PARSON TO PERSON “Grandson Spirituality’

We recently had our 1^st dose of ‘grandparents delight’ – taking care of a grandchild.  Kai was with us for 11 days.  We had a wonderful time.  Each day was an adventure and several of his habits reminded me of some basic spiritual truths.  I share just 5 of them:

1. Finger Touch – We’ve had a special greeting almost from birth.  When we see each other, we hold out one finger and touch our fingers.  Every time it happens it reminds me of the power of touch: a handshake, pat on the back, arm around the shoulder, a hug, wiping away a tear, just holding hands.  How many times, in simple ordinary ways, often through the physical touch of another, does God touch our lives each day?

2. Cuddle Time – Each morning the 1^st thing Kai wanted was to cuddle with one of us in the blue rocking chair.  He’d crawl into our lap, wrap himself up in a little ball, nestle in against our chest, and we’d sing or talk or just rock.  What precious moments.  10 or 15 minutes later he was ready for breakfast and the new day.  How we need our ‘cuddle time’ with God, precious moments spent in His word or in prayer.  How many times haven’t the harsh realities of the life caused us to want to cuddle ourselves in the love of God?

3. Favorite Song – Kai’s favorite song is You’re A Grand Old Flag. . .he had it memorized, and if he sang in once, he sang it 15 times a day.  It reminded me of the importance memory.  How we need to remember the times God has been there for us.  How we need to memorize Bible verses or the words of hymns so that we’ll have spiritual ammunition ready at hand to withstand the onslaughts of life.

4. Sense of Adventure – Each day we tried to do something new and different with him – and he seemed to relish everyone of them.  Watching him having so much fun reminded me of the words of Scripture: ‘This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.’  Jesus’ words also came to mind: ‘I have come that you might have life, and have it in abundance.’  Let us never lose our sense of adventure with daily life.

5. “I Love You’ – Many times during those 11 days, Kai would blurt out (without any prompting) those 3 precious little words ‘I Love You.’  Words that melt the heart and remind you of what is really important in life.  The Bible is God’s love letter to us, where on its pages He says to us over and over: “I love you”.

June and I are so grateful that Kai’s parents entrusted this little guy to our care.  We had a wonderful time with him and look forward to the next time we get a call to baby-sit.  Kai was my living daily devotional, reminding me of the words of Mark 10:15: “I assure you that whoever does not receive the kingdom like a child will never enter it”.                           Pastor Bob

Worship in July:

 This month Pastor Bob will be presenting a mini-series of messages on the theme:   Handling Life’s Contradictions

July 6^th:   Eighth Sunday after Pentecost/Communion

                Scripture:  Isaiah 11:1-9

                Message:  “Handling Life’s Contradictions-I”

July 13^th:  Ninth Sunday after Pentecost/Communion

                 Scripture: Galatians 2:17-21

                   Message:  “Handling Life’s Contradictions-II”          

July 20^th:   Tenth Sunday after Pentecost/Communion

                  Scripture: Philippians 1:6; 2:12-18

                   Message:  “Handling Life’s Contradictions-III”         

July 27^th:   Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost/Communion

                  Scripture: John 11:20-27; 12:20-26

                    Message:  “Handling Life’s Contradictions-III”

YOUR STICKERS A HIT IN CHINA

     Your mailing label return address stickers have been going to China for several months as well as Ireland and here. Linda Kent writes from Beijing:

     “I received three envelopes of stickers today.  A good friend, Judy’s parent’s home was destroyed in the quake.  Mom came north to stay with Judy, but her father is an official and is still working in town.  The stickers will be going to Judy’s dad, who will see that the kids in at least that earthquake town get a little treat.

     “The stickers have been well-received and sought after not only by Alice and her friends but quite a few university students as well.  They’ve been a big hit!

     “Also the Red Lantern Lunar New Year stamps:  I passed 25 of them to my hard-working writing class as a kind of diploma.  When I explained, ‘So here are some American stamps with Chinese writing celebrating Lunar New Year,’ a great cheer went up.”

     Linda returned from China a couple of weeks ago.  She has been teaching English at a Beijing University. 

     Rebecca’s daughter, Liz, is in Botswana with a youth group working program.

Mary Kent

COLUMBARIUM UPDATED:

            The Columbarium Committee met June 16^th and reviewed matters pertaining to the necessary forms, that will be needed, as well as prices.

            Next meeting is July 8^th.  We will go over stone and materials and finalize forms and prices.

                                                                                         More to follow,

                                                                           Columbarium Committee

Classis Dues Plea

            This past November, at our annual congregational meeting, it was decided that classis dues would be paid in part by asking membership of the church to contribute $82.70 per member rather than to take the money from current income or from reserved savings.  At this time approximately 46 of you generously responded to this approach.  And we thank you!  The assessed fee is paid quarterly to classis by our treasurer but can be paid in smaller amounts by you throughout the year [just designate it as ‘classis dues’].  If you have not yet made a contribution toward this expense, and feel you could, this is gentle reminder that it’s not too late.  We thank you for anything you can do to help us with this. 

From the Finance Committee    

2008 Operating Budget

            On the following page is the status of the Church’s operating budget as of the end of May.  The percentage should be 42%.  As you can see our income is at 38% and our expense is at 37% to date.  In June we will have approximately a $6900 classis quarterly payment.  This will impact our expense percentage past the income percentage.  As you can see your financial support is necessary.

From the Finance Committee

CHURCH 2008 OPERATING BUDGET

Search Committee Report for June

We were able to meet with two candidates this month for in-depth interviews.  At this writing, one was invited to preach at a local church for us to further evaluate.  Because of the deadline date for this Spire, we are not able to provide you with any further information at this time.  We are working very hard to bring this search to a satisfactory conclusion for our church.  Please continue to keep this process in your prayers both for us and for the candidates.  Thank you.

Stone House Day    July 12, 2008

We have an added attraction this year.  The C. Kool house will be open for the first time in recent memory.  Formally owned by town historian Olive Clearwater the house has new owners, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Scoggins.  This is expected to be a very interesting tour as the house is mid-way through a renovation and the early architecture may be observed. 

Chef Russ Glass has new entries for the cafeteria menu.  A pulled chicken sandwich and chef salad have been added to the list of lunch favorites.

 The Stone House Players will reprise Sojourner Truths famous "Ain't I a Woman" speech. There will be three performances. Deborah Zuill as Sojourner will speak to women's rights in the 1850's.  

It will be an interesting day with walking and bus tours of historic houses, Indian and militia re-enactors, crafts, colonial music, organ recitals and the Hurley Heritage Society Museum.  So bring the family and friends to enjoy the day. 

 FAVORITE HYMN SURVEY RESULTS

♫   The results of our favorite hymn survey are listed below.  The number indicates how many votes the hymn received.  Thought you might enjoy seeing what we as a congregation like to sing.  We’ll be singing some of them from time to tome in our worship.  ♫

PROPERTY AND MAINTENANCE:

PAINT, PARKING, AND POWER

Paint:   Kevin Hill volunteered to scrape and paint the black iron railings in front of the church.  Kevin squeezed through the bushes to get the job done and the railings look great!  Thanks to Kevin and his helper Bryan Hill.

 Parking:  You may have noticed the "NO PARKING" signs painted on the drive along Schadewald Hall.  Many groups that use the church, park along the hall which is a hazard if ever vehicles need to get to the church.  Many thanks, to our resident artist, Jim Craven, for creating the sign and painting the driveway.

Power:  We had an inspection from the Fire Marshal at the end of May.  As a result we need to get our exit lights over the doors fixed. We have contacted an electrician who will update the exit sign lights. He'll also look into improving the lighting in the choir loft.   We also need to install ceilings in the bathrooms as a result of the fire inspection and will be making plans to get that done.  Before the inspection two new ceiling lights were installed in the Sunday School Office (Sherm's office). Thanks to David Giles for helping out with that!
                                                                                      That's it for now,

                                                                                          Joe and Gretchen

Relay for Life

The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life was held on 5/31 at Dietz Stadium. Even though it rained during the opening ceremonies and a big storm came in during the event and we were in a new spot this year our team – Hurley Helping Hands – came out & showed support for this great event!!  Our team was able to raise $3,716.11.

Thank you to everyone for their support & help, in making our team the 2^nd highest in donations. Way to go!! See you next year!!

                                                                   Katie Emrich

Consistory Corner

• Your response to the needs of Rev's family in Parkersburg, Iowa was a true indication for the love we all have for the Stickley family.  Please keep in mind that the June Mission Envelopes will also be sent to the Stickley families, so let's keep the help coming.
• Cell Tower Contract is under re-negotiation and our monthly income will decrease slightly. We are playing hardball with them and will get the best contract possible.
• We are well underway in updating the Church By-Laws in preparation for a new minister. Thanks Frank for your work on this.
• Directory! We are putting the pressure on Olan Mills, to clear up many debacles in this process, and hope to have good news soon. 
• Consistory voted to purchase a new air conditioner for the Dutch Room.

********************************************************

CHALKBOARD NOTES FROM THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE

            On behalf of our church family, the Education Committee and Consistory offer a big thank you to all of our Sunday School teachers!  These dedicated women have spent countless hours preparing lessons, games, and projects to teach our children about God’s love and salvation.  We recognized them and gave them gifts on Children’s Sunday, but they deserve all our thanks every week for the important work they do.

            We also thank all of the children, and their parents, who participated in Sunday School this past year.  We pray that it has been an enriching and rewarding time, and that you’re already looking forward to next year.

            On a more mundane note, the Sunday School recently got a new television and combination DVD/VCR, to replace the old VCR which finally broke.  This means that the old television is available for anyone who wants it, on a first come, first served basis.  Please contact the church office if you’re interested.

                                                                                         Hans Vought

Youth Group

On 6/7/08 we held a yard sale/car wash.  It was a sunny, hot June day. We had a great time washing all of the cars!  Thank you to everyone that came out. Also, thank you to everyone who purchased a space to sell their valuables and those who came out for the sale & donated items for the Youth Group to sell. It is all appreciated!!  It was a great success & we had a great time doing it.

 We will were going to take the summer off to be with family & friends but we are not. We will be serving lunch at a local soup kitchen here in Kingston — Queens Galley on 7/4. We will be donating & cooking 200 hot dogs, 200 hamburgers plus bringing salads & watermelon for this luncheon. We are excited to have this opportunity.

Our upcoming events:          

6/29/08:        End of the year picnic at the Rosendale Youth                 Center for the whole church

9/7/08           Selling calendars & note cards

9/14/08         Meeting

10/3/08         Youth Group get together 6pm

10/24/08       Penny Social - On October 24, 2008 will be the 2^nd Annual Penny Social to be held at the church. The Youth Group will be collecting items (new or used) starting in September for this event.  So, watch for information to follow. Thanks for your help.

                                                                   Youth Group

                                                God Bless,

                        Lisa Longto, Sandy & Katie Emrich

                                    Youth Group Leaders

UPDATE FROM THE STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE

            The Consistory has formed a new Stewardship Committee to consider ways to encourage all of us to become better stewards of all the gifts God has given us – our time, our talents, and our treasure.  Just like the three servants entrusted with talents by their master in Jesus’ parable (found in Matt. 25:14-30), God expects us to use what He has given us to glorify and serve Him, and He will hold us accountable for what we do with our talents.  Of course, part of that includes our financial contributions, but the Stewardship Committee is not interested in berating people to give more money.  We want to focus instead on something far more important: why we give.  You see, like everything else in our Christian walk, God is most concerned with our heart attitude.

Jesus warned His disciples to “store up treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matt. 6:20-21)  If your treasure is here on earth, then your heart will be broken, Jesus warns.  Our giving should come from the abundant overflow of a grateful heart.  If we truly understand and appreciate all that God has given us, all that He has done for us - not just our lives and material possessions, but far more importantly, salvation through Jesus Christ and eternal life as sons and daughters of the Most High God - then how can we not gladly and generously give in return?  That is why Paul writes, “each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Cor. 9:7)  That’s why he also declares, “this service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.” (2 Cor. 9:12)  So let’s think about all that God has given us and done for us, and then consider how we can show our love and gratitude in return.

                                                                                              Hans Vought

SPIRE ARTICLE DEADLINES are the 20^th of each Month.  Anything received after that date will have to be placed in following edition.   We appreciate your assistance in this matter.  Thank you