First Informed: The Good Newsletter

September 2019 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

Today. I want you to take all your fears, sins, pain, anger, all those times you lost, as well as the terrible things that happened to you - everything you hold on to - that holds you back - that may be killing you - take all that and make each one, every single one of them - turn them into prayers. Could be a word. Could be a sentence. Could be pages. Speak them. Write them. Send them all Heavenward. Hand them all over to God in prayer. Because denying them, covering over them, trying to numb them all away; and everything else we've tried - isn't working. Instead, truly and finally release them to His completely open and capable Hands. And watch. Watch their power over you dissolve. Experience now the distance between you and them. They're not "yours" anymore. As they exit, one by one, through your prayers, feel the space they used to occupy - in your mind, heart and soul - be filled with peace - a peace you may have never known. Let the healing and restoration begin today. Rejoice and thank God for this grace. This is the power of prayer. Philippians 4:6-7.

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 - firstreformedsb1900.

Upcoming Scripture Readings and Sermon Topics

September 1 ~  Guest Minister ~ Pastor Christopher on break

September 8 ~ Series: "Homecoming", Scripture: Joel 2:12-14

September 15 ~ Rally Day ~ Series: "Homecoming", Scripture: Luke 15:11-32

September 22 ~ Series: "Homecoming", Scripture: Revelation 2:1-7

September 29 ~ Series: "Homecoming", Scripture: Acts 4:31-37

In this Month's Newsletter

  • Church Website
  • New Members' Classes
  • Upcoming Fall Events
  • Consistory Update
  • Man Up Men's Ministry
  • Coffee Hour
  • Clothing Drive
  • Prayer Cloth Ministry
  • WorshipServe Schedule
  • Upcoming Birthdays and Anniversaries
  • Church Calendar September 2019

Church Website

Our church website is undergoing renovations. We have a list of upcoming events posted on the homepage, which can be accessed by visiting www.firstreformedsaddlebrook.com. Our new and improved website will be up and running within the coming weeks.

 

We are looking for testimonials to feature on our website. We have some already that will still be on the website. If you would like to add your testimonial, please email them to Tommy Van Winkle at tvanwinkle121@gmail.com.

New Members' Classes

Are you interested in learning about becoming a member of the First Reformed Church? Please let Pastor Christopher know you are interested in attending a new members' 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. 

 

The sessions will be held on the following Tuesdays - September 10th, September 17th, and September 24th in the Sanctuary. All sessions begin at 6:30pm.

UPCOMING FALL EVENTS

This is the most exciting fall season kick-off we've seen in a long time - Rally Day and National Back to Church Sunday; World Communion Sunday; New Members Joining; The Bell Restoration Dedication; and The Pastor Israel Trip Send-Off! Please attend, invite family and friends, and be a part of God's exciting work here at First Reformed Church of Saddle Brook!  - Pastor Christopher

Sunday School Rally Day Kick-Off/Luncheon and

National Back to Church Sunday

Sunday, September 15th at 10:30am

Our Christian Education Sunday School program will begin a new school year on Rally Day. We are offering classes for students entering pre-k through 8th grade in September 2019. To register your child, CLICK HERE.

On Rally Day, the students will be dismissed during the worship service to meet their classmates and teachers.

 

A luncheon will follow the service downstairs in the Van Wyk Fellowship Hall. Sandwiches and salads will be served. Donations of desserts are needed. We kindly request all those planning on attending the luncheon to sign up ahead of time on our online

sign-up form or on the hallway bulletin board.

 

Classes will begin meeting weekly at 9am starting on Sunday, September 22nd. The Adult Bible Study will also be meeting weekly at that time.

 

We are also participating in the nationwide National Back To Church Sunday movement. We encourage you to invite family and friends to join us for worship. 

Register Your Child Online
Download and Print Registration Form
Sign Up for Luncheon

World Wide Communion Sunday

Sunday, October 6th at 10:30am

We invite you to join us for World Wide Communion Sunday. We will be participating with churches around the world in celebrating the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper.

Confirmation of New Members

Sunday, October 13th at 10:30am

New members that are attending our new members' classes (more info above) will be confirmed as members during worship on Sunday, October 13th.

Bell Dedication Ceremony

Sunday, October 20th at 10:30am

The shelter for our newly restored bell was constructed during the month of August. Landscaping and installation of sod on the surrounding grounds will soon be completed.

 

Please join us for a special worship service, bell dedication ceremony on Sunday, October 20th at 10:30am. We are inviting area leaders, residents, organizations and friends of the church to celebrate the restoration of our bell - and how it represents our renewed commitment to "ring" the message of God's grace and hope to the community.

 

Our church bell has been a part of our outreach to the community since it was constructed in 1901.

 

We also invite you to stay after the service for a reception downstairs in the Van Wyk Fellowship Hall. If you are interested in attending the reception after the service, please sign up on the hallway bulletin or click the button below, so we can provide enough desserts for everyone. Donations of desserts are needed.

Sign Up for Reception

Pastor's Israel Trip Sendoff

Sunday, October 27th at 10:30am

During worship, there will be a sendoff celebration for Pastor Christopher as he embarks on his trip to Israel from October 28th to November 8th.

Consistory Update

The Consistory is providing care and assistance for many members of the church who are in need. The Buildings and Grounds committee has successfully overseen the completion of several important projects around the church.

 

The Consistory will be in need of two deacons in 2020 as Herb Larsen and Elaine Crisafulli will complete their terms. The Consistory continues to pray over and deliberate on what God may be calling us to minister to in the congregation and the community.

 

The Consistory and Worship Committee approved a church video policy that includes only the Scripture and Sermon - after learning about music licensing issues.  

Man Up

Man Up, First Reformed's men's ministry, will hold its next gathering will be held on Tuesday, September 24th at 5:30pm at the Saddle Brook Diner. 

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.

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

WorshipServe Schedule ~ September

 

September 1

Greeters: John and Ellen Plog

Announcements: Paul Cali

Liturgist: Alex Kooistra

Offering: Kathy Alia, Martin Ferullo, Julie Kooistra, Catherine Wasdyke

 

September 8

Greeters: Mary Marino and Carol Martin

Announcements: Ann Ocot

Liturgist: Sherry Dapcic

Offering: Kevin Kooistra, Herb Larsen, Paul Marino, Ross Palino

 

September 15 ~ Rally Day

Greeters: Gloria Blauner and Evelyn Leseberg

Announcements: Julie Kooistra

Liturgist: Martin Ferullo

Offering: John and Linda Casbar, Sherry and David Dapcic

 

September 22

Greeters: Nolan Shanahan and Thomas Wojcik

Announcements: Catherine Wasdyke

Liturgist: Lisa Larsen

Offering: Donna Arnone, Herb Larsen, Debbie Peluso, Joe Van Winkle

 

September 29

Greeters: Ross and Roberta Palino

Announcements: Nancy Linder

Liturgist: Kathy Alia

Offering: The Ocots

September Birthdays and Anniversaries

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

 

Birthdays

September 4 ~ Kathryn Slattery

September 5 ~ Ellen Plog

September 7 ~ Donna Quatrone

September 11 ~ Nolan Shanahan

September 12 ~ Lisa Larsen

September 12 ~ Erwin Ocot

September 18 ~ Teresa Cali

September 20 ~ Johanna Bekas

September 23 ~ Linda Casbar

September 23 ~ Daryl Ocot

September 23 ~ Stan Shoeman

September 25 ~ Howard Van Wyk

September 26 ~ Danielle Festa

September 29 ~ Robert Troyano

September 30 ~ Brianna Sandstrom

 

Anniversaries

September 2 ~ Frank and Donna Arnone

September 14 ~ Douglas and Maya Marren

September 30 ~ Nicholas and Sara Paccone

 

"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 ~ September 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

Follow us on Twitter @firstreformedsb

Follow us on Instagram ~ "reformedsbnj"

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

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