From the Pastor

Rev. Christopher B. Wolf, Pastor of the First Reformed Church of Saddle Brook

This following is based on what I said at church on Sunday, June 2. I wanted all of you to hear it too. 

So yes, I turned 49 yesterday (June 1st) and I stand here very thankful to be the pastor here, to be your pastor. And I have to tell you that even at 49 and 17 years of ministry, I remain fired up about my mission. I continue to bring the hopeful, life-changing, loving message of the Gospel in this room and beyond; I continue to bring hope to despair, healing to hurt places, to speak life and restoration in the face of death and destruction; I continue to listen, care, reach and encourage; and I continue to make room for, and embrace, people who may not belong anywhere else, who are searching for God, and who need a second chance. Most importantly, know this - I'm not going to stop. I will not stop until the end. That's how passionately I feel about the mission; that's how passionate I am about this congregation and the community - all the people I am blessed to shepherd. God has been very good to me, He has strengthened, healed, lifted and carried me. God gets all the glory for all that I do.

Upcoming Scripture Readings and Sermon Topics

June 2 ~  Sermon: "Rising", Scripture: Acts 1:1-11

June 9 Pentecost ~ Sermon Series: "Holy Spirit, You Are Welcome Here",

Scripture: Acts 2:1-13

June 16 Father's Day ~ Sermon Series: "Holy Spirit, You Are Welcome Here - At Home With The Father", Scripture: John 14:15-28

June 23 ~ Sermon Series: "Holy Spirit, You Are Welcome Here - The Spirit of Truth", Scripture: John 16:4-15

June 30 ~ Sermon Series: "Holy Spirit, You Are Welcome Here - The Spirit of Life and Peace", Scripture: Romans 8:1-17

All upcoming scripture readings and sermon topics through June 2019 can also be viewed on the church website.

In this Month's Newsletter

Pentecost Sunday ~ Healing and Grace!

Sunday, June 9, 2019 at 10:30am

This Sunday (June 9th) is Pentecost and we will celebrate the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper. Pentecost is the date we celebrate the Birth of the Church.

In addition, there will be a part of the worship service called "A Time For Healing and Grace" during which people will be invited forward to prayer and the laying on of hands by the Pastor and Elders for healing from sickness, grief and loss; for forgiveness, help in relationships, and other needs. Please consider participating and inviting family, friends, neighbors and co-workers. 

Food Drive

Saturday, June 8th 11am-1pm

Fair Lawn Municipal Building 8-01 Fair Lawn Ave.

We are partnering with the Fair Lawn Human Services Department for a food drive to help the pantry. On Saturday, June 8th, from 11am to 1pm at the Fair Lawn Municipal Building, there will be a Galatic Food Drive with Star Wars characters on hand for greeting and photos. People are invited to bring food. The proceeds will benefit area pantries, including ours. Please come out and support. 

Pastor Sabbatical Holy Land Trip

The Consistory is pleased to announce that it has approved Pastor Christopher taking a sabbatical trip to Israel (including all the holy sites) later this year (October 28-Nov 8). The idea for the trip originated with John Plog through a dream, Scripture, and a desire to thank Pastor for his eight plus years of service here. While it was a surprise to Pastor Christopher, it was a very clearly answered prayer from God. 

The Consistory is encouraging and welcoming members and friends of the church to also say thank you by donating to help pay for the trip - approximately $4500 - and checks can be made payable to First Reformed Church of Saddle Brook (please note Pastor Israel Trip in the memo); or you can contribute online via a GoFundMe account - Pastor Christopher's Israel Trip. 

“We’re truly thankful for Pastor’s leadership and service. As he has grown, we’ve grown too. So our vision is that sending him to the Holy Land will inspire him and he will return to uplift the congregation and the community,” said Kevin Kooistra, Consistory Vice President.

And, as Pastor Christopher's ministry has led us to connect and care for the community, the vision for the trip is that it also engages the community. Residents and organizations from Saddle Brook will also be invited to support the trip. 

“Pastor Christopher Wolf is a spiritual leader who has dedicated himself, not only to his parishioners, but to all of the residents in our community. He has played a vital role in providing guidance during times of crisis,” said Mayor Robert White.

Finally, the church and community will be invited to participate in prayer, a send-off/blessing event, as well as a thanksgiving service upon his return. We know that this will be life-changing event for Pastor Christopher, and through his sharing, it will inspire the congregation and community.     

Sunday School Recap

The Sunday School completed another successful year for the 2018-2019 school year. The annual Children's Day celebration was held on Sunday, May 19th. During that service, the Sunday School presented what they learned throughout the year. We hope to see everyone again at Rally Day on Sunday, September 8th.

Vacation Bible School Update ~ June 2019

September 2019. If you are interested in registering your child, please click the button below to access our VBS page to register online or download a registration form. 

We also invite you to join us for a VBS Pre-Registration ice cream social/game night on Monday, July 15th at 7pm downstairs in the Van Wyk Fellowship Hall. This will be a wonderful opportunity for you to register your child for VBS and/or meet our dedicated VBS staff while having fun playing games.

Volunteers are still needed to assist in various areas, including decorating and setting up, crafts, snacks, games, and as classroom assistants. If you are interested in volunteering, you may sign up on the VBS page or hallway bulletin board, or speak with me anytime by calling the church office at 201-843-6672.

I hope you will all come aboard and join us for a fun-filled VBS as we learn how Jesus has rescued us! I encourage you all to share this VBS event with your friends and family. CLICK HERE to share our Facebook event. 

God's Blessings,

Thomas Van Winkle
2019 VBS Director

New Members' Class Forming

Are you interested in learning about becoming a member of First Reformed Church? Please let Pastor Christopher know you are interested in attending a new member class. The class is a three session, no obligation series of discussions that discuss faith journeys, theology and the mission and vision here. At the end of the sessions, participants are welcome to meet with the Elders to join the church. We are looking to conduct the sessions sometime this summer. 

Consistory Update

The Consistory provides and cares for several members going through difficult times. The church marched in the Saddle Brook Memorial Day Parade. The removal of the tree on Ackerman Avenue will happen this month. Also, construction of the "house" for the church bell will begin this month as well. The Consistory encourages members and friends to financially support the Pastor's trip to Israel. 

First Reformed Church of Saddle Brook at the Memorial Day Parade

(Image Source: Saddle Brook Township Facebook)

Clothing Drive

Are You In Need of Prayer?

"For my house will be called a house of prayer for all the peoples."  ~Isaiah 56:7

Church Calendar ~ June 2019

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

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