Churchmatters. October A Word from Pastor Jim. Monthly Newsletter of East Glenville Community Church. Upcoming Events

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1 Churchmatters Monthly Newsletter of East Glenville Community Church October 2014 Upcoming Events October 4th Men s Breakfast October 5th Women s Ministry Open House Musical Kick-Off October 15th Missions Night October 17th SPARK October 18th - 19th Missions Conference October 25th Harvest Party Loving God - Loving People Helping Them Know and Follow Jesus A Word from Pastor Jim Our church is part of the greatest event in human history: God s reaching out to bring in the scattered, confused, and lost peoples of the world. Matthew 28 concludes with our call to go everywhere and make disciples (implying the ministry activities we do) and His promise to be with us till the end of time (implying God s commitment to accompany and empower us to carry them out). That's why we keep at that mission with our fresh Vision Statement. We redesign our Sunday School for all ages to help us know and follow Jesus more closely and receive the skills to feed our loving God and loving people. We set up the Sunday worship to be an inviting, including experience that brings the Gospel heritage forward to today. We update our communication displays, mailings, website and Facebook to more attractively and efficiently communicate. We take a step forward in staffing not only for our youth but our graduated young adults too, and aim for deeper ministry with our families. All this and more as expressions of what we do in His Mission. As skilled and intentional as we can be, however, we remain dependent upon the release of the Lord s power to impact people s lives. That s why I m inviting us to begin a new effort of a different kind. Would you come together ask for the power of God to be present Sunday mornings? Beginning October 5th, all are invited to join me in my office 8:20-8:45 am for intercessory prayer. I am glad there is much prayer during the week and many are praying Sunday mornings before they rise and arrive. This group time seeking God will add more fuel to that fire. Continued on page 2...

2 Men's Wednesday Night Group New Topic begins October 1st - Themes for a Christian Man. Each week we will focus upon a new theme from the Christian life, see what the Bible says, identify practical next steps, and support each other as we grow into it personally. From "patience" to "prayer", "suffering" to "success", this time-tested material from the Billy Graham Ministries has been used in men's lives all over the world as they grow in their following Jesus Christ. The strength of this group is also its simplicity From the BIBLE, we READ-DISCUSS-ACTION- PRAYER. Wherever you are in faith, come and be a part of this with us. We will pray A Word from Pastor Jim Continued for the Sunday School, the teachers and for all ages of classes for their learning and appreciation of who Jesus is for the Worship singing, prayer and message to connect people to God. Women of EGCC, you are invited to our Open House Sunday, October 5th, right after the service 11:45am -12:30pm in Buchanan Hall Come enjoy some light refreshments while you meet the Women s Ministry Team, hear the new ministry vision for women, and learn about the events planned for this year. Please stop in to receive our small gift for you, even if you cannot stay. And if you have not joined a Bible Study for fall, it is not too late! See the church website for details. for our Nursery and Junior Church programs to see warm, loving care touching children and their parents. for people to accept Christ and make rededications. for ministering hallway conversations and warming Buchanan Hall friendships for the Holy Spirit to come near to those struggling who wonder what God is trying to do in their experiences. In all these ways and more we will be praying for the moving of God in that morning's activities. I know this is during Worship Team rehearsal so some cannot make it. And since Nursery and Sunday School will not be started yet, households with younger children will be unable to attend. We will break at 8:45 so those who are teachers can complete what preparations remain from before 8:20. So yes, this may not work for all. For those it can and who have a heart for prayer, join me starting October 5th. Let's meet our Lord and act on His promise to be with us and empower His work. 2

3 Elders At the Annual Meeting back in January of 2013, the Elders presented a goal for our church to repave the parking lot within the next several years without incurring additional debt. We asked the questions: would it be pleasing to God, would it draw us together, and would it give a positive testimony to our community? We believed the answers to these questions to be yes. Available funding at the time was very limited, but we moved forward in faith knowing that God would provide and we began a campaign to raise the necessary funds. Over the next year, the parking lot fund grew as we pulled together to support the project and God provided other funding that brought us much closer to the goal. This past winter, the Trustees solicited updated quotes from several paving contractors. A contractor was selected and the Trustees recommended that we forward with the repaving project this summer in two phases; a base coat phase and a top coat phase. Completing both phases simultaneously was highly recommended in order to avoid the added cost of bringing the contractor back a second time to complete the top coat. The Elders concurred with the recommendation and brought it to the congregation for a vote in April. The congregation unanimously approved the motion to move forward this summer with the base coat and, if manageable financially without incurring additional debt, the top coat as well. Sufficient funds were available at the time to complete the base coat, but only some of the funding was available for the top coat. In order to strive toward the goal of completing the entire project this summer, we had a time of renewed emphasis on the parking lot fund this spring. God provided. In parallel with this, the Elders evaluated the possibility of using other available funds to offset any shortfall that might exist when it came time for the contractor to do the work. Funds previously held in escrow were verified to be available and some of those funds were used to manage the shortfall. The entire project was completed through God s grace and through your sacrificial giving and commitment. All totaled, from January of 2013 through the end of August, $41,715 was raised for the parking lot fund and the entire parking lot fund was applied to the project. Our goal has been attained and we praise God for His goodness. Grateful in Christ, Don Kraines Worship Ministries News & Notes Christmas Musical Choir Final preparations are being made to kick-off this year's Christmas Musical on Sunday afternoon October 5, at 4:30pm in the sanctuary. It's an opportunity for all in grade 8-adult who love to sing to be a part of one of our major outreach events. The choir is open to all who attend our church as well as friends and family who might like to join us. If you're new to the church it's a great way to get to know people, and if you've been here a while and never tried it consider making this the year! Rehearsals will take place Sunday afternoons 4:30-5:55pm through the fall. Performances will be on Friday evening December 12, and Sunday evening December 14. Come and join us! Questions? Contact Sandie at worship@egcchurch.org. Christmas Musical Drama and Set Team There are many roles to be filled on the drama team for the musical. Actors of course, but there are many other people needed to work behind the scenes to bring the skits to life. Stagehands, costumes, props, lights, and sets are a few of these roles. If you're interested in being a part of a fun and creative team, contact Marty or Karen Glynn at martymike@yahoo.com or speak to Sandie. Praise Gang & Worship Choir Our choirs got off to a great start last month, but if you missed the first few rehearsals but are still interested in joining either Praise Gang (for children ages K-8 th ), or the Worship Choir (grade 9-adult) it's not too late! We would love to have you join us! Contact Miss Melisa at melisaolson@juno.com, or Sandie at worship@egcchurch.org with questions or just come Wednesday night! Worship Team The Worship Team is still very much in need of instrumentalists who play guitar or drums. If you have some experience and could serve in this capacity you would be a great blessing to our church. Contact Sandie at worship@egcchurch.org for more information. 3

4 Terry O'Donnell Memorial Scholarship Fund Drive It's coming! The Terry O'Donnell Memorial Scholarship Fund Drive on November 15th. An evening of fellowship, dessert, coffee and entertainment. Look for more information coming soon. Put it on your calendar and plan to come and support this cause for our graduating students. Thanks!! The Community Outreach Team is sponsoring Operation Christmas Child Shoe Boxes again this year. The Boxes will be available Sunday October 26th and need to be back to church the week of November 16th. PACK A GIFT & PRAY. A shoebox filled with small toys, hygiene items, and school supplies tangibly demonstrates God s love to a child in need. Guides for how to pack a shoebox may be available at your church, or you can order free materials online at Remember to pray that God will touch the heart of every child who receives a shoebox gift, and that many children and families will come to faith in Jesus Christ. GIVE. A donation of just $7 per box makes it possible for Operation Christmas Child to deliver each gift that you pack to a child thousands of miles away. Use the Follow Your Box feature to donate online and discover where your gift is. 4

5 Harvest Festival Saturday, October 25 th 3 5pm Join us in Buchanan Hall for fun fall festivities including crafts, games, story time, and delicious fall treats! Appropriate for children age 3 yrs to early elementary grades and their families. Kids are welcome to wear their costume! Spirit Powered Activities Reaching Kids Grades K - 5 Friday, October 17th 6:30-8:00pm in Buchanan Hall Theme is: VBS Weird Animals - Day 1 Revisit VBS Bible Point & Bible story & music! Snack, songs, games, lesson! Come and bring a friend. Donation requested: $1 per child Contact Susan Perregaux Youth Update It s October already! Can you believe it? The Student Ministry has started to take form and looks something like this: Loving God Loving People Helping them Know and Follow Jesus Sunday School Sunday Night Youth Group Wednesday Night Bible Study There are two Sunday School Classes available to the Students: 7 th -9 th lead by Katie Fischer and 10 th -12 th lead by Manny and Julie Seiz. Classes are on Sunday morning from 9am - 10am. Sunday Night Youth Group welcomes students from 6 th grade to 12 th grade. Our leaders include: Jaime Lalla, Jackie Feurer, Mike Brown, and Manny and Julie Seiz. Wednesday Night Bible Study invites Senior High Students (9-12) to join us at Michelle Kraines house from 7-8:30pm for games and group study. For the this program we have the wonderful duo of Michelle Kraines and Peg O Donnell. Additionally, almost every Thursday night there is a Youth Guys Basketball night in Buchanan Hall from 7-8:30pm. Keep your Columbus Day weekend free for the legendary WOODS GAMES!!! In service of the King, - Travis 5

6 Missions Conference Coming This Month It's time for our annual Missions Conference. Mark your calendars and plan to be with us. Wednesday, October 15th Missions Update on the Malagasy Ministries. Bruce Cooper will be joining the Men's Study and Perline Cooper will with the Women's Study. Both groups begin at 7:00pm. Come for supper and conversation beforehand at 6:00pm. Saturday, October 18th Old Testament and the Great Commission presentation by our visiting missionary John Morris 7-8:30pm. A knowledge of Scripture builds our commitment to the Great Commission. Come and participate in this informative and practical review through God's Story in the Old Testament. Sunday, October 19th Sunday School for youth and adults will meet together with our visiting missionary John Morris 9-10am. Worship for all ages at 10:45am will include John Morris' preaching on the Great Commission. Potluck Luncheon for all following worship with a special report from the Youth Summer Mission Trip. The Missions Board is looking for volunteers willing to help with tables, take reservations for the Saturday night Old Testament presentation, or help with the Sunday Potluck Luncheon. Contact Nancyjane Batten at if you are interested in helping. Update on Our Active Missionaries: Nathan Caldwell During a recent telephone conversation with Nate, he provided us this update: He is fully involved in the Denver Seminary experience, taking Greek (which is greatest challenge) and other courses both during the day and evening hours. He is energized and excited, realizing God's hand upon him towards equipping him more fully for his mission work. He is preparing an updated video for his recent Mexico camp experiences this summer which we look forward to receiving. He asked us to remember him in prayer, especially for his studies and his learning Greek. The Missions Board has approved a love gift of $1000 for Nate's education along with the $1290 love gift provided from the congregation as he departed. During our upcoming Mission Board meetings, we also will appropriate a designated amount for Nate's mission field support in addition to the support for our other eleven fulltime missionaries. 6

7 Retired Missionaries: Ed and Sharon Pedersen Dear Friends at EGCC, Thank you for your faithful support all these years. It has been a real blessing to us. From Ed, I served for 40 years ministering to various Indian tribes of interior Brazil, some along the headwaters of the Xingu River and especially among the Nhambiquara Indians along the Guapore' River bordering Bolivia. After 10 years of arduous study of this tonal language, I was finally able to present the Gospel. The response was just one couple, the chief and his wife. This has changed since those early days and now some have attended South America Mission's Bible Institute, resulting in a bigger response. Two years ago I was able to return to Brazil for a month and actually was able to visit the tribes previously contacted. I found that the Gospel has had great success. I also attended an indigenous congress where 2,300 Indian ( 86 different tribes represented) met together for four days. We closed our time together by taking the Lord's Supper. What a thrill to be a part of what God is doing! Now we are retired (that is we have returned to the states) but we have not retired from ministry nor have we forgotten the work in Brazil, We pray daily for different parts of the ministry down there as well as for our supporting churches here Thank you so much. From Sharon Before I married Ed I was busy as a single missionary. I helped contact people in two different areas in the city and literally helped build the 2 churches for these groups. I started a camp ministry,again from the ground up -getting church members to volunteer time to clear the land and dig ditches to put in water lines. Later the camp was used as a school for the deaf that I started. I wa told that there were over 500 deaf in the city of Cuiaba but through the course of time, I only had contact with about 80 of them. I taught women and children and had about 17 classes a week. When I married Ed, we started another church in a little backwater town. Ed taught about 20 adults and I had up to 50 children each week. It was a thrill to see these Brazilians respond to the Gospel Many of them are still following the Lord. (That was Ed's report after his visit two years ago) We also started a Sunday School in a sawmill town. Again, Ed taught the adults and I had about 15 children each week. We also started a Bible class on Wednesday nights in the home of a neighbor in Comodoro, the town where we lived for 7 years. God blessed and we were grateful to Him for allowing us to serve in this way for many years. Now we live here in Lewisburg, PA but attend church in Mifflenburg. Ed pastored the church for a year. He served on the deacon board for many years and for the past 3 years he and a group of men have met every Tuesday morning for prayer for the growth of our church. We haven't grown numerically but spiritually we have seen some real changes. Ed has gone into the prison, at first every week for 15 years and now every other week. Considering that he just turned 90, he is doing well. One of the things that has helped keep him young is teaching the Good News Club in the public school each week. I think we have been teaching for 8 years. We had an average of 30 children and many of them made decisions for Christ, and Christians made decisions to obey and read God's Word. Only God knows the heart of these little ones. We are so grateful for the backgrounds for the flannel lessons. They add so much to the story and the kid's love it. You have a great ministry. Ed and Sharon Pedersen 263 Indian Ridge Road, Lewisburg, PA17837 (570) pedshar@windstream.net 7

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9 Adult Sunday School Classes Kingdom Living (20-30 yr old singles and couples) - Led by Greg & Susie Bandy - Classroom BH1 This fall we will look at the Bible itself and skills that will enhance our understanding of the Lord and our faith. There is a first-hand joy that comes from growing in our faith. The beauty of the Scriptures are unlocked as we understand them. Despite your reading skills, we will look at ways to see what God's Word really says, how to better understand what it means, and find relevant ways to help us follow Jesus. The Holy Spirit works with us - to grow us - to enliven us - as we let God use His Word to transform our minds, inspire our hearts, and improve our relationships. Please join us to stoke your own desire to follow Christ Jesus as we learn how to study the Bible. "How to Use My Bible" - Led by Tom Bischoff - Preschool Room A Observations, looking to see what it says, noting the verbs and grammar, asking it questions and finding its answers are all techniques to help us more comfortably read and graps the message of the Bible. This is a perfect group to learn how to navigate in its pages. So if your Bible is a new thing to you you are heartily welcomed! Or if is something you've grown more ease with already, this is the place to add some fresh skills and particularly see how you could help someone else develop their techniques too. Come and be a part. Big Picture of the New Testament - Led by Will Gideon & Robb Marshall - Preschool Room B One of the ways that God has revealed Himself to us is through His written Word. This survey class will be highly interactive. If you have not spent much time in the New Testament then this class is for you as we will spend time exploring the big picture of the New Testament and what it means to us today. If you have read the New Testament many times, then this class is for you too as we will spend time examining how we might use our knowledge of the New Testament to help those in need around us. Hope you can join us! August Income Budget: 34,638 Parking Lot: 772 Income: 32,923 Total: (1,715) YTD Income Budget: 277,103 Parking Lot: 17,712 Income: 261,373 Total: (15,730) Parking Lot Fund Total: 41,715 Wednesday Night Program Every Week Sept - May (some holiday weeks excluded) 6:00-6:45pm Dinner (Cost: Ages 0-4 Free, 5-12 $3, 13-Adult $5, $20 Max) 6:45-7:45pm Praise Gang (K - 8th grade) 7:00-8:30pm Youth Bible Study (held at 8 Barry Lane, Scotia) 7:00-8:15pm Men s Bible Study 7:00-8:15pm Women s Bible Study 7:00-8:30pm Worship Choir (9th grade - Adult) 9

10 Church Work Day Fall is here and the Trustee's are getting ready for colder weather! We are going to have a Fall Work Day on Saturday November 8th from 9am - 1pm. There will be many things to do that day and all are welcome to come and lend a hand. The best part of that day may be the fellowship you can enjoy while raking, trimming, sweeping, washing, cleaning or having a cup of coffee! Hopefully the weather will cooperate and we can work both inside and outside. Plan on spending some time that day 9am-12noon to be of service to the Lord at EGCC! East Glenville Preschool will be collecting Labels for Education. Look for the labels on foods like Campbell's, Post Cereals, Prego, V8, Bic, Dannon and many more. There will be a collection container in the Foyer. Thanksgiving Pie Fundraiser Busy? Stressed? Don t Bake? Let us help with those last minute Thanksgiving pies and breads! EGCC Preschool is selling fresh baked pies and breads from Mourningkill Farms Bake Shop. 10 Pies will be available for $12 A variety of breads are available for $5. Delivery will be Tues 11/25 (8:30am - 3pm) & Wed 11/26 (8:30am - 11am) If you cannot pick up your order then, please make arrangements for someone to get it for you or call the preschool by 11/24. Order forms are included and can also be found on our website (under the main preschool tab) or at the preschool, in the Foyer, or in the hall near the office. Orders and payment must be received by November 17th. Make checks payable to East Glenville Preschool. Thank you in advance for your support. A copy of the order form is also located on the next page. 10 If you find you need more order forms, please feel free to pick up ORANGE order forms from any of the locations mentioned above.

11 Name Phone APPLE PIES APPLE CRUMB $12 10" PIE FRESH BAKED PIES AND BREADS BY MOURNINGKILL BAKESHOP FRENCH APPLE 310 Charlton Rd, Ballston Spa, NY APPLE MACAROON (518) APPLE KRISP (rice Krispie topping) RHUBARB RHUBARB CRUMB TEA BREADS $5 PEACH CINNAMON PEACH CRUMB BLACKBERRY BLACKBERRY CRUMB BLUEBERRY BLUEBERRY CRUMB STRAWBERRY STRAWBERRY CRUMB CHERRY CHERRY CRUMB STRAWBERRY RHUBARB STRAW RHU CRUMB RASPBERRY RASPBERRY CRUMB ZUCCHINI CHOCOLATE ZUCCHINI BANANA NUT PUMPKIN PUMPKIN APPLE NUT BLUEBERRY APRICOT POUNDCAKE CRANBERRY (nut) RASPBERRY CREAM APPLE RAISIN (nut) CARROT RAISIN (nut) TOTAL BREADS ORDERED x PRICE $ VERY BERRY (Blue-, black-, & rasp.) AMOUNT DUE $ VERY BERRY CRUMB MINCE PUMPKIN DEEP FUDGE (rich brownie in pie crust) Make checks payable to East Glenville Preschool Orders and Payment due by Nov. 17th PEANUT BUTTER CHESS CHOCOLATE CHIP (walnuts) COCONUT SUPREME (cc & pecans) PECAN COMBO- SPECIFY: TOTAL PIES ORDERED Pick Up Tuesday, November 25, 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Pick Up Wed., November 26, 8:30 a.m a.m. GRAND TOTAL PIES x PRICE $ BREADS AMOUNT DUE $ TOTAL DUE

12 East Glenville Community Church 335 Saratoga Road Glenville, NY ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Non Profit Org U.S. Postage Paid Burnt Hills, NY Permit No. 5 EGCC Information Sunday School: 9:00am Worship: 10:30am Location: 335 Saratoga Rd. Glenville, NY Phone: Fax: office@egcchurch.org Check out our church Staff Senior Pastor: Rev. James Smith Assistant Pastor: Rev. Phil Sears Dir. of Worship Ministries: Sandie Wanamaker Dir. of Children s Ministries Susan Perregaux Dir. of Student Ministries Travis Phillips Administrative Assistant: Gina Vendetti