Men of St. Paul S

JANUARY Monday, 19th Martin Luther King Holiday Thursday, 1st Church Office Closed

Happy New Year! st Church Office Closed Wednesday, 21 1:00 pm Adult Bible Study Saturday, 3rd 7:30 pm Confirmation Class 9:00 am Praise Team Rehearsal Thursday, 22nd Sunday, 4th 7:30 pm Choir Rehearsal

8:00 am Praise Team Rehearsal th 10:00 am Worship Service/Communion Saturday, 24 Sunday School 9:00 am Praise Team Rehearsal

11:30-noon Children’s Choir th 1:30 pm Elijah’s Promise Sunday, 25 6:00-8:00 pm Junior & Senior Youth Groups 8:00 am Praise Team Rehearsal 9:15 am Choir Rehearsal Wednesday, 7th 10:00 am Worship Service 6:30 pm Men of St. Paul’s Sunday School 7:30 pm Confirmation Class 11:30-noon Children’s Choir

th Thursday, 8th Monday, 26 7:30 pm Choir Rehearsal 7:30 pm Ministry Teams ****COMMITTEE REPORTS DUE FOR Saturday, 10th ANNUAL REPORT**** 9:00 am Praise Team Rehearsal Wednesday, 28th Sunday, 11th 1:00 pm Adult Bible Study 8:00 am Praise Team Rehearsal 7:30 pm Confirmation Class

10:00 am Worship Service th Ordination/Installation Consistory Thursday, 29 Sunday School 7:30 pm Choir Rehearsal 11:30-noon Children’s Choir Saturday, 31st Monday, 12th 9:00 am Praise Team Rehearsal 7:30 pm Consistory

Wednesday, 14th 1:00 pm Adult Bible Study 7:30 pm Confirmation Class

Thursday, 15th 7:30 pm Choir Rehearsal ****TIDINGS DEADLINE****

Saturday, 17th 9:00 am Praise Team Rehearsal

Sunday, 18th 8:00 am Praise Team Rehearsal 9:15 am Choir Rehearsal 10:00 am Worship Service 11:30-noon Children’s Choir 6:00-8:00 pm Junior & Senior Youth Groups JANUARY 2015 Deut. 6:6-7 "Never forget these Greetings: commands that I am giving you. Teach What are the parameters in your life? them to your children." For years we have been a permissive He says two things: remember them and society where basically anything goes and teach them. Do your kids know the Ten now we're reaping the results. Commandments? How many of you would Every 30 seconds there is a divorce in say, I try to live by the Ten America. Every fourth child born in Commandments? Most of you, if not all of America is born to an unwed mother. you, would raise your hand. What if I said, AIDS is an epidemic. name them. How can you live by them if Everybody says we need to get back to you can't name them? family values but nobody is defining them. God has lined up the universe by Newsweek had an article, "Whose universal laws. There are certain physical Values?" Whose family values? -- because laws that the universe operates by like the there are a lot of different kinds of families. law of gravity. If you ignore it you only When you look at television whose hurt yourself. You have to cooperate with family values are you going to follow? the it. If you jump out a ten story window, and Simpsons? the Cosbys? the Waltons? you ignore the law of gravity, you don't People say, "We've got to get back to break God's laws they break you. Likewise traditional family values.” You've got to go there are spiritual laws. God says these are back a whole lot further than Ozzie and tracks by which to run on. Harriet to get to that. God gave us the 10 commandments not Thousands of years ago God gave 10 to hurt us but to help us. Not to hamper us values for family living, God's Big Ten. but to release us. Not to punish us but to They're called The Ten Commandments. protect us. When I told Adam or Gregory, They are not the ten suggestions. They're "Don't touch the hot stove”. Did I do it for not optional. They are not values that are their good or for my good? I did it for fads that are going to last only as long as theirs. the next decade. Every time God says, "Don't" in the These values are the bedrock of western Bible it's always for a positive purpose. civilization. They are the foundation on Always. The negatives that God gives are which our entire judicial and law system always for your own benefit. If you ignore has been built. The Ten Commandments them, they are to your own hurt. are about the only thing that Jews, God says, you do these things and Moslems and Christians will agree on. All things will go fine in your life. We need to three religions accept the Ten know what's right and what's wrong. Commandments as the commandments I look forward to seeing you in worship from God. in 2015 as we continue to seek to the Christ I am really excited to announce that on so our lives can be transformed by His January 4th I will begin a series of sermons Word and Spirit. on the 10 commandments. We're going to look at them and how they can make a In Christ, difference in your family and why God gave them.

WORSHIP PRAYER of the MONTH 4 Communion Since the message of the angels to the Deut. 6:6-7a, Exodus 20 shepherds was, peace on earth… Let us The Foundation for a Strong Family pray for peace. Lord, make me an instrument of your 11 Ordination & Installation peace: of Consistory where there is hatred, let me sow love Deut. 4:15-16, Exodus 20:4-5 where there is injury, pardon; Accept No Substitutes where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; 18 where there is darkness, light; Isa. 29:13, Exodus 20:7 where there is sadness, joy. Taking God Seriously Good Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled 25 as to console, Rom. 14:5-6, Exodus 20:8-9 to be understood as to understand, God’s Word to Workaholics to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in dying The Exodus from Egypt: Moses that we are born to eternal life. Amen. and God's Mercy Lace up your sandals for a 12-lesson learning expedition! Tackling one of the COMMUNION OFFERING most beloved Bible stories, The Exodus. January’s communion offering will be We will take an in-depth look at this given to FISH Hospitality. The mission of tumultuous time for the ancient Israelites, the FISH Hospitality Program (FHP) is to revealing its historical significance. You'll serve homeless families and single women connect with Moses, Aaron, Jacob, and by providing shelter and meals, and such Caleb; and explore major themes of service other assistance as we are able, in order to to God, and justice vs. mercy. give them a new opportunity to live This study begins Wed. Jan. 14th at 1pm in independently in their communities as the confirmation room. respected families and individuals. FHP does assist and enable our guests to obtain housing, jobs, medical services, and other assistance to which they are entitled, as far MEN OF ST. PAUL’S as resources allow. FHP serves people in All men of St. Paul’s church family are need without regard to race, religion, invited to join us on Wednesday, national origin, or disability. January 7 at 6:30pm for supper and fellowship. SUNDAY SCHOOL Jr. YOUTH GROUP JANUARY’S SCHEDULE: Junior Youth Group for youth 4th-6th grade. 4th - Prayer-Why Pray? th How Should We Pray? Sunday, January 4 6 to 8 p.m. 11th - Prayer - The Purpose of Prayer Devotion & Letter to Ronnie: Alyson Pearce 18th - The Miracles of Jesus Theme: God’s Wonderful Gifts Water into Wine Snack/Help: Julie Pearce 25th - The Miracles of Jesus Sunday, January 18th Raising of Lazarus 6 to 8 p.m. Devotion & Letter to Ronnie: Savannah Fedon Theme: Accepting God’s Grace Sr. YOUTH GROUP Snack/Help: Jennifer Fedon Our 6pm Sunday schedule of meetings is: FINANCIALS 4th - Spiritual Boldness NOV YR to DATE What is the boldest thing you have ever Income $22,137.31 $230,119.77 done? When was the last time someone Expense $16,325.21 $241,652.66 was amazed at your boldness? Gain/(Loss) $ 5,812.10 ($11,532.89)* *this does not include a $6,000 gas bill 18th - Connect which arrived Dec. 1st. What does it look like to live a life of worship to God? 2015 CALENDARS They are available in the narthex, church YOUTH GROUP RETREAT office and social hall. Take an extra one or The date: February 6-8, 2014 two and give them to your neighbors, The place: Harvey Cedars Bible family or friends. Conference Center in Harvey Cedars, on Long Beach Island SUPERBOWL The cost: $125. If 2 or more youth from the same family are attending the cost for POOL each additional youth is $100. This is a Fundraiser for the Sr. Youth Registration forms are in this month’s Group Mission Trip. We are starting a Tidings or online at: Super Bowl Squares fundraiser to raise www.stpaulsmilltownnj.org money for the Senior YG Mission Trip. We are using the FootballSquares.net website for our Super Bowl Squares Sr. YG fundraiser pool. The Super Bowl is on MISSION TRIP 2015 Sunday, February 1, 2015 at 6:30pm. Destination - Stuebenville, OH Look for details as to how you may pick The week of July 12 - 17. your boxes in the pool and help the Sr. Registration Form is in this Tidings. Youth Group. Each box costs $10. The They need to be returned with a $100 non winner of quarters 1, 2 & 3 will receive refundable deposit by February 1st. $100. The final score winner will receive $200. The youth group will receive $500. This is based on 100 people participating.

THANK YOU… Those who served 100 dinners at Elijah’s Promise on Dec. 7th:

Grace Kothari Ann Malyshko Jane Osman FELLOWSHIP HOUR Lorraine Fisezi Julie Park & Tracy Rucinski are Margaret Schmidt coordinating fellowship hour. Sign up at coffee hour or be in contact with: Following are the steps involved in this Julie at 732-545-4266 project: [email protected] or . Every first Sunday of the month we Tracy at 732-545-6982 gather at 2:00 pm at 21 Nelson St. in [email protected]. New Brunswick. . Prepare the food and serve between YOUR ASSISTANCE is still needed 2:00 pm & 4:30 pm. to provide refreshments for fellowship We invite volunteers to be part of this hour. You are responsible for providing noble cause. If you are interested, eats, and milk for kids. Sunny D is please contact Margaret Schmidt at generously providing juice. 732-390-0169.

Coffee and cups are provided.

BEREAVEMENT Our sympathy to the family of Steve Napolitano, who died 11/22.

SUGGESTION BOX At the foot of the staircase in the education building you will find hanging on the wall a suggestion box for you to make suggestions. Your suggestions are very much welcomed.

CHECK US OUT You can check it out by going to www.stpaulsmilltownnj.org or look us up on facebook. MEMORIAL FUND SCHOLARSHIP FUND JOHN O’Neill Ray Hippeli & Family JACK WEBER Jeff & Kathy Conger & Family JACK WEBER Marie Rittman STEVE NAPOLITANO Chuck Stewart Jeff & Kathy Conger & Family George & Louise Hipko Marjorie Conger Lynne & William Hellmer, Josh, Mary & Lauren GENERAL FUND Casimir & Laverne Gzemski Ray Hippeli & Family STEVE NAPOLITANO Grace Novello Nicholas & Larissa Pokrovsky, Jr. Chris & Kathy OHalloran STEVE NAPOLITANO Lois Jessen & Marc Slifkin Catherine Altman Robert & Liz & Augustus Mirabella Edward & Nancy Winant Sons of the American Legion Joyce Pat & Al McNamara Kilmer Post 25, Milltown Scott & Leslie Thompson Jack & Gloria Ciccarella Rob & Dawn Ramsen Mary Percival Harry & Deborah McCall Casimir & Laverne Gzemski Guy & Gail Roensch Frank & Mary Ann D’Amico Cristina Lado

Peter Herral Mary Beth & Alex Milas Susan Goidell Kathi & Brian Edwards R. Miller Julie Alacci-Petrellese James & Olga Welsh Connie Terranova Paul & Jeanie Turitzen & Family Edwin Gano Mitch & Diane Rusay & Family Music at St. Paul’s LETTERS… Dear St. Paul’s, Thanks Thank you so much for the Halloween care package. I really Thanks be to God for to all who gave appreciate you thinking of me. Happy musical offerings for our Advent and Halloween! Christmas worship, particularly the Praise From Band, Adult Choir, Sunday school Brian Pelszynski children, Marisa Keiser. Thanks also for cantata narrators Debbie Cheeseman and CJ Kircher and for Elana Kircher, who directed the children’s pageant.

Regular rehearsals resume OFFERING ENVELOPES Adult choir resumes on Thurs., Jan. 8, in the choir room. Thank you to everyone who has indicated your account number when making a Children’s choir resumes on Sunday, Jan. donation (cash or check) to St. Paul’s. 4, in the chapel. This really helps the counting teams. Also, it is a great help when you use the envelope New singers are welcome in both choirs! provided as it contains information that is Questions? Speak with Emily. needed to correctly record information to your account.

From 291 “O Sing a Song of If you need envelopes, please call Carol in Bethlehem:” the church office.

O sing a song of Galilee, Of lake and woods and hill, Of Him who walked upon the sea And bade the waves be still: For though like waves on Galilee, Dark seas of trouble roll, When faith has heard the Master’s word, Falls peace upon the soul. Worship: Dick M., requested that during the Consistory Minutes initial “quiet time” at the start of our church December 8, 2014 services, the loop on the computers be turned off.

IN ATTENDANCE: MINISTRY TEAMS: Debbie Cheeseman, Garret Conger, Jill Hipko, CHURCH, FAMILY AND SPIRITUAL LIFE: Steve Kircher, Dick MacDowell, Debbie Paley, Thank you to all who have donated items for the Rob Ramsen, Tanya Roberts, Emma Rumen, Don Nursing Home Gifts. The gifts will be dropped Wesen, and Rich Weyer. off at the Reformed Church Home the week of December 20th. Steve K. called the meeting to order at 7:40pm, followed by Pastor Rich leading us in prayer. Sunday, December 21st – Christmas Caroling Sunday, December 21st - Christmas Family Night Minutes from the November 10, 2014 meeting Pot-luck Dinner at 5:00pm. were presented and approved – motion by Debbie P., 2nd Jill H. EDUCATION: Sunday School – Christmas Pageant will be on CORRESPONDENCE: Sunday, December 14th. Thank you letter from “Alex’s Lemonade Stand” thanking St. Paul’s for the $749.50 donation. Youth Groups – Junior Youth Group made gifts for the shut-ins. Request from Milltown Fire Department for St. Paul’s to purchase an ad for their upcoming PROPERTY banquet. Motion by Rob R., 2nd Dick M. and Additional wall repair work will be necessary approved for St. Paul’s to purchase a half-page ad because there is a crack in the interior wall. The for $50. additional cost will be $1500.

Request from Pastor Nehemiah, Milltown Work Day – Sunday 12/7: Dick M. reported that it Methodist Church, for a $500 donation for NIRAS was a good work day. He thanked everyone that Home for Children, a girl’s home in India, to helped. purchase new clothes and gifts for the children. Completed tasks were: Men’s closet was cleaned; After discussion, Consistory decided boiler room in the Church was cleaned out and the not to donate to NIRAS at this time. branches, hanging over the parking lot behind the Sunday School building, were taken down. Dick FINANCES is also going to contact The Milltown Shade November’s financial report was presented and Commission to see if they would clean-up the area approved – motion by Dick M., 2nd Jill H. behind the Sunday School building.

CONSISTORY: NEW BUSINESS Communion: Sunday, January 4th – Team 3 January 11, 2015: Ordination / Installation: (Debbie C., Debbie P., and Tanya R.) Joanne Ciaccio, Frank Devine, John Garback, Communion Offering: December – Middlesex Rebecca Jones, Julie Park, Chuck Rucinski, Sean Chapter of The ARC (Advocates for all people Sullivan, Steve Kircher, Dianne Andreula and Don with intellectual and developmental disabilities Wesen. and their families.) Communion Offering: January – FISH January: Reorganization of the Ministry Teams – let Pastor Rich know if you’d like to switch to a Communion Offering Folder – Local different Ministry team. organizations that are asking for donations. Dick M. will look over the information and will 2016 Budget Meeting – will take place at the recommend which organizations St. Paul’s might October, 2015 Ministry Team Meeting be interested in donating to. Future Meeting Dates: Monday, January 12, 2015 – Consistory Meeting HEAD USHERS FOR Monday, January 26, 2015 – Ministry Team Meeting January Adjournment: 4 Team 3 Communion - Motion to adjourn by Jill H., 2nd Garret C. 11 Rebecca Jones - Meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm 18 Fran Christ - Prayer concerns were solicited 25 Chuck Rucinski

Respectfully submitted, Emma Rumen GREETERS FOR

January 4 Margaret Schmidt 11 Connie Michael & Carol Calantoni 18 Greg Reeves 25 Ken Skalla

*Greeters are asked to arrive at church by 9:20 a.m.

GREETER COORDINATORS

Judy Skalla & Thelma Rudnitzky

********************************** JUNIOR SERMON Parents – your help is needed! Please notify the church office if your child would like to participate by bringing an item in for the Junior Sermon. Rather than assign, each week we will invite an interested child to participate. Please email [email protected] or call 732-828-0020. ********************************** ST. PAUL’S CHURCH Founded in 1872 NEXT COMMUNION DATE So. Main St. & W. Lakewood Ave. January 4

Rev. Richard H. Weyer, Pastor 2015 CONSISTORY Emily Sensenbach-Gopal, Elders: Director of Music Dianne Andreula Joanne Ciaccio Church Office 732 828-0020 Frank Devine FAX # 732 828-0027 Peter Herral Rebecca Jones [email protected] Julie Park www.stpaulsmilltownnj.org Tanya Roberts Don Wesen Please leave a message if no one is available. Deacons: John Garback Steve Kircher Church Secretary Mrs. Carol Lagowski Dick MacDowell Office hours: 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Debbie Paley Robert Ramsen Financial Secretary Mrs. Debbie Paley Chuck Rucinski (address inquiries to church office) Emma Rumen Sean Sullivan Please address all financial inquiries to the Church Office. ******************************** Save time and prevent mistakes by writing NEXT TIDINGS DEADLINE – your parishioner number on your checks Thursday, December 18th and envelopes. Example: 002W ******************************** Please notify the church office if any of the following changes occur in your household: address change, phone number change, email change, marriage, separation/divorce, death, birth, adoption, adult child(ren) moving out, or a family member being moved to a rehab. or nursing home. We would like to keep our membership list up-to-date, but we need YOUR cooperation to do so! ST. PAUL’S CHURCH 62 South Main Street NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID Milltown, NJ 08850 PERMIT #50001 (732) 828-0020 NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ 08901

JANUARY, 2015

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

DATES TO REMEMBER:

Jan. 4 - Communion Jan. 7 – Men of St. Paul’s Jan. 11 – Ordination/Rededication Consistory TIDINGS

Worship Service 10:00 a.m. Sunday School 10:00 a.m.

Rev. Richard H. Weyer, Pastor

DATED MATERIAL December 19, 2014