First Informed: The Good Newsletter

December 2018 Edition

 

The Official Newsletter of the

First Reformed  Church of Saddle Brook, NJ

From the Pastor

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

You know I often reflect on the things I say in posts, sermons and conversations. I think, "I can't believe I said that." Things like, "We will not let the darkness win" and "People who are grieving will rejoice again" and "Hope overcomes despair" and "As far away as we go from God, it's always just one step back in our hearts" and “Healing and restoration begin at our broken places” and more.

 

Now I may be saying it, but of course it all comes from the Bible - all this love, grace and hope. But I want you to know, I don't just say it because it's my job; I say it, I seek it, I try to practice it...because I believe it all. And I want you to believe it too. Wishing you many blessings in this season of hope. 

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.

Upcoming Scripture Readings and Sermon Topics

December 2 ~ Shepherds ~ Sermon: "A Sign For You", Scripture: Psalm 34:1-10

December 9 ~ Joseph

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25, Proverbs 19:21, Luke 1:28 and 37-38

December 16 ~ Mary

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38, Ephesians 1:6, John 1:46

December 23 ~ Wise Men

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12, 1 Timothy 2:1-2, Romans 13:1-7, 1 Peter 2:13-14

December 24 ~ Christmas Eve

Sermon: "Glory Revealed",

Scripture: Isaiah 40:1-11

December 30 ~ Scripture: Isaiah 43:16-21

Sermon: "A New Start"


All upcoming scripture readings and sermon topics through December 2018 can also be viewed on the church website.

Pastor Christopher Offers Prayer at Saddle Brook Tree Lighting on Nov. 23rd

Sunday School Christmas Play and Vespers Dinner

Sunday, December 9th at 4pm in the Van Wyk Fellowship Hall

We invite you to join us for our annual Sunday School Christmas Play and Vespers Dinner next Sunday, December 9th at 4pm. 

 

This year's play focuses on the journey to the Manger through the footprints in the snow.

 

We invite you to stay for our dinner following the program. Donations of desserts are needed. If you are interested in staying for the dinner, we ask you sign up ahead of time below. Thank you.

Sign Up to Attend Dinner

Christmas Eve Service

Monday, December 24th at 5:30pm

Please join us for our annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Service as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. 

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)

Christmas Poinsettias/Book of Remembrance

Poinsettias will be placed in the Sanctuary for the Christmas Eve service. You may pick up your plant(s) after the Christmas Eve service on December 24th.

 

Your memorial gifts are also invited for the Book of Remembrance.  

 

Both forms must be received by Sunday, December 16th.

Download Form

Saddle Brook Community Food Pantry Christmas Pickup

The Saddle Brook Community Food Pantry is getting ready for their Christmas package pickup on Saturday, December 15th. The food pantry is in need of $20 Walmart gift cards and welcome any donations you are able to provide. Please contact Frank Arnone or

Alex Kooistra with any questions.

Operation Christmas Child

Thank you to all those who came out to our Operation Christmas Child packing party on November 11th. A special thanks to Lynne Wojcik, Ellen Plog and Tommy Van Winkle for their help in coordinating the packing party. We had around 60 people in attendance to pack a record 120 shoe boxes, which were sent to Hawthorne Gospel to be distributed to children around the world for Christmas. We hope you will join us for next year's packing party!

**NEW** Multimedia Team Members

We are looking for some volunteers to begin a multimedia team. You will utilize some basic skills. No prior experience required. This is a perfect service opportunity to "get your feet wet". Team members will provide a seamless feed of PowerPoint slides that will be projected on the screen for the congregation to view

during our services. Team members will serve one Sunday a month. If you are interested, come speak to Jim Gilbert at the piano or drop him an email at jrg@jamesgilbert.us. 

Church Bell Restoration Project Update

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 Consistory and Confirmation Class are actively working together to decide the design for the bell shelter. Below are two proposed sketches for the structure.

Sketch 1

This proposed structure is similar to our current structure that is located outside on the Ackerman Avenue side of the church. This structure would be constructed of brick and stone instead of wood.

Sketch 2

This proposed sketch shows the bell structure being constructed as a mini tower. This bell shelter is a three-sided structure, which represents the Trinity - Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

 

The left sketch is the front of the proposed structure, while the right sketch is the rear of the structure.

 

In this proposed sketch, the bell is located at the top and would be rung by rope.

Consistory Update/2019 Consistory Nominees

At the Annual Fall Congregational Meeting held on Sunday, November 18th, the following members were elected to serve as Elder: Frank Arnone and Kevin Kooistra. The following members were elected to serve as Deacon: Kimball Woelfel and Linda Casbar.

 

As per the RCA Book of Church Order, their names will be printed in the bulletins for three consecutive weeks (until Sunday, December 9th). During this time, if you have any valid reservations about their nomination, please contact Pastor Christopher.

 

The Consistory also approved the following: 

  • Stripping and polishing of the Van Wyk Hall floor (5 coats of wax) by Superman Floors
  • The purchase of software for the screen that is used during worship

Image Source: Superman Floors

Facebook Page - Posted 11/26/18

Man Up

Man Up, First Reformed's men's ministry, met on November 28th at the Saddle Brook Diner The next gathering will be held on Wednesday, December 19th at 6:30pm at the Saddle Brook Diner. For more information about our Man Up men's ministry,

CLICK HERE. 

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.

Clothing Drive

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.

Are You In Need of Prayer?

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. 

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

WorshipServe Schedule ~ December

 

December 2

Greeters: Evelyn and Angelina Young

Announcements: Lynne Van Wyk-Wojcik

Liturgist: Kevin Kooistra

Offering: Gloria Blauner, Mel Hendrickson, Herb Larsen, Rich Stasion

 

December 9

Greeters: Deacons

Announcements: Sherry Dapcic

Liturgist: Robert Troyano

Offering: Donna Arnone, Debbie Brunner, Danielle Festa, Debbie Peluso

 

December 16

Greeters: Deacons

Announcements: Sherry Dapcic

Liturgist: Brad Stankiewicz

Offering: Donna Arnone, Debbie Brunner, Danielle Festa, Debbie Peluso

 

December 23

Greeters: Elaine Crisafulli and Mary Marino

Announcements:

Liturgist: Dom Pallottie

Offering: Kathy Alia, Tony Alia, Julie Kooistra, Lynne Wojcik

 

December 24 (Christmas Eve)

Greeters: Elders

Announcements: Evelyn Leseberg

Liturgist: Kevin Kooistra

Offering: Deacons

 

December 30

Greeters: Mel Hendrickson and Linda Hendrickson

Announcements:

Liturgist: Catherine Wasdyke

Offering: Brian Bailey, Martin Ferullo, David Ludvik, Thomas Van Winkle

December Birthdays and Anniversaries

We would like to wish the following a very blessed and happy birthday and anniversary:

 

Birthdays

December 4 ~ Joyce Bruining

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 30 ~ Kevin Kooistra

December 31 ~ Jessica Garretson

 

Anniversaries

December 2 ~ Vincent and Donna Quatrone

December 14 ~ Andrew and Cathie Alia

December 29 ~ Elizabeth and 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

Church Calendar ~ December 2018

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"

Follow us on Google Plus ~ google.com/+firstreformedsaddlebrooknj

5 Ackerman Avenue, Saddle Brook, NJ, United States
201-843-6672

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