Inter-Church 2009 Lenten Series, Thursdays at 7pm

Begin the Journey

Please bring a non-perishable food item for our local Food Pantries!

Date                Location                                    Preacher and Topic

March 5           St. Vincent de Paul, Pastor Ray Richards, Know Yourself that You Might Know God

March 12         Lawyersville Reformed, Connie James, SND, Getting Back in Order that You Might Go Forward

March 19          Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Pastor Martin Batcher, Journey Through the Wall

March 26         Cobleskill United Methodist, Pastor Jennifer Boyd, Grief and Loss

April 2              Cobleskill Assembly of God, At St. Vincent de Paul, Pastor Pam Mikel Hayes, Discover the Rhythms of the Daily Office and Sabbath

Pastoral Reflections

“Let all things be done for building up.” (I Corinthians 14:26c)

It’s the proverbial “elephant in the room”.  Some want it to just finally go away; we’ve already discussed it a thousand times.  Others want it to stay until something changes-often the way that they want it.  Some chose to ignore it while everyone else is trying to push the “elephant” out while the others try to pull it in farther.

You know what I am talking about-it is worship (for some, it’s the time, for others, it’s the style or even the place).  Before the 8:30am service started, the talk was about abolishing services at St. Matthew’s.  Each argument does not seem to be new; we know and have heard them all again and again-whether the reasons be about attendance, being all together, finances, having the choices of times and/or style and more.

Whatever the reasons, the reality is that these discussions (or arguments) have brought forth divisions between “us” and “them”.  We can claim that we are not together because of the time differences, but we are often not together because we take sides, setting up the “line in the sand” for what I want or need for my life.

This has been our past.  However, we now are afforded the opportunity to transform our future-both in terms of worship, but also in how we approach this potential time of change.  We can chose to continue to take sides, fighting for our way; or we can seek to discern what is the worship mission of the congregation that we are called to be participants in.  What will we do with this elephant??

Something is going to change-there is no question about that-Pastor Gary, in the foreseeable future, will no longer be able to lead us in worship.  Decisions will have to be made-not based on what I want as a pastor, what the council decides or what the majority decision is-but based first and foremost on how we can best live out God’s mission.  While informal discussions have begun with Church Council and the Worship/Music committee, we need to all enter into the discernment process.

On Sunday, March 15th (1pm In Zion’s Assembly Hall), we will be having the first gathering of this Discernment process.  We need you to be a part of this process.  It will be a time of Bible study, brainstorming, prayer and discussion.

I pray that this time of discernment will be God-centered and filled with the forgiving grace of Christ.  I pray that we may move beyond the divisions and be united in what God has in store for us.  I pray for your participation in this prayerful time-for God has called YOU to be a part of it.

Pastor Jen

Highlights from Congregation Council Meeting of

February 12, 2009

Present: Don Alkinburg, Dan Bates, Nancy DeSando, John Jarvis, Jeanne Mau, Andre Nadeau, Chris Thaxter, Frieda Thorington, Sandy Thorington, Judith Warner, Karen Wilson, and Pr. Jennifer Boyd.

Excused: Tom Collins, Ron Trask.

Meeting called to order by Pres. Alkinburg at 7:07 p.m. Devotions were by Karen Wilson.

Study Period: A Covenant was drawn up by council members between them and the congregation and signed by members present.

Report of Synod & Foothills Conference: Pastor gave a report of Synod draft budget to be voted on at Assembly.  Foothills Conference will be held at St. Marks, Middleburgh on April 25.

Correspondence: Gave newsletters from other churches to each member.

Minutes of Dec. 15 & Jan. 8, meeting approved.

Current Mission Projects:

Web Site: Is up and running and members will receive March newsletter on it.

Lifeline Screening Report: All went well, and helped several people.

Church Insurance: Andre will check with Fake Ins. to see if they have updated the coverage since all new additions.  Will check with quote from Church Mutual.

Samaritan Fund: Funds are okay at present.  More people are coming in for assistance.

SCHOPEG: The committee will be check on what is needed, have not been able to do it.

Homeless Shelter: Several people from the faith community in Cobleskill met on Feb. 11 to discuss the possibility and if there is a need for a shelter to open in our county.  Will meet again on March 1 at 2:00 p.m. at Zion.

Cleaning Stewarts: Much discussion, there will be a planning meeting for those interested in helping with the cleaning.

Evangelism/Outreach: Tom Collins & Chris Thaxter will serve on this committee, would like other members to join them.

Easter Breakfast: Don A. will chair the committee.

Finance Report: Reviewed the report with Jeanne Mau, Motion made and seconded to accept the report.

Ministry Team Reports:

St. Matthew’s: Will hold a Cabin Fever party on March 7.

W.E.L.C.A: Sent $90 to Barnyard program.  Meet the second Saturday of each month at 10:00.

FROG: Planning 30 hr. famine and going to Kingdom Bound this summer.

Social: Food pantry had 13 people come in and food will serve 40 people.  John J. will be going to Albany to get Crop Walk information.

Property: Special Thank You to Everett Merrill, Ed Eldredge & Carleton France for all their help throughout the year.  Read some cost of gas used.  Parsonage for 69 days $14.08 a day, church for 54 days is $49.13 a day.  Needs to check electric heaters in use at both churches.  Has filled out and sent in $500 rebates for new furnaces.  Outdoor sexton was needed 16 times from Dec. 31 to Jan 30.

Events: Will be having a planning meeting.  Will serve refreshments at Mid Week Lenten service at Zion.

Motion to adjourn at 9:43 p.m.

Closed meeting with a prayer by Pr. Boyd.

Submitted by

Karen Wilson, Council Secretary

Local Clergy Planning Ecumenical Lenten Worship

The members of the Cobleskill-area United Ministries are now planning a five-part series of Thursday night  Lenten worship services at four different churches.

The first service will be at 7:00 PM on Thursday, March 5, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Community.  Pastor Ray Richards of Calvary Assembly of God  will preach on  the topic “Know Yourself  That You May Know God.”

There will be a coffee hour, sponsored by the host church,  after each service.

Each person  attending a worship  service in the series is  being asked to donate a canned food item that will go to a local food pantry.

Zion will host the March 11 service, when Pr. Marvin Batcher of the Richmondville United Methodist Church will provide the message.

Pastor Jen will preach at the Cobleskill United Methodist Church on Thursday, March 26.

All sermons in the five-part series  are based on the book  Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by the Rev. Peter Scazerro.

Anyone with questions can call John Jarvis at 518-234-2933 for more information.

On-line Lenten Bible Study?

Would you be interested in participating in an email Bible study and discussion group?

I will be sending out Bible readings with questions for you to reflect upon, then you will be invited to “reply all” to share these reflections and/or other questions you may have.

If you are interested, please contact Pastor Jen at revjedyer1@yahoo.com to sign up today.

Cell Phones for Soldiers Recycling Program

Do you have an old cell phone that you don’t know what to do with?

You can donate them to an organization that gives them to our soldiers to use to phone family and friends.

Go to: www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com to get a pre-paid shipping label, information and more.

Welcome New Members!

On Sunday, Feb. 22nd we welcomed seven new members into the life of the community.  We receive them as a blessing and a gift from God in our midst.  Please take the opportunity to welcome and to get to know them as these blessings.

They are:  Leon & Teddy Beaver, Ken Von Thaden, Rick & Mary Townsend,  Matt Stokes, and Michael Boyd (associate member).

Zion’s W.E.L.C.A Circle News

Have you looked at the waterlily symbol for Women of the ELCA lately?  Water lilies have long stems that anchor firmly to the bottom of the pond or lake.  They bob up and down in choppy water but always come back to the surface to show their delicate petals and broad leaves.  In much the same way our strong faith in God keeps us anchored through the storms of life giving us the ability to bounce back.  During this Lenten season let us make sure that our faith is securely anchored in God.

At our February meeting nine ladies tied off two quilts for Lutheran World Relief.  Thanks be to God for the quilt tops donated by Mary Townsend.  When you have finished the square from a quilt kit return it to our WELCA table; these will be put together with plain 22 inch squares for a 60×80inch quilt top.

Our next meeting will be March 14, 2009 from 10am to noon in Zion’s assembly hall.  Our Bible study will be from the March issue of Lutheran Woman Today based on the book of Esther.  Bring your Bibles and materials for making Easter baskets for children (these will be given out at Zion’s Food Pantry day, March 28, 2009.

Knitted Baby Caps – Thanks to everyone who brought in these tiny caps.  Our box already has  quite a few.  Let’s see if we can fill it to the top.  The pattern is available at our table in the assembly hall at Zion.

Prayer Shawls – The pattern notebook for prayer shawls is on our WELCA table in Zion’s assembly hall.  Next to it you will find a card file box with the different cards that can be given with the shawls.  Completed shawls are in the tub next to the table.  Please keep knitting and crocheting – the warmth and prayers in each shawl are a great comfort and strength to those who receive them.  God also blesses you as you work.  This is a great way to share His love.

Books to Share

What is the last book that you read that really made you stop and think?

Maybe it was an inspirational novel about someone’s life.  Or a Christian book that gave you new insights into God.  Or it might have been one that gave you new skills to learn and to try.

Would you like to share that book with others?  Would you like to have an opportunity to talk about that book with others?

Write a review here.  Gather a book discussion group-online or in person. Recommend it to others.

Family News

CJ Becker: To keep up to date on how Cassandra “CJ” Becker is doing, check out this website; you can also send her notes by signing the guest book: www.caringbridge.org/visit/cassandrajeanbecker

CONGRATULATIONS to Ken Von Thaden for being recognized by Cobleskill Partnership, Inc. as one of the new businesses of the year with his store Wood & Wool.

CONGRATULATIONS to Christopher Becker for being selected a troop leader at his Marine basic training

Would you like to share good news with the congregation?   You are invited to let us know about those important events or happenings in your life so that we may share in your joy and offer our…

THANKS BE TO GOD!

Reclaiming the Church

On the Road to Transformation

Discerning the will of God…?. often seems to be an elusive endeavor: how can we know the mind of Christ??

Discernment is a process that embodies more than just what I think or feel.  Some of the discernment resources include:

Pray first: not just telling God our thoughts, ideas, questions, but listening

Bible study: what scripture relates to the issue at hand; What did God do or say in relation to it and how did the people respond?

Conversation with others: Gather with other people, praying, reflecting and talking together.  Share thoughts and ideas which fulfill God’s mission of love, forgiveness, grace in relationship to the issue or questions.

As we work towards transformation, it is the discernment of God’s will for us as people of faith that is central and vital in this process.

Prayerfully, join us in this time that we may be transformed by God’s grace.

Marks of Discipleship

Called to follow Jesus, we will strive to

Pray Daily

Worship weekly

Read the Bible regularly

Serve at and beyond our congregation

Be in a relationship to encourage spiritual growth in others

Give of my time, talents and resourc

Stewardship

Willing Witnesses of God’s Grace

One of the hymns which stirs our spirits to thankfulness, confidence, and hope is “The Church’s One Foundation.” As members of the Body of Christ, we ask, “How can we more fully and more effectively accomplish Christ’s ministry?”  One way is to become a “Willing Witnesses” of our faith.  We are part of the Church’s Foundation today and can serve as stewards of our earthly gifts beyond day-to-day and week-to-week offerings.  One way we can do this is with a will.

Why a Will? A will is your direction in writing, controlling the disposition of your property at death.  Perhaps you have heard someone say, “I don’t need a will because I don’t have very much money, and anyway, the law will take car of distribution of my property.”  Or you may be thinking, “I haven’t written my will yet because I’m just too busy.”

What you may not realize is how much your surviving family can suffer unnecessarily – financially and in other ways – if you die without a will.  First, you are probably worth much more than you think you are.  When determining net worth, remember your life insurance, pension, profit-sharing benefits, property, stock options, and compensation payable on death.  Secondly, the decision you do not make will be made for you.  The law of the state will distribute your property, in ways that might not satisfy you if you were there to witness it.

Having a will also allows you to proclaim your faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and witness God’s love to the people of the world through a gift from your estate.  The execution of a will may be your final action as God’s “Willing Witness.”

What is a Bequest? A bequest is one way you can make a special gift to the church after death.  The most common are the bequest of a specific dollar amount or a percentage of an estate.  A specific request is the most common way of giving an amount of money or a specific piece of property.  A residuary bequest gives all or a specified portion of assets remaining in an estate after debts, taxes, expenses and other bequests have been paid.

There are many options available for making estate gifts.  Options include primary beneficiary designation on a life insurance policy; remainder interest in a retirement plan, IRA, or Keogh account; a “Payable on Death” designation on a savings account or CD; a remainder interest in a Charitable Life Income Trust/Annuity; a remainder interest in a revocable Living Trust.

For more information on becoming a “Willing Witness,” please feel free to contact the ELCA Foundation, 1-800-638-3522, extension 2970.

Faith Reflection: What plans have I made, that will honor God and support ministry at the time when I will no longer need my worldly possessions?

Vacation Bible School 2009

It is not too late to plan.  Vacation Bible school will be July 20-24, 2009.  This year we are going “Down Under.”  No, not there…We are going to Australia!

Are you an artist?  We need a sign for Vacation Bible School.  Kangaroos, koalas, and boomerangs abound.  Please consider this ministry.  Any questions, see Lanny Barsale.

St. Matthew’s Matters

Eight members of the St. Matthew’s Chapel Ministry Board met at 7:05 PM  on Tuesday, February 3.  Nine of twelve members attended.

We opened with a prayer led by Pastor Jen.

Before the meeting really got underway, the Ministry Board, hereafter referred to as the MB, decided to cancel the Valentine’s Day party for  the children of the Sharon Springs area because so many Chapel families would be out of town that day.
Then we resumed our usual round-table format, with Pastor Jen leading off with a question about our reactions to the recent annual meeting. The consensus seemed to be that the meeting was waaaaaaaay tooooooo long.  Referring to the annual meeting, our pastor told the MB who the three new Council officers will be for 2009. Our own Tom Collins will be serving as the vice president.

Pastor Jen also talked about the February 11 meeting at Zion concerning the chances of having a homeless shelter in Schoharie County.

Sunday school coordinator John Jarvis talked about the connection between the Chapel’s Sunday school schedule and the calendars of the local public schools.

The group then began to make plans for the March 7 cabin fever party. Topics of discussion included  games, desserts, publicity, where to buy the pizza and adult supervision of the children that will be playing games upstairs in Marcy’s Sunday school room while the parents mingle downstairs in the fellowship hall.

Sexton Dave Costello told the MB how he would like to replace outside lights in the spring.

He also talked about some icy spots, which  never see the sun,  in our church parking lot.

Jackie Costello reminded us that the local Boy Scouts will be at the Chapel to help with the service on Boy Scout Sunday. Scouts will also provide goodies for the coffee hour.

Council member Dave Hayner expressed his concerns about the future of our church in the months and years ahead.  Much discussion followed.

The unusually long meeting adjourned at 8:13 PM with the Lord’s Prayer.

At St. Matthew’s Chapel there is much to be thankful for, including local Boy Scouts and cabin fever parties.

Thanks be to God!!

Anyone with questions about this report can call John at 234-2933 for more information.

In service to Christ and his Church,
John Jarvis,
Ministry Board secretary

New Research on Cell Phones

Like many Americans, in late December 2008, I made health-related resolutions for  2009.

1. I resolved to work less in 2009 than I did in 2008.

2. I resolved to eat less than I did last year.

3. I resolved to sleep more in 2009 than I did in 2008.

4. I resolved to read more in 2009 than I did last year.

5. I resolved to use my home phone more and  my cell phone even less than I did in 2008.

I resolved to use my cell phone less and landline more in 2009? Why?

The December 26 issue of THE WEEK has a report on things to avoid.  Let me quote:

Cell phone radiation isn’t  as harmless as you might think, a new group of studies has concluded. Preliminary results from an international study  show some correlation between long-term cell phone use and brain tumors, prompting a cancer researcher to  warn staff members to limit their cell phone use. “I find the old adage ‘Better safe than sorry’ to be very apt  to this situation,” said  Ronald Herberman, director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer  Institute.

What I find interesting about this report is that I found nothing new: I have been reading for years about the possible long-term dangers of cell phone radiation. Such warnings usually come from Europe, rarely from  America.

Over the years I have read many rebuttals of those European findings, rebuttals coming from American researchers telling us not to worry.  One such report appearing  on Cable Headline News was funded by the telecommunications industry, a group of corporations more interested in its profits than in my health. I immediately dismissed that rebuttal as biased.

Ronald Herberman  does cancer research for a university; he does not work for a corporation that markets cell phones. I trust him more than the telecommunications industry, so in 2009 I will use my cell phone to make only emergency phone calls.

Thirty years from now my tumor-free brain may thank me.

By the way, if you are wondering how I am doing with my five resolutions for 2009, the only one  with which I am having any success at all is Number Five: I am using my cell phone much less than I did last year.

Unfortunately, a 20% rate of success is  not very good by any standard.

In His name and image,
John Jarvis, Health Ministries

Prayer Partners

We give great thanks for all those who participate in the phone tree for prayers.  If you would like to participate in this group, please contact Janice Ashford (234-0910)

If you are interested in the email version of this group , please contact  Pastor Jen and let her know (revjedyer1@yahoo.com).

Pastoral Care

In Pastor Jen’s  absence, please contact Pastor Gary Edmister (294-6656), the church office, one of the deacons and/or the church Council.  We all want to make sure that you have the spiritual care that you need in the midst of personal crises and emergencies.

Please also make sure that Pastor Jen knows of this pastoral care need by the time of her return.

Weekly Worship Service attendance

Date                8:30am            9am         11am

January 25     62                    26            32

February 1     54                    17            39

February 8     58                    33            30

February 15   51                    17            21