The Courier. The Community Church, 1 Spring Street, Harrington Park, NJ November, 2017

Transcription

1 The Courier The Community Church, 1 Spring Street, Harrington Park, NJ November, 2017

2 Dear Friends, I m getting grumpier as I get older I guess. I drive around and see all the Christmas decorations, and it kind of bothers me. Maybe it shouldn t. But, it seems like I see more and more blow-up Rudolphs and inflatable Frosties. Reindeer, Santas and Mickey Mouses (Mice?) with Christmas hats abound. All this stuff obviously has nothing to do with the Christ part of Christmas, which really is the only part that matters. The impression I have is this: when people are putting out their decorations, they re making a statement about leaving Jesus behind at Christmas too. The reindeer and snowmen are semi-intended to be lighthearted assertions of rebellion against a religious tradition they have no use for. A couple of days ago, I was driving around and saw an inflatable building with reindeer heads sticking out of the windows that read, North Pole Stable. So, they kept the stable, they just got rid of the Savior that was born in it. That s their privilege, I guess. But, it saddens me to see our culture being so assertive in rejecting the One that came to save it. That s the reason I m so excited about our Live Nativity. It s a chance to tell the Jesus-story of Christmas. It s a time to say, God loves each one of you deeply and is with you. That s a really important thing to say to people these days. I hope you ll bring somebody to the Nativity. People need to hear that. Anyway, this year, I put up an outdoor silhouette manger scene with a spotlight that comes on as it gets dark. That s my personal statement of rebellion. I m hoping it might also get somebody thinking about the God who loves them so much. It s a privilege to serve Him with you. Grace and peace, The Rev. Steve Sayer Sister Act Benefits Puerto Rico Hurricane Relief! Sister Act, based on the movie, is going to be presented at St. Andrew s Episcopal Church at 31 Lynn Street, Harrington Park, on December 8 at 7:30 PM. The performers are students in the New Jersey City University Music Theatre and Dance Department. It s a fun and funny show that will be an evening well spent. The show features musical director, Amy Duran. It benefits hurricane relief in Puerto Rico. The suggested donation is $

3 The Live Nativity is really about Reaching Out! Just a couple months ago, a few folks got the idea of having a Live Nativity. Other folks got excited about doing it, and have been working full speed on it ever since. At the heart of their vision for this event is the idea that it will be an outreach into our area, in the name of Jesus. We re hoping that it can be a way to get people thinking about recovering and rediscovering their relationship with Christ. It s a way to gently invite people to think about Christ. That shows up in our logo, in which the word reflect is prominently featured. The Live Nativity is Saturday, December 16. You have an important role to play here. This is a chance to bring a neighbor or somebody from your family to this event. It s a pretty easy ask it s not threatening; the kids will really enjoy it; nobody s going to club people over the head with Jesus. It s just a play and a chance to sing a few carols, watch the kids pet some sheep and drink a little cocoa. Can you think of someone to ask to the Live Nativity? It s December 16 from 12:30 to 2:30. Kids can jump right into the Nativity play no rehearsal necessary. Just be there by 12:50. We re doing all sorts of publicity: sending postcards to everybody in Harrington Park, putting posters wherever we can, putting out lawn signs and banners. But, all of that is designed to be a set-up for your personal invitation. It won t work very well if we simply expect people to find their way to the field behind the parking lot. Your personal invitation, and BRINGING the people you invite, should make all the difference! Here s Our Annual Meeting Wrap-Up The annual congregational meeting of the Community Church in Harrington Park was held after church service on November 12, 2017 in Founders Hall. Justin Johnson presided and thanked those going off consistory. Joan Hoerauf, Chuck Anders, Alison Campbell, and Paul Bannon (had served an unexpired term). The slate for the Class of 2020 consists of Paul Bannon for elder, Chris Doyle, Barbara Forsythe and Wendell Make for deacon. There was a motion, it was supported and passed unanimously. Joan Hoerauf then presented the proposed 2018 budget noting that it included a 2% increase for staff salaries. There was a $38,000 deficit built into the budget. She explained that the rainy day fund is set aside to cover the deficit for this year. Justin Johnson explained that a large benefactor had passed away, which is the main reason for the current deficit. Bob Carr then gave a report on the Foundation, stating that as of June 30 th the fund contained $910,000. The available income we can spend is $54,000. Dennis Novak then reported on Grants Review. This year there have been four approved requests: for small groups; Tim Chew as youth director; support for PDO; and the recent men s retreat. The current value of the fund is a little over $365,000 with $228,000 invested, $18,000 approved and not spent, and $119,000 available for future grants. (continued on page 4) - 3 -

4 Annual Meeting Wrap-Up (continued from page 3) Rev. Sayer then answered a question about our evangelistic efforts. Some of these efforts include the upcoming live nativity; the musical ensemble, which will be continued; the senior high youth group starting; an evangelism task force led by Chris Doyle; Natural Church Development program; shepherding group meetings; the community garden; air conditioning; the After Hours Sunday evening service; mission trips; and the women s ministry. Senior High Youth Ministry Has Now Begun! All you folks in senior high school we now have a youth ministry for you! We ve joined with four other local churches to offer this ministry. Tim Chew is our director. We will be meeting on Thursday night, December 7 at 6:30 PM at Trinity Reformed Church, 292 Old Tappan Road, Old Tappan to think about, Why Christmas? It explores why Jesus coming into the world is so important. Then on Sunday, December 10 we ll have a Christmas potluck in Founders Hall here at the Community Church from 1 to 3 PM. Next, on Thursday, December 14 from 6:30 to 8 PM, we have another Why Christmas? event at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 106 Orangeburg Road, Old Tappan. Our final event of 2017 will be to see Star Wars, Episode 8 together. This happens Tuesday, December 19 from 6:30 until late. We ll be going to a local movie theater. More information is coming. Watch your s for updates, etc. Look Out for Those Deficits! A while back, a wonderful and engaging couple in our church passed away. They were dear friends. They also contributed about ten percent of our budget every year. It takes some time for a church to cultivate new givers when losing contributions of this magnitude. So, it s not surprising that we have a deficit this year. Right now that deficit is about $28,000. That deficit is projected at $38,000 in near year s budget. This couple has generously contributed to our rainy day fund. As a result, we should be just barely be able to cover these deficits. It would be great if you could offer an end-of-year gift in order to help us reduce this year s deficit. It will help us keep our financial house in order. Friends to Friends Cantata on December 10! We ve had a relationship with the Friends to Friends Church in Ridgewood for quite a while now. They will be presenting their annual cantata featuring their choir and handbell choir on December 10 at 7 PM. There s a reception that follows. It s at 303 Prospect Street in Ridgewood. They would be inspired by your presence, and they in turn will inspire you

5 Finance! Over the last month the finance committee has been working on the budget for As you are all aware, we have presented a deficit budget for next year. This was presented at the congregational meeting on November 12 th, voted on, and approved. In reviewing the budget, it was brought to everyone s attention that closing this gap is not insurmountable. It was suggested that if each member were able to give an additional $5 per week, we would be able to close that gap. As of November 30, 2017, our deficit has been reduced to $28,000. Thank you to those who have contributed directly to addressing this deficit. In addition if you have not yet made your pledge for 2018, there are pledge cards in the narthex. Please fill it out, place it in the offering plate or the office and mark it 2018 pledge. We are still in need of counters for the new year. Our software, Servantkeeper is userfriendly. Anyone wishing to be a counter, please contact Craig Budinich or Joan Hoerauf. Donation Made to Al Amana Centre in Oman! Recently the outreach committee made a $1,000 one-time donation to the Al Amana Centre in Oman. (The translation of Al Amana is trust fulfilling God s trusting the world to us.) This ministry began in 1892, when Oman was a poor country (70 years before oil brought wealth to Oman), and it continues today. A major goal of the Al Amana Centre is to build trust and peace bridges of understanding and cooperation between Christians and Muslims and to work for the common good in an environment where the Sultan has provided land to all churches Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox. Pastor Sayer and the outreach committee had the opportunity to meet with Aaro Rythkomen, who explained the work of the Al Amana Centre. Many of you may remember that our Pastor Emeritus Chuck Johnson and his wife, Donna, served in Oman for two one-year periods of time after he retired from ministry here at CCHP

6 The Guild had a Good Bazaar! The ladies of the Guild for Christian Service would like to thank everyone who helped to make the Bazaar a success. Monies are still coming in from our table by the Spring Street entrance. We should have a total for you in the next Courier. It s always a blessing to see so many people involved in this mission project. It is time for our Christmas parties. Rachel Circle will have had their party at Buon Gusto on December 6 th. If you are interested in Rachel Circle and would like to attend one of their meetings, please contact Sharon Brahs. Deborah Circle will gather at the home of Anne McBride on December 12 at 6:30 PM for a Christmas celebration. Anyone interested in attending this Christmas gathering, please contact Anne. Probable dates for the January circle meetings are January 9 and 10. Please watch the bulletin for confirmation. Volunteers Needed for Luminary Set Up Help is needed to beautify our walkways for the Christmas Eve service. We will set out the luminaries immediately following worship at 11:30 AM on December 24 th. We will begin lighting them at 6 PM and will take them in after our 11 PM service. If you can help at any of these times, please see Jeff Parma or Lynn Baker after worship, or you can call Lynn at or her at fabbakers4@gmail.com. Thank you in advance. Calling all Cookie Bakers! We will be providing refreshments to anyone who might come by to view the Live Nativity and petting zoo on Saturday, December 16 th. If you can bake a batch of cookies for this purpose or can help in the kitchen, please see Lynn Baker or Sue Wood after church, or you can call Lynn at or her at fabbakers4@gmail.com. You can leave your cookies in the kitchen on Friday afternoon, December 15 th or Saturday morning, December 16 th. Thank you so much for your help

7 Caring and Sharing December 10 th Christmas is fast approaching. As we have in the past, we will be distributing cookies and plants to members of the congregation who have suffered illness or loss in the past year. The committee would deeply appreciate any donations of cookies, cake, candy, etc. The date for this event is Sunday, December 10. Please leave items in the kitchen that morning. Thank you and have a blessed Christmas! The Caring and Sharing Committee Puppets are Fun! Our puppet club did a skit this past Sunday called, Communication. It was about how important it is to communicate properly, not just with our family and friends, but most importantly with God. Puppets will resume again on January 7, 2018 at 9:15 AM in the puppet room just across from the choir room. It is open to children ages 3 years and up. Come and join us the children will learn about the Bible in a unique setting. Any questions, please call Joan Hoerauf at Joan Hoerauf Parents Day Out Our state-licensed daycare program for 2½ to 5-year-old children has increased their hours to meet the needs of the community. They now operate on Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. It is $7 per hour and has flexible scheduling. Needed hours can be chosen by each family. If you know of someone who might be served by this program, please have them call Barry Wood named Harrington Park s Citizen of the Year Barry Wood has been selected to be honored as Citizen of the Year for A proclamation will be presented to him at the December 18th Mayor and Council Meeting at 7pm in Borough Hall. All are welcome to attend

8 Pray For: June Clarke; Ernie Hepperle; Rolf Hoerauf; Gloria Hoertel; Janet Kosack; Nancy Lanzalotto; Shirley Parma; Christine Potter; John Schwarte; Bill Simmons. Our sympathies are extended to: Sanae McKay on the death of her mother in Japan. Judy and Howard Smith on the death of Judy s mother, Mary-Ellen Heaton. Praise God for: Pastor Sayer and the consistory Our consistory members who will complete their terms of office on January 6, 2017: Joan Hoerauf, Chuck Anders, Alison Campbell and Paul Bannon Our new consistory members: Elder, Paul Bannon; Deacons, Chris Doyle, Barbara Forsythe, and Wendell Maki Sue Wood and all who helped her prepare a wonderful congregational dinner Our senior high school students attending the new youth ministry program Alan Hembrough for all of his work with our advertising and publicity Those who attended the Ecumenical Thanksgiving Worship service at St. Andrew s The Bazaar we praise God for the fellowship enjoyed by all those working together for this mission project and to Dot Abelman and Val Hill and all the helpers who tirelessly helped to set up and tear down the booths and box the left-over items The small group committee and small group leaders Bob Carr, Jane Marshall, Sandy Bennington, Jeanne Serrano, Barbara Forsythe, Steve Tillack and Craig Budinich Those who contributed food items, including turkeys, for the Center for Food Action for Thanksgiving. All those who contributed food to the Center for Food Action throughout the year Those who contributed towards the Operation Christmas Child mission project and for Kimberly Kaiser for chairing the committee All those who were involved in helping to prepare meals, set up and take down tables in Founders Hall during the year Our many, many volunteers Our visitors welcome and come again. Next Courier Deadline: January 7,

9 The Community Church PO Box 185 Harrington Park, NJ The Courier, published by the Community Church in Harrington Park The Rev. Steve Sayer, Pastor, Office ; Cell ; Home Community Church website: cchpchurch.org The Rev. Charles P. Johnson, Pastor Emeritus Mrs. Edith Greenlaw, Editor: Live Nativity Program December 16 th - 12:30 2:30 Christmas Story Begins at 1:15 Audience will join in song and scripture, celebrating the birth of Jesus. Children who arrive at 12:50 can participate through stories of angels and shepherds, with costumes. Then the children will have fun at the Nativity Petting Zoo cows, sheep, goats, donkeys and a camel! Bring your family, neighbors, friends!

10 The Community Church in Harrington Park December 10, 2017 January 13, 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday December 10 December 11 December 12 December 13 December 14 December 15 December 16 10:00 Worship & SS 11:15 Property Committee 11:30 Live Nativity Rehearsal 1:00 Youth Potluck at CCHP 4:00 Confirmation December 17 7:00 Prayer Group 7:30 Boy Scouts in FH 8:00 Bell Choir December 18 6:30 Deborah Circle at Anne McBride s home December 19 7:00 Worship Committee December 20 6:30 Youth Event at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Old Tappan 8:00 Chancel Choir December 21 12:30 2:30 Live Nativity December 22 December 23 10:00 Christmas Musicale, no SS 11:15 Finance Committee 4:00 Confirmation 6:00 After Spring 10:00 Worship, no SS December 24 7 and 11 PM Christmas Eve Candlelight Services 10:00 Worship, no SS December 31 7:30 Boy Scouts in FH 8:00 Bell Choir 6:30 Youth Event Star Wars Episode 8 4:00 Outreach 8:00 Chancel Choir December 25 December 26 December 27 December 28 No Chancel Choir January 1 January 2 January 3 January 4 December 29 December 30 January 5 January 6 8:00 Chancel Choir January 7 COURIER DEADLINE 9:15 Puppet Club 10:00 Worship & SS January 8 January 9 1:30 Rachel Circle January 10 January 11 January 12 11:30 3:00 Club 60 in FH January 13 6:00 Confirmation 7:00 Worship Committee 7:30 Boy Scouts in FH 7:30 Deborah Circle 8:00 Bell Choir 8:00 Chancel Choir SS = Sunday School PDO = Parents Day Out, M - F, 8:30-3:30, unless otherwise noted FH = Founders Hall