Free Basic Reading Training will be offered on
2 Saturdays, April 14th & 21st
9:30 to 4:00
Learn more about this organization at http://www.literacyconnections.org/
CURRENT NEEDS AT FISHKILL FOOD PANTRY: 
| Bath Tissue | Dry pet food |
| Dry beans | Evaporated milk |
| Canned tuna & chicken | Canned fruits |
| Canned spaghetti & ravioli
Broth |
Small canned hams, 1 lb.
Bar Soap |
Non-perishable donations should be placed in the basket located in the stairwell to the left of the church’s main entrance. CONTACT Lee Ann O’Connor with questions or needs.
As week seek to live into the 167 vision we are forming a discipleship team that will develop strategy, vision and implementation of our ChristCare (small group) ministry, our mentoring vision and spiritual and biblical development programs. If you would be willing to serve on a team that would work in these areas please let us know on your connection card or CONTACT Colette Varanaouskas, consistory liaison
This year’s fabulous fundraiser will be held on Saturday, February 11th at Poughkeepsie United Methodist Church from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, you can come load up a bakery box as you walk around tables laden with scrumptious cookies for $8.00/pound donation. Read more »
2011 Winter Hopewelll Happenings - PDF version
On Sunday, November 20, Rachel Snider spoke to the congregation at Hopewell Reformed Church, Beekman Road, about her journey to become a missionary in the Dominican Republic. Rachel has been a member here since April of 2002. She was active in our Youth Group and helps with our Odyssey service. She is a Physician’s Assistant and is excited to work as a missionary for Student’s International. Rachel is looking for supporters to partner with her in prayer and financial support. Her financial needs are $17000 in up front costs and $3470 in monthly support. If you are feeling led to partner with Rachel in her ministry, please see her after church in the fellowship hall to obtain information packets or you can contact her. She also has a blog you can follow.
Rachel Snider spoke to the congregation on Sunday November 20, 2011 and met with them during the Fellowship time following each service.
Every one of these points I am about to make has a story behind it, that I would love to share, but don’t have time here. So I’m going to give you the highlights. But, if any of this peaks your interest, let’s grab coffee!When I was a little girl I believed I could change the world. I believed that I could do anything. I grew up in a nurturing environment with parents who supported and encouraged me in my dreams, regardless of what they were. I truly believed the world was at my feet. I had a wonderful Christian foundation with Sunday school and Youth Group, but am not sure I really, truly did “get it.” Read more »
It’s time to mark your calendars for the Family Promise Coordinator Preparation Workshop! If you are part of the coordinator team for your congregation, are the Volunteer Coordinator, or are interested in the position, this workshop is for you! Read more »
On Sunday 10/23/2011, span style=”text-decoration: underline;”The Bells of Praise,/span the handbell choir of The Hopewell Reformed Church, played at the ODYSSEY worship service. See the slideshow below and a title=”Video on YOUTube – Bells of Praise at ODYSSEY” href=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_DGTskpmUU”view this video/a.
The ODYSSEY community is comprised of men and women with special needs. They reside in group homes throughout Dutchess and Ulster counties.
The service is currently held twice per month at a title=”Tymor Park – Google Maps” href=”http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Tymor+Park,+Duncan+Road,+Lagrangeville,+NYamp;hl=enamp;sll=37.0625,-95.677068amp;sspn=38.41771,86.572266amp;vpsrc=0amp;hq=Tymor+Park,+Duncan+Road,+Lagrangeville,+NYamp;radius=15000amp;t=hamp;z=11″TYMOR PARK in LaGrangeville, NY./a ODYSSEY, led by Pastor Mark Mast and Paster Steve Dambra, is a church plant of HRC.
Read about this outreach in the a title=”RCA TODAY” href=”http://www.rca.org/Page.aspx?pid=6474″RCA TODAY/a magazine
On July 1, 2011, there were 11 of us who got up early to venture down to Paterson, NJ to help refurbish an older church in Paterson. We were going to spend 1 day to help with an ongoing mission effort put on through the auspices of the Reformed Church of America. Laurie and Bruce Hawley, RCA domestic missionaries, led the 6 week effort actually visited Hopewell the following Sunday July 3. Their comments were that missions is really about building relationships. Read more »
The World Missions Team will have their first meeting on Wednesday, October 26 at 7 PM in the Consistory Room. If you are interested in becoming part of this team, please sign up on your Connection Card or CONTACT Michelle Baer by completing…
We are collecting children’s closed toed shoes for ages 3-7 for Lidia’s kids in the Dominican Republic. Please drop them off in the box at the church by October 23. Any questions CONTACT Susan Nieves by completing… Read more »
We will need new mentors and prayer partners to join our current volunteers in meeting the needs at Gayhead Elementary School this year. If you can give a child one hour a week during the school day, or can pray for the students and their mentors, we would love to hear from you. To sign up use your CONECTION CARD or you may Read more »
We will return to Prattsville on October 29. At this time we are not able to bring youth under the age of 18. Please dress in clothes appropriate for mucking (boots, throw away clothes, work gloves, masks etc.). If you have flat shovels, wheelbarrows, or crow bars, please bring them. Everyone should bring his/her own bagged lunch as well. Updated tetanus and DPT are highly recommended. Please CONTACT Michele Ryan, KC Schuster, or Ron Ruvo for more information by completing… Read more »
h3The following is a report from our head deacon, Gary Cassaro, about the mission trip to help the Prattsville Reformed Church deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Irene:/h3
Dear Consistory
I participated in a very quickly put together, one day mission trip to Prattsville on Labor Day, to help out the Prattsville Reformed Church which was devastated by flooding from Hurricane Irene. I thought I would give you my view of what I saw that day.!–more–
This trip was initiated in Rick Rieland’s CC group last Friday night. Bruce Pearson, who is part of the group, brought this up and most of the group agreed to participate in a one day trip on Labor Day. I announced this trip and the need for continuing assistance at both HRC services at Beekman Road on Sunday.
At 6:15 AM Monday morning, we had approximately 30 people, including about 4 from New Hackensack RC, gathered in the HRC parking lot. We loaded up our cars and vans with tools and supplies.We arrived at Prattsville around 9:30 AM, after going thru several National Guard checkpoints. The Guard is doing security due to most power being out in the area and many roads and bridges being damaged or closed. We had made advanced arrangements and were expected. We met with the Pastor of the Prattsville RC, Gregg , who was very grateful for the help. He showed us the church and it was very damaged, with a large portion of the fellowship hall having collapsed into a sink hole.
We had arranged ourselves into six teams of 5 people each, with a leader for each team While we originally came to help remove all the sanctuary pews and clean out the church, there was another volunteer group there already who were working on this. The pews had apparently been removed the previous day and were a total loss. By the end of this day, the volunteers had the sanctuary mud cleaned out and the bottom 4 feet of walls torn out so the place could dry out, prior to rebuilding.Since this team of volunteers was already in place in the sanctuary, some HRC groups were dispersed to help at the parsonage. Others were assigned to help at the homes of congregation members or were assigned as general volunteers to help as needed throughout the town.We were told by Pastor Gregg that they had 200 volunteers in town on Sunday and were expecting about 300 the day we were there. We saw many volunteers doing just what we were doing- shoveling mud out of homes, basements and businesses; removing water soaked furniture and belongings; ripping out the bottom 4 feet of walls that were flooded, and generally trying to help the residents to feel that they had help getting through this very trying time when they lost most of what they had. There were many homes that were totally destroyed and were to be condemned for demolition. Some house foundations failed and the houses were tipped into sink holes.
Make no mistake- this area is truly a DISASTER AREA. The streets were busy with utility vehicles trying to erect new poles and repair or install new power cables, road crews repairing damaged roads amp; drainage, National Guard hummvees moving equipment, people and supplies, FEMA and EPA teams assessing damage, dump truck carting debris continuously being piled streetside or on front lawns, etc. Our group came very well prepared with several generators, power washers, shovels etc.and FOOD, so we were very self sufficient.
One thing was clear- this was an event for this area similar to Hurricane Katrina was for the Gulf region. These people had 4 feet of muddy water from the Schoharie Creek running down the main street in town and into homes. But despite the devastation, a number of the people I spoke with had tremendous spirit and were working at rebuilding what they lost. They also expressed their gratitude for the huge response by volunteers, government and relief organizations. We were told that Home Depot donated several truckloads of generators to be given out to residents.
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Toward the end of the day when we loaded up our tools and equipment, we met again with Pastor Gregg and one of the deacons outside the church, and I had the priviledge of presenting them with $2000 in Home Depot gift cards to use as they needed for supplies to rebuild. This was provided by the HRC Judea Mission Team. As we headed home, we were all mud splattered, sweaty and bone tired, but I think we and all the other volunteers helped strengthen the spirit of this community knowing that while they are bearing the burden of lost homes, disrupted lives and rebuilding, they are not alone or forgotten through this trial.
For us, as we headed to our dry and comfortable homes, I think we felt humbled by the burdens this community must endure before things get better, but also grateful that we could be the hands and feet of Jesus in lending some degree of help and comfort.
I hope that HRC will develop a long term assistance plan with several mission trips and support to help this church and community get back on its feet.
Respectfully in Christ
Gary Cassaro.
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There will be no sing-a-long in September. Our monthly sing-a-longs at local nursing homes will start in October.
Our Sunrise service on Easter morning is at Tymor Park. We would like to have a breakfast following the worship service. We are looking for volunteers to make this happen! If you are available to help, please sign up on your Connection Card. If you have any questions, please CONTACT Pastor Holbrook .
Friday, April 29 at 7:00 pm you are invited to participate in a comical interactive mystery, “Gift Wrapped for Murder”. This fundraiser is presented by the July 2011 Ecuador Mission Trip Team and offers a typical, scrumptious HRC selection of desserts as well as 3 prizes awarded to our best and worst amateur sleuths. Please come help support our efforts; tickets available in the fellowship hall after each service through April 24th or until sold out or CONTACT: Leslie MacConnell.
Saturday April 9, 2011 from 7:30AM – llAM. Tickets are $8/Adult and $6/Seniors & kids under 12. Tickets will be on sale in the Fellowship Hall beginning on March l3 in between services. CONTACT person: Toni Viau.
Kevin Phillips is heading to India in two weeks. He has been asked to bring the following items with him: computers, blood sugar testing machines and 10 microscopes to be used for the students to teach a medical course. Items will be picked up at HRC on March 20 at noon. Please CONTACT Kevin with any questions you might have.
The next meeting for the group will be on Monday, February 6, 2012, at 10:30 A.M. in the HRC Youth House. We will continue making the sweaters for Warm Up America. Yarn will be available for those that need more to complete their sweaters for the month of February. Read more »
I have often struggled with a balance between “my job” and “my passion.” I often would say if 40% of my work can be “job” and 60% “passion” I was having a good balanced working life. The problem was defining these things. If I didn’t like what I was doing I would say I was “paying the bills” and leaving room for “ministry.” The problem with this approach is that some of those things I was doing to “pay the bills” were very important to letting me “do ministry.” So I thought I would get religious and start asking where Jesus would put his time and energy. Unfortunately, Jesus had some options I don’t have living 2,000 years ago and being God. So what does one do to keep a balanced life AND get the job done? Read more »
It has been a while since I have written to you. I wish I could blame not having the time, but the truth is I have not had the inspiration. The last Bridge I wrote was so bad and confusing, I refused to send it and then nothing struck me as pressing in our missional movement. Then something happened this last weekend at Odyssey. Read more »
A couple of weeks ago the Masts gathered for a few days in New York City! My brother and his family came from Missouri, my mom from Michigan, and we headed down from good old Poughkeepsie. It was a wonderful trip, but something strange kept happening. Everywhere we walked, pushing Kyle and Courtney in their wheelchairs, very rough looking people would bless them. “Bless you my son!” “Bless you and keep going, girl!” Read more »
My newest phrase that I have been sharing with folks is to “Embrace the Grace.” As we talk and they share their pains, their frustrations, their feelings of not measuring up to God, I encourage them to “Embrace the Grace.” This grace comes in many forms. Sometimes it means giving yourself a break and accepting God’s grace through Christ, and sometimes it means accepting love and support from those that Christ has put in your life to offer his grace. This second piece is where I have trouble “Embracing the Grace.” Read more »
The last time I wrote I invited folks to respond with “Thank Yous” of their own. The first person I heard from was Doris Johansen.
Hi Mark you said keep the THANKS coming, so here goes. I thank everyone at HRC for the wonderful celebration they gave me at the two coffee hours on the 18th April, and a special thanks to Jackie, her husband, Randy, and their son Richie for supplying the wonderful sheet cakes, the largest I have ever seen, and all the decorations, balloons etc. It is a birthday I will never forget,but after that one, I am not celebrating anymore!! Thanks and God bless you all.
And then I heard from Pam Hansen. Read more »
I know when pastors start thanking people we often miss folks. There have been, however, a few things I need to lift up and thank people for even though I know I will miss others!!!
ONE: I had made a request for money to buy beds for Bed INC…Got it all and more (even from Michigan and Ohio)! Thank you for all who have given (and offered me dinner for those meals I skip). Now the Mast’s just need to turn in their check (so don’t feel bad if you have not done it YET)! Read more »
I spent this past weekend in Iowa for my nephew’s graduation. Whenever I travel, the first thing I say at night as I crawl into MY bed is, “I sure love MY bed!” I take it for granted the rest of the time. It is only when I don’t use it that I realize how nice and comfortable and cozy it is. Bed INC, our ministry of giving beds to people without beds, is a constant reminder to me how important the little things are. I was so impressed with the out-pouring of support for Bed INC last November and was amazed how quickly we gave away over 35 beds to people in need. To deliver these beds and see where many children sleep with grandma on a bed we would not allow in our home. To see a couch where a disabled person had been sleeping FOR YEARS because beds are not covered by any government agency and since it is against the law to donate a bed, there are no beds at The Barn or Salvation Army. Who would have thought something taken so for granted by you and me would be such a need for so many people!
Now the ask! Read more »
I was stopped at a light trying to figure out what to write for today’s Bridge when I saw a man dancing down the side walk. Yes, he was dancing! He was wearing dress pants, yellow shirt, tie and sneakers. Obviouslyhe was taking a lunch break walk/dance. He was smiling, twirling and doing a bunch of dance steps I can’t name. I was jealous! I get so caught up in the details of life, meetings, writing sermons, coming up with Bridge articles, having serious conversations about evangelism, the missional church, theology . . ., I long for just enjoying the sun and dancing down the street. Read more »
Our annual Spring Children’s Bible Fellowship family mission trip in Carmel, NY is approaching quickly for May 21st through May 23rd. All ages can participate; all skill or non-skill levels are invited to join us as we build 2 decks, ready the camp, and invest in the hope and joy of the disabled and inner city children already preparing for summer camp. For more information help yourself to a brochure at the kiosk and CONTACT Leslie MacConnell for details
Last Wednesday at the evangelism seminar, I made a bold statement. Not necessarily bold for the church, but bold for my own life. I said that the problem with spiritual gift tests is that it gives us an excuse not to do what we are not gifted in. Evangelism is not one of my top 3 spiritual gifts. For years I have said I would leave evangelism to those who are gifted and I would teach the basics (remember, those who can’t, teach)! The true understanding of Spiritual Gifts is that those are the places where things come naturally for an individual. They are not the places we get a ”get out of jail free card.” Read more »
As HRC explores conversion stories of the Bible and delves into the theological and practical aspects of evangelism, I thought I would take this opportunity to share my conversion story . . .
I always tell folks I was not “Born Again” but “Born Into” (I know the theological issues here!). What I mean is that I have never NOT known the grace of Jesus Christ. Like Paul, I was born into the church family, raised in a wonderful Christian family, and educated well from before I could read in the ways of Jesus Christ. As a child of the church, I was surrounded by people who took seriously their Baptismal promises to help me in my journey to become a faithful (and radical-my addition) follower of Jesus Christ. To this day, there is a group of women that pray for me regularly and one phone call would bring in an overwhelming army carrying out their Baptismal promise! Read more »
Incarnational Evangelism Launching Point
Every time I talk about “evangelism,” most people get a look in their eyes like I have asked them to walk a tight rope across Niagara Falls. I am always told they know they need to and they know people who need the grace of Christ, but they need to learn how. NOW IS YOUR CHANCE! Read more »
ONE: It is cold and dark and Jill, Kyle and I are leaving the hospital after his last surgery. We cross over the Sprain Brook Parkway and come to a long line of cars. This never happens this late at night. Horns start blaring. Cars start swerving into the on coming lane. It is our turn. I pull around the lady sitting in her Audi frantically trying to start it. My son just had major surgery and we needed to get home. Jill hits me on the arm and tells me to turn around. Long story short, I take up another lane as I move in beside the Audi, hook up to her battery and get enough juice for her to get out of the middle of the road so she can wait for her friend. Even with hoods up, flashers blinking and me standing outside with a flashlight, cars blare their horns and give us dirty looks (Too dark to see any other jesters!). Thirty minutes and we are on our way. Read more »
Tidbits of Mission at HRC
Matthew 5 reads:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Multiple ChristCare groups and other Bible Study groups are asking a simple question, “How can we be Christ in this world through our missional life and service. Can you imagine 35 ChristCare groups doing missional service regularly? The community would not know what hit them!
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
Did you know that Loving Stitches made 25 sweaters for Guidepost’s third world project. 13 prayer shawls were prayed and stitched for people in need. 153 hats, mittens and scarfs were made for the Homeless Shelter. 15 baby blankets were delivered to Care Net. 20 lap blankets were made for local nursing homes. Countless squares were made from “leftover yarn” for Warm Up America. All this by only 13 gifted knitters and those who graciously donated yarn! Read more »
10 Sightings of Jesus at Christmas
(It’s long, but I have not written in a while!)
1. Kyle clinging to my neck as I carried him into the house at 2:00 p.m. on Christmas Day after TOO long in the hospital.
2. The incredible response of love, prayer and way too much food during our kidney ordeal!
3. The right people in the right place helping us get home (you know who you are. . .THANK YOU!) Read more »
