First Informed: The Good Newsletter February 2018 Edition The Official Newsletter of the First Reformed Church of Saddle Brook, NJ |
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From the Pastor ~ "A Rescue" Rev. Christopher B. Wolf, Pastor of the First Reformed Church of Saddle Brook |
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Whether we like to admit it or not, and we usually don't, we all need to be rescued. Some of us need to be rescued from financial problems, from toxic relationships, from soul-killing jobs, from our worst selves, from mental or physical health issues, from our destructive habits and addictions, from pride, self-sufficiency and anger, from our denial of needing a rescue, and from our sins, guilt and pasts. God knows that what we really need first is a spiritual rescue. First of course from our sins but if we trace and analyze the roots of all our other challenges and issues - the roots are spiritual. So in Jesus' time, when the people were thinking that the answer to all their problems - their rescue needed to be an overthrow of Roman oppression - God sends the Prince of Peace - His peace to them. Because an overthrow of sin and pride and despair would be far more liberating and life-giving than Rome being evicted from Palestine. And so today, there is no strategy, no plan, no system, not even steps that compare with the rescue God has provided - Jesus. Then and today, Jesus is the rescue and the answer. He himself is the rescue and peace - embracing Him. All the things we look to for a rescue - Powerball, relationships, another drink, popularity, new jobs, new city - all the things we think we make it all go away - will not get to the root. Listen, it's because the point is not to be richer or more successful or more loved as a way to achieve peace - God's point all along with us is that our relationship with Him through Jesus is the starting point and source of our joy, grace, and peace, then all the other things will be added. It's not about solving all our problems with cash and mantras - it's so that we can see and endure anything that happens in our lives and still say or sing, "It is well with my soul (because I am His and He is mine)." When you and I can more and more genuinely say and believe that no matter what the circumstance - that's abundant life, that's living rescued and forgiven, that's faith, that's the peace beyond understanding. Amen! |
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Visit with Pastor Christopher Pastor Christopher has two open visiting hours at the church each week - when members and people in the community are invited to stop by to talk and pray: Mondays 10am to 12pm and Thursdays 1pm to 3pm. Please feel welcome to call him there at 201-843-6672 during those hours and/or stop by and visit. In addition, you can always make an appointment with him when it is more convenient. You can also reach Pastor Christopher at the parsonage, 201-546-8307 or via email at cbrianwolf@gmail.com. Christopher's Chat Pastor Christopher does weekly messages entitled "Christopher's Chat". These messages offer encouragement and inspiration for those in need as well as a better understanding of his weekly sermon topics. All episodes of Christopher's Chat, our weekly worship services and other videos can be viewed on our YouTube channel - youtube.com/firstreformedsb1900. |
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Upcoming Scripture Readings and Sermon Topics - February 4 ~ Series: Church = Sacred ~ Scripture Readings: John 17:15-18 and 1 Peter 2:9
- February 11 ~ Series: Church = Mission; Scripture Readings: Matthew 25:31-46 and 2 Corinthians 5:18-6:11
- February 14 ~ Ash Wednesday ~ Scripture Readings: Ezekiel 9:4 and Job 42:5-6
- February 18 ~ Lenten Series: Journey to the Heart of God - Holiness; Scripture Reading: Isaiah 6:1-10
- February 25 ~ Lenten Series: Journey to the Heart of God - Justice; Scripture Readings: Amos 5:5-24 and Micah 6:8
All upcoming scripture reading and sermon topics for 2018 can be viewed on the church website. |
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Walk With Me Please listen to "Walk With Me", Pastor Christopher's radio show, on Wednesday nights from 7-8pm on YFN Radio. You can listen to his show on the Internet on www.yfnradio.com and www.tunein.com. |
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Valentine's Day Luncheon ~ Sunday, February 11th |
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Please join us for a time of food and fellowship at our annual Valentine's Day Luncheon on Sunday, February 11th immediately following the 10:30am worship service downstairs in the Van Wyk Fellowship Hall. We ask that you sign up ahead of time by clicking below so we can prepare enough food for everyone. | | |
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Ash Wednesday Service ~ Wednesday, February 14th |
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We invite you to join us as we mark the beginning of the Lenten season at our annual Ash Wednesday Service on Wednesday, February 14th at 7:30pm. |
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Planning for Vacation Bible School is now underway. The first meeting was held on January 19th in the Clements' Room. At that meeting, we chose "Shipwrecked" as this year's theme. VBS is TENTATIVELY scheduled for Monday, August 6th through Friday, August 10th from 9am-12pm each day. We are in need of leaders (station leaders and teachers) and volunteers in order to have a successful VBS. Please click the button below if you are interested in serving as a volunteer or leader. Please continue to pray for this ministry and all those who will be involved with VBS in 2018. If you have any questions, please speak with Thomas Van Winkle, VBS Director. | | |
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The annual Congregational meeting will be held this Sunday, February 4th immediately following our Worship Service. The 2018 budget is available on the back table for you to take home and review. The Congregational Report was emailed to all members on February 1st. A link to download the report is also included below: |
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We would like to congratulate Giovanna Sandstrom and Catherine Wasdyke on their installation and ordination as Elders on the Consistory. May God bless them and keep them in their ministries as Elders. |
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2018 Consistory and Ministry Leadership At the first Consistory meeting of 2018 on January 15th, the following leaders were elected or appointed: - Evelyn Leseberg - Vice President of Consistory
- Catherine Wasdyke - Consistory Clerk
- Robert Troyano - Treasurer
- Donna Arnone - Financial Secretary
- Herb Larsen - Chair of Buildings and Grounds Committee
- John Casbar - Chair of Finance Committee
- Giovanna Sandstrom - Chair of Education and Youth Committee
- Gale Hendrickson - Chair of Outreach and Missions Committee
- Mary Marino - Chair of Fellowship Committee
- Evelyn Leseberg - Chair of Worship Committee
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Man Up Man Up, First Reformed's men's ministry, met at the Saddle Brook Diner on January 13th in the Clements Room. The next meeting will be held on Monday, February 26th at 6pm at the Saddle Brook Diner. For more information about this ministry, CLICK HERE. |
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Coffee Hour We invite you to join us for a time of fellowship after worship each week. Please check the sign-up sheets on the bulletin board outside the upstairs kitchen for Sundays that are open to host. |
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We continue to accept bagged or boxed donations of clothing, shoes, accessories, bedding, linens, curtains and towels. All donations may be left outside Pastor Christopher's garage doors in the Ackerman Avenue parking lot anytime. |
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Are You In Need of Prayer? |
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Our vision is to be a powerful place of prayer for our congregation and community. We have a dedicated email address where you can send your prayer concerns ~ frcsbpraying4u@gmail.com. Also, we have a "live chat" button on our website where you can also send your prayer requests. We also have a prayer cloth ministry here at First Reformed. Prayer cloths (like the prayer cloth pictured to the right) are given out to those in need of physical and spiritual healing. For more information on this ministry, CLICK HERE. |
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"For my house will be called a house of prayer for all the peoples." ~Isaiah 56:7 |
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WorshipServe Schedule ~ February February 4 Greeters: Randy and Tina Homer Announcements: Kathleen Shanahan Liturgist: Robert Troyano Offering: Mario and Sarah Shehu, Randy and Tina Homer February 11 Greeters: Gale and Mel Hendrickson Announcements: Kimball Woelfel Liturgist: Jennifer Wolf Offering: Elaine Crisafulli, Paul Marino, PJ Marino, Thomas Wojcik February 18 Greeters: John and Linda Casbar Announcements: Lynne Van Wyk-Wojcik Liturgist: Frank Arnone Offering: Erwin Ocot, Darryl Ocot, Joseph Peluso, Kimball Woelfel February 25 Greeters: Dave Ludvik and Kevin Kooistra Announcements: Catherine Wasdyke Liturgist: Kimball Woelfel Offering: Mel Hendrickson, Herb Larsen, Joe Van Winkle, Michael Van Winkle |
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February Birthdays and Anniversaries We would like to wish the following a very blessed and happy birthday and anniversary: Birthdays February 3 ~ Justin Cali February 5 ~ Colton David Larsen February 14 ~ Kaytlin Arnone February 18 ~ Mary Marino February 19 ~ Ryan Cali February 21 ~ Rev. Peter Ford (Missionary) February 22 ~ Jennifer Wolf February 23 ~ Douglas Marren February 23 ~ Joshua Marren February 24 ~ Ryan Tensfeldt February 25 ~ Breanna Marino February 28 ~ Winifred Caputo Anniversaries No anniversaries this month "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~ Jeremiah 29:11 NIV |
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Church Calendar ~ February 2018 |
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