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Point Pleasant Presbyterian Church
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Weekly News for
Sunday,
August 31, 2014
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Dear Friends,
 This Sunday it is our joy to welcome back to the pulpit Rebecca Crate, a daughter of this congregation and a candidate for ministry under care of our Session and Monmouth Presbytery.
Becca holds the M.Div. degree from Princeton Theological Seminary. She has been studying for the past year at New College of the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. She has just completed a dissertation for the Master of Theology in Ministry degree, focusing on the visual arts in worship.
Becca will be preaching on Paul's instruction from Romans 12:13 to "extend hospitality to strangers."
Becca and her partner, Lorna, will be visiting Becca's parents, Andrea and Randy Crate, for a few weeks before returning to Scotland.
Come along and say "Welcome home!" to Becca, and hear the good word she has to bring us!
Pastor Carl
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This Sunday
Sunday, August 31
Romans 12:9-21Rebecca Crate preaching: "SURPRISED BY HOSPITALITY" 10:00 a.m. Worship
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"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 August 31 is the Bamburak family. Let us be prayerfully aware of Kevin, Heather, Nicholas, Kenny and Thomas, as well as all our members and friends.
Other prayer concerns: The family of Hugh Stryker (see below); the family of Charlie Olsen; Fred Johnson; Irene Quill, Gary Piscal; Virginia Waldie; Jane Lambie; Les Thornton; Jeff Bissey; Audrey Pearce; all those in the military, as well as those struggling with addictions and mental illness.
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BAPTISMS - Baptisms will take place on Sunday, September 21 at the 10:00 a.m. worship service. Ordinarily, at least one parent must be a member of PPPC. For more information, please call the Church Office.
PATRICK COX is the church's new Sunday lock-up person, securing the building after Sunday-morning worship services and related events are ended.
A SERVICE OF WITNESS TO THE RESURRECTION, giving thanks to God for the life of Elder Hugh ("Hug") Stryker, will take place on Tuesday, September 2, 2014, at 11:00 a.m., at the O'Brien Funeral Home, 505 Burnt Tavern Road, Brick. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, Brielle. Visiting hours will take place at the funeral home from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Monday, September 1.
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Seeking "Church Treasurer 2.0"
The Session's Finance Team has met and rewritten the job description for PPPC's volunteer Church Treasurer position. "So, what is Church Treasurer 2.0?," you may ask.  With deep gratitude for Nancy Stout's faithful service in the hands-on, detail-oriented approach of the past, the Finance Team has decided a new day is upon us. We have an excellent Financial Secretary in the person of Donna Ferry, and - with church financial records now fully computerized - what we're looking for is a person with financial savvy and basic computer skills who can provide general oversight to the church's financial affairs. Daily or near-daily visits to the church office are now a thing of the past. Insurance, payroll and personnel management have been offloaded to other volunteers, to lighten the Treasurer's load. With Donna managing the details of accounting and donations tracking, we need a person to fulfill the corporate office of Treasurer, sign checks and assist Donna in making decisions about occasional questions, such as which church account a given expense should be charged to. Assistant Treasurer Maria O'Connor is covering this territory on an interim basis, but the requirements of her "day job" make it impossible to consider moving up to the Treasurer position permanently. Do you know a church member with financial-management skills and a heart for mission, who's interested in serving God while living into that tasks of Church Treasurer 2.0? Or are you, perhaps, such a person? If so, please contact Pastor Carl immediately.
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Rally Day
Rally Day provides an opportunity for you to check out the many committees and volunteer projects at PPPC. There will be displays in the CE Annex of the various ministries including Fellowship, Mission, Church School, Music, Presbyterian Women, Worship and more. There are many, many ways you can become more involved in the Church.
Rally Day is September 14 following the 10:00 a.m. service. Come join us in the CE Annex to browse the displays and take advantage of the opportunity to volunteer or join an action team (committee). A special coffee hour will take place in the CE Annex. Join us as we mark the end of summer and the beginning of a new school year!
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Choir Opportunities for All
 Point Pleasant is blessed with a wonderful music ministry. Many opportunities exist for both young and old to participate in our choirs.
The Choral Bells' first rehearsal will be on Monday, September 8, 2014 at 6:15 p.m. in the Fellowship Room. Rehearsals are every Monday evening, 6:15-7:30. The Choral Bells rings approximately every other month, about five times a year. There's great camaraderie among the Choral Bells members. Potential ringers must have the ability to read music. Beginners are VERY WELCOME, even if you've never picked up a handbell before. There are lots of experienced ringers who can teach you. Both men and women are welcome! Bell-ringing is FUN! Chancel Choir Rehearsals begins Thursday, September 11, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. We extend a warm, ongoing invitation, to anyone who likes to sing, to come and join us. If a full-year commitment does not fit your schedule, please consider joining us in the Fall until Christmas; or, join us in the New Year until Easter. For more information on the choir speak with Bill Shoppell or call the Church Office. Please contact Bill Shoppell at 732-223-6274 for more information on the Choral Bells and Chancel Choir.
Calling all children to join the Dove Choir. Rehearsals begin on Wednesday, September 10 from 5:00-5:45 p.m. during school year. All children ages 3 to 15 years of age are invited to join the Dove Choir at Point Presbyterian Church. Learn to sing, read music and perform in a traditional children's choir. You need not be a member of the church (though you are most welcome to join). If you are interested in being a part of this great musical experience you are welcome to attend rehearsals every Wednesday from 5:00-5:45 at Pt Presbyterian Church on Bay Ave. Entrance is on the side of the church facing Forman Ave. For further information please email muraglia@comcast.net. or call 732-551-7115
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Sunday School Start Up
 Our new Sunday School Coordinator, Tricia Stoffers, is on the job, and is making plans for the upcoming Sunday School year!
Again this year, the kids will come into the Sanctuary an Sunday mornings at 10:00 with their parents, for the first 20 minutes or so of the worship service. Then, they will leave after the children's sermon to walk with their teachers across the street to their classrooms. Following worship, parents are invited to enjoy a cup of coffee for a few minutes, then go over and pick their kids up around 11:20.
We need teachers! We need helpers! We need "crafty" people to help with art projects! We need an office assistant to help manage records! We need help communicating, on the web and through social media! Please email Tricia at tricia@pointpresbyterian.org, or leave a message for her through the church office, if you'd like to find out more - she'll gladly call you back!
And if she should happen to call YOU, to ask if you can help - occasionally, or even every Sunday - please prayerfully consider it. There are few things more rewarding than watching youngsters learn about God's love in Jesus Christ! |
Signups for COVENANT Bible Study continue
THIS SUNDAY
after worship!
Study books are available for sale:
$20 for first term only, or $50 for all 3 terms
(More details below...)
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 Covenant Bible Study materials are in, which means we're now accepting registrations for the two (and possibly more) study groups we'll be offering this fall.
Covenant is an introduction to the whole Bible, with weekly small-group discussions around a brief video. The video segments will bring expert Bible scholars right into the room with us. There are daily Bible readings with introductions for each day, as well as a longer weekly reading in the Covenant study book.
This is a NO EMBARRASSMENT Bible study! There is no expectation of previous Bible knowledge - although those who do feel familiar with the scriptures will get a lot out of it as well.
We're planning on two groups: Mondays at 10:00 am, led by the Rev. Linda Chase
Wednesdays at 7:00 pm, led by the Rev. Dr. Carl Wilton
If neither of those times is good for you, please let us know. We can schedule times for additional groups to meet. For instance, we're discussing the possibility of a Sunday-morning group. If you can't make a given session, you can attend another group's meeting that same week. Covenant Groups will start meeting in mid-September (dates to be announced) and will continue for 8 weeks. There are three 8-week units in the 24-week Covenant study - you can join any of the 3 units as we begin it (it's not necessary to do all 3 in sequence). We're planning to offer units in the Fall, Winter and Spring.
The cost of the first-term Participant Guide, "Creating the Covenant," is $20. You can save by purchasing that book, along with the books for the next two units - "Living the Covenant" and "Trusting the Covenant"- for a combined cost of $50.
The best rate of all is available to iPad users. Search for "Covenant Bible Study" in the iTunes Store, and you'll find a special iPad app. For a cost of $9.99 - half the price of the printed version - you get the first-unit book in electronic form, as well as interactive note-taking features. An Android tablet app will be out soon, as well. (If you plan to use the tablet version of the book, please do be sure to call the Church Office and sign up for one of the two times, so we know you're coming!)
In earlier newsletters we've shared a brief video introduction to the Covenabnt program. Here's another one, in which Covenant co-hosts Christine Chakoian and Shane Stanford talk about the advantages of small-group Bible study, where relationships happen:  | | Hosts Christine Chakoian and Shane Stanford share why relationships around faith matter to our lives |
Each participant will be expected to have access to a good Study Bible, as well as the Participant Guide for the current term.
Each of our Covenant groups will have its own password-protected web page, as an optional way to keep in touch. Those who register for the website will receive daily emails of the Bible readings, as well as reminder emails for group meetings.
You can learn more about the program at the CovenantBibleStudy.com website. |
VBS Photos
 The kids at Vacation Bible School had a great time the week of August 18-22! For five consecutive evenings they met in the Education Annex for games, snacks, fun and Bible learning.
The theme for the week was "Rome: Paul and the Underground Church." Through Bible reading, music, games and dramatic re-enactment, they learned what life was like for the early Church in the days of the Roman Empire.
 The high point of the week (or maybe the low point, given the location!) was a trip through the "catacombs" underneath the church Sanctuary. The early Christians would have used oil lamps to light such a dark place, but the kids used flashlights. Deep inside, the younger kids viewed a short play put on by the older kids. The leading characters in the play were Paul and his prison guard, who becomes a Christian because of the great faith he has seen this man of God demonstrate.
The kids also enjoyed "Olympic Games" on the playground.
Christina Parrott and Kelly Iadarola provided key leadership. Karen Norby came in and taught the kids, through art, about life in the Roman world. Marian Blackford and Patricia Stout were helpers.
Thanks to all who joined in to make this year's VBS a success: kids, parents, helpers, teachers. Just a few short weeks, and it will be time for the good times of Sunday School to begin!
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The Two Things Our Church Has To Absolutely, Positively Do
I'm sending the video link below to the Session, but on further reflection, I think it's something every PPPC member ought to see - so, I'm posting it here. It's a 5-minute video featuring Lovett Weems, a retired Methodist seminary president. I roomed with Lovett at a management-training school for seminary administrators, way back in the days before I came to PPPC. He'd just been appointed as President of the St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City. I'd just added the duties of Assistant Dean to my work as Director of Admissions and Student Services at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary.
Lovett's hair wasn't so gray, back then. (Then again, neither was mine!) Anyway, it was good to see him on the video and hear his enthusiastic voice again.
In just 5 minutes, Lovett lifts up two things every healthy congregation absolutely must do. If churches don't do these two things, he says, they become irrelevant and die.
It's that simple.
I'm happy to say our church IS doing these two things. Until we opened Point Beach Prep, and until Sandy shook us up and got us to open the Volunteer Village, I was feeling a bit concerned that we weren't doing all that much about the second thing. But that's all different now.
Thanks to everyone who's given time and effort to support Point Beach Prep and the Volunteer Village, both of which are making a big difference in our community!
Pastor Carl
 | | Why Community Engagement Matters |
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Groups Staying in the Volunteer Village
We've been having a couple weeks off from hosting groups in the Volunteer Village. Here are the groups who are currently scheduled:
Sep 7-13 Pass A Grille Beach Community Church, St. Pete Beach, FL
Sep 14-20 Crossroads Community Presbyterian Church, Leechburg, PA
Sept 28-Oct 4 Presbytery of Detroit
Oct 5-11 Rosedale Presbyterian Church Livonia, MI
Oct 12-17 Lend A Hand (Carlisle Presbytery, Pennsylvania)
Oct 19-25 Scioto Valley Presbytery, Columbus, OH
Feb 6 Abington Presbyterian Church, Abington, PA
Apr 5 Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church, MD
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Kevin Conheeney's Local "Ice Bucket Challenge"
 Following are some excerpts from a letter sent in by Deacon Kevin Conheeney, who suggests that those who are inclined to contribute to the ALS "Ice Bucket" consider making their donations to the "PALS" local ALS organization...
Wanted to reach out to you in regard to an idea...one that I can not take credit for but I am proud to present it, none the less. There has been a "internet wave" of enthusiasm regarding the "ice bucket" challenge that has caught fire over the last few weeks. It is hopefully NOT a "flash in the pan" given that the cause is such a noble one: "to bring attention & revenue to the defeating the disease ALS." I know there are many needs within our society, but this one holds a special bond for me and my family due to the fact that I lost my own mother, Rose Mary, to this horrific beast, as well as church member Eric Erlandsen . I have often thought that this monster does not get the attention it deserves but I think it is because it claims its victims so quickly and here are NO survivors to fight the fight.... I would prefer that the attention and funding go specifically to a local (Monmouth / Ocean ) ALS charity, Joan Dancy and PALS Foundation (e-mail: info@joandancyandpals.org ) These angels were paramount in helping my mom & my family, throughout the whole ordeal, diagnosis, physical therapy, occupational therapy, emotional support as well as psychological support, during and after the inevitable. They have a licensed staff that includes experienced, compassionate RNs that have lived through the process with their patients and their families, helping and guiding with understanding and knowledge.... This group operates on a shoestring budget and gives back close to 90% of the funds raised to the people that are in need, they keep their overhead low so the donations get applied and used as they should. They are great advocates for the cause. I have been challenged by a member of my Cross Country team, Dylan Peters, and I have been doused last week which will allow me to put forth my challenge and my hope that you consider this plea.... So please consider this request and challenge....
Sincerely, Kevin Conheeney Boy's X-Country Coach, Point Pleasant Boro High School and Member of Point Pleasant Presbyterian Church For more information on the Joan Dancy & PALS Foundation, please visit their 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, August 31
10:00 a.m. Worship
Monday, September 1
Labor Day - Office Closed
Tuesday, September 2
9:30 a.m. - Busy Hands, Fellowship Room
Wednesday, September 3
9:00 a.m. - Women's Breakfast at the Rainbow Diner
Thursday, September 4
7:30 a.m. - Men's Breakfast, US Subs
Friday, September 5
8:30 a.m. - Point Beach Prep Orientation
Saturday, September 6
Sunday, September 7
10:00 a.m. Worship
11:00 a.m. - Sundae Sunday
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 Birthday Blessings
Aug 31 Elaine Flannelly, Lisa Van Winkle
Sept 1 Lee Nagy
Sept 2 Ryan McKay
Sept 3 Colin Nevil
Sept 4 Laura Desiderio, Christa Lomuscio, Rebecca Muraglia
Sept 5 Nicholas Duino
Sept 6 Connie Curtis, Charles Vitale, Jack Vitale
Sept 7 Glenavie Gauer, Connor Kells, Jeffery Leek-Clayton, Mark McDermitt
Sept 8 Claire Meany, Susan Findlay
Sept 9 Elaine Conheeney, Kaissa Leek-Clayton, Shirley Young-Callari, Alexandra Fanizzo, Megan Pable
Sept 10 Tyler Johnson, Lois Lang, Evelyn Leach, Louis Pazienza
Sept 11 Luke Holsey, Kiera King
Sept 12 Virginia Claeys, Micaella DeRosa, Melissa Erb, Todd Ferry, Christine Hamilton, Robert Koolidge
Sept 13 Thomas Crawley, Joseph DeRosa, Donna Saul, James Scott
Sept 14 Monique Drugas, Suzanne Perkowski
Sept 15 Heather Rice,
Sept 16 Susan Reilly
Sept 17 Dane Bongiovi, Laura Cullerton, Jacklyn Cutting, Donald Williams
Sept 18 Kevin Conheeney, Robert Mullin IV, Jack Tolley
Sept 19 Chase Lovgren, Michael Nevil, Joan Whitman
Sept 20 Douglas Holton, Benjamin Koolidge, Kaitlyn McKay, Paula Pennypacker, Robert Robinson
Sept 21
Sept 22 Sharon Morris, Ann Van Wagenen, Jonathan Viggiano
Sept 23 Kate Norby, Logan Milancewich, Jessica Pazienza
Sept 24 John Wisniewski
Sept 25
Sept 26 John Brzyski Jr., Katherine Durante, Robin Fiorentino
Sept 27 David Mowder
Sept 28 Quintessa Baker
Sept 29 Rylie Rampone, Leigh Reinwald
Sept 30 Donna Fahey, Dalton Garner, Taylor Van Wagenen
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Start Up Dates in the Fall
September 8 - First Day of Point Beach Prep
September 8 - Choral Bell Rehearsals Begin
September 8 - Deacon's Meeting
September 10 - Dove Choir Rehearsals Begin
September 11 - Chancel Choir Rehearsals Begin
September 18 - Session Meeting
September 21 - Youth Connection Begins
September 21 - Sunday School Begins
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Upcoming Events - Mark Your Calendar 
September 14 - Rally Day
September 21 - IHN Arrives October 18 - Presbytery "Nuts and Bolts" Officer and Leader Training event
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
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
Tricia Stoffers, Sunday 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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