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A note from Pastor’s Desk….
I am excited. I am looking forward to what new things God would bring to our family at Bay Road. I am happy to refocus on God as we face transitions and challenges. The problem is that we have been talking about transitions and changes for so long up until now, and we are about to see several crucial transitions happening in reality. And not all of those transitions and changes are comfortable. But surely God is leading us into a new direction. No, I am not talking about changing the structure of our building and sanctuary. I am talking about the vision of our church, the way we would handle the different opinions, and the application of a biblical calling for each and every one of us to our community and our world. I am contemplating serious discipleship. I am inviting all the “bystanders” in the crowd to join us into serious discipleship, following the very footsteps of our Lord Jesus. Radical? Absolutely. We have negative feelings for this word, “radical.” We don’t like radical Muslims. We don’t like radical right wing Christian groups. We hardly appreciate anything radical. We cherish “rational.” But what if we become radical followers of Jesus, taking the journey of Jesus the Messiah very seriously as our role model? What if we take the Word of God without our own agenda or propaganda? What if we study the Scripture with an open mind and an open heart so that we could discover the will of God for us and for this generation? Instead of asking the people to give more money to the church and the good causes, what if we help them to see that absolutely nothing belongs to us but everything belongs to God literally? What would happen if we take the risk of being radical Christians in this rational world? As a pastor, I dare to suggest that we do that. I dare to suggest that we surrender our ownership, surrender our greed, surrender our own agendas and let God speak to our hearts. We talked an awfully lot about revival and growth of the church. We contemplated a lot about how to grow our church and bring in young people. Ever since the Church was founded, there was not a single time when revival happened without serious study and focus on the Word of God. When the church boomed without serious study on the Word, it always became corrupt. As we move forward from the past to the bright future God has prepared for us, we need to navigate our ways through the foundation of God’s word. I hope and pray that Crossways International courses would be God’s instrument to spark the fire of renewal and revival for the Bay Road family. It will take minimum two years of dedication and commitment, but I am very positive that we will grow in God’s Word through this study. The Crossways International seminar rekindled once again the fire in my heart for the teaching ministry as a pastor of God’s beloved. I hope and pray that many of my Bay Road family would take advantage of this great opportunity.
The Sacrament of Holy Communion was observed on March 2, 2008. Elders Greg McDowell and Sue Mc Dowell brought communion to Ed Benway and his daughter Tina at the Glens Falls Hospital, Frankie Waite and Bruce Smith at the Stanton Nursing Home, Ruth Smith at her home in Lake George, and Pauline Sexton in her home. Cliff Seeley was not available for communion but has requested a pastoral visit. Communion was also observed on Mandy Thursday during the service.
Our church mourns the loss of Ed Benway an active member of our church who passed into eternity on March 5, 2008. Ed will be remembered as the cheerful, short, bearded man of the Greeter’s ministry whose hugs always made one feel welcomed. He is also remembered for his devotion to his dog. Often a church member would say, “Someone has their car running and there is a dog inside it!” This was Ed, keeping his dog comfortable. We will all miss Ed.
Pastor Sung Hee Lee will attend a Crossways and Bethel Bible Course in Connecticut from March 31 through April 4, 2008. The course will help to provide the congregation as well as the community with the essential areas of faith. It is a systematic study of the Bible which aids in creating a strong foundation of theology. Next month’s newsletter will have further explanation of how this will be offered to the congregation and the community.
Nancy Miller’s request to a transfer from our church to Church of the King was approved by the session. Nancy has been attending the Church of the King for a while now and has made the decision to transfer. Nancy was part of our worship team. We will hold a special place in our hearts for this sister in Christ. If you are ever in Lowe’s be sure to say hello to Nancy. We wish her our best.
The session, the Trustees and the Renewal Task Force are all working on the changes to the chancel area. Look for renovations to begin in the near future.
Every growing, living thing That you can touch or see at spring Is but a message from above To say that God is life and love.
Helen Steiner Rice
Bay Road Presbyterian Church Board of Deacons - Activity for March 2008 Newsletter Article
Greetings from the Board of Deacons! If anyone is aware of a family or person in need - either a member of our church or someone in the community, please contact us for assistance.
Summary of Activity for March Cards were sent for the following occasions: 14 birthdays and 3 anniversaries. In addition, 2 sympathy cards were sent to members and 7 encouragement cards were sent to our “snowbirds”. A flower arrangement was sent to a member who is in a nursing home. Gift certificates for a tree/shrub were purchased and sent to a member and to the family of a member upon the death of their loved ones. A member in a nursing home was visited. A member in the hospital was visited. A church member was taken to the doctor. Rides were provided so that a member could visit their family member currently in a nursing home. Calls were made to 3 members. Various meals were provided to Pastor Lee and his family upon the birth of Samuel. Love Gifts were given to a family member of a church member, a local family who lost a loved one and a non-member to help with rent. Food donations will be given to a member of our church family this month. An encouragement card will be sent to a family member of a church member.
The Elements were prepared for Communion on March 2, 2008 Financial Report: Balance on hand as of 3/5/08 was $1007.60
Please remember to bring in donations for the Food Collection Box for the pantry at Caldwell Presbyterian Church. The box is located on the floor in front of the office.
In the Service of His People, Janice Holding, on behalf of the Deacons
Our annual fire inspection by the Town of Queensbury Fire Marshal was done this month and we passed after some adjustments were made to the Sanctuary front entrance door. In our attempt to keep energy cost down I asked our in-house piano turner Bruno Paszek if it is still necessary to keep the Sanctuary at 60 degrees when not is use. He replied; “Many churches with pianos set the low temp. to 50 degrees and that is the common minimum. Few degrees higher would be beneficial for the piano, but considering the fuel prices today 50 degrees won't make much difference in the performance and the usage of the piano”. Given Bruno’s reply I have changed the not in use low temperature to 50 degrees in the Sanctuary. We have received requests from the Kitchen committee and the Men’s breakfast group to replace the two old Stoves in the kitchen with new gas units. We will be gathering specifications and costs to bring to the Session for their consideration, hopefully next month. Looking forward to Spring. Respectfully Submitted, Chip Collin Chairman Trustees
Gulf Coast Mission Team Update
God is Good! Through all of you and the hard work of the 58 folks who headed to Mississippi this year, He is making it possible for 5 families to get back into their homes. This year, the team chose Pearlington, Mississippi as their worksite. A small town of 2100 people on the Pearl River, it took a direct hit from the eye of Hurricane Katrina and was totally devastated. The group divided into 3 teams of about 20 each and worked for three consecutive weeks to hopefully make good progress on a couple of homes. I think it is safe to say that these expectations were exceeded. One home was a brick and stud shell that had miraculously survived Katrina only because the house was already under 20 feet of water when the high winds hit. The team took this home from a shell through installing electric, plumbing, hurricane straps, insulation and sheetrock, and it is now painted and has doors. Bathroom and kitchen fixtures and cabinets will be on site March 31st for the team from Brunswick to complete the work and get this man back into his home. (Ask Andy and Sung about the boat repairs so this man can get back on the water, too!!) The team arrived at a second home, in various stages of framing and sheetrock, and was able to bring all of the compound up to quality finish standards, and the home has now been painted. Trim and cabinets will be in next week and another family will soon be returning to their home. A third home received exterior doors, 2 tub and shower units, a new set of front steps as well as framing and hurricane straps to bring the work done to date up to the new building code requirements. But the Lord has found a way for all of our efforts to be magnified. Through various fundraisers and generous donations, we were blessed to be able to take over $14,000 to Mississippi for materials. While some funds were spent on the three homes we were able to work on, there are substantial funds still left to be put to good use. After our trip last year we asked PDA to direct the $3500 in remaining funds into providing multiple families with needed materials. This year, the folks on Team 3 went into the field with PDA staff and identified two families who are in need of some funding to get their homes finished, and might otherwise be stalled and “fall between the cracks” because of grant and other funding parameters for the stricken areas. One is a family with two children, the father being multiply disabled, who was taken advantage of by the contractor they hired - who is now in jail. The other is also a family with two children. With their own funds, and the help of their extended family who all live within walking distance, they have been able to complete nearly all of the work on their new home themselves. Several of our team members visited these homes, and checked out the work that still needs to be done. We believe, as does PDA staff, that the funds we can provide will be sufficient to complete the remaining work on both of these houses and get these two families back into their homes. In addition to the hard work that was accomplished, the teams shared their faith, love and encouragement with the people of Pearlington – as well as copies of the Bay Road Cook Book! We feel so blessed by this experience and the ability to help these people. We look forward to returning next year, God willing. We also look forward to the upcoming Mission Luncheon when we can share a more detailed report on the experiences we were blessed with and the work we were all able to accomplish in His name. Thanks to everyone for their support and prayers! In Other Mission & Outreach Committee News . . . . . Missionary correspondence has recently taken a new turn as the Missions Committee decided to share in the responsibility of correspondence with our missionaries, both local and abroad. We have, in the recent past, corresponded via e-mail mainly through one committee member. But realizing that our congregation was missing out on the privilege of writing our missionaries too, we have chosen contact people for each missionary. You, the congregation, have the privilege of sharing your lives with our missionaries in a letter, or via e-mail simply by getting in touch with the missionary contact person. The committee will provide the envelope and postage for you. The contact person is also responsible for corresponding with their missionary. The missionaries and their contact from Missions Committee are: Dave & Sandy Bird (Asia) - Pat Hart Kurt & Nancy Graff (Kazakhstan) - Sue McDowell Randy & Sandy Moyer (France) - Danielle Bailey (Intervarsity) - Carolynn Raven Open Door - Faith Wiesner Women at the Well (Thailand) - Janice Holding Bernice's House (Malawi) - Janice Holding Upstate Jail ministries - Faith Wiesner
Women Association Events
Fri/Sat. 4/25-26/08 Women’s Spring Retreat (Spring Retreat has been cancelled due to lack of participation)
Sat. 5/10/08 Daughter Dinner
Sun. 6/15/08 Dads and Grads Breakfast
Tues. 6/24/08 Women’s Picnic
Aprons For Sale! The Women’s Association are selling green aprons with Bay Road Presbyterian Church written on the front of them. The aprons are selling for $7.00 each. Purchase one of the Women’s Association Cookbooks with an apron and have a wonderful Mother’s Day gift! Aprons and cookbooks may be purchased Sunday mornings after service at Bay Road Church. Please see Jan Kenyon.
New Women’s Bible Study There will be a women’s Bible study on Hope starting on Tuesday April 8th at 9:30 a.m. at the Oneida Community Church. The study guides are $6.30 and will be available at the study.
Children’s Church and Children’s Sermons Children’s Church. . . .We are in need of adult volunteers for the first Sunday of every month to come and spend time with the children during Communion. Please sign up in Anderson Hall to help out. Children’s Sermons. . . Please volunteer to do a Children’s Sermons. The sign up sheet in Anderson Hall to volunteer for this wonderful ministry.
The Greeter’s Ministry is in need of more church members to help out with their ministry. Please sign up in Anderson Hall if you can volunteer.
To Him Only By Franny Marcille
Jesus, you are all I need. Jesus, you help in every deed. When my heart is sad and I’m in despair, I go to my sweet Jesus in quiet prayer.
My Jesus, He hears me when I sit and weep, He’s there with me when I cry myself to sleep. Then, in the morning with joy and peace in my heart, I awake, knowing Jesus never left me to part.
It seems everyday there are fights and bitter strife, Yet He says, “I am the way, the truth and the life”. He knows I’m heavy laden, He says “Come unto me” I will give you rest for my yoke is easy you see.
He never chides or judges, when I pour out my heart, He listens with mercy and compassion, to all and every part. I’ve not met a friend as faithful who truly listens when I share, Jesus Christ is his name, TO HIM ONLY, tell all in prayer.
CHUCKLE CORNER
Did Noah Fish? A Sunday school teacher asked, “Johnny, do you think Noah did a lot of fishing when he was on the Ark?” “No,” replied Johnny. “How could he, with just two worm.”
Being Thankful A rabbi said to a precocious six-year-old boy, “So your mother says your prayers for you each night? That’s very commendable. What does she say?” The little boy replied, “Thank God he’s in bed!”
Say A Prayer Little Johnny and his family were having Sunday dinner at his Grandmother’s house. Everyone was seated around the table as the food was being served. When little Johnny received his plate, he started eating right away. “Johnny! Please wait until we say our prayer,” said his mother. “I don’t have to,” the boy replied. “Of course you do,” his mother insisted. “We say a prayer before eating at our house.” “That’s our house,” Johnny explained. “but this is Grandma’s house and she knows how to cook!”
Church Bulletin Bloopers: “For those of you who have children and don’t know it, we have a nursery downstairs.” “Low Self-Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7-8:30 p.m. Please use the back door.” “The third verse of Blessed Assurance will be sung without musical accomplishment.”
Church Member Professions Page Welcome to our Church Member Professions Page! This page is available to church members who would like to share their business/store/profession information. This is a great resource for utilizing our church members’ professions. Everyone is welcome to participate, send your information, business cards, etc. to the church office by email at bayroadchurch@adelphia.net or drop off in the church office. If you have any questions please call the church office, 793-8541.
Melissa Bramlage SaraBear ™Company Keeping Them Within Reach™ diaper caddies . baby gift solutions www.SaraBearBaskets.com
George S. Knapp, DO McGregor Medical 520 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs (Rt. 9 Town of Wilton, 1 m. North of Saratoga Springs) 583-4268
Janice Holding Explore! Learn * Play * Discover Touch tank w/sea creatures, four-story climbing loft, 16 ft. water table, birthday parties, ball coaster, story times, arts & crafts, toddler area, pirate ship, castle...and more! 103 Warren St., Glens Falls ExploreInGlensFalls.com Open M-F 9-5 Sat 10-5 (starting this month—Sun 12-5)
John & Sharon Meinrenken New Horizon’s Rubber Stamp Co. 15 Thomas Street Queensbury, NY 12804 E-Mail: johnmein@verizon.net Our Company is a manufacturing company, we actually produce the stamp, not just buy and resell it with a markup. We make all kinds of stamps, such self inking, regular, notary, signature, and of course Daters. Please pass this information onto the person that orders office supplies for your company, and if they are interested in buying locally at very competitive prices, hopefully they will contact me.
Kathleen O’Day Picture This! Murials Murals for home or office (518)623-4642 koday316@yahoo.com
Greeters 6 John & Janet Murphy 13 John & Janet Murphy 20 Colleen Russell 27 Colleen Russell
Ushers 6 Rodger & Chris, Andy H. 13 Andy H., Lou 20 Lou & Colleen, Ed & Emily 27 Ed & Emily, Doug K.
Coffee Hour Tithe Counters 6 Jeanne Hayes 6 N/A 13 Janet Spahn 13 N/A 20 Volunteers Needed 20 N/A 27 Volunteers needed 27 N/A
OPEN DOOR MINISTRY (Wed., April 9th at 4:30 pm) The Open Door Ministry is located on South Street in Glens Falls. BRC serves the 2nd Wednesday of each month. The sign up sheet is posted in Anderson Hall on the bulletin board if you are interested in serving. Remember to bring 3 gallons of milk (one each). Thank you to those who volunteered last month: Wil & Faith Wiesner & Ellen Pezzi
God Bless You on Your Special Day...
APRIL BIRTHDAYS 2 Megan Durkin 3 Polly Duncan 5 Andy Swinton 6 Meghan Graves 7 Bruce Smith 11 Debbie Collin 15 Meg McDowell 17 Jennifer McDowell 25 Rita Snowball 26 Joan Linindoll 26 Elizabeth Spahn 27 Cooper Knapp 29 Pastor Sung Lee
APRIL ANNIVERSARIES 6 Bob & Delores Lockrow 20 Lou & Colleen Russell 22 Chuck & Carrianne Durkin 26 Bert & Grace Seeholzer
BIRTHDAY & ANNIVERSARY LIST If you have a birthday or anniversary to add to our list please call the church office or leave a note in the newsletter editor’s mailbox in the church office.
Deadline for the May issue of the “Highlights” newsletter is Sunday, April 27th.
For our church events go to page 1 of our website and click on Calendar of Events, then Church Calendar.
Thank you for viewing the Bay Road Church website today!
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