Weekly News For
Point Pleasant Presbyterian Church
December 8, 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 Carol Ketchersid. Let us be prayerfully aware of Carol as well as all our members and friends.
Prayer Concerns:
Karyn Smykowski; Bill Williams; Ginny Claeys
Long term concerns:
Joan Auge; Jacob Basilotto; Emma Burden; Tim Carroll; Jonathan Hofstetter; Ed Jung; Brett Lambie; Mary Ann Leach; Despina Koch; D'Etta Merkle; Michael McGuire; Mary McSweeney; Jacob Mendelsohn; Leigh Millar; Melissa Millar; Donna Monica; Dale Norby; Geoff Reilly; Bill Shoppell; Ed Shrum; Linda Lee Smith; Ralph Smith; 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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I appreciate the many helpful hints well intentioned people provide these days so that we can “stop sweating the small stuff” and focus on having a healthy and happy holiday season.
Our denomination sent me an email with a ling to “Ways to Keep the Happy in Your Holidays”. Topping the list was: “Make the holidays about the people in your life, not things.” Good advice!
The wonder of the Incarnation that we celebrate during these days is the personal touch of God who came to dwell with us as one of us. “The Word became flesh and lived among us” (John 1:14) by pitching his tent among us for a while. “God so loved the world that he gave his only son” (John 3:16) demonstrating how
loving
entails a giving of oneself, which is the greatest gift anyone can give.
I value the way people share of themselves these days through greeting cards they take time to send, especially those with personalized messages (our church has an easy way to remember church friends), the performances creative people stage (we experienced one this past Wednesday courtesy of Presbyterian Women and the much anticipated Christmas Pageant is being diligently rehearsed), the social gatherings people plan (put December 22
nd
on your calendars), the many hours of volunteering I see all around the church: welcoming homeless families, putting up decorations, helping with Toy Land and Christmas Day Dinner, buying presents for unknown neighbors or poinsettias to adorn the chancel, etc., etc. So many ways people make these holy-days special.
I am delighted to welcome to our service this Advent season a good friend who has shared his remarkable talent through the years by including worship services in his busy performance schedule. Learn more about our guest musician at
conradherwig.com
and come to meet him this Sunday morning as he captivates our imaginations with some lovely arrangements of beloved Christmas carols.
Peace – the emphasis on the Second Sunday of Advent – be with you!
Peace!
Pastor Osy
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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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For Those Interested in Social Justice
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Join Lynn O'Hara and others this Tuesday, December 10 at 7:00 p.m. as they meet to find ways for our church to make a difference and have discernment in regards to Christian responsibilities for the many pressing challenges that face us today.
All are welcome. The meeting will take place this week in the Fellowship Room beginning at 7:00 p.m. If you would like to be a part of this new ministry and cannot attend please contact Lynn O'Hara at lynnoharalpc@gmail.com.
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The Giving Tree in the Narthex displays Christmas list envelopes with the names of 57 Valentine House residents. After one week we are half way to having all the envelopes taken. Be sure to record your name next to the corresponding envelope number that is listed on the sheet next to the tree.
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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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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Music Program Next Sunday
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The Chancel Choir is pleased to announce it will be collaborating once again with a local string quartet for the Third Sunday of Advent, performance on December 15. We are seeking out kind individuals who are willing to sponsor a musician, either in part or in full, through a generous donation to the Chancel Choir. Thank you for supporting meaningful music opportunities at PPPC.
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Last Sunday, the wrong coat was mistakenly taken and another similar coat was left behind. The coat that is missing has a yellow liner compared to this black lined coat. Please check the Narthex coat closet to see if this coat may be yours. The coat can easily be exchanged in the closet. Please contact the office or Glen Gauer 732-295-8890 if you have any information on the missing coat.
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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 8, 11:00 - 11:45 a.m.
Rehearsal
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 J. Thank you to Pastor Osy,
who came to each of our classes to teach us all about Jesus!
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Thank you also to the Deacons for purchasing an Advent calendar for each of our Point Beach Prep students. They have been enjoying opening a new door every day and learning about the reason for the season!
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Restaurant Fundraiser for December
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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.
A special email will go out the night before so that you can simply show your waitress the message you are there for the church fundraiser. Hardcopy flyers will also be available starting on Sunday, December 15.
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 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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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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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! Anyone available to help with Annex cleanup after 3:00 p.m. 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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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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Pastor Osy and Juli are once again graciously inviting all to stop by the manse (704 Forman Ave.) on Sunday, December 22 between 5 and 8 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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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 8 - Karen Luicci
December 15 - Donna and Ryan Wittmann
December 22 - Liz Ploskonka
December 29 - Robin Cook
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Upcoming Birthdays This Month
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Dec 8 Rob Rauffer
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 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 8
8:30 a.m. - CE Committee Meeting
10:00 a.m. - Worship/Conrad Herwig, Guest Trombonist
10:00 a.m. - Sunday School Begins in Worship
11:00 a.m. - Coffee Hour
11:00 a.m. - Christmas Pageant Rehearsal, CE Annex
12:00 p.m. - Court of Honor, Sanctuary
1:00 p.m. - Court of Honor Reception, Wilton Hall
Monday, December 9
11:30 a.m. - EliSabeth Verdella Circle, Fellowship Room
6:00 p.m. - Choral Bells Rehearsal, Fellowship Room
Tuesday, December 10
10:00 a.m. - Eye Openers, Chittick Lounge
1:00 p.m. - Daytime Lydia Circle
6:30 p.m. - PNC, Chittick Lounge
7:00 p.m. - Evening Lydia Circle
7:00 p.m. - Social Justice Meeting, Fellowship Room
7:00 p.m. - NA, Wilton Hall
Wednesday, December 11
9:00 a.m. - Women's Breakfast, Rainbow Diner
7:30 p.m. - Troop 6, CE Annex
Thursday, December 12
8:00 a.m. - Men's Breakfast, US Subs, Point Pleasant
6:30 p.m. - Tabitha Dorcas Circle
7:00 p.m. - Judith Rachel Circle
7:30 p.m. - Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Choir Room
Friday, December 13
6:00 p.m. - Pack Night, Wilton Hall
Saturday, December 14
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
Upcoming Events
December 15 - Chancel Choir Christmas Music Program
December 18 - Restaurant Fundraiser at Kitchen @ 35, Manasquan
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We thank the Pastor Nominating Committee for making the significant commitment of prayer, analysis, discernment, and time required to lead us to the next Pastor God is calling to our congregation.
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Members of the PNC include (starting clockwise front bottom left) Peter Farwell, Kerry Jones, Bette Hughes, Morgan Sarbello, Frank Scarpone, Randy Crate, Kim Scott, Jim McGuire, Marybeth Schroeder, Liz Ploskonka
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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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