THE Bethlehem star

Prayer List………....….….....2 Thank You……………...…....2 Beth the Church Mouse..2 Church Finances……..…....2 New Church Officers ……3 PNC Update………….……….3 Session News…………….….3 Covid-19 ……….…...…..…...4 Live Streaming Infor-mation…………………….…….5 Deacon Doings…...….……..5 BPW Agenda…...………..….6 Community First Friday……….…….........…....7 Classified………..………..…...8 Calendar…..……................9 Mission……….…....…….….10 Credits……………...….…....10

IN THIS ISSUE

April 2020

Sunday Worship Services will be streamed live at our 9:30am routine worship

time. Maundy Thursday and Good Friday 7:30pm services will also be streamed.

Go to page 5 for further instructions how to view the streaming services as well

as viewing recorded services at your leisure.

On site worship and activities are suspended until further notice.

Dear Friends in Christ,

As I write these words to you, we have already seen a dangerous virus spread at unmatched speed throughout the world and it certainly can unsettle us… and rightfully so. Although it may be difficult to see at times, let me assure you that God is with us. A great help is Psalm 46. The Psalmist declares that “God is our refuge and strength… a very present help in trouble.” We need to hear that! In Jesus, we see a God who walks and talks with others; one who knows well our turbulent lives; one who offers a way to conquer the trials and temptations of life. I would like to offer, first of all, that God knows and cares about us deeply and is with us during this difficult time. We can be still and not fear. Let us also take time to pray for those who are at risk on the front lines, such as doctors, nurses, law enforcement, and many others.

Secondly, I offer the good news that Holy Week will continue as planned – with a few tweaks. The first adjustment is the transition to digital streaming. All the services we will offer will be streamed! I am so grateful to Mark Fresolone, who, in a matter of a week, has taken us from the digital stone age to the most up-to-date capabilities. Therefore, we will have streaming services for Maundy Thursday (7:30 p.m.), Good Friday (7:30 p.m.), and Easter Sunday (one ser-vice at 9:30 a.m.).

Thirdly, at our last special Session meeting on March 29th, we prayed and

discerned carefully as to what is best for the congregation in the midst of such a dangerous virus. It was another difficult decision, but in the face of a pandemic that continues to spread, the session decided to extend the cancelation of all events at the church until further notice. We hope that the opportunity to open things back up again will happen in May, but it is too far into the future to know at this point. We also ask that no one come to the church building as to keep the building from possibly hosting the virus. Fourthly, if you are in need of company at this time, please consider drop-ping into our Wednesday fellowship group via Zoom. Although it is officially called, “Wednesday Bible and Spirituality Study,” it is mainly a group to have support and fellowship. We will be meeting Wednesdays at 1-2 through Zoom; instructions are on our website and it is easy to join the meeting via phone or computer. You are warmly welcomed to join us!

Finally, I continue to walk with you as your Interim Pastor through this cri-sis. You may reach me at 862-324-3247 (the number that is in the bulletin each week) to talk, or perhaps to set-up a virtual “in person” conversation via Facetime, or perhaps Skype. Above all else, please stay at home and be safe.

Warmest Regards, Pastor Dave

2

“WHERE DID ALL OF THE PEOPLE GO!!!”

Jim and Darla Eschbach

Joan Mathews

Bob Negoescu

Owen, Mike and Priscilla Wallace’s nephew

Daniel, Bob and Joan Schultz’s son

Bob, Ed Allen’s brother

Doreen Dowling, Carrie Matis’ friend

Tom Kugler, Dan Weiss’ nephew

Kathy Kushner’s family at the passing away of her nephew

Betty, Aunt of Jane Weiss

Nancy Rossnagel, mother of Jill O’Neil

Holly McDonald and family, and Ginny Straub at the passing away of their relative Craig

Alan Van Camp, Eileen Kandl’s brother

Mike, Rhonda Witwer’s friend

Mark Reeder, friend of Marsha Atkinson

Sallie Bell, friend of Marsha Atkinson

David Weiss, Dan’s brother

Janine Dolce, friend of Carrie Matis

Cindy, Dan Weiss’s niece

Dave, Eileen Kwasnick’s friend

Deborah Gecik, Karen Hoff’s friend

Michael O’Neil, Jim’s brother

The Ferrara Family at the passing of Gordon Young’s cousin Mike

Please contact Pastor Dave at (862) 324-3247 to add or remove names from this list.

CHURCH FINANCES

Isaiah 41:10, 13 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand … For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”

We wish to truly thank you for all of

your prayers, actions, friendship and

Christian goodness extended to us

during our most recent period of

bereavement and Jim’s hospitalization. Jim and Darla Eschbach

Results for the first two months of 2020 for our operating budget look favorable, with what is essentially a break-even so far. On the expense side, we’ve only had one snow event all winter, and our heating costs seem to be lower with the unseasonable temperatures of recent weeks.

Our pledge income is right on target, but we note that we have received full year pay-ups from one family. Per Capita contributions totaled $2718, or about two-thirds of our total obligation. We have also received some solid initial dona-tions that make our total income look favorable to budget. These figures do not include the cost of the recent tree re-moval, which will be funded from property reserves.

The 2020 pledge campaign produced 41 commitments for a total of $120,544. Last year, we had 44 pledges for $118,900. Thank you for your support, but recognize that the budget still has a deficit of over $33,000. Please contin-ue to prayerfully consider your commitment for 2020, and make or increase your pledge to support the work of Bethle-hem Presbyterian Church.

Most importantly, as we are learning distance worshipping and care, the church’s expenses are continuing even though we aren’t using our building. Yes, we have turned down the heat and aren’t using the inside lights. Expenses for insur-ance, office equipment and our dedicated staff continue. So please keep your donations coming and your pledges cur-rent. We are checking mail daily, so it is OK to mail checks to the church. Thanks for your help in these times.

2020 to February

29

2020 Budget %

Pledge Receipts $20,491 $120,544 17.0%

Total Income(w/o Steeple & Unbudgeted Reserves)

$35,395 $175,044 20.2%

Expenses $35,816 $208,302 17.2%

Difference $(61) $(33,258) 0.2%

3

Ordained/Installed on March 1, 2020

Elder Class of 2021 Alan Ford, Eileen Kwasnick & DeeJee Youngs Deacon Class of 2021 Holly McDonald & Priscilla Wallace

NEW ELDERS AND DEACONS

The PNC continues to review and

consider the myriad applications that

are received from national and inter-

national applicants. While they can

hold discussions by phone with pro-

spective candidates, any in person in-

terviews are postponed. Please con-

tinue to pray for them as they prayer-

fully discern God’s will.

SESSION REORGANIZATION

1. Generosity and Resources (Stewardship, Per-sonnel and Building & Grounds) Alan Ford, Chair; DeeJee Youngs Co-Chair; Ginny Straub, Elder serving.

2. Mission Outreach and Education Terri Acocella, Chair; Dave Bieler, Co-Chair; Eileen Kwasnick, Elder serving.

3. Worship, Welcome and Connection Rick Lan-dolfi, Chair; Eleanor Buerstetta and Judi Schick, Elders serving.

SESSION UPDATE The next session meeting will be held on

April 19th. All on-site activities are suspended until further notice.

Virtual Fellowship Hour being considered.

4

Greetings and Peace!

We are living in a unique and unprecedented time. Certainly, none of us has walked this road nor even

seen it before.

This situation with the coronavirus is changing so rapidly, our ears are glued to news updates through-

out the day. The New York/New Jersey area, where I live, is now the new epicenter of COVID-19 cases

in the US, and the situation evolves almost hourly. Currently, we are under curfews, and restaurants are

allowed to operate only on a delivery and take-out basis. In the next few days, we may be in the same

“shelter in place” situation as San Francisco and many counties in northern California.

The effect of the coronavirus pandemic is hardly one-dimensional. It impacts multiple aspects of our dai-

ly lives. Any slight change in our body makes us suspicious of ourselves being infected by the virus.

Then where do we go to get tested? Even if we are healthy, can we rearrange our daily lives so our

homes function as our workplaces and schools for our children? Many cannot bring their work home—

waitresses, hairdressers, bank tellers, postal workers. In the midst of drastic adjustments to life during a

pandemic, many are at risk of losing income and/or their jobs. Closures, cancellations, quarantines and

curfews bring not only economic consequences, but also anxiety and fear.

In the midst of this crisis and confusion, we can only cling to God for clear minds and hope. We hope in

God, because God loved us first, and God is faithful to us.

Let us pray for calm and open hearts to others. COVID-19 is not going to stop us from loving God, our

neighbors and ourselves. This coronavirus is not a Chinese virus or Kung Fu virus, and moreover, Asian

people are not the virus. But in a time of fear, we are quick to find scapegoats or become nonsensical.

An epidemic/crisis puts a mirror on society, revealing strengths and weaknesses. I think it also puts a

mirror to our faith.

Our mission and commitment to work for justice, peace and inclusion don’t stop because of coronavirus.

We continue to name injustice when we see it and work to right it. We all need a little more courage in

difficult times.

The image of an unnamed woman in the Gospel of Luke who had been bleeding for 12 years (8:43–48)

comes to mind. If we can only touch the fringe of Jesus’ clothes to stop the spread of the virus as it

stopped the bleeding for her!

Let us remember each other in prayer and reach out to one another. We may be practicing social dis-

tancing and sometimes feel isolated. But we are not alone. You are not alone. “Be strong and coura-

geous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Jos.

1:9). Emmanuel, God is with us even in the midst of crisis. May the mercy of God surround us all.

In faith and love,

JyungIn (Jenny) Lee

Moderator for Presbyterian Women in the PC(USA), Inc.

5

SESSION VOTED TO SUSPEND ALL ON-SITE CHURCH FUNCTIONS AND ACTIVITIES IN KEEPING WITH THE

STATE GUIDELINES REGARDING COVID-19.

However: Sunday worship services as well as Holy Week services, will be live streamed . Mark Fresolone and Pastor Dave have headed a team of worshipers who have worked to make this possible. Go to bethlehempc.org — for log on instructions.

To help keep the viewers connected, interactive chats are available during Passing the Peace and the Prayers of the People. Viewers are also en-couraged to sing the hymns of the day to the music provided by our Music Director.

Services are viewable at your leisure on our Facebook page/videos. Stay tuned for further updates.

A. Practice Social Distancing

B. Clean hands frequently with soap or hand sani-tizer.

C. If you have symptoms, contact your physician before going for emergency care.

D. Keep essential medication prescriptions filled.

E. Have fever reducing medication and cough syrup on hand.

F. Sanitize common areas and frequently used items in your home.

G. Sanitize reusable grocery bags after empting.

H. Do your laundry often.

I. Sanitize your car steering wheel.

J. When in doubt, wear mask and gloves.

K. Keep in touch with your family and friends.

The Deacons delivered 57 pounds of non-perishable food

items that had been collected at church, to the

Open Cupboard Food Pantry in Clinton

located at 37 Old Highway 22

At this time there is an increased need to support food pantries any-where, any way you can. Open Cupboard hours to give and receive food are 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Tuesday through Saturday, Thursday and Friday evenings from 4:30-7:00. To limit the spread of the Coronavirus the Open Cupboard Thrift Shop has temporarily suspended sales or donations.

You are warmly invited to join the online Wednesday Bible and Spiritual Study beginning April 1st. at 1:00 p.m.

Join Zoom Meeting via computer: https://zoom.us/j/520491667

Meeting ID: 520 491 667 Check the website for additional instructions for using

your smart phone.

All are welcome, including newcomers, even if you haven't started the book or don’t have it. This spiritual time is a special time of support, encouragement and fellowship.

6

Bethlehem Presbyterian Women

COMING SOON

MAY—PULLED PORK DINNER

JUNE—FLAG DAY SING-A-LONG

SEPTEMBER—BPW COFFEE HOUR

OCTOBER—FALL SOUP SALE

NOVEMBER—PULED PORK DINNER

DECEMBER—COOKIE SALE

THE BPW ON SITE ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN

SUSPENDED. WE HOPE YOU WILL

HAVE YOUR EGG DYEING AND

EGG HUNT AT HOME

BPW ST. PATRICK’S DAY ACTIVITIES

The BPW provided decorations and

refreshments for the First Friday Com-

muniy Night in March. In addition to

the festive décor, the refreshments

included many Irish favorites.

The St. Patrick’s Day Sing-a-long was

cancelled for Country Arch Care center

this year. Country Arch took the pre-

caution of closing the care center to

visitors in light of the Covid-19 virus

concern.

The Family Promise Project Before all activity was suspended, the BPW voted to initiate the Family Promise Project. This project asked donors to bring personal care items to the collection point at the church. We are asking that our generous donors keep your donations at home until such time that we can collect them and forward them to Family Promise. We are asking for personal care items such as: diapers, baby wipes. toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, combs, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, bar soap and socks.

7

MUSIC, COMEDY, GAMES, AND MORE! 7:00 PM

FIRST FRIDAY COMMUNITY NIGHT AT BETHLEHEM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

While physical gatherings are on ice, keep an eye on First Friday Community Night, as we consider “virtual events”. If you have stories, songs, history, poetry and the like that you would be willing to perform in a virtual space, write to FirstFridayOfHunterdon@gmail.com. Until then, Be safe, everyone!

March's “St. Patty’s Day” First Friday exceeded all expectations! Yes, the shamrocks were on display, and tasty delicacies were on

the refreshments table, but what a night of entertainment! Rhonda Witwer emceed, showing off the natural skills one might expect

of an experienced storyteller/historian. Featured Artist Thomas Johnston delighted the audience with not only traditional, classic

and rebel Irish songs, but numbers and stories stretching from his early days of songwriting to his upcoming CD! It was a reminder

of the amazing range of this First Friday favorite son! Thomas provided some history himself, with the amazing tale of a tall ship

named the “Jeanie Johnston" that made 16 runs during the famine of the late 1840’s. Amazingly, there was not one casualty during

its emigration voyages, yet the ship sunk just six months after transitioning to freight. Thomas visited a replica of the Jeanie during a

visit to Ireland with scenes he’s immortalized in song.

During the first hour, a banner number of performers/ensembles took the stage! A men’s quartet, joined for the first time by a mem-

ber of First United Methodist of Westfield, sang the modern, yet medieval sounding a cappella piece, “Ube Caritas”. They were fol-

lowed by the unique style of budding father/daughter duo Dennis and Jackie Ward. As their set ended, Jack Johnson joined them

for an impromptu - and startling - rendition of Amazing Grace to the tune of House of the Rising Sun. Ray Schick then took the

stage with heartfelt and clear voiced numbers, adding to our emotional roller coaster ride. History returned to the stage, as Nancy

Asbury told of the startling personal revelations she had during a vacation in the UK this year. Not only does Nancy have a rich

Presbyterian ancestry, but it appears there may have been Catholics as well! Episodes such as journeys to the highlands were ac-

companied by rare performances on the flute.

Nancy’s journey was a good transition to another rare treat. Many of us at Bethlehem Presbyterian have heard stories of Mike

Young performing the Irish classic “Seven Drunken Nights” at St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Well, it turns out that “performing”, not

“singing" is the right word, as a full table of props, and Mike dressed in quaint countryside regalia materialized to bring this hilarious

tale to life!! Mike played all roles, as we were treated to any number of the Seven Nights - at least as many as could be performed in

a church building!

The surprises weren’t over yet, as a popular First Friday guest and headliner Andrew Dunn walked in. As did Thomas Johnston,

Andrew wrote a tribute for his performance at the Sutherland Springs benefit concert a couple years back. Andrew's virtuosity and

storytelling— including a song about a drive-through funeral that weeks later, sounds like a practical idea — brought us into a lively

refreshment break before Thomas took the spotlight.

8

RARITAN RIVER MUSIC FESTIVAL CONCERT

MAY 9, 2020 AT BETHLEHEM PRESBYTERIAN

CHURCH

The 7th Annual “Cemetery Meet & Greet” Saturday, April 25th, 2020

10:30—2 PM Sponsored by

The Hunterdon County Historical Society

Welcome by Janice Ko-vach, Mayor of Clinton Keynote ad- dress to be given by

Dr. Joseph Adelman. Author of

April 5th—Palm Sunday 9:30 AM Service Live Streamed Fish Banks - Hold at home

April 9th—Maundy Thursday 7:30 PM Service and Communion* Live Streamed

April 10th—Good Friday 7:30 PM Tenebrae Service Live Streamed

April 12th—Easter Sunday, One service 9:30 AM Traditional Service Live Streamed

You may participate in communion with your own elements or partake spiritually with the community of faith.

VIRTUAL SANCTUARY

DECORATED FOR EASTER

Please consider donating the Easter Flower order money to one of the ongoing projects of the church. Thanks!!

Looking forward to

seeing everyone when

the mandates are lifted!

HOLY WEEK WORSHIP SCHEDULE FLOWERING THE CROSS

Celebrating Resurrection

The cross is up and will be decorated for Easter Sunday.

Should you be out (and following the Covid-19 mandates), take a glance if you drive by. We pray your day will be brightened by this wonderful symbol of hope.

First Friday Community Night April 3rd

Has been put ON HOLD. Look for new dates.

POSTPONED

9

APRIL 2020

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATUR-

DAY

1 12:00PM Bible and Spiritual Study online

6:30PM Men’s Group Practice

2 10:30 AM BPW Meeting 11:15AM Gentle Exer-cise 1:30PM Chancel Choir

3 7:30 PM First Friday Community Night with

4

5 9:30AM Worship online

COMMUNION SUNDAY

6 7:00PM Boy Scouts 7:30PM Bell Choir

7 8:00 PM AA Meeting

8 12:00PM Bible and Spiritual Study online 6:30PM Men’s Group Practice

9 7:30pm online wor-ship and communion

10

GOOD FRIDAY 7:30pm online worship

11

12 9:30AM Worship online

13 3:00PM Adult Bible Study

7:00PM Boy Scouts

7:30PM Bell Choir

14 2:00 PM Country Arch Sing-a-Long

8:00 PM AA Meeting

15 12:00PM Bible and Spiritual Study online

6:30PM Men’s Group Practice

16 11:15AM Gentle Exer-cise 1:30PM Chancel Choir

17

12:00PM AA Meeting

18

19 9:30AM Worship online 10:30AM Fellowship 10:45AM Learning with Loretta 11:00 AM Session

20

7:00PM Boy Scouts

7:30PM Bell Choir

21 8:00 PM AA Meeting

22 12:00PM Bible and Spiritual Study online 6:30PM Men’s Group Practice

23 11:15AM Gentle Exer-cise 1:30PM Chancel Choir 5:00 PM Dream Din-ner at Central High School

24

12:00PM AA Meeting

25

26 9:30AM Worship online 10:30AM Fellowship 10:45AM Learning with Loretta

27 11:00 AM Union town-ship Seniors 3:00 PM Adult Bible Study 7:00PM Boy Scouts

7:30PM Bell Choir

28 8:00PM AA Meeting

29 12:00PM Bible and Spiritual Study online 6:30PM Men’s Group Practice

30 11:15AM Gentle Exer-cise 1:30PM Chancel Choir

April 5—Palm Sunday April 9—Maundy Thursday April 10—Good Friday April 12—Easter Sunday

April 19—Session

ALL ONSITE CALENDAR ACTIVIES HAVE BEEN SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. KEEP THE BELOW ACTIVITIES IN MIND AS WE LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING IN PERSON!

10

BETHLEHEM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

2 Race Street Pittstown, NJ 08867

Be a community of faithful believers who love the Lord Jesus

Christ and endeavor to live our lives as examples of that love.

Live with deep commitment to serving those in need in our

community and throughout the world by generously sharing

our time, talents and resources.

Glorify God and grow in our faith through: uplifting worship,

generous fellowship, and enthusiastic learning inspired by

scripture. Warmly welcome others to join us in our faith jour-

ney.

MISSION STATEMENT

Phone: (908) -735-5733

Email: bpchurchnj@gmail.com FAX: (908)-735-4312

Website: www.bethlehempc.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/

bethlehempc

Rev. David Widmer Interim Pastor

Helene Cantilina, Director of Music Alan Ford, Treasurer

THE BETHLEHEM STAR is a publication of the Bethlehem Presbyterian Church. For this edition the writers include Pastor Dave, Al Ford, Marilyn Ford, Mark Fresolone, and Bebe Sellers; photography by Marilyn Ford, Bebe Sellers, Ann Widmer and Rhonda Witwer; editing by Marilyn Ford; typing and layout by Bebe Sellers.

THE Bethlehem star

JOIN US F0R SUNDAY WORSHIP AT 9:30 am

On-Site Activities

TEMPORARILY

Suspended

Visit www.bethlehempc.org for online worship information