SHA R I N G T H E F A I T H
Some random thoughts about God, prayers, and September.
Septembers twenty-first day, it occurs to me, is the beginning of the season of fall, but is also part of a season with some built-in controversies.
We begin in September to take up the slack in our lives again. The kids head back to a busy school schedule, and most of us are done with vacations and are back home in familiar places and routines for productive endeavors. I remember that when I worked in the corporate world, my bosses seemed to want or expect more productivity come September. Here in the northeast, in nature, at the beginning of September, we are still thriving in warm, breezy days that seem to give us more energy to get here and there than we have, lets say, in the dark mid-winter months. Thats one part of the month of September, the busy part.
But then there is the other part that begins to show itself near the end of the month. The part of September that cools down the earth, when days are shorter and nights are longer. The part of September that leads into October and then November; that part of September that acts as a harbinger of the colder, darker days to come.
What do we think about God in September? The new beginnings of school and work, the return of summer-gone friends to surround us can be invigorating, cause us to be easily inspired by our faith, no doubt. But then there is the harbinger part. Many of us have thoughts and prayers about whether the presence of God in our lives at this time means refreshment and renewal, or a warning of some kind. Is September a month of resurrection for the new season to come, or like a Lenten season, filled with anxieties? What is God doing in our lives in September?
The answer to the question is of course a personal one for each one of us and can only be answered through prayer and meditation, something that I encourage you -- and myself-- to practice. Where is or how is God working in your life this September, or said differently, what is your September prayer?
My prayer for you and for myself gets randomized in my thoughts around what it tells us in First Peter 4:7 and 8: Be serious and discipline yourself for the sake of your prayers. Above all, maintain constant love for one another
Just some random September thoughts about God and prayer.
Blessings,
Pastor Don
ADULT BIBLE STUDY BEGINS IN SEPTEMBER!!!!
WHY NOT MAKE THE COMMITMENT
TO REALLY GET INTO THE WORD OF GOD THIS FALL
BY JOINING ONE OF OUR THREE
ADULT BIBLE STUDIES (or join them all)!
Wednesday Mornings 10:00 11:00 am Starts September 29 John
(Child-care available with notice)
Wednesday Evenings 7:00 8:00 pm Starts September 29 First Peter
Sunday Morning once a month 9:00 9:50 am Starts October 10 Genesis
(Child-care available with notice)
You dont have to be a Biblical Scholar! Just bring an Opened Mind
and an Opened Heart And Bring a Friend!
Corinthians 12:4-6 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.
There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.
There are different kinds of working,
but the same God works all of them in all men.
The Christian Education Ministry Team is looking for volunteers to teach
and assist with Sunday School for the 2010-1011 school year.
Just stop by our Church School table in Parish Hall on September 12th, 19th or 26th
to inquire about volunteering.
Our 2010-2011 curriculum will be focusing on Heroes of the Bible
and how we can all be heroes here on Earth too!
Stop by to see if any of your favorite stories are being taught.
Or better yetcome and learn a new story from the Bible~
discovering Gods word and love through the eyes of a child is priceless!
We have Art, Storytelling/Drama, Audiovisual, Music, Computers, Baking, Discovery, Games/Puzzles, Science and Hospitality workshops that rotate every month.
~Volunteers are needed throughout the year!~
*Classes begin Sunday October 3rd
If you have any questions please feel free to
contact Joanne Willans
at 973-887-2197 or at
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We are in the final countdown to the beginning of Sunday School!
Sunday October 3rd kicks off our 2010-2011 school year!
We are very excited to introduce the many
Heroes of the Bible as well as new classes and workshops!!
We look forward to seeing all of you Sunday mornings!!
~Joanne, Carole & Elisa (CE Ministry Team)
Sunday School Wish List:
Paint: Water Color Fabric or Craft Paintany colors are appreciated!
CDs: Old CDs we will be making a craft with them not using them on the computers.
Glue: Glue Sticks, Craft Glue and Glue Dots are very much needed!
Play-Doh: Any color is appreciated it is used in our pre-school class.
Paper Bags: Small ones - the kind you use for lunches.
White Paper Plates: The cheap ones are great!
Material: We are in need of new costumes for our Christmas Pageant if you are interested in donating material or helping make costumes please see Joanne as soon as possible!
Snacks: Goldfish, Animal Crackers, Pretzels and Juice.
Thank you your donations help a great deal and are very much appreciated. If you cannot make it to a store or are unsure of what you should buy, monetary donations are always much appreciated and will be used to purchase needed items throughout the year.
NURSERY MINISTRY
Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it. (Luke 18:15-17 ESV)
We have been working hard on finding solutions to accommodate our growing nursery. In order for us to Grow in Faith and Discipleship as a Church we need to be there for one another and for each others families.
Beginning October 3rd there will be a rotation Schedule for Nursery Care. You will receive the schedule, in the mail, by mid-September. In your packet you will find detailed instructions of what to expect in the nursery but most of all there is sincere appreciation for giving your time on a Sunday or two to help watch our precious little ones in the Nursery.
We do have speakers in the nursery so you may listen to the service and you will have an assistant with you to help out with games, snacks or story time.
If you have any questions please feel free to call Joanne at 973-885-6816 or at the Church Office at 973-887-2197.
SHYF
Senior High Youth Fellowship
Senior High Youth Fellowship is a group for High School students who meet together weekly for fun, faith and fellowship!
All high school students are encouraged to attend and bring a friend!
(This group is open to the community all are welcome)
Sunday ~ September 12th
Kick-off BBQ
4:00-8:00
Bring a friend & a snack to share!
Place: TBD
Sunday ~ September 19th
7:00-8:30 Meeting
Youth Room at Church
Sunday ~ September 26th
7:00-8:30 Meeting
Youth Room at Church
If you have any questions please feel free to contact Joanne at
973-599-0006 or
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
***All youth who plan to attend the Youth Group Kick off BBQ need to RSVP to Joanne
by Friday September 10th. Call 973-885-6816 or via email
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***
**Save the date: Sunday October 10th Dorney Park Trip
Club 3:16
A Junior High Experience!
Club 3:16 is a Junior High School Youth Group that meets weekly to learn how to Walk With Jesus Daily,
We discuss pre-teen issues and have lots of FUN!!!
This group is open to the community so please bring a friend! *more people = more fun!
Sunday ~ September 12th
Kick-off BBQ
4:00-8:00
Bring a friend & a snack to share!
Place: TBD
Sunday ~ September 19th
6:00-7:30 Meeting
Youth Room at Church
Sunday ~ September 26th
6:00-7:30 Meeting
Youth Room at Church
If you have any questions please contact Joanne Willans at 973-599-0006 or
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
***All youth who plan to attend the Youth Group Kick off Pool Party & BBQ need to RSVP to Joanne by Friday September 10th. Call 973-885-6816 or via email
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
**Save the date: Sunday October 10th Dorney Park Trip
OUR YOUTH LITURGIST PROGRAM WILL START AGAIN ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3rd - WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY. One of the favorite programs of our church, the Youth Liturgist Program gives our young people, 10 years old and up, the opportunity to learn important skills while serving Christ's Church here in Whippany. If you are 10 or older, get your parent's permission and then sign-up. We normally train and coach our Youth Liturgists at a convenient time on Saturday before the Sunday they serve. Youth scripts are e-mailed early the previous week. Let's get our kids in the habit of serving Jesus!!!!
Christian Education Hour for Sunday, October 17 at 9:00 am.
RETRIEVING & SHARING
OUR CONGREGATION�S LOCAL HISTORY
Have you ever wondered where the facts and stories of our local history and church history come from? Have you wondered how such information can be retrieved and pieced back together again for sharing, aimed at the cultural enrichment and enjoyment of the local community and our church? Elder Don Kiddoo has learned a few things about these questions while researching deep down in the local history mines over the past few decades (and admits that he's had personal fun with it along the way!). Don has offered to share some answers to these questions, informally, with some interesting examples he has uncovered.
On Sunday, October 17, 9:00-10:00 am, Don will present a Christian Education hour on the local history of the Hanover Township/Whippany community, including our own congregation, emphasizing methods for this kind of research, with examples of history and biography fragments found that have been particularly enlightening and useful in interpreting our own local past. If you�re interested in the history of the local community and of our own church and forebears, or in how information of this kind can still be retrieved (including history of your own family), plan to come hear Don�s "Retrieving & Sharing..." story at the Christian Education hour on October 17.
PRAISE THE LORD! Your Praise and Worship Team is re-organizing, re-tooling and re-committing to worshipping our Loving God in new and exciting ways! With the loss of the Wright Family Band, the Worship Ministry of your church along with other dedicated Praise and Worship Team members are re-thinking and planning for another season of Praise and Worship. Our plan is to offer more Praise and Worship Services beginning again in October. A new worship format, new music and new musicians are in the works!!!! See you in October!!!! PRAISE THE LORD!!!
SIX families from First Whippany had a great time camping in the Pocono Mtns. Of PA during the 2nd weekend of July.
The campground is just over an hour from Whippany, so if any of you would like to Join us next summer please feel free to talk to the Rizzos, Cowleys, Cortrights, Hammonds, Johnsons or the Ringstads.
We eat very well, have a great time of fun and fellowship and of course we do a lot of relaxing!!!!!
This trip is always at Mtn. Vista Campground from the Wednesday after the 4th of July until you want to leave and come back to reality.
If you think you may be interested between now and next spring give any of us a shout or an e-mail WE WOULD LOVE TO HAVE YOU!!!!
LOVE FROM ALL THE CAMPERS OF FIRST WHIPPANY
To the Congregation of the First Presbyterian Church of Whippany,
Thank you so much for your love & support for Michael & Leahs baptisms. It is so comforting to share such a special day with such an amazing church family. We would also like to thank you for your generous baptismal gifts! The Marine Bible is perfect for Michael and Leah loves the soft blanket!
With Love, The Heisler Family
