Sept 30th Installation Service 3pm

Have you ever wondered why pastor's need to be installed?  I know I have.  It sounds like an appliance, "The plumber's coming to install the new dishwasher."  Then again, pastors have been known to wash dishes; so maybe that is where the term comes from.

Whatever the source of the word, it is an important tradition in our church.  On the one hand, of course I have been your pastor since you confirmed my call at a congregational vote on April 22nd.  And then I began work (and getting a pay check) on June 1st.  But the service of installation is where the Presbytery of Hudson River makes it official.

What I appreciate most about the installation service is that it is done in the context of worship.  A commission of teaching and ruling elders from our Presbytery will lead us in a Reformed order of worship.  We will sing hymns, offer prayers and be inspired by our choir and a solo by Elisabeth.  The preacher will be a friend from California, the Rev. Debbie Whaley.  Then there will be questions asked of me and the congregation according to our Book of Order, followed by the prayer of installation and the laying on of hands.  

In my previous two churches I have found this to be an important, spiritually fulfilling milestone in my ministry.  I do hope you can be in attendance so we can officially begin our ministry together, which may very well include doing the dishes.

See you in church,

Pastor Dale

Fall Festivities

Sunday was so much more than a typical "back to Sunday School" event.  It was a party!  It was probably the most fun we have had in the church parking lot for a long time.  The smell of hot dogs on the grill, the sound of smooth jazz, and the noise of children having a great time...now that's a fall festival!
The day started early with volunteers showing up to roll out tables and chairs and set up games.  The kitchen crew was busy setting up as well.
Then we all went to church.  I was thrilled when we nearly raised the roof as we sang, "O God Our Help in Ages Past."  A huge number of kids came forward for the children's time and then headed to their first day of Sunday School (after we prayed for the teachers).  I later heard we had 59 children in grades K - 6, and 16 more in youth groups.  That's a lot of energy.
When it was 11, all that energy came streaming down the hall and out into the parking lot.  The bouncing air castle was shaking and rocking with children for the next two hours.  The Carelli Orchestra entertained young and old alike, and the food was simple, but good.
Visitors came to check us out.  Some new families were there for church and Sunday School, while others "couldn't pass by a bouncy castle."  We hope and pray some of these folks come back and check us out again.  I think we made a good first impression.
There are so many people to thank, that I won't mention any names here other than my wife Elisabeth.  She spent her entire weekend on this project.  It wouldn't have happened without her.
I was so impressed by the efforts of so many.  From set up, to cooking and food prep, to games, to music, to publicity, to clean up--it was a great team effort.  And that is what being a community is all about.  Now we will turn that team effort into a great year of learning and growing in our faith together.
I've included a couple of Lisa Flanagan's amazing pictures.  We will have more on display at church and in the Bell Tower newsletter.
This coming Sunday will not be as exciting, but it will feel good to get back to normal (whatever that is?).
See you in church,
Pastor Dale

Music Once Again Fills the halls

Thursday night the sound of ringing and singing once again filled the halls of PCMK.  After a long quiet summer, our mid-week music rehearsals have resumed.  Something new we have added this year is a time to gather for coffee/tea/lemonade and something to munch on while we catch up with one another.  The handbell rehearsal ended at 7:45 and the ringers came to join the singers in the Great Hall.  Elisabeth prepared a batch of her famous brownies and the conversation began.  People had a lot of catching up to do and everyone was genuinely glad to be "back in action."
As a pastor, I have a deep appreciation for our musicians.  I know that many hours of thought, preparation and rehearsal go into each anthem that may only last a few minutes.  But what a glorious few minutes.  Our sanctuary was made for music with the excellent acoustics.  Even congregational singing sounds like the Met Opera chorus in that room.  I can't wait for this Sunday when we will begin another season with the classic hymn, "Our God, Our help in Ages Past."
I'm looking forward to this Sunday for another reason as well--actually for several reasons.  First, it will be wonderful to have the Sunday School back in full swing.  Our coordinators Angie Kung and Lynn Lucas have spent the summer preparing for another great year.
And then after church and Sunday School we will all go outside for our Fall Family Festival.  Pray for good weather so we can enjoy food, games and music outdoors.  In case of rain we can bring it inside, but it is always more fun outside.
I have now begun my second quarter as your pastor.  The first quarter was the easy one.  It was summer.  But this next quarter is what it is all about.  I look forward to worship and ministry with all of you as we begin this "new year" together.
See you in church,
Pastor Dale