Are you ready for the snow to stop? Believe it or not, up until about Christmas the thought crossed my mind that it might actually be a light winter this year. It hadn’t snowed and depending upon how one calculates it, we were about a third or so through the snowy part of winter with no sign of snow. We only had January and February to go. How much snow could we be in for? Don’t answer that question.
What I did was to assume that the future was going to be like the past. That tomorrow would be like yesterday and that all would be well. In a broken world, a fallen world, such assumptions can come at a dear price.
All this unexpected snow reminds me of the words of God’s servant Isaiah. It was Isaiah who ironically used the uncertainty in life to assure God’s people that all would be well. Isaiah addressed a people who had experienced exile from their beloved homeland and wanted nothing more than to return home. It was Isaiah who stated on behalf of God,
“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the Lord who has compassion on you” (Isa. 54:10).
Our Lord knows that in this fallen world “mountains shake”. In other words, things happen that we don’t want to happen and yet through it all, our God’s love is unfailing. When you’re facing the angst and uncertainty of life, when you’re faced with difficult circumstances; remember Isaiah’s words.
Be assured that our Lord’s love and compassion, His covenant of peace to which we belong, is not shaken by the passing, ephemeral circumstances we encounter through life. Rather, in the words of our Lord, “…my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed…”
Grace and peace to you all,
Dear Ho-Ho-Kus Church Family:
This winter has been very active. We are getting a snow storm every few days it seems. Work and planning continues for our worship services and our upcoming Lent, Holy Week, and Easter Season.
Our soprano section leader, Alice Allen, will be collaborating with Sue Morch to direct the Sunday School children in a production of, "Once Upon a Parable". Alice is a Music Education major at Montclair State University, and is looking forward to working with Susan and the children to deliver a fun and enriching performance for the children and the congregation. All those who are interested in having their children participate, please let either Susan or Alice know. The presentation date will be determined.
We are seeking more singers for our Senior Choir at this time. Anyone interested in singing with our choir, please let me know; sopranos, altos, tenors and basses are all welcome. We are also in the process of looking for several substitutes for our soprano and alto positions. If you know of anyone with a great voice who is professional, please give them my name and number and I can arrange to speak with them.
Also, I am in the process of making final selections for our Holy Week music as well as for a Senior Choir concert planned for March, 2012.
See you in church!
Very kind regards,
Melissa Manning, Music Director
NEWS AROUND THE CONGREGATION!
Andy Lohmann is doing an internship for 4 months in Japan.
Steve Eiman is on antibiotics for the infection in his shoulder and is responding well.
Morgan Janjigian has been named an All-state gymnast. Congratulations Morgan!
February Birthdays
Samantha Federico 2 Kevin Brennan 17
Chris Diehl 3 Georgia Shell 19
Steve Eiman 3 Frank Burr 20
Ann Smart 4 Susan Frost 20
Lindsay Felldin 4 Kyle Coughlin 20
Brittany Hamernick 5 Cheryl Post 21
Tucker Daly 9 Johnny Acunto 23
Ashleigh Diehl 10 Hailey Thomas 24
Barbara Mason 17 Elizabeth Newton 26
Julia Baker 27
And Anniversaries
Bruce & Jeanne Hamlin 1
Roy & Debbie Busch 8
Craig & Sherrill Spaak 14
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Many thanks to those who responded to our appeal for coffee hour volunteers. We still have many Sundays available through June. Please remember to check the coffee hour sign up sheet on the narthex table. Many thanks in advance.
SAVE THE DATE For Vacation Bible School:
Pandamania kicks off this August 22- August 28th. This summer, connect kids to God and watch them grow stronger in their faith as the discover God Is WILD about them!
We are still in the process of finalizing times for our summer school. This year we are looking at a late afternoon, early evening course. Anyone interested in volunteering for decorating, crew leaders, teacher etc should contact me at
hohokushowells@optonline.net.
Donna Howell
SANCTUARY FLOWERS 2011
Please return the completed forms to: Barbara Wahlberg,130 Ross Place,
Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07432 (201) 652-7786 or the church office, or place it in the offering plate. - Checks should be made payable to the Ho-Ho-Kus Community Church Flower Fund in the amount of $30. per Sunday. Donations may be in any amount and the excess will be placed in the general benevolence fund distributed by the Deacons.
In Memory/Honor of: _____ ______
From: _____ Phone: .
PLEASE CIRCLE THE DATE YOU DESIRE:
SEPT. 4,18
FEB. 20, 27 JUNE 12 OCT. 9,16, 23
MAR.13 JULY 3, 10, 17, 26, 31 NOV. 6, 13, 20, 27
APR 10, 17 AUG. 7, 14 DEC. 4
YOUTH GROUP
Sunday, February 13th
Meet at the church at 3:30.
Arrive at the Ice Vault for ice time of 4 to 6.
$9.00/person; Bring extra money for snack shop.
Arrive back at CCHHK for 6:30 Pick-Up
ASH WEDNESDAY SOUP SUPPER
Our traditional Communion Soup Supper will be held on Wednesday, March 9. Starting at 7pm, we will have a short communion service in the Charter Room at the tables, followed by a simple meal of homemade Vegetable Beef Soup, Assorted Rolls & Breads, Dessert and Coffee, Tea & Milk.
The evening should end around 8:30pm. There is no charge for the supper, but it would be helpful to us to know if you are planning to come so we can plan effectively.
We invite you to join with those who have found the soup supper to be a simple yet meaningful and enjoyable evening.