First Informed: The Good Newsletter April 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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When we think of peace - we usually think of discovering or finding it; or creating it for ourselves through things, even though temporary, such as drugs, alcohol, food and other escapes. We're often trying to make or add peace to our lives. And yet, for all our efforts, so many of us still experience such turmoil and anxiety and conflict. When we look to the cross, we find good news. The cross reveals that, in fact, peace is not something that we add to our lives...peace comes through subtraction. At the cross, Jesus through his shed blood, achieves peace and reconciliation for us with God by paying for our sins. The cross shows that in order to be reconciled and have peace with God, something - namely our sins, has to die. Likewise in ourselves and in our relationships - instead of thinking "more" or "better" or "finding peace" - pride, greed, agendas, warped desires - all have to die if we are to experience peace. Peace with God, with others, and within ourselves is not found in addition; it's comes through subtraction. In this season of Lent, let us reflect on how much we yearn for peace; how we need forgiveness for all the sinful ways we have sought it; and how we must subtract or put to death at the cross, those things that separate us from God, from others, and from the peace "that surpasses all understanding" in our daily lives. (Summary of March 17th - It Causes Me To Tremble). |
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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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Upcoming Scripture Readings and Sermon Topics April 7 ~ Lenten Series: "It Causes Me To Tremble", Scripture: Matthew 16:24-26 April 14 Palm Sunday ~ Sermon: "Cheers and Tears", Scripture: Luke 19:28-44 April 18 Maundy Thursday ~ Sermon: "Until We Meet Again", Scripture: Luke 22:7-20 April 19 Good Friday ~ Sermon: "He Breathed His Last", Scripture: Luke 23:44-49 April 21 Easter ~ Sermon: "Remembering His Words", Scripture: Luke 24:1-12 April 28 ~ Sermon: "Hearts On Fire", Scripture: Luke 24:13-35
All upcoming scripture readings and sermon topics through April 2019 can also be viewed on the church website.
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We invite you to join us for our Holy Week services as we remember the events that led up to the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Please check out our schedule of Holy Week services below. |
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PALM SUNDAY Sunday, April 14th at 10:30am Please join us for our Palm Sunday as we commemorate Jesus Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The Sunday School will be participating in their annual Palm Processional at the beginning of the worship service. A breakfast will follow the service downstairs in the Van Wyk Fellowship Hall (more info below Easter Sunday service information). | | |
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MAUNDY THURSDAY COMMUNION Thursday, April 18th at 7:30pm We invite you to come around the table at our Maundy Thursday Communion Service upstairs in the Overflow Room (rear of Sanctuary) as we commemorate the Last Supper and the Washing of the Feet. | | |
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GOOD FRIDAY TENEBRAE SERVICE Friday, April 19th at 7:30pm We invite you to complete the journey to the cross at our Good Friday Tenebrae service. Scripture readings from Luke 23, reflection, singing, diminishing lights. | | |
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Easter Sunday Service ~ Sunday, April 21st at 10:30am |
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We invite all to join us as we remember the Resurrection of Jesus Christ at our Easter Sunday service on April 21st at 10:30am. Whether it's your first time or it's been a long time ~ you will be welcome here :) |
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Please join us for our Palm Sunday breakfast following worship on Sunday, April 14th downstairs in the Van Wyk Fellowship Hall. Donations of bagels, muffins and fruit are needed. |
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If you plan on attending, please sign up by clicking below so we can prepare enough food for everyone. |
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Planning is still underway for our 2019 Vacation Bible School program. VBS will run from Monday, August 5th through Friday, August 9th from 9am-12pm each day with a closing program at 11am. We are in still need of many volunteers to ensure a successful and blessed VBS |
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program this August. If you feel led spiritually to volunteer, please click the button below to fill out the online form or sign up on the hallway bulletin board. I look forward to seeing you all at our VBS in August! God's Blessings,
Thomas Van Winkle
2019 VBS Director
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A Communion of Love and Remembrance |
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Life is a lot like communion, right? There's revelation and salvation in the breaking. Pouring out leads to forgiveness and satisfaction. Some of the best moments of life happen when gathered around a table. We see that remembrance has the power to eclipse grief, loss and separation. Often, it's the basic things that lead us to see the bigger picture. We learn that true love requires sacrifice - brokenness and blood. It's not just in our heads; it's all the senses, as well as heart and soul. When we pause and focus, we discover the sacred. This wonderful dance of grief, love, truth, memory, joy, separation, reunion, gratitude, and awe. There's no substitute for being in the room - presence. Life, faith, everything is better when shared. Holiness isn't complicated - obedience, bread, and cup. Those moments when we realize how loved we are (that He would die for us). When we realize what, or rather, for whom we should live our lives - as a "thank you." It feels so good to be invited. That we need nourishment and healing beyond food and medicine. Through Him, With Him, In Him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit. Amen. By Pastor Christopher |
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Consistory continues to support, care and provide for members during difficult times. New outreach plans are being developed and the committee will meet soon. Plans for the new bell housing are ongoing. The church has been blessed with many visitors during the first part of this year. The church's financial health is good through the first quarter. |
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Man Up Man Up, First Reformed's men's ministry, met on March 28th at the Dutch House Tavern in Fair Lawn. The next gathering will be held on Tuesday, April 23rd 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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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 ~ April April 7 Greeters: Teresa and Justin Cali Announcements: Teresa Cali Liturgist: Evelyn Leseberg Offering: Christian Education Students April 14 Palm Sunday Greeters: John and Haley Larsen Announcements: Martin Ferullo Liturgist: Kimball Woelfel Offering: Tony Alia, John Plog, Rich Stasion, Chris Winnie April 21 Easter Greeters: Elders Announcements: Kevin Kooistra Liturgist: Alex Kooistra Offering: The Chinchars April 28 Greeters: Christian Education Students Announcements: Frank Arnone Liturgist: Jen Wolf Offering: Christian Education Students |
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April Birthdays and Anniversaries We would like to wish the following a very blessed and happy birthday and anniversary: Birthdays April 4 ~ Brian Wolf April 13 ~ Alexis Chinchar April 14 ~ Thomas Wojcik April 16 ~ Emily Cruz April 16 ~ Diandra Ocot April 21 ~ Julie Kooistra April 24 ~ Herbert Larsen April 24 ~ Catherine Wasdyke April 25 ~ Audrey Stasion April 26 ~ Sara Paccone April 28 ~ Joseph Marren April 30 ~ Evelyn Leseberg Anniversaries April 4 ~ Ebele and Joyce Bruining April 14 ~ John and Linda Casbar "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 ~ April 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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