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From Pastor’s desk: Just like anyone else in our church, I often receive divine encouragement from the Scripture. For me., one of the most powerful encouraging words is the Apostle Paul’s words to Corinthian church, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (1 Cor. 1:18)” As powerful as it is, I have to admit that this translation does not sufficiently deliver the impact of Paul’s proclamation. “The message of the cross” in Greek is ο λογος γαρ ο του σταυρου. The very word λογος (Logos) means much more than mere “word” in Greek. We know well that the λογος of God became flesh, and we call Him Jesus. Logos of God is the very existence of God, and that is who our Lord Jesus is. Therefore, when Paul points out that the Logos of the cross, he meant the very life of our Lord Jesus – how He was born, what He did, how He died, and how He is powerfully living in each and every one of us. No matter how you put it, this whole concept of Jesus, the Logos of God, going through what the Scripture testifies is a logical nonsense. But we are living in this illogical existence of being called as the members of Christ’s body. Although I love theology (and many of you know how much I enjoy theology), my “understanding” of the Scripture is barricaded by the irrational claim of ο λογος γαρ ο του σταυρου. Why would Jesus, the Son of God, deny Himself? Why would God, the Father, send the innocent Lamb to take our places? Why would God, the Holy Spirit, dwell in our spotted lives, making us the members of Christ’s precious Body? And if this is all true, how can we bear this calling - God’s children, Christ’s disciples, and members of the holy Body of Christ - too great for us to bear? I cannot explain fully how this plan of God works. I cannot grasp the reason of this grand plan of the Almighty God. No wonder this life of cross is foolishness for many. Again and again, I come to learn that the way of Christ is not about the meager intellectual scrutiny. The way of cross, the way of Christ, the way of God’s Logos is to be lived out by us. We don’t have to fully understand. We don’t have to write volumes of theological thesis. We are called to carry on what Christ has shown us. It requires lots of crying, lots of doubting, lots of trusting, lots of encouraging one another, lots of holding up together, and finally lots of joy and praises. And we are committed to this foolishness of Christ’s message of the cross. Such commitment to the way of cross is not only for individual believers but also for the Body as whole. As we are facing various challenges and changes, we need to be more committed to follow the path of the cross. We are foreseeing some important transitions: the renovation of the frontal area of sanctuary, implementation of quite a few changes to save money from our budget, new launching Crossways International courses, and some new types of ministries to name a few. I cannot guarantee that all of us as one accord will enjoy every single one of those changes. I cannot guarantee that all of these changes will be so wonderful and flawless. Rather, some of these changes and transitions might test us and stretch us. I am sure that each and every one of us has better, more efficient idea to handle these transitions. But the question for me is not efficiency, but faithfulness. The most important thing for the church in transition is how the members of this great Body view who they are as Christ’s Church. Are we committed to trust in God and respect the leaders whom He has chosen through our hands? Are we committed to build up this wonderful household of our Father? For me, these are the crucial issues. You all know that the session and I will do our best to hold everyone together. No matter what, we will walk together on the way of the cross. Yes, it might look foolish, and it might look unreasonable at times. But we are called to be the fools of this world, that we might inherit the glorious gift of the eternal world. Some of us have longer and faster stride, while some of us have shorter and slower pace. But as long as I am called to be the pastor of this wonderful household of our Father, I will prayerfully do my best to walk together with my brothers and sisters in this foolish path of the cross.
May’s Session News
The Sacrament of Holy Communion was observed on April 6, 2008. Elders Carol Bayle and Pat Engwer brought communion to Frankie Waite at the Stanton. By the time you receive this newsletter the session has had a very busy April. We had a regular session meeting on April 8 and then two special session meetings on April 22 and 29, 2008. The April 22, 2008, a meeting was held with the Trustees, the Renewal Task Force and the session to review the procedures required to make the session approved changes to the chancel. The session thanked the Renewal Task Force for their written suggestions for the renovations to the chancel and the sanctuary. The Trustees will begin with the session approved changes to the chancel and the sanctuary sometime in May. Greg McDowell has graciously volunteered to be the liaison between the session and the congregation during the renovations of the chancel. If there are any concerns about the renovations then Greg is the person to contact. Our third meeting will be with the Finance committee on April 29, 2008. The purpose of this meeting is to receive and review the finance committee’s recommendations for cost reduction in the church’s finances. The Treasurer has reported to the session in the past few session meetings that we are in a negative cash flow.
The next scheduled session meeting will be June 3, 2008.
God’s love is like an anchor When the angry billows roll- A mooring in the storms of life, A stronghold for the soul!
Today, stay firmly and securely anchored to the Lord. Helen Steiner Rice
Bay Road Presbyterian Church Board of Deacons - Activity for March/April 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/April Cards were sent for the following occasions: 7 birthdays and 3 anniversaries. In addition, 1 sympathy card, 3 get well cards and 6 encouragement cards were sent to members. Flower arrangements were sent to two members who were in the hospital. Two members in the hospital and one member sick at home were visited. Rides were provided so that a member could visit their family member in a nursing home. Soup was taken to a member who was sick at home. Love Gifts were given to a local family who lost the father in a recent accident and a local girl diagnosed with cancer. Food donations will be taken to Caldwell Presbyterian’s food pantry this month.
The Elements were prepared for Communion on Maundy Thursday and on April 6, 2008. Financial Report: Balance on hand as of 4/3/08 was $1147.61.
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
TRUSTEE’S NEWSLETTER MAY 2008
Spring is here and Trustee Rodger Henneke is organizing a Church yard spring clean up for Saturday May 17th. The cleanup will follow the men’s breakfast which will include spouses; any available workers are welcome to help. It normally takes about an hour with the help we have had in the past. Please bring your rack. The breakfast starts at 8:00 am and the cleanup will begin at 9:30 am. A new bulletin board was mounted by the back entrance to Anderson Hall at the request of the Session. Thank you Trustee Andy Holding. The Session approved and forwarded to us, for implementation, the changes to the Chancel back wall. We met with the Session and Renewal Group to organize the procedures and time frame for the removal of the colored insert in the Arch and replacing it with a curtain, replacing the covers on the speakers, removing the corner shelves, and painting wall. This should be completed sometime in May. Our insurance carrier inspected the Church boiler and requests that we make some changes to the piping on top of the boiler. This will be done during the summer by our trustees. Respectfully Submitted By, Chip Collin Chairman Trustees
From Missions & Outreach Committee, May 08: The summer is coming and this is the time Missions & Outreach Committee will be reviewing the missions-missionaries we sponsor. After receiving Support Request forms and information from our missions-missionaries in response to our recent letter, we will be praying about whether to continue supporting them for another year and, if so, for how much. Present support is as follows: Bernice House, Malawi (Skip & Gwen Sanders) - $100/mo Dave & Sandy Bird (Asia)- $650/mo Kurt & Nancy Graff (Kazakstan) - $200/mo Intervarsity (Danielle Bailey) - $100/mo Randy & Sandy Moyer (France) - $200/mo Open Door - $100/mo Women at the Well (Thailand) - $50/mo Albany Presbytery (PRF Pearlington, Miss.) - $500 one time this year Upstate Jail ministries (Peter Bailey) - $500 one time this year. One of the things we ask of our congregation is to let us know how you perceive our mission-missionary support, whether positive or negative, so that we might serve you best. Now is the time to let us know if you have a Lord-led desire for us to consider sponsoring a new Mission- Missionary for support, either on a monthly or one-time basis. You may contact any one of our members. They are: Pat Engwer, Suzanne Graves, Pat Hart, Janice Holding, George Knapp, Jen McDowell, Sue McDowell, Ellen Pezzi, Carolynn Raven, Colleen Russell, Lois Stone, and Faith Wiesner. Thank you for allowing us to serve you. Pat H. - Chairperson
Women Association Events Sat. 5/10/08 Daughter Dinner CANCELLED
Sun. 6/15/08 Dads and Grads Breakfast
Tues. 6/24/08 Women’s Picnic
Dads and Grads Breakfast - On Sunday, June 15th, we will provide breakfast casseroles, fruit dishes and pastries to honor the Dads and Grads in our church on that day. A sign up will be on the board in Anderson Hall.
Women’s Association Picnic - The picnic will be held on Tuesday, June 24th at 6 p.m, the place TBA. We will bring a dish to share.
Bible Study - 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays at the Oneida Church. Our study for May is Hope - all are welcome. Study guides are available at the study for $6.30.
Sunday School - Grades K - 5 Mrs. Kenyon Mr. McDowell This spring we have learned about Palm Sunday, Easter and the walk on the Emmaus Road. Next we learned about Paul on the road to Damascus and how he was converted. We continued learning about Paul and his encounters with Ananias and Barnabas. We did science experiments that taught us about God’s word and did art projects.
Sunday School Sunday - June 22 Sunday School children will share some of the things they have done through the year. Children who have complete second grade who have not received a Bible will receive one that day.
Summer Sunday School - Begins June 29th Regular Sunday School classes will not be held during the summer. After the children’s sermon, children preschool through fifth grade will be unleased for Summer Sunday School. There will be a sign up in Anderson Hall for people to help out in this important ministry.
Annual Spring Clean Up If you are able and willing to pull or drag a leaf rake, you are cordially invited to attend the Annual Leaf Raking Roundup on Saturday, May 17th. A special breakfast will be held for the cleanup crew at 8:00 a.m. and leaf raking will begin at 9:30 a.m. This is a free breakfast open to all our helpers, but any donation you could make in honor of our wonderful breakfast would be greatly appreciated. For more info please call Rodger Henneke @ 761-0545.
Ecumenical Boat Cruise The Lake George Ecumenical Boat Cruise will be held on Sunday, May 18th. The boat will be sailing from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. and boarding will start at 4:00 p.m. There is a sign up sheet in Anderson Hall for all those who would like to attend. Please contact the church secretary to arrange pickup of tickets.
Tree Give A-way I have received 10 Colorado Blue Spruce baby (about 12' tall) trees from the Arbor Day Foundation for Arbor Day, April 25th. I have them presently "heeled in" in my garden, but if anyone would like one or more, please call me so we can make arrangements. They look like healthy trees and should be planted soon. At full growth, a Colorado Blue Spruce can grow to 50'-75' with a spread of 25'. Pat Hart 792-1763
Crossways International Courses
Have you ever read through the Bible from cover to cover? Do you wish you could explain to an inquirer the Bible’s “big story” in its proper sequence – rather than in disconnected bits and pieces? Crossways will put an end to your dilemma. It invites you to join in-depth study sessions to gain an overview of the biblical narrative and its themes. It equips students to dig into each book of the Bible, in chronological order. It empowers them to read, hear, and see its message, and to apply that message to life today. Yes, students are encouraged to do some outside-of-class readings, and some homework. But the rewards in relation to spiritual growth and meaning for life are great! If you are interested in this opportunity (and we hope that you are!), please pick up a packet of registration today or inquire more about it to Pastor Sung.
ELDER SHARE
Elder Share is a day care program for the elderly and meets every Wednesday from 10:30 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. Participants in Elder Share are over 60 years of age, ambulatory (may use a cane or walker if independent) and able to attend on a regular basis. Elder Share offers: a nutritional noon meal, Bible study, friendship, music, games emotional support, prayer, lectures, films socialization, special trips, sharing and much more. Elder Share is self sufficient in that the participants are encouraged to contribute $4 for the meal depending on their ability: however, no eligible person will be denied service for inability to pay.
Elder Share began in 1986 at Bay Road Presbyterian Church as a Mission Outreach. It moved to the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd a number of years ago with the involvement of Georgie Erskine. If you or someone you know would like more information about Elder Share, please call Jacquie Clear (from the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd) at 793-5419 or Jan Kenyon (from Bay Road Presbyterian Church) at 793-7156.
Volunteers: If you would like to help out, we would love to have your help in any way you can. Our volunteers do transportation, help in preparing the meals, lead Bible studies or special programs or sing. The 3-4 volunteers that we have do all of that right now. If you could only do one thing it would be helpful. All of us started by picking the participants up and dropping them off at 10:30 A.M. and picking them up at 1 P.M. Some volunteers just brought the food and dropped it off. Some from the Lutheran church just left the food in the refrigerator with instructions for us to cook it the next day. We only have 8-10 ladies who are involved now, but we could have more if we had others who could provide transportation. If you would like to help out, give Jacquie or Jan a call.
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.
Editor’s Note: This poem has been republished with the corrected author’s name and corrected spelling of the tenth word in the fourth sentence of the third paragraph.
One Flaw In Women Author Unknown
By the time the lord made woman, He was into his sixth day of working overtime. An angel appeared and said, “Why are you spending so much time on this one?” And the Lord answered, “Have you seen my spec sheet on her? She has to be completely washable, but not plastic, Have over 200 movable parts, all replaceable And able to run on diet coke and leftovers, Have a lap that can hold four children at one time, Have a kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee to a broken heart And she will do everything with only two hands.” The angel was astounded at the requirements. “Only two hands!? No way! And that’s just on the standard model? That’s too much work for one day. Wait until tomorrow to finish.” “But I won’t,” the Lord protested. “I am so close to finishing this creation that is so close to my own heart. She already heals herself when she is sick and can work 18 hour days.” The angel moved closer and touched the woman. “But you have made her so soft, Lord.” “She is soft,” the Lord agreed, “but I have also made her tough. You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish.” “Will she be able to think?” asked the angel. The Lord replied, “Not only will she be able to think, She will be able to reason and negotiate.” The angel then noticed something, And reaching out, touched the woman’s cheek. “Oops, it looks like you have a leak in this model. I told you that you were trying to put too much into this one.” “That’s not a leak,” the Lord corrected. “That’s a tear!” “What’s the tear for?” the angel asked. The Lord said, “The tear is her way of expressing her joy, Her sorrow, her pain, her disappointment, her love, Her loneliness, her grief and her pride.” The angel was impressed. “You are a genius, Lord. You thought of everything! Woman is truly amazing.”
And she is! Women have strengths that amaze men. They bear hardships and they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy. They smile when they want to scream. They sing when they want to cry. They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous. They fight for what they believe in. They stand up to injustice. They don’t take “no” for an answer when they believe there is a better solution. They go without so their family can have. They go to the doctor with a frightened friend. They love unconditionally. They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards. They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding. Their hearts break when a friend dies. They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left. They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart. Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors. They’ll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you. The heart of a woman is what make the world keep turning. They bring joy, hope and love. They have compassion and ideals. They give moral support to their family and friends. Women have vital things to say and everything to give.
HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN, IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.
Happy Mother’s Day!
CHUCKLE CORNER
You're Really A Mom When...
· You count the number of sprinkles on each kid's cupcake to make sure they are equal. · You want to take out a contract on the kid who broke your child's favorite toy and made him/her cry. · You have time to shave only one leg at a time. · You hide in the bathroom to be alone. · Your child throws up and you catch it. · Someone else's kid throws up at a party and you keep eating. · You consider finger paint to be a controlled substance. · You mastered the art of placing food on a plate without anything touching. · Your child insists that you read "Once upon a Potty" out loud in the lobby of the doctor's office and you do it. · You hire a baby sitter because you haven't been out with your husband in ages, then you spend half the night talking about and checking on the kids. · You hope ketchup is a vegetable because it's the only one your child eats. · You find yourself cutting your husband's sandwiches into unusual shapes. · You fast-forward through the scene when the hunter shoots Bambi's mother. · You obsess when your child clings to you upon parting during his first month at school, then you obsess when he skips in without looking back. · You can't bear to give away baby clothes--it's so final. · You hear your mother's voice coming out of your mouth when you say, "Not in your good clothes." · You stop criticizing the way your mother raised you. · You read that the average-five-year old asks 437 questions a day and feel proud that your kid is "above average."
White HairOne day a little girl was sitting and watching her mother do the dishes at the kitchen sink. She suddenly noticed that her mother had several strands of white hair sticking out in contrast on her brunette head. She looked at her mother and inquisitively asked, "Why are some of your hairs white, Mom?" Her mother replied, "Well, every time that you do something wrong and make me cry or unhappy, one of my hairs turns white." The little girl thought about this revelation for a while and then said, "Momma, how come ALL of grandma's hairs are white?"
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 www.exploreinglensfalls.com Open M-S 10-5 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.
SUNDAY MORNING MINISTRIES/ May 2008
Greeters 4 Janet Spahn 11 Wil & Faith Wiesner 18 Carol Bayle 25 Veronica 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 4 Mission Trip Luncheon 4 Skip LaRose & John Murphy 11 Volunteers Needed 11 Lou Russell & Cathy Reed 18 Volunteers Needed 18 Linda Auffredou & Wil Wiesner 25 Volunteers needed 25 Chip Collin & Diana Berrigan
OPEN DOOR MINISTRY (Wed., May 14th 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).
God Bless You on Your Special Day...
MAY BIRTHDAYS 2 Nathan Etu 5 Ed Goddard 5 Betty Brayton-Smith 12 Richard Reed 14 Veronica Russell 15 Michael Linindoll 16 Frankie Waite 18 Dennis Russell 19 Nancy Miller 23 Tim Graves 23 Karen Kirkpatrick 25 Douglas Collin MAY ANNIVERSARIES6 John & Lou Ann Holt 12 Leo & Eva Heroux 21 Dave & Sandy Bird 23 Phill & Laura Mitchell 30 Randy & Jacqueline Tyner
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. Thank you!
Deadline for the June issue of the “Highlights” newsletter is Sunday, May 25th.
For our church events go to page 1 of our website and click on Calendar of Events, then Church Calendar.
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