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11 7 WA S H I N G TO N S P R I N G R O A D, PA L I S A D E S, N Y 1 0 9 6 4 № F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 7
PAL PRES
― R E F L E C T I O N S ―
“We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every
wind of doctrine, by people’s trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming.
But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the
head, into Christ… So then, putting away falsehood, let all of us speak the
truth to our neighbors for we are members of one another.” –From
Ephesians We are at a crossroads as Christians. We must decide if we are followers of Jesus or followers of our fears, our prejudices, and our nationalistic inclinations. If we are to find our identity in the one we call the Christ then we must be willing to oppose policies and orders that come from our political leaders that are in direct conflict with the teachings of the one we call The Prince of Peace.
One recent policy that is in direct conflict with our faith is the executive order banning immigrants from entering our country based on the religion of the person and country of origin. This will especially affect Syrian refugees in desperate need of our help. Perhaps you believe, as many in our country that we have the right to protect ourselves. That may be true but it follows second to the mandate of the Gospel that commands us to welcome the stranger and care for the most vulnerable.
There are hundreds of passages in the First Testament of the Bible that oppose such an act. One such passage is found in the Book of Leviticus. God speaking to the people of Israel who have been freed from slavery commands God.” (Leviticus 19.34).
The Second Testament is even clearer. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus teaches those listening, using a parable set on the day of judgment: “Then he will say to those at his left hand, ‘You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?’ Then he will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ (Matthew 25:41-45).” According to Jesus it is Christ we are banning from our country, it is Christ we reject when we refuse to help the refugee, it is Christ we turn away because we fear for our lives. But Jesus warns again in Matthew: “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.”
Jesuit priest, James Martin believes our next steps as Christians, who happen to be U.S. citizens are clear. He urges: “… reject these measures and welcome Christ. Call your local legislators and tell them to care for Christ. Write to the White House and ask them to protect Christ. Show up at town hall meetings and advocate for Christ. And pray for our brothers and sisters who are refugees and migrants. Because if you do not, and you reject Christ, then it is their prayers that you will need.”
I could not have said it better myself… Angela
PAL PRES A M O N T H L Y P U B L I C A TI O N
PALISADES
PRESBYTERIAN
CHURCH
FEBRUARY CALENDAR
Sunday Worship 10:00 am Bible Study Wednesdays 12:15 pm
5 Communion Deacons Meeting, 11:30 am 12 Sunday School Meeting, 11:00 am 14 Session, 7:30 pm 19 Stewardship Meeting, 11:30 am 26 Worship Meeting, 11:30 am
March 1, Ash Wednesday Service, 7:00 pm
DEACONS’ CORNER
In January Lois Collura and Johanna Albin were welcomed to the Board of Deacons while Suzanne Shaw and Berenice Albright were released with much thankfulness and gratitude for all their work. Jim Rubenstone will continue on for another 3 year term. There are a total of 8 Deacons. Among other duties, we take turns hosting coffee hour after worship on Sundays. We graciously accept any food donation or help with coffee hour. Please contact Denise Cae Tilberis to contribute. If you or someone you know needs a casserole contact Margaret Allen and if you need a ride to worship contact Jim Rubenstone. For prayer requests or get well cards you may contact Stephen Van Dyk.
Have a warm and cozy winter!
Pastor Reverend Angela Maddalone * [email protected] * 845-359-3147 * www.palpresny.org
Secretary Tamika Adjemian * Office Hours Tuesday & Thursday 9:30 am – 2:30 pm * [email protected] Mailing address: Palisades Presbyterian Church, PO Box 687, Palisades, NY 10964
Articles due by the 20th day of the preceding month * Editor Maria Gagliardi * [email protected]
2017 Session Committee Chairs
Nominating: Rosemary Coslit Operations: John Cuccia Personnel: Lori Hylton Stewardship: Nina VonEckardt Worship: Michael Shapiro Mission: Roger Buck
New members are needed for the Operations, Stewardship, Worship and Mission committees. If you are interested in being part of the program planning for 2017, please speak to Angela or the Committee Chair. All participation is welcome and you do not need to be a member of the church to work on a committee.
Ash Wednesday Retreat Presbyterian Women of the Hudson River Presbytery is holding an Ash Wednesday retreat at Stony Point Center on Wednesday, March 1 from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. The Rev. Abbie Huff will be leading this time of reflection. Plan to bring a sandwich if you attend. Beverages and cookies will be provided. Information is available on the Parish House bulletin board or the Presbytery website www.hudrivpres.org.
The Sunday School Planning Meeting takes place on Sunday, February 12 at 11:00 am. All teachers and parents are welcome.
