Volume No. 18 SUMMER 2008 Issue No. 7
WORSHIP: 9:00 AM (Drive-In); 10:00 AM (Sanctuary: July 6th - September 7th)
COMMUNION SERVICES: Second Sunday of July, August and September
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FAMILY is published eleven times a year by First Church in Albany, 110 North Pearl Street, Albany, NY 12207-2231.
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Dear Friends,
The hymns we sing help to shape and sustain our faith. They comfort, illuminate, teach, correct, challenge, and delight. They enable us to sing our faith and rejoice in God with heart, mind and voice. The Reformed faith is a singing faith and the true choir of the church is the congregation of all believers. In our song we offer our best to God – the best of our past and our hope for the future, old and new testimony to faith in a changing world.
The Worship, Music and the Arts Commission has been working for over a year exploring new alternatives to our aging hymnal. After carefully considering several options, the Commission decided to recommend the purchase of a new hymnal, Hymns, Psalms and Spiritual Songs, the ecumenical edition of the Presbyterian hymnal, to the consistory.
The primary oversight of worship in a Reformed Church congregation the rests with the consistory. Because the hymns we sing have such an important influence in shaping our theology and our understanding of the Christian faith, the Book of Church Order of the Reformed Church specifies that the consistory shall see that the hymns used in public worship are in harmony with the Standards of the Reformed Church in America (The Heidelberg Catechism, the Belgic Confession, The Canons of the Synod of Dort.) At their May meeting the Consistory unanimously approved the recommendation to purchase these new hymnals to be introduced in Advent 2008.
Why do we need new hymnals? Our current hymnals are more than 20 years old. (The average life of a hymnal is a generation or 20-25 years.) Many are in poor condition and cannot be repaired. We are a diverse congregation and the new hymnals will add to the diversity and inclusiveness of our congregational song with Native American, African American, Taizé, and new hymns and songs from within our own tradition and from around the world. We want our hymns to reflect both our rich past and the language and needs of our 21st century world; both traditional language and new language that expands our knowledge and understanding of God, renewing and expanding the language of mission and service.
How did we choose a new hymnal? There are many things to think about when choosing a hymnal. Is it Christ-centered? Do the hymns and songs glorify God and illumine God’s word? Do they sing of our theology and beliefs? Our worship and witness? Our values? Our traditions and our future? Are the songs musically and theologically satisfying? Are they singable? Are they inclusive? Are they diverse? Are they readable? Are there hymns on a wide variety of themes, old and new texts and tunes, songs from different traditions to coordinate with scripture, the church liturgical year, and sermon topics written by a wide variety of men and women? Are there any worship aids and readings in the book? Do the hymns reflect our Reformed faith? What style of music does the congregation want? Are there enough of the hymns we regularly sing? Are there new songs for a new century? Is the language inclusive? Is there modern colloquial language, as well as more traditional phrasing?
In Hymns, Psalms and Spiritual Songs, there are familiar hymns to rejoice in and new hymns we will be challenged by and come to love- new texts with more inclusive language and traditional texts with the familiar cadences we love.
Why not just print the songs each week instead of buying a new hymnal? John Wesley wrote that a hymnal should “contain all the important truths of our most holy religion.” Our hymnal says a lot about who we are—a community firmly rooted in Albany and the Reformed tradition, but looking with vision and hope to the future. In a tangible, visible hymnal, people entering our sanctuary see and sing our tradition, our mission and our faith and theology in our hymnal. Eric Routley says of a hymnal, “a believer or a seeker, using it as a companion to the Scripture will find theology for the ordinary people and illumination of the Christian way.”
There is no perfect hymnal. Some important and well-loved hymns are not included in Hymns, Psalms and Spiritual Songs. New hymns are being written all the time. We will continue to print some hymns in the weekly bulletin and will continue to make use of the hymnal supplement, but Hymns, Psalms and Spiritual Songs will serve as the core hymnal for our congregation.
How are we going to pay for it? We hope to raise the money for these hymnals by asking members of our congregation to dedicate hymnals in memory or in honor of a friend or loved one. We need approximately 600 hymnals to fill our church balcony and chapel with hymnals. A suggested donation of $15 would purchase one hymnal, $50 would fill a pew, $250 would fill a row, $500 would fill a balcony, $1000 would fill a whole length of an aisle.
You may also want to purchase a hymnal for your home to use as a resource for your family worship or personal prayers. A good hymnal is collection of devotional literature that can serve as an important resource in guiding our personal devotions and prayers.
Sincerely,
Mary E. Bon
John D. Paarlberg
· OF SPECIAL INTEREST
NATIONAL RELIGIOUS CAMPAIGN AGAINST TORTURE
At its May meeting, the consistory voted to participate in a nationwide anti-torture banner campaign organized by the National Religious Campaign Against Torture. First Church is one of hundreds of congregations across the United States that participated in this effort to raise public awareness about U.S.-sanctioned torture. During the month of June we displayed a banner that read "torture is wrong" near the Pearl Street entrance to the church.
In addition to this act of public witness we are also encouraged to write our elected officials and the presidential candidates urging them to take strong stands against U.S. interrogation practices that allow torture.
Earlier this year, Congress passed the 2008 intelligence bill, which required the Central Intelligence Agency and other agencies to conform to the Army Field Manual in their interrogations. The manual, revised in 2006 after the abuse scandal at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq, prohibits the use of waterboarding (simulated drowning), military dogs, beatings, and electric shocks, among other techniques. However, President Bush vetoed the bill in March, and Congress was unable to override the veto.
Torture violates the basic dignity of the human person that all religions, in their highest ideals, hold dear. It degrades everyone involved -- policy-makers, perpetrators and victims. It contradicts our nation's most cherished ideals. Any policies that permit torture and inhumane treatment are shocking and morally intolerable.
Nothing less is at stake in the torture abuse crisis than the soul of our nation. What does it signify if torture is condemned in word but allowed in deed? Let America abolish torture now -- without exceptions.
More information about the campaign is available on the hospitality table in the church lounge as well as on the website http://www.nrcat.org/
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CHANGE OF ADDRESS? Our newsletters are sent third class (bulk) mail, which is not forwarded to your new address, but returned to the church with postage due. Please advise us promptly of any change of address so you don’t miss an issue of FAMILY.
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· MEMBERSHIP & CONGREGATIONAL CARE
Daily Bible Readings from the Common Lectionary
1 Genesis 24:42-49 16 Psalm 139:23-24
2 Genesis 24:58-67 17 Romans 8:12-25
3 Psalm 45:10-17 18 Matthew 13:24-30
4 Romans 7:15-25a 19 Matthew 13:36-43
5 Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 20 10th Sunday after Pentecost
6 8th Sunday after Pentecost 21 Genesis 29:15-20
7 Genesis 25:19-34 22 Genesis 29:21-28
8 Psalm 119:105-112 23 Psalm 105:1-11, 45b
9 Romans 8:1-4 24 Romans 8:26-39
10 Romans 8:5-11 25 Matthew 13:31-33, 44-50
11 Matthew 13:1-9 26 Matthew 13:51-52
12 Matthew 13:18-23 27 11th Sunday after Pentecost
13 9th Sunday after Pentecost 28 Genesis 32:22-31
14 Genesis 28:10-19a 29 Psalm 17:1-5
15 Psalm 139:1-12 30 Psalm 17:6-7, 15
31 Romans 9:1-5
1 Matthew 14:13-15 16 Matthew 15:21-28
2 Matthew 14:16-21 17 14th Sunday after Pentecost
3 12th Sunday after Pentecost 18 Exodus 1:8-14
4 Genesis 37:1-4, 12-17a 19 Exodus 1:15-22
5 Genesis 37:17b-28 20 Exodus 2:1-10
6 Psalm 105:1-6 21 Psalm 124
7 Psalm 105:16-22, 45b 22 Romans 12:1-8
8 Romans 10:5-15 23 Mathew 16:13-20
9 Matthew 14:22-33 24 15th Sunday after Pentecost
10 13th Sunday after Pentecost 25 Exodus 3:1-15
11 Genesis 45:1-8 26 Psalm 105:1-6
12 Genesis 45:9-15 27 Psalm 105:23-26, 45c
13 Psalm 133 28 Romans 12:9-10
14 Romans 11:1-2a 29 Romans 12:11-21
15 Romans 11:29-32 30 Matthew 16:21-28
31 16th Sunday after Pentecost
During July and August, the pastors and elders will be celebrating the Lord’s Supper with those who are homebound or in hospital or nursing homes. Please call the church office (463-4449) to schedule a visit.
FIRST CHURCH READERS
Our book group, First Church Readers, is on vacation for the summer and will resume on the third Sunday in September, when we will discuss Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace . . . One School at a Time by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. This is the story of Greg Mortenson’s attempt to overcome cultural divides in rural Pakistan and Afghanistan through collaborative efforts to alleviate poverty, build schools and educate girls.
Great Summer Reading
Our Group has read some great books. Two books the group especially liked, which you might want to sample, are: Breathing Space by Heidi Neumark, the inspirational story of a new pastor in a small parish aptly named Transfiguration in the South Bronx as she struggles with poverty, violence, despair, faith and hope; and Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen, the story of an old man’s memories of life and love in a traveling circus in the Depression.
Other Ideas for Summer Reading
Take this Bread: A Radical Conversion by Sara Miles, who walked into church on an impulse and, on taking communion, found her life radically changed.
The Great Divide by C. S. Lewis, where we take an allegorical journey through heaven and hell.
Dreams of My Father by Barack Obama and Faith of My Fathers: A Family Memoir by John McCain and Mark Salter. These are both wonderful books that give us intimate portraits of the Democratic and Republican candidates for president.
Salem Witch Judge: The Life and Repentance of Samuel Sewall by Eve La Plantaine – a fascinating account based on the diaries of Samuel Sewall, a Salem Witch-trial Judge who struggled with a growing sense of shame and remorse and how he spent his life trying to atone for his actions.
The Scandalous Gospel of Jesus: What’s so good about the Good News by Peter Gomes – the chaplain at Harvard’s Memorial Chapel explores again the radical good news of the gospels.
Founding Faith: Providence, Politics, and the Birth of Religious Freedom in America by Steven Waldman – a thoughtful and balanced look at faith and religion in early America.
Some Things That Stay by Sarah Willis, a first novel about coming of age in an unconventional family on the edge of the conventional 1950s. Winner of the Stephen Crane Award for First Fiction.
A Spot of Bother by Mark Haddon. The unforgettable follow-up to the beloved bestseller, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. Once again, Haddon proves a master of a story at once hilarious, poignant, dark and profoundly human.
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· WORSHIP & MUSIC
Our Choirs are taking a break for the summer and will resume in September. Like many ministries in the church, much of the choir’s service is hidden. Encompassing ages 9 to 90, they range from musical people who just love to sing, to talented musicians. They meet each Thursday night for rehearsal and come early every Sunday morning to rehearse before the worship service. They bring hard work, musical gifts, dedication and time to this ministry, and receive the rich rewards of fellowship, joy of singing, and a deepening relationship with, and service to God. We all enjoy the fruits of their labors each Sunday in the beautiful music which enriches our worship and deepens our experience of God. Thank you, Choirs!
· COMMUNITY OUTREACH
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Drink Mixes, “Mac & Cheese,” Pork & Beans,
Canned Meats,
Personal Hygiene Items.
Monetary donations are always welcome
to help defray pantry expenses.
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HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW?
Too many zucchini? Beans growing out of control? Fresh produce is always welcome at the Food Pantry. Drop off items on Sunday morning or stop by the church during the week. Those we serve will appreciate your gardening prowess and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
SUMMER TIME
Summer—time to sit back and enjoy the sun. Everybody deserves some time off—especially our volunteers. But the Pantry doesn’t close and we still need four volunteers each Monday and Wednesday morning. Consider volunteering a morning or two this summer. Your assistance will help fill the void. For further information contact Barbara Morgan at 463-4449.
BACK TO SCHOOL NITE
Our Back to School Program will be held on Wednesday, August 27th at 6:30 p.m. On that evening, we provide the students we serve with many of the supplies they need for school. So as summer sales begin, be on the lookout for pencils and pens, crayons and markers, notebooks and filler paper and all those other school needs. Donations may be left at the church throughout the summer. With your help, the children we serve will be well equipped for another school year.
· OUR GRADUATES
Colin Parmalee, a senior at Albany High School, was graduated on June 29, 2008. Colin will be attending Northeastern University in the fall.
Lynsey Lawson, a senior at Voorheesville High School, was graduated on June 27, 2008. Lynsey will be attending Schenectady Community College in the fall.
Kaila West, a senior at Albany High School, was graduated on June 29, 2008. Kaila will be attending Hudson Valley Community College in the fall.
Zaquan West, a senior at Colonie High School, was graduated on June 27, 2008. Zaquan will be attending Hudson Valley Community College in the spring.
Matthew Ziman, a senior at Columbia High School, was graduated on June 28, 2008. Matthew will be attending Culinary Training Institute in Lansingburgh in the fall.
· CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
YOUTH GROUP WORK CAMP
Please keep the Sr. High Youth Group in your prayers (Paige Allen, Whitney Ballou, Nicole Marsh-Sivaslian, Jessa Pagan, Stephen Reohr, Daquail West, Kaila West, Zaquan West, Kate Wuerstlin, Matthew Ziman & Zachary Ziman along with their advisors Monica Marsh, Andy Mondore & Larry Wuerstlin) as they travel to Machias, Maine 7/6-7/12 to help with home repairs. Our youth will be participating with approximately 400 youth from many churches of different denominations across the country. You can send e-mail to members of the group at www.groupworkcamps.com, click on “e-mail a camper.”
· MARK YOUR CALENDAR
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® The deadline for the September Issue of FAMILY is August 15th.
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You’re invited to:
THE NTH ANNUAL BIBLE STUDY PICNIC !
TUESDAY, JULY 22ND, 12:00 NOON
@ THE LEETS (951 Myrtle Ave., Albany)
Bring a dish to share.
Bring a friend, if you like.
Please call 482-6612 or email ileet@nycap.rr.com
to let Ian & Edi know you’ll be there.
· ANNOUNCEMENTS
JOINT BOARDS 2008 - 2009
Board of Elders: Marilyn Fink; Kathrene Guyton; Kathleen Harrison-Otto (Sr. Elder); John Haviland, Sr.; William Kendall; Monica Marsh; Joline Mondore; Ruth Pagerey (Asst. Sr. Elder); Fran Reid; Jay Reohr.
Board of Deacons: David Cluett; Star Haviland (Asst. Sr. Deacon); Pat Huba; Noelle Kinsch; Leo Macenze; William Marshall; Andrew Mondore (Sr. Deacon); Mary Ann Selmer; Victoria Staats.
Board of Trustees: Shirley Bone, David Bradley; Craig Bryce (Vice President); James Folts (President); Ian Leet; Edward Mondore; Edward Monthie, III; Janet Parmalee; Fowler Riddick; Sandra Scudder; Wayne Sivaslian; William Staats (Treasurer); Charles Welge, III (Secretary); Ross Westhuis, Diane Wuerstlin.
Congratulations to Lauren (Hunter) and Dan Casullo on the birth of daughter, Brooke Marie, on May 6th.
Congratulations to Pamela and Darryl S. Leibach, Jr. on the birth of daughter, Juliana Mae, on May 25th.
Dear First Church Family,
We wish to express our thanks to you during Peter’s illness. Your kind thoughts and prayers helped us through a difficult time and uplifted our spirits. Thank you and blessings on you all.
Peter and Joyce Recene
In celebration of the life of Harold Verduin, gifts have been received from an anonymous donor for the Music Fund and from Monica Marsh, Wayne Sivaslian and Nicole Marsh-Sivaslian for the Organ Fund.
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Please pass this newsletter along! There is no better way to introduce family and friends to our ministry than to share our monthly newsletter with them. Well, there is one way which is far better: invite them to share a Sunday morning with us!