Hebron United Presbyterian Church 3153 County Route 30 Salem, New York 12865
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Please be aware that all of the ponderings listed below were written by Pastor Laura L. Mitchell during her time with us.

​While we are searching for an Interim Pastor, you may enjoy perusing the ponderings. 

Dear friends in faith,                             March 2020
         Though a frigid -6 this morning, the sun is shining, the snow glistening, and the ice is melted off the parking lot. I know it is still February, but despite the date and temperature, as I breathed in the early morning air, I smelled spring, heard birds happily singing, and my heart was filled with joy. While I also know there are plenty of cold, gray, snowy days ahead before warmer spring showers bring May flowers, I trust that warm weather is going to come again. It has come every spring of my 61 years, and so I can have reasonable hope that it will again!
         For some, the season of Lent, beginning on Ash Wednesday, is completely foreign. Growing up Presbyterian, I was curious about the ashen cross on my Catholic friend’s foreheads, their practice of giving up candy for Lent, and the service called Stations of the Cross. As a child, I knew Jesus loved me, died on a cross, and that on Easter morning the tomb was empty. I remember triumphant Alleluias, the delicious scent of Lilies, and the excitement dreaming of the Easter basket that awaited me at Grandma’s house after church. It wasn’t until I was well into adulthood that we Protestants began to admit something was missing, something precious, something to which God was calling us, something our souls deeply needed. We need Lent. Yes, I treasure Advent and am in awe of the miracle of Jesus’ birth, but Lent is a gift that requires no stress of the gift-giving craze that leads to Christmas. Easter is the high holy day of the Christian calendar. The 40 days of Lent (we don’t count Sundays) offer an opportunity to take a closer look at our lives, what last week we called taking a fearless inventory… of that which is life-giving and pleasing to God, and that which needs desperately to change. This is between us, and God. It is not a time for beating one’s self up, but rather compassionate, brutal honesty, for God knows us better than we know ourselves. Lent is not punishment, but an exciting gift! Who am I now and who might I be on the other side of Lent, on Easter morning?
         Just as this morning’s sunshine and beautiful bird songs, lifted my spirits, so does the prospect of spiritual growth and formation that comes with a Lent well spent. I pray that you will take advantage of special services and spiritual disciplines (practices) that help us in our deep, heartfelt search for our true God given selves. Our Lenten journey begins on Ash Wednesday, joining in an ecumenical worship service at the United Presbyterian Church, Salem, 7:00 p.m. 
(see HUPC Lenten Schedule 2020 on this website)
Be kind to yourself. Be open, be loved, be held by God, ready to see how the Holy Spirit will bring forth newness of life these Lenten days.
Thanks be to God, we know that the other side of Lent brings Easter joy!
 
With love in Christ, Pastor Laura <><

"The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior, who will rejoice over you with gladness,                                           and renew you in his love." Zephaniah 3:17

Dear friends,
 
Our 4 year-old Grandson Josef knows how to ask, “Alexa, what time is it?” And Alexa will mysteriously respond with the time as she can with the weather and nearly anything else you could think to ask. With Thanksgiving behind us, were we asked, “Friend, what time is it?” How would we respond? I know I would be tempted to say that it is time to Christmas shop, write cards, get a tree, finish craft projects, plan parties, and bake cookies. It is time to print out my special month of December calendar so that I might have a chance of “getting things done”! You know where I am going with this… what time is it? Time to do at least some of what will feel uncomfortable, as we are faced with the crush of the season. It is time to wait, and intentional waiting calls for slowing down, not speeding up! Waiting tells us to let go, not take on more and more. Waiting says listen to the quiet. Waiting calls us to see the beauty all around us as well as the neediness. Waiting is far from idle, nor should it be seen as a waste of time when we could be getting so much done. Waiting, and the rest and reflection that it provides is one of the gifts of Advent. As we wait for the coming of Jesus in the manger, we wait hoping that he will come again soon. As we wait and journey toward the manger, the Christ Light glows brighter and brighter, as week-by-week we light one more candle. Jesus shines in our darkness, bringing Hope. Jesus calls us to join him in service, bringing Peace. Jesus’ Spirit is within and all around us bringing Joy. Jesus responds to the sinfulness of the world with his unconditional Love.  I pray for you a blessed Advent with moments carved out for beauty, silence, and joyful anticipation. I pray that if you are waiting with a heavy heart that you will feel a blanket of comfort and peace holding you close to God’s heart. Finally I pray that your Advent waiting will find balance, allowing room for the delights of Christmas lights, brightly wrapped gifts, over the top sweets, loudly sung carols, Santa sightings, and gatherings with family and friends.
 
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. ~ Isaiah 9: 2, 6
 
A Blessed Advent and Very Merry Christmas To you,
Pastor Laura <><



Pastor Laura <><Dear Friends,                                                                                   October 2019                                                                                                                     
“Clap your hands, all you peoples;
shout to God with loud songs of joy.” Psalm 47:1
 
         When was the last time you played, had fun? I mean really had FUN, as in letting loose, maybe being loud, making a mess, getting dirty, running, skipping, dancing, singing, laughing… until you cry, snort, and snot runs from your nose? Little children do it all the time! We do pretty well when we are spending time with kids. I have a blast playing with my grandson, Josef, dancing in the living room, running around the back yard playing soccer, playing basketball frequently missing the hoop of his four foot tall Little Tykes basketball goal. Joe loves being commentator, “Josef runs to the basket and he…. does not make the goal!” And he laughs and tries again and again. We dug in the dirt for treasure, the treasure being a worm and a few ants, but they were secret treasure to Joe. We set up a tent in the living room and pretended to be scared of the Grandpa monster growling outside.
         Why can’t adults be silly, have fun, laugh at our selves? What gets lost and when did it happen? I still sometimes dance in my kitchen, all by myself. I have also gone out on the swing set, swinging high and enjoying the breeze on my face. Last Sunday the confirmands and I made prayer beads and hearts out of Sculpey clay. It was fun!
         I have no doubt that a daily, or at least weekly dose, of play would do a great deal for our mental health. Might even make us more pleasant to be around J So what would be fun for you? Get out a jump rope or hula hoop? Make a mud pie, roll down a grassy slope, go barefoot, bake some cut out cookies, sing a silly song? Play cars, dolls, read a children’s book? Color, play with Playdough, watch a Disney movie? May you be blessed with child like joy, peace in your heart, and a smile on your face as you play. Let me know what you do!!  
​
With love in Christ,
Pastor Laura <><

 

Dear friends,                                                                                                              May 2019
         Presbytery[1], Pres-by-tery, Prez-bə-ˌter-ē… Presby-what? You may have heard that your pastor goes to something called Albany Presbytery Meetings, taking with her an elder or two. You’ve either been to Presbytery meetings and are at least somewhat acquainted, or you think, “Well, I trust that something happens there that has something to do with HUPC, I’m glad Laura goes, and I don’t really need to be in the know.” A lot of your thoughts are accurate, I do go, something happens there, but I do want you to know what Presbytery is, what we do, and how you might be involved. Albany Presbytery is the regional governing body that currently includes, “about 60 congregations, four new worshiping communities, one new immigrant fellowship, hospital and college/university chaplains and ecumenical connections.”[2] Each church session sends its pastor and, depending upon the size of the congregation, up to three elder commissioners who have vote at the meeting. Since we have over 100 members, we are allowed two commissioners. Unless stated otherwise, meetings are open so YOU may attend the June 1st meeting which will be held here at HUPC, Saturday June 1st from 9:00-3:00!!
          Albany Presbytery’s Mission: “Led by the Holy Spirit, Albany Presbytery encourages, challenges, and equips its members and congregations to thrive as disciples of Jesus Christ and to glorify God.” Presbytery’s Goals: “Congregational Vitality * Healthy Relationships * Missional Living”  Presbytery “gathers together in Stated Meetings four-five times a year for education, fellowship, worship, parliamentary actions and discovering God’s preferred future together.”[3] Presbytery: serves and supports local congregations, in the search process, offers grants, consultation, helps to organize, merge, dismiss, dissolve or oversee churches when without a pastor.
-serves and supports clergy members, guides seminary students through the ordination process, ordains, receives, installs, dismisses, and disciplines. Presbytery offers educational opportunities for both clergy and laypeople. Presbytery gives to mission work at local, national, and global levels. Presbytery participates in meetings and deliberations of Synod (with other presbyteries we make up the Northeast Synod) and the General Assembly (National level governing body, meets every two years, made up of 173 presbyteries and 16 synods with representation from equal number of elected minister and elder delegates).[4]
         Phew… that was exhausting! So what will we do on June 1st? We will begin with refreshments and three educational opportunities from 9:00-9:45: Christians in a Muslim-Majority Country, Presbytery Meetings 101, Staffing Model Task Force Update.
Gathering at 10:00, for the business meeting, we’ll hear reports from Presbytery committees, meet a candidate for ordination, share lunch, and worship together. At Presbytery meetings, we discuss, deliberate, agree and disagree. How fortunate we are to be part of this democracy, a denomination in which we have voice on decisions made at our local churches, and through our ministers and elder commissioners, at Presbytery, Synod, and General Assembly.
         Come and see what it’s all about, there are often opportunities to serve on committees; just ask Don Campbell, Kay Russell, or me! Albany Presbytery stood by our side in years past, guided me through my seminary years and ordination process (thank you Don Campbell), approved me as your installed pastor after serving as interim, provided HUPC with assistance in our vision process, and provided grant monies for our community playground! Presbytery worked closely with East and West Hebron in our discernment process to become one and I, for one, am so very grateful to the men and women who make up the Albany Presbytery. I hope some of your burning questions about Presbytery have been answered, making you thirst for the opportunity
 
“From Christ the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work!”
Ephesians 4:16
With love in Christ,
Pastor Laura <><

[1] Presbytery:  Greek presbyterion, from presbyteros- “an elder” A Presbytery is a body of ministers of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian system.

[2] https://albanypresbytery.org/who-we-are/

[3] https://albanypresbytery.org/resources/presbytery-meeting/

[4] https://www.pcusa.org/site_media/media/uploads/oga/pdf/howitworks.pdf
 



Dear friends,                                           November/December 2018!
“Come ye thankful people come, raise the song of harvest home; all is safely gathered in, ere the winter storms begin.”
         So begins the well-known Thanksgiving hymn written by Anglican priest, Rev. Henry Alford, in 1844. The hymn’s message reflects the common element and importance of harvest in the lives of Alford’s contemporaries. Winter would soon be upon them and a quick trip to the grocery store was not an option for 19th century rural living. Dependent upon their own hard work, they prayed for a good harvest, an abundance of nutritious fruits, vegetables, and meats to be preserved, “put up” and stored for winter meals in their cellars. The festival of Harvest Home began as a pagan tradition, but was assimilated into Christian tradition, as a service of thanksgiving to God for the harvest, with hymns, prayers, and decorating of the church. Congregants brought a measure of the bounty from their harvest to the celebration, for display and then distribution to those in need.
         HUPC continues the Harvest Home traditions through our November Harvest Table food collection for our local food pantry, the Salem ecumenical Thanksgiving Service*, and our own Thanksgiving celebrations at home. But we do this with a very different mindset. Though we surely pray abundance for our local farmers, few of us depend upon our own gardens or worry that cupboards will become bare as the winter months press on. Rarely are we so affected by winter storms that we are unable to make the drive to Hannaford to restock the pantry.
         So why does the old hymn “Come Ye Thankful People Come” still speak to our hearts? Maybe because, in spite of sorrow, disappointment, frustration, division, and the ever darkening days of winter, we trust that through it all we are forever “safely gathered in” by our loving God. Maybe because even as storms blow all around, hope and gratitude prevail, for very soon… we will be “safely gathered in” around a manger bed where Mary laid her newborn son, Jesus… the one who is all we need, our Prince of Peace, Comforter, Light of the World, Hope of the Nations!
 
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,                                    “Glory to God in the highest heaven and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
As 2018 comes to a close, I pray we will gather together in thanksgiving with gifts to share! I pray our hearts will believe the loving embrace of God in the manger is for us! I pray our hearts and voices will be able to join choruses of hope, thanksgiving, and glory to God!
With gratitude and love,                                       
Pastor Laura <><


Picture

Dear friends in Christ,                                       November 2015

​Okay, okay, I admit that I am addicted to this precious little face and can’t wait to have him in my arms again! Josef will not be able to imagine the depth of my love for him, just as we cannot fathom God’s for us.   

See how much God loves us: 
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” 1 John 3:1
“For great is God’s love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD.” Psalm 117:2
And scripture goes on and on telling us of God’s love… 
What if I could have such over the top love for God, as I have for Josef, and as God has for me? 
And… exhibit it, to God and to the world? How awesome would that be!
There are times in our lives when we can/could say that we are, “on fire” for God, but most of the time such elation does not last, nor need it. Our love for God is not diminished because it changes over time, from a wow, new born again emotion, to a seasoned, "I am so comfortable with our silence together" kind of love. I don’t know where you are in your spiritual journey with the Lord, but wherever you are, I pray that you will always find awe, and depth, and presence, and sometimes even feel the "on fire" love that says, “I cannot wait to be in the arms of my Lord again.” With that kind of relationship and our kind of God, we will have strength for today, hope for tomorrow, and our love for God will show in our loving service to God's beloved world! 
In Christ,
Pastor Laura <><




Dear friends in Christ,                                        February 2014

         We are calendar-oriented people. I am not sure how old I was when I realized I thought of life as an ever revolving circle of time, called a calendar year, marked by (at least in our neck of the woods) the four distinct seasons of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. As Christians we also follow a unique calendar that does not mark changes in weather, but has seasons none-the-less. Through songs sung, music played, prayers, scriptures, preaching, sacraments, colors draped, studies, special gifts given, meals shared, pageants, and candles lit, our Christian liturgical seasons shape the way we experience and practice worship, fellowship, mission, and study.

         The seasons of the church year are:

Christmas Cycle - Advent (Christian New Year’s) & Christmas  

Easter Cycle - Lent and Easter

Ordinary Time (not truly a season)- is celebrated in two segments: from the Monday following the Baptism of Our Lord up to Ash Wednesday (March 5th this year); and from Pentecost Monday to the First Sunday of Advent. This makes it the largest “season” of the Liturgical Year.

         Ordinary Time? Sounds rather dull. Who wants ordinary? Although I agree that Christmas and Easter are the high points of our Christian year, Ordinary Time is essential to our faith, for it is in this time that we follow Jesus and learn directly from Him. It is during the “ordinary time” after Pentecost that we walk, learn, and struggle with fellow disciples. Ordinary Time is not “common, mundane, or run of the mill”.

         And this brings me to you, dear ordinary friend. Maybe most of us are what the world would call ordinary, but God does extraordinary things with us ordinary people. You and I have been called to be witnesses to the new life that is in Jesus, and that is nothing ordinary! Through your loving, caring, welcoming presence here at church and out in your everyday world, you are taking with you the light of Christ as hope for the world. God chose Mary and a carpenter to parent Jesus. God has chosen and is enabling us, no matter our brokenness or weakness, so we have no excuse in our plea as “just ordinary”!

         Won’t you come along and join the rest of the wonderfully ordinary bunch here at The West Hebron United Presbyterian Church? And, if you are unable to be here in person, would you please keep Jesus’ ministry, at the WHUPC, in your prayers?

God bless you and may the peace of Christ be with you!

Pastor Laura <>< 

“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” - Philippians 4:13





Dear Friends in Christ,

In our Thursday morning prayer group, my husband Phill asked,
  “I wonder if the root of the word Advent is adventure?”

advent (n.) "important arrival," 1742, an extended sense of Advent "season before Christmas" (Old English), from Latin adventus "a coming, approach, arrival," in Church Latin "the coming of the Savior," from past participle stem of advenire "arrive, come to," from ad- "to" (see ad-) + venire "to come"

After reading the above I think you will agree that it certainly is related. I love the image of our Advent waiting and watching, our Advent journey to the manger, our Advent reflections and times of silence, to be part of a big, beautiful adventure! An epic Advent Adventure, where we both await and actively prepare for the most “important arrival” of all.

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." 
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." (KJV)

Read it again!

That is the culmination of our Advent Adventure!

Emmanuel, God with us!

How wonder-full, how amazing that we could be loved so much!

May you have a blessed Advent and joyous Christmas,

Pastor Laura <><










Dear friends in Christ,

I have received contradictory answers to the question, “Does time continue to go faster and faster the older you get?” Some say yes, and others, including Henry, my father-in–law, who at 90, said no. I will soon turn the old speed limit of 55 and I reflect on the fact that the past two years have indeed flown by. I am hoping that Henry was correct and that life will not become a blur---the year coming to a close before we can take notice of its gifts. I do not want my days to pass too quickly. They are gifts from God, and so today, as I sit to write these words, I purposefully became aware that the sun is streaming in, the trees are gold and brown and some bare, the air is brisk, and my office warm. There are at least two keys to slowing down the rat race pace of life.

First- Most of us spend our time either worrying about the future or ruminating about the past. Instead be thankful for the past, hopeful for the future and try practicing what some call mindfulness, spending more time in the present; really, really taking notice of what we are doing… feeling… sensing, right here and now… slowing down enough to notice God’s presence and love in our lives and world.

Second- Cultivate an attitude of gratitude.

         “If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you,                    
                               it will be enough.” ~ Meister Eckhart

         My prayer for all of us is that we can be counter-cultural;                      
                          Slow down and say, “thank you God!”

 Notice God’s generous loving presence, be thankful, and respond with our gifts in return, of our time, our talents, and our treasures.

Even though our 21st century lives will continue to be busy, practicing mindfulness and gratitude just might make it slow down a bit, helping us to find the peace that passes all understanding promised through our Lord Jesus Christ, a peace that defies the rat race pace.  

God bless you,

Pastor Laura <><

 “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17






Dear friends in Christ,

         “Summertime and the livin’ is easy!” I love that beautiful spiritual from the Broadway production  “Porgy and Bess”.  With the warm, humid summer weather, our bodies crave a little slowing down, a sit in the shade with a cool glass of lemonade. With the exception of the little ones, home from school on summer vacation, the rest of the world continues at full pace, resisting most any call to easy living and lemonade respites. Vacations, visitors, gardening, home maintenance projects (aka do it your self), concerts, outdoors sports, camping, BBQ…on top of our usual work schedules. Phew, I am tired writing about it. Summer vacation, what is that?

         Is it possible to resist the pressure to do, do, do, and instead take a few precious summer moments to sit in the hammock or take a slow walk being mindful of all of the beauty that summer affords? The to do list needs to be done (I suppose J) but the body, mind, and spirit require rest and renewal. Summer really only lasts about eight weeks in the great northeast wouldn’t you agree? Carve out some time each day, or at least each week to slow down. Take a moment to truly experience God’s stunning creation; take in the vistas, breathe in the warm summer air, feel the breeze or even the rain, see how many bird songs you hear, count the number of wild flowers on the edge of the road.

         And…remember to give thanks to our loving creator for all of the above. I pray the wonderful busyness of summer doesn’t distract us from Sabbath rest and our call to worship God. Wherever this summer finds you, find time to spend in reverence. The ceiling fans are on and I hope to see you in worship here at West Hebron, but if you are away, find a place to worship and bring me back the bulletin J. Summertime and the livin’ is awesome! May you be blessed in all you do and in your lemonade moments.

Love in Christ,

Pastor Laura <><

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)


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