Plan time for Bible Study in the New Year.
Monday evening 7:30 p.m., starting Jan. 5
Thursday afternoon 2 p.m., starting Jan. 15
Men’s Bible Breakfast, Sat., Jan. 17 at 9:00 a.m.
If you are unable to attend any of these studies, see Pastor Jim about taking part in a do-it-yourself, weekly study and online discussion group.
Evangelism Team Meeting Jan. 18
Join the Evangelism team after worship as we plan to share the story of God’s love in Jesus Christ in 2009. We are planning on a variety of fronts – children and families, seniors and caregivers, worship and music, welcoming and greeting, events, mailings and invitations. Your time, talents and unique gifts are needed to reach the neighborhood with the story of what God is doing the world.
Annual Congregation Meeting and Potluck Jan. 25
Call the office at (973)667-0256 or mail the form below to take part in our potluck lunch and to take your place in the assembly, as we look back on God’s mission through Holy Trinity in 2008 and then look forward to what God is calling us to be and do as we share the Gospel, overcome barriers and connect in the love of Christ in 2009.
We will be there (names): _____________________________________
and we plan on sharing:
Food: Main Dish _____ Salad or Vegetable _____ Dessert _____
Time & talents: Set up __ Clean up _ I have a story to share ___
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Pastor's Message
“As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven” ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.’” Mark 1:10-11
I am reading Doris Kearns Goodwin’s Team of Rivals. What I have found to be most shocking about life in the United States in the mid-nineteenth century is how closely acquainted people were with death. The loss of infants and young children, husbands, wives and friends brought grief into almost everyone’s life. Life expectancy was short. To live 60 or 70 years was considered a long life. Death lurked behind every fever, cough and sniffle. This grief shaped the way people lived and looked at life.
How different for us today. We expect to live actively into our 80s, and most of us know people who have lived almost 20 years – a relatively full life itself – in retirement. That is not to say that we know nothing of death and dying. We too are people who lived with loss and tragedy. We have suffered the death of children and spouses, sisters and brothers. In some neighborhoods in our own state life expectancy is alarmingly short. We too have had to come to terms with death. But more often than not, we are surprised by it. It comes from outside our normal expectations. It is easy to ignore death for long stretches, and in some instances to welcome death as a peaceful, liberating end for a person we love dearly, but who has been confined to suffering.
When Jesus came up out of the Jordan, he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him. What a wonderful summary of what Jesus accomplishes for us in his life, death and resurrection. He opens heaven for us. He reconciles us to God. He brings the Spirit, the divine breath of life to us as God’s gift of love and mercy. Because Jesus has died for us and rose again, we can hear God say to us in our baptism, “You are my child, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” In Jesus Christ, God has removed the sting of death, and brought light and life to all people. It is God’s gift to us, a heaven torn open.
Yet, the gifts God gives in baptism – forgiveness of sins, life, the Holy Spirit – are gifts for living life here and now on earth. Jesus emerges from the waters of his baptism to announce the arrival of God’s kingdom among people, and to engage in a powerful resistance against those forces of death and oppression that cause suffering. Jesus walks wet from the Jordan and into a life, a life lived, died and lived again … for us and for all of God’s creation. When we were baptized into Jesus, we were baptized into his life, for the sake of the world. When we bring our children to be baptized, we bring them to enlist them into Jesus’ life, for the sake of the world.
For years, we have used the promises of baptism to comfort us against the sting of death. But that is only part of what God does for us through the sacrament. By the grace of God, those same promises empower a life of discipleship, a life of resistance, mission and purpose. As we enter another “green season” of life and growth in the Spirit, I pray that God pours out the Spirit on us so we too can live out the promises and the implications of our baptism and proclaim the good news of Jesus in all areas of our life … on the job, gathered with friends, in our home, and, yes … even at the graveside.
I am reading Doris Kearns Goodwin’s Team of Rivals. What I have found to be most shocking about life in the United States in the mid-nineteenth century is how closely acquainted people were with death. The loss of infants and young children, husbands, wives and friends brought grief into almost everyone’s life. Life expectancy was short. To live 60 or 70 years was considered a long life. Death lurked behind every fever, cough and sniffle. This grief shaped the way people lived and looked at life.
How different for us today. We expect to live actively into our 80s, and most of us know people who have lived almost 20 years – a relatively full life itself – in retirement. That is not to say that we know nothing of death and dying. We too are people who lived with loss and tragedy. We have suffered the death of children and spouses, sisters and brothers. In some neighborhoods in our own state life expectancy is alarmingly short. We too have had to come to terms with death. But more often than not, we are surprised by it. It comes from outside our normal expectations. It is easy to ignore death for long stretches, and in some instances to welcome death as a peaceful, liberating end for a person we love dearly, but who has been confined to suffering.
When Jesus came up out of the Jordan, he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him. What a wonderful summary of what Jesus accomplishes for us in his life, death and resurrection. He opens heaven for us. He reconciles us to God. He brings the Spirit, the divine breath of life to us as God’s gift of love and mercy. Because Jesus has died for us and rose again, we can hear God say to us in our baptism, “You are my child, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” In Jesus Christ, God has removed the sting of death, and brought light and life to all people. It is God’s gift to us, a heaven torn open.
Yet, the gifts God gives in baptism – forgiveness of sins, life, the Holy Spirit – are gifts for living life here and now on earth. Jesus emerges from the waters of his baptism to announce the arrival of God’s kingdom among people, and to engage in a powerful resistance against those forces of death and oppression that cause suffering. Jesus walks wet from the Jordan and into a life, a life lived, died and lived again … for us and for all of God’s creation. When we were baptized into Jesus, we were baptized into his life, for the sake of the world. When we bring our children to be baptized, we bring them to enlist them into Jesus’ life, for the sake of the world.
For years, we have used the promises of baptism to comfort us against the sting of death. But that is only part of what God does for us through the sacrament. By the grace of God, those same promises empower a life of discipleship, a life of resistance, mission and purpose. As we enter another “green season” of life and growth in the Spirit, I pray that God pours out the Spirit on us so we too can live out the promises and the implications of our baptism and proclaim the good news of Jesus in all areas of our life … on the job, gathered with friends, in our home, and, yes … even at the graveside.
In Our Community
We are on a mission to fight hunger!
More than 15 years ago on Super Bowl Sunday, a single youth group was inspired by a simple prayer. They started the Souper Bowl of Caring, a youth-led movement that is now an international event.
Since 1990, the Souper Bowl of Caring has raised more than $50 million for individual charities across the country. It is also turning our nation’s biggest weekend of football into the largest weekend of giving.
Each year, tens of thousands of our nation’s youth, including ours at Holy Trinity, put God’s love into action through the Souper Bowl of Caring. Bring your contribution to church on Sunday, February 1, to drop into the soup pot that we will pass during worship. (or mail a donation to church clearly marked “Souper Bowl”.) Your donation will go to fight hunger right here in the community.
With your help, more dollars will be raised, more lives will be changed and more young people will experience the joy of serving Christ by serving others. With your help, let’s try to collect $175 this year. Please visit www.souperbowl.org for more information.
“Unhanging” of the Greens
We will take down and pack away the Christmas decorations on Tuesday, Jan., 6 at 10:30 a.m. Please come out and lend a hand.
More than 15 years ago on Super Bowl Sunday, a single youth group was inspired by a simple prayer. They started the Souper Bowl of Caring, a youth-led movement that is now an international event.
Since 1990, the Souper Bowl of Caring has raised more than $50 million for individual charities across the country. It is also turning our nation’s biggest weekend of football into the largest weekend of giving.
Each year, tens of thousands of our nation’s youth, including ours at Holy Trinity, put God’s love into action through the Souper Bowl of Caring. Bring your contribution to church on Sunday, February 1, to drop into the soup pot that we will pass during worship. (or mail a donation to church clearly marked “Souper Bowl”.) Your donation will go to fight hunger right here in the community.
With your help, more dollars will be raised, more lives will be changed and more young people will experience the joy of serving Christ by serving others. With your help, let’s try to collect $175 this year. Please visit www.souperbowl.org for more information.
“Unhanging” of the Greens
We will take down and pack away the Christmas decorations on Tuesday, Jan., 6 at 10:30 a.m. Please come out and lend a hand.
New Member Class
Are you interested in becoming a member of this community? Do you want to simply learn more about what this community of disciples is about and is called to do? Do you want to learn more about being a disciple of Jesus? Then sign up for our new member class. After signing up, pastor will meet with you and your family to set up a date for the class. Please call the office (973) 667-0256 or fill out and mail the form below.
Sign me/us up:
Name(s)_________________________________________________
Phone __________________________________________________
E-mail __________________________________________________
Sign me/us up:
Name(s)_________________________________________________
Phone __________________________________________________
E-mail __________________________________________________
January Birthdays, Anniversaries, People of the Month
January Birthdays
2: Miles Mueller
7: Phyllis Weber
8: Peter Franchino, Ken Blair, Evelyn Oberndorf
14: Chris Siclari
15: Max Mueller
20: Nancy Catelli
28: Liz Cicci
January Anniversaries
Joelle and Matthew Bernhard
Remember each other in prayer.
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:Matt Duhm
2:Ken Duke
3:Dot Duke
5:Rich Ebeling
6:Barb Ebeling
7:Stacie Ebeling
8:Elizabeth Ebeling
9:Chelsea Ebeling
10:Jean Esparolini
12:Christine Esparolini
13:Irene Falk
14:John Fenton
15:Elfrieda Fenton
16:Julie Franchino
17:Pete Franchino
19:John Franchino
20:Martin Futyma
21:Betty Futyma
22:Susan Gage
23:Tom Gallo
24:Heather Gallo
26:Nicholas Gallo
27:Cathy Geiselmann
28:Erica Geiselmann
29:Ken Geiselmann
30:Irene Geiselmann
31:Jim Greengrove
2: Miles Mueller
7: Phyllis Weber
8: Peter Franchino, Ken Blair, Evelyn Oberndorf
14: Chris Siclari
15: Max Mueller
20: Nancy Catelli
28: Liz Cicci
January Anniversaries
Joelle and Matthew Bernhard
Remember each other in prayer.
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:Matt Duhm
2:Ken Duke
3:Dot Duke
5:Rich Ebeling
6:Barb Ebeling
7:Stacie Ebeling
8:Elizabeth Ebeling
9:Chelsea Ebeling
10:Jean Esparolini
12:Christine Esparolini
13:Irene Falk
14:John Fenton
15:Elfrieda Fenton
16:Julie Franchino
17:Pete Franchino
19:John Franchino
20:Martin Futyma
21:Betty Futyma
22:Susan Gage
23:Tom Gallo
24:Heather Gallo
26:Nicholas Gallo
27:Cathy Geiselmann
28:Erica Geiselmann
29:Ken Geiselmann
30:Irene Geiselmann
31:Jim Greengrove
Stewardship Strengthens...
Stewardship strengthens our relationship with Jesus
Thank You!
Thank you to all who gave in 2008.
Thank you to all who pledged for 2009.
Come to the annual meeting on Jan. 25 to hear some stories of what God is doing in this community and through us to change lives as we continue to share the gospel, overcome barriers and connect in the love of Christ. Thank you.
New Offering Envelopes
The 2009 Offering Envelopes are in. Please pick yours up in the back of the sanctuary. If you haven’t received envelopes in the past and would like to start using them or if you will not be able to pick them up in the next couple of weeks, please call the church office at (973) 667-0256.
The Gift of Time
What is God calling you to do this year? What is God calling you to give up this year to make time for other things? If you were given the gift of two hours everyday to spend anyway you want, what would you do with it? Worship? Pray? Study God’s Word? Volunteer to serve your community in Jesus’ name? Wouldn’t it be great to give ourselves the time to live out the promises we made in our baptism? In 2009, take a first step. Then, share your story and your journey with your brothers and sisters at Holy Trinity. Maybe through your experiences God free us from our own oppressive schedules.
Here’s one way. On Monday nights at 7:30 p.m. for the next two months, we will be doing a unit of the No Experience Necessary Bible Study. We will listen to and explore God’s Word as God spoke by the prophets. It’s a new year, a new unit, and a great time to start a new routine that includes tending to God’s word in scripture. Call the office to sign up (973) 667-0256 or just show up Monday night.
Thank You!
Thank you to all who gave in 2008.
Thank you to all who pledged for 2009.
Come to the annual meeting on Jan. 25 to hear some stories of what God is doing in this community and through us to change lives as we continue to share the gospel, overcome barriers and connect in the love of Christ. Thank you.
New Offering Envelopes
The 2009 Offering Envelopes are in. Please pick yours up in the back of the sanctuary. If you haven’t received envelopes in the past and would like to start using them or if you will not be able to pick them up in the next couple of weeks, please call the church office at (973) 667-0256.
The Gift of Time
What is God calling you to do this year? What is God calling you to give up this year to make time for other things? If you were given the gift of two hours everyday to spend anyway you want, what would you do with it? Worship? Pray? Study God’s Word? Volunteer to serve your community in Jesus’ name? Wouldn’t it be great to give ourselves the time to live out the promises we made in our baptism? In 2009, take a first step. Then, share your story and your journey with your brothers and sisters at Holy Trinity. Maybe through your experiences God free us from our own oppressive schedules.
Here’s one way. On Monday nights at 7:30 p.m. for the next two months, we will be doing a unit of the No Experience Necessary Bible Study. We will listen to and explore God’s Word as God spoke by the prophets. It’s a new year, a new unit, and a great time to start a new routine that includes tending to God’s word in scripture. Call the office to sign up (973) 667-0256 or just show up Monday night.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Pastor's Message
There is no one who calls on your name, or attempts to take hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us, and have delivered us into the hand of our iniquity. Yet, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. Isaiah 64:7-8
Have you read the memo about holiday festivities this year? The party has been cancelled. And, by the way, don’t expect a year-end bonus either. In a month of layoffs, cutbacks and more government bailouts, it just wouldn’t be right to spend company (or tax-payer) money to celebrate with the remnant of co-workers.
At home, the picture looks just as somber. Even for those of us for whom nothing has really changed – our situation in life, our income remains as it was or as we expected – we have to admit that everything has changed. Our mood this season seems chilled by what is going on in the country and the world around us.
The first lesson we will read together in worship on the first Sunday in Advent this year (read it in Isaiah 64:1-9) is a lament over God’s apparent absence. The prophet laments, “you have hidden your face from us.” Commentator Scott Bader-Saye writes that “God hides in order to deconstruct a distorted set of beliefs and practices, thereby opening Israel to receive again (as gift and event) their calling to be God’s people. Hiding is a form of divine judgment that ultimately serves divine mercy, a “No” that clears the ground for a more profound “Yes.”
Year after year, it seems we suffered through a holiday season we habitually lament as too commercial. This year, the old year-end ritual, based on a distorted set of beliefs and practices, has broken down. A resounding “No,” to the values of consumerism echoes throughout our world. Painful as it may be, I believe God may be clearing the ground to a more profound “Yes.” In this holiday season, God may be opening up our lives to once again hear and receive God’s call to walk as disciples of Jesus Christ.
God’s revelation in the Christ child is a revelation hidden from the world in a stable, tucked away from obvious sight in a manager, an unnoticed baby, a human body and blood. In that way, the Christmas gift and event is God’s “No” to the powers and the status quo, No to domination, money, and violence. Instead of tearing open the heavens and coming in fire and fury, God comes to us as baby Jesus, grows up among us and lives with us in humble service – healing the sick, raising the dead, preaching the good news of freedom. God embraces us as loving Father, grabs hold of us as passionate artist, suffer with us and for us in faithful patience, dies with us, for us in faithful love, and on the third day rises again as God’s promise of new life. Jesus is God’s more profound “Yes.”
What surprise from God awaits us this Advent and Christmas. Perhaps by losing everything – the bonus, the parties, the presents, the broken down values and distorted rituals – by God’s grace we may gain everything – reconciliation, new life, salvation, a renewed sense of meaning and call. Now, that would finally be a holiday bonus to celebrate. If that’s the case, prepare a new memo and gather the family around the table because “The party’s on!” (read Isaiah 65). In Jesus name. Amen.
Here’s a simple prayer for a simple Advent and Christmas: God show us yourself -- your heart, your character, your intention for us -- in the Christ at the center of our holiday. By your grace, claim us again as your children, and with your hands, mold us into your new creation through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Have you read the memo about holiday festivities this year? The party has been cancelled. And, by the way, don’t expect a year-end bonus either. In a month of layoffs, cutbacks and more government bailouts, it just wouldn’t be right to spend company (or tax-payer) money to celebrate with the remnant of co-workers.
At home, the picture looks just as somber. Even for those of us for whom nothing has really changed – our situation in life, our income remains as it was or as we expected – we have to admit that everything has changed. Our mood this season seems chilled by what is going on in the country and the world around us.
The first lesson we will read together in worship on the first Sunday in Advent this year (read it in Isaiah 64:1-9) is a lament over God’s apparent absence. The prophet laments, “you have hidden your face from us.” Commentator Scott Bader-Saye writes that “God hides in order to deconstruct a distorted set of beliefs and practices, thereby opening Israel to receive again (as gift and event) their calling to be God’s people. Hiding is a form of divine judgment that ultimately serves divine mercy, a “No” that clears the ground for a more profound “Yes.”
Year after year, it seems we suffered through a holiday season we habitually lament as too commercial. This year, the old year-end ritual, based on a distorted set of beliefs and practices, has broken down. A resounding “No,” to the values of consumerism echoes throughout our world. Painful as it may be, I believe God may be clearing the ground to a more profound “Yes.” In this holiday season, God may be opening up our lives to once again hear and receive God’s call to walk as disciples of Jesus Christ.
God’s revelation in the Christ child is a revelation hidden from the world in a stable, tucked away from obvious sight in a manager, an unnoticed baby, a human body and blood. In that way, the Christmas gift and event is God’s “No” to the powers and the status quo, No to domination, money, and violence. Instead of tearing open the heavens and coming in fire and fury, God comes to us as baby Jesus, grows up among us and lives with us in humble service – healing the sick, raising the dead, preaching the good news of freedom. God embraces us as loving Father, grabs hold of us as passionate artist, suffer with us and for us in faithful patience, dies with us, for us in faithful love, and on the third day rises again as God’s promise of new life. Jesus is God’s more profound “Yes.”
What surprise from God awaits us this Advent and Christmas. Perhaps by losing everything – the bonus, the parties, the presents, the broken down values and distorted rituals – by God’s grace we may gain everything – reconciliation, new life, salvation, a renewed sense of meaning and call. Now, that would finally be a holiday bonus to celebrate. If that’s the case, prepare a new memo and gather the family around the table because “The party’s on!” (read Isaiah 65). In Jesus name. Amen.
Here’s a simple prayer for a simple Advent and Christmas: God show us yourself -- your heart, your character, your intention for us -- in the Christ at the center of our holiday. By your grace, claim us again as your children, and with your hands, mold us into your new creation through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
On The Calendar
November 24th – Nutley Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service
Nutley is a special place to live and work. Thank God. Here’s your chance. Get together with people of all faiths at 7:30 p.m. at Holy Family Church to thank God for all the blessings we enjoy as a community, and to remember in prayer those who are in need. The offering supports the Red Cross Food Pantry. Additionally, you are encouraged to bring a gift of non-perishable foods for the pantry.
Bloomfield Chorale to Debut
The newly formed Bloomfield Chorale, under the direction of Ruth Hsu will perform in a Holiday Concert along with the Bloomfield Civic Band on Sunday, December 7 at 3:00 pm. Please join us at the Bloomfield Middle School, 60 Huck Rd., Bloomfield. Guest performers will be students from Miss Roseanna’s School of Dance. Admission is $8 at the door or $5 in advance. Children 12 and under free. (973) 338-8140
The Advent Vigil: Prepare, Watch, Wait, Turn, Open.
Jesus announced the good news like this: “The kingdom of God has come near; turn around; change your mind; believe it.” What an extraordinary thing for Jesus to say (see Mark 1:15). What an extraordinary thing for us to announce as well.
As we start our advent journey, Jesus calls us to follow him, to work, with him, to prepare our hearts, watch for God’s coming with joyful expectation, wait for God’s coming with patient hope, turn to God’s advent in faith, and open our hearts to God’s coming in love. The kingdom of God has come near. It’s time for us to change.
Invite your friends to watch with you for the Advent by asking them to join you here each week at Holy Trinity. Here, gathered by the crucified and risen baby of Bethlehem, we light the candles and experience “hope amid crisis, light in deep darkness, a growing sense of expectation, a growing trust in the promises of God.” God’s promises that are not ours to hold; but ours to share, give, and shout.
‘Family’ volunteers to light advent wreath … and more?
We’re looking for four “families” (Don’t just think Mom, Dad and the kids … get creative and maybe make some phone calls to invite and gather a whole clan … what about sponsors and godchildren) to lead various parts of our Sunday liturgy, particularly the prayer and the lighting of the Advent wreath each week. Fill out the form below, and return it to the office (mail, e-mail, fax, put it in the offering plate on Sunday.)
We (names) ___________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
___ would like to lead the prayer and light the advent wreath.
___ would be interested in leading other parts of the Sunday service.
__ Prayers of the church __ Serving communion __ Benediction
We are available to serve on the following Sundays (check all you can attend)
__ Nov. 30 __ Dec. 7 __ Dec. 14 __ Dec. 21
Notes, Comments _________________________________________
Hanging of the Greens and Luncheon
Sunday December 21st after Worship
Everyone, young and old, is invited to help us prepare the church for our Christmas Services. We will once again gather around the table, this time for some sandwiches and salad. Please plan to join us for a fun time!
HANGING OF THE GREENS SIGN UP SHEET
We will be there (names): ____________________________& we plan on sharing:
Food: Sandwiches _____ Salad _____ Dessert _____
Time & Talents: Set up _____ Clean up _____
Christmas Services at Holy Trinity
CHRISTMAS EVE (Wed., Dec. 24)
4:00 p.m.: A special service for children of every age with a simple spoken eucharist.
7:30pm: Candlelight service with festive music.
CHRISTMAS DAY (Thurs., Dec. 25)
10:00am: Intimate Christmas Day Worship.
To assist at these services, please sign up at worship or call the church office.
Christmas is a great time to invite a friend into the joy of worship and discipleship. The angels announced it, the shepherds told everyone they saw, the magi traveled for years to experience the good news of God’s love in Jesus Christ. The world was changed forever. Now it’s our turn. Share the good news, overcome the barriers and connect one to many in the love of Christ.
A Cure for Holiday Insanity
Join Pastor Jim for a half-hour service of evening prayer Thursday evenings in Advent (Dec. 4; Dec. 11; and Dec. 18) from 7:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. While the rest of the nation runs around preparing for the high holy days of consumerism, take some time out and rediscover God at the center of our your life and the life of the world.
Feed on God’s Word
90-minutes a week can change your life and change the world, really. Join the lively discussion and supportive community that spring up from scripture and prayer on Thursday afternoons at 2 p.m. or Monday evenings at 7:30pm Bible Study. Together, we read, share and discuss God’s Word and what it means for our lives today. Bring a friend.
Nutley is a special place to live and work. Thank God. Here’s your chance. Get together with people of all faiths at 7:30 p.m. at Holy Family Church to thank God for all the blessings we enjoy as a community, and to remember in prayer those who are in need. The offering supports the Red Cross Food Pantry. Additionally, you are encouraged to bring a gift of non-perishable foods for the pantry.
Bloomfield Chorale to Debut
The newly formed Bloomfield Chorale, under the direction of Ruth Hsu will perform in a Holiday Concert along with the Bloomfield Civic Band on Sunday, December 7 at 3:00 pm. Please join us at the Bloomfield Middle School, 60 Huck Rd., Bloomfield. Guest performers will be students from Miss Roseanna’s School of Dance. Admission is $8 at the door or $5 in advance. Children 12 and under free. (973) 338-8140
The Advent Vigil: Prepare, Watch, Wait, Turn, Open.
Jesus announced the good news like this: “The kingdom of God has come near; turn around; change your mind; believe it.” What an extraordinary thing for Jesus to say (see Mark 1:15). What an extraordinary thing for us to announce as well.
As we start our advent journey, Jesus calls us to follow him, to work, with him, to prepare our hearts, watch for God’s coming with joyful expectation, wait for God’s coming with patient hope, turn to God’s advent in faith, and open our hearts to God’s coming in love. The kingdom of God has come near. It’s time for us to change.
Invite your friends to watch with you for the Advent by asking them to join you here each week at Holy Trinity. Here, gathered by the crucified and risen baby of Bethlehem, we light the candles and experience “hope amid crisis, light in deep darkness, a growing sense of expectation, a growing trust in the promises of God.” God’s promises that are not ours to hold; but ours to share, give, and shout.
‘Family’ volunteers to light advent wreath … and more?
We’re looking for four “families” (Don’t just think Mom, Dad and the kids … get creative and maybe make some phone calls to invite and gather a whole clan … what about sponsors and godchildren) to lead various parts of our Sunday liturgy, particularly the prayer and the lighting of the Advent wreath each week. Fill out the form below, and return it to the office (mail, e-mail, fax, put it in the offering plate on Sunday.)
We (names) ___________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
___ would like to lead the prayer and light the advent wreath.
___ would be interested in leading other parts of the Sunday service.
__ Prayers of the church __ Serving communion __ Benediction
We are available to serve on the following Sundays (check all you can attend)
__ Nov. 30 __ Dec. 7 __ Dec. 14 __ Dec. 21
Notes, Comments _________________________________________
Hanging of the Greens and Luncheon
Sunday December 21st after Worship
Everyone, young and old, is invited to help us prepare the church for our Christmas Services. We will once again gather around the table, this time for some sandwiches and salad. Please plan to join us for a fun time!
HANGING OF THE GREENS SIGN UP SHEET
We will be there (names): ____________________________& we plan on sharing:
Food: Sandwiches _____ Salad _____ Dessert _____
Time & Talents: Set up _____ Clean up _____
Christmas Services at Holy Trinity
CHRISTMAS EVE (Wed., Dec. 24)
4:00 p.m.: A special service for children of every age with a simple spoken eucharist.
7:30pm: Candlelight service with festive music.
CHRISTMAS DAY (Thurs., Dec. 25)
10:00am: Intimate Christmas Day Worship.
To assist at these services, please sign up at worship or call the church office.
Christmas is a great time to invite a friend into the joy of worship and discipleship. The angels announced it, the shepherds told everyone they saw, the magi traveled for years to experience the good news of God’s love in Jesus Christ. The world was changed forever. Now it’s our turn. Share the good news, overcome the barriers and connect one to many in the love of Christ.
A Cure for Holiday Insanity
Join Pastor Jim for a half-hour service of evening prayer Thursday evenings in Advent (Dec. 4; Dec. 11; and Dec. 18) from 7:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. While the rest of the nation runs around preparing for the high holy days of consumerism, take some time out and rediscover God at the center of our your life and the life of the world.
Feed on God’s Word
90-minutes a week can change your life and change the world, really. Join the lively discussion and supportive community that spring up from scripture and prayer on Thursday afternoons at 2 p.m. or Monday evenings at 7:30pm Bible Study. Together, we read, share and discuss God’s Word and what it means for our lives today. Bring a friend.
Poinsettia Plants
Order deadline is Sunday, November 30, 2008
The cost of each plant is $8.00. Plants are in a 6 1/2" pot and are foil wrapped.
Please send a check (or drop by the office) for the total amount along with your name and phone number. Please include who the plants are in Honor and/or Memory of. Plants may be taken home following the 7:30pm Christmas Eve Service.
The cost of each plant is $8.00. Plants are in a 6 1/2" pot and are foil wrapped.
Please send a check (or drop by the office) for the total amount along with your name and phone number. Please include who the plants are in Honor and/or Memory of. Plants may be taken home following the 7:30pm Christmas Eve Service.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Pastor's Message
Then the one who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’ Matthew 25:24-25
I have a difficult time with the parable of the talents (you can read it in Matthew 25:14-30), because through it Jesus is reminding me of something I don’t like about this world: the rich get richer. To make matters worse, the parable leaves me with the impression that this is the way God wants the world to work. The rich get richer. What manner of god is this at work in the parable?
The rich get richer. That’s the ugly truth under the current economic crisis. If you have ten talents or five talents to start with, then you probably still have enough left to clean up after the panic. You can afford to be “greedy when others are fearful and fearful when others are greedy.” Meanwhile, those with a mere one-talent nest egg, knew they just couldn’t risk it. It’s their hope. Their future. They know how unforgiving the whole thing can be. They fled the market in fear and went and buried the treasure in the ground, happy to escape with something and content to defend the little they have from loss. Then comes the reckoning. The richer get their richest reward. The others lose everything, even the little they had. Then, these others are confined to a future of darkness, weeping and regret. A pensioner’s retirement? An unemployment line? A short sale on my house and then back to live with Mom and Dad? The selling of the house and moving in with adult children? The final kick in the pants is that it’s the parable’s god-figure kicking the timid investor to the curb.
“Now, come on,” you may be saying. “That’s not what the parable is about. It’s not about money and investing, really. That’s just figurative language. It’s really about the church’s mission.” Yes. But isn’t it more about money and investing and your part, our part as church in the mission of God in the world. The brilliance of Jesus’ parable is that it works on us both ways.
First, it exposes the utter cruelty and brokenness of a system with money and markets as the god at the center, a system that rewards the rich and punishes all others, a system, which even today, so many of us are devoted to in fear, love and trust. We comfort ourselves and each other with these words: “Don’t be afraid. The market will come back. The money will return. We will be saved.” If that is where we have placed our hope, the parable coldly tells the story of what we can expect from that god who expects us to get out each morning and go about our mission in life: making money, collecting things.
At the same time, Jesus invites us into a life where who we are, what we have, what we do – gifts of God all – are leveraged in the kingdom of God. We exist by God’s grace as God’s people sent into the world. Our life, as community, is in God’s mission. God expects a return as we invest all the gifts that God has given us in God’s mission to love, save and bless the world in Jesus Christ. God expects us to grow the number of people in the world who are glorifying and thanking the God who raised Jesus from the dead.
This means taking risks with our time, with our talent and with our money in order to engage the world and the people around us in a creative conversation about how we can bring hope and life to all God’s creation. This means taking risks with our talent, our money and our time to engage people with a variety of invitations to come and worship the God who gives real hope in times of crisis, true light in the darkness of the world, and eternal life from out of death. This means taking risks with our money, our time and our talent to liberate people from fear with encouragement and examples of how to act and live generously, trusting in God – not money or market -- for our salvation. This means being 100 percent BOLD in Jesus name, as Jesus’ body, given for the sake of the world God loves so much.
We can do this, even in a recession. Or we can take the small number of gifts we have – the diminished store of money, the shrinking slice of time, the hidden bit of our talent – and bury them until Jesus comes again. It’s an option. But to make that choice will cost us everything, our money, our time, our talent. And, the grace of God – the privilege to be God’s people sent into this community to proclaim and enact God’s justice, love and mercy in the name of Jesus – that mission will pass to another. God’s kingdom comes with or without us. We pray that it may come among us in Nutley as well.
Now what? I think I will pray to God for courage, then head to that place where I bury my talent, dig it up, and then, with trembling hands take a risk by making an investment in God’s kingdom. (There are a lot of investment ideas in this newsletter alone.) And pray for 100 percent return. After all, when everyone is fearful, that’s the time to get greedy … for the kingdom of God and His righteousness. What are you going to do?
May God watch over you and give you courage and faith that lasts, so that you will be happy when Jesus returns (Matt. 25:21, 23). Amen
I have a difficult time with the parable of the talents (you can read it in Matthew 25:14-30), because through it Jesus is reminding me of something I don’t like about this world: the rich get richer. To make matters worse, the parable leaves me with the impression that this is the way God wants the world to work. The rich get richer. What manner of god is this at work in the parable?
The rich get richer. That’s the ugly truth under the current economic crisis. If you have ten talents or five talents to start with, then you probably still have enough left to clean up after the panic. You can afford to be “greedy when others are fearful and fearful when others are greedy.” Meanwhile, those with a mere one-talent nest egg, knew they just couldn’t risk it. It’s their hope. Their future. They know how unforgiving the whole thing can be. They fled the market in fear and went and buried the treasure in the ground, happy to escape with something and content to defend the little they have from loss. Then comes the reckoning. The richer get their richest reward. The others lose everything, even the little they had. Then, these others are confined to a future of darkness, weeping and regret. A pensioner’s retirement? An unemployment line? A short sale on my house and then back to live with Mom and Dad? The selling of the house and moving in with adult children? The final kick in the pants is that it’s the parable’s god-figure kicking the timid investor to the curb.
“Now, come on,” you may be saying. “That’s not what the parable is about. It’s not about money and investing, really. That’s just figurative language. It’s really about the church’s mission.” Yes. But isn’t it more about money and investing and your part, our part as church in the mission of God in the world. The brilliance of Jesus’ parable is that it works on us both ways.
First, it exposes the utter cruelty and brokenness of a system with money and markets as the god at the center, a system that rewards the rich and punishes all others, a system, which even today, so many of us are devoted to in fear, love and trust. We comfort ourselves and each other with these words: “Don’t be afraid. The market will come back. The money will return. We will be saved.” If that is where we have placed our hope, the parable coldly tells the story of what we can expect from that god who expects us to get out each morning and go about our mission in life: making money, collecting things.
At the same time, Jesus invites us into a life where who we are, what we have, what we do – gifts of God all – are leveraged in the kingdom of God. We exist by God’s grace as God’s people sent into the world. Our life, as community, is in God’s mission. God expects a return as we invest all the gifts that God has given us in God’s mission to love, save and bless the world in Jesus Christ. God expects us to grow the number of people in the world who are glorifying and thanking the God who raised Jesus from the dead.
This means taking risks with our time, with our talent and with our money in order to engage the world and the people around us in a creative conversation about how we can bring hope and life to all God’s creation. This means taking risks with our talent, our money and our time to engage people with a variety of invitations to come and worship the God who gives real hope in times of crisis, true light in the darkness of the world, and eternal life from out of death. This means taking risks with our money, our time and our talent to liberate people from fear with encouragement and examples of how to act and live generously, trusting in God – not money or market -- for our salvation. This means being 100 percent BOLD in Jesus name, as Jesus’ body, given for the sake of the world God loves so much.
We can do this, even in a recession. Or we can take the small number of gifts we have – the diminished store of money, the shrinking slice of time, the hidden bit of our talent – and bury them until Jesus comes again. It’s an option. But to make that choice will cost us everything, our money, our time, our talent. And, the grace of God – the privilege to be God’s people sent into this community to proclaim and enact God’s justice, love and mercy in the name of Jesus – that mission will pass to another. God’s kingdom comes with or without us. We pray that it may come among us in Nutley as well.
Now what? I think I will pray to God for courage, then head to that place where I bury my talent, dig it up, and then, with trembling hands take a risk by making an investment in God’s kingdom. (There are a lot of investment ideas in this newsletter alone.) And pray for 100 percent return. After all, when everyone is fearful, that’s the time to get greedy … for the kingdom of God and His righteousness. What are you going to do?
May God watch over you and give you courage and faith that lasts, so that you will be happy when Jesus returns (Matt. 25:21, 23). Amen
In our community
Church Night at the Devils
Join your friends from Holy Trinity at a NJ Devils hockey game, and save $30! There are two dates available in the coming months and the special group rate for upper level seats is $35 (normally $65 at full price.) Games are at the Prudential Center in Newark and tickets are on a first-come, first-served basis and may not be returned nor exchanged. We will have the tickets in advance, so you can arrange for your own transportation. (Some of us took the City Subway from Bloomfield for the last game.) I will order tickets, but only for reservations with full payment. Please write your name, the date of the game, and the number of tickets and include that with your cash or check payable to “J. Scott Jones.” Invite family and friends—the more the merrier! (Holiday gift?)
Friday, November 21 vs. NY Islanders 7:00 PM (deadline Sunday, November 9)
Sunday, January 4 vs. Ottawa Senators 5:00 PM (deadline Sunday, December 14)
Questions? (973) 338-0267 or jsjones0601@verizon.net
Choral Vespers
Scott and Emily Jones are singing Bach’s Cantata, Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme at Grace Lutheran Church, Teaneck on Sunday, November 23 at 4:00 PM. 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
Join your friends from Holy Trinity at a NJ Devils hockey game, and save $30! There are two dates available in the coming months and the special group rate for upper level seats is $35 (normally $65 at full price.) Games are at the Prudential Center in Newark and tickets are on a first-come, first-served basis and may not be returned nor exchanged. We will have the tickets in advance, so you can arrange for your own transportation. (Some of us took the City Subway from Bloomfield for the last game.) I will order tickets, but only for reservations with full payment. Please write your name, the date of the game, and the number of tickets and include that with your cash or check payable to “J. Scott Jones.” Invite family and friends—the more the merrier! (Holiday gift?)
Friday, November 21 vs. NY Islanders 7:00 PM (deadline Sunday, November 9)
Sunday, January 4 vs. Ottawa Senators 5:00 PM (deadline Sunday, December 14)
Questions? (973) 338-0267 or jsjones0601@verizon.net
Choral Vespers
Scott and Emily Jones are singing Bach’s Cantata, Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme at Grace Lutheran Church, Teaneck on Sunday, November 23 at 4:00 PM. 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
November Birthdays, Anniversaries and Disciples of the Month
Birthdays
4:Erika Bacik
8:Sara Murphy
10:Jennifer Murphy
11:Chris Amlung
12:John Fenton
13:Irene Falk
14:Barbara Hudnett
15:Victor Smith
18:Cathy Geiselmann
21:Erik Hess
25:Frank Siclari
27:Judi Lovas
28:Joelle Bernhard, Stefeny Krombholz, Aida Rubens
29:Grace Viola, Bonnie Munoz
30:Nancy Duhm, Nicole Duhm, William Murphy
Anniversaries
1: Ken & Irene Geiselmann
2: Richard & Susan Ulley
24: Louis & Terry D'Agnolo
24: Jim & Stefeny Krombholz
Disciples
For some time we have been naming families of the month, people and households to keep in our prayers. Now, we’re going to change the emphasis a little. Instead of praying for families, we will pray for individual disciples of Jesus. Each day of the week (except Sunday) has the name of a person in this community. Remember that person in your prayers that day. On Sunday, we will pray for all of the people listed in the coming week. You may even want to get in touch with these people and pray with them personally. If you don’t know what to pray for, then pray that each member of the Holy Trinity community would grow in their faith and love for God and their love for God’s people and God’s world, and pray that each disciple may be fully equipped to share the Gospel, overcome barriers and connect one to many through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
1:Angelika Achtiani
3:Ira Achtiani
4:Chris Amlung
5:Anne Erwin
6:Andrea Ahrens
7:Lou Ann Ariante
8:Kristen Osnato
10:Lauren Osnato
11:Matthew Osnato
12:Richard Bacik
13:Erika Lee Bacik
14:Richard J. Bacik
15:Ava Bacik
17:Joelle Bernhard
18:Matt Bernhard
19:Madison Bernhard
20:Helen Blair
21:Kenneth Blair
22:David Cabral
24:Jennifer Cabral
25:Brandon Cabral
26:Emily Cabral
27:Leona Candura
28:John Catelli
29:Nancy Catelli
4:Erika Bacik
8:Sara Murphy
10:Jennifer Murphy
11:Chris Amlung
12:John Fenton
13:Irene Falk
14:Barbara Hudnett
15:Victor Smith
18:Cathy Geiselmann
21:Erik Hess
25:Frank Siclari
27:Judi Lovas
28:Joelle Bernhard, Stefeny Krombholz, Aida Rubens
29:Grace Viola, Bonnie Munoz
30:Nancy Duhm, Nicole Duhm, William Murphy
Anniversaries
1: Ken & Irene Geiselmann
2: Richard & Susan Ulley
24: Louis & Terry D'Agnolo
24: Jim & Stefeny Krombholz
Disciples
For some time we have been naming families of the month, people and households to keep in our prayers. Now, we’re going to change the emphasis a little. Instead of praying for families, we will pray for individual disciples of Jesus. Each day of the week (except Sunday) has the name of a person in this community. Remember that person in your prayers that day. On Sunday, we will pray for all of the people listed in the coming week. You may even want to get in touch with these people and pray with them personally. If you don’t know what to pray for, then pray that each member of the Holy Trinity community would grow in their faith and love for God and their love for God’s people and God’s world, and pray that each disciple may be fully equipped to share the Gospel, overcome barriers and connect one to many through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
1:Angelika Achtiani
3:Ira Achtiani
4:Chris Amlung
5:Anne Erwin
6:Andrea Ahrens
7:Lou Ann Ariante
8:Kristen Osnato
10:Lauren Osnato
11:Matthew Osnato
12:Richard Bacik
13:Erika Lee Bacik
14:Richard J. Bacik
15:Ava Bacik
17:Joelle Bernhard
18:Matt Bernhard
19:Madison Bernhard
20:Helen Blair
21:Kenneth Blair
22:David Cabral
24:Jennifer Cabral
25:Brandon Cabral
26:Emily Cabral
27:Leona Candura
28:John Catelli
29:Nancy Catelli
Stewardship Strengthens....
Stewardship strengthens our relationship with Jesus
THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROUS INVESTMENT IN
GOD’S MISSION THROUGH THE PEOPLE OF HOLY TRINITY!
Living Abundantly in a Time of Scarcity
30 percent of New Jersey Synod Congregations are Meeting or Exceeding Mission Support Goals
The news report tells the story of a crisis in the financial system, and some of us in New Jersey are feeling the pinch. Yet, in the face of it all, 30 percent of New Jersey synod congregations are keeping pace with their bold investments in the work we share strengthening our witness in 182 neighborhoods throughout the state. An even larger portion of our congregation’s witness to a trust in the God of abundance, the God who raised Jesus from the dead, by sharing a generous portion of resources in common ministries.
Holy Trinity is one of these congregations. At of the end of September, the people of Holy Trinity are on pace to meet and even exceed the goals for giving that we had set for 2008. Because we invest a proportionate amount of our regular gifts (11 percent) in our common work as a synod, the more we give, the more we share as partners in the mission of God in New Jersey, the nation and the world.
Thank you! What a strong sign of hopefulness and faithfulness. Our generosity as individuals and as the community of Holy Trinity is making a difference around the world. In these last two months of 2008, and as we make or recast our commitments for 2009, let’s encourage each other to BOLD generosity as we make disciples and strengthen our missionary behaviors.
Give thanks for this community at your Thanksgiving table.
This November, as we gather as families to give thanks to God and to enjoy a feast together – thank God for the generous people of Holy Trinity and for the grace of God that will keep us in this mission field for another 85 years. Thank you, LORD God, for your generous people. Grant that our talents may bring an abundant return when measured in lives changed, lived saved.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROUS INVESTMENT IN
GOD’S MISSION THROUGH THE PEOPLE OF HOLY TRINITY!
Living Abundantly in a Time of Scarcity
30 percent of New Jersey Synod Congregations are Meeting or Exceeding Mission Support Goals
The news report tells the story of a crisis in the financial system, and some of us in New Jersey are feeling the pinch. Yet, in the face of it all, 30 percent of New Jersey synod congregations are keeping pace with their bold investments in the work we share strengthening our witness in 182 neighborhoods throughout the state. An even larger portion of our congregation’s witness to a trust in the God of abundance, the God who raised Jesus from the dead, by sharing a generous portion of resources in common ministries.
Holy Trinity is one of these congregations. At of the end of September, the people of Holy Trinity are on pace to meet and even exceed the goals for giving that we had set for 2008. Because we invest a proportionate amount of our regular gifts (11 percent) in our common work as a synod, the more we give, the more we share as partners in the mission of God in New Jersey, the nation and the world.
Thank you! What a strong sign of hopefulness and faithfulness. Our generosity as individuals and as the community of Holy Trinity is making a difference around the world. In these last two months of 2008, and as we make or recast our commitments for 2009, let’s encourage each other to BOLD generosity as we make disciples and strengthen our missionary behaviors.
Give thanks for this community at your Thanksgiving table.
This November, as we gather as families to give thanks to God and to enjoy a feast together – thank God for the generous people of Holy Trinity and for the grace of God that will keep us in this mission field for another 85 years. Thank you, LORD God, for your generous people. Grant that our talents may bring an abundant return when measured in lives changed, lived saved.
Ready to take a more active role in the life of this community?
This November, as we look in hope to Christ’s return, we also look to encourage each other and build each other up. There are many ways you can use your gifts to encourage and build up the people of Holy Trinity so that we can share the gospel, overcome barriers and connect one to many in Christ. Here are some ways to serve (please circle as many as you are interested in). Return this form to the church office.
Your name: _________________________________________________
Teams: I am interested in serving on one of these teams:
Worship and Music
Evangelism
Stewardship
Property
Discipleship (education)
Church Council
Transformation
God is calling me to lead a team.
Ministries: I would love to serve by participating in these ministries:
Prayer chain
Choir
Sunday School
VBS
Visiting
Welcoming
Walking
Book group
Community Newsletter
Publicity
Web site
Women’s Group
Bible Study
Events
Book Group
Outdoor
Game night
Seniors
I am passionate about and gifted by God to lead this ministry:
I am passionate about starting this ministry at Holy Trinity. Help me:
I know I am gifted, but I need help discovering those gifts. Call me
Your name: _________________________________________________
Teams: I am interested in serving on one of these teams:
Worship and Music
Evangelism
Stewardship
Property
Discipleship (education)
Church Council
Transformation
God is calling me to lead a team.
Ministries: I would love to serve by participating in these ministries:
Prayer chain
Choir
Sunday School
VBS
Visiting
Welcoming
Walking
Book group
Community Newsletter
Publicity
Web site
Women’s Group
Bible Study
Events
Book Group
Outdoor
Game night
Seniors
I am passionate about and gifted by God to lead this ministry:
I am passionate about starting this ministry at Holy Trinity. Help me:
I know I am gifted, but I need help discovering those gifts. Call me
Thursday, September 25, 2008
On the Calendar
October is ‘Fill the Hall’ Month!
Jesus once told a story of king who has prepared a wedding banquet for his son. When all things were ready, the king sends his messengers out to tell the honored guests to come, but no one comes. So, the king tells the messengers to go out into the streets to urge everyone they can find to come to enjoy the banquet “so the wedding hall was filled with guests.”
Our Lord spreads a feast of his abundant mercy, grace and love each time we gather. You know the time – Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. You know the place – the corner of Hillside and Vreeland. Now, let’s go and invite and fill the hall!
Tuesday Night Prayer Nights: Money!
Join Pastor Jim Tuesday evenings in October to talk and to pray openly, honestly, sincerely about all sorts of issues related to money. Bring your fears, your worries, your concerns about the economy, the high cost of housing, food and gas, you retirement account balance … whatever. We’ll talk. We’ll listen. We’ll pray. We will meet in the sanctuary on Tuesday at 8 p.m. starting Oct. 7. Plan on a hour meeting.
Feed on God’s Word
90-minutes a week can change your life and change the world, really. Join the lively discussion and supportive community that spring up from scripture and prayer on Thursday afternoons at 2 p.m. or Monday evenings at 7:30pm Bible Study. Together, we read, share and discuss God’s Word and what it means for our lives today. Bring a friend.
Sunday School
Sunday School is in full swing. Families gather for worship at 10 a.m. and children and teachers move to the classroom after a children message and prayer. The whole assembly gathers again to celebrate the Lord’s Supper together. If you would like to volunteer to be a teacher or helper, please call the church office.
Jesus once told a story of king who has prepared a wedding banquet for his son. When all things were ready, the king sends his messengers out to tell the honored guests to come, but no one comes. So, the king tells the messengers to go out into the streets to urge everyone they can find to come to enjoy the banquet “so the wedding hall was filled with guests.”
Our Lord spreads a feast of his abundant mercy, grace and love each time we gather. You know the time – Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. You know the place – the corner of Hillside and Vreeland. Now, let’s go and invite and fill the hall!
Tuesday Night Prayer Nights: Money!
Join Pastor Jim Tuesday evenings in October to talk and to pray openly, honestly, sincerely about all sorts of issues related to money. Bring your fears, your worries, your concerns about the economy, the high cost of housing, food and gas, you retirement account balance … whatever. We’ll talk. We’ll listen. We’ll pray. We will meet in the sanctuary on Tuesday at 8 p.m. starting Oct. 7. Plan on a hour meeting.
Feed on God’s Word
90-minutes a week can change your life and change the world, really. Join the lively discussion and supportive community that spring up from scripture and prayer on Thursday afternoons at 2 p.m. or Monday evenings at 7:30pm Bible Study. Together, we read, share and discuss God’s Word and what it means for our lives today. Bring a friend.
Sunday School
Sunday School is in full swing. Families gather for worship at 10 a.m. and children and teachers move to the classroom after a children message and prayer. The whole assembly gathers again to celebrate the Lord’s Supper together. If you would like to volunteer to be a teacher or helper, please call the church office.
Stewardship Strengthens...
Stewardship strengthens our relationship with Jesus
Living Abundantly in a Time of Scarcity.
The news reports and economic pundits have convinced us that we are living in a time of scarcity. Resources appear to be is short supply and we easily identify with the disciples in the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000 in Mark 6:34-44. Buried in that miracle story, however, are behaviors which turn the perception of scarcity into a celebration of abundance.
In our fall financial program at Holy Trinity we are employing the theme -- “100% BOLD: Living Abundantly in a Time of Scarcity.” We are convinced by the story God and God’s steadfast love for God’s people that the antidote to our anxiety and fears is 100% BOLD Stewardship.
As we begin this venture boldly, think about all God has entrusted to you. As you come to worship each week, listen for the words at the center of the prayer of thanksgiving. Here are four distinct actions—taking, blessing, breaking, and giving. These four actions are also at the heart of the story of Jesus feeding more than 5,000 from five loaves and two fish. As we consider this pattern, think about how you take, bless, break, and give as part of your faith in Jesus. Give prayerful consideration in the coming weeks to how you will join your brothers and sisters in making an investment in the mission to which Jesus has called us.
Assets are gifts in action: a story about gold.
At the end of September, Nancy found that she had some family jewelry that no one wanted. A few earrings. She started by donating them to the yard sale when somehow she remembered that the price of gold is high now, and jewelry shops are paying a nice price for gold. So, she took the jewelry to the jewelry store with a few more odds and ends and came out with more than $150, which she gave for the ministry at Holy Trinity. What do you have just laying around?
Thank you for your generous gifts that truly do help make a difference in the lives of people in this community and beyond
Living Abundantly in a Time of Scarcity.
The news reports and economic pundits have convinced us that we are living in a time of scarcity. Resources appear to be is short supply and we easily identify with the disciples in the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000 in Mark 6:34-44. Buried in that miracle story, however, are behaviors which turn the perception of scarcity into a celebration of abundance.
In our fall financial program at Holy Trinity we are employing the theme -- “100% BOLD: Living Abundantly in a Time of Scarcity.” We are convinced by the story God and God’s steadfast love for God’s people that the antidote to our anxiety and fears is 100% BOLD Stewardship.
As we begin this venture boldly, think about all God has entrusted to you. As you come to worship each week, listen for the words at the center of the prayer of thanksgiving. Here are four distinct actions—taking, blessing, breaking, and giving. These four actions are also at the heart of the story of Jesus feeding more than 5,000 from five loaves and two fish. As we consider this pattern, think about how you take, bless, break, and give as part of your faith in Jesus. Give prayerful consideration in the coming weeks to how you will join your brothers and sisters in making an investment in the mission to which Jesus has called us.
Assets are gifts in action: a story about gold.
At the end of September, Nancy found that she had some family jewelry that no one wanted. A few earrings. She started by donating them to the yard sale when somehow she remembered that the price of gold is high now, and jewelry shops are paying a nice price for gold. So, she took the jewelry to the jewelry store with a few more odds and ends and came out with more than $150, which she gave for the ministry at Holy Trinity. What do you have just laying around?
Thank you for your generous gifts that truly do help make a difference in the lives of people in this community and beyond
Friday, August 29, 2008
On the Calendar
Worship Time is now 10:00am.
Don’t forget that our worship time remains at 10:00am as we move into September. Our Sunday gathering time stays constant throughout the year.
Bible Study
90-minutes a week can change your life and change the world, really. Join us Thursday afternoons at 2 p.m. starting September 18 as we listen to, discuss and meditate on God's Word for us. We will be focusing on the Sunday morning Gospel reading and how we can use the scripture to enhance our life of faith and prayer.
Starting Monday, September 8, we will be having a 7:30pm Bible Study. This will take the place of the Tuesday evening (8pm) Study. Come as often as you can and bring a friend. This group can be a wonderful place of friendship and support for people of all walks of life.
Sunday School
will begin again on September 21 and there will be a Volunteers’ Meeting after worship on September 7. If you would like to volunteer to be a teacher or helper, please join us at this meeting or call the church office.
Choir Rehearsals
will begin again on Thursday, September 4, at 8pm and the choir will sing on Sunday, September 7. If you would like to join the choir or would like more information, please call, email or speak to Scott Jones.
Annual Back-to-School Celebration
Our annual Back-to-School Celebration will be held on Sunday, September 21st. We plan on pitching the tent and inviting the neighbors, the town and everyone we know. If you would like to be part of the planning team or would like to serve that day, call the church office or submit the form at the back of this newsletter. But whatever you do, be sure to mark your calendars, and invite your friends. There will be a Volunteers’ Meeting Sunday, September 7 after worship.
Invite a Friend
Martin Marty has said, “Invitation is what evangelism is all about! It is one person inviting another to find the Lord.” In a real sense, evangelism programs and opportunities are essentially God’s people reaching out to others with an invitation. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) becomes global only as individual disciples reach out to those around them. According to Marty, there is only one word that separates congregations that grow from those that don’t. That word is “invite”!
Invitation works! Because most people find new places and new gatherings intimidating, they are far more likely to “come and see” if they are invited by a friend or relative. Invitations work because the person doing the inviting takes responsibility to acquaint the visitor with others. Those who are invited and welcomed are more likely to eventually join than those who may come on their own initiative. WHO ARE YOU INVITING TO THE FALL FESTIVAL, September 21st?
Invite, Invite, Invite!
Statistics reveal a surprising truth. More than 40% of New Jersey residents are not affiliated with any church. There is a lot of work for us to do in reaching the unchurched and offering them the opportunity to deepen their relationship with Jesus through participation in a faithful community.
We say, “come and follow Jesus for the sake of the world.” It’s more than a tag line. It describes the missional behaviors to which we aspire: Invitation, Discipleship, and Service. We are challenged to increase our capacity to invite, to say “Come and follow Jesus for the sake of the world,” easily and often.
We strive for consistency in our invitation. When we are convinced of the wonder of a relationship with Jesus, we will find ways to offer that joy to others. Beyond inviting people to worship, we are called in our Baptism to share our experiences with God’s presence in our lives and to point to the places where God’s grace is alive in the world. We can get into a conversation on a commuter train or bus, we can witness in the grocery lines, we can point to Christ in our neighborhoods, we can carefully listen to others as they talk about things that are puzzling to them. Through all these behaviors we say, “come.”
It is important to be intentional in our witness. We are inviting people to follow Jesus, to know and be captivated by our Lord Jesus so that they will want a deeper relationship. We are challenged to intentionally build relationships with others who are not like us and show the love of Christ.
Don’t forget that our worship time remains at 10:00am as we move into September. Our Sunday gathering time stays constant throughout the year.
Bible Study
90-minutes a week can change your life and change the world, really. Join us Thursday afternoons at 2 p.m. starting September 18 as we listen to, discuss and meditate on God's Word for us. We will be focusing on the Sunday morning Gospel reading and how we can use the scripture to enhance our life of faith and prayer.
Starting Monday, September 8, we will be having a 7:30pm Bible Study. This will take the place of the Tuesday evening (8pm) Study. Come as often as you can and bring a friend. This group can be a wonderful place of friendship and support for people of all walks of life.
Sunday School
will begin again on September 21 and there will be a Volunteers’ Meeting after worship on September 7. If you would like to volunteer to be a teacher or helper, please join us at this meeting or call the church office.
Choir Rehearsals
will begin again on Thursday, September 4, at 8pm and the choir will sing on Sunday, September 7. If you would like to join the choir or would like more information, please call, email or speak to Scott Jones.
Annual Back-to-School Celebration
Our annual Back-to-School Celebration will be held on Sunday, September 21st. We plan on pitching the tent and inviting the neighbors, the town and everyone we know. If you would like to be part of the planning team or would like to serve that day, call the church office or submit the form at the back of this newsletter. But whatever you do, be sure to mark your calendars, and invite your friends. There will be a Volunteers’ Meeting Sunday, September 7 after worship.
Invite a Friend
Martin Marty has said, “Invitation is what evangelism is all about! It is one person inviting another to find the Lord.” In a real sense, evangelism programs and opportunities are essentially God’s people reaching out to others with an invitation. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) becomes global only as individual disciples reach out to those around them. According to Marty, there is only one word that separates congregations that grow from those that don’t. That word is “invite”!
Invitation works! Because most people find new places and new gatherings intimidating, they are far more likely to “come and see” if they are invited by a friend or relative. Invitations work because the person doing the inviting takes responsibility to acquaint the visitor with others. Those who are invited and welcomed are more likely to eventually join than those who may come on their own initiative. WHO ARE YOU INVITING TO THE FALL FESTIVAL, September 21st?
Invite, Invite, Invite!
Statistics reveal a surprising truth. More than 40% of New Jersey residents are not affiliated with any church. There is a lot of work for us to do in reaching the unchurched and offering them the opportunity to deepen their relationship with Jesus through participation in a faithful community.
We say, “come and follow Jesus for the sake of the world.” It’s more than a tag line. It describes the missional behaviors to which we aspire: Invitation, Discipleship, and Service. We are challenged to increase our capacity to invite, to say “Come and follow Jesus for the sake of the world,” easily and often.
We strive for consistency in our invitation. When we are convinced of the wonder of a relationship with Jesus, we will find ways to offer that joy to others. Beyond inviting people to worship, we are called in our Baptism to share our experiences with God’s presence in our lives and to point to the places where God’s grace is alive in the world. We can get into a conversation on a commuter train or bus, we can witness in the grocery lines, we can point to Christ in our neighborhoods, we can carefully listen to others as they talk about things that are puzzling to them. Through all these behaviors we say, “come.”
It is important to be intentional in our witness. We are inviting people to follow Jesus, to know and be captivated by our Lord Jesus so that they will want a deeper relationship. We are challenged to intentionally build relationships with others who are not like us and show the love of Christ.
Save the Date(s)!
From the Office of the Bishop
SYNOD CHURCH HOUSE DEDICATION
SEPTEMBER 20, 2008
The newly renovated Synod Church House will be dedicated at noon on Saturday, September 20. You are invited for the prayers of dedication, an open house, and a lunch-time cookout in the backyard! The Synod Hearing on the ELCA Draft Social Statement on Human Sexuality will follow at 2pm. An invitation with picture is posted on the Synod website www.njsynod.org
SOCIAL STATEMENT ON HUMAN SEXUALITY HEARING SEPTEMBER 20, 2008
An open hearing on the first draft of the proposed ELCA Social Statement on Human Sexuality will be held on Saturday, September 20th at 2pm at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Hamilton Square (located immediately behind the Synod Church House). An invitation flyer is posted on the Synod website at www.njsynod.org The Bishop will serve as moderator and the Rev. Dr. Timothy Wengert, a member of the ELCA Human Sexuality Studies Task Force will be present as listener on behalf of the Task Force.
Get Involved in Issues of Justice
Just Neighbors Announces the First New Jersey Retreat featuring the Just Neighbors program of faith and social justice.
The retreat begins 7pm Wednesday, September 17th and ends 2:30pm on Friday, September 19th at the Stella Maris Retreat House in Elberon, N.J.
Through videos, interactive exercises, scripture and discussion, Just Neighbors allows us to walk in the shoes of the poor and together explore our response of faith.
Subjects of the Retreat: faith, compassion and action, affordable housing, low wages, racial equity, hunger, children’s issues, advocacy.
Retreat Includes: Worship, large and small group discussions, role plays, simulations…relaxation!
For reservations or information, contact:
fmccann@familypromise.org
or call (908) 273-1100 x14
SYNOD CHURCH HOUSE DEDICATION
SEPTEMBER 20, 2008
The newly renovated Synod Church House will be dedicated at noon on Saturday, September 20. You are invited for the prayers of dedication, an open house, and a lunch-time cookout in the backyard! The Synod Hearing on the ELCA Draft Social Statement on Human Sexuality will follow at 2pm. An invitation with picture is posted on the Synod website www.njsynod.org
SOCIAL STATEMENT ON HUMAN SEXUALITY HEARING SEPTEMBER 20, 2008
An open hearing on the first draft of the proposed ELCA Social Statement on Human Sexuality will be held on Saturday, September 20th at 2pm at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Hamilton Square (located immediately behind the Synod Church House). An invitation flyer is posted on the Synod website at www.njsynod.org The Bishop will serve as moderator and the Rev. Dr. Timothy Wengert, a member of the ELCA Human Sexuality Studies Task Force will be present as listener on behalf of the Task Force.
Get Involved in Issues of Justice
Just Neighbors Announces the First New Jersey Retreat featuring the Just Neighbors program of faith and social justice.
The retreat begins 7pm Wednesday, September 17th and ends 2:30pm on Friday, September 19th at the Stella Maris Retreat House in Elberon, N.J.
Through videos, interactive exercises, scripture and discussion, Just Neighbors allows us to walk in the shoes of the poor and together explore our response of faith.
Subjects of the Retreat: faith, compassion and action, affordable housing, low wages, racial equity, hunger, children’s issues, advocacy.
Retreat Includes: Worship, large and small group discussions, role plays, simulations…relaxation!
For reservations or information, contact:
fmccann@familypromise.org
or call (908) 273-1100 x14
Stewardship Strengthens...
Yard Sale on Saturday, September 20th
We will be holding a yard sale under the big tent on Saturday, September 20th from 9:30am until 12:30pm. If you are interested in donating to or helping with the sale, call Stefeny and Pastor Jim at (732) 548-1215. Look for more information.
Saint Barnabas Hospice and Palliative Care Center
Put your compassion into action. Saint Barnabas Hospice services families in all of Essex, Monmouth, Morris and Union Counties, as well as parts of Bergen, Hudson, Middlesex, Passaic & Somerset and volunteers are needed everywhere! However, you’ll only volunteer where YOU are comfortable going to. The families are in need of kind, caring people to ease the stressful time of facing the death of a loved-one, and to provide emotional support. If you have as little at 3 hours a week to give, please consider becoming a volunteer.
Trainings are happening this fall in the following areas: Belleville, Long Branch, Newark, North Arlington, Union, West Orange. Call (973) 322-4846 or sballas@sbhcs.com
Veteran Volunteers Needed!
The hospice enables our veteran patients & their loved ones to maximize their quality of life. VETERAN VOLUNTEERS are needed to provide companionship, support and comfort to our veteran hospice patients. Free training is provided to veterans to become a VETERAN POPPY VOLUNTEER. Thank you for your service to our great country. Please call: Terry Hudak- Volunteer Manager at (973) 771-2687.
Thank you for your generous gifts that truly do help make a difference in the lives of people in this community and beyond.
We will be holding a yard sale under the big tent on Saturday, September 20th from 9:30am until 12:30pm. If you are interested in donating to or helping with the sale, call Stefeny and Pastor Jim at (732) 548-1215. Look for more information.
Saint Barnabas Hospice and Palliative Care Center
Put your compassion into action. Saint Barnabas Hospice services families in all of Essex, Monmouth, Morris and Union Counties, as well as parts of Bergen, Hudson, Middlesex, Passaic & Somerset and volunteers are needed everywhere! However, you’ll only volunteer where YOU are comfortable going to. The families are in need of kind, caring people to ease the stressful time of facing the death of a loved-one, and to provide emotional support. If you have as little at 3 hours a week to give, please consider becoming a volunteer.
Trainings are happening this fall in the following areas: Belleville, Long Branch, Newark, North Arlington, Union, West Orange. Call (973) 322-4846 or sballas@sbhcs.com
Veteran Volunteers Needed!
The hospice enables our veteran patients & their loved ones to maximize their quality of life. VETERAN VOLUNTEERS are needed to provide companionship, support and comfort to our veteran hospice patients. Free training is provided to veterans to become a VETERAN POPPY VOLUNTEER. Thank you for your service to our great country. Please call: Terry Hudak- Volunteer Manager at (973) 771-2687.
Thank you for your generous gifts that truly do help make a difference in the lives of people in this community and beyond.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
On the Calendar
Worship Time is now 10:00am.
Tuesday Evenings: Bible Study at 8 p.m.
Summer is a great time to set aside some time to study God’s word. Our group meets every Tuesday evening to listen to what God is saying to us as individuals, a group and a congregation. In this conversation, we discover new insights and applications as together we are encouraged to live as Jesus’ disciples in the world.
August 10 - August 15: Vacation Bible School
Take the kids and go on a recession-proof summer adventure through the Rain Forest, and, on the way, grow deeper in your faith in God and love for all of God’s creation. Call the church office to register or to volunteer, and see the article in this newsletter for more information. Be sure to bring some friends.
Annual Back-to-School Celebration
Our annual Back-to-School Celebration will be held on Sunday, September 21st. We plan on pitching the tent and inviting the neighbors, the town and everyone we know. If you would like to be part of the planning team or would like to serve that day, call the church office. But whatever you do, be sure to mark your calendars, and invite your friends.
Tuesday Evenings: Bible Study at 8 p.m.
Summer is a great time to set aside some time to study God’s word. Our group meets every Tuesday evening to listen to what God is saying to us as individuals, a group and a congregation. In this conversation, we discover new insights and applications as together we are encouraged to live as Jesus’ disciples in the world.
August 10 - August 15: Vacation Bible School
Take the kids and go on a recession-proof summer adventure through the Rain Forest, and, on the way, grow deeper in your faith in God and love for all of God’s creation. Call the church office to register or to volunteer, and see the article in this newsletter for more information. Be sure to bring some friends.
Annual Back-to-School Celebration
Our annual Back-to-School Celebration will be held on Sunday, September 21st. We plan on pitching the tent and inviting the neighbors, the town and everyone we know. If you would like to be part of the planning team or would like to serve that day, call the church office. But whatever you do, be sure to mark your calendars, and invite your friends.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
