First Informed: The Good Newsletter December 2019 Edition The Official Newsletter of the First Reformed Church of Saddle Brook, NJ |
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From the Pastor ~ "A Prayer For People in Difficult Times" Rev. Christopher B. Wolf, Pastor of the First Reformed Church of Saddle Brook |
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O Lord, still somehow hear my praise, because I have no words. Be my light in this darkness. Lift my empty hands to reach out to others in need. Graciously rain down on this wasteland. Be a strong breeze; I'm stuck. Be the merciful sunrise after the longest night. Keep finding and forgiving this distracted, ungrateful heart. Stay awake with me when I can't sleep. Come close and whisper the truth; these lies are dreadful. Know, understand and heal these wounds and bruises. Carry me when my strength is gone. Touch and awaken my soul like a beautiful, remembered dream. Only you can teach me how to live and rejoice again. This ragged, tattered, faded faith is still here. 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. |
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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 - firstreformedsb1900. |
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In this Month's Newsletter |
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- Annual Christmas Play 2019
- Invitation to Sing Hallelujah Chorus
- Calling All Carolers!!!
- Christmas Eve Service
- Saddle Brook Pastor Returns Inspired from 'Powerful' Trip to Israel
- Consistory Update
- Man Up Men's Ministry
- Coffee Hour
- Clothing Drive
- Prayer Cloth Ministry
- WorshipServe Schedule
- Upcoming Birthdays and Anniversaries
- Church Calendar December 2019
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Annual Christmas Play 2019 |
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On Sunday, December 8th, the Sunday School put on their annual Christmas play for the congregation, family and friends. They presented the story of the Nativity and the Birth of Jesus Christ. This year, the play and Vespers Dinner was held immediately following the |
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worship service in the afternoon. All students did a phenomenal job in telling this Christmas story! A special thank you to Frank Arnone, Sunday School Superintendent, and all the Christian Education Teachers and play directors for their coordination with this program. Special thanks to John and Ellen Plog for their work and dedication in designing this year's set. Also, a special thanks to all those on the Fellowship Committee who put this dinner together. Also, Santa Claus visited us from the North Pole! Click the button below to view more photos on our Facebook page. |
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Invitation to Sing Hallelujah Chorus Sunday, December 15th during Worship |
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Please join us in our annual tradition of singing G.F. Handel's Hallelujah Chorus at the Third Sunday of Advent this Sunday, December 15th during our 10:30am worship service. |
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Calling All Carolers to our Christmas Caroling Event!!! Sunday, December 22nd at 5pm |
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We invite everyone from our congregation and community to go Caroling! Take an hour break from the gift wrapping, football games and preparation for Christmas. Let's spread the Joy of Christmas throughout the neighborhood around the church. After caroling, come back for Hot Chocolate and Cookies! Donations of cookies or other desserts are welcome and appreciated. Come in your favorite Christmas Hat and Gloves! Feel free to invite your family and friends. Parents and grandparents - feel free to bring the kids for a great family time and great memories. Let's spread the Light of Christmas around the neighborhood. Snow or shine! |
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Christmas Eve Service Tuesday, December 24th at 5:30pm |
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We invite you to join us on Christmas Eve - Carols, THE Story, Joy, Wonder, and more. You will be welcomed like it’s a homecoming. "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord." (Luke 2:11 NIV) |
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Saddle Brook Pastor Returns Inspired from "Powerful" Trip to Israel |
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SADDLE BROOK - In recognition of nearly a decade of service, members of the First Reformed Church of Saddle Brook as well many people in the community sent its pastor Rev. Christopher B. Wolf to Israel in early November on a Holy Land pilgrimage to inspire, renew and thank him. According to Rev. Wolf, the trip accomplished its purpose - inspiring and renewing his ministry and spiritual growth. He said visits to the Garden of Gethsemane, Capernaum, the Sea of Galilee, and the The World Holocaust Remembrance Center in Jerusalem moved and touched him in life-changing ways. "This powerful mix of lament, joy, yearning, peace and home - I had never experienced anything like it in ministry and life," said Rev. Wolf about his experience at the Kotel or Wailing Wall in Jerusalem (pictured above). Rev. Wolf looks forward to sharing his insights and experiences in the coming months with the congregation and community. "Especially after visiting Capernaum and the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus started his ministry, I was so vividly reminded of why the work we do is so needed and important - communicating about salvation and reconciliation, healing, feeding people, being people of grace, hope, justice and prayer," said Rev. Wolf. Helping people heal and grow in faith, and leading churches to connect with and serve their communities have always been the cornerstones of Rev. Wolf's ministry. Returning from the trip, he is even more committed to and focused on his mission. "This trip, for which I am so thankful, has only sharpened and intensified my passion and calling to serve Christ and people." "We talk about walking in Jesus footsteps as disciples - now I have literally walked and followed his steps. I believe it marks a turning point for my faith and ministry," Rev. Wolf said. For more information, visit with Rev. Wolf on his Facebook and Instagram accounts on which he posted updates, pictures and stories from his journey. |
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The Consistory has been working hard to care for and provide for families and individuals in need. It would like to thank Deacons Herb Larsen and Elaine Crisafulli for their faithful service. Michael Coleman and Mary Marino have been nominated for the office of Deacon. As per the Reformed Church in America Book of Church Order, their names will be printed in our weekly bulletins for three weeks. The Outeach team is planning for some new ministry in 2020. Despite several needed buildings and grounds expeditures, the financial position of the church is healthy - the Consistory is thankful to members for their generous giving and encourages them to continue in 2020 to enable the important ministries of the church. The Consistory approved a new refrigerator for the parsonage recently as the old one was having trouble keeping food fresh for a while. The Consistory approved catering for this year's Vesper Play and Dinner on December 8th. |
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Man Up Man Up, First Reformed's men's ministry, will hold its next gathering will be held on Thursday, December 19th at 6:30pm at the Saddle Brook Diner. |
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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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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. |
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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 ~ December DECEMBER 1ST Greeters: Christian Education Students Bell Ringer(s): Giovanna Gentile and Brianna Sandstrom Announcements: Frank Arnone Liturgist: Christian Education Students Offering: Christian Education Students DECEMBER 8TH Greeters: Ryan and Justin Cali Bell Ringer(s): Evelyn & Angelina Young Announcements: Frank Arnone Liturgist: David Dapcic Offering: The Calis DECEMBER 15TH Greeters: Evelyn and Angelina Young Bell Ringer(s): Joe Van Winkle Announcements: Lynne Van Wyk-Wojcik Liturgist: Kevin Kooistra Offering: Gloria Blauner, Mel Hendrickson, Herb Larsen, Rich Stasion DECEMBER 22ND Greeters: Elders Bell Ringer(s): Lynne Van Wyk-Wojcik Announcements: Sherry Dapcic Liturgist: Brooke Chinchar Offering: Donna Arnone, Debbie Brunner, Evelyn Leseberg, Debbie Peluso DECEMBER 24TH - CHRISTMAS EVE Bell Ringers: The Coleman Family DECEMBER 29TH Greeters: Deacons Bell Ringer(s): Kimball, Colin and Amelia Woelfel Announcements: Kathy Alia Liturgist: Lynne Van Wyk-Wojcik Offering: Deacons |
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December Birthdays and Anniversaries We would like to wish the following a very blessed and happy birthday and anniversary: Birthdays December 4 ~ Susan Tensfeldt December 6 ~ Brian Bailey December 7 ~ Nicholas Palino December 9 ~ Gale Hendrickson December 9 ~ John Tensfeldt December 17 ~ Joseph Peluso December 21 ~ Howard Gunter December 22 ~ Ann Ocot December 26 ~ Marilyn Johnson December 30 ~ Kevin Kooistra December 31 ~ Jessica Garretson Anniversaries December 2 ~ Vincent & Donna Quatrone December 14 ~ Andrew & Cathie Alia December 29 ~ Elizabeth & Thomas Bailey "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 ~ December 2019 |
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First Reformed Church of Saddle Brook 5 Ackerman Avenue Saddle Brook, New Jersey 07663 Worship ~ 10:30am Sunday School and Adult Bible Classes ~ 9am (September-June) Email: freformchurch@optonline.net Pastor: Rev. Christopher B. Wolf Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/firstreformedsaddlebrook Follow us on Twitter @firstreformedsb Follow us on Instagram ~ "reformedsbnj" |
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