Christian Education

As most of you know, a group from our church is preparing for a trip to Turkey later this year. Part of the preparations is to get some lessons from Fatma Kilinc to learn more about the country and their customs. She is also teaching us some of the basic phrases so we can get around.
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The November 1st Historic Cemetery Tour has taken shape. Several folks will be helping out. There will be a fund-raising table, as well as refreshments provided by the Christian Education Committee. We hope that you can support us by advertising the event to families and friends. Also, the committee needs help in setting up the many gallon jugs which will light up the way through the cemetery. Please come around 3:00 p.m. if you are able. Tours are from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Did this year’s camping trip to our denomination’s retreat center at Warwick, NY, really mark the 15th anniversary? It seems that we’ve been more often in Warwick than that! For my family and me, it was the eighth such trip. [click to continue...]

A week of Jesus’ Parables was well appreciated by more than 70 kids, youth and adults during VBS at Suydam Street Church. Pastor ‘H’, as the kids called him, and Sandy Boyles provided hysterical games. Some kids were seen running around with Q-tip like sticks. I’m not sure what game they were playing but they had great fun. Stories were provided by a Deacon from Highland Park, and the drama group was led by an Elder from Second Reformed. Pastor Susan, Lily, and Ahjani led the music, including the usage of American Sign Language. Allison and Ahyanna were very helpful with the youngest kids. Of course, Joan was in the kitchen with a few others from Suydam Street Church.

We had a wonderful week and give thanks to all who donated items and their time.

Looking at the revolving participation each day, our Vacation Bible School must have reached over 70 kids this year! It was hosted by our sister church at Suydam Street, but teachers, actors and chaperones had come from all four collegiate churches. [click to continue...]

The Collegiate Worship Service took place at the Van Wickle House on Aug 24th. More than 100 people from Highland Park, First and Second Reformed Churches – and even Aurea, our church secretary from Suydam Street Church, came with her three grandchildren. Pastor Doug Shepler preached, and Seth Kaper-Dale and Kyle Delhagen (student at NBTS) also led the liturgy. The children sang some of the Vacation Bible School songs and our Viktoriya along with Anna from the Highland Park Church provided incredible music. Of course, the worship service was followed by several tables groaning with food. A BIG THANK YOU goes to Lauren, Gary, and Josh Bernhofer for bringing First Reformed Church’s grill over and grilling for several hours. For the first time in many years people enjoyed a great meal, and this showed by how long people stayed afterwards.

It’s been “About 15 Years” since our first camping trip to the Warwick Conference Center. We are inviting everyone who has ever been a part of this community building adventure to join us Aug. 8th - 10th this year for our annual trip. For those to whom camping does not include a tent, consider staying in the Main House, but don’t miss out on the fun. Some may even want to consider coming for the day on Saturday and enjoying the community meal and campfire. This year, we will be learning about a “Mummy” and his friends. For all the details, speak to Lauren or Gary Bernhofer.