First Presbyterian Church May 2025
Spring Cleaning/Happy Easter Season
I am not usually a “spring cleaner”, but we decided to get some windows replaced at our house this month. That necessitated moving furniture away from the old windows, which meant some room cleanup as well. For example, we had to move a book shelf in Caleb’s room, and thus I looked through dozens of board books that he has outgrown. I did not have the heart to give away Good Night Moon and some other sentimental favorites like that; though most of the other board books will end up at the church rummage sale.
In theory it should be easy to dispose of one’s old belongings, but truth be told I am a bit of a packrat. If I associate a fond memory with something, then I dislike getting rid of that reminder of a good experience. I have piles of children’s school stuff in cardboard boxes in the basement that I plan to make into a scrapbook on a rainy day. My garage has similar issues with lots of odds and ends that I “just might need someday”.
I read a good book recently by Professor Peter Enns entitled The Bible Tells Me So. It gives an overview of the Bible as a library of collective memories. His basic thesis is that we reinterpret biblical history in light of our current situation(s). For example, the 19th Century abolitionists were inspired by the book of Exodus to end slavery, and they often depicted Abraham Lincoln as a new Moses. In the 1960’s, the book of Exodus also inspired Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who was often seen as a new Moses, in the fight to end segregation, secure voting rights, etc. I find these to be good applications of the Biblical witness, and that is just touching the tip of the interpretive iceberg.
One thing that people often overlook about Easter is that it is a forty day season in the
church calendar/collective memory. Jesus certainly rose from the dead on Easter Sunday, though he did not ascend to heaven immediately thereafter. It took more than one resurrection appearance among the various disciples to convince them that something too good to be true was really so. Eventually he did ascend before them into heaven with the promise to return on an unspecified day. Happy Easter to you!
Rev. Walter Stuber
First Presbyterian Church
11988 W. Main St., Wolcott, NY 14590
585-217-6030 stuberman1@yahoo.com
www.wolcottpresbyterian.com
Spring Rummage Sale
The Rummage Sale is Thursday, May 1st – Saturday, May 3rd
Sale Hours: Thursday 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Friday 9 a.m.–2 p.m. and 5–8 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m.-12 noon
As in the past, the proceeds are used for local missions (example: Food Pantry, Firemen, Ambulance, camperships, and other missions). We also, when needed, contribute to the maintenance of the church.
Walk for Missions
Saturday, May 17, 2025 – to raise awareness and support for local and county missions for our community. Walk through town at 9 a.m. 10 a.m. to 12 noon information stations along with food and games in Northup Park.
Thank You
Dear Friends at Church,
Hoping your Easter holiday has brought you joy and love. My thoughts
are with all of you. Thanks for beautiful cards and thoughts from all of
you. You are all in my prayers.
Fondly,
Sharon (Roberts)
May Anniversaries
Mike and Linda Douglass 5/29
David and Terry VanFleet 5/12
May Birthdays
Caleb Stuber5/6
Lee Bastian5/1
Gene Beavers5/2
Andrew DeMAY5/29
Linda Douglass5/12
Gary Eygnor5/13
John Gingerich5/5
Tom Johnson5/10
Margaret Kasper5/31
Gary Lockwood5/27
Jean Shorts5/26
Don Sipes5/31
Cindy Stubbe5/11
Julie Thompson5/16
Tracy VanFleet5/8
Barbara Youngman5/20
Ladies Night
Ladies Night is hosted by churches of Wolcott, NY. It will be held at the Wolcott Presbyterian Church on Monday, May 5, at 6:30 p.m. It is open to women of all ages (kids, too, with responsible female chaperone). Women of fellowship meet to share our lives, create stronger community bonds, and have some fun!
A Little History of the
First Presbyterian Church
Wolcott, NY
On July 6, 1882, Rev. Wm. Rice, who was then pastor, laid the cornerstone.
Previously the Wolcott Presbyterians had worshipped in the old church building on Main Street now occupied by Gallo’s store.
Sometime around 1895 the church put in electricity. In 1910 the “Ascension” stained glass window was installed in memory of Gardner Northup. The Moeller Organ was installed in the front of the Sanctuary in 1912.
Throughout the years many physical changes have been made. Pews removed, walls painted different colors, ceilings lowered, Sunday school rooms redone, and carpeting replaced.
In 1999 disaster struck in the form of a fire. The firemen responded quickly and were able to put the fire out. Even though the damage was extensive, the church was still standing. For the next 2 years the members worked diligently to redo the church.
The organ was destroyed beyond repair and in November of 2001 a new
Petty-Madden Pipe Organ was dedicated.
This information was taken from the program dated
August 26, 2001 published by the First Presbyterian Church.
Information also gathered from “Grip’s 1905”.
Courtesy of the Wolcott Historical Society
“Those who judge will never understand, and those who understand will never judge.”
“Do everything with a good heart and expect nothing in return, and you will never be disappointed.”