november - Hopewell Reformed Church

H opewell
appenings
HOPEWELL REFORMED CHURCH
FALL 2009
Mexico • FUGE, PA • Katrina, Mississippi M
ission Trips 2009
Dominican Republic • Moldova • Equador

letters
AND NOTES
Welcome Readers!
It has been a very busy summer at Hopewell
Reformed Church! We sent out six mission
teams within the US and throughout the world,
in addition to our local missions including the
Homeless Shelter and Community Maintenance
Program (CMP). We have decided to have
missions be our emphasis in this issue. We know
you will enjoy reading about HRC at work
through these venues
We also hope you will consider how you can have
God use you and the gifts he has given you to share
his love to those that need to hear about Him. In
Matthew 28: 18 – 20 (also known as The Great
Commission), Jesus commands each and every
one of us to “…Therefore go 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.” Whether God has gifted you to
hop on a plane and travel to Moldova, or if you
are more excited about serving at HRCjourney
on Odyssey Sundays, everyone is equipped to live a
missional life! God wants to use each one of use to
reach out to those in our community, our country,
our world and share His love. He commanded
it! And he has given us the gifts and passions we
need to do it.
As you read through this issue, consider what
missions you are most interested in and how you
might make them a part of your life in this coming
year. You very well might discover that God has
already equipped you! Remember also that your
church family is here to support you in any way we
can.
Welcome back everyone and happy reading!
T he Newsletter Team
Page 2 Hopewell Reformed Church — Pastor Taylor Holbrook
Dear HRC Family,
We want to thank you for the love and comfort
that was expressed to our family at the
passing of Mauricio's mother.
Your phone calls, cards and hugs made us
appreciate being a part of the HRC family.
Mauricio's mom was godly woman who leaves
behind her husband, George, five sons, one
daughter and many grandchildren. With our
Moldova trip coming on theend of the funeral
it was a whirl-wind trip for Mauricio to
Venezuela, but we praise God for his sustaining
him through it all.
In Christian love,
The La Borde Family
Girl Scout Troop 10357
East Fishkill, NY
Thank you for allowing us to set up a shoe
collection at Hopewell Reformed Church.
We collected a total of 910 paris of sneakers.
We took them to a collection center last week.
We collected enough sneakers to create more
than a third of a tennis court or a basketball
court. The Nike Reuse a Shoe program is a
great way to recycle! We hope next year’s
project will be just as fun as this one.
All of us in Troop #10357 want to thank the
people who donated sneakers.
Sincerely,
Ally, Anna, Christine, Julia, Katelyn, Katie,
Kirsten, Rachel

Dear HRC,
It is with immense gratitude that I write to thank you. The Mission Team
has agreed to fund a significant portion of my trip to Mexico with the Uwe
Pabst Scholarship Fund. I truly could not commit to serve for a year in
Mexico without the financial and spiritual support you have given me.
I’ll leave with the rest of the Mexico team at the end of July. They’ll drop
me off at Gabriel House, where I will be from August 6 to mid-June 2010.
While I’m there, I’ll start by picking up shifts to ease the burden of the
current staff, both physically and financially. As time goes on, I’ll be
developing and implementing a special education program for some of the
kids at Gabriel House. Gabriel House has not had anyone with a degree in
education spend a significant portion of time with them. I just graduated
from Hope College with a B.A. in special education, so I am really looking
forward to using my skills and expertise to develop a program that will
continue to be used by the staff after I am gone.
Again, thank you for your prayers and support. You can stay connected
with what I’m doing at Gabriel House by reading my blog at www.
hilaryholbrook.blogspot.com. Please continue to pray for the staff and kids
of Gabriel House throughout the year!
hilary.e.holbrook
To the Hopewell Reformed
Church
I, along with my family, would
like to express our gratitude to
the entire church community for
the help you have given to us in
our time of need. We appreciate
all you have done for us.
May God multiply the goodness
you have shown.
Sincerely,
Maryse Lundy and family
Maryse, Whitney, Alhoun, Linsky
and Wiliana Lundy
FALL 2009 Page 3

Christian Kids’ Corner
Submitted by Sheryle Silvern
VBS – MiSSion Trip
During a summery week in August, Children’s
Ministry had a mission trip right here at Hopewell
Reformed Church. Our SonRock Kids Camp VBS
“rocked” with over 120 campers and more than 50
leaders. Thanks to the countless people who made
VBS possible. Thanks to the leaders and to those
who prepared, set up that huge tent, delivered trees,
helped with sound, led music, games, recreation,
crafts and snacks, donated hot dogs, ice cream and
snacks, cooked hot dogs and
cleaned up. Wow… The list of
people on this “mission trip” is
very long.
VBS was first a mission to
the children of our community.
It was a privilege to share the
good news of God’s grace with
children. We pray that seeds
of faith were planted and holy
memories made. May the children
always remember that God
accepts us, protects us, saves us,
forgives us and calls us to live
for him. May they remember
that church is a fun place where life is shared and may
they want to be in fellowship.
Page 4 Hopewell Reformed Church — Pastor Taylor Holbrook
VBS was also a
mission to the people of
Moldova. We learned
a lot about Moldova
and its great need. The
children responded and
brought in $1200 for
Our secOnd grade class and their teachers
Operation Moldova. Thanks to
a generous family who matched
this, we collected $2,400! This
offering will benefit children
and elderly people who live in
the poorest country in Europe.
VBS was about ministering to
children in Hopewell and half
way around the world.
Praise be to God!

Fun in the craFt rOOm
anne & BaBs in the kitchen preparing snacks
steve cOnklin wOrked with the 6th graders
recreatiOn time was a FavOrite OF all!
HRC moved outside its walls on
Beekman Road right under the tent!
Putting up the tent is no easy feat, as you
can see by these pictures.
The tent was used for VBS and two
Gatherings worship services. Thanks to
all who came and helped!
FALL 2009 Page 5

MONDAYS
9:00 - 10:30 AM Jim Collins 226-5572 Men
6:30 - 9:00 PM
(every other)
Beth Lazzaro 226-8681 Women
7:30 - 9:30 PM Mike Boyd 227-3019 Mixed
6:30 - 8:00 AM Henry Mikhail 223-5461 Men
9:30 - 11:00 AM Pam Hansen
Lisa Prentiss
3:30 - 5:00 PM
(1st, 3rd & 5th)
SUNDAYS
7:30 - 8:45 AM Bill Lavacca 223-7759 Men
TUESDAYS
Randy Prentiss 914-629-
8943
WEDNESDAYS
6:30 - 8:00 AM Bill Levy 227-8301 Men
8:30 - 10:00 AM Doug Archer 226-3514 Mixed
9:00 - 10:30 AM Jeanne Campbell 227-1465 Women
12:30 - 2:45 PM Nancy Herrmann 226-7824 Women
ChristCare Groups at HRC
226-1046
889-8469 Women
Men
7:00 - 9:00 PM Sarah Phillips 358-9156 Young
Adult
Women
7:00 - 8:30 PM
(2nd & 4th)
Tony Congi 227-2739 Mixed
7:15 - 8:45 PM
(1st & 3rd)
Susan Nieves 592-0764 Women
Page 6 Hopewell Reformed Church — Pastor Taylor Holbrook
THURSDAYS
8:00 - 10:00 AM David Bushey 221-6123 Mixed
9:00 - 10:30 AM Jan Bushey 221-6123 Women
9:30 - 11:00 AM Beth Brofman 221-9647 Women
1:00 - 2:30 PM Barbara Cassaro 226-5057 Women
1:00 -2:30 PM
(1st, 2nd & 3rd)
Karen Gomba 226-2867 Women
7:00 -9:00 PM Kevin Phillips 914-882-
7729
Young
Adults-
Men
7:00 - 8:30 PM Cheryl Barclay 226-3219 Women
7:00 - 8:30 AM Cindy Davis 227-8301 Women
7:30 - 10:00 AM
(every other)
FRIDAYS
7:00-8:45 AM Bruce Pearson 298-8251 Men
7:30 - 9:00 AM Taylor Holbrook 489-1301 Men
9:30 - 11:00 AM Lucia Eckhardt 221-8597 Women
7:00 - 8:30 PM
(every other)
Theresa Gerlach 896-0821 Mixed
7:00 - 9:00 PM
(every other)
Chris Mowbray 849-9419 Couples
7:00 - 9:00 PM
(every other)
Rick Rieland 223-4588 Couples
7:00 - 9:30 PM
(every other)
Mike Boyd 227-3019 Couples
SATURDAYS
Taylor Holbrook
Julie Martyn-
Baker
For information on ChristCare groups for teens, please contact Randy Prentiss.
489-1301
227-2706 Mixed
There are new groups starting in the fall, watch for details in your Sunday bulletin!

Bright Beginnings
preSchool neWS
Submitted by Faye Lotze
Bright Beginnings Preschool is gearing up for Fall!
The teachers will be preparing the classroom once
the floors are waxed and Vacation Bible School
is concluded. It’s wonderful to hear their happy,
enthusiastic voices as I write this!
Our first days of school and parent orientations will
be on Monday, September 14th for the four yearolds
and Tuesday September 15th for the three
year-olds. We are still enrolling children and have
spaces available in the afternoon classes for both 3’s
and 4’s.
fellowship
Turkey Supper
Submitted by Fellowship Committee
We are looking
forward to an
exciting year
of learning and
discovery and invite
members of the congregation to be a part of it! If
you would like to share a story, a craft, a talent, etc.,
please let Sue Nieves, Nancy Geysen or myself know
or call 227-8671 or 227-7316.
The Turkey Supper will be the first Saturday in
November (Nov.7th) Please keep this date in mind
as we will be needing many volunteers to make this
dinner a success. The profits from this dinner fund
the stocking of all supplies used in the kitchen by all
groups of the church. It also supports other activities
in the church through donations to their projects.
We will need people to bake turkeys and pies. Also
needed are waiters and waitresses, dish washers, set
up and clean up crews, carvers, pie cutters and many
other jobs that make this dinner run smoothly and
become a success.
If you are planning on using supplies for an event,
please contact Paula Engel at least a week in advance,
so she can make sure there are enough supplies for
you to use. Thank you.
HRC SPecial EVENTS team
FAll AnD WinTer FelloWShip eVenTS...
Submitted by Linda Smith
The Special Events Team hopes that everyone had a wonderful time during our Celebration Picnic on
Labor Day Sunday. We are starting to plan some fun activities for the Fall and Winter season. Some of
our ideas include a Valentine’s Day Dinner and Dance, a Karoke Night, and a Bowling Party.
We would like to hear from you. What do you think of these ideas? Would you come? How much
would you be willing to pay for a dinner/dance? Do you have other ideas for fellowship events? Please
e-mail Linda Smith with your thoughts and ideas at mom4smith@yahoo.com.
FALL 2009 Page 7

extended care
kick oFF
Submitted by Nance Williford.
The Extended Care Ministry’s “kick off” meeting will
be held on Sunday, September 27th from 9:50am
to 10:25am (between services) in Room A, and YOU
ARE INVITED! This Ministry is currently divided
into the following teams- each with its own team
coordinator as listed:
90+ Birthday Party on Wheels: VACANT
For people who are celebrating their 90th birthday or
higher, we bring the party to them!
Flower Delivery: Judy Phillips
There is a chart at the kiosk where people can sign
up to bring the flowers for the sanctuary on a given
Sunday. If they indicate that they want to leave the
flowers, we deliver them to one of our Extended Care
family members.
Correspondence:
Sunday Bulletin: Birgit Chisholm/ Nance Williford
Each week the Sunday bulletin contains the name and
address of one of our Extended Care family members.
We send them greetings to let them know that we are
thinking about them.
Sunday School Children: Barbara Jennings
About four times a year we work with the Sunday
school children to make cards for our elderly, homebound,
and sick.
Out-of-Towners: Lucia Eckhardt
There are people who are former members of our
congregation and have moved into nursing homes or
assisted-living places. We write cards and letters to
them so they know we haven’t forgotten them.
Communion Delivery: Rich Lotze
Once a month, we deliver communion to those in our
Extended Care family who want it.
Rides to/from Services/Appointments: Pam Hansen
Every now and then, the church gets a call from
someone who needs a ride to a doctor’s appointment
or some other scheduled event. We would like a list
of volunteer drivers to call on when this happens.
Page 8 Hopewell Reformed Church — Pastor Taylor Holbrook
Homebound and Nursing Home Visits: Assigned
Individuals
There are currently 27 people that our ministry tries to
visit on a regular (at least twice a month) basis. We
also try to visit those who are hospitalized or who are
going through hard times.
Home-Cooked Meals to Members: Shelley Stensrud
Under special circumstances, we bring meals to
members of our church. There is a freezer in the
Community Room that stores soups and casseroles
which we can take with us on our visits to the elderly,
sick, and homebound. When a person needs several
meals, the Pastor usually announces who needs the
meals, and we place a signup sheet for volunteer
cooks at the kiosk. In addition, we would like to have
a list of volunteer cooks to call upon to make meals in
an emergency.
Each year, we also deliver ”Turkey Dinners” in
November to all of our local Extended Care family
members.
Prayer Corner Follow-Up: Betsy DiSomma
After a name is put in the “Prayer Corner” of the
Sunday bulletin, we call the person who places the
name there in order to provide support, if needed.
Sing-Alongs at Nursing Homes: Edwina Pratt
Every 3rd Tuesday morning of the month (except in
July and August), a group of us goes to different nursing
homes or assisted-living places to sing songs with
the residents.
Please prayerfully consider YOUR participation
in one or more of the above teams. Then contact
Shelley Stensrud at 896-8788, or Nance Williford
at 221-1855, if you have any questions or to offer
YOUR helping hands. The Extended Care Ministry
meets on the 4th Sunday of each month to discuss
the status of each team’s work. We also communicate
through e-mails and/or phone calls if you are not able
to attend our meetings.
We look forward to working with all of you. Hope to
see you at our “kick off” meeting on the 27th!

hrc journey
our oDySSey SerVice iS groWing!
Submitted by Linda Zieres
We gathered early on Sunday, July 12th to set the stage for something big.
In the large hall at Tymor Park we at HRCjourney prepared for our 7th
Odyssey service. We started on January 11th with only four residents from
a local group home and continued on the 2nd Sunday of each month since.
They started arriving early too! Many came running in, smiling, to greet us.
Excitement was in the air as Lynn & Wayne Morrison started worship with
“This Little Light of Mine” and “Open the Eyes of My Heart”. The room
was light and hearts were opened as Lynn and Bruce led us in “This Little
Light of Mine”. Another guest, Jessica, proudly sang “The Star Spangled
Banner”. We sang the traditional “Jesus Loves Me”, but the volume rose as
Pastor Mark cranked it up for “Jesus Loves Me”, rock-style!
Something happened; the room was alive with people singing their hearts
out! There were 34 Odyssey guests and, much to our delight, we were joined by many friends from our
mother-church at the Beekman campus. How great it was to share this day with them and we were grateful for
their help!
Then came
the picnic
lunch…
It was
amazing
how
smoothly
the crowd
of over 100
was fed with
the loaves
and the
fishes.
The whole day was over the top, beyond our
expectations. Pastor Steve Dambra said “I wish you
could have been in my shoes. Everyone pitched in
and helped in friendship, love and commitment to
what God is doing out here”.
An integral part
of each service
is a “hands-on”
when we sit
down at tables
to make a craft.
We created the
Odyssey banner
which will be
displayed at each
Odyssey service.
FALL 2009 Page 9

Youth missions
MeXico ouTreAch 2009
Submitted by Lourdes Kleid
Kid’s camp week was long and hard, okay exhausting
is a better description! It took two days to prepare the
camp with tents, sports stations and YES a water park
which we built! Forty Mexican kids came to Christ so
in the end it was all worth it.
“Train a child in the way he should go, and when
he is old he will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6
Our second week was awesome. Speaker Carlos
Devitis, who by the way will be our Sharpe Retreat
speaker, was inspiring, challenging and took us to a
deep place spiritually. The band was right on as well.
Jack Withers led us in a sweet way.
We had many challenges these two weeks:
rattlesnakes, Black Widow spiders, broken vehicles,
a lot of hard physical work, etc. However, as we
declared His glory we were strengthened more each
day.
Page 10 Hopewell Reformed Church — Pastor Taylor Holbrook
Our two weeks ended with bringing Hilary Holbrook
to her new home in Maneadero, the Gabriel House. It
was bittersweet for me as I saw this amazing young
woman and where God has taken her. Our speaker
spoke frequently on “why not you, why not now?”
Hilary has answered God’s call to her and is exactly
where she wants to be as well. Hilary was asked to
speak at chapel and it was such a joyful moment
for our team. She inspired many. She was then
commissioned by Carlos and the whole camp laid
hands on her and prayed for her. It was a beautiful
sight…and where it all began for Hilary.
Thank you all for your prayers and support for this
incredible two weeks in Mexico.
Also ,thanks to the generosity of our congregation,
we were able to start the retaining wall for the new
Iglesia Roca de Salvacion! It was really exciting to all
of us to know that HRC is the seed in the beginning
of this project. There are two other American
churches helping Pastor Cande as well. Both are from
Temecula, California. They have encouraged me to
ask our church for a partnership with them to help
Pastor Cande. The

project will take at least 4 years and $300,000 in materials alone. But as
Pastor Cande said to us, “Un dia a la vez” (One day at a time).
Many of you know or have heard of Rocio from our old ministry site.
She has been part of our teams for the past few years working alongside
of us. She is very dear to us. After sharing with us some pretty bad
stuff going on in her life, we have committed to helping her through
beauty school. It is a two year program. She is 17, has risen above
the addiction, teen pregnancy and alcohol abuse that is rampant in her
“barrio”, the slums where she lives. She told me of how, with God and
our love and support, she has been able to stay away from all the bad
stuff. Her mom is a drug addict and her dad was in jail for ten years, but
is now out. He is not really connected to the family at all. Her brother
Jonathan is running the streets…he is 18. Their home is indescribable.
This program is quite affordable, of course, but not for her. Her tuition is
$60 a month plus materials and bus fare. If you are interested in helping
with this, please contact me as soon as possible. We need to get some
money to Hilary, who is helping to manage the money we send her for
Rocio.
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask
anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know
that we have what we asked of him.”
1 John 5:14-15
MISSIONS: LOCAL
helping The hoMeleSS
Submitted by Birgit Chisholm
Have you been wondering how you might fit
missions into your lifestyle? Is a week-long
mission trip to another country not do-able for
you? Do you have a passion to help people
locally? Are you aware that for almost ten years,
Hopewell Reformed Church has been connected to
the Homeless Shelter in Poughkeepsie? This is a
local mission that we support by helping feed the
guests that come to the shelter one day a month.
We are committed to providing a meal or bag
lunch for 60 shelter guests and volunteers to serve
on the second Monday of each month.
Currently, the O’Malleys have coordinated
this ministry for HRC. Dave O’Malley recruits
volunteers to serve the meals at the shelter and
Carol O’Malley recruits groups to prepare the
meal/sandwiches. The O’Malleys are involved in
many HRC ministries, and Carol is also taking
care of her mother, which results in her being out
of town often. They are looking for someone to
take over the Shelter responsibilities for them.
This would be a great missional service for an
individual, family, or ChristCare group.
We know there is someone attending HRC whom
God is nudging to take a step to get involved in
missions. Here is the opportunity you have been
looking for! Please prayerfully consider serving
our community through this ministry. If you are
interested or would like more information, please
contact Carol at dcomalley@optonline.net.
FALL 2009 Page 11

CHURCH
CLASSIFIEDS
Send your classified ad to
hrcnewsletter@hrcrca.org
CATERING
CELTIC CHARM CATERING—No affair too small.
Serving daily lunch to your business or school.
Dinners delivered before 3pm. I offer a gluten free
menu along with my regular menu. Kim Busche,
your personal caterer for any event. Call 845-227-
6107 or email finbarturk@aol.com for complete
menus. Also, Kids in the Kitchen cooking classes,
adult cooking classes and gluten free awareness
cooking classes at Lomala in Hopewell Junction.
COMPUTERS:
YOUR COMPUTER SLOW?—Does it not work
at all? Upgrades, Repairs, and Custom Tailored
Machines. Ron’s Computer Service, Ron Abramowitz
845-546-6445 Rpabramowitz@prodigy.net or www.
ronscomputerservice.com
COUNSELING:
AT THE CROSSROADS, INC.—Christian
counseling–Louise D. Nielsen, M.A. 1-877-478-7828
CRAFTS:
CREATIVE MEMORY SCRAPBOOKING—I teach
young to old to Scrapbook - call Barbara Dailey at
226-6266.
LIA SOPHIA ADVISOR—Heather L. Maillet
845-592-1992 www.liasophia.com/heathermaillet
It is an honor to serve you!
EDUCATION
TUTOR AVAILABLE—Certified teacher available
to help your student. Reasonable rates. References
available. Please call Heather 592-1992
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT AVAILABLE
to help your student with math, tax or accounting
needs. I tutor any level from grade school through
college. Reasonable rates. References available.
Please call June Nuzzo 845-223-8227 or cell 845-
596-2599
FOR SALE:
THREE (3) BABY LOCK SEWING MACHINES
for sale. Paid $159.00 asking $139.00 or best offer.
Used only a short time. Have the direction book.
Barbara Dailey, 845-226-6266/845-430-5935
Page 12 Hopewell Reformed Church — Pastor Taylor Holbrook
HISTORICAL PLATES—Picturing HRC. These
recently-discovered plates were originally offered in
1974 for a fundraiser at our church. They are dinner
plate size with a gold banded edge and a black line
drawing depicting the front view of the sanctuary
as seen from Beekman Road. There are 2 plates
available, first come, first served at $25.00 ea. A
great gift! Call or see David Bushey (221-6123)
POP UP CAMPER for sale—2001 FLEETWOOD
CHEYENNE Immaculate, open, airy. Sleeps 6. In
great shape. $3800. Contact Randy or Lisa at 889-
8469
HOME IMPROVEMENT:
COLORWORKS, INC.—Painting, Faux Finishing,
Wallpapering, Staining, Hardwood Flooring
(Installation & Refinishing), All types of General
Contracting & Remodeling. Call Kevin Mulligan
845-702-8532.
BUILDING AN ADDITION?—Call Graham J.
Boyd with your architectural design, interior design,
space planning, graphic design or iIllustrations and
renderings needs. Call: (845)224-5131 or email:
GrahamJBoyd@gmail.com
HOUSEHOLD:
LYNCH CARPENTRY—Custom Remodeling,
Free Estimates - Please call or e-mail Don lynch.
email:Lynchcarpentry123@yahoo.com
Office:(845)-896-0487 Cell:(845)242-7794
NEPTUNE PLUMBING—Stephen Maus--Repairs-
Renovations-New Construction -- Licensed and
Insured, 20+ Years Experience. Tele #845-226-7050,
E-mail: NeptunePandH@aol.com.
SMALL ENGINE REPAIR—Need your snow
blower, chain saw, lawn mower or other small
engines repaired - call John Dailey at 226-6266
HOUSE CLEANING—experienced house cleaner
available. Reliable. Reasonable rates. References
available. Please call Heather 592-1992
MEDICAL:
NURSING CARE—Barbara Oniffrey, Registered
Nurse, Medicaid Provider. Call 226-6495.
MEDIQUIP LOAN CLOSET—medical equipment
available to borrow; located at the Poughkeepsie
Reformed Church on Hooker Ave. - only open
Wednesdays from 9:30 – noon. Phone: 452-0968.
NOTARY PUBLIC:
NOTARY SERVICES—Call Duncan Chisholm at
845-518-0518.

CHURCH CLASSIFIEDS continued
RENTALS:
VACATION HOME—Charming Cape Cod vacation
home for rent. Ocean view. Located in Eastham,
MA. Reasonable rate. Call Heather @ 592-1992
VACATION RENTAL PROPERTY—Lake George:
Spacious log home at Huletts Landing on Lake
George available for weekly vacation rental. Three
bedrooms, two full baths, full kitchen, living room
w/ stone fireplace, dining area, family room w/ ping
pong table, wrap around deck. Canoe and kayak on
premises. Lake access, one block from lake, incredible
views. Golf, beach, basketball, tennis, ice cream
shop all within one mile. Excellent NY and VT
skiing within an hour. Rural setting, quiet getaway.
Pictures available. Call Chris and Pam Hansen.
(845-226-1046) for more details.
THRIFT SHOPS/FOOD CLOSETS:
THE BARN THRIFT SHOP—accepting donations.
Proceeds support almost 40 different ministries in the
Mid-Hudson Valley. Call for information and hours
845-635-9630
CHURCH VOLUNTEERS
Submitted by Karen Gomba
CHURCH VOLUNTEERS
Dave Schuster.
Marge Way
THRIFT SHOP—at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
845-635-2854
FOOD CLOSET—HRC has food available for anyone
in need. If you or someone you know could use
our help please call Patty Coppola at 227-8277 or
LeeAnn O’Connor 223-6750.
TRAVEL
TRAVEL AGENT—Let me help you experience
our country and the world. For family reunions
and celebrations; honeymoons; overseas visits,
tours, and learning adventures; coach tours in the
US and abroad; cruises; travel with mission, music
and athletic groups; winter ski or warm-weather
getaways. I am licensed and insured in New York
and Florida, and am an independent agent of Travel
Depot, formerly of Brookmeade Plaza, now in The
Villages, Florida. For advice on international health
concerns and trip insurance, contact Amy Ferrell,
amy.ferrell@verizon.net. 845-223-3680 summer and
fall, 941-349-6069 winter and spring.
In June we honored Dave Schuster with a game ball for all the time and effort he puts in to coordinate and
schedule sound technicians for each worship service (including actually doing the work himself!) and to keeping
all the equipment in order and up to date. Thanks, Dave, for working behind the scenes and doing it with
a joyful heart! We also recognized Marge Way; did you know that she has been singing in the HRC choir
since she was in high school? We admire this kind of dedication and are thankful for her inspiration to us all!
In August the game ball was awarded to Carl Nuessle. Carl contributes to the life of our church by ushering,
serving as a Stephen Minister, and also as our Facilities Project Manager, assisting with the work that needs to
be done in and around the church. Thanks, Carl, for all you do!
Carl Nuessle
FALL 2009 Page 13

church leaders
leADerShip SuMMiT 2009
This August Hopewell Reformed
Church sent 25 leaders, including
staff members, consistory members,
and team leaders, to the Willow
Creek Leadership Summit. We
traveled to Walnut Hill Community
Church in Bethel Ct to hear over a
dozen different speakers, including
Bill Hybels. We experienced some
awesome worship and had a great
time getting to know each other
better, as well.
Following the Summit, I asked
our attenders to answer the three
questions listed below. I want to
share some of the answers with you.
What did you like best about the summit?
Overwhelmingly the favorite speaker was Dr.
Wes Stafford, president and CEO of Compassion
International. His story was so heart-wrenching,
and yet inspiring. Some of the comments about this
presentation follow:
• His story affirms that though God does not
create evil in our lives, our suffering can bring
miraculous, unimaginable outcomes, if we are open to
His plan.
• His book stands as a call to all of us to value
children, not because “children are the future”, but
NOW.
• I was inspired by his intergenerational view.
While we are doing a pretty good job of being
intergenerational here at HRC, I was convicted to
“intentionally work on that “village” mentality.
We highly recommend reading his story in Too Small
to Ignore.
Other speakers included Bono, Tony Blair, Jessica
Jackley (founder of KIVA.com), Gary Hamel,
Andrew Rugasira, and Chip & Dan Heath. Some of
these names were not familiar, others very familiar.
All inspired and taught leadership principles, as
evidenced by the answers to my second question:
What did you learn that you can use in your
personal life?
These answers were as varied as the attendees! Here
are some samples:
Submitted by Birgit Chisholm
Page 14 Hopewell Reformed Church — Pastor Taylor Holbrook
Failure can be positive – don’t fear it.
Big problems can be solved by little solutions.
Forgive someone for a past hurt.
I am totally charged to do God’s work!
Leadership is a journey.
Everyone needs a replenishment strategy.
My personal time with God is critical.
What did you learn that you can use in your
leadership role at HRC or at work?
Again, the answers were quite varied. A staff member
was affirmed to hear Dave Gibbons as he shared that
helping others find their passion and strengths begins
with relationships – listening to THEIR STORY. One
attendee learned that he needs to find his bright spots
and capitalize on them. Gary Hamel’s statement from
“The Future of Management” that future leadership
is not from the top down, but from within was noted,
as well as Bill Hybel’s statement that the local
church’s potential is unlimited, even in these times
of economic uncertainty. He added that whatever the
capacity for human suffering, the church has a greater
capacity for healing and wholeness.
These two days were packed with information and
inspiration! Our thanks to Hopewell Reformed
Church for supporting our leaders and encouraging
them to learn and grow by attending such events!

Staff & Teams
pastoral care
Taylor Holbrook Lead Pastor
Pam Hansen Pastoral Care Coordinator
Nance Williford Extended Care Team
Karen Nuessle Health & Wellness Team
Sara Irvin Stephen Ministry Team
Carol O”Malley Prayer Team
operations
Karen Gomba Director of Operations
John Barach Sexton
Birgit Chisholm Church Admininistrator
Lisa Ruvo Bookkeeper
Cyndy Warren Financial Secretary
David Schuster Audio Team
Anne Jackson Buildings Team
Linda Smith Events Team
David Bushey Expansion Team
Paula Engel Fellowship Team
Shelley Keane Finance Team
Gerry Richardson Grounds Crew
Kevin Warren Historian
Diane Morey Newsletter Team
Ben Roosa Investments Team
Karen Gomba Personnel Team
Carl Nuessle Project Manager
Duncan Chisholm Technology Team
Nelson Nieves Van
Jeff Gerlach Video Team
worship & arts
Sherri Hondorp Worship & Arts Coordinator
Organist/Choir Director
Music Team
Rich Lotze Usher Team
outreach
Mark Mast Director of Outreach
Kevin Warren CMP
Patty Coppola &
LeeAnn O’Connor Food Closet
Toni Viau Friends of South Africa Team
Barbie Richardson Loving Stitches
Bruce Pearson Missions Team
spiritual growth &youth ministries
Randy Prentiss Director of Spiritual Growth
Lourdes Kleid Coordinator of Youth Worship
& Missions
Sheryle Silvern Children’s Ministry Coordinator
Dylan Ackley Youth House Caretaker
Mike Boyd ChristCare
Jan Bushey Librarian
Lucia Eckhardt Women’s Guild
bright beginnings preschool
Faye Lotze Director
Sue Nieves Lead Teacher
Nancy Geysen Assistant Teacher
elders deacons
Shireen Gilbert Mike Boyd
Nelson Nieves Gary Cassaro
Stephanie Patton Henry Mikhail
Kevin Warren Mike Reynolds
Matt Williams Tina Smith
officers
Taylor Holbrook President
Kevin Warren Vice-President
Shelley Keane Treasurer
Tina Smith Clerk
Phone Numbers
Office (845) 221.9542
Fax (845) 227.1908
Youth House
Rev. Mark Mast-
(845) 226.3514
Rev. Randy Prentiss -
(845) 226.3514
Bright Beginnings
(845) 227.8671
Next Issue WINTER
All articles must be received in the church
office or by e-mail no later than:
WINTER issue -deadline is October 30
SPRING issue -deadline is February 1
SUMMER issue - deadline is May 1
NO EXCEPTIONS.
When submitting an article, please be sure
to provide the name and phone number
of the person submitting the information
in case there are any questions. Either
drop the article and any other support
documentation in the newsletter mailbox,
or use e-mail. When using e-mail, please
provide all requested information in your
mail and ATTACH any other support
documentation to:
HRCNewsletter@HRCRCA.org
FALL 2009 Page 15

youth missions
Fuge iS huge!!
Submitted by Rick Goerg
The Time: July 26th, 2009, 7:30AM
The Place: HRC Parking Lot
The Mission: Go to Philadelphia and spread the word
of God
The Team: 29 teenagers and 5 “adult” leaders
We were on the road right on time and thanks to
fantastic directions (Shireen), we made it down to
Eastern University right outside of Philadelphia
without a hitch. The cars were navigated by our
leaders - Jen Nieves, Diane Myers, Percy and Shireen
Gilbert (2 different cars), and Rick Goerg behind
the wheel of the HRC mega-van!!. Thanks to Beth
Sergerly for coming to the rescue as our last driver!.
After we ate lunch at “peace-a-pizza” (check out the
magnets on the church van), we registered and moved
into our dorm rooms. After dinner it was our first
night of worship. The worship band, Well Said, was
awesome and our worship leader, Will Snipes, was
excellent. His words were inspiring and he connected
with everyone in the crowd.
Page 16 Hopewell Reformed Church — Pastor Taylor Holbrook
We then broke
off into our
“track” groups
to meet our
FUGE track
leader and
bond and equip
ourselves for
the work of
the week.
These groups
ranged from Games & Recreation (playground
duty) to Creative Ministry (acting and puppets) to
Social Ministry (food pantries and nursing homes)
to Children’s Ministry (VBS and churches) to PCY
(painting, carpentry, & yard work). One thing all the
groups had in common - the holy spirit was flowing.
On Monday through Thursday we went out from
10AM until 3PM to our track sites and spread God’s
Word. Whether it was playing kick ball, singing at
the nursing home, cutting down weeds, or packing
boxes for the homeless, God’s love was all around.
Each night after worship time with all 125 camp
attendees from Texas, Virginia, North Carolina, and of
course NY, we met as a church to share in the day’s
events, devotion, and worship. Percy Gilbert did an
unbelievable job leading us each night. Everyone had
amazing stories about what they saw and did during
the day. Thanks to Becca Congi for always being
there for her Bible study girls all week!!
Unfortunately, Friday came way too soon and we
were on our way back home (thanks to Dave Barlow
for helping out with the drive home!) This trip
affected everyone differently, but it most definitely
affected everyone. Please take the time to ask any of
the Fuger’s about our trip!!

An up-to-date monthly calendar
can be found online on
our website at:
HopewellReformedChurch.org
CMP Workdays
(Community
Maintenance Program)
September 28
October 24
November 28
to volunteer to help,
please call Kevin Warren at
223-6376
DATES TO
REMEMBER
October 18th
2nd Grade Bible Sunday
Bibles will be given out at
both services
November 7th
Turkey Supper
November 14th
Men’s Breakfast
AA Meetings
Mondays/Thursdays at 7:15 PM
in the fellowship hall
Tuesdays/Fridays at 7:30 PM
in the fellowship hall
Al-Anon Meetings
Mondays at 10:00 AM
in the Community Room
Thursdays at 7:30 PM
in the Community Room
FALL 2009 Page 17

irthdayS: September, OctOber,
September
Brian Geary 09/02
Dan Brady 09/03
Harry Miller 09/03
Perry Lambeth 09/04
Marge Hiller 09/05
Andrew Holbrook 09/05
Trey Kautsky III 09/05
Erika Holz 09/06
Brennan McIntyre 09/06
Joanne Zannelli 09/07
Rachel Flanagan 09/08
Rachel Snider 09/08
Liam Beal 09/09
Birgit Chisholm 09/09
Heather Maillet 09/09
Bruce Smith 09/09
Mario Paolilli 09/10
Sam Viau 09/10
William Denison 09/11
Margaret Freitag 09/11
Hilary Holbrook 09/11
Andrew McCarthy 09/11
Diane Morey 09/11
Chris Arocho 09/12
Chris Hansen 09/12
Barbara Ross 09/12
Ally Papaccio 09/13
Don Bernard 09/14
Lisa Ruvo 09/14
Joseph Killeen 09/15
William Lee 09/15
Louis Arocho 09/16
Lisa Prentiss 09/16
Hannah Scagnelli 09/16
Kyle Hansen 09/17
Lydia Hughes 09/17
David Merillat 09/18
Jean Newman 09/19
Ellen Pearson 09/19
Erin Rice 09/19
Matthew Beal 09/20
Michelle Cassaro 09/20
K.C. Schuster 09/20
Jo-Ann D’Agostino 09/21
Kevin J. Mulligan 09/21
Harriett Wood 09/21
Zach Zindler 09/21
Ryan Jackson 09/22
Danielle Neckles 09/22
James Adamo 09/24
Isabella Colucci 09/24
Melissa Friedemann 09/24
Victoria Smalley 09/24
Abby Narbaiz 09/25
Kayla Praino 09/26
Ian Smith 09/26
Jessica Batt 09/27
Kathy Knesnik 09/27
Melissa Mansfield 09/27
Kevin Warren 09/27
James Ferguson 09/28
Artie Humphreys 09/29
Paul Varanouskas 09/29
Keith Dommreis 09/30
Cameron Moore 09/30
Laura Nieves 09/30
Marc Roberts 09/30
John Young 09/30
OctOber
Cheryl Federighi 10/01
Connor Lynch 10/01
Tyler Markham 10/01
Stephen Papaccio 10/01
Michael Volk 10/01
Page 18 Hopewell Reformed Church — Pastor Taylor Holbrook
NOvember
Dana Fasciglione 10/02
John McCarthy 10/02
Rick Rieland 10/02
Zoe Levy 10/03
Mackenzie Goerg 10/04
Cleon Sawyer 10/04
Barbara Argyle 10/05
Peter Narbaiz 10/06
Linda Holder 10/07
Willie Kops 10/07
Courtney Mast 10/07
Max Wrye 10/07
Sam Prentiss 10/09
Mathais Johnson 10/10
Marjorie Lawrence 10/10
Billy Moyer 10/10
MaryKate Brady 10/11
Skya Stark 10/11
Katelyn Delamater 10/12
Brianna Palazzo 10/12
Sam Pearson 10/12
Jonathan Campbell 10/13
Sawyer Goerg 10/13
Dylan Lee 10/13
Hailey Conston 10/14
Justin Dambra 10/15
Matt Lynch 10/15
Diane Boujikian 10/16
Kellyanne Cherry 10/16
Pam Hansen 10/16
Layomi Oloritun 10/16
Jessica Pearlman 10/16
Michael Pellegrino 10/16
Jack Hoenig 10/17
Dierdre McClellan 10/17
Heather Pellegrino 10/17
Gabriella Pfeiffer 10/17
Juliana Zammikiel 10/17

Ryan Zindler 10/17
Alejandro Garces 10/18
Tyler Neckles 10/19
Mills Shenkman 10/19
Tyler Batt 10/20
Jenny Thompson 10/20
Philip Geary 10/21
Stephanie Giardino 10/21
Carol Bean 10/23
Dylan Jackson 10/23
Karen Cassaro 10/24
Amber Delamater 10/24
Sarah Jakubek 10/24
Melanie Mansfield 10/24
David Nieves 10/24
Heather Campbell 10/25
Gary Cassaro 10/25
Sarah Chisholm 10/25
Diane Lee 10/26
Mark Shogren 10/26
Mackenzie Letizia 10/28
Sam Patton 10/28
Fred Schmid 10/28
Claire Viau 10/28
Jim Moyer 10/30
Benjamin Prentiss 10/30
Anneliese Schmid 10/30
John Barach 10/31
Alexander Salberg 10/31
NOvember
Bill Kautsky 11/01
Diana McHugh 11/01
Julia Ryan 11/01
Ann Bell 11/03
Jeanne Campbell 11/03
Elizabeth Smerdon 11/03
Kenneth Brofman 11/04
Samantha Haessler 11/04
Clark Shogren 11/04
Ginnie Young 11/04
Eric Bredthauer 11/05
Katlin Geysen 11/05
Jim Irvin 11/05
Lee Ann O’Connor 11/05
Martha Bean 11/06
Nelson Nieves 11/06
Tina Rentsch 11/06
Gary DiFrancia Jr. 11/07
Kate Moyer 11/07
Ann Marie Smith 11/08
Chandler Taylor 11/08
David Wood 11/08
Robert Bosan 11/10
Ada Grace 11/10
Linda Smith 11/10
Marianne Blasch 11/11
Rich Papaccio 11/12
Kathy Praino 11/12
Julie Williams 11/12
Copeland Gates 11/13
Brandon Bernard 11/14
Karen March 11/15
Lisa Barach 11/16
Hunter Nuzzo 11/16
Sasha Steenson 11/16
Gerald Bell 11/17
Joslyn Dambra 11/17
Sarah Dawson 11/18
Peggy Gullick 11/18
Heather Hoffman 11/18
Remington Lee 11/19
Karen Nuessle 11/19
Jan Sabellico 11/19
Naomi Evanietz 11/20
Kyle Mast 11/20
Barbara Zawadzinsky 11/20
Alicia Contrino 11/21
John Hitsman 11/21
Devon March 11/21
Karen Shogren 11/21
Alex Suess 11/21
Matthew McIntyre 11/22
Ben Roosa 11/22
Lalena Faust 11/23
Cathleen Holbrook 11/25
Scott Quimby 11/25
Carl Fehrmann 11/26
Kirsten Gellatly 11/26
Ashley Kautsky 11/26
Carl Nuessle 11/26
Jane Schlick 11/26
Peter Groen 11/27
Samantha Holz 11/27
Tom Lovelett 11/28
Emily Alkiewicz 11/29
Kyle Geysen 11/30
Brandon Knesnik 11/30
FALL 2009 Page 19

Missions international
MolDoVA
Submitted by Shauna LaBorde
It’s hard to believe we have gone and are now home
from Moldova after a year of planning. The time
definitely flew by too fast. We had such a great time
and praise God for his protection over us as we traveled
and during the national election that took place
while we were there. Thank you for your prayers and
support .
I will attempt to give you a summary of our time in
Moldova , although limiting it to a few paragraphs
will be challenging. Last summer Mauricio and our
son Jordan went to Moldova on a sports outreach with
an organization called Operation Mobilization (OM).
They traveled and ministered with a team that worked
with children and youth in villages of Moldova.
When they came home we started making plans for
our whole family to go this year.
After a year of collecting soccer equipment and doing
some fundraising we packed up 10 large bags and
headed for JFK on July 22 for a two week outreach.
On the 24th we found ourselves heading out to our
first village, Vadul lui Isac. Our team was made up
of young adults from Moldova, England, Holland,
Germany and Switzerland.
Page 20 Hopewell Reformed Church — Pastor Taylor Holbrook
Moldova is the poorest country in Europe (80%
unemployed). It’s a country of contrast. The few bigger
cities are more progressive but the villages, where
most of the people live, still have a hard, struggling
life just to survive. Moldova has 30,000 orphans and
abandoned children. When I say abandoned I mean
children whose parents have left the country seeking
work. In many homes one or both parents are working
in countries like Turkey, Italy, Ukraine, Russia or
Romania. This leaves the children to be cared for by
grandparents or older siblings. Their only means of
surviving is to work their land and sell some of the
produce. Mauricio visited a family of teens who were
living alone. The family was fractured and so the 17
and 15 year olds live alone and had to care for themselves.
They were so thankful for the food parcel that
the team brought and when Mauricio brought them ice
cream the boy took his hand to try to kiss it because
he was so thankful.
We spent our days, other than Sunday, doing kid’s
games in the mornings, visiting the elderly and bringing
food parcels in the afternoon and then in the
late afternoon doing soccer training. At all of these
activities the simple Gospel of Jesus was shared by
either dramas, rope tricks or testimonies giving glory
to God. “Preaching the Gospel with words and validating
it with acts of kindness.” Sunday we spent at
church and doing visitation. Each morning the children
would start coming to the field about 10 to spend
some hours just playing and hearing a Bible lesson.
The first village had a well established church and we
were housed and fed well by them. We participated in
the Church service and youth meeting. It was so great
to see these people busy at work helping those in their
community and a few making plans to go as missionaries
to other places like Central Asia.

The elderly of Moldova are being called the forgotten
generation. As so many of their children have left the
villages for work and many never return the elderly
are growing older with little help and little financial
support. They have a $10 monthly pension from the
government. Many of those that we visited were ill,
physically handicapped or mentally ill. In the villages
where the churches exist they are trying to reach out
to them and OM has a number of feeding and visitation
programs reaching out to them as well.
One story that really touched me was of the first
elderly woman that we visited. She walked bent over
and used two sticks to help her get around. She lived
in a typical village home with a small garden and no
running water or indoor toilets. She had a number of
grown children and grandchildren that lived in other
villages. Her husband was sick and in bed when we
visited her. She was probably about 80 years old. As
we sat and listened to her story I realized here was a
woman who had lived through communism and persecution
of the Church under communism. As we
were getting ready to pray with her before we left she
said to us, “Life here is hard, there is much sorrow
and difficulty, but I am so thankful that I know Jesus
and that he has been with me through it all.” As we
continued to visit other people who were not believers
I kept thinking of this woman’s words, that although
life in Moldova for the average person is really hard,
life with Christ makes it better. This world is not the
end for her; she has an eternal home of rest waiting
for her.
In the second village, Pelinei, the church was young
and there were fewer believers. It had been started
by a young man named Rousland. He came to Christ
as a youth, then went to Romania to study the Bible
and returned to his home village to start a church.
Although he could have sought out a more comfortable
life elsewhere his love for his village was so
beautiful to see. Everywhere we went he would stop
and visit with his neighbors. The children would
flock to him and he always had a smile that radiated
Christ’s love. The pastor of this small church
shared his story of how he came to Christ in prison
in Germany – he had been there working illegally.
While in prison someone gave him a Bible and shared
the good news of Salvation with him where he gave
his life to Christ. He, like Rousand, had a smile and
joy that was filled with the love of Christ. As we
played with the children, and did soccer training each
day we realized we were a link in the work of the
Moldovan church, helping them to build bridges to
those who live under bondage of orthodoxy and secularism.
It was a privilege.
FALL 2009 Page 21

missions: International
MolDoVA (continued from page 21)
Submitted by Shauna LaBorde
Some of you may wonder “How did our boys do on
the trip?”. They had a great time. As part of the team
they helped out with the games and soccer training.
They were good sports about using an out house and
they carried many buckets of water from the well for
us. But most of all they were able to make friends
Page 22 Hopewell Reformed Church — Pastor Taylor Holbrook
with children and adults in a ways that breaks down
any barrier. In the first village they stayed with a
Moldovan family, away from us, and it turned out to
be so special for them. We know God used this experience
to place an understanding and compassion in
their hearts for those without a relationship with Him
and for those living in poverty.
As I close this report I want to express our heartfelt
“Thank you” to each of you who supported us in
many ways. For the supplies and soccer equipment
bought and given, for the cookies baked and purchased,
for your interest and comments to us about
Moldova and especially for the prayers lifted up for
us and the country of Moldova. We see that God is
doing a great thing there and he is growing his church
and using them to effect change in that country.

LOCAL MISSIONS
loVe in The nAMe oF chriST
Submitted by Karen Gomba
The Mid-Hudson chapter of Love In The Name of
Christ has been busy! Here is some of their news:
The mission of Mid-Hudson Love INC is to mobilize
the Church to transform lives and communities In
the Name of Christ. We thank God that He has
allowed us to serve 42 clients, who have called
into our clearinghouse. We see evidence of God’s
transforming work all around us. A client tells us
of her delight in sleeping on a real bed for the first
time in over a year. Other clients express thanks for
furniture or for help working through a financial crisis
or for our prayers. Deliverers in our Personal Care
Item ministry report with joy that they have been able
to meet both physical and spiritual needs as they have
delivered items and prayed with those receiving the
items. A nine-year-old girl who rode along with her
mom and dad when they made a furniture delivery
learned much about contentment, commenting that
even though the lady’s whole house was only as big
as a dining room, “she sure was happy!” We thank
God for transformation in the lives of our Love INC
family – both clients and volunteers.
We have been amazed at the resourcefulness of
many of our clients. One precious woman had been
washing her clothes by filling the tub with water,
detergent and dirty clothes and then having her
loVing STiTcheS
Submitted by Barbie Richardson
Our first meeting after the long
summer break will be on Monday,
September 14 2009, at 10:00
A.M. in the Youth House. At that
meeting there will be lessons on how
to knit mittens. Please bring your
own #5 and #7 knitting needles. Everything else will
be provided. So come and join us and learn how to
knit mittens for your family as well as for the Loving
Stitches mission projects.
grandchildren
stomp on
them for
several
minutes.
(We’re sure
the first
minute was a lot of fun for the kids, but it became
very tedious after that!) We will soon be delivering
a washing machine to this grandmother. She tells
us that she prayed for a washing machine and found
us—and now she is getting a washing machine! She
also tells us of other amazing ways God has worked
in her life through prayer.
We pray for more transformation, knowing that we
serve a loving and powerful God! We also pray for
Christian men and women to fill some key areas in
our ministry. We are in need of a Household Goods
Ministry Coordinator and more volunteer intake
workers in our clearinghouse on Monday, Wednesday
and Friday mornings. If you are interested in more
information or would like to volunteer, please contact
us at 471-0102 or services@mhlinc.org.
Thank you for being a part of God’s work through
Mid-Hudson Love In the Name of Christ.
We are desperately in need of dark colored yarn for
making hats, scarfs and mittens for the Homeless
Shelter. Skeins of yarn or money to buy yarn would
be greatly appreciated. If you
donate by check, you can make
it payable to HRC adding
the notation "For Loving
Stitches" in the Memo section.
For information call Barby
Richardson at 845-221-4867.
FALL 2009 Page 23

pastoral care
Submitted by Pam Hansen
cAring in AcTion
• Caring friends attend Kathy Stalter’s mother’s funeral in Connecticut……
• John Young leads the funeral service for Kathy Stalter’s mother…..
• ChristCare sisters support Shelley Walker Kean in the passing of her mother….
• Jim and Sarah Irvin visit the Nordlunds often….
• Karl and Karen Nuessle visit the Nordlunds often
• Karl Nuessle drops everything to be with Sven Nordlund upon hearing of Linnea’s death….
• Many people prepare meals for the Zannelli family following Joanne’s back surgery….
• Betsy DiSomma visits shut-ins regularly….
• Jim Collins faithfully brings sermons to a local nursing home….
• Helmy El-Sherif consistently responds to pastoral care needs….
• Many people contribute to a woman in need so that she can buy a car….
• Two sisters who struggle with alcoholism join together in support….
• Eileen and Ernie Finley donate clothing for a woman who needs appropriate clothing for work…
• Edith Travis (97 years old) calls another HRC shut-in every day to check in….
• Cathy Bridges provides rides to church to an HRC member who can no longer drive….
• Diana Lawson adopted a nursing home resident. She visits and cares for her like a mother…..
• Rich Lotze faithfully takes communion to shut-ins every month…..
• Norm Bell installs a washer and dryer for a family of 6…..
• Stephen Ministers faithfully serve their care receivers…..
• The Prayer Team consistently meets on Thursday evenings to pray for needs….
• Diane Volk leads a yoga class that offers physical and emotional support….
• Pastoral Care team leaders Nance Williford, Sarah Irvin, Carol O’Malley, and Karen Nuessle
coordinate their specific areas of the care ministry…….
I could go on and on. These are just a few examples of the care that is happening around Hopewell. None of
these folks are pastors or paid staff. They just have a compassionate spirit and concern for others. How might
you be called to help a friend, a neighbor, a co-worker?
Thanks to all of you who make HRC a caring place!
Page 24 Hopewell Reformed Church — Pastor Taylor Holbrook

prAyer AT hrc
Did you know that HRC
has an ePrayer Chain?
When prayer requests
come in at the church, a
message is sent out on
the internet prayer chain
if permission to share
that information has been
obtained. You can also fill
out a 'green card' found in
the pews in the sanctuary
and place it in the brass
card holder in the narthex,
just outside the sanctuary, and your request will be
passed along.
New Member
David Bellach came to HRC after being
introduced to the church through his neighbor,
Doug Bean. His wife Rochelle, of 24 years, and
son Robert, immediately felt the warmth and
Thank you to all you faithful pray-ers who faithfully
support this ministry!
We would like to encourage other committed prayer
partners to join this team. If you are interested in
being a part of the eprayer team, please contact Pam
Hansen in the church office (221-9542). Also, if you
have served on the prayer team and would like to be
removed from that list, please let us know.
We would also like to invite you to an amazing group
of faithful pray-ers who meet every Thursday evening
at 7:00 at the church. This is a committed, intimate
group of people. Stop in and visit one evening.....you
will surely be inspired!
sense of family that exists at HRC. David has a
20 plus year career in information technology. He
enjoys hiking and sailing, and looks forward to a
continued fellowship in worship at HRC.
FALL 2009 Page 25

youth missions
STuDenTS inTernATionAl (STinT)
Submitted by Lourdes Kleid
Dominican Republic
STINT is about bringing students and the poor
together cross-culturally to encounter God, share the
Good News, disciple and serve others in occupational
ministries. It is about seeing students and the poor
transformed into the likeness of Christ and discover
their true calling.
We had an incredible team this year. It was a true
family, even though one of our leaders was from
Washington and two team members were from
California and Texas. It completely verifies to me that
God selects our teams. We just need to follow that
call! “He said to them, "Go into all the world and
preach the good news to all creation.” Mark 16:15
It was most apparent when my leader from
Washington, Pat Lynn, had a serious diving accident
Page 26 Hopewell Reformed Church — Pastor Taylor Holbrook
in a local river on July 4. In fact today, August 14,
he is still in the hospital recovering. It was week two
of our ministry and I, of course, had to be by Pat’s
side in Intensive Care, not only as support, but as
translator.
Our Hopewell “family” was a solid rock during this
time. An exemplary team according to STINT staff.
Even with team leaders, they told me, some teams are
not as amazing as ours was!
Our ministry went on as planned. Dan Holder was
assured that his career choice in medicine is God’s
calling for him. Dan, just having finished his fist year
of college, was able to work alongside Dr. Fernando
Gonzales in procedures that medical students get
to do far into their studies. Tiffany Miller, Laurel
Lovelett and Mills Shenkman loved every second
working with kids. Katelyn Geysen worked in the
mountains in Los Higos with the women in the
community. Michael Pearlman, Ethan Warren and

Josh Nieves worked in
construction throughout
the community. Kyle
Geysen was back doing
what he loves- baseball.
Lissa Mansfield and Dani
Rieland worked with girls
in sports. Karlie and
Lindsey Dean worked side
by side at the woman’s
social work site. It was
a sisterly experience
never to be forgotten and
always looked back on
with fond memories. And
Billy McHugh was able
to paint a mural in El Callejon, a slum in Jarabacoa,
expressing his faith for all to see. What a great
journey. What an experience and what an example for
other high school and college students in our church
and community.
“Don't let anyone look down on you because you are
young, but set an example for the believers in speech,
in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
1 Timothy 4:12
During week two, there was a day set aside for
evangelism in the community. We were divided into
several teams; prayer walk through the community,
showing of the film “Fireproof” in the park,
children’s ministry and others. There were a lot of
cultural studies throughout the two weeks, as well,
from learning the Meringue, to how to play dominoes,
and learn about politics and the economy. We have
20 spots reserved for next year so start thinking about
where God wants you next summer.
“Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but
set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith
and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12
FALL 2009 Page 27

Health & Wellness
SWine Flu inForMATion
Submitted by Karen Nuessle
Here are some questions and answers that you may
be interested in regarding the swine flu.
WHAT IS SWINE FLU?
Swine Influenza, also called swine flu, is a respiratory
disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses.
Outbreaks of swine flu happen regularly in pigs.
People do not normally get swine flu, but human
infections can and do happen. Most commonly,
human cases of swine flu happen in people who are
around pigs but it's possible for swine flu viruses to
spread from person to person also.
IS SWINE FLU THE SAME AS SEASONAL FLU?
No. Seasonal flu is a contagious respiratory illness
caused by human influenza viruses. It can cause
mild to severe illness and at times can lead to death.
Human flu viruses change a little but every year
which is why people can get sick from the flu more
than once. It is also why a new flu vaccine is produced
each year; the vaccine must be made to protect
against the particular viruses circulating that year.
IS THIS THE SAME AS THE BIRD FLU (AVIAN
FLU) THAT HAS BEEN IN THE NEWS IN
RECENT YEARS?
No. There are many types of influenza viruses. The
bird flu virus that has been watched closely is categorized
as influenza A (H5N1), and is transmitted
primarily among birds. This virus has not been found
in the
United States.
WHAT IS NEW YORK STATE DOING TO
IDENTIFY ADDITIONAL SWINE FLU CASES IN
NEW YORK?
The New York State Department of Health conducts
flu surveillance throughout the year. To ensure rapid
detection, the New York State Department of Health
is testing selected laboratory samples from people
who are suspected of having swine flu. They will be
watching to see if the virus acquires traits that make it
more virulent and contagious when it returns this fall
and winter, as many expect.
Page 28 Hopewell Reformed Church — Pastor Taylor Holbrook
SHOULD I KEEP
MY CHILD HOME
FROM SCHOOL AS A
PRECAUTION?
No. Parents do not need to keep otherwise healthy
children home from school unless directed to do so by
local school and health officials.
Children who are ill should not attend school. In this
case, monitor your child for influenza-like symptoms,
including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore
throat, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, and keep your
child home if they are sick. You may want to contact
their health care provider, particularly if symptoms
are severe. Your health care provider will determine
whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.
HOW ARE PEOPLE GETTING SICK FROM
SWINE FLU?
CDC has determined that this swine flu is spreading
from person to person. Spread from person to person
is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal
flu, mainly through coughing or sneezing of infected
people.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF
SWINE FLU IN PEOPLE?
The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar
to the symptoms of regular human flu and include
fever greater than 100 degrees F, cough, sore throat,
body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Like seasonal
flu, swine flu can vary in severity from mild
to severe, and may cause a worsening of underlying
chronic medical conditions.
CAN SWINE FLU BE TREATED?
Yes. This swine flu virus is susceptible to certain
antiviral drugs used to treat flu infections (oseltamivir,
or Tamiflu, and zanamivir, or Relenza). For
treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon
after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms). If
you become ill and are diagnosed with influenza,
your doctor can determine if you should take antiviral
drugs.

SHOULD I ASK MY DOCTOR FOR A
PRESCRIPTION ANTI-FLU DRUG?
No. Antiviral drugs are usually used to treat people
who are at risk for developing life-threatening complications
from the flu. There is no reason to routinely
ask for one of these drugs to keep at home, or to take
them just as a precaution. Over-use could result in
limited supplies for those who need it most. In addition,
over-use of antiviral drugs has been known to
lead to flu viruses becoming resistant to the drugs.
All drugs, including antivirals, can cause side effects
and should only be used when necessary under the
direction of a health care provider.
HOW LONG CAN AN INFECTED PERSON
SPREAD SWINE FLU TO OTHERS?
People with swine flu infection should be considered
contagious as long as they are symptomatic or possibly
for up to 7 day following illness onset. Children,
especially younger children, might potentially be contagious
for longer periods.
IS THERE A VACCINE AGAINST SWINE FLU?
Pre-production work on an H1N1 vaccine is currently
underway, and further details on the vaccine strategy
from the CDC is expected. It's anticipated that a
vaccine will be available by mid-fall and will be distributed
through statae health departments.
CAN I GET TESTED FOR SWINE FLU?
The New York State Department of Health has provided
guidance to health care providers and hospitals
throughout the state regarding who should be tested
for swine flu and what specimens to collect. If you
are severely ill or worried about your symptoms,
contact your health care provider who will determine
whether testing is necessary.
this inFOrmatiOn has Been taken FrOm the FOllOwing weB sites:
WHAT CAN I DO TO PROTECT MYSELF FROM
GETTING SICK?
There are everday actions that can help prevent the
spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like
influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your
health:
. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when
you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash
after you use it.
. Wash your hands often with soap and water,
especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based
hand cleaners are also effective.
. Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs
spread this way.
. If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends
that you stay home from work or school and limit
contact with others to keep from infecting them.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I GET SICK?
If you become ill with influenza-like symptoms,
including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat,
nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact
your health care provider particularly if you are worried
about your symptoms. Your health care provider
will determine whether influenza testing or treatment
is needed.
If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact
with other people as much as possible to keep
from spreading your illness to others.
CAN I GET SWINE FLU FROM EATING OR
PREPARING PORK?
http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/cOmmunicaBle/inFluenza/seasOnal/swine_Flu/swine_...
http://www.health.state.ny.us/press/releases/2009/2009-06-11_h1n1_pandemic_Flu_declarat...
http://www.nyhealth.gOv/diseases/cOmmunicaBle/inFluenza/h1n1/questiOns_and_answers.htm
http://www.cdc.gOv/Flu/swineFlu/key_Facts.htm
putnam cOunty dOh
No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food.
You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or
pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked
pork products is safe.
FALL 2009 Page 29

youth missions
2009 youTh MeXico
Translated by Lourdes Kleid
Dear Pastor Taylor,
Many thanks for the help your church has given us in our ministry here in Mexico
as well as in Cuba. We appreciate it very much that you extend a hand of blessings
so that we may continue in the work of Jesus Christ.
I hope you get many stories from the 2009 group. It was a marvelous time. It was
also a great time of fellowship with the youth. We had a well organized team which
started the foundation of what will someday be our new church. Glory to God!
Pastor, please thank your church for their generosity. We are praying that God will
multiply 100 times over that which they gave us.
Many thanks for your financial help to get us to Cuba as well. The trip was very
fruitful and we were able to bless the pastors that are having a very difficult time
there. God was able to use us to console them. They are praying that some day
you can join us in Cuba as well as a team from your church so that we may serve
together as one.
We will pray for whatever God has in store for your church.
Dear Pastor, greetings to your family and your precious church. We are very blessed
with your friendship. We are grateful for our sister church.
Blessings in the name of Jesus Christ
With Love,
Pastor Candelario Quinones Mulgado
(Our Pastor in the Iglesia Roca Salvacion in Mexico)
Page 30 Hopewell Reformed Church — Pastor Taylor Holbrook

CONSISTORY
FroM The elDerS
Submitted by Nelson Nieves
This summer I was part of an intergenerational
mission team that went to Ecuador to build upon that
wonderful kingdom that was started some 2000 years
ago in a little town called Bethlehem. We support
the Salay family which works for the Wycliffe
Foundation translating the Bible into the region’s
native language of Quechua (or Kichwa). While we
are there, however, very little translating is going
on for we concentrate on relationships with the
locals, VBS with 230+ children, doing construction/
maintenance projects, and worship, worship,
worship. This year we took a big step forward in
terms of being all things to all people by providing
a worship service earmarked for the local teen. This
was intended for those that attend church services
regularly, those that are seldom seen and those that
are clearly on the fence. Members of our mission
team, ranging from age 19 to mid 60s, lead worship
with contemporary music and approx. 8 to 10 songs
that were sung in English and
Spanish. It was quite an event!
Larry Salay, who is originally
from our area and has been
living and translating the Bible in
Salasaca Ecuador with his family
for the past 8 years, invited a
Youth Pastor from a neighboring
town. This young man was
extremely dynamic, righteous and stimulating. His
message was energetic and, with a little English
translation, it painted a clear picture. His message
was a challenge to the youth and all to rise up and
change their respective towns and cities for the better;
not to conform but to transform. Too many have
become domesticated and have not lived up to what
God had intended. We live based on what our local
society dictates and become content with just going
with the flow. But God has given us many abilities
and knows that we can all meet his high standards if
we just embrace him, follow his son’s teachings, and
allow his Holy Spirit to take command of our hearts.
The Youth Pastor told a story about a lion cub
that grew up with sheep and lambs. The lion cub
conformed to his surroundings and, every time
his father would roar at him, would reply with
a soft “baaaaaaa”. The father would walk away
disappointed but would never give up hope. In
fact, he periodically continued trying to get his
son’s attention by roaring louder and louder in his
face. But the cub, as he grew and matured into a
big lion himself, repeatedly responded with a weak
This year we took a big step
forward in terms of being
all things to all people by
providing a worship service
earmarked for the local teens.
and apathetic “baaaaaaaa”. After many years of
trying, the father finally got the response he had been
patiently waiting for, a loud and powerful roar that
clearly stated that change had come and that he would
no longer conform to the natures of his surroundings.
The young lion then accompanied his father, walking
side by side with an enhanced understanding of what
he needed to do to fulfill his purpose in life. That
was set forth the day he was born. This is what our
father in heaven does with us everyday. He is always
trying to get our attention by giving us signs and
opportunities to stand up and take initiative to make
our surroundings a better place for ourselves and
others.
The Youth Pastor talked about a time when he started
his first Youth service. He had 8 kids show up the
first week and nobody thereafter. He was bewildered,
disappointed, and somewhat devastated. Things
finally began to change when he
realized that the Trinity was with
him week after week; he was
never alone. As he held in-depth
prayer sessions and listened
intently to the Father, the Son,
and the Holy Spirit, young
people began to fill the seats.
Average attendance grew to
600. However, he began to get
comfortable, content, and domesticated, and before he
knew it, his attendance dropped to 150. He realized
that he was no longer aggressively transforming and
growing God’s ministry but was in fact becoming
complacent, lazy, and caving in to the worldly forces
of the community. He admitted that he had gotten
derailed because he lost focus of what he was doing,
why he was doing it, and who he was doing it for.
God has created within us all a powerful spirit
that can be unleashed to do the good works of our
Father in heaven. That is his purpose for us all.
Unfortunately, too many of us suppress this great and
mighty spirit because we follow the limitations that
society places upon us and we become domesticated
Christians. With God there are no limitations! So
talk to the father and allow him to unleash the spirit
within you so that you can make a difference in this
world and fulfill the destiny set forth by God the
Father Almighty.
God Bless
FALL 2009 Page 31

DIRECTOR’S Page
operATionS
Submitted by Karen Gomba, Director
CHURCH ASSIMILATION - The Connection Card
As a follow-up to my last article on this subject, I’d
like to elaborate on our plan for introducing the use
of Connection Cards at each of our Sunday services.
The practice of using these cards has been well
documented by Nelson Searcy, Lead Pastor of The
Journey Church of the City in NYC. The information
presented below comes from his book “Fusion:
Turning First Time Guests into Fully-Engaged
Members of Your Church”, and from the seminar four
of us from HRC attended in May.
Q: What is a Connection Card?
A: The Connection Card enables us to have a
dialogue of sorts with everyone who attends our
church on a given Sunday. Measuring about a third of
a page, the card is printed on heavy paper stock and
inserted into the bulletin.
Q: Why does HRC want to use these cards?
A: The cards will help us with two things: obtaining
up-to-date contact information and monitoring
attendance.
Contact information is crucial for us to do a good
job of welcoming guests, providing them with the
information they need, and following up with them to
answer any questions they may have. And it is also
important that we have YOUR most recent data so
that we can do the best job possible of keeping you
informed of all that is going on.
The cards will also allow us to better care for our
members, as we will have a team of folks looking at
the information and following up as appropriate. It is
important to us that no one “falls through the cracks”
or “leaves through the back door”, and we believe this
will be a helpful tool to assist us.
Q: What’s in it for me?
A: The card will also provide people an opportunity
to sign up for upcoming events or ministry
opportunities, or to request additional information.
Page 32 Hopewell Reformed Church — Pastor Taylor Holbrook
Q: When are we supposed to use these?
A: At each Sunday worship service, the cards will
be handed out with the bulletin (and with a pen), and
during the service, Taylor will ask us to take a minute
to fill them out. The cards will be collected during
the offering, and the pens will be collected as we exit
the sanctuary.
Q: Are you saying that everyone has to fill out a
card every week?
A: Yup! Guests don’t want to be singled out. One
of the surest ways to make them self-conscious and
uncomfortable is to differentiate them from the crowd.
And we want to make sure we capture any changes in
your contact information, as well as give you an easy
way to sign up for events and ministry opportunities.
Q: Won’t this be a big waste of pens and paper?
A: We are planning to use recycled paper, and even
if we aren’t able to collect the pens back each week,
we are sure they will be great way to get the word
out about who and where we are (and all that we’re
doing!). And this will eliminate the need for our
sign-up sheets at the kiosk and will make it easier for
folks to get connected in what we’re all about.
Q: Who is going to manage all the information?
A: Birgit’s team of office volunteers is gearing up to
enter the data into PowerChurch, our church database
software, and to follow up with new guests, staff and
event coordinators.
Q: Tell me again why this is a good idea?
A: We are committed to making HRC a welcoming
place, where newcomers can quickly and easily
become engaged in church life. We also realize that
caring for our members includes following up with
them when they haven’t been able to attend Sunday
worship services for awhile, and making it easy to be
informed and connected to the church and each other.
It is important to us that no one “falls through the cracks”

DIRECTOR’S Page
ouTreAch
Submitted by Mark Mast, Director
HRCjourney is Beginning a New Odyssey with God
WHAT WE’VE HEARD: HRCjourney has had many ups and downs in the last year. The ups have all been
related to the new people God has brought into our community and the downs always seem to be related to
where and how we are going to follow God into our future. We believe God is starting to talk into us through
Odyssey, our inclusive community for people with special needs. Pastor Steve and Pastor Mark, with input
from some other folks, believe God is calling us to move from Odyssey being a ministry of HRCjourney to
being the ministry focus of HRCjourney. In January 2009 we had 4 Odyssey friends with special needs and 40
people in worship. Six Odyssey worship services later we had 40 Odyssey friends and 100 people in worship.
We went into the world asking for God to show us where we need to serve and we join the blind man and
respond to Jesus, “We can see.”
WHAT HRCjourney/ODYSSEY WILL LOOK LIKE:
We will meet twice a month as Odyssey and the other services will be a high octane worship service with a
large focus on equipping God’s people to be missionaries/co-pastors in the world (which we will begin doing
through Odyssey). We will look to develop not only a worshiping community around Odyssey, but also
provide Bible Study, pastoral care and fellowship. This will be a community that emphasizes inclusive community.
This means both people with and without special needs will be provided with leadership, pastoral care
and doership for the activities in which we are engaged.
DETAILS: There will be three areas of participation for Odyssey.
Our Odyssey Members. These are adults and children with special needs who become an
1. active part of our ministry. They will be welcome to anything and everything we offer, but
the two Sundays a month and various other activities will be presented in such a way that
they can have full participation in them. As an inclusive community, we will look to these
folks to be involved with all aspects of the ministry as fully committed active members of the
community.
2.
3.
Our Odyssey Helpers. These are people from Hopewell Reformed Church and the community
who decide to come to one or two of our Odyssey worships to be a part of the
celebration. They will not just come and “help” but be a regular part of the ministry on a
regular bases.
HRCjourney Missionaries. These will be individuals who commit to a long term relationship
with HRCjourney/Odyssey. They will commit to providing ongoing leadership to
Odyssey as they are trained and equipped as missionaries through our HRCjourney High
Octane Worship Celebration.
TIME TABLE: We hope to be celebrating two Odyssey services in October. We will also be experimenting
with our High Octane Worship Service starting August 23 as we live into a worship service that is filled with
Praise, Prayer and Discipleship.
We continue into a time of discernment and welcome your comments, your willingness to join in this new
journey and any concerns you might have.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Steve and Pastor Mark
FALL 2009 Page 33

DIRECTOR’S Page
SpiriTuAl groWTh
Submitted by Randy Prentiss, Director
“Where Have All The Children Gone?”
“Where have all the children gone?”
Summer is obvious at the Hopewell Reformed Church. One indicator is the number of people missing. What
are they all up to? Are they home watching the Food Channel or reruns of Sponge Bob? Are they watching
Hannah Montana 12 times a day?
Here are some answers. They have to do with missions and camps and serving Christ
• In early July, 15 of our teenagers went to the Dominican Republic on the
STINT mission trip.
• In late July, 30 of our teenagers went to Philadelphia on the FUGE mission
trip.
• In late July/early August, 8 of our kids and 5 leaders went to Mexico on the
MEXICO OUTREACH mission trip.
• In late July/early August, 16 of our middle school kids went to Lake
Champion for the WYLDLIFE camp.
• This August 130 of our kids, and about 30 teens and 30 adults are at
Hopewell Reformed Church for VBS (Vacation Bible School)!!
• Additionally, by summers’ end we will have had another 20 or so adults
travel on mission trips. All totalled, this represents:
• about 9 weeks of summer missions and Christ-centered camps
• about 220 children and teenagers on summer missions and Christ-centered
camps
• about 60 adults leading/serving on summer missions and Christ-centered
camps
Others have taken or provided ChristCare training, vacationed at Christian camps, served on local missions
such as CMP, driven our missionaries to the airport and back, etc. So, for many of our children and teens and
adults, the summer has been a time of deeper engagement and service in the name of Christ, the one who came
to save. I think this is a pretty good reason for people to be missing church- they are loving and serving Christ
and others, with their lives.
This is all part of the process of spiritual growth and transformation. To God be the Glory and credit.
Thanks for the opportunity to serve.
In Christ,
Randy
To God be the Glory and Credit.
Page 34 Hopewell Reformed Church — Pastor Taylor Holbrook

and my final point . . .
eMoTionAlly heAlThy SpiriTuAliTy
From the Lead Pastor
“One thing you can’t hide is when you’re crippled inside.” (JOhn lennOn)
A few weeks ago I found out that a good friend, a pastor, had been leading a secret life for years. His
past found him out and his life imploded. It seems that there are so many stories like this of Christians
who are living with deep unresolved hidden emotional pain. It comes out in dysfunctional relationships,
inappropriate anger, or immature behavior. As a pastor it is one of my greatest sorrows in ministry. I see
that as we confess Christ, we are still are crippled inside in so many ways.
Jesus said: “I have come that they might have life and life abundantly,” but we fall far short of all that God
intends for us. We are new creatures in Christ, but so much of our past haunts us and hurts us as it emerges
in inappropriate ways. This fall we will be taking an inward journey into emotional health. We will take a
look at some of the ways we avoid facing the facts of our life and the unhealthy aspects of who we are, and
see how the gospel cuts away the chaff so we might find the true life that Jesus always intended for us.
The teaching will be drawn from three texts: as the gospel of Mark unfolds the message of Jesus, we will
look at the way Jesus challenges us to go deeper in our understanding of ourselves in light of who he is.
The book of James calls us to walk the walk and not just talk the talk. The book of Job invites us to look at
suffering in the eye, naming the pain, but trusting the creator.
The first six weeks of the fall will focus on the journey inward, which will be preparation for the second six
weeks of the fall, The life of mission is the journey outward, which comes from a position of health in our
relationship with Christ.
The Journey inward will look at the following:
September 13 The Problem of Emotionally Unhealthy Spirituality
September 20 Knowing Yourself That You May Know God
September 27 Journey Through the Wall-Letting Go of Power and Control
October 4 Growing Into an Emotionally Mature Adult
October 11 Discovering the Rhythms of the Sabbath
October 18 Developing a Rule of Life
Two resources for this series are Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, by Peter Scazzero, and The Life You’ve
Always Wanted, by Jon Ortberg.
We will be connecting Sunday morning with Wednesdays at the Well. It will be a time to take the message
deeper in applying it to our lives. I hope this series will be a healthy journey to the center of our souls, and
that we will find the healer of souls there to bring health to all of us.
Yours in Christ,
Taylor
FALL 2009 Page 35

143 Beekman Road
Hopewell Junction, NY 12533
Phone: 845-221-9542
Fax: 845-227-1908
Email:HRChurch@HRCRCA.org
Web: www.HopewellReformedChurch.org
Sunday Worship Services at HRC
8:45am* 10:30am*
The Gathering Foundations
(Contemporary ) (Traditional)
Sunday Worship Times & Locations
4:00pm 10:00am*
Common Ground HRCjourney
, at Tymor Park
*Sunday School and Nursery provided at these services
The REVOLVE TOUR for Teen Girls is back !
We have 25 tickets to the Women of Faith REVOLVE
Conference for Junior and Senior High girls
Friday, November 6 - Saturday, November 7 in
Philadelphia.
Come hear live music from popular contemporary
Christian artists and be inspired by speakers with
awesome real-life stories especially geared towards
teen girls, that will help you live your life the way
God wants you to live it !
To know Christ, and to make Him known.
Page 36 Hopewell Reformed Church — Pastor Taylor Holbrook
No matter where you are in your personal walk with
the Lord, you will not walk away from this excitiing
weekend unchanged.
For more information or to reserve your ticket, contact
Nancy Herrmann 226-7824 or email nangalvin@
aol.com.
November 6 - November 7--Philadelphia