The
Parish Visitor
First
Reformed Church of Fishkill
April 2010
Dear Friends,
Bright yellow daffodils
popping open on the East side of the DuBois House join us in celebrating the
Resurrection of our Lord. This hope of new life eternal is central to our
Christian Faith and key to our hope.
The challenge to
us is to live out this promise of new life in our communities and our world. Paul
Harvey, the famous radio broadcaster said, “We’ve drifted away from being
fishers of men (and women) to being keepers of the aquarium.” Charged to keep
our church home in order and be good stewards of all God has entrusted to us, we
are also commissioned to go out and be fishers of people, to serve and bless
others, in the name of the One who conquered
death.
One way our
Church has consistently ministered to others has been with our Easter Offering.
This year the offering will be divided between The Lunch Box and
The Lunch Box, a
program of Dutchess Outreach which has been in operation for over 35 years,
offers a free mid-day meal program that serves a hot lunch to the unemployed,
the homeless and those without enough money to get through the month. Located
at the Family Partnership Center in Poughkeepsie it is open Sunday through
Friday.
So let’s go fishing, joining with these
ministries and let the Risen Lord surprise us by filling our nets!
Alleluia! Amen!
APRIL CALENDAR
|
1 |
MAUNDY THURSDAY Communion 7:30 pm Prayer vigil beginning 9:30 pm* |
18 |
Sunday School -9 am Worship – 10 am |
|
2 |
GOOD FRIDAY Prayer vigil continues – 10 am – 3 pm* Worship – 7:30 pm |
21 |
Bible Study – 10 am |
|
4 |
HE IS RISEN! Worship – 10 am - Communion |
22 |
Choir – 7 pm |
|
7 |
Bible Study – 10 am |
25 |
Sunday School – 9 am Worship – 10 am |
|
8 |
Choir – 7 pm |
27 |
Consistory – 7:15 pm |
|
11 |
Sunday School – 9 am Worship – 10 am |
28 |
Bible Study – 10 am |
|
14 |
Bible Study – 10 am |
29 |
Choir – 7 pm |
|
15 |
Choir – 7 pm |
|
|
|
17 |
Reformed Church Women Of the Hudson Valley Conference * |
|
|
*see this Parish Visitor for more information
PRAYER VIGIL: We will be holding a prayer vigil in homes on Thursday, April 1 9:30 pm to Friday, April 2, 10 am, and in the Sanctuary Friday 10 am until 3 pm. Be sure to sign up in the Sanctuary.
REFORMED CHURCH
WOMEN OF THE HUDSON VALLEY from Dutchess
and Ulster counties will hold their spring conference on Saturday, April 17 at
St. John's Reformed Church in Upper Red Hook. Beverly Kipp will speak on
"Getting to the Therefore." Beverly is the Health Ministry
Coordinator at St. John's, a Certified Preaching Elder, a Certified Lay
Chaplain, a Licensed Practical Nurse and a writer .Registration will be at 9:15
AM, a continental breakfast will be served at 9:30 and the program will be at
10:15. The cost will be $6.00. There will be a collection of
non-perishable food to be donated to the Fishkill Food Pantry and Peoples Place
in Kingston. We will car pool from the DuBois House parking lot at
8:15. Please sign up in the entry of the Fellowship Hall if you plan to
attend. The reservation deadline is April 11.
+++++
If you or anyone you
know needs, on a temporary basis:
·
A ride to a doctor
·
A meal delivered
·
A friendly supportive visit or phone
call
PLEASE CALL A DEACON closest to you:
Linda Baron (evenings), Wappingers, 297-0321 JoAnn Supan, Fishkill/Beacon, 838-2032
Barbara Harty, Wappingers, 297-5995 KarenTwohig, Beacon, 831-5694
Celeste Rudberg, Wapp./East Fishkill, 221-9330 Jay Wright, Fishkill, 896-8403
+++++
COFFEE HOUR
Every Sunday we worship God together and then we continue our fellowship during our coffee hour in the Education Building. The more people who come to coffee hour, the sweeter the fellowship!
Coffee hour is
possible because our church family take turns serving each other beverages and
a small treat. In the list of dates and names below, the first name on the list
serves as the host. This means calling the other names on the list for that day
and seeing who will bring what, including juice and milk.
While many enjoy making something special, something simple is just as appreciated. Also, if someone on the list has a commitment before or after worship, than the group can make arrangements as to who will set up, who will keep the creamer pitcher full and who will clean up.
Maisie Minot is the one who makes sure the coffeepots are on and full. Those serving make sure the coffee pots are cleaned and all the tables and counters wiped down with the water/bleach mixture found in the spray bottle. Please take the dirty dish towels home for a wash and bring them back the next week.
If you are not able to do the coffee hour on your scheduled date, please find a replacement and call the church office with the name of your replacement. If you have any concerns regarding your availability at this time to do coffee hour due to health or other large issues, please contact Karen Twohig at 831-5694.
If anyone plans to bring food to coffee hour for a special occasion, please notify the host for that date. Thanks to everyone for your continued hospitality!
April May
4- (Easter) Rudberg, Kayson, Rodriguez, Minot 2 – Aronow, Schmidt, Albra
11 – Houston, Lanni, Teske 9 – Mother’s Day Brunch
18 – Twohig, Lane, Carruthers 16 – Van Voorhis, B, J & R, Moseman
25 – Harty, Vasquez, McGann 23 – Badowski, DiYeso, Skinner
30 – Supan, Gorba, McCoy
June
6 – Hoffman, J & H Hansen, Deneu
13 – Byers, Landanno, Simmons
20 – Father’s Day – volunteers needed for picnic planning and set-up
27 - Michaelis, Chao, Suggitt
SANCTUARY FLOWERS FOR 2010: The FLOWER
CHART for 2010, posted on the bulletin
board in the Fellowship Hall, was accidentally thrown out. We have placed
a new one there. If you already had signed up to place flowers in
the church for this year, please sign up again. If you have not signed up
and would like to, please do. The cost is $40 per Sunday, payable to
Women of the Reformed Church. If you have any questions, please speak to
Liz Alexander at Coffee Hour or call her at 297-7414.
FOLLOWING ARE NOTES FROM THE DEACONS’ MEETING ON
MARCH 9:
Items
under Discussion
1.
Using a portion of our End of the Year 7% monies for urgent
needs-$200 was suggested to be given to My Brother's Table, a soup
kitchen at Rev. Rod Koopmans' church in St.Croix.
2.
Each year use a portion of our annual 7% focused on one area such as:
food, housing, medical, legislative, water or other.
3.
Contacting Duncan Hanson regarding selection of a new missionary to
support as the Dabneys retirement approaches
4.
Organizing a Mission Work Day, with members of our congregation,
beyond our property such as with Habitat for Humanity, Rebuild, a
project with Hopewell Reformed or other need as identified.
5.
Revisiting the idea of using fair trade coffee for Coffee Hour and other
church needs as a social justice issue.
6.
Placing in the Parish Visitor the notice that member/readers
who have needs or know someone who has needs to contact one of the
Deacons.
7. In response to request for help with
the Rural and Migrant Ministry Walkathon, our Deacons will call area churches
and distribute information regarding the Walkathon. We will also
campaign to have our members participate in this walk, much as we do for CROP
walk
8.
Suggested a tear--off coupon for free clothing on the Everything
Sale Flyer that will be given to Food Pantry clients only.
9.
Possibly placing Bulletin boards in the Food Pantry (if they are
willing) and Fellowship Hall "advertising" need or availability of
free items such as furniture, baby and children's items, etc.
Notes from
March
Ü Deacon Linda Baron led devotions, sharing how her experience as a teacher connects with how God often calls us out of our comfort zone, even when we don’t raise our hand. Scripture text: Mark 1:14-19.
Ü
Ü Treasurer’s Operating Report for February shows revenues totaling $15,206.73, and expenses totaling $17.542.78.
Ü Food Pantry requests for the month of February were 95, for a total of 3,795 meals.
Ü
Replacement of the lights on the second floor of
the
Ü To prevent a duplication of officers’ roles, the second signature on checks will now be the Chair of Finance.
Ü A new account is being established with Hudson Valley Credit Union.
Ü A formula for the repayment of investment funds borrowed for the solar panels is based on the quarterly energy savings.
Ü A Membership Class will be held this Spring on 3 Sundays.
Ü
Next regular
REMINDER: March and April are the months when the FOOD PANTRY can receive additional
funds from the Feinstein Challenge. Your
donations of food or money by April 30th will count toward earning
additional donations from the Feinstein Foundation, which gives away $1 million
to food pantries like ours.
Greetings to our family at First Reformed Church,
Brenda and I were truly blessed beyond words by the generous out-flowing of worship, love, hospitality, and support associated with the ordination service and reception on March 14. The number of people who contributed to preparing for and participating in this special day was beyond our imagination. We would like to thank everyone:
-
those
who prayed (and still pray) for us
-
those
who cleaned and set up the sanctuary
-
those
who helped lead worship in word and music
-
those
who worked with the video, photography, and audio
-
all
who came to participate
-
those
who took care of the reception – facilities, food, and cleanup
-
for
all the things that were unseen, we thank you and realize that some of you
thought of things that we don’t even realize.
I was touched by the gift of the robe, and the beautiful cake, as was Brenda by the roses.
We would also like to particularly thank Pastor Gloria for her pastoral leadership and prayer, as well as for serving as a mentor through the past few years! We are grateful as well for the prayers and support of the Consistory (past and present) and the congregation.
Before I double the postage for this month’s newsletter, I will close by sharing that whether you were able to join us on Sunday or not, we feel your love, your support, and your prayers and thank God for each of you!
We will continue to keep First Reformed and its members in prayer and hold you in our hearts.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,
the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.
Grace and peace, Ed & Brenda
Dear
Ladies of the Fishkill Reformed Church,
We
so appreciate your visits with our residents.
The smiles, the happy spirit you bring with your music and singing,
sweet treats are so enjoyed at Hedgewood!
We are blessed and will continue to look forward and always appreciate
all your love, kindness, and good works.
From
all of us at Hedgewood.
(signed
by 36 “and many more” residents)
Dear Juanita and
Ladies,
Hello there!
Just wanted to say thank you for coming to Hedgewood an entertaining us
so wonderfully!
Happy Easter! Love, Claudia Federico
While I am still recovering from my recent shoulder surgery I would
like to thank my church family for all their support.
Prayers, cards, phone calls, food deliveries and chauffeuring are much
appreciated. I am truly blessed. Thanks
to all, Love Antje Landanno
Spring
Cleaning…Naturally!
If you’re concerned about using chemical cleaners around the house, try making your own using natural ingredients. It’s easy on the pocketbook and on the earth!
White vinegar is a natural solvent, all-purpose cleaner, and disinfectant that kills 99% of all bacteria. That makes it more effective than many popular chemical cleansers! Vinegar also kills 82% of the molds and 80% of all known viruses. Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Use this mixture to kill insects, clean countertops and tile floors, and to remove sticky messes from most surfaces. To remove mineral deposits from your coffee maker, fill the water reservoir with 1 cup white vinegar and run it through one cycle, then run the cycle once or twice more with water to rinse it clean. You can also combine equal parts of baking soda and white vinegar to remove stains from coffee and teacups.
Lemons
are a natural bleach, and can dissolve soap scum and hard water deposits,
as well as shine surfaces. To clean brass or silver, mix lemon juice and baking
soda to form a paste. With a soft cloth, rub the paste onto the metal surface.
Rinse and wipe dry. To polish metal surfaces – sinks, tea and coffee pots,
appliances – rub with a lemon half. Toss used lemon halves down the garbage
disposal to make it smell fresh!
Salt is a very inexpensive cleaner that can help remove stains. Cover wine stains on fabric with salt while still wet to absorb excess wine, then rinse with cold water. Remove white rings on wood furniture by rubbing a thin paste of salt and vegetable oil on the spot; let it stand an hour or two, then wipe clean with a wet cloth or sponge.
Baking Soda is a natural deodorizer, freshener, and gentle abrasive. Use it to scour sinks, countertops and appliances. Apply liberally, rub in, and rinse off with warm water. Soak plastic food storage containers and garbage bins overnight in warm water and baking soda. To remove marks on walls and painted surfaces, sprinkle baking soda on a damp sponge. Rub gently, then wipe and rinse with warm water. Sprinkle on carpets several hours before vacuuming, or sprinkle into the cat’s litter box to keep odors at bay.
Club soda helps lift stains because of its effervescence. Place silver jewelry in a glass full of club soda and soak overnight. Pour club soda on fabric stains and scrub gently. Fill a spray bottle with club soda and use it to remove dirt and droppings from windshields more easily that plain water.Use it to clean countertops, fixtures and coffee mugs.
We have a fantastic
opportunity to support The Vassar Haiti Project. Their Ninth Annual Haitian Art
Auction and Sale, will take place on April 9, 10, 11, at Vassar College.
Terrific art and crafts. Also, they are sponsoring a benefit concert,
"Harmony and Hope: A Musical Bridge to Haiti," Saturday April 24 at
7PM in the Vassar College chapel.
Check their web site, vassar.edu/haitiproject, for samples of the art, and
further details. Also feel free to contact the Twohigs, 831-5694, or
twigman52@hotmail.com, for first hand information about the project, as well as
a discussion for a group trip to the concert.
Differently-Abled: Rose-Hulman Student
Overcomes Physical Obstacles to Realize Engineering Dream
No obstacle has kept Rose-Hulman Institute of
Technology senior Elaine Houston from realizing her dream of making a
difference as a biomedical engineer. And, few students can appreciate the
personal struggles that she has overcome to get this far.
Houston has no fingers on her left hand. She experiences weakness in her arms and
shoulders. Her knees and ankles require
bracing to enable standing and walking.
However, she doesn’t see herself as disabled. Rather she refers herself as being
“differently abled.”
“It is hard for me to delineate exactly how life would
be different if I had been born ‘normal,’” said Houston in a recent interview.
Houston grew up playing baseball and doing many of the
other things that other children do, just a bit slower or more awkward in
appearance. Perhaps it was obvious to
others at the time that she would never be a superstar athlete, but she never
let that stop her from trying to do the best with what she had been
provided. She had to find different ways
of pursuing the things that really matter in everyday life.
Houston learned very early to communicate and interact
with adults. Working one-on-one with physical therapists, occupational
therapists, early intervention teachers, and others, taught her to deal with
people on a different level than the average child. Her parents always found ways for their
daughter to do things to ensure she was never able to say “I cannot do that.”
In the second grade, Houston received a LEGO
Mindstorms robotics kit for her birthday.
She became interested in robots right away, and joined
engineering-related groups throughout junior high school and high school. That was when her future as an engineer was
sealed, she said. After all, how many 15
year old girls ask for a soldering station and digital multi-meter for
Christmas? When looking at colleges, one
of Houston’s primary objectives was finding an institution that was
accessible. In Rose-Hulman, she found a
school that was not only far more advanced than most, but also very friendly
and helpful.
“Almost unbelievably, even all these years after the Americans with
Disabilities Act, many schools still lack some basic accommodations’,” says
Houston. She has helped President Matt
Branam and other administrators to address areas where accommodations were
lagging to help ensure that future differently-abled students will feel even
more welcome. She also made a campus
presentation this winter to faculty and staff members on people-first language
and disability awareness.
At Rose-Hulman, Houston has completed the college’s
Leadership Academy development course, has been leader of the college’s Society
of Women Engineers’ program that gives female high school seniors an
opportunity to experience engineering and is vice president of the Rose Tech
Radio Club, one of the college’s oldest student organizations.
From an engineering perspective, Houston has learned
what she can do, and discovered ways to compensate for things that are
difficult. She hopes to be accepted into
the rehabilitation science doctoral program at the University of
Pittsburgh. She spent last summer in an
internship program with distinguished professor Rory Cooper in Pittsburgh, and
hopes to continue working with him on the development of a Personal Mobility and
Manipulation Appliance (PerMMA), a power wheelchair with two robotic arms.
(For this article including photos, see www.rose-hulman.edu/news/articles/2010Houston.htm. This article will also appear soon in a
publication for and about engineering colleges. Reprinted by permission.)
Croatia Update
Women soak
up God’s love, learn faith at retreat
By Nancy Titus
Women ministering to women. I was reminded again what a powerful
concept that is as I attended a women’s conference in Sarajevo last month. This
conference was aptly named, “Daughters of the King,” as one thing organizers
strive to instill in the women of this very male-dominated culture is how
precious they are in the sight of God. Many women here, perhaps most, have
heavy burdens of family and household responsibilities heaped on them in such
as way as nearly to break the spirit. Whatever
continent you are on and regardless of your gender, stresses of family, health,
and finances eat at us all. That’s one reason I’m a big fan of spiritual
retreats which allow you to get away from the normal routine and take a
different look at your life and perhaps pause long enough to hear what the Lord
might be saying to you. A large part of the power is in relating differently with
your friends and neighbors in a neutral setting. Most, though not all, of those
I have personally participated in are for women. And when women get alone with
each other for the purpose of sharing time in the Lord, a lot can happen for
the Kingdom.
I think it
is all the more important in a place where women are often demeaned by men and
a culture that sees no need for the softer side of life. Rampant pornography is
one symptom of this disease, which infects with the twisted idea that women are
possessions for men to use or misuse as they please.
In that
context, women getting away to let the truth of God’s great love for them – and
their husbands – soak in is a great blessing indeed.
This was
the fourth Daughters of the King conference, organized by Grethe Stanley, an
Australian missionary who has lived in Croatia and Bosnia. Besides the teaching
component of the retreat, she also demonstrated several wise principles in how
she has organized the conferences. First, she stressed her desire that the
conference pay its own way.
The
importance of this element can be easily overlooked. People from the West are
happy to give to such an event, but Grethe wants to empower the women of the
Balkans by letting them know they can do this themselves through faith in God.
One way she moved closer to the goal this year was that various regional
women’s groups supplied items for the sale table to help raise money for
conference expenses and to fund scholarships for women unable to pay the 55
euro ($82.50) fee for food and lodging for three nights.
Also last
year, Grethe had encouraged the women to give to a mission of one of the
speakers, who was headed to Africa. The money collected bought two sewing
machines, tables and food for a year for a school. This year, the more than 450
women present got to see pictures of that money in use and the looks on faces
around me as they watched this video and understood the real difference their
contribution had made in the lives of an entire village was beautiful to see.
Missions
giving is important for every believer, but often when the congregation is
itself a mission the people can begin to think of themselves only as receivers
and not as givers too. We have seen the attitude over and over that because
people here are poor Americans or other Westerners must pay for everything.
It is
deadly to the vitality of the church because the truth is that real change in
the region will not come by outsiders. We can come along and help, but it will
be indigenous believers daring to counter ungodly elements of their own
societies who will ultimately win their countries for Christ. Developing the
faith to stand against such pressures is a big job, and learning to trust God
for finances and other practical aspects for a much-needed conference is a good
place to start.
Eric and Nancy Titus are RCA missionaries in Osijek,
Croatia, where they work at the Evangelical Theological Seminary and with the
Reformed Christian Church in Croatia. They have three children: Samuel, 15,
Valerie, 12, and Penny, 10.
First Reformed Church of Fishkill
1153 Main Street
Fishkill, NY 12524
Spotted: A Good Samaritan Right Here in Fishkill
During the recent devastating winter storm, Gary, proprietor of the new Big Bite Deli across from our Education Center on Main Street walked a couple of miles from his home to open his deli. Once opened (thankfully the village had electricity!) he stayed open round the clock, providing food, hot beverages and warmth to those who were able to make it there. He even set up a comfortable spot for one elderly man to spend the entire night.
So if you happen to stop in at the Big Bite Deli, say thanks to Gary for going out of his way to care for people in need during a February storm.