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 Jacque Thornton. Let us be prayerfully aware of Jacque, as well as all our members and friends.
Prayer Concerns: The family of William Harrison (Brother of Celishia Scarpone); Stephen Bardsley; Skip Bailey; Deb Brendler; William Kappler (Father of Liz Ploskonka); Bonnie Lay; Richard Rice; Susan Robbins.
Long term concerns: Jacob Basilotto; Bill Birdsong; Irene Cash; Gerard Cosimo; Despina Koch; Jim Millar; Melissa Millar; Dale Norby; Geoff Reilly; Bill Shoppell; 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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Coming Up This Advent Season 
A simple text to a friend, or a warm invitation to a neighbor, or in casual conversation to a coworker, it really can be that easy to invite someone to one of our services this season. We really do have some wonderful things happening this Season.
Second Sunday of Advent: Peace
D
ec. 9, 2018, 10:00 a.m.
Worship Service with Music by the Choral Bell Choir
Advent Candle Lighting: The Scott family
Third Sunday of Advent: Joy
December 16, 2018, 10 a.m.
Worship Service with special musical presentation by the Chancel Choir
Advent Candle Lighting: The Wittmann family
Fourth Sunday of Advent: Love
December 23, 2018, 10:00 a.m.
Worship Service with guest vocalist Molly Mason
Advent Candle Lighting: The Rauffer family
Christmas Eve Services - December 24, 2018
4:00 p.m. Service for Families with Young Children
Advent Candle Lighting: The Hall family
7:00 p.m. Candlelight Service with a variety of musical soloists
Advent Candle Lighting: The Sarbello family
11:00 p.m. Candlelight Service with Communion and music by
Chancel Choir
Advent Candle Lighting: The Nuesch family
First Sunday after Christmas Day
December 30, 2018
Traditional Service of Lessons and Carols
No Sunday School
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Christmas Chimes
Our Choral Bell Director, Morgan Sarbello, invites teenagers who can read musical notation to attend a couple of rehearsals after worship services during December (December 9, 16 and 23) so we can perform at the 4 pm service on Christmas Eve (December 24). Text Morgan if interested at 732-948-9205
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Manse Open House on Sunday
Pastor Osy and Juli are once again graciously inviting all to stop by the manse (704 Forman Ave.) this Sunday, December 9 between 5 and 7 pm for some refreshments and caroling on the porch accompanied by a brass ensemble. It will be a joyous festive time that makes the season bright!
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Thank you to the Buildings and Grounds Team 
There are so many of you who continually take care of the needs of this church. It has been a busy week on the Buildings and Grounds side.
This past week we are thankful to J
oe Decker, Tony Coppolino, Randy Crate and Frank Jones for their efforts in getting the enclosure built and installed over the fan in the Sanctuary. This will save on a lot of heat and air conditioning going out of the sanctuary! Also notice the cross design on the front!
Also thank you to these same men who have patched and painted the North Hall as well as coordinated the installation of new sanctuary furnaces this week. Also on the thank you list this week is Brian Potter who crawled deep in the crawl space to seal a window. Each of these saw a need and cheerfully worked on the solution.
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New Sanctuary Furnace 
Two Sundays ago, some of you may recall that the Sanctuary was quite chilly. Unfortunately both our Sanctuary furnaces had run their course of life and had to be replaced at the cost of $8880. We were fortunate to be able to have the new furnaces in place by the following Sunday. This unexpected year-end expense will at least be sure to keep us warm the entire winter and, we hope, for many years to come.
To cover this expense we have tapped into our emergency fund for half of it, but would really appreciate any donations specifically designated towards this item (please write "Furnace" in the memo line if you send a check). We are grateful to the Board of Deacons which has authorized a $1,000 donation from its resources, one gift of $500 by a member who wishes to remain anonymous, and a yet-to-be-determined pledge from Presbyterian Women is in the works.
If we rally together, we may avoid having to access our line of credit. Any questions can be directed to Craig Lambie or the church office.
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Poinsettia Orders Now Being Taken 
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 18.
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Christmas Eve Ushers Update
We are in need of two more ushers for the 4:00 p.m. Christmas Eve service. This is our most attended service on Christmas Eve and we want to make sure all our visitors feel welcome. It is a simple job handing out bulletins and candles but it makes a huge difference.
The 7 p.m. service does not need any more ushers but the 11:00 p.m. service is in need of one more usher. If you can help with the 4 or 11 p.m. service please call Head Usher Scott Smith at 732-840-0279.
Attention All Christmas Eve Ushers:
Pastor Osy would like to meet, with all the Ushers scheduled for Christmas Eve, after worship on Sunday December 23. It will be a very brief meeting.
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Donations Sought for Chancel Choir Performance
The Chancel Choir is pleased to announce it will be collaborating once again with a local  professional string quartet and soloists for the Christmas performance on December 16. We are seeking out kind individuals who are interested in sponsoring a musician, either in part or in full, through generous donation to the Chancel Choir.
Then be sure to join us December 16th during our 10:00 a.m. Worship Services as the Chancel Choir under the direction of Melanie Chambers will present Mark Hayes "Gloria."
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Your Generosity is Appreciated 
The Board of Deacons is most grateful for your generosity and your willingness to support our ministry. Through your generosity, the Deacons collected $613 last Sunday. We are honored by the trust your gift demonstrates, and we are grateful for your commitment to assist others in need.
The Deacons are also concerned about our own members and friends. Should you or someone you know be having a hard time spiritually or financially, please speak with Pastor Osy or Dee D'Amore. Every request is strictly confidential.
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Challenged and Sustained by Faith Update
We are happy to report that the number of responses to Challenged and Sustained by Faith
, our 2019 stewardship campaign, has risen to 73, bringing the total of anticipated contributions to $169,176. The number of those who pledged to contribute last year but have not done so as of yet is down to 23. Our goal is to be able to count on 90 pledges and $200,000 is the number needed to cover all the projected expenses. We are the people who can make it happen.
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Joan Valentine House Giving Tree Update
The Giving Tree in the Narthex included Christmas list envelopes with the names of 48 Valentine House residents. As of this week, there are only five envelopes left on the tree!! Thank you to everyone who has generously taken an envelope.
Remember to please 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.
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Cookie Sale - December 16
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 16 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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Christmas Distribution Gifts and Volunteers
There is a lot of work to be done getting ready for St. Gregory's Pantry Christmas Distribution Tuesday, December 18th from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
On Sunday, December 16 between 2 and 4 p.m student volunteers, 12 years old through high school, are needed to move and set up food for Distribution Tuesday at St. Gregory's Pantry. Students under 12 years old are welcome to come with an adult.
Setup volunteers will also be needed December 17th in the Annex between the hours of 9:00 and 3:00 p.m.
On the day of distribution, December 18 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. volunteers are needed to help our clients shop and receive food throughout the day. Volunteers are welcome to help for part of the time or the whole time - any amount of time is appreciated!
Anyone available to help on December 19th with Annex Cleanup beginning at 9:00 am and continuing until completion would also be 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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Christmas Bulletin Preparation
 Volunteers are needed again this year to come in on Friday, December 21 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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Christmas Day Dinner
Point Pleasant Presbyterian Church will again 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.
We need:
Cookie Bakers - In baking your own cookies, please plan on baking a little extra for our Christmas dinner guests. Cookies can be dropped off at the Church starting December 15.
Christmas Morning Volunteers - We need volunteers to help from 8:30-10:30 a.m to bring the food up to the kitchen, slice bread, etc.; 10:30 a.m - 12:00 noon to make local home deliveries; noon - 2 p.m. to serve desserts, hand out gifts, visit with our guests, etc., and finally, cleanup beginning at 1:30 p.m.
Donna Wittmann is coordinating this event. Please call her at 732-948- 8934 if you would like to volunteer. You can also email her at [email protected]
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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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This Week at Point Beach Prep
This week we learned letter J. We had the pleasure of having Pastor Osy visit three times so each of our classes could learn a lesson about Jesus. Pastor Osy taught us the Christmas story of how Jesus was born in a stable to Mary and Joseph. He used different props to help tell the story. We learned that we give gifts as a reminder that Jesus was a gift from God. It was a wonderful lesson and we are thankful for all three visits from the Pastor!
Our Nursery class read Jamberry, Meet Jack Truck, and Jamboree Day. They made a jellyfish craft,a jelly sandwich craft and jewel j's. For both classes, the sign language word was jump.
The Pre-K read the story of Jesus,Bread and Jam for Frances, Jamberry, Peanut Butter and Jelly, and Sheep in a Jeep. They sang Jesus Loves Me, Peanut Butter and Jelly,John Jacob Jingle Heimer Schmidt, and Jingle Bells. They made a Jesus craft, candy canes, jewels, and a peanut butter and jelly craft.
Everyone practiced singing Christmas carols for our upcoming family sing-a-long. What a jolly week!
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Attention Parents: Important Upcoming Dates
Dec 19, 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. Christmas Pageant rehearsal in the Sanctuary.
Dec 23, 10:15 a.m.
Sunday School is ON! We will be having regular Sunday School
Dec 23, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Pageant dress rehearsal. This rehearsal will be held in the Sanctuary.
Parents: We ask that you do NOT stay to watch. We really really want to make this performance a surprise! This will be the final practice and it is imperative that all children participating in the pageant attend this rehearsal.
Dec 24, 3:00 p.m.
Please have all children participating in the Christmas Pageant in the Chittick Lounge by 3 p.m. so we can get them costumed and ready. Kids are welcome to bring water and "clean snacks" ie: pretzels, goldfish- anything non greasy that will not stain costumes. The pageant will start promptly at 4 p.m.
Dec 30, No Sunday School.
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Coffee Hour Hosts For The Month
Please call Marge Meklin at 908-433-3957 for questions
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
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 9 - 5 to 7 p.m.
Manse Open House with Caroling
December 18 - 6:30 p.m. Session Meeting
More information to follow on these events
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Church Calendar For The Week
Sunday, December 9 - Second Sunday of Advent
8:45 a.m. - CE Committee
10:00 a.m. - Worship/Choral Bell Choir
10:00 a.m. - Sunday School begins in worship
11:00 a.m. - Coffee Hour, Chittick Lounge
11:30 a.m. - Sarah Hope Circle, Chittick Lounge
11:30 a.m. - Chimes Rehearsal, Choir Room
5:00 p.m. - Manse Open House with Caroling, 704 Forman Avenue
11:00 a.m. - EliSabeth Verdella Circle
Tuesday, December 11
10:00 a.m. - Eye Openers, Chittick Lounge
1:00 p.m. - Lydia Daytime Circle
6:00 p.m. - Weblos, Basement
7:00 p.m. - Lydia Evening Circle
7:00 p.m. - NA, Wilton Hall
Wednesday, December 12
9:00 a.m. - Women's Breakfast, Rainbow Diner
6:00 p.m. - Bear Den, Basement
7:30 p.m. - BS Troop 6
Thursday, December 13
7:00 p.m. - Judith Rachel Circle
7:30 p.m. - Chancel Choir Rehearsal
Friday, December 14
Saturday, December 15
7:00 p.m. - NA, Wilton Hall
Sunday, December 16 - Third Sunday of Advent
10:00 a.m. - Worship/Chancel Choir
10:00 a.m. - Sunday School begins in worship
11:00 a.m. - PW Cookie Sale, Fellowship Room
11:00 a.m. - Coffee Hour, Chittick Lounge
11:30 a.m. - Chimes Rehearsal, Choir Room
12:00 p.m. - St. Gregory's Pantry Toy Land Setup, Wilton Hall
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Image of the Week
Wednesday night's PW Christmas Program
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