Dear CCGR Family,
A recap of Pastor Terry’s inspiring sermon from last Sunday — https://www.youtube.com/
“Every true sacrifice done — no matter how large or small — for others and not ourselves, is an example of perfect obedient love.”
As shared by Charlie Dente in the scripture reading of John 10: 22-30 — Jesus’ ministry took him back to Jerusalem for the Festival of Lights (Hanukkah) to continue to preach and bring people to know the Truth. He, however, angered many of those who questioned his identity, accusing Him and his teachings as being completely false. However, anyone who witnessed Jesus’ deeds and miracles — His followers — had no need for any additional proof that He was the Messiah, and that He was the prophet that Moses had promised that God would send for all to listen to, and that those who believed would be promised eternal life. But, the Jews refused to believe Him, accusing him of being an imposter and wanting to kill him for claiming to be God.
Although we all experience hardships and pain on earth, it is because of the ‘love’ we all share in our hearts — the ‘unity’ we share as followers of Jesus’ and that ‘He is who He says He is’, that we can be assured the security of a future beyond our time here on earth.
As God’s ‘flock’ of followers, we are to share our ‘Gift of God’s Love” by putting others before ourselves, and helping to ‘feed’ His earthly ‘sheep’. He wants us ALL to be able to receive His promise of ‘eternal life’.
And to Janet Montroy, thank you once again for the beauty of her music, and for the stories she shares that are behind several of her pieces. It was intriguing to learn that Johann Sebastian Bach was a church musician — a man of great faith. She conveyed these personal reflective words — “A piece of beautiful music is just as much of an act of worship as a prayer,” and “there is no rigid line between sacred and secular music”. “Music is one of the greatest gifts of God.”
How inspiring and how true!! Music — a universal language — is a gift learned that lasts a lifetime. Thank you, Janet, for this gift shared with us all!!
As we continue to remain in our homes during this pandemic, we ask that you continue to keep each other in prayer.
Please continue to keep the Sinkway/Emery family in your prayers. We continue to pray for healing and patience for Connie, who returned home this past week from a hospital stay of observation and testing, as a result of a fractured vertebrae from a fall. In addition, prayers are requested for Connie’s brother-in-law, Jack Sinkway, who had also been in the hospital coincidentally at the same time, but is also back home.
Additionally, please continue to pray for the Allen Family; the Bird-Bennett Family; Jeanne Franklin; the Janssen Family; the Gilligan Family (please note: the family requests that no phone calls be made at the present time to Terry G. at her home; however, sending notes and cards are appreciated); the Zucchino Family; & the Ruth Rankin Leaper Family; as well as for the Chadwick Family (for Tom’s Mother’s recuperation from the COVID virus); for Beryl Ferrari; for Bob & Doris Van Ostenbridge & for Rev. Wright and his family.
At this time also, we ask our church family to keep our upcoming high school and college graduates in prayer. Typically, this is a time of mixed emotions, but more than ever this year as we are faced with social isolation restrictions due to COVID-19, we realize the disappointment of not being able to experience the same level of celebration as others have in the past. We hold all our graduates in our hearts in prayer.
Confidential prayer requests that you would like the small group Prayer Chain to pray for may be emailed to Candy Hall at candy.hallccgr@gmail.com
Again, please try to remember Pastor Terry’s “5 at 5” prayer suggestion — to stop what we are doing at 5:00 p.m., step outside on your porch if we are able to, and take 5 minutes to pray. And if you have children, encourage them to pray also, by writing or drawing prayers of their own, or have them use chalk to write a blessing or a special message on your sidewalk or driveway for those walking by to see.
Church School News (Reminder) ~~
Per Candy’s note in the May Currents, please be reminded regarding a couple of outreach projects the children (and their families) can participate in, if they so choose:
1. Continue sending ‘thank you’s’ to anyone who they can think of that have been of essential help (including healthcare workers) to you/them/or someone they know, during this challenging time.
2. Donating shelf-stable foods to Community Meals (which is based at CCGR). Drop-off collection site is 385 Bedford Road, Ridgewood, NJ. Community Meals (Inc.) is collecting shelf stable food items for the elderly, homebound, etc. to have on hand in the event CMI is forced to cancel a meal delivery during this time. CMI staff will use these foods to compile emergency bags of food and deliver to their clients who are homebound and most in need.
3. Update on Mask Donations for Christian Health Care Center —
Some good news response shared by Candy:
In addition to the recent donations of masks dropped off to Madeleine Barry for the Christian Health Care Center (where she is working), Madeleine mentioned they could still use some more should anyone be gifted in helping to make these. She, and others at the CHCC, are most grateful for all that has been donated so far.
Please reach out to Candy (candy.hallccgr@gmail.com) regarding Church School News.
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 unprecendented time, please remember supporting Community Church in your time of giving.