On Sunday, June 3rd, we’ll gather with St. Paul’s Congregational Church and Franklin Reformed Church to celebrate as our teenagers affirm their Christian faith through the rite of confirmation.
Since January, teenagers from all three congregations - including Catherine Rubens and her mentor Chad Esparolini from Holy Trinity - have been participating in confirmation ministry. Together we’ve explored who God is in the world and in our lives. We’ve depicted Jesus’ life and death through artwork that was hung in the Holy Trinity sanctuary on Good Friday. And, we engaged the Holy Spirit by walking a labyrinth and meditating.
Each time we met, we also practiced putting our beliefs into action – by caring for creation in the church building, supporting clean water ministries in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and interrupting bullying by caring for one another at school and home.
Our final and most-dramatic project was working with the Nutley Clergy Association on the Umbrellas for Peace Memorial Day Parade float. On May 20th, we gathered with others in the community to paint an Umbrella for Peace. Let me tell you, our youth are amazingly creative artists! Check out the pictures of their umbrellas on our facebook page! (facebook.com/htlcnutley - you don’t have to be on facebook to see the pics)
Then last Monday, we all walked with our Umbrellas for Peace in the Nutley Memorial Day parade. Not once did the confirmands complain or become bashful that they were proclaiming their faith with a bunch of clergy people or that they were advocating for peace in a world run by violence.
I am so proud of our teenagers. They are courageous, curious, and caring. They give me hope and remind me that they are not the church of tomorrow – they are already being the church today. Amen to that.
The Big Table
Living and Learning in Communion Together
Did you know that Jesus was a foodie? One of those people who live to create interesting meals. Who are always hosting dinner parties with a motley mix of people. Who go straight to the farmer to get the freshest ingredients to make the best food. Yep, that was Jesus.
Eating good food with interesting people is not the latest thing in entertaining. It’s as old as Jesus – probably even older. He told his disciples to remember him by eating together. So, whenever we eat together – in worship, at home, in a diner, even in the car – we remember that it is God who gives us life.
This summer, YOU ARE INVITED! to participate in The Big Table: living and learning in communion together. An intergenerational, hands-on, ministry experience for everyone in your household. Young and old and in between. Christian or not. Big eater or picky eater. You can even invite your neighbors, friends, and enemies! We’ll gather on Monday evenings in July and in worship on the first Sunday in August.
Each gathering will be centered around a particular theme:
Monday, July 9: Communion in Creation – spend time in the new Big Table garden at Holy Trinity getting our hands dirty learning what it’s like to grow food. We’ll also find out why we use bread and wine instead of oreos and soda for communion and start a take-home-garden.
Monday, July 16: From our hands to the Table – venture into the kitchen of a local restaurant to find out what it’s like to make food for people to eat. Then, you’ll get to make bread to eat on your table, and at God’s Big Table.
Monday, July 23: Hungry at the Table – there’s room for everyone at God’s Table, but there are still hungry people, even in Nutley. We’ll be doing something about it.
Monday, July 30: The Big Banquet – Communion is God’s banquet. Working together, we’ll use food from the Big Table garden to prepare a feast to share, complete with communion.
*Sunday, August 5th: Eating at God’s Big Table – celebrate what we experienced during The Big Table in worship at 10:00am. While this will not be the traditional “First Communion” rite, we will celebrate and mark the milestone of learning about communion.
Details:
Date: Mondays in July (except July 2) at 6:30pm – about 9:00pm.
We’ll eat a simple meal together each time, so don’t worry about eating before you come.
Place: Gather at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 158 Vreeland Ave.
You’ll be informed of specific travel plans or location changes closer to the meeting dates.
Cost: $15 / person or a max of $50 / household (includes a meal at each gathering).
How to Participate:
You are encouraged to participate in all The Big Table gatherings. You are welcome to invite friends, family, neighbors, and even enemies.
Fill out the egistration form (contact Holy Trinity for a copy at (973) 667-0256 OR office.htlcnutley@verizon.net) and return it with your payment to the Holy Trinity office by Tuesday, June 26th. Only submit one registration form per household. Because this is an inter-generational, hands-on event, at least one adult from your household is required to participate if you are registering children / youth under the age of 15. If you are bringing friends, please make sure that there is at least one adult for every 3 children / youth registered for The Big Table.
Questions: contact Pastor Kristin Engstrom of Holy Trinity at 973-667-0256.
A Summer of Unlikely People
This winter, we merged onto the Narrative Lectionary (lectionary = schedule of readings). We read through the Gospel of Mark, the Acts of the Apostles, and letters written to the early Christian communities (Corinthians, Thessalonians). But, the Narrative Lectionary only suggests Bible readings through Memorial Day, and then begins again on Labor Day.
So, for the summer, we’ve created a schedule of readings based on the people of the New Testament called: Unlikely People, Extraordinary Stories. We’ll hear the story of Mary & Martha: the bickering sisters; Pontius Pilate: the troubled politician; Simon Peter: the earnest blockhead, and more.
Since there is no children’s Faith Formation time during the summer, we’ll also be hearing the biblical stories in a different way. Instead of Pastor Kristin reading the Gospel text, we’ll be watching an animated dramatization of the text in worship.
Grab a friend, neighbor, or enemy and come participate in God’s extraordinary story this summer at Holy Trinity!
Congratulations Graduates!
During the month of June, we’ll be celebrating those who are graduating from High School, College, or other post-high school education.
In the bulletin, we’ll also list all those graduating from any educational milestone (Middle School, preschool, licensing certificate, etc.). If you have achieved an educational milestone in the past year, please let the office know.
All Sorts of Fathers’ Day, Sunday, June 17th
To be a father to someone, like being a mother, is a vocation- a divine calling. God has given dads, both biological and spiritual, a special role in our faith and life development. We are thankful for all the men in our lives who are fathers and like fathers. It’s good to celebrate Father's Day (June 17) in worship together, as we celebrate all the men in our lives.
Ministry Appreciation Day, Sunday June 24th
Holy Trinity is not a place, it is you, the people of this congregation! The sharing of your gifts and time and resources enable all of us to engage in the ministry to which God has called this congregation. In worship on Sunday, June 24th, we’ll be celebrating, recognizing, and giving thanks for all the ways in which you, the people of Holy Trinity, lead and engage in ministry.
Summer. Time for Lemonade.
As we move into summer this month, we will re-start after-worship lemonade fellowship time. Beginning on June 17th, plan to linger a bit after worship to visit with sisters and brothers, sharing in faith and fellowship.
Lemonade hosts are needed throughout the summer. A lemonade host signup sheet is in the narthex; you can also sign up to host by calling the church office. Lemonade hosts make lemonade and coffee and provide a small treat or snack to accompany the lemonade. Summer Lemonade begins on Sunday, June 17 and end on Sunday, September 2.
Questions, not answers
Does reading the Bible provoke more questions than it answers? Do you find the Bible to be intimidating?
You aren’t alone!
Bible study can be a helpful way to share questions and doubts. If reading the Bible evokes more questions than answers, than you are reading it correctly! When the Word of God goes to work in our lives, it causes us to look at things, including God, differently. And that will certainly create lots of questions!
Starting Tuesday, June 5th the Monday evening Bible Study will meet on Tuesday evenings at 7:30pm (except on the 2nd Tuesday of the month, then we’ll meet on Monday – see the calendar).
As promised this winter after the church council affirmed same-gender weddings at Holy Trinity, the Tuesday evening Bible Study will dig into the ELCA sexuality study Journeying Together Faithfully: Lutherans talk about Sexuality. All are welcome. For more on the ELCA social statement on sexuality visit www.elca.org/What-We-Believe/Social-Issues/Social-Statements.aspx
Thursday afternoon Bible Study at 2:00pm: conversation centers on the upcoming gospel text for Sunday worship, and how it intersects with our life. Led by Jan Strachan.
Welcome to God’s great big family!
On Sunday, May 20th, Anthony and Benjamin Palamara were baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Through the water and word, God claimed them forever and adopted them into God’s great big family. As a congregation, we promised to help nurture and support Anthony and Ben in their Christian Faith Formation. Welcome to the family Anthony and Ben!
A Blessing of your Summer Garden
Head outside with a bowl of water. Everyone speaks the words in bold.
Psalm 147:7-9
Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving: God covers the sky with clouds.
He supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills.
She provides food for the cattle and for young birds when they call.
Praise the Lord.
Blessing of the seed: Scoop up seeds in your hands.
God you have given us these seeds
They are the fruit of the past. Now, they are to be planted in your soil so they can grow up and feed the world. May the miracle of life within these seeds burst forth to yield an amazing harvest.
Bless these seeds and those who plant them.
Blessing of the soil: Scoop up soil in your hands.
God you have created and given us this soil.
The soil feeds and supports the seeds as they grow. It cleans water and regulates temperature so the roots don’t get too hot or too cold.
Bless this soil that gives life.
Blessing of the water: Scoop water into your hands.
God, this water is your source of life.
Water quenches thirst and gives nourishment to the soil and the seed.
Bless the waters of the earth. Cause the rains and weather to come as needed so that plants may thrive and the harvest will be bountiful.
A beasty bugs prayer: pray with eyes open to see creation.
Thank you God for spotted ladybirds, dangling spiders, bees in trees, and for creepy crawlies that live under rocks. Remind us to water the growing green plants and help us to enjoy the red tomatoes and even the strange squash. Fill our bodies with food and with you. Amen.
You can write your own “beasty bugs” prayer too.
Rural Church Support Network for Yorkshire and The Humber – May 2006.
Remember We Who are Hungry
Donations of non-perishable food items help stock the Nutley Food Pantry, as well as provide emergency food aid to our neighbors. Place donations in the basket in the narthex to help we who are hungry!
A Food Pantry Shopping List:
canned fruit, tomato paste, bar soap, canned vegetables, canned beans, toilet paper, 1-can meals, cans of soup, shampoo, canned tuna fish, box of pasta, tampons, pasta sauce, diapers
The mosquitos are coming!
We might think mosquitos are annoying – really annoying. But for some, the buzz of a mosquito can mean death, because mosquitos carry malaria.
The summer, we’ll celebrate the buzz of the Holy Spirit who empowers us to spread the gospel of God’s love for all people, by preventing the spread of malaria. Only $10 provides a Mosquito Net through the ELCA Malaria Initiative. The Malaria Initiative provides nets, education, and healthcare to those affected by malaria.
Pssstt…Summer time is also camp time. So, this summer, as well as giving Mosquito Nets, you’ll also have the opportunity to support sending our kids, youth, and families to camp at CrossRoads Camp. A Campership Fund has been created to offset the cost of children, youth, and families who want to spend time with God, one another, and the mosquitos of CrossRoads Camp in New Jersey.
Giving forms and envelopes will be in the bulletin and in the pews for you to give throughout the summer.
Emily Jones will again be participating in Mt. Olive’s Relay for Life this year on June 9th and 10th. Relay For Life is the signature fundraiser for the American Cancer Society at which teams of people camp out at a local high school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Relays are an overnight event based on the idea that cancer never sleeps.
Relay For Life encourages people to:
• Celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer.
• Remember loved ones lost to the disease.
• Fight back to put an end to the disease.
If you are interested making a donation , talk to Emily Jones or go to: http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?px=6457997&pg=personal&fr_id=36663&fl=en_US&et=sdGKYkf70dzy5T4cgbTWPQ&s_tafId=997320.
An Olympian among us.
Congratulations to Susan Wilson, who participated in the May 5th Regional New Jersey Special Olympics. Susan won in the following categories: Second place in the 400m walk, first place in the softball throw and first place in the 400m relay race.
Congratulations again, Susan on a job well done! Susan will also be participating in the All New Jersey Special Olympics on Saturday, June 9th in Trenton.
Birthdays
1: Scott Jones, Joyce Lin
5: Pastor Kristin
6: Chelsea Wright
8: Ken Geiselmann
8: Sean Ulley
9: Ava Bacik
10: Ellen Oberndorf
18: Ann Erwin
23: Connor Logan Murphy
26: Samantha Hess
Anniversaries
4: Richard & Erika Bacik
14: Alex & Aida Rubens
22: James & Dot Greengrove
23: Ed & Evelyn Cordes
28: Chris & Nancy Duhm
This past week, I had lunch with a bunch of pastors at a buffet-style restaurant. As we returned to our table with plates full of steaming, scrumptious smelling food, some of us bowed our heads, prayed quitely to ourselves, and then started eating. While others came back to the table, and then put their hands in their lap to politely wait for everyone to return to the table so that we could all say grace together before we ate.
It didn’t take long for us to realize this difference of expectations, and we froze. We looked around at each other. At our plates. Held forks midway to our open mouths. And sat with our hands frozen in our laps, waiting to pray. Uh-ohh. What do we do now, we all wondered aloud?
Thankfully, a wise pastor among us found a creative way to bring us together. “Because grace is always a surprise,” he said, “in our family, we just start eating when we sit down to eat. But at some point during the meal, someone will say a prayer for our food. Cause you never know when grace is coming. It’s always a surprise.”
During the month of May, we will have many opportunities to celebrate God’s grace active, and even unexpected in our lives. While these celebrations are planned, and not really a surprise, I am hopeful that they will still bring unexpected and surprising grace into your life.
On Sunday, May 13th, we’ll celebrate all the women who are like mother’s to us. Then on May 20th, Anthony and Ben Palamara will be washed in God’s living waters of baptism. A physical sign of God’s grace splashing over them – that will forever change their lives. Finally, the ultimate celebration of the unexpected ways of God will take place on Pentecost Sunday, May 27th. This is the day when the Holy Spirit rushed in, unexpectedly filling the disciples with the Holy Spirit. And everyone thought they were drunk. Yes, indeed, God’s ways are always a surprise!
In addition to these planned celebrations, we will contine to share in worship how we have seen and experienced God – and our lives have been changed because of it.
So, be on the lookout this month. Beware! Because God is on the loose – with grace that is always unexpected.
.....Pastor Kristin
New Jersey Synod Assembly
Friday, June 1 – Saturday, June 2nd
Holy Trinity is part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). In the ELCA, decisions are made by the people. So, every year, the people of the New Jersey Synod gather to celelbrate God’s mission in the territory of New Jersey, as well as to discuss and vote on issues relating to the ministry of the church in New Jersey.
As a congregation, we get to send 2 voting members plus a pastor to the New Jersey Synod Assembly. If you feel called to represent Holy Trinity at the Synod Assembly on June 1-2, please talk with Pastor Kristin or Elaine Miller (council president). All relevant expenses will be paid by Holy Trinity.
Motherhood: A Holy Vocation
God calls us to various walks of life, and to live out the gospel in all our relationships. The role of “mother” is not just biology; it is a vocation – a holy calling.
What better way to honor your mother and all those who care for us as mother-figures than in worship? On Sunday, May 13th, all women will receive a blessing and the children will create special gifts for all who “mother.”
Worship + Music
Bring your Baptism Candles – May 20th & 27th
On Sunday, May 20th and May 27th we will be celebrating the gift of baptism. On both of these Sundays, all children and youth are invited to bring to worship the baptism candle and candle holder Pastor Kristin gave you this winter. If you didn’t get one, we’ll make sure you receive one on the 20th or 27th. If you have your original baptismal candle, bring that too!
Pentecost, Sunday, May 27th.
On Pentecost Sunday, we remember how God poured out the Holy Spirit on Jesus’ disciples and empowered the church for God’s mission. The Holy Spirit created such a stir that onlookers thought the disciples were drunk!
Invite your friends and neighbors to celebrate the “birthday” of the church and the work of the Holy Spirit with a festive worship on Sunday, May 27th. Remember to wear red!
Hey Kids and youth! – bring to worship the baptismal candle and candle holder you received in worship this winter too! If you didn’t get a baptismal candle, we’ll have one for you.
Graduating in May or June?
As part of worship on Sunday, June 10th, we’ll celebrate those who are graduating from High School, College, or other post-high school education. If you are graduating this spring, please let the office know the date and from where you are graduating so that we can celebrate your educational milestone! Feel free to share your future plans, as well.
Bible Study – full of questions
Ever had questions about the Bible you were afraid to ask? Ever listen to the readings on Sunday and feel confused?
You aren’t alone!
For many people, Bible study is a helpful way to share questions and doubts with others. It may also help you hear the readings in worship without feeling so lost! Currently, there are 2 Bible Studies at Holy Trinity (we can always start more!):
Monday evening at 7:30pm: digging into what it means to live as a disciple, especially in the Gospel of Luke and Acts.
Thursday afternoon at 2:00pm: conversation centers on the upcoming gospel text for Sunday worship, and how it intersects with our life.
The Big Table
An experiment in living and learning about communion together.
At Holy Trinity, everyone is welcome to eat at God’s Table in Holy Communion. Yet, as part of our faith formation, it is good to learn and remember why we eat at God’s Table and what God’s meal means in our lives of faith.
This summer, everyone is invited (invite your friends, neighbors, and enemies!) to participate in The Big Table: living and learning in communion. Mondays in July at 6:30pm.
Monday, July 9: Communion through Creation
Monday, July 16: Food on the Table
Monday, July 23: The Big Banquet of Communion
Monday, July 30: Hungry at the Table
Registration info available soon. Talk with Pastor Kristin, Sally Mueller, Mike Palamara, or Steve Oberndorf to help organize an evening of The Big Table.
Blessing for the Changing of the Seasons
If this blessing is done with others, all speak the words in bold print.
First, find symbols of the current season and the coming season (bare branches, seeds, flowers, etc.) Arrange current season symbols on a table / the ground. Set symbols for the coming season aside.
Welcome Prayer
Holy One, Mother of Creation, Father of Life, bless our gathering, that we may honor the rhythms of the earth as witnesses to your extravagant love and faithfulness. Amen.
Bible Reading and Reflection
As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease. –Genesis 8:22
Share or write in a journal: How have I seen the presence of God revealed this past season in my life? In nature?
Prayer and Ritual Action
Thank you God, for cycles and rhythms, for making yourself known to us in the seasons of the earth and the seasons of our lives. Amen.
Remove the old symbols you collected and replace them with the new.
Reflection and Prayer
Share or write in a journal: What do I hope for as I enter this new season? Name one thing from nature that will be your special reminder of God’s presence in the coming season.
God of rhythms and cycles, open our hearts and all our senses to your presence in nature during the coming season. Amen.
Go take a walk in your neighborhood, a park, or natural area. What does nature teach and show us about God?
Blessing: May we trust that this season, like all others, will bear witness to God’s extravagant love and faithfulness. Amen.
Umbrella's for Peace
Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
The Nutley Clergy Fellowship is inviting the community to walk with them in the Nutley Memorial Day Parade this year, under the theme Umbrella’s for Peace.
Everyone is invited to create an Umbrella for Peace (with which to march) on Sunday, May 20th from 4:00 – 6:00pm upstairs in the Nutley Parks and Rec Building (44 Park Ave, Nutley). The Nutley clergy will provide art materials for you to decorate your umbrella with a vision of peace or a place that is in need of peace. Please bring an umbrella to decorate (a light colored umbrella is recommended).
On Monday, May 28th, bring your Umbrella for Peace and gather at the Oval in front of the Nutley Town Hall at 10:45am to walk in the Memorial Day Parade. You are still invited to walk in the parade even if you didn’t create an Umbrella for Peace (we will have some to share).
Umbrella's for Peace is a project started by artist Matt Lamb at the request of the Secretary of the Veteran's of Foreign Affairs to help Washington DC area residents deal with the pain and grief of the September 11th attack on the Pentagon. www.mattlamb.com
Remember We Who are Hungry
Donations of non-perishable food items help stock the Nutley Food Pantry, as well as provide emergency food aid to our neighbors. Place donations in the basket in the narthex to help we who are hungry!
A Food Pantry Shopping List:
canned fruit, canned vegetables, tuna fish, box of pasta, pasta sauce, 1-can meals, tomato paste, canned beans, canned soup, bar soap, toilet paper, shampoo
We celebrate with Elaine Miller and Terri Scalcione who were married on Saturday, April 14th at Holy Trinity.
We share our sympathy with Otto, Hedy, and Gerald Mayr on the death of their son and brother, Bernd Mayr. Bernd died on Saturday, March 31st. His funeral was at Holy Trinity on Wednesday, April 4th.
Did you hear the buzzzzz….?
The temperature is warmer. Rain is falling into puddles. School is almost out. All signs that MOSQUITOS ARE COMING! We might think mosquitos are annoying – really annoying. But for those in other parts of the world, the buzz of a mosquito can mean death, because mosquitos carry malaria. Beginning on Pentecost Sunday (May 27th), we’ll celebrate the buzz of the Holy Spirit empowering us to spread the gospel, by preventing the spread of malaria.
Only $10 provides a Mosquito Net through the ELCA Malaria Initiative. The ELCA Malaria Initiative provides nets, education, and healthcare to those affected by malaria. Pssstt…As well as giving Mosquito Nets, you’ll also have the opportunity to support sending our kids, youth, and families to summer camp at CrossRoads Camp. A Campership Fund will be created that will better enable our children, youth, and families to spend time this summer with God, and mosquitos too! Giving forms will be in the bulletin and the June Newsletter. The mosquitos are coming – and we can do something about it!
May Birthdays
2:Al Weber
3:Audrey Stevens
4:Erika Murphy
11:Don Walch
12:Jean Esparolini
14:Ethan Munoz
15:Gail Ceravolo
19:Dorothy Greengrove
Debbie Jones
Terry D’Agnolo
21:Jan Strachan
Brianna Riccio
26:Gerald Mayr
May Anniversaries
29:Joeseph & Liz Cicci
Disciples Please pray for the person listed on each date:
1:Erika Murphy 2:Alex Murphy 3:Olivia Murphy 4:Sara Murphy 5:William Murphy 7:Conner Murphy 8:Dennis Murphy 9:Daniel Murphy 10:Verna Norton 11:Ellen Oberndorf 12:Chris Stanberry 14:Steve Oberndorf 15:Evelyn Oberndorf 16:Cathy Palamara 17:Michael Palamara 18:Ben Palamara 19:Anthony Palamara 21:Ross Pennise 22:Hope Pennise 23:Jillian Pennise 24:Diane Petschel 25:Paige Petschel 26:Anthony Pisciotta 28:Kathy Pisciotta 29:Dave Reed 30:Sharon Reed 31:Chuch Rhodes
Three weeks ago, I began participating in a yoga class offered by Nutley Parks and Recreation. At the end of our first class, I found myself lying on the floor, staring up at the ceiling, feeling the Spirit of God invigorating my entire body. Of course, this got me thinking about church – 'cause that’s where my brain nearly always goes.
I started wondering why worship in the Christian tradition doesn’t tend to engage our bodies - beyond standing up, sitting down, and walking to the communion rail – as fully as yoga tries to do. While yoga comes from an ancient philosophical and religious tradition not associated with Christianity, it seems to me that Christians and the Christian church should be just as concerned about bodies as the yogis those who follow the philosophy of yoga).
We follow a God who became embodied. Jesus the Christ. 100% human. 100% God. Walking around on the ground. A living breathing, fleshy, aching person like us. One who died a bodily death like we will. And who was then resurrected – not just in Spirit, but in body too. (Remember how Thomas touched Jesus’ resurrected body? John 20:27)
Maybe you don’t get caught in the easy temptation of only imagining Jesus as some floaty being, like I do. But, what would happen, I wonder, if we started imagining Jesus ‘in his body.’ If we started touching and feeling his body in ours. And started recognizing all bodies, no matter what they look like, as part of God’s body.
I don’t know the answer to these questions. All I know is that we too often denigrate our own bodies. Thinking that they are not beautiful. Not skinny enough. Too wrinkly. Too creaky. Too wounded and falling apart to matter to God, or even to be like Jesus’ body. But it is in our bodies that God comes to us. It was fleshy, bodily people who Jesus fed and healed and cared for and called to follow him.
In this newsletter, the Practicing our Faith section contains a Body Prayer. A way to pay attention to God alive in you, caring for you, in your body. In addition, the Thursday afternoon Bible Study has been talking about creating some stretching and balance classes to help us care for our bodies, and our spirits. If you want to help create these classes, or are interested in participating, please let me know.
But even more importantly, as you move through these resurrection days of Easter, celebrate God’s resurrection in the flesh. Care for and celebrate the God-given gift of your own body, and the bodies of others, while we wait for the day when we will all be resurrected in Christ Jesus: God made flesh.
Pastor Kristin
Praying at the Cross
Lent 2012 at Holy Trinity
Sunday, April 1 - Palm/Passion Sunday
8:45am:Process from Holy Trinity to the ‘Mudhole’ at Memorial Park (Vreeland & Passaic)
9:15am:Community Blessing of the Palms, then process back to Holy Trinity for breakfast.
10:00am:Worship with Palm Parade and dramatic reading of the Passion of Jesus the Christ
Thursday, April 5 - Maundy Thursday
6:15 pm:Soup Supper (please sign-up to help!)
7:30 pm:Worship with Holy Communion and stripping of the altar
Friday, April 6 - Good Friday
Noon – 1:30pm:Meditations on the ‘7 Last Words of Christ’ from the Nutley Clergy, at Holy Trinity
7:30 pm:Worship around the Cross
Saturday, April 7 - Vigil of Easter
10:00am:Come decorate the sanctuary for Easter and set up for the Resurrection Breakfast!
Sunday, April 8 – Resurrection of Christ Jesus
8:30am:Rise-n-Shine Resurrection Breakfast for all people
9:30am:Resurrection Adventure for children and youth
10:00am:Festival worship with Holy Communion
Wave an ECO-Palm on Palm Sunday
On Palm Sunday (April 1), we’ll be using “Eco-Palms” from Lutheran World Relief.
Eco-Palms pay farmers a fair wage and are grown and harvested in an earth friendly way. This means that more children finish school, families can afford healthcare, and the forest will continue to provide income for generations to come. It’s like praising God twice in one breath!
“Buck-a-Chick” for World Hunger
This Easter, join with congregations from across the ELCA in the “Buck-a-Chick” sale. Just one dollar purchases a chick for a family living in poverty, helping them with a source of both food and income. For each chick purchased, you are invited to decorate a paper chick. Chicks can then be hung in the narthex, or given to a friend. Buck-a-Chicks are $1.00 each. A peep of 10 chicks is $10.00 each. If purchasing by mail, please may checks payable to "Holy Trinity Lutheran Church". Thank You.
Graduating in May or June?
Please let the office know the date and from where you are graduating and we will celebrate that good news in worship and in the newsletter. Feel free to share your future plans, as well.
Ways for you to practice your Christian faith in everyday life.
Body Prayer
Find a comfortable place to be still and quiet for 15 minutes. You’ll be asking yourself a series of questions. You might want to write down your responses, but if writing is a distraction, do not interrupt the prayer exercise to write.
Focusing steps:
Close your eyes and breathe.
If helpful, gently stretch your arms, your legs, your feet, and your body. Let your awareness settle to the center of your body. What do you feel there?
What location or part of your body wants your awareness right now? Is there a feeling in your body that needs listening to?
Communicate with this felt sense in your body. Tell it, “I’m listening.” Ask this bodily feeling if it’s all right to go further.
What is the best way to describe this feeling in your body? Is there an image or name that emerges? (‘tight neck’, ‘lump in the throat’).
Sit with this body awareness without judgment. Simply observe. Does this bodily sense have an emotional quality? What is it?
Ask, “What makes me feel ____________ (name the emotion)?
Ask your body to show you how healing would feel.
Put your hand on that part of the body. Ask God (Father/Mother, Jesus, Holy Spirit) to help you care for this part of yourself.
Gently end your conversation with the felt sense in your body. Thank your body for being with you in prayer.
End by writing in a journal about what your body is telling you. Where do you feel God’s healing touch most deeply? What is it like to listen to your body?
Thank God for being present in this prayer. If you learn something about yourself that needs to be applied in your life, commit yourself to an action that honors the prayer.
God’s work. Our hands.
Both Bible Studies are Back
Monday @ 7:30pm, starting April 16th
Thursdays @ 2:00pm
Monday evening Bible Study has been on sabattical during lent, but will resume meeting on Monday, April 16th. Discussion and study will be about the formation of the early church, through the lens of the book of Acts and the letters of the apostles.
Thursday afternoon Bible Study continues to meet every Thursday. Conversation centers on the upcoming gospel text for Sunday worship, and how it intersects with our life.
Conference on Congregational Ministries, Saturday, April 21
Seeing God in Scripture, Sermon and Everyday Life,
Keynoter: Rev. Dr. David Lose
Mark your calendar for this great day of ministry formation and helpful workshops on all sorts of topics and interests for all people of the congregation (not just the pastor, not just council!). Registration forms are available in the office.
Called to be the New Treasurer?
As of May 1st, Audrey Stevens will be using her gifts in other areas of ministry and will no longer be able to serve as Holy Trinity’s treasurer. That means we need a NEW TREASURER. The only expectations for this ministry are dedication and time. You don’t have to be a professional accountant or bookkeeper! We are also planning to purchase church accounting software to help in this ministry. Interested: talk with Audrey Stevens, Elaine Miller, or Pastor Kristin.
Treasurer Responsibilities:
1. Record weekly offerings.
2. Make weekly deposit at Wells-Fargo.
3. Make necessary payments (write checks) when due.
4. Follow good accounting procedures to keep record of church finances.
5. Coordinate finances with Endowment Fund and Parsonage Fund.
6. Create monthly Financial Report to church council, and if possible, participate in monthly council meetings.
Remember We Who are Hungry
Donations of non-perishable food items help stock the Nutley Food Pantry, as well as provide emergency food aid to our neighbors. Please place donations in the basket in the narthex to help those of us who are hungry!
A Food Pantry Shopping List:
canned fruit, canned vegetables tuna fish, box of pasta, pasta sauce, 1-can meals,
tomato paste, canned beans, canned soup, bar soap, toilet paper, shampoo
April Birthdays and Anniversaries
April Birthdays
4:Ken Duke
5:Justin Munoz
9:Brian Johnson, Alexandra Rubens
10:Elfrieda Fenton, Erica Geiselmann
14:Sarah Jones
18:Christine Esparolini, Jeff Lin
22:Richard Bacik
24:Nancy Guenther
26:Ed Cordes, Miriam Mascola
29:Sharon Murphy, Piper Ellis Oberndorf
April Anniversaries
7:Greg and Ruth Sekula
21:Otto and Hedy Mayr
*We also want to celebrate your Baptismal Birthday. If you know the date of your baptism, or the baptism date of someone in your family, please let the office know. (office.htlcnutley@verizon.net)
Like Us?
Then Like Holy Trinity’s Facebook page. You’ll get updates on the goings on at Holy Trinity; see pictures from events, read previous sermons, and more!
From Pastor Kristin…
I used to love Lent. Seriously, Lent was my favorite season of the church year. (Lent? It’s the 40 days before Easter, in which we walk with Jesus as he heads to the cross. It began on February 22nd – Ash Wednesday – and will extend through April 1st – Palm Sunday.)
My love of Lent might have something to do with the fact that I tend to get SAD, or Seasonal Affective Disorder, from lack of sunlight during the winter, in addition to carrying the tired stress of Christmas into January and February.
So when Lent rolls around, I usually welcome it with a sigh of relief, as if we’ve all been given permission to be a bit melancholy, to look introspectively, and to actually mourn the troubles of our broken and fragile world. Not to mention letting go of that that façade of happiness and confidence that we put on so often it becomes like a second skin. But not this year.
I want to embrac
e the season of Lent, knowing that the penitential nature of lent can help us be a bit more honest with ourselves, and enables us to really celebrate Easter when it arrives. Kathleen Norris – a great writer on faith, doubt, and disbelief – tells of partying with a group of monks the night before Easter, saying, “maybe these [monks] can enjoy Easter because they also observe Lent well enough to be happy to see it go” (The Cloister Walk).
But this year, actually observing Lent seems like one more probable failure. One more thing I should do or be. And, well, we’ve all got enough of those weighing us down.
Being that this is the church newsletter – have you noticed the one word, the one person, the one being I haven’t yet mentioned? The one you probably assume I’m “supposed” to be talking about, instead of telling you all about me. Maybe that’s the trouble we get into with Lent as well. We tend to make it all about ourselves and our failures, rather than about God revealed in and through Jesus’ journey to the cross.
“If focused upon ourselves and our sins, Lent becomes a misguided exercise that magnifies our greatest obstacle to a true relationship with God: the belief that the relationship depends entirely on us” (David Miller, The Lutheran Magazine, February 2012).
Our theme for Lent this is year is “Praying at the Cross”. It is an invitation not to work so hard at lent, but to let lent work in you. To let God’s grace be enough. To sit with God, at the foot of the cross and let God work in you, in your heart, in your body, and in your life.
Because truthfully, lent isn’t about you. It’s about God. Going to the cross. For you.
Praying at the Cross
Lent 2012 at Holy Trinity
Thursday Soup and Studies in March
2:00pm Bible Study
5:00pm Sanctuary open for Prayer
6:15pm Soup Supper
7:00pm Book Study
8:00pm Choir
Palm Sunday – April 1
Maundy Thursday - April 5
7:30pm Worship with foot-washing and Eucharist
Good Friday — April 6
Noon: 7 Last Words of Christ (ecumenical service)
7:30pm Worship around the Cross
Wave an ECO-Palm on Palm Sunday
On Palm Sunday (April 1), we’ll be using “Eco-Palms” from Lutheran World Relief. Eco-Palms pay farmers a fair wage and are grown and harvested in an earth friendly way. This means that more children finish school, families can afford healthcare, and the forest will continue to provide income for generations to come. It’s like praising God twice in one breath!
Prayers of the Foodie
When food is in front of us, it’s easy to rush into eating without pausing to give thanks to God for our food, remember where our food came from, or ponder how our meal keeps us energized to do God’s work.
When eating in a restaurant, you might be shy or embarrassed about praying in a public place. But, when eating out, we are surrounded by the very people who help provide us with food to eat (chefs, cooks, and servers). What a witness it is to give thanks to God for these stewards of hospitality, right in their very midst!
Praying before a meal can also help us be mindful of what we are putting in our bodies – an essential part of any healthy eating lifestyle.
Prayer = Good Health!
Table Prayer for the Season of Lent (Bread for the Day. Augsburg Fortress, 2011)
Blessed are you, O God, maker of all things. Through your goodness you have blessed us with gifts of this table. Turn our hearts toward you and toward all those in need. May our Lenten journey bring us to the rebirth of Easter, through Christ our Savior. Amen.
A Traditional Table Prayer
Lord Jesus, be our holy guest. Our morning joy, our evening rest. And with our daily bread impart your love and peace to every heart. Amen.
A Poetic Prayer
O Thou who clothes the lilies, who feeds the birds of the sky, who leads the lambs to pasture, and the deer to the watertide, who multiplies loaves and fishes, and changed water into wine, do though come to our table as giver and as our guest to dine. Amen.
Chinese Child’s Prayer
Thank you, kind Maker, for giving us food to make our bodies grow stronger. Dear God, teach us to share with others what we ourselves have. Amen.
Thursday Evening Soup & Study in Lent
(March 1-April 5)
During lent, we gather with our sisters and brothers from Franklin Reformed Church on Thursday evenings to share a simple meal and discuss our shared faith. We meet in the Fellowship Hall of Holy Trinity.
Our Lenten study book is Why Christian?: For those on the edge of faith, by Douglass John Hall. The book explores questions of faith and doubt, without easy or overly simplistic answers. All are welcome!
Why Christian? Is available online.
Conference on Congregational Ministries
Saturday, April 21
Seeing God in Scripture, Sermon and Everyday Life, Keynoter: Rev. Dr. David Lose
Mark your calendar for this great day of ministry formation and helpful workshops on all sorts of topics and interests for all people of the congregation (not just the pastor, not just council!).
Registration forms are available in the office.
Like Us?
Then Like Holy Trinity’s Facebook page. You’ll get updates on the goings on at Holy Trinity; see pictures from events, read previous sermons, and more!
Together we fight hunger.
Together, the people of Holy Trinity gave over $122 on Sunday, February 5th as part of the Souper Bowl of Caring. The national total so far is $8,485,671 collected by 8,541 groups. All the money collected is given to local hunger-fighting organizations. Together we do more!
Remember We Who are Hungry
Donations of non-perishable food items help stock the Nutley Food Pantry, as well as provide emergency food aid to our neighbors. Please place donations in the basket in the narthex to help those of us who are hungry!
A Food Pantry Shopping List:
canned fruit, canned vegetables, tuna fish, box of pasta, pasta sauce, 1-can meals, tomato paste, canned beans, canned soup, bar soap, toilet paper, shampoo
A Christian Perspective on Bullying
Sunday, March 11th; 6:30-8:30pm
@ Vincent United Methodist Church
The Nutley Clergy Fellowship invites you to a workshop for youth and adults about “A Christian Perspective on Bullying” on Sunday evening, March 11 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Vincent United Methodist Church.
Rev. Dr. Tanya Linn Bennett, Drew University Chaplain and Theological School instructor will be leading the workshop.
In 2011, New Jersey mandated that all public schools create an Anti-Bullying. This interactive workshop will explore bullying from a Christian perspective especially looking at the application of the Golden Rule – “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
Rev. Dr. Bennett teaches in the areas of liturgical studies and church and society, with particular interest in the areas of worship, youth and urban ministries. Some of her doctoral studies were in the area of bullying and the church’s response.
The Nutley Clergy Fellowship includes priests and pastors from most of Nutley’s Roman Catholic and Protestant churches. Vincent Church is located at 100 Vincent Place, across from the Library. A freewill offering will be received to cover costs of the evening. Refreshments will be provided. All are welcome.
Did you Know?: The Nutley Family Service Bureau
In 1913, two eight year old girls kept falling asleep in their classroom at Washington School in Nutley, NJ. Their very worried teacher, together with some women in town, decided to investigate the children’s home situation. It was discovered that the girls were dancing nude at night in a tavern on River Road. As a result, the girls were removed from their parents’ home and placed in a foster home in Nutley, NJ.
The Chief of Police requested that the concerned women continue their work, and the Nutley Social Service Agency was born – or what is now known as the Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB).
Throughout its 95+ year history, the services provided by the NFSB have changed to meet the needs of the community.
At first, concerns were foster care, food and support for families. As government agencies and programs began to meet those needs, the NFSB evolved into a professionally-staffed counseling agency for families and individuals. But its fundamental mission has remained the same – to provide strength to families under stress.
All of NFSB’s professional staff have a master’s degree in a human service field and are available for individual, family or group counseling. In addition, the staff is involved in a broad array of community outreach programs.
Each year, hundreds of clients are served. Fees are charged on a sliding scale based on income, but no one is refused service because of inability to pay.
If the services of Nutley Family Service Bureau could be helpful to you, please call 973-667-1884 or visit us at 155 Chestnut St, or www.nutleyfamily.com
Meet Auhora.
You have changed her life.
Auhora Gendy lives in rural village several hours outside of Cairo, Egypt. er community of 30,000 lives with poverty, as the average daily income coming out to $1.80. That's a less than $2 to feed, clothe and shelter your family.
Health care is limited and hard to afford. It is estimated that 90% of people who are blind live in developing countries. More than half of these cases are caused by cataracts and other preventable, treatable eye diseases. Here, blindness isn’t just an individual’s struggle, but impacts the whole society. Not only is the blind person unable to work, but at least one family member often has to drop out of school or skip work to care for them.
Like many adults worldwide, Auhora slowly developed cataracts as she aged. With no preventative care or treatment, she eventually went blind.
But last year, Auhora experienced a "miracle." She got her sight back.
It is your gifts to ELCA World Hunger (like Animals for Christmas and Buck-a-Chick) that made this possible. Since July 2007, a mobile eye clinic has provided free eye exams, eyeglasses and simple surgeries to prevent and treat blindness for 3,000 patients. In Auhora’s case, it was a simple, $270 surgery that restored her sight.
"Now, I see." Auhora says with a smile.
Your gifts to ELCA World Hunger support this program and others like it in more than 60 countries around the world. www.elca.org/hunger
Music for your Ears
On March 31st, Jared Lin will be performing Grieg's Piano Concerto in A Minor as a soloist accompanied by the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra. He has been a student volunteer for the Bergen Philharmonic for four years, playing both violin and synthesizer among the orchestra.
In the Nutley school music program, he participates in various ensembles, including Concert Band, Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, String Ensemble, and Percussion Ensemble, playing clarinet, violin, and various keyboard and percussion instruments.
Jared continues to take piano lessons with Grace Tuscano, a graduate from Juilliard.
Concert Information:
When: March 31st at 8:30pm
Where: Thomas Jefferson Middle School,
655 Teaneck Road, Teaneck (handicapped accessible)
Tickets: Adult, $25 / Senior, $20 / Student, $10
Website: www.bergenphilharmonic.org
Program: Vespri Siciliani Overture - Verdi
Piano Concerto – Grieg, featuring Jared Lin
Violin Concerto - Brahms
Daylight Savings
Remember to set your clock ahead one hour for daylight savings time on Sunday, March 11th. You don’t want to be late for worship!
2012 Flower Chart
Please sign up or call the office to donate altar flowers in 2012. The cost is $30.00. There are many weeks available, especially in June, July, August, September and November.
Save Money. Save Trees.
We prefer to send the newsletter and ministry updates electronically. If you haven't shared your e-mail address with the church office, please consider doing so. Send an e-mail with ADD ME TO THE MAILING LIST in the subject line to office.htlcnutley@verizon.net. We can send this newsletter to anyone with Microsoft Wordtm version 1993 or later.
Is it a Snow Day?
We hate cancelling worship!, but in the case of inclement weather, please check the phone message at the office (973) 667-0256. The message will be updated by 8:00 AM with worship news.
March Birthdays and Anniversaries
March Birthdays
7: Larry Stevens, Tom Stevens
8: John Denkinger
10:Marcia Hayes
15:Catherine Rubens
16:Rebecca Lovas
18:David Van Houten
23:Brianna Davey
March Anniversaries
15:Betty & Martin Futyma
*We also want to celebrate your Baptismal Birthdays. If you know the date of your baptism, or the baptism date of someone in your family, please let the office know. (office.htlcnutley@verizon.net)
Please call the office for an order form or place your order by mail with your check enclosed. Thank you!
Flowers & Chicks, Oh My!
To purchase Easter plants or chicks, return this form along with your payment, by Sunday, March 18th. Plant(s) may be taken home after Easter Worship, or be given to those who are homebound or ill.
“Buck-a-Chick” for World Hunger
Purchase a chick for a family struggling with poverty for just $1. These cheap chicks provide families with a source of both food and income, here in the United States and across the world. For each chick purchased, decorate a paper chick – available in the narthex. Decorated chicks can be hung in the narthex, or given to a friend. Buck-a-Chicks are $1.00 each. A peep of 10 chicks is $10.00.
www.elca.org/goodgifts
=====================================================================================
Flowers & Chicks, Oh My!
Order Form
Return to the office with your payment by Sunday, March 18th.
Name/Envelope#:___________________________________/#_______
In Honor / Memory of:________________________________________
________________________________________
Buck-a-Chick: ______ x $1.00 each = $_____________
Peep of Chicks: ______ x $10.00 each = $_____________
No. of Lilies: ______ x $9.00 each = $_____________
No. of Daffodils: ______ x $9.00 each = $_____________
No. of Hyacinths: ______ x $9.00 each = $_____________
No. of Tulips: ______ x $9.00 each = $_____________
No. of Pompoms: ______ x $3.50 each = $_____________
(for Easter cross)
TOTAL: $_____________
_________________________________________________________
(For Counters to fill in)
PAID: $___________ via check#_________ or cash_________
I spent the week of January 23rd with St. Francis of Assisi watching over me. It’s true! I spent the week at the ELCA Northeast Regional Leadership Guild, which took place at a Catholic Retreat House in Pennsylvania. In my door, was a stained glass image of St. Francis. Once I got over the stare of St. Francis, I turned my attention to the reason I was in Pennsylvania - to listen to speakers and workshop leaders who would teach me, and my peers, everything we didn’t learn in seminary.
But, this year, the creators of this event for recently ordained people like me, changed things up. Instead of speakers dumping information into our brains, we focused on leadership through the lens of community organizing. We engaged in discussions about our own strengths and growing edges. We were blunt about the challenges we’re struggling with in our individual congregations and in the broader church. And we were honest about our own spirituaity. THEN – we agitated one another.
That’s right. We AGITATED one another.
We prodded one another about what is holding us back. We asked pointed, yet caring questions about what is keeping us from fully following God’s vision for ministry. And we urged one another in planning concrete steps to becoming more powerful leaders.
This was the first time I had heard that agitating others can be considered a skill –and a good quality of leadership!
Which got me thinking…about how God agitates our faith. After all, that’s where the ministry begins. With God. With faith. With God’s promise to love and work and move in our hearts, through the blowing winds of the Holy Spirit.
Brother Roger of Taize (an ecumenical monastic community in France) wrote that “the Gospel comes to turn our lives upside down: by the Holy Spirit, Christ penetrates what worries us about ourselves. He reaches what seems to be out of reach, so that even the darkest places can be illuminated by his presence…it causes what had been smouldering unders ashes to burst into flame.”
On page 5 of this newsletter, you will find a way of opening yourself up to the agitation of the Holy Spirit. Of intentionally welcoming in the Gospel to penetrate your life and your faith. The “Examen” was developed by St. Francis (the same one who stared at me all week in Pennsylvania) as way of reflecting on how God speaks and moves in our lives each day.
Beginning in lent, we will also be creating opportunities in worship for you to share how you have experienced and even been agitated by God in the past week. Additionally, we will be creating concrete opportunities for you to speak and give the prayers of your life and heart over to God - completing the circle that begins when Christ, through the Holy Spirit, goes to work in us, and in our lives.
May the God of agitation be with you!
Thursday Evening Soup & Study in Lent (March 1-April 5):
During lent, we gather with our sisters and brothers from Franklin Reformed Church on Thursday evenings to share a simple meal and discuss our shared faith. We gather in the Fellowship Hall of Holy Trinity.
Our Lenten study book will be Why Christian?: For those on the edge of faith, by Douglass John Hall. Hall is a contemporary theologian who teaches at McGill University in Canada.
You can order this book yourself online or you can use the form on this page, and we will order the book for you. Each copy is $13. Please place your order in the office by Thursday, February 16th. Please make checks payable to “Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.”
2012 Lenten Book Study
Name(s): _________________________________________________
Please order ______ copies of the book at $13 each.
(Soup sign-up will be circulated at worship, or call the office
to volunteer.)
Throughout the year, this section of the newsletter will include ways for you to practice your Christian faith in your everyday life.
The Examen, from St. Francis
Preparation:
Do what helps you to experience unconditional love. You might imagine yourself in your favorite place with someone you trust, such as a friend or with God.
You may wish to begin by lighting a candle. Then, put your feet flat on the floor. Take a few deep breaths from the bottom of your toes, up through your legs, your abdominal muscles, and your chest. Breathe in that unconditional love, and when you breathe out, fill the space around you with that love.
1.Place your hand on your heart and ask God to bring to your heart the moment today for which you are the most grateful. If you could relive one moment, which one would it be? When were you most able to give and receive love today?
Ask yourself what was said and done in that moment that made it so special. Breathe in that gratitude you felt and receive life again from that moment.
2.Ask God to bring to your heart the moment today for which you are least grateful. When were you least able to give and receive love?
Ask yourself what was said and done in that moment that made is so difficult. Be with whatever you fell without trying to change or fix it in anyway. You may wish to take deep breaths and let God’s love fill you just as you are.
3.Give thanks for whatever you have experienced. If possible, share as much as you wish of these two moments with a friend.
Open the Scripture. Give voice to your faith, and your questions.
The Monday evening and Thursday afternoon (only Thursday, February 2, 9 and 16th – then no Thursday study during lent) studies are currently discussing the Gospel and/or New Testament reading for the upcoming Sunday.
Your wisdom may even show up in the sermon! Meet in the Fellowship Hall: Monday at 7:30pm or Thursday at 2:00pm.
ECO-Palms for Palm Sunday Worship
For this Palm Sunday will again order “Eco-Palms” direct from Lutheran World Relief. Eco-Palms give more money to palm harvesters and protect the environment. This means more children finish school,
families can afford healthcare and the forest will continue to provide income for generations to come.
Remember We Who are Hungry
Donations of non-perishable food items help stock the Nutley Food Pantry, as well as provide emergency food aid to our neighbors. Please place donations in the basket in the narthex to help those of us who are hungry!
A Food Pantry Shopping List:
canned fruit, canned vegetables, tuna fish, box of pasta, pasta sauce, 1-can meals
tomato paste, bar soap, toilet paper
On A Mission to Fight Hunger!
More than 20 years ago on Super Bowl Sunday, the youth of one congregation were inspired to do something to fight hunger. Out of their efforts came the “Souper Bowl of Caring.”
Since 1990, the Souper Bowl of Caring has raised more than $71 million for organizations that fight hunger throughout the United States. It has also transformed the biggest weekend of football into the largest weekend of giving.
On Souper Bowl Sunday, you are invited to make a special contribution to fight hunger in our community and put God’s love into action. On Sunday, February 5, place your Hunger donation into the soup pot, which will be passed with the offering plates. You can also mail a donation, just make sure it is marked “Souper Bowl”.
Your donation will go to fight hunger right here in the community. This year our donation will help the Care Kitchen at Vincent United Methodist Church.
More info at www.tacklehunger.org.
The New Jersey Synod’s Annual Conference on Congregational Ministries will be held on Saturday, April 21, 2012. We will submit more information as it is available. Put the date on your calendar and plan to participate. This is a great opportunity to gain tools for ministry!
In memoriam…
Janet Pierson Brown, the beloved wife of former pastor, Rev. Peter S. Brown, died on Jan. 20, 2012. Mrs. Brown was the mother of Rev. Jerilyn (Peter Breitsch) Brown and Rachel (Alan) Fyock. She is also survived by five grandchildren; three nephews, and two nieces. Mrs. Brown was the sister of Arlene Faris and John (Lynda) Pierson.
A memorial service was held at Trinity Lutheran Church, Dover, on January 28, 2012.
Katherine M. (Nowak) Ludwig, of Clifton, passed away Thursday, January 26, 2012 at Hospice Care at Hackensack. Born in Queens, NY, she lived in Nutley from 1958 before moving to Clifton 15 months ago. A graduate of Hackensack Hospital School of Nursing, Katherine was a Registered Nurse with Hackensack University Medical Center and active at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.
The beloved wife of the late Henry G. Ludwig, she is survived by her children, Kathy Pisciotta & her husband Anthony, Linda Hunkele & her husband Thomas, Robert H. Ludwig & his wife Darlene and Donald E. Ludwig & his wife Kathleen; nine grandchildren, David Pisciotta, Jessica Meyer, Kristen Pisciotta, Carrie Mundaca, Amanda Hunkele, Lauren & Justine Ludwig, Matthew Hunkele & Harriet Ludwig and her great-grandson, Logan Mundaca.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater New Jersey Chapter, 400 Morris Avenue, Suite 251, Denville, NJ 07834-1365 would be appreciated.
Our sympathy and prayers are with both families.
Welcome to God’s family!
On January 15th Joseph Christopher Bernhard was baptized and marked with the cross of Christ forever! Joseph is the son of Joelle and Matthew Bernhard, the brother of Madison and Isabella, and the grandson of Joe and Liz Cicci. Joseph was born on October 10, 2011.
Welcome to the world!
On January 16th, Anthony Kenneth and Benjamin Michael Palamara, were born! Anthony and Benjamin are the sons of Cathy and Michael Palamara, and the grandsons and Ken and Irene Geiselmann. Hooray!
Save the date!
On March 31, Jared Lin will be performing Grieg's Piano Concerto in A Minor as a soloist accompanied by the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra. Look for more information in our March newsletter.
In Our Community
Chelsea Cicci-Wright has received three Rising Star Awards from Paper Mill Playhouse for her work on the Bloomfield High School productions of Cats and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.
Chelsea is again working as choreographer for the 2012 Bloomfield High School production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Many of the BHS Madrigal singers have leads! Jesus Christ Superstar is a rock opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber, with lyrics by Tim Rice. The musical started off as a rock opera concept recording before its first staging on Broadway in 1971. The musical is based very loosely on the Gospel account of the last week of Jesus' life, beginning with the preparation for the arrival of Jesus and his disciples in Jerusalem, and ending with the crucifixion. It highlights political and interpersonal struggles between Judas Iscariot and Jesus, struggles that are not in the Bible. The resurrection is not included. It therefore largely follows the form of a traditional passion play.
Opening night is Thursday, February 23 at 7:30 PM. Other performances are Friday and Saturday, Feb. 24 & 25 at 7:30 PM and a 2:00 PM matinee on Sunday, February 26. Bloomfield High School is at 160 Broad St., Bloomfield, NJ 07003. Please speak to Scott Jones or call the high school at (973) 680-8600 for tickets. $10 in advance; $12 after 2/22 and at the door (general seating, not reserved.) Please speak to Scott by 2/12 for 2/19 delivery.
Thank You
Dear Members of the Church Council & People of Holy Trinity,
Thank you very much for recognizing my 25 years as Minister of Music at the Annual Meeting on January 29.
I was presented with a very generous gift certificate for Broadway.com. We will enjoy getting in to see a show—something we have not done with Sarah in college. I consider my “work” a blessing. Thank you so much. Scott
2012 Flower Chart
The 2012 altar flower donation chart is now posted outside the office. Please sign up or call the office to donate altar flowers in 2012The cost is $30.00. Thanks to all who donated flowers in 2011!
Annual Reports
The 2011 Annual Report of Ministry from the Annual Congregational meeting held on January 29 is available through the church office. If you were unable to participate in the meeting, but would like a copy, please contact the office.
Meeting Report: it was a positive meeting! The 2012 spending plan was approved unanimously, and Emily Jones, Ken Geiselmann, Julie Franchino and Sally Mueller were elected to council.
Help Wanted
St. Paul's Church, Nutley is seeking a part time Church Office Administrator,
9-12 hours per week. Computer and web skills are a must. Send resume' to: info@stpaulsuccnutley.org
Is it a Snow Day?
We hate cancelling worship!, but in the case of inclement weather, please check the phone message at the office (973) 667-0256. The message will be updated by 8:00 AM with worship news.
Like Us?
Then Like Holy Trinity’s Facebook page. You’ll get updates on the goings on at Holy Trinity; see pictures from events, read previous sermons, and more!
February Birthdays and Anniversaries
Birthdays
1: John Franchino
4: Brenda Munoz
15: Olivia Murphy
16: Rebecca Lovas
17: Amanda Davey, Otto Mayr
21: Eric Oberndorf
24: Susan Ulley
24: Teresa Scalcione
26: Emily Jones
28: Sally Mueller
Anniversaries
18: John & Judi Lovas
In Middle School, I was drawn to the bright lights of the school stage. So, in 7th grade I tried out and was cast in a play based on life in a typcial Middle School. Depending on our role / character in the play, each of us budding actors was instructed to portray the persona of either a Middle School “Insider” or “Outsider”.
I still remember how each of us so easily assumed the traits and characteristics of the group in which we were cast. Insiders naturally took charge and knew how to suceed in the social system of Middle School, while the Outsiders were constantly trying to just get-by and get on with life.
One of the Bishop’s of the ELCA, Michael Rinehart, brought to mind my Middle School acting career, because his December Newsletter article was also about “Insiders” and “Outsiders”. But, instead of Middle School, he was talking about the average ELCA congregation. (The article is on Holy Trinity’s Facebook page and in the office.)
In his article, Bishop Rinehart argues that the cycle of decline that is occuring throughout mainline denominations (Lutheran, Episcopal, Roman Catholic, etc) will not stop until “we care as much about those outside the church, as we do those inside [the church]…mainline churches have ceased to be relevant to the culture, because insiders trump outsiders every time. Decisions are made for the benefit of those inside rather than those outside the church.”
Those are strong words. Words intended to shock us and shake us up, because we are the “insiders” of the church. We are the people who benefit from the decisions we make. We set the budget. We serve on council and ministry teams. We like the music. We hold the keys. We make the decisions. And we don’t really want any of that to change.
But, if we want to be faithful to God’s call to mission, to change lives (not just our own) and change the world, it seems that we are going to need to change our ways. Because “what got us where we are now will not get us where we need to go in the future.” We need to begin listening and caring more about those “outside” the church than those of us “inside” the church.
We’ve just begun the season of Epiphany. A season in which we hear Jesus call his first disciples and show them a new way to live. A season in which wise-men from the East dared to follow a star in the sky, and stumbled upon God in the flesh. A season in which we trust that God will shine light into our darkness of unbelief and confusion and disillusion. A season in which God calls outsiders to faith and the insiders to love.
In this season when God calls us to unexpected new ways of living and believing, how are you being changed and challenged by God? How is this congregation being called, like the wise-men, to risk our comfort, our control, and even our very lives for the sake of the outsiders?
Pastor Kristin
“Unhanging” of the Greens"
After worship on Sunday, January 8th, y’all are invited to help un-green the sanctuary. We’ll put away the Christmas Tree, the candles, and the nativity scenes as we prepare the sanctuary for Epiphany. Since Epiphany is the season of light, we will also be putting up a few decorations of light. Come and see” what these may be!
Celebration of Christmas Music! Sunday, January 8
Following a great community concert last spring, the Nutley churches present a “Celebration of Christmas Music!” on Epiphany Sunday afternoon, January 8 at 4:00pm at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ; 10 St. Paul’s Place, Nutley. Event is free, but a benefit offering will be taken.
Throughout the year, this section of the newsletter will include ways for you to practice your Christian faith in your everyday life. We begin the year with a blessing for your home.
Blessing of the Home at Epiphany
In our home, Christ meets us in our family and friends, visitors and strangers. In the home, faith is shared, nurtured, and put into action. In the home, Christ is welcome, just as Christ welcomed his first visitors, the Magi from the East (Matt 2:10-11).
The beginning of the year provides a good occasion to grab your friends, family, and neighbors for a blessing of your home for a new year.
Greeting
May peace be to this house and to all who enter here. By wisdom a house is built and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. (Proverbs 24:3-4)
Reading
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth.
From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. (John 1)
Inscription
The three letters in the inscription stand for either the ancient Latin blessing Christe mansionem benedica (Christ, bless this house) or the legendary names of the magi (Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar).
This inscription may be made with chalk above the entrance:
20 + C M B + 12
The magi from the East, known as Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar followed the star of God's Son who came to dwell among us 20: two thousand and 12: and twelve years ago. + Christ, bless this house + Christ remain with us through the new year.
Prayer of Blessing
O God, you revealed your Son to all people by the shining light of a star.
We pray that you bless this home and all who live here with your gracious presence. May your love be our inspiration, your wisdom our guide, your truth our light and your peace our benediction; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Everyone is invited to bless the house with incense or by sprinkling each room with water, perhaps using a branch from the Christmas tree.
Open the Scripture.
Give voice to your faith, and your questions.
The Monday evening and Thursday afternoon studies are currently discussing the Gospel and/or New Testament reading for the upcoming Sunday. Your wisdom may even show up in the sermon!
Meet in the Fellowship Hall: Monday at 7:30pm or Thursday at 2:00pm.
Annual Congregational Meeting and Potluck
January 29, 2012, after worship
Everyone is encouraged to participate in the Annual Meeting of the Congregation. This is the time when we tell the story of how God has been at work in this congregation during the past year as well as look forward to how our hands will engage in God’s mission in 2012.
*We’re electing 3 new council leaders. If you feel called to serve on council, please talk with Pastor Kristin or Elaine Miller.*
As we will also share a meal with one another, please sign-up in the narthex or call the office to take part in the potluck lunch.
St. Jude's Ranch for Children
Recycled Greeting Cards
Over 30 years ago, wishing to show our donors appreciation for making St. Jude’s Ranch for Children possible, the idea was conceived for turning the previous year’s Christmas cards into “new” cards for the coming season. The recipients were so delighted with their unique “thank you,” they requested the children sell them the special cards. And so, the St. Jude’s Ranch Recycled Card Program was born.
Now, the Recycled Card Program includes all occasion greeting cards…just about anything that starts with a used greeting card.
Operated by Kids’ Corp., a program at St. Jude’s Ranch, the children participate in making the new cards by removing the front and attaching a new back. The result is a beautiful new card made by the children and volunteers. The benefits are two-fold: customers receive “green” holiday cards for use and the children receive payment for their work and learn the benefits and importance of “going green”.
NOTE: There is currently an increased need for Birthday and Thank You card submissions.
•Only the card front can be used (please check to be sure the back side is clear of any writing, etc.)
•They cannot accept Hallmark, Disney or American Greeting cards.
Mail your donation of used greeting cards to:
St. Jude's Ranch for Children, Recycled Card Program
100 St. Jude's Street, Boulder City, NV 89005
877-977-SJRC (7572) www.stjudesranch.org
On A Mission to Fight Hunger!
More than 20 years ago on Super Bowl Sunday, the youth of one congregation were inspired to do something to fight hunger. Out of their efforts came the “Souper Bowl of Caring.”
Since 1990, the Souper Bowl of Caring has raised more than $71 million for organizations that fight hunger throughout the United States. It has also transformed the biggest weekend of football into the largest weekend of giving.
On Souper Bowl Sunday, you are invited to make a special contribution to fight hunger in our community and put God’s love into action. On Sunday, February 5, place your Hunger donation into the soup pot, which will be passed with the offering plates. You can also mail a donation, just make sure it is marked “Souper Bowl”. Your donation will go to fight hunger right here in the community.
With your help, more money will be raised to fight hunger and change lives than will be spent on Super Bowl advertising! More info at www.tacklehunger.org.
Remember We Who are Hungry
Donations of non-perishable food items help stock the Nutley Food Pantry, as well as provide emergency food aid to our neighbors. Please place donations in the basket in the narthex to help those of us who are hungry!
A Food Pantry Shopping List:
canned fruit, canned vegetables, tuna fish, box of pasta, pasta sauce,
1-can meals, tomato paste, bar soap, toilet paper
Thank You for Your Generosity!
Thank you to everyone who gave time and greens and wreaths to green the sanctuary for Christmas!
Thank you to the many, many, many of you who gave Animals for Christmas. You gave: 17 chicks, 7 ducks, 6 pigs, 8 goats, 1 sheep, 1 fish farm, 1 canal and 1 donation to feed 50 people!
Thank you! Your generosity will be transformed into food, education, and income for those living in poverty.
2012 Offering Envelopes Available
Thank you for all of your monetary support of God’s ministry through Holy Trinity in 2011!
The 2012 Offering Envelopes are now ready to be picked up. A box of envelopes is provided for every household in the congregation. Please pick yours up in the back of the sanctuary.
If you don’t find a box with your name on it and would like to start tracking your giving to God’s ministry through Holy Trinity, please contact the office at
973-667-0256 or office.htlcnutley@verizon.net.
Got Mugs?
In order to better care for God’s creation, we are beginning to use re-usable mugs during Coffee & Tea Time. If you have any mugs at home that aren’t being used or aren’t needed – please bring them to the church office.
2012 Flower Chart
The 2012 altar flower donation chart is now posted outside the office. Please sign up or call the office to donate altar flowers in 2012. The cost is $30.00.
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