The month of February is here -already! There are a number of things taking place during the month that deserve some special attention. Information can be found in the Newsletter and/or the Sunday Bulletin. I wanted, however, to take some time to highlight a few.
The second Family Fun Night will be on Friday, Feb. 3rd beginning at 7:00 PM. Our first gathering was great and we are looking forward to another fun evening.
On Sunday, February 5th, there are a number of different things taking place. First, it is Communion Sunday.
Second, since it is Super Bowl Sunday, I am encouraging everyone to wear their team jersey to church. We did this last year and it was fun to see the different teams represented. Remember, it doesn’t have to be a football jersey!
Third, there will be no Confirmation Class on Sunday, Feb. 5th due to those who will not be there because of the Super Bowl. Parents of Confirmation students, please note this on your calendars.
There is much more planned and going on at SBRC. Be sure to watch the bulletin for more information.
In Christ,
Bible Study Opportinities!!!
Just a reminder that there are two opportunities at SBRC to participate in a Bible Study.
The Monday Evening group meets on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month at 7:00 PM in the Parlor. Currently we are studying: Job. This group has 9 people attending and there is always room for more! Coffee is provided.
The Reflections on Scripture group meets on Wednesday mornings at 9:30 AM in the Parlor. Currently we are studying: Gospel of Luke. This group has seen a significant decline, but we always welcome those able to attend.
Remember, no advanced degrees or knowledge required! Just a willingness to learn about God’s Word.
Treasurer's Notes
December 2011
The regular pledge receipts for December were $8,855 (weekly average: $2,464). This is the best month we have had since March 2009 and the 4th best month in the past 14 years. Also, for the year we received about $2,300 more than last year. This is really great considering all the flood donations we received from the Congregation. We started the month $1,613 in CE and ended the month at $5,471. Unfortunately, however, most of the surplus this year was due to $5,085 in memorial donations. Still, we would have made budget without those memorials. We have now ended the year in the black for the 4th time in 7 years. For the last 7 years we are down just $2,384.
As of Dec. 31st, the church has spent $34,971 for flood related bills. At the same time the church has received $32,869 in donations, which is really a blessing. In January we will need to spend $4,570 to purchase the rest of the stainless steel counters and sinks and $478 for tile to finish restoring the kitchen. As of mid-January 2012 we received $3,000 from Reformed Church World Service (via the Regional Synod) for flood restoration.
That means we are $4,150 short as of this writing. (This does not include any losses by the Preschool.) We plan to “close” the books on the flood fund at the end of February. If you have not made a donation to the flood fund and would like to, or have made a donation but would like to make another, please do so by the end of February.
We want to zero out this fund because we now have to focus on this year’s capital projects, which are already appearing to be exceptional. In late December the parsonage roof leaked and damaged ceiling and wall plaster. We have contracted to have the roof replaced ($6,400) and are getting bids to repair the plaster damage (~$2,500).
Sunday School News
The Children will be making Valentines for our “shut-ins” on February 5th. Please make sure your child can attend. Our shut-ins truly enjoy the cards are being remembered.
2012 Denominational Assessment
The 2012 Denominational Assessment is $83.74 per member and the total for SBRC is $8,122.78. All active members should have received a letter from Pastor Steve defining the Assessment along with an envelope. Additional envelopes are located at the hallway entrance to the Sanctuary. As always, if you have any questions about the Assessment, please speak with Pastor Steve.
2012 Church Dinners
At the December 2011 meeting of the Consistory, the following dates were set for the 2012 SBRC Dinners! Please be sure to mark these dates on your calendar so that you do not miss a wonderful meal and fellowship!
Jan. 28th - Ham Dinner March 10th - Corned Beef Dinner April 28th- Roast Beef Dinner June 2nd - Chicken BBQ Sept. 22nd - Ham Dinner Nov. 10th - Roast Beef Dinner Dec. 8th - Breakfast with Santa (proceeds benefit SBRC Preschool)
Sign-up sheets will be posted and tickets will be available a few weeks prior to each dinner!
Woman's Group
Thank you to everyone who helped provide Christmas to children and coats, hats, and gloves to people in Hillsborough. Each year the need grow greater and it has been rewarding to know that the generosity of the members of SBRC is there to help meet this need.
Our next meeting is Tuesday, February 14th at 8:00 PM in the Church Parlor. All women are welcome!
If you need a ride, please speak with Betty York, Phyllis Zeban or Jannie Johnson!
Lectionary Readings for February
Feb. 5th - Isaiah 40:21-31,Psalm 147:1-11,1 Cor. 9:16-23, Mark 1:29-39 Feb. 12th - 2 Kings 5:1-14, Psalm 30, 1 Cor. 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 Feb. 19th - 2 Kings 2:1-12, Psalm 50:1-6, 2 Cor. 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 Feb. 26th - Genesis 9:8-17, Psalm 25:1-10, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15
"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15, King James Version"
Early Warning!!!
Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 11th. So, please be sure to mark this on your calendar(s) so that you don’t forget to move your clock(s) ahead one hour!
Food Bank
Remember that the first Sunday of each month is Food Bank Sunday. Items can be left in the boxes at the Sanctuary entrance and the hallway entrance.
Flowers
Just a reminder that if you have signed up for flowers in the Sanctuary on a particular Sunday, the cost is $40.00. Make checks out to “SBRC” with “Flowers” in the memo section.
Greeters & Coffee Hour
Opportunities to Greet on Sunday and/or host Coffee Hour are still available! Please sign-up and help keep this important fellowship activity going strong!
Ash Wednesday
Don’t forget that on Wednesday, February 22nd at 8:00 PM SBRC will mark the beginning of the Lenten Season with our Annual Ash Wednesday Service in the Sanctuary.
This is the perfect opportunity to begin the Lenten Season in worship as we begin 40 days of preparation and reflection on the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Birthdays and Anniversaries For February
A very Happy Birthday and a blessed year ahead to those who are celebrating a birthday in February:
3 - Kyle Ammerlan and Debbie Sheldon 4 - Jaci Evers 6 - Brianna LiBrizzi, Kristi Kantorski and Frank Eckert 8 - Dick Coates and James Nunn 10 - Grace Coddington 12 - Jack Sarles 13 - Collin DePace 14 - Ashley LiBrizzi, Stacey Call, and Tom Bernard 15 - Blair DeRoner 16 - Joan Kane 17 - Megan Sheridan and Pastor Steve Eckert 20 - Kristen Kletz 23 - Stephen Blyth 24 - Jim Ruocco 25 - Kay McCray 27 - Kacey Kowalchuk
Also, congratulations and Happy Anniversary to:
14 - Charles & Jane Huck 17 - Anthony & Dana DePace 20 - Tom & Patti Kletz, Brent & Holly Kowalenko
SBRc Choirs
Our Choirs always welcome new members! If you love to sing, we would love to have you join us!
Adult Choir rehearses Thursday evenings at 7:30 in the Parlor. No experience necessary! The Adult Choir sings most Sundays from September through May.
Angel Choir is for preschoolers through 1st graders, and Junior Choir is for 2nd graders through 7th graders.
Both children's choirs rehearse after worship on Sundays, (get a quick snack at Coffee Hour first), and sing in church about once a month from October through May.
Please see John Colaiacovo or EmilyWindus with any questions.
December 2011
Just a reminder that if you have signed up for flowers in the Sanctuary on a particular Sunday, the cost is $40.00. Make checks out to “SBRC” with “Flowers” in the memo section.
Opportunities to Greet on Sunday and/or host Coffee Hour are still available! Please sign-up and help keep this important fellowship activity going strong!
Don’t forget that on Wednesday, February 22nd at 8:00 PM SBRC will mark the beginning of the Lenten Season with our Annual Ash Wednesday Service in the Sanctuary. 
A very Happy Birthday and a blessed year ahead to those who are celebrating a birthday in February:
