the pluckeminews - Pluckemin Presbyterian Church
Transcription
the pluckeminews - Pluckemin Presbyterian Church
THE PLUCKEMINEWS The Presbyterian Church at Pluckemin, 279 Route 202-206 North, PO Box 402, Pluckemin NJ 07978 Website: www.ppch.org Phone Number 908-658-3346 From the Interim Pastor Happy New Year! One of my memories of New Year’s Eve actually was a few days before when I accompanied a dear childhood friend and her family into NYC for a day trip at the holidays. Her father has always been a music lover, and so I believe he meant for us to end up walking through the Waldorf Astoria Hotel to see where Guy Lombardo and the Royal Canadians played New Year’s Eve. In fact we walked past the actual Ballroom. We heard the music, and then it suddenly stopped as the band took its lunch break. A few minutes later, as we still stood there, Guy Lombardo himself walked out. It was a moment of realization for us – he was a real person. “Mr. New Year’s Eve” was there. Maybe you have a memory of Guy Lombardo, or maybe you do not, but the song that is associated with New Year’s Eve must be a part of your memories. Even as we enter 2016 the strains of “Auld Lang Syne” echo in our minds. In Scots the phrase means “times long past”. “Despite its strong association with New Year's Eve, ‘Auld Lang Syne,’ written by Robert Burns in the 1700s, was never intended to be a holiday song. Guy Lombardo is credited with popularizing the song when his band used it as a segue between two radio programs during a live performance at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York in 1929. By coincidence, they played ‘Auld Lang Syne’ just after the clock hit midnight, and a New Year's tradition was born.” Bit.ly/ABCAuldLangSyne Another year has passed … it gets harder to fathom that every year! Entering the new always involves saying goodbye to the old. But for growth and change to come, we must open ourselves to new possibilities. Particularly this year the congregation at Pluckemin will be opening itself January 2016 to take a look at its identity, its calling, and its neighbors and the ministry that is uniquely its own. As we move through 2016, I will, as the Interim Pastor, be leading the congregation in a Mission Study, not simply because that is what interims do, but because I believe that is what we are called to do as Christians. Taking a good hard look at ourselves and the community in which we work and live will be helpful to discernment. Discernment is the process of listening and looking at the world attempting to see and hear what God sees and hears, and especially what God would have us see and hear as a community. God calls each of us to specific ministry in our community in a certain time and place. You will hear more about spiritual discernment in the coming months, but for now, think about this: In order to meet Mr. Guy Lombardo, we had to be in New York City and not just New York City, but the correct hallway of the appropriate hotel in the right week of the year at the moment when a break was called. We had to pause; we had to listen; we had to wait; we had to be watchful. We had to be open to receive the gift that came to us. We had to be ready to share an experience we would remember and we had to be ready to make memories… “And there's a hand my trusty friend ! And give us a hand o' thine! And we'll take a right good-will draught, for auld lang syne. Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind? Should old acquaintance be forgot, and auld lang syne?” Happy New Year! Pastor Heather P.S. Even though you may never have heard of Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians, their recording of the song “Auld Lang Syne” still plays as the first song of the New Year in Times Square. Sometimes we impact the world in ways we can never expect or imagine… Page 2 From Associate Pastor Margaret From Associate Pastor Margaret Happy New Year!! The start of a new calendar year always brings with it the freedom and hope of a fresh start: the chance to try again, the opportunity to test something new, the relief of setting the past aside to pursue the future. But all too often (and sometimes even before we’ve finished making our resolutions!) we make the same mistakes again, our new endeavors fall by the wayside, and our pasts have a way of reminding us they are part of who we are. Just as the coldest, dreariest, and snowiest parts of winter come upon us, we may feel discouraged and consider giving up. But all change involves hard work and plenty of trial and error. It’s uncomfortable, messy, and sometimes dull. Yet, it is the process we’ve been given, and with persistence and the power of God, I am confident we will arrive on the other side and begin to see the fruits of our labor. Eventually, spring always comes and overtakes the winter. 2016 promises to be a big year for us. Our mission study is ahead, which to do well will require some deep introspection and honesty with ourselves. Who are we as the Pluckemin congregation today? Who might we become? What work is God calling us to pursue? We might be surprised by the answers to these questions, if we’re willing to find them. Inevitably we will be challenged, and we will need to respond and adapt. THE PLUCKEMINEWS – January 2016 in Mary’s womb, followed by the labor of, well, labor. And at Easter, Jesus didn’t just jump down from the cross and say, “nice try guys, but you really can’t get rid of me.” No, he suffered those long hours on Good Friday, lay dead in the tomb on Holy Saturday, and didn’t rise again until that Easter Sunday. Not to mention his many long walks through the Judean countryside trying to teach his rather dense (aren’t we all?) disciples about what God was up to and desired for the world. So, as we make our way into 2016, let us embrace our earthly humanity and commit ourselves to engaging each stage of the process fully. Jesus was just as present with his disciples during his earthly life as he was after his death, resurrection, and ascension. Let’s be sure to notice and appreciate him along our journey as well! Many blessings and much love! Margaret DEACON-ON-CALL FOR JANUARY Anne Marlotte Home 732-271-4670 It’s easy to get impatient with transition, and want to Cell 908-256-5141 hurry up and get to the part where we’re thriving Email [email protected] again. But as we reflect on the Incarnation, which we Call for temporary or emergency needs of the just celebrated at Christmas, and as we look forward Congregation such as meal preparation, to the Resurrection, which we’ll celebrate shortly at transportation to worship, visitation, and Easter, we are reminded that God was really intoContac the Communion for those who are homebound or process. God didn’t just drop Jesus down in in a nursing care facility. Bethlehem via angelic stork. Instead Jesus entered our world in the normal way: nine months of growing Page 3 THE PLUCKEMINEWS – January 2016 PRESCHOOL NEWS January 2016 Thank you to all who participated in our “Angel Tree” project. The generosity from the preschool families was wonderful. Every wish was fulfilled! Many children and parents benefited during this holiday season from your warm gifts. We’d like to thank Michelle Boudreau for coordinating this project and for delivering the gifts to the Office of Children and Families in Somerville. Thank you also to Pastor Heather who narrated our Christmas pageant, the Preschool’s re-telling of the first Christmas. It was a joyful event for all who attended! Another joyful event was the preschool’s participation in the tree lighting. A group of a dozen children, including some alumni, raised their voices in song to share the Good News. In-house registration for the 2016/17 school year will be taking place from Monday, January 4th – Thursday, January 14th. During this time, children who now attend the preschool program or are members of the Pluckemin Presbyterian Church can register. All registration forms must be submitted during this period. Openings will not be held after this date and placement cannot be guaranteed after January 14th. Spots do fill up quickly. Registration will open up to the public on Tuesday, January, 19th. We are again going to offer a 5 day a week class to those children who will turn 4 years old by July 1st from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. We will also be offering a 4 day option for 4 year olds from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. The 3 year old classes will meet Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Our 2 ½ year old will meet Tuesday/Thursday from 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. We will be holding an Open House from 9:30 a.m.11:00 a.m. for any new families who might be interested in getting better acquainted with the school on Wednesday, January 20th. A classroom will be set up with the activities and teachers will be on hand to answer any questions. If you would like more information, please call the Preschool office at 908-658-4720. The Adult Ministries and Worship & Music committees invite you to discover and learn about the new Presbyterian hymnal, Glory to God, during the Adult Education classes on January 10th, 17th, and 24th. The class will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. and will be led by our very own Director of Music, Noel Sell. Come hear about this new songbook for the denomination and sing several of the hymns and songs offered! Blood Pressure Screening January 17th, 11:00 – 11:30 in Grace Corner! January canned pasta (ravioli, spaghetti w/meatballs, etc.) canned corn, canned peaches, and cheerios If you give food to the hungry and satisfy those who are in need, then the darkness around you will turn to the brightness of noon. Isaiah 58:10 Page 4 THE PLUCKEMINEWS – January 2016 ADULT MINISTRIES Adult Education: Noel Sell will be leading us in an exploration of the new Presbyterian hymnal, Glory to God. Join us for three Sunday mornings at 9:00 in the Covenant Room, Jan. 10th, Jan. 17th, and Jan. 27th. Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate will be provided. Bring your best singing voice! We will sing and learn about hymns in the new hymnal. Monday Morning Women’s Bible study: Jeremiah: Daring to Hope in an Unstable World by Melissa Spoelstra. Join us as we listen for God's message through the prophet Jeremiah, which helps us navigate the challenges of an unstable world. Meets Monday mornings at 10:00 in the library. Come early for coffee and fellowship. Tuesday Men's Breakfast: Meets at The Top O’ the Hill for breakfast and devotions monthly on the 2nd Tuesday. See Bill Hammond for details. Thursday Morning Bible Study: Meets Thursdays at 8:30 in the library. Join them for lively discussion and study. Carol Wildonger for Adult Ministries Committee CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES January 2016 Happy New Year! My hope is that Pluckemin’s Children’s Ministries will have a year of energy, growth and meaningful missions, and that our faith and fellowship will grow deeper with each month. Thanks to everyone who made our Advent Workshop a great success! Be sure to check out the pictures from the workshop on our bulletin board in the hallway. January brings us the following schedules: Children’s Worship will meet every Sunday except January 10th, which will be a communion Sunday. Due to holidays and travel, there will be no Sunday School on January 3. Sunday School will meet as usual on January 10, 17 and 24. January 31st will be a Community Sunday when all students will meet in Fellowship Hall for a special mission project. Also, we plan to begin our Community Sunday activities with music led by Mrs. Sell. Please mark your calendars and bring a friend. Many blessings for the year ahead, Presbyterian Lingo Councils: session, presbytery, synod, General Assembly (GA): These are the congregational, regional, and national groups that make decisions for the church. They are composed of presbyters elected by the people. There are 173 presbyteries, each made up of a group of churches usually in a certain geographical area. The presbyteries are grouped together into 16 synods. The General Assembly meets biennially to vote on matters affecting the whole church. Karen Eastlund Chair, Children’s Ministries Page 5 THE PLUCKEMINEWS – January 2016 Stewardship Pledge 2016 “We are Part of the Crew” The Stewardship Committee would like to thank those who have pledged their giving for 2016, and remind those who have not yet made that commitment that we will still be accepting pledges in the coming weeks. Pledge cards are available in the sanctuary and in the church office. Your pledged gifts serve as an ongoing commitment to the congregation and its ministry. As our 2016 mission giving is currently a congregational tithe tied to our own pledged giving, you can assist the church to make a deeper commitment to mission work by pledging for 2016. Help us to know you are committed to the work God is doing to help us learn and grow in faith together. PER CAPITA GIVING for 2016 The Stewardship Committee would also remind everyone how the Presbyterian denomination funds the work of mission, resources and congregational support. The Presbyterian Church (USA) denomination uses a per person cost to attempt to share the ministry at the larger levels of church organization together. Paying per capita is similar to • contributing one’s dish to a potluck meal • paying to be connected to the Internet • paying for the benefit of utilities, such as electricity, water, and telephone • pitching in with other passengers to pay for gasoline for a road trip • participating in community supported agriculture (CSA) or a similar co-op The General Assembly per capita increased $.05 to $7.12 for each member of the denomination nationwide. The Synod per capita remains unchanged at $4.00 per member of those in the Northeast of our denomination. The Presbytery of Elizabeth cost per person is unchanged at $25.80 for a grand total of $36.92 per person. We support ministry like Pastor Margaret being involved at the Early Ministry Institute in the Synod of the Northeast: a three year program designed to encourage and support pastors in their first call to parish ministry and to assist them to gain skills in specific areas which are often omitted in the traditional seminary education. The context of EMI is to center on God’s call to us and to reflect how Christ is part of our ministry, to consider the ongoing life of the congregation, and to take a look at the church as it interacts with the surrounding world. http://synodne.org/mission/. Per capita is a phrase which means “by the head” and represents a system of support for the larger whole that seeks parity or fairness. Each person is charged for the ongoing work and administration of staff and ministry programs that serve to resource us all. Pluckemin has 360 members for the purpose of this year’s assessment for a grand total of $13,291.20. In the last year we have not received these funds directly from each person, and so have been paid for this cost out of your giving to the ministry of the local church. If you are one of the 70 households in our congregation who elect to have envelopes for your weekly giving, then you will find an envelope in your box for the per capita– reminding you that the total for each confirmed member of the church (including teens and college folk) is $36.92. Feel free to round that up to $37 or even $40 per member in your household, as you recognize that many have not paid that separate amount. Pledgers and non-pledgers alike are encouraged to support the per capita offering in January. By paying your own way you release funds for ministry locally! Thank you for your gift in the offering plate. We appreciate all you do!! The Stewardship Committee Ken Wildonger, Diane McBride, Diane Stewart, and Pastor Heather Morrison Yaden Page 6 THE PLUCKEMINEWS – January 2016 YOUTH MINISTRIES HOW MANY people does it take to have a Cookie Walk? We lost count, but thank you to all of you who baked and bought cookies and other treats during our Cookie Walk. You helped us raise over 800 “calories” for our Youth Group Summer work trip in July 2016. HOW MANY Youth Group graduates does it take in order to call it an XL Alumni Reunion? Let’s see, one … two … three … how about ten? They gathered for memories, laughs, post-graduation stories, and a picture! XL LOCK IN Friday January 8th @ 9PM - Saturday January 9th @ 9AM THINGS TO DO: Gift Exchange, Games; Make your own pizza; Midnight Vampire; Movie; Sleep (a little). THINGS TO BRING: A gift for the gift exchange (~$10); Sleeping bag, pad & pillow; A friend! Mark Your Calendars Jan. 3: No XL tonight. Happy New Year. Jan. 6: Youth Advisors Committee Meeting. Jan. 8: Lock-In, 9pm Friday – 9am Saturday. Jan. 17: XL Meeting, 6pm – 8pm. Deposits due for Ski Trip & Work Trip. Adults: Things to Do After Christmas: Take down your Christmas Lights. Start your diet. OPEN UP your house for our Youth Progressive Dinner on February 7. We need three houses, 45 minutes each, for appetizers at 4pm, dinner at 5pm, then dessert during First Half. It’s “Superb” … literally! Jan. 24: XL Meeting, 6pm – 8pm. SIGN UP for Youth Work Trip (see below), and the Youth Ski Trip (Feb 20-21 or 27-28). Jan. 31: XL Meeting, 6pm – 8pm. And save the date. CHAPERONE UP for the Ski Trip, the Work Trip, or just an occasional Sunday evening. We have something for everyone. Feb. 7: Hey, skip the lights (& the diet?). Our stuff is way more fun! Superb Owl Progressive Dinner. Our YOUTH WORK TRIP is July 24-30, 2016. The trip is open to all youth entering 9th grade or older (adults, too!). The cost after fundraisers is $325-$350 per person, with a $50 deposit due by January 17 to guarantee a spot. For more information, or to sign up, contact Bob ([email protected] or 908-872-8121). EVERY WEEK Sundays 9:30-11:15am 9:00-9:45am 9:00-9:45am 9:00-9:45am 9:00-9:45am 10:00am 10:15am Child Care in Nursery in CM Wing Sunday School classes in CM Wing Jr. High Sunday School in Upper Rm Senior High Sunday School in Library Adult Sunday School Covenant Rm Worship (Communion on 1st Sunday) Children’s Worship-Covenant Rm (No Children’s Worship on 1st Sunday of month) 11:00 am Fellowship Hour in Fellowship Hall 6:00-8:00pm XL Youth Group in FH Mondays 10:00am-noon Women’s Bible Study in Library 7:30-9:00pm Narcotics Anonymous for Men in Trinity Tuesdays 9:00am-1:00pm Watercolor Art Class in Trinity Wednesdays 12:00-1:00 pm Preschool Sports Class in FH 6:00-8:00 pm Carillons’ Bell Choir Rehearsal in FH Thursdays 8:30-9:30am Adult Small Group Bible Study- Library 9:15-10:00 am Preschool Music Class in Covenant Rm 1:00- 3:30 pm Watercolor Art in Trinity Rm 6:30-7:00 pm Jubilation Ringers in Covenant Rm 7:00-7:45pm Bells for Fun in Covenant Rm 8:00-10:00pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal in FH (Sanctuary on 3rd Thursday) 7:30-9:30 pm Alcoholics Anonymous in UR/Grace Corner MONTH OF JANUARY 1(Friday) 2(Saturday) 9:00-noon 3(Sunday) 10:00am 7:00-8:30pm 5(Tuesday) 7:00 pm 6:30-8:30pm 6 (Wednesday) 6:00-8:00pm 6:00-8:00pm 7(Thursday) 9:30-2:00pm 7:00-8:30pm 8(Friday) 7:30-9:00pm 9(Saturday) 9:00am-noon 10 (Sunday) 10:00am 1:00-6:00pm 6:00-8:00pm New Year’s Day (office closed) Jersey Harmony Express-Trinity Rm Worship in Sanctuary with Communion Boy Scout Leaders mtg in Grace Corner Deacons mtg Covenant Rm Cub Scout Den Mtg Fellowship Hall Children’s Ministry Mtg in the Library Carillons Rehearsal Friends of Counted Embroidery FH Cub Scout Pack Leaders’ Mtg in Trinity Boy Scout Troop 154 in Fellowship Hall Cub Scouts Pinewood Derby Pit Stop Worship in Sanctuary Boy Scout Leadership Training FH XL Youth Group (Grades 7-12) FH 11 (Monday) 7:00-8:00pm 7:00-9:00pm 7:30pm 12(Tuesday) 6:30-9:30pm 7:30am 7:00-8:00pm 7:00-8:30pm 13 (Wednesday) 10:45-11:30am 6:00-10:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 14(Thursday) 10:30-11:30am 6:30-8:00pm 17 (Sunday) 10:00am 11:00-11:30am 6:00-8:00pm 18 (Monday) 19(Tuesday) 6:30-8:30pm 7:00pm 20 (Wednesday) 6:00-8:00pm 7:30-9:00pm 21(Thursday) 7:00-8:00pm 8:00-10:00pm 22(Friday) 7:30-9:00pm 24(Sunday) 10:00am 12:00-2:00pm 3:00-5:00pm 6:00-8:00pm 25(Monday) 6:00-9:30pm 7:00-9:00pm 26(Tuesday) 6:30-9:30pm 7:00-8:00pm 27(Wednesday) 7:00-8:00pm 29(Friday) 7:00-9:00pm 7:30-9:00pm 30(Saturday) 8:00am-1:00pm 31 (Sunday) 10:00am Boy Scout Committee Mtg FH Jersey Harmony Express in Grace Corner Preschool Board Mtg CM Wing Nominating Committee mtg in the Library Men’s Prayer Breakfast at Top O’ the Hill Cub Scout Den Mtg Grace Corner Finance Committee mtg Covenant Rm Preschool sports class Fellowship Hall Buildings & Grounds-Grace Corner Missions Committee Upper Room Book Club-Library Adult Ministries mtg in the Library Worship and Music mtg in the Library Worship in Sanctuary Blood Pressure Screening in Grace Corner XL Youth Group(Grades 7-12)-Library Martin Luther King’s Birthday (office closed) Cub Scout Pack mtg-Fellowship Hall Session mtg-Covenant Rm Carillons Boy Scouts Patriots Council mtg in Trinity Rm Cub Scout Pack mtg in Fellowship Hall Sanctuary Choir in Sanctuary Boy Scout Troop 15 in Fellowship Hall Worship in Sanctuary Carillons rehearsal Webelos mtg in Trinity Rm XL Youth Group (Grade 7-12) in FH Stephen Ministers mtg Covenant Room Jersey Harmony Express-Grace Corner Nominating Committee mtg-Library Cub Scout Den 1-Grace Corner Cub Scout Tigers-Trinity Rm Cub Scouts Pinewood Pitstop in Trinity Rm Boy Scout Troop 154-Fellowship Hall Cub Scouts Pinewood Derby-FH/Kitchen Worship in Sanctuary News from the Church Office The church office is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. The deadline for announcements to be submitted for the Sunday bulletin is Wednesday. Please e-mail Sunday bulletin announcements to the church office at [email protected]. The Rev. Heather Morrison-Yaden, Interim Pastor, works in NJ Sunday-Thursday and is generally in the office Monday-Thursday from 10-2 for drop-in visits, or available by appointment during those weekdays. Please email her if you would like to set up an appointment. The Rev. Margaret Mitsuyasu, Associate Pastor, is in the office every weekday except Friday. You may reach her through the church office (ext. 103) or by email. In an emergency, you may call her on her cell phone: 253-5693112. Contact the Medical Equipment Ministry by calling 908-396-6057 and leaving a message on voicemail. Pluckemin Church Staff Interim Pastor: Rev. Heather Morrison-Yaden ([email protected]) Associate Pastor: Rev. Margaret Mitsuyasu ([email protected]) Sexton: Danny Abogado ([email protected]) Director, Music Ministries: Noel Sell ([email protected]) Associate Director, Music Ministries: Valerie Sell ([email protected]) Director of the Carillons: Marcia McBurney ([email protected]) Director, Youth Ministries: Bob Stewart ([email protected]) Pluckemin Preschool Director: Bel Gwiazdowski ([email protected]) Office Administrator: Cathie Ruiterman ([email protected]) The Presbyterian Church at Pluckemin 279 Route 202-206 North, P.O. Box 402 Pluckemin, NJ 07978 Phone: 908-658-3346 Fax: 908-658-9060 Return Service Requested Want to know the latest? Visit us on the web: www.ppch.org www.facebook.com/PluckeminChurch www.facebook.com/PPChYoungAdults