The Blawenburg Beacon Newsletter for the members and friends of the Blawenburg Reformed Church

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "The Blawenburg Beacon Newsletter for the members and friends of the Blawenburg Reformed Church"

Crystal Cox
5 years ago
Views:

Since March, we ve been praying, preparing, and passing the time.

1 The Blawenburg Beacon Newsletter for the members and friends of the Blawenburg Reformed Church December 2016 Greetings Friends in Christ, All of our anticipation has finally come to fruition. Since March, Jamie and I have been waiting nervously for the day. Since March, we have been wondering how it will go. Since March, we ve been imagining the possible outcomes. Since March, we ve been praying, preparing, and passing the time. This Issue Includes: Pastor s Greeting Worship Advent Hospitality Baby Shower Christmas Open House Life-Long Learning BVS Missions Missions Bradsell Update, Classis Corner Sinterklaas Game Night and more 11 Early on Wednesday morning, November 16th, Jamie and I welcomed our daughter Margot into the world. It went really well! Now we are home and learning about each other. Now we are home and we are settling into life as a family of three. All that anticipation has finally come to fruition, just in time for Advent. And it is fitting for Advent is the season of anticipation. Within this season of anticipation, we both celebrate and we remember. We celebrate the first coming of Christ. We celebrate that in love God came to us, to know our struggles, and ultimately to save us from all things. We are also called to remember. We are called to remember that Christ has promised to come again. We are called to remember that as Christians, we live with the anticipation of the second and final coming of our Lord. When that anticipation has come to fruition, God s kingdom will come in its fullness. We are promised that when that time comes, all of life will be celebration. This season, as we will gather around our Christmas trees, eat and drink our seasonal goodies, and embrace our loved ones, so it will be in the fullness of God s kingdom. We will gather around the light of the world who is our Savior, we will eat and drink from God s table of eternal provision, and we will dance and embrace with God s saints in glory. As Christians, we live with great anticipation! This Advent, as we celebrate and remember, as we anticipate Christ s coming, my prayer is that God will kindle in our hearts the virtues of this season. This year I know my heart will be full. God has given Jamie and me an amazing gift. May the hope, joy, peace, and love of God rule in all our hearts. God bless, Pastor Jeff (Editor's Note: Take time to listen to Pastor Jeff s sermon of November 27th, the first day of Advent. It nicely complements his letter above, which was written on November 22nd.)

The Blawenburg Beacon December 2016 Page 2 We commit our gifts to WORSHIP gathering as a community to celebrate God s presence among us!

11:2-11 Dec. 18 Advent 4 Isaiah 7:10-16 Matt. 1:18-25 Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Isaiah 9:2-7 Luke 2:1-14 Dec. 25 Christmas Day Isaiah 52:7-10 John 1:1-14 With Appreciation A big thank you to Rev.

We were thankful he was able to step in as Jeff and Jamie celebrated the birth of their daughter, Margot Adelaide. The Liturgical Colors The Liao family lights the Advent candle.

2 The Blawenburg Beacon December 2016 Page 2 We commit our gifts to WORSHIP gathering as a community to celebrate God s presence among us! Scripture for December Worship Services Date Special Event First Reading Sermon Reading Dec. 4 Communion/Advent 2 Isaiah 11:1-10 Matt. 3:1-12 Dec. 11 Breakfast Worship/Advent 3 Isaiah 35:1-10 Matt. 11:2-11 Dec. 18 Advent 4 Isaiah 7:10-16 Matt. 1:18-25 Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Isaiah 9:2-7 Luke 2:1-14 Dec. 25 Christmas Day Isaiah 52:7-10 John 1:1-14 With Appreciation A big thank you to Rev. Andrew Scales, Chaplain, Princeton Presbyterians, PhD Student, Princeton Theological Seminary, for filling in for Pastor Jeff. We were thankful he was able to step in as Jeff and Jamie celebrated the birth of their daughter, Margot Adelaide. The Liturgical Colors The Liao family lights the Advent candle. Briefly, the colors express emotions and ideas that are associated with each of the seasons of the liturgical year. For Advent, which began on November 27 th, the colors of the paraments on the pulpit and communion table were changed from green, symbolizing growth, to purple, symbolizing the sovereignty of Christ and penitence. Advent is a season of spiritual preparation for the celebration of the birth of Christ (Christmas) and looks forward to the future reign of Christ. Advent is a preparation for, rather than a celebration of, Christmas. The first Sunday of Advent is not the beginning of the Christmas season. The Christmas season begins on Christmas Eve when the paraments will be white. The white and gold (used for all festivals of our Lord) of the Christmas season symbolize the brightness of day, celebration, joy, purity, and victory. It lasts for the next twelve days of Christmas. The colors remain white through the first Sunday after the Epiphany (January 6th) when they will again change to green.

3 The Blawenburg Beacon December 2016 Page 3 We commit our gifts to HOSPITALITY caring for those in our congregation and the greater community. Baby Shower November 6th A celebration to help Jamie and Jeff prepare for the birth of their daughter. Chancel flowers-baby's breath in pink vases Table decorations Daddy wearing daughter's blanket Happy parents-to-be Blessed with great crafters! Cupcakes with pink pacifiers

The Blawenburg Beacon December 2016 Page 4 DATE: Friday, December 16, 2016 TIME: 7:00 pm 10:00 pm Blawenburg Reformed Church Christmas Open House PLACE: The Clancys Home 5 Eamonn Court Kendall Park,

If you know someone who is alone during the holidays and would like to share some fellowship, bring them. If you know someone interested in meeting members of the church family, bring them, too.

4 The Blawenburg Beacon December 2016 Page 4 DATE: Friday, December 16, 2016 TIME: 7:00 pm 10:00 pm Blawenburg Reformed Church Christmas Open House PLACE: The Clancys Home 5 Eamonn Court Kendall Park, NJ RSVP: Call or text Allison by December 10, 2016 (732) Come one, come all. Stay for 30 minutes, or stay for 3 hours. All are welcome. If you know someone who is alone during the holidays and would like to share some fellowship, bring them. If you know someone interested in meeting members of the church family, bring them, too. Heavy appetizers and drinks will be served. Looking forward to seeing everyone! Peace and Merry Christmas, Allison, Kevin and Kait Clancy Men s Breakfast The Men s Breakfast will be at the Star Diner in Hillsborough, Rt. 206 at 7:30 am on Wednesday, December 21st. Let Joe know if you plan to be there jpavl1999@aol.com. Come enjoy a time of food and fellowship with friends.

The Blawenburg Beacon December 2016 Page 5 We commit our gifts to LIFE-LONG LEARNING providing spiritual growth opportunities for all. NURSERY HELP NEEDED!

609-466- 1862 Breakfast Worship Sunday Dec. 11 at 8:32 am in Cook Hall Fellowship area. All are welcome. Our pastor, Rev.

Hallelujah, Praise Ye the Lord! We hope you can join us. Please RSVP to BlawenburgChurch@gmail.

Bible study meets on Tuesday mornings at 10 am in Cook Hall. Come join us as we read and discuss scripture for the upcoming Sunday and take time to pray with one another.

5 The Blawenburg Beacon December 2016 Page 5 We commit our gifts to LIFE-LONG LEARNING providing spiritual growth opportunities for all. NURSERY HELP NEEDED! We are in need of help caring for young children. If you know of someone who might be interested in this paid job each Sunday morning, please let Gracie Johnson know Breakfast Worship Sunday Dec. 11 at 8:32 am in Cook Hall Fellowship area. All are welcome. Our pastor, Rev. Jeff Knol, will be leading the brief, kid-friendly worship following breakfast. Jen Lizzi, the music teacher from Blawenburg Village Preschool, leads us in music. Hallelujah, Praise Ye the Lord! We hope you can join us. Please RSVP to BlawenburgChurch@gmail.com by December 9th with the number who will attend so we can prepare enough pancakes! There is no charge for this event; however, donations are always appreciated. Bible study meets on Tuesday mornings at 10 am in Cook Hall. Come join us as we read and discuss scripture for the upcoming Sunday and take time to pray with one another. Coffee and the occasional treat will be provided. Mary & Martha Dillon leads the way! Gabriel makes astute comments. The Mary and Martha book study will not meet in December. Look in the next Beacon or a January enews for the date of the next gathering. Like us on facebook to view more news and events! #blawenburgvillageschool

The Blawenburg Beacon December 2016 Page 6 Blawenburg Village School PO Box 153, Blawenburg, NJ 08504 609-466-6600 info@blawenburgvillageschool.

All Alumni are invited to join us in singing Go Tell It on the Mountain. Please help us spread the word! At the concert, we will be collecting canned goods for the Montgomery Food Pantry.

6 The Blawenburg Beacon December 2016 Page 6 Blawenburg Village School PO Box 153, Blawenburg, NJ info@blawenburgvillageschool.com Karen Hill, Director On the Road to Bethlehem We have been working hard and are excited to share our Christmas Concert, On the Road to Bethlehem, on December 10 at 3:00. All Alumni are invited to join us in singing Go Tell It on the Mountain. Please help us spread the word! At the concert, we will be collecting canned goods for the Montgomery Food Pantry. Please look for the box in the back of the church. Kid s Night Out Join the fun on Friday, December 16 th 5:30-8:30 pm Children ages 2-11 are welcome. Organized and staffed by BVS teachers. Children are served pizza and dessert. Enjoy some Christmas crafts, play some games and watch a Christmas movie. Children do not need to be registered students of BVS. Call or the school to register by Friday, December 9 th.

The Blawenburg December 2016 Page 7 We commit our gifts to MISSIONS serving

Crop Walk 2016 The final collected amount for our CWS/CROP Walk in October was

Thank you to the eight walkers and their supporters who made this possible.

contributed filled boxes that will spread happiness and smiles to children s

7 The Blawenburg December 2016 Page 7 We commit our gifts to MISSIONS serving those in need both locally and around the world. Crop Walk 2016 The final collected amount for our CWS/CROP Walk in October was $1, We also collected 12 jars of peanut butter which equaled 24.5 lbs. Thank you to the eight walkers and their supporters who made this possible. Samaritan s Purse A pyramid of 38 shoeboxes Thank you to everyone who contributed filled boxes that will spread happiness and smiles to children s faces around the world. Due to the new tracking labels, we will be able to learn where our boxes end up. First leg of a trip around the world

8 The Blawenburg December 2016 Page 8 MISSIONS Continued Update from Ken Bradsell Yes, I am back...just in time to vote..... Do you happen to know what BRC is thinking about the mission support they gave for my position in Oman? I ask, because if the church is still interested in Christian/Muslim dialogue a contribution could be re-directed from the Protestant Church in Oman to the Al Amana Centre, particularly support for the man we just appointed to be the new executive director (replacing Doug Leonard who now directs RCA Global Mission). Al Amana's mission is singularly focused on Christian/Muslim dialogue. It brings ministers and other leaders from the USA and, now, Western Europe to Oman for short-term immersion experiences, and hosts a semester abroad program for RCA college students, as well as shorter trips for seminarians and undergrads from other schools (e.g. Grand Valley in Michigan). I am on the board of directors (treasurer). We just appointed a young Finnish Lutheran pastor with extensive ecumenical and interfaith experience. Other than a little retirement activity, I am currently focused on ensuring we have sufficient firewood to get through our first Maine winter. By the way, Marcia will be having surgery (finally strong enough) for insert of a combination defibrillator/pacemaker sometime before Christmas. It's a sophisticated little gadget that lodges under the skin. I asked if it is Bluetooth enabled, can play music and answer mobile phone calls. -- Ken (Ya gotta love our former pastor's sense of humor! [ed. note] But to answer his question, the Missions Team, the Finance Team, and our current pastor will shortly be discussing the redirection of our support to the Protestant Church in Oman to another global mission or perhaps to a local mission.-- Barbara Pavlicek, Missions Team Chairperson) Classis Corner The Classis meets in Stated Session 3 times a year at rotating host churches with all Ministers and Elder Delegates expected to be present. BRC hosted this in October. Every month in between these meetings our Executive Committee meets to carry on the business of Classis. Here are some of the things we talked about at our Classis Executive Committee meeting on November 15 th : 1. Proposed Amendments to the Constitution of the RCA will be voted on at the January Stated Session of Classis. Recognizing the limited time for discussion at the Stated Session as well as the number and nature of the amendments, the Administration Committee will host a forum to discuss their recommendations. 10 AM Saturday, January 14 at the Three Bridges Reformed Church. The proposed amendments can be found here: 2. We reviewed a list of churches that are behind in paying their denominational assessments, and considered their prospects for doing so. 3. We recognized a need to gather our Classis Policies (separate from bylaws) into one place. 4. We wanted to encourage participation in the closing service at Rocky Hill on November 20th. 5. We appointed a Rocky Hill Property Team to take care of the church property after all the required tasks of dissolution and disbanding are completed, and to propose to the Classis a plan for the use or sale of the Rocky Hill property. 6. We acknowledged the need for shared conversation about the prudent and faithful use of funds that are being entrusted to the classis because of the closing of congregations and the selling of properties. We ll seek input from delegates at the January Classis meeting. 7. We look forward to organizing Cristiano Palabra de Fe, RCA in Reading when a date can be found. 8. We ll have a Special Session of Classis for the Examination of our Candidates Under Care beginning at 2:30 PM on Tuesday, January 10 at the Hillsborough Reformed Church at Millstone. (5:30-6:30 PM dinner). 21 exams are currently scheduled. I went to the closing service of the First Reformed Church of Rocky Hill on November 20th. It was a very touching celebration of their long ministry, , filled with much choral music including a solo part by Katherine Smith s grandson, Kyle. Gracie Johnson, BRC Elder Delegate

The Blawenburg Beacon December 2016 Page 9 We commit our gifts to PROCLAMATION spreading the good news of salvation SINTERKLAAS 2016 We re in the Home Stretch!

The booths will accept donations through Friday. The soup must be in by midnight on Thursday. Our white elephant treasures are being priced in anticipation of being sold.

Cook Hall will be a busy place on Thursday and Friday. Booth set-up needs to be finalized and decorating needs to be done.

Thank you so much for the work that you have done thus far; for your contributions, your donations, and all other work in general. Saturday promises to be lots of fun.

9 The Blawenburg Beacon December 2016 Page 9 We commit our gifts to PROCLAMATION spreading the good news of salvation SINTERKLAAS 2016 We re in the Home Stretch! Saturday, December 3 is the Date. The pies are mostly baked. The soups are in the freezer. The crafts are ready for display. The booths will accept donations through Friday. The soup must be in by midnight on Thursday. Our white elephant treasures are being priced in anticipation of being sold. The kitchen is being readied for brunch preparation. The Heifer tree awaits decorations. We re almost there only two more days! And yet, there is a bit more to do. Cook Hall will be a busy place on Thursday and Friday. Booth set-up needs to be finalized and decorating needs to be done. We would appreciate any last minute help that you can give us. Give Gracie ( ) or Barb ( ) a call if you can lend a hand. Thank you so much for the work that you have done thus far; for your contributions, your donations, and all other work in general. Saturday promises to be lots of fun. Sunday we will all be able to relax, knowing that we ve helped to raise money for missions and to do God s work in our church. In much love and appreciation, Gracie and Barb Leaf Raking 2016 Join with the Boy Scout Troop 46 for leaf raking on December 10, 9 am till noon. BYO rake. Refreshments provided.

The Blawenburg Beacon December 2016 Page 10 PROCLAMATION Continued Family Game

Mark your calendar for Friday, February 3rd, 7-10 pm.

contact Allison Clancy at (732) 672-6766 (call or text). Thank you!

Coloring Books Board Games Card Games DVDs (family oriented) Reading books (all

hot dogs, popcorn, desserts, coffee, tea, wine, cider, conversation, AND played

10 The Blawenburg Beacon December 2016 Page 10 PROCLAMATION Continued Family Game Night will be taking a hiatus for the holidays. Mark your calendar for Friday, February 3rd, 7-10 pm. **If anyone would like to donate supplies or games for this event, please contact Allison Clancy at (732) (call or text). Thank you! Items Needed: Crayons Children's markers (water soluble, no permanent please) Coloring Books Board Games Card Games DVDs (family oriented) Reading books (all age groups, children's preferred) The November Game Night We enjoyed snacks, hot dogs, popcorn, desserts, coffee, tea, wine, cider, conversation, AND played Pictionary. Fun evening! Are we having fun yet? The word is habit. Nun is not a good clue for a bunch of Protestants! That s it. Say it again! Pictionary expert

The Blawenburg Beacon December 2016 Page 11 To Our Blue Pomegranate Friends, PROCLAMATION Continued A hearty thank you to all the folks who made this fall's Blue Pomegranate season so very special.

We are making plans for this spring s sessions now - we will continue to have good music and art and fellowship.

, Jared, and Alan PS: Join us again in April. Songs of the Season Three great opportunities to celebrate the season with song alongside our partners in ministry!

11 The Blawenburg Beacon December 2016 Page 11 To Our Blue Pomegranate Friends, PROCLAMATION Continued A hearty thank you to all the folks who made this fall's Blue Pomegranate season so very special. Through the creative medium of art and live music, we came together in an atmosphere of support and love. We are making plans for this spring s sessions now - we will continue to have good music and art and fellowship. The Beagles We hope you all had a blessed Thanksgiving, Interest in small framed art pieces. Kids and snacks, perfect together. From the Blawenburg Church Team Mimi, Barb R., Jared, and Alan PS: Join us again in April. Songs of the Season Three great opportunities to celebrate the season with song alongside our partners in ministry! Love Divine: Advent Concert at Marble Collegiate Church in NYC Sunday, December 2:30 PM More details online at Christmas Joy: Holiday Princeton Seminary Saturday, December 2:00 PM in Miller Chapel More details online at Carols of Many Nations at Princeton Seminary Wednesday, December 3:30, 6:30, 8:30 (identical services) at Miller Chapel. More details online at

The Beacon December 2016 Page 12 OFFICE HOURS MON 8:30 to 1:30 THUR 8:30 to 3:30 FRI 8:30 to 11:30 The Blawenburg Beacon is a publication of Blawenburg Reformed Church 424 Route 518 PO Box 266

Jeff Knol VP of Consistory David Cochran Church Administrator & Beacon Publisher Karen Larsen Beacon Editor Barb Pavlicek Summary of Dates (See articles for more information.) Dates in December Dec.

12 The Beacon December 2016 Page 12 OFFICE HOURS MON 8:30 to 1:30 THUR 8:30 to 3:30 FRI 8:30 to 11:30 The Blawenburg Beacon is a publication of Blawenburg Reformed Church 424 Route 518 PO Box 266 Blawenburg, NJ blawenburgchurch@gmail.com Pastor Rev. Jeff Knol VP of Consistory David Cochran Church Administrator & Beacon Publisher Karen Larsen Beacon Editor Barb Pavlicek Summary of Dates (See articles for more information.) Dates in December Dec. 3 Sinterklaas, 9am 2pm Dec. 10 Leaf Raking, 9 noon Dec. 10 BVS Christmas Concert, 3pm Dec. 12 Consistory, 7:30 pm Dec. 21 Men s Breakfast 7:30 am Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Service, 5pm Dec. 25 Christmas Day Worship, 10am Planning Ahead Jan. 1 Happy New Year! Jan. 6 Beacon Deadline Jan. 8 Covered Dish Lunch, after worship Jan. 16 Jan/Feb Beacon published Jan. 22 New Member/Inquirers Lunch The Beacon is Changing! Starting in 2017 we will have a new Beacon publishing schedule. The church newsletter will be published every six weeks. You can expect the next issue on January 16th. Please be conscious of the new deadlines. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! December 2 Barbara Antoniewicz 12 Sarah Johnson Susan Weingart 23 T.J. Van Liew 24 George Gurzo 25 Ruth Patterson 28 Morgan Van Liew 29 Emma Murphy 31 Barbara Pavlicek If you don t see your name listed and it should be, please let Karen know so we can celebrate with you! WEEKLY EVENTS Worship Bible Study in CH Library AA Meeting in CH Basement Winter Events at Marble For details about events at Marble log on to BLAWENBURG REFORMED CHURCH In Service to the Risen Christ since 1832 The Blawenburg Reformed Church is a covenant community of God s people united in Christ through the Holy Spirit. We commit our gifts to worship, hospitality, life-long learning, serving those in need, and proclaiming the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ.

The Blawenburg Beacon

The Blawenburg Beacon January, 2013 A newsletter for the members and friends of The Blawenburg Reformed Church The Blawenburg Reformed Church is a family of God s people united in Christ through the Holy