The Summer of Not Standing Still

A friend and I were chuckling recently about the saying, “the only thing that is constant is change.” It seems to be so true, at least for me, so I had to look it up to see who said it. My guess was Ben Franklin. It turns out it was Heraclitus (or Herakleitos), a Greek Philosopher who was a native of Ephesus, ironically, but 1500 years before Paul ever stepped foot there. WOW.

Heraclitus’ original thought, on the now modernized quote was originally “everything flows, nothing stands still.”

And so it is true as well for us at First Church, Boonton; more so this summer as we start our capital improvements, and tho’ it will be challenging, ‘it’s all good.’

1 First, because of the generosity of so many members and friends of First Church, we have been able to purchase a NEWORGAN. It is set for delivery and installation this August. And… because the ordering of the new organ has been ‘put in motion,’ the old one has to be removed (and rather quickly) because of the sequencing of the other capital improvements.

By the time you receive this newsletter, our current organ, the famed “Beast of Boonton” will have been decommissioned and removed. This will be bittersweet as we say goodbye to a friend that has served this church faithfully for over 50 years. We will however, be holding onto some pipes as momentos and selling the wood pipes and draw or “stop” knobs to anyone interested. They make great gifts. Hey, Christmas is only 6 months away!!

Whilst waiting for the new organ to be installed Sarah (and her substitutes, when she is on vacation) will be using the piano while still in the sanctuary.

2 Then, after the organ is removed we will begin preparing the bellows room (the room to the left of the pulpit which now houses the organ bellows and some of the pipes). This will be the new entrance for the proposed handicap ramp. We are still awaiting word about the grant application from the Morris County Preservation Trust for the exterior ramp construction. But regardless, the Trinity Fund will provide the improvements needed from the inside to widen the door, prep the interior walls and establish access into the sanctuary.

3 Third, we will commence the Sanctuary renovation this summer. This will consist of repainting and recarpeting the sanctuary as well as some other cosmetic and woodworking upgrades before the new organ is installed in August.

4 When the renovation work begins, we will worship in Reighart hall and be using the ‘loaner organ’ that Allen Organ will provide for us. The worship committee has also come up with some exciting, new and creative ideas for worship while in Reighart, while still maintaining the integrity of reformed worship.

5 We will also be adding a NEW “Craft Time” during worship for children ages 3-9, after the Time For Children, so that parents can enjoy worship while the ‘wee ones’make worship crafts in the Foundation. That begins Sunday July 4th, (See pg 8 in this issue)

6 And speaking of children’s sermons…“Stump the Pastor” starts Sunday June 27th, a new way of doing children’s sermons, using items brought in weekly by children that I’ll somehow weave into a lesson on the spot. Let us pray…

7 Finally in response to numerous requests for an outdoor worship service we will have the Labor Day worship service Sunday Sept 5th on the grounds of the Manse. Lawn seats will be at a premium but PLEASE—NO camping out on the lawn the night before.

So Saints, there are many wonderful new and changing events this Summer. Please keep the Session, the SRC (Sanctuary Renovation Committee) and me in your prayers, so that with the changes that come, we can continue to enjoy the constancy of God’s love.

Changing with you in Christ,
Jen