First Reformed News. A Word From Our Pastor. Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner Revisited. Dear Friends,

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1 First Reformed News A Word From Our Pastor Dear Friends, April, 2013 Volume 10, Issue 4 He is risen! He is risen indeed! This ancient Easter greeting that is still exchanged by countless Christians around the world today reminds us of the powerful truth of our faith that death is not the end! What a joy it is to celebrate the resurrection of the Lord together! What a joy it is to know that we too are promised that we will be raised to new life! Even at times of distress, grief and despair in our lives and our world, the Good News of Easter reminds us that something bigger is at work. The empty tomb offers us hope for a future reconciled and made whole by God. Inside this issue: Online Sermons 2 Choir 2 Wednesday Bible Study 2 Adult Bible Study 3 Men s Fellowship 3 Faith in Action 3 House Hopping 4 Fashion Show/Tricky Tray Quilting 4 4 If you are anything like me, you too find hope and joy in that Easter message. You find solace and comfort in the promise of new life. Yet, maybe you too find it sometimes challenging to live lives truly changed by that message, day in and day out like I do. However, we cannot bear witness to the empty tomb and remain living as if we were stuck in the darkness. Easter has to change our lives from the way we think about things like life and death, right down to the seemingly trivial parts of our day to day lives. As we move forward together from the Good News of Easter this month, we will join in a sermon series on living gratefully in response to the Risen Lord. In worship on April 14, 21 and 28 we will think about how Christ s resurrection and his presence in our lives still today change the way we might view our Time, Talent, and Treasure. We will explore our attachment to these things and how we might share them faithfully with others: our families, our communities, and our church. Hopefully, we ll also have the opportunity to hear from a few members of our church family, as they offer their own experiences doing just that! In the days that follow, may you and I not only proclaim that powerful message that He is risen! but also find new ways to serve our living Lord with grateful lives. In Peace, Pastor Chris Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner Revisited Youth News 5 Celebrations/Greeter Schedule/Budget Watch 6 Calendar 7 Consistory 8 Church Directory News 8 The Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner was a success again this year! Thanks to all who contributed by either volunteering or attending. Profit made was $1,

2 Page 2 Did You Know You Can Now Listen to Sermons Online? Our website continues to be expanded with new content. Each Sunday or Monday, the sermon from church that week is typically posted and is only a click away. Sermons are listed by date and title and also feature the reading of the scripture lesson for the day. Also, feel free to tell a friend about this opportunity if a particular message clicked with you! Please make sure to check the church website ( to find new information and soon to be added features like an online church calendar. Do you have suggestions for new content? Please speak with Pastor Chris, Rafael Armstrong, or Bart Grebowiec. You ll Want to Take Note of This! Do you find yourself singing along loudly in the car? Do you serenade yourself while taking a shower? Put all that effort to good use and come sing with the Worship Team or Special Seasonal Choir! Members of the Worship Team rehearse after the service on Sunday to prepare various Ministry of Music selections throughout the year. However, if the Worship Team isn't for you, then come join our Special Seasonal Choir. In the past, this choir sang at Easter and Advent, but we'll also be adding some more dates to lead worship during the year! The choir begins to meet about a month before our special services on Tuesdays from 7:15-8:30pm. If you are interested in joining us, or have questions, please feel free to contact Tristian at tristian.luysterburg@gmail.com, or stop by the choir loft after any service on Sunday. Wednesday Morning Bible Study A Great Discussion Waiting for You! If you are available on Wednesdays from 10:00 11:00 a.m., you ll want to drop in on the weekly Bible Study happening in classroom 10. Our discussion and study typically focuses on the scripture for the upcoming Sunday, but this month we have a special group of studies planned, focusing on our recent experiences and the stories of Holy Week. Come to discuss and study the following topics: 4/3 Good Friday/The Trial, 4/10 Good Friday/The Crucifixion, 4/17 Easter/The Resurrection, 4/24 The Appearance to the Disciples. All are welcome to join this group. No matter how many times you may have studied different passages before, there always seems to be something new to discuss or think about. Our format makes it a great study to invite friends to, since we have new opportunities each week to talk about our experiences and our faith. Of course, there is always a cup of coffee waiting for you too! If you would like more information about the study, please contact Pastor Chris. Colts Neck Reformed Church s Celebration Ringers and Jubilation! presented an enjoyable concert for us on March 3.

3 Adult Bible Study Continues on Friday Nights Page 3 The Adult Bible Study ( ABS ) continues to meet this month as we study and discuss the book of Daniel, using the study guide/dvd series, Daniel: Lives of Integrity, Words of Prophecy by Beth Moore. The group meets this month on April 12 and 26 from 8:00 10:00 p.m. in the church library. Our study alternates with discussion meetings (4/12) and DVD guide viewing (4/26). Each meeting features great fellowship and snacks too! The group is always open to new members. Please speak with Carol Grebowiec for more information. Calling All Men! Would You Like to Get to Know Others in the Church a Bit Better? Make sure to join our Men s Fellowship Group, meeting the third Friday of each month from 8:00-10:00 p.m men gather each month at a local restaurant (the locations vary from month to month) for a bite to eat and great discussion. You never know what story you might hear next! Guys drop by throughout the evening, so you are invited to join us for part of the time if you can t make all of it there is always room! Friends are also welcome. It is a great opportunity for an informal introduction to members of the church family. To be included on the list to receive info each month, or for more information, please contact Pastor Chris. Serving Jericho Road Men s Shelter Residents The Faith in Action team will be serving the residents of the Jericho Road Men s Shelter on April 7. Cooks are needed to prepare a meal on Saturday, April 6. Preparation will begin at 10:00 a.m. Servers are needed on Sunday, April 7 to visit the shelter at 1:00 p.m. Sign up on the Fellowship Hall bulletin board. See Robin Boyd with questions. Save the Date!! April 27 Habitat Build Paterson Habitat for Humanity creates homeownership opportunities for families with limited income. They are committed to building decent, safe, affordable homes that are energy efficient, environmentally responsible and economical to maintain. Join us on April 27, as we help Habitat build their next home. More details to follow soon. Consignment Shop Accepting Spring Clothing! The Community Thrift Store, located at 85 Godwin Avenue in Midland Park, is now accepting spring clothing. Bring your items or clothing to the church, or drop them off at the thrift store every Monday 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. or the first Saturday of every month in the morning. Mark your donations with Account #11. Do not place items in black bags. All clothing should be clean and usable for resale. This is a worthwhile fundraiser for this church. Since 2007 the profit raised totals over $5,200 with approximately $1,400 contributed to that total in Thank you to the Grogans for their tireless efforts toward this success.

4 Page 4 Springtime House Hopping Saturday, April 13, 4:30 Come one, come all for food, fun and fellowship. Enjoy delicious appetizers at the home of Betty Ann & Jack De Knight and scrumptious desserts at Karen & Paul V.O. s home. The cost for this very enjoyable evening is $8 per person. A sign-up sheet is located on the Fellowship Hall bulletin board. Community Wide Fashion Show/Tricky Tray Thursday, May 16 in Fellowship Hall LIMITED SEATING! TICKETS ON SALE NOW! Our fashion show is just around the corner! Fashions will be provided by White House/Black Market with a few additional fashion items from Chico s. Buffet dinner offered by Justin s Restaurant. The cost for the evening is $25 per person. Individual tickets are available. However, if you would like to sit with a group, reservations will be taken for tables of eight. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. We would appreciate donations of empty baskets, completed theme baskets or any new items you have at home and no longer have use for. There is a box below the bulletin board for your convenience and a sign-up sheet for the themed baskets on the board. Quilting Group News The Quilting Group has started strong and is looking for even more people to join our group! Many of us are finishing our first table runner and can not believe how good they look! We are excited to start our next project and would love to share our new quilting knowledge with others. Please join us as often as you can! This month we will be meeting on April 9 th, 13 th and 23 rd. See the calendar on page 7 for times. Contact Ellen Vande Bunte with questions. Ukranian Easter Egg Workshop What began as a one night workshop by Marge Fieldhouse turned into three nights of lessons and hands-on fun. Some interesting facts about Ukranian Easter Eggs: Each symbol on the egg has a religious meaning Beeswax is applied in layers while dyeing the egg from light colors to dark The wax is burned off the egg leaving the design and then the egg is blown out Teens Ashley Fieldhouse and Madison Perry have been creating Ukranian eggs for several years. Marge Fieldhouse and her friend Carolyn make beautiful eggs and we are most appreciative that they shared their talents with us.

5 Youth Group News Page 5 We are looking forward to having a lot of fun and some great conversations about life and faith in the upcoming months. We are always interested in new ideas from our youth and possible activities to participate in together. Below, you ll find a schedule for April and May. As a reminder the Jr. High Youth is grades 6-8, while Sr. High is grades Friends are always invited. Sunday, April 14, 6 8 p.m. Youth Night for Jr. and Sr. High at the Church. Pizza dinner provided. Sunday, April 21, 6 8 p.m. Youth Night for Jr. and Sr. High at the Church. Friday, April 26 Sunday, April 28, Warwick Youth Retreat (See Karen Inglese for more information.) Sunday, May 5, 6 8 p.m. Youth Night for Jr. and Sr. High at the Church. Pizza dinner provided. Friday, May 17 Sat. May 18, 7 p.m a.m. Jr. and Sr. High Youth Lock In. Come out for a night at the church filled with games and movies! Dinner and snacks Calling All 8 th -12 th Graders Are you interested in participating in a week long mission trip, helping seniors and those in need? Join others from the church the week of June 30 - July 6 for a trip to the small town of Noxen, PA. We will be serving members of the community by doing projects which may include: building handicapped accessible ramps, painting, landscaping and light carpentry. We will also be joined by youth from the Colts Neck Reformed Church on the trip. Everyone will have a chance to make new friends and get to know old ones even better. We have 12 spots available for youth interested in attending. See the sign-up sheet next to the Mission Bulletin Board (near Fellowship Hall) for more information and to show your interest. Trip cost is approximately $200 per participant with fundraisers planned to reduce that cost and scholarships available to any who need them! If you have an interest in the trip, please join us with a parent on Sunday, April 21 at 11:20 in classroom 3 for an informational meeting where you will also have an opportunity to have any questions you have addressed. Please see Pastor Chris for more information. A New Step for the Confirmation Class! Pastor Chris has been meeting with eight of our fine eighth and ninth graders over the past few months. The students have been learning about and discussing topics like: the Bible, the Trinity, church history, prayer, church life, the sacraments and many others! At this point in their year-long process, our students have been paired up with adults from the congregation for a period of one on one mentoring and faith exploration. Please pray for our students and our wonderful volunteer mentors! Jason Bryant and Bob Perry, Ashley Fieldhouse and Karen Inglese, Hannah Hallquist and Kim Vandermast, Timothy Hodemaker and John Schaffer, Paige Inglese and Kate Castellvi, Sara Inglese and Kelly Hallquist, Madison Perry and Patti Hook, and Josh Schaffer and Len Reinhardt. You will also see our students participating in worship as each takes a turn serving as a liturgist and worship leader this spring.

6 Page 6 April Celebrations 3 Luke Brassard 3 Jack De Knight 3 Hunter Perry 5 Zoey Rinbrand 8 Nancy Rickenberg 8 Joshua Schaffer 9 Sue Brennan 9 Jan Grogan 11 Philip & Sophie Miller 12 Patricia Hook 17 Lois Vanderhook 20 Samantha Rinbrand 24 Janet Reenstra 25 Robert Scott 27 Andrew Metzler 27 Ian Metzler 29 Kathy Reinhardt 30 Saige Schuster Greeters Schedule Date Front Door Side Door April 7 Ken J. Colyer Jack and Alieda Herbruck April 14 April 21 April 28 Judy Niznik Jack Sytsma Paul Van Ostenbridge The Rios Family Rob Drexler & Marty Boyd The Perry Family Church Finances through February 2013 (year to date) Income: Collections: $20,584 Interest: 0 Classis Dues: 0 Miscellaneous: 863 Total: $21,447 Expenses: Salaries: $16,869 Building & Grounds: 6,304 Worship: 355 Classis Dues: 2,040 Admin. Expenses: 1,483 Christian Education: 279 Evangelism: 686 (expenses cont d) Total: $28,016 Net Profit (Loss): ($6,569) Per Member (109): ($60)

7 Page April SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNES- DAY Bible Study 10:00-11:00 a.m. THURSDAY FRIDAY SATUR- DAY Cook for Jericho Road 10:00 a.m. 7 Communion Sunday 9:30 a.m. Faith in Action Serve at Jericho Road 8 Consistory Meeting 7:30 p.m. Deacons & Elders 7:00 p.m. 9 Quilt Group 7:00 p.m. 10 Bible Study 10:00-11:00 a.m Adult Bible Study (ABS) 8:00-10:00 p.m. 13 Quilt Group 9:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. House Hopping 4:30 p.m. 14 Worship Service 9:30 a.m Bible Study 10:00-11:00 a.m. 18 Women of the Word Bible Study 7:00 p.m. 19 Men s Fellowship 8:00-10:00 p.m. Location TBD 20 Youth Group Meeting 6:00-8:00p.m. 21 Worship Service 9:30 a.m. Mission Trip Mtg. 11:20 a.m. Confirmation 4:00-5:45 p.m. Youth Group Meeting 6:00-8:00 p.m Quilt Group 7:00 p.m. 24 Bible Study 10:00-11:00 a.m Adult Bible Study (ABS) 8:00-10:00 p.m. Warwick Youth Rally 27 Paterson Habitat Build details to be announced Warwick Youth Rally 28 Worship Service 9:30 a.m. Warwick Youth Rally Did you know...12 Easter Baskets were delivered to Oasis in Paterson as a result of the collection of Easter treats by the Craft Ladies?

8 First Reformed Church of Hawthorne s Consistory Reverend Chris Vande Bunte Jack Sytsma, Vice President Elders Paul Castellvi Ken H. Colyer Ken J. Colyer Ernie Nienhouse Judy Niznik Deacons Rafael Armstrong Robin Boyd Jackie Drexler June Nienhouse Kim Vandermast Karen Van Ostenbridge John Herbert Vander Molen, son of Cindy and Dan, and brother of Chloe was baptized on March 10. Church Directory Be reminded to sign-up for your portrait to be taken for our new Church Directory. The sign-up sheets are located on the bulletin board outside Fellowship Hall. The First Reformed Church of Hawthorne Rev. Chris Vande Bunte 259 Lafayette Avenue Hawthorne, New Jersey frchurch@verizon.net revcvandebunte@gmail.com 9:30 a.m. Worship Service 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Fellowship Hour There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: Ecclesiastes 3