The Church Office will be closed on
Thursday November 22
and Friday November 23
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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 Frances Kunz. Let us be prayerfully aware of Frankie, as well as all our members and friends.
Prayer Concerns: Deb Brendler; Susan Robbins
Long term concerns: Jacob Basilotto; Bill Birdsong; Irene Cash; Gerard Cosimo; Despina Koch; Bruce Larsen; Jim Millar; Melissa Millar; Dale Norby; Geoff Reilly; Bill Shoppell; David Steinert; Jean Stoll; Chad Suhoskey; Ralph Smith; Jim Tabor and Baby Christian; Bill Williams; those struggling with addictions and mental illness.
Military: Kyle Barker; Sarah Davis Brown; Morgan Daniels Colberg; Michael Fahey III; Robin Fiorentino; all those in our nation's service.
Notice: Please keep the office updated on any prayer concerns
you may have, including ones previous submitted.
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From Your Interim Pastor
A holy moment was experienced this past Sunday as church members and friends
 processed to a communion table overflowing with goodness to present their 2019 pledges responding to this year's stewardship campaign C
hallenged and Sustained by Faith. While Morgan and Sara played a moving rendition of
Gather Us In, I was thinking of the song's lyrics:
Here in this place the new light is streaming; now is the darkness vanished away;
see in this place our fears and our dreamings brought here to you in the light of this day.
Gather us in..., we shall arise at the sound of our name.
We are happy to report that 64 cards and messages have been received so far communicating the intention of contributing the sum of $156,436 to the life and mission of this congregation. We rejoice that over 10 new pledges have been received! If the people who turned in pledges last year and haven't gotten around to it yet this year (Donna Ferry, our Church Financial Secretary, who knows these details, reports 35 such "giving units") will come through, we should reach our goal of over 90 pledges and the $200,000 needed to meet the anticipated expenses.
Pledge cards can still be found in the pews and commitments may be sent via email to
Donna, the sooner, the better, so our Finance Committee may formulate the most realistic budget for 2019. This is the year to have a balanced budget as we put together the necessary pieces for the calling of a new Pastor. Here is the final stanza of
Gather Us In:
Not in the dark of buildings confining; not in some heaven, light years away:
here in this place the new light is shining; now is the kingdom, and now is the day.
Gather us in and hold us forever; gather us in and make us your own;
gather us in, all peoples together, fire of love in our flesh and our bone.
Let your light shine! And may the fire of love inspire us to greater generosity as we count our blessings this Thanksgiving weekend.
Peace!
Pastor Osy
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Noisy Offering 
This Sunday in addition to the presentation of God's tithes, our monetary gifts and pledges, we will receive the "Noisy Offering." Joyfully you can place
loose change in the metal containers for
Cents-Ability, which supports ministries that relieve hunger locally, regionally, and globally. Be sure to bring your loose change to church this Sunday
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Inquirer's Class
Next Sunday, December 2, Pastor Osy will be leading an Inquirer's Class for anyone wishing to attend. This Inquirer's Class will afford long time Presbyterians as well as Newcomers to our branch of the Christian faith an opportunity to ask questions and meet other people who may be considering joining with the congregation, or transferring their membership, or simply seeking to gain a deeper understanding of why we do what we do, all the while getting to know other people who may be relatively new to this congregation.
The class will take place in the Christian Education Annex following our monthly Church Brunch, approximately from 11:30 to 1 pm. Child care will be made available upon prior request (please call the church office so we can be prepared).
Please take some time to consider this invitation and pray to be open to the leading of the Spirit on this matter. If you decide to attend the class, just call the church office at 732-899-0587 to reserve a space.
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Homebound Communion
Do you know a homebound member temporarily or long term incapacitated who would like to receive home communion? We have an excited team made up of deacons & elders that would gladly make a visit and offer a short worship service and communion on behalf of our church. These services coincide with our monthly communion which takes place the first Sunday of each month. Please call the office and let us know and we will be glad to have someone bring them home communion.
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Ways to be Generous this Christmas
We are fortunate to have so many ministries that serve a variety of people. These ministries could not operate on their own without the support of the congregation. Please consider some of the ways you can help.
Deacons' Assistance - Tough economic times continue to affect everyone. 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 in the Deacons envelope that is in the pews every Communion Sunday. Envelopes for the Deacons' fund will be in the pews on December 2.
IHN Christmas Families - Interfaith Hospitality Network continues to give hope to homeless families in our area. We are grateful to the many volunteers of this church who have continually volunteered during our hosting weeks. Over the years, you have made a meaningful impact in the lives of many struggling families. This Christmas we will be buying gifts for the families in the program. If you would like to help us in providing a donation to assist us in purchasing these gifts, please indicate "IHN Christmas" on the memo line of your check.
Joan Valentine House Giving Tree - The Valentine House is a non-profit residential home for adults living with mental illness. Starting in December there will be a Giving Tree in the Narthex that will include envelopes with the names of Valentine House residents with their Christmas list. Members are asked to purchase only TWO items from the list in order to preserve a sense of equality among all the residents. 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.
St. Gregory's Pantry Christmas Distribution - The Pantry accepts unwrapped NEW toys for the Christmas clients. Through your generosity, 2-3 gifts per child are given to needy families. Gifts for teenagers are especially needed - CDs, gift cards, sweaters, hats, nail polish, etc. There is a Toy Collection bin in the Narthex or items can be delivered to St. Mary's By-the-Sea, 804 Bay Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach. Cash donations can also be given for gift card purchases. Volunteers are needed to help with set up in the Annex on Sunday, December 16. Youth are especially needed from 2 to 4 p.m. to move food and toys. Volunteers are also needed for distribution on Tuesday, December 18 from 9:00 to 2:00 pm.
Give of yourself on Christmas Day - Once again we will be hosting Christmas Dinner in the CE Annex, from 12:00-2:00 pm on Christmas Day for those who, for whatever reason, have no place to go for Christmas and would like to enjoy an old-fashioned holiday feast with congenial company. In order to make this dinner a continual success, we need Cookie Bakers and Christmas Eve Day and Christmas Day Volunteers of all ages for set-up, deliveries, visiting with guests and clean-up. Cookies can be dropped off at the church during the week of Christmas. More information on volunteering will soon follow.
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PW Dine Around
PW . . . Come one! Come all! Dine Around with us on Wednesday, November 28 where we will try out P.J. Sweeney's Restaurant & Irish Pub, 447 Brick Blvd. in Brick. We will all need a break from the kitchen and from left over turkey, and to just relax with great company and a burger and beverage (or whatever you like!). We can share our gratitude for so many blessings and feel them multiply in the presence of our sisters. Please let Maggie Giaise or Lynn Hahm know if you plan to join us so we can reserve enough space. See you there at 6:00 p.m on November 28th.
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Congratulations to the Chase Family 
Congratulations to grandparents Doug and Linda Chase on the birth of their grandson. Last Sunday Chase Perry Whitham was born at 5:30 pm. He weighed in at 8 lbs 8 oz. New baby and proud parents Josh and Sarah are all doing well.
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Christmas Card Project
Starting this Sunday and throughout the month of December, EliSabeth-Verdella Circle  will present 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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Coming Soon: New Jersey Chamber Singers 
This December, NJCS presents a multi-sensory holiday feast that explores the intersection between theater arts, visual arts, and choral arts. Join us for a unique Christmas experience through the eyes of story-telling. Audiences will relive their childhood as they listen to a skilled actor reading three short stories that center on themes of winter, generosity, thankfulness, family, and love. The experience weaves together a tapestry of spoken word and song while audiences view projections of original illustrations to create a true feeling of story-time for grown-ups. Choral music includes works by Leighton, Sandström, Reger, Gjeilo, and Kirchner in addition to traditional holiday favorites.
Their concert dates are:
Dec. 2, 2018, 6 p.m., Laurita Winery, 35 Archertown Road, New Egypt NJ.
Dec. 8, 2018, 8 p.m., Red Bank United Methodist Church, 247 Broad Street, Red Bank
Dec. 9, 2018, 3 p.m., St. Catharine Church, 215 Essex Ave., Spring Lake.
For the Red Bank and Spring Lake performances, tickets are $25, general admission; $20, seniors; $5, students, with ID. Senior and student tickets available at the door only.
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This Week at Point Beach Prep
 Last year, the packed upstairs annex was Standing Room Only after we used every chair we owned for our Thanksgiving Show! This year we had 3 shows to alleviate the space issue-Monday morning, Monday afternoon, and Tuesday morning. We had adorable children joyfully singing at all 3 shows! We heard many songs including Oh, What a Miracle Am I, Pow Wow, and The Turkey Pokey. The children dressed up and wore hats made by the PPPC Busy Hands Group. Pastor Osy said a special prayer before each show. It was a great way to share the holiday spirit and festivity with parents, grandparents and siblings.
Point Beach Prep would like to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!
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Journey to Bethlehem - Christmas Drive Through
Once again Old Tennent Presbyterian Church is presenting their annual Christmas Drive Through, "Journey to Bethlehem". The reason-for-the-season Nativity pageant drew over 500 vehicles last year. Sojourners drive through the cemetery grounds viewing live Biblical scenes starting with Isaiah telling of Jesus' birth and ending with the Nativity. Over 100 actors plus numerous volunteers and live farm animals, including Joseph the Camel, recreate key scenes of the historic Christmas narrative.
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Coffee Hour Hosts For The Month
Please call Marge Meklin at 908-433-3957 for questions
Nov. 25 - Everyone is asked to bring a Thanksgiving Treat
December 2 - Communion Brunch
December 9 - The Scott Family
December 16 - The Wittmann Family
December 23 - The Rauffer Family
December 30 - The Paradise Family
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Happy Birthday To Our Members And Friends
Nov 25
Nov 26 Jacque Thornton
Nov 27 Mandy Rauffer
Nov 28
Nov 29
Nov 30 Ronald Panuska
Dec 1
Dec 2
Dec 3
Dec 4 Karen McDermitt, Paul Steinert
Dec 5
Dec 6
Dec 7
Dec 8
Dec 9 Barbara Reid, Brian Potter
Dec 10 Abigail Davis, Jack Muraglia
Dec 11 Frances Kunz, Anders Forsberg
Dec 12
Dec 13 Karen Larsen, Lauren Durrof, Elise Durrof
Dec 14 Travis Dunham , Michael Dunham
Dec 14
Dec 15
Dec 16
Dec 17
Dec 18
Dec 19 Joan Panuska, Jeffrey Kells
Dec 20 Stanley Davis
Dec 21 Corina Collins
Dec 22 Craig Lambie
Dec 23 Lillian Rzeplinski
Dec 24 Dorothy Tolley
Dec 26 Anna Landre
Dec 27 John Curtis, Christopher Cook, Mackenzie Philipps
Dec 28 Dustin Cottrell
Dec 29 Peter Dunne
Dec 30 Dale Leasure, Magda Giase
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Up Coming Events
December 2nd -
Inquirer's Class - Learn more about Presbyterian identity.
December 5th - PW Christmas Program
More information to follow on these events
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Church Calendar For The Week
Sunday, November 25
10:00 a.m. - Worship/Noisy Offering/Chancel Choir/Reign of Christ Sunday
10:00 a.m. - Sunday School begins in worship
11:00 a.m. - Coffee Hour Thanksgiving Treats, Fellowship Room
2:30 p.m. - Claremont Care Center
9:15 a.m. - PW Coordinating Team
12 p.m. - Lunch at the Rainbow Diner, all welcome
6:15 p.m. - Choral Bell Choir Rehearsal, Fellowship Room
Tuesday, November 27
10:00 a.m. - Busy Hands, Fellowship Room
6:00 p.m. - Weblos, Basement
7:00 p.m. - NA, Wilton Hall
Wednesday, November 28
9:00 a.m. - Women's Breakfast, Rainbow Diner
6:00 p.m. - Bear Den, Basement
6:00 p.m. - PW Dine Around at PJ Sweeney's Irish Pub, Brick
7:30 p.m. - BS Troop 6
Thursday, November 29
7:30 p.m. - Chancel Choir Rehearsal
Friday, November 30
Saturday, December 1
7:00 p.m. - NA, Wilton Hall
Sunday, December 2 - First Sunday of Advent
10:00 a.m. - Worship/Communion/Chancel Choir
10:00 a.m. - Sunday School begins in worship
11:00 a.m. - Communion Brunch, Wilton Hall
11:30 a.m. - Inquirers Group, Wilton Hall
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Image of the Week
For over 50 years the Communion Table has been decorated each Thanksgiving. Caroline Morris had originally created the display in the late 1960s. Celishia Scarpone has continued the tradition for the past 25+ years.
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