cross & comments - april 2013

7/30/2019 Cross & Comments - April 2013

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7 0 1 S a n d C r e e k R o a d , C

o l o n i e , N e w Y o r k 1 2 2 0 5 - 2 4 9 7 — B r u c e K . C o r n w e l l , P a s t o r — T e l e

p h o n e ( 5 1 8 ) 8 6 9 - 5 5 8 9 — w w w . c o

l o n i e r e f o r m e d . o r g

U p c o m i n g E v e n t s

Women’s Bible Study Apr 6

R&R: Rest and Re-creation in theSpirit Apr 10

Easter Cantata Apr 14

Murder Mystery Dinner Apr 20

Consecration Sunday Apr 28

Outdoor Worship Begins May 5

I n t h i s I s s u e :

Joy of First Communion 2

Living Gospel Ministry 3

Mission of the Month 3

Fowler Camperships Available 4

Easter Cantata 4

New Reformed School Study 2

Come Solve the Mystery 6

StewardshipTina Bottini

Stewardship, it's a scaryword, I know, and yet we doit every week. Every Sunday

we go to our dresser, desk,or wherever it is that we keepour box of church envelopes,we pull out the nextenvelope, insert our offeringand drop it in the offering basket when it’s time.

But, do we ever stop to thinkwhat all those envelopes arereally for?

No worries I'm going to

explain.

The first one, the one that islabeled initial offering, is usedto help with the cost of each box of envelopes.

The yellow envelopes are for

each Mission of the Month.Throughout the year, theStewardship and MissionTeam chooses a number of organizations that we, as achurch, will support,sometimes monetarily andother times by collection of donated items.

The white envelopes are usedfor the everyday expenses of the church such as salaries,office supplies, worshipsupplies, Sunday schoolsupplies, utility costs, and,yes, supplies for the CD's so

we can go home and listen toBruce's sermon again.

There is also an envelope forfuel, an often costly expenseconsidering we live in thenortheast and winter canseem like it goes on forever.

Ah, the blue one, the RCAAssessment. Those are forthe dues that each church

pays according to the numberof its active members. Thosefunds are spent across theregion on staffing andprogramming.

Then we come upon specialtyenvelopes such as those for

Thanksgiving, Christmas,Lent, Good Friday, andEaster. Those offerings gointo the general fund for thedaily operations and upkeepof God's church.

Stewardship is something weare called upon toincorporate into our lives asChristians. Often, ourchurch envelopes are themost concrete reminders of our stewardship, but let’salways remember that thereis more to it than that.Stewardship, if we really

think about it, is somethingwe do every day in God’sname, for all those we meet.We do it with our time, ourtalents, and, of course, thetreasures we put in thoseenvelopes.

As Jesus says in John 15:5, "Iam the vine and you are the branches."

Like the branches of the vine,we are all intertwined; thestewardship of all of our livesweaves together for the benefit of our church and theworld around us.



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Milestones in Faith: the Joy of

First Communion

Lisa McGee

On Sunday, March 10th, Aimee Cook,

Mattea Kallner, and Emma York

participated in our communion celebration

for the first time. Two other children,

Harmony Bredice and Ryan Stein, will joinour communion service in May.

The five children spent four Mondays in

February and March learning about the

sacrament of Communion. Through games,

books, and activities, they each learned

about the importance of celebrating the

sacraments of baptism and communion, the

origin of communion, and the way we

celebrate the sacrament at CRCC.

To remember all that they learned, each

made a communion banner and

personalized it in a way that was special to

each one. On the back, each child wrote

the reasons we celebrate communion so

that they could look at it whenever they

needed to refresh their memories. These

reasons were simplified so they could be

easily memorized:

Remember Jesus died on the cross

Thank Jesus for forgiving our sins

Celebrate being part of God’s family

Undoubtedly, the banners will be long term

reminders about this special step on their

Christian journey.

This is such an exciting time in the life of

our church, and I was so honored to be able

to play a role in their journeys. What a

blessing these children are!

Reformed School

Bible Study for April

and May: Managing

Life

This four-sessioin-depth studyof scripturerevealssurprisinglymodern and

practical suggestions formanaging our time, ourstress, our anger and ourfamily. Group participationand real-life questions areincluded each week asparticipants come to see

that the Bible is a valuableresource in helping to copewith the struggles of dailyliving. Adult ReformedSchool meets on Sundaymornings at 8:45 am in the

back of the sanctuary.Everyone is welcome toattend.

THANK YOU!!

Thanks for all those who contributed so generously to the

TALENT AUCTION!

What a talented congregation we have!

A special thanks to the Men’s Group (M.E.S.S) for lunch, toRon Smith for his talents as auctioneer and to the

Fundraising Committee members Patti Van Kempen andRalph and Pat Smaldone.



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The Living Gospel Ministry BringsPeter to Life During Sunday Service

Cynthia Placek

Using everyday language to describe howhe felt during Jesus’ crucifixion andresurrection, the Apostle Peter came tolife during a recent Sunday service underthe artistry of Matthew Zawisza of TheLiving Gospel Ministry.

The ministry, headed by Matthew and TinaZawisza, is based on the belief that “theeyes remember more than the ears” anddescribe Matthew’s portrayal as partsermon, part drama and all the Word of God.

Dressed in simple garb typical of Christ’stime, Zawisza became Peter, recountinghis inner turmoil as he struggled with thefact that he had denied Jesus three times.

“I had denied my dearest friend…

did it out in the open for thewhole world to see.”

And now, it was too late to even say hewas sorry.

He recounted his life and how he’d firstmet Jesus.

“Thank you, Peter…you truly are

a faithful friend,” Peter recalled Jesus saying.

“There was that word ‘faithful’again. I compounded that lie untilthe cock crowed.”

He remembered running away from all thepeople who accused him of being with Jesus. He remembered watching from adistance “as they mocked my friend.” Heremembered the huge rusty spikes in Jesus’ankles.

And then there was the day he heard aknocking at the door and, once again, hehid. But this time, it was Mary Magdalene,gulping for air after running to tell Peterthat they had taken Jesus’ body.

Sure enough, the huge stone had beenmoved, but once inside, Peterremembered that Jesus had said he wouldrise again in three days.

Peter saw Jesus twice in the days that

followed, the second time when he went back to his old life as a fisherman. Despitefishing all night, he and John “caught zero.”And then he saw a man next to the fire onthe shore. The man shouted that he shouldcast his net on the right side.

John was the first one to realize that theman was Jesus.

“I took a swim,” Peter said. “Idove in and swam as fast as Icould to the shore.”

It was there that the Lord asked if Peterloved him.

“He asked me three times,” Petersaid, explaining that Jesus did thatto remind him of the mistake hehad made, adding that Jesus alsodid it because he hadn’t fullysurrendered. It was at thatmoment that Peter’s life changedcompletely.

Zawisza concluded hisreenactment of Peter by explaining that hisreason for speaking tous was simply to ask,“Are you on the boator are you on theshore, on yourknees?”

April Mission of the Month

Supports Homeowners

Affected by Hurricane Irene

Tina Bottini

With over 100 families in the SchoharieValley still waiting to return to theirhomes, the synod mission workinggroup and the Albany Synod Ministries

Board, challenge synod congregationsto answer a request for items forneeded “Welcome Home” baskets andtotes.

In response to this call, CommunityReformed’s April Mission of the Monthwill focus on collecting items forhomeowners affected by HurricaneIrene.

Please support this mission by donatingany of the items specified below:

Basic kitchen items

Cookbooks, utensils,towels, detergent, ovenmitts, baking pans,measuring cups

Basic cleaning supplies

Cleaning solutions, rubbergloves, laundry detergent,dust pans, brushes

Basic bathroom needs

Soap, towels, air fresheners

For more suggestions, log onto the

events page at www.albanysynod.org.Welcome Home Baskets will bedistributed by SALT (Schoharie AreaLong Term Recovery) as homes arecompleted.



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Book Group News:

April’s selection is Angel with Attitude,by Michelle Rowen

Valerie Grace isn'tquite sure how she

went fromheavenly angel toplunging into thekiller whale tank atNiagara Falls'Marineland, but

that's what's happened. All sheknows is that earth can be atough place for a fallen angel,what with all the demonTempters lurking around everycorner, anxious to recruit herto the "other team" - the evil

team. All she can do is keep aneye out for the elusive Key toHeaven, try to help people, andhope that somebody up therenotices what an angel she is,even if she's not literally oneanymore.

Award-winning author LaniDiane Rich says,

“ANGEL WITH ATTITUDE is such

a fun story…Michelle Rowen has

proven herself to be an ace

storyteller with a truly fresh and

sharp sense of humor. I’m officially

a fan!”

April’s Book Group meeting isset for 7:00 pm on April 23.Please see Karen Reynolds formore information.

CRCC OFFERS FINANCIAL

ASSISTANCE TO FOWLER

CAMPERS

Camp Fowler is an

RCA Christian

summer camp foryouth. Located on

Sacandaga Lake near

Speculator in the

Adirondacks, the 245 acre camp offers

week-long summer camp experiences

with an emphasis on enjoying and

honoring God’s

natural creation.

Campers attend with

others of their age

group - starting with

elementary school

aged children

(finishing third grade)

and extending

through high

school.

Children and

youth who

would like to

attend Camp Fowler this summer are

eligible for financial assistance from ourchurch. Please see Doris Neese for

further information.

If you are unfamiliar with Camp Fowleror would like to know more about thisChristian summer camp and view a slideshow, go to www.campfowler.org

Easter Cantata to be Presented April 14

Community Reformed’s annualEaster Cantata will be performedduring morning worship onSunday, April 14.

This year’s presentation is

Russell Mauldin’s Rise Again. Masterfully arranged, with amixture of old favorites and new

songs, and a powerful script, Rise Again willhelp all who are present to celebrate theresurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Rise Again brings the love of Jesus to life: hislife, his works, his sacrifice, and his triumph overdeath.

Please be there as the choir and ensemble

perform this moving cantata.

Table Grace for April

Bless our food, dear God we

pray, and bless us, too,

throughout this day.

Keep us safe and close to you.

Keep us just in all we do.

Amen



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M a r c h C a r i n g f o rC r e a t i o n : H o n o r i n g

G o d ’ s C r e a t i o n t h r o u g hE n v i r o n m e n t a l

S t e w a r d s h i p

A Simple Recipe for Green Spring

Cleaning

After a long winter, it's time for spring-cleaning. Unfortunately, the vastmajority of home cleaning products areloaded with strong, artificial colors andfragrances and harsh cleansing agentslike bleach, ammonia and acids. Thesechemicals can produce indoor airpollution by off-gassing toxic fumes thatcan irritate eyes and lungs. Childrenand pets are most at risk. Manycleaners also contain unnecessary

antibacterial agents (pesticides,technically), that can actually make bacteria stronger, and more resistant toantibacterial drugs.

And commercial cleansers cost a lot. Somake your own! Even the biggestmesses and toughest stains can be

attacked effectively with baking soda, borax, lemon juice and other simpleingredients.

Porcelain and Tile

Keep your bathrooms and kitchen tilespotless and hygienic with these naturalcleansers:

Baking Soda and Water: Dust surfaceswith baking soda then scrub with amoist sponge or cloth. If you have

tougher grime, sprinkle on some koshersalt, and work up some elbow grease.

Lemon Juice or Vinegar: Got stains,mildew or grease streaks? Spray ordouse with lemon juice or vinegar. Letsit a few minutes then scrub with a stiff brush.

Disinfectant: Instead of bleach, makeyour own disinfectant by mixing 2 cupsof water, 3 tablespoons of liquid soapand 20 to 30 drops of tea tree oil. It'seasy!

More recipes will follow in futureNewsletters, or go towww.thedailygreen.com and click on“Make your Own Green Cleaners” atthe left on the home page.

From Creationto Re-Creation:

An Indoor-Outdoor Retreat

With Rev. Kent Busman

and Rev. John Paalberg

April 29 - May 1

Fowler Camp & Retreat Center

$395 per person

(Sorry, no discounts for this course)

Love the Outdoors? Love tosleep in a warm bed?

Get the best of both worlds! This year's retreat will be based out of Camp Fowler's comfortable Chi RhoHouse, where campers will begin eachday enjoying the amenities of indoorAdirondack lodging, and move outdoorsto explore the beautiful gems of creationwaiting to reveal something of God'sword... During the day you may hike,canoe or kayak to a variety of areas inand around the Speculator Region; in the

evening there will be ample time aroundthe fireplace to reflect upon the day'sadventures, while exploring scripturesabout humanity's role in creation, andlearning from one another as well.

Through story, discussion, and creativeworship Kent and John will lead you ona discussion of Scripture that willexplore the wisdom of the early myths,

the tale of the flood, and more...Discover how God's Creation can speakto you and bring re-creation to your life.

All facility fees included; breakfast and

dinner served at Chi Rho.

The retreat begins at 10:00 am on April

29, and closes at 5:00 pm on May 1.

Register at www.capitalrtc.org by April15, 2013. Or call 462-2470.

Happy April Birthdays to…

Barbara Birdsall

Robert Chandler

Ana Crosbourne

Daniel DeRusso

Ryan Stein

If you would like to have family birthdays

published, please contact Lou Ann

Three boys are in the school yard bragging abou

their fathers.

The first boy says, 'My Dad scribbles a few word

on a piece of paper; he calls it a poem, they giv

him $50.'

The second boy says, 'That's nothing. My Dad scribbles a few words on piece of paper, he calls

it a song, they give him $100.'

The third boy says, 'I got you

both beat. My Dad scribbles a

few words on a piece of paper,

he calls it a sermon, and it

takes eight people to collect all

the money!'



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Come Solve the MysteryFirst of all, let me introduce myself. I amWinifred Stout, wife of multi-millionaire MalachaiStout.

We’d like to extend an invitation to all of you to join us for a “family reunion” Mystery Dinner

show at 5:30, on Saturday, April 20.You’ll be introduced to Malachai Stout’s family,who’ve come home for a reunion, or forced familyfun, for lack of better words.

Of course, the other members of the family will be there, too.

Regrettably, something unfortunate will befall Malachai that night. Luckily forus, you’ll be there to solve the mystery.

While playing detective you’ll dine on a delightful tossed salad, chickenparmesan, pasta and a mystery dessert.

Please see Kathy Jubert or Sue Bredice for reservations.

We do so hope you will be able to attend our soiree.

Tickets are a mere $10 (prepaid) or $15 at the door, not bad for a deliciouslyprepared repast and an unforgettable experience. And of course, the proceedswill go to our favorite charity, Community Reformed Church.

There’s Harrison, who likes to

have a drink or two.Our daughter, Penelope.

Our eldest son, Mortimer.And our self-absorbed

college student, Sabrina.

Help Needed: Using your gifts

Have you been looking for an opportunityto use your gifts to benefit our church insome way?

The Newsletter staff could use a couple of “understudies” to act as back-ups for thepositions of editor and lay-out designer.

The job of editor requires well developedreading and writing skills and familiaritywith Community Reformed’s programs,leadership, and missions, or the willingnessto develop that closeness.

The job of lay-out designer requirescomputer skills and an email account.

The Nursery needs a volunteer withleadership and management skills tooversee maintenance of supplies, toys,furniture, etc., as well as scheduling of ouralready excellent and faithful team of childcare volunteers.

If you feel called to any of these positions,please see Kathy Jubert. For more detailedinformation about the editor’s job, pleasesee Lou Ann Connelly. Please talk toShawn Turner for details about thenewsletter lay-out job.

And “Thank you” for any help you can give.



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701 Sand Creek Rd

Colonie, NY 12205-2497

Bruce K. Cornwell, Pastor

Community

Reformed

Church of

Colonie

Editor: Lou Ann Connelly

Layout Designer: Shawn Turner

Articles are due by the 15th of the month and may be submitted to

[email protected] or given to Lou Ann Connelly.

www.coloniereformed.org

701 Sand Creek Rd

Albany, NY 12205-2432

Carol Grasso, Director

Tel: (518) 869-0131

E-mail: [email protected]

Colonie

Community

Day Care

Center

Tel: (518) 869-5589

E-mail:

[email protected]

Bible Verse for April

In each issue of Cross and Comments we offer you a Bible verse to contemplate, study andmemorize. It is our hope that this will be one more way you can connect with God‘sword.

“I have come like light into the world, in order that no one who believes in me may

remain in the dark.”

John 12:46

cross & comments - april 2013

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