The Parish Visitor
First Reformed
May 2010
Dear Friends,
I can’t start the month of May without first asking
this question:
If April
showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring?
Pilgrims!
Okay, I know it’s bad, I know many of you have heard
it before, but it just wouldn’t be May if I didn’t ask this question at least a
½ dozen times. It has become a tradition, a ritual that is a predictable as the
dandelions.
Our actions often become traditions because of the
great comfort we find in repeating the familiar, of building a way of being
that helps us make sense of life.
Traditions are used to teach others what is important
to us and often it is traditions that hold us in a safe place when we are
floundering with the big issues of life.
But we know there is also the flip side – traditions
can prevent us from being who we are created to be. Traditions can be called
upon to stifle life instead of allowing new growth.
The tough part with traditions is that they often
create completely opposite reactions in different people. What is life giving
to me, may be deadly to you. What may cause one person to bring praise to God
may turn another away from God.
So as we look at our traditions as a church and as
individuals, we must be willing to hold them all before the Light of the World
and see if this is how God would have us to live today, for it may look
different from yesterday and even tomorrow.
Faithfully
yours, with bad jokes and all,
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Sunday School - Worship - 10 am Communion Membership Class - Parlor, |
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Bible Study - |
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Bible Study - |
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National Day of Prayer |
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Pentecost Sunday Sunday School - Worship - |
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Mothers Day Sunday School - Worship - Membership Class, Parlor, |
25 |
Consistory - |
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12 |
Bible Study - |
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Bible Study - |
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15 |
Everything |
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Sunday School - Worship - |
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Sunday School - Worship - 10 am Communion Installation -Rev Ed Hawkins, |
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Memorial Day |
* See this Parish Visitor for more information
Pentecost is Coming …
Come to worship and be part of our
celebration by
wearing something RED,
Concert : June
25th at
at www.fisher.com/mary. Plan on being a part of this wonderful concert of beautiful, uplifting music and invite others to join us.
Annual Golf
Outing - Monday, September 20 - Save the
Date!!
+++++
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),
Barbara Harty,
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
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!
2 Aronow, Schmidt, Albra 6 Hoffman, J & H Hansen, Deneu
9 Mother’s Day Committee 13 Byers, Landanno, Simmons
16
Harty, DiYeso, Skinner 20 Father’s
Day Picnic - volunteers needed
23 Van Voorhis, B, J
& R, Moseman 27 Michaelis, Suggitt, Chao
30
Supan, Gorba, McCoy
JULY
4 Alexander, Fellin, Silverstein, Moffitt
11 Saya, Covell, Perry
18
Utter, Doerr,
D. Hansen
25
Wright, Jones/Wynn,
Campbell
Thanks to all for your continued hospitality in serving coffee hour. Your efforts are so helpful
in giving us an on-going setting for fellowship with old and new members and visitors.
A couple of suggestions have been made regarding times when people have needed to switch
Sundays. One was that I post the list -- which I will begin doing, in fellowship hall on the
bulletin board. If people switch they could also write it there, if possible. Another was that
the hosts for coffee hour approach their “team” a week or two ahead at coffee hour just to
touch base; this would be especially helpful to those who don’t know everyone-- so they can
see who they will be working with, and make plans for that.
Thanks again to all -- Karen Twohig
MOTHERS
The men of the church will again be serving a brunch on Mother’s Day, May 9. Help is
needed setting up on
Saturday, May 8th at
Father’s Day
Picnic
We would like to have a picnic type event at the
church as coffee hour, on
Father’s Day, Sunday, June 20th. Volunteers are needed to assist. Please
contact
The Everything
It’s
time for spring cleaning and the Everything Sale! Please start collecting your treasures”
for our fundraiser, to be held on Saturday, May 15th from
We are
looking for donations of house wares, linens, attic treasures, plants
(including the bulbs from your Easter plants), jewelry, CDs, books, tools, and
clothing (no shoes or stuffed toys, please.)
Baked goods are always a highlight of the sale, so try a new recipe or
bake an old favorite to donate!
Donations
will be accepted at the
Speaking
of volunteers…many hands are needed for setting-up on Thursday and Friday,
helping during the sale on Saturday, and cleaning-up afterwards. There’s plenty
of time for browsing and snacking, and lots of good company and laughter to go
along with the free coffee! Please sign
up in the Education building to join in the fun and represent our church to the
visitors who stop by.
Come
early for breakfast, stay and shop, volunteer a bit, enjoy a delicious lunch
and snack on homemade goodies…food and fun rolled up in one!
Pick-up
is available for bulky items such as furniture. Please contact our
chairpersons, Barbara Harty (297-5995) or Jean Teske (897-9359) with any
questions.
*NO
COMMITMENT CRAFT GROUP*
Join us when you are able for easy crafts.
PLACE: Downstairs in the DuBois House parlor
(Sharp scissors and new ideas are always welcomed.)
When we meet, the date will appear in the bulletin or
call Dorrie Hansen 896-8307
The
Reverend Classis of
Reformed
Church in America
invites you to the
Installation
of
The Rev. Ed Hawkins
as
Pastor
and Teacher
of
The
Second Reformed Church of Little Falls
Little Falls,
on
Sunday, May 16, 2010 at 4:00 PM
A
reception will follow in Fellowship Hall
Please
RSVP to eehawkins@verizon.net or
(845) 566-1488
Dear
Friends,
Thank you for the surprise celebration of my 5th
anniversary here at First
Reformed Church. I have been greatly blessed
to walk with you as we
have sought out and entered into the ministry
of Jesus Christ here in this
corner of the world.
The travel clock was a reminder of your
prayers as I traveled to
and
prior to the chimes! Thank you for these
precious gifts and I look forward
to the years ahead.
With thankfulness and prayers,
Pastor Gloria
Dear Ladies and Men of the Fishkill Reformed Church,
Just a note to thank you
for all your cards, goodies and visits.
They have all been
deeply appreciated.
Thanks Again,
Bert Reville’s husband, Wally
Women of the Church:
Mark your calendars:
May 26: Pot Luck Picnic
Bring an
interesting item to show and tell; an
antique, jewelry, a family heirloom, etc.
Watch for
signup sheet in Fellowship Hall
September
25: RCW of the
October 18
and 19:
Fillette.
Lorraine Nelson-Wolff will again provide the music.
* * *
* *
WALKATHON TO
SUPPORT RURAL
SUMMER
Saturday June 5th,
3 mile walk through Vanderbilt loop, finish back at St. James for lunch catered by
The Culinary Institute - $5.00 registration, covers cost of lunch
PRIZES: Most Pledges; Most Money Raised by an Individual;
Most Pledges by a Church or Group; Most Money Raised by a Church or Group
For information, see bulletin board in Fellowship Hall or Celeste Rudberg
* * * * * *
Notes from
April Consistory Meeting
Ü Deacon Jay Wright led devotions, challenging
consistory of how we take inventory of our lives and shared a story about Kevin
who was not discontent with any part of his world. Scripture text:
Ü Treasurer’s Operating Report for March shows
revenues totaling
$17,521.18 and expenses totaling $20,800.51.
ÜChildren’s Day is June 13th
and the theme is “Walls.” Rehearsal will be on Friday, June 11.
ÜEaster Offering totaled
$2,890.00, to be divided between the Lunch Box and Reformed
Church World Service for
ÜPastor Gloria attending the
Preaching Conference in Nashville May18-21.
ÜA new pictorial directory is
being discussed
ÜWells Fargo Investments
asset value on March 31, $299,006.85.
ÜJohn Houston has been
approved to serve on the
ÜCost of pull shades in the
fellowship hall will be paid for from the Memorial Fund.
ÜFour people are attending
the Spring Membership Class.
ÜNext regular
There Is No Law
Six Israeli soldiers carrying
automatic weapons move slowly down the narrow streets of the old city of
"Last week we were told 3 meters,"
one of the
"There is no
law," says the soldier.
We continue to follow
them through the narrow streets. The soldiers come to a home and enter through
a doorway. They do not bother to knock. They do not ask for permission. They
are not invited in. They simply enter. "There is no law."
They go up the stairs and
through the living area and pass three young boys. Later we learn that some
weeks earlier the boys had been taken by Israeli soldiers and detained for
several hours. Why? Perhaps they had thrown stones. Or been in the wrong place
at the wrong time. Or had been insolent. They had no lawyer. No charges were
filed. Yet they were among the more fortunate. After a few hours they were released.
Some children have been imprisoned for months. "There is no law."
Earlier in the week we
had visited an Israeli settlement. "Rachel" graciously welcomed us
into her home and shared her story with us. She had grown up in a nominally
Christian family in the
But she has also suffered
greatly. Her sixteen-year-old son, a student at a Jerusalem Yeshiva, was shot
and killed by a Palestinian extremist. There is no law that will bring him
back.
We were also hosted by a
Palestinian family. Their home is in a refugee camp in
We are praying for a different
world; a world where laws do not persecute some and benefit others. A world
where laws bring people together rather than drive them apart. A world of love,
joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, and self–control.
Against these things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)
Members
of the Christian Peacemaker Team delegation include Tom and Sharon Arendshorst,
From
the Stewardship Committee…
Care of
Creation
Solar power – we’re taking it to the bank
In early February, while
most of us were concerned about shoveling our driveways, the Hudson Valley
Clean Energy employees were shoveling the snow off our
Now, just two months later, we are already reaping the benefits. During the past month we have generated more electricity than we have used. Clarity of the atmosphere and lengthening days make this possible. But even on cloudy days, some solar rays are collected. Roy Carruthers reports, that on our best day we collected 130 kilowatt hours (kwh) and during the first twenty days of April we’ve generated 1800 kwh. Alleluia!
When we generate more
electricity than we use, Central
If you would like to follow the daily kwh data readings for our solar system, you may do so by logging on www.datareadings.com. The user ID is office@fishkillreformed.org. and the password is welcome .
Huge thanks to the Buildings and Grounds committee, John Houston, the consistory and all who were involved the planning and execution of our solar system. Clearly, we are reducing the emission of green house gases into our atmosphere. Tell your friends and neighbors about this exciting news.
* * * * * *
Coming
to a coffee hour near you; Fair Trade Coffee
Why? As the name implies, the
coffee grower is paid a fair rate for his product. But there’s a lot more. The coffee we will use is organically grown,
a big plus for the earth. Also it is
shade grown, making removal of existing forest, unnecessary. This also means that the existing wildlife
habitat remains undisturbed.
And finally, many believe the coffee produced makes a better cup of
coffee!
Students
initiate 40 days of fasting for school
By
Nancy Titus
Some students at the seminary where
Eric and I teach have set in motion a 40-day fast in an effort to bring
spiritual revival to campus. This bold initiative comes at a time that I
believe is spiritually significant for the seminary and for our region.
Sergeja Shlankovich,
a second-year student from
The fasting period at the Evangelical Theological Seminary began April
12 and will continue through May 21. Then the Slovakian evangelist will lead a
series of meetings June 8-10, just as the seminary finishes its last week of
regular classes and before finals begin. The fasting is being done in a chain,
with individual
students and staff members signing up for a
day at a time keeping the fast going throughout the 40 days.
A fast like this is not uncommon in Pentecostal churches, from which
many of our students come. However, it
is certainly the first time in our tenure that such a large-scale fast has been
suggested at ETS. That it was initiated by
students is even more significant as it speaks to their own spiritual hunger
and their insistence that God has bigger plans than what we can see now.
When organizers were considering whether or not to call the fast, Sergeja said that the Lord confirmed it to her with
repetition of the theme. At three different times in three different contexts she
was given the same scripture about Jesus entering the wilderness to fast for 40
days. Then another student also had a “chance” encounter that put this same
scripture in front of her. These seemed
to confirm that they should proceed with calling the fast.
Interestingly, I felt impressed to fast on Monday, April 12, totally
without knowing about the student
effort or that it had begun very day. I have committed to continue fasting and
praying for ETS over the course of the 40 days and ask that you, our
supporters, also join us. Please pray
that God would do whatever it takes to position us as He desires in order to
fulfill His call on us individually and on the seminary as a whole. If you feel led to fast that would be great,
too, though I am not necessarily asking that of you. I will let the students
know what I hear from you so that they will be encouraged by knowing that
people in
Sergeja also stressed that the student
organizers are not focusing on the numbers of people who participate, either in
the fast or the meetings that follow, but rather on getting their own hearts in
the right position to receive whatever God wants to give.
I believe this unusual effort comes at an important time in the history
of the seminary. We have had a great
past with lots of students beginning ministries across the region and
beyond. There is great potential for the
future as well, but the challenges of today are daunting.
ETS was once the only seminary for the Protestant community in south
central
The hope for this period of fasting is that it would serve as a catalyst
for a move of the Holy Spirit that would shine out from our seminary to the
many dark places beyond.
Eric and Nancy Titus are RCA missionaries in
First Reformed