KOINONIA
January-February 2015
LUTHERA PARISH OF ORTHER DUTCHESS
PASTOR WILLIAM STARKWEATHER
A EW YEAR OF RESOLUTIO
AS I SIT TO WRITE out these thoughts, the New Year is fast approaching. In my family, we have had
a tradition of assigning themes for the coming year. For instance, one year the theme was “Keep Calm
and Carry On.” Another was “Well, It Has to Be Better than Last Year.” Honestly, I’m not entirely sure
what the theme of 2015 will be for our family, but I’ve been toying with a theme for our life together in
the parish: “Resolution.”
I know what you’re thinking, but no, I’m not talking about those “firm decisions to do or not do something.” We’ve all made New Year’s Resolutions - to eat better, to lose weight, to start exercising, to stop
smoking. Some of them go well, but if you’re like me and most other Americans, those firm decisions
get a little less solid every day until they’re virtually forgotten by February. No, my friends, I’m not talking about “New Year’s Resolutions.”
Photo courtesy of Neal
Silvernail.
What I had in mind was a New Year of Resolution. Of determination and boldness. Of faithful wrestling and risk-taking. You see,
like many of you, I’ve been watching the news recently, and I see the preponderance of bad news - the massive amount of pain and
fear in our world. And I’ve struggled with it. It’s made preaching during Advent a bit of a challenge, if I can be honest. But here’s
the thing: Christmas is a game-changer. We aren’t left in the darkness waiting and hoping in vain. Christ came into a world full of
pain and fear and it. changed. everything.
It changed everything because God chose to enter our world in a vulnerable way - as the child of an unwed teenage mother. Jesus
didn’t come with glory and power befitting the King of Kings. Rather, he took on flesh and dwelt among us. He experienced our
pain and our fears. He experienced our joys and our triumphs. And having entered our broken world with vulnerability, he gave his
life so that we who were broken and vulnerable might be made whole. He gave his life so that we might be given new life. And
Paul reminds us “God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.”
It changed everything because the light of the world entered into our darkness and was not overcome by it. And having been
claimed and called by God, we too are sent out to be lights amid the darkness. Just as we have been saved and made whole by the
one who took on our brokenness, we are to bear the brokenness of our neighbors, so that they too might come to know the One who
can make them whole. We have been called for a purpose, and Paul reminds us that “the one who began a good work among you
will bring it to completion.”
Which brings us back to resolution. As disciples of Jesus Christ, claimed and called for a purpose, clothed with a spirit of power
and love and self-discipline, we have work to do. Some of it we have begun. But with all the pain and fear that is present in our
world, it is more necessary than ever for us to be resolute in sharing the Gospel. We will need to take risks together, reaching our in
new ways and to new people, making room for those who don’t seem to belong, but who are nevertheless cherished by the One
who has called us. It will be hard work. It will be uncomfortable work. It may mean taking on new things. It may mean giving
some things up. But the one who began a good work among us will bring it to completion.
So friends, let us be resolute in this New Year. Christ has come and it has changed everything. Christ will come again, making all
things new. But in the meantime we have work to do, and we must be bold in sharing the Gospel with a world in need. That is my
New Year’s Resolution.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Will Starkweather
Parish Youth
Game ight Friday Jan. 16 @ Memorial 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Spaghetti Dinner on Feb. 7 @ Third 5:00 p.m. cooked and served by the
youth as a fund raiser and fellowship activity.
Snow Tubing at Hunter Mtn. on Saturday Feb. 28 meet @ St. Paul’s 10:30 a.m.
Members and friends of all ages are invited.
Watch e-mails and Bulletin Announcements for details.
UPDATE FROM CHRISTIA EDUCATIO
Greeting from Christian Education – We are half way through our year and have had wonderful attendance at all of our sessions…
and only one snow day so far. Thank you to the Joanne Plass and Patty Piaget who have stepped up to substitute in our classrooms.
It is that time of year again for our Epiphany Pageant. We are preparing now for this event and look forward to the joint session on
January 4th. We will follow the pageant with a field trip. The students and teachers will visit a local food bank and make a donation
of a portion of their weekly collection and Pastor Starkweather will educate them on Stewardship.
The structure of our regular classroom activity will shift its focus in second half of the year to the New Testament. All children are
welcome to come out and attend our lessons.—Yours in Christ, Brad Patton
Joint Worship Service
Epiphany Program—Youth Sunday
January 4, 9:45 a.m.
at
Third in Rhinebeck
Christian Ed./Youth will lead the worship service
and present an Epiphany Program during the service.
Come and support the children and teachers of the
Parish and stay for some food and fellowship following the service.
o Services at Memorial and St. Paul’s
Lenten Services and Events
Annual Congregational Meetings
Memorial
January 18
1:30pm
Third
January 25
Dedication of Lift, Brunch & Meeting
immediately following the worship service
St. Paul’s
February 1
Potluck lunch
immediately following the worship service
Koinonia
Shrove Tuesday Pancake & Sausage Supper
Feb. 17 at 6:00 p.m. @ Memorial
Ash Wednesday Soup & Sandwich Supper
Feb. 18 at 6:00 p.m. @ Third
Ash Wednesday Joint Services @ Third
10:00 a.m.
7:30 p.m.
Members of Third — cont act eal and Elaine Silvernai l
if you need a ride. 876-6769
Wednesday Evening Services
in Rhinebeck and Red Hook
details to be announced
Page 2, January-February, 2015
UPCOMIG PARISH-WIDE EVETS AD ACTIVITIES
Parish
Men's Breakfast - Saturday 8 a.m. at Memorial: Food, fellowship and a message by Pastor Will.
Christian Ed, including Confirmation – Wednesday 6:00 – 7:15 p.m. @ Third.
Contact Brad Patton 889-4437 or Pastor Will @ 853-0640
Adult Bible Study – Wednesday Noon at Third
Adult Bible Study – Thursday 6:30 p.m. @ St. Paul’s
Youth Group – Parish Youth and friends. Watch for Bulletin announcements and emails.
Contact Ben Recchia 663-6086 or Jordan Thomson 337-2926
Drum Ensemble – Watch for Bulletin announcements and e-mails for the next activity:
Contact Cara Silvernail-Thomson 758-1629
Death & Donuts – 1st Wednesday 2:00 p.m. @ Third. An open conversation about end of life issues. Watch for announcements
for special topics and guest presenters.
Dinner Church – 4th Friday 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. January, February & March at St. Paul’s
Jan. 3: Dress Rehearsal Christian Ed./Youth Epiphany Program 1 p.m. @ Third
followed by food and
Jan 4: Christian Ed./Youth Epiphany Program during 9:45 a.m. Joint Worship Service @ Third
fellowship. o services at Memorial and St. Paul’s.
Jan 7: Death & Donuts – 2:00 p.m. @ Third. Presenter from Hospice. Parish & public invited.
Jan 13: Parish Council Meeting 7:00 p.m. @ Memorial
Jan 16: Game ight – 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. @ Memorial
Jan. 18: Ryan Starkweather’s 1st birthday celebration 3:00pm @ Third. We would be blessed by your presence at this special
opportunity for fellowship and celebration. Please, no gifts.
Jan 20: Joint Session of Councils: All 3 Councils meet jointly/separately 7:00 p.m. @ Memorial
Jan 23: Dinner Church – 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. @ St. Paul’s
Feb 7: Youth Spaghetti Dinner 5:00 p.m. @ Third
Feb. 16: ewsletter Deadline - send articles to Karla Cook at [email protected]
Feb 17: Shrove Tuesday Pancake and Sausage Supper 6:00 p.m. @ Memorial Parish invited.
Feb. 17: Joint Session of Councils: All 3 Councils meet jointly/separately 7:00 p.m. @ Memorial
Feb 18: Ash Wednesday Joint Services 10:00 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. @ Third
Feb 18: Ash Wednesday Soup & Sandwich Supper 6:00 p.m. @ Third Parish invited.
Feb 28: Snowtubing – Youth and the young at heart of all ages. Meet 10:30 a.m. @ St. Paul’s to car pool to Hunter.
Memorial
Coffee Hour after service – last Sunday
Council Meeting (Joint/Concurrent) - 3rd Tuesday (Jan. 20 & Feb. 17) 7:00 p.m. See Parish section.
Jan. 4: Christian Ed./Youth Epiphany Program during 9:45 a.m. Joint Worship Service @ Third followed by food and fellowship. o services at Memorial and St. Paul’s
Jan. 18: Annual Congregational Meeting @ 1:30 p.m.
Jan. 25: Council Installation during worship service
Feb 17: Shrove Tuesday Pancake & Sausage Supper 6:00 p.m.
Third
Coffee Hour after service – 1st Sunday
Choir practice – Sunday 8:15 a.m.
Prayer Shawl Ministry - Wednesday 10 – Noon Contact Bonnie Reyero 876-0782.
Death & Donuts – 1st Wednesday 2:00 p.m. An open conversation about end of life issues. Watch for announcements for special
topics and guest presenters.
Community Clothes Closet 3rd Friday: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Contact Bonnie 337-1590.
Worship & Music Committee Meeting – 1st Tuesday @ 4:00 p.m.
Council Meeting (Joint/Concurrent) - 3rd Tuesday (Jan. 20 & Feb. 17) 7:00 p.m. See Parish section.
Jan. 4: Christian Ed./Youth Epiphany Program during 9:45 a.m. Joint Worship Service followed by food and fellowship. o
services at Memorial and St. Paul’s
Jan 7: Death & Donuts – 2:00 p.m. Presenter from Hospice
Jan. 11: Annual reports are due to Office
Jan. 18: Annual Reports are available after the worship service
Jan 25: Dedication of new lift and addition immediately following the worship service
Jan 25: Annual Congregational Meeting with Brunch immediately following the Lift dedication
Feb. 1: Council Installation during worship service
Feb 18: Ash Wednesday Joint Services 10:00 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
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Page 3, January-February 2015
Feb 18: Ash Wednesday Soup & Sandwich Supper 6:00 p.m.
St. Paul’s
Coffee Hour after service – as announced
Council Meeting (Joint/Concurrent) - 3rd Tuesday (Jan. 20 & Feb. 17) 7:00 p.m. See Parish section.
Jan. 4: Christian Ed./Youth Epiphany Program during 9:45 a.m. Joint Worship Service @ Third followed by food and
fellowship. o services at Memorial and St. Paul’s
Jan 11: 300th Anniversary Kick-off and welcome new members during worship service
Jan. 11: Annual reports are due
Jan 17: German Dinner @ St. Paul’s to celebrate the new kitchen time TBA
Jan. 25: Annual Reports are available after the worship service
Feb 1: Annual Congregational Meeting with Potluck immediately following the service
Feb. 8: Council Installation during worship service
For more information see other articles in this ewsletter, watch for Bulletin Announcements and Inserts, visit https://www.
facebook.com/LutheranParishNorthernDutchess or www.LutheranParishNorthernDutchess.org, or contact Monica C.
Gabryszewski at 914-475-6613 or [email protected].
Free Children’s Community Clothes Closet
Aka “Carol’s Clothes Closet
Every Third Friday
930 – 1130a.m.
(or call for an appointment)
Third Lutheran Church
31 Livingston Street in Rhinebeck
845-876-4471
All are Welcome!
Donations accepted: Call Bonnie 845-337-1590 or Kathy 518-672-7688
Sorry! We are unable to accept adult clothing.
The clothes closet at Third is in dire need of winter clothes for both girls
and boys, sizes 5 to 10. It seems the need is coming faster than the clothes
we have available.
DID YOU KOW: CREED
You’ve probably noticed that every week in worship, typically right after the Hymn of the Day, we speak some words
called a “creed.” We tend to alternate back and forth between two different versions, one called the Apostles’ Creed, and
one called the Nicene Creed. But have you ever wondered why we profess a creed together, or why we use these two in particular? I hope so, because today we’re talking about the Creeds.
We get the word “creed” from the Latin word credo, which means “I believe.” A creed, then, is a statement of belief. Such
statements are not exclusive to Christian, or even religious contexts; however, in the Church, a creed stands as a systemic
examination of the faith we profess. The Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed are both ancient statements, tracing their
roots back to the 300s AD. While tradition holds that the Apostles’ Creed came first (and certainly seems to have influenced
the format of the Nicene Creed), the earliest reference to the Apostles’ Creed comes after the codification of the Nicene
Creed.
Tradition traces the Apostles’ Creed back to the twelve whom Jesus sent out. This tradition divides the Creed into twelve
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Page 4, January-February 2015
individual statements of faith and holds that each one of the apostles contributed one statement. While there is no solid
evidence to support this story, this creed (or an earlier form of it known as the “Old Roman Symbol”) seems to have been
widely known in the early days of the Church, and it was likely in written form by the late second century AD. The first
known reference to it comes in a letter written by St. Ambrose, the Bishop of Milan, around 390 AD.
The Nicene Creed has its origins in a council held in the city of Nicaea in 325AD. It was amended in 381 at a council in
Constantinople in light of a controversy regarding some of the wording, to clarify the second article regarding Jesus, and
to expand the third article regarding the Holy Spirit. The Nicene Creed is the most widely accepted creed across denominations throughout the world.
But why do we recite these words of faith each week? Strictly speaking, the creed is not one of the “central elements” of
the liturgy - our worship could maintain its integrity without having any formal creedal statement. However, we still regard these words as important, and we do include them in our worship. In our parish, we tend to use the Nicene Creed on
festival days and in certain seasons of the Church year, while the Apostles’ Creed is used in other less festive (though no
less important) seasons. Because of the wide acceptance ecumenically of these two Creeds, we know that when we profess
our faith using these words, we are joining millions of other Christians worldwide in lifting up our voices to declare our
faith. To use one of these creeds is to affirm not only our belief, but also our unity with other believers. Likewise, because
of the rich history of these ancient words, we are united with believers not only around the world, but throughout time as
well.
There are, of course, other statements of faith that have been in use. Some, like the Athanasian Creed, are quite long and
structured, while others are less formal. Some congregations have even undertaken the task of writing a creed that fits their
own context. What would you find important to include in a statement of faith if you were writing a Creed?
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Will Starkweather
PARISH COUCIL PRESIDET’S MESSAGE
In this Christmas season and as we enter our 6th year as the Lutheran Parish of Northern Dutchess we should remember that we are three congregations, but One Body united by Christ. We have grown spiritually and with new members.
We have grown closer; working together in harmony as one.
The Parish Council met many times to discuss the mission of our Parish. These discussions led to the creation of a
Mission Statement for the Lutheran Parish of Northern Dutchess. That Mission Statement is: “United by the Gospel of
Jesus Christ, we are three congregations who together promote abundant life for all people through the collective use of
our time, talents, and treasures.” Read this Mission Statement several times, think and pray about how you can be a part
of enacting this mission.
There are some new opportunities that were discussed at Parish Council.
We would like to establish a Parish Social Ministry committee. Are you interested in helping people in need; spiritually, physically, emotionally, prayerfully? We are looking for people to be on this committee who will investigate how
the Parish can help people in our community, be that close by or around the world.
Are you interested in being a Eucharist Minister who would visit with homebound members of the Parish and offer
them communion? Training would be provided by Pastor Will of course. Pastor visits homebound members now, but
imagine if you were homebound wouldn’t it be nice to have a member visit you as well? I bet it would make you feel like
your Parish is concerned about you, and not just your Pastor.
Dinner Church – many of you experienced this new/old way of worship. Some found it interesting, others maybe not.
We offered this worship three times to Parish members and the Parish Council has decided to broaden our reach outside
the Parish. Another Dinner Church will be offered on Friday, January 23, 2015 at St. Paul’s. This is a possible new ministry for the Parish. We are looking for members to assist with organizing this Dinner Church. Are you that person?
Speak to Pastor Will, Carl Dowden or Joanne Plass if you would like to get involved in this ministry.
We would like to organize food collections to benefit food pantries in Red Hook and Rhinebeck that our brothers and
sisters operate in other congregations. Interested in helping?
On Sunday, January 4, 2015 at Third Lutheran we will gather as One Body in one place for Youth Sunday and our
Epiphany Pageant presented by our church school. I encourage everyone to attend this worship service. Third’s improved
access project will be completed and the new platform lift will be functional.
Thank you for your contribution to the success of our Parish during these past five years and for your continued contribution in the future.
Carl Dowden,
President
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MESSAGE FROM MEMORIAL LUTHERA CHURCH
Hello from Memorial Lutheran Church,
It is the season of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany and we at Memorial are grateful to be part of the Lutheran Parish of Northern Dutchess.
Memorial is blessed to have a facility we can all use for our Christian mission. Last year the Christian Educational program was
held in our social hall and this year the Parish youth group hosted a game night there on November 8th at 5 pm to which everyone
was invited. We hosted a successful dinner church in September and have planned another one on for October 25th. Thank-you to all
the hard working members of the Parish who put their time and talents to good use.
Men’s breakfast is held every Saturday morning in the social hall beginning at 8 A.M. Bring a friend, bring your appetite for
good food and good fellowship, you won’t go away hungry.
On October 16th, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church held a beautiful service for Pastor Don Hoger, Thank-you. I miss him already.
I know it wasn’t always easy for Pastor Hoger. From holding church service in a fly- infested Grange hall in the early 1970s, to
the Moose Club and then various churches until we built a permanent home for St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church on Route 9G in Hyde
Park. He also had a second job at Radio Shack. I wonder if anyone ever said he should have known better.
I know another hard working pastor who has a young family and three churches he ministers to. I wonder if anyone told him he
should have known better.
I know Christ died on the cross for our sins. I’m sure there were people there to say he should have known better. I am glad they
all knew better and I pray someday, I will know better, too.
Sincerely, Fred Novak
MESSAGE FROM ST. PAUL’S LUTHERA CHURCH
As the year concludes the Advent season hearkens a hopeful, joyful new year. The past year has been one of coming together as a
Parish and learning of all the many gifts and talents we have been given and shared. We are all fortunate to be among those who
benefit from being a member of the Lutheran Parish of Northern Dutchess.
We here at St. Paul's have a busy year ahead. We will be kicking of a year long celebration of our 300th year anniversary as a congregation on January 11th with a service celebrating the newest members of our congregation as six perhaps eight new members join
our family.
The following Saturday on the 17th we will be gathering together with a festive German themed dinner at our Parrish hall to celebrate our newly restored kitchen and give thanks to God and to Trudy for their generous gifts.
We are just getting started so stay tuned for all the details and opportunities to share our many gifts and talents as we joyfully gather
together throughout the new year of our Lord 2015.
Your humble servant and brother in Christ, Stephen Bucala
ST. PAUL’S AIVERSARY EWS
The kickoff celebration for St. Paul’s 300th anniversary year will be Sunday, January 11, 2015. Pastor Will will lead the service and
there will be a reception for new members that day. The committee hopes you will join us in welcoming these new members.-- Lolly
Humphrey, Committee Chairman
AUAL REPORTS
Our annual congregational meeting will be after church on February 1st. All annual reports need to be submitted by January 11th.
Please submit them to Mary Lou Williams by email at [email protected] or snail mail to 53 Sunrise Dr., Red Hook, NY 12571,
or better yet when you see her at church.
Thank you all for your service and consideration, Stephen Bucala
Parish is Invited
Koinonia
D e ath & D on u ts
D in n er C hu rc h
Jan uar y 7
Jan u ary 23
2:00 p m
6:00 p m
at
at
T hi rd in Rh in eb ec k
St. P aul ’s i n R ed Hook
P resent er from H ospice
T h e n ew “o ld” w orsh ip sty le.
Son g, w ord, w orsh ip, and fello w ship ov er a
full meal p rep ared b y th e p articip ants .
Page 6, January-February 2015
THOUGHTS FROM THE PRESIDET @ THIRD
Construction on the Improved Access Project is drawing to a close. As I write this the lift is being installed, the walls are being
painted, the rug is being installed and the trim is starting to go up. The dedication is being planned in conjunction with the Annual
Congregational meeting on January 25 immediately following the worship service. This is indeed an occasion for celebration as this
long awaited access improvement to our facilities nears completion.
Thank you to all who filled in and submitted their pledge cards and Time and Talent surveys. Our stewardship begins and is reinforced by our commitment to regular participation in worship services. As we look forward to the new year and the annual ritual of
renewal, perhaps it is time to make a personal commitment to increase worship participation. Throughout the year there are many
specific opportunities to participate in the life of the congregation and parish. Consider making a personal commitment to increase
participation in these activities. From time to time, the leadership of Third and the Parish will reach out for support of various ministries, both old and new. Consider stepping up in support of congregational and parish leaders as they seek to grow ministries, bring
the Gospel to the street, and the street to Word and Sacrament.
Dinner Church is one of these new ministries. The Parish Council is forming a committee to spearhead this alternative form of
worship. The goal is to reach the un- or under-churched who may not be moved by the regular Sunday morning worship style, while
at the same time providing an alternative to current members who may be interested in trying something different. There have been
three services so far and the Council is ready to extend an invitation to the members of the community to participate. The first such
service will be held on Friday January 23 from 6:00-8:00p.m. at St. Paul’s. I encourage members of Third to participate in this service as part of the core group as this concept is offered as an alternative service to the public. This core group of participants is a
critical element in providing a meaningful experience to newcomers. Contact Pastor Will if you are interested in participating on the
committee, or simply attend the next service.
See other parts of this Newsletter for other opportunities to participate in the many activities, ministries and to support the needs
of Third and the Parish.
God Bless,
Monica C. Gabryszewski
Third Council President 914-475-6613 [email protected]
From: Todd Poteet, Director of The Art Institute, Regarding a eedy Mother of Five
I just wanted to send along a hardy and humble THANK YOU for the generous gifts of clothing and bedding for one of our very
needy families. It’s so hard to see so many young kids suffering and dealing with these issues. Your generosity has eased their difficult lives and brought such joy to their hearts. The mother cried with over-whelmed emotion when we presented her with your gifts.
Thank you.
--------And again-------Thank you again for all you have done to help these very needy families. Its sad to think such poverty exists in
our country, in our county. The love of our Lord is shown when people take time and effort to put others before themselves like you
did. Thank you
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MIISTRY HIGHLIGHT - EUCHARISTIC/VISITATIO MIISTRY
As we begin the new year, I’d like to add a new piece to the Koinonia. I want to take a few moments in each edition to highlight a
ministry that is happening, or is being developed, in our parish. These “Ministry Highlights” are a chance to recognize the importance of your work as the Body of Christ and to explore some ways that you can (and may already) be involved in the life and work
of the Lutheran Parish of Northern Dutchess. In this edition, we’ll explore the important role of Eucharistic Ministers.
Each week, we gather together in worship to confess our sins and be assured of our forgiveness, to hear the Word of God proclaimed, and to receive the Body and Blood of Christ in Holy Communion. But what about our homebound members and friends those who cannot be present with us on Sunday morning? One of the wonderful joys of being a pastor is the blessing of visiting
with our homebound members and friends, providing pastoral care, enjoying fellowship, and sharing the Eucharist. It is an honor to
be invited into your homes and lives, to share your time and your company. It is a wonderful ministry, and one I would like to invite
our members to share in. There are three reasons for this:
The first is an experience I had during internship. Once, a woman I had been visiting asked why it was always me that came to see
her. “Don’t get me wrong, Vicar,” she told me, “I enjoy your visits. But sometimes I wish I would hear from more of my friends
from church. Sometimes I wonder if they remember me.” It’s wonderful to have a visit from your pastor, but it’s just as important
to have a connection with other members of the Body of Christ as well.
The second is a practical matter. As much as I do enjoy visiting with folks, it is only one part of my job - one that I wish I had more
time for. Each and every one of you is truly important to me, and I constantly remember you all in my prayers. However, all too
often I realize that my calendar fills up more quickly than I’d like, and I deeply regret when people feel forgotten. Having Eucharistic ministers from our parish is not intended to replace my visits, but rather to supplement them, making sure that every member is
cared for even when the other demands of ministry are heavier.
Finally, I make this invitation because of the great joy I do get from this wonderful work. There is so much joy in being with the
Body of Christ; hearing your stories, sharing your joys, and praying for your hurts. It is a joy that is too good to keep to myself.
Some of you have already identified that you would be interested in serving as Eucharistic ministers, bringing communion to our
homebound members and spending time with them. I’d like to invite others to do the same. I’ll be having a training for anybody
interested in this ministry early in the New Year, to walk through what Eucharistic Ministry entails, and answer any questions you
might have. If you would like to be involved, but aren’t sure how you feel about bringing communion, come join the conversation your time and a friendly attitude could be a wonderful blessing to our homebound members and friends.
Thank you for your work and your witness. It is a joy to serve you, and I am thankful for the many ways you are being the Body of
Christ.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Will Starkweather
SIPPETS FROM THE RED HOOK JOURAL
Red Hook, .Y.
1914
The Rev. George E. Hipsley has gone to Baltimore on his vacation and the Lutheran Church will be closed for the next three Sundays. He will return to preach on Sunday, Nov. 1st.
Tuesday evening, Oct. 20th, an entertainment will be given in the Lutheran Chapel by the 6th Group of the ladies of that church. A
large part of the program will consist of drills, recitations and the like by children under instruction of Miss Rider, Mrs. Farrington
(nee Isabella Scudder), from New York, will sing as we hope the Red Hook Orchestra will give some music. Admittance will be
twenty cents for adults and ten cents for children. After the entertainment ice cream and a piece of cake will be given for ten cents.
The proceeds will be for the organ fund of the church.
Transcribed by Maynard Ham, Red Hook, N.Y.
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BUILDIG O FOUDATIOS OF FAITH
By Molly Starkweather
When Will and I celebrated our first Easter as a married couple, nobody at the church where Will was working invited us to their
house for Easter, because each member thought that a different member had invited. We drove the hour from church to home, trying
to think of what places might be open that did not take reservations for Easter. When we got home, there was an old Chinese restaurant menu in one of the drawers in the kitchen, so we called them up, and sure enough they were open. We changed into our buffetfriendly clothes (come on, we all have them) and proceeded to one of the most delightful meals in our marriage.
The next year, when we were at a new church and had gotten several invitations from different families, we decided to politely decline and go to that same Chinese restaurant. For one thing, we had been up till the wee hours at an Easter vigil and pie and wine social following. For another thing, we really enjoyed that idea of going back to the same restaurant we had gone to our very first
Easter as spouses. We were establishing a tradition for our new family of two, and it meant so much to us to sit down again in comfy
clothes and talk about all that we had observed at Easter service. Soon we would establish the same tradition for Christmas, especially after a long Christmas Eve together. Every year, we order Chinese food and we watch Christmas specials and video chat with
relatives. It’s a nice tradition.
I feel very proud of the tradition we established for ourselves by creating a space for just the two (and now three) of us. It feels good
to know that there is some time away from the hustle and bustle just to be a family, especially this year. But when a friend of ours
said she would not be going home for Christmas and would instead be working a late retail shift to help make a car payment, we
knew that tradition had to change. This Christmas, instead of being a family of three, we will be a family of four. The tradition has to
change to make room for more. Angela is probably going to want to do some things differently, like maybe play a different game or
even choose different food to eat. Any of those changes are going to take a little adjustment, but Will and I were going to have to adjust our expectations of Christmas, anyway, since we have Ryan now. We were already going to have to change the tradition to make
room for more.
Brothers and sisters, what are we doing to change traditions to open our door for more? We want to innovate, add new dimensions to
ourselves, welcoming more and more. Perhaps a new evening contemporary worship service or a weekly dinner church would offer
something innovative to the community. While these expansions are excellent ideas that have shown lots of promise, there are also
great innovations happening within the services and ministries we already offer. Whatever we choose to combine our efforts to offer,
let us continue this wonderful work of changing tradition to make room for more!
Koinonia
Page9, January-February 2015
KOINONIA
LUTHERA PARISH OF ORTHER DUTCHESS
PASTOR WILLIAM STARKWEATHER
Postmaster: Send returns to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 7412 South Broaday,
Red Hook, Y 12571
Newsletter Editor: Karla R. Cook
Contributors: Fred Novak, (Memorial); Monica Gabryszewski, Carl Dowden
(Third); Bradley Patton, Stephen Bucala, Lolly Humphreys (St. Paul’s),
& Pastor William & Mrs. Molly Starkweather ([email protected])
http://www.lutheranparishnortherndutchess.org/
Dated Material Address Correction Requested
THE SEASOS OF CHRISTMAS, EPHIPHAY & LET
Joint Worship Service
Epiphany Program—Youth Sunday
January 4, 9:45 a.m.
at
Parish Council President: Carl Dowden
Memorial Lutheran, Rock City, Council
President: Fred Novak
Sunday Holy Communion 8:30 am
Third in Rhinebeck
Christian Ed./Youth will lead the worship service and present an
Epiphany Program during the service. Come and support the children
and teachers of the Parish and stay for some food and fellowship following the service.
o Services at Memorial and St. Paul’s
Third Lutheran, Rhinebeck,
Church Council President:
Monica C. Gabryszewski
Sunday Holy Communion 9:45 am
Shrove Tuesday Pancake & Sausage Supper
Feb. 17 at 6:00 p.m. @ Memorial
Ash Wednesday Soup & Sandwich Supper
Feb. 18 at 6:00 p.m. @ Third
Ash Wednesday Joint Services @ Third
10:00 a.m.
7:30 p.m.
Pastor William Starkweather
Members of Third — contact eal and Elaine Silvernail
if you need a ride. 876-6769
St. Paul’s Lutheran, Red Hook, Council
President: Steven Bucala
Sunday Holy Communion 11:00 am
Wednesday Evening Services
in Rhinebeck and Red Hook
details to be announced