Farewell to the Friedrichs

After 9 years of ministry here at North Avenue Alliance Church, we must now say farewell to the Friedrichs. Pastor Tom and Karen, along with their three sons, Joshua, 12 years old, Benjamin, 10, and Noah, who is 6. Along with an interesting array of animal critters, they will be making a new home and facing new challenges. The family will be setting up residence in Barre, VT and Rev. Tom will be leading his own flock at the Orange Alliance Church. The church has 80-90 members and “seems like a classic Vermont church”, he remarked.

Beginning as the Youth Pastor and leading to his current role in Discipleship and Outreach, Pastor Tom has been very involved with church activities. He looks back fondly on the many relationships he forged with the young people here. He was also instrumental in setting up mission trips, such as to Haiti and Washington, DC, small groups organization, the 40 Days Program, Grace Invasion, as well as helping with the youth building and other youth ministries.

Karen has contributed much in helping with her husband’s ministries, such as couples counseling and youth ministry. She has enjoyed the Wednesday morning women’s bible study and the music ministry as well.

When asked what prompted this change now, Pastor Tom responded that he was simply doing what he felt led by God to do. He has given his all in each position he has attained, feeling that that was where God had placed him at that time. Earlier this year, Tom was officially ordained as a Reverend and wishes to now grow more fully into that role.

The Friedrichs last day at church is August 7th and the closing date for their new house is August 26th. If you would like to reach them after that, their address will be:

One talent that Pastor Tom had kept hidden from us for quite a while was his gift of music. Kara Linn, the music director, expressed her appreciation for his contributions at both singing and songwriting. We hope both Tom and Karen will continue to listen to God’s calling and continue making beautiful music together for a long, long while.

By Lorena Bortz

GROWING DEEPER TO REACH OUT FURTHER
By Pastor Hengle
Recently you have been hearing much about reaching out to our community. This was one of our Lenten series central themes. We have had a concert and our annual “Fun Day” to do that very thing. These have seen varying successes, largely due to the timing of the events. Now I would like to tell you of an upcoming outreach event and challenge you to invite someone.

The “Annual Corn Roast” will be held at the Scribner’s home this year. This fun and exciting time will include: musical entertainment, games for children and adults, volleyball, ultimate Frisbee, fishing (with a license) great food, and many prizes given. All of the corn and beverages will be provided. We ask church families to bring a side dish and dessert to share, and meat to barbeque for the family and friends you invite.

Mark OCTOBER 15 on your calendar (rain date will be October 22) from 1—7 PM. Eating and entertainment will begin at 4:30 PM

This is a great opportunity for you to invite friends, family and neighbors to a non-threatening event, building a bridge to reach out to them for the cause of Christ. Begin to pray now and ask God to prepare the hearts of those you will ask.

This winter we are planning a “Cabin Fever” event for outreach as well.

I cannot really express how important these events will be for our church, but it really requires everyone participating and extending the invitations. These events will also involve planning and preparation. If you can help with the decorations, games or music please call the church office.

DO YOU KNOW???

By Ellen Zak

NO GOD = NO PEACE KNOW GOD = KNOW PEACE

DO YOU KNOW?

Our Church Library has a huge collection of excellent reading material! There is fiction, biographies, Bible study resources and devotionals for adults and children of all ages, as well as videos. Come visit the Library and sign out some good reading material.

DO YOU KNOW?

It’s time to bring back your soup cans with the golden “Hands On” labels. The Alliance Women’s 2005-2005 National Project, Medical Missions Fundraiser, is coming to a close. Please return all monies to Karen Lawrence or the Church Office by August 14th. Thank you for contributing to this most worthy need for our missionaries.

DO YOU KNOW?

Alliance women are still collecting cancelled postage stamps for missions. Many thanks to all those who have been bringing them in.

DO YOU KNOW?

We have a group of widowed ladies—the MERRY WIDOWS LUNCH BUNCH– who get together for lunch and fellowship a couple of times a month. If you’re interested in joining them for a fun time, give Ellen Zak a call. 951-9578

DO YOU KNOW?

Seven of our members are volunteers at either the Ronald McDonald House or Family Room at Fletcher Allen Health Care. They are Steve and Sue Carlsen, Nancy Ciardelli, Carol Erdmann, Jim Fenimore, Carole Stoneking and Ellen Zak. If you would like any information about this wonderful ministry to families of sick children in Pediatrics or NICU just speak to any one of the above dedicated volunteers.

DO YOU KNOW?

A singles group is forming at NAAC. The single adults gather together to support each other, outreach to the community and to have some fun. The first meeting will be in September. The age range is for over 30, but no one will be turned away. If you are single, or single again and want to fellowship with others, come join us. Contact Sylvia Blakeslee 862-7182 or Steve Gourley 863-7052.

And we KNOW that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28

DO WE KNOW GOD?

It’s not enough to KNOW Him with your head; you must KNOW Him in your heart.

This is eternal life, that they may KNOW you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.

John 17:3

Seeking God this summer!
By Pastor Steve Merchant

In May our youth staff met with students to plan the summer. We wanted to plan events that would be meaningful. To our surprise the students told us they would like to slow down this summer and be involved in the fun events that help them connect to their friends, but they also wanted events that would help them connect with God in new and fresh ways. So our summer events have been divided into two themes. 1. Connection nights are Bible study type evenings looking into the Word of God, praying and reacting to the Word in our lives. 2. Fun events are those events where students can bring friends, hang out and just have fun.

In the summers past I have felt a little more like a cruise director than a youth pastor. Events are so important for students to connect to one another. They help them feel safe about the youth ministry and offer them opportunities to expose their non-Christian friends to the youth ministry. They are crucial to relationship building. But the summer pace can keep us from experiencing and seeing God. I have been so encouraged by our decision to slow down. I would like to share some of the ways God has blessed us this summer.

We started off with a baptism pool party at the Crady’s home . Families were invited to join us as two junior high students were baptized. After the baptism we had a barbeque. God used that time for families to celebrate a baptism and for families to celebrate each other. Families were camped out along the side of the pool, eating, fellowshipping, laughing and relaxing in the Lord. The new junior highers were welcomed into the ministry and God allowed us a time to slow down and focus on Him.

Our next event was a beach day at North Beach. I chose North Beach because I wanted our families to be connected to the community. Twenty-two people spent the afternoon, eating, swimming, playing football and again fellowshipping together. Three of the families had never met and had a better chance of getting to know one another. Toward the end of the day I looked out to see our students playing water football with a group of young boys they had met at the beach. Seems like a simple thing, our students connecting with strangers…I see it as God exposing us to the lost in Burlington.

The senior high met at the Platt’s house for our first Connection. Students came prepared to see God’s face. We looked at Psalm 139. We talked about God’s view of us and our image of Him. We were reminded that each of us is unique and wonderfully made in His eyes.

We had a photo scavenger hunt for the junior high. The groups were given a list of items that they had to find around the city and take pictures of them. A small group of girls showed up for the event. They had a great time finding as many of the items as they could. As they came giggling back I noticed that all of these girls will be or are Hunt Middle School students. God used the time they had together to help a few of the girls get over their fear of a new school and new friends. He had brought these ladies together now to encourage them for the fall.

One weekend in July we had a senior high men’s campout at North Beach. It was the weekend of constant rain. It rained from Friday evening all the way through Sunday morning. Thank God for the McLaughlin’s camper. It could have been a miserable weekend. God used it to help us slow down and focus on Him. We had many opportunities that weekend to laugh, play cards, get new nicknames and slow down as we experienced God in the rain.

Our next family beach day was held at Shelburne beach. Our beach days will be held in different communities to help us have a burden for our surrounding areas. Again about 16 people met for fun in the sun and fun seeking the Son. We laughed, talked, the youth pastor was dunked many times, we played football and volleyball and we slowed down…to see God. Towards the end of the day there was a group of people playing volleyball. One of the young men had a Mohawk haircut that stood straight up, there was a girl with many tattoos and their language was less than desirable. Our young people jumped into the game, loving these guys just the way they were. The group’s language subsided some. Our kids were a great testimony to loving the lost. Thanks God for using another beach day to help us see the lost around us.

summer is half over. I’m looking forward to what God has in store for us. We still have scheduled a mission’s trip to NYC, a junior high campout, more connections and an end of the summer retreat to Camp Berea. Please continue to pray for us as we seek God in the summer Son!

AUGUST 31, 2005 will mark the beginning of the 2005-2006 school year. The halls and classrooms will be bustling with children ages 2—5th Grade, all eager to learn and experience the quality education and Christian Environment at North Avenue Christian School.

While teachers and staff are busy preparing and students families are enjoying the last of the lazy days of summer, I’m sure all will return as “souring eagles”! The school verse Isaiah 40:31 But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

There are openings available in all pre-K-5th grade classes if you or anyone you know is interested in enrollment. Substitutes are also needed and certification is not required. Please contact the school office at 863-2579 if you are interested.

Notes from Kara: I would like to remind you of the purpose behind the Artist Series at our church. I’ve created it as a tool for inviting your friends rather just an experience for our congregation. I can’t emphasize enough that the Artist Series is an excellent chance to invite your non-Christian friends to concerts here at the church. For each performance, try to think of at least one friend of yours that would enjoy that specific artist.

Last year, we hosted a Southern gospel concert with the Hyssong family. Dell, Susan, and their son Richard will be back in concert on Sunday evening, September 11.

Blessing people through their music is something the Hyssongs have been doing for years. Their commitment to love the Lord and each other has grown. Their presentation touches the hearts of audiences wherever they go. Singing southern gospel and traditional style music throughout the United States and Canada, they have appeared in churches, auditoriums, and have been featured on television and radio. With family vocal harmony, lively energetic style, humor, love for God, and brass instruments (trumpet and trombone), they encourage and uplift people wherever they appear.

We’re having a wonderful concert to kick off the 2005-2006 Artist Series! We will host the Mainstreet Brass Quintet from Morrisville, PA on September 16.

“The Mainstreet Brass has been entertaining audiences since 1986, presenting varied repertoire spanning the centuries -- from 17th century canzons and Bach transcriptions to memorable show tunes and blues classics from Jelly Roll Morton, W.C. Handy and Fats Waller. It's part of what this unique ensemble is about -- flexibility, artistic range, accessibility and reaching out to listeners of all ages.

Audiences and the press have praised the camaraderie and music making shared by the members of the Mainstreet Brass. The group works hard perfecting and polishing its repertoire and always considers what its audiences may enjoy. They create a contagious on stage energy from the opening downbeat to the final chord -- a memorable experience that's enthusiastically shared with others. Attend a Mainstreet Brass concert, and you'll discover why its music making can be an uplifting, magical escape from the routine.

Besides its concert schedule, the group also performs regularly for church services in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and provides ceremonial music for academic ceremonies at regional colleges and universities. The Mainstreet Brass is ensemble-in-residence at the First Presbyterian Church of Morrisville, PA.

A Cup of water....... By Steve Gourley

On Sunday May 29, I joined a group from North Avenue Alliance Church in manning the rest stop at mile 20 of the Vermont City Marathon. We had a great time setting up and handing out water and Gatorade to about 5,000 runners. The liquids were passed in paper cups by volunteers to runners as they passed by. Some cups were passed flawlessly and others were dropped in an attempt, splashing runners and volunteers without prejudice. This went on continuously for almost four hours.

After it was over, I was struck by how similar the events of the day paralleled evangelism. Isn’t evangelism similar to passing a cup of living water from one to another?

We held out a cup of water to runners who needed to drink. Many passed it by with a shake of the head. Some would reach for the cup and crush it in their hands and the water would go flying because they were in a hurry and would not stop. Some would pass up the water for Gatorade believing that it had more to offer than the water. As the slow, tired runners came, a few began to stop and take the water cup carefully from our hands because it contained what they had been looking for.

If you think about the times that you talk to people about Jesus, aren’t many of them in too much of a hurry to stop and listen? Don’t many of them say no thanks I prefer Gatorade? Aren’t the ones who stop and listen tired and thirsty for something new?

The Simple Life By Lorena Bortz
How I yearn to stay home and care
For my loved ones so fair
Weekends come quickly to a close
My to-do list forever grows.

What happened to the simple life?
When the home was kept by the wife,
The husband provided and did protect
Kids didn’t know what was “politically correct”.

Technology keeps us reinventing
A life we’re only renting
Getting things done quicker -
Sometimes I feel like I’m in a mixer!

Our mind fills with visions of toys
While our hearts yearn for simple joys
Is having more really your goal -
Is your checkbook in the hole?

Relationships use to sustain us
Sharing oneself wasn’t a fuss
Commitments used to last lifetimes
Building foundations for those hard times

Thank you, God, for the simple pleasures,
For the many daily treasures
And may I not be full of pride -
For I pray we are worthy as your bride!

by Lorena Bortz

Sue’s Views Of this summer

Can you believe it is almost the end of the summer, already? It seems like it just started. There was something missing this summer. Did you miss it, too? Vacation Bible School. VBS - we didn’t have any this summer. Many, kids missed out on the opportunity to learn about Jesus. When I inquired about it, the answer was that not enough people from our congregation responded to the church’s plea for helpers. I suspect that the ‘best made plans of mice and men oft go astray’. They were not able to find someone to head up VBS in time to recruit the help that was needed to do the work for this summer. Whatever the reason we didn’t have VBS for 2005, it is now time to get ready for 2006.

Why have VBS? First, it is a great teaching program. We have over 75 children in our congregation that can benefit by learning Bible verses, songs and stories that stay with them throughout their life.

Second, it is a tremendous outreach program. We have a large number of children who bring their friends to our VBS. Looking at the yearly statistics, we usually have over 100 kids come to our program. These new kids will learn about God’s plan of salvation for everyone. Many will accept Jesus as their Savior. And we all know that if you reach the kids you have a way to reach the parents.

Third, we were able to raise money for special projects. In 2004, Melodee MacKinnon was visiting Africa and we were able to raise over $500 to sponsor African children. I’m sure there will be other projects that the kids would be interested in raising needed money for.

Are there enough interested adults able to run it? Again, looking at the past statistics, we have had over 37 people from our church that have helped with VBS in the past. I’m sure the new VBS Director would be able to find all the help needed.

There are evaluation sheets from past VBS that probably contain some suggestions. I’m sure there are problems to solve. What was once decided as best in past years may no longer be the best now. Should VBS be held right after school closes in June? In mid summer? Before school starts in August? The idea of an evening VBS has been suggested. Would THAT give us more workers? We need to find out.

My hope & prayer is that if YOU look at our needs for this program, you will prayerfully consider where you can serve. This will enable God to work through us to reach more people through VBS in 2006.

Looking Back..... and Looking Forward
By Pastor Tom Friedrichs

As I wind down my last weeks serving here at North Avenue Alliance Church I find myself looking back over the last 9 years. Everyone that ever enters church ministry comes in hoping to make a difference. We expect to be able to change a church for the better. How many of us take time to consider how the churches we serve change us. Looking back, there have been changes in me.

Nine years ago I was almost 25 pounds lighter and no grey hair. My burden was to see the church stop “doing church” and BE the Church and I desired to see young lives impacted for Christ. Five years of full-time ministry before coming to NAAC had convinced me I didn’t know it all but, I wavered between thinking I knew quite a bit and being devastated that I knew next to nothing. At that time my guitar playing and singing in public was minimal, I had two kids and no seminary training.

Many changes have occurred in nine years. But some things remain the same. I still have a heart for the church to BE the Church though I have learned much about the things one can change and the things that must be surrendered to the Lord. As I have changed and surrendered myself to the Lord He has used me to bring about some positive (and perhaps some not so positive) changes in this community of believers that I have grown to love as family.

Other than through my prayers, which you will remain in, my time to make a difference at NAAC has come to an end. Yours however, will continue. So please remember that, in the advisory words of an old Pastor friend to me, it isn’t YOUR church, it’s the LORDS. You can’t force it to change, grow, or improve but you can surrender it to HIM. The best way we do this is by surrendering ourselves to Him in obedience every step of the way.

The ironic thing is that when we all do that, then we ARE the church Being the Church.

Friends at North Avenue, please, BE the church.

Slide show script provided by Dynamic Drive