Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Stewardship Stew
A community-action activity
As a loving parent, you want “the best” for your child. “The best” is not just about the best schools, the safest housing or the most nutritious foods, although these are all desirable. The “best” you want for your children is the best part of them – the God part of them. You want your kids to be who God created them to be; people who care and live their life showing it.
God, your loving parent wants “the best” for you, too – no matter how old you are. The best God wants for you is that place in you where your generous heart still beats, your soul trusts in God’s economy and your spirit feels compelled to pass on this most essential news to the next generation: “We are richly blessed by God. We feel the most joyful and free when we share God’s blessings.”
You can nurture that best place of caring and generosity in your children and in yourself by learning about being good stewards. Here’s a delicious activity, “Stewardship Stew” that will get you, your friends, your family and anyone you want to invite cooking, thinking and learning together.
Ingredients from the store
2 lbs lean beef (or another protein)
1 qt water or broth
2 cups sliced potatoes
1 cup sliced turnips
1 cup sliced carrots
1-2 onions chopped
3T flour
Salt and pepper
Garlic, parsley or a few favorite herbs
Ingredients from home
Love
Baptismal water
Bible
Blessings
Secret ingredients
Start the Stew
1. Sauté the meat, stirring constantly. When well browned, put it into the soup pot.
2. Cover with water, bring to a boil; skim fat. Simmer for one hour.
3. Add carrot, turnip, onion and potatoes; simmer for another hour.
4. Thicken with 3 tablespoons of flour diluted with enough cold water to pour easily.
5. Let the stew come to a boil again.
Adding the home ingredients
Now consider: where will you find items in the right hand column of the recipe? Where do you keep love? Give each other hugs. Stretch out your arms and pretend to hug God’s world. Stretch out your arms as wide as a large soup pot. Love surrounds you and your stewardship stew.
1.Where are the blessings? Look around at home and name some blessings you see inside and outside. They’re everywhere. Scoop some up for pretend and throw them in the stew pot.
2.How about the Bible? Find it, open it and read John 21:15. Jesus asked his disciple Peter, “Do you love me?” Peter answered, “Yes, Lord, I love you.” “Great!” said Jesus. “Then feed my lambs. Of course you’re not going to put the Bible in the stew! But you can pretend to shake some words in there. For example. “Jesus wants us to take care of each other.”
3.If you can, find a picture or remember out loud the story of yours, your child’s or your friend’s baptism. Before the stew is cooking, let others pour cold water or broth over the meat in the pot. When you were baptized, God pours water over you and gives you some jobs. Ask: “What are some jobs God gives us? Your baptism goes into the stew because when you’re baptized God says, “Care, give, share.
A Secret Ingredient
Don’t hold back on adding more to your stew: fresh tomatoes, herbs, a Bible verse that taught you about giving, a song that makes you feel God. Use your whole bodies as you season the soup. Jump up and down like salt shakers, pop like herbs in the garden, sneeze from the pepper, twirl around like a stirred up stew.
Taste and See
Now it’s time to eat. Say a Stew Grace to bless the meal. And be sure to surprise someone by sharing a container or two with them.
Potluck Dinner
Celebrate 85 years in mission Sunday, November 1, 2009, by gathering for worship and the Lord’s Supper at 10:00 a.m. and then stay together after worship for a potluck dinner. Mark your calendar and get ready to share great food, some fun times and that famous Holy Trinity “family” fellowship. This is a great opportunity to invite your friends and neighbors to come and experience the grace of God working through our loving community, so bring a friend!
Use the form below to tell us what you plan to share at this gathering.
Thank you!
November 1, 2009 Potluck Dinner Sign-up Sheet
We will be there (names): ___________________________________
We plan on sharing:
Food:
Main Dish _____
Salad or Vegetable _____
Dessert _____
Time and talents:
Set up _____
Clean up _____
Thursday, August 27, 2009
On the Calendar
Book Study/Supper
Thursday night dinner and study
Our Thursday night dinner and Bible study continues this fall. Join us at 6:15 p.m. for dinner and at 7 p.m. for Bible study. Here is an opportunity to share God's love and some good food with people who are feeling the pinch of the economic downturn. Simple meals, but inspiring fellowship. Make and share your favorite recipes. Make some new friends. Experience the life-changing power of God's word for our life. Make it a date with friends.
Monday night Bible and Prayer
Join a small-group of God's people for a time of prayer, sharing and a slow, meditative reading of The Bible Monday evenings starting at 7:30 p.m. For the first few weeks, we will be reading, discussing and putting into practice methods from Eugene Peterson's book on the art of spiritual reading Eat This Book.
Sunday School Teachers and Parents
It's time to begin another year of Sunday School. If you are interested in planning, helping or teaching this year, please come to a planning meeting after worship on Sept. 6. If you cannot make that meeting, but want to help out, please talk to Gail Ceravolo or Pastor Jim. Sunday School starts with our Back-to-School celebration Sept. 20.
Choir Rehearsals will begin again on Thursday, September 10, at 8pm and the choir will sing on Sunday, September 13th. If you would like to join the choir or would like more information, please call, email or speak to Scott Jones.
Back-to-School; Back-to-Church; Back-to-the-Bible
Sunday school starts September 20 with our annual back-to-school celebration. This year, our celebration begins with a special worship with Holy Communion at 10 a.m., followed by games and crafts for children and a special Bible program for adults: Rediscovering the Book of Faith. Finally, we will all gather for a great lunch and more games and crafts. It's a great way to start your school year, and a great time to invite your friends and neighbors to join the Holy Trinity family.
If you are interested in planning, organizing and/or helping make this day a success, please come to our planning meetings after worship on Aug. 30 and Sept. 13.
Rediscovering the Book of Faith – September 20 – October 4 after worship
Where did the Bible come from? The Christian Scripture contains sixty-six separate books, two testaments, and seven distinct types of literature. Yet, Christians the world over hold it as a single, bound volume we call “The Bible.”
This three-session study held on Sunday after worship explores how the Bible came to be our Book of Faith and what it means for our lives today. Together we will learn how, why and where the Old Testament and New Testament were created and explore how the Bible was put together, and examine the impact of the Reformation on our access to and understanding of scripture. Invite your friends and family to attend with you.
Here are the topics we will explore and discuss each week:
1. Rediscovering the Family Album of God’s People
2. Rediscovering the Good News of Jesus
3. Rediscovering God’s Gift of Grace
Please return to church office or e-mail your request to office.htlcnutley@verizon.net
____ Yes, I am excited to Rediscover the Book of Faith, and
____ I/We plan to attend Sunday after worship. (9/20 – 10/4) Please order ____ copies of the study guide for me.
____ I/We cannot attend the Sunday sessions, but would like to follow
along at home. Please order ____ copies of the study guide for me.
____ I want like to invite a friend to attend with me, and I would like the church to help me.
Name(s): _____________________________________________________________________________________
Pastor's Message
What I am trying to do in my life is change the way I mark time, and I invite you to join me.
"Very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. ... As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, ... "You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised." Mark 16
When I look at most calendars the box at the far left, the first box of the row that makes up any particular week, corresponds to Sunday. Sunday is the first day of the week. Yet in my life and in my speech, sunset on Sunday marks the sad -- and sometimes anxious -- end to the weekend. Sunday is the last day of the week.
Since the world we know spins on an axis of work and school, most of us mark time with a five-day week that begins on Monday, makes a turn on Friday, and ends on Sunday. Sunday is the last day of the week, regardless of what box comes first on the calendar on the wall. In fact, in the calendars most of us keep on our desk, Monday is the first day of the week. Monday takes priority. Sunday comes last.
For years, I have understood that the one of the biggest obstacles to people joining the assembly of God's people for worship on the first day of the week [read: going to church on Sunday], is the time of day and the day of week when we worship. For all practical purposes, Christ's people are worshipping on the morning of the last day of the week and the last day of the weekend. When the alarm goes off on Sunday morning and the church bells start to ring, these summons ring right in the middle of "our time." Add to this, the church's wise and consistent teaching on the sabbath -- the day God rested from all God's work and commanded God's people to do the same from all their work -- and the fact that we really do need a "day of rest" at the end of the week and seems to tough to make the case for Sunday morning worship.
If we remember our catechism, however, we remember that Martin Luther explained that Christians keep the sabbath by attending to God's word and the sacraments, by resting in God's grace, mercy and love. This is most certainly true, but I have met few people, especially parents, who see or experience Sunday morning worship as rest. It's a lot of work, honestly. I know. And that's okay. I am fine with that.
What I am trying to do in my life is change the way I mark time, and I invite you to join me. I want my mind and heart to reset itself to the rhythms of a six-day work week that begins on Sunday in worship, praise and thanksgiving, tending to God's word and being fed and strengthened at Christ's table. From there, I move into the rest of my work week, slowly at first, but I will go in peace to do what God has called and gifted me to do: to share the good news, overcome barriers and connect one to many in Christ in the home, in the classroom and on the job. Then as the sun sets on Friday, I want to slow down and begin to rest, again in praise and thanksgiving to the God who gave me life, meaningful work and a command to rest.
Sounds simple enough, but its a challenge because I am not asking that we simply write worship into our weekly schedule, I am asking that God's word and weekly worship transform our schedules, our priorities, ... and our lives.
Thank You!
Our Discovery Canyon Vacation Bible School was a great success! We met many new friends and had as many as 21 children in attendance, along with several adults. Thank you to EVERYONE who helped in any way to make it possible—through donations, decorating, prep work for arts and crafts, teaching or helping as part of our team. Through Bible lessons, music, movement, art and crafts we learned to REJOICE, PRAY, ASK, TELL AND SEEK. Our mission project this year was The Lutheran Navajo Mission in Rock Point, Arizona.
Thanks to our staff:
Co-directors: Scott Jones & Kara Suttora
Worship Leader/Adult Study: Pastor Jim
Office/registration: Tina Patti
Pre-K: Emily Jones, Chris Siclari, Sarah Jones with teen helpers Angela Murphy and Lauren Kyle.
Pre-K Classparents: Chris Caporaso, Stefeny Stofa Krombholz and Stephanie Yero
K-Grade 1: Ruth Hsu and Cathy Geiselmann
Grades 2-6: Nancy Duhm
Crafts: Debbie Jones
Science and Movement: Gail Ceravolo
Music: Scott Jones
Snack: Diane Petschel
Thanks to everyone who helped to decorate or prepare crafts and to those who made contributions toward VBS. In addition to those already listed above, special thanks to Greg Sekula, Al Weber, Dave VanHouten, George Ceravolo, Nancy Guenther, Julie Franchino Janet Stofa, Leona Candura, Jayne Osborne, Elaine Miller and
Terry Scalcione. Sorry if we missed anyone.
Lemonade
Thanks to all of you who participated in and acted as host for this years’ summer Lemonade!
Keep it Simple
How have you simplified your life and reset your priorities over the past year? Share your insights with the people of Holy Trinity. Send me an e-mail at pastor.htlcnutley@verizon.net or leave a post on the Holy Trinity Facebook discussion.
Holy Trinity is now on Facebook. You can become a fan of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and stay up-to-date with what's going on in the congregation and among our members. As a fan you can also post your news, your questions, thoughts and experiences of God's love in action to share with others. It’s just another way to share the good news, overcome barriers and connect one to many in Christ. You can access our page directly from our website, at www.htlcnutley.com
In Our Community
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Ricky Hudnett, who on June 20, 2009 graduated from Nova S.W. University in Florida, with his M.B.A. He is also working at the University as the Assistant Director of the Master’s Program.
Ricky also recently became engaged on May 23, 2009 to Alicia Cook – a fall 2010 wedding is planned! Ricky is the son of Richard and Barbara Hudnett.
Congratulations on the birth of
Connor Logan Murphy, born on June 23, 2009. He joins siblings Angela, Erika, Alex, Olivia, Sara, and William. Mom and Dad are Damian and Sharon Murphy.
Eric Oberndorf will be deploying to Iraq shortly. Anyone who wishes to send him mail can do so in the following way(s). We’ve been notified by his father, Steve, to wait until the end of September to send anything. This APO address is good through the end of the year. Letters and cards sent to the APO address only need normal First Class postage stamps and can be mailed from any mailbox:
SSG Oberndorf, Eric
D CO 1-504th PIR ,
APO AE 09381
However, packages must be mailed from the post office and a customs form has to be completed. Packages also must have a specific return address (not the sender's) to comply with Army regulations. That address is Eric's permanent duty station and it is:
Oberndorf
D CO 1/504 PIR
Fort Bragg, NC 28310
ALCM Conference
In July, I attended a regional convention of The American Guild of Organists in Boston. An AGO convention is all about amazing concerts in amazing spaces. We heard many large pipe organs in historic churches, including a brass and organ concert at Trinity Church and a recital at the Christian Science Mother Church, which looks like something that belongs in the Emerald City! There were some interesting talks and workshops, including one on the music of Mendelssohn--a Jew whose family converted to the Lutheran faith!
An Association of Lutheran Church Musicians conference is more of a spiritual time for me. Our national convention this year was in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and we had a wonderful week! I always wish you could all experience the worship and the singing at these events. We had on average three worship services each day, along with concerts and
some great workshops. This year I found it to be mostly an affirmation of my work and relationship with Pastor Jim and you, the congregation. Thank you for supporting my professional memberships and attendance at these conferences. ~Scott Jones
Items Needed ~ Thank You!
Car
If you or anyone you know has a used car (in working condition) they are looking to donate, please contact pastor or the church office, as we do know people who are in need.
Refrigerator(s)
The church is in need of two refrigerators. Anyone looking to donate a good quality, usable full size refrigerator for our kitchen, or a small or “dorm” –sized refrigerator for the church office, please call the office.
Food Drive
During these difficult times, organizations that provide food often run short of needed supplies. 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 were notified of the following by the Red Cross:
FOODS NEEDED:
Soups, Stews, Beans, Broths, Peanut Butter
THEY HAVE A SURPLUS OF:
Pasta, Pasta Sauce, Rice and Tuna
September Birthday, Anniversaries and Disciples
September Birthdays
3:Alexander Murphy
7:Leona Candura
9:Maura Cicci
10:Helen Blair
11:Angelika Achtiani
15:John Norton
20:Danny Murphy
24:Holly Wiede
26:Alicia Hudnett
27:Hedy Mayr
28:Susan Wilson
29:Janet Strachan
September Anniversaries
10:John & Evelyn Denkinger
11:John & Elfrieda Fenton
13:Ken & Dot Duke
Disciples
1:Ken Duke
2:Dot Duke
3:Richard Ebeling
4:Barbara Ebeling
5:Stacie Ebeling
7:Chelsea Ebeling
8:Elizabeth Ebeling
9:Jean Esparolini
10:Chris Esparolini
11:Irene Falk
12:John Fenton
14:Elfrieda Fenton
15:Julie Franchino
16:Pete Franchino
17:John Franchino
18:Martin Futyma
19:Betty Futyma
21:Susan Gage
22:Tom Gallo
23:Heather Gallo
24:Nicholas Gallo
25:Cathy Geiselmann
26:Erica Geiselmann
28:Ken Geiselmann
29:Irene Geiselmann
30:Jim Greengrove
Altar Flowers
Please note that we still have two dates available for anyone who would like to sponsor our altar flowers. If you would like to honor or remember someone, please fill out the chart outside of the church office or give us a call at (
973) 667-0256. The cost is $30.00
The available dates are September 20 and October 4, 2009.
Let's Take a Walk
The 2009 CROP Walk (SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18th AT 2PM.) and will begin and end at First Congregational Church, 40 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair.
We will join neighbors from different faiths, cultures, and ages, walking 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!
The WALK will begin and end at First Congregational Church, 40 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair, and is the usual 3 miles.
This year we are joining together in interfaith community CROP Hunger Walks around the theme “we walk because they walk.” Many of the walkers will be wearing “we walk because they walk” t-shirts, proclaiming their solidarity with the millions of neighbors around the world who have to walk to live. 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 2008 Essex Walk in Montclair was over $22,000 (the $20,000 goal was reached again) with $5,500 being returned for our 11 local food pantries in Montclair, Bloomfield, Kearny and Nutley.
The one and only meeting for the 2009 WALK will be Tuesday, September 8th and 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.
Volunteers Needed for the Fall Festival
If you would like to volunteer for helping at the Fall Festival on Sunday, September 20, 2009, please call the church office at (973) 667-0256. We need all kinds of help, starting with setup at 7am through cleanup starting at 2pm. Thanks.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
On The Calendar
Dive into the Book of Faith
Open the scripture. Join the conversation. Come, hear and learn once again the story of God and God’s people in a deep, meaningful and transformative way this summer. As part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s (ELCA) initiative that calls “the whole church to become more fluent in the first language of faith, the language of scripture, in order that we might live out our calling as people renewed, enlivened, empowered and sent by the Word.”
We enter into this conversation based on the promised that exploring the Bible deeply with others opens us to God working in and through us. God’s Word is life changing, church changing and world changing. As we come together around God’s Word, the Holy Spirit works to lay a promising and fruitful foundation for connecting Bible, life and faith.
This summer, we will start this journey to renewal in the power of God’s Word together as a congregation assembled to worship and in small groups. All in all, there will be three opportunities to gather, open scripture and join the conversation.
Between July 12 and August 30, the assigned readings take us into and through the Book of Ephesians. In Sunday worship, through songs, sermons and prayers, we will focus on that particular Book of Faith under the theme, God’s Extraordinary Church. We will pick up that study and add time for group discussion, prayer and support during on Thursday evenings at 7 p.m., following our weekly community dinner.
Finally, a number of people have expressed interest in learning more about how the Bible came to be our Book of Faith and to explore more about what we mean when we confess the Holy Scripture to be the Word of God. Join us on three Sunday afternoons in September as we Rediscover the Book the Faith, the Bible. What better way to go “back-to-school” than to get back into God’s Word. It will change your life.
To sign up for either one of these exciting studies, fill out the forms below and return them to the church office or e-mail the church office with your plans office.htlcnutley@verizon.net.
God’s Extraordinary Church: Studies in Ephesians – July 12 – August 30
Mega-churches seem to catch everyone’s attention these days. Bigger appears to be better. The Letter to the Ephesians reminds us that God enables us to build a wondrous church beyond our wildest expectations (Eph. 3:19-20). Spiritual quality is always more important than worldly quantity when it comes to God’s heavenly design.
This book of faith is like a blueprint written to modern churches like ours, churches in transition. This series gives us the opportunity to experience divine guidance in our mission and ministry. As we rediscover God’s Word for our life and the life our church, we will discover again our passion for God’s purposes in the world through Jesus Christ. Come along. Open the Scripture. Join the Conversation.
Here are the topics we will be exploring in worship, study, conversation and prayer:
1. Are We Building in Love? Ephesians 1:3-14
2. Are We Building with Walls? Ephesians 2:11-22
3. Are We Building Beyond Measure? Ephesians 3:14-21
4. Are We Building as One? Ephesians 4:1-16
5. Are We Building Up? Ephesians 4:25-5:2 and 5:15-20
6. Are We Built to Withstand? Ephesians 6:10-20
Please return to church office or e-mail your request to office.htlcnutley@verizon.net
____ Yes, I am excited about exploring God’s amazing Word to God’s
extraordinary church, and
____ I/We plan to attend Thursday night. Please order ____ copies of the study guide for me.
____ I/We cannot attend the Thursday night study this time, but would like to follow along at home. Please order ____ copies of the study guide for me.
Name(s): __________________________________________
Rediscovering the Book of Faith – September 20 – October 4 after worship
Where did the Bible come from? The Christian Scripture contains sixty-six separate books, two testaments, and seven distinct types of literature. Yet, Christians the world over hold it as a single, bound volume we call “The Bible.”
This three-session study held on Sunday after worship explores how the Bible came to be our Book of Faith and what it means for our lives today. Together we will learn how, why and where the Old Testament and New Testament were created and explore how the Bible was put together, and examine the impact of the Reformation on our access to and understanding of scripture. Invite your friends and family to attend with you.
Here are the topics we will explore and discuss each week:
1. Rediscovering the Family Album of God’s People
2. Rediscovering the Good News of Jesus
3. Rediscovering God’s Gift of Grace
Please return to church office or e-mail your request to office.htlcnutley@verizon.net
____ Yes, I am excited to Rediscover the Book of Faith, and
____ I/We plan to attend Sunday after worship. Please order ____ copies of the study guide for me.
____ I/We cannot attend the Sunday sessions, but would like to follow
along at home. Please order ____ copies of the study guide for me.
____ I want like to invite a friend to attend with me, and I would like to church to help me.
Name(s): _____________________________________________________________________________________
Summer Music Conferences
Scott Jones will be in Boston for the Region Convention of the American Guild of Organists from June 30 through July 4. Scott is registrar for the 2011 Morristown Convention and will be meeting with the Boston Planning Committee. Locally, Scott serves on the Executive Board of the Metro NJ Chapter, is Membership Chair and publishes their Directory of Members.
In August, Scott will attend the National Convention of the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Scott is Regional Vice President for the ALCM and he always looks forward to the workshops, concerts and worship services at these conferences.
Talent Time to Present Gypsy
The musical Gypsy will be presented at Bloomfield High School August 6-8 and 13-15 at 8:00 pm. General Admission tickets are $12/$10 for seniors and Students. The High School is at 160 Broad St. in Bloomfield and is air-conditioned! Emily Jones is producing the show as well as playing in the pit orchestra. Sarah Jones is performing in the cast.
As part of the Charles Seller Foundation, the Talent Time players have been presenting benefit performances since 1950. Each summer the members, who are in their mid-teens to late twenties, produce and perform a musical in which all the profits go to help a local person with a severe medical need.
Please call (862) 202-6943 for more information.
Summer Food Drive
During the summer months, organizations that provide food often run short of needed supplies. This summer, we continue to collect food as part of our offering during worship. Bring your non-perishable food items to worship with you, and take them forward during the gathering of our offering.
Discovery Canyon VBS is Just Around the Rim!
Our journey begins Sunday, August 16 and ends with a closing program on Friday, August 21. We will meet in the evening again, from 6:00-8:30p.m. Registration is $15.00 per person with a maximum of $30.00 per family. Registration forms will be available at church, by emailing the office at office.htlcnutley@verizon.net or by registering online at www.htlcnutley.com DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS AUGUST 2, 2009.
Mark your calendars and grab your hiking gear. This is a week filled with amazing Bible stories, Cavern Crafts, Sagebrush Storytelling and Red Rock Rhythm! Plan to join us and invite a friend. See you at the Canyon!
To help defray the cost of education and craft materials, we are asking for monetary donations. If you would care to make a donation, there will be donation cards in the church entry for different denominations totaling the amount estimated for the supplies. Please take one or more and enclose them with or attach them to your contribution, which can be put in the offering plate on Sundays through June, July and/or August. Please make sure to clearly mark the offering for “VBS”.
Can you help create our “Canyon Adventure?” We could use southwest/Native American blankets or fabric, pottery or baskets and blow-up or artificial cacti. Hiking gear like backpacks, hiking boots, a canteen and walking stick would be appreciated. Stuffed, resin or wooden “critters” for our daily themes would be great—desert lizard, owl, burro, praying mantis, and fox. Donations may be brought to church any time. Please identify them with your name so that they can be returned in August after VBS. Stay tuned for more announcements about craft preparation and church decorating. Thank you!
Annual Back To School Celebration - September 20
This year’s Fall Festival is still in the early planning stages, but we are working with the theme … Back-to-School; Back-to-Bible.
Not only will this year’s celebration mark the opening of Sunday school with lively worship (including a special blessing of the backpacks) food, games and prizes for all children, but we are planning on inviting all people, young and old to join us in rediscovering our Book of Faith (see article on page 4) this fall. To volunteer, call or e-mail Pastor Jim.
In Our Community
Relay For Life
On June 13th and 14th, Emily Jones participated in a Relay for Life in Mount Olive to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Although the rainy weather moved the event indoors, it did not dampen the spirits of the participants. Hundreds of people gathered to celebrate those who have survived cancer, remember those who have not, and fight back by supporting cancer research.
Mount Olive’s Relay brought in over $100,000 and that amount will continue to grow with post-event donations. Emily’s team was able to surpass their goal and raise over $2,800. Thanks to the members of Holy Trinity who donated to this cause and helped Emily’s team and the event raise such an amount.
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Chelsea Cicci, who on June 16 won her second Paper Mill Playhouse “Rising Star” Award for choreography. The award was for her work on Bloomfield High School’s production of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying back in February. Bloomfield was nominated for three awards, but only Chelsea won!
Congratulations on the birth of Charles William Ouellette, born on May 21, 2009. He is the grandson of Chris & Frank Siclari and joins sisters Jackie, 6 and Maddie, 3. Mom and dad are Michelle (Siclari’s daughter) & Bill.
Thank You!
Marilyn Kozak would like to thank everyone who has called and visited her father, Victor Smith. Victor has been moved to the Park Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Bloomfield. They are located at 23 Park Place, Bloomfield, N.J. 07003. (973) 743-7772.
Summer. Time for Lemonade
As we move into summer this month, we will re-start our after worship lemonade fellowship time. So, plan to linger a bit after worship to visit with friends both new and longstanding. We have two dates still available if you would like to host – they are August 9 and August 23rd. To follow is our schedule:
June 28: Lizzie & Holly Wiede (w/mom)
July 5: Kara Suttora & Diane Petchel
July 12: The Rubens Family
July 19: Gail & George Ceravolo
July 26: Audrey Stevens
August 2: Jayne Osborne
August 9: OPEN
August 16: The Jones Family
August 23: OPEN
August 30: Sally & Martin Mueller
September 6: Lizzie & Holly Wiede (w/mom)
Taking Root
Introducing the new ELCA Hunger Resource for children and youth,
Taking Root:
Hunger Causes
Hunger Hopes
Four Events in One!
1. Youth Summit
2. Children's Ministry Celebration
3. Hunger Events for Adults
4. Agape' Concert
FOR FULL DETAILS AND CALENDAR, GO TO:
www.njsynod.org
Pastor's Message
I am writing in the week between two wonderful celebrations of our life together in Christ Jesus: Last week (June 21) we witnessed Allison and Samantha’s baptism, and this week (June 28) we celebrate with Lizzie as she experiences Holy Communion in a deeper way. These two events coming in consecutive weeks remind us how our entire life flows from God’s grace in Word and Sacrament. Through Word and Sacrament God enlightens us, enlivens us and sustains us in a life of faith and love that comes from our connection to God and to each other.
In our baptism liturgy, the parents, sponsors and congregation promise to faithfully live out our faith and love for God together. We do this by gathering weekly in worship to hear the scriptures, God’s Word, and to participate in the holy supper. We do this by learning, teaching and putting into practice the Ten Commandments, the Apostle’s Creed and the Lord’s Prayer. We do this by nurturing the life of faith and prayer in ourselves and in others. We do this by proclaiming God’s reconciling love for the world in Christ Jesus in what we say and by what we do. We do this by joining together to care for others, to care for the world God made and to work for justice and peace.
Allison and Samantha and all the newly baptized are just beginning down this path of discipleship. Lizzie and others, like our college and high school graduates, are passing significant milestones along the way. Let’s cheer them on in the faith enthusiastically.
At the same time, these slower days of summer give us time to reflect on our own journey. Where are we spending our time and our energy? How might we be strengthened in our faith and love for God to more effectively live in witness to God’s grace and love for us? How might we encourage each other to grow in faith, hope and love.
In the letter to the Ephesians, the author prays that the church in Ephesus might receive from God “a spirit of wisdom and revelation” as they come to know Jesus more deeply. He prays this so that “with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of God’s power for us who believe” (Ephesians 1:17-19).
That is my prayer for all of us this summer. Please join me.
God's Gift For All Creation - Don't Bottle It Up!
The Youth Of The New Jersey Synod Challenge You To Take The Pledge!
In the fall of 2007, young people in the New Jersey Synod, ELCA began studying issues of water scarcity, plastics, pollution and water rights relating to bottled water. Out of this came an education and advocacy effort aimed at helping reduce the use of bottled water and strengthening safe public water systems both locally and globally - the Don’t Bottle It Up campaign!
We invite you to study, pray for, teach about, and advocate for
God’s precious gift of water for all creation, and, for earth’s sake,
Don’t Bottle It Up!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“…living creatures, and the air, soil and water that support them, face unprecedented threats. Many threats are global; most stem directly from human activity. Our current practices may so alter the living world that it will be unable to sustain life in the manner we know.”
"[A]s people of biblical faith, who live together in trust and hope, our primary motivation is the call to be God's caregivers and to do
justice...As members of this church, we commit ourselves to personal
lifestyles that contribute to the health of the environment."
Don’t Bottle it Up! Pledge (
Submit your pledge to the church office or at Worship – thank you)
I pledge to reduce my use of disposable bottled water, which means:
Opting for public tap water over bottled water; and
Advocating for healthy, strong public water systems both locally and globally.
Signed by: _________________________________
Here Are 10 Interesting Facts About Bottled Water
1. “An estimated 25 percent or more of bottled water is really just tap water in a bottle—sometimes further treated, sometimes not treated at all.” – Allaboutwater.org
2. Drinking bottled water is 1000 (one thousand!) times more expensive than drinking tap water.
3. “In an interesting study conducted by Showtime television, the hosts found that 75% of tested New York City residents actually preferred tap water over bottled water in a blind taste test.” – Allaboutwater.org
4. “Bottling and shipping water is the least efficient method of water delivery ever invented. The energy we waste using bottled water would be enough to power 190,000 homes. But refilling your water bottle from the tap requires no expenditure of energy, and zero waste of resources.” – PBS.org
5. “The Earth Policy Institute estimated that to make the plastic for the [water] bottles [consumed annually] burns up something like 1.5 million barrels of oil, enough to power 100,000 cars for a year.” – SeattlePI.com
6. “Nearly 90 percent of [water] bottles are not recycled.”
SeattlePI.com
7. “Bottled water is actually much less regulated than tap water. There are a number of studies in which we find arsenic, disinfection byproducts and bacteria in bottled water.” – SeattlePI.com, quoting Gina Solomon
8. 30 million water bottles are thrown away every day, and each one of them takes 1000 years to biodegrade. – emagazine.com.
9. “In one case, bottled water labeled as “Alaska Premium Glacier Drinking Water: Pure Glacier Water from the Last Unpolluted Frontier” was actually drawn from Public Water System #111241 in Juneau.” – emagazine.com.
10. Buying one gallon’s worth of bottled water is three times more expensive than buying one gallon of gasoline. –
July & August Birthdays, Anniversaries & Disciples
JULY BIRTHDAYS
1: Sydney Hess
3: Alex Murphy
4: Rory D’Agnolo
9: Meredith D’Agnolo
14: Verna Norton
18: David Reed
23: Ricky Hudnett
30: George Ceravolo
JULY ANNIVERSARIES
2: Al & Phyllis Weber
19: Scott & Debbie Jones
AUGUST BIRTHDAYS
3: Daniel Munoz
6: Aubrey D’Agnolo
10: Steve Oberndorf
16: Kay Ludwig
21: Greg Sekula
24: James Greengrove
25: Chao Lin
27: Dot Duke
29: Martin Mueller
30: Jared Lin
31: Robert Catelli
AUGUST ANNIVERSARIES
18: Frank & Chris Siclari
22: Gail & George Ceravolo
23: Evelyn & Steve Oberndorf
24: Dave & Sharon Reed
26: Martin & Sally Mueller
JULY DISCIPLES
1: Phyllis Weber
2: Kristian Wiede
3: Lizzy Wiede
4: Holly Wiede
6: Brad Wilson
7: Dot Wilson
8: Susan Wilson
9: Angelika Achtiani
10: Ira Achtiani
11: Chris Amlung
13: Anne Erwin
14: Andrea Ahrens
15: Richard J. Bacik
16: Erika Bacik
17: Richard K. Bacik
18: Ava Bacik
20: Joelle Bernhard
21: Matthew Bernhard
22: Madison Bernhard
23: Helen Blair
24: Kenneth Blair
25: David Cabral
27: Jennifer Cabral
28: Brandon Cabral
29: Emily Cabral
30: Leona Candura
31: John Catelli
August disciples will be in next months' newsletter
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Vacation Bible School
Discovery Canyon VBS is Just Around The Rim!
Our journey begins Sunday, August 16 and ends with a closing program on Friday, August 21. We will meet in the evening again, from 6:00-8:30p.m. Registration is $15.00 per person with a maximum of $30.00 per family. Registration forms will be available at church, by emailing the office at office.htlcnutley@verizon.net or by registering online at www.htlcnutley.com DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS
AUGUST 2, 2009.
Mark your calendars and grab your hiking gear. This is a week filled with amazing Bible stories, Cavern Crafts, Sagebrush Storytelling and Red Rock Rhythm! Plan to join us and invite a friend. See you at the Canyon!
To help defray the cost of education and craft materials, we are asking for monetary donations. If you would care to make a donation, there will be donation cards in the church entry for different denominations totaling the amount estimated for the supplies. Please take one or more and enclose them with or attach them to your contribution, which can be put in the offering plate on Sundays through June, July and/or August. Please make sure to clearly mark the offering for “VBS”.
Can you help create our “Canyon Adventure?” We could use southwest/Native American blankets or fabric, pottery or baskets and blow-up or artificial cacti. Hiking gear like backpacks, hiking boots, a canteen and walking stick would be appreciated. Stuffed, resin or wooden “critters” for our daily themes would be great—desert lizard, owl, burro, praying mantis, and fox. Donations may be brought to church any time. Please identify them with your name so that they can be returned in August after VBS. Stay tuned for more announcements about craft preparation and church decorating. Thank you!
Our journey begins Sunday, August 16 and ends with a closing program on Friday, August 21. We will meet in the evening again, from 6:00-8:30p.m. Registration is $15.00 per person with a maximum of $30.00 per family. Registration forms will be available at church, by emailing the office at office.htlcnutley@verizon.net or by registering online at www.htlcnutley.com DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS
AUGUST 2, 2009.
Mark your calendars and grab your hiking gear. This is a week filled with amazing Bible stories, Cavern Crafts, Sagebrush Storytelling and Red Rock Rhythm! Plan to join us and invite a friend. See you at the Canyon!
To help defray the cost of education and craft materials, we are asking for monetary donations. If you would care to make a donation, there will be donation cards in the church entry for different denominations totaling the amount estimated for the supplies. Please take one or more and enclose them with or attach them to your contribution, which can be put in the offering plate on Sundays through June, July and/or August. Please make sure to clearly mark the offering for “VBS”.
Can you help create our “Canyon Adventure?” We could use southwest/Native American blankets or fabric, pottery or baskets and blow-up or artificial cacti. Hiking gear like backpacks, hiking boots, a canteen and walking stick would be appreciated. Stuffed, resin or wooden “critters” for our daily themes would be great—desert lizard, owl, burro, praying mantis, and fox. Donations may be brought to church any time. Please identify them with your name so that they can be returned in August after VBS. Stay tuned for more announcements about craft preparation and church decorating. Thank you!
On The Calendar
Recession Relief: Soup (and more) Suppers!
Every Thursday night at 6:15 p.m., the people of Holy Trinity host a soup supper: a simple shared meal and an informal time for conversation, connection and support. This regularly meeting mealtime also gives us a simple way to share some of what we have -- food, faith, hope and love, a relationship with Jesus -- with people who may be going some difficult times. Sign up to share your favorite homemade soup. Sign up to bring something else -- go ahead and be creative -- to share with the group. But most important, invite your friends and neighbors to sit down and share a meal with you.
Open the Scripture. Join the Conversation.
Every Thursday night at 7 p.m. (after our soup supper), we gather to open the scripture and join in conversation with God and each other.
What is God doing in the the world? What is God doing in our lives? What is God saying to us as individuals, a community of faith, the world? What is the good news of God's kingdom? How is God sending us into the world? These are just some of the questions we ask as God engages us through God's word and the witness of the Holy Scripture. Come for the soup, but stay for the meal as we feast on God's word of life in Jesus Christ.
New Jersey Synod Assembly, June 5th and 6th
Pastor Jim, Scott Jones and Elaine Miller will attend the New Jersey Synod Assembly when it meets in East Brunswick June 5th and 6th. Look for a report in next month’s newsletter.
Worship in the Park, Sunday, June 7
Sunday, June 7, is Holy Trinity Sunday
and we will gather for worship again at Kingsland Park at 10:00 a.m. Invite a friend or two to join you in worshipping God and to stay with you for a picnic lunch, volleyball and softball after worship. Bring your own food and drinks, but you may want to bring some extra to share, too!
Please note: because of the long walk from the street to the gazebo at Kingsland Park, there will be a spoken service of Holy Communion (no music) at 9:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity for those who are physically unable to attend the worship in the park.
Father’s Day
Fatherhood, like motherhood is a holy job, a divine calling. God has given dads a special role in our faith and life development. We are thankful for fathers, and according to many fathers, becoming a dad gave a new understanding to God's word and work in their lives. It’s fitting to begin our Father's Day celebration
(June 21) in worship together with our fathers. All fathers will get a special gift that day. Additionally, to honor dad you may even consider giving a special gift in thanksgiving for our fathers, to the Holy Trinity endowment (see form in this newsletter).
Arsenic & Old Lace
The Nutley High School Drama Club presents Arsenic and Old Lace at Nutley High School, Friday, June 5 and Saturday, June 6 at 8:00 PM. Sean Ulley, Miles Mueller and Danny Fornasa are involved in this production. Please call for tickets or more information: (201) 563-0080
Relay For Life
Emily Jones will again be participating in Mt. Olive’s Relay for Life this year on June 13th and 14th. 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 in donating to this cause, you can make a donation online http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLFY09EA?pg=pfind&fr_id=14058, then search for “Emily Jones, or you can see Emily in person for a donation form.
Summer Choir: June 14, June 21
Are you a “singer in the pews?” For two weeks in June—June 14 and 21—we would like to invite you to be part of the choir for worship. Scott has selected easy and fun anthems that can be learned with minimal rehearsal. There will be short, 15 minute rehearsals immediately after worship on Sunday, May 31 and Sunday, June 14. You will also be asked to come to the choir room at 9:45 AM on the Sundays we sing. You may sing either week or both, but an RSVP would be appreciated so that we can plan accordingly. Please speak to Scott Jones, or call/email him at (973) 338-0267 or jsjones0601@verizon.net
Every Thursday night at 6:15 p.m., the people of Holy Trinity host a soup supper: a simple shared meal and an informal time for conversation, connection and support. This regularly meeting mealtime also gives us a simple way to share some of what we have -- food, faith, hope and love, a relationship with Jesus -- with people who may be going some difficult times. Sign up to share your favorite homemade soup. Sign up to bring something else -- go ahead and be creative -- to share with the group. But most important, invite your friends and neighbors to sit down and share a meal with you.
Open the Scripture. Join the Conversation.
Every Thursday night at 7 p.m. (after our soup supper), we gather to open the scripture and join in conversation with God and each other.
What is God doing in the the world? What is God doing in our lives? What is God saying to us as individuals, a community of faith, the world? What is the good news of God's kingdom? How is God sending us into the world? These are just some of the questions we ask as God engages us through God's word and the witness of the Holy Scripture. Come for the soup, but stay for the meal as we feast on God's word of life in Jesus Christ.
New Jersey Synod Assembly, June 5th and 6th
Pastor Jim, Scott Jones and Elaine Miller will attend the New Jersey Synod Assembly when it meets in East Brunswick June 5th and 6th. Look for a report in next month’s newsletter.
Worship in the Park, Sunday, June 7
Sunday, June 7, is Holy Trinity Sunday
and we will gather for worship again at Kingsland Park at 10:00 a.m. Invite a friend or two to join you in worshipping God and to stay with you for a picnic lunch, volleyball and softball after worship. Bring your own food and drinks, but you may want to bring some extra to share, too!
Please note: because of the long walk from the street to the gazebo at Kingsland Park, there will be a spoken service of Holy Communion (no music) at 9:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity for those who are physically unable to attend the worship in the park.
Father’s Day
Fatherhood, like motherhood is a holy job, a divine calling. God has given dads a special role in our faith and life development. We are thankful for fathers, and according to many fathers, becoming a dad gave a new understanding to God's word and work in their lives. It’s fitting to begin our Father's Day celebration
(June 21) in worship together with our fathers. All fathers will get a special gift that day. Additionally, to honor dad you may even consider giving a special gift in thanksgiving for our fathers, to the Holy Trinity endowment (see form in this newsletter).
Arsenic & Old Lace
The Nutley High School Drama Club presents Arsenic and Old Lace at Nutley High School, Friday, June 5 and Saturday, June 6 at 8:00 PM. Sean Ulley, Miles Mueller and Danny Fornasa are involved in this production. Please call for tickets or more information: (201) 563-0080
Relay For Life
Emily Jones will again be participating in Mt. Olive’s Relay for Life this year on June 13th and 14th. 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 in donating to this cause, you can make a donation online http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLFY09EA?pg=pfind&fr_id=14058, then search for “Emily Jones, or you can see Emily in person for a donation form.
Summer Choir: June 14, June 21
Are you a “singer in the pews?” For two weeks in June—June 14 and 21—we would like to invite you to be part of the choir for worship. Scott has selected easy and fun anthems that can be learned with minimal rehearsal. There will be short, 15 minute rehearsals immediately after worship on Sunday, May 31 and Sunday, June 14. You will also be asked to come to the choir room at 9:45 AM on the Sundays we sing. You may sing either week or both, but an RSVP would be appreciated so that we can plan accordingly. Please speak to Scott Jones, or call/email him at (973) 338-0267 or jsjones0601@verizon.net
Summer. Time for Lemonade
As we move into summer this month, we will re-start our after worship lemonade fellowship time. So, plan to linger a bit after worship to visit with friends both new and longstanding. You can also volunteer to host on one or more Sunday. A sign up sheet will be out during worship so you can sign up. You can also sign up to host by calling the church office.
Summer Food Drive
During the summer months, organizations that provide food to people in need often run short of needed supplies. This year, rising food costs have made the need that much more acute. Rising food prices means more people are in need of assistance. At the same time, the expense impact the ability of the organization to provide enough food.
This summer, we will once again collect food as part of our offering during worship. Bring your non-perishable food items to worship with you, and take them forward during the gathering of our offering. Thanks.
This summer, we will once again collect food as part of our offering during worship. Bring your non-perishable food items to worship with you, and take them forward during the gathering of our offering. Thanks.
Coupon Box
Please note that there is a coupon “swap” box in the Narthex for those of you that would like to donate or swap coupons.
Using Email 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 -- 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.
As postal rates continue to rise -- 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.
Pastor's Message
"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10
The beginning of June. Summer nears. In fact, you may already, in these late days of springtime, be living a summer life. Stretching out and allowing the light and the warmth that come as gifts of the closer approaching sun to soothe your soul, to relax your anxious spirit. Enjoy, delight, savor these days as God's gracious call, God's setting of scene, mood and environment, God's creation of the perfect environment to invite you into a time of spiritual renewal and reawakening.
The songwriter who in the power of the Holy Spirit wrote Psalm 46 reminds us that our peace, our security, our prosperity and our health come from God. God is our refuge and our strength. Though all the worlds are in turmoil -- the world of nature, the world of politics and the world of economics -- God is our refuge. In God's kingdom, we find stability and security. From deep, hidden springs and rivers, God brings forth new life and sustains us in the middle of all these threats and dangers. Joined to Jesus in his death and resurrection through baptism and citizens of God's holy city, God invites us to stop, to rest, to relax and to witness as He brings peace and salvation to the world through Jesus Christ: "Be still and know that I am God."
Here we find wonderful counsel as we anticipate our coming summer rest and vacations. Come, rest in God's love for you. Come, enjoy new life in God's abiding presence. Come, re-center your life in water and God's word. Come, and worship the God who raised Jesus from the dead and who has promised to be your life and salvation.
How? Well, maybe we could start by re-imagining our summer routines. As we enjoy peaceful times outdoors -- in our yards, down the shore, time in the sun, on the water -- enter into contemplative prayer. Clear your mind to be aware of God's presence in your life. Looking for a summer read? Re-discover God's story in the Bible. You will find a story of romance in the book of Ruth. The story of political intrigue and rivalry in First and Second Samuel. A thriller in the books of Exodus and Esther. Wit, wisdom and inspiration for self-improvement in Proverbs and other wisdom writings. The story of God's love incarnate in the story of Jesus in Gospel's. And what would summer be without getting together with friends in a spirit of thanksgiving, for fellowship for a meal. Well, come on over to Holy Trinity. We meet every Sunday morning at 10 a.m. and every Thursday evening at 6:15 and 7 p.m. Stop by and bring everyone you know. Everyone is welcome.
The beginning of June. Summer nears. In fact, you may already, in these late days of springtime, be living a summer life. Stretching out and allowing the light and the warmth that come as gifts of the closer approaching sun to soothe your soul, to relax your anxious spirit. Enjoy, delight, savor these days as God's gracious call, God's setting of scene, mood and environment, God's creation of the perfect environment to invite you into a time of spiritual renewal and reawakening.
The songwriter who in the power of the Holy Spirit wrote Psalm 46 reminds us that our peace, our security, our prosperity and our health come from God. God is our refuge and our strength. Though all the worlds are in turmoil -- the world of nature, the world of politics and the world of economics -- God is our refuge. In God's kingdom, we find stability and security. From deep, hidden springs and rivers, God brings forth new life and sustains us in the middle of all these threats and dangers. Joined to Jesus in his death and resurrection through baptism and citizens of God's holy city, God invites us to stop, to rest, to relax and to witness as He brings peace and salvation to the world through Jesus Christ: "Be still and know that I am God."
Here we find wonderful counsel as we anticipate our coming summer rest and vacations. Come, rest in God's love for you. Come, enjoy new life in God's abiding presence. Come, re-center your life in water and God's word. Come, and worship the God who raised Jesus from the dead and who has promised to be your life and salvation.
How? Well, maybe we could start by re-imagining our summer routines. As we enjoy peaceful times outdoors -- in our yards, down the shore, time in the sun, on the water -- enter into contemplative prayer. Clear your mind to be aware of God's presence in your life. Looking for a summer read? Re-discover God's story in the Bible. You will find a story of romance in the book of Ruth. The story of political intrigue and rivalry in First and Second Samuel. A thriller in the books of Exodus and Esther. Wit, wisdom and inspiration for self-improvement in Proverbs and other wisdom writings. The story of God's love incarnate in the story of Jesus in Gospel's. And what would summer be without getting together with friends in a spirit of thanksgiving, for fellowship for a meal. Well, come on over to Holy Trinity. We meet every Sunday morning at 10 a.m. and every Thursday evening at 6:15 and 7 p.m. Stop by and bring everyone you know. Everyone is welcome.
In Our Community
In Memory…Irene Wahl, 1914 - 2009
Irene Wahl, 94, passed away on May 2, 2009, in Bountiful, Utah after living a long and prosperous life. Irene was raised in Bay Ridge Brooklyn, where music and church were an important part of her family’s life. She learned to play the piano at a young age, and she and her best friend Ruth (Hansen) Winther, preformed in many shows and musicals. They even had the opportunity and performed for the King and Queen of Norway while the royal couple was touring the United States.
After graduating from high school, Irene worked in a bank in New York City. It was there that she met her husband, Emil C. Wahl. Emil and Irene moved to Nutley, New Jersey, where they started a family. She attended Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, where she sang in the choir. She was a faithful member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Nutley, New Jersey, where she served as President of the Women’s Group and on many committees with her friend Helen Blair.
After health issues, Irene moved to Utah, where she spent six happy years at Country Care Assisted Living Facility in Farmington, Utah.
Irene is survived by her two sons, Allen (Judith Cashman) and Raymond (Shana); two grandsons, Daniel and Michael, and one great granddaughter, Lily Ann Griggs. She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother and protector, Harry, and her devoted husband Emil.
A gathering to celebrate Irene’s life will be held sometime in the summer. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Endowment Fund, 158 Vreeland Avenue, Nutley, NJ 07110.
Condolences may be shared at www.lindquistmortuary.com
Thank You!
Once again this years’ Aids Walk New York (AWNY) was a big success. Over 45,000 people participated and even in the midst of a tough economy raised more than $5,600,000. Funds raised from the walkathon go to numerous programs and educational services to support people living with HIV/AIDS, and to over 60 other tri-state area AIDS organizations. Thanks to the generosity of the Holy Trinity family Nancy and Tony Maguire were again able to raise over $1000. Donations can still be made for this cause. Checks should be payable to AWNY and can be given to Nancy or Tony anytime. You can also mail your check to 26 Parsons Ct., Mahwah, NJ 07430. If you would like more information please call them at (201) 934-9366. You can also visit www.aidswalk.net. ~ Nancy Maguire
Congratulations!
It is with great joy that we announce the arrival of twins Samantha and Allison Mattis, daughters of Bob and Kareen (Ayotte) Mattis. Maternal grandparents are Gerry and Nancy Ayotte. The twins will be baptized at Holy Trinity on Father’s Day, June 21.
Congratulations on the engagement of Cathy Geiselmann to Mike Palamara. They will be married in 2010!
Congratulations and our very best wishes to our graduates! Graduating from Nutley High School are Robert Catelli, Danny Fornasa, Brian Johnson, Miles Mueller and Sean Ulley. Robert Kozak is graduating from Paramus Catholic and plans to join the Marines. Gentlemen—please keep in touch and we will keep you in our prayers! Send us your email addresses, let us know your future plans and how you are doing.
Irene Wahl, 94, passed away on May 2, 2009, in Bountiful, Utah after living a long and prosperous life. Irene was raised in Bay Ridge Brooklyn, where music and church were an important part of her family’s life. She learned to play the piano at a young age, and she and her best friend Ruth (Hansen) Winther, preformed in many shows and musicals. They even had the opportunity and performed for the King and Queen of Norway while the royal couple was touring the United States.
After graduating from high school, Irene worked in a bank in New York City. It was there that she met her husband, Emil C. Wahl. Emil and Irene moved to Nutley, New Jersey, where they started a family. She attended Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, where she sang in the choir. She was a faithful member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Nutley, New Jersey, where she served as President of the Women’s Group and on many committees with her friend Helen Blair.
After health issues, Irene moved to Utah, where she spent six happy years at Country Care Assisted Living Facility in Farmington, Utah.
Irene is survived by her two sons, Allen (Judith Cashman) and Raymond (Shana); two grandsons, Daniel and Michael, and one great granddaughter, Lily Ann Griggs. She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother and protector, Harry, and her devoted husband Emil.
A gathering to celebrate Irene’s life will be held sometime in the summer. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Endowment Fund, 158 Vreeland Avenue, Nutley, NJ 07110.
Condolences may be shared at www.lindquistmortuary.com
Thank You!
Once again this years’ Aids Walk New York (AWNY) was a big success. Over 45,000 people participated and even in the midst of a tough economy raised more than $5,600,000. Funds raised from the walkathon go to numerous programs and educational services to support people living with HIV/AIDS, and to over 60 other tri-state area AIDS organizations. Thanks to the generosity of the Holy Trinity family Nancy and Tony Maguire were again able to raise over $1000. Donations can still be made for this cause. Checks should be payable to AWNY and can be given to Nancy or Tony anytime. You can also mail your check to 26 Parsons Ct., Mahwah, NJ 07430. If you would like more information please call them at (201) 934-9366. You can also visit www.aidswalk.net. ~ Nancy Maguire
Congratulations!
It is with great joy that we announce the arrival of twins Samantha and Allison Mattis, daughters of Bob and Kareen (Ayotte) Mattis. Maternal grandparents are Gerry and Nancy Ayotte. The twins will be baptized at Holy Trinity on Father’s Day, June 21.
Congratulations on the engagement of Cathy Geiselmann to Mike Palamara. They will be married in 2010!
Congratulations and our very best wishes to our graduates! Graduating from Nutley High School are Robert Catelli, Danny Fornasa, Brian Johnson, Miles Mueller and Sean Ulley. Robert Kozak is graduating from Paramus Catholic and plans to join the Marines. Gentlemen—please keep in touch and we will keep you in our prayers! Send us your email addresses, let us know your future plans and how you are doing.
Stewardship Strengthens
Stewardship strengthens our relationship with Jesus
During summer, many of us are blessed to enjoy some time away on vacation. What a blessing! What a gift! While we are away, whether we travel near or far, remember to give thanks for all of God's good gifts. Also, remember to continue to give generously to the mission and ministry of Holy Trinity throughout the summer.
The important work of God's mission continues during the summer months, especially as we lead up to our Vacation Bible School in August. If you find yourself with more time during the summer, ask yourself how you can use that time to share the good news of Jesus; to lead others in overcoming barriers; to guide others into a relationship with Jesus and his community of disciples. How might you go about doing that kind of work this summer? Share with the people of Holy Trinity what you are doing in mission this summer. E-mail pastor.htlcnutley@verizon.net to share your story.
During summer, many of us are blessed to enjoy some time away on vacation. What a blessing! What a gift! While we are away, whether we travel near or far, remember to give thanks for all of God's good gifts. Also, remember to continue to give generously to the mission and ministry of Holy Trinity throughout the summer.
The important work of God's mission continues during the summer months, especially as we lead up to our Vacation Bible School in August. If you find yourself with more time during the summer, ask yourself how you can use that time to share the good news of Jesus; to lead others in overcoming barriers; to guide others into a relationship with Jesus and his community of disciples. How might you go about doing that kind of work this summer? Share with the people of Holy Trinity what you are doing in mission this summer. E-mail pastor.htlcnutley@verizon.net to share your story.
Our Town Needs Your Help
With the economic downturn continuing, the needs of Nutley citizens grows. Use your gifts of time and talent to “connect one to many” by considering these volunteer opportunities:
Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB):
This increasingly valuable town resource would like to expand its’ current operating schedule. To make this possible, the NFSB needs several volunteers from 11:00am until 3:00pm on the second Saturday of each month. At least 3 people are required, but more will allow the NFSB to rotate responsibility. Those that are interested in volunteering should call Jolinda Griwert, (Co-Director, NFSB) at (973) 667-6322 after 4:30pm, Monday through Friday.
Nutley Red Cross (NRC):
Current programs in need of assistance include:
•Senior transportation: drivers offer one morning or afternoon per week transporting seniors to medical appointments in Nutley and neighboring towns.
•Food pantry: pack food bags for families, weekdays and weekends.
•General office assistance: answering phones, make appointments and distribute food bags, one morning or one afternoon each week.
•Blood drives: greet and sign in donors and operate the coffee table, the third Tuesday of each month from 3pm – 8pm.
Please let us know if you would like to volunteer – the Church Office has the Volunteer Applications for the Red Cross. Thank you.
Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB):
This increasingly valuable town resource would like to expand its’ current operating schedule. To make this possible, the NFSB needs several volunteers from 11:00am until 3:00pm on the second Saturday of each month. At least 3 people are required, but more will allow the NFSB to rotate responsibility. Those that are interested in volunteering should call Jolinda Griwert, (Co-Director, NFSB) at (973) 667-6322 after 4:30pm, Monday through Friday.
Nutley Red Cross (NRC):
Current programs in need of assistance include:
•Senior transportation: drivers offer one morning or afternoon per week transporting seniors to medical appointments in Nutley and neighboring towns.
•Food pantry: pack food bags for families, weekdays and weekends.
•General office assistance: answering phones, make appointments and distribute food bags, one morning or one afternoon each week.
•Blood drives: greet and sign in donors and operate the coffee table, the third Tuesday of each month from 3pm – 8pm.
Please let us know if you would like to volunteer – the Church Office has the Volunteer Applications for the Red Cross. Thank you.
June Birthdays, Anniversaries and Disciples
Birthdays
1:Scott Jones, Joyce Lin
4:Pastor Jim Krombholz
6:Chelsea Cicc
8:Ken Geiselmann, Sean Ulley
9:Ava Bacik
10:Ellen Oberndorf
15:Jakob Krombholz
18:Ann Erwin
26:Samantha Hess
28:Luke Krombholz
Anniversaries
4:Richard & Erika Bacik
14:alex & Aida Rubens
22:James & Dorothy Greengrove
23:Ed & Evelyn Cordes
26:John & Verna Norton
28:Chris & Nancy Duhm
Disciples
Each day of the week except Sunday has the name of a person in this community. Please remember that person in your prayers that day.
1:Jeannette Rusignuolo
2:Gloria Ryden
3:Teresa Scalcione
4:Doris Schulz
5:Edith Schulz
6:Greg Sekula
8:Ruth Sekula
9:Frank Siclari
10:Chris Siclari
11:Victor Smith
12:Audrey Stevens
13:Larry Stevens
15:Tom Stevens
16:Jan Strachan
17:Janet Strachan
18:Michael Suttora
19:Kara Suttora
20:Benjamin Suttora
22:Jack Suttora
23:Elaine Tanimura
24:Richard Ulley
25:Susan Ulley
26:Sean Ulley
27:David Van Houten
29:Grace Viola
30:Al Weber
1:Scott Jones, Joyce Lin
4:Pastor Jim Krombholz
6:Chelsea Cicc
8:Ken Geiselmann, Sean Ulley
9:Ava Bacik
10:Ellen Oberndorf
15:Jakob Krombholz
18:Ann Erwin
26:Samantha Hess
28:Luke Krombholz
Anniversaries
4:Richard & Erika Bacik
14:alex & Aida Rubens
22:James & Dorothy Greengrove
23:Ed & Evelyn Cordes
26:John & Verna Norton
28:Chris & Nancy Duhm
Disciples
Each day of the week except Sunday has the name of a person in this community. Please remember that person in your prayers that day.
1:Jeannette Rusignuolo
2:Gloria Ryden
3:Teresa Scalcione
4:Doris Schulz
5:Edith Schulz
6:Greg Sekula
8:Ruth Sekula
9:Frank Siclari
10:Chris Siclari
11:Victor Smith
12:Audrey Stevens
13:Larry Stevens
15:Tom Stevens
16:Jan Strachan
17:Janet Strachan
18:Michael Suttora
19:Kara Suttora
20:Benjamin Suttora
22:Jack Suttora
23:Elaine Tanimura
24:Richard Ulley
25:Susan Ulley
26:Sean Ulley
27:David Van Houten
29:Grace Viola
30:Al Weber
Father's Day Contributions to the Endowment Fund
Three times a year, we encourage the people of Holy Trinity to make gifts to the Endowment Fund in honor of their parents and others through whom God has worked to build faith – Mother’s Day, All Saints Day, and Father’s Day. The name of the donor and the person honored in the gift will be included in the bulletin on these special days. Our Endowment Fund is a vital ongoing and multiplying source of support for our current mission and ministry, but more than that, your gift to the fund is invested; it grows to bear fruit in support of God’s future work through this congregation.
Here is an opportunity for all people of Holy Trinity to participate in the future effort of God’s mission. If you would like to make a gift to the Endowment Fund, please use the tear-off at the bottom of this sheet and include it with your check made out to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Endowment Fund.
2009 Father’s Day Gift to the Endowment Fund of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
Name: ____________________________________________
Address:_____________________________________________
Amount: ___________
Relationship:______________________
Name of person(s) to be honored/remembered:
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
Name of person(s) giving the gift:
______________________________
Please leave this sheet and offering in the offering plate, or call the office at 973-667-0256 to make other arrangements.
Here is an opportunity for all people of Holy Trinity to participate in the future effort of God’s mission. If you would like to make a gift to the Endowment Fund, please use the tear-off at the bottom of this sheet and include it with your check made out to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Endowment Fund.
2009 Father’s Day Gift to the Endowment Fund of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
Name: ____________________________________________
Address:_____________________________________________
Amount: ___________
Relationship:______________________
Name of person(s) to be honored/remembered:
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
Name of person(s) giving the gift:
______________________________
Please leave this sheet and offering in the offering plate, or call the office at 973-667-0256 to make other arrangements.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
On the Calendar
Recession Relief: Soup (and more) Suppers!
Every Thursday night at 6:15 p.m., the people of Holy Trinity host a soup supper: a simple shared meal and an informal time for conversation, connection and support. This regularly meeting mealtime also gives us a simple way to share some of what we have -- food, faith, hope and love, a relationship with Jesus -- with people who may be going some difficult times.
Sign up to share your favorite homemade soup. Sign up to bring something else -- go ahead and be creative -- to share with the group. But most important, invite your friends and neighbors to sit down and share a meal with you.
Open the Scripture. Join the Conversation.
Every Thursday night at 7 p.m. (after our soup supper), we gather to open the scripture and join in conversation with God and each other. What is God doing in the the world? What is God doing in our lives? What is God saying to us as individuals, a community of faith, the world? What is the good news of God's kingdom? How is God sending us into the world? These are just some of the questions we ask as God engages us through God's word and the witness of the Holy Scripture. Come for the soup, but stay for the meal as we feast on God's word of life in Jesus Christ.
Motherhood: A Holy Calling
Sunday, May 10, is Mother's Day. God has called us to various walks of life and to live out the Gospel through a variety of roles we play in relationship with others. To be "mother" is not only a biological event, it is a divine calling. What better way to honor Mom and all the other mother-figures that God has brought into our life than in our worship at 10 a.m. We will include a special blessing for all mothers that Sunday. Mom's invite your children to join you in worship before they take you out for lunch. Children, invite Mom to worship with you as part of the special day you have planned for her.
Women of the ELCA
Our next WELCA meeting will be Wednesday,
May 13 at 7:30 PM. The meeting will be held at Julie Franchino’s house. Please call Julie at (973) 667-8492 to let her know you will be attending.
Pentecost, Sunday, May 31
It’s Pentecost Sunday, the day we remember how God poured out the Holy Spirit on Jesus’ disciples and empowered the church for God’s mission. On the first Pentecost the Bible tells us that all the disciples were gathered in one place when the Holy Spirit blew through. Mark your calendar and invite your friends to join you for this festive worship. Let’s see what happens this year. Remember to wear red! (please see the order form for geraniums on page 13).
Worship in the Park, Sunday, June 7
Sunday, June 7, is Holy Trinity Sunday
and we will gather for worship again at Kingsland Park at 10:00 a.m. Invite a friend or two to join you in worshipping God and to stay with you for a picnic lunch, volleyball and softball after worship. Bring your own food and drinks, but you may want to bring some extra to share, too!
Please note: because of the long walk from the street to the gazebo at Kingsland Park, there will be a spoken service of Holy Communion (no music) at 9:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity for those who are physically unable
to attend the worship in the park.
Discovery Canyon VBS is just around the rim! Our journey begins Sunday, August 16 and ends with a closing program on Friday, August 21. We will meet in the evening again, from 6:00-8:30 PM. The Registration fee is $15.00 per person (maximum is $30.00 per family). Registration forms will be available at church – please pick up after worship or call the office) There will also be a track for teens and adults, including study/discussion time with Pastor Jim.
Mark your calendars and grab your hiking gear. This is a week filled with amazing Bible stories, Cavern Crafts, Sagebrush Storytelling and Red Rock Rhythm! Plan to join us and invite a friend. See you at the Canyon!
First Communion Class May 21 at 5 p.m.
Pastor is offering a "first-communion" class for children and families in 2nd grade, for older children who have not had any formal first communion instruction, for families who like to review what the Lord's Supper means and what God does through it. The first class will meet on Thursday, May 21, at 5 p.m. At this class we will also discuss dates and plans for the celebrations of "first" Holy Communion. Plan to stay for soup after class.
Choral Vespers
Scott Jones is singing Bach’s Cantata, Wer Da Gläubet Und Getauft Wird, For Ascension Day, at Grace Lutheran Church, Teaneck on Thursday, May 21, 2009 at 7:30 p.m.. The choir is under the direction of Carol Weber and will be accompanied by a professional orchestra. An offering will be received.
Grace Lutheran, 1200 River Rd., Teaneck, NJ 07666. GraceLutheranTeaneck.org
Every Thursday night at 6:15 p.m., the people of Holy Trinity host a soup supper: a simple shared meal and an informal time for conversation, connection and support. This regularly meeting mealtime also gives us a simple way to share some of what we have -- food, faith, hope and love, a relationship with Jesus -- with people who may be going some difficult times.
Sign up to share your favorite homemade soup. Sign up to bring something else -- go ahead and be creative -- to share with the group. But most important, invite your friends and neighbors to sit down and share a meal with you.
Open the Scripture. Join the Conversation.
Every Thursday night at 7 p.m. (after our soup supper), we gather to open the scripture and join in conversation with God and each other. What is God doing in the the world? What is God doing in our lives? What is God saying to us as individuals, a community of faith, the world? What is the good news of God's kingdom? How is God sending us into the world? These are just some of the questions we ask as God engages us through God's word and the witness of the Holy Scripture. Come for the soup, but stay for the meal as we feast on God's word of life in Jesus Christ.
Motherhood: A Holy Calling
Sunday, May 10, is Mother's Day. God has called us to various walks of life and to live out the Gospel through a variety of roles we play in relationship with others. To be "mother" is not only a biological event, it is a divine calling. What better way to honor Mom and all the other mother-figures that God has brought into our life than in our worship at 10 a.m. We will include a special blessing for all mothers that Sunday. Mom's invite your children to join you in worship before they take you out for lunch. Children, invite Mom to worship with you as part of the special day you have planned for her.
Women of the ELCA
Our next WELCA meeting will be Wednesday,
May 13 at 7:30 PM. The meeting will be held at Julie Franchino’s house. Please call Julie at (973) 667-8492 to let her know you will be attending.
Pentecost, Sunday, May 31
It’s Pentecost Sunday, the day we remember how God poured out the Holy Spirit on Jesus’ disciples and empowered the church for God’s mission. On the first Pentecost the Bible tells us that all the disciples were gathered in one place when the Holy Spirit blew through. Mark your calendar and invite your friends to join you for this festive worship. Let’s see what happens this year. Remember to wear red! (please see the order form for geraniums on page 13).
Worship in the Park, Sunday, June 7
Sunday, June 7, is Holy Trinity Sunday
and we will gather for worship again at Kingsland Park at 10:00 a.m. Invite a friend or two to join you in worshipping God and to stay with you for a picnic lunch, volleyball and softball after worship. Bring your own food and drinks, but you may want to bring some extra to share, too!
Please note: because of the long walk from the street to the gazebo at Kingsland Park, there will be a spoken service of Holy Communion (no music) at 9:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity for those who are physically unable
to attend the worship in the park.
Discovery Canyon VBS is just around the rim! Our journey begins Sunday, August 16 and ends with a closing program on Friday, August 21. We will meet in the evening again, from 6:00-8:30 PM. The Registration fee is $15.00 per person (maximum is $30.00 per family). Registration forms will be available at church – please pick up after worship or call the office) There will also be a track for teens and adults, including study/discussion time with Pastor Jim.
Mark your calendars and grab your hiking gear. This is a week filled with amazing Bible stories, Cavern Crafts, Sagebrush Storytelling and Red Rock Rhythm! Plan to join us and invite a friend. See you at the Canyon!
First Communion Class May 21 at 5 p.m.
Pastor is offering a "first-communion" class for children and families in 2nd grade, for older children who have not had any formal first communion instruction, for families who like to review what the Lord's Supper means and what God does through it. The first class will meet on Thursday, May 21, at 5 p.m. At this class we will also discuss dates and plans for the celebrations of "first" Holy Communion. Plan to stay for soup after class.
Choral Vespers
Scott Jones is singing Bach’s Cantata, Wer Da Gläubet Und Getauft Wird, For Ascension Day, at Grace Lutheran Church, Teaneck on Thursday, May 21, 2009 at 7:30 p.m.. The choir is under the direction of Carol Weber and will be accompanied by a professional orchestra. An offering will be received.
Grace Lutheran, 1200 River Rd., Teaneck, NJ 07666. GraceLutheranTeaneck.org
Pastor's Message
"I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father." John 15:15
We like to talk about the life of discipleship as being the life of a servant -- a servant of Christ, a servant of our neighbor. That conversation has its place, but let me direct your attention to another way of living out our life together in God's mission, not as servants, but as friends. Meditate a while on the difference. Servants have masters. Servants obey orders and commands. Servants are part of a hierarchy. Friends, however, are equals. Friends are bound by and respond to each other out of love and respect. To work together as friends implies working with common knowledge and purpose. In many ways, I think, we might better embody the good news of God's kingdom through friendship rather than service.
Over the past few months, we have had a number of conversations about what we can do as individuals and as a community to respond to people who have lost their job, been overwhelmed by debt or have in other ways been adversely effected by current economic conditions. It seems that best answer we came up with was for us to be a friend. We are continuing our soup suppers on Thursday night so that we can gather as friends and make new friends. By being friends, we announce and live God's friendship with us.
Friendship also lies at the heart of our vision for ministry here at Holy Trinity. The hierarchy is gone. We are all free to live out the good news that Jesus Christ has heard from the Father, that Jesus Christ embodied, that Jesus Christ has revealed to us. Gone are the days when the church council played gate-keeper and permission-giver. Gone are the days when committees made decisions and then looked for servants to march out to do their wishes. Gone are the days when the pastor, council president or committee chair told everyone how and where to serve. Today, at Holy Trinity, we encourage all people at Holy Trinity to meet together and to live out their calling to be Jesus' disciples and Jesus' friends in creative ways, according their gifts, abilities and interests. We share a particular vision of a way to embody the mission God in this place: to share the good news of the God's kingdom, to overcome barriers and to connect one to many in the love of Christ. Now, we seek to work together -- pastor, council, teams, people -- as friends.
It seems that friendship may also be a way to embody our vision for evangelism. Not only are we encouraged to invite our friends into a relationship, a friendship with Jesus, we are commissioned to go and make friends in Jesus’ name. That simple act is at the heart of inviting someone to join us as disciples of Jesus, and that simple act can make the difference between hope and despair in difficult times.
During these past months, when Jakob was in the hospital and Luke was sick as well, as our family has started to make adjustments to the new reality of living with a chronic illness, we have taken strength from Christian friendship. To know that we are remembered in prayer and joined in conversation by people who are walking with us, crying with us, laughing with us is to know God's love and new life in God's kingdom. I pray that all people may come to know the love of God as my family and I have over this past month. Thank you, friends.
We like to talk about the life of discipleship as being the life of a servant -- a servant of Christ, a servant of our neighbor. That conversation has its place, but let me direct your attention to another way of living out our life together in God's mission, not as servants, but as friends. Meditate a while on the difference. Servants have masters. Servants obey orders and commands. Servants are part of a hierarchy. Friends, however, are equals. Friends are bound by and respond to each other out of love and respect. To work together as friends implies working with common knowledge and purpose. In many ways, I think, we might better embody the good news of God's kingdom through friendship rather than service.
Over the past few months, we have had a number of conversations about what we can do as individuals and as a community to respond to people who have lost their job, been overwhelmed by debt or have in other ways been adversely effected by current economic conditions. It seems that best answer we came up with was for us to be a friend. We are continuing our soup suppers on Thursday night so that we can gather as friends and make new friends. By being friends, we announce and live God's friendship with us.
Friendship also lies at the heart of our vision for ministry here at Holy Trinity. The hierarchy is gone. We are all free to live out the good news that Jesus Christ has heard from the Father, that Jesus Christ embodied, that Jesus Christ has revealed to us. Gone are the days when the church council played gate-keeper and permission-giver. Gone are the days when committees made decisions and then looked for servants to march out to do their wishes. Gone are the days when the pastor, council president or committee chair told everyone how and where to serve. Today, at Holy Trinity, we encourage all people at Holy Trinity to meet together and to live out their calling to be Jesus' disciples and Jesus' friends in creative ways, according their gifts, abilities and interests. We share a particular vision of a way to embody the mission God in this place: to share the good news of the God's kingdom, to overcome barriers and to connect one to many in the love of Christ. Now, we seek to work together -- pastor, council, teams, people -- as friends.
It seems that friendship may also be a way to embody our vision for evangelism. Not only are we encouraged to invite our friends into a relationship, a friendship with Jesus, we are commissioned to go and make friends in Jesus’ name. That simple act is at the heart of inviting someone to join us as disciples of Jesus, and that simple act can make the difference between hope and despair in difficult times.
During these past months, when Jakob was in the hospital and Luke was sick as well, as our family has started to make adjustments to the new reality of living with a chronic illness, we have taken strength from Christian friendship. To know that we are remembered in prayer and joined in conversation by people who are walking with us, crying with us, laughing with us is to know God's love and new life in God's kingdom. I pray that all people may come to know the love of God as my family and I have over this past month. Thank you, friends.
Please save Boxtops for Education & Campbell's UPC Labels for Education
Please save Boxtops for Education &
Campbell’s UPC Labels for Education
for the ELCA Navajo Mission
Rock Point, AZ www.nelm.org
There is a collection box at the church entry.
(For Campbell’s, please trim to just the dotted area around the UPC. They no longer accept label fronts. Boxtops are found on Big G cereals and Kimberly Clark paper products—Scott products, Ziplocs and some popcorn/food items)
Pastor Jim has worked with this mission and it is our designated mission project for Discovery Canyon VBS this summer.
Campbell’s UPC Labels for Education
for the ELCA Navajo Mission
Rock Point, AZ www.nelm.org
There is a collection box at the church entry.
(For Campbell’s, please trim to just the dotted area around the UPC. They no longer accept label fronts. Boxtops are found on Big G cereals and Kimberly Clark paper products—Scott products, Ziplocs and some popcorn/food items)
Pastor Jim has worked with this mission and it is our designated mission project for Discovery Canyon VBS this summer.
In our Community
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.
SAVE THE DATE!
AIDS WALK NEW YORK
Sunday, May 17, 2009
AIDS Walk New York (AWNY) is the world’s largest AIDS fundraising event. In 2008, more than 45,000 people participated and raised a record breaking sum of over $7 million. Funds raised from the walkathon go to numerous programs and educational services to support people living with HIV/AIDS, and to over 60 other tri-state area AIDS organizations. The 10 kilometer (6.2 mile) walkathon begins and ends in Central Park. Nancy and Tony Maguire are again raising funds and on Sunday, May 17, 2009 they will participate in AIDS Walk New York. If you would like to walk with them, or sponsor them by donating money, please let them know.
Checks should be payable to AWNY and can be given to Nancy or Tony anytime. You can also mail your check to their address at 26 Parsons Ct., Mahwah, NJ 07430. If you would like to raise money at your school or place of business they can provide you with sponsor forms. If you would like more information please call them at
(201) 934-9366. You can also visit www.aidswalk.net.
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.
SAVE THE DATE!
AIDS WALK NEW YORK
Sunday, May 17, 2009
AIDS Walk New York (AWNY) is the world’s largest AIDS fundraising event. In 2008, more than 45,000 people participated and raised a record breaking sum of over $7 million. Funds raised from the walkathon go to numerous programs and educational services to support people living with HIV/AIDS, and to over 60 other tri-state area AIDS organizations. The 10 kilometer (6.2 mile) walkathon begins and ends in Central Park. Nancy and Tony Maguire are again raising funds and on Sunday, May 17, 2009 they will participate in AIDS Walk New York. If you would like to walk with them, or sponsor them by donating money, please let them know.
Checks should be payable to AWNY and can be given to Nancy or Tony anytime. You can also mail your check to their address at 26 Parsons Ct., Mahwah, NJ 07430. If you would like to raise money at your school or place of business they can provide you with sponsor forms. If you would like more information please call them at
(201) 934-9366. You can also visit www.aidswalk.net.
Thank You!
On Sunday, May 31, we will recognize the various ways people have volunteered to serve and live God's mission through the ministry of this congregation. In the litany of volunteer recognition we will confess: "Our volunteers put flesh and bone on our call to be the body of Christ in the world."
Thank you...
To all who shared soup so far, either of your own making or from your favorite restaurant, and to all who purchased or made bread: The Jones Family, Jill Fenske, Marcia Hayes, Jainie Gambaro, Sally Mueller, Betty Gambaro, Julie Franchino, Phyllis Weber, Linda (Franklin Reformed Church), Pat Brulato, Jeff Grieco, Nancy Guenther. To all who shared a little something else -- who can forget Dave's fired Salami or the week of three pound cakes for dessert. If we missed anyone, please accept our apologies. Thanks. To Phyllis and Nancy for once again organizing and preparing the assortment of fruit and cheeses that make our Maundy Thursday dinner so special.
To the Holy Trinity choir for their dedication and their ministry.
To Pastor Jill and the people of Franklin Reformed for walking with us on our Lenten journey and for sharing with us in our common mission: the good news of the kingdom of God.
To Frank and Chris for all they do, but especially for making raising funds so much fun.
To Nancy for all she does, but especially for pulling together a wonderful and enjoyable Easter pancake breakfast.
To all who worked the pancake breakfast: the cooks, the set up and clean up, the serving, the dishwashing.
To all who helped bring the look of Easter to our sanctuary by coming out on a Saturday morning.
To the people who stayed after worship to brainstorm some ways we can start as a community to reach out to people affected by the current economic downturn.
To the people of Holy Trinity for your prayers, your concern, your cards and well wishes, your patience and understanding during Jakob's time in the hospital and during this current time of adjustment and re-adjustment.
To Tina for her dedication and skill in the administration of the ministry we all share.
To Scott for his leadership -- musical, spiritual and organizational -- and for his attention to detail that keeps this ministry on track.
To all who teach and help with Sunday School and to those who are starting to plan for this summer's Vacation Bible School.
To all who serve us in worship ushers, greeters, lectors, worship leaders and table servers.
Again. Thank you.
Using our Gifts in God's Mission
At Holy Trinity, when we talk about participating in God's mission, we don't talk about starting another program, we wonder how we can use the gifts, talents, passions and interests that God has given us to share and embody the good news of the God's kingdom. Over the past few weeks, we have heard conversations about doing ministry in these areas:
+ Growing and sharing our own vegetables this summer.
+ Simple living and getting control over your financial life.
+ Prayer and spiritual growth.
+ Reducing our carbon footprint and other "green efforts."
Do any of these interests align with your interests? Then join us on Thursday, May 14, at 7 p.m. (after soup) for prayer and conversation around these topics.
Thank you...
To all who shared soup so far, either of your own making or from your favorite restaurant, and to all who purchased or made bread: The Jones Family, Jill Fenske, Marcia Hayes, Jainie Gambaro, Sally Mueller, Betty Gambaro, Julie Franchino, Phyllis Weber, Linda (Franklin Reformed Church), Pat Brulato, Jeff Grieco, Nancy Guenther. To all who shared a little something else -- who can forget Dave's fired Salami or the week of three pound cakes for dessert. If we missed anyone, please accept our apologies. Thanks. To Phyllis and Nancy for once again organizing and preparing the assortment of fruit and cheeses that make our Maundy Thursday dinner so special.
To the Holy Trinity choir for their dedication and their ministry.
To Pastor Jill and the people of Franklin Reformed for walking with us on our Lenten journey and for sharing with us in our common mission: the good news of the kingdom of God.
To Frank and Chris for all they do, but especially for making raising funds so much fun.
To Nancy for all she does, but especially for pulling together a wonderful and enjoyable Easter pancake breakfast.
To all who worked the pancake breakfast: the cooks, the set up and clean up, the serving, the dishwashing.
To all who helped bring the look of Easter to our sanctuary by coming out on a Saturday morning.
To the people who stayed after worship to brainstorm some ways we can start as a community to reach out to people affected by the current economic downturn.
To the people of Holy Trinity for your prayers, your concern, your cards and well wishes, your patience and understanding during Jakob's time in the hospital and during this current time of adjustment and re-adjustment.
To Tina for her dedication and skill in the administration of the ministry we all share.
To Scott for his leadership -- musical, spiritual and organizational -- and for his attention to detail that keeps this ministry on track.
To all who teach and help with Sunday School and to those who are starting to plan for this summer's Vacation Bible School.
To all who serve us in worship ushers, greeters, lectors, worship leaders and table servers.
Again. Thank you.
Using our Gifts in God's Mission
At Holy Trinity, when we talk about participating in God's mission, we don't talk about starting another program, we wonder how we can use the gifts, talents, passions and interests that God has given us to share and embody the good news of the God's kingdom. Over the past few weeks, we have heard conversations about doing ministry in these areas:
+ Growing and sharing our own vegetables this summer.
+ Simple living and getting control over your financial life.
+ Prayer and spiritual growth.
+ Reducing our carbon footprint and other "green efforts."
Do any of these interests align with your interests? Then join us on Thursday, May 14, at 7 p.m. (after soup) for prayer and conversation around these topics.
Stewardship Strengthens...
Stewardship strengthens our relationship with Jesus
STEWARDSHIP OF THE EARTH
Churches today are becoming more concerned about the stewardship of our Earth’s resources; the New Jersey Synod and Holy Trinity are no exception. Martin and Sally Mueller are heading up a committee to begin looking into ways that we can make “green” choices.
Please talk to the Mueller’s if you would like to help.
Christianity and Ecology Resources
Eco-Justice Ministries - http://www.eco-justice.org/ - An independent ecumenical agency focused on helping congregations strengthen their environmental concern. Includes the free weekly e-devotion/newsletter Eco-Justice Notes, as well as worship and educational resources
Greenfaith: Interfaith Partners for the Environment - http://www.greenfaith.org/ - A New Jersey organization involved in a wide range of faith-based environmental causes. Has a range of programs, grants, tours, justice causes, and resources, including many basic stewardship guides.
ELCA Environmental Advocacy - http://archive.elca.org/advocacy/issues/environment/default.asp - a wide range of ELCA actions and resources pertaining to the environment.
Earthkeeping News - http://nacce.org/library/ - Network Alliance of Congregations Caring for the Earth’s weblog of articles, issues, and other Christianity and ecology resources.
Renewal: Stories from America’s Religious-Environmental Movement – A film with eight 10-15 minute stories on religious groups engaged in environmental work in the U.S.; a very effective discussion starter from the Renewal project, a multi-denominational Christian ecological movement based in the United Kingdom. DVD can be purchased at http://www.renewalproject.net/dvd for $19.95.
Energy Star for Congregations - http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=small_business.sb_congregations – A useful guide for congregations seeking to reduce energy usage.
Lenten Carbon Fast - http://www.gwipl.org/lent.asp - see how congregations in the greater Washington, D.C. area are working to go green this Lent.
Carbon Footprint Calculator - http://www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx - see what your estimated carbon usage is – it will likely surprise you!
Biblical Texts and Creation Care - http://www.greenfaith.org/spirit/scripture.pdf
New Jersey Council of Churches Eco-justice Advocacy - http://www.njcc.cnc.net/ecojustice.html - Not too much on there right now, but good to keep in mind.
OUR TOWN NEEDS YOUR HELP
With the economic downturn continuing, the needs of Nutley citizens grows. Use your gifts of time and talent to “connect one to many” by considering these volunteer opportunities:
Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB):
This increasingly valuable town resource would like to expand its’ current operating schedule. To make this possible, the NFSB needs several volunteers from 11:00am until 3:00pm on the second Saturday of each month. At least 3 people are required, but more will allow the NFSB to rotate responsibility. Those that are interested in volunteering should call Jolinda Griwert, (Co-Director, NFSB) at (973) 667-6322 after 4:30pm, Monday through Friday.
Nutley Red Cross (NRC):
Current programs in need of assistance include:
• Senior transportation: drivers offer one morning or afternoon per week transporting seniors to medical appointments in Nutley and neighboring towns.
• Food pantry: pack food bags for families, weekdays and weekends.
• General office assistance: answering phones, make appointments and distribute food bags, one morning or one afternoon each week.
• Blood drives: greet and sign in donors and operate the coffee table, the third Tuesday of each month from 3pm – 8pm.
Please let us know if you would like to volunteer – the Church Office has the Volunteer Applications for the Red Cross. Thank you.
STEWARDSHIP OF THE EARTH
Churches today are becoming more concerned about the stewardship of our Earth’s resources; the New Jersey Synod and Holy Trinity are no exception. Martin and Sally Mueller are heading up a committee to begin looking into ways that we can make “green” choices.
Please talk to the Mueller’s if you would like to help.
Christianity and Ecology Resources
Eco-Justice Ministries - http://www.eco-justice.org/ - An independent ecumenical agency focused on helping congregations strengthen their environmental concern. Includes the free weekly e-devotion/newsletter Eco-Justice Notes, as well as worship and educational resources
Greenfaith: Interfaith Partners for the Environment - http://www.greenfaith.org/ - A New Jersey organization involved in a wide range of faith-based environmental causes. Has a range of programs, grants, tours, justice causes, and resources, including many basic stewardship guides.
ELCA Environmental Advocacy - http://archive.elca.org/advocacy/issues/environment/default.asp - a wide range of ELCA actions and resources pertaining to the environment.
Earthkeeping News - http://nacce.org/library/ - Network Alliance of Congregations Caring for the Earth’s weblog of articles, issues, and other Christianity and ecology resources.
Renewal: Stories from America’s Religious-Environmental Movement – A film with eight 10-15 minute stories on religious groups engaged in environmental work in the U.S.; a very effective discussion starter from the Renewal project, a multi-denominational Christian ecological movement based in the United Kingdom. DVD can be purchased at http://www.renewalproject.net/dvd for $19.95.
Energy Star for Congregations - http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=small_business.sb_congregations – A useful guide for congregations seeking to reduce energy usage.
Lenten Carbon Fast - http://www.gwipl.org/lent.asp - see how congregations in the greater Washington, D.C. area are working to go green this Lent.
Carbon Footprint Calculator - http://www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx - see what your estimated carbon usage is – it will likely surprise you!
Biblical Texts and Creation Care - http://www.greenfaith.org/spirit/scripture.pdf
New Jersey Council of Churches Eco-justice Advocacy - http://www.njcc.cnc.net/ecojustice.html - Not too much on there right now, but good to keep in mind.
OUR TOWN NEEDS YOUR HELP
With the economic downturn continuing, the needs of Nutley citizens grows. Use your gifts of time and talent to “connect one to many” by considering these volunteer opportunities:
Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB):
This increasingly valuable town resource would like to expand its’ current operating schedule. To make this possible, the NFSB needs several volunteers from 11:00am until 3:00pm on the second Saturday of each month. At least 3 people are required, but more will allow the NFSB to rotate responsibility. Those that are interested in volunteering should call Jolinda Griwert, (Co-Director, NFSB) at (973) 667-6322 after 4:30pm, Monday through Friday.
Nutley Red Cross (NRC):
Current programs in need of assistance include:
• Senior transportation: drivers offer one morning or afternoon per week transporting seniors to medical appointments in Nutley and neighboring towns.
• Food pantry: pack food bags for families, weekdays and weekends.
• General office assistance: answering phones, make appointments and distribute food bags, one morning or one afternoon each week.
• Blood drives: greet and sign in donors and operate the coffee table, the third Tuesday of each month from 3pm – 8pm.
Please let us know if you would like to volunteer – the Church Office has the Volunteer Applications for the Red Cross. Thank you.
Red Geraniums
On Pentecost (May 31, 2009), we celebrate the birthday of one holy and apostolic church. We remember how God poured out His Holy Spirit on his disciples and emboldened and empowered us for God’s mission in the world.
It is a Holy Trinity tradition to decorate the church with Red Geraniums and for all of us to wear red on this festive day. To order red geraniums, please fill out the form below and return to the church office no later than Sunday, May 17. The cost is $3.00 per plant (4 ½” foil wrapped pot). Any plants left will be planted outside the Church.
Red Geranium Order Form
Name ________________________________
Envelope no._________
Number of plants ________(at $3.00 each)
Total enclosed __________
How many plants would you like to:
Take home with you: __________
Leave at the church for planting: __________
===================================================
Counters, please fill out below:
Paid amount: $____________ Paid via: (circle one)
Cash or Check
It is a Holy Trinity tradition to decorate the church with Red Geraniums and for all of us to wear red on this festive day. To order red geraniums, please fill out the form below and return to the church office no later than Sunday, May 17. The cost is $3.00 per plant (4 ½” foil wrapped pot). Any plants left will be planted outside the Church.
Red Geranium Order Form
Name ________________________________
Envelope no._________
Number of plants ________(at $3.00 each)
Total enclosed __________
How many plants would you like to:
Take home with you: __________
Leave at the church for planting: __________
===================================================
Counters, please fill out below:
Paid amount: $____________ Paid via: (circle one)
Cash or Check
Mother's Day Contributions to the Endowment Fund
Three times a year, we encourage the people of Holy Trinity to make gifts to the Endowment Fund in honor of their parents and others through whom God has worked to build faith – Mother’s Day, All Saints Day, and Father’s Day. The name of the donor and the person honored in the gift will be included in the bulletin on these special days. Our Endowment Fund is a vital ongoing and multiplying source of support for our current mission and ministry, but more than that, your gift to the fund is invested; it grows to bear fruit in support of God’s future work through this congregation.
Here is an opportunity for all people of Holy Trinity to participate in the future effort of God’s mission. If you would like to make a gift to the Endowment Fund, please use the tear-off at the bottom of this sheet and include it with your check made out to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Endowment Fund.
2009 Mother’s Day Gift to the Endowment Fund of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
Name: ____________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________
Amount: ___________ Relationship:______________________
Name of person(s) to be honored/remembered:
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
Name of person(s) giving the gift:______________________________
(Please leave this sheet and offering in the offering plate or office.)
Here is an opportunity for all people of Holy Trinity to participate in the future effort of God’s mission. If you would like to make a gift to the Endowment Fund, please use the tear-off at the bottom of this sheet and include it with your check made out to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Endowment Fund.
2009 Mother’s Day Gift to the Endowment Fund of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
Name: ____________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________
Amount: ___________ Relationship:______________________
Name of person(s) to be honored/remembered:
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
Name of person(s) giving the gift:______________________________
(Please leave this sheet and offering in the offering plate or office.)
Where in the World do You Witness?
• The Car Wash – a setting with baptismal images abounding! You have from 5 to 8 minutes to engage with someone about something besides the weather. Ask about the bumper sticker on their car. See if you can connect with some core conviction and share a thought about what gives meaning to your life.
• The Barber Shop – another short block of time where a simple question can take you deeper.
• The Ball Field – sportsmanship, health and fitness, values for children, what will give you an opening to witness?
• The Barber Shop – another short block of time where a simple question can take you deeper.
• The Ball Field – sportsmanship, health and fitness, values for children, what will give you an opening to witness?
May Birthdays, Anniversaries and Disciples
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
26:Gerald Mayr
Anniversaries
29:Joseph & Liz Cicci
Disciples
Please pray for this person on the day of the week listed for them.
1:Verna Norton
2:Steve Oberndorf
4:Evelyn Oberndorf
5:Ellen Oberndorf
6:Eric Oberndorf
7:Jayne Osborne
8:Ross Pennise
9:Hope Pennise
11:Jillian Pennise
12:Diane Petschel
13:Paige Petschel
14:Anthony Pisciotta
15:Kathy Pisciotta
16:David Pisciotta
18:Kristen Pisciotta
19:Dave Reed
20:Sharon Reed
21:Chuck Rhodes
22:George Ritacco
23:Diane Ritacco
25:Davia Ritacco
26:Alex Rubens
27:Aida Rubens
28:Catherine Rubens
29:Alexandra Rubens
30:Monica Rubens
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
26:Gerald Mayr
Anniversaries
29:Joseph & Liz Cicci
Disciples
Please pray for this person on the day of the week listed for them.
1:Verna Norton
2:Steve Oberndorf
4:Evelyn Oberndorf
5:Ellen Oberndorf
6:Eric Oberndorf
7:Jayne Osborne
8:Ross Pennise
9:Hope Pennise
11:Jillian Pennise
12:Diane Petschel
13:Paige Petschel
14:Anthony Pisciotta
15:Kathy Pisciotta
16:David Pisciotta
18:Kristen Pisciotta
19:Dave Reed
20:Sharon Reed
21:Chuck Rhodes
22:George Ritacco
23:Diane Ritacco
25:Davia Ritacco
26:Alex Rubens
27:Aida Rubens
28:Catherine Rubens
29:Alexandra Rubens
30:Monica Rubens
Thursday, March 26, 2009
On The Calendar
Holy Week and Easter Worship Schedule
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.
Saturday, April 11
10:00 a.m. Would you like to help prepare the church for Easter? We will meet in the morning to change the paraments, hang wreaths and place the Easter flowers around the sanctuary. Please call Scott and
Debbie Jones (973-338-0267) or the church office.
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.
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.
Saturday, April 11
10:00 a.m. Would you like to help prepare the church for Easter? We will meet in the morning to change the paraments, hang wreaths and place the Easter flowers around the sanctuary. Please call Scott and
Debbie Jones (973-338-0267) or the church office.
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.
Eco-Palms for Palm Sunday Worship
For this Palm Sunday we ordered “Eco-Palms” direct from Lutheran World Relief. Lutheran World Relief is partnering with the University of Minnesota to build support in the U.S. for Eco-Palms by introducing Lutheran parishes to this social and environmental justice project. In addition to environmental and economic sustainability, Eco-Palms promote improvement for entire communities in Guatemala and Mexico. Eco-Palm cooperatives designate five cents from each palm they sell to improve the lives of all community members. Consider the good that can be accomplished through our Palm Sunday celebration.
Pastor's Message
"... he died for all, so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for him who died and was raised for them. From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!"
-- 2 Corinthians 5:15-17
As the people of Jesus, the events of Holy Week and Easter challenge us, again and again, to explore and to discover, to preach and then to work out in practicing the meaning and the implications of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. When Jesus rose from the dead, everything we knew about life and death and this world changed.
In the power of the Holy Spirit, the apostle Paul worked through some of the implications of Jesus' resurrection as he wrote to the church in Corinth. In our baptism we are joined to Jesus' death, therefore we are dead to this world and its powers. As we are joined with Jesus in death, we are also part of Jesus in his life, his resurrection. The resurrection is the promise of our future, guaranteed by the crucified but now living Jesus. Now, if we as a community have been gathered and joined to Jesus' death and resurrection ... if resurrection, new life and new creation are the future for us and for the whole creation ... then we can no longer look at each other or relate to each other in the same old ways.
Because Jesus rose from the dead, because God is making all things new, we can no longer see each other or judge each other by the standards of this world -- color, race, culture, economics, gender or sex, intelligence, mental or physical health. By what other standards do we relate to each other? Beyond all of these things that describe who we are to ourselves and to each other, is the simple fact that we are in Christ. In Christ, we are God's new creation.
Moving on from the events of Holy Week and Easter, Jesus lead us out to proclaim the alarming good news -- Christ is risen! God sends us out to live ... or start to live out the implications of what God is doing to this world and for this world. In our worship together, our praying together, our studying together, our serving together, our giving together, God forms and transforms us into a living community that proclaims -- by what we say, by what we do and, especially in how we relate to each other -- that God raised Jesus from the dead.
That is what we are about as Jesus' people gathered into a community called Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. As Jesus' people we share the good news, overcome barriers and connect in the love of Christ. Join us. And remember, invite your friends. Christ is risen!
-- 2 Corinthians 5:15-17
As the people of Jesus, the events of Holy Week and Easter challenge us, again and again, to explore and to discover, to preach and then to work out in practicing the meaning and the implications of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. When Jesus rose from the dead, everything we knew about life and death and this world changed.
In the power of the Holy Spirit, the apostle Paul worked through some of the implications of Jesus' resurrection as he wrote to the church in Corinth. In our baptism we are joined to Jesus' death, therefore we are dead to this world and its powers. As we are joined with Jesus in death, we are also part of Jesus in his life, his resurrection. The resurrection is the promise of our future, guaranteed by the crucified but now living Jesus. Now, if we as a community have been gathered and joined to Jesus' death and resurrection ... if resurrection, new life and new creation are the future for us and for the whole creation ... then we can no longer look at each other or relate to each other in the same old ways.
Because Jesus rose from the dead, because God is making all things new, we can no longer see each other or judge each other by the standards of this world -- color, race, culture, economics, gender or sex, intelligence, mental or physical health. By what other standards do we relate to each other? Beyond all of these things that describe who we are to ourselves and to each other, is the simple fact that we are in Christ. In Christ, we are God's new creation.
Moving on from the events of Holy Week and Easter, Jesus lead us out to proclaim the alarming good news -- Christ is risen! God sends us out to live ... or start to live out the implications of what God is doing to this world and for this world. In our worship together, our praying together, our studying together, our serving together, our giving together, God forms and transforms us into a living community that proclaims -- by what we say, by what we do and, especially in how we relate to each other -- that God raised Jesus from the dead.
That is what we are about as Jesus' people gathered into a community called Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. As Jesus' people we share the good news, overcome barriers and connect in the love of Christ. Join us. And remember, invite your friends. Christ is risen!
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.
For those of you that are interested, please note that we still have available dates for Altar Flowers in the following months: May, July, September, October, November and December.
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.
For those of you that are interested, please note that we still have available dates for Altar Flowers in the following months: May, July, September, October, November and December.
Boxtops for Education
Please save Boxtops for Education &
Campbell’s UPC Labels for Education
for the ELCA Navajo Mission
Rock Point, AZ www.nelm.org
There is a collection box at the church entry.
(For Campbell’s, please trim to just the dotted area around the UPC. They no longer accept label fronts. Boxtops are found on Big G cereals and Kimberly Clark paper products—Scott products, Ziplocs and some popcorn/food items)
Pastor Jim has worked with this mission and it is our designated mission project for Discovery Canyon VBS this summer.
Campbell’s UPC Labels for Education
for the ELCA Navajo Mission
Rock Point, AZ www.nelm.org
There is a collection box at the church entry.
(For Campbell’s, please trim to just the dotted area around the UPC. They no longer accept label fronts. Boxtops are found on Big G cereals and Kimberly Clark paper products—Scott products, Ziplocs and some popcorn/food items)
Pastor Jim has worked with this mission and it is our designated mission project for Discovery Canyon VBS this summer.
In Our Community
In Memoriam
World War II veteran, William D. Ryden Sr., 86, of Clifton passed away peacefully at home on March 9, 2009. A 59-year resident of Clifton, Mr. Ryden was born and raised in Nutley, graduating from Nutley High School in 1940. He worked for the State of New Jersey as an electrician and proudly served his country during World War II as a gunner's mate second class in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1948. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Gloria (Rosetta), to whom he was married for 66 years; his four children, Karen Palkewicz and her husband, Richard, Sandra Woudenberg, William D. Ryden Jr. and Wayne Ryden and his wife, Connie; his eight grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Mr. Ryden is also survived by his eldest brother, Carl "Freddy" and his youngest brother, Richard, as well as several nieces and nephews.
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.
Congratulations!
On the engagements of:
Chelsea Cicci to Christopher Wright
and
Janette Lutz to Patrick McGinness
Graduating in May or June?
Please let us know the date and from where you are graduating and we will share that good news. Feel free to share your future plans, ad well.
World War II veteran, William D. Ryden Sr., 86, of Clifton passed away peacefully at home on March 9, 2009. A 59-year resident of Clifton, Mr. Ryden was born and raised in Nutley, graduating from Nutley High School in 1940. He worked for the State of New Jersey as an electrician and proudly served his country during World War II as a gunner's mate second class in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1948. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Gloria (Rosetta), to whom he was married for 66 years; his four children, Karen Palkewicz and her husband, Richard, Sandra Woudenberg, William D. Ryden Jr. and Wayne Ryden and his wife, Connie; his eight grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Mr. Ryden is also survived by his eldest brother, Carl "Freddy" and his youngest brother, Richard, as well as several nieces and nephews.
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.
Congratulations!
On the engagements of:
Chelsea Cicci to Christopher Wright
and
Janette Lutz to Patrick McGinness
Graduating in May or June?
Please let us know the date and from where you are graduating and we will share that good news. Feel free to share your future plans, ad well.
April Birthdays, Anniversaries and Disciples
April Birthdays
4:Ken Duke
5:Justin Munoz, Richard Hudnett
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
April Anniversaries
7:Greg and Ruth Sekula
21:Otto and Hedy Mayr
Disciples
Each day of the week (except Sunday) has the name of a person in this community. Please, remember that person in your prayers that day. On Sunday, we will pray for all of the people listed in the coming week.
1:Nicole Mozeliak
2:Lizzy Wiede
3:Holly Wiede
4:Martin Mueller
6:Sally Mueller
7:Max Mueller
8:Miles Mueller
9:Daniel Munoz
10:Brenda Munoz
11:Justin Munoz
13:Ethan Munoz
14:Bonnie Munoz
15:Marie Munoz
16:Damian Murphy
17:Sharon Murphy
18:Angela Murphy
20:Erika Murphy
21:Alex Murphy
22:Olivia Murphy
23:Sara Murphy
24:William Murphy
25:Dennis Murphy
27:Daniel Murphy
28:Shannon Murphy
29:Kathe Nieciecki
30:John Norton
4:Ken Duke
5:Justin Munoz, Richard Hudnett
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
April Anniversaries
7:Greg and Ruth Sekula
21:Otto and Hedy Mayr
Disciples
Each day of the week (except Sunday) has the name of a person in this community. Please, remember that person in your prayers that day. On Sunday, we will pray for all of the people listed in the coming week.
1:Nicole Mozeliak
2:Lizzy Wiede
3:Holly Wiede
4:Martin Mueller
6:Sally Mueller
7:Max Mueller
8:Miles Mueller
9:Daniel Munoz
10:Brenda Munoz
11:Justin Munoz
13:Ethan Munoz
14:Bonnie Munoz
15:Marie Munoz
16:Damian Murphy
17:Sharon Murphy
18:Angela Murphy
20:Erika Murphy
21:Alex Murphy
22:Olivia Murphy
23:Sara Murphy
24:William Murphy
25:Dennis Murphy
27:Daniel Murphy
28:Shannon Murphy
29:Kathe Nieciecki
30:John Norton
SAVE THE DAT!
AIDS WALK NEW YORK
Sunday, May 17, 2009
AIDS Walk New York (AWNY) is the world’s largest AIDS fundraising event. In 2008, more than 45,000 people participated and raised a record breaking sum of over $7 million. Funds raised from the walkathon go to numerous programs and educational services to support people living with HIV/AIDS, and to over 60 other tri-state area AIDS organizations. The 10 kilometer (6.2 mile) walkathon begins and ends in Central Park. Nancy and Tony Maguire are again raising funds and on Sunday, May 17, 2009 they will participate in AIDS Walk New York. If you would like to walk with them, or sponsor them by donating money, please let them know.
Checks should be payable to AWNY and can be given to Nancy or Tony anytime. You can also mail your check to their address at 26 Parsons Ct., Mahwah, NJ 07430. If you would like to raise money at your school or place of business they can provide you with sponsor forms. If you would like more information please call them at (201) 934-9366. You can also visit www.aidswalk.net.
Discovery Canyon VBS is just around the rim!
Our journey begins Sunday, August 16 and ends with a closing program on Friday, August 21. We will meet in the evening again, from 6:00-8:30 PM. Registration materials will be available soon for Pre-K to grade 6. There will also be a track for teens and adults, including study/discussion time with Pastor Jim.
Mark your calendars and grab your hiking gear. This is a week filled with amazing Bible stories, Cavern Crafts, Sagebrush Storytelling and Red Rock Rhythm! Plan to join us and invite a friend. See you at the Canyon!
Sunday, May 17, 2009
AIDS Walk New York (AWNY) is the world’s largest AIDS fundraising event. In 2008, more than 45,000 people participated and raised a record breaking sum of over $7 million. Funds raised from the walkathon go to numerous programs and educational services to support people living with HIV/AIDS, and to over 60 other tri-state area AIDS organizations. The 10 kilometer (6.2 mile) walkathon begins and ends in Central Park. Nancy and Tony Maguire are again raising funds and on Sunday, May 17, 2009 they will participate in AIDS Walk New York. If you would like to walk with them, or sponsor them by donating money, please let them know.
Checks should be payable to AWNY and can be given to Nancy or Tony anytime. You can also mail your check to their address at 26 Parsons Ct., Mahwah, NJ 07430. If you would like to raise money at your school or place of business they can provide you with sponsor forms. If you would like more information please call them at (201) 934-9366. You can also visit www.aidswalk.net.
Discovery Canyon VBS is just around the rim!
Our journey begins Sunday, August 16 and ends with a closing program on Friday, August 21. We will meet in the evening again, from 6:00-8:30 PM. Registration materials will be available soon for Pre-K to grade 6. There will also be a track for teens and adults, including study/discussion time with Pastor Jim.
Mark your calendars and grab your hiking gear. This is a week filled with amazing Bible stories, Cavern Crafts, Sagebrush Storytelling and Red Rock Rhythm! Plan to join us and invite a friend. See you at the Canyon!
Stewardship Strengthens...
Thank you. Together we fight hunger.
Together, we gave more than $200 (surpassing our goal of $175) on Sunday, February 1as part of the Souper Bowl of Caring. The money has been sent to support the local feeding programs in our community.
Stewardship of the Earth
Churches today are becoming more concerned about the stewardship of our Earth’s resources; the New Jersey Synod and Holy Trinity are no exception. Martin and Sally Mueller are heading up a committee to begin looking into ways that we can make “green” choices.
Stay tuned for more information and talk to the Mueller’s if you would like to help.
Together, we gave more than $200 (surpassing our goal of $175) on Sunday, February 1as part of the Souper Bowl of Caring. The money has been sent to support the local feeding programs in our community.
Stewardship of the Earth
Churches today are becoming more concerned about the stewardship of our Earth’s resources; the New Jersey Synod and Holy Trinity are no exception. Martin and Sally Mueller are heading up a committee to begin looking into ways that we can make “green” choices.
Stay tuned for more information and talk to the Mueller’s if you would like to help.
Invite a Friend This Easter/Easter Breakfast Sign-Up
Can you think of a better day than Easter to invite a friend or their entire family to join you in worship, to sing God’s praises and to hear God’s promises for you and the world God loves?
Bring them to the breakfast to benefit the Nutley First Aid Squad and then worship God together, because Jesus has been raised from the dead! What better news could we share with people we love?
Easter Breakfast Sign-up
Please fill out this form and return it to the Church Office no later than Sunday, April 5th. This will help us to know how much food to prepare.
Remember, this is the perfect opportunity to invite a friend or relative to come with you to hear the good news that changes everything in this world: God raised Jesus from the dead! Because He lives, we live, too.
_____Yes, I/we plan to be at the Easter Breakfast (Sunday, April 12th)
Number of people who plan to attend:_____
_____I/we would like to serve at the breakfast.
Names(s) of those attending:___________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Bring them to the breakfast to benefit the Nutley First Aid Squad and then worship God together, because Jesus has been raised from the dead! What better news could we share with people we love?
Easter Breakfast Sign-up
Please fill out this form and return it to the Church Office no later than Sunday, April 5th. This will help us to know how much food to prepare.
Remember, this is the perfect opportunity to invite a friend or relative to come with you to hear the good news that changes everything in this world: God raised Jesus from the dead! Because He lives, we live, too.
_____Yes, I/we plan to be at the Easter Breakfast (Sunday, April 12th)
Number of people who plan to attend:_____
_____I/we would like to serve at the breakfast.
Names(s) of those attending:___________________________________
__________________________________________________________
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