United Pres                                      February, 2014
Dear Friends and Fellow Snow Sufferers,
 
I am writing to take full responsibility for the weather that has hampered our progress in completing our renovations.  I was notorious with the Girl Scout troops I led for always choosing the weekends with the worst weather for our camping trips.  Indeed for the first 10 years we never had a trip without a major downpour.  Then, finally, we went for a weekend to Camp Sacajawea in October and it didn't rain.  Instead it snowed and was 5 degrees!  After that, I decided I would never complain about a rainy camping trip again. It is unfortunate that the weather has been so uncooperative for our building program. Nevertheless, we are making progress.  Here is a recent update from our contractor, Peter Dunham: 

"Not a bad week.  We were able to complete the footings and a detailed portion of the flat roof.  Monday is the MLK holiday, so we will have to wait 'til Tuesday for a footing inspection.  Unfortunately, the temperatures will be sub-freezing Tuesday and beyond for a spell, so we are taking a "wait and see" approach for pouring the remainder of the concrete.  Usually January and February are the coldest months, so let's hope for the best.
 
The sheathing I used on the completed portion of the flat roof has an integral weather barrier laminated to the panel.  The system comes with a special tape for sealing the seams of the panels.  After I installed it, it rained and the interior was dry, no drips.  The flat roofing material will be a two ply system that uses a self stick adhesive, but it has to be 50 degrees to install it.  It is a little risky to do interior finish work, such as insulation, drywall and flooring without permanent roofing.  I'll consult with the manufacturer of the sheathing to see if they can assure me of the performance of the integral weather barrier on the sheathing, as this may permit me to make more progress on interior, while we await warmer temperatures.
 
Assuming we get the concrete piers completed soon, I can then do the new gable roof above the steps.We should be receiving the new doors soon.  They are currently being prepared for the hardware at Hamilton Supply.  After they are set, I would like to trim the exterior and put the siding on.  Once this work is in progress, the exterior appearance will start to improve significantly.
 
I think it is wise to wait until the piers are completed before we revise the schedule.  The piers are the key to unlocking other activities. Thanks for continued patience."   
 
We are so fortunate to be working with Peter, who is keeping our costs down despite the delays due to inclement weather.  Speaking of which, I just want to ask whoever is praying for snow to stop!

Grace and Peace,
Jean 
United Presbyterian Women
 
upwbiblestudy

The United Presbyterian Women will have their monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 4th in the Bertolet Lounge at 10:00 am.  In our Bible study we will be studying Hagar.  Our business meeting will follow the Bible study.  After our meeting, all those women who want to, go to a local restaurant for lunch.  All women are invited to join us.  We would love to have you!

 
Adult Sunday School
 
Looking for a change in the new year?  The
Adult Sunday School offers the opportunity for learning about some Old Testament and New Testament subjects and church history over the past 1000 years as well as having some fellowship and coffee.  We hope to see you on Sunday mornings at 9:30.    SS Teachers 

 

  Topic

Dates

Teacher

The Reformers, Martin Luther,

Waldo, Calvin, Menno Simons, etc. 

Feb 2, 9, 16 & 23

Jean Pinto

First Corinthians, One In Christ

Mar 2 - May 18

 

 

Mar 2, 9, 16, 23

Curly Rentner

 

Mar 30, Apr 6, 13, 20

Peggy Ayres

 

Apr 27, May 4, 11, 18

Tony Nami

 
 
SURVIVORS
SurvivorsBunco
The Survivors Senior Group will meet at the church, Fellowship Hall, on Wed., Feb. 12th at 12:00 p.m. to play Bunco.  We ask that you bring a bag lunch and a dessert to share.  Drinks will be provided.  All seniors and friends are welcome to participate in our annual Bunco afternoon.  Please contact Rita Peterson at 259-7256 or email ritapete@optonline.net if you plan to attend.  I would like to thank everyone that has saved tabs for the Ronald McDonald House this past year and also the donation of hats, gloves, scarves and sweatshirts for TASK.  Your continued support of both these wonderful organizations is most appreciated.

 

The Women's Book Club
 
book club
The Women's Book Club will meet on Tues. (the last Tues. of the month), Feb. 25th at 7:00 pm in the Bertolet Lounge.  Our February classic this year is POLLYANNA by Eleanor H. Porter.  When orphaned, Pollyanna Whittier comes to live with her stern maiden aunt. She manages to see the sunny side of any situation and changes other people's spirit as well.  All women of the church and their friends who enjoy books and fellowship are invited to join us!  March selection: THE UNLIKELY PILGRIMAGE OF HAROLD FRY by Rachel Joyce.

 

 

Dear UPC Family,

Thank you for your condolences, support, cards, phone calls and love which I have received from the UPC family at the loss of my husband, John Frierson, Jr.  Although John's health kept him from participating in many activities which we all enjoy daily, his faith in God sustained him through many difficult days.  He expressed to me many times how much he appreciated the cards from UPC members and how uplifting they were.  God bless each and everyone in the UPC family.

Peace in Christ, Carolyn S. Reynolds

   

****** 

 
Dear UPC Congregation,
Many thanks for the generous Christmas gift; it is very much appreciated.  I also want to take this time to thank the members of UPC for the many kindnesses shown to me during this past year.  It is truly a joy to serve as UPC's Choir Director.  Best wishes for a blessed 2014!                  

Sincerely,  Marilyn Machmer

 

******        

 

I'd like to take a moment to extend a thank you to
all members of the congregation for your thoughtfulness and generosity!Your gift was certainly a surprise windfall especially at an austere and difficult economic time.Blessings for the New Year and again, thank you!
Fondly, Mike Mraz, Organist

                                                                                                          

 

Birthday greetings to the members and friends whose birthdays are in February.

  1  Cassidy Angelina Luna
  4 Thomas Bates, Katie Bloodgood; Claire Wyrwas
  5  Mary Carpenter, Debbie Hill, Christina Walter
  7  Mary Van Dyke
  8  Robert Conner, Robert Germond
  9  Matthew Machin, Katelyn Yost
12  Julie Malpas, Courtney Stanley
16  Amanda Giordano
17  Stella Epp, Sam Steward   
18  Jacklyn Malpas, Laura Rose Scharnitz
21  Kenneth DePew, John Zelazny                             
22  Karl Peterson   
23  Kiersten Sheehan
24  Christina Dickson                      
25  Patty Guld, Mary Jane Laux
26  Rodney Houck
27  Rick Pinto
       
 CoffeeHour
There will be a coffee hour on Sunday, February 2nd at 10:15 am, hosted by the Deacons.  Please join us for fellowship and refreshments.
 
EASTER CANTATA
 
EasterCantata
Easter Cantata Choir Rehearsals to begin Thurs. Feb. 13th
 

 

The choir will begin rehearsals on the Easter cantata "In His Hands" on Thursday, Feb. 13th at 7:30 in the sanctuary.  The cantata will be presented on Palm Sunday, April 13, 2014.  There will be a dress rehearsal on Sat., April 5th at 10 a.m. in the sanctuary.  All are welcome to join the choir for this special presentation.  This cantata contains a narration that skillfully weaves the perspective of two narrators: one believing disciple, Jude, and one unbelieving disciple, Judas. Through a first-hand description of Christ's ministry on earth, each narrator explains His miracles, healings, and personal experiences while watching the life of Christ. This cantata also includes a powerpoint presentation that contains works of art from the Bob Jones University art gallery.  Please mark your calendars and plan to attend; this cantata speaks powerfully to believer and unbeliever alike.
 
January Session Meeting Cancelled
 
Snow Cartoon
Due to the foot of snow that fell on January 21, 2014, the Session meeting was cancelled.  One piece of business, however, was accomplished by E-Vote.  The Session approved the request of Cynthia Cheddi and Richard Gomez to have their daughter, Shaina, baptized at the 11 a.m. worship service on February 9, 2014.
 
 
 
Thunder
  Save the Date (7/11):  Start dreaming of warmer weather - our church is  again planning an outing to see the Trenton Thunder play on Friday, July 11th, game time is 7:05 p.m.  The Thunder will be playing the Akron Rubber Ducks (a Cleveland Indians farm team).  This is always a fun evening; we will be attending on an evening where there will be a giveaway.  The first 2,000 age 14 and over to arrive at the ball park that evening will receive a Hidecki Matsui bobble-head doll.  We will again be forming a choir to sing "God Bless America" during the 7th inning stretch.  More details to follow in a future newsletter. 
 
UPC CALENDAR OF EVENTS
 
calendarofevents 
Click on the link below to view our February calendar:

http://upcnj.view-events.com
Stay warm and remember, when winter is bitter, springtime is all the more sweet!
 
Sincerely,
 
Jean Pinto
 
United Presbyterian Church
 

In This Issue
United Presbyterian Women
Adult Sunday School
Survivors
The Women's Book Club
Thank You
Birthdays
Coffee Hour
Easter Cantata
Session News
Save the Date
Calendar of Events
Mission Focus
 
February Mission Focus: HomeFront
HomeFront Logo
Since its inception 20 years ago, HomeFront has worked to break the cycle of poverty and end homelessness in Central New Jersey, serving thousands of Mercer County families. In the past year alone, almost 14,000 heads of households walked through HomeFront's front door looking for help. Started by volunteers providing meals for families living in welfare motels, HomeFront has since developed a holistic array of services for clients who are either homeless or at high risk of becoming so.

On any given night, they provide emergency shelter, transitional housing and permanent service-enriched housing to over 450 people, two-thirds of them children. Some of their many services include case management, homelessness prevention services (including back rent & utility assistance), emergency food, free clothing and household goods at their FreeStore, affordable housing searches, job placement and readiness skills.

Special programming for children includes HomeFront's award-winning pre-school program, summer camp, after-school tutoring and other recreational, enriching and educational activities.

HomeFront has established collaborations with congregations, corporations and organizations, who assist in our mission of returning families to independence. HomeFront utilizes all segments of the community to accomplish its mission of providing comprehensive programs which enable formerly homeless families to become independent, contributing members of the community.

More than 1,200 volunteers work with HomeFront each year to provide families with everything from food, goods and services to assistance in locating jobs and housing. Without these dedicated and caring volunteers, many of their programs, such as our week-night tutoring program and hot meals for motel families, would not be possible.


 All of the contributions received for Mission during the month of February will support the wonderful work being done by HomeFront.  Please give generously.
 

Prayer
 
We pray for healing:
for Kim Correlli (stroke); Angela (breast cancer), Cyndy (breast cancer); Bryan; Melissa (colon and liver cancer); Tony (neck surgery); Margaret Bohn (congestive heart failure and kidney failure); Beverly McCoy (broken neck from a fall); Bill Carpenter; Bob Efaw (cancer); Amy's mother (heart problems); Karla (open heart surgery); Sheila (stroke); Nicole and Lacy Jo Nyerges (having tonsils and adenoids out); Gene LaMonica (stage 4 cancer); Jean Pinto's mother, Vinny Benefield (fell and broke her back, also has stitches in her head) .

We lift our concerns about:  Ron and Ann Castor's 10-year-old niece, Mia Castor, (seizures); Grace LaCrosse (cancer) who desires to be a witness at this time; those with alcohol dependency, depression, financial problems, drug addiction and/or other struggles; Bob (kidneys); Lois (eyes); Casey Ashe (inoperable malignant brain tumor) and his family at this difficult time; the Helfrich family

We ask for comfort for: David Seiverling on the loss of his mother, Jane; the family of Ronald Bodder on his recent passing; the family of Ben Accardi; Greg upon the passing of his grandfather; Carolyn Reynolds and family on the death of her husband, John Frierson; the Cleaver/Swal family on the sudden death of their cousin/husband, David; the family of Gerry Mills on her passing; .

We pray for traveling mercies: for Peggy Ayres' niece, Melina Belviso, going to Germany for a week for work and also for Jim Dixon, Jr. going to Germany on business as well.

We offer thanksgiving for:  the joy of Michelle's 8 Christmases with her cat, Serenity; that Colton Thibodeau has done well following Botox injections to relax the muscles in his arms and legs; that Hope Connolly's terminally ill father was able to walk her down the aisle at her wedding to Daniel Gadala-Maria on Saturday; Tom Zeyack's successful hip replacement; Nancy Hall's cancer remission; Ed Housel's good health; for the safety of Tom and Sue Lanning following a car crash; and the birth of Savannah Lynn.

  

Youth Group Fundraiser Feb. 4

The Youth Group will be holding a fundraising night at the Texas Roadhouse Restaurant, 1305 Rt. 33, Hamilton Shopping Plaza, Hamilton, NJ 08690.  Be sure to pick up your flyer on Sunday and take it to Texas Roadhouse, and they will donate 10% of your total food purchases to the fundraiser.  The fundraiser runs on Tuesday, February 4, 2014 from 4 pm to 9 pm and includes to-go and gift card sales as well as eat in dinners. Call ahead for seating at (609) 890-7427.  Support our Youth, while having a great dinner.  See you there!
 

 

The UPM Group will have a Breakfast Meeting on February 15th at 9:00AM, at the WISDOM DINER ROUTE 206, BORDENTOWN, NJ.  This will be a DUTCH TREAT EVENT.  Come join us for the fellow- ship and spiritual up- lifting as we continue to share ways of socializing and serving our church.  A sign-up sheet is in the Narthex and must be completed by Sunday, February 9, 2014. 
If you have any questions, contact Jim Dixon, 609-298-3398 or e-mail jdixonsr@comcast.net.

 

 

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