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Point Pleasant Presbyterian Church
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Weekly News for
Sunday,
December 8, 2013
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 AN ADVENT PRAYER by Church member Jean Campbell from the PW Christmas Program Come Lord Jesus, come! Come into our hearts, as we choose right over wrong, loving over unloving, caring over neglect, and kindness over cruelty. Come into our lives, a midst the clatter and chatter, the clanging and banging of busy days, and the dark restlessness of sleepless nights. Come into our spirits, as we contend with the dull, the drab, the dingy; the boring and tedious; the unforeseen and the unforgiving. Come Lord Jesus, lowly and humble, precious and princely, awesome and glorious, beloved of God. Come Lord Jesus, come! Now and forever. Amen AN ADVENT PRAYER By Henri J. M. Nouwen Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.
We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day.
We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.
We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.
We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.
We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.
To you we say,
"Come Lord Jesus!"
Amen.
Come Lord Jesus, come!
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This Sunday
Sunday, December 8
The Rev. Linda Chase preaching: "LIVING WITH SCRIPTURE: AN ADVENT DIARY"
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
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Mission Fair this Weekend
Saturday, December 7 10:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 8, 10-00 - 1:00 p.m.
Authentic décor,
Handmade dishware
Stunning handcrafted baskets
Gorgeous fair trade jewelry, scarves, and bags.
Fair trade retailers this year include
Rahab's Rope
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.
Many of the items make wonderful gifts for the upcoming holidays.
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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 family for the week of December 8 is the Luicci and Dunham family. Let us be prayerfully aware of Michael, Karen, Danielle, Travis and Michael, as well as all our members and friends.
Other prayer concerns: The family of Larry DeBellis; Nicholas Hudnut; Lincoln (grandson of Joan Kocur); Brad Mogenson; Carol (mother of Dave Satterlee); 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.
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MISSION FAIR THIS WEEKEND
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Mission Fair is Here
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.
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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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 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. CHRISTMAS BULLETIN PREPARATION - Volunteers are needed once again this year to come in on Monday, December 23 to help fold bulletins in preparation for our Christmas Eve Services. We will be folding in the Fellowship Room beginning at 1:00 p.m. ST. GREGORY'S PANTRY CHRISTMAS DISTRIBUTION
The Pantry is now accepting unwrapped NEW toys for the Christmas clients. Through your generosity, 2-3 gifts per child are given to needy familIes. Teenage gifts are especially needed - CDs, gift cards, sweaters, hats, nail polish etc. Please leave them - clearly marked for St Gregory's - or deliver them to St. Mary's By-the-Sea, 804 Bay Ave, Pt Pleasant Beach. Cash donations will be used for purchases.
Important Pantry Dates:
December 15 - Toyland Setup in CE Annex
December 18 - Distribution
December 19 - Deliveries and Clean up |
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New Christmas Tree
Did you notice the new tree? We needed to purchase a new tree this year, which was an unexpected expense. If you would like to make a small donation to cover the cost we would be very grateful.
We are also grateful for the many people who helped decorate our church this past week. Thank you to Courtney, John, Sue, Pat, Marilyn, Dan, Doug, Gail, Christine, Jason, Ryan, Donna, Tisha, Nick, Patrick, Samantha, Allison, Maria, Travis, Katie, Sara and Sara, Jason, Morgan, and Vivian.
Thank you to so many people who have helped decorate the Church.
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Stewardship Campaign
Thanks to all who have submitted estimates of giving for our 2014 stewardship campaign, "Can? Do!." To date, 82 commitments have been received, for a total of $199,686. 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!
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Do You Remember Miracle Sunday?
 Ok, stop scratching your head, the name sounds familiar, but you can't put a description to the name - right? Well, Miracle Sunday happened in 2012. Session challenged the congregation to raise a large sum of money in one Sunday. It seems there were three major projects that needed to be funded: a chimney on the Sanctuary building needed to be rebuilt, a key fob locking system needed to be installed on the front entry doors of the CE Annex, and the manse needed to be repainted.
The response from the congregation was overwhelming. The donations exceeded the goal. Well, now you may ask yourself, whatever happened to that money? The key fob locking system has been installed, the chimney has been rebuilt, and have you taken a look at the manse lately? The three intial projects are complete.
Also, Session approved two additional maintenance projects to be paid for with this money - a new garage door was purchased for the manse garage and some trim was painted on the Sanctuary. Plus, there is still over $6,000.00 left for future maintenance projects. It sounds like the phrase "job well done" needs to be extended to all.
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Joan Valentine House Giving Tree
 Once 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!
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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
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St. Gregory's Pantry Christmas Dinner
 Once 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:
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 - There are various times to help on Christmas day. We need volunteers to help from 8:30-10:30 a.m to bring the food up to the kitchen; 10:30 a.m - 12:00 p.m to make local home deliveries; and finally cleanup beginning at 1:30 p.m.
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.
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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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Christmas Poinsettias Orders
 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!
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Holiday Food Drive
The Point Pleasant Presbyterian Youth Connection would like to ask for your help this year. We are doing a food drive for St. Gregory's Pantry located in St. Mary's by the Sea Episcopal Church in Point Pleasant Beach.
Supplies are dangerously low this year. We are asking for your help in any way you can by donating things such as: canned goods, non-perishables, laundry detergent, household cleaning supplies, baby care products, etc. Not only will you get to help those in need, you will be able to help people in need, right in our community!
Just put the items you want to donate in a bag marked Youth Connection Food Drive, and leave them in the Narthex. Bags will be available in the Narthex after the service on Sunday. We will even make it easy for you to help! The Youth Connection can also pick up bags at your house. Let Courtney Norton know your address and they will be sure to pick it up and save you a trip.
Collection will go from now until Saturday December 14, 2013
Thank you, in advance! Happy Holidays!
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Christmas Caroling
On December 15 meet us at the Manse at 3 p.m. ready to Carol! We'll travel to the homes of various home bound members of the congregation and/or to local nursing homes.
Please bring a food item to share with the group at the party afterwards (either appetizer, bag of snacks or desserts). Pizza and drinks will be provided. Feel free to wear a Holiday Hat and dress for the weather! In case of snow, watch for an email and Facebook announcement.
Youth Connection Alumni are welcomed to join us. We would love to see you and catch up with you!
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Youth Connection Happenings for December
Sunday, December 8 - Bake Sale at the Mission Fair
Now until December 15 - Food Drive
Sunday, December 15 - Christmas Caroling 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 22 - Cookie Baking during regular meeting, 9:00 a.m.
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Sunday School
Last week we had fun exploring the Advent Wreath. We lit the first candle and even created our own advent wreath with our handprints.
This week we are going to continue to learn about advent and decorate the Sunday School Rooms. We will be making Jesse tree Ornaments for our tree in the sanctuary. Be sure to come to Sunday School to learn what a Jesse tree is.
Our Christmas Service is Dec. 24th at 4pm , please meet in the sanctuary at 3pm for a dress rehersal and to get ready. Next week we will meet in the Sunday School rooms at 10:00am to practice for our service.
Thank you, have a blessed week.
Sarah
Sunday School Coordinator
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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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This Week at Point Beach Prep
 | | Happy Birthday to Sadie! Sadie has now celebrated her 3rd, 4th and 5th birthdays here at Point Beach Prep! |
This week we met Mr.J. We learned sign language for J and jump. At our project table we made jaguars, jellyfish, candy canes (upside down J's), and Christmas lists for Santa. We practiced handwriting J with pencils and markers.
We celebrated 2 students' birthdays at school. We read The Secret Birthday Message by Eric Carle. There was yet another birth day when one of our families welcomed a new baby girl into the world! We read I'm a Big Brother, A Pocket Full of Kisses, and Waiting for Baby. What an exciting week! |
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, 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
Monday, December 9
11:30 a.m. - EliSabeth-Verdella Circle Christmas Lunch, Tuscany's
6:15 p.m. - Choral Bells, Fellowship Room
Tuesday, December 10
6:45 p.m. - Scouts, Basement
Wednesday, December 11
9:00 a.m. - Women's Breakfast, Rainbow Diner, all women welcome
12:30 p.m. - Staff Meeting
5:00 p.m. - Dove Choir
7:00 p.m. - Tabitha Dorcas Circle
Thursday, December 12
7:30 a.m. - Men's Breakfast
7:00 p.m. - Judith Rachel Circle
7:30 p.m. - Chancel Choir
Friday, December 13
Pack Night, CE Annex
Saturday, December 14
Sunday, December 15
10:00 a.m - Worship/Chancel Choir
10:00 a.m. - Church School begins in Worship
11:00 a.m. - Sandwich Sunday
11:15 a.m. - Confirmation Class
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 Birthday Blessings
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
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Upcoming Events - Mark Your Calendar
Sunday, December 16, 2013
10:00 a.m. Worship Handel's Messiah, Part I
with the Chancel Choir, Organ and String Quartet.
Sunday, December 22, 2013
10:00 a.m. Worship with the Choral Bells
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
4:00 p.m. Family Christmas Eve Service
7:00 p.m. Candlelight Service with Special Music
11:00 p.m. Candlelight Service with the Chancel Choir.
Sunday, December 29, 2013
10:00 a.m. Worship with Carol Sing
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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