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Kimberly P Chastain, Pastor
Dear Ones,
As we are inching our way into a consideration of what the future holds for us at United Presbyterian Church, it seems to me that there are questions that each of us will need to take seriously, as we look at our life and work together. Our annual report, and to some extent this newsletter, contains summaries of all of the work that happens in our building. Pay attention to the descriptions and see if there’s anything you didn’t know about, or that surprises you. Then ask yourself about each item, “Is this something I support or relate to in the work of the church? Would I miss it if was gone? Could we let this go and still be who we say we are, followers of Jesus in downtown Binghamton?”
Another important question is “What’s missing? What do we need to add to our mission, worship, ministry, and life together to be faithful to our calling?”
No one is going to ask you to respond in any formal sense to those questions, at least not today. But the reflection process we began in November with our first Project Regeneration conversation will continue as the leadership gathers again with Rose Niles in August, and we’ll continue to seek your input and your response to the question, “What does it mean for YOU?”
We are a self-described “Cottage Congregation in a Cathedral Building,” and for many years we have found ways to continue ministering at the size of our building, instead of at the size of our congregation. As we experience the shifts and changes in our congregation and begin to create a plan for our future, we will need to make some choices and some changes so that our ministry becomes sustainable at the size of our congregation. What that will look like will depend on you — on what you are willing to commit to and to support with your time, talent and treasure.
We can be very proud and grateful for the work that God has allowed us to do in our united congregation. We couldn’t do it without an exceptionally talented and committed core group of leaders, staff members, cheerleaders, cooks, table-servers, dishwashers, quiltmakers, computer geeks, card-writers, musicians, educators, envelope-stuffers, prayer warriors, tour leaders, and story tellers. Where do you find your place in our community?
What does it mean for YOU?
Grace and peace,
Pastor Kimberly
Becky Kindig, Associate Pastor
Greetings friends!
I love looking back at the year and reminiscing about all that we have done together. I am so thankful for all the ways this past year we have had fun and been creative.
The first creative thing that stands out to me is all the art projects that were sent home in the monthly Sunday School packets. It’s a wonderful part of my job to find ways to have our young ones use the scripture passages we read each week turn into something tangible and creative that helps them connect with the story or the lesson. It helps the kids and their grown-ups talk about the story as well. I try to have a variety of things over the year to hopefully make sure there is something enjoyable for everyone. This year we have done matching games, books, scratch art, wall hangings, musical instruments, Nativity stickers, tie dye Easter Eggs, a rainbow love wreath, planting seeds, a butterfly to remember migrants, and several others. Many thanks to Marilynn Guinane who puts the packets together each month!
A church year in art projects: the monthly “Sunday School at Home” lessons always include a craft.
Another thing that stands out this year are the congregational activities. It was partly this idea of reflecting on scripture by being creative and making something tangible from the Sunday school projects, and then adding the idea of working together, that inspired us to have a congregational activity once a month this past year:
We made paper cranes and doves for peace.
We made wooden butterflies to remember migrants who died trying to get to safety.
We thought together about our congregation with Rev. Rose Niles, beginning Project Regeneration.
We made Christmas ornaments and then Easter eggs for our community meal guests.
We had a Christmas cookie party, and we shared the love by collecting socks for our guests and making Valentines for our loved ones.
Creating things together was a great way to learn, share, and grow.
I am also thankful that you send me to engage with the Binghamton University Interfaith Council and do creative ministry on campus. I have led Common Ground Conversations, Soul Care Events in a couple of the residence communities, provided “ashes to go” on Ash Wednesday, and held office hours.
In addition to Sunday school packets, campus ministry and congregational activities, I greatly enjoyed worshiping together and sharing our common desire to share God’s love with all people. I’m so lucky that I get to do that in numerous ways here during our special holidays and the normal times in between: with music, preaching, Time for the Young at Heart, Communion, special events, Bible study, and fellowship. Thank you for all the ways you join me in this ministry here at UPC. It has been a very fun, fulfilling, and creative year! I look forward to what God is calling us to next!
Pastor Becky
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