24 Circular Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

by Rev. Kate Forer

The Greek philosopher Heraclitus once said, “No man ever steps in the same river twice, for its not the same river and he is not the same man.” I think the same is true of the Church – on any given Sunday (not to mention day of the week), it’s made up of different people. Who we were two years ago in the thick of COVID is not the same as who we were 9 years ago when Jay Ekman retired. Nor are we the same today as we will be tomorrow. People come and go. New members are joining. Others decide the church is no longer for them, and move on. This is just one of the many things pastors need to be sensitive to. When we talk about “the Church” which one do we mean? The Church before COVID or after? The Church as it was or the church as it will be? Like any congregation, we hold on to our memories but we are wary not to worship them or else we will become a place of the past rather than the future. Several people have joked that the actual best name for our church is “The Church of What’s Happening Now.”

When we look around at “what’s happening now” it’s easy to see a lot of despair in the larger world and particularly in the direction of our country: racist ideology that leads to mass shooting, ridiculous access to firearms that leads to the death of 10 year olds, not to mention the ways in which we as Americans seem to fight about everything – from climate change to mask wearing to vaccines to abortion. And so who are we in response to all the “happenings”?

This is a question I, as your pastor, cannot answer by myself because I am not the Church. WE are the church. And so I ask you to step back into that river and show up. Be the church. Be community. Be the love we need so much in the world. We are creating something new that will emerge into an unknown future and we need to do it together. I hope to see you soon!

Blessings,

Skidmore American History professor Jennifer Delton will talk about "Reimagining American History" with respect to efforts to be more inclusionary when it comes to gender or race and talking about our historical narrative. Cost per person is $15. If you don't think you are already on the call list, reach out to Chuck at Chuck@PNECChurch.org.

State Assemblyperson Carrie Woerner will bring us up to date on the important issues the state is addressing. Breakfast is $10. Contact Chuck@PNECChurch.org to reserve your spot or to submit your questions for Woerner in advance. 

Please join us ANY Wednesday between 4-6 pm and/or Sundays from 1-3pm. NO Garden experience needed!

Be a part of this ministry of providing nutritious, organic produce for the Track Backstretch families & make some new friends along the way. We look forward to welcoming you.

Sign up for the church picnic so we have an idea how many we are cooking for! If you haven't already, please RSVP so we have an idea of how many we're cooking for. Click here to sign up.  In the comment section please indicate if you're bringing a side dish or dessert to share. If you'd like to help with grilling or have questions, contact Elizabeth Meehan.

Don't know your plans? You are still welcome to join us at the last minute!

The Personnel Committee has selected Rev. Peter Carman to serve as our pastor during Pastor Kate's sabbatical beginning in August.

Carman will serve our church August, September and October.

The Krumal committee would like to advise all interested parties of a role our church plays in administering The Krumal Higher Education Memorial Fund, established by the late Jim Krumal. The committee has traditionally granted non-interest bearing loans to qualified candidates for college, post-graduate education and trade school programs. Most loans have been in the pursuit of a (4) year Bachelor’s degree with repayment to be made over a (10) year period and allowing a (1) year grace period after completion of one’s program.

There is a formal application process for each loan request. Applications are accepted and acted upon continuously ….. Not just at the beginning of each school year.

You can contact Jim MacNeill (chairperson) or the church office to obtain a copy of the application and general info or if you have any questions.

You may pay your pledge by mail (PO Box 582, Saratoga Springs) or click the donate button on our website.