February 2013

As I wrote in the Annual Report: "Early in 2013 we will face a challenge. We bid farewell to our beloved Pastor and Shepherd, Margay Whitlock."

During this type interval without our Shepherd that we must search our souls and discover the faith and strength she implanted there. We must not wander from her flock. Together we are strong and protected; apart we are weak and vulnerable.

And above all, we need the church for nourishment: to nourish our souls, our spirits, and our relationship with God. We need the church to strengthen our insights and Christian commitments.

These are times (intervals) that demand personal involvement of all Christians in the life and work of the Church.

Remember! The Church is the place in which God does His marvelous works, the theater of His Justice, mercy, goodness and truth; where He is to be sought, where He is to be found and in which alone He is retained.

Together we are strong!!

Harry W. McDowell

December 2012

Advent! Christmas! Epiphany!

These three closely related seasons begin the Church year. Christmas is one of the two greatest festivals which commorate Christ, the other being of course, Easter.

Each of the great festivals is preceded by a season of solemn preparation. For the festival of Christmas, the penitent period is the Advent season, just as for Easter, the preparation is Lent. The advent season always embraces the four Sundays preceding Christmas Day.

Advent Sunday (first Sunday in Advent) being determined by St. Andrew's Day which falls on November 30th and is the nearest Sunday to November 30th whether before or after. Thus, Advent Sunday for 2012 is December 2. Unfortunately, the value of Advent season is largely lost when Christmas celebrations, musical services, pageants and so on are employed prior to Christmas Day itself.

Advent must not be hopelessly confused with Christmas. It has its own particular spirit. It is not a season of fasting – it is a season of prayer. And it is not a time of waiting and hoping for Christmas! Advent is a time of waiting and hoping for God's promises to come fully true. The Advent promise is that strength over fear. Health will be victorious over disease. Calm will capture anxiety. Joy will heal depression. Respect will annihilate abuse.

Let us begin this Church Year in prayer and with hope, as we remember God's promises and wait the coming of the Promised One.

Harry W. McDowell

October 2012

"It is more blessed to give than to receive."
Acts 20:35

Our Rally Day festivities are over! Our ministries and programs are moving forward in high gear once again. Are you ready? Are you ready to commit yourself with your time, talent and treasure?

Certainly, in grateful response to God's love, we all should accept these challenges to share our resources to meet the needs of our ministries and programs.

When we offer our support, we are making sure the Story of Christ is being proclaimed and shared through our faith and love.

By giving to church, we become part of the purpose for which it was created—to spread the good news about salvation.

When we give of our time and talents, we are actively involved in the church's mission.

When we give of our wealth, we support that mission with our power of life.

Yes! Giving is the spiritual gift that enables a believer to recognize God's blessing and respond to these blessings by generously and sacrificially giving of one's material resources. Through baptism one is given a Spiritual Gift or a mix of Spiritual Gifts to carry on God's mission. YOU have your own unique set of Spiritual Gifts. Find them. Use them. Thank God for your many blessings and heed His call. He is calling every one of us. Don't miss this opportunity for discipleship.

Harry W. McDowell

August 2012

“Now there are a variety of gifts, but the same spirit; and there are a variety of services, but the same Lord; and there are a variety of activities, but the same God who activates them in all people. To each one is given a gift for the common good.”

1 Corinthians 12:4-7

Recently, we were recipients (“receivers”) of a large bequest from a silent saint, Ruth Samer (“giver”). As a result, now is the time we must grasp the opportunity to look ahead to “where” – by God’s grace and our faithfulness – we are going in our mission, especially with our stewardship appeal, Building on Blessings. This is a time that demands personal involvement and personal convictions from each one of us if we wish to meet the challenges and grasp the opportunities available to us.

I pray daily that we will have not only the leadership, but also the full support of our membership as we diligently work to fill the important work and voids here at Zion. We must live and lead this congregation with boldness and courage. We must act in His name with energy and zeal.

May God continue to bless us as we continue to serve Him.

Harry W. McDowell

Comments on Lively Churches

A LIVELY church dares to dream great dreams for God’s Kingdom;
A dead church has nightmares.

Now we must ask, “Where does Zion stand”?

April 2012

As we reach the final weeks in this Holy Season of Lent, hopefully, we all will continue our preparation for the rising to newness of life. Lent is the time for practice and training in virtues and self-denial that are to be permanent and habitual in the renewed life after Easter. We ask each of you to plan to join the millions of other Christians in active remembrance of this Holy Season by attending church services and through special meditation.

As you read this article, we will be within two weeks of Holy Week. And what is on my mind?

                              I knelt today where Jesus knelt,
                              Where all alone He prayed.
                              The Garden of Gethsemane,
                              My heart felt unafraid……
                              I climbed the hill at Calvary…
                              Where on the cross He died!

These words to the old hymn, “I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked” come to mind as my thoughts turn to Holy Week. Holy Week, unlike any other week in the church year, focuses our attention and sight on Jerusalem and the cross. Each opportunity for worship in Holy Week is unique.

Remember! Worship really is the heart of our community. It affords us the opportunity to praise God, to pray, to confess. But more importantly, it gives us the chance to hear God and to be fed with God’s word.
         
Come! Join us as we focus our attention and sight in Jerusalem and the cross.

Harry W. McDowell

February 2012

“And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross.”    

(Phillippians 2:8)

The season of Lent began on Ash Wednesday, February 22. It seemed as though we had just finished the Twelve Days of Christmas – the season we open the greatest of all gifts which God has given us – His Son. And already our thoughts have turned to the Passion of our Lord. Yes, from the day of sackcloth and ashes (Ash Wednesday, February 22) to the day of triumphant victory in the Resurrection (Easter, April 8), you and I are challenged to prepare ourselves for the rising to newness of life – the basic purpose of Lent.

“We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father we, too, might walk in newness of life.”

(Romans 6:4)

During these forty days we are to think about the meaning of the Cross and the empty tomb. Why were these necessary? What part do they play in God’s loving concern for us? What do they mean for me? For you? Do we live as though we have been baptized into the risen Christ, or as though this had never taken place? Do we see grace as a continuing gift from God which challenges us to grow?

We follow the sufferings and death of Christ because they show us his whole life, his total commitment to the will of the Father. We are called to follow this commitment. As many have found, there are many obstacles and painful trials where we try to act according to God’s will and go contrary to the values and prejudices of the majority.

How will YOU use this time to grow closer to Christ and work for the concerns of God in this world?

Harry W. McDowell

January 2012

“Now there are a variety of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are a variety of services but the same Lord; and, there are a variety of activities, but the same God who activates them in all people. To each one is given a gift for the common good.”

1Corinthians 12:4-7

Spiritual Gifts! We all have heard or read about Spiritual Gifts. Why this focus on Spiritual Gifts? What are Spiritual Gifts? How do we use Spiritual Gifts? There are a variety of Spiritual Gifts---far too many to mention—but include:

Through baptism one is given a Spiritual Gift or a mix of Spiritual Gifts to carry on God’s mission. The commitment to discovering one’s own Spiritual Gift (s) is a challenge to each one of us. We are to use these Spiritual Gifts for building up the body of Christ, which is the Church. YOU have your own unique set of Spiritual Gifts. Find them! Use them! Thank God for your many blessings and heed His call. He is calling every one of us. Don’t miss this opportunity for discipleship.

“The understanding and usage of these Spiritual Gifts are as necessary for congregational life as oxygen is necessary to human life.”

Harry McDowell

December 2011

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son.”

John 3:16

The Twelve Days of Christmas! Perhaps the busiest season of the year. And Christmas Day itself, when we celebrate the birth of our Savior. Believe me, there is nothing wrong with gift-giving or celebrations that help us in our spiritual journey, but we all must take time to block out the commercialism of Christmas and remember the greatest of all gifts which God has given us—His son. We need to take the time to focus on that manger scene with a newborn child named Jesus, wrapped in swaddling clothes. What better way can we allow God to be the center of our lives once again, as we replenish ourselves to meet the tasks ahead?

Now we face the new year 2012! As the new year looms before us, we must grasp the opportunity to look forward to see, where by God’s grace and our faithfulness, we are going. I assure you, 2012 holds before us many more challenges and opportunities for ministries. Are we ready to accept them? Are we willing to give a bit more of our talent, time and treasure? Are we ready to lead this congregation with boldness and courage? All these questions require positive answers! These are times that demand personal involvement and personal conviction of all members in the life and work of this congregation.

The Annual Congregation Meeting will be held on Sunday, January 22, 2012, immediately following the 10:30am worship service. The youth will host the luncheon providing the food and beverages as well as the “clean up crew”. A freewill offering basket will be available for all who wish to support the youth, as they plan their trip to the National Youth Gathering in New Orleans. If you are unable to join our family for this “Special Luncheon with the Youth”, you may join us for the business session at 12 noon. Copies of the Annual Report will be available in the Narthex from Saturday, January 7 to the day of the meeting. If for any reason you cannot pick up a copy in the Narthex, and you wish to have a copy, please contact the parish office (732-388-1815). We will do our utmost to see that you receive a copy promptly.

Have a blessed Christmas Season and a new year filled with peace and happiness.

Harry W. McDowell

November 2011

"Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly, not under compulsion."
II Corinthians 9:7

Building on Blessings! Work has begun! Our goal is Bold! But as we offer ourselves in thanksgiving to God, we will find that together we can and we will build on God's blessings.

We have entered into two contractual agreements as of October 15.

Contractual Agreement (1): The purpose of this study is to determine the source(s) of water entering the basement; to propose remedial measures for maintaining a dry basement area; to determine the nature and engineering properties of the subsurface soil and ground water conditions for the new addition; to recommend a practical foundation scheme; and, to determine the allowable bearing capacity of the site soils.

Contractual Agreement (2): The purpose of this study is to conduct a limited microbial and indoor air quality assessment of our church building to confirm if any toxic allergenic molds are present. The results of this preliminary limited assessment of indoor air quality will be utilized to determine if further assessment is required and/or if microbial remediation is required by a Remediation Contractor. As you can see, we are moving forward, step by step, with our plans for mold remediation in the church building (if necessary); waterproofing the basement area; and making the Social Hall handicapped accessible.

For those members who have not yet committed themselves to financially support Building on Blessings, I ask you once again to take that quiet moment of thought and prayer to fully realize "all that we have and all that we are is a gift to us from God." Take a bold step forward as you walk with Jesus and grow in your relationship with Him. Commit yourself to financially support Building on Blessings, as you express your love for God and your dedication, as well as your desire to be a faithful participant in God's mission in our time and place. Thanks be to God, and thanks be to you, who have shared what God first entrusted to you.

Harry W. McDowell

August 2011

“Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly, not under compulsion.”   
II Corinthians 9:7

Building on Blessings!

I personally wish to thank each member and friend of this congregation who have submitted a signed commitment to financially support this stewardship appeal. As of this time we have received signed commitments totaling about $140,000 – and the total increases almost daily. Again our goal is bold, but as we offer ourselves in thanksgiving to God, we will find that together we can and we will build on God’s blessing. We must remember that together we carry out a ministry that seeks to be faithful to the Lord Jesus and a blessing to our community. We do believe God is doing great things in our midst and in the lives of so many!

For those members and friends of this congregation who have not submitted a signed commitment to support this appeal: Building on Blessings is a fascinating and exciting stewardship appeal that brings us together at this hour. Our pledges of money express our love for God and our dedication, as well as our desire to be faithful participants in God’s mission in our time and place. Join me: as we have been blessed, and in grateful response to God’s love, let us all accept this challenge to share our resources for Building on Blessings.

“All that we have and all that we are is a gift to us from God.”

Harry W. McDowell

July 2011

"Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly, not under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." II Corinthians 9:7-8

Building on Blessings!

What a fascinating and exciting stewardship appeal. After more than a decade of dreaming how to welcome all people into every part of our church building, we initiated our stewardship appeal on Commitment Weekend at our worship services on June 11 and June 12. The time finally has arrived for us to make the changes necessary for out Social Hall to become handicapped accessible. We also plan to add handicapped accessible bathrooms and complete long--overdue mold remediation and waterproofing in that area. We are excited about these renovations since they certainly will enhance and strengthen our ministry.

We know our goal is bold, but the leadership of Zion sincerely believes that we must be bold and perhaps a bit daring to keep Zion's ministry and service moving forward as a strong, visible and vital ministry for Christ—not only in our community, but beyond. We are inviting every member and friend of Zion to make a commitment to support these efforts through this stewardship appeal. We pray that your financial support will be given out of thankfulness for God's blessings and your love for God.

So again join me; as we have been blessed, and in grateful response to God's love, let us all accept this challenge to share our resources for Building on Blessings. Many times, it takes a quiet moment of thought and prayer to fully realize that all we have and all that we are is a gift to us from God. Again our goal is bold, but as we offer ourselves in thanksgiving to God, we will find that together we can and we will build on God's blessings.

Remember! Giving is a personal commitment between you and God.

Harry W. McDowell

April 2011

Just before Easter we concentrate our thinking on the Lord Jesus Christ and His cross. We remember well the words he spoke as he faced and met his bitter death for our salvation. The “Seven Words from the Cross” have been in our minds as we have tried to understand and to fathom the experiences of our Lord as he went to his death. And finally we rejoice with “Christ is Risen! Christ is Risen indeed! Alleluia!” But Easter is not over. Easter lasts forever!

          Several years ago, I ran across a tract entitled “Easter Lasts Forever.” Easter lasts forever! Isn’t that what we believe? This life is not always pleasant. In fact it can deal us some harsh blows—death, loss of job, divorce, war, financial difficulties, and the list goes on and on until it seems like Good Friday everyday. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” But the believer in Christ looks forward. Yes, it may be Friday, but Sunday is coming! This is our eternal hope. The world may appear to be falling apart, but Jesus still reigns. His resurrection proves that he has conquered sin, death and the devil. It guarantees that those who have died in faith will be raised and will live forever with Jesus and all believers in heaven. When that is considered, all of our problems of this world will pale in comparison to the glory to come.

Yes, Easter lasts forever!
Harry McDowell

March 2011

"And being found in human form be humbled himself and became obedient until death, even death on a cross." Philippians 2:8

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, March 9! It seems as though we have just finished the Twelve Days of Christmas – the season we open the greatest of all gifts which God has given us – His Son. And now our thoughts are turned to the Passion of our Lord. Yes! From the day of sackcloth and ashes (Ash Wednesday, March 9) to the day of triumphant victory in the resurrection (Easter, April 24), you and I are challenged to prepare ourselves for the rising to newness of life – the basic purpose of Lent.

During these forty days we are to think about the meaning of the Cross and the empty tomb. Why were these necessary? What part do they play in God's loving concern for us? What do they mean for me? Does my life reflect the serious conflict between God's will and the pattern of my life? Do I live as though I had been baptized into the risen Christ, or as though this had never taken place? Do I see grace as a continuing gift from God which challenges me to grow?

We follow the sufferings and death of Christ because they show us his whole life, his total commitment to the will of the Father. We are called to follow this commitment. Yes, as many have found there are many obstacles and painful trials when we try to act according to God's will and go contrary to the values and prejudices of the majority. How will YOU use this time to grow closer to Christ and work for the concerns of God in this world?

Harry W. McDowell
President

January 2011

"Life itself is a gift of time. Isn't it incredible how God has given each of us our own unique set of talents and skills to develop and use to make that time meaningful?"

Once again our family of Zion enjoyed another busy and exciting year filled with a variety of events, ministries and programs. For all these accomplishments YOU deserve the credit and my personal thanks. It is your untiring efforts, your Christian understanding and your unselfish cooperation that binds us together as we labor to carry forth His work.

But 2010 is past history! We cannot live in the past! We must move forward! As 2011 looms before us, we must grasp the opportunity to look forward to see "where" – by God's grace and our faithfulness - we are going in our mission at Zion. I assure you, 2011 holds before us many challenges and opportunities for ministry and growth. These are times that demand personal involvement and personal conviction of each one of us, if we wish to meet the challenges and grasp the opportunities available to us. I pray daily that we will have not only the leadership, but also the full support of our membership as we diligently work to fill the important needs and voids in our congregation.

As for leadership? When I think of leadership, several thoughts come to mind. Leadership is the willingness to engage the tough questions and to face the confusing situation. Leadership always needs a dash of daring or opportunities will be missed. Possibilities will go unrealized. Leadership that does not dare to explore and question, or change and improve, is not leadership. We must live and lead this congregation with boldness and courage. We must act in His name with energy and zeal. Again, I challenge you! YOU have God given talents. Why not use them? Join our team!

May God continue to bless us as we continue to serve Him.
Harry W. McDowell

September 2010

“Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”
                                                                   James 1:17

Our theme for our 2010 Stewardship emphasis has not changed! Most importantly, it invites us to give first to God. It calls us to exercise faith that God will take care of all our needs. Now is the time for us (you and me) to respond as Spiritual givers—ones who contribute material resources to the Lord’s work with generosity, regularity and cheerfulness. Spiritual givers consider giving to be a wonderful opportunity rather than a sacrificial burden. As you have been blessed, tell God how thankful you are by accepting your share as a Spiritual giver.

Remember Sunday, September 12! RALLY DAY and our Annual Congregation Picnic in the Parsonage backyard following the 9:15am and 10:30am worship services. Honored guests will be the new members who have joined our Christian family in the past 12 months. Hamburgers, hot dogs and the usual trimmings, along with drinks will be furnished by the church. Picnickers are encouraged to bring casseroles, side dishes and/or desserts. Oh! Yes, I am sure there will be a few surprise games. Mark your calendar! Don’t miss this golden opportunity to welcome our new members and enjoy a relaxing time with friends.

Harry W. McDowell