Abundant Life News and Notes
October 19, 2017
Weekly message from Pastor Chris ~ pastorchris@abundantlifewyckoff.org
The Riches of Diversity
Last week, the Christian Health Care Center sponsored a clergy gathering with a keynote speaker who presented on the principles of dialogue, with a special focus on Muslim-Christian dialogue. The main takeaway for me from the gathering was the importance of relationships in an increasingly diverse community, such as the one we find ourselves in. There is great value in understanding the culture and values of people who think, behave, and believe differently than we do.
Sadly, there are many voices in our culture today who encourage us to block out those who are different from us. There is a different news channel for nearly every political persuasion, and you can tune in to the one that best represents what you believe, only hearing things that you already know. I have heard the term “like-minded” more times in the past couple of years than I had previously in my lifetime, with sentences like this one: “We just want to gather with like-minded individuals to discuss the things that are important for us.”
There is a real danger in isolating ourselves from the diverse perspectives of others. As we walk together through the Old Testament this fall, we will encounter leaders of Israel who surround themselves with people who will tell them what they want to hear, instead of telling them God’s truth. They continue in their wicked ways because there is no one around to give them a different perspective. They believe that since they are the leaders, then God must be with them, no matter what. However, that proves not to be the case.
In a diverse world such as the one we live in, faithful living means being in relationship with those who offer different opinions and perspectives on the world around us. If you are a republican, then befriend some democrats. Do you know any Muslims? Anyone from other faith traditions? Are you friends with people who have a different perspective on human sexuality than you do? If you answered “no” to any of these, then I sincerely encourage you to seek out that diversity. If we believe that all people are created in the image of God, then perhaps God wants to use the diversity of this world to teach us something new about ourselves.
This diversity of God’s people is one of God’s great gifts to us! Let’s seek out the “other,” so that we might gain a better understanding of who we are, too.
I look forward to seeing you on Sunday!
In Christ,
Pastor Chris
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This Week's Events:
10/21 - Trunk or Treat, 1-4 pm
10/22 - Sunday School, 9:15 am
Worship Service, 10:30 am
10/23 AA/Pos. Thinkers,6:30 pm
10/24 - PV Classis, 5:30 pm
Choir Practice, 7:30 pm
10/25- Evening Bible Study, 7:00 pm
For full Abundant Life calendar, visit our website.
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Serving this Week:
Hospitality: Sharon Hansen
Nursery: Sharon Hansen & Emily Keizer
Transportation: John Curtin
Children's Sermon: Matt Weiss
Scripture Reader: John
Vander Molen
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This Sunday at Abundant Life
"A Good Shepherd"
based on 1 Samuel 16:1-13; Psalm 51:10-14
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 Trunk or Treat -This year's Trunk or Treat will be held this Saturday, October 21st from 1-4 pm. We will begin to set up at noon. We are still looking for baked goods and it's not too late to bring your car! A flyer to be shared with friends and neighbors can be found here: FLYER Any questions, please contact Debbie Touw.
Hymn Sing - Our congregation has been invited to join Cornerstone Christian Church for a hymn sing on Sunday, October 22 at 6 pm, in the church sanctuary. Cornerstone is located at 495 Wyckoff Ave, Wyckoff. Contact Laura Jackson with any questions at 201-891-1651.
Time of Remembrance: On Sunday, November 5th we will have our annual Time of Remembrance. Please submit names of loved ones you would like remembered during the service to Beth by Monday, October 30.
Hammering for Habitat - CALLING EVERYONE - we need EVERYONE's support!! Please help our Youth Group once again in supporting Hammering 4 Habitat!! The Hammering Event will be held at The Paterson Museum, 2 Market Street, Paterson on Saturday, November 4, 2017. Please help us in raising money to build walls for Habitat. It is a GREAT event for kids, groups, and even the youngest of volunteers. What is also really nice is that the kids/anyone can write prayers or well wishes on the studs before they get nailed in someone's home. If you are interested in making a donation, please stop in the church office,there is a Wooden House bank on the counter for any donations, or you can see Cheryl Rozema. Please join us for this very special morning and THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH for your support!!
"Surviving the Holidays" - On Wednesday, November 8, 2017 at 7:30 pm, Cornerstone Christian Church in Wyckoff will be hosting "Surviving the Holidays", for those facing the holidays after the death of a loved one. This seminar provides not only tools to survive but also to face the days ahead with a measure of peace and assurance. The program is run by the support group GriefShare, who meets at Cornerstone on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month. Please call the Cornerstone office at 201-891-1651 with any questions.
Thanksgiving at Abundant Life: On Sunday, November 19th we will have our annual Thanksgiving Dinner, following our worship services. Sign-up sheets will be in the office in the next week or so. Please sign up for attending and also if you can bring one of the items on the list. We will need an accurate headcount by November 12th. Contact Nancy Gerritsen with any questions. Thank you!
October Benevolent Offering: Deacon's Fund
October Food Bank Donation: Center for Food Action
If you or a loved one has a need to be placed on the Prayer List please call or email Pastor Chris (pastorchris@abundantlifewyckoff.org) or leave a message on the office answering machine.
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