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Point Pleasant Presbyterian Church
| Weekly News For
Sunday, Oct 4, 2015 | |
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We're all watching the northward progress of Hurricane Joaquin. Thankfully, it looks like the storm will stay out to sea (please check your favorite weather report for the latest news). As of this newsletter's publication time, the only Sunday programming that's been postponed is the Communion Brunch. Everything else - Sunday-morning Worship, Sunday School and the Inquirers Group - will go on as scheduled. We're expecting one of two PDA work teams to arrive late Sunday evening (the second, smaller group decided not to come). Should there be any change in the weather that would cause further cancellations, we'll send out a special issue of the newsletter and will also post an announcement on the church web page and on the office answering machine's outgoing message. Do join us for worship if you can!
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Friends, This week's sermon title is "WYSIWYG." Many of you know that acronym, because it's been around the computer world for years. A few of you may not. For those of you who aren't familiar with it, WYSIWYG stands for "What you see is what you get."Some of us remember doing word processing on a blue screen with plain white letters and no visible formatting. We'd have to wait till the document printed out to see what it really looked like. As programs grew more sophisticated and WYSIWYG became the standard, a whole new world of computing opened up. Suddenly we didn't have to use our imaginations to picture the document. It was right there before us on the computer screen, just as it would appear on the printed page. When I read the biblical story of Job - smitten by suffering but faithful to the end - I think WYSIWYG is a good way to describe him. The Lord says of Job, "He still persists in his integrity." Another way of describing a person such as he, who radiates integrity, is "What you see is what you get." There's nothing false there, nothing discordant, nothing self-contradictory. Job is who he is. Integrity is a refreshing virtue, in a world of deception, exaggeration and pandering. We need more people of integrity. God needs more people of integrity. Come to worship at 10 am on Sunday, and let's explore together what it means to be a person of integrity. We'll praise the Lord, pray for protection from all life's storms and give thanks for certain blessings - like shelter - that we take for granted. And of course, we'll also celebrate the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper.
Pastor Carl
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Sunday, October 4, 2015
27th Sunday in Ordinary Time
World Communion Sunday
Dr. Wilton preaching: "WYSIWYG"
10:00 a.m. - Worship/Communion/ Chancel Choir
10:00 a.m. - Sunday School begins in Worship
11:15 a.m. Inquirers Group
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PEACE & GLOBAL WITNESS OFFERING TO BE RECEIVED THIS SUNDAY
 This Sunday in worship we receive the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s Peace & Global Witness Offering.
The successor to the old Peacemaking Offering, this special offering supports not only peacemaking work but also the denomination's global mission outreach .A gift to the Peace & Global Witness Offering enables the church to promote the Peace of Christ by addressing systems of injustice across the world.
Our congregation retains 25% of this offering for local peacemaking ministries. In the past, the Session has authorized the Providence House domestic violence shelter as the recipient of these local funds.
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 Bells Across America
The sound of a bell holds special significance for firefighters. Historically, the toll of a bell summoned members to the station, signaled the beginning of a shift, notified departments of a call for help, and indicated a call was completed and the unit had returned to the station. Departments sounded a series of bells when a firefighter died in the line of duty to alert all members that a comrade had made the ultimate sacrifice.
This Sunday we will participate with Bells Across America which has been designated National Fallen Firefighters Weekend. At the end of our service we will pause to honor those firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2014 and previous years.
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Inquirers Group for New Members
 An Inquirers Group, for those considering becoming church members, will take place this Sunday, October 4, 2015 at 11:15 am. We'll begin with a light lunch in the Fellowship Room (next to the Sanctuary) as Coffee Hour is winding down, and will continue meeting until 2:00 p.m. Child care will be available in the church Nursery. New members will be received in worship on October 18. If you haven't signed up, please send an email to mail@pointpresbyterian.org.
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"Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." Philippians 4:6
The Prayer Person for the week of October 4 is Sharon Hock. Let us be prayerfully aware of Sharon, as well as all our members and friends.
Prayer concerns: The family of Carol Walker Clayton; Vincent DeMartino; Lois Francello; Dennis Ivany (family of Jacque Thornton); Jacob Mendelsohn; Erna Meyerle (friend of Susan Robbins); Courtney Norton Rzeplinski; Les Thornton; Bill Williams.
Long term concerns: David Allen; Bill Blauvelt (Jacque Thornton's brother in law); Kathryn Feldman (Bill Shoppell's sister); Elise Cason; George Griffiths (Cousin of Heidi Steinert); Nicholas Hudnut; Ethel Lemke (mother in law of Carole Smith); Margie McGhee; Jane Millar; Gerda Mooney; Cherisse Petruzzi; Edith Pula; Gemma Roberts; Nancy Smith; Mary Steinert; Stan Thornton; Barbara VieBrock; Gail Ward; those struggling with addictions and mental illness.
Military: Michael Fahey III; Matthew Warren; all those in the military.
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NO COMMUNION BREAKFAST THIS WEEK - Due to inclement weather, the brunch that would have been our Communion Brunch has been postponed until next Sunday. Our regular coffee hour will be held in the Chittick Lounge. We are in need of additional coffee hour hosts. Please see the signup sheet in the Church kitchen.
THE THIRD-QUARTER GIVING STATEMENTS have been emailed and mailed out by U.S. postage. If you are not signed up to receive your statements via email, please email financial secretary Donna Ferry to sign up. Sending statements out through email saves the Church time and money. Please consider receiving yours through email. You can also sign up through the form that was enclosed with your printed statement. Thank you.
 WANT TO SING THE HALLELUJAH CHORUS? When the Chancel Choir sings the famed Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah, hasn't there always been a part of you that just wants to walk up there to the choir loft and join in? Now's you chance to do just that. The Chancel Choir will present highlights from Handel's Messiah in our morning worship service on Sunday, December 13. At their weekly Thursday-evening rehearsals between now and then, the choir will be practicing this beloved piece of sacred music. You can be a part of it. Just come along this Thursday evening, 7:30-9:00 pm, and join the Chancel Choir family! William R. Shoppell, Jr. is the conductor and Sara B. Hoey the accompanist.
MORNING STAR CANINE CARNIVAL - On Sunday, October 11 from noon to 4:00 p.m. Morning Star Presbyterian Church in Bayville will be having a Canine Carnival. The fee is $5 for socialized dogs only. There is a dog costume contest, parade of dogs, scavenger hunt, 50/50 and a Blessing Service at 12:15 p.m. For more information visit www.morningstarchurch.org
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 New Bible Study Begins This Monday (Oct. 5)
On Monday, October 5th, we will begin our 5 week Fall study. The class title is "Embracing Forgiveness: What It Is and What It Isn't."
There is a video and a workbook for each class member. The Rev. Barbara Crafton is the presenter of the materials. This is an in-depth look at forgiveness and would be well worth anyone's time.
The class, led by Pastor Linda, will meet from 10 till 11:30 in the Chittick Lounge. The cost of the book is $13; and only 1 more book is available.
Participants will need to read the first session before coming to class on Oct 5. |
 Name our Cookbook Contest
We are underway, working hard on our PW Cookbook! Now we just need a name. We are taking entries for the title and we need your help.
Please submit a title that reflects elements of our Jersey-Shore-inspired foods. The words "Jersey Shore" have to be included in the title.
Stop by the table in the Narthex to submit your entry. But hurry, they will only be there for the next two weeks. Titles can also be sent via email to the ptpresbypwcookbook@gmail.com
The contest winner will receive a free cookbook! |
Talkin' About... Money
 Youth Connection meets Friday, October 2, 6:00-8:00 pm, in the Chittick Lounge.
This week's discussion topic is something we love, but that also sometimes drives us crazy... MONEY!
How should Christians handle money? What expectations does the Lord have for us in that regard? Discussion, games, snacks... FUN!
The next meeting of Youth Connection after that will be Friday, October 9 - same time, same place.
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Congratulations, Kylee: Ocean County Champ!
Congratulations to church member Kylee Kells, for her recent first-place finish in the Ocean County Tennis Tournament. A student at Point Pleasant Beach High School, Kylee was competing against the best high-school tennis players from all over the County.
We're proud of you, Kylee!
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SUNDAY SCHOOL IS OFF TO A GREAT START, with over 30 kids registered!
Kids come into the Sanctuary with their families and stay in worship for the first 20 minutes or so. After that, they cross the street, accompanied by their teachers, to the Education Annex for their classes. On Communion Sundays, one of the pastors brings the communion elements over the Annex, celebrating the sacrament at the Sunday School closing worship service.
We will be continuing on with our discussion about "Learning to Pray 101". Last week we had a great time. Some of us made bead cross necklaces while others learned about ways other cultures pray.
This week, we will be talking more about prayers, reviewing the Lord's Prayer, and we will even make a yummy treat to enjoy that will remind us about praying! Its going to be another fun week in Sunday School, for sure.
As always, we realize kids sometimes have family or sports commitments that make it difficult to attend weekly. While we think weekly attendance provides the best learning experience, we're glad to have kids come on whatever basis works for them and their families.
Peace and Blessings
Tricia Stoffers
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 This week we learned the letter B. We used a balance beam, played basketball, bowled, built with blocks, walked backwards, blew bubbles, floated like butterflies and buzzed like bees. At our project table we painted butterfly wings and wooden butterflies, made a B box and filled it with items that begin with B, and beaded necklaces. During music we sang Going On a Bear Hunt and the Gummy Bear Song. One of our stories this week was Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? We used our beautiful felt pieces to help tell the story that were made by a church member. For snack we enjoyed blueberries, bananas, and bread with butter that we made ourselves using heavy cream!
We also enjoyed a visit from the Point Pleasant Beach Children's Librarian. We were busy!
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CROP Walk October 18, 2015
Help provide food and shelter both here at home and worldwide by supporting this year's 35th annual Ocean County "Pat Donohue" CROP Hunger Walk. Over one million dollars of CROP Walk money was made available for Superstorm Sandy relief efforts. This year's 5K walk is on Sunday, October 18 and begins at The Presbyterian Church of Toms River, Hooper Ave. & Chestnut St. Our walk is a celebration of the hope we give to hungry people everywhere. Registration is at 1:30 and the walk starts at 2:00. As always, there will be music and refreshments. For information contact Alan Reifenheiser at 732-349-0665 or email him at areifenheiser@comcast.net - or contact Courtney Rzeplinski. If you can't join in the Walk yourself, please sponsor a walker!
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An Inspiring Story of Forgiveness
 For nearly 40 years Gwen and John Haspels lived as Presbyterian mission co-workers in Africa, teaching love and forgiveness in cultures of violence. In Ethiopia, the native Suri would often tell the couple that they could not understand the depth that kind of forgiveness requires, but on October 1, 2014, the tragic events that unfolded on a rural road in Ethiopia changed that....
You can read more in an article on the PC(USA) website about the violent attack that befell the Hapels on a road in Ethiopia, and how God used that terrible experience for good. Thanks for your giving, that supports faithful Christian servants like the Haspels!
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Here are the upcoming volunteer groups who will be staying in the Volunteer Village this fall:
Sunday, Oct 4 - Helping Hands of Lehigh Presbytery, PA
Sunday, Oct 11 - Lend A Hand, Carlisle, PA
Sunday, Oct 18 - Scioto Valley Presbytery, Columbus, OH
Sunday, Oct 25 - Crossroads Presbyterian Church, Leechburg, PA
 Sunday, Nov 8 - Lend A Hand, Carlisle, PA |
FEMA NFIP Review Process -
DEADLINE EXTENDED - but not for long!
 If you filed a National Flood Insurance (NFIP) claim after Superstorm Sandy, and you were not satisfied with the amount of money you received from your insurance company, you can request a review of your flood insurance claim through FEMA.
If you need help in understanding or navigating the review process, you can get FREE assistance from trusted community advocates who are on hand to provide one on one assistance. If you're interested in learning more about the NFIP review process and what you need to do to opt-in for a review, please call the Ocean County Long Term Recovery Group.
732-569-3484 ext. 24
We strongly encourage policyholders to ask for a review,
as there may be additional funds that are rightfully yours.
MILLIONS of additional insurance awards have already been given
to county residents who went through the review process.
 As you may know, the deadline for opting in was extended to October 15. This provides just a short window to get the word out to the 85% of eligible people who have, so far, not taken advantage of this opportunity. According to a September 15 article in the Asbury Park Press, the average additional flood insurance payment, following the review process, was $15,994. This amount can easily make the difference for people who are on the edge in their recovery and should make it worthwhile for almost everyone to drag that paperwork out again. And according to a second article on September 17, HUD announced that they will not consider any of the first $20,000 a duplication of benefits. This was one of the big reasons many people were hesitant to go through all the effort of having their claim reviewed: thinking they would go through all the effort just to give it back to the government. That worry is now not a factor for the average claimant.
Let's make sure that Sandy affected homeowners don't leave money that is theirs on the table. Please spread the word. Time is short!
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A Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Volunteer Village
can't keep going without plenty of willing workers.
At the recognition dinner last Saturday evening, PDA
thanked these members of PPPC who were present
(and others who were in absentia) for all they've done
for the Lord, and to help restore the Shore.
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CHURCH CALENDAR - The latest edition of the church calendar is available online, on the church's website. 
10:00 a.m. - Worship/Communion/Chancel Choir
10:00 a.m. - Sunday School begins in Worship
11:15 a.m. - Inquirers Group
9:15 a.m. - Embracing Forgiveness Bible Study, Chittick Lounge
5:30 p.m. - Wolf Den, CE Annex
6:15 p.m. Choral Bells
7:00 p.m. - Deacons Meeting, Chittick Lounge
Tuesday, October 6
Wednesday, October 7
9:00 a.m. - Women's Breakfast at the Rainbow Diner
10:00 a.m. - Prayer Chain, Chittick Lounge
5:00 p.m. - Dove Choir Rehearsal
6:00 p.m. - Bear Den, Basement
Thursday, October 8
8:00 a.m. - Men's Breakfast at US Subs
7:00 p.m. - Webelos Den
7:00 p.m. - Judith Rachel Circle
7:00 p.m. - Webelos Den
7:30 p.m. - Chancel Choir Rehearsal
Friday, October 9
6:00 p.m. - Youth Connection
Saturday, October 10
Sunday, October 11
10:00 a.m. - Worship/Choral Bells/Healing Prayers
10:00 a.m. - Sunday School begins in Worship
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 Birthday Blessings
Oct 4 John Liotta, Caden Lucich, Aaron Semanski
Oct 5 Alexa Ianniello, Nicholas Ianniello, Kerry Jones, Brandon Rodgers
Oct 6 James Liotta, Kathleen Schmidt
Oct 7 Cyrus Marden, Donald Quimby
Oct 8 Min Curtis
Oct 9 Bruce Larsen, Keith Reilly Jr
Oct 10 Bob Martin, Steven McDermitt
Oct 11 Elizabeth DeRosa
Oct 12 Ginger Decker
Oct 13
Oct 14
Oct 15 Jacquelin Woods
Oct 16
Oct 17 Thomas Bamburak
Oct 18 Jessica Holloway, Zachary Paulus
Oct 19 Jamie Jaekels, Marjorie McGhee
Oct 20 Phyllis King, Carol Reid
Oct 21
Oct 22 Michael Aiello, William Smykowski
Oct 23
Oct 24 W N Smith
Oct 25 Riley Fiorentino, Adrian Jensen
Oct 26 Cailey Hudnut
Oct 27 Joan Reitmeyer
Oct 28 Sydney Hurley, Cynthia Kells, Rosanna Maimone, Carl Wilton
Oct 29
Oct 30 Claude Hurley, John Pasola, Frank Perkowski, Lisa Simpson
Oct 31
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October 18, CROP Walk Toms River
October 24, 7:00 - Heartbreak and Healing After Sandy film screening
October 25, 11:00 a.m. Youth Connection Pancake Breakfast
November 1 - Daylight Savings Ends
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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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