Weekly News For
Point Pleasant Presbyterian Church
March 29, 2020
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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 Susan Sutphin. Let us be prayerfully aware of Susan as well as all our members and friends.
Prayer Concerns
: Jordan Muraglia,
Coleen Claeys, Ruth Chadwick, Brian Olson
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.
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One of the Scripture lessons
on the last Sunday we met for worship (March 15) was Exodus 17, but we didn’t do much with it since I focused on the Gospel lesson that day. I have revisited that passage because the Hebrew slaves’ 40 years of wandering in the wilderness is such an instructive passage in Interim Ministry training. It represents a classic study of the complex dynamics of periods of transition and uncertainty.
It starts with the people’s grievance against Moses: “Why did you bring us out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?” (17:3). Lack of water added to their already stressful time. Times of high anxiety are hard on everyone: Leaders struggle with not knowing what to do. Moses prayer shows his desperation: “What shall I do with this people? They are ready to stone me” (v. 4).
People express their frustration and discontent in many ways. The Israelite history recorded that Moses renamed the place where this took place as
Massah (testing) and
Meribah (dissatisfaction/quarrel), “because the Israelites quarreled and tested the Lord, saying, ‘Is the Lord among us or not’” (v.7).
Individuals’ anxiety reflect the anxiety of a system, and it doesn’t matter if the group is a family unit, an organization (like a church), or even an entire nation. Systems do not like disruption. When the stability of any association is compromised, the instinctive reaction is to regain equilibrium. But when that is pursued at any cost, that leads to bad decisions. In the Exodus account, the first manifestation was to blame the leader (Moses could see himself becoming the scapegoat). Very often we see expressed a desire to return to the way things were
before the disruption. In the book of Numbers the people expressed a strong craving and wept when they remembered their past lives in Egypt: “If only we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we used to eat in Egypt for nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic, but now our strength is dried up” (Numbers 11:4, 5). It’s interesting how the past is often remembered in such “rosy” ways (somehow the people forgot how terribly they had been treated as slaves!).
The longing to return to the way things were is very strong. Sometimes it involves denial of the circumstances that brought about the disruption. We try to remain optimistic by focusing on the “light at the end of the tunnel.” In our current predicament, I am hearing that “we will come out of this much stronger.” While I respect the sentiment, I’m afraid that such an outcome is not guaranteed. What we can say with certainty is that when we come out of this, we will be different, and the new normal will be different.
The disruptions to our way of life are serious. The risks are high. What is being asked of all of us is costly. Our frustrations are real. But what we have learned to expect from periods of transition and uncertainty is that they can help to define who we are – or would most want to be. During these times we identify what is truly important and what needs to be preserved. If in the process, we can discard false memories and narratives, failed patterns and negative characteristics, we may be able to work from our best selves, strengthen relationships and ground our faith on the Rock that never fails. Then the time in the wilderness may turn out to be a surprisingly valuable experience.
Peace!
Pastor Osy
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As the church staff continues to work remotely, they are still available to meet your needs. The church phone is being answered and emails are still being checked during regular business hours.
It is important for you to know that during this time, we are still answering your questions, taking prayer requests, finding ways to remain connected, as well as planning future events. Please do not hesitate to reach out with your concern or need.
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Supporting Your Church
When the Doors are Closed
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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 have continued to be paid uninterruptedly through the end of March 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 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.
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You will happy to know that among the materials left over from our Superstorm Sandy recovery efforts, Randy Crate identified several boxes of masks and a bag of gloves.
Upon closer examination, we realized that the masks were the N95 type, which last week were in short supply and high demand by hospital personnel and the gloves were the surgical quality ones.
Frank Jones delivered over 200 masks to Lynn O’Hara for use at Jersey Shore Medical Center (where her son works) and to Sarah Sarbello for the ER staff at Ocean Medical Center.
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St. Gregory's Pantry is now closed until further notice. They hope to be able to open again soon. Please visit
NJHelps.org
to see if you are eligible for food assistance (SNAP), cash assistance (WFNJ/TANF or WFNJ/GA), and health Insurance (NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid). You can apply for these services on their website.
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Thoughts from Sunday School
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We met the first two weeks of March for Sunday School to consider the challenging concept of
forgiveness. The
scriptural basis for our study was:
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We were treated to a powerful presentation of our theme in a "LIVE LOUD" video.
Searching for worthwhile family activities? You might include this
short video to spark a valuable discussion.
Meanwhile, we miss you ALL!
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Last week we updated you that the IHN Families were sheltering at the Day Center in Toms River. This week we are glad to report that two of the three families in the program have moved into their own homes!
For the family still in the program, prepared meals or supplies to cook a meal at the Day Center are being dropped off by the assigned host without any contact. The family can even play outside in nice weather.
With flexibility and compassion for all, Interfaith is working, praise God! It’s amazing what can be done when everyone works together! Below are the words that Director Patty Cash shared with volunteers:
When this is over,
May we never again take for granted
A handshake with a stranger
Full shelves at the store
Conversations with neighbors
A crowded theater
Friday night out
The taste of communion
A routine checkup
A school rush each morning
Coffee with a friend
The stadium roaring
Each deep breath
A boring Tuesday
Life itself.
When this ends,
May we find
That we have become
More like the people
We hoped to be
And may we stay
That way - better
For each other
Because of the worst.
Call Dorothy Tolley (732-892-9306) or Barbara Reusch (732-349-2792) to volunteer your time, your talent, and your treasure to this vital mission.
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From the Chair of the Point Pleasant and Bay Head Area Clergy Association
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It is with profound sadness that I have to announce that the Point Pleasant Area Churches' Annual Easter Sunrise Worship service at Jenkinson's Pavilion for 2020 is cancelled.
This decision was made through conversation with Jenkinson's leadership and is being made in the best interest of those who might attend. If the situation changes between now and then we will revisit our options and reschedule if at all possible. Thank you for understanding and stay safe friends.
Rev. Donald M. Stevens
Pastor, Central Unite Methodist Church of Point Pleasant Beach
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Due to the flower distributor closing, we are no longer taking Easter Flower orders. We will make a decision on flowers when we are closer to Easter. We will be in contact with those who have already placed their order.
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The ladies of the PW will keep us updated to any changes to their PW Clothing Drive coming up April 18 from 8:00 -12:00 noon.
In the meantime, while you are home, make the most of your time to clean out your closets.
Gently used clothing (no children's toys nor pots & pans) will be collected. Also being colleced are shoes, belts, handbags, briefcases, bedding, draperies, pillows, towels, stuffed animals and bicycles. Shoes should be wrapped in pairs in separate bag from clothes. None of the clothing will be shredded.
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Upcoming Birthdays This Month
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March 29 Susan Hess
March 30 Jordan Muraglia, Ken King
March 31 Gail Birdsong, Elizabeth McGuire
April 1 Richard Leonhard
April 2 Madeline D'Amore, Matthew McDermitt
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
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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
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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.
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Sue Hankins spied an angel cloud with pink wings watching down
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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
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