Deacon's Corner

 

Winston Churchill once said , “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” I see the “making a life” portion of that quote as actually referring to two distinct lives. Obviously, the attribute of generosity is a positive reflection of the type of people we are as individuals, and as such contributes to the spiritual enrichment of our own lives.  However, sometimes the life that is “made” is that of the recipient of the spontaneous generosity. It is this particular aspect that is the standout in the Deacons' highly successful Hawaiian Shirt fundraiser on June 21.

The multicolored, island shirt motif added a festive atmosphere to the annual APC strawberry shortcake social in honor of our amazing music leaders. The result was the raising of exactly $1,000 that will go to the transportation of Young Life Campers to and from camp in Lake Placid. Which brings me to that second “made” life.

Each of you who donated to reach that amazing total have made it easier for our teens to attend this session of Young Life camp and thus gain a better knowledge and understanding of the benefit having Jesus Christ in their lives will play in their growth as Christians. This may not sound like such a difficult accomplishment; after all, they do attend worship, right? They do, but Young Life is a targeted way to help our teenage children gain knowledge about Christ and his significance in and promise for their lives.

This is not via “our” traditional version but rather something within their own particular cultural norms and understanding....which doesn't say different things about Christianity but rather just says those things differently...which has more impact. YOUR participation and donation facilitates their ability to spend concentrated time with others in their age group and share the experience. Placing them into that familiar environment strengthens the foundations of living with Christ in their lives. Thank You for your continuing generosity, especially where it affects our children!

Moving from teens to elementary age, July will see APC presenting Vacation Bible School starting on Monday July 20th and running to July 24th. Each night will be 5 to 7:30p.m. with light meals provided. You may register your children online at www.argylepresbyterian.church.

In addition, we will be entering a VBS float in the annual 4th of July parade. Anyone interested in walking in the parade should call the church office at 518-638-8072 for information.

Please remember to keep your spare change to FEED the JAR in McLean Hall. This ministry has proved to be a valuable asset in assisting with sudden and temporary financial crisis' in our congregation.

      “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1

Tom Genovese, for the Deacons

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

SESSION RETREAT HIGHLIGHTS - APRIL 2026

  Shepherds & Servants: How Christ Orders His Church At our February Session meeting we revisited Scripture’s teaching on the two biblical offices— Elders and Deacons —and why they matter for the health of our church. Elders are called to spiritual oversight: prayer, teaching, and shepherding the flock with character and maturity. Deacons lead us in practical mercy: meeting needs with hands‑on care and encouraging generous service. Together, these roles help us follow Jesus with both wisdom and compassion . We also celebrated a joyful moment: Session approved believers’ baptism for Sam and Jonah Seeger . Please join us in praying for them as they publicly profess faith in Christ and for all who are exploring the gospel in this season. Two simple ways to help the body right now: we’re praying for a Children’s Ministry Coordinator and a few additions to the music team (a drummer and a bass guitarist would be a gift). If the Lord is nudging you—or if you’d like to learn...
Read more

Session Highlights - June 2026

  When we gathered as a session at the end of April, we began with prayer and spent time reflecting on what it looks like to be a healthy church. In our study of Emotionally Healthy Discipleship , the authors keep emphasizing: if a church is going to be a place where people can be honest about their lives, that kind of vulnerability has to be modeled by its leaders. It isn’t something we can ask for if we aren’t willing to live it ourselves. We then moved into the sanctuary and took time to pray. We walked through the room, pausing in different places and praying for people where they sit each Sunday. For me, that was a needed moment. I realized I mostly sit in the front corner. And while I recognize faces and I know names, I don’t always know which names belong to which faces—especially those behind me. In that moment, I was able to more effectively pray for those who sit in proximity to where I normally sit. It was a simple reminder that being the church means we move toward ...
Read more

View From the Manse 2.0 - December 2025

  Someone recently made the comment that I look tired. That may be because of poor sleep in recent weeks. But in all likelihood, it is just that there are a number of hard, sad situations in the life of our church right now. It is a privilege to be your pastor and be present with you through these difficult seasons. Praying with Jesus for you all is a sweet calling. But this seems to be a common occurrence as we approach the end of the year and the season of Advent; more sadness, more darkness.           Advent is the season in the liturgical calendar that begins the year. It is time between times. We approach the birth of Christ in a manger while anticipating the return of Christ (what we frequently refer to as his second coming). And it is in this season that the church lives its life. Fleming Rutledge writes, “Advent is the season that, when properly understood, does not flinch from the darkness that stalks us all in this world. Adv...
Read more