1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity
3. catholicism

The Colts Neck Reformed Church
BAY COUNTY CHRISTIAN YOUTH CHOIR
in Concert at CNRC
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10TH, AT 7:00 P.M.
Mark your calendars now for an exciting evening of music
as we are privileged to host the Bay County Christian
Choir (ages 14-18) from
Panama City, Florida! The
concert will be held in our
Sanctuary at 7:00 p.m. on
Wednesday, June 10th, and
is part of the choir’s spring
2015 tour in the Northeast.
The choir’s spring tour
program is based on the
book, “The Story”, the
abridged chronological Bible.
The music includes a taste of
everything from classical to
(Continued on page 5, see Bay County Choir)
May 2015
~NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER~
PRAYER VIGIL ON MAY 7, 2015
by Dianne O’Hara and Maggie Tripold
This year, the 64TH ANNUAL NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
will be held on Thursday, May 7th. The theme for this
year is “Lord, Hear Our Cry” and is based on the verse
from I Kings 8:28 which states: “Hear the cry and the
prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this
day”. We will observe this day of prayer by holding a 12hour Prayer Vigil in the Sanctuary. The National Day of
Prayer is an annual event
for Americans of all faiths
to take time to pray for
our nation and its leaders.
We ask for special prayers that God will help to guide our future growth and
direction.
How can you get involved? Here at CNRC, our Sanctuary
will be open for prayer from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. on
Thursday, May 7th. We need prayer teams of at least
two people to commit to being at the church each hour
during that 12-hour period. There is a sign-up sheet in
Fellowship Hall, or you may call the church office
(Continued on page 3, see National Day of Prayer)
YOUTH SUNDAY SET FOR SUNDAY, MAY 17TH
“Stand Up”
Inside This Issue
Focus on Faith, by Scott D. Brown
Page 2
Who Am I? / Atlantic Cemetery /
Celebrating Dave and Maggie Tripold
Page 3
Blitz Build / Community Outreach Supper
CROP Hunger Walk / Youth in Mission
Page 4
Music and Worship Arts
Page 5
Church School / Christian Education
Page 6
Youth News / Youth Leadership Meeting
Page 7
Nursery School
Page 8
Health and Wellness Ministries
Page 9
Community and Fellowship /
Calling All Graduates
Page 10
Mark your calendars and be sure to be in church on May
17th when our youth will lead us in exploring these
themes through scripture, song, drama, and prayer.
News and Notes
Page 11
May 2015 Worship Schedule
Page 12
Attention Youth: Information regarding Youth Sunday
rehearsals can be found on page seven.
May 2015 Calendar
Insert
by Jeff Knol
This year the youth have been reflecting on the issue of
social action. They are wrestling with knowing when and
how Christians can stand up for what they believe. Their
theme was inspired by the many marches we saw around
the country this year. Some of the marches we saw came
in the wake of the violent deaths of people such as
Michael Brown and Eric Garner. Some of the marches
came as legislators and courts considered the rights of
same-sex couples and LGBT individuals.
People in our country have been standing up, marching,
and making their voices heard. These notable events
have caused our youth to ask hard and important
questions about how and why Christians might “stand up”
due to our Christian beliefs regarding love, service,
mercy, and justice.
Page 2
The Reformed Informer, May 2015
FOCUS ON FAITH
Dear Friends,
Our
Sunday
morning
worship time is a product of
God’s
grace
and
a
collaboration
of
many
people. Not only are people
present to welcome (thank
you ushers, greeters, golfcart drivers), and many
behind the scenes helpers
(thanks soundboard techs,
video recorders, nursery providers, bulletin assemblers),
our worship leaders, in addition to Jeff and me, include
confirmation class liturgists and world-class musicians.
Typically the preacher of the day organizes the worship
service – writing the Prayer of Confession, choosing the
hymns, and ensuring that they all, as well as the Call to
Worship, Offering Sentences and Gospel for Children,
coordinate with the scriptural theme of the day.
One thing that, as the preacher, I’m not aware of ahead of
time is what Dave Tripold chooses for a scripture
response or music for communion. As Dave is not only a
very capable organist, he is liturgically trained (his Ph.D. is
in this field, which is the study and understanding of the
worship life of the Christian Church in its various traditions.)
Colts Neck
As such he’s attuned to the interpretation of hymns in how
he uses the various sounds of the organ; he’s well-versed
in hymns – not only the tune, but also the text. To that
end, he is wonderfully caring in ensuring that what he
plays for the scripture response resonates, even with the
un-sung text, with the Word of God shared that day. As
far as music for communion, he expands on that even
more. He often uses two of the hymns whose texts relate
to a point of the sermon or the season of the church year,
and then uses the melodies as starting points to
improvise (make up on the spot) music for the serving of
the bread and wine. Sometimes that music will be soft
and contemplative while sometimes it is loud and
triumphant. Sometimes it is fast and joyful while other
times slow and intense. All these moods are appropriate
to the celebration of new life in Christ, as reflected in the
Supper. I’m so grateful to serve with someone who leads
with creativity and intentionality. And I know that if you are
curious, you can always ask Dave why he chose what he
did or why he played it the way he did – he’ll share, teach
and inspire!
I’m grateful to be serving our risen Savior with each and
all, as together we employ our gifts for the up building of
Christ’s church.
Peace,
The Reformed Informer is published monthly by
Reformed Church, 72 County Rd. 537 West, P.O. Box 57, Colts Neck, NJ 07722
Church office phone: 732-462-4555 • Nursery school phone: 732-462-4662
Fax: 732-866-9545 • Church e-mail: [email protected] • Website: http://www.coltsneckreformed.org
Church office administrative hours: (Monday — Friday) 8:30 a.m. — 3:00 p.m.
Office Staff
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Scott D. Brown, Minister — Home #732-683-0530
email: [email protected]
Jeffrey D. Knol, Associate Minister—Home #732-252-9998
email: [email protected]
Debi Jensen, Director of Christian Education
email: [email protected]
Maggie Tripold, Director of Music and Worship Arts
email: [email protected]
Dave Tripold, Organist and Senior Choir Director
Dianne O’Hara, Congregational Care Coordinator
email: [email protected]
Pam Licata, Church Secretary/Receptionist
email: [email protected]
Stacey Savage, Director of Early Childhood Ministries
email: [email protected]
Dana Eugenio, Health and Wellness Ministries
email: [email protected]
Joy Lenz, Administrative Assistant, Nursery School Secretary
Betsy Aras, Church Administrator, Newsletter Editor
Consistory
Elders:
Jeanne Sokol ...... Vice-President
Connie Paul ........ Worship
Jane Rappleyea .. Discipleship for Ongoing Ministries
Kathy Rodman .... Assimilation & Congregational Care
Carol Barnett ....... Long Range Planning/Health & Wellness
Paul Jensen ........ Discipleship for Youth/Young Adults
Deacons:
Chris Weh ........... Clerk
Harry Carter ........ Outreach
Tom Saker .......... Fellowship
Paul MacClellan .. Stewardship & Finance
Bob Gassaway .... Building & Grounds
Clark Petrie ......... Mission
Newsletter Editor: Betsy Aras / Articles are due the 10th of the month
for the following month’s issue. Submissions may be edited.
Email Submissions to: [email protected]
The Reformed Informer
(National Day of Prayer, continued from page 1)
(732-462-4555) to sign up for your hour.
Those who have participated in past years have found
their hour of prayer to be a very positive and meaningful
experience. You may pray for whatever you wish; this is
your own time with God. For instance, you may pray for
our country, our leaders, our communities, and our
congregation.
Prayer guides will be available on Sunday, May 3rd at
each entrance of the church and they will also be
available in the Sanctuary on May 7th. There are no
set ways to pray during your hour – you may sit or stand,
pray in silence or read Scripture with others there. The
only request is that at thirty minutes after each hour, the
group gathers together to offer the Lord’s Prayer out loud.
Prayer is vital to our continued faithfulness; please
consider participation in this important endeavor.
ATLANTIC CEMETERY~
by Scott D. Brown
The cemetery, adjacent to the parking lot, is a part of the
ministry of the church. It has been a sacred place of
interment and remembrance since February 6, 1866. It is
governed by a Board of Trustees comprised of equal
numbers of Atlantic Cemetery plot owners and Colts Neck
Reformed Church consistory members.
There are still plots available; in a typical year seven or
eight burials take place. The plots in the main section of
the cemetery are for burying caskets containing human
remains (full burials) and urns of cremated human
remains (ashes). Up to three urns are allowed to be
buried in each grave. We also now have a memorial
remembrance garden. This is where ashes are interred
directly into the ground (ashes to ashes, dust to dust)
and, while there is a fee for doing so, it is less than
purchasing a grave. Paver markers in the garden patio
are available as well.
There is an annual meeting, the first Monday evening of
May, of the board. The twelve trustees are equally
comprised of members of the church consistory and plot
owners/surviving members of those who are buried in the
cemetery. This year the meeting will be held in the
Ministry Center’s conference room at 7:00 p.m. on
May 4th. According to the bylaws, the President of the
Consistory, Scott Brown, is the president of the Cemetery
Association. For over three and a half decades Tom
Russell has ably served as secretary. (Tom is also the
person to contact if you have questions about purchasing
a cemetery plot.) Ron Bird is treasurer and Ed Janowski
is greenskeeper.
Page 3
WHO AM I?
1. I was born just outside of Boston and
spent many summers in the Western
Massachusetts Berkshire Mountains, but
don’t have the Massachusetts accent.
2. I grew up mostly in North Jersey spending summers
traveling the Garden State Parkway going down the
shore and camping. (Does anyone remember the flower
boxes on the Driscoll Bridge?)
3. I was baptized and confirmed Lutheran, married in
the Catholic Church, before being "Reformed”.
4. Within months of getting my driver’s license I shared
the driving duties of a mega mile, 5-week pop-up
camper vacation seeing the country by interstate with
my family of six in a station wagon, from New Jersey
to California and back (without a TV, cell phone, or video
game in the car!).
5. I left the State to study engineering in the North
Country of “up” upstate New York and then worked in
Pittsburgh, PA, experiencing a taste of real cold and
snow, and an iron city.
6. I returned to New Jersey for a temporary job in a
"central" Jersey utility, and now have 30 plus years
with that company, helping make safe drinking water
available at the tap, 24/7.
7. I like to build things, having renovated my first home
in Keyport with my girlfriend (now my wife). I still get
lost in home projects, and this flows over into a bit of
work with Habitat for Humanity.
8. I enjoy golf and kayaking whenever I get a chance to
get out and enjoy the outdoors.
9. My wife and I have been blessed with three terrific
children, and enjoy watching them grow up and live in
Monmouth County.
Give up? Turn to page 10 to see my name and picture!
JUNE 14TH – SAVE THE DATE!!
The year 2015 marks Dave and Maggie
Tripold’s 20th anniversary serving Colts Neck
Reformed Church. We plan to recognize this
wonderful milestone at the 9:15 service on
Sunday, June 14th. Please plan to join us;
more details to follow! Editor’s note: This is the
first Sunday of our summer schedule –
there is only one service at 9:15 a.m.
Page 4
The Reformed Informer, May 2015
THE BLITZ BUILD IS HAPPENING!
by Jeff Knol
By the time you read this the Blitz Build will be half
complete! The leadership of CNRC hopes that you have
found a way to contribute to this wonderful congregational
mission project. Often when
we receive the offering on
Sunday
mornings
we
remember that God asks
that we put everything we
have into God’s service.
God requires our time, our
talent, and our treasure.
The completion of this
congregational mission project will have required all
three: our time, our talent, and our treasure.
We are grateful that you have given of your treasure. As a
congregation we will have contributed approximately
$60,000 toward this project. This money was raised through
specific giving and through annual mission budgeting. This
considerable amount is an expression of our congregation’s
understanding of God’s call to bless and assist those in
times of need. The treasure has been given. Now we look
to spend another week of our talent and time.
Work will still be happening during the first week of
May, from Monday, May 4th through Saturday, May
9th. If you would like to participate by helping with
construction, hospitality/food, or in other supporting roles
such as sign-in help, photography, prayer partners, etc.
email me at [[email protected]] and we will help you
jump into the project!
CROP HUNGER WALK
Together we can Make a Difference
Our annual CROP walk will be
held Sunday, May 17th starting
at 2:00 p.m. Mark your calendars
and plan to participate!
How Do I Get Involved? Our 2015 CROP Walk will begin
and end in the church parking lot. As is our custom,
pledges will go toward supporting the entire group, rather
than individual walkers. And, once again, an anonymous
donor from our congregation will be matching all
donations. Visit the “CROP Walk” table in Fellowship
Hall during Coffee Hour (from now until “Walk” day) to
sign up to walk, to sponsor our walkers, or to
volunteer to help out. A member of the CROP Walk
Team will be there to answer your questions.
The walk will be a 10k (6.2 miles) and walkers are encouraged to walk as much of the course as they are able. We
encourage you to take a donor envelope and collect
pledges from your family, friends, and co-workers. Please
remember that church members’ pledges will support all
the walkers. Join us and help to address the issue of
hunger!
COMMUNITY OUTREACH SUPPER NEWS
“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do
small things with great love.”
Mother Teresa
Nobel Peace Prize winner Mother Teresa had a gift for
saying things simply and yet profoundly. For our next
Community Outreach Supper at St. Peter’s Episcopal
Church in Freehold on May 22nd, please reflect on her
words and consider donating food, supplies, or your time
to help those who rely on this ministry for a hot meal and
fellowship. Our theme for this dinner will be Italian, and
specific needs are listed on sign-up sheets on the
Fellowship Hall bulletin board.
Along with supporting the dinner, we hope to assemble approximately 75 care packages, one for each guest
to take home after the meal. We are asking for the
congregation’s help in this BIG effort by donating any of
the following items:
Toothpaste, toothbrushes, wash cloths, soap bars,
deodorant, disposable razors, body lotion, shaving
cream, cough drops, Band-Aids (travel size), healthy
snack packs (crackers, nuts, trail mix, applesauce,
or fruit), individual water bottles, granola bars, small
hand sanitizers (bottles or wipes)
No contribution is too small! We sincerely thank those
who have already dropped off donations, and will
continue collecting until May 10th. Please label and place
items in the bin marked “St. Peter’s Care Packages”
located near the bulletin boards in Fellowship Hall.
Together, we can all “do small things with great love” that
will turn into something truly meaningful to many.
For questions or more information on how you can
help make this special mission project successful, please
contact Beth Burke at 732-462-9827.
PHILADELPHIA MISSION TRIP
Keep us in your prayers!
A group of CNRC youth and their leaders will engage in a
week of urban ministry in Center City Philadelphia during
the week of July 5th—July 11th. We will be staying at
Broad Street Ministries, a Presbyterian church. During our
week we will volunteer at different ministry locations that
serve the urban poor. Please keep us in your prayers as
we prepare for our trip.
The youth participants will be: Emily Reynolds, Clayton
Reynolds, Faith Lenz, Chris Sanzi, Rebecca Sherman,
Aidan
Sherman,
Rosemarie
Trimboli,
Kristen
Siebenheller, Brendan Clark, Bethany Zaccaria, Ceara
Canaley, Daniel Freeman, and Melody Tso.
Their chaperones will be Jeff Knol, LuAnne Petrie, Debbie
Horan, Paul Horan, Bernadette Riehle, and Ann
MacClary.
The Reformed Informer
(Bay County Choir, continued from page 1)
hymns
to
contemporary
Christian music. The program
is about one hour in length.
The Bay County Christian
Youth Choir is an independent interdenominational youth
choir that was established in
2009 under the conviction
that the future of congregational participation in the
music of the church lies in the
training and nurturing of its
youth and children.
HOST FAMILIES NEEDED! We are looking for people who
are willing to provide overnight housing for these 45 high
school students on Wednesday evening, June 10th,
and breakfast on Thursday morning before bringing
them back to CNRC. Following the concert, we will match
you up with the students you will be hosting. Please
consider this wonderful opportunity to get to know these
students who are traveling and sharing the good news of
Jesus Christ through music. If you are interested in
providing housing, please look for the signup sheet on
the bulletin board in Fellowship Hall or call Maggie Tripold
in the church office.
THANK YOU FOR WALKING THE LENTEN PRAYER PATH~
Thank you for enriching your Holy Week experience by
walking the Lenten Prayer Path. Many people were
moved by the opportunities to reflect and pray at the
various stations.
Page 5
AUDIO AND VIDEO RECORDINGS
OF WORSHIP SERVICES AT CNRC
Did you know that we make both audio and video recordings of the 9:15 a.m. worship service each Sunday, and
other special services as well? Copies of the CDs and
DVDs can be found in three locations:
1. on the table in the narthex (Route 537 sanctuary
entrance)
2. on the small table outside Fellowship Hall
3. in the church office in the Ministry Center
There is a “donation” envelope in each location where
you can leave $1.00 per CD or DVD to help defray costs
of materials.
If you’d like multiple copies or if
there is a service recording you
can’t find, please contact Maggie
Tripold in the church office and
she will make sure you receive a
copy of the CD or DVD.
“A SPRING RING” HANDBELL CONCERT
CDS AND DVDS AVAILABLE TO ORDER
CDs and DVDs of our bell concert held on Sunday
evening, April 26th will be available soon. Look for the
signup sheet on the bulletin board in Fellowship Hall.
Please consider donating $1.00 per CD or DVD to help
defray the cost of the materials.
WOMEN’S OUTREACH CHOIR IN MAY~
In May, our Women’s Outreach Choir will be singing at
Brandywine Reflections on Saturday, May 16th at 2:15
p.m. (meet at church at 2:00 p.m.) and at the Reformed
Church Home on Wednesday, May 20 at 10:30 a.m.
(meet at church at 10:00 a.m.) There is a signup sheet on
the bulletin board in Fellowship Hall to indicate your
availability. This will be our last time to sing until the fall.
Thanks to all the women who have participated and
brought joy to the residents at the Reformed Church
Home and Brandywine Reflections each month this
program year.
CELEBRATION RINGERS AND JUBILATION!
End-of-Year Party!
Calling all Celebration Ringers and Jubilation! members!
We will be celebrating the close of a wonderful year with
a party on Sunday, May 17th. We’ll meet in Fellowship
Hall from 12:15 to 1:45 p.m. to have food, play some
games, and say goodbye to our graduating seniors. The
CROP Walk will take place immediately following the
party, so you can participate in both!
Page 6
The Reformed Informer, May 2015
CALLING ALL CHURCH SCHOOL TEACHERS!
by Debi Jensen
Did you read the article about the 7th grade class?
Would you like to be part of this important and meaningful
ministry of teaching Church School? Helping children to
grow in their faith and to make God the center of their life
can be such a fulfilling part of being a Christian.
CHURCH SCHOOL CHATTER~
by Debi Jensen
Our 7th grade class meets upstairs in the Ministry Center
in Room 23. The class is taught by Kristen Saker and
Marianne Kenny. The students in the class are Bible
scholars who are willing to learn, discuss, and share in
God’s word. Kristen tells us about the class: “This year
has been all about using all of our knowledge from our past
years. We have talked about how parables can be relevant
today and learned more deeply about how the Ten
Commandments guide us in our daily lives. We have
enjoyed making trail mix for the troops, watching the
movie, "Son of God", and sharing in a Seder meal and
understanding how Jesus changed that meal into our
sacrament of communion. We remembered the family of
Mrs. Evelyn Schweitzer, our congregational class friend for
many years who died this year, by sending condolence
cards and our prayers. We are ending our year by breaking
down and understanding our memory work, The Apostles’
Creed. We now know that "credo" means, "I believe!”
We give thanks to Kristen and Marianne for teaching the
seventh graders about the Bible and about reaching out
to others who are in need. As this 7th grade class is next
year’s Confirmation Class, they will be ahead of the curve
having already learned The Apostles’ Creed! Please
continue to pray for all the Church School teachers,
assistants, and students as they continue in their classes
through the rest of the year.
CHILDREN AT THE LORD’S TABLE
Communion is one of the two sacraments of the
Reformed Church in America (the other is Baptism). As our
children mature and grow in faith, we invite them to learn
about communion and to join with the congregation at the
Lord’s Table. Debi Jensen (Director of Christian Education)
and Nancy Ruiter (an Elder of our church) led parents and
children in two classes to prepare the children for their
first communion. The first class included both children
(Continued on page 7, see Lord’s Table)
It is time to staff our Church School for the upcoming
school year starting in September. Debi Jensen is the
Director of Christian Education and is responsible for
overall administration of the Church School program but it
is our volunteer teachers, assistants, and superintendents
who make the Church School a success. In addition, we
have craft resources that must be ordered and maintained. We are blessed that Jan Anania will be in charge
of the Resource Room again for the upcoming year.
This past year, Kathy Rodman and Sandy Freeman were
our co-superintendents and Jennine Caruso was our assistant superintendent. We give thanks to Kathy and
Sandy for their dedicated service and faithful attention to
the children and volunteers of our Church School. Jennine
will be staying on as Superintendent for the 2015-2016
Church School year. However, we will need a new
Assistant Superintendent for the coming year. Over the
summer, the superintendents help to order and organize
curriculum and train new teachers. Throughout the year,
the superintendents also make sure the classes are
running smoothly, pick up attendance records and
offerings, and prepare for holidays and special Sundays.
If you are interested in becoming the assistant
superintendent, please contact Debi Jensen for more
information.
We also have many opportunities for Church School
teachers! We currently have a
group of dedicated teachers in
our church school and we always
hope that many of them will
return to teach next September.
However, some teachers do not
return so we always have room
for new faces. Each class is
staffed with two teachers and
grades Pre-Kindergarten through 4th grade have high
school assistants. Training is provided during the summer
for new teachers. Curriculum and special lessons during
holidays are set up for all classes. Since we have two
teachers, you only have to teach half of the Sundays
during the year. We also have a list of substitute teachers
to call on if both class teachers must be out.
If you are interested and motivated to help in this very
important church ministry, or just want to hear more about
what’s involved, please contact Debi Jensen at the church
office (email: [email protected] or call 732-462-4555).
The Reformed Informer
CONFIRMATION CLASS DINNER~
Page 7
YOUTH SUNDAY REHEARSALS SCHEDULED~
by Jeff Knol
by Debi Jensen
Our Confirmation students have been working since
October 20th to prepare to make their public confession
of faith. Rev. Jeff Knol, with help from Rev. Scott Brown
and Director of Christian Education, Debi Jensen, has led
the student through lessons (and homework) about such
topics as the Bible, the life and teachings of Jesus, the
sacraments, the creeds, history and mission work of the
Reformed Church, how people matter to God, and the
importance of prayer. During the months of March and
April, each student has been working with an adult mentor
to explore and share their faith journeys. With guidance
from their mentors, each student wrote a Prayer of
Confession. During the month of May the students will
write answers to twenty review questions and write a
Credo, which is a statement of their Christian belief. Each
student will then have the opportunity to meet with one of
the ministers and discuss these writings.
On June 1st, the students, along with
their families and mentors, will come
together in Fellowship Hall for the
Confirmation Dinner. The confirmands will
meet with Rev. Knol and Rev. Brown and
the consistory to make their profession of
faith and be voted on by the Elders to
become official members of the church. On Sunday,
June 7th, during both services, members of the class will
be presented to the congregation and profess their belief
in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Members of the class are: Max Alia, Cassandra Devine,
Vaughn Eugenio, Sean Gassaway, Garrett Goldin, Brian
Hill, Kristin Jacoutot, Lauren Kaufman, Michael Ricciardi,
Grace Rowland, Caleb Sass, Gabriella Virginia, and
Michael Walker.
Please continue to pray for the thirteen students in the
2015 Confirmation Class and be with us as we welcome
them into our church as full and confessing members on
June 7th.
YOUTH LEADERSHIP MEETING – SUNDAY, MAY 31ST
by Jeff Knol
Youth and adults alike are invited to a youth planning
meeting to be held at the end of May. We will discuss the
coming summer and fall youth programming for 7th—12th
graders. We will discuss what has happened in the past,
what needs we have, and look for direction and help to
plan what to do in the future. If you have ideas or suggestions which you would like added to the agenda, please
email me at [[email protected]]. The meeting will take
place in the Conference Room in the Ministry Center from
12:15—1:00 p.m.
Attention all youth in 7th to 12th grades — we will need
rehearsal time to finish writing and practicing our skits, do
art projects, and write prayers. We will therefore be
hosting times on Sundays and a Friday in May. Below
you will find the rehearsal times. We will gather in the
Upper Room in the Ministry Center.

Sunday, May 3rd, from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. –
Lunch provided

Sunday, May 10th, from 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
– Mother’s day

Friday, May 15th, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. – Dress
Rehearsal in the Sanctuary

Sunday, May 17th, from 8:00 a.m. until worship
time at 9:15 a.m. in the Sanctuary
Please know that you are invited to be a part of Youth
Sunday even if you are unable to make all the rehearsals.
Come when you can and contribute as you are able!
SUNDAE SUNDAYS DONE FOR NOW!
by Jeff Knol
Our much beloved time of Bible study and ice cream
sundaes has come to a close for the year. May is full of
great activities in which the youth are encouraged to be
involved including the Blitz Build, celebrating their moms on
Mother’s Day, CROP Walk and Youth Sunday on May 17th.
If any youth are feeling like they are missing their highcalorie hangout time with Rev. Knol, please let him know
and he and Jamie will take them out for ice-cream any time!
(Lord’s Table, continued from page 6)
and a parent or sponsoring adult. We included families in
this session because families are the communicators and
models of faithful living. Families were with their children
during the sacrament of baptism and it is only fitting that
families should be together during this sacrament as well.
We share meals, love, and prayer with our families and
the Lord’s Supper is a sharing of that with God and a
sharing that links us all together.
A second class was held in the Sanctuary where the
children learned more about the symbols of communion
and what this part of a worship service means and “looks
like”. The children practiced taking communion both in the
pews and by intinction.
Those who completed both classes are now welcome to
take communion. They will be recognized on May 3rd as
taking communion with their families and with their church
family for the first time.
Participating in this year’s class are: Lauren Alagna,
Veronica Banat, Quinn Daudelin, Ethan Ferraiola,
Kiersten Geissler, Marian Hager, Rachel Howard, and
Cassidy Kemp.
Page 8
ANNUAL TRIKE-A-THON TEACHES TRIKE SAFETY~
The Colts Neck Reformed Church Nursery School hosted
their 10th annual Trike-A-Thon event benefiting St. Jude
Children’s Research Hospital on April 24th. By participating
in or attending the event, individuals helped raise funds for
the world’s premier pediatric cancer research center. These
funds will help St. Jude’s in its ongoing fight against
childhood cancer and other catastrophic diseases. The
event featured three- to five-year-olds peddling their
trikes and scooting their scooters around a track
predesigned by Colts Neck High School ROTC Cadets.
Under the direction of Major Penzack, the cadets came
prepared with a full scale map to help create the course on
which our students rode. This year’s course included areas
where our students had to stop and look both ways at intersections and also areas where toy cars pulled out in their
way to remind them to stay alert. Cadets also helped
students navigate the course. To date, CNRCNS has raised
a grand total of more than $5,500 for St. Jude’s.
Trike-A-Thon is a program that exposes children to
proper trike and riding-toy safety habits. It educates parents about the importance of riding-toy safety and raises
funds to fight childhood cancer. At CNRCNS we invited
members from the Colts Neck Police Department in to
help educate our students about bike safety.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is internationally
recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and
saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. Founded by the late entertainer Danny Thomas and
based in Memphis, Tenn., St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around
the world. The hospital is financially supported by ALSAC,
its fundraising organization, through events such as Trikea-Thon. For more information, visit www.stjude.org.
The Reformed Informer, May 2015
The Reformed Informer
CNRC
HEALTH AND WELLNESS MINISTRIES
DANIEL PLAN UPDATE
Daniel Plan will now be an ongoing program!
by Dana Eugenio
Have you wanted to get involved with the Daniel Plan? It
is a wonderful wellness program that encourages balance
between Faith, Food, Fitness, Focus, and Friends in your
life. This is much more than a weight-loss plan. It is about
living a healthy life within a Christian context, all for God’s
glory. You can come to any Daniel Plan event or meeting
to see what it’s about. We DP’ers really do have a great
time!
At our Wednesday, April 29th, 6:30 p.m. meeting, we
dealt with questions and comments and shared advice,
recipes, and fitness tips! Please keep an eye out for
future Daniel Plan information in the newsletter, the
weekly bulletin, and in Fellowship Hall. Daniel Plan books
and journals can be purchased through Dana Eugenio, at
[danielplan.com], or [amazon.com].
The next Daniel Plan event is Saturday, May 16th at
10:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. Dianne Maxwell will guide
us to make juicy, tasty veggie burgers; this recipe sounds
delicious, but it requires many hands to
create — and it’s more fun with friends!
This is a great way to try out a recipe that
would be a bit challenging on your own.
Please join us to help peel, chop, roast,
etc. There will be plenty for everyone to
taste, and to take home. A good time will
be had by all! Sign up in Fellowship Hall
or email Dana at [[email protected]].
Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will
be saved, for you are the one I praise. Jeremiah 17:14
Holy Yoga (HY) Information
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO PARTICIPATE IN A CLASS?
by Dana Eugenio
Our wonderful church does not charge for these classes.
If a student is able, they can make an optional donation to
the church to help support the Health and Wellness
Ministries, as well as other programs. If a financial
donation is not possible, we just ask that students check
out our worship services on Sunday mornings – bring a
friend along too! Or just “pay it forward” – volunteer at our
church, or elsewhere; pray for someone; write to or visit
Page 9
someone who could benefit from your caring, etc. Class
times for Holy Yoga are as follows:
 HY Balance 10:00 a.m. on Mondays
 HY Restore 10:00 a.m. on Wednesdays
 HY Chair 11:00 a.m. on Fridays
For more details on our Holy Yoga classes, email
[[email protected]].
One-on-one yoga therapy/sessions: The first two
sessions are free. If more sessions are wanted, then the
charge is $50 for an hour. Specific financial situations can
be discussed and considered.
HOLY YOGA POSE: RECLINED BOUND-ANGLE
Reclined Bound Angle Pose is a great way to relax your
mind and body before drifting off to sleep. Use this pose
when you get into bed, and you need to unwind and
prepare for rest.
Benefits: Takes pressure off of your lower back, and relaxes your abdominals. That is good for digestion, and
helps to relieve the strain of sciatic pain. Stretches your
inner thigh and groin muscles, which will increase your
flexibility and stability. Has been proven to relieve mild
depression and anxiety. Calms the mind and central nervous system.
The Pose:
1. Lie flat on your back, with
your legs extended.
2. Bend your knees and bring
the soles of your feet together. Allow the inner thighs and
groin to soften, so that the
knees can open outward and
downward toward the mat or mattress.
3. Relax, imagining your belly, hips and lower back
expanding and extending. Melt in this pose, encouraging any tension or pain to release out of your body.
4. Allow your eyes to close, relax your jaw and feel your
skin draped gently over your face. Allow your
shoulders to be far from your ears, and your heart
space (chest) to be wide open and receptive.
5. Breathe in deeply through your nose, feeling your
belly rise and fill with air. Then exhale fully through
your nose, feeling your belly lower toward your spine.
Lay in God’s presence and fully open yourself to
Grace.
6. Good night!
Modifications: If you have a very tight lower back or
knees, put a pillow or rolled towel under each of your
thighs. If your neck or chin feels tense, slightly elevate
your head with a small, firm pillow, to allow your head to
be a bit higher than your shoulders. This will lessen the
arching of your neck.
Page 10
The Reformed Informer, May 2015
COMMUNITY CENTER KITCHEN HELP NEEDED~
By Dianne O’Hara and Eileen Moore
Not only is our church kitchen important for Sunday
morning coffee hour and other church activities, we also
open up our community
center to welcome many
additional new visitors and
community groups. Because
of that, it is important and
necessary to have someone
from our congregation to
maintain the kitchen space in
Fellowship Hall for the use of
everyone.
THE WOMEN’S BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP
will be meeting on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 from
12:00 Noon — 2:00 p.m. at the home of Ginny
Russell (732-741-8125). They will be discussing
All The Light We Cannot See, by Anthony Doerr.
All women of the church are welcome to join this
group as we enjoy light refreshments, lively
discussion, and fellowship. For more information, please
contact
Mary
Iking
at
732-431-1413
or
[[email protected]].
On a daily basis the kitchen is well cared for by
Rosemary, our staff sexton for cleaning.
We are looking for a team of two people (or perhaps
one person) to monitor the space, i.e. clean out the
refrigerator/freezer and put dishes back in cupboards a
few times a month. Annually the kitchen needs a more
thorough cleaning prior to the Election Day Dinner
(instructions available).
If you feel called to participate in this ministry opportunity
or you have any questions please contact Dianne O’Hara
at 732-462-4555, x112 or [[email protected]] or
Eileen Moore ([email protected]).
WHO AM I?
from page 3
Chris Andreasen
Married to:
Pam
Children:
Kevin, Julie, Megan
CALLING ALL GRADUATES!
At the end of the school year, in our June newsletter, we recognize members of our church family who are graduating
from eighth grade, high school, college, graduate school, or from a special school or program this past year; but we need
to know who you are first!
Please fill out the form below (PRINT CLEARLY) and return it to the Church Office by Monday, May 11, 2015:
2015 GRADUATE
Name of Student: ___________________________________________
Graduating from (name of school):
_________________________________________________________
Degree (if applicable) or major study:
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
School Attending in September 2015 (if applicable) or Future Plans:
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Other Information, Awards, Honors:
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Submitted By ____________________________________Telephone Number: __________________________
Email address:_______________________________________________________________________________
The Reformed Informer
REV. ELIZABETH EHLING is part of our church family. We
rejoice with her on the 58th anniversary of her ordination.
She was the second woman ordained to ministry in the
Presbyterian denomination, first to be ordained by the
Presbytery of New York. The article below is from 1957.
Page 11
YOUR DAILY PRAYERS ARE NEEDED~
Please include the following members of our church family in your prayers this month. In addition to your prayers,
they may really appreciate an occasional card, call or (if
local) visit. If you are available to visit members of our
church family and would like to be added to our rotating
list of visitors, please contact Dianne O’Hara in the church
office [[email protected]] or 732-462-4555.This
requires a commitment of one visit every 2 – 3 months.
 Emma Sklair, health concerns
 Russ Westendorf, awaiting a double lung
transplant
 All residents of the Reformed Church Home including, Ruth and Tony Carmeli (parents of
Margaret Carmeli-Peslak), John and Betty
Cerny, Pam Hoppes, Irene Kiefer, and Carl
Pedersen (Lynn Wirth’s uncle)
PRAYERS
AND CONDOLENCES TO~
 the family of Charles Buck, Sr., who died on
Saturday April 18, 2015. Charlie’s widow is Dolly
Buck, who was a church member and our church
secretary in the early-mid 1990s, prior to their moving to Virginia. Charlie’s daughter is Barbara Buck
Brown, and son, Charlie Jr. (Bucky) – both of whom
have served on our consistory. Charlie’s granddaughter, Lisa, and his great-grandchildren, Kim
and Hayden, are currently church members. Charlie
Sr. joined the church on March 26, 1945, was part of
the senior choir for most of his membership and was
known for his caring nature and beautiful voice. A
memorial service will be held in the Church
Sanctuary on Saturday, May 2nd at 11:00 a.m.
Dear Church Family, I would like to convey my appreciation for your prayers, love and support received since my
breast cancer diagnosis last September. I have finished
by treatments and thank everyone for their many cards,
and words of support and encouragement these past
months. Scott, Jeff and our staff have shown their care
during this time and I am so grateful to them all. Above
all, God is with us always. Sincerely, Jan Applegate
Dear Church Family, I want to express my thankfulness to
all of you for your kinds words, cards of sympathy, and
caring ways shown to me and my family on the passing of
my Dad. I have always known what a wonderful church
family I have, but I was quite humbled by the outpouring
of support. In gratitude, Betsy Aras
CONGRATULATIONS AND BLESSINGS TO~
 Jeanne and Steve Johnson on the birth of a grandson, Nikolai Anton Bekkerman, on March 26, 2015.
Proud parents are Amy and Anton Bekkerman.
 Dave and Robyn Cook on the birth of a
granddaughter, Mary Ruth, on March 31, 2015.
Proud parents are Alexandra and Marwa.
 Amanda and Brian Rischman on the birth of
their daughter, Alyssa Mary, on April 4, 2015.
 Tom and Tullis Savage on the birth of their grandson, Rory William Savage, on April 7, 2015. Proud
parents are Jake Savage and Marjorie Doyle.
Many thanks to all of you for your prayers, emails, cards,
visit, and offers to help following my recent surgery. They
were all greatly appreciated.
To our Church Family, Ken and I thank you for the prayers during the last couple of years on behalf of our daughter, Kristin. Because of the prayers, there have been positive changes in her life. Her health concerns are more
manageable and she has started a new career.
In peace and gratitude, Karen Rihacek
Gratefully, Lonnie and Ken Howlett
Page 12
The Reformed Informer, May 2015
COLTS NECK REFORMED CHURCH
P. O. BOX 57
COLTS NECK, N. J. 07722
Return Service Requested
MAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE
At the Colts Neck Reformed Church, the 9:15 a.m. worship service coordinates with our church school educational opportunities for
three year olds through seventh grade. As such, this service contains a “Gospel for Children.” Professional nursery care for infants and
toddlers is provided at both the 9:15 and 11:00 a.m. worship services; the worship services are simulcast in a “family room” where
parents can bring their young children. The 9:15 and 11:00 a.m. services contain the same sermon, hymns, prayers and special music.
SUNDAY, M AY 3RD
Fourth Sunday after Easter. As we worship this morning at 9:15 and 11:00 a.m. we will
celebrate God’s ongoing love and grace as we celebrate together the Lord’s Supper. Children
who have been preparing and learning about the sacrament will share in communion for their
first time. Music is offered by the Senior Choir at both services. If you cannot be in worship
and would like the communion brought to your home or hospital room, please contact the
church office.
SUNDAY, M AY 10TH
Fifth Sunday after Easter. On this Mother’s Day, we give thanks for those who nurtured us. We
worship at 9:15 and 11:00 a.m. Echo Ringers, the Senior Choir, and Alleluia Angels share in musical leadership.
SUNDAY, M AY 17TH
Youth Sunday. We worship at 9:15 and 11:00 a.m. The youth of the congregation innovatively
lead us in all aspects of worship as we gather to give thanks to God who supports and sustains us. Our teenage youth
choir, Jubilation!, sings at both services.
SUNDAY, M AY 24TH
Pentecost. A major festival of the church, 50 days after Easter, we rejoice together in the
expanding and enlivening gift of the Holy Spirit. Banners and the pulpit cloth are switched to red, signifying that the
Spirit descended upon the earliest disciples as with tongues of fire. Join your church family for worship this morning at
9:15 or 11:00 a.m. We will celebrate the “birthday” of the church as the sermon focuses on selected passages from
Acts 2. If you are able, wear something red to symbolize the season! The Senior Choir offers service music at both
worship opportunities. A special church school activity will be held for children in 3rd grade and younger. Children in
4th grade and older will stay in worship.
SUNDAY, M AY 31ST
First Sunday after Pentecost. At the 9:15 a.m. service today we will have our Church School
Celebration Program. The children of the Church School lead us in a special program as we culminate their year of
learning and growing in faith. At the 11:00 a.m. service today we offer traditional worship with preaching, prayers and
praise. The Senior Choir provides musical leadership.