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

Transcription

1 The Blawenburg Beacon Newsletter for the members and friends of the Blawenburg Reformed Church Late Summer 2018 This Issue Includes: 1 3 Worship 4 Life-Long Learning BVS 6 7 Hospitality 8 Missions Proclamation Properties Upcoming Dates 16 The Partnership Continues August 3, 2018 Leaders from the Blawenburg Reformed Church (BRC) and Griggstown Reformed Church (GRC) have recently agreed to continue our partnership until at least July In my opinion, this is wonderful news. There are some wrinkles to iron out, but I believe that continuing in the partnership is a good and faithful step forward for our church and everyone involved. Sunday, July 29 was the last day of the four-month test partnership. On Monday, July 30 we began the new, year-long contract. My time and energy as a minister will be divided according to a 2/3 and 1/3 divide with BRC receiving the greater share. For both churches I will continue to lead worship on Sunday mornings, provide pastoral care, and help lead consistory meetings. At BRC I will continue to lead Bible studies and work closely with the church staff, Blawenburg Village School, and ministry teams. As we considered the future of the partnership, I was grateful that many of you took time to fill out a survey, share your opinions, and attend the many congregational meetings that led up to this decision. Within our tradition, we seek to rely on the input of groups, teams, and congregations to make major decisions, rather than the opinions of lone individuals. Your input helped shape the decision. There is no doubt that the partnership will be more fruitful thanks to your contributions. The survey results and comments we received about the test partnership, and the prospect of continuing the partnership, were overwhelmingly positive. Many recognized the benefits of the partnership and could anticipate future benefits as we continue to find creative ways to engage in ministry with our sibling in Christ, GRC. There were some concerns raised in the surveys and congregational meetings. The consistory at BRC held a special meeting in July to discuss these concerns. The most prominent concern was for my wellbeing. People don t want to see me overworked. Our consistory expressed to me their desire that I take a balanced approach to life and ministry. Our shared goal will be to make sure that I am able to devote myself to a robust and full -time ministry, between the two churches, while also committing the appropriate time for family and personal rest. I will do my best to maintain that balance. I understand that if I have balance, it will benefit everyone. It was also clear that some were not thrilled with the new earlier 9am worship time and the constraints that the partnership places on my Sunday mornings. At our special meeting we discussed some alternative and creative models for Sunday mornings. After much discussion, the consensus was to keep the 9am worship schedule for the time being. This will mean being creative with choir practices, potlucks, and other activities that typically happen on Sundays, but the consistory saw benefits in keeping the earlier worship time. In my opinion, this partnership is a cornucopia of benefits. It keeps me engaged in fulltime ministry, which is important to me. I continue to feel God calling me to congregational ministry. These past two years in ministry with you have helped to affirm that and more

2 The Blawenburg Late Summer Beacon 2018 Page 2 calling. I love serving among the congregation at BRC and in our wider Montgomery community. Jamie and I are happy with our home and our lives here in Blawenburg. The arrangement allows GRC to have a part-time minister who lives locally and is completely dedicated to ministry. GRC will have consistency with me regularly in their pulpit. When pastoral care is needed, they know that I will be just a phone call away. The Classis, our regional body of nearly thirty RCA churches, is also seeing benefits from our partnership. Other small churches are already beginning to look to our partnership as a model for their own potential partnerships. Most importantly, the partnership helps BRC. We want to see vibrant and transformative ministry taking place on our church s campus and through our church s programs. We also feel the need to be faithful with our financial resources. The partnership helps us to have a closer balance between our expenses and our income. Over the course of a year GRC will help provide one third of my salary and benefits. This is a substantial help to our bottom line, but it won t completely address our budget deficit. We are still working towards balance! Beyond the finances, the partnership is a blessing to our congregation in many ways. We have expanded our church family to include our brothers and sisters in Griggstown. We don t all worship under the same roof, but we are now sharing together in God s family business. We are working together to accomplish God s work in the world. At the end of July we will partner in our second joint SHIP lunch. Members of GRC are coming to our Tuesday morning Bible study and sharing their thoughts, ideas, and prayers. We hope to offer a joint confirmation class with youth from both churches. We are praying for one another. No doubt there will be other joint efforts and opportunities in the coming year. As we look ahead to the upcoming year, there is a lot to celebrate. I thank God for my calling and for the opportunity to serve among you at the Blawenburg Church. I thank God for the spirit of openness and flexibility that both congregations have shown. I thank God for the consistory members and Classis representatives who have attended so many extra meetings as we worked out the partnership. I am thankful for Jean Beachell, our church treasurer, who has been doing all the math, projections, and Excel spreadsheets in preparation for all those extra meetings. There is a lot to be thankful for and so we end with praise Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Sincerely, Reverend Jeff Knol Celebration Singers, Sunday, June 24, singing praises

3 The Blawenburg Late Summer Beacon 2018 Page 3 ADMINISTRATION Baby Blessing We welcome the new blessing in the Liao house, baby son Rowan Peter Liao, born on July 12. He weighed in at 8 lbs oz and measured 20.5 inches. Mom Sarah, dad Ray, big sister Eloise and big brother Reid are all rejoicing at the safe arrival of Rowan. Flowers in church to announce the birth of Rowan Liao Coordinated blue flowers for worship and Rowan s birth. We Have New Members Here At Blawenburg This past spring six individuals met with the elders and Pastor Jeff, and were officially welcomed as the newest members of the Blawenburg Church. Over the course of the summer, they each received a formal welcome in church. They are Jim Corio, Bob Harrison, Irene Harrison, Sam Prince, Vineetha Prince, and Mark Smith. Jim tells us that he was brought up in a strict Catholic family. No meat on Fridays or on holy days for him! He lives in Montgomery with his wife Christine. Jim said that he gave up church for a while, but not too long ago decided to give it another chance and decided that he really liked our church, its history and our congregation! Bob and Irene live in Ringoes and have two boys, Alexander and Tyler. Alexander is married and Tyler just became engaged. Bob and Irene recently came back to Blawenburg after worshiping at a Presbyterian church in Ringoes. Irene tells us that she had spent 40 years of her life here at Blawenburg, and she knows this is where they belong. Sam and Vineetha live in Montgomery and come to us from a church in Iselin. Their two children, Preetham and Anika, by sharing with us their musical talents, have helped to enrich our worship services. Sam also helps to lead the service with his voice and his guitar, and Vineetha volunteers for just about anything when asked. (Usually before she is asked!) Mark comes to us from the Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville. He lives in Hamilton with his wife Carolyn and their two cats. He works as a hospice chaplain for Robert Wood Johnson Visiting Nurses, covering three counties in our area. He is a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary. We want to extend to each and every one of them warm greetings. Welcome to the fold Jim, Bob, Irene, Sam, Vineetha, and Mark! For Your Planning Convenience Beacon material is due to Karen (blawenburgchurch@gmail.com) and Barb P. (bjpmay1998@aol.com) by the date of the deadline. Also, if anyone would like to contribute photos for future Beacons, we welcome them. Deadline Date Sept.6 Oct. 23 Dec. 5

4 The Blawenburg Late Summer Beacon 2018 Page 4 We commit our gifts to WORSHIP gathering as a community to celebrate God s presence among us! Installation of Kevin and Bernice, Kevin s ordination Elders and Deacons are confessing members of the local church who have been inducted into that office by ordination in accordance with the Word of God and the order established or recognized by the RCA. The offices of elder and deacon are of servanthood and service representing Christ through the action of the Holy Spirit. In the local church, elders and deacons are members chosen for their spiritual discernment and exemplary life. Elders are chosen for their charitable spirit, and wisdom grounded in God s Word. Deacons are chosen for their compassionate spirit and sound judgment, who are set apart for a ministry of mercy, service and outreach. Elders, together with the installed minister serving under a call, are to have supervision of the church entrusted to them. They are set apart for a ministry of watchful and responsible care for all matters relating to the good order of the church. They are to study God s Word, to oversee the household of faith, to encourage spiritual growth, to maintain loving discipline, and to provide for the proclamation of the gospel and celebration of the sacraments. Deacons receive contributions from the congregation and distribute them under the direction of the consistory. (Book of Church Order) Worship Schedule for August Through September On Sunday, June 17 Kevin Clancy was ordained and installed in the office of Deacon. Bernice Van Nostrand was installed as an Elder and will serve as the Vice President of Consistory. August 5 Galatians 2:11-21 August 12 Galatians 3:23-29, 4:1-7 August 19 Galatians 5:1, August 26 Nancy Curtis James Christian Attitude September 2 Nancy Curtis James Christian Conduct Sept 9 Mark 2:23-3:6 Sept 16 Mark 3:20-35 Sept 23 Mark 4:26-34 Sept 30 Mark 4:35-41

5 The Blawenburg Late Summer Beacon 2018 Page 5 WORSHIP Continued Worship Service, Communion, and Fellowship on July 1. Flowers and flags--recognizing our independence David and Jonathan-- OT best friends Katie provides a musical treat by playing the bells Friendship Sermon Series From his three-part sermon series on Friendship, Pastor Jeff and Jim Corio played the parts of David and Jonathan in the Children's Sermon. Their symbols of friendship, care, and protection were a coat, a shield, and a sword. Continuing the theme of friendship, Pastor Jeff and Joe Pavlicek served the communion elements to Alex, Sam, and Vineetha--and to Bernice and her grandson Alan, who is visiting from Georgia. Jesus' symbols of friendship were bread and wine, which he served to his disciples. During fellowship, Don and Ethel Terhune serve Keith Sickafoose, a neighbor and new friend to our church.

6 The Blawenburg Late Summer Beacon 2018 Page 6 We commit our gifts to LIFE-LONG LEARNING providing spiritual growth opportunities for all. Sunday School is Coming to Blawenburg Members of Consistory and the Worship Team were encouraged and energized by the support received from many members of the congregation at the meeting held on May 20 to discuss starting a Sunday school here at Blawenburg. What was once an idea is about to become a reality. Sunday school will officially begin on September 9 immediately following our worship service. Children are invited to gather in the Children and Worship Center to sing and participate in a Bible story. After the story, students will break into age-appropriate activity/response groups. The activities might include a craft, drama, art, or journaling, and will help to make the story relevant to their lives as well as be fun. During this time, the children will have a snack. Following activity time, the children will reconvene in the Children and Worship Center for a song and closing prayer. We are in need of a leader as well as a helper for each of the two response groups (four individuals). Ideally, the same people will lead the same group for a one-month block; however, we are open to alternative suggestions. A selection of activities will be made available to the individuals who volunteer. A meeting is set for after church on August 12 to firm up September and October, and we look forward to an open discussion at that time. Registration forms are in the back of the church and in the church office. We are thankful that there is a need for Sunday school here at Blawenburg and that we have the ability to fill it. Please join us in helping to enhance the spiritual lives of the young people of our church. Thank you so much. Registration forms are in the back of the church and in the office. Tuesday Morning Bible Study meets at 10am in the Church Library. Come join us as we read and discuss scripture for the upcoming Sunday message and take time to pray with one another. Coffee and an occasional treat will be provided. Wednesday Evening Bible Study Resumes on September 12 at 6:30pm. Pastor Jeff sends out s each week with information about the study and date; and if you would like to join us, revjeffknol@gmail.com for more information. Mary and Martha Book Group The group will meet on August 23 at 6:15pm in the home of Bernice Van Nostrand. The book What Love Is Like by David Bast is the current read. They will continue discussing the book from chapter 3. If you would like to attend, please let Bernice know. The group meets the fourth Thursday of each month and begins with study and prayer and then enjoys a simple dinner together.

7 The Blawenburg Late Summer Beacon 2018 Page 7 Blawenburg Village School PO Box 153, Blawenburg, NJ info@blawenburgvillageschool.com Angela Wright, Director Summer Camp has been in full swing. We have had fun with Pirates and Princesses, enjoyed the Great Outdoors, and have even Cooked Around the World (Mexico, China, Italy, France, and America). Sadly, our final week of camp is next week where we will be Discovering Dinosaurs. We still have a few spots left, so if you would like to join us, our camp runs from 9:00am-1:00pm, for children ages We are busy planning the school year, which will start with classroom orientations on September 6 th and 7 th. The first day of class is September 10 th. There are limited spaces available, please call the school at or Angela Wright at awright@blawenburgvillageschool.com if you re interested in summer camp or enrollment for the school year. Donuts for Dad, June 15 Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

8 The Blawenburg Late Summer Beacon 2018 Page 8 We commit our gifts to HOSPITALITY caring for those in our congregation and the greater community. Pastor Jeff with his father, Joe, visiting from Michigan Pastor s Appreciation Picnic Happy Birthday Don! On July 23, Pastor Jeff and Jamie hosted their annual thank you event. The rain did not dampen the spirits of those who attended. It was a fun time of good food and fellowship. Birthday boys Bud Lewis and Don Thiel were serenaded and everyone enjoyed cake. Happy Birthday Bud! This really was a happy occasion! How were these usually smiling folks captured without their happy grins?!

9 The Blawenburg Late Summer Beacon 2018 Page 9 HOSPITALITY Continued Pastor Smith shares fellowship with Katie and Jotham Pam, Barb, and Catherine enjoy fellowship outdoors Visiting this summer were Janet Ulrey and husband Carl Gracie and Janet catch up at the appreciation picnic Other summer visitors were the Rev. Bob Sharman who came to the June Blue Pomegranate event and Larry and Jane May who attended church in July. They were in N.J. to attend a reunion. SAVE THE DATES Church Picnic at the Clancys September 8 noon Rain Date September 9 Details to follow. CROPWalk for Hunger October 14 Blawenburg Church has the honor of hosting our South Somerset Cropwalk for Hunger this fall. We will walk on our new sidewalk down to and around Skillman Park and back. Walkers' envelopes will be distributed in September and sign ups then for help with hosting. Plan to join us then!

10 The Blawenburg Late Summer Beacon 2018 Page 10 We commit our gifts to MISSIONS serving those in need both locally and around the world. Crawford House Gardening The residents and BRC volunteers met on July 16 to tend to the vegetable garden at Crawford House. Despite the dry weather and lack of watering, the tenacious seedlings came through. Good work of weeding, loosening the soil, and giving the plants a drink. Pulling the weeds out of the garden can be likened to removing the weeds in their lives, helping the good things grow. If you would like to be a gardening volunteer, contact Ethel. SHIP Luncheon July 31 Assembly line for PB&J sandwich making Dave, Nancy & Caroline of GRC serving desserts, fruit and drinks BRC & GRC working together Teaching young friend to tell time Lovely picnic grove behind SHIP headquarters

11 The Blawenburg Late Summer Beacon 2018 Page 11 MISSIONS - Continued Church World Service Kits September s Mission Project For some, it's Christmas in July. For ShopRite, however, it's school supplies in August--at a good price! If you want to start early on our September mission project, below is a list of what is needed for a Church World Service School Kit. A cloth bag will be provided (thanks to our in-house sewing group and fabric contributor). We will also be collecting for Hygiene Kits. See the lists below. You can also check the site: churchworldservice.org/kits. The children who will benefit from your generosity will be very grateful. Here's what you'll need for a school kit: One pair of blunt scissors removed from the package (rounded tip, only) Three 70-count bound notebooks or notebooks totaling pages (no loose-leaf or filler paper) One 30-centimeter / 12" ruler One hand-held pencil sharpener removed from the package One large eraser (no pencil cap erasers) Six new, unsharpened pencils with erasers, removed from the package One box of 24 crayons (only 24) Value: $15.00 Processing fee: $2.00 per kit Here s what you ll need for a hygiene kit: One hand towel measuring approximately 15 x 28 to 16 x 32 (no fingertip, bath, dish towel or micro-fiber) One washcloth One wide-tooth comb removed from the package One fingernail or toenail clipper removed from the package One bath-size bar of soap in the wrapper One toothbrush in the package (no toothpaste) Ten standard size Band-Aids Do NOT add any extra items or toothpaste. A tube of extended expiration toothpaste will be added to each hygiene kit just prior to its final destination. Value: $15.00 Processing fee: $2.00 per kit Service kits will be packed on September 23 during fellowship.

12 The Blawenburg Late Summer Beacon 2018 Page 12 We commit our gifts to PROCLAMATION spreading the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ. Blue Pomegranate Third Show of the Season was held June 21. Blue Pomegranate's third and final show of the season took place on Thursday, June 21. We were grateful for the talented musicians and artists who performed and exhibited their work. McMillan and Company, an innovative jazz ensemble including Laura McMillan (vocals, piano), Tom McMillan (bass), Ben Cahill (keyboards), and Paul Hofreiter (guitar), provided a musical journey by improvising within the context of the song. The art of the Trenton A-Team, a group of visual artists who had been using the services of the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen and have now formed a non-profit artist cooperative, adorned the walls. This team of artists, under the guidance of Princeton artist Susan Darley, produces refreshingly pure work. The work of young artists from Trenton A-Team Alan shows some of his art work on his phone with two of the artists McMillan and Company

13 The Blawenburg Late Summer Beacon 2018 Page 13 PROCLAMATION Continued Not In Our Town July 9, 7:30pm Not In Our Town" is a national movement to stop hate, address bullying, and build safe, inclusive communities for all. They believe that real change happens at a local level. The organization's work focuses on solutions that inspire and empower communities. Township Councilwoman Sadaf Jaffer has organized local "Not In Our Town" meetings to encourage conversation among concerned citizens. Pastor Jeff, Dave Cochran, and Gracie Johnson attended a past meeting. They watched a National Geographic film entitled: "America Inside Out - The Muslim Next Door" (natgeotv.com). Discussion followed about the best way to report bias crimes. At the meeting on July 9, attendees viewed the film Walking on Oak Creek. It is a documentary about the shooting at a Sikh temple in Wisconsin. Welcome from Pastor Jeff Comments from Township Councilwoman, Sadaf Jaffer Our church again has the privilege of hosting a community event on Monday, August 13 from 7:30pm-9pm in Fellowship Hall. "Not In Our Town" is an organization designed to help stamp out hatred and to build understanding among people who live together, but who may be of different races or religions. On August 13 local Hillsborough resident Dr. Karen Gaffney will share a presentation based on her book Dismantling the Racism Machine. Karen s work is historical and helps explain the roots of our culture s current racial ideas and divides. It should be a very informative presentation and discussion. I hope you will attend. I have said several times in the past few months that I want to live in a place where no matter a person's race or religion, everyone feels like a first-class citizen. This program helps me act on that goal by showing hospitality to our diverse neighbors and seeking to understand the issues that others face. I hope you will come to the event to help show hospitality and learn more with me about how we can help strengthen our Montgomery community. Pastor Jeff If you would like to provide sweet or savory finger foods, please let Gracie know. Men s Community Breakfast The next men's breakfast will be on September 5 here in Fellowship Hall. Mark your calendars for the following breakfast on October 3. Come on out, guys, and bring your hungry friends!

14 The Blawenburg Late Summer Beacon 2018 Page 14 Help Wanted, and Needed Volunteers are needed during the summer for outside jobs at our church. Sign up now to help. Choose the project you'd like, and set the day and time that fits your schedule. 1) Pulling weeds and grass from the areas that surround the Church and Cook Hall. 2) Sanding and painting the black handrails at Cook Hall. Paint and materials provided. 3) Help maintain driveway and parking areas by preparing and filling potholes. Material provided. 4) Stain the parsonage deck sometime between August Materials provided. NAME DAY DATE APPROXIMATE TIME By adding date and time info someone else might like to join you to help. Sign-up sheets are located in the back of the Church and on the bulletin board upstairs in Cook Hall. You can also call Ginny Doremus ( ) for more information or to sign up by phone. Any help is greatly appreciated. Front Door Refurbish The refurbishing project of the entrance to the church has begun! The doors and surround are being stripped and repainted by Kane Brothers Restoration of Kingston. The foyer floors and sills will also be repaired and restored. The total cost of this project is estimated to be close to $12,000. These funds have been set aside for this out of the Preservation Fund from your hard work at the recent rummage sales and Sinterklaas Bazaars. Your hard work continues to be needed, but is much appreciated, especially when we can tackle important jobs like this. Much of this work is weather dependent and may take them well into the fall, so we ask your patience with any temporary inconveniences.

15 The Blawenburg Late Summer Beacon 2018 Page 15 Guest musician, Chip Mergott, treated us to two original songs in the blues style on July 29. Snacks for the Food Pantry Our July mission project was to collect snacks for the Montgomery Food Pantry. Thanks to all who contributed. As you can see, there will be lots of happy kids.

16 The Blawenburg Late Summer Beacon 2018 Page 16 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 Pastor Rev. Jeff Knol VP of Consistory Bernice Van Nostrand Church Administrator & Beacon Publisher Karen Larsen Weekly Events Beacon Editor Barb Pavlicek Tuesday Bible Study 10:00am Wednesday Bible Study 6:30pm Resume September 12 Saturday AA 8:00pm Sunday Worship 9am Sunday School 10am (starting Sept. 9) Summary of Dates (See articles for more information.) Plan Ahead August 3 Church office closed. 5 Worship & Communion 9:00am Sanctuary 6 Properties Team, 10:00am CW Center 7 Missions Team 11:45am CW Center 9 BVS Board Meeting 9:30am CW Center Worship Team 2:30pm Church Library 11 AA all day Fellowship Hall (all) 12 Worship 9:00am Sanctuary Sunday School Meeting 10:00am CW Center 13 Gardening 6:30pm Crawford House Not In Our Town event 7:30pm F ship Hall Church office closed. 18 Griggstown Harvest Festival 3:30-7pm GRC 19 Worship 10:00am Sanctuary 20 - Sept. 5 Pastor Jeff Vacation 26 Worship 9:00am Sanctuary September 2 Worship 9:00am Sanctuary 4 Missions Meeting 11:45am CW Center 5 Men s Com. Breakfast 7:30am F ship Hall 6 Beacon Deadline BVS Orientation 10:00am School House Comm Team 11:00am Church Library Worship Team 2:30pm Church Library 7 BVS Orientation 10:00am School House 8 Church Picnic 12:00pm Clancy Home 9 Worship 9:00am Sanctuary Sunday School 10:00am CW Center Fun Fest 12-5pm Airport Church Picnic Rain Date 12:00 Clancy Home 10 BVS First Day 9:00am School House Cemetery Team 10:00am CW Center Properties Team 12:30pm CW Center Gardening 6:30pm Crawford House 12 Evening Bible Study 6:30pm 16 Worship 9:00am Sanctuary BRC Mission Statement 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, lifelong learning, serving those in need, and proclaiming the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! August 1 Frank Tufano 2 Will Herbert 6 Sue Perkins 11 Nancy Meyer 18 Barb Van Liew 19 Tom Hunt 21 Pam Bainbridge 22 Kaitlyn Clancy 24 Diana Pfannebecker Andrea Eberly 25 Brian Maestripieri 26 Akemi Pugliese 30 Steve Han 31 Rick White September 2 Mark Meyer 9 Peggy Querec 15 Ginny Doremus Jotham Johnson 16 Cal Urbanski Mary Beth Sharman If you don t see your name listed and it should be, please let Karen know so we can celebrate with you! If anyone would like to contribute photos for future Beacons, we welcome them. Please send photos via to Barb Pavlicek and Karen Larsen by the date of the deadline. (See p. 3) Like us on facebook to view more news and events! #blawenburgvillageschool