Welcome to the premiere issue of our new newsletter

We are bringing the old Chapel Talk back to life with many new features. It is our intention to publish the newsletter quarterly - Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring. We will be including regular features, such as a letter from the Pastor's Desk, an opinion column, biographical sketches of congregation members, a regular column telling how God has answered prayers in our congregation, a thought-provoking column by Peg Mulyca called "Peg's Corner, and a recipe column called "The Covered Dish." Articles may be edited for space and content. If you have a current issue you would like to address, or if you wish us to publish a letter to the editor, see John Schoenstedt. If you would like to be featured in our Bio Sketches, see Sue Mead. We are excited about this project and would love participation by many of you each issue. Deadlines for copy are Jan. 10th (Winter Issue), April 10th (Spring), July 10th (Summer) and Oct. 10 (Fall).

Don't Let Your Past Hold You Back

With a new year now upon us the making and breaking of resolutions has begun. Some people make new year's resolutions but others never do. A major reason is that they don't believe that they can change. One of my favorite passages of scripture is Phillipians 3. The apostle Paul looked forward to the future with anticipation. He was able to set his past behind. He knew he wasn't perfect but he was excited about what the Lord had for him up ahead. " One thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (vs 13).

What about you? What disappointments are holding you back from taking a risk for the Lord? What past successes are stopping you from trying something in a new way or causing you to rest on your laurels. What

memories are you refusing to let go of that continually paralyze you?

Stop. Remember that the Lord has taken hold of your life and that He has a purpose for you. Paul speaks of an "upward call." In all that God ordains for us He is calling us up not down. The challenges and struggles are all wonderful opportunities to experience His never-ending, all sufficient grace. There is a prize at the end of all this. Something so unspeakably glorious that we cannot begin to imagine what He has prepared for us. " I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (vs. 14) His Holy Spirit is the foretaste of all that is ours in Christ. As He lifts your heart, forget what is behind and start fresh each day. Learn from the past but don't let it control you. His mercies are new every morning.

I'm praying for each of you and for our church that, together, we will be people who live with a holy expectancy and joy.

With the love of the Lord Jesus for you

Rev. Jim Hale

A Christian in the Work World

It often seems difficult for a Christian to be faithful to Jesus while struggling in the world of work. How does a Christian walk with Jesus while at work? God calls us to love mercy and to humbly walk with him (Micah 6:8). I think that seldom does God call us to a career as an end in itself. He may call us to do a job to earn money to pay bills (Let him who does not work, let him not eat. (II Thess. 3:10). He may use employment so Christians can meet people to whom they can minister, or from whom they can learn. I strive to keep in the front of my mind that I am not ultimately working for, or depending on, my employer. Christians are God's property, paid for with a very high price (I Cor. 6:20).

Understanding this, I often ask myself, "How should a Christian approach work?" "How can a Christian walk with God while at work?" I think some principles regarding this are:

First, and foremost, recognize that we are ambassadors of Christ on earth. True ministry comes as others see Christ in you. Walking humbly with God is a Christian's best witness. Often, work provides an excellent opportunity to let others see Christ in you.

It is imperative that all dealings be honest and conducted with the highest integrity. "Be perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect."(Matt. 5:48). I have come across those who call themselves Christians, but their business dealings are ruthless. This is a terrible witness. A Christinan standard of conduct should be higher than the world's standard, as our calling is higher. Work wholeheartedly, and enthusiastically, as unto the Lord. (Col. 3:23), not just with eye service (Eph. 6:6). Do not cheat your employer by not giving your best.

Submit to authority. For me, I think this is the hardest. God's blessings tend to flow when a Christian is not in rebellion to earthly authority. Paul says, "Slaves be submissive to your master (Eph. 6:5)." I am not a slave to my employer as previously noted, but, in a sense, I regard my employer as earthly authority under which the Lord has temporarily placed me. It is important that I treat my employer as such. For me, this is especially hard when I want to make myself look good to the 'higher-ups" in my company. I should be more concerned with making my direct supervisor look good.

When a Christian is walking with God in integrity and in line with God's authority, he/she is in a better position to receive God's blessings at work and at home.

Sound-off is your forum for discussing current events. If you have an opinion on a current event, political issue, or just want to share your opinion on something previously written in this column, please speak to John Schoenstedt.

The opinions expressed in this column are not necessarily those of the Saratoga Chapel.

Jim Mead:

He plays guitar in church nearly every Sunday -- but what do you really know about him? Third of three children, Jim grew up in North Greenbush and learned about music and dance from his dance instructor mom. He became a drummer and guitarist while in high school. At Hudson Valley Community College, Jim studied data processing and took his first programming job at GE. He became a Christian in the early 70's, while attending Bethlehem Community Church, in Delmar, where he met and married Sue Hamilton. Together, Jim and Sue played and sang at local Christian coffeehouses, and in their church.

Over the years, different jobs took Jim and his family across N.Y. State and back (twice!). Christian music was a strong part of Jim's life, and he and Sue became involved in music in whatever church God led them to. Knowing the Hales from Delmar, Jim and family began attending Saratoga Chapel (in the early years). A new job sent them to Jamestown, N.Y., but they returned three years later, knowing there was a church "home" in Malta. They now live in Charlton.

When not programming, Jim plays in a local contra dance band, and is the main guitarist for the weekly "Fiddlers' Tour" jam session. Learning new Christian songs is a favorite pass-time. He also enjoys reading, fishing, flying, and -- to those who know him well -- puns!

One of the regular features in our newsletter will be a short biographical sketch of one of our members. If you would like to be featured in an upcoming issue, send a photo and a short bio including your hobbies, special interests and volunteer activities to Sue Mead.

Hello, my name is Justin Scranton. I'm 21 years-old and God met me in such a miraculous way just over a year ago and I have been asked to share it. In Isaiah 65:1, God says "I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me; I was found by those who did not seek." That scripture proved true in my life.

To be brief, I grew up in a broken home. From the earliest, I can remember my parents were divorced, my mother had to work hard to provide for us, and because of this, had to leave my brother and I to watch after ourselves. I made some bad choices growing up and, at sixteen, which I could drive, a spirit of rebellion came upon me. Shortly after, I moved in with my father and got heavily into drugs. I suffered the consequences of those decisions and through many legal actions, I ended up in a long-term in-patient rehab called Pahl House at age seventeen.

After four months, I was released into my mother's care again. I stayed clean for one and a-half years and then relapsed in the second semester of my freshman year in college. That was the beginning of my second downward spiral that first got me kicked out of the house, and eventually led to places and things I swore I'd never do.

When I got to the end of my rope, I had taken a drug that I had taken before. But, this time it was different. I lost control of myself in every way - mentally and physically for over 24 hours. But it was in that confusion that God sought me out. He opened my eyes and showed me that this is not where the meaning of life is found. It is found in Christ. The only way that I can give you even a glimpse into this moment is to describe an example: Have you even woken up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom or maybe to get some food and you can't see anything? It's so dark; until you get the light on. Well, now imagine that you wake up in the middle of the night, but you reach for the light, but it isn't there. You realize that where you went to sleep is not where you are now. So you stumble around in the dark but you're blind. You can't see until the lights come on. But it wasn't you - it was someone else. God met me that night when I was helpless and changed me.

It has been a bit over a year now and I look back and think that it is almost unbelievable what God has done in me. I thank him every day for His love and grace. This has all come to me through the prayers of my mother and step-father and many other faithful servants at Saratoga Chapel.

Justin Scranton

Here's a letter from one of Justin's friends:

X for Jesus

God is calling this young generation to a higher place. This young generation is ages 12 - 30. We are referred to as 'Generation X' - a negative generation with no direction - body piercing, thrill seeking, listening to explicit music, addicted to club drugs, and unnatural sexual activity at un -heard-of young ages.

But, God sees His children and is molding us into a generation that is changing this world in the end times to lead as many as possible to an intimate relationship with Him. Do you understand that He has not given the responsibility to reach this world to the older, wiser, and more experienced generation? No, God has called us, Generation X, to rise up, take a stand, and lead people to Him. No more messing around with the things of this world, no compromise, He is seeking excellence in all we do and say. He has always desired purity from His people but now He needs the purity and is requiring it of us so we can be wirnesses and lead others to Him. God wants this generation heavily involved in Kingdom Work and ministry of every kind.

Persecution is at hand - We are going to be tested with fire and only the pure of heart will be able to withstand the heat. Spirit-filled hard-as-a-rock soldiers is what God is making of this generation. A Generation X for Jesus.

This is the first in a series of articles written by Peg Mulyca who has shared poetry, stories, and articles with us on many occasions. These articles have brought many blessings and much encouragement.

Dear Lord Jesus - I LOVE YOU !!!
Psalm 116:2 (KJV.) "Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live."

God really wants to spend time with me, after all- I am a child of His - His creation - His love, in the fact of his creating me. ( John 1:12, Galatians 3:26 ) He loves me, and gave His only son- on the cross- for my salvation. My heavenly Father wants to know me, and my creator wants to meet with me alone daily- moment by moment. How could I say "no" to His great opportunity? So I make it my business to spend time with God, through prayer and reading His word depending on God for everything.

There is not a single right time, or right place to do this. The only prerequisite for a right time with is my willing heart. Meeting time with God will change according to the season of my life, and the schedules I have. Jesus slipped away, many times, to be alone - (Luke 5:16), but even these times were different -- morning, late at night -- on a hill, and in the upper room ( Mark 1:35; Luke 22:45; Matthew 14:23, and John 17) Time with God, my heavenly Father is never wasted time. when have a time alone with God in the morning, I will start my day refreshed and ready for whatever comes my way. If I spend time in the evening, I sleep relaxed and ready for a new day, to serve Him. -- Acts 3:199 - KJV" Repent yea therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. "

2 Corrinthians 112:9a (KJV) "And he said unto me ( Paul ), My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness." -- You and I must rely on God for our effectiveness rather than on simple energy, effort, or talent. My weakness not only helps develop a Christ -like character, it also deepens my worship, because in admitting my weakness, I affirm God's strength.

Every promise in God's Word is mine : Every chapter -- Every verse -- Every line. Every promise in God's word is meant for each one of you, and everyone you come in contact with -- as God's Spirit leads your inner spirit. Our spirits in God are united as one forever.
In His Love

Peg Mulyca

Sometimes, there are hidden treasures among us. This issue, we are showcasing the culinary expertise of Ray Coman as he shares his favorite recipes with us:

Ziti & Portobellos

8 servings

Here's another great one!

Ray's Fresh Marinara Sauce

Heat oil in stock pot. When hot, add chopped onions and cook until just translucent. Add garlic and just cook slightly (cooking too much makes sauce bitter) Add fresh basil and sauté for 2 minutes more. Add canned tomato juice. Take tomatoes from can and squeeze in hands breaking apart before putting into pot. Add water, oregano, salt and pepper. Cook approximately 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Serve over freshly boiled pasta. Makes about 3 quarts.

We want to feature a treasured family recipe or a newly discovered treat from your family. Please feel free to submit your recipe for the congregation. Send a copy to Deb Ludke or Sue Mead by email or snail mail and we'll put them in on a space-permitting basis.

Our congregation's prayer chain has been alive and well.

Jeremiah 33:3 says "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unreachable things you do not know." When we storm the gates of Heaven, we can be confident that God will answer, and that He knows the best way to answer. Here are some amazing answers to our prayers:

1) A 16-year-old boy awaiting a donor match for lungs received a double lung transplant just before Christmas. The surgery was successful and his recovery has been going so well that he will be able to return to school in April, graduate with his class and has been accepted into college.

2) Another man who had surgery for a growth growing into the artery of his heart has just received a clean bill of health.

3) A young man, who had a spinal cord injury in his neck area, underwent surgery. He is now recovering well with no paralysis.

4) A woman who died of cancer in early December had sufficient strength to sit with her family at their Thanksgiving table and the Lord also gave her strength to sit and sing for 3 hours with a singing group who came to minister to her. Her little girl is adapting quite well to living with her new family. Also, the caregiver of the woman, in spite of a newly fractured arm, had strength to clean and move everything out of the house and be home in time for Christmas.

To God be the glory! Nothing is too big or too small for our great God to handle. He cares about each individual in an amazing way!

If you have additional answers to prayers or stories about how God has met a need you have, please share those with us

Were do ministries come from? Around 1906 in Schenectady a man who had recently become a Christian, a professor of Philosophy and English at Union College, a bookish, baldheaded academic, found himself strangely burdened for the down and outers on the other side of the city. He became so burdened that he organized what is today the Schenectady City Mission. Enlisting the help of other community leaders and churches he jumped head first into a ministry that brought the hope of the gospel and the love of Christ to broken people. The mission provided shelter, food, and spiritual care to those men and later women whose lives were adrift.
  Why did he do it? No church recruited him. No Christian leader badgered him. He did it because God created a concern and a desire to do something. God is the author of ministry that has the stamp of heaven. When God's people are in right relationship with Him he speaks to them about how He wants them to serve Him. This comes in at least two different ways. First, sometimes privately, He begins to move in an individual's heart. Day after day the person finds themselves thinking about something the Lord is calling him or her to start or share in.
  They can't seem to shake it. Secondly, He moves His people into mission as they are together in worship and sharing. Acts13 tells the story of how certain leaders in the church at Antioch were worshiping together and the Holy Spirit directed them to set Barnabas and Saul apart for a special missions work.
  This year we set a goal of helping each member of the Saratoga Chapel to establish a regular time of meeting with the Lord in His Word and in prayer. It is out of these private quiet times with the Lord that the Holy Spirit moves upon our hearts to help us sense and envision what He is planning to do. Reading, praying, meditating and waiting may at first glance seem incompatible with the action necessary to do mission because they seems so passive. But that is not true. Those activities are the means God uses to create action. Fellowship with Him is not peripheral but central in the working out of His plans. How are you doing? Have the holidays stolen away your time with Him? What do you need to do to get back?
  Our church has several small group meetings, mini flocks, Bible studies, ministry teams, Sunday school. Do we use those times together to share the particular missions that the Lord has put on our heart like the leaders at Antioch did. There is a difference between sharing insights from the scriptures, personal needs, and prayer request for ministry burdens. My challenge to each group is to make sure you spend some time opening your hearts to each other in this vital area. This is where the passion for service can be caught by others and brothers and sisters in Christ can begin to team up.
  Here are some areas for personal ministry at the Chapel right now:

1. Missions and Outreach team - people whose hearts are burdened to bring Christ's gospel and love to our community
2. Discipleship team - people who long to see their brothers and sisters in Christ growing in the knowledge of His word and growing in grace.
3. Ministry team - those whose passion is see our people trained in how to minister both with in the body and outside.
4. Prayer Team - people who will promote and encourage prayer through out our fellowship.
5. Enfolding - those whose hearts are moved to provide physical, emotional, and spiritual care for our people.

Where do you fit in? What exciting special place of service does the Lord have for you?

Here are a few books that I've enjoyed over the past months. If you have some favorites to share, pass them along to Deb Ludke.

In the Grip of Grace
by Max Lucado

"Can anything separate us from the love Christ has for us? Can troubles or problems or sufferings or hunger or nakedness or danger or violent death? Yes, I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor ruling spirits, nothing now, nothing in the future, no powers, nothing above us, nothing below us, nor anything else in the whole world will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8: 35, 38, 39).

This is what we want to know. Does God really love us forever? How does God feel about me when I'm a jerk. When I snap at my co-workers, when my thoughts are gutter-level; when my tongue is sharp enough to slice a rock. How does He feel about me then? Can I drift too far; wait too long; Slip too much? Did I out-sin the love of God? The answer is found in one of life's sweetest words: GRACE.

Those of you who know me, know I'm an avid reader who appreciates the simple prose of Max Lucado. When I read his books or his explanations of scripture, it makes me say "Wow! Why didn't I think of that - it's so simple!"

He is pastor of Christians at the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, and author of many books, tapes and even a new annotated version of the Bible for new Christians. This book is available through the published, Word Publishing, or at Borders.

Front Porch Tales
by Philip Gulley
(with a forward by Paul Harvey, Jr.)
This little book was a gift from a friend.

Perhaps more things were resolved on America's front porches than in any other place, and yet so few are being used today. With this delightful collection of stories, told in a warm and easy style, Philip Gulley invites us to sit again on the front porch - a place of hearth, home, and folks we've known.

Perfect for personal enjoyment or family reading, Front Porch Tales is filled cover-to-cover with the kind of heart-warming stories that are often overlooked - yet today, desperately needed.

Gulley, is the pastor of Irvington Friends (Quaker) Meeting in Indianapolis, Ind. His essays have been published in Indianapolis News and Indianapolis Star. The book is available through Multnomah Press.

Here is what the men's fellowship is about:

    To band the men together
    Using each others talents for the church body
    Teaching and supporting one another.
    Making leaders- at home, in church, and as an aid to the Elder board.
    To help those in our church spiritually as well as physical
    To spread the Gospel
    Meeting men from other churches in retreats

These are some of our aims as well as many others. All the men in the church are encouraged to join the fellowship and bring their talents to fruitfulness. A meeting will be announced in the bulletin in the future.

Chris Lambertsen

I've been asked to write about college age/young adults of the Saratoga Chapel. To begin with, I thought I'd let you know a bit about where I fit in that category. For those who may not know me, I graduated from Houghton College in May 2000 and I'm looking to attend veterinary school, hopefully in the fall of this year. In the meantime, I'm working nearly full-time at a vet office in Clifton Park, so I"m around home and the church most of the year. The purpose of this column will be to keep you in touch with those people whose faces you don't see much of the year.

Christmas was a great time to see many of us back together again, particularly those who are away. The three Kautzmann kids were able to be home. Steve flew in from Seattle, Wash., where he works for Boeing. Becky was home from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary where she is studying for a Master of arts in Religion, and Tim was home from Messiah College. Julie Trewhella was also able to make it home from Messiah, while Amy Hale was home from Houghton College, as well. Marika is in the area attending St. Rose College. Dennis Kaups (the younger) made an appearance Christmas Eve. Angela Reed Sorenson and her husband, Phil, came in from Ithaca to spend a few days with family, so we got to see them Christmas Eve day.

Karen Hale