December 2015 - Lynnwood Reformed Church

Life of Lynnwood
December 2015
THE LIFE OF LYNNWOOD
THE PASTOR’S NOTEBOOK
Advent is a season in which my soul feels most at home. Adventus is Latin for the Greek word,
Parousia, which means ‘coming.’ The season of Advent is a period of time in the church’s life where
we wait, and wait, and wait, and wait some more, and finally celebrate the coming of God into this
world through the birth of Jesus of Nazareth.
LYNNWOOD
REFORMED CHURCH
3714 Carman Road
Schenectady NY 12303
(518) 356-4327
lynnwoodreformed.org
This season takes a look back in order lynnwood@nycap.rr.com
to orient in the present and for the
future. The people of God look back
to the times when the people of Israel
hungered and waited for God to make
right the wrongs of this world. They
longed for the day when God would
forgive sin and put an end to
faithlessness; a day when evil would
no longer reign; a day when death no
longer gripped this world. They longed for the day when God acted to establish his reign in the world
that brought faithfulness to his people and hope, peace, joy, and love to this whole world.
We look back at the prophets of Israel and the advent of God in Jesus’ birth because we live in a time
where we are waiting for the advent of Jesus to return and finish the work he began in his life.
Advent is a season where we reflect on our own lives and our closeness to God. It is a time when we
open ourselves to God and set our hopes in the promises God has given to us.
Sunday Worship 9:45
Office Hours:
8:30 - 4:00 M-F
Pastor:
Garret Szantner
Director of Christian
Education:
Jason White
Director of Music:
Jean La Crosse
Office Manager:
Janith W. Mason
Advent is a season in which my soul feels most at home. It is so because this season acknowledges that all is not well.
And yet, this acknowledgement is never void of hope that God will come and make things well. My soul is most at home
because it longs for God to act and come soon. If I am honest, it is a thought that I have not only during late November and
December, but always. As Christians we are an Advent people: always waiting for God; like those who while caught in the
darkness of night, long for the warmth and life that comes with the light of the new morning. One of the resources that
orients me in this season is a poem by Anglican Bishop, Rowan Williams. Williams vividly captures the longing and
hopefulness of Advent. I pray it is a gift for you this advent season.
For many years I have meditated on
this poem. Sometimes I thought
I understood, other times I would
become frustrated that I had no idea
what he was saying, and other times
I would marvel at the beautiful truths
veiled by the poet’s prose. So, here is
an insightful reflection on this poem
by a priest in the Church of England.
I hope it is helpful for you.
http://www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/
worshipandmusic/sermon-archive/an-adventmeditation-at-compline
Pastor Garret
Advent Calendar
He will come like last leaf's fall.
One night when the November wind
has flayed the trees to the bone, and earth
wakes choking on the mould,
the soft shroud's folding.
He will come like dark.
One evening when the bursting red
December sun draws up the sheet
and penny-masks its eye to yield
the star-snowed fields of sky.
He will come like frost.
One morning when the shrinking earth
opens on mist, to find itself
arrested in the net
of alien, sword-set beauty.
He will come, will come,
will come like crying in the night,
like blood, like breaking,
as the earth writhes to toss him free.
He will come like child.
© Rowan Williams
Life of Lynnwood
December 2015
EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY
From Jason’s Desk…
I don’t know exactly how it started, and when I say it aloud it sounds a bit strange, but the first thing my family did
every Christmas morning was sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus. Now, there are many theories and ideas out there
about Jesus’ actual date of birth, and the accuracy of these theories vary. For the sake of space here, it’s best for me
to point you to Google Scholar as a good place to look up articles about the date of Christmas.
So back to the tradition… sounds odd right? We sang happy birthday, and being a young child I wasn’t aware that it
wasn’t really a normal thing people did. I was surprised to find that my church friends and other family never sang
“Happy Birthday” to Jesus. People gave me odd looks, and my sister-in-law once mockingly gave me a coffee mug
with the words, “Happy Birthday, Jesus,” written on the side. Recently I’ve read articles about people using Christmas
to, “give gifts to Jesus.” They give instead of receive gifts, and the gifts given are gifts Jesus would’ve given; to the
poor and needy, the outsider and vulnerable. Looking back, it seems that we missed out on an opportunity to live
into our singing. We could’ve given more, done more for others. Reflecting on this past tradition as an adult has me
thinking that there’s always going to be opportunities for more growth, more giving and less receiving. There will be
“Christmas Moments” for taking ideas like singing “Happy Birthday, Jesus,” and really living into them.
As I transition into new traditions and celebrations in adulthood I fondly
look back on my childhood traditions, but realize they have come and
gone and new traditions lie on the horizon. But moments from the
Christmas season stay with us. Moments when we light candles
together, when we sing together, when we give to one another, and
when we hear the story of that daring young couple and their baby boy. I
think we have a challenge before us to see our traditions in a new light;
namely, in the light of the moments of the Christmas season. We are
invited to ask, “How can we better connect our traditions with these
Christmas “moments” and live as Jesus lived, and give as Jesus gave?”
Jason
Candlelight Worship
You are invited to join us on Christmas Eve for worship at 7:45 p.m. This great
celebration which brings conclusion to the Advent season will include
Christmas music and readings recognizing Christ as the true gift of Christmas.
Life of Lynnwood
December 2015
Monday, December 7th
7:00pm
“Gifts of the Heart”
A Community event Open to All
Lynnwood Women will be hosting a joyful Christmas
celebration open to all on Monday, December 7th
at 7pm in the sanctuary. “Gifts of the Heart” tells a story
of Christmas gifts through storytelling, music, and dance.
Plan to attend and bring a friend! Refreshments will
follow the program. A free will offering will support City
Mission’s Weekend Backpack program.
Gift Giving Sunday,
December 6th
Please bring unwrapped gifts (toys
for children) to worship with you on December 6th. During
worship there will be a time to bring your gifts forward. The
gifts will then be counted, collected and brought to the City
Mission. The toys will be put into the City Mission Christmas
Store, which allows parents to "shop" for free and pick out
gifts for their children!
POINSETTIAS
It is now time to order POINSETTIAS to
grace our Christmas worship services. All
plants will be RED this year and cost $10
each. A sign up sheet is located at the
Publicity Center along with envelopes marked
"POINSETTIAS" in which you may place your cash or check
(payable to Lynnwood Women). You must sign up if you
want to order a plant. Envelopes may be placed in the
offering plate or given to Judy Zielinski. Please indicate on
the sign up sheet if your plant is placed in honor or memory
of a loved one.
We ask that all plants be taken home at the end of the
Christmas services.
The deadline to order is December 13.
MITTEN TREE
A warm pair of mittens!
A nice warm hat!
A scarf!
The Christmas Tree located in the Fellowship Center is
provided where you may place your gift of warm hats,
scarves, mittens, gloves of all sizes … all colors … for MEN,
WOMEN AND CHILDREN. They will be given to the City
Mission of Schenectady. Dan Meguin shares that many pairs
This is the 25th year Lynnwood Women have sponsored this are given when folks come in for dinner with cold / red
worthy project. 50 children in the Schenectady area whose hands.
parents are incarcerated will receive Christmas gifts given
with their love and purchased by you. If you have not Thank you Lynnwood for a very successful men's
already done so you are invited to select an Angel gift tags clothing and coat drive for Bethesda House !
located in the narthex, purchase a gift (suggestions are
noted on the tags). Gifts need to be new, wrapped and As many of you know, Bethesda House (Schenectady, NY) is
valued between $15 - $25.
one of the local missions we support here at
PROJECT ANGEL TREE
ALL WRAPPED GIFTS with the Angel tag SECURELY affixed to
the gift need to be brought to church no later than Sunday,
December 13th. If you have questions or wish to make a
monetary contribution towards the purchase of a gift,
please see Jane Brehm, Jean Dean or Betsy
Hollander. VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED to deliver the gifts
beginning Thursday, Dec. 17th through Wed., the
23rd. PLEASE SEE Jean if you can help in this way.
Lynnwood. We just completed another VERY successful
men's clothing and coat drive this past month and would like
to thank all of you who took the time to donate. This year
we donated over 100+ warm weather coats coupled with
"four loads of a completely filled SUV" with sweaters, long
sleeve shirts, pants, socks and numerous other clothing
items for the cold winter months.
Your generous offering are greatly appreciated by Bethesda
House and will be put to immediate use with their
The Fellowship and Property Committees thank you all for
clients. Thank you all for your generosity and caring.
participating and contributing to a successful Auction
November 13. More than $3,000.00 was raised for the If you still have items that you'd like to donate, contact Tom
furnace fund, and lots of fun and good fellowship was Schardt of the Mission team and he can arrange to pick
those up from you. (hobart19@aol.com or 452-2514)
enjoyed by all.
Life of Lynnwood
December 2015
SMALL GROUP MINISTRY
Fostering and
Deepening Community
with God and Others
Fall small groups have come and gone. Did you
participate in a small group this Fall? The next cycle of
small groups will be during Lent 2016. The Christmas
season is upon us, and Lent will follow very shortly. In
2016 Lent is early. February 10th is Ash Wednesday with
Easter being March 27. Mark your 2016 calendars now
and plan to join an intentional faith-sharing small group
for Lent. Better yet, think about a friend you can invite in
the new year to join you. One does not have to attend
Lynnwood to be in a small group...all are welcome!
Maybe you hear God saying, “Lent 2016 is the time for
you to facilitate a small group!” Give Coaches Kay and Bill
Grosch a call at 869-7479.
CIRCLE MEETINGS FOR DECEMBER
All women are invited to attend a study circle which best
suits their schedule. Try it! You might just like it!
Each of the three Circles will be celebrating the Christmas
Season with special events, luncheons, dinners,
etc. Watch Sunday bulletins and the website calendar for
dates, times and location.
THURSDAY EVENING CIRCLE will join together for their
Christmas meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 29th at a location to
be decided.
FLOWERS FOR SUNDAY WORSHIP
PICTORIAL DIRECTORY
A very special THANK YOU to each and
everyone of you for taking the time to
have your photos taken for inclusion in
the 2016 Lynnwood Pictorial Directory. A total of 92
families participated.
A project such as this doesn’t just happen. It takes many
willing workers to make it happen.
THANKS to Jan Mason, Hunter Phillips and Judy Stevens
for assisting with reservations.
THANKS to Dianna & Larry Bopp, Jean Dean, Carol & Ron
De Lorenzo, Betsy Hollander, Pat Johnson, Peg Kniskern,
Alison & Norm La Marche, Janice Shaffer and Judy
Stevens for assisting with registrations the day of your
photo shoot.
All who ordered photos will receive them before
Christmas … and all who had their photos taken will
receive a 2016 Pictorial Directory in early 2016.
Thank you to all for your part in making this most
successful .
Tables of Eight for 2016!
The Fellowship Team is gathering names for Tables of
Eight for 2016. Singles, pairs of friends, and couples are
encouraged to sign up. Please sign up on the list in the
narthex, before the first of the year. Names will be
randomly pulled from a box and put in groups of 8, on the
first Sunday of 2016.
Tables of Eight is a social meal time. Meeting at each
other’s’ homes, we have a shared lunch or dinner. The
host decides the main dish, and the guests each bring a
complementary dish. The group meets four times,
rotating to each other’s' homes. The group decides the
dates and times, the menus and choice of drinks.
Please sign up soon, and prepare for some delightful
visiting! It’s a little like having a “blind date,” as you may
not know the folks you’ll be with - and you’ll reap the
rewards of new friendships and understanding.
A monthly calendar is located at the “Sign-Up Center”
where you may indicate your willingness to provide
flowers to enhance our worship service. If you wish to
have your flowers placed in memory of or in honor of a
loved one … please so note! Each donor is asked to
Thanks for the Baby Food!
provide an arrangement of their choice. Questions may
be directed to Janice Shaffer or Jean Dean from Contributions from our congregation filled bare shelves at
Schenectady Inner City Ministry’s (SICM) Food Pantry
Lynnwood Women.
with 316 jars of food collected, 5 boxes of cereal and 1
formula at a value of $207.80. Many, many thanks!
Life of Lynnwood
December 2015
MISSION NEWS
Mission Highlight of the Month
November: Mescalero Reformed Church
December: RCA CARE Network
Mescalero Reformed Church, New Mexico
Not so long ago, Native Americans in Mescalero celebrated a "Centennial Run" during
which time people commemorated the 100th anniversary of liberation from prison
when a large group emigrated to Mescalero to begin a new life in a new land.
Recollection, however, of a shattered earlier way of life continues to pass from Mescalero Reformed Church,
New Mexico
generation to generation and still finds expression in current lives. At Mescalero
Reformed Church God is working and providing hope and grace through many different
ministries such as a women's ministry, youth groups for high school and middle school students, an after school
program for children and Bible studies.
Rev. Robert Schut, who visited Lynnwood 4 ½ years ago, has now retired and MRC is now under the leadership of an
interim pastor. We continue to support the vital work at MRC and pray that new, permanent leadership will soon be
provided.
What was known to many of us as Reformed Church World Service is now the
RCA CARE Network which stands for Compassionate Action and Relief Efforts.
Compassionate action and relief are key to the success for both immediate needs and
long term recovery in the wake of a disaster. The RCA has partnered with several
organizations to make its disaster response most effective.
The RCA has recently deepened its relationship with Christian Reformed Church relief efforts through World Renew
which has become our primary partner in domestic disaster response. To respond to international disasters a new
relationship has been formed with World Vision. The RCA will continue its relationship with Church World Service
that brings together many denominations. Because of its size and scope, CWS is often best situated to respond to
disasters.
Rather than try to duplicate response efforts the RCA will collaborate with these organizations to bring aid to where
it is needed in the most efficient manner possible.
Brooks’ BBQ to Benefit LRC Missions
Sunday, December 13, 3 p.m. – sold out
The Mission Team will organize this December’s barbecue with all profits designated for Lynnwood Reformed
Church’s mission partners. We are entering the third year of a three-year decision to cut our Mission Budget in order
to provide needed funding for Lynnwood Reformed Church as a “mission” in our community. It was a difficult
decision to make, knowing that our mission partners in the community, nation and world would suffer a bit from our
cut in financial support. Our December barbecue offers us the opportunity to make up for some of the financial
support we have been unable to give! Every cent of profit will be divided among LRC missions, providing additional
funding beyond our 2015 Mission Budget.
How Can YOU Help?
Be a customer!
Rib Dinners - $12 Chicken Dinners - $10
Ribs Alone - $8
½ Chicken - $6
Be a brownie baker!
Sign up at the publicity cart to bake 1, 2, 3…dozen
brownies, baked in a 9x13” pan and cut into 12 squares.
We will need a lot!
Be a volunteer!
Sign up at the publicity cart to help pack dinners in the line,
take orders, deliver orders to cars, or help with traffic
control. We will have two shifts of workers so the load will
not be too great--no need to work the entire barbecue.
Life of Lynnwood
December 2015
Dear Pastor Garret and Lynnwood Members,
Church
Directory
Updates
Please inform the church office of
any changes needed to the
Directory.
Are you getting our emails?
If not, contact the church
office so that we may
add you to our list!
On behalf of myself, my brother, and our families, please accept the
enclosed check as a donation on memory of my mother; as a thank you for
Pastor Garret’s services, and also as a thank you for the wonderful luncheon
that was provided after Mom’s funeral.
Lynnwood was a very important part of my Mother’s life. She made
many good friends there and enjoyed being involved with the annual Fanfare
and being on Consistory. I know she was disappointed that her health
prevented her from attending on Sundays. However, she appreciated all the
mailings she would receive so she could keep up with the weekly sermons
and the happenings at the church.
Pastor Garret - your hospital visits were much appreciated. We also
appreciated your ongoing support at the visitation, burial, and funeral.
To the “food workers” - you all worked very hard and went above and
beyond to provide us with a nice luncheon. And, the leftovers were enjoyed
as our dinner the next day.
In closing, I sincerely thank everyone for everything that you did to
honor my mother, It is times like this that we are reminded of how important
and comforting it is to be part of a church family.
Nancy Lawton
(Marcia Halse’s daughter)
Please contact
Janith at the church
office with your
prayer requests,
with Lauri Miller as Dear Lynnwood friends,
backup. Not on the
We are ever thankful for the outpouring of support and sympathy
Prayer Chain? Give Janith a call.
surrounding the death of our mom, Doris Watson. Her long-lasting
A Memorial service for charter
member, Gordon Proskine Sr. was
held on in November. Gordie joined
Lynnwood in 1956 and was
instrumental in the early life of
Lynnwood. Upon his retirement he
and his wife Terri spent 6 months in
Florida and 6 months in Scotia.
Until his health failed he attended
services during the summer months.
Our deepest sympathy is extended
to the Proskine Family.
dedication to Lynnwood was truly a blessing which was reflected in the many
cards, memories, and hugs you shared with us. Many thanks, as well, to all
those who made the memorial service and reception a comforting
celebration of her life. We were truly touched by each of your expressions of
love.
Warmly,
Janith Watson Mason, Mark Watson,
Brian Watson, and Lauren Watson
Thank you so much for the beautiful prayer blanket. It was a very thoughtful
gift and I appreciate having the warmth on cold winter nights.
Shirley Nobles
Thank you all at Lynnwood for the prayers and well wishes during my
illness. I am on the mend and should be back soon.
Thank you, Pastor Garret, for the visitations while I was in the hospital.
You were most welcome. I also want to thank the people of the Prayer Shawl
circle. I used it at Ellis. The room was cold and very drafty. All the get well
cards were very welcome.
Russell R. Brown
Life of Lynnwood
December 2015
Sunday Worship Schedule:
9:45 - 10:45
10:00 - 11:00
10:45 - Noon
Worship
Kids Explorations
Coffee & Fellowship
10:45 - Noon
11:15 - Noon
11:20 - Noon
December 2015
Sun
Mon
For a more detailed & updated calendar,
visit the Calendar on our website:
www.lynnwoodreformed.org/calendar.html
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2 Prayer Shawl
4pm
3 Building & Property
6pm
4
Youth Group
Christmas Party
6:30
5
11
12
Choir 7pm
6
7
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Senior Explorations
Sermon Talk Back
8
Gifts of the Heart Christian Ed 6:30
Christmas
Program 7pm
9
Bible Study @ Garret’s
6:30
10
Worship Team 6:30
Consistory report
Deadline
Choir 7:30pm
Youth Group
6:30
Lynnwood Men’s
Breakfast 8am
Bible Study @ Garret’s
6:30
13
14
BROOKS BBQ
3pm
20 Communion 21
15
16
17
Elders 6:30
Deacons 7:00
Consistory 7:30
Joyful Noise Circle
10am
Bible Study @ Garret’s
6:30
Choir 7:30pm
Thursday Eve Circle
7pm
22
23
Choir 7:30pm
27
28
29
18
19
24
25
Candlelight
Christmas Eve
Service 7:45
CHRISTMAS
DAY
30
31 New Year’s Eve
Choir 7:30pm
Office closed at noon
Newsletter
Deadline
Jan 1
New Year’s Day
26
2
Office closed
December Birthdays
2
3
6
7
8
9
12
Sandy Lundstedt
Robert LaPietro
Kitt Kenna
Kyle Klapp
Paisley Charvat
Greg Comparetta
Jean Dean
Kun Liao
17 Ken Teetsel
Nancy Mohr
18 Walt Cogswell
19 Spencer Gilbert
20 Payton Charvat
23 Jonathan de Forest
26 Bill Clark
28 Frank Amigo
Susan Van Der Wende
29 Gary Gillen
Jan 1 Charlotte Amigo
John Watson
Lynnwood Reformed Church
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage Paid
Permit No. 109
Guilderland, NY 12084
3714 Carman Road
Schenectady, New York 12303
DATED MATERIAL
PLEASE DELIVER IMMEDIATELY
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Publication Deadlines
Articles for Life of Lynnwood are due
on the 12th of each month.
Bulletin Insert
Bulletin insert information is due no
later than 2pm on Wednesday.
Life of Lynnwood Online or by Email
See the latest issue of Life of
Lynnwood in color at
LynnwoodReformed.org.
Life of Lynnwood can be emailed to
you. Email the church office at
Lynnwood@nycap.rr.com to request
it by email.
Not receiving our emails?
If you would like to be included on
our church’s email list, please send
us an email with your address and
request. Thanks!
the 12th of each month