United Pres April, 2018
Happy Easter April Fool's Day! Did it ever occur to you that Easter could be the greatest April Fool's prank of all time? Imagine if you were one of the women or one of the disciples at the tomb. You arrive, the stone is rolled away, and Jesus is gone! You must be bewildered. You probably ask, like Mary, "Where have you taken my Lord?"
The Resurrection is God's way of overthrowing everything we believed to be true about life and death. You are born, you live, you die, end of story. With the author of Ecclesiastes, you might believe we should, "Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we shall die."
But in Jesus' rising from the grave, God tells us, "Not so fast." God did not breathe life into us, just to have us die in the end. God loves us so much, he sent his Son to rescue us from sin and death - and he took on all the risk, all the pain, all the guilt for us.
Come celebrate this amazing turn around from the depths of despair of Good Friday to the unbridled joy of Easter, by worshiping with us. At 9:30 a.m. we will have a special participatory E3 Service to enlighten, empower, and engage your faith. Then at 11 a.m. we will celebrate Communion.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Jean
UPW - will have its meeting on Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at 10:00 am in Fellowship Hall. A discussion of Chapter 4 entitled: “War of the Wills” of the new book Discovering God's Will For Your Life  by Sheila Walsh will take place during this meeting. There will also be a Birthday Offering Dedication. All women of the church are cordially invited to join! After the meeting that is done at Noon, those women who would like to go for lunch are invited to go to a local restaurant.
On April, 14, 2018, The Women's Association will be having a retreat entitled, "Living the Sweet Life." The theme of the retreat is based on Psalm 119:103: "How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" We will meet at the church at 8:15 to carpool to the Sabbath House in New Egypt. Bring money for lunch as we will go to a local deli to pick up sandwiches. We should be done by 3:00 pm. The cost is $5, which goes to the retreat center. Each participant will receive a workbook that you can take home. SEATS ARE LIMITED and almost gone. To sign up and/or get on the waiting list, please call Lois Dixon (609) 298-3398 or Gloria Hanewald (609) 528-0511.
MOTHER'S DAY REMEMBRANCES
 
United Presbyterian Women are receiving donations for Mothers. If you would like to donate a monetary gift in honor or in memory of your mother, please fill out and return this form along with your donation. Forms and donations should be given to Gloria Hanewald or placed in the offering plate. Checks should be made payable to “United Presbyterian Women”. 
 
All donations will go to Mission projects.   Donations have to be in no later than Sunday, May 6th. The list of remembrances will be posted in the Bulletin on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 13th.
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DONATED IN HONOR OF: ______________________________________________
 
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DONATED IN MEMORY OF:_____________________________________________
 
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The United Women Afternoon Tea
The United Presbyterian Women are having a tea at the "One Steep at a Thyme" tearoom in Jamesburg, NJ on Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at noon. The tea is open to all women of the church. We are limited to 25 women for this event, so if you are interested please make your reservation as soon as possible. The cost will be $32.00, which includes the tea plus gratuity and tax. The menu includes a salad, quiche, scones, tea sandwiches, dessert, and hot or iced tea. We will meet at the church at 11:00 a.m. that morning and carpool to the tearoom. If you would like to join us for tea, please make your reservation by giving your name and money to either Gloria Hanewald or Lois Dixon.
Survivors - will meet in the church parking lot on Wed., April 11, 2018 at 8:45 a.m. (please be prompt and arrive no later than 8:45 a.m.) due to the distance we must travel. We will have a tour of Malmark Bellcraftsmen, world's premier handbell and handchime manufacturer located in Plumsteadville, PA. This is a working machine shop and open shoes of any kind (sandals) are not permitted for your safety. The cost per person is $5.00 payable upon arrival at the factory. Following our tour we will enjoy lunch at the Plumsteadville Inn,  5902 Easton Rd., Pipersville, PA . If you plan to attend make your reservation with Rita Peterson 259-7256 or email ritapete@optonline.net. All seniors of the church and their friends are welcome to join the Survivors for an interesting tour and wonderful lunch with much fellowship.
UPMen – will be meeting Saturday April 21 st at the Golden Dawn Diner 9:00 am. The diner is located on Whitehorse-Mercerville Road, Hamilton Twp., NJ. Any questions, please contact Jim Dixon phone 609-298-3398 or email jdixonsr@comcast.net . There might even be an egg or more left by the rabbit for all to enjoy!

Come and enjoy friendship and fellowship!
The Women's Book Club  - The Women's Book Club will meet Tuesday evening, April 24th at
7:00 pm in the Bertolet Lounge. We will be discussing Susan Vreeland's book, LUNCHEON of the BOATING PARTY. The story brings Renoir's painting to life with the telling of the lives of the characters in the picture. We learn of their loves, losses, and triumphs in the luscious landscape of Paris in the 19th century. All women of the church and their friends who enjoy good books and good fellowship are encouraged to join us.
MISSION FOCUS FOR APRIL: HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit housing organization working locally and in nearly 1,400 communities across the United States and in approximately 70 countries around the world. Habitat’s vision is of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Habitat works toward this vision by building and improving homes in partnership with individuals and families in need of a decent and affordable place to live.
Families and individuals in need of decent, affordable housing apply for homeownership with their local Habitat for Humanity.
Each local Habitat’s family selection committee selects homeowners based on three criteria:
  • The applicant's level of need.
  • Their willingness to partner with Habitat.
  • Their ability to repay a mortgage through an affordable payment plan.
As part of their willingness to partner, Habitat’s homebuyers invest hundreds of hours of their own labor, called sweat equity working alongside volunteers and other Habitat homeowners.
Habitat for Humanity follows a nondiscriminatory policy of family selection. Neither race nor religion is a factor in choosing Habitat’s homeowners.
All money earmarked for Mission in April will be donated to the Burlington County and Greater Trenton Habitat for Humanity. Thank you for your generosity.
It is time to prepare for our special spring mission event, THE CHURCH HAS LEFT THE BUILDING. This year's theme is, "Going Deeper with God," and it connects how going deeper in our relationship with God leads to a profound desire to serve God's world and its inhabitants. Watch for weekly videos in your e-mail inbox that will inspire you to Go Deeper. Then, make plans to participate in one of our six projects listed below as we leave the building on Sunday, May 20, 2018 for a special day of service.
SEND HUNGER PACKING
In partnership with 15 local schools, the Mercer Street Friends Food Bank provides over 500 children identified as at-risk for hunger with nutritious kid friendly food that they take home Friday afternoons during the school year. The food packs ensure that the children have meals to eat over the weekend and return to school nourished and ready to learn. Between now and May 16 we will be collecting food and drinks to fill backpacks and then on May 20th following the 11 a.m. worship service those who sign up for this project will put together backpacks to be distributed by the MSF Food Bank. In the narthex you will find a list of all the items necessary to fill a backpack along with a comparison shopping guide so you can get the best price for what you buy. Bring your donation and put it in the specially marked boxes by Mother's Day, Sunday, May 13. If you have questions, please call Benita Rommel at (609) 585-1583.
BE A BEACON OF JOY
Do you love a party? If so, this is the mission project for you! We will be organizing a picnic with musical entertainment for a shared living residence for people with developmental disabilities on Route 156.  The party will be held at 1 p.m. following church on The Church has Left the Building Day, Sunday, May 20. Volunteers who sign up for this project will be asked to bring something for the picnic, set up the food at the group home, and enjoy the company of the residents during the entertainment. For more information, contact Curly Rentner at 259-7785.
Highway Clean Up
ADOPT A HIGHWAY
United Presbyterian Church has adopted Route 156 and picks up the litter that ends up on the side of the road. Our Spring 2018 Highway Clean Up Day will be part of "The Church Has Left the Building" on May 20. The church has safety signs, gloves, garbage bags, neon vests, and trash pokers. All we need is you and before you know it Rt. 156 will be spic and span. Sign up in the Narthex, and be sure to dress casually on May 20. Contact Tom Zeyack at 259-7785 if you would like to help. 
CLEAN OUT YOUR CLOSET
The HomeFront FreeStore provides working poor families with donated clothing items so that the limited money they have may be spent on other essentials. Between April 8 and May 20. we will be collecting clothes to donate to HomeFront. Especially needed are children's clothing and work clothes. We will also be collecting small appliances and housewares (no furniture please) to take to HomeFront. If you would like to help or need more information, call Irene Mason at 585-2941.
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PLANT OUR TASK & HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE GARDENS
Each year we plant four raised beds of vegetables to donate to Trenton Area Soup Kitchen. This year, thanks to Matt Gomez' Eagle Award Project, we also have a handicap accessible garden so that those who are wheelchair bound may experience the joy of growing their own fresh herbs and vegetables. Help get the season started by preparing and planting the beds along with the Outreach Ministry Team. We are especially delighted that Susan Engebretson will be gardening with us and be able to enjoy the fruits of her labor!
JOIN THE YOUTH GROUP IN A SPRING CLEANING
The McHugh family has had more than its share of challenges recently. Mike is battling bladder cancer, Nancy is on disability from her earlier life threatening illness, their son Paul is on the autism spectrum, and Chris has now moved to the Big Apple. The Youth Group will be going to the McHugh home to weed and plant flowers in order to bring the family some cheer. We will meet at the church at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 20, and return by 5:30. Anyone who would like to join us is welcome. Please bring garden tools and gloves. Contact Jean Pinto at (609) 585-5770 if you want more information.
                                PRAYER REQUESTS            
Healing – for all those ill with cancer, undergoing surgery as well as treatment for cancer including Alice Davis; Sylvia – return of cancer; Carl – bladder cancer; Livia – diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer; Carol & Al D’Amico; John Demeter; Lenny; Dan Rose; Mathew Johnson; Pam Rose; Scott Rose; John Borak; Sue Fleming; Bud; Margaret Archibald’s Niece – Fiona suffering from rectal cancer; a family member of the LaCrosse family suffering from Crohn’s Disease, her children’s needs as well as help with insurance coverage for treatment; Mike McHugh; for those awaiting test results; Mr. & Mrs. Walter who are both hospitalized, as well as strength/support for their family members; John – recovering from surgery/rehab; Linda Ramos; for those in hospital, or, having surgery and in recuperation - including Reva Rinehart; Jenna Ciambelluca; Debbie Krevor; Brian – hospitalized with a broken neck and back; Matt Machin - recovering well from heart surgery; Charlie – hospitalized with kidney failure; Colton Thibodeau – continued healing and happily home; Fred – heart issues recuperating as well as also home; Crystal Purvis; Dave Carle – transitioning to Care One Hamilton, also support for Helen and the Carle family; Rosemary Bateham – suffering from Alzheimer’s and soon to move to a nursing home in Monmouth Junction; Karen Machin’s niece Donna; for those in need of improved health including Frank & Marilyn Kostar; Karen & Keith Ezzo; Tom Gardecki (surgery) – and Family; Susan Anthony; Dot Brocaloni; Walt; Danny & Emily approaching their due date; Lisa; Tony; Girja Singh - hospitalized for pulmonary edema; friends of the LaCrosse family suffering from depression; those having personal problems like Paul McHugh; Carly Mauer; French family – reconciliation; those suffering emotionally.
Traveling Mercies: Pam & Dan Rose
APRIL BIRTHDAYS
 
Birthday greetings to the members and friends whose birthdays are in April:
 
  2 Bob Anderson, Ruth Arnwine
 3 Jennifer Halko
 6 Dana Roberts
 9 Jonathan Malloy
 10 Michael Mraz
 11 Holly Cardinale, Helen Carle
 13 Blythe Borders-Ashe, Linda Gravatt, Lynn Lasser
 15 Julie Hopper
 16 William Malloy
 17 Alicia Wagner
 24 Maeve Pinto
 25 Breta Malpas
 26 Christopher McHugh
 28 Kathy Thewes
Calendar
April, 2018

Click on the link below to view our April happenings.

United Presbyterian Church
12 Yardville-Hamilton Square Road
Yardville, NJ 08620
(609) 585-5770
www.upcnj.org
upcnj@verizon.net
United Presbyterian Church