12

United Presbyterian Church of Millstone

211 Millstone Road / P.O. Box 202

Perrineville, NJ 08535

Worship 10:30 am

231 Years Celebrating Our Past Imagining Our Future 1786 – 2017

No. 31 February 2017

The Good News

United Presbyterian Church of Millstone

211 Millstone Road, Millstone Township, NJ 08535

732-446-5350; Church Office: 732-446-2300

E-mail: upcm@monmouth.com

Visit our website at www.upcm.org

Don’t forget to LIKE us on Facebook too!

There will be an annual meeting of the congregation held on Saturday,

February 4th at the church at 5:30 pm, during which a light dinner will be

served. Babysitting will be available.

The Pastor Nominating Committee will also present a report about their

progress in selecting our new Pastor.

All members are invited to attend.

2

UPCM teamed up with the Food Donation Connection and a local Wawa in May,

2016. This has allowed us access to surplus food that Wawa has frozen and put

aside for us to pick up and then distribute to people in need. These are frozen

breakfast and lunch items that have been fully cooked and just need to be warmed

in the microwave. We have been delivering this food to several families in the town-

ship each week and excess food has been donated to our seniors in our communi-

ty.

In addition, in November the Millstone Township Cub Scouts “scouted for food” and

donated more than 1,000 pounds of non-perishable goods to our church, which has

allowed us to set up a food pantry at the Ministry Center.

We are now offering this food to needy people in our community. The pantry at the

Ministry Center will be open on Saturday mornings from 10:00 am until noon begin-

ning January 21st. If people are in need and cannot come at that time, they can call

the church office (732-446-5350) to schedule an appointment.

Our Food Pantry Opens to the Community!

11

Per Capita

Per capita is a set amount of money (apportionment) per member that congrega-

tions pay to the larger Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Said another way, it is a Pres-

byterian Covenant Community Fund — part of the glue that holds Presbyterians to-

gether. Because every Presbyterian shares in the benefit of the PC (USA)’s system

of government, the expenses associated with coordinating and performing the func-

tions of that system should be shared by everyone as well.

Who pays per capita, and how much?

Congregations (through their sessions) pay an annual amount of money per church

member — per capita apportionment — to their respective presbyteries.

The current per capita apportionment for 2017 is $36.00 per member. This needs to be paid annually and you can help by providing the apportionment amount. A check may be made to “UPCM” with “per capita” in the memo portion of the check or you can use your “per capita” envelope in your pledge box. Thank you.

in the Word The next dates scheduled for Youth Group:

Thursday, February 9th at Church

Thursday, February 23rd at the Ministry Center

Thursday, March 2nd at the Ministry Center

10

Next Book Club Meeting: We are changing it up a bit

for the next book. We decided to read the newly-released memoir by Bruce Springsteen, ‘Born to Run’. Our next meeting will be held on Monday, February 6, at 7:00 pm at the Ministry Center.

For further info, contact Joan Rudderow at jrudderow@aol.com

or phone 609-259-2619.

Tuesday Mornings Our Tuesday morning Bible study at 11 am at the ministry center

is full, friendly, fun and growing. Eight to ten folks gather weekly

with great insight, opinions and

inspirational conversation. Come, join us

as we study the Book of Romans, led by Claude Heller &

Beth Adams. Coffee is always on.

Youth – Kids

Christian Education is hosting Youth & Kids Game Night on the third Tuesday of

every month. Here are the dates: 2/21, 3/21, 4/18, 5/16. Time: 6:30–8:00 pm.

Kids from Pre-K to High school are welcome to come spend time with friends:

play organized games, board games & cards, build, create, earn prizes & have

fun! Snack and drink will be provided. Parents are welcome to stay or drop off

their children. Bring a friend to join the fun!

For further info, call Kelly 732-930-3664.

3

SESSION SNIPPETS FROM THE JANUARY 12, 2017 MEETING

MARK YOUR CALENDARS. The Annual Congregational Meeting will be

held on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at 5:30 PM. There will be a light

dinner and information from all the Committees to bring everyone

up-to-date about what has happened during the year 2016. The

Pastor Nominating Committee will also have a report about their

progress in selecting our new Pastor.

The UPCM BY-LAWS were updated by Session to incorporate UPCM’s

current Mission and Vision Statements. These By-Laws need to be

approved by the congregation at the Congregational Meeting on

February 4th

. They will be printed in the Annual Report for the con-

gregation’s review.

Ordination and Installation of new Elders and Deacons will be held on

Sunday, February 5th

.

Session approved the UPCM budget for 2017. It will be presented to

the congregation at the Annual Congregational Meeting.

The Building Use Policy was reviewed and minor changes made. The

Policy was approved with those changes.

~ Jean Heller, Stated Clerk ~

4

Join the Church Choir

The brilliant Christian psychiatrist, Dr. Walter Menninger, said that singing in a church choir was very helpful to him. After an exhausting day at work, he found it inspirational and soothing to go to choir prac-tice at this church. The music enabled him to put the stress of his day behind him, get in touch with something beautiful and holy, and end the day relaxed and uplifted. Ask a choir member what singing in a choir does for him or her. It’s very likely that you’ll find he or she gets great joy in serving the Lord through singing. And remember also, there is wonderful fellowship among choir members. Singing in a choir is a good way to make new friends. Try it.

The Deacons’ Caring Ministries are collecting crochet & knitting yarn

to be used to make lap blankets for residents at The Manor in Freehold.

If anyone would like to make a lap blanket or donate yarn, please see

Marie Ugi for details. Ph: 732-446-9069 or email: mom761@verizon.net.

Got

yarn?

9

Great preachers, inspired meditations….

Feb. 5th, 26th, Mar. 5th The Reverend Joanne Petto

The Rev. Joanne Petto is a Law Enforcement Chaplain with the Plainsboro Township

Police Department and the NJ State Police. As a member of the NJ Crisis Intervention

Network, she responds throughout the state to assist first responders who have been in-

volved in traumatic incidents. She is a Disaster Response Crisis Counselor and a

Board Certified Expert in Traumatic Stress.

A very big and grateful ‘Thank You’ to Rev. Petto, who, upon discovering

that our church & Deacon Board did not have our own Home Communion

Set, graciously gifted our congregation with one of her own! We are so

thankful to have our own set to allow us to serve communion when visiting

our homebound loved ones!

Feb. 12th The Rev. Dr. George McDonald

George was a dentist and a dental missionary before he went to seminary, a long time

ago. He "Officially" retired in 2000 and moved to New Jersey. He is a member of Mon-

mouth Presbytery. His wife Barbara is also a Presbyterian minister.

Feb. 19th Mr. Scott DeCaro

Scott DeCaro currently works in the shipping industry while seeking a Call in the PC

(USA) as a pastor. Having graduated from New Brunswick Theological Seminary, he is

certified ready to receive a Call at this time. When he is not working or searching for a

church to serve, Scott enjoys computer games, writing, and especially spending time with

his wife, Kim. He currently has a number of self-published books available, including

novels, poetry, and a devotional.

8

A big thank you to the Hope Presbyterian Church in

Tinton Falls for the gift donation of our new choir robes.

The dove-grey robes with burgundy stoles were used

for the first time on Christmas Eve. They will serve as

our choir’s winter robes.

Fellowship’s Secret Sister Ministry, which will help to strengthen and grow the prayer lives

and fellowship of our church’s women, includes 28

ladies, who are each actively praying for the needs of

their sister in ministry. All the ladies know who they

are praying for, but they do not know who is praying

for them. We are looking forward to a fun reveal party

in March where the identity of the secret sisters will be-

come known.

“Do not press me to leave you or to turn back from following you!

Where you go, I will go; Where you lodge, I will lodge;

your people shall be my people, and your God my God. ~ Ruth 1:16 ~

Other Fellowship Committee Events

The next Men’s Breakfast will be held on February 11th at

8:30 am, and it will be with a ‘twist’.

The next adult dine-around will be on Saturday, February

18th to Anemos Greek Cuisine, 333 Route 9 South,

Manalapan

5

What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.

~ John Steinbeck ~

What then shall we say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

~ Romans 8:31 ~

He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that rules his spirit, than he that takes a city.

~ Proverbs 16:32 ~

And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:7 ~

In Praise & Thanks…. for the safe birth of a healthy baby girl, Eliza Marie to Brian and Katie Mayer on Thursday,

January 19th. Eliza was 9 lbs. 11 ozs., and 21 inches long at birth and joins her big sister

Hazel. Eliza is the granddaughter of Bill & Cindy Mayer, and niece to Kati & Eric Shields.

Brian and Katie are at 2701 Homeplace Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060.

I am worthy of all your confidence, all your trust. There are peo-ple and things that deserve some of your confidence and trust, but only I deserve all of it. In a world that seems increasingly un-safe and unpredictable, I am the Rock that provides a firm foun-dation for your life. More than that, I am your Rock in whom you can take refuge— for I am your God.

You must not let your circumstances define your sense of se-curity. Though it is natural for you to want to be in control of your

life, I can empower you to live supernaturally, resting in My sovereign control. I am a well-proved help in trouble, and I am always present with you. I help you face un-welcome changes, and even catastrophic circumstances, without fear. Instead of letting anxious thoughts roam freely in your mind, lasso them by voicing your hope in Me. Then bring those captive thoughts into My Presence, where I will disarm them. Whoever trusts in Me is kept safe.

~ ‘Jesus Always’ Devotional by Sarah Young

6

United Presbyterian Church of Millstone Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

7:00 pm Christian Ed Cmte. Mtg at MC

2 Groundhog Day 7:00 pm PNC Meeting at Ministry Center

3

4

Annual Congregation Meeting & Light

Dinner at 5:30 pm

5 Fifth Sunday in

Ordinary Time 9-11:30 Confirm Class 10:30 am Worship/Sacrament of Lord’s Supper/ Ordination & Installation of Officers with Rev. Joanne Petto / No Sunday School /Worship Mtg. at MC

6

7:00 AA at Church

7:00 pm Book Club Mtg. at Ministry Center

7 9:30-5:00 Office Hours 11:00 am Bible Study @MC 7-8:30 pm Choir Rehearsal

8

7:00 pm Sewing Circle at Church

9 9:00 Breakfast @ Gus’ 9:30-5:00 Office Hours 11:30 Prayer Circle

7:00 pm Youth Group Mtg at Church

7:00 pm Session Mtg. at Ministry Center

10 11 8:30 am

12 Sixth Sunday in

Ordinary Time 10:30 Worship with the Rev. Dr. George McDonald

13 7:00 AA at Church

14 Valentine’s Day

9:30-5:00 Office Hours 11:00 am Bible Study @MC

7-8:30 pm Choir Rehearsal

15 7:00 pm Sewing Circle at Church

16 9:00 Breakfast @ Gus’ 9:30-5:00 Office Hours 11:30 Prayer Circle

17

18 Adult

Anemos Greek Cuisine, Manalapan

19 Seventh Sunday in

Ordinary Time 9-11:30 Confirm Class 10:30 am Worship - Mr. Scott DeCaro Fellowship Coffee Hr.

20 Presidents’ Day 7:00 AA at Church

21 9:30-5:00 Office Hours 11:00 am Bible Study @MC 6:00 pm Mission & Outreach Mtg. at MC 6:30-8pm YOUTH GAME NIGHT at Church 7-8:30 pm Choir Rehearsal

22

7:00 pm Sewing Circle at Church

23 9:00 Breakfast @ Gus’ 9:30-5:00 Office Hours 11:30 Prayer Circle 7:00 pm Youth Group Mtg. at Ministry Center

24

25

26 Transfiguration

of the Lord

10:30 am Worship - with Rev. Joanne Petto

27

7:00 AA at Church

28 9:30-5:00 Office Hours 11:00 am Bible Study @MC 7-9:30 pm Choir Rehearsal

March 1

Ash Wednesday Repentance, Fasting, Prayer, Renewal

Lent begins

7

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

7:00 pm Christian Ed Cmte. Mtg at MC

2 Groundhog Day 7:00 pm PNC Meeting at Ministry Center

3

4

Annual Congregation Meeting & Light

Dinner at 5:30 pm

5 Fifth Sunday in

Ordinary Time 9-11:30 Confirm Class 10:30 am Worship/Sacrament of Lord’s Supper/ Ordination & Installation of Officers with Rev. Joanne Petto / No Sunday School /Worship Mtg. at MC

6

7:00 AA at Church

7:00 pm Book Club Mtg. at Ministry Center

7 9:30-5:00 Office Hours 11:00 am Bible Study @MC 7-8:30 pm Choir Rehearsal

8

7:00 pm Sewing Circle at Church

9 9:00 Breakfast @ Gus’ 9:30-5:00 Office Hours 11:30 Prayer Circle

7:00 pm Youth Group Mtg at Church

7:00 pm Session Mtg. at Ministry Center

10 11 8:30 am

12 Sixth Sunday in

Ordinary Time 10:30 Worship with the Rev. Dr. George McDonald

13 7:00 AA at Church

14 Valentine’s Day

9:30-5:00 Office Hours 11:00 am Bible Study @MC

7-8:30 pm Choir Rehearsal

15 7:00 pm Sewing Circle at Church

16 9:00 Breakfast @ Gus’ 9:30-5:00 Office Hours 11:30 Prayer Circle

17

18 Adult

Anemos Greek Cuisine, Manalapan

19 Seventh Sunday in

Ordinary Time 9-11:30 Confirm Class 10:30 am Worship - Mr. Scott DeCaro Fellowship Coffee Hr.

20 Presidents’ Day 7:00 AA at Church

21 9:30-5:00 Office Hours 11:00 am Bible Study @MC 6:00 pm Mission & Outreach Mtg. at MC 6:30-8pm YOUTH GAME NIGHT at Church 7-8:30 pm Choir Rehearsal

22

7:00 pm Sewing Circle at Church

23 9:00 Breakfast @ Gus’ 9:30-5:00 Office Hours 11:30 Prayer Circle 7:00 pm Youth Group Mtg. at Ministry Center

24

25

26 Transfiguration

of the Lord

10:30 am Worship - with Rev. Joanne Petto

27

7:00 AA at Church

28 9:30-5:00 Office Hours 11:00 am Bible Study @MC 7-9:30 pm Choir Rehearsal

March 1

Ash Wednesday Repentance, Fasting, Prayer, Renewal

Lent begins

February 2017