First Informed: The Good Newsletter January 2019 Edition The Official Newsletter of the First Reformed Church of Saddle Brook, NJ |
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From the Pastor Rev. Christopher B. Wolf, Pastor of the First Reformed Church of Saddle Brook |
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Is 2019 the year? The year we...forgive; heal; rejoice; break through; come back to God; get clean or sober; let go of fears or the past; embrace God doing something new; start over; overcome; trust; and find truth? I'm praying and rooting for you! And as a church, I believe 2019 is the year God is calling us to take a stand, to raise the a standard - for Christ; for prayer, hope and compassion; for the hurting and for young people; to stand against hunger, mental illness, and more. Let us be people of God who will stand in the gap (Ezekiel 33:22) and "fear the name of the Lord...the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard (banner) against him (the enemy) (Isaiah 59:19)." As we go forth together, let us pray and trust as God equips, guides and opens doors for this calling. Remember that with God, nothing is impossible. Happy New Year! |
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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 January 6 ~ Epiphany and Communion Sermon: "Lift Up Your Eyes" Scripture: Isaiah 60:1-7 January 13 ~ Installation of Elders and Deacons Series: "How May I Serve You?" Scripture: 1 Peter 2:1-10 January 20 ~ Series: "How May I Serve You?", Scripture: Philippians 2:1-18 January 27 ~ Series: "How May I Serve You?" Scripture: James 2:14-26 All upcoming scripture readings and sermon topics through January 2019 can also be viewed on the church website.
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The Sunday School performed "Footprints to the Manger" for their annual Christmas play on Sunday, December 9th. The Vespers Dinner, a time of food and fellowship, immediately followed the play. Santa Claus also took the time to visit us from the North Pole! Sunday School and Adult Bible classes will resume on Sunday, January 6th at 9am. |
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Church Bell Restoration Project Update |
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As of the publication of this month's newsletter, the bell is still being worked on at Coastal Clock and Chime Co. in Cinnaminson, NJ. The original wooden bell shelter has now been demolished. The new bell shelter will be placed where the original bell shelter stood. |
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The 2019 Consistory will meet for the first time on Monday, January 14th (Elders at 7pm and full Consistory at 7:30pm). New and experienced members will start and new officers and ministry chairs will be appointed. It is an exciting time. Please pray for our church leadership. |
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Man Up Man Up, First Reformed's men's ministry, met on December 19th at the Saddle Brook Diner. The next gathering will be held on Thursday, January 24th at 6:30pm at the Saddle Brook Diner. For more information about our Man Up men's ministry, CLICK HERE. |
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Coffee Hour We invite you to join us for a time of fellowship after worship each week. We now have a sign-up sheet posted for the beginning of 2019. 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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Our continuing clothing drive will accept bagged donations of clothing, clothing accessories, shoes, bedding, household linens and towels, handbags, wallets, jewelry, and backpacks. All items must be of usable quality. We cannot accept toys, stuffed animals, books, cookware, dishes, curtains, pillows, breakable items or furniture. All donations can be left outside Pastor's garage doors. |
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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 ~ January January 6 Greeters: Mary and Breanna Marino Announcements: Kevin Kooistra Liturgist: Kathy Alia Offering: Alex Kooistra, Paul and PJ Marino, John Plog January 13 Greeters: Kevin Kooistra and Dave Ludvik Announcements: Giovanna Sandstrom Liturgist: Dom Pallottie Offering: Frank Arnone, Elaine Crisafulli, Linda Hendrickson, Herb Larsen January 20 Greeters: Sherry and David Dapcic Announcements: Jennifer Wolf Liturgist: Brianna Sandstrom Offering: Martin Ferullo, Alex Kooistra, John Lamond, Rich Stasion January 27 Greeters: Brian Bailey and Dave Ludvik Announcements: Kathy Alia Liturgist: Debbie Peluso Offering: Frank Arnone, Linda Casbar, Ross Palino, Brad Stankiewicz |
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January Birthdays and Anniversaries We would like to wish the following a very blessed and happy birthday and anniversary: Birthdays January 3 ~ Thomas Van Winkle January 4 ~ Frank Arnone January 4 ~ Angelina Young January 6 ~ Cole Alia January 6 ~ Matthew Alia January 6 ~ Francesco Peluso January 8 ~ Melvin Hendrickson January 9 ~ Joan Lamond January 10 ~ Dorothy Bailey January 14 ~ David Ludvik January 16 ~ Brenna Festa January 17 ~ Elizabeth Bailey January 22 ~ Alberta Lavelle January 27 ~ Paul Cali Anniversaries January 29 ~ Andrew and Lisa Larsen "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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January 6 ~ Epiphany/Communion January 13 ~ Installation of Elders and Deacons February 17 ~ Congregational Business Meeting March 6 ~ Ash Wednesday March 10 ~ First Sunday in Lent/Communion April 14 ~ Palm Sunday April 18 ~ Maundy Thursday Communion Service April 19 ~ Good Friday Tenebrae Service April 21 ~ Easter May 19 ~ Children's Day May 26 ~ Saddle Brook Memorial Day Parade June 9 ~ Pentecost Sunday/Communion August 5-9 ~ Vacation Bible School August 11 ~ Communion September 8 ~ Rally Day October 6 ~ World Wide Communion/Confirmation Sunday November 3 ~ All Saints' Remembrance Service November 17 ~ Fall Congregational Meeting November 27 ~ Thanksgiving Eve Service December 1 ~ First Sunday of Advent/Communion December 8 ~ Vespers December 24 ~ Christmas Eve Service |
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Church Calendar ~ January 2019 |
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