 Stanley
Congregational Church  A different kind of church - progressive, thoughtful, inclusive, democratic.
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Creation, The Seventh Day, by the Stanley Church School |
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 The StarThe Star is the monthly newsletter of Stanley Congregational Church, United Church of Christ |
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| Rantings of the Rev – Sabbath, Summer, Church and Guilt I can remember people saying it to my dad, and I’ve had people in every church I’ve served say it to me around this time of year: “I’m sorry you won’t see us for a while,” “I feel bad that I won’t be around a lot over the summer,” or some variation of the phrase. Let me say emphatically – stop it! Please!! Now that I have your attention, let me elaborate a bit…. If we go to the scriptures, and specifically to the Gospels, we find many instances where Jesus went off alone into the wilderness to pray or just be by himself. Why? Because he often knew that he needed some time to rest, to recuperate and collect his energy again before going back to his work. In Matthew’s 8th chapter, as great crowds are following him, he goes all the way to the other side of the sea, and he remarks that “the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” (8:20) In Matthew 14:13, after Jesus hears of the death of John the Baptist we are told that he “withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself.” Not soon thereafter, after feeding the 5,000 he goes up a mountain by himself to pray (Matthew 14:23). I could give more examples from the other Gospels, too, but you get the point. Jesus knew when he needed to get away, and there is a lesson there about the value and necessity of giving ourselves Sabbath. Most of us don’t give ourselves Sunday as a true and genuine Sabbath day. I know for me, my days off aren’t really “off” at all; they are spent doing all of the other things that I don’t have time to do the rest of the week. They are far from restful! I’m sure the same is true for you. True Sabbath seems hard to come by, and for the majority of us summer is the time when we can carve out some much-needed Sabbath for ourselves and our families. We need these times, as they serve great purpose in replenishing our tired minds, bodies and spirits. If we don’t do this we begin to tire, to withdraw, to be less-inspired, and not be as fully present as we are capable of being. The times of enjoyment, of relaxation and of fellowship with family and friends we might only get to see during these few months are invaluable; to us and for us in order to keep doing all that we do the rest of our year. Particularly here at Stanley where so many of us are so busy doing so many things, a time away to do something for ourselves so we might better be able to do all that we do is something that Jesus models for us. So please, don’t feel guilty about going away. Don’t apologize for needing to take a Sabbath. When you are around, it is always a delight to see you at Stanley on Sunday mornings or during the week. But I also delight in thinking of all of you enjoying yourselves in places of beauty, celebration and relaxation. It makes coming together again in September all that more spirited and energetic as we’ve spent our time up on our mountaintops, away from the crowds, receiving the gift of Sabbath and replenishing our wearied and worried minds and bodies. Jesus did it and never apologized for it, and so can (and should) you! Have a blessed and joyful summer. Peace, Shawn From the President Congratulations to all the new graduates. Eileen Caddy, English spiritual writer and Cofounder of the Findhorn Foundation, once wrote: “Set your sights high, the higher the better. Expect the most wonderful things to happen, Not in the future but right now. Realize that nothing is too good. Allow absolutely nothing to hamper you Or hold you up in any way.” As you set out on the new adventures of college or career, your path may not bring you to Stanley’s doors as often as in the past. The important thing to remember is that when the opportunity comes to re-unite with us we’ll be here, welcoming you with open arms and fondly waiting to hear all about your new experiences. Our church life is a circle, no beginning, no end It keeps us together, a “Circle of Friends” But the treasure inside for you to see Is the treasure of friendship always granted to you. May God hold you in the palm of his hand and grant you friend-filled adventures until we meet again. Dawn Christian Education During June, July and August the Christian Ed. Department has planned a summer church school program for the children that come to church. Each week we will have animated stories from the New Testament with activities and popcorn. We have a wonderful group of volunteers that will be leading this program. We are in search of persons that would like to teach church school, or be substitutes or assistants. In order to create a safe environment for all, we would like to have two adults in each class. Please let me know your willingness to be a teacher and or an assistant. The Church School children are sponsoring Wilawan Pimpacng, a Thailand child through World Vision. The children will sponsor Wilawan with donations. We received a letter from Wilawan, and a copy will be in each class. I responded to Wilawan on behalf of Stanley. We hope our children will build a relationship with Wilawan as the year progresses. In the Fall, we will use a (new to us) curriculum, Seasons of the Spirit. This is a lectionary-led education and will have the same theme as Worship. There are resources that are accessible for leaders and learners. We look forward to sharing this curriculum with you in the fall. We would appreciate parents registering their children early. You may print the new registration form and complete it at home. Please return one form for each child to the church office by July 30. This will help us organize the classes for September. Finally, we are still actively searching for a part-time Church School Coordinator. SAVE THE DATE Wednesday, September 10, 2008 At 8:00 p.m. in the Chapel For Teacher Training and to learn about Seasons of the Spirit All are invited! From the Music Director Each year June comes quickly, and we are all "chasing our tails" and then BOOM, we're in the Summer mode. So it always is with the end of the choir season. Our Chancel Choir ended on a high note in the organ dedication service, and again on picnic Sunday, and is to be greatly appreciated for their dedication throughout the church year. With 17 members, it puts extra pressure on those singers to be present as often as possible. We have been able to present some wonderful music to enhance our worship. Each of our music makers is special, and it takes all of our voices together to "sing unto the Lord!" Perhaps you should consider lending your voice? I hope to see many of you in the Summer Worship, and thank you in advance for your support of the Summer music. Cliff Parrish Worship Department Please consider hosting Coffee Hour any Sunday during July and August. We usually serve lemonade and iced tea but you can always make coffee if you wish. Please sign up during coffee hour in Parish Hall or phone the church office from 9 am - 1 pm. Another ministry opportunity during the summer is flower donation. If you have some home-grown flowers from your garden, why not clip a bouquet and bring them to church on Sunday. We can all enjoy their beauty on the altar while we are worshipping. There is no need to reserve a Sunday, please feel free to donate your flowers any Sunday you wish, except July 20. Interfaith Food Pantry Please remember to bring your offering for the Interfaith Food Pantry located in Morristown. There will be a basket in the Parish Hall where donations of food can be placed on July 6 and August 3. The food pantries and food banks are experiencing a shortage in donations. Any donations would be greatly appreciated. For a list of the most urgent needs of the Interfaith Food Pantry visit www.mcifp.org/currentneeds.htm. Remember your Pledge! Summertime is filled with vacations, visiting, and getaways. Even though you may be out of town for all or part of the summer, Stanley continues to “keep the home fires burning.” In order to do that, we count on your faithfulness in keeping current with your pledges. Thank you in advance for your consideration in your continued giving! STAR in Hard Copy If anyone has received the STAR by e-mail this month and would still rather receive it by mail, please contact the church office, 973-635-7723, and we will be happy to send you a copy. Copies will also be available in the Narthex and outside Parish Hall. |
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