www.westfieldchurch.org 1
The CORNERSTONE 2 Pastor Mark
3 Family Ministry
3 Ladies’ Spring Fling
4 Construction Corner
4 JOY (Senior Adult Ministry)
5 Director of Music
5 Special Friends
A publication of Westfield Presbyterian Church - An ECO Congregation What’s INSIDE
VBS Registration Opens May 1 Registration for Westfield’s 2018 VBS opens May 1. This year’s theme is Shipwrecked: Rescued by Jesus. Children age 4 through grade 5 can venture into an uncharted island where they will survive and thrive! Anchor kids in the truth that Jesus carries them through life’s storms. The adventure takes place June 11-15. Visit our website to register and learn more about the best week of summer!
Honoring Graduates
Graduation Sunday at Westfield is May 20. All our
high school and post-high graduates will be recog-
nized during worship and celebrated during brunch
following worship. A Baccalaureate service for Mo-
hawk graduates will be held in the high school audi-
torium at 7:00 P.M. on May 20. Featured speaker is
new Director of MoCo House Judi Spears. Please
join our community in praying for our students.
M AY 2018
Westfield’s 2018 Confirmation Class (l-r) Delta Stoner - instructor, Vance, Hayley, Hannah,
Katelyn, Isabella, Emily, Lorraine Book - instructor
Welcome to the Church Family! Westfield is proud to announce the confirma-
tion of six youth to our church family on
May 13 during worship.
On April 12 they were presented to Session
by their advisors Lorraine Book and Delta
Stoner. The class has been under their in-
struction since September 2017.
The class shared their corporate Statement
of Faith and The Apostles’ Creed and
answered some general questions from
the Session.
A special thank you to parents and family
members who have supported these stu-
dents throughout this important journey.
www.westfieldchurch.org 2
As a young preteen in the early 1980’s I
was introduced to a song through a TIME
Magazine commercial that captured my
heart and imagination. I found myself
singing it’s beautiful poetic lyrics con-
stantly—even subconsciously, not realiz-
ing I was humming it unless somebody
would point it out to me. My mother
shared with me that the song was actually
from the 1960’s, and it’s words were al-
most verbatim from the book of Ecclesi-
astes in the Bible.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 is among the best
known passages of Wisdom Literature
found in the Old Testament. Folk singer/
songwriter Pete Seeger put this passage to
music in the late 1950’s and called the
song “Turn, Turn, Turn.” The song later
became an international sensation when
The Byrds covered it in 1965. Roger
McQuinn immortalized the song by play-
ing his 12-string Rickenbacker guitar to
the words penned nearly 3,000 years ear-
lier: “For everything there is a season,
and time for every matter under
heaven…” Ecclesiastes goes on to share
that there is a time to be born and die,
plant and harvest, kill and heal, break and
build, weep and laugh, mourn and dance,
cast away and gather stones, embrace and
not embrace, seek and lose, keep and
throw away, tear and sew, be silent and
speak, love and hate, war and peace.
The passage is essentially about transi-
tions in life. Westfield Church has been
in a state of transition for several years.
She has undergone staff changes, de-
nominational changes, and a new vision
for future ministry through the construc-
tion of a new Family Life Center. While
a long and faithful interim pastorate
from Paul Votaw helped to provide sta-
bility during this time, the church has
been waiting for her new called-and-
installed pastor to arrive—to help bring
stability and build solidarity, as West-
field moves into her bright future.
My family has just recently entered into
a state of significant transition. In-
between selling our home in Kansas City
and buying a new home here, we have
had to say “so long” (as C.S. Lewis fa-
mously wrote, Christians never say
goodbye!) to many good and faithful
friends, withdraw our son from his
school and enroll him in a new school,
and leave our oldest kiddo (who is a
junior in college) behind. Please do not
misunderstand me, we are excited to be
at Westfield and are eager to build last-
ing relationships with you all, but every-
thing in our lives has been turned upside
down. I am happy to share with you that
Isaiah has transitioned well into his new
school and is making friends.
The author of Ecclesiastes certainly rec-
ognized and understood how life can be
full of ups and downs, transitions and
changes, and yet saw them all bringing
glory to God. At chapter 3:12-13 he
writes, “I perceived that there is nothing
better for them than to be joyful and to
do good as long as they live; also that
everyone should eat and drink and take
pleasure in all his toil—that this is
God’s gift to man.” (ESV) As Westfield
Church and the Hughes family grow to
know one another, and love one another,
I ask for your prayers and your patience.
May we faithfully transition together
into the mission and ministry that God
desires at this time and at this place.
It is a sincere honor and privilege to be
your pastor.
The MARK of the Times by Pastor Mark Hughes
The CORNERSTONE May 2018
Congratulations Judi Spears!
Please join us in congratulat-ing Judi Spears who is serving as the new director of MoCo House! Judi’s vibrant faith, gift of hospitality, love of our com-munity, creativity and vision continue to bless us! Java Jog News! Support the coffee house while having fun in the community: Sign up to-day for the 5th annual 5K run/2 mile walk fundraiser on Memo-rial Day. Registration is $20. More information at mohawk-coffeehouse.com or stop in to sign up.
www.westfieldchurch.org 3
them to step in and cross the river any-
way. When they stepped, God moved.
Their church planting team agreed that
God was calling them to step in, and
when they did, God formed RiverCross
Church.
Within one mile of where they worship,
there are over 3,000 homes; this
neighborhood is the fastest growing part
of the city. This allows for a huge oppor-
tunity to meet people, build relation-
ships, and display Jesus, which drives
RiverCross to pray, dream, and work
hard.
Family Ministries News by David Champ, Director of Youth & Family Ministries
Church Plant Spotlight: RiverCross
Check out these upcoming events in May
that families can enjoy together as well as
some great date night options:
For Families:
May 3-5 at 7 P.M. – Mohawk Elementary
School Musical
May 4-6 at 7 P.M. – Lion King Jr. at New
Castle Playhouse
May 5 – 10 A.M.-5 P.M. – Kentucky Derby
& Cinco De Mayo – Volant Village Shops
May 12 – 9 A.M. – John Thompson Me-
morial 5K run/walk – Neshannock High
School (cost $17/pre-registered person,
$20 day of)
May 12 – 7 P.M. – New Castle Regional
Ballet Spring Performance (Tickets and
information call: 724-658-7122)
May 19– 8 A.M.-6 P.M. – Lawrence
County Garden Mart – Cascade Park
May 19 – 10 A.M.-6 P.M. – Train Day Fes-
tival – West Pittsburg Train Station
Rev. Karl Schafer and family of
RiverCross Church in Visalia, CA
Please pray:
For a student ministry to be-
gin, despite their so far unsuc-
cessful efforts
For at least a dozen new fami-
lies in their neighborhood to
get connected with River-
Cross this year
For their relationship with the
local elementary school to
grow and continue to be posi-
tive
Once Upon a Dream: Spring Fling Event
Join the Women of Westfield on Saturday, May 5 at noon for their Spring Fling luncheon
and program. Mary Mikesell will give An Overview of the Mt. Jackson Museum and Park.
Other “homegrown” entertainment will be featured and lunch will be catered by Dessie.
Please make your reservation by Monday, April 30, by calling the church office at
724.667.7045 or filling out a reservation slip in the bulletin.
The CORNERSTONE May 2018
May 24 - 28 – Memorial Day Week-
end Classic Dog Show – Lawrence
County Fairgrounds ($5/carload)
Date Night Options:
May 4 – 5-8 P.M.– First Friday Fiesta
at Nova Wine Cellars
May 9 – 7:30 P.M. – Horns Aplenty
Concert sponsored
by the Hoyt Arts
Center (Tix $20)
May 19-20 –
10 A.M. -5 P.M. –
Spring Garden and
Tea Party – Volant
Village Shops (Tix
$20)
The vision of RiverCross is to make re-
lationships with Jesus real. They want to
see everyone changed and impacted by
finding or deepening their relationship
with Jesus. Their story is tied to the Bi-
ble’s story about Joshua, specifically
when he was leading God’s people into
that destination they had dreamed of for
decades. Standing on the far banks of the
Jordan River, they were poised to enter
and yet at the same time wondered how
it was possible. Looking at an overflow-
ing river, it seemed impossible to take
those last steps that would help them
realize God’s promise. But God called
www.westfieldchurch.org 4
The Mission Team is hard at work with
preparations for their trip which is only 8
weeks away. Your support to this point
has been wonderful. There are two more
fundraisers scheduled that need your help.
Sunday, May 6 - Donate a Meal
There will be an envelop in the Sunday
bulletin asking you to donate the cost of
one meal for a Mission Team member
($2.28) based on the costs in 2017.
That isn’t much more than a cup of coffee
so we hope you will fill those envelopes
on the 6th.
Sunday, June 3- Loose Change Offer-
ing - This Sunday we will bring “ye olde
milk can” and ask you to bring all your
loose change, empty your piggy banks,
clean out your pockets, dust off the
dresser, empty the coffee can, and do-
nate it all for the mission trip.
As we represent Westfield Church in the
mission field in June, we are excited for
the work ahead of us in West Virginia
and grateful for your prayers and finan-
cial support as we carry out God’s mis-
sion.
Because the fleur-de-lis resembles a lily — a symbol of pu-
rity — it is sometimes used to represent the Virgin Mary.
Due to its three-petal form, the fleur-de-lis also symbolizes
the Holy Trinity
Support and Prayers for Mission Team
The CORNERSTONE May 2018
Westfield Facilities Use and De-velopment Group (WFUDG-Building Committee) met four times in March. The AIA con-tract with RSSC was discussed, checked by Attorney Robert Clark, and is now signed by Ed Clark, president of the Trus-tees, and Debbie Liggett, Clerk of Session. Members of the committee met with the Trus-tees on March 20 and dis-cussed all plans for preliminar-ies to construction. Lee Ann Martin is now serving on the WFUDG committee as another Trustee representative. Frank B. Taylor Engineering of New Castle has been chosen as the Civil Engineer. All expenses, costs, payments, etc. will be channeled through the Foundations of Hope check-ing account and not mixed with the Current Expense Account of the church. Please keep up your support in prayer, as well as financially. Be sure to designate your giv-ing for the building project as “Foundations of Hope.”
Tres (Not Cinco) de Mayo at JOY by Doreen Hietsch, Director of Senior Adult Ministries
Yes, you read that right … because of
calendar restraints, JOY (Just Older
Youth) will be having a fiesta on MAY 3
this year, making the celebration Tres de
Mayo, rather than Cinco de Mayo. Grab a
friend and see what the day has in store
for us.
In other happenings this month, we’re
hoping to explore different ways to use
some of those photos that are sitting in a
box (or in your camera and on your
phone) as an ongoing project. We’ll look
at some samples early in the month, share
some ideas and start a few creative pro-
jects.
Remember that Potluck Luncheon we
had in the fall? It begs for a repeat!
Pull out your favorite recipe and make
something to share with us on May 31.
Caring and conversation are always a
part of our group but exercise with
Susan, lunch with our talented cooks,
and games with “Vanna” are also on
the schedule. We’re hoping to see
some of our autumn visitors return now
that the win-
ter is behind
us. Some of
those in our
group are
still looking
for card
playing part-
ners. If 500
(or other
card games) interest you, we can make
it happen. Add a little JOY to your life!
JOY tip of
the month: Take a
walk in a local park to
see what’s growing.
Christian Symbol: Fleur-de-lis
www.westfieldchurch.org 5
Special Friends
Russ & Judy Bryan at their residence
Alice Fullerton at her residence
Shirley Gibson
at Carriage Court
Eleanor Gwin Mary Lou Williams
at Avalon
Pearl Jolley at her residence
Angel A’s Discipleship & Membership Update
Angel Angelica checking in and announcing that WE NEED WARMER WEATHER as we get closer to some upcoming events! Mother’s Day is May 13 and Graduation/Promotion Sunday is May 20 The graduates will be honored with a brunch in the parlor following worship. The Senior Citizen Picnic will be June 9 at noon. Come enjoy some great picnic food and fun. Summer Evening Bible Studies are in the works. There will be more to come on dates and speakers. D & M is continuing to focus on welcoming new members, stop in to Coffee and Conversation and learn more (also get a heavenly bite to eat!) And speaking of Coffee and Conversation: please sign up.
The CORNERSTONE May 2018
Stained Glass Concerts by Sarah Phillips, Director of Music
Come, Christians, Join to Sing A Musical Celebration
Sunday, May 20 6:30 P.M.
Poland Presbyterian Church
Poland Presbyterian Combined Choir & Village Ringers
Sheet & Tube Brass Quartet Area soloist & instrumentalists
Directed by Steve Pridon
All donations benefit Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley
Desserts and beverages
following the program
The Youngstown Symphony has a series
of concerts they perform in area churches.
These concerts are entitled “Stained
Glass” concerts. The symphony partners
with different churches, develops a pro-
gram of sacred music, and provides a
lovely Sunday afternoon of choral and
orchestral music.
In April, the symphony came to Board-
man United Methodist Church. I was
privileged to sing in the chorus. It was the
perfect antidote to the “let down” after
all the glorious Holy Week and
Resurrection Sunday music.
The program featured Op.45 Ein
Deutsches Requiem (A German
Requiem) by Johannes Brahms.
This is a large scale work for
chorus and orchestra, composed
between 1865 and 1868. It is
comprised of seven movements.
Nestled in the middle is a serene
pastorale of exceptional beauty,
and it is hardly surprising that
“Wie lieblich sind deine
Wohnungen” or “How Lovely Is
Thy Dwelling Place” is so widely known
and loved. It is based on Psalm 84: 1, 2,
and 4. The text is taken from the Lu-
theran Bible.
How lovely is thy dwelling place,
O lord of hosts, to me!
My thirsty soul desires and longs
Within thy courts to be;
My very heart and flesh cry out,
O living God, for thee.
How happy are they who dwell with thee
And praise thee without rest.
Brahms built on the ideas that Mar-
tin Luther established earlier in Ger-
many. The themes of faith and free-
dom have spoken powerfully to
Protestants ever since.
Martin Luther translated the Bible
into German so the people could
read the word of God on their own
without a translator. He also com-
posed hymns, chorales, and settings
of the mass in German so the people
could praise God in their native
language. He also influenced
great composers: Bach’s
cantatas, oratorios, motets,
chorales, hymns, and organ
works … Handel’s
“Messiah” … Mendels-
sohn’s “Reformation Sym
phony” … Meyerbeer’s
“The Huguenots” … and
Brahms’ “A German Req-
uiem”.
Martin Luther said, “I
would fain see all the arts,
and music in particular,
used in the service of Him
who hath given and created them.”
“A German Requiem” by Brahms is
an uplifting composition. Brahms
said, “We sing no dirges nor lamenta-
tions, but comforting songs of the
forgiveness of sins, of rest, sleep, life,
and resurrection of the departed
believers, for the strengthening of our
faith, and the stirring up of the people
to a true devotion.”
www.westfieldchurch.org 6
National Day of Prayer Thursday, May 3
Pray for America: Unity Ephesians 4:3
Learn more at
www.nationaldayofprayer.org
Meet new member Gerri Reese. She lives
in Enon Valley close to daughter and son-
in-law Peggy and Ed Clark. Gerri retired
from The Medical Center (now Heritage
Valley Beaver), where she worked in the
operating room.
She loves to spend time with her 7 grand-
sons ages 14-29. When needed she helps
Ed and Peggy on the farm. You will also
find her with the Mat Makers on Wednes-
day nights.
Gerri was born and raised in Pittsburgh,
but loves living in the country.
Say Hello to Leroy Keim
Leroy is a very busy guy! He is now liv-
ing and working at the Walker Farm. He
is a jack of all trades there—building the
free-standing cabins, remodeling, taking
care of the fruit trees, doing general
maintenance, building crafts for the retail
shop and whatever else needs to be done.
Leroy raises an heirloom white corn and
sells the seed. He will do remodeling
when needed. Take a look at the newly
remodeled flower room (photos below)
for an example of his expertise. Leroy
enjoys old farm machinery and old agri-
cultural ideas regarding horse farming.
He has invented a tool frame for tilling.
Leroy has 12 grandchildren he likes to
spend time with. He also keeps in touch
with his brothers and sisters.
Meet Gerri Reese
The CORNERSTONE May 2018
The Cornerstone is a monthly
publication of Westfield
Presbyterian Church.
We are a congregation of the
Covenant Order of Evangelical
Presbyterians.
We worship together every Sunday at
11:00 A.M. We welcome all members,
friends, and visitors to join us.
Editor & Office Secretary:
Maribeth Jones
Church Staff:
Rev. Dr. Mark Hughes
Senior Pastor
Rev. David Champ
Associate Pastor of Youth & Family
Ministries
Sarah Phillips
Organist/Choir Director
Doreen Hietsch
Director of Senior Adult Ministries
Stacy Cosgrove
Financial Secretary
Dave Micco
Custodian
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