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Point Pleasant
Presbyterian Church
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Weekly News for
Sunday,
November 16, 2014
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OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD SHOEBOXES
DUE THIS SUNDAY
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The secret's out!
NYIN means... "New Year's in November"
 Last Sunday in worship, we revealed what NYIN stands for. It's NEW YEAR'S IN NOVEMBER.
It's our Fall stewardship campaign. Next Sunday, November 23rd, we'll be having a New Year's party in church!
Why wait till December 31st to make resolutions for next year? On the 23rd, we'll submit Prayerful Resolution cards, resolving not only to support the church financially in 2015, but also to share our time and talents.
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 Dear Friends,
Who would bury money in the ground? That's crazy!
But people do crazy things when they're afraid - which is exactly the sort of behavior Jesus describes in his famous Parable of the Talents.
Entrusted by his master with money to invest, the servant - who's terrified of his master - is bound and determined not to lose a penny of it. So, he just digs a hole and drops it all in.
There it sits: perfectly safe, but also perfectly useless. The master is not pleased.
Fear is something we all struggle with. For many of us, fear finds its focus in financial worries. Worry can become a kind of habit. It's hard to turn off that ugly tune of worry that keeps replaying in our head.
Fear is the enemy of generosity.
Wouldn't we all like to be more generous? Sure we would. Generosity is a virtue universally admired. We'd like to make more of a difference with the money God has entrusted to us. But that pesky fear keeps getting in the way.
Fear blocks us from doing all sorts of things we yearn to do. Come along to worship on Sunday, and we'll talk about how to manage fear.
Pastor Carl
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This Sunday
Sunday, November 16, 2014
Matthew 25:14-30
Dr. Wilton preaching: "THE ENEMY OF GENEROSITY"
9:00 a.m. - Youth Connection
10:00 a.m. Worship
10:00 a.m. - Sunday School begins in Worship
11:00 a.m. - Sandwich Sunday
4:00 p.m. - Webelos, Basement
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Sandwich Sunday
This Sunday. After worship. Come to the CE Annex. Yum.
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Receiving the Sacrament of Baptism this Sunday
Lillian Michaela Pokler
daughter of
Michael and Lydia Pokler
and
Aidan Michael McGuire
son of
Michael and Elizabeth McGuire
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 God
Loves a
Cheerful
Giver
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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 November 16 is the Culos family. Let us be prayerfully aware of Jennifer and Glenn, as well as all our members and friends.
Other prayer concerns: the family of Grace Gravino; Sue Revell; Eric Stone (Sue Hankins' Grandson); Jean Meklin; Nancy Smith; Bill Blauvelt (Jacque Thornton's Brother In Law); Michael Limpantsis; Jim McGuire; Margaret Olsavsky; Kathryn Feldman; Trudy Pedersen; Karen Larsen; all those in the military, as well as those struggling with addictions and mental illness.
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FESTIVAL OF TREES - November 21, 22, 23 The Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey Festival of Trees is a great way to kick-off the Holiday season! The Festival will feature beautifully decorated Christmas trees donated by Ocean County businesses. Attendees may participate in a drawing to win a tree (winner will be announced Sunday, November 23rd.) Also on hand will be vendors, artisans, and crafters. Donation is $5.00, Children under 12 free. Hours of the event: November 21, 4-8pm; Nov. 22, 10am-8pm; Nov. 23, 10am-2pm. The Festival will be at Ocean County Vo-Tech, 1299 Old Freehold Rd., Toms River. All proceeds benefit CVCJ, the non-profit interfaith organization dedicated to helping the frail elderly, and individuals with Alzheimer's of Ocean County remain living with dignity in their own homes. Additional information on the CVCJ Facebook page.
 Donor Needed for Messiah Quartet - In past years, the Chancel Choir and Choral Bells have been beneficiaries of a generous donor who supported their special music. Because of a change in personal circumstances, that donor is no longer able to support these programs, so funds are needed to help pay for the instrumental quartet to accompany the Chancel Choir's presentation of highlights from Handel's Messiah on December 14th. If you can help with all or part of this $950 expense, please contact the church office. Thanks!
SING A NEW CHURCH! - Former Associate Pastor Robin Lostetter has published an article in Unbound - An Interactive Journal of Christian Social Justice. It's about the importance of inclusive language in worship. You can read it online. Robin has recently retired from her pastorate in Bordentown and moved to Pittsburgh, to be near family.
PATHWAYS TO LEADERSHIP - Monmouth Presbytery is offering a new and exciting enrichment program to anyone who wishes to deepen their relationship with Christ and broaden their understanding of the church. Who may participate? Everyone! Individuals from local congregations, Lay Leaders, and Pastoral Leaders who are seeking to broaden their spiritual, biblical and Presbyterian governmental understanding. The first class, on the Old Testament, will meet on Saturday mornings at the Old Tennent Church (just west of Freehold), beginning in January. Check out the online brochure.
SARA ON VIDEO - Check out our own Sara Hoey, playing organ on "Faith Guides," a short video promoting the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s Christmas Joy Offering!
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New Committees to Meet this Tuesday, 7:00-8:00 pm
The Session has recently reorganized the church's committee structure into four committees: the Caring Committee, the Outreach Committee, the Resources Committee and the Worship Committee. They're going to be meeting this Tuesday evening from 7:00-8:00 pm, just before the Session meeting. Here's a description of the new committees and what each one is responsible for. Interested in serving Christ and the church by serving on one of these committees? Just come along this Tuesday at 7:00 pm and join in! (Questions? Please speak to one of the pastors, one of the committee chairs or co-chairs, or to any Session member.)
CARING COMMITTEE - Carol Bonebrake (co-chair), Jacque Thornton (co-chair), Courtney Rzeplinski (staff), Trish Stoffers (staff), Dee D'Amore, Sue Hankins, Diane Legreide, Maria O'Connor, Liz Ploskonka - Sunday School, Youth Connection, Confirmation, Point Beach Prep, Scouts, Adult Education, Fellowship Meals & Events, Congregational Care, Welcoming New Members, Membership Review
OUTREACH COMMITTEE - Elaine Conheeney (chair), Donna Norton (co-chair), Nick Cox, Londa Scarpone, Bill Williams, Terri Williams - Mission Projects, Mission Interpretation, Interfaith Hospitality Network, Volunteer Village, Alternative Worship Service Planning, Stewardship, Greeters, Coffee Hour, Bread Hospitality Ministry, Claremont Services, Inquirers Groups
RESOURCES COMMITTEE - Kevin Conheeney, Randy Crate, Joe DeRosa, Ted Durante, Craig Lambie, Jim McGuire, Doug Petersen - Buildings Management & Improvements, Finance, Budgeting, Personnel, Insurance
WORSHIP COMMITTEE - Ginny Claeys (co-chair), Dan Scarpone (co-chair), Nancy Jalowski, Maryann Leach, Anna Landry, Marilyn Rice, Dan Scarpone, Scott Smith - Regular Worship Services, Special Worship Services, Music, Communion Servers, Worship Leaders, Pew Cleanup/Preparation, Flowers, Paraments, Ushers, Acolytes
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Deacons' Blood Drive
Next Sunday, November 23, 2014
 Give the gift of life. The Deacons have arranged for the Central Jersey Blood Center to have a blood drive on Sunday November 23, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the CE Annex.
We had a good response to our request for people to sign up. The Deacons are happy to be able to continue with the drive. We certainly have room for additional donors.
Donors must present signature ID and must be healthy, 17 years of age or older and weigh at least 120 pounds. To schedule your appointment, see Dee D'Amore. You can also contact call or text Dee at 732-552-9861. Thank you for saving lives.
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Sunday School News
Last week in Sunday School
Bible Verses: Genesis 37:1-36
 Last week, we studied the story of Joseph. We talked about our strength in faith, and the importance of love and forgiveness - especially within our families. We each designed a robe inspired by Joseph's to remind us that even though bad things sometimes happen, we must have faith that it's all part of God's plan. We were reminded that sometimes amazing things can emerge from bad situations.
This week in Sunday School
This week, we will be discussing being thankful. We're going to talk about all the things we're thankful for - even some of the small things we take for granted. Then we're going to talk about people who may not have the same comforts and opportunities we have. Our project this week is creating blankets to donate. With the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday and then Advent,  we, as Christians, need to remind ourselves of the importance of Jesus and his life of giving. I thought this would be a great opportunity for the kids to create something, with their own hands and hearts, and give it to someone who needs some warmth and comfort.Peace and Blessings,
Tricia Stoffers
Sunday School Coordinator |
Point Beach Prep News For the Week
On Veteran's Day, retired Army Specialist Christopher Cook came to our school to talk to the children and show them his medals. The children were able to thank him for his service to our country. We are so grateful to Mr. Cook and all our Veterans.On Thursday, the Pre-K and Nursery classes explored the Element of Line with art educator, Mrs. Karen Norby. The children learned that there are two types of lines, STRAIGHT made by human beings and CURVED, made by nature. The beginning of a line is a dot that we take for a walk. We explored curved lines in nature, (shells, leaves even our own curved  bodies). Children moved their bodies to create both curved and straight lines in a game of "Simon Says." We observed how artist Vincent Van Gogh used curved lines to show movement in his painting "The Starry Night." Our preschool is so thankful for the terrific presentations from both of these Point Pleasant Presbyterian Church members!
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Operation Christmas Child - Shoe Boxes are due THIS SUNDAY (Nov. 16th)!
Since 1993, more than 100 million boys and girls in over 130 countries have experienced God's love through the power of simple shoebox gifts from Operation Christmas Child. Once again the PW will be working with Samaritan's Purse to deliver the gifts and share the life-changing Good News of Jesus Christ.
1. Shoebox
Use an empty shoebox (standard size, please) or a small plastic container. You can wrap the box (lid separately), but wrapping is not required. Most importantly, pray for the child who will receive your gift.
2. Boy or Girl
Determine whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl, and the child's age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14. Print out the appropriate boy/girl label by downloading the artwork to the right. Mark the correct age category on the label, and tape the label to the top of your box.
3. Fill with Gifts
Fill the box with a variety of gifts that will bring delight to a child. Use the gift ideas provided on the bottom of this page. Please include at least one item a child can immediately embrace such as a stuffed toy, doll, ball or toy truck.
4. $7 Donation
Please donate $7 or more for each shoebox you prepare to help cover shipping and other project costs. You can write a check to Samaritan's Purse (note "OCC" on memo line) and place it in an envelope on top of the gift items inside your box. If you or your family are preparing more than one shoebox, please make one combined donation.
5. Drop Off
Place a rubber band around each closed shoebox and drop it off in the North Hall before November 16, 2014. Gift Ideas SCHOOL SUPPLIES: Pens, pencils and sharpeners, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc. TOYS: Small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch A Sketch,® toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky,® etc. HYGIENE ITEMS: Toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, etc. OTHER: T-shirts, socks, ball caps, sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries) A PERSONAL NOTE: You may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. (If you include your name and address, the child may write back.)
DO NOT INCLUDE: Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; out- of-date candy; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snowglobes or glass containers; aerosol cans. Labels are on the table in the Narthex and also can be downloaded at the Samaritan's Purse web page. |
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Valentine House Seeking Donations for their Holiday Store
 For the past four years the Valentine House has given their residents a chance to be part of a special gift buying and giving program for the holiday season. The holiday store is an opportunity for residents to buy gifts for family members of friends.
The residents earn "Valentine Bucks" during the year for maintaining good hygiene, helping other residents, and helping out around Valentine House. By saving the Valentine Bucks during the year, the residents can buy gifts for loved ones at the holiday store.
All the gifts come from donations from local businesses and individuals. It's a great opportunity to re-gift items that are new or items never used. Examples of items for the store are candles, costume jewelry, books, perfume or cologne, clothing items, household items that are unused, games and toys and Christmas decorations.
The staff and volunteers staff the store and help residents pick out gifts and wrap them. There is also a need for gift bags, tags and ribbon. They have plenty of wrapping paper from last year.
(This is different from the Valentine House giving tree we have each year, by which we choose individual Valentine House residents and buy a gift or two they've specifically asked for. The giving tree will be back again this Advent.)
Any items you may have to donate to the holiday store can be drooped off at the Valentine House by December 2 or they can be dropped off in the church office. Diane Legreide will deliver them to the Valentine House.
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Presbyterian Mission in the Congo
 In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Bob and Kristi Rice are helping their Congolese partners give street children a safe and caring place to live. After five to ten months in temporary care, the Ditekemena program seeks to reunite the children with their parents or another relative. While in temporary care, the children eat three nutritious meals a day and receive tutoring to try to make up for the school time lost while they lived on the streets. They also play, pray, worship, and sing. The Rices, like their mission colleagues around the world, are working with global partners to tackle challenging problems in the name of Jesus Christ. They are supported through our congregation's giving to Presbyterian general mission. Thanks for your support! |
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The latest edition of the church calendar is available online, on the church's website. 
Sunday, November 16
9:00 a.m. - Youth Connection
10:00 a.m. Worship/Baptisms/Special Music
10:00 a.m. - Sunday School begins in Worship
11:00 a.m. - Sandwich Sunday
4:00 p.m. - Webelos, Basement
Monday, November 17
10:00 a.m. Covenant Bible Study, Chittick Lounge
6:15 p.m. - Choral Bells, Fellowship Room
Tuesday, November 18
7:00 p.m. - Committee Meetings
8:00 p.m. - Session Meeting
Wednesday, November 19
9:00 a.m. - Women's Breakfast at the Rainbow Diner
5:00 p.m. - Dove Choir, Choir Room
Thursday, November 20
7:30 a.m. - Men's Breakfast, US Subs
4:30 p.m. - Brownie Girl Scouts
7:30 p.m. - Chancel Choir Rehearsal
Friday, November 21
6:30 p.m. Webelos Den, Basement
Saturday, November 22
Sunday, November 23 - Harvest Home
9:00 a.m. - Youth Connection
10:00 a.m. Worship/Chancel Choir
10:00 a.m. - Sunday School begins in Worship
10:30 a.m. - Deacons' Blood Drive
4:00 p.m. - Webelos, Basement
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 Birthday Blessings
Nov 16 Allison Slager
Nov 17 McKenna Millar
Nov 18 Michael Lappke, Patricia Schroeder
Nov 19 Linda Krayl
Nov 20 Matthew Pasola
Nov 21 Heather Bamburak, James McGuire, Amanda Shahady
Nov 22 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
Nov 29 Holly Najdzinowicz
Nov 30 Ronald Panuska, Sandi Shekon
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Upcoming Events - Mark Your Calendar
November 23 - NEW YEAR'S IN NOVEMBER Stewardship Commitment Sunday November 23 - Harvest Home Sunday & the
Deacons' Blood Drive
November 30 - Hanging of the Greens December 6-7 - Craft Fair for Mission (Same great fair-trade items with a new name!)
December 14 - Highlights from Handel's Messiah
December 24 - Christmas Eve (services at 4, 7 & 11)
December 25 - Community Christmas Dinner
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 Rzeplinski, 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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