COMMUNITY CHURCH OF DOUGLASTON

“ANCHOR”

Rev. Dr. Linden DeBie Rev. Adrienne Flipse Hausch

Senior Minister Minister of Congregational Care

April 2013

Dearly Beloved in the Lord Jesus Christ:

It occurred to me that a word about church membership might be in order. Last week I saw

a nice enough young-fellow park his car in our lot and put on a tie and jacket. Before he

rushed to the train I asked him politely what he was doing. ―Oh,‖ he said, ―I’m catching a

train, but I’m a member here.‖ Having never seen him before I was dubious. He said, ―Ya, my

grandparents were pillars here. I attended the Pre-K and Camp and our family has been

members forever.‖

Taking a deep breath, but not wanting to be a total pain, I said, ―I’m so glad you see this as

your church and of course, if you ask permission ahead of time we welcome you to park

here. But being an active member of our church requires attendance at worship. Give it a

thought, and now don’t miss your train!‖ I’m sure he was simply glad to park and as he was

obviously late, he rushed off content he wouldn’t be towed. No harm, no foul.

Still, I was reminded of how many times I’m in the community, for example, at the Vets’

Service, Blessing the Fleet or doing a funeral (I prefer weddings but they are sadly more rare

these days), when someone will say to me, ―Oh, Community Church, of course, next to the

school, I’m a member there.‖ And the person’s circumstances often resemble those of the

young man in the parking lot: a parent or now more often, grandparent or great

grandparent, was a member or attended years gone by. It’s obvious that people are

unclear about membership in the Reformed Church in America (which is tantamount to

being unclear about membership at Community Church of Douglaston).

No, thank the merciful Lord, we have not gone back to the days of the Inquisition when feet

were put to the fire and heretics the rack. The Elders are not inclined to persecute, punish or

even marginalize anyone. Nor are they busybodies eager to delve into the personal affairs of

our members and friends. We simply are trying to be the caregivers we are called to be by

our confession and to be reasonable Record Keepers for the proper ordering of the Church

of Jesus Christ. These we are obligated to do by our constitution.

Some years back (before my time), the books were neglected and some people fell through

the cracks. Thanks to Madeline in the church office, we have come a long way in regaining

confidence in our membership rolls. But we’re not entirely there yet. Some records simply

don’t exist. So, we are seeking your help in seeing to it that our records are accurate. (Yes

"Hope is like an anchor for our lives,

an anchor safe and sure" - Heb. 6:19

and we want to wish you a happy birthday

too!) And by way of that, I want to share

with you just a brief word about the

process of membership. Again, it has come

to my attention that some believe that

membership is achieved simply by

attending. We are thrilled that people from

all backgrounds and various points of view

attend here and that they feel part of this

church. But membership is a little more

than simple attendance and a good deal

more than lineage.

Again, for the simple reason that the Elders

are entrusted with your care, they need to

know your status. If you have been away

from the church for any period of time, you

simply need to be ―reactivated‖ and they

can do that with a simple meeting.

Likewise, perhaps you have membership at

another church and now you are

attending here. An easy transfer of

membership can be arranged without

much fuss at all. Others without a church

home will want to express their desire to

follow Christ here at CCD, and that too is a

delightful, simple matter left in the capable

hands of the Elders. Finally, as for an

introduction into the faith of the RCA and

indeed the unique habits of CCD, you

have only to speak to me or Adrienne and

we will see to it that arrangements are

made for you to become well informed

about our church and its ministries and

programs.

So I hope this was a good refresher course

for those already in the know, and for

those of you who are unfamiliar with the

various designations such as, ―Member,‖

―Inactive‖ and ―Friend of the church,‖ you

might want to give Madeline a call (718-

229-2169) or send an e-mail

(secretary.ccd@verizon.net) just to confirm

your own status. If it isn’t what you thought,

let’s get it sorted out! Believe me, it helps us

not just to do a better job caring for our

congregation, but it makes our year-end

reports to headquarters (Classis and

Synod) so much easier.

Finally allow me to encourage any of you

―fence sitters‖ to share in the blessings of

membership. So much of the Christian Faith

boils down to commitment. Being an

active member allows you to choose

church leadership (Consistory) and to be

ordained to leadership itself. So I hope this

brief word was helpful on the business side

of ministry, but also in conveying to you the

Elders’ most earnest desire to support you

in your walk with Christ.

Blessings this Easter Season,

Linden

Joanne Iorio, a clinical social worker,

provides psychotherapy services to

adult clients at the CCD Counseling

Office, on Tuesday evenings. Her

specialties include treatment for

depression, anxiety, adjustment to life

changes, women’s issues, aging issues,

and bereavement counseling.

While the customary cost of an initial

consultation of 50 minutes is $100, for

church members and friends referred

through CCD, she is offering an initial

consultation with no obligation, at a 50%

discount of $50.

Joanne Iorio, LCSW-R

Psychotherapist

718-229-4269

39-50 Douglaston Parkway

Douglaston, NY 11363

2013-2014 UPK Registration

is ongoing

Call for information 718-767-1961

More Than a Church.

We’re a Community.

CHRISTIAN

EDUCATION

CCD is committed to providing Christian

Education opportunities to children and

adults. The Sunday School program

combines solid Biblical teaching with a

lively and creative approach designed to

engage and inspire. The children begin

their Sunday learning with the

congregation, and after the always

delightful Youth Sermon, attend classes

geared to their ages. The Sunday School

children participate in the Christmas

Pageant with original music, and on

Sunday School Sunday, they lead the

entire church in worship. Last year a

Vacation Bible Saturday was added to the

calendar! Adult Bible Study is offered each

Sunday at 9:30 am under the able

direction of Rev. Adrienne Flipse Hausch,

and during Lent special educational

events are always happening.

CCD sponsors a Pre-K program, and

nursery school and this fall added an after

school program entitled After School

Academy (ASA) as part of Queensborough

Community College. ―Middle School

Madness,‖ led by Rev. Dr. Linden DeBie,

combines moral and ethical lessons with

fun and games for pre-teenagers.

Worship Service is every Sunday morning at

10:30 am. Please join us!

ADULT BIBLE STUDY

9:15 really is not that early on a

Sunday morning. So stop into my

study for Adult Education!!

Sounds incredibly boring

don’t it?

There is no way to describe

the atmosphere when we get

together to rip some poor

unsuspecting author apart. Or pull

a passage out of the bible that

has been bugging us. Or look at

what is happening in the news

that has an effect on ―THE

CHURCH‖ or our little part of it.

Like the entire body of

CCD, those who are already a

part of this group come from

diverse theological backgrounds.

We have different ideas about so

many things; there really never is

a dull moment. The only thing we

agree on completely is that at the

core of our lives is Jesus Christ.

In fact, right now we are

looking at the sayings of Jesus.

What did Jesus mean when he

said that? Why, of the many

things he must have said, are

those particular words printed in

the scripture? What difference

does all of this make to

us?!?!?!?!?!

We would love to see you.

Stop in from 9:15-10:15 am.

Questions? Give me a call (516-

741-2000).

-Pastor Adrienne

b

THINK GLOBALLY, ACT LOCALLY!

The Udalls Cove

Preservation

Committee

invites you to

participate in

the 44th Annual

Udalls Cove Cleanup on Saturday, April 20,

2013 at 10 AM.

For over four decades UCPC has worked to

preserve, conserve and restore the

wetlands and woodlands of Udalls Cove

and the Douglaston/Little Neck area. Join

us to celebrate Earth Day and pitch in as

we clean up the Wildlife Preserve and

shoreline.

Meet at the ―Back Road‖ near Aurora

Pond, just west of the Little Neck Railroad

Station. Wear work gloves, boots and long

pants; sunscreen & bug juice advisable.

And join us for a free picnic lunch after the

Cleanup!

Questions? Call Walter Mugdan or

Vivienne Lenk at (718) 224-7256,

or visit: www.littleneck.net/udallscove

PROPERTY REPORT

The front vestibule cracks have been

repaired and the entire interior vestibule

has been repainted. The two pairs of

entrance doors will be repainted shortly

now that the door repairs were made last

week. The lower part of the sanctuary walls

were spackled and repainted.

The main doors to the church

entrance and wheelchair ramp contracts

have been awarded and the work has

started; and will continue weather

permitting.

The toilet replacements will be done in the

spring.

Screens were replaced in the large attic

vent, preventing birds from reentering.

Submitted by Ed LaGrassa

SAVE THE DATE: SUNDAY, JUNE 23

Featuring Pastor

Adrienne’s famous

homemade potato

salad, macaroni salad

and coleslaw! And of

course all the other

good stuff!

COMING IN MAY

ERIKA’S 2013

JEWELRY & GIFT SHOW

The winter is finally over and not a day too

soon. It’s time to celebrate with a season

of weddings, graduations, anniversaries

and Mothers Day. The CCD tradition

continues with another exciting craft event

from Erika Palafox. Experience the latest in

high fashion, classic and timeless jewelry

designs. Please visit this special gift buying

opportunity in our Parlor Gallery.

May 3 Fri 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm

May 4 Sat 11:00 am – 6:00 pm

May 5 Sun 11:30 am – 6:00 pm

May 10 Fri 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm

May 11 Sat 11:00 am – 6:00 pm

May 12 Sun 11:30 am – 2:00 pm

Mother’s Day

As always, a portion of the proceeds will

be donated to the Community Church of

Douglaston.

EASTER FLOWER LIST

We thank the following people for their gifts to the Flower Fund to make possible the plants, and other Sunday flowers, to grace our Sanctuary and to greet sick and shut-in people later.

“The glorious Crown of Flowers for the Cross was handmade and

generously donated by Barbara Bartley-Baldwin, in honor

of loved ones and the promise of the Resurrection”

Marian Ales The Barnes Family Claire Goldstein

Margaret King Marylyn MacKay Olga B. Spencer

Vida Vambutas

Easter Messages From …

He is Risen! DeBie Family

Christ has Risen! Happy Easter to all… Fiechter Family

Happy Easter to a beautiful church! Marie Latella

Alleluia, Alleluia! He has Risen, He has Risen indeed. Marilyn Stone

In Loving Remembrance of … From …

Nancy Cameron DiScala Family

My parents, my husband and my sister, Penny Elizabeth Ehrler

My mother and father Marguerite Espada

Bernie Kahn and Florence O’Hare Helen Kahn

George and Thomas Olson Christina and George Miller

Marcella O’Connell and

Best wishes to the members of the Community Church Rod O’Connell

Ritter Family who lived in Douglaston for more than 50 years Alice Ritter

Claire Savary Philippe and Sarah Savary and Family

Astrid Everett L. Zabriskie

My Parents William and Elsie Ferares, and

brother William Ferares Kathy Zidel

Thank you to the members of the Easter Flower Decorating Committee:

Victor Dadras, Erika Palafox and Marilyn Stone, for their work decorating the Sanctuary.

Twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38

when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.

their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.

they could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.

they were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say.

they remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.

"where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.

"this is heaven." declared a small boy. "we're spending Christmas at God's house."

when what to their wondering eyes did appear,

but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.

He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.

then He opened His arms and He called them by name.

and in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring

those children all flew into the arms of their King

and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,

one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.

and as if He could read all the questions she had

He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad."

then He looked down on earth, the world far below

He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe

then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,

"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!"

"may this country be delivered from the hands of fools"

"I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"

then He and the children stood up without a sound.

"come now my children, let me show you around."

excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.

all displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.

and I heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,

"in the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."

Written by Cameo Smith, Mt. Wolf, PA

Submitted by Annette Mohammed

PASTOR ADRIENNE’S BENCH Items are desperately needed by Long Island Council of Churches for

those who depend on donations and our good will.

ANY AND ALL STAPLES OF LIFE: Toiletries (hotel size to gigantic), feminine

hygiene products, linens, towels, INFANT stuff--24 months and younger, all sizes of diapers

(especially disposable ones).

Donations of all seasonally appropriate clothing, gently used and clean.

Please leave items on the inside bench by the back Church door.

Pastor Adrienne may be reached @

ahausch@optonline.net or 516-741-2000

Dear Dinner Auction Participant,

Thank you so much for deciding to partake in the

Community Church of Douglaston’s most fun event, ―The

Dinner Auction‖ to be held on Saturday, April 20! Here is

the information you will need to help us make this evening

an organized (as opposed to disorganized) event.

First, please fill out and return the registration form (next

page) as soon as possible. The registration form can be

returned to Pastor Adrienne or the Church Office by

Monday, April 15. All dinners must be packaged in a single

container. For every person in your party, bring a dinner. We suggest that

dinners be boxed for no more than three people. If your party is larger than

that, box in ones, twos or threes. The container may be either a box or

basket with your name on it. We encourage creative presentation. Please

indicate on the registration form whether your presentation is to be included

in the auction or is to be returned to you at the end of the evening.

All dinners should come with at the very least

disposable utensils. Anything beyond that is up to you. Again, please

note on the form any items to be returned. A dessert of any nature

(cookies on up) should be included. A libation (wine?) with the meal

would be nice but is not mandatory; and will be conducted as a

separate auction. There are limited reheating facilities. There is one

stove and an ancient microwave as well as limited space; therefore,

you should anticipate having your meal served warm. Your donated

meal and optional auctionable item are your admission ticket to the event.

If you can’t cook, you can decide to have ―us‖ bring a meal for you at the cost of

$25/person, to be paid in advance, so that you may also participant in the evening.

The optional auctionable item should be: a) small; b) interesting; and c) not something

you’d sooner throw out if it were returned to you at the end of the evening. Be creative!...

and dare I say it, ―Have fun!‖ The item auction will take place after the Dinner auction.

Check-in is between 5:30 pm to 6 pm in the Parlor. The dinner auction will begin promptly at

6:00 pm.

Sincerely,

Auction Committee

DINNER AUCTION REGRISTRATION FORM

CULINARY CREATION Dinner for (circle) 1 2 3 4

Appetizer________________________________________________________________

Entrée __________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Dessert__________________________________________________________________

Beverage (wine or other) ___________________________________________________

Is presentation included with auction? Yes ____ No, please return to me _____

Any history/story associated with this recipe? __________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

FOR THOSE WHO CANNOT COOK:

“We” can bring a meal for you for $25/person so you too can be part of the auction.

OPTIONAL AUCTION ITEM

______________________________________________________________________________

Description ______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Any history/story attached to this item? _______________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

Estimated worth __________________________________________________________

ONLY COFFEE, TEA AND ICE WATER WILL BE PROVIDED

NAME:_______________________________________________________________________

CONTACT TELEPHONE:______________________NUMBER ATTENDING:_____________

I WILL BE BRINGING: WINE______

OR

I WILL NEED________DINNERS AT $25 each for a total of__________________.

My check to the Community Church of Douglaston is enclosed. RSVP by: Monday April 15th

.

GOD’S

SPECIAL

TREE

This tree is

in the

woods on

my

property

just off the

logging

road. It is

so

deformed

the loggers cannot use it. So there it sits

with its branches lifted up to heaven. I

think it has beauty.

The wild life benefit from this tree, the birds

eat the insects under its bark and nest in its

branches. The squirrels also use it for

nesting. The branches are so low that it is a

good climbing tree for the children.

I enjoy walking in the woods I feel closer to

God there. Whenever I walk in my woods I

stop and visit ―God’s Special Tree‖

Trunk diameter under lower limb 48in adv

age 244 years began life 1769

Ed Battestin

WATER

Why has our Pastor decided to pour water

into the font each Sunday and speak

about it? After a good look at a

concordance, I came to the Revelations

Chapter 7, verse 17 ―.. .The Lamb… will

lead them to springs of living water.‖

Throughout the Bible we read of quiet

water, wells of water, being born of water,

and washing with water. Any doctor will tell

you to drink water to be hydrated and not

die. Our gardens wilt and die if not

regularly watered. Environmentalists plead

with us all to stop polluting water and with

governments to purify this fluid necessary

to all life.

Water enables life and living water

enables life for the soul. So water is the

good means to a good end. That good

means is absolutely necessary. The end

does not justify the means I learned in

Ethics, and long before that, my mother

told me over and over, ―It’s not what you

say, it’s how you say it.‖ She is still alive at

nearly 101. She still lives by that, and I’m still

learning that.

Yes, water is a symbol, and water is a

means to an end. Water enables our

bodies to live, and living water enables our

souls to flourish - Psalm 3 ―He is like a tree

planted by streams of water…yields fruit…

whatever he does prospers …‖ Psalm 23:2,

5, 6 ―He leads me besides quiet waters, He

restores my soul… my cup overflows… I will

dwell in the house of the Lord forever.‖

John 7:38 ―Whoever believes in

Me….streams of living water, will flow from

within him.‖ John 4:10 ―If you knew the gift

of God and who it is that asks you for a

drink, you would have asked Him and He

would have given you living water. Water is

also an end in itself.

Joan H. K. Hoffman

PRAYER CONCERNS

IMMEDIATE PRAYERS

JOE CAROBENE, FAMILY OF PROF.

FRANK CAMIARIO ON HIS PASSING,

FAMILY OF JIMMY O’KEEF ON HIS

PASSING, ANDY, MIRIAM, MARGUERITE

ESPADA, HOWARD RATTNER, DR ALY DADRAS, ROY

WEBER AND FAMILY, ROLF STANG, WALTER GRILL,

EILEEN FIECHTER, DICK HALL.

CONTINUED PRAYERS

ROD O’CONNELL, PHIL BUNTON, SUSAN ROSE

TRUSSUX, MAIA O’DONNELL, DEAN BROWNWORTH,

BILL ROSE, JAMES ROACH, SALLY.

CONTINUED FROM THE BACK PAGE

Faith is a wonderful thing and if there is anything that broils me more about the secular world

I don’t know what it is if it is not the attempts to tell me I should be without hope; that the end

of this life is the end of it all; and I should grab whatever I can. Well, guess what? I will have it

all then and I have it all now. I am extremely fortunate: I have a beautiful home; a nice car;

plenty to eat. But my house won’t sell for $25 million like the one in the Hamptons just did and

the car ain’t a Rolls. Nor is my pantry filled with caviar. But I have ALMOST enough room for

Roger’s elephant collection, the car runs—and I think it’s pretty-- and I have a lifetime supply

of Ritz crackers that I would not trade for anything.

I also know there are many who have far less and need more. I guess that is why my natural

affinity in this church is to work with our wonderful Deacons and why my work on various

charitable boards is so important to me (by the way—if you have money you can live

without, I have a bunch of great places it can go—call me).

SO live it up! Live this life to the fullest and know that it doesn’t stop here. Celebrate Easter

every day. He is raised! He is raised indeed!!

--Pastor Adrienne

Spring 2013 Registration still open! Wednesday, April 3 – Friday, June 28

*NEW* First Time Community Church of Douglaston Enrollees Receive 5% off Tuition Cost Our elementary school aged after school programming begins at 2:30 PM and ends at 6:00 PM.

This spring, the students will put on a production of Peter Pan, build a garden, practice sports, travel the solar system, and explore classic fairy tales.

We are based on the STE@M model (science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics) of education.

Email Jacqueline Montgomery, Director of the Kids & Teens College jmontgomery@qcc.cuny.edu

QCC Campus main office number: 718-281-5632

Leave a message: ASA office 718-279-0279.

COMMUNITY CHURCH OF DOUGLASTON

39-50 Douglaston Parkway

Douglaston, New York 11363

(718)229-2169

www.communitychurchofdouglaston.org

Change Service Requested

PASTOR ADRIENNE’S PAGE

My father knew a young man growing up—in Douglaston as a matter of fact—who entered

sweepstakes every opportunity that he got. He particularly liked the ones with cars as prizes.

No sooner was the entry dropped in the mail that this young man would start cleaning out his

garage so that it would be ready when the new car arrived. Most people in the

neighborhood considered the kid a nut. My father was awed at his eternal optimism

because no matter how many times he entered, no matter how many times he lost, he

never stopped cleaning out that garage.

Easter has passed for this year. But as I am often reminded, we celebrate Easter EVERY

Sunday. Every single Sunday of the year we lift ourselves up from the disappointments of the

week and celebrate the greatest gift of God to humankind ever—the gift of His Son.

The world is full of ―doom and gloomers.‖ Last fall the end of the world was predicted by

someone who claims to hear God. Yeah. Right. Even Jesus said no one knows the day and

the hour. Not even Jesus—not while he was a man. Scientists tell us that the world is actually

about 380 million years older than we thought, as if that made any sense to me whatsoever.

They also say that eventually the earth will cease to be. I believe that too. But what is the

point? If I get another 40 years I will beat my Grandmother’s time on this earth and I ask for

no more than that. I miss so many who have gone before me—friends, my parents,

colleagues both in the law and the church. Yet my faith makes me happy for them as I know

they are with God, laughing, without pain, and watching over me.

Continues on Prior Page

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