Clarkstown Reformed Church
May 2021
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“The memory of the righteous is blessed…”
~ Proverbs 10:7
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In Memoriam
by
Rev. Rich Hasselbach, PhD, JD
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“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”
~ John 15:13
Memorial Day is traditionally the day America begins its summer; the nation celebrates with picnics, barbecues, and long weekend trips to the shore. It is a happy day when people kick back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful summer-like weather with friends and family. That's not how the day began, though, nor should hotdogs, beer, and burgers be what is foremost on our minds as we celebrate what started as a somber and sacred day of remembrance.
Originally on "Decoration Day," families went to the nation's cemeteries to plant flowers on the graves of those who gave their lives in the service of their country. Today, Memorial Day is an opportunity for us all to remember with gratitude those who sacrificed all so that we might experience the blessings of liberty.
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Father of all creation, we praise and thank you for the brave men and women who gave their lives to establish and preserve the blessings of liberty that we enjoy. May we never take that liberty for granted, or forget that You are its author. Give us the courage to continue their struggle against all enemies of freedom, both foreign or domestic.
You are the one who gives us the unalienable rights to live in security, to act with freedom, to pursue our own happiness as we choose, and to be secure in our property. We do not have these rights through the largesse of government - they are the gifts of your creative love.
Whenever those rights are assailed, You are assailed. Whenever those rights are compromised, your will is thwarted. And whenever those rights are taken away, you weep with your people.
We are your hands and your voice, for we are your people. Inspired by those who went before us, protect us from the temptation to sell our birthright; and give us the courage to be willing, in the struggles of our day, to risk all, lest we lose what is more than all.
Amen
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If you've been to the Fellowship Hall you've likely noticed the large painting hanging on the wall, but do you know its origin?
The portrait, titled "Christ, The Good Shepherd," was painted by Charles William Yeiser in 1961. He was the owner of two art galleries - FAR Gallery in NYC and Clarksville Gallery in West Nyack. He was also a talented singer and a World War II veteran.
The next time you are in the Fellowship Hall, take a moment to look at Yeiser's beautiful work!
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Now that the church has reopened, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved! We are looking for volunteers to help with the following:
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Coffee Hour Committee - Volunteers are needed to set up, break down, and to make or bring light refreshments for our post-worship coffee hour.
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Greeters - What better way to get connected than to welcome members and visitors as they enter our church! We are looking for greeters to help welcome everyone to Sunday worship.
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Bingo! - We are in the process of setting up weekly bingo nights in the Fellowship Hall. Volunteers are needed to serve as ball callers, cashiers, runners, and to work the concession booth. All volunteers must pass a background check to participate.
If you are interested in helping with any of these initiatives, please let us know at [email protected].
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FOR THE LEAST OF THESE
by
Rev. Annie Bovian
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Clarkstown Reformed Church is committed to helping those who are in need.
We are collecting toiletries for those individuals; women and men, who are newly released from jail or prison and are entering into programs to help themselves re-adjust to society. In addition to toiletries; shampoo, soap and deodorant, we are also collecting socks, all sizes for both male and female.
If you attend Church services we will have a drop box for all donations at each service.
If you are not able to attend please send all donations to:
Clarkstown Reformed Church
107 Strawtown Road
West Nyack, NY 10994
Att: Rev. Annie Bovian
Mission Ministry
Peace and Blessings!
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June 17 - Line Dancing
Break out your boots and get ready to boogie! Monthly line dancing parties are back, led by dance instructor Keri Marshall on the 3rd Thursday of every month from 7-10pm. Admission is $15.
July 11 - Psalm C Singers "COVID Release" Concert
Save the date for a concert presented by the Psalm C Singers and our Music Director, Susan Brown on Sunday, July 11th at 3pm in the sanctuary. Our singers will perform a selection of their favorite songs. The concert is free and open to the public, but donations to support our music program are greatly appreciated.
July 17 - Union Party (please note the change of date)
To celebrate the United Church of Spring Valley and Clarkstown Reformed Church officially united as one church, we are planning a unity celebration. All members are invited to join us for a Union Party on Saturday, July 17th. Invitations were mailed last week. Seating is limited, so kindly return the RSVP card no later than July 2nd. Formal/semi-formal attire suggested.
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How wonderful it is to worship together again! This month's featured song is "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" from our Mother's Day service. To hear more worship music, visit our YouTube channel HERE.
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We are excited to announce that Pastor Rich's weekly radio show, "Faith Unscripted," has been extended to a full hour each Tuesday morning at 10am! You can listen live within Rockland County by tuning your radio to AM 1700 or stream online at www.wrcr.com.
You can also catch the radio show and Pastor Rich's weekly message as a podcast. To subscribe, visit your favorite podcast platform and search for "The Pastor Rich Show." You can find the podcast on the following apps:
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How can we pray for you?
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have prayer requests, pastoral needs, or need assistance. You can reach the church office by phone at (845) 358-4320 and Pastor Rich can be reached at [email protected].
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SUPPORT CLARKSTOWN REFORMED CHURCH |
Thank you for being part of the CRC community! Our mission to spread the Word wouldn't be possible without your support. To make a gift to CRC, you can now set up one-time and recurring donations online through Tithe.ly. You may also make a contribution or tithe to our church by mail:
Clarkstown Reformed Church
107 Strawtown Road
West Nyack, NY 10994
Your generous gift will help us advance our ministry and better serve our congregation and community.
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