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The Reformed Church
of Highland Park
~Newsletter~
February 3, 2015
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Dear Church Family,
We will soon enter the season of Lent, a period of intensifying our walk with Jesus as he walked boldly toward facing injustice, being killed for his efforts, and resurrected by God. And as we go there, this season, I am asking, "what kind of a faith does the Christ require of us?" He doesn't suggest that this journey, this journey of walking boldly into conflict for the sake of a coming new peaceable world, is his alone. It is ours.
This Lent I hope and pray that we'll explore what it means to make this whole journey our own. Yes, there are mysteries about God's work in and through the cross of Jesus that suggest that on some level we cannot follow him 'all the way' (ie, he is risen up in the middle of time to be close to God, for some divine unifying purpose). On the other hand, he bids us to go as well, and to face crosses, and to not look back, and he promises that when we do this it is not in vain.
Not only is it 'not in vain,' it may even be the case that our work, our actions in this world, are part of the larger cosmic story of God's promised 'new day' that is out in front of us. I hope and pray that this is the case. I think I can say that I now have a 'sure and certain hope' about the future, and about the importance of our present work as part of that future. I hope you do to-and that you recognize just how important you are to the work of God.
The Peace of Christ Be With You,
Pastor Seth
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This Week at RCHP
Tuesday, February 3
*Thrift Shop Sorting 10am
*Prayer Shawls 7pm
*Prayer and Meditation 7pm
*Spanish Speaking Bible Study 8pm
Wednesday, February 4
*Wednesday Morning Bible Study 7:45am
*Affordable Care Signup 11:30am-3pm
*Children's Choirs 5-5:30pm
*Gospel Choir 6-7pm
*Chancel Choir 7-8pm
Thursday, February 5
*The Family Den 9:30-11:30am
*Sewing Circle 10am
Friday, February 6
*Friday Morning Bible Study 10am
*The Family Den Sing-along with Seth and Paul 10am
*Fran Schell Memorial 1pm
*Game Night 7-9pm
Saturday, February 7
*NeighborCorps Navigators 9am-12:30pm
*Respite Babysitting 2-5pm
*Raritan Benefit Concert 7pm
Sunday, Feburary 8 *Worship Services 9am and 11am (with pre-worship music 10 minutes prior) *Children's Sunday School 10:10-10:50am
*Adult Education 10:10-10:50am *Lunch with Pastor Paul, Shanna, Ben 12pm *The Table (Fellowship Meal and Worship with an emphasis on serving others) 6pm
*Spanish Praise & Worship Service 8pm
Monday, February 9
*Detention Visitation 6:15pm
*Kids in the Cave (4th-5th grade) 7-8pm
*Middle School Youth Group 7-8:15pm
*High School Youth Group 7-8:30pm
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Verse of the Month
Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long. -Psalm 25:5
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Save the Date
Feb 15 Sunday Support Group
Feb 15 Women's Covenant Group
Feb 18 Ash Wednesday
Feb 21 Engage & Restore
Feb 26 New Members and Inquirers Class
Feb 28 Stephen Ministry Workshop
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RCHP Tweets and Instagram
RCHP now has both instagram and twitter accounts! You can follow us at these user names:
instagram: RCHighlandPark
Twitter: rchighlandpark
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Wednesday, February 4: Affordable Care Signup
Staff from the office of Assemblywoman Pinkin are coming to RCHP tomorrow to assist anyone interested in signing up for the Affordable Care Act. Stop by the church between 11:30am-3pm if you are interested in signing up.
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Friday, February 6: Fran Schell's Memorial
Come and celebrate the life of Fran Schell at a memorial service this Friday at 1pm at RCHP. Come and thank God for this remarkable woman who was so instrumental to our congregation for many, many years.
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Friday, February 6: Game Night
7-9pm
All ages welcome.
Come join the fun!
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Saturday, February 7: Respite Babysitting
The next "respite babysitting" event will be held this Saturday, 2-5pm. All participants must register their child by Thursday, February 5th at 2pm. Questions? Please contact Diane Fisher 732-770-6347 Click here for registration form.
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Saturday, February 7: NeighborCorps Navigator Training
If you are interested in the work that NeighborCorps does to support men and women transitioning out of jail, please join us. If you're looking to volunteer or be involved in your community, come check us out this Saturday at RCHP, 9am-12:30pm. (8:45 registration)
Whether you are a current or former Navigator (or interested in becoming one), a NeighborCorps Participant, a community partner, or just interested in the cause- ALL ARE WELCOME! Light refreshments will be served. We welcome, among others, as a keynote speaker: Helen Varvi, MEd, CPS
Program Director, National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) of Middlesex County, Inc.
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Saturday, February 7: Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership Concert
Please come and bring friends to the "Pete Seeger" concert for all ages, in our social hall Saturday, February 7, 7pm, when David Brahinsky & Friends present a celebration of Seeger's life and works. Our Justice & Mercy Committee is sponsoring this benefit for the Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership. Seeger wrote and sang inspiring songs of the civil rights, anti-war and environmental movements. He made great strides cleaning up the Hudson River as we can do for the Raritan. Tickets at church office or at coffee hour: $8 adults; $5 under age 18 or over 65; $20 entire family. At the concert you can also see how to become a volunteer water quality monitor, using monitor kits provided free by LRWP.
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Sunday, February 8: Party for Pastor Paul, Shanna, and Ben
As everyone knows by now, Paul and Shanna and Ben will soon be moving to Michigan. The last Sunday that the whole family will be in town is February 8th. At 12:30pm, after second service, the entire church family is invited to a going away luncheon. We'll have sandwiches and other simple lunch foods. Come and enjoy time together with the Van Kempens before they leave.
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Monday, February 9: Executive Action Immigration Event
RCHP members have been invited by Congressman Frank Pallone to an informational session on February 9th, about the President's new Executive Actions on Immigration, to be held in New Brunswick. Doors open at 5pm. Please reach out to Pastor Seth if you would like to attend. RSVP's are required.
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Thursday, February 12: Cafe Customer Appreciation Lunch
A Better World Cafe cordially invites you to a special lunch event in the Social Hall on Thursday, February 12, 11am-2pm. Please be our guests at a food tasting brought to you by the Cafe and the students of Elijah's Promise Culinary School. Come sample various specialties from our food tasting stations, as everything is complimentary!
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Pastor Seth to speak about RCHP's work on Immigration Conference
in Houston, Texas
The organization Christian Churches Together is focusing this year's meeting around what it means to be the "Immigrant Church"in the 21st Century. Pastor Seth will share about the church's work on immigration reform as well as share extensively about the ways that immigrants to our church are helping us 'rewrite'church.
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Ending Solitary Confinement in New Jersey
Amos Caley, in his work with NRCAT, is leading a campaign to mobilize New Jersey churches to support S2588, a bill that would virtually end the use of Solitary in NJ jails and prisons. The bill will come up at committee on Thursday, February 12th, in the Senate. After it clears committee it will be the work of faith communities to get behind Amos and to push hard for the 'yes' votes that are needed to make this a reality!
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Sunday Worship and Education
There are now two adult classes being offered on Sunday mornings,10:10-10:50am. Feel free to try them both!
1. Adult Education this Sunday: Chris McNabb and the spiritual practice of detention visitation.
2. Sunday Morning Bible Study in the Prayer Chapel, led by Sandie Beresford and Justin Karmann.
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Low-Cost Psychotherapy
Starting in late January, RCHP began offering low-cost psychotherapy on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Room 106. If you, or someone you know, is interested in counseling or would like more information, please contact Carol Turner at 732-993-5943 or [email protected].
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RCHP Ministerial Students
At the January 31st meeting of New Brunswick Classis Liz Estes, Sarah Kok and Franco Juricic were all received as ministerial students under care of the Classis. This is very exciting for our congregation, as we see individuals touched by God's love at RCHp-now ready to step out to become leaders!
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Elders Available for Spiritual Care
Are you facing a challenge or dealing with a problem? Would you like to talk or pray with someone? Elders are available to do just that. Following the first service an elder will be seated in the back pew of the sanctuary. Following the second service an elder will be in the prayer chapel (located next to the parlor). Or, if you would prefer to reach out to someone during the week, you can call an elder. During the month of February, those on call are Elder Carol Turner ( 732-339-1171 ) or Elder Selma Colmant (732-991-2188).
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Saturday, February 28: Stephen Ministry Workshop
You may know about an exciting caregiving ministry that has blessed us here at RCHP since 2011: Stephen Ministry. We currently have 10 congregation members serving as Stephen Ministers-well-trained lay caregivers who provide high-quality, one-to-one Christian care to people experiencing various difficulties in life. They offer crucial ongoing care and support to hurting people in our congregation and throughout our community.
You are invited to a half-day Stephen Ministry Introductory Workshop on Saturday, February 28, 2015, from 9 a.m.to 1 p.m. Check-in and refreshments begin at 8 a.m. It's a wonderful opportunity to learn more about Stephen Ministry, what they do and how you might get involved. Those who attend will also experience a sample of Stephen Ministry training and learn caregiving skills they can put to use right away.
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Wednesday, February 18:
Ash Wednesday
Ashes in the morning: If you would like to receive the imposition of ashes on Ash Wednesday the Pastors will be available from 7:30-7:45am, and then again from 9am-9:00am. Additionally, we do imposition of ashes at the service on Wednesday night.
Evening Service: Details are underway for our annual Ash Wednesday Service. It will be hosted, this year, at 2nd Reformed Church New Brunswick, at 7pm.
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Thursday, February 26:
After School Program Meeting
RCHP has run a wonderful after school program for many years, and this year we are excited that Classis New Brunswick CDC is encouraging other churches to gather to share about their programs and to dream up new programs. Anyone at RCHP interested in gleaning ideas for after school programs is welcome to attend this meeting at South River Reformed Church at 10:30am.
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Thursday, February 26:
New Members and Inquirers Class
Pastor Seth is offering a new member class on the 4th Thursday of February, 7-9pm. If you've been attending for a while, but haven't yet committed to RCHP, this is the class to attend. Learn where RCHP fits within the Reformed Church in America, and where the Reformed Church in America fits within the church universal. Also, share your gifts and talents as you learn about the many opportunities for service offered in and through this church.
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Saturday, February 21: ENGAGE and RESTORE Human Trafficking Event
Join us at RCHP 5-8pm for a viewing of the film "Not My Life" with guest speaker Jimmy Lee - Executive Director from RESTORE NY. Jimmy will discuss modern day slavery and what RESTORE NY is doing to help those who have no voice. This event is open to the public....all are welcome. Snacks will be served.
Contact: Sandie Beresford [email protected]
"Not My Life" is the first film to depict the cruel and dehumanizing practices of human trafficking and modern slavery on a global scale. Filmed on five continents, in a dozen countries, Not My Life takes viewers into a world where millions of children are exploited, every day, through an astonishing array of practices including forced labor, domestic servitude, begging, sex tourism, sexual violence, and child soldiering. Not My Life's message is ultimately one of hope. Victims of slavery can be set free and go on to live happy and productive lives. Those who advocate for slavery victims are growing in numbers, and are increasingly effective.
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Sunday, February 22:
The 20's and 30's Group
The 20's and 30's Group meets once a month at the home of Kat and Peter van Elswyk. It's an informal time of sharing and connecting with other young people in the church community! The next gathering is on Sunday, February 22nd at 6:45pm. Email Kat for more details: [email protected].
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Small Groups are Thriving at RCHP
As our church family grows it becomes more and more important for church members to find smaller communities within the church for further spiritual growth and encouragement. Please consider attending one of these small groups.
Wednesday, Feb 4, 6pm: Mayte and Alex Redcay in Irayna Court
Tuesday, Feb 10, 7:30-9pm: David and Monica Day, 427 Cedar Ave, HP
Thursday, Feb 12, 1pm: Clara O'Neil, 242 S. 6ht Ave, HP
Sunday, Feb 15, 12:15pm: Women's Covenant Group in Cave (women only)
Friday, Feb 20, 7pm: Anthony and Renee DiGrigoli, 325 Bowler Ct, Piscataway
(This group will focus on family bonding through games and food. Please bring a favorite dessert to share. Kids are welcome!)
Sunday, Feb 22, 6:45pm: Kat and Peter van Elswyk
Tuesday, Feb 24, 1pm: Kathy Besztercei, 134 Magnolia Ave, HP
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Sandy Relief Work
Harry and volunteers continue to work to restore homes along the shore. If you are interested in volunteering, please notify Harry or the RCHP office.
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Congratulations Jonathan and Grace
 Congratulations Jonathan Austin and Grace Kamanda for being honored last Saturday by the Classis of New Brunswick as young leaders making significant contributions to the life and ministry of our church.
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Torture Report Reading A Success
Sixty people took part in the public reading of the torture report on Sunday Night, January 25th. For 5 hours the group listened to horrific details of the torture that prisons underwent at the hands of the CIA and its contractors. We encourage RCHP members to continue learning more about torture, and to advocate for any bill from congress that seeks to end its usage forever.
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Happy February Birthday!
2/6- Sabrina Molinari
2/7- Kimberly Lopez, Rob Roselwicz, Isabella Hoffman
2/11- Olivia Estes, Keko Dengah-Laluyan
2/12-Allan Arp
2/14- Cathy Laycock,
2/17- Michael Lord, Jillian Lord
2/18- Carrie Peterson
2/19- Carl VanHorn
2/20- Emmett Burton
2/21- Lindsay Fisher Stoll
2/22- Helen Hawkins, Sandy Szilagyi
2/23- Diane Fisher
2/26- Andrea Faust, Sherban Popovici, Steven Varga, Patty Fox, Kate Woodside
2/27- Jose Morais,
2/28- Mary Diez-McLain
2/29- Nicky Dela-Cruz
Happy February Anniversary!
Thomas & Ann Marie Varga- February 19
If we have forgotten your birthday or anniversary, please let the church office know.
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Please Keep Contact
with congregants who have recently moved away from us
Awatt, Offiong, and Awatt Jr.
11584 Alicia's Ct.
Hampton, GA 30228-4041
Reese and Alyce Jenkins
300 Willow Valley Lakes Drive, Apt. F-209
Willow Street, PA 17584
(717) 464-6111
Pastor Patty Fox
PO Box 157
Monterey, MA 01245
Kathryn Sinclair
Sunrise Assisted Living
190 Summerhill Rd., Suite 202
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
Kay Pitt
Reformed Church Home
1990 State Hwy 18
Old Bridge, NJ 08857
Linda Lachesnez
9677 Eagle Ranch Rd NW Apt 1826
Albuquerque, NM 87114
732-485-7795
Kimberly Lopez
Simmons College MSC #461
54 Pilgrim Rd.
Boston, M.A. 02215
Jose and Alexandra Morais
Cra. 19 #36N44 Casa #37'
Armenia, Quindio
Colombia, South America
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click to
Join Our Mailing List
The Reformed Church of Highland Park
19-21 2nd Avenue
Highland Park, NJ 08904
732-249-7349
[email protected]
www.rchighlandpark.org
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