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 family for the week is the Hoey family. Let us be prayerfully aware of Sara and Bill, as well as all our members and friends.
Prayer Concerns: The family of Bruce Larsen; Deb Brendler; 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; 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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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.
First Sunday of Advent: Hope
Dec. 2, 2018 at 10:00 a.m.
Worship Service with Communion and Music by the Chancel Choir
Advent Candle Lighting: The Paradise family
Communion Brunch
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 Family: The Wittmann family
Fourth Sunday of Advent: Love
December 23, 2018, 10:00 a.m.
Worship Service concluding Advent
Advent Candle Lighting Family: 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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Communion Brunch 
While the weather is still on the warmer side for December, please join us four our monthly Communion Brunch this Sunday, in lieu of coffee hour. A free will offering defrays expenses.
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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 68, bringing the total of anticipated contributions to $162,796. The number of new responses is now up to 11 and of those who pledged last year but have not done so yet is now down to 32.
To those who have responded so promptly, THANK YOU! If you have not yet had an opportunity to submit your card, cards can be found in the pew, or you can send a confidential email to Donna Ferry, the church's financial secretary, at [email protected]. Cards can be placed in the offering plate or can be mailed into the office. These cards and pledges are now needed for us to plan for our 2019 operating budget which will be formed by the Session in early January and reported at the congregation's Annual General Meeting.
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Inquirer's Class This Sunday
This Sunday, 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. If you did not get a chance to reserve a spot it is not too late, simply find the group at the brunch.
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Coming This Week PW Christmas Program 
Everyone is welcome to join us on Wednesday, December 5th at 7:00 pm. for the PW Christmas program. The program this year an adaptation of a skit entitled "Room with a View" Enjoy an inspirational program of meditation, prayer and a play. Stay for delicious treats.
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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 this Sunday 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. There is a Giving Tree in the Narthex that includes 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.
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 16.
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 Whittmann 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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Session Highlights
Highlights of November 20, 2018 Session Meeting
- Motion was made and seconded to add five names to the Inactive Roll: Nancy Davis, Janis Carter, Keith Jaekels, Kelsey Norton, and Courtney Rzepinski. The motion was approved.
- Motion was made and seconded to approve a curriculum resource of twelve sessions for use in Confirmation classes: Big God, Big Questions. The motion was approved. Confirmation classes are expected to begin in February, with Confirmation Sunday planned for mid-June.
- Motion was made and seconded to send a letter from Session to Eagle Scout candidate Andrew Warade for the excellent improvements he made in the Sunday School room downstairs.
- The biennial game of chance licenses we purchased last year allows PPPC to hold another raffle in 2019. Up to two winners may receive 25% of the earnings with PPPC being the recipient of 50%. Look for information in January, with winners being selected in February.
- Motion was made and seconded to accept the new Policies and Procedures as formulated by the Personnel Committee. The motion was approved.
- Motion was made and seconded to celebrate The Lord's Supper at the 11:00 PM Christmas Eve Service. The motion was approved.
- Motion was made and seconded to approve replacement of green paraments , which are used the majority of the year, at a cost of $295. The motion was approved.
- Motion was made and seconded to approve Presbyterian Women's request to proceed with the painting of the women's rest room. The motion was approved.
- Plans for Advent, a time of anticipation in which we look forward to the coming of the Messiah, have been made. Advent candle lighting families will be participating in services beginning December 2nd. A Christmas Pageant, under the leadership of Becky Muraglia will take place at 4:00 PM on December 24, 2018. There will also be Christmas Eve services at 7:00 PM and 11:00 PM.
- New Beginnings coaching sessions for church leaders are scheduled for January 6, February 3, and March 3, 2019 from 12:00 Noon -1:30 PM.
- Possible members of a Transition Team were discussed. This group of five to seven members will assist the congregation with transition issues, advise the Interim Pastor, support the newly Installed Senior Pastor during the early months of his/her tenure, and make recommendations for actions to Session.
- The annual waxing of floors in the Annex will take place December 27th and 28th.
- Thanks were expressed to those who participated in our successful restaurant fundraiser at the Coal House Bistro on November 7. It is hoped that we will schedule a similar fundraiser with another restaurant early in 2019. Look for details.
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Open House at the Manse
Stop by the manse (704 Forman Ave.) next Sunday, December 9 between 5 and 7 pm for some refreshments and caroling on the porch accompanied by a brass ensemble.
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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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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 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 I.
Our Nursery class read I Got Two Dogs, I Spy on the Farm,I Love You Because You're You, and Dizzy Izzy. Some of their activities were sorting insects, ice painting, and icicle drips. Their Sign Language word was "ice cream".
Our Pre-K class did an iceburg hop, made icicles and igloos, and played instruments. Their sight word and ASL word was "I".
Both classes have been singing Christmas carols to get ready for our family sing-a-long. They have also been making Christmas projects to decorate the classrooms. It was an incredible week!
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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
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
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
Dec 5
- 7 p.m. PW Christmas Program
Dec 9 - 5 to 7 p.m. Manse Open House with Caroling
More information to follow on these events
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Church Calendar For The Week
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
11:30 a.m. - Chancel Choir Rehearsal
6:15 p.m. - Choral Bell Choir Rehearsal, Fellowship Room
7:00 p.m. - Deacons Meeting, Chittick Lounge
Tuesday, December 4
10:00 a.m. - Busy Hands, Fellowship Room
6:00 p.m. - Weblos, Basement
7:00 p.m. - NA, Wilton Hall
Wednesday, December 5
9:00 a.m. - Women's Breakfast, Rainbow Diner
6:00 p.m. - Bear Den, Basement
6:00 p.m. - Lion Cubs, Wilton Hall
6:45 p.m. - Tiger Cubs, Wilton Hall
7:00 p.m. - PW Christmas Program, Sanctuary/Fellowship Room
7:30 p.m. - BS Troop 6
Thursday, December 6
4:00 p.m. - Troop 360 Brownies, Fellowship Room
5:00 p.m. - Troop 1443 Daisy Scouts, Fellowship Room
7:30 p.m. - Chancel Choir Rehearsal
Friday, December 7
Troop 6 Lock-In, Wilton Hall
Saturday, December 8
7:00 p.m. - NA, Wilton Hall
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
5:00 p.m. - Manse Open House with Caroling, 704 Forman Avenue
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Image of the Week
Sunday Service at Claremont Care Center last Sunday
On the fourth Sunday of the month, Point Pleasant Presbyterian Church leads an informal worship service at Claremont Care Center in Point Pleasant. The service includes singing some favorite hymns, simple prayers and a brief message or time for sharing. The service for November was lead by Jacque Thornton, Marilyn Rice and Peggy Bierach
and enjoyed by all. There is a sign up outside the church office if you are interested in participating in this local outreach.
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