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Point Pleasant
Presbyterian Church
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Weekly News for
Sunday,
February 15, 2015
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Long-range weather forecasts call for some snow on Saturday night, into Sunday. We plan to gather for worship, but it's possible some Sunday events may be cancelled. Please check the church website for the latest news on cancellations.
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 Dear Friends, "And [Jesus] was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them." (Mark 9:2b).
It was a powerful and moving spiritual experience for Peter, James and John as they accompanied Jesus to the mountaintop. Suddenly they saw him as he really is: son of God, second person of the Trinity, dazzling in his glory.
That's what it means to see Jesus as he really is. But what about other people? What does it mean to see them as they really are, as God created them to be? Do you suppose they, too, would glow like the sun?
More important, how would such a vision affect our relationships? If we could truly see those dearest to us as God sees them, would we treat them differently - and they us?
On this Valentine's Day weekend, we'll think together about what it means to see one another as we really are, and how such an insight can bless our lives and the lives of others!
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This Sunday
Sunday, February 15 - Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Mark 9:2-9
The Rev. Dr. Carl Wilton preaching: "SEEING ONE ANOTHER AS WE TRULY ARE"
9:00 a.m. - Youth Connection
10:00 a.m. - Sunday School Begins in Worship
10:00 a.m - Worship/Choral Bells
11:00 a.m. - Sandwich Sunday
4:00 p.m. - Webelos
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Sandwich Sunday
Do you like to go out to eat after church? Well, why not come over to the Annex this Sunday for Sandwich Sunday?
Rich Bavier and the Kitchen Team  create a splendid spread of scrumptious delights each Sandwich Sunday, including Pork Roll, Egg and Cheese sandwiches (Taylor Ham for those from North Jersey). There will also be tomato soup and quesadillas. Come enjoy the company of friends and family.
A free-will offering will be received to cover expenses, with anything left over going to Mission.
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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 Person for the week of February 15 is Magda Giase. Let us be prayerfully aware of Magda, as well as all our members and friends.
Prayer concerns: C.J. Castronuova; Jean Collins; Judith Leonardis; Karyn Smykowski; Ron Kiss; Cherisse Petruzzi; Kathryn Feldman (Bill Shoppell's sister); Linda Bissey Small (Bob and Jessie's niece); Edward DeMartino; Cindy Dunphy; Mary McSweeney.
Long term concerns: Michelle Avary and Chris Loeffler (family of Andrea Purtell); Bill Blauvelt (Jacque Thornton's brother in law); Nicholas Hudnut; Fred Johnson; Karen Larsen; 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 voicemail message about worship service times (732-899-0587) for the latest information about cancellations of church activities.
 CONFIRMATION CLASS - Our organizational meeting for the C onfirmation Class is next Sunday, February 22, after worship. Parents and youth alike are encouraged to attend this first meeting. Please call the church office NOW if you plan to attend - or even if you want to find out more about Confirmation - because we need to reserve our slots for the Camp Johnsonburg Confirmation Retreat, March 6-8. Confirmation is for young people, grade 7 or above. The Class will meet on 8 different Sunday evenings from 5:00-6:00 pm, with Pastor Wilton and Dale Leasure as leaders. Confirmation class participants will be welcomed into membership on the Day of Pentecost, May 24th.
ST. GREGORY'S PANTRY - Just a reminder that donations are always appreciated for the Pantry. They can be brought into the church at any time.  HANDBELL FESTIVAL - The Choral Bells, along with other handbell choirs from the area, will once again be ringing at the 16th Annual Handbell Festival. The festival will take place on Sunday, February 22 at the Presbyterian Church of Toms River at 6:30 p.m. (doors open at 5:45 p.m). NO TICKETS are needed for this concert - just come! Free admission, free-will offering. This Sunday, you can hear a preview of some of the selections the Choral Bells will be playing at the festival. Please come out and support your Choral Bells.  INQUIRERS GROUP, EXPLORING CHURCH MEMBERSHIP - An Inquirers Group, for those exploring membership in the church, will take place on Sunday, March 1, 2015. The meeting will start at 11:30 a.m. (just after the Communion Brunch) and will continue until 2:30 p.m. Child care can be made available upon prior request. New members will be received in worship on March 8. Please call the Church Office to sign up, or to find out more! |
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PPPC Women's Retreat - Celebrate the Gifts of Women
 Calling all women of the church to save this date --- March 21st ---- to CELEBRATE THE GIFTS OF WOMEN! Come and lift up the bond between young and old, strangers and friends of all colors and creeds in God's household.
Some of the most beautiful and memorable words in the Bible are spoken by women to women, and passed from generation to generation. When the words and actions of our best selves are passed on, devotion and love bloom! We're grateful to the Brick Presbyterian Church for allowing us to use their new fellowship hall for the retreat, which will take place on March 21st from 8:30 - 3:00. Come for a day of relaxation, exaltation and celebration of the gifts we share! |
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Lenten Countdown
Lent is a forty-days countdown from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday, the day before Easter. Because Sundays celebrate Jesus' resurrection, they are not included in the forty days. In the Bible, the number forty appears in the story of the flood, in Israel's wandering in the wilderness and in the life of Jesus.
After his baptism, Jesus was "in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil." During those forty days Jesus resisted every temptation of the devil. When those forty days and all the days of his earthly ministry were complete, Jesus carried our sins to the cross.
During the forty days of Lent, we remember our need for a Savior, repent of our sins and receive the forgiveness won for us at the cross. |
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Ash Wednesday February 18
 This Wednesday, we invite you to begin your Lenten journey by joining with others from the church for the annual Ash Wednesday Soup Supper and Service.
Both the Chancel Choir and the Dove Choir will sing.
We will gather on Wednesday, February 18 in the CE Annex with a soup supper at 6:00 p.m. - this year, featuring a short film and discussion around the tables.
Please plan to bring a pot of soup (we have enough bread, thank you). If needed, runners will bring your soup upstairs to the annex before you park. Sign-up sheets for soup donations are located by the Soup Pot in the Narthex; or send an e-mail to Kim in the church office. Please join us as we enter the 40 days of Lent together. Activities for the children are being planned. Come together as a family, or by yourself; bring your friends! |
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From our Friends at St. Mary's
Is that Bourbon Street or Farnsworth Hall?
Masks, Beads, Balloons, and More...
Celebrate Mardi Gras and Indulge at the
SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE SUPPER
Pancakes in every flavor, shape and size!
Tuesday, February 17th, 5:00 to 7:00 P.M.
At St. Mary's By-the-Sea Episcopal Church
Adults - $5.00 Children 5 to 12 - $3.00
Children under 5 - FREE ($20.00 maximum per family)
Send an email to stmssecretary@verizon.net with the number in your family
that will be attending (Adults and children)
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Sunday School Recap
 Last week was our Valentine's party! We did Valentine's games and crafts, as well as enjoyed some Valentine's treats.
This week: W e will be starting to learn about Lent. Wednesday the 18th is already Ash Wednesday, so we will start learning about what Lent is an why Ash Wednesday is important. Just to let you know, we'll be having a soup supper on Ash Wednesday where families are most welcome. There will be something fun for the kids to do, to keep them occupied as well.
See you on Sunday! Peace and Blessings.
Tricia Stoffers
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Friday, February 20, 2015
6 p.m. in the C.E. Annex
Please join us for a night of fellowship and family fun!
All ages are welcome. There will be crafts and activities for the kids before the movie, as well as dinner foods available for purchase. Kids are encouraged to wear their pjs or their favorite Frozen outfits! They can also bring sleeping bags or blankets to curl up on to watch the movie!
Please feel free to contact Tricia Stoffers with any questions: tricia@pointpresbyterian.org
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Youth Connection Italian Dinner
 It's getting to be that time of year again. On Saturday, February 28, from 4:30 to 6:30 pm, the Youth Connection is offering its traditional Italian Dinner. We'll be serving our traditional spaghetti and meatballs as well as penne with vodka sauce.
Seating is restaurant-style with Youth Connection members taking orders and serving. No reservations required. Take-outs will be available. Call ahead to 732-581-1554 to place your order.
The free-will offering (after costs of the meal are covered) will be used to fund Youth Connection events. Please plan to spend a great evening out and support the Youth Connection.
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Fundraiser for Youth Connection
Attention church business owners! Do you want to find an inexpensive way to advertise your business, while also helping support mission work? On Sunday February 15th, after the church service, the Youth Connection will be collecting business cards to put on placemats for our Italian dinner. For a donation of $25 per business card, the youth connection will put your business card on the placemats that will be used during the Italian dinner and other future fundraisers.
Each card is guaranteed to be on at least 150 placemats. There are only 28 spots available and the cards will be taken on a first come, first served basis. Any questions? Call Courtney Rzeplinski at 732-552-6737.
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Volunteer Village Continues
Last weekend we welcomed our first volunteer work group of 2015, the youth mission team from the Abington Presbyterian Church of Abington, Pennsylvania. The young people and their advisors joined us in worship last Sunday. We have about a month, now, before our next group comes in, but the Sandy Team is already hard at work, preparing the way.
Here are the bookings so far:
2015 Scheduled Groups
Sunday, March 15 - Lend A Hand, Carlisle, PA
Sunday, March 29 - Webster Presbyterian, Webster, NY
Sunday April 12 - Presbytery of Detroit, MI
Sunday, April 19 - Lend A Hand & Presbytery of Western NY
Sunday, May 17 - Lend A Hand, Carlisle, PA
Sunday, June 14 - Macalester Plymouth United Church, St. Paul, MN
Sunday, June 21 - Langhorne Presbyterian Church, Langhorne, PA
Sunday, July 12 - St. Giles Presbyterian Church, Orange Park, FL
Sunday, July 19 - First Presbyterian Church Yorktown, Yorktown, NY
Sunday, August 2 - Presbyterian Church of Morristown, NJ
Sunday, August 16 - Lend A Hand, Carlisle, PA
Sunday, Sept 20 - Lend A Hand, Carlisle, PA
Sunday, Oct 4 - Presbytery of Detroit, MI
Sunday, Oct 11 - Lend A Hand, Carlisle, PA
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"Blue Out" on Blue Shirt Day, February 22
 Presbyterian Disaster Assistance has declared Sunday, February 22 - the First Sunday in Lent - as "Blue Shirt Day." All over the country, Presbyterians will be wearing their blue PDA t-shirts to church.
If you have a PDA blue shirt, then please wear it to worship NEXT Sunday, the 22nd. If you don't have a shirt, then please wear something else that's blue.
Let's make the Sanctuary as sea of blue, as we celebrate and renew our commitment to Sandy recovery!
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Is Shopping a Spiritual Gift?
 In 1 Corinthians 2:7, Paul says " To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." Then, he proceeds to list all manner of spiritual gifts that are useful in advancing Christ's mission. Shopping is not on that list - but maybe it should be! The Volunteer Village has continued to be successful in its efforts due to the many wonderful volunteers from our congregation. There are many ways to be involved with the Volunteer Village. Opportunities to help include shopping, cooking, welcoming, construction coordination as well as overall hosting responsibilities. We are especially in need of grocery shoppers for the village. Shopping can be done at a time convenient for you. There is a guideline/list available for the shoppers. The church also has a Costco card for shoppers to use and reimbursements are promptly made. Shopping teams of 2 or 3 people are ideal. We could use two more teams. For more information, please speak with Linda Chase.
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Help Jaime Get to 100%!
 Church member Jaime Williams, a student at the University of Alabama and the daughter of Bill and Terri Williams, plans to travel to Uganda from March 13-22 on a mission trip. She will be working with
Sozo Children, a Christian mission organization that houses 81 orphans in four different homes. While there, she will be helping to care for the children and will share the love of Jesus Christ with them.
In order to make her trip possible, Jaime must raise at least $2,000 in pledges from friends, family and fellow church members. Pledges so far total $810, or 40% of her goal. Check on her further progress on the special web page she's set up to receive donations - and please consider making a pledge yourself. Thank you!
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Coming Next Month...IHN
On March 8 we will once again host families from IHN. Sign up sheets are now in the Narthex.
Help is need with Meals, Set-up, Evening Fellowship and Overnight Hosting. Please indicate where you can help.
Questions? Please contact Dorothy Tolley at 732-892-9306. Thank you! |
Church World Service Kits - Hygiene and School Kits
Members of Presbyterian Women are collecting Hygiene Kits AND School Kits for Church World Service.
Hygiene Kits - In the face of natural disasters, violence, or grinding poverty, Hygiene Kits can mean the difference between sickness and health for struggling families. To assemble a Hygiene Kit you will need: - One hand towel measuring approximately 16" x 28" (no fingertip or bath towels)
- One washcloth
- One wide-tooth comb
- One nail clipper
- One bar of soap (bath size in wrapper)
- One toothbrush (in original packaging)
- Six standard size Band-AidsŪ
Place all items in a one-gallon plastic bag with a zipper closure, remove excess air from bag, and seal. Please do not add toothpaste to the Hygiene Kit. Cartons of toothpaste that have an extended expiration date will be added to Hygiene Kit shipments just prior to shipment. 
School Kits - give children in impoverished schools, refugee camps, or other difficult settings some of the basic tools for learning. To assemble a School Kit you will need:
- One pair of blunt metal scissors (rounded tip)
- Three 70-count spiral notebooks or notebooks totaling 200-210 pages (no loose-leaf or filler paper)
- One 30-centimeter ruler (12")
- One hand-held pencil sharpener
- One large eraser
- Six new pencils with erasers
- One box of 24 crayons (only 24)
- One 12" x 14" to 14" x 17" finished size cotton or lightweight canvas bag with cloth handles. (Please, no reusable shopping bags or backpacks.)
Pack all items inside one of the cloth bags the Busy Hands for Mission group has made. Please stop by the office to pick up your bag. Kits can be placed in the bin, in the North Hall under the East Window. Please include $2.00 for shipping or put a separate envelope marked "CWS Kits" in the PW mailbox in the church office. Checks for shipping should be made out to "Presbyterian Women".
These kits are for disaster relief. Please do not add to or exchange listed items. Kits will be due and dedicated on March 22.
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The latest edition of the church calendar is available online, on the church's website. 
Sunday, February 15
9:00 a.m. - Youth Connection
10:00 a.m. - Sunday School Begins in Worship
10:00 a.m - Worship/Choral Bells
11:00 a.m. - Sandwich Sunday
4:00 p.m. - Webelos
Monday, February 16
Office Closed
6:15 p.m. - Choral Bells, Fellowship Room
Tuesday, February 17
7:00 p.m. - Session Meeting
Wednesday, February 18
9:00 a.m. - Women's Breakfast at the Rainbow Diner
6:00 p.m. - Ash Wednesday Soup Supper, CE Annex
7:00 p.m. - Ash Wednesday Service, CE Annex
Thursday, February 19
7:30 a.m. - Men's Breakfast at US Subs
7:30 p.m. - Chancel Choir Rehearsal
Friday, February 20
6:00 p.m. - Family Frozen Fun Night
7:00 p.m. - Troop 6 Lock In, Fellowship and CE Annex
Saturday, February 21
Sunday, February 22
9:00 a.m. - Youth Connection
10:00 a.m. - Sunday School Begins in Worship
10:00 a.m - Worship/Chancel Choir
11:00 a.m. - Confirmation Parents Meeting
2:30 p.m. - Claremont Care Center
4:00 p.m. - Webelos
6:30 p.m. - Ecumenical Handbell Festivial, Presbyterian Church Toms River
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 Birthday Blessings
Feb 15 Jeannie Fiocchi-Marden, Samuel Muraglia
Feb 16 Julie Budrick, Ryan Lees, Emma Scarpone, Virginia Zimmerman
Feb 17 Sue Hankins, Henry Rice, Morgan Sarbello, Ryan Wittmann
Feb 18 Kylee Kells, Mary Wade
Feb 19 Harvey Mendelsohn
Feb 20 Jennifer Culos
Feb 21
Feb 22 Muriel Carlson-Simon
Feb 23 Joshua Duffield, Terri Satterlee, Bill Williams
Feb 24 Jamie McGuire, Heidi Steinert
Feb 25 Scott Nelson
Feb 26 Gerald Almazan, Tyler Barbieri, Allan Novick
Feb 27 Thomas D'Amore, Acacia Evans
Feb 28 Emily Birdsong, Ellen Hank, Eva Pula
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Friday, February 20, 2015
6:00 pm - "Frozen" Family Fun Event, CE Annex
Sunday, February 22, 2015
11:00 am - Parents' Confirmation Class Meeting.
Saturday, February 28, 2015
4:30 pm - Youth Connection Italian Dinner
Friday March 6-8, 2015
Confirmation Retreat at Camp Johnsonburg
Sunday, March 29, 2015
10: 00 am - Palm Sunday worship
Thursday, April 2, 2015
7:00 pm - Maundy Thursday Communion with Tenebrae
Friday, April 3, 2015
7:00 pm - Good Friday service
Sunday, April 5, 2015
9:00 am - Easter worship, Communion
11:00 am - Easter worship, Communion
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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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