Weekly Update – 11/01/2020

Dear CCGR Family,
THIS SUNDAY 11/1 – 10:00 a.m. 
 Indoor worship service in the sanctuary; it will be live streamed, as well, to watch from home for those who aren’t able to attend.
The service will also be available to view on Youtube at a later time in the event you miss the 10:00 a.m. streaming.
The title of the sermon will be ‘ARE YOU ON A TRIVIAL PURSUIT?’.
Scripture: Luke 20: 27-38
– Social distance and masks covering nose and mouth a must.
– Paperless service — no hymnals or bulletins.
– Prayers will be emailed; bring your smart phone for paperless participation.
– We will have instrumental music — no hymns per CDC COVID recommendations.
IMPORTANT—-FOR ANY SERVICE:
Please stay home if ….
1…. within the past 14 days you have experienced a fever (+100.4 temperature) or chills, cough, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, fatigue, body aches, headache, sore throat, congestion/runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea or a new loss of taste or smell.
2. …within the past 14 days you have been exposed to anyone with or suspected of having COVID.
3. …within the past 10 days, you have tested positive for COVID-19, even if asymptomatic.
NEW for CCGR:  Within the past 14 days, have you traveled outside of the U.S. or outside of NJ, NY, or Connecticut? If so, to what state?
As per New Jersey’s travel advisory, currently there are 14-day quarantine orders in place for those traveling from certain state and U.S. jurisdictions. The up-to-date list can be found at: https://covid19.nj.gov/faqs/nj-information/travel-information/which-states-are-on-the-travel-advisory-list-are-there-travel-restrictions-to-or-from-new-jersey
Any member or guest who has traveled from outside of the U.S. or from one of the states noted above in New Jersey’s travel advisory (even if returning home from those states), should not come to church during the 14-day quarantine period.
 
 
NOVEMBER 1st is All Saints Day— Please worship with us tomorrow as we remember before God members and friends of Community Church who have passed away this past year. We continue to keep their loved ones and all those close to them in our thoughts and prayers.
 
Hank Allen
Lenny Azzarone
Eleanor Balch
Robert Bird
Joan Lynne Davis
Mark Fadlalla
Bill Gilligan
Rev. Dr. Allan Janssen
Marie Kane
Daphne Knight
Ruth Leaper
Carol Lundquist
Nicholas Perricelli
Lynn Thornwall
Bob VanOstenbridge
Kay Wright
HAVE YOU MISSED A SERMON?
Should you have missed any sermons this year–or would like to re-listen again, please take a look back over the below list of sermon titles that are available on-line (Youtube) since April 5. We are so grateful to Boyd Lowry for the gift of his time and technical talents and knowledge which have enabled us to have our services available to us on-line  —  now and since the pandemic began. Should you be interested in reading any of Pastor Terry’s sermons from this year prior to April 5, please contact him, and will arrange for you to receive a copy.  Please note that the messages shared by our visiting pastors — on the dates Pastor Terry was on vacation — were also recorded and are available on-line, as well.
 
In addition, we are blessed for Janet Montroy and the gifts of the beautiful music she has shared with us each and every Sunday, and continues to do so,…for her talents on the organ and piano, and for bringing us such wonderful guest soloists and instrumentalists.
1-5    Follow That Star
1-12   Embrace Change
1-19   A Baptism of Dreams
1-26   Drop Everything Faith
2-2    The Power of Positive Thinking
2-9    Share Your Gifts
2-16   Find Strength in God
2-23   Freedom Train
3-1    The Other Road Less Traveled
3-8    Break the Binds – Feed the Soul
3-15   ?
3-22   ?
4-5    Overcome Adversity
4-12   The Joy of Easter
4-19   Where Do You Look for God?
4-26   How Do You Really Feel?
5-3    All You Need Is Love
5-10   How Do You Spell Relief
5-17   What’s In a Name?
5-24   Protection Guaranteed
5-31   Gifts
6-7    It’s All Under Control
6-14   How Do You Respond?
6-21   A Whole New World
6-28   Does God Twitter?
7-5    Dependent Independence
7-12   Meet Your Challenges with Faith
7-19   Gone With The Wind
7-26   (vacation)
8-2    Triumph Over Tragedy
8-9    (vacation)
8-16   (vacation)
8-23   Keep It Simple
9-6     Justice, Not Just Us       
9-13   Forgive and Forget
9-20   Be A Stamp And Stick To It
9-27  Even the Boiling Kettle Still Sings 
10-4     Crunch Time
10-11   Giving Is Living
10-19   A Gift from God
10-23   Home Alone\\
thumb image
As many of us continue to remain close to home during this time — or take precautions when we do venture out —  we ask that you continue to keep each other in prayer. 
Please continue to pray for 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; Rich Balch & family; Debbie Azzarone & Family (including Debbie’s daughter, Elizabeth & Kyle Popiolek & Family); Laura Bird-Bennett & Family; Trudy Carhart & Family; Okey Chenoweth & Family); Rich Dethmers; Beryl Ferrari; Jean Franklin; Terry Gilligan & Family; Colleen Janssen & Family; Eric Lundquist & Family; Janice Roer; 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
~~~
In addition, please keep all those whose lives have been affected and lost by the blazing ravaging wildfires in California ….., and in addition, now in Colorado. We pray that God continues to strengthen, comfort, and provide for all who have lost loved ones, their homes or vehicles, special heirlooms in these disasters and that aid is provided in helping to put lives back together.
 
~~~
CCGR PRAYER RESOURCES:
WEDNESDAY PRAYER TIME
 
Are you looking for a quite place to pray, or others to pray for you?
 
CCGR’s sanctuary continues to be open for prayer and meditation each Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Please feel free to come by anytime during these hours, in the quietness and peaceful solitude of our church. Feel free to stay as long as you’d like. Know that all precautions have been taken to make our sanctuary a safe place. Please use the entrance/exit doors adjacent to the Memorial Garden.
 
 
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.com and Donna Nihen at blackvelvet1299@aol.com, and of course, Pastor Terry at pastor@communitychurchgr.com
~~~~
CCGR STEWARDSHIP MONTH
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.
 
And specifically important is that we are in the midst of our 2020 Stewardship Campaign. While praying about your pledge for the forthcoming year, please remember Paul’s words in his second letter to Corinthians …. 
 
 “He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. “
~~~~
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.
~~~~~~
CROP WALK SUPPORT – DONATIONS BEING ACCEPTED THROUGH NOVEMBER 1st
image.jpeg
 
~~~~~~
REMINDER —- BABY BASICS COLLECTION — through November 2nd
Monday, November 2nd will be the last day to drop off any contributions you may have for the Women’s Ministry’s annual Baby Basics Collection for Children’s Aid & Family Services. Please — if you have anything you’d like to contribute — make sure you are able to get them to the church by this coming Monday. And…, if you have something to contribute but cannot get to the church, please call the church office on Monday, and we will arrange to pick up your donations from you. (201-444-4625).
Needs are diapers in sizes 3,4 and 5, as well as Similac formula. Wipes and baby toiletries are always needed, as well. Anything collected would be appreciated. Please drop your items off at the church at your convenience. There will be a box located inside the Education Building entrance — near the office door .
We thank you ALL for the wonderful assortment of items that have already been dropped off  for this most worthy organization in need.Heart
29496194_1812618962091833_7671207986072649728_o.jpeg
Spring 2018 Baby Basics Collection
CCGR Celebrations
Celebration Flag Clipart.jpg
 
~~ Happy Birthday ~~
November:
10 – Sara Lowry
30 Lois Mims Cook

Weekly Update – 10/25/2020

Dear CCGR Family,
THIS SUNDAY 10/25 – Indoor worship service in the sanctuary; it will be live streamed, as well, to watch from home for those who aren’t able to attend.
The service will also be available to view on Youtube at a later time in the event you miss the 10:00 a.m. streaming.
The title of the sermon will be ‘HOME ALONE’.
Scripture: John 17:20-26
– Social distance and masks covering nose and mouth a must.
– Paperless service — no hymnals or bulletins.
– Prayers will be emailed; bring your smart phone for paperless participation.
– We will have instrumental music — no hymns per CDC COVID recommendations.
IMPORTANT—-FOR ANY SERVICE:
Please stay home if ….
1…. within the past 14 days you have experienced a fever (+100.4 temperature) or chills, cough, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, fatigue, body aches, headache, sore throat, congestion/runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea or a new loss of taste or smell.
2. …within the past 14 days you have been exposed to anyone with or suspected of having COVID.
3. …within the past 10 days, you have tested positive for COVID-19, even if asymptomatic.
NEW for CCGR:  Within the past 14 days, have you traveled outside of the U.S. or outside of NJ, NY, or Connecticut? If so, to what state?
As per New Jersey’s travel advisory, currently there are 14-day quarantine orders in place for those traveling from certain state and U.S. jurisdictions. The up-to-date list can be found at: https://covid19.nj.gov/faqs/nj-information/travel-information/which-states-are-on-the-travel-advisory-list-are-there-travel-restrictions-to-or-from-new-jersey
Any member or guest who has traveled from outside of the U.S. or from one of the states noted above in New Jersey’s travel advisory (even if returning home from those states), should not come to church during the 14-day quarantine period.

HAVE YOU MISSED A SERMON?

Should you have missed any sermons this year–or would like to re-listen again, please take a look back over the below list of sermon titles that are available on-line (Youtube) since April 5. We are so grateful to Boyd Lowry for the gift of his time and technical talents and knowledge which have enabled us to have our services available to us on-line  —  now and since the pandemic began. Should you be interested in reading any of Pastor Terry’s sermons from this year prior to April 5, please contact him, and will arrange for you to receive a copy.  Please note that the messages shared by our visiting pastors — on the dates Pastor Terry was on vacation — were also recorded and are available on-line, as well.
 
In addition, we are blessed for Janet Montroy and the gifts of the beautiful music she has shared with us each and every Sunday, and continues to do so,…for her talents on the organ and piano, and for bringing us such wonderful guest soloists and instrumentalists.
1-5    Follow That Star
1-12   Embrace Change
1-19   A Baptism of Dreams
1-26   Drop Everything Faith
2-2    The Power of Positive Thinking
2-9    Share Your Gifts
2-16   Find Strength in God
2-23   Freedom Train
3-1    The Other Road Less Traveled
3-8    Break the Binds – Feed the Soul
3-15   ?
3-22   ?
4-5    Overcome Adversity
4-12   The Joy of Easter
4-19   Where Do You Look for God?
4-26   How Do You Really Feel?
5-3    All You Need Is Love
5-10   How Do You Spell Relief
5-17   What’s In a Name?
5-24   Protection Guaranteed
5-31   Gifts
6-7    It’s All Under Control
6-14   How Do You Respond?
6-21   A Whole New World
6-28   Does God Twitter?
7-5    Dependent Independence
7-12   Meet Your Challenges with Faith
7-19   Gone With The Wind
7-26   (vacation)
8-2    Triumph Over Tragedy
8-9    (vacation)
8-16   (vacation)
8-23   Keep It Simple
9-6    Justice, Not Just Us       
9-13   Forgive and Forget
9-20   Be A Stamp And Stick To It
9-27  Even the Boiling Kettle Still Sings 
10-4    Crunch Time
10-11  Giving Is Living
thumb image
As many of us continue to remain close to home during this time — or take precautions when we do venture out —  we ask that you continue to keep each other in prayer. 
Please continue to pray for 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.
We ask for prayers for Janice Roer. She has been diagnosed with early detection cancer. We will keep you posted as we learn more.
Our ongoing prayers continue for Anne Allen & Family (including Anne’s daughters, Liz & family and Sara & Boyd Lowry & Family); Ed Archbold; Rich Balch & family; Debbie Azzarone & Family (including Debbie’s daughter, Elizabeth & Kyle Popiolek & Family); Laura Bird-Bennett & Family; Trudy Carhart & Family; Okey Chenoweth & Family); Rich Dethmers; Beryl Ferrari; Jean Franklin; Terry Gilligan & Family; Colleen Janssen & Family; Eric Lundquist & Family; 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.
 
~~~
 
In addition, please keep all those whose lives have been affected and lost by the blazing ravaging wildfires in California ….., and in addition, now in Colorado.
We pray that God continues to strengthen, comfort, and provide for all who have lost loved ones, their homes or vehicles, special heirlooms in these disasters and that aid is provided in helping to put lives back together.
 
~~~
CCGR PRAYER RESOURCES:
WEDNESDAY PRAYER TIME
 
Are you looking for a quite place to pray, or others to pray for you?
 
CCGR’s sanctuary continues to be open for prayer and meditation each Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Please feel free to come by anytime during these hours, in the quietness and peaceful solitude of our church. Feel free to stay as long as you’d like. Know that all precautions have been taken to make our sanctuary a safe place. Please use the entrance/exit doors adjacent to the Memorial Garden.
 
 
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.com and Donna Nihen at blackvelvet1299@aol.com, and of course, Pastor Terry at pastor@communitychurchgr.com
~~~~
Love In Action Clipart.jpg
CCGR STEWARDSHIP MONTH
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.
 
And specifically important is that we are in the midst of our 2020 Stewardship Campaign. While praying about your pledge for the forthcoming year, please remember Paul’s words in his second letter to Corinthians …. 
 
 “He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. ”
~~~~
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.
~~~~~~
CROP WALK SUPPORT – DONATIONS BEING ACCEPTED THROUGH NOVEMBER 1st
image.jpeg
AScan 2020-10-2 22.27.49.jpg
 Fall 2018 CROP Walk Organizers
 
~~~~~~
REMINDER —- BABY BASICS COLLECTION — through October 31
Through the end of October, The Women’s Ministry are holding their annual Baby Basics Collection (for Children’s Aid & Family Services)  throughout the month of October (postponed from this past Spring).
Needs are diapers in sizes 3,4 and 5, as well as Similac formula. Wipes and baby toiletries are always needed, as well. Anything collected would be appreciated. Please drop your items off at the church at your convenience. There will be a box located inside the Education Building entrance — near the office door
**Anyone who would like to donate but can’t deliver to the church, please give the office a call, and we will arrange to pick up your donations from you.
29496194_1812618962091833_7671207986072649728_o.jpeg
Spring 2018 Baby Basics Collection
CCGR Celebrations
Celebration Flag Clipart.jpg
 
~~ Happy Birthday ~~
October:
(Belated Wishes to):
1 – James Stewart
5- Mary Erdman
8 – Lee Ann Richards
9 – Kara Stansel
12 – Bob Nihen
14 – Betty Vella
~~~
27 – Joan Sherry
28 – Randi Willey
~~~
November:
10 – Sara Lowry
30 Lois Mims Cook
Any other celebrations you’d like us to share — or if we missed someone — please let us know.
 
God BlessPray
~Donna

Weekly Update – 10/12/2020

Dear CCGR Family,
THIS SUNDAY 10/11 – Indoor worship services in person resume in the sanctuary; they will be live streamed as well for those who can’t attend.
The service will also be available to view on Youtube at a later time in the event you miss the 10:00 a.m. streaming.
The title of the sermon will be ‘Giving Is Living’.
– Social distance and masks covering nose and mouth a must.
– Paperless service — no hymnals or bulletins.
– Prayers will be emailed; bring your smart phone for paperless participation.
– We will have instrumental music — no hymns per CDC COVID recommendations.
IMPORTANT—-FOR ANY SERVICE:
Please stay home if ….
1…. within the past 14 days you have experienced a fever (+100.4 temperature) or chills, cough, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, fatigue, body aches, headache, sore throat, congestion/runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea or a new loss of taste or smell.
2. …within the past 14 days you have been exposed to anyone with or suspected of having COVID.
3. …within the past 10 days, you have tested positive for COVID-19, even if asymptomatic.
NEW for CCGR:  Within the past 14 days, have you traveled outside of the U.S. or outside of NJ, NY, or Connecticut? If so, to what state?
As per New Jersey’s travel advisory, currently there are 14-day quarantine orders in place for those traveling from certain state and U.S. jurisdictions. The up-to-date list can be found at: https://covid19.nj.gov/faqs/nj-information/travel-information/which-states-are-on-the-travel-advisory-list-are-there-travel-restrictions-to-or-from-new-jersey
Any member or guest who has traveled from outside of the U.S. or from one of the states noted above in New Jersey’s travel advisory (even if returning home from those states), should not come to church during the 14-day quarantine period.

HAVE YOU MISSED A SERMON?

Should you have missed any sermons this year–or would like to re-listen again, please take a look back over the below list of sermon titles that are available on-line (Youtube) since April 5. We are so grateful to Boyd Lowry for the gift of his time and technical talents and knowledge which have enabled us to have our services available to us on-line  —  now and since the pandemic began. Should you be interested in reading any of Pastor Terry’s sermons from this year prior to April 5, please contact him, and will arrange for you to receive a copy.  Please note that the messages shared by our visiting pastors — on the dates Pastor Terry was on vacation — were also recorded and are available on-line, as well.
 
In addition, we are blessed for Janet Montroy and the gifts of the beautiful music she has shared with us each and every Sunday, and continues to do so,…for her talents on the organ and piano, and for bringing us such wonderful guest soloists and instrumentalists.
1-5    Follow That Star
1-12   Embrace Change
1-19   A Baptism of Dreams
1-26   Drop Everything Faith
2-2    The Power of Positive Thinking
2-9    Share Your Gifts
2-16   Find Strength in God
2-23   Freedom Train
3-1    The Other Road Less Traveled
3-8    Break the Binds – Feed the Soul
3-15   ?
3-22   ?
4-5    Overcome Adversity
4-12   The Joy of Easter
4-19   Where Do You Look for God?
4-26   How Do You Really Feel?
5-3    All You Need Is Love
5-10   How Do You Spell Relief
5-17   What’s In a Name?
5-24   Protection Guaranteed
5-31   Gifts
6-7    It’s All Under Control
6-14   How Do You Respond?
6-21   A Whole New World
6-28   Does God Twitter?
7-5    Dependent Independence
7-12   Meet Your Challenges with Faith
7-19   Gone With The Wind
7-26   (vacation)
8-2    Triumph Over Tragedy
8-9    (vacation)
8-16   (vacation)
8-23   Keep It Simple
9-6    Justice, Not Just Us       
9-13   Forgive and Forget
9-20   Be A Stamp And Stick To It
9-27  Even the Boiling Kettle Still Sings 
10-4    Crunch Time
thumb image
As many of us continue to remain close to home during this time — or take precautions when we do venture out —  we ask that you continue to keep each other in prayer. 
Please continue to pray for 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.
Please keep Pam Speck in your prayers. (Pam just this weekend has undergone surgery for a knee replacement and will be rehabilitating at home.)
Also, please continue to keep Trudy Carhart & Family in prayer for the recent loss of her daughter, Joan.
Our ongoing prayers continue for Anne Allen & Family (including Anne’s daughters, Liz & family and Sara & Boyd Lowry & Family); Ed Archbold; Rich Balch & family; Debbie Azzarone & Family (including Debbie’s daughter, Elizabeth & Kyle Popiolek & Family); Laura Bird-Bennett & Family; Okey Chenoweth & Family); Rich Dethmers; Beryl Ferrari; Jean Franklin; Terry Gilligan & Family; Colleen Janssen & Family; Eric Lundquist & Family; Connie Sinkway and the Sinkway/Emery Family; Doris Van Ostenbridge & Family; Rev. Jerry Wright and Family; Barbara Zucchino & Family; the Ruth Rankin Leaper Family.
 
~~~
 
In addition, please keep all those whose lives have been affected and lost by the blazing ravaging wildfires in California.
We pray that God continues to strengthen, comfort, and provide for all who have lost loved ones, their homes or vehicles, special heirlooms in these disasters and that aid is provided in helping to put lives back together.
 
~~~
CCGR PRAYER RESOURCES:
WEDNESDAY PRAYER TIME
 
Are you looking for a quite place to pray, or others to pray for you?
 
CCGR’s sanctuary continues to be open for prayer and meditation each Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Please feel free to come by anytime during these hours, in the quietness and peaceful solitude of our church. Feel free to stay as long as you’d like. Know that all precautions have been taken to make our sanctuary a safe place. Please use the entrance/exit doors adjacent to the Memorial Garden.
 
 
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.com and Donna Nihen at blackvelvet1299@aol.com, and of course, Pastor Terry at pastor@communitychurchgr.com
 
~~~
Please continue to show your support to CCGR —
If you’re able during this unprecedented time, please remember supporting Community Church in your time of giving. In addition to mailing contributions, you may access CCGR’s website and donate on-line, as well:  https://communitychurchgr.com
~~~~
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.
image.jpeg
We will be having a CCGR Virtual CROP Walk during the next few weeks – Date TBD
AScan 2020-10-2 22.27.49.jpg
 Fall 2018 CROP Walk Organizers
 
~~~~~~
 
1459162.jpg
BABY BASICS COLLECTION
The Women’s Ministry are holding their annual Baby Basics Collection (for Children’s Aid & Family Services)  throughout the month of October (postponed from this past Spring).
Needs are diapers in sizes 3,4 and 5, as well as Similac formula. Wipes and baby toiletries are always needed, as well. Anything collected would be appreciated. Please drop your items off at the church at your convenience. There will be a box located inside the Education Building entrance. **Anyone who would like to donate but can’t deliver to the church, please give the office a call, and we will arrange to pick up your donations from you.
29496194_1812618962091833_7671207986072649728_o.jpeg
Spring 2018 Baby Basics Collection
God Bless!Pray
~Donna
P.S. —-
A Message from CCGR’s Office Staff — Josh Gottheimer’s Office Outreach of Support:
For your information only — Barbara Zucchino (from our church office)  suggested I share the following:
 “Katie (201-803-0560), from Josh Gottheimer’s office,  called our church office relaying that any members of our congregation having problems with social security, unemployment, grants, etc., can call her for help.”  (Gotheimer’s main office # is 201-389-1100.)
PLEASE NOTE:  (If you do end up calling, we suggest you do not provide any personal information, i.e., social security number, bank account number, etc.)

Weekly Update – 10/3/2020

Dear CCGR Family,
 
THIS SUNDAY 10/4 – Indoor worship services in person resume in the sanctuary; they will be live streamed as well for those who can’t attend.
The service will also be available to view on Youtube at a later time in the event you miss the 10:00 a.m. streaming.
The title of the sermon will be ‘Crunch Time’.
 
– Social distance and masks covering nose and mouth a must.
– Paperless service — no hymnals or bulletins.
– Prayers will be emailed out the 3rd (tomorrow); bring your smart phone for paperless participation.
– We will have instrumental music — no hymns per CDC COVID recommendations.
IMPORTANT—-FOR ANY SERVICE:
Please say home if ….
1…. within the past 14 days you have experienced a fever (+100.4 temperature) or chills, cough, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, fatigue, body aches, headache, sore throat, congestion/runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea or a new loss of taste or smell.
2. …within the past 14 days you have been exposed to anyone with or suspected of having COVID.
3. …within the past 10 days, you have tested positive for COVID-19, even if asymptomatic.
NEW for CCGR:  Within the past 14 days, have you traveled outside of the U.S. or outside of NJ, NY, or Connecticut? If so, to what state?
As per New Jersey’s travel advisory, currently there are 14-day quarantine orders in place for those traveling from certain state and U.S. jurisdictions. The up-to-date list can be found at: https://covid19.nj.gov/faqs/nj-information/travel-information/which-states-are-on-the-travel-advisory-list-are-there-travel-restrictions-to-or-from-new-jersey
Any member or guest who has traveled from outside of the U.S. or from one of the states noted above in New Jersey’s travel advisory (even if returning home from those states), should not come to church during the 14-day quarantine period.
HAVE YOU MISSED A SERMON?

Should you have missed any sermons this year–or would like to re-listen again, please take a look back over the below list of sermon titles that are available on-line (Youtube) since April 5. We are so grateful to Boyd Lowry for the gift of his time and technical talents and knowledge which have enabled us to have our services available to us on-line  —  now and since the pandemic began. Should you be interested in reading any of Pastor Terry’s sermons from this year prior to April 5, please contact him, and will arrange for you to receive a copy. In addition, he can provide you with a copy of last week’s sermon (9/27), which was from the outdoor service and was not recorded. Please note that the messages shared by our visiting pastors — on the dates Pastor Terry was on vacation — were also recorded and are available on-line, as well.
 
In addition, we are blessed for Janet Montroy and the gifts of the beautiful music she has shared with us each and every Sunday, and continues to do so,…for her talents on the organ and piano, and for bringing us such wonderful guest soloists and instrumentalists.
 
 
1-5    Follow That Star
1-12   Embrace Change
1-19   A Baptism of Dreams
1-26   Drop Everything Faith
2-2    The Power of Positive Thinking
2-9    Share Your Gifts
2-16   Find Strength in God
2-23   Freedom Train
3-1    The Other Road Less Traveled
3-8    Break the Binds – Feed the Soul
3-15   ?
3-22   ?
4-5    Overcome Adversity
4-12   The Joy of Easter
4-19   Where Do You Look for God?
4-26   How Do You Really Feel?
5-3    All You Need Is Love
5-10   How Do You Spell Relief
5-17   What’s In a Name?
5-24   Protection Guaranteed
5-31   Gifts
6-7    It’s All Under Control
6-14   How Do You Respond?
6-21   A Whole New World
6-28   Does God Twitter?
7-5    Dependent Independence
7-12   Meet Your Challenges with Faith
7-19   Gone With The Wind
7-26   (vacation)
8-2    Triumph Over Tragedy
8-9    (vacation)
8-16   (vacation)
8-23   Keep It Simple
9-6    Justice, Not Just Us       
9-13   Forgive and Forget
9-20   Be A Stamp And Stick To It
9-27   Even the Boiling Kettle Still Sings
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As many of us continue to remain close to home during this time — or take precautions when we do venture out —  we ask that you continue to keep each other in prayer. 
Please continue to pray for our church members, families, and those close to us who have shared a special part of our lives — 
 
You may already have heard, but we wanted to share the sad news we learned of the passing this past week of Trudy Carhart’s daughter, Joanie Davis. As we know, prayer is a way to help comfort others — to express our love and understanding; sometimes it is the only thing we can do.  Let us keep Trudy and her granddaughters (Lindsay and Blair — Joanie’s daughters), and Bill (Trudy’s son) & his wife, Claire, in prayer.
Our ongoing prayers continue for Anne Allen & Family (including Anne’s daughters, Liz & family and Sara & Boyd Lowry & Family); Ed Archbold; Rich Balch & family; Debbie Azzarone & Family (including Debbie’s daughter, Elizabeth & Kyle Popiolek & Family); Laura Bird-Bennett & Family; Okey Chenoweth & Family); Rich Dethmers; Beryl Ferrari; Jean Franklin; Terry Gilligan & Family; Colleen Janssen & Family; Eric Lundquist & Family; Connie Sinkway and the Sinkway/Emery Family; Doris Van Ostenbridge & Family; Rev. Jerry Wright and Family; Barbara Zucchino & Family; the Ruth Rankin Leaper Family.
 
~~~
 
In addition, please keep all those whose lives have been affected and lost by the blazing ravaging wildfires in California.
We pray that God continues to strengthen, comfort, and provide for all who have lost loved ones, their homes or vehicles, special heirlooms in these disasters and that aid is provided in helping to put lives back together.
 
~~~
 CCGR PRAYER RESOURCES – 
 
Are you looking for a quite place to pray, or others to pray for you?
 
CCGR’s sanctuary continues to be open for prayer and meditation each Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Please feel free to come by anytime during these hours, in the quietness and peaceful solitude of our church. Feel free to stay as long as you’d like. Know that all precautions have been taken to make our sanctuary a safe place. Please use the entrance/exit doors adjacent to the Memorial Garden.
 
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 Donna Nihen at blackvelvet1299@aol.com, and of course, Pastor Terry at pastor@communitychurchgr.com
 
~~~
Please continue to show your support to CCGR —
If you’re able during this unprecedented time, please remember supporting Community Church in your time of giving. In addition to mailing contributions, you may access CCGR’s website and donate on-line, as well:  https://communitychurchgr.com
~~~~
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.)
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.
 
 
Coming Soon!!
             CROP WALK October 18, 2020              
There will NOT be an organized walk from Van Neste Square in Ridgewood due to Corona virus protocol.  BUT ALL IS NOT LOST!  You can still donate money online to help the hunger cause.  AND… using your social media accounts will help spread the word for other sponsors to donate online, too, especially since it has become an essential way of communicating in these pandemic times.  Also, text or email or call all your friends and encourage them to donate generously online.  NOTICE…if you want, you can still walk and get sponsors too!
Coronavirus-related economic crises could push the number of food insecure Americans to 54 million by year’s end. That’s 17 million more Americans before the pandemic.  In Bergen County, about 61,000 people were considered food insecure before the pandemic.  Add that to job loss and death associated with the coronavirus and the numbers just increase in leaps and bounds!  Hunger is one of the greatest injustices facing our world.  Donations are especially urgent NOW because of job loss.  CROP really needs you to help families, who are unable to help themselves, by being extra generous, and give as much as you can.
How to donate online
Go to crophungerwalk.org.  Go to blue search icon and type in Community Church of Glen Rock.  When it pops up, click on Community Church of Glen Rock.


This will bring you to the donations page. Click on the donate button and the next page should have Community Church of Glen Rock already filled in next to the orange WALKER button.   Do nothing there.  Scroll down, choose your donation amount and fill in the blanks.  Select DONATE at the bottom of the page.
If you can’t use the internet, please make a check out to CWS/CROP and drop it off at the Church office (201 444 4625).
            THANK YOU SO MUCH, JoAnn Jennings(973-427-9487), Gail Sternitzke(201-249-4769)  and Candy Hall
Blessings to you and thank you so much for what you do!
Scan 2020-10-2 22.27.49.jpg
 Fall 2018 CROP Walk Organizers
BABY BASICS COLLECTION
The Women’s Ministry will be holding their annual Baby Basics Collection throughout the month of October (postponed from this past Spring).
Needs are diapers in sizes 3,4 and 5, as well as Similac formula. Wipes and baby toiletries are always needed, as well. Anything collected would be appreciated. Please drop your items off at the church at your convenience. There will be a box located inside the Education Building entrance.
Spring 2018 Baby Basics Collection
God Bless!Pray
~Donna
P.S. —-
A Message from CCGR’s Office Staff — Josh Gottheimer’s

29496194_1812618962091833_7671207986072649728_o.jpeg

Office Outreach of Support:
For your information only — Barbara Zucchino (from our church office)  suggested I share the following:
 “Katie (201-803-0560), from Josh Gottheimer’s office,  called our church office relaying that any members of our congregation having problems with social security, unemployment, grants, etc., can call her for help.”  (Gotheimer’s main office # is 201-389-1100.)
PLEASE NOTE:  (If you do end up calling, we suggest you do not provide any personal information, i.e., social security number, bank account number, etc.)

Weekly Update – 9/27/2020

Dear CCGR Family,
 
GOOD NEWS —– re: TOMORROW’S WORSHIP SERVICE (9/27)
Please join us for our first OUTDOOR SERVICE on the northeast lawn beginning at 10:00 a.m.
SERMON TITLE: “Even the Boiling Kettle Still Sings” (Note: )
Please note:
– Bring your own lawn chair, social distance and mask a must.
– The service will be paperless – no hymnals or bulletins.
– Prayers will be emailed out beforehand; bring your smart phone for paperless participation.
– We will have instrumental music – no hymns per CDC COVID recommendations.
– There will not be a virtual service available on line for this particular service.
Here is the program for tomorrow’s service:
Welcome                      Pastor
Announcements            Pastor
Prelude                        Janet
Call to Worship – (unison)  All
From all our life’s pathways, you have called us to this place, O Lord. Be with us as we listen for your word and seek your ways. Guide our steps and guard our lives that we may serve you more effectively in this broken world. Amen.
Opening Prayer            Pastor
Romans 12:9-12            Pastor
Sermon                        Pastor
Music                           Janet
Pastoral Prayer             Pastor
Lord’s Prayer – (unison)  All
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.  Amen.   
Closing Music               Janet
Benediction                  Pastor
Postlude                       Janet
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
SUNDAY 10/4 – Indoor worship services in person resume in the sanctuary; they will be live streamed as well for those who can’t attend
– Social distance and mask a must.
– Paperless service – no hymnals or bulletins.
– Prayers will be emailed out Saturday the 3rd; bring your smart phone for paperless participation.
– We will have instrumental music – no hymns per CDC COVID recommendations.
– 10 am worship in the sanctuary will be live streamed as well for those who can’t attend.
 
IMPORTANT—-FOR ANY SERVICE:
Please stay home if you have had a temperature, cough, body aches, chills or have been exposed to someone who tested positive for covid in the past two weeks.
 
Should you have missed any recent sermons, please take a look back over the below last couple of weeks’ service recordings, and hear once again the inspiring messages shared. We are so grateful to Boyd Lowry for his time and technical talents and knowledge which have enabled us to have the last almost six months’ of services available to us on-line.
In addition, we are thankful to Janet Montroy and the blessings of the beautiful music she has shared with us, and continues to do so,…her talented gifts on the organ and piano, and for bringing us such wonderful guest soloists and instrumentalists.
Community Church of Glen Rock Sunday Worship Service: September 12, 2020
Led by Pastor Terry
Scripture: Matthew 18:21-22 & 6:14-15 —- Jo Ann Jennings
Hymn Sing: Melanie Lota
Solo: Melanie Lota
Community Church of Glen Rock Sunday Worship Service: September 20, 2020
Led by Pastor Terry
Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-20 —-John van Keuren
Organ Prelude: Allegro Maestoso(Felix Mendelssohn)
Vocal Solo: ‘Grateful’ – John Bucchino
Beth Valenti, Mezzo Soprano

Piano Solo: ‘Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee’ – Mark Hayes

Postlude
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As many of us continue to remain close to home during this time — or take precautions when we do venture out —  we ask that you continue to keep each other in prayer. 
Please continue to pray for our church members, families, and those close to us who have shared a special part of our lives — 
We ask that you keep Debbie Azzarone (Marion Pomeroy’s daughter), and daughter Elizabeth Azzarone Popiolek, husband Kyle, and children Nicholas and Mia in prayer, as they mourn the passing of Lenny (Debbie’s husband) recently.
 
Our ongoing prayers continue for Anne Allen & Family (including Anne’s daughters, Liz & family and Sara & Boyd Lowry & Family); Ed Archbold; Rich Balch & family; Laura Bird-Bennett & Family; Okey Chenoweth & Family); Rich Dethmers; Beryl Ferrari; Jean Franklin; Terry Gilligan & Family; Colleen Janssen & Family; Eric Lundquist & Family; Connie Sinkway and the Sinkway/Emery Family; Doris Van Ostenbridge & Family; Rev. Jerry Wright and family; Barbara Zucchino & Family; the Ruth Rankin Leaper Family.
 
~~~
 
In addition, please keep all those whose lives have been affected and lost by the blazing ravaging wildfires in California.
We pray that God continues to strengthen, comfort, and provide for all who have lost loved ones, their homes or vehicles, special heirlooms in these disasters and that aid is provided in helping to put lives back together.
 
~~~
 CCGR PRAYER RESOURCES – 
 
Are you looking for a quite place to pray, or others to pray for you?
 
CCGR’s sanctuary continues to be open for prayer and meditation each Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Please feel free to come by anytime during these hours, in the quietness and peaceful solitude of our church. Feel free to stay as long as you’d like. Know that all precautions have been taken to make our sanctuary a safe place. Please use the entrance/exit doors adjacent to the Memorial Garden.
 
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 Donna Nihen at blackvelvet1299@aol.com, and of course, Pastor Terry at pastor@communitychurchgr.com
~~~~
CELEBRATIONS: (September 28th)
Since we can’t be together for coffee hour at this time……sending the….
“HAPPIEST OF VERY SPECIAL BIRTHDAY WISHES, REGGIE!  HOPING YOU HAVE A MARVELOUS DAY!!
— Heart Pray FROM ALL YOUR COMMUNITY CHURCH FAMILY!!”

Free Happy Birthday Clipart For Women Image

Please continue to show your support to CCGR —
If you’re able during this unprecedented time, please remember supporting Community Church in your time of giving. In addition to mailing contributions, you may access CCGR’s website and donate on-line, as well:  https://communitychurchgr.com
~~~~
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.)
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.
 
 
2020 CROP WALK — Coming Soon!!
             CROP WALK October 18, 2020              
There will NOT be an organized walk from Van Neste Square in Ridgewood due to Corona virus protocol.  BUT ALL IS NOT LOST!  You can still donate money online to help the hunger cause.  AND… using your social media accounts will help spread the word for other sponsors to donate online, too, especially since it has become an essential way of communicating in these pandemic times.  Also, text or email or call all your friends and encourage them to donate generously online.  NOTICE…if you want, you can still walk and get sponsors too!
Coronavirus-related economic crises could push the number of food insecure Americans to 54 million by year’s end. That’s 17 million more Americans before the pandemic.  In Bergen County, about 61,000 people were considered food insecure before the pandemic.  Add that to job loss and death associated with the coronavirus and the numbers just increase in leaps and bounds!  Hunger is one of the greatest injustices facing our world.  Donations are especially urgent NOW because of job loss.  CROP really needs you to help families, who are unable to help themselves, by being extra generous, and give as much as you can.
How to donate online
Go to crophungerwalk.org.  Go to blue search icon and type in Community Church of Glen Rock.  When it pops up, click on Community Church of Glen Rock.
This will bring you to the donations page. Click on the donate button and the next page should have Community Church of Glen Rock already filled in next to the orange WALKER button.   Do nothing there.  Scroll down, choose your donation amount and fill in the blanks.  Select DONATE at the bottom of the page.
If you can’t use the internet, please make a check out to CWS/CROP and drop it off at the Church office (201 444 4625).              THANK YOU SO MUCH, JoAnn Jennings(973-427-9487),                           Gail Sternitzke(201-249-4769)  and Candy Hall
Blessings to you and thank you so much for what you do!
God Bless!Pray
~Donna
P.S. —-
A Message from CCGR’s Office Staff — Josh Gottheimer’s Office Outreach of Support:
For your information only — Barbara Zucchino (from our church office)  suggested I share the following:
 “Katie (201-803-0560), from Josh Gottheimer’s office,  called our church office relaying that any members of our congregation having problems with social security, unemployment, grants, etc., can call her for help.”  (Gotheimer’s main office # is 201-389-1100.)
PLEASE NOTE:  (If you do end up calling, we suggest you do not provide any personal information, i.e., social security number, bank account number, etc.)

Weekly Update on 9/6/2020

Dear CCGR Family,
 
We continue to be blessed with being able to worship virtually in our homes, with ongoing deep appreciation to Boyd Lowry for recording CCGR’s weekly church services.
Please take a look back over the below last couple of weeks’ service recordings, and hear once again to the inspiring messages shared.
In addition to Pastor Terry’s weekly messages, we are thankful to Janet Montroy and the blessings of the beautiful music she shares with us…her talented gifts on the organ and piano, and for bringing us such wonderful guest soloists and instrumentalists.
How grateful are we having had Reverend Phyllis Palsma back again while Pastor Terry was away.
Community Church of Glen Rock Sunday Worship Service: August 23, 2020
Led by Reverend Terry O’Brien  https://youtu.be/OHRi5Z_1PaM
Scripture – Matthew 7:7-12 (Reader: Bruce Beal)
Organ Prelude: “Crown Him With Many Crowns” (arranged by Michael Burkhard)
(Janet Montroy)
Vocal Solo: “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace” (arranged by Sebastian Temple)
(Rusty Obra, Tenor)
Piano Solo after Sermon: “Here I Am, Lord” (arranged by Mark Hayes)
(Janet Montroy)
Community Church of Glen Rock Sunday Worship Service: August 30, 2020
Led by Reverend Phyllis Palsma https://youtu.be/KdCfoEeABKE
Scripture – Exodus 3:1-13 (Reader: Laura Bird Bennett)
Organ Prelude, Piano Solo, Organ Solo, Postlude
(Janet Montroy)
As Bruce Beal shared with us on August 23rd in his scripture reading from Matthew about “Asking, Seeking, & Knocking”, Jesus encourages us to continue to pursue God, despite assumptions that He hasn’t answered prayers for our ‘wants and our needs’. God will respond with what He thinks is best for us, in His timing, and we are encouraged to have patience, wisdom, and understanding that all His responses are out of His love for us. And we have the Holy Spirit to help us through that.
God wants us to be focused on the ‘today’ of our lives (the ‘happy todays’ and the ‘troubled todays), with Jesus reminding us “Do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will bring worries of its own.” Realizing hardships are a part of life, we must trust that God will bring us through our ‘today’s’ — to appreciate what we have in our ‘todays’, and that He is there with us, and will be there for all our ‘tomorrows’. Believing that God keeps His promises and that He is there for us, will help us grow stronger in our faith and gain peace within ourselves. Hardships will be handled with God’s help and protection, and as long as we wait and have faith, we’ll grow to trust more and be less doubtful.
But the main thing God wants us to have more of is time with Him — time spent with Him, to grow to have trust in Him, and to grow to gain wisdom to ‘do to others as you would have them do to you”. With God as the center of your days, you’ll have His love and guidance each step of the way.

Particularly beautiful during this 8/23 worship was Janet’s “Here I Am, Lord” piano rendition; it inspired me to look deeper into the background of the hymn. You may find this information interesting, as well.
I also found this beautiful YouTube video version you might want to follow along with.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6fYAiqV-Bs
You may follow along with either Janet’s piano rendition, and/or the Youtube version. (See lyrics below.)
The Story Behind “Here I Am, Lord”
“Here I Am, Lord”, also known by its first line, “I, the Lord of sea and sky”, is a Christian hymn written by the American composer Dan Schutte in 1981. Its lyrics are inspired by the Bible verses Isaiah 6:8 and 1 Samuel 3 as this powerful song is a testament to Schutte’s Godly devotion. The chorus speaks of his dedication stating, “I will go, Lord, if you lead me” emphasizing the motives of humility and a willingness to act in accordance with the Lord’s will. May you be encouraged by the brilliant words and melody of this wonderful hymn!”
“Dan Schutte, the hymn’s author, never assumed the tune would become so well-known. Mr. Schutte was a Jesuit in his early thirties learning theology in Berkeley, California when one of his friends requested him to compose a song for a forthcoming ordaining Mass of deacons.
Schutte has stated that he frequently used Scripture as the foundation of his songs, so as he thought about the concept of being called for the ordaining Mass, he looked to the stories of the prophets, like Jeremiah, who asked God to bestow him with the best words to use.
Schutte describes his inspiration of the chorus as, “In all those stories, all of those people God was calling to be prophets have expressed in one way or another their humanness or their self-doubt.”
This biblical sense of doubt joined with counsel from the other St. Louis Jesuits was the reason Mr. Schutte altered the lyrics from a certain “Here I am, Lord; here I stand, Lord” to the self-doubting ultimate version: “Here I am, Lord; is it I, Lord?”

I, the Lord of sea and sky, I have heard My people cry. All who dwell in dark and sin, My hand will save. I who made the stars of night, I will make their darkness bright. Who will bear My light to them? Whom shall I send? Here I am Lord, Is it I Lord? I have heard You calling in the night. I will go Lord, if You lead me. I will hold Your people in my heart. I, the Lord of wind and flame, I will tend the poor and lame. I will set a feast for them, My hand will save Finest bread I will provide, Till their hearts be satisfied. I will give My life to them, Whom shall I send? Here I am Lord, Is it I Lord? I have heard You calling in the night. I will go Lord, if You lead me. I will hold Your people in my heart.


The hymn begins with the verse:
I, the Lord of sea and sky
I have heard my people cry
All who dwell in dark and sin
My hand will save
What a powerful reminder of God’s power! There is so much truth in the opening to this song. The Bible tells us that God is the Lord over the seas and sky:
6 You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you.  (Nehemiah 9:6 )
The Bible also explains that He listens to our cries:
I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry.
He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God (Psalm 40:1-3).
The Bible also reminds us that God will save us from darkness and our sins!
13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves (Colossians 1:13)
The chorus is a response to the Lord’s calling us into action! It is not enough to simply hear the word of God. he wants us to act! He wants us to serve Him and each other.
Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night
I will go, Lord, if you lead me
I will hold your people in my heart
The next verse speaks to God’s might and His promises. He is so powerful that he made the stars in the Heavens. So we can trust when He says He will make the darkness bright.
I, who made the stars of night
I will make their darkness bright
Who will bear my light to them?
Whom shall I send?
The final verse speaks to the resurrection. Only our Father who loves us so much would send His son to earth to sacrifice His very life so that we may live. He truly did bear our pain! In the shortest verse in the Bible it is simply written, Jesus wept. (John 11:35)
I, the Lord of snow and rain
I have borne my people’s pain
I have wept for love of them
They turn away
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As many of us continue to remain close to home during this time — or take precautions when we do venture out —  we ask that you continue to keep each other in prayer. 
Please continue to pray for our church members, families, and those close to us who have shared a special part of our lives — 
Please continue to pray for Doris, sons Rob, Eric, and Mark and all the Van Ostenbridge family for the recent loss of Bob — a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and faithful friend to so many.
 
Our ongoing prayers continue for Anne Allen & Family (including Anne’s daughters, Liz & family and Sara & Boyd Lowry & Family); Ed Archbold; Rich Balch & family (on the recent passing of Rich’s Mother, Eleanor); Laura Bird-Bennett & Family; Okey Chenoweth & Family (on the recent passing of Jane); Rich Dethmers; Beryl Ferrari; Jean Franklin; Terry Gilligan & Family; Colleen Janssen & Family; Eric Lundquist & Family; Connie Sinkway and the Sinkway/Emery Family;  Rev. Jerry Wright and his family; Barbara Zucchino & Family; the Ruth Rankin Leaper Family.
 
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In addition, please keep all those whose lives have been affected and lost by the blazing ravaging wildfires in Northern California; and
those whose lives have been lost and devastated from the severe damages caused by Hurricane Laura in Louisiana and Texas (and Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico.) Many of us have family and/or friends in these parts of the country.
 
We pray that God continues to strengthen, comfort, and provide for all who have lost loved ones, their homes or vehicles, special heirlooms in these disasters and that aid is provided in helping to put lives back together.
 
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Two of our church families are sending their young adults off to college for the first time —  Caitlin O’Brien (University of Delaware) and Angelina Monti (Stockton University) — and we ask that you remember them in prayer. As many of us know, anticipation of being a college freshman is exciting, yet stirs up mixed emotions and can create anxiety for both students and their families. During these unprecedented times, as we continue to navigate COVID-19, we especially ask that you keep these young women and their families in prayer and that they adapt safely to their new lives away from Glen Rock.
Suggested prayers for parents to pray for our college students during this time:
 
Lord, as my child embarks on his/her college years, we ask that You would guide and protect him/her. College is an amazing time, but it’s also a time when many young people become unfocused on their faith and divert their attention to following their peers. Please protect him/her. Please guide him/her to make the right decisions when it comes to peer pressure, partying and other negative influences. Please also help him/her to be a witness in the classroom and out of the classroom. I also ask that You would help him/her to seek Your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen
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We also ask that you keep all our children, youth and young adults in prayer as they head back to elementary, middle and high school in a few weeks (whether it be in person or virtually), as well as our college undergrads and recent graduates as they move forward with their education and future. We also pray for their teachers whose lives have been dramatically changed as well.
Suggested prayers for parents to pray for students entering elementary, middle, and high school during this challenging time:
 
Elementary School-Age:
“Lord, please bless our child. We ask in this back-to-school prayer that You give him/her strength and courage to be away from his family — and that You sustain and guide him/her as he/she learns and grows. We ask that You protect and be with him/her this school year and that You equip us as parents to help guide him/her. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Middle School-Age:
“God, as my child heads toward middle school I pray that You would guide him/her. There are new pressures coming as high school approaches. I ask that you protect my child’s heart and mind. Help him/her to focus on You and to remember You in his/her interactions with others. I also pray that You would help him/her to find the right friends and influences. Please guide me as a parent as I navigate the middle school waters and help guide my child.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.” 
High School-Age:
“Lord,  Please guide our family and protect our child throughout these high school years. I pray that You protect him/her against peer pressure, and that You help him/her to take his/her studies seriously. Peer pressure concerns me, especially in a culture that embraces so many values that contradict what we have tried to follow in our family. Please protect him/her as he/she navigates the waters of high school. I am so grateful for the ways in which You have guided my life and I pray You do the same for my child. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”
Praying for Students, Teachers, and FamiliesClipart.jpgAnd, A Prayer for our Teachers:
Lord, I recognize that prayer for teachers is essential. Please help my child’s teacher(s) have strength and perseverance this upcoming school year. I ask that You would also give clarity so that he/she can focus on academics and imparting knowledge and wisdom on the children. Please help the school year to move smoothly for everyone this year. In Jesus name, Amen.
During these stressful times, we pray that God walks alongside these parents and students, and teachers, to reassure them of His presence and His peace.
 CCGR PRAYER RESOURCES – 
 
Are you looking for a quite place to pray, or others to pray for you?
 
CCGR’s sanctuary continues to be open for prayer and meditation each Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Please feel free to come by anytime during these hours, in the quietness and peaceful solitude of our church. Feel free to stay as long as you’d like. Know that all precautions have been taken to make our sanctuary a safe place. Please use the entrance/exit doors adjacent to the Memorial Garden.
 
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 Donna Nihen at blackvelvet1299@aol.com, and of course, Pastor Terry at pastor@communitychurchgr.com
 
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Please continue to show your support to CCGR —
Though we cannot be together in person, we continue to be together spiritually as we face this health crisis together.  We are gifted with our weekly virtual services and continue to pray for each other. If you’re able during this unprecedented time, please remember supporting Community Church in your time of giving. In addition to mailing contributions, you may access CCGR’s website and donate on-line, as well:  https://communitychurchgr.com
CCGR Book Group
The next Zoom CCGR Book Group Meeting is scheduled for Friday, September 11 at 7 p.m. Current reading is “The Redheads by the Side of the Road” by Anne Tyler.
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.)
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.
God Bless!Pray
~Donna
P.S. —-
A Message from CCGR’s Office Staff — Josh Gottheimer’s Office Outreach of Support:
For your information only — Barbara Zucchino (from our church office)  suggested I share the following:
 “Katie (201-803-0560), from Josh Gottheimer’s office,  called our church office relaying that any members of our congregation having problems with social security, unemployment, grants, etc., can call her for help.”  (Gotheimer’s main office # is 201-389-1100.)
PLEASE NOTE:  (If you do end up calling, we suggest you do not provide any personal information, i.e., social security number, bank account number, etc.)
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