News for the Church, 9/17/21

Good afternoon, Church!

Have you been enjoying the lovely fall weather we’re having? The sun’s been shining and the air is warm and inviting. I hope you’re soaking up these beautiful days! 

I want to remind you that we will be having our very first Big Shift conversation in the Center following worship on Sunday. We’ll have a few minutes to chat and visit right after the service, and then we’ll head over to begin our work. To kick off such a special and important event, session has been working on a fun project that will be unveiled during the worship service. I hope you plan to join us! 

Also, as quick reminders:

— Rev. Marti Montovani will be preaching and leading worship Sunday, September 26.

— A memorial service for Mary Ellen Frackenpohl will be Saturday, October 2 at 2 pm.

Today I want to tell you about an exciting opportunity we have to be part of supporting our greater Potsdam community. If you weren’t already aware, our church participates in the Potsdam Interfaith Community (also known as PIC). PIC includes a group of 7 to 8 worshiping congregations in Potsdam who are committed to supporting one another, teaching each other about our particular faith/denominations, and working on service projects together.

After talking with local nurses at the Canton-Potsdam Hospital, some of us at PIC have come to learn that morale is low and exhaustion is high as a result of the continuing pandemic. So at our latest PIC meeting, we discussed collectively supporting both the nurses and the environmental services staff at CPH. 

The idea is for each congregation to “adopt” a unit/department of nurses or janitors at the hospital, and offer notes of encouragement and small care packages while Covid continues to carry on— to let them know that we care about them.

This is a gargantuan undertaking, given how many people work at the hospital, and it’s why the whole PIC community is needed to pull off this project. Thankfully, nearly all of the congregations involved in PIC are participating— some taking on large rolls and others small rolls. 

Since we are a small congregation at the Presbyterian Church, I signed us up for one of the smallest units, the obstetrics unit. The idea is that once a month (during this time of Covid) we would make care packages for the eight nurses that work on this unit and deliver them to the front door of the hospital. We can make cards, perhaps include a picture of our congregation waving our thanks, and include both homemade treats and store-bought goodies.

Would you be willing to help with this effort? Might you be willing to make a batch of cookies? Or go to the store and buy chocolates, fruit, or nuts? Would you be willing to write a note of thanks and gratitude? If so, will you email me back and let me know that you’re willing to participate in some way? 

I’m really proud that we can be part of this effort. We will be joining the Catholic Church, the Methodist, the Mormon Church, the local Majid, the Christian Science Church, the Lutherans, and the UU church in Canton. 

It’s not every day that people with such differences in faith choose to work together for the betterment of our community, but this is something we can all do together to support our healthcare workers. 

On another note, Gail and Roy Schaberg recently let me know that a former member of our church, Floyd Callahan, has passed away. Perhaps some of you knew him and have fond memories. I have an address for Floyd’s family if you’d like to send a card. Just email me back and I’ll forward you the address.

Friends, Covid numbers are still very high in our county and the hospital is filled to near capacity. Even if you do not choose to help support our nurses with care package items, please keep them in your prayers. Whether or not they work directly with Covid patients, they’re tired and weary. So let’s hold them in the light of God’s love. 

And finally, for those of you who are also tired and weary, I will offer this word from the Word: “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.“

Psalm 31:24

Yours in Faith,
Pastor Katrina