The Breezeway

DDECEMBERECEMBER, 2017, 2017

HE REEZEWAY FROM THE PASTOR T B

Advent is here. The season of waiting. Waiting for Christmas, for the coming of the babe in the manger, and for the coming of God’s kingdom on earth. For most of us, however, waiting VOLUME MXVII is negative. We complain about waiting at the doctor’s or dentist’s office. We pay extra for Fast ISSUE 11 Passes at theme parks to bypass the lines. We do our best to purchase nonstop tickets or get on the express train to avoid waiting. We switch lines while shopping and then end up half-joking SPECIAL that whichever line we choose will go the slowest. There have even been studies done on waiting POINTS OF INTEREST: and people’s regret levels related to them. Waiting is pejorative in our culture; we don’t know how to see waiting as beneficial.  Advent Luncheon I think this is because when we wait, it feels like nothing is happening. Like we are stand-  Giving Tree ing still and accomplishing zilch. But the farmer knows that there is a time after the seed is planted before its growth is visible above ground. Items are moving down the conveyor belt as the  Christmas Pag- cashier at the front of the line is checking them out. The plane is flying through the air while we eant seemingly sit still within it. Even when we are not able to take the most direct route, we are still  Poinsettia Order getting where we need to go. Form

I went to a conference in August that required a car ride to the airport, a plane ride that went beyond my final destination, and then another car ride back in an easterly direction to arrive where I wanted to be. I think this is much like life and the waiting game that makes up so much of it. We usually don’t get where we want to be by the most direct route. It takes others to help get us where we want to be: the driver of the car, the pilot of the plane, the service person- nel who make things more comfortable along the way, and so on. We are not in control of most of it. Perhaps all of this is why our two most spiritually profound holidays, Christmas and Easter, are preceded by weeks of waiting. They are times in which we can consider where we are going, who is helping us along the way, and reflect upon who is in control over it all. I wonder if I/we might be a little more intentional about our waiting this Advent season. I offer a few suggestions to help me and you be a little more mindful this year, with a grateful nod to Christian writer, Rachel Held Evans, for some of her creative inspiration. Start with the question: When I wake up on Christmas morning, how will I be different? Then consider practic- ing one or more of these suggestions to enrich your Advent season: Cut 2” pieces of yellow or tan yarn. Whenever you (or your children) notice someone doing an act of kindness during the day, add a piece to Jesus’ manger. Make an Advent Prayer Calendar: Write the name of a person in need of prayer on each day of your calendar from December 1st to the 24th. Set aside an intentional time to pray for each person on each day, ending with Peace on Earth on December 25th. Pick any Christmas carol and learn a verse by memory each week of Advent, so on Christmas Day you can proclaim Joy to the World! without having your head in a hymnal! Purchase potting soil and amaryllis or several paperwhite narcissus bulbs. Plant them, INSIDE THIS ISSUE: place in a sunny windowsill and practice a daily ritual of gentle watering. Then watch and wait – the plant should flower toward the end of Advent or in the first days of Christmas. EVENTS! 2 Pick up an Upper Room booklet at the back of the sanctuary or use the link: https:// BIRTHDAYS & 3 www.presbyterianmission.org/devotions/ to access stories and lectionary readings online. ANNIVERSARIES Maybe waiting doesn’t have to be a trial, but instead can be a treasure. If we lean into the waiting, use it to focus on what is truly important in our lives and in our world, we truly will be BULLETIN 4 changed when we wake on Christmas morning. Not only will Christ come as the Light of the BOARD

World, but we can bring that light to those around us, in all we say and do. CALENDAR 9 - Rev. Rebecca Segers PAGE 2 DECEMBER, 2017

The annual Old Greenwich ADVENT POT LUCK LUNCHEON will be held on Sunday, December 10, in Memorial Hall, following the worship service.

Congregational Life will be heading up this festive event again, providing a great opportunity for a church family get-together in a warm social setting. There will be a sign-up sheet in Memorial Hall on November 12 for you to indicate what you would like to bring to the luncheon. We also ask volunteers to help with set-up and clean-up. This is always a wonderful church family event. We hope you can join us! - submitted by Anita Campbell

CHRISTMAS PAGEANT The Sunday School children will be presenting the message at the worship service on Sunday, December 17. Anyone interested in participating in the Christmas Pageant, please Contact Jennifer Miller or come to rehearsal on Sunday December 10th.

There will be NO SUNDAY SCHOOL on December 24 and December 31. We are still in need of teachers and substitute teachers. Even with the many trained members, we still only have five people teaching. Please see Jennifer Miller to volunteer or get more information

The Sign-up Genius for the upcoming week that OGPC is serving as IHN HOST CHURCH, December 31 – January 7, has been set up and is live at the link below. www.SignUpGenius.com/go/5080D4AABAE29A1FF2-oldgreenwichwww.SignUpGenius.com/ go/5080D4AABAE29A1FF2-oldgreenwich Questions? Please contact Sharon Smith at [email protected]

If you did not fill out the TT&T take-out menu and would like to receive GIVING ENVELOPES, please contact Kim Mrotek at [email protected]. Envelopes be available for pick-up sometime late December/early January.

COMING NEXT YEAR - ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF GENEROUS GIFTS We want to acknowledge everyone who gives above and beyond their annual pledge. Starting January, 2018, we will have a Generous Gifts column to publicly and graciously thank those who give to OGPC’s ongoing mission and ministry. PAGE 3 THE BREEZEWAY

MEMBERSHIP AND FELLOWSHIP NEWS CELEBRATING BIRTHDAYS IN DECEMBER : Thank You to: Bob Tintle, Bob Luz- 1 Kinsley Fell 18 Joan Pursel ietti, and Harry Pursel for installing a new kick- 2 Adrianne Carbin Emily Holloway plate on the courtyard door; Gretchen Alence- Patricia Walker 20 Lynn Szczeck 4 Melissa Lacamera Phillip Millon wicz for making new curtains for the Media Room; Bill 6 Frank Bogyos Martha Grazul Lee, Tom Alencewicz, Dan Rosa, Bob Titntle, John Reinhard Timothy Garcia John Repko, Bob and Sandy Heater for getting Christopher Grisewood 21 Joshua Miller the risers from storage, putting together, taking 7 Madison Wayne Emmori Ruzich apart and putting back in storage; Robin Glosser 8 Patricia Millon 23 Donald Metz for handling special clean-up projects; Heather Ryan Grelle Heather Hill Todd for defrosting and cleaning out the kitchen 9 Deborah Calhoun 25 Linda Tetzlaff freezer; Katie Rienzo for trimming outdoor shrubs 10 Richard Walker 26 Alessandra Hill around the church. Elizabeth Savnik 27 William Jelliffe Aubrie Hart Sasha Intriago A has been received from: Ryan Werfel Kelsey Stocker Thank You Owen Budd Roslyn Visone Dick & Cynnie Gibbins, for all the cards and lov- 13 Jill Lee 30 Dennis Petras ing thoughts and prayers received from the congre- 14 Lisa Gray Darrin Carbi gation; Nancy & Tony Procita for the cards, calls Holly Ahart Jocelyn Schatzabel and concern from the congregation. Deborah Mowrey 31 Geraldine Ihrie 17 Luella Visone Thomas Beacht John Maher Elena Nazario PRAYER LIST

Please hold the following people in your prayers: the Case and Rumsfield families; the family of CELEBRATING DECEMBER Chuck Cronce; the Millon’s neighbor’s daughter, The- WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES : resa; Rev. Carol Horton; Marin Nordmeer; Corporal Kelly; Missy Lemon’s cousin, Marsha; Sue Beacht’s co- Mark & Susan Lizotte 12/04/2004 worker, Agnes; friends of Marcia Taylor, the family of Patrick & Susan Cimmino 12/06/2008 Rick Paulus; Christine Mette’s mother-in-law, Cora Daniel & Melissa Hixon 12/11/1999 Mette; the family of Tom, friend of Mike Viscel; Pas- Peter & Dawn Ruzich 12/12/2003 tor Rebecca’s friend, Joseph Furio; the victims of the Linda & Michael McCusker 12/12/1970 Rancho Tehama Elem. School shooting & their fami- John & Kimberly Menzak, III 12/21/1996 lies; Steve & Melinda G.; Adrianne Carbin (at home); Andrew & Krista Wayne 12/22/2007 the family of Art Keyes; Sandie Stutzman; Lisa Gray’s Janet & Donald Morrow 12/23/1961 sister-in-law, Pam, cousin, Barbara & step-daughter’s John & Penny Torcivia 12/27/1980 mom, Eppie; Christine Lee’s employees; Dave Slack’s Roxane & Mario Campello 12/27/1986 dad, John; Trish Millon; victims of the Texas First Robert & Susan Tintle 12/28/1957 Baptist Church shootings; the victims of the NYC William & Cynthia Jelliffe III 12/28/2002 shootings; the family of Mr. Blackman, Emma Cich- Robert & Gertrude Frey 12/30/1961 one’s teacher; Sue Snyder; Sue Rutan; Carol Lee Doeringer; Kathleen Scala’s friends, Lorraine, Diane and Mark Zawadzki & family; Dick & Cynnie Gibbins; Geraldine & Earl Ihrie; Jack Reinhard; Charles & Edith Slamp; Renee Herb; Carl Guthardt; Harry Pur- sel; Marie Smith; Shirley Sloyer; Phyllis Dietz; Mary Laubach; Shelly Papp & family; Doris Bartholomew; the Tumaini Church in Kenya & those serving in our Armed Forces: Jack Buckwalter, Will Rimmler PAGE 4 DECEMBER, 2017

MEMBERSHIP AND FELLOWSHIP NEWS - CONT’D. WOMEN’S FUN GROUP CALENDAR SET The OGPC Women’s Fun Group met this past month and set their calendar for the upcoming 2017-2018 season, and there is something for everyone! Please save the dates and join us in the fun. Each one of these events has a point person who is overseeing it, but she will be happy to accept help if offered, whether with food, or rides, or other organizational compo- nents. Note in the upcoming bulletin announcements who to talk to if you’d like to help out – and no matter what, come and join the fun this year!

Monday, December 4, 2017 7 pm Pottery Painting We’ll gather at Gone Paintin’, 14 Commerce St., Fleming- ton, and paint pottery to be fired just in time for Christmas. Make a gift for someone else or a present just for you! Cost range: $15 and up, depending on the item. Tuesday, January 2, 2018 7 pm Movie Night at OGPC We’ll provide the popcorn and drinks and watch a movie together in the Technology Room at the end of the Trinity Wing upper floor. Wear comfy clothes and bring a pillow; we’ll have Girls’ Night In! Monday, February 5, 2018 7 pm Valentines for Veterans at OGPC Join us as we design handmade valentines for those at Veter- ans’ Haven North in Glen Gardner. Help us thank those who have served our country with personal valentines from our church. Sunday, March 4, 2018 7 pm “Decades Rewind” at the State Theater This theatrical concert of music from the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s promises vintage videos, costumes, and the chance to get up and dance! All are welcome to join us at the discounted price of $35, if we get a minimum of ten attendees. Sign-up sheet is posted in Memorial Hall. Sunday, March 11, 2018 2 pm Jewelry Party at OGPC This is a joint Party & Fundraiser in which 50% of all sales benefit the church General Operating Fund. Come out, buy something pretty and support the church at the same time! Saturday, April 7, 2018 2 pm Labyrinth & Walking Trails at Columcille Megalith Park Inspired by the Iona community in Scotland and named after the monk who founded it, this spiritual space includes a stone chapel, walking trails, a labyrinth, and Stonehenge-style set- tings. This afternoon outing the week after Easter should assure spiritual refreshment for all who attend. Monday, May 7, 2018 7 pm Ladies’ Play Stations at OGPC An interactive evening of play stations TBD to experience at will. tables will offer a variety of options: a Game Table with Parcheesi or Trivial Pursuit, a High Tea Table where you can enjoy a “cuppa” as well as a finger sandwich or scone, a series of How To Tables: blow-dry your hair like a professional, decorate a cake, make a bracelet, etc. Stay at one or try several, but this will be our final gathering of the season and offers a chance for everyone to enjoy herself.

In October, 21 people attendedAnastasia on Broad- way, pictured here in front of the theater. PAGE 5 DECEMBER, 2017

BULLETIN BOARD

THE GIVING TREE

Thank You to all who selected gift tags from our Giving Tree. Wrapped gifts with tags attached and non-perishable food items are due back to the church on December 10 and can be dropped off in Memorial Hall any time up until the then. We ask that perishable food items be purchased as close to 12/17 as possible and returned to the church no later than Sunday, December 17. Gifts can be placed under the Giving Tree and food items in the food tubs along the stage in Memorial Hall. Thank you for choosing to share your blessings with those less fortunate in this season of giving. Any questions, please contact Suzanne Newbrough.

Suzanne Newbrough - [email protected] 908-347-8026

SUPPORT THE OGPC CHOIR!

ATTENTION MUSIC FANS Need a gift card for a birthday, anniversary, wedding JOIN THE FUN - SEE A CONCERT! gift, holiday gift, grocery shopping, or just for per- The Women’s Group is inviting everyone to attend a sonal shopping so you don’t have to carry cash? The night filled with music and fun to see Decades Re- Chancel Choir takes orders for gift cards on the first wind at the State Theater in Easton, PA on Sunday, Sunday of each month and they are delivered to you March 4, 2018 at 7 pm. 20 Tickets have been held for at church the following week. You get the full value balcony (upstairs) seating at approximately $35 per of the card you order, but the company gives the ticket, provided a minimum of ten tickets are choir a small fee for each card sold, so you are sup- sold. Other-wise, they will be $50/ticket. Tickets and porting the mission of the choir without spending seating are going quickly, so please sign up as soon as any additional money! possible. A sign-up sheet is in Memorial Hall. The You can see the hundreds of cards that are available deadline to sign up and make payment in full is Janu- at www.shopwithscrip.com or just ask organist, ary 7, 2018. Speak with Heather Todd if you have any Tom DiGiovanni, or Cathy Ahart, any Sunday questions, or email [email protected] or morning at the church. They will tell you how to call/text (908) 619-0681. register, or will even order the cards for you! Your Decades Rewind is a National touring concert, dance check may be made out to the OGPC Chancel party, and theatrical performance all wrapped up in Choir. The funds raised support the annual commu- one blockbuster show! It celebrates the hits of the 60s, nity choral workshop and concert. 70s, and 80s, the most prominent decades in music history. Disco, funk, rock and Motown all take center stage in this brand new theatrical concert featuring over 60 songs, 100 costume changes and nostalgic video. From Aretha to Zeppelin, Decades Rewind will have you singing and dancing in the aisles. This IS the story of your life! PAGE 6 DECEMBER, 2017

BULLETIN BOARD - CONT’D

LEGACY OF FAITH SOCIETY RECOGNITION OF FOUNDING MEMBERS

The OGPC Legacy of Faith Society is currently comprised A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR of 14 individuals MISSION GARDEN VOLUNTEERS who have expressed their intentions to We are proud to announce that this year the Mission Gar- leave a bequest to den’s bounty tipped the charts at a record breaking 2,770 Old Greenwich, pounds! And thanks to the generous 103 pound donation either through a will from the Slaven’s neighbor and the Campbell’s home gar- provision or as a den, we have donated a grand total of 2,873 lbs. on behalf beneficiary of a of OGPC! This was an increase of 130 pounds over last year’s harvest! portion of their retirement fund. As Founding Mem- bers, their names will appear on a plaque near the This HUGE accomplishment could not have been done Legacy Tree in the Green Room. We would like to without all of you who made donations, planted, weeded, recognize all who have made the decision to support harvested, lead the Summer Sunday School children, and OGPC in this special way and encourage anyone delivered the produce to the Norwescap Food Bank. As who has done so to let Pastor Rebecca, Mike Lem- usual, our most dedicated missionaries were the Summer ons, Barb Frinzi, or Susan Bradlau know before the Sunday School children (and their older and wiser lead- deadline of December 31st so that their names can be ers) who worked eagerly each Sunday to pick veggies and included on the plaque, which will be mounted early keep the garden in order.

in January. If you would like to learn more about On November 5th, we were happy to announce this ways that you can leave a bequest to our year’s Golden Harvest Basket Winner, Christine Mette, beloved church, please contact Susan Bradlau at who guessed the Mission Garden donation weight would [email protected] for more information. total 2,755 pounds. Congratulations, Christine, and we Susan Bradlau hope you’ll enjoy the basket of fresh produce you’ll re- Chair, Planned Giving Committee ceive from the garden’s yield every week during the 2018 growing season!

The OGPC Mission Garden is beloved by many and the congregation and community’s support is what helps the WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY success of this wonderful mission. Your continued sup- CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON port is essential in order to keep this worthwhile mission alive. We look forward to working together with you Presbyterian Women Deborah Circle Bible Study again next season. Group invites all women to join us for a Christmas luncheon at Marianas's Restaurant, 224 Stockton Your 2017 Mission Garden Committee St., Phillipsburg (handicapped ramp on left side of - submitted by Sally Reinhard & Jaelene Slaven building/park on street in front for easy access) on Tuesday, December 12, at noon. Please let Lisa Gray know 973-476- 4720 for reservations. PAGE 7 THE BREEZEWAY

BULLETIN BOARD - CONT’D November saw the Youth Group active in mission both locally and globally. In the early part of the month, they had a massive drive to provide Hurricane Relief Buckets, filled with items such as sponges, cleaning supplies, and gloves to clean up after the storms. They gathered enough for 56 buckets to be shipped to the places that need them most: Puerto Rico, Florida, Texas, and the US Virgin Islands. Many thanks also to the Miller family for delivering the buckets to the Church World Service Depot in Trenton, and to Bob Frey and the Stewartsville Grange for covering shipping costs. Later in the month, the Youth Group was active locally as they prepared delicious taco pies along with side dishes and dessert for the guests at Safe Harbor in Easton, and then served them as well.

December finds the Youth Group active in mission again: the High School Youth will be meeting on Sunday, De- cember 3rd from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at College Hill PC, 501 Brodhead Street in Easton. We will share supper first and then build Hygiene Kits for struggling families dealing with grinding poverty or living in the aftermath of natural disasters.

On Friday, December 8, at 8 pm, the Middle School Youth will start their annual overnight Rock-a-Thon to support an orphanage and clinic in Zimbabwe. They have a great time staying up all night in their pajamas, rocking in rocking chairs, but also playing games, watching a movie, eating pizza, and learning more about the mission they’re supporting, ending at 8 am the following Saturday morning. For more information and to get your sponsor sheet, go to: http://www.collegehillpc.org/rock-a-thon.html

Finally, in December, the group will meet at OGPC on Saturday, December 16, from 1 - 5 pm to bake cookies for our Annual Cookie Walk, occurring at both churches after worship on the following Sunday morning. So pull out your favorite cookie recipe (not chocolate chip, please!) and plan to join us to bake fun and festive Christmas cook-

ies. Proceeds from the sales will go entirely to support the Summer 2018 Youth Mission Trips.

Youth Group members offer Loading the buckets a Minute for Mission at the with supplies. worship service.

56 buckets were filled and delivered to the Church World Service Depot to be delivered to those in hurricane ravaged areas. PAGE 8 DECEMBER, 2017

BULLETIN BOARD - CONT’D

2017 CHRISTMAS POINSETTIA ORDER FORM

Poinsettias are purchased by the congregation to decorate the church at the price of $10 each. They are then taken to our Special People, members who are ill or homebound. Once that need is met, you may take the ones you purchased.

# of plants ______x $10 = ______

Purchased by:

______

Your Phone Number:

______

In Memory of:

______

In Honor of:

______

In Celebration of:

______

To the Glory of God:

______

Please give ____ plants to our Special People.

LAST DAY TO ORDER

Sunday, 12/10/17

A list will be printed in the Christmas Eve bulletin, noting the purchaser and who is being remembered, honored, etc. Please help decorate the church and also make the holidays festive for our Special People. Make checks payable to “Old Greenwich Church Deacons” and include payment with order form, please. Forms may be put in the collection plates during the worship service or mailed to the church office.

Questions? Contact Donna Wollman at 484-994-8633. PAGE 9 THE BREEZEWAY DECEMBER, 2017 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

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Sun. Sch. Gr. 3-7 Home BS Vent. Crew Middle School 9:30 am Communions 7 pm Youth Group noon Rock-a-Thon Communion Worship Choir Rehearsal 10 am GNS Lunch 7:30 pm 8 pm @ Bunch - noon College Hill PC Sun. Sch. Pre-K - Gr. 2 10:20 am Boy Scouts - 6 pm

AA Meeting - 3 pm Women’s Fun

High School Youth Grp Gone Paintin’ @ CHPC - 6:30 pm Flemington - 7 pm 10 Sun. Sch. Gr. 3-7 11 12 13 14 15 16 9:30 am Boy Scouts - 6 pm Deborah Choir Rehearsal GNS - Memorial Youth Group

Worship Svc. - 10 am Deacons - 7:30 Circle Bible 7:30 pm Hall - 8 am Cookie Baking Study Christmas @ OGPC Poinsettia Orders due luncheon at 1 pm

Sun. Sch. Pre-K - Gr. 2 Marianna’s 10:20 am noon

Advent Lunch - 11:30

AA Meeting - 3 pm

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Christmas Pageant GNS Lunch Daisy Troop BS Vent. Crew Worship Svc. - 10 am Bunch - noon 5:45 pm 7 pm

Youth Group Cookie Boy Scouts - 6 pm Choir Rehearsal Walk - 11:15 am 7:30 pm Session - 7:30 AA Mtg. - 3 pm

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Worship Svc. - 10 am Merry Christmas Merry Christmas Choir Rehearsal

AA Meeting - 3 pm Office Closed Office Closed 7:30 pm

Christmas Eve Candlelight Svc. - 7 pm

31 January 1 January 2 January 3 January 4 January 5 January 6

5th Sunday Festival Svc. IHN Host Church IHN Host IHN Host IHN Host IHN Host IHN Host Church 10 am Church Church Church Church AA Meeting - 3 pm Happy New Year

IHN Host Church Office Closed Old Greenwich Presbyterian Church Non-Profit Org. 17 Greenwich Church Road PRSRT STD (A) Stewartsville, NJ 08886-2515 U.S. Postage PAID Phillipsburg, NJ 08865 PERMIT NO. 400 Dated Material Address Service Requested The Breezeway

The Breezeway is published monthly by: Old Greenwich Presbyterian Church W E’ RE ON THE 17 Greenwich Church Road W EB! Stewartsville, New Jersey 08886-2515 Contributions deadline is the 15th of each month. www.ogpc.org