ReFrame Course: Join us Sunday mornings 9:30-10:45 am for what is means to follow Christ today. Learn and watch more at www.reframecourse.com. 10 episodes continuing until Sept 3rd. You don’t need to attend all of the sessions, but you will want to! Schedule of episode topics is posted in the fellowship hall.

Summer Lunch Program The Joshua Project has been coordinating a free lunch program at the Middleburgh High School again this summer.  Volunteers from MRC will prepare and serve lunches August 14-18.  You are welcome to join our “crew” that has already committed to give their time in this service to our community.  Join the team for a day or two, or the whole week!  Lunch preparations begin around 10:45.  Lunches are served from noon until 1:00.  Clean-up follows. This is a FUN way to love our neighbors.  If you can slap together a bologna sandwich with a smile, you are qualified for this job!

Trash & Treasure Sale: Saturday, August 19. Donate items for our biennial sale, leaving them in the small classroom no sooner then August 10th. NO Clothing, computers and TV’s. More details to follow.

Operation Christmas Child If our 2017 shoebox campaign were a horse race, we would be approaching the home stretch!  THANK YOU to everyone who has purchased school supplies or pledged to do so.  If you would like to purchase some of these critical items for our packing party, please see the pledge sheet in the foyer.  Other gifts that will be needed are combs, bars of soap, washcloths, small stuffed animals, and items for the “one more gift” table.  You may leave your contributions in the OCC box located in the foyer.  THANK  YOU!

Thursday Bible Study : 3:30-4:30 p.m. at Ms. Lynes’ house

Get Connected Weekly (not weakly!): Receive the weekly email that includes prayer requests, reminders and odds and ends. Sign up through the website: www.middleburghreformed.org.

Worship Committee Meeting: August 24th, 7 p.m.

Consistory Meeting: August 29th, 7 p.m.

 ReFrame Course: Join us Sunday mornings 9:30-10:45 am for what is means to follow Christ today. Learn and watch more at www.reframecourse.com. There are 10 episodes; July 2nd- Sept 3rd. You don’t need to attend all of the sessions, but you will want to! Schedule of episode topics is posted in the fellowship hall and here.

Sunday Evening Worship, Sunday July 16th, 7 pm. Join us for songs and Scripture in the fellowship hall (informal setting).

Billy Brown Camp Fund is available to send kids to a summer camp. Forms are available on the foyer table and at our website.

Projects! We have projects. We invite your ideas and conversation in designing/ repairing/constructing the front sign on the street and shelving in the large classroom. The Property Committee wants to talk about it: Tuesday, August 1st, 6:30  pm.  But you can also help construct when the time comes without coming to the meeting.

Trash & Treasure Sale: Saturday, August 19. Donate items for our biennial sale, leaving them in the small classroom no sooner then August 10th. Clothing, computers and TV’s cannot be donated. More details to follow.

Operation Christmas Child As you are reading this, the last of the more than 11 million shoeboxes packed in 2016 are being distributed in various parts of the world.  Did you know that some shoeboxes have even been delivered to the children of scientists based in Antarctica?  A shoebox gift has the potential of making a huge impact on a child’s life no matter which continent is its destination!  Each shoebox is delivered with a message that tells the recipient that he or she is loved beyond measure.

Including school supplies in our shoeboxes does more than encourage children to do well in school.  In many countries, when a child’s parents cannot afford to provide pencils and paper, he or she is not allowed to attend classes.  The few basic supplies we pack in our boxes may make it possible for a child to attend school!  The summer months are the BEST time for us to purchase school supplies for our packing party.  Please see the pledge sheet in the foyer to indicate your support.  THANK YOU!

Pray that the shoebox gifts already delivered and those that will be packed in 2017 will serve as keys to open the doors to God’s kingdom!

Consistory: Elders: Susan Pendergast, Kim Smith, Joan Youmans. Deacon: Mary Lou Ryan

If you are in need of prayer or a visit, feel free to an elder or deacon as well as Pastor Jeff. If you, or someone you know, have a material need we may be able to help through our Benevolence Fund.

Worship Together
July 2^nd: Genesis 1:1-3, Creation & Creator; Celebrating the Lord’s Supper.  Special music: Sienna Kelley, clarinet

July 9^th: Special music offering: Susan Pendergast, singing.

July 16^th: Genesis 1:26-31, Creation – Made in the Image, Special music: Madison Yung, singing.

July 23^rd: Community Worship- High School Lawn, 11 am. (Bring a chair or a blanket to sit on)

July 30^th: Genesis 1:27-31, Creation Work & Rest

Join us for 10 weeks Sunday mornings, beginning July 2nd, for a time of exploring the Christian story and how it relates to our life- our whole life. 9:30-10:45 am.

Check out the trailer here: https://vimeo.com/90937553

The format will be: watch a 40 min video presentation and 30 minutes of converation together.  An electronic participants guide is available. Print copies can be purchased.

Episode Schedule

July 2: The Reframing Story

July 9^th: Cultural Stories

July 16^th: Creation & Fall

July 23rd: Israel’s Story

July 30th: Jesus the King

August 6^th: New Heaven and New Earth

August 13^th: The Church & The Spirit

August 20^th: Strangers & Exiles

August 27^th: Ambassadors

September 3^rd: Joyful Living

You don’t need to attend all of the sessions, but you will want to!

June 11th Gathering 11 am- 2 pm
Timothy Murphy Park (pavillon)

Join us  for a gathering of worship and fellowship We’ll eat, play and remember God’s goodness to us this past year- including marking the end of the Sunday School year and giving thanks for the Ridder Team.

(there will be no Christian Education nor worship at our building)

June 18th- Baccalaureate Service (a service to give thanks to God and blessing for graduating seniors from MCS) at the Middleburgh Methodist Church, 7 pm.  The churches are providing napkin desserts for after the service. If you would like to help out, indicate such and deliver to church by Sunday at 4 pm or to the Methodist church by 6 pm.

Tiger  Tales Activity Summer Day Camp @ SUNY Cobleskill: Deveral Watson has space to take a few kids over to the program, which is July 24-28. Find out more about the program here: http://www.cobleskill.edu/community/summercamp/

To arrange rides with Deveral, contact her at: 827-4312

Community Day Camp in Schoharie- forms went home with MCS students, and perhaps other districts. If you are planning on going and have space to provide rides- sign up in the foyer so we can begin to connect others who need rides.

Billy Brown Camp Fund is available to send kids to a summer camp. To apply, forms are available on the foyer table and online at our website.

Need fire wood? The silver maple that is down on the edge of the parking lot is half rotten is available to anyone who would like to take any or all of it away.

Prayer Walking in Middleburgh

Who:  People who are seeking to join God in mission in Middleburgh
What:  A group of friends who walk together and pray for the people who reside in the community.
Where:  Middleburgh
When:  Our first walk was on April 21.
Dates and times for subsequent walks are determined by the group.
Walking dates and times will be announced during Sunday morning announcements.
Why:  To stir our hearts to see people, places, and needs through God’s eyes and to seek insight into God’s kingdom plans and purposes for our community
How:  With the help of the Holy Spirit

Operation Christmas Child
Our OCC goal for 2017 is to pack 300 shoeboxes!  Through the month of June we are collecting hygiene items.  A box is located in the foyer for your contribution of toothbrushes, soap, washcloths, and combs.  THANK YOU!  Other gifts that will be needed for our packing party include pencils, pencil sharpeners, crayons, and small stuffed animals.  Look for bargains while you are shopping!  Mary Lou will be happy to store the gifts you purchase.  Reminder:  Due to customs regulations we may no longer include toothpaste in our shoeboxes.  

Please continue to support the work of OCC through prayer.

• for children, their families, and communities to be transformed by the love of Jesus
• for the safety and health of those who distribute shoeboxes and disciple children
• for shoebox packers –  that they will grow as disciples through their service to children in need

Spring Cleaning? Please save items to donate to the MRC Trash and Treasure sale on Saturday, August 19. Clothing, computers and TV’s cannot be donated.  Because our building is used by several groups and us, please do not bring your donations to church until August 10.  More details to follow.

Cabinets? The Property Committee would like to talk about installing cabinets or storage in classroom #1. If you are interested in being a part of exploring options, contact Leslie Hooper.

Bible Study Thursday: 3:30-4:30 p.m. at Marian Lynes’ house

Consistory Meeting: June 29th, 7 pm.

As the body of Christ the mission of Middleburgh Reformed Church is to demonstrate the transformative message of Jesus. 

Our vision is to grow as disciples through prayer, worship education and service.

Upcoming

Ecumenical Lenten Renewal ~ Reflection & Ritual ~ 6:30- 8 pm
Tuesday March 14th: Our Lady of the Valley Roman Catholic Church, reflecting on Jesus’ command “As I have done, so you must do.”
Thursday, March 16th: St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, focus on healing of the Spirit of God, include prayer and ritual for healing of past wounds and sins.
Peter Chepaitus and Sr. Anna Tantsits of Bethany Ministries.

Nursery meeting
We need some help with the nursery so we are having a meeting: March 23rd, after worship in the nursery. We’ll be talking about everything from toys to staffing.

Fellowship
Save the date of March 31 for our Second Annual Appreciation Dinner.  Check The Table for more information.

Wednesday, April 5th: We are hosting a NET Dinner (Neighbors Eating Together), 5-6:30 pm. Come and eat with neighbors and meet new neighbors.

Holy Week
April 13th: Maundy Thursday service, 7 pm. Good Friday, communinity stations of the cross walk, beginning at Reformed church and walking to Methodist church, stopping for the stations, 12 pm. Easter dawn service, 6 am on the hill on Rapp Road. MRC worship at 11 am.

FaithWalking 101 Retreat
FaithWalking is a process of spiritual formation and deepening practices for missional living. The first course (101) is set up as a 2 day retreat format. There are optional courses to continue the learning after 101. For more information https://www.faithwalking.us

Faithwalking 101 is being offered in Schoharie, May 6 & 7, Quality Inn & Suites. Cost: $225 (scholarships available). Look for more information on The Table.

Regular & Ongoing
Bible Study Thursday: 3:30-4:30 p.m. at Marian Lynes’ house
Operation Christmas Child
Participating in OCC is one way in which we are living out our mission of demonstrating the transformative message of Jesus.  This year our gift-filled shoeboxes are being used by church leaders in Mexico, Dominican Republic, Peru, Mali, and Ghana to introduce children to the love of Jesus.  Reports from the field inform us that children whose lives are changed as a result of knowing Jesus are eager to share their knowledge of the Savior with family members and friends.  As children and their families change in their ways of being, whole communities are impacted!

Please continue to support the work of OCC through prayer.

• for children and their families to be transformed by  the love of Jesus

• for the safety and health of those who distribute shoeboxes and disciple children

• for shoebox packers –  that they will grow as disciples through their service

MRC is now collecting hygiene items for our 2017 packing party.  A box is located in the foyer for your contribution of toothbrushes, soap, washcloths, and combs.  THANK YOU!

 As the body of Christ the mission of Middleburgh Reformed Church is to demonstrate the transformative message of Jesus.
Our vision is to grow as disciples through prayer, worship education and service.

Sign up for committees will continue until 2/12, in the foyer.
Upcoming
Wednesday, February 1st: We are hosting a NET Dinner (Neighbors Eating Together), 5-6:30 pm. Come and eat with neighbors and meet new neighbors.
Consistory Meeting, Thursday 8th, 7 pm

Fellowship
Save the date of March 31 for our Second Annual Appreciation Dinner.  This year’s guests will be the employees and officials of the Village and Town of Middleburgh.  Please help the fellowship committee plan for the event by indicating by March 3 that you will attend.  (See the reservation sheet in the foyer.)

March 1st, Ash Wednesday (the beginning of Lent). Lent begins the 40 day preparation before Easter  (not counting Sundays). Traditionally Christians have engaged the time by taking up practices to remember their need for forgiveness and the work of Christ. Practices such as fasting and making a point of giving money away. This year durning Lent (starting a few weeks before) the sermons will be on the theme of the commonly known as “7 Deadly Sins,” or capital sins. The list was developed as a diagnosis tool for a spiritual checkup.

Ash Wednesday Ecumenical Service, 6 pm. The theme is “Room for Lent, Resting and Receiving” at the Middleburgh United Methodist Church Parsonage. All are welcome.

Regular & Ongoing 
Bible Study Thursday: 3:30-4:30 p.m. at Marian Lynes’ house

Operation Christmas Child
Shoebox gifts that we packed last fall are destined for distribution in Ghana, Mali, Mexico, Dominican Republic, and Mexico.  Some may have already reached the hands of the children chosen to receive them.  Can you imagine the smiles, laughter, and shouts of glee as the children discover each of their treasures?

Pastors and other church leaders use OCC shoeboxes as a tool for evangelism.  Pray for these men and women who are devoted to sharing the Gospel with the young people of their countries.  Pray also for the shoebox recipients and their families.  May the seeds that are planted produce much fruit for the Kingdom!

Our goal for 2017 is to bless 300 children with a shoebox gift!  During the month of February we will be collecting toothbrushes for them.  (Multi-packs are desirable.)  There is a basket in the foyer for your contributions. Other gifts that will be needed for our packing party include pencils, pencil sharpeners, crayons, soap, washcloths, combs, and small stuffed animals.  Look for bargains while you are shopping!  Mary Lou will be happy to store the gifts you purchase.

Thank you for supporting Operation Christmas Child!

Mission & Vision Statement
As a way to clarify our life together and to be more intentional about being on mission we have been working on a statement that reflects who we are and want to be. This is a new revision after conversations and feedback. Thank you! We welcome hearing from you what you think. The next step is to develop particular and practical ways to live this out. The Statement Team: Joel Bramer, Sarah Bramer, Mary Lou Ryan, Jonathon Meredith, Pastor Jeff Kelley.

As the body of Christ the mission of Middleburgh Reformed Church is to demonstrate the transformative message of Jesus.
Our vision is to grow as disciples through prayer, worship education and service.

Consistory
Elders: Susan Pendergast, Kim Smith, Joan Youmans. Deacons: Mary Lou Ryan. If you are in need of prayer or a visit, feel free to an elder or deacon as well as Pastor Jeff. If you, or someone you know, have a material need we may be able to help through our Benevolence Fund.

Pastor Jeff Kelley: jeffa.kelley (at) gmail.com