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 Ministry of Welcome: Winter 2018 February 2, 2018 It was sad to lose Jean Skillman this past holiday season. Jean was a long-time member of this church and from what I understand Jean served our church in many ways. Soon after her death, we were sharing stories about Jean during our Tuesday morning Bible study. Alan Taback and Mimi Coffey each said that Jean was one of the people who first greeted them and made them feel welcomed in the sanctuary. As we talked more, there were three people who were remembered for being warm, welcoming, and helpful in making visitors feel at ease. Those three people were Grace Terhune, Ruthie Patterson, and Jean Skillman. This Issue Includes: Pastor s Greeting Administration 1 2 Worship 4 Life-Long Learning BVS Hospitality Mission Proclamation Upcoming Dates I had a double reaction to this time of testimony. First, I was so happy to hear that Alan and Mimi had been so warmly welcomed when they came and visited our church. As a person who has changed churches a few times in the past five years, I know from experience how scary and difficult it can be to walk into a new church. It is no small thing to be completely unfamiliar with a group of people who already know each other. It is terrifying. For that reason, it was so beautiful to hear that Alan and Mimi had been made to feel at-home by the greetings of Grace, Ruthie, and Jean. I also realized that all three of our ministers of welcome were no longer regular parts of our Sunday morning gatherings. Grace Terhune and Jean Skillman have passed on; while they are still with us in memory and spirit they are no longer able to be on the front lines of greeting our visitors. We praise God that Ruthie Patterson is still with us; she is still a great blessing whenever we have a chance to be with her, but Ruthie is only in worship from time to time. Churches, by no fault of their own, are scary places to walk into for the first few times. Additionally, some of our greatest ministers of welcome are no longer with us on Sunday mornings. For these reasons, we all need to keep in mind the ministry of welcome. We love our church community. We love having a place of peace, a place of prayer, a place of encouragement, a place of friendship and love. Our prayer is that more and more people can experience the blessings of our church. An important part of helping people into our fellowship, is to make them feel at home from the moment they cross our thresholds. In tribute to Jean Skillman, and the many other ministers of welcome we have had at church, let s make an effort to welcome our visitors with open arms and warm hearts. Pastor Jeff and more

2 The Blawenburg Winter Beacon 2018 Page 2 ADMINISTRATION SECTION 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, life-long learning, serving those in need, and proclaiming the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ. Run With Rotary! Sunday, April 22 It s that time again! Time to sign up for the Run with Rotary event. Last year we participated in this event for the first time. Thousands of people from our local area gathered in Skillman Park that Sunday morning and we had a team of twenty-five people complete the one-mile ramble. Margot was number twenty-six, but rode in her stroller for the mile. Our team also won the Most Spirited team award, which was a great honor. This is a great event. It raises money for local and international relief work. This year there is a special focus of raising money for SHIP in Somerville,NJ. SHIP will use the donated funds to help purchase a new mobile soup kitchen and disaster response vehicle. This year a team from our church will again participate in the one mile ramble which takes place at 10am. If you would prefer to run the 5k event go for it, but most of our teammates will ramble. Our Blawenburg Church team is registered on the Run with Rotary website. Find the registration at Runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Skillman/RunWithRotaryNJ. Where it asks for your team, select Blawenburg Church. The registration fee is $15 for the one mile ramble. Joe Pavlicek to be Honored Elder Joe Pavlicek has been chosen to be honored at the Lay Recognition Dinner sponsored by the Synod of the Mid-Atlantics. In his nomination, Pastor Jeff wrote: Joe Pavlicek has been a faithful member of the Blawenburg Church since the late 1990 s. There have been many ways that Joe has served and been supportive to our church s mission and ministries. He has served on Consistory twice as an elder. Joe has organized and managed the monthly men s breakfast. He regularly serves as an usher, preparing and managing the sanctuary before, during, and after worship. He greets worshippers, manages the sound system, takes the offering, helps with communion, and helps tidy up the sanctuary after the service. Joe ensures that worship can happen in our church. He does so in a quiet, humble, and purposeful way. We thank God for Joe and the good and important work he does. The dinner will be held on March 9th. More info is available at the sign-up sheet in Fellowship Hall. 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 Publication Date March 8 March 16 April 23 April 30

3 The Blawenburg Winter Beacon 2018 Page 3 ADMINISTRATION SECTION Continued Interested in becoming a member? New-Members Lunch, Sunday, March 11 th Pastor Jeff is planning to host a New-Members luncheon on Sunday, March 11 th from 12:00pm and continue until 3:00pm. Anyone who is interested in learning more about the church and membership is invited to take part. We will host the luncheon in Fellowship Hall following coffee hour. Church leaders will share information and answer questions, and they will be interested to learn a little bit about you. If you would like to attend, please contact Pastor Jeff or the church office at blawenburgchurch@gmail.com Pledging for 2018 The Finance Team is still waiting for a few pledge cards to be returned. If you need a card, there are extras on the back table in church, or you may ask Jean Beachell for one. The more pledges we receive the less money we have to take from our endowment funds to pay our bills. We would also like any members who have not paid their $84.00 membership assessment to place your check in the offering as soon as you are able. Don t forget to write assessment on the memo line of your check. The Finance Team thanks you. AA Meetings at BRC Did you know, our church provides a space for AA meetings throughout the week? Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is an international mutual aid fellowship founded in 1935 by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith in Akron, Ohio. AA's stated "primary purpose" is to "stay sober and help other alcoholics achieve sobriety". With other early members, Bill Wilson and Bob Smith developed AA's Twelve Step program of spiritual and character development. AA's initial Twelve Traditions were introduced in 1946 to help the fellowship be stable and unified while disengaged from "outside issues" and influences. A study found an association between an increase in attendance to AA meetings with increased spirituality and a decrease in the frequency and intensity of alcohol use. (Wikipedia, 2018) Homeward Bound meets seven days a week from 5:30pm to 6:30pm in the west end of Fellowship Hall. Our traditional AA meeting is still held on Tuesday evenings at 7pm. A new meeting has begun to meet on Saturday evenings at 8:00pm with approximately 20 attendees at each meeting. BRC is happy to be able to provide the space for people who are helping themselves and seeking a higher power to help guide their lives.

4 The Blawenburg Winter Beacon 2018 Page 4 We commit our gifts to WORSHIP gathering as a community to celebrate God s presence among us! Advent and Christmas Thank you to the Prince Family for lighting the Hope candle; Nancy Meyer and Barb Van Liew, the Peace candle; Alan Taback and Mimi Coffey, the Joy candle; Linnea Eberly and Angelina Han, the Love candle; and the Cochran grandchildren, for lighting the Christ candle on Christmas Eve. The Bradsell family joined in worship.

5 The Blawenburg Winter Beacon 2018 Page 5 WORSHIP Continued Christmas Eve Service 2017 The choir shares sacred music. But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Luke 2:10 Pastor Jeff reads the age-old story. Silent Night, Holy Night

6 The Blawenburg Winter Beacon 2018 Page 6 February 4 th Mark 1:29-39 February 11 th Mark 9:2-9 Wednesday, February 14 th Ash Wednesday at United Reformed in Somerville. Meeting for carpool at 5:15pm at Blawenburg Reformed Church. February 18 th Genesis 9:8-17 and Mark 1:9-15 February 25 th Genesis 17:1-7, and Mark 8:31-38 March 4th Exodus 20:1-17 and John 2:13-22 WORSHIP Continued March 11 th Numbers 21:4-9 and John 3:14-21 March 18 th Jeremiah 31:31-34 and John 12:20-33 March 25 th Palm Sunday Psalm 118:1-2, and John 12:12-16 March 29 th Maundy Thursday John 13:1-17, 31b-35 April 1 st Easter Sunday Isaiah 25:6-9 and Mark 16:1-8 ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE FEBRUARY 14 Our church has once again been invited to participate in an Ash Wednesday service at the United Reformed Church of Somerville. Pastor Jeff will lead the service, along with Rev. Paul Janssen, the minister at United Reformed. The service begins at around 7:00 pm; however, a pot luck dinner will precede it at 6:00. Those who would like to attend will meet at 5:15 in our church parking lot with the intention of carpooling at 5:30. Bringing a covered-dish to share is suggested, but not mandatory. A sign-up sheet can be found at coffee hour. Those who attended the service last year found it to be warm and inspirational and are again looking forward to it. In addition, other area Reformed churches have been invited, so this is a great opportunity to worship and share fellowship with new friends. Please sign up on the sheet provided in Fellowship Hall, or give Karen a call in the office to let us know that you will be attending.

7 The Blawenburg Winter Beacon 2018 Page 7 WORSHIP Continued In Memorium Jean Warmke Skillman October 1,1924 December 25, 2017 Jean was the much beloved and longest-serving Secretary of Blawenburg Reformed Church from the 1960's until the 1990's, serving seven Pastors. (See p. 12 for photos of the memorial lunch.) Breakfast Worship January 21 The Parable of the Kingdom of the Hidden Treasure Pastor Jeff taught Margot s favorite song, Clap Your Hands All You People.

8 The Blawenburg Winter Beacon 2018 Page 8 Lt. Sarah Bradsell-Rudrud WORSHIP Continued In Memorium Robert Hudson Bradsell September 26,1924 January 22, 2018 Bradsell is survived by his wife of 35 years, Barbara, and his brother, the Reverend Kenneth R. Bradsell. Together, Robert and Barbara have four grown daughters; Cari Bradsell Rudd of Washington, DC, Renee Petz Cohen of Langhorne, PA, Claudia Petz Allatt of Somerville, NJ and Lori Bradsell Kugler of Flemington, NJ. Barbara and Robert have been blessed with seven grandchildren - Sara, Ethan, Noah, Skylar, Makenna, Lucas, and Ava - each of whom adored their Grampy. Rev. Ken Bradsell Other speakers were Dave Cochran, friend and church member, Dr. George Michael, brother-in-law, and Cari Rudd, daughter. (For photos of the memorial lunch see p. 13.) A Spartan benediction for Bob Celebration Singers January 28th I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart; I will give thanks in the great congregation of the people. Great are the deeds of the Lord! God s deeds are a delight to all who know them. Psalm 111

9 The Blawenburg Winter Beacon 2018 Page 9 We commit our gifts to LIFE-LONG LEARNING providing spiritual growth opportunities for all. 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, like birthday celebrations! Alan, January 9th Katherine, January 17th Hilde January 31st Wednesday Evening Bible Study meets at 6:30pm. I would like to remind you that I meet with a small group of folks from church every Wednesday evening. Typically this small group meets at the parsonage. The evening begins at 6:30 with a time to catch up, followed by Bible study and prayer. If you would like to learn more about scripture and get to know some friends from church a little better, do consider joining the Wednesday evening group. I send out s each week with information about the study; and if you would like to join us, revjeffknol@gmail.com for more information. Pastor Jeff Mary and Martha Book Group In early January, the group began a study of Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life, : Life-Changing Tools for Healthy Relationships (Nonviolent Communication Guides) by Marshall B. Rosenberg, PhD. Due to various calendar conflicts, the next meeting is on February 15th at 6:15pm at the home of Bernice Van Nostrand. In March the group will meet on March 15th. All women are welcome to join us for a planned pot-luck supper, thoughtful and lively discussion, and prayer time. Support our church by shopping via smile.amazon.com and choosing Blawenburg Reformed Church as your charity.

10 The Blawenburg Winter Beacon 2018 Page 10 Blawenburg Village School PO Box 153, Blawenburg, NJ Karen Hill, Director The preschool s annual Christmas concert was originally scheduled for Saturday, December 9th. However, snowy weather prevailed and the program was moved to the following Wednesday morning. There were the same elements, a baby, a manger, and most especially, adorable children. Coming Up... BVS is starting the enrollment process for the school year. A closed enrollment period will be held for current BVS students and BRC members from February 14 th 28 th. Open enrollment will begin on March 1 st. Call or the school for additional information or to schedule a tour. Kids Night Out Join the fun on Friday, February 23 rd (5:30-8:30pm) Children ages 2-11 are welcome. Organized and staffed by BVS teachers. Children are served pizza and dessert. Enjoy crafts, games a movie and popcorn! Children do not need to be registered students of BVS. Call or the school to register. Limited spaces available.

11 The Blawenburg Winter Beacon 2018 Page 11 We commit our gifts to HOSPITALITY caring for those in our congregation and the greater community. Covered-Dish Luncheon January 7th Covered-Dish Luncheon February 4th Join us for our second annual winter covered-dish luncheon for 2018, following worship. Please bring a dish to share and plan to stay and enjoy everyone's company. Ovens will be on low during worship to keep your food warm. Drinks and desserts will be provided. The next covered-dish luncheon will be held on March 4th. Be sure to mark your calendar.

12 The Blawenburg Winter Beacon 2018 Page 12 HOSPITALITY Continued Skillman Family Reception January 11, 2018 Son Jeff Son Tom Great-granddaughter Hannah A Skillman family photo

13 The Blawenburg Winter Beacon 2018 Page 13 HOSPITALITY Continued Bradsell Family Reception January 27, 2018 Have you ever seen so many delicious cookies? Barb Bradsell and Ginny Doremus Bradsell family members, Cari, Adam, Marcia, Rachel, and her husband, Jason Pastors Jeff and Ken Memories of Bob

14 The Blawenburg Winter Beacon 2018 Page 14 We commit our gifts to MISSIONS serving those in need both locally and around the world. Wendy Herbert Welcomed to the Board of Daytop NJ Wendy Wolff Herbert, Esq., joined Daytop NJ Board of Trustees recently as a member of the Crawford House fund development committee. Wendy is an administrative partner for taxation and wealth planning at Fox Rothschild, LLP and advises individuals and businesses in a wide range of estate planning and tax matters. She focuses her practice on strategic planning for the transition of wealth from one generation to the next and on business succession planning. She also has a depth of experience in handling tax controversies, advertising, and representing individuals and businesses before the IRS. Wendy is also a frequent lecturer on various tax, estate, and probate topics. She presents seminars for community organizations and professional education programs for attorneys and accountants. Wendy received her law degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School (J.D., with honors, 2003) and her undergraduate degree from Douglass College, Rutgers University. She was associate editor of the Journal of Labor and Equipment Law, recipient of the Gordon A. Block Award for most outstanding work in wills and future interests, recipient of three Bernard A. Chertoff Prize for the highest grade in taxation, and is a member of the Order of the Coif. In addition, Wendy serves on the board of directors of Dress for Success Mercer County, a non-profit that empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a support network, professional attire and development tools to help them thrive. She also serves as an elder on the BRC consistory. Other ways BRC provides service to Crawford House Mission from Sinterklaas Soup Booth and Bake Table: Crawford House Soup Making will be held February 25th from 3:30-6:00pm. We have about 24 girls who love to come to our church and make soup, enjoy fellowship, and tour the church with Dave. If you would like to join us at 5:00pm to have soup, salad and dessert, we would love to have you. Evelyn Cochran Spring Gardening We look forward to another gardening season at Crawford House. Watch for the gardening dates in the Early Spring issue of the Beacon, coming in mid-march. Thank you! Thank you for your caring hearts and generous donations. The final amount we sent to Heifer International was $3, Also, a $ donation was made to the Griggs Farm Fire Fund for use in helping our neighbors on Cherry Valley Road whose homes were lost to fire.

15 The Blawenburg Winter Beacon 2018 Page 15 MISSIONS Continued SAVE Presentation Heather Achenbach, Executive Director of Small Animal Veterinary Endowment (SAVE) animal shelter, presented a slide show presentation and told about the shelter s work following worship on January 28th. If you would like to volunteer, donate towards their needs, or add to your family, the shelter is just around the corner from the church on County Route 601. You can learn more about them on their website: S.H.I.P. Lunch January 30th Bob with Larry & Jim, the SHIP lunch organizers Tom, founder of SHIP with Alan Finishing touches on the kitchen Dave, Frank, Bob, Emma Frank puts away salad bowls. Thank you! Thank you to the behind-the-scenes contributors who provided the sloppy joes, apple sauce, peanut butter & jelly, desserts, salads, prayers, and good thoughts. Pastor Jeff and Elaine On our way home till next time.

16 The Blawenburg Winter Beacon 2018 Page 16 We commit our gifts to PROCLAMATION spreading the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ. Men s Breakfast In January the Men s Breakfast group was hosted by Gracie and Jotham Johnson. The men enjoyed their good home cooking and the ambiance of their home. The next men s community breakfast will be on Wednesday, February 7th at 7:30 am at the Blawenburg Café. All men are welcome to join us for breakfast. Consider bringing a friend or two. Contact Joe Pavlicek for more information, or jpavl1999@aol.com. Game Night Tonight! Please join us for fun and fellowship tonight, Friday, February 2nd, at 7pm in Memorial Hall. Feel free to bring friends. The more the merrier! Let s keep warm with laughter and good fun for all ages. Mark your calendar. The next Game Night will be March 2nd.

17 The Blawenburg Winter Beacon 2018 Page 17 PROCLAMATION Continued Blue Pomegranate Spring Dates Mark your calendar and plan to attend the spring Blue Pomegranate events. April 12 May 17 June 21 Spread the word among your friends who would enjoy a social evening of art, music, and culture. Events begin at 7pm and are held in Fellowship Hall. Don Thiel Receives Award At the annual awards banquet held at Bedens Brook Country Club on January 6, 2018, the Blawenburg Fire Engine Co. #2 presented a beautiful trophy to our own Don Thiel honoring his 60 years of service. Quite an accomplishment! He also received a framed letter of tribute from former Governor Christie. Prior to joining Co. #2, where Don once served as Fire Chief, he served as a fire fighter for three years in Princeton, and one year in Fanwood. Don, while inactive for the past year, has attended weekly meetings when able. George Gurzo, Don's grandson, is the current Fire Chief of Co. #2 and presented the trophy to his grandfather. Annual Rummage Sale When you begin your spring cleaning, please put items aside for the Rummage Sale, which will take place on April 20 and 21. More details to come in the Early Spring issue of the Beacon.

18 The Blawenburg Winter Beacon 2018 Page 18 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 Ethel Terhune Church Administrator & Beacon Publisher Karen Larsen Beacon Editor Barb Pavlicek Weekly Events Tuesday Bible Study 10:00am AA 7:00pm Wednesday Bible Study, 6:30pm Saturday AA 8:00pm Sunday Worship 10am Summary of Dates (See articles for more information.) Plan Ahead Feb. 2 Game Night 7:00pm Feb. 4 Worship & Communion 10:00am Sanctuary Covered-Dish Lunch 11:15am Feb. 5 Properties Team 12:30pm CW Center Feb. 6 Worship Team 4:15pm Church Library Boy Scout Meeting, 7:00pm, C W Center Feb. 7 Men s Breakfast 7:30am Feb. 11 Breakfast Worship 8:32am F ship Hall Worship 10:00am Sanctuary (Boy Scout Sunday) Boy Scout Meeting, 12:00pm, F ship Hall Feb. 12 BVS Board Meeting 7:00pm CW Center Feb. 13 Mission Team 11:30am Pastor s Office Boy Scout Exec. Comm 7:30pm CW Ctr Feb. 14 Ash Wednesday, 7:00pm, United Reform Feb. 15 Mary & Martha 6:15pm Bernice s. Boy Scout New Members, 7pm, F ship H. Feb. 18 Worship 10:00am Sanctuary Feb. 19 Presidents Day Church office closed. Consistory 7:30pm CW Center Feb. 23 Kids Night Out 5:30pm School House Feb. 25 Celebration Singers Practice, 9am Worship 10:00am Sanctuary Crawford House Soup 3:30pm Kitchen Soup Dinner at 5pm, Fellowship Hall March March 1 Moms Club, 10:00am, Fellowship Hall March 2 Game Night, 7:00pm, Mem. Hall March 4 Worship & Communion, 10:00am, Sanct. Covered-Dish Lunch 11:15am F ship H. March 5 Properties, 12:30pm, CW Center March 6 Boy Scout Exec. Comm, 7:30pm, CWC. March 7 Men s Breakfast, 7:30am, B burg Café March 8 Beacon Deadline Mary & Martha, 6:15pm, Bernice s March 9 Lay Leaders Recognition, 6:30pm March 10 AA, 8:00pm, Fellowship Hall March 11 Breakfast Worship, 8:32am, F ship Hall Worship, 10:00am, Sanctuary Crawford House Soup, 3:00pm, Kitchen March 12 BVS Board Meeting, 7:00pm, CW Ctr March 13 Bible Study, 10:00am, Church Library March 14 Wed. Evening Bible Study, 6:30pm HAPPY BIRTHDAY! February 2 Elaine Zeltner 6 Sonya Hunt 9 Barry Gurzo 10 Lisa White 11 Emma Tufano 28 Elmi Hill Barb Reid Martin Tel March 8 Katie Connolly 12 Colby White 16 Sharilyn Tel 18 Byron Gurzo 19 Joe Pavlicek 20 Allison Clancy 24 Cheryl Soos 26 Ray Liao 29 Dot Dorey Pam Wanner 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. 2.)