Epistle - First Presbyterian Church in Valatie, NY

Epistle
“We are a small congregation, part of God’s larger family, teaching and living
God’s Word, and sharing God’s love throughout the community.”
Newsletter of First Presbyterian Church of Valatie
Reverend Kathi L. Jones, Pastor
Volume 3 Issue 3
P.O. Box 267, 3212 Church Street, Valatie, NY 12184
email: [email protected]
518-758-9658
March 2016
From the Pastor’s Pen
In this season, we reflect on so much fear - the fear of the disciples as they learn they are going
to lose their teacher, the fear of the leaders concerning this charismatic man - and the fear of
people. But, we have a model for love not fear!
They Will Know We Are Christian by... Our Fear?
Rev. Adam J. Copeland Faculty, Luther Seminary
The call to welcome the refugee is practically an essential tenant of Christianity, and yet after the Paris
terrorists’ attacks, many Christians are calling to halt our (already paltry) resettlement of Syrian refugees.
This reaction is difficult for me to understand, but like many irrational responses, I suspect it's based in fear:
fear of terrorism, perhaps, but mostly fear of the unknown. Fear of those from foreign places. Fear of those who
speak other languages than English. Fear of non-Christians. Fear that the refugees will "take our jobs." Fear that the
refugees will be unemployed. And fear, of course, of change.
Many wiser than me have written about the Christian call to welcome refugees. Laura Turner says, "Jesus
would welcome the refugees." Jim Wallis calls our response, "a moral test of our battle with ISIS." Stephen Colbert
satirized our "fear turbines" in the biting segment, "no country for anyone not already here."
Maybe the whole Jesus thing -- "I was a stranger and you welcomed me... whatever you did for the least of
these you did for me" -- was too direct (Matt. 25). So, here's my quick attempt to step back slightly and apply three
other Christian essentials to the refugee crisis.
First, we're called to see God in the face of our neighbors. And, as Pope Francis reminds us, we see God
most clearly in the face of the weak and the vulnerable.
Second, we're called to teach love, not hate. Or even, as Dr. King wrote in the Letter to the Birmingham
jail, those who follow Jesus are to be "extremists for love."
Third, we're called to imagine, welcome, and embrace the kingdom of God. In the reality of God's reign
it is the poor, the merciful, the hungry, the peacemakers, the persecuted, and the mourners who God blesses.
As I wrote a few months ago, reflecting on Marilynn Robinson's essay: fear is not a Christian virtue. Love?
Yes. Vulnerability? Yes. But fear? Oh no. Fear is the very antitheses of the faith for Christians know Christ has
already won. Death has lost its sting.
The Stated Clerk of the Presbyterian Church (USA) put it this way in a recent letter:
“The way to end terror is to prove that those who demonize us are wrong. We are not a heartless secular
culture. We must witness to the Gospel with generous hospitality. To hide in fear is a mistake. Fear is the
ammunition of terror. Hope is the best defense.”
Several of the Republican presidential candidates have suggested we only allow Syrian refugees in who are
Christian. How preposterous. Instead, I'd like to suggest another approach.
Why don't we ask the refugees to judge? After we welcome them, clothe them, feed them, and love them,
then let's ask our new neighbors: "And who, here in the U.S., do you think is Christian?" Now that's a response I
fear.
May we find peace and love, not fear, in this Easter Season!
Kathi
Volume 3 Issue 3
Page 2
Session Notes
The Session met last in its regular meeting
on Wednesday February 17 in the Library.
After opening with devotions and prayer, the
Session:
 Discussed having a joint meeting with
the Deacons and what might be a topic
and when it might happen. It was
decided to discuss this with the
Deacons before any decision is made
 Received the Triennial Report sent to
us from the Visit Team of Presbytery
 Heard that $250. was sent to the
Capitol City Rescue Mission to help in
housing folks during the cold weather
 Heard that the women of the church
are making plans to lead worship on
March 13
 Heard that the next presbytery meeting
is scheduled for Wednesday April 6
 Heard
that
the
Deacons
are
reevaluating their work load in light of
the reduced number of members on
the board
There being no more business to come
before the body, the session was adjourned
with prayer until its next scheduled meeting
on Wednesday March 16.
In Our Thoughts and Prayers
Gale Bury - as he continues with Physical
Therapy.
Laura Kinnicutt - as she deals with pain and
is having testing.
Malcolm Gay - as he heals from surgery and
deals with the diagnosis.
Christian Nurture
March 6
-
March 13
March 20
March 24
-
March 27
-
Sunday school children will
be making pretzels for their
Lenten activity
No adult education, classes
will resume on March 13
Gifts of Women Sunday
Palm Sunday
Maundy Thursday service light supper at 6:00 p.m.
and worship service at 7:00
p.m. with the Sacrament of
the Last Supper and Order
of Tenebrae
Easter sunrise service at
6:30 a.m. at St. Luke’s
Lutheran Church, Valatie,
Pastor Kathi will bring the
message
Easter worship service at
11:00 a.m. in our sanctuary
We have Easter flower order forms in the
bulletin and this Epistle. Please place your
completed order form in the offering plate,
leave it in Pastor Kathi’s mail slot (next to her
office) or mail it to the Church address and
attention to the Church Secretary. The
deadline for orders is March 13. We are
asking this year that you take your ordered
plant home within 2 weeks of Easter as we do
not have the ability to place all of the plants
usually left. If you absolutely cannot take
them, please note on the order form and we
will do our best to find a home for them.
In an effort to reduce our heating oil bills our
worship services will continue to be held in the
Fellowship Hall through March 13 and will
return to the sanctuary on March 20.
* * * * *
Volume 3 Issue 3
Page 3
Deacons Doings.
At their organizational meeting in January, the
Deacons elected officers as follows:
Moderator – Pastor Kathi
Vice Moderator – Hertha Matuszek
Secretary – Alicia Albertson
Treasurer – Laurae Hoffmann
Sunshine – Karen Leffingwell
Buildings and Grounds – Laurae Hoffmann
Christian Nurture – Hertha Matuszek
Congregation and Community – Alicia Albertson
and Lynn Seftner
Finance and Stewardship – Hertha Matuszek
Since the board is 1/3 smaller than in the past (6
not 9 members), we had to make some decisions.
*There will be 2 Afternoon Socials; one in June
and one in December.
*Pastor Kathi was asked to moderate (the pastor
does that in some churches) which she agreed to
with lots of promises of support.
The Deacons will continue to:
*visit, especially on birthdays of some of our older
members
*reach out in mission through Church World
Service for Blankets+, Health Kits and School Kits
*support local mission
And the many other things that come before them
annually.
Prayer List
We pray for:
•
Students having difficulty in school
•
Adults going back to school to
improve their lives
•
Victims of Violence and abuse
•
Willpower for those who want to
quit smoking
•
World leaders to work together for
peace
•
People without clean water
•
Finding extra time for prayer and
reflection during Lent
We are thankful for …
•
Saving money on fuel oil this winter
•
Increased daylight each day
•
Co-workers and fellow volunteers
who make our jobs easier and more
pleasant
If you know of someone who needs a visit, or
should be on our prayer list in church or has a
need in some other way, please let Pastor Kathi
know so that the Deacons may address that need.
The Board of Deacons
Save The Dates!
Church Street Preschool fundraiser: Paint and Sip, Friday March 11, 6 - 8pm. Come enjoy an
evening with an artist who will teach a novice painting class. Cost is $40. You will paint your
own treasure to take home and display. Guaranteed!
Rainbow Girls will host their annual Corned beef and Cabbage fundraiser dinner on
Saturday, March 12, 4 - 7 pm. $12 adults, $8 children. Don’t miss out on this great meal!
Boy Scout Troop 114 is hosting a Spaghetti Dinner on April 16th, 5-8pm
$8 Adults advance tickets / $10 at the door, $5 Children 12 & under. Dinner is spaghetti,
meatballs, choice of sauce (red or alfredo), salad, bread, drinks, dessert. Eat in or take out
available. Speak with Pastor Kathi about advance sale tickets.
Volume 3 Issue 3
Page 4
Presbyterian Women
The Presbyterian Women meet each month
on the first Thursday at 10:00am. They have
a study, based on all of the ways in which God
has used water throughout history and
reflecting on its significance in our lives,
refreshments and a brief business meeting.
They also lead a worship service annually
using the general theme of “The Gifts of
Women”. This year the service will be March
13 “A Worship to Inherit”.
We invite all women of the church to join us for
our monthly meeting and encourage everyone
to come to worship - especially on March 13.
MARCH BIRTHDAYS
3/2 Judy Bury
3/7 Geraldine McCrum
3/9 Wayne L. Austin
3/11 Mary Heermance
3/13 Kimberly Dumont
3/14 Christine Smith
3/22 Marc Petrie
3/25 Charles Heermance
3/28 Quentin Barton
3/30 Trinity Armstrong
3/31 Nancy Pienta
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL
If we have missed your Birthday or Anniversary
on our list, please give Naomi in the office a call.
We want to celebrate with you and let others
know about your special day. If you are reaching
some other significant milestone let us know.
LECTIONARY FOR MARCH
March 6: Joshua 5:9–12; Psalm 32; 2 Corinthians 5:16–21; Luke 15:1–3, 11b–32
March 13: Isaiah 43:16–21; Psalm 126; Philippians 3:4b–14; John 12:1–8
March 20: Palm Sunday: Isaiah 50:4–9a; Psalm 31:9–16; Philippians 2:5–11; Luke 22:14—
23:56 or Luke 23:1–49
March 24: Maundy Thursday: Exodus 12:1–4 [5–10] 11–14; Psalm 116:1–2, 12–19; 1
Corinthians 11:23–26; John 13:1–17, 31b–35
March 27: Easter Sunday: Acts 10:34–43 or Isaiah 65:17–25; Psalm 118:1–2, 14–24; 1
Corinthians 15:19–26 or Acts 10:34–43; John 20:1–18 or Luke 24:1–12
Volume 3 Issue 3
Page 5
Study, Worship, and activities During Lent
March 3
Thursday
5:30pm.
Supper and Study
Soup/Sandwiches
Session 4 - I Know That
My Redeemer Liveth
March 6
4th Sunday
In Lent
9:30am.
Sunday School
ages 3-grade 9
Worship
Sacrament of Holy Communion
Supper and Study
Soup/Sandwiches
Session 5 - Why Do the
Nations Rage?
9:30am.
9:45am.
11:00am.
Sunday School
Adult Education
Worship
12:15pm.
Coffee Hour
ages 3-grade 9
graduated high school and up
Celebrating the Gifts of
Women Sunday
hosted by the Women of
the Church
5:30pm.
March 13
5th Sunday
In Lent
March 17
Thursday
5:30pm.
March 20
Palm Sunday
9:30am.
9:45am.
11:00am.
Supper and Study
Soup/Sandwiches
Session 6 - Worthy is the
Lamb
Holy Week Begins
Sunday School
Adult Education
Worship
ages 3-grade 9
graduated high school and up
Dedication for bulletin
In memory of ________________________________
_______
Calla lilies
$16.00
6” pot
Total _________
________
________
$5.00
$8.00
How many?________
________
Flowers in the sanctuary for Easter has
been a tradition here for many years. In keeping with
that tradition, we once again are receiving orders for
them. The deadline for orders is March 13. We are
asking this year that you take your ordered plant home
within 2 weeks of Easter as we do not have the ability
to place all of the plants usually left. If you absolutely
cannot take them, please note on the order form and
we will do our best to find a home for them.
Easter Flower Order Form
11:00am.
Hyacinths
4” pot
6” pot
Easter Dawn Service
Place – St. Luke’s
Pastor Kathi will bring the message
Celebration of the Resurrection Worship
$9.00
$17.00
6:30am.
Easter
Light supper
Sacrament of the Last
Supper
Lilies
6” pot
8” pot
March 27
Phone number _______________________________
Supper and Worship
Name ______________________________________
6:00pm.
Please fill out the form and return to the church by
March 13 with a check made out to the First
Presbyterian Church earmarked “Easter Flowers”.
March 24
Maundy Thursday
In honor of __________________________________
March 10
Thursday
11:00am.
Volume 3 Issue 3
Page 6
Water Crisis in Hoosick Falls, NY by Donna Elia
Photo credit: Skip Dickstein | http://www.timesunion.com
These are strange days in Hoosick Falls, and my heart goes out to the good folks of the congregation I
serve there and to all residents. Our congregation is wonderful and resilient, even in times like
these. Hoosick Falls has been in the news a lot lately, because the water is contaminated with PFOA, a
cancer-related substance produced in the manufacture of plastics. The water has probably been contaminated for many years.
In the short term, residents are receiving bottled water (the church too). But imagine having to ask yourself if you should wash the dishes with tap water, or how long you should stay in the shower. Think
about how different church coffee hour would be. It comes down to things like- do I wash my hands before serving communion? If we wash the dishes and then rinse them with bottled water, will that suffice?
The long-term implications are more precarious. What about the children who grew up in the village and
moved away? Who will get sick? How in the world will people sell their property?
Many congregations have reached out to our congregation, and we greatly appreciate the prayers and offers of support. This weekend, Feb. 27-28, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) will be sending a
team to meet with community leaders. At this point, they want to hear how PDA can help and how best
to offer emotional and spiritual support in this time of great stress. Thanks to Shannan Vance-Ocampo
who suggested the idea and reached out to PDA. (We have also suffered pipe breakages, with contaminated water coming through the ceiling. That’s a topic for another blog!)
Through it all, we continue to worship, pray and reach out to neighbors in need. Life is precarious, but
God is good. Please continue to hold the people in Hoosick Falls in your prayers.
(Rev. Donna Elia is the pastor of the Hoosick Falls Presbyterian Church.)
The bulk of the One Great Hour of Sharing offering goes to support water, hunger, disaster
relief and empowerment programs. Focusing on these four areas allows One Great Hour of
Sharing to address some of the root causes of suffering in our world. Your gifts make hope
possible.
We will be receiving the One Great Hour of Sharing through Easter, 2016.
Please be generous!
****
First Presbyterian Church, Valatie
March 2016
Sun
Mon
Tue
1
Wed
3
2
10:00 am.
Presbyterian
Women
7:00 pm.
Congregation and
Community
6 Fourth Sunday in 7
8
Thu
Fri
Sat
4
5
11
12
5:30 pm.
Supper and
Study
9
10
Lent
9:30am. Sunday School Lenten Activity
No adult education
11:00am. Worship
Sacrament of Holy
Communion
12;15pm. Deacon’ Mtg.
7:00 pm.
Buildings &
Grounds
7:00 pm.
Boy Scouts
13 Fifth Sunday in 14
15
7:00 pm.
Summer Lunch
Program
Meeting
17
16
St. Patrick's
Day
Lent
Daylight Savings Begins
9:30 Sunday School
9:45 Adult Education
11:00 Worship - Gifts
of Women
12:15 Coffee Hour
20 Palm Sunday
9:30 Sunday School
9:45 Adult Education
11:00 Worship
7:00 pm.
Finance &
Stewardship
7:00 pm.
Boy Scouts
21
27 Easter Sunday 28
6:30 Sunrise service at
St. Luke's
11:00am. Worship
22
7:00 pm.
Session
23
30
4 - 7 pm.
Corned beef
and Cabbage
Dinner Rainbow Girls
18
19
25
26
2:00 pm.
Warm Up
America!
5:30 pm.
Supper and
Study
24
6:00 pm.
Supper
7:00 pm.
Maundy
Thursday
Service
7:00 pm.
Boy Scouts
29
5:30 pm.
Supper and
Study
6 - 8 pm.
Paint & Sip Church Street
Preschool
Fundraiser
Good Friday
31
7:00 pm.
Boy Scouts
Reminder!
Daylight Savings
Begins on
March 13, 2016
Food Pantry Hours
Monday 12noon to 2pm
Wednesday 3/1, 3/15, 3/29 6 - 8 pm
Saturday, 3/12 & 3/26 9 -11 am
3212 Church Street
P. O. Box 267
Valatie, NY 12184
Phone: 518-758-9658
Email: [email protected]
TIME SENSITIVE INFORMATION-PLEASE DELIVER PROMPTLY
Join us for Maundy Thursday, March 24, 2016
6:00 pm. Light Supper
7:00 pm. Worship and
Sacrament of the Last Supper
Easter Sunrise Service
6:30 am.
At Saint Luke’s
Sandra Hohneker, Treasurer
Melissa Barton, Clerk of Session
Bill Ring, Financial Secretary
Ardelle Stewart, Organist
Naomi Handley, Secretary
Virginia Becker, Sexton