PHONE: 518-828-5946
OUR CHURCH SERVICE IS AT 9 AM ON SUNDAY
OFFICE HOURS: 9-10:30am - Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday
10:00 am-12:00 pm.
Office Assistant - Bonnie Pflegl
Sexton: Penny Schertel
Sunday School Superintendents: Penny Schertel
Consistory: Vice President - Bonnie Pfelgl
Treasurer: Richard J. Leggett Jr.
Elders: Peter Schertel, Bonnie Pflegl, Liz Grattan, & Bob Gardinier
Deacons: Roberta Keller, Rebecca Preusser, Matt Jones & Bootie Fenoff
Newsletter of the Ghent Reformed Church
www.angelfire.com/ny5/ghent_ref_church 1039 County Route 22, Ghent, NY 12075; Phone: [518] 828-5946
PULPIT SUPPLY
Below is a list of people who have committed to leading our services over the next 4 months. There may be changes due to unexpected circumstances. Thank you Rebecca for your diligence and hard work.
5/6 Rev. Perry Jones
5/13 Martha Leggett & Debby Gulino
5/20 Rev. Paige Convis
5/27 Norman Mueller
6/3 Rev. Allan Jansen
6/10 Rev. Daniel Ferritto
6/17 John Moak
6/24 John Moak
7/1 Rev. Matthew Charde
7/8 Clara Lasselle
7/15 Martha Leggett
7/22 Clara Lasselle
7/29 Rev. Matthew Charde
8/5 Rev. Daniel Ferritto
8/12 Roberta Keller
8/19 Kitt Jackson
8/26 Norman Mueller
GRC UPCOMING DATES:
5/9 Consistory Meeting 6:45pm
5/13 Happy Mother’s Day
5/13 Debby Gulino performing 9:00am
5/15 Cancer Support Group 5:30pm
5/20 Confirmation, Pentecost, Communion
5/20 Sunday School Program & Picnic 9:00am
5/25 WWD 11:30am
5/28 Memorial Day (celebrated)
6/2 Jim & Anita Leggett Burial/Reception
6/9 Drive Thru Chicken BBQ 3-6pm
6/10 Capital City Mission
6/13 Consistory 6:45pm
6/14 Flag Day
6/17 Dads & Grads Celebration 9:00am
6/17 Happy Father’s Day
6/19 Cancer Support Group 5:30pm
6/21 First Day of Summer
6/22 WWD 11:30am
7/4 Independence Day
7/17 Cancer Support Group 5:30pm
7/20 WWD 11:30am>[?
Consistory Meeting
8/17 WWD 11:30am
8/20 Cancer Support Group 5:30pm
CONSISTORY NEWS:
CONSISTORY NEWS:
* Rev. Paige Convis will be our Classis Supervisor & be able to help with Service
CONSISTORY COMMITTEES:p
Worship: , Rebecca Preusser
Nurture: Roberta Keller, Liz Grattan
Stewardship/Mission: Bonnie Pflegl
Property: Bob Gardinier, Max Jones
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES:
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES:
MAY
2 STEVE MASHAW
3 AUDREY PITT COON
LIZ GRATTAN
8 OLIVIA PREUSSER
11 BOOTIE FENOFF
13 BERT POUCHER
14 ASHLYNN KELLER
15 STAN BURCH
16 LESTER OGDEN, JR.
HEIDI HOWARD
17 JIM ANDREWS
21 BRUCE & CINDY TIPPLE
25 WALLY & NANCY RANFT
26 JUDY DONNELLY
28 ADDISON ANDREWS
31 STEPHEN LEGGETT
JUNE
1 LARRY & NORA VAN BRUNT
7 WALLY RANFT
8 SALLY CHARRON
11 RICK & KAREN LEGGETT
12 RICK LEGGETT GEORGE & JUDY DONNELLY
14 DOUG TORBORG
17 RON & SALLY CHARRON
19 BETTY BEDNAR
21 ED & BEV COON
22 JEFF & LEAH PRACK
23 KAITLYN BURCH
25 BERT & STEPHANIE POUCHER
27 KENT & ROBBIE KELLER
30 LESTER & RUTH OGDEN
JULY
2 JOHN & BARBARA GANSOWSKI
5 STEPHANIE POUCHER
8 PEGGY MORSE
9 RON CHARRON
11 BERT & NANCY MCCLURE-LONG
15 JEFF PRACK
17 KAITLYN PRACK
23 MELISSA TORBORG
24 JONAH HOWARD
27 GEORGE DONNELLY
29 NICK AMOROSO
BERT MCCLURE-LONG
31 DOROTHY LOSEE
AUGUST
1 NANCY RANFT
2 FRANK & BONNIE PFLEGL
5 KAREN LEGGETT
6 JENSEN HOWARD BILL & BEVERLY WHITBECK
8 DAN JONES
9 MIKE KLEIN GEORGE & BETTY BEDNAR
12 ADAM HALSTEAD
13 RICH & LAURA FELPEL
16 AMANDA MILLER
17 AMANDA & ANTHONY MILLER
20 ANDY JONES
22 PENNY SCHERTEL
23 BRUCE TIPPLE
25 SAMANTHA SCHERTEL
MARK TIPPLE
28 BEVERLY COON
May thru August Bible Readings
April 30-May 6
Acts 10:44-48; Psalm 98:1-3; Psalm 98:4-9; 1 John 5:1-6; John 15:9-12; John 15:13-17;
May 7-13
Acts 1:15-17, 21-26; Psalm 1; 1 John 5:9-13; Ephesians 1:15-23; John 17:6-10; John 17:11-19;
May 14-20
Acts 2:1-13; Acts 2:14-21; Ezekiel 37:1-14; Psalm 104:24-35; Romans 8:22-27; John 15:26-27; 16:4-15
May 21-27
Isaiah 6:1-4; Isaiah 6:5-8; Psalm 29; Romans 8:12-17; John 3:1-8; John 3:9-17
May 28-June 3
1 Samuel 3:1-10; Deuteronomy 5:12-15; Psalm 8a:1-10; Psalm 139:1-6; 2 Corinthians 4:5-12; Mark 2:23-3:6
June 4-10
1 Samuel 8:4-20; Genesis 3:8-15; Psalm 138; Psalm 130; 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1; Mark 3:20-35;
June 11-17
1 Samuel 15:34-16:13; Psalm 20; Ezekiel 17:22-24; Psalm 92:1-4, 12-15; 2 Corinthians 5:1-17; Mark 4:26-34
June 18-24
1 Samuel 17:32-49; 1 Samuel 17:57-18:5, 10-16; Job 38:1-11; Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32;
2 Corinthians 6:1-13; Mark 4:35-41;
June 25-July 1
2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27; Psalm 130; Lamentations 3:22-33; Psalm 30; 2 Corinthians 8:7-15; Mark 5:21-43;
July 2-8
2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10; Psalm 48; Ezekiel 2:1-5; Psalm 123; 2 Corinthians 12:2-10; Mark 6:1-13;
July 9-15
2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12-19; Psalm 24; Amos 7:7-15; Psalm 85:8-13; Ephesians 1:3-14; Mark 6:14-29
July 16-22
2 Samuel 7:1-14; Psalm 89:20-37; Jeremiah 23:1-6; Psalm 23; Ephesians 2:11-11; Mark 6:30-34, 53-56;
July 23-29
2 Samuel 11:1-15; Psalm 14; 2 Kings 4:42-44; Psalm 145:10-18; Ephesians 3:14-21
John 6:1-21
July 30-August 5
2 Samuel 11:26-12:13; Psalm 51:1-12; Exodus 16:2-4, 9-15;; Psalm 78:23-20; Ephesians 4:10-16; John 6:24-35;
August 6-12
2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33; Psalm 130; 1 Kings 19:4-8; Psalm 34:1-8; Ephesians 4:25-5:2; John 6:35, 41-51;
August 13-19
1 Kings 2:10-12, 3:3-14; Proverbs 9:1-6; Psalm 111; Psalm 34:9-14; Ephesians 5:15-20; John 6:51-58;
August 20-26
1 Kings 8:22-30, 41-43; Joshua 24:1-2, 14-18; Psalm 84; Psalm 34:15-22; Ephesians 6:10-2-; John 6:56-69;
August 27-September 2
Solomon 2:8-13; Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9; Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9; Psalm 15; James 1:17-27; Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23;
CLASSIS DUES
Classis dues for the upcoming year will be $94.68. This amount is for each confessing member of all churches in the Columbia-Greene Classis. If you can, we ask that you include this amount with your giving. Anything you can contribute will be that much less we have to try to collect through our fund-raising efforts. Thank you.
HELP!!!!
The Ghent Food Pantry needs volunteers! We would love to have you join our special organization. We are open Monday thru Thursday from 9am to 12pm. We could use a few more helping hands during these hours. Schedule is very flexible. Come in once a week, once a month….whatever is convenient for you. Please call Linda Reed at 392-4819 or stop by the Pantry in the Ghent Town Hall during our open hours.
10 Interesting Facts about the Bible
- The Bible was written by approximately 40 authors.
- The Old Testament was originally written in Hebrew, whereas the New Testament in Greek.
- The Bible has partially or totally been translated into more than 1,200 languages and dialects.
- All over the world, the number of Bibles sold is greater than any other published book.
- The Bible is divided into 66 books: 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament.
- In the entire Bible, there are 1189 chapters; 929 chapters in the Old Testament and 260 chapters in the New Testament.
- There are 31,173 verses in the Bible: 23,214 verses in the Old Testament and 7,959 verses in the New Testament.
- The longest chapter in the Bible is Psalm 119, whereas the shortest is Psalm 117.
- The shortest Bible verse is John 11:35 ("Jesus wept"), whereas, the longest one is Esther 8:9.
- The longest word in the Bible is Mahershalalhashbaz which has 18 letters (Isaiah 8:1).
HIS LOVING HANDS
A Prayer: “God may we discern our unique gifts and use them for YOUR GLORY!”
Summer Mission: Knitting or crocheting hats, scarves & gloves for the needy this winter.
CAPITAL CITY RESCUE MISSION
On Sunday, June 10th Liz needs approximately 10 people to help serve a complete chicken dinner to the homeless at the Mission in Albany. She will also need help preparing and trans-porting the food. If you can help in any capacity, please contact her.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Just some dates that we know of for the last quarter of the year that you might want to put on your calendar. Of course, these are subject to change as the time draws nearer.
9/22 Church Fair- Liz Gratton & Bob Gardinier>[?
10/13 Ghent Community Day (we’ll be selling pies & chowder at the event in Ghent)
10/20 Fresh Ham Dinner
11/6 Election Day Café
11/17 Holiday Gift Fair
Don’t by shy if you want to lend a helping hand. Or, if you want to be a Chairperson, jump right in. If you haven’t chaired an event before, we’ll gladly partner you with someone who has and they can show you the ropes.
CHURCH FAIR QUILTS
Elaine has prepared 3 lap quilts for us this year. The stained glass window with cardinals is hand-embroidered and has taken her over a year to finish. And this year we have 2 quilts that will have appeal for the men in your life. One is of fishermen and one is of deer. They would make great Christmas gifts for that man you don’t know what to buy for.
Enclosed are tickets that we are hoping you can pre-sell before the Fair on September 22. Each quilt has a retail value of at least $300 and the workmanship is superb.
Thank you for your help.
“MOTHERS HAVE EYES”
Mothers have eyes on the backs of our heads.
Over all our thoughts there hangs a moon.
The love of our creator sends a light
Heavenward, to brood upon our night,
Essence of love distilled into a tune,
Rising with a kiss above our beds.
PENTECOST HISTORY
Pentecost commemorates when Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to be with the disciples (Acts 2). With the Holy Spirit among the disciples, the church was born.
Pentecost is a Christian festival that celebrates the gift of the Holy Spirit. It takes place on the Sunday 50 days after Easter. The festival is generally full of good spirits. Ministers will wear red robes as a symbol of the flames in which the Holy Spirit came to earth. The Holy Spirit is the third part of the Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit), which Christians use as a way to interpret God. The Holy Spirit is often depicted as wind or a dove in the Bible.
In essence, Pentecost is the birthday of the Christian faith. We will celebrate this day on May 20th this year.
“LITTLE SEEDS” by Mary Ann Sundby
Raindrops tumble to the ground
‘cause God directs them to come down,
Little seeds sprout from the ground
‘cause God directs them up, not down.
Tender roots sink in the ground
‘cause God directs them to go down.
Pretty flowers will be found
Where raindrops tumbled to the ground.
FLAG DAY
Do you know why Flag Day is celebrated on June 14th each year?
On June 14, 1777 the First Flag Act was signed by the Continental Congress stating: Resolved, that the flag of the United States be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white: that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation.
On May 30, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson called for the nation-wide observance of Flag Day and on August 3, 1949 President Harry S. Truman signed a congressional order making June 14th of each year National Flag Day.
MEMORIAL DAY & 4th OF JULY
It may seem odd that these two events are under one heading, but they are intricately entwined.
On July 4th, we celebrate our independence from Britain and the formation of our own country. However, our freedom was not free. Many men (and women) sacrificed something for this nation. Some paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Memorial Day is a day to remember all of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice over the last 240ish years. Not just in the Revolutionary War, but in all of the “conflicts” that came after; all who took a stand and fought for the freedoms that we enjoy.
Take a moment on both of these days, bow your heads and offer up thanksgiving for those service men and women who fought our fight.
THE LORD OF THE RINGS
Did you know that July and August are now more popular wedding months than June? During all these ceremonies, wedding rings play a prominent role.
An almost universal tradition dating back millennia, rings in general and wedding rings in particular have various meanings. Glimpsing the ring on one’s finger, one is prompted anew to live out the vows made years ago, to love and be faithful to one’s spouse in ways big and small. Others are reminded of the precious gift given to them; when the one placing the ring said, “I give you this ring as a sign of my love and faithfulness.”
Wedding rings carry added meaning for those inviting Jesus to be the heart of their union. They signify not only the couple’s (hopefully) unending love for each other but also Christ’s (definitely) unending love for them individually and together. The Lord’s eternal grace encircles Christian marriage, even as wedding rings encircle the fingers of those who exchange them. Newsletter, Newsletter
OUR CHANGING WORLD (unknown)
The World is changing and we must change with it. We can’t think only of the past, but we must look forward to the future and change accordingly.
God created a beautiful world for us to live in and we must open our eyes to the needs to keep this a healthy, viable environment. Everyone needs to do their part by recycling, picking up trash and planting trees and plants to provide oxygen in the air.
THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD
A Sunday School teacher decided to have her young class memorize one of the most quoted passages in the Bible – Psalm 23. She gave the youngsters a month to learn the chapter. Little Rick was excited about the task – but he just couldn’t remember the Psalm. After much practice, he could barely get past the first line.
On the day that the kids were scheduled to recite Psalm 23 in front of the congregation, Ricky was very nervous. When it was his turn, he stepped up to the microphone and said proudly, “The Lord is my Shepherd, and that’s all I need to know.
TELL THE TRUTH
To prepare for a sermon on honesty, a pastor asked the church members to read Joshua 25. The next week, he asked, “How many of you read it?” Half the hands in the church went up. “Great,” the pastor said. “You’re the ones I want to talk to….because Joshua only has 24 chapters.”
(from the Tale of the Tardy Oxcart Charles Swindoll)
LEFT BEHIND
A father was reading Bible stories to his young son. “The man named Lot was warned to take his wife and flee out of the city” he said, “but his wife looked back and was turned into a pillar of salt.” The boy asked, “What happened to the flea?”
GRANDPA'S HANDS (received from Martha via e-mail)
Grandpa, some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the patio bench. He didn't move, just sat with his head down staring at his hands. When I sat down beside him he didn't acknowledge my presence and the longer I sat, I wondered if he was OK. Finally, not really wanting to disturb him but wanting to check on him at the same time, I asked him if he was OK.
He raised his head and looked at me and smiled. "Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking," he said in a clear strong voice.
"I didn't mean to disturb you, Grandpa, but you were just sitting here staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were OK," I explained to him.
"Have you ever looked at your hands," he asked. "I mean really looked at your hands?"
I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them over, palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had never really looked at my hands as I tried to figure out the point he was making. Grandpa smiled and related this story:
"Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have served you well throughout your years. These hands, though wrinkled, shriveled, and weak have been the tools I have used all my life to reach out and grab and embrace life. They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back. As a child my mother taught me to fold them in prayer. They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots. They have been dirty, scraped and raw, swollen and bent.
They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son. Decorated with my wedding band they showed the world that I was married and loved someone special. They trembled and shook when I buried my parents and spouse and walked my daughter down the aisle.
They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the rest of my body. They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and raw. And to this day, when not much of anything else of me works real well, these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to fold in prayer. These hands are the mark of where I've been and the ruggedness of my life.
But more importantly it will be these hands that God will reach out and take when he leads me home. And with my hands He will lift me to His side and there I will use these hands to touch the face of Christ."
I will never look at my hands the same again. But I remember God reached out and took my grandpa's hands and led him home. When my hands are hurt or sore I think of Grandpa. I know he has been stroked and caressed and held by the hands of God. I too, want to touch the face of God and feel His hands upon my face.
* * * * * * * * * *
REFLECTIONS by Bonnie
Thank you Martha for sharing this. My first eye-opening experience with my hands was when I was caressing my newborn baby (38 years ago) and discovered my Mother’s hand coming out of my sleeve. It was very frightening at that time, but I have grown into my hands.
In all honesty, they are not clasped in prayer as often as they should be and there are times when they are gesturing in a negative way. But I do take comfort in the knowledge that my hands have provided copious amounts of food in love and, at times, a comforting touch to someone in need. They might actually engage in a hug, which is hard for me. And yes, they were used for corporal correction. (sorry kids!) Most of the time it was done in love.
My prayer today is that we, too, as we are lead home by our Master, get to touch His face, feel His hands upon our face and be enveloped in the love He has had for us all of our lives, even when we have strayed or been undeserving. What wonderful things Love and Grace are. Blessings to you!
VARIOUS INTERNET QUOTES
The Bible shows the way to go to heaven, not the way the heavens go. --Galileo Galilei.
I was thinking about how people seem to read the Bible a whole lot more as they get older; then it dawned on me: They're cramming for their final exam. --George Carlin.
It ain't those parts of the Bible that I can't understand that bother me, it is the parts that I do understand. --Mark Twain.
At that instant he cried out “Oh my God!” Just then, time stopped. The bear froze; the forest was silent; the river even stopped moving. A bright light shone upon the man, and a voice came out of the sky saying, “You deny My existence all of these years; teach others I don’t exist; even credit My creation to a cosmic accident, and now you expect Me to help you? Am I to count you as a believer?” The atheist, ever so proud, looked into the light and said, “It would be rather hypocritical to ask to be a Christian after all these years - but could you make the bear a Christian?” “Very well,” said the voice.
As the light went out, the river ran, and the sounds of the forest continued again, the bear put his paw down. Then, the bear brought both paws together...bowed his head and said, “Lord, I thank thee for this food, which I am about to receive.”
10 Commandments
(inspired by “The Happiness Project” by Gretchen Rubin)
Here are 10 “commandments” that might improve your outlook on life and the path to happiness if you strive to follow them daily:
1. Take it easy.
2. Be yourself.
3. Handle your responsibilities.
4. Exercise understanding.
5. Face your fears.
6. Leave your worries behind.
7. Live honestly.
8. Behave positively.
9. Open your heart and mind.
10. Share your time, attention and talents with others.
The Geese and the Snow Storm: A Story of Salvation author unknown
There was once a man who did not believe in either the virgin birth of Christ, or the spiritual meaning behind it, and was skeptical even about God. He and his family lived in a farm community. His wife was a devout believer and diligently raised her children in the faith. He sometimes gave her a hard time about her belief and mocked her religious observances.
“It’s all nonsense. Why would God lower himself and become a human like us? It’s such a ridiculous story,” he said.
One snowy day, she and the children left for church while he stayed home. After they had departed, the winds grew stronger and the snow turned into a blinding snowstorm. He sat down to relax before the fire for the evening.
Then he heard a loud thump, something hitting against the window….And, still another thump. He looked outside but could not see anything. So he ventured outside for a better view. In the field near his house he saw, of all the strangest things, a flock of geese. They were apparently flying to look for a warmer area down south, but they had been caught in the snowstorm. The storm had become too blinding and violent for the geese to fly or see their way. They were stranded on his farm, with no food or shelter, unable to do more than flutter their wings and fly in aimless circles. He had compassion for them and wanted to help them. He thought to himself, the barn would be a great place for them to stay. It is warm and safe;surely they could spend the night and wait out the storm. So he opened the barn doors for them.
He waited, watching them, hoping they would notice the open barn and go inside. Nevertheless, they did not notice the barn or realize what it could mean for them. He moved closer toward them to get their attention, but they just moved away from him out of fear. He went into the house and came back with some bread, broke it up and made a bread trail to the barn. They still did not catch on.
Starting to get frustrated, he went over and tried to shoo them toward the barn. They panicked and scattered into every direction except toward the barn. Nothing he did could get them to go into the barn where there was warmth, safety and shelter. Feeling totally frustrated, he exclaimed, “Why don’t they follow me? Can’t they see this is the only place where they can survive the storm? How can I possibly get them into one place to save them?”
He thought for a moment and realized that they just would not follow a human. He said to himself, “How can I possibly save them? The only way would be for me to become like those geese. If only I could become like one of them. Then I could save them. They would follow me and I would lead them to safety.”
At that moment, he stopped and considered what he had said. The words reverberated in his mind: If only I could be like one of them, then I could save them. Then at last, he understood God’s heart towards mankind…he fell on his knees in the snow.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the word, but to save the world through him.
John 3:16-17
The Orchard
It’s springtime in the orchard
Sounds of birds are in the air
Listen---God is saying,
“How peaceful it is here.”
It’s springtime in the orchard
Smell them---God is saying,
“Apples soon appear.”
It’s summer in the orchard
All kinds of fruit appear
Look it---God is saying
“The fruit is here to share.”
It’s autumn in the orchard
All kinds of fruit to share
Pick them---God is saying,
“Take the time to care.”
It’s November in the orchard
Give them---God is saying,
“To all who need to be fed.”
It’s winter in the orchard
The trees have all gone bare
Listen---God is saying,
“Rest and be repaired.”
FEAR NOT by Henri J. M. Nouwen
I wonder if fear is not the main obstacle to prayer. When we enter into the presence of God and start to sense the huge reservoir of fear inside us, we want to run away into the many distractions that our busy world offers so abundantly.
But we shouldn’t be afraid of our fears. We can confront them, give words to them, cry out to God and lead our fears into the presence of the One who says, “Don’t be afraid. It is I.”
GOD FORGIVES by Gary Klawson
Someone once said, “The universe is admirably arranged.” I like to sin, God likes to forgive! To guard yourself against any such misunderstanding of forgiveness, Jesus told us to pray, “Lead us not into temptation.” “Lead us not into temptation” makes it sound like God tempts us; as though He goes around setting sly little traps for His children intended to entice us to do wrong. If this means that we need to ask God not lead us into temptation, does that mean He will if we don’t ask?
Let no one say that when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil and He himself tempts no one. Each person is tempted when lured by his own desire. God never tempts anyone. He does not tempt me; I do a good enough job on my own.
There’s an old saying that God is an ambulance waiting at the bottom of a cliff ready to rescue and forgive those who fall. But He’s also a guardrail at the top of the cliff to keep us from falling in the first place.
INDULGE FOR LENT
Rather than sacrificing something for Lent, especially something easy and magnificent, such as chocolate, Patty Kirk in Guidepost magazine suggests finding new ways to indulge in God’s presence. Surely one can do this by having extra devotions or attending Lenten worship services. But Kirk offers these ideas:
*Spend time outdoors, sensing God’s magnificence.
*Spend times with others, extending generosity & compassion. Remember Jesus’ promise that when you care for others, you care for Him (Matthew 25:31-46)
*Pray for the “little things” coming before God in childlike trust & feeling peace. Watch attentively for God’s answers to prayer and receive them as reminders of His presence.
*Turn anxiety into prayer. As you frame concerns as prayers and entrust them to God, you “sacrifice” the tendency to wallow in worry.
BUDGET FOR 2018
The following condensed budget will be voted upon on 12/31/17. There is a full copy on the bulletin board which shows what the 2017 Budget was and what the 2018 Budget will be, if you would like to see it. As with all church-related issues, if you have a question, ASK. Speculation and gossip isn’t helpful to the healthy continuation of our Church and membership. Consistory Meetings are OPEN meetings. Your input and opinions are welcome.
Minister (projected possibility) $25,819
Church Staff & Employer Exp. $28,090
(this includes pulpit supply)
Church Supplies/Exp./Heat/Elec. $28,278
Parsonage Exp. $ 2,700
Education $ 1,000
Denominational Assessment $ 4,166
Giving/Mission $ 3,000
Total Budget 2018 $93,053
This is a total decrease from 2017 of $21,950 t
This budget was passed.
INDOOR YARD SALE
Did you get a rice cooker for Christmas and you really, really don’t like rice? Well, March 17th is our second Indoor Yard Sale from 9AM to 2PM. Lisa Meaney is the Coordinator.
Rent a table for $20 or if you have lots of stuff, rent two tables for $30. Reserve your table(s) quickly. A sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board or call the Office at 828-5946. And, of course, our kitchen counter will be open for breakfast and lunch with delicious homemade food, soups and desserts to eat in or take out.
If you don’t get rid of all your stuff, our next (last) Indoor Yard Sale will be March 17th.
EASTER
I can’t believe that I’m even typing the word. But guess what, on February 14th Lent begins with Ash Wednesday and culminating on April 1st with Easter. Here’s the schedule we have so far.
*MONETARY SACRIFICE
As in past years we are providing a quarter coin wrapper for your Lenten sacrificial offering. Even
though the folders are prettier, they don’t hold the coins well and are very frustrating not only to you, but to our Treasurer as well. There are, however, some folders in the office if you would prefer to use them. Just ask. Your generous sacrificial offering will be greatly appreciated.
*CAPA Lenten Services
Again this year we plan to join with the Chatham Area Pastor’s Association, CAPA each Wednesday as we journey through Lent. Soup and sandwiches will be provided prior to the service.
Dates of these Soup & Sandwich Services will be 2/21, 2/28, 3/7, 3/14 and 3/21. A schedule of churches and preachers will be available shortly.
FOR ALL YOU LEXOPHILES
1. A bicycle can't stand alone because it is two-tired.
2. What's the definition of a will? (It's a dead giveaway).
3. Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
4. A backward poet writes inverse.
5. In democracy it's your vote that counts; In feudalism it's your count that votes.
6. She had a boyfriend with a wooden leg, but broke it off.
7. A chicken crossing the road is poultry in motion.
8. If you don't pay your exorcist you get repossessed.
9. With her marriage she got a new name and a dress.
10. Show me a piano falling down a mineshaft and I'll show you A-flat minor.
11. When a clock is hungry it goes back four seconds.
12. The man who fell into an upholstery machine is fully recovered.
13. A grenade thrown into a kitchen in France would result in Linoleum Blownapart.
14. You feel stuck with your debt if you can't budge it.
15. Local Area Network in Australia: the LAN down under.
16. He often broke into song because he couldn't find the key.
17. Every calendar's days are numbered.
18. A lot of money is tainted. 'Taint yours and 'taint mine.
19. A boiled egg in the morning is hard to beat.
20. He had a photographic memory which was never developed.
21. A plateau is a high form of flattery.
22. The short fortuneteller who escaped from prison was a small medium at large.
23. Those who get too big for their britches will be exposed in the end.
24. When you've seen one shopping center you've seen a mall.
25. Those who jump off a Paris bridge are in Seine.
26. When an actress saw her first strands of gray hair she thought she'd dye.
27. Bakers trade bread recipes on a knead to know basis.
28. Santa's helpers are subordinate clauses.
29. Acupuncture is a jab well done.
30. Marathon runners with bad footwear suffer the agony of defeat.
LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR LIKE GOD LOVES YOU!!!
BULLETIN BLOOPERS
The Sunday Night Men's Glee Club will meet on Saturday at the park, unless it rains.
In that case they will meet at their regular Tuesday evening time.
Illiterate? Write to the church office for help.
The class on prophecy has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.
The outreach committee has enlisted 25 visitors to make calls on people who are not afflicted with any church.
(A most unfortunate blooper during the pastor's illness:) GOD IS GOOD! Dr. Hargreaves is better!
After consultation with the pastor she left the church feeling much better except for her original complaints.
ANOINTING OF THE SICK ... If you are going to be hospitalized for an operation, contact the pastor. Special prayer also for those who are seriously sick by request.
Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered
Jean will be leading a weight-management series Wednesday nights. She's used the program herself and has been growing like crazy!
The 'Over 60s Choir' will be disbanded for the summer with the thanks of the entire church.
KIDS FUNNIES
A ten-year old, under the tutelage of her grandmother, was becoming quite knowledgeable about the Bible.
Then one day she floored her grandmother by asking, "Which Virgin was the mother of Jesus? The Virgin Mary or the King James Virgin?"
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A Sunday School class was studying the Ten Commandments. They were ready to discuss the last one. The teacher asked if anyone could tell her what it was. Susie raised her hand, stood tall and quoted, "Thou shalt not take the covers off thy neighbor's wife."
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I had been teaching my three-year old daughter, Caitlin, the Lord's Prayer. For several evenings, at bedtime, she would repeat after me the lines from the prayer.
Finally, she decided to go solo. I listened with pride as she carefully enunciated each word, right up to the end of the prayer: "Lead us not into temptation," she prayed, "but deliver us from e-mail. Amen."
THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD:
A Sunday School teacher decided to have her young class memorize one of the most quoted passages in the Bible - Psalm 23. She gave the youngsters a month to learn the chapter.
Little Rick was excited about the task - but he just couldn't remember the Psalm. After much practice, he could barely get past the first line.
On the day that the kids were scheduled to recite Psalm 23 in front of the congregation, Ricky was so nervous. When it was his turn, he stepped up to the microphone and said proudly, 'The Lord is my Shepherd, and that's all I need to know.'
ANSWERED PRAYER:
During the minister's prayer one Sunday, there was a loud whistle from one of the back pews. Tommy's
mother was horrified. She pinched him into silence and, after church, asked, 'Tommy, whatever made you do such a thing?'
Tommy answered soberly, 'I asked God to teach me to whistle, and He did!'
TIME TO PRAY:
A pastor asked a little boy if he said his prayers every night. 'Yes, sir.' the boy replied. And, do you always say them in the morning, too?' the pastor asked. 'No sir,' the boy replied. 'I ain't scared in the daytime.'
REFLECTIONS by Bonnie
I had an experience recently that was pretty shocking. I was called by a member of another church and was asked if I could put into my upcoming sermon something about being a good Christian.
She went on to explain that a stranger came into their church the previous week and stated during sharing time that he was hungry. Instead of the warm, caring, gracious and helping church that she thought she was a part of, she was appalled that their reaction was none of these and they felt that this person had no business being there. (She did make sure that the man had food that day.)
After my initial shock of her story, I suggested to her that perhaps with all of the disturbed people shooting others, in churches, malls, movie theaters, school, etc. that many people are on edge when something that wasn’t “normal” pops up. And perhaps they were so stunned by hearing someone say, in this day and age, that they were hungry, they didn’t know how to react at all, let alone appropriately. These were things she had not thought about in her shock and disbelief from the previous day.
Every once in awhile, when I do something uncharitable and un-Christian-like, I think of the song that we did a couple of times a number of years ago: “What if Jesus Came Back Like That.” I had someone say to me that they had heard part of the song and it was just awful. I suggested that they get the words and listen to the entire message. I’ve paraphrased it below.
*He came to town on an old freight train; Just a low down no account hobo.
What if Jesus comes back like that; On an old freight train in a hobo hat; Will we let him in or turn our back;
*Born with a habit of drug abuse; She couldn't help what her mama used; It wasn't like she got to choose; Now she's layin' there all alone. Doctor says she might stand a chance; If somebody takes her home.
What if Jesus comes back like that; Two months early and hooked on crack; Will we let him in or turn our back;
* Nobody said life is fair; We've all got a cross to bear; When it gets a little hard to care; Just think of Jesus hanging there. He came to town on a cold dark night; A single star was his only light; The baby born that silent night; A manger for his bed.
What if Jesus comes back like that; Where will HE find our hearts are at; Will HE let us in or turn his back; Will HE cry when HE sees where our hearts are at; Will HE let us in or turn his back; Hey what if Jesus comes back like that; :
We have just celebrated the birth of Jesus and in just over six weeks (can you believe it?) we begin our Lenten journey with Jesus. A really serious time of reflection. A time when we consider giving up things for Lent, or in some cases taking on extra things, sacrificing our personal preferences or time in an inadequate attempt to emulate the sacrifices that Jesus took on for each of us.
Literally, our journey doesn’t go through a desert without food or to a mountain top testing our faith. Lent is that special time when we try to reconcile our life with that of Jesus. What is our faith? Are we sure in our faith? Are we verbally adamant of whose we are and where we are going? Do we reflect the goodness, compassion, giving and love that Jesus portrayed? Are we still afraid of changes from the “norm”? Are we living as Jesus would have us live?
If Jesus came back as a bum, a drunk, a drug addict, or someone who was hungry would HE know that you are one of his children? Where will HE find our heart? Will HE cry when HE sees where our heart is at? Will HE let US in or turn his back???
WWD (Widows, Widowers, Divorcees)
This group was started a number of years ago to meet the needs of a number of congregants and has grown to encompass numerous members of the community.
They will again meet at the Church hall at 11:30 to share a covered dish luncheon and fellowship on the last Friday of the month. All are welcome (even wannabees).
UPDATE!!!
The new industrial refrigerator has been installed and is nice and COOL.
Because of your generous donations we have able to purchase this fridge, have it installed and continue our “food-related” activities, such as the Church Fair, the Fresh Ham Dinner, the Election Day Café and the Holiday Gift Fair, just to name a few.
Also, an enormous “thank you” to our special benefactor, who provided $4000 toward this purchase and installation.
You are all angels here on earth!
SOMETHING NEW
As you are probably aware, Ginsberg’s no longer has a cash & carry outlet. Many of us used to go in and purchase a sleeve of containers, a #10 can of veggies, a dozen eggs or a container of ½ & ½ at reasonable prices.
Now, you must be a customer and buy a case of product. As individuals, most of us can’t afford a case, nor do we have the ability to use a case of product.
We, as a Church, buy certain containers and product by the case, as needed. What we are willing to do is to provide to you a portion of that case, at our cost, certain products that we would be buying a case of anyway.
Shortly, there will be a sheet on the bulletin board with available product and the cost so that we can include you in the purchase of our case of product. You may also call the Church Office at 828-5946.
Good Luck, Farewell, God’s Speed
REFLECTIONS by Bonnie
I find myself mirrored in Lucy’s attitude. All Linus does is asks a simple question and he gets shot down. Unfortunately, I have that same ability when it comes to my retired husband. Or…. I SIGH.
So, according to Romans 8:26-27, my sigh is actually a prayer because I don’t know how to construct my prayer correctly. And yelling, “Dear God, can I please slug my husband?” is probably incorrect phraseology. I’m also pretty sure it’s not a very loving or Christian prayer.
In reading different translations of this verse, they used the word “groan” instead of sigh. A groan and a sigh are both “comments” without verbalizing specific words. So, I get the transition from groan to sigh. The part that remains the same is that whether groan or sigh, it’s still a plea, prayer or communication with God. Well, I never knew that (guess I should go back to Sunday School, too).
Now that I AM aware, what am I going to do about it? We are exhorted in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to: pray at all times. Okay, so maybe this is one way I can be more in prayer, because I do find myself sighing “occasionally”. And when I catch myself sighing, maybe, just maybe, I’ll be able to stop and reflect upon that sigh, then rethink my sigh into actual words so that I can be in an honest communication with my God and myself. And I suppose I really don’t want to slug my husband (most of the time) so I should probably be working on my verbal skills with him too. SIGH!!
So, the next time you sigh, it might be appropriate to keep it just a sigh, but maybe you and I can take a moment to actually figure out what we need and ask our provider for it directly!
WHAT IS ADVENT?
The season of Advent, which comes from the Latin word adventus meaning “coming” or “visit," begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. Advent is the beginning of the liturgical year for Christians.
During Advent, we prepare for, and anticipate, the coming of Christ. We remember the longing of Jews for a Messiah and our own longing for, and need of, forgiveness, salvation and a new beginning.
Even as we look back and celebrate the birth of Jesus in a humble stable in Bethlehem, we also look forward anticipating the second coming of Christ as the fulfillment of all that was promised by his first coming.
VETERANS DAY
This holiday started as a day to reflect upon the heroism of those who died in our country's service and was originally called Armistice Day. It fell on Nov. 11 because that is the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I.
However, in 1954, the holiday was changed to "Veterans Day" in order to account for all veterans in all wars.
We celebrate and honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
Thanksgiving (or any day) tip:
To get a roasting pan clean, send something like baked apples in it to a neighbor. Neighbors always return pans spotless, and you won’t have to use a blow torch on it like you usually do.
While cleaning up (and out) in the Church office, I found the following which was the Pastor’s Page, printed in the Ghent News-letter for Nov. 1988. Rev. Eric Blahut wrote:
The other day I was directed to an article in the October issue of Reader’s Digest. This article was written by Jim Bishop, the author of The Day Jesus Died. The article made an argument for the presence of God by listing a number of happenings which could be explained in no other way than to admit there is a God.
As we enter the month of November, we look forward to our national day of Thanksgiving. As we look forward to that day, we need to recognize that we have a great deal for which we can give thanks to God.
The list of things for which we are thankful can begin with the obvious things – life, even with its aches and pains, friends, loved ones, beautiful sunsets and exquisite rainbows, brightly colored flowers and birds, the uniqueness of each snowflake and fingerprint. But there are some less obvious things for which we can and should give thanks – the air we breathe, the water we drink, the sun that warms us, the fact that ice floats, the capacity of materials to expand and contract. We can also thank God for the many tiresome routines which we do each day, for the muscles we have to do the work He has called us to do, for the minds we use to wrestle with difficult problems and transport us to lands beyond our imaginations.
Of all the gifts which God has given to me, the one I appreciate most is my ability to be available to His leading. God in Christ has done for me that which I could never do for myself. He drew me close to Him and because of this I am extremely thankful to Him. One way that I can express my thankfulness is being willing to serve wherever He sends me. I am looking forward to Thanksgiving and giving thanks. May this holiday find you refreshed in body, mind and spirit.
Five Reasons Why Stability is Bad for a Church
(by Thom S. Rainer)
Change or die. That is reality for churches today. Of course, I am not talking about Scripture, doctrine, or spiritual disciplines changing. Those things are constants, never to be compromised.
But much of what we do in our churches must change. And, unfortunately, many church members and leaders resist change. They seek stability and comfort over obedience and sacrifice.
Let’s look at five key reasons why stability is bad for a church.
1. A stable church is not a church on mission. The very nature of the Great Commission means our churches should be in constant change. A church member blasted a pastor for his efforts at leading the church to reach unbelievers in the community. She castigated him because “those people are messing up our church.” Sigh.
2. Comfort is the enemy of obedience. Review all the examples of obedient persons in the Bible. In every case, they had to get out of their comfort zones. Too many church members want stability because they don’t want to experience the discomfort of obedience.
3. Stable churches are not reaching their communities. The communities in which churches are located are changing. Many are changing rapidly. If a church seeks comfort, it is not willing to make the necessary changes to impact the community it was called to serve.
4. Stable churches do not create new groups. Show me a stable church, and I will show you a church that is not creating new groups or Sunday school classes. Show me a church not creating new groups, and I will show you a church that is inwardly focused. The members are spiritual navel gazers.
5. Members of stable churches want the focus to be on their preferences. They want church “the way it’s always been.” They are more concerned about getting their way with music style, room temperature, and precise starting time of worship services. In their latter years, they are able to sing, “I did it my way” rather than “I did it God’s way.”
There is nothing biblical about a stable church. In fact, the stability is really just an illusion. Those churches that seek stability will ironically change the most rapidly toward decline and death.
Story Behind the Christmas Carol
The Twelve Days of Christmas
It would be hard to believe that this delightful nonsense rhyme set to music is actually and underground catechism.
Catholics in England the period 1558 to 1829 were prohibited from ANY practice of their faith by law – private or public. It was a crime to be a Catholic.
The Twelve Days of Christmas was written in England as one of the “catechism song” to help young Catholics learn the tenets of their faith. At a time when being caught with anything in writing which indicated adherence to the Catholic faith could not only get you imprisoned, it could get your hanged or beheaded, this song was written as a way to share the teaching of the faith.
The “true love” mentioned in the song does not refer to an earthly suitor it refers to God. The “me” who receives the presents refers to every baptized person. The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. In the song, Jesus is symbolically presented as a mother partridge which fakes injury to decoy predators from her helpless nestlings, much in memory of the expression of Jesus’ sadness over the fate of Jerusalem: “Jerusalem! Jerusalem! How often would I have sheltered thee under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but thought wouldst not have it so…”>[?
The other symbols mean the following:
2 Turtle Doves = The Old and New Testaments
3 French Hens = faith, hope and charity (the theological virtues)
4 Calling Birds = the four Gospels and/or the four Evangelists
5 Golden Rings = The first five books of the Old Testament which gives the history of man’s fall from grace.
6 Geese A-laying = the six days of creation
7 Swans A-swimming = the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit
8 Maids A-milking = the eight beatitudes
9 Ladies Dancing = the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit
10 Lords A-leaping = the Ten Commandments
11 Pipers Piping = the eleven faithful apostles
12 Drummers Drumming = the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles’ Creed
Advent Traditions
“The way you celebrate Christmas can be a gift in itself,” said Fred Rogers, “handing on traditions that will give your child a feeling of continuity, comfort and joy in all the Christmases to come.” In American homes, common Advent traditions include wreaths, calendars and logs. Did you know about these European traditions?
In Normandy, children used to set fires in fields during Advent. The flames killed the caterpillar eggs and drove away rodents. The tradition reflected good conquering evil, just as God’s perfect Son rescues us from sin.
On December 13, Scandinavian countries honor Saint Lucy (for Lucia), a third-century martyr who, according to legend brought food to people in the catacombs during winter. For light-and to be able to carry as much as possible-she wore a wreath of candles on her head. On St. Lucy’s Day, the oldest daughter gets up early and brings sweet rolls to family members. The tradition reminds Christians that Jesus is a gift of light and love for our dark world.
Where’s Your Security
When A Charlie Brown Christmas debuted in 1965, religious references were unheard of on television. Yet the show’s climax features the Christmas story verbatim. As Linus begins reciting Luke 2, he’s clutching his ever-present blue blanket. Yet, as Pastor Jason Soroski points out, Linus drops it right as he utters the words “fear not.” (Luke 2:10)
Soroski believes the timing is intentional and that “Peanuts” creator Charles M. Schulz sends a simple brilliant message. “The birth of Jesus separates us from our fears,” Soroski writes, it “frees us for the habits we are unable (or unwilling) to break ourselves. The birth of Jesus allows us to simply drop the false security we have been grasping so tightly, and learn to trust and cling to him instead.”
WHERE DO WE GO NOW
In January, the Consistory will probably appoint a Search Committee who will begin the time-consuming job of searching for a new Minister for the Ghent Reformed Church. Below is the first survey asking for your input so we have a place to start. Please let your opinions be heard.
Return this survey ASAP, preferably by January 17th, the date of our Consistory Meeting.
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Do you want the Ghent Reformed Church to continue its ministry?_______
Do you want a full-time Minister? _____ Do you want a part-time Minister?_____
Would you like to share a ministry (yoke) with another Church?_____
What age range would you like as a Minister?___________ What sex?_______
Should the Minister be married?_____ Should they have small children?_______
Would you like to serve on the Search Committee?_______
(name)_____________________________________________________________
Comments:__________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
CHURCH DIRECTORY
NEWSLETTER MAILING LIST
E-MAIL NOTIFICATION LIST
It’s been 4 years since our last Church Directory was processed. We have had many people who have left the area, changed addresses and phone numbers or are no longer with us.
So that we may be in better communication with you, please fill out the below questionnaire and return it to the Church Office by September 30th (when you attend the Church Fair) so that we can have updated/correct information for mailings, notification for prayer requests and important e-mail updates.
If we do not hear from you, we will have to presume that you are no longer interested in receiving the newsletter or being in our Directory.
During this time of change while we reflect upon where we have been and where we will go, we want you to come along with us and we need your updated information and need to know your desire to also go on this journey.
PLEASE RETURN THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE OR PICK UP A COPY AT CHURCH.
Name _______________________________________________________________________
Mailing Address ______________________________________________________________
Telephone Number(s)
_____________________________________________________
(if you have a telephone number to be used just by the Office/Minister, please mark that number as private and it will not appear in print)
E-Mail Address ______________________________________________________________
Print Info above in Directory? Yes_____ No_____
Do you want to receive the Newsletter? Yes_____ No_____
Do you want to receive E-Mail notices? Yes_____ No_____
Would you like to be part of a Prayer Chain? Yes_____ No_____
A MATTER OF PRESPECTIVE
Pastor and author T.D. Jakes tells of visiting a community in Africa where a woman from a local church welcomed him into her small home. Proud to have built the structure herself, she swept her arm toward the door, a blanket, as if she were inviting him into a mansion. She offered him a seat, her bed, and graciously served him a meal. As Jakes departs in a small plane, rain began falling. The pastor looked down and saw his host dancing in gratitude.
He was struck by the contrast between his African host and many Americans, including himself. How often we let worries about our “small” house, lack of nice furniture, or inability to serve gourmet food get in the way of welcoming friends or new acquaintances into our homes. How often we view rain as annoyance, complicating our day and depressing our mood. Meanwhile, this woman was eager to share her humble house and grateful of God’s gift of moisture to her dry homeland.
WHAT YOU MAY FIND
*May you find peace within you today.
*May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
*May you not forget there are infinite possibilities born of faith in yourself and others.
*May you use the gifts with which you were blessed, and pass on to others the love that has been given you.
*May you be content with yourself just the way you are.
*Let the fruit of these benedictions settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.
HIT THE ROAD
When a teenager received his driving permit, he asked his father, who was a minister, if they could discuss use of the car.
His father said, “I’ll make a deal with you, you bring your grades up, study your Bible a little and get your hair cut, and then we’ll talk about it.”
A month later, the young man returned to continue the discussion. “Son, I’ve been real proud of you,” the father said. “You’ve brought your grades up and studied your Bible diligently, but you didn’t get your hair cut!”
The teenager replied, “You know I’ve been thinking about that. Samson had long hair, Moses had long hair, Noah had long hair and even Jesus had long hair.”
“Yes,” the father said, “and they walked everywhere they went.”
THE GLADDEST THING
Turn around and believe that the good news that we are loved is better than we ever dared to hope, and that to believe in that good news, to live out of it and toward it, to be in love with that good news, is of all glad things in this world the gladdest thing of all.
Frederick Buechner
GET MOVING
Faith is the word that describes the direction our feet start moving when we find we are loved. Faith is stepping out into the unknown with nothing to guide us but a hand just beyond our grasp.
Frederick Buechner
EXPO 1967 in Montreal, Canada
50 years ago, the Ghent Reformed Church Youth Group, under the guidance of Rev. Chuck Hesselink, worked very hard to collect the funds necessary to go camping and attend the Expo in Canada. They even had a “slave auction” where the kids were “auctioned off”. The maximum work time was 3 hours. Those who participated were Betsy, Billy, Carol, Chuck, Dave, Jack, Joanne, John Judy, Leslie, Liz, Mike & Nancy.
Recently, Rev. Hesselink found the hand-outs for that sojourn and sent them to me. (I was amazed at the detail of what each child was to pack, what the menu was for each day and who was performing each daily task. So, I thought I would share it with you. A real “blast from the past!”)
Girl’s Clothing & Personal Items:
Dress you wear to expo, underwear, slip, 2 skirts, 3 sleeveless tops, 2 shorts, dungarees, sweat-shirt, bathing suit & cap, pajamas (flannel), sweater (for w/skirt), 2 pair walking shoes (sneakers), flats or sandals, curlers & pins, plastic bag for comb & brush, deodorant, tooth brush & paste, shampoo.
Boy’s Clothing & Personal Items:
Underwear, 3 pair pants, 3 shirts, sweat-shirt, 5 pair socks, deodorant, shoes, swimming suits, athletic supporter, pajamas (flannel if possible), jacket, shaving supplies, hair care equipment
Each person is responsible for:
Sleeping equipment, silverware, rain equipment, extra shoes, flashlight, bug repellent, soap, 2 wash cloths & bath towels, tooth brush & paste, toilet articles, camera & film (optional), spending money
Each day 2 kids were assigned to Tent Cleanup, 2 were assigned to prepare each meal and 2 were assigned to do the dishes after each meal. Chuck & Carol also helped with these tasks. Everyone helped to set up and break down camp. Not only were assignments listed by day next to the menu, but they were then listed by each person’s name on a separate piece of paper. All you had to do was find your name (in alphabetical order) and you would know for certain what you were supposed to be doing and when.
On Monday and Wednesday, supper was eaten at the Expo. $1 was supplied toward the cost of your meal. On Thursday, lunch was at a restaurant in Canada, along with another $1 supplied. ($1 won’t buy a bottle of water or a bag of potato chips today.)
Here are some sample menus:
Breakfast 1: pancakes, bacon, pineapple-grapefruit juice, coffee, tea, hot chocolate
Breakfast 2: assorted cold cereals, donuts, Tang, coffee, tea, hot chocolate
Breakfast 3: scrambled eggs, sausage, grape juice, coffee, tea, hot chocolate
Lunch 1: PB&J sandwiches, potato chips, cookies, apples
Lunch 2: hamburger, buns, catsup, mustard, baked beans, soda, brownies
Lunch 3: cold cut & cheese sandwiches, celery & carrot sticks, raisins
Supper 1: Spaghetti w/grated cheese, tossed salad, salad dressing, bread & butter, jello
Supper 2: hot dogs, rolls, catsup, mustard, green beans, potato chips, peaches, milk
My personal favorite is Lunch on the last day before packing up and leaving right after lunch:
Sandwiches, peanut butter & jelly, jam, any leftover edibles, milk.
2017 GRC Budget Highlights:
The 2017 budget was presented to the Congregation and passed. The 2016 budget was $118,337. The total budget for the coming year is $115,003. This represents a decrease in the amount of $3,374.
There are copies of the entire budget on the bookcase outside the Office, but here are some of the line items that were decreased.
• Denominational Assessment ($857)
• Parsonage Electric ($300)
• Mileage Reimbursement ($500)
• Worker’s Comp ($600)
• Church Heat ($1,500)
• Office Supplies ($300)
SENIOR VERSION OF JESUS LOVES ME
An Atlanta Church was honoring one of its senior pastors who had been
retired many years. He was 92 at that time and I wondered why the church
even bothered to ask the old gentleman to preach at that age. After a warm
welcome, introduction of this speaker, and as the applause quieted down,
he rose from his high back chair and walked slowly, with great effort and
a sliding gait to the podium. Without a note or written paper of any kind
he placed both hands on the pulpit to steady himself and then quietly and
slowly he began to speak....
"When I was asked to come here today and talk to you, your pastor asked me
to tell you what was the greatest lesson ever learned in my 50-odd years
of preaching. I thought about it for a few days and boiled it down to just
one thing that made the most difference in my life and sustained me
through all my trials.. The one thing that I could always rely on when
tears and heartbreak and pain and fear and sorrow paralyzed me...
The only thing that would comfort was this verse......
"Jesus loves me this I know.
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong,
We are weak but He is strong.....
Yes, Jesus loves me....
The Bible tells me so."
The old pastor stated, "I always noticed that it was the adults who chose
the children's hymn 'Jesus Loves Me' (for the children of course) during a
hymn sing, and it was the adults who sang the loudest because I could see
they knew it the best."
"Here for you now is a Senior version of Jesus Loves Me":
JESUS LOVES ME
Jesus loves me, this I know,
Though my hair is white as snow
Though my sight is growing dim,
Still He bids me trust in Him.
(CHORUS)
YES, JESUS LOVES ME.. YES, JESUS LOVES ME..
YES, JESUS LOVES ME, FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO.
Though my steps are oh, so slow,
With my hand in His I'll go
On through life, let come what may,
He'll be there to lead the way.
(CHORUS)
When the nights are dark and long,
In my heart He puts a song..
Telling me in words so clear,
"Have no fear, for I am near."
(CHORUS)
When my work on earth is done,
And life's victories have been won.
He will take me home above,
Then I'll understand His love.
(CHORUS)
I love Jesus, does He know?
Have I ever told Him so?
Jesus loves to hear me say,
That I love Him every day.
(CHORUS)
Community Hospice
The Community Hospice provides free support to children, teens, adults and families who have experienced the
death of a family member or friend, regardless of the cause of death.
For more information, you can call our local Community Hospice in Catskill at 943-5402 or go on line at: www.HospiceGriefServices.com.
GHENT REFORMED CHURCH
July 29, 2018
Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
Today’s Worship Leader: Rev. Matthew Charde
1039 ROUTE 22, GHENT, NY 12075
518-828-5946 www.angelfire.com/ny5/ghent_ref_church
“We come from where we are and as we are to worship God, to mirror Christ’s teaching and to go where the Spirit leads us; encouraging, informing, nurturing and sustaining those known to us and those whom we have yet to meet.”
We Enter God’s Presence
PRELUDE
WELCOME & PREPARATION -
CALL TO WORSHIP
L: We worship the God who inhabits our world and indwells in our lives.
P : We need not look up to find God, we need only to look around; within ourselves, beyond ourselves, into the lives of others.
L: We need not listen for distant thunder to find God.
P: We need only to listen to the music of life, the wisdom of the aged, the questions of children, the queries of the curious, the rhythm of a heartbeat.
L: We worship the God who inhabits our world and indwells in our lives.
A: COME, HOLY GOD, ABIDE IN US AND GO WITH US. AMEN.
LIGHTING OF CHRIST CANDLE
*HYMN "To God Be The Glory” See opposite page
CALL TO RECONCILIATION
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Amen.
KYRIE (sung unison) Lord, have mercy upon us; Christ have mercy upon us; Lord have mercy upon us.
WORDS OF PEACE AND PARDON
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE (if in attendance)
*UNISON READING
In the beginning the Word already existed; the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 From the very beginning the Word was with God. 3 Through him God made all things; not one thing in all creation was made without him. 4 The Word was the source of life, and this life brought light to people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out.
6 God sent his messenger, a man named John, 7 who came to tell people about the light, so that all should hear the message and believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came to tell about the light. 9 This was the real light—the light that comes into the world and shines on all people.
10 The Word was in the world, and though God made the world through him, yet the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to his own country, but his own people did not receive him. 12 Some, however, did receive him and believed in him; so he gave them the right to become God's children. 13 They did not become God's children by natural means, that is, by being born as the children of a human father; God himself was their Father. 14 The Word became a human being and, full of grace and truth, lived among us. We saw his glory, the glory which he received as the Father's only Son.
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH The Apostles' Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; he descended into Hell. The third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen
*GLORIA PATRI #559
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. World without end. Amen. Amen.
*Hymn “Great is Thy Faithfulness (page 8 of bulletin)
We Hear God’s Word
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
New Testament Lesson John 15:1-8
“I am the real vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He breaks off every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and he prunes every branch that does bear fruit, so that it will be clean and bear more fruit. 3 You have been made clean already by the teaching I have given you. 4 Remain united to me, and I will remain united to you. A branch cannot bear fruit by itself; it can do so only if it remains in the vine. In the same way you cannot bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5 “I am the vine, and you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will bear much fruit; for you can do nothing without me. 6 Those who do not remain in me are thrown out like a branch and dry up; such branches are gathered up and thrown into the fire, where they are burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, then you will ask for anything you wish, and you shall have it. 8 My Father's glory is shown by your bearing much fruit; and in this way you become my disciples.
Reader: This is the word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
MESSAGE: "ABIDING IN CHRIST”
We Respond in Thanksgiving
OFFERING OUR GIFTS
DOXOLOGY
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND PRAYER/PRAISE CONCERNS
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & LORD’S PRAYER
*CLOSING HYMN: “How Great Thou Art” (page 9 of bulletin)
BENEDICTION
We Go Forth to Serve Our LORD!
THANK YOU
Thank you Matthew for leading us in worship today.
May your words be enlightening and inspirational.
**8/4 WORSHIP LEADER: REV. DANIEL FERRITTO **
YOUR NEW CONSISTORY LEADERS:
Liz Grattan 518-758-6633 Bonnie Pflegl 518-828-6425
Bob Gardinier 518-828-6355 Peter Schertel 518-653-6173
Robbie Keller 518-758-7824 Rebecca Preusser 518-929-2856
Max Jones 518-965-5054 Bootie Fenoff 518-392-4805
CHURCH FAIR
Our annual Church Fair will be held on Saturday, September 22nd. Liz Grattan, Lisa Meaney and Robbie Keller have volunteered to be Co-Chairs of this event. They will be contacting you to see if you are willing to help, perhaps as you have done in the past.
We needs you to help sell raffle tickets for the lap quilts that Elaine Rivenburgh has put together for the Church Fair. THANK YOU!!
PILL BOTTLES
Bootie is collecting empty pill bottles, with caps, for the Lions Club. They in turn send them to third-world countries, who then use them to dispense medicine. When they don’t have pill bottles, they dispense the pills into the bare hands of those in need. We can help.
*****NEEDED*****
The Sexton needs to borrow a shop vacuum to clean out all of the icky things
in the windows. Please get in touch with Penny if you can help.
PASTORAL SEARCH COMMITTEE
Rebecca Preusser is the Chair of this Committee and Kim Meade is the Co-Chair. Nicolas Tipple, Virginia Schertel, Brian Leggett and Cindy Tipple complete the Committee.
UPCOMING EVENTS
8/12 Consistory Meeting 10:45am
8/20 Cancer Support Group (see Bootie for location) 5:30pm
8/20 Outreach Meeting (here) 6:30pm
8/24 WWD 11:30am
9/9 Consistory Meeting 10:15am
9/22 Church Fair 9am-3pm
10/13 Ghent Community Day
10/20 Fresh Ham Dinner
11/6 Election Day Café
11/17 Holiday Gift Fair
CAMP FOWLER
Camp begins on June 24th. A schedule is posted on the bulletin board. If you are in grades 3 through 12, there are programs designed just for you. Costs for camping are $380 for a mini week and $425 for a full week. Be sure to register early as some of the classes fill up quickly.
As in the past, we would like to sponsor as many youth as we can. Just write a note to the Consistory by June 13th and tell them why you want to attend Camp. Depending upon how many requests they have will determine the amount of the scholarship that the Church can provide.
Congrats to Mary who will be a Counselor at Fowler this summer. And our prayers and best wishes to Gloria who has been volunteering at the Camp for years. May you each be as blessed as the people we know you will bless!
DADS & GRADS
On Sunday, June 17th, during service, we are honoring all Dads and presenting a gift to our graduating seniors. Please join us for a covered-dish brunch/picnic after service.
CHURCH FAIR QUILTS
Elaine has prepared 3 lap quilts for us this year. The stained glass window with cardinals is hand-embroidered and has taken her over a year to finish. And this year we have 2 quilts that will have appeal for the men in your life. One is of fishermen and one is of deer. They would make great Christmas gifts for that man you don’t know what to buy for.
Each quilt has a retail value of at least $300 and the workmanship is superb. Raffle tickets were sent to everyone in the Newsletter, and thank you to those who have already returned their sold tickets. Please help us make this a successful raffle. If you need more tickets, they are available in the office. The drawing will be at our Church Fair on September 22. Thank you.
HIS LOVING HANDS
CAPITAL CITY RESCUE MISSION
THANK YOU!!! Your generous donations are feeding over 200 people their Easter dinner. You are a blessing……and blessed. $415.00
CLASSIS DUES
Classis dues for the upcoming year will be $94.68. This amount is for each confessing member of all churches in the Columbia-Greene Classis. If you can, we ask that you add this amount with your giving. Anything you can contribute will be that much less we have to try to collect through our fund-raising efforts. Thank you.
HELP IS NEEDED!!!
The Ghent Food Pantry needs volunteers Monday thru Thursday from 9am to 12pm. Schedule is very flexible. Please call Linda Reed at 392-4819 or stop by the Pantry in the Ghent Town Hall during our open hours.
ADDRESS CHANGE: April Pomeroy, 57 Woodbridge Ave., Apt. #1, Chatham, NY 12037
Phone: 518-392-0611 Cell: 518-653-0408
PRAYER REQUESTS
Please pray for the following during the week of July 29-August 4: Mary Ann Shook; Lori Shufelt; Gary Stock; Jennifer Sweet; Stephanie Phillips; Bruce & Cindy Tipple; Nicolas & Erika Tipple;
BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: July 29-Nick Amoroso & Bert McClure-Long; 31-Dorothy Losee; August 1-Nancy Ranft; 2-Frank & Bonnie Pflegl;
Medical Problems: Marilyn Bozik; Brenda Brooks; Doris Buckley; Mike Burrows; Sally Charron; Ed Coon; Lisa Coons; Joan Coursen; Willie Craver & Petrena Craver; Betty Crosby; Jen Daley; Marcy Daniel; Donna Davis; Dillon; Eryn; Ida Gorden; Mark Graziano; Austin Grey; Karen Haas; Carol Hesselink; Isabelle; Barbara Jenrich; Tina Johnson; Andy Jones; Dan Jones’ student’s Grandmother Mary Jane & friend-Steve; Jo-Jo (Kathy Jones’ niece); Robbie’s friend-Holly; Bill Kimmel; Barbara Kinser; Emily Lanphere; Ralph Lasselle; Marsha Leggett; Roberta and Jill (Rick’s coworkers); Tom Lezette; Mando; Melissa McCreedy; Jason Meaney; Pam Meehan; Paulette Michaels; Bill Mink; Jeanette Mink; John Moak; Erin Moeller; Nicholas Mossman; Marion Ozga; Dan Perry, Jr.; Laura Piester; Katie Pomeroy; Robbie Pomeroy; Susan Reno; Nancy Rivenburg; Nancy Romanchuk; Tom Romanchuk; Sandy; Kathleen Scherer; Mary Ann Shook; Dawn Slater; Jean Smith; Elizabeth Stalker; Vicky Stevers; Nancy Stinard; Clara Stoddard; Sharon Story; Pam Stubbs; Cornelia Sutter; Brent Tipple; Nora’s student; Ryan Van Brunt; Suzanne Van Brunt; Phyllis Yandick; William & Carol, his Mom;
Surgery Healing: Alice; Kathy Jones’ step sister Romana; Judy; Ellie Millback; Ben Olsen; Gilbert Raab; Peter Schertel; Larry Schut; Barbara Slater; Albert Studley; Larry Van Brunt; John Wishon;
Distress: Marie Cullen; Florence Kring; Adrianna Mendel’s family; Judy Spadaro; those with addictions and their families;
Mourning: Family and friends of: (5/18) Birge Calhoun; Mark Graziano; Betty Lou Meltz; Marjorie Pellicciotti; (6/18) Richard Dunbar; Mary Comstock Gansowski; Linda Rutherford; Paul Silvernail; (7/18) Harold Davis; Russ Johnson;
Support & Strength: Nancy Berninger; Angie Burch; Mary Colvin; Debbie Debella; Maria Eastwood; Barbara & John Gansowski; Liz Grattan’s family; Heidi Howard & family; Jensen Howard; Kathy Jones’ friend Ida; Ashlynn Keller; Clara Lasselle; Lynn’s Mom; Bert & Nancy McClure-Long; William Mink family; Dani Marie Jones; Louise Jones; Meredith & her family; Tyler Mort; Jessica & John Mossing; Arlene Oldrich; Melanie & Cory Olsen; Preusser family; Frank Rizzi; Juanita Salas-Jackson; Penny Schertel; Virginia Schertel; Barbara Stevens; Nora Van Brunt; Phyllis Yandick;
Praise & Thanks: Nancy Berninger: Room 131 @ Whittier, 30 Whittier Way, Ghent, 12075;
Frank Rizzi-Room 116 @ Whittier Assisted Living, 30 Whittier Way, Ghent, 12075;
Larry Van Brunt is back at Whittier Rehab, 1 Green Manor Ave., Ghent, 12075;
Service Men & Women: Robert Story; veterans; all men & women who are currently serving;
HERE I AM, LORD
1. I, the Lord of sea and sky, I have heard My people cry.
All who dwell in deepest sin My hand will save.
I who made the stars at night, I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear my light to them? Whom shall I send?
(Refrain)
Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.
2. I, the Lord of snow and rain, I have borne My people’s pain.
I have wept for love of them, They turn away.
I will break their hearts of stone, Give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak My word to them, Whom shall I send?
(Refrain)
3. I, the Lord of wind and flame, I will tend the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them, My hand will save.
Finest bread I will provide Till their hearts be satisfied.
I will give My life to them. Whom shall I send?
(Refrain)
