Newsletter of Hamilton Bible Fellowship
January 2007
“Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter all kinds of tests and trials . . . ,” James wrote at the beginning of his epistle. That certainly could have been the theme for HBFers in 2006. Here is a brief recounting of the “challenges” - a more inclusive term - for the experiences we faced this past year:
January: 2nd Annual HVAC Church People Swap Sunday (no snowstorm this year); Putter’s uncle Don Cox dies, prompting a quick trip to Florida to participate in the Memorial Service. Framing interior walls begins at the building; mahogany doors arrive (at Camp Fiver) and finishing process begins.
February: Putter helps Geoff and Lori begin finishing their basement in NJ; CCF worship team does Augusta Presbyterian Coffeehouse. Putter tells “His Story” on Sunday at HBF. Framing continues, electrical work begins at the building while doors continue be finished at Fiver.
March: Mini-Banquets allow HBFers to tell “Their Stories;” Ash Wednesday Service at First Baptist. Musicals: “Grease” at Clinton; “Kiss Me Kate” at Hamilton. Framing completed at the building; electrical work continues and insulation commences (Norm stays away for that . . .).
April: HBF Annual Meeting; CCF Softball (with a coed team) defeats a couple of fraternity teams (thanks to help from a few of Jeff Galletly’s football friends). HBF Good Friday Service and Dinner; Putter is the speaker at the Village Sunrise Service. Colgate Senior Sunday is the occasion for musical tributes to each graduate at HBF; CCF hosts Annual Picnic for area churches. Carol agrees to be a live donor for Dianne’s liver transplant, and gets things rolling for the procedure in Pittsburgh. Janet undergoes chemotherapy for reoccurrence of cancer. Work continues at the building.
May: Colgate sneaks another graduation ceremony outside (23 in a row) before the heavens open; HBF hosts picnic for our 5 graduates and their families the day before. Dianne has 2 liver transplants in 3 days, the second (from a cadaver) is successful! Electric, insulation, rough-in plumbing and heating (mostly) completed as installation of sheetrock begins at the building.
June: Dianne begins on the road to recovery in Pittsburgh; many of us gain a new appreciation for that city. Sarah Hubbard weds Bob(o) Cowherd in Albany. Lauren (Clinton) and Corey (Hamilton) graduate; two Syracuse Skychiefs Church Bulletin Nights. Sheetrock is completed, and many begin helping to apply sealer.
July: Jim’s aorta aneurism is discovered; he and Gaye still attend Jae & Jen Kitchen’s wedding in California, though most other activity (exercise) ceases. Wild Card “Music Sunday” produces some interesting versions of familiar tunes. Norm discovers fantastic deal on chairs from the Colgate Inn at salvage sale. Sheetrock sealing, ceiling painting, door hanging and installation of light fixtures continue at the building.
August: Jim has successful surgery (with no valve replacement needed!); Brian and Laura Howell’s twin girls born on the same day. VBS is again great. Dianne returns home! Tom and Martha visit; Nolens leave for Maryland for the fall. Septic tank, well water system, bathroom floors, lights/outlets/switches and some trim installed at the building. Final HBF Sunday Services at Park Methodist - we are there for exactly 3 years.
September: HBF meets at Camp Fiver Dining Hall for the first three Sundays; after securing a provisional certificate of occupancy from codes enforcement we meet for the first time in the building on the 24th! Family Weekend happens at University of Richmond with Nolens (the first) and Coxes (the last). Jean has successful eye surgery. Work continues at the building: stage built, exterior doors hung, trim installed and painted, bathroom counters and fixtures installed (plumbing holds!).
October: First service at the building with heat (everybody appreciates Jeff!); septic system and preliminary grading completed; work on exterior siding resumed. Linda is surprised at Camp Fiver for big birthday bash; many visitors at HBF the next morning (including Crazy George!). Mini-Banquets happen, extending into -
November: Putter does prayer at Hamilton Veterans’ Memorial dedication; 2nd Annual Young Life Dessert Night at First Baptist. Worship Space carpet is installed; exterior siding continues.
December: Candy directs HCS play “Done to Death” - it’s great! Student Dinner at Coxes’ with special guests Joe & Linda Evans; Joe (Jr.) plays piano at his last HBF service. Colgate Lessons & Carols; HBF Christmas Dinner is at Camp Fiver with excellent food (next year in the building). Shannon stays a few extra days to do the HBF play; Gaye again does an excellent job (influx of new kids helps!). Putter speaks at Christmas Mourning Service at First Baptist; HBF’s Christmas Eve Service is on Sunday morning this year. Dianne’s Dad (George) and Deb’s Mom (Ruby) suffer strokes. More siding, decorative windows and trim on gable end facing road installed (thanks to good weather). Greg begins work on drainage and road to the building. Nolens return in time for final HBF service of the year, seeing the building for the first time since August!
What a year! If all the above “challenges” (including many not mentioned) seem overwhelming, remember that James continues at the beginning of his epistle: “. . . knowing that the testing of your faith makes you stronger and more patient in it all.” These are certainly not all happy and easy developments. But we can be joyful in the journey, as we see what God builds into us through them. It’s good to look back, be grateful, take a breath - and expect more in the year to come!
NEWS, PRAYER AND COMING EVENTS:
Pray especially for Dianne Button’s Dad and Deb Pils’ Mom; also for Dianne, Jim, Janet and Jean. Pray for jobs for Geoff Cox and Joe Evans. Pray for Katy Fallows (Australia), Sarah Lee (France) and Meghan Schindler (England) who will be overseas this coming semester.
Church Unity Sunday is January 21st this year, and again the Hamilton Village Area Clergy are sponsoring a “people swap.” I suspect HBF will be a popular place to visit, as folks will want to see the building. Watch the next two Sundays for sign up.
January Birthdays: 4 Elizabeth Pils; 6 Ben Murray; 11 Charlie Cady; 15 Betty Jo Roby; 23 Barb Hipsley