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.

Facebook

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.

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. –