The MessengerFirst Reformed Church of Scotia

224 North Ballston AvenueScotia, NY 12302

The Rev. Craig J. Hoffman The Rev. Jan L. Hoffman

FromCraig’sDesk

October 2012Volume 64, Number 9

Some Challenging WordsSeveral times each year I gather for an overnight with 5 other full-time pastors of mid-sized or larger eastern RCA congregations. I learn a lot from my colleagues. Recently I’ve learned about Brian McLaren, a church leader, thinker and author. McLaren speaks about the “emergent church.” Says McLaren, “The church has always been emerging. The early church emerged from persecution to a period of acceptance in the Roman Empire. The medieval church emerged into the modern era thanks to Luther, Calvin and others. ‘Emergence’ is simply the church adapting itself to the cultural changes around us.”

Our culture is changing profoundly, and the church needs to grow and change, too. McLaren notes that many mainline churches are losing the younger generation. Mainline churches are the long-established denominations like the Methodists, the Presbyterians, and the Reformed Church in America, the oldest of them all. McLaren thinks that one reason for this decline is that these churches don’t address the questions the younger generation asks. Big questions. Global questions. Young people morally want to make a difference in the world; they don’t want membership in a religious club.

Says McLaren, “We’re at a juncture where the changes we need are profound. We don’t just need a few small tweaks like jazzing up the music. I think we’re at a place where we need to ask a whole new set of questions. Questions like: What are the biggest problems in the world today? And what does Jesus have to say about them? The world of the 21st century will see a multiplication of extreme poverty. Eventually the bubble of affluence will burst, and we have to realize that a third of the people on the planet live in ways that make it very hard for the rest of us to go on in comfort and luxury. At the very least we should understand that God doesn’t bless some to the exclusion of others, but rather that God blesses some for the benefit of others. So being blessed isn’t simply a privilege: it’s a responsibility.”

These are challenging words to me, and I hope to you as well, as together we seek to be faithful to the call of Christ in our time and in our world. Anybody want to read Brian McLaren with me? Let me know. Those of you in the younger generation: Do McLaren’s words ring true to you? Again, let me know.

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Thank You Notes From TheCongregation

Milestones In Our Congregation’s Lives

Food Pantry Needs Listed For October

Since we published the last issue of The Messenger we received the following thank-you notes and letters. They are posted on the tack strip outside of Pastor Craig’s office. Read and enjoy them there for yourselves.

• From Debb Rosemarino: Thank you to all who helped with the White Elephant Booth at the Dutch Fair. Without each one of you the day would not have been the huge success it was.

• From Sue Alibozek: A big thank you to all of you who made baked goods and donated them to the Dutch Fair. Our patrons look forward to your homemade goodies each year.

• From Dorothy Horstkotte: The Silent Auction was very successful this year thanks to all who participated. Please remember these community patrons who were generous to us: Bomba’s Pizza, Brian Creek Golf Club, The Costumer, Dragon Gardens Restaurant, Frank and Sons Body Works, Garbriel’s Supermarket, Glenville Queen Family Restaurant, Hannaford Supermarkets, Mill Road Acres Golf Club, Mohawk River Golf Club, Pedrick’s Florist, Proctor’s Theater, Scotia Wine and Liquor, Shear Elegance, Star Wine and Liquor, Stewarts Shops, Sunset Café and Glenville Walmart. I would especially like to thank Margo Snyder, my co-chairperson, and Dorothy Carpenter who worked with us all day.

• From Jane Willcox: A big thank you to Rev. Craig for delivering a chicken dinner to me Dutch Fair night. It was delicious and I enjoyed it very much.

• From Helen Nelson: I want to thank all of my church family for the loving birthday wishes given to me on my 100th birthday. I am deeply touched by the thoughtfulness and kindness of our Scotia Reformed congregation.

Here are some milestones in the lives of people in our congregation since the last issue of The Messenger.

Congratulations:• To Dot Stewart who celebrated 95 years young.• To Andrew and Emily Kohout on the baptism of their son Henry Thomas.• To Donald and Susan Steciak on the baptism of their daughter Alayna Xin Kun.• To Jim and Becky Penn on the baptism of their daughter Julia Rose.

New Address:• Josh and Jess Kohout have moved to 66 Old Federal Road, Camp Hill, PA 17011.

Every week our bulletin lists the food most needed for the Scotia Food Pantry. Below are the items for October. Please place your donations in the container in the narthex or in the one outside Brink Hall. What a great offering we would give if everyone brought the weekly item!

There is always a need for bags and for monetary donations. Donations are used to purchase milk certificates and other items available at the Regional Food Bank for just 16 cents a pound. Make out your check to the First Reformed Church of Scotia and put “Food Pantry” on the memo line. Here are this month’s food askings:• October 7: Kleenex • October 21: Rice/Crackers • October 14: Jams/Jellies • October 28: Canned Fruit

For centuries it’s been the responsibility of each generation of church musicians to pass on their skills to the next. Church Organist Justan Foster is available for organ or piano lessons. Interested? Contact Justan by phone, 965-2389, or by email, justan.foster@live.com.

Music Lessons Are Available

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Consistory Is Working On Renovations Plans For Our Building

Standard Time Returns On November 4

Your consistory has been meeting twice each month because of the major decisions concerning how to address some of our building needs, and how we exercise the best possible stewardship of the significant bequests that have come to us. The consistory has not made any final decisions, but wants you to know where they are in the process.

Some months ago our consistory appointed a Project Design Team made up of Dan Brudos, chairman; Ann Armstrong; Emily Kohout; Randy MacNeil; Jae Schalekamp; Don Schermerhorn and Mike Torelli. That team has been working with architect Karl Griffith to arrive at the costs of addressing needs in Brink Hall, the kitchen, Room 1, the foyer by the church office, and the south entrance to the sanctuary. In conversation with the consistory, they are now focused on designs and firm estimates for a project that includes: • Replacing the windows in Brink Hall, the Kitchen, Room 1, and the church office• Replacing the asbestos ceilings in Brink Hall and Room 1, and addressing the lighting• Replacing the air-handling equipment in Brink Hall• Replacing the asbestos flooring in Brink Hall and Room 1• Making Brink Hall wiring code-compliant• Purchasing new tables and chairs, and providing storage for them• Adding handicapped door openers to the Foyer and the Brink Hall handicapped bathroom

Planning is still under way. Our consistory will not commit to this project without seeking congregational advice.

The consistory is also working hard on discerning the most faithful uses for the generous bequests that have come to our church. The estate of June Selke is not yet settled, but it appears that after it is that the total of our bequests from June and others may be more than $1.8 million. That is a tremendous opportunity and a tremendous responsibility. The consistory has identified many worthy ideas – more ideas than even these generous bequests can support. No decisions have been made, but here are some ideas that are being investigated further for cost and feasability.• Replace our failed organ• Improve the sanctuary sound system• Air condition the sanctuary• Endow a ministry to our community (Kids Hope, for example)• Establish a reserve fund for income and for future needs• Purchase or lease a small bus for senior transport, mission trips, etc.• Improve building efficiency: new boilers, investigate solar• Endow a staff position• Fund a columbarium wall on the site of the old church

Please pray for and support your consistory as they work hard on these important matters.

Standard Time begins each year on the first Sunday in November, this year on Sunday, November 4. The night before make sure to set your clocks and watches back one hour and enjoy an extra hour of sleep. Some years we see people driving into our parking for church with confused looks on their faces wondering why so few cars are here. Then they realize the mistake that they’ve made. Don’t let that person be you this year!

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Family Finances Given For September

Attendance Listed For September

Each month we report our giving. Here’s how we gave in September.

GIVING 2012 2011 Change % Change

September $22,657 $25,004 ($2,347) (9%)

Total for the Year $222,195 $229,155 ($6,960) (3%)

We report our monthly worship attendance to encourage you to faithfully gather on the Lord’s Day, and invite others to join you.

2012 2011September week #1 124 144September week #2 198 245September week #3 257 208September week #4 214 264September week #5 226 no week #5September Average 204 215

YTD Average 204 210

CRCT Will Sponsor Two October Courses

Creation Celebration is Camp Fowler’s newest and most unique retreat offering ever. Come to Fowler Friday October 5 thru Sunday October 7. The keynote speaker is Steven Bouma-Prediger, professor of religion at Hope College, Holland MI. Steve has written extensively on faith and creation. He regularly brings college students to the Adirondacks for May term and has spent much time at Fowler. Flyers are posted throughout the church. Come for one day or for the weekend. Meals and lodging are included in the cost. Chi Rho pass for the weekend costs $150 per adult; family Day Pass for Saturday costs $50. Please go to the Fowler website, campfowler.org, or see a flyer for more information and other options. Speak to one of the pastors if you’d like to know more.

Camp Fowler Offers New Retreat

Get Messenger By Email

The Capital Region Theological Center, sponsored in part, and supported by the Reformed Church in America, offers a number of courses this fall. We’ve posted the complete course offering on the flyer on the Discipleship Project bulletin board, but we print some of the highlights here: • New Testament: Part 1

Ten Tuesdays, October 9 – December 11, 7:00 to 9:00 Led by New Testament Professor Dr. Peter Bedford of Union College, this Lay Theological Education course is open to all learners. Part 2 will be offered in January 2013.The cost is $275; $250 to audit.

• We Are Not Our Own: John Calvin Speaks to Us TodayTuesday, October 30, 9:00 to 4:00Father Dennis Tamburello, Professor of Religious Studies at Siena College, will help us explore the life and spirituality of John Calvin.The cost is $75 if you register by October 3; $90 if you register later.

To register, visit the CRTC website, www.capitalrtc.org, or call the CRTC at 462-2470.

You may receive The Messenger as a PDF attachment to your email. Any home computer with Adobe Acrobat Reader software can open it. (Most computers come with this software installed). If you get The Messenger by email, you’ll get it sooner than by mail. You’ll also save the church money for paper, photocopying and postage. To receive your newsletter by email, simply email Secretary Kathie Balser and ask her to put you on the list, frcskbalser@verizon.net

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Kids Hope Will Begin A New Year

Our Kids Hope USA program is a year-old partnership between our church and Sacandaga Elementary School. Ten years ago, 4% of that school’s students qualified for free or reduced-price lunches. But at the start of this school year almost 40% will qualify. This indicates a major change in the demographics of our community that we are called to serve.

Kids Hope USA is one way our church makes a difference in the community. In Kids Hope, one church partners with one school. Trained mentors from that church spend one hour with one student each week. Nineteen from our church were mentors last year; all are returning. Several new volunteers have indicated their interest. We also have five substitutes to fill in for our mentors. And for each mentor, there is a Prayer Partner who regularly prays for the mentor and student.

Please pray for our mentors, the students they work with, and the school staff. See Tee Munson, our Kids Hope Director, if you want to know more. Call her at church, 370-4751, or at home, 895-9097, for more information. She will be arranging for training soon, and our mentors hope to return to Sacandaga School in the middle of October.

Our Senior High Sunday School plans on participating in the Albany Synod Hands-on Service Project, Stop Hunger Now. When: Saturday, October 20, 1:00 -3:00Where: Brink Hall. Look for Mr. or Mrs. Baldwin.Who: Other youth groups and adults will join us. Your family is welcome to come, too.What: We’ll be packing 20,000 meals in an assembly process that combines rice, soy, dehydrated

vegetable and a vitamin and mineral mix into small meal packages. Why: This will allow us to serve others and help prepare us for our Mission Trip.Stop Hunger Now is an international hunger relief agency that for the last 12 years has been coordinating the distribution of food and other lifesaving aid to children and families in countries all over the world. Go to their website for more information: stophungernow.org and watch the YouTube video that explains the meal packaging event.

Senior Highs Will Participate In “Stop Hunger Now”

Don’t miss the opportunities to learn. Here are some fall ideas that you still have time to sign up. The Discipleship Project: Making Disciples continues until January 1. If you have ideas that we could post, please see Sunny Baldwin.

These opportunities are available:

• We Are Not Our Own: John Calvin Speaks to Us Today, Tuesday, Oct. 30, 9:00 to 4:00 at Siena College. Father Dennis Tamburellos, O.F.M., Professor of Religious Studies at Siena College, will explore what John Calvin has to teach us in today’s modern world. $75 if you register by October 3. This is a CRTC course, sign up at www.crtc.org

• Head, Heart, Hands, Health: A Journey of Discipleship, Saturday, Oct. 20, 9:00 – 3:00 at our own First Reformed Church of Scotia. Sponsored by Albany Synod, participants will discover how connecting head, heart and hands leads to healthier congregations and to faithful disciples engaged in ministry. Activities will include a Stop Hunger Now Service Project. The $10 fee includes lunch. See blue flyers posted on bulletin boards.

Opportunities Still Available For Discipleship Project

Pastor Craig Hoffman and our Board of Elders offer a series of four orientation classes for people interested in becoming confessing members of our church. These classes will be held on Sunday mornings, October 14, 21, 28 and November 4 during the Table Talk hour, 11:30 to 12:15. Those choosing to become confessing members after the classes will be received during worship on Thanksgiving Sunday, November 18. There’s no need to sign up, but please tell Pastors Craig or Jan of your interest.

New Member Class Will Begin

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Sunday School Classes Offered

Our Sunday learning time is for ALL ages, newborn through adult. Each class is independent of the other, so it is easy for you to participate whenever they can. Here’s what being offered this fall:

Class Age/Grade Room & Time

Nursery – Little Lambs 6 mo. – 3 yrs. Old Nursery during 10:00 worship

Children & Worship 4 yrs. old – 2nd grace 10:30 - 11:20, Room 7 (follow the pink arrows)

Rotation Workshops: 3rd – 8th grades 10:30 - 11:20, Start in Brink Hall

Senior High 9th – 12th grades Senior High Lounge

Adults New Members Class 10/14 thru 11/4

Registration forms are still available for youth. See Sunny Baldwin if you need to complete one.

Parents: Please note that we hold Sunday School classes on Communion Sundays for children through 2nd grade. Classes for older children and teens are suspended on those Sundays so that families can celebrate the Lord’s Supper together.

Table Talk is an adult forum that meets from time to time in the Lakehill Room after 10:00 worship. On Sunday, October 7 our own Doug Bartling will share with us how he is overcoming the swimming accident that left him a quadriplegic. Come, meet Doug and let his story inspire you to face the challenges of your life.

Table Talk Presents Doug Bartling

Our Fowler Camp and Retreat Center will hold its third annual Harvest Gathering on Monday, November 5 at 6:00 at the Glen Sanders Mansion in Scotia. The evening will include hors d’oeuvres, dinner, music, stories of summer, and a silent auction. A free will offering will also be taken during the evening program.

We’ve reserved two tables for people from our church. That means twenty of us can enjoy a meal together and help raise some money for the camp that means so much to our church. (We can reserve more tables if we need.)

Come enjoy an evening of food and fellowship and see what your camp does. Sign up for your place at one of our tables on the Fowler bulletin board on the wall in our long hall. Each place costs $27.50. Bring your check for $27.50 made out to First Reformed Church with you that evening.

Fowler Hosts Harvest Gathering

Our Buildings and Grounds Council has scheduled a Fall Work Day for Saturday, October 27 from 8:00 to 12:00. The B & G Council is preparing materials and directions for a variety of projects to get our buildings and grounds ready for winter. Set aside this day to work with others on your church home. Coffee and donuts are your reward! Sign-up sheets are posted on the bulletin board outside of Pastor Craig’s office. Signing up helps us plan enough food and drink. Here’s some of what needs to be done:• Remove screens and install storm windows on the sanctuary• Get our lawns and gardens winter-ready• Clean gutters• Etc.

Want to feel like this is really your church home? Then help work on it. We’ll provide equipment and guidance. All we need is you! Sign up soon on the bulletin board outside of Pastor Craig’s office.

Fall Work Day Scheduled

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Our 64th annual Dutch Fair was on Saturday, September 15. Many, many thanks go to Dutch Fair chairpeople Lee Poremba and Richard Doyle. These two have led out Dutch Fair for 15 years in a row! Please thank them when you see them. They have announced that after fifteen years they intend to take a most well-deserved break. However, they do stand ready to assist others who will step forward to lead. Will that be you? Talk to Richard, Lee, or Pastor Craig Hoffman if you’d like to know more.

Thanks, too, go to all the booth leaders, all the folks who worked in the kitchen, all our bakers, and everyone else who helped set up and take down the fair. Your efforts really paid off!

Special thanks also go to Mark Lansing who donated his Jumpin’ Jacks trailer and food for our Dutch Café, and to Cornell’s Rental for donating the tables and chairs for the Dutch Café.

Here’s a preliminary accounting on how we did – preliminary because it takes awhile for all the expenses to be submitted.

BOOTH INCOMES NET INCOME OR (EXPENSE)Next-to-New Clothing $1,850White Elephant 3,460Plants 700Book Nook 1,460Toys 1,380Jewelry 950Baked Goods 810Holiday Items 280Dutch Café 2,470Kiddie Fair 130Country Store 370 Silent Auction 2,820Craft Booth Rentals 310Chicken & Biscuit Dinner 1,300Other donations and income 283

EXPENSESAdvertising (240)Dumpsters and Trash Removal (560)Gas for Bus, Misc (160)Kid’s Bouncing set-up (295)

DUTCH FAIR PROFIT $17,135

Dutch Fair Results Are In

Room CodeML – Memorial LoungeBH – Brink HallLH – Lakehill RoomOF – Church OfficeBR – Bell RoomS – SanctuaryRM1 – Room 1RM8 – Room 8RM9 – Room 9K -- Kitchen

Tuesday, October 212:15 Care Givers -- ML7:00 Scotia Reformed Home Bureau -- Room 17:15 Administration Council--OF7:15 Christian Education Council --ML

Wednesday, October 33:30 Stephen Ministry Training -- ML7:15 Congregational Care Council --ML

Thursday, October 49:00 Morning Bells -- BR7:00 J. Westervelt’s 4-H -- RM17:15 Sanctuary Choir -- S

Sunday, October 7- Communion8:00 Worship –S9:15 Youth Music Group --RM810:00 Worship –S10:30 Sunday School--classrooms11:15 Coffee Hour –BH

Monday, October 8* COLUMBUS DAY HOLIDAY Offices Closed7:30 Consistory -- ML

Tuesday, October 912:00 Samaritan Counseling Board -- LH

Wednesday, October 103:30 Stephen Ministry Training -- ML

Thursday, October 119:00 Morning Bells -- BR7:15 Sanctuary Choir -- S

Sunday, October 148:00 Worship –S9:15 Youth Music Group --RM810:00 Worship –S10:30 Sunday School --classrooms11:15 Coffee Hour –BH11:30 Safe Sanctuary Training --S11:30 New Members Class -- LH

Tuesday, October 1610:00 Circle Joanna -- ML

Wednesday, October 173:30 Stephen Ministry Training--ML

Thursday, October 189:00 Morning Bells -- BR7:00 J. Westervelt’s 4-H -- RM17:15 Sanctuary Choir -- S8:30 Sanctuary Choir Party -- BH

Sunday, October 218:00 Worship –S9:15 Youth Music Group -- RM810:00 Worship –S10:30 Sunday School --classrooms11:15 Coffee Hour –BH11:30 New Member Class -- LH

Monday, October 227:00 Women of Joy -- ML7:30 Consistory --LH

Wednesday, October 243:30 Stephen Ministry Training- ML Thursday, October 259:00 Morning Bells -- BR7:15 Sanctuary Choir -- S

Saturday, October 278:00 Fall Clean-up --OF9:00 Stephen Ministry Training--ML

Sunday, October 288:00 Worship –S9:15 Youth Music Group -- RM810:00 Worship –S10:30 Sunday School --classrooms11:15 Coffee Hour –BH11:30 New Members Class -- LH

October 2012 Calendar

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October Birthdays

October Anniversaries

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Please note: We list the birthdays and anniversaries of our local and active members and friends. Please call the church office at 370-4751 if we have missed your birthday or anniversary.

Ken and Anne Fetter 2Brendon and Jennifer Getter 2Mike and Wendy Carpenter 3Paul and Heather Kramer 5Cliff and Carole Tygert 5Chris and Marge Almy 7Jerry and Norma Hamm 8Paul and Tee Munson 8Tom and Jane Lansing 9Steve and Renee Eddy 13Mark and Denise Lansing 23Michael and Linea Kilgallen 24

Joel Clark 1Betsey Homer 2Barbara Harland 2Ed LeGere, Jr. 4Linda Falcon 5Michael Naumowicz 5Lee Poremba 5Dot Stewart 6Marlene Caldwell 7Theresa Griesche 8Joshua Kohout 9Alayna Steciak 12Jan LeGere 14Ed Bogardus 15Carlton Roseboom 18Evan Marré 19Joshua Marré 19

Michael Trbovich 21Patty Marré 22Beverly Crandall 23MaryLou Erdman 23Deborah Gwinn 23Bob Konczeski 23Edward Rosenberg III 23Shirley Taft 23Monica Rosenberg 24Mary VanPatten 24Bruce Wurz 24Michael Benedict 25Diane Faubion 26Joan Casper 30Lynda Benedict 31Emily Pierce 31Ken Talbot 31

First Reformed Church of Scotia Non Profit Org.224 N. Ballston Avenue U.S. Postage PaidScotia, NY 12302-2599 Albany, NY(518) 370-4751 Permit No. 744 Address Service Requested

Inside This Issue of the Messenger

Creation Celebration at FowlerDon’t Forget The Time Change

Building Fund UpdateNew Members Class

Church Work DayAnd more!