There is a wonderful story in Genesis about Jacob’s wrestling with an angel at the ford of the Jabbok River. (Gen. 32:24-32). The patriarch was returning to the Promised Land with wives and children and great successes. He now had to face his brother Esau, from whom he had parted years ago not on the best of terms.  Jacob thought Esau might seek revenge on him and so as he prepared to enter the land, he sent all his family and flocks on across the river and spent the night by himself to think things through.   

Genesis tells us that night he met a stranger, and the two wrestled all night. We cannot tell from the text whether the wrestler was real or imagined, whether he was an angel or a human.  The match turned out to be mostly a draw but before the man left, he gave Jacob the new name Israel. And in the name we get a hint that Jacob had wrestled with God. Or was it with himself? 

 I have had the experience in my life of wrestling with big decisions and anxieties. I think I’m struggling with myself, only later to discover God has been there, too.  Sometimes the Enemy has been there, as well.  Anxieties—in Jacob’s case his angry brother across the river—loom larger in my mind than they ought to. The wrestler keeps trying to maneuver me away so I can only see the anxieties and as long as I’m in that position, it is hopeless. If I can wrestle the problem to a new position where I can also see God, there is hope. 

 I thought about this listening to Ms Reynolds’ sermon on Sunday with the Integrity Choir in church.  We can be so distracted by the common fears and anxieties that we give them more weight than they deserve.  But if we can still see God as we struggle, what a difference it makes! 

 Two weeks ago when at Bethesda for my annual Navy physical, I also went upstairs to make hospital calls on some of our wounded soldiers and marines from the war.  The good news is that since the surge there have been far fewer fatalities and injuries. The larger force has helped control the violence. One of the two I was to visit was in surgery that morning so I could only see his family. The other soldier was from Buffalo and his mother was at his bedside during my visit.  Both soldiers have traumatic brain injuries caused by IEDs and neither can talk yet.  The inability to speak makes the visit unusual for the minister, but not impossible.  In both cases the injured and the families struggle with a very long and painful convalescence and uncertain future.  Like my wrestling matches, if you focus only on the problems and can’t see God, it can be very scary and hopeless. A visit from the chaplain affirms the presence of God and helps them form prayers when they can’t even speak themselves.  It seems like a little, but it helps both the soldiers and the families.   

Hope is an odd thing. The simplest acts of love will trigger it.  I want you to know how important it is to me to have our congregation behind me, trying to bring hope at a hospital bedside. God is there, but you are, too.  And together, the anxieties and fears hold less power over us. 

~J.D. Stinson

 IN OUR CHURCH FAMILY

Three trees on the South Lawn are being removed by AP&P.  The wonderful old beech tree, estimated to be 175 years old, came down last week. The arborist had found the trunk punky and so decreed it had to be felled.  Older than our church by almost 50 years, this silent sentinel is now gone.  We’ll miss you! 

UPCOMING O&A EDUCATIONAL EVENTS

        CHURCH SCHOOL NEWS

This Sunday all students go directly to their classrooms.  DON’T MISS CHILDREN’S CHAPEL!!  The eight graders and their teachers, John Boyd and Evan Petracca will present JEOPARDY.  Every year the confirmands prepare this game for the church school and while fun is had by all it is also a wonderful review of our Christian education.  SEE YOU SUNDAY!

CHILDREN'S CHOIRS

Just a reminder the Cherub and Carol Choirs will sing in the children’s musical on May 11^th and again on Youth Sunday, June 8^th.

SOUTH AFRICAN WINE TASTING

Please come join us for an evening of South African Wine Tasting, Friday May 9^th at 7 pm at Jenny Ogden’s home.  We will be sampling some delicious whites and reds. South African Wines are distinct and different.  They are full of fruit but structured and elegant. South African wines are as diverse as its people.  Come share in the experience. The proceeds from this event will go to support the Mission trip to South Africa this summer.  The cost is $20, payable at the door.  Please RSVP to Jenny at 973-783-1446 or Jenny218@comcast.net.  This event is open to non church members.

5TH GRADERS AND SCEEP

This Thursday afternoon, all fifth graders are invited to come to S.C.E.E.P. at 4:30 p.m. to join with our students from Newark to enjoy a workshop on “light”.  The mad scientist demonstrates INDOOR fireworks!!  You were such nice hosts to these children when they visited on S.C.E.E.P. Sunday and they would love to see you again.  (just 5^th graders please- space is limited)

NJ ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING

ACOLYTES NEEDED

5^TH AND 6^TH GRADERS, if you have not served as an Acolyte this school year and would like to have a turn please call Mrs. Lacey at 973-743-5596 ext 14 or marty.lacey@glenridgecong.org.  I will schedule Sunday dates for May and the first half of June.  ~Marty Lacey

BREAD FOR THE JOURNEY

Thanks to all those who provided lunch for the women of Integrity House at the Bread for the Journey gathering last week:  Linda Kerr (the pea soup was the first to go!), Pam Flippin, Al Brown, Marie Zolcinski, Deb Cerruti, Arlene Kansky, Lynn Ritchkoff, Joanne Anand and Cindy Reynolds.  We are grateful for the organizing of these lunches to Tyra Brown!  To participate either by providing food for the lunch, a financial donation, or to serve, please be in touch with Tyra Brown.  Thank you!

SECOND SAMUEL

The Sunday Bible Study began on this Old Testament book on Sunday, April 6^th. We meet at 9am in the library

IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS