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Dear Fellow Disciples,
Lots of people guess that Holy Week is among the busier
weeks of the year for pastors, ministers, and priests.
Well, there's some truth to that guess. But, honestly,
it's the really good kind of "busy"--the kind of "busy" in
which we find a great deal of joy. The joy has much do with the variety of
worship services--a plethora of opportunities to offer words of praise to
God for all God has accomplished in and through the person and ministry of
Jesus Christ, our Lord and Redeemer. The season of Lent culminates in the
ancient, sacred liturgy: "Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!"
And yet...
I would claim that, around these parts, some of the more important minis-
tries happen in the days and weeks that immediately follow Easter Sunday.
This is the time of year when we gather to encourage and pray for the
confirmation students, who, as they complete their year of training, stand
before the congregation to profess their faith in God and their willingness
to follow Jesus Christ. Not too long after that, we gather as a community to
encourage and pray for those persons who have responded "Yes" to the
opportunity to serve as ordained officers. And may we not forget Heritage
Sunday, when we pause to honor the committed service of our longtime
members.
If you think about it, it makes sense that the weeks that follow Easter Sun-
day are among the busier weeks of the "church program year." It's Biblical.
After Jesus was raised from the dead, he appeared to his disciples and com-
pleted the education he began long before he was arrested and crucified.
He prayed for them, offered words of encouragement, and made a couple of
important promises: that he would send the Holy Spirit to teach them "even
greater things," and that he would be with them always--even unto the end
of the age.
(continued on page 2)
Inside this issue:
From the Senior Pastor’s Study
Annual Deacon BBQ—May 18
PW Evening Craft Circle
2
Presbyterian Women 3
Haulenbeek Scholarship
Heritage Sunday—June 1
Fundraiser—Youth Triennium
4
Youth Ministry 5
Deadline for Camperships!
Somerset Brass—May 18
6
In Remembrance of Sherry 7
Preliminary Results for the Phase II
VBS Props & Volunteers
8
Confirmation Sunday—May 4
The Power of Pentecost
9
Treasurer’s Two Cents
Operation Homemade Smile
10
All Church Picnic—June 8
Tools of Hope—June 15
11
God is Nigh 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 May 2014
From the Senior Pastor’s Study
Page 2 The Parish News May 2014
Easter morning was not the final word of the final sen-
tence of the final chapter of Jesus' story. In a very real
sense, it was a new beginning. And the same is true for
the Church Jesus founded. We celebrate the fact that
God raised Jesus from the dead; but, even as we shout
"Christ is risen!", we are reminded by Son-Day Paper
and The Parish News that there's still plenty of good
work to do. Plenty of ministries to build, grow, and
nurture by God's grace.
So, let the Church's work continue. May we remain
busy--preaching and teaching the Gospel of Jesus
Christ in word and deed.
A blessed Eastertide to all of you.
Pastor Sam
Deacons Hosting
Annual BBQ
and Fellowship
Sunday, May 18 after Worship at the
Social Center You may dine in or take out.
It is that time of year when the Deacons will host their Annual
Chicken Barbeque and Fellowship on Sunday, May 18, right
after worship.
All are welcome to purchase meals for take out or dining in.
For those who wish to dine with your families, pick up your
meal at the Social Center.
For those who want to enjoy the company of your fellow
church friends, dine here. You also may donate a meal or
two.
Tickets are $10 and will be on sale each Sunday, through May 11 in Room 109.
Please support this Deacon Fundraiser.
—The Board of Deacons
PW Evening Craft Circle
Monday, May 19th
7 PM in PW Lounge
If you are interested in learning and/or doing crafts while having fun and fellowship, then this is the group for you! If you are new in the church, it’s a great opportunity to meet others. Come join us for an evening of easy crafting and good conversation on Monday, May 19th, at 7 PM in the PW Lounge in the Social Center. Meeting dates are normally the 3rd Monday of the month; but watch the “Coming Soon…” section of the Son-Day Paper to verify.
We will be working on various projects during the months ahead as well as individual projects of our own. Our goal is to have handmade items for the 2014 Holly Fair.
Anyone interested in presenting a craft and instructing the group would be welcomed!
Please contact Susan Short at 732-287-1333 or Lois Crespy at 908-756-7085 for more information.
From the Senior Pastor’s Study (continued)
First Presbyterian Church, Metuchen, NJ The Parish News—May 2014
Page 3
Monday, May 5— Bible Study Circles will meet for their morning and evening sessions.
Esther Circle meets in the PW Lounge at 10:30 AM.
Mary-Ruth Circle meets at Jane Palmeter’s home at 7:30 PM.
Wednesday, May 7— PW Coordinating Team Meeting at 7:00 PM in the PW Lounge.
Sunday, May 11, (Mother’s Day) — PW Honorary Lifetime Membership Presentation during 9:30 AM worship.
Monday, May 19— PW Evening Craft Circle at 7:00 PM in the PW Lounge.
Wednesday, May 21— PW 117th Birthday Spring Salad Luncheon at Noon in the Social Center dining room.
Wednesday, June 4— PW Coordinating Team Meeting at 7:00 PM in the PW Lounge.
Presbyterian Women
Thank You . . . A big thank you from the Presbyterian Women for another successful rummage sale, enabling us to continue our many mission projects. We raised $7,617.26. Praise the Lord!
Page 4 The Parish News May 2014
Heritage Sunday—June 1
During worship on Heritage Sunday, June 1, the Session
and congregation will be recognizing those members
celebrating 50, 55, 60, 65, 74, and 78 years of membership
with the First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen.
Join us in the celebration. Congratulations to all!
50 Years Joan Boyce Robert Boyce Betty Buzzi Donald Kennedy Elizabeth Kennedy Jean McCloughan Doris Moskal 55 Years Mark Behrens Louise Foy Patricia Gordon Jonathan Mundy Verna Sandbeck Marnie Smith Ethel Yakubik
60 Years Beverly Cummings Bill Cummings 65 Years Elsie Dancs Carol Nann Robert Nann, Sr. 74 Years Adele Buck 78 Years Dr. William Ainslie
In 1991 the Haulenbeek family created a scholarship fund admin-istered by the First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen. The purpose of this scholarship is to help with educational expenses for people who are pursuing a career in nursing or a related healthcare area.
Over the years the fund has awarded scholar-ships to those preparing for a career in nursing, physical therapy, or a related medical field. Presently there is an opportunity for those preparing for a career in one of the above fields mentioned to apply for this scholarship.
Interested persons should write a letter describing their current program of study, their ultimate goals, and their financial needs.
Please send this letter by May 23, 2014 to:
Haulenbeek Scholarship Committee PO Box 385
Metuchen, NJ 08840
Haulenbeek Scholarship
First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen is sponsoring
a fundraiser for Youth Triennium 2016
Shop at Boro Ace Hardware 655 Middlesex Avenue, Metuchen
for ALL your gardening needs
May 9 through May 17, 2014 and they will graciously donate 10% of your sale to our youth.
Mention First Presbyterian Church or bring this flyer when shopping at
Boro Ace Hardware, minimum order $10.00, sorry not valid on sale items.
Flyer is on church website: www.fpcweb.org
and click on the “Forms” tab on the Home page.
Page 5 First Presbyterian Church, Metuchen, NJ
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 WASHES —
May 10 and June 14
Scheduled 9 AM to Noon in the Church Parking Lot
Last Rehearsals for the Youth Choirs
Wednesday, May 7 Westminster Choir at 6:30 PM
Thursday, May 8 Junior Choir & Joy Ringers
Combined Pizza Party 4:15 PM to 5:00 PM (Rm. 109)
5 PM—5:30 PM Joy Ringers Rehearsal
Tuesday, May 13 Carol & Crusader Choirs
Combined Pizza Party 4:00 PM to 4:45 PM (Rm. 109)
Junior Club Grades 4, 5 & 6
1st/3rd Thursdays at 5:30 PM—6:45 PM
May 1 ((last meeting until Fall)
Our Leaders: Lisann Misurella and Carol Carr and youth assistant
Cassie Zolnowski.
First Friday Club Grades 1, 2 & 3
May 2 (last meeting until Fall)
Friday at 6 PM—7:15 PM
Join us for some pizza and fun at the Social Center.
Our Leaders: Suzi Manley, Linda Boughton & Susan Gray and youth assistants, Emma Boughton
and Brian Jeney.
Youth GroupYouth Group Wednesday Night
Junior and Senior High
7th and 8th grades 5—6 PM Room 211
Combined dinner — $3.00 6:00 PM—6:30 PM - Social Center
9th through 12th grades 7—8 PM Room 201
June 4 is last meeting until Fall
—— ALL ARE WELCOME ALL ARE WELCOME ——
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
Vacation Bible School
July 7— July 11
Open House and registration for the community will begin
May 27 at 9 AM.
Registration forms on church website and click on the “Forms” tab on the
Home page.
Multicultural Summer Camp
August 11 — August 14
Page 6 The Parish News May 2014
Camperships for Camp
Johnsonburg
The DEADLINE for obtaining a Johnsonburg Campership offered by the Presbyterian Women and the Board of Deacons is FRIDAY, MAY 16th. Any FPC Youth who plan on attending Camp Jburg this summer may apply.
For information you should go online at www.campjburg.com for the Camp Jburg brochure and to “Reserve A Spot”. Online you will read that Camp Johnsonburg has a new fee payment option which is a Three-Tiered Pricing schedule. To reserve your camper’s choice, only a $100 deposit must be paid now. Camp Jburg is having an Open House on Sunday, May 4, from 1 PM to 4 PM.
Parents, for further information or questions regarding the PW and the Deacon’s Camperships, please contact Dee Bonner ([email protected]) or Irene Morris Nann at([email protected]).
After your camper has made his/her selection, please send to Dee Bonner:
Camper’s Name
Grade in School in September 2014
Birth Date
Name of Camp Event Attending
Date of Event
Applications for Camperships from PW and the Deacons are available in the Church Office and on the FPC website.
The deadline for submission is 12 Noon on Friday, May 16.
On Sunday, May 18, we will welcome
the Somerset Brass to our morning
worship service. Our own Glenn Parisi
is a member of the group. They will
be playing the Prelude, Offertory,
Postlude, anthem with our Senior Choir
and several of the hymns.
Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity
to experience the excitement of what
a brass choir can add to our worship
service.
SOMERSET BRASS
Returning to our
worship service
May 18!
Be a Praying Parent
Prayer is the saucer into which parental fears are poured to cool. … Each time a parent prays, Christ responds. His big message to moms and dads? Bring your children to me. —Max Lucado, Fearless
Article contained in Vol. 36. No. 5 of The NewsletterNewsletter which is published monthly by Communications Resources, Inc. © 2014. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
First Presbyterian Church, Metuchen, NJ The Parish News—May 2014
Page 7
In Remembrance of Sherry Lawrence September 10, 1949 to April 2, 2014
Sherry dressed in costume for Vacation Bible School.
April 2, 2014
Dear Friends at First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen,
We were so very sorry to hear the news of Sherry Lawrence’s sudden death. Her passing prompts this reflection from your longtime former pastor. Sherry embodied the love of Christ in an incredible way for generations of children and young people in the Metuchen Church. Rev. Bob Beringer
When it comes to letting the love of Jesus shine through us, Sherry was the genuine article. What a privi-lege it was to work with her many years in preparing the Confirmation Class for full church membership! Every member of those classes knew in their heart of hearts that they were loved as the children of God.
Sherry gave of herself to children all of her life, and both as a teacher and an Elder, she made sure the Church never forgot that the future of any congregation is with its children and young people. Her love of her Lord was reflected in every children’s message, in every class she taught, and in every personal relationship she shared with us all.
We will all miss her enthusiasm, her bright smile, and her deep commitment to the educational ministry of our Church. May the God who alone can comfort the broken in heart be your strength and hope as we mourn her passing and give thanks for her loving years of ministry in the Metuchen Church. Thanks be to God for our Easter faith that Sherry is now in God’s loving care!
Yours in Christ’s Service, Rev. Bob Beringer, Pastor Emeritus
The Christian Education Commission would like
to honor Sherry Lawrence by offering each of
our Vacation Bible School families a Children’s
Bible this July and at future VBS. Sherry would
have loved to see the Gospel reach every child.
If you would like to donate in memory of Sherry,
please make your check payable to the church in
the memo mark “VBS Bibles”. Please place your
donation in the offering plate, or drop it or mail
it to the church office.
Page 8 The Parish News May 2014
Preliminary Results for the Phase II Capital Campaign
The Phase II Capital Campaign is complete, but is not
over. Thank you to the more than 100 volunteers
who joined the Phase II Capital Campaign Leadership
Team. Your work has contributed to the success of
the capital campaign. Most importantly, thank you
to all who through prayerful consideration have
made a pledge to the Phase II Capital Campaign.
It is important to note, several youth have made
commitments to the capital campaign.
If you are still prayerfully considering a pledge to the
capital campaign, it’s not too late. Just fill out a
pledge card, make a call, write an email, go online or
whatever is best for you. Let the Church Treasurer,
Sue Harmon, know your commitment to the Phase II
Capital Campaign.
So, here are the preliminary results as of April 18,
2014.
We have received 98 pledges for a total of
$434,768.96.
These results are preliminary, as we learned from
the Phase I Capital Campaign; we are expecting
additional pledges over the next several months.
In the coming weeks Session will consider the best
path forward for our church. The results of their
decision will be brought forward to be received by
the congregation.
Again thank you to those who have and will prayer-
fully make a commitment to the future of this con-
gregation.
Capital Campaign/Renovation Committee:
Phyllis Black
Mike Gurzo
Bob Hale
Jim Krauszer
Cathy Ostermueller
Brenda Redshaw
Bob Rosko
Karen Ryder
Vacation Bible School
July 7 to July 11 We are looking for decorations and props for this year’s VBS Theme: Workshop of Wonders. Please consider lending or donating your large Tonka toy trucks, child toy workbenches, Home Depot caution tape, tool belts and similar items.
Questions or would you like to help with decorating on July 6th? Call Nancy Leardi at 731-491-2264 or email [email protected].
First Presbyterian Church, Metuchen, NJ The Parish News—May 2014
Page 9
CONFIRMATION CLASS 2014
Confirmation Sunday is May 4 when the Confirmands will be recognized
by the congregation as active members during worship. This will be a
time of celebration and thanksgiving and an opportunity for the congre-
gation to greet the Confirmation Class at the reception in the Social Center
after the worship service.
Members of the Confirmation Class of 2014 and their Covenant Partners
and Parents:
CONFIRMANDS COVENANT PARTNERS CONFIRMANDS’ PARENTS
Gabby Dermody Julie Walton Shaver Sue & Jim Dermody
Collin Draper Charlie Day Laura Cubbage-Draper & Mike Draper
Leann Eccleston Nancy Blomn-Kipnis Vinnie & Larry Eccleston
Jacob Francobandiero Matt Smith Heidi Hoffsommer Frank Francobandiero
Marnie Hanley Amy Bellisano Mary & Bill Hanley
Alexa Manley Rebekah Massengill Suzi & Justin Manley
Stephanie Sandbeck Crista Coventry-Cox Sandy & Paul Sandbeck
Brendan Smith Wally Cook Colleen & Doug Smith
Ashlyn Strathman Tracy Regan Cyndi & Jeff Strathman
Paul Trevidic David Kozo Kari Trevidic Oliver Trevidic
Zach Wolpin Ed Leiva Cathy & Ken Wolpin
Sydney Yakowenko Staci Gil Kate Harrison Tom Yakowenko
Cassie Zolnowski Lisann Misurella Tracy Lawrence Aaron Zolnowski
The Power of Pentecost
Pentecost started as a Jewish festival commemorating God’s giving the Law to the Israelites 50 days after they escaped from slavery in Egypt.
Just days after the risen Jesus ascended to heaven, his (Jewish) disciples gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate Pentecost. But God transformed the occasion by giving them the Holy Spirit, as he’d promised. The disciples saw something like flames among and on them, heard a rushing wind and began speaking in many languages. The pilgrims in Jerusalem heard
about Jesus in their native tongues (see Acts 2:1-12). In Christian churches, Pentecost was once as important as Christmas and Easter. Today, congrega-tions still observe it in special ways, using the color red to symbolize the Holy Spirit’s power. Worship services sometimes include hymns, prayers and Scriptures in various tongues. To simulate the original Pentecost experience, congregations may say the Lord’s Prayer in several languages at once.
June 8, 2014 is Pentecost Sunday Remember to Wear Red!
Article contained in Vol. 33. No. 6 of The NewsletterNewsletter which is pub-lished monthly by Communications Resources, Inc. © 2011. Used by permis-sion. All rights reserved.
Page 10 The Parish News May 2014
Balance Sheet — March 31, 2014 ASSETS
Current Assets
Checking/Savings
Metuchen Savings Operating $ 20,460.81
Total Checking/Savings $ 20,460.81
Total Assets $ 20,460.81
LIABILITIES & EQUITY
Equity
Retained Earnings $ 8,783.30
Net Income $ 11,677.51
Total Equity $ 20,460.81
Total Liabilities & Equity $ 20,460.81
SPECIAL ACCOUNTS
Haulenbeek Fund $ 2,803.80
Local Assistance $ 17,614.71
Local Assistance CD $ 17,214.08
Melko Fund $ 22,086.04
Memorial Gifts $ 33,061.00
Social Center Renovation $ 32,865.01
Youth Mission $ 16,767.19 ($1,810 Balance Triennium)
Zundel Fund $ 1,390.40
I & E Balance 3/31/14 $ 4,687,466.16
Budget vs. Actual 3/31/14 Actual YTD Projected YTD Difference
Income $ 217,391.58 $ 213,029.91 $ 4,361.67
Expense $ 205,714.07 $ 212,510.96 $ -6,796.89
Net Income $ 11,677.51 $ 518.95 $ 11,158.56
Treasurer’s Two Cents
Operation Homemade Smile for Our
Servicemen and Women Overseas
Sunday, May 25, After Worship Refreshments
Dear Friends and Members of First Presbyterian Church,
Please bake your favorite homemade cookies and on Sunday, May 25, bring a small portion of your batch to share with the church and place the remainder of your cookies in a zip-lock bag to be sent to our servicemen and women overseas.
— Yours in Mission, Members of the Mission Commission
First Presbyterian Church, Metuchen, NJ The Parish News—May 2014
Page 11
TOOLS OF HOPE . . . your rainbow of caring to children and families the world over . . .
Tools of Hope
June 15 — Father’s Day
We choose to celebrate Father’s Day with a special offering. A contribution to the Church World Service Tools of Hope makes a wonderful alternative gift to honor your father. Complete and return this form to the Church Office. Make your check payable to the First Presbyterian Church ( P. O. Box 385, Metuchen, NJ 08840) with a nota-tion that the money is for “Tools of Hope.”
Deadline to submit forms: Wednesday, June 4, 2014. The Mission Commission will send an acknowledgment note to the person you are honoring. A list of donors will appear in a bulletin insert on Father’s Day, June 15. NAME ___________________________________________________________________________________ PHONE NUMBER ______________________________________________________________________ AMOUNT OF CONTRIBUTION $___________________________________ ($5.00/Tools) PLEDGE ENVELOPE # ____________
INFORMATION FOR BULLETIN INSERT & ACKNOWLEDGMENT
GIVEN IN HONOR OF: __________________________________________________________________ HONOREE’S ADDRESS: ________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ GIVEN IN MEMORY OF: ________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________
Sunday,
June 8
Mark your calendar for the All-Church Picnic on June 8 immediately following worship.
Dress in your casual “picnic” clothes and be ready for games, food and wonderful fellowship.
We plan to hold our picnic on the edge of the ball field behind the Social Center.
Rain or Shine!
Remember to save the Remember to save the date!date!
Church Office
Summer Office Hours
8:00 AM to 3:30 PM
Effective after
Memorial Day, May 26, to
Labor Day, September 1.
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:
God is Nigh The simple but powerful bugle melody “Taps” has been a standard component of U.S. military funerals since 1891. It’s also played during each of the 2,500 military wreath ceremonies conducted every year at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, including those held on Memorial Day. Many legends exist about the origin of “Taps” — both its melody and its lyrics. The words below, by Horace Lorenzo Trim, make an appropriate bedtime prayer.
Day is done, gone the sun From the lakes, from the hills, from the sky All is well, safely rest God is nigh.
Fading light dims the sight And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright From afar, drawing near Falls the night.
Thanks and praise for our days ’Neath the sun, ’neath the stars, ’neath the sky As we go, this we know God is nigh.
Article contained in Vol. 36. No. 5 of The NewsletterNewsletter which is published monthly by Communications Resources, Inc. © 2014. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
The Parish News May 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
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