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September 2019

Newsletter

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SEPTEMBER 1

Worship • Communion The Rev. Jeff Mansfield, Preacher 10:00 A.M.

Jan Spoerl, Lay Leader

Music by Thomas Mustachio

SEPTEMBER 8 CELEBRATION SUNDAY

Worship The Rev. Jeff Mansfield, Preacher 10:00 A.M.

John Dobbs, Lay Leader

Music by The Chancel Choir

SEPTEMBER 15

Worship The Rev. Jeff Mansfield, Preacher 10:00 A.M.

Dorothy Waldt, Lay Leader

Music by The Chancel Choir

SEPTEMBER 22

Worship The Rev. Jeff Mansfield, Preacher 10:00 A.M.

Andy Song, Lay Leader

Music by The Chancel Choir

SEPTEMBER 29

Worship The Rev. Jeff Mansfield, Preacher 10:00 A.M.

Abby Song, Lay Leader

Music by The Chancel Choir

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Beloved,

Bonnie and I are just back from an

afternoon trip for a checkup with our

midwives. Chatting, Bonnie told the

midwives how full she’s felt—heartburn,

kicks in the ribs, the impossibility of finding

even one comfortable position. When she

lay down on the table and pulled her shirt

up over her belly, we could all clearly see

the baby just under the surface squirming

around. Full indeed!

As the midwives laid the measuring tape

over her belly, they were also getting text

messages and phone calls from other

clients. The phone activity was hectic, and

the midwives apologized. It’s been a long

summer for the women scheduled to give

birth over the next few weeks and there’s

anxiety, overwhelm, and fatigue—another

kind of fullness.

I’ve had many conversations with parents

who keep pointing at Bonnie’s belly and

saying, “Your whole life is gonna change!”

True! And it’s easy to dwell on the potential

negatives—the sleepless nights, the altered

social calendar, the loss of ease and freedom

that comes with a new baby and with kids in

general. But I can’t help but look at this

fullness (and all the activity it will bring) as

an incredible opportunity. Yes, life is about

to be more full. But I believe that it’s also

about to be more rich. That’s not to say that

there won’t be hard times. But they’ll be the

hard times that I’ve been waiting for,

preparing for, praying for. They’ll be the

hard times that I savor the richness of

because God has called me to fatherhood.

Bonnie and I knew we were going to have a

full summer this year! We moved. I started

my new job here with all of you. The baby

is coming! And then add to all this that my

mom’s been diagnosed with cancer. More

fullness. And, yes, it’s going to be stressful

and hard, no matter what. And no matter

what, it’s adding to the richness of mom’s

life, and my life, and our family, and our

relationships with one another. Come what

may, this is a part of our journey together

that I want to rise to, rather than be brought

down by. Here in my mom’s diagnosis is

another opportunity to become the person

God is calling me to be. And I’m ready.

I feel so fortunate to be with a congregation

like GRCC that supports new pastors, new

parents, and those who are dealing with bad

news. It’s wonderful to be in place where

my fullness, your fullness, and God’s

fullness can all come together with even

greater richness and opportunity. There’s no

congregation I’d rather be giving my all to

right now than all of you. Amen?

Amen!

Pastor Jeff

From the Senior Minister Rev. Jeff Mansfield

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Here’s the start-up information regarding

the choirs of GRCC. We have choirs for all

ages. Part-time and full time opportunities

are available. All are welcome!

ALL THOSE WHO WILL BE IN A

CHOIR THIS YEAR – Please plan on

being present for Worship at 10am on

Celebration Sunday, September 8. There

will be a special time of blessing for all our

singers and ringers during the service

JOYFUL NOISE Ages 3 – Kindergarten An introduction to music and worship in a

fun, supportive, nurturing environment.

Children participate in rather than perform

music. Rehearses Sundays immediately

following Church School for 15-20 minutes

while parents enjoy Fellowship hour,

beginning 9/22. Led by Diane Schaming,

Elizabeth Taylor, Nikki Ramirez and Tom

Mustachio.

Children’s Choirs begin Wednesday 9/11 3:30pm – Snack and Gathering Activity

CHERUB CHOIR Grades 1 – 2 Singing, crafts, choir chimes, games and

fun. Participate in the Spring musical. Sings

in worship about every 4–6 weeks.

Rehearses Wednesdays: 3:45–4:30pm.

CAROL CHOIR Grades 3 – 8 Singing, playing instruments, games and

fun, participating in the Christmas Concert

and Spring musical, our Carol Choir sings

in worship each month. Wednesdays: 3:45–

4:30pm.

CHAPEL BELLS Grades 3 – 8 An introduction to handbells and hand

chimes, focusing on technique and music

reading. This group rings in worship each

month. Wednesdays: 4:30–5:00pm, right

after Carol Choir. The choir is open to all

Carol Choir members.

TOWER RINGERS Grades 8 – 12 Venturing into more advanced ringing

techniques and repertoire, Tower Ringers,

now in its fifth year, ring in worship every

four to six weeks. Rehearses Sundays from

11:20–11:50am for 3 to 4 weeks prior to

each ring date. First rehearsal Sunday 9/22

in the sanctuary.

CHANCEL CHOIR High School–Adults Providing the main musical leadership of

our weekly 10:00am service, singing music

of all periods and styles. Rehearses

Thursdays: 8–10 pm beginning September

5. New voices welcome in all sections.

continued

From the Minister of Music Thomas Mustachio

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GR CHORAL SOCIETY High School–Adults Members join with our Chancel Choir the

to prepare for special concerts and events

such as our All Saints’ Requiem, Welcome

Christmas! and Spring Concerts. Rehearses

Thursdays: 8–9pm beginning September 5.

New voices welcome in all sections.

CARILLON BELLS High School–Adults Truly mastering the art of handbell ringing,

this choir ministers in worship approxi-

mately once per month, as well as for

special occasions and concerts. Rehearses

on Thursdays: 6:45–7:50pm, beginning

September 19.

INSTRUMENTALISTS Instrumentalists of all ages and abilities are welcome and encouraged to share their talents

with the congregation in worship. Please express your interest by making yourself known to

Tom Mustachio.

... ...

A bit about “First Wednesday”

Every first Wednesday of the month from October through June, folks gather at GRCC for

First Wednesday. What makes “First” Wednesday different than all the other Wednesdays?

Good question! Read on:

6:30 to 7:30pm…Folks of all ages gather in Robinson Hall to share a meal. Food is

provided. Sometimes it’s pot luck on a certain theme. It’s always nourishing with many

lively conversations taking place throughout the room. Children and families are welcome.

At 7:30 some folks leave, but many stay.

7:35 to 8:00pm…We participate in a Taizé style Prayer Service in the sanctuary or the stage

end of Robinson Hall. There are prayers, scripture readings, poetry, sharing of joys and

concerns, an extended time of silent meditation, and the singing of several Taizé chants.

What exactly is Taizé? The Taizé Community is an ecumenical Christian monastic

community in Taizé, Saône-et-Loire, Burgundy, France. It consists of 100 brothers from

Protestant and Catholic backgrounds from throughout the world. Thousands visit the

village each year from all over the world, to participate in this very simple, heartfelt

meditative prayer experience. One highlight is the use of simple repetitive chants; the

belief being that with repetition, the chants will stay with you after the service has ended.

Our first First Wednesday is October 2. Please join us. All are welcome!

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Our season brochure is on its way…

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Welcome all to… CELEBRATION SUNDAY!

I am so happy to join you and your family

in celebrating a brand-new Church School

year! Church School classes for all ages

will begin on Sunday, September 8th. We

have a great team of church school

teachers excited to meet you!

Worship begins at 10:00 am in the

Sanctuary. Children under the age of 3

may go directly to the Childcare room.

New this year! Pastor Jeff will bless all

backpacks during the Children’s

Moment. If you don’t have a backpack,

please bring a notebook or even a pencil

case for the blessing! No worries if you

forget, we will have a basket of some

extra school supplies available.

If you are receiving this electronically,

[lease use the link provided to register

children:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIp

QLSeOsao0DvqKK3_kIaqd7bjCbURe03

X0oTp8Ajs_ep9H0VNHrg/viewform

Join us after Worship and Church School

for the Celebration Sunday Picnic on the

South Lawn for music, games, food, and

fun!

Much love, Mrs. H-K

Mrs. H-K’s Wish List for the

new Youth Room:

flat screen TV

small dehumidifier

floor lamps

folding snack tables

DVD player(s) (regular and

portable)

laptop(s)

From the Church School Coordinator Mrs. H-K

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Come Celebrate… …the start of the 2019-20 program year.

…our new Senior Minister, Pastor Jeff Mansfield.

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Ministry of Children & Youth By Janet Spoerl, Chairperson

Celebrate “Falling into Faith Formation”

at GRCC! There are many opportunities

to enrich learning and faith growth. Share

in the fall flourish.

C & Y opportunities begin on

Celebration Sunday, 9/8, in Worship

at 10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary with

singing, praying, and rejoicing. Pastor

Jeff gives a special Children’s

Message before children/youth follow

Mrs. H-K and her team of teachers

through the Sanctuary door for

learning and activities. Look for the

new colorful “Pew” cards about kids

in Worship found in the hymnal

holders!

Church School and Mrs. H-K with

her learning team are implementing a

new “Spark” curriculum that includes

bible exploration and activities for all

age levels. It will “Spark” new ideas

for how to live in today’s world.

Confirmation ~ This year’s

Confirmation program takes on a new

look and is an exciting aspect in

GRCC growth. The class will

combine 7th & 8th grade students and

will be taught by Pastor Jeff in a

program he outlined that culminates

on Pentecost 2020. The Confirmation

Kick-Off dinner for Confirmands /

Parents / Sponsors is scheduled for

9/22/19 from 5 – 7. For more

information and / or eligibility, please

contact Pastor Jeff.

Outreach Activities abound and help

faith stretch out into the community.

Celebration Sunday ~ after Worship

and Church School, all are welcome to

join in visiting, playing, and

picnicking with the church

community.

Family Faith is designed for families;

it is intergenerational. FF meets on

Saturdays (dates announced) from

4:30-6:30 in Robinson Hall. The

3GLs of the UCC continue: Earth ~

God’s Creation ~ Our Responsibility:

The Rainforest! Join in learning and

fun! All are welcome! Please see the

link in the eNews for more

information.

Kids R & R ~ Grades 3/4 and 5/6

continues with two groups this year to

align with church school classes. Mrs.

Cholet and Mrs. H-K lead activities

during the church school; activities

reach out into the community! R & R

= Recognize & Respond! Look for

opportunities and events as they are

“falling” into place.

Acolytes ~ church school children in

the middle grades volunteer for this

service;

Childcare continues to be offered

during Worship and church school. It

is a fabulous way to welcome the

youngest coming to GRCC.

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Ministry of Children & Youth (continued) By Janet Spoerl, Chairperson

Fall into Faith Formation by joining

together in the work of the C & Y

community!

One–Room Church School update. Wow!

There were from 8-31 kids every Sunday

with 5-13 volunteers. Thanks! We are

growing!

The GRCC’s

2nd Annual Chili Cook off

is just around the corner!!

Date: Saturday, October 12th

Time: 1pm – 6pm

It’s a fun community event that raises

awareness of and MUCH NEEDED

FUNDS for our wonderful church. WE

NEED YOUR HELP with the planning

and festivities of the day.

If receiving this electronically, to sign up,

click here

Fellowship Hour Treats Needed

Do you enjoy something sweet after

worship? We need folks to provide baked

goods (they don't need to be home baked)

throughout the year. Please volunteer and

sign-up to provide that extravagant

welcome. There’s a new sign-up sheet on

the Clark Street Action Table. If you are

receiving this electronically, you can sign

up here. Thanks!

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Blessing of the Backpacks

On Celebration Sunday, September 8th,

all the children, youth, and students of all

ages are invited to bring their school bags

or backpacks to church with them for a

blessing for the school year.

If you don't have a bag, just bring

something that's important to you when

you're learning.

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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR:

Celebration Sunday Picnic

Sunday, September 8

FOLLOWING WORSHIP

We will gather outside to update the

annual congregation photo!

Parish Life and Children & Youth have

great food and activities planned but need

help with setup, take down, and folks to

bring side dishes and desserts.

Please contact Carol Harpster to volunteer

charpsie@gmail.com

If you are receiving this electronically,

please click on the link below if you are

able to help!

https://tinyurl.com/yyk6g8kz.

GRCC has much to celebrate!

Remember to Share your Fall

Adventures with Flat Jesus

Brother and Sister holding hands with

Jesus this summer.

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Newsletter Submissions:

Do you need volunteers for an event run

by your ministry? Do you have a

schedule change, new event or date

change. Do you have news about the

church you want to share with the

congregation? Please submit to

alma.amendola@glenridgecong.org by the

20th of the month.

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Women’s Assoc. Save the Dates:

General meeting

Sunday September 22nd after

worship at approximately 11:45 in

the library. Plan to stay after

church and join us as we plan for

the upcoming year.

Rummage Sale

October 18th and 19th. We will

begin accepting donations of clean,

slightly used items September 3rd.

Donations should be left in the

Biddulph Room, please no furniture,

sporting goods, TV’s, VHS tapes or

computers.

Sorting begins Monday September

9th at 9:30 am.

WA Thank you:

Women's Association is grateful to Sylvia

Caldwell and Nancy Bigelow for sending

special care notes to some of our members

during the month of July and Arlene

Kansky for notes in August. Pat Currie is

writing cards for September.

If you have volunteered and do not see

your name in print, call Lynn Ritchkoff

973-868-3229.

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October 2, 2019 Food is provided.

All are welcome!

6:30pm ................. Supper (Robinson Hall)

7:35pm ...................... Taizé Prayer Service

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September Food Needs

We support the MEND pantry at the

Bloomfield Presbyterian Church on the

Green. For September, please donate

peanut butter and jelly.

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September Birthdays

2 Rita Ellertson

3 Anise Kilgen

5 Kate Machemer

5 Vivienne Reilly

6 Sherry Brabham

7 Pam Flippin

7 Jonathan Dodd

7 Chris Fletcher

10 Bonnie Schmidt

12 Kelley Overmyer

15 Bob Hodgson

16 Carol Honaman

16 Andy Dickson

17 Paul Zalewski

17 Lynn Ritchkoff

18 Ayla Konetzni

18 Darren Gage

19 Alicia Harrison

23 Hugh Bartlett

27 Sarah Singh

27 Nadine Wilkes

29 Olivia Kinloch

30 Sam Auborn

30 Rod Borden

If your name does not appear on the birthday list,

please e-mail alma.amendola@glenridgecong.org.

FRIENDS & FAMILY OF OUR CHURCH

Jackie, Nate and Elliott Ross on the passing

of Xavier Ross, Gabriel Santos (grandson

of Linda and Dave Kerr); Norma Batastini;

Ana Sieruk (mother of Elaine Carroll); Bob

Valvano (Phyllis Connolly’s in-law);

Merle Herbstreith; Barbara Stevens

recovering at home; Don and DeVita; for

Roberta Mansfield (Pastor Jeff’s mother),

going through chemotherapy and radiation;

and others known to be in need of our

prayers.

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