This series is based on two books:

Faith & Doubt by John Ortberg and

A Friendly Letter to Skeptics and Atheists by David G. Myers.

• May 6          The Twins: Faith and Doubt – John 20:18-30
• May 13         What Kind of Belief Really Matters? – 2 Timothy 1:1-10

• May 20        When Doubt Goes Bad – Matthew 28:9-20
• May 27         Credo – I Believe – John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15

Holy Saturday

“Where, O death is your victory? Where, O death is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55)

My mom would have been 82 tomorrow, Holy Saturday.  It is the only day in what is known as the Easter Triduum which we do not have a worship service.  Last night, Maundy Thursday, I had the best seat in the house as I saw the faces of 15 children of the covenant who received communion for the first time.  Tonight the choir will lead us in a remembrance of the cross as we Journey with Jesus on the Via Delarosa.  Easter will begin at 6:30 AM when we will end at an open grave (the receiving vault will be open for the first time since I have been here.)  We will follow with breakfast and the celebration of joy at our Easter services at Gatherings, Foundations, Odyssey and Common Ground.

Tomorrow, however, we will be still and I will remember my mom.  I pulled out a sympathy card a few moments ago to send to Lorraine Nelson Wolf on the death of her mother.  It was one of my mom’s cards and I was surprised to see that my mom had started a card to someone with a paraphrase from Paul: “That is why we never give up.  Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are renewed every day.  For our present troubles won’t last very long.  Yet they produce for us…”  She stopped there, but Paul continues, “an immeasurably great glory that will last forever!”

I don’t know why my mom did not finish the card, but I know that Holy Saturday is a reminder that the work of resurrection is not finished.  Jesus’ resurrection is the first fruit of those who died and we wait for the fullness of all that God intends when his kingdom has fully come.  In the meantime we live in the middle, knowing Good Friday and the cross is not the last word, but still looking for all the fullness of the Easter victory.  Therefore, my beloved, says Paul, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.  (1 Corinthians 15:58)

In Easter Joy,

The Discipline of Worship

The discipline of worship??? You have to be kidding me.  I can understand fasting, prayer, study, and meditation as disciplines, but worship is something you feel, a jolt of inspiration for living.  It sounds strange to call it a discipline, but biblically and theologically it is. As we come to the culmination of our Celebration of Discipline through Lent, we close with two corporate disciplines: worship, on Palm Sunday  and celebration on Easter;  two things that should be as natural to us as breathing, but yes,  they are disciplines that need to be learned and lived in our lives.

Foster states: “One reason worship should be considered a spiritual discipline is because it is an ordered way of acting and living that sets us before God so He can transform us.  Although we are only responding to the liberating touch of the Holy Spirit, there are divinely appointed avenues in this realm.” In other words we work at worship, paying attention to our preparation and our participation.  Sometimes I hear the complaint: “I didn’t get anything out of worship today.”  The response to that question from the discipline of worship is: “Did you put everything you have into worship today?”  From preparation to benediction, worship invites us to a divine dance with the Almighty.  Worship is a 168 activity, living every hour of our lives in relationship, reflection, and response to what God is doing.

Having said that, it is important to note that the discipline is corporate – a discipline we do together.  While I can worship God alone on the golf course or in the woods (for me the two go together), I know that to worship as the body of Christ is to pay attention to the blessings of being together in praise.  Foster quotes Luther: “at home, in my own house, there is no warmth or vigor in me, but in the church when the multitude is gathered together, a fire is kindled in my heart and it breaks its way through.”

We have set a goal of breaking the 500 barrier in worship in 2012.  When I wrote about this before,I said it is not about the numbers, it is about the discipline of making worship the priority of our lives.  Members of HRC will be present to praise God together and it will be reflected in our numbers.  So far in 2012 we have gone over 500 on three Sundays of the first quarter.  I know that on Easter we will pass that mark, but I wonder if the Sunday after Easter will see 500 people in corporate worship.  I hope so.  That will reflect learning from Lent on the discipline of worship as it shapes our life as a community.

Yours in Faith,

Taylor

The Adventure of Odyssey

When we planned a church plant five years ago we never dreamed of Odyssey, but five years later we celebrate the trip God has taken us on.  This Sunday Mark Mast will preach on the discipline of Service at Hopewell, and I will experience the discipline of service at Odyssey.  For certainly Odyssey has been shaped into one of the most profound and unexpected mission trips that we could ever be on.

Our plan was that in five years we would have a fully functioning, self-supporting congregation in the Unionvale area, but, as Rodney Smith said a couple of weeks ago, “If you want to make God laugh, tell God your plans.”  Odyssey, with this latest move, is growing into a fully functioning congregation, but it will never be a self-supporting congregation in the way that we had planned.  Congregants who come together from group homes will not be able to support all aspects of ministry of the Odyssey congregation.  Odyssey will be one of the prime mission works of HRC.

This invites us to view Odyssey in a different way at HRC.  We send volunteers out monthly in service with CMP (Community Maintenance Program).  We have sent volunteers out to aide Prattsville as it rebuilds.  We send volunteers out to various places on this planet in service to the kingdom.  We also need to send volunteers to Odyssey to support the ministry there.  As Odyssey has moved to the Dutchess ARC Vocational Center off of Rte. 55 and is meeting every week, the stress on those who have committed to this ministry is great.  I am praying that we develop a support relationship with this mission that sees a steady flow of volunteers who go from Hopewell to Odyssey on a regular basis.

Mark will preach on service, but he will represent the opportunity to live into service in a new way through Odyssey.  We support this new ministry through our money and I am now inviting you to support it with your time.  Five years ago as Journey began, we invited at least thirty people from HRC to join Steve Dambra and Mark Mast in building a congregation in Unionvale.  I now would ask 130 people from Hopewell to give a week a month to help with Odyssey, which may mean simply heading out to Dutchess ARC Vocational Center once a month for worship.

It is not what we planned five years ago, but God is laughing with joy as a congregation of joy and celebration is taking shape at Dutchess County ARC.  Thanks be to God for this opportunity of service.

In Christ,

Taylor

A Sending Church

He said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.  (Luke 10:2)

This Sunday Skip and Tina Smith will share their calling to South Africa.  The story of God’s work in their lives to bring them to this point is exciting and amazing.  We have the privilege at HRC of being a part of this story through our spiritual, material and emotional support.  As I reflected on Skip and Tina, I thought of all the other ways that we are becoming a sending church – seeing folks from HRC headed into ministry and mission around the world.  As we prepare to send the Smiths, I thought it would be good to be reminded of others who are being called to the kingdom in special ways.

Jen Nieves:  This weekend Jen Bendelius, the pastor at the Flatbush Reformed Church in Saugerties, has asked for a moment to thank the congregation for sending Jen to their youth ministry.  We have given Jen support from our youth budget and she is using her gifts to make a difference there.

Randy Prentiss:  This evening we will honor Randy for ten years of ministry at Hopewell.  We are supporting the sending of Randy to Arlington by giving them $13,000 for this coming year.  This is one of the most exciting revitalization models for RCA churches that I have seen.  If you would still like to contribute to the $13,000 Three Fold Blessing Fund, you may.

Pat Boyd:  This week Pat Boyd will be meeting with Denver Seminary as he and Michelle are on vacation out there.  He is looking at ways to live into his calling in youth ministry.

Rachel Snider: A few months ago you heard Rachel’s story of her call to the Dominican Republic using her medical training in mission.  She is raising funds from individuals in our congregation and beyond.  HRC will be supporting her from our mission budget as she completes the steps that allow her to be sent.

Dylan Ackley: Two weeks ago Dylan came up to me with the exciting news that he had been accepted into the Youth Ministry program at Nyack College.

Hilary Holbrook: My daughter is taking steps to come on staff with Mexico Medical Ministries in San Diego to pursue her calling of working with special needs kids in Mexico.

Paul Pearson: Paul is continuing to get mission field training to pursue a future that is responsive to the ways that God is calling him.

There are many ways that we are sending, but these are some of the folks who see their life calling as being sent into mission in other places. We can all rejoice that we are a part of a sending church, following Christ in mission to a lost and broken world so loved by God.

In Christ,

Taylor

I Lost My Kid (Again)

“Our shared task is to equip congregations for ministry–a thousand churches in a million ways doing one thing–following Christ in mission, in a lost and broken world so loved by God”. (From the mission and vision statement of the Reformed Church in America)

On Wednesday I was talking to Cathy about what a good time I was having with my Kids Hope kid.

I was back as his mentor after about a year’s separation. His family had been kicked out of their apartment so he left Gayhead School. By the time he got back to Gayhead this year he had already been to two other schools. On Thursday, I learned that he was leaving Gayhead again and headed to Sheafe Road Elementary School. I can only imagine that some kind of crisis has hit his family, and my little guy is yanked from one school to another and the continues.

It breaks my heart, not simply because I really like him and we have a good relationship, but because I know all the challenges he faces as a second grader that will make it tough for his development as a young man. My ears have been pinned back by the things that he tells me about what goes on around him in his life. He speaks as if it is normal, but I am stunned by what he has to work through.

This Sunday we will be asking what it means to follow Christ in mission in a lost and broken world so loved by God. We will commission new missionaries with Kids Hope. We will hear Jesus’ mission and vision statement: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” As we look at the three arcs of 167 Living – Worship, Discipleship, and Mission – we are reminded that in mission God calls us into the world to preach Good News and to be Good News. Our vision as a church is that every member finds a place in mission outside of the church and in the world. My Kids Hope kid reminds me of the aching need in this broken world so loved by God for Christ’s people to follow in mission in as many ways as possible, in as many places as possible. What is your vision for Christ’s mission in your life in the places where you can make a dent? The time is fulfilled. Live into that today.

Yours in Mission,

Taylor

167 Discipleship

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28: 18-20)

Jesus commanded them to make disciples-not believers, not churchgoers, not people ready to go to heaven when they die, but disciples, followers of Christ who practice what he preached. There cannot be a clearer call from Christ to determine what business we are in; however, to practice that day in and day out, 167 hours a week, seems like a distant dream for most who call themselves disciples.

I was sitting at my desk a couple of Tuesdays ago. It was the end of a day of work at HRC. I had spent most of it in the office and on the computer. I thought of 167: how have I lived my life this day for the glory of God? I don’t know that I had a very satisfying response. Our vision as a church is for us all to become 167 followers of Jesus Christ.

I wonder how many of us have that on our radar screen. For those of us who do, how many of us can reflect on a day when we have lived it? It is an awesome vision, but is it practical? Maybe religion should just be a segmented part of a well-rounded life that includes work, play, family, friends and church.

This Sunday we start a winter series that looks at the three “arcs” of 167 Living: Worship, Discipleship and Mission. These arcs reflect the ways we have seen people transform their lives into the fullness of their faith. It is our attempt to say our faith is not simply a small piece of the whole of our life; it is at the center of everything we are.

This Sunday we look at the transformation of Nathaniel and Samuel, two followers of God who see heaven opened as they say the most dangerous words you can say to God: “Here I am.” If we are willing to let our lives be transformed by following Christ, the promise that Jesus gives Nathaniel, that he will see heaven opened, is the same promise that Jesus gives us.

I know that is what I want. I think it is what we all want, to see heaven opened and the angels descending and ascending…to know with conviction that our lives are tied to a greater purpose, the one true God and his plans. The one to whom “all authority in heaven and earth is given” is also the one who says, “I will be with you always, even to the close of the age.”

Here I am. Are you ready to say that?

Taylor

1          New Year’s Worship

8          Passing the Torch Sunday (Randy, Warren, Taylor)

Text: Genesis 1:1-5 Mark 1:4-11

Theme: A 167 Follower of Christ

Focus: Understanding the three fold arcs of transformation; Worship-Discipleship-Mission

15       Second Sunday After Epiphany

Text: Samuel 3:1-20 John 1:43-51

Theme: Discipleship 167

Focus: What does it mean to be a disciple of Christ?

22        Third Sunday After Epiphany

Text: Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Mark 1; 14-20

Theme: Mission 167

What does it mean to follow Christ in mission?

29       Fourth Sunday After Epiphany

Text Deuteronomy 18:15-20, Mark 1:21-28     (Rev. Mark Mast)

Theme Discipleship 167

Understanding the Authority of Jesus Teaching

They are Warren and Lynette Jee.  Warren is our new Coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Ministry and Lynette is his wife.  This is some background information about them:

Warren and Lynette have been actively involved in youth ministry for the past 17 years. Warren holds a diploma in Sports Administration and has trained many sports ministry teams, as well as churches, in using sports as a tool for ministry. Warren greatly desires to see young people changed by the gospel and, in turn, reaching their communities.  He has also trained leaders for the International Sports Coalition. He was previously the youth pastor at the Vereeniging Baptist church before joining J-Life Ministries. Lynette is a musician and vocalist, who holds a diploma in sound engineering and is currently the Worship coordinator at ACTS Family Church. Over the past few years she has trained worship teams, leaders and youth in leading worship and unifying their worship teams, as well as trained the J-Life music and arts outreach team. Lynette greatly desires to see young people rise up in worship to God through expression in song, dance and the arts. They have been serving in their current positions with J-Life since 2005, before that they ran ASAP (Africa Sports, Arts and Praise) a ministry founded by them to reach young people with the Gospel using Sport and Music as the tool.

However, here is some information about them that you might not have heard before:

We’ll start with the most important – food! Lynette’s favorite food is curry; Warren’s favorite is prawns (jumbo shrimp!).  Get your recipes out! Lynette enjoys cooking, Warren does not!

One of them likes to watch movies, listen to music (more on that later), collect pictures, and go to music concerts and the other likes to watch and play sports – can you guess which is which on this one? Warren particularly loves to run!

In regards to music, they both like Toby Mac; Lynette also likes Israel Houghton and Leeland; Warren is a fan of Delirious.

This will be Lynette’s first trip to the USA ; Warren was here in 2006.

I hope this will help introduce Warren and Lynette to you.  Moving to a new country is an adventure.  It can also be difficult moving away from family and the familiarity of your surroundings.  I know you will make them feel at home.  Welcome Warren and Lynette!

Merry Christmas From The Holbrooks

Christmas 2011

Hello dear friends at HRC. Below is our family Christmas letter written by Cathy. I share it with you in this season wishing you all Christmas joy. ~Taylor

Writing the date on my board at school this morning, with the sun shining and kids wearing shorts and t-shirts to school, I find it hard to believe how close we are to Christmas…or maybe I’m just getting older and the time goes faster regardless.

This has been a year of joy and sorrow for our family, as Taylor’s mom died in October after a short bout of pneumonia. We are still marveling at her “good death,” as she decided not to treat her chronic illness and got a chance to say goodbye to many people. Her last few months were filled with trips and visiting and time with friends and family that almost made it seem as though she knew her time on this earth was short. A few hours before she died she laid her hand on Andrew’s shoulder and gave him a beautiful blessing that only a grandma could give. We are grateful for that memory and for her quick passing. As she anticipated heaven, she called it the greatest day of her life.

Sarah (22) came home last night, after graduating from Hope in May and working at a summer job as an innkeeper in Saugatuck, and then on a Christmas tree farm in Fennville, MI. She loves the outdoor life and has the well-worn Carhartts to prove it. As soon as she unpacks, she will start to ponder the great calling of her life and look for a job. We are thrilled to have her home.

Andrew (18), a senior, is very much looking forward to busting out of Hopewell to go to college. He has his applications in and is waiting to hear from several schools. He continues to work at a local overstock store where his muscles come in handy for unloading merchandise off the truck. His pride and joy-a 1994 Firebird-is resting for the winter, but he’s looking forward to driving it again in the spring.

Hilary (24) moved to San Diego in September. We don’t think she’s ever coming back! She lives with her college roommate in Mission Beach, working four part-time jobs. She completed the paperwork to transfer her teaching certification to California, and now we are praying that she will get one of the five or so teaching jobs available in the state. She is close to Gabriel House, in Mexico, where she spent a year, and gets to see “her” kids often.

I am still teaching at our local high school, and this year I took on four sections of AP Language and Composition, plus my regular Regents class. The workload is crushing at times but the classroom is stimulating and very rewarding. I still love my job.

Taylor is busy at church, excited about some new staff hires and looking forward to all the good changes that will bring. He is also cycling like crazy…and enjoying the miles of bike paths our county has been laying down over abandoned rail beds.

We wish you all a peaceful, joy-filled Christmas…we do feel joy in spite of hard times because we belong to God. If you are ever in the Hudson Valley, look us up and come for a visit!

Merry Christmas,

The Holbrook Family