Message from Pastor Arlene

But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you. John 14:26

Do you know that the spirit of God is at work within you?

Before Jesus went to the cross, he instructed his disciples with his final words. These were the teachings he gave them in the Upper Room at the Last Supper. There, he wanted to be sure they knew that his death would not be the final word, but, even more than that, Jesus wanted us to know that by faith in him believers would also receive the Helper, the Advocate… also known as the Holy Spirit.

At baptism, the Holy Spirit is promised to each one of us. It is the Holy Spirit that woos and draws us to seek Christ and live into God’s will for our lives. It is the Spirit that shapes and molds us more and more into the image of Christ. And it is also the Spirit that convicts us when we do wrong.

In addition, it is possible to diminish the Spirit’s effectiveness by undue criticism of ourselves and others, and failing to forgive as we have been forgiven. We can stunt the Spirit’s work by building walls and refusing to see and accept the difficult lessons the Lord is trying to teach us.

But when we open ourselves up to the Spirit’s movement within, we become sensitive to our inner vibrations. Anxiety and stress are indicators that the Spirit is trying to do something with us, if only we would allow it to happen. Human beings do not like seeing what the Spirit may reveal, but when we allow the Spirit to do her work, removing the harmful ideas and attitudes and soothing the rough edges within us, the blessings we receive are filled with true life.

So… how DO we know when we are being prompted by the Spirit? We know by the fruit the Spirit produces… Love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, Faithfulness, gentleness and self-control are the fruit of the Spirit. When we find our lives moving toward these things and away from negative feelings and pessimistic responses, we know the Spirit is doing her work within us.

Prayer is the very best way to align our inner lives with the Spirit’s prompting. Pay attention next time you find yourself bristling, irritated, or anxious and ask for the Spirit’s guidance. It takes practice and may take some time to notice the Spirit within, but trust me (or Jesus, for that matter,) that the Spirit IS at work within you.

Nursery News from the Director of Children, Youth and Families

I am excited to share that our Nursery is fully staffed with both adult and teen leadership to provide our littlest friends with a wonderful Sunday morning experience. Time is spent, singing and playing, hearing stories and more playing. Our first goal for the little ones in the nursery is for them to know they are loved and that they feel safe.  

Our adults are Julie McQuarrie, Catherine Morgan and Jennifer Faccilongo and our teens are Megan McDonald and Virginia Rynkowski. They are wonderful and I feel so fortunate to have them in the nursery. All time in the nursery will focus on play and safety. Incorporated with that are bible stories, activities and other fun things we can do to continue to draw children closer to God. These children are one of our greatest blessings at CPC and we want them to grow up knowing that!

Upcoming events for Children, Youth and Families

If you have any questions please reach out to Tracy Rynkiowski

Jan 26 - Community Youth - (gd 6-12) 

We will be watching The Prince of Egypt to wrap us our study on Moses. We will begin during our regular meeting time and will carry over into lunch. We will finish up by 1 and brunch will be provided.

Feb 2 Winter Fun Day - at Johnsonburg Retreat Center - 1 pm - 6pm  

Come join the staff of Johnsonburg Retreat Center for a wonderful day of outside family fun! There will be games, camp activities, a hot cocoa bar and breakfast for dinner. Enjoy the winter fun at our beautiful Presbytery Retreat Center, for families with all ages of children.

Feb 9 "Souperbowl of Caring" food drive.

For not only all families - but our entire congregation.

Please help us stock CFA's pantry. Bring canned goods to church on Feb 9 to help those who need a little support this winter. This is one of our greatest opportunities to support and care for our own community and it is so easy. Just collect a few (or many - thats up to you) non perishable food items and bring them to church on Feb 9. All donations stay in our own community.  

March 28 - 30 at Johnsonburg Retreat Center 7 pm - 11 am

  This spring, come join Johnsburg for a big, energetic youth retreat! We are welcoming youth grades 6-12 to come for a weekend of self-discovery, spritual growth and fellowship. This event is hosted for youth groups and space is limited, let Tracy know if you are interested.

Women’s Book Group

The first meeting of our group will be held at the church next Monday - Monday, January 27th. Please read the sections titled “10th Anniversary Note from Brené” and “Preface,” as well as taking your “Wholehearted Inventory” at www.brenebrown.com/wholeheartedinventory We will begin our discussions here.

It's not too late to join us. We will be meeting in Fellowship Hall, twice a month to discuss the latest chapter and how Brené's work might influence our lives for the better. If you would like to be included, email Pastor Arlene rev.arleneromaine@gmail.com

Why Every Progressive Church needs Digital Ministry in 2025

Essential, Not Optional: Why Every Progressive Church Needs Digital Ministry in 2025

Jan 23, 2025 at 7:00 PM - Presented by Hudson River Presbytery

Digital ministry was not a bandaid for the pandemic but new muscles that churches must continue to stretch and develop, now more than ever. With the political shifts happening around us, progressive faith communities must have a digital expression in order to boldly proclaim a liberative perspective of faith, theology, and spirituality as well as to create spaces where people in need of a progressive faith community can find connection and belonging. This session will offer a theology of digital ministry, explore tips and best practices, and reflect on why digital ministry is no longer optional but an essential approach for all progressive churches.

Read more and register