Summer at the Movies: Bruce Almighty
Bruce Almighty:
It’s been a challenge to pair the stories of the First Families with Movies from our time. And its been fun as well…
We have been following Jacob for a while now. This week, Jacob is on the move with his wives, children, servants and flocks. However, word comes that his brother Esau is waiting for him across the river and Jacob is scared. he lays down alone for the night and wrestles – with himself and an angel of God.
Bruce Nolan is a TV journalist who really wants the good things but can’t seem to ever make it. When God decised to take a vacation, Bruce is faced with some interesting choices that cause him to wrestle with his own outlook of life.
I think that we often wrestle with ourselves and with God. It is never easy but in our series, we find that both men this week encounter the One who is Almighty and merciful.
Please join us for worship at 8 AM or 10:15 AM this week!. See you in church!
Are you ready for the fall?
Summers at SOTH are spent preparing for many things: Sunday School, Confirmation, Adult Education, fundraisers, outreach…lots and lots of opportunities for us to Welcome, Equip, and Send. I (PT) know that its hard to think ahead to September BUT if you are interested in planning parish events, learning about God with each other, maintaining our facilities, serving worship, or just about anything else, please let us know! Planning meetings are being scheduled and we wouldn’t want you to miss out!
June Church Financial Report:
THank you for stepping up to the financial challenge that was adopted in December of 2013. While we have been spending at a rate lower than what presented, you all have increased your offering. This is good news.
Beginning in July, the spending allocation plan changes to reflect the total plan of $295,000. What does this mean?
In reports, you will see an increase in budgeted amounts for monthly offerings and spending. The actual amounts are dependent on your offerings and the needs of the congregation.
We have been tracking offerings and other income against both rates. I am so happy to report that we are only $1131 below our target income. However, there are six more months of this fiscal year and with programs starting in September, there will be increased spending for program materials. Please prayerfully continue to bring your offerings so that we may continue to welcome, equip, and send folks from this place.
The actual numbers:
Budget 2013 2014 14 Act
Revenue 20,996 22,989 23,600 2,604
Expenses 21,933 20,293 21,402 -531
Net -937 2,066 2,198 3,135
If you have questions about this, please contact us at church and we’ll be happy to talk with you!
Giant Church Picnic @ Crossroads Camp
It’s the picnic of all picnics! On Sunday August 17 at 2 PM – 7 PM. For $10/person or $25/family you can join in the ministry with food, games, crafts, swimming, high ropes and more.
Crossroads Camp and Retreat Center is a joint ministry of the NJ Synod of the ELCA and the Episcopal Diocese of Newark. Years ago, it was Camp Beisler. Crossroads is locates at 29 Pleasant Grove Rd, Port Murray, NJ. This is between Hackettstown and Long Valley.
With praise and thanksgiving,
Pastor Tina 🙂