First Informed: The Good Newsletter August 2017 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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I just recently celebrated the fifteenth anniversary of my ordination as a minister of the Gospel, July 28, 2002. Since then, it has been an amazing fusion of dreams, heartbreak, visions, fulfillment, wonder, wilderness, joy, prayer, grace, and mission. The best parts? Called to be a messenger of second chances, healing and restoration - impacting lives, communities and beyond for the Kingdom. What a gift! The times I have been invited and welcomed into the sacred and broken parts of people's lives. Priceless. Also, the way God has lovingly shaped, transformed, humbled and held me the whole way. I am thankful to Jenny, Brian and Madelyn and other family members and friends for their love and support. I am very grateful to the churches, church members, especially here at First Reformed Church of Saddle Brook, as well as to many communities along this journey. "The Christian vocation is to be in prayer, in the Spirit, at the place where the world is in pain...with arms outstretched, holding on simultaneously to the pain of the world and to the love of God." -N.T. Wright |
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Pastor's Office Hours Pastor Christopher has biweekly office hours at the church on Mondays from 10am to 12pm and Thursdays from 1-3pm. 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 - August 6 ~ Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6, Sermon Series: "Guiding and Leading"
- August 13 ~ Scripture: Colossians 1:15-23, Sermon: "Salvation - Who?"
- August 20 ~ Guest Minister ~ Pastor Christopher Away
- August 27 ~ Scripture: Isaiah 53, Sermon: "Salvation - How?"
All upcoming scripture reading and sermon topics for 2017 can be viewed on the church website. |
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Vacation Bible School Underway |
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Our "Maker Fun Factory" VBS is currently under way here at First Reformed. We have approximately 25 students who are currently learning about how God created us all and gave us a purpose for our existence. The closing program will be held this Friday, August 4th at 11am. During the program, the children will demonstrate what they have learned all week. |
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Luncheon for Susan Redvanly |
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The congregation is invited to a luncheon to express our gratitude to our Music Director, Susan Redvanly, on Sunday, August 13th following the worship service downstairs in the Van Wyk Fellowship Hall. She will be moving on from her ministry of serving the Lord through music here. She has truly blessed many people. There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board in the hallway where you can indicate your attendance. |
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Saddle Brook Township Picnic |
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The annual township picnic is scheduled for Saturday, August 26th from 12-4pm at the Saddle Brook park (Otto C. Pehle section). We will have a table with church literature and a place to leave prayer requests. We will also be in charge of the dessert table from 2-4pm. Sign-up sheets will soon be posted on the hallway bulletin board and the church website. |
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The parents of Susan Redvanly have graciously offered to sell the piano located in the sanctuary to the First Reformed Church at a cost of $2,500, which is a great discount for us. The Consistory approved by vote to purchase the piano. We thank Susan, Bob, and Susan's parents for their thoughtful and kind offer. We are also pleased to announce that the work on the organ has been completed at a cost of $876, which is $2,624 below the Consistory allotted amount of $3,500. Our thanks to Jim Konzelman for his faithful attention to restoring the organ to a much improved condition. We have also begun our search for a new Worship Leader/Music Director. More information, including a job description, is displayed below. |
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First Reformed Church Seeking Part-Time Worship Leader/Music Director |
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The First Reformed Church of Saddle Brook is seeking a part-time Worship Leader/Music Director to engage the congregation in praising God through music as well as leading a choir and praise team for Sunday morning worship services and Holy seasons. You have a personal and professional heart for worshipping God and inspiring others to join you. You have experience playing piano and organ. You are flexible, creative, and thrive in collaborating with the Pastor to foster Spirit-filled, Word-centered worship services that use traditional and contemporary hymns and songs, and a variety of voices and instruments. For more information, please visit firstreformedsaddlebrook.com. To apply, please send your profile/resume to frcsbpraying4u@gmail.com. |
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The 2017-2018 school year is right around the corner for our Sunday School. We are offering classes for students entering pre-k through 8th grade in September 2017. We are currently in need of teachers to teach Sunday School this year. If you feel spiritually led to teach God's word, or need more information, please speak with Frank Arnone. | | |
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Man Up and IGNITE will resume in September. The last gathering of Man Up was held at the Saddle Brook Diner on July 17th. Both meeting dates will be announced in the near future. |
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Coffee Hour Please check the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board outside the upstairs kitchen for Sundays that remain open to host. |
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Ongoing Clothing Drive
We continue to accept bagged or boxed donations of clothing, shoes, accessories, bedding, linens, curtains and towels. All donations may be left outside Pastor Christopher's garage doors in the Ackerman Avenue parking lot anytime. |
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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 ~ August 2017 August 6 Greeters: Mel and Gale Hendrickson Announcements: Kimball Woelfel Liturgist: Jennifer Wolf Offering: Elaine Crisafulli, Paul Marino, PJ Marino, Robert Redvanly August 13 Greeters: Kevin Kooistra and Dave Ludvik Announcements: Lynne Van Wyk-Wojcik Liturgist: Frank Arnone Offering: Ebele Bruining, Erwin Ocot, Joseph Peluso, Kimball Woelfel August 20 Greeters: John and Linda Casbar Announcements: Catherine Wasdyke Liturgist: Thomas Wojcik Offering: Mel Hendrickson, Herb Larsen, Joe Van Winkle, Michael Van Winkle August 27 Greeters: John and Ellen Plog Announcements: Breanna Marino Liturgist: Debbie Peluso Offering: Kathy Alia, Martin Ferullo, Julie Kooistra, Catherine Wasdyke |
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August Birthdays and Anniversaries We would like to wish the following a very blessed and happy birthday and anniversary: Birthdays August 1 ~ Pamela Bekas August 1 ~ Allan Conover August 2 ~ Jack Lamond August 7 ~ Meghan McGlone August 8 ~ Madison Coleman August 14 ~ Nicole Winnie August 15 ~ Kathryn Kooistra August 18 ~ Richard Stasion August 19 ~ Maya Marren August 22 ~ Anthony Alia Anniversaries August 6, 2010 ~ Susan and Dean Rayside August 11, 1979 ~ Eleanor and Bruce Bailey August 28, 1964 ~ John and Evelyn Leseberg August 30, 1969 ~ Audrey and Richard Stasion "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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