Fonda Reformed Church

PO Box 536

19-21 Broadway

Fonda, NY 12068

Email address: fondareformedchurch@yahoo.com

Website: www.fondareformedchurch.com

(518) 853-3621

Fonda Reformed Church

Mission Statement:

The Mission of the Fonda Reformed Church is to develop believers

and unbelievers into fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.

The Fonda Reformed Church Newsletter

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The Fonda Reformed Church Newsletter

Musings in the Interim

The Last Chapter

D. Elton Trueblood, the Quaker author and teacher, was my mentor at Earlham College. He

wrote over 40 books during his life and died at age 94. Asked in his mid-80's how he felt

about coming to the end of his life he said, "In the best books the last chapter is very

important and occasionally the best part". That also fits with interim ministries. Interim

ministries can't be seen for what they are until they are over.

Fonda is #27 for me since 1981 when I began. I have been with you folks for 23 months -

February 2019 to December 2020. Other interims have often been churches in such great

stress that we were essentially beginning anew. I have frequently looked back and seen those

congregations as analogous to infants and compared how the work went with how an infant

has grown after so many months. I was with one church only three months and not much

changed. They learned to gurgle and smile a bit but that was about all. I was with another 27

months and they were walking, talking, and definitely demonstrating that they had a mind of

their own. It is not an analogy to be pushed too hard but you get the idea.

Now Fonda has indeed been different. It most decidedly does not feel like I got here at a

beginning and worked with a growing infant. FRC reminds me much more of an extended

time with old friends whom one has known for years. Most crisply put, you are a

congregation on the extended family/old friend model in that you live life as it comes rather

than trying to push life into some predetermined idea of what is right and good. Part of it is

your rural placement in the Mohawk Valley of course. But mostly, I have met you as a

collection of diverse people living together and trying to grasp God in that living. It has been

most refreshing as this time with you has followed several much more stressful situations.

In every interim, some aspect stands out. In one it was program organization and management

as we spun off a couple of programs into independent ministries and re-configured the

program work of the congregation. In another, it was financial re-organization putting the

congregation on a solid workable financial base. Here at FRC it has been coping with a

pandemic! None of us anticipated Corona when we began and none of us will ever forget

how it changed life. What is important for being Church is to notice that FRC took on the

pandemic the same way it has taken on the Food Pantry or community involvement or

congregational care. What has mattered has been doing what is needed for all to be able to

participate and feel cared for and safe, because that is how family and friends live together.

So thank you my dear friends in Christ. Some jobs as we all know are just plain work. In this

one I have been given a gift for life, - such that the rest of life will be different because we

have been together on the Way. You will be in my prayers as we move past this fork in the

road and part. The good news is that all roads have intersections and I will be looking for you

down the road a piece.

Rett Zabriskie

In person worship started in September and our volunteers are doing a wonderful job to

keep everyone socially distanced and safe as we possibly can.

We ask that you bring a mask or wear one that we provide. Upon arrival your temperature will

be taken and you will be asked a few brief questions based on your recent travel and health.

We definitely ask for your patience and prayers as we continue to work out the details on how

we go about this to keep everyone safe!

Worship is also being hosted online using “Zoom” for people to meet from the comfort of

their homes.

The meeting info will be e mailed to everyone on our email list. If you’re not on the list and

would like to be please email (fondareformedchurch@yahoo.com)

The Fonda Reformed Church Newsletter

ONLINE OFFICE HOURS

During the Spring “New Covid World”, I did office hours on Zoom each week to provide opportunity for anyone who wished to “drop in” on the minister - much as folk do occasionally when I am physically in the office at FRC. That offering did get response, albeit a different response than what I thought it would be. It turns out that the offer was indeed used. Not much I must say, but enough to make spending the time with a Zoom link open well worth it. The unanticipated response was that there were people who wanted to talk but for any number of reasons could not make use of the published office times. So, during the Spring, I actually had more “ad hoc” conversations outside of the published office hours than during them.

It is now Fall and the “New Covid World” has now ceased being new and become the “Continuing Covid World” in which it is becoming clear that over time Covid will become like any other infectious disease, always present, but allowing life to go on through various new strategies and products. One of those strategies will be that congregations will continue to offer Zoom participation in worship to accommodate not only Covid concerns but many others, such as shut-ins, who have found it a welcome alternative when being present in person is diffi-cult. Another strategy for FRC while I am with you will be the Zoom Online Office Hours.

For this edition of office hours, however, I am changing the parameters, offering two options. The first will be, as before, an “open time” when anyone who wishes may just drop in. As I am always physically present in Fonda on weekends, balance suggests the office time be mid week. For Fall 2020, it will be Wednesday mornings from 8:30 to 10:00am. During that time frame, you may just click on the link and join me. The second option is to send me an email or text message when something comes up you would like to discuss. I will respond either by sending you the Zoom link or by saying I am unavailable just now and suggesting a time to talk. For both op-tions, the Zoom link will be: Office Hours on Wednesdays https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85217987921?pwd=SXN2U256TlNLRXJDQ3VvNG1ISytKUT09

As always for my time with FRC my goal is to be available for anything anyone needs. Office hours helped that through the Spring and I anticipate will through the Fall as well. And of course, the ancient technology remains - I welcome and will respond to either a phone call or a letter!

Rett

The God of New Things written by Betsy Marshall

The air is cool and crisp, snowflakes playfully frolic in the breezes, as a new month is on the horizon. As the end of a year approaches, December arrives with a different vibe. Change is still in the air. I am certain we were all praying things would have improved, so we could celebrate a traditional Christmas in 2020……but 2020 has been anything but traditional. How will we adjust to things during the Christmas holidays?

I always sit and read a variety of sources before writing. This year, last minute, I opened to words that really touched home and directed my thoughts. I will be sharing bits and pieces of Pamela Kennedy’s thoughts throughout my message. They stirred my thoughts and seemed relevant this season.

As December arrives, I am excited to embrace all things Christmas. I LOVE CHRISTMAS. However, I find that there is a definite need to rethink my holiday plans. I won’t be singing in my annual chorus concert, my annual trip to Vermont will be put on hold, friends and family gatherings will be downsized or eliminated, but GOD is present, and we SHALL celebrate Jesus’ birth. Change is in the air, we don’t like change, especially during the holidays, but God tells us that He is a God of new things. He is with us during change and movement. He will help us accept the changes before us and help us embrace them. Most importantly in Malachi 3:6, He tells us, “I am the Lord, I change not. “

During this season, many struggle with feelings of sadness, anxiety, emptiness, despair and lack of direction. What we should be doing is finding the JOY in life. We need to prepare for Christmas. Try not to focus on what we can’t do, but on what we can enjoy. It is the beginning of Advent. Are you aware that Advent started on November 29th? During the days of Advent, we anticipate Christmas. This is the time that we prepare our hearts and minds on Christ’s birth and his second coming. Through devotionals and biblical readings, we can still prepare and find the true meaning of the season through our faith. The spiritual journey that Advent gifts us is untimely and ever present in our lives, if we choose to receive its blessings.

During Advent our church uses an advent display to help us focus on the importance of our Savior’s birth. Although Advent wreaths vary today the original ones were simplistic in materials, but meaningful. The circle of evergreens, symbolizing God’s unending love and the promise of eternal life thru Him, embraces the candles of Advent. In traditional Advent wreaths, red holly berries symbolized Jesus’ sacrifice. Pinecones represented the new life that our Savior gave us thru his resurrection. Within the beauty of fresh greens, holly, red berries and pinecone…five candles stand tall. As families light these candles, they are reminded of the beauty of the season. What a beautiful tradition to guide our journey to the anniversary of our Savior’s arrival.

We have already lit the first candle representing HOPE. Isaiah waited in hope for the Messiah’s arrival. The first candle is referred to as the “Prophet’s Candle”. At a time when our world is feeling despair during the pandemic, we should focus on the HOPE that the Savior’s birth gives us. Hope is the expectation of positive outcome with respect to circumstances of our life. Jesus is our true hope. Through him all things are possible. At this time, when we may have lost hope, may the birth of Christ remind us that God is constant. He is always there by our side, through all the many changes of life. As we traveled through our search for a new pastor, God gave us the hope we needed and sent us his servant. He was always by our side and answered our prayers.

The God of New Things (continued) written by Betsy Marshall

The lighting of the second candle, “Bethlehem’s Candle”, represents FAITH and LOVE. As the early believers travelled to Bethlehem, they had faith that they would indeed find the birthplace of their King. The star led them on their long journey, and as they continued to follow, they remained steadfast. Through the birth and death of Jesus, we are given hope that we will receive eternal life. May this hope give you courage to face all your trials and tribulations.

The shepherds found great JOY as the angels sang of the birth of a baby, born for the humble, unimportant people. For many, it is most difficult to find the joy of the season. The third candle, the “Shepherd’s Candle” is lit to remind us that we too should feel great JOY of his birth, for he came for us. Keep your eyes upon Jesus and you will find the joy that Christmas brings. Not the material things of Christmas, but the gift of eternal life, we experience the Joy of Christmas.

The “Angel’s Candle”, the fourth candle, represents PEACE. The angels spoke of the peace that He would bring, bringing us closer to one another and to Jesus. Jesus came to help fix what was missing. He came to heal the hurting and to bring peace. The peace that comes from knowing God and being known by him is truly a gift of Christmas. It is often difficult to find a peaceful heart within this chaotic world. May the Savior’s birth fill your hearts with a quietness, so you can focus on his resounding peace; a peace that surpasses all understanding. A peace that will guard your hearts and allow you to be anxious for nothing.

The last candle, the “Christ Candle”, reminds us of the light and purity that Jesus’ birth brings. Jesus was born in this world but not of this world. The love of God came down at Christmas. The same unconditional love that God sent us, fills our hearts and allows the darkness of the world to disappear. Is there room for the Christ child in your hearts? Love’s pure light is looking for a dwelling place. Let it be within your hearts.

Whether you are alone this Christmas, or not, the Lord reminds us through Scriptures that, “I am the Lord, I change not” {Malachi 3:6}. We can change the way we navigate the holidays, knowing that our God, the reason why we celebrate, remains constant. He sent his son, the Christ child, so we could feel HOPE, LOVE, JOY and PEACE in our hearts. COVID will pass, things will return to the traditions we treasure. During these stress-filled times, I pray you can replace any feelings of despair, emptiness, anxiety, stress or sadness with the HOPE, LOVE, JOY and PEACE of Advent. Perhaps this is the time to add something into your home, an advent wreath of your own. Light your own candles and read the words of assurance they represent. Reach out to God in prayer and find peace. As we face these trying times that overshadow this Christmas season, search for that childlike faith that remains within your heart. Allow it to make you see the beauty in the world. May it allow you to have faith in mankind and restore the joy of this holy season. Cast off the heaviness of the world and fill your hearts with the JOY of Christmas. Live in the hope and joy that you knew as a child. They say Christmas is what you bring to it. I pray that the Lord will help you accept the new things that have come into your lives with trusting hearts, as you trust in HIS unchanging love. During this uncomfortable time, may God lead you to new ways of celebrating the season. I pray that you find the courage to choose JOY this Christmas.

CHRISTMAS IS A QUEST

MAY EACH OF US FOLLOW HIS STAR OF FAITH AND FIND THE HEART’S OWN BETHLEHEM

Merry Christmas and God Bless,

Betsy Marshall

Please Pray for individuals with various health concerns:

Carol Buddles (M. White)

Louise Boyer

Ruthie Burke

Lois Brockey (K. Patterson)

Debra Brewer- (G. Kimball

Patty Banks (M. White)

Ernie Brookings

Phala Chatwin

Cherie Craig (M. White)

Theresa Conbeer (K. Carpenter)

Bill Coons (Phyllis Healey)

Suzanne Douglass (J. Perez)

Rebecca Finn (G. Kimball)

Berta & Ryan Flaherty (S. DeLaney)

Craig Fugitt

Paul Frasier

Joan Francisco

Hannah, Josh & Judah Gies

Carla Goodwin (Tina Belfance)

Sheri Humphrey

Jay Hine

Whitney Helwick (S. Emery)

Lois Hulubetz

Drew Hale

Jeff Hawley (Jeanne Streeter)

Harold Jacobsma (K. Patterson)

Stacy Kimball

Marilyn Kimball

Megan Kucel

Lisa Knapp (Pete Perez)

Sebastian Lasher (Rob Garren)

Bob Langdon

Brandon Lehr

Scott McLean

Rachel Ortega

Keith Orr (J. Perez)

Richard Persse (B. Marshall)

Deana Smith (B. Guiffre)

James Santangelo (B. Guiffre)

Jeanne Streeter

Justin Sitterly (S. Gray)

Sue Swanson (J. Streeter)

Nicole Tobey (M. White)

Steve Urbanczyk (Blackwood)

Bill Whipple

Judy Wilson (S. Emery) Frances Winkler (G. Subik)

Sarah Woodcock

Brette Lee Wilson Zayicek (Stage 4 brain tumor)

Please continue to pray

for those who grieve.

Please pray for our missions:

Haven of Hope Farm & Residence The Ford family serving in Lebanon The Lampens serving in Romania

Other prayer requests: Our Shut-ins

Students Ministries of our church

Government leaders Our service men and women, and their families

If you would like to add someone to the prayer list or

know that someone can be taken off please let the church

office know (518)853-3621 or email

fondareformedchurch@yahoo.com Thank you.

Loving God,

I pray that you will comfort those that are

suffering, lend skill to the hands of their

healers, and bless the means used for their

cure. Give them such confidence in the

power of your grace, that even when they

are afraid, they may put their whole trust in

you; through our Savior Jesus Christ.

Amen

The Fonda Reformed Church Newsletter

The Fonda Reformed Church Newsletter

Outreach Ministry December 2020

We will be providing food boxes and a gift certificate to Aldi’s to (20) families during the Christmas holidays. If you would like to purchase food for the boxes we would greatly appreciate the following food items to put in our food boxes: Peanut butter, jelly, crackers, meals in a can, cereal, tuna, macaroni and cheese, spaghetti, pasta, boxed stuffing/potatoes/desserts, soups, cranberry sauce, canned vegetables/fruits, gravy or any food item you wish. Please place food items in the basket in the lower atrium by December 13th. The need for these items has never been greater. We sincerely thank you for supporting this needed cause. “Adopt an Angel” is also be taking place during the first part of December. Please see Cindy Barnett if you have any questions. It is a wonderful outreach activity that helps parents provide Christmas gifts for their children. It gives you a really good feeling to give to others in this way. In January, we usually sponsor the “Mitten Tree” and donate hats, mittens and scarves to children attending FFCS. However, this year the school has indicated that they have enough on hand for this year and would like to thank you for your generous donations in the past.

Christmas blessings to you and your family.

The Outreach Ministry wishes you a safe and healthy New Year. Contact Kathie Carpenter at (518)853-3330 or Cindy Barnett at (518)853-4505, if

you would like more information.

The Fonda Reformed Church Newsletter

Early Riser ONLINE Group Every Saturday at 6:00 am No long term

commitment or homework required! We are working on putting Jesus first before all the other

"business of life." Contact Deb Silvernail for details - dsilvernail@ffcsd.org

Sunday School is for grades pre school ,

Age 3, to grade eight at a new time

9:30 to 10:15.

The Sunday School has been meeting together

since the first Sunday in October. It is

wonderful to be gathering together again to

learn about Jesus and share together.

We meet from 9:30-10:15 as a group. We are blessed to have plenty of space to

gather while socially distancing the children. We are also wearing masks and while it

is a different experience for us we are still able to share God’s stories, learn together

and worship our Lord. We are so thankful for that!

Where 2 or 3 are gathered in his name…

Advent is upon us—we will be lighting our own advent wreath each week and

sharing the Christmas Story. Please be in prayer for the teachers and children that we

may continue to be able to meet together through the pandemic.

Ladies Bible Study

Tuesday Evening Ladies Bible Study is meeting every Tuesday from 7-8pm studying “Keep it

Shut.” What to say, how to say it, and when to say nothing at all by Karen Ehman. Meetings will

be on both zoom and in the Fellowship Hall.

Any questions please contact Sherrie at (518) 332-2512

Men’s Bible Study

Men’s Friday morning bible study is still meeting online.

If you are interested in joining please let David Patterson know.

(518)369-3782

The Fonda Reformed Church Newsletter

The Frothingham Free Library 28 West Main Street, Fonda

(518)853-3016Library Hours

Mon: 3-7pm

Tues: 11am-3pm

Wed: 11am-3pm

Fri: 3-7pm

All state guidelines will be in effect. No entry with no mask. All patrons must use the 6 ft social distancing

rule. No more than 11 persons in the library at one time. We will have limited computer usage policy. We will still

be conducting curbside service for those not ready to come in.

The Fonda Neighborhood Group of the Albany Chapter of the American Sewing Guild is

meeting again in the fellowship hall we will be following all of the church’s established protocol’s. We will

be meeting the 3rd Saturday of the month (9:30 AM -11:30 AM). We will have varied topics of interest for

sewing enthusiasts. Please join us. Our schedule of dates for the remainder of the year are below.

If you would like further information you can email

Carole: aunt.spot@verizon.net or Stacey: Delaney.staceya1@gmail.com.

Meeting Dates:, December 19th

Add Sparkle to Your Domain Inspirational Speaker—Cindy Close

Monday, December 7, 2020 * 11:30 a.m. Holiday Inn * Route 30A * N. Comrie Avenue * Johnstown

$17.50 (Pay at the door.) Scalloped Potatoes & Ham with a Vegetable or Turkey Sandwich & Vegetable Soup

Rolls, Dessert, and Coffee or Tea

Musician—Amy Lin Slezak-Nelson Complimentary childcare is available upon request at time of reservation

For reservations, call Gloria 518-853-3126 or women2connect@yahoo.com.

Sponsored by CHRISTIAN WOMEN CONNECTING

Linda S. Sweet 518-661-5684

Decorating Cupcakes for the Holidays!

The Fonda Reformed Church Newsletter

Adopt an Angel 2020

We are again sponsoring our annual “Adopt an Angel” program which provides

Christmas gifts to children in need within our area. As of now all our angels are being

sponsored. Thank you all so much for your generosity!

Christmas Eve service will be all

Zoom at 5:30pm this year.

We will be getting you the

information on the service as soon as

possible!

December Birthdays

2 Rebecca Wilmot, Diane Jones & Sophie Frenyea

4 Matheu Dettenrieder

6 Malcolm Kosiba

8 Lucy Bellinger, Steve Cook & Sammy Kosiba

9 Jessica Mitchell

12 Andrew Patterson

13 Bill Boshart

16 Nancy Langdon & Alex Gyurik

18 Margaret Peck & Tom Flander

20 Laura Hayes Bowles

22 Alan Hinkle & Elizabeth Valade

23 Marilyn Kimball

24 James Boshart & Hope Akey

28 Luke Nare

29 Curt Woodcock

31 Jay Hine

December Anniversaries

9– Michael and Heather Hanson

21– Judd and Sherri Kirschman

31—Steve and Dana Monk

We apologize if we missed your birthday

or anniversary.

If we did, it probably means we don’t have

it.

Please let the Church Office know of

birthdays or anniversaries to be included,

or if any of the information needs to be

corrected.

Office (518)853-3621 or email

fondareformedchurch@yahoo.com

The Fonda Reformed Church Newsletter

The Fonda Reformed Church Newsletter

It is one of the most beloved Christmas songs — one that has been performed in more than 300 languages and dialects. But on Christmas Eve, 1818, Silent Night was being performed for the very first time. The song, which features a lullaby-like melody and a simple message of calm and peace, turns 200 this year, and the sentiment seems as potent and timely now as it likely did in a small Salzburg church two centuries ago.

So who wrote the song? And how did it rise to worldwide fame? Here are some fascinating facts.

It was originally written in German The music was originally written in 1818, but a young priest named Father Joseph Mohr had written the lyrics — a six-stanza poem — two years earlier while working at a pilgrimage church in Mariapfarr, Austria. The song was written in German, and the title was Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht. The inspiration behind the song is not known.

It wasn't composed for organ Although the song is regularly played on church organs around the world, it was originally composed for just two voices and guitar. There are many rumours about why this was — one of the most popular and persistent is that a hungry mouse damaged the organ bellows so badly that it rendered the instrument useless — but these have been shown to be untrue. According to Stillenacht.com, it is thought that the organ was playable, although in need of significant repair.

It was first performed Christmas Eve, 1818 Silent Night was first performed on Christmas Eve, 1818, at St. Nicholas Parish Church in the small town of Oberndorf — today about a 20-minute drive outside Salzburg, Austria. Father Mohr played guitar and the choir sang the last two lines of the six verses in four-part harmony.

There was an authorship controversy The song became hugely popular, but for several years it was unclear who had written it, so the Royal Court Orchestra in Berlin made a request to St. Peter's Abbey in Salzburg, because it was believed that Michael Hadyn, who was associated with that abbey, had originated the song. By chance, Gruber's son was a choirboy at St. Peter's at the time and clarified the authorship.

Soldiers sang the song as part of the famed Christmas truce in 1914 By December 1914, World War I was raging — but along the Western Front, a miraculous thing happened: in the week leading up to Christmas, British, French and German soldiers laid down their arms, crossed into each other's trenches, played games and exchanged gifts. They also sang songs — one of which was reportedly Silent Night, which, by that time, would have been familiar to most of the soldiers, even if it was sung in different languages.

There have been many beautiful, and some really weird, renditions

If you're in Austria, you're only supposed to sing it on Christmas Eve Around the world Silent Night is played on holiday radio stations and performed at Christmas concerts throughout the Christmas season, but in the Austrian alps, there is a strict rule that it must only be performed on Christmas Eve. If it's performed at other times, Bavarian children are told, someone will die.

Silent Night

The Fonda Reformed Church Newsletter

The version we hear today is not the original To this day, the song is one of the most popular in the history of music, and an estimated two billion people per-form it in more than 300 languages and dialects. However, the lyrics that most people perform today are notably different from those that Mohr originally wrote. Here are the original verses, as translated directly from Ger-man; most English versions today include just three verses: the first, sixth and second, in that order.

Silent night! Holy night! All are sleeping, alone and awake

Only the intimate holy pair, Lovely boy with curly hair, Sleep in heavenly peace! Sleep in heavenly peace!

Silent night! Holy night! Son of God, O how he laughs Love from your divine mouth,

Then it hits us – the hour of salvation. Jesus at your birth! Jesus at your birth!

Silent night! Holy night! Which brought salvation to the world,

From Heaven's golden heights, Mercy's abundance was made visible to us:

Jesus in human form, Jesus in human form.

Silent night! Holy night! Where on this day all power of fatherly love poured forth

And like a brother lovingly embraced Jesus the peoples of the world, Jesus the peoples of the world.

Silent night! Holy night! Already long ago planned for us, When the Lord frees from wrath

Since the beginning of ancient times A salvation promised for the whole world. A salvation promised for the whole world.

Silent night! Holy night!

To shepherds it was first made known

By the angel, Alleluia;

Sounding forth loudly far and near:

Jesus the Saviour is here!

Jesus the Saviour is here!

This article was found online written by Jennifer Van Evra