The First Word Together… and Change Lives.’...Pastrix: the Cranky, Beautiful Faith of a Sinner &...
Transcript of The First Word Together… and Change Lives.’...Pastrix: the Cranky, Beautiful Faith of a Sinner &...
The First Word is The First Word is The First Word is
a monthly a monthly a monthly
publication of:publication of:publication of:
First Lutheran First Lutheran First Lutheran
ChurchChurchChurch
181 Western 181 Western 181 Western
AvenueAvenueAvenue
Albany, NYAlbany, NYAlbany, NY
122031220312203---121712171217
(518) 463(518) 463(518) 463---132613261326
[email protected]@albanyflc.office@albany
.twcbc.com.twcbc.com.twcbc.com
Rev. Alison L. Rev. Alison L. Rev. Alison L.
LeitzelLeitzelLeitzel, Pastor, Pastor, Pastor
Roberta RowlandRoberta RowlandRoberta Rowland
---Raybold,Raybold,Raybold,
Dir. Of MusicDir. Of MusicDir. Of Music
Julie LindJulie LindJulie Lind,,,
Parish Parish Parish
AdministratorAdministratorAdministrator
Alex Nagy,Alex Nagy,Alex Nagy,
Parish CustodianParish CustodianParish Custodian
‘We
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’
The Capital Region
Theological Center
presents…
Nadia Bolz-Weber
Nadia Bolz-Weber’s
theological memoir,
Pastrix: the Cranky,
Beautiful Faith of a Sinner
& Saint came out in 2013, to critical acclaim
and popularity.
She is the founding pastor of House for All
Sinners and Saints, an ELCA mission church
in Denver, Colorado. She’s a leading voice in
the emerging church movement and her
writing can be found in The Christian
Century and Jim Wallis’ God’s Politics blog.
Phylis Tickle remarks,
“Nadia Bolz-Weber has probably done
more than any other pastor in recent times
to poke therapeutic fun at the
misdemeanors and flaws of overly-
churched Christianity and Christians. The
passion behind her words, however, is as
deeply pastoral as it is God-drenched and
liberating….thus the affection as well as the
respect that attend her and her work
wherever she goes.”
Want to know more? Check out Nadia’s
personal website at
www.nadiabolzweber.com
or find her on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/sarcasticlutheran
and at her Sarcastic Lutheran blog at
www.patheos.com/blogs/nadiabolzweber
A Day of Learning with Nadia Bolz-Weber
Saturday, December 12, 2015
9:00am-4:00pm
First Lutheran Church
Time to open the cookbooks and find some recipes for
simple and tasty International dishes for our annual
Christmas International Potluck!
In the past years, we have shared foods from several
different countries and cultures.
What will you bring this year?
Sign-up Sheet is posted on the bulletin board outside
Pastor’s Office!
The The The First WordFirst WordFirst Word Monthly Newsletter of First Lutheran Church Monthly Newsletter of First Lutheran Church Monthly Newsletter of First Lutheran Church --- Albany, NYAlbany, NYAlbany, NY
www.FirstLutheranAlbany.orgwww.FirstLutheranAlbany.orgwww.FirstLutheranAlbany.org
December, 2015 December, 2015 December, 2015 …….
f|Çz g{|á a|z{àf|Çz g{|á a|z{àf|Çz g{|á a|z{à A Christmas CelebrationA Christmas CelebrationA Christmas Celebration
The Festival Celebration ChoirThe Festival Celebration ChoirThe Festival Celebration Choir
Annual Christmas ConcertAnnual Christmas ConcertAnnual Christmas Concert
Sunday, December 6Sunday, December 6Sunday, December 6
4:00 p.m.4:00 p.m.4:00 p.m.
First Lutheran ChurchFirst Lutheran ChurchFirst Lutheran Church
Admission: $18 Adults, $13 Admission: $18 Adults, $13 Admission: $18 Adults, $13
Seniors/StudentsSeniors/StudentsSeniors/Students
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December 2015
Dear First Family, I expect that in the next three-four weeks, we will encounter quite a number of people in some not-so-usual ways.
I’m thinking of people like bell ringers with large red kettles. Crazy drivers circling, circling, circling, looking for a
parking space. Harried, rushing shoppers. People with extra full grocery carts taking up
extra time at the cashier. And for those of us out walking down the street, we may see
people with thread-bare coats, looking extra cold. This time, usually thought of as filled
with Holiday cheer, may need you to offer some of that cheer – some goodness, kindness,
thoughtfulness, and blessing, as you go about your busy days. You have the power of God
within you to make these “Advent Encounters” with many people and experience of the
presence of our loving God.
At worship at First Lutheran, we will be experiencing another kind of “Advent
Encounter.” Each Sunday through the symbols and people of the lessons read at worship,
we will encounter symbols and people who come to us in unexpected ways with the power to change how we the
present, change our outlook on the future, even change our future. That’s what the Word of God can do. I hope you
will come to worship each week in Advent, seeking to be changed in holy ways, by Advent encounters with God’s
agents of grace.
Peace & Joy!
Pastor Allie
Here’s some highlights of our worship this season
• November 29th
, First Sunday of Advent - Wear blue, look for blue. Look for Mary and Joseph beginning their
travels to Bethlehem. After worship, any who are able to stay a few minutes are invited to hang some wreaths
and put up the window candles.
• December 6th
, Second Sunday of Advent – Two messengers, Malachi and John the Baptist, announce that the
preparation has begun. After Worship, the Sunday School will be packing the Christmas boxes for the Seafarers.
Stay and help them. Later in the day the Albany Festival Choir will present a concert of Christmas Music at FLC.
• December 13th
, Third Sunday of Advent - We encounter the prophet Zephaniah who sings of joy for God is in our
midst. John the Baptizer is back, and we encounter God’s very self through the sacrament of Holy Baptism given to
baby George Hackney. Mary & Joseph are getting closer to Bethlehem.
• December 20th
, Fourth Sunday of Advent - Our featured lesson is of Mary the mother of our Lord who, too, sings
joyfully her Magnificat. The Sunday School presents a dramatized Christmas Story, full of sounds and sights. After
worship we have our budget meeting and annual International Christmas Potluck.
• December 24th
, Christmas Eve Worship – Special music begins at 7:00 p.m. Worship at 7:30 features carols,
communion, candlelight.
• December 27th
, Sunday after Christmas - Joint worship with SJ here at FLC at 10 am. A service of Lessons,
Readings, Carols and Communion.
• January 3rd
, The Epiphany of our Lord – Even though the actual day of Epiphany doesn’t arrive until January 6th
,
we will observe Epiphany at worship to complete our Christmas season with the arrival of the three kings. Those
who can, are asked to stay after worship to take down the Christmas decorations.
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Altar Flower Dates Available in 2016
There are several dates available for altar flowers in 2016. They are January 31,
April 17, July 10, August 21, October 9 and December 4. Flowers on the altar can be
to memorialize, honor or recognize someone special. After the church service you may
pick up your flowers (in the kitchen) or share them with someone on our prayer list or
anyone celebrating a special occasion.
The price for altar flowers is $25.00. You can send your payment to church or
leave your payment in the mailbox outside Julie’s office. Please note in the memo area
on your check altar flowers and the date. Payment is not due until the month that you
have altar flowers on the altar.
Please contact Liz Peters—869-0387 or [email protected]—if you are interested.
Share the Joy of Christmas
with our Homebound
Members
Lois Coon
Evergreen Commons
1070 Luther Road—Rm. 125B
East Greenbush, NY 12061
Marcia Coon
Evergreen Commons
1070 Luther Road—Rm. 245B
East Greenbush, NY 12061
Jane Culver
c/o Susan Harper
39 Clermont St
Albany, NY 12203
Gerry Hoyt
Northeast Center for Special Care
300 Grant Ave
Lake Katrine, NY 12449
James Leonard
Brookdale Commons
626 Watervliet Shaker Road
Latham, NY 12110
Mildred Logan
140 Washington Ave. Ext.—Apt. E74
Albany, NY 12203
Virginia (Ginny) MacVittie
Teresian House
200 Washington Ave. Ext.—Rm. 205
Albany, NY 12203
Stanley Polonski
138 Pershing Avenue
Wynantskill, NY 12198
Marc Salzer
49 Phillips Road
Rensselaer, NY 12144
Dorothy Seim
5000 Queen Philomena Blvd.—Apt. 151
Schenectady, NY 12304
Bill and Laura Shufelt
177 Mansion Street
Coxsackie, NY 12051
Elaine Smith
Teresian House
200 Washington Ave. Ext—Rm. 538
Albany, NY 12203
Lois Van Buren
Teresian House
200 Washington Ave. Ext.—Rm. 128
Albany, NY 12203
Jeanette and Stephanie Wiltse
186 Western Ave.
Albany, NY 12203
Adopt a Nursing Home
Once again the holiday season is fast approaching.
First Lutheran parishioners are always generous in
helping out needy people. This season we are adopting
30 residents from the Evergreen Nursing Home in East
Greenbush. Two of our members (Lois and Marcia
Coon) have been living at this nursing home for several
years.
On November 29th in the back of the church, a table
will be set up to take a tag or two. Each tag will have
the name of the resident and a gift the person needs or
wants. Please wrap your gift, cut off the bottom of the
tag that has the item wanted and attach the rest of the
tag to the wrapped gift.
Please bring your wrapped gift back to church no
later than December 13th. When you bring back your
gift, please leave it in the back of the church by the
ceramic Christmas tree. The gifts will be blessed by
Pastor Allie before they are delivered and given to the
Evergreen residents.
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CROP Walk Allocation
First Lutheran Church members have participated in the
CROP walk for many years. This year, I was made aware
that since we have a feeding program (community
dinners), we could apply to receive a portion of the
proceeds of this event to use for our dinners. We are
pleased to inform you that $250 was allocated by the
Capital Area Council of Churches to FLC for this purpose.
Thank you to those who participate in the CROP Walk,
both with their donations and their feet. We will
continue to support causes that have a goal of ending
hunger every day and every year.
Thank You
We wish to thank Kathy Ordway and Marcia Hoyt , not
only for organizing November 15th's delicious brunch,
but also for their decision to donate the proceeds of this
meal to the Christmas at Sea program. The additional
$102 collected at the brunch will allow us to buy more
items to fill the boxes for the seaman arriving at the Port
of Albany during the holiday season.
Bread For the World Campaign
Bread for the World is a collective
Christian voice urging our nation's
decision makers to end hunger at
home and abroad. The 2015
Offering of Letters asked members
of Congress to support the Global Food Security Act H.R.
1567/S. 1252, which supports a combined approach to
food security and agricultural development, with
domestic programs such as WIC and international
programs, such as Feed the Future. This initiative will
leverage resources from government, non-
governmental and faith-based organizations, foreign
governments and private enterprises, using data
collected from successful projects, to eradicate extreme
poverty and hunger by 2030.
A total of 63 letters were signed by members of First
Lutheran Church during the Octoberfest Luncheon on
October 25. These letters were mailed to House
Representatives Paul Tonko and Chris Gibson, and
Senators Schumer and Gillibrand.
Fruit Cup Collection for Equinox
Thanksgiving Dinner
Thank you to everyone who
donated containers of mixed fruit
cups for the annual Equinox
Thanksgiving dinner. A special thank you to Liz Peters
for picking up the extra cups we needed to meet FLC's
goal of 400 fruit cups. Our cluster's collection is
combined with many other donations of all types of
food to feed several thousand people on Thanksgiving
day.
Annual Christmas Cookie
Collection
It's that time of year to think
about baking Christmas cookies
for friends and relatives. This year, as in years past, we
are asking that you share some of your baked goodies
to share with our homebound members.
Please bring your cookie donation to the Library on
Sunday, December 20th. The cookies will then be
packaged in holiday tins, accompanied by a card and a
Christmas poinsettia and delivered to our members who
are unable to come to church during the holiday season.
Christmas at Sea
As in previous years, First Lutheran is participating in the
“Christmas at Sea” program. It involves purchasing items to
be placed in a box and then wrapped. The boxes are given to
seafarers as they arrive at the Port during the holiday
season. We are told that the look of joy that sweeps over the
seafarer’s face upon receiving an unexpected Christmas gift
from a stranger in a distant land is almost indescribable.
We would like to have the entire congregation involved in
this program. Our goal is to fill 30 shoeboxes with various
items. There is a sign-up sheet across from Pastor’s office. If
you are unable to purchase any of the items and would like
to give a monetary donation, please mark the envelope
“Christmas at Sea”. On December 6th
, we are asking
members to stay after church to fill the boxes and wrap
them. Our Sunday School will participate in this activity.
Pastor Allie will bless the boxes after they are packed. Please
remember our seafarer friends at this special time of year.
Christmas Poinsettias
These beautiful plants may be taken home after the evening Christmas Eve worship service, or you may choose to share them with our homebound and nursing home resident members who are unable to come to church to enjoy them. We also share our remaining poinsettia plants with hospitalized veterans at the VA Hospital. Please fill out the form below and return it to the church office via mail or by giving it to an usher on Sunday morning.
All orders for poinsettia plants need to be placed no later than December 15th. The plants will be Red, white & pink this year and the pots holding them will be wrapped with gold foil.
The donation is $10.00 per plant.The donation is $10.00 per plant.The donation is $10.00 per plant. Please print clearly: Name:__________________________________________ Number of plants ordered: ________ I will keep ________ . I will share _______ . Please indicate one or more of the following: [ ] In memory of loved ones _____________________________________________ [ ] In honor of children & grandchildren _____________________________________________ [ ] In honor / memory of parents _____________________________________________ [ ] In loving memory of _____________________________________________ [ ] In honor of _____________________________________________ [ ] Other wording _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________
Please make checks payable to: First Lutheran Church Mark “Poinsettia 2015” in memo section.
Annual Budget Meeting
Immediately
following worship
Sunday, December 20th
The proposed budget for 2016 will
be discussed and voted on.
Please make every effort to attend
this meeting!
Thank you!
Page 5
Christmas for the Salzer Family
As part of our Christmas giving, let’s remember the
Salzer family, who have been congregation members
for many years. Marilyn has had numerous physical
problems and Marc requires 24 hour care. They are
unable to join us for worship, but we want them to
know we still think of them often.
To assist with their every day costs, we are asking for
Price Chopper gift cards. Please give the gift cards to
Janice Logan or leave them in her mail slot in the office
by December 18. If you have any questions, please
contact Janice (437-1121 or [email protected]).
Thank you for your generosity.
We have numerous good
leaders at FLC, and a some
committees who help keep
the church running. We
have two committees of
whom we wish to make
special mention at this time.
You may or may not have
noticed them. They often work largely behind the
scenes.
Personnel Committee formed just over a year ago,
this committee of Tim Eskeli - chair, JoAnne LaPlante-
Evans, and Kathy Ordway, have worked with Pastor
Allie to revise job descriptions, conduct staff
evaluations, and create a new employee handbook. As
well, they took the lead on the hiring of our new
organist. JoAnne LaPlante-Evans has now left the
committee for other commitments, so we are looking
for an additional person who has some experience
personnel matters.
Mutual Ministry Committee, whose task is to
support the vision of the congregation and the ministry
of the pastor, formed about 1 ½ years ago. They have
done excellent work in reviewing with Pastor and
council the stated priorities for the congregation from
when Pastor Allie was called. They also took the lead
in striving for resolution during some congregational
conflict during the past year. We continue to work
with the Matthew 18 premise: if you have a concern,
go directly to the person you have the concern with; if
you find that impossible take a someone with you, or
ask the mutual ministry committee to help to address
your concern. We thank Joe Markowski, Dorothy
Carlson, and Pr Paula Gravelle for their work. Paula
has now moved, and Dorothy has completed her term
on this committee. Our Council President Cara
Brousseau is joining Joe, and we hope to announce a
third member soon. Membership on this committee is
by suggestion of the pastor, with approval by the
council.
We give thanks for the fine ministry accomplished
by these two committees during the past year.
The Albany Senior Orchestra will be performing a concert at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 15
th in Wittenberg Hall.
You are also invited to come to First Lutheran on any
Tuesday morning and listen to them rehearse beginning at 9:30 a.m.
FREE Albany Senior Orchestra Concert
Huge shout out to our Congregational Partners -
Journey UCC, 1st Lutheran, St. John's Lutheran,
Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit, St. Boniface
Episcopal Church, Delmar Presbyterian Church, New
Covenant Presbyterian, Hamilton Union Presbyterian
and McKownville UMC for hosting bake sales on
November 22nd! You help us raise $2,465!!!
Page 6
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Church Council Highlights
November 10, 2015 Meeting
St John’s and First’s council met together at 6:30 to
discuss how we will explore ways we can work toward
being together as one congregation.
The following committees were decide upon:
• Governance Committee
• Staffing Committee
• Building Committee
These committees will be explained to the
congregations through both temple talks and written
communication. Members of each committee will
include council members and non-council members.
The committees will begin meeting in January and will
communicate to the Congregations on their progress
once a month. More information will follow.
First’s Council meeting began at 7:35.
Congregational Life still needs someone to head it. In
the meantime we need someone who is willing to sign
up members for coffee hour each Sunday.
Need someone to take over as head usher to make up
schedule for ushers.
The Damien Center asked to add “Housing Work” to
their program. Council approved this with the
stipulation that this group does not lobby.
Protection One: Cannot do the work for the alarm
systems at west end of building. For the time being we
will install smoke detectors. We will need to decide how
many and where.
Snow removal: we will go with the company from last
year. A contract is needed.
The Mutual Ministry Committee is down to only one
member, Joe Markowski. Council appointed Cara
Brousseau. One more person is needed.
Capital Employment Assistance Program. Pastor Allie
will ask our employees if they would take advantage of
such a program. If so, we will decide at the next meeting
whether to contract for this service.
Dom Colafati presented the proposed budget for 2016.
Council discussed and changes were made. Council
approved the amended budget that will be presented at
the December 20th
Congregational Meeting. The 2016
budget will be available to the congregation by
December 1st
.
The Treasurer’s Report was presented and accepted.
As of January 2015 Morgan Stanley’s balance was
$764,000. As of October 2015 the balance is $705,501.
Although the account made money over the past 10
months, we needed to withdraw $9000 every month to
pay expenses, so therefore we still lost money.
Submitted by,
Sandy O’Connor
Council Secretary
The Albany Lutheran Cluster Churches
are collecting items in January and
February for local refugee families. The
refugee crisis has been in the news, and
therefore, our prayers over the past
several months.
The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants has an
office in Albany to assist the local population of refugee
families from Burma, Iraq, Bhutan, Sudan, Congo and
elsewhere around the world. This organization helps
people find jobs, health care, homes, and offers much
support.
Please consider helping them by donating new or clean
gently-used items.
They currently have a great need for the following:
• Winter coats (all sizes, men, women and children)
• Boots
• Winter hats, scarves and gloves
• Blankets
• Gift cards to Walmart and Price Chopper
• Items from USCRI Albany's Amazon.com Wish List.
All items will be delivered directly to their office.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/
wishlist/2K9PHQASZTFDY/
ref=cm_wl_sortbar_v_page_1
If you are interested in volunteering your time, they
have several positions available. You may call 459-1790,
email [email protected], or visit their website
www.refugeesalbany.org
FY 2015 FY 2016 Dollar Percent
INCOME:
Total Weekly Contributions: 146,650.00$ 140,000.00$ (6,650.00)$ -4.5%
Total Holy Day/Special: 8,450.00$ 8,450.00$ -$ 0.0%
Rents/Building Use 4,000.00$ 4,000.00$ -$ 0.0%
Damien Ctr Payment 18,000.00$ 18,000.00$ -$ 0.0%
Abiding Memorials -$ 2,000.00$ 2,000.00$
Homeless Shelter/All Other 8,000.00$ 5,750.00$ (2,250.00)$
Total Other Receipts: 30,000.00$ 29,750.00$ (250.00)$ -0.8%
Investment Income 28,465.20$ 28,000.00$ (465.20)$ -1.6%
TOTAL INCOME 213,565.20$ 206,200.00$ (7,365.20)$ -3.4%
EXPENSES:
Pastor 43,599.00$ 44,034.99$ 435.99$ 1.0%
Intern (FLC Share) 3,850.00$ -$ (3,850.00)$ -100.0%
Sexton: Regular 25,500.00$ 25,755.00$ 255.00$ 1.0%
Sexton: Damien 7,200.00$ 7,200.00$ -$ 0.0%
Housing Offset (6,456.00)$ (6,456.00)$ -$ 0.0%
Secretary 32,200.96$ 32,523.01$ 322.05$ 1.0%
Music Director 16,895.28$ 20,000.00$ 3,104.72$ 18.4%
Workers Compensation Insurance 3,800.00$ 5,200.00$ 1,400.00$ 36.8%
FICA (all FLC) 11,200.00$ 9,464.04$ (1,735.96)$ -15.5%
Total Payroll Expenses 137,789.24$ 137,721.04$ (68.20)$ 0.0%
Pastor ELCA Pension/Health Ins. 37,340.28$ 36,000.00$ (1,340.28)$ -3.6%
Pastor Longevity Pay (ELCA) 1,050.00$ 1,400.00$ 350.00$ 33.3%
Pastoral Housing 16,000.00$ 16,000.00$ -$ 0.0%
Pastoral Education/Expenses 3,200.00$ 3,200.00$ -$ 0.0%
Intern Health Insurance (FLC) 889.00$ -$ (889.00)$ -100.0%
Intern Housing (FLC) 3,500.00$ -$ (3,500.00)$ -100.0%
Intern One-time Fees/Costs (FLC) 1,961.00$ -$ (1,961.00)$ -100.0%
Other Employment Expenses: 63,940.28$ 56,600.00$ (7,340.28)$ -11.5%
Worship and Music 2,750.00$ 8,075.00$ 5,325.00$ 193.6%
Sunday School 275.00$ 400.00$ 125.00$ 45.5%
Other Education 100.00$ 100.00$ -$ 0.0%
Congregational Life 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ -$ 0.0%
Stewardship 700.00$ 700.00$ -$ 0.0%
Synod 1,000.00$ 1,300.00$ 300.00$ 30.0%
Total Church Ministries: 5,825.00$ 11,575.00$ 5,750.00$ 98.7%
FLC 2016 PROPOSED BUDGET COMPARED TO FY 2015 AS UPDATED
Annual Change
Page 8
FY 2015 FY 2016 Dollar Percent
Evangelism 400.00$ 400.00$ -$ 0.0%
Social Ministry 1,000.00$ 4,000.00$ 3,000.00$ 300.0%
Damien Center: General 10,800.00$ 10,800.00$ -$ 0.0%
Homeless Shelter 8,000.00$ 3,500.00$ (4,500.00)$ -56.3%
Community Ministry 3,125.00$ 3,125.00$ -$ 0.0%
Cluster/Conference 1,200.00$ 1,200.00$ -$ 0.0%
PC/CACC/FOCUS/CRTC/Damien 1,925.00$ 1,925.00$ -$ 0.0%
Wider Church Ministry 18,000.00$ 14,845.00$ (3,155.00)$ -17.5%
Total Church Missions: 41,325.00$ 36,670.00$ (4,655.00)$ -11.3%
Repair and Improvements 17,500.00$ 10,000.00$ (7,500.00)$ -42.9%
Utilities 32,025.00$ 30,000.00$ (2,025.00)$ -6.3%
Grounds/Refuse/Snowplowing 4,430.00$ 7,000.00$ 2,570.00$ 58.0%
Property and Casualty Insurance 8,110.00$ 9,000.00$ 890.00$ 11.0%
Auto Insurance 500.00$ -$ (500.00)$ -100.0%
Total Facilities: 62,565.00$ 56,000.00$ (6,565.00)$ -10.5%
Advertising -$ -$ -$
Supplies 11,775.00$ 13,500.00$ 1,725.00$ 14.6%
Postage 700.00$ 700.00$ -$ 0.0%
Payroll Processing 950.00$ 1,357.00$ 407.00$ 42.8%
Total Administration: 13,425.00$ 15,557.00$ 2,132.00$ 15.9%
TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS 324,869.52$ 314,123.04$ (10,746.48)$ -3.3%
Income Over/(Under) Expenses (111,304.32)$ (107,923.04)$ 3,381.28$ -3.0%
Beginning Balance 924,951.00$ 813,646.68$ (111,304.32)$ -12.0%
Ending Balance 813,646.68$ 705,723.63$ (107,923.04)$ -13.3%
Annual Change
Page 9
It Could Happen!
Should there be winter weather that warrants the church closing
on a Sunday morning, these television and radio stations would
have the news that we are closed. As always, please assess driv-
ing conditions before you head out during a winter storm. It’s best
to be safe than sorry!
Capital News 9
WXXA TV (Fox 23)
WFLY – FLY 92
WTEN TV (ch. 10)
WGY – 810 WGY
WRGB TV (ch. 6)
WRVE – The River
WNYT TV (ch. 13)
WYJB B-95.5
First Lutheran Church—Proposed Annual Budget for Fiscal Year 2016
The proposed budget for First Lutheran Church for fiscal year 2016 is attached for your
consideration. The Council approved the draft budget at its October meeting.
The FLC proposed budget for FY 2016 is intended to provide a complete picture of the Church’s
financial activity, as described below.
FLC’s financial activity is classified in the following three categories:
1. The General Fund, which accounts for the day-to-day operating needs of the Church;
2. Dedicated Funds for Mission/Ministry, which account for resources that have been set aside for
specific operating purposes, typically from designated gifts by FLC members. These funds include,
among others, the Harriet Funk Social Ministry Fund and the Homeless Shelter Fund; and
3. Dedicated Funds for Building/Capital Purposes, which account for resources that have been set
aside to maintain and improve the buildings and other tangible property, again typically from
designated gifts by FLC members. These funds include, among others, the Abiding Memorials.
Together, the activity in all three categories comprise the Church’s financial operations in a given
year. The budget reflects this reality by including not only receipts and disbursements from the
General Fund, but also the financial activity in the dedicated funds.
The budget format also includes opening and closing balances for each fiscal year. The balances are
a “snapshot” estimate of the value of FLC’s cash and invested assets at the start and end of each
fiscal year.
Budget Highlights
Disbursements are estimated to exceed receipts by approximately $111,000 in the current year
(FY 2015) and $107,000 in FY 2015.
We have lowered the estimate for annual giving in the current year by approximately $24,000
(from approximately $179,000 in the adopted budget to $155,000 in the revised budget).
We estimate that annual giving will continue to decline, falling to approximately $148,000 in FY
2016.
The FY 2016 budget provides a modest general salary increase of 1% for FLC staff (aside from the
organist, who was recently hired).
Giving to the wider church ministry is budgeted to decline from $18,000 in the current year to
$14,845 in FY 2016. The FY 2016 level is equal to 10 percent of estimated annual giving.
Page 10
A Prayer for Christmas Dinner
God of all gifts, we thank you for the many ways you
have blessed us this day. We are grateful each of those
who are gathered around this table. We ask you to
bless us and our food and to bless those we love who
are not with us today. In our gratitude and love, we
remember your humble birth into our lives and pray for
those who are without enough to eat. We remember
the stable in which you were born and pray for those
who have no place to live. We remember your
challenging message of caring and giving and we pray
for peace in families and nations throughout the world.
We bless you and give you thanks in your Spirit who
brings our hearts to life this Christmas Day and forever.
Amen.
The following table summarizes the balances and the estimated impact of our planned financial
activity on those balances.
It is important to note that the calculations are based on conservative estimates, including:
Modest earnings on our invested assets (in the range of just 3%); and
Minimal receipts from giving to dedicated funds.
Dom Colafati Finance Chair
OPENING BALANCE FOR FY 2015 924,951.00$
Expenses in Excess of Receipts (111,304.32)$ Difference funded from existing fund balance
OPENING BALANCE FOR FY 2016 813,646.68$ Estimated. Based on year-to-date results
FY 2016 Estimated Receipts 206,200.00$ See proposed budget
FY 2016 Est. Disbursements 314,123.04$ See proposed budget
Expenses in Excess of Receipts (107,923.04)$ See proposed budget
CLOSING BALANCE FOR FY 2016 705,723.63$
Est. FY 2016 Balances Held as Follows:
General Fund 427,143.16$
Operating/Mission&Ministry 118,799.46$
Capital/Abiding Memorial 159,798.00$
TOTAL 705,740.62$
FLC FINANCIAL RESOURCES: CASH AND INVESTMENTS
Page 11
New Forum—All Are Welcome
On behalf of Cornerstone Campus Ministry, I'd like to
invite your congregation to join us for an exciting
program this fall - Java and Justice!
Once a month - on the 1st Wednesday of each month -
we'll gather at Professor Java's, 217 Wolf Road in Albany
for a discussion of issues related to the Moral Monday
Movement.
The gathering will take place from 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. in a
room we reserved. You'll be free to order your own
coffee, tea, refreshments. Emily McNeill from the Labor
Religion Coalition will introduce each topic and then
we'll invite a guest speaker to expand on the topic and
then I'll add some theological/scriptural reflection and
then we hope you'll join in the informal discussion and
we listen to and learn from each other.
The topic this month:
No Human is Illegal: Immigration Reform Professor Java's, 217 Wolf Road
Wednesday, December 2
7:30 - 9:00 p.m.
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me
know.
Rev. Sandy J. Damhof
Protestant Campus Ministry
Chapel House
NEW Bible Study by Pastor Jo Page! Book of Job
Pastor Jo invites you to meet with her for a five-
week study of the timelessly relevant story of Job.
Using "A Taste of the Wise Life: Job and Theodicy," we'll
explore the background, settings, dialogues and
questions raised by the text. In addition we'll sample
some of the art that has been made in response to the
plight of Job and his final, powerful encounter with God.
Plan to join Pastor Jo at St. John's Chapel, 303 Sand
Creek Road either on Thursday mornings, 10:00 - 11:15
or Thursday evenings, 6:00 - 7:15, December 3 & 10.
Please call the church office to let us know you plan to
participate.
Page 12
Dear Pastor Allie,
On behalf of the Habitat for Humanity Capital District,
I wanted to thank you and your church for hosting the ten
AmeriCorps team in September and October that were
serving us! We are unbelievably grateful for your
willingness to open your doors to visitors without any
hesitation. It speaks volumes about the spirit of your
church and your heart for your community.
The team was able to complete a tremendous amount
of work on our homes under construction on Sheridan
Avenue, which would not have been possible without
your generosity. I’d love to tour your around our
development anytime if you are interested! I’ve included
a donation to your church as a small way of saying Thanks
Again! Please use it towards the shelter or anything else
you might need.
I hope you have a wonderful, restful Thanksgiving.
Sincerely,
Alicia
A special baby
Mark Lowry, who wrote the lyrics to the Christmas
song “Mary, Did You Know?” says he’s always been
amazed by Mary’s silence at the cross, as her son was
being crucified. Maybe she was remembering back to
that first Christmas, he wonders, when she counted
Jesus’ fingers and toes.
“I wonder if she realized then that those were the
same fingers that had scooped out the oceans and
formed the seas. I wonder if she realized those were the
same feet that had walked on streets of gold and been
worshiped by angels. Those little lips were the same lips
that had spoken the world into existence. When Mary
kissed her little baby, she wasn’t just kissing another
baby; she was kissing the face of God.”
Mary silently watched her son die 33 years later,
Lowry notes — not just for the world but also for his
own mother. “The baby boy she had delivered on that
first Christmas was now on a cross delivering her.”
Serving in December Serving in December Serving in December (Altar Guild & Coffee Hour schedule to be posted soon)(Altar Guild & Coffee Hour schedule to be posted soon)(Altar Guild & Coffee Hour schedule to be posted soon)
Please let Julie know of any schedule changes that you make between yourselves so that the Sunday bulletin will be as accurate
as possible. Many thanks.
Date of
Worship
Assisting
Ministers Lectors
Communion
Assistants Ushers Counters Altar Guild
Fellowship
Hour Drivers
December
6
10:00 a.m.
Colin
McKnight
Team 2
Colin, Liz,
Abby
Team 1
Cliff
Danielson
Janice w/
Ed & Carol
Engelhardt
Paul Hyde
December
13
10:00 a.m.
Judy
Greenwood
Bev
Hazzard
Team 3
Judy G.,
Peter, Ingrid
Team 2
Joe
Markowski
Joe w/ Kim
Ryan
Cliff
Danielson
December
20
10:00 a.m.
Mike Casler
Team 1
Judy C. Paul,
Kim, Amelia
Team 3
Fred
Sawyer
JoAnne w/
Shawn
Brousseau
Paul Hyde
December
24
7:30 p.m.
No
Transport
available
December
27
10:00 a.m.
Judy
Greenwood
Joe
Markowski
Team 2
Colin, Liz,
Abby
Team 5
Bob Frost
Janice w/
Doug
Siegenthaler
Cliff
Danielson
Page 13
On Sunday, December
6th, 2015 at 3:00 PM at
Chapel of Union College,
Octavo singers will once
again bring the majesty of
Messiah to the stage of
the Memorial Chapel.
Mark your calendars now to share in this wonderful
musical tradition. Tickets will be available at the door.
For more information visit www.octavosingers.com
Help The Homeless Shelter
The shelter has an ongoing need for certain items:
• Men’s winter coats, gloves, hats
• socks, underwear
• DVDs
• twin size bedding
• cereal, tea, coffee, oatmeal, juices, tuna fish,
microwave popcorn, canned stew & chili
• big plastic containers (to store food)
• duffle bags, TV tables
• travel size soap & shampoo
Schedule for Christmas Eve will be sent out the first week of December
December 6 In honor of Bob and Ann Howland on their 64th
wedding anniversary; and in loving memory of Mrs.
Shirley E. Sawyer, by Fred Sawyer, Jr. and family.
December 13 To the glory of our faithful and loving God, in loving memory of Bill Sippel and in honor of the
birthday of her daughter Alyson Ward by Barbara McGuiness; and in loving memory of his parents,
James and Helen Lind and her grandparents George and Ruth King and Merrow and Margaret
Dennis by Jeff and Julie
December 20 In loving memory of his wife, Flo by Peter Christoph; and in loving memory of loved ones by Ann and
Robert Howland
December 27 POINSETTIAS
Any new requests, questions or changes call Liz Peters, 869-0387
or email [email protected]
Altar vase - $25.00 Sanctuary vase - $27.50
The Memorial Flowers in December are given to the Glory of God and ...The Memorial Flowers in December are given to the Glory of God and ...The Memorial Flowers in December are given to the Glory of God and ...
We continue to keep in prayer… Elga Alksnis, Faith Beebe, Dorothy Carlson, Lois Coon,
Marcia Coon, Jane Culver, Luther Dyer, Trudy Fedden,
Jan Frost, Judy Greenwood, Patricia Hansen, Sue Harper,
Gerry Hoyt, Beverly Ann Kurtessis, Jeff Lind, Clara
LeBaron, Jim Leonard, Mildred Logan, Ginny MacVittie,
Barbara McGuinness, Stan and Jeannie Polonski, Lisa
Rittberger, Bill and Laura Shufelt, Marc Salzer, Marilyn
Salzer, Geri Saulpaugh, Daniel Smith, Elaine Smith, Kay
Victorson, Ed Vining, Nathaniel Weeks, Matthew
Wentland, and Charlotte Wolffe.
Our Friends, Neighbors & Family:
· Greg Backus: son-in-law of Laura & Bill Shufelt
· Dan Brodax: brother-in-law of Anne Erling
· Luke Brodax: cousin of the Erling-Colafati family
· Marianne Brunner: friend of Lisa Rittberger
· Amanda Caswell: friend of Marcelle Olsen
· Janette Coluccio: friend of Liz Peters
· Chuck Conklin: brother of Bob Conklin
· Steve Corson: friend of Marcelle Olsen
· Chris Cymenman: friend of Barbara McGuinness
· Marie Delorenzo: friend of Sue Harper
· Brion Ebert: nephew of June & Cliff Danielson
· Marilyn Erling: mother of Anne Erling
· Patricia Havill: friend of Marcelle Olsen
· Beverly Hill-Olander: sister of Pat Hansen
· Nancy Hill: sister of Patricia Hansen
· Kathy Horner: sister of Judy Carlson
· Deborah Igris: great niece of Geraldine Saulpaugh
· Scott Jeffe: friend of Lisa Rittberger
· Jan Kaliski: friend of Elga Alksnis
· Michael Kilmade: friend of the O’Connor family
· Richard King: father of Julie Lind
· Rosalind Lombardo: friend of Marcelle Olsen
· Brittany Lunn: a Florida friend of Joan & Judy Greenwood
· Gloria Mangano: sister of Joyce Aiello and her sisters
· Joan Miller: friend of Pastor Hunter
· Pamela Petersen: niece of Joan & Judy Greenwood
· Lois Phelps: sister of Clara LaBaron
· Pastor David Preisinger: pastor of Holy Spirit
· Pastor Paul Rees-Rohrbacher: retired pastor of St. John’s
· Sheryl Ricciadelli: friend of Marcelle Olsen
· Kelly Salzio: friend of Marcelle Olsen
· Robert Schoneman, III: great-nephew of Joan & Judy Greenwood
· Teal Shamming: friend of Marcelle Olsen
· Melissa & Amanda Sippel: granddaughters of Barbara
McGuinness
· Janice Tate: sister of Clara LeBaron
· Lois Van Buren: aunt of Bob Conklin
· Alyson Ward: daughter of Barbara McGuinness
· Matthew & Michael Ward: grandsons of Barbara McGuinness
· Josephine Warren: niece of Geraldine Saulpaugh
· Mahammad Yahgi: friend of First Lutheran
· Gary Wilkie: nephew of Eve and Lyle Norton
· David Young: brother of Jan Frost
Our Men and Women in Uniform:
· SSgt. Taylor Engelhardt: grandson of Ed & Carol Engelhardt
· PO Lindsay Jaeger, Navy, Bahrain: niece of Joni Sanchez
Our Wider Mission Concerns:
· For the people affected by natural disasters.
· For peace.
· For the unemployed.
· For Allie Leitzel, Dean of Hudson Mohawk Conference
· For John Macholz, Bishop of the Upstate NY Synod
· For Elizabeth Eaton, Bishop of the ELCA
Page14
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First Lutheran ChurchFirst Lutheran ChurchFirst Lutheran Church
The Oldest Lutheran Congregation in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in AmericaThe Oldest Lutheran Congregation in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in AmericaThe Oldest Lutheran Congregation in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
646 State Street646 State Street646 State Street
Albany, NY 12203Albany, NY 12203Albany, NY 12203---121712171217
Dated Material: Dated Material: Dated Material: Please deliver promptlyPlease deliver promptlyPlease deliver promptly!!!
Current Resident or
Visit our Facebook page & “like” us … https://www.facebook.com/FirstLutheranAlbanyVisit our Facebook page & “like” us … https://www.facebook.com/FirstLutheranAlbanyVisit our Facebook page & “like” us … https://www.facebook.com/FirstLutheranAlbany
Worship at First Lutheran Church on Christmas Eve!
7:00 p.m.7:00 p.m.7:00 p.m.7:00 p.m.
Prelude to Christmas Offerings of choral and organ music
7:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.
Festive Worship featuring the reading of the Christmas Story from Mark,
Holy Communion and the lighting of candles.
Service of Lessons & Carols
at First Lutheran with St. John’s Sunday, December 27
10:00 a.m.