First Informed: The Good Newsletter December 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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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. |
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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 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.
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Pastor Christopher Offers Prayer at Saddle Brook Tree Lighting on Nov. 23rd |
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Sunday School Christmas Play and Vespers Dinner Sunday, December 9th at 4pm in the Van Wyk Fellowship Hall |
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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. |
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Christmas Eve Service Monday, December 24th at 5:30pm |
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Please join us for our annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Service as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. |
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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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Christmas Poinsettias/Book of Remembrance |
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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. |
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Saddle Brook Community Food Pantry Christmas Pickup |
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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. |
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Operation Christmas Child |
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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! |
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**NEW** Multimedia Team Members |
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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 |
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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. |
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Church Bell Restoration Project Update |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Consistory Update/2019 Consistory Nominees |
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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. |
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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
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Image Source: Superman Floors Facebook Page - Posted 11/26/18 |
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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. |
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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. |
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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 ~ 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 |
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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 ~ 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 |
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Church Calendar ~ December 2018 |
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