Point Pleasant Presbyterian Church
| Weekly News For Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016 | |
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Sandy Recovery Workshop THIS Saturday...
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Sandy Recovery Workshop
Still struggling with your recovery from Hurricane Sandy?
There will be a workshop 11:00 a.m to 1:00 pm on Saturday, February 27 at the Brick Presbyterian Church (111 Drum Point Road, Brick, NJ).
Its focus is to provide information to help people who are still struggling with the following:
1) Navigating their way through the intricacies of their RREM Program Grant.
2) Getting their Flood Insurance (NFIP) claim reviewed.
3) Working with their contractors.
If you or someone you know is interested in attending the workshop, please call 732-569-3484 ext. 24.
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Dear Friends, The American Idol TV talent competition has been topping the ratings for years. For many of us, the opportunity to sit by and watch a deserving ordinary Joe or Jane get their big break (or to moan and groan when someone less talented gets the nod) is irresistible. The Bible, though, means something very different by the word "idol" - and the connotation isn't nearly so positive. Idolatry is, in fact, one of the most serious sins described in the Bible, especially in the Old Testament. It's right there in the Ten Commandments: "You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or worship them..." (Deuteronomy 5:7-9) Literal idols in the Old Testament sense - carved or molded statues of a deity - are of course no longer part of our modern world. But that doesn't mean idolatry isn't still a huge problem for God's people. One theological definition of idolatry is: "Worshiping anything that ought to be used, or using anything that ought to be worshiped." By that definition, there's one thing that presents a continual temptation to a great many people in our society: money. Because we're a nation founded on individual virtues of industry and self-sufficiency, because we're so quick to honor those who achieve financial success in life, we Americans are probably more susceptible to the charms of this idol than are people of some other nations. It's true that fame is the cherished prize at the heart of the "American Idol" TV show, but most people assume that, for those who achieve fame in the entertainment world, plenteous wealth is not far behind. Money is the real American idol. So how do we, as Christians, keep the financial idol from taking over our lives? It's a question both for those who are wealthy and for those who aren't (but constantly worry about having enough). It's also a great theme for a Sunday in Lent. We'll use as our text Isaiah's prophetic question, "Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy?" (Isaiah 55:2). I invite you to continue your Lenten journey in worship this Sunday!
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Sunday, February 28, 2016
Third Sunday in Lent
Dr. Wilton preaching: "THE REAL AMERICAN IDOL"
Sunday, February 28
10:00 a.m. - Worship/Chancel Choir/Noisy Offering
10:00 a.m. - Sunday School begins in Worship
11:15 a.m. - Communion Servers, Ushers, and Worship Leader training
11:15 a.m. - Contemporary Worship planning meeting
2:30 p.m. Claremont Care Center
6:30 p.m. Handbell Festival, Toms River
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The Worship Committee would like to have a quick Usher/Communion training following the service and just prior to coffee hour. For all who are able to attend, please stay and meet with the Worship committee near the back of the church. Pastor Carl will also be available to speak with those who may be interested in serving as Worship Leaders (reading scripture and leading prayers during the worship service).
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16th Annual Ecumenical Handbell Festival
Sunday, February 28, 2016
Join us today for this annual handbell festival featuring handbell choirs from six local churches including our own Choral Bells. David Harris, the director of the Raleigh Ringers, will be the featured guest director.
The handbell choirs will perform together and individually - it will be a feast for eyes and ears! This concert will be held at 6:30 pm. at the Toms River Presbyterian Church. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. Tickets are not required but a donation will be collected during intermission.
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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 Family for the week of February 28 is the Bissey family. Let us be prayerfully aware of Bob and Jessie, as well as all our members and friends.
Prayer Concerns: Ron Claeys; Jackie and Dick Ellicks; Mary McSweeney; Diane Sikora.
Long term concerns: Jacob Basilotto; Cliff Brendler; Elsie Cason; Trey Childers; George Griffiths (Cousin of Heidi Steinert); Maryanne Leach; Ethel Lemke (mother-in-law of Scott Smith); Margie McGhee; Jim Millar; Gerda Mooney; Edith Pula; Gemma Roberts; Les Thornton; Stan Thornton; Bill Williams; those struggling with addictions and mental illness.
Military: Michael Fahey III; Matthew Warren; all those in our nation's service.
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INQUIRERS GROUP, EXPLORING CHURCH MEMBERSHIP - An Inquirers Group, for those exploring membership in the church, will take place NEXT Sunday, March 6, 2016. The meeting will start at 11:30 a.m. (just after the Communion Brunch) and will continue until 2:00 p.m. Child care can be made available upon prior request. New members will be received in worship on March 13. Please call the Church Office to sign up, or to find out more!
BAPTISMS - Baptisms will take place on Sunday, March 13 at the 10:00 am worship service. Ordinarily, at least one parent must be a member of PPPC. For more information, please call the Church Office.
REMINDER: PW CLOTHING DRIVE IN THE SPRING - Presbyterian Women will be having their clothing drive on April 23, 2016 from 8:00 to 12:00 p.m. All items brought that day must be in well-tied, heavy-duty bags. More information will follow.
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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The Bean project is back after a midwinter break and you can join us this Sunday for a special treat! Several of the Bean project items will be at coffee hour for you to not only taste and enjoy but to purchase as well!
This is a PW fundraiser that serves two purposes. Not only does it help underprivileged women trying to support their families and communities it also helps PW raise the necessary funds to supply two nursery caregivers each Sunday.
We have covered our purchase and shipping cost and are now working on 100% profit for each item sold.
Buy some for yourself but don't forget they make great gifts that will brighten anyone's day! They can be given in their lovely pre-packaged form or make someone extra happy and give them a batch already made! So please take the opportunity this Sunday to support two missions in one! The women who depend on the Bean projects continued success and the funding of the church nursery!
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At their February 16th meeting, the Session took the following actions. Because there was not a quorum present, the motions passed were later confirmed by electronic voting:
1. Approved the baptism of Lillian Leigh Rzeplinski, daughter of John and Courtney Norton Rzeplinski.
2. Heard a report about a joyful Epiphany Party, put on for residents of the Joan Valentine House by members of the Board of Deacons.
3. Discussed the need to enlist more people to serve as volunteer hosts when we have Interfaith Hospitality Network guests staying in the Education Annex.
4. Learned that the Nominating Committee will soon be meeting, to work on obtaining nominees for election to the Session and the Board of Deacons.
5. Heard a report that $823 has been raised to send church young people to the Presbyterian Youth Triennium this summer. More funds are still needed.
6. Learned that Dee D'Amore is making arrangements for tickets to be made available for the Faith and Family Night at the Lakewood Blue Claws on June 14. She is also looking into an Art Party to be held sometime in April, that would be a fundraiser.
7. A group is meeting to explore holding an Alternative Worship Service during the season of Easter.
8. Pat Shoppell was approved as the new Church Treasurer.
9. The 2016 Benevolence and Per Capita Distribution was approved, including the church's mission pledge to Monmouth Presbytery.
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PPPC Youth Are Recognized
Congratulations to Kyle Jones who was recognized by representatives of the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties for his winning entry in the Monmouth/ Ocean Foodbank Essay Contest "What does Volunteering mean to me?"
Kyle won first place for all 8th graders among the schools in Monmouth and Ocean County. In his essay, Kyle tells of the impact that IHN and the Youth Connection mission trip through Youth Service Opportunities Project to New York City last Summer, had on his life. Kyle's essay can be read online.
In addition, The Point Pleasant Boro Board of Education recognized Max Rauffer on February 22 for his work on the Advanced Placement Computer Science class project which developed an app for special needs students in the PALS program at the high school. The app helps students to virtually shop in a supermarket, teaching life skills and preparing the users to function independently. This app was developed by the students using advanced programming skills and languages. Max was a Team Leader and lead engineer on the project. Max also made the "Wall of Fame" in his Computer Science class for getting a 5 (the highest possible score) on the Advanced Placement Computer Science test. Max plans on attending DigiPen Institute of Technology in Redmond, Washington in the fall to pursue a
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation. A video explaining this project and another app created by the class can be viewed on the Asbury Park Press website link.
Way to go Kyle and Max!
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A Prayer A Day During Lent
A third week of prayers for Lent can be found as a bulletin insert or can be downloaded.
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A New Heart for Jacob
On Saturday, March 12th from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Church Annex, "A New Heart for Jacob" fundraiser will take place to benefit the Basilotto family. Jacob Basilotto is a 15-year old high-school freshman at Brick Township High School, and a Scout in our own Troop 6 who was born with just half a heart. Since December 10, 2015 Jacob has been on the waiting list for a heart transplant as 1A status, which is considered the most urgent.
All monies raised will support the upcoming expenses associated with Jacob's heart transplant. Some expenses include additional travel costs to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, transplant surgery, extended hospital stays and visits, medication costs and medical/hospital bills. Please consider supporting them in their efforts.
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Dr. Wilton's New Book
Pastor Carl's new book, Principles of Presbyterian Polity, has just been published by Westminster/John Knox Press! Copies may be purchased this Sunday during the coffee hour for a discounted price of $15. Please bring cash or a check payable to Rev. Carlos Wilton. The author will be present to autograph your copy!
The word "polity" means government - so, Presbyterian polity is Presbyterian church government.
The book is intended as a textbook for seminary polity classes - such as the ones Pastor Carl teaches at New Brunswick and Princeton Theological Seminaries - but there's much in it that's of interest to ruling elders, deacons, or anyone else who wants to know more about how Presbyterian congregations are governed.
From the publisher's description:
"Pastors, church leaders, and students of Presbyterian polity will find this a useful guide to Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) governance based on foundational principles. Recent changes in the PC(USA) Constitution have meant fewer rules and more flexibility in governance, making it imperative that leaders understand the historical principles that guide the church. Wilton explains the Book of Order's historic principles of church order in accessible language, providing readers with a lively appreciation of the revolutionary principles that guided the Presbyterian experiment in the New World and are still the beating heart of church life today. Principles of Presbyterian Polity is written from the conviction that it is not enough merely to know the "what" of polity; a deep, intuitive understanding of the "why" is just as vital. Church leaders will come away with a greater understanding of the Book of Order and have confidence using it in practical situations."
For a limited time, the book is ON SALE, 35% OFF, at the PCUSA Store website for $13 (regular price is $20) - which is cheaper than Amazon.com. (You can read excerpts from the book on the Amazon website.) There will soon be an opportunity to order the book through the church office (also at a discounted price), and perhaps even a book-signing event after church on an upcoming Sunday. Watch this space for more details...
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Kids:
Join us for Sunday School.
Peace and Blessings
Tricia Stoffers
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This Week at Point Beach Prep
This week Dr. Mary, of Dr. Little's Pediatric Dentistry, came in to talk to our classes about good oral hygiene. She brought her friend the Tooth Fairy! The children were in awe and enjoyed asking the Tooth Fairy many questions.
Our letter of the week was "R." We read Michael Recycle and learned how to reduce, reuse and recycle. One of the highlights of the week was when our students built a recycled robot with egg cartons, containers, water bottles, etc. They then took other recycled items and made their own creations. Our little architects used their imaginations to build and rebuild towers and other projects. What fun!
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Groups Scheduled for our Volunteer Village in 2016
This Sunday we welcome our first group for 2016, Lend A Hand!
Feb 28-March 4 - Lend A Hand, Carlisle, PA
March 27-April 2 - Summerville Church, Rochester NY
April 10-14 - Neshaminy Warwick Presbyterian Church, Warminster, PA
April 17-April 23 - Webster Presbyterian, Webster, NY
June 19-25 - Trinity United Presbyterian Church, Modesto, CA
August 21-27 - Lend A Hand, Carlisle, PA
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Busy Hands for Mission this week were busy working on school kits for Church World Service as well as baby quilts for premature babies. If you would like to join or are interested in knowing more, please speak with Marilyn Rice
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Congratulations to Bill Shoppell, who has just received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the New Jersey Music Educators Association!
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CHURCH CALENDAR - The latest edition of the church calendar is available online, on the church's website.
Sunday, February 28
10:00 a.m. - Worship/Chancel Choir/Noisy Offering
10:00 a.m. - Sunday School begins in Worship
11:15 a.m. - Communion Servers, Ushers, and Worship Leader training
11:15 a.m. - Contemporary Worship planning meeting
2:30 p.m. Claremont Care Center
6:30 p.m. Handbell Festival, Toms River
9:00 a.m. - Presbyterian Women Coordinating Team Meeting
11:00 a.m. - Bread and Broth Lenten Bible Study, Chittick Lounge
6:15 p.m Choral Bells
6:30 p.m. - Wolf Den
Tuesday, March 1
10:00 a.m. - Busy Hands
Wednesday, March 2
9:00 a.m. - Women's Breakfast at the Rainbow Diner
5:00 p.m. - Dove Choir, Sanctuary
6:30 p.m. - Youth Connection
7:00 p.m. - Bear Den
7:30 p.m. - Troop 6
Thursday, March 3
8:00 a.m. - Men's Breakfast at US Subs
7:30 p.m. - Chancel Choir Rehearsal
7:30 p.m. - Tiger Den
8:00 p.m. - Webelos Den
Friday, March 4
Saturday, March 5
Sunday, March 6 10:00 a.m. - Worship/Communion/Special Music 10:00 a.m. - Sunday School begins in Worship 11:00 a.m. - Communion Breakfast 11:15 a.m. - Inquirers Group |
BIRTHDAY BLESSINGS
Feb 28 Emily Birdsong, Ellen Hank, Eva Pula
Mar 1 Evelyn Hazard Mar 2 Virginia, Erb, Andrea Michigan, Harrison Stolfe-Legreide; Jill Watson Mar 3 Justin Hurley, Max Rauffer Mar 4 Londyn Hall; Brayden Landry, Paige Landry, Kellen O'Hara, Cody Santos, Michael Welch
Mar 5 Ched Church, Courtney Rzeplinski, Ashton Popiel Mar 6 Jessie Bissey, Reece Rampone Mar 7 Mar 8 Shane Ferguson, Rose Linke, Eleanor Sahadi, Charles Woodruff Mar 9 Michael McGuire Mar 10 Robert Dunston, Eileen Savage Mar 11 Mar 12 Payton Stoffers-Ott, Karen Winter Mar 13 Mar 14 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, Anthony Maimone, Stanley Thornton Mar 20 Dana Freeman, Stephanie Smith, Alexa Wright 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 Brittany Almazan; 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 20 - Palm Sunday
One Great Hour of Sharing Offering Received
Thursday, March 24, 2016
7:30 pm - Maundy Thursday Communion with Tenebrae
Friday, March 25, 2016
7:30 pm - Good Friday service
Sunday, March 27 - Easter
6:00 a.m. - Sunrise Service
9:00 and 11:00 a.m - Easter Worship
Friday, April 8
4:00 p.m. - PPPC Paint Party Fundraiser, CE Annex
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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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