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Point Pleasant Presbyterian Church
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Weekly News for
Sunday,
Nov.24, 2013
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 Friends, This Sunday is a celebration of Christ the King, Harvest Home and the last Sunday of the church calendar. Next Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent when we begin a new church calendar year. It is a time of looking back over the past year in reflection and of looking ahead in hope to what lies ahead. People have asked me what is the significance of Harvest Home Sunday and to be honest, it is something I have asked myself. In my mind I pictured a coming together as a community in Thanksgiving. This included a nice potluck dinner along with the dedication of the pledges. However, with Communion Breakfasts and Sandwich Sundays, potluck meals seem to have gone by the wayside and pledges were dedicated last week. So that leaves our still coming together in Thanksgiving and bringing items for St. Gregory's food pantry. Our communion table will be decorated with a visual feast for the eyes with a harvest theme thanks to the artistry of Celishia Scarpone. That leaves the celebration of Christ the King. What is that all about? The sovereignty of Jesus seems to be sadly lacking in our society today, even in many of our churches. I came across this reading recently taken from the book, "The Christian Paradox: How a Faithful Nation Gets Jesus Wrong" by Bill McKibben. Here is an excerpt: "A New York Times reporter visiting one booming mega church outside Phoenix recently found the typical scene: a drive-through latte stand, Krispy Kreme doughnuts at every service, and sermons about 'how to discipline your children, how to reach your professional goals, how to invest your money, how to reduce your debt.' On Sundays children played with church-distributed Xboxes, and many congregants had signed up for a twice-weekly aerobics class called Firm Believers." Does this sound like the gospel of those who have committed their lives to a King who wore a crown of thorns and whose throne was a Cross? Lest we pat ourselves too easily on the back for not being like "that" church or "those" Christians, ask yourself - is Jesus the Lord and Savior of your life? Does the life you live and the lifestyle others see, reflect that? Come worship with us this Sunday as we celebrate our King together. Peace and Blessings, Linda
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This Sunday
Sunday, November 24
The Rev. Linda Chase preaching: "A WORD FOR THE WEARY"
10:00 a.m - Worship/Harvest Home/Chancel Choir/Noisy Offering
10:00 a.m. - Church School begins in Worship
11:30 a.m. - Sarah Hope Circle
1:45 p.m. - Youth to Move Food to Pantry
2:30 p.m. - Claremont Care Center
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Harvest Home
This Sunday is the last day to donate items to the pantry for the Thanksgiving dinner distribution. Your contribution is very much appreciated! Youth are reminded that the members of Youth Connection will be helping today at St. Gregory's Pantry starting at 2:00 p.m.
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Noisy Offering
This Sunday is "Noisy Offering." We will be accepting contributions to Cents-Ability, a hunger ministry of the Presbytery of Monmouth.
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Prayerfully Consider
"Never stop praying, especially for others. Always pray by the power of the Spirit. Stay alert and keep praying for God's people." - Ephesians 6:18 (CEV)
The Prayer person for the week of November 24 is Phyllis King. Let us be prayerfully aware of Phyllis, as well as all our members and friends. Other prayer concerns: The family of Doris West; Brad Mogenson; Jenn Childers; Annemarie Jones and her family (friend of Karyn Legreide-Smykowski); Jean Cuzzens; Diantha Matthews-Brown; Alex (a friend of Bill Williams); Rev. Carl Wilton (recuperating at home); Leticia Walker; Ralph Smith; Eric Erlandsen; all those in the military, as well as those struggling with addictions and mental illness.
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 OFFICE HOURS FOR THANKSGIVING
WEEK - The Church Office will be closed on November 28 and 29th for Thanksgiving. All bulletin materials and announcements must be in the office by Tuesday, November 26.
DRIVER WANTED - An elderly couple in our Church are looking for an occasional driver to take them to appointments and errands around Brick. Their car is available for use. If interested please call the office. ADDITIONAL NURSERY ATTENDANT NEEDED - The Church is looking to hire an additional nursery attendant so that we may have two adults in the nursery at all times. The hours are Sundays from 9:45 a.m to approximately 11:15 at a rate of $10 per hour. If you are interested please call the Church office. NEED A CHRISTMAS GIFT FOR SOMEONE SPECIAL? - Presbybop Jazz Noel DVD/CDs are now available for sale. This is a 2-disk set, including both a DVD video of Presbybop's Jazz Noel concert recorded last year on WVIA public television and an audio CD. It contains many of the jazz Christmas carols the band played at their benefit concert at PPPC last year. By special arrangement with Presbybop, the 2-disk set is available for purchase for $16 each or 2 for $28. These DVD/CDs make great Christmas gifts. Proceeds benefit the church. SANDY RECOVERY VOLUNTEER HOSTING - We will not be hosting volunteers again until January 19, 2014. Should you be interested in Volunteering with the Village in the New Year, please speak with Peter Farwell, Bill Williams or Frank Jones. We are always looking for new people to assist. There are many different opportunities to serve. BIBLE STUDY - Will be meeting this Sunday at 11:30 in the Annex to discuss chapter 5. Please bring a snack for our last class until January.
ATTENTION COOKIE BAKERS - Christmas cookies are once again needed for dessert at our annual Christmas dinner. In baking your own cookies, please plan on baking a little extra for our Christmas dinner guests. More information on the Christmas dinner will follow. |
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Stewardship Campaign
Last Sunday we turned in the Financial Giving Commitment Card as we finalized our Can? Do! Stewardship campaign. Commitment Cards are still available in the pews and may be placed in the offering plate, or sent to the church office.
We want to thank you for making a commitment to support the church's mission and ministry in 2014. It takes all of us working together to fulfill the ministry God has before us. Your financial contributions play a vital role in making this ministry happen. The Session wants everyone to know how much they appreciate your confidence and support, especially in these difficult days.
We consider your financial commitment to be a sacred covenant between you, and God. Just as you have committed your resources, so also the members of the Session commit themselves to you. They pledge to do their best to be good stewards of the funds you have entrusted to them, seeking to make the best decisions possible to further the work of Jesus Christ in this place.
If you ever have a question about anything in our church - including financial decisions - please don't hesitate to contact any Session member or member of the church staff. We are here to serve you and our congregation, and we desire to be as open and transparent in our leadership as we possibly can. Once again, thank you for your financial commitment and for all you do to advance the witness of our church.
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Hanging of the Greens
December 1
 Next Sunday is the First Sunday of Advent.
Following the service next Sunday, we invite you to join us for our traditional "Hanging of the Greens." Many hands are needed, young and old, to help decorate the sanctuary, narthex and Chittick Lounge. Plan on wearing comfortable clothes and shoes next Sunday. Please see the Church School article, above, for news of children's activities.
Courtney Norton is coordinating this event. |
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Westminster College Young Presbyterian Scholars Program
 Westminster College, a PC(USA)-related liberal arts college located 65 miles north of Pittsburgh, is offering a Young Presbyterian Scholarship up to $74,000 per student ($18,500 per year) for the upcoming academic year. The Westminster College Board of Trustees is offering this scholarship to outstanding PC(USA) students as a way for them to continue to grow in faith and leadership while on campus.
The scholarships are available to members of all PC(USA) churches. Each congregation can select two students who meet the following qualifications:
PC(USA) membership 3.5 cumulative high school GPA (through junior year) Nomination by Pastor/Congregation Scholarship Deadlines are: December 1 - Pastor/Congregation Nomination December 15 - Student Application to the college Please contact Dr. Wilton for more details or see the brochure posted in the North Hall. Don't delay - please let the office know if you are interested by November 22 so the December 1 deadline can be met. Visit their website for more information
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Handel's Messiah
December 15
 On December 15, 2013 the Chancel Choir, under the direction of William Shoppell and organist Sara Hoey, will present Handel's Messiah, Part I. The choir, in addition to the organ, will be accompanied by a string quartet. Vocal solos will be sung.
Your Chancel Choir is pleased to offer Messiah as thanks to the congregation during the holiday season. Be sure to invite your friends that Sunday!
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Mission Fair is Coming Soon
December 7 and 8
Once again, unique and handcrafted fair trade items from around the world will be available for purchase at our very own Mission Fair. The Mission Fair will take place in the CE Annex on Saturday, December 7th, 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday, December 8th from 10 am to 1 pm.
Fill your home and kitchen with authentic décor, handmade dishware, and stunning handcrafted baskets. Adorn yourself with gorgeous fair trade jewelry, scarves, and bags. Give special fair trade gifts that improve the lives of artisans and farmers worldwide.
Fair trade retailers this year include 
Rahab's Rope (see article below)
The Womens' Bean Project and
Ten Thousand Villages.
Through Fair Trade, those in developing countries are able to earn income by selling their products. All proceeds go directly to the artisans and farmers. Visit each of the above websites to learn more about their mission and products.
Many of the items make wonderful gifts for the upcoming holidays.
The PW is looking for volunteers to help set up and clean up at the Mission Fair.
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At the Mission Fair this Year
Rahab's Rope exists to give hope and opportunity to women and girls who are at risk or have been forced into the commercial human trafficking trade of India. By creating a safe and loving environment, we enable the women and girls to grow and develop physically, mentally, and spiritually. Our work provides basic education and vocational training for each girl and woman who come through our centers; ultimately, allowing them to integrate into their communities in a positive and constructive manner. We are a faith based non-profit organization that desires to follow Jesus' teaching and direction on every step of the journey. Our vision is to see lives transformed by God's love in action.
There are many unique items we will be showcasing, including two of the items below.
 This necklace brings Hope to thousands of women in India. Through the ministry of Rahab's Rope, a woman hears for the first time there is a God who loves her and has a plan for her life. For the first time she prays to a God who hears and answers. She learns she is beautiful in God's sight, no matter what her past.
Oftentimes in scripture, God uses physical examples to represent spiritual realities. As a ministry, this unique bracelet is  also a great example of the work God is doing through the vessel of Rahab's Rope in India. Just like these broken fragments of glass, women who have been shattered by the tragedy of sex slavery walk into the Rahab's Rope facilities broken. But as the Lord begins to reveal love, forgiveness, and affection for them, God begins to use each broken piece of their heart to create a radiant and joy-filled child of God. Wear this bracelet to remind yourself and others of God's glorious redemption. Come early for best selection! Saturday December 7, 10 am - 4 pm Sunday, December 8, 10 am - 12 pm
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Sunday School News
Greetings from planet Sunday School! This week we will create Thanksgiving Crafts and discuss what we are thankful for. I am most thankful for my friends and family. What are you most thankful for? We will also share any holiday traditions that are celebrated in our homes. It will be a lot of fun! Hope to see you there!
Next week is the first Sunday of Advent. We will start learning about Advent and what the different candles represent. Also after church is the Hanging of the Greens, as the adults are decorating the sanctuary we will be doing the same to our Sunday school rooms. We will also have fun making ornaments and decorations to hang on our church Christmas Tree. This event will start at 12pm
Last December 24th at 4pm is our Children's Christmas Service. All children are invited to participate! If you are interested in helping with this service or being in this service please contact Sarah Morrison at smorrison108@yahoo.com.
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Calling All Children
For Christmas Eve
At the 4:00 p.m. Christmas Eve service, the Church School will be performing a very simple skit, portraying the story of the birth of Jesus. This skit will be performed at the 4:00 family church service. All children who are going to be there that evening, even those who are visiting from other places, are encouraged to join in!
A few children will have speaking parts with a maximum of 1-4 lines, which must be memorized prior to the service. There are also non-speaking parts for other children, some involving simple costume items that will be handed out right there in the worship service. As the Christmas season is a busy time for all of us, we want to avoid requiring a lot of additional time outside of Church School. If the children are able to learn their line(s) at home (with parents' help), only 1 rehearsal (approximately 1 hour) will be needed.
If you or your child(ren) are interested in being part of the family Christmas Eve service, please pick up a permission slip indicating preferred rehearsal date/time. We will do our best to accommodate everyone's schedules!
If you have any questions, please contact: Sarah Morrison 732-575-4180.
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POINT BEACH PREP PRESCHOOL
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This Week at Point Beach Prep
 | | The children love our new dramatic play area, "Under the Sea" |
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HURRICANE SANDY RECOVERY NEWS
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Hand Up Grant Still Available
 Thanks to an additional recent donation, the Hand Up Grant is still available to those who are rebuilding from Sandy. Grants are awarded up to $1,000.00 towards the purchase of a large item lost in the storm. Several local business are participating in this program. The program is aimed at helping both the individual (family) - as well as local businesses that were affected too. For consideration for the grant please call the Church office for an application. A FEMA letter, showing the property address, is required to be attached to the application. The Board of Deacons is administering this program. |
New Jersey Chamber Singers
 Several members of PPPC sing with the New Jersey Chamber Singers, and they invite us to attend one of the group's Christmas concerts in the coming weeks.
Join the New Jersey Chamber Singers as they explore the rich cultural heritage of Christmas carols. This candlelit concert program seamlessly juxtaposes ancient and modern carols to invoke a sense of awe and mystery.
Come bask in the serenity of stillness and hear echoes from the past. Experience the wonders of the modern world and hear familiar carols in a new light. Allow yourself to be transported in an unforgettable concert experience featuring three newly composed works in addition to works by Dufay, Esenvalds, Chilcott, Tavener, Memley and Kverno.
Concert dates are:
Dec. 7, 7 p.m. Grounds for Sculpture , Hamilton, N.J.
Dec. 8, 5 p.m. Laurita Winery, New Egypt, N.J.
Dec. 14, 8 p.m. Red Bank United Methodist Church, Red Bank, N.J.
Dec. 15, 4 p.m. Christ Episcopal Church , Toms River, N.J.
Full details of the concerts may be found on the Chamber Singers' website.
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Calendar For The Week
 The latest edition of the church calendar is available online, on the church's website.
Sunday, November 24
10:00 a.m - Worship/Harvest Home/Chancel Choir
10:00 a.m. - Church School begins in Worship
11:30 a.m. - Sarah Hope Circle
1:45 p.m. - Youth to Move food to Pantry
2:30 p.m. - Claremont Care Center service
Monday, November 25
9:15 a.m. - PW Coordinating Meeting
12:00 p.m. - Lunch at the Rainbow Diner, all welcome
6:15 p.m. - Choral Bells, Fellowship Room
Tuesday, November 26
10:00 a.m. - Busy Hands
10:00 a.m. - Eye Openers
6:45 p.m. - Scouts, Basement
Wednesday, November 27
9:00 a.m. - Women's Breakfast, Rainbow Diner, all women welcome
Thursday, November 28
Friday, November 29
Office Closed
Saturday, November 30
Sunday, December 1
9:00 a.m. - Youth Connection Begins, CE Annex Classroom 2
10:00 a.m - Worship/Communion/Chancel Choir
10:00 a.m. - Church School begins in Worship
11:00 a.m. - Communion Brunch
11:30 p.m. - Hanging of the Greens
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 Birthday Blessings
Nov 22 Linda Chase, Sherri Hall, Zachary Snyder
Nov 23 Kieran Hughes, Jennifer Quimby
Nov 24
Nov 25
Nov 26 Jane Jensen, Jacque Miscavage, Scott Whitman
Nov 27 Mandy Rauffer
Nov 28 Nikolas Marsala
Nov 29 Diane Cerveny, Holly Najdzinowicz
Nov 30 Ronald Panuska, Sandi Shekon
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Upcoming Events - Mark Your Calendar
December 1 - Hanging of the Greens - 12:00 p.m.
December 4 - PW Christmas Program - 7:00 p.m.
December 15 - Handel's Messiah, Part 1 - 10:00 a.m.
December 24 - Christmas Eve Services
4:00, 7:00 and 11:00 p.m.
December 25 - Christmas Dinner in Annex - 12:00 p.m.
Additional information will follow
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Pastors
The Rev. Carl Wilton, Ph.D., Pastor
The Rev. Linda Chase, Associate Pastor
Office Staff
Kim Gaydos, Church Secretary
Donna Ferry, Financial Secretary
Dee D'Amore, Volunteer Village Bookkeeper
Nancy Stout, Treasurer
Music Staff
Sara Hoey, Organist
William Shoppell, Chancel Choir and Choral Bells Director
Rebecca Muraglia, Acting Dove Choir Director
Christian Education Staff
Courtney Norton, Youth Connection Coordinator
Sarah Morrison, Church School Coordinator
Devlin House, Point Beach Prep Preschool Director
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Point Pleasant Presbyterian Church
701 Forman Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
(Corner of Bay and Forman Avenues)
Church Office: 732-899-0587 Fax: 732-899-2946
Visit us at http://www.pointpresbyterian.org
Church Office: mail@pointpresbyterian.org |
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