|
|
The Presbyterian-New England Congregational Church
Church Family
April 2021
24 Circular Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
|
|
From the Pastor
Dear friends,
One of my favorite passages from scripture comes from the 43rd chapter of Isaiah. God is telling the people, through the prophet Isaiah, that good things are headed their way. The people have been exiled, in anguish, separated from their land and one another. But God promises that things are changing:
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.
And later in the passage,
I am about to do a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert.
I’ve been thinking about the new things God might be doing in our world and in our lives. I am so curious to see what new things await us as we re-gather and re-member ourselves back into community.
The past year has been very difficult. There have been many lessons for all of us. What new thing do you want to carry with you as we emerge back into some semblance of “normal”? What new thing do you think the Spirit has in store for us?
Whatever it might be, we know that we are in a season of new life– Easter and spring and (hopefully) a foreseeable end to this pandemic. Let’s keep our eyes open for the goodness of new things all around.
Blessings,
Kate
|
|
|
|
In Person on Easter
Sunday, April 4th at 9am
*masks required
Join us on the church lawn a brief outdoor service of trumpets, prayers and Gospel on Easter morning. Hoping for good weather and the opportunity to see you! We will also have our more traditional worship service on Zoom at 11am.
|
|
Moving Forward
It's exciting that so many people are getting vaccinated in both the church and the community. All NYers age 16+ will be eligible to schedule and receive the COVID vaccine beginning April 6 at 8am. If you need help finding vaccination appointments or getting a ride, contact the church office.
We are following CDC guidelines and allowing small groups of vaccinated people to gather. And we are keeping an eye on infection rates as well as further rulings on gatherings in order to plan in-person services. We hope to have services in the sanctuary in May. They would be on a reservation basis, without a requirement for vaccinations, in keeping with our welcome to all. There will be some protocols in place. Zoom services will continue as well. Stay tuned and stay safe!
|
|
from the Environmental Action Team
Earth Justice
April 15- May 20
Thursdays at 7pm
We hope you can join us starting Thursday, April 15 at 7 pm via Zoom (unless otherwise stated.)
|
Climate Church, Climate World
Among the highlights in the E.A.T. series is a presentation from Rev. Jim Antal, author of Climate Church, Climate World, the selected reading from our fall Book Discussion Group.
You can prepare for Antal's virtual visit by taking part in a three night overview of the book (April 7, 14 and 21) led by Rev. Deke Spierling. Deke is a retired PC(USA) minister who, with his wife Wendy, moved to Saratoga Springs last June and has been joining us in worship. He served with congregations in MA, NJ, and Orange County NY.
The church has several copies of the book on hand. Please contact Julie in the church office to request a copy. P lease email Deke using subject line "CLIMATE CHURCH" so sign up for the Wednesday evening conversations. |
Environmental Survey
Thank you to everyone who filled out the survey distributed by the Environmental Action Team! It's very helpful to have this information as we work on future programming. Please take some time to look at the responses that were shared. E.A.T. hopes you are as inspired as we are to see all of the incredible things that church members are doing to care for our Earth. Thank you to those who indicated that you may want to volunteer with E.A.T. We are in the process of contacting all of you. |
|
Pay It Forward Fund
Some of us are so relieved to receive stimulus checks from the government. We need them to pay our mortgage, buy groceries, pay off debt, or maybe pad our kids' college fund. But, some of us quite frankly, don't need them! If you find yourself in the latter category, consider donating your stimulus check to the church. We guarantee it will go to serving our local community. Please note "Pay It Forward Fund" in the memo line and send to PNECC, P.O. Box 582, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. This is a charitable, tax free contribution. Feel free to contact Julie for details or questions. |
Spring Clean Up Day
Saturday, April 17
(rain date April 24)
9am-Noon
Let's spiff up the property for spring and summer. We need folks for raking, edging, and painting of Fellowship Hall windows frames inside and out (after cleaning, sanding) as well as some other fun jobs.
And if you want to help but on a different day, contact Anne Diggory to "choose your own adventure." Details to follow.
|
YAHA presents
the State of the State
with State Assembly Member
Carrie Woerner
Thursday, April 22 at 1:30pm
Passcode: YAHA
We welcome Assembly Member Carrie Woerner to talk to us about the state of the state, Governor Cuomo and recreational marijuana. Who knows what else might come up before April 22?
|
|
Pop-Up Dinner
featuring Vashti's Kitchen Delights
In an effort to support a small, local business, we invite you to our first pop up dinner!
Pickup on Wednesday, April 14th
Order before midnight on April 13th from this selected menu. Then pick up at the church between 4pm-8pm on Wednesday, April 14th. You won't even have to get out of your car!
|
|
Lawyers for Good Government
Among the swelling ranks of refugees along our southern border is a group of attorneys working pro-bono to process their requests for asylum. Technology needed for this task is in short supply.
With the recommendation from the Social Concerns Committee PNECC has donated $5000 from the Ed Augustin Mission Fund to support this effort. Click here to read more.
|
Welcoming Immigrants Task Force
Wednesday, April 14 at 7pm
(via Zoom)
If you participate in PNECC, you are welcome to participate in this meeting. For Zoom information or questions, contact Terry Diggory. 518-860-0262
|
|
Theology Book Group
April 6 and April 20
7pm
Our current reading is Christ in Crisis? by Jim Wallis. We are meeting by Zoom at 7pm on Tuesday, April 6 (focus on chapter 5: The Power Question) and Tuesday, April 20 (focus on chapter 6: The Fear Question). Anyone is welcome to participate in any or all meetings.
Copies of Christ in Crisis? are available at Northshire Bookstore (424 Broadway, Saratoga Springs). Ask for the book for "PNECC Club" and you will receive a 20% discount. For more information, or to join the email list for the Theology Book Group, contact Terry Diggory, 518-860-0262.
|
|
Dear Church Family,
Thursday a friend called and asked how I was feeling. After giving it some consideration my response was "covered, I feel covered by what I can only call Grace. I feel surrounded and safe, though so very sad."
Thank you my friends, those who reached out and those who silently gave us a thought. Have no doubt that your prayers, thoughts and well wishes made a difference. They have and still do.
With deepest gratitude,
Becki Cramer and David Norton
|
|
Bible Study -- the Gospel of John -- continues weekly on Zoom. Wednesdays at 10am.
Meeting ID: 820 2789 1311
Passcode: 815019
|
|
We have put together a website page that contains all the necessary information regarding Covid-19. Please visit our Covid-19 page to see up to date information as we move forward together as a community.
|
|
You may pay your pledge by mail (PO Box 582, Saratoga Springs) or click the donate button on our website. Maybe now is the time to look up "bill pay" with your bank?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
