WHEN  WE  PUT  OUR  CARES  IN  HIS  HANDS -  

                 HE  PUTS  HIS  PEACE  IN  OUR  HEARTS 
        
 * * * * * * 

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     We have reviewed our records for Deacon’s Scholarships.  Since 2006 we have given a total of 73 awards to church members from the Helen McKay Deacon’s Scholarship fund.   These awards have totaled $21,285!  The board of Deacons would like to thank all of you who have participated donating money, baking pies or sharing your talents for this.  We are proud to see the continued outpouring of support  to our 1st Presbyterian family!

THINKING OF YOU...

Often times there are those in our Church Family who cannot make it to our Sunday services for various reasons.  Although they are not here in body, they are here in spirit, thoughts and prayers.  In upcoming Newsletters, we would like to include the names and addresses of those members that would love to hear from their Church Family in the form of cards, letters or “prayer” packages.  Could you please take a moment to send them your thoughts, prayers and updates?  We know they would love to hear from you!

Shirley Maycock

13   5th Street

Oneida Castle, NY 13421
 

      Jeannine Fariel
      589 Sayles Street
      Oneida, NY 1342
 

     Colleen Dempsey 
      4100 Sholtz Road                              
     Oneida, NY  13421 

      Barb Dale 
      Lutheran Home 
      Room #235
      108 Utica Road
      Clinton, NY  13323 

  .... PLEASE  ALSO CHECK THE ONGOING PRAYER REQUEST LISTS.....

Remembering those who have gone "Home" . . .

We have lost many dear and faithful friends this year.  We ask that you keep their families in your prayers and offer words of encouragement, hope, comfort and peace.  We are the Family of Christ and will be reunited with our Father in His time.  Below is a list of Church Members who have passed this year.  We must also remember those who have gone before us in prior years - and also those who do not belong to our Church.  Keep all of our Brothers and Sisters in Christ in your hearts and prayers.  Please reach out to their loved ones.

Joan Black
Ruth Clark
Bob Hornyak
Betty Keller
Gladys Littebrandt
Fern Meyers
Robert Meyers
Roberta Rosekrans
Robert Welton

A Prayer for those who have sufered the recent loss of a loved one:

God of compassion, there is such a hole in my heart!  Today should be a day of joy, but I feel only emptiness and loss.  While the world celebrates around me, I long to have my loved one with me.  I bring my sorrows to you, Lord, and place them at your feet.  In my blind tears I wonder if anyone can possibly understand the depth of my sadness.

Iknow, YOU can.  YOU sent your son to be with us in our deepest sorrows and I know that even though I might not feel it now, YOU are here with me, grieving with me, caring for me in my sadness.  Dearest Lord, help me to turn to the one I miss so much today and speak.  Help me jheal the loss of our parting and help me not regret the things I didn't say.  Sorrow tears at my heart, but today I ask that my loss soften my heart and make me more compassionate with everyone I meet so that my loss may become a gift to others.

In Jesus Name,  Amen.

From our Hearts to Yours . . . we are here for you in your time of sorrow.

Blessed Assurance:  1 Thessalonians 4:13-14:  Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.  For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.

Prayer Shawl Ministry Update 

      Prayer Shawls are a tremendous comfort to those who receive them. A special “thank you” to those who have made prayer shawls and to those who continue to make them so that our supply is continuously replenished.
 
     We (Deacons) appreciate your sharing your knitting, crocheting and sewing skills with this ministry.  If you would like to make a prayer shawl please remember - the size, color, shape and design is not as important as the prayers said while making it.  However, if you would like a pattern, please see Sue Kordziel.
 
     We have slowly expanded our ministry to include stuffed animals of all kinds.  In your “travels,” would you be willing to purchase an animal to add to our supply?  The best gift is one you would like for yourself. A bear, elephant, dog, duck, bunny, etc.  You could make a prayer shawl for it, or one will be made for the animal to wear.  The giving of a “companion” wrapped in a prayer shawl to hold and hug gives comfort and passes on the many prayers and blessings offered while it was being made.  Please bring your donations to the boardroom and label them “Prayer Shawl Ministry” or give them directly to Sue.
 
     Each shawl-maker begins the shawl with prayers and blessings and continues to pray while completing the shawl. Upon completion, a final blessing is offered before the shawl /animal is sent on its way. (All new shawls and animals will be dedicated (blessed) on a Communion Sunday).
 
     A note is attached to each prayer shawl; a similar one is attached to the animal wrapped in a prayer shawl. On the back of the note is the church mailing address, phone number and email address. The note reads:

GOD KEEP YOU IN HIS CARE

 As this garment was made, prayers were offered that our Lord
will meet your needs and surround you with His love.

As you wrap this prayer shawl around you, may you feel
the presence and love of the Oneida First Presbyterian Church
 and know that we may not be able to sit beside you but
we are no further than a prayer.

Our prayer is that as you hold or wear this garment,
You will feel the peace of the Lord, experience healing,
and remember that prayers are being said
on your behalf at the Savior’s feet.
 
MAY GOD COMFORT AND PROTECT YOU --
 
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     We currently have a small supply of prayer shawls available – If you learn of someone who needs prayers, comfort and encouragement - if you would like to become involved in this ministry - or if you have any questions, please let a Deacon or an Elder know.  You may also call the OFPC office @ 363-7590.  Our secretary, Linda, will be glad to pass the message on to us.

 
 Sue Kordziel (Deacon) 

   A sunny thank you to all who have been sharing cards, envelopes, and stamps.  It has been such a blessing to be able to send prayers on your behalf to our church family and friends in need.  If you have the address of anyone on our prayer list who is not in our directory, I ask you to please write it down so that I may send one of the many cards shared.  Thank you! -- Cindy Bonville