Weekly News For
Point Pleasant Presbyterian Church
August 2, 2020
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Reservation and service links were sent on Wednesday.
The bulletin for those participating online is here.
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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 family
for the week is the Scarpone family.
Let us be prayerfully aware of Dan, Angela, Emma and Danny as well as all our members and friends.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
for the birth of Harlow May Wittmann born on July 27, 2020. She is the daughter of Olivia Grimmes and Ryan Wittmann and sister to Dawson and Maribelle. Donna Wittmann is the proud grandmother.
Prayer Concerns
: The family of
Ally Carpel,
Joe Decker, Diane Sikora,
Pete Cowie,
Katie Hoffmaster Barberi
Long term concerns
: Katie Abrams; Jacob Basilotto; Ed Jung; Jay Hiatt; Despina Koch; Gwen McFaddan; Jacob Mendelsohn;
Josephine McKeon;
Leigh Millar; Melissa Millar; Dale Norby; Marilyn Powell; Geoff Reilly; Susan Robbins,
Joseph Robinson,
Bill Shoppell; the Shum family; Linda Lee Smith; Millage Youenger; 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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“
When the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord,
the priests in their vestments were stationed to praise the Lord with trumpets,
and the Levites, the sons of Asaph, with cymbals,
and they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the Lord,
‘For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever towards Israel.’
And all the people responded with a great shout when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.
But many of the priests and Levites and heads of families,
old people who had seen the first house on its foundations,
wept with a loud voice when they saw this house (though many shouted aloud for joy),
so that the people could not distinguish the sound of the joyful shout
from the sound of the people’s weeping,
for the people shouted so loudly that the sound was heard far away” (Ezra 3:10-13).
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On July 10, I wrote: “When the time is right, a remnant shall return and rejoice in retelling the sacred stories, remembering God’s work on the world’s behalf, and reestablishing a communion with the holy things that define a community and keeps alive the vision of the new heaven and the new earth that is surely coming.”
That day is upon us.
Last Sunday, we had a “test-run” with a smaller congregation of about 17 courageous volunteers. Many rejoiced at being back in our dear and familiar holy place; most harbored mixed feelings. Fortunately, there was no loud weeping! But, like the older returning exiles in the text above, who remembered what their worship had been in the first temple, by comparison, the new experience was less than ideal. But we know that we live in less-than-ideal times; and, for the time being, we must adjust.
If
sitting
on a hard bench for under one hour seems challenging, remember that some of our ecumenical brothers and sisters worship standing up for hours.
If wearing a
face covering
seems restricting, remember that once upon a time, wearing a hijab-type veil was practiced by Christian, Jewish, and Muslim women whenever they appeared in public (and it gets very hot in the Middle East).
One of the elements of worship that was most missed was
being able to sing
along with the cantor. It’s instructive to remember that congregational singing was unknown in worship services during the Middle Ages. One of the best musicians among the major Reformers, Ulrich Zwingli (1/1/1484-8/11/1531), eliminated congregational singing from worship in Zurich because music would “too easily move people away from focusing on the Word” and its meaning for them. No musical instruments, no choirs, and no congregational singing were permitted!
Our own John Calvin (7/10/1509-5/27/1564) only allowed for the singing of Psalms and New Testament canticles in the Genevan churches.
I learned recently that the most admired pastor-theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer (2/4/1906-4/9/1945) allowed his seminarians to sing only in unison. At the time of a “fractured and apostate German Christianity, unison singing embodied the theological necessity of unity among the members of the Confessing Church and among the seminarians risking their lives to study with Bonhoeffer.”
I can only imagine how the heirs of Luther and Bach felt about not being able to sing in 4-part harmony!
Different times require different approaches.
So, while we are fighting an airborne virus that is transmitted predominantly from person to person, we must avoid sharing each other’s microbial exhalations. That is why we refrain from unnecessary movement and unison responses as all that creates aerosols in the same way as choral singing does.
What we will be sharing this week is the celebration of
The Lord Supper
again!
This is what you need to know if you’ll be
sharing from home
:
After the Great Thanksgiving, I will invite you to partake of the elements that you will prepare before-hand. You will need a slice or small loaf of bread. A corn tortilla, or rice cake, or something else that is specially appetizing and joyful to you can also be used (even a warm chocolate brownie has been known to make an appearance on some home tables). A cup of grape or cranberry juice will do just as well as a glass of red wine (your choice).
This is what you need to know if you’ll be
sharing in the sanctuary
:
Individually wrapped communion elements will be found on the pew in front of you.
The packet contains a wafer and grape juice. The first step involves carefully removing the top cover by pulling on the tab. Keep the top cover but place the open cup with the juice back in the pew holder. You will need both hands to separate the clear plastic from the foil part of the cover to expose the wafer. Dispose of the wrapping but keep the wafer. You can now partake of the wafer and the juice together.
The sacrament transcends circumstances. Whether at home or practicing distancing and caution in a church building, we are equal partners in the community of faith and share one communion of the table.
I look forward to seeing you in-person, or otherwise, on Sunday as we seek to worship our good and gracious God, whose steadfast love endures forever.
Peace!
Pastor Osy
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Highlights of Virtual Session Meeting
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- Marjorie Meklin presented the two Confirmands, Jordan Paige Muraglia and Sarah Anne Schrader, who have completed the course of study for Confirmation. Session listened to their Statements of Faith and shared a question/answer period with them. A motion was made and seconded that Jordan and Sarah be received as active members of Point Pleasant Presbyterian Church as of July 28, 2020. The motion was approved unanimously. Their public profession of faith is being scheduled for Sunday, August 16, 2020.
- As per her request, Kate Norby has been restored to active membership.
- Motion was made to reinstate the celebration of the Lord’s Supper, beginning August 2, 2020 and the first Sunday of each month thereafter. The motion was approved.
- Motion was made and seconded for Pastor Osy to preside at the wedding of Harvey Mendelssohn and Jacque Thornton on August 28th in the Sanctuary with approximately 12 people present. The motion was approved.
- A memorial service for Joseph DeRosa, son of Joseph and Robin DeRosa, has been scheduled for September 13, 2020.
- Pastor Osy’s contract as Interim Pastor at PPPC comes to an end on August 31st. He has requested vacation for the last two weeks of August, which Session approved. He and Juli will be moving to Bergen County to assume the position of Interim Pastor at the South Presbyterian Church in Bergenfield. On behalf of the Session and the Congregation, the Personnel Committee expressed regret that the time for the Nuesches to move on has arrived, along with gratitude for the leadership, friendship, and guidance of both Pastor Osy and Juli as we spent these last two years together. We wish them well as they transition from Monmouth Presbytery to Palisades Presbytery.
- Motion was presented by the Personnel Committee to enter into a contract between the Rev. Dr. Eileen Lindner and the Point Pleasant Presbyterian Church to serve as Stated Supply beginning 8/17/2020 through 11/17/2020, to be extended in accordance with the Pastor Nominating Committee. Pastor Eileen will be Head of Staff, preach on Sundays, moderate Session meetings, and perform two days' work including pastoral concerns. The motion was approved. This will require concurrence from the Committee on Ministry of Monmouth Presbytery and Palisades Presbytery.
- Next Interfaith Hospitality Host Week is August 9th –15th. Thanks to all those who volunteered to bring meals to the Interfaith Day Center (between 5:00 and 6:00 PM) at 407 Lexington Avenue, Toms River.
- Motion was presented by the Finance Committee to add a line to the yearly budget entitled: COVID/REOPENING EXPENSES. The motion was approved. This will help us keep track of the expenses incurred by the current pandemic.
- Motion was presented by the Christian Education Committee to order Orange Curriculum for Christian Education classes from September, 2020 to the end of May, 2021. The motion was approved.
- Point Beach Prep Camp has reported a successful summer program with everything proceeding as planned. A surprise State inspection passed our camp program with flying colors! An August meeting of the PBP Preschool Board will make necessary plans for the fall re-opening of Point Beach Prep Pre-School and Nursery.
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PPPC is seeking a responsible individual to fill a year round, part-time position as a Sexton to care for the church building and Annex, keeping them clean and in an orderly fashion at all times. A candidate must be a self-starter and a team player. This position in a contact-less position.
If you, or someone you know, might be interested in learning more about this position for approximately 20 hours per week, please call Jim McGuire at 908-783-7193, or email him at fox2124@hotmail.com. He will be happy to discuss the job description and daily schedule with you.
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While we are social distancing, we can still support the homeless families who are part of the Interfaith Hospitality Network program and staying at the Day Center at 407 Lexington Ave., Toms River (just past St. Joseph R.C. Church on Hooper Ave., going south).
For the week of August 9-16th we only needed dinner volunteers and all meals are covered - thank you!
Barbara Reusch (732-349-2792) can be contacted regarding any concerns during the week. Thank you for your invaluable help in this important ministry in Ocean County.
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Interfaith Hospitality Network has been hosting a homeless family of five at the Day Center, owned by St. Joseph Church in Toms River. With only one family in program, it has been relatively easy to socially distance as we are instructed to do from volunteers who enter the building or merely drop off nightly meals or groceries for the family.
Our next challenge is how to host three or four families to reach our maximum number of fourteen guests that are permitted without endangering anyone’s health? More requests for shelter tell us that evictions are about to mount, causing the need for housing to become acute.
How can we help?
If you (or any organization to which you belong) own an unoccupied house that has a bathroom, kitchen, bedrooms and laundry facilities in which an Interfaith family can live TEMPORARILY, please contact the IHN Office at 732-736-1550.
The needs are great, but so are the resources with which we have been blessed. Let’s put those blessings to good use. Step up to the plate and lend your helping hand to Interfaith families in need!
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Praise God for our Summer Camp success!
Students who graduated but were unable to play together since March were able to come back to school to say goodbye to their friends before they head off to kindergarten! We also had students that were new to our school get to know us and make new friends by attending camp before they begin our fall program.
We had 35 children register and a wonderful group of teachers to work with them. As per state guidelines, each of the 2 classrooms had 10 or fewer students per day. We enjoyed the time together, utilizing safety measures put in place by licensing. We ended the program with an ice cream truck coming to bring yummy treats at snack time. We had happy campers! Hallelujah!
We will be closed in August and wish everyone a safe and happy summer!
Point Beach Prep has limited openings for September. Please call 732-701-9900 for information and to register! We provide learning and fun, all in one!
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Coming Up
Sunday, August 9, Worship with Baptism
August 9-15 - Host IHN at the Day Center
Sunday, August 16, Worship/Confirmation
Sunday, August 16 - Outdoor Farewell Reception for Pastor Osy and Juli
Tuesday, August 18 - Session Meeting
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Upcoming Birthdays This Month
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August 1 Sharon Hock
August 2 Breanne Scott
Aug 3 James Cleveland
Aug 4 Joanne McGuire, Thomas O'Hara
Aug 5 Noah Steinert
Aug 6 Daniel Scarpone
Aug 7
Aug 8
Aug 9 Peggy Martin
Aug 10 Dorothy Giddes
Aug 11 Elizabeth Ploskonka
Aug 12
Aug 13 Alex Simpson
Aug 14 Julia LaForge
Aug 15 Steven McGuire
Aug 16 Virginia Aiello
Aug 17
Aug 18
Aug 19 Dawson Wittmann
Aug 20
Aug 21
Aug 22 Joseph DeRosa, Lynn O'Hara, Melissa Philips
Aug 23 Colin Obser
Aug 24
Aug 25 Sean McCrossan
Aug 26
Aug 27
Aug 28 Courtney Bixby, Erik Hums
Aug 29
Aug 30 Lynn Hahm, Addison Hums
Aug 31
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Test Case Worshipers
Last Sunday we were able to have a test run of participants worshiping in person. Many of those invited were involved in the planning of reopening. We continue to work on making the service enjoyable for both
in person and online.
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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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