Our Pastor and His Family
On June 20, 2000, the Classis of Mid-Hudson approved the call of The Rev. Dr. Charles A. Wiessner.
Pastor Wiessner
"Pastor Chuck" (as he likes to be addressed) is a graduate of Western Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity in 1978 and Doctor of Ministry in 1988. When asked what his objectives are he wrote, "I have been given the ability to study and comprehend biblical studies and theology. My calling is to share with others the meaning and excitement I have found to be the fruit of such studies. My goal is to communicate this excitement through worship, preaching, teaching, pastoral relationships and writing."
Pastor Chuck's wife Colleen is a certified Christian Educator in the Reformed Church in America and is a doctoral student at Teachers College - Columbia University. She has recently completed her thesis defense and anticipates receiving her doctorate in adult education in July, 2001.
The Wiessners are the proud parents of two sons. Nat, who is 18, has entered college this fall and Ben, who is 14, has entered high school.
Nathaniel (Nat) & Benjamin (Ben)
Colleen & Pastor Chuck
A
MESSAGE FROM OUR PASTOR
From
September, 2001 "Family Times" (Our church newsletter)
One
of my favorite images for the church comes from a drawing in the Good News
version of the Bible. The simple
line drawing depicts people walking in a line.
Each person has a heavy looking sack or a jar that is slung over their
shoulder. The person behind them in
line has their hand outstretched, helping to lift the burden.
The drawing illustrated Galatians 6:2 “Help carry one another’s
burdens, and in this way you will obey the law of Christ.”
Most
of us have burdens of some sort. There
are several in our congregation who have lost jobs in the last few months, or
who think they might in the near future. Some of us have aging parents whose
health is declining. Others have
children facing difficulties. Some burdens are more visible than others are, but
each of us has a burden to carry. One
of the benefits of being part of a Christian fellowship is that we don’t have
to bear that burden alone. There
are others walking the same path with us.
I have seen and experienced our congregation bearing each other’s burdens. I have visited people in the hospital, and run into other church members seeing if they can help. I know of meals delivered to others, and of rides provided to help people get places. During the fellowship hour I over hear discussions beginning with, “How is your mother doing” or “How is your daughter?” This is an important part of what a church should be. Let us continue to help carry one another’s burdens, and thus fulfill Christ’s will.
Pastor Chuck