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Point Pleasant
Presbyterian Church
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Weekly News for
Sunday,
November 23, 2014
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 Dear Friends,
It's the song nearly everybody knows, although few know what it means: "Auld Lang Syne." A poem written by Robert Burns in the Scots dialect, "Auld Lang Syne" is a little hard to translate into English. Literally it means "Old Long Since." It celebrates the "days of old long since," or the days that have passed by. Because of its meaning - and also because the Scots have a multitude of colorful New Year's (or Hogmanay) traditions - it's become associated with the turning of the year.
At New Year's, we like to look back, recapping memorable things that have happened. News reporters make lists of significant milestones of the past year: athletic triumphs, celebrity deaths, scientific discoveries, political and diplomatic achievements.
This Sunday in worship, we're going to celebrate "New Year's in November." It's the last Sunday of the Christian Year (a new year begins the following Sunday, the First Sunday of Advent). We won't be looking back. Instead, we're going to look forward into 2015, as we write down and submit "prayerful resolutions."
Think of it as making a New Year's resolution a month or so in advance. These resolutions have to do with God's call to discipleship, and how we intend to respond.
Specifically, we'll be committing ourselves to support the church in two ways. The first is the familiar "estimate of giving," or financial pledge. The second is a resolution to give of our time: deploying our God-given talents to serve Christ in some specific way, either through the church or in service to some other worthy cause.
You can download a copy of the Prayerful Resolution Card, if you'd like. Copies have been sent out by postal mail. We'll also hand them out this Sunday and next, as a bulletin insert.
As always, we keep the amount of individual giving commitments confidential, limiting that information to our financial secretary, the pastors and the Stewardship committee.
Once all the prayerful resolutions have come in, we'll share the overall results with the congregation. We're sure we'll have something to celebrate!
Please consider carefully and faithfully how you will respond - and do join us in worship this Sunday for a New Year's party, as together we dedicate ourselves anew to serve Jesus Christ in 2015.
We'll even sing a special version of Auld Lang Syne.
Pastor Carl
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This Sunday
Sunday, November 23 - Harvest Home
Matthew 9:35-38
Dr. Wilton preaching: "PLENTIFUL"
9:00 a.m. - Youth Connection
10:00 a.m. Worship/Chancel Choir/Noisy Offering
10:00 a.m. - Sunday School begins in Worship
10:30 a.m. - Deacons' Blood Drive
2:30 p.m. Claremont Care Center
4:00 p.m. - Webelos, Basement
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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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Coffee Hour
 Coffee Hour will be in the CE Annex this Sunday ( not in the Chittick Lounge). We would love for you to join us for coffee and fellowship following the service.
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Deacons' Blood Drive
This Sunday, November 23, 2014
Give the gift of life.
The Deacons have arranged for the Central Jersey Blood Center to have a blood drive this Sunday, November 23, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the CE Annex. Thank you to everyone who has signed up. We 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. If you have any questions, please contact Dee D'Amore at 732-552-9861. Thank you for saving lives.
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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.
Once again, thank you to Celishia Scarpone for the creative display of harvest abundance on the Communion table.
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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 23 is the Jinks family. Let us be prayerfully aware of Bill, Eileen, Betsy, Meggie, as well as all our members and friends.
Other prayer concerns: the family of Paul Criscola; Agnes Skowronek (Bill Hoey's sister); 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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OFFICE HOURS FOR THANKSGIVING WEEK - The Church Office will be closed on November 27 and 28th for Thanksgiving. All bulletin materials and announcements for next Sunday must be received in the office by Tuesday, November 26.
DONOR(S) NEEDED! It gives the Chancel Choir much joy to bring the worship service to the congregation in music on December 14th. The words of the prophet Isaiah come to life as the Chancel Choir sings the Christmas portion of Handel's Messiah. Our own William R. Shoppell, Jr. will conduct the choir and soloists accompanied by organist Sara Hoey and a string quartet of professional musicians. In order to keep the music line of the church budget down, there is not money enough set aside to pay these fine musicians. We are seeking donors to help defray this expense of $900. If you are able to make a donation of any size, please contact the church office. Any amount is greatly appreciated.
ATTENTION COOKIE BAKERS - Christmas cookies are once again needed for dessert at our annual Christmas Day 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.
WOW! GREAT YEAR FOR THE OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD SHOE BOXES! - Thank you to everyone who prepared a shoe box for Operation Christmas Child. We had 86 boxes delivered, which is almost double from last year. Thank you to Ginny Claeys and Carol Bonebrake for delivering them to the drop-off location!
PASTOR'S VACATION - Dr. Wilton will be on vacation from Tuesday, November 25 through Saturday, November 29. In case of pastoral emergency, please phone the Rev. Linda Chase at 732-232-5007.
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New Treasurer
 Our new Church Treasurer is Jessica Pazienza.
Jess grew up as a member of Point Pleasant Presbyterian and during her high-school years served as a member of the Board of Deacons. She has a Bachelor's degree in accounting from Stockton State and an MBA from Monmouth University.
Jess works in commercial lending at Investors Bank in Spring Lake Heights.
We're very grateful to Jess for stepping up to take on this vital volunteer role, using her God-given talents in service to Christ and his church.
Special thanks, too, to Maria O'Connor, Assistant Church Treasurer, who put in extra time to get us through the transitional period. Thanks, also, to Financial Secretary Donna Ferry, who went above and beyond her usual diligence and expertise in day-to-day financial management. |
 At its meeting on November 18, the Session:
1. Celebrated the reception of Dale and Susan Leasure and Donna Sellmann as church members, and learned that Brittany and Gerald Almazen (who weren't able to attend worship that day because of the birth of their daughter, Aubrey, will be welcomed at the earliest opportunity.
2. Noted with sadness, but also with faith in new life in Christ, the deaths of Elizabeth Bell and Grace Gravino.
3. Learned that plans are under way for the Confirmation Class, which will begin meeting in late February.
4. Heard another very positive report about Point Beach Prep, which is at nearly full enrollment.
5. Discussed ways to recognize the work of the many wonderful people who have continued to make the Volunteer Village such a valued mission outreach.
6. Heard a report on new flooring that was installed in a bathroom in the Manse, on plans to replace the sign outside the CE Annex, and on the work of Paul Steinert and Randy Crate to update and maintain lighting fixtures. Approved carpet cleaning for the Narthex and Chittick Lounge.
7. Learned that church member Patrick Cox, as his Eagle Scout service project for Troop 6, is planning and raising funds for renovations and redecorating in the church office.
8. Approved Jessica Pazienza as Church Treasurer.
9. Designated an additional 3 spaces in the church lot as handicapped, for Sundays only. These spaces will be posted with handicapped signs, but will not be enforced by the police (as they are on private property). This allows those who may be convalescing but who don't have a State-issued handicapped placard to make use of them. This will bring the total number of Sunday-morning handicapped spaces to 6 (including the one on Forman Avenue that does require a State handicapped placard or license plate).
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Nursery Attendant Needed
 The Church is looking to hire an additional nursery attendant on Sunday mornings from 9:45 to 11:15 am. For safety purposes, we must have at least two adults working in the Nursery at all times.
This is a paid position at $10 per hour. The successful applicant must consent to a criminal background check, for child-protection purposes.
This is a very special ministry that is a blessing to children, parents and those who serve. If you are interested, please call the Church office.
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Hanging of the Greens
November 30
 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. Activities are being planned for the children, while the adults help out.
Courtney Rzeplinski (732-552-6737) is coordinating this event. Please call or text her and let her know if you can help.
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CALLING ALL CHRISTMAS CHILDREN
Ages 4-18!
 We're seeking performers for the pageant that's part of the kids-and-family-oriented 4:00 pm Christmas Eve service. Several small speaking roles are available for those who register by December 7 and attend our rehearsals.
REHEARSAL SCHEDULE
December 7:
Registration and short meeting with participants and parents at 11:15 downstairs in the Annex. (This will take place after Sunday School). Those who cannot make the meeting and registration, please email Tricia Stoffers or call the church office.
December 14: Rehearsal in the Annex from 11:15-12:30.
December 21: Rehearsal in the Church Sanctuary from 11:15-12:30
December 24: Meet at Sanctuary at 3 p.m. for the service that begins at 4 p.m.
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GREETINGS FROM POINT PLEASANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH'S WOMEN
The members of the Presbyterian Women (PW) of Point Pleasant Presbyterian Church warmly welcome all women to our church family! All women who attend our church are already members of Presbyterian Women. Choosing to join a circle truly enhances your spiritual involvement in our church. We have promised as a congregation to "love, encourage and support you and to share the good news of the gospels with you."
One of the best ways to begin your journey to inquiry in the church is exploring the five PW circles. Our circles are symbolic of the intertwining never ending love and faith we have in each other and in our church. Our circles pursue Bible studies, support both local and worldwide mission, and work towards peace and justice.
Members are extremely supportive of each other, sharing their joys and concerns; providing a strong network of compassion and building meaningful lasting friendships. We are fun loving, versatile and diverse. Circles have monthly meetings during the church calendar year of weekday afternoons or evenings. They are held in the Chittick Lounge or members' homes. If you are considering circle membership, or would like to attend a meeting, please contact one of the membership coordinators, Nancy Cook (732-295-1612) or Karen Norby 9732-295-8174). If you prefer, write your name, telephone number, and "PW Membership" on a pew card and place it in the offering plate. Come join us!!
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Point Beach Prep News For the Week
 This week we had a Yoga Instructor come in to teach Yoga to our students! We learned Mountain, Tree, and Child Pose. We also slithered like snakes and roared like lions. It was a wonderful activity for a cold day!We enjoyed a visit from the Point Pleasant Beach Children's Librarian on Wednesday. She read Thanksgiving stories, sang songs, and used her Magic Envelope to make a pumpkin pie! The children also took turns putting colorful felt feathers on the turkey on our felt board.
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Craft Fair for Mission Coming Soon
December 6 and 7
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 6th, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday, December 7th from 11 a.m. to 2 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
The Womens' Bean Project
Ten Thousand Villages .
Tibetan Women's Football (Soccer) Team
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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Presbyterians Respond to the Syrian Refugee Crisis
Presbyterians have long had close ties with Christians in Syria. The violence there has strained those churches beyond imagining. In some towns now occupied by ISIS, the entire Christian community has had to flee for their lives with little more than the clothes on their backs. They are now living in refugee camps. facing an uncertain future.
This moving, 5-minute video from the Presbyterian Foundation takes you into some of those camps and lets you hear from Syrian Presbyterian pastors about the challenges they're facing as they minister to their suffering people:
 | | Syria Relief Work |
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New Jersey Chamber Singers
Winter Program
New Jersey Chamber Singers is proud to present a winter program entitled "A Spotless Rose." This concert will transport audiences into a magical winter landscape through a concert experience that heightens the senses, soothes the spirit and awakens the imagination. In addition to traditional carols, the program will feature Morten Lauridsen's Les Chansons des Roses.
Concert dates are as follows:
Saturday, Dec. 6, 2014, 8 p.m. - Christ Episcopal Church, 415 Washington Street, Toms River, N.J.Click here for tickets.
Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, 4 p.m. - United Methodist Church, 247 Broad Street, Red Bank, N.J. Click here for tickets.
Friday, Dec. 12, 2014, 8 p.m. - Laurita Winery, 85 Archertown Road, New Egypt, N.J. Click here for more information and tickets.
Want to hear a sample of the Chamber Singers' music? Click on the image below:
 | | The New Jersey Chamber Singers (NJCS) Performs Hear My Prayer |
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The latest edition of the church calendar is available online, on the church's website. 
Sunday, November 23 - Harvest Home
9:00 a.m. - Youth Connection
10:00 a.m. Worship/Chancel Choir/Noisy Offering
10:00 a.m. - Sunday School begins in Worship
10:30 a.m. - Deacons' Blood Drive
2:30 p.m. Claremont Care Center
4:00 p.m. - Webelos, Basement
Monday, November 24
9:00 a.m. - PW Coordinating Team
12:00 p.m. - Lunch at Rainbow Diner - Open to all
6:15 p.m. - Choral Bells, Fellowship Room
Tuesday, November 25
9:00 a.m. - Busy Hands
5:30 p.m. - Tigers
6:30 p.m. - Wolf and Bear Den
7:00 p.m. - Daisy Troop Parents Meeting, Chittick Lounge
Wednesday, November 26
9:00 a.m. - Women's Breakfast at the Rainbow Diner
No Dove Choir this Week
Thursday, November 27
Friday, November 28
Office Closed
6:30 p.m. Webelos Den, Basement
Saturday, November 29
Sunday, November 30
9:00 a.m. - Youth Connection
10:00 a.m. Worship/Special Music
10:00 a.m. - Sunday School begins in Worship
11:00 a.m. - Hanging of the Greens
4:00 p.m. - Webelos, Basement
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 Birthday Blessings
Nov 21 Heather Bamburak, James McGuire, Amanda Shahady
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
Nov 29 Holly Najdzinowicz
Nov 30 Ronald Panuska, Sandi Shekon
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Upcoming Events - Mark Your Calendar
November 30 - Hanging of the Greens December 3 - PW Christmas Program 7:00 p.m.
December 6-7 - Craft Fair for Mission
December 14 - Highlights from Handel's Messiah
December 16 - St. Gregory's Toyland Christmas Distribution, CE Annex
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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