April

 Alleluia! Christ is risen! The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!

It’s been two years since we’ve said those words. Last year we were in the midst of a pandemic shut down. While my husband and I provided an online video with familiar Easter organ music provided by our organist and filmed in the sanctuary to give us all comfort and a familiar surroundings, it just wasn’t the same. We longed to be together to shout these Alleluias! to God. At noon our church bell rang out the Alleluias! for us. In some ways it felt like the never ending winter. We walked out of the sanctuary on March 15 in the midst of Lent and that feels like where we got left, in the midst of the shadows of the cross even as the seasons changed around us.

Now, one year later we come back with full hearts anticipating our masked voices elevating those words. While we won’t be able to shout exactly, we will be able to raise those words in praise and thanksgiving to God. The church bell will toll and we will gather from our pew seats around the Lord’s Table. God is actively at work in our midst and we respond with gratitude, our hearts and lungs full of Alleluias! Won’t you come and join us during Holy Week and Easter to make the final journey to the cross, to leave your fears and darkness behind and at the feet of Jesus? Won’t you come to gaze into the empty tomb on Easter morning to be amazed and awed with tear stained cheeks? Won’t you come on Easter morning to raise your Alleluia! voice?

Alleluia! Christ is risen! The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Easter Blessings and God’s Peace be with you!

Pastor Betsy Westman

  What are we celebrating you ask?

2021 marks the 200th anniversary of our church!

Hammond Presbyterian Church then known as First Presbyterian Union Church of Rossie, was founded in 1821. There were 17 original members. Are you a descendent of anyone from those original members? Do you have an interest in our local history here in Hammond? We need your help!!

The Hammond Presbyterian Church session is gathering information and ideas together to plan a 200th Anniversary Celebration for our church. If you have interest in joining the milestone endeavor or ideas to share, please let us know.

You can call (315-324-5665) or email (HPC215@gmail.com) Tara at the church office with information or interest. In the coming weeks, we will gather those interested together (with social distancing and masks, of course) to begin planning our celebration!!

 EASTER EGG HUNT: There will be an Easter egg hunt on our church grounds following worship on Easter Sunday, for children up to ten years of age.  Are your customers raving about you on social media? Share their great stories to help turn potential customers into loyal ones.

Reponses and humming will now be allowed in Service Starting on Easter Sunday. Face masks are to still be worn and non family members should still be sitting 6feet from one another.  

 The next Hammond Food Pantry will be Thursday, April 29th, from 9:30 to 11:00 am at the Hammond Fire Hall. All income eligible families are encouraged to attend and receive their free food. During this Covid period, we are asking folks to stay in their cars and line up behind the Fire Hall and when it is their turn, come into the back door and sign in. The food will be brought out to your cars by volunteers. On the same day, only after noon, the Food Sense program is in effect. This is open to anyone and not related to Food Pantry at all. The Food Sense is a great way to save on your food dollars. Each month there is a menu sheet showing the items on the food unit, at a cost of $20.50. This includes meats, fish, fresh produce, canned goods, family meals. In addition there are usually six specials which can be ordered separately. Food Sense must be ordered and paid for ahead of time through me. I urge anyone to look into the Food Sense program as a good way to save money on the high quality food offered. If there are any questions on Food Pantry or Food Sense, please contact me. Joan Hadlock 315-324-5665. 

 Each year we send boxes of items from our Mitten Tree to St. Joseph’s Indian Home in Chamberlain, SD. Over the years, St. Joseph’s has provided a safe refuge for thousands of children, many escaping the effects of poverty, violence, substance abuse and other problems. The children need and deserve the same high quality education, nutritious meals, and healthy living conditions other children enjoy. To quote St. Joseph’s, “the children keep coming, The need doesn’t stop”. These early years are so important for the young people under their care. And there are always more children who need a stable, loving environment in which to grow. These 

Lakota (Sioux) children receive a well rounded education in a safe environment, where they can realize their God given potential and work toward a brighter future.

My son Viktor is a silly, quirky, fun loving kid, and for those of you that know us you know that he is diagnosed with Autism. I bring this up because April 2nd is Autism Awareness Day (even though every day in my house is Autism Awareness Day) and I just want to shine a spot light on my son for a moment. I don’t know of anyone who has met Viktor, who hasn’t had their heart touched by him. Right now he is on his way to school and I know that this is the bus drivers favorite stop in the morning, because Viktor will ask that the radio be turned on in the bus and she and Viktor will sing all the way to his school. I know when he gets off the bus, the aides in his classroom are so excited to see him and talk with him and joke around, that some days they fight for his attention. I know that if Viktor has a great day at school, his teacher will send me a video of him goofing off and everyone laughing, and if he has a bad day in school, I get a text of motherly concerns about change in his routine that might be throwing him off his game. Viktor has inspired people to go back to school to want to become Special Education Teachers, or even open the door for people to want to understand more about him. The funny thing is he doesn’t know the impact that he has on people, because in his eyes, everyone is great.

God has impacted my life by giving me Viktor. Every bit of God’s plan impacts everyone every day. It could be the little things that we take for granted, such as the trees growing buds, or the grass turning green again, to life changing events such as buying that new car that you saved up for, or bringing home the puppy that your heart has been aching for. That’s God touching you heart and telling you, this is the road that he want you to go down, this impact will make you learn, grow, and love. God made all of us different and not less so we could learn from each other; grow with each other, and to love one another. 

 Names for Easter plants and memorials can be given to me until the middle of April. The listing will appear in the April newsletter. Monetary contributions this year are being sent to our missionary in West Africa, Josh Heikkila. He works in several communities in several countries to help provide better education and improved living conditions there. Josh has lived in West Africa for many years and so appreciates support given to help him continue bringing the word of God to many villages in the region. Any checks may be made out to our church with: ”missionary” on the memo line. With thanks for your generosity. Joan Hadlock 

 FEAR! Mention that word and your mind can come up with a whole host of thoughts. For children it might be the night and the shadows lurking in the corner of a dark room or what might be under the bed. A nightlight might be the preventative to remove the shadows and whatever is lurking in their thoughts and wee minds. We all have fears no matter what our age and at Theresa Pres we are engaged in a sermon series during this season of Lent Freedom from Fears. Each week we examine how Jesus frees us from fears of inadequacy (Lk.5:1-11), circumstance (Mk. 4:35-41), death Mk 5:35-43), unexplainable (Mt. 17:1-9), hell (Lk. 12:1-7), conquest (Jn. 12:12-16), and the unknown (Mt. 28:1-10). Each week one of these word appears on our wall banner to remind us not only of the word Jesus frees us from, but the very presence of Jesus in our fear; we are never alone in Jesus Christ.

In Luke 5:1-11 Jesus is teaching and bringing God’s word to the people, stepping into Simon Peter’s boat he shoves off into deep water with Peter. Having a futile night of fishing, in the light of day, Jesus instructs Peter to go out into the deep water and cast his nets there. Peter, a professional fisherman, adheres to Jesus’ request. The catch is over the top!! Not only are the nets filled to overflowing, so is the boat and the second boat on shore is called for. Now both boats are filled to the point of sinking and a wonder they made it back to shore. In all of this fishing, Peter is told to not be afraid and invited to be a follower of Jesus. The haul is so great it has Peter rejecting Jesus and telling him to go away for he, Peter, is a sinful man (Lk. 5:8). While Jesus doesn’t deny Peter’s claim, he offers him an invitation and a call. He sees Peter in ways Peter doesn’t see himself and also doesn’t wait for Peter to be perfected. Despite Peter’s fear of being inadequate, unqualified, or deficient, Jesus allays his fears to come and follow; to be part of God’s mission in spreading the good news of Jesus.

Peter is an interesting study as he will move from his fish nets, claim who Jesus is, deny knowing Jesus, being called by a resurrected Jesus to feed his sheep, and then in Acts 2:14-36 give his famous Pentecost speech. The outcome of that speech is cut hearts and 3,000 people added to the number of believers. I have to wonder if fearful Peter that day in the boat when Jesus invited him to leave the sea and his nets, taking to dry land, could envision the haul of people who would become followers of Jesus. 

We along with Peter have our fears and doubts, times and moments of wobbly faith, and even a denial to know and claim Jesus; as being one of his followers. Today we have many fears that assail us. We live in the unknown fear of when a pandemic will end. When will we be able to see each other’s faces clearly and share in the fellowship of sitting together both at the Lord’s Table to be served or receive the elements and to share a meal after worship? We wonder when we’ll be able to sing our praise, joy, and laments to God even when we can freely worship. Jesus knows our fears and is our hope for lives lived in the freedom from the fears that limit us or claim us. As we journey through Lent we will come to the cross. We can’t by-pass it, rather we will come to it and stand there or run from it with that same fear the early disciples experienced. We will also come with awe and amazement like the disciples to experience the empty tomb; God’s power to resurrect and free us in Jesus from the fear of death, hell and separation from God.

May your journey through Lent be a time to examine and reflect on your own fears and the fears of the church. May your journey guide you to new realizations as you examine each word and Scripture I have listed for you and may your time be one of praise for God breaking into your fears to free you and bring you freedom in Jesus Christ and by the work of the Spirit.  

With you on the journey,

 Pastor Betsy

 What are we celebrating you ask?

2021 marks the 200th anniversary of our church!

Hammond Presbyterian Church then known as First Presbyterian Union Church of Rossie, was founded in 1821. There were 17 original members. Are you a descendent of anyone from those original members? Do you have an interest in our local history here in Hammond? We need your help!!

The Hammond Presbyterian Church session is gathering information and ideas together to plan a 200th Anniversary Celebration for our church. If you have interest in joining the milestone endeavor or ideas to share, please let us know.

You can call (315-324-5665) or email (HPC215@gmail.com) Tara at the church office with information or interest. In the coming weeks, we will gather those interested together (with social distancing and masks, of course) to begin planning our celebration!!

 Easter Sunday is April 4th. Those wishing to place honorary or memorial flowers in the sanctuary may do so by filling out forms on the back table. In lieu of plants, donations may be made to our Missionary in West Africa, Josh Heikkila. He continues to serve several communities there, bringing Christianity, improving education, health and well being. I need names to be listed by March 28th. Joan Hadlock. 

 The Youth Group would like to thank everyone who has brought returnable cans and bottles to church for us.  In order to return them safely, the redemption center requires that we have NO GLASS in bags.  We can return glass bottles when they are separated into boxes.  Thanks for your help with this! 

 The next Hammond Food Pantry will be Thursday, March 25, from 9:30 to 11:00 am at the Hammond Fire Hall. All income eligible families are encouraged to attend and receive their free food. During this Covid period, we are asking folks to park and line up behind the Fire Hall and when it is their turn, come into the back door and sign in. The food will be brought out to your cars by volunteers. On the same day, only after noon, the Food Sense program is in effect. This is open to anyone and not related to Food Pantry at all. The Food Sense is a great way to save on your food dollars. Each month there is a menu sheet showing the items on the food unit, at a cost of $20.50. This includes meats, fish, fresh produce, canned goods, family meals. In addition there are usually six specials which can be ordered separately. Food Sense must be ordered and paid for ahead of time through me. I urge anyone to look into the Food Sense program as a good way to save money on the high quality food offered. If there are any questions on Food Pantry or Food Sense, please contact me. Joan Hadlock 315-324-5665. 

This month, we are featuring a new Mission program, the Women of Grace Widows’ Fund.. The program is not new, but was founded in 2008, by a Malawi widow, Grace Chiumia. Grace experienced as a young mother, the perils of widowhood in Malawi. In this patriarchal culture, her dead husband’s family took back his possessions, including everything in the house, even the furniture. Unlike most widows, Grace had a nursing education and was able to find work. In 2008, partnering with church missionaries from Northern New York, Grace formed the Women of Grace Widows’ Fund to assist less fortunate widows. Recognizing her intense interest in her community, local leaders asked her to run for Parliament in 2008, where she served for ten years. She now manages the widows’ program and continues to empower women and children in Malawi. Since 2008, the Widows’ Fund has helped many families in Northern Malawi through gardening projects, medical needs and housing upgrades, such as metal roofing on homes. 

Several widows operate small businesses such as reselling charcoal and raising chickens, with the help of seed money from the Widows’ Fund.

Anyone wishing to donate to the Widows’ Fund may make a check out to our church with Widows’ Fund on the memo line. Cash may be placed in the offering basket marked for Widows’ Fund. Many thanks in advance. Joan Hadlock

 I woke up this morning, on February break, to see that the weatherman’s predictions have finally come true with the snowstorm that we are having. I started to think about when I was a kid and what a snow day meant to me and my brother. We would wake up, have breakfast, and the minute we put our dishes in the sink, we couldn’t get into our snow pants and winter gear quick enough. Some days, we wouldn’t even get out of our pajamas. Just put the snow clothes over it. We would do outside for what seemed to be hours, making snow angels, building snow men, having snowball fights, having our parents tell us to clear off the vehicles or maybe shovel the steps, and eating white snow (because you never want to eat yellow snow). We would come inside and our cheeks would be beet red, our gloves, hat and scarf would be soaking wet, our toes were numb, and we were hungry again for lunch. My daughter and her friend do this now. As they come in the house, I look at them and ask, “Aren’t you guys cold?” which usually gets the response of “NO!”, until I offer up hot chocolate and it’s amazing how quickly they want to come in and warm up.

Since God is our Father, I wonder, if like parents, we are looked upon the way we look upon our children. Some people enjoy snowstorms, some people enjoy thunderstorms, some people enjoy the crisp days of fall, and others enjoy the smell of newly bloomed flowers in a garden because it brings back fond memories that God has been a part of since the very beginning. So even if this weather isn’t something you enjoy now, God still remembers all the good that has happened to you during this season and he is trying to remind you how wonderful it still is. We just need to remember.

 Question: Say the name Jonah and what is your first thought? Did you say fish, big fish, or whale? What happens if you overturn the Sunday school model from that flannel board story or the pictures from the Children’s Bible Story Book and say, God’s grace? 

It’s the season of Epiphany, this season after Christmas and before Lent when we sit in God’s light; this season when God is revealed through his Son Jesus. Why Jonah in Epiphany? In Jonah’s story we encounter God as revealed through God’s actions in a variety of ways, places, and people. God is revealed in a disobedient and fleeing minor prophet named Jonah, in fishermen out in their boat, in a storm, through a fish, in that “great city” Nineveh, and a bush. God is revealed through insiders like Jonah and Israel and outsiders like fishermen and Ninevites. I encourage you to slowly read the Book of Jonah (all four chapters!) and find the people, places, and circumstances where God is revealed. Where do you see God’s grace?

                     To understand Jonah’s reaction to not go to Nineveh (Psalm 139:7b “where can I flee from your presence?”) and the shortest proclamation (or even sermon) ever made, “Forty days more, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” we need to look at Nineveh. Nineveh was Israel’s enemy and the capital of Assyria, the empire who overtook Israel and the Promised Land. Nineveh was a place of torture and terror, oppression and enslavement. You didn’t go their willingly, but rather under protest. It was quite honestly a place of horrors. This is the place God calls that great city, not as a tourist attraction known for its beauty and charm, but rather the horror and atrocities that existed there. This is the unexpected, dark, and brutish place that God is sending Jonah to. We may now feel for Jonah to flee from God rather than our condemnation of him in his disobedience to God. Jonah leaves us feeling in a tough place; obedience to God to go into the tough places of this life and world and the reality of I just can’t go there to that place. How are we obedient to God? Where do we draw the line w/God rather than trust in the power of God to sustain us and transform us; to see God revealed? Is it any wonder Jonah spoke such a brief message to the Ninevites. He is there under protest doing as God asked, being obedient to God after a few twists & turns.

Deitrich Bonhoeffer was a German theologian who returned to his native Germany in the beginnings of Nazism and WWII when he could have stayed here safely in the States as his friends encouraged him to do. He was so compelled to fight against it even at his own peril & persecution when in April 1943 he was picked up by the Gestapo and imprisoned at Tegel prison for one and a half years. Later, he was transferred to Flossenbürg concentration campand hanged on April 9, 1945 at the end of WWII and the collapse of the Nazi regime.

Ninevites respond and along w/them the king; all of creation in Nineveh responds from the greatest to the least; both the humans & the animals. Here in Nineveh, while the word repent or turn away from your evil ways is never uttered they respond to God by fasting, wearing sackcloth, and crying mightily (Jonah 3:8) to God w/ sincerity. They respond to God, not Jonah or one of their pagan gods. The Ninevites are outsiders in terms of the life of Israel & do what Israel wasn’t able to do through the Judges and future prophets (Jer. 18:11-12). The Ninevites do what humanity struggles to do today in Jesus Christ. Eventually even Nineveh will be overtaken by bigger and vaster empires (read Nahum and Zephaniah) and be acknowledged by Jesus in both Luke 11:30 and Mk. 12:41 as he commends Nineveh for its responsive action of repentance. Nineveh in the end will become pastureland, a place of tranquility and peace.

God in Jonah 3:10 has a change of heart when it comes to Nineveh and the destruction that was to come (unlike Sodom; Gen. 19). God’s grace is extended to “that great city” that place of horrors, the enemy of Jonah and Israel and we are shocked along with Jonah, maybe even angry. But we are also challenged to wonder at what God sees and the actions of God to save, redeem, restore, and bring new life. God continues to see, be present and call us as disciples of Jesus to also go above and beyond; to go into those same dark places, even when we feel like Jonah and try to flee or get angry and upset that God can extend grace to the dark places, lives, and circumstances of this world. Question: Say the name Jonah and what is your first thought? God’s grace! As you continue to journey through this season of light may God’s grace be revealed to you.  

Continuing with you on the journey,

Rev. Betsy

 The next Hammond Food Pantry will be held Thursday, February 25th between 9:30 and 11:00 a.m at the Hammond Fire Hall. Any income eligible person may receive a variety of foods on food distribution day. Clients should park behind the Hammond Fire Hall and come to the back door in turn to sign in. The food will be brought out to you by the volunteers. People who have not signed up to receive food can come that day and fill out the necessary paper work. Those in need of emergency food may call the church at (315) 324-5665

The Food Sense program is a way to make your food dollar go further and is held the same day as Food Pantry. Food Sense items are listed on the Food Sense sheet and must be ordered and paid for ahead of time. The unit of food includes meats, fish, fresh produce, prepared meals and other goods for a set price of $20.50. There are also several specials to be ordered separately. Food Sense pick up is usually after 12: noon on Food Pantry days. 

Anyone needing further information on Food Pantry or Food Sense many call me.

Joan Hadlock (315)324-5665

 Marion Medical Missions sponsors over 120 scholarships for “vulnerable” secondary school students. They provide transportation scholarships for children at the Embangweni School for the Hard of Hearing in Malawi and supplement their food supply by providing seed, fertilizer and training so that they can grow their own food. The regional and divisional ranking is among the highest in these schools that MMM helped build or rehabilitate. Some of the scholarship recipients have done exceptionally well and were given government scholarships to attend university. 

The Embangweni School for the Hard of Hearing has harvested the school garden with an excellent production. The hearing impaired students participated in the management of the crops, learning a skill that will help them live an independent life after school.

Joan Hadlock

  I was cleaning up the other day, and I was looking at the very first Valentine’s Day present my husband ever bought me. It’s a rose that will never wilt. It was dipped in epoxy and I’ve kept it on my shelf in a vase for years. It still looks exactly the way it did the day he gave it to me. Every time I look at it, I think of the day he gave it to me and how much I still love it today. I can say the same about my husband though. Even though we have grown older, have dealt with many bumps, twists and turns on the road of life, when I look at him, I have that feeling of complete love. Almost as if he dipped my feelings in the same epoxy that the rose was dipped in. It hasn’t faded or wilted. He’s still the person I can run to about anything. He jokes and says that I’m his better half, but in reality, he is my missing piece in life. Valentine’s Day might only be one day a year, but that feeling he and I have between us, feels like it lasts every day. 

Gods love is also something that has never wilted or faded for anyone. We may not be able to see it, in the form of chocolates and flowers on Valentine’s Day, but the feeling is always there. It could be the unexpected friend that God put in your path that you could sit with for hours playing card games while you talk about the good, the bad, and the funny. It could be God showing you opportunities that are right in your reach, all you have to do is reach out and grab hold. It could be God making sure that you found your missing piece in life, such as a spouse, to make sure you will always feel that loving feeling. We feel love, because God loves us. We may only show each other this on Valentine’s Day, but God makes sure we feel this all year long. Happy Valentine’s Day Everyone.

  It is with great joy and excitement that the Pastor Nominating Committee of Hammond Presbyterian Church announces that we have successfully called a minister for our church. After many long weeks of prayerful consideration, we would like to introduce to you the Rev. Dr. Shea Zellweger.

The Rev. Dr. Zellweger is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, and has served churches in various ministerial capacities for 14 years. A native of Parishville, NY, Shea holds an MA in Theological Research from Andover Newton Seminary, completed the requirements for the MDiv at Chicago Theological Seminary, and recently earned his DMin in Reformed Christian Spirituality at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. His doctoral project was entitled Closer: an Assessment of the Impacts of Individual and Corporate Spiritual Practice.

Dr. Zellweger currently resides in Connecticut, where he has been the pastor of two yoked congregations for the past five years. In addition to normal pastoral duties, he serves on several denominational committees and nonprofit boards, and plays bass and sings in his church’s band.

Shea met his wife, Jocelyn, a trained pastry chef, in their college a cappella choir. They have been married since 2007 and have two children: 12-year-old Cole, a Nintendo devotee and aspiring Lego Master Builder; and 6-year-old Tessa, Hair style enthusiast and future veterinarian. The family enjoy regular game nights, and have a sizeable collection of games to support that habit.

Jocelyn and Shea are passionate about ethically produced food and regenerative agriculture, and the family currently have a small herd of goats, as well as raising ducks, geese, chickens, turkeys, and bees. They hope one day to produce all their own meat and dairy.

When not engaged in church and farm work, Shea enjoys tabletop gaming, reading, writing, and experimenting in the kitchen. He is looking forward to getting to know you in the days to come.

The PNC and HPC Session would like to invite each of you to come or to listen to the Rev. Dr. Zellweger’s service on Candidate Sunday, January 17th at 10:30.  The service will be live streamed through Facebook and if you are not comfortable attending in person, you will all have the opportunity to listen online. Following the service about 11:30, a Congregational meeting will be called. Those who do not wish to attend in person will be invited through a Zoom link online. Moderator Rev. Betsy Westman and the Session will share the call and the terms of call for the congregational vote. Those online will be instructed on how to vote.

If approved, the Rev. Dr. Zellweger and his family will be greeted by those present using social distancing, of course, and welcomed to our church family and community. We hope that those of you who do not attend the service and meeting in person will have the opportunity soon to meet and greet Dr. Zellweger.

Blessings,

PNC members: Joan Hadlock, Jen McGregor, Bridget Sherman, Jen Gardner, Randy Kraft, and Allison Barrigar

The next Hammond Food Pantry will be Thursday, Jan. 21st at the Hammond Fire Hall from 

9:30 to 11:00 a.m. All income eligible families are encouraged to take part and receive the free food. Please bring your own boxes or bags if possible. The Food Sense program has resumed and is held after noon on Food Pantry days. For Food Sense, there are no income requirements and a great food value for the money. A unit of food is $20.50, with monthly specials to be ordered separately. All Food Sense must be ordered from a monthly menu and paid for ahead of time. Food Stamps may also be used for Food Sense. For further information on either program, contact Joan Hadlock

 A very nice collection of items was sent to St. Joseph’s Indian School in Chamberlain, SD. We had

5 hats, 14 pairs of gloves, 2 head warmer scarves, 6 pairs slippers, 2 scarf/hat/gloves sets. St. Joseph’s is a residential school for over 150 Native American children, many from difficult home situations. St. Joseph’s welcomes these children and tries to set them on a positive path in life. Thanks to all who donated these warm gifts, which will be greatly appreciated. 

 Giving for the Christmas Mission Tree totaled $1321.00, with items destined for Food for the Poor, Church World Service, Presbyterian Missions and Marion Medical Mission. Thanks to all who contributed to help so many people in need across the world. A list of donors

for memorial and honorary gifts follows:

Jennifer McGregor in memory of Malcolm and Roberta McGregor

Dot Weber in memory of Wayne Weber

Joan and Doug Delosh in memory of Phillip and Barbara Decker and nephew James Decker, Jr.

In memory of Donald and Mildred Delosh and sister Linda Delosh Kilmer

In memory of Cathy Stevenson

In honor of Revs. David and Jo Serchak, Connie Wortman and Liz Scarlett

Denise Pitcher in memory of Hugh Pitcher and other family members

Liz Scarlett in loving memory of John Scarlett and all our deceased loved ones

Mariel Goodwin and the Goodwin family in memory of Earle Goodwin

Jen and Nick Gardner and family in memory of Grandma “Goob” Gardner and Grandpa Hadlock

Ron and Lynette Thompson in memory of Aaron Thompson and Hugh Pitcher

Marilyn and Gary Hunter in memory of Robert and Alice Bickelhaupt, Robert and Dorothy Hunter

Maurice Maloy and Paul Young

Lynn and David DeCondo in memory of our parents

Joan Hadlock in memory of Ed Hadlock and other deceased family members

Evelyn Saphier in memory of Alice and JosephKaselow, Lil, Fred and Paul Saphier

Barbara Phillips, Nancy Chase, Ann Lott in memory of Family Members

In memory of deceased members of Hammond Presbyterian Women

 Our Sunday Services are now Facebook Live. If you don’t follow us on Facebook, now is the time to hit the “like” button so you will be about to keep up to date on everything going on; such as events, notifications, Sunday Service, and more. If you do not have Facebook, you can still see our page online without having to be a member. 

 As we get closer and closer to the New Year, I stop and think of the kind of year 2020 was. What a wild ride and it seems like there is no end in sight. With that being said, I catch myself thinking of all the good things that happened this year and everything that I am so thankful for. I look at my children who have adapted so well with all the changes that have happened in the last few months and how they are thriving through all the hoops they have to jump to stay safe. I look at the relationship with my husband and think, we are definitely not your normal every day couple, but there’s no one in the world that I would rather be with. I look at my best friend who has become such a big part of my family. She and I balance each other out when the world gets a bit too heavy on our shoulders. I look at my Church family, who has helped me out when I needed the help, who lift me up when I’m feeling down, who I can count on through thick and thin. I look at my home life, which can be completely crazy, but it’s my crazy life which is very comforting. I look at everything and smile. There was a time in my life where I didn’t have everything that I have now and I’m just so thankful that this year I have been able to sit back and appreciate everything that I have.

 I believe God has a hand in everything that happens. I believe this crazy year was God’s way of saying, “Take a look around at everything you have. Appreciate everything. Do not fear what is going on, but be thankful for everything that I have provided you.” God gave me three amazing kids, my soul mate, my best friend, my church family, my life. What more could anyone ever ask for. I know many people are fed up with this year and are looking forward to the New Year, but God made this year hectic for a reason. What that reason is, is for everyone’s own interpretation, but God always promises a rainbow after every storm and maybe we just need to start looking for the rainbow in our souls to know there are better days not too far away. Happy New Year everyone. I hope it’s a happy, healthy and safe one for all of you.

 O, LORD, our Sovereign

Our Sovereign God! I’ve been focused on Psalm 8 for some time now. While only 9 verses long, two of those verses (1 and 9) bear repeating.  O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth! The meaning of the word sovereign is greatest, in degree or utmost, extreme; being above all in character, importance, and excellence; to have supreme power or authority. What a God we serve and have relationship with. But what grabs me in God’s power and majesty is the following:

3When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
   the moon and the stars that you have established;
4 what are human beings that you are mindful of them,
   mortals that you care for them?

So here we are then with a Sovereign God with supreme power and authority, the greatest, above all, Creator of the heavens and the humans yet is mindful of us and cares for us. 

It had been 400 years of silence since the last prophetic voice, and then there is a long list of a future King’s relatives, some pretty savory and unlikely people, living ordinary and not so ordinary lives, in some pretty dire circumstances and there is a whisper, a small motion, the movement of God’s Spirit in the life a young Jewish girl named Mary (Matthew 1 and 2) whose reflections will include a visit from some unlikely people (Wisemen) and a trip into a foreign land as well as a return to a known land to raise her son with her husband. There’s increasing sound as a voice cries out in the wilderness as Isaiah the prophet had written (Mark 1). There’s a lot of activity as the heavenly realm prepare lives; Mary, Joseph and shepherds. Then through a human event, a birth much like yours a baby is placed in a feed trough due to lack of any housing and a census taking place (Luke 1-2:20). There is the Word made flesh, light that enters in through the darkness and through his fullness we receive grace upon grace (John 1) as God’s promised Savior enters into the world. Yes, the years of silence had been broken and Jesus was born into a world much like our own today. Yes, the Sovereign God of Creation, the Sovereign God of Israel, was breaking into unlikely people’s lives to claim a relationship with them. Yes, God was sending love into the world in a new way; God was actively redeeming. Ah, the sounds of God!  

O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

In Jesus’ birth we see the Sovereignty of God in ways we could never imagine. We see God mindful and caring for us in ways we could never dream of. We see God at work in the life of the church as we serve a Sovereign God. We live in resurrection hope and eternal life because of a Sovereign God who breaks through silence and comes to earth to redeem humans in love and life.  

May your Advent be filled with merry joy as you wait with anticipation and prepare with excitement for the birth and second coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas and God’s peace be with you.

With you on the journey,

Rev. Betsy

 The next Hammond Food Pantry will be Thursday, Dec. 17that the Hammond Fire Hall from 

9:30 to 11:00 a.m. All income eligible families are encouraged to take part and receive the free food. Please bring your own boxes or bags if possible. The Food Sense program has resumed and is held after noon on Food Pantry days. For Food Sense, there are no income requirements and a great food value for the money. A unit of food is $20.50, with monthly specials to be ordered separately. All Food Sense must be ordered from a monthly menu and paid for ahead of time. Food Stamps may also be used for Food Sense. For further information on either program, contact Joan Hadlock at 315/324-5517.

 This year, we will not be doing the usual Angel Tree gifts from the church (due to Covid, what else?). We will be accepting any monetary donations toward gift cards for the Food Pantry children. Donations may be given to me or left in the offering basket at church with Food Pantry on the memo line. We will be doing the Mitten Tree, with donated gifts of hats, mittens and scarves to be sent to needy children. Any questions? See Joan Hadlock 

 We are once again collecting for a shallow well in West Africa.  Each well costs $450.00 and this will be our seventh well donated.  Please make checks out to the church with "well" on the memo line. Checks can be given to me or put in the offering basket at church. Clean, sustainable water eliminates childhood illness and death due to poor water, and improves the health and well being for a whole village.  Please give generously.  Joan Hadlock

Once again this year we will be collecting donations for various mission projects from Food for the Poor, Church World Service and Presbyterian Missions, in lieu of or in addition to poinsettias. Some gift ideas and donation amounts are listed below:

Writing supplies for 12 students 16.00

School supplies for 3 children 30.00 20 chickens  30.00

Books for 10 students   20.00 Fishing Net  15.00  

Two pairs of Rabbits  20.00 

Share of large animal  20.00

A month of emergency Rations 9.00 

Garden starter kit  18.00

Farming tools  10.00

Kitchen Kit  25.00

Rice Seeds  15.00

5 cans corn seed  10.00

Honey Bees  30.00

Home water filter  25.00

Month of Sports   25.00

Woman’s Dignity Kit   25.00

Please let me know your choices by December 13th. Checks should be made out to Hammond Presbyterian Church with Mission Tree notation on check. If you wish to give memorial or honorary gifts or plants, please give the names to me by December 13h. Let’s share our Christmas Spirit with those who are less fortunate. Joan Hadlock (324-5517) ejhadlock@gmail.com

CHRISTMAS MISSION GIFTS:

GIFTS AND

AMOUNT:________________________________

__________________________________________

Checks to be made out to Hammond Presbyterian Church–or give cash payment to Joan H.

MEMORIAL or HONORARY NAMES TO BE LISTED: __________________________________________

__________________________________________

__________________________________________

__________________________________________

YOUR NAME:___________________________________

___________________­­­_________­­­­_________________

MEMORIAL or HONORARY CHRISTMAS PLANTS:

MEMORIAL or HONORARY NAMES TO BE LISTED: __________________________________________

__________________________________________

YOUR NAME:___________________________________

_____________________________________________

I will get my own plants(s) ( ) or Joan will get my plant(s) ( ).

THANKS TO ALL FOR YOUR GENEROUS GIVING

I knew earlier in the year that I was going to need a new Christmas tree. Every month, since last Christmas, I’ve been looking online for the perfect tree. So, in August, I couldn’t take it anymore and I bought a new tree and there it sat, in my living room in its box waiting to be opened. I couldn’t deal with it anymore, and a week before Thanksgiving, I opened it and put the lights on. My family and I will decorate it soon (once I find the box of ornaments), but its been so nice enjoying the glow of the colorful lights. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do with my old tree that I still loved very much. It has a lot of memories attached to it and I can’t bear to part with it. So I went out, bought a new string of lights, new ornaments, and a tree skirt for my old tree and put it out into my front porch where my daughter and I decorated it together. I look forward to Christmas every year, and this year, with all the crazy things that have happened and are still happening around all of us, I feel the warmth of Christmas Cheer in my heart more than the worry of things to come.

I think that’s what God has planned for all of us. It has been a crazy year and he hears our prayers for health and well wishes for those who are sick. Christmas is the time that God has given us to be merry and bright, to be giving, to sit back and relax and stare at the Christmas tree a little longer and think of everything you are thankful for, to love the people you are with (far and near), and to just melt your worries away in a cup of hot cocoa knowing that God has everything handled. We may not know what tomorrow will bring, we may not know when life will get back to normal, we may not know what that box is wrapped under the Christmas tree with the pretty bow (even though I’ve shaken it a few times and haven’t figured it out yet), but as long as we keep sending our prayers to God, we know that he is listening and has a plan for us all. 

                     I hope everyone has an amazing Christmas and a Safe and healthy New Year and May God bless you all.

We are pleased to announce that the remaining balance of $1,338.22 has been donated to the project fund.

We are extremely grateful to all who have given their time, talents, and funds to bring this endeavor to fruition. 

Putnam Seamless Gutters has replaced the rain gutters with larger ones and installed an additional down spout. ($2,490)

The manse painting is ongoing.  We hope to be at the top of the list in the spring to get the project completed.

There is still flower bed and yard clean up to be done at the manse.

                     Thank you again to all those who have contributed in any way to make these improvements possible.

Come one Come all to our 10th Annual Breakfast with Santa.

In keeping with Social Distancing, this will be a Drive Thru Breakfast December 5th from 9am-11am where Santa and his trusty Elves will make sure you get a yummy breakfast and a little goodie bag from Kris Kringle. If the young and young at heart would like to write Mr. Claus a wish list, Santa will be accepting them during this joyous occasion.

The Menu includes:

Scrambled eggs, Sausage, French toast, orange slices, milk and orange juice.

This Breakfast is FREE to all who want to join, BUT Donations are appreciated and all donations will be given to a local family in need of a Merry Christmas.

If you would like to Pre-Order, it will be appreciated, but not necessary and there will be NO pick up times. To Pre-order your breakfast, please contact Tara either in the office at (315)324-5665 or on our Facebook Page.

 Looking ahead for December
 

On Sunday, December 20, Jennifer Gardner will present a slide show of previous Christmas pageants and an audio of the Christmas story. This will be recorded and available on Facebook and our website for those who wish to watch it again or cannot be in church.
There will be no Christmas Eve service to physically attend. The service will be prerecorded and available on Facebook. It will be the traditional service of lessons and carols. Some musical highlights will be Bridget Sherman who will play the organ. Evelyn Saphier will play the harp and Kim Palermo-Bogardus will accompany her on the hammer dulcimer. Their piece will be Christ Child Lullaby/ ArHydy Nos.
We hope to possibly live stream church services by mid December. 

 Just a reminder that if you wish prayers for yourself or others, you can contact Joan Delosh at 315 324 5188 or jddelosh@gmail.com for daily prayers.
During the COVID 19 Pandemic and the isolation that is involved, it is even more important than ever to safely stay in touch with each other, especially those who have experienced the loss of a loved one. On some level we are all grieving the loss of “how things use to be”. Reach out in safe creative ways.
Hospiceslv.org has excellent resources about grief and loss.