From Pastor Kristin...

When I was born, the doctor took one look at my hands and told my mom that since I had such long fingers, I would be a great piano player. I often hear and wonder about those words when I look at my hands, because even though my fingers are still long, I am not all that great of a piano player. I am fascinated that at my birth, the doctor thought he saw the unfolding of my life just by looking at my hands.

Our hands identify us as unique individuals through our uniquely formed fingerprints. Our hands comfort children. Write words. Seal a business deal. Say hello. Bestow love. And create pain. They are our most basic connection to the world, yet no two pairs of hands are the same. And each set has its own experience in the world, since no to lives are the same either.

On September 18th, those gathered for worship participated in an Affirmation of Christian Vocation, in which we remembered and affirmed God’s particular call in each of our lives. On that day, we also kicked off our fall theme of “God’s work. Our hands.” No matter your vocation, no matter how you spend your days, God’s call in our lives is most often revealed through the work of our hands – in conjunction with our brains and mouths and other body parts, of course. But, our hands are nearly always involved in anything we do or say.

In October, we will continue to explore the theme “God’s work. Our hands.” in our congregational life at Holy Trinity. Monday evening Bible Study is beginning a study titled “Making Sense of Scripture,” in which we will study and discuss the work of God and God’s people throughout history, as it has been told in the Bible. The new Faith Formation team will continue to discuss how the people of Holy Trinity can seek to grow in our faith and in passing on the Christian faith through faith practices like worship, hospitality, creativity, caring for creation, and others. Children’s Sunday School will be exploring God’s creative handiwork in creation. And on October 30th, Reformation Sunday, we will celebrate God’s word alive, in our hands, in the form of scripture. It is my hope that on Sunday, October 30th, everyone will gather in worship with a Bible in your hands. We will even be giving Bibles to anyone who needs one in their hands.

God is revealed in our world through flesh and bone. Through Jesus’ crucified flesh and bone hands. Through your flesh and bone hands enlivened by the Spirit of God. The God’s work, done in your hands. Our hands really can tell the story of our lives, but each story is different. This month, pay attention to your hands. Take care of your hands. Thank God for your hands. And listen to the unique story God is telling to the world, through the work of your hands. From Luke 24:36-40: While the disciples were talking amongst each other, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost.

Jesus said to them, “Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself. Touch me and see; for a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” And when he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet.
~Pastor Kristin

Bring Your Bible to Church!

Bring your Bible to Church on Reformation Sunday, October 30th!One of the central ideas of the Protestant Reformation of the Christian Church 500 years ago was “allowing” everyone (not just priests) to read the Bible, and read it in our own language. To celebrate our ability to read, bring your Bible to church on Sunday, October 30th. If you don’t have a Bible you can read easily, let the office know, and we’ll present you with one on Reformation Sunday.

On the Calendar

Open the Scripture. Join the Conversation.
Everyone is welcome to join the conversation at either weekly Bible Study. Looking at the scriptures to discern what in the world God is up to in the Word, in the world, and in us? Come! You are always welcome!

Monday Evenings at 7:30pm.
New study: Making Sense of Scripture

Thursday afternoons at 2:00pm.
Focus on the gospel text for next Sunday.

Choir Rehearsals began again on Thursday, September 15th, at 8pm. If you would like to join the choir or would like more information, please call, email or speak to Scott Jones.

Sunday School Has Started
Sunday School is in full swing. Everyone, young and old gather for worship at 10 a.m. Then, children and teachers move to their classroom after a children’s message and prayer. The whole assembly reunites during the Sharing of the Peace so that we can celebrate the Lord’s Supper together.

Our children NEED You!
Adults are still needed to help to plan, assist, and/or teach our children the Christian faith. If you would like to be involved in the Sunday School ministry, please call the church office at (973) 667-0256 or talk with Pastor Kristin.

Remember to “fall back” on November 6th!
Please note that daylight savings time ends on November 6, 2011 – make sure to set your clocks back one hour.

Congregational Cottage Meetings
Get ready! Stay by your phone! During the next 6 months, the church council will be inviting everyone in the congregation to participate in a local cottage meeting. The intention of these gatherings is to provide Pastor Kristin with an opportunity to get to know you (yes, you!) in a more informal setting.

But you don’t have to wait for your cottage meeting to get to know Pastor Kristin; you can always invite her for lunch, dinner, coffee, or ice cream (she loves ice cream!).

Let’s Meet The Neighbors!
As part of getting to know our neighbors and the Nutley community, Pastor Kristin will soon begin intentionally meeting our neighbors, simply by ringing their doorbell and introducing herself as the new pastor at Holy Trinity. BUT, so that our neighbors can meet the people of the congregation and because Jesus sent out the disciples 2x2, she needs your help! Pastor Kristin asks that everyone sign up for at least one time slot to partner with her in meeting our neighbors. Depending on your mobility, we will either walk or drive to our neighbors’ homes. Sign-up sheets are in the office and will be passed around during worship.

Worship Leader Training
Sunday, October 2nd & 9th, after worship.
Are you currently serving as lector, assisting minister, communion assistant, or usher? Would you like to begin serving in one of these roles in worship? If you answered yes (or maybe) to either of these questions, please plan on participating in worship leader training on either Sunday October 2nd or 9th following worship.
We’ll be discussing the responsibilities of each role and train you as to how to best carry out your responsibilities as a worship leader. P.S. Even if you have served in worship for 20+ years, please participate in these trainings, as Pastor Kristin may have some new instructions for you!

Let’s Stick Around After Worship
Starting October 2nd, we’re going to try something new after worship…COFFEE AND TEA TIME after worship, in the narthex. Stay and talk with your sisters and brothers, sharing your lives together over a cup of tea or coffee each week.

Facebook

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 even participate in sermon feedback.

In Our Community

Let’s Take a Walk! The 2011 CROP Walk is SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16th AT 2PM. and will begin and end at First Congregational Church, 40 South Fullerton Ave, Montclair. We will walk 3 miles together.

Join neighbors from different faiths, cultures, and ages, to walk together to take a stand against hunger in our world. Together we raise awareness and funds for international relief and development, as well as local hunger-fighting agencies. Some 2,000 communities across the country take part each year. CROP = Communities – Responding to – Overcome-Poverty!

This year’s CROP Walk theme is “we walk because they walk.” T-shirts and baseball-style caps will be available at a cost of $10.00 for adults.

WALKS help fight hunger and poverty around the world including the U.S. Up to 25% of what a CROP Walk raises can assist food banks, pantries, community gardens, and other local hunger-fighting initiatives. The total raised for the 2010 Essex Walk in Montclair was over $18,500 with $4,600.00 being returned for our 11 local food pantries in Montclair, Bloomfield, Kearny and Nutley.

Call (973) 744-6043 with any questions.

Congratulations!
It is with great joy that we announce the arrival of John Corbett Brady, son of Matthew and Erica (Geiselmann) Brady, and the grandson of Ken and Irene Geiselmann. John arrived on August 24, 2011 and was 9 lbs. 5 oz. Erica and Matt have relocated to Madison, N.J. from Michigan.

A “Thank You” from the Futyma Family
"To everyone at Holy Trinity: Thank yo so much for all of your cards, prayers for the past six years-plus and telephone calls. We were truly blessed by God to have her with us as long as we did. She worked with her father for 21 years almost every day! We all know she is in a better place now. Thanks again for everything."
Marty & Betty Futyma and Familes

A “Thank You” from the Siclari Family
“To say thank you is just not adequate enough for all of the love and support you have all shown me and my family during this most difficult time. Our church family may be small in number, but we are vast in our love for one another. We feel truly blessed to be a part of this church.

It was a great comfort to us knowing all of you were praying for us.”
Thanks again. Love, Chris, Michele & Jennifer

Altar Flowers
Please note that if you would like to honor or memorialize someone with altar flowers, we have the following dates available:

November 13, November 20 & December 11
Cost is $30 per date. The sign-up sheet is outside of the church office. If you cannot make it to church but would like to sign up for a date, please call the church office, and then please mail your check to Holy Trinity with a notation of “Altar Flowers”. Thank you!

Remember the Hungry
Donations of non-perishable food items help stock the Nutley Food Pantry, as well as provide emergency food aid to our neighbors. Place non-perishable food in the basket in the narthex. All donations go to help those of us who are hungry!
An easy shopping list of food pantry needs:

box of pasta, canned fruit, canned vegetables, tomato paste, pasta sauce, 1-can meals
tuna fish, bar soap, toilet paper

We Need Your Help
We need a volunteer to deliver food pantry donations to the Nutley Red Cross (Chestnut Street). Donations are accepted Monday – Friday, from 9am – 5pm. If you can help, please call the office at (973) 667-0256 or email Tina at office.htlcnutley@verizon.net Thank you!

October Birthdays, Anniversaries and Disciples

October Birthdays
1: Agee Lin
12: Tony Maguire
14: Evelyn Cordes
16: Angela Murphy
17: Ruth Sekula
18: Joseph Cicci
22: Martin Futyma
23: Jennifer Riccio
26: Lynn Johnson
29: Matthew Duhm
30: Kevin Johnson, Monica Rubens

October Anniversaries
3: Brenda & Dan Munoz
16: Nancy & Tony Maguire

October Disciples (please pray for the person listed on the following dates - on Sunday we pray for all of the people listed in the coming week)

1:Diane Petschel
3:Paige Petschel
4:Anthony Pisciotta
5:Kathy Pisciotta
6:David Pisciotta
7:Kristen Pisciotta
8:Dave Reed
10:Sharod Reed
11:Chuck Rhodes
12:George Ritacco
13:Diane Ritacco
14:Davia Ritaqcco
15:Alex Rubens
17:Aida Rubens
18:Catherine Rubens
19:Alexandra Rubens
20:Monica Rubens
21:Gloria Ryden
22:Teresa Scalcione
24:Doris Schulz
25:Greg Sekula
26:Ruth Sekula
27:Chris Siclari
28:Audrey Stevens
29:Larry Stevens
31:Tom Stevens

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Lutheran World Relief

Help pave the path to recovery for East African farmers affected by drought by joining Lutheran World Relief in raising $3 million this year for a long-term response. Your support will provide tools, seeds, training and criticial improvements to things like irrigation systems that will help farmers recover their livelihoods and become more resilient to future droughts.

lutheranworldrelief.org

From Pastor Kristin

From Pastor Kristin…
God’s Work. Our Hands.
A couple weeks ago, I was told some amazing news about the ministry of Holy Trinity that I had not discovered during the conversations that were part of my pastoral call process. I was told that Holy Trinity will soon be 90 years old! Wow! The people of Holy Trinity have been doing God’s work here in this place for almost 90 years! That’s quite a testimony to God’s commitment to this ministry.

Some of you may have experienced many of these almost 90 years of ministry. You may remember what ministry was like 80, 45, 15, or 5 years ago. While others of you may have only experienced one or two years of God’s ministry through Holy Trinity. Yet, I’m sure you can all tell great stories of God’s faithfulness to this congregation, both in the past and in the present.

The ministry of HTLC may not look or even be the same as it was 90 years ago, or even two years ago. But, one think I know is true: God is still at work in this place, through you – the people of Holy Trinity. For, “I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)

When Scott Jones and I sat down to look at the scripture readings to be read in worship this fall, we decided that a good theme for ministry this fall would be God’s work. Our hands. It is my hope that this theme will flow throughout all we are and do as the people of Holy Trinity. I will be asking many of you to share with the congregation your faith story of how God has worked in your life. (If you would like to share your faith story, please let me know!) We will be celebrating the work of the various ministries of Holy Trinity. Above all, I hope that we will work towards intentionally claiming who we, as people of God called to do God’s work, are ToDaY, after almost 90 years of ministry. “For it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for God’s good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13)

We will begin our celebration of God’s work. Our hands. on Sunday, September 18th with a Fall Ministry Extravaganza. In worship, we will bless students, teachers, and those who care for students as a new school year begins. In addition, we are asking everyone to bring to worship a symbol of your vocation for an Affirmation of Christian Vocation. This might be a textbook or calculator if you’re a student or a teacher. It might be a smartphone or a computer. It might be a hammer or a set of keys. Whatever symbolizes the work God has called you to do with your life – bring it to worship. After worship, we will continue our celebration with abundant food and fun.

Come and bring your friends to worship on the 18th for a morning of Food! Faith! and Fun! as we begin to celebrate God’s work through Our hands.

Pastor Kristin

From the Church Council

Notes from Council
Church Council welcomed Pastor Kristin to our meeting on August 16. She reported that she’s had a busy first few weeks, what with the continuing issues with our neighbors and our AA ministry, and 2 deaths in the families of Holy Trinity members that week.

We are excited to announce the Installation Service for Pastor Kristin Engstrom will be held on Sunday, September 25, 2011 at 3:00 PM at Holy Trinity. After the service we will treat Pastor Kristin, her clergy colleagues and the congregation to one of our famous pot-luck dinners. We would like to have an idea of attendance at this dinner, so we are asking you to sign up on the sheet passed around during the August 28, September 4, and September 11 services, or to call the church office. The signup sheet will ask you if you’d bring a salad, main dish, or dessert. We will need this information by Monday, September 12 so that Council can finish the planning at the September 13 meeting.

During the next few months, Council Members will be contacting members of the congregation to arrange get-to-know-Pastor-Kristin events. We hope that you will join the event to which you are invited so that you can chat with Pastor and she can get to know the congregation better. ~Holy Trinity Church Council

On The Calendar

Open the Scripture.Join the Conversation.
Everyone is welcome to join the conversation at either weekly Bible Study. Looking at the scriptures to discern what in the world God is up to in the Word, in the world, and in us? Come! You are always welcome!

Monday Evenings at 7:30pm, beginning September 12th.
Thursday afternoons at 2:00pm, beginning September 8th.



Church Work Day
Saturday, Sept 10th at 10am
Now that fellowship hall and the kitchen have been painted, it's time to tame the kitchen cupboards. Thanks to Janet and Phyllis who have begun this process. Additional hands are needed on Saturday, September 10 at 10 am to organize the remaining cupboards and countertops. We should be done by noon, if not sooner. Thank you!


Choir Rehearsals
will begin again on Thursday, September 15th , at 8pm and the choir will sing on Sunday, September 11th. If you would like to join the choir or would like more information, please call, email or speak to Scott Jones.


Sunday School is Starting
Children’s Sunday School will begin on Sunday, September 25. Like last year, children will gather with the whole congregation for worship at 10:00am, and then participate in Children’s Sunday School during worship, returning in time for Holy Communion.

BUT: We need your help to plan, assist, and/or teach our children the Christian faith. If you would like to be involved in the Sunday School ministry, please call the church office at (973) 667-0256 or talk with Pastor Kristin.

Thank You! and Congratulations!

Thank you!
Thank you to all that hosted our summer lemonade. It was such a success that we are hoping to continue after-worship fellowship, beginning in October!

Thank you!
Thanks to all of you who donated food for our summer food drive! If you stocked up on food in preparation for Hurricane Irene, continue to bring your non-perishable goods to donate to the Nutley Red Cross.

Off To College!
Matthew Duhm will be attending Montclair State University and Rebecca Lovas will be attending Northeastern University in Boston. They are both attending as college freshmen. We wish them luck with all of their future endeavors!

Let us know if we missed anyone. Students—have a great year! Please keep them in your prayers. If you are attending college and have not given us your email address yet, please give us this information so that we may keep you up to date with Holy Trinity activities. Also, Holy Trinity is on Facebook – make sure to “friend us”!

Congregational Cottage Meetings

Congregational Cottage Meetings
Get ready! Stay by your phone!
During the next 6 months, the church council will be inviting everyone in the congregation to participate in a local cottage meeting. The intention of these gatherings to provide Pastor Kristin with an opportunity to get to know you (yes, you!) in a more informal setting. But, you don’t have to wait for your cottage meeting to get to know Pastor Kristin, you can always invite her for lunch, dinner, coffee, or ice cream (she loves ice cream!).

In Our Community

Community 9/11 Service of Hope
The Nutley community is invited to gather on September 11th for a Service of Hope at 4:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church (17 Monsignor Owens Place). A program of music and prayer and readings will offer an opportunity to honor those whose lives were lost, support their families, reflect on lessons learned, renew our hope, and seek peace in our world. All are welcome.

Let’s Take a Walk!
The 2011 CROP Walk is SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16th AT 2PM. and will begin and end at First Congregational Church, 40 South Fullerton Ave, Montclair. We will walk 3 miles together.

Join neighbors from different faiths, cultures, and ages, to walk together to take a stand against hunger in our world. Together we raise awareness and funds for international relief and development, as well as local hunger-fighting agencies. Some 2,000 communities across the country take part each year. CROP = Communities – Responding to – Overcome-Poverty!

This year’s CROP Walk theme is “we walk because they walk.” T-shirts and baseball-style caps will be available at a cost of $10.00 for adults.

WALKS help fight hunger and poverty around the world including the U.S. Up to 25% of what a CROP Walk raises can assist food banks, pantries, community gardens, and other local hunger-fighting initiatives. The total raised for the 2010 Essex Walk in Montclair was over $18,500 with $4,600.00 being returned for our 11 local food pantries in Montclair, Bloomfield, Kearny and Nutley.

The one and only meeting for the 2011 WALK will be Wednesday September 7th at 7:30pm at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 153 Park Street, Montclair. WALK envelopes, poster, flyers, t-shirts, etc. will be available for distribution. Call (973) 744-6043 with any questions.

In Memoriam…
Frank Siclari
Frank Siclari passed away on Monday morning, August 15th at home.
Frank lived in Nutley, New Jersey all of his life. He was married to Christine Siclari for almost thirty-two years. Together, they raised two daughters, Michele Ouellette and Jennifer Riccio. Frank also greatly enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren Jacqueline, Madeline, and Charles Ouellette, and Brianna and Daniel Riccio.

Frank was sales supervisor with Victoria Packaging Company in Brooklyn, NY. In addition, he was active in the Nutley community as a member of the Nutley Elks BPOE 1290. He was also a veteran of the Navy, having served in the Vietnam War. As an active member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Frank loved serving Easter Breakfast where he was “chief cook and bottle washer”. He also served on the church council for several years and refurbished the baptismal font, which continues to be used in worship. Frank will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family requested that donations be made to the Holy Trinity Endowment Fund.

Catherine Futyma-Brown
Catherine L. Futyma-Brown, 45, died on Aug. 19, 2011. Catherine lived in Oxford, N.J., for 21 years, coming from Glen Ridge, N.J., and was born in Glen Ridge, N.J., on Oct. 16, 1965. She was vice president of Fertl-Soil, Turf Supply, Inc., Scotch Plains, N.J., for 21 years. Catherine is survived by her husband, Michael Brown at home; one daughter, Madeleine Rose of Oxford, N.J.; parents, Martin J. and Elizabeth R. Futyma of Glen Ridge, N.J.; one sister, Stacy and her husband, Peter Christopulos, of Branchburg, N.J.; several aunts, uncles and cousins, and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Madeleine Rose Education Fund, c/o The Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High St., Hackettstown, N.J. 07840.


Tori Franchino
On Sunday morning, August 14th, Tori Franchino passed away after a strong battle with cancer. She was the wife of David Franchino, daughter-in-law of Julie Franchino, and sister-in-law of John and Peter Franchino.

The family decided that it would be most fitting to say goodbye to Tori on Long Island, where she spent most of her life. In lieu of flowers, the family requested that you make a donation to the Sloan-Kettering Hospital Memorial Fund.

Altar Flowers
Please note that if you would like to honor or memorialize someone with altar flowers, we have the following dates available:

September 18,November 6, November 13, November 20, December 11

Cost is $30 per date. The sign-up sheet is outside of the church office. If you cannot make it to church but would like to sign up for a date, please call the church office, and then please mail your check to Holy Trinity with a notation of “Altar Flowers”. Thank you!

Remember the Hungry
We will continue to collect food as part of our offering during worship. Bring your non-perishable food items to worship with you, and leave them in the designated area in the Narthex.


We Need Your Help
We need a volunteer to deliver food pantry donations to the Nutley Red Cross (Chestnut Street). Donations are accepted Monday – Friday, from 9am – 5pm. If you can help, please call the office at (973) 667-0256 or email Tina at office.htlcnutley@verizon.net Thank you!

Save Money. Save Trees.
We would 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.