The Chimes The News of the Protestant Community Church of Medford Lakes, NJ

JUNE 2014

Over the last couple of days I have heard and read much that emerged from the Anderson Cooper interview with Donald Sterling, the billionaire owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, of the National Basketball Association. I trust we all are familiar with the troubling remarks attributed to Mr. Sterling, and the actions taken by the NBA to fine Mr. Sterling and expel him from the league. This owner’s first public response to the controversy became another chapter in the book of guidelines for apologies offered in this day and age. We have seen countless examples of individuals offering apologies that go to great lengths to deflect responsibility for one’s behavior, subtly shifting the blame for any offense to the offended party.

I have often noted that the first question humankind directs to God in the book of Genesis comes from the lips of Cain: Am I my brother’s keeper? For me, God’s answer is laid out in the rest of the Biblical testimony. The great commandments to love God and neighbor are God’s resounding response: YES – we have a responsibility to and for one another.

I came across words from the great William Sloane Coffin:

The central problem of the Christian church in America today is that most of us fear the cure more than the illness. Most of us prefer the plausible lie that we can’t be cured to the fantastic truth that we can be. And there’s a reason: if it’s hell to be guilty, it’s certainly scarier to be responsible—response-able, able to respond to God’s visionary and creative love. No longer paralyzed, our arms would be free to embrace the outcast and the enemy… No longer paralyzed, our feet would be free to walk out of any job that is harmful to others and meaningless to us, free even to walk that lonesome valley without fear of evil. Everything is possible to those whose eyes… are held by the gaze of him who can dispense freedom and life in measures unheard of.

God entrusts the world and all in it to our keeping. May we continue to grow in our willingness to share the love with which it and we were created!

In This Issue

Sunday School News 2Take Note: Dates 2Teacher Appreciation Day 2

Social Media 101 3Stained Glass Window 3

VBS--Ride the Peace Train 4Angel Mail 4In Memoriam 4

International Peace Day Event 4June Calendar Insert

Monthly Casserole 5Volunteers Needed 5Thank You, J2A 5

Coffee Hour Hosts Needed 5Member Care Corner 6

Mission Outreach Programs 6Call for Summer Musicians 7Needed: Helping Hands 7

Men’s Breakfast Program 7Gala--June 7th 7

Sacred Circle 7Cathedral Guild 7Get Chimes in Color by Email 7

June Birthdays 8Jazz & Blues Showcase Concert 8

The ChimesSubmit items to

Lynne Poag via emaillpoag@comcast.net

SUBMISSIONDEADLINE:June 1, 2014

~~~~~~~~~~~~~Steven E. Winkler

Senior Pastor

Virginia E. LeopoldAssociate Pastor

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~609-654-4220 (office)

609-654-0515 (Sunday School)www.protestantcommunitychurch.org

June 1st --One Service at 10 AM Summer Worship Schedule Begins June 8th Worship Service at 8:00 AM -- Memorial Hall

Worship Service at 10:00 AM -- Sanctuary Sunday School -10:00 AM Coffee Hour - 11 AM

God bless,

THE CHIMES PAGE 2

Sunday School News Andria Gross Sunday School Superintendent

We are finishing up “Breakfast on the Beach” Bible lesson (John 21) where we learned how Jesus, after Jesus’ resurrection, appeared to his disciples who were fishing. It’s been a fun rotation for all of us! On May 11th, the children and the leaders and I experienced our own “breakfast on the beach” while discussing how each of us find Jesus in our daily lives. I think they really learned a lot from the Bible story!

The final regular Sunday school rotation begins on May 25th with “Go and Tell”. \This particular Bible lesson comes from Matthew 28:1-10 “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” The main idea is the resurrected Jesus told his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commanded. Jesus combined his instructions with a promise: “Remember, I am with you always.” Each of us is called to “go and tell” and hopefully the children will discover ways in which they can “go and tell” and share with others what they know about Jesus and his love and his teachings!

Teacher Appreciation Day is Sunday, June 29th. If you’d like to help me create a meaningful, “sweet’ coffee hour to honor the Sunday school teachers and the Journey to Adulthood Leaders, please contact me at pccss.andria@gmail.com. Thank you.

Summer Sunday school begins on Sunday, July 6th until July 27th. Summer Sunday school is available for children going into kindergarten in the fall through 6th grade. Youth in the Journey to Adulthood program are welcome to help me with Summer Sunday school or attend church with your family.

A very special thank you to the J2A Leaders, Dana Rappenecker and Mike Haussman and all of the J2A youth who planted the Children’s Garden! They knew somehow that the plan for Summer Sunday school gardening was to plant pretty flowers in the cross flower bed! This summer, the children and I will enjoy the peacefulness and beauty of the Children’s Garden at the beginning of our time together, seeking the Peace of God. In the garden, I will “plant the seeds” of a Bible lesson and allow them to talk about it with me as we walk to Beach 4 near the church. Once on the beach, we will end our lesson and discussion with prayer and will close with a meditation, as we have been doing for the past two years in Sunday school. They have become quite accustomed and comfortable with the ending meditation. I wonder if the neighbors will join us? Hmmmm. “Let the children lead the way” is my motto!

Sunday school teachers will be honored on Sunday, June 29th. Be sure to thank them for all t he wonderfu l work they do with our PCC children.

TAKE NOTE! June 1st--One Service at 10 AM

June 29th--Regular Sunday school ends

Summer Sunday school starts on 7/6 and ends on 7/27

June 29th--VESPERS SERVICE at 5:00 PM Memorial Hall

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Social Media 101Last month we told you that it would be coming. Now it’s here: A learning session on the ins and outs of social networking. Find out the meaning of such strange terms as Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Tweet. Learn how to connect and to use them. Learn how they may be used by our church family to better communicate with one another and how they can be used to promote our ministries and programs to the

larger community. On Sunday, June 8th following the 10:00 AM service of worship, we will be presenting an instructive seminar on social media from the very basics to its full use. Sarah Vahlstrom Marchisotto, who is thoroughly knowledgeable and experienced in this subject, will lead the session and will teach you how you can become part of this world of communication. It will be a hands-on session; that is, she will demonstrate how this is all done by the use of her own computer with images to be projected on a screen. If you have a laptop computer, smartphone, iPad or tablet bring it with you, and you will be able to follow along. If you don’t have any of these electronics, we will provide pads and pencils or pens to enable you to take notes. The use of social networking could be a valuable innovation for the life of the church. Please be certain to attend. Don’t forget the date. Make this a must on your calendar. Even if you already have an account with one of the social media sites, there is much that you will be able to learn at this session.

If you already have an account with Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest or other social media site, please have your username and password available in order that you may access your account during the session. If you do not have such an account please be prepared to provide a username/password combination for whatever account you think you may be interested in opening. Also, be prepared to provide your e-mail address if you have one. If you do not currently have an e-mail account (and you have a computer), you may be encouraged to open one. A summary of the information provided during the session will be transmitted by e-mail. Before the session you will be provided with an outline of the subjects that will be part of an Internet safety discussion that will be held.

Ray Nelson

Save the Date

June 8th

The Good Shepherd: Continuing on the left side of the sanctuary.

The design for this window interprets the scripture verse in John (10:15): “I am the Good Shepherd; I know my own and my own know Me, as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.” The red robe represents the blood of Jesus as the perfect sacrifice, the Lamb of God. The red flowers do not seem to be a botanical representation. They may be a stylized interpretation of the “lilies of the fields.”

Donated by Mr. and Mrs. William Oaks. The Oaks were pioneer residents of Medford Lakes, and quite active in the early life of the church. They were the grandparents of Joan Todd Lewis. Oaks Hall is named in the Oaks’ honor.

Researched and written byJeanette Johnson submitted by Carol Vahlstrom

THE CHIMES! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! PAGE 4 Angel Mail began on May 4th. It’s been fun for me to witness adults and children hu r ry i ng t o t he i r personal mailboxes to read the i r le t ters

during coffee hour! This year there are 10 adult angels and 10 “little” angels, and some of the anonymous names are so funny--e.g., “Green Hot Dog!”

Because of a conflict in the Sunday school calendar, Angel Mail will now end on June 22nd with a special “Angel Tea” where each of the angels will meet his/her angel for the first time.

I want to thank Abby and Maddy Smith for being so helpful in making Angel Mail the success and fun that it is for everyone.

As a prelude to the International Day of Peace, celebrated on September 21st, the Protestant Community Church will be offering a Peace Camp. The theme will be Jump On Board the Peace Train. All children, Kindergarten to 5th grade, are invited to come aboard the Peace Train and learn to be world peacemakers.

Be sure to mark your calendar so your child can hop on the Peace Train and take part in all the fun Bible stories, art work, songs, cooking, and community service projects.

Angel Mail

The International Day of Peace and Hope is celebrated on Sunday, September 21st, and PCC will be offering a community-wide conference entitled “Blessed are the Peacemakers.”

Following worship with the Rev. Robert Moore, Executive Director of the Coalition for Peace, offering the sermon, this special day continues with interactive workshops. Choices include one on inner peace, another on alternatives to violence, and a third on living a peaceful life from the Quaker and Mennonite perspective. Other workshops include choices for

This free celebration includes lunch and concludes around 1:15 PM with a closing service in front of the church led by the children singing music of peace. The surrounding churches are invited to share this special day with us. Look for more information during the summer. Add it to your calendar now so that all may know we follow Jesus’ command to love our neighbor as ourselves.

Andria Gross

VBS Peace Camp 2014July 14-18

Registration on Monday: 6:00-6:30 Camp Hours M-F: 6:30-8:30

Jacquie Long

Aileen Degerdon4/30/14

Kathy Roberts

children and families and movie options. Following the workshops, a panel of local peace officers and national experts will address the topic “Preventing Gun Violence.”

THE CHIMES! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! PAGE 5

When Did I See You Hungry -- Kathy Roberts

First, thanks to those who are taking the “ready-to-make” casserole fixings that Suzanne Murray is providing from food donated by Panera Bread and the Dutch Market. We have really been able to increase the amount of casseroles donated.

The seasons may change but hunger never seems to change. Families need additional food when the school year ends, and children no longer receive breakfast and reduced-cost lunches. A family in need can receive one of our casseroles, defrost it, and warm it for a family meal.

Casserole containers and suggested recipes are handed out the first Sunday of the month. The maker is asked to make the casserole, freeze it, and return it to the church the following week. Here’s an easy recipe, and one that is always a family hit.

1. Boil about 5 quarts of water.2. Empty a box of spaghetti into the pot and cook according to directions.3. Drain the spaghetti and place it in a casserole tin.4. Open a bag of purchased precooked meatballs and add to the tin. 5. Pour jar of spaghetti sauce on top.6. Wrap, label, and freeze.

Summer is on it’s way and our summer coffee hours are “no fuss” events. They can be held indoors or outdoors. Provide some bagels or light snacks along with coffee & tea and you’re done! We have had lots of new people helping out, but

June and July will soon be upon us and help is needed. Special thanks to all who have hosted previously and maybe you could do it again sometime. As always, George Rosenkranz or Sandy Childress will be there to help you if needed.

Thanks to the J2A youth and leaders for helping start the Children’s Garden with the planting of pretty flowers and herbs! And, thank you so much for putting the planting bench together for me! You are awesome! Andria Gross

Journey to Adulthood

Do you enjoy how the altar candlesticks shine every Sunday?It doesn’t happen magically! For years, Jean Gilday has lovingly attended to the candlesticks on a monthly basis and now she is in need of helpers. She will be happy to train volunteers in what needs to be done.

Do you know that altar flowers are arranged into beautiful bouquets, placed into the office refrigerator, and available to anyone who is visiting a shut-in, a sick friend, or someone celebrating a special occasion?Again, this doesn’t happen magically! Volunteers gather on Monday morning to arrange these bouquets, and a few more hands are needed to spread out the work.

Jean Gilday schedules these volunteers so if you have time to help in either of these roles, please contact Jean at 609-654-8749 or the church office at 609-654-4220.

Meatballs and Spaghetti

THE CHIMES! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! PAGE 6

Member Care Corner

Graduation time is quickly approaching and Member Care is looking to recognize PCC's graduates. College, high school and 8th grade graduates will

be recognized in a future Chimes newsletter to let the congregation know of your accomplishment. Please call Suzanne (609-654-7593) or the church office (609-654-4220) with the graduate’s name, your phone number, the school name and, if applicable, the school they will be attending in the fall.

We want all our graduates to know we are proud of them!

Theatre and Dinner Event

Save the Date: 8/10/14Member Care will be sponsoring a social event for the congregation on Sunday, August 10th at 3 PM at the Eagle Theatre in Hammonton. The theater production, A Salute to the Music of Tony Bennett, will be followed by dinner at Marcello’s Italian Restaurant. The combined event will cost $35, but for those who prefer the show only, the cost will be $20. Local theatre is a great way to see some wonderful entertainment without the high city prices. Tickets sales will begin in June. Join with friends for a fun afternoon.

Attention all graduates!

Suzanne Murray

The Mission Council would like to take a minute to thank you for your support and to share with you what the council does with all of your help. Of course, you all know about the casseroles, the book bags and school supplies, the turkeys and the gifts at Christmas time.

Did you know that the council is responsible to donate 10% of the pledges each year, plus all the emergency collections we gather for those in immediate need? We would like to share with you where your funds have gone and how you have helped others over the past year or so. You helped build Sunday school classrooms in Jamaica; you helped build classrooms for the Oyate Concern a school for the Lakota Indians. You have donated funds through Hope Alive to drill a new well for a medical center and local church and school in Tricon, Haiti. Through Fisher House, you are helping provide housing near medical facilities for families to be near their injured military members. You support the Medford Lakes Lions Club Food Pantry with your foods stuffs the first of the month and with monetary donations. You also support the South Jersey Food Bank that supplies over 200 food pantries in the tri-county area and serves over 173,000 local individuals. Your mission funds support St Vincent DePaul Society, the Mental Health Association of Southwest NJ, and the Fuller Center NJ Pines low income housing projects. In Camden you support the Urban Promise High School with their literature class books and their computer lab, and you also helped the Christus High School in Camden with their computer lab. At the end of the year you supply gift cards to the Christian Caring Center for their Thanksgiving Baskets, and you fund our youth with the purchase of Christmas gifts for the 600+ the Caring Center services. You also support Family Success Center in Mount Holly with their Adopt-a-Family Christmas program. There is also the Pastors Discretionary Fund for immediate emergencies and the special collection for Hurricane Sandy that you donated to help two struggling families with lost homes, businesses and jobs. All in all those of us at the Protestant Community Church are truly blessed with the ability to share with those in need. Thank you for all your support throughout the year.

Valerie Armstrong

How Your Mission Contributions Have Been Used

THE CHIMES! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! PAGE 7

Musicians Needed for Summer Services

The congregation thanks all t he cho i r s - -Ch i l d r en ’s , Cathedral, Carillon, and 3

Chord--for the wonderful music they provide during the September to June months.

During the summer months, the church looks to volunteers to provide music for the 10 AM summer services which begin on June 15th. Parents, this is a wonderful opportunity for your child to gain confidence in playing or singing in public. What is more welcoming to a child than a church community! Encourage your child to step forward. Adult musicians are also needed. Please call Cindy Conolly at the church office (609-654-4220) to schedule your date. Music will be needed between June 15th and early September.

In an effort to save postage costs, the Chimes is being sent by email. Contact Julie Pope so she can add your email address to her file. Each month she will send an email to you that provides a link to the PCC website where the Chimes and additional information about the church is available.

Spring is here and Vacation Bible School is just around the corner--July14-18th! Your help is needed to make this year’s program “Jump On Board The Peace Train” a smashing success. Marybeth Holliday is the coordinator for this wonderful project. She needs team leaders to take charge of the activity stations and assistants to provide support for the children. Teens, this is a great way to earn community service hours!

Your rewards will be plentiful: watching the children eagerly learn about God, seeing their joy as they create their projects, and hearing their voices singing praises to God. You will also enjoy the camaraderie with the other dedicated individuals from our church community.

If you would be interested in the position of team leader or an assistant please contact Marybeth Holliday at 609-654-2924 or e-mail holidaybjm@aol.com or contact Jacquie Long at 609-859-0605 or e-mail clinong@comcast.net as soon as possible because the summer is fast approaching.

Needed:

The Men's Breakfast will be held Saturday, June 21st, at 8:30 AM at Todd Hall.

The program wil l be presented by Tinashe Saka, who is currently in residence at Urban Promise in Camden. She is program director of "Rise Malawi Ministries," which is raising a generation of hope by providing education, job training and summer programs for the poor and oppressed in the African nation of Malawi. Please come to hear this woman, who will raise our consciousness about what's happening in Malawi.

Ken Roberts

Jacquie Long

PCC is Sailing into Summer!

Please join us for our 5th gala

June 7th, 2014 at 6 PM

Medford Village Country Club

for a wonderful evening with friends!

Call the office (609-654-4220) and speak to Julie or send your email address to pccjp@verizon.net. PS: The Chimes is much more attractive in color than in black & white!

Cathedral Guild’s May 27th meeting will be held at

Medford Leas. Guild will resume on September 23rd.

Sacred Circle meets the 2nd Wednesday of

the month in the upstairs Todd Building at 7.

We Wish You a very happy JUNE Birthday01 Tom Hollis Scottie LaMarra Meghan Warren 02 Mark Ritter 03 Mike Madden Grace Rennie 05 Dan Clark 07 Norm Lucas Steve Gibbon Annie Tatreau Cody Choate Grayson Cop08 Bonnie Hammer Christopher Perry Jacob Goldman 09 Wendy Pratt

09 Caitlyn Siciliano 10 John Haines Greg Reinhardt Rick Baker 11 Christine Tucker Michelle Scullion12 Scott Tyrrell Sue Wingert 13 Nancy Cauffman George Rosenkranz, Jr. Danny Scullion Zachary Winkler 14 Danny Vitelli 15 Foster R. Bell16 Andria Gross 18 Dennis O’Neill

19 Kyle Powell 21 Charles DelRossi, III Reese McAreavy23 Tyler Kaiser Madigan Smith 25 David Stuart, Jr. 26 Ginny Fletcher 27 Melanie Ferraro Joseph Urban28 Stephen Denham 29 Patty Pratt Patty Dyremose 30 Charles Haussman

The Protestant Community Church is an inclusive ecumenical faith community purposefully seeking to be caring, faithful disciples of Jesus Christ through worship, study, prayer and Christian service.

The Protestant Community Church100 Stokes RoadMedford Lakes,NJ 08055

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Save the Date: Saturday, June 7th, 7:30--10:00 PM. The Jazz & Blues Showcase Series presents its last concert of the season featuring The Richie Cole Quintet, featuring Richie Cole on saxophone, Alex Otey on trumpet, Bob Smith on guitar, Tom Pass on organ, and Tom Burrows on Drums. Tickets are available at Coffee Hour or at the church office at a special church-member rate of $10. The 7th season will resume in September.