April, 2014
United Pres

Found 

 

In the Gospels we read how Mary of Magdala came to anoint the body of Jesus with spices. Mary was beside herself, lost in grief, for she could not find her Lord. 

Suddenly she noticed someone behind her - the gardener perhaps? "Woman, why are you crying?" he asked her. "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him." Mary would do anything and go anywhere to retrieve Jesus' body. He, of all men, deserved a proper resting place.

Then she heard her name, "Mary." In that instant Mary recognized her Lord. She clung to him and wouldn't let him go.

 

When Jesus spoke her name - "Mary" - everything changed. She had been looking for Jesus, but Jesus had found her. It was she who was lost, not him. It was she, bent over in despair at the tomb, who needed lifting up. Jesus, the living one, raised from the dead, found Mary and transformed her life.

 

So it was for the rest of Jesus' disciples. Cleopas was on his way to Emmaus, trying to process with a friend all that had happened to Jesus. Jesus' closest disciples were huddled together behind closed doors in Jerusalem, mourning and afraid that they too might be arrested. Others had gone back to fishing, not knowing what else to do. Yet whether on the road to Emmaus, confused and bewildered, or in a room locked in fear, or in their boats, laboring and frustrated over yet another dismal attempt at catching fish, Jesus came to his own. In their need he spoke their name - "Thomas," "Simon Peter," "Cleopas" - and their eyes were opened, their hearts burned, and they believed. The disciples, scattered and aimless, each in his or her 

own way was found by Jesus, brought back to life by the one who was still doing his Father's work. "Why seek the living among the dead?" the two angels asked Mary. "He is not here; he has risen!"

 

Yes, Jesus was gone, missing. And yet he was alive. One by one his disciples encountered him anew and were changed forever. Jesus was on the loose, finding all those who could not find him, seeking out all those who could seek no more, revealing himself to those whose hopes and beliefs had been shattered.

As with Mary, Jesus still comes to us. Yet if we are not careful, we may not notice him. We may be too wrapped up in the material world, bent over with the weight of things that don't last. We may even be looking where Jesus can't be found: in security and comfort, achievement and wealth. Jesus is not there.

 

And yet he goes ahead of us to our various "Galilees," to transform those familiar places where we feel safe and secure but where we, despite all our good efforts, remain empty. He penetrates the walls we hide behind so we might believe again. He interrupts us on the roads of everyday life, in the midst of confusion and controversy, to open our hearts and minds to the kingdom of God.

 

Easter must never become a remembrance, a mere celebration, or worse, a discussion or debate. For Jesus wants to come to us again and again, here and  

now. As with Mary, he calls each one of us by name. And he asks us: Why are you crying? Who are you looking for? What are you straining to find? What is upsetting you so? Why are you afraid? He speaks into our hearts, personally, directly, so we can see him as he really is. Our lost Lord finds us. Jesus comes to 

everyone who feels lost without him. This is the miracle of Easter. On our own, we can never find him. But he can find us. Our names are on his lips.

 

Pastor Jean 

 

The United Presbyterian Women's Association will have their monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 1, at 10:00 am in the Bertolet lounge.  We will have our fellowship time, Bible study, and business meeting.  Our Bible study will be Rebekah from the book, "Women of the Bible".  After our meeting, those who want to will be going to a local restaurant for lunch.  All women are welcome!

CoffeeHour

There will be a coffee hour on Sunday, April 6th at 10:15 am, hosted by the Member Care Committee.  Please stop by for coffee, fellowship and refreshments.
BOOK SIGNING 

The United Presbyterian Women are excited to announce that we will be having a special event on Sunday, April 6th.  That Sunday at the 10:15 am coffee hour between services, we will be selling a booklet entitled, "Reflections." This booklet is a collection of original poems and art work by one of our church members, Margaret Archibald.  Margaret will be present at the coffee hour to personally sign her book.  The cost of the booklet will be $10.00 and all the proceeds from the sale of this booklet will be used to fund our mission projects.   This collection of inspirational and thought provoking poems will be something nice for yourself and also will make a great gift for family and friends for Easter or any occasion. 

 

The United Presbyterian Women want to express our gratitude to Margaret for making this booklet possible and for us being able to share her poems and art work with you. Her generosity will also benefit the recipients of the missions that we will be able to support.

 
SURVIVORS


The Survivors Senior Group will meet at the church, Fellowship Hall, on Wed., April 9th at 10:00 a.m. for a program presented by the Mercer County Sheriff's Office on Mercer County Senior ID's.  Each participant is asked to complete a form, distributed by Rita Peterson, and must be a MercerCounty resident 62 years of age or older.  Two (2) forms of identification must be presented on Apr. 9th as per the Senior ID Form. Please drop off your completed form with Rita no later than Mar. 30.  Also during our meeting there will be a presentation, Project Lifesaver, which identifies those persons who might wander and disappear. This program can be very helpful for families dealing Alzheimer's patients.  Following the presentation we will car pool to Town & Country Restaurant in Bordentown, NJ on Route 130 North to enjoy lunch.  If you plan to attend please make your reservation and receive your form for the Senior ID with Rita Peterson 259-7256 or email ritapete@optonline.net.  All seniors of the church and their friends are welcome to join the Survivors for a wonderful presentation and a great lunch and fellowship.
 
Men's Breakfast

The UPM Group will have a Breakfast Meeting on April 19th at 9:00AM, at the TOWN AND COUNTRY DINER ROUTE 130 NORTH, BORDENTOWN.  This will be a DUTCH TREAT EVENT.  Come join us for the fellowship 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, April 13, 2014.  If you have any questions, contact Jim Dixon at 609-298-3398 or e-mail jdixonsr@comcast.net.

 

 

The Women's Book Club will meet on Tuesday, April 29th (the last Tues. of the month) in the Bertolet Lounge at 7:00 PM.  We will be discussing THE PROMISE OF STARDUST by Priscillie Sibley.  This novel tells of the love story between Matt and Elle who are expecting their first child.  Elle is in a fatal accident and the family faces a moral dilemma.  All women of the church and their friends who enjoy books and fellowship are invited to join us.  Our May selection is: MY NAME IS MARY SUTTER by Robin Oliveira.

Birthday greetings to the members and friends whose birthdays are in April:

  1  Jonathan Carvalho, Jacquelyn Hendriksen
  2  Bob Anderson, Ruth Arnwine, Adeline Galvin, Gregory Stec
  3  Jennifer Halko
  6  Dana Roberts
  7  Betty Lou Dolci
  8  William Porter
  9  Jonathan Malloy
10  Michael Mraz
11  Holly Cardinale, Helen Carle
12  Colleen Latham, Shanna Latham
13  Linda Gravatt, Lynn Lasser, Mia Pingicer, Blythe Borders-Ashe
16  William Malloy
17  Bob Clendening, Alicia Wagner
20  Sharon Neuman
24  Maeve Pinto
25  Breta Malpas
26  Christopher McHugh
27  Sophia Grace Catana, Paul Minore, Jr., Michael Rentner
28  Kathy Thewes
30  Nicole Anderson, Sean Matthew Luna,  Ed Yost
 
Session Notes
Session met on Tuesday, March 19, 2014 and took the following actions:
  • Discussed "Unbinding the Gospel" chapter 9, about how to deal with growing pains, conflict, and distractions while maintaining focus on where the Spirit wants to take the church.
  • Removed Jean Cifelli from the active membership roll at her request.
  • Approved the Youth Group Senior High Retreat to Johnsonburg Camp, April 4-6.
  • Approved the Youth Group Sandy  Mission Trip to Matawan, July 31-Aug. 2.
  • Approved the purchase of a laptop for use with the E3 service.
  • Approved the Survivors program for April.
  • Received a report from the Growing for Tomorrow Building Group on the status of the renovation, which remains on budget despite being delayed by weather.
  • Approved the Outreach Committee's collection for the Ewing gas leak disaster's victims.  
 
EasterCantata

The Easter cantata "In His Hands" will be presented on Palm Sunday, April 13, 2014 at the 11:00 am worship service. 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.

PER CAPITA

The per capita apportionment for 2014 is $35.20 for each confirmed member of United Presbyteriaqn Church.  The per capita cost is based on the membership reported at the end of 2012, and covers the administrative costs of the church at the General Assembly, Synod, and Presbytery levels. Each person who pays $35.20 in addition to their regular giving enables us to use the money we budget for per capita to be used for our own church's expenses and mission. Thank you for supporting the larger church and the local church with your per capita payment.

On Maundy Thursday, April 17, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. we will be commemorating the Last Supper and recalling the events of Good Friday in a Tenebrae Service. The service of Tenebrae, meaning "darkness" or "shadows," has been practiced by the church since medieval times. Tenebrae is a prolonged meditation on Christ's suffering. Readings trace the story of Christ's passion, music portrays his pathos, and the power of silence and darkness suggests the drama of this momentous day. As lights are extinguished, we ponder the depth of Christ's suffering and death; we remember the cataclysmic nature of his sacrifice as we hear the overwhelming sound of the "strepitus" (Latin for "din" or "uproar"); and through the return of the small but persistent flame of the Christ candle at the conclusion of the service, we anticipate the joy of ultimate victory. Come join us for this powerful experience of worship.

 
Shout for Joy: He Is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed!
 
Celebrate the Resurrection at one of our two Easter Services on Sunday, April 20.  At 9:30 we have the E3 Service designed to Enlighten, Empower, and Engage people of all ages to activate their faith.  With contemporary music videos, and a philosophy that "children are to be seen and heard," this service welcomes lively participation of all who come.  At 11 a.m., we have a traditional service with the adult choir and a message from our pastor, Rev. Jean Pinto.

 

 

For more information, call the church office at (609) 585-5770.

 

OGHS boy
One Great Hour of Sharing Offering Received Palm Sunday, April 13
What a great feeling it is to help feed the hungry, clothe and house victims of natural disaster, and enable communities to move from poverty to self-sufficiency.  You can do all those things through your contributions to One Great Hour of Sharing.  The offering supports the Presbyterian Hunger Program, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, and Self-Development of People.  Please give generously this year, as the need is great.  Thank you!
 
Praying Woman "The prayer of the righteous person is powerful in what it can achieve." (James 5:16)

We pray for:

Healing of Mary Murphy; Chris Argon (car accident); Pam Rose; Jennie Efaw (heart problems); LuAnn Miller (infection); Nancy Hall (surgery); Casey Ashe (brain tumor); Angela (breast cancer); Cyndy (breast cancer); Melissa; John; Jack; Tony; Bryan; Karla; Lori Galvin; Michele (bone spur in foot and sprained wrist); Eugene LaMonica (cancer treatment); Ralph Giordano (healing from an auto accident); Paul Smalser (stroke); Margaret Arhibald's granddaughter Heather (infected sinuses); 5 year old Mary Anna Beck (stage 4 kidney cancer); Debbie Larkin (RWJ ICU); Charlie (leukemia treatment); Ken Lincoln (quadruple bypass surgery); Beverly Tabor (lupus); Ronnie Tabor (back); baby Elaina Schacht (surgery); and Bonnie Heberling (in rehab following double knee replacement).    

 

Comfort for: Don LaCrosse on the death of his beloved mother Grace; the bereaved families of Mary Rittenhouse, Bev McCoy, Ed Dolton; Peter Burkhalter; and Vince DePierro.

 

Concern for: the people of the Ukraine; Geri LaMonica (strength); Nancy Giordano (patience); Matthew in his struggle with faith; Erica (surgery and results); and Cookie and Karen whose business was vandalized; support and traveling mercies for Gracie Spreat; Joe Ragusa (support and success in major life interview);  Marilyn Machmer's mother (in hospice); Dot Schroeder's twin grandsons born March 12 at 33 weeks, both still in incubators and now over 4 lbs.; and Dave (struggling with addictions)

Thanksgiving for: spring; Carolyn LaCrosse's mom's life after a close call and trip to the ER;  Sue Lanning's test results; Casey Ashe's improvement; Ed Housel; the birth of Aster Daniel Ahrnt, great-nephew of Jean Pinto.
 
Congratulations to our TASK Volunteers
On Saturday, April 12, the Soup Kitchen will be recognizing the contributions of the United Presbyterian Church, through money, goods, and volunteers, to their important work of feeding our hungry neighbors.  Every first Thursday of the month, a group of volunteers from United goes to the Soup Kitchen to help prepare and serve meals, distribute clothing, and do whatever TASK needs to have done.  We are grateful to Rita Peterson who for many years has organized the staffing of our volunteers for TASK.  We also want to thank those who have volunteered during the past three years:  Karl and Rita Peterson, Curly and Gloria Rentner, Tony and Camille Nami, Terry and Gail Fouse, Bruce and Jan Oliver, Lois Dixon, Benita Rommel, Nancy McHugh, Greg Stec, Jean Pinto, Lynn Lasser, Ginny Benck and Cathy Carpenter.
Shadow Cross Hamilton Ecumenical Good Friday Service
Commemorate the Crucifixion of our Lord by joining in worship with the Hamilton Ecumenical Fellowship on Good Friday, April 18, 2014 at noon.  Our own Mike Mraz will be singing a solo during the service, which will be held at Pearson Memorial United Methodist Church, 71 Pearson Dr., Hamilton, NJ.  A freewill offering will be taken.  All donations will benefit Womanspace in Trenton.
Order your Easter Flowers from Camille Nami by April 13th.  As in the past, the selection is tulips, daffodils or lilies.  The flowers are from the Yardville Florist.  Call Camille for more information, or pick up an order form from church.
calendarofevents
  Click on the link below to view our April calendar:
Habitat for Humanity Logo
Our Mission Focus for April is Habitat for Humanity, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing affordable housing to those in need. Our gifts do much more than help families escape from unsafe, unhealthy living conditions.

We're helping families to break the cycle of poverty and build long-term financial security. Habitat's affordable, no-profit house payments free up money for food, child care, medicine and other necessities. And research has shown that decent housing improves health, increases children's educational achievement and strengthens community ties.

Thanks to our support, Habitat is transforming the lives of more than 3 million people around the world, and many right here in the Trenton area!  All of the money earmarked for mission during the month of April will be donated to the Trenton chapter of Habitat for Humanity.  Please be generous.
Yours in the name of our Risen Lord,
 

Jean Pinto
609-585-5770