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Point Pleasant
Presbyterian Church
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Weekly News for
Sunday,
November 30, 2014
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Dear Friends,
A few years back I was introduced to "Elf on a Shelf" which is a stuffed toy that is used to keep children in line. Elf's job is to sit up high somewhere in the house. He sits on a shelf, bookcase or mantle where he can look down on the members of the household, especially the children. Elf also moves around never in the same place so children have to look for Elf each day. It is Elf's responsibility to report back to Santa the behavior of the children so that Santa knows w
hether to put the children on the naughty or nice list for Christmas presents. It reminds me a little bit of big brother is watching you. Elf on the Shelf has been a huge commercial success.
The concept behind Elf on a Shelf is based on behavior modification with the goal of "controlling" children's behavior especially at this time of year when life gets crazy as we move closer and closer to Christmas Day.
 I wonder what would happen if we Christians came up with our own "Elf on the Shelf" but instead of an elf, we would use Jesus. We could take a figure of Jesus from any manger scene and move him from place to place but not with the idea of Jesus is watching you to report your behavior to God. Instead it would be a way of teaching that Jesus is always with us; that Jesus can be found in the most surprising places when we have our eyes opened looking for him. This "Jesus in a Manger" would be a reminder to children to be loving and kind toward one another. Perhaps each day when a child "found" Jesus, she/he could be encouraged to do or say something nice for someone else. It would provide a teaching moment every day during Advent about what this season is really about.
The goal is not to reap the bounty of what Santa has to give. It is to reap the bounty of what God has to give: free unending love and grace with no strings attached.
See you in church this Sunday as we being our Advent journey together.
Peace and Blessings,
Pastor Linda
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This Sunday
Sunday, November 30 - First Sunday of Advent
The Rev. Linda Chase preaching: "ADVENT TIME: NOW"
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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Coffee Hour
 Coffee Hour will be in the Chittick Lounge. We would love for you to join us for coffee and fellowship following the service.
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Join Us For The
Following the service this 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. All the decorations are down from the attic and now just need to be set up around the church.
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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"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 30 is the Cutting family. Let us be prayerfully aware of John and Jackie, as well as all our members and friends.
Other prayer concerns: Michelle Avary (Andrea Purtell's sister); Christian Loeffler (Andrea Purtell's father); 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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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.
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.
A REQUEST FROM THE DEACONS - The Board of Deacons is ever grateful for our congregation's 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 on Communion Sunday (Dec. 7) so that we may fill all these requests. Thank you.
 STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN - Thank you to everyone who has submitted estimates of giving through our New Year's In November (NYIN) stewardship campaign. To date, 63 cards have been received. If you have not yet had an opportunity to submit your card, please use the insert in the bulletin this Sunday or the NYIN card found online. Cards can be placed in the offering plate or can be mailed into the office. These cards and pledges are now needed for us to plan for our 2015 operating budget which will be presented in January.
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 14-15 - Toyland Setup in CE Annex
December 16 - Distribution with December 17 - Deliveries and Clean up
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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. |
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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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Christmas Poinsettias Now Being Taken
 Poinsettias are $15 each, and payment must be included with the 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 14, 2014. Thank You!
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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 ask 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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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 this Sunday; 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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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
 On Wednesday, our Point Beach Prep students performed in a terrific Thanksgiving Show! The Nursery class made and wore Native American hats. They sang Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, The More We Get Together, Grey Squirrel, Two Little Blackbirds, and The Color Farm. The Pre-K class wore Pilgrim hats, made by Church members Tisha Cox, Sue Hankins and Marilyn Rice. The children sang Thanks a Lot, Mr. Sun, He's Got the Whole World in His Hands, recited a turkey poem, and sang Peanut Butter and Jelly (what the turkey wants us to eat for Thanksgiving!) All were welcome to see the show, including parents, grandparents and siblings. It was a wonderful way to kick off the holiday! We feel thankful and blessed.
On behalf of Point Beach Prep, I would like to wish a safe, healthy, and happy Thanksgiving to all!
Devlin House
Director
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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 handbags. 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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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 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
Monday, December 1
6:15 p.m. - Choral Bells, Fellowship Room
7:00 p.m. - Deacons Meeting, Chittick Lounge
Tuesday, December 2
9:30 a.m. - Busy Hands
Wednesday, December 3
9:00 a.m. - Women's Breakfast at the Rainbow Diner
5:00 p.m. - Dove Choir Rehearsal, Choir Room
7:00 p.m. - PW Christmas Program
Thursday, December 4
4:30 p.m. - Girl Scouts, Fellowship
7:30 p.m. - Chancel Choir Rehearsal
Friday, December 5
3:00 p.m. - Craft Fair for Mission Setup
6:30 p.m. Webelos Den, Basement
Saturday, December 6
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Craft Fair for Mission
Sunday, December 7
9:00 a.m. - Youth Connection
10:00 a.m. Worship/Communion/Dove and Chancel Choir
10:00 a.m. - Sunday School begins in Worship
11:00 a.m. - Communion Brunch
11:00 - 2:00 p.m. - Craft Fair For Mission
11:15 a.m. - Christmas Pageant Parents Meeting, CE Annex downstairs
4:00 p.m. - Webelos, Basement
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 Birthday Blessings
Nov 30 Ronald Panuska, Sandi Shekon
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 Patricia Januszeski, Kenneth King
Dec 30 Magda Giase, Thomas Millar, Christopher Shekon
Dec 31
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Upcoming Events - Mark Your Calendar
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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