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Point Pleasant
Presbyterian Church
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Weekly News for
Sunday,
January 18, 2015
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 | I rejoiced with those who said to me "Let us go to the house of the Lord"
Psalm 122:1 |
Dear Friends,
January certainly has been a cold month temperature wise. Although we have not had much snow, we did get an all-day rain this past Monday which made for a gloomy, soaking wet day. It makes one want to just stay put at
home.
However, instead of burrowing in, I feel much better and enjoy life more if I get out and about, in spite of the rain and the cold. Take last Sunday for example. It was bone chilling cold temperature wise. Yet we had the most joyous service of worship in the church when we baptized 3 adorable babies and received 6 adults into our membership. The church was packed and the Spirit was flowing crazy wild. Cold temperatures and gray skies certainly did not dampen the day.
I find that is often the way in life, especially in the life of a church. When we gather together there is a sense of being part of something that matters - the worship of God. We are reminded that we matter and that the God we worship sent God's own son to show just how much we are loved by God. How can cold weather and rain dampen that Spirit?
Each Sunday as we gather to worship, we never know just what will happen. God is full of surprises and the Spirit blows where it will. One thing is for certain. With God in charge, life in a faith community is never dull. So throw off those covers, put on another layer if it's cold and grab an umbrella if it's raining. Join us for worship at 10 am and who knows what will happen. You won't be sorry you came.
Blessings,
Pastor Linda
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This Sunday
Sunday, January 18 - Second Sunday of Ordinary Time
John 1:43-51
The Rev. Linda Chase preaching: "HOW WELL DO WE LISTEN?"
9:00 a.m. - Youth Connection
10:00 a.m. - Sunday School Begins in Worship
10:00 a.m - Worship/Chancel Choir/Blanket Sunday
11:00 a.m. - Sandwich Sunday
4:00 p.m. - Webelos
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Sandwich Sunday
 Following the service this Sunday, the Kitchen Team will be once again be offering Sandwiches in the Education Annex. A free-will offering will be received to cover expenses, with anything left over going to Mission.
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Blanket Sunday
This Sunday January 18 we will be collecting for Church World Service Blankets+. Contributions to CWS Blankets mean Church World Service will be ready to help families around the world recover from disasters and displacement, and build viable, sustainable lives and communities.
CWS helps to provide primary health care for displaced and other families in need. In such far-flung places as Sudan, Pakistan and Nicaragua, CWS gives comfort and care to moms and babies, and helps children get the nutrition they need to grow up strong and healthy
And here in the U.S., CWS Blankets provide comfort in many communities
hit by disaster, and in shelters or agencies assisting those experiencing hard times.
- $50 can provide five warm blankets for a family left homeless by a tornado or other disaster.
- $110 can provide an emergency food package for a family of five for one month.
- $200 can provide 20 mosquito nets to help keep families safe from the bite of mosquitos and the illnesses they bring.
- $1,000 can equip a village well with a pump and provide hygiene training.
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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 January 18 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: Jacob Balko; Jean Campbell; Edward DeMartino; Cindy Dunphy; Mary McSweeney; Nancy Smith; Bettie Wagner.
Long term concerns: Michelle Avary and Chris Loeffler (family of Andrea Purtell); Bill Blauvelt (Jacque Thornton's brother in law); Kathryn Feldman (Bill Shoppell's sister); Nicholas Hudnut; Fred Johnson; Karen Larsen; Agnes Skowronek (Bill Hoey's sister); those struggling with addictions and mental illness.
Military: Michael Limpantsis; all those in the military.
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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.
FLOWER CHART - A new flower chart is posted outside the church office. Please consider signing up for fresh flowers to mark a special occasion or "just because." The flower prices for 2015 remain the same, $20 per vase or $25 for a bowl of flowers. A blue order form next to the chart can be filled out and sent into the office along with your payment. Future events such as Anniversaries and Birthdays can be reserved on the flower chart and payment can be submitted closer to the date. Flowers are God's gift to us all!
2015 CHURCH DIRECTORIES ARE NOW AVAILABLE - Copies are available in the Narthex or office. Please call/email the church office if you would like a pdf version emailed to you. In addition, please remember to call the office when you will be away for the winter or have updated information.
AMERICAN GUILD OF ORGANISTS (AGO) OCEAN COUNTY CHAPTER -Will be presenting Sacred Choral and Organ Music on January 25, 2015 at 4:00 p.m. This choir festival will take place at Christ Episcopal Church, Washington Street in Toms River. A free will offering will be accepted.
2014 YEAR END GIVING STATEMENTS - Have been either emailed or mailed out this past Friday. If you do not receive yours in the next few days or have any questions, please contact Donna Ferry. Donna is usually available in the office on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
OFFERING ENVELOPES - Are still located in the Narthex. Please try to save the church money by picking up your envelopes by the end of the month. Thank you!
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 The Annual General Meeting of the Congregation and Corporation of the Point Pleasant Presbyterian Church will take place on Sunday, January 25 at 11:00 a.m.
Business to be conducted includes establishing the Pastor's terms of call, nomination and election of persons to serve on Session, the Board of Deacons and the Standing Nominating Committee. There will also be a review of the church's financial reports. The meeting will also deal with any constitutionally appropriate business brought forth by members of the congregation from the floor.
It is very important that all members of the congregation be present. Your voice and vote matter. The decisions made at this meeting affect all of us.
An extended program for Church School children will be available in the Education Annex, so parents may attend the Annual Meeting.
The 2014 Annual Report is now ready for your review Copies can be picked up in the Narthex. Please take a copy home this Sunday to review before the Congregational Meeting.
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Behold, children are a gift of the Lord. Psalm 127:3
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From last Sunday, January 11, 2015, Baptism of the Lord Sunday. From left to right Olivia Shapiro, Charlie Rice and Aubrey Almazan. Photo credit to Becky Muraglia. |
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Retreats at Camp Johnsonburg
Winter Family Camp
January 23-25, 2015
Enjoy family time in the snowy (hopefully) woods! Stay in Johnsonburg's comfortable lodges, play in the snow or laugh over games and puzzles in the toasty community areas.
We'll start with mixers and vespers Friday evening in the Dining Hall,followed by hot chocolate and snacks by the fire. Start Saturday with a tasty, homemade breakfast and adult conversation and children/youth Bible Study. There is still room! "The Stories That Shape Us" Women's Retreat April 17-19, 2015 Speaker/Worship Leader: Pastor, Seffner Presbyterian Church Cost $125.00 per person (New this year! Option to arrive early Friday and enjoy the retreat center.) Join women of all ages from around New Jersey for a weekend of reflection, rejuvenation and recreation at Johnsonburg. Large group sessions, small group discussion, options for relaxation or recreation on Saturday afternoon, tasty made-from-scratch meals and engaging worship will make for a memorable weekend. Fee includes program, adventure options on site, lodging with linens, and tasty made from scratch meals. Massage therapist available (separate fee). Visit their website online http://www.campjburg.org/ |
Did You Miss New Year's in November?
No, you didn't! Even though we received New Year's giving resolutions (estimates of giving for 2015) back in November, if that somehow slipped your mind, we'd still be very glad to hear your best estimate of how you will be able to support the work of Christ through Point Pleasant Presbyterian in the coming year.
The easiest way to submit your estimate of giving is to send a (confidential) email to financial secretary Donna Ferry,
donna@pointpresbyterian.org .
CAMPAIGN UPDATE - The latest "prayerful resolutions" figures from the Fall stewardship campaign are 94 households for a total of $221,704. Thanks to all who have submitted an estimate of giving for 2015!
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Sunday Sunday Recap
 Last week: Bible Verse: Luke 2:39-52Last week, we discussed the time when Jesus went to the temple at 12 years old. We talked about our calling, and how sometimes we just know things,with God. We had such a huge group, it was so wonderful to see everyone!
This week: Bible Verse: Luke 3:1-18, Mark 1:1-11This week is all about baptisms. At this point in the year, the children have been introduced to the concept of baptism through the discussions Pastor Linda and Pastor Carl have talked about in Children's Sermons on baptism Sundays (we don't get to see the actual baptism as we are already in Sunday School when it is performed). Some kids have even been lucky enough to attend the baptism of a sibling or other family member. This week, we are going to talk about what baptisms are all about and we will discuss the most important baptism- that of Jesus by John the Baptist.
See you on Sunday! Peace and Blessings Tricia Stoffers
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Covenant Bible Study to Begin Again
The Covenant Bible Study second unit, "Living the Covenant," will begin again on the week of January 26.
It is not required to have taken the first class in order to join this class. All are welcome. There will once again be two separate groups, meeting weekly: Mondays, 10:00-11:30 am, led by Rev. Linda Chase
Wednesdays at 7:00-8:30 pm, led by Rev. Dr. Carl Wilton
If attending, please read Lesson 9 before coming to class on Monday, January 26.
Books are available in the office for $20. Did you get a new tablet for Christmas? The best rate of all is available to iPad users. Search for "Covenant Bible Study" is also available from the iTunes Store, for $9.99 - half the price of the printed version. Don't miss the sign up sheets in the Narthex |
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News from Point Beach Prep
This week we did a cool experiment.
First we began our discussion by observing each friend in our class to see what was different about our features. We saw blonde hair, brown hair, blue eyes, green eyes, brown eyes, short friends, tall friends, etc.
Then we looked at 2 eggs that were very different on the outside. We asked the children to guess what the inside of the eggs would look like. Would they be different or the same? After seeing what the inside of the eggs looked like we determined they looked the same. We discussed how although we all look very different on the outside we were all the same on the inside... we all have feelings and want to be treated equally and with respect.
"I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." Martin Luther King, Jr.
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The latest edition of the church calendar is available online, on the church's website. 
Sunday, January 18
9:00 a.m. - Youth Connection
10:00 a.m. - Sunday School Begins in Worship
10:00 a.m - Worship/Chancel Choir/Blanket Sunday
11:00 a.m. - Sandwich Sunday
4:00 p.m. - Webelos
Monday, January 19
Point Beach Prep Closed for MLK
6:15 p.m. - Choral Bells
Tuesday, January 20
10:00 a.m. Busy Hands, Fellowship Room
Wednesday, January 21
9:00 a.m. - Women's Breakfast at the Rainbow Diner
5:00 p.m. - Dove Choir, Choir Room
7:30 p.m. - Troop 6 with Pinewood Derby in CE Annex
Thursday, January 22
7:30 a.m. - Men's Breakfast at US Subs
4:30 p.m. - Brownie Girl Scouts
7:30 p.m. - Chancel Choir Rehearsal
Friday, January 23
6:30 p.m. - Webelos Den
Saturday, January 24
Boy Scout Pine Wood Derby, CE Annex
10:00 a.m. - Troop 6 Communications Merit Badge, CE Classroom
Sunday, January 25
9:00 a.m. - Youth Connection
10:00 a.m. - Extended Sunday School Begins in Worship
10:00 a.m - Worship/Chancel Choir/Noisy Offering
11:00 a.m. - Meeting of the Congregation Point Pleasant Presbyterian Church
2:30 p.m. - Claremont Care Center
4:00 p.m. - Webelos
4:00 p.m. - AGO, Christ Episcopal Church, Toms River
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 Birthday Blessings
Jan 18 Patricia Hewitt
Jan 19 Ann Lappke
Jan 20 Lauren Braaten, Mary Beth Schroeder
Jan 21
Jan 22 Michele Cleveland, Donald May, Trevor Sellman, Londa Scarpone, Joan Vitale
Jan 23
Jan 24
Jan 25 Jason Braaten, Christopher Muraglia
Jan 26
Jan 27 Samantha Trainor
Jan 28 Jordan Cooper, Connor Durante
Jan 29 Blake Birdsong, Jaime Williams
Jan 30 Michael Fanizzo, Ronald Krayl
Jan 31 Vincent DeMartino, Donna Ferry, Maria Tirpak
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Sunday, January 25, 2015
10:00 am Worship
11:00 am Annual Congregational Meeting
4:00 pm American Guild of Organists Concert, Christ Episcopal Church, Toms River
Saturday, January 31, 2015
10:00 am - 12:00 pm Point Beach Prep Open House
Friday, February 20, 2015
Frozen Family Fun Event, CE Annex
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
6:00 pm - Ash Wednesday Soup Supper, followed by Communion Service
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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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