The “Hatty” is a construction worker’s hardhat because the work of congregational health and transformation takes effort and involves a degree of risk.  This hat is for those who are personally involved in the process of following Christ’s call as it is lived out in their community.  The Amsterdam congregation exemplifies the spirit of grit and courage that this award represents.

Though God had seen congregation through the crisis of the fire, the congregation knows there is more to being the church than just having a building. Two years ago the congregation had a choice to fade away or to take a chance believing that God was not quite done with their ministry. Instead of seeking a part-time pastor they committed their resources on a three-year designated pastorate with the Rev. Roland “Mac” MacDonald who would lead them in an intentional process of transformation. Under Mac’s guidance the congregation formed a Transformation Team from its dedicated membership.  The team has met regularly and has been visiting vital churches throughout the presbytery gleaning ideas as it was seeking what God was calling them to be and do.

The Transformation Team has felt led to start a second worship service reflecting the tastes of the emerging culture to complement their traditional service.  They have already installed shading on their windows so that the projection can better be seen. They have begun to seek and develop their own worship band by reaching out into the community around them.

Along with their revived sense of worship, the Transformation team has been embracing a new welcoming and hospitality ministry so that all who come to their worship experiences are greeted in the parking lot, assisted when they walk through the church doors, and made to feel that this could be their next church home.

The Team has also begun to develop an area-wide ministry to junior and senior high youth. Hopefully, these youth will assist the church as it continues to move into the technological future.

Last, but not least, Amsterdam United has also begun a small group ministry and is in the process of training leaders to continue to grow the number and impact of these groups in the lives of its members and friends.

All these efforts speak to United Amsterdam’s faithfulness to Jesus Christ and its experience of ecclesiastical repentance.  As the psalmist sang “Come and see what God has done,” (66:5), we rejoice in what God is doing among you today. It is a great honor for Albany Presbytery to present you with the Golden Hat Award.

                                                                        Grace and peace,

                                                                        Timothy Coombs