Point Pleasant
Presbyterian Church

Weekly News for

Sunday,

April 26, 2015 

Friends,

"I am the good shepherd," says our Lord. "I know my own and my own know me" (John 10:14). Comforting words, those. When life gets chaotic and confusing, it's good to imagine ourselves as members of Christ's flock, to remind ourselves of his benevolent care.

But then, a little later in the passage, comes this line, out of the blue: "I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold" (v. 16).

Other sheep, Lord? You mean, besides us?

It would seem so. But who are these other sheep, who find their spiritual shelter somewhere other than our gathering-place, the sort of church with which we're familiar?

John 3:16 teaches how God so loved the world as to give the human race the greatest gift imaginable: God's own son. Jesus the son has died for the sins of the world, and is risen to rule the earth.

Not just the Galilee of his birth. Nor Israel, nor Rome, nor even the Christendom that arose out of the rubble of Rome's empire: but the entire earth.

Sometimes it's hard to see beyond the flock we know so well. Sometimes it's hard to discern the footprints of the risen one, as he treads the roads of lands unknown. But he's there. We can count on that. He's tending those other flocks, too, even as he tends our own.

The Lord we worship is greater than our imaginings, and he calls us into engagement with others, far beyond the limits of our comfort zone. Come to worship this Sunday, as we reflect together about the majesty and might of Jesus Christ, the risen Lord!

 

Pastor Carl
This Sunday

Sunday, April 26 - Fourth Sunday of Easter

 

John 10:11-18 

Dr. Wilton preaching: "THOSE OTHER SHEEP" 

  

9:00 a.m. - Youth Connection

10:00 a.m. - Sunday School begins in worship

10:00 a.m. - Worship/Choral Bells/Noisy Offering

11:00 a.m. - Coffee Hour

12:15 p.m. - PW Spring Gathering

2:30 p.m. - Claremont Care Center service 

4:00 p.m. - Webelos

5:00 p.m. - Confirmation Class 

Noisy Offering

Coin jar

 

A "NOISY OFFERING" for Monmouth Presbytery's Cents-Ability program will be received today to support ministries to relieve hunger locally, regionally, and globally. Make a joyful noise to the Lord!  


 

Please join us for coffee and fellowship in the Chittick Lounge after the service this Sunday.  The Women of the PW will be sponsoring the coffee hour and will be glad to answer any questions you may have regarding this wonderful ministry.  

 

Join us for the Presbyterian Women Spring Gathering 
This Sunday at 12:30 pm

All Welcome

Prayerfully Consider
 

"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 April 26 is the Rampone family. Let us be prayerfully aware of Christopher, Christie, Rylie and Reece, as well as all our members and friends.

Prayer concerns: Bobby Eckert (friend of Bill Williams); Jack Tolley; Tony Coppolino; Susan Robbins; Bryan Gaydos; Bill Leach, Bob Hankins; Sharon Hock, Helen Unglaub, Julie Budrick; Cherisse Petruzzi; Margie McGhee, Joe Auriemma, Vincent DeMartino.

Long term concerns: Lou Couche; George Elliott; Nicholas Hudnut; Jeffrey Mathews; Gerda Mooney; Ralph Smith; Kathryn Feldman (Bill Shoppell's sister); Andre Bucsek; Michelle Avary and Chris Loeffler (family of Andrea Purtell); Bill Blauvelt (Jacque Thornton's brother in law); those struggling with addictions and mental illness.

         PPPC NEWS


News and Notes

LAST CHANCE FOR THE GRIGGS SCHOLARSHIP. Attention High School seniors who are seeking further study, please provide a printed synopsis of your church, community and school activities. Applications must be in the office or emailed to [email protected] by this Sunday, April 26, 2015

  

A SERVICE OF WITNESS TO THE RESURRECTION, giving thanks to God for the life of Doris Baker, will take place on Saturday, April 25 at 11:00 am, in the Sanctuary. 

 

CHURCH OFFICE MAKEOVER - Over the weekend Patrick Cox is updating and renovating the church office as part of his Eagle Scout Project. Thank you to Patrick, the Scouts and all those who are volunteering to undertake this much needed project.  The office will be open on Monday but please be patient in all requests while we reorganize the office.   


FISHING TRIP FUND-RAISER on the charter fishing boat Miss Michele III. Sunday, May 24, 2:30-8:30 pm. $75 per person, space is limited. Benefits the church's music programs. To sign up, please call Jason Parrott at (732) 814-9914.  

 

PW CLOTHING DRIVE RESULTS - Thanks to all who contributed or helped with the PW used clothing drive! The project raised $733 for mission. 

Session Meeting
At their meeting on Wednesday, April 22, the Session took the following actions:

1. After meeting with members of the Sandy Team, the Session rescinded their previous action that would have funded a replacement boiler for the CE Annex from  surplus meals-and-lodging funds contributed by Volunteer Village guests. Instead, the Session decided to invite church members to contribute towards a targeted capital-funds campaign to meet this necessary expense (the present boiler is original with the building, which means it's about 55 years old). The goal of the campaign will be $25,000 ($20,000 for the CE Annex boiler and $5,000 to replace another aging boiler that heats part of the Sanctuary building).

2. Voted to make an undesignated grant of $15,000 from funds contributed to the church for Sandy relief to the Ocean County Long-Term Recovery Group. The OCLTRG, among the most effective local organizations in helping Sandy survivors rebuild, has been facing a serious shortfall in operational expenses in recent weeks. The OCLTRG has yet to receive a penny of support from either Federal or State government sources.

3. Learned that church member Anthony Maimone, whom the Session recently received as a transferred Inquirer for the Ministry from another church in the Presbytery, has now been cleared by Monmouth Presbytery's Committee on Preparation for Ministry to be examined on the floor of Presbytery to become a Candidate Under Care.

4. Heard a report that Christina Parrott and Kelly Iadarola are hard at  work planning this summer's Vacation Bible School. The theme is "Hometown Nazareth: Where Jesus Was a Kid." VBS is scheduled for August 3-7 from 5:30-8:30 pm.

5. Heard a report from the Caring Committee, who are looking into a new way of producing a church photo directory. Rather than the traditional approach of partnering with a professional photography firm, this new approach harnesses the power of the digital camera. Greg Hall has offered to help with the photography end of the project, by taking simple photos of members and families on certain Sunday mornings - no appointments necessary, no photo packages to buy. Alternatively, members can submit their own favorite photo by email. The directory will be produced in-house, although perhaps duplicated off-site. Printing costs will be covered by donations from those interested in having a copy. (A further plus is that, once the photos are in the church computer, future updates will be easy.) We'll also put an electronic version of the completed directory in a password-protected area of the church website.

6. Made plans for a group of Session members to examine members of this year's Confirmation Class and another group to meet with the next Inquirers Group (which will be Sunday, May 17).

7. Celebrated that this year's One Great Hour of Sharing Offering raised $2,096 for Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, the Presbyterian Hunger Program and the Presbyterian Self-Development of People Program.

8. Put together a work team to repaint, redecorate and refurnish the Movie Room in the CE Annex, to allow it to be used for Adult Education seminars as well as by the Sunday School.

9. Heard a progress report from the Nominating Committee, who are putting a slate of Deacon and Ruling Elder nominees together for the Congregational Meeting on May 17.

10. Heard a report on plans for the Youth Mission Trip, scheduled for June 29 through July 2 at the Youth Service Opportunities Project (YSOP) in New York City. A Mother's Day Pancake Breakfast, May 10 after worship, will raise funds for this.

11. Heard a report on conversations the Point Beach Prep Board is having with the Borough of Point Pleasant Beach, about the possibility of getting a couple of parking places on Forman Avenue designated as a loading zone, during the early-morning drop-off times.

      PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

Greetings from Point Pleasant Presbyterian 

Church's Women

  

PW Logo

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 gospel with you."

  

One of the best ways to begin your journey of inquiry into our church is to explore the five PW circles: Elisabeth-Verdella, Judith-Rachel, Lydia, Sarah Hope, and Tabitha-Dorcas.   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 on 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) email, [email protected], or Karen Norby (732-295-8174) email, [email protected].   If you prefer, fill out the information sheet in today's bulletin.  COME, JOIN US!!

 

Coffee Hour today is sponsored by the circles of Presbyterian Women.

  

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Sunday School Recap 
 
Last Week: Bible Verse: John 21: 1-19, John 13: 37-38

Last week we talked about the reconciliation of Peter.  We all sin, it's a part of being human.  Jesus helps us obtain forgiveness and brings us back to God.  We talked about how Jesus helps us to be whole again.  We created our own puzzles to remind us that "The love of Jesus puts us back together with God".
 
This Week:  Bible Verse: Acts 1: 7-11

This week, we will be talking about The Ascension of Jesus into Heaven.  This is a great way to wrap up our lessons on Easter.  Just as Jesus charged His Disciples with spreading the word of God, we will discuss ways we can bring God into our lives more and share that with our friends and loved ones.

 See you on SundayPeace and Blessings.
Tricia Stoffers
FREE FOR THE ASKING: Theater Chairs

We're currently remodeling the Movie Room in the Education Annex to allow more flexible use. It will still be a place where Sunday School kids can view videos, but we also want to be able to use the room for Adult Education classes on Sunday mornings following worship.

We have two rows of 5 connected movie-theater chairs that are yours for the taking, if you can make use of them. Please contact the Church Office if you're interested. The chairs would probably need to be secured to the floor of the room where you would be using them.

If there are no takers, the chairs will be discarded on Point Beach's next Bulk Pickup Day, which is this Wednesday, April 29. So, act fast if you'd like to have one or both sets!
                                  MISSION

Letter from IHN Guest, Lisa: "DO IT AFRAID"

Lisa, a single mother who has been a recent guest of our local Interfaith Hospitality Network, had this to say about the program:

I thank our Heavenly Father every day that there's a network like Interfaith because I don't know what would have happened to me and my daughter without it. When I came into the program, I was lost on how to make things work. I was trying so hard to be a good mother. As a single mom, I was really scared when we became homeless. I had a job, but not enough income to find a place to live with my child that was safe for both. I was living paycheck to paycheck, just scraping by. I went to find help, but at every turn I was told I didn't qualify.

Finally, I got the chance to experience the Interfaith program. It was truly amazing. I learned so much and met so many great people who gave up their time to help my family with food, a place to sleep, and a shoulder to cry on. I thank every single volunteer who came into our lives with an open heart to share our struggles. I am now back on track, in school full-time, and I have a support system I didn't have before. I've made great friends. I've learned that being organized is important to make my family happy and keep things together.

I will never forget what I've learned, especially this quote: "DO IT AFRAID." I am going to do everything, even if I am afraid, because life will always be better afterwards.

Thanks from Jaime

Just before her recent short-term mission trip to Uganda, Jaime Williams sent this thank-you to Pastor Carl, which is really a thank-you to the whole church:

Thank you for the generous donation and prayers as I embark on my journey to Uganda! it is greatly appreciated! I also want to thank you for spreading the word about my trip to the church. Most of the donations are from members of your congregation. It means so much to me to be involved in a church whose members help their brothers and sisters of Christ in their everyday lives. Thank you for allowing me to be the hands and feet of Jesus in Africa. I would love to share my experience with the church this summer!

Sincerely,
Jaime Williams
 
      VOLUNTEER VILLAGE

Volunteer Village
 
We've got a short break, now, until the middle of June, when our next group of volunteers arrives. After that, we'll be very busy hosting volunteers through most of the summer!

Here are the bookings so far: 2015 Scheduled Groups

Sunday, June 14 - Macalester Plymouth United Church, St. Paul, MN
Sunday, June 21 - Langhorne Presbyterian Church, Langhorne, PA
Sunday, June 28 - Presbytery of West Virginia, South Charleston, WV
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 - Helping Hands, PA
Sunday, Oct 11- Lend A Hand, Carlisle, PA
Sunday, Oct 18 - Scioto Valley Presbyterian, Columbus, OH
 
                     PPPC IMAGE OF THE WEEK


Princesses Anna and Elsa from Disney's "Frozen" showed up at February's Sunday School Family Fun Night.
      Please email us YOUR photos for Images of the Week. 
          We'd like to make this a regular weekly feature!

      THIS WEEK'S CALENDAR

 

The latest edition of the church calendar is available online, on the church's website. 

 

Sunday, April 26

9:00 a.m. - Youth Connection

10:00 a.m. - Sunday School begins in worship

10:00 a.m. - Worship/Choral Bells/Noisy Offering

11:15 a.m. - Nominating Committee

12:15 p.m. - PW Spring Gathering

2:30 p.m. - Claremont Care Center

4:00 p.m. - Webelos

5:00 p.m. - Confirmation Class 

  

Monday, April 27

9:00 a.m. - PW Coordinating Team

10:00 a.m. - Covenant Bible Study Begins

12:00 p.m. - Lunch at Rainbow Diner all welcome

6:15 p.m. - Choral Bells, Fellowship Room

 

Tuesday, April 28

9:30 a.m - Busy Hands

10:00 a.m. - Eye Openers

4:30 p.m. - Daisy Troop 175

5:30 p.m. Tigers Den, Basement

6:30 p.m. - Wolf and Bear Den, Basement

7:00 p.m. - Sarah Hope Circle

 

Wednesday, April 29

9:00 a.m. - Women's Breakfast at the Rainbow Diner

5:00 p.m. - Dove Choir

7:00 p.m. - Troop 6 

 

Thursday, April 30

7:30 a.m. - Men's Breakfast at US Subs

7:30 p.m. - Chancel Choir

  

Friday, May 1

6:30 p.m. Webelos

 

Saturday, May 2

12:00 p.m. - Troop 6 Court of Honor

  

Sunday, May 3

9:00 a.m. - Youth Connection

10:00 a.m. - Sunday School begins in worship

10:00 a.m. - Worship/Youth Sunday/Communion

4:00 p.m. - Webelos

5:00 p.m. - Confirmation Class 

Birthday Blessings

 

April 26 Edward King
April 27 Audrey Stolfe-Legreide
April 28 Christopher Parish, Evangeline Reid, Dorothy Weidele
April 29 Isabella Barbieri, Diantha Mathews-Brown
April 30 

      COMING UP



Sunday, May 10, 2015
11:00 a.m. - Mother's Day Pancake Breakfast, benefiting summer Youth Mission Trip

Sunday, May 17, 2015
11:00 a.m. - Congregational Meeting to elect Ruling Elders and Deacons
11:15 a.m. - Inquirers Group for those wishing to explore church membership

Sunday, May 24, 2015, Pentecost
10:00 a.m. - Confirmation 

 

Sunday, May 24, 2015
2:30-8:30 - Fishing Trip Fund-Raiser on the Miss Michelle III 

Sunday, May 31, 2015
10:00 a.m. - Install Ruling Elders & Deacons; Receive New Members

Monday, June 29 through Thursday, July 2
Youth Mission Trip to New York City

Monday, August 3 through Friday, August 7
5:30-8:30 pm - Vacation Bible School: "Hometown Nazareth: Where Jesus Was a Kid"

Sunday, August 19, 2015
10:00 a.m. till 3:00 p.m. - Church Picnic, YMCA Camp Zehnder, Brick (includes Sunday worship)

       CONTACT US

 

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

Quick Links 

Full Calendar of Events

Make a Safe, Online Contribution

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: [email protected]