The Friday Update for Sept. 4, 2026

CONGREGATIONAL UPDATES

Important Announcement: Candidate for Pastor

As announced by Elder Dotty Dey during worship on September 6th, the Consistory has accepted a recommendation from the Search Committee of a candidate to be our new pastor.   This is the first of three required congregational announcements regarding a special congregational meeting on October 4th.  On this day we will meet and hear the candidate preach as they lead in worship.  Worship will be followed by a special congregational meeting led by our Supervisor, the Rev. Kirsten Shepler-Ross.  At this time, the congregation will have the opportunity to consider the candidate and offer an advisory vote.  For now, the candidate's name has to be kept confidential.  Their name will be shared at the earliest opportunity.  

Depending upon Sycamore and the candidate's circumstances, prior to the 4th there may be other opportunities to get to know the candidate .  As you can imagine, this is an important juncture in the life of Sycamore.  Please make every effort to attend this important special congregational meeting.  

New Address

Pastor Richard and Carol in preparation for retirement want to share their new address: 1124B Thornbury Lane, Manchester Township, NJ 08759

Secretary Vacation

Janet, our church secretary, will be out of the office the weeks of September 6th and 13th.

Pulpit Supply September 13 and 20

Luke Raughley, our Classis' Facilitator of Congregational Development, will be leading worship on the 13th and the 20th.  This is to enable Pastor Richard and Carol time to finish their move from the manse.  Luke is a friend of Sycamore Community Church, and we look forward to welcoming him.

Confirmation Class

This fall there will be a confirmation class.  Anyone you know that is in Junior High or High School is welcome to inquire about confirmation.  Please see Bill Dunnegan with any questions.

On-Line Hymnals

Do you worship with us on-line?  If you do and you want to join the congregation in singing along with the hymns, we will provide you with a hymnal.

Call the office (201-445-6310) and speak with Janet and we'll get one on the way to you.  

Ushers Needed on Sundays

If you are able to serve as an usher there is a sign-up sheet in the narthex.

Sunday Morning Reader

Contact Deacon Lisette Palella if you'd like to be a reader. (e) l.r.palella@gmail.com

The Thrift Shop

Donations to the Thrift Shop are ideally made directly to the shop.  Simply label your donation with #22 and bring it to the Shop in Midland Park at 85 Godwin Ave., starting Mondays between 9AM-12:00PM or until at capacity. Call first!  (201) 652-7661.

Flower Sponsorship

To sponsor Sunday morning flowers in honor or memory of someone, contact Olga Coughlin at coughlino@aol.com; the cost is $40.

GIVING

CHECKS made out to "Sycamore Community Church"

Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/cchhk

Zelle: thesycamorecc@gmail.com‍ ‍

A Convenient Want to Give

Deacon Don Delzio brought the following way to give to our attention.  Besides Venmo & Zelle, the SCC has also finalized in 2026 another way to give.  For those that have a Fidelity Charitable account with Fidelity Investments, SCC is now listed by Fidelity as an approved and recognized and registered charity.  Simply log into your existing Fidelity Charitable acct, and select SCC as your recipient.  

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES & WORTHY CAUSES, AMAZING PEOPLE & PRAYERS

Updated Prayer Concerns

Keith Charlesworth had surgery Aug. 1st.  His recovery is slow, and he might need additional surgery. Please also keep his wife, Pat, in prayer as she is presently undergoing immunotherapy.  

Dawn Treader School

Deacon Sharon Hodgetts and Pastor Richard want to thank everyone who contributed to the collection of school supplies for the Dawn Treader School.    

Holland Christian Home

The Holland Christian home is now called Windmere.  Here is the link to the website:  Windmere NJ

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Habitat for Humanity Opportunities

Contact: Sasha Lowery, Community Manager      Email: sasha@habitatpc.org or 908-339-7074  

The Center for Food Action

Supermarket Gift Cards, Canned Meat and Fish, Canned Pastas, Stews, Chilis and Hearty Soups, Canned Tomatoes and Vegetables, Pasta, White and Brown Rice, Dried Beans, Low Sugar Cereal, PBnJ

Prayer List

Pat and Keith Charlesworth 

Jane Keeley -  Alzheimer's  

Arnold B – Heart issues

Nuria – Pain issues

Pat C – Neck Cancer

Baby Lamb – Awaiting update

Rick Saul – mobility issues

Steve Longo – bladder cancer

Lily – niece of Olga – recovering from recent surgery.

Betty M – moved to South Jersey

Peter C – brother of John C has a form of dementia

Erin – undisclosed

Jason Lennett – heart condition

Melissa Lennett – breast cancer

The Rev. Eddy Aleman – General Secretary of the RCA

The Reformed Church in America – As our denomination restructures

Jill Hanstein – Serious vision issues

Zeke – Stroke

Sandy Reimer – for strength and good health