Weekly Update for February 28- March 5, 2021
Dear CCGR Family,
February 28, 2021 Worship Service
Pastor Terry’s sermon title, Live the Life of Jesus
Gospel Reading Matthew 6:1-18 Gary Montroy
“Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven. “So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. “And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. “When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. “Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one. For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. “And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Sermon Live the Life of Jesus Pastor
Please take the time to listen to Pastor Terry’s sermon as he explores both our outer but more importantly our internal self-image. He refers to the section in Genesis where it is written that God created human kind in his image. Since we have a spiritual likeness to our creator, Pastor Terry is reminding us who our role model should be in our lives. What better role model than Jesus, who is close to his father’s heart and who has made the father known, he asks.
Pastor Terry asks us how do we live our lives? In Lent, whenever we give, fast or forgive we should do so for the right reasons: not to be noticed or to show we are making some sacrifice. It should be a private matter. He reminds us that the road is not an easy one but one where God does promise to watch over us. Pastor Terry talks about silver being refined and how important it is to keep an eye during the refinement that the silver doesn’t get destroyed. The end result of the refinement process is when you can see your face in the silver. Pastor Terry reminds us that as we work to refine ourselves during Lent and at other times, God keeps his eye on us until he sees ( and perhaps we may also get to see) his image in us.
The words of the sermon combined with the rousing and inspiring music “My Soul Cries Out” and “Ain’t Nobody Gonna Turn Me Around” sung beautifully by Stephanie Beaudoin and accompanied by Music Director Janet Montroy created the backdrop for our self-review of how our own refinement is coming along.
Grateful for our devoted Church members and staff: We are so grateful to have not only Pastor Terry but Janet Montroy and Boyd Lowry each week to help keep us all connected! Also grateful for our soloists and readers. Thank you Gary and Stephanie! When you have a minute, take the time to let them know how much you appreciate their work on our behalf.
PRAYING FOR EACH OTHER
“The value of persistent prayer is not that God will hear us, but that we will finally hear God.” William McGill
Please continue to pray for all of our church members and families. This is a difficult time for almost all of us. Some of us because of loss and grief, some for health issues and some for other types of challenges. Most of us are struggling and are comforted to know others are praying for them.
We particularly mourn the loss of a former church member, Kendra Weiss who died of cancer this past week. People wanting to send condolences can mail them to Lyn Weiss 30A E. Daisy La., Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054.
Please continue your special prayers for: The Sinkway/Emery and Strickland families. Phil and Elizabeth Gulmy, Kim Briggs, Carolyne Gulmy Monti, Jean Franklin, Bob Freudenrich, Janice Roed, Beryl Ferrari and Donna Nihen.
What’s Happening in the next few weeks:
Vision Planning Update! We want to hear from you!
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Members of the Vision Planning Committee thank those who have shared their ideas about the church and our community through Zoom.
Over the next few weeks, the team will continue to invite groups and individuals to share their ideas. We won’t stop until we hear from everyone. We hope that when you are contacted, you will be able to find the time to take part. After all, it is the Community Church or, Your Church. Now more than ever, your input will be helpful in shaping the future!
Join the Fight Against Hate! Attend a conversation about hate on Monday, March 15, 2021 from 6-7 PM
Some people in our congregation have spoken out about their concern about hate in our society. Please join Attorney General Grewal and other Bergen County leaders including Glen Rock’s Community Relations Advisory Board who will talk about efforts to combat rising tensions and share ways to inspire action against hate. The Religious Communities of Glen Rock (RCGR) along with the Glen Rock Community Relations Advocacy Network (CRAN) and the National Anti-Defamation League will (ADL) will be sponsoring this event. .
CCGR Book Club
Next CCGR Book Club will be meeting via Zoom on
Friday, March 12th at 7 p.m.
“Born a Crime, Stories from a South African Childhood” by Trevor Noah
Everyone is welcome. Contact Kim Franklin at
kfranklin@mlschools.org is you want to join.
Ageless Grace Continues at 9am on Wednesday mornings.
Come to Fellowship Hall or via Zoom –
Join Sara Lowry for our weekly Ageless Grace class- a brain health fitness program. The zoom link is sent to all members prior to Wednesday. To learn more about this program please go to agelessgrace.com
Religious Communities of Glen Rock is continuing their weekly messages of hope, unity and healing each week on facebook.com/glenrockinterfaith. Check it out for inspiration.
For other news around town:
Don’t forget to check glenrocknj.net and glenrocklibrary.org for additional community news and updates
And finally, please remember to support Community Church – your church:
You can donate on our website: https://communitychurchgr.com , set up auto-pay through your bank or pay by mail.
Thank you!
Peace and blessings,
Donna and Candy