Pathfinder

  A few times throughout the year, the elders, deacons, and trustees take the time to meet together. This is important for our church because we want our leadership team working together and we want to have a common culture across the church.           During our October meeting we celebrated those who are cycling off our boards. When you are elected for one of these positions, you are elected for a 3-year term, with a good chance that you will be invited to serve for a second term.           Ellen Fullerton and Ray Steidle are cycling off the session after serving for 6 years each. They both came on session shortly after Steve and Kim moved to Texas. It is hard to believe that 6 years have passed. They both had the privilege of serving during some unfamiliar waters (pastoral transition and COVID) and I am grateful for their steady leadership.        ...

  In the fall of each year, our church leaders engage in activities to determine new leaders within our boards (Trustees, Deacons, and Elders) and work to create a financial plan for the coming year (Annual Budget). These activities are familiar to me, having been involved in both recruiting open staff positions and leading the preparation and presentation of annual budgets and financial plans for my employer. However, there are some distinct differences in how these activities are conducted and the focus, especially regarding the annual budget. First, let me acknowledge that there are many similarities in the budget process. We determine the financial adjustments needed for various reasons, including inflation and program changes. We also use our revenue (or donations/giving in the case of the church) to guide our expenditure budget. However, the differences are more interesting for us to consider. A couple of differences come to mind. Pastor Bryan reminded our boards of one d...

  How many times have you watched a professional athlete and found yourself in awe of their talent and abilities? Like the baseball slugger whose presence at the plate sets the stadium abuzz in anticipation of a crushing home run. Or maybe it’s that hoopster whose performance on the court is a display of finesse, power and agility. Those accomplishments do not happen by chance but instead are the result of deliberate and intense preparation. Yankee home run champ Roger Maris once said, “You hit home runs not by chance, but by preparation”. Former Chicago Bulls sensation, Michael Jordan, took it a few steps farther, warning, “The minute you get away from fundamentals – whether it's proper technique, work ethic or mental preparation – the bottom can fall out of your game, your schoolwork, your job, whatever you're doing”. Preparation is an essential element in all facets of our lives. Here in the North Country November is our time to prepare for winter. Our farmers harvest ...

  Steeple repair – Trustee Scott Lufkin noted some potential water issues in the steeple area. He flew his drone up and captured images and video closeups of the steeple. The images clearly showed that the weathervane has come loose and has worn a cone shaped hole in the top. Two concerns: the weather vane could come loose and fall, and the shape of wear can allow water to funnel into the peak. Out of an abundance of caution, the trustees decided to look for a steeple jack or similar company to check out and repair the steeple. This was not as easy as we thought. Trustee Joe Lohret (who used to manage a Hydro Plant) gave Mike Rozelle owner of Rozelle crane service a call. Mike came to APC and made a proposal to the trustees to remove the weathervane, cover the hole to prevent further damage and assess rehabilitating the steeple. The crane was here Thursday October 23 rd , watch next month for an update on how it went. Multipurpose room – The main floor nursery is now the multi...