Pompton Reformed Church 59 Hamburg Tpk.

Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442 (973) 835-0541

www.pomptonreformed.org July/August 2015

The Art of Putting Off… Go ahead and complete the above sentence: Bible reading, prayer, a new devotional exercise or service project, writing the note you have been intending to write for so long. "Later, God," you promise, as the day gets underway. But you know how it is: the phone rings, or there are meals to prepare, errands to run. The day gets away from you. "Tomorrow, Lord…" and you mean it. But then you are just not in the mood. Why force it? After all, you want to be in the right frame of mind, and offer God your best. You think of situations friends are facing, or decisions looming in your own life, health issues of loved ones, world or national problems… Where to start? "I'll begin a journal, and keep track of everything." But that notebook or journal sits on the shelf, as clean as the day you brought it home. "Soon, I'll get on track, just let me get a few things in order." Another day goes by, another week. Putting off is no difficult task. Any spiritual journey begins with a single step. Mother Teresa wrote, "Our progression in holiness depends upon God and ourselves--on God's grace and on our will to be holy. We must have a real living determination to reach holiness." (from A Gift for God). I pray that the pace of summer months will provide us all an opportunity to discover a fresh way to enjoy God--be that in personal devotional time or a new service endeavor. May God grant us the gumption to move forward. Lord God, in whom we find life and health, through whose gifts we are clothed and fed, through whose mercy we have been forgiven and cleansed…be for us guide, strength, Savior and Lord, all the days of our life; through Jesus Christ. Amen. Request: Pompton Reformed hosts two more weeks this year for Family Promise guests: September 29 to October 4, and November 29 to December 6. As time draws near, please consider providing a meal, serving as companion, assisting with set-up or take down, spending a night on a comfortable mattress, or any of the other tasks where willing servants are needed and welcomed! Needs will be made known as time draws near. Serving our Savior alongside you, Pastor Tom Bartha

Dear Pompton Reformed Church Family, Thank you for praying for our temporary house guest, Gina. Her dad was in an induced coma for over a month then spent a few more weeks in the hospital. Since Gina is only 13, she stayed with our family during that time and is now back home with her recovering father. Please continue to pray for her family as she is the only Christian.

Our Men's Retreat was a bit busier than expected. Forty three men signed up for he weekend and 15 extras

showed up! It was a bit tricky since its held over a holiday when every store closes and all of our purchases

need to be made beforehand, but God stretched the food to feed all those hungry men! They were also

hungry for the Word of God! What a blessing it was to see them excited about the teaching times!

Last month was our 10 year anniversary! A good marriage takes work, especially when relocated far from

family into a new language and culture! Praise the Lord for helping us through and teaching us to rely more

on him daily! Last year for our teen winter retreat half the camp was flooded as you can see in the picture but they didn't let that stop them! We were on furlough and some of you may remember praying with us for winter camp. The sewage tanks were under water, so porta potties were brought in and they made do! While we are glad the Gospel was still shared, we hope this year will run much smoother. We are preparing to receive 2 missions trips this year. One group is coming from the Pennsylvania area in

October and the other from North Jersey over Christmas break. Please contact us if you would like to be

part of either of these trips. There is a big age range from 6 year olds to retirees and there will be something

for everyone to do! Praise God for providing the funds for our new van!! We purchased a Chevrolet Zafira which is the same vehicle we had before. We chose it because after careful evaluation it fit our personal and ministry needs, it can carry up to 7 people or has ample camp supplies, plus the bonus we know it can stand a beating! Thank you again for all your prayers.

Praises

• Gina's dad has recovered well physically and she is back home to be a light to him. • The men at the retreat were excited to dive into the Word and have good fellowship with each

other. • A good marriage after 10 years!

Prayer

• Please be praying for the plans and preparation for the two missions trips. • Preparations for our teen winter camp.

In Him, Bruno, Audrey, Callie and Miguel Couto

STARS & STRIPES - SEA & SAND By Elaine Peacock Well it is that time again summer, we just got finished honoring all the Dads and Grads so we are officially in summer mode. We start summer off literally with a bang. Fireworks displays abound as everyone gets into the spirit of America’s birthday. I like to think about our forefathers and how they suffered in those starched clothes and powdered wigs so many years ago to hammer out the Declaration of Independence. Can you imagine Ben Franklin in cut-offs and flip flops? As we settle into summer let us remember America’s birthday on July 4th came with a price and because of a few brave men with vision and trust in GOD this upstart nation came up against one of the strongest countries of the time and won the dream of independence. HAPPY 239th BIRTHDAY AMERICA!! Of course the number one summer destination is the Jersey shore. On the coldest winter day our day dreams always picture ourselves sinking our toes in the warm sand and feeling the ocean waves roll up over our feet. The sounds and smells of the Jersey shore bring back childhood memories and create lots of new ones. Hot dogs, cotton candy, snow cones and lemonade make a walk on the boardwalk even more special. The sounds of the games of chance and the thrill of winning that stuffed animal. Summer is the season to slow down and savor all that summer has to offer and spend quality time with family and friends the time that that gets lost in the busy lives we lead the rest of the year. Enjoy your summer PRC and remember if you are in Wildwood to “watch the tram car please.” Round Table of Thanks (from June consistory)

• Helen and Chuck Gioia, for their loving leadership of the monthly seniors luncheon for the past 5+ years. They are stepping down after a good run.

• Pat Gordon for her oversight in scheduling all Sunday morning ushers, and to all who volunteer to usher and greet. If you would like the opportunity to be part of this vital ministry--all ages welcomed!!--notify Pat at patriciagordon@gmail.com

Elder and Deacon Nominations Dear PRC Family--Summer is a good time to begin giving thought to whom you would like to see serving in the offices of elder or deacon for 2016 and beyond. The terms for Elders Joanie Warner and Pat Gordon conclude in December, as do the terms for Deacons Jo-Ann Sisco and Vince Iraggi. Our September newsletter will hold further information, but be giving thought to whose walk with Christ you admire, and whom you feel have appropriate gifts for these vital offices. Thank-you.

Scholarships  2015    

On  Behalf  of  the  Scholarship  Committee  and  the  entire  congregation,  scholarships  were  presented  to  the  following  members  as  they  pursue  a  higher  education:          EMILY  DAVIS  BETHANY  DEBLOCK    KATELYN  DUNITZ  JONATHAN  HAYES  ALANNA  SACHSE  CARLY  STRUYK        CHRISTIN  WARNER  MICHAEL  WARNER    While  we  hope  these  scholarships  will  help  ease  the  financial  burden  of  obtaining  a  higher  education  –  it  is  also  important  that  each  of  the  recipients  know  that  we  offer  an  even  greater  gift  –  that  gift  is  the  blessing,  prayers  and  support  from  the  entire  congregation  as  they  pursue  their  individual  educational  goals.    In  Christ’s  Service,  The  Scholarship  Committee          Dear  PRC  Scholarship  Committee,  Thank  you  so  much  for  your  support  in  my  continued  education  and  goals  for  the  future.    Without  the  support  from  my  PRC  family,  I  certainly  would  not  be  the  woman  I  am,  or  the  woman  I  aspire  to  be.    Many  blessings  to  you  all,    Christin  Warner    Dear  Scholarship  Committee,  Thank  you  all  so  much  for  the  generous  monetary  contribution  towards  my  education.    My  studies  are  very  important  to  me,  and  I  wanted  to  thank  you  all,  as  well  as  the  rest  of  the  church,  for  helping  me  along  my  journey.    God  bless.  Mike  Warner        

What's on Your Stoll??? Eight confirmands met with PRC elders and were received into our membership in May. The congregation welcomed them, as they stood up front with their mentors. Each had fashioned and designed a stoll, with symbols representing their faith and interests. In case you were seated at a distance, here are the symbols from several of our confirmands: Kaitlyn Hollar: Kaitlyn's stoll had a cheer bow and cheerleader as cheer is my life and favorite sport. I cheer on my high school team and an all star team. The dove represents my peace I feel with God. I wear a dove bracelet all the time to remind me of this. Finally, the infinity sign reminds me that my walk with God is everlasting and with him all things are possible. Jenna Waibel: My name is Jenna Waibel. In addition to my name, I had three symbols on my stole. (1) I designed a cross with sunlight accents, inspired by my favorite bible verse, John 8:12 “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (2) I placed a snowflake on my stole. I love to ski the challenging trails at Mad River Glen in Vermont. We stay at our ski lodge, which is a home away from home for me. And (3) I had a soccer ball on my stole. I have played travel soccer for 7 years, often wearing my red soccer uniform to Church when we have to travel to away games after our church service. Thomas Hanisch: I styled my stoll after a varsity jacket. The 2015 was the year of confirmation, the XC represented Cross Country, and the 800 and 1600 represented my events in track. The crosses represent my faith in Christ . Connor Conklin: Connor had a basketball, a baseball bat a star because he follows Jesus's star, a dove for peace and a cross. Teddy Iraggi: My stoll represents love for god, enjoyment of sports and the desire to race.

Happy 99th Birthday Wishes To Mildred Wood!

Mrs. Wood was born and raised in Pompton Lakes, living on the last dairy farm in town. She was baptized and married in PRC and attended regularly until she was well into her 80’s. Mrs. Wood

worked for local attorneys from the age of 18 until she retired in her 80’s and did much of PRC’s legal work pro bono.

Mildred Wood was very involved in the life of PRC and we take a moment to celebrate her as she celebrates her birthday on July 29, 2015 !

(Editor’s Note: Mrs. Wood still lives in town in the house she was born in. Her address is in the last Church Directory if you would like to send a card.) Thanks to Mrs. Jeanette

Poulsen for allowing us to salute Mrs. Wood!!      Birthdays    Madison  Lockwood  Henry  Lockwood              Memorials    From           In  Memory  of         Designation    Judy  Spinnanger       Jon  Spinnanger       Undesignated  Cas  &  Jean  Stark       Jon  Spinnanger       Endowment  Cas  &  Jean  Stark       Veterans         Endowment  Cas  &  Jean  Stark       Dick  Christie         Endowment  Helen  &  Chuck  Gioia       Dick  Christie         Scholarship  Drew  Altorfer         Dick  Christie         Endowment  David  &  Janet  Hackbarth     Dick  Christie         Building  Fund  Kevin  &  Lorna  Carroll       Dick  Christie         Endowment  Martha  Shankler       Dick  Christie         Undesignated      In  Memory  of  Kay  Peacock  on  Mother’s  Day  from  Elaine  Peacock  In  Memory  of  Albert  Peacock  on  Father’s  Day  from  Elaine  Peacock    A  fond  hello  and  in  honor  of  all  her  PRC  friends  from  Eleanor  Haling  designated  Scholarship  

 

Upcoming Worship Message Series: "Summer Refreshment--Drinking Deeply from the Psalms" July 5 Worship led by Seminarian Debbie Pierce II Corinthians 2:14-17 -- "The Aroma of Christ" Sacrament of the Lord's Supper July 12 "Summer Refreshment: Drinking Deeply from the Psalms"--Psalm 1 Sacrament of Baptism -- Arianna Mosley Reception of New Members July 19 "Summer Refreshment" -- Psalm 113 Summer Choir (All interested meet at 9:00 a.m.) Healing Service Strawberry Festival desserts following worship July 25 "Summer Refreshment" -- Psalm 69:1-16 August 2 "Summer Refreshment" -- Psalm 27 Sacrament of the Lord's Supper August 9 "Summer Refreshment" -- Psalm 40 Summer Choir (All interested meet at 9:00 a.m.) August 16 "Summer Refreshment" -- Psalm 146 Healing Service Beginning in June each week during the summer months a different Committee/Team will be hosting Coffee Hour. If you are interested in joining the Committee please feel free to speak to the Coffee Hosts. This is a way that we can highlight each Committee/Team so our Church Members will understand the responsibilities of each Committee/Team and hopefully join one or two. All Committees/Teams are looking for new members. The Bulletin will tell you each week which Committee/Team is serving Coffee Hour. Next year Sight and Sound will have a new production called "Sampson." We are already booked to go on October 1, 2016. Since this is a new production we may be able to fill two buses! We will open this up to our Church Family through September. We will then open it up to the Community. We are all set to see "Joseph" this year on October 3, 2015. The bus is completely full and we are just counting down the days until we can go!

Autumnfest 2015 will be here before you know it! Autumnfest 2015 will take place on October 17 from 10:00am until 4pm. which gives us only 109 days to get prepared! Once again we will have inside space and outside space for Vendors and Crafters. The cost for a space will stay the same as last year. The cost will be $25.00 for a space in Fellowship Hall or the Library Area, $20.00 for a space down the Hallway and outside, and $15.00 for a space in Room 103. The inside spaces go quickly so please send in your contract and money early if you want an inside space. You can send it to Jo-Ann Sisco. You can find the contract on our website. This year we will have an Accessory Shop instead of a Holiday Shop. This means you can donate items such as pocketbooks, purses, change purses, scarves, and costume jewelry that are in good condition. Doreen Apgar will be in charge and you can bring these items to her at any time. She will be storing them in her home. Thank You Doreen! We will be asking for donations of homemade baked goods for our Dot Ploch Bake Table. This is always a very popular area! You will begin receiving emails and phone calls asking for your donations in August. We will also be asking for donations of canned soda and bottled water for our Luncheon. If you would care to help out please let any Fellowship Member know! We have plenty of areas you can choose from. If you have any new ideas on how we can expand Autumnfest please let us know! Thank You!

Please keep in mind that the Deacons will be selling Mums and Pumpkins beginning in August. This Fundraiser is part of Autumnfest. You can begin ordering your Mums and Pumpkins in August and they will be delivered in September.

Our annual Church Picnic will be held on Sept. 20 at 11:30 The community will be invited to join us….look for more info in the Sunday bulletins.

Blessings to our Costa Rica Mission Team as they become the hands and feet of Christ! Please keep in prayer:

Michael, Joanie & Mark Warner, Jessica & Katelyn Dunitz, Timothy

Laux, Shana & Elena Van Schaack & Spencer Tennesen and

Sherri Dunitz and Donna DeBlock

Submissions for the September newsletter are due

THURSDAY, Aug. 27 (I start back to work on the 28th )

Submissions can be emailed to khuysers@msn.com or dropped

in the office mailbox.