We Live as Imitators of Christ
Baggage – we’ve all got it. When I travel with youth, I’m fond of saying, you pack it you carry it. There’s a lot of it in our lives. And it gets heavy and hard to bear. There’s physical baggage, emotional baggage, spiritual baggage. It’s tiring to just think about it.
But – as imitators of God in Christ Jesus, we are told to live in love as Christ loved. To drop the baggage of self-shame, of pain and loathing, of not being worthy enough – just drop it. Stop carrying it. Stop fearing it. Name it and tell the truth about it. Ok – those are easy to write – and harder to live through – but this is about us living as authentic community.
In community, we pray for truth and mercy with and among each other, so that others will see Christ through us.
We Welcome.
Confronting Racism:
On Thursday August 6 at 9 PM, Bishop Elizabeth Eaton & William B. Horne II will host a webcast discussion racism – the complexity and and implications of this -ism. You are invited to join us in the sanctuary at 9 PM for the live webcast. Click on the heading for more information, as well as a link to the ELCA social statement and resources for you to read. We will spend time after the webcast talking about the issues and how we can enter the conversation faithfully.
The conversation will be re-shown on Sunday in the sanctuary after worship as well so that we can enter into the conversation together.
Don’t Forget – Midweek Summer Worship!
As part of our summer experiment, Wednesday nights in July and August will feature a light meal and worship! The meal is served at 6:30 PM. We ask a suggested donation of $2 per person.
We will then worship around the tables at 7:30 PM. We will sing, read, commune and bless one another.
Wednesday Noon Bible Study:
All are welcome to join in a study of the Letter to the Romans. It’s the longest letter we have of the Apostle Paul and every word is important. Chapter 10-11 is on August 12 at noon in the Parish Hall. If you are interested in studying along with us – drop PTina a note and she’ll send you the study guide.
Attention all rising 6-8th graders: Movie Night Under the Stars for Wednesday August 5 is cancelled
WANTED: Organizers for Fellowship Activities
Do you like spread sheets, to-do lists, and party planning? Can you motivate and lead on a shoe-string budget?
There are several events throughout our 2015-2016 program year that could use your help! (Rally Day is coming up soon!)
Contact Samantha Valtos at 973-453-6963 or at her email for more information.
Fall Program Start Dates:
Choir: First rehearsal – August 23 after church; first Sunday in church, Sept 13
Faith Formation – Rally Day Sunday September 13 9 AM-10 AM, then PICNIC at 11:30 AM
Confirmation Orientation: Wednesday September 16 at 6:30 PM. This is a mandatory meeting for both parents and youth.
Third year Confirmation students will meet with PT on Sundays after worship beginning September 20 from 11:45 – 1:15 PM Parents should attend the first meeting.
Adult Forum: September 20 – Lutherans and Disaster Response/Recovery – Amy Pennenga from Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey will join us.
Discipleship Academy: September 12 – First unit – Telling Your Story 10 AM – 12 PM
Upcoming Fellowship Events:
September 13 – Rally Day Picnic 11:30-2
October 3 – Oktoberfest 4 PM – 7 PM details TBD
October 4 – Blessing of Animals 12 PM in sanctuary. All pets welcome.
Upcoming Partner Events:
C4C Backpack Event – August 29 from 2-4 PM
SEC Food Pantry Wine & Pairings Dinner – September 24 @ 6 PM, $60/person see Emery Malasits
Pathways to Prosperity Carousel (Tricky Tray) – October 22