by eventblog@dm1n | Jul 28, 2020 | Weekly Update
Dear CCGR Family,
“A Christian is someone who allows the spirit of Christ to come into their lives, filling them full with the Love of God. In turn they love their neighbor as much as they’ve themselves.”
Pastor Terry emphasizes in his message from Sunday, 7/19,
to “let the Spirit of God direct you completely in your actions.” “If we live by the Holy Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit.” Listen, or register, to what he has to say: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtkslXsNFVQ.
“Treat others the way you’d like to be treated yourself.” Or, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” (Leviticus 19:18). “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and all your strength,” (Deuteronomy 6:5).These are two of the greatest of commandments and or laws that were handed down from the earliest of days …, even before Jesus.
These are God’s ultimate wishes — loving God completely and caring for others as yourself. In all your moments of life….when you are undecided about something…, think what would show your love for God most, and that for others, as well. “WWJD?”
Years and years before Jesus’ birth, people, i.e., the Galatians, thought that if they were obedient (i.e., if they obeyed the ‘laws’/’commandments’ — if they did a good deed), they would be assured a place in God’s Kingdom. The Galatians weren’t unlike many people of today — thinking that as long as they did (or do) something good, and were obedient, they’d be on God’s good side and that they’d be assured of a place in Heaven.
But again, it is far more than that. We are all God’s children, and He loves each of us. However, we do not ‘earn’ a place in His Kingdom like we earn a gold star, or a scout merit badge — by following rules. Salvation is earned more than from just making ourselves feel good from being good or kind, and checking off an ‘accomplished’ chart at the end of the day.
If we are being good or kind in response to trusting in the grace of God — and having Him at the core of the reasoning for what we’re doing to reach out, etc., then we are doing what pleases Him. Being led by the Holy Spirit, sharing conversations with God, listening to Him through His Word — and truly believing that our ‘love’ for Christ is the foundation in guiding us in all we do, is all He desires. He wants us to totally rely on Him, and the Holy Spirit, to base our decisions on. His desire is for us to accept the ‘gift of grace’ we have all been given.
“Grace in Christianity — according to wikipedia is: “Grace is fovour, the free and undeserved help that God gives us to respond to his call to become children of God, adoptive sons, partakers of the divine nature and of eternal life.” It is understood by Christians to be a spontaneous gift from God to people ‘generous, free and totally unexpected and undeserved’.” “Grace is the opposite of karma, which is all about getting what you deserve. Grace is getting what you don’t deserve.”
We all are sinners, so to speak, but we all have the gift of God’s grace of forgiveness, to have the hope of salvation, if we only go to Him. As Harry Horeisch read from Galatians 5:22-26, the Holy Spirit in us gives the us opportunity to grow in our character …, and to be more like Jesus. This is what is God’s desire — for us to ‘Live by the Spirit’ — and to have the ‘Fruit of the Spirit in us at all times –in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control; and “the grace of God will always remain with us and in us.”
Ways of Showing Grace to Others:
Words: Be kind and gentle in what you say and do. “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1 (ESV)
Love One Another: “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” Romans 12:10 (ESV)
Let It Go: Letting it go is one of the easiest ways to extend grace to others. Respond to others with grace. Sometimes people are going to be rude. Instead of responding to others harshly, keep a calm spirit. “It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling.” Proverbs 20:3 (ESV)
Be There: Sometimes your presence is all that’s needed to show someone they’re loved. Be happy with the person who’s happy. Be sad with the person who’s sad. “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” Romans 12:15 (ESV)
Forgive: When someone asks you to forgive, do so graciously and without correction.
“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:14-15
Learn to Ask for Forgiveness: Be quick to apologize when you make a mistake or have wronged someone else. “So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First, be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” Matthew 5:23-24 (ESV)
Watch the Way You Speak: Be careful how you express yourself. “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Ephesians 4:29 (ESV)
Gratitude: Say thank you often and let people know how much you appreciate them. “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV)
Take an Interest in Others: Learn about the people, ask them questions, listen and care. “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3 (ESV)
Look for Needs and Opportunities: Simple everyday kindnesses and actions often help in great ways. Here are a few ideas to start with….
As many of us continue to remain close to home during this time — or take precautions when we do venture out — we ask that you continue to keep each other in prayer.
Please continue to pray for Rich Dethmers (Vern’s second oldest son), following his recent surgery for a kidney removal.
In addition, please continue prayers for Ed Archbold who facing medical challenges.
Please continue to pray for our church members, families, and those close to us who have shared a special part of our lives — Anne Allen & Family (including Anne’s daughters, Liz & family and Sara & Boyd Lowry & Family); Laura Bird-Bennett & Family; Beryl Ferrari; Jean Franklin; Terry Gilligan & Family; Colleen Janssen & Family; Eric Lundquist & Family; Connie Sinkway and the Sinkway/Emery Family; Bob & Doris Van Ostenbridge; Rev. Jerry Wright and his family; Barbara Zucchino & Family; & the Ruth Rankin Leaper Family.
“A GENUINE ACT OF KINDNESS”
Here is a picture of our own Connie Cassatta who has been making masks with the Paramus Women’s Club since COVID began. She has donated 50 masks to be given to the Christian Health Care Center through Madeleine Barry. (CCGR may just keep a few of these beauties just in case). THANK YOU, CONNIE… FOR ALL YOU DO!!
Wednesday Solitude Prayer and Reflection in Sanctuary!!
Community Church’s sanctuary will continue to be open for prayer on Wednesdays (only) from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Anyone is welcomed to come to the church anytime between those hours, for individual quiet prayer and reflection. Please use the entrance/exit doors adjacent to the Memorial Garden. Know that all precautions have been taken for everyone’s safety.
CCGR Book Discussion Group
Kim Franklin will host our next Zoom discussion on Friday, August 14th at 7:00 pm.
The novel chosen is Madame Fourcade’s Secret War by Lynne Olson. Please check with the library for formats available.
All welcome!
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 unprecedented time, please remember supporting Community Church in your time of giving. In addition to mailing contributions, you may access CCGR’s website and donate on-line, as well: https://communitychurchgr.com
God Bless!
~Donna
by eventblog@dm1n | Jul 20, 2020 | Weekly Update
Dear CCGR Family,
What a blessing — to have these virtual services come to us in the comfort of our own homes! We can never tire of encouraging words, reassurance, and to be reminded we all have the gift of the blessing of our God — our advocate — especially in challenging times as we are all experiencing now.
We are all a family; we have the same Father and the creator of us all and all the earth surrounding us. He cares deeply about each and everyone of us, and we all have the gift of ‘faith’ to help us through our times of uncertainty — if only we would ‘let go, and let faith and trust in’. We all have the gift of knowing we have God, our Father, to turn our concerns, our doubts, and our fears over to, to give us strength and confidence to help us get through. As Pastor Terry shared in his last week’s sermon (
https://youtu.be/FskiCT89IaQ)
, “we must have faith that God will get us through the pandemic. If we persist in our faith and call on the strength of God, we will.” Gary Montroy’s scripture reading (Ephesians 3:13-21) from Paul’s prayer in his letter to the Ephesians portrays how strong a man’s faith was. Even though he was nearing the end of his life, was in jail because of his deep faith, and had suffered a great deal along the way, it was Paul who wanted desperately to emphasize his deep love of God and what he knew to be the Truth with the discouraged Ephesians (who he had acquired a deep connection with) — before they completely lost heart.
Paul prayed endlessly for the Ephesians to grow in their knowledge of God’s love and how they could rely on Him. He prayed to God to strengthen their reasoning; that their conscience would become more sensitive; and for Him to give them the will to pursue what they knew in their hearts was right. Overall, he prayed for a deepening, stronger relationship with God for each of them.
Faith …. “confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1) is the gift we all have at our fingertips to get us through whatever it is that we find difficult to face. Sometimes, doubt interferes, fear gets in the way, depletion of enthusiasm and loss of encouragement to go on take over. And yes, we each have setbacks in our lives that sometimes become roadblocks to moving forward; we each have questions about what the future will bring, and, yes, we all are wondering what’s happening in our world, and wondering what’s next regarding this pandemic we are in together. None of us know. But we do know that we have God by our side – and as long as we have ‘genuine faith’ (even “as small as a mustard seed”), it will grow and help each of us “overcome our struggles”! He wants us to depend on Him, and put our faith and trust that He’ll do right by us.
Thank you to Janet Montroy and Jody Sinkway for sharing such an inspirational and meaningful Hymn Sing. Really appreciate Janet’s sharing the background information with us of the composer Harry Emerson Fosdick and his “God of Grace and God of Glory” — written while the U.S. was right in the midst of the Great
Depression between the two World Wars. The words are so pertinent to what we are dealing with today —- ‘Grant us wisdom; grant us courage, for the facing of this hour’ — as are the beautiful “Amazing Grace” and “Lift High the Cross”. You might want to go back and re-listen to them (see link above), or even sing along again with Jody and Janet — bringing to life so much of God’s Love for us.
And, to Boyd Lowry, a continued huge appreciation for your talented gift to us all!
A Special Treat from CCGR’s Chancel Choir:
Speaking of CCGR’s gifted music program — how blessed we are at CCGR to have such beautiful voices led by our talented Choir Director. Below link will take you to the Chancel Choir (shown in thumbnail print print), singing ‘virtually’ together one of their’s (and our’s) favorite anthems “Sing Praise to the Lord Above”. It was recorded remotely in Glen Rock, Hawthorne, Midland Park, Fair Lawn, Mahwah, and Wharton, NJ, and Lake George, NY.
Click on this link and you’ll see/hear our amazing talented choir members. Thank you to Janet, Jeanne, Robin, Gail, Laura, Jo Anne, Randi, Peter, & Rusty for this beautiful ‘Sunday Surprise’
Made with Acapella
As many of us continue to remain close to home during this time — or take precautions when we do venture out — we ask that you continue to keep each other in prayer.
Please add Rich Dethmers (Vern’s second oldest son) to your prayer list who just recently had surgery to remove a kidney. We’ve gotten word that the surgery went well; however, continued prayers are needed to help him through his recovery.
In addition, Ed Archbold is currently facing medical challenges; please add Ed to your list, as well.
Please continue to pray for our church members, families, and those close to us who have shared a special part of our lives — Anne Allen & Family (including Anne’s daughters, Liz & family and Sara & Boyd Lowry & Family); Laura Bird-Bennett & Family; Beryl Ferrari; Jean Franklin; Terry Gilligan & Family; Colleen Janssen & Family; Eric Lundquist & Family; Connie Sinkway and the Sinkway/Emery Family; Bob & Doris Van Ostenbridge; Rev. Jerry Wright and his family; Barbara Zucchino & Family; & the Ruth Rankin Leaper Family.
Some New News to Share!!
Beginning this coming week, Community Church’s sanctuary will be open for prayer on Wednesdays (only) from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. We are welcome to come to the church anytime between those hours, for individual quiet prayer and reflection. Please use the entrance/exit doors adjacent to the Memorial Garden. Know that all precautions have been taken for everyone’s safety.
CCGR Book Discussion Group
Kim Franklin will host our next Zoom discussion on Friday, August 14th at 7:00 pm.
The novel chosen is Madame Fourcade’s Secret War by Lynne Olson. Please check with the library for formats available.
All welcome!
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 unprecedented time, please remember supporting Community Church in your time of giving.
~God Bless,
Donna
by eventblog@dm1n | Jul 13, 2020 | Weekly Update
Dear CCGR Family,
Whether it be last week, today, or next month, we all should celebrate — each and everyday — being Americans and living in the USA — the ‘land of the free and home of the brave’ — offering us beautiful natural resources, freedom of speech, religious freedom, and a land of opportunity for us all.
Independence Day (4th of July) — the birthday of our beautiful country — the declaration of independence of our original thirteen colonies from Great Britain — is the one day each year all citizens of the United States of America take time to celebrate as a nation — pay tribute for the freedom and liberties our forefathers fought so hard for us all. But, our forefathers didn’t do it alone. The colonists knew and believed wholeheartedly, that in order to reach their dream, they could not do it without the help of God. In order to move forward and prosper, they needed to ‘depend’ on the Lord… in all ways. (“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” – Proverbs 3: 5-6).
And, so, as Pastor Terry shared, 56 brave men signed the Declaration of Independence — counting on God as their advisor, counselor, and ‘shoulder’ to lean on as they moved forward with hope and optimism for our independent America. Not that the road ahead was smooth, as we know, but they relied on God for and trusted that He would be carrying them (and their families) through facing challenges, encountering horrific obstacles — some even died — as they forged ahead with their dream. They suffered greatly; they paid a price for all people from that time forward, but they ‘depended’ on God, for help and shield, to carry on — ‘our’ help and shield.
And without question, His name was recognized in print in all their documents, proclamations, anthems, and so much more — then.
Although it is not a religious holiday (as are Christmas or Easter for many Americans), July 4th is a time to stop, and to reflect on God’s goodness to us and how, as a nation, we’ve been blessed. As Nancy Walters read in Psalm 33: 12 – 22, “Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord”. It reminds each of us that, as the early colonists’ ‘depended’ on God, that our relationship with Him is what helps guide us through our lives, to help us make decisions, to give us comfort and hope, to turn to Him with issues we cannot understand. This is what He called them to do then, and for all His people to do always — to come to Him. And this is what God continues to desire most — for us to continue to live by these principles and follow HIm.
And so, as the people of our land has had God as their Lord since the beginning of time, America – unlike other countries — was built on the principles of Christianity.
Without hesitation, they mentioned God in the Declaration of Independence and in the U.S. Constitution, then in the Pledge of Allegiance, as well as many patriotic hymns and anthems. Molded into the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia are these words from the Bible — “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof” (Leviticus 25:10).
God, our creator, gave us all life, and has made Himself available to us all. But unlike those responsible for the independence of the thirteen colonies back then who acknowledged the root of their accomplishments, people have begun turning away from what the main focus in life is. Today, the struggle for independence, in a way, still continues. People need to ‘depend’ more and more on God; He ‘who’ really has the final say. We ALL have a chance to choose our way. And we have the opportunity to share this way. We have a chance to “be the light, and the salt.“
Thank you, Pastor Terry, for this inspiring message,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjrZ7RmL7Ac, the reflection of our blessed heritage — along with the wonderful, moving patriotic music shared by Janet on the organ and piano, and, Stephanie Boudoin’s beautiful ‘
The Lord’s Prayer‘.
And to Boyd, for his ongoing recording of our weekly virtual services.
Thought the following might be of interest — ‘America The Beautiful’. With reference to God in all stanzas, it communicates such a beautiful message to us all:
The lyrics of ‘America The Beautiful’ were written by Katherine Lee Bates, and the music was composed by church organist and choir master Samuel A. Ward at Grace Episcopal Church in Newark, New Jersey. (Neither Bates or Ward never met.)
“In 1893, at the age of 33, Bates, an English professor at
Wellesley College, had taken a train trip to
Colorado Springs, Colorado, to teach a short summer school session at
Colorado College. Several of the sights on her trip inspired her, and they found their way into her poem, including the
World’s Columbian Exposition in
Chicago, the “White City” with its promise of the future contained within its gleaming white buildings; the wheat fields of America’s heartland
Kansas, through which her train was riding on July 16; and the majestic view of the
Great Plains from high atop
Pikes Peak.
. “America the Beautiful” continues to be held in high esteem by a large number of Americans, and was even being considered before 1931 as a candidate to become the national anthem of the United States.”
O beautiful for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain
For purple mountain majesties, above the fruited plain
America, America, God shed His grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea.
O beautiful for Pilgrim feet, whose stern impassioned stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat, across the wilderness
America, America, God mend thine every flaw
Confirm thy soul in self control, Thy liberty in law.
O beautiful for heroes proved, in liberating strife
Who more than self their country loved, and mercy more than life
America, America, May God they gold refine
Till all success be nobleness, and every gain divine.
O beautiful for patriot dream, that sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam, undimmed by human tears
America, America, God shed His grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea.
As many of us continue to remain in our homes during this time — or take precautions when we do venture out — we ask that you continue to keep each other in prayer.
Please continue to pray for our church members, families, and those close to us who have shared a special part of our lives — Anne Allen & Family (including Anne’s daughters, Liz & family and Sara & Boyd Lowry & Family); Laura Bird-Bennett & Family; Beryl Ferrari; Jean Franklin; Terry Gilligan & Family; Colleen Janssen & Family; Eric Lundquist & Family; Connie Sinkway and the Sinkway/Emery Family; Bob & Doris Van Ostenbridge; Rev. Jerry Wright and his family; Barbara Zucchino & Family; & the Ruth Rankin Leaper Family.
Some Good News to Share!!
“The Religious Communities of Glen Rock thank all those who donated to their
food drive for the July 4th holiday. 100 bags of food were delivered to CUMAC
in Paterson. Shown standing in front of cars packed with over 100 bags of food
ready to be delivered to CUMAC in Paterson are Ed Koransky and Bob Berliner
of the Glen Rock Jewish Center, and Pastor Terry.“
& Some Good & Happy News!
“CONGRATULATIONS to Heather Ricciardi and Gary Grofsick (pictured below),
exchanging marriage vows — officiated by Pastor Terry — at the Thielke Arboretum
on a beautiful June 5 Spring day. Heather is the daughter of Karen and Bob Ricciardi,
and granddaughter of the late Carol & John Thielke. As most of us know, the Thielke
Aboretum was named in honor of Carol Thielke for her loving tireless efforts and
endless hours spent rehabilitating this beautiful Glen Rock oasis (with a little help
from some volunteer friends.) What a tribute to Carol for Heather to have chose
this perfect place for her wedding.”
God Bless & Best Wishes, Heather and Gary!!
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 | Jul 4, 2020 | Weekly Update
Dear CCGR Family,
I can imagine last Sunday’s sermon hit home with many of us. In our fast-paced world, so much of our life is consumed by rapidly developing technologies that are changing what we do and how we do things.
Sure, much of this advancement is good. We can live most of our daily lives through our computers or smart phones. Not only have these much-used (sometimes overused) communication tools become the more popular way of ‘connecting’;instead of a phone call or written note, they offer us the speed in making the connection via texting and messaging. (These are good things, especially in the event of an emergency). We can send notes and letters electronically instead of handwriting them. We can search for almost any piece of information, learn of the up-to-the minute news, track the mailing of letters & packages, map out a driving route for us to get from point A to point B, get the weather forecast, and so much more of ‘how to do this and how to do that’ (encyclopedias, phone books, recipe books, road maps, have mostly all become a thing of the past). And then there’s more — We can go shopping for almost anything and have it delivered right to our door. We can watch TV or a movie. We can take photos; we can share photos; we can ‘store’ photos; we can ‘post’ photos & share them with friends and friends of friends. We can share just about anything we can think of that’s on our mind via an assortment of different social media avenues.
We can share things privately, or we can ‘tell the world’, and turned around, we can find out a lot of information from others, and about others, even if they didn’t mean it to be shared so widely. We have even seen (especially as a result of the COVID-19 crisis), we need not be physically present at a workplace to do a job; many
work tasks have been proven they can be performed remotely. We can do just about everything right from the place we are standing or sitting at at the moment — wherever we are.
The speed and efficiency of this ‘modern way’ has brought us to the point of being able to do just about everything right from the place we are standing or sitting at at the moment — wherever we are. And…, although it’s been a tremendous advancement in ‘communication’, this way of ‘connecting’ has somewhat been a setback in other ways.
Being overly connected, and constantly depending on this source of ‘connection’, can have a negative impact, as well — causing issues of distraction, expectation of instant gratification, lack of socialization; chance of misinterpretation; possible loss of privacy; and sometimes even can be emotionally draining. And in some cases, our physical health can be affected, such as vision, hearing, and maybe create neck and back issues.
Most importantly, becoming consumed in this ‘action-oriented’ world can cause us to lose focus on what is of utmost importance to each of us — ‘ourselves and our well being’.
As James Stewart read in his today’s Scripture reading of Genesis 2: 1-3: “By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that He had done.” And in Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest,. Take my yoke. upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your soul. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
We are each part of God’s creation, and we are each important to HIm. Scripture tells us He wants each of us — like God did after His work was complete — to stop, reflect, and rest from the busyness of the hectic pace of the world — to take in the beauty of His surrounding creation, and most importantly, take time to ‘communicate’ with Him — for prayer with HIm. Jesus encouraged this for His disciples when they became weary and overburdened, and we shouldn’t be guilty when we take time for ourselves that we think might be taking us away from something else that can wait. Since we are each unique and in HIs image, He wants nothing more than for us to value ourselves and care for ourselves. And rest, reflection, and quiet time with Him couldn’t please Him more. As Pastor Terry shared, “When we relax in the Lord, we find rest for the soul.” May we all find time to quiet ourselves, and take the time to reflect and appreciate the gifts surrounding us in our beautiful safe homes; as we walk or ride throughout our wonderful co
mmunities — noticing the blue skies, the green trees, the colorful flowers; and may we especially take advantage of being at peace in our own private world, particularly the blessing of our relationship with Him.
Church School News
As many of us continue to remain in our homes during this time — or take precautions when we do venture out — we ask that you continue to keep each other in prayer.
Please continue to pray for our church members, families, and those close to us who have shared a special part of our lives — Anne Allen & Family (including Anne’s daughters, Liz & family and Sara & Boyd Lowry & Family); Laura Bird-Bennett & Family; Beryl Ferrari; Jean Franklin; Terry Gilligan & Family; Colleen Janssen & Family; Eric Lundquist & Family; Connie Sinkway and the Sinkway/Emery Family; Bob & Doris Van Ostenbridge; Rev. Jerry Wright and his family; Barbara Zucchino & Family; & the Ruth Rankin Leaper Family.
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
