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Point Pleasant
Presbyterian Church
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Weekly News for
Sunday,
March 1, 2015
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DINNER PLANS FOR SATURDAY NIGHT?
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Youth Connection Italian Dinner
Saturday, February 28, from 4:30 to 6:30 pm
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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 Dear Friends, Here's a startling and very contemporary image, painted in the tradition of a sister Christian denomination, the Coptic Orthodox Church of Egypt. It's a modern icon, depicting the February 12, 2015 murder of 21 Egyptian Christian fishermen, kidnapped and beheaded by soldiers of the so-called Islamic State in Libya.
I refuse to watch such loathsome videos, myself, because that's exactly what the terrorists want.
Egyptians who have viewed the video of this atrocity declare they can see some of the men crying out "Jesus, help me!" moments before their death.
I wish I could say the age of Christian martyrdom - of believers murdered solely on account of their faith - is over, but clearly it's not. Kayla Mueller, the young Christian aid volunteer, who also died while a captive of the so-called Islamic State, was a martyr. So, too, were these Coptic Christians.
I've been asked to address the subject of these atrocities from the pulpit, and this Sunday I'm going to do that. It's not an easy topic. Clearly, the terrorists believe their faith is leading them to commit these repugnant crimes against humanity. Yet - just as clearly - reasonable people know the so-called Islamic State is but a tiny, lunatic fringe of a global Islamic community that deplores such violence. The terrorists' purpose is to goad the rest of the world into attacking them, because they believe this would touch off an apocalyptic battle in which their hateful fundamentalism would be vindicated by divine intervention.
Although this is a topic far from home, the news media brings it right into our living rooms. We do need to think about it, from the perspective of our Christian faith.
This Sunday we'll read the story of God's promise to Abraham. The three religions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam are often called the "Abrahamic" religions because we share this common ancestor. Can we somehow find such unity, even today, that we can join together in stopping this religious gang whose primary purpose is to goad Muslims and Christians into devouring one another?
When a military response by our country does come - as, it's looking increasingly likely, it will - would this be a "just war," that Christians could in good conscience support? Can there ever be such a thing as a just war, for followers of the Prince of Peace?
These are some of the questions we'll address together this Sunday. Please pray for me between now and then, that I may be given a word from the Lord to speak good news.
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This Sunday
Sunday, March 1 - Second Sunday in Lent
Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16
The Rev. Dr. Carl Wilton preaching: "CHILDREN OF ABRAHAM"
9:00 a.m. - Youth Connection
10:00 a.m. - Sunday School Begins in Worship
10:00 a.m - Worship/Communion/ Dove and Chancel Choir
11:00 a.m. - Communion Brunch
5:00 p.m. - Confirmation Class #1
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Communion Brunch
 Please join us after worship, in the C.E. Annex, for our monthly Communion Brunch, in lieu of coffee hour. A free-will offering defrays expenses.
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INQUIRERS GROUP IS CANCELED - The Inquirers Group for new members, scheduled for this Sunday, will not meet, but will be rescheduled for a later date.
Would you like to find out more about church membership? If so, please call the church office. We'd be very glad to hear from you!
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Camp Johnsonburg
 Camp Johnsonburg summer camping season brochures are in! Please pick one up from the literature rack in the Narthex, or consult the camp's website for more information. Summer fun and growth in faith - an unforgettable experience!
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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 March 1 is the Friedrich family. Let us be prayerfully aware of Joe and Sue, as well as all our members and friends.
Prayer concerns: Scott Millar; Carole Smith (Scott Smith's wife); Jeffrey Matthews; Marjorie Meklin; Vincent DeMartino; Londa Scarpone; Dorothea Williams; Ron Kiss; Mary McSweeney.
Long term concerns: Nancy Smith; Kathryn Feldman (Bill Shoppell's sister); Linda Bissey Small (Bob and Jessie's niece); Jean Collins; Cherisse Petruzzi; 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.
 CONGRATULATIONS to church member Kelly Hughes, who has continued to distinguish herself in her college basketball career, as she did earlier while a student at Point Boro High School. Recently Kelly was named Player of the Week by the Atlantic Coast Conference, recognizing her achievements on the Boston College Women's Basketball Team. On February 12 Kelly scored a career-high 32 points in a game against Wake Forest (and she is only a sophomore). According to the Ocean Star, Kelly leads Boston College in points per game (14.9), rebounds (7.0) and ranks first in the ACC in three-point scores (64 threes in 23 games). This builds on her earlier achievements in her high-school career: Kelly is still the all-time leading scorer of the Shore Conference with 2,558 points. Kelly is the daughter of Bette and Timothy Hughes.
ALUMNI AND FRIENDS WEEKEND at Camp Johnsonburg, May 22-25. You're invited to spend one, two or three days of Memorial Day Weekend together with new an old friends, enjoying the beauty of this Presbyterian Camp. Check the Camp Johnsonburg website for more information.
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Confirmation Class Begins this Sunday
 The first meeting of the Confirmation Class, taught by Pastor Carl and by Dale Leasure, will begin this Sunday, 5:00-6:00 pm, in the Fellowship Room. It' s not too late to sign up! Just come. The Confirmation Retreat at Camp Johnsonburg is next weekend, March 6-8, and the service of Confirmation will take place on Pentecost, May 24th. Click here for more information. |
Coming Next Week - IHN
Help is need with Meals, Set-up, Evening Fellowship and Overnight Hosting. Please sign up this Sunday, indicating where you can help. Questions? Please contact Dorothy Tolley at 732-892-9306. Thank you! |
Women's Retreat
 Calling all women of the church to join us on ----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! Registration forms are available online and in the bulletin. A sign up sheet is also available in the Narthex to let us know you are interested.
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Easter Flowers
We are now taking Easter Flower orders. Payment must be included with the order form. Forms are due to the church by March 29, 2015.
Checks should be made payable to Point Pleasant Presbyterian Church, and please be sure to indicate "Easter Plants" on the memo line of your check!
Order form and payment may be placed in the offering plate or mailed/ delivered to the church office. Once the quantity of flowers needed for sanctuary decorations has been reached, additional gifts will be applied toward the purchase of sanctuary paraments and banners.
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Sunday School Recap
Last Week: We had a special Sunday School in the Fellowship Room, instead of trying to walk across the street in all that yucky slush! We talked all about Lent and why it lasts 40 days. Pastor Linda gave us each a bag with 40 pretzels to remind us to pray every day for Lent. We are supposed to eat one pretzel per day and say a prayer while we enjoy our pretzel. Our Sunday School craft was making a prayer chain! We made paper links and wrote something to pray for on each link. Every day in Lent, we will tear off a link and say our prayer, while enjoying our pretzel, of course!
This Week: Over the next few weeks, we will be discussing how Jesus and the time of Lent is kind of like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly. We will be relating each stage of the caterpillar's transformation to the miracle of Jesus coming back from death.
See you on Sunday! Peace and Blessings.
Tricia Stoffers
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This Week at Point Beach Prep
This week we enjoyed a visit from the Point Pleasant Beach Children's Librarian, who read us stories about the Chinese New Year.  A Yoga Instructor came on Wednesday and we stretched and moved our bodies. It was a great way to end the day! Point Beach Prep will be having an Open House February 28th from 10am-12pm.
The registration fee will be half price ($50) for anyone who registers at the Open House. There is still limited space in our Nursery class for the 2015/2016 school year - if you are interested, please check us out!
Point Beach 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.
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Volunteer Village
 We're just a couple of weeks away from welcoming the first of many volunteer work groups who will be staying in our Volunteer Village this spring and summer. Here are the bookings so far: 2015 Scheduled Groups Sunday, March 15 - Lend A Hand, Carlisle, PA & Rutgers University Work Team 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, July 26 - Pine Run Presbyterian Church, Apollo, PA 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 Sunday, Oct 18 - Scioto Valley Presbyterian, Columbus, OH
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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. For Hygiene Kits, please use a gallon-sized Ziploc plastic bag.
School Kits - give children in impoverished schools, refugee camps, or other difficult settings some of the basic tools for learning. For School Kits, please pack all items inside one of the cloth bags the Busy Hands for Mission group has made. Please stop by the church office to pick up your bag.
 Detailed instructions on what to put in the bags can be found on the Church World Service website. Please do not add to or exchange listed items.
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 costs should be made out to "Presbyterian Women."
Kits will be due and dedicated in the Sunday worship service on March 22.
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The latest edition of the church calendar is available online, on the church's website. 
Sunday, March 1
9:00 a.m. - Youth Connection
10:00 a.m. - Sunday School Begins in Worship
10:00 a.m - Worship/Communion/Chancel Choir
11:00 a.m. - Communion Breakfast
11:15 a.m. - Inquirers Class
5:00 p.m. - Confirmation Class #1
Monday, March 2
9:00 a.m. - Jersey Cares Training, Fellowship Room
10:00 a.m. - Covenant Bible Study, Chittick Lounge
6:15 p.m. - Choral Bells, Fellowship Room
7:00 p.m. - Deacons Meeting, Chittick Lounge
Tuesday, March 3
9:30 a.m. - Busy Hands, Fellowship Room
1:00 p.m. - Jersey Cares Training, CE Annex
Wednesday, March 4
9:00 a.m. - Women's Breakfast at the Rainbow Diner
5:00 p.m. - Dove Choir
7:30 p.m. - Troop 6
Thursday, March 5
7:30 a.m. - Men's Breakfast at US Subs
4:30 p.m. - Daisy Girl Scouts, Fellowship Room
7:30 p.m. - Chancel Choir Rehearsal
Friday, March 6
Confirmation Retreat at Camp Johnsonburg
Saturday, March 7
Confirmation Retreat at Camp Johnsonburg
4:00 p.m. - Troop 6 Spaghetti Dinner
Sunday, March 8 - Daylight Savings Time Starts
Confirmation Retreat at Camp Johnsonburg
9:00 a.m. - Youth Connection
10:00 a.m. - Sunday School Begins in Worship
10:00 a.m - Worship/Healing Prayers/Chancel Choir
IHN Arrives
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 Birthday Blessings
Mar 1 Evelyn Hazard
Mar 2 Virginia, Erb, Jill Watson
Mar 3 Justin Hurley, Max Rauffer,
Mar 4 Brayden Landry, Paige Landry, Michael Welch, Kellen O'Hara
Mar 5 Ched Church, Courtney Rzeplinski, Ashton Popiel
Mar 6 Jessie Bissey, Reece Rampone
Mar 7
Mar 8 Shane Ferguson, Rose Linke, Eleanor Sahadi
Mar 9 Michael McGuire
Mar 10 Robert Dunston, Eileen Savage, Emil Werner
Mar 11 Allyson Drugas
Mar 12 Payton Stoffers-Ott, Karen Winter
Mar 13
Mar 14 Sarah Morrison
Mar 15 Patrick Allgor, Brenden Culos
Mar 16 Maggie McGuire, Marilyn Powell
Mar 17 Kerri Hurley, Meghan Murat, Kellen O'Neill, Megan Schwenke
Mar 18 Jean Campbell, Wendy Childers
Mar 19 Jamie Budrick, Stanley Thornton
Mar 20 Stephanie Smith
Mar 21 Carole Adamo, Christina Hudson, Brian McCrossan, Shane Smith
Mar 22
Mar 23 Kris Bongiovi, Cynthia Popiel
Mar 24 Nancy Smith
Mar 25 Kathyrn Ebner, Christopher Hank
Mar26 Carl Lappke, Weston Johnson
Mar 27 Addison Reinwald, Brian Satterlee
Mar 28 Karen Dunham Luicci
Mar 29 Susan Hess
Mar 30 Kenneth King, Jordan Muraglia, Alissa Pazienza
Mar 31 Gail Birdsong, Elizabeth McGuire, Kim Schaefer
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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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