» Honoring the Past, Looking to the Future

On All Saints Sunday. we remember loved ones who have been laid in the tomb. We know the acute grief of Mary, Martha, and Jesus. We know the reality of death that lies so close. We know that at any moment the phone call could come with news we dread. We live forever in the shadow of death.

But as resurrection people, clothed in the righteousness of Christ, God’s people are called forth from the graves of big and little deaths – including those deaths of churches and traditions. Fellow saints rush forward to remove the rotting grave clothes. Together the people of God celebrate the hope and promise of resurrection, rising each new day to joyfully serve in the name of the one who is beyond death, Jesus our Savior.

No matter where you are or however you find yourself in your faith journey, know that you are most welcome here.

Don’t forget – Daylight Savings Ends on Saturday, October 31. Turn your clocks back before you slumber to be on time for worship & Faith Formation.

Join us at 8 AM or 10:15 AM on Sunday for worship. Visit our website or Facebookpage for information and announcements.

All Saints Remembrance: As we celebrate those who have gone before us, we invite you to share with us the names of friends and family who have entered the church triumphant since last November. Please click on the link Church Office or call the church (973-729-7010) to share those names with us. They will be read during the prayers.

There will also be a lighting of candles at the beginning of worship to remember all who know live with God.

September Financial Report:
Click on the above link to read the financial report of the church for September 2015. Please be aware that we are concerned with decrease in congregational giving, which is putting our unrestricted cash position in jeopardy. This is an issue that we all have the opportunity to remedy.

PSS Thanksgiving Project: The donations for the PSS Thanksgiving project are coming in. Thanks so much. We are still looking for hands, cans, and money donations. Check out the chart and the sign-ups in the narthex. We are accepting donations through November 15.

Brown Bag Bible Study: The letter of James is a letter in the Christian Scriptures that we don’t spend a lot time studying. But it is a letter full of practical wisdom on living one’s faith. Join us on Wednesdays at Non in the parish hall. For November 4, we will study James 3.

Finding My Way Back Home: On Saturday November 7, you are invited to a community forum led by New Dawn Facilitator James Cahill. Hear the stories of veterans as they transitioned home and learn how the greater Sparta community can assist our soldiers. The program is scheduled to start at 2:30 PM

Help Wanted: the leaves are falling on the parking lot and the plants are dying. While we haven’t scheduled a work day, your time and talents are appreciated in helping to prepare the grounds for winter – especially the shrub beds. Show up with you can and do what you can. Thanks!

Communion Bread Recipe: some of you asked about the communion bread that we have used on First Communion Sundays. The link attached has the recipe that we use. Try it out and share it with others!