Zion Life Newsletter July & August 2009
Summer Worship Schedule
With Pastor Gary’s retirement, we decided to try some different things for the summer month’s with the worship schedule. These are TEMPORARY for the months of July and August only (see the separate article about the future of our services). Please make note of them for your calendars.
July: 9am St. Matthew’s - 11am Zion - Saturday evening: 5:30 pm at Zion
August: 9am Zion and St. Matthew’s - Saturday evening: 5:30 pm at Zion
Traditional style worship will continue at St. Matthew’s; Zion will alternate styles or use a blended format (depending on the availability of musicians).
If you have any questions, see Pastor Jen or any of the Church Council members.
Pastoral Reflections
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Colossians 3:16)
In 2007 the ELCA churchwide assembly voted to embrace an initiative called Book of Faith. The bold vision for this five-year initiative is: That the whole church become more fluent in the first language of faith, the language of scripture, in order that we might live into our calling as a people renewed, enlivened, empowered, and sent by the Word.
Yet, more than just a program or a time-determined initiative, this calling back to scripture is central to our lives as people of God. The Bible is more than just nice words that we hear on Sunday mornings or even that we read in a time of devotions at home. It is more than just moral directives or a history book.
This Book of Faith is God speaking directly to us – individually and congregationally – where we are at in our lives. The Bible is not disconnected from our lives. We can often be disconnected from the Bible. Let me give you a couple of examples:
The teenage world can be filled with drama – so the youth tell me and I try not to remember – who likes who, which friend is mad at who, who is “in” and who is “out” (which can change daily). Self-image is often determined by how these events are played out. What does the Bible have to say? We are reminded that we are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27 & 2 Corinthians 3:18) and that we are worth more than what the world or others tell us (see Luke 12:24 or any of the stories of Jesus eating with “outsiders”). While the approval of peers can seem vital at times to their lives, confidence in self can grow when we see ourselves – and others – as God sees us.
Another example: Many people deal with not just busy schedules, but overwhelming calendars. Some days there is not even a chance to take a breath, much less do devotions, relax or even have fun (that has to be scheduled in). When we hear the verse, “be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10), we scoff and say we don’t have time or maybe later. Yet, God keeps repeating that verse to us again and again. It’s not that God does not understand our lives, but we don’t understand what God is saying to us – that is until we fall exhausted, get sick and can do nothing else be rest. We are told – again from the time of creation – that rest/Sabbath time is vital for our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. God tells us he is God and we aren’t; we can’t do everything, but what we can rely upon is God’s strength to help us in the times of extreme busyness and stress (Philippians 4:13).
Rather than looking at scripture for what we want it to tell us, we are invited to listen to God’s word for what God is saying to us already. Look past what God was saying in the past, but look instead at what is God’s word for you, for us today – what message do we hear? How does it apply to our lives right now? What is God calling us to be, do, become? Hearing God’s Word is more than an initiative – it is our life! Become better acquainted with God – Read the Bible!
Peace in Christ, Pastor Jen
Farewell & Godspeed Pastor Gary Edmister
Pastor Gary has retired from serving us as of the end of June (see summer worship schedule) and will be retiring from St. Paul’s at the end of August.
While we bid him farewell during our worship times, we want to have a chance to share more reflections and celebrate his ministry among us in another way.
We are inviting everyone to share their favorite memory or their thoughts about Pastor Gary’s time among us. We will be putting these together into a scrapbook to give to him and Audrey. If you have any pictures to share, we are looking for those as well. If any of the children want to draw him a picture to include, that would be wonderful.
Please give them to Chris Thaxter or drop them off at the Church office.
Watch for more information about a special meal to be shared with him soon.
Future of Worship
We thank all those who were able to attend the Worship Town Meeting on Sunday, June 21st. There was great discussion and valuable input. We reflected on the strengths and challenges of various worship options (time and style) – all of which will be posted in Zion’s Assembly Hall.
There are a few questions that still need to be resolved:
- Availability of all of the musicians, pastor(s) as well as the congregation
- What are St. Paul’s thoughts and plans for their future pastor?
- What about weekly Communion at all the services?
As some of these questions are answered, we will share the results and be looking for additional input from the congregation over the summer in the form of a survey.
In September, we will be having a special congregational meeting to determine the future of our worship services (date still to be set).
In the meantime, continue in prayer and reflection about God’s direction for us in this discernment process.
Upstate New York Synod 2009 Assembly Wrap-Up
God’s work. Our hands.
“Celebrating Our Differences” (Rev. 7:9)
Resurrection People
Over 500 resurrection people gathered around the theme of ‘Celebrating Our Differences’ in Rochester for the 2009 Synod Assembly of the Upstate New York Synod. The Rev. Amy Walter-Peterson, newly named Director for Evangelical Mission began the Assembly on Thursday evening by facilitating a “World Café” process, which energized participants to tell stories, share thoughts, listen to others, brainstorm and imagine what it means to live our Synod mission together.
Who Pray First
The Assembly was surrounded by prayer. Nate Preisinger led our devotions on Thursday evening. He described Organic Faith, a new mission start in our Synod, introduced us to Gene Synthesis – the sense of what it means to be at the beginning of a shared journey – and showed us how they are using music to begin conversations about faith.
Festive worship was at the center of our time together. Music from Nicaragua, Tanzania, South Africa, Jamaica, Peru, Argentina, and Brazil, as well as the United States and cultures within it floated through the Lilac Ballroom. Bishop Jerge shared signs of hope evident across the church and called worshipers to watch for and share signs of God’s resurrection power at work in our world. Along with the installation of Synod leaders two newly consolidated congregations were received:
• Crossroads Lutheran Church, Amherst
• Emanuel – St. John’s Lutheran Church, Hudson.
Keeping with the multicultural theme of the Assembly, our two ethnic missions led devotions. Todos los Hijos de Dios is our Spanish-speaking mission in Amsterdam. Nile Lutheran Mission in Rochester is a ministry among refugees and others from various parts of Africa. Singing in various languages, we praised God and rejoicing in the changing face of the Synod. Acknowledging our rootedness God’s Word, the Assembly voted to become a “Book of Faith” Synod, committing ourselves to Bible study and becoming more fl uent in the fi rst language of faith.
Walk Together
Senior Pastor Alfred Chana of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zambia (ELCZa) led us in a Bible study of Galatians 3 and taught us a new song that signals our unity in Christ. We were charmed by the keynote speech of the Rev. Rani Abdulmasih, a Palestinian Christian who grew up in Jerusalem and now serves an Arab-American ELCA congregation in Dearborn, MI. With humor and a lively spirit he spoke honestly about the challenges of being a truly multicultural church. Yet he called us to hope grounded in the rhythm of worship: our confession and forgiveness. He suggested that if we confess our sins honestly and allow our hearts to be repeatedly immersed in God’s grace, then we can recognize the deep unity in Christ that we all share. Abdulmasih attended St. Bonaventure in Olean. The synod was delighted to welcome him “home” to Upstate NY. The Assembly took time to discuss the Proposed Social Statement on Human Sexuality and the Report and Recommendations on Ministry Policies. Following a serious and respectful conversation the Assembly took several non-binding votes which indicated strong support for the proposals. The next day the Assembly adopted a memorial to the Churchwide Assembly encouraging adoption of both the Proposed Social Statement and the Recommendations on Ministry Policies. Desiring to honor the bound consciences of those who disagree, the Assembly voted to attach a resolution from St. James Lutheran Church, Bergholz as a dissenting opinion. Seeking to live into the 2009 theme “Celebrating Our Differences” the Assembly:
• Established two at-large Synod Council seats designated for persons of color and/or primary language is other than English.
• Asked the ELCA to make worship and other materials available in Braille, Large Print and audio format.
• Recommitted itself and called on the ELCA as a whole to confront racism in all its expressions.
The Rev. Walter May, Executive for Synodical and Constituent Relations, represented Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson and the Churchwide Organization. He thanked the Synod for their mission support, commented on the number of young adults and youth involved in synodical work and led a workshop. The Assembly honored Linda and Les Larson of St. Paul’s, St. Johnsville as recipients of the Congregational Discipleship Award for 2009. We celebrated with the Rev. James Ziegenfus, Senior of Synod for his 65th anniversary of ordination. We recognized Pastors Peter Brown, John Buerk, Clarence Elliott, Stephen Hluchy, Paul Mertzlufft, Peter Suarez, Gustave Wedemeyer, and E. Werner Weinreich for their 50th anniversaries of ordination. In other offi cial action, the Assembly voted to invite all congregations to engage in disaster preparedness education and adopted several by-law changes. The texts of all resolutions and actions are available on the Synod website (go to http://upstatenysynod.org and choose the Assembly link on the left of the page).
And Change Lives
“We are each our own person, but we can unite as one and be together” says a fi rst year Youth Convo participant who was part of the 35 member strong group that gathered as part of the Assembly. The Synod Hunger Task Force challenged the Assembly to turn faces of hunger to faces of hope and raised over $35,500 – including $6000 from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.
Excited about the strides we have made in synodical mission, we acknowledged the difficulty of declining mission support. We adopted a 2010 Mission Proposal which continues cutbacks in synodical services and ministries. While restoring some support to the Philadelphia Seminary, we heard the challenge to reverse this trend and increase our giving.
To view this article and related photos click on the link below.
http://upstatenysynod.org/documents/assembly-wrapup.pdf
Upstate New York Synod Assembly Report
Submitted by Jean Bakkom
Let me begin by thanking you for giving me the opportunity to attend the Synod Assembly at the end of May 2009. It was held at the Riverside Convention Center in Rochester, New York. We were housed in the Raddison Hotel, which is connected to the Convention Center by a covered walkway. Thank goodness for that. It was pouring rain when we arrived Thursday night. We would have been drenched, if we had to go outside.
Thursday evening we were given an informal opportunity to explore the Synod Mission Statement – “Resurrection people who pray first, walk together and change lives.” We met in small groups to share our understanding of the Statement and how we, as individuals and congregations, are living the Statement.
The theme of the assembly was “Celebrating Our Difference.” As I look back to assemblies I attended some 20 years ago, I see differences we can indeed celebrate. There were more persons of color, not only attending, but in leadership roles. The keynote speaker was the Rev. Rani Abdulmasih, a Christian Palestinian born and raised in Jerusalem. He is the Mission Developer and pastor of Mother of the Savior Lutheran Church, Dearborn, Michigan. Another assembly guest was the Rev. Alfred Chan, Senior Pastor of the Lutheran Church in Zambia, one of our partner churches. Devotions on Friday evening were led by, Todos los Hijos de Dios, and on Saturday morning by members of the Nile Lutheran Mission of Rochester. Members of this congregation are from the Sudan and other African nations. Hymns at the Eucharist Vigil of Pentecost, Friday afternoon were of Asian, Caribbean, Swahili, and South American origin. What a wealth of worship variety!
Changes in the role of women were also evident. I would never have thought that one of the young female pastors I met at one of those assemblies long ago would now be, our gracious Bishop Jerge. She led the Plenary (business) Sessions with poise and good humor. Under her capable hands, we worked our way through some knotty problems.
The assembly finally agreed several resolutions, among which were:
- Memorial Concerning Human Sexuality from the Upstate New York Synod to the 2009 Church-wide Assembly.
- Ushering in Fullness of Leadership in the ELCA for All People.
- Resolution on Support for Program to Make ELCA Materials Available in Braille, Large Print, and Audio Tapes.
- Resolution regarding Disaster Preparedness.
We were made aware of the financial difficulties facing Synod. The proposed budget, which we acted on, reflected the loss of revenue facing Synod. In an effort to reduce costs, the Buffalo office has been closed and other mission efforts have been cut. It is a sad commentary that when the need to reach out to others is greater, the loss of funds make it more difficult to do.
Again, I want to thank you for sending me to the Assembly. It is a wonderful experience to meet with over 600 Lutherans, to make new friends and to gain new insight into God’s purpose for our lives.
Congregation Council Highlights for June 2009
Present: Don Alkinburg, Nancy DeSando, Gordon Emerson, David Hayner, Jeanne Mau, Andre Nadeau, Chris Thaxter, Frieda Thorington, Ron Trask, Karen Wilson and Pastor Jennifer Boyd. Excused: Dan Bates, Tom Collins, John Jarvis, Sandy Thorington, and Judy Warner.
The meeting was called to order, at 7:03 pm by President Don Alkinburg. Karen Wilson had devotions. Followed by members telling of, their joys and concerns. Thankful for, good news from friends and family. Asked for prayers for people with health concerns and praise for students who received sports and achievement awards at school.
Repost from ELCA highlights, a DVD is available for members, from synod assembly.
Minutes of May 14, 2009 meeting were accepted.
Don A. led us in a prayer for guidance in doing work of the church.
CURRENT MISSION PROJECTS
Pastor Edmister’s retirement and the effects it will have on our churches. There will be a Town Meeting held on June 14 to ask the congregation what they would like to see in the services. A motion was made that we hold two (2) services through the summer, to give us time to make plans for the future. During the month of July there will be a service at 9am at St. Matthew’s and one (1) at 11am at Zion. Then for the month of August, they will be reversed.
Leadership Strategy Team: Are reviewing the rolls of the pastor and council members in the constitution. Members of committee are to make a report and give to Chairperson Tom Collins of what they think and if any changes are necessary. They will have a meeting in July. There will be a report to the council and congregation when completed.
Financial Secretary position has had an offer from Rick and Mary Townsend to help in this position.
Financial Report: After reviewing the report, a motion was made and seconded to accept the report.
MINISTRY TEAM REPORTS:
St. Matthew’s Chapel: Reported they will have an Ice Cream Social on last day of Sunday School. Will hold their free community wide picnic on Sept. 12, and are making plans for a party for the Edmisters.
WELCA: Meet June 13, reported that the $120 from the Mother/Daughter dinner will be sent to, Global Barnyard to get more animals. Will do coffee hour on the 3 Sunday of each month.
FROG: Tag & Bake Sale on June 20 for a fundraiser.
Chris. Ed.: Sunday School ends June 21 and VBS is in July, doing along with Calvary Assembly of God church. VBS will have a float in the July 4 parade.
Transforming Team: Will be holding another Keep the Sabbath Holy.
Social Ministry: 10 adults came to Food Pantry and they will feed 30 people. The Giving Shoe program to Head Start children topic came up and Jeanne Mau offered to spearhead, after talking with Lori A.
Health Cabinet: CROP Walk committee met for dinner recently and reported next years walk will be the first Sunday of May 2010.
Property: Thank you to Everett Merrill for all the painting he has done around the building and also to Michael Boyd for replacing the sign that disappeared. After discussion a motion was made and seconded to accept the $4,700 bid from Old Mohawk to do the stonework on front of Zion. With a contingency fund not to exceed 20% of total, for unforeseen work. If is more than the $940 the Ex Committee will make a decision. Monies to be taken from Capital Improvement fund & NBT acct. It was reported that no new volunteer’s have offered to help with cleaning or lawn care.
There will be NO council meeting in July; next meeting will be August 14 at 7pm and Study Time at 6:30pm.
Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m. with the Lords Prayer.
Respectfully Submitted
Karen Wilson, Council Secretary
Music Notes
The Zion Adult Choir and Zion/Community Ringers will recess during July and August.
The Zion Adult Choir has continued to provide anthems every Sunday for the supportive congregation at the Traditional service. At times, the Congregation Choir has filled when the choir is not available. At any rate, there has always been an anthem every Sunday.
On May 30, 2009 the Zion/Community Ringers gave a one-hour performance to each of these Assisted Living/Nursing Home facilities in Saratoga, NY – “Home of the Good Shepherd” and “Wesley.” It was a fun day and provided many people with a pleasant and happy day, including the ringers.
The Zion Adult Choir and the Zion/Community Ringers will be notified when rehearsals will begin in the fall.
Bev Buddle, Music Director
Dear Friends at Zion,
I just finished reading all the articles in the June newsletter on your website. What a treat that is for me as it keeps me in touch with my Zion family. Thank you for keeping me on your list.
I am doing fine. Would you believe I wil be moving again. My son has decided to sell his home here in Hutchinson as he lives in Wichita with his new wife. My grandson Tim has decided to move out on his own onece he gets a full time job. Hopefully that will be soon. As I have attained the age of 85 with a few health problems I have decided to move to Wichita with my son and daughter-in-law. Hopefully we will complete this move sometime in June. I pray that I am able to find another church-home like Zion and Emanuel here in Hutchinson. I am sure the Lord will provide. I am looking forward to my grandson Brendan, his wife Cathy and stepson Blaine coming for a visit in July. We are all getting together in Wichita with my daughter-in-law’s family. We are truly a very happy group.
If my health holds I do hope to make a trip to Cobleskill in the Fall. It will be so great to see everyone once again. My love and my prayers are always with you. I still miss all of you. Have a wonderful summer, stay well and happy.
With lots of love, Jean Caton
Zion’s W.E.L.C.A. Circle News
At our June meeting we finished our Lutheran Woman Today Bible study of Esther. The summer Bible study will center around Mary, the mother of Jesus. In September we will begin a series of lessons based on Romans.
Proceeds from our Mother/Daughter Dinner were $120 which was donated to God’s Global Barnyard program to purchase two goats and two sets of chicks to help break the cycle of hunger and poverty. Goats are hardy, multiply rapidly, are easy to care for, and produce nututrious milk. They can survive in drought-stricken areas and can be cared for by children. Chickens provide eggs for food and eggs to sell providing a source of income for families.
Our July meeting will be a picnic and devotional meeting (centered on the life of Mary). Plan to join us on July 18, 2009 from 10am-1pm. Bring a dish to pass and a sandwich to share.
Remember that we will not meet in August. Our September meeting will be September 12, 2009 from 10am-noon in Zion’s assembly hall. Bring your Bible and September issue of Lutheran Woman Today and large-eyed needle and scissors to tie off a quilt.
Submitted by
Sandy Deems, W.E.L.C.A. Leader
Come to the Waters
The Upstate New York Synod Women of the E.L.C.A. convention will be held on October 2-4, 2009 at the Holiday Inn, Grand Island Resort and Conference Center. The theme “Come to the Waters” celebrates Baptism with Bible study, workshops and music. The keynote speaker Friday night will be Pastor Amy Walter Peterson.
Registration forms are available on Zion’s W.E.L.C.A. bulletin board. You must register for the convention and for the hotel room on separate forms. For the convention early registration by August 1, 2009 is $80; after August 1, 2009 it will be $90. Food costs are additional. Hotel rates are $99 per room per night plus tax and must be served by September 1.
Workshops include; ‘Awakening the Dreamer’ – changing the Dream led by Judith Leaf, ‘The Shack’ led by Sybil Reisch and Barbara Wozniak, ‘MOPS’ – Mothers of Preschoolers led by Laura Ignatowski, ‘Spiritual & Liturgical Dance’ led by Mary Rainey, and ‘Can You Live Without Walmart?’ led by Debby Bang.
Submitted by,
Sandy Deems, W.E.L.C.A. Leader
Transforming Congregations
On Thursday, July 23, 2009, Pastor Jim Slater, Pastor Jen, Yvonne Steingraeber, Ken Von Thaden, and Helen White had a brief review of what has happened in our search for Transformation.
Yvonne felt that keeping the Sabbath Holy was slowly but surely catching on. Ken suggested that retreats might be a way to bring thoughts about worship and spirituality to the surface, Pastor Slater agreed that was a good idea. Pastor Jen commented abuot the openess of our congregational meeting, the willingnes of people to come together at a combined service, and a willingness to change.
I feel there is a change of attitude, of coming together, and an improvement in communications within the congregation.
Respected submitted by Helen White
Prayer Shawl Ministry
I know that summer is not the time to have a bundle of knitting on your lap, but there are cool evenings and those times when you have to wait in an air contitioned office. Remember that those who receive these gifts of love need to feel their warmth, even on a summer day.
Also remember that yard sales may be a good source of unwanted yarn that would possibly work up into a comforting shawl. As you relax share God’s love and knit.
Even if you don’t knit or crochet, you can find a shawl in our box at Zion to give to someone who could use an extra “hug”.
Submitted by Sandy Deems, W.E.L.C.A. Leader
2009 W.E.L.C.A. Ingathering Project
If you are still knitting preemie caps for our ingathering project, please finish them and bring them to the collection box at Zion by September 1, 2009. we will need to send them on there way in September.
Thanks for your love and time given to help theses special infants.
Submitted by Sandy Deems, W.E.L.C.A. Leader
Lutheran World Relief Quilts
The quilts made by ladies in Lutheran congregations all over the United States serve a vital role in survival of people in poor and disaster-stricken areas around the world. Our quilts are sent to the distribution center in New Windsor, Maryland where they are packed in huge bales with other quilts to be sent out to where they are needed.
If you would be traveling to see friends or relatives and would be near to New Windsor, Maryland, would you consider delivering our quilts to the center? Another way to help us forward these quilts would be to sponsor the shipping costs with a money donation. If you can help, contact Sandy Deems.
Lutheran World Relief also needs help in covering the cost of shipping quilts. LWR’s approximate cost to handle and ship one LWR quilt overseas is $2 (this may have increased in the past year). Project Comfort helps with these costs. If you would like to donate to Project Comfort, call 1-800-LWR2 and ask for a Project Comfort brochure.
Submitted by Sandy Deems, W.E.L.C.A. Leader
F.R.O.G.
Fully Rely On God
F.R.O.G.’s last weekly event for the 2008-2009 season will be a Tag & Bake sale at Zion on Saturday, June 20.
Plans are in the works for a picnic at the Quirion residence, but a date and time have not been set yet.
F.R.O.G. will be attending Kingdom Bound, a music festival at Darien Lake, New York amusement park, Sunday, August 2 through Thursday, August 6. We will leave Zion sometime after the worship service on Sunday, August 2 (time will be announced as we get closer to the event). Youth – please see Colleen Quirion, Pastor Jen or Lori Alkinburg if you are interested in attending and sign up on the sheet in the assembly hall.
FROG will return to weekly meetings September 13, 2009.
Have a great summer!
Submitted by, Lori Alkinburg
Acolyte News
Summer is here and I will be contacting people to find out what Sundays they would be available to serve. I am also planning more training classes. Remember, you do not have to be a youth to serve as an acolyte. Linda Goodreau and Val Becker are proof of that.
If you are a youth in grades 6 through 12, or an interested adult, and have not been trained to be an acolyte please see me between the services at Zion. It only takes about 15 minutes and it is easier than you might think.
You may contact me at, lannyb1953@yahoo.com.
Thanks to all who serve. You are special in God’s sight.
Lanny Barsale
Boomerang Express
Vacation Bible School
July 20-24, 2009 from 9am-Noon
At Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 615 East Main St. Cobleskill
The kids will wind their way across Australia, they’ll discover the vastness of God’s love, and they’ll learn that no matter where they go or what they do in life-it all comes back to Jesus.
It is not too late to plan on coming to VBS. It looks to be another fun year. We will be combining with Calvary Assembly of God church this year.
Are you an artist? We need a sign for Vacation Bible School. Kangaroos, koalas, and boomerangs abound. Please consider this ministry.
Registration form have been sent out. Any questions, to e-mail at lannyb1953@yahoo.com
Lanny Barsale
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 (call the church office at 234-3381 for her phone number). If you are interested in the email version of this group, please contact Pastor Jen and let her know revjedyer1@yahoo.com.
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
Samaritan Fund
Did you know that we have a special fund that assists people in need? We often have people who are going through difficult times and need a little help—whether it is gas money so that they can get to a job or assistance with rent and the like.
If you would like to make a donation to this fund to help people in our community—please just mark on your gift that this is your intention.
Zion teens honored at sports awards assembly
Five teenagers who worship at Zion won accolades at the sports awards assembly held on the evening of Wednesday, June 10, in the Cobleskill-Richmondville High School auditorium. The MC for the program was CRCS Athletic Director Dale Wotherspoon.
The first two CRHS students from Zion to be recognized that evening were Cody Kostbar and William Presley, who played on teams with an academic average of 90% or better. The Scholar Athletic Team Awards went to Cody’s boys’ indoor track team and William’s tennis team.
The most prestigious award of the evening went to Andrew Trask, who earned the Blair Hartman Award for being an athlete with “good citizenship, dedication to his teams, service to the school, being a responsible, quiet leader” who is just a great all-around student athlete.
Another senior earning a prestigious award was Jake Coogan, winner of the Colonial Council Scholar/Athlete Award. To earn this honor, Jake had to play a sport each season in his senior year, when he had to be a “coachable, reliable leader” working hard in the classroom as well as on the sports field. The winner of this award must have a B average or better.
Sean Thaxter won an Academic MVP Award for being the golfer with the highest average on his team during that team’s season.
Senior plaques went to Jake Coogan and Andrew Trask for earning at least five varsity letters each over their high school years.
Zion should be proud of these five boys for making contributions to their schools both on the playing fields and in the classroom.
Congratulations to many of our Middle School youth as well who also received the awards recently. The following were Scholar athletes who participated in different sports and excelled in the following classes: Eric Bates (Art), Warren Mau (Phys. Ed.) Myranda Steingraeber (German, Science & Odyssey of the Mind) Alaina Thaxter (Social Studies, Math & Odyssey of the Mind)
John Jarvis,
CRHS parent volunteer
Pastoral Care
In Pastor Jen’s absence, please contact Pastor Steffan Zehrfuhs (868-2868), 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.
Notes From, the Office
The parking lot at Zion will not be available for use the entire day of July 4, due to a wedding, that is being held at Zion.
When mailing in your offering envelopes, please make a note on the envelope directing it to the Attention of: the Financial Secretary.
If you are leaving notes in the office mailbox, make sure you sign your name to them so that I know who to contact.
A note from a kitchen cleaning person said, “Please check the cart in the kitchen for unclaimed dishes.”
Spirit of Hope Shelter Committee Update
The group has begun the paperwork for incorporation along with pursuing the other legal avenues. Due to the greater need for a shelter for women and children, our shelter will serve primarily this demographic. However, we will seek out ways to also serve men who are in need of temporary shelter. We will begun greater fundraising and publicity efforts soon. The next meeting will be Monday, Sept. 21st (5:05pm)
This sale will be held in Nolte auditorium of the Lutheran Home on Friday, September 25 from 10am to 4pm and Saturday, September 26 from 10am to 2pm. The $3.00 “bag” sale will be on Saturday from Noon to 2pm.
We are looking for clothes in excellent condition, toys, household items, jewelry, and small appliances. Please no books, suitcases, exercise or sports equipment, curtains, drapes, or metal office furniture.
Items may be left at the Reception Desk in the Arntsen Administration Building September 14-18, between the hours of 7am and 3pm only. Please do not drop off donations before or after theses dates and times.
Thank you for your on-going support – it is truly appreciated!
Stories of Faith in Action 2009
Quilting Transforms Lives, Jos, Nigeria
In Nigeria, HIV-positive women who take antiretroviral drugs will live for some time. But stigma around their HIV status means, they have lost homes, jobs, and family support, making it hard to earn a living. More than 50 Women of Hope in Jos, Nigeria, are earning a living from piecing colorful African fabric into quilts, table runners, and bags. Recently, they tackled their biggest project yet: turning a painting by Chinese artist He Qi into a backdrop for the 2008 ELCA Global Mission Event (GME) in La Crosse, Wis.
Piecing, machine quilting, and assembling the 18 x 24-foot, 61-pound quilt took 13 women several weeks. The night the quilt made its debut on the GME stage, Women of Hope member Azur Riki shared her story. Azur told how Women of Hope helps HIVpositive women transform their lives. Sixty have been able to live in Bezer Home, which provides food, shelter, and pays children’s school fees while women learn sewing skills.
Today, they are renting their own homes, paying their children’s school fees, and supporting themselves. Some, like Azur, have purchased land and eventually plan to return to their home villages, where they are now, respected and recognized as women living with AIDS.
Women of Hope, is part of the Mashiah Foundation, which focuses on the needs of those living with HIV and works to prevent its spread. With solid support from the ELCA, the Mashiah Foundation’s holistic HIV/AIDS education, prevention, testing, counseling, and health program ministry is making a difference in Jos.
For more Stories of Faith in Action visit www.elca.org/stories.
Sunday school at St. Matt’s ended on Father’s Day 2009
Sunday school classes at St. Matthew’s Chapel ended on June 21 with the traditional ice cream social, provided by Marcy Wright and John Jarvis, the two teachers of the school-aged students. The adult class, led by Jean Bakkom, ended two weeks earlier.
The adult Bible study class met at the same time as the two classes for children. At various times Jean’s “students” included Lillian Boberg, Janet Lynk, Barb Cousineau, Betty Halsdorf and Margaret Kettler.
Marcy’s class of the older students included Devon Cooper, Lara Graulich, Matt Jozifek, Ethan Keller, Jacob Parsons and his brother Lucas.
John’s class included Keegan Cooper, Allen Graulich, Karl Graulich, Ethan Keller and Alec Parsons.
The highlight of the year was the Christmas program, in which members of the class read to those in attendance a letter from Jesus about how He wants us to celebrate Christmas.
John, the Sunday school coordinator, plans to again follow the public school calendar for the next Sunday school year. Therefore, Sunday school classes will not be held on Sundays in three-day weekends with Mondays off, like Columbus or Memorial Day, and at both ends of the week-long vacations in December, February and April. There will also be no class on the Sunday of the Thanksgiving recess or on the Sunday after the annual 2009 Christmas program, which Marcy wants to direct this year.
Again in 2009 and ‘10 John will call the parents of Sunday school students to remind them of cancellation of classes; he will also give parents a written schedule of Sunday school cancellations because of those school vacations.
Marcy and John look forward to the Sunday school classes in the 2009-10 school year. Rally Day 2009 will be on September 13, when we will start with our traditional ice cream social.
In service to God and his people,
John Jarvis,
Sunday school coordinator
St. Matthew’s Chapel
St. Matthew’s matters
The St. Matthew’s Chapel Ministry Board, hereafter referred to as the MB, met for its monthly meeting on Tuesday, June 2. Nine people attended the 7:03 PM meeting.
Pastor Jen led us in an opening prayer before she went into her list of topics, including
* the last One Wonderful Wednesday of the current school year
* the Sharon Springs VBS in late June
*the SSCS baccalaureate at the Sharon Springs United Methodist Church
*the next homeless shelter meeting
*FROG participation in the July 20 village-wide garage sale in Cobleskill
*the recent Synod Assembly
* Cody Van Buren
*Pastor Gary’s retirement
*the June 14 meeting at Zion about worship options after Pr. Gary retires in June
Dave Hayner wondered if the congregation at the Chapel could take our Sunday schoolers on a whale watch. He also told us how much he liked the Tom Collins suggestion for a shopping cart in the sanctuary to encourage donations to the food pantry at Zion.
John Jarvis discussed plans for the last day of Sunday school: an ice cream social followed by games. John also wanted to start planning the free community-wide picnic in September. The tentative date is Saturday, September 12.
Sexton Dave Costello asked for permission to use the fellowship hall for an American Legion meeting later in the month. He also told the MB members how pleased he was with the Sharon Springs Memorial Day parade.
Jackie Costello explained how the local Cub Scouts will use the fellowship hall in June for a moving-up meeting.
Barb Cousineau wondered if anyone made popcorn labels for visitors yet. John Jarvis said, “Not yet,” but he’ll get to work on the small project with help from either Cheryl or Pastor Jen.
Jean Bakkom led a discussion of what the St. Matt’s worshipers can do as a farewell to Pastor Gary. A possible list of activities includes
*a covered-dish supper
*an album of specific memories from members of the congregation
*photographs of Pastor Gary
* a money tree
* a project from our Sunday school class, which was done the following weekend
The meeting ended just before eight ‘oclock.
Thanks be to God!
John Jarvis,
Ministry Board secretary
Hospice needs volunteers
According to my contract with Cobleskill Regional Hospital, one of my duties is to recruit new members of the Pastoral Care Department. In eighteen months on the job, my success rate is 0%.
Another organization looking for volunteers is our local chapter of Hospice. Recently I got a pamphlet in the mail from Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, which has a local office on 327 West Main Street.
Hospice is always in need of volunteers, who can perform many duties as they support families in need who are dealing with life-limiting illnesses of family members.
Hospice care is not just for people hours away from death.
For example, volunteers can be compassionate companions for patients or family members caring for someone at home. Hospice volunteers can provide patient care so that family members can leave the patient for a few hours for running errands or just taking a break from care-giving.
Volunteers can assist care-givers with household chores.
Volunteers can be listening posts for care-givers or patients.
There is much to do, and volunteers are a big part of care given to people at home–rather than in hospitals or nursing homes–who are suffering from life-limiting illness.
For more information, people can call the Schoharie County Hospice office at 234-7611.
In His name and image,
John Jarvis,
Health Ministries
Fields of Grace Summer Events
1. CPR/AED & First Aid Certification course
June 30, 2009 – 5pm-10pm
Middleburgh Town Barn, Cotton Hill Road
Middleburgh, NY
2. Second Annual Summer Fun Day
July 18, 2009 – 1pm-4pm
Fields of Grace Site, 3673 NY State Route 145
Cobleskill, NY
3. Youth Leadership Games
July 26, 2009 – 3pm-7pm
Max V. Shaul State Park, State Route 30
Middleburgh, NY
4. Youth Talk on College Tuition Assistance
August 4, 2009 – 6:30pm-8:30pm
323 Main Street
Middleburgh, NY
5. Grief Counseling for Youth and Adults
August 30, 2009 – 5pm-7pm
Evangelical Lutheran Church, 890 State Route 443
Gallupville, NY
For more information please contact Seth DeBartolo at 518-301-5628 or visit our website at: www.fieldsofgraceoutreach.org