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Point Pleasant
Presbyterian Church
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Weekly News for
Sunday,
December 21, 2014
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Dear Friends,
I share with you a poem written by Ann Weems, who is an elder in the PC(USA), an author and lecturer. It comes from her book Kneeling in Bethlehem. It spoke to me and perhaps it will to you as well.
The Christmas Spirit
The Christmas spirit is that hope which tenaciously clings to the
Hearts of the faithful and announces in the face of any Herod the
World can produce and all the inn doors slammed in our faces
And all the dark nights of our souls that with God all things still
Are possible, that even now unto us
A Child is born!
This Sunday's sermon is entitled "Seeds of Hope" and is based on the passage from Luke 1:37 - "For nothing will be impossible with God." It is the same passage found in Weems' poem. Come worship with us this Sunday and be filled with the hope of God who makes all things possible!
Peace and Blessings,
Pastor Linda
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This Sunday
Sunday, December 21 - Fourth Sunday of Advent
9:00 a.m. - Youth Connection
10:00 a.m. Worship/Choral Bells
10:00 a.m. - Sunday School begins in Worship
11:00 a.m. - Sandwich Sunday
11:15 a.m. - Christmas Pageant Rehearsal, Sanctuary
4:00 p.m. - Webelos, Basement
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Sandwich Sunday
 This morning the Kitchen Team will be once again offering Sandwich Sunday. This light brunch/lunch is held in the Education Annex. A free-will offering will be received to cover expenses, with anything left over going to Mission. Come and enjoy food and fellowship! |
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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 December 21 is the Durante family. Let us be prayerfully aware of Ted, Kathy, Cameron and Connor, as well as all our members and friends.
Other prayer concerns: The family of Doris Baker; Judy Leonardis; Agnes Skowronek (Bill Hoey's sister); Margie Meklin; Jean Meklin; Bill Blauvelt (Jacque Thornton's Brother In Law); Michael Limpantsis; Jim McGuire; Margaret Olsavsky; Kathryn Feldman; Karen Larsen; all those in the military, as well as those struggling with addictions and mental illness.
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Christmas
Eve
Worship
Schedule
Wednesday, December 24th
4:00 Service for Families with Young Children - The Dove Choir will sing, and kids from the Sunday School will present their Christmas pageant telling the story of Jesus' birth. There are plenty of walk-on roles for the pageant as well - so, even if kids couldn't attend the rehearsals, or if they've just arrived here from out of town, they can pick up a shepherd, angel or sheep costume from one of the Sunday School teachers in the Chittick Lounge, and come forward to Bethlehem when their group is called. Mary Lough will accompany the singing on piano.
7:00 Candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols, with Special Music - We have a wonderful array of musicians offering their talents either as soloists or in small ensembles for this service, that includes the familiar Christmas scripture passages and a chance to both sing and listen to well-loved carols. Dr. Wilton will preach on "CHRISTMAS UNWRAPPED." Soloists include Morgan Sarbello (flute), Chelsea Pula (vocals), Ania Wilton (vocals), Ben Wilton (guitar & vocals) and Jon Yount (vocals). We'll also enjoy the music of Nicole Thoms and Olivia Youngman, two talented vocalists from Point Boro High School. We'll end by holding candles as we all sing "Silent Night" together. Sara Hoey will provide organ accompaniment.
11:00 Candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols, with the Chancel Choir - This service is similar to the 7:00 service, but with the Chancel Choir, under the direction of William R. Shoppell, Jr., presenting a variety of stirring and meaningful Christmas anthems. Dr. Wilton will preach on "CHRISTMAS UNWRAPPED." Sara Hoey will accompany on the organ as we all hold candles and sing "Silent Night" together. Departing the Sanctuary at midnight, we'll truly know Christmas is here!
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CHECK FOR SNOW CANCELLATIONS - In case of snow, please check the main page of the church website or the voice mail message about worship service times (732-899-0587) for the latest information about cancellations of church activities.
CHRISTMAS BULLETIN PREPARATION - Volunteers are needed again this year to come in on Tuesday, 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.
CHURCH ORGANIZATION LEADERS: Information for the Annual Reports is due by Friday, January 9, 2015. One paragraph highlighting events in the past year is sufficient length for most reports. Also, if your organization maintains a separate treasury or bank account, these reports must include a financial reporting. Reports can be emailed directly to Kim Gaydos at mail@pointpresbyterian.org. Call or email the Church office if you would like a digital version of the 2013 report. Reports will be ready for the congregation on Sunday, January 18, 2015.
"NEW YEAR'S IN NOVEMBER" CAMPAIGN UPDATE - The latest "prayerful resolutions" figures from the fall stewardship campaign are 90 households for a total of $204,844. Thanks to all who have submitted an estimate of giving for 2015! It's not too late to submit your estimate of giving: please send a (confidential) email to financial secretary Donna Ferry, donna@pointpresbyterian.org . Thanks!
VALENTINE HOUSE GIVING TREE - Those who have taken envelopes from the Joan Valentine House Giving Tree are asked to please place your wrapped gifts (tagged with the recipient's name) under the Sanctuary Christmas tree no later than Christmas Eve. Gifts will be handed out to residents at our annual Epiphany Party.
CHOIR REHEARSALS - There will be no Choral Bells practice this Monday and the Chancel Choir will take a short break following the Christmas Eve services. All choirs will begin again the week of January 5, 2015. Thank you for your hard work throughout the month of December, especially last Sunday.
AN INQUIRERS GROUP , for those exploring membership in the church, will take place on Sunday, January 4, 2015. A light lunch will be served in the Annex beginning around 11:15 p.m. and will continue until 2:00 p.m. Child care can be made available upon prior request. New members will be received in worship on January 11. Please call the Church Office to sign up, or to find out more!
DECEMBER 28 - Youth Connection will not be meeting on Sunday Dec. 28 due to Winter break. Happy Holidays!
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New Offering Envelopes
 2015 offering envelope boxes may be picked up in the Narthex starting on Christmas Eve. If you cannot find your envelopes, please write your name on the pad provided.
Please use only 2015 envelopes beginning on Sunday, January 4th. (Please note: your assigned envelope number may have changed.)
You can also call the church's Financial Secretary, Donna Ferry, in the church office with any questions.
Checks dated December 31st or earlier will be credited to the 2014 year. Please avoid putting 2014 donations in 2015 envelopes. (If you don't have a 2014 envelope, you can use a generic pew envelope and write "2014 giving" on it.) Thank you!
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 During December, EliSabeth-Verdella Circle is offering two ways to send Christmas greetings to your church family members and contribute towards local mission at the same time. Please place your addressed cards for fellow church members in the box in the narthex. Please donate the money you would otherwise have spent on postage in the adjacent donation box. Circle members will sort the cards alphabetically for pick-up by recipients. Alternatively, you can write a brief Christmas message on the decorated poster board, also in the Narthex, for your Church friends. If you choose this option, the Circle would appreciate a small donation to their mission project. Thanks!
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Volunteers Needed to Serve Christmas Day Dinner
Celebrate Christmas Day through the joy of serving others! Our free Community Christmas Dinner - 12 noon to 2:00 pm in the CE Annex - is for anyone with no place else to go on the big day who would enjoy an old-fashioned holiday feast with congenial company. We need:
Cookie Bakers - 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 21st.
Christmas Morning Volunteers - In addition to serving the meal itself, 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 noon to make local home deliveries; and finally, cleanup beginning at 1:30 p.m.
Donna Wittmann is coordinator of this event. Please call her at 732-965-5637 to find out more. Or, just come. Last-minute, drop-in helpers are most welcome!
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Expanded Handicapped Parking on Sundays
 We've upgraded our handicapped parking! Counting the church lot and the handicapped parking place on Forman Avenue, there are now a total of 6 handicapped parking places available for Sunday mornings. These parking places are posted as follows: 3 in the lot, Sundays only
2 in the lot, 7 days a week
1 on Forman Avenue, 7 days a week
The only one of these 6 parking places enforced by the police department - and therefore subject to ticketing - is the one on the street. Please do exercise consideration for those with mobility problems, however, and keep the handicapped places open for those who most need them. Many thanks!
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Volunteers Needed for Claremont Care Center Worship Service
 On the 4th Sunday of the month our church takes on the responsibility for a worship service at the Claremont Care Center nursing home.
This short service is held at their facility from 2:30 to 3:00pm. We are in need of volunteers to lead a simple worship service. Generally at least two people lead this service. With a scripture reading, a short message/talk (five minutes), a prayer and several hymns, you have made their day! There are song sheets in the church office with the words of familiar hymns.
We are also in need of musicians to play simple hymn accompaniment.
Your ideas and suggestions are welcome. The following dates are open: January 25, February 22, March 22 and April 26.
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SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS
Last week we discussed the theme of Joy. We talked about what makes us  joyful. We had an extended Sunday School due to the Handel musical program in the church, so we got to make 2 crafts! One was a cross ornament made with seashells (because that's what us beach folk do!) and the other was a pasta angel to remind us of the angels singing out praise and joy at the birth of Jesus. We didn't get to paint them last week because the glue was not dry. If your child would like to bring it back this week and paint it, he or she is more than welcome to!
This week is the last Sunday of Advent! This final week, we will be discussing Love in all shapes and forms. Most importantly, we will be talking about God's love for us and how it makes each and every day better for us.
 Important Events
December 21: Rehearsal in the Church Sanctuary from 11:15am - 12:30pm
December 24: Performance at the 4 pm Christmas Eve service - please meet at the Sanctuary at 3 pm
Peace and Blessings,
Tricia Stoffers
Sunday School Coordinator
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Point Beach Prep News For the Week
 Point Beach Prep will be having an Open House January 31st from 10 am - 12 pm. The registration fee will be half price ($50) for anyone who registers at the Open House. Our Pre-K class has limited space available for the remainder of this year and we are accepting registration for the next school year. Our Nursery class is currently full. This is the time to register for next year! Space is limited - if you are interested, please check us out!
Point Beach Prep Preschool makes learning fun, while building self-esteem and a positive attitude toward learning! We promote kindergarten readiness and provide the tools to prepare the children for school and life.
We are open Monday-Friday 8:30am-12pm, with an optional lunch bunch 12pm-1pm. Call us today 732-701-9900 or visit us on the web: www.pointbeachprep.com
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This Week at Point Beach Prep
This week we met Mr. L and his lock. At our project table we made Christmas lights, Christmas cards and magic reindeer food. Our Pre-K friends made Point Beach Prep library cards and were able to check out a book from our library to borrow and take home!
On Thursday, the Point Pleasant Beach Children's Librarian came in to read stories. She read a Frozen book and a book about Opposites to our class. We sang songs and did a snowman poem. She brought her "Magic Envelope", which is always a big hit! We are grateful for her visits!
This Monday we will be having a snowboarding demonstration from Mountain Creek Resort. They will be presenting the Burton Riglet-Snowboarding as Physical Education Program. It will consist of an interactive physical education demo lesson using snowboarding to create an interactive learning experience through play! Mountain Creek's certified snowboard instructors will be guiding the students through four physical activity stations where they will learn the key skills needed in snowboarding. Olympic medalist, Kelly Clark will narrate the program with an onscreen video guide. Upon completion of the lesson, students will have been introduced to the basic movements and sensations of snowboarding, all while having fun in a supportive social environment.
We are looking forward to our Christmas Sing-a-longs Monday and Tuesday at 11:15am. Point Beach Prep families are invited to come into our classroom and sing Christmas carols with our students.
School will be closed December 24-January 2nd. We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
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Interfaith Hospitality Network Guests Arriving January 4
IHN hosting starts next week. January 4-11.
We are still in need of people to help in all areas. Sign-up sheets are in the Narthex for those who can provide help with Meals, Set-up, Evening Fellowship or Overnight Hosting. Please indicate how you can help.
If you have any questions or are willing to volunteer where needed, please call Dorothy Tolley at 732-892-9306 to sign up to help. Thank you.
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St. Gregory's Pantry TOYLAND in the CE Annex!
This past Tuesday and Wednesday, the Christian Education Annex was FILLED with toys of every description, for all ages of kids. There were 1300 children in 250 families on their list to receive gifts. It turned out to be the largest distribution ever and is even more then the numbers on their list.
When the Pantry puts together Christmas food baskets for families in need, they invite the parents to come to the CE Annex and go "shopping" (at no cost to them) for age-appropriate Christmas gifts for their children. Parents started lining up early in the morning on Tuesday, and were given numbers on slips of paper to hold their place in line. Parents waited in the warmth of the Sanctuary for their number to be called, after which they went across the street and selected gifts for their kids, with the help of a St. Gregory's Pantry gift consultant.
 The Pantry leadership has developed this "shopping" method of toy distribution because it both maintains client dignity and allows parents to choose gifts their kids will truly enjoy.
A big THANK YOU to all who responded to our last-minute appeal, both for gifts and for volunteers to help with the distribution. You've helped someone in need have a Merry Christmas!
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The latest edition of the church calendar is available online, on the church's website. 
Sunday, December 21 - Fourth Sunday of Advent
9:00 a.m. - Youth Connection
10:00 a.m. Worship/Choral Bells
10:00 a.m. - Sunday School begins in Worship
11:00 a.m. - Sandwich Sunday
11:15 a.m. - Christmas Pageant Rehearsal, Sanctuary
4:00 p.m. - Webelos, Basement
Monday, December 22
12:00 p.m. - Lunch at the Rainbow Diner, all welcome
Tuesday, December 23
Point Beach Prep Christmas Break Begins
1:00 p.m. - Christmas Bulletin Preparation, Fellowship Room
Wednesday, December 24
4:00 - Service for Families with Young Children
7:00 - Candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols (Soloists)
11:00 - Candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols (Chancel Choir)
Thursday, December 25
12:00 p.m. - Christmas Day Dinner, CE Annex
Office Closed
Friday, December 26
Office Closed
Saturday, December 27
Sunday, December 28
10:00 a.m - Worship/Carol Sing/Noisy Offering
2:30 p.m. - Claremont Care Center Service
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 Birthday Blessings
Dec 21 Corina Collins
Dec 22 Craig Lambie
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 Kenneth King
Dec 30 Magda Giase, Dale Leasure, Thomas Millar, Christopher Shekon
Dec 31
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 COMING SOON
Sunday, December 28, 2014
10:00 a.m. Worship with Carol Sing
Sunday, January 4, 2015
10:00 am Worship with the Lord's Supper
Sunday, January 25, 2015
10:00 am Worship
11:00 am Annual Congregational Meeting
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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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