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 journey 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

Epiphany Sunday Bonfire January 8, 2012 –  6pm

Warren and Lynette Jee, Mark Mast and I turned the corner from Jackson Street to Main Street in Fishkill yesterday. As we reflected on the turn of events that had brought us to this place, we all agreed that only God could have been working out the GPS guidance system that made this moment possible.

It began in South Africa a year and a half ago, where Mark was preaching. Warren and Lynette were there, discerning the next steps in their call, when Mark said: “I know what God wants you to do–he wants you in ministry at HRC.” At the time the comment was off the cuff and spoken with a smile, but it turned out to be prophetic. Nobody thought anything would come from an observation that two South Africans would head to America to lead a youth ministry, but it seemed that God had other plans. Along the way, every dead end we hit seemed to find a redirection that guided us to this moment.

I remember the Tuesday night when Consistory voted to make the final steps to invite Warren and Lynette to come. It was two days after we had a congregational meeting where people were invited to meet and Skype with them. It was a time to seek the mind of the congregation, and the word that consistory heard was to move forward. As we took that vote I had a strong sense of the Holy Spirit speaking an affirmation to me from Ephesians 3:20: Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen

Warren has vast experience in youth ministry and training of youth leaders. To have him guiding the ministry here will bless future generations in ways that we cannot even yet imagine. Lynette is a partner in ministry who brings gifts of worship and leadership as well. God has guided an amazing path to bring them here. Tomorrow we celebrate all the turns that made this possible, and we are excited about where God will take us on this road together. I hope you will be present tomorrow to join in the celebration.

Under His Guidance,

Taylor

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

Epiphany Sunday 1/8/12 6pm

We are getting ready to light up the sky! Though it is not yet Christmas,  I want you to get ready for Epiphany Sunday, January 8, 2012. This will be a historic day in the life of Hopewell. We are calling this “Passing-the-Torch Sunday.” We will be celebrating with, among other things, our traditional Epiphany bonfire.

In addition, on this Sunday our youth ministry torch will be passed from Randy Prentiss to Warren Jee. All the pieces are in place to have Warren and Lynette here on that weekend, and Randy has arranged with Arlington to be present at Hopewell in the morning, as well as at a party for him in the evening.

We have been anticipating this moment for a long time, and it will be time to celebrate. In the morning Warren and Randy will share the pulpit. It will be followed by a luncheon for all who wish to attend. Then at 6 PM Randy and Warren will take the torch and light the pile of Christmas trees in the Croniser lot. We will come back inside for a party to roast and toast Randy.

We will have a dinner to celebrate Randy’s ten years of ministry at HRC at a later date, but I wanted to get the information out on this special Sunday to you earlier. Bring your tree to the bonfire and bring your continued spirit of celebration to our Epiphany service.

In Celebration of the Light,

Taylor

The staff was on retreat this past Wednesday at Linwood Spiritual Center.  My pastor friends asked me on Thursday why we go on “retreats” and not “advances.”  It was a day of advances as we spent time looking at goals for 2012.  We will be sharing those goals with you as we move into the New Year, but in this “In Touch” I want to share with you some planning for preaching for 2012.  I would like your feedback on these themes and others you think should be included.

Starting off the year we will be looking at the three arcs of 167 Living: worship, discipleship and mission.   The goal of 167 living is fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ, not just for one hour a week, but for the rest of the 167 hours of the week.  This year’s theme will be Living Into the 167 all year, thus 167 x 52=8684.  Don’t worry you won’t have to start using a new number, 8684, but you get the vision.   We will start the year looking at 167 Worship, 167 Discipleship, 167 Mission and 167 Stewardship.

As we move into Lent we will look at the spiritual disciplines.  167 followers of Christ can all go deeper in the inner disciplines of prayer, meditation, fasting and study, the outward disciplines of simplicity, solitude, submission, service and the corporate disciplines of confession, worship, guidance and celebration.  Richard Foster’s classis book: “Celebration of Discipline” will be a text that will help guide us in this time.

After Easter we are looking at a series titled: “Really??? The Intersection of Faith and Doubt.” We are hoping to combine this with an Alpha course for those who are seekers, doubters, or just not sure about the Christian faith.

In the summer, we will be taking a look at some of the tougher texts of the Old Testament, especially in the book of Judges (some strange stories in there).

Later in the summer we hope to look at theme of “Using Scripture in Making Moral Decisions”.  This will be a time to look at some “hot button” ethical issues of the day.

For the Fall of 2012 we are considering an understanding of the twelve steps of AA from a biblical and psychological perspective.

As the preachers are in the planning stages we want to advance and not retreat so, if you have some ideas on themes or scripture that you would like to be considered, please let us know.

In Advancement,

Taylor

He said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.  And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. Mark 6:31-31)

Last Saturday I was in Times Square; it was packed.  This Saturday I will be at Graymor; it will be peaceful.  The only way I can handle a Times Square world is to come away to a deserted place. I have found that our yearly “Day Away” is one of the most important ways that I get ready for Christmas. Usually when we hear that question: “Are you ready for Christmas?”, it is about to-do lists, decorations and present purchases, but I ask the question in a way that invites you to get ready with a focus on the spiritual disciplines of silence, meditation, prayer and scripture.  The Day Away is a great way to get ready.

This year our Day Away will be led by Colette Varanaouskas.  Colette is an elder who is particularly passionate about discipleship.  As elders, we have been discussing what the resources are that we have available to help people move into 167 Living.  I believe a focus on spiritual disciplines for each follower of Christ is key.

We intentionally do our Day Away when people are busy.  Many cannot make it because they have too many things to do.  It is in just such moments that we need to ‘be’ instead of do.  There is still time and a place for you to join us at the St. Francis Chapel up on the hill at Graymoor.  On clear days you can see Times Square, at least NYC.  The only way I can keep the craziness of this world in focus is if I take time away from Times Square to be still.  I hope you find quiet, deserted places this Christmas.

Peace,

Taylor

This weekend thirty-eight kids from Hopewell, eight kids from Arlington and ten leaders from both congregations will be headed to Lake Champion.  It will be a life-changing weekend for them.  It seems a good time to update you on youth ministry at HRC.

Warren and Lynette are coming!  We are still working with our lawyers on the H1-B visa for Warren.  They are confident that we will have a visa in hand the beginning of December and it would follow that Warren and Lynette will be in the states the first week of January.  It has been longer than expected, but it will give them the opportunity to share Christmas in South Africa.  Jan and David Bushey, Shireen Gilbert and Stephanie Patton have been working on setting up an apartment in Fishkill for them. It is coming together nicely.  We have one car donated to Warren and Lynette and a second car will come their way in late spring.  If you have a car that the Jee’s could use until the late spring, please let me know.

Randy is called: The Arlington Consistory voted last night to call Randy Prentiss as their full time pastor.  This is a miracle!  This church, which was on the brink of closing two years ago, now has the faith to step forward into full time ministry with Randy.  This comes through the partnership with Hopewell.  It is happening a year earlier than Hopewell or Arlington had planned, but for the blessing of HRC’s youth ministry and the sense of call that Randy and Arlington have, both consistories have voted to move in this direction. As a part of this blessing from Hopewell, our consistory voted to give $13,000 to Arlington to support a full time call for Randy.  We agreed as a consistory that this would be raised outside of Hopewell’s budget.  I invite you to make a gift to the “Three-Fold Blessing Fund.”  This fund will bless: 1) Randy in his transition, 2) Arlington in calling Randy full time and 3) Hopewell’s youth ministry as we move into the future with the Jee’s.  We already have $3,500 given to the Three Fold Blessing Fund from five donors.  I would invite you to make a check payable to Hopewell Reformed Church with a memo that mentions the blessing fund.  I have no doubt that we will raise above and beyond the $13,000 we have committed to ARC.

Rachel is sent: The fruit of our youth ministry will be on display this weekend as Rachel Snider will share with us her call to missionary work in the Dominican Republic.  Rachel sensed God’s call on her life in Mexico in 2002 and Sunday she will speak to how that call is being lived out among the poor in the D.R.

We celebrate a threefold blessing for the Jee’s who are coming, for Randy and his calling and for Rachel whom we are sending.  Thanks be to God!

Taylor

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I planned to register my mom’s car today.  I didn’t think that 11/11/11 would be Veteran’s Day and the DMV would be closed.  I imagine you would not forget that if you were around when “The Great War”, World War I, ended on November 11, 1918.  It would be a day etched in your consciousness, and you would work hard to honor those young men who fought that “war to end all wars” in Europe.  Our wars have not ended and young men and woman are still serving.

I buried two veterans this week, James Birdsall and Don Valk.  I reflected on how common it was for ordinary Americans to serve in the military in their day.  I thought of how few of my generation are veterans. I have heard figures that our current military comes from around 2% of the population.  With a volunteer army, the angst of Vietnam and the impact on a large percent of the population is diminished.  The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq take up less and less space in our papers and national consciousness.

This week the History Channel ran a series titled “Vietnam in HD.”  I watched the remembrances of that war and the veterans who served.  The confusion that they felt and the hostility of a nation for that war and even for those veterans was made painfully clear.  My heart went out to those guys who had been called by their country and did the job they were called to do. Of those killed in Vietnam, 61% were younger than 21.  I thought of my son and others who are 18-21 years old.   In a twist of irony, this week Xbox released “Modern Warfare 3,” a simulated war game. Very few of those who buy the game will be confronted by the realities that earlier generations have faced.

The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 13 that the state is given the power of the sword.  It is a challenge to interpret this thought in the complex situation of nations, but we certainly need to honor those who serve our country in the military and fight the battles into which our leaders send us.

At Don’s funeral one of his nephews was in uniform. I stopped and thanked him for his service.  And I am glad that the DMV is closed today.

Gratefully,

Taylor

Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. (Psalm 116:15)

My mom’s funeral service was the afternoon of Reformation Sunday. We sang that great hymn of John Calvin (the father of the reformed churches), “I Greet Thee, Who My Sure Redeemer Art.” It was a hymn that my mom chose for her funeral and I have never sung those words with such meaning as last Sunday.

This Sunday, my first worship service since my mom’s funeral, will be All Saints Sunday. It may seem strange in a reformation church to celebrate All Saints Sunday, but the New Testament names anyone who is in Christ as a saint. The closing hymn of my mom’s funeral, “For All the Saints,” will be the opening hymn of our worship on Sunday. Mark will be preaching, but I will be present to lift up my mom’s name in the roll call of the saints who have departed this earth since last All Saints Sunday. The days of this liturgical year have fit together very well for me as I mourn the loss of my mom.

Today, in my personal devotions, I landed on the above verse from Psalm 116: Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. A tough verse to understand, but with the events of my mom’s death, I have a clearer picture of why the psalmist sings. My mom’s death was a precious death, woven in with the conviction that she has greeted her sure redeemer and now has joined that great cloud of witnesses.

For all the saints, who from their labors rest,
Who Thee by faith before the world confessed,
Thy Name, O Jesus, be forever blessed.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

Taylor