Point Pleasant Presbyterian Church

Weekly News for

Sunday,

December 1, 2013


Friends,


This Sunday marks the beginning of Advent.  The word Advent comes from the Latin words, advenire (to come to) and adventus (an arrival).  From now until Christmas Eve we will start waiting and preparing for the coming of the Christ child.

We often associate Christmas with the colors of red, green, white, silver, and gold.  Yet the colors on the Advent wreath are blue to signify  seriousness, repentance, and royalty.  The center white candle in the middle is lit in triumphant celebration of Christ's birth.  

During this Advent season, let us be reminded through the lighting of the candles and the reading of the Bible of Christ's birth.  In addition, this Advent let us wait and prepare with excitement for his promise to come once again.  

Following the service this Sunday, we will be having the "Hanging of the Greens" and will be decorating around the Church with traditional Christmas decorations. Please consider staying after the service to help.  The fellowship will be rich with a joy and peace that is found with the coming of Christ into our lives.  

 

Peace and Blessings,

 

 Linda

This Sunday 

Sunday, December 1

First Sunday of Advent
 Romans 13:8-14 
The Rev. Linda Chase preaching:  "OPEN HANDED LIVING"
 

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

Communion Brunch 

 

Please join us in the C.E. Annex for our monthly Communion Breakfast, in lieu of coffee hour. A free will offering defrays expenses.
 
Hanging of the Greens
December 1
 

hanging of the greens

Following the service on 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, below for news of children's activities.  Courtney Norton is coordinating this event.
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 December 1 is the King family. Let us be prayerfully aware of Ken, Sandra, Keira and Kenneth, as well as all our members and friends.

Other prayer concerns: Nicholas Hudnut; Lincoln (grandson of Joan Kocur); Brad Mogenson; Jenn Childers;  Jean Cuzzens; Diantha Matthews-Brown; Alex (a friend of Bill Williams); Carl Wilton; Leticia Walker; Ralph Smith; Eric Erlandsen; all those in the military, as well as those struggling with addictions and mental illness.

         PPPC NEWS


News and Notes
 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.  
 
A REQUEST FROM THE DEACONS - The Board of Deacons are ever grateful for our congregations continued monetary support so that we may fill the requests for assistance that we receive. At this time we are experiencing several requests for the holiday season and we would appreciate it if you would kindly put a few dollars in the Deacons envelope this Sunday so that we may fill all these requests. Thank you.

PRAYERS FOR PPPC - A small group will be gathering in the Sanctuary on Monday, December 2 at 9:00 a.m. to pray for our Church. The past month we prayed for our Elders and Deacons by name. Come join us this Monday for a half hour to pray for our Church.
Stewardship Campaign
 

Can Do  

Thanks to all who have submitted estimates of giving for our 2014 stewardship campaign, "Can? Do!." To date, 74 commitments have been received, for a total of $194,847.   If you have not yet had an opportunity to submit an estimate of giving, please use one of the cards in the pew rack, placing it prayerfully in the offering plate today. Or, you can visit our church's website for an Electronic Estimate of Giving form, that you can submit via e-mail. Thank you!

Joan Valentine House Giving Tree
 

xmas-tree-icon.gifOnce again this year, we'll be collecting gifts for our neighbors at the Joan Valentine House, to make their Christmas a little brighter. The Valentine House is a non-profit residential home for adults living with mental illness.


Look for the Giving Tree in the Narthex; it will include envelopes with the names of Valentine House residents, and what gifts they've asked for.

IMPORTANT: Please don't just take an envelope, but also write your name on the clipboard that's near the tree, so we know which person you'll be shopping for.

Although some of the lists may contain quite a number of items, please choose no more than TWO items from the list to purchase. This is important to preserve a sense of equality among all the residents.

Please bring your wrapped gifts into the Sanctuary no later than Christmas Eve, and place them under the Christmas Tree, with a gift tag indicating who the gift is for. Gifts will be handed out at an Epiphany Party early in January.

Thank you for bringing some extra Christmas cheer into someone's life!  
Christmas Card Project
 

During December, EliSabeth-Verdella Circle will present two ways to send Christmas greeting to your church family members. This annual project raises money for local mission. 

You may place cards for individuals in the box, to be sorted alphabetically for easy pick-up. We aks that you donated the money you would have spent on postage by placing it in the donation box on the table in the Narthex.

There will also be a decorated poster board in the Narthex for you to write a brief message to all your Church family and friends. If you choose this option, we would appreciate a small donation to our mission project placed in the donation box on the table.

The circle members thank you for your participation in our mission project 
St. Gregory's Pantry Christmas Dinner

 

christmas_party.jpgOnce again we will be having a Christmas dinner in the CE Annex, from 12:00-2:00 p.m on Christmas Day for those who, for whatever reason, have no place to go for Christmas and would like to enjoy an old-fashioned holiday feast with congenial company. In order to make this dinner a continual success, we need the following:

 

 

Empty Van or Truck with Cap for food storage - to be parked in the Manse driveway starting at 1 p.m. Christmas Eve until Christmas day. Due to limited refrigerated space, this is our most critical need. The van or truck with cap must be empty (including seats) to store the food overnight.

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.   Cookies can be dropped off at the Church starting December 20th.  

 
Christmas Morning Volunteers - to bring the food up to the kitchen and to serve our guests (the food is prepared ahead of time, and just needs to be heated.), and also to prepare "to go" meals.   We especially need people to come towards the end for clean up.  


Jacque Miscavage is coordinator of this event, please call her at 732-255-8186 if you have would like to volunteer or have a van or truck for her to use.

Handel's Messiah
December 15
 

stringschristmas 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! 

 

 
Christmas Poinsettias Orders
 
poinsettias.jpg We are once again taking orders for Christmas Poinsettias, given in honor or in memory of loved ones, to decorate the Sanctuary for Christmas Eve. 

Suggested donation is $15 each, and payment must be included the bulletin insert or the online order form.

Please be sure to indicate "Christmas Plants" on the memo line of your check! Order form and payment may be placed in the offering plate or mailed to the church office. Once the quantity of flowers needed for sanctuary decorations has been reached, additional gifts will be used for purchase of sanctuary paraments and banners.

Deadline: December 18, 2013. Thank You!
                      PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

 
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 d�cor, 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.  

  

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
CHURCH SCHOOL

Sunday School

Red Christmas Ornament

 

On 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 after Sunday School. 

 

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.
                      POINT BEACH PREP

 

The children did a terrific job at their Thanksgiving show

      ON THE CALENDAR

 
New Jersey Chamber Singers

NJ 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.
 

Calendar For The Week

 

This Week at Our ChurchThe latest edition of the church calendar is available online, on the church's website. 

  

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
 

Monday, December 2

9:00 a.m. - PPPC Prayer Group

6:15 p.m. - Choral Bells, Fellowship Room

7:00 p.m. - Deacon Meeting, Chittick Lounge

 

Tuesday, December 3

10:00 a.m. - Busy Hands

6:45 p.m. - Scouts, Basement

 

Wednesday, December 4

 9:00 a.m. - Women's Breakfast, Rainbow Diner, all women welcome

12:30 p.m. - Staff Meeting

5:00 p.m. - Dove Choir

6:15 p.m. - Lydia Circle

7:00 p.m. - PW Christmas Program

 

Thursday, December 5

7:30 a.m. - Men's Breakfast

4:30 p.m. - Daisy Girl Scouts 

7:30 p.m. - Chancel Choir 

 

Friday, December 6

  

Saturday, December 7

10:00 a.m. - Mission Fair, CE Annex

 

Sunday, December 8

10:00 a.m. - Mission Fair, CE Annex

10:00 a.m - Worship/Healing Prayers/Dove and Chancel Choir
10:00 a.m. - Church School begins in Worship

BirthdaysBirthday Blessings

 

Dec 1 Elizabeth Acerra, Charles Rogers
Dec 2
Dec 3
Dec 4 Karen McDermitt, Paul Steinert
Dec 5 Susan Slaton
Dec 6
Dec 7
Dec 8
Dec 9 Brian Potter, Barbara Reid, Nancy Ritota, Michael Weber
Dec 10 Abigail Davis, Lynn Donley, Christine Duane, Jack Muraglia
Dec 11 Frances Kunz, Richard Vadimski
Dec 12 Tara Oquendo, Harry Van Wagenen Jr.
Dec 13 Elise Durrof, Lauren Durrof
Dec 14 Jason Borkowski, Michael Dunham, Travis Dunham, Kristen Jensen, Liam Murphy
Dec 15 Peyton Viggiano
Dec 16 Laurie Pearce, Ruth Werner
Dec 17 Linda Cottrell, Dawn Holton
Dec 18
Dec 19 Jeffrey Kells, Joan Panuska, David Rogers
Dec 20 Stanley Davis
Dec 21 Corina Collins
Dec 22 Craig Lambie, Harry Van Wagenen
Dec 23
Dec 24 Jennifer Nase, Dorothy Tolley
Dec 25 Mary Ann Miller
Dec 26 Anna Landre
Dec 27 Christopher Cook, John Curtis
Dec 28 Dustin Cottrell
Dec 29 Aubreigh Garner, Patricia Januszeski, Kenneth King
Dec 30 Magda Giase, Thomas Millar, Christopher Shekon
Dec 31

      COMING UP


Upcoming Events - Mark Your Calendar  
 

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

       CONTACT US

 

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

Quick Links 

Full Calendar of Events

Make a Safe, Online Contribution

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: [email protected]