Weekly News For
Point Pleasant Presbyterian Church
March 22, 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 Family
for the week is the Tolley family. Let us be prayerfully aware of Dorothy and Jack as well as all our members and friends.
Prayer Concerns
: Mary McSweeney,Tom Ploskonka.
Long term concerns
: Stephen Bardsley; Jacob Basilotto; Ed Jung; Despina Koch; Gwen McFaddan; Jacob Mendelsohn; Leigh Millar; Melissa Millar; Dale Norby; Marilyn Powell; 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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This will be one Lenten season we will not soon forget.
When we began the season on Ash Wednesday thinking about things that we might temporarily delete, none of us could have imagined all the things that we would be asked to refrain from. If the goal was to detach from certain activities, the current response to the pandemic is certainly making sure we reach it.
I also remember being challenged to think about other actions that might benefit others as well. Even though some of the measures being imposed may not seem relevant to some people (particularly younger and healthier individuals), it is important that they be followed. Even the recommendation to “shelter down.” I learned my lesson many years ago.
Some of you may remember the incident I shared in a sermon this past December where I told of living in Santiago during the coup in which General Augusto Pinochet seized power in Chile in September of 1973. A national curfew forbade everyone from leaving their homes for several days. But after 2 days of that, my younger brother and I had enough and, taking advantage of our parents’ afternoon nap, we ventured outside. A high fence around the block should have provided adequate protection, but it wasn’t enough to keep our presence hidden from two soldiers on duty. Had the soldiers been more experienced and had they had better aim, my life could have ended at 16 as one more of the 3,000 casualties of a chaotic period. (As it turned out, I was able to run home with a bloody leg; but the wound was small, and the shrapnel was easily removed [no purple heart for me!])
During these uncertain days, we follow all the inconvenient recommendations because our actions (and lack of them) can make a life or death difference for others. I was reflecting on this past Sunday’s Epistle Lesson and how the virtuous response that the apostle Paul envisions as a remote possibility, under some circumstances, may prove more widespread. If we change “die” for “sacrifice” it looks like this:
“Indeed, rarely will anyone sacrifice for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to sacrifice” (Romans 5:7).
For the health and future of the more vulnerable members of society, we do and refrain from doing what is being recommended at this time. What better way to observe Lent than doing what benefits others?
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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The family wishes to thank everyone who took the time to send words of comfort and thanksgiving through notes, messages and cards on the death of John's mother, Connie Curtis. Your thoughtfulness has been of great source of strength and deeply appreciated.
Given the situation in which our country finds itself, it may not be possible to gather for a Memorial Service to celebrate Connie's life on April 4 as previously announced. If that becomes the case, we will plan to hold the service on Saturday, June 6 at 11 am.
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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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PW Retreat Postponed to a Later Date
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St. Gregory's Pantry has cancelled their Easter Distribution. They continue to operate on a very limited schedule.
Clients will be able to pick up food from 11:00am to 11:45am Monday through Friday until further notice. Please call in advance of your arrival: 732-892-8105
If you are in need of food, please call their office at 732-892-8105 and leave your name and phone number. They will return your call within 24 hours. There will be no deliveries at this time.
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IHN Update - Shelter in Place! Stay Home!
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How many times have we heard these words in the last week or two? In light of the current closings of Ocean County houses of worship, the Coordinators of Interfaith Hospitality Network decided that homeless families in the IHN program should also shelter in place at the Day Center in Toms River.
Instead of moving from church to church each week, the families will stay in the Day Center where they normally sleep when St. Joseph RC Church and Bnai Israel Synagogue host.
PPPC’s next Host Week isn’t scheduled until May 17th , but Coordinators are requesting your prayers and support NOW. Children are not attending school; the Day Center needs more supplies than usual: toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning supplies, hand soap, detergent top the needs list.
Secondly, the children tend to eat more when they are home; snacks, juices, fruit, etc. are more in demand. They need games, crafts, magazines, books that appeal to children who can only view TV so long!
Most important to the Coordinators is the knowledge that our volunteers will continue to support our brothers and sisters who claim the Day Center as their home. A huge thank you to those who can be an evening host or overnight host. If you are unable to do that, please consider giving a monetary donation made out to Interfaith Hospitality Network. If you are well, cook a meal or bake a dessert. We also need a group of volunteers to be on call to help when emergency staffing arises.
As a faith community, we can cope with the results of this virus and engender hope. 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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Making the Most of the Time
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Last year at this time Erin and Maggie McGuire entertained the Communion Brunch with their Irish Stepdancing. In an effort to keep the tradition alive, please enjoy this video.
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Upcoming Birthdays This Month
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March 22
March 23 Layla Brian
March 24 Madailin Phillips
March 25 Kathryn Ebner
March 26 Lauren Hums, Carl Lappke, Dana Perry
March 27 Addison Reinwald, Brian Satterlee
March 28 Karen Luicci
March 29 Susan Hess
March 30 Jordan Muraglia, Ken King
March 31 Gail Birdsong, Elizabeth McGuire
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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 with Communion
Friday, April 10, 2020 - Good Friday Tenebrae
Saturday, April 11, 2020 - Great Vigil of Easter
Sunday, April 12, 2020 Resurrection of the Lord 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.
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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.
Ever since the creation of the world his eternal power and divine nature, invisible though they are, have been understood and seen through the things he has made. Romans 1:20
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Joanne and Jim McGuire seeing God's beauty in Hawaii this past week.
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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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