March Newsletter - First Presbyterian Church of Newton

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First Presbyterian Church of Newton
March 2015
From the Pastor
Dear Friends:
Ash Wednesday came early this year and with it
came the arrival of the season of Lent. We
shared a service with our friends at the Methodist Church here in town. The service included
communion and also the imposition of ashes.
Worship has a capacity to lift us out of our solo
cruise around our own little world so that we can
see a larger picture, a more varied landscape than
we ever imagined. Remembering what God has
done for us in Christ Jesus can renew us and free
us from our captivity to our past or to the narrow
view of our present or our presumed future.
If you have found that regular worship has become less of a priority in your life, you might want
to reconsider and use the season of Lent as a way
of getting back on track.
“Imposition” is one of those technical terms used
to describe the placing of ashes on the forehead
or the hand. Often the word is
used to describe something
“If you have found that
that is put upon us like an imregular worship has
posed tax or an added burden.
become less of a priority
Sometimes we apologize for
in your life, you might
something we are about to ask
want to reconsider and
someone to do by saying, “I
hope this isn’t an imposition on use the season of Lent as
your time.”
a way of getting back on
track.”
When it comes to Ash Wednesday, “imposition” might be a good word to describe
this act after all. Worship, in general, and Ash
Wednesday, in particular, is an imposition on us.
It is an added burden to our daily schedule and
routine. But the burden of worship is also a
source of its blessing in our lives. It is important
to remember that we are more than just the sum
of our accomplishments. It is good to recall the
words of the Ash Wednesday liturgy: “Remember
you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
So often we allow our own agendas, needs, wants
and desires to crowd out any thoughts of the
needs of others or the purposes of God. We
quickly slide into a sea of self-indulgence with
frequent side trips to the islands of selfabsorption and self-pity.
Throughout this year of worship
you will hear the breadth of the
gospel message of good news and
hope. You will be challenged by
things you had been unaware of in
the past. You may even sense
some urgency and a tug upon you
to consider ways you might be of
service to others.
The stain of the ashes on Ash Wednesday lingers
throughout the season of Lent and throughout our
lives whether or not we chose to have them imposed on us at the Ash Wednesday service. They
are the flip side of the water of our baptism.
Just as we walk through life “wet” because of
God’s claim upon us in baptism, we also walk
through life marked with ashes.
May the reminder of God’s presence and powerful
plan to save us keep us humble and thankful, focused on God and better able to view ourselves
and those around us.
I hope it isn’t an imposition to say: “See you in
church!”
Faithfully yours,
Pastor David
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Anniversaries
3/20 Mary Lou & William Holterman
3/24 Dewey & Dorothy Budd
Birthdays
3/7
June Whitworth
3/24 Marissa McGauley
3/9
Sally Norman
3/10
Alex Armstrong
3/11
Edward Snook
Daniel Celentano
3/14
Dorothy Tonking
Leah Fletcher
3/16
Ron Hoffman
Crystal Knight
3/21
Seth Gormley
Births
Shirley Smith
3/25 Steve Carson
Grace Eliana Marthens,
born January 27, 2015 to
Kimber Leigh and Rick Marthens.
Congratulations!
3/26 Hunter Rutan
3/22 Frank Abruzzo
3/27 Doris Wood
3/23 Larry Lengle
3/28 Garfield Jones
Dorothy Smalley
March 1st
Bob Gerdes, Betsy Towle,
Jackie & Dirk Kelly, Larry Lengle
March Greeter/Usher Schedule
Food for the month:
Pasta & Sauce
March 1
March 8
March 15
March 22
March 29
The Hough Family
Bev & Ernie Jones
Dirk & Jackie Kelly
John & Carol Riggs
Betsy Towle & Tim Voss
Call Betsy Towle if you cannot be here on your Sunday.
(973) 383-8098 (H) or 973-670-9058 (C)
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Holy Week Activities:
Seder Supper: On Maundy Thursday, April 2nd, we will gather around tables in the Fellowship Hall for a
special remembrance of Passover and the Last Supper. The evening will include a covered dish supper and
Holy Communion. Everything starts at 6pm. There will be a sign-up sheet for planning purposes.
Tenebrae Service: On Good Friday, April 3rd, we will have a service in our sanctuary beginning at 8pm.
The service will include scripture readings and the gradual extinguishing of the lights to symbolize Christ’s
crucifixion, death, and burial. If you have not experienced a Tenebrae service (Tenebrae means “shadows”)
we hope you might consider including this service as part of your Holy Week observance this year.
New Weekday Study Opportunity
One of many new discoveries I made while attending the conference for Christian Educators last month was an internet-based adult study called “The Wired Word”. It comes out each week with a featured news story linked to Scripture and discussion questions. Its readily accessible format and its thoughtful treatment of timely issues in light of
timeless truths captured my imagination.
I am offering it as a Lenten study. It began on Ash Wednesday, from 10-11:00 a.m. and will continue each week at
that time. The weekly lessons will be sent ahead of time via email or available in print copy here at church for all
who are interested in this study option. You can opt in or opt out as needed since each week’s topic stands alone.
Need child care? Let’s talk! Other questions? Give me a call! Pastor David
LENTEN SPIRITUALITY CENTER:- Stop by the choir room (directly
across from the adult study room) during Lent (February 22nd – March
29th) and spend time drawing near to God. There are 6 self-directed
centers available to help foster spirituality in a variety of ways including
creative prayer stations, reflections on readings, and artistic expressions of
faith. The center will be available specifically on Sunday, but also anytime
the church is open. No one needs to walk you through, simply follow the
instructions set up at each station…or adapt them to fit your ability. No
matter your age – all are welcome and invited to join in!
Newton Presbytery Meeting
The March meeting of the Presbytery will be on the 10th at 4:00 p.m. at the Chatham Township Presbyterian Church.
Issues of common interest and concern for the Presbyterian churches of Sussex, Morris, Warren and parts of
Hunterdon Counties will be addressed at the meeting. Presbytery meetings are open to all and include a delicious
dinner. For more information check out the presbytery website at: www.newtonpresbytery.org
Sunday Adult Study Opportunities
Each Sunday there is a Bible Study during the 9 o’clock hour. It meets in the Adult Study room which is
located on the Church Office side of the building. Jane MacDonald facilitates this forum.
On most Sunday evenings there is a Bible Study that meets from 6-8pm. It begins with
a meal at 6, followed by the study at 6:30. The winter/spring study is looking at the
letters of St. Paul. We are focusing on Galatians for the next several weeks.
Pastor David is the facilitator for this study.
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STEWARDSHIP 2015
Last fall, as part of the Stewardship Campaign, we looked at a basket of apples as an image of an
abundant harvest of blessings. We share our blessings with a consistent presence for mission and
outreach, as a home for community-valued service agencies, and as a sanctuary for all to experience
God’s presence in worship, study and service.
In the middle of this very cold and snowy winter, it is hard to think of the great apples of the fall – yet
winter is the time that the buds are set to blossom and fruit. The orchard may look dormant, but there is a
lot going on, just underneath the surface.
Maybe we are like that – it doesn’t look like much is happening, but it is. This is a good time to draw
together in community – to enrich our spiritual life in study and prayer, to break bread together, to read the
Lenten Devotional that is available, to spend some time in the Spirituality Center, to join with others in a
service project, whether to cook and serve at Manna House, or to pack meals with the Presbytery in
Chester on May 2nd.
Let’s look for opportunities to be together like the apple trees – as we do so, just think of what might come
to fruition!
Spring Rummage Sale – Saturday, April 18th, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Start saving
your donations of gently used clothing, shoes, linens, toys, books, housewares and
even furniture for the Spring Rummage Sale. Donations can be dropped off in
Fellowship Hall beginning April 12th.
Family Promise of Sussex County
17th Annual Dinner Auction
To Benefit
Homeless Families in Sussex County
North Warren Regional High School, Blairstown.
March 20-21 at 7:30 pm,
March 22 at 3pm,
March 27-28 at 7:30 pm.
Tickets at the door.
Sarah Cohea Music Director.
Saturday, March 28th, 2015 - 6:00 pm
Lake Mohawk Country Club
21 the Boardwalk, Sparta
$65 Ticket
Silent and Live Auction, Raffle
For further information or to purchase tickets
please contact Family Promise at 973-579-1180
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Palm Sunday Passion Story
As we have done for the past
several years, our Palm Sunday
service will include the reading of
the entire Passion story. There
are parts for individual readers
and the congregation is the
“crowd”. If you would like to take
Faure Requiém
The Unity Choir, under the direction of Henry Repp,
will be presenting a concert of sacred music
including The Requiem of Gabriel Faure on
Palm Sunday, March 29th at 4:00 p.m. at
the First United Methodist Church,
111 Ryerson Ave., Newton.
Pastor David will be the bass soloist.
The concert is free and open to all.
part in this story presentation,
please let Pastor David know.
Manna House Pasta Dinner Benefit
Tuesday, March 17, 5-6:30 pm
Fellowship Hall
Spaghetti, Salad, Bread, & Dessert
Tickets are $5 for an adult,
$3 for children 5-12 years
& free for children under 3.
The "Youth Handbell Ringers" will be practicing after
Sunday School at 10:00-10:20 beginning on March
15th. If you are in K-5th grade and would like to
play handbells, then please join us! The group will
continue to practice each Sunday and plan to play in
in the 10:30 service at the end of April. We will not
practice on Palm Sunday or Easter.
Looking forward to seeing you all there!
Mindy Kline
One Great Hour of Sharing – During Lent our children and youth will be collecting coins in their fish banks for
One Great Hour of Sharing. A gift to One Great Hour of Sharing is a gift of hope. Our gifts allow
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance to restore communities around the world affected by natural and humancaused disasters. Our generosity helps the Presbyterian Hunger Program work with Presbyterians and
other partners to alleviate hunger and eliminate its causes in this country and internationally. Our sharing
makes it possible for Self-Development of People to affirm the dignity of all by assisting in the empowerment
of economically poor, oppressed, and disadvantaged people. Encourage your children to give a portion of
their allowance to One Great Hour of Sharing, or allow them to earn extra money by doing additional chores
around the house and place those coins in their fish bank. Children are asked to place coins in the bank
throughout Lent. The banks will be collected and dedicated on Palm Sunday, March 29th . If you want a
bank for your One Great Hour of Sharing donation, pick one up in the parlor or in the church office.
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Afghans and Quilts Needed
Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser – The youth group
will be holding their annual Pancake Breakfast
fundraiser on Sunday, March 29th from 8 am to
noon in Fellowship Hall. Breakfast includes hot
fluffy pancakes, sausage, orange juice, and coffee,
tea or hot chocolate. A gluten free option is
available. Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for children 3
to 12 years and can be purchased at the door.
Children under 3 are free. Enjoy a hot breakfast
before or after Sunday School or worship and
support the youth group at the same time.
Proceeds from the breakfast will help to offset the
youth mission trip to Wintersville, Ohio in July.
This summer FPC’s young people will be going off on a
mission trip and will be helping people repair their homes. It
has been our custom for the last couple of years to send
handmade afghans and quilts with them to give as a gift from
our church. So we are reaching out to our congregation
again to put the talent they may have to work and make a
quilt or afghan (knitted or crocheted),
and would ask that the size be at least 36” x 48”.
If this is something you can help with,
please let Doris Christians know.
Veritas Christian Academy will present
an all-student production of
Annie The Musical
at the Sparta Evangelical Free Church
on April 24 and 25.
This is a classic show that you will not want to miss!
The show on Friday, April 24, will begin at 7:00 pm.
Show times for Saturday, April 25, are 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm.
Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door
and may be reserved by contacting our school office at
973-579-6333 or vcaoffice@veritasnj.org.
Sweetheart Dinner Thank You!
Gertrude Hawk Chocolates Sale –
Just in time for Easter!
The youth group is selling Gertrude Hawk
Chocolates to help raise money for their summer
mission trip to Wintersville, OH. Pick up a brochure
in the church office or parlor and check out the
delicious selection for this year. Bring it to work,
share it with your family and neighbors. We
wouldn’t want them to miss out on this opportunity!
Orders are due in by March 6th to insure delivery
before Easter. For more information call the church
office at 973-383-4420 or reach us by email at
admin@fpcnewtonnj.org
Thank you to all who supported the youth group at the
annual Sweetheart Dinner. We hope you had a wonderful
evening! A big thank you to Laurie Armstrong, Shannon
Duffy and Sally Norman for their help prepping, cooking
and/or serving the meal. To Carol Aumick for the
donation of the delicious carrot cake and cheesecakes.
To Carol Boylan for her donations of various food items,
to Tim Voss and Tri-State Rental for allowing us to borrow
glassware and flatware, to Christine Whitworth and John
Boylan for decorating the room so beautifully, to all who
helped with cleanup, and to all who purchased tickets for
the dinner. The youth group raised over $1100 for their
summer mission trip to Wintersville, Ohio.
Special thanks to Colleen Duffy for organizing, recruiting,
cooking and all-around “do-ing” what needed to be done
to make this event such a success.
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2015 Easter Flowers
If you wish to have an Easter flower in the sanctuary, we will be ordering them as a church. Please indicate the quantity and the total
dollar amount for each flower. Thank you!
Size
Mini Daffodils
Unit Cost
Quantity
Total
4.5” pot
$3.25
_______
_______
6” pot
$6.00
_______
_______
Hyacinths 1 bulbs
4.5” pot
$3.25
_______
_______
Hyacinths 3 bulbs
6” pot
$6.00
_______
_______
Tulips 4 bulbs
4” pot
$3.25
_______
_______
Tulips 6 bulbs
6” pot
$6.00
_______
_______
Easter Lily
6” pot
$8.00
_______
_______
Calla Lily
6” pot
$13.00
_______
_______
Total Dollar Amount:
$________
Daffodils 5 bulbs
Orders need to be in to the church office no later than Sunday, March 22.
Dedication should read (please print):
________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Name:___________________________________________
Phone #__________________________________________
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Empty Bowls Thank You!!! – A big thank you to all who supported the Empty Bowls program by
either making a beautiful handcrafted bowl or by purchasing one on Super Bowl Sunday. We raised
$1000.00 for the Manna House soup kitchen. On that same date the youth group collected $140 for
the Souper Bowl of Caring. These monies will also go to support Manna House. Thank you to Jane
MacDonald, Carol Boylan, Linda Zwart, Carol Aumick and Colleen Duffy for donating the pots of
delicious soup that filled our bowls.
Just some of the beautiful handcrafted bowls.
The Sunday School children are learning to be good stewards of God’s great earth with a recycling
program through Terra Cycle. TerraCycle is on a mission to eliminate the idea of waste. They do
this by creating waste collection programs (each one is called a “Brigade”) for previously nonrecyclable, or difficult-to-recycle, waste. The collected waste is then converted into new products,
ranging from recycled park benches to upcycled backpacks. Terra Cycle has partnered with
Colgate on the Colgate Oral Care Brigade
The Colgate Oral Care Brigade accepts the following items:




Toothpaste tubes and caps
Toothbrushes
Toothbrush and toothpaste tube outer packaging
Floss container
Just place your donation in the large toothpaste container located in the church parlor. For more information about
Terra Cycle check out their webpage at www.terracycle.com
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1
4 - 9:00 pm Samaritan
Inn Couponing
8
4:30 pm Confirm Class
23
5:30 - 9:00 Basketball
30
5:30 - 9:00 Basketball
4:30 pm Confirmation
Class
29
Pancake Breakfast
5:30 - 9:00 Basketball
7 pm Jubilee Women
22
Newsletter Deadline
15
16
9
Family Promise Hosting
Ends
Daylight Savings
Time Ends
5:30 - 9:00 Basketball
7 pm Dis. & Nurture
7pm Manna Hs Brd
7pm Finance & Facility
11:30 am Deacons
Mon
Sun
5
Thu
5:30 - 9:00 Basketball
5:30 - 9:30 Literacy NJ
7 pm Bell Choir
6:30 - 9:30 pm SCYO
10 -11 Wired Word
31
5:30 - 9:00 Basketball
25
10 -11 Wired Word
5:30 - 9:00 Basketball
5:30 - 9:30 Literacy NJ
7 pm Bell Choir
18
24
5-6:30 pm Manna
House Pasta Dinner
Benefit
10 -11 Wired Word
17
5:30 - 9:00 Basketball
26
5:30 - 9:00 Basketball
19
5:30 - 9:30 pm Literacy FPCN Serves @
NJ
Manna House
7 pm Session
7 pm Bell Choir
5:30 - 9:00 Basketball
12
11
10 -11 Wired Word
1 - 3:00 pm Literacy NJ
Board Mtg
5:30 - 9:00 Basketball
5:30 - 9:00 Basketball
5:30 - 9:30 pm Literacy 5:30 - 9:00 Basketball
NJ
7 pm Bell Choir
4
Wed
10
5:30 - 9:00 Basketball
7:00 pm PW
Coordinating Team Mtg.
10 -11 Wired Word
3
Tue
March 2015
8-10 am Basketball
11-1pm BOL
28
8-10 am Basketball
11-1pm BOL
21
8-10 am Basketball
11-1pm BOL
14
8-10 am Basketball
11-1pm BOL
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Sat
9:00 am Sunday School
9:00 am Worship (Chapel)
9:15 Adult Study Group
10:30 am Worship (Sanctuary)
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Youth Group
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Bible Study
Regular Sunday Schedule
1 - 3:00 pm Quilting
Workshop
27
1 - 3:00 pm Quilting
Workshop
5:30 - 9:00 Basketball
20
5:30 - 9:00 Basketball
13
5:30 - 9:00 Basketball
6
Fri
Items in italics are outside organizations using the church facilities
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First Presbyterian Church of Newton
54 High St., Newton, N.J. 07860
Phone: 973-383-4420
E-mail: admin@fpcnewtonnj.org
Web site — www.fpcnewtonnj.org
Reverend David Young, Pastor
2015
RU LING ELDERS & D EA CONS OF F IRS T P RES BY T ERIA N
Ruling Elders
Deacons
Class 2015
Class 2016
Class 2017
Gerald Chandler
Ed Caffrey
Robert Gerdes
Eileen DelBagno
Doris Christians
Betsy Hall
Cindi Gaechter
Dirk Kelly
Robyn Meehan
Linda Zwart
Terry VanAuken
Carol Weaver
Shirley Smith
Susanne Gerdes
Cindy Fogg
Scott Hoffman
Nancy Lange
Gloria Hehn
Nancy Smith
Judy Prendergast
Sue Hough
Wendy Celentano
Betsy Towle
Tara Walsh

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