A Newsletter of the First Reformed Church, Schenectady, New York February Four Chaplains Interfaith Memorial Service

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1 First Things A Newsletter of the First Reformed Church, Schenectady, New York February Years Celebrated on Heritage Sunday Feb 3 Please celebrate our 333rd anniversary with us on February 3, when we will be examining our longrunning history of unity without uniformity. In honor of the Dutch colonial friendship with the Mohawk Nation, during the 10am service we will have special guests Tom Porter and Kay Olan of the Kanatsiohareke Mohawk community in Fonda. During First Forum, we will discuss the condolence address offered to the English magistrates at Albany after the Schenectady massacre. Mr. Porter will discuss the significance of the condolence and the wampum offered. A text of the Mohawk sachems speech will be available in the office and online in advance for those who would like to review it early. Jazz Vespers will also follow the theme of Unity without Uniformity on Heritage Sunday. Please see the Narthex cases related to our Heritage Sunday events. Four Chaplains Interfaith Memorial Service Sunday, February 3, 3 pm Poling Chapel At 12:30am on February 3, 1943, the bell on the troopship U.S.A.T. Dorchester rang twice and never sounded again. The U.S.A.T. Dorchester was torpedoed by an enemy submarine, and 672 young men paid the supreme sacrifice. Included in the 672 were Four Men of God: a rabbi, a Roman Catholic priest, a Methodist minister, and a Dutch Reformed minister, all Army Chaplains. These Four Chaplains gave their lifejackets to save four soldiers and, in so doing, gave up their only means of survival. They were last seen on the deck of the ship with their arms linked together and their heads bowed in prayer as they went to their watery graves in the North Atlantic off the coast of Greenland. Seventy-years later, a Four Chaplains Memorial Service will be held in Poling Chapel, named for Clark Poling, the Reformed Church minister of the Four Chaplains, and a pastor of our church. Please join us for this special service, which will include a story of Clark Poling and his beguiling smile. Congressman Paul Tonko will posthumously present the Four Chaplains Humanitarian Award to Father Anthony Sidoti, whose actions reflected Unity without Uniformity. Adult Winterfest February 2 Doug and Maria Todd have graciously offered their abode (Fox Hill Farm, 6003 Parkis Mills Rd., Galway) as the location for our annual adult winter outing. For the adventurous: skating, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, or a muddy winter hike begin 3pm. The food, beverage, fellowship and laughter indoors around the various blazing hearths of the farmhouse begin at 5:30pm with appetizers and drinks; a dinner of hearty soups, sides, salads, and desserts will follow. To offset the cost of this event, we ask each person attending to contribute $5. Please also bring some food to share (beverages provided). Call the church office to indicate you'll attend. Our most musical minister, Stacey Midge, will be singing and strumming following the feast. The Fellowship Committee is happy to assist with the cost of childcare for this annual event; please simply note this need with the church office. Carpooling is encouraged to ease our pollution of the planet and parking at the party. Contact Heather Chestnut ( ) or Daniel Carlson if you have any questions; call the Todd's for directions ( ). Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

2 Narthex Cases See the exhibits in the narthex display windows. One presents information about Heritage Sunday's events. The other is in honor of Boy Scout Sunday. Sixty-five Years February 1, 1948 On this sub-zero Sunday afternoon, our fifth building, the 1863 architectural landmark church designed by Edward Tuckerman Potter was devastated by fire. The fire raged into the night, leaving only three exterior stone walls. The church was rebuilt from these three walls. Photographs of Potter s church may be seen on the walls at either end of the church narthex. Some pictures of the fire may be seen in the Heritage Room, just located past Dirck Romeyn Room. Groups Group V We will be meeting at 11am in the Dirck Romeyn room on Monday February 4 for a talk by Anne Reilly about the Covenanters Program and her role in the group. Come with your questions and a sandwich to eat at noon together. Coffee, tea and sweets will be provided. All women of the church are invited. Questions, call Maria Greskovich Todd Group VII There will not be any meeting in February. We will resume on Friday, March 15 at 10am in the Dirck Romeyn Room. Co-hostesses: Millie Casey and Ronnie Bartholic; Program: Regional Food Bank. Union Presbyterian Men's Breakfast February 9 This group meets on February 9 at 8am for our usual nutritious breakfast and an interesting presentation. Rev. Craig Hoffman of First Reformed Church Scotia is our speaker. Craig will tell us about the 500-mile walk that he and his son John made on the Camino de Santiago (Way of Saint James) in Spain. This pilgrimage has drawn Christians since the 12th century, and thousands of pilgrims have walked all or part of the trail. A recent movie called "The Way" exposed this custom to the American public. Craig will tell us about the history and show us many of the pictures he took along the way. FRC members are encouraged to attend and bring a friend. Call FRC church office to sign up. Please join us for an evening of grub and games in Assembly Hall on March 2 at 6pm. Tired of crushing your family in Connect Four or Cadoo? Come and enjoy food, fellowship, and beating someone else's sister or grandpa in a variety of non-combative board games. Sign-up in Assembly Hall to let us know you're coming. Last names beginning with A-K please bring a main dish to share and last names beginning with L-Z please bring a dessert or side dish. Don't forget to bring a game too! Prayer Shawl Knitting Group We will be meeting at 9:30am on Thursday, February 21 at the home of Ronnie Bartholic. We welcome anyone interested in joining us. Please contact Ronnie ( ) with any questions. Tuesday Ladies Meetings are every third Tuesday at 7:30pm at Connie Young s home. All ladies are welcome. Please call Connie at for more information. February 10 We celebrate these fine youth organizations. Uniforms are encouraged and patches for those in uniform will be available. Our church troop is one of the first in the nation to assert its non-discrimination policy.

3 Youth News Church School Blossoms I would like to encourage you to bring your kids to Church School each week. We have four terrific teachers. Tom Mancuso, Jennifer & Sarah Evans, and Lorraine Cox are ready to delve into the days of Epiphany (and Lent comes pretty quickly thereafter!) There is so much to learn about and so much to help us in our everyday lives! Our teachers work hard to prepare meaningful and fun lessons for the kids. Let's support them by making their classrooms full each Sunday. Other reasons to come to FRC: chimes will practice each week. I need at least five kids each Sunday to make the songs work. Don't be shy! We practice from 11:15 noon. ALSO I have six select spots for middle school kids to ring BELLS on Palm Sunday. The music is straightforward. If you don't come and see me, I will see you. AND High School choir will continue to meet Sunday mornings. We have several excellent anthems coming up! ALSO mark your calendars for March 2nd - a potluck dinner and game night! From Christmas joys to Newtown news, we need church more than ever. We need to gather together week after week to reinforce our Christian family, its values, and its love. Looking forward to seeing you Sunday! Kinderwyck (Childcare) We are looking for folks to entertain toddlers and rock babies from 9:50amnoon on Sundays. Please call the church office if you are willing and able. Thank you. JH & SH Youth Groups Unless otherwise noted, the Youth Groups meet every Sunday, Junior High (grades 6-8) at 5pm and Senior High (grades 9-12) at 7pm. Friends are always welcome. Feb. 3: No meetings Feb. 10: Regular meetings. The Senior High will be meeting with the Niskayuna Reformed youth in preparation for the upcoming mission trip. Feb. 17: No meetings for Junior High. Senior High will meet at 9:30am to load the van for the mission trip and leave after being commissioned in the worship service. Feb. 24: Senior High returns from the mission trip around 4pm. No meetings for Junior High. Mission Shares Available FRC has a rich history of sending youth on mission trips where they have the opportunity to help people in need while also experiencing diverse cultures and circumstances, building community, and learning about how they relate to the wider world. As a result of these trips, many FRC youth have gone on to service-related careers and lifestyles of volunteerism. Your support is invaluable as the Senior High Youth Group prepares for this year's trip to Staten Island, where they will work with the Rebuild Staten Island project to repair homes damaged in Hurricane Sandy, as well as volunteering with Project Hospitality, an ongoing ministry that provides food, shelter, clothing, addiction services, and care for people with HIV/AIDS. Please support the Youth Group and participate in their journey by purchasing a Mission Share from any member of the youth group, or from Stacey Midge, for only $25. Mission Shareholders will also be invited to a dinner on April 14 to hear directly from the youth about their experience and enjoy food inspired by the cultures encountered on the trip. Mission Hurricane Sandy Relief Deliveries are still being made approximately weekly to areas affected by Hurricane Sandy. Items currently needed include: fans, dehumidifiers, sponges, goggles, P100 respirator masks and filters, Moldex, rubber gloves, work gloves, brushes, hand warmers, tools, and gift cards for Lowe's and Home Depot. Donations can be dropped off in Stacey's office. Financial contributions are always appreciated and can be made through the church by making checks out to First Reformed Church with "Hurricane Relief" in the memo line. Patty's Place This drop-in center is now open and providing a safe, warm place for sex workers to find resources so that they can make safer choices now, and have the referrals and support to leave prostitution when they are ready. Those who are interested in volunteering or donating to this new ministry should contact Stacey Midge. Volunteers are needed to staff the center from 7-10pm on Monday and Wednesday nights. Supplies currently needed include: - Individual-sized shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion, toothpaste, toothbrushes - Twin sheets - Clean, good condition blankets - Clean, good condition bath towels and washcloths - NEW pillows - NEW women's socks, underwear, and sweat suits Donations can be left in Stacey's office after church or during normal office hours. Thank you for your support!

4 Stephen Minister of the Month Karlyne Drimalas Featured in this second in a series of articles is one of our most recently trained Stephen Ministers: Karlyne Drimalas. Karlyne was born in New York and raised in Ballston Lake. At an early age Karlyne became interested in physical therapy after seeing a physical therapist be of assistance to her own father. Later, Karlyne attended and graduated from Russell Sage with a degree in physical therapy. She has worked as the director of physical therapy at the former Hallmark Nursing Home, in various nursing homes, and most recently with Visiting Nurses. However, after incurring a back injury she had to give up her job. We're grateful Karlyne persevered, despite recurring back pain, to seek out other venues through which to extend her care to others, particularly in pursuing her interest in becoming a Stephen Minister. Following her application and interview, Karlyne was invited to begin the Stephen Ministry training program in September of She was commissioned, along with Nancy Wainwright and Rhonda Phillips, in December of that same year. Karlyne notes that the Stephen's Ministry training helped her further develop her validation and listening skills, which help both in her one-toone relationships with her Care Receivers, as well as in her relationship with her mother and other family members and friends. She also finds the friendships with the other Stephen Ministers to be very rewarding. In addition to service as Stephen Ministry, Karlyne practices yoga and meditation; she also makes jewelry. Her three cats certainly keep her busy; she also does work with SCRUFF, an organization that deals with the regulation of feral felines. Karlyne and her husband, Nelson, enjoy travelling together. She has recently been spending more time and energy supporting her mother who still lives independently in the area. Karlyne has been on various church committees over her years here and has also volunteered as a greeter and an usher. We are fortunate to have such an enthusiastic, conscientious, and sincere Stephen's Minister in Karlyne! Colonial Festival Dinner Thursday, Feb 7 To Benefit Schenectady County Community College s Community Archaeology Program and the Early History of Schenectady For the Colonial Festival Dinner, SCCC s Community Archaeology Program is bringing Michael Roets, Chief Archaeologist for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Bureau of Historic Sites, to describe how storms Irene and Lee brought the discovery of the real Fort Hunter, Queen Anne s Chapel, and other features of the original settlement at Schoharie Crossing. He will tell how early Schenectady families were moving west along the Mohawk River, intermingling and settling there with Mohawk Iroquois. Artifacts from a related site in the Stockade, excavated by the archaeology program, will be on exhibit at the dinner. There will also be a silent auction. The dinner will take place at the Glen Sanders Mansion. Posters about the event are on FRC bulletin boards and invitations are in our information racks. Plan to attend and support the Community Archaeology Program. Help fill a table(s) representing FRC. Please note "FRC Table" on your RSVP, and then add your names to the CFD list in our office. Memorial Services Our church provides a muchappreciated and desired reception after a Memorial service if requested by a family member. Please join your fellow church members to facilitate this service. Many people have indicated that they would like to assist with set up, bringing refreshments, as well as cleanup. If this appeals to you please join us by calling the office or signing a pew card indicating your participation. Entered Into Eternal Rest Maude Dunlap January 9, 2013 Dr. Ming Lee January, 12, 2013 Dr. Lee was a member of FRC and participated on a Youth Group mission trip to Ecuador in Janet Buchanan January 23, 2013

5 Learning Faith Bookshop Something Special: This month a free tote bag comes with a book purchase of $12 or more. (Donated books excluded.) First Forum Feb. 3: Heritage Sunday: Schenectady and the Mohawk Nation Tom Porter and Kay Olan of the Kanatsiohareke Mohawk community (see below.) Feb. 10: Sermon Talk Back Feb. 17: Union Presbyterian & FRC update Feb. 24: JAC Schenectady Health Survey and Community based initiatives. Wales Brown Any ideas or recommendations for Speakers please contact Joe Doolittle at aldenjoe@nycap.rr.com Forum Heritage Sunday Thomas R. Porter (Sakokwenionkwas - The One Who Wins ) has been the founder, spokesperson, and spiritual leader of the Mohawk Community of Kanatsiohareke (Ga na jo ha lay gay) located in the Mohawk Valley near Fonda, New York since He is a member of the Bear Clan of the Mohawk Nation at Akwesasne. Kay Olan Ionataiewas (Mohawk/Wolf Clan), Storyteller Kerygma During Lent There s a few places left at the Poling Conference Room table from 9:30-11am each Wednesday of Lent. We are continuing our practice of Lectio Divina as we seek to discern God s invitation to ongoing reformation in who we are and what we do. Please contact Daniel Carlson if you wish to join this group Feb. 13-March 27. Take a Stand on the Soapbox Is there some social issue that makes your blood boil? A concern about our community that you d like to voice your opinion about? Then get on the Justice Action Council Soapbox. This is your chance to make a 10-minute rant and spark some lively conversation among a friendly crowd. We have just a few rules: 10-minute limit per speaker. Your topic must deal with some social injustice. No profanity. Rants should not be aimed at any individual. Nor should an individual be named as part of the larger problem. The Soapbox takes place on an occasional basis in Poling Chapel after Sunday service. We ve got openings for ranters coming up on March 3 and May 19. If you ve got something to say, contact Claire Hughes at or eclaire@nycap.rr.com. Cape Cod Retreat Save the Date! The Adult Education and Nurture Committee is planning a May 3-5 retreat to be held in Orleans, Cape Cod, at the Community of Jesus, an ecumenical Christian community in the Benedictine tradition composed of laity, clergy, singles, couples, and families, located on the Rock Harbor bay. The literal and symbolic center of the community is the Church of the Transfiguration, the exterior and interior of which beautifully evoke the biblical story from creation through the consummation of all things through sculpture, stone, wood, fresco, glass, metal, and mosaic works of art. The focus and format of the retreat are being developed to include opportunities to be blessed by: consideration of one's current location within the tree of life; the natural beauty of Cape Cod; the visual and musical gifts of this intriguing community; the pastoral leadership of Daniel Carlson, the spiritual direction of Mary Carlson, and the fellowship of former members of FRC who now live at "First Reformed, East." Further details forthcoming; for now, simply save the date!

6 CRTC provides ecumenical theological education, support for clergy, training for ministry, and resourcing services for congregations. Do you know about CRTC scholarships? In partnership with your church board or denomination, we could pay up to half the cost of your next CRTC course! Contact us to apply today! Coin & Kingdom: Would Jesus Toss Us Out Today? Rev. Dr. Norm Tellier, First United Methodist, Sch dy, Saturday, March 3, 9am-3pm. For all who manage money in the church. Finding Your Calcutta with Gregg Barrett, March 16, 10am-4pm. A follow-up to Shane Claiborne's statement that we all need to "find our own Calcutta." Register online at or by phone at Watch our website and our Facebook page for information on these and many other courses available. Scholarships and group discounts available for most classes. Welcome New Member Thank You -Annie Reilly I want to say a huge "Thank you" to all of you who have supported me and my ministry. To those of you who came to my ordination, who have wished me well and congratulations, to all of you who have been my church family the last few years, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I have accepted the position of Interim Minister at State Street Presbyterian church. Although this means that I won't be able to come to worship at First Reformed, I'll be involved in congregational life as much as I can. I'll still be a Covenanter and keep up with the work I've been doing with Union College, Camp Fowler, and First Reformed, as a part of that program. Once again, thank you so much for your ongoing support. New Entry C0deS For security reasons most of the building entrance key pad numbers have changed. Please check your number if any questions please contact Gary Nelson. Any after hours emergency, contact John Phillips Offering Envelopes If you haven t sign up for envelopes and would like a box, please come to the church office and pick one up. Lost and Found We have a lost and found basket in the Narthex. If you have lost/misplaced an item at church, please check this basket. Facilities Use Form(s) For church groups using the churches facilities please make sure a Facilities Use Form is submitted to the church office no later than one week in advance. The forms are available in the church office, on line at and in the Facility Use Forms mail-box out in the hallway. Office Closed February 18 for Presidents Day Justine Mongillo

7 Leadership Principles Several years ago, the consistory adopted a set of guidelines that articulate some of our standards of operation and behavior. This document has served to establish out attitudes about discussion and relationships and has helped in many situations. Openness We have no secrets. Church information is generally available to everyone. Confidences are generally discouraged. Talking to one leader or staff member is equivalent to speaking to all. Anonymous input and information is impossible to consider in context and therefore will not be considered at all. We share our ideas and feelings as early in a decisionmaking process as possible. We have an open door policy on meetings and minutes unless otherwise specified. Notable exceptions to openness are pastoral counseling, personnel evaluations and personal contributions. Honesty We tell the truth in all circumstances. Inappropriate inquiries may be answered with I cannot say. We assume others are telling the truth and support their positions unless we personally discuss it with them. We overdo financial accountability and documentation to avoid any untoward appearance. Loyalty We say nice things about each other. We actively stop destructive criticism or gossip and route feedback directly to people involved. We take no official action against each other or our positions unless and until we speak with co workers specifically. We are subject to the decisions of ruling boards and committees even if we disagree with them. We are loyal to the process and decisions of our denomination. In all situations we do not mutter dissent. Responsibility We share credit and own mistakes. We do our best at our jobs and assume that others do as well. We do not venture opinions about another s area of responsibility without discussing it with them first. Positive Attitude We spend much more time supporting and praising what is happening than criticizing. We tell stories of successes and paint positive pictures about the future. We do not grumble or whine. We report problems as opportunities for growth, not as evidence of incompetence. We actively resist rehashing past problems except insofar as they affect strategies for growth. Faith Sharing We apply our faith to personal and church situations. We do not rationalize our own feelings with scripture, but seek to learn and show God s benevolence honestly. We strive to embody and show the fruits of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, meekness, self-control. We pray for each other, especially those with whom we are at odds. Senior Moments Bill Levering Union Union For those of you who have been lucky enough to have been in worship when the folks from Union Presbyterian joined us, you know that it felt like the good old days, but even better. Union will soon be deciding exactly what they are up to, but we have been so pleased to have them with us. They will continue to participate this year with us in our Lenten program and their pastor, Ruth Kuo, will teach one of the classes. Union Church has invited us to their Maundy Thursday service which is much like ours. As for next year, I already have requests from people who are signed up for our traditional readings in the gathering darkness as we have done for many years. Room for All In December, the consistory decided to put our name on a list of churches supporting equal ecclesial rights for people regardless of their sexual orientation. The consistory has discussed the issues around this for a long time and this step was a natural outcome of the desire to be inclusive Financials We ended 2012 in the black and were able to meet all our mission commitments. Thanks to all who made these works possible Pledges Pledges were up for 2013 and we look forward to a full year of activities and service. Lent The season of reflection is upon us. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of a period in which we get the big picture of the life of Christ in 40 days. It's a time to try new ways of caring and a time to find new ways of seeing Christ. I invite you to try a class in Lent to find something new in your life. We stand ready to help.

8 Confirmation Reservation Bill Levering and Stacey Midge lead the confirmation process which is a combination of challenges and meetings that will begin this year on April 7th at noon (after the Forum on Sunday). You can look at what it's all about online on the church website under Activites->Confirmation. Looking to volunteer a bit more time? There are several places where help is needed: Ushers Archive Sorters Cookie Bringers Mission Dorm Hosts New Member Mentors Church School teachers Kid Wrangler in Kinderwyck A Sunday Morning Media Wizard Communion Set Up Helper Families Bulletin Board Honcho (one for each) Social Media Maven (keep FB current) Fill out a little white card if you would like to help. Fire Destroys Historic Reformed Church (not ours) 1/16/2013 (From the Register-Star) A raging fire consumed a 133-year-old church at the center of Philmont, NY Tuesday night, as congregation members and many village residents looked on. It was the fourth structure fire in a year for this village of 1,480 residents; all occurred within a short distance of each other, and only one building was occupied. The Second Reformed Church of Claverack is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year, but the building itself dates back to The fire broke out, reportedly in the bell tower, about 6:25 p.m. and was still being battled three hours later. It was finally knocked down at 9:55 p.m. Firefighters were spraying water into the flaming roof. Vinyl siding partially contained the fire and helped to make access difficult. Entrance through the front of the building was impossible because of the danger that the two-ton bell in the steeple at the front of the building would fall. Congregation members kept returning to the same theme: That the congregation is not in the building, but in the members. Reflection on Solitary Confinement by Bob White, Interim Executive of the New York State Council of Churches We like to think that most New Yorkers wouldn t stand for regretful policies that clearly subvert human rights. We wouldn t tolerate those voter suppression laws or invasive ultrasounds that threaten democracy and demean women in some other states. But it happens that New York ranks at or near the top of all states in the percentage of prisoners subjected to prolonged solitary confinement. About 4500 NY inmates are enduring it today. Fortunately, New Yorkers are becoming aware of how cruel and unusual this form of punishment is. The New York State Council of Churches (NYSCC), representing nine Protestant denominations with about 6000 congregations in the state, has become aware and deeply concerned. Last month we approved a statement condemning prolonged solitary confinement as inhumane, torturous, degrading to the human spirit, and contrary to the will of God. What the churches bring to this campaign against this is our perspective and energy as people of faith. Our scriptures teach that human beings are made in the Image of God. Our unique relationship with Protestant prison chaplains also played an important part. For almost 50 years NYSCC has served as the agency charged to recruit, certify and support Protestant chaplains in state institutions. These chaplains verified for us the abuses reported elsewhere. And they personalized them with stories of individual inmates suffering prolonged isolation for trivial offenses. We can do better.

9 Sermon at Union Presbyterian Church At the invitation of the Session of the Union Presbyterian Church, Dr. Levering preached in their sanctuary on January 13. At the request of many, the text is below. Luke 4:16-20 When Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord s favor. Why Bother? When I was 6, I could not understand why people bothered to make their beds. It was just going to be messy again later! When I was 16, I wondered why people bothered to get married, since the benefits I was interested in did not involve long-term arrangements. When I was 36, I occasionally wondered why I should bother to get out of bed, because there was stress and strangeness in my life that was painful to face. As individuals and as the church, there are moments when we need to articulate again why we bother to do what we do. Politicians do it in annual addresses, businesses do it in mission statements, and the church tries in confessions and the things we say every Sunday. In the passage today, Jesus is presenting the case for his mission in life. He is telling himself, us, and his contemporaries why he is bothering. Why is this happening? Because God has anointed him for a set of proclamations and actions. In the next few verses after this passage, Jesus is in short order praised and then assaulted by the people who raised him. If he didn t understand before, he soon learns that there will be unimaginable bother in the proclamation of God s realities. It would be nice if telling the truth made us popular or even successful, but that is usually not the case. There were moments in the history of American Christianity where we blossomed and enjoyed the positive regard of the culture, but that is no longer the case. Crowds are not flocking to hear our words of peace like they were decades ago. Our sermons were once published in the New York Times. Now our denominations have shrunk by at least half and therefore our percentage of the population even smaller. Now, we face the bother of self-doubt and shrinking resources. Our situations have caused us to re-articulate what is most important and refocus ourselves on our basic mission. Why bother? The bother is the bad news. The bother spans the concerns of dwindling denominations, empty edifices, and depressed congregants who face conflict-ridden decisions. It would be foolish for us to think that things were the same as they were. We aren t in charge any more. When we Protestants were in charge of the culture, we had a chance to do great things and we did many. We were the philosophical underpinnings of democracy as we know it. We were the founders of the ethics of equality that established the inalienable rights of all people. We were the voices that institutionalized caring for the poor and the downtrodden. Protestantism was the bulwark of the anti-slavery force and the midwife of the civil rights movement. Publishers and presidents came to sit our churches every Sunday. The Reformed movement that Calvin articulated had it s moment in the sun of cultural dominance and is now in eclipse. What are we to do? Why bother if we aren t in charge anymore? Why bother if it takes so much effort? Why bother if it will mean giving up our comfortable places and our positions of power? I ll tell you why we should bother and I ll tell you why we should bother to work together. We bother because we are needed as a united voice of reasonable religion. Too often, Christianity has been caricatured in modern culture as bigoted fundamentalism or air headed liberalism. We are neither. We can take advantage of the fact that we are no longer in charge of the culture to articulate a reasonable prophetic witness to the powers and principalities that used to be us. The Calvinist tradition has something to say about the short sightedness of guns and the plight of captives of capital and the rights of the oppressed and the care for the poor. We need to have voices as unified as possible to speak and work our faith in ways that proclaim the good news of reconciliation and inclusion. Together we bring Orff instruments and big handbells and rich banners and historic stability to a grand pageant that can speak of the reality of cooperation and unity in a time where the world believes only in partisan power politics. We bother because we can make a difference with coordinated mission efforts. The history in our community is a testimony to what can happen when churches come together: SICM, Union College, Home Furnishings, the YMCA, Safe House, Angie s Place, Planned Parenthood,... all began with the coordinated efforts of congregations in our town. We just never bothered to finish the logical extension of our efforts. Churches should come together, similar denominations should join

10 forces, mission efforts can be marshaled. Not only because we can, but because we must. I can t imagine Jesus viewed his enterprise as a franchise operation with territories being carefully drawn like self interested redistricting. I can imagine that he would want us to be in the most edifying, most serving, most deepening clump of disciples we could get in. People bother to get out of bed, bother to make them, and bother to get married because they figure out what is important. The First Church of Schenectady invites you to a joint venture of mission, education and worship. Separately, we use the same hymnal to sing the same songs, we use similar curricula and have nearly identical forms of government. Separately, we use the same version of the Bible in worship. Separately, we pay similar electric bills and own similar copiers. Separately, most of our congregants drive about the same distance to come to church. Separately, we support almost exactly the same list of mission projects and care about the same injustices. Separately, we have common progressive values and yet value traditional worship patterns. Together we can be more than the sum of our parts. Together we can be a witness that our stream of reasonable Protestantism is not dead or irrelevant. You are not invited to be guests who loaf around as spectators with us, but as active partners in a project that can give us both renewed purpose and give the world a rejuvenated witness. The question is not whether we should join efforts, but why we have waited so long? Both our denominations have been interested in a document called the Belhar Confession, a document from South Africa that establishes the gift and necessity of unity in the Christian church. Quoting from the Belhar Confession: this unity must become visible so that the world may believe that separation, enmity and hatred between people and groups is sin which Christ has already conquered, and accordingly that anything which threatens this unity may have no place in the church and must be resisted (John 17:20-23); A similar sentiment was articulated by Eugene Carson Blake, a famous stated clerk of the General Assembly who began a movement for the organic unity of denominations with a sermon preached over 50 years ago. He said, "our separate organizations, however much we sincerely try to cooperate in councils, present a tragically divided Church to a tragically divided world. Our divided state makes almost unbelievable our common Christian claim that Jesus Christ is Lord and that He is the Prince of Peace. " The movement he started produced great enthusiasm, but failed when actual compromises were to be made. We can do better. Unity is not an onerous reality brought on by a depressing extension of our spreadsheets, but a joyous call to the beautiful, bounteous, and bothersome business of being the body of Christ. Paul wrote, Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. I understand that bright people will always have a little trouble being of the same mind, and a full accord could only be a crowded Honda. But when and if we can sing together, it will be a glorious thing. We do not invite you to an identity-killing absorption any more than we ask basses to sing soprano in the choir. Your social relations, your nurture of youth, and your missional assets are a separate, distinct, and wonderful reality that I stand ready to defend, preserve and even develop. But there is so much joy we can have together. Much later in his ministry Jesus articulates why he bothered in his own words: These things I have spoken to you so that my joy might be in you and that your joy might be complete. The Spirit of the Lord is upon us, because he has anointed us to bring good news to the poor. He has sent us to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord s favour. Let us do this holy task together for God s glory and our mutual joy. Holy Week We will be celebrating Holy Week with a variety of opportunities. Wednesday will feature a Christian Seder, complete with a shared meal. Maundy Thursday will be a Tenebrae service at Union Presbyterian Church. At noon on Good Friday Gospel readers, intercessors, and the chancel Choir will help lead this reflective service. On Easter Sunday, we will gather with other Christians at 6:15am to greet the dawning of new life and then have a fellowship meal. Of course, join us for the grand celebration of Easter Joy on Easter at 10am including the Hallelujah Chorus. Holy Week Palm Sunday, March 24 10am Service Wednesday, Mary 27 6pm Seder Dinner Here Maundy Thursday, March 28 7:30pm Union Presbyterian Good Friday, March 29 12pm Service Easter, March 31 6:30am Sunrise Service at Niskayuna Reformed Church 7am Breakfast at Niskayuna Reformed 10am Service at First Reformed in Schenectady 5pm Easter Vespers

11 Dinner & Service February 13 Dinner 6pm A simple soup, bread and salad supper at 6pm in Assembly Hall will be available prior to our Ash Wednesday Service (see below.) In addition to the blessing of a meal shared with others as we start this holy season, there will be opportunity to sign up for assisting with any of the following Wednesday Lenten Dinners. A brief preview of each of the Lenten classes will also be featured near the end of dinner. To assist in our planning, please RSVP to the church office and let us know you would like to attend this Ash Wednesday Dinner. Service 7:15pm Flowers of Jesus of all ages are invited to join us in Poling Chapel to mark the start of this Lenten season with an evening service of readings, song, reflection, and the traditional imposition of ashes suitable for all ages. Wednesdays in Lent February 20 March 20 Dinners ~ 6pm Come share a tasty, modest meal with others at 6pm any or all the Wednesday evening of Lent. A sign-up sheet is posted in Assembly Hall to assist with the set up, preparation, and clean up. Classes ~ 7pm Lent for Kids Jamie Ipsen A class for children in grades K-8 full of art projects, music, and stories. Original Blessing Rev. Daniel Carlson and Kitty Trimarco In anticipation of the visit of internationallyknown theologian Matthew Fox to Schenectady and FRC in April, we'll discuss one of Fox s most influential books, Original Blessing. Join us for a whirlwind tour of the Positive Way of befriending Creation; the Negative Way of befriending darkness, letting go and letting be; the Creative Way of befriending our creativity and divinity; and the Transformative Way of befriending New Creation, compassion, celebration, and justice. Copies may be purchased at any Wednesday dinner. Articles of Faith Rev. Dr. Bill Levering In this class, we will literally hand out newspapers and discuss where the Gospel might apply. Issues of justice and social witness will be addressed and social problems will be attacked from a Christian perspective. Learn the Ancient Art of Pysanky (Decorating eggs the Ukrainian way) Rev. Abby Norton-Levering The slow process of creating the intricate designs on these colorful eggs is both meditative and satisfying. No previous experience is necessary. Because this course is limited to ten participants, sign up on the bulletin board in Assembly Hall. Please don't sign up unless you can reasonably expect to attend all six sessions. There will be a materials fee of $10, payable the first night of class. Lenten Study on Prayers Rev. Ruth Kuo In our busy life style, it is challenging to find time for praying, which in itself is an exercise to center on and tune into God. This Lenten Study on Prayers will provide a few prayer models for pausing in our hectic lives. We will explore Breathe prayer, Centering prayer, Labyrinth, Praying with our bodies, Praying the hours, Praying with colors, and Praying the Psalms. Let s take time to pray together during this Lenten season. Prayer ~ 8:15pm Lenten Evening Prayer You are invited to conclude Wednesday evenings in Lent with a gentle half hour service in softly lit Poling Chapel. Our worship includes simple songs accompanied by guitar, unhurried reflection on the day, guided listening for God's word to you in Scripture, reverently sharing the Lord's Supper (homemade bread; wine or juice,) praying aloud or in silence, and finally sharing of a sign or word of Christ's peace. All who wish to rekindle their awareness of God's loving presence within, among, and beyond us are welcome any Wednesday of Lent. Helpers Needed For Lenten Dinners Volunteers are needed to assist with set up and clean up for the Wednesday evening Lenten dinners, which will begin on Ash Wednesday, February 13 through March 20. Those interested in helping out should contact Heather Chestnut at First Reformed Church 8 North Church Street Schenectady, NY

12 First Reformed Church 8 North Church Street Schenectady, NY (518) streformed@gmail.com Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Albany, NY Permit No. 736 Address Service Requested Feb. Preacher Reader Vespers at 5 3 Bill Levering Carol Troost Nat Phipps, Pete Toigo, Tom D'Andrea 10 Daniel Carlson Chris Fernandes a3 (acoustic guitar trio) 17 Bill Levering Nancy Wainwright Delaney s & Tom D Andrea 24 Bill Levering Therese McCarty Scott Bassinson, piano February Birthday s February Patricia Mett 2 Laura Smith Erika Zampella 5 Elsa Hjelmar 7 Shannon Kerwin 8 Ryan Conover Sarah Howes Julie Inderlied 9 James Herrington Carol Possin 10 Beverly Mc Lane Linda Senn 12 Heather Chestnut Tricia Shaw 13 Bruno De Paoli 14 Lorraine Aumic 16 Courtney Conover 18 Jessica Allen 19 Genevieve Emken 20 Donald Kleiber 22 Nicole Breitenbach John Hewitt Lisa Range 23 Courtney Van Oort Jordaan Van Oort Nicole Van Oort 26 Richard Gatta Alida Rice 27 George Trimarco Naphtali Rothrock 28 Alexander Bzdell Rheinhart Brandenburg Every Sunday Choir Rehearsal, 9am HS Choir, 9:15am Worship, 10am Church School, 10:20am Fellowship, 11am Kirk Ringers, 11:15am Youth Orchestra, 4pm Vespers, 5pm JHYG, 5pm SHYG, 7pm Weekly Monday: Men s News Group, 9am Klokken Tower Ringers, 7:15pm Tuesday: Morning Prayer, 10am Wednesday: Kerygma, 9:30am Thursday Belles, 1pm Thursday: Bible Study, 7:30am Stitch Group, 10am Boy Scouts, 7pm Chancel Choir, 7:30pm Monthly Meetings Concern for Hungry, 1 st Mon., 7pm Group V, 1 st Mon., 11am Creation Care Com., 4 th Mon., 7pm Archiving, 2 nd Tues., 6pm Committees, 2 nd Tues., 6:30pm Consistory, 2 nd Tues., 7:30pm Support & Care, 3 rd Tues., 11am Tues. Ladies, 3 rd Tue. Stephen Ministry, 3 rd Thurs., 7pm Group VII, 3 rd Fri., 10am Mission Days, 4 th Sat., 9am Justice Action, 1 st Sun., 11am Membership, 2 nd Sun., 11am Mission Day, 4 th Sun., TBA via project Upcoming Events 2: Adult Winterfest 3: Heritage Sunday Four Chaplains Interfaith Service 4: Group V 7: Colonial Festival Dinner 9: UP Men s Breakfast Group 10: Scout Sunday 13: Ash Wednesday Dinner & Service 18: Office Closed 19: Tuesday Ladies 20: Lenten Classes & Prayer Begin 21: Prayer Shawl Knitting Group