Pastor John's Sabbatical: Experiencing God on the Passaic River

"There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells."

We began our time to Experience God on the Passaic River with a wonderful group of 15 people. Some experienced paddlers and some brand new. Alisa, Colin and Rick all helped with the supervision. This time we used the canoe as well as the kayaks.

Robert in the front of the canoe

began with these words from Psalm 46:4. We reflected how Paterson exists because of the Passaic River. It provided the power for the industry that helped create the city. But God has an even better river. We read about it in Ezequiel 47 and Revelation 22.

Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer wil there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face. and his name will be on their foreheads. There willbe no more need for the light of a lamb or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.

We reflected on the beauty of this future reality which we experience in part now since Jesus has come as we see "His Kingdom come and will be done on earth as it is in heaven". Even in the Passaic River.

Go Maritza go!

Esley Tate has now produced a short movie of our paddled together. Check it out at

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrdOIPePcPQ Try to watch it in HD.

Zynasia & Laura

Esley was making a movie of us

Sorry, my video clips did not seem to work and I can't remove the boxes.....:[

Githandi landing on "Rick's Island" & James head!

Thats Emma just floating, Zynasia waving and yea, thats Rick on the right!

There is an island in the river right above the Rt. 46 Bridge. Rick Rodriguez has been clearing out an area for a picnic and camping area. Next time we bring food.

Patti helped Ian paddle now and then

Colin leans back while we made a float in Dundee Lake just below the Garden State Parkway

We paddled downstream under the Market St. Bridge, Rt. 80 Bridge, Rt. 46 Bridge and Garden State Parkway Bridge into Dundee Lake. This lake is formed by the Dundee Dam that was created to provide water to the Passaic Mills. We formed a float and everyone share one reflection of something they were thankful for or ways they experienced God's presence. While we were there two beautiful snowy egrets flew by and landed in a tree. On the way back the sun every broke through the clouds to provide us with a beautiful sunset on the river. We paddled back to the Elmwood Park launch as it set and began to get dark.