BOONTON FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH • April 2014

Dear Saints

What are you doing? I mean,literally, right now, as you read

this newsletter?

Are you standing in your kitchen cruisingthrough mail and speed-reading this?

Are you reading this in your car waitingfor a child after school?

Are you at work ‘scanning it’ in betweenmeetings or appointments? Are you in anAirport? On a train or a bus? Are you skim-ming the Spire in between commercials?

Chances are, living in the hyper-lifestylethat most of us do, many of you are notreading this article in the quiet. Nojudgment here…I’m just pointing out thatmany of us are driven by multi-tasking andit’s become a way of life. Multi-tasking inthe right situation can be effective and timeefficient. Some people, myself included,can even find background noise a help forconcentration. Brain performance expertsnow are even suggesting that listening tomusic (Mozart in particular) may even helpour concentration especially those whostruggle with attention deficit issues.

But there is also a time when silence andstillness is really the best choice. For sure,when listening to your child’s recital, yourspouse’s complaints (hopefully), a Dr.’sdiagnosis...

However, our ability to intentionallymove into listening and stillness for andwith God…that’s a bigger challenge. Forsome, in the last few years, it’s becoming ahabit. For some it is still a growing desire.For some it still feels strange or eventhreatening. The same was true for thedisciples, especially in Jesus’ last hours, inthe garden. Intentionally entering into thesilence and being in prayer with and forJesus especially during the passion, is anancient practice that has been around fortwo millennia.

Christians the world over,take time to be in the quietand pray from the ending ofthe passion on Good Friday(traditionally 3PM) untilsunrise Easter Sunday.Some even take a vow oftotal silence speaking oreven seeing another soulwhilst being in solidarityand the depths of thepassion. This can often be a formative, powerfulexperience and can deepenone’s faith as we seek to attempt to fathomthe love and sacrifice God makes on ourbehalf through Jesus Christ.

This year we are offering an opportunityto have an abbreviated experience of aPASSION VIGIL. You are invited andencouraged to come and sit in the quiet ofthe sanctuary between the end of the GoodFriday service Friday evening between thehours of 9–12PM and/or on Holy Saturday

between the hours of 5PM and Midnight.

The sanctuary will remain open for any-one who wishes to come and sit and holdvigil. This can be a time to deeply ponderwhat God does for us in Jesus Christ, tokeep watch with Jesus, or ponder the cross.You can spend the time anyway you wishexcept to speak. A variety of Prayers, scrip-tures and other readings will be provided tohelp you pray and deepen your experience.You may also want to bring something of

your own to ponder or even aprayer talisman or icon thatholds special meaning foryou.

You can come for a brieftime in the hour or a full houror stay as long as you wish.There will be a sign-up sheeton the bridge so that we makesure all the hours are coveredby at least one person. Theonly entrance open will bethe handicapped entrancefor ease of entry and exit aswell as security.

It is my deep hope and prayer that youwill find a way to come for even a shorttime and keep vigil as Jesus goes into thedepths before us before he rises to theheights of glory and paves the way for allof us to follow.

Keeping watch with You,

™ ���

The SpireFaith, Hope and LOVE in Action

ForGODSo Loved theWorld...He

GAVEHis Only Son.

John 3:16

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OGHSDear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As we, once again, find ourselves inthe season of Lent and Easter, we wantto tell you about the ministries wesupport through our gifts to One GreatHour of Sharing and other localministries.

The offerings will be sent to PCUSAfor programs such as PresbyterianDisaster Assistance, the PresbyterianHunger Program and the Self-Development of People. We alsosupport local programs.

Our annual offering for OGHS beganMarch 30 and ends on April 20(Easter Sunday). This year the goal isa minimum of $5000.

We have always been a missionminded church, and as in the past, wehope you will be moved to accept thechallenge, as well as the invitationhidden in God’s commandment, toshare your resources. May thatchallenge and that invitation draw usall closer to our neighbors and to Godduring this Lenten season. ™

In the Grace and Love of Jesus,

Your Board of Deacons

Easter Sunday April 20th, immediately afterWorship service. All children, 10 andunder Rain or shine.

EASTER Events

Scavenger Hunt

April 13, at 9:15 amBreakfast at St. John’s -9:45 am • Parade to FPC • Worship10 am

Palm Sunday

April 20, 10 amWorship & Communion.

He is Risen!

Easter Sunday

Maundy Thursday Good FridayTenebrae & Easter Vigil

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April 13,11:15 am Assembling EasterBaskets in Reighart Hall

Easter Baskets

Prayer to Go – April 2014

Take, Lord, all my liberty. Receive my memory, my understanding and my whole will.

Whatever I have and possess You have given to me. To You I restore it wholly,

and to Your will I utterly surrender it for Your direction.Give me the love of You only, with Your grace,

and I am rich enough; nor do I ask for anything else.

St. Ignatius Loyola (1491 – 1556), Spain

Sur r ender MESSAGE OF LOVE

Candle Cane Brigade

APRIL 2014

MESSAGE

Love, Elsie Force“ When you’re loaded down with a lot of stress,

find comfort by writing down on paper,

all the blessings you have everyday!!”

8 pm

HEAR YE, HEAR YE!

The season of Lent is upon us.Come and experience the mean-

ingful worship services of PalmSunday (4/13), Maundy Thurs-day (4/17) and Good Friday(4/18); as well as celebrate the resur-rection of our Lord on Easter Sunday(4/20) with the sounds of choir, trum-pet, and timpani!

PLEASE MAKE A NOTE:

APRIL Rehearsals as follows:Chancel Choir, Thursdays,

7:30 - 9pm Hand Bell Choir, Thursdays,

6:30 - 7:30pm (4/ 3, 10, & 24; 5/1 & 8)

**Bonus Rehearsal for both choirs onSaturday, 5/3 – times TBA

Spring Music Sunday –May 11 –The Chancel Choir and Hand BellChoir will share their musical offer-

ings as they present “A Festival of

Hymns” by Hal Hopson. This can-tata tells the story of familiar hymnsand includes narration of the hymn

composers. Additional singers arewelcome to join the choir for thisspecial cantata. If you would liketo participate, please attend Thurs-day choir rehearsals in April andMay from 7:30–8:15pm. Come and

celebrate the gift of music!

If you are interested inbecoming a member of any of the

above-mentioned choirs or justsinging with us in spring, please e-mail the organist/choir director,Sarah, (babbleon247@yahoo.com).Hope to see you at the nextrehearsal! ™

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NOTES FROM SARAHAPRIL 2014

http://www.fpcboonton.org

“When I survey the wondrous cross

On which the Prince of glory died,

My richest gain I count but loss,

And pour contempt on all my pride.

Were the whole realm of nature mine,

That were a present far too small;

Love so amazing, so divine,

Demands my soul, my life, my all.”

APRILAPRIL2......Doris Hornick

......Dorian Jayne Veliky

3......Michelle Herrera

......Nicole Herrera

......Brian Kulick

6......Denise Nickel

7......Mark Danilack

9......Stella Norman-Reid

......Kim Riter

12......Abigail Hettrich

......Kristen Middleton

13......Linda Crawford-Meier

14......Aiden Ambrosiani

17......Mira Nickel

19......Elizabeth Ward-Hettrich

22......Marisa Crozier

......James Ward

23......Spencer Keoppel

24......Eric Nordfors

27......Sandi Thoele

28......Kyle Edwards

28......Shirlee Faehner

29......Lois Estler

30......Jonathan Bingham

On Easter Sunday, April 20, our Sanctuary willbe graced with beautiful flowers in honor/mem-ory of our loved ones.

Would you like to honor or remember a lovedone on Easter?

1. Complete the “Memorial Plants” envelopefound on the pews. Check if “you will pick

it up” or “Deacons may distribute”

2. Enclose either cash or check –$10/plant(make checks payable to First Presbyterian

Church). Place the envelope in the offering plateor send it by mail. Last day to order is 4/13/14

3. You may pick up your plant(s) after Easterservice or have it distributed to a home-

bound person at the Deacon's discretion.

All plants left after the Easter service will bedistributed by the Deacons to the ill,homebound, or those going through difficulttimes. ™

EASTER MEMORIAL PLANTS

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The Deacon’s installed their new officers at the January Meeting.

Elected were:

Moderator: Donna Kurley Vice Moderator: Bruce Middleton Secretary: Robin Gershaw Treasurer: Sandy Albert Active Deacons are:Abby Hettrich, Arlene Langdon, Barbara Lanigan, Marcia Reitz and Dave Scelba.

This is an active and enthusiastic groupthat is looking to move the Deaconsforward and share as much as possiblewith the congregation.

Each month we will try to highlight a Deacon’s Activity.

THIS MONTH WEWOULD LIKE TO HIGHLIGHT THE

Firemen’s Home Services...On the first Sunday of eachmonth, 3 members of thecongregation share a servicefor the men at the Firemen’sHome on Lathrop Avenue.

In January, Lloyd Charltonwas the worship leader,Terry Charlton gave amoving sermon and RobinGershaw served communionwith bread and grape juiceconsecrated by Rev. Jen.Because of illness, there wasonly a small group but theywere pleased that we came toshare our faith with them.

February 2nd brought usback again. Arlene Langdonwas the worship leader withDoug Langdon giving aheartfelt sermon thatengaged the men who werein attendance. Robin onceagain, served communion.

March 2nd — Arlene Langdon returnedto the Home as the worship leader, JimCowan shared the sermon and DaveScelba served communion.

April 6th – Mike Stora will offer theSermon, Debbie Stora will be the WorshipLeader and Abby Hettrich is theCommunion Leader.

With a great amount of work anddevotion by Terry Charlton, the Firemen’sHome Service has become a favoriteSunday for the men. Her attention todetail and her passion for this ministryhelp to make this service run smoothly.Each leader’s books are filled withdirections so that it appears that everythingis running seamlessly, even if it issomeone’s first time leading this service.

Terry has been recruiting Sermon andWorship leaders from the congregation.

The Communion Leader is a seatingDeacon. If you are interested inparticipating in this special Deacon’sministry, please contact Terry Charlton at973-453-6629

You may not think that this is for you,but I would encourage you to come to theFiremen’s Home at 10 am on the 1stSunday of the month and witness thismission for yourself. Knowing that thecongregation is sharing communion withthe men at the same time, is a gift.

FOOD PANTRY...

Do you know that you can’t buy toiletpaper with Food Stamps?

Well, you can’t— and you can’t buysoap, tooth paste, feminine care products,dish soap or detergent, etc.

If you can’t eat it — you can’t purchaseit with food stamps.

The pantry is currentlyin short supply of cereal,rice, instant potatoes,canned fruit, jars ofspaghetti sauce and per-sonal care items, papertowels, toilet paper, aswell as cleaning products.

If you have an extradollar the next time youare out, please considerpurchasing one or more ofthese items.

Those in need willthank you.

ONE GREAT HOUROF SHARING

It is that time of yearagain – it is time toconsider making adonation to OGHS.

Our goal again thisyear is $5000. and wetruly believe that we willachieve that goal!!

™

Deacon’s Doin’s

OGHSONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING

MM AA RR CC HH 33 00 TT OOAA PP RR II LL 22 00

“Hope does not disappoint us becauseLOVE has been poured into our hearts.”

Romans 5:5

Your gift provides hope by:Helping people build up their livelihoods

responding to disasters

2014 Goal for First Presbyterian Church is $5000.00

Please prayerfully consider your gift to One Great Hour to helpothers find hope and faith. Open your heart to support mission to

help change the world, lives and communities.Please use the provided envelopes for your gift during Lent

SUNDAY4th Sunday in Lent

9:00 Confirmation Class10:00 Worship11:15 Coffee Hour11:15 ROCK Hiking11:30 Lenten Book Group

4:00 Canticles For LifeConcert

7:00 A.A.

Worship

COMMUNION

Sunday School Skit (Found.)Deacons at Fireman’s Home

11:15 Coffee Hr11:15 Tekna Theou Meet.

11:30 Lenten Book Group

7:00 A.A.PALM SUNDAY

9:15 Breakfast-Parade St. John’s to FPC

10:00 Worship11:15 Coffee HourEaster Basket AssemblingROCK Seekers

7:00 A.A.

EASTER SUNDAY10:00 Worship

COMMUNIONOGHS Offering

11:15 Coffee HourChildren’s Scavenger Hunt

7:00 A.A.

9:00 Confirmation Class

10:00 Worship11:15 Coffee Hour

ROCK Fundraising

7:00 A.A.

MONDAYMARCH 31

3:00 Conservatory

3:00 Conservatory

3:00 Conservatory

6:00 Girl Scouts

PASSOVER3:00 Conservatory

6:30 Mission Co-op

Meeting

3:00 Conservatory

TUESDAY

3:00 Conservatory6:45 PresbyAires

Montville

3:00 Conservatory

7:00 A.A.

3:00 Conservatory

6:45 PresbyAires

Lincoln Park

EARTH DAY

3:00 Conservatory

8:30 Ministry Co-op

Meeting

3:00 Conservatory

WEDNESDAY

4:00 Conservatory

4:00 Conservatory

4:00 Conservatory

4:00 Conservatory

4:00 Conservatory

THURSDAY

6:15 Hand Bells7:30 Chancel Choir7:00 Cubs

6:15 Hand Bells7:30 Chancel Choir

Maundy Thursday

8:00 Maundy ThursdayWorshipCommunion

6:30 Cubs Pack 201

6:30 Hand Bells

7:30 Chancel Choir

FRIDAY

5:00 Girl ScoutsTroop 432

4:00 Girl Scouts

SATURDAY

10:30 DeaconsMeeting

ROCK

Fundraising Mtg.

Tekna Theou

River Cleanup

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20

27

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15

22

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9

16

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30

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10

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April

Rev. Jen’s Vacation 4/21 – 28.........................................................................................................

GOOD FRIDAYOffice Closed

8pm Tenebrae Svc9 pm – 12 AMEASTER VIGIL

EASTERVIGIL

5 pm – 12 AM

Sign up for hourly slots (see pg 1)

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Since our articles for thenewsletter are due before we

do a number of activities, and thenChristmas came, and I just gotoverwhelmed with things to do, INOW want to fill you in on theactivities of the ROCK.

On November 30, 2013, we met atSt. John’s to make an amazing lunchfor all of those who came out in thecold.

The twelve Kids set tables, mademashed potatoes, stuffing, and thenheated the remaining items. Instead ofputting the food out and having theguests come up for their food, the Kidstook orders and served each guest.They had turkey, gravy, stuffing,mashed potatoes, green beans,cranberry sauce and corn bread. Theyenjoyed cold apple cider, coffee andtea. This filling meal was topped offwith pumpkin pie and whipped cream.Since it was also the day of the CoatDrive, we served more than expectedbut still had enough food left over tofeed the boys at St. Peter’s Village inDenville. This was truly a goodexample of the loaves and the fish.We didn’t plan for this largenumber but somehow it was there.

While it was a long day for all, thekitchen was left clean and we all leftwith a feeling of a job well done.

On December 1, 2013, Marisa, Andyand James Roberts were off to cutdown a Christmas tree for the Church.If you saw the beautiful tree in thesanctuary, you know what wonderfultaste they have in selecting thePERFECT tree for all of us to enjoy.

Our last activity of December was toshop for the remaining tags on theAngel Tree. We all went to WalMart

and set up shop in the Subway restau-rant area. Each group of kids went offwith a few tags at a time and put to-gether outfits for those in need. Oncethe shopping was completed, webrought everything back to ReighartHall to sort everything out so that thecorrect person received the correctitems (with the gift receipt).

Now we were on to the wrapping!Thanks to the efficiency of the groupwe completed our mission by 8pm. Inbetween all of this work, we did stopto enjoy a meal together. I want tothank all of the Kids who helped thatday and a special thanks to those out-side of the group who stepped up tohelp out – Kristen and Emilee Stoneand John and Amanda Roberts.

Happy New Year – 1/26 and2/2/2014 brought us to the SouperBowl of Caring. Our group collectednumerous food items and money tohelp those in need. We are hoping tobe able to help a family that lost theirhouse in a fire.

2/9/14 – Marisa made soup with thegroup and entered it into theSoup/Chili Cook Off.

3/7 – 8 was our Lock-in. ElevenHigh School students attended. Weate, we played games, we ate, wetalked, we ate, we played more games,we ate, we watched a movie while eat-ing and eventually we slept. Actually,it was more like we napped since itonly lasted for 3 hours. When all wassaid and done, we had a great time to-gether. A special thank you to BrettNickel who came to help with all ofthe games we played in the past. Weall loved having him with us for theevening.

3/30 – Andy took group hiking –more details in the next Spire.

LOOKING FORWARD

The ROCK will be holding a “31”Party. “31” sells totes, purses, organi-zational items, bags and other items ata reasonable price. Most items can bepersonalized for $7.

“31” is based on the following verse:

The Proverbs 31 woman is dearlyloved and respected by him and herchildren, yet she is an individual in herown right. She manages the home andproperty with kindness and integrity.Her savvy business skills are partlybrought about by her desire to serveothers, to do good deeds and prosper.

Check them out online and thinkMother’s Day, Father’s Day,Graduation etc. Once you see theproducts – you will love them!

Catalogs are available as of March30th and the products will be availableto view (with a consultant) on April 27, 2014. (see pg 8)

ROCK $TOCK

The ROCK will be selling “stock” tohelp fund our MISSION TRIP TOUNION BEACH, NJ. (See pg 8)

Each share is $10 and you areencouraged to purchase as manyshares as you can.

13 of us (7 Kids and 6 adults) willtravel to Union Beach from July 6thru July 10 and we will help torepair homes damaged by HurricaneSandy. We will be sleeping in a smallcollege in Lakewood and travel eachday back up to Union Beach.

This is the first of 3 fundraisersthat we will be doing to help us coversome of the costs involved in doingour mission work. ™ Robin Gershaw

The ROCK (R oomful O f Christian Kids)

JOAN & FRANK PETRUCELLI –Joan had hip replacement and continues

to receive therapy. Frank hurt his shoulder

and is also receiving therapy. Pray for quick

recoveries.

MARILYN TERHUNE — was re-

admitted to the hospital for complica-

tions due to chemo effects. Please continue

to pray for her strength and healing.

MAE & FRANK WISWALL —

Please continue to pray for Frank

and Mae. Frank continues to recover at

home; Mae is undergoing tests to monitor

her health. Please pray for their complete

recoveries.

NORMA KETCHERSID — has

finished her cancer treatment and is

feeling better. Please continue to pray for

Norma as she is also mourning the loss of

her brother.

KAYLEY JOHNSON — Joelle and

Ryan’s daughter, was hospitalized and is

now home recovering from pneumonia.

Please pray for Kayley’s complete recovery.

KATHY & FAMILY — Evelyn Thiel’s

brother’s friend. Janet is caring for her

husband who has ALS and her mother who

has dementia. Keep them in your prayers.

HOWARD WILSON — Gail Coe’s

brother-in-law, has had multiple heart

attacks recently. Keep him in your prayers.

MARY DIXON WITKE — friend of

Marilyn Ward, has being diagnosed

with ocular melanoma metastasized to the

liver. Please keep Mary in your prayers.

PASTOR JEAN HOLMES — former

interim pastor at FPC, had surgery on

March 25 for the removal of a benign tumor

from her left ear canal. Please pray for her

recovery.

PAUL LA BOZZO & EMMASTANLEY’S BABY — friends of the

Scelbas, is one month old, and needs a lung

transplant. Prayers are asked for healing

and full recovery.

YVONNE — mother of Lisa, Martel

Robert’s colleague and friend, has been

diagnosed with cancer and is receiving

radiation. Prayers are asked for strength

and healing.

JANET — close friend of Robin Gershaw,

had a serious stroke and is unable to

either move her right side nor speak. She

has been transferred to Kessler for rehab.

OUR MEN AND WOMEN IN UNIFORM — Let our prayers be

with all soldiers as they defend the free-

doms that we hold so dear. Especially

during this Easter season – we will con-

tinue to hold all our service personnel in

our prayers until they ALL come home.

™

DAVE SCELBA — is doing well, recovering at home

after a partial hip repair surgery.

LILIANA AND GABRIELLA MAUCIONE —

newborn twins of Carlo, Martel Robert’s colleague,

were in the NICU; Liliana was released last week and

Gabriella is expected to be released soon. Please pray

for their continued recovery. Praise the Lord!

™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™

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IN OUR PRAYERS: Concerns

JOYS

Look at the detail in the art - it’s amazing

First Presbyterian Church513 Birch St • PO Box 157

Boonton, New Jersey 07005

973-334-3535 • FAX 973-334-3549

Website: www.fpcboonton.org

Rev. Jennifer M. Van Zandt, MinisterSarah Frederick, Music DirectorNorma Moreno, Administrator

WHAT WE NEED IS YOU!!!The ROCK team EFFORT

Mission Trip July 6 to July10

We will be rebuilding homes damaged by

Superstorm Sandy right here in Union Beach,

New Jersey.

We are all willing to do the physical labor, the

emotional sharing and having to sleep in a

room with a leader that snores LOUDLY!

13 of us (6 adults and 7 high school students)

will be going but most of us will be taking a

week off from work and the fee is

$300 per person ($3900.)

WE’RE $ELLING $TOCKWe are currently selling ROCK STOCK every

Sunday after church near the library

It is $10 per share and you are welcome to

purchase as many shares as you like.

We’re Looking Forward toA “31” Party — April 27th

“31” is a Christian Company based on Proverbs 31

Bringing God’s peace, perspective, and

purpose to today’s busy women.

Catalogs are now available

“31” bags and organizing pieces are affordable

and almost all pieces can

be embroidered for just $7.

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOURGENEROUS SUPPORT!!

For those of you who are new, and even if you are notnew—but did not know too much about the Presbyte-

rian Women’s (PW) group in our church— I would like toshare with you what we do in the name of Jesus Christ.All women of the church are women of PW and are partof an inclusive, caring community of women whostrengthen the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A). We nurtureour faith through prayer and bible study which is open toall. We are very mission oriented and here are a few ofour yearly on going missions: Meals for shut-ins, GriefSupport luncheons, Boonton Welfare Food Pantry andback packs for children in the community, in co-ordina-tion with the Deacons. We contribute to the CommunitySoup Kitchen in Morristown, which feeds hundredsweekly. We have donated to Faraja Orphanage in Kenyawhen they had their water turned off, when they couldn’tafford to pay, and with our donation they not only had thewater turned back on but were able to give the children asmall Christmas. We had a Pot Pie ministry and held ababy shower for Hudson Cradle, which takes in babieswhen mothers are not capable of caring for them. Anotherministry is our prayer shawl mission in which the knittersin our church make and give these beautiful shawlsto those needing comfort.

Some of our fund raisers include a Cookie Walk atChristmas time, making Irish Soda bread, putting changein jars when we are thankful, Vera Bradley sales, and ofcourse our hugely attended, much loved, Soup/ChiliCook-off, which is held usually between the end offootball season and Superbowl.

We have special yearly activities that bring manywomen together for devotions and social activities that weall enjoy. We have our annual Spring picnic and Christ-mas luncheon. We have gone as a group of about 10 to alocal play or show, and dinner before. Anyone wantingmore information on PW can contact Marisa Crozier. ™

Meet the PWPresbyterian Women