The High Falls Messenger - Fort Miller Reformed...

It’s really Alan Chartock’s fault. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. If you can’t quite place the name, Alan Chartock is the CEO of WAMC – the National Public Radio affiliate in this area of the country. As such, Mr. Chartock participates in a round table talk show that takes place weekday mornings on WAMC. One morning, while running errands, and driving around, I was listening to that round table show. President Trump had just announced he wanted to move the United States’ embassy for Israel to Jerusalem. As the people on the show discussed this potential change to foreign policy, someone mentioned how Christian belief had, historical-ly, impacted the U.S. government’s stance towards Israel – and not in a positive way. It was simply a passing comment that was not at the heart of the conversation, but it was the part of the conversation that stuck in my mind. I knew exactly what they were referring to. It’s called Christian Zionism and it is a theologically corrupt belief that Je-sus will not come back until the nation of Israel, with its historically de-fined geographical borders, has been reinstated. Unfortunately, Christian Zionism has held significant sway over American Christianity, and has al-so had significant impact on foreign policy over the years. In a nutshell, when the U.S. has negatively impacted peace talks between Israel and Palestine (yes, the U.S. has actually undermined peace talks), you can bet a lobbyist funded by Christian Zionist efforts is behind it. But here’s the thing: the denomination the Community Church of High Falls belongs to – the Reformed Church in America (RCA) – has spoken publicly denouncing Christian Zionism. As I drove around, listening to the conversation about the current administration’s plans to make changes to our foreign policy regarding Israel, I wanted to call in and say, as loudly and clearly as I could, “We don’t want that. That’s not what every Chris-tian believes. Don’t think because certain personalities dominate the pub-

(Continued on page 8)

Deacon’s Meatloaf

Dinner

March 11th, 4-7 pm

Live Music in the Sanctuary

A Word from Our Pastor...

The High Falls Messenger

Mar/Apr 2017

Community Church of High Falls

Come to Bible Study…

Tuesdays, 7 pm at CCHF

“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed…”

1 Thessalonians 4:13a-

North Marbletown

Mission Thrift Shop

Will reopen

on April 1st

Easter Cantata

at the

R V United Methodist Church

April 15, 2 pm

“Come Walk With Me”

Parish Nursing Program

Volunteers: Jim Nerone, RN and Anne Marie Kitchen, RN

The January and February blood pressure check total was 8.

The dates for the next blood pressure checks are March 12th and April 9th.

Classis Dues

We, as a church, have an obligation to the larger denomination. For the year, 2017, our obligation is $95.00 per active mem-ber. If you are able to contribute even a portion of this amount, it would be much appreciated.

Shared Ministry

The next Shared Ministry Group will be meet-ing at CCHF on April 6th, 10 am.

The High Fa l ls Messenger ~ Community Church of High Fa l ls

Articles for the Newsletter

or Photos for the Bulletin Board

regarding Church Life & Church Family Events

are always welcome!!

Next due date is: April 23rd

OFFICE HOURS

Pastor Aaron does not hold specific office hours at either church but is available by ap-pointment. Please do not hesitate to call him if you would like an appointment at either church or if you would like a home visit.

845-594-2214

[email protected]

Card Ministry

If you know of someone who should receive a get well card, a thinking of you card, etc. please let Anne Kitchen know. You can reach her via email at: [email protected] or phone: 845-687-9571

Rondout Valley Food Pantry

If you wish to give a monetary donation to the Rondout Valley Food Pantry you can make the check out in their name and give it to Lorna or mail it to the Food Pantry. Please indicate that you are from CCHF so that they know we are not only supporting them with food items but also with money donations.

Check out the Church calendar via the web-site…

http://churches.rca.org/highfalls/calendar.html

Many thanks to Philliber Research Associates for printing our newsletters and to the Wom-en’s Guild for paying the postage on all newsletters not picked up in church.

Did you know that you can opt to receive this newsletter as well as “postcard” notifications of dinners and special events via your email? Just send an email and let us know.

[email protected]

We also have a webpage and a Facebook page…

[email protected]

http://churches.rca.org/highfalls/

www.facebook.com/communitychurchofhighfalls

Your Consistory at Work

Pastor Aaron is currently leading a weekly Bible Study on contemporary issues as presented in the Reformed Church in America position pa-pers…

New photobooks (2016) have been added to the collection on the table in the back of the sanctuary. You can also go to the following Shutterfly Share Site to view these and other photobooks at your leisure. https://cchfphotobooks.shutterfly.com/

In the event of inclement weather, a decision as to whether or not to close will be made by 7 am. If the weather is bad, you can call any one of our consistory members for news of cancel-lation. If you are a Facebook person, the information will also be posted on the church page.

Our 2017 budget was, once again, ably and compre-hensively presented to the congregation by Dan Boice, Treasurer, on January 22nd. It was approved and we were happy to note that we finished 2016 pretty much on target and in the black. Following the congregational meeting, we went downstairs for the annual Roller Pot-luck Luncheon.

On January 15th,we celebrated our 150th year of wor-shiping in this church building. The scripture used was the same as what was used in the original service of dedication and the liturgy was that of the period. We also used our old communion set and collection plates. After the service we enjoyed coffee hour and a presen-tation by Bill Merchant of the D&H Canal Museum. We decorated the sanctuary with flower arrangements put together by some of the women of the church under the guidance of Mary Ann Wright, Flower Chairperson.

We are planning a Homecoming Celebration for August 13th.

Lee Potter-Paashaus has recently stepped down as El-der of Consistory. Thank you, Lee for your years of ser-vice to our Church. Cindy Angyal was recently elected as Elder and will be installed on March 4th.

The Deacon’s Meatloaf Dinner is March 11th. You can help...consider signing up to wait tables and/or to bake a dessert for the event.


Consistory Elections

We need YOU!!

Please consider serving a term as Elder or Deacon; there are openings for both.

There are two ways of looking at this…

Did you know that most of those cur-rently serving on Consistory have ex-ceeded the recommended number of consecutive terms? Some are looking for some time off.

This could also be your big chance to be a part of the planning and caring for the future of our church. Have ideas for new programs or activities? Bring them on!

Questions? Please talk to Pastor Aaron or Elder Merry Oakley

To be a member of Consistory...you must be 18 or older and a member of the Community Church.

https://cchfphotobooks.shutterfly.com/

Flower Committee News Anyone interested in being a part of the flower committee (supplying flowers for the sanctuary for a month or for special occasions) or if you would like to change your month, I have openings (September & November) ...just give me a call. Thanks!

Maryann,

845-687-9409.

Birthdays ...

3/1 Richard Albert 3/4 Andrew Potter 3/5 Maryann Wright 3/8 Kelly Hassett 3/9 Dan Paashaus 3/19 Peggy Ayasse 3/25 Kathy Walbert 3/29 Pat Ayers 4/1 Jim Feth 4/3 Ann Jackson 4/6 Brooke Bogart 4/11 Esther Stickley 4/17 Jane van Laer 4/24 Lorna Schimmrich

4/24 Dawn Letus 4/28 Grace Moone 4/29 Kristin Nerone

Anniversaries... 3/26 Amy & Eddie Greene 3/31 Colleen & Bruce Jones 4/10 Lorna & Henry Schimmrich

Our Church Family


Bran Muffins

1 cup bran

1 cup whole wheat flour

1/4 cup oil

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 egg

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 cup milk

How many raisins? She told me a handful. Mix all togeth-er. Muffins tins greased or use papers. Bake at 350° until firm. Double to make 12 large muffins.

Jessie’s

Kitchen

Proverbs 22:9

He that has a bountiful eye shall be blessed for he giveth of his bread to the poor.

A simple recipe and wholesome treat that Weezy Weber gave to me back in our glory days. Try it, think of her and enjoy—Jessie Feth

Shawl Ministry… Our Shawl Ministry at the Community Church began back in April of 2006. Most of our requests are for someone who is going through a hard time but keep in mind that we will also give shawls in celebration of happy occasions.

We meet on Wednesdays from 10-12 in the Fellowship Hall and we invite YOU to join us...this is a ministry that blesses both the creator and the recipient of the shawl.

Join us...we have a good time talking while we knit and/or cro-chet...in fact, if you just want to chat...stop in and visit.

Sunday School… The Sunday School has been learning about the entry into the promised land and all the ways that God helped. How out of the 12 spies Moses sent to explore Canaan, only Joshua and Caleb trusted in God, and they were the only two of that generation that would eventually enter the promised land. This taught the students that going against the crowd for what you believe in is the right thing to do - not always easy, but right. The lesson was also on peer pressure and trust in God. How God held back the water of the Jor-dan River when the priests stepped in so the people could cross on dry land. The next lesson dealt again with trust in God as he gave Joshua the unusual plan to bring down the walls of Jericho. This past week we talked about temptation using the story of Ai and how Achan yielded to temptation & stole items during at-tack on Ai which brought about the defeat of the Isra-

elites and loss of lives. Only by following Gods instructions did they have victory. We referred back to the Ten Commandments each time to see how by following them victory was achieved and God was with His people. We will be finishing up this story in a couple of weeks and then spring forward to the Easter story Youth Group… On Sunday, February 19th the combined High Falls/Rochester Youth Group hosted the monthly Youth Fu-sion get together at the Rochester Reformed Church. Pastor Aaron devised a "live" Clue Game around a Biblical story. The participants worked in small groups to go from room to room, collecting clues and try-ing to figure out where, who, and with what a murder was committed. We had over 30 in attendance and everyone seemed to have a fun time based on all the smiles. The next Youth Fusion get together will be at the High Falls Church end of March. The Youth Group meets every 1st & 3rd Friday of the month @ 7:00 - 8:00 pm at the Community Church of High Falls. All students from 6th - 12th grade are invited to join us. The monthly Youth Fusion get together typically takes place on Sundays from 5 - 7pm. Choir… We have an amazing small group of choir members as well as a dedicated director. Key members have been planning ahead by selecting anthems, Gospel songs and Praise songs to enhance the worship expe-rience. We have even met in our own time to plan and practice. Being a part of the choir is a unifying and learning experience. Recently a member posted very positive things about how the choir has been fun and a help in his life as well. There are many benefits from participating and we welcome any who would want to contribute and benefit. Women’s Guild… The Guild of the Community Church of High Falls is open to all women of the church. The purpose of this group is to unite the women of the church, to deepen the spiritual life of individuals, to stress our re-sponsibility toward the mission of the church through programs of Prayer, Education, Giving, and Service. The Guild provides refreshments for Second Sunday coffee hours and for special occasions as well as maintaining kitchen equipment. Funds are secured through fund raising programs, mainly through the annual Christmas Bazaar held in November of each year. The Guild also maintains the Brandon Wolf Scholarship Fund.

Meetings will resume on March 19th follow-

ing the worship service. All women of the

church are welcome to attend. Come help us

make plans for 2017.



Jo’s Challenge Carries On…

RV Intermediate School students Desirae Baumann, Connor Hamm and Elise Dymond con-tinued fundraising efforts for their fellow student that is suffering with Ewings Sarcoma can-cer. They raised $503 selling hot chocolate, brownies and cookies. A&M Hardware hosted and supported the event.

Annual Deacon’s Meatloaf Dinner is coming up on March 11th, 4-7 pm. Half of the pro-ceeds from this dinner will go to support the Deacon’s Fund which supplies emergency cash for those in need. New this year...LIVE MUSIC!!

Do you remember 50s music, or do you play cover songs from that era? Loiter a bit in the sanctuary the night of the Deacon’s Dinner to listen to Dan, Quentin and Gary play some of the songs played on diner juke boxes. If you are older like the musicians or even if you are younger and enjoy the great rudimentary songs of the era, listen in on your way through to the dinner.

Missions & Ministries

Thanks to all of you who dropped coins (and cash) into the big glass jar in the back of the church. This January, we rolled up $570.88 for the Rondout Valley Food Pantry!

Tom Schrader will once again head up our annual Food Drive. We will be collecting food and cash for the Rondout Valley Food Pantry. I t’s all going to happen sometime in March and April. Keep an eye on the bulletin for more info and exact dates.

The Rondout Valley Food Pantry welcomes donations including canned and dry goods, per-sonal care and baby items, as well as pet and cleaning supplies. Paper goods, including bath tissue are also welcomed.

Polar Bears!!!

Linda Schrader, who w ith the “Sassy Seven,” braved the frigid waters of a frozen lake in support of the Alzheimer’s As-sociation.

Chris & Riley Schoonmaker who made the polar plunge in support of Special Olympics of NY

Between individual donations and the Mission Fund, the church contributed a total of $420 to our fearless polar bear teams!!


Rondout Valley Food Pantry The Rondout Valley Food Pantry held their annual meeting on February 21, 2017. During this past year, 2016, they served 4,475 people 53,700 meals. This included 1841 children and 412 elderly along with the adults. Thanksgiving baskets to-taled 151 with Christmas totalling 93 baskets. Throughout the year, 1720 children received week-end backpacks. Months varied with households and individuals needing food.

The backpack program gives out sacks con-taining two days of food per student, three if a long weekend. Each bag has 2 breakfast items, 3 en-trees, bread, two 100% juice boxes, a milk card for one gallon of milk every other week, snacks as well as fresh fruit and vegetables.

The summer breakfast/lunch program served 128 families.

The Fresh Food Grant covered the cost of all the fresh food purchased from the Food Bank or from Aldi's along with food from local churches. The Food Pantry has also received many different grants from various places along with donations, monetary or produce, and individual donations.

You may think that your one or two items in our "care/share" baskets would not make a differ-ence or would not be missed, but you would be wrong. There are lots of hungry people in the Ron-dout area and the Pantry values your donations.

A big thank you to those few who regularly donate items and/or money. I truly believe that it is more blessed to give than to receive. I have found that if you give a blessing, you will receive a blessing. God honors a giving heart. Be blessed.

- Lorna Schimmrich,

We are one of several area churches that sup-port the Rondout Valley Food Pantry. The Pan-try is located behind Christ the King Episcopal Church on Rt 213 and is open on Tues & Thurs from 9-11 am or by appointment. If you are aware of anyone in need, please have them call the Pantry at 687-4013. Lorna Schimmrich is our representative to the Food Pantry.

The North Marbletown Mission

North Marbletown Mission will be Opening Saturday April 1st 9am to 2pm

You can help!

With set up...

We will be at the Mission for setting up from 9am to 2pm on Saturdays be-ginning on March 11th (2nd Saturday of the month )

And, in April we will be there every Wednesday from 4 to 6 pm

Donations may be dropped off at these times or in the bin outside.

Please save paper bags and news-paper for wrapping delicate items

We are still looking for heavy stur-dy long racks

The North Marbletown Mission Thrift Shop is made possible by volunteers from the Com-munity Church as well as others from the surrounding community. Our chairperson is Martha Lischinsky and she can be reached via email [email protected], on Facebook or by calling 845-687-7043.

The following link will take you to a Shut-terfly Share site where you may view pho-tos from the 2017 Roller Luncheon

https://rollerluncheon2017.shutterfly.com/

mailto:[email protected]

https://rollerluncheon2017.shutterfly.com/#%3aemid%3dsite_sitecreated%26cid%3dSHARE3SXXXX

lic perception of Christians, that all Christians be-lieve this nonsense!” But I was in the car. I was driving, and couldn’t stop fast enough. The moment had come and gone. And I wondered, “Do they know that? Do the people on this show know it’s called Christian Zionism? Do they know that we agree it’s stu-pid?” And then another thought hit me, “Do the people in the pews know it?” So here’s the thing: I’ve never taught or preached Christian Zionism. I know what it is. I know why it’s horrible. But I’ve avoided it, telling myself it’s too much of an insider’s topic – the stuff only ministers talk about. So here’s another thing: our denomination, the RCA, hasn’t just spoken about Christian Zionism. Through the years the RCA has taken positions on a whole host of social issues that get debated in the public and political arenas. But I’ve avoided teaching or preaching on them, because, honestly who needs the conflict? It feels like I’m taking my life in my hands by talking about any of this stuff – Christian Zionism, immigration, abortion, mass incarceration, sexuality, the environment, white privilege, etc. So here’s the final thing: I’m preaching on these

topics. Now, until Easter. No excuses. And we’re having Bible studies about them (Tuesdays at 7pm at the CCHF). These things matter. They matter because lives are on the line. They matter because all people, as the Bible claims, bare the image of God. These things matter because they are part of God’s creation. They matter because they matter to God. And when it gets heated, and I feel like I’m in hot water, just remember – it’s really Alan Chartock’s fault.

God bless,

Pastor Aaron

(Continued from page 1)


DEACON’S DINNER—MARCH 11TH

Serving from 4-7 pm

Reservations not necessary—Takeouts available

Meatloaf * Baked Potatoes * Green Beans

* Assorted Desserts

Adults $13 * Seniors $11 * Youth 6-12 $7

Children 5 & under are free

1/2 the proceeds go to support the Deacon’s Fund

which supplies emergency cash for those in need.

New this year...live music!!

The history committee will meet again on March 26th to begin plans to commemorate our 210th anniversary in June and for a Homecoming Celebration in August.

Listen to… music from the 50’s …

live in the Sanctuary the night of the Deacon’s Meatloaf Dinner

A BLAST FROM THE PAST…. something or someone that surprises you because you had almost forgotten about it

(definition from the Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary & Thesaurus)

Gary is taking a break but will return for the May/June issue of the Messenger. In Gary’s absence, we have decided to share

some old newspaper items from the past...when the news was much more friendly and fun to read!...you should recognize

some of these names!

A History Lesson...a series by Gary Kitchen

Kingston Daily Freeman Apr 5, 1946

A very enjoyable dinner party was given

at Mossy Brook House by Mr and Mrs J

Ellis Briggs one evening last week.

Those present were: Mr and Mrs Mau-

rice Davenport and children, Patricia,

Teddy and Dicky. Mrs Otto Feth and

son, James. Mr and Mrs Abraham Abra-

hamsen and daughter, Anita. Mrs Elsa

Hart and son, Wingate. Mr and Mrs Jack

Smith and children, Jack and Beth Ann.

Mr and Mrs Arnold van Laer and chil-

dren, Natalie, Eleanor and Charles. An-

na Arra and Mr and Mrs Briggs and

daughter, Jane.

The Missionary Society of the Reformed

Church met with Mrs. Thomas Snyder

last Thursday. The Ladies Aid of the

Reformed Church held an all day meet-

ing at the home of Mrs Oskar Larsen,

Thursday.

Kingston Daily Freeman Dec 26,

1958

Miss Susan Boice has returned after

spending the week in Kingston with her

grandmother, Mrs George Decker.

Mr & Mrs Richard Davenport were in

New York City Saturday to attend the

wedding of Mrs Davenport’s sister.

Kingston Daily Freeman Mar 17,

1967

Mr and Mrs Willam Paetow received

word that their daughter, Lorraine was

named to the Dean’s List recently at

Albany State University.

Kingston Daily Freeman, Dec 11,

1968

Miss Gail van Laer celebrated her 12th

birthday on Friday with a party of

school friends at her home.


Mr and Mrs Kurt Riedel entertained at

dinner recently in honor of the confir-

mation of their daughter, Christa.

Guests were the godparents, Mr and

Mrs Herbert Jacob of Red Hook. Also

attending were Wener and Emma Jacob

of Red Hook, Mr and Mrs M Kent of

New Paltz. Mr and Mrs Volk of King-

ston and Mrs Johanna Richard, Mr and

Mrs Roger Nickerson, al of High Falls

Park. The Rev and Mrs CF Yohe called

in the afternoon.

Edward Weber was a guest of honor at a

birthday party given by Mr and Mrs

Fred Wiedemann Sr of Kiingston, Satur-

day evening. In addition to the Edward

Weber family attending were Mr and

Mrs John Balogh and family and Mr and

Mrs Ed Weber of Kingston.

Kingston Daily Freeman Apr 21,

1969

Mr and Mrs Charles Ayasse entertained

on Sunday in honor of the confirmation

of their daughter, Kathy. Present were

Kathy’s grandparents, Mr and Mrs

DeWitt Oakley of Stone Ridge and Mrs

Charles Ayasse Sr of Queens Village.

Also present were her godparents, Mr

and Mrs Clifford Wilzback of Water-

ford. Walter Ayasse of Queens Village,

Miss Peggy Phelan of Richomd Hill and

Miss Linda Wilzback of Waterford were

also guests.


Mr & Mrs Lester Countryman celebrat-

ed their 45th wedding anniversary Satur-

day with their family.

Mr & Mrs Gerald Cahill and daughter,

Colleen and Miss Martha Hornbeck

have returned after a week’s vacation in

which they visited Mount Vernon, Vir-

ginia, Gettysburg and the Dutch County

of Pennsylvania.

Christopher Scott, son of Mr and Mrs

Donald Andersen, Diane Marie, daugh-

ter of Mr and Mrs Robert Andersen,

Dean Ganse, son of Mr and Mrs Carlton

Beach and Michelle Lee, daughter of Mr

and Mrs George Boisvert received the

Sacrament of Infant Baptism at the

morning worship service of the High

Falls Reformed Church last Sunday.

Matthew Boice received a Bible on

reaching his eighth birthday at the same

service.

Kingston Daily Freeman, Jun 17,

1970

The 1969-70 church school year of the

High Falls Reformed Church ended its

session Sunday with Children’s Day ex-

ercises. A band under the direction of

Mrs Barbara Boice played selections.

Members of the band, all students of the

Rondout Valley Central School were

Gail van Laer, Vivian Dennington, Julie

Gross, Christa Riedel, Ellen Boice, Deb-

bie Finch, John Feth, John Balogh, and

Danny Boice. Top attendance awards

went to Ellen Boice and Kim Wilkins

for perfect attendance and to Martha

Hornbeck and Susan Boice for 13 years

attendance . Susan and Martha will be-

come teacher aides when the school

reopens Sept 13.

Community Church of High Falls

PO Box 68

High Falls, NY 12440

[email protected]

http://churches.rca.org/highfalls/ www.facebook.com/

communitychurchofhighfalls

Pastor Aaron Schulte [email protected]

845-594-2214

Dates to Remember...

Mar 9: Consistory Mtg @ 6:30

Mar 11: Deacon’s Meatloaf Dinner

Mar 12: Daylight Saving Time...Spring Ahead

Mar 12: Second Sunday coffee hour & blood pressure checks

Mar 19: Guild resumes meetings

Mar 26: History Committee meets

Apr1: NM Mission Thrift Shop Reopens

Apr 8: Shared Ministry Mtg @ CCHF 10 am

Apr 9:Palm Sunday /Second Sunday coffee hour & blood pressure checks

Apr 13: Maundy Thursday service at RRC

Apr Consistory meeting to be decided

Apr 15: Easter Cantata at RVUMC 2pm

Apr 16: Easter Sunday

Apr 23: Newsletter Deadline

Shawl Ministry meets every Wednesday from 10-12 noon. Join us to knit/crochet shawls or just to chat.

Youth Group generally meets the first & third Fri-days of the month

High Falls Fire Department….

Mar 18: Charlie Haas Spaghetti Dinner

Apr 30: Annual Spring Breakfast

The High Falls Messenger

The High Falls Messenger - Fort Miller Reformed...

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