the high falls messengerchurches.rca.org/highfalls/newsletters/hfm-sept-2020.pdf · the adventures...
TRANSCRIPT
The High Falls Messenger C o m m u n i t y C h urc h o f H i g h Fa l l s
A Word from Our Pastor...
September 2020
Dear Friends and Members of The Community Church of High Falls,
Historians have pointed out that the rise of every great civilization can be associated with a grain.
Western civilization utilized wheat. Asia cultivated rice. The indigenous peoples of the Americas –
corn. The rational is simple enough. For people to live in large numbers requires a food supply
greater than hunter-gatherers’ cultures can achieve. Civilization requires agriculture – agriculture
that can create enough food to supply a large population. That means grain. Grain is the symbol of
community.
October 4, 2020 will be World Communion Sunday. This day of celebration in the church year is
set aside specifically to honor the community of saints being created by God (both in heaven and on
earth). A community of a truly global character. Every tribe, tongue, and nation finding unity in the
midst of diversity. Unity, by that def-
inition, is not homogony. No one is
under the presumption every Chris-
tian in heaven and earth look, acts, or
thinks the same. No, our unity is not
found in how we are alike, but by the
how God is gathering that grand mix
together into one kingdom. The one
creating unity in the Church is not the
Church, but is, instead, God’s self.
Those are some pretty high ideals
with seemingly little reality behind
them these days. Division, not unity,
seems to be ideal of the moment.
Globalization is made suspect while
nationalism is championed in its
place. People hide in their echo chambers of preferred media, making anyone who would disagree
with them an enemy. We detach from an actual shared experience of life and a common humanity
to post combative rhetoric on social media. Add a pandemic in the mix – isolating people from each
other while also pushing people right up to (and sometimes over) their emotional cliffs – and it
seems the only hope for unity is the stubborn, miraculous, determination for it by God.
World Communion Sunday may be the most important celebration of the church year in 2020.
Even more than Christmas and Easter. Do not be shocked I would say something like that. Jesus
was always saying if something was truly good it would bear good fruit. We may love Christmas and
Easter, but if they are any good, they should also bear fruit. And that fruit could very well be the (Continued on page 7)
Page 2 The High Fal ls Messenger September 2020
From our Church Family and Friends
10 Tips to reduce COVID-19
Anxiety
Focus on things you can control,
such as your thoughts and behav-
iors
Keep the big picture in mind. Hu-
mankind will survive this.
Remember that the size of the
news coverage may not equal the
size of a threat.
Let wisdom and logic guide you.
Turn to reputable sources for your
news.
Control how often you check the
latest news.
Model peaceful behavior for those
around you.
Evaluate your own health behav-
iors and be a model for others,
including children.
Feeling too isolated? Maintain dig-
ital connections with people.
Don’t let fear influence your deci-
sions, such as hoarding supplies.
2020 has been (and still is) a tough year for all of us, some more so than others. I offer this little prayer…
Touch me, O Lord, and fill me
with your light and your hope.
Amen. Dear God, please give me
strength when I am weak, love
when I feel forsaken, courage
when I am afraid, wisdom when I
feel foolish, comfort when I am
alone, hope when I feel rejected,
and peace when I am in turmoil.
Amen
Age 7, but almost 8!!
Page 3 The High Fal ls Messenger September 2020
We welcomed Jack James into the Roman clan on 7/28/20. He is a healthy 7lbs and growing. Jack is incredibly quiet and easy going so far, and seems quite tolerant of two noisy older sisters. Natalie and Emma have been thrilled to finally meet him and "help." They love their baby brother. Danielle is recovering well and we feel very blessed to have a healthy baby during the pandemic. (Photo below: Natalie, Jack and Emma)
From Brandon Roman: “I have been eagerly waiting to share my love for camping and hik-ing in the Adirondacks with my kids. In June, Natalie and I spent a night camping at the ADK LOJ wilderness campground, and hiked Cascade Mountain near Lake Placid. Cascade is 4098' tall and one of the ADK's 46 high peaks. It was a difficult but rewarding hike for Natalie and she did impressively well. The lure of swimming and ice cream afterward probably helped! We are both excited to go again and hopefully enjoy many more experi-ences like this.”
BIRTHDAYS...
9/7 Roy Hornbeck
9/8 Morgan Cline
9/13 Paul Giordano, Sr
9/13 Gary Kitchen
9/13 Jaxsen Reuss
9/20 Savannah Avery
9/22 Bill Wilkins
9/22 Cheryl Hassett
9/27 Kevin Buboltz
ANNIVERSARIES…
9/18 Kelly Hassett & Oscar Hernandez
9/27 Dawn & Ken Letus
9/30 Gail & Paul Wikane
Our Church Family: Birthdays & Anniversaries
Page 4 The High Fal ls Messenger September 2020
The Adventures of Mr. Whiskerpuss
By Abbigail Cline (age 11)
Chapter 1: The Purrfect Plan
Hi, if you care to know, I am Mr. Whiskerpuss. I am a cat. I get pushed around, trampled, and
tossed across the apartment. Okay, maybe I just put that in for dramatic affects. Anyway, my
‘owners’ are some stubborn, crazed people called Farrah (my ‘mom’), Tom (my ‘dad’), and lastly
Franklin. He is the boy. Little boy, I should say. Franklin says he is my ‘brother’, but no, I never
had a brother, only 3 other sisters. We were best friends, until our mom and our dad were run over
by a car on the road. Then, somebody saw us on the side of the road. Of course, they didn’t realize
that we were crying and needed to be by ourselves, so they picked us up and then we were off.
Well, anyway, my ‘owners’ think I am supposed to be some sort of playful cat, but no, I am a
couch potato with paws and claws to scratch the furniture. Oh, I forgot to mention that these
‘owners’ as they call themselves also have a gerbil. When my ‘family’ goes out somewhere, I get
up off the couch and open up Emmet’s dungeon door, as we call it. The people say that it is an en-
closed play/living space, but it truly is a dungeon. Emmet and I both agree. By the way, I don’t eat
gerbils, mice, rats, or hamsters. I much prefer 3 to 4 minnows for a meal, but my ‘mom’ only gives
me wet soggy chicken. I don’t even like chicken. Emmet doesn’t even get what he likes, so we are
like brothers!
So, me and Emmet made the purrfect plan. A dog lives above us and we sometimes talk to each
other when our ‘owners’ are gone. He totally agrees with the master plan Emmet helped me make.
The dog’s name is Pluto, and believe it or not, has a kitten friend above him. Like I the next apart-
ment room up. So anyway, her name is Galaxy. I know, awesome name, right? We are actually
related because one of my sisters, Luna, had a litter of kittens and Galaxy is one of them. Luna ac-
tually lives there, too.
But since we have a whole load of friends ready to escape, we will be going tomorrow when our
‘owners’ go out to the movie theater. The reason we are going so soon is because Luna is about to
make another litter of kittens. Everyone gets to have one when they are old enough, she says. Our
group is me, Emmet, Pluto,
Galaxy, Luna and the soon
to be born kittens. We live
right by Central Park in New
York City. After we go there,
and the kittens are old
enough, we will go to the
shore by the water and we
will catch a ride on a boat
and go up the Hudson river.
Then, we will turn into the
Rondout Creek, and then we
will live in Kingston. That’s
our plan. And, I do believe
we all will have better lives
there. Away from those cra-
zy city people. Not all of
them are crazy, but our
‘owners’ were.
To be continued…
Page 5 The High Fal ls Messenger September 2020
A Magical History Tour...a series by Gary Kitchen
The Rest Plaus Historic District
The Rest Plaus Historic District is located in the
southern end of the Town of Marbletown and is
dominated by its limestone outcroppings that de-
fine the landscape and for which the town got its
name. The district also falls within the Rondout
Creek Watershed. The area is rich in historic sig-
nificance and is near the Stone Ridge Historic Dis-
trict, the Kripplebush Historic District and the Hur-
ley Historic District. Future articles will highlight
these other districts.
The Rest Plaus Historic District consists mostly
of undeveloped open space and has been used for
agricultural purposes for over 225 years. There
are four farms that comprised the district when
the European settlers came and occupied the area
in the late 1700s even though more recent farms
have been developed. These latest farms are “non
-contributing” farmlands to the historic district
since they were developed much later than the
original four farms. The more modern farms lie
between the Rondout Creek and Route 209.
The District is transected by three main roads,
Lucas Turnpike, Rest Plaus Road and Old Kings
Highway. The abandoned O&W railway bed also
runs through it. There is also a meandering stream
that runs through the district, now named the
Kripplebush Creek, but historically known as the
Rest Plaus Kill and the Dover Kill. Dover Kill was
originally called “Doove Kill” or sluggish stream to
the Dutch. The stream eventually empties into the
Rondout Creek behind the Feather Farm along Lu-
cas Turnpike.
This stream runs under Old Kings Highway and
before the mid-nineteenth century bridge was built
at that location, this area was known as the
“fording place” or where the old road forded the
stream. To the Dutch, this area was known as
“Reust Plaus.” This name was eventually angli-
cized to Rest Place and is now called Rest Plaus, a
name which is administratively recognized by the
Town of Marbletown. This tradition of calling this
area by “Rest Plaus” has continued for over 300
years.
The earlier settlers named this area as a Resting
Place, because it was approximately halfway be-
tween Ellenville and Kingston and provided a good
place for travelers to take a rest. There were two
places that accommodated these travelers. One
was the Rest Plaus Mill, or as it is known to the
locals as Harry Hansen’s place. The other location
was up Old Kings Highway from where it meets
Rest Plaus Road and was known as the Pratt
House. These two buildings retain their historic
character. Late night travelers, who knew they
probably couldn’t find or afford accommodation in
Stone Ridge, might have stopped at one of these
two places for the night or just to replenish for the
journey into Kingston.
While travelling along Old Kings Highway or be-
tween Lucas Turnpike and Route 209 along Rest
Plaus Road, one can see the open fields dotted
with eighteenth and early nineteenth century
frame and stone farmsteads and their supporting
agricultural buildings, barns and outbuildings.
Many barns were lost to fires because of hay fires
in which case newer buildings were raised to con-
tinue the farm operation. Most of the early homes
remain intact with slight alterations or additions to
accommodate a growing family.
It would be nice to be able to give a little history
of all the different homes, structures and sections
of Rest Plaus, but that would take up too much
space in our newsletter. There are over 60 historic
and non-historic buildings and sites in the district.
One can just imagine what the area looked like
back in the 1700s and 1800s. Lucas Turnpike did
not go straight through to High Falls, but was just
sections of Old Kings Highway. This wandering
road eventually became the footprint for Kyserike
Road, Route 209, Rest Plaus Road with only dis-
jointed sections that retained the name Old Kings
Highway.
The entire Rest Plaus District, actually the entire
Rondout Valley, had become deforested either by
the Indian tribes that preceded European occupa-
tion or by the earlier settlers themselves to expose
the fertile Rondout Valley bottom land. In the
1700s you could stand where G&G Power Equip-
ment is now on Route 209 and see an unimpeded
view of the Benton Bar cemetery on Lucas Turn-
Page 6 The High Fal ls Messenger September 2020
pike. This early photo below was taken from Mohonk Mountain showing the Rondout Valley as it might
have looked at the turn of the century. Notice the fields with very few homes.
The Rest Plaus Historic District with its intact collection of eighteenth, nineteenth and early twenti-
eth century resources, maintains its general setting, layout and viewscape as it might have appeared
to the early traveler. Despite the relocation, straightening and joining of roads, new development and
the expansion of non-agricultural businesses, the district has survived as an intact example of rural
eighteenth, nineteenth and early twentieth century agricultural development.
Our next history article will highlight some of the more notable homes along the historic Main Street
of Stone Ridge. Do you know where Washington and his troops stayed in Stone Ridge? Where was the
“Hub” of Stone Ridge located and was the Stone Ridge Library always a library?
The Towpath Run/Walk has gone virtual this year. Due to the Covid pandemic, Friends of Little
Ones, Inc. will be conducting the 6K (3.7 mile) Run/Walk as a virtual race from Monday, Sept. 21 -
Sunday, Sept 27. The registration fee is $18. Pre-registration is required by Sept. 14. A short-
sleeved t-shirt will be given to all registrants. Go to RunSignUp at https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/
Accord/TowpathRun to register online or to download a printed form. Participation is needed this
year more than ever as almost all fundraisers for the Little Ones Learning Center have had to be can-
celled. For more information contact Deanna Paley at (845)626-7677 or email [email protected].
Page 7 The High Fal ls Messenger September 2020
grapes that are gathered from many hills into one cup for World Communion Sunday.
We should make a big deal of World Communion…except we cannot…Again, Covid-19 means we
cannot gather – at least not in large numbers. So I intend to get creative. Grain is the symbol of
community, and grains from every tribe, tongue, and nation is symbol of our diversity in the midst of
our unity as a people being created by God. Since we cannot gather and share one cup, and one loaf
of bread, let us celebrate the diversity of bread and juice in people’s homes this year.
What is your favorite grain? What is your favorite juice? And if you are at home, partaking in com-
munion via an online worship service, what kind of bread and juice would you pick to use? Wheat,
rice, corn? Sour dough? Tortilla? Donut? And for that matter, what kind of juice? Grape? White or
purple? Fermented or not? Sangria anyone?
In homes, not churches, this year – all over the planet – people will be choosing their favorite grain,
and their favorite juice, to celebrate World Communion Sunday. We should celebrate that. So, be-
tween now, and October 4, my challenge to each of you is to make your pick for World Com-
munion Sunday elements, and then to post a picture of them to the church’s Facebook page.
Get creative. Have fun. And be inspired by the Communion Liturgy: “As this grain has been gathered
from many fields into one loaf, and these grapes from many hills to one cup, grant Oh Lord that your
whole Church may soon be gathered from ends of earth into your Kingdom. Even so, come Lord Je-
sus.”
God bless,
Pastor Aaron
(Continued from page 1)
Pastor Aaron Schulte
845-594-2214
http://churches.rca.org/highfalls/
www.facebook.com/communityychurchofhighfalls
Some days it is hard to think positive thoughts...some of these may, at the very least, make
you smile (taken from the Internet)
Is it too early to put up the Christmas tree? I have run out of things to do.
When this virus thing is over, I still want some of you to stay away from me.
Wait a second...so what you’re telling me is that my chance of surviving all this is directly linked to the
common sense of others?
Another Saturday night in the house and I just realized that the trash goes out more often than me.
Remember when you were little and all your underwear had the days of the week on them. Those
would be helpful right about now.
Remember all of those times when you wished the weekend would last forever? Well, wish granted.
Happy now?
Page 8 The High Fal ls Messenger September 2020
Messages, Updates, etc.…
The church building is currently closed for most activities. Recently, however, a limited seating Sun-
day morning service is now offered at 9:30am. You must contact Pastor Aaron prior to Sunday morn-
ing to see if seating is available. A facemask is mandatory. Pews have been marked off to maintain
social distancing requirements. All necessary materials will be in the bulletin and no person to person
contact is necessary. Participants are asked to not congregate within the building—if personal conver-
sations take place before or after the service, please do so outside.
Pastor Aaron will continue to do a Sunday message via YouTube. Links will be posted to our Church
Facebook page, the Church webpage, or via this link. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6C1O9n-
1Kk8wnebYYZgwZg
• Pastor Aaron also keeps an email list for those who would like to receive church updates via
email. Just send him an email and ask to be included: [email protected]
• Please consider supporting the church with offerings and donations. You can send a check to the church (address above) or, if you prefer, we have made online giving availa-ble. There is a “GIVE” button on the church website or you can simply go to tithe.ly to set up an account, and follow this path to start an account:
tithe.ly ››› sign up for free ››› give to church ››› online giving Note: each transaction costs 30 cents plus 2.65% which will come out of the amount given.
• The Rondout Valley Food Pantry has been assisting MANY families with food donations during
this pandemic. You may drop off donations of food in the vestibule of their building on Rt 209 in
Stone Ridge. You may also send checks to them at: PO Box 22, Stone Ridge, NY 12484. If you
have any questions, please call them at 845-687-4013.
• The "Bring a Dime" money has been counted and $158.50 was collected in 2019.
• The North Marbletown Mission Thrift Shop of the Community Church of High Falls is open on
Wednesdays 2-5 PM and Saturdays 9AM- 1PM. Safety protocols will be in place to protect custom-
ers and volunteers. Everyone will be required to wear a mask and only 6 shoppers will be allowed
in the thrift
Sending my love to you and all the members of the church and especially the shawl ministry. Xo Rigmor
August Stats from the RV Food Pantry
Page 9 The High Fal ls Messenger September 2020
Remember the photo of that cute little playhouse that Paul Wikane made for his grand-daughter (we
shared it back in the Spring)...well, here she is...having a grand time keeping house.
Hi Merry Long time and hope u and your family are well. I’ve been ok, still and forever in remission I hope. I’m still working w/e caring for someone and like to do this so if u hear of anyone needing assistance let me know. Stay Safe and Hello to All. - from Lynette Keator To the left are some of Lynette’s pretty flowers.
Our home away from home. (Photo by Merry Oakley)
PO Box 68
High Falls, NY 12440
We are located at 4 Firehouse Rd, High Falls
Communi ty Church of H igh Fal l s
http://churches.rca.org/highfalls/
www.facebook.com/communityychurchofhighfalls
Pastor Aaron Schulte
845-594-2214
Greetings Friends and Neighbors!
Thank you to all who have contributed to the September Newsletter.
And, thanks to Philliber Research Associates for printing our copies and thanks to the Guild for provid-
ing the postage.
If you wish to receive this newsletter via email rather than paper copy, just send me an email and I
will add you to the list. ~ Merry O. Editor (with the email version, the pictures are generally in color!)
Our next newsletter deadline will be: September 27th...we would love to hear from YOU!!
You can Email writings and/or photos to me at: [email protected]
or send via USPS to: Merry Oakley, Newsletter Editor Community Church of High Falls
PO Box 68
High Falls, NY 12440
From the Editor...