Pastoral Reflections

“How to think like a Christian”

One of my favorite classes in seminary was Systematic Theology.  The definition of this term (per Wikipedia) is that Systematic theology is a discipline of Christian theology that attempts to formulate an orderly, rational, and coherent account of the Christian faith and beliefs.  Part of this class entailed looking at many of the “classic” theologians-like St. Augustine, Martin Luther, Karl Barth, Paul Tillich, Jurgen Moltmann-as well as contemporary writers who introduced us to feminist and liberation theologies.   (Note: I do have many books and information about these writers if anyone would like to read any of them).

While it was interesting to hear the variety of insights and perspectives from these writers, the most powerful part of this course was when our professor challenged us to be theologians or in his words, “to think like a Christian.”   In some ways, it took the later popular saying of “what would Jesus do” and put it into not just the classroom, but into the way that we were called to be Christians.  We were given a number of very real church scenarios and asked how we might respond as a Christian.

Think about the ways in which you respond to things in your own life experiences-be it a work, home, at church, with friends or other situations.  When you enter into a stressful situation, what is your gut reaction?  Fight or flight?  Anger or hurt?  Do you rationalize or deny?  Do you try to fix or change things?  Look for other alternatives?  Find out what has been done in similar situations?  Do you analyze it or react emotionally?  Does it depend on your mood, your relationship with others who are involved?  There can be so many factors that go into the responses that we make in a variety of situations.  (Beware the temptation to analyze others rather than yourself as you answer these questions.)

However, how often do we stop and think about what would be the most Christ-like thing to do?  Do we look at what might be most loving or forgiving?  Do we think about what alternative solutions that God might be offering us?  Do we use the biblical witness that calls us to live as Christ’s disciples to guide our behaviors, responses and our actions?

In one of our recent Transforming Team meetings, we were talking about forgiveness.  We realized that some of the things that have happened in the history of the congregation-especially hurts and anger-continue to still linger in our midst.  While we cannot change what has happened in the past, we can change how we continue to respond to it. 

Now is the time for forgiveness-whether it be of an individual, a group or a situation.  We can only move forward when we find the grace of God which enables us to forgive.  We can learn from the past, but we cannot live there.  We can look forward with hope to the future, but we live in the now.  We are called to live lives as Christians-ones marked by love & forgiveness, hope & peace.  This is what we believe and trust about what it means to be a community of faith; what it means to think like a Christian.

Come one, come all to the

Community Breakfast at Zion

Sunday, February 1, 2009 – 9:30am to 11:00am

Acts 2:46-47 reads that day after day the early Christians regularly assembled in the temple with united purpose, and in their homes they broke bread. They partook of their food with gladness and simplicity and generous heart, constantly praising God and being in favor and good will with all the people; and the Lord kept adding daily to their numbers those who were being saved.

The idea of the community breakfast is to bring back the fellowship that the early Christians once enjoyed. With our daily lives so busy it is difficult to spend time together and share our faith with each other. We hope that you can take a little bit of time out of your busy schedule the first Sunday of every month to enjoy breakfast, fellowship together, and share God’s love.  We hope you join us and bring a friend!

Reclaiming the Church

On the Road to Transformation

Annual Spiritual Checkup

1)  Prayer: How has your prayer life been this year?  Blossoming?  Like a roller coaster?  Faltering?  Other?

2)   Learning: What have you studied, formally or informally, in the past year?

 3)   Worship: What have been the “highs” and “lows” in your worship experiences?

4)   Community building: How are you helping our congregation to thrive?

 5)   Serving others:  Where have you served God this year?

6)   Growing edge-stretching beyond the comfort zone: If we accept that we are not living in the fullness of the kingdom, where   are you called to focus in the coming year?

(adapted from “Every Member Ministry” by Patricia Hayes, Alban Institute; more questions available on their website)

Route 66 study

“Abraham & his family”

Wednesdays, 7pm

All are welcome!

We all have our own family histories and stories.  Many like to explore their family trees, seeking their roots. Join us as we explore the path of faith family-from the time of Abraham through Joseph and his amazing coat.

Congregation Council Highlights

from January 8, 2009

Members present: Don Alkinburg, Tom Collins, Nancy De Sando, Dave Hayner, John Jarvis, Mark Mau, Andre Nadeau, Frieda Thorington, Sandy Thorington, Karen Wilson with Pastor Jennifer Boyd.

Excused: David DeSando & Gordon Emerson.

Purpose of the meeting was to discuss and accept a draft budget to present to congregation on January 25, 2009 Annual Congregational meeting for discussion and approval.

Meeting called to order by Vice President Don Alkinburg with John Jarvis leading the devotions for the evening.

Reviewed the proposed budget given us at the December 15 meeting, to do a line by line discussion and review. It was suggested that it be reviewed through, and not decrease any salaries at this point and we get a schedule organized for the outdoor & indoor sextons work, if we expect members to do the work.

Stewardship Committee is working on a new program called “Assets Auction” for 2009.  Will learn more about in next few months. Discussion on part time pastor’s pay. There was much discussion on each line item where and if we could cut suggested amounts. It was decided to leave some suggested items to delete in budget, but take from Endowment Fund to cover cost. Use ½ the monies for Zion’s needs first, then for outreach, second. It was recommended that council appoint one person to do all the purchasing of supplies, so we have a better idea of how each line item is meeting budget, someone other than Office Manager.

A motion was made that the council to present the proposed budget drawn up this evening to the congregation with a total balance of $193,424. Motion was seconded and carried. A motion was made to present to congregation a proposal to change the guidelines of the Endowment Committee to use the funds in a different way, to help meet the budget for Zion, motion seconded and carried.

Respectfully Submitted

Karen Wilson, Council Secretary

 On Faith and Action

 Do you sometimes have a difficulty putting your faith into action?  Or do your actions usually reflect your faith?  In a recent Epistle reading, the Apostle Paul shared his own frustration:

 “I do not understand my own actions.  For I do not what I want, but I do the very thing I hate… I can will what is right, but I cannot do it.  For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do.”           Romans 7:15, 18, 19

There are times when everyone struggles with what to do.  Jesus Asks the question, “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?”   Luke 6:46

Sometimes we are tempted or lead astray by that which we do not want to do.  Why?  Is it out of ambivalence, forgetfulness or selfishness?  It is at times like these that we should step back and ask three questions.

What is our purpose?  Life’s blessings and challenges are both gifts from God.  We can look at each as an opportunity to manage God’s gifts.  The purpose may not be evident at first, but by exploring the uses and outcomes of these gifts, we will understand God’s purpose.

Where is our faith?  God is always ready to guide and support us.  Jesus tells us, Every one who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep, and laid the foundation upon a rock; and when the flood arose, the stream broke against that house, and could not shake it, because it had been well built.”   Luke 6:47-48

From our Sunday School lessons to those who share in our ministry today, we establish a foundation for our faith.  By continuing to build and maintain this faith foundation we have a relationship with God that will provide the answers and give us the strength to use our faith in daily life.

What is the right action?  God is always ready to listen to our questions, and to help us find an answer.  Jesus tells us, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”   Matthew 11:28

Finding the right action may mean re-setting our priorities or stepping out of our daily routine.  It may mean reaching out to someone for help.  Our faith and the Holy Spirit will guide us to the right action and provide the strength to fulfill it. 

As God’s stewards, we are called to manage our resources and God’s challenges.  The stewardship of our gifts is a spiritual matter. How we manage them is a reflection of our faith.  May we work together to put our faith into action as Good Stewards of God’s Grace.

Family News

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!

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

Zion’s W.E.L.C.A. Circle News

Braving the cold, six ladies and Pastor Jen met at Zion to plan for the coming year and study Daniel, chapter 1, “Keeping the Faith.”

We were able to purchase one goat, one pig, and one set of ten chickens through the LECA’s Global Barnyard Program, using the offering from the Advent Tea and money from our treasury.

Projects for the year include celebrating ‘Bold Women’s Sunday’ on February 22 and the ELCA’s Ingathering Project of Baby Caps for 2009.  In February and March we hope to make more quilts for Lutheran World Relief.  Watch for quilt kits in Zion’s assembly hall and set aside some time to make a 22″ block for a quilt.  It takes twelve blocks this size to make a 60″‘ X 80″ quilt.  (see the related article on LWR Quilts.)

Our on-going projects of prayer shawls and scrap-yarn afghans will continue in 2009.  So when you are snowed in, take some time to knit or crochet and to pray.  The prayers that are worked into these items are a true blessing to all who receive them.

Our February meeting will be on Valentines Day, from 10am-noon in Zion’s assembly hall. Our Bible study will be from Daniel.  Bring your January/February issue of Lutheran Woman Today, your Bible, and a large-eyed needle and scissors.  Invite a friend to come along!

Submitted by, Sandra Deems, Zion’s W.E.L.C.A Team Leader

How to make a Lutheran World Relief Quilt

LWR quilts are easy to make. Place a piece of fabric measuring 64” X 84” right side down on the table. Do not use fabric prints with religious symbols, U.S. flags or military insignia. Place a filler measuring 60” X 80” on top, and then place another piece of fabric, also measuring 60” X 80”, right side up on top of the filler. Tie the layers together, using crochet or similar cord. Bring the edges of the 64” X 84” piece over the top, pin and machine-stitch the edge, using a zigzag stitch if possible.

Finished quilts should measure approximately 60” X 80”. Please keep in mind that the ultimate purpose of a quilt is to provide warmth and choose your fabrics and filler accordingly. Even in warmer climates, the temperatures can drop dramatically at night, requiring a quilt with sufficient filler. TIPS:

Quilt tops and bottoms can be made from whole pieces of fabric, or in any type of patchwork pattern of smaller squares. If squares are preferred, twelve 21″ squares or 48 eleven-inch squares sewn together using a 1/2″ seam allowance make a 60″ X 80″ top for a beautiful quilt.

Recommended fabrics for LWR quilts include pre-washed cotton, cotton blends, twill, corduroy, polyester knits, and donated upholstery and drapery samples (no fiberglass).

Use crochet or similar cord for tying. It is easier to thread and pull through than yarn and also is more durable. Ties should be no more than 8 to 10 inches apart.

LWR quilts are both precious and practical when babies and children can use their special gifts even as they grow older. Please donate full-size quilts (about 60″ X 80″) only.

W.E.L.C.A. Ingathering Project for 2009

Tubular Stockinette directions:

Cut the stockinette 20″ in length.  The ends should be clean and straight  cuts.

Fold the stockinette in half, bring the cut edges together.

Open one stockinette end.

Roll the stockinette end back on itself, making a 10″ tube.

A fold is at one end and open edges are aligned at the other end.

Accordian fold the open ends of the tube.

Wrap two 8″ strand of yarn ½” from the cut edges and tie a single knot.  Pull tightly and turn the hat over.  Complete a second wrap with a square knot.

The folded edge of the hat is cuffed or folded up 2 inches.  Trim the top of the hat so the edges are very straight.  Cut yarn pieces to 1″ lengths.

Knitted Baby Cap: Directions (Thanks to Lion Brand Yarn)

Skill level - Easy

Size: Preemie (preemie-to-newborn, new born, 3-6 months.)

Circumference: 8, (10, 12, 14) inches

Note: A typical measure for a preemie hat is that it should fit a mid-sized orange.  A hat for a newborn should fit a grapefruit.

Note: the pattern is written for the smallest size with directions for larger sizes in parentheses.

Supplies: soft sport-weight yarn, one ball, one yarn needle or circular needles, set of five double-pointed needles, size four.

Gauge: 24 stitches + 28 rounds = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (knit every round).  If it takes you fewer stitches and rows to make    a 4″ square, use smaller needles.

Cast on 48 (60, 82, 84) stitches.  Distribute stitches evenly on four needles and join for working in the round, being careful not to   twist.  Work in stockinette stitch (knit every round) until piece measures 4½ (5, 5½, 6) inches from beginning.

Shape crown:

Round 1: *Knit 4, knit 2 together; repeat from *-40 (50, 60, 70) stiches.

Round 2, 4, 6, 8: knit.

Round 3: *Knit 3, knit 2 together; repeat from *-32 (40, 48, 56) stiches.

Round 5: *Knit 2, knit 2 together; repeat from *-24 (30, 36, 42) stitches.

Round 7: *knit 1, knit 2 together, repeat from *-16 (20, 24, 28) stitches.

Round 9: knit 2 together around – 8 (10, 12, 14) stitches.

Round 10: knit 2 together around – 4 (5, 6, 7) stitches.

Cut yarn, leaving a 6″ tail.  Thread tail through remaining stitches and fasten off securely.  Weave in ends.

Signs Needed

Are you artistic?  The church needs someone to make signs for the Community Breakfast and Vacation Bible School.  If you could do this important ministry please contact Lanny Barsale at LannyB1953@yahoo.com

Web Articles

Would you like to know more about what it means to be the Church in today’s world? 

One website that is continually looking at this questions from a variety of facets is: www.alban.org

While some of the resources available for those who are members, there are numerous articles and resources that are open to all.  Here are a few articles for you to check out:

“Changing the Conversation: Nurturing at Third Way for Congregations”

 ”Cleaning up Bad Communication Habits”

“Imagining Congregational Identity”

 ”The Messy Work of Renewal”

                                      as well as many  more….

Do you have a website or other resources that you would like to share, let us know and we’ll share it with others.  If you don’t have internet access, but would like to read one of these articles, please contact Pastor Jen.

Attention Ushers

Please be sure to Record your Attendance Count each Sunday!  We need to keep an accurate record for the church records, annual report and parochial report.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Lisa Borggreen, Serving Schedule Coordinator for Ushers

Zion Life on the Web!

www.zion-cobleskill.org

Over the past couple of months, we have invited people to submit a survey about how they would like to receive their Zion Life newsletter in the future.  We thank those of you who have let us know.

In our own going efforts to both cut costs and be more environmentally conscious, the last newsletter to be bulk mailed will be the one for the month of February.  This will significantly cut both our postage and our paper usage costs.

We will no longer be mailing them out (except to homebound members).  You will be able to either access the newsletter on our website (we will send out email reminders ) or we will have copies available to be picked up at the church buildings (for those who are without internet access).

If you have any questions, please contact the church office.

 Members Birthdays

Due to privacy, we will not be posting our members birthdays on our website.  If you would like to see this list, we will be posting copies at both Zion and St. Matthew’s each month.

 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.

Pastoral Care

There have been questions as to what do if Pastor Jen is not available for pastoral care.  In her absence, pleas 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.

Amazon Expedition

Winter Vacation Bible School

Monday-Friday, February 16-20, 2009

9am-noon

First Baptist Church

West Main Street, Cobleskill

Grab your Gear, lace up your hiking boots, and join us on a journey through the amazing Amazon Rainforest.  While we’re there, we’ll also explore the 7 C’s of history: Creation, Corruption, catastrophe, Confusion, Christ, Cross, and Consummation.  You’ve never been to a VBS like this before!  Invite your friends!

To pre-register your child, call Gisell at office at 234-4182.

This event is being sponsored by Calvary Assembly with the use of the Baptist Church facility.

                     St. Matthew’s matters

 On Tuesday, January 6, the day of the Epiphany, the Ministry Board at St. Matthew’s Chapel, hereafter referred to the MB,  met for the first time in the new year. The seven people  in attendance used our usual round-table format to share news with each other.

  Since Pastor Jen was not there because her dog Rose  had been hit by an 18-wheeler or maybe vice-versa, Deacon John Jarvis opened the meeting with prayer about safe travel the next day, when  icy conditions were accurately predicted by the National Weather Service.

  Jackie Costello told the members that the local Scouts would like to be part of the service on Boy Scout Sunday on February 8. The members of the MB liked that idea.

  Sexton Dave Costello pointed out that our building is less drafty than ever because Alex Rohock painted our windows  shut last fall.

  The MB decided to host a Valentine’s Day party for children in our congregation and their friends from 2-4 PM on February 14. Then on March 2 there will be a special party for adults. While the adults are chatting and eating in the fellowship hall, the children will be doing games and crafts in the upstairs Sunday school room.

 John Jarvis got the assignment of finding at Zion two  life-size cutouts that can be used for games on St. Valentine’s Day.

  Dave Costello told the group that we have new thermostats for the Chapel, but Andre Nadeau hasn’t yet installed the one in the sanctuary.  

  Jean Bakkom reminded the MB that the Christmas tree would be taken down the following Saturday.

  Congregation Council member Tom Collins explained that the people from the Chapel need to be at the January 25 annual meeting to vote on the 2009 church budget.

  Those who worship at St. Matthew’s Chapel have much to be thankful for as we start another year. Among those blessings are Boy Scouts, tight windows, and separate parties for the young and for the older.

  In service to Christ and His church,

  John Jarvis,

Ministry Board secretary

 

 From your Health Cabinet:

              New information coming all the time

  Like millions of Americans, in the 1970s  I was a jogger. I really enjoyed the exercise, especially on summer days when I didn’t have to worry about our often slippery winter  Cobleskill sidewalks.

  However, I stopped jogging because of the numerous reports coming  from doctors who claimed that running and jogging were bad for the knees, so bad that serious problems could occur later in the lives of runners and joggers. Health experts also pointed out that walking a mile burns the same number of calories that jogging does, only more slowly of course.

  Worried about my knees, I exchanged my running shoes for walking shoes. I have been a healthy walker ever since.

  However, on New Year’s Eve I saw a startling  report from Dr. Sanjay Gupta on Cable Headline News. The doctor told about a 20-year study of male runners.

  Researchers discovered that the knees, ankles and ligaments of these men were stronger than those of men who don’t run or jog. Furthermore, the runners delayed the onset of some medical conditions associated with ageing  like diabetes or osteoporosis.

  The findings would no doubt  surprise those experts in the 70s who thought that running was bad for the knees. Those findings really surprised me on the last day of 2008.

  Secondly, I used to be part of a study to determine if Vitamin E is a prostate  cancer fighter. When that study ended, researchers found that men taking Vitamin E have a slightly higher than average risk of developing that particular form of cancer. Since Vitamin E is acknowledged to be good for us, I found the findings of that research project very surprising.

  Finally, when my first wife was pregnant with our first child, she asked the doctor if alcohol is bad for the baby or the mother. I’ll never forget the doctor’s response, “Just don’t drink so much that you fall down the stairs.”

  When Fran was pregnant with our second child five years later, her doctor told her to consume no alcohol at all because of a new discovery called Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, which could cause serious and permanent  developmental problems for the baby.

  So just what is the point of my  article?  Let me explain.

  As medical research goes on,  information changes with new findings and discoveries like the three mentioned   in this article.

  Therefore, we, as consumers of health information, need to keep up with the results of on-going studies that may directly affect our lives.  That information is out there in the media: we need to find it, read it and share it with friends and family if we want to live long, healthy  lives.

  Our bodies will thank us.

  By the way, in a report on New Year’s Day, the same CHN doctor reported that daily flossing can add a year to your life. Who would have thought?

  In His name and image,

John Jarvis,

Health Cabinet