Dear CCGR Family,
January 31, 2021 Worship Service
Pastor Terry’s sermon title, Get on Board the Peace Train
Scripture: John 14 25-28: ”I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.
Please take the time to listen to the service If you haven’t already done so. Pastor Terry spoke about the importance of finding peace through the transformation of our day to day existence. Peace (or shalom/salaam) includes reconciliation and justice. Peace in our lives can only be a reality when the world is kind, fair and just- when we look at others as children of God. Pastor Terry encourages us to never stop cease working for peace which includes mutual understanding, self-discipline, perseverance and seeking the will of God.
The words of the sermon combined with the deeply inspirational music, “Glory to God” and “Wisdom Come Softly” sung by Stephanie Beaudoin, helps create the ground for our own personal thinking of how we can work at the labor of peace in our lives and our beloved community.
We are so grateful to have not only Pastor Terry but Janet Montroy and Boyd Lowry each week to help keep us all connected! When you have a minute, take the time to let them know how much you appreciate their work on our behalf.
PRAYING FOR EACH OTHER
“For prayer is nothing else than being on terms of friendship with God” -Teresa of Avila
Please continue to pray for all of our church members and families. This has been a difficult time for almost all of us. Some of us because of loss and grief, some for health issues and some for other types of challenges. Most of us are struggling and are comforted to know others are praying for them.
We particularly mourn the loss of Ruth McWilliams Strickland who passed away on February 1, 2021. A dedicated Community Church member, wife, mother and friend to so many, she created and maintained the church library for many years. Her upbeat outlook and friendly open ways will be greatly missed.
Please continue your special prayers for: Kim Briggs, Caroline Gulmy Monti, Jean Franklin, Bob Freudenrich, Janice Roed, Beryl Ferrari and Connie Sinkway.
CCGR PRAYER CHAIN
The prayer chain consists of a small group of people who pray daily for people in our congregation- especially for those who wish to keep their needs and prayers private and confidential. For those more ‘private’ prayer requests, please email requests to Candy Hall at candy.hallccgr@gmail.com
What’s Happening in the next few weeks:
Get your brain and body fit with Ageless Grace!
9am Wednesday Mornings: Come to Fellowship Hall or via Zoom –
Join Sara Lowry for our weekly Ageless Grace class!
Ageless Grace is a brain health fitness program based on the science of neuroplasticity- the brain’s ability to change form. The 21 tools in Ageless Grace stimulate the 5 function of the brain:
S-Strategic Planning
M-Memory and Recall
A- Analytical Thinking
C-Creativity and Imagination
K- Kinesthetic Learning
At the same time, Ageless Grace engages the systems of the body: the circulatory system, respiratory system, lymphatic system, digestive system and endocrine system.
Ageless Grace is practiced to music and seated in a chair to allow arms and legs to move at the same time and challenge the brain to create new pathways doing so.
Get your brain fit! It’s never too early to learn or too late to start!
We are so lucky to have Sara teaching this very important program – so needed as some of us are home and isolated more. Each week every church member receives an invitation to join this great program. Give it a try!
Vision Planning Update! We want to hear from you!
.
The Vision Planning Committee has just finished meeting with the Admin and
Consistory teams asking their input. (They were the guinea pigs so we could obtain constructive feedback before we met with you, the rest of our congregation)
Consistory teams asking their input. (They were the guinea pigs so we could obtain constructive feedback before we met with you, the rest of our congregation)
Over the next two months we will be setting up Zoom conferences with individuals as well as those involved with various church groups. We hope that when you are contacted, you will be able to find the time to take part. After all, it is the Community Church or, Your Church. Now more than ever, your input will be helpful in shaping the future!
Youth Winter Mission Project
CCGR Youth is once again hosting a ‘Souper Bowl Sunday’ hearty soup drive. – This year it will be contactless.
Two bins will be placed outside the education building designated either Chiefs or Buccaneers. Place your soups/other nonperishables if you wish- in your favorite team’s bin! (The bins will be inside the building when the building is open.)
Financial donations through checks can be made out to the Center for Food Action ( put your team name in the memo portion if you want it included in the contest) Donations to Center for Food Action can also be made directly at the following web address:
Super Bowl Sunday is this SUNDAY!! February 7th
The team that collects the most food/money will be announced before the game.
Please be generous – Your support is critical to provide a variety of essential services that help local families and individuals who are struggling to put food on their tables and keep a roof over their heads.
Let’s see who the congregation is rooting for this year!
CCGR Book Club
Next CCGR Book Club will be meeting via Zoom on
Friday, February 12th at 7 p.m.
“The Vanishing Half” by Brit Bennett
Everyone is welcome. Contact Kim Franklin at
kfranklin@mlschools.org is you want to join.
For other news around town:
Don’t forget to check glenrocknj.net and glenrocklibrary.org for additional community news and updates
CCGR Celebrations
Congratulations to Janet and Gary Montroy on the birth of 2 Grandchildren !!
Sally Astrid Schechter was born on January 14th weighing 7 lbs. 14.5 oz. Mom and Dad: Beth and Jeff Schechter and brother Ozzie.
Kaiden Joseph was born on January 29th weighing 7 lbs. 12 oz Mom and Dad: Stephanie and Matt
In Janet’s words, “we are so blessed with this Baby Bonanza!!!”
And of course we are all overjoyed for the families as well.
~~ Happy “February” Birthdays ~~
Pam Speck, Feb. 1st
Diane Herrlett, Feb. 6th
Brian Bieszard, Feb. 19th
And finally, please remember to support Community Church – your church:
You can donate on our website: https://
Thank you!
God Bless
,
,Candy and Donna