And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate. -Luke 15:23-24

The musical Dear Evan Hanson, which began running on Broadway in

2016, is the story of a high school senior (Evan) who has a social anxiety disorder; set against the emerging reality of social media in the 21st centu-ry. If you’re the kind of person who pays atten-tion to such things, you know that Dear Evan Han-son has been a huge hit – complete with Tony awards and viral social media campaign with the hashtag: #youwillbefound. Personally, I was oblivious to the popularity of Dear Evan Hanson until ads for it started popping up all around me (via Facebook, YouTube, etc.). Eventually, the ear worm set-in from all those 5 second ads, and I was drawn to the click-bait (score 1 for online ad-vertising). It turns out, that hashtag, #youwillbefound is for one of the songs in the mu-sical – You Will Be Found. For a musical about a kid with a social anxiety disorder, you can guess the point of the song. When Evan starts to break through his own anxiety, and make friends for the first time in his life, the song becomes an anthem of how, “even when the dark comes crashing through/ when you need a friend to carry you/ and when you’re broken on the ground/ you will be found…there’s place we don’t have to feel un-known/ every time that you call out you’re a little less alone/ if you only say the word/ from across the silence your voice is heard…”

Ok, so I know that reading the lyrics of a song can’t do justice to hearing the song. But that’s part of what makes this musical such a fascinating blend of art and life; the musical is about a kid dealing with his inability to connect to others in

the age of social media – and you can Google the play and learn all about it, watch video clips of it on YouTube, follow the hashtag on Twitter, stream the album from Amazon, and if you like it, you can share it on Facebook. If you so choose, for better for worse, you can have instant access to all of it. And, as the popularity of the musical shows, if you are feeling alone, like Evan, you can feel less alone from participating in an online community that loves everything to do with Dear Evan Han-sen.

We’ve probably all heard, and discussed, the pros and cons of the internet, and social media, as it all becomes more, and more, a daily part of our lives. The ability to stay connected at great distances, mixed with the fear of inauthentic, quasi-relationships, makes for a variety of opinions. Add with the negative impact internet trolling has already had on people, who can be confident so-cial media is a good thing? I think the jury is still out if this social media stuff is to be trusted – or if it is a Pandora’s box of false promises and harmful societal consequences. For the record, Dear Evan Hansen is aware of all this, and uses it to tell the story – making it that much more compelling.

But…

Behind all computer age, social media driven focus in Dear Evan Hansen, don’t miss what the real theme is: you will be found. I love that. And there’s nothing new about it. 2000 years ago, Je-sus told a parable (the prodigal son) about exactly that – being found. From a great distance, a Fa-ther catches a glimpse of a son he thought was lost to him forever, and he runs, screaming, and rejoicing, “this son of mine was dead, and is alive again!” And that message has been at the center of Christianity ever since. The most iconic of Christian songs, Amazing Grace, still reminds us, “I once was lost/ but now I’m found…” Turns out, the core of the Gospel is that hashtag: #youwillbefound. Sure, we can fill Christianity up with a lot of other ideas – and most of the time I’m on board with the approach that “more is

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A Word from Our Pastor...

July/August 2018

The High Falls Messenger

The Community Church of High Fal l s

Ju ly/August 2018: The High Fal ls Messenger ~ Community Church of High Fal l s ~ Page 2

more.” But when it comes time to strip away all that other stuff, what remains? What is the good news? What is the Gospel? I think it is a mes-sage in two parts: (1) fear not, and (2) you will be found.

I, for one, think it’s about time we make #youwillbefound the one thing we want the world to know about Christianity. Forget the phrase “all are welcome” – that’s a myth. We all know better than to think “all are welcome” is something any of us are good at. We all have our biases, and there are always people we struggle to welcome. God, on the other hand, is particularly good at finding those who are lost. And even when we are not as welcoming as we wish we could be, that promise remains: you will be found. The promise remains, I imagine, because it is not our promise to make, it is God’s. We can testify to it, but being found, that is up to God.

So, thank you Dear Evan Hansen, for reminding us what a Gospel sounds like in this world. And don’t worry, there’s no competition here. I know a good thing when I see it, and if Dear Evan Han-sen can help the lost feel a little less alone, than praise God and kill the fatted calf!

But…

Consider this: currently, if you want to see Dear Evan Hansen on Broadway, a ticket, in one of the cheap seats, for a matinee, will run you $300.00. I, on the other hand, can offer you a Sunday morning show, with front row seating, for free! Ok, so we can’t quite pull off a Broadway level spectacle, but…

#youwillbefound

-Pastor Aaron

Consistory & Church Happenings...

Office Hours: Pastor Aaron does not hold specific office hours at either church but is available by appointment. Please do not hesi-tate to call him if you would like an appointment at either church or if you would like a home vis-it.

845-594-2214 or aaronjamess@gmail.com

Parish Nursing Program: J im Nerone, RN and Anne Marie Kitchen, RN The total number of congregation members who had their blood pressure checked for the months of May and June were 30. The next scheduled dates for blood pressure checks are July 8th and August 12th. Classis dues: for 2018 are $95 per mem-

ber. If you are able to contribute even a portion

of this amount, it would be much appreciated.

As of this date, our Church is running somewhat

in the red, perhaps due in part to the higher

cost of heating fuel this past winter and because

of sporadic attendance during the summer sea-

son. The Guild has opted to give $1000 from its

account to help offset the cost of running the

church.

Our current Consistory Members include: Amy Greene, Cindy Angyal, Melissa Styles-Neff (Elders) and Dan Boice, Kathy Walbert & Paul Wikane (Deacons). A brief congregational meet-ing will be held after the Sunday service on July 1st for the purpose of electing new consistory members. July 29th and Aug 5th will be vacation Sundays for Pastor Aaron. Amy Greene is now the official calendar keep-er...any question about event dates and the like should be addressed to Amy.

Anyone requesting use of the Church Build-ing/Facilities must first contact Pastor Aa-ron. You may email him at aa-ronjamess@gmail.com. IF you are not connect-ed with the church and are making a request for use of our building and/or parking lot, please

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July 7th: ANNUAL CHICKEN BARBECUE

SERVING FROM NOON UNTIL 7

LIVE MUSIC FROM 4-7

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The Youth Group had their end of year picnic at the Wikane residence on May 18th. We had a nice time and it was great to have Austin home from college join us. We wish Austin & Erik best of luck in college this fall.

Sunday School: Amy & Gail w ill be back again SEP-

TEMBER and ready to go. We would very much appreciate

a few people to volunteer as subs. There are Sundays

where we both have other commitments. Thank you!

Sunday School & Youth Group

The Gathering: A Service of Rest, Assurance, and Inspiration

The Gathering is a service intentionally designed to be unique from our Sunday morning worship services, this service is meant to help people put an end to one week and find strength for the week to come. No offering will be taken. There will be lots of music, and words of contemplation…we strive to make the sacred a real experience for all who find themselves looking for something more. Join with us...all are welcome.

Upcoming Gatherings will take place at 5pm on:

July 15th

Aug 12th

Sept 9th

Nov 4th

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Birthdays … 7/1 Ella Schoonmaker 7/2 Olivia Weig 7/3 Charlotte Riedel 7/3 Sebastian Greene 7/8 Robin Sandbach 7/8 Amanda Weig 7/9 Katelyn Pellicane 7/11 Stanley Letus 7/13 Elisabeth (Betty) Decker 7/15 Kaitlynn Gratis 7/16 Christopher Schoonmaker 7/16 Oscar Hernandez 7/19 William Breitenstein 7/20 Elizabeth Hoornbeck 7/24 Anne Marie Kitchen 7/27 Linda Pellicane 7/28 Chloe Lynn Del Valle 7/31 Bethany Pellicane 8/5 Desirae Baumann 8/6 Darlene Breitenstein 8/13 Rev Stickley 8/15 Marthabelle DePuy 8/16 Henry Schimmrich 8/22 Gay Van Demark 8/23 Virginia McCardell

8/28 Jane Williams 8/30 Mary Cole 8/31 Paul Wikane Anniversaries… 7/1 Merry & Quentin Oakley 7/4 Jane & Gary van Laer 7/25 Stanley & Sharon Letus 8/3 Carol & Charlie Kolodziejski 8/10 Lee & Dan Paashaus 8/23 Ron & Kristin Bogart

8/25 Carmella & Mike Burlarley

8/26 July & Paul Giordano

Our Church Family

This month’s recipe is from our charming Carmella. She has beaten the odds and I am dubbing her our flower of wellness! TACO BAKE 2 PKGS Velveeta Mac & Cheese 1 lb ground beef or can use turkey 1 packet taco seasoning 1 16 oz jar thck & chunky salsa 1 16 oz container sour cream Make Mac & Cheese as directed on box. Brown beef or turkey and season as on packet Put 1/2 Mac & Cheese in crock pot. Put in taco seasoned meat, sour cream and salsa. Put remaining 1/2 of Mac & Cheese on top. Put crock pot on low for 3 hours. “And, share generously!”

Jessie’s

Kitchen

Remember this whoever sows sparingly will al-so reap sparingly and whoever sows generously will reap generously. ~ 2 Corinthians 9:6

Flower Committee News Anyone interested in being a part of the flower committee (supplying flowers for the sanc-tuary for a month or for special occasions) or if you would like to change your month, I have openings...just give me a call. Thanks! Maryann, 845-687-9409 Jan… ?

Feb...Dana Wright

Mar...Maryann Wright

Apr...Merry Oakley

May… ?

June...Gail Wikane

Jul… Lee Paashaus

Aug...Julie Boice

Sept...Judy Giordano

Oct...Carmella Burlarley

Nov… ?

Dec...Mary van Laer

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Mission & Outreach

Our annual spring food drive has come to an end. 158 Items were delivered to the Rondout Valley Food Pantry. The Biggest Loser contest net-ted $88 for the RVFP as well. We continue to contribute to the RVFP throughout the year. The following items are always needed: Cereal, Tuna, Juice and Juice Boxes, Mac & Cheese, Canned Fruit / Vege-tables, Vegetable Oil, Coffee and Fresh Garden Vegeta-

bles. Also welcome are: Soap, Shampoo, Personal Care Items, Dish Detergent, Laundry Detergent, and Pet Food. The next Church mission project for the summer will be collecting backpacks and school supplies for needy students. Stay tuned! ~ Cindy Angyal, Missions and Outreach

Rondout Valley Food Pantry News

We are one of several area churches that support the Rondout Valley Food Pantry.

Lorna has stepped down as the liaison from our church and we thank her for her years of service. Cindy Angyal and Lee Potter-Passhaus will now take on this responsibility.

Please note that the Pantry has just relocated from CTK Church to the old Marbletown Town Hall build-ing, at 3775 Main St (Rt 209) in Stone Ridge. It will be open on Tues & Thurs from 9-11 am or by ap-pointment. If you are aware of anyone in need, please have them call the Pantry at 845-687-4013.

If you wish to give a monetary donation to the Food Pantry you can make the check out to the Rondout Valley Food Pantry and give it to Cindy or Lee or mail it to the Food Pantry. Please indicate that you are from CCHF so that they know we are not only supporting them with food items but also with mon-ey donations.

Other news: The Rondout Valley School Dis-trict recently posted the following update re the summer lunch program on Facebook. The Food Bank of the Hudson Valley will provide free meals to all children age 18 or younger begin-ning June 25 at area sites as part of the USDA Summer Food Service Program. In Ulster County, the site will be at 15 Tobacco Road in Accord where the program will run every Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 2 p.m. from July 10 to Aug. 23. According to Feeding America, 16.3 percent of chil-dren in Orange County and Ulster County are food insecure, meaning they have limited or uncertain access to nutritionally adequate food. During the school year, school lunch and breakfast helps relieve food insecurity, but during the sum-mer months, many children no longer have access to even one nutritious meal each day, according to

a press release. The Summer Food Service program is a federally funded, state-administered program that provides free meals to children.

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The North Marbletown Mission Thrift Shop

The NM Mission Thrift Shop will be open during the summer on Wednesdays from 2-6pm, beginning on July 11th, as well as during the regular Saturday hours of 9am-2pm.

We greatly appreciate our volunteers. Would you consider sign-ing up for a couple of hours? This is a good place to volunteer if you are in need of community service points. Please contact me at 687-7043 or on the NM Mission Thrift Shop Facebook page.

* NOTE: IF you are one of those w ith a key to NM Mission and would like to drop off your donations during the week, please do so between Saturday and Tuesday. This enables us to get a “clean start” on Saturday when the Mission is open to the public. Thank you.

~ Martha Lischinsky, NM Coordinator

Net proceeds go to the Rondout Valley Food Pantry and other missions. The Mission Shop is located on Route 209 north of Stone Ridge, Cross streets are Marcott Road and Wuchte Lane. The North Mar-bletown Mission Thrift Shop is made possible by volunteers from the Community Church as well as oth-ers from the surrounding community.

The Guild...

The Guild is open to all men of the church as well as the women. We generally meet on the 3rd Sun-day of the month. Our next Guild meeting is sched-uled for July 15th; however, we may decide not to hold it unless something important comes up for discussion.

No applications to the Brandon Wolf Scholarship Fund have been received as of yet.

The annual CCHF Chicken BBQ will take place on July 7th as that is the day that the Civic Association is planning for a Fair Day in High Falls. We could do a plant sale that day if we want or we could opt to do something in September (perhaps, sell mums) when the Civic Association Pet Show plans to hold their annual Pet Show. This event, which originally had been scheduled for May was rescheduled due to inclement weather. It is now planned for Sept 15th.

The Service Committee will continue the Second Sunday Coffee Hour during July and August.

Missions: Cindy has dropped off food items from our latest Food Drive for the Pantry. The Pan-try is nearly ready to move into the newly refur-bished space in the old Marbletown Hall on Rt 209, Stone Ridge. Future Mission plans include the Back to School Backpack program later in the summer. Kathy will also ask Gail about the needs of summer lunch program for children who would normally re-ceive free or reduced fee lunches during the school year...the Guild has pledged to donate as much as $250 toward this program. Lorna has stepped down

a liaison to the Pantry but Cindy & Lee have agreed to co-represent our church in her place. Cindy is willing to deliver food to the Pantry and they may both go to the meetings or, perhaps attend on al-ternate months...they will work it out.

Bazaar: We should all be thinking about and making items for the Bazaar. Keep in mind that Ju-lie would like a piece of furniture to offer for the Si-lent Auction, something homemade or perhaps an antique and not too big.

Speakers: Gary presented an interesting and informative look at Mohonk - The Early Days on June 10th, during the Second Sunday coffee hour.

Cindy noted that our church is running in the red so far for the year. A suggestion was made to donate some of the Guild funds to the Church. We agreed to donate $1000 now and possibly another $1000 at the end of the year. We may forego the purchase of new tables or chairs for now but all agreed that we should work on getting new chair dollies as our old ones are in ill repair and really hard to maneu-ver.

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Portrait of Captain Frederick Schoonmaker

Captain Frederick Schoonmaker was born in Mar-

bletown, New York, on January 13th 1738, and

died there on December 2nd 1819. He was mar-

ried to Elizabeth Schoonmaker and had six daugh-

ters and six sons.

He served as a Captain of two companies of sol-

diers during the entire Revolutionary War. He en-

listed the company of soldiers, and gave himself

and his property to his country in its struggle for

freedom from the British yoke.

On February 26th 1778 he was appointed Captain

at the Council meeting at Poughkeepsie, Dutchess

County, New York. Governor Clinton Presiding. He

with his company served with the regiment of

Colonel James Cantine. He was at Fort Montgom-

ery when the iron chain was extended across the

Hudson River at West Point to prevent the British

vessels from sailing up the Hudson, and to help

procure this chain, he sold his favorite horse. He

was also present at the taking of Burgoyne, the

surrender of British Lieutenant General John Bur-

goyne at Saratoga, New York on October 17,

1777.

He spent a large fortune to aid the course of Lib-

erty, often buying and sending droves of cattle for

the subsistence of the Army to General Washing-

ton, for which service General Washington sent

him a letter of thanks. During his life he had

owned some 40 improved farms in the town of

Marbletown, and after his personal estate was ex-

hausted he mortgaged them to raise money not

only to pay his own men, but also to send provi-

sions to the Continental Army. There is a tradition

among Schoonmaker descendants that he had a

large chest full of silver money and would return

home to fill bags with this money to be used for

war expenses.

Perhaps we know him best as the person who

built and occupied the house known as Captain

Schoonmaker's Bed and Breakfast, which is locat-

ed on Route 213 next to Mossy Brook Road and

the Coxing Kill. The home was built in 1760 by

the Captain and was fortified and used as a place

of refuge during the Revolutionary War. Under

new ownership, it is now known as the CS Coach

House.

The Captain is buried in the Coxing Cemetery,

which is located on a hill across the street from

his home. He lies in an unmarked grave fearing

that the British sympathizers would desecrate it.

There is a monument in this graveyard with the

simple inscription, “Ulster County Patriot who

gave his all for the cause of freedom”. Many of

the Schoonmaker family are buried alongside this

American Patriot.

Interesting facts about Captain Frederick

Schoonmaker

During the Revolutionary War time, Marbletown

and vicinity were exposed to the depredations of

the Tories (British) and Indians. He was frequent-

ly sent on expeditions against them.

Frederick Schoonmaker had reinforced and forti-

fied his home to protect his family against Indian

attacks that were occuring in the vicinity. His

neighbors would often seek shelter in this home

during such attacks.

Many of these neighbors were Tories or British

sympathizers and political views were often aired

in the Schoonmaker home. One evening a Tory

neighbor stopped by to chat and share a friendly

pipe with the Captain. Soon the visitor began to

extol the Tory view and call General Washington

and his Army fools. Captain Schoonmaker, a great

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A History Lesson...a series by Gary Kitchen

Ju ly/August 2018: The High Fal ls Messenger ~ Community Church of High Fal l s ~ Page 8

Prayer Shawl Ministry:

Our Shawl Ministry Group had its be-ginnings back in April of 2016. Many, many shawls have been given away over the years, both locally and far away.

Compassion and a love of knitting/crocheting are combined into a prayer-ful ministry and spiritual practice which reaches out to those in need of comfort and solace, as well as in celebration and joy. The creation and presentation of a prayer shawl, like all acts of gen-erosity, enriches the giver as well as the recipient.

We knit these shawls...

for those who are lonely and who need to know that they are loved

for those who are ill or injured and who are yearning for healing of body, mind, or spirit

for those who are facing challenging decisions and who are searching for guidance

for those who are grieving and who would welcome comforting words and actions

and, for those who are celebrating the newness of life or rejoicing over a special moment of their life's journey.

If you know of a special someone who might benefit from the receipt of one of these shawls, we have several that are ready to be distributed and have arranged them on the prayer bench/kneeler in the Missions corner of the sanctuary. If you would like to join our group, you would be most welcome. We meet most Wednesdays in the Fellowship Hall from 10 am -12 noon.

Vacation Bible School 2018

Monday, July 23rd thru Friday, July 27th from 6-9pm At Christ the King Episcopal Church, Rt 213 in Stone Ridge

The theme for this year’s VBS is based on the book, “A Wrinkle in Time” by Madelaine L’Engle

Invite your family and friends and neighbors!

Please call or email Pastor Karen if you have any questions.

pastor.karen@marbletownchurch.com or 616-994-2602.

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note that these requests must be approved by the consistory and should be submitted via email to Pastor Aaron no later than the 5th of each month for consistory consideration. Choir: We would welcome some new choir members, especially in the Alto/Soprano section. Interested? Come talk to us before or after church. Many thanks to Philliber Research Associates for printing our newsletters and to the Women’s Guild for paying the postage on all newsletters not picked up in church. Did you know that you can opt to receive this newsletter as well as “postcard” noti-fications of dinners and special events via your email? Just send an email and let us know… in-fo@communitychurchofhighfalls.com Articles for the Newsletter or Photos for the

Bulletin Board regarding Church Life & Church Fam-ily Events are always welcome!! Next due date is: August 26th. Card Ministry: I f you know of someone who should receive a get well card, a thinking of you card, etc. please let Anne Kitchen know. You can reach her via email at: annefairkitchen@gmail.com or phone: 845-687-9571

(Continued from page 2)

admirer of General Washington, finally decided he

could hear no more. He rose, grabbed his neighbor

and threw him over the lower half of his Dutch

door.

If you pass the home today you will notice that his

chimney was built on the outside of the home

whereas most other stone homes at time had their

chimney built into the house wall. As young chil-

dren would pass the Schoonmaker house on their

way home from church or other social function,

they would stop in front of the house and chant,

“Mr. Schoonmaker, Mr. Schoonmaker, you left

your chimney out” as they laughed and ran away.

During his last few years, living in poverty and

poor health, Captain Schoonmaker lived in the

home with his son. He only had one farm left when

he died and that was the one attached to the

Schoonmaker home. One can imagine that the

corn field next to the home as you pass it on the

way to Rosendale was part of this farm. A local ru-

mor indicates that this same field has been used to

grow corn for over 1,000 years. County Clerk rec-

ords show that this land was purchased from the

Indians by Frederick Schoonmaker in 1767.

Chet Atkins, the singer, is supposedly a descend-

ant of Frederick Schoonmaker.

So the next time you pass the CS Coach Bed and Breakfast, make sure you take note of the chim-ney, envision how this house was a refuge against Indian attacks and the fact that he was able to see his country freed, but died an elderly and poor man. He was never repaid for his financial support, but instead received a thank you note from Gen-eral Washington. Thanks a lot George.

Community Church of High Falls

PO Box 68

High Falls, NY 12440

info@communitychurchofhighfalls.com http://churches.rca.org/highfalls/ www.facebook.com/communitychurchofhighfalls Pastor Aaron Schulte aaronjamess@gmail.com 845-594-2214

Dates to Remember… Jul 1: Congregational Mtg—after the service

Jul 7: Chicken BBQ—noon till 7pm

High Falls Fair Day—11am-5pm

Jul 8: 2nd Sunday Coffee Hour

Jul 15: Guild Mtg * (we will not meet unless some-thing important comes up)

Jul 15: The Gathering—5pm

Jul 23—Jul 27: Vacation Bible School

Aug 12: Second Sunday Coffee Hour

Aug 12: The Gathering

Aug 19: Guild Mtg

Aug 25: Chicken BBQ at RRC

Aug 26: Newsletter Deadline Shawl Ministry generally meets Wednesdays from 10-12 but we will not meet on July 4th