CPC Ringwood Newsletter January 21, 2026

Volume 26-02, January 21, 2026

Church News and Updates

Where Grace Happens

Happy Snow Days! Living in Ringwood, we have plenty of opportunities for shoveling, sledding and enjoying the snow. This winter seems to be no exception. We have been forced to cancel two Sunday services so far - and if this continues, watch your email or FB accounts for a possible online service. In the meantime, take a look at our newsletter to see what is going on - you don't want to miss anything!

Our next newsletter will go out on February 4th , 2026

Please let us know if you have news to share.

Our calendar on the Community Church website

CPC Ringwood YouTube Channel

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For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.—Romans 8:38-39

Everything was ready. The sermon was written, the music selected, the bread and juice procured, the sanctuary prepared. All we needed were the joyful, expectant people, ready in heart and mind to be touched by God’s Spirit, as happens each time we gather on Sunday mornings. And then, it snowed… again.

This past Sunday was yet another reminder of who it is that is really in charge of our world… and it isn’t us. Once again, old man winter with his sleet, snow and ice reminded us of just how quickly our best laid plans can change and our need for flexibility, wisdom, and trust that the One who loves us has great plans in store, even when they aren’t the ones we’d planned for ourselves.

There is a reason why there are literally DOZENS of Bible passages that remind us of this. From Lamentations 3:37, “Who has spoken and it came to pass, unless the Lord has commanded it?,” to Matthew 10:29, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father,” scripture continually reminds us to trust in God’s benevolent, providential plan.

God values life and grants life to us, even when our plans fall apart. It is a comfort to know that in the grand scheme of things we are always exactly where we should be—but perhaps never more so than when we are not where we want to be. Trusting in God is the very essence of our faith, and in fact, the word for trust and faith in Greek (the original language of the New Testament,) is the very same word—pistos.

We trust that God has a plan for our individual lives and for the life of our church, and that God is calling us to live it out. Faith means we trust in God’s will to move within the hearts and minds of God’s people, calling together God’s faithful community and supplying all our needs. That’s what it means to be a community that trusts in God, and in one another, in an age that teaches fear and suspicion over faith and assurance.

It is my hope that next Sunday we will be able to gather in the sanctuary to celebrate all that God is doing in our lives (that’s what worship is all about!) Yet, I trust that only God knows what each day will bring. I pray that in whatever you do, and wherever each moment finds you, you are openly living out your call, trusting that God has great plans in store for you.

Important Upcoming Dates - mark your calendar now

Collection of non-perishable food items and monetary donations for CFA - Sundays, January 18 - Feb 8.

Women's Book Group - January 26

Annual Congregational Meeting - Sunday, February 1 after worship

Please plan to attend this important time of gathering as Christ’s church.

The season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18. Join us for Soup and Salad Supper at 6:30 pm, and worship at 7:30 pm including the imposition of ashes. More details to follow.

Bible Studies

11:00 - 11:40 am on Tuesday mornings on Zoom.

7:00 pm on Tuesday nights in Fellowship Hall

10:00 am on Thursday mornings at Pastor Arlene & Ron's house.

Support Groups

7:00 pm on the last Monday of the month - Special Needs Caregiver Support for adult caregivers of special needs children and youth. Meets on the last Monday of every month.

7:00 pm on the last Wednesday of the month - Caregiver Support Group for adults caring for the ongoing physical, medical, and emotional needs of others.

ALL are welcome. Please help spread the word!

Congregational Care

If you would like to become involved in a team that makes a concrete and personal impact in someone’s life, please speak to Karen Caviasco.

Our focus is on meeting the needs of members of our congregation and community in various ways including occasional meals, rides, visits, cards, phone calls and prayers.

Over the past year, a caring person brought home-baked goods for several of those who were experiencing some challenges. Some meal trains were organized for a few members that had been hospitalized and recovering. A monthly support group has been meeting over the past year to provide support and resources to caregivers. There are many examples of ways to be involved and provide some form of help to another in need.

There is no huge commitment, just only as you are able and willing. We would love to include you in any way you would like to give. And the recipient will be grateful too. God Bless.

Congregational Prayer Requests

"Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” Ephesians 6:18

Jessica Ann Harris

Ryan

Marge

Estelle

The McDonald family

The Butler family

Lorraine

Steven

John

Barbara and Joe

Margaret

Evelyn

Tim

George

The Nieves family

Cassandra

Caregivers

Thank you Session Members!

On January 21, four Elders will finish up their term on Session. Please join us in thanking them for their leadership and commitment. They are deeply loved and appreciated.

• Sallie Crowe

• Jennifer Squillante

• Elaine Wighardt

• Chris Zach

New Members Class

Have you been coming to CPC and are interested in becoming a member? What are the perks of membership, you may ask? Members vote at the Annual Congregational meeting and may be asked to serve as an Elder on Session. But more than this, membership is an expression of one’s belief in God’s call and Christ’s mission, here at CPC.

We are about to begin a new, New Members Class. Anyone interested in joining should speak to Pastor Arlene.

Women's Book Group

January 26 Chapters 16-18

February 9 Chapters 19-Conclusion

February 23 Dinner: time and location TBA

Skylands Chorale

Tenors and Basses are still welcome to apply to join the Skylands Chorale through this Friday, 1/23/26. The first rehearsal of the semester will take place Sunday, 1/25/26 from 7:00pm - 9:00pm.

Mark your calendar for all the Skylands Music concerts happening in March!

A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) - something to consider

As we face challenges in funding our CPC programs, this is a possible opportunity to help more, for those of us, who are of a certain age!

A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) is a powerful tax-saving strategy for retirees aged 70½ or older. It allows you to donate up to $105,000 annually directly from your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) to a qualified public charity.

The primary benefit is that the distributed amount counts toward your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) but is excluded from your taxable income. This can significantly lower your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), potentially reducing taxes on Social Security benefits and minimizing Medicare premium surcharges.

Crucially, QCDs are not eligible for an additional charitable deduction. However, the income exclusion often provides a greater financial advantage, especially for those who do not itemize deductions. It’s a direct and efficient way to fulfill philanthropic goals while managing retirement tax liability. Always consult a tax advisor to ensure proper execution.

Click here for more information

Children, Youth and Family Ministries

SO many things to do this winter!

Help the children and youth of CPC stock CFA’s shelves to the brim by joining us for Souper Bowl of Caring, a national food drive that helps bring awareness of food insecurity to both children and adults alike. We will be collecting through Feb 8th.

Or join us for an evening of Snow Tubing at Campgaw on Friday Feb 6.

If we have a group of at least 20 participants we can get a group rate. Spots fill up quickly and it is on a first come first served basis. There is no age requirement - but children must be 48 inches tall to slide. I can reserve your spot soon as you sign up with me and make payment for your ticket.

And last but not least - consider joining us for Craft & Chat. We will meet on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays from 10-12 in Feb & March to share our talents and gifts with others. This sharing is for all ages and crafts!

Children are welcome, but if they are in 5th grade or below they need to be with a parent or responsible adult. Bring a project you would like to share - or simply come ready to learn something someone might share. I will have an assortment of odds and ends in fabric, yarn and crafting supplies. Please consider joining us for a short meeting on Feb 1 if you are interested in sharing one of your talents!

As always - if you have any questions - never hesitate to reach out to me @ tracyrynkowski@gmail.com

Skylands Learning Center

Please contact skylandslc@gmail.com to receive the Skylands Learning Center newsletters.

Contribute to our weekly services with flowers.

The flowers for the church are $20. People can sign up on a flower sheet located in the narthex or you can click on the QRC code on the back of the bulletin and sign up on Genius. You can also include a personal dedication in the bulletin and take the flowers home after the service.

Click here to sign up to donate flowers