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August, 2011
Rev.
Harlan E. Ratmeyer, Pastor
518-767-2243
August, 2011
Dear Members and Friends of First Reformed Church,
Last Sunday evening around 7:00 we came in from a few enormous hours in the garden, ready to relax and have supper. The weather, after the fiery heat of the previous days, was balmy and dry. We stood in wonder in the quiet of the evening; sun casting long shadows, flowers and vegetables straining to outdo each other in bringing on the harvest. Seldom do I get to savor the landscape, the sound and sight of birds living into this space. On Sunday night I was aware of our connection with the critters; all seeking, like us, to build a nest, to have a safe space. I was also aware that in the weeding and raking I had disturbed many a toad and spider, who are also living here and taking their security under a tomato plant that was only a seed eighty days ago.
Above I wrote, “I seldom get to” savor the landscape . . . Phrasing it that way makes it sound as if external, outside, alien forces are programming my life, so that I seldom “get to” reflectively gaze on my surroundings. To be more honest with you, but especially myself, it should be stated as follows: I usually plan my day and responsibilities in ways that preclude a more reflective and pondering approach to life. Once I was jolted by that nearly perfect evening, I enjoyed the reflection immensely. How could a plot of land holding some pathetic little wilting plants in late May turn into a nearly impenetrable jungle by July 24. This transformation has been happening every day, but finally I took the time to see and in a less limited way, to understand.
Some of the other activities of the past weekend included
attending Ellen’s niece’s wedding in
Our church family will have such an opportunity to gather soon. In 2013 we celebrate 250 years of life together. On September 25 we are inviting our Reformed Church Archivist, Russ Gasero, to be with us. He and his wife will drive up the day before and look around. He will address us on Sunday morning and following the service meet with us over a light lunch to get a better feel for the congregation. My hope is that this anniversary will not have us overworked with programs, but will provide us an opportunity to look back to again discover what is essential to our life together. Such reflective “seeing” is needed in order to plan and prepare going into the future.
Such a huge event is a little like a baptism, a wedding, a funeral. It provides a rare and important moment for us to look around, to take stock. Such an event is coming to us and for it to bless us, some essential planning needs to happen. I encourage everyone to get on board, to put a bright colored circle around September 25, 2011 and write on it “Get Ready”. Between then and now, may there be many times you choose to look, to listen, to discover the extraordinary packed into each ordinary day.
Shalom
Pastor Harlan Ratmeyer
Please join us on the church lawn on Wednesday, August 3rd at
6:00pm for a Picnic and Game Night . . . bring your friends, family and
neighbors to join us! Hotdogs and beverages will be provided . . . please
bring a side dish or dessert to share, as well as lawn chairs, and if you'd
like, your favorite outdoor games! Outdoor games for adults and children
will be set up on the lawn . . . I always suggest a round of croquet with Pastor
Harlan, it's a sure win! ;-) We hope to see you there!
In spite of the rumor that Pastor Ratmeyer will not be at the game night, Wednesday, August third, he will be there! Just because a grade school young woman beat him at Croquet, and badly, does not mean he will run and hide. He has been taking tutorials all winter, readying himself for this intense competition. Stand back, he has his game face on, and the skill to back it up!
In August, your ushers will be:
August 7 – Ellen
Ratmeyer and Carolyn Karp.
Fowler week long
Urban Day takes a field trip to First
On June 28th
at 9:40 am the school bus from First Albany’s
Fowler Urban Day Camp experience
arrived at First Bethlehem for a day of nature and outdoor activities. The bus
carried approximately 50 campers, Swims, Camp Fowler Counselors and volunteers
from several churches. We began the day in the Margaret Thayer Outdoor chapel
with songs, prayers and a time of remembrance for Mary Lou Riccardo. We carried
a picture of Mary Lou with us to each activity and we felt her presence with us
as we enjoyed an entire day of fun and games, nature and craft lessons,
fellowship, running and roaming the property with an incredible passion.
Of course the day
would not have been complete without a fire and s’mores. I want to thank the
following volunteers from First Bethlehem for a job well done: Guy Wyche,
Rebecca and Leanna Dorsey, Bob, Debbie and Lianne Weisheit, Randy Drobner, Mary
and Dick Hager, Afton Serviss, Tracey, Lauren and Lindsey Waters, Bea Legere,
Donna Lasher (especially for the nature in a bottle activity!), Jean Reohr, and
Betty P’s great-niece Si! I apologize if I missed someone!
Since this marks our
5th year of providing a field trip experience for the First Albany
Fowler Urban Day Camp I must say that we are finally getting the planning,
preparation and coordination down to a science. It was especially nice to step
back and watch the children and adults have so much fun together enjoying this
great gift of the outdoors we have in our midst.
Blessings and Peace
Debbie Ennis and Tracey Waters
Students who are beginning eighth grade and beyond this fall are eligible to
participate in this year's confirmation class.
Confirmation is a time for you to explore what your faith means to you
and what it means to be part of the Body of Christ, the church.
During this process you have the opportunity to work with a mentor,
discover new ways of being in ministry by working on service projects and
explore more about mission through retreat experiences.
If you are interested in participating, contact Debbie Ennis, 475-0824 or
email at dera0326@yahoo.com before
August 15th.
Confirmation Mentors Needed
Mentors are needed for the Confirmation Class beginning this Fall.
If you enjoy working with youth, are willing to share your faith and are
ready for a challenging and interesting experience in your life, consider
becoming a mentor. Mentors usually
work with two confirmation students and meet with them on an every other week
basis. Meeting times are decided on
by the mentors and students. The
program begins in September and will end on Easter Sunday of 2012.
I you would like to know more about being a mentor or are able to sign up
now, contact Debbie Ennis at 475-0824 or email at
dera0326@yahoo.com before August
15th.
Food Pantry News
Junior
Girl Scout Troop #1467 and Brownie Scout Troop #1801 (Lauren and Lindsey Waters’
girl scout troops) are continuing the school supply drive through the month of
August to collect school supplies to provide to families in the town of
Bethlehem. The troops will be
collecting the donated school supplies, which will then be distributed to two
pantries that serve families in the town of
The food pantry welcomes
donations of fresh vegetables and fruit from your garden.
The best time to drop off fresh food items is on Monday mornings (as the
pantry is open on Tuesdays), however, if that time doesn’t work for you to stop
by, an alternative time can be arranged.
Please contact Carol Broderick at 431-9133 if you have a donation, and
she’ll be happy to meet you at the church.
The Food Pantry still has some boxes of Bendaroos (500 piece sets) available. Bendaroos are wax covered craft sticks that can be used to create all kinds of designs and creations. The age group they are primarily for would be between the ages of 3 and 10 years. The Venture Churches Food Pantry is selling the Bendaroos sets for $5 a box (they retail on Amazon for $10 a box, and on the Bendaroos website for $14.95 a box). 100% of the proceeds benefit the Venture Churches Food Pantry. Please contact Tracey at Lteawaters@aol.com or Carol Broderick at cmbroderick@msn.com or at 431-9133 if you'd like to purchase one or more boxes!
If you are interested in
volunteering at the pantry, we’d love your help!
Please contact Tricia at 858-8889.
Check it out …We are currently
members of both the Regional Food Bank http://www.rfbneny.com/ and
The Food Pantries
http://www.foodpantries.net/
Tricia and Carol
Room for All Announces National Gathering
Room for All, an organization of Reformed Church in America members and pastors working for full inclusion of persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities in the life and ministry of the RCA, will hold its second national gathering, "Making Room for All 2011," to be held Thursday - Saturday, October 27-29, at Central Reformed Church in Grand Rapids. The event will feature six workshops, two inspiring and inclusive worship services, a keynote speaker, practical plenary sessions, entertainment and opportunities to receive support and information. Those who attended the conference in 2009 reported life-changing insights and new friendships. The event is underwritten by generous grants, making it possible for as many to attend as are able. For further information, go to the Room for All website, www.roomforall.com.
The direct link to the online registration form is https://www.regonline.com/makingroomforall2011. Questions may be addressed to info@roomforall.com, or RfA Coordinator Marilyn Paarlberg (201) 364-4538.
“Jacob’s
well was there; and Jesus, tired from the long walk,
sat wearily beside the well
about noontime.”
John 4:6
NLT
The summer sun in moderation is healthy but can become dangerous if the body gets too warm. Excessive activity, exercise, or time in the sun will increase the body’s temperature which makes you sweat in an effort to release that extra heat. Sometimes this response becomes overloaded, shuts down, and causes a potentially life-threatening condition known as heat stroke or sunstroke. Your symptoms can range from clammy skin, dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness, and headaches to an absence of sweating, shallow breathing, confusion, loss of consciousness, and even death.
This rise in body heat can also occur if you participate in an excessive amount of exercise without replacing the body’s fluid. A loss of fluid will occur at a faster rate if your activity is outside in the heat or during times of high humidity. Because of this rapid loss, you will not be aware of your dehydrated state and you will become overheated very quickly. To combat the risk of heat stress or stroke, when exercising or working in a hot environment you must drink 2-4 glasses of water (16 -32 oz) each hour to replace the fluids lost through sweating.
To prevent heat stress or the more serious condition of heat stroke, it is important to know risk factors and tips for prevention. High risk individuals are infants, toddlers, and the elderly as they are not able to control their body’s heat as well as adults. People with disabilities, chronic diseases, certain medications, and working environments in extreme heat are also more susceptible to heat illnesses. Be observant. Decrease the possibility of heat illness by dressing in cool clothing and drinking plenty of fluids without caffeine. Ask your doctor about side effects of your medication, stay in cool places when it is hot and humid, and find shade when working or playing in the heat.
Source: Center for Disease Control www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress/
Community Caregivers
Community Caregivers provides services that enable
individuals of all ages to maintain their independence, dignity and quality of
life within their homes and communities.Whenever possible, we offer non-medical
assistance to local residents so that they can avoid hospitalization or
institutionalization. We also help family members and friends cope with
the challenges of long-term caregiving.
We serve residents of northwest and
central
Our clients must be ambulatory on their own or
with a walker. We cannot lift clients in and out of wheelchairs, and we do
not transport wheelchairs. There is no age restriction for our clients -- we
will assist adults aged 18 to 118. Minor children may be served, too, as long as
a parent or legal guardian also becomes a client and agrees to stay with the
child for the duration of any Community Caregivers service.
Upcoming Orientation
Sessions
All Community Caregivers volunteers must attend an
orientation session before they can provide service to our clients.
The next volunteer orientations are
scheduled for:
All sessions will be held at the Community
Caregivers office, and each one should last about an hour.
If you plan to attend a scheduled session, you’ll
need to pre-register by calling our office at 456-2898, or by sending us an
email containing your name, email address and telephone number.
Picnic and Games Night,
All friends and neighbors
A
welcome spot of shade, July 22.