Church Matters January 2013 Edition

East Glenville Community Church

2013! I remember wondering as a boy if I would live until the year 2000. It sounded so distant, and so futuristic. It would be the year when science fiction would become a reality. But here we are, thirteen years already into the new century. In some ways, the world has moved beyond the science fiction of the 1950s. The computer has changed everything, and it has become common place to do things today that back then seemed impossible. Things that were difficult to believe about God are now more easily believed. Take His omniscience, for example – doesn’t the computer know everything?

However, in some other significant ways the world hasn’t changed at all. Though mankind has advanced in the areas of science and technology, we have not risen above our fallen state. We are still expelled from the Garden of Eden. We still struggle with nature. We still experience sickness and death. Wars not only continue, but have become more dangerous. Our natures remain corrupt. The good news is that this, too, has begun to change. Jesus makes the difference!

It’s because of Jesus that we face the new year with hope – not an uncertain hope, but a hope that is founded upon histori-cal facts. He came, He died, and He rose again; and because He lives, we, too, shall live eternally with Him. Those who be-lieve in Jesus have already begun to experience the change. We’ve been given a new nature, we’ve experienced a new love, and we’ve been born into a new family. The apostle John wrote: “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not

know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.”

Brothers and sisters, don’t be afraid. If your trust is in Jesus, your future is secure.

Pastor Cliff

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As we close 2012, we can look back with gratitude to God for the work He has been doing in our midst here at EGCC, and look forward with hopeful anticipation of all He has in store for us in 2013. It has been a year of transition, and hopefully of healing, for our congregation. We can praise God for bringing Pastor Cliff and Carol here to help shepherd us through a difficult time, and prepare us for the next step in God’s ministry here. The Transition Team worked diligently toward the goal of preparing us to be a more effective witness to our community and a healthier fellowship. The time we spent together discussing history and wrestling with the Constitution and Bylaws also had a healing effect within the team. I’ve learned that work-ing with others toward a common objective can do much to promote healing and harmony. Mutual trust is established when people come together toward a common goal, in a spirit of love. I am experiencing the same dynamic on the Search Team. I highly recommend that each person find an opportu-nity to serve the church in some way, if you aren’t already, so you can experience the blessings that I’ve received this year. It will bring you joy in a way you never expected. I am excited for our future. I know that God is working to make each of us a vessel of His mercy to a world that needs reconciliation with Him. But as we each pursue a closer walk with Christ, He will also heal us as a church to be more effec-tive in our ministries, for His glory. Pastor Cliff recently preached through Galatians, so I’ll end by encouraging each of us to remember again Galatians 6:9-10: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” In His Service, Jim Fischer

WORSHIP MINISTRY NEWS & NOTES

Thank You one and all . . .

My heart overflows with praise as I think about all who labored so diligently to make our 2012 Christmas Musical 'Hope Has Come' such a wonderful success! The Lord worked in amazing ways to produce two of our best performances ever in spite of some very challenging circumstances. With attendance of almost 800 over the two nights and over 100 people and 50+ of our church fami-lies involved in the musical itself (the Drama Team, the Choirs, and the Tech team), it was a true church wide outreach. Many others supported us over those two nights directing traffic, usher-ing and greeting, serving in the nursery, baking and serving for the reception that followed Sunday night's performance, and of course, with prayer. Marty and Karen and the Drama Team in particular did an absolutely incredible job considering that they had just a few short weeks to cast and work on the skits. Every single one of them was amazing! The Children's Choir (Sonshine Singers and Salt & Light) was more involved than ever before singing twice with the Celebration Choir, and once on their own, as well as doing two adorable recitations. What a blessing they are to our church! The Tech Team under the direction of Pat Daly did an outstanding job. Hearing the choir in stereo sound for the first time ever at EGCC was an incredible experience!. -The mes-sage that 'Hope Has Come' was proclaimed loudly and clearly for all who were there. Greg and Dan's skit 'Perspectives' and Pas-tor Cliff's closing message tied it all together powerfully. Many thanks to each one of you who gave of your time, talents, and energy to make this musical possible. God was glorified through the whole process as we labored together side by side. We truly are 'blessed to be a blessing.' What a privilege it is to serve to-gether for the glory of his name! Serving together,

Sandie

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It has been recognized and reinforced during this transition period in our church that EGCC has a rich and vibrant history in support-ing, promoting and carrying out the Great Commission. In my opinion, the key to staying on that course long term is to con-stantly ask ourselves how we can better serve the Lord through missions. As we enter the new year (and my time as missions chair comes to a close later in January), I'd like to ask our entire congregation to resolve to do any or all of the following in 2013: • pray for our supported missionaries and agencies each day as part of your daily devotional and prayer routine

• consider "adopting" a missionary and family for focused prayer and communication (with help from the Mission Board)

• support a short term mission trip, especially one involving peo-ple from EGCC, through giving, prayer or attending as a team member

• participate in all aspects of the annual EGCC missions confer-ence

• study what the Bible has to say about missions as a foundation for the church and living a missional lifestyle

Of course there could be many more possibilities listed, and I trust that those who seek will be led by the Lord accordingly. One thing is certain, that you will be blessed and grow in your walk with God as a result. Because all Christians are called to be mis-sionaries through the way we live. "Again Jesus said, 'Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.' " (John 20:21, NIV) In His Service, Eric Habel

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I want to invite you to join me on a Mission Trip next summer. For years I have heard about the wonderful things that God has been doing in the lives of teenagers in Germany who have at-tended English Camps. These 10 day camps offer a rare oppor-tunity for teens, ages 13-17, to have the chance to practice their English and learn about Jesus. The camps are run by Teach Beyond and staffed by North Ameri-can churches like ours. There are positions available for counsel-ors, Bible teachers, worship leaders, cooks and activity coordina-tors. Teach Beyond provides training for all positions. All staff must be at least 19 years old. There are 2 sessions that still need staff: July 7-21 or July 21-Aug 4. I am available for either. I would love to see God raise up a team from EGCC to staff one of these sessions. Would you pray about joining me and being a part of what God is doing in Germany? I have brochures with more information. On January 6th at 12pm in CE room 1, we’ll have a meeting for those inter-ested in learning about the trip who might consider joining us. Please contact me if you are interested in being a part of this team or with any questions about it. Michelle Kraines at 399-6199 or dkraines@nycap.rr.com

MissionMissionMissionMission Trip to GermanyTrip to GermanyTrip to GermanyTrip to Germany

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Our building was packed for the musical in early December – an-other opportunity to thank God for what He has provided in our fa-cility. With winter upon us, we all must remember to be good stewards of this gift. How, you wonder? Turn off lights that aren’t being used, turn down the heat after you finish using a classroom. Thermostats are set in the sanctuary and in other areas of the church for comfort and energy conservation. There shouldn’t be a need to adjust the thermostats up or down but if you are in a room that is not scheduled to be used and you need to raise the heat, please remember to return the thermostat to the original program.

Some of our biggest expenses are electricity and gas. We can all help reduce this cost.

As mentioned in last month’s Trustee Talk, there is always a con-

cern for security of the building. We are all responsible to close/lock doors behind us as we leave. If you opened or unlocked an entrance, be sure the door is locked when you leave or designate another responsible person to lock it.

The Trustees have contracted Giles Construction to replace the

shingles of the sanctuary roof. The existing roof is over 25 years

old and in need of repair in some areas. Rather than incur damage

inside the building, we are taking a proactive measure to replace it

before any additional problems/cost occur. We are hoping to

schedule this work in January/February. Giles replaced the roof in

the pre-school and we have been very satisfied with this work.

Some of you may have met Benjamin Giles and his son at Wednes-

day night dinner several weeks ago when they joined us after he

gave us his estimate. This improvement will make our facility more

attractive and is another way we can honor and glorify God by tak-

ing care of our Lord’s house.

by Steve Levy

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Snow Removal Before we know it the snow will be here … UGH!! However, we are lucky enough to have plenty of shovels and a nice snow blower!! Now, all we need are bodies!

Many of you may not realize this, but, there is actually NO ONE assigned to clear the snow from our walkways each time it snows all winter.

We rely on the graciousness of our congregation to keep our walk-ways clear both during the week and on Sundays . There are times we even need help to shovel snow off the CE wing roof to avoid ice buildup and damage in the rooms.

We realize there probably isn’t anyone who ACTUALLY WANTS to clear snow at another location beside their home; but it doesn’t re-duce our need to have the job done

WE NEED YOU!! If you are able, please prayerfully consider lending a hand. Please speak to Steve Levy about your availability.

We appreciate any time you are able to give, again - Many hands, make light the load.

The Annual Congregational Meeting will be held on Friday, January Friday, January Friday, January Friday, January

25th at 7:00 p.m.25th at 7:00 p.m.25th at 7:00 p.m.25th at 7:00 p.m. A pre-meeting potluck dinner will be served at

6:00 p.m. Everyone who is involved in our church is encour-

aged to attend.

All All All All annual reports are due by January 7th. annual reports are due by January 7th. annual reports are due by January 7th. annual reports are due by January 7th.

If you have any questions, please contact the church office.

We read in Hebrews 10 “and let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting to-gether, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one an-other—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Meeting together in small groups was renewed this past fall to do just that as part of the Care Group ministry. Most groups used “Groups: the life-giving power of community”, by John Ortberg et al in discus-sions covering topics such as “love pays attention”, “building a pas-sionately inclusive church”, and “being for one another”. Meeting every two weeks for about an hour and a half, as is typical for ac-tive groups, is an intentional way to know each other and share life

together. Care groups are of course not the only way to do that, but they are a place where we come together, study God’s Word, apply it to our lives, and have some focused time in prayer for one another.

This January, care groups will restart with an opportunity for every-one (especially you who are reading this article now!) to invite oth-ers to share life together. Everyone in a care group and those wanting to or considering being in a care group is invited to meet in Buchanan Hall on Sunday, January 27th from 6:30 - 8:30 pm. There we will open with prayer, enjoy some refreshments, under-stand what interest and groups we will have for the spring semes-ter and start into a new study. Care groups will then meet every two weeks through the winter and spring, and close as we all con-vene together on May 5th to wrap up. The study is chosen around a topic we all encounter and deal with in both healthy and un-healthy ways … conflict. It is titled ”Resolving Everyday Conflict” by Ken Sande. You will see and hear more about it as we approach the kick-off. Please consider joining us and encourage others around you to at-tend as well.

Guy & Kelli DeLeonardo

Spurring Each Spurring Each Spurring Each Spurring Each

Other on Via Care Other on Via Care Other on Via Care Other on Via Care

GroupsGroupsGroupsGroups

Thank you for supporting our pie fund-raiser in November. We did very well

and appreciate your continued help and prayers for the preschool and teachers. Applications for the 2013-2014 school year will be available in January. We have classes for 3-year-olds and 4-year-olds. We will be offering an op-tional 4th day, enhanced class for four year olds, on Tuesday afternoons; which can be combined with either a morning or afternoon 4-year-old class.

If you or anyone you know would like informa-tion about the preschool, please call the school at 399-6894 or Linda Wachtel at 399-4508. You can also e-mail us at egcc.preschool@verizon.net

East

Glenville

Christian

Preschool

Signup brochures will be available in January for this year’s Women’s Retreat at Camp of the Woods on April 26-28. Cost is $180 and includes two nights lodging and scrumptious meals from dinner on Friday through breakfast on Sunday. Our speakers, two friends who minister together in Raleigh North Carolina, Chris Radke and Mary Sharpe, have hearts for encouraging women in their faith and in applying scripture to their lives. Our key verse for the weekend will be Romans 1:17, “the righteous will live by faith”. This year we are inviting our high school girls to join us and encour-age you to invite friends and family who would benefit from this special time. Contact Julie Seiz for more information (seiz-int@bww.com).

“Can You Hear the Music?”“Can You Hear the Music?”“Can You Hear the Music?”“Can You Hear the Music?”

The Colossians studies will resume on Wednesday, January 9 (7pm to 8:15) and Thursday, January 10 (9am to 10:30.)

A new study will begin for both of these groups the week of January 13 and con-tinue into May. One in a Million- Journey

to your Promised Land, by Priscilla Shirer, speaks to women who hunger to experience God’s power, hear His voice, and live in the abundance of His promises. There are 7 video sessions and a workbook with a fresh, new format. Cost is $15. We invite you to join us. Contact is Susie Bandy (srmbandy@earthlink.net).

Thursday Afternoon-12:30-2:00. These ladies will con-tinue to study the book of John with teacher Nancy Snyder esnyder@nycap.rr.com).

Crafts and books! Those of you who enjoy

our book group and/or our craft group -

take heart, news of the next get-togethers

will be coming soon!

3rd grade-5th grade students

Friday Jan 11th, 2013 6:30-8pm in Buchanan Hall

"Cookie Decorating and Hot ChocolateCookie Decorating and Hot ChocolateCookie Decorating and Hot ChocolateCookie Decorating and Hot Chocolate"

Games, Bible lesson, activity, snack! Come and bring a friend…

$1 donation per child requested Contact Susan Perregaux, 384-7296

Dave Ramsey teaches the importance of ~ Stewardship and giving generously ~ The sneaky dangers of debt like student loans and credit cards ~ How to budget and save wisely ~ How to plan for large purchases This class will be taught Sunday mornings 9am-10:10am; January 13—February 10, in the Youth Room by Manny & Julie Seiz. The cost for the course is $11/student (which will be covered by CE, however donations would be appreciated to offset the cost.) Just place your donation in the offering plate, labeled FPU on your envelope.

Generation Change is a FIVE-week study that leaves teens and young adults with a strong sense of their value in God’s eyes and a solid understanding of how to handle money God’s way. Generation Change is being offered to youth and young adults in High School—College (1/13/13-2/10/13)

Hope Has Come was a beautiful and joyous production. We would like to thank Sandie Wanamaker, Marty and Karen Glynn, Melisa Olson, Pat Daly, and all of those who sup-ported them, for sharing your gifts with our congregation and friends.

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

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January 20 1 3

New Year’s Day Office Closed

6pm Wed Night Program

7pm Youth

Basketball

7pm Youth

Basketball

7pm Youth

Basketball

7pm Youth

Basketball

7pm Youth

Basketball

6pm Wed Night Program

6pm Wed Night Program

6pm Wed Night Program

Youth Winter Retreat

Youth Winter Retreat

Youth Retreat (No Ignite)

6:45 p.m. Lose It For Life

Annual Reports Due Board

Meetings 7 p.m. Church

Matters Deadline

SPARK 6:30-8 p.m.

Generation Change

9 -10:10 am

IGNITE 6:30 p.m.

Generation Change

9 -10:10 am

IGNITE 6:30 p.m.

Gen. Change 9 -10:10 am

IGNITE

Joint Care Groups 6:30

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Office

6:45 p.m. Lose It For Life

6 p.m. Dinner 7 p.m. Annual Congrega-tional Meeting

Germany Mission Meeting 12pm

February 2013 February 2013 February 2013 February 2013

3rd 9:00am Generation Change 6:30pm Ignite 4th 6:45pm Lose It For Life 5th 6:00pm Preschool Open House 7:00pm Servant Leader Meeting 6th 6:00pm Wednesday Night Program

7th 7:00pm Youth Basketball 8th 6:30pm SPARK 15th Church Matters Deadline

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Sunday School: 9

:00 am

Worship Service: 1

0:30 am

Locatio

n: 3

35 Saratoga Rd

G

lenville

, NY 12302

Phone:

518-399-3151

518-399-3105

Fax:

518-399-0302

Email:

egcc.offic

e@verizon.net

Web: w

ww.egcchurch.org

Offic

e Hours:

Monday —

Frid

ay

9am—2 pm

EGCC S

taff

Rev. C

liff Chris

tensen

Interim

Senior P

astor

Rev. P

hil S

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Assistant P

astor

Nath

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Youth Dire

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Sandie

Wanam

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Dire

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f Worship Ministrie

s

egcc.m

usic@veriz

on.net

Susan P

erregaux

Dire

ctor o

f Children’s Ministrie

s

Gin

a V

endetti

Administra

tive Assistant

egcc.offic

e@veriz

on.net

East G

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335 S

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Check out C

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www.egcchurch.org