Category Archives: The Forecaster Newsletter

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THE FORECASTER: A Message From Our New Transitional Minister (and other news)

Pastor’s Ponderings

Dear Friends,

Greetings! I am excited and honored to begin ministry with you all of First Congregational!

I am here to travel with you through this transitional time.

I don’t see myself as an interim, merely filling the void between one pastor and the next. Nor do I come with an agenda, expecting you to do certain tasks or becoming what I think you should be.

Instead my purpose is to work with you to keep the ministry of FCC vibrant and moving forward. This begins by discovering what God is already doing with you and where God may be leading. I intend to celebrate all you have been and are, lift up your giftedness in ministry, and be an encourager and cheerleader for what we can do together.

My theme song for the first couple of months is: ♫ Getting to know you, getting to know all about you ♫. I want to meet with as many of you as I can.

I’ll be attending every group and meeting possible, but I would love to visit over coffee or a meal, in your homes or at the office, as individuals, couples, or groups. Invitations are welcome! I also hope we will set up small group gatherings for conversations, as well.

Expect a lot of questions from me, especially ones that ask “why”. When I ask, it is never meant as a criticism, simply to understand why you do what you do.

To help you get to know me, here is a little bit about me.

I have been a pastor for 20 years, serving five churches of varied sizes and settings. I’m Presbyterian, but am used to being outside those “bounds” from serving a union Presbyterian/Methodist church. (I’m looking forward to learning more about the UCC way of doing things and am taking an online course to educate myself.)

Earlier in my ministry I felt a call to interim work and had some training in it, but the timing wasn’t right. Following a new kind of transitional ministry training in 2016, I was led to my first position at the First Presbyterian Union Church in Owego.

This past summer, God strongly confirmed that this is the ministry I’m called to, so I feel blessed that we were brought together here at FCC!

I am single, no kids, but with two fur-babies: my cats, Carter and Callie. I grew up in northeastern PA and lived in various parts of that state, before moving to NY in 2001. I’m a second career pastor who was an industrial engineer, computer manager, business manager, and computer programmer in my previous life.

(Some other time I’ll tell you how God moved me from all of that to pastoral ministry.)

Because of that, I balance a business mind with a pastoral heart. I love music, reading, playing games on my devices, and connecting with friends and family through social media and a variety of other means.

My mom, who lives in the area, wants you to know that I was baptized in the Congregational Church in Carversville, PA, which was also the church of her childhood.

Hopefully, I’ve whetted your appetite to get to know me better, as much as I want to get to know you. May God richly bless our mission and ministry together in the coming time!

Grace and Peace, Lisa

Jazz Vespers – February 10th, 2019

The featured artist for the February 10th Jazz Vespers will be The Southern Tier Brass Quintet. This group of professional musicians finds beautiful arrangements for brass instruments, and play with a flair and a sense of humor that is wonderful to hear. Please join us at 5:00 PM in the sanctuary on the 10th for an early Valentine’s Day delight.

Other FCC News and Events

You’ll find other news about the recent Congregational Meeting, the Spiritual Book Club, the Faith Works Fellowship gatherings, and a thank you from our recently retired pastor, the Rev. Dr. Arthur Suggs and Tracy Suggs (plus a look from the January 13th celebration of Rev. Suggs’ ministry) in the full edition of The Forecaster – download it here:

Download the full February issue of The Forecaster (PDF)

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THE FORECASTER: A New Year & New Adventure for FCC – January 2019

The Rev. Dr. Art Suggs in Worms, Germany. Photo taken by Clare Price.

December 2018 marked the last month of the Rev. Dr. Arthur Suggs’ pastorate with us, and so starting in January 2019, F.C.C. embarks on the next cycle of our adventure and growth.

Rev. Suggs was our Senior Pastor here at F.C.C. for 11 years, and we wish him very well as he retires from ministry to pursue the callings and interests on his life adventure.

The Transition Team has organized a Celebration meal and event for Sunday, January 13th, 2019, following that Sunday’s service.

(We opted out of doing the Celebration in December, given the hectic nature of Christmas and the year-end flurry of activities.)

After the Sunday service on January 13th, we’ll head to the social hall to share a meal and offer any gifts, cards, and stories to celebrate Rev. Suggs’ time with us and send him on his way with well wishes and love.

Members can share thoughts and memories of Art’s time at First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ.

While Art has joined our congregation as a member, protocol requires him to stay away until a new pastor is settled in with the congregation, so we’ll welcome him back as a member of our congregation then.

If you’re not able to attend the Celebration meal following the service on January 13th, you can send along any cards, letters, or gifts to the church office with the designation, “Art’s Celebration”.

Speaking of the Transition Team & the Search for an Interim Minister

The Transition Team has been interviewing candidates to serve our church as an interim pastor. They will present their suggestion to the Board of Deacons when they are done.

As of this posting, it looks very good that we’ll have our interim pastor in place by February 1, 2019.

Interim Pastoral Care and Who’s in the Pulpit in January

F.C.C. sanctuary at Christmas 2018. Photo: The Forecaster.

Although our Transition Team is close to making a recommendation for our Interim Minister, we enter January without a pastor for our congregation.

In the meanwhile, we have four different worship leaders for Sundays in January:

• January 6 – Rev. Lisa Heckman, who recently completed a successful interim pastorship in Owego, N.Y., where she served for just shy of three years.

• January 13- Clare Price, a lay preacher who was a licensed interim pastor in Newark Valley, N.Y.

• January 20- Zach DuBord, a Minister in Discernment with the Susquehanna Association.

• January 27- Rev. Jim Dunn, a retired minister in the United Church of Christ.

If you have questions or need pastoral care, just ask Clare Price, any of our deacons, or simply contact the F.C.C. office:

Phone: 607 723 8981

Email: fcc ‘at’ binghamtonwireless ‘dot’ com

Jazz Vespers in January

Rob Weinberger. Image courtesy of Woodwiz.

Rob Weinberger will be performing at Jazz Vespers on January 13th.

Rob has performed and recorded for 10 years in the NYC’s Lower East Side music scene with groups as diverse as The Worms, Blues Traveler, and Joan Osborne. He has also been the music director aboard cruise ships based out of Hawaii.

Since he relocated to upstate New York, he has been active in the regional musical community as a composer, arranger, teacher and performer.

Rob is a musical chameleon!  At the time of this printing is deciding in what incarnation he will appear for this Jazz Vespers.

No matter what it is, I can guarantee you will love the sound he offers and the ambiance he creates. Join us on January 13 at 5:00 PM in the F.C.C. church sanctuary.

More F.C.C. News & Activities

You’ll find news on upcoming events, our most recent new members, the Trustee’s Report, the Church Directory update, the abundance of Christmas gifts (more than 50!) donated to students from the Woodrow Wilson school, and more, in the full edition of The Forecaster.

Download the full January 2019 Forecaster here.

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THE FORECASTER: Rev. Dr. Art Suggs’ Last “Pastor’s Perspective” (and Upcoming FCC Events)

The Rev. Dr. Art Suggs in Worms, Germany. Photo taken by Clare Price.

Pastor’s Perspective

How does one say Thank You?

This is my final newsletter article. My message is a simple – Thank You and God Bless You to a church that renewed my faith. 
But allow me to elaborate just a little.

Thank you for allowing me to be myself, particularly in the pulpit, more than any other church I’ve ever known. To be loved for who I really am is a great gift.

My wife Tracy has an ever so consuming career as a teacher, and thank you for never placing “Wife of the Minister” expectations upon her. Her participation has been out of pleasure rather than expectation.

Thank you for allowing me to explore, particularly in the area of theology. I’m acutely aware I have departed from the standard party line, and I’ve tried to do it with integrity and for good reasons. But some churches simply don’t allow it at all. THANK YOU for that freedom.

Thank you for your generosity, both in terms of time and money. You have given me time off when I needed it, and you have paid me such that I feel my work has been respected.

Thank you for giving me such a wonderful staff, whether they are volunteer positions or paid. They all go above and beyond.

I would like to mention in particular Dubbie Agard, Bill Cuddeback, Cindi West-Davidson, Judy Giblin, Julie Ann Johnson, Cheryl Kindt, Bernie Lewis, Arlene Price, Marty Rorapaugh, Toni Rorapaugh, Sherry Shadduck, Barb Thompson, Jamie Walters, Vanessa Warren, Nancy Wildoner. And they might as well be staff with all they do, thank you to our Board Chairs: Clare Price, Doug Garnar, and Art Price.

However, I need to mention one in particular. Leslie began as church administrator one year before I arrived. And she has been a Godsend. Talented, smart, the perfect personality for the job, no one could have asked for a better administrator, as well as confidant and friend. Thank you, Leslie, for all you do, and for who you are. I will miss working with you, but will cherish many, many happy memories. (Remember – three hymns!)

I’m not sure if this is the best way to say this, but thank you for putting up with me. I’ve been a minister for 35 years, and in that amount of time one learns of one’s strengths and weaknesses.

Early on
 psychologists and counselors forewarned me that my personality was an ill fit for the ministry. “Go ahead and do it if you want,” they warned me, “but you will encounter some troubles.” And I did – I went ahead, and I encountered troubles. I have intended to leave the ministry twice.

So thank you for putting up with at least the part of me that never fit well into the normal clergy mold. When I arrive at the pearly gates, I don’t expect to hear “Well done, good and faithful servant.” What I’m hoping for is “Well, ok, not too bad, could have been worse.”

And thank you for the good times. We’ve had good laughs on Sunday mornings. We’ve had precious moments when the angels showed up. We’ve had fun working together for parades, rummage sales, turkey dinners, and 570 coffee hours in the Parlor. We’ve even had good times in the church committee meetings…imagine that!

You are a blessing to me; for allowing me to leave with a sense of contentment in my heart, a smile upon my face, and a modicum of sanity in my head.

They say that we can have friends of silver, and friends of gold. Thank you for gilding my time amongst you.

Your friend, Art Suggs

Ramp & Accessible Entrance Construction Completed

The construction is finished and looks wonderful, and allows easier access for members and visitors.

Also in the December 2018 Forecaster:

• Advent begins –

The Advent season is a time of great anticipation and hopefulness. (More lovely reflection on Advent in The Forecaster, download below.)

• Congregational Conversation – December 9th following morning service.

• Member Zach DuBord progresses with his call to ministry (see The Forecaster for an update – download below).

• Christmas on the near-horizon – Be a Christmas Angel, Help Decorate the Sanctuary, and other rewarding and joyful pursuits!

• Christmas Cookie Exchange (coming right up, December 4th!)

• New Wireless Intel at F.C.C.

… and more.

Download the full Forecaster (December 2018) here.

 

The Forecaster Newsletter

THE FORECASTER: ‘Judge Not’ (and Other Ignored Teachings), Plus November FCC News..

The Rev. Dr. Art Suggs in Worms, Germany. Photo by Clare Price.

Pastor’s Perspective – November 2018 Newsletter

This is arguable, of course, but it is widely believed that the most ignored of all the sayings of Jesus is when he tells us not to judge.

Yet, there it is, right in the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 7:1, followed by the story of the speck in their eye, and a log in your own.

On the face of it, it seems ridiculous. How could we possibly go through life without judging?

I have in mind the hundred or so decisions that have gone into the entrance and hallway renovation at First Congregational Church.

This wallpaper or that? How about the carpeting? Those decisions were all the result of considered judgment. It strikes me as impossible to avoid. And yet, I don’t think we can dismiss Jesus’ admonition so easily.

Two thoughts to share in defense of Jesus’ advice not to judge.

The first has to do with simple humility.

Even though we may feel like we are the most intelligent person around, and our thoughts are the best ones compared to others, and our experience on most matters is the most relevant, and our judgment has always been the most sound, we also know deep inside that is absurd. We actually only have our perspective, our tiny slice of perception which is never comprehensive.

Jane Goodall, the primatologist, put it beautifully.

“There are many windows through which we can look out into the world, searching for meaning …

…Most of us, when we ponder on the meaning of our existence,
peer through but one of these windows onto the world.
And even that one is often misted over by the breath of our finite humanity.

We clear a tiny peephole and stare through.
No wonder we are confused by the tiny fraction of a whole that we see.

It is, after all, like trying to comprehend the panorama of the desert or the sea through a rolled-up newspaper.”

There is a second, equally good reason not to judge.

This has to do with something we all have experienced. Something happens that we then judge as bad, and we find out later that it was a good thing. There are a thousand examples. We initially judged it bad because of reason #1, our perspective was too small, our knowledge too limited, and we weren’t able to foresee the way it could result in good.

“Do not judge!” has some stiff competition for being ignored.

“Don’t cast the first stone” comes to mind, as well as, “Don’t worry about tomorrow”.

But despite the fact we need to make daily decisions, not judging is healthy advice. A sense of humility befits us. And when we haven’t made up our mind about a person or an event, it opens us up to seeing from a wider, and perhaps more godly, perspective.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours,

Art Suggs

Thanksgiving Feast – Sunday, November 18th

The Annual FCC Thanksgiving Feast – traditional favorites served up freely (and with Love).

Chris and Tim O’Neill have again offered to organize a Thanksgiving dinner for our congregation. It will follow the morning service on Sunday, November 18.

There will be a sign-up sheet for folks who plan to attend.

You are welcome even if you miss putting your name on the list, but it helps a lot with shopping to have an idea how many potatoes to put in the pot!

The meal is paid for by a free-will offering and the generosity of merchants like Weis Markets who donate the turkeys. Thanksgiving is the most celebrated of all US holidays.

Please put the date on your calendar. The food is great and so is the fellowship.

Decorating the Church for Advent & Christmas – Sunday, November 26th

Advent banners draped in the back of FCC’s sanctuary (after a service) for the 2017 Advent Season.

After the Sunday service on November 26th, we’ll decorate the sanctuary for the Advent Season and Christmas.

As you’ll know if you’ve seen the historic sanctuary decked in its Advent and Christmas decorations, it looks truly beautiful and moves the heart and soul.

Wear ‘work clothes’ that Sunday if you can spare 30-60 minutes to help with the decorating.

Other November News in the FCC Community

Read updates on the following in the full edition (PDF) of this month’s Forecaster newsletter (download below):

• Member Joseph Izzo defends his doctoral dissertation at Binghamton University.

• Armistice and Veteran’s Day on November 11th – That morning at 11:00 AM, Veterans for Peace will ring FCC’s historic church bell – as many churches did 100 years ago.

• Update from the First Congregational Church Board of Trustees.

Renovations underway — and more progress has been made since this photo was taken!

• Renovations of the parking-lot entrance are heading towards completion.

Says Church Elder Clare Price, “The new doors are in. The concrete ramp and curbs are poured, the inside walls, ceiling and floors finished – the construction is looking great!”

“Hand rails and canopy over the top of the ramp and some paving still need to be done. The goal is to be done by Thanksgiving. Sure is a much more welcoming entry from the parking lot.”

 Download the full November Forecaster (PDF)

Download here

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THE FORECASTER: October 2018 – Motorcycling in the Pyrenees, and The Triumph of Christianity (Bart Erhman)

The Rev. Dr. Arthur Suggs

Pastor’s Perspective

I’m back from my Sabbatical. And from the depths of my heart I want to thank the church – that is all of you – for that time. I did quite a bit of gardening, some plumbing and electrical work, a LOT of reading, quite a bit of meditation, working with contractors for home repair, and some travel.

The high point was a trip to the Pyrenees Mountains encompassing the border between Spain and France (with a little Andorra thrown in). Unbeknownst to me, much of the Tour de France takes place in that area.

This was a motorcycle tour through those beautiful mountains on such roads as you might see the bicyclists take. I passed hundreds of such bicyclists as they were either just out riding or preparing for the race.

Suffice it to say, they (bicycle, motorcycle, car, and truck) drive rather differently than we do here in the States. I feel as though I just took a class – Motorcycle Racing 101 – and passed. Now no one will want to go riding with me.

But thank you all for that time away. It was a grand blessing for my life.

To change the subject, I’m about to promote a book I haven’t yet read. But I know the author.

The book is The Triumph of Christianity: How a Forbidden Religion Swept the World, and the author is Bart Ehrman, Professor of New Testament at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

Years ago, we were both at Princeton Theological Seminary, I was working toward a Masters, he toward his doctorate. His apartment was easily visible from my apartment window, and I can happily testify that he really did burn the midnight oil in his studies.

He has written about thirty books, and in so doing achieved rock star status as a teacher, lecturer, and author.

I have followed his reputation closely over the years, and watched in particular as he went from evangelical Christian to liberal Christian to arguably Christian at all, a path similar to my own.

But by being famous, he has also drawn the criticism and wrath of those for whom evangelical Christianity is not a path, but THE PATH, and you better be on it (as in, theirs)… or else.

Tom Bissell wrote a review for The Triumph of Christianity in the NY Times and I encourage you to read it (click the link/book title to read the review).

Here is one quote from the review, which begins with a nice bit of humor:

“The field of New Testament Studies has never been a reliable starting point for scholars seeking publishing superstardom. One explanation for this is the subject matter itself. A true understanding of the forces that shaped Christianity — seemingly familiar but in fact highly arcane — requires the ability to synthesize and express deep learning in a dozen interlocking subjects.

Ehrman, who considers himself a historian but has done extensive work in textual criticism, has managed to achieve his remarkable renown by writing a string of best sellers that skillfully mine and simplify his more scholarly work.

That may sound pejorative, but it’s not. Ehrman’s outreach to a popular audience — among whom I happily include myself — is wholly to the good, if only because throughout history average Christians have proved oddly unwilling to dig into the particularities of their faith, beyond familiarizing themselves with a few tent-pole doctrines.” (Tom Bissell, Book Review, NY Times)

Since we’re already an odd church, how about we prove oddly willing to dig into the particularities of our faith?

We will be starting the book on October 3 (2018), with the Spiritual Book Group, at noon. Hope you can join us. I will be leading the study with the assistance of Doug and Judy Garnar.

Blessings upon you all,

Art Suggs

Additional News in this month’s Forecaster

• Worldwide Communion – October 7th, 2018

Few things cause more fighting between people than Christians of various denominations. It is sad how many people hurt each other over their understanding of the lessons Christ taught.

But one thing we get right is World Wide Communion. Each year on the first Sunday in October, Christians all over the world celebrate Communion.

Join us! You will be warmly welcomed.

• Jazz Vespers – October 14th, 2018 – the Harpur Jazz Ensemble.

October Jazz Vespers – our season opener – will be held on the 14th at 5:00 PM. It will feature the Harpur Jazz Ensemble.

The Ensemble is a group of talented and passionate students who study and perform big band repertoire for the community and student body. They are directed by a popular Jazz Vespers performer. ~ Mike Carbone.

Over the years they’ve frequently appeared on and off campus with special guest musicians including, among others, Clark Terry – one of the most recorded musicians in the history of jazz; “Slam” Stewart – jazz bass player; Jennifer Leitham – “the left-handed virtuoso of the upright bass”; and John McNeil – contemporary creative jazz artist.

In the past year the group has seen their budget dwindle despite the enormous impact their civic programs have on the local community as well as undergraduates of all different academic programs. “Our ensemble doesn’t just give these kids an education in music theory, technique, and history. It’s an education in community”, explains alumni and crowdfunding organizer Ben Wood. “The friendships and connections we create are for life”. The intent of the campaign is to raise funds for new instruments, upgraded technology, and better rooms and furniture so they can continue to spark the love for music and its many intellectual benefits in others.

Music has been shown to promote brain activity, increase focus, help with understanding and analyzing visual information, and even builds self-confidence – all traits necessary to succeed in both academics and life. “It (music) influences our emotions, makes us think in different ways, and teaches us how to work together”, says Wood. “I would hate to see something so all-encompassing and vital be taken away from these students.” Hope to see you on October 14! ~ Judy Giblin

(check out a cool Binghamton Jazz Vespers mention in this edition of Jazz Times)

To see other church news or download the full edition:

You can view or download the full edition of the Forecaster here (PDF).

Featured Image Credit: Some Blonde d’Aquitaine on summer pasture near the Pic du Midi d’Ossau. Photo by Myrabella, CC via Wikimedia.

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THE FORECASTER – September 2018: Schadenfreude, Rough Summer for Religion (and Some Good Stuff, Too)

The Rev. Dr. Arthur Suggs

The Forecaster: September 2018

Pastor’s Perspective:

It’s been a bit of a rough summer for religion in the news. The dominant story at the moment has to do with the revelation of abuse by Roman Catholic priests in Pennsylvania.

This unfortunate news has the potential to be big. One commentator remarked that they have made concealment into an art-form.

But the story from the previous news cycle hooked me emotionally. It brought up in me a feeling of Schadenfreude —  a great German word meaning pleasure derived from another’s misfortune. It is a feeling I think is proper to confess.

I had been reading about the implosion of the Willow Creek Community Church, one of those mammoth and famous megachurches. The main church is just northwest of Chicago, but it then has eight satellite churches.

The Willow Creek Church. (Image: Yelp)

The spark for implosion was the sexual impropriety by their talented and famous senior pastor, Bill Hybels. As of this writing, he, his top two senior associates, and the entire board have resigned.

I’m weary of seeing this pattern. A gifted and silver-tongued pastor achieves rock-star status at a given church, and then, I presume, a cocktail of adulation, ego, and old-fashioned foolishness intoxicates the individual into destructive behavior that takes a personal toll, but also harms the church as well.

You might appreciate that I’m not going to give you several more examples of this pattern. But boy, I sure could.

But why schadenfreude, rather than just sadness or disappointment? The reason is that Willow Creek Church presumes to know the best way to do church, and they will be happy to teach you the proper way to do church if you sign up for one of their seminars, for a fee.

They presume to know what it is that a person needs from church, as well as the correct and bona fide version of the Gospel they need to hear, as well as the most effective way to connect the two — person and Gospel.

And it’s hard to argue back, because they have been so wildly successful, as measured by church attendance and money. But  the bottom line is, they presume.

The arrogance of it I could normally just ignore. Except that there has been the constant refrain over the years from fellow clergy, parishioners, denominational folks:

“Art, you should go to one of their seminars. I hear they’re great. you could take your church to the next level. You should do it.”

So yeah, I’m a little happy. But I’m telling you this story for a different reason. Not to gloat, not to gossip, and not to take pleasure in another’s misfortune.

Rather, I would have you observe an important and profound distinction.

Like Willow Creek Church, we too will soon be in a search process. (Editor’s Note: the Rev. Dr. Suggs will soon be retiring.) And we have some blessings I don’t want you to take for granted.

True, we’re not loaded with money, and attracting people to Binghamton has sometimes been a challenge. But consider:

1. We have in place numerous dedicated, intelligent, and righteous lay leaders. And yes, I mean the word righteous — people interested in pursuing the Good, and themselves endowed with Goodness.

2. The structures within the church are inherently healthy. It literally would be impossible for what happened at Willow Creek Church to happen here. It’s laughable.

3. We have goodness and competence at the denominational level. I know that hasn’t always been the case, but it is now. You will be guided and advised well.

4. A potentially huge selling point is that our church has been on the leading edge theologically. Despite our tiny size and relative obscurity, what we are about and what we are doing is without equal in the Triple Cities. I will be trying to articulate that more and more in my remaining months.

5. You will be replacing a pastor who has been deeply beloved, but who has not been overly popular. Taking eleven years to take the church from 35 to 65 on Sunday morning is generally not seen as impressive. I know you will learn to love another, just as so many of you came to love me. And perhaps the new person might be more popular with some important groups: such as youth, young families, the LGBTQ community, and the “Spiritual but not Religious” folks.

6. Last but not least, we are all blessed with a Transition Team. I couldn’t be happier with the quality of people who will be assisting us in this way: Heidi Bowne, Tom Bucker, Chris O’Neill, Art Price, Marty Rorapaugh, and Jamie Walters.

Six reasons for hope, confidence, and optimism. And for the Transition Team specifically, please pray for them. Share with them your thoughts and feelings and especially your spiritual insight. Hold them in the light in your mind and heart.

Our church is well served, and serves well. Blessings upon you all,

Art Suggs

September 2018 Special Events

• Annual Ice Cream Social & Back-to-School supplies giveaway – Thursday evening, August 30th, 5-7 (raffle drawing at 6 p.m.)

• Qigong for Health – Thursday evening classes beginning September 6th in the Eden Room at First Congregational. Instructor Rick Gridley has been teaching Qi Gong since 2007. Cost: $12 per class.

For other events, multi-tradition and interfaith spiritual classes and services, contact FCC at (607) 723-8981 or email fcc@binghamtonwireless.com.

Download the full Forecaster newsletter for September 2018.