Vision
A newsletter of the First United Presbyterian Church
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors
Big Transitions
A letter has gone from the session to all members
of the church calling a congregational meeting for
September 12 after worship, so that the congrega-
tion can act on Alexandra's request to dissolve the
pastoral relationship so that she can retire. Acting
on this relationship is one of the few responsibili-
ties Presbyterian congregations have, so please
plan to attend. The exact motion will be printed
in the call to the meeting published in the worship
folder on Sunday, September 5 and 12.
Save The Dates
Right now our task as a session and congregation
is to do a great job of saying thanks and goodbye.
Plans are underway for a party on Saturday, Oc-
tober 2. Invitations and reservation information
will go out about September 1 and be posted on
the web site. Then plan to join in worship World
Wide Communion Sunday on October 3 for Alex-
andra's last Sunday with us.
What's next?
The session is seeking short term worship leader-
ship and crisis pastoral care as we look for an in-
terim pastor, take a look at where we are in mis-
sion and ministry and get permission to elect a
Pastor Nominating Committee, hopefully by late
fall or early winter. More about that process later.
We have lots of committed folks in this congrega-
tion with a desire to continue to move forward. If
you want to join the work in a more active way,
there are lots of opportunities. This is the time to
step up and say - I'm in, what can I do.
~ Chandlee Gill
September 2010
September Faith Education News
Welcome back to all the children, youth, and adults of
First United for a great new year of Faith Education! On
Sunday, September 12 following the congregational
meeting, members of the Faith Education committee
will be available to help parents register children and
youth for classes after which everybody is invited to
enjoy an end-of-summer picnic lunch in the churchyard
in celebration of the arrival of Leslie Kelly, our wonder-
ful new Coordinator of Educational Ministries. Hotdogs,
hamburgers, lemonade, and ice cream sundaes will be
provided. Families are invited to bring a salad or side
dish to feed 8. As we enjoy lunch together, we’ll have an
opportunity to get acquainted with Leslie as she begins
her ministry with us. Then, on the two following Sun-
days, September 19 and 26, our children and youth will
have their own special ‘getting to know you’ time with
Leslie during the faith education hour. Godly Play and
workshop rotations will commence on October 3rd.
An update from the Personnel Committee
First United’s administrative assistant, Joani Jameson,
who joined the First United staff in March 2004, con-
cluded her employment on July 30, 2010, departing to
begin a new chapter in her vocational life. We said fare-
well to Joani with prayers for the realization of all of her
hopes and dreams as she responds in faith and trust to
God’s call in her life.
We are working diligently and swiftly to fill the position of
Administrative Assistant. The search committee re-
ceived more than 100 resumes. Narrowing down the
candidates is nearing completion. We hope to fill the
position as soon as possible.
Work has begun on options to provide building manage-
ment/maintenance services. Issues of staff supervision
during the time of pastoral transition were discussed at
our August 24, 2010 meeting.
~ Debbie Brown
 A Pastoral Note
from Alexandra
A passage of Scripture from the First Testament Book of
Isaiah has deep and lasting meaning for me. It begins,

“Do not remember the former things, or consider

the things of old. I am about to do a new thing;
now it springs forth do you not perceive it?”
Leslie Kelly has graciously ac-
(Isaiah 43: 18) cepted the position of Coordinator
of Educational Ministries at First
What is striking about this passage is the prophet‟s empha- United Presbyterian Church. She
sis, even in the midst of the perils and struggles of the He- is a native of Waterford, NY. She
brew people‟s Exile, on the newness God is on the verge of is married with three daughters.
revealing. Change is coming, Isaiah announces! There is Leslie comes to us from Rensse-
an air of anticipation in the text, a promise of things to laer ARC and served as Director of
come, and a reminder to the people not to become mired in Christian Education at Calvary
United Methodist Church from
their memories of what has been. As theologian Walter
1999 to 2004. She has a strong background in devel-
Brueggemann writes, “Israel never escapes from or tran- oping Christian education programs and working with
scends its primal memory. But it is true nonetheless that children of all ages. Leslie is active in the community
biblical faith is geared to the future. …Faith requires a and has designed and implemented many successful
„thick memory‟ that is always letting ancient miracles be outreach programs. Members of the Search Commit-
reenacted in always fresh and daring ways.” tee, who had the pleasure of meeting Leslie, are excited
to have her as part of the staff at First United. Please
join us in welcoming Leslie on Sunday, September 12,
We are a people of biblical faith. We trust in the God who
following the congregational meeting.
is continually making all things new. We are disciples of
Jesus, the Christ, who re-imagined Judaism in a transforma-
tional way that birthed a new community of faith. We are Fall 2010 Worship Calendar
born of God‟s Spirit, which blows where it chooses with
fiery, blustery cleansing and renewing power. We are all
about change and newness because we are God‟s people.
Date Activites/Events Sermon Texts
Sept. 5 Labor Day Wknd Matthew 20: 1-16
We are approaching what will be a major change for all of
9:30am
us. As I retire from parish ministry and begin a sabbath
Sept. 12 Congregational Mtg. ‘I believe in God’ Deuteronomy 6: 1-9
time of discernment and careful listening for God‟s call to
Communion Church School Registration/
me in this new stage of my life, and as this wonderful com- Picnic
munity of faith begins a new chapter of ministry at 1915 Sept. 19 More Light Celebration ‘I believe in Jesus Philippians 2:1-11
Fifth Avenue in Troy entering a time when you will have Christ, God’s only
the opportunity to redefine your identity as congregation Son, Our Lord’
for the 21st century, let us each and all resolve to be and
Sept. 26 AIDS Walk ‘I believe in the John 14:15-17,
become people of „thick memory‟, giving thanks to the God
Holy Spirit’ 25-27
in whom we live and move and have our being for all that Acts 2:1-4
has been and anticipating with eager expectancy all the Oct. 3 World Communion/ ‘Peace be with you’ John 20: 19-23
fresh and daring newness God is about to reveal to us. Communion Peacemaking Offering
Empty Bowls Project

Oct. 10 Columbus Day Wknd General Presbyter

Cass Shaw preaching
 Ministry of Music News Haitian Children’s Choir
from Maury Castro Concert at Oakwood
The Music Sub-committee is pleased to present the 2010- Les Petits Chanteurs ["The Little Singers"], the renowned
2011 concert series at First United. We have created a se- young people's choir of the now - destroyed Holy Trinity
ries that we hope will have something for everyone. Please Music School of Port au Prince, Haiti, will perform at
see the adjoining concert calendar, and take a moment to historic Oakwood Avenue Presbyterian Church in Troy
cut one out for your refrigerator, and give one to a friend! on Saturday, September 25 at 8:00 p.m. The 30-voice
Please check the website as event information is subject to choir, accompanied by a string ensemble from the Holy
change. Trinity Philharmonic Orchestra, will be touring the
United States and they have agreed to stop in Troy. The
A Troy Night Out Event: Saratoga Soundtrack. Friday,
focus of the tour is to raise awareness in the United States
September 24, 7 p.m. You will not want to miss this
about the rich musical traditions in Haiti and the impor-
women's a capella chorus of Saratoga Springs! This 45-
tance of rebuilding Holy Trinity Music School [ where
minute concert will feature everything from standards and
over 1,000 students studied before the earthquake], a key-
jazz, to ballads and contemporary songs. Saratoga Sound-
stone in the life of the country. Its buildings are rubble
track is a chartered chorus of Sweet Adelines International.
now, as is the surrounding Holy Trinity Cathedral com-
The concert will be held in the Social Hall, with a sug-
plex, but the choir and orchestra are rising again! Les
gested donation of $5, and a reception to follow.
Petits Chanteurs is a select group of performers ranging
Troy Children’s Chorus. The chorus begins rehearsals on in age from 8 to 18. It is currently under the direction
September 14! Space is limited, and the spots are filling up of Nicole St. Victor.
quickly. Rehearsals are Tuesdays from 3:45 – 5 p.m. You
may read more about the chorus at Over the years, representative groups from Holy Trinity
www.troychildrenschorus.org. Music School have performed at the Kennedy Center in
Chancel Choir Begins. The Chancel Choir at First United Washington, D.C., Lincoln Center in New York City,
begins its autumn rehearsals on Thursday, September 9. Tanglewood with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, with
All who love to sing are invited to join! This will be a par- the Chicago Children's Choir, and at more than 90
ticularly exciting season with our upcoming November churches across the United States.
concert in collaboration with the Chancel Choir of First
Presbyterian Church, Albany. Holy Trinity Music School is the only music school of
its kind in Haiti and depends upon charitable support
Music Together: We are pleased to continue hosting early
to sustain its mission to all the people of Haiti.
childhood music and movement classes in the Rose Room
at First United this autumn. This is a highly acclaimed en-
There will be no admission fee; a free-will offering
richment program for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, big
will be taken.
kids, and their parents/caregivers. The classes are taught for
an hour, on a weekly basis. If you are interested in enrolling
your child, contact Carol Jurs, coordinator, at 393.9580 or
go to www.musicboxarts.com.
Dedicate an Anthem. The Session has approved a new
initiative to bring fresh, new music to our choral library and
to our services. Congregants are invited to donate $25 to-
ward the purchase of new choral music, and the church
will match that $25 in order to purchase a new anthem
(Each anthem in our library costs about $50). The donor
may dedicate the anthem to the person(s) or event of their
choice, and when that anthem is sung in church, this will be
recognized. To participate in this ongoing program, please
contact Maury A. Castro.
 2010
Pentecost and Peacemaking Offerings
(Local portion to Unity House Domestic Violence Shelter)
In May, First United and Oakwood Avenue Presbyte-
rian churches chose to designate the local portion of
the 2010 Pentecost Offering ($127.70) to assist chil-
dren in the Unity House domestic violence program.
We received this note of appreciation from the director
of the program.
The timing of your gift, can only be described in one
way – impeccable! Here’s why:
Congressman Paul Tonko recently toured our Domes-
tic Violence Shelter. As you may already know, Unity
House is the only licensed domestic violence shelter
in Rensselaer County. But to give you a sense of our
program’s scope, last year we provided 6,570 safe
bed nights for women and children escaping violence.
Our shelter is an 18-bed facility that typically has a
mix of single women and women with children. How-
ever, during the month of June, we experienced
something quite unique, as 8 of the 18 beds were oc-
cupied by children under the age of 5! Can you imag-
ine? Having personally hosted the visit with Congress-
man Tonko, I can tell you that these kids were happy,
laughing and felt very safe.
From providing warm, nutritious meals to children, to
offsetting the cost of children’s shelter “welcome”
bags filled with basic life essentials like: a tooth brush,
tooth paste, hair brush, soap, shampoo, towels, blan-
ket, stuffed animal, and coloring book and crayons,
thanks to your generosity, these kids can reside (with
their moms) in our shelter that is very much designed
to build a semblance of normalcy as their mothers
work with their case managers to move forward to
create new, safer homes free of violence.
It’s because of people like you and your parishioners
that Unity House is able to fulfill its mission to make
life better.
Thanks so much!
To further support the work of this important com-
munity-based organization, Session has voted to
contribute the local portion of the 2010 Peacemak-
ing Offering, which will be received on World
Communion Sunday, October 3, to the Unity
House Domestic Violence Shelter.
Session would like to share with you an important
project being undertaken to preserve the historic structure
we all love at 1915 Fifth Avenue. Despite years of main-
tenance, the roof of the original Session House needs to be
replaced. The leaks are beginning to degrade the wooden
structural members of the Session House.
The estimate for the project is $300,000. We have
applied for two grants from the a New York State Land-
marks Conservancy. (see further details below) Even if we
are successful in obtaining these grants, we will still need to bor-
row and raise funds from a capital campaign -- drawing upon
our members and the community who use our facility and re-
spect its historic and spiritual significance.
As you well know, the Session House is both the
historic and programmatic “heart” of the FUPC facility.
The Session House was built in 1862 after the Great Fire
destroyed most of downtown Troy. The Second Presbyte-
rian Church conducted regular worship in the Session
House until a much larger and more formal sanctuary was
built next door, and the Session House became a
chapel. Today, the Session House is often referred to as
Fellowship Hall or the Social Hall. It connects the Sanctu-
ary, classrooms, kitchen and offices.
On Sundays, the Session House is used for our Fel-
lowship Hour following worship. In winter we hold infor-
mal worship there and it houses the Inn from the
Cold. Weekdays, the space is used by many community
groups including Literacy Volunteers, AA, and Unity
House Summer Traveling Day Camp, not to mention our
own Music Day Camp, choirs and faith education classes.
In short, this space is integral to our church com-
plex. We ask you to pray as we move forward with this
project and encourage you to support its success with a
gift to help restore our roof.
~ Sue Steele
(Cont‟d on next page)

(Cont‟d)
What Has Been Happening This Summer
Members are Stepping up to the Task –
After her recent success raising funds for the
Brunswick Library, Pat Carlson has volun-
teered to start a Fund Raising Task Force.
Dan Rogers has volunteered to lead a Con-
struction Planning/Oversight Task Force. Jack
Waite will assist.
Please prayerfully consider which task force you
would be willing and able to serve on and contact ei-
ther Pat or Dan as appropriate. Pat and Dan hope to
have an initial planning meeting in the late afternoon
on Thursday, September 23 the church, so they would
like to hear from you by September 17.
Pat can be reached at plcarl@verizon.net or 273-8610
Dan can be reached at hdr27@juno.com
or 783-7472 home or cell 366-7451
Peggy Smith Savchik desperately seeks assis-
tance on a Grant Application Task Force (see
below). Mostly clerical work!
Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County –
LVORC is moving from the Wheeler Room on the Ses-
sion House balcony to the third floor of the education
building. The Wheeler Room will be cleaned, refur-
bished, and returned to its role as faith education class-
room space.
Grant Status --
Thanks to the skilled efforts of Peg Smith, Chandlee
Gill, and Jack Waite, First United, applied for two grants
from the New York State Landmarks Conservancy:
Sacred Sites Consulting Grant to contract with an archi-
tect “with historical preservation experience” to survey
the problem, design a solution, and develop plans and
specifications so that we can obtain competitive bids for
the work. (We are fortunate that such an architect,
Jack Waite, is a member and neighbor. His initial esti-
mate for this work is $30.000)
Wilson Challenge Grant (max. $75,000) for the roof
repair/replacement (initially estimated at $300,000).
A representative from the Landmarks Conservancy vis-
ited First United August 18 and met with Rev. Lusak
and the grant-writing team. The representative commu-
nicated the following to us:
First United has a good chance of success for the first
grant – with an award of approx. $5,000.
The representative advised FUPC to “table” its application
for the Wilson Challenge Grant until January 2011.
The Conservancy has a limited funding pool and has re-
ceived numerous applications in this round – FUPC will
probably NOT be selected.
Reasons include the following:
Primary worship spaces receive priority – and our
space is NOT used primarily for worship.
Our application will be considered more favorably
AFTER –
we complete the first part of the project and have DE-
TAILED plans and a DETAILED budget.
we begin a fund raising campaign and have initial pledges
and contributions IN HAND.
After discussion, Rev. Lusak, Peggy, Chandlee and Jack
agreed to “table” FUPC‟s application for the Wilson Chal-
lenge grant.
The representative advised us to proceed as follows:
1. Consider a “temporary fix” to eliminate leaks and pro-
tect the structure from further damage for a year or so
(temporary installation of a membrane material? Esti-
mated cost $10,000).
2. Immediately on announcement of the Sacred Sites Grant
awards in October, FUPC should contract with the ar-
chitect for the first phase of the project. (If we begin
ahead of the announcement, we forfeit any grant award.)
3. Re-submit our Wilson Grant application in January
2011.
4. Pursue secular funding options. She suggested:
Application for a Member Item through Assembly mem-
ber Ron Canestrari or Senator Roy McDonald
Application for a grant from the New York State Envi-
ronmental Protection Fund under the Historic Preserva-
tion category.
The Landmarks Conservancy representative felt that our
facility is an excellent candidate for an EPF grant because of
its varied community uses.
~ Peggy Savchik and Pat Carlson

Welcome to New Members
at First United!
Steven Paul Bowes is a senior at Troy
High School. He recently relocated
to Wynantskill with his father, Steven.
Steven is very close to his paternal
grandparents, Shirley and Don
Bowes, and to his maternal grand-
mother, Peggy Kincaid .
Steven is a very active teenager. He enjoys
summer weekend camping trips with his father.
He is an avid reader with a penchant for books
with historic interest and action novels. . He is a
member of the Masonic Order's youth organiza-
tion known as De Molay. Steven started Sunday
school at the age of four and has consistently nur-
tured his faith as an active participant at First
United for the past seven years. He attends
church regularly and has an encyclopedic knowl-
edge of the Bible.
Steven was confirmed by the Session in June. His
covenant partner was Don Lutz. It is a great pleas-
ure to welcome him into active membership at
First United.
It is a pleasure to introduce Mere-
dith Best and Babette Loucks as
new members of First United. They
are the parents of Aubrey and
Dele who were baptized last Sep-
tember at FUPC. They reside in
Averill Park. They sought out our
church after seeing the Presbyte-
rian float in the Albany Pride Pa-
rade.
Meredith is an art teacher at Guil-
derland High School and likes to
create art. She is from Gloversville
New York originally. She is inter-
ested in teaching Faith Education.
Babette is a social worker in the area of foster chil-
dren. She enjoys physical exercise. She is originally
from Elmira New York. She is interested in Faith
Education and outreach activities. Welcome
Meredith & Babette!
Twila Mattson has belonged to First United
and Oakwood Presbyterian Churches, as
well as many years at All Saints Episcopal
Church in Pasadena California. Along with
ten years as a Presbyterian pastor's wife,
she was Executive Director of the Suffolk
County (L.I.) Council of Churches, where
she was trained by the State and National Councils of
Churches to recruit ecumenical church volunteers to work
in migrant labor camps within their own parishes. She initi-
ated an inter-agency council that, with the help of farm
workers, developed the first Human Rights Commission at
the county level in the State of New York. Then she
earned an M.S. at RPI in Urban and Environmental Studies
and worked in architecture and legal firms, as well as the
N.Y. and Idaho legislatures She says that she “looks to
the church to charge ahead for peace and justice in this
confused century with the least amount of backlash, strife
and dissension.” Welcome back, Twila!
Peter Ferris Hamlin is a freshman at La Salle
School for Boys. He is a gifted student and
an accomplished ice hockey and soccer
player. Peter lives near Washington Park
with his dad, Garrett, his mother, Laura, and
his younger brother, David.
Peter was confirmed in June 2010 at First
United, and his adult covenant partner was Robin Kru-
manocker. She writes, “Not only did I have the pleasure
of watching Peter grow up as a part of our faith commu-
nity, but also of being Peter’s teacher for two years at the
Taylor School. Peter is the kind of student that warms a
teacher’s heart. He is conscientious and bright- a curious
and engaged learner. There was an emphasis on com-
munity at the Taylor School. Peter was a kind and com-
passionate friend, who also took younger schoolmates,
including his brother David, under his wing. He is a multi-
faceted individual who blossomed in each role he took
on including those of actor, musician and athlete.
“Peter approached confirmation the way he does every-
thing –thoughtfully and reflectively. I appreciated our
conversations on the book of Mark in which Peter showed
great insight and understanding. His statement of faith is
a testament to the earnestness with which Peter ap-
proached Confirmation.
“I am honored that Peter asked me to be his confirmation
partner, and I am pleased to be joining with others in our
faith community in welcoming such a fine young man into
active membership in the Church.”
Prayers of the People A Letter From Mel Borham
Prayers of joy and celebration … To Rev. Alexandra and FUPC,

…with and for Pat Rudebush, who was installed July

For the past year, I have been dealing with a debilitating back
17 as president of the Fourth District of the American
problem. I had to go on disability and am grateful I could do so.
Legion Auxiliary in the state of New York
This summer, a friend put a bug in my ear about affordable dis-
Prayers of loving care and support… ability housing in the Wrentham Massachusetts area. I made ap-
plication, was approved, and on August 10th, , I moved.
…for Burt Plumb, Judy Moyer‟s brother, and for his
wife Debbie, daughters Meredith and Melissa, son My new address is Mel Borham
56 Creek St. #310
Jason, and their children and the entire Moyer family. Wrentham, MA. 02093A
…for the Rev. David Blackshear, and spouse, Marion. (508) 384-0004
I do want to thank ALL of you for your kindness to me over the
Prayers of comfort…
years. I carry with me all your faces in my memories of my time
…for Aline Wilson, whose son, Rob, died tragically in there. I know many more great things will be accomplished at
late June near his home in Mill Valley, California FUPC.
Blessings and we'll see each other again soon.
... for the family and friends of Alberta Wickham
Lathers, who died July 4, 2010.
…….A Note from Pat Carlson
Joy at healing prayers answered…
Thanks to all who helped maintain the memorial garden during the
... for Liam Atkins, son of Lauren (Eadie) and Jordan summer months: Debbie Brown, Jane & John Husson, Margaret &
Atkins, grandson of Betsy Belle and John Eadie, who Howard Stoner.
was badly burned this summer by a cup of boiling hot PS - If you would like to help with this project, please contact
tea, was hospitalized in the pediatric burn unit at Syra-
Pat Carlson
cuse University hospital, and is now fully recovered!
Prayers for the larger church …
…for sisters and brothers in Christ at the Oakwood
September Birthdays
Presbyterian Church as they prepare for their last 5 Jim Corsaro
service of worship and the closing of the church on 8 Zack Glennie
November 21
9 Karen Harpe
11 Don Drew
…for the members of the now-dissolved Board of Di-
12 Dick Loeffel
rectors of the Hebron Center, and for all those who find
the Presbytery‟s decision to list the Hebron Center Bane Thach
property for sale so very difficult. Prayers for wisdom 14 Shirley Hinkamp
and discernment as Albany Presbytery seeks to create 15 David Lanoue
new ministries for youth.
17 Maggie Glennie
…and for the wider world…
22 Jeffrey Harrington
…for Dr. Tom Little and his family and the families of 23 Robert Parslow
the nine other members of a medical team killed in
29 Jim Parmelee
northern Afghanistan
Cara Rogers
…for the people of Pakistan, recovering from the worst
flooding in nearly a century 30 David Hamlin

…for the people of Russia, who were struggling with a

severe summer heat wave and wildfires that fouled the
air in the city of Moscow
…for the people of the Gulf Coast, as they return to the
fishing and tourism industries and continue to heal
their fragile ecosystems following capping of the BP
well
 COOL CONGREGATIONS
Sunday
TRAINING
September 26, 2010
Offered by New York Interfaith Power & Light
http :/ / w w w .nyip l.org / Washington Park, Albany
Sp onsored b y the Fa b 5 Presb ytery Pa rtnership Gro up 1PM Check-in
http :/ / a lb a nyp resb ytery.org / fa b 5_p p g .htm l ~ http :/ /
w w w .fa b 5a d voc a c y.org / 2PM Opening Ceremonies

"Cool Congregations" will help churches measure their

carbon footprints and then lower them – in community
and with mutual support. This event will train teams
from congregations across the Fab5 PPG in how to use
Would you like to walk or
Interfaith Power & Light's footprint measure and imple- sponsor a Walker to benefit
ment their own "Cool Congregations" program to con-
tinue reaching new participants. TAUM’s Damien Center?
Presbyterians called to live a carbon-neutral life
~ The last General Assembly called for Presbyterians to
Please see Martha Juenger
live a carbon-neutral life first - by reducing their use of
fossil fuel energy and second - by purchasing offsets to
make up for the amount they still contribute to carbon
emissions. (Carbon emissions are the main cause of
global warming.) "We are called as Christians to love
our neighbors and, how we, individually and corporately,
react to climate change and our own role in causing
global warming demonstrates this witness to God."
There will be a workshop in Troy on:

Sunday, September 26th from 1:30 – 4:30pm at INSIDE ALBANY

Christ Church United Methodist, 36 State Street
There is a registration deadline of September 15th and a
registration fee of $6 per person. For more information,
contact Janna Stieg Watkins at jswatkins@ymail.com or
see the flyer on the Albany Presbytery website:
http://www.albanypresbytery.org/upcoming_events.html
An Event for Youth and Adults
Saturday, September 18th, 10am – 5pm
Registration Deadline: September 10th
What does Albany have to do with God? Ask an
adult and they might scratch their head over state gov-
ernment. But – We worship a God of justice who is
Lord of all – and that includes governments and the deci-
sions they make! INSIDE ALBANY is an exploration of
our faith meeting the world of public policy. Join with
Presbyterians from across the state for a tour of the
Capitol and Legislative Office Building. Learn how our
faith influences our actions as citizens and how we can
make a difference for people challenged by poverty, op-
pression, and injustice. INSIDE ALBANY is sponsored by
the “Fab Five” Presbyteries of Albany, Cayuga-Syracuse,
Northern NY, Susquehanna Valley and Utica in partner-
ship with the New York State Council of Churches. The
only cost will be $7.00 for lunch
To register contact: Rev. Brooke Newell, Advocacy Min-
istries Coordinator for the Fab5 PPG, 518-793-3823 or
brooke@cjgreen.
Dear Partner in “Inn From the Cold”,

For the last 2 years we have had a successful partnership serving the most vulnerable members of our community
through the “Inn From the Cold “ Program. In that 2-year period, for 6 of the coldest months each year, we have
sheltered 107 men. That‟s 107 men who would not have been served by Joseph‟s House because all of our beds
were filled during that period. Who knows where these men would be today without our joint assistance. It‟s a very
real fact that at least some might be dead due to the cold. Our success is no small victory for the 107 men who are
alive and healthy today, due to our collaboration.

As we enter the third year of the “Inn” program we face a shortfall in the expenses the Shelter expends in staffing
this program. Each year of operation costs Joseph‟s House & Shelter $20,000.00 for salary and benefits for one full-
time and one part-time employee. The first 2 years of the program we raised half of that amount. This year we have
managed to raise $17,000.00 of the full amount. While $3,000.00 may seem like a small amount of money for both
the Shelter and it‟s partner churches it is a very great amount indeed. With $88,000, 000.00 in cuts to homeless
funding in the state budget and cut backs in federal funds, we are facing a very lean year (not that any year is “fat”
by any standard). Our partner churches have indicated that they too are living “close to the edge” as their members
struggle in the economic situation. Still, all have asked that we maintain the present program structure. While we
want to honor the requests of our partners, we need to be fiscally responsible regarding the overall needs of the Shel-
ter. With this in mind we have developed a fundraising program called Get a Man Off the Streets for a Night.
Here‟s how it works.

It costs Joseph‟s House $5.56 a night to provide a homeless man with shelter in “Inn From the Cold”. Yes, that‟s
just $5.56 to keep a man warm and safe for one night during the winter. For the entire 6 months the cost is
$1,008.00. While $1,008.00 is a lot of money for many people, $5.56 is certainly something most of us can spare.
Think of all the ways you spend that much on incidentals in one week. Yet $5.56 will guarantee that someone is
warm and safe for a night. Surely you can sponsor a man for a night. Perhaps you can sponsor someone for a week
at $42.50 or 2 weeks at $85.00. For some it may be possible to sponsor someone for a month at $170.00 or even for
the entire period for $1,008.00.

If we pool our resources the $3,000.00 we need to raise should be collected before the program begins. Won‟t you
consider a contribution at any of the levels mentioned? Remember whatever you give will keep another man safe
and warm for some time during the winter.

Thank you for your generosity,

Tracy Neitzel
Executive Director
Yes I want to shelter a man during the coldest months of 2010-11!
Partner Churches
Here’s my contribution at:
A Day at $5.56 ________________________

A Week at $42.50 ________________________
Christ Church United Methodist
2 Weeks at $85.00 ________________________ First United Presbyterian Church
A Month at $170.00 ________________________ Saint Anthony of Padua Church
6 Months at $1,008.00 ________________________ Saint John’s Church (Episcopal)
Other ________________________ Saint Paul’s Church (Episcopal)
Checks should be made payable to: Terra Nova
Joseph’s House & Shelter, Inc. – “Inn From the Cold” The Roarke Center
Your contribution is tax deductible to the fullest extent
of the law.
 September 2010
Sunday Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2 3 4
5:30pm Nominat- 6:30pm Choir AA—10:00am
ing Committee Picnic
4:30pm Worship
7:15pm Faith Ed

5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Roxbury Farm FUPC Staff AA—10:00am
9:30am Worship Church Office
3:30-6:15 Meeting LABYRINTH
Closed—Labor
Day Holiday 5:30pm 3:00pm 10:00-2:00pm
MLMT

7pm Chancel Choir

NA Group 7pm

12 13 14 15 16 17 18
10:00am Worship
Roxbury Farm 2pm Eddy AA—10:00am
Congregation Mtg
3:30-6:15 Worship
11:15am
5:30pm Nominat-
Picnic following Troy Children’s ing Committee
Chorus 3:45-5:00pm
NA Group 7pm Alexandra Away 7pm Chancel Choir

ML Sunday 19 20 Troy Children’s

21 22 23 24 25
10:00am Worship PW-Rose Room Chorus 3:45-5:00pm AA—10:00am
11:00 Refreshments 9am-1pm Roxbury 10am - Pres
Farm 3:30-6:15
Troy Night Out Rainbow
11:30 Faith Educa- 6pm Music
tion Together 3:30pm Albany 7pm Concert
NA Group 7pm Presbytery Saratoga Sound-
track
Alexandra Away 7pm Chancel Choir

26 27 28 29 30
Roxbury Farm 2pm
10:00am Worship
3:30-6:15 In from the cold
11:00 Refreshments Coord. Team @
Maury Away Joseph’s House
11:30 Faith Educa-
tion 6:00pm Session Troy Children’s
Potluck & Meeting Chorus 3:45-5:00pm 5:30pm
AIDS Walk 2010 Nominating
7pm Voluntary 7pm Chancel Choir
NA Group 7pm Simplicity Committee
Open Minds, Open Hearts, Open Doors:
Where People with Differences Unite in Christ

First United Presbyterian Church

1915 Fifth Avenue
Troy, New York 12180
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

IN THIS ISSUE:
Big Transitions— Congregational meeting September 12
Staff changes— Welcome Leslie!
September Faith Education News
Welcome New Members! ..…. and much more

Preparing for and participating in the International Day of Peace

On the wrought iron fence bordering the First United churchyard, you will see a banner that reads "What can I/We do to
make peace?". It is one of 8 that have been placed in locations around Troy with sharpie pens for people in various
neighborhoods to write responses on them.
On the International Day of Peace, Tuesday, September 21, we have been asked to send two or three folks to carry the
banner in the peace walk which begins at Sage Park 7:00PM and will be led by Jun Yasuda of the Peace Pagoda.

First United Presbyterian Church Officers for 2010

Vision Newsletter is published 11 times a year by
The Session
First United Presbyterian Church, Troy, New York
Moderator - The Reverend Alexandra Lusak
Member of the Troy Larger Parish
Class of 2010: Karen Harpe, Bonnie McCaig,
Peggy Savchik Alexandra S. Lusak Pastor
Class of 2011: Don Bowes, Debbie Brown, Maury A. Castro Minister of Music
Sue Steele Leslie M. Kelley Coordinator of Educational
Class of 2012: John Buckley, Pat Carlson, Peg Drew, Ministries
Chandlee Gill Carlie D‟Annunzio Financial Analyst
The Board of Deacons Joani Jameson Administrative Assistant
Lynne Stevens Housekeeper
Class of 2010: Betsy Belle Eadie, Kathleen Roe,
Dan Rogers, Shirley Street To Contact Us: you may call 518-272-2771
you may write to us at
Class of 2011: Martha Juenger, Don Lutz,
1915 Fifth Avenue Troy, New York 12180
Marsha Mintz-Botsford, Pat Rudebush
Class 2012: Bob Harrington, Bonnie Kerr, or you may email us at info@unitedprestroy.org
Courtney Savaria, Claudia Schwendeman Visit our website: www.unitedprestroy.org