Raffle Sales: Please support the IDA by purchasing a 50/50 raffle ticket. Drawing to be held July 3rd at 8pm at Borough Hall, during the Glen Rock POPS Concert. Tickets can be purchased at Kilroy’s, Mail n’ More, Creative Den, Suka Jewelry, Francesca’s Pizza, Giannella’s, Rock Ridge, Carrick Mor, & Wilkes Deli.
Glen Rock Pops (July 3rd): Keeping with tradition, the Glen Rock Pops will open the Independence Day Celebration on Saturday July 3 with a free concert on the lawn of Borough Hall at 7:00pm. Bring chairs and blankets and enjoy music under the stars. In case of rain, the performance will take place on Sunday July 4 at 7:00pm.
4th of July Parade: The Glen Rock IDA 4th of July Parade will be held Sunday, July 4th at 9:30am. The Parade will begin at Borough Hall and conclude at the Faber Field Sports Complex. Grand Marshalls to be announced!
Parade Details
Parade Info:
Dedication to the Grand Marshals will begin at 9:00am at the Steps of Borough Hall.
Start time: Step off is at 9:30am at the Glen Rock Borough Hall Harding Plaza, Glen Rock NJ
Route:
Leave Glen Rock Borough towards Rock Road
Left onto Rock Road.
Continuing on Rock Road through town, and right on Doremus Avenue.
Ending at the Glen Rock Municipal Pool.
Participants:
We have a wonderful variety of floats and participants in the parade. If your Block or organization would like to have a float or presence in the parade please use the application button on top of this page.
Decorate your Kids Bike, Scooter or Wagon!
To end the parade we have our decorated bikes, scooters and wagons. Kids of ALL ages are invited to participate. No sign up needed! Enter the parade at any time before the judges stand in front of Borough Hall so they can be judged for best decorated.
Bring your canned and non – perishable food!
The Religious Communities of Glen Rock collect canned and non-perishable foods each year for different food banks in our area.
We are returning to meet in person at church for Sunday morning Worship Services beginning Sunday, May 30th, and each Sunday going forward.
We realize many of you have been vaccinated; but perhaps some have not. Please be comfortable in knowing that social distancing will remain in place, and ask that we take each other’s well being into consideration.
We are most thankful to be able to gather in person going forward.
Please note that June 6th is Confirmation Sunday, when 3 of our young people will be receiving confirmation in-person during worship.
Services will also continue to be available on our CCGR Facebook page.
As always, thank you to Boyd Lowry for his dedication to CCGR and technical expertise, enabling us to view our weekly services from home, and to Janet Montroy for providing us with her wonderful music, and bringing such talented vocalists and musicians to our church services.
DID YOU MISS ONE OF PASTOR TERRY’S RECENT SUNDAY MESSAGES?
To reflect on recent Sunday messages Pastor Terry shared with us, please take a look at the below summaries, or take some time to view these services
(if you missed them) via Facebook or Youtube.
They convey some inspiring messages for us all, and include beautiful music for us all to hear.
Sunday, May 16th Service
Sermon: “What’s In A Window” – Pastor Terry
Music Director, Janet Montroy
Prelude: “Georgian Impression” – F. Guilmant
Duet: “You Are Mine” – David Haas, arranged by Mark Hayes, Melanie Lota and Stephanie Beaudoin – Sopranos
Duet: “You Are My All In All” – Lloyd Larson, Melanie Lota and Stephanie Beaudoin
Postlude: “Guide Me, Oh Thou Great Jehovah” – Wilbur Held
In his May 16th Sermon – “What’s In A Window” (based on Scripture Reading Genesis 28: 15-22), Pastor Terry reminded us of the occurrence of Ascension Thursday, one of the earliest Christian festivals, taking place the 40th day after the resurrection. On this day, it is believed that Jesus took his disciples to the Mt. of Olives where they watched Him ascend into Heaven. Jesus met with his disciples several times during these 40 days prior to Jesus’ ascension to instruct them how to carry out his teachings.
A key verse in this week’s scripture is Genesis 28:15 inwhen Jesus spoke to Jacob in a dream he had the night he stopped at Bethel: “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” This verse is such a strong reminder that the spirit of God is always with each and every one of us.
Pastor Terry brought us back through the years of our Community Church. He reminded us that our current church family is just one of many others who have come before us, worshiping within the secure structure of our church’s beautiful home. Although our church has grown from originally meeting in the local small little red school 125 years ago, generations of families have worshipped together in different structures on the site where our church stands today — from the little white church house — to the stucco church building — to our current brick home we now worship in today, adorned with the beautiful stained glass windows.
Just imagine how many prayers that have been prayed in the peaceful presence of all these structures. We have been blessed for a century and a quarter to have this home to share our deepest prayers with God — prayers of joy and sorrow; our church walls have heard them all. But, they don’t stop there, as Pastor Terry points out. Through our current stained glass windows, God has heard — and will continue to hear — each and every one of our personal messages from deep inside us — our needs, our wants, our hopes, our dreams, our pleas for help, our thank you’s, and so much more.
God is not so far away from us way beyond the clouds that He only hears bits and pieces of our conversations with Him. He is always present, and hears us through every silent thought, every silent prayer, every spoken prayer — in our own homes, in the parks or the beach while walking, on the bus going to work, wherever we are — he hears. And each Sunday, while we gather together as a family in the comfort and quiet of our church home, we especially are reassured to know that whatever our conversation is with God just doesn’t stay within our church walls. As you gaze at the beauty of each colored glass that surrounds our sanctuary, know he’s right there listening — surrounding us, hearing every thought and every word of every prayer we each pray.
We all have trials, disappointments, broken relationships, deep hurt and losses to share with Him. We all stumble occasionally; we are not perfect; we are not flawless. God is the only perfect One. And God does not judge when we do fall; He wants us to pick ourselves up and keep trying. All He wants is for each of us to have a relationship with Him — to grow to know Him better each day — to communicate with Him — to follow Him through all stages of our lives. He asks for nothing more.
And, the more we get to know God and have conversations with Him, the more we will find He IS there right beside us — always — everywhere we go. And, He will surely answer each of us — in His time; in His way — but He will answer.
Sunday, May 23rd Service
Sermon: “The Spirit: Bringing Unity in Diversity” – Pastor Terry
Music Director, Janet Montroy
Prelude:“Crown Him With Many Crowns” – Wilbur Held
Solo:“Wisdom, Come Softly” – Martin Barry, Melanie Lota, Soprano
Gospel Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:3-13, Gary Montroy
Solo: “Every Time I Feel The Spirit”- Mark Hayes, Melanie Lota
Postlude: “Holy Spirit, Ever Dwelling” – Michael Burkhardt
In his sermon on Pentecost Sunday, marking the 50th day of the feast of the resurrection, Pastor Terry discussed the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles and other followers of Jesus, recognized by many Christians as the birth of the Church.
The Apostles and the others had been afraid and unsure of their future and the Holy Spirit came to comfort them. Pastor Terry describes how the Spirit provided spiritual gifts meant for individual Christians for the good of others but for the primary purpose of building up the entire church.
What has become of this some 2,000 years later, Pastor Terry said, can be summed up in one phrase: “The Spirit bringing unity and diversityto the church.”
So why, Pastor Terry asks, do people seek out “cookie cutter” relationships (people just like them) when they say they want a diverse church?
Pastor Terry said there is no more helpful reading on this topic that today’s scripture in which Paul outlines to the Church of Corinth the gifts of the Spirit at the time, as he aims to convey a message of church unity — using the example of how the church is like the body whose every different part functions for the good of the whole. In other words, while we are a diverse community of believers with a variety of gifts, all of which come from the Holy Spirit, we can provide unity through our diversity.
Pastor Terry drew attention to the specific gifts outlined by Paul which include: wisdom, knowledge, faith, the gift of healing, the working of miracles, prophecy, the discerning of spirits, different kinds of tongues, and the interpretation of tongues — gifts that are available to be used by all us.
Hence, when the Spirit descended on the Apostles on Pentecost, they followed instruction to share their love of Christ with the world by giving the gift of Baptism. And this instruction is the same 2,000 years later as we as flowers of Jesus are called upon to share God’s love with on another.
Whether it is academic, musical, writing, ministering to others, we are a unity of believers. Again, as the body has different parts – each serving a significant purpose — it is God’s desire for us to share our individual gifts as a unity of believers to make our church whole.
Pastor Terry encourages us to seek out the voice of the Spirit who is calling us to use those gifts to help continue to build our church and serve God.
“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 family of Doris Adler on Doris’ passing;
the Mapes/Lange/Glass family; the Sinkway/Emery family; the Strickland family;
Anne Allen, Debbie Azzarone, Doris Adler, Kim Briggs, Trudy Carhart, Beryl Ferrari,
Jean Franklin, Bob Freudenrich, and Janice Roed.
Stephanie Beaudoin has shared a special prayer request of us —
A 3rd grade student of Stephanie’s, Aidan D’Angelo of Fair Lawn, was hit by a car this weekend and remains in a coma.
Please keep Aidan and his family … and those who know him … in your prayers.
Private Prayer ChainFor 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:
To Our CCGR Family: Thanks to all who attended our mother Connie’s memorial service, either virtually or in person, last Saturday, 5/22/21. As this chapter in our lives comes to a close, we turn to our current friendships and family connections to sustain us. We look forward to holding our cherished memories close and our new experiences even closer and dearer. It is in that light that your presence meant and means so much to us.
With love from Connie and her family,
and the warmest of wishes for all of you,
Robin Emery, Dave & Jody Sinkway and Diane Stenberg
~~~~~
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.
We will continue to be reaching out to everyone because we really want to know what you think. Surveys have been sent out to those who weren’t able to participate in one of the Vision Planning Meetings. We hope that you will be able to find the time to take part. After all, it is Your Church. Now more than ever, your input will be helpful in shaping the future!
Your friends, the Vision Planning Committee: Pastor Terry, Lynn Meyers, Boyd Lowry, Fran Milde, Reggie Aber, Kyle Breitweiser and Candy Hall.
~~~~~~
Our next book is “Interior Chinatown” by Charles Yu.
We will be meeting on Friday, June 18, at 7:00 p.m.
All Welcome!
~~~~~~
JUNE BIRTHDAYS
1 – Joseph Kaselow
2 – Bob Freudenrich
3 – Bob Croland
5 – Harry Horeisch
***Please let us know of any other celebrations we can include with those we might have missed.***
~~~~~~
Ageless Grace Continues at 9am on Wednesday morning
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.
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.
Sunday morning Worship Service continue to be live-streamed at 10:00 a.m. https://communitychurchgr.com/watch/. Services can also be viewed anytime on YouTube or accessed via the CCGR Facebook page.
Please note:
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.
As always, thank you to Boyd Lowry for his dedication to CCGR and technical expertise, enabling us to view our weekly services from home, and to Janet Montroy for providing us with her wonderful music, and bringing such talented vocalists and musicians to our church services.
To reflect on recent Sunday messages Pastor Terry shared with us, please take a look at the below summaries.
Sunday, May 2nd Service
Sermon: “You’re Still The One” – Pastor Terry
Music Director, Janet Montroy
Prelude: “In Thee is Gladness” – Dale Wood
Piano Solo: “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” – Mary McDonald, Janet Montroy
Gospel Reading: John 17: 20-26, Nancy Walters
Piano Solo: “Spirit of God, Descent Upon My Heart” – Mark Hayes, Janet Montroy
Postlude: “March” – Henry Purcell
In his May 2nd Sermon – “You’re Still The One” (based on Scripture Reading John 17:20-26), Pastor Terry shared how — including him at earlier stages in his life prior to entering the ministry — prayer continues to be of an after-thought for many. It seems to create ‘vulnerability’ in some people. In our society, they think it is a sign of weakness or neediness and, therefore, avoid it altogether. But in ministry, Pastor Terry shared that this is not what he has found to be; people are willing to share their concerns and uncertainties, and welcome prayer. Ministry, as a result, has strengthened his prayer life.
Jesus, in His final discussion with His disciples, stressed how important prayer is — for them, as well as for all future believers. He shared that prayer is for anyone who believes. Jesus prays for us that, as believers, we are invited to receive the ‘gift of prayer’.
Prayer requires no certain pattern to follow. It can be in solitude, with others, anyplace, or any time of day or night. It is a conversation with God, stemming from one’s own heart. God is there always for each of us. He always listens and hears us and will answer when He feels it’s the right time. His desire is for all believers to be ‘one’ – that ALL the world would come to know Him. Being ‘one’ means ‘unity’ in our ‘diversity’ — that each and every one of us has the opportunity to know Him and His Love. And through knowing Him, His desire is for ALL to share with Him.
As we develop our relationship with God, we also build our relationship with others. Prayer is the key to building these relationships. It guides us and strengthens us. We are reminded from this message with a beautiful act of love it is to pray for one another. And, our love for each other reflects our love for God.
As believers in our church family, we are ‘united’ in prayer, and how blessed are we to have this gift of ‘oneness’ to share. As diverse as we each are, we have the gift of ‘unity’ in our ‘diversity’. Praying for one another in our church family and extended family is an ‘act of Love’ that Jesus has passed down to us, binding us all together.
Sunday, May 9th Servic
Sermon: “Feminine Wisdom In The World” – Pastor Terry
Music Director, Janet Montroy
Prelude: “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” – Wilbur Held
Solo: “Home” – Heather Sorenson, Beth Valenti – Mezzo Soprano
Gospel Reading: Proverbs 31: 10-12 & 25-31, Chris Montgomery
Solo: “We Shall See Jesus” – Diane Wilkinson, Beth Valenti
Postlude: “Ye Servants of God” – Robert Hobby
In his Mother’s Day sermon, Pastor Terry spotlights the seven traits of a motherly woman of God, drawing from Proverbs 31: 10-12 & 25-31.
He reminds us that Proverbs is part of the wisdom literature of the Bible that is concerned with the realities of the human experience and how it relates to God.
In the passage, which brings the Book of Proverbs to a close, the focus is on wisdom in the form of a feminine figure, which is seen as a source of order and success in life. Here we are shown the many gifts of a motherly follower of Christ. Nowhere in the Bible, says pastor Terry, are these gifts more clearly and thoroughly outlined than in this text.
Summarizing the traits, Pastor Terry says this woman of God possesses moral excellence, integrity and character; is trustworthy and faithful; is diligent, energetic and hardworking—managing her household well; and is one who demonstrates compassion toward others, especially those in need. She is also productive and successful—taking the initiative to get things done; instructive, wise and strong; and mentally, physically and spiritually engaged—instructing her family regularly in faith.
The woman we encounter in the passage is not a woman of perfection, Pastor Terry points out, noting that a woman who possesses any of the qualities and seeks to attain more should be praised. He also asks us to keep in mind that all of the traits would be of benefit to not only women but to all who believe.
What is the key to unlocking these traits? Pastor Terry reminds us that if we absorb God’s words, call on God in prayer and seek God passionately, God will give us the reward we have earned.
“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, Doris Adler, Kim Briggs, Trudy Carhart, Beryl Ferrari,
Jean Franklin, Bob Freudenrich, Donna Nihen, and Janice Roed.
Private Prayer ChainFor 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:
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.
~~~~~
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.
We will be reaching out to everyone because we really want to know what you think. We hope that when you are contacted, you will be able to find the time to take part. After all, it is Your Church. Now more than ever, your input will be helpful in shaping the future!
Your friends, the Vision Planning Committee: Pastor Terry, Lynn Meyers, Boyd Lowry, Fran Milde, Reggie Aber, Kyle Breitweiser and Candy Hall
Our next book selection is “Caste: The Origins of our Discontents”, by Isabel Wilkerson
We will be meeting on Friday, May 21, at 7:00 p.m.
All Welcome!
MAY BIRTHDAYS
1 – Cheryl Wardrop
4 – Matthew Bieszard
14 – Jodi Stewart
19 – Jack Fogarty
Ageless Grace Continues at 9am on Wednesday morning
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.
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.
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:
We are so blessed as a church family to have had such a beautiful Christmas Season throughout Advent — all the way up through New Year’s Sunday.
Thank you to Pastor Terry, Candy Hall, Boyd Lowry, Janet Montroy & our choir members, soloists & musicians, readers, and so many others who quietly contributed to helping to provide us virtually with as ‘close to normal’ as possible Community Church Christmas traditions that have always been so meaningful and special to us all.
We would be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge our appreciation for all that contributed to the many blessings that contributed to a joyous Christmas Season:
We are grateful for:
Pastor Terry’s weekly inspiring messages, and the thought, time, and prayer he invested in each.
We are grateful for:
Janet Montroy’s beautiful music, as well as the many gifted musicians and soloists (Stephanie Beaudoin, Jo Ann Jennings, Bethany Kazimir, Jeanne Jones O’Brien and Caitlin O’Brien and Guest Soloist, Melanie Lota).
We are grateful for:
All the ‘personal’ reflections of Christmas memories past, shared by some members of our church family (Stephanie Beaudoin, Nancy Croland, Bethany Kazimir, Chris Montgomery).
We are grateful for:
Boyd Lowry’s gifted technical talents, and the hours he continues to devote to recording all aspects of each service — enabling us to virtually view them weekly from our homes.
We are grateful for:
Ed & Janet Chen (and helpers) for adorning our sanctuary with the beautiful Christmas tree, poinsettias, garland, candelabras, and more.
We are grateful for:
Carl Fry, Keith Stewart, and Boy Scouts (and others from the Property Committee) who continue to be there for us year after year to erect and dismantle our beautiful Nativity on our front lawn.
We are grateful for:
Janet Chen, Doris Van Ostenbridge, & Betty Vella for organizing the Women’s Ministry’s Christmas Plant Sale AND the traditional December Women’s Ministry luncheon (‘Zoom’- style), and to Janet Montroy for providing the music accompaniment and Cheryl Wardrop for organizing a virtual Christmas craft.
We are grateful for:
Joanna Van Vliet for organizing the Youth Wreath Sale, and delivering them to homes (along with Ava Montgomery and other helpers).
We are grateful for:
Candy Hall, Boyd Lowry, and Janet Montroy for organizing, directing, and producing the ‘award-winning’ Children’s Christmas Eve ‘Good News Nativity’. And.., to the amazing, talented performers from our church family — Stephanie & Owen Beaudoin, Charlotte Gomez, Claire Jones, the Kazimir Family (Bethany, Stephen, Jovie, & Stephen), Alison Montgomery, and the Van Vliet Family (Joanna, Noah, Helena, Reggie, Amelia, & Mason).
We are grateful for:
Janet Montroy — and the beautiful music provided us in our ‘Lessons and Carols’ Candlelight Service, including our CCGR talented Bell Ringers, and Guest Cellist, Lanny Paykin. And, to our Christmas Eve Readers — thank you to Bruce Beal and Cheryl Wardrop.
We are grateful for:
Gary & Janet Montroy for organizing and providing — along with the church — the ‘Surprise Bagels (& Cream Cheese) Delivery’ last Saturday, for our virtual traditional January 3rd Bagel Sunday Worship. And, to our team of bagel baggers, and delivery helpers to homes within the surrounding geographic area of the church — we couldn’t have done it without your help: Jeanne & Terry O’Brien who helped the Montroy’s pack, and deliverers: Robin Emery, Candy Hall, Lynn Meyers, Jennette, Ava, & Alison Montgomery, Janet Montroy, Bob & Donna Nihen, Gail Sternitzke, & Cheryl Wardrop.
AND ..
We are grateful for:
Boyd Lowry and the amazing job he did in providing us with the very special Bagel Sunday Surprise Holiday Greeting video – starring several members of our church family.
If you haven’t had a chance to see this past Sunday’s service — which includes the Greetings — you can view via clicking on https://youtu.be/lQFmokSCFloIt can also be viewed via our website www.communitychurchgr.com (Worship Page), or on our Facebook Page. (Bagel Sunday’s Sermon: “Restored by the Grace of God”).
And … last but not least …
We are so grateful for:
Our Office Staff — Diane Herrlett & Barbara Zucchino, and our Custodian, Linda Johnson….who have all continued to report to work ‘in person’ throughout the entire pandemic.
We are pleased to say, along with their much-needed input and help, Candy and Donna worked together with them to update our 2021 CCGR Directory (which was mailed to everyone’s home right before Christmas. If you haven’t received your copy, please contact the church office.
Should you see any changes that need to be made, please alert the church office as well so we can keep everything current.
In addition to the directories, you probably have already received your 2021 church contribution envelopes which were mailed home recently. Again, if you haven’t, please call the office to let them know.
The Christmas Holidays were difficult for many, especially those who have lost a loved one over the last year, or for those who are experiencing health or other challenges that they are faced with everyday. Please remember those who you know of, who might not even be on the list below.
And.., please continue to pray for our church members, families, and those close to us who have shared a special part of our lives —
Prayer is a way to help comfort others — to express our love and understanding; sometimes it is the only thing we can do.
Our ongoing prayers continue for Anne Allen & Family (including Anne’s daughters, Liz & family and Sara & Boyd Lowry & Family); Ed Archbold; Debbie Azzarone & Family (including Debbie’s daughter, Elizabeth & Kyle Popiolek & Family); Rich Balch & family; Laura Bird-Bennett & Family; Susan Beal; Kim Briggs; Trudy Carhart & Family; Okey Chenoweth & Family; Rich Dethmers; Beryl Ferrari; Jean Franklin; Bob Freudenrich; Hilda Gabriel & Family; Terry Gilligan & Family; Colleen Janssen & Family; Eric Lundquist & Family; Janice Roed; Connie Sinkway and the Sinkway/Emery Family; Pam Speck; Doris Van Ostenbridge & Family; Rev. Jerry Wright and Family; Barbara Zucchino & Family; the Ruth Rankin Leaper Family
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
IMPORTANT NOTE:REGARDING WEDNESDAY PRAYER TIME: For now, (especially throughout the upcoming winter months, our sanctuary will not be open for private prayer and reflection on Wednesdays. We will make you aware of any updated details, should we decide to re-open and resume.
Please continue to show your support to CCGR —
During these difficult and unprecedented times, if you are able, 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. ;
Please remember to call the church office if you haven’t received your 2021 contribution envelopes in the mail.
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Community Thrift Shop
The Community Thrift Shop is now open — with limited hours — to receive donations of clothes, linens, and shoes, and some bric-a-brac. They are now beginning to receive fall and winter items. They request that you limit clothing to 2 kitchen plastic garbage-size bags (or 4 paper grocery bags), and 2 small boxes for bric-a-brac.
Their current ‘limited’ hours are:
Monday: Drop-off Only (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.).
**It’s better to get there earlier than later; there are limitations as to how much the Thrift Shop can take in at one time. They sometimes have to stop receiving before 2 p.m.
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday: Open for Sales (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
Wednesday & Friday: Closed
(85 Godwin Avenue, Midland Park — in the lower level behind Kings Shopping Center; 201-652-7661)
*Please remember to mention ‘Community Church‘ (#3), as we will receive a percentage of any of our donated items
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RESUMING Wednesday, January 6th —
Wednesday – 9:00 a.m. – In Fellowship Hall or via Zoom
God Bless,
JUNE BIRTHDAYS