Weekly News For
Point Pleasant Presbyterian Church
December 15, 2019
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Prayer Concerns This Week
"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions,
and thanksgiving be made for everyone, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity." 1 Timothy 2:1-2
The Prayer person
for the week is Frankie Kunz. Let us be prayerfully aware of Frankie as well as all our members and friends.
Prayer Concerns:
The family of Michael McGuire, D'Etta Merkle, Kent Lorentzen.
Long term concerns:
Joan Auge; Jacob Basilotto; Emma Burden; Tim Carroll; Jonathan Hofstetter; Ed Jung; Brett Lambie; Mary Ann Leach; Despina Koch; Mary McSweeney; Jacob Mendelsohn; Leigh Millar; Melissa Millar; Donna Monica; Dale Norby; Geoff Reilly; Bill Shoppell; Ed Shrum; Linda Lee Smith; Ralph Smith; Bill Williams; Ginny Zimmerman; those struggling with addictions and mental illness.
Military:
Sarah Davis Brown; Morgan Daniels Colberg; Michael Fahey III; Robin Fiorentino; all those in our nation's service.
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The morning headline from the
Point Pleasant Patch
this morning (Friday, December 13, 2019) informed us that the FBI had recently published its "Hate Crimes Statistics" report, which showed that nearly every county in New Jersey had incidents of crimes that were fueled by hate toward race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender and gender identity. Not the kind of news I wanted to read 10 days before Christmas as I am thinking about how to best communicate the joyful message of Advent.
If this is how evil is being manifested around us, then these are the areas where our engagement is most needed. The light shines in the darkness; and, the deepest the darkness, the brighter the light shines. The message of the season is that God’s realm is breaking in through humble and unexpected people being faithful in small acts that will weaken oppressive and dehumanizing structures and systems. God is going to do something great through ordinary people. Let your love, joy and hope demonstrate God’s power at work in our lives, our church, and our communities.
Peace!
Pastor Osy
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Music Program This Sunday
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On this Third Sunday of Advent the Chancel Choir will be presenting a collection of Christmas selections for choir, organ, and string quintet.
This collection highlights works by renowned composers throughout the centuries from J.S. Bach to Hector Berlioz and Gustav Holst. The program will explore these musical masters both through modern arrangements of their original melodies, as well as the composers' own interpretations of holiday classics.
We are most thankful to everyone who made a financial donation towards this special program.
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This season when friends and family are visiting or when you are visiting, a plate of homemade Christmas cookies would be the perfect treat needed. Let the ladies of the PW spoil you. They will be selling a variety of plated homemade Christmas cookies on December 15 following the service. Cookies will be $10 for two dozen. Come and fill a cookie box! We will try to keep to around 4-5 of the same cookie so everyone gets their fair share.
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Once again, EliSabeth-Verdella Circle is presenting two ways to send Christmas greetings to your church family members. This annual project raises money for local mission. You may place cards for individuals in the box, to be sorted alphabetically for easy pick-up. The circle asks that you donate the money you would have spent on postage by placing it in the donation box on the table in the Narthex.
There will also be a decorated poster board in the Narthex for you to write a brief message to all your Church family and friends. If you choose this option, the circle would appreciate a small donation to their mission project, placed in the donation box on the table. The circle members thank you for your participation in their mission project, which is purchasing Christmas gifts for residents at Claremont Care Center.
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This past week the Church was the recipient of the Scouting Charter Partner Award given by the Joshua Huddy District that serves Brick, Jackson, Lakewood, Point Pleasant and Toms River. We are grateful to receive this award.
We are especially grateful for our wonderful relationship with our very own Charted Troop 6. Members of Troop 6 cleaned up all the Fall leaves around our church last Saturday. We are proud of them as they serve so many needs in both our community and church.
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Only a Few Giving Tree Names Left
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If you would like to be a part of the Giving Tree now is your time to act. There are only a few names left on the tree.
Be sure to record your name next to the corresponding tag number that is listed on the sheet next to the tree. Some tags were taken and yet the name is missing from the sheet. Please double check to make sure your tag number has your name on the sheet.
Remember to please purchase only TWO items from the list in order to preserve a sense of equality among all the residents. Many of the requests are easy to shop for and are local gift cards. Wrapped gifts, with a gift tag indicating who the gift is for, can be put under the tree in the Sanctuary by December 30th. Gifts are handed out at an Epiphany Party early in January.
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From the Personnel Committee
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The New Beginnings process revealed to us that as a community of faith, Point Pleasant Presbyterian Church identifies Ministry to Youth as a high priority.
The Personnel Committee is seeking to fill a part-time position to coordinate our youth activities. This person would seek to keep our young people involved in our mission while helping to deepen their walk with their Lord. We would love to talk and share ideas with anyone who may feel God calling them to be part of the “village it takes to raise a child” in the faith. Please talk to anyone on the Personnel team if you can help make this vision a reality.
Personnel Committee: Jim McGuire, Marge Meklin, Lynn Hahm,
Dee D’Amore, Diane Sikora, Jonathan Yount, Joe DeRosa
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Sunday School in December
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We’ll begin the Christmas story by looking at the prophecies found in Isaiah and Micah. Then, we’ll move to the New Testament for the accounts in Luke and Matthew.
We’ll try to follow Paul’s advice all this season and beyond:
“Always be joyful because you belong to the Lord.
I will say it again. Be joyful!”
Phillipians 4:4 NIrV
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We want to remember that you can have joy because:
- God keeps his promises.
- Anything is possible with God.
- God is with you.
- God sent his Son.
- You search for God.
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We are grateful that Mrs. Becky Muraglia has, again, volunteered to prepare us for the
Christmas Pageant
at the 4:00 p.m. worship service on Christmas Eve. That is one way we can express our joy and share it with others.
We will adjust our December Sunday School sessions and rehearse
each Sunday from
11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
Additionally, we invite any of our youth, who normally remain in worship with their family, to depart from the service
with
Mrs. Muraglia in time to join us for the 11:00 a.m. rehearsal in the Christian Education Annex.
Parents/guardians
, we thank you for your help in allowing these extra minutes for pageant rehearsal. It is important for your children to be prepared and comfortable for a most joyful Christmas Eve!
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Pageant Rehearsal Schedule
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Sunday, December 15, 11:00 - 11:45 a.m.
Rehearsal
Sunday, December 22, 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
All must attend! Full Rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Tuesday, December 24,
2:30 p.m. arrival
for 4 p.m. Christmas Eve Service
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Point Beach Prep This Week
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This week we learned letter K. We talked about kindness and what it means. When our teachers saw someone doing something kind, they wrote it on a heart for their kindness poster.
At our craft table, we made kings, kites and koala bears. We flew our kites around the classroom. We talked about the 3 Kings from the Christmas story. We also worked on our special Christmas gifts for parents. We read King Bidgood's in the Bathtub, The King's Cat, What Do You Do With a Kangaroo, and Kitten's First Full Moon, among other stories. The children were busy making letters to Santa and mailing them in our Dramatic Play Post Office! We have been singing lots of carols, practicing for our upcoming Christmas singalong.
We are looking forward to our Aquarium field trips next week as well!
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Restaurant Fundraiser This Week
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Have you tried the new Kitchen@35?
All day on Wednesday, December 18th you will have a chance to give it a try or enjoy it once again, while helping the church at the same time.
From 7:00 am to 9:00 pm Kitchen@35 will donate 20% on everyone's breakfast, lunch or dinner back to the church.
There is even a special Senior menu that includes salad, dinner and dessert for $14.95. Kitchen@35 is located at 2601 Route 35 S Manasquan (at the old diner across from Greenwood Cemetery).
(The Women's Rainbow Breakfast will still be at the Rainbow Diner that morning)
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Help Still Needed for Christmas Eve
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Help us to create a warm, friendly atmosphere by serving at one of our Christmas Eve services!
Scott Smith is once again organizing Ushers for Christmas Eve. There is a need of four ushers for the 4 p.m. service (our most attended service of the day) and two ushers for the 11:00 p.m.
As an usher, you will be the first friendly face people see when they walk in. Some tasks on Christmas Eve include handing out bulletins, helping people find seats, as well as assisting with the Christmas Eve Candles. If you are willing to usher, please call Scott at 732-840-0279.
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Christmas Distribution Help Needed
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There is a lot of work to be done getting ready for St. Gregory's Pantry Christmas Distribution Tuesday, December 17th from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Unwrapped toys can be dropped off to the Pantry (10 to 12 p.m) until December 13th and on Sunday, December 15th.
On Sunday, December 15 between 1:30 and 4 p.m Volunteers are needed to set up Toy Land in Wilton Hall.
Setup volunteers will also be needed December 16th between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
On the day of distribution, December 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. volunteers are needed to help our clients shop for toys and receive food at the Pantry throughout the day. Volunteers are welcome to help for part of the time or the whole time - any amount of time is appreciated!
Thank you for taking time out of your busy week to make this year's distribution a success. Please call or email the office if you are able to help.
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Youth - 5th Grade and Above -
Needed for Distribution
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Set up for toy distribution is on December 15. We will meet at the Annex at 12:00 pm. We will go to St. Mary’s get the toys and set up the room. Pizza will be provided at the end. Plan on helping for three hours. Service hours can be given if needed. Please contact Marjorie Meklin 909-433-3957 if you can help.
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Volunteering for Christmas Day Dinner
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Once again this year our church has the privilege of hosting the Community Christmas Dinner. A lot of volunteers are needed to make the dinner an enjoyable occasion for our Ocean County neighbors.
The Christmas Dinner is staffed by volunteers, the majority of which are members or friends of the congregation. There are two ways YOU can volunteer.
The first is to provide a dessert item. Suggestions include small fresh fruit items such as small apples or tangerines (for non-bakers) or a homemade dessert such as cookies, cupcakes, brownies, etc.
The second way YOU can volunteer is to donate some of your time on Dec. 24 or Dec. 25. Below, you will find a list of openings we have.
Please call the church office if you can fill any of the openings.
Christmas Eve
5:30 PM - 6:30 pm - Carry food trays upstairs at annex (3 people needed)
Christmas Day
9:00 AM - 10:30 am Help slice bread and get serving stations ready (3 people needed)
10:30 AM - 11:30 am Prepare to-go meals (2 people needed)
11:30 AM - 12:30 pm Deliver meals to homebound (10 people needed)
10:00 AM - 2:00 pm Cook in kitchen (4 people needed)
11:45 AM - 2:00 pm Food servers (10 people needed)
11:45 AM - 2:00 pm Food runner (1 person needed)
11:45 AM - 2:00 pm Dessert server (1 person needed)
12:30 PM - 2:00 pm Trash removal ( 1 person needed)
2:00 PM - 3:30 pm Clean up (5 people needed)
12:00 PM - 2:00 pm Visit with guests ( unlimited people needed)
Thank you in advance to all who help make our guests feel welcome on this most
glorious day.
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Pastor Osy and Juli are once again graciously inviting all to stop by the manse (704 Forman Ave.) on Sunday, December 22 between for some caroling. Caroling will start at 5:30 and 7:00 pm on the porch and will include a brass ensemble. Light refreshments will be served.
It will be a joyous festive time that makes the season bright!
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Christmas Bulletin Folding
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Volunteers are needed again this year to come in on Monday, December 23 to help fold bulletins in preparation for our Christmas Eve Services. We will be folding in the Fellowship Room beginning at 1:00 p.m.
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Poinsettia Orders Now Being Taken
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This year poinsettias are $17.50 each, and payment must be included with this order form. Please be sure to indicate "Christmas Plants" on the memo line of your check!
Order form
and payment may be placed in the offering plate or mailed to the church office.
Orders must be received by December 15. Poinsettias will be on the chancel by December 22.
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The Coffee Host Schedule is posted in the Church Kitchen if you would like to sign up to host coffee hour. Thank you.
Latest Coffee Hour Hosts
December 15 - Donna and Ryan Wittmann
December 22 - Liz Ploskonka
December 29 - Robin Cook and Peyton
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Upcoming Birthdays This Month
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Dec 15
Dec 16 Laurie Pearce
Dec 17
Dec 18 Benjamin Paradise
Dec 19 Joan Panuska, Jeffrey Kells
Dec 20 Stanley Davis
Dec 21 Corina Collins
Dec 22 Craig Lambie
Dec 23
Dec 24 Carol Ketchersid, Dorothy Tolley
Dec 25 Jesus of Nazareth
Dec 26 Anna Landre
Dec 27 John Curtis, Christopher Cook, Mackenzie Philipps
Dec 28
Dec 29 Peter Dunne, Ken King
Dec 30 Dale Leasure, Magda Giase, Jeff Pearce
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Church Calendar For The Week
Visit our full Church Calendar on our website for a complete and up-to-date
calendar.
Sunday, December 15
10:00 a.m. - Worship/Chancel Choir
10:00 a.m. - Sunday School Begins in Worship
11:00 a.m. - Coffee Hour
11:00 a.m. - Christmas Pageant Rehearsal, CE Annex
1:00 p.m. - Court of Honor, Sanctuary
12:00 p.m. - Youth to Help with Toyland Setup, Wilton Hall
1:30 p.m. - Toyland Setup, Wilton Hall
Monday, December 16
9:00 a.m. - Toyland Setup, Wilton Hall (Volunteers Needed)
6:00 p.m. - Choral Bells Rehearsal, Fellowship Room
Tuesday, December 17
8:30 a.m. - Christmas Distribution, Wilton Hall
6:30 p.m. - Session Meeting, Fellowship Room
7:00 p.m. - NA, Wilton Hall
Wednesday, December 18
9:00 a.m. - Women's Breakfast, Rainbow Diner
7:30 p.m. - Troop 6, CE Annex
Thursday, December 19 -
All Day Fundraiser at Kitchen @35, Manasquan
8:00 a.m. - Men's Breakfast, US Subs, Point Pleasant
11:15 a.m. - Point Beach Prep Christmas Sing Along
4:00 p.m. - Brownie Troop 1443, Fellowship Room
5:30 p.m. - Junior Troop 360, Fellowship Room
7:30 p.m. - Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Choir Room
Friday, December 20
Saturday, December 21
Sunday, December 22
10:00 a.m. - Worship/Choral Bell Choir
10:00 a.m. - Sunday School Begins in Worship
11:00 a.m. - Coffee Hour
11:00 a.m. - Mandatory Full Pageant Rehearsal, Sanctuary
2:30 p.m. - Creste Point Worship Service
5:30 p.m. - Caroling at the Manse, Part I
7:00 p.m. - Caroling at the Manse, Part 2
Upcoming Events
Christmas Eve Services
4:00 p.m. Service for Families with Young Children
7:00 p.m. Candlelight Service with Communion and a variety of musical soloists
11:00 p.m. Candlelight Service with Communion and music by Chancel Choir
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Among our visitors last Sunday was
Ying Li who
captured both the visual and musical rhythm of Pastor Osy and trombonist Conrad Herwig through her expressionist sketches. Ying is a native of Beijing, China, who moved to the United States in 1983 and is professor of fine arts at Haverford College. Her work has been featured in the
New York Times, New Yorker, The Philadelphia Inquirer
and
Art in America.
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Contact Us
Pastor
The Rev. Osvaldo Nuesch, Interim Pastor -
Email
Office Staff
Kim Gaydos, Church Secretary -
Email
Donna Ferry, Financial Secretary -
Email
Music Staff
Sara Hoey, Organist -
Email
Melanie Chambers, Chancel Choir Director -
Email
Morgan Sarbello, Choral Bell Director -
Email
William R. Shoppell, Jr., Music Director, Emeritus
Christian Education Staff
Devlin House, Point Beach Prep Preschool Director -
Email
Frank Perkowski, Sunday School Coordinator -
Email
701 Forman Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
(Corner of Bay and Forman Avenues)
Church Office: 732-899-0587 Fax: 732-899-2946
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