Community Reformed Church
701 Sand Creek Road Colonie New York
518-869-5589
In-Person and Zoom Worship 10AM
Reverend Bob Hoffman - Interim Pastor
The Community Reformed Church of Colonie welcomes you. We are a community bound together and energized by faith, love, and commitment to Jesus Christ. And even though you may not yet share that faith, love, and commitment, you are most welcome to be with us, to belong here, to experience what we're about. Then, if you are attracted and persuaded by what you see and hear, we hope you'll want to set down roots here long-term. And even if you don't, you'll always be a friend.
Feed My Sheep
by Nicolette Peñaranda
Inspired by John 21:1-19
Yarn and paper collage on canvas
Feed My Sheep holds a special place in my heart as it is inspired by
the text a dear friend of mine used for their ordination. This piece
reminds me of their long and complicated journey that led them to
the priesthood, much like Peter. As a mixed media artist, I wanted to
try something I’ve never done before—perhaps the silliest decision
someone with a deadline could make.
This entire piece15 (with the exception of the three hearts) is made of
yarn. For some reason, the feeling of a sheep’s wool kept sticking out
to me everytime I read this text. We refer to Jesus as both el Cordero de
Dios16 and the shepherd. So why not lean into sheep imagery? I thought
the piece would be more vibrant for Easter in contrast to the pieces I
created for Lent. This would really take viewers on a spiritual journey
while studying Peter.
This post-resurrection story concludes the wandering for Peter so the
subject of this piece sits in front of the Adinkra symbol, Nkyinkyim,
17
for life’s twisted journey. We have seen the ins and outs of his ministry
as he accompanies Jesus, which brings us to this dialogue between the
two. Peter is asked three times if he loves Jesus, which to all he replies
in the affirmative. In this piece, the two of them are portrayed as sheep,
Peter being at the right hand of Jesus. The sheep are branded with
Agyinduwura18 at the center of their chests. They carry with them a
symbol of loyalty and faithfulness. They are loyal to Jesus, faithful to the promise of salvation, and accepting of their
duty to carry the Good News with them to the people of Christ. The face of each sheep is the symbol Kokuromotie19
to represent cooperation and harmony. Jesus asking Peter to feed his sheep demonstrates the faith that Jesus has
in Peter to do this work. This value of cooperation is also present in the Mpatapo-shaped20 flowers in the field. They
are symbols of peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Remember, Peter denied his relationship with Jesus several
times before Jesus was executed. Above the sheep sits Kojo Baiden.
21 God has traditionally been represented as the
sun in various cultures, which brings us to this omnipresent symbol operating as such in this piece. And to the left
we see Akoma,
22 or hearts. While we interpret the heart as love, it is also a symbol for endurance and patience. Peter
gets to this point by maintaining goodwill and faith in the message of Jesus. He stumbled through the journey and
at times caused more harm than good, but Christ was also patient with him.
Here’s my heart. Here are the things I care about so deeply. And you—someone who makes mistakes, doesn’t follow
directions, and sometimes even betrays me—you are so loved and trusted enough to keep this good work going even
after I’m gone.
This is a message to all of us. It doesn’t matter how poorly you may think of yourself or how others may view you.
To Christ, you are beautifully and fearfully made. And Christ believes in you in spite of it all.
—Rev. Nicolette Peñaranda
15 The original is a 24” x 48” canvas.
16 Spanish for “Lamb of God.”
17 View the symbol and learn more about it here: adinkrasymbols.org/symbols/nkyinkyim/
18 View the symbol and learn more about it here: adinkrasymbols.org/symbols/agyindawuru/
19 View the symbol and learn more about it here: adinkrasymbols.org/symbols/kokuromotie/
20 View the symbol and learn more about it here: adinkrasymbols.org/symbols/mpatapo/
21 Also known as Abode Santann. Learn more here: adinkrasymbols.org/symbols/abode-santann/
22 View the symbol and learn more about it here: adinkrasymbols.org/symbols/akoma/
Programs are slowly restarting in a variety of ways. Please contact the church for information regarding your specific area of interest.
Indoor worship with
Zoom Live-streaming
10AM
Sunday Bulletin found Here!
Weekly Announcements
Church Bulletin Board!
Community Reformed is a barrier-free facility.
Large print bulletins are available.
Building and Grounds Tasks
***Spring Clean-Up Day is April 13th!***
Below are ongoing needs.
Each requires around 2 volunteer hours a week:
*Mowing/trimming lawn
*Maintaining Garden Beds
*Cleaning Sanctuary
*Setting up Sanctuary for Worship
Interested? Questions? Contact Kevin Ingalls or Lori Cote in the church office, [email protected].
Getting to know us:
Colonie Community Day Care
Colonie Community Day Care
has reopened
in accordance with New York Covid-19 Guidelines.
Call 518-869-0131
The Colonie Community Day Care Center is a private, not-for-profit organization under the auspices of the Community Reformed Church. The Day Care Center, founded in 1975, is licensed by the New York State Department of Social Services. The hours are from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday. The center is open all year.
Al-Anon
Meeting every Friday from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm, Meetings are currently being held virtually.
Al-Anon is for anyone who has been affected by alcoholism. If you are concerned about someone else's drinking, the Al-Anon program can offer help.
Al-Anon began over 50 years ago as "family groups," attended by the families of alcoholics who found sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous. Today, Al-Anon/Alateen members are finding serenity and help in our program, whether the alcoholic is still drinking or not. Recovery in Al-Anon is based on the Twelve Steps (adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous).
When our worship is over, our service begins.
Missions
Throughout the year, we work with numerous agencies and organizations throughout the Capital District and beyond. The Schulyer Inn Shelter, Colonie Outreach Center, Albany Overflow Shelter, Things of My Very Own, and Reformed Church World Service are just a few organizations that we support.
Gallery
For where two or three are gathered in my name,
I am there among them.
Matthew 18:20