The Prayer person for the week is Carol Bonebrake. Let us be prayerfully aware of Carol, as well as all our members and friends.

Prayer Concerns: Pete Cowie; Karen Liebhauser; Michael Berry

Long term concerns: Katie Abrams; Katie Hoffmaster Barberi; Ed Jung; Jay Hiatt; Despina Koch; Gwen McFaddan; Jacob Mendelsohn; Josephine McKeon; Leigh Millar; Melissa Millar; Dale Norby; Marilyn Powell; Geoff Reilly; Bill Shoppell; Linda Lee Smith; Millage Youenger; Ginny Zimmerman; those struggling with addictions and mental illness.

Military: Sarah Davis Brown; Morgan (Colberg) Sensing; Michael Fahey III; Robin Fiorentino; all those in our nation's service.

The great commandment to love one another is easy to understand and hard to follow. Love of neighbor is never easy but, it seems to me, even harder to keep in mind in the midst of a hotly contested presidential election. In our unfortunately bitterly divided nation it is often hard to maintain civility, let alone love, in the discussions around the elections. Now a scant two months away, election discussions often break down into mutual recriminations even within families. How do we, as Christians and as citizens, meet the challenge of both the commandment and our civic duty to be knowledgeable voters in a democracy?

Abraham Lincoln, who, of course, presided over the most fractious moment in American history offered good advice to his generation and ours. In his first Inaugural Address he said,

“We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, will swell when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.” Yes, the better angels of our nature are called for in this election season.

As we encounter one another we often simply sidestep the conversation especially with those with whom we are likely to disagree. This is sometimes the best course. When sharp encounters arise we might do well to remember our calling to love of neighbor. We must believe the best in one another and assume that those who disagree with our judgement are acting upon their own sense of integrity. Too, we must resist the temptation--strong though it may be--to deduce why our neighbors take the positions they do. There is no place for assuming that another is not paying attention, is only self-interested, is a hopeless liberal/conservative or simply watches the wrong news outlet. Repairing to Lincoln again, he once said, “I don’t like that man very much, I must get to know him better.”

Any hope of meeting America’s challenges in the future will depend on our capacity to address one another respectfully and patiently. It is a tall order but as Christians it is also our calling. We can all begin by urging everyone--of every political persuasion--to register and to vote. In doing so we communicate a respect for everyone’s place of importance in this land that we love. May God give us grace to show “malice toward none and charity toward all” in these days.

Grace and peace,

This Sunday we will celebrate The Lord's Supper.

After the Words of Institution and Breaking of the Bread, you will be invited to partake of the elements at home. Beforehand, please prepare a slice or small piece of bread and a cup of juice or red wine (your choice).

Individually wrapped communion elements will be found on the pew in front of you.

The packet contains a wafer and grape juice. The first step involves carefully removing the top cover by pulling on the tab. Keep the top cover but place the open cup with the juice back in the pew holder. You will need both hands to separate the clear plastic from the foil part of the cover to expose the wafer. Dispose of the wrapping but keep the wafer. You can now partake of the wafer and the juice together.

The sacrament transcends circumstances. Whether at home or practicing distancing and caution in a church building, we are equal partners in the community of faith and share one communion of the table.

This Sunday, as we celebrate the Lord's Supper, we will be joined (via Zoom) by some brothers and sisters from Old Bergen (Presbyterian) Church in Jersey City. Their pastor is on vacation this week and Pastor Eileen has a long and warm relationship with the congregation. Se we welcome our friends from Jersey City!

The Deacons' ministry assists people with utility bills and rent as well as providing gift and gas cards for those in need.

A donation to the Deacons can be made this Communion Sunday by using the envelope in your box or by making a donation online in the Deacon Fund line. As always thank you for your care and concern for others.

Sunday School Online Zoom Sessions for families of children in grades preschool (age 3+) through grade 5 continue in the new school year starting Sunday, September 13 at 9 a.m. Sessions will last approximately 35-40 minutes. Participating families will receive Zoom meeting login credentials directly.

Kindly fill in the 2020-2021 Online Sunday School Registration, so that we will know to send you weekly invitations with Zoom ID and password. Then, please scan the form, or snap a photo with your cell phone, and email it to pppcsundayschool@gmail.com.

Hope to see you soon!

Another week has gone by in pandemic world. The good news is that more things are opening up. The bad news is that maybe you, like me, are hesitant to put yourself out there just yet. What an interesting space to be in, bored, lonely, a bit anxious and yet hesitant to get back out there. It feels like the emotional effects of this pandemic may be pretty long lasting. Again, I’m reminded that we have to honor our own needs around putting ourselves back out into the world. Is the risk worth it? After all this time being alone, for many the risk is worth it. For others it isn’t. My introverted parts are content not going anywhere but oh my, my bored and lonely parts want things to go back to normal. What the heck is normal anymore? In the very least wouldn’t it be nice to know how this is going to pan out? There is so much uncertainty right now that it is difficult to tolerate.Between COVID, it being an election year and a contentious one at that, unsettled race relations, crazy weather, school concerns…. What else shall we throw into the mix? So, what can we do?

Turns out there’s plenty we can do. Let’s start with a reminder about contemplative prayer. What a great way to start the day. The meditative state of contemplative prayer will help put you in touch with your emotions that may be swirling around all over the place right now. It will help you find some solid footing on which to start your day. Finding gratitude is another great way to improve one’s mood. Ending your day finding five things to be grateful for that you encountered in your day is a lovely way to drift off to sleep and has been found to improve mood. Keep connecting with people in any way you feel safe. Even on Zoom or Facetime connecting with loved ones and friends is so important. Have deep meaningful conversations. Don’t let your introverted parts run the show. It can be easy to do right now with all the uncertainty. It can feel easier to just hide away and pull the shades down. Wake me up when 2020 is over. Resist the urge to hide away. Connection is needed right now for each of us and for the greater good. Too much division on top of isolation makes for some toxic stuff. Put yourself out there in person or virtually. We all need a little love. Until next time, eat healthy, be happy and wash your hands!

Elder Lynn 

Lynn O’Hara, MS, RD, LPC, Licensed Psychotherapist and Registered Dietitian

We are also seeking a preschool teacher for our Tuesday/Thursday Pre-k class. The hours are 8:15am-1:15pm. Our teachers are well qualified, loving people, who provide a safe environment in which children can explore and learn. If you or someone you know may be interested, please send a resume to pointbeachprep@hotmail.com.

For those ladies who feel comfortable dining out, a small group of women are once again meeting every Wednesday at the Rainbow Diner, Route 70 in Brick, for some breakfast and in-person conversation. They gather starting at 9:00 a.m.

Monday, September 7 - Labor Day - The office is closed.

Tuesday, September 8 - 6:30 pm - Session Meeting

Sunday, September 13 - 9:00 to 9:40 am Virtual Sunday School Begins

Monday, September 17 - 7:15 pm - Deacon's Virtual Meeting

Sunday, September 27 - 11:00 a.m. Virtual Congregational Meeting

Congratulations to our very own Jacque (Thornton) and Harvey Mendelsohn

who were married in the church last week.

The Rev. Dr. Eileen Lindner, Stated Supply Pastor - Email

Kim Gaydos, Church Secretary - Email

Donna Ferry, Financial Secretary -Email

Sara Hoey, Organist - Email

Melanie Chambers, Chancel Choir Director - Email

Morgan Sarbello, Choral Bell Director - Email

Devlin House, Point Beach Prep Preschool Director - Email

Frank Perkowski, Sunday School Coordinator - Email

Church Office: mail@pointpresbyterian.org