Annandale Reformed Church New Life Community

CONNECTIONSWeb Site: www.annandalereformedchurch.org

Our Mission StatementWe are a family in Christ called together by the Holy Spirit to serve God in our community. We

are placed here to worship, to nurture and serve, and to make the joyous life in Jesus Christ more accessible to our neighbors.

July 2015 Vol 25, No 7The Pastor’s Monthly Column

(from Christianity Today magazine)

America became a free country on July 4, 1776.

However, many may not know—or forget—that America is also a nation under God, founded on Christian principles.

54 of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence were Christians.  27 held theology degrees.  Many went on to form Bible societies. 

The signers intended the document to officiate the separation between America and Great Britain.  However, they based the

Declaration upon a greater foundational belief that God, or as written in the Declaration, “Creator”, was the source for our irrevocable rights. 

Thomas Jefferson, author of the declaration, believed "God, who gave us life, also gave us liberty.”

Two of the Continental Congress’ first actions were to hire military chaplains and purchase 20,000 Bibles to remedy a national shortage.

Even if America’s roots were traced back to its primitive stages, the marriage between the early inhabitants of the land and Christianity are inseparable.  The Pilgrims clearly stated the purpose for their voyage before stepping off the Mayflower: “...undertaken for the glory of God, and the advancement of the Christian faith...”

The U.S. Supreme Court also identified America as a Christian nation in 1892, after 10 years of examining hundreds of documents on the foundation of the country. The justices came to the unanimous conclusion that the documents "add a volume of unofficial declarations to the mass of organic utterances that this is a religious people, a Christian nation."

John Quincy Adams, the sixth president of the United States, summed up the historic event that led to America's

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independence when he said, "The highest glory of the American Revolution was this:  It connected in one indissoluble bond the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity."

The conviction that God cannot, and should not be moved from the social and governmental construct of America continues to echo in the voice of the U.S.A.'s more recent leaders. 

The late Ronald W. Reagan, the 40th President of the United States, said, "Without God, there is no virtue because there is no prompting of the conscience.  Without God, there is a coarsening of the society.  Without God, democracy will not and cannot endure.

“If we ever forget that we are one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under."

Kid’s KornerBy Mrs. Exley

Stay Connected To God....... Don't forget to check the website each Sunday for a connect the dots Bible coloring story.

Put this date on your calendar!

Blood DriveJuly 22nd

Heaven SentFrom Evy@Heaven.Lord

AIN'T...

He was just a little boy,On a week's first day.Wandering home from Bible school,And dawdling on the way.

He scuffed his shoes into the grass;He even found a caterpillar.He found a fluffy milkweed pod,And blew out all the 'filler.'

A bird's nest in a tree overhead,So wisely placed up so high.Was just another wonder,That caught his eager eye.

A neighbor watched his zig zag course,And hailed him from the lawn;Asked him where he'd been that dayAnd what was going on.

'I've been to Bible School ,'He said and turned a piece of sod.He picked up a wiggly worm replying,'I've learned a lot about God.'

'M'm very fine way,' the neighbor said,'for a boy to spend his time.''If you'll tell me where God is,I'll give you a brand new dime.'

Quick as a flash the answer came!Nor were his accents faint.'I'll give you a dollar, Mister,If you can tell me where God ain't.'

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A Little Humor

A Colorado Department of Highways employee stopped at a farm and talked with an old farmer. He told the farmer, "I need to inspect your farm for a possible new road."

The old farmer said, "OK, but don't go in that field."

The Highways employee said, "I have the authority of the State of Colorado to go where I want. See this card? I am allowed to go wherever I wish on farm land."

So the old farmer went about his farm chores. Later, he heard loud screams and saw the Department of Highways employee running for the fence and close behind was the farmer's prize bull. The bull was madder than a nest full of hornets and gaining on the employee at every step.

The old farmer called out, "Show him your card!!

MISSION OF THE SUMMER MONTHS

For June through August, the Mission Committee will continue collecting monetary donations for the victims of the two Nepal earthquakes. 

Our parent organization, the Reformed Church in America, is working with World Vision to help the Nepalese get their lives back together.  World Vision is assisting about 100,000 people with supplies, shelter, clean water and sanitation, and child protection, as well as education and health programs. For more information, please visit www.rca.org/news/rca-responds-nepal-earthquake.

Annandale’s Got Talent!

ARC To Stage Talent Show

What a great time we had that Friday evening. Great talent to entertain us and great goodies to treat out tummies.

We raised $500.00 that night and the Missions Committee added another $100.00 so we were able to send a check for $600.00 to the Hunterdon Medical Center Cancer Fund.

Thank you to all who participated and to all who supported this wonderful cause.

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“Not Angie’s List”, but “ARC’s List”

Notary Public:Lisa Zambito: 908-268-5340

Auto Repair:Quality Auto Service Center, LLCAll makes & models autos (and

boats and planes)Contact Owner/OperatorRick Lebbing: 908-806-6014

Avon Representative:Peg Weightman908-832-2246

Finance

The finance committee wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable summer. They would also like to remind you that while you are on vacation, the everyday expenses of the church have no vacation. We encourage you to keep your pledges up to date.

Independence Day

During the American Revolution, the legal separation of the Thirteen Colonies from Great Britain occurred on July 2, 1776, when the Second Continental Congress voted to approve a resolution of independence that had been proposed in June by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia declaring the United States independent from Great Britain. After voting for independence, Congress turned its attention to the Declaration of Independence, a statement explaining this decision, which had been prepared by a Committee of Five, with Thomas Jefferson as its principal author. Congress debated and revised the wording of the Declaration, finally approving it on July 4. A day earlier, John Adams had written to his wife Abigail:

The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with

shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.[6]

Adams's prediction was off by two days. From the outset, Americans celebrated independence on July 4, the date shown on the much-publicized Declaration of Independence, rather than on July 2, the date the resolution of independence was approved in a closed session of Congress.[7]

Historians have long disputed whether Congress actually signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, even though Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin all later wrote that they had signed it on that day. Most historians have concluded that the Declaration was signed nearly a month after its adoption, on August 2, 1776, and not on July 4 as is commonly believed.

Coincidentally, both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the only signers of the Declaration of Independence later to serve as Presidents of the United States, died on the same day: July 4, 1826, which was the 50th anniversary of the Declaration. Although not a signer of the Declaration of Independence, but another Founding Father who became a President, James Monroe, died on July 4, 1831, thus becoming the third President in a row who died on the holiday. Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President, was born on July 4, 1872, and, so far, is the only U.S. President to have been born on Independence Day.

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Gift Certificates

Don’t forget to get your Shop Rite Gift Certificates before you shop for the summer picnics and get-togethers!

Every dollar you spend earns the church five cents. Doesn’t sound like a lot, but when you add it up, it does amount to a sizable amount.

Town Wide Yard SaleSaturday, Sept. 12 th

Tera Lunger has graciously agreed to spearhead this project again this year She will be looking for some help setting up the parking lot the evening before and the morning of the sale. If you are able to help, please let her know. You can reach her at 735-0929 or email her at lungerfamily@embarqmail.com

The Ladies will be manning the food again this year and they will be looking for people to bake finger desserts and if you would like to help that morning, contact Jill Meyer 908-534-4818. If anyone makes jellies, pickles,

etc. over the summer and would like to donate some to our sale, it would be appreciated. 

Office Carpet

The landing at the bottom of the stairs and the Pastor's office were not carpeted when we had the rest of the upstairs and stairway done. The cost to complete this is about $1,000. Consistory has voted to complete this

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July Ushers

July 5 Vogel familyJuly 12 Nancy GasparettiJuly 19 Nancy GasparettiJuly 26 Debbie Carvatt & Joyce

Murphy

Please remember to insert one of the envelopes for the mission of the month if the box is on the table

Please remove old bulletins, etc. after the service. (See Usher Guidelines on door to closet in narthex and on bulletin board outside of the office downstairs). And please don’t forget to take the count when the service begins (it is easier to do when the children are sitting up front for the children’s sermon)

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU SEE AN ENDANGERED ANIMAL EATING AN ENDANGERED PLANT?

No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, and show up.

Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

project using part of the $5,000 gift that our dear friend Patty Schickendanz left to us.

We have decided to do this during the summer months when there is less activity in the building.  This is just the first step toward preparing for our 150th anniversary next year.

Congratulations to Jeff and Kelli Steele on the birth of their new baby born, May 30th

His name is Sean Randall Steele.

This is their second child . . . we baptized their first-born, Derek, in 2014.

Our congratulations go out to the whole family, including grandmother Sue!

Picnic TimeSun. July 5th

noonHosted by

Barbara & Darin Vogel

15 Cobblestone Lane

Annandale

Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, and soft beverages

provided.Bring your favorite

appetizer, salad, side dish and/or dessert to

share.Bring your bathing suit, a folding chair and your favorite

wine or beer!Sign-up sheet in

narthex or call Barb Vogel with questions

908-310-2769

Think, Look Again!

This will certainly make you stop and think. You never know what a kind word, a phone call, or an impromptu visit will do for someone else.

It was a cold winter's day that Sunday. The parking lot to he church was filling up quickly. I noticed as I got out of my car that fellow church members were whispering among themselves as they walked to the church. As I got closer I saw a man leaned up against the wall outside the church. He was almost laying down as if he was asleep. He had on a long trench coat that was almost in shreds and a hat topped his head, pulled down so you could not see his face. He wore shoes that looked 30 years old, too small for his feet with holes all over them, his toes stuck out. I assumed this man was homeless, and asleep, so I walked on by through the doors of the church. We all gathered for fellowship for a few minutes, and someone brought up the man laying outside. People snickered and gossiped but

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no one bothered to ask him to come in, including me.

A few moments later church began. We all waited for the Preacher to take his place and to give us the Word, when the doors to the church opened. In came the homeless man walking down the aisle with his head down People gasped and whispered and made faces. He made his way down the aisle and up onto the pulpit, then he took off his hat and coat. My heart sank. There stood our preacher...he was the "homeless man." No one said a word. .

The preacher took his Bible and laid it on the stand. "Folks, I don't think I have to tell you what I am preaching about today."

Then he started singing the words to this song:

"If I can help somebody as I pass along

If I can cheer somebody with word or song.

If I can show somebody that he's traveling wrong.

Then my living shall not be in vain."

Justice - - When you get what you deserve

Mercy - - When you don’t get what you deserve.

Grace - - When you get what you don’t deserve

Looking to the futureIn April, as I’m sure you all remember, we made an announcement about the very generous endowment from Evelyn Anderson which, once received, will enable us to better meet our current needs and also to plan for the future.  In anticipation of receiving this endowment as well as the generous return we expect once the money is invested, we want to offer everyone the opportunity to share their ideas for enhancing our church and sharing our ministry - current and ongoing. Your ideas are valuable and all suggestions will be treated in the same manner. They will be collected, consolidated and brought to consistory for consideration and prioritization.

Any suggestions can be put it in an envelope in the Sunday morning offering plate, given directly to Cheryl or emailed to cmulligan@embarqmail.com . 

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A minister waited in line to have his car filled with gas just before a long holiday weekend. The attendant worked quickly, but there were many cars ahead of him. Finally, the attendant motioned him toward a vacant pump. "Reverend," said the young man, "I'm so sorry about the delay. It seems as if everyone waits until the last minute to get ready for a long trip." The minister chuckled, "I know what you mean. It's the same in my business."

or

A father was approached by his small son who told him proudly, "I know what the Bible means!" His father smiled and replied, "What do you mean, you 'know' what the Bible means?" The son replied, "I do know!" "Okay," said his father. "What does the Bible mean?" "That's easy, Daddy." the young boy replied excitedly, "It stands for'Basic Information Before Leaving Earth.'"

Once villagers decided to pray for rain, on the day of prayer all the people gathered but only one boy came with an umbrella. That's FAITH -----------------When you throw a baby in the air, she laughs because she knows you will catch her. That's TRUST ------------------Every night we go to bed, without any assurance of being alive the next morning but still we set the alarms to wake up. That's HOPE -----------------We plan big things for tomorrow in spite of zero knowledge of the future. That's CONFIDENCE -------------------We see the world suffering, but still we get married. That's LOVE. -------------On an Old Man's shirt was written a cute sentence, 'I Am Not 72 Years Old.., I Am Still 16 with 56 years Experience.' That's ATTITUDE 

07-02 Carrie Lotito07-07 Joyce Murphy07-08 Derek Steele07-11 Sherry Howe

Shirley Waldeck07-20 Larry Hoffman07-26 Megan Betza

To access the Google Group email, the address is arc7218@googlegroups.com

Remember, if you have information about someone sick, in need of some sort of assistance, celebrating a very special event, suffering from the loss of a loved one, or someone who needs our prayers and/or help, call Shirley Waldeck if a card is appropriate. (908-835-1371), Peg Weightman (908-832-2246) or Jill Meyer (908-545-4818) for any of the following:

Meals for someone who is sick, Transportation to and from

appointments Run small errands Or any other need that we can help

with.or

Joyce Murphy(908-963-3346) to request prayers and/or clergy needs.

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Google Group Email for Prayer Concerns

Gift Certificates for Shop Rite are on sale downstairs following worship each

Sunday or call Sherry Howe at 638-6391

Nancy Gasparetti and Sharon Riddle are helping sell the certificates.

Send contributions for Connections to Joyce Murphy at

joyce@murphy.org

Next IssueJuly 26th

Contribution DeadlineJuly 19th

ASK THE PASTOR

Caring

To send a question to “Ask The Pastor”The email address is:

askthepastor@comcast.net

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Church Office: 908-735-7218Church Email: arc@annandalereformedchurch.orgChurch Web Site: www.annandalereformedchurch.orgPastor: Kenneth Lobb: 610-837-1330 Email: kennethlobb@verizon.netElders:

Joyce Murphy 908-963-3346Cheryl Mulligan 908-638-0008Lynn Hughes 908-638-8887

Deacons:Rick Lebbing 908-713-4789Barbara Vogel 908-552-6000

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