The Visitor
Schoharie Reformed Church –May 2015
Pastor Mike & Pastor Sherri
From the
Pastors
Treasuring Authenticity
What’s Inside
Pastors’ Message
1-2
Prayers and Praises
3
Upcoming Events
3
Consistory
4
Consistory Members
and Committees
4
Building & Grounds
4
Food Pantry
5
Sharing the Journey
6
D. Min. Update
6
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show
that this all-surpassing power is from God and not
from us.”
- 2 Corinthians 4:7
There is a wonderful little folktale told about a
cracked water jar that you may have heard us use
before as a sermon illustration. It is a great reminder
of how we can sometimes be tempted to shame
ourselves in our imperfections, but how God can
use them, when we choose to live in authenticity, to
create beauty.
Once upon a time, there was a servant who had to
fetch the water for his master from the well every
day. To do this he had two large jars, which he
hung one from each end of a pole which he carried
across his neck. They were heavy and it was
a long walk to the well, but the servant had a good
master and he didn't mind the walk or the work at
all.
Day Camp & Camp Fowler 7
Birthdays &Anniversaries 8
Ushers & Greeters
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I Can Help Forms
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Both of the water jars looked exactly the same, but
if you looked very carefully, you could see that
there was a crack in one jar. And so on the way
back from the well - drip, drip, drip - the water
would gradually leak out of that jar and splash
on to the side on the path.
June Deadline –May 25
The poor cracked jar was very sad that it only
succeeded in bringing half the amount of water
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home each day that perfect jar did. After two years,
the jar plucked up courage to tell the servant how it
felt and to apologize.
about his imperfections or trying to hide his
“cracks,” he chose to live not by how others judged
him on the outside, but rather by the truth of God
that lived on the inside through his faith in Christ.
Paul claimed his cracks, but he lived out of his
treasure. That is why he could be “hard-pressed on
every side, but not crushed, perplexed but not in
despair, persecuted, but not abandoned, and struck
down, but not destroyed.”
"Why should you feel like that?" said the servant,
"I knew all about that crack - in fact I made use of
it."
"How could you do that?" asked the jar eagerly.
In her book, “The Gifts of Imperfection,” author
Brene Brown writes,
“Authenticity demands Wholehearted living and
loving – even when it’s hard, even when we’re
wrestling with the shame and fear of not being
enough, and especially when the joy is so intense
that we’re afraid to let ourselves feel it. Mindfully
practicing authenticity during our most soulsearching struggles is how we invite grace, joy, and
gratitude into our lives.”
"Just look around you", replied the servant
"Do you see the flowers growing by the side of the
path?"
And the jar looked, and there certainly were
beautiful flowers growing all along the way.
"Do you notice anything strange? Do you see where
they are growing?"
"Why, they only grow on one side of the path,"
said the surprised water jar.
May we in our growing authenticity as followers of
Jesus and as a congregation find courage to “claim
our cracks,” and at the same time choose to live out
of our treasure, that our lives and our stories, like
the water jar, may be used by God to create beauty!
"That's because I knew you leaked and so I sowed
some flower seeds along your side of the path. For
two years now I've been able to pick fresh flowers
every day to decorate my master's table. And I
couldn't have done that if you hadn't watered them
through that little crack. So, you see, I like you just
the way you are. You are a very special water jar!"
Treasuring Authenticity Together,
Pastors Mike & Sherri Meyer-Veen
All of us have cracks in our jars. Some of them are
large, others are small, some of them are recent,
others have been there a long time, and some have
been inflicted upon us by circumstances beyond our
control, or by other people, and others have come
because of what we have inflicted upon ourselves.
While we cannot deny the reality of our cracks, the
truth is that many times we try. The fear of
judgment, the shame of failure, the avoidance of
criticism, often cause us to try and hide our cracks,
to cover them over, or to only show others our
“good side.”
Even the Apostle Paul felt the struggle to be
“enough” in the face of opposition, and
imprisonment for doing the work God had called
him to do as an Apostle of Jesus Christ. He knew
the reality that as human beings we are all “jars of
clay,” himself included. But rather than feel shame
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Prayer Concerns: John and Louise
Allen. Cole Barnard. Fran Bender. Friend
of Kim Bender, Jacob. Carol and Matthew
Coltrain and family. Wanda Colyer. Tina
Czyszczon. Harold Delhagen. Mike and
Wanda Derry.
Robert Durland. Dianne Enders. Jean Forti,
Jennie Mosher’s friend, receiving treatment for cancer.
Matt Fagnani. Ron Filmer, Sr. Verna Filmer. Peggi
Friedman. Lorraine Funk. George Gallup. Dave
Goodrich’s cousin, Randy. Dave & Sarah Goodrich’s
daughter, Rachelle. Joan Gunderson, Gary Ovitt’s
cousin. Tawna Slater Gungenzer. Carolyn Hamm .The
family and friends of Carol Hendrix. Edie Jaqueway.
Nancy, friend of Marion Jaqueway. Mary Kennedy
Krueger. Tom Kennedy. The Keyser family. Nancy
Liddle. Jim Long. Megan, who has a malignant
inoperable brain tumor. Monte, a colleague of Colleen
Marsh. Jim Meinsma’s sister, Sue. Steve Monthon,
awaiting a kidney transplant. George Nevulus, who is
receiving treatment for cancer. Mike, friend of the
Olewnicks, and his wife, Tiffany. Ron and Nancy Oliver.
Nancy Oliver’s sister-in-law, Joan Stoddard, recovering
from back surgery.
Gary Ovitt’s daughter, Denise Cuccolo. Bettie Palmer.
Cindy Parks’ mother, Esther, who had a kitchen fire.
Pam, friend of Ed Truax. The family and friends of John
Poorman. Rosemary Pierce, Diane Walion’s mom. Jose`
Roselli. Sandy Regels. The Sabler family. Steven Schloth.
Evan Sheedy. Kyle Sheedy. Lisa Sossei and family. Mary
Stephens. Arvilla Stoddard. Mary Thomas. The niece of
Ellie Trask. Rev. Jared van Wagenen. The family of Bill
Vedder. Bill Vojnar. Robin Walker. John Webber’s
cousin, Carla Tibbits, and her family as she is facing
terminal cancer. Suzan Weber’s granddaughter, Tailynn.
Doug Westfall. Margherite Williams. Emily Wyckoff.
Our men and women serving in the armed forces.
Upcoming Events
Sunday, May 3 - Crop Walk: Zion
Lutheran Church of Cobleskill will host the 2015
Schoharie County Aggie Scott Memorial CROP Walk. This
year, 25% of the money raised will go to food pantries at
Cobleskill United Methodist Church, our local office of
Catholic Charities and Bethany Lutheran Church in
Central Bridge. Look for the Aggie Scott Crop Walk on the
website: http://hunger.cwsglobal.org )
Small Groups Continue! Please join us as we read and discuss
our new series based on Brene’ Brown's book, "The Gifts of
Imperfection." Groups meet weekly in the Heritage House on
Mondays at 7pm, Tuesdays at 6pm, and Wednesdays at
10:30am. To sign up, or even if you would just like a copy of the
book to read, please call or e-mail the church office. We hope
you’ll join us!
Sunday, May 24 – Children’s Sunday during the worship
service. Sunday School Youth Picnic at Dave & Liza
Toborg’s house following the worship service. All church
members are invited!
Saturday, June 6, 1-4pm, Lawyersville Reformed Church
– Rev. Wilbur Ivins, who is Rev. Jerry vanWagenen’s
brother-in-law, celebrates his 70th anniversary of
ordination to the Gospel ministry with an informal
gathering and time of fellowship. If you would like to
send a card or written remembrance, his address is 4969
State Route 145, Cobleskill, NY 12043.
48th Annual Gas-Up June 13-14 and 20-21
Schoharie Reformed Church Food Booth
Help Wanted!
We welcome: Donations of pies, potato & macaroni
Praise Reports: Cole Barnard will be
traveling to Belgium with his son, to revisit
the places where Cole served in the Battle of
the Bulge. Doc Berdan is doing well. Jean
Forti is responding well to chemotherapy. John & Carolyn
Nixon’s nephew, Duke May, has tested cancer-free after
undergoing radiation therapy. Jim Meinsma’s niece,
Heather, is cancer-free. Nancy Oliver’s great-niece,
Michelle, has had her port removed, is done with chemo
and done with cancer! Autumn Parks is able to resume
her normal activities, now that her knee has healed.
salads, chili, etc.
We invite you to work at the booth, helping with
cooking and serving, during the Gas-Up. Please sign up
for a 3-hour shift, if possible. Shifts are: 8-11am;
11am-2pm; 2-5pm.
Sign-up sheets are in the sanctuary, or contact the
church office at 295-8177, e-mail
schohariereformedchurch@yahoo.com. Coordinators
this year are Dottie Vojnar, Marion Jaqueway, Larry
Poulin, Buck Berdan, and Frank Weber. Thank you for
your help-we look forward to a fun and busy Gas-Up!
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Consistory News
Building & Grounds
The April meeting of the Consistory of the
Schoharie Reformed Church began with
prayer and the lighting of the Christ Candle
to signify God’s presence with us. Financial
Secretary Maryann Foland passed along
reports, and informed us deposits are down.
Consistory members reviewed the Benevolence Report
submitted by Treasurer Cindy Parks. Funds were disbursed as
follows: $1000 to ALS Foundation in memory of John
Poorman. A Scholarship fund of $150 was set up for any child
who wants to attend Camp Fowler this year.
Saturday, April 18 was a perfect day
for Spring Clean-up. Sunny, not too
cool, no wind and lots of help made
outside clean-up (plus a few inside
chores) quick, fun and satisfying. Thanks to all for
making it happen.
Sanctuary Update
If all goes well, the toilet will be functional this Sunday.
Who’ll get the first flush? The new bathroom door and
narthex doors came out terrific. The narthex doors will
be hung in a couple weeks.
Approval was given to purchase a color copier from Ricoh. It
was decided to purchase vs. lease the copier.
Day Camp is happy to announce that Julie Landrigan will be
the director this year. The theme is Star Wars. Many
volunteers are needed.
Pews – Our plan for refinishing the pews stored at the
Harva Company did not work out for a variety of
reasons. The McGivers have been extremely gracious
in letting us use their building, but now they need their
space back. Jim and Dave are working out a Plan B.
Details to follow, but we’ll need a work party soon to
move the pews again. Then folks interested in
refinishing the legs can get reorganized and work on
them at their convenience. The good news is that they
will be much easier to work on – good light, no moldy
workspace, and closer to Church.
Christian Education will celebrate a youth Sunday May 24th at
Liza Toborg’s. This will be the close of Sunday School until
September.
If you would like to be part of a committee, please contact
the chair of the committee you would like to serve.
Committee contacts are: Buildings and Grounds, contact Sue
Herchenroder, Fellowship, contact Dianne Enders or Sue
Smith. Christian Education, contact Liza Toborg. Worship,
contact Sue Smith. Mission, contact Sarah Goodrich.
Outreach, contact Cindy Parks.
Bell - Progress has been made in obtaining the services
of a large telehandler for setting the bell back in the
belfry. Timing is expected to be mid-June.
Consistory meets again on May 28th at 7:00 in the Heritage
House. If you have anything you would like Consistory to be
aware of, you may contact a member of Consistory or our
Pastors. Consistory member Elders are: Sarah Goodrich,
Cindy Parks, Sue Smith and Liza Toborg. Consistory member
Deacons are: Dianne Enders, Sue Herchenroder and Maryann
Foland.
The balcony and east wall stabilization projects have not
yet been scheduled.
Plans for the Fellowship Hall accessible toilets are done
and we’ll get back to finalizing the kitchen layout then
establish a timeline for completing the work.
Consistory Members
Elders
Sarah Goodrich
Sue Smith
Cindy Parks
Liza Toborg
Remember - Jim and/or Dave are often on-site several
hours every Saturday and/or Sunday doing minor
unplanned, unscheduled tasks. These generally involve
getting grubby. So if you are free for an hour or so, be
invited to come by. More than likely, you’ll get put to
work (cleaning, sweeping, vacuuming, filling holes,
moving stuff, who knows what). This is very loose and
informal at this point. To be sure on any given day, call
Jim or Dave.
Deacons
Dianne Enders
Maryann Foland
Sue Herchenroder
Committees
Outreach – Cindy Parks
Mission – Sarah Goodrich
Stewardship/Finance – MaryAnn Foland
Worship – Sue Smith
Building & Grounds – Sue Herchenroder
Christian Ed – Liza Toborg
Fellowship – Dianne Enders & Sue Smith
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Schoharie Community
Food Pantry
Quarterly Report
January 1 to March 31, 2015
1st Quarter
January, 2015
Households:
Children:
Adults:
Elderly:
49
91
65
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Fultonville Reformed Church
Tribute to Carol Hendrix
2015 454FP
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ –
People Served
February, 2015
Households:
31
Children:
23
Adults:
46
Elderly: 24
March, 2015
Households:
Children:
Adults:
Elderly: 46
One fateful day, a member of your congregation,
ever so diligent and compassionate, volunteered to
serve as our Classis Co-Supervisor. Unbeknownst to
us at the time, she would be an instrumental piece
in restoring the hope within our congregation.
Carol Hendrix served for just a short period of time
as our Classis Co-Supervisor; however, the impact
she left will remain forever with us. During difficult
and emotional times, she provided care, kindness,
peace and understanding through prayers and the
reflection of God’s Word. She exemplified humility
and extending sisterly love, even to those to whom
it was difficult. She believed in us, even when we
barely believed in ourselves. Carol encouraged us
not to fear the unknown road ahead but to
embrace it, knowing that the Lord was with us as
we struggled. She saw in us what we did not see in
ourselves at the time.
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Total people served in first quarter:
134 Households
166 Children
189 Adults
93 Elderly
Summary
January and February started off slow in the Food
Pantry. The number of people coming in was about
50% of the usual. I’m not sure why this occurred, other
than the terrible weather we had. March was nearer
the usual number we have been seeing.
The Joshua Project is gearing up for a very busy
summer. The Back Pack Program will increase to
serving 240 children. The program is expanding to
serve the Berne/Westerlo/Knox School District. This
will include 25 children there and the program will
increase to serving a total of 30 children in Schoharie.
The Free Lunch Program will also continue. We will
be participating in the month of July and if the numbers
are poor we will stop at the end of July. But if the
numbers are good then we will continue through the
month of August. Our participation will also depend on
the amount of volunteers we get from Schoharie.
Anyone interested in participating in this program
please call me for more details. Several fundraisers are
being planned to help support this lunch program.
In honor of Carol, please accept the enclosed
check…from the members of the Fultonville
Reformed Church…
We are sincerely grateful and thankful for the time
that we shared with Carol. She was truly a gift from
God that we shall cherish in our hearts forever.
Sincerely,
Melissa Vrooman
Elder of the Fultonville Reformed Church
Respectfully Submitted,
Jean Sparks
Schoharie Community Food Pantry
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Doctorate of Ministry Update
Sharing in the Journey
I write to you from the midst of my last intensive week
in New Jersey! It seems hard to believe that the
coursework is nearly complete. The remaining year of
the program will be spent focused on my
Congregational Resiliency project. We are spending the
week sharing our reflections on our reading and about
ourselves as we interact with each other and the
readings.
Recently, one person asked me what I would
summarize as, “So what is up with all the books? It
feels like we have gone from one to the next to the
next.” I asked the person more of how they were
experiencing this, and thanked the person for
sharing. I mentioned that I too had wondered how
it was being received and how helpful it is for us to
hear feedback. I have wondered how those who
have not participated in small groups have
experienced the books.
One of the activities we are about to engage in is called
“family sculpting.” After reading and reflecting about
our “motivation for ministry” as largely related to our
family of origin, we are now using the fellow members
of our cohort to shape a sculpture of the members of
our family, reflecting some aspects of the family
dynamics, the relational connections, the special
relationships, the attitudes about others and life, or
some distinguishing characteristic about each person.
In doing this, we observe, reflect, and discuss the
dynamics of the sculpture.
Our hope has been that sharing some of the content
on Sundays has allowed those who have not been
able to participate in small groups to relate to the
small groups; however, it may have the opposite
affect for some, who may be feeling even more of a
disconnect. As pastors, we feel our role is to
provide opportunities for you to learn and grow in
your faith. Through prayer, conversation, and
reflection we try to discern what would be most
meaningful at this time for the diverse needs of the
congregation. All of that, however, requires your
feedback, prayer and reflection as well! We want to
hear from you!
The theory is that our families of origin have had a
profound impact on the ways in which we see ourselves
and the world. The more we reflect on these dynamics,
the more we can understand ourselves and our own
way of being in the world. As we become more selfaware, we can also intentionally begin to allow the Holy
Spirit to help us choose to change certain aspects of
how we relate to God and others to be more in line with
God’s ways. I invite you into your own reflection.
A challenging, but also rewarding part about life
together is that we all come from such diverse life
experiences and situations. We recognize the work
of the Holy Spirit in different ways at different times
in each of our lives, which makes it even more
important that we share openly with each other.
We need to hear from you about your “growing
edges.” What are the things God is teaching you or
leading you toward? What are you pondering?
What are you struggling with? What are you finding
enriching to your faith? And how might the
congregation and your pastors come alongside you?
Some of the most important parts about life
together are that we stay in it, we learn through it,
and it is ongoing. The more people share, the better
decisions we can make together.
As this is our last time together as doctor of ministry
students, we are also spending time focusing on the
learning that is emerging from each other’s projects.
Each of my fellow students has a very different project,
yet as we discuss them, it is amazing to me how
common themes emerge. We’ve talked a lot about
creating space for others and belonging. We’ve also
talked a lot about empowerment, emotional
intelligence, and discernment.
I look forward to sharing more with you about the
congregational resiliency project in the months to
come.
Thank you for the opportunity!
Thank you for your prayers and support on this journey,
Pastor Sherri
Pastor Sherri
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Camp fowler
Save the Date!
Scholarships to Camp Fowler in Speculator, NY are
available for all young campers this summer. For more
information, please speak with the pastors or a consistory
member. Thank You!
A Christian day camp
sponsored by the local
churches in conjunction with
Camp Fowler of Speculator, NY
“Fanning the Force”
July 20-24, 2015
at the Schoharie United Presbyterian Church
314 Main Street, Schoharie
Open to all children from pre-kindergarten
through eighth grade. Scholarships are available.
Further information and registration materials
will be available on our website in May!
www.schohariereformedchurch.org
Questions? Call 295-8177 or 295-8931
Please be in prayer for all those who are planning,
organizing and preparing for Day Camp – and
please consider volunteering for this wonderful
service to the community! “I Can Help” forms are
on the last page of the newsletter. Thank you!
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