The Parish News - First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen · 2014. 5. 29. · Last Day of Sunday...

Dear Fellow Disciples,

It's interesting--the number of people who have confided in me that they either never pray, or pray rarely. We know the many benefits of prayer. We know that Jesus prayed a lot. And we know that prayer can change hearts and minds. So, why don't we engage in the act of prayer more frequently? A good question for which there are many possible answers.

I like the way John Calvin once put it:

"Our prayer must not be self-centered. It must arise not only because we feel our own need as a burden we must lay upon God, but also because we are so bound up in love for our fellow men that we feel their need as acutely as our own."

Calvin goes on to assert that the offering of intercessory prayers for others "is the most powerful and practical way in which we can express our love for them." I couldn't agree more.

One of my all-time favorite prayers was written by the 13th century saint named Francis. As in St. Francis of Assisi. It's known simply as the Prayer of St. Francis. It's around this time of year that I share it with others.

I do so with good wishes, hopes, and blessings as we look ahead to a busy (yet hopefully restful) summer. May God abide with us as the spring rains fall, the rays of sun break through the clouds, and the flowers bloom.

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; Where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console; to be understood, as to understand; to be loved, as to love. For it is in giving that we receive. It is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life. Amen.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Sam

Inside this issue:

Staff Retreat at Princeton

Summer Choir—July 20

2

Presbyterian Women

Crafts for Christ

Invitation to the Congregation

Save a Tree — Go Green!

3

PW Honorary Life Membership 4

Youth Ministry 5

Kiddie Keep Well Camp

4th Sunday Morning Book Club

6

Charge to our Confirmation Class on May 4, 2014

7

Junior High Retreat 8

Vacation Bible School 9

Treasurer’s Two Cents 10

All Church Picnic—June 8

Indonesian Fellowship Summer Program 2014

Thank You from James Monroe

11

A Matter of Perspective 12

First Presbyterian Church 270 Woodbridge Avenue, Metuchen, NJ 08840

Telephone: 732-491-2300 www.fpcweb.org

http://www.facebook.com/FPCMetuchen Sunday Morning Worship starts at 9:30 AM

The Parish News June 2014

From the Senior Pastor’s Study

Church Office

Summer Office Hours

8:00 AM to 3:30 PM

Effective after

Memorial Day to

Labor Day.

The Parish News

Summer Choir—July 20

If you like to sing, but cannot make a commitment to a weekly rehearsal, please join us for a “Summer Choir” on July 20. We meet in the choir room at 8:45 AM on Sunday morning, learn an easy anthem, and sing it in the morning worship service. Music reading is not necessary! If you would like to sing a solo or duet, please sign up on the bulletin board in the Choir Room or contact Brenda Day.

If you have questions, call Brenda Day at

732-491-2266 or email [email protected]

[Above—Pastor Sam, Jonathan Hollenbeck and Robin Kellner. Below Right Corner: Pastor Arlo, Brenda Day, Pastor Mercy, Nancy Leardi, Merry Matlock and Sue Harmon]

The FPC-Metuchen Church Staff enjoyed a “retreat” at Princeton Theological Seminary on Monday, April 28. It was a beautiful Spring day — the trees and flowers were blooming and it was a gorgeous day to walk around the campus. We had the privilege to worship at Miller Chapel and hear M. Craig Barnes, President and Profes-sor of Pastoral Ministry at Princeton Theological Seminary, preach and also that afternoon we participated in a seminar at the new library on campus led by C. Clifton Black, Ph.D.—Otto A. Piper Professor of Biblical Theology — Department of Biblical Studies.

The church staff appreciated Pastor Sam making all the arrangements for this special retreat in Princeton, and we’re very thankful to have had this opportunity to be off site and have special time together as a staff.

FPC Staff Retreat—Princeton

First Presbyterian Church, Metuchen, NJ

Monday, June 2 — Bible Study Circles will meet for their morning and evening sessions.

Esther Circle meets in the PW Lounge at 10:30 AM including lunch.

Mary-Ruth Circle meets at Jane Palmeter’s home at 6:30 PM including dinner.

Monday, June 9 — PW Luncheon for CNS Staff/Church Staff/Golden Years at 11:30 AM in the Social Center Dining Room

Wednesday, June 11— PW Combined Coordinating Team Meeting/Program Planning at 7:00 PM in the PW Lounge.

Monday, June 16 — Evening Craft Circle at 7:00 PM in the PW Lounge.

Presbyterian Women

We will be starting a new program for Jr. & Sr. High students this Summer entitled “Crafting for Christ.” We are collecting the following items for the crafts:

Toilet Paper Rolls

Paper Towel Rolls

Magazines

Egg Cartons

There will be a box in the narthex for you to drop off the items listed above.

Thank you, Pastor Arlo

The Presbytery of Elizabeth and

the Congregation of the First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen

invite you to attend the Service of Installation

of

Phyllis Black as Moderator Tuesday the 24th of June

Two Thousand and Fourteen at Seven O’clock p.m.

in the Sanctuary of

First Presbyterian Church 270 Woodbridge Avenue Metuchen, New Jersey

Save a Tree — Go Green! The Parish News is available on our website.

Church website is: www.fpcweb.org

Go to ABOUT on the home page and click on PARISH NEWS and view the newsletter online.

If you would like to help save a tree and mailing expenses, please send an email to Sally Ayotte at [email protected]. Please put Parish News in the subject line. We’ll take you off the mailing list, and will send you an email when a new edition has been added to the Church website.

If we don’t hear from you, we will continue to send the Parish News through the U. S. mail.


The symbol of the PW Honorary Life Membership Pin represents and portrays the qualities of persons deserving the honor and recognition of an Honorary Life Membership. The following are some meanings found in the symbol:

The caring, supportive hands represent women who seek to build an inclusive community of Presbyterian Women.

The leaf represents growth of our personal and corporate response to Jesus Christ as we nurture our faith.

The dove indicates our work for peace in our own lives and throughout the world, shown in the globe.

At the center of the design is the cross, by which our sins are forgiven and we are freed to live in Christ who is at the center of our lives.

The overall design is of a butterfly, a symbol of newness in Christ and the emergence of a new creation—Presbyterian Women.

Honored on Mother’s Day

[Above Carol Carr with Lois Crespy, Co– Moderator PW]

The Presbyterian Women Honorary Life Membership Award is given each year to a person (or persons) for their outstanding service in the church and the commu-nity. It gave us great pleasure to honor Carol Carr for her outstanding work in our church as a volunteer, and we are grateful for her gifts and talents throughout the years. — Lois Crespy, Co-Moderator of PW

Honorary Life Member Recipients

Mrs. A. V. Decker Mrs. J. H. Halsey Mrs. W. H. Ayers Mrs. W. T. Campbell Mrs. J. W. Clark Hildegarde Goodenough Mary Mayo Mrs. H. E. Comings Adele Letson Ellen Koster Nota Hale (1964) Elizabeth Meixner (1965) Irma Whipple (1965) Mabel Smith (1966) Mrs. H. Catto (1967) Winifred Urffer (1968) Ethel Mayo (1969) Alberta Melko (1970) Lillian Peterson (1971) Mary Weber (1972) Gertrude Nora (1973) Jane Palmeter (1974) Barbara Mayo (1975) Alice Johnson (1976) Ruth DeVries (1977) Dorothy Ziegler (1978) Etta Kuprick (1978) Blanche Thornall (1979) Phyllis Harmon (1979) Mary Aspinwall (1980) Barbara Schultze (1981) Roberta Holmes (1982) Grace Halsey (1982) Marie Meade (1983) Joyce Bashew (1984) Mary Hneyda (1984) Rosalind Docs (1985) Muriel Vandenbergh (1985) Wilma Brown (1986) Lorraine Bachman (1986) Ruth Hale (1987) Roberta Ambler (1987) Kathryn Ellison (1988) Catherine Klingler (1988) Rev. Lark Zunich (1990) Dr. Thomas Weber (1990) Marie Hoffsommer (1991) Doris Moskal (1992) Josephine Turikain (1993) Sally Kinyon (1994) Doris Thomas (1995) Clare Sorensen (1996) Rev. Barbara Aspinall (1997) Rev. Robert Beringer (1997) Bonnie Slobodien (1998) June Young (1998) Brenda Day (1999) Joan Krauszer (1999) Rev. Heather Finck (2000) Margaret Hathaway (2000) Darle Hollenbeck (2000) Irma Kerrison (2001) Doris Scotland (2001) Maryellen Robeson (2002) Martha Rumsey (2003) Peg Wester (2003) Linda Lee Mundy (2004) Rev. Mercy Rumengan (2004) Lois Crespy (2005) Deb Teall (2005) Julie Walton Shaver (2006) Betty Seidner (2007) Cheryl Tedder (2007) Barbara Bauch (2008) Doris Younken (2008) Nancy Blomn-Kipnis (2009) Cindy O’Neill (2009) Nancy Skibo (2009) Sue Harmon (2010) Nancy Leardi (2010) Merry Matlock (2010) Sally Ayotte (2011) Dee Bonner (2011) Ruth Endicott (2012) LaVerne “Cookie” Simonelli (2013) Carol Carr (2014)

Honorary Life Memberships are given by Presbyterian Women for outstanding service in church or community. A pin and certificate of honor are presented to the person being recognized and a donation is sent to the Leadership Development of Women Fund administered by the Church-wide Coordinating Team of Presbyterian Women.

Presbyterian Women Honorary Life Membership Awards


Youth Ministry

The following fundraisers are to support our youth as they attend . . .

Habitat for Humanity

Youth Mission Trip

July 27—August 2

We need your help to help

people afford homes.

— Car Wash —

Saturday, June 14

Scheduled 9 AM to Noon

in the

Church Parking Lot

GRADUATES 2014 Deadline - June 16

Please submit names of those graduating from high school and college. Deadline for information is Monday, June 16. Graduates will be recognized in worship on Sunday, June 22 and listed in the Son-Day Paper and the July-August Parish News.

You may email Merry Matlock at the office ([email protected]) with the information:

Name of Graduate

School

Plans for further education

Degree graduate obtained

Last Day of Sunday School is June 8

We will be thanking and recognizing our teachers during worship on June 1.

Summer Sunday School Looking for

Volunteers!

During the summer months, start-ing June 15, we ask for parent volunteers to lead the classroom for 3 years to 2nd grade.

The Sign-Up sheet is located out-side the Christian Education Office.

Material for lessons will be pro-vided.

All older children have this special time to learn about worship while sitting with their families.

For information on Christian Education and

Children and Youth Programming, please contact Nancy Leardi,

Director of Christian Education, [email protected]

732-491-2264

Vacation Bible School

July 7— July 11

Multicultural VBS Summer Camp

Hosted by the Indonesian Fellowship

August 11 — August 14


VACATION — Just a

friendly reminder that

members of the church

staff will be taking a

vacation some time

during the summer.

They need to be refreshed

too. Please be patient

with those who are filling

in the gap while another

is vacationing!

Enjoy the summer!

Kiddie Keep Well Camp Kiddie Keep Well Camp (located at Roosevelt Park in Edison) helps underprivileged children to have a fun-filled summer! They serve over 600 children each summer with activities like swimming, arts & crafts, and sports; but also teach fire-safety lessons, anger management and self-esteem building. KKWC is run entirely on donations and grants. Volunteering at KKWC is fun, challenging and rewarding. It gives you an opportunity to have a posi-tive impact upon the lives of children. For more information check their website: www.kiddiekeepwell.org. Besides monetary donations, KKWC accepts donations of all types. Please consider donating to Kiddie Keep Well Camp by bringing one or more of the following items to our All-Church Picnic on Sunday, June 8. Items do not have to be brand new.

Bed Linens, Blankets, Pillows and Towels Coloring books, construction paper, paint brushes, water-based paints Jump ropes, baseball gloves and athletic balls

Yours in Mission, Tom Giordano, Chair Mission Commission

4th Sunday Morning Book Club

Come join the discussion after worship in the Church Library. We have settled on our list of books for the year:

June The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey

July Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

Aug. The Goldfinch: A Novel by Donna Tartt

Sept. The Invention of Wings: A Novel by Sue Monk Kidd

Oct. Gone But Not Missed: A Nathan Miccoli Mystery by A.R. Kennedy

Nov. Orphan Train: A Novel by Christina Baker Kline

Dec. Travels with Charley in Search of America by John Steinbeck

Jan. A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

Feb. The Twelve Tribes of Hattie by Ayana Mathis

Mar. The Wind is Not a River by Brian Payton

Apr. Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier

May Indisputable Proof by Vicky Knerly

June Sarah’s Key by Tatiana De Rosnay

http://www.kiddiekeepwell.org


Charge to the Confirmation Class of 2014

Confirmation Sunday, May 4, 2014


There is a song sung by Garth Brooks entitled "Unanswered Prayers". In the song he reflects on how he prayed to God for a certain outcome. Alas, his prayer was not answered as he had asked. When he looked back over his life, however, he saw that the gifts that he had received from God were exactly what he needed. The refrain of the song is:

Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers.

Remember when you're talkin' to the man upstairs.

That just because he doesn't answer, doesn't mean he don't care.

Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers.

I would suggest that the last line of the refrain could be improved by saying: "Some of God's greatest gifts are UnPrayered Answers". God does answer prayer, but not always in the form that you pray for. (God isn't Amazon.com - you cannot order something and have it delivered). He doesn't always send you what you ask for, He sends you what you need. Take the following example from a story that pastors like to include in their sermons:

Rain was coming and a warning went out over the radio to warn the people in the valley of rising water. The farmer heard the warning and said, "God will save me". The rains came and the water rose. People came by with a canoe and said, "get in and we'll take you to safety". The farmer replied, “No thanks, God will save me". The rains continued, the water rose, and people came by with a rowboat and said, "get in and we'll take you to safety".

The farmer replied, “No thanks, God will save me". The rains continued, the water rose to the roof of the house, and a helicopter flew over the farmer, let down a ladder and said, "climb up and we'll take you to safety". The farmer replied, “No thanks, God will save me". The water rose and the farmer died. The farmer stood before God and said, "I prayed to you to save me and you let me die". God replied, "I sent a radio warning, I sent a canoe, I sent a row-boat, I even sent a helicopter - what more did you expect me to do?"

The farmer's mistake was to expect the mighty hand of God to sweep down and save him from the flood waters. As He usually does, God works through other people to answer prayers. God's response may come through a family member, maybe through a friend, or maybe through someone whom you do not know. Many times in my life, I have prayed to God to help me through a difficult time. Looking back, I recognize friends that He has sent to lift me up and carry me through.

I congratulate you today on your Confirmation and charge you to keep up the prayer conversation with God. May you recognize God's gifts in whatever form they come. May you also hear God's call for YOU to be that answer to someone else's prayer.

I pray that you will always walk in the sunshine of God's love. Amen.

Brad Keller Sr., Elder

Gabrielle Dermody

Collin Draper

Leann Eccleston

Jacob Francobandiero

Marnie Hanley

Alexa Manley

Stephanie Sandbeck

Brendan Smith

Ashlyn Strathman

Paul Trevidic

Zach Wolpin

Sydney Yakowenko

Cassandra Zolnowski


May 16-18 Junior High Retreat at Camp Johnsonburg

Pastor Arlo took our Junior High Youth to Camp Jburg for a retreat and they experienced great weather and fellowship. According to Pastor Arlo they were talking about baptism and Biblical foot washing with their feet in the lake!

Hit the Road When a teenager received his driving permit, he asked his father, who was a minister, if they could discuss use of the car. His father said, “I’ll make a deal with you. You bring your grades up, study your Bible a little and get your hair cut, and then we’ll talk about it.” A month later, the young man returned to continue the discussion. “Son, I’ve been real proud of you,” the father said. “You’ve brought your grades up and studied your Bible diligently, but you didn’t get your hair cut!” The teenager replied, “You know, Dad, I’ve been thinking about that. Samson had long hair, Moses had long hair, Noah had long hair and even Jesus had long hair …. ” “Yes,” the father said, “and they walked everywhere they went!”

Article contained in Vol. 36. No. 6 of The Newslet-terNewsletter which is published monthly by Commu-nications Resources, Inc. © 2014. Used by permis-sion. All rights reserved.


VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL July 7-10

9:00 AM—11:45 AM July 11 9 AM—11 AM

Our annual Vacation Bible School welcomes children from our congregation and throughout the community for a week of fun, fellowship, and valuable lessons from the Bible that can last a life-time. Save the date! Vacation Bible School at First Presbyterian Church Metuchen will be held July 7-10, 9 AM to 11:45 AM; and July 11, 9 AM to 11 AM. The theme this year is “Workshop of Won-ders.” Cost: First Presbyterian Church Metuchen Church Members $25 per child/family maximum $50. Non-Members $25 per youth, no family maximum. Deadline for registration is Sunday, June 22.

Space in our VBS always fills fast so be sure to register early. We invite children entering kindergarten through 6th grade to participate in VBS programming.

VOLUNTEERS — Adults and Youth (10th Grade and Older) There are plenty of opportunities for adult volunteers as well, many choosing to help with VBS planning and preparation, and many choos-ing to help during the week. Questions: Please contact Nancy Leardi our Director of Christian Education at 732-491-2264 or email [email protected].

P. S. On Friday, July 11, there will be a 30-minute program for parents beginning at 9 AM in the Sanctuary. Kids sing the songs they have learned and you can see a sample of their activities. Please try to make arrangements to join us for a cele-bration on the week your child has spent at our VBS—Workshop of Wonders.

Vacation Bible School

July 7 –11, 2014

It’s Not Just for Kids!! Adult Class: Monday—Thursday

9:15 to 10:15 AM

Friday—9:45 to 10:45 AM

The Class meets in the Session Room. Most attend the Opening in the sanc-tuary at 9 AM with the children (we sit

in the back). On Friday, most attend the closing program. Then, around 9:15 AM (9:45AM on Friday), we gather in the Session room and begin our study. Theme: Workshop of Wonders “You are the God who works wonders.” — Psalm 77:14a Monday: The Book of Esther

Tuesday: Parable of the Mustard Seed

Wednesday: Feeding the 5,000

Thursday: Walking to Emmaus

Friday: Rebuilding the Lord’s House For Adults—Do I need to register? NO

Do I need to pay? NO

Do I need to come everyday? NO.

Each day is a unit, so come as many

days as you can.

Will I enjoy and learn? Come and see!

Other questions: Call Rev. Fred Black at 732-748-9035.


Balance Sheet — April 30, 2014 ASSETS

Current Assets

Checking/Savings

Metuchen Savings Operating $ 13,551.59

Total Checking/Savings $ 13,551.59

Total Assets $ 13,551.59

LIABILITIES & EQUITY

Equity

Retained Earnings $ 8,783.30

Net Income $ 4,768.29

Total Equity $ 13,551.59

Total Liabilities & Equity $ 13,551.59

SPECIAL ACCOUNTS

Haulenbeek Fund $ 2,804.38

Local Assistance $ 17,474.27

Local Assistance CD $ 17,221.86

Melko Fund $ 22,091.49

Memorial Gifts $ 34,072.14 ($5,471 designated)

Social Center Renovation $ 21,523.96

Youth Mission $ 16,094.15 ($1,810 Balance Triennium)

Zundel Fund $ 1,390.69

I & E Balance 4/30/14 $4,693,527.58

Budget vs. Actual 4/30/14 Actual YTD Projected YTD Difference

Income $ 287,078.44 $ 290,973.56 $ -3,895.12

Expense $ 282,310.15 $ 281,179.61 $ 1,130.54

Net Income $ 4,768.29 $ 9,793.95 $ -5,025.66

Treasurer’s Two Cents

What Matters Most When you are in the final days of your life, what will you want? Will you hug that college degree in the walnut frame? Will you ask to be carried to the garage so you can sit in your car? Will you find comfort in rereading your financial statement? Of course not. What will matter then will be people. If relation-ships will matter most then, shouldn’t they matter most now? —Max Lucado, A Love Worth Giving


All-Church Picnic Sunday, June 8 Rain or Shine

Mark your calendar for the All-Church Picnic on June 8 — Pentecost Sunday— immediately following worship. Dress in your casual “picnic” clothes —remember to wear red—and be ready for games, food and wonderful fellowship. Rain or shine!

We plan to hold our picnic on the edge of the ball field behind the Social Center. You are welcome to bring a lawn chair, if you’d like.

Rain or Shine!

Remember to save the date!Remember to save the date!

Indonesian Fellowship Summer Program

2014

We will worship together at the 9:30 AM worship service for

Holy Communion during the Summer. (No Noon Multicultural Services on these dates.)

July 6, August 3 & September 7

Multicultural VBS Summer Camp

Hosted by the Indonesian Fellowship

August 11 — August 14

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You have helped make our Whole New World a safe and welcoming home.

— James Monroe Elementary School —

James Monroe Elementary School Destroyed by Fire on March 22, 2014

Parents, students and teachers grieve the loss of the James Monroe Elementary School in Edison after it was destroyed by a fire on Saturday, March 22, 2014. The school was celebrating its 50th year anniversary this year.

This thank you was received for our donation

of $1,000. The congregation donated $700

and $100 was given by Mission, Deacons and

Presbyterian Women.

The information contained herein is for Church use only.

Individuals using this information must receive permission of the

Session of the First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen, NJ.

TO:

A Matter of Perspective

Pastor and author T.D. Jakes tells of visiting a community in Africa where a woman from the local

church welcomed him into her small home. Proud to have built the structure herself, she swept her arm

toward the door — a blanket — as if inviting him into a mansion. She offered him a seat — on her bed

— and graciously served a meal. As Jakes departed in a small plane, rain began falling. The pastor

looked down to see his host dancing in gratitude.

He was struck by the contrast between his African host and many Americans, including himself. How

often we let worries about our “small” house, lack of nice furniture or inability to serve gourmet food

get in the way of welcoming friends or new acquaintances into our home. How often we view rain as

an annoyance, complicating our day and depressing our mood. Meanwhile, this woman was eager to

share her humble house and grateful for God’s gift of moisture in her dry homeland.

Article contained in Vol. 36. No. 6 of The NewsletterNewsletter which is published monthly by Communications Resources, Inc. © 2014. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

The Parish News June 2014 First Presbyterian Church P. O. Box 385 270 Woodbridge Avenue Metuchen, NJ 08840 Address Service Requested

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION

US POSTAGE PAID

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ

PERMIT 746

Requested In-Home Delivery Date by June 4, 2014

The Parish News - First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen · 2014. 5. 29. · Last Day of Sunday...

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