There are many ways to mark the passing of a year. The cycle of the seasons, each beautiful in its own way, is the common backdrop of our lives. Businesses are run on the fiscal year, from July 1 to June 30. And no matter how long we have been out of school, the start of the academic year in September brings a sense of new beginnings, and its end in June makes us all feel a little giddy with thoughts of leisure and vacation.
The liturgical year is another way to note the passing of time. It begins in Advent, moves through the great festivals of Christmas, Lent, Easter and Pentecost, and ends on Christ the King Sunday at the end of November. It begins again the following week with Advent, in an endless cycle of celebration and remembrance. Each liturgical season has its own color: blue for Advent, white for Christmas and Easter, purple for Lent, red for Pentecost. But what happens between the special festivals of the church? That season is “ordinary time”, and this year it begins on June 6.
Normally there isn’t much to say about ordinary time. There is nothing dramatic or exciting happening, it just is. But how glad I am to be approaching ordinary time now! After a most un-ordinary year, I’m taking great pleasure in the simple unfolding of small pleasures: hugging my children and grandchildren, getting together with friends, eating in a restaurant. What a joy it is to be slowly returning to everyday rhythms. This last year has taught me that such ordinary events are the infinitely rewarding core of life. How appropriate it is, then, that the liturgical color for ordinary time is the green of nature itself!
I am reminded of the Shaker song “Simple Gifts” Although it was written to reflect particular Shaker theology, there is also a universality to the text that speaks to me strongly:
‘Tis the gift to be simple, ’tis the gift to be free
‘Tis the gift to come down where you ought to be
And when you find yourself in the place just right
‘Twill be in the valley of love and delight
May 2021 – CURRENTS
COMMUNITY CHURCH OF GLEN ROCK
354 Rock Road, Glen Rock, NJ 07452 office@communitychurchgr.com Tel: 201-444-4625 Fax:
201-444-4633
The Rev. Terrence O’Brien, Senior Minister The Rev. Vern L. Dethmers, Minister Emeritus
Notes from PASTOR TERRY
Dear Friends,
There comes a time in all of our lives when we need to say goodbye to someone
whose presence among us has been a blessing. We say our fond farewell, not because of any tragic
event, but simply because it was time to move on. And as difficult as it might be,
you both know that it is the right decision. Such is the case with the departure of Barbara
Zucchino this month. Although both of us have known this day was coming for quite some time,
neither of us were looking forward to it.
Barbara came to work at CCGR shortly after I arrived in September of 2015. She was replacing
someone with big shoes to fill, in Roseanne Eckert, who was much loved by myself and
the congregation. She did so with, what seemed to me, such remarkable ease. For the past five
years we have shared a wonderful working relationship, one that I am extremely
grateful to have had.
Barbara has the innate ability to always be one step ahead of you. On a personal note, I think it
frustrates her tremendously so if she is not. Barbara has always been meticulous
about her work. She is extremely aware of deadlines and makes it a point to meet them well ahead
of time. This never comes, though, at the expense of her pleasant and engaging communications with
church members. Those of you who have ever had any interaction with her could certainly attest to
that. And when it comes time to put the pedal to the metal, she is all business and ready to go
the extra mile.
More than all of this, however, I felt like I had a confidant in Barbara; someone with whom I
could express work concerns in confidentiality. We have never spoken in detail of our home
lives, or that much outside of work. And yet, I have a strong belief that she is a person with a
deep sense of faith, which has been evident in the compassion and care she expresses towards
others.
So, we do not say goodbye, for goodbyes feels much too final. Instead, we simply wish Barbara a
fond farewell, with hopes and prayers that the next chapter in her life will bring further joy and
happiness. Thank you, Barbara, for sharing your gifts with Community Church.
Many Blessings, Pastor Terry
P.S. – Due to the pandemic, we will not be able to have a send-off in person. I
am certain, though, that Barbara would welcome your best wishes.
======================
The upcoming worship experience at Community Church is about to change. We are planning to return
to in-person services after nearly 14 months without. May 2nd, 9th, 16th, & 23rd will be live
streamed only. On May 30th we will hold a 10:00 am social distanced outdoor service on the east
side lawn of the church.
Then, barring any further outbreaks, the church will be holding in-person worship services in the
sanctuary once again, beginning Sunday, June 6th at 10:00 am. We still intend, though, to adhere
to all CDC recommendations. Precautionary measures such as social distancing, masks, no hymn
singing, and open windows will all be followed.
We realize that many of you have been vaccinated at this point. Services will continue, though, to
be live streamed for those unable to attend in person.
New Office Staff Welcome!
We are very happy to announce that CCGR and recently elected Consistory member Jessica Fry will be
joining the office staff later this month. Jessica is being brought up to speed during this
transition period by Barbara Zucchino whose position Jessica will assume. Jessica will
be handling administrative financial responsibilities in the office. The church is excited to
have Jessica come on board. We hope that you will welcome her and hold her in your prayers as she
works her way into the position.
Community Church Youth and Families
Our Church School families have been creative to keep youth involved in different ways than church
school. Our youth and families performed a second video pageant thanks to their
ingenuity and talents. Thanks also to Pastor Terry, Janet Montroy and Boyd Lowry for making that
successful.
Some church families participated in the Hackensack Shelter desserts and
clementines donations that happened this past weekend. After they were delivered, the staff asked
to let us know how much the donations of cookies/brownies and fruit were appreciated.
There was enough for all the meals that night and still enough for all the meals the
following night!! ( While different groups cook meals not many add desserts or fruit to those
donated meals) Stay tuned for the next date on this outreach.
Next opportunities for youth and family involvement will hopefully include a service
for graduating seniors and working on the Glen Rock borough wide July 4ᵗʰ Food collection. It is
Community Church’s turn to lead this year. It was an academic year like no other. So grateful for
everything the church school families and staff have done to ensure that we continue
to stay connected and supportive of each other, as well as the needy
members of our community.
Candy Hall
Interim Church School Coordinator
May 1 – Cheryl Wardrop
May 14 – Jodi Stewart
May 19 – Jack Fogarty
A Musical Note
There are many ways to mark the passing of a year. The cycle of the seasons, each beautiful in its
own way, is the common backdrop of our lives. Businesses are run on the fiscal year, from July 1 to
June 30. And no matter how long we have been out of school, the start of the academic year in
September brings a sense of new beginnings, and its end in June makes us all feel a little giddy
with thoughts of leisure and vacation.
The liturgical year is another way to note the passing of time. It begins in Advent, moves through
the great festivals of Christmas, Lent, Easter and Pentecost, and ends on Christ the King Sunday at
the end of November. It begins again the following week with Advent, in an endless cycle of
celebration and remembrance. Each liturgical season has its own color: blue for Advent, white for
Christmas and Easter, purple for Lent, red for Pentecost. But what happens between the
special festivals of the church? That season is “ordinary time”, and this year it begins on June
6.
Normally there isn’t much to say about ordinary time. There is nothing dramatic or
exciting happening, it just is. But how glad I am to be approaching ordinary time now! After a most
un- ordinary year, I’m taking great pleasure in the simple unfolding of small pleasures: hugging my
children and grandchildren, getting together with friends, eating in a restaurant. What a joy it is
to be slowly returning to everyday rhythms. This last year has taught me that such
ordinary events are the infinitely rewarding core of life. How appropriate it is, then,
that the liturgical color for ordinary time is the green of nature itself!
I am reminded of the Shaker song “Simple Gifts” Although it was written to reflect particular
Shaker theology, there is also a universality to the text that speaks to me strongly:
‘Tis the gift to be simple, ’tis the gift to be free ‘Tis the gift to come down where you ought to
be And when you find yourself in the place just right ‘Twill be in the valley of love and delight
May we all find ourselves in that valley!
Connie Sinkway Celebration of Life Service
A worship service to celebrate the life of Connie Sinkway will be held in the
sanctuary on Saturday May 22, 2021 at 2 PM with festive prelude music beginning at 1:45 PM.
Connie’s faith and commitment to Community church was strong and her friends and her
church family sustained her. We are grateful to you all for caring for us over the last few years
and welcome you to join us in the sanctuary. Our family recognizes the need to be
cautious about indoor gatherings and strict protocols will be followed; limited and
spaced seating, masks, hand sanitizing, and if you are not in good health, the choice to join us
from your home. The service will be live streamed and/or recorded and those links will be available
on the church website or Facebook page. We look forward to honoring our mom’s life with all of you.
With gratitude and friendship from Connie’s family: Dave and his wife Gabrielle and their children
Lily and Adam.
Robin and her daughter Meg, son Zach and his wife Katie and their children Parker and Avery.
Jody, along with Diane and her husband Don and their children Garret and Trevor.
“Praying for people not only has impact on their life since you are helping usher in the hand of
God when it corresponds to His will, but praying for others also changes your heart towards that
person. So, we should always pray for each other because prayer creates unity,” and we are
comforted to know others are praying for them.
Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us and God knows your heart even if you can’t find the
words to pray.
Please continue to pray for all of our church members and families. We each are faced with
challenging issues — some because of loss and grief, some for health issues, family conflict,
loneliness, or some other type of situation.
Special prayer requests continue for: the Mapes/Lange/Glass family; the Sinkway/Emery family; the
Strickland family; Anne Allen, Debbie Azzarone, Kim Briggs, Trudy Carhart, Beryl Ferrari, Jean
Franklin, Bob Freudenrich, Donna Nihen, and Janice Roed.
CCGR ‘PRIVATE’ PRAYER CHAIN
For those more ‘private’ prayer requests, it gives us comfort knowing our church has a small group
‘CCGR Prayer Chain’. We share prayer needs in confidence on a regular basis those prayers shared
with us that you would like to be kept private. If you have a need for prayer that you feel you
would like us to share confidentially amongst the small group Prayer Chain, please email requests
to:
• Candy Hall at candy.hallccgr@gmail.com and/or
• Donna Nihen at blackvelvet1299@aol.com,
• and of course, Pastor Terry at pastor@communitychurchgr.com
Adopt-a-Bill
The Adopt-a-Bill initiative is an opportunity for you to adopt and pay for a one-time expense item
that the church incurs, or to adopt a recurring expense for one month. We often
ask ourselves at times of the year if there is any other way that we can help out the church beyond
our pledged commitment. And we want to put a face on that assistance. Every month, we will be
posting a handful of one-time and recurring expenses in the Currents. There will be a wide range of
cost items, giving everyone the opportunity to participate. It’s just another option for you in
helping out our church at those times during the year when you might have the
financial resources to do so. The gifts will remain anonymous. Those making an adoption will have
their yearly donation credited to their end-of-year statements while maintaining confidentiality.
Please note on envelope the item you’re adopting and the amount. I am pleased to announce, at
this time, that a number of previous Adopt-a-Bills have already been covered. Don’t miss out on the
next opportunity, to give back to the church in a unique way! As a reminder, our current Adopt-
a-Bills are:
UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE, WORSHIP CONTINUES BEING STREAMED AT 10:00 A.M. ON SUNDAY MORNINGS (DUE TO RECENT COVID UPTICK), INCLUDING EASTER SUNDAY. Also, Service may be viewed anytime after that as well. https://communitychurchgr.com/watch/. It can also be viewed on CCGR’s Facebook page or on You Tube
PALM SUNDAY SERVICE (TOMORROW, 3/28) WILL BE STREAMED.
PLEASE COME BY THE CHURCH TOMORROW TO PICK UP YOUR PALM (WILL BE AVAILABLE ON TABLE OUTSIDE EDUCATION BUILDING ENTRANCE THROUGHOUT THE DAY).
Worship Service March 14, 2021:
Pastor Terry’s sermon title, “No Shame On Us”
Gospel ReadingMark 8:34-38 Jo Ann Jennings
“He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.”
Sermon Summary: “No Shame On Us”
In Pastor Terry’s sermon, he shared a story he experienced as a young boy that impacted him as he continued to mature. Getting into a boyhood “scuff” in which he followed the “egging on” of peers, which left him with regret, shame and disappointment that ate away at him. And although he was immediately sorry for the incident, it left him with a terrible memory of “shame” for what he had done. (Re-watch the sermon for Pastor Terry’s own words and message).
I’m sure we’ve all been disappointed in ourselves at one time or another for a choice we’ve made on how we treat others. Instead of reacting in a way Jesus would respond, we often submit to peer influence (i.e., sometimes sin or self-satisfaction.).
Jesus wants us to go to him to direct us, not to “humanly” control our own destiny. Avoiding Jesus in our lives will possibly temporarily help eliminate embarrassment and shame, but it will catch up to us even later. Shame and sin are closely related. Always remember: “WWJD?”
As always, thank you to Janet Montroy for her wonderful musical talents, as well as for those people she has brought to our services to share with our congregation!
Thank you for the return of Beth Valenti, sharing with us her beautiful Mezzo-Soprano of “Let Me Walk You Home” (Heather Sorenson) and “His Strength is Perfect” (Steven Curtis Chapman).
We are very grateful for Boyd Lowry for his video skills which allows our services to be seen by so many. Thank you, Boyd!
Worship Service March 21, 2021:
Pastor Terry’s sermon title, :“Pick Up Your Mat”
Gospel ReadingJohn 5:1-15 Cheryl Wardrop
“After this there was a festival of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate there is a pool, called in Hebrew Beth-zatha, which has five porticoes. In these lay many invalids —– blind, lame, and paralyzed. One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; and while I am making my way, someone else steps down ahead of me.” Jesus said to him, “Stand up, take your mat and walk.” At once the man was made well, and he took up his mat and began to walk. Now that day was a sabbath. So the Jews said to the man who had been cured, “It is the sabbath; it is not lawful for you to carry your mat.” But he answered them, “The man who made me well said to me, “Take up your mat and walk.” They asked him, “Who is the man who said to you, ‘Take it up and walk’?” Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had disappeared in the crowd that was there. Later Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “See, you have been made well! Do not sin anymore, so nothing worse happens to you.” The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. “
Sermon Summary:“Pick Up Your Mat”
In his sermon, Pastor Terry reminded us that everyone has their own problems in life, including each of us in our congregational family. Most people though, he said, tend not to talk about their problems in public, but rather conceal them under a mask.
Pastor Terry shared the story of an ill man who Jesus came upon in Jerusalem in a place where invalids gathered, including the blind, lame and paralyzed. After 38 years, the man’s problems had become a way of life—much like some problems do in our own lives. No one had ever offered to help the man until Jesus came upon him and learned of his plight.
Unlike the man in this parable, we cannot rely on Jesus to automatically intercede in our lives and cure our problems. Rather, as Pastor Terry offered, we must have the conviction to want to be healed, stop blaming others for our troubles, and go beyond our human existence to seek out God’s help through prayer.
Say a prayer today for someone who you know of who is experiencing problems or facing challenges such as an illness, job loss, or troubled relationship. Ask God to bring them strength and guidance and to walk by their side as they seek to overcome their difficulties through growing in their relationship with Christ.
We are so gifted to be blessed with the music Janet (Montroy) provides us with. And so blessed to have Jody Sinkway sharing her beautiful Mezzo Soprano solos: “Create In Me A Clean Heart, O God” ( Carl Mueller) and “I Must Walk That Lonesome Valley” (Clifford Shaw).
And once again, thank you to Boyd Lowry for his amazing technical abilities so we may be able to share worship together virtually.
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
Please continue to pray for all of our church members and families. This is 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 Mapes/Lange/Glass family; the Sinkway/Emery family; the Strickland family; Kim Briggs, Trudy Carhart, Debbie Azzarone, Anne Allen, Jean Franklin, Bob Freudenrich, Janice Roed, Beryl Ferrari, and Donna Nihen
CCGR PRAYER CHAIN
For those more ‘private’ prayer requests, it gives us comfort knowing our church has a small group ‘CCGR Prayer Chain’. We share prayer needs in confidence on a regular basis those prayers shared with us that you would like to be kept private. If you have a need for prayer that you feel you would like us to share confidentially amongst the small group Prayer Chain, please email requests to Candy Hall at candy.hallccgr@gmail.comand Donna Nihen at blackvelvet1299@aol.com, and of course, Pastor Terry at pastor@communitychurchgr.com
EASTER FLOWERS
~~Remembering a Loved One With a Flower~~
If you would like to honor someone for Easter, please contact the church office by MARCH 30th.with your check, made out to CCGR.
HOLY WEEK AT CCGR
– PALM SUNDAY (3/28): Live-streamed Service (10 a.m., or anytime thereafter via the CCGR website or via You Tube)
(Pick up your palms throughout the day available
Outside the Ed. Bldg. entrance.)
– MAUNDY THURSDAY (4/1): Virtual Service (7 p.m.)
– EASTER SUNDAY (4/4) : Live-streamed Service (10 a.m., or
anytime thereafter via the CCGR website or via You Tube)
** CELEBRATION OF LIFE OVER DEATH
REMEMBERING THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS**
~~Glorious music consisting of trumpet solos, soaring vocals, handbell choir, and our traditional Hallelujah Chorus~~
~AND~………..
~~AT 4 P.M. on EASTER SUNDAY~~
The Church School Youth & their Families will be performing
a VIRTUAL EASTER PAGEANT (more details to follow).
IN ADDITION, DON’T MISS OUT ON OUR SECOND VIRTUAL EASTER EGG HUNT AND DECORATING CONTEST (details below):
We are looking for volunteers to participate in our second annual ‘virtual’ Easter Egg Hunt in Glen Rock & local vicinity. ANYONE & EVERYONE are invited to participate (to create and decorate an egg(s) – whatever size you wish – to fit in a window or at your front door (or on your lawn) — but large enough to be seen by someone driving by.
Participating families/homes must be within five (5) miles of the church. We will also be asking our youth to participate by taking pictures of the eggs that they are finding. Two prizes will be given. 1.) One for who found the most eggs, and 2.) the egg voted the favorite among participants. The winners will be announced sometime in the week following the event.
Please email Candy Hall candy.hallccgr@gmail.comif you would like to participate. Candy will then send a list out to all participants (including addresses).
And remember …, this isn’t just for Kids; it’s for Everyone – Big Kids, too (i.e., Adults).
CCGR CELEBRATIONS
~~MARCH BIRTHDAYS~~
6 – Doris Van Ostenbridge
11 – Phil Gulmy
21 – Lila Healy
21 – Boyd Lowry
21 – Stan Willey
27 – Carolyn Weir
30 – Joanna Van Vliet
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 continue to invite groups and individuals to share their ideas. We won’t stop until we hear from everyone. 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!
Ageless Grace
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
Religious Communities of Glen Rock
Religious Communities of Glen Rock is continuing their weekly messages of hope, unity and healing each week on facebook.com/glenrockinterfaith. Check it out for inspiration.
Pastor Terry’s sermon title, Live the Life of Jesus
Gospel Reading Matthew 6:1-18Gary Montroy
“Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven. “So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. “And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. “When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. “Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one. For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. “And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Sermon Live the Life of Jesus Pastor
Please take the time to listen to Pastor Terry’s sermon as he explores both our outer but more importantly our internal self-image. He refers to the section in Genesis where it is written that God created human kind in his image. Since we have a spiritual likeness to our creator, Pastor Terry is reminding us who our role model should be in our lives. What better role model than Jesus, who is close to his father’s heart and who has made the father known, he asks.
Pastor Terry asks us how do we live our lives? In Lent, whenever we give, fast or forgive we should do so for the right reasons: not to be noticed or to show we are making some sacrifice. It should be a private matter. He reminds us that the road is not an easy one but one where God does promise to watch over us. Pastor Terry talks about silver being refined and how important it is to keep an eye during the refinement that the silver doesn’t get destroyed. The end result of the refinement process is when you can see your face in the silver. Pastor Terry reminds us that as we work to refine ourselves during Lent and at other times, God keeps his eye on us until he sees ( and perhaps we may also get to see) his image in us.
The words of the sermon combined with the rousing and inspiring music “My Soul Cries Out” and “Ain’t Nobody Gonna Turn Me Around” sung beautifully by Stephanie Beaudoin and accompanied by Music Director Janet Montroy created the backdrop for our self-review of how our own refinement is coming along.
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! Also grateful for our soloists and readers. Thank you Gary and Stephanie! 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
Please continue to pray for all of our church members and families. This is 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 a former church member, Kendra Weiss who died of cancer this past week. People wanting to send condolences can mail them to Lyn Weiss 30A E. Daisy La., Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054.
Please continue your special prayers for: The Sinkway/Emery and Strickland families. Phil and Elizabeth Gulmy, Kim Briggs, Carolyne Gulmy Monti, Jean Franklin, Bob Freudenrich, Janice Roed, Beryl Ferrari and Donna Nihen.
What’s Happening in the next few weeks:
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 continue to invite groups and individuals to share their ideas. We won’t stop until we hear from everyone. 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!
Join the Fight Against Hate! Attend a conversation about hate on Monday, March 15, 2021 from 6-7 PM
Some people in our congregation have spoken out about their concern about hate in our society. Please join Attorney General Grewal and other Bergen County leaders including Glen Rock’s Community Relations Advisory Board who will talk about efforts to combat rising tensions and share ways to inspire action against hate. The Religious Communities of Glen Rock (RCGR) along with the Glen Rock Community Relations Advocacy Network (CRAN) and the National Anti-Defamation League will (ADL) will be sponsoring this event. .
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
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
Religious Communities of Glen Rock is continuing their weekly messages of hope, unity and healing each week on facebook.com/glenrockinterfaith. Check it out for inspiration.
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:
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.
SermonLadies 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:
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
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:
