The Prayer person for the week is Marian Blackford. Let us be prayerfully aware of Marian, as well as all our members and friends.

Prayer Concerns: The family of Pete Cowie; the family of Josephine McKeon, Jacob Bassalotto.

Long term concerns: Katie Abrams; Katie Hoffmaster Barberi; Michael Berry; Ed Jung; Jay Hiatt; Karen Liebhauser; Despina Koch; Gwen McFaddan; Jacob Mendelsohn; Leigh Millar; Melissa Millar; Dale Norby; Marilyn Powell; Geoff Reilly; Bill Shoppell; Linda Lee Smith; Millage Youenger; Ginny Zimmerman; those struggling with addictions and mental illness.

Military: Sarah Davis Brown; Morgan (Colberg) Sensing; Michael Fahey III; Robin Fiorentino; all those in our nation's service.

Nineteen years ago, on this very day, our lives changed appreciably as planes flew into buildings and as a nation, and as a people, we were shocked and horrified by the death and destruction before us. Most adults today remember just where they were when they heard the news of the 9/11 attacks. For those who are 25 years or younger that day, and its memories are as distant as the memories of the Pearl Harbor raid are to an earlier generation. Today’s young people will, no doubt, live their lives remembering the COVID pandemic of 2020 as a significant traumatic event.

Today, as we think back upon the events of that September morning with its bright hope and promise and its dreadful reality, what will we recall? Perhaps we will recall where we were or how we learned of the events. We may bring to mind persons we knew who were involved as victims or family to victims. Most of all we will remember what it felt like - the disbelief and shock, the unrelenting news coverage, the fear of what would happen next and our concern for friends and family. Perhaps we will hold in our memories a specific thought for the police, fire, EMTs and ordinary citizens who responded with courage and service to those in need. Perhaps we will recall too in the days following the attack that we became a more unified people, a more considerate tribe seeking to help one another in an uncertain time. We will remember with grateful hearts the hope and confidence we drew from the selfless example so many first responders and even ordinary neighbors.

As we face our own challenges of 2020 - and there are plenty - let us take heart from those who gave us strength nineteen years ago. Amid pandemic and wild fires, national discord and international turmoil may we find strength in the Psalmist’s contention that God is a very present help in trouble. Not a far distant God but a present, nearby God – just a prayer away. If we can remind ourselves of that presence we shall not be afraid of today or of tomorrow’s future. In such a confident hope we too can find the capacity to serve others, seek to support those who need help and to hold fast to a positive view of the future. May it be so in these days.

Every generation has its own traumatic events that, for the moment stop the world. And every generation has among it those whose faith and trust lead them forward into service and support. Generations are not judged by the traumas that befall them but by their response to those traumas. Let us, in this moment place our trust in God and fearlessly live into the future.

Yours for the journey,

Giving thanks to God for the life of Joseph Fredrick DeRosa will take place this Sunday, September 13, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. at Point Pleasant Presbyterian Church. You are welcome to view the service on Zoom beginning at 11:45 a.m. The Meeting ID is 857 1027 4349. You must register in advance at Zoom.com or on the link found here.

This service is a separate link from our Sunday Worship Service.

Congratulations to Harvey Mendelsohn and Jacque Mason Mendelsohn on their marriage on August 28, 2020.

Since congregational in-person worship has been working well, observing all the CDC and State guidelines for safety, the maximum number of registrations has been increased to 30 in-person worshippers, plus clergy, music, and tech staff for support.

The funeral of Joseph DeRosa will be held on Sunday, September 13, 2020 via Zoom at 12:00 noon.

The congregational meeting set for September 27, 2020 shall include two proposed changes to the Congregational Bylaws. These proposed changes can be found in the article below. A motion to present the two proposed changes at the congregational meeting was approved.

Finance Committee reports that we have moved through July and August with no immediate concerns. The Stewardship Campaign has chosen a theme, “Staying Home While Reaching Out—Funding Our Future.” Commitment Sunday for receiving pledges has been designated as November 8th.

Buildings & Grounds Committee reported that Pastor Osy and Juli have vacated the Manse, leaving it in great shape. They also left a priority list of projects that might be considered for completion before the new pastor and family moves into the Manse.

Personnel Committee announced a Church-Wide Talent Show on October 9th at 7:00 PM via Zoom. Stay tuned to see how YOU might win a prize and even a trophy!

Special thanks from Session go to Kim Gaydos and Donna Ferry for working above and beyond expectations during the pandemic.

Christian Ed Committee announced that Zoom Bible Study of the Psalms under the leadership of Pastor Eileen will commence September 22, 2020 for 5 weeks. “Scripture Sans Soup” will be held 9:30-10:30 AM.

Sunday School classes are ready to welcome students and families on September 13th at 9:00 AM via Zoom.  

Point Beach Prep Board reported that enrollment is at capacity and teacher positions are filled, with the exception of one position. Orientation is September 11th and classes begin September 14th.

Blake Serafin, Troop 6, presented his plans to Session for an envisioned Eagle Scout project under the supervision of Frank Jones, Buildings and Grounds. Blake is hoping to build a teaching and storytelling area with benches, white board, chalk board and stools in the playground area on Atlantic Ave and Bay Ave. A motion was approved to proceed with plans that are in compliance with code and Point Beach Prep safety needs. Session thanks Blake for his enthusiasm, creativity and initiative in providing this interactive space that children of all ages can enjoy.

Pastor Nominating Committee continues their search, meeting weekly, conducting interviews via Zoom.

Clerk of Session

The Session of the Point Pleasant Presbyterian Church calls for the Annual Meeting of the Congregation via Zoom (and on site participation) on Sunday, September 27, 2020 immediately following worship for the purpose of acting on the proposed amendments to the church bylaws, the election of Elders and Deacons and to receive reports.

Sunday School Online Zoom Sessions for families of children in grades preschool (age 3+) through grade 5 continue in the new school year starting Sunday, September 13 at 9 a.m. Sessions will last approximately 35-40 minutes. Participating families will receive Zoom meeting login credentials directly.

Kindly fill in the 2020-2021 Online Sunday School Registration, so that we will know to send you weekly invitations with Zoom ID and password. Then, please scan the form, or snap a photo with your cell phone, and email it to pppcsundayschool@gmail.com.

Hope to see you soon!

Well, many of us have sent our kids out into the crowded hallways of academia. It’s hard enough to let go whether we are sending our little ones off to their first kindergarten class or our budding adults off to college where for the first time they live under another roof. But to do it during a pandemic?! That’s another thing altogether. The anxiety of the unknown and the worry over our kids’ well-being is not atypical, right? It just seems all that more stressful right now. And guess what? It is! How do we weather this anxiety? How do we feel better? Good question.

As I was pondering how we can feel less anxious in this time of uncertainty and fear, I came across this reading for the day of September 9th in a book I have titled, A Year Without Fear, by Tama Kieves and it is remarkably on point. Here it is…

So, try not to worry about what isn’t here. Focus on what is. Deal with what is here, not what might be. Breathe. Pray. Settle. Things are weird and different and we cannot change that but we can be with it as best we can. Be with what is, not what isn’t. Remember at the bottom of all this is love. Love for your kids and other family members, love for humanity, love for the teachers doing their best right now, for the students trying to get used to wearing masks all day and still learn, love for the college kids so eager to start their year off in a great way and facing something different than what they had dreamed of. We are all in this together. Let’s be in the moment in front of us with love and compassion for ourselves and everyone else doing their best each and every day. 

Elder Lynn 

Lynn O’Hara, MS, RD, LPC, Licensed Psychotherapist and Registered Dietitian

We are also seeking a preschool teacher for our Tuesday/Thursday Pre-k class. The hours are 8:15am-1:15pm. Our teachers are well qualified, loving people, who provide a safe environment in which children can explore and learn. If you or someone you know may be interested, please send a resume to pointbeachprep@hotmail.com.

Join us for a little competition and a whole lot of laughs having fun with your family and friends. The Personnel Committee has been snooping around and learned that PPPC has talent!! But too often the talented stays hidden. They will be hidden no longer! We are giving every one a chance to show off the most creative, funniest, loveliest, and best of all.

Here’s how it works: Each family, or group of friends, or individual, plans and practices for a 5 minute performance in our PPPC Family Talent Show! You may sing, dance, play an instrument, tell jokes, read, juggle or what ever you do best. You will perform in your own living room (or where ever you keep your computer). You must register to perform by Monday, October 5th. Each performing group will register (see below for directions), and will then be assigned a number. Everyone will receive a Zoom Invite on October 9th and can join to perform or just watch. When your number is called you will get up in the comfort of your own home in front of your computer and . . . SHOW US YOUR TALENT!

All who are not performing will be invited to connect via Zoom to be entertained by our own PPPC talent. The panel of judges will be watching each performance and will announce the lucky winner/s that night for the BEST, FUNNIEST, and MOST CREATIVE performances! The lucky winner will receive . . . well, you will have to win to find out just what you’ll receive, but you’ll be very HAPPY and FAMOUS in PPPC.  Start planning now, and contact Diane Sikora at 732-598-1320 dlsikora2001@yahoo.com to register to be on our Zoom stage.

The talent show will be Friday, October 9th from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. but we need a full roster of entertainers, (we will need at least 10 - 12 in order for the show to go on!). Come one and all, as it is all in FUN.

The October, November and December These Days Daily Devotional is now available in the Narthex or Church office. They are $6 each. Money can be sent into the office or placed in the offering plate marked "These Days" If you would like one mailed to your home please call the church office.

Each quarterly issue of These Days features:

Sunday, September 13 - 9:00 to 9:40 a.m. Virtual Sunday School Begins

Monday, September 17 - 7:15 p.m. - Deacon's Virtual Meeting

Tuesday, September 22 - 9:30 a.m. - Virtual Bible Study with Pastor Eileen

Sunday, September 27 - 11:00 a.m. Virtual Congregational Meeting

Wednesday, September 16 - 9:00 a.m. Women's Breakfast at the Rainbow Diner

We are glad to announce that the church calendar is starting to be filled once again. To view the church calendar online please visit our website or click on the link.

On Monday, Point Beach Prep will welcome students under the loving direction of Director Devlin House, Pre-K Teachers: Kerry Jones and Dawn Connolly, Nursery Teachers: Jessica Kaiafas and Allie Ipsaro. Lunch aide: Margie Meklin. Substitutes include: Rhonda Angelucci, Cathryn Chitick, Ginger Decker, Elizabeth MccLaughlin, Danielle Thompson, Robin Decker, Madelyn Richiuso, Anne Cook. Join us in praying for them this next school year.

The Rev. Dr. Eileen Lindner, Stated Supply Pastor - Email

Kim Gaydos, Church Secretary - Email

Donna Ferry, Financial Secretary -Email

Sara Hoey, Organist - Email

Melanie Chambers, Chancel Choir Director - Email

Morgan Sarbello, Choral Bell Director - Email

Devlin House, Point Beach Prep Preschool Director - Email

Frank Perkowski, Sunday School Coordinator - Email

Church Office: mail@pointpresbyterian.org