first press - clover sitesstorage.cloversites.com...if you would like to sing with the chancel...
TRANSCRIPT
continued on page 2
Inside this Issue:
Church Contact Information
2
From the Choir Room 3
Family/Children’s/ Youth Ministries
4‐5
News for the Congregation
6‐7
Moving Forward in Mission
8
Other News 9
August Calendar
11
People You Know 10
Focus
A publication of the First Presbyterian Church of Englewood, NJ
First PressFrom the Pastor
I just returned from my annual study trip where I pick an area and visit interesting churches – and “interesting” to me means a church that is Christ-centered, large, and continuing to grow.
The good people at NewSpring Church in Anderson, SC (average weekly attendance is 26,000 across 8 campuses, www.newspring.cc) granted me some time with their A/V production staff. While we had a fascinating discussion about technology – what’s new, what’s old, what’s coming – what impressed me most was their focus on their mission. Everyone knew what the goal is, and everything they do is clearly intended to move them closer to their goal.
Their primary goal is bringing people to a relationship with Jesus Christ. Within the staff, everyone I met repeated the sentence that was at the core of their ministry: that their job was “to get lost people found and help found people grow.” Clear. Succinct. Everything they did was measured against that goal – if it didn’t clearly help get lost people found or help found people grow, they didn’t do it. This doesn’t mean those are bad things, it just means that they don’t justify an expenditure of church resources. They only devote resources to those endeavors that will advance their core mission.
For the person who comes to NewSpring, they are greeted with five core values that are so easy to remember that I had them memorized before I left – without even trying. They are a fantastic reminder of what we should be about as followers of Jesus: 1. Found people find people 2. Saved people serve people 3. Growing people change 4. You can’t do life alone 5. You can’t outgive God
From the moment you first attend, as one who is now “found” you are expected to go “find.” Their welcome bag doesn’t just contain one invitation card (a business card you give to someone to invite them to church – we have had ours available and we hope you have been taking them to give away) – it contains five. Found people find people.
2 0 1 3 AUGUST
Are there that many unchurched people in South Carolina? It is easy for us to imagine that “everyone” in the so-called “Bible belt” goes to church, but this isn’t so. Certainly South Carolina is not as diverse as Bergen County, but it is a stereotype to suggest that everyone attends church. Everything is contextual; it seems that one of the issues they face is that the traditional church culture of their area is so formal and straitlaced that many regular folks just don’t feel welcome in church. So they go out of their way to be informal and welcoming. They are focused on figuring out why people don’t come to church, and then doing whatever they need to do in order to create an inviting, welcoming environment for newcomers.
How clear are you about your faith? Could you articulate why you come to church? Can you succinctly communicate what your relationship with Jesus Christ means to you? These are things we all need to be constantly thinking about. If we’re going to appreciate the gift of being in relationship with Jesus, we need to remind ourselves of all that it means.
We need to be laser-focused on Christ’s instruction to make disciples of all nations. Helping others find their relationship with Jesus Christ is the most important thing we can ever do. As the Apostle Paul wrote: "‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’ But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him?” – Romans 10:13-14
Someone out there is feeling hopeless. Someone out there is afraid. Someone out there feels trapped by their situation in life. They need to call on Christ. Yet as Paul asked, how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? You can help someone who is feeling lost or lonely – you can help them find hope, purpose, and freedom. Imagine the blessing you can be to others by helping them discover the road toward faith. Found people find people.
Peace and blessings,
continued from page 1
Page 2
H to hear without someone to proclaim him?” – Romans 10:14b
A publication of the First Presbyterian Church
of Englewood, NJ
150 East Palisade Avenue Englewood, NJ 07631 Voice: 201‐568‐7373 Fax: 201‐568‐7376
www.englewoodpres.org
Rev. Richard S. Hong x306 Cell: 973‐769‐0199
Parish Associate, Kellie Anderson‐Picallo x301
Activities Director, Dorothy VanderWerf x307
Music Director, David Macfarlane x310 [email protected]
Office Manager, Danielle De Laurentls x304 [email protected]
Office Assistant, Diane Lyons x304 [email protected]
Bookkeeper, Mary Stevens x308 [email protected]
Staff Extensions and E‐mail Addresses
First Press
August 2013
ow are they
Page 3 First Press
F R O M T H E C H O I R R O O M
CROSSROADS Crossroads is on summer hiatus for the month of July. Please join us when we resume on Sunday evening August 4 at 5:30 p.m. in the Chapel. It’s casual, lively, and fun, with a great band (led by Jane Kelly Williams) and the same basic sermon as Sunday morning (with multimedia enhancements). It’s a great alternative – give it a try and invite your friends!
SUMMER CHOIR If you would like to sing with the Chancel Choir, but don’t have the time for a weekly commitment, the Summer Choir is for you. They rehearse and sing one Sunday of each month during the summer. We meet at 10 a.m. to rehearse and sing for worship at 11. Be prepared to enjoy yourself! The remaining summer choir Sunday is August 25.
Special Music in August August 4: Sandra Ruggles, Soprano
August 11: Malcolm Couden, Baritone
August 18: Emily McSpadden, Alto
August 25: Summer Choir
September 1: Carson Baker, Tenor
CHANCEL CHOIR RETURNS September 8.
Our wonderful soloists will continue to provide music for our worship services in August during the absence of the Chancel Choir:
F A M I LY / C H I L D R E N ’ S / Y O U T H M I N I S T R I E S
August 2013 Page 4
CHILD CARE IS AVAILABLE EVERY SUNDAY! On Sundays, Child Care is available from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Our Nursery is well-equipped
with toys, supplies of all kinds, and a pager system. Babies, toddlers and preschool children are invited to enjoy a special place under the guidance of a paid and experienced staff who also provide a Bible story and activity while parents worship. Karen DuBois Kahn coordinates and supervises our Nursery Ministry.
YOUTH & THEIR FAMILIES INVITED FOR FUN
EVENTS THIS SUMMER! Youth and their families will have an Outing on Friday evening, August 23,
at 6 p.m. for Miniature Golf in Paramus. More details will come to you via e-mail. That’s the 4th Friday in August. Hope you can join us!
SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL meets every Sunday during Worship after the Time with Children. Children of Kindergarten age and older, experience some “Awesome Adventures: God’s Amazing Son” in the Chapel. Jake and Anna featured in their page of comics leads the adventurers in meeting the people who met Jesus with good stories and lots of fun activities. The Take-Home Leaflet for parents suggests topics for conversation and some activities to do at home.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 IS THE KICK-OFF FOR THE FALL PROGRAM
We hope all FAMILIES will join us for a grand celebration of new beginnings: Worship, Registration for Church School, Introduction of Heifer’s Read to Feed for Families using a global education resource called “Animal Crackers”, and a return of the Petting Zoo outside after Coffee & Conversation.
MUSIC THEATRE CAMP is directed by Margot Bennett from August 11–16! Please see information on next page for more details and register by August 1st.
TWO BIBLE CAMPS IN AUGUST 26–29 /AUGUST 26–30
DIRECTED BY CYNDI KUMOR! Check out the changes to the Evening Bible Camp on the following page…Kids come for 4 evenings only, Monday – Thursday and their Family joins them for Dinner and Pro-
gram on Thursday!
Dorothy VanderWerf, Activities Director
Page 5
First Press
Morning Vacation Bible Camp & Evening Vacation Bible Camp (Both camps are for children 3 ½ years old – 7th Grade)
Monday – Friday August 26 – 30, 2013
Morning Bible Camp: 9am- 12pm
Monday – Thursday August 26 – 29, 2013
Evening Bible Camp: 6pm – 8pm (Fee includes dinner for 3 evenings plus Family Dinner & Program on Thursday)
Director: Cyndi Kumor, 201-384-5388 or [email protected]
Activities Director: Dorothy VanderWerf, 201-568-7373 ext. 307 or [email protected]
Experience the love of Jesus, meet welcoming neighbors from the Bible, and explore the everyday life of neighbors from Japan, Zimbabwe, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Mexico. Includes
interactive Bible storytelling, global games, rockin’ music, super science, cool crafts, and more! EVENING BIBLE CAMP includes the same attractions and Supper at 6 p.m. for three nights, plus a Family Dinner on Thursday night!
REGISTER BY AUGUST 10, 2013 Cost: $30 per child, $50 for 2 children, and $60 for 3 or more children
Music Theatre Camp 2013 Sunday - Friday August 11, 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. August 12—16, 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
For children entering grades 5-9 in September.
Directed by Margot Bennett, BA in Theatre Performance from Muhlenberg College Staffed by talented college students, high school students, and adults. The program includes Gathering Time, Rehearsals, Theatre Workshops, Activities, Snacks, Fun, and a Performance! The week will culminate with a SHOWCASE of FAVORITE SONGS on Friday, August 16th at 7: 00 p.m.
REGISTER BY AUGUST 1, 2013 Cost: $35 – 1 child; $50 – 2 children
Page 6 August 2013
SUMMER ALIVE—EVERY SUNDAY IN AUGUST Don't miss Summer Alive hosted by the Mission Committee on the four
Sundays of August. Mark your calendar for the following programs presented by members of the church from 10-10:40 a.m. in the East Room preceding the 11 a.m. Worship Service. A continental breakfast will be served and child care will be provided.
August 4: Mibs Wagner, Trustee of the Foundation of Bergen Regional Medical Center
and former administrator for Bergen Family Center will tell us how we can access the Safety Net for medical and behavioral health care needs. August 11: Thierry Vodounou will share his experience working with the Green Village Foundation, an organization he cofounded with his father. Their mission is empowering residents in poor rural African villages
to help themselves through sustainable development. Through the Foundation, they partnered with the villagers, building wells for clean water and working to end human trafficking. August 18: Dr. Raymond R. Arons (Dr.PH), former director of the Columbia School of Public
Health National Data Center and NASA Apollo Space Program rocket designer, will provide important information about medical insurance. If you are wondering how Obamacare will affect you, this is a program you won't want to miss. August 25: Marcy Steele will share with us experiences and adventures of Habitat volunteers this summer working to help rebuild homes in Little Ferry that were damaged by Hurricane Sandy. Marcy has previously been a Habitat volunteer at other sites, providing a reassuring presence for those experiencing difficult times, as well as helping to rebuild people's homes.
N E W S F O R T H E C O N G R E G AT I O N
!
COPE: FPC’S CAREGIVERS’ SUPPORT GROUP In partnership with the Bergen Family Center
Thursday, August 15, 7:00-9:00 pm, in the East Room.
Are you feeling the stress of being a caregiver for a sibling, parent, or an adult child? If you are a caregiver looking for resources – or a space to get it all out - come to COPE: FPC’s
Caregivers’ Support Group. Sheila Shur from Bergen Family Center will discuss programs for seniors in Bergen County. These programs entail free care management services, assistance with PAAD and Senior Gold prescription drug programs, HEAP (energy assistance), JACC and Global options (home care programs), VA benefits, Alzheimer grants, Meals on Wheels, Food Stamps, Emergency RESPITE, and programs to assist with shopping, laundry, personal care, light housekeeping, and home repairs. Sheila is the Elder Care Supervisor for the Bergen Family Center. COPE will provide you with a compassionate circle of men and women who support one another in our care of others. For additional information, contact Rev. Hong at [email protected]. Please feel free to forward this invitation to others you know who are feeling the burden of caring for others. All are welcome. Light refreshments will be served.
Page 7 First Press
FPC COMMUNICATION UPDATE 2013 We want to stay in touch with you! Do we have your current email address? We want you to be able to receive our weekly e-blasts of information about what’s happening at FPC. Do we have your cell phone number? During Hurricane Sandy, we found that the best way to contact people was via text message. May we have your cell number and permission
to text you in exceptional circumstances? If you would like to give us your current information – or even if you aren’t sure that we have it – please send your preferred email address and/or cell phone number
(and whether we may text you when necessary) to [email protected]! You may also fill in the mailing list signup form on our website. Go to englewoodpres.org and look under “Happenings.” Or complete the form below and send to the church office.
First Name ________________________________________________________
Last Name _________________________________________________________
Address (and Apt #) ______________________________________________________
City, State, Zip ____________________________________________________________
Preferred Email to receive FPC Correspondence:__________________________________________________________
Home Phone: ____________________________________________________
Mobile Phone: ____________________________________________________
Check here for FPC Permission to text you in exceptional circumstances
YOUVERSION BIBLE APP
Coming to worship? Bring your tablets and leave your Smartphones on. We are trying an experiment of offering additional Sermon Content that is accessible on your smartphone or tablet through the YouVersion Bible app that is FREE for iPhone, iPad, or Android. Just search your appropriate app store for “YouVersion” and “Bible” download the one
that has the Bible logo you see here from LifeChurch.TV. Open the app, and in the menu choose LIVE EVENTS. Search for an event near you, and each week’s event is listed by sermon title with a subtitle of “FPC Englewood.” The content consists of an outline of the sermon, additional study notes, and sometimes a relevant media clip. You can take your own notes during the sermon that are saved to your device in the YouVersion app. Give it a try and make worship a richer learning experience!
FPC ON THE WEB
In addition to our new Web site, don’t forget that our sermons are available on our Podcast, accessible at no cost through the iTunes store, through our Web site, or directly at fpce.podbean.com. You can also keep up with FPC by joining our Facebook page (just search for First Presbyterian Church of Englewood), follow us on Twitter (@fpcenglewood), or check-in on Foursquare.
Page 8 August 2013
FOOD TO FIRST ON THE FIRST OF AUGUST Don’t forget needy families who need food during the summer months especially child-friendly food. Bring FOOD TO FIRST ON THE FIRST SUNDAY: August 4 and September 1 or at any time. We bring the food to the Center for Food Action here in Englewood. Thanks to several volunteers from the congregation.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE: HABITAT FOR HUMANITY LITTLE FERRY, AUGUST 5-8
The mission of Habitat for Humanity is eliminating homelessness by working in partnership with individuals and families in need. We are proud to participate in this
ministry. During the week of August 5 through August 8 (Monday through Thursday) we will be working with Bergen County's Superstorm Sandy Restoration Project to
rehabilitate a home in our neighboring town of Little Ferry that was severely damaged by Hurricane Sandy. Many of our neighbors in Bergen County suffered severe losses in the wake of this hurricane. FPC, in working with Habitat and our neighbors in Little Ferry to rebuild what has been lost, are demonstrating our commitment to the needs of others and to our faith. Our most important contribution may be letting people know, during their most difficult times, that they are not alone. Your help is greatly needed. There are two important ways in which you may support this restoration effort: Volunteer to work with our FPC group in Little Ferry. The signup sheet is at the Information Center in Elmore Hall. Stop by at Coffee and Conversation. Or, donate money by placing it in Stu’s House on the way to Elmore Hall.
GRATITUDE FOR ALL WHO OFFERED HOSPITALITY TO GUESTS
Our Family Promise guests arrived on Sunday, July 14, and will move on to another place on Sunday, July 28. For two weeks, we have had the privilege of hosting two wonderful families who
are temporarily homeless. Natalie Beaumont has been greeting and welcoming the families each day, helping our 5 support congregations find things, and inviting people to host meals and the overnights on July 21 and 24. Our church’s overnight hosts were Linda Farrell, Joan Van Alstyne Johnson, Richard Bennett and Cathy Armao!
Emily Kahn as Project Manager, Karen and Bob Kahn, adult advisors, and many Youth Group members cooked, served and hosted dinner on July 21. On July 24, Carlos and Shahida Ramos provided dinner with the assistance of their grandsons, Logan and Kyle Beharry!
We are also grateful for those who provided food for 14 Breakfasts and 14 Lunches: Katie Bigler, Martha Dawson, Eileen Liu, Carol Cornell, Carolyn Moscou, Tracey Fraser, Jack Debrot and Judy Kernodle, Barbara Kalvig, Bea Barbieri and Whole Foods in Edgewater! Thanks to the Church Staff for assisting the Mission Committee in hosting: Rich, Kellie, Dorothy, John, Jeff, Danielle and Diane.
M O V I N G F O R WA R D I N M I S S I O N
Page 9 First Press
O T H E R N E W S
WALK THE LABYRINTH ON THE LAWN
The Labyrinth on the Lawn is open year-round and is located in back of the building on the grassy knoll with the entrance near where you see a bench. It is a metaphor for the journey of life with its twists and turns, changes and challenges, but we continue on the path with hope and determination. Come, take a walk on a nice day for a time of prayer and meditation.
2013 AUTUMN AUCTION Phil Tamis is looking for volunteers to help with the AUTUMN AUCTION. Sign up or
send him an e-mail at [email protected].
DOES SOMETHING NEED FIXING? Do you see something that isn't working as it should? A light bulb that's out? A dispenser that's empty? Send a quick email to [email protected] and we'll get it to the right person to be taken care of. (And anything you can do to help us keep this place in tip-top shape would be greatly appreciated!)
AUGUST SERMON SERIES: FAITH IN 4D Summer. A great time for movies. From action-packed blockbusters to thoughtful independent films, movies touch us, thrill us, and spark our imaginations. Join us every Sunday in August as we look at a different major
film each week and discuss it through the lens of being a follower of Christ as it relates to the Scripture lesson for the day.
Before the morning service, we will gather in the Chapel at 10:50 a.m. to watch a trailer or clip from the movie being discussed before beginning worship in the Sanctuary. At Crossroads, the clip will be shown as a part of the service.
This series is a great opportunity to invite a friend to join you. We look forward to seeing you!
FAITH IN 4D: AT HOME During the middle of August we will also be scheduling several opportunities for you to gather in small groups at members’ homes to watch a movie and have a brief discussion afterwards. The movie will be “Lincoln”, and the schedule of locations and times will be published in the bulletin.
August 2013 Page 10
People You Know BEST WISHES AND PRAYERS FOR: Mary Ferguson who continues her recovery at home following a
short hospital stay.
BEST WISHES AND PRAYERS FOR: Angel Bello who recuperates from surgery at home.
BEST WISHES AND PRAYERS FOR: Sandy and Jae Yoo as they continue to recuperate from an accident and hospital stay for Sandy.
CELEBRATING BAPTISMS OF: Sebastian Anderson Eloy, son of Jean Anderson Eloy and Jennifer Eloy, baptized on June 30, 2013.
Gavin Bijan Pourreza, son of Keyvan and Lindsey Pourreza, baptized on July 14, 2013.
CONGRATULATIONS TO: Andrea and Nathan Shuman on the birth of their daughter, Vanessa Idamae Shuman on July 5, 2013. Congratulations to her two brothers, too, Kylar and Donovin.
CONGRATULATIONS TO: Michael Wardner and Leigh Scott, and grandparents John and Lyn Scott, on the birth of Charlie Harrison Wardner on July 6, 2013 in Atlanta, GA.
ANOTHER COLLEGE GRADUATE: David Kwak graduated from Boston College with a Bachelor of Science degree on May 20th.
CONGRATULATIONS TO: Cielo Camacho who competed in Atlantic City at Grove National Dancers Competition. Three of her dances won Platinum, “Trolly Song”, “Wonderland” and “Under the Boardwalk”. Her dance “Read all about it” won High Gold. Her school Dance Dimensions in New Milford won the National Grove Award for 2013-2014 for Best Dances at a National Competition and won $1,500.
SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER ARTICLES ARE DUE ON AUGUST 15TH!
90 SECOND SERMON Check out the 90 Second Sermon – a brief, engaging version of the sermon being produced each week by Rich and Kellie. Well-suited for sharing with friends via email or Facebook, we hope you’ll find it interesting not just for yourself but as a way to start faith conversations with friends and family. Access the videos from our preliminary website at www.90secondsermon.com.
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M
on
T
ue
We
d
Th
u
Fri
Sa
t
1 7:30p Basketball (EH
)
2
3
4 Com
munion Sunday
10a Summ
er Alive (ER)
10:50a Movie Preview
(CH
) 12:30p Parents w
/ Special N
eeds Children (M
R)
5:30p Crossroads resum
es
5
Habitat for H
umanity
Mission G
roup in Little Ferry through August 8th
6
7
8 7:30p Basketball (EH)
9 1p Staff Meeting
10
11 10a Sum
mer Alive (ER
) 10:50a M
ovie Preview (C
H)
2-5p Music Theater C
amp
(CH
)
12
9:30a-3p Music Theater
Cam
p
13 9:30a-3p M
usic Theater C
amp
14 9:30a-3p M
usic Theater C
amp
15 9:30a-3p M
usic Theater C
amp
7p CO
PE (ER)
7:30p Basketball (EH)
16 2p-7p M
usic Theater Cam
p 7p M
usic Theater Cam
p Perform
ance (CH
)
17
18 10a Sum
mer Alive (ER
) 10:50a M
ovie Preview (C
H)
19
20
21 7:30p Session (ER
)
22 7:30p Basketball (EH
)
23 6p Youth Fam
ily Outing
24
25 10a Sum
mer Alive (ER
) 10:50a M
ovie Preview (C
H)
Summ
er Choir Sings
26 9a-12p M
orning Bible C
amp
6-8p Evening Bible C
amp
27 9a-12p M
orning Bible C
amp
6-8p Evening Bible C
amp
28 9a-12p M
orning Bible C
amp
6-8p Evening Bible C
amp
29 9a-12p M
orning Bible C
amp
6-8p Family D
inner for Evening Bible C
amp
30 9a-12p M
orning Bible Cam
p
31
August 2013
First Presbyterian Church 150 East Palisade Avenue
Englewood, N
J 07631 201-568-7373
ww
w.englew
oodpres.org
CFL–
Center for Learning
CH
-Chapel
CR
-Choir R
oom
EH-Elm
ore Hall ER
-East Room
LIB-Library M
R-M
eeting Room
M
UR-M
usic Room
N
-Nursery SANC
-Sanctuary
Su
n
Every Sunday: 11:00 am
Worship Service 11:15 am
Summer Sunday School
12 noon Coffee & Conversation Nursery / child care available from
10:00 - 12:30 pm Crossroads Contemporary Worship