a minotaur. We pepper our speech with ancient Aramaic terms like "Amen" (truly), "Hosanna" (help us!) and "Messiah" (person who has had oil poured on him by a priest). And 1870 years after Justin's First Apology, we continue to eat Jesus' body in worship. It's all rather odd, and only grows more so as religious diversity in our culture increases.

I still raise meat chickens, and probably always will. But after that encounter in the checkout line, I try to remember that not everybody else does, and do my best to use simple language that makes it clear what I'm talking about, or clarify when I use an unfamiliar term, because not everybody has the same experience as me.

I also still preside over communion, and probably always will. I think, though, that it might benefit all us church people if we were ready to talk about what we do - and why we do it - in simple language, or clarify when we use unfamiliar terms, because not everyone has had the same experiences as us. 

 Have you ever found yourself saying "I wish I knew more about the Bible"? Do you open the Scriptures and find yourself overwhelmed by all the numbers, headings, and footnotes covering the page? This fall, Hammond Presbyterian Church will spend eight weeks reading Beginnings, a simplified reader's version of the first five books of the Bible which presents the text without any of the distracting, confusing, or esoteric additions which have turned the Scriptures from stories into reference materials.

Each week, we will gather to talk about that week's readings in a book club format. This is not a 'Bible Study' with Greek words, commentaries, and a list of hyper-specific questions. Rather, we will come together for a conversation about your reactions to what you read, with the same four suggested questions every week: What stood out to you? What troubled or confused you? Did anything make you think differently about God? How might this change the way you live? Your group can engage any, all, or none of these questions, allowing the conversation to go wherever it leads.

Sign up today, and experience reading the Bible like you've never done it before!

Signup: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E044BAFAF23A5F58-fall3

 Info video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aln8seZJzo 

  The Bicentennial committee would like to thank everyone who contributed to making the weekend a success. Thanks to Pastor Shea for what Reverend Marti Montovani called a memorable and meaningful service. Thanks to those who provided, cooked, and/or served food at the receptions. Thanks to Tara Atherton for putting the slide show together. Thanks to Hammond Museum for use of it Elthorpe models of the churches and historical items. We know there are others who helped with time and talents. Please know we appreciate all the assistance. 

There are several people in my life that I absolutely adore and they have no idea. These people do no wrong in my eyes. They normally don’t know this, because I’m not about to walk up to them and profess my adoration to them, but when I talk about them to others, it’s pretty clear to everyone how I feel about that person. And I’m not talking about the love I have for my husband and kids, that’s just a known fact, I mean the people that have found a way into my heart and I keep them in there for safe keeping. For example, Mr. Watson is a man that I hold safely in my heart. Anything I’ve done or continue to do, he looks onto me with such approval and love and I adore him. He might not know this (even though I know he always reads my newsletter articles, so if he didn’t know, the cats out of the bag now) but he holds a place in my heart that no one will ever be able to fill. I feel so lucky to have him, and so many other people that have touched my life and found a little place in my heart, even if they have no idea that they have done so. I think that’s what makes it all the more special.

And if you think for a moment that you don’t believe that you are in a place in anyone’s heart, that’s when God steps in. When we are having a rough day, He gives us what we need to feel better. After a rain storm, there’s always a rainbow. After a cold winter, there’s a warm spring. We always have to remember that God loves us through our good days, our bad days, and our chaotic days. When there are days that you find it hard to love yourself, God is there holding you in his heart loving you unconditionally. So when you feel that warm feeling in your soul, just know its God making sure you know that he’s in your heart also.

    Hammond Food Pantry for July will be Thursday, Aug.26th from 9:30 to 11:00 at the Hammond Fire Hall. All income eligible families are encouraged to be present to receive free food. We are continuing to ask everyone to stay in their cars, line up at the back of the Fire Hall and when it is their turn to come to the back door and sign in. The food will be brought out to the cars by our volunteers. New families are always welcome, and may sign up on that day. 

Our Food Sense program is after noon, the same day as Food Pantry, but is a separate program. Food Sense items are listed on a monthly menu and include meats, fish, produce, some frozen items and family goods in a single unit, costing $20.50.. There are also special foods to be ordered separately from the units Meats, fish, frozen goods and fresh produce make up the specials. All Food Sense must be ordered and paid for ahead of time. These programs are a good way to make your food dollars go farther. For information, contact Joan Hadlock at 315/324-5517 

    Heifer International was founded in 1944, with the vision of a worldwide program to end hunger and poverty while caring for the earth. For more than 75 years, Heifer Int. has provided livestock and sustainable agricultural training for struggling communities around the world. They now work in 21 countries, including the United States, helping local food producers expand their businesses and earn a living income. Hammond Presbyterian Church has promoted Heifer International through our memorial giving project at Christmas time. We have donated many animals, seeds and trees, as well as agricultural tools and training. People of many beliefs are working together around the world to help realize the timeless vision of Heifer International. 

  In commemoration of the church’s 200thAnniversary, a memorial monument is planned to recognize the seventeen original founding members of the Presbyterian Church of Rossie, now known as Hammond Presbyterian Church. The founders started the church in April, 1821.

The monument will be located in front of the church where anyone passing by will be able to read the founders’ names.

This monument project will be fully funded by donations. All gifts are greatly appreciated!

Checks may be made out and sent to “Hammond Presbyterian Church” with Monument Fund noted in the memo. PO Box 193, Hammond, NY 13646.

The picture included here is a rough draft idea of what the monument will be.  

   We are all so fortunate to have a rendering of the “Old Stone Church” which served the Hammond worshipers from 1837-1871. Krysta Aten-Schell used descriptions of the church in old records to make this lovely picture. We hope to make larger copies to hang in the church and Hammond museum. 

  A reminder that delicious, unsweetened applesauce made by the HPC Youth Group, is still available in two quart bags in the freezers at church. The cost is a donation in the can on a dining room table. 

 Reminder that we are collecting items for the CWS Hygiene Kits. Slips listing the required things are on the table at the back of the church and in the dining room. Questions? See Joan Hadlock 

  Starting August 10th on Tuesdays at 10am for the Month of August there will be Chair Yoga, free of charge, led by Liz Scarlett. It will be in the pavilion or chapel depending on the weather. Hope to see you all there.  

 ‘On the first day of the seventh month, you are to hold a holy assembly. You must not do your ordinary work, for it is a day of blowing trumpets for you.
-Numbers 29:1
They observed the Feast of Shelters as required...From the first day of the seventh month they began to offer burnt offerings to the Lord. However, the Lord’s temple was not at that time established.
-Ezra 3:4a, 6

 

Celebration is a curious thing. Not just what we celebrate, but when and why we choose to celebrate it, says a lot about what we value. 

This month marks two national holidays which, on their face, appear very similar. But beneath the surface, they're quite different. July 1 is Canada Day, often referred to as Canada's Birthday. July 4 is Independence Day, often referred to as America's birthday. Both holidays ostensibly celebrate the birth of a nation. But the events they celebrate couldn't be more different. 

Independence Day recognizes the anniversary of the day the continental congress voted to declare its independence from Britain. Our nation could have said our birthday was the day the declaration was signed (August 2, 1776); the day the Articles of Confederation were adopted (November 15, 1777) or ratified (March 1, 1781); or the day the US Constitution was adopted (September 17, 1787) or ratified (June 21, 1788). But we choose instead to mark our "birthday" as the day a group of men voted to set American Independence in motion.

Canada Day, on the other hand, was originally called Dominion Day, and commemorates the day Britain formally confederated Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick into a "kingdom in its own right," giving the fledgling nation the authority to govern its own affairs within its own borders. Canada could instead celebrate the day it became fully sovereign (April 17, 1982) or, if they wanted to take a page out of our book, they might celebrate the signing of the Westminster Statute (December 11, 1931), which is often cited as "Canada's Declaration of Independence."

Two holidays. Two national "birthdays." Yet one celebrates independence, while the other celebrates unity - something which is also reflected in our respective national anthems and, I would argue, in our cultures as well.

There is a third celebration taking place this month: The bicentennial of our church. 200 years ago, give or take, seventeen families moved to land they'd bought from David Parish, set up their homesteads, built a church, and formed the backbone of a community which would become Hammond. We are not marking the bicentennial of when Scottish immigrants first started arriving (that was in 1818). Nor are we commemorating the formation of the town of Hammond (March 30, 1827). Nor the construction of the first church building's edifice (begun October 4, 1833) Rather, this bicentennial celebrates the formal gathering of the worshiping community which we know today as Hammond Presbyterian Church. As the day draws near, I invite you to consider what it is about this church - this community of faith and fellowship - that you believe is worth celebrating.

Blessings,

Pastor Shea

On Sat., July 31 (the date of the town-wide yard sale), there will be a yard sale at Hammond Presbyterian Church 8 AM-2 PM. Please come and check it out. You never know what treasures you may come across. 

If you want to sell your items at the sale, please contact Anne at (315)324-5485 or email thegasguys527@gmail.com soon for details and to reserve a spot. All sale items remaining at the end of the day will be taken home by the seller. There will be no fee for hosting your sale at the church, but monetary donations will be accepted if you wish to offer.

  The HPC Bicentennial Committee has been hard at work collecting ideas, information, and images to use in our celebration July 10 and 11. It is taking shape and promises to be a joyous and informational time.

The celebration will begin with a program Saturday, July 10th at 7pm. This program will present the history of the church in word, song and images. We are fortunate to have the program created by Rev. Halbert Campbell for the 125th anniversary to use as a guide. Writings of Rev. Dr. Daniel Ferguson have also been invaluable. The Hammond Museum has been gracious in sharing their collection of articles and photographs. After program there will be refreshments and social time for everyone. 

A special service will be held Sunday at 10:30am. This will blend worship from the past and present. Attendees will be welcome to join at a picnic reception to follow the service and to share memories. Historical documents and artifacts will be available for inspection in the chapel.

All are welcome to join us to celebrate and reminisce this milestone about our church’s history and future.

We look forward to seeing and hearing from our friends and descendents of the original 17 members.

  Since the beginning of the year, I’ve been trying to give stuff up. For lent I tried to give up stress, which was actually quiet comical because when I would catch myself getting stressed out, I was rubbing my temples and repeating over and over “I gave up stress for lent.” to which the person in the room with me would giggle and say “Yeah, and how’s that going for you?” I gave up sweets for a bit, than the holidays came and I would buy candy that the kids wouldn’t eat on purpose so I can have a snack, but then gave up sweets again because I ran out. I give up cleaning my house every day when I look at the mess my children have left me and then start cleaning again because if I step on that Lego one more time it’ll be going in the garbage. I have given up on going to bed early at night because I catch myself at 1am having Netflix ask me “If I’m still watching..” and of course I am. I have considered giving up coffee, but children make me reconsider this when they wake up at 6am and I’ve been binge watching my shows.

There is something that I’ve been told though for years that I am a fan of doing is “Giving up your problems to God and He will sort it out.” For all those days that something bad has happened and you’re struggling and ready to give up, that’s when God is there to help you to continue to push forward. It might not be the way that you thought it would be, but when you give up your struggle to God, He finds a way of showing you that everything is going to be alright on the other side of that situation. He’s making us stronger and pushing us past our boundaries so when we succeed, we appreciate everything so much more. So when you feel like giving up, just remember, God is the only one that will never give up on anyone or anything.

  This summer we will be collecting items to make up Hygiene Kits to be sent to Church World Service for distribution in this country, as well as overseas. The following goods are needed for each kit..

1 hand towel (15-16"X28-30") No fingertip towels.

1 washcloth

1 wide tooth comb

1 toe nail or fingernail clipper

1 bath size bar of soap in package

1 tooth brush

10 standard bandaids

Please bring in only the items listed. If preferable, you can give several of one kind.. There will be hygiene kit lists in the dining, along with a collection box. Many thanks for your help.

Any questions? Contact Joan Hadlock (315/324-5517)

  Hammond Food Pantry for July will be Thursday, July 29th from 9:30 to 11:00 at the Hammond Fire Hall. All income eligible families are encouraged to be present to receive free food. We are continuing to ask everyone to stay in their cars, line up at the back of the Fire Hall and when it is their turn to come to the back door and sign in. The food will be brought out to the cars by our volunteers. New families are always welcome, and may sign up on that day. 

Our Food Sense program is after noon, the same day as Food Pantry, but is a separate program. Food Sense items are listed on a monthly menu and include meats, fish, produce, some frozen items and family goods in a single unit, costing $20.50.. There are also special foods to be ordered separately from the units Meats, fish, frozen goods and fresh produce make up the specials. All Food Sense must be ordered and paid for ahead of time. These programs are a good way to make your food dollars go farther. For information, contact Joan Hadlock at 315/324-5517 

  Church World Mission is 75 years old. After World War II ended. Europe and Japan were devastated. Countless refugees from the war needed a safe place to call home. People of faith from 17 denominations across the United States came together to form an agency which could help their neighbors and do in partnership what none could do alone. Now 75 years later, the original 17 denominations have expanded to 37, helping hundreds of thousands of refugees to find new, safe lives. CWS programs have helped feed people, access clean water, and improve harvests and education, the underlying belief being that when we work together, we can change the world. Hammond Presbyterian Church has in the past collected and sent to CWS numerous school kits,  hygiene kits, emergency cleanup buckets and blankets. Since January, CWS has distributed nearly 38,000 blankets and kits internationally, and nearly 64,000 blankets and kits in the United States. So the need continues. Our next project will be collecting hygiene kits to send to Church World Service. Please find more details in another article in this news letter. Joan Hadlock

  The upgrade to the church kitchen is nearly completed. Plans for the kitchen renovation began some time ago, when Christine Visscher wrote the grant which provided funding for the project. We also received several personal contributions to build up the kitchen budget. Over the years several members and friends of the church have helped plan the needed work. The new cabinets were crafted by Curtiss Furniture. All construction and painting has been done by Sam Donato. In early September there will be a dedication of the kitchen, with appreciation to all who have participated.

 Hammond Fair will be reopened this year, to be held Friday and Saturday, Sept. 10 and 11th. at the Fair Grounds on Lake St. in Hammond. All St. Lawrence County area youth are encouraged to prepare their animals, handcrafts, produce and flowers, baking and art work for judging. As in the past, animal judging will be held Friday and Saturday, with all other items judged on Friday, except for rabbits, which can be brought in for judging Saturday morning. Entries to the Fair must be brought in on Thursday, Sept. 9th, between 1:00 and 9:00 p.m. ,For further information, contact Joan Hadlock at 315/324-5517.. 

We are having a Fish Fry on July 30th from 4:30-6:30pm. We will have Dine-in or Take out options.

Menu:

Fried Fish, Mac and Cheese, Cole Slaw, and Dessert.

Adult Meals are $12

Children ages 12-5 are $6

Children ages 4 and younger are FREE!!!

For any questions, please contact Tara in the office at (315)324-5665.

We are looking for a new Custodian for our church to work 4 hours a week doing general cleaning. For inquires please contact Randy at (315)317-4852.

 "Pray as you can, not as you cannot."

-Abbot John Chapman

One need only compare the fairly sparse walls of my office with the many paintings and posters occupying the walls of the manse to conclude two things: One, someone in the Zellweger household really enjoys decorating and two, it is not Shea. Most of the decor that currently calls my office home was here when I arrived. Apart from a few diplomas hanging behind my head, there are currently three items I've added to the mix.

One of these, located on the top shelf between a menorah and a poster of the lighthouses of Ohio on Lake Erie, is a framed pair of sketches. On the left is an expertly done drawing of Godzilla in black pen, signed and dated by the artists. On the right, an equally well done volcano, which has orange crayon lava flowing from its top, and a blue scribble that's meant to be a Pterodactyl in flight. This, too, is signed by the artists. Both of them.

There is, as you can imagine, a story behind these drawings. In February of 2014, at a barbecue restaurant in Kansas City, my 5-year-old son wound up seated next to a professional comic book artist named Freddie Williams. To keep Cole occupied while we waited for the food, Freddie drew him a picture of Godzilla, and signed and dated it for good measure. Cole said it was pretty good, and then offered to help Freddie draw something even better. He instructed Freddie to sketch a volcano while he grabbed a blue crayon and drew a pterodactyl. After pausing to assess the work of art, Cole then decided it also needed to be erupting, and used his orange crayon to make it so. Freddie signed that work of art as well, and Cole did the same.

Seven years - and dozens of sketchbooks - later, it is my (likely biased) opinion that Cole is already a better artist than I could ever hope to be, and his sketchwork in particular is something I'm often impressed by. He's certainly drawn things more deserving of being framed and mounted than that volcano. But I keep the volcano, both as a fond memory, and as a reminder to myself of what grace looks like.

God, the creator of the universe, invites us to create. God, whose very nature is love, invites us to love. God, whose giving knows no end, invites us to give. God, who is faithful to every generation, invites us to a life of faith. Our efforts don't come close to achieving God's divine standards, and they never will. Yet when we do our best to create, to love, to give, and to live into this faith we proclaim, God is there to encourage us and support us. And I like to imagine that when I've done the best I can, God is willing to sign my work, date it, and proudly display what we created together.

May we all continue to do our best work in this life of faith.

Blessings,

Pastor Shea

 The HPC Bicentennial Committee has been hard at work collecting ideas, information, and images to use in our celebration July 10 and 11. It is taking shape and promises to be a joyous and informational time.

The celebration will begin with a program Saturday (July 10) evening. This program will present the history of the church in word, song and images. We are fortunate to have the program created by Rev. Halbert Campbell for the 125th anniversary to use as a guide. Writings of Rev. Dr. Daniel Ferguson have also been invaluable. The Hammond Museum has been gracious in sharing their collection of articles and photographs.

A special service will be held Sunday morning. This will blend worship from the past and present. Attendees will be welcome to join at a picnic reception to follow the service. Historical documents and artifacts will be available for inspection.

All are welcome to join us to celebrate and reminisce this milestone about our church’s history and future.

We look forward to seeing and hearing from our friends and descendents of the original 17 members.

It’s not too late to contact the church with ideas, artifacts and memories. They can be sent to the church email: hpc215@gmail.com . A more complete agenda will be included in the July newsletter.

  The annual Deacons’ Picnic will be held Sunday, June 13th, in the pavilion, following worship service. Hamburgers, hotdogs and beverages will be provided by the Deacons, asking everyone else to bring a covered dish or dessert. During worship, the Deacons’ Award will be presented., recognizing an individual who has been of service to our church community. We hope everyone will plan to attend the service and picnic. 

 When I was in kindergarten, I met one of my best friends, that I’m still best friends with today. She and I were attached at the hip. My mom would tell me that watching us girls together is some of her fonder memories that she had of me as a munchkin and I never understood why, until having a daughter of my own. Last weekend, my daughter had her best friend come over for a sleep over, and I caught myself giggling with the girls and understanding what my mom was talking about. When we were in the car, I turn on the music and I look in my rear view to two girls singing their hearts out or dance and giggling and being over all just silly. After I get my groceries, and having both girls be so good through all of that, I hear them whispering behind me which usually is followed by a “you ask her….no you ask her….She’s your mom….but she won’t say no to you..” conversation. “What do you want from me now?” I ask and give the girls a questioning look. “DONUTS!!!” they squeal at me in the pitch that I didn’t think was humanly possible, and I just look at them, with their two cute little faces looking at me with the biggest smiles and the biggest “please” eyes and I melt. “I guess that’s okay with me.” I say, to which they respond with happy squeals of “YES!!!” and made up songs about how amazing donuts are. 

People are always so concerned about history repeating itself but I think God wants certain past habits to keep repeating because He enjoys watching this happen over and over again. Almost like watching a favorite movie or listening to a favorite song for the millionth time. God must get a chuckle out of seeing the silly things we do, whether it’s by ourselves or with our best friends. If it brings a smile to your face, it’s God making sure you know that it’s okay to be silly and go spoil yourself with a donut.

  The next Hammond Food Pantry will be Thursday, June 17th, from 9:30 to 11:00am at the Hammond Fire Hall. All income eligible families are encouraged to attend and receive their free food. During this Covid period, we are asking folks to stay in their cars and line up behind the Fire Hall and when it is their turn, come into the back door and sign in. The food will be brought out to your cars by volunteers. On the same day, only after noon, the Food Sense program is in effect. This is open to anyone and not related to Food Pantry at all. The Food Sense is a great way to save on your food dollars. Each month there is a menu sheet showing the items on the food unit, at a cost of $20.50. This includes meat, fish, fresh produce, canned goods, and family meals. In addition there are usually six specials which can be ordered separately. Food Sense must be ordered and paid for ahead of time through me. I urge anyone to look into the Food Sense program as a good way to save money on the high quality food offered. If there are any questions on Food Pantry or Food Sense, please contact me. Joan Hadlock (315) 324-5517. 

 MISSIONS: MINC (Ministries in the North Country) continues to have a steady demand on its Emergency Fund, providing help with utility costs. MINC can pay $200.00 per family for utilities, which reduce the amount owed to National Grid, and stalls shutoff for 30 days, to give people the opportunity to make a payment plan with the utility company. National Grid must offer families a payment plan that they can afford, in some cases as little as $10.00 per month in addition to their current bill. Affordable housing is also a real problem, especially in St. Lawrence County. People on SSI and other forms of disability often find that rent uses up much of their monthly benefits. With long lists for Public Affordable Housing, many families live in substandard housing, which they rent. Hammond Presbyterian Church has long supported and contributed to the MINC program, an important resource for many North Country families. For further information, contact MINC Chairperson Rae Louise Tate or Rev. Rachel Roberts, MINC Outreach Coordinator at (315) 713-4343 ext. 3. Joan Hadlock 

If customers can’t find it, it doesn’t exist. Clearly list and describe the services you offer. Also, be sure to showcase a premium service. We are happy to say that the kitchen renovation is nearly completed, after a much longer time than we had anticipated. New cabinets holding the new sink have been custom made by Curtis Furniture. We decided to maintain the old, wooden cabinets in the remainder of the kitchen, as they are original, and very substantial. Sam Donato, our main contractor, added new sliding features on the drawers, so they open easily. These drawers will be cleaned, and lined with shelving material. The hardware from the old base cupboards was removed, cleaned and reused. Hardware from the upper cabinets was all repainted. The electrical components have been updated, with new outlets added. The power cord to the stove was replaced and the stove moved somewhat to allow for more working space in that corner. New counter tops all around add matching and more sanitary working surfaces. The old cabinets, walls and ceiling have been painted. Some new additional shelving was added. The overhead pipes and electrical wires have been neatly boxed in. A new hot water heater was added. New flooring will be installed in the kitchen back room, using tiles which were in storage. The main kitchen flooring was in good condition, just needing a good stripping and cleaning. The large table in the main room was refurbished by removing and reversing the surface sheet. The edges will be sealed to assure cleanliness. The table height will be raised to a more suitable working level. Many thanks to all who participated in the planning and decisions which were made in this process. And many thanks to Sam Donato for his excellent and careful work on this project. I believe we will now have a kitchen which will be more sanitary, easier to maintain, provide more storage and ready to produce many more dinners for us and for the public. Joan Hadlock 

Rhythm and Routine. 

Those words accurately describe the majority of my life - and, I suspect, yours as well. There are always changes and unexpected events to account for, but as a matter of course, my life is a fairly predictable one. I have routines I have worked to create which I follow daily, weekly, monthly, and even annually, which keep me grounded in the here and now. In Benedictine spirituality, these routines are referred to as a Regula Vitae, or "rule of life," and mine are largely based on two calendars: the church year, and the agricultural season.

This year, something happened that completely changed my rule of life: I was called to be your pastor. 

In January, instead of browsing seed catalogs and planning this year's garden, we were browsing local real estate listings for land and collecting quotes from movers.

In February, instead of putting eggs in the incubator, starting tomatoes and peppers, and beginning to plan the next year's worship services, we packed.

In March, instead of putting potatoes and peas in the ground, cutting paths for this year's grazing paddocks, and listening to the constant sound of chicks in the basement, while leading Lenten spiritual practices, we packed

In April, instead of moving those chicks outside, watching the first green shoots emerge from the garden, and starting to harden off the indoor plants, we packed. And then moved.

To put it succinctly, this has so far been a year unlike any other. 

Of course, that's true for everyone, this of all years. Since last March, our constant refrain as a society has been "this year is different," and the difference is far from over. We are reminded of that fact every time we grab a mask before heading out the door; Every time we think twice about shaking someone's hand; every time we sit silently in worship, not singing along as a hymn is played or rising to pass the peace of Christ to one another. We are reminded that this year has disrupted all of our rhythms, leaving us feeling untethered from the things which previously grounded us.

Thankfully for my life, our church, and our culture as a whole, the same truth can comfort us all: we are on the cusp of finding a new rhythm. Sure, it won't be quite the same. We can no more expect to resume our pre-covid way of life than I can plan to plant potatoes in March. Some things are just going to have to be different. But whether the rhythms we find are a return to what was, a modification of it, or something entirely new, we will find them.

Spring is here. The signs of new life are bursting forth all around us. And this year, they are a promise of the new life that is in store for us. I look forward to discovering it with you.

Easter Blessings,

Pastor Shea

  HPC Bicentennial On July 11th, 2021

After meeting in each other’s homes for a time, 17 Scottish settlers formed the Presbyterian Union Church of Rossie in 1821. I wonder if they ever imagined what their church would be like in 200 years?

A group of church members are meeting to plan a celebration of this important anniversary. Our first formal meeting will be April 26. Several informal meetings have taken place.

The date has been set for July 11thto coincide with the Hammond Museum’s Scottish Festival July 10th. We will have a presence at the festival.

Possible events have been proposed:

 -A program of Church History

 -Displays of memorabilia

 -A special Sunday Church service

 -An informal get together after service? Picnic?

 -Time of sharing memories

 -Recognition of descendents of the 17

 -Create a booklet to put all these events     together in one place

We are asking for ideas, memories, and folks to help organize the event. The church email (HPC215@gmail.com) and Facebook will be the contact points. Information will be updated on the church website (www.hammondpresbyterian.org) and Facebook page.

We look forward to hearing from you all and celebrating our heritage as we look to our third century.

“If the only prayer you ever say is Thank You, that will suffice.”
 

The quote is attributed to Meister Eckhart, a 13th century Christian mystic, priest and scholar.  We at Hammond Presbyterian Church have received many blessings and reasons for prayers of gratitude. One way to express these prayers is with the two upcoming receptions. I wanted these events to be recorded in the newsletter, even though I am writing the article before the receptions and you will read about them after they take place.
The first reception which will be held in the pavilion on April 25 after the service led by Marti Montovani is to joyfully welcome The Reverend Dr. Shea Zellweger, his wife Jocelyn, their children 12 year old Cole and 6 year old Tessa and their extended animal family: 3 pregnant goats, 1 goat with 2 babies, a cow and 3 ducks. Chickens will be coming. We must keep this in mind when we sing the “Twelve Days of Christmas”. Ginger is the name of their cow and is the only name I know so far, but I plan to get to know them on a first name basis. Shea and Jocelyn believe in ethically produced food and regenerative agriculture. I hope to learn more about this.
The second reception held in the pavilion will be May 2 after our communion service. This will be Shea’s first service to lead as our newly called minister. May 2 is the date Martha (Marti) Montovani, Kerri Weldon and Betsy Westman were all available. We refer to them as the three Wonder Women. They guided us through the challenging transition of almost 2 years to find a full time minister. This was complicated by also dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. This was new territory for us all.
Betsy, while being the minister at Theresa Presbyterian Church, also moderated our session, led annual meetings and sometimes after leading worship at her church rushed to Hammond to lead our services. Outwardly she made it look easy. She was the go to person for advice and knowledge of protocol and church policy.
Marti and Kerri became our mainstay for pulpit supply. What a blessing to find 2 articulate ministers with cheery dispositions, a sense of humor and well grounded in scripture who could guide us through a psychologically and spiritually rocky terrain.
 

Elizabeth Scarlett

               Every Friday night I head over to my best friend Nola’s house, to let loose, have a bunch of laughs and play cards. One night I was thinking to myself, how much I look to Nola as a sister figure that I never had and how much I love her, her family, and our friendship that we have created. She is my person. We are good for each other. I’m definitely more of the adventurous friend that one night in December, when it was cold and rainy, I suggested that she and I go to her parks farm and sing Christmas Carols to her parents and younger brother. We laughed so hard that night that our tummies hurt. And she keeps me level when I tell her how crazy something is happening in my life by coming over to the house and with a couple of drinks and rubbing my back telling me it’s okay and that I shouldn’t let whatever is bothering me, bother me because God will take care of the problem. Nola and I were brought together by God. As you are reading this, are you sitting back thinking about your person? That person that you can call any time of day or night who completely understands what is going on and is there for you, whether it is just a shoulder to cry on, someone to help you move that busted appliance in your house and put it out of the way, or a quick phone call to say “I’m running late, can you pick up the kids for me at school?”. That’s your person.

God brings people in and out of your life for a reason. To help you grow as a person, grow as a friend, grow as a family. God does this because he is also our person. He hears our prayers everyday for the people we love, he helps us focus when we are going through a hardship, he helps us to see how beautiful the world is around us and how we need to love ourselves and each other. If you don’t have a person in your life, God is always there to be your person.  You just have to notice the signs that are given just for you. It could be as simple as going outside and feeling that cool breeze and questioning whether or not you should go get a sweater on and then having the sun come and warm you back up. That is God being there for you and being your person.

  Hammond Food Pantry for May will be Thursday, May 20thfrom 9:30 to 11:00 at the Hammond Fire Hall. All income eligible families are encouraged to be present to receive free food. We are continuing to ask everyone to stay in their cars, line up at the back of the Fire Hall and when it is their turn to come to the back door and sign in. The food will be brought out to the cars by our volunteers. New families are always welcome, and may sign up on that day. 

Our Food Sense program is after noon, the same day as Food Pantry, but is a separate program. Food Sense items are listed on a monthly menu and include meats, fish, produce, some frozen items and family goods in a single unit, costing $20.50. There are also special foods to be ordered separately from the units Meats, fish, frozen goods and fresh produce make up the specials. All Food Sense must be ordered and paid for ahead of time. These programs are a good way to make your food dollars go farther. For information, contact Joan Hadlock at 315/324-5517

   The Mzuzu Crisis Nursery, located in Malawi, has been operational since 2004. Originally run by the Ministry of Hope, it is now owned by Gospelink, which continues to provide the space for the nursery at no rent. Paul and Darlene Heller, from our Presbytery, spent three years in Malawi, in charge of the nursery. Mzuzu Crisis Nursery takes in abandoned and orphaned babies, raises them to 18 months to 2 years, and then returns them to the village as healthy, happy children. Without the nursery, these children would not survive. Follow up visits are needed in the villages, to assure the continuing good health of the children. The cost of electricity is another factor, especially in the rainy season, when the clothes dryer is needed as clothing cannot be put out in the sun to dry in minutes. Vehicle maintenance, technology up grades and nursery furnishings and blankets are all costly and needed. The nursery is operating well, giving these babies a hopeful future. Gifts to the Mzuzu Crisis Nursery can be made through the Presbytery by sending a check to the Presbytery office through the Online Giving Portal .. Select “Presbytery Meeting Offering” which is currently designated for the Crisis Nursery. Joan Hadlock 

Our Easter Memorial Gifts this year were collected for our Missionary in West Africa, Josh Heikkila.

Josh works as regional liaison there, bringing Christianity to the communities, while helping to improve their education, health and well being. Our donations totaled $275.00, which will be sent to Presbyterian World Mission in Pittsburgh, PA in support of Josh’s ministry. In addition, we had several seasonal plants decorating our sanctuary. Many thanks to all who contributed. The memorial list is below.

LIST OF EASTER MEMORIALS

In memory of Wayne Weber and other deceased family members from Dot Weber

In memory of Edwin C. Hadlock and Linda Gardner from Kennon, Nolan, Jensen and Vivian Gardner 

In memory of Malcolm and Roberta McGregor from Jennifer McGregor 

In memory of Sherry Watson from Dick Watson

In memory of Robert and Alice Bickelhaupt, Robert and Dorothy Hunter, Maurice Maloy and Paul Young, from Gary and Marilyn Hunter

In memory of our parents, sister Linda Delosh, and nephew James P. Decker, Jr. 

From Doug and Joan Delosh

In memory of Milo and Eleanor Hollister, Lewis and Grace Paddock and Orphia Hollister

From Wayne and Lana Storie

In loving memory of John Scarlett and departed loved ones from Liz Scarlett

In memory of our parents from Dave and Lynn DeCondo

In memory of Ed Hadlock and other deceased family members from Joan Hadlock

In memory of deceased members of Hammond Presbyterian Women

Thank you to everyone donating their cans and bottles to the Youth Group!  We are looking forward to using the funds for some exciting group activities as the weather gets warmer!  

A couple of reminders...

-Please be sure that what you drop off at church is redeemable for $.05.  We are not able to return most wine bottles, snapple bottles, or anything that doesn't specifically say it is redeemable in the state of NY.

-Please separate any glass into a box.  The redemption center will not accept any bags that have glass mixed in with metal and plastic.  

Thanks again!

 Alleluia! Christ is risen! The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!

It’s been two years since we’ve said those words. Last year we were in the midst of a pandemic shut down. While my husband and I provided an online video with familiar Easter organ music provided by our organist and filmed in the sanctuary to give us all comfort and a familiar surroundings, it just wasn’t the same. We longed to be together to shout these Alleluias! to God. At noon our church bell rang out the Alleluias! for us. In some ways it felt like the never ending winter. We walked out of the sanctuary on March 15 in the midst of Lent and that feels like where we got left, in the midst of the shadows of the cross even as the seasons changed around us.

Now, one year later we come back with full hearts anticipating our masked voices elevating those words. While we won’t be able to shout exactly, we will be able to raise those words in praise and thanksgiving to God. The church bell will toll and we will gather from our pew seats around the Lord’s Table. God is actively at work in our midst and we respond with gratitude, our hearts and lungs full of Alleluias! Won’t you come and join us during Holy Week and Easter to make the final journey to the cross, to leave your fears and darkness behind and at the feet of Jesus? Won’t you come to gaze into the empty tomb on Easter morning to be amazed and awed with tear stained cheeks? Won’t you come on Easter morning to raise your Alleluia! voice?

Alleluia! Christ is risen! The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Easter Blessings and God’s Peace be with you!

Pastor Betsy Westman

  What are we celebrating you ask?

2021 marks the 200th anniversary of our church!

Hammond Presbyterian Church then known as First Presbyterian Union Church of Rossie, was founded in 1821. There were 17 original members. Are you a descendent of anyone from those original members? Do you have an interest in our local history here in Hammond? We need your help!!

The Hammond Presbyterian Church session is gathering information and ideas together to plan a 200th Anniversary Celebration for our church. If you have interest in joining the milestone endeavor or ideas to share, please let us know.

You can call (315-324-5665) or email (HPC215@gmail.com) Tara at the church office with information or interest. In the coming weeks, we will gather those interested together (with social distancing and masks, of course) to begin planning our celebration!!

 EASTER EGG HUNT: There will be an Easter egg hunt on our church grounds following worship on Easter Sunday, for children up to ten years of age.  Are your customers raving about you on social media? Share their great stories to help turn potential customers into loyal ones.

Reponses and humming will now be allowed in Service Starting on Easter Sunday. Face masks are to still be worn and non family members should still be sitting 6feet from one another.  

 The next Hammond Food Pantry will be Thursday, April 29th, from 9:30 to 11:00 am at the Hammond Fire Hall. All income eligible families are encouraged to attend and receive their free food. During this Covid period, we are asking folks to stay in their cars and line up behind the Fire Hall and when it is their turn, come into the back door and sign in. The food will be brought out to your cars by volunteers. On the same day, only after noon, the Food Sense program is in effect. This is open to anyone and not related to Food Pantry at all. The Food Sense is a great way to save on your food dollars. Each month there is a menu sheet showing the items on the food unit, at a cost of $20.50. This includes meats, fish, fresh produce, canned goods, family meals. In addition there are usually six specials which can be ordered separately. Food Sense must be ordered and paid for ahead of time through me. I urge anyone to look into the Food Sense program as a good way to save money on the high quality food offered. If there are any questions on Food Pantry or Food Sense, please contact me. Joan Hadlock 315-324-5665. 

 Each year we send boxes of items from our Mitten Tree to St. Joseph’s Indian Home in Chamberlain, SD. Over the years, St. Joseph’s has provided a safe refuge for thousands of children, many escaping the effects of poverty, violence, substance abuse and other problems. The children need and deserve the same high quality education, nutritious meals, and healthy living conditions other children enjoy. To quote St. Joseph’s, “the children keep coming, The need doesn’t stop”. These early years are so important for the young people under their care. And there are always more children who need a stable, loving environment in which to grow. These 

Lakota (Sioux) children receive a well rounded education in a safe environment, where they can realize their God given potential and work toward a brighter future.

My son Viktor is a silly, quirky, fun loving kid, and for those of you that know us you know that he is diagnosed with Autism. I bring this up because April 2nd is Autism Awareness Day (even though every day in my house is Autism Awareness Day) and I just want to shine a spot light on my son for a moment. I don’t know of anyone who has met Viktor, who hasn’t had their heart touched by him. Right now he is on his way to school and I know that this is the bus drivers favorite stop in the morning, because Viktor will ask that the radio be turned on in the bus and she and Viktor will sing all the way to his school. I know when he gets off the bus, the aides in his classroom are so excited to see him and talk with him and joke around, that some days they fight for his attention. I know that if Viktor has a great day at school, his teacher will send me a video of him goofing off and everyone laughing, and if he has a bad day in school, I get a text of motherly concerns about change in his routine that might be throwing him off his game. Viktor has inspired people to go back to school to want to become Special Education Teachers, or even open the door for people to want to understand more about him. The funny thing is he doesn’t know the impact that he has on people, because in his eyes, everyone is great.

God has impacted my life by giving me Viktor. Every bit of God’s plan impacts everyone every day. It could be the little things that we take for granted, such as the trees growing buds, or the grass turning green again, to life changing events such as buying that new car that you saved up for, or bringing home the puppy that your heart has been aching for. That’s God touching you heart and telling you, this is the road that he want you to go down, this impact will make you learn, grow, and love. God made all of us different and not less so we could learn from each other; grow with each other, and to love one another. 

 Names for Easter plants and memorials can be given to me until the middle of April. The listing will appear in the April newsletter. Monetary contributions this year are being sent to our missionary in West Africa, Josh Heikkila. He works in several communities in several countries to help provide better education and improved living conditions there. Josh has lived in West Africa for many years and so appreciates support given to help him continue bringing the word of God to many villages in the region. Any checks may be made out to our church with: ”missionary” on the memo line. With thanks for your generosity. Joan Hadlock