LEARNING
We are committed to helping others grow and develop holistically.
We also encourage learning at all ages.
One should never stop expanding their mind, no matter how much time goes by.
PASTORAL LETTER
July 2021
Dear friend,
One of the fundamental things which human beings need in order to live is freedom. Freedom has been the catalyst of the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, the Civil Rights Movement, and a plethora of modern grassroots movements.
Christianity addresses the importance of freedom. Christianity focuses, however, on spiritual freedom. Christianity suggests that spiritual freedom requires a commitment to moral desires that conform with Jesus’ teachings. In other words, freedom requires that we postpone instant gratification for desires that align with what Jesus expects of us.
We need to commit our ultimate loyalty and ultimate best to Jesus in order to experience true and enduring freedom. Our careers cannot do that, because they cannot forgive us when we sin. Our religion cannot do that, because religious dogma stifles us and cannot replace grace. Our wealth cannot do that, because material possessions cannot buy us salvation. (Luther proved 500 years ago that paying for indulgences does not assure us salvation or guarantee us a place in heaven.)
There is a force and person that can set us free. That force and person is Jesus. Jesus said in John 8, “so if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
When Jesus said these words, he was thinking of the cross in the foreground. The cross reminds us that Jesus paid a debt for our freedom. Jesus gave up his freedom for our spiritual freedom, which is the highest form of freedom. Jesus sacrificed for us.
As the beautiful Methodist hymn “And Can It Be” by Charles Wesley says,
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
Jesus has given us freedom from the tyranny of sin, or the things that threaten to disintegrate us.
May you enjoy your Christian freedom and 4th July freedom!
Blessings,
Pastor Luis
See below for previous pastoral letters:
March 18, 2020: Jesus and Suffering
SUNDAY SCHOOL
During our Sunday morning worship services,
we have a short children's sermon,
after which the children proceed to Christian Ed.
Sunday school is held for children in grades K-12.
Nursery care is available for little ones of pre-school age and younger!
Due to the safety protocols of our reopening,
our Sunday School program is currently suspended.
Check out our CHILDREN'S/YOUTH MINISTRY page
for online resources for our younger congregants!
LUNCH & LEARN
Led by Dr. Bruce Chilton of the Bard College
Sponsored by
the Rhinebeck Reformed Church and
the Jewish Federation of Dutchess of County
Time: 12:30 - 1 p.m. lunch
1 - 1:45 p.m. lecture
1:45 to 2 p.m. questions and answers
Please contact the church to RSVP for this free event.
The Lunch & Learn series is temporarily postponed
due to concerns regarding COVID-19.
See our LUNCH & LEARN page
for video lectures from Dr. Bruce Chilton!
CARING FOR CREATION COMMITTEE
This committee strives to teach about good environmental practices
through events and programs that lead to
more sustainable mindsets and lives.
Our mission is to help protect and cherish all that God has created.
Check out this exciting update from David Baldauf:
SOLAR ELECTRICITY FOR THE CHURCH
Hallelujah, the church is lighting up with solar energy!
Beginning last March, just before the lockdown,
the Caring for Creation Committee was instrumental in signing up the church for Community Solar,
wherein we receive our electricity from solar panels
in a remote installation provided by the Nexamp Corporation.
This is achieved at no cost to the church, with the electricity provided as usual via Central Hudson.
Using solar panels to generate our electricity eliminates the need for Central Hudson to burn fossil fuel, which disperses carbon dioxide into the atmosphere - a contributor to climate change.
So far, over these six months, the church has avoided the release of over 10,000 pounds of co2:
that's the equivalent of planting 78 trees!
Signing up through the Community Solar program also encourages companies to invest
in building more solar arrays which other homes and businesses could utilize.
What the church has done is a model of what our congregants could do as well for their homes.
You can contact me (send a message through the website) for general information on how to get started.
~ David Baldauf