Doorway to Hope The Newsletter of Hope Church, P.C.A. Our Vision: Training People for L.I.F.E September 2015 · Vol. 18, No. 4 E-mail:
[email protected] Website: www.hopechurch.us Good News from the Pastoral Search Committee Dear Hope Church Family, As you probably know by now your Pastoral Search Committee has voted unanimously to select Nathan Thompson as the candidate for Hope’s next pastor. As a committee we are very encouraged and excited about the prospect of having Nathan Thompson candidate here at Hope Church on Sunday, September 13th. Following the candidate visit weekend, there will be a congregational meeting, tentatively scheduled for Sunday, September 27, for the purpose of voting either to extend a call to him to be our pastor, or not to extend a call to him. Nate and his wife Bethany and their two children Jonah, age two, and Talitha, who turns one year old in October, will be here starting on Wednesday, September 9th through Sunday, September 13th. The Pastoral Search Committee is finalizing a schedule, and there will be various opportunities to interact with Nate and Bethany throughout their time here. Some of the key events of the weekend to be aware of are a men’s and a women’s breakfast on Saturday, September 12th at the church and a local area restaurant. Also, there will be a meeting with the Session and various ministry leaders on Saturday afternoon followed by
a pizza picnic on Saturday evening. Additionally, there will be a covered dish luncheon at the church following the Sunday morning service as an additional opportunity to talk with and hear from Nate. All are invited and urged to attend both the picnic and the covered dish luncheon to get a chance to interact with Nate and his family. Please mark your calendars now for these important events. Volunteers will be needed to help with the weekend, including childcare and other hospitality for the Thompsons. Watch the bulletin and your mailboxes for more information and further details about this upcoming candidate weekend. Feel free to ask any Pastoral Search Committee member for information about Nate. We want to provide you all the information you feel is necessary for your decision and we are therefore ready to share what
we know about him and his family. Nate provided the following note to our church: Greetings! My name is Nate Thompson. I have been married to my wife Bethany for 5 years. We have a two year old son, Jonah, a 9 month old daughter, Talitha, and are expecting child #3 sometime in January. My call to ministry took place on the island of Madagascar, where I was teaching missionary kids math and history. God was kind and used my weakness to bring some teens to faith, which then launched me into youth ministry. I served for four years as the Minister of Youth and Young Families at Church of the Redeemer (Continued on page 2)
Inside This Issue Learn God’s Word...regarding the use of The Law Interact in Worship...as we look into Colossians Foster Loving Relationships...as Bob celebrates 90 years
p. 3 pp. 4 p. 5 ...with a story written by Abigail p. 6 Extend God’s Hope...Operation Christmas Child and our Seniors p. 7 ...with Camp Hope friends and families p. 8 1
the Gospel. His missionary experience is also a good fit with Hope Church as he has a real heart for missions and the nations. We are excited about the prospects of moving into the next phase of Hope Church’s history with the Thompson family among us.
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in Cortland, NY. After graduating from Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi, I returned to Vestal, NY to help fill the pulpit for New Hope Presbyterian Church, while my father battled cancer. I love reading books about Jesus and the gospel, watching the Philadelphia Phillies and all things Marvel Comics. Bethany has a recreation degree from SUNY Cortland. She enjoys cooking and hospitality. Though the young kids make it difficult we still look for opportunities to go camping, hiking and be outside. My family and I are excited to have the honor and opportunity to come and meet you all.
The Pastoral Search Committee has experienced the power of your prayers for us as we reached this decision. Now the most important thing you can do is to pray for the Holy Spirit to guide each member in his or her decision and that God’s will be made clear to our congregation and to Nate as well. Selection of a pastor is one of the most important decisions that a congregation makes. This is a privilege and a responsibility of membership and should be a high priority for you and should be exercised prayerfully.
Brandon first met Nate at the January New York State Presbytery meeting where he was examined for licensure. He did an excellent job in those examinations and in the presentation of the sermon at the meeting. When we visited there in April we appreciated his sermon and the people in the church spoke very highly of him as well as his wife and two young children.
In Christ, The Pastoral Search Committee
P.S. Reminder: mark your calendars now for Saturday and Sunday, September 12 and 13.
In our conversations with Nate he has given very genuine and thoughtful responses to some very difficult questions and does not quickly jump to conclusions or immediate solutions. We believe that his young wife and family will be an encouragement to the younger couples at Hope as they get to know him better. Bethany is a very sweet person, wonderful mother and in complete support of Nate’s calling and ministry. His heart seems to be genuinely gripped by the grace of God and he seeks to share that in his sermons and daily life. He is eager to get to know people and truly be a shepherd to them. From early on he has been seeking to get to know the Ballston Spa area, the community at large and has demonstrated a desire to be at Hope and love the people here. We have been very open with him and he knows the struggles we have as a church. Nate seems to be intellectually engaging but straightforward and uncompromising in his presentation of
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P.P.S. If you would like to hear some of Nate’s recent sermons, you can go to http:// www.newhope1.net/messages.htm and listen to his recent sermons.
Learn God’s Word
THE THREEFOLD USE OF THE LAW by R.C. Sproul Submitted by Pastor Farinacci
Every Christian wrestles with the question, how does the Old Testament law relate to my life? Is the Old Testament law irrelevant to Christians or is there some sense in which we are still bound by portions of it? As the heresy of antinomianism becomes ever more pervasive in our culture, the need to answer these questions grows increasingly urgent. The Reformation was founded on grace and not upon law. Yet the law of God was not repudiated by the Reformers. John Calvin, for example, wrote what has become known as the “Threefold Use of the Law” in order to show the importance of the law for the Christian life.1 The first purpose of the law is to be a mirror. On the one hand, the law of God reflects and mirrors the perfect righteousness of God. The law tells us much about who God is. Perhaps more important, the law illumines human sinfulness. Augustine wrote, “The law orders, that we, after attempting to do what is ordered, and so feeling our weakness under the law, may learn to implore the help of grace.”2 The law highlights our weakness so that we might seek the strength found in Christ. Here the law acts as a severe schoolmaster who drives us to Christ. A second purpose for the law is the restraint of evil. The law, in and of itself, cannot change human hearts. It can, however, serve to protect the righteous from the unjust. Calvin says this purpose is “by means of its fearful denunciations and the consequent dread of punishment, to curb those who, unless forced, have no regard for rectitude and justice.”3 The law allows for a limited measure of justice on this earth, until the last judgment is realized. The third purpose of the law is to reveal what is pleasing to God. As born-again children of God, the law enlightens us as to what is pleasing to our Father, whom we seek to serve. The Christian delights in the law as God Himself delights in it. Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). This is the highest function of the law, to serve as an instrument for the people of God to give Him honor and glory. By studying or meditating on the law of God, we attend the school of righteousness. We learn what pleases God and what offends Him. The moral law that God reveals in Scripture is always binding upon us. Our redemption is from the curse of God’s law, not from our duty to 3
obey it. We are justified, not because of our obedience to the law, but in order that we may become obedient to God’s law. To love Christ is to keep His commandments. To love God is to obey His law. Summary 1. The church today has been invaded by antinomianism, which weakens, rejects, or distorts the law of God. 2. The law of God is a mirror of God’s holiness and our unrighteousness. It serves to reveal to us our need of a savior. 3. The law of God is a restraint against sin. 4. The law of God reveals what is pleasing and what is offensive to God. 5. The Christian is to love the law of God and to obey the moral law of God. Biblical passages for reflection: Psalm 19:7-11 Psalm 119:9-16 Romans 7:7-25 Romans 8:3-4 1 Corinthians 7:19 Galatians 3:24 1. Calvin, Institutes, bk. II, 1:304-310. 2. Calvin, Institutes, bk. II, 1:306. 3. Calvin, Institutes, bk. II, 1:307. Excerpt from Essential Truths Of The Christian Faith by R. C. Sproul © (Tyndale 1992)
Interact in Worship Colossians 3:1-17 (ESV) Put On the New Self 1
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2
Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3
For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
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When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 5
Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6
On account of these the wrath of God is coming.
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In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. 9
Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. 11
Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all. 12
Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14
And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
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The World at Our Doorstep Have you ever wanted to be on mission with Jesus among international people groups, but couldn’t go to them? Don’t despair--the world is coming to you! Horizons International will sponsor welcome dinners near three area universities (RPI, Union College, and U Albany) for several hundred new international students who will be arriving in the area in the next few weeks. The students come from every corner of the globe and are eager to meet Americans. The welcome dinners are covered-dish and family friendly, and include a unique cross-cultural program after the meal. Opportunities to sign up to be a “friendship partner” to one or more students will also be available at each dinner. We need Americans to come and be part of the “welcoming committee.” Please bring a casserole, side dish, or salad to share (drinks and dessert are provided). For more information or to RSVP for one of the dinners, please contact Jim & Edee Silva (877-8032) or the church office. Union Welcome Dinner Friday, September 4 (5:45-9:00 pm) First Presbyterian Church in Schenectady U Albany/St. Rose Welcome Dinner Sunday, September 13 (3:45-7:00 pm) Pineview Community Church in Albany
Foster Loving Relationships On July 20th, 2014, I started the day just as I do every Sunday, preparing for Sunday worship. Even though it was my 89th birthday, there was nothing special about it. I came home after service to have lunch as usual, with no plan for the rest of the day. But a sense of loneliness swept over me and I drove to the Bednareks, hoping that they would be home, and they were. I told them that it was my birthday and that I didn’t want to spend it alone. While driving home, I was thankful for those few hours of social contact, with people I love. I began to wonder if my next birthday would be different. The answer came in late June of this year when Debbie Cutler called to tell me that a birthday lunch was scheduled for me on July 19th. I was delighted! Several years ago, my only living child, Susan, relocated out of state, and that precipitated several legal and medical changes. Jill Bednarek agreed to serve as my new health care proxy and power of attorney if I became disabled, as Susan now lives in Connecticut. The extended Bednarek family are my closest friends, and the only close “family” that I have. John and Jill’s grandson Johnnie was born on July 4th, so when I got an invitation to his birthday party at their home as usual, it was expected. It was scheduled for 12:00 noon, but I knew that I would be a little late. When I got to the Bednarek house there seemed to be more cars than I expected, and I thought that there would be new people to meet. But then, cameras flashed and everyone saying “Happy 90th Birthday”. I was completely surprised and overwhelmed for the next hour by the number of friends who were present, even the Khan family
Party Time! By Ruling Elder, Bob Hornlein
from New Jersey and former members of Hope Church that Myrtle and I had been close to. All afternoon we chatted, took group pictures and ate, and the kids were in the barn shooting baskets and climbing the rock wall. What a great day! I felt loved!
There were many responses, some were surprises and all appreciated. I had the eerie feeling of sitting in on my own memorial service. That was the third surprise.
The next day, July 20th, my actual birthday, there was nothing planned for My daughter Susan’s birthday card to the day, but I did have plans for the me included the unusual comment, evening, so when Karen told me she “enjoy your cards”, and over the next 3 would stop in to visit, I assumed she weeks I found out why. I began to get meant during the day. But, the next an increasing number of cards each morning when I opened the front door day, some from people that I hadn’t to pick up the paper, there was another spoken to in years, and others that I surprise. Karen had left a beautiful flonever met! By the ral arrangement by the front door, evitime my actual birth- dently the night before! day arrived, I had received 91 cards, I deeply appreciate the many expresand a week later the sions of love from everyone that has total was over 100! reinforced my sense of “belonging” somewhere. But God is the author of “Hope for Seniors”, Love, and having love for each other our in-house senior makes it apparent and real. The Holy group, was scheduled Spirit gives us the assurance of belongto meet at my home on July 15th. We ing to His spiritual family and the acts began our planned activity, and of others gives us that assurance of beMarybeth, our leader excused herself longing to His visible family. and went into the bathroom. When she came out she was holding a small plate with my favorite, a peanut butter sandwich and a birthday candle in the middle, and everyone began singing “Happy Birthday”. Wow! That was the second birthday surprise. Although the third event was the July 19th scheduled birthday lunch, the surprise was part of it. Karen is a single mom neighbor and friend, who I had invited to the lunch, and she came with Schuyler, a teen-aged son. She took photos using my camera that I appreciate very much. After the worship service we all gathered in the fellowship hall that was prepared to celebrate with food on the buffet table, balloons in the air, and a huge birthday cake. Debbie asked that we share memories of shared experiences with Myrtle and me.
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Foster Loving Relationships
The Perfect Cat A Story Written by Abigail Emerson, Age 9
“Please, may we have a cat?” I pleaded my mom again. I was hoping that this time she would say “yes.” She said, “You should pray about it.” So I did. The next day, one of our friends asked my sister, “Do you want a cat?” My sister took the cat. I burst open the door and ran out. I wondered who was there. “It’s so small!” I exclaimed. I cradled the cat in my arms and walked to the house to show my mom. My mom said, “That’s the tiniest kitten I’ve ever seen.” The kitten had a white stomach and white tips on its paws. It had whiskers with cute eyes that looked huge on its little head. The kitten had circles around its tail. What caught my eye was its paw. The pads on its paws were black and white. After I showed it to my mom, I let it explore. I put the kitten down. It scampered away. “Oh no,” I exclaimed out loud. “It’s so fast!” Suddenly it disappeared into a small hole in our wall. I thought to myself, “Quick, pull it out! It might get lost!” I stuck my hand in the spidery lair. I grabbed its tail but I was able to work my hand up to its stomach. I pulled it out. “What is that?” I exclaimed. The thing in the cat’s mouth was still alive. It had gray fur and a long, skinny, furless tail. I thought for a second, “What could that be?” I gasped. Right then, I knew that it was a baby mouse. I watched the kitten eat the mouse. I reached out to touch the mouse’s tail. The kitten growled. I let it go fast and went to tell my brothers. I couldn’t find them so I sprinted back to where I thought the cat was. It was nowhere to be found. Just then I heard a crunch. I was so scared. Then I felt something brush across my foot. I jumped and screamed. But then, to my relief, I realized I had found the kitten. I clutched the cat and said to myself, “I am glad that our little cat can already catch mice.” God definitely gave us the right cat!
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Foster Loving Relationships
In Memory of Rosmarie And Operation Christmas Child By Marybeth Gibbins
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Extend God’s Hope
Camp H.O.P.E.’s Arctic Blast of Reading
Through the Eyes of Rae Whitehead
Through the Eyes of David Whitehead
If you had entered the church foyer before, during and after the week of August 14, you would have visited The Arctic! It looked as though an Arctic blast had truly swept through the church building!~ Piles of “snow” and snowmen surrounded the entrance; crystalline flakes of all shapes, sizes and extent of sparkle were suspended in the air; tinsel-covered trees glittered in the corners; and frontand-center stood an enormous silver igloo complete with entrance and exit crawl-through and fur-covered cot. Even the sanctuary sported a huge glittering and lovely snowflake! The Arctic ambiance was enough to delight the heart of any adventurous child and titillate interest and excitement in exploring that mysterious region.
Today Camp H.O.P.E.’s Arctic Blast of Reading came to an end. It was a week of exploring the Arctic and encouraging children ages six to eleven to read and write. My group, those going into fifth grade, spent the week talking about such things as the Tundra, people of the far North, animals of the Arctic and explorers of the Arctic. Today I asked my children, of which I had ten, what they liked best. Some of the answers are as follows: the games, crafts, snack, learning about the Iditarod Race, skits, and just being together.
When the Camp H.O.P.E. committee chose The Arctic as the theme for our 2015 summer reading camp, I was dubious: What in The Arctic (with NO penguins!) would interest my six-year-olds? As I began reading, however, I was amazed at the wealth of information available about the amazing animals, plants, and climatic phenomena that we could delve into about The Arctic! I had fun researching and decorating my going-into-first grade classroom, and my trusty aides (daughter, Kirsten Whitehead and granddaughter Una Miller) and I truly had a “blast” teaching those eager children. This was Camp H.O.P.E.’s fourth year of reaching out to our community. Under Melanie Combs’ expert leadership, we taught an average of 35 children each day. For five days we enjoyed forays into The Artic, sharpening age -appropriate reading and writing skills and encouraging a love for reading that will hopefully help each child through the up-coming school year. Our experiences together included a daily skit featuring Iditarod racers Miss Combs and Miss Hannah Mailloux and the mysterious Flurry, who led the racers through some rough patches. During our closing program, the children sang Miss Comb’s original theme song “You Can Read, You Can Read…” to the tune of “Let It Snow, Let It Snow…” (Melanie comes up with a new theme song every year!) Many parents joined us for the final picnic on Friday and the fun water games following. I heard many parents (and their children) saying: “We’ll come again next year!”
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We had a great time together, doing crafts, reading, writing, and just being read to. We listened to a book about Balto, a sled dog that saved a whole town during a diphtheria epidemic. Today, to end our week together, we put on a program for the parents of the children, and had a picnic. Following the picnic there were water games. Next year, we are looking at doing another reading and writing camp centered around the theme The Olympics. Until then, I hope that we have encouraged all of “our” children to continue to read and write!
Thank You from Our Director, Melanie Combs This year’s Camp H.O.P.E. Arctic Blast reading program was a wonderful success. The staff heard several parents proclaim how much their children loved coming. I want to let you all know that you were a part of making it a success! Thank you for your prayers, your donated decorations, your help, and your donated picnic items. It was so wonderful to see some of you at the picnic as well. We couldn’t have done the program as well without all your support. Thank you again.
Extend God’s Hope BIRTHDAYS
Upcoming Concert Keith and Kristyn Getty And their whole band October 17, 2015 Loudonville Community Church Rosmarie L. Harrington February 5, 1934 July 24, 2015 I am home in Heaven dear ones: Oh, so happy and so bright! There is perfect joy and beauty in this everlasting light. All the pain and grief is over, every restless tossing passed. I am now at peace forever, safely home in Heaven at last. Then you must not grieve so sorely, for I love you dearly still; try to look beyond earth’s shadows, pray to trust our Father’s will. There is work still waiting for you, so you must not idly stand: do it now, while life remaineth you shall rest in Jesus’ land. When that work is all completed, He will gently call you Home; oh the rapture of that meeting, oh the joy to see you come!
A great opportunity for you to join believers in worship from many churches in the tri-cities area. Some of their songs are “In Christ Alone” and “Lift High the Name of Jesus” Listen in by going to youtube.com and typing in their names.
WEDDINGS Congratulations to Nicholas and Paige Cutler who were married at a beautiful ceremony on Saturday, August 15th at the Edison Club in Schenectady. The young couple is now continuing their studies at Liberty University.
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Ruth Richards Joe Galarneau Connor Anderson Ian Herrick Jill Miller Jonathan Cutler Tammy Anderson Jim Farinacci
ANNIVERSARIES 10
Stan and Nancy Trestick
CONDOLENCES Our sister Rosmarie Harrington, who passed into eternity on July 24th, continues to be sorely missed by us all. We pray for her daughter, Monica and family as they grieve her great loss. Our hearts and prayers go out to Randy and Darlene Barber, who lost Randy’s mother on August 21st due to complications following surgery.
THANK YOU DOORWAY TO HOPE STAFF DIRECTOR: LORD JESUS TYPIST & LAYOUT Sally Jenkins EDITOR: Rae Whitehead SUPPORT: All the Prayers of All of the Church family
Many thanks to those of you who have faithfully donated items to the food pantry at Christ Episcopal Church. They have especially appreciated the donation of toiletry, health and paper supplies.
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Next Doorway to Hope Deadline is October 15th.
Hope Church Presbyterian Church in America 206 Greenfield Avenue Ballston Spa, NY 12020
September Calendar
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