South Presbyterian Church
Founded 1723
150 West Church Street
Bergenfield, NJ 07621
Tel: 201.384.8932 Fax: 201.384.2376
e-mail: southchurch@aol.com
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Click the link to hear music...
Canon in D
Johann Pachelbel, (1653-1706)
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South Church Life -- October 2008
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REV. THOMAS W. PINNEL IS GRANTED STATUS OF HONORABLY
RETIRED AND PASTOR EMERITUS
At the Meeting of the Congregation on September 7, 2008, the Congregation accepted the resignation of Rev. Pinnel and voted to recommend the status of Honorably Retired. Further, upon recommendation from the Session, it was also voted to seek approval from the Presbytery of the Palisades to grant him the title of Pastor Emeritus of South Presbyterian Church.
Those two requests were approved at the Presbytery Meeting held on September 16, 2008 at the Presbyterian Church in Allendale.
Congratulations, Tom, for this distinguished honor, and on behalf of the entire South Church Family, thank you for serving and nurturing us for the past 31 years!
WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY:
Join us on October 5th to celebrate World Communion Sunday. We will welcome Rev. Dr. Eileen Lindner, Parish Associate from The Presbyterian Church of Tenafly, to our pulpit. Eileen is a friend to South Church, having been one of our summer ECUM guest preachers. We are pleased to have her lead us in the Sacrament of Holy Communion as we celebrate our oneness in Christ with our Christian brothers and sisters around the world.
FALL LINE-UP
Time marches on! A lot of careful planning has taken place so that we may continue through this time of transition as smoothly as possible. The following is our schedule of Worship Leaders and Events for October:
Oct. 5 Rev. Dr. Eileen Lindner
World Communion Sunday
Oct. 12 Care & Compassion Team
with Liturgical Dancers
Oct. 19 Rev. Timothy Son
Pittsburgh Theological Sem.
Oct. 26 Elder Fred Toeppe
EXPERIENCE FIRST CENTURY CHRISTIANITY
with Rob Bell
The early church flourished, as small congregations came together sharing mutual concerns, food and fellowship. The Christian Nurture team has planned a similar experience for the congregation during the month of October.
Beginning on Monday, Oct. 6, and continuing on the 13th, 20th, and 27th, you are invited to gather together for a potluck dinner followed by a video presentation from Rob Bell. The Rob Bell videos were received with great interest last spring and now there will be four new ones. Each video is about 12 minutes in length. The new titles include: Flame, Noise, Luggage, Store and Matthew. They represent topics that we all deal with in our lives. Following the videos there will be a brief time for sharing thoughts and reactions to the presentation.
Each Monday evening will begin at 6:30 p.m. with dinner and fellowship. The evening will conclude by 8:00 p.m. Last year, these fellowship and sharing opportunities were met with great success. They made a difference in our congregational life. You don’t want to miss this!
SEE YOU AT THE FAIR!!
Sat. Oct. 18
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From The Pastor's Armchair...
Where does one start to find the words to adequately express my heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of love and appreciation that you all extended to Karen and me this past weekend. In honoring me you have honored the 31 years of ministry that we have shared together. And you have made this time of transition a bit easier for us all to handle.
Our worship on Sunday morning, Sept. 28, was filled with emotion, but also inspiration as we praised God together for all that has come to pass and for all that lies ahead. The Video Farewell brought to mind so many experiences we have shared together and so many people that have had a special place in my life. Our Special Service of Recognition of Honorable Retirement and the singing of Shalom spoke of the love and prayers we have experienced together and our hopes for God’s blessings in the future. I was moved and blessed by the choir, Tara’s solo, the trumpeter, and the wonderful framed recognition of my Pastoral Emeritus status that you have so graciously bestowed upon me.
The Retirement Dinner later in the day was so well planned to the smallest detail. My thanks to the Committee for their careful and thoughtful work. There was such a wonderful display of appreciation and affection in all that was done and it was reflected in the energy and great spirit throughout the whole afternoon. I am grateful for all the gifts that were given which amounted to a financial gift in a check in the amount of $10,000.00 and the other special gifts and presentations, which I will cherish. It was truly a blessed event that I will remember always. The day was best summarized by my son, Glenn, who said it in a word, “inspiring.”
It was a very meaningful ending to 31 years of ministry together. I hope that the inspiration was shared by all. I truly believe that thoughtful and meaningful endings pave the way for great new beginnings. May it be true for you as a congregation and for Karen and I as we enter into a new phase in our lives together.
My love and appreciation to you all for all that has been, and my prayers for you all as you follow God’s vision for a faithful and fruitful future.
Grace and peace,
— T.W.P.
October 1, 2008
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NURTURING GOD'S CHILDREN AND FAMILY MINISTRY
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GROWING IN GOD -- Church School News
by Laurie Knott
On September 14, 2008, the children celebrated their
first day back at Church School after a fun-filled summer vacation. They
were excited to tell of their adventures and of the many things they had
encountered in God's creation. Using Play-Doh the children created a sea
full of fish and frogs, as well as gardens of flowers and vegetables,
grass, butterflies, and birds with the sun shining brightly from above.
Each child received a small capsule to submerge in hot water. When
placed in the water the capsule opened up in the shape of a creature of
God. There were whales, crabs, rhinos, monkeys, birds and many other
creatures.
On September 21st they heard the story of Noah and the
Ark. They learned how Noah trusted God to care for his family and the
animals during the flood, and in the end, God provided a colorful
rainbow as a sign of God's presence and love of creation. During the
remainder of September, the children continued to learn about growth,
change, renewal and ongoing creation and how they are all part of God's
creation.
In October, the children will be learning about Abraham,
Lot, a baby called Laughter, Isaac and Rebekah and why they were chosen
by God.
Although Church School has started, we welcome all
newcomers. Our door is always open!
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AVALANCHE RANCH: An Avalanche of FUN!
Smack in the middle of the lazy days of summer, the children of South Church began a “Wild Ride” through God’s word at Vacation Bible School. They were joined by kids from Clinton Avenue and others from the community for a week of western fun!
Each evening began with music. The children learned four songs, complete with choreography, throughout the week. One of the favorites being our theme song, “Wild Ride”! Who knows? You may even get a sampling of the songs they learned in a Church service this fall!
The songfest was followed by some tasty “grub” served up out of the South Church “chuck wagon”.
Next stop – Story time around the campfire, with Pastor Mark Ennis from Clinton Avenue. Each day a new Bible Point was introduced, along with a corresponding story. The children were reminded that GOD IS WITH US by the telling of the story of Joshua and the Israelites crossing the Jordan and that GOD IS STRONG, illustrated by the tumbling walls of Jericho! The other points covered were, GOD IS AWESOME and GOD IS IN CHARGE.
On to craft time!!! The “little buckaroos” let their creative juices flow with a different project each day. One in particular stood out, however. They each stuffed two little “prayer bears,” one to take home and one to be sent to a child in Africa. Then a thought or prayer that they wanted to share with the African child was written on a piece of paper and slipped into a little pocket on the front of the bear.
Now what trip to a ranch would be complete without a good old fashioned hoedown? Under the “mighty fine” instruction of Mr. John Callahan, the kids learned to do-si-do and swing their partner with the best of them. They had a ball….We all did!
The week culminated in a delicious pot luck dinner with each “little buckaroo’s” “Ma and Pa” in attendance. After dinner, the children got to show off what they had learned throughout the week. They sang out with gusto, shouted out their Bible Points and square danced their little hearts out to bring a perfect end to a blessed week!
The success of this VBS program was due in part to the wonderful partnership that we shard with the “folks” at Clinton Avenue Reformed Church. A lot of people from both congregations poured their hearts into making it all happen. Thank You...One and All!!
-- Cyndi Kumor, Christian Nurture Team Leader
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WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION
| Tuesday, Sept. 9 |
1:00 p.m.
Dorcas & Ruth Circles at the home of Susan Young |
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JUBILEE! Luke's Gospel for the Poor, by Dale Lindsay Morgan
The Wednesday Evening Horizons Bible Study will be getting together the fourth Wednesday in October. If you have not been a part of the group and would like to join us, please call the Church Office so we can order a study book for you.
The Theme this year is "Jubilee! Luke's Gospel for the Poor." Throughout the nine lessons, Dale Lindsay Morgan highlights Jesus' message of jubilee:". . . he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. . . . to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free..." (Luke 4:18). Learn about the many ways that Christ's jubilee message turned the world upside down, exalting the poor and including outsiders, bringing the love of God to all.
We always have a good time. Please join us for great conversations and fellowship. All are welcome!
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Saturday,
Oct. 25, 2008
9:15 a.m.—1:15 p.m. |
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN OF THE PALISADES
Invite you to their Fall Retreat
Peace and Justice In the World
First Presbyterian Church
21 Church Street
Elmwood Park, NJ 07407
 | PW Presentation by Diane Nafash |
| Worship and Communion |
Contact in advance: Sophie Corporan 201-488-1068 or Barbara Van Tilberg 201-445-7593 |
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FLOWING PSALMS
Liturgical Dancers coming to South Church Sunday, Oct. 12
Last July, Abbie Slaman and Diane Nafash attended the Synod Gathering of Presbyterian Women at Stony Point, where they met and enjoyed the wonderful singing and dancing of the “Flowing Psalms” Liturgical Dance Ministry. We are happy to announce that they will be coming to South Church to perform for us on Sunday, Oct. 12, during our worship service.
Our Care & Compassion team presented a special service recently at “The Gardens” Assisted Living in Emerson, on the theme of “Dancing with God.” The Flowing Psalms will join us as we present this same service on Oct. 12 in our Sanctuary. We promise you, they are very moving in their dance and their ministry.
The ministry is committed to creating an atmosphere of worship for God to dwell and commune with God’s people so that they may be saved, healed, delivered, edified and brought into relationship with God. Their Thursday night rehearsal meetings include prayer, Bible study and the understanding of the biblical significance of dance, as they do not consider themselves performers, but ministers of God’s word.
For those of you who are interested, you can see a video/slideshow on ‘youtube’ of that Synod Gathering at Stony Point, and you will see the dancers performing the Benediction from the closing worship service, complete with costumes and large, decorative fans. Just go to:
www.youtube.com/pwretreat
BAPTISM
Nadia Idanys Vazquez,
daughter of Victor and Michelle (Thompson) Vazquez
September 7, 2008
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GET READY TO RENEW YOUR STRENGTH AND “SOAR”
“Soaring” is hope in action. It is one of life’s greatest blessings. It expands our thinking, helps us see possibilities, and keeps us moving forward even in the most difficult times.
Without hope our spirit grows weak and we stand still. Hope comes from trusting in God and God’s purpose, both for our individual lives and for the church. Hope enables us to live life to the fullest.
It’s easy to soar. Simply focus on a blessing each day and give thanks. When we are grateful, we can’t help but soar. Giving is another way we soar. Through our gifts to the church we touch many lives and our relationship with God is deepened.
“Renew your strength and soar,” is the perfect emphasis that we need in our church this year. Watch your mail for further information on this inspirational program and “soar with us on wings of hope.”
Be continually mindful of our Core Values …
Joyously Proclaiming
Compassionately Serving
Proudly Honoring
Spiritually Nurturing
Respectfully Sharing
Prayerfully Envisioning
From the DEACONS BENCH
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"Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only."
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Here we are starting our first month after our Pastor has now retired. Some of you may have more questions than we have answers. Some of you may think we are groping ”in the dark”. However, we need to be reminded that
Christ is with us to be a light for us. Christ is the genuine light who gives us hope.
Christ is encouragement.
Christ is a word of love.
Christ is forgiveness.
Christ is strength.
Christ is what you need to lighten your personal darkness.
Christ is light to every person who has need of super-human strength to see through the darkness of trouble and sickness.
Christ is the light who guides us along life’s journey when we have more questions than we have answers.
Christ is the light of life, eternal life.
Jesus says to us, "You are light for the whole world. … No one lights a lamp and puts it under a bowl; instead it is put on the lampstand, where it gives light for everyone in the house. In the same way your light must shine before people (Matt. 5:14-16).
It is now our job as those who have the light of Christ in our lives to let that light shine, giving hope and encouragement for...
those in Nursing Homes:
Shirley Lyon; Florence Matthews in Pascack Valley; Alice Pallman in Florida; Merlin
Goetschius; Elizabeth Bunch; Eleanor Hubner.
those shut-in at home:
Charlotte Feser; John Cartier
May the Lord lift up all of our congregational members during the month of
October.
We are all looking forward to the Fall Festival coming up on October 18. Our Deacons will be providing a home baking table where you will enjoy the fruits of our labor. Outside we’ll be selling freshly picked apples, and apple cider brought down from Vermont by Deacon Marilyn Petersen. You can also look for the very unique gift baskets that we assembled; they will make wonderful gifts for the holidays. We want to remind you the proceeds from these items will go to help many of the Social Services in our area.
The Deacons would like to remind you in advance that the donations from their special November envelopes will go to buying gift cards for the Center for Food Action. Your generosity will be much appreciated by many needy families during Thanksgiving.
We want to thank all those who participated in our Fall Flower Power Fundraiser. We hope you enjoy the fruits of your purchase with beautiful blooms in the springtime.
As part of your outreach for others, may we suggest that you sign up to provide Coffee Hour after worship one Sunday. We have several dates available on our calendar awaiting your participation.
Our Deacons are available to bring you to church any time you may need a ride. Just call the church office
(201-384-8932) by Friday morning.
A Special Thank You from Eleanor Hubner:
Eleanor wants to thank all of those from South Church who have come to visit her, called her on the phone and sent her cards and flowers. It is very, very much appreciated and certainly brightens her days.
Come one, Come all....
South Church’s Fall Festival!
Saturday, October 18, 2008
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Hear ye! Hear ye! Come one, Come all! ... South Church's Fall Festival, the
festival of the year! Don't miss out -- Saturday, October 18th, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00
p.m.
THE RICH TRADITION AT SOUTH CHURCH CONTINUES!
This year's Fall Festival theme is family entertainment. The Church House and
front lawn will be chock full of activities for both children and adults of all
ages. Boutiques which showcase beautifully hand-crafted items and gifts for
holiday shopping, decorating and entertaining will be featured as well as
homemade baking (delectable treats!) and entrees. A sneak preview of additional
highlights to enjoy includes:
| NEW! Pirate's Cove: Children's Games, Activities and Arts and
Crafts |
| Lovely children's gifts at the Stitchery Shoppe |
| Homemade jellies and jams |
| Maple Leaf Cookie Walk |
| Paul's Pickles |
| Lunch in the Autumn Jubilee Tea Room |
| Boy Scout Troop 180 Candle Shoppe |
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| Children's Portraits (by a very talented artist) |
| Gorgeous hand-crafted gifts in a variety of media: wood, paint,
yarn and fabric |
| Harvest Mums & Vermont Grown Apples |
| Birdhouses ... featuring new unique designs! |
| Treasures and treats for your favorite dogs and cats, too! |
| Ruedi's One Man Band |
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Remember, mark your calendar today: SPC's Fall Festival 2008!....fun for
family, friends and community!
Saturday, October 18, 2008
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
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OCTOBER
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| Sunday | Monday |
Tuesday | Wednesday |
Thursday | Friday |
Saturday |
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MOVIE NIGHT resumes in November
"1776"
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Family Matters Pumpkin Picking TBA
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| 2 |
Session Team Meetings 8:00 PM
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| 5 |
Worship & World Communion Sunday10 AM
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| 6 |
Bd. of Deacons
7:30 PM
Potluck & Rob Bell Video 6:30 PM
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| 12 |
Worship with
Liturgical Dance Ministry & Church School
10 AM
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| 13 |
Potluck & Rob Bell Video 6:30 PM
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| 17 |
| Set-Up for Fall Festival |
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| 19 |
Worship & Church School
10 AM
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| 20 |
Potluck & Rob Bell Video 6:30 PM
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| 22 |
Women's
HORIZONS Bible Study
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25 |
PW Fall Retreat
Elmwood Park
9:15-1:15
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| 26 |
Worship & Church School
10 AM
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| 27 |
Potluck & Rob Bell Video 6:30 PM
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http://www.southpresbyterian.org
WHAT DO PRESBYTERIANS BELIEVE?
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| Presbyterians confess Christ as Lord and believe in their hearts that God raised him from the dead. They view Christ as the true Word of God and see the Bible as the holy witness to that Word. |
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| Presbyterians have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, but also have an abiding sense of being part of a community of God’s people. |
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| Presbyterians believe that the Holy Spirit lives in individuals, but works through the community. |
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| Presbyterians believe that God’s care extends to every corner of creation. We are stewards of that care; we are ambassadors for Christ, preaching good news, but also opposing injustice, oppression and evil wherever we find it. |
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| Presbyterians are fearless. We do not fear death (we are in God’s hands). We do not fear life (God watches over us). We do not fear the powers of evil and oppression (God is with us). |
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| Presbyterians are freed for living life in the world before God, honoring God in all things. |
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Sequence © Pierre R. Schwob - by permission.
Original from the Classical
Archives
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Copyright 2002-8 South
Presbyterian Church
Cannot be reprinted without permission.
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with questions or comments about this web site.
This site last updated: October 05, 2008
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