THE MESSENGER

A COMMUNICATION MINISTRY OF
CHRIST CHURCH, DUANESBURG, NEW YORK

FEBRUARY 2015

Photo by Christine Chandler

RECTORS REFLECTIONS

ear Friends in Christ,

On February 18, Ash Wednesday, we begin a forty day journey

together. During Lent we are invited to pray, fast, simplify our lives and
read and meditate on Gods Holy Word. Lent is a time for spiritual
renewal and transformation. Many find it helpful to write down a

INSIDE
Rectors Reflections

View from the Pew

Deacons Notes

News and Notes

letter to the Romans and to explore some forms of prayer that may be

Parish Schedule

new to you. The publishers of the curriculum we will be using describe

Thank You Notes

the course as follows:

Calendar

Water For Life Campaign

Lenten discipline they will keep during the 40 days to help us stay on
course and focused on God. Many also find it helpful to keep the
Lenten disciplines in companionship with others.
This year we are offering an invitation to delve into Saint Pauls

Exploring how people have interpreted Romans through the

ages is a good lens to view the history of Christianity itself. Compare
what Paul writes in Romans to what theologians like Augustine, Luther

and Calvin say in trying to understand Paul in their time. At the end of
this study your group will have a more informed commitment to Pauls radical vision of Gods
relationship to both Christians and Jews and to their relationship to each other, thanks to the "love of
God in Christ Jesus."
The weekly video segments first present text read aloud against a backdrop of a wide variety of
church settings followed by a conversation between a church historian and a church theologian about
the text. The second weekly video is led by storyteller, Michael Williams, who shares snapshot views of
how Romans has been read through history.
Although the program is designed to cover eight sessions, we will be abbreviating it a bit and
cover the material in four slightly longer sessions since I will be away for the first part of Lent on a
medical mission trip to the Dominical Republic. Each class will be preceded by a service in the church.
The schedule for the program appears on page 3 of the newsletter in News and Notes.
(continued on page 2)

CHRIST CHURCH
DUANESBURG
NEW YORK

(continued from page 1)

I invite you to join us on Sundays for Daniels Plan, on Mondays for worship and our study of
Romans. You are welcome to participate in all the offerings, or select those that fit best with your
schedule.
Yours in Christ,

Bill+
VIEW FROM THE PEW
Shining Symbols Known as Words
ord of all things, whose wondrous gifts to man
Include the shining symbols known as words,
Grant that I may use their mighty power
Only for good. Help me to pass on
Small fragments of Your wisdom, truth, and love.
Teach me to touch the unseen, lonely heart
With laughter, or the quick release of tears.
Let me portray the courage that endures
Defiant in the face of pain or death.
The kindness and the gentleness of those
Who fight against the anger of the world.
The beauty hidden in the smallest thing,
The mystery, the wonder of it all.
Open my ears, my eyes, unlock my heart.
Speak through me, Lord, if it be Your will. Amen.

the convent newsletter. I have been intrigued by

the works of the sisters, who are not only active in
their own community, but also in the community
outside the convent. One of the amazing works
in the convent is the presence of DAYTOP, a drug
and alcohol rehabilitation center for teenagers.
Sister Shane Margaret had to attend workshops to
learn

the

community

approach
offers

to rehabilitation.

Daytop

as

The

therapeutic

environment in which addicts learn (or re-learn)

basic skills, attitudes and patterns of life that most

From A Touch of Wonder

By Arthur Gordon

of us take for granted. Many of these teens have

never had any discipline or guidance in their lives.

I have been writing for The Messenger for

eight years. It has always been a challenge,

an

These teens do not have the strength to go out on

their own. Without Daytop, many would land in

honor and privilege to speak to all of you through

jail or die.

Sister Shane Margaret stresses the

these View From The Pew messages. Each time

importance

that

God

insight,

themselves and others with honesty. Ultimately,

He inspires the

they may experience a right relationship with the

has

spoken

to

me

either

experiences or in my reading.

by

thoughts that I pass on to you. Sometimes God

the

teens

learn

to

face

love of God that will change their lives.

instills messages that are short and to the point.

We, as Christians, strive to experience that

Other times He inspires teaching messages with

loving relationship with the trinity of God that will

long explanatory thoughts. Nevertheless, I have

change our lives also.

tried to convey His messages in a concise orderly

manner to make your reading more pleasurable.

You are all, always, in my prayers.

In His love and peace,

I have been an associate member of the

Episcopal Community of St. John Baptist (in

Doris J. Weiler

Mendham, N. J.) for over 40 years and receive

PAGE 2

WWW.CHRISTCHURCHDUANESBURG.ORG

FEBRUARY 2015

DEACONS NOTES
Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

think being a meteorologist right now has to

be one of the most maligned professions after
last weeks debacle when the Blizzard of 2015
fizzled for most of the east coast! And today I am
sure many of us (with the exception of school
children) are not happy the meteorologists got
this one correct with the possibility of 14!
Although I too have a snow day today there will
be frequent trips outside to keep the sidewalks
clear and shovel paths for my two four legged
furry humans. Even physical therapists, like me,
who should know better, do not necessarily use
proper body mechanics when shoveling snow.
So here are some reminders and suggestions
when shoveling:

Stand with feet at hip width for balance

Hold the shovel close to your body

Space hands apart to increase leverage

Bend from your knees, keeping your back

as straight as possible to make sure you
are lifting with your legs.

Tighten your stomach muscles while lifting

Walk to dump the snow rather than

throwing it

Avoid twisting by throwing snow straight

ahead and pivoting your feet.

Pick the right shovel: Choose a shovel that

is lightweight, has a smaller blade and is
the proper size for your height. The shovel
should have a shaft that allows you to
bend your knees slightly while keeping
your back straight. A shovel that is too
short will require you to bend more when
lifting. A shovel that is too long will make
the load at the end heavier.

Try pushing snow rather than lifting.

Do not wait until it is done snowing and it is

deeper and heavier.

Dont over-do-it! Listen to your body! Stop

immediately and seek medical help if you
feel pain or experience the warning signs of
a heart attack such as chest pain, neck or
arm pain, shortness of breath, dizziness,
nausea or breaking out into a cold sweat.

~ Deacon Debbie

NEWS & NOTES

RUMMAGE SALE

DATES FOR 2015

questions, many people in the congregation

participated and will be happy to discuss with you.

Every persons contribution of time and talent makes a

difference! Please begin collecting items from your neighbors
and coworkers, and plan to be available to help with
rummage sales during 2015 the following dates have been
chosen in order not to conflict holidays, school vacations, and
three-day weekends:

STUDY OF ROMANS

SCHEDULE

April: Friday, 4/17 and Saturday, 4/18

October: Friday, 10/16 and Saturday, 10/17

FOYERS

JOIN US!
Casual meals with several other couples or singles in each
others homes, foyers are a chance to get to know fellow
parishioners more personally and enjoy adult conversation.
Every winter, fresh pairings of participants are randomly
created and groups go on to arrange their meetings, as they
feel free.
Please sign up over the next few weeks in February to take
part a list is available in the Parish Hall. If you have

PAGE 3

have

March 9
6:30 PM Healing Service
7:00 PM An Orientation to Romans & The Righteousness of God
and the Faith of Jesus
March 16
6:30 PM Meditation Mass
7:00 PM Abraham, Father of All & Christ, the New Adam
March 23
6:30 PM Evening Prayer
7:00 PM Sin, Law, and Grace & Divine Purpose and Human
Responsibility
March 30
6:30 PM Stations of the Cross
7:00 PM The Salvation of Israel and the Nations & Love and
Humility Are the Making of God's Kingdom

WWW.CHRISTCHURCHDUANESBURG.ORG

FEBRUARY 2015


FEBRUARY 2015

PARISH SCHEDULE
Date

Acolyte

Greeters

Lectors

Kyle & Tonya

Rudolphsen
Carm Fusco &
Barbara Heimlich

Sandra DePoalo &

John Weiler
Elizabeth Iseman &
Tippe Miller

Sandra DePoalo

Phil & Jenna Sayles

02/22/2015

Sharon Mericle
& Jayden Sayles

Andrea & Bryan

Salisbury

03/01/2015

Jane Weyers

Barbara Hinrichs

03/08/2015

John Weiler

Carm Fusco &

Barbara Heimlich

02/01/2015

John Weiler

02/08/2015

Sandra DePoalo

02/15/2015

Bell Ringer

Sunday School

Bryan
Salisbury

Heather & Bob

MacDougall
Sharon Mericle &
John Weiler

Steve & Sherry Schrade

Tony Miller

Tony & Tippe Miller

Marge Cummings &

Lena Dominy Santiago
Cal Weyers &
Doug Fortman
Bryan Salisbury &
Bart MacDougall

Bryan
Salisbury

No Sunday School

Tony Miller

Tony Miller
Bryan
Salisbury

Jenna Sayles &

Katherine Fortman
Heather & Bob
MacDougall

Date

Chalice

Altar Guild

DoK
Prayers of the People

Counters

02/01/2015

Sharon

Sharon Mericle

Debbie

Andrea Salisbury & Cindy Creasy

02/08/2015

Elizabeth

Sharon Mericle

Elizabeth

Judy Breitenstein & Tippe Miller

02/15/2015

Elizabeth

Sharon

Sharon Mericle & Phil Sayles

02/22/2015

Elizabeth

Elizabeth

Jane Weyers & Steve Schrade

03/01/2015

Sharon

Debbie

Andrea Salisbury & Cindy Creasy

03/08/2015

Sharon

Elizabeth

Judy Breitenstein & Tippe Miller

Linda MacDougall &

Cheryl Lennox
Linda MacDougall &
Cheryl Lennox
Marge Cummings &
Cindy Creasy
Marge Cummings &
Cindy Creasy

THANK YOU NOTES

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WWW.CHRISTCHURCHDUANESBURG.ORG

FEBRUARY 2015


FEBRUARY 2015

BIRTHDAYS, ANNIVERSARIES & EVENTS
Sunday
1 EPIPHANY 4
Bible Study 9am
Holy Eucharist 10am
Sunday School 10am

Monday
2

Tuesday
3

15 EPIPHANY 6
Bible Study 9am
Holy Eucharist 10am
Sunday School 10am

16 Presidents Day

PAGE 5

Friday
6

10

11

12

13

14

19

20

21

Connie
Memmerth

18 ASH WEDNESDAY
Service at 7pm;
Vestry Meeting to
immediately follow in
the Parish Hall

24

25

26

27

28

Ella Moses

23

17

Kate Connor,
Jayden Sayles

Saturday
7

Jessica Lucia

Lisa McHugh

Thomas
Featherstonhaugh
1 LENT 2
Bible Study 9am
Holy Eucharist 10am
Sunday School 10am

Thursday
5

Bob Skala

8 EPIPHANY 5
Bible Study 9am
Holy Eucharist 10am
Sunday School 10am

22 LENT 1
Bible Study 9am
Holy Eucharist 10am
No Sunday School

Wednesday
4

Bob MacDougall

Bill Lenehan

Curt & Tracy

Rabideau

Jennifer Wolfe

WWW.CHRISTCHURCHDUANESBURG.ORG

Jodi Molnar

FEBRUARY 2015

WATER: ESSENTIAL FOR LIFE CAMPAIGN

Excerpts from Paul Gutmanns Enhancement to the St. Eustace Medical Mission to the DR: 2013 Update

f a reason is needed to bring a gift of good, safe potable

water to the people of the Dominican Republic, what
could be better than If there is love the people will know that
you are my disciples. Each of my three disciples - helpers
who believe in the importance of pure water - Father Vicente in
Bonao, Nicolas in Gautier, and Domingo in San Pedro de
Macoris had distributed 100 home water purifiers since I
brought a total of 300 home water purifiers to the Dominican
Republic in 2012. Since last year 300 Dominican households
have acquired the ability to purify their own potable water in
order to protect their families from waterborne diseases.
The distribution of the home water purifiers is
accomplished in the following way. First, funds are
raised. Next, the components of the systems are purchased and
shipped to the 3 distribution sites. The fundraising pays for
these components so they are provided to the disciples
or distributers without cost to them. The distributers assemble

the components and Nicolas and Domingo sell the purifiers for
all that the market will bear. These men do not have a fixed
price because some people have no money at all - these people
have the greatest need because they cannot afford to buy
bottled water. Payment is essential to insure that people
respect the home water purifiers for the purpose intended and
also to give the distributors some incentive.
To view the full article written by Paul Gutmann, please
visit the church website: www.ChristChurchDuanesburg.org
As of the time of printing, Christ Church donations
totaled approximately $650. Please continue to support Fr.
Bill with the Water: Essential for Life Campaign. Donation
envelopes as well as a bucket for spare change are located at
the back of the church.

Additionally, a list of requested

supplies is located at the back of the church. Any help is

appreciated.

Christ Church is a worshiping community of friends, joyfully serving,

encouraging and healing others in Jesuss name.

The parish is located at:

132 Duanesburg Churches Rd,
Duanesburg, NY, on the corner of Rt.
20 and Duanesburg Churches Rd.

Rector
Fr. Bill Hinrichs (518) 608-1139
or (518) 221-3425
WilliamRHinrichs@aol.com
Wardens:
Judy Breitenstein
Phil Sayles
Vestry members:
Cyndy Creasy
Sharon Mericle
Tippe Miller
Andrea Salisbury
Steven Schrade
Jane Weyers
Deacon:
Debbie Beach (518) 372-1352
or (518) 669-1898
dbeach21@verizon.net
Treasurer:
Sherry Schrade
Parish Hall Ph.: (518) 895-2383
PAGE 6

Christ Church
P.O. Box 92
Duanesburg, New York 12056-0092

WWW.CHRISTCHURCHDUANESBURG.ORG

FEBRUARY 2015