Annandale Reformed Church New Life Community

CONNECTIONSWeb Site: www.annandalereformedchurch.org

Our Mission StatementWe are a family in Christ called together by the Holy Spirit to serve God in our community. We

are placed here to worship, to nurture and serve, and to make the joyous life in Jesus Christ more accessible to our neighbors.

September 2017 Vol 27, No 9From our Minister of Faith Family Life

Hello Faith Family,

As I have mentioned before, I have recently rediscovered a wonderful book that will challenge you to your core, “Celebration of Discipline” by Richard Foster. If you have not read it, I highly recommend it. It will forever change your life. You will have great difficulty reading it only in an academic sense. What I mean is that it will challenge you to put into practice many disciplines of the Christian life. I thought that I might try to inspire you by giving you a brief idea of the content.

The author breaks the disciplines down into three primary categories; Inner Disciplines, Outward Disciplines, and Corporate Disciplines. The “Inner Disciplines” section includes chapters on meditation, prayer, fasting, and study. The “Outward Disciplines” includes Simplicity, Solitude, and Submission. And the Corporate Disciplines are Confession, Worship, Guidance, and Celebration.

Here are the sections as ordered by Richard Foster, with just a couple of quotes from each chapter.

The Inward Disciplines

Meditation – “What happens in meditation is that we create the emotional and spiritual space which allows Christ to construct an

inner sanctuary in the heart…Eastern Meditation is an attempt to empty the mind; Christian meditation is an attempt to fill the mind.”

Prayer – “All who have walked with God have viewed prayer as the main business of their lives…Martin Luther declares, “I have so much business I cannot get on without spending three hours daily in prayer.”…Real prayer is something we learn.”

Fasting – “Modern culture reacts strongly to these [previously mentioned] excesses and tends to confuse fasting with mortification…Throughout Scripture fasting refers to abstaining from food for spiritual purposes.”

Study – “The purpose of the Spiritual Disciplines is the total transformation of the person. They aim at replacing old destructive habits of thought with new life-giving habits. Nowhere is this purpose more clearly seen than in the Discipline of study.”

The Outward Disciplines

Simplicity – “Simplicity is freedom…[it] is an inward reality that results in an outward life-style. Both the inward and the outward aspects of simplicity are essential. We deceive ourselves if we believe we can possess the inward reality without its having a profound effect on how we live.”Solitude – “Jesus calls us from loneliness to solitude…Solitude is more a state of mind and heart than it is a place…We must

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understand the connection between inner solitude and inner silence; they are inseparable.”

Submission – “What freedom corresponds to submission? It is the ability to lay down the terrible burden of always needing to get our own way…Only submission can free us sufficiently to enable us to distinguish between genuine issues and stubborn self-will…Self-denial does not mean the loss of our identity.”Service – “Whoever would be great among you must be your servant…even as the Son of man came not to be served but to serve” (Matt. 20:25-28)

The Corporate Disciplines

Confession – “Confession is a difficult Discipline for us because we all to often view the believing community as a fellowship of saints before we see it as a fellowship of sinners. We feel that everyone else has advanced so far into holiness that we are isolated and alone in our sin…Therefore, we hid ourselves from one another and live in veiled lies and hypocrisy.”

Worship – “If the Lord is to be Lord, worship must have priority in our lives. The first commandment of Jesus is, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” (Mark 12:30).

Guidance – “Much of the teaching on divine guidance in our century has been noticeably deficient on the corporate aspect. We have received excellent instruction on how God leads us through Scripture and…through the individual heart…But we have heard little about how God leads through his people, the body of Christ. On that subject there is profound silence.”

Celebration – “Joy is part of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22)…Celebration is at the heart of the way of Christ.”

Would you be interested in a study of the Celebration of Discipline? There are workbooks published for just this purpose. If you are involved in a bible study, I would recommend that you at least take a look. There is scripture throughout to support these disciplines listed and if practiced, they will change your life. I’m seriously considering having a study on this myself. If you would be interested in committing an hour and a half to this on an evening weekly let me know. Maybe a twelve week Sunday evening meeting?

Blessings,

Pastor Rick

Recipe of the Month!

People have asked to bring back the Recipe of the Month column which we can do, but we need the recipes to put in it.

You must have a favorite one that you would like to share with others.

Send your contribution to joyce@murphy.org.

We look forward to some good cookin’

STAY HEALTHY.

We want you all to keep healthy. Don’t forget we have the hand sanitizer on the back table for your use.

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Kid’s KornerI am so excited for the start of our new Sunday School Year and to see where our journey with the Lord

will lead us!!!!!  On September 17th we will explore Christian Accountability Partnerships

and on the 24th we will talk about balancing our lives.

At the back of this newsletter is a page to color and help get you ready to look to the Lord for a wonderful new year. 

See you in September!!!!

What is Labor Day and why do we celebrate it?

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

Property

The painters have been here starting to touch up the chipped paint throughout the sanctuary and narthex. Some of the touch up was required because of the issues we were having with the radiators this past winter. The Boiler Company will be paying for that part of the bill. We have hired the electrician to replace all the bulbs in the hanging lights in the sanctuary with LED bulbs, however he is having trouble finding the big base bulbs for the middle of the hanging lights that are dimmable. If he can’t find them, he will have to put regular incandescent ones in there. Once that is done we should see a great improvement in the brightness of the sanctuary.

The attic is now insulated and with that and the new energy efficient heating unit, we should see a substantial reduction in our heating costs next winter.

Ladies’ Society

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“Not Angie’s List”, but “ARC’s List”

Notary Public:Lisa Zambito: 908-268-5340

Auto Repair:Quality Auto Service Center, LLCAll makes & models autos (and

boats and planes)Contact Owner/OperatorRick Lebbing: 908-806-6014

I WENT TO A BOOK STORE AND ASKED THE SALESWOMAN, "WHERE'S THE SELF- HELP SECTION?" SHE SAID IF SHE TOLD ME, IT WOULD DEFEAT THE PURPOSE.

The ladies will be selling food and drinks at the Town Wide Yard Sale on Sat. Sept. 9th on Washington Ave.  Pat Schutt's family has offered to do the cooking, etc.  We thank them in advance for doing this.

The ladies will also have a Fall, Christmas and holiday decoration table (White Elephant) in the front of the old Municipal building.  If anyone has items for this table, please leave them downstairs at the church or contact Jill Meyer.

The next meeting will be on Monday, Sept. 18th (NOTE THE CHANGE) as Peg will be away on the second Monday.  Meeting will be at the church at 12 noon.  All women of the church are welcome.

-   Don't forget the Yard Sales will be held on Saturday, September 9th from 9 am to 3 pm.  Come out and join us for a fun day, you might find that one great bargain you've been looking for.

Light Humor

A man and his wife were awakened at 3:00 am by a loud pounding on the door.

The man gets up and goes to the door where a drunken stranger, standing in the pouring rain, is asking for a push.

"Not a chance," says the husband, "it is 3:00 in the morning!"      He slams the door and returns to bed.  "Who was that?" asked his wife.

"Just some drunk guy asking for a push," he answers.

"Did you help him?" she asks.

"No, I did not, it's 3am in the morning and it's bloomin' well pouring with rain out there!"

"Well, you have a short memory," says his wife. "Can't you remember about three months ago when we broke down, and those two guys helped us? I think you should help him, and you should be ashamed of yourself!" God loves drunk people too you know."

The man does as he is told, gets dressed, and goes out into the pounding rain. He calls out into the dark, "Hello, are you still there?"   

"Yes," comes back the answer.

"Do you still need a push?" calls out the husband.

"Yes, please!" comes the reply from the dark.

"Where are you?" asks the husband.

"Over here on the swing," replied the drunk   ……..   

Something to PonderShared with us by Carol Jacobus

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George Carlin's wife died early in 2008 and George followed her, dying in July 2008. It is ironic George Carlin - comedian of the 70's and 80's - could write something so very eloquent and so very appropriate. An observation by George Carlin:

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce,

fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete.

Remember to spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

And always remember, life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by those moments that take our breath away.

Missions

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When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer

In September, we will be collecting monetary donations for Mercy Ships.  This Christian non-profit has provided shipboard surgical procedures and other forms of healthcare to Africa since 1978. This floating hospital travels to various ports in areas where medical care is scarce, mostly sub-Saharan Africa. Please see   www.mercyships.org for further details.

This is the time of year that most Food Pantries experience a huge shortage.  Let's help those that are less fortune than we are by filling the containers that have been placed in the Narthax.  A BIG THANK YOU to everyone.

Thanks to all who donated to the Blood Drive, St. Hubert's and the Open Cupboard over the summer. The Riddles made 5 trips to St. Hubert's -and made a lot of animals happy! 

PRISON MINISTRY:  We will once again be collecting 2018 calendars for the women's prison in Clinton.   If your name and address appear on the calendar packaging, please be sure to remove the label.  

COUNTRY ARCH CARE CENTER:  We will be collecting new greeting cards for the residents to use when they need a card to send.  

The calendars and cards may be placed in the box in the Narthex.  

Brain Teaser

Shared with us by Sandi Pill

Keep that brain working; see if you can figure out what these seven words all have in common? 

Banana 

Dresser 

Grammar 

Potato 

Revive 

Uneven 

Assess 

 Look at each word carefully.  You'll kick yourself when you discover the answer. This is so cool.....

Answer on page 7

Serve Your Church

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September Ushers

Sept 3 Nancy GasparettiSept 10 Debbie CarvattSept 17 Donna & Mandi GreenhalghSept 24 Appollina Family

Please remember to insert one of the envelopes for the mission of the month if the box is on the table

Please remove old bulletins, etc. after the service. (See Usher Guidelines on door to closet in narthex). And please don’t forget to take the count when the service begins (it is easier to do when the children are sitting up front for the children’s sermon)

Please consider signing up to read scripture or host fellowship hour. Sign up on the white board on the bulletin board in the narthex. (Please use the dry erase marker provided when writing on the white board)

If you sign up for scripture, please send Rick Brock an e-mail so he can send you the scripture to review.

jrbsecond@gmail.com

* Note all scripture comes from the New Revised Standard Version Bible. If you print out the verses from a different Bible version, the words will not match what is being shown on the screen.

Joys and Concerns Prayer Requests

Reminder: please PRINT your name and PRINT your prayer request on the prayer card. This will help the person to read them more efficiently.

Feel free to take a few extra prayer cards home should you want to fill your request out at home. There is a supply on the table in the back of the sanctuary.

Sunday School

Sunday School begins September 17th. We can't wait to see all the children and teens again.  

We have many exciting changes this year and we are looking forward to it!  

Answer to Brain Teaser:

Lord's PrayerBy a 15-year-old school kidwho got an A+ for this entry(TOTALLY AWESOME)!

The Lord's Prayer is not allowed in most  U.S. Public schools anymore. A kid in MINNESOTA, wrote the following

NEW School Prayer:-~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now I sit me down in school  Where praying is against the rule   For this great nation under God   Finds mention of Him very odd.      If scripture now the class recites,   It violates the Bill of Rights.   And anytime my head I bow   Becomes a Federal matter now.      Our hair can be purple, orange or green,   That's no offense; it's a freedom scene..   The law is specific, the law is precise.   Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice.      For praying in a public hall   Might offend someone with no faith at all..   In silence alone we must meditate,   God's name is prohibited by the State..We're allowed to cuss and dress like freaks,  And pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks...  

They've outlawed guns, but FIRST the Bible.  

To quote the Good Book makes me liable.     

We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen,   And the 'unwed daddy,' our Senior King.  

It's 'inappropriate' to teach right from wrong,  

We're taught that such 'judgments' do not belong..  

   We can get our condoms and birth controls,  

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In all of the words listed, if you take the first letter, place it at the end of the word, and then spell the word backwards, it will be the same word.

Study witchcraft, vampires and totem poles...  

But the Ten Commandments are not allowed,  

No word of God must reach this crowd.     

It's scary here I must confess,   When chaos reigns the school's a mess.  

So, Lord, this silent plea I make:  

Should I be shot; My soul please take!                                     Amen

The Magic Bank Account

The author is not known.   It was found in the billfold of coach Paul Bear Bryant, Alabama, after he died in 1982 The Magic Bank Account

Imagine that you had won the following *prize* in a contest: Each morning your bank would deposit $86,400 in your private account for your use.

However, this prize has rules:

The Set Of Rules: 1. Everything that you didn't spend during each day would be taken away from you. 2. You may not simply transfer money into some other account. 3. You may only spend it. 4. Each morning upon awakening the bank opens your account with another $86,400 for that day. 5. The bank can end the game without warning; at any time, it can say, game over!" it can close the account and you will not receive a new one. 

What would you personally do? You would buy anything and everything you wanted right? Not only for yourself, but for all the people you love and care for. Even for people you don't know, because you couldn't possibly spend it all on yourself, right? You would try to spend every penny, and use it all, because you knew it would be replenished in the morning, right? Actually, this game is real..Shocked???Yes! Each of us is already a winner of this *prize*. We just can't seem to see it. The prize is *time* 1. Each morning we awaken to receive 86,400 seconds as a gift of life. 2. And when we go to sleep at night, any remaining time is not credited to us. 3. What we haven't used up that day is forever lost. 4. Yesterday is forever gone. 5. Each morning the account is refilled, but the bank can dissolve your account at any time without warning... So, what will you do with your 86,400 seconds? Those seconds are worth so much more than the same amount in dollars.  Think about it and remember to enjoy every second of your life, because time races by so much quicker than you think. So take care of yourself, be happy, love deeply and enjoy life! 

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Start spending...."don't complain about growing old!" some people don't get the privilege! 

09-03 Troy James09-04 Barbara Vogel09-05 Isabelle Silliman09-07 Tom Zambito

Tera Lunger09-08 Andrew Lunger09-09 Sofia Sannazzaro

Maureen Manning09-10 Lacey Theesfeld

Jason Strauss09-11 Beverly Whiteley09-16 Jacqueline Silliman09-25 Debbie Carvatt

James Brock09-28 Lisa Zambito

Mary Schutts09-30 Richard Theesfeld

To access the Google Group email, the address is arc7218@googlegroups.com

Remember, if you have information about someone sick, in need of some sort of assistance, celebrating a very special event, suffering from the loss of a loved one, or someone who needs our prayers and/or help, call Shirley Waldeck if a card is appropriate. (908-835-1371), Peg Weightman (908-832-2246) or Jill Meyer (908-534-4818) for any of the following:

Meals for someone who is sick, Transportation to and from

appointments Run small errands Or any other need that we can help

with.

Rick is available to visit any who are sick, injured, or in need. Please contact him directly by telephone or email. Mobile: 908-246-4053 /Email: jrbsecond@gmail.com

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Send contributions for Connections to Joyce Murphy at

joyce@murphy.org

Next IssueOctober 1st

Contribution DeadlineSeptember 24th

Church Office: 908-735-7218Church Email: arc@annandalereformedchurch.orgChurch Web Site: www.annandalereformedchurch.orgSupervising Pastor:

Rev. Scarlet Gorton 908-832-0296Rick Brock 908-246-4053

Elders:Joyce Murphy 908-963-3346Cheryl Mulligan 908-638-0008Lynn Hughes 908-638-8887

Deacons:Rick Lebbing 908-713-4789Peg Weightman .908-832-2246Pat Schutts 908-735-0424

Caring

Google Group Email for Prayer Concerns