Weekly News For
Point Pleasant Presbyterian Church
April 5, 2020
|
|
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 Nancy Stout. Let us be prayerfully aware of Nancy as well as all our members and friends.
Prayer Concerns
: The family of
Glen Crystal,
Diane Sikora, Jordan Muraglia, Coleen Claeys, Ruth Chadwick
Long term concerns
: Stephen Bardsley; Jacob Basilotto; Ed Jung; Despina Koch; Gwen McFaddan; Jacob Mendelsohn; Leigh Millar; Melissa Millar; Dale Norby; Marilyn Powell; Tom Ploskonka; Owen Provencer, Geoff Reilly; Susan Robbins, Bill Shoppell; Linda Lee Smith; Millage Youenger; Lorraine Williams; 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.
|
|
“Moan therefore, mortal;
moan with breaking heart and bitter grief before their eyes”
(Ezekiel 21:6)
Garry and Marion married in 1949 and had been members at the last church I served for 47 years when Garry died in 2010. The two of them sang in the choir, counted offerings every Sunday, supported every event and had served many terms as elders and deacons. After Garry died, Marion stopped rehearsing with the choir because her voice was not what it used to be. She stopped attending worship and complained that the pews were too hard on her back, the service was too long, the new hymnal too weird. This went on for several months. Her church friends stayed in contact and eventually she was persuaded to come back to worship. It turned out that a simple cushion alleviated her back. She rejoined the choir and she came to love some of the new psalms. It didn’t take long for us to realize that all this was a manifestation of Marion’s grief. Sometimes it’s hard to make that connection.
I wonder how many of our reactions and feelings these days derive from the fact that we are in a state of grieving. Like you, I mourn for the lives lost in this pandemic, the jobs that have disappeared, the businesses that will not recover, the way of life that seems to have changed for who knows how long. Everyone’s circumstances are different and we all stand to lose something. Doing ministry under these circumstances adds its own layers of challenges and grief. I lament the fact that the congregation is scattered and will not be able to gather for the holiest week of the Christian faith or the most joyous season of the church’s year. I share in the anxiety of every leader questioning what the next month will bring.
During these times, we do well to remember that the Church has a long tradition of lament, we are guardians of that tradition, with all its potential for ministry and healing.
N. T. Wright explained it this way: “It is not part of the Christian vocation then, to be able to explain what’s happening and why. In fact, it is part of the Christian vocation not to be able to explain – and to lament instead. As the Spirit laments within us, so we become, even in our self-isolation, small shrines where the presence and healing love of God can dwell.”
As we enter Holy Week, we will seek to experience the presence and healing love of God in a different way. This Saturday, you will receive via email an invitation to join in a simple ZOOM service as we remember the beginning of Jesus’ last week and our Savior’s Triumphal Entrance into Jerusalem.
During the week, you will receive daily scriptures and meditations leading to another ZOOM service on Good Friday and another on Easter Sunday.
It won’t feel the same. And I’ll probably be the first to complain about everything that will be inadequate and disappointing. That may be grief speaking. Through it all, let us allow love and healing to shine in all that we do.
“So the ransomed of the Lord shall return,
and come to Zion with singing;
everlasting joy shall be upon their heads;
they shall obtain joy and gladness,
and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” (Isaiah 51:11)
Peace!
Pastor Osy
|
|
Hosanna, Loud Hosanna
2018 Palm Sunday Dove and Chancel Choir with Congregation
|
|
Worshiping through the Zoom format is not intended to cause additional stress and anxiety. We had several members try it out for the first time this week with success. The following instructions are given to make this as simple as possible. There is also a short instructional video available by
clicking here.
On Saturday, you will receive via email an invitation to join in a simple ZOOM service that will include the link and meeting ID for Sunday.
Step 1. Set Up Zoom
Setting Up On a Mobile Device
- You do not need a Zoom account (but please know that accounts are free).
- For a smart phone or tablet, look for the Zoom app in the app store and download.
- “Zoom Cloud Meetings”–it’s free
- When it’s time for your meeting or worship, launch the app and click “Join a Meeting.” Enter the meeting ID in order to access the meeting or worship.
Setting Up On a Computer
- You do not need a Zoom account (but please know that accounts are free).
- Go to this page and download “Zoom Client for Meetings.”
- Find “Zoom.pkg” (or something similar, like “Zoom.exe”) in your downloads and double-click it to install the application.
- When it’s time for your meeting or worship, launch the Zoom application and click “Join a Meeting.” Enter the meeting ID in order to access the meeting or worship.
Joining by phone - Gives you the opportunity to listen but not see others.
This is useful when:
- You do not have a microphone or speaker on your PC/Mac,
- You do not have a smartphone (iOS or Android) or you cannot connect to a network
- Dial one of the toll free numbers 1 301 715 8592 or 1 253 215 8782 US
- You will be prompted to enter the meeting ID - 320 483 591, followed by #
Step 2. Test before Sunday
- It is helpful for you to practice “joining a meeting” before Sunday to see if your software is working correctly (meaning you can see and hear).
Step 3. Attend worship!
Before Worship
- Consider setting up where you will be participating in the worship service. Have a charger close by if using phone or laptop.
- Consider setting up candles and lighting them as well.
Worship Time
Our worship using Zoom’s meeting format will be
- April 5, 2020 10:00 AM (“opens” at 9:45 am)
Logging Onto Zoom
- Please “join a meeting” by entering the ID: 320 483 591 or click to join the link:
- When asking for a name, please create a screen name that shows your real name.
Tips During Worship
- Once you join the worship, you will be muted, so you don’t need to worry about people hearing you talking.
- If you need to “rename” yourself (change the name that shows up for you), click on “participants” from your menu, click on yourself, and the option to “rename” should come up.
- If you get a notice of “internet unstable,” that means YOUR internet is unstable. If you get that message while your video is on, turning your video off can sometimes help.
|
|
One Great Hour of Sharing
|
|
Each year on Palm Sunday we receive the Special offering of One Great Hour of Sharing. This offering including the fish banks given to the Sunday School children, supports efforts to relieve hunger through the Presbyterian Hunger Program, promote development through the Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People, and assists in areas of disaster through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.
This week,
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA)
announced it has pulled more than $2 million out of reserves it uses to supplement unsupported or under-supported disaster responses — a fund fortified in part by gifts to
One Great Hour of Sharing
— to help aid response to the coronavirus pandemic. The funds will be divided between international response and grants to mid councils (synods and presbyteries) and their congregations to support work in response to and impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.
If you would like to make a donation for One Great Hour of Sharing, please indicate that on the memo line of your check or in the Special Giving line on our website. The fish banks can be put in the brown box in the office entrance vestibule.
|
|
|
|
What if everyone on Sunday April 5 in the morning, puts a branch on the door of their house or on the window, to celebrate Palm Sunday?
It could be any green branch you can get. This would help, despite the social distancing, to be connected as we enter into the Holiest of Weeks.
Want to join?
We may be physically isolated, but not separated. We are united as the body of Christ.
We are the Church.
|
|
Supporting Your Church
When the Doors are Closed
|
|
I
n several practical ways the church functions like a typical small business. And like many of these,
we also have loyal employees, continuing maintenance expenses (utilities, insurance, benefits, contracts, etc.), so we can be ready to open as soon as allowed.
Salaries will be continued to be paid uninterruptedly through April even as offerings have become less consistent.
The post office continues to deliver mail and our Financial Secretary rejoices when she gets to open letters with checks enclosed. Those are being deposited regularly and credited to the senders’ record of giving for the year-end statements. Donna reminds us that we can make an online donation by using the donation button below or by going to
http://www.pointpresbyterian.org
and clicking on the "Make Donation" button on the very bottom right of the home page under the heading "Online Donations." Another option is the on-line donation through our on-line-giving company, Vanco, which now takes donations over the phone. Dial Client Services at 800-675-7430, Option #1 and speak directly to a team member. Just give them our Church's client ID#: PF-315470 and your payment method.
Thank you for your continued support during these unprecedented times.
|
|
Highlights of Called Session Meeting (via ZOOM)
of April 1, 2020 for the Purpose of Reviewing our Response to COVID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic
|
|
Session concurred that the Church will remain closed for all activities through the month of April for the safety of all.
- The Pastor Nominating Committee continues to have meetings via phone to review the first 21 Personal Information Forms received. Entire Committee meeting via ZOOM is scheduled for April 14th.
- Confirmands receive weekly email videos and lessons with homework to prepare at home and class meetings will hopefully resume soon.
- Sunday School students also receive weekly videos, main teaching points, and memory verses while closed to group classes.
- Deacons have phoned members to check on health and possible needs of congregation. Please reach out if we can be of assistance or you know of someone who needs help. The church staff will continue to work remotely.
- The materials provided for While We Wait to Worship Together Again have been appreciated. Starting this Sunday (Palm Sunday), ZOOM invitations will be sent to join a virtual service led by Pastor Osy. The same platform will be used to bring the congregation together electronically for a Good Friday Tenebrae service and again on Easter Sunday.
- Motion was approved to extend Point Beach Prep Preschool’s teachers’ and director’s salaries for one more pay period (2 weeks), despite schools’ closure as mandated by the State government.
- Pledges and all offerings and contribution envelopes are being gratefully received. The general fund balance at the end of March was -$11,137. The congregation is reminded that the One Great Hour of Sharing offering and the special Easter offering will be gladly received in April.
- One family remains in the Interfaith Hospitality Network, sheltering in place at the Day Center in Toms River. Two of the families we hosted in February are rejoicing at finding independent and permanent housing. Cardboard Box City fundraiser planned for May has been cancelled.
Elder Barbara Reusch, Clerk of Session
|
|
St. Mary’s Emergency Food Project
|
|
A message from St. Mary's By-The Sea
Beginning immediately, St. Mary’s by the Sea, 804 Bay Ave. in Point Pleasant Beach is initiating an Emergency Food Project to make non-perishable food available to those with a need in the community.
During the current Coronavirus COVID-19 crisis, which has resulted in temporary closure of St. Gregory’s Pantry, St. Mary’s is seeking help from the community to continue to stock the shelves. Greatly appreciate is the support of St. Gregory’s Pantry during challenging times and we are here to continue their mission.
The St. Mary’s Emergency Food Project will need donation of non-perishable food as listed below. Groups or individuals wishing to donate may safely drop-off donations each Sunday from 12-3 p.m. at St. Mary's entrance on Bay Avenue. Volunteers will be there to pickup and sort all donations which may be left on the steps during these hours of operation. No one need enter our building.
For individuals or families needing food our only pickup day, at this time, is Mondays from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Anyone needing food is asked to contact 973-652-0852 between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to schedule an appointment. We will prepare supplies for you to pick-up at your appointed time. Again, currently our only scheduled day for food pickup is Mondays from 10-12 at the Bay Avenue entrance.
We are relying on the generosity of our community to help us and we ask that you limit your donations to the following items:
Non-perishable canned protein (such as tuna, chicken, beans, etc.), Canned soups, chili, spaghetti-o’s, stew, mac & cheese, cereal, peanut butter, jelly, boxed milk, and snacks.
Gift cards to grocery stores, pharmacies, or fast food restaurants are also very welcome.
Monetary donations should be made by check to, “St. Mary’s by the Sea” noting “Emergency Food” in the memo.
In addition to the Emergency Food Project, Mary’s Table will continue to offer Take-out meals from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday evenings. The greater Point Pleasant community has long been a generous and caring one and we appreciate your support.
|
|
Sunday School Message &
Free Parent Cue App Download
|
|
We continue to email Bible video story links and supportive materials to our Sunday School families for use at home especially during this time of physical distancing. This month we are challenged to consider the needs of others and put them first while pointing to Jesus as our perfect example. We can draw on the verse:
“Don’t do anything only to get ahead. Don't do it because you are proud. Instead, be humble. Value others more than yourselves.”
Philippians 2:3 NIrV
The
Preview Video
explains the theme. If you watch it, you’ll find it interesting.
|
We invite you to download the
Free Parent Cue App
for your phone. It’s another tool to build the faith of your children at home. The App can “connect you with Bible stories and verses to talk to your child about” and “cue you with words to say and things to do connected with the naturally occurring times that already happen every day.” We hope you’ll
check the video
and forward the link to someone you think may benefit. NOTE: The app works very well independently and is not synced to our church program. (You’ll see that when setting up the app on your phone.)
|
|
It was very sad to have to close the school temporarily, but we know we have to do our part to keep everyone healthy. Parents, students and teachers have been keeping in touch with emails and through Facebook. I have even gone outside to see chalk messages on my sidewalk from students who left me messages, but surprised me because they kept their social distance!
The teachers and I have made video lessons for the children. We have also posted various learning resources and fun activities to do. Did you know that children’s entertainer Yosi is hosting online interactive music shows each day at 12? A local yoga studio called Bee You Yoga is offering free online yoga for kids. Our teachers and I are having Zoom chat meet ups with the kids! It is so great to see them, we miss them so much! We have organized birthday cards to be sent to birthday students, since they can’t celebrate in school. We have even continued student of the week! Please check out our Facebook page to see Ms. Dawn play the saxophone or Ms. Kerry teach us about Larry, the catfish she is fostering while a school closed. In the following video you can watch Ms. Mandy teach the letter W. I am so grateful for the dedication of our beloved teachers!
We are praying that everyone is well and we are able to see you again soon!
|
|
These Days Devotional Booklets for April, May and June are now available for $6 each. If you would like one left for you simply call the office at 732-899-0587 or send an email to mail@pointpresbyterianchurch and we would be glad to leave one in the office vestibule. Money for the booklets can be left in the brown box on the wall.
|
|
The PW Clothing Drive will be postponed to a later date. Having the clothing drive as planned would be in violation of the Governor's order of only essential travel. Thank you for understanding.
|
|
|
|
Our neighbor on the corner Bay and Forman Avenue seems to be making the most of their time at home. With their Easter decoration at the forefront of their other holiday decorations, this is a good simple reminder that there are celebratory days ahead.
|
|
Upcoming Birthdays This Month
|
|
April 4 Maria O'Connor, Kelly Satterlee
April 5 Austin Braaten, Shane Braaten, Susan Robbins
April 6
April 7
April 8 Frank Scarpone
April 9 Nancy Stout
April 10 Susan Beltran, Howard Gilbert
April 11 Sean O'Connor
April 12 Jean DeMartino
April 13 Joe Decker, James Liotta, Kimberly Scott, Janet Smith
April 14 Kaitlyn Potter
April 15
April 16 Christian Fiorentino, Kelsey Fiorentino, Joseph Paradise, Marilyn Rice, Regina Stoffers-Reinhold
April 17
April 18 Betty Gilbert
April 19 Marian Blackford, Robert Bissey
April 20
April 21 Will Landre
April 22 David Satterlee
April 23 Taylor Lappke
April 24 Austin Simpson
April 25
April 26 Edward King, Henry Shapiro
April 27
April 28
April 29 Diantha Mathews-Brown
|
|
Church Calendar
Visit our full Church Calendar on our website for a complete and up-to-date
calendar.
Important Liturgical Observances
Sunday, April 5, 2020 - Palm/Passion Sunday
Thursday, April 9, 2020 - Maundy Thursday
Friday, April 10, 2020 - Good Friday Tenebrae
Saturday, April 11, 2020 - Great Vigil of Easter
Sunday, April 12, 2020 Resurrection of the Lord
|
|
Since things are quiet on the church property, we need your help for our image of the week. E
mail the office (mail@pointpresbyterian.org) or text 732-915-9540 a picture that represents God's beautiful creation from
where you find yourself
. It can be a sunrise, sunset, garden, anything that shows the beauty of God's creation.
|
|
Wendy and Lee Childers orchids from their garden in Captiva, Florida
|
|
Contact Us
Pastoral Staff
The Rev. Mr. Osvaldo Nuesch, Interim Pastor -
Email
The Rev. Dr. Eileen Lindner, Parish Associate -
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
