Volume 57 - September 19, 2024 | |
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Where Grace Happens
This newsletter includes details of our ongoing sermon series on peace from Pastor Arlene, a reminder about current bible studies, details of the next hike and 'Garden Day' and a 'save the date' for SLC's Family Night. We have also included some photos of Pastor Arlene's installation and a link to the recording in case you missed it! All sorts of programs are ramping up or restarting for the Fall at the CPC Ringwood and we encourage (and need!) you to get involved. Read on to find an opportunity which speaks to you and join in the fun.
Our next newsletter is due on October 2nd - please let Sue or Christine know if you have news to share.
Community Church website
CPC Ringwood YouTube Channel
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Pastoral Ponderings...
This Saturday, September 21st is World Peace Day.
According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, peace is:
“A state of tranquility or quiet, freedom from disturbance, a state of security and order, freedom from oppressive thoughts, harmony in interpersonal relationships.”
Peace is essential to human thriving and a primal desire for the whole human family. Peace is the required element for social progress and the creation of art and beauty. Without peace, societies regress and cultures deteriorate.
Beginning last Sunday and for the next six weeks, in worship we will be focusing on peace and what the scriptures have to teach us about peace. As our surrounding social culture makes its way through what is promising to be a time of tremendous challenge, there is an urgent social need to increase our personal, and interpersonal, levels of peace. As God’s people, we will rightly turn our eyes to the Lord, who lifts us up from any current suffering, to claim the powerful peace of God, which comes from above.
Peace is promised to us by Jesus Christ and will be found when we seek him first in all things. So, I encourage you to focus on these words of peace from 2 Thessalonians 3:16. Write them down somewhere that you will see them daily over the next seven weeks as a reminder to choose peace.
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.”
Peace to you all!
Pastor Arlene
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Director of Children, Youth and Families
The Session of CPC Ringwood has approved the creation of a new staff position of Director of Children, Youth and Families as we move towards our discerned intention of outreach to younger members and families.
The purpose of this role is to discern, develop, organize, inspire, equip, and oversee ministries to families, children and youth from birth to age 18, including oversight of the Baptismal Birthday Program, recruiting, training, equipping and oversight of congregational lay leaders to provide weekly Sunday School for children/youth ages 3 through high school, activities for youth 6th grade through high school, special programming such as Vacation Bible School, Christmas programs, and other special events that may occur.
Please contact Pastor Arlene if you know somebody who would be interested in applying for this position.
Click here to download the full job description
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World Communion Sunday
Sunday October 6th
The Lord's Supper is a spiritual gift from Jesus, designed to nourish our faith. Join us in worship on October 6, as we celebrate the Lord's Supper mindful of all our brothers and sisters from every denomination, nation, and Christian expression, who will also be celebrating this sacred meal across the globe!
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Bible Studies
Tuesdays at 8:00pm in Fellowship Hall
Thursdays at 10:00am at the Romaine residence, 195 Magee Road
Join us, as we read through the first-written book of the New Testament— the Gospel of Mark. All questions, ponderings, and doubts welcome! Just bring your Bible for this in-depth look, led by Pastor Arlene and Ron. The Tuesday sessions continue and we have now added another opportunity to join on Thursday mornings at 10:00am, starting this week, September 5th.
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Church Hiking Group - Sterling Lake
Last weekend a group of 8 of us hiked the far shore of Sterling Lake beginning at the Visitor Center. The weather was perfect, and the scenery was beautiful with the sun sparkling on the waters of the lake. At 4 miles, this was a little longer than usual, but the wide trail was flat and gave all of us the opportunity to mix and talk to each other, so we enjoyed exercise, beautiful views, as well as fellowship. Definitely a win, win ,win!
Please note that our next month’s outing will be on SATURDAY OCTOBER 19th, and it will be the turn of an easier walk, suitable for all. Look forward to seeing you then!
Any questions, comments or suggestions, please call or text Colin at 201-741-60
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Garden Day
Saturday, Sept 28th at 9:00am - rain date Saturday Oct 5th
We all enjoy our church's gardens, so please plan to come help make them beautiful on Saturday, September 28 beginning at 9 AM. Task cards will be available, so if you are not able to help out on 9/28, just pick up a task card from the church office and come whenever you are able!
John and Jill Arnell have volunteered to administer the organization of the maintenance of the gardens, continuing the work of several dedicated members. Please contact them if you plan to help on September 28 and/or be a member of a small committee to contribute to the gardens’ beauty on an ongoing basis. They will be at the church service on September 22.
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Skylands Learning Center Family Night | |
From the Installation of Pastor Arlene by the Presbytery of the Highlands | |
On Sunday, September 8th we held a joyous worship service to celebrate the installation of Pastor Arlene as our new installed minister at the Community Church Presbyterian Church of Ringwood. There are photos below - and if you missed the service, you can watch a recorded version on our YouTube channel by clicking here. Welcome Arlene! | | |
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Come and join the choir!
If you were part of the service last Sunday, you may have noticed that the choir is back. However, we are still quite a small group and would love to welcome new singers. Enthusiasm is more important than skill and Neil is a very patient music director, so there is no need to feel intimidated. If you have ever thought you would like to join, come and give us a try! For questions and more information, contact Neil.
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Presbytery Meeting Highlights
So much happened at the September 10 Presbytery Meeting that the highlights report will come to you in several parts.
Highlights of Part 1
- Updated Guidelines for participating in meetings
- Greetings from the General Assembly
- General Assembly Commissioners reports via videos
- Sanctuary & Seed New Church Development Report
- Election of the 2025 Moderator and Vice Moderator
- Administration and Coordinating Team Report including the presentation of the 2025 budget
- Report from the General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission
- Young Leader Formation Team Report
- Introduction of New Pastors
More Highlights coming soon!
Read more
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Save the Date
The 2025 Presbyterian Youth Triennium (PYT) will be held in Louisville, Kentucky Monday, July 28th – Thursday, July 31st, 2025. Programming and meals will be held at the Kentucky International Convention Center with participants staying at nearby Triennium-designated hotels at special PYT rates.
Read more
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