First Informed: The Good Newsletter September 2018 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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My brothers and sisters: Whether you attend regularly or it's been a while, I'm inviting you, starting September 9th (continuing on September 16, 23, 30) for a series and experience called "Welcome Home". It's based on stories in the Bible in which no matter how far, no matter what's happened, God makes a way and welcomes us home - as we are - in pieces, feeling down, curious, on the run - not to scold us, but to embrace us, and stitch us, families and more back together. Actually, in the middle of this series, September 16, is National Back to Church Sunday. Please start thinking about this now - attending and inviting people. |
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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 September 2 ~ Series: "In His Presence", Scripture Reading: Luke 19:1-10 September 9 ~ Rally Day ~ Series: "Welcome Home", Scripture Reading: Genesis 33:1-17 September 16 ~ National Back to Church Sunday ~ Series: "Welcome Home", Scripture Reading: Genesis 45:1-15 September 23 ~ Series: "Welcome Home", Scripture Reading: Luke 15:11-24 September 30 ~ Series: "Welcome Home", Scripture Readings: John 20:24-29, John 21:15-19
All upcoming scripture readings and sermon topics through September 2018 can be viewed on the church website.
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If you are on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) please check our church pages or Pastor Christopher's pages for content to share. You can help us extend our church's impact and reach by sharing. We are also only 22 likes away from reaching 500 on our Facebook page. Please help in our effort to communicate Christ to others. |
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CHRISTIAN EDUCATION RALLY DAY AND LUNCHEON Sunday, September 9th at 10:30am |
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Our Christian Education Sunday School program will begin a new school year on Rally Day, which is scheduled for Sunday, September 9th during the 10:30am worship service. We are offering classes for students entering pre-k through 8th grade in September 2018. To register your child, CLICK HERE. |
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On Rally Day, the students will be dismissed during the worship service to meet their classmates and teachers. A luncheon will follow the service downstairs in the Van Wyk Fellowship Hall. Burgers and hot dogs will be served. Donations of salads and desserts are needed. We kindly request all those planning on attending the luncheon to sign up ahead of time on our online sign-up form or on the hallway bulletin board. Classes will begin meeting weekly at 9am starting on Sunday, September 16th. The Adult Bible Study will also be meeting weekly at that time. |
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Sunday School Facebook Group |
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We have created a new Facebook group for everyone involved with Sunday School. If you wish to be a member, simply click the button below to visit our Facebook group and request to join. |
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This Facebook group will keep everyone informed of the latest news with Sunday School. |
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Pizza/Youth Game Night Friday, September 14th at 7pm in the Van Wyk Fellowship Hall |
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We are planning a fun-filled game night here at First Reformed Church on Friday, September 14th at 7pm downstairs in the Van Wyk Fellowship Hall. Pizza and other refreshments will be served! We invite you to bring your favorite games from home to share with us. |
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We ask, if possible, that you sign up ahead of time by clicking the button below. This sign-up sheet will help us get a better idea of head count to order enough pizza for everyone. For more information, please call our church office at 201-843-6672 or visit firstreformedsaddlebrook.com. We hope you and your kids can join us for a fun-filled night of games and fellowship! |
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End of Summer Reading Challenge |
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Round out your summer by reading The Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis. There are seven books. They are relatively quick reads and carry a Christian theme of salvation. We are hoping to develop a multi-generational discussion group for the series. We will begin in September, dates/times TBD. There will be a sign-up sheet to keep readers informed. Please speak with Pastor Christopher or Kathleen Shanahan for more information. |
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National Back to Church Sunday Sunday, September 16th at 10:30am |
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We are pleased to announce that we are participating in National Back To Church Sunday on September 16th at our 10:30am worship service. Back to Church Sunday is a yearly outreach effort that started in 2009 that encourages churches to welcome family, friends and neighbors back to church. We encourage you to invite others to join us in this national movement. All are welcome here at the First Reformed Church of Saddle Brook - whether it's your first time or it's been a long time :) |
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Vacation Bible School Recap |
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This year's Shipwrecked VBS was a huge success. We had 20 kids who learned that Jesus rescues us through every storm of life - whether we're lonely, struggling, feeling powerless, worrying, and/or have done wrong. Jesus rescues! |
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We would like to thank all the wonderful teachers, leaders, and volunteers who faithfully dedicated themselves to leading these children down the Christian path. We hope you will join us for another exciting year of VBS in 2019! |
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Consistory continues to care for and support members in need. It is also prayerfully considering candidates for Elder and Deacon for 2019. |
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Man Up Man Up, First Reformed's men's ministry, met at Johnny and Hanges in Fair Lawn on August 23rd. The next gathering will be held on Thursday, September 20th 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. 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 had a pick-up for our clothing drive on August 14th. We earned nearly $800 for this pick-up, which will go towards our ministries. The clothing drive donations that were picked up will go to people in need. We thank all of you for your support in our year-round clothing drive. |
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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 ~ September September 2 Greeters: Mary Marino and Carol Martin Announcements: David Dapcic Liturgist: Sherry Dapcic Offering: Kevin Kooistra, Herb Larsen, Paul Marino, Ross Palino September 9 Greeters: Gloria Blauner and Evelyn Leseberg Announcements: Julie Kooistra Liturgist: Martin Ferullo Offering: John and Linda Casbar, Sherry Dapcic, Brad Stankiewicz September 16 Greeters: Nolan Shanahan and Thomas Wojcik Announcements: Catherine Wasdyke Liturgist: Maya Marren Offering: The Marrens September 23 Greeters: Ross and Roberta Palino Announcements: Danielle Brunner Liturgist: Kathy Alia Offering: The Ocots September 30 Greeters: Teresa and Justin Cali Announcements: Teresa Cali Liturgist: Evelyn Leseberg Offering: Christian Education Students |
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September Birthdays and Anniversaries We would like to wish the following a very blessed and happy birthday and anniversary: Birthdays September 4 ~ Kathryn Slattery September 5 ~ Ellen Plog September 7 ~ Donna Quatrone September 11 ~ Nolan Shanahan September 12 ~ Lisa Larsen September 12 ~ Erwin Ocot September 18 ~ Teresa Cali September 20 ~ Johanna Bekas September 23 ~ Linda Casbar September 23 ~ Daryl Ocot September 23 ~ Stan Shoeman September 25 ~ Howard Van Wyk September 26 ~ Danielle Festa September 29 ~ Robert Troyano September 30 ~ Brianna Sandstrom Anniversaries September 2 ~ Frank and Donna Arnone September 14 ~ Maya and Douglas Marren September 16 ~ Harold and Karen Van Winkle September 30 ~ Nicholas and Sara Paccone "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 ~ September 2018 |
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