by eventblog@dm1n | Feb 27, 2021 | Weekly Update
Dear CCGR Family,
February 20, 2021 Worship Service
Pastor Terry’s Sermon Title – Ladies and Gentlemen- the Temptations!
Homage to Spirituals during Black History Month
Janet Montroy, our very talented Music Director, paid homage to Harry Burleigh and Moses Hogan both in words and music for preserving so many beautiful spirituals. These men preserved both text and melodic expressions. Harry Burleigh’s Deep River from 1916 was sung beautifully by Melanie Lota and arranged by Moses Hogan. It embodies the yearning we all feel for peace and fulfillment.
Gospel Reading Matthew 4:1-11 read by Gail Sternitzke
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. The tempter came and said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.’ But he answered, ‘It is written, “One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, “He will command his angels concerning you”, and “On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone”, Jesus said to him, ‘Again it is written, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor; and he said to him, ‘All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Away with you, Satan! for it is written, “Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.” Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him.
Sermon Ladies and Gentlemen – The Temptations! Pastor
Pastor Terry spoke of a critical moment in the life of Jesus when he was tempted by Satan three times. Pastor Terry pointed out that this happened immediately after he had been baptized and the heavens opened and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and resting on Him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!”
Pastor Terry said Jesus was led by the spirit into the wilderness. And after 40 days and nights of fasting, Jesus was met by the tempter. Pastor Terry said this speaks to our own faith – we all face temptation. Pastor Terry reminds us that God is no less present with Jesus in the wilderness than he was at the banks of the Jordan. This Gospel passage tells us about the spirit filled life . Do we use the powers God has given us for ourselves – or the well-being of our community? We will always encounter temptation, it is a part of the spiritual journey . Yet it is also an opportunity to deepen our relationship with God . How we respond to these temptations will either build up or breakdown our spiritual character. If we learn from our mistakes as part of our spiritual journey our faith will be deepened.
Let us pray: Help us see the testing we face as an opportunity to bring ourselves closer to you., God. Help us to learn from our mistakes. Amen.
PRAYING FOR EACH OTHER
“The value of persistent prayer is not that God will hear us, but that we will finally hear God.” William McGill
We continue to pray for the SInkway/Emery family, the Strickland family, Trudy Carhart, Anne Allen and Bob Freudenrich. Please send special prayers for recovery to Kimberly Briggs, Carolyne Gulmy-Monti, Beryl Ferrari, Janie Roed and Donna Nihen.
CCGR PRAYER CHAIN
The prayer chain consists of a small group of people who pray daily for people in our congregation- especially for those who wish to keep their needs and prayers private and confidential. For those more ‘private’ prayer requests, please email requests to:
Candy Hall at candy.hallccgr@gmail.com and Donna Nihen at blackvelvet1299@aol.com, and of course, Pastor Terry at pastor@communitychurchgr.com.
What’s Happening in the next few weeks:
GLEN ROCK SENIORS 65+
If you still need a vaccine appointment:
Call 646-980-7452 or email
GlenRockDems@gmail.com
Volunteers are ready to book your appointments
Open to all Glen Rock Seniors regardless of Voter Registration
Save the Date: March 15, 2021
Join the Fight Against Hate! A conversation featuring Attorney General Grubir Grewal and other leaders whose goal is to educate and inspire action against hate. The Religious Communities of Glen Rock (RCGR) along with the Community Relations Advocacy Network (CRAN) and the National Anti-Defamation League (ADL) will be sponsoring this event. Panelists will speak about trends, taking action and joining efforts to conquer hate at all levels with a Q and A to follow. More information to come.
Religious Communities of Glen Rock is continuing their weekly messages of hope, unity and healing each week on facebook.com/glenrockinterfaith.
Vision Planning Update! We want to hear from you!
Members of the Vision Planning Committee thank those who have shared their ideas about the church and our community through Zoom.
Over the next few weeks, the team will be inviting the Church School parents and members of the Prayer Chain to share their ideas. After that the team will be setting up Zoom conferences with individuals as well as those involved with some of our other church groups. We hope that when you are contacted, you will be able to find the time to take part. After all, it is the Community Church or, Your Church. Now more than ever, your input will be helpful in shaping the future!
CCGR Book Club
Next CCGR Book Club will be meeting via Zoom on
Friday, March 12th at 7 p.m.
“Born a Crime, Stories from a South African Childhood” by Trevor Noah
Everyone is welcome. Contact Kim Franklin at
kfranklin@mlschools.org is you want to join.
Ageless Grace Continues at 9am on Wednesday mornings.
Come to Fellowship Hall or via Zoom –
Join Sara Lowry for our weekly Ageless Grace class- a brain health fitness program. The zoom link is sent to all members prior to Wednesday. To learn more about this program please go to agelessgrace.com
For other news around town:
Don’t forget to check glenrocknj.net and glenrocklibrary.org for additional community news and updates
And finally, please remember to support Community Church – your church:
You can donate on our website: https://communitychurchgr.com , set up auto-pay through your bank or pay by mail.
Thank you!
Candy and Donna
by eventblog@dm1n | Feb 20, 2021 | Weekly Update
Dear CCGR Family,
February 14, 2021 Worship Service
Pastor Terry’s sermon title, Get on With Living
Scripture Reading: Matthew 6: 24-34 Nancy Walters
“No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.
‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? And why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, “What will we eat?” or “What will we drink?” or “What will we wear?” For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
‘So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today. This is the Gospel of the Lord.
As we all face challenges of many types, may we reflect on Pastor Terry’s message about “worry”‘. “Worries”‘ can cause consumption of thought, agitation, stress, and may even affect our relationship with God and our trust in Him. Putting God first as our primary focus and trusting in His guidance — reminding ourselves that He knows our every need — should provide us with the comfort and direction to face today’s ‘concerns’, so they will not become ‘worries’.
Here’s a prayer shared by Donna regarding this:
“I asked the Lord to bless you as I prayed for you today,
To guide you and protect you as you go along your way.
His love is always with you; His promised are true,
and when we give Him all our cares, you know he’ll see us through.
So when the road you’re traveling seems difficult at best,
just remember I’m here praying that God will do the rest.”
The words of the sermon combined with the beautiful music, “This I Pray” and “Come Follow Me” sung by Beth Valenti accompanied by Janet Montroy created the backdrop for contemplating how we can continue to put our trust and love in God first. One cannot focus on loving God and worrying both at the same time.
Grateful for our devoted Church members and staff: We are so grateful to have not only Pastor Terry but Janet Montroy and Boyd Lowry each week to help keep us all connected! When you have a minute, take the time to let them know how much you appreciate their work on our behalf.
PRAYING FOR EACH OTHER
“The value of persistent prayer is not that God will hear us, but that we will finally hear God.” William McGill
We pray for Connie and the whole SInkway/Emery family. As Robin writes, “Connie Sinkway passed away peacefully at home on February 12th. She was so committed to Community Church, serving as high school youth advisor, church secretary, involved member of the Whole Life Academy, deacon and a member of the choir for 50 + years. She was a competitive tennis player and professional instructor, bridge player, golfer, cheerful, hard-working volunteer and was a super fan of all her kids and grandkids activities. Oh yes, we can’t ever forget her love of the football Giants and her Yankees (especially Jeter!). She kept a positive, fighting attitude, laced with a bit of sarcastic humor until the end. Her faith was strong and her friends and church family sustained her. Her family thanks you for your love and support.”
Please continue to pray for all of our church members and families. This has been a difficult time for almost all of us. Some of us because of loss and grief, some for health issues and some for other types of challenges. Most of us are struggling and are comforted to know others are praying for them.
Please continue your special prayers for: The family of Ruth and Richard Strickland, Phil and Elizabeth Gulmy, Kim Briggs, Carolyne Gulmy Monti, Jean Franklin, Bob Freudenrich, Janice Roed, Beryl Ferrari and Donna Nihen.
CCGR PRAYER CHAIN
The prayer chain consists of a small group of people who pray daily for people in our congregation- especially for those who wish to keep their needs and prayers private and confidential. For those more ‘private’ prayer requests, please email requests to:
Candy Hall at candy.hallccgr@gmail.com and Donna Nihen at blackvelvet1299@aol.com, and of course, Pastor Terry at pastor@communitychurchgr.com.
What’s Happening in the next few weeks:
Ageless Grace Continues at 9am on Wednesday mornings.
Come to Fellowship Hall or via Zoom –
Join Sara Lowry for our weekly Ageless Grace class- a brain health fitness program. The zoom link is sent to all members prior to Wednesday. To learn more about this program please go to agelessgrace.com
Save the Date: March 15, 2021
Join the Fight Against Hate! A conversation featuring Attorney General Grubir Grewal and other leaders whose goal is to educate and inspire action against hate. The Religious Communities of Glen Rock (RCGR) along with the Community Relations Advocacy Network (CRAN) and the National Anti-Defamation League (ADL) will be sponsoring this event. Panelists will speak about trends, taking action and joining efforts to conquer hate at all levels with a Q and A to follow. More information to come.
RCGR is continuing their weekly messages of hope, unity and healing each week on facebook.com/glenrockinterfaith.
Vision Planning Update! We want to hear from you!
Members of the Vision Planning Committee thank the choir and the rest of the Music Ministry for sharing their ideas about the church and our community through Zoom.
Over the next few weeks, the team will be inviting the Church School parents and members of the Prayer Chain to share their ideas. After that the team will be setting up Zoom conferences with individuals as well as those involved with some of our other church groups. We hope that when you are contacted, you will be able to find the time to take part. After all, it is the Community Church or, Your Church. Now more than ever, your input will be helpful in shaping the future!
CCGR Book Club
Next CCGR Book Club will be meeting via Zoom on
Friday, March 12th at 7 p.m.
“Born a Crime, Stories from a South African Childhood” by Trevor Noah
Everyone is welcome. Contact Kim Franklin at
kfranklin@mlschools.org is you want to join.
For other news around town:
Don’t forget to check glenrocknj.net and glenrocklibrary.org for additional community news and updates
And finally, please remember to support Community Church – your church:
You can donate on our website: https://communitychurchgr.com , set up auto-pay through your bank or pay by mail.
Thank you!
by eventblog@dm1n | Feb 12, 2021 | Weekly Update
Dear CCGR Family,
February 7, 2021 Worship Service
Pastor Terry’s sermon title, Listen Up, Class!
Scripture Reading: Matthew 5: 1-12; Read by Robin Emery
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. This is the Gospel of the Lord.
Pastor Terry’s sermon provided us with a new way of hearing the Sermon on the Mount. He spoke about the blessedness of the here and now. A blessedness Christians have already entered -immune to influences of life. Human happiness depends on life’s circumstances – but the Christian happiness cannot be surpassed or taken away – that comes from Christ in our lives. If you haven’t had a chance, listen to the beatitudes in this new way- As Pastor Terry states, the Sermon on the Mount is the core essence of Christianity.
The words of the sermon combined with the beautiful music, “Come thou Fount” and “the Lord’s Prayer” sung by Melanie Lota and “Be thou my vision” played by Janet Montroy helped create the ground for our own soul searching of how through the meditation of Jesus’ teaching on the beatitudes can help us live with love, compassion and forgiveness.
We are so grateful to have not only Pastor Terry but Janet Montroy and Boyd Lowry each week to help keep us all connected! When you have a minute, take the time to let them know how much you appreciate their work on our behalf.
PRAYING FOR EACH OTHER
“When you can’t put your prayer into words, God hears your heart.”
Anonymous
Please continue to pray for all of our church members and families. This has been a difficult time for almost all of us. Some of us because of loss and grief, some for health issues and some for other types of challenges. Most of us are struggling and are comforted to know others are praying for them.
We particularly mourn the loss of Ruth McWilliams Strickland who passed away on February 1, 2021. A dedicated Community Church member, wife, mother and friend to so many, she created and maintained the church library for many years. Her upbeat outlook and friendly open ways will be greatly missed.
Please continue your special prayers for: Kim Briggs, Carolyne Gulmy Monti, Jean Franklin, Bob Freudenrich, Janice Roed, Beryl Ferrari and Connie Sinkway.
CCGR PRAYER CHAIN
The prayer chain consists of a small group of people who pray daily for people in our congregation- especially for those who wish to keep their needs and prayers private and confidential. For those more ‘private’ prayer requests, please email requests to:
What’s Happening in the next few weeks:
Get your brain and body fit with Ageless Grace!
9am Wednesday Mornings: Come to Fellowship Hall or via Zoom –
Join Sara Lowry for our weekly Ageless Grace class!
Ageless Grace is a brain health fitness program based on the science of neuroplasticity- the brain’s ability to change form. The 21 tools in Ageless Grace stimulate the 5 function of the brain:
S-Strategic Planning
M-Memory and Recall
A- Analytical Thinking
C-Creativity and Imagination
K- Kinesthetic Learning
At the same time, Ageless Grace engages the systems of the body: the circulatory system, respiratory system, lymphatic system, digestive system and endocrine system.
Ageless Grace is practiced to music and seated in a chair to allow arms and legs to move at the same time and challenge the brain to create new pathways doing so.
Get your brain fit! It’s never too early to learn or too late to start!
We are so lucky to have Sara teaching this very important program – so needed as some of us are home and isolated more. Each week every church member receives an invitation to join this great program. Give it a try!
Vision Planning Update! We want to hear from you!
.
Members of the Vision Planning Committee thank the choir and the rest of the Music Ministry for sharing their ideas about the church and our community through Zoom on February 7th.
Over the next few weeks, the team will be inviting the Church School parents and members of the Prayer Chain to share their ideas. After that the team will be setting up Zoom conferences with individuals as well as those involved with some of our other church groups. We hope that when you are contacted, you will be able to find the time to take part. After all, it is the Community Church or, Your Church. Now more than ever, your input will be helpful in shaping the future!
Souperbowl Results:
CCGR Youth thank you for your contributions to the Souperbowl Drive. The Chiefs collected 58 cans of soup and the Buccaneers collected 41 cans.
Total financial contributions came to an amazing $2100.
Thank you all for your generosity! Your support is critical in providing a variety of essential services that help local families and individuals who are struggling to put food on their tables and keep a roof over their heads.
CCGR Book Club
Next CCGR Book Club will be meeting via Zoom on
Friday, February 12th at 7 p.m.
“The Vanishing Half” by Brit Bennett
Everyone is welcome. Contact Kim Franklin at
CCGR Celebrations – in case you missed it last week…..
Congratulations to Janet and Gary Montroy on the birth of 2 Grandchildren !!
Sally Astrid Schechter was born on January 14th weighing 7 lbs. 14.5 oz.
Mom and Dad: Beth and Jeff Schechter,
and brother Ozzie.
Kaiden Joseph was born on January 29th
weighing 7 lbs. 12 oz
Mom and Dad: Stephanie and Matt
In Janet’s words, “we are so blessed with this Baby Bonanza!!!”
And of course we are all overjoyed for the families as well.
~~ Happy “February” Birthdays ~~
Pam Speck, Feb. 1st
Diane Herrlett, Feb. 6th
Brian Bieszard, Feb. 19th
GLEN ROCK’S RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES
The Religious Communities of Glen Rock have begun a social media campaign to reach our community with messages of hope, unity and healing.
Each week, the message will come from a different religious community. Their message is being posted at facebook.com/glenrockinterfaith. Please go to their Facebook page and check it out.
Don’t forget to check:
for additional community news and updates.
And finally, please remember to support
Community Church – your church:
set up auto-pay through your bank,
or pay by mail.
Thank you!
God Bless,
~Candy and Donna
by eventblog@dm1n | Feb 5, 2021 | Weekly Update
Dear CCGR Family,
January 31, 2021 Worship Service
Pastor Terry’s sermon title, Get on Board the Peace Train
Scripture: John 14 25-28: ”I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.
Please take the time to listen to the service If you haven’t already done so. Pastor Terry spoke about the importance of finding peace through the transformation of our day to day existence. Peace (or shalom/salaam) includes reconciliation and justice. Peace in our lives can only be a reality when the world is kind, fair and just- when we look at others as children of God. Pastor Terry encourages us to never stop cease working for peace which includes mutual understanding, self-discipline, perseverance and seeking the will of God.
The words of the sermon combined with the deeply inspirational music, “Glory to God” and “Wisdom Come Softly” sung by Stephanie Beaudoin, helps create the ground for our own personal thinking of how we can work at the labor of peace in our lives and our beloved community.
We are so grateful to have not only Pastor Terry but Janet Montroy and Boyd Lowry each week to help keep us all connected! When you have a minute, take the time to let them know how much you appreciate their work on our behalf.
PRAYING FOR EACH OTHER
“For prayer is nothing else than being on terms of friendship with God” -Teresa of Avila
Please continue to pray for all of our church members and families. This has been a difficult time for almost all of us. Some of us because of loss and grief, some for health issues and some for other types of challenges. Most of us are struggling and are comforted to know others are praying for them.
We particularly mourn the loss of Ruth McWilliams Strickland who passed away on February 1, 2021. A dedicated Community Church member, wife, mother and friend to so many, she created and maintained the church library for many years. Her upbeat outlook and friendly open ways will be greatly missed.
Please continue your special prayers for: Kim Briggs, Caroline Gulmy Monti, Jean Franklin, Bob Freudenrich, Janice Roed, Beryl Ferrari and Connie Sinkway.
CCGR PRAYER CHAIN
The prayer chain consists of a small group of people who pray daily for people in our congregation- especially for those who wish to keep their needs and prayers private and confidential. For those more ‘private’ prayer requests, please email requests to Candy Hall at candy.hallccgr@gmail.com and Donna Nihen at blackvelvet1299@aol.com, and of course, Pastor Terry at pastor@communitychurchgr.com.
What’s Happening in the next few weeks:
Get your brain and body fit with Ageless Grace!
9am Wednesday Mornings: Come to Fellowship Hall or via Zoom –
Join Sara Lowry for our weekly Ageless Grace class!
Ageless Grace is a brain health fitness program based on the science of neuroplasticity- the brain’s ability to change form. The 21 tools in Ageless Grace stimulate the 5 function of the brain:
S-Strategic Planning
M-Memory and Recall
A- Analytical Thinking
C-Creativity and Imagination
K- Kinesthetic Learning
At the same time, Ageless Grace engages the systems of the body: the circulatory system, respiratory system, lymphatic system, digestive system and endocrine system.
Ageless Grace is practiced to music and seated in a chair to allow arms and legs to move at the same time and challenge the brain to create new pathways doing so.
Get your brain fit! It’s never too early to learn or too late to start!
We are so lucky to have Sara teaching this very important program – so needed as some of us are home and isolated more. Each week every church member receives an invitation to join this great program. Give it a try!
Vision Planning Update! We want to hear from you!
.
The Vision Planning Committee has just finished meeting with the Admin and
Consistory teams asking their input. (They were the guinea pigs so we could obtain constructive feedback before we met with you, the rest of our congregation)
Over the next two months we will be setting up Zoom conferences with individuals as well as those involved with various church groups. We hope that when you are contacted, you will be able to find the time to take part. After all, it is the Community Church or, Your Church. Now more than ever, your input will be helpful in shaping the future!
Youth Winter Mission Project
CCGR Youth is once again hosting a ‘Souper Bowl Sunday’ hearty soup drive. – This year it will be contactless.
Two bins will be placed outside the education building designated either Chiefs or Buccaneers. Place your soups/other nonperishables if you wish- in your favorite team’s bin! (The bins will be inside the building when the building is open.)
Financial donations through checks can be made out to the Center for Food Action ( put your team name in the memo portion if you want it included in the contest) Donations to Center for Food Action can also be made directly at the following web address:
Super Bowl Sunday is this SUNDAY!! February 7th
The team that collects the most food/money will be announced before the game.
Please be generous – Your support is critical to provide a variety of essential services that help local families and individuals who are struggling to put food on their tables and keep a roof over their heads.
Let’s see who the congregation is rooting for this year!
CCGR Book Club
Next CCGR Book Club will be meeting via Zoom on
Friday, February 12th at 7 p.m.
“The Vanishing Half” by Brit Bennett
Everyone is welcome. Contact Kim Franklin at
For other news around town:
CCGR Celebrations
Congratulations to Janet and Gary Montroy on the birth of 2 Grandchildren !!
Sally Astrid Schechter was born on January 14th weighing 7 lbs. 14.5 oz. Mom and Dad: Beth and Jeff Schechter and brother Ozzie.
Kaiden Joseph was born on January 29th weighing 7 lbs. 12 oz Mom and Dad: Stephanie and Matt
In Janet’s words, “we are so blessed with this Baby Bonanza!!!”
And of course we are all overjoyed for the families as well.
~~ Happy “February” Birthdays ~~
Pam Speck, Feb. 1st
Diane Herrlett, Feb. 6th
Brian Bieszard, Feb. 19th
And finally, please remember to support Community Church – your church:
Thank you!
God Bless,
Candy and Donna
