First Informed: The Good Newsletter November 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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What I wrestle with is this. I desperately want to stop pain and suffering. I want to solve problems. I want to heal. I want to turn sadness to joy. And have there been times where God has allowed me to do this? Yes. And I am very thankful. But for the most part, what God has me do is walk people through...through crises, storms, loss, tears, heartbreak, confusion and more. It's largely a ministry of "through." Has it made a difference? Yes, of course. A lot of times in this life, we aren't going to win or overcome; the cure or recovery will not come. God doesn't promise victory, as we would describe it; He promises presence and hope. And that's where I come in. Believe me, I ask for forgiveness pretty frequently for wanting my will be done instead of His. But, at my best, I realize that being with you "though" it all is the calling - an excellent, important calling. That perhaps, through this flawed, broken vessel - leading, listening, caring, reaching, teaching, and praying; you may discover, learn, and come to believe that God loves you and that through Christ, you are invited to abundant and eternal life. Thanks be to God. |
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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 November 4 ~ Sermon: "All Praise and Light", Scripture Reading: Psalm 34:1-10 November 11 ~ Series: "Poured Out As An Offering", Scripture Reading: Exodus 20:22-26 November 18 ~ Series: "Poured Out As An Offering", Scripture Reading: Romans 6:11-14 November 21 ~ Thanksgiving Eve Service ~ Scripture Reading: Psalm 100 November 25 ~ Guest Minister ~ Pastor Christopher Away
All upcoming scripture readings and sermon topics through November 2018 can also be viewed on the church website.
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Date Change for Congregational Meeting |
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Please be advised that the date of the Congregational Meeting HAS BEEN CHANGED to Sunday, November 18th immediately following worship (as per the RCA Church Book of Order - two week notification). |
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Operation Christmas Child Packing Party Sunday, November 11th at 3pm in the Van Wyk Fellowship Hall |
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It's almost that time of year once again! We are planning this year's Operation Christmas Child packing party. Please visit the church website to view more information, including our shoe box checklist, by clicking the button below. The packing party will be held this Sunday, November 11th at 3pm. For further information, or if you have any questions, please speak with Lynne Wojcik or Tommy Van Winkle. |
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Service of Thanksgiving and Praise Sunday, November 18th during 10:30am Worship Service |
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In our morning service at 10:30am, our theme will be Thanksgiving - Giving Glory to God! We would like to invite you and your family to join us for worship to share a story or a word of testimony focusing on gratitude and praise to our Heavenly Father. So come prepared if you would like to give a testimony on Sunday, November 18th. |
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"I will praise you to all my brothers; I will stand up before the congregation and testify of the wonderful things you have done." (Psalm 22:22) |
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Thanksgiving Eve Service Wednesday, November 21st at 7:30pm |
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We invite you to join us for our annual Thanksgiving Eve service on Wednesday, November 21st at 7:30pm. We welcome you to come as we give thanks to God - whether it's your first time or it's been a long time. |
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Church Bell Restoration Project Update |
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The work on all of the parts that Carl of Coastal Clock and Chime Company in Cinnaminson, NJ had to give out to other parties has been completed. Those parts have been returned to Carl. The entire bell is at Carl's workshop, and he will soon begin the remainder of the work. He will call when the bell is ready to be delivered. | | |
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Consistory continues to provide spiritual and material care for members. New elder and deacon candidates will be announced at our Fall Congregational Meeting on Sunday, November 18th following our worship service.
The Consistory will now meet on Monday, November 19th instead of Monday, November 12th.
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Man Up Man Up, First Reformed's men's ministry, met on October 17th at the Saddle Brook Diner The next gathering will be held on Wednesday, November 28th 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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We encourage you to support our clothing drive. We are planning another pick-up this week. 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 ~ November November 4 Greeters: Andrew and Lisa Larsen Announcements: Sherry Dapcic Liturgist: Julie Kooistra Offering: John Casbar, Kevin Kooistra, Herb Larsen, Catherine Wasdyke November 11 Greeters: Ann and Daryl Ocot Announcements: Susan Rayside Liturgist: Daryl Ocot Offering: The Chinchars November 18 Greeters: Sherry and David Dapcic Announcements: Ellen Plog Liturgist: Michael Van Winkle Offering: John Casbar, Linda Casbar, David Ludvik, Ross Palino November 21 (Thanksgiving Eve) Greeters: Elders Announcements: Frank Arnone Liturgist: Frank Arnone Offering: Deacons November 25 Greeters: Ryan and Justin Cali Announcements: Paul Cali Liturgist: David Dapcic Offering: The Calis |
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November Birthdays and Anniversaries We would like to wish the following a very blessed and happy birthday and anniversary: Birthdays November 2 ~ Christopher Winnie November 3 ~ Leah Larsen November 3 ~ Ross Palino November 4 ~ Zachary Larsen November 8 ~ Gloria Blauner November 8 ~ Haley Larsen November 10 ~ Diane Gunter November 11 ~ Adam Brunner November 11 ~ Sherry Dapcic November 11 ~ Tina Homer November 13 ~ Melanie Valenti November 14 ~ Kaitlyn Rayside November 17 ~ Daniel Chinchar November 19 ~ John Leseberg November 23 ~ Geraldine Larsen November 24 ~ Suzanne Cruz Anniversaries November 6 ~ Paul and Teresa Cali November 30 ~ Ross and Roberta Palino "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 ~ November 2018 |
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