The Christ Life

The Christ Life
The Newsletter of Christ Church, Schenectady
September Edition
ccoffice@christchurchschenectady.org
www.christchurchschenectady.org
2013
Ph (518) 374-3064
Fx (518) 374-3071
Transformed lives, transforming our community.
Traveling
Dear Brothers & Sisters,
As many of you know, this has been a very full year for me and my family: the sale of my parents’ home,
Jennifer’s graduation from college, Elizabeth’s wedding, my dad’s funeral, Jennifer’s wedding, Matthew off to college,
Rachel off to college, visits to Mary’s parents, and so on. By summer’s end, I will have logged over 10,000 miles by car
this year! Add to that another 4,000+ miles by air. I don’t know how those whose jobs require constant travel do it. I am
travel-weary.
We speak of living our lives as “being on a journey.” Living out our beliefs is often referred to as our “faith
journey.” These journeys are day-in, day-out experiences, month after month, year after year. Our journeys are often
fraught with roadside hazards and breakdowns, tempting distractions and lengthy detours. And just when we think we
have arrived at our destination, we find there’s yet more travel just around the bend. Are any of you travel-weary?
The good news is that we do not have to travel alone. We are surrounded by those who have traveled the same
roads, faced the same trials, endured the hazards of traveling this earth.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which
clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter
of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right
hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself,
so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.”
Our travel companions are the saints of God – the Church – with Jesus, himself, leading the way. Our faith
journeys are never intended to be solo excursions. We travel the road together, supporting one another along the route.
Bishop Love has invited and challenged every parish in the diocese to pick up some “travel aids”, if you will. The
first is Randy Alcorn’s book, Money, Possessions and Eternity. Our Vestry studied this excellent guide to stewardship
and I have been highlighting portions of the book for the past three years in the “More Blessed” articles of Christ Life.
Copies of the book are still available at our Mustard Seed Bookstore.
The second travel aid that Bishop Love has recommended is “The Essential Jesus” by Scripture Union. This is a
guide to 100 days of “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.” This will be our opportunity to “consider
him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that [we] may not grow weary…” We will begin this
twenty-week course right after Christmas. Stay tuned for details.
In the meantime, remember this:
“Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary; His understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.
Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted;
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
Isaiah 40:28-31
Your fellow traveler…
In Christ,
More blessed…
“Remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
(Acts 20:35)
NEW TESTAMENT GUIDELINES FOR GIVING
1. Give.
2. Give Generously
3. Give Regularly
4. Give Deliberately
5. Give Voluntarily
6. Give Sacrificially
7. Give Excellently
Excellently
8. Give Cheerfully
9. Give Worshipfully
10. Give Proportionately
11. Give Quietly
In the last issue, we looked at the first two guidelines for giving. We continue with the third, fourth and
fifth guidelines in the above list:
3. Give Regularly
“Systematic giving is central to biblical giving. If you give ‘the leftovers’ to God rather
than the firstfruits, there’s often little or nothing left to give… If we have weekly income but
wait until the end of the month to give, or have monthly income but wait until the end of the
year, we end up robbing God. We may have every intention of paying him back, but
meanwhile we’re using money that’s his, not ours. That’s stealing.”
4. Give Deliberately
“Whether it’s paying the tithe or giving the freewill offering, God’s children make
choices and follow through on them… Giving is at its best when it’s a conscious effort that’s
repeatedly made.”
5. Give Voluntarily
“Like many Christians today, the rich fool lived by the principle, ‘Only give when you
feel like it.’ It just so happens that – like four out of ten churchgoers in America – he never felt
like it. In contrast, the Macedonian believers ‘urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of
sharing in this service to the saints.’ (2 Corinthians 8:4). When we catch a vision of God’s
grace, we will give beyond our duty.”
(Money, Possessions and Eternity, Randy Alcorn, pp.199-202)
It has been said that when it comes to giving, some people stop at nothing. What would
be said about your patterns of giving? Give regularly, give deliberately, give voluntarily. In so
doing you will be… more blessed.
In Christ,
Fr. Brad
Brothers and Sisters,
As you start thinking about fall, we hope you will prayerfully consider the possibility of participating
in two pro-life events. The first event is Embrace the Journey -- an 8-week DVD adult education
series produced by Anglicans for Life to help churches understand and apply God’s Word to end-of-life
issues. Many of us have aging parents and need guidance to help them navigate the joys and challenges
of transitioning through the last seasons of life.
Embrace the Journey weekly topics are as follows:
Week 1 - Look at what the Bible teaches us about mortal life and eternal life
Week 2 & 3 - Examine different ways used to hasten death
Week 4 -Consider the impact of our healthcare system for the elderly
Week 5 -Discuss need of health care proxies when someone is incapacitated
Week 6 -Review practical steps to prepare for aging and dying
Week 7 -Consider ways to prepare and plan for the death of a loved one
Week 8 -The role of the church in helping people Embrace the Journey - suffering, death, and heaven
Participant handbooks will be $9.95. If someone wants to attend but cannot afford the cost of the
handbook, the church will provide assistance, as always. Stay tuned for more info in the weeks to come.
The second event is 40 Days For Life -- a pro-life campaign
with a vision to access God’s power through prayer, fasting, and
peaceful vigil to end abortion. The mission of the campaign is
“to bring together the body of Christ in a spirit of unity during a
focused 40 day campaign of prayer, fasting, and peaceful
activism, with the purpose of repentance, to seek God’s favor to
turn hearts and minds from a culture of death to a culture of life,
thus bringing an end to abortion.” www.40daysforlife.com/
Do you want to see an end to abortion in America? If you
do, pray! Pray at church. Pray at home with your family. Pray
outside an abortion facility! When you do, it sends a powerful message to the community about the
tragic reality of abortion and serves as a call to repentance.
I had the privilege of participating in the last 40 Days For Life campaign during Lent. It was a lifechanging experience for me. The next campaign is scheduled for September 25 through November 3.
Please join with other members of the body of Christ. Pray with us for the women at risk of having an
abortion, for the innocent unborn babies who are at risk of perishing, for the men and women who carry
the pain of a past abortion, for the workers at Planned Parenthood facilities and other abortion centers.
Since the campaigns started 10 years ago, there have been 575,000 participants in 501 cities and 19
countries. We know of at least 7,536 lives that have been saved. 37 abortion clinics have closed. Our
heavenly Father will hear from heaven, and heal our land.
In Christ,
David and Doris Carlson
Health Ministry
September
Birthdays
Life Transitions
6
10
10
11
13
16
17
17
18
19
20
21
23
23
24
24
24
28
29
30
”Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has
gone, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV
Life never stays the same. There are several stages with unique
challenges that make each one memorable. As new parents you add
new responsibilities and a baby to your life while trying to establish
yourselves as a couple. This new role means sharing your partner
with someone else so make sure you talk to each other, have a date
night, and share your struggles. Adjustment is easier when you
know what challenges exist.
The next stage is the teen years and the bid for independence. This
coincides with financial concerns such as maintaining a home,
supporting the family, preparing for college, and possibly helping
an elderly parent. Know that the caregiver role for your child is
starting to end. To prepare your child for adulthood, teach him/her
about financial and personal responsibility and be open with your
spouse about any conflicts you have about letting go.
Next is sending your child off to college, career, or marriage. You
are no longer the parent/controller but a friend/advisor. If this is
your last child it may mean reconnecting with your spouse since the
previous years have been focused on your child(ren). You might
also be adding the role of caregiver for a parent. Keep in mind as
you struggle with your changing roles, your parent is also
struggling with his/her loss of independence. Be patient, include
your parent in decisions when possible, ask siblings and friends for
help, and be honest about your feelings.
October
Birthdays
2
3
5
18
19
20
21
24
27
27
30
The last stage is retirement where some have a loss of identity
because they no longer work while others find new beginnings. To
make the transition successful, consciously look for things to do.
Resurrect an old hobby or find a new one. Travel to visit family
and spend time with your grandchildren. If you can’t travel, call
them on the phone or use email. Stay connected and interested and
you will find a whole new world.
(Source: Magellan Health Services
www.magellanassist.com/mem/library)
Chris Dussault, Sheila Smith, & Vivette Ram
September
Anniversaries
10
12
29
Theresa and Chuck Rinaldo
Patti and Tom Gibbons
Rev. Brad and Mary Jones
Anthony Carrubba
Don Foust
Dan Popa
Steve Ames
Kellyanne Henges
Matthew Jones
Gloria Ballard
Janet Johnson
Mary Caggiano
Katterinna Henges
Tyler Hardy
Jerome Smalls
Samuel Falace
Heather Rost
Dave Carlson
Pat Hart
Osileke Osipitan
Bob Ballard
Nason Richmond
Elaine Carrubba
Sylvia Schofield
James Ballard
Donna Baumgartner
Jay Henges
Angelina Girard
Torre Wright
Sheila Smith
Rebecca Smith
Jesse Rankin
Nathaniel Rankin
Russell Koch
October Anniversaries
4
7
8
11
12
24
Sheila and Dcn. Howard Smith
Jeanette and Bob Ballard
Susan and Dennis Rudolphsen
Louise and Dan Popa
Elsie and Peter Rankin
Judy and Doug Koch
Spreading the Fire
RECEIVE THE ANOINTING
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon us
Because He has anointed us to preach good news
He has sent us to the poor
To bind up the brokenhearted
To bring freedom to the captives
And to release the ones in darkness
He will comfort all who mourn
He will provide for those who grieve in Zion
He will pour out the oil of gladness
Instead of mourning you will praise
These are words taken from Isaiah 61 that we sang at our 3rd Worship Without Walls service. I believe the
LORD is giving these words to all of us who will receive, in a new and fresh anointing.
He is calling ALL of us. Each one of us, in our unique ways and giftings can, with the equipping of the
LORD, take part in fulfulling these words from Isaiah.
You could say....like what? In addition to some great opportunities already provided by Christ Church, such
as the Prayer Table(s), Neighborhood Meal, ushering, (yes, that'a great one) and Cornerstone, here are some
thoughts:
1. Encourage someone. Older people---build up our youth. Share from your experiences. Ministry
leaders--encourage our youth to be part of what you're doing. Young people--learn from your elders—
there are some great role models in this Body!
2. Don't hang on to offenses. This isn't just something that happens outside the Church. If we want to be
used by God, we need to let go of unforgiveness and things we hold against others. And, as often is the
case, sometimes we think that someone has something against us, when in reality, it is not so at all. Keep
your lines of communication open. We don't have time for this if we truly want to be about the Father's
business.
3. Pray---pray alone, pray with a partner or a group. Ask Him to show you what to pray for. Even by
watching the news or reading the news-paper, there are dozens of needs and situations to lift up.
4. Be prepared to be "inconvenienced". We looked at this at our last FLAME gathering. So often we talk
and sing about surrender and giving our lives over to the Lord. How many times have I (Louise) wanted
to go about my way, but the Lord puts a situation in front of me, and well...I blow it. Let's keep our eyes
open and listen for His voice. We don't want to miss His opportunities for us.
5. Keep going deeper in Him. In your devotional time, your readings, your prayers and everything you do,
let Him be your all in all. And finally.......receive His anointing!
Louise Popa
Thank you St. Andrew’s Scotia
Thank you Daughter’s of the King and all the members of St. Andrew’s Scotia for cooking and serving
for the August Neighborhood Meal.
Young Adult News
Rachel Jones has just begun her Junior year as a transfer
student at Belhaven University in Jackson, MS. Rachel
received her Associates Degree from Schenectady County
Community College in the Spring of 2012. She will now
continue her degree in Music, Vocal Performance, at
Belhaven with hopes of graduating in the Spring of 2015.
She now lives just a few blocks from her sister, Jennifer, and
new brother-in-law, Chris.
Matthew Jones has just begun his Sophomore year as a
transfer student at Judson University's School of Architecture
in Elgin, IL.
Redal Ram is ready to begin his first year at Dartmouth
University where he will study mechanical engineering.
Redal was recently cited in the Schenectady Gazette for his
rousing salutatorian address at the Schenectady High School
graduation ceremony. He was also Youth of the Year for the
Schenectady Boys and Girls Club.
Pray for each of these college students in their new ventures,
as well as our other students continuing their studies: Ben
Carlson, Ryan Dussault, Cathie Gibbons, Tyler Hardy,
Tommy Osipitan and Kevin Teetz.
Speaking of new ventures, Andrew Kaminsky is planning to
spend the coming year as an intern for youth ministry under
the direction of Father Tyler Slade.
God bless you all as you each pursue your call in life.
Thrivent Workshop
Heart-to-Heart: As Your Parents Age
When it's time to have "the talk" with your
parents, will you be prepared? As our parents
age, there are conversations that aren't easy
to start, but they need to happen nevertheless.
Attend this interactive workshop and you'll
gain tips for having healthy conversations
with your parents about their vision for the
future. Become prepared to face potential
challenges, all while keeping your parents'
best interests in mind. This free workshop
will be at Christ Church on Sunday, October
13 from 12:30-1:30.
Christ Church Episcopal
“Non-Profit Org.”
U.S. Postage
PAID
970 State Street
Schenectady, NY 12307
PERMIT NO. 805
Albany, N.Y.
Transformed lives, transforming our community.
or current resident
The Rev. N. Bradley Jones, Rector
The Rev. Peter Schofield, Priest Associate
The Rev. Howard Smith, Deacon
The Rev. Larry Hubert, Deacon
Ms. Carol Yezzo, Treasurer
Mrs. Louise Popa, Banner
Mrs. Hilda Hardy, Organist
Mrs. Patricia McCrossan, Organist
Vestry:
Dave Carlson, Senior Warden
Dick Peters, Junior Warden
Debbie Bisner
Linda Davis
Christine Dussault
Michelle Diaz
Dave Hart
Terry Hurlburt
Binil Kandapallil
Dan Popa
Sheila Smith