Dear Friends,

Donn Neal showed me some old photographs he'd uncovered in the church archives today. One was of me and my friend, Melvin. It was taken here, at the church's Thanksgiving dinner in 1999. Now, some of you may remember Melvin. He used to sit on the sidewalk right under my office window every day with a cup in front of him. He was a panhandler. He never bothered anyone and was always courteous and friendly. Occasionally I would take him to lunch and, as we walked down the street, everybody we passed would say hello to him. I told him he ought to run for mayor. He liked that. I still remember his birthday, April 15, because it was tax day and I always kidded him by asking if he had remembered to file his taxes.

As time passed Melvin began to show up for "work" irregularly. The stretches of his absence grew longer and longer. When I did see him he appeared heavier and was taking care of his appearance less and less. My fears of his increased substance abuse turned into reality, and I began to worry about his health and well being. I did what I could for him, even though he was no longer interested in going for lunch. "I'll just settle for a couple of bucks, Rev." That's what he would say. And I always gave it to him. I knew it wouldn't be used for good purpose.

I haven't seen Melvin for at least two years. I'm afraid he may be dead. I hope not. I miss him!

Sincerely,
J. Douglas Patterson

A Grand Time in Grand Rapids

A few weeks ago I had the privilege and cherished experience of being a delegate from the Penn West Conference at the 27th General Synod of the United Church of Christ in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The theme of this conference was "Immerse Yourself," from baptism to clean water, with frequent reference to the "God Is Still Speaking" campaign. For those who may not be too familiar, the UCC Synod is, in the main, five days of concentrated speaking and preaching, voting, songs, connecting, checking out exhibits, and prayers from 8:30 am to 9:30 pm. Nearly 4,000 of us were there. I missed getting the count of cookies (available everywhere) baked by the Michigan congregations.

This was also the last Synod for Rev. John Thomas as General Minister and President, and the delegates voted in a smooth transition to Rev. Geoffrey Black from Long Island to that post. Several other executive posts were filled and charged to be ministers and administrators in the challenging days ahead for the organization and its funding. As is our history there were resolutions concerning social justice and serving others.

A lot of time and consideration were spent on the issues of how to organize the multiple boards and entities to best carry our missions. There was at one point a demonstration on the floor about this. In the end the resolutions available to us calling essentially for more "discernment" about the organization were passed.

Most important to many was the fact that five days affords a lot of opportunities for gathering music and calls to worship. Sunday morning was set aside for Sacred Conversations on Race (with an option to go to church). In worship the congregants enthusiastically responded, with moving spirits and bodies to the superb music, dancing, colorful staging, poignant presentations, stories, and electronic wizardry, of what UCC is about in our contrasting urban and country settings and in the world. To many, the soul-stirring sermon by Minister Otis Moss III and the gospel singing of the Sanctuary Choir of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago highlighted the present and the future for our open and inclusive denomination.

This was the third and last synod for me. I've reached the term limit for delegates – although I would not rule out just going to Tampa in 2011, if I am able, to see in action this part of the United Church of Christ.

– A report from General Synod delegate Edgar Duncan

Youth Trip to DC Begins

Eight youth and five adults from our congregation will depart on July 31 for six days in Washington, D.C. During their time in our nation's capital, the team will be serving in soup kitchens and homeless shelters, discovering what it means to be Christ's hands and feet in the world. They will also tour the U.S. Capitol, visit the Holocaust Memorial Museum, stop by the UCC Justice and Witness ministry office, worship at People's Congregational United Church of Christ, and see many more of the landmarks that make Washington such a special city.

Be sure to come to worship on Sunday, August 7. The team will share their experiences and speak about how their faith was deepened through their experience of service.

We also hope you will pray for the team as they travel. Trip participants are Sarah Axtell; Taylor and Montaya Dawkins; Jasmine, Norman, and Trala Freeman; Nikela Klinghagen, and Shavonté Parker. Adult leaders will be Liddy and Greg Barlow, Rebecca Flowers, Nathan Hart, and Robin Logan.

Expect to see a full report on the mission trip in the September issue of the Spire!

Dues, Offerings, Tithes, and Pledges:
The fifth in a series of columns on stewardship

A few months ago John Titus, who chairs Smithfield's Stewardship Ministry Team, asked if I might share my thoughts about stewardship and giving to the church. My mind went back to my early years in a Presbyterian congregation on the North Side. As members of the Sunday School there, we were all encouraged to make a pledge to both the local and worldwide ministry of the congregation. During those years we all received envelopes in which we placed our dimes or quarters. My grandmother set a remarkable-for me an unattainable-example. She was a strict tither. From her monthly income of less than $80, she gave $10 to the church. I never ever have made that level of giving, but I can still remember her comment that the tithe comes first and then you budget the rest.

When coming to Smithfield a few decades ago I can remember folks referring to their contribution to the church as "their dues." It was a strange term to me, but as time passed I came to realize how that term originated. It was used to acknowledge that everyone was responsible to maintain the congregation's ministry. If you were a member of the Geminde (the congregation or the community), you needed to share in its maintenance and mission-that was what members did.

As I look at Smithfield today, I see a commitment to serve the broader community in so many ways. Sunday morning worship is, to me, only a small part of our ministry. It is the desire on the part of our congregation to reach out to those who are hungry, estranged, homeless, addicted, handicapped, and confused that motivates me to contribute what I can. Sometimes that is through a pledged commitment to the congregation's budget, sometimes it is through a time commitment, and sometimes through a determination to broaden our outreach. There are so many ways all of us can give an offering that supports and strengthens Smithfield's role in the heart of the city.

– John Canning

Sandwich in Some Lunch Every Sunday in August

After worship on all five Sundays in August we will have a cold lunch of sandwiches in the social hall. It will be potluck style, so on any Sunday please bring a loaf of bread, lunch meat, deli cheese, spreads, chips, or other things that go well with sandwiches. Everyone is welcome to join us for lunch. After eating you are welcome to take home your contribution or leave it in the fridge for next week (assuming it won't go bad in the meantime). Mark your calendar, and please join us for fellowship over lunch!

We would like help in receiving the food before worship and in cleaning up afterwards. Contact Rebecca Senkowicz.

Smithfield School Needs Your Help

They race to the front of the sanctuary for the children's sermon. They rummage through their worship bags seeking just the right crayon. They have even been known to help elderly members down the front steps. They are the Smithfield kids – and they need you!

Beginning September 13, we will offer Smithfield School for all ages (nursery through adults) at 9:45 a.m., and Children's Chapel and Pilgrim Adventures for children age 3-7 during the worship service. Our number of children is – praise God! – growing, and so our ranks of adult leaders must grow as well.

Some leaders are responsible for teaching classes, with all lesson plans and supplies provided. Others serve as assistants, with no advance preparation or experience required.

All adults interested in working with children must attend one brief workshop this summer or fall, even if they have attended a similar session in past years. The workshops are scheduled for 9:45 a.m. on Sunday, August 16, and both 9:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. on Sunday, August 30. Another workshop will take place in September.

PennWest Conference Meets in Johnstown

The forty-seventh Annual Meeting of the Penn West Conference of the United Church of Christ took place Friday and Saturday, June 12 and 13, in the beautiful tranquil setting of the University of Pittsburgh in Johnstown.

The presence of Smithfield Church was definitely felt. Five members of our congregation attended the meeting. Representing the clergy was Rev. Liddy Barlow, who also co-presented one of the Bible study sessions and led a workshop in her role as one of the our conference's Partners in Education. Laity were Edgar Duncan, the chair of the conference Personnel Committee, a member of the annual Planning Committee, and delegate to the General Synod; Ron Pedersen, who is a conference Stewardship Associate and co-presented a stewardship workshop; and Robert D'Angelo and Thomas Blazina, who are Smithfield's elected lay delegates.

The theme for this year's meeting was "United in Faith; Linked by Covenant." This is a good reminder that Smithfield and all local congregations are an important part of the whole church.

Aside from good meals, fellowship, and long days, a good deal goes on at an annual meeting. Worship services, Bible studies, learning workshops, reports of the various conference committees, and business sessions are scheduled throughout the two days. This year's business decisions were not as numerous as some other years but were very important. The Conference budget for 2010 was adopted with a decrease of over twelve thousand dollars from 2009's spending plan. Like everyone we are experiencing economic problems. This budget was realistically trimmed with all necessary services still being provided.

The delegation elected that Penn West become a Global Mission Conference, committing ourselves to partnership with churches around the globe. We at Smithfield were again recognized for being a "Five for Five" congregation. We participated in giving to all mission efforts in 2008 that our conference emphasizes. We must continue to do this, as these missions are of extreme importance.

Perhaps the most notable piece of legislation handled this year was the separate incorporation of Living Waters Camp and Conference Center. While still a vital part of our conference, Living Waters Camp now has its own board of directors and its own by-laws. The property has been transferred to Living Waters yet all coal, gas, oil and mineral rights will be reserved by the Penn West Conference. If events arise that Living Waters ceases to exist, the property reverts back to our conference.

The forty-eighth Annual Meeting of the Penn West Conference of the United Church of Christ will be held in early June, 2010.

– Thomm Blazina

Over 60 Participants Enjoy Camp Downtown

Camp Downtown, our Vacation Bible School program that draws participants from all the churches of the Downtown Ministerium, more than doubled in size this year. The group of campers, counselors, and adult leaders had a wonderful week!

Attending from Smithfield: Gary Freeman, Aubrie Knapp, Sam Senkowicz, Amaru Caldwell, Olivia Logan, Alexandra Knapp, Shavonte Parker, Saani Bukva-Strucaly, Rebecca and Brian Senkowicz, Alyssa and Josh Ferina, Kaitlyn Pistella, and Liddy Barlow middle right: and share lunch in the Smithfield social hall on Friday.