Schedule for Lent 2009
Ash Wednesday Worship: Feb. 25
11:30 a.m. Simple service with imposition of ashes and Holy Communion. Bag lunch after worship.
7:30 p.m. Service with imposition of ashes and Holy Communion.
Soup Suppers: Thursdays evenings March 5 through April 2
6:15 p.m. Enjoy fellowship with friends from Holy Trinity and Franklin Reformed Church over a simple bowl of hearty soup. Everyone is welcome. You can even sign up to bring a pot of your own favorite soup. Book study immediately follows dinners.
Thursdays in Lent (March 5 and on):
Book Study: The Isaiah Vision, by Raymond Fung.
There are three groups meeting each week during Lent to read, discuss and share stories from scripture, Raymond Fung's book and their own experience of God's mission to love and bless the world. You are invited to come any group any week.
Tuesday mornings 10 a.m. -- Franklin Reformed Church
Thursday afternoon 2 p.m. -- Holy Trinity Church
Thursday evening 7 p.m. -- Holy Trinity Church (after soup supper).
Looking Ahead: Holy Week and Easter
Sunday, April 5. Palm/Passion Sunday
8:45 a.m. Meet for coffee in fellowship hall. Walk to the Mudhole for the Blessing of Palms
9:00 a.m. Ecumenical Blessing of the Palms service. Process back to Holy Trinity for coffee and bagels.
10 a.m. Festival worship with Palm Procession led by Sunday School children.
Thursday, April 9. Maundy Thursday
6:15 p.m. Soup Supper.
7:30 p.m. Service of Holy Communion
Friday, April 10. Good Friday
Noon: Nutley Clergy Fellowship Good Friday service at Grace Church
7:30 p.m. Good Friday service and passion reading for John.
Sunday, April 12. Easter Sunday
8:30 a.m. Easter Breakfast to benefit the Nutley First Aid Squad
10:00 a.m. Festival worship with Holy Communion.
Women of the ELCA
Our next WELCA meeting will be Wednesday, March 11th at 7:30 PM. The location will be at Evelyn Oberndorf's home. Please call Evelyn at (973) 857-4579 to let her know you will be attending.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
A RENEWED WEB SITE IS IN THE WORKS
Creative types -- writers, artists, photographers, musicians -- if you are interested in working as part of the team to transform Holy Trinity's Web site, call or e-mail Pastor Jim at pastor.htlcnutley@verizon.net.
PRICE CHANGE FOR SUNDAY FLOWERS
It is moving to see how lovingly the people of Holy Trinity dedicate the Sunday flowers to the glory of God in honor of the people who have touched their lives. Beyond providing a way to honor loved ones, the flowers often brighten the homes of our shut-in members with the knowledge that even though they can no longer be present in our worship, they remain present in our worship, our prayers and our hearts. Thank you for supporting this important ministry.
Starting March 1, however, the price of these flowers will increase from $25 to $30. This is the price Holy Trinity is charged by our florist. If you have signed up for flowers and this $5 price increase will be a burden to you, please call or e-mail the church office.
Starting March 1, however, the price of these flowers will increase from $25 to $30. This is the price Holy Trinity is charged by our florist. If you have signed up for flowers and this $5 price increase will be a burden to you, please call or e-mail the church office.
PASTOR'S MESSAGE
"Immediately, the Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert, and he was in the desert forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels served him." -- Mark 1:12-13
A large national insurance company is running a commercial that talks about how that company was founded in the early years of the Great Depression of the 1930s and how they have been in business through a number of economic crises since then. Even as it pitches this particular company, the commercial tries to share a bit of wisdom. That message goes something like this: Once the initial shock passes and the fears subside, Americans concentrate on the things that really matter. "It's time to get back to basics," the man says, "and the basics are good."
That message, though, only echoes the wisdom of our older brothers and sisters in Christ, a wisdom gained by experience and shared with the rest of us through powerful stories of a God who is alive, active and still at work in people's lives, their families and their communities.
This month, Christians around the world are marking the beginning of the season of Lent. For the baptized people of God, then, "It's time to get back to basics. And the basics are good." The call to turn around, to return to the Lord our God and to once again concentrate on the basics of the Christian walk -- prayer, scripture, worship, witness, fellowship, service and generosity -- takes on new urgency and unusual clarity in this climate.
We are all familiar with the practice of giving something up for Lent. I wonder what you have had to give up already as a result of this recession? More than that, I wonder what is taking its place in your life? As we journey together this Lent, I want to challenge each of us to concentrate not on the things we have had to give up, but to focus our attention again on Jesus, whose by his life, death and resurrection became the rock of our salvation. In changing our focus, away from the American economy and back on to Jesus, we can work together on cultivating new habits, new disciplines, new ways of living as individuals and as a community of disciples of Jesus Christ that can replace the old things that are passing away. But let's not do this alone. Invite your friends and everyone you know to join us on the way. Are you up for the challenge?
A large national insurance company is running a commercial that talks about how that company was founded in the early years of the Great Depression of the 1930s and how they have been in business through a number of economic crises since then. Even as it pitches this particular company, the commercial tries to share a bit of wisdom. That message goes something like this: Once the initial shock passes and the fears subside, Americans concentrate on the things that really matter. "It's time to get back to basics," the man says, "and the basics are good."
That message, though, only echoes the wisdom of our older brothers and sisters in Christ, a wisdom gained by experience and shared with the rest of us through powerful stories of a God who is alive, active and still at work in people's lives, their families and their communities.
This month, Christians around the world are marking the beginning of the season of Lent. For the baptized people of God, then, "It's time to get back to basics. And the basics are good." The call to turn around, to return to the Lord our God and to once again concentrate on the basics of the Christian walk -- prayer, scripture, worship, witness, fellowship, service and generosity -- takes on new urgency and unusual clarity in this climate.
We are all familiar with the practice of giving something up for Lent. I wonder what you have had to give up already as a result of this recession? More than that, I wonder what is taking its place in your life? As we journey together this Lent, I want to challenge each of us to concentrate not on the things we have had to give up, but to focus our attention again on Jesus, whose by his life, death and resurrection became the rock of our salvation. In changing our focus, away from the American economy and back on to Jesus, we can work together on cultivating new habits, new disciplines, new ways of living as individuals and as a community of disciples of Jesus Christ that can replace the old things that are passing away. But let's not do this alone. Invite your friends and everyone you know to join us on the way. Are you up for the challenge?
IN OUR COMMUNITY
The Producers at NHS
Nutley Senior High School proudly presents The Producers, the Mel Brooks musical comedy. Come see our very own seniors--Sean Ulley, Miles Mueller and Danny Fornasa, who have been practicing for months. Performances are at 8:00 pm on Thursday through Saturday, March 5-7th and there will also be a Sunday matinee on March 8th at 2:00 pm. Tickets are available through the high school--$18.00 reserved and $12.00 for general admission. (973) 661-8846
Emily Jones to Conduct Civic Band
The Bloomfield Civic Band will present a concert at 3:00 PM on Sunday, March 8 at Bloomfield Middle School, 60 Huck Rd. In honor of National Women’s History Month, several women from the band will conduct portions of the program. Emily Jones will conduct The Carousel Waltz. Tickets are $8; students and seniors are $5 and those 12 and under are free. (973) 338-8140
Using E-mail to Make, Keep and Invite Friends.
Communication is vital to any relationship. That includes your relationship with others groups, teams and ministries going on at Holy Trinity. E-mail puts a powerful communication tool at our fingertips. Not only can we stay informed about news, events and happenings in the Holy Trinity community, but we are able to share that news with our friends as well by passing the information along to them or inviting them to be part of the Holy Trinity mailing list. As postal rates continue to rise -- another two cents in May -- we are trying to distribute more and more of our information electronically. If you haven't already shared your e-mail address with the church office, please consider doing so by sending an e-mail with ADD ME TO THE MAILING LIST in the subject line to office.htlcnutley@verizon.net.
Nutley Senior High School proudly presents The Producers, the Mel Brooks musical comedy. Come see our very own seniors--Sean Ulley, Miles Mueller and Danny Fornasa, who have been practicing for months. Performances are at 8:00 pm on Thursday through Saturday, March 5-7th and there will also be a Sunday matinee on March 8th at 2:00 pm. Tickets are available through the high school--$18.00 reserved and $12.00 for general admission. (973) 661-8846
Emily Jones to Conduct Civic Band
The Bloomfield Civic Band will present a concert at 3:00 PM on Sunday, March 8 at Bloomfield Middle School, 60 Huck Rd. In honor of National Women’s History Month, several women from the band will conduct portions of the program. Emily Jones will conduct The Carousel Waltz. Tickets are $8; students and seniors are $5 and those 12 and under are free. (973) 338-8140
Using E-mail to Make, Keep and Invite Friends.
Communication is vital to any relationship. That includes your relationship with others groups, teams and ministries going on at Holy Trinity. E-mail puts a powerful communication tool at our fingertips. Not only can we stay informed about news, events and happenings in the Holy Trinity community, but we are able to share that news with our friends as well by passing the information along to them or inviting them to be part of the Holy Trinity mailing list. As postal rates continue to rise -- another two cents in May -- we are trying to distribute more and more of our information electronically. If you haven't already shared your e-mail address with the church office, please consider doing so by sending an e-mail with ADD ME TO THE MAILING LIST in the subject line to office.htlcnutley@verizon.net.
MARCH BIRTHDAYS, ANNIVERSARIES, AND DISCIPLES
Birthdays
7:Larry Stevens, Tom Stevens
8:John Denkinger
15:Catherine Rubens
18:David Van Houten
20:Kristin Osnato
23:Brianna Davey
Anniversaries
15:Betty and Martin Futyma
Disciples
2:Stefeny Krombholz
3:Jakob Krombholz
4:Luke Krombholz
5:Chao Lin
6:Agee Lin
7:Joyc Lin
9:Jeff Lin
10:Jared Lin
11:Edith Lodge
12:John Lovas
13:Judi Lovas
14:Rebecca Lovas
16:Kay Ludwig
17:Janette Lutz
18:Betty Mack
19:Tony Maguire
20:Nancy Maguire
21:Miriam Mascola
23:Gerald Mayr
24:Otto Mayr
25:Hedy Mayr
26:Bernd Mayr
27:Carlos Medina
28:Grace Medina
30:Elaine Miller
31:Lois Milner
7:Larry Stevens, Tom Stevens
8:John Denkinger
15:Catherine Rubens
18:David Van Houten
20:Kristin Osnato
23:Brianna Davey
Anniversaries
15:Betty and Martin Futyma
Disciples
2:Stefeny Krombholz
3:Jakob Krombholz
4:Luke Krombholz
5:Chao Lin
6:Agee Lin
7:Joyc Lin
9:Jeff Lin
10:Jared Lin
11:Edith Lodge
12:John Lovas
13:Judi Lovas
14:Rebecca Lovas
16:Kay Ludwig
17:Janette Lutz
18:Betty Mack
19:Tony Maguire
20:Nancy Maguire
21:Miriam Mascola
23:Gerald Mayr
24:Otto Mayr
25:Hedy Mayr
26:Bernd Mayr
27:Carlos Medina
28:Grace Medina
30:Elaine Miller
31:Lois Milner
SAVE THE DATE!
The NJ Synod’s 20th Annual Conference on Congregational Ministries will be held on Saturday, March 28th from 8:00 am-3:30 pm at Steinert High School in Hamilton Square, NJ. This year’s theme is “Opening the Book of Faith: Come and Follow Jesus for the Sake of the World.” The Rev. Timothy J. Wengert from the Philadelphia Seminary will be the keynote speaker. Put the date on your calendar and plan to attend with a group from Holy Trinity!
Share 10 Percent; Save 10 Percent; Live on 80 Percent
The current economic climate has many of us -- in the church and out of the church --looking to re-orient our lives and live a simpler, more responsible and faithful life as a disciple of Jesus Christ. This old principle served people well for years. There is nothing complicated about a principle of giving God the first 10 percent, saving the next 10 percent, and adjusting our lifestyle so we can live on the remaining 80 percent. How much we SHARE, SAVE, and SPEND speaks volumes about us as the people of God. This Lent, get back to basics, take steps toward living a fuller, more hopeful, more generous life. But don't do it alone, ask a friend or relative to make the journey with you, and tell us how it is going.
Share 10 Percent
When we give our first 10 percent to God, we give the Lord our first fruits and give proportionately. Recorded in Proverbs 3:9 (NRSV) are these words, "Honor the Lord with your substance, with the first fruits of all your produce." We acknowledge God to be the creator and provider of all things. Consequently, we are simply returning to God what God has given to us. As the Apostle Paul says, "What do you have that you did not receive?" (1 Cor. 4:7 NRSV).
Save 10 Percent
When we save 10 percent, we demonstrate discipline and an orientation for the future. When we save faithfully, we maintain better control of our financial future and avoid much of the stress and anxiety experienced by those who continually spend their entire paycheck. To reach this goal, we need to follow the simple principles of saving more and saving systematically.
Spend 80 Percent
God does not give us specifics about the cars we drive, the homes we live in, or the clothes we wear. God does, however, "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God who provides us with everything for our enjoyment." (1 Tim. 6:17). God provides more than we need for food and shelter. God does this for our enjoyment. Living comfortably is not a sin. Living with an arrogant attitude, however, is displeasing to God. Putting our hope and trust in something other than God is futile. To live on 80 percent of our income, we need to control spending. Impulsive spending must stop. If we consider the purchase of an item not part of our spending plan, we must learn to say "no." We need to examine how much we spend on non-essentials. Are we spending money to combat loneliness or boredom? Are we spending out of envy? Guard against becoming a victim of the foolish desires money can create. Control debt and budget wisely.
Share 10 Percent
When we give our first 10 percent to God, we give the Lord our first fruits and give proportionately. Recorded in Proverbs 3:9 (NRSV) are these words, "Honor the Lord with your substance, with the first fruits of all your produce." We acknowledge God to be the creator and provider of all things. Consequently, we are simply returning to God what God has given to us. As the Apostle Paul says, "What do you have that you did not receive?" (1 Cor. 4:7 NRSV).
Save 10 Percent
When we save 10 percent, we demonstrate discipline and an orientation for the future. When we save faithfully, we maintain better control of our financial future and avoid much of the stress and anxiety experienced by those who continually spend their entire paycheck. To reach this goal, we need to follow the simple principles of saving more and saving systematically.
Spend 80 Percent
God does not give us specifics about the cars we drive, the homes we live in, or the clothes we wear. God does, however, "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God who provides us with everything for our enjoyment." (1 Tim. 6:17). God provides more than we need for food and shelter. God does this for our enjoyment. Living comfortably is not a sin. Living with an arrogant attitude, however, is displeasing to God. Putting our hope and trust in something other than God is futile. To live on 80 percent of our income, we need to control spending. Impulsive spending must stop. If we consider the purchase of an item not part of our spending plan, we must learn to say "no." We need to examine how much we spend on non-essentials. Are we spending money to combat loneliness or boredom? Are we spending out of envy? Guard against becoming a victim of the foolish desires money can create. Control debt and budget wisely.
FOUR SIMPLE WAYS TO GET BACK TO BASICS THIS LENT
Here are four simple ways to get back to basics by making use of the activities we have in place at Holy Trinity this Lent. Through them, I believe God will be at work transforming our lives and the way we live.
1. Worship every Sunday. Here is the one place in life where all the basics of the Christian faith come together. The triune God is present in our assembly, giving God's gifts of forgiveness, life and salvation through God's Word and the Sacrament. Here together we pray, read and discuss scripture, share stories of God's powerful deeds, fellowship with our brothers and sisters, give generously, and hear God's call to go out and serve.
2. Come to the Soup Suppers. A simple, basic meal of hearty soup and bread. It's the ultimate recession-buster meal, but with no hint of scarcity because it is a shared meal. There is always more than enough, so invite your friends. And, once over the course of the five-weeks, please bring a pot of your soup or some of your favorite bread to share with everyone else.
3. Participate in the Bible study and book discussion. A chance to get out of the house, interact with people, exercise your mind and your heart as together we consider how we can more effectively share God's love for the world. Give up a night of mindless entertainment and replace it with community-building, faith growing fellowship and conversation.
4. Give a tenth. It seems most people are cutting back on excess spending. That is good. But I wonder if we could, at the same time, increase our giving. As we more closely scrutinize our spending, perhaps we could be more liberal with our giving and in that way be open to God to transform our lives and change our identity from spenders and consumers to givers.
There is a common thread in all the stories I have heard of God at work in challenging economic times: the generosity of God's people changes the lives of both those who give and those who receive. I challenge you to give a tithe, a tenth, this Lenten season if you are not doing so already. If you are giving at that level, look for opportunities to give even more. Between Feb. 25 and April 12, go ahead and give a full 10 percent of your income. As you do, keep a journal of the experience and share your experiences and your reflections with the rest of us.
So there it is, four simple and easy ways to get back to basics: Worship every Sunday. Come to the Soup suppers with friends. Participate in Bible study and book discussions. Give a tenth. It's back to basics. And the basics are good. Let's do it together as a community for the next six weeks. Then, let's get together and talk about how God has been working to change our lives and the way we live ... in Jesus name.
1. Worship every Sunday. Here is the one place in life where all the basics of the Christian faith come together. The triune God is present in our assembly, giving God's gifts of forgiveness, life and salvation through God's Word and the Sacrament. Here together we pray, read and discuss scripture, share stories of God's powerful deeds, fellowship with our brothers and sisters, give generously, and hear God's call to go out and serve.
2. Come to the Soup Suppers. A simple, basic meal of hearty soup and bread. It's the ultimate recession-buster meal, but with no hint of scarcity because it is a shared meal. There is always more than enough, so invite your friends. And, once over the course of the five-weeks, please bring a pot of your soup or some of your favorite bread to share with everyone else.
3. Participate in the Bible study and book discussion. A chance to get out of the house, interact with people, exercise your mind and your heart as together we consider how we can more effectively share God's love for the world. Give up a night of mindless entertainment and replace it with community-building, faith growing fellowship and conversation.
4. Give a tenth. It seems most people are cutting back on excess spending. That is good. But I wonder if we could, at the same time, increase our giving. As we more closely scrutinize our spending, perhaps we could be more liberal with our giving and in that way be open to God to transform our lives and change our identity from spenders and consumers to givers.
There is a common thread in all the stories I have heard of God at work in challenging economic times: the generosity of God's people changes the lives of both those who give and those who receive. I challenge you to give a tithe, a tenth, this Lenten season if you are not doing so already. If you are giving at that level, look for opportunities to give even more. Between Feb. 25 and April 12, go ahead and give a full 10 percent of your income. As you do, keep a journal of the experience and share your experiences and your reflections with the rest of us.
So there it is, four simple and easy ways to get back to basics: Worship every Sunday. Come to the Soup suppers with friends. Participate in Bible study and book discussions. Give a tenth. It's back to basics. And the basics are good. Let's do it together as a community for the next six weeks. Then, let's get together and talk about how God has been working to change our lives and the way we live ... in Jesus name.
CAPE COD TRIP!
The First Lutheran Church Care Committee (First Lutheran Church, Montclair), along with White Star Tours, is planning a five-day, four-night trip to Cape Cod, MA from Monday, June 22nd through Friday, June 26th, 2009.
The special price for the package is $499.00 per person based on double occupancy (add an additional $99.00 for single occupancy). The rate includes transportation, four nights lodging, four dinners, breakfasts, a tour of Martha’s Vineyard, and much more. All taxes and gratuities are included. A $25.00 per person deposit is required by Tuesday, March 10, 2009. Final payment is due by
Friday, April 24, 2009.
First Lutheran is located at 153 Park Street, Montclair, (973) 744-6043. Please contact Bobbie McMillan at (973) 228-3097 for questions and sign-up sheets for the trip.
The special price for the package is $499.00 per person based on double occupancy (add an additional $99.00 for single occupancy). The rate includes transportation, four nights lodging, four dinners, breakfasts, a tour of Martha’s Vineyard, and much more. All taxes and gratuities are included. A $25.00 per person deposit is required by Tuesday, March 10, 2009. Final payment is due by
Friday, April 24, 2009.
First Lutheran is located at 153 Park Street, Montclair, (973) 744-6043. Please contact Bobbie McMillan at (973) 228-3097 for questions and sign-up sheets for the trip.
EASTER FLOWER ORDER FORM
If you would like to purchase Easter plants, please return the form along with your payment, by Sunday, March 15th. You may take home your plant(s) after Easter Worship, or you may leave it for our members who are homebound or ill.
Name/Envelope#: _______________________________/#_______
In Honor Of: ________________________________________
In Memory Of: ________________________________________
No. of Lilies: ______@ $9.00 each = $__________
No. of Daffodils: ______@ $9.00 each = $__________
No. of Hyacinths: ______@ $9.00 each = $__________
No. of Tulips: ______@ $9.00 each = $__________
No. of Pompoms: ______@ $3.50 each = $__________
TOTAL ENCLOSED $__________
Name/Envelope#: _______________________________/#_______
In Honor Of: ________________________________________
In Memory Of: ________________________________________
No. of Lilies: ______@ $9.00 each = $__________
No. of Daffodils: ______@ $9.00 each = $__________
No. of Hyacinths: ______@ $9.00 each = $__________
No. of Tulips: ______@ $9.00 each = $__________
No. of Pompoms: ______@ $3.50 each = $__________
TOTAL ENCLOSED $__________
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