by eventblog@dm1n | May 30, 2020 | Weekly Update
Dear CCGR Family,
First, thank you once again to Boyd Lowry for his technology talents, enabling our church to have these virtual services — keeping us closely connected. I know I speak for all of us who have had the opportunity to view these services weekly.
It reassures us that no matter what threatening opposition we are faced with in this world (i.e., violence, evil forces, habitual wrong behaviors), we — as Christians having a personal relationship with God — are assured of spiritual protection.
Our country — our world — has been broken more than ever; we have been threatened by this COVID-19 war — living opposite from how God wants us to live — in isolation, apart from each other. His desire wasn’t/isn’t for us to be apart. Jesus wanted all his disciples to be together ‘in harmony’, just as God wants us all (of all His world) to be in harmony, as well, and come to know Him. As the lives of Jesus’ disciples revealed His character, we are encouraged to be together as Christians, and to share with others, just as they did.
Through our faith and trust in God — through our sanctification — we can be assured He will bring us through and out of this unfamiliar threatening dilemma we have been faced with, despite the ongoing opposition that entices us daily. God is here to protect us from this opposition, but we are to continue sharing God’s Love with others who need to know about it. We, as Christians, are to live in this world, and not of this world. And, God has given us the qualities we need to do this — the qualities of mind, heart, and character.
If we continue to stay focused on God’s Word, it can do nothing but give us hope and reassurance. No, we are not assured that we will live without problems; but having a ‘life in Christ’ provides us the avenue to help us get through our problems. And as Pastor Terry said, “Jesus did not pray that we should be taken out of the world — but rather we should be able to overcome the restrictions we face and find victory. If we follow Jesus, we are in His hands, and in the protection of Him and His Father.”
In this day’s worship, we are gifted with Jeanne Jones O’Brien’s beautiful solo of Laura Story’s ‘Blessings’. Words of this song (see below) are so perfect for all of us — what we are going through now and what we each go through during trials of our life. With reference to the ‘life trial’ pandemic we are all now going through, could it possibly be a ‘mercy in disguise’, as the song refers to? Hard as it may be to believe, and to even try to accept, sometimes we have to wonder if God is speaking to us through our trials. He wants us to grow closer to Him.
What beautiful organ and piano music by Janet Montroy, as always. Her ‘Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee’ and ‘America’ were wonderful. Just love watching Janet play the keys of the organ; what a gift she has, knowing how to play these two beautiful instruments, and what a gift it is to hear her play!
“BLESSINGS”
We pray for blessings, we pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
And all the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things
‘Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise
We pray for wisdom, Your voice to hear
We cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your word is not enough
And all the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we’d have faith to believe
‘Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise
When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know the pain reminds this heart
That this is not
This is not our home
It’s not our home
‘Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You’re near
What if my greatest disappointments or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life-
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4)
“And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
(Romans 5:3-5)
As we continue to remain in our homes during this pandemic, we ask that you continue to keep each other in prayer.
Please continue to keep the Sinkway/Emery family in your prayers. We continue to pray for healing and patience for Connie. She is home, trying to gain strength after her hospital stay, facing each day with determination despite the challenges she deals with, especially from the fractured vertebrae from her recent fall. In addition, it is with sadness we share that Connie’s brother-in-law (& Bob’s brother) Jack Sinkway, passed away early this past week after a long illness. Although Jack wasn’t a member of CCGR, he was well known in our community; many knew him as he was co-owner (with Bob) of Sinkway Plumbing. Robin asked me to share his obituary, especially during this time when a date, if any, of a memorial in celebration of his life is yet to be determined.
Jack Sinkway of Glen Rock, New Jersey
May 7, 1937 – May 24, 2020
Sinkway, Jon G. (Jack), 83, of Glen Rock passed on May 24, 2020. Jon was pre-deceased by his partner Sheilia Lenga and his brother Robert Sinkway. He is survived by his sister- in- law Constance Sinkway, a nephew David Sinkway and nieces Robin Emery, Jody Sinkway, and Diane Stenberg. A graduate of Duke University class of 1959, Jon was co-owner of Sinkway Bros. Plumbing and Heating until his retirement in 2013. His later years included volunteer services with Community Meals and the Valley Hospital. Jack and Sheilia enjoyed their passion for jazz music as active members of the New Jersey Jazz Society and were seasoned travelers. Jack was a trustworthy, generous, meticulous man with a dry wit who was kind and polite to everyone and loved his family and friends. The family is so grateful to Shorena for the care and friendship given to Jack over the last six months of his life. Cremation will be private. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations in his memory may be made to Valley Hospital or a favorite charity
Additionally, please continue to pray for our church members, families, and those close to us who have shared a special part of our lives — the Allen Family; the Bird-Bennett Family; Jeanne Franklin; the Janssen Family; the Gilligan Family (The family continues to request that no phone calls be made at the present time to Terry G. at her home; however, sending notes and cards are appreciated); the Zucchino Family; & the Ruth Rankin Leaper Family; for Beryl Ferrari; for Bob & Doris Van Ostenbridge & for Rev. Jerry Wright and his family on the passing of his wife, Kay, approximately one month ago.
At this time also, we ask our church family to keep our upcoming middle school, high school and college graduates in prayer. Typically, this is a time of mixed emotions, but more than ever this year as we are faced with social isolation restrictions due to COVID-19, we realize the disappointment of not being able to experience the same level of celebration as others have in the past. We hold all our graduates in our hearts in prayer.
Again, please try to remember Pastor Terry’s “5 at 5” prayer suggestion — to stop what we are doing at 5:00 p.m., step outside on your porch if we are able to, and take 5 minutes to pray. And if you have children, encourage them to pray also, by writing or drawing prayers of their own, or have them use chalk to write a blessing or a special message on your sidewalk or driveway for those walking by to see.
Church School News (Reminder) ~~
With Pentecost Sunday approaching, Candy Hall has shared some activities with the Sunday school children for them to engage in at home. We all might enjoy, and benefit, from these activities, so please see attachment.
Also….you may continue with the following, if you choose:
– Sending ‘thank you’s’ to anyone who they can think of that have been of essential help (including healthcare workers) to you/them/or someone they know, during this challenging time.
– Donating shelf-stable foods to Community Meals (which is based at CCGR). Drop-off collection site is 385 Bedford Road, Ridgewood, NJ. Community Meals (Inc.) is collecting shelf stable food items for the elderly, homebound, etc. to have on hand in the event CMI is forced to cancel a meal delivery during this time. CMI staff will use these foods to compile emergency bags of food and deliver to their clients who are homebound and most in need.
Please continue to show your support to CCGR —
Though we cannot be together in person, we continue to be together spiritually as we face this health crisis together. We are gifted with our weekly virtual services and continue to pray for each other. If you’re able during this unprecendented time, please remember supporting Community Church in your time of giving.
~God Bless,
Donna
by eventblog@dm1n | May 23, 2020 | Weekly Update
Dear CCGR Family,
“Every true sacrifice done — no matter how large or small — for others and not ourselves, is an example of perfect obedient love.”
As shared by Charlie Dente in the scripture reading of John 10: 22-30 — Jesus’ ministry took him back to Jerusalem for the Festival of Lights (Hanukkah) to continue to preach and bring people to know the Truth. He, however, angered many of those who questioned his identity, accusing Him and his teachings as being completely false. However, anyone who witnessed Jesus’ deeds and miracles — His followers — had no need for any additional proof that He was the Messiah, and that He was the prophet that Moses had promised that God would send for all to listen to, and that those who believed would be promised eternal life. But, the Jews refused to believe Him, accusing him of being an imposter and wanting to kill him for claiming to be God.
Although we all experience hardships and pain on earth, it is because of the ‘love’ we all share in our hearts — the ‘unity’ we share as followers of Jesus’ and that ‘He is who He says He is’, that we can be assured the security of a future beyond our time here on earth.
As God’s ‘flock’ of followers, we are to share our ‘Gift of God’s Love” by putting others before ourselves, and helping to ‘feed’ His earthly ‘sheep’. He wants us ALL to be able to receive His promise of ‘eternal life’.
And to Janet Montroy, thank you once again for the beauty of her music, and for the stories she shares that are behind several of her pieces. It was intriguing to learn that Johann Sebastian Bach was a church musician — a man of great faith. She conveyed these personal reflective words — “A piece of beautiful music is just as much of an act of worship as a prayer,” and “there is no rigid line between sacred and secular music”. “Music is one of the greatest gifts of God.”
How inspiring and how true!! Music — a universal language — is a gift learned that lasts a lifetime. Thank you, Janet, for this gift shared with us all!!
As we continue to remain in our homes during this pandemic, we ask that you continue to keep each other in prayer.
Please continue to keep the Sinkway/Emery family in your prayers. We continue to pray for healing and patience for Connie, who returned home this past week from a hospital stay of observation and testing, as a result of a fractured vertebrae from a fall. In addition, prayers are requested for Connie’s brother-in-law, Jack Sinkway, who had also been in the hospital coincidentally at the same time, but is also back home.
Additionally, please continue to pray for the Allen Family; the Bird-Bennett Family; Jeanne Franklin; the Janssen Family; the Gilligan Family (please note: the family requests that no phone calls be made at the present time to Terry G. at her home; however, sending notes and cards are appreciated); the Zucchino Family; & the Ruth Rankin Leaper Family; as well as for the Chadwick Family (for Tom’s Mother’s recuperation from the COVID virus); for Beryl Ferrari; for Bob & Doris Van Ostenbridge & for Rev. Wright and his family.
At this time also, we ask our church family to keep our upcoming high school and college graduates in prayer. Typically, this is a time of mixed emotions, but more than ever this year as we are faced with social isolation restrictions due to COVID-19, we realize the disappointment of not being able to experience the same level of celebration as others have in the past. We hold all our graduates in our hearts in prayer.
Again, please try to remember Pastor Terry’s “5 at 5” prayer suggestion — to stop what we are doing at 5:00 p.m., step outside on your porch if we are able to, and take 5 minutes to pray. And if you have children, encourage them to pray also, by writing or drawing prayers of their own, or have them use chalk to write a blessing or a special message on your sidewalk or driveway for those walking by to see.
Church School News (Reminder) ~~
Per Candy’s note in the May Currents, please be reminded regarding a couple of outreach projects the children (and their families) can participate in, if they so choose:
1. Continue sending ‘thank you’s’ to anyone who they can think of that have been of essential help (including healthcare workers) to you/them/or someone they know, during this challenging time.
2. Donating shelf-stable foods to Community Meals (which is based at CCGR). Drop-off collection site is 385 Bedford Road, Ridgewood, NJ. Community Meals (Inc.) is collecting shelf stable food items for the elderly, homebound, etc. to have on hand in the event CMI is forced to cancel a meal delivery during this time. CMI staff will use these foods to compile emergency bags of food and deliver to their clients who are homebound and most in need.
3. Update on Mask Donations for Christian Health Care Center —
Some good news response shared by Candy:
In addition to the recent donations of masks dropped off to Madeleine Barry for the Christian Health Care Center (where she is working), Madeleine mentioned they could still use some more should anyone be gifted in helping to make these. She, and others at the CHCC, are most grateful for all that has been donated so far.
Please continue to show your support to CCGR —
Though we cannot be together in person, we continue to be together spiritually as we face this health crisis together. We are gifted with our weekly virtual services and continue to pray for each other. If you’re able during this unprecendented time, please remember supporting Community Church in your time of giving.
by eventblog@dm1n | May 16, 2020 | Weekly Update
Dear CCGR Family,
As Pastor Terry shared in his Mother’s Day Sermon — “We were all brought into this world by a Mother; Mothers are blessed with a special inner strength and the capacity to love, unconditionally.” Mothers are our first friend, our first role model.
As Christians, we should always try to look to God as our role model — in good times, and in times of suffering. Peter (whose name means ‘rock’) was asked by Jesus to care for ‘the church’, and his mission became just that — to spread the word of Christianity, despite ridicule, rejection, and suffering.
Cheryl Wardrop’s scripture reading of 1st Peter 3:5-8 states that in order to serve God effectively, we should 1.) live in harmony with one another; 2.) be sympathetic towards others’ needs; 3.) love each other as brothers and sisters; 4.) be compassionate and caring; and 5.) be humble by encouraging and being happy for one another. If we lack in any of these character elements, we are disappointing God, offending Him, and sinning against Him.
Although we are tempted at times to get revenge if we’re hurt, scripture tells us we should do as Jesus did to those who hurt Him — to turn the other cheek, and to pray for our offenders. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we are blessed to react with compassion and humility towards others, despite how they act towards us. And with this ‘unconditional’ love of and towards God, comes the center of Christian life — that we are ‘one’ with each other — that we are in ‘unity’ with each other. And for this, we may inherit a blessing as we continue to serve God faithfully.
Click on the below link and listen once again to this very meaningful message of ‘suffering for doing good’. The musical piano accompaniment of Janet Montroy’s “My Faith Looks Up To Thee” (Prelude) and “I Surrender All” (Poslude) , and the joy of hearing Ava Montgomery’s beautiful solo comprised of three familiar favorites — “Praise Him, All Ye Little Children”, “All Things Bright and Beautiful”, and “Jesus Loves Me” made for a wonderful Mother’s Day Worship Service. Especially very heartwarming was Pastor Terry’s introductory words in which he shared the bittersweet remembrance of a very special and beautiful visit with his Mother. Thank you for this, Pastor Terry.
And not to go unmentioned, is our sincerest thank you to Boyd Lowry for his amazing Videography gift!
As we continue to remain in our homes during this pandemic, we ask that you continue to keep each other in prayer.
Please continue to keep the Sinkway/Emery family in your prayers, praying for Connie, as she remains in Valley Hospital undergoing testing, after being admitted a little over a week ago due to a vertebrae fracture from a fall. In addition, prayers are requested for Connie’s brother-in-law, Jack Sinkway, who is also in Valley Hospital at this time.
Additionally, please continue to pray for the Allen Family; the Bird-Bennett Family; Jeanne Franklin; the Janssen Family; the Gilligan Family (please note: the family requests that no phone calls be made at the present time to Terry G. at her home; however, sending notes and cards are appreciated); the Zucchino Family; & the Ruth Rankin Leaper Family; as well as for the Chadwick Family (for Tom’s Mother’s recuperation from the COVID virus); for Beryl Ferrari; for Bob & Doris Van Ostenbridge & for Rev. Wright and his family.
At this time, we ask our church family to keep our upcoming high school and college graduates in prayer. Typically, this is a time of mixed emotions, but more than ever this year as we are faced with social isolation restrictions due to COVID-19, we realize the disappointment of not being able to experience the same level of celebration as others have in the past. We hold all our graduates in our hearts in prayer.
Again, please try to remember Pastor Terry’s “5 at 5” prayer suggestion — to stop what we are doing at 5:00 p.m., step outside on your porch if we are able to, and take 5 minutes to pray. And if you have children, encourage them to pray also, by writing or drawing prayers of their own, or have them use chalk to write a blessing or a special message on your sidewalk or driveway for those walking by to see.
Church School News (Reminder) ~~
Per Candy’s note in the May Currents, please be reminded regarding a couple of outreach projects the children (and their families) can participate in, if they so choose:
1. Continue sending ‘thank you’s’ to anyone who they can think of that have been of essential help (including healthcare workers) to you/them/or someone they know, during this challenging time.
2. Donating shelf-stable foods to Community Meals (which is based at CCGR). Drop-off collection site is 385 Bedford Road, Ridgewood, NJ. Community Meals (Inc.) is collecting shelf stable food items for the elderly, homebound, etc. to have on hand in the event CMI is forced to cancel a meal delivery during this time. CMI staff will use these foods to compile emergency bags of food and deliver to their clients who are homebound and most in need.
3. Update on Mask Donations for Christian Health Care Center —
Some good news response shared by Candy:
We dropped off 20 masks to Madeleine Barry for the Christian Health Care Center last week. Please read Madeleine’s response:
“What a wonderful surprise to receive the bag of cloth masks from you today!
I will bring them up to the Christian Health Care Center on Monday.”….
“Thank you so much for organizing this project, and I am so grateful to receive all the masks for the workers at CHCC.”
And on Monday: The masks were a hit! They were almost all gone in an hour. People said they were really well made and loved some of the designs and colors. Thanks again!
Madeleine Barry, who is working at Christian Health Care Center, has mentioned help could be made with making some cloth masks for the workers there. If you are gifted in this area, perhaps you might consider helping to make these makes as they are always appreciated and go quickly.
Thank You Notes to Essential Workers: Some of our Church families wrote thank you notes to some of our Essential Workers in the area. So far, the following groups received thank you notes from the Community Church families.
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Glen Rock DPW
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Valley Hospital ICU Workers
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Glen Rock Police Department
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GR Fire Department
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Glen Rock Volunteer Ambulance Corp
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GR Library
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Mail and More
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Glenn Rock Teachers
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Rock Ridge Pharmacy
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Glen Rock Custodians
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Glen Rock Post Office
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GR Office of Emergency Management
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Kilroys Wonder Market
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Glen Rock Medical Pharmacy
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Madeleine Barry
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Diane Herlett
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Phyllis Palsma
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Barbara Zucchino
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Valley Hospital Staff
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Pastor Terry
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Community Meals
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There were also notes sent to Essential Workers in Hawthorne as well. More to come on this!
Please continue to show your support to CCGR —
Though we cannot be together in person, we continue to be together spiritually as we face this health crisis together. We are gifted with our weekly virtual services and continue to pray for each other. If you’re able during this unprecendented time, please remember supporting Community Church in your time of giving.
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“LOVE ONE ANOTHER DEEPLY FROM THE HEART” (1st Peter 1:22)
~God Bless,
Donna
by eventblog@dm1n | May 12, 2020 | Weekly Update
Dear CCGR Family,
Pastor Terry’s sermon from last Sunday stresses how important it is for us to encourage one another in being “joyful messengers of and for Christ” — “to love one another” — and to “partner with God to share our and heart in leading the world to Christ”. As scripture states, ‘like a tree that bears fruit, Christ is the vine and we are the branches bearing fruit, with God as the gardener who cares for the branches.’ We (the branches) are encouraged to continue to be nourished (through scripture) to reach out and bear fruit — or share our love for Christ with others.
We all are faced with adversities and hardships and how we respond to them impact not only those around us, but ourselves, as well. As in the Scripture reading of John 15:9-17 read to us by Stan Willey, we are encouraged that through our relationship with Jesus, we are able to more easily handle our challenges or reach out to help someone else. As Pastor Terry shares, “As we bear fruit to spread Christianity, when others see the blessings and love Christianity brings to our own lives, others who don’t know Christ will have the desire to get to know Him and have a relationship with Him.”
Click on the below link and listen once again to this very meaningful message, hoping it will inspire you to help bear fruit. Janet Montroy’s wonderful playing of “The Lord’s My Shepherd” and “I Need Thee Every Hour”, and Stephanie Beaudoin’s exquisite soprano of “The Prayer” and “The Lord’s Prayer” tie in so beautifully with Pastor Terry’s message.
(*Follow along with the below lyrics of “The Prayer”, inspiring and moving, as Stephanie shares with us in this recorded service. )
(As Always, a world of thanks to Boyd Lowry for sharing his technical talents)
“The Prayer” ‘Is a Song of Safety and Inspiration’ ~~ what our prayers are for you ~~
As we continue to remain in our homes during this pandemic, we ask that you continue to keep each other in prayer. Please add Connie Sinkway to your prayer list (as well as Robin, Jody, Diane, & David, and all her family) . She had a fall Thursday evening of this week and fractured a vertebrae and is currently in Valley Hospital.
Additionally, please continue to pray for the Allen Family; the Bird-Bennett Family; Jeanne Franklin; the Janssen Family; the Gilligan Family (please note: the family requests that no phone calls be made at the present time to Terry G. at her home; however, sending notes and cards are appreciated); the Zucchino Family; & the Ruth Rankin Leaper Family; as well as for the Chadwick Family (for Tom’s Mother’s recuperation from the COVID virus); for Beryl Ferrari; for Bob & Doris Van Ostenbridge & for Rev. Wright and his family. Confidential prayer requests that you would like the small group Prayer Chain to pray for may be emailed to Candy Hall at candy.hallccgr@gmail.comand Donna Nihen at blackvelvet1299@aol.com, and of course, Pastor Terry at pastor@communitychurchgr.com. (These requests will be shared only with the church small group Prayer Chain.)
Again, please try to remember Pastor Terry’s “5 at 5” prayer suggestion — to stop what we are doing at 5:00 p.m., step outside on your porch if we are able to, and take 5 minutes to pray. And if you have children, encourage them to pray also, by writing or drawing prayers of their own, or have them use chalk to write a blessing or a special message on your sidewalk or driveway for those walking by to see.
Donna
by eventblog@dm1n | May 4, 2020 | Pastor
Dear CCGR Family and Friends,
Many of you, like myself, are understandably feeling somewhat insecure these days. The Coronavirus has left us sequestered in our homes. There’s an uneasiness and uncertainty as to how long this will all last. We’ve lost, for the time being, a tremendous amount of freedom, freedom which we undoubtedly have taken for granted. More than anything else, though, there is the unknown. One cannot see or identify the virus until it has already taken root. We feel less in control of our lives. And there is a randomness in those infected that leaves all of us feeling unprotected and out on an island no matter what measures we take.
If any of this rings true to you, then I have something to share. We can be reassured that God is watching over us and will protect us. The writer of Isaiah says, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10) We may not be able to see the virus, only the effects of it. So too, though, can be said about the protection of the Lord. We have the option to choose fear and expectant mortality or to choose faith and hope in the Lord. The latter is what James Freeman draws on when he says in his ‘Prayer for Protection’, “The power of God protects me. The presence of God watches over me.”
Paul makes this abundantly clear in his letter to the Romans. “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, ‘For your sake we are being killed, all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.’ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:35-39)
Does this mean that we can throw caution to the wind and go carelessly about our lives, intentionally disregarding the advice we are given? Of course not. God gives us the freedom of choice. But for every choice there are positive and/or negative ramifications. We may likely be faced with a new normal when all is said and done. Know, though, that God will be a part of whatever that new normal is. In the face of the adversity we are currently experiencing, we need only to boldly place our faith and trust in the Lord. God will protect us. Remember what the psalmist said, “The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Psalm 118:6)
Be well. Be Safe. Stay Healthy!
And Have a Blessed Week!
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Terry
