Branches Alexandria First Presbyterian Church

“I am the vine, you are the branches.”

January 2015 141 Li t t le York -Mount P leasant Road

Mi l ford, New Jersey 08848 908-996-4333

www.A lexPres .org

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A Note From Nick

Dear Friends,

One of the reasons that Christmas time is such a joyful time is because Christmas is also a very hopeful time. The

theme of hope runs throughout our Christmas celebration and is the center point of our Christmas story when God enters our

weary and broken world in the form of a small infant. It is at this moment when the threshold between our world and God’s

heavenly realm is at its closest. God chooses to become flesh so that we can have a savior, and so with great hope we rejoice

that “unto us a savior is born!”

In the spirit and hope of Christmas I have been prayerfully hopeful for our church and its many ministries and

missions. Together we are accomplishing many great things at Alexandria Presbyterian Church and I continue to be hopeful

that through our work, God will help us achieve still greater things! The one place of worry has been the budget and the gap

between our spending and our income. This gap was addressed thoughtfully and with gratitude during our stewardship

campaign this fall. I was hopeful for the results of that campaign, and again that hope has paid off! As you will see in the

Stewardship and Finance Team report on the following page of this newsletter, we have stepped up as a congregation and

substantially increased our giving and closed the gap! This is extremely terrific news that deserves to be celebrated!

However amidst the celebrating we must also recognize that there is still work to be done. We have made great strides

together, and yet we can do better—the gap was closed partly by spending cuts to vital ministries. And yet we cannot deny

how far we have come and how awesome it is to see the increased giving in gratitude! It is my prayer for this New Year that

we will remain hopeful together that we can indeed come even farther and accomplish even more, with the help of our ever-

faithful God—who was born on Christmas day!

In Christ,

Pastor Nick

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Tending the Flock

Baptism Anniversaries

This month we rejoice with those celebrating their anniversary of becoming a child of God through the sacrament of baptism

Rebecca Erin McKinnon Luke Edward Bender

Tyler Craig Bender Patricia McGuire Bender

Joseph Martin Muztafago

Sympathy

Christian sympathy and prayers are extended to the Philkill family upon the passing of Doris Philkill on December 31.

Visitation will be at Johnson’s Funeral Home on Monday, January 5 from 10-11 a.m. with the service following.

“Giving in Gratitude” Update

Much has happened since our last update! Here is a snapshot of where we stand as of December 17, 2014.

37 families have increased their pledges!

15 families have decided to pledge for the first time!

The team received many requests from people who pledged in 2014 asking where they stand regarding their pledges. A

letter was sent providing that information.

Pledge cards can be found in the narthex.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to pledge, it’s not too late.

As originally stated, it’s our goal to have all members of our church pledge by 2017. This will enable us to plan our

finances more accurately.

We have dramatically closed the gap through “Giving in Gratitude!”

Blessings to all,

The Stewardship and Finance Ministry Team

Denis Goldman, Alice Hansen, Craig Norgard, Fran Wieder, and Karl Nielsen, chair

Please Contact the Church

When you change your name

When there is a death in your family

When a member of your family is admitted to the hospital or is ill

When you feel the pastor, staff, or church can assist you in any way

When either your home or business phone number or address is changed When a new baby arrives in your family or in the family of another member

When your class or group plans to use the church facilities for a meeting or function

When a member of your family leaves for college, marries, or establishes a separate residence

Flower Ministry

Sincere thanks to all who participated in our flower ministry this past year! The 2015 Flower Ministry Calendar is hanging

on the Fellowship Hall bulletin board, so please feel free to visit it and reserve your flower donation dates for the 2015 year.

The forms and directions are located right next to it. Many thanks for your ministry.

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Presbyterian Signs and Symbols

This month we celebrate the Baptism of Our Lord, so it is only fitting that we take a look at the seashell as a

symbol of baptism. The seashell has been associated with baptism since the first centuries of the

Christian church. Sometimes the shell is pictured with 3 drops of water, an allusion to the Triune

God in whose name we are baptized. Like many ancient symbols, the origin was a practical matter

involving how the presider might pour a generous amount of water over the candidate for baptism’s

head. Using a seashell allows for a greater volume of water and a larger amount of water speaks more fully

of the gift of God’s grace, poured out for us. Additionally the seashell reminds us that, in baptism, Christ

calls us to discipleship, even as he called the first disciples by the seashore.

Equipping the Saints: Leadership Training Day

Saturday, January 10, 2015

Stuart Hall at Princeton Theological Seminary

(In case of inclement weather, Training Day will be held Saturday, January 31, 2015)

Equipping the Saints is a day of workshops, worship, resources and fellowship planned especially to support and equip

church members in their ministries. This day is for new and ongoing church officers, pastors, worship leaders, educators,

and any interested others. All are welcome to attend! The event is free; cost for hot buffet lunch $10. Walk-ins are

welcome—just bring your own lunch. For course descriptions please see the flyers on our bulletin boards or visit their

website. QUESTIONS and REGISTRATION

Email: coned@ptsem.edu or call 609-497-7990

To register online: http://www.ptsem.edu/equippingthesaints

How We’re Doing at PCUSA

Do you grow weary of learning each year that The Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA) has lost more members? Did you

know that PCUSA created more worshiping communities between 2012 and 2013 than the total number of congregations

that left? Or that in 2012 local mission spending increased $1.85 million, and other mission spending $5.6 million? Truth

is, while there is decline in some sectors, there is growth in others. Many Presbyterians tend to be optimistic about the

future of PCUSA, while even more are optimistic about the future of their own congregation. The majority are happy to

agree with one another on essential theological issues while agreeing to disagree on other subjects. To learn more visit

www.pcusa.org/ministries.

Reprinted with permission from Presbyterians Today, 100 Witherspoon St., Louisville, KY 40202-1396. If you enjoyed this article, why not subscribe? Individual subscriptions are $19.95 (10

issues/year). To order call 1-800-558-1669. Terms of Use: Presbyterians Today grants one-time-only permission for individual use or to churches and other not-for-profit entities to reprint articles

(maximum 100 copies). Must be distributed free of charge. No resale permitted. Reprints to be used for educational purposes only.

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Scout Sunday Observance

Scout Sunday, February 1, 2015

A Scout is reverent. Scouting provides fun, fellowship, and training to our youth while

emphasizing honesty, self-reliance, and respect. These values strengthen a Scout’s

character in family, community, and faith. This year Alexandria First Presbyterian

Church will celebrate Scout Sunday on February 1, 2015 during our family worship service

beginning at 10:00 a.m. The Scout Sunday tradition was started to spread awareness through the community and to allow

Scouts to live out their duty to God. All Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Scout leaders are invited to wear their

Scout uniform or other Scout-friendly apparel for this special celebration. Come share your Scout spirit while doing your

duty to God with Alexandria First!

Our children and youth presented Manger Mania! on Christmas Eve.

From the littlest lamb to the mightiest angel, they did a

wonderful job in telling the story of Christ’s birth!

Bible Presentation

As Christians, the Bible is one of our greatest treasures. It tells the story of who we are, who God is, and how Jesus Christ

offers reconciliation and new life to each one of us. Here at Alexandria First we have the tradition of giving an Adventure

Bible to each child in third grade. The Adventure Bible has features designed specifically to help children this age. It is a

significant moment in their spiritual growth as they not only enjoy the stories but also begin to reflect on the lessons. This is

the time when they develop their own ideas and opinions independent of their parents. This year’s Adventure Bible is

presented to Matthew Anthony Folmar. We hope he treasures his personalized Bible as he embarks on a journey through

God’s Word.

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Our Senior Members Thank You

With the winter months upon us, we ask that you are mindful of our senior members. If at all possible

please keep the three or four parking spaces next to the handicapped spots available for our members

that may have a more difficult time walking to the doors of our church. Thank you very much for

your consideration.

Need a Parking Spot?

As our church continues to be blessed in all sorts of ways, we are finding it more and more of a challenge to find enough

room in our parking lot for all the cars! In an effort to make things as comfortable as possible, we make the following

requests:

Please bring as few vehicles per family as possible, and consider even car-pooling with a neighbor.

When parking, please remain within the lines marked on the fence posts.

Elders are asked to park in the more distant spots and on the grass beyond the far fence line when able.

Thank you for your patience and understanding! We are grateful for the many ways God is blessing us as a church, and

want to make room here for as many people as possible!

Reminder About Bad Weather

During an instance of bad weather, an early-morning joint-decision will be made to see if we should cancel the

worship service or not. Consideration will be given to the condition of the roads in general and of our church

parking lot and walk ways specifically. If the worship service is canceled, notification will appear on the

church website and an outgoing message will be placed on our voice mail. When in doubt and to keep

yourself safe, please check with us before heading out!

Confirmation

The start of our confirmation program is just around the corner! An informational meeting for parents will be held Sunday,

February 8 at 11 a.m., immediately following worship. Then families will gather for the kick-off dinner on Sunday,

February 15. Regular classes will be held most Sundays at 4:30 p.m. beginning on February 22 and conclude in May. The

confirmation program is available for all students 8th grade or older. Please see Pastor Nick with any questions and we look

forward to seeing you at the parents’ meeting on the 8th!

The “Origami Club” Is Thriving!

Ten years ago a group of women affectionately calling themselves the Origami Club answered a call to provide an important

ministry to our church. Each Friday without fail, they arrive at the church to collate, fold, and stuff the Sunday bulletins and

inserts by hand. While the task itself is not especially difficult, their commitment to this quiet behind-the-scenes task is

inspiring. A big thank you is extended to Barb Sherwood and Martha Harrison for their dedication. Thanks are also

extended to Carol Pfefferle and Janet King for helping when they can. Interested in joining the team? If so, please call the

church office.

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January Birthdays

May God’s awesome blessings be upon you this day and on the future years ahead.

2 Pat Gendek-Sutton 10 Joe Bercaw 22 Martha Harrison

3 Richard Erlandson 12 Alyssa Schuetz Nancy Schumann

5 Will Fritsche 13 Isa Knapp 25 Karl Nielsen

6 Kyle Ferdinando 14 Lu Branson 26 Claire Parsons

Isabel Navarro Allison Lessig 27 Ryan Abelman

7 Tyler Unkert 16 Howard Thomas Sarah Wardach

8 Craig Bender 17 Lisa Schneider 29 Maureen Sutton

Shirley Krautwald 18 Irene Fennell 31 Scott Schuetz

9 Alaina Fennell 21 Dean Erlandson

Come, Share the Blessing of a Special Lenten Experience

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Annual Churchwide Lenten Study

We encourage you to participate in the Lenten Bible study during the weeks leading up to Holy Week. Two current

members of the AFPC Bible study ministry attest to what “being in the Word” with fellow Christians has meant to them:

“I began my Bible study experience at AFPC during a Lenten series. Reading and discussing the Bible with a close-knit group has become a constant in my life since then.” N.S.

“I am so grateful to have participated in a Bible study group for the past few years. I feel that I have grown as a result of our shared wisdom. I now understand what God’s grace truly means to me.” M.B.

The resource that has been chosen by the Christian Education Team is Looking at the Cross by James D. Miller, a study

from the series Being Reformed, Faith Seeking Understanding.

This is a 6-week study, which will run from the week of February 22 through the week of March 29.

Five study groups have been scheduled:

Sundays at 9:00 a.m.

Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m.

Wednesdays at 6:00 a.m. (for men)

Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. (for women)

We will consider adding another group on a weeknight evening if interest is expressed and we can find a leader.

Another option would be to follow the study independently.

Sign-up will be held during worship on Sunday, January 18, with a deadline for registration of January 25. The books

will be ordered by Christian Education. Participants are asked to cover the cost (approx. $4.95), reimbursable upon

receipt of the book.

If you have any questions, please contact Nancy Schumann or Shari Norgard.

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Save the date!!!

Sunday February 22, 2015

Fellowship Day at Alexandria First Presbyterian Church

What is Fellowship Day, you ask? A day (actually just an hour following morning service) of sharing your favorite Bible

verse with friends and discussing how that verse has impacted your life. Come and enjoy great conversation,

snacks, and drinks while connecting with old friends and meeting new ones. Some may have one

favorite Bible verse, others may have several. This might be a good time to reread and reconnect to the

verses that inspire us, give us strength, comfort us during difficult times, and provide opportunities

for praise and gratitude. Any questions, please contact Carol Moran or Renee Skibinski. Hope to see

you on February 22nd

!

A Good Cause

www.TheAltinoBrothers.com

Nerva and Robenson, The Altino Brothers, are currently raising money to hold a concert at Carnegie Hall. If

you would like to donate to the effort please see Nerva to learn more about donating to either their

Kickstarter campaign or directly via Nerva.

Visioning Happenings

The Visioning Team had a great time meeting with the congregation after church on December 21st.

Many, many great ideas were provided, from all age groups, when the opportunity was given for everyone in attendance to

“dream.” The purpose of this fun exercise was to enable the participants to help identify a long range vision for our church.

This has all been part of the process which started several months ago within the Visioning Team. Session and deacons have

already provided their input—and specific goals and steps to achieve them will be presented at a later date, after session

approval. It was important to have everyone’s involvement and it was interesting to find that the youth of our church share

many of the same dreams/goals. Such things as: improve/pave the parking lot, youth room upgrade, (including the

bathrooms), more time for Sunday School (this is only one of the many suggestions that came from the youth), Senior

fellowship opportunities, monthly youth projects, evening Bible study, manse upgrades (with subsequent, multiple uses),

church bus, local community outreach (nursing homes etc.), preschool for local children . . . and the list goes on and on!

The team members are available for questions and/or suggestions, so please don’t hesitate to speak with one of us at any

time in the near future.

A sincere “thank you” for sharing your ideas, “dreams,” and enthusiasm!

Flora Nielsen and Jim Bush co-chairs

Cathy Torrey, Lainey Johns, LuAnn Keefe, Craig Norgard, Jim Hansen, and Pastor Nick Hatch

Items for the Church Newsletter

Items for our monthly newsletter, Branches, are due on

the third Thursday of each month. The deadline for the

February issue of Branches is January 15. Thank you for

your contributions.

Prayer Ministry

For immediate prayer and pastoral care, please call the church

office. All other times, please email our prayer coordinators at

AFPCPrayerChain@gmail.com or contact Fran Wieder or

Nancy Schumann.

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Session Highlights

December 14, 2014

Treasurer Karl Nielsen reported the pledge receipts are currently behind, but noted that historically most people catch

up before the end of the year. Letters have gone out to those that pledge, indicating what they pledged and what was

received. He also indicated the need to have a future discussion on the per capita

Approved the following items: Fellowship Day will center on “bring your favorite Bible verse” on February 22, 2015 at 11a.m.

A motion for the winter congressional meeting: The 2015 winter congregational meeting will be held Sunday,

January 25 at 11:15 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. The purpose of the meeting will be to receive statistical and financial

reports for 2014, to act on changes in the pastor’s terms of call for 2015, to nominate and elect financial officers and

a new member to the auditing team, and to address matters of the corporation. Approval of the 2015 Budget: Session celebrated the fact that pledging had significantly increased and the proposed

budget was balanced. Book donations for Ghana: books to be collected from the congregation during the month of January. Donor will

be asked to provide $1 with each book to offset the cost of shipping.

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Worship Assistants

January 4 Eric Strangfeld

January 11 Lee Smith

January 18 Jim Bush

January 25 LuAnn Keefe

Ushers

January 4 Janet and Elmer King

January 11 Debbie Cortelyou, Tammy Sassaman

January 18 Fran Wieder, Jeanne Cole

January 25 Linda and Howard Thomas

Communion Servers

January 4 Lois and Doug Bondor,

Flora and Karl Nielsen

Our Ministry Team Officers

Building and Property Craig Bender (E), Marty Gunderman (E),

Jim Hansen (E), Doug Bondor (D), Eric Strangfeld

Christian Education/Youth Ministry Shari Norgard (E),

Nancy Serrone (E), Sue Kunich (D), Julie Lyons (D)

Evangelism/Membership Carol Moran (E), Renee Skibinski (E),

Cathy Torrey (D), Carol Van Norman (D)

Mission Interpretation Brad Bondor (E), Jim Bush (E),

Steve Cameron (D)

Nominating Shari Norgard (E), Jim Hansen (D), Nancy Smith (D)

Personnel Rick Carroll (E), Laura Navarro (E), Nancy Smith (D)

Stewardship and Finance Karl Nielsen (E), Denis Goldman (E),

Alice Hansen (D), Fran Wieder (D)

Worship and Music Ken Wieder (E), Howard Jones (E),

Evelyn Cameron (D), Meredith Oliver (D) (E: Elder, D: Deacon)

Special Dates

Also see the main calendar on page 10

January 4 Bible presentation

January 10 Equipping the Saints

January 25 Winter congregation meeting and lunch

Coming Up

February 1 Scout Sunday

February 18 Ash Wednesday, Lenten study begins

February 22 Church Fellowship Day

The vision of Alexandria First Presbyterian

Church is to gather in God’s grace and to be

led by the Holy Spirit. We joyfully worship,

prayerfully seek, and gratefully share as a

loving family growing in Jesus Christ.

THE DEADLINE FOR THE NEXT ISSUE

OF BRANCHES IS THE 3rd THURSDAY

OF THE MONTH

Branches is a publication of Alexandria First

Presbyterian Church (USA), 141 Little York-

Mount Pleasant Road, Milford, NJ 08848. The

newsletter is published monthly—except

during August—to inform members and

friends of church programs, news, and events.

Branches is online in the “News/Our

Newsletter” tab at

www.AlexPres.org.

Editor: alexpres@embarqmail.com

Alexandria First Presbyterian Church of Mount Pleasant

ALEXANDRIA FIRST

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA)

141 Little York-Mount Pleasant Road

Milford, NJ 08848

Web: www.AlexPres.org

Office 908-996-4333

Fax 908-996-6014

THE STAFF of ALEXANDRIA CHURCH

Reverend Nicholas C. Hatch

Pastor

Nerva Altino

Director of Music Ministry

Pati Tiedeman

Administrative Assistant

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Alexandria Presbyterian Church

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

New Year’s Day

Office closed

2 3

4

9:00 Bible study

10:00 Worship,

communion,

Bible presentation

11:00 Refreshments and

fellowship

5

10:00 Personnel

6

Epiphany

9:00 Bulletin

Deadline

9:30 Bible study

7:00 Boy Scouts

7:00 Deacons

7

6:00 Bible study

9:00 Session

materials due

8

7:30 Chancel Choir

7:30 Boy Scouts

8:30 Youth Choir

9 10

Leadership

training,

Princeton

Seminary

see p. 3

11

Baptism of the Lord

9:00 Bible study

10:00 Worship

10:15 Sunday school

11:00 Refreshments and

Fellowship

3:00 Cub Scouts

3:30 Girl Scouts

12

9:00 Winter reports

due

13

9:00 Bulletin

deadline

9:30 Bible study

5:45 Presbytery

7:00 Boy Scouts

14

6:00 Bible study

7:00 Session

15

9:00 February

Branches

deadline

2:30 Staff

6:30 Junior Choir

7:30 Chancel Choir

16

17

18

9:00 Bible study

10:00 Worship

10:15 Sunday school

11:00 Fellowship

19

Martin Luther

King, Jr Day

20

9:00 Bulletin

deadline

9:30 Bible study

7:00 Boy Scouts

21

6:00 Bible study

9:30 Bible study

22

6:30 Youth Choir

7:300 Chancel Choir

23

7:00 Cub Scouts

24

25

9:00 Bible study

10:00 Worship

10:15 Sunday school

11:00 Refreshments and

fellowship

26 27

9:00 Bulletin

deadline

9:30 Bible study

7:00 Boy Scouts

7:00 Building and

Property

7:00 Mission

Interpretation

28

6:00 Bible study

6:30 Stewardship

and Finance

29

30 31

Deacon of the Week

Jan 4 Carol Van Norman

Jan 11 Fran Wieder

Jan 18 Evelyn Cameron

Jan 25 Steve Cameron