EXPECTATIONS. Emmanuel s Monthly Newsletter IN THIS ISSUE. Ex-pec-ta-tions noun the act or state of looking forward or anticipating.

Transcription

1 EXPECTATIONS Ex-pec-ta-tions noun the act or state of looking forward or anticipating Emmanuel s Monthly Newsletter August IN THIS ISSUE Emmanuel s Vision Statement Table of Contents Welcome..1 Pastor s Message.2 Church Ministries Celebrate/News/Mission Statement...12 Calendar...13 A growing community, celebrating the rich diversity of God s people and treasuring our common humanity, sharing and learning about Christ s love in the contemporary world through worship, spiritual disciplines, intellectual study, mission work, social and environmental justice advocacy and artistic, interfaith and multicultural experiences. We welcome everyone s company at our table, as Jesus did. Sunday Worship Schedule 10:30 am Worship All are welcome! THE MINISTRY AT EM Ministers Members of the Congregation Senior Minister Pastor Kenneth Gill Emanuel Baptist Church 14 Hope Street Ridgewood, NJ (201) Ridgewood, NJ

2 Thoughts From Pastor Gill In the book of Isaiah, God asks a rhetorical question: I am doing a new thing, can you not see it? (Is. 43:19)-new things indeed! The technology revolution is mind bending, especially for someone who is not a techie. I was fascinated by the solar powered airplane that just completed the first circumnavigation of the earth without using one drop of fuel. Yes, it took almost a year but the Solar Impulse 2, which carries more than 17,000 solar cells and has a wingspan wider than a Boeing 747, flew entirely around the earth exclusively on the power of the sun. Captain Picard (ironically the same name as the last Star Trek commander) landed the plane in Abu Dhabi last week after 16 grueling legs of a year long journey. What s next for solar power and renewable energy? We can t even begin to imagine the applications and benefits of this emerging technology. As much as I consider myself old school in many ways in my resistance to all of the new and improved technology around us, I understand that the world we live in cannot go backwards. I still love those antique rotary telephones and audio CDs but I know that the sophistication and innovation in technology is only going to grow exponentially. One concern I have, however, has to do with the moral and ethical implications of the technology revolution. For me, the pressing moral dilemma of our time is not whether we will continue to develop the technology but how we will use it. Will we use it for good or for evil? Will we use emerging technology to create a better, more just, humane and equitable planet or will only the privileged few reap its benefits, or worse yet, will it be used for nefarious and inhumane purposes. Yes, God is doing a new thing. Science and technology is as much the domain of God as is religion and spirituality. God can be glorified through the internet as much as she/he can be glorified in the Eucharist. The sanctuary of Emmanuel church where we hold our services is of historic design and construction. The woodwork and stained glass represented the high point of craftsmanship in its day, yet there is no way those craftsman could have even imagined that today one could be sipping coffee in London and participating in our service in New Jersey in real time. To God be the glory!

3 Messaging and Outreach: Great Stories and Pictures A very successful team-effort to portray Emmanuel s community involvement in the July 4th parade and 2nd prize for costumes.

4 A New Messenger: Jessica Fargnoli- Communications Director Jessica Fargnoli, MA, joins Emmanuel Baptist Church as Communications Director on August 1st. As a published author and lecturer/adjunct professor of communication, Jessica brings experience and expertise in communication strategy /theory, public relations, event planning, education, and human resources. Inspiring worship services with Pastor Gill preaching, music by John Giresi and visiting musicians like George Glock, guitar and song. Expert streaming of the worship by Bob MacPhee and Napoleon Davila.

5 A one-day Vacation Bible School that was "off the charts" with a new mural painted by the children on our wall leading to our Chapel with the message, "Be Still and Know that I am God." After an interactive Bible lesson by Pastor Gill on Elijah and singing, everyone processed into Elijah's cave/ our Chapel, where Elijah heard the "still small voice of God" to listen for God's whisper, light candles and say prayers. Diane Shaver Rowles led exciting games and activities outdoors. Wally Krzeminski and Dave Shaver served a pizza dinner. An interactive review of the Bible lessons of the day by Pastor Gill, was followed an ice-cream party and a slide show of the day's activities. Many thanks to Lee Ehman and the Christian Education Ministry, with the team of Connie Buckler Gill and Pastor Gill who designed the mural, Biblical message and worship, and all parents and members who contributed a Vacation Bible School to be celebrated and remembered for a long time! Our one day VBS was enjoyed by all. Thanks to all our leaders and helpers!! Without you, it wouldn't have been possible. Special thanks go to Pastor Ken, Judy, Don, Connie, Heidi, Diane, Joseph, Wally and Dave.

6 Wider Circle of Prayer & Prayer Group Alive in the Spirit of God Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would take the work he began and extend it across space and time, creating a global spiritual community to keep welcoming and embodying what he called the reign or kingdom or commonwealth of God In this section, beginning with the season traditionally known as Pentecost, we ask this key question: How can we participate with the Spirit in this ongoing SPIRITUAL movement? That word SPIRITUAL means a lot of things, but for us it will mean any experience of or response to the moving of the Spirit of God in our lives and in our world Readings & Prayers from: We Make the Road by Walking Please contact the church office if you want to use a copy. Monday through Sunday Read Intro, pg /1-8/7 God in the End Ch 52 8/8-8/14 Fourth Quarter Queries pg 264 8/15-8/21 Introduction: Seeking Aliveness pg xv This concludes Alive in the Spirit of God Starting from the beginning of: We Make the Road by Walking: Alive in the Story of Creation YOU ARE ENTERING A STORY already in process. All around you, things are happening, unfolding, ending, beginning, dying, being born. Our ancient ancestors tried to discern what was going on. They conveyed their best wisdom to future generations through stories that answered certain key questions: Why are we here? What s wrong with the world? What s our role, our task, our purpose? What is a good life? Is there meaning and hope? What dangers should we guard against? What treasures should we seek? From the Hopi to the Babylonians, from Aztecs to Australian Aboriginals, from the Viking in Europe to the Han in China to the Yoruba in Africa to the ancient Hebrews of the Middle East--- human tribes have developed, adapted, and told powerful creation narratives to convey their best answers to key questions like these If we listen carefully, mixing their ancient wisdom with our own, we can let their stories live on in us. We can learn to be more fully alive in our time, just as they learned in theirs. In that spirit, we turn to the creation narratives of the ancient Hebrews. 8/22-8/28 Awe and Wonder Ch 1 BIG BANGS AREN T BORING! Dinosaurs aren t boring. Coral reefs aren t boring and God must not be boring either, because God s creation is so amazingly, wonderfully, surprisingly fascinating. The first and greatest surprise- a miracle really- is this, that anything exists at all and that we get to be a part of it. 8/29-9/4 Being Human Ch 2 8/29 Prayer Group 7:30-9:00pm 9/5-9/11 A World of Meaning Ch 3

7 The Board of Missions is collecting school supplies for needy children. Many stores have excellent buys in August on notebooks, paper, pencils, crayons, etc. If you would like to contribute, place supplies in the box marked school supplies under the mission bulletin board by the end of August. The special emphasis for August will be the Offering for Retired Ministers and Missionaries. This offering is to help these faithful servants with unexpected expenses and emergencies. Many of Emmanuel s former pastors could benefit from this offering. Watch for envelopes and brochures in worship bulletins explaining this offering or send your offering to the church office marked M & M offering. An opportunity is being offered on Sunday, August 14 th at 4:00pm to learn more about the social justice issues of Racism, Black Lives Matter, and White privilege. The co-chairs of the Social Justice committee from the Unitarian Church in Ridgewood will meet with us to share reflections and resources related to their focus on these issues. Everyone is invited and perhaps will lead to a series of sessions on these issues and others at Emmanuel. Plan to attend. The Annual Meeting of ABCNJ will be held on Sept. 24 th in Long Branch, NJ at the Ocean Place and Spa. There will also be events offered on Sept. 23 rd including an Oceanside bon-fire in the evening. There is an exciting program planned for Sat. and an early-bird registration is available until Aug. 15 th See the website, ABCNJ.net or Nancy Shaver for details. A National Day of Service and Remembrance is being offered by The Center for Food Action on Sept. 11 th to aid hungry children. Participants will gather at the Englewood Field Club to assemble 3000 snack packs for children to eat on the week-ends. To cover expenses, adults will pay $45 and children under 12 are free. The gathering times are 12 to 2 pm or 2:30 to 4:30 pm. See Joan Massler if interested. The monthly food collection continues and is especially important in the summer months See the items most needed by the food box outside the Sanctuary. Our time to help support and host Family Promise will be at the beginning of September. Exact dates aren t known yet. Please keep the first week of September penciled in, if you would like to help with food, social time or overnight hosting. Specific details will follow in July.

8 2016 Pledge Income Anticipated, based on pledges: $ 52, Received: $ 58, Ahead: $5, (as of June 30, 2016) Our first time ever one day VBS was a great success enjoyed by all, including our helpers and leaders. The kids had a blast from the mural painting, Bible story, songs, to the outdoor activities and pizza & ice cream supper. Thank You...Thank You...Thank You...Thank You from Christian Ed to all our helpers and leaders!! VBS wouldn't have been possible without you. A family bowling event is being planned for a Sunday afternoon in August. Watch E-Happenings for more info If y

9 Men s Fellowship Breakfast will be Saturday, Aug 6th at 9:00 am Walking in the Spirit of God Join us on August 21th, at 7 pm in the Peace Lounge, as we consider what it means to walk in the Spirit each day. The Community Pasta Dinner THE COMMUNITY PASTA DINNER was held Tuesday, July 19 th, and the evening was enjoyed by all who attended. There will be no Pasta Dinner in August; the next dinner is scheduled for September 20, at 6 p.m. Please come and bring friends. It is nice to know attendance ahead of time in order to plan accordingly, so please call either the church office, , or Marilyn, Readers Choice will meet Friday, September 20 th at 6:30 for appetizers and dessert. Our discussion of Buckaneers by Edith Wharton will begin at 7:45. Remember, all are welcome and the September gathering will be held at the home of Marilyn Clark! Social Justice Forum Join us on Aug 14th at 4 pm in the Peace Lounge as we focus on Racism 2016 The Black Lives Matter Movement, White Privilege with our guests from the Unitarian Society.

10 If you would like to join the choir, we have a shortened rehearsal at 12 pm on Sundays, after a brief fellowship time. Our goal is to present an anthem once a month (in robes), and we always welcome new (or returning) voices. Do you have an idea, thought or topic that you would like to share in our monthly newsletter? If so please send your submission for Expectations to the church office at office@ebcridgewood.org. The Far Side Discussion Group Thursday at 12:00 pm We are reading Karen Armstrong s book 12 Steps to a Compassionate Life. Let s Recycle.Please consider donating your used eyeglasses. Box is located in library.

11 125th Anniversary One aspect of our 125th Anniversary celebration was participating in the Ridgewood 4th of July Parade. We not only participated, but won 2nd place for Best Personnel and Costumes! It was a wonderful time of fellowship, work and fun! Getting ready for the parade

12 August Birthdays 4 Carolyn Roth 8- Marie Krieger 10 Brent Sjaardema 18- Lee Ehman 20- Kay Lundvall 21 - Anita Powell-Byrd 26 - Ruth Clarke August Anniversary 22rd- Don & Judy Wheeler EMMANUEL S 125 TH ANNIVERSARY WEEK-END Save the dates Saturday, November 12 th, 2016 Late afternoon Concert featuring Linda Sweetman-Waters and Dr. Edward Schmiedecke, in addition to others, followed by brief reception, and then a Saturday Night Supper for members and invited guests. Sunday, November 13 th, 2016 Heritage Sunday Worship at 10:30, followed by catered luncheon and program for members and invited guests. Suggestion Box At the request of some members of the congregation, our suggestion box will be returned and placed in the pastors lounge. Please note that anonymous suggestions will not be taken into consideration. The church moderator will review the suggestions with the Pastor for distribution to the appropriate ministry, committee or council.

13 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 31 10:30 am Worship :30 pm AA 4 12:00 noon Discussion Group No ESL 5 6:30 pm & 8:30 pm AA 6 9:00 am Men s Fellowship Breakfast 7 Youth Sunday RMMO Offering 10:30 am Worship 8 7:30 pm Council Mtg :30 pm AA 11 12:00 noon Discussion Group No ESL 12 6:30 pm & 8:30 pm AA RMMO Offering :30 am Worship 4:00pm Social Justice Forum 8:30 pm AA 12:00 noon Discussion Group No ESL 6:30 pm & 8:30 pm AA 21 RMMO Offering :30 am Worship 12:00 noon Discussion Group 7 pm Women s Reflection Grp 8:30 pm AA No ESL 6:30 pm & 8:30 pm AA 28 RMMO Offering :30 am Worship 7:30 pm Prayer Group 8:30 pm AA 12:00 noon Discussion Group 7:30 pm ESL 6:30 pm & 8:30 pm AA