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From Pastor’s Desk: “Change, Transition and Transformation” Summer at its end is the time of change for many people. A new school year begins, and children are moving into the next grade. High school graduates are leaving for college, and parents are mourning for their empty nests (of course, some of them are dancing!). Especially, over this summer, many of Bay Road families went through significant changes. Several families lost their beloved ones over the summer. And a few members had their son and daughters getting married. Some of us had broken arms and feet by accidents, and some of us went through different medical procedures. Compared to previous years, this summer was uniquely full of changes for many people in Bay Road. Surprisingly, what really troubles us are not changes, but transitions. Most people think that they do not like changes. But most crucial changes happen whether we are ready or not and whether we welcome it or not. Moreover, changes are neutral, and there is almost nothing we can do about them. There is no value judgment against or for changes. However, “transition” is quite different from changes. Almost all transitions come after the changes, but they are our choice of how to react to what happened. Transition is our decision, will and action that require many things from us. Most transitions are difficult, and not every transition is good. Some people make a good transition, yet others make a poor transition. We are often praying for our brothers and sisters who are going through different trials and changes. Why do we pray? We pray for their good transitions in the time of trials. Yet, I want to insist that there is a higher level of transition for the people of faith. I want to call it “transformation.” No. I am not talking about a Stephen Spielberg’s movie, "Transformer." “Change” is what happens and “transition” is where we will be after the change. And “transformation” is who we become after changes and transitions. It is not situational but relational; not materialistic but spiritual; not about the result but about the growth. From the story of Job, what happened to his wealth, health and his children is change; the fact that he endured the trial and received the double portion of God’s blessing is transition; and his transformation was “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes. (Job 42:5-6).” Everyone in our world rejoices when he/she finds him/herself in a better place after the change. Everyone is wishing for a good transition. However, Christians ought to look higher than the good result of transitions. For us, who we have become is our focus as we pass through the changes and transitions. We hope and expect good transitions, but, as we all know, we do not always come to a better place after changes. There are illnesses that leave us permanent marks. There are financial transitions that would wipe away all our hard work for many years. There are broken relationships that will never restore the safe haven we once so loved. There are deaths of the beloved that will never bring them back into our lives. For the worldly standard, such transitions are not good transitions. They are painful, hard, and possibly the “worst” transitions. However, when we walk through those transitions with the presence our Father, those transitions become transformation – that we might grow to know our Father more and more. Personally, I have many transitions this year. In fact, so many changes happened that I could hardly keep up with the transitions following those changes. Some transitions are simple, like going through the Officer's Training School. Some transitions are hard, such as losing my mother. Some transitions are unpredictable, and some transitions are definitely scary. Some transitions take place in one day, and other transitions take decades. Maybe it is because I am at the end of my three years into ministry (which the statistics claim the most dangerous time for new pastors). Maybe it is because I am moving into "middle age." Maybe it is because I spent the exact same years in America as in Korea (18 years in America and 18 years in Korea). I don't know exactly why so many changes occurred necessitating tough transitions. And believe me. Transitions are hard. Yet, we find joy when those transitions become transformation for us. I am praying for my brothers and sisters whose lives are changing. I am praying for the good transition that they would be in a better place than before. Yet, my prayers do not stop there. I pray that they would reach the transformation which God intends to bring through the changes and transitions.
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:1-2)
Session News
The Sacrament of Holy Communion was observed on June 3,2007 at church and served to Bill and Florence Seibert in their home at 26 Pinion Pine,Queensbury. Frankie Waite received communion at Stanton’s Nursing Home, Bobbi Allen @Glens Falls Hospital served by Elders Chris Henneke and Jan Kenyon. Communion was also observed on July 1, 2007, served to Frankie Waite, Denise La Rose and Bobbi Allen all in their places of residence. It was served by Elders Carol Bayle and Pat Engwer. Communion was observed on August 5, 2007 served by Pastor Sung Hee Lee and Elder Pat Engwer to Ruth and Bruce Smith in their home in Lake George and Bill and Florence Seibert in Queensbury. Communion will be observed on September 2, 2007 at church. Pastor Sung Hee Lee and Elder Debbie Collin will be bringing communion to folks in their home.
The session reluctantly accepted the resignation of Elder Laura Mitchell from the session in order for her to attend Princeton Seminary to pursue ordination. Laura’s leadership skills will be missed. We wish her well in her studies.
On August 5, 2007, a special congregation meeting was held to elect an elder to the session. Wil Weisner was unanimously approved by the congregation to be an elder. The session welcomes Wil to the session.
After many special meetings concerning the replacement of the Randy & Jackie Tyner for Youth Group, Pastor Sung Hee Lee has agreed to take over the Youth Group this fall. Youth Group is separate from Sunday school. Pastor Sung has agreed to take on this responsibility with the understanding he will need two or three committed volunteers to aid he and the youth on a consistent basis. Working with our Youth (the future) is about forming relations with our teens who need a consistent person in their life besides their parents. Please pray on as to how you can help with this ministry. Maybe it will be rides, meals, chaperoning or just providing that familiar person in church that a youth feels they can talk with. Our youth and children are the Future of our church and denomination. Let’s uphold the vows we take each time a child is baptized to support their walk with Christ. On August 26, 2007, BRPC welcomed three new members of the church, Richard and Paula Bossert and Katherine Prevost. Please introduce yourself to the three new members of our church family and get to know them. Welcome Richard, Paula and Katherine!
On July 10, 2007, several members of the session and congregation form a group to begin the beautifying of our entire church hence the Beautification Group. A survey has been created to get the congregation’s opinion on the remodeling of the sanctuary (1st project). This group is open to whoever is interested in helping to keep our church clean, well organized and remodeled. It has been 22 years since anything has been done to our church (with exception of the South Wing). It is time for us to take care of God’s home. The Beautification Group is asking for all to pitch in for our indoor fall cleaning on September 29 (see newsletter).
DEACON’S CORNER
The Board of Deacons did not meet in July and August, but the work of the Lord continued on, thanks to the generosity of the congregation. - Bank balance as of 8/19/07 was $3,056.82 - Communion elements were prepared for worship on July 1, 2007 and on August 5, 2007. - Cards were sent to church members and friends to give encouragement, to express our sympathy and to give get-well wishes. - Flowers were sent to four church members. - Floral arrangements were sent from our church family to two families at the time of their memorial services for loved ones. - Love gift in the amount of $150 in food vouchers was given to non-church member. - Provided workers, lunch and financial support for work day at a member’s home. - Visited member in the hospital after surgery. - Provided transportation and did errands for member’s mom. - Arranged and baked for reception following a memorial service in our church. The Board of Deacons will meet September 11,2007at 7 p.m. at the home of Janice Kingsley __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Trustee’s Newsletter September 2007
The Trustees installed a storm drain to correct the mud puddle by the entrance to Anderson Hall. Work was also done to eliminate ants in the kitchen and mice in the building. We set up an additional parking area and helped park cars for a funeral service. We are studying the old lawn irrigation system to see if it can be repaired. Some low hanging limbs were removed at the back of the parking lot and some weeding was done in the flower beds. A lawn service was contracted to mow the field by the barn on a regular basis. Repairs were made to a damaged light pole along the driveway. And a treatment was added to the septic system to help keep it operating efficiently.
Bible Study
The Wednesday night Bible study held at David Montgomery’s house will begin September 5th at 7 pm. Please join us.
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New Office Hours
Starting September 4th, the church secretary will be in the office 8:30 until 11:30, Monday thru Friday. ______________________________________________________________________________________ A Note From Dennis Russell
Dennis and Taylor Russell
have just bought their first house in Michigan. Their new contact Information
follows. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Lost and Found The following list of items have been found in our church. They are hanging in the closet in the entrance way. 1 Women of Faith Shirt 2 Winter Coats 3 Sweatshirts 1 Child’s Jacket
Calling All Cooks, Bakers and BBQ’rs! Bay Road Presbyterian Church is putting together a cookbook. We have decided that it would be a great time to put together a new cookbook. The only thing missing is your recipes! For the next several weeks, we will be collecting the recipes at church and on my email. (DeniseLaRose29@yahoo.com) We need lots of different recipes. Does your family have a favorite salad you always have at Thanksgiving? Do you always bring the same dish to a Pot Trust dinner and EVERYONE asks for the recipe? These are the recipes we are looking for. Get the kids involved and the Men too!! Hope to hear from y’all soon! Denise LaRose and Jan Kenyon
Interior of the Church
It has been 22 years since the sanctuary, the kitchen, the bathrooms and Anderson Hall were constructed and/or remodeled. Just like our own homes it is time to update God’s home. This everyone’s church and each person is important. The following is a questionnaire designed to gather input to the eventual remodeling. Just like in our own homes, a budget will be drawn up and a 5 year (or more) plan will be created from the comments gathered from all of you. Most of the labor will be done by all of us. We hope to get input from a professional designer as well. Please return this ASAP to the office by Sunday, September 30, 2007.
REMODELING THE SANCTUARY (Before answering the questions below, take time to PRAY and MEDITATE about the interior of our sanctuary. God can lead all of us. Please answer the questions below either by circling YES or NO. If you answered YES, please write in your suggestions.)
If you could change anything in the sanctuary, what would you like to see changed?
COLOR OF THE WALLS AND WOODWORK? Yes /No ___________________________________________________________ CHANCEL AREA? Yes/No ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ SEAT CUSHIONS? Yes/No __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ WINDOW TREATMENTS? Yes/No __________________________________________________________ CARPET? Yes/No __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ PEWS? Yes/No __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ LIGHTING? Yes/No __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ SOUND? Yes/No _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ CEILING? Yes/No _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ TRAFFIC FLOW? Yes/No _________________________________________________________
Thank you for your input. Please know this is just a fact finding mission to see how we can slowly update our church’s interior. Just as all of you know paint and sheet rock are relatively inexpensive ways to change the appearance of a room, especially when we the congregation can provide the labor.
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SAVE THE DATE; Saturday, September 29,2007 9:00am Time to clean the church
The Beautification Group invites everyone to come and help do the fall cleaning at OUR CHURCH. Men, women and children are welcomed. Sometimes the children can get into smaller spaces then us big folks, like cool places ( under and behind the pews, etc). We have jobs posted in each room so if you are not able to come on this date you can pitch in on another date and do the jobs posted on the list in the room. Don’t let our church look SCARY for the upcoming winter ahead. Help honor the Lord as a servant to His House. Sign up in Anderson Hall.
Welcome New Members!
Dr. Richard Bossert and his wife, Paula, currently live in Queensbury. They have been married for 47 years and have two children, Rebecca Christine, age 43, and Elizabeth Rose, age 40. Both Dr. Bossert and Paula were born in NYC and have resided most of their lives in Upstate New York. Dr. Bossert is a retired engineer and Paula is a retired teacher. In their spare time, Dr. Bossert and his wife both advocate for people with disabilities.
Katherine Ann Prevost was born June 15, 1976 in Wiesbaden, Germany. She has resided for most of her life in El Paso, Texas, although she now lives here in Queensbury. She is currently employed at Boston Scientific. In Katherine’s spare time, she enjoys reading books, going on hikes, biking, playing pool and scrabble. She is also a member of the Adirondack Mountain Club.
Do you have the gifts of Christian hospitality? Welcoming people with the love of Christ? Sharing His care and concern? Showing kindness by loving one another as we love ourselves? Helping God’s visitors to feel at home in His house? There are lots of ways that we can all show God’s love to people visiting our church: saying a warm hello, sharing the peace of Christ during worship, talking with visitors during fellowship time, inviting folks to special events at the church (Bible studies, women’s retreat, etc.), walking visitors to the door and inviting them to come again. Sometimes we are so busy catching up with those in our church family, or with our responsibilities at church, that our visitors stand around feeling uncomfortable. Let’s remember that our visitors might like to be a part of Christ’s family at Bay Road too. The Greeter’s Ministry provides a special way to reach out to new people at the church. Greeters welcome visitors as they arrive; encourage people to wear nametags; show guests the nursery, restrooms, Sunday School rooms and sanctuary; and spend time with visitors during fellowship. This year we plan to send cards of welcome to those who visit, encouraging them to come again. If you would like to be a greeter this year, please contact Denise LaRose (793-1963) or Marcia Etu (798-8821). We will be having a covered dish dinner and orientation meeting at Marcia’s house on Sunday, September 30 at 6 p.m. for all greeters-- those who are continuing to serve and anyone who would like to join this ministry. If you can come, please RSVP Marcia at 798-8821 or marciametu@excite.com.
Our Children in God’s House As summer draws to a close and a new school year begins, with VBS planned for this fall, and our youth group starting up again, we are hoping to see many new faces at Bay Road Church. Since going to church may be a new experience for some, now might be a good time to put on paper some guidelines for showing respect while at church.
All children are “our children,” so please watch out for each child as your own and feel free to speak to them as needed. Let’s take advantage of the “teachable moments” that will help our children learn and grow.
Try to remind children to use the restrooms and get a drink of water before going into the sanctuary, to minimize interruptions during worship.
Fall is a wonderful time to be outside, but please be sure an adult is watching the children.
Certain areas are not play areas just as in our own home; the kitchen, the basement, the offices, the bathrooms, and the sanctuary are not safe or appropriate play areas. The computers in the offices are for church business. If children need to be upstairs, an adult needs to be with them. Children that are supervised are much safer.
Running is great exercise but not in the church, upstairs or in the fellowship hall.
The wheelchairs are for those who need them. We are thankful that they are seldom required by our youth. They should not be used for recreation.
There are many fun books and toys to read and play with and we encourage everyone to check them out and to put them away when they are finished. We all know how quickly a child can be hurt or hurt someone else by mistake.
There is a first aid kit in the kitchen for an adult to use if a child should need care. All injuries need to be reported to an adult. Children should not be using the first aid supplies.
We want our children safe so they can have fun and be respectful while in God’s house.
Thank you!
CHUCKLE CORNER KIDS IN CHURCH…
From a church bulletin: A family-type film, suitable for both children and parents, will be shown at the Sunday evening service at 6:00 p.m. Free puppies will be given to all children not accompanied by a parent.
A father took his 5-year-old son to several baseball games where The Star-Spangled Banner was sung before the start of each game. Then the father and son attended a church on a Sunday shortly before Independence Day. The congregation sang The Star-Spangled Banner, and after everyone sat down, the little boy suddenly yelled, ''PLAY BALL!!!''
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.
SUNDAY MORNING MINISTRIES/ September 2007 Greeters 2 N/A 9 N/A 16 N/A 23 N/A 30 N/A Ushers 2 Lou & Colleen, Rodger & Chris 3 Rodger & Chris, Ed & Emily 4 Ed & Emily, Doug K. 5 Doug & LouAnn, Lou & Colleen 30 Lou & Colleen, Rodger & Chris
Coffee Hour Tithe Counters 2 volunteers needed 2 Chip Collin, Pat Hart 9 volunteers needed 9 Janice Holding, LouAnn Holt 16 Susan McDowell 16 Sharon Meinrenken, Skip LaRose 23 volunteers needed 23 Denise LaRose, John Murphy 30 volunteers needed 30 Cathy Reed, Eva Heroux
OPEN DOOR MINISTRY (Wed., September 12th 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: Lois Stone & Ellen Pezzi
God Bless You on Your Special Day... SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS 5 Bruno Paszek 5 Sarah Simpson 6 Eileen Cummings 7 Janet Murphy 7 Nora Szmul 8 Byamba Bird 13 Janice Holding 13 Jan Bell 14 Pat Engwer 15 Tacey Shannon 15 Jeremy Waite 17 Ben Bramlage 26 Paul Etu 27 Scott Bell SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARIES24 Ben & Melissa Bramlage 27 Richard & Cathy Reed
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 October issue of the “Highlights” newsletter is Sunday, September 30.
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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