Church Matters Monthly Newsletter of East Glenville Community Church April 2015 Mark Your Calendar 4/1 No Wed. Night Program (Praise Gang/Choir will meet) 4/2 7:00pm Maundy Thursday Service 4/5 Easter Sunday (See Page 4 for Schedule) 4/8 No Wednesday Night Program (School Vac.) 4/11 Iron Sharpens Iron 4/12 9:00am Adult Sunday School Potluck Breakfast A Word from Pastor Jim Filing materials away from my recent preaching series "Genuine Community in Church Relationships", I discovered again an editorial from Christianity Today of ten years ago. The writer then was commenting on the theological divisions visible across our country within denominations and local congregations. As our society was moving unchecked along the erasing of absolutes in moral and spiritual life, religious organizations were shrinking their own non-negotiables of what was believed about God, Jesus, the Bible, and the role of the Church. Religious groups large and small, with varying labels and heritages were distilling down their beliefs, appearing at the end to little left within themselves than a call to unity with one another. Mirroring the culture's personalizing of truth, they essentially were finding bonds and connections with one another based upon little more than being bonded and connected. 4/17 6:30pm SPARK Church Matters Deadline Commenting on this dilution of convictions, the editorial closed by referencing Jesus prayer and how it seems, "We too quickly forget Jesus' prayer for unity in John 17 is accompanied by this prayer, 'Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth' Genuine church unity, according to Jesus, is grounded in truth." 4/24 - 25 Preschool Garage Sale Continued on next page... 4/25 Women's’ Retreat EG Kids/Dads Playdate Adult Sunday School Potluck Breakfast April 12th During the Sunday School Hour Buchanan Hall Bring a dish to share! Come enjoy fellowship, share and learn about the upcoming Sunday School Classes! Save the Date! Primetimers Luncheon Thursday, May 14th at 12pm RSVP: Gail Heckeler 399-4110 or Velma Rhodenizer 399-1957 City Mission Help serve dinner at the Schenectady City Mission on May 1st. Contact Cindi Phillips at 885-2091 or [email protected] for more info. A Word from Pastor Jim Ctd. Ten years later, observing the state of the Christian Church, I'm not at all sure it is that much different. The fading of essential non-negotiables (those Group A's I've mentioned before) leaves the Church reflecting its society more than being a prophetic voice to it. When convictions are subtly weakened over time, the Church casts off from its solid foundation as people of the Crucified and Risen Christ. We come to rest and float upon the constantly fluctuating level of society's mores rather than answering the call of the Master to higher up and further on, committing to cultural mirroring more than calling one another up to freedom. Reading this prophetic picture of our current day, it made me glad for the commitment I find here to the Bible, God's Revealed Truth. Even as we too need to be alert to the pulls of our age and effects from our cultural thinking, our unity as a church comes as we dig in and live His Truth. And all the more important and valuable is our opportunity for guiding those around us in learning and practicing their skills for accessing God's practical teachings for life and witness to God's heart and thinking. In our groups and worship, in our training classes and personal practices, it is worth it…so very much worth it…to be in the Word. 2 A Night of Gathered Worship Visitors for Those at Home: Women at the Well How good it is for the Body of Christ to care for one another. I Thessalonians 5:11 says we are to "encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." That is what's happening among us each week, though its often out of view. Did you know there are nine identified visitors among our congregation who have taken it upon themselves to visit those in our church who find it difficult now to get out and around? I say "identified" since these are just the ones we know of, no surprise if there are more. These faithful friends call and stop by, regularly checking in with those unable to join us Sunday mornings. In addition to their friendly, supportive contacts, these visitors also serve as regular communicators back to Pastor Phil about what's happening in people's lives and critical messengers to Pastor Jim when emergencies happen throughout the week. What an asset this visitation team is to our church's pastoral care! Yes too, the effort of the additional volunteer doing hospital and home communion, another who sends Sunday bulletins each week to these homebound, and the Friday group who package the monthly newsletter for mailing. Thank you all for loving and living your faith to those around you. As we look forward to the many blessings we know that God will pour on our upcoming Garden Getaway retreat we reflect back on a wonderful year of Women’s Ministry. We thank our Lord for meaningful events, fun and laughter, heartfelt sharing and tears. Six groups of women continue to meet weekly to grow in the Word. Our team appreciates all of you who have participated in any way- your time and trust is a precious gift to us and our sisters in Christ. And for those who have helped us make the studies, retreat and other events happen, “How can we say thanks?!” Now we begin to plan for next year. As we look ahead the many suggestions you gave us are invaluable. Please pray for us as we pray over them and know that we are always looking for ideas and input. We will need others to help so if you are interested in assisting with an event or an area of ministry (publicity, baking, decorations, prayer team, etc.) just let one of us know. Many hands make light work and we have such a good time together! As always… join us and bring a friend! With much love, Vina, Melissa, Lori, Kim, Diane and Donna 3 Easter Week Events and Beyond Palm Sunday Worship March 29th - 10:30am Maundy Thursday Communion April 2nd - 7:00pm Scripture, Music and Lord's Supper to remember the death of Jesus Easter Sonrise Service April 5th - 6:30am Gather at dawn on the church grounds to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. If a rainy morning, we will be meeting inside, so come either way. Easter Coffee Fellowship April 5th - 9:45am All ages invited to come early for coffee, juice, pastries and time together before Worship Easter Celebration Service April 5th - 10:30am Worship for Adults, Youth and Children Note…there will be no morning Sunday School or evening Youth Group on Easter Sunday Adult Sunday School Breakfast April 12th - 9:00am As the children and youth resume Sunday School, the combined Adult classes will gather for light breakfast, conversation and music, stories of the past semester, and introductions of the coming classes New Sunday Preaching Series Begins April 12th - 10:30am "The Myths of Marriage (why didn't anyone tell me this?)" Loading (or Reloading ) God's Principles into Our Marriage 4 Missions Active Missionary: Paul Holt Retired Missionary: Betty Hoffman Paul Holt has been a faithful missionary working with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship for the past twenty years. He is the son of Miriam and Bob Holt both of whom raised Paul to have a heart for the Lord at an early age. Paul's heart for missions centers around the international student who comes to the U.S. for an education which also includes seekers for God's truth on college campuses. The work of Paul's ministry had been witnessed in recent years when he and another EGCC supported missionary with IVCF, Glen Ewart, came to present a mission conference. Internationals were our guests for the conference, some of whom spoke their testimonies and how they felt led to take the gospel message back to their native countries. Irv and Betty Hoffman grew up in Rochester, NY. Irv graduated from Cornell U., Temple U., Manchester U. (UK) and Fuller Seminary .Betty attended nursing, orthopedics, music and Bible training schools. They had 3 children - Mark, Faith and Suzanne. The following is an excerpt from Paul's recent newsletter, dated February 2015: “Sometimes the path ahead is unclear and going forward requires deeper faith and trust than we have ever known. After the wonderful gift of a sabbatical, I find myself in a major, unexpected and extremely difficult transition. My InterVarsity ISM position based in Potsdam is effectively being eliminated-- as late as June 2015, maybe earlier. After 20 years of serving with InterVarsity and reaffirming God's long term call to continue fruitful ministry in Potsdam in January 2014, this news came as a shock. I am working with my area supervisor to discern options. My national ISM director is hopeful God will open doors and provide opportunities to continue advancing and growing ministry to internationals within InterVarsity as I have done with the National ISM Leadership team since 2004. We face many unknowns though I want to remain with InterVarsity. I love its mission and global minded focus on student centered leadership development. Paul asks for our prayers for His direction in his life and in that of his family's, believing with Paul that God has prepared in advance what He is guiding him to do. They joined North Africa Mission in 1956 as teacher -missionaries and served in Algeria and France Irv taught at the Radio School of the Bible in Marseille and in Algeria as an English teacher at the U. of Oran and a teacher training college in Chleff. Betty has been a mother, housewife, music promoter, correspondent, typist, children's worker, Bible study leader and home visitor. Their ministry involved counseling, visitation and Bible studies and occasional preaching. Hospitality was an important part of their ministry in the Muslim country of Algeria. When they returned to the United States they lived in the Philadelphia area and continued to minister to the Muslim people there. in a number of ways. . Irv passed into glory in 2004 and Betty continued to minister to those who were in poor health or needed a ride or whatever the Lord showed her to do.. She still sings in the choir and does some art. She has contact with Muslim women through a ministry in giving conversation sessions with people who need to improve their English. Betty has written a report on their lives and ministry which we have been pondering how best to make it available to those who are interested. Betty Hoffman, 2704 Grand Av. #2, Holmes, PA 19043 5 VBS 2015 is coming…. EVEREST!! June 29 – July 2, 2015 9am – 12pm This is a 4-day VBS due to Friday July 3rd being a holiday. There won't be an evening family program. Conquering Challenges with God's Mighty Power! At Everest, kids embark on an icy expedition where they overcome obstacles with God's awesome power! Rock-solid Bible truths will help guide them through life's challenges. Everest is filled with incredible Biblelearning experiences kids see, hear, touch and even taste. Cool Bible songs, crafts, team-building games, and tasty treats are just some of the activities that help faith flow into real life. Adults and teens, please prayerfully consider how you can volunteer for VBS. There are many positions to fill, and each one provides the opportunity to impact children with the Word of God. Contact: Susan Perregaux with questions, 384-7296, [email protected] (Grades K - 5) Friday, April 17th 6:30 - 8:00pm in Buchanan Hall VBS Weird Animals - Day 5 Revisit VBS Bible Point & Bible story & music! Snack, songs, games, lesson! Bring a friend. Donation requested: $1 per child. Contact Susan Perregaux at 384-7296 for more info. Preschool Garage Sale Fundraiser We will be having our Annual Preschool Garage Sale on April 24th and 25th at 9 Saratoga Drive. Donations gladly accepted! For more information, please contact Linda Wachtel at 399-4508. Thank you! Reminder: We still have openings in our 3 and 4-year-old classes for the 2015-2016 School Year. See www.egcchurch.org/preschool for more information. 6 EGCC Youth It’s hard to believe that it is April already! Time is flying by and we are that much closer to the return of our Lord (Rev. 22:20). There are some great and exciting things happening this April, including: Why not try a Christian Camp experience for your child? Please see the display of local summer camp brochures in the Foyer! (coming soon)! Sonrise Service. 6:30am April 5th at EGCC. Come and celebrate Easter through a service lead by our fantastic Youth Group Students. If the weather is nice we’ll have the service outside . There will not be a breakfast after this Sonrise Service; instead we welcome you to a Easter Coffee Fellowship at 9:45am. A parent email contact list. If you have a student in High School or Middle School please email me at [email protected]. It would be a huge benefit to email information, opportunities and resources to our parents throughout the year. Be sure to check out the website and Facebook page for more information:  www.egcchurch.org  EGCC Youth Group on Facebook -Travis EG Kids and Dads Spring Play Date April 25th, 12pm - 2pm at Tree Paad Fun Center (2381 Rt. 9, Malta) Dads, bring your children together in play & fellowship while the ladies are at the retreat! $17 per person: Pizza/Chicken Nuggets, Drinks, Fellowship Room, Laser Tag, & Laser Maze. RSVP by April 12th to Felipe Moon at [email protected]. Attention High School Seniors!! The Diaconate Board is now accepting applications for the 2015 Terry O'Donnell Memorial Scholarship. Applications are available in the foyer or in the Church Office. See Cindi Phillips with any questions. Application deadline is May 3rd. Scholarships will be awarded on Celebration Sunday (June 14th). 7 335 Saratoga Road Glenville, NY 12302 Non Profit Org U.S. Postage Paid Burnt Hills, NY Permit No. 5 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED EGCC Information Staff Sunday School: 9:00am Worship: 10:30am Senior Pastor: Rev. James Smith Location: 335 Saratoga Rd. Glenville, NY 12302 Phone: 399-3151 Preschool: 399-6894 New Fax #: 631-6673 Email: [email protected] Check out our Church Website @ www.egcchurch.org Assistant Pastor: Rev. Phil Sears Dir. of Children’s Ministries Susan Perregaux Dir. of Family Ministries Travis Phillips Dir. Of Preschool Linda Wachtel Dir. of Worship Ministries: Sandie Wanamaker Administrative Assistant: Gina Vendetti