Grace

Item Page (s) Gratitude Birgit’s Bits Page 2 Christian Kids’ Corner Pages 3 to 8 Hope Dentistry from the Heart Page 8 Words of Hope Page 8 Craft Camp for a Cause Page 9 Young Adult Mission Page 10 Trip Youth Pages 11-14 Stamp Ministry Page 15 Tres Dias / Vida Nueva Page 16 Missionary Update: D.R. Page 17 Goodbye Pastor Beryl Page 18 Letter from Pastor Beryl Page 19

EXCITING Life in Balance at HRC CHANGE Fall 2019 AHEAD

2 Birgit’s Bits August 2018 Guess what? Birgit’s Bits is back!

This year consistory voted to change my job title to better reflect the work I do. My new job title is Commu- nications and Office Administrator. In that vein, I hope to share some communication ideas. As communica- tions is best when it is two-way, I encourage you to share your ideas with me, as well. In our daily lives, we are bombarded with information. I hope you will consider communications from HRC as a top priority. We try to consider our community when planning events. For example, we realize how busy September and October are for parents. We try to keep our emails and postings to a minimum during this time.

The most important news to communicate is, of course, that we are hopefully nearing the end of our pastoral search. Many of us are anticipating that this may bring about change at HRC. For me and my co-workers, it is not only change in our church, but also change at work. That is a lot of change! Not all of us handle change well. It is scary to face the unknown, but I know God has great things in store for HRC and the future is exciting! Please keep the staff and church leaders in your prayers as we face the future together.

I think it is important to remember, during this time of transition, why we are anticipating change. If you are a consistent attender, you know that our worship attendance has been decreasing steadily since 2014. In that year, we reported an average attendance of 446. This past year that has dropped to 327. Much of this decline is beyond our control, but it is alarming to see the drop in the number of young families with children, be- cause these are the future of our church. We need to attract young families and provide a place for them to grow in their faith and become a part of God’s family. By calling a young pastor, we hope to do that. Pastor Holbrook always said that a congregation’s average age is reflective of the average age of its pastor. So get ready to welcome young families! These are exciting times. Continue to pray for open hearts and minds to receive God’s direction and all the blessings he has to give!

Some other items to share with you:  Our Fall Kickoff is September 8. We will meet at the East Fishkill Rec Pavilion for worship at 10:30 AM, followed by our church picnic. Watch for details in your church bulletin!  September is also the time many of our “regular” activities that have taken a hiatus during the summer, will start up again. I have listed some that I am aware of below.  Sarah Ruvo is in the process of updating our website. It will be completed this fall. She has some great ideas – can’t wait to see it!

If you want the most up-to-date information, please visit our website at HrcRca.org. All current announce- ments are listed there. You can also get links to our church calendar and prayer wall from the home page. We also post announcements to our Facebook page. If you are on Facebook, please like our page and you will see our posts. Feel free to like and share anything you think someone you know might be interested in. As always, our church-wide events are open to everyone.

Here is a list of start dates for some of our ongoing groups:  Judi Budryk’s group starts September 10 at 9:30 AM in the Family Room  Jan Bushey’s group starts September 12 at 9:00 AM at Jan’s home  Shireen Gilbert’s group starts September 12 at 9:00 AM in Room F  Sunday School for Grades PreK—5 starts September 15  Bells of Praise starts September 16 at 7:00 PM in the Music Room  Chorale starts September 18 at 7:00 PM in the Music Room  Don Devries’ group starts September 18 at 9:30 AM in the Family Room  Rich Lotze’s group starts September 19 at 8:30 AM in the Consistory Room  Sunday School for grades 6-12 starts September 22 (1st service ONLY; in Youth House)

(If your group is not listed above, please contact your group leader for the start information. Some groups have been meeting throughout the year, and some did not have a start date set at the time of this publication.) 3 Christian Kids’ Corner August 2018 Sunday School News

In June, the children hosted a wonderful celebration of the Sunday school year. They came together to bake treats, set up coffee hour and welcome the congregation to the fellowship hall for the fruits of their labors (yes, they all washed hands before serving!) The kids’ special video message shared heartfelt thanks to all the teachers. Children’s Ministry was blessed with the caring touch of many. After years of service teaching, we are sad to say goodbye to Lauren and Matt Fitzgerald. Their creative and gentle touch will be missed.

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4 Christian Kids’ Corner (continued) August 2018 Baptisms and the Nursery Joys abounded with some baptisms and births this spring/summer! Proud families stood together with our congregation to commit to raising their child(ren) with the love of Christ at the center of their lives. We pray these children continue to thrive, surrounded by the support and love of their new extended church family! We welcomed newly baptized children: Evan Alexander Schmid, Jocelyn Jenny Bartolomeo and Nolan Har- ris. We also celebrated with the births of Daniel William Husted on 4May’19 and twins Anthony Emmanuel “Manny” and Alice Olivia Burkhardt on 27 Jun’19. Please consider serving regularly in the nursery this year and being a part of this important ministry. Often the first contact young families have with our church is in the nursery. Your support volunteering one hour during service allows these parents to focus on worship and renewal. Babies get to know their loving church family. Mark 9 reminds us that when we welcome children, we welcome Jesus. So hear and spread good news: be the face of our Savior in the nursery.

Continued on page 5 5 Christian Kids’ Corner (continued) Nursery

Continued on page 6 6 Christian Kids’ Corner (continued) August 2018 Summer Pen Pals A new program this summer matched young and old through the classic art of letter writing…..or drawing pictures. Mostly, this program is about connections in Christ, offering our children new relationships to help them develop love with others in the congregation. Eleven pairs, involving over 22 people, participated in this pilot program. Pen Pals are sharing and learning more about each other; some are meeting up in the fellowship hall. Thank you to all who took a chance on making new friends of all ages and sizes.

Vacation Bible School (VBS) VBS involved almost 100 kids and volunteers this summer! We are blessed with the opportunity and privi- lege of sharing God’s love with so many in our church and community. Our mission’s mobilizer Jessica Batt taught our children about the hardships for girls going to school in Zambia. Campers raised enough to send ____ girls to school for one year! We all learned how prayer and love help anyone through the tall grasses of our paths. Aside from new campers, we also had furry actors and new teen volunteers whose energy invig- orated worship. Please join me in praying for these children and their families that they will continue to grow in faith and in the knowledge of the love of God.

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7 Christian Kids’ Corner (continued)

Continued on page 8 8 Christian Kids’ Corner (continued) August 2018 Sunday School Fall Kick off! Fall Sunday School starts on 15 Sep’19! I am excited about the Children’s Ministry team that God is prepar- ing for this year. If you would like to be a part of it, please contact me at 914.466.0840 or at [email protected] Dentistry from the Heart

Words of Hope

From Words of Hope, July 27 - You can find a current issue in our kiosk. Submitted by Stephanie Patton "If God is for us, who can be against us? Paul’s writing shines here (giving hope to skeptics like me who think theology is dry and doesn’t make good literature). He gets caught up in rapture about how nothing can sepa- rate us from the love of God. The language is poetic as Paul lists a series of opposites: life/death; angels/ demons; things present/things to com; height/depth; nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord!” It’s a mystery. Read Romans 8

9 Craft Camp for a Cause August 2018 Submitted by Bella and Riley Bella and Riley love doing crafts with their younger siblings and cousins, and they love to help local charities so they came up with the idea of hosting a Kid Craft Camp for a Cause to benefit Sparrow's Nest. Sparrow's Nest cooks and delivers meals to families in the Hudson Valley who are battling cancer. Bella and Riley planned out several crafts, advertised their camp on social media and had a wonderful time being creative and fun with fifteen kiddos each day for a week. They were able to make a donation of $185 to Sparrow's Nest which will feed a family for almost 2 weeks!

10 Young Adult Mission Trip August 2018 Submitted by Sharon Batt

Thank you to all who supported us in prayer as a group of young adults from HRC traveled to Cape Town, South Africa to grow in their faith and serve others. Along with learning about apartheid, we learned about how God moves through His people living in a multitude of circumstances. We visited township communities like Masiphumilele, Ocean View, Salt River, and Lavendar Hill. We played with 200 kids, led a soccer ministry, took preschoolers on a picnic, and led a service in a home church. We spent two nights with different host fam- ilies who showered us with more of God’s love than we could ever give back. We visited small orphanage homes that were set up to model loving families.

Most importantly, we dove deeper into our faith. We challenged ourselves and one another. We wrestled with God’s plan in each of our lives. We broadened our vision of possibilities. We laughed and cried. We shared parts of ourselves that seldom rose to the surface. Within the loving arms of God, Our Father, something shift- ed in each of us, and we came home changed. Please continue to pray that each member of our outreach will continue to live into God’s plan.

South Africa May 2019: Jessica Batt, Andrew Holbrook, Miriam Shogren, Sidney Scoralick, Maggie Reilly, Emily Williams, Sharon Batt, Warren Jee, and Lynette Jee.

11 Youth August 2018 Dear Church, living in poverty enduring every kind of abuse imagi- nable in their home lives. In these two weeks, I was As we again approach a new school year, we have so allowed to teach them numbers, colors, shapes and much to be thankful for; freedom for one, faith for an- letters. But most of all, I gave them love they were other, and a church family. not receiving at home. I heard God speak in my life As we approach the year, we are looking at ways to more clearly than ever before. I had an amazing engage the youth in the area. How do we get involved time, made new friendships and made a difference in in their lives, how do we share the faith and how do the life of every child whose shoe I tied and whose we walk a road of discipleship with them? We have all swing I pushed. This is an opportunity I do not take heard about discipleship but are nervous to get in- for granted and a memory I will cherish for the rest volved. This year we will continue to provide opportu- of my life” Robbin Gerber nities for discipleship to take place. Please pray for our youth as they process all they have As we celebrate our mission teams from this summer seen and experienced. May the Lord continue to use we are so thankful to minister locally, nationally and us in our circles of influence back home. internationally. We served at our church’s VBS, Here’s what’s coming: Bridge Builders in Poughkeepsie, Fuge in Philadelph- ia, and in the DR. And we had our first young adults’ This fall we are making a few changes discipleship trip to South Africa. Here is what some of the kids have to say about their trip:  We want to make the youth house more youth friendly. So watch this space for some changes. “This year at Fuge I learned how to be grateful for what I have and how to serve the Lord in everything  We want to start a midweek worship opportunity. I do. The mission trip was an, overall, amazing and Information will be available soon. humbling experience and seeing the difference I  We are changing our youth midweek Bible studies made for kids at the shelter meant the world to me” to family Bible studies. We really believe this is Marissa Hayes important to get the family growing together. I “I will never forget my first mission trip experience. I have included an article I found on the value of worked with homeless children and it really showed Bible study by a teenager. me how grateful I should be for everything I have. It We are really looking forward to the new school year was so great to see how we brought the light of Jesus and the opportunities the Lord will give us to grow to their lives. ☺ I miss it so much already and can’t closer to Him. wait for next year!” Ava Riverso Please join us in this journey. “Going to the DR was a blessing. Waking up every day to help the less fortunate was life changing. My God Bless, relationship with God has forever changed. I’m ex- EPIC Youth Ministry cited to see what God has in store for me.” Sam Con- rad “This year, my trip to South Africa really helped me to open my ears and heart more to God. It allowed me to find new ways to converse with Him. And I’ve felt Him challenging me in some aspects of my life since I’ve been home.” Sidney Scoralick “There is no experience and way to learn that com- pares to adapting to another culture and seeing how other people in the world live” Andrew Holbrook “I was given the privilege of going to the Dominican Republic and I worked for two weeks in a pre-school in the community of Los Higos. I was assisting in a class of 30 children, aged 3-4 years old, who were

Continued on page 12 12 Youth (continued) August 2018 Article by Katherine Forster, what lies beyond graduation. sary one), it can’t be the end. We Guest Contributor Now, more than ever, we need the are definitely capable of thinking truth of God’s word as our rock and deeply and wrestling with tough For me, Bible study started at a topics, so hold us to a higher stand- young age. anchor. Only the Bible gives us what we need to sift through the ard. Challenge us, give us some- I was blessed to have parents who lies; to stand strong in the face of thing to reach for. encouraged my brothers and me to trials; to live lives that are focused The teen years are a time of habit get into the Word early, to write on Christ and his glory, and even to development. If we begin now to things down, and to learn for our- make this goal a priority. form the habit of Bible study, we’ll selves what it had to teach. I’m sure be equipped with a solid foundation I thought it was boring at the time; 2. We need to see these truths for ourselves. when we finally leave the authority but now that I’m a teenager, I’m of our parents, teachers, and youth starting to realize this personal dis- It’s also no secret that we learn leaders. cipline is essential to my life and more and remember better when we future. enter into the process of discovery 4. We need the fellowship. It was through personal, inductive for ourselves. I’ve benefited hugely The stereotype is unfortunate, but Bible study that I learned to really from the teaching of my parents, true. Youth groups can often be love God’s word. But when I look my pastor, and many others — but breeding grounds for cliques, fights, at the church around me, I don’t see my greatest joy in God’s word has and all kinds of high school drama. much emphasis on Bible study in been in the truths I discovered on With a little help from social media, youth ministries. We’re encouraged my own. There’s something about little things become big things and a to read our Bible, of course; but the process of discovery that makes circle of friends turns into an exclu- what the Christian culture gives us the thing discovered so much more sive “group” faster than a relation- is one lesson after another on valuable. You hold it closer, and ship can become “Facebook offi- “issues,” and very little encourage- treasure it more highly. cial.” ment to study the Scriptures in Teens need this experience of dis- “Teens are the future church. Equip depth. covery in the Bible. Middle and us now to do what we will be called But we teens need Bible study — high school are often a time of to do then.” more than we even realize. Here are searching, of discovery, and of At the start of his first epistle, the four reasons I believe pastors, wonder. We don’t just want to be apostle John explained his reason teachers, youth leaders, and Chris- told something; we want to find it for writing. “That which we have tian parents need to encourage and for ourselves. So, teach us to search seen and heard we proclaim also to exhort us to study the Bible, and the Scriptures, and give us the tools you, so that you too may have fel- teach us how to do it. to do it. lowship with us; and indeed our 1. We desperately need the truth. 3. We need to be challenged. fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ” (1 John “Teens today are rarely encouraged Luke 2:52 records that “Jesus in- creased in wisdom and in stature 1:3). to engage in deep, life-transforming The basis of all true fellowship is study of the Bible.” and in favor with God and man.” By age twelve, he was learned God’s word. Do you want unity in No one argues that Christian teens enough in the Torah that he could your youth group? Let your teens today are facing a massive on- hold an educated conversation with come together around the Bible. slaught of temptation and opposi- the religious leaders of his day. When there’s something deeper in tion, perhaps even more so than Teens today are rarely encouraged common than school, sports teams, previous generations. Chances are to engage in deep, life-transforming or music preferences, fellowship the youth in your church are dealing study of the Bible, or in literate becomes much deeper, more last- with all kinds of issues — from de- conversations about it. We’re en- ing, and more impactful for both us pression to peer pressure to the couraged to read it, and while that’s and the larger community of faith. LGBT agenda to uncertainty about a great starting place (and a neces-

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13 Youth (continued) August 2018 Equipping the Future Church Entertainment is not necessarily Katherine Forster is a seventeen- Teens are the future church. We’re bad, but we can’t survive on or year-old editor the leaders, teachers, pastors, evan- find real joy in that alone. We need at TheRebelution.com. She writes gelists, authors, artists, engineers, the truths of the Bible. Teach us to about the intersections between and stay-at-home moms of twenty find them for ourselves, and you theology and art at Song Beyond years from now. Please, equip us to will impact the rest of our lives and Silence. do what we’ve been called to do. ministries. Give us the tools to pursue a dy- namic, growing relationship with our Creator.

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15 Stamp Ministry August 2018 We need your help to save stamps…yes, you! Submitted by Dianne and Doug Archer (HRC Snowbirds with a Mission) We have told the HRC congregation previously about the Wycliffe Associates (WA) Stamp Ministry in earli- er newsletter articles. Dianne and I are part of this unique ministry on the WA Orlando campus where we are snowbirds. The Stamp Ministry finds, cajoles, solicits, collects, sorts and puts market suitable stamps on EBay for the world-wide market of stamp collectors. Help us by saving stamps and not throwing them away because they have value. These are the “real” stamps you receive in regular mail. Much of the mail we are getting are business stamped and not the regular stamped envelopes (Christmas is a good time to check for “real” stamps). “Real” stamps are even more valuable to collectors who are looking for these stamps (canceled or uncanceled, old or new, US or foreign stamps.) Did you know there are newer stamps: ex: 20 Sesame Street characters (2019) or the 4 John Lennon designs (2018)? WA has a stamp dealer who sells old- er stamps, foreign stamps and any stamp collections received by Wycliffe Associates (WA). Stamp dona- tions are tax deductible; the donor places a value on the donation. Some common stamps which have a small rainbow-colored number called a “plate number” are sought by collectors. Otherwise, the common stamps add up and are sold by the pound; foreign stamps are sold by the ounce. No stamps are wasted. We have placed a collection box in the hallway off the entryway to the Fellowship Hall where you can put stamps. Thanks to the Stamp Ministry efforts, a substantial donation was made to the annual WA auction event held this year by and among the WA volunteers. The auction proceeds directly support WA worldwide activities advancing Bible translation. This year the Stamp Ministry donated money for an event held in April ‘19 to help train and equip members of the global deaf community to translate the Word of God into their heart lan- guage. There are over 70 million deaf languages in the world and over 400 recognized sign languages. There are only two sign languages with a full New Testament sign language on video. American Sign Language, which is popular in the US and not part of Wycliffe, raises funds to be able to complete an Old Testament sign language Bible. The event brought together teams from 10 different language groups from nine countries in Africa for a week of training. The teams were given high quality cameras, computers and editing software that would enable them to record and distribute sign language video Bibles; software also enables them to add subtitles and maps to their translation. They were also trained in how to get their own churches to sup- port this project. If you'd like to know more about Wycliffe Associates’ work including the Stamp Ministry, contact Dianne and Doug Archer at [email protected] or 845-592-4493. We thank you.

16 Is Tres Dias and/or Vida Nueva Right for You? August 2018 Submitted by Doug Archer How would you like to spend an uninterrupted 72 hours with other Christians, in a structured environment, with the sole purpose of fellowship and seeking the Lord? During that time you’ll have discussions, fellow- ship, praise & worship, times of prayer, and lots of food and snacks. Really good food (spiritual and other- wise)!! You are invited to attend a Tres Dias or Vida Nueva (VN) retreat. Tres Dias was actually started in HRC in 1972 by committed Christians who had experienced a similar retreat for Catholic men and women which was later modified for the Protestant tradition. It's been going strong and many people have attended over the past 47 years and have truly found it very inspirational. Tres Dias is for adults and Vida Nueva (VN) is for high school aged kids. Both are inter-denominational ecu- menical weekend retreats. Tres Dias weekends run from Thursday evening to late Sunday afternoon (72 hours = 3 days = "Tres Dias" in Spanish). Vida Nueva weekends run from Friday evening to Sunday after- noon for VN (2 days). Attendees come from many churches all over the Mid-Hudson Valley area. HRC members who have attend- ed the retreat have had a meaningful experience and have become leaders within their families, their small groups, their churches, and their communities. On the weekend, there are times of clergy led Communion in the Protestant tradition. There is a weekend team on a Tres Dias weekend who have already attended a prior weekend and help lead the weekend activities. The composition of the VN leadership team is a mix of teens which have already attended a prior VN and adults. There are 2 ministers on each weekend. These retreats are not a denomination or alternative to one’s home church. All participants must be sponsored by someone who has previously completed a weekend so attendees have someone to help answer questions and pray for their attendee. Everyone needs to complete an application form. Attendees with special needs (diets or medications) are accommodated. There is a suggested tax deductible donation to cover the cost of the weekend but attendees donate as they can afford. All Tres Dias retreats are held at Mt. Alvernia in Wappingers Falls. Vida Nueva retreats are held at Taconic Retreat Center in Red Hook. Please contact Doug Archer with any questions you may have.

Upcoming Tres Dias Weekends Women’s #181 May 16-19, 2019 Men’s #182 Sept. 12-15,2019 Women’s #182 October 10-13, 2019 Men’s #183 Jan. 23-26, 2020 Women’s #183 Feb. 27-March 1, 2020 Men’s #184 March 26-29, 2020 Women’s #184 May 14-17, 2020 Men’s #185 Oct. 8-11, 2020 Women’s #185 Nov. 5-8, 2020 Upcoming Vida Nueva Weekends Young Women’s #147 Nov. 8-10, 2019 Young Men’s #148 Dec. 6-8, 2019

17 Missionary Update: Dominican Republic August 2018 Submitted by Lourdes Kleid Things I Miss from the DR: I’ve been home for a couple of months now and knew * People/ hospitality that I had to write an updated blog post. However, * My medical work words and ideas just were not coming to me. Just a lot of mumbling jumbo going around and around in my * My youth group head and none cohesive. But here goes! * Loud and powerful Pentecostal worship Leaving the Dominican Republic was actually OK. I * Dominican food and coffee (fresh chicken!) knew this was exactly what God was asking of me and I knew exactly what I was going into. What I wasn’t * My friend / coworker Lidia ready for was what turned out to be a little bit of a * The weather (yes it’s hotter in NY!) Cool breeze and hard transition. I knew the first thing I needed to do the smell of the sea was meet with my pastor of 20 years, Taylor Holbrook. While I was away he retired from that posi- * Slower paced living tion at my church. That was a bit hard for me having * Amazing ball players left with him at the pulpit and then returning to a com- plete stranger at the pulpit. Not a comfortable situa- * Cheap living / healthcare tion for me. Pastor Taylor has always been one of my * Honesty (people tell it like it is!) biggest cheerleaders so meeting with him was a really bright light for me. We caught up on a lot and he gave * Cheap public transportation me some good advice as always. But still a huge spir- * My quad itual and emotional loss. * Even the poor celebrate life. There is no “right” rea-  Adjusting to my cultural sense of normalcy was son to celebrate when everything is a reason to cele- hard. I felt like I had to re-learn my home culture. brate And obviously, I was not the same as I was before * People talking about Jesus all the time I left.

 As much as I knew the purpose of my returning and what was involved it was like a night and day What I Don’t Miss: switch from my life in the Dominican Republic. * Expensive gas $4.60 a gallon  I had to figure out how I could explain this to * Having to buy water someone who’s never done this and they’re just not going to understand the depth of emotion and * Not flushing paper in toilet the highs and lows that come with returning.  I know that God is faithful, and I hold on to the promise that He works all things together for His ultimate purposes. I want to continue serving Him, and I look forward to seeing how He will use me.  Already I’ve been asked to help with a team that will be going to the town I lived in in November for a couple of weeks, so I’m excited by that. I know I need patience and grace and the freedom to grieve and celebrate what I left behind. But in the same breath, I can say how happy I am to be back with my family, friends and pets! God can and will use what I learned and accomplished for His Kingdom. My journey isn’t finished yet. Prov- erbs 3:5-6

18 Good-bye Pastor Beryl

Submitted by Carol O’Malley It was on September 6th, almost one year Pastor Beryl is very proud of Angela, as ago, that I met Rev. Dr. Beryl Banks. He you know. Angela and I had many good was waiting for me outside the Residence times together while she was here. She’s a Inn in Fishkill. Percy Gilbert had asked me delightful person and I will miss her, our if I’d show him around the area and day trips, conversations and laughs togeth- Hopewell Reformed Church---a candidate er. Angela described Pastor B as one of the for Interim Pastor from California. As a kindest men she has ever met. I found that former realtor I looked forward to the as- to be true. He is a very kind, caring man signment but couldn’t help but wonder why with an easy smile. anyone would come here from California Pastor Beryl was a guide and advisor to us for a temporary assignment, unless it was a on the Search Team, giving us some valua- God thing. ble direction and information. I know he A friendly looking man in a dapper straw will continue to be with us in spirit and in fedora greeted me warmly, bypassing my prayer as we go forward in this process outstretched hand, and giving me a bear with the knowledge he shared with us over hug. “What would you like me to call the past year. May God be with you, Pastor you?” “Most people call me Pastor Ber- Beryl, as you go into this next season of yl.” Well, then, Pastor Beryl it is.” I made your ministry. We are grateful for your mental note that he pronounced it like time here at HRC and will be lifting you in “Burl”. (I have often shortened that to “Pastor B”.) I showed him around our love- prayer, also, as you continue on your jour- ly area, took him to Zoe’s for ice cream, ney. And be sure to get some R&R at your and, of course, happily toured our beautiful lovely California home with Angela and church with him. I heard all about Bella, Bella by your side. his lovely retirement home in CA, Bella some more...and, oh, yes, his wife’s name is Angela.

19 Letter from Pastor Beryl August 2018

Dear Church Family,

As I look back over my newsletter articles over the last year they almost read like strategic planning re- ports. Fall 2018 – we discussed functional structures with regards to pastoral care and assimilation. One of the goals was 85% participation in the connection cards; we hit that milestone this month!

I am so grateful for my time to serve here with Angela. Our goal was to do our utmost to prepare the church for the next lead pastor. I think we nailed it with your collaboration and commitment to following God into the future.

In the spring newsletter we cast the vision and asked you to sign-up for an Unshakable Hope small group. We spent six weeks in spring, followed by a six-week Summer of Hope series, and then concluding with six more weeks in Max Lucado’s Unshakable Hope series. What a blessing this series on God’s unshakable promises has been; I am still hearing testimonies of members living more deeply into the promises of God.

I think the chapter I want to write this newsletter on is what finishing well would look like. I think finish- ing well for me is that every member is eager to live into what they have been prepared for. And what have we been prepared for? Ephesians 4:11-13:

11 so Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

You have been prepared for “works of service”; now let’s work on reaching unity in the faith, maturity and attaining the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Angela and I will continue to pray for Hopewell as you listen to your next lead pastor and dare I say “obey” the vision God will cast through him/her so that you may be “built up” even more into the fullness of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.

Keep watching and praying,

Rev. Dr. Beryl Banks

20

Hopewell Reformed Church

143 Beekman Road Hopewell Jct NY 12533

Phone: 845-221-9542 Fax: 845-227-1908 E-mail: [email protected]

We’re on the Web! HrcRca.org

Articles for the Winter Newsletter are due November 1, 2019