rnal - First Presbyterian Church, Rockaway, NJ · 2019-10-26 · contractor, Imhoff Construction....
Transcript of rnal - First Presbyterian Church, Rockaway, NJ · 2019-10-26 · contractor, Imhoff Construction....
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Volume 14, Issue 7/8
Jul/Aug 2014
Summer greetings to everyone!
This summer proves once more that “summer time” is does not equal “rest time” in the
church or at home. Our Senior High youth are once again hitting the road for their annual
mission trip (upstate New York this year) and Vacation Bible School planning is in hyper-
mode. Sue, Charlie, and I are once again traveling back to the Midwest to see our families
and to celebrate the renewal of vows of our daughter Kate & son-in-law McClain Duffert.
But all of that is actually kind of “low-key” compared to the way summer started.
This June, the 221st General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) was held in
Detroit, Michigan. Every two years, the presbyteries send commissioners to hear testimony,
to have dialogue, and to vote on matters important to the church and often the rest of the
world. It seems most years that issues around sexuality grab the headlines and this year was
no different. The Assembly voted to send an amendment for approval to the presbyteries
which calls for a change to our Directory of Worship. It would change the wording
describing marriage from “a man and a woman” to “two people.” That will take place over
the next year and the change will require a majority of our presbyteries to agree. In addition,
the Assembly passed what is called an “authoritative interpretation” (AI) of our constitution,
that would allow pastors and congregations to celebrate same-gender weddings in states
where it is legal. That takes place immediately. Since our presbytery was one of the 20+
presbyteries that sent overtures regarding this to the Assembly, I had the privilege of
representing our presbytery as an Overture Advocate. While I would love to share with you
all the details about this, I am limited by space. Look to the church website for a more
complete reporting of what transpired.
But this wasn’t the issue that got the most press or the most discussion. It was something
called “divestment.” The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has a long-standing policy that it will
not invest its funds in companies involved in alcohol, gambling, munitions, and other areas
that it feels do not represent the church. Sometimes we realize that companies we are
invested in are involved in these areas and we remove our investments from those companies
– we “divest.” This year, the Assembly was asked to approve the current list of companies
we divest from, but there were three that drew special attention because of why the PC(USA)
was being asked to divest from them.
For the second time, the General Assembly was asked to remove its investments from
Caterpillar, Hewlett-Packard, and Motorola Solutions, three companies that make products
used by Israel in the occupation of the West Bank and Gaza. For those presenting arguments
in favor of divestment, it was a matter of conscience, not wanting to participate in the
occupation of Palestinian territory. This is something the PC(USA) has already made part of
its church policy. For those against divestment, it was a matter of supporting Israel –
divestment would signal that we were taking sides against Israel.
By the narrowest of margins, 310 to 303, the Assembly chose to divest from these companies
and to reaffirm our church’s commitment to always being peacemakers, in all aspects of our
church life.
If anyone has ANY questions about the decisions of this year’s General Assembly, I would
be glad to speak with you, no matter what your viewpoint. For that is what the General
Assembly is all about and in many ways, what the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is all about
– talking with each other and finding our direction together as we do our best to follow Jesus
as he would want us to live.
The Rev. Mitch Trigger
Page 2 CHU R CH S TR EE T JOUR NA L
Steeple Repair
Update
October of 2012 saw the destruction of our church steeple by super-storm Sandy. Many members of our church have been hard at work coordinating the repair, restoration and rebuilding of the steeple back to its original appearance. As of the publication of this article, the steeple and roof repairs have been completed. We owe a debt of gratitude to the Property Committee, as well as the many church members who participated in fund-raising efforts, and help in communicating our needs for this essential project.
The final payment of $18,275 was made this week from our capital fund reserves of $22,410, and after the scaffolding is removed and the insurance company inspects the work, the final amount due of approximately $20,000 will be paid by the insurance company to our contractor, Imhoff Construction.
Since the remains of the Capital Fund, slightly more than $4,000, are restricted for specific items in the sanctuary (air conditioning and carpet), a new capital fund campaign will be planned over the summer and launched in the near future, as there are many other repairs need-ed to the interior and exterior of our sanctuary building (dedicated in 1832). Although we anticipate the receipt of $10,000 from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, this only begins to fund some of the projects which will be needed to repair and restore this historic building.
For All The Saints…
Our Capital Fund has been built, used and re-plenished multiple times since the 1990’s. Much of these funds would not be in place were it not for the thoughtfulness and dedication of some of our departed members, friends and their families, who donated to this fund in their memory. Among the more substantial donations were final bequests or donations made in the memory of:
John Anderson Gertrude Earle
Al Johnson Marty Kolbusch
The Rev. Andrea McCaw Mack
V OLU ME 1 4, I SSU E 7/8 Page 3
Come one—come all to the church on Saturday morning,
July 26th & August 30th for breakfast. The breakfast
will include eggs, pancakes and coffee.
It is free so please come out and enjoy.
Tell your neighbors. Better yet bring
them with you.
Summer Worship
Schedule
Remember: the
morning worship
service begins at
9:30 a.m. in
Fellowship Hall during July and Au-
gust. We have a very special summer
series planned!
Note: The 5 p.m. service is going to
take a break in July and August.
We will resume on Sunday,
September 7th. See you there
We Have a Great Gift for You!
Our GIFT (Growing in Faith Together) small group ministry is a great way to get to know
people, study the Bible, and pray together. We currently have five groups meeting at a
variety of times.
To learn more go to our website: www.fpcrockaway.org and look under the tab “more”.
You will find the schedule and more.
Congratulations to our Graduates
We wish them all the best in their educational journey
High School Attending
Amber Garceau W. Morris Central HS County College of Morris
John Hallman Morris Hills County College of Morris
Danielle Miller Morris Knolls U Mass Amherst
Emily Mongrella Morris Hills Marymount University Arlington
Kati Scott Morris Hills Christopher Newport University
JoAnna Sunderman Morris Knolls Montclair State University
Michael Urwin Morris Knolls Stevens Institute of Technology
Page 4 CHU R CH S TR EE T JOUR NA L
STEPHEN MINISTRY – WHAT
WILL GOD DO NEXT?
As part of New Beginnings, our
church’s goal has been to grow in
faith, love and community. Last year
your Stephen Ministry team began
reaching outside the borders of our
congregation and to minister to
members of the community. The need in the community
for this caring ministry is so great that we have had to turn
people away because we do not have enough Stephen
Ministers. As we begin to train a new class of Stephen
Ministers in the fall, we ask you to prayerfully consider if
God is calling you to be a Stephen Minister.
On Sept. 21, Stephen Ministry Sunday, an informational
workshop on “Bearing One Another’s Burdens” will be
offered after worship with a light lunch. If you would like
to know more about Stephen Ministry, please plan to
attend the workshop or speak to one of our Stephen
Leaders: Linda Kirby (973-316-0598), Diane Knipper
(973-895-5289), Pat Warren (973-586-2923), Betty Smith
(973-432-9410) or the pastors.
IT’S NEW!!
By popular
demand….
Monday Night
Bible Study will
continue over the summer! Join us in the
air-conditioned comfort of the BK Room
for study, fellowship and ICE CREAM!!
Since Sunday Morning Bible Study is
taking a break for the summer, we hope
you will consider attending on Monday
nights from 7-8pm (Sr. High’s are always
welcome!!).
We will continue studying the Feasting
on the Word curriculum. The class will
be taught on a rotating basis by Tom
Winger, Rich Basile and Diane Knipper
Never studied the Bible before? This is a
great time to start. Each lesson is self
contained so if you’re on vacation down
the shore (or wherever) and miss a week,
it’s no problem!
Questions?? Contact Diane Knipper at
973-895-5289 or [email protected].
SMITH FAMILY ASSISTANCE FUND As many of you know, Ian Smith, son of Andy and Alicia, was born six weeks early and has several physical challenges and probable surgeries ahead. In response to questions about how you can help, here is information regarding a fund his church created to pay for expenses not covered by medi-cal insurance. Checks can be made out to: "Clarkton Presbyterian Church" with "Smith Family Assistance Fund" in the memo line and mailed to: Clarkton Presbyterian Church 10433 N. College St.,
Page 5 V OLU ME 1 4, I SSU E 7/8
TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY
We are now on summer break. Enjoy yourselves and attend the Mon eve Summer Bible study in the BK room (air conditioning & ice cream) at 7pm. In the fall we will be reading the book, “Where God was born,” by Bruce Feiler. It was published in 2005 so you might be able to pick it up at used book stores or sales. We will resume Sept 9.
Have a good summer
Page 6 CHU R CH S TR EE T JOUR NA L
Healthcare As healthcare is changing and cost keep going up its hard to find assistance.
Here’s some information on the help that is available to seniors (age 65) and
disabled applicants through the State of NJ:
Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged & Disabled (PAAD) and Senior Gold
(prescription discount programs if income is under approx. $36K/year if you’re
married or $26K if you’re single)
Hearing Aid Assistance to the Aged & Disabled (HAAAD) - $100
reimbursement for hearing aids. For more information, call 1-800-792-9745
Outreach Calendar
We open our heart to the community and provide a free breakfast for anyone who
comes. Our volunteers cook, clean and share their time with those who come in
for this meal.
July 26 Community Breakfast (8 am – 11 am)
August 30 Community Breakfast (8 am – 11 am)
Coffee Hour has been reinvented! Now called "Fellowship hour", and we'd love to have you with us. Come spend time talking to your friends and neighbors, and connecting with each other. It’s not about the coffee, it’s about the people! So, come to Fellowship Hall every Sunday after
worship and stay a while. If you’d like to help out
with Fellowship Hour, please contact Katie Scott at 973 627 8738
or [email protected]. See you there!
V OLU ME 1 4, I SSU E 7/8 Page 7
HOMECOMING PICNIC -- SEPTEMBER 7th after church Please
mark your calendar now and plan on joining us that day. This year, in addition to
the delicious barbecue, we're planning some games and activities for kids and
adults. This year we'll be having a watermelon eating contest!
It takes a lot of work to pull this off, so please volunteer. We will need help
with set up, clean up, cooking and games. Everyone can help (even kids!) so please
call Donna Van Duyne at 973-625-3912 or [email protected] for help with
set up/clean up and food and Diane Knipper at 973-895-5289 or
[email protected] for help with games and
activities.
So, remember, September 7th after worship, rain
or shine. Invite your friends and neighbors and
bring your favorite salad to share.
See you all there!
- SUNDAY SCHOOL BEGINS AT 9:15
- WORSHIP RETURNS TO THE 10:30 HOUR– WITH
COMMUNION
- HOMECOMING PICNIC WITH GAMES AND FUN FOR
ALL—FOLLOWING WORSHIP
- SUNDAY EVENING SERVICE and POTLUCK 5PM
Page 8 CHU R CH S TR EE T JOUR NA L
The First Presbyterian Church—Rockaway
Co-Pastors: The Revs. Mitchell & Susan Trigger
Ministers: All the People
Music Director: Bonnie Pomeroy
Office Manager: Christine Zelinsky
Cemetery Sexton: Robert Nichols
Newsletter Editor: Bette Ann Lindsay
Clerk of Session: Carl Kline
Phone: 973-627-1059 Fax: 973-983-0090
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet: www.fpcrockaway.org
Newsletter deadline: 15th of each month
Send e-mail submissions to:
(Please put “Newsletter” in the Subject Line)
Here’s How You Can Help With VBS
Workdays are Creative Days:
If you can’t volunteer the week of VBS there is plenty you
can do ahead of time. We will be having three VBS
workdays on which we will be cutting out, punching holes,
stringing name tags, putting together volunteer notebooks, making decorations,
putting up decorations and more. Want to help? Come join us: Wednesday, July 2
at 11 a.m. in the BK room. Tuesday, July 22 at 11 a.m. in Fellowship Hall.
Wednesday, July 23 at 11 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. We hope to see you there!
VBS Staff Training:
If you are a VBS volunteer we ask that you attend one of the two training
sessions. You pick one: Thursday, July 24, 7 p.m. in the BK room or Sunday,
July 27 immediately following worship in the BK room. Thank YOU!
Mission Project Worship Service
Ice Cream Social in Fellowship Hall.
Sunday, July 13, 9:30am
Everyone is invited.
“Where’s Jesus“
(our theme for the trip)
Please join us as we
talk about the work we did
through scripture, songs and
special messages.
SENIOR HIGHS
From 6/28-7/6 the Senior Highs will be in Watertown NY
on the annual Mission Project. July 13th please join us for
the 9:30am Mission Project Church Service. Senior Highs
will be on a summer hiatus until September, when we
begin another year of fun!
Thank you all for your continuing support!
V OLU ME 1 4, I SSU E 7/8 Page 9
Schedule of Events
SUNDAY: Worship 9:30 am 7/7 14 21 28 Bible Study BK
7-8pm 7/1, 15—Open Door BK 7-9pm 7/3 Overcoming Depression
& Anxiety Support 6:30pm 7/13 Mission Project Sunday FINANCE MTG—JULY 14
7PM 7/24 VBS Volunteer Training
BK room 7pm or 7/27 BK room Immediately after ser-vice
7/25 Bucknell University Concert
7/26—Community Breakfast 8-11
7/28– GREAT BIBLE REEF VBS—9AM TO 12:30PM, 7/28-8/1
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
2 3 4
CLOSED
5
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 VBS
29 VBS
30 VBS
31 VBS
JULY 2014
Schedule of Events
SUNDAY: Worship 9:30 am 8/3 First Sunday food
collection 8/5 18—Open Door BK 7-9pm 8/5 12 19 26-Bible Study BK
Class 9:30-11:30 8/7 21 Overcoming Depres-
sion & Anxiety Support 6:30pm
8/15-16 JR High Lock-In 6pm-10am “The Giver”
8/20 SESSION Fellowship Hall 7-10pm
8/25 Peacemaking BK 7:30-10:30
8/30—Community Break-fast—8-11am
8/28 GIFT Shepherd Mtg 6:30pm
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 VBS
2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 37 28 29 30
31
AUGUST 2014
It is the summer and we need your help
more than ever. Donations always go down
and demand actually goes up. Please
remember to pick up some items for the
Food Closet every time you go to the gro-
cery store. Your neighbors in need are
counting on your help! Items needed most--
cereal, tuna, peanut butter, soup, beans, Mac
and cheese, canned fruit, caned meats and
meals, crackers and cold drink mix-
es. Thank you for your continued sup-
port!
As our musical groups take their summer break, I hope that
you'll remember to say thanks to our singers, instrumentalists
and handbell ringers who work so hard all year to do God's
work. Our church is blessed to have so many talented
musicians.
I am in the process of planning for next year, and, as always,
I am your servant in Christ,
Page 10 CHU R CH S TR EE T JOUR NA L
In the summer when the days are hot,
I like to find a shady spot,
And hardly move a single bit And sit,
and sit, and sit, and sit.
http://www.canteach.ca
Summer camp was a blast for our preschoolers! The
students enjoyed many fun filled themed events such
as dinosaur, carnival, magic, and pirate day. We
hope that they continue to enjoy the sun filled days of
Summer vacation.
Registration is ongoing for the 2014-2015 school
year. Please call the school office for details at 973-
586-3665.
Notice: The Trigger family will be traveling to the
Midwest July 7-21 to visit family and to celebrate the vow renewal
ceremony of Kate and McClain in Minneapolis on July 18. In case
of an emergency please contact the church office or Diane Knipper.
V OLU ME 1 4, I SSU E 7/8 Page 11
Do you remember the children’s book, “Flat Stanley”? Well a group at the General Assembly
took the idea and brought flat Jesus to GA. They posted pictures of their group for their
friends back home to see. Where might you find Jesus this summer? Why not take Jesus with
you on your summer journey and send us some pictures of places where you’ve seen Jesus.
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID DOVER, NJ 07801
PERMIT NO. 606
FIRST
PRESBYTERIAN
CHURCH
35 Church St.
Rockaway, NJ
07866-3027
STEEPLE REPAIR UPDATE 2
GIFT UPDATE AND NEWS, GRADUATES, COMMU-
NITY BREAKFAST THROUGH THE SUMMER
3
STEPHEN MINISTRY, MONDAY NIGHT BIBLE
STUDY
4-5
OUTREACH, COMMUNITY BARBECUE IN THE FALL,
HOMECOMING—PLAN AHEAD TO SEPTEMBER
6-7
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL VOLUNTEER INFO,
CALENDAR
8,9
MUSIC NOTES, FOOD CLOSET,
PCCN NEWS
10
FUN PAGE TO COLOR—FLAT JESUS 11
WHAT’S INSIDE: