Circuit Rider
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
714 Herbertsville Road Brick, NJ 08724
December 2017
Dear Friends,
Where has all the “wonder” gone? Do you remember Christmas when you were young? Everything was “wonderful”, “bigger than life” at Christmas! Wow! Grand-mom and Gran-pop are coming! Wow! “Grand-mom made the best ginger bread and molasses cookies” Wow! Look at the size of this Christmas tree! Wow! Look at all those presents under the tree! Wow! This is the best Christmas ever!
Now is it “wonderful?” Or is it more like, “been there done that”, or “the thrill is gone.” Perhaps the “Wow Factor” has waned. We’re just not that impressed. In “Grown-up” sophistication “the wonder of it all” is lost. So now our advent celebration can give us time to “recapture the wonder.” Our advent theme for the four weeks leading up to Christmas will be “the Christmas you’ve always longed for… recapturing the wonder of the season!” Let’s take some extra time to prepare spiritually for the coming of the Messiah Christ- by looking at the most wonderful event in all of human history. Taken from Luke’s gospel we will consider the incarnation of Christ through His mother Mary’s eyes. We will ponder the awesome and amazing purposes of our God in salvation, grow our faith, and be prompted to praise our wonderful Savior!
Christmas Eve Morning Service 10:00am Christmas Eve Services
5:00 PM Family Service 7:30PM Candlelight Service 11:00 PM Candlelight Service CHANCEL CHOIR CHRISTMAS CANTATA &
CHRISTMAS CONCERT BAND St. Paul’s Chancel Choir and Christmas Concert Band will present their Christmas cantata and concert on December 16 and 17, Saturday and Sunday nights, at 7:30 PM. (Snow date December 18).
The Chancel Choir will present “SEASON OF JOY” A Celtic Christmas Celebration. Combining the passion of Celtic musical traditions and the joyous celebration of Christ's birth, Season of Joy offers a spectacular collection of new and beloved seasonal songs. Acclaimed arranger and orchestrator Daniel Semsen has brilliantly married traditional Celtic instrumentation with a vibrant contemporary sound. Featuring four new songs by Keith and Kristyn Getty, Chris Tomlin, Dolly Parton and more, this is a one-of-a-kind worship experience for Christmas! No less than one dozen familiar carols artfully weave their way through the work. Our Chancel Choir will be joined at times by narrators, Children’s Choirs, and pageantry. It is a wonderful celebration of Christ’s birth!
Our Christmas Concert Band will present “Songs of the Season” with great Christmas music. Many different styles will be presented including traditional Christmas songs in various settings, “The Polar Express”, and even a “swingin’” Christmas number. Our Concert Band is made up of woodwinds, brass, and percussion players from St. Paul’s and the high schools, colleges, and communities around us. It is a unique ensemble and we are excited to involve our church and community in this instrumental outreach
Why not take time out from the hustle and bustle of holiday planning to experience what the season is really all about. Please mark these dates on your calendar today and invite family and friends to join us. It is sure to be a great part of your Christmas celebration.
Youth as we allow the Holy Spirit to lead and grow us. May you be drawn to the Purposemaker this Christmas Season. 19 "Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and ++++++++++ also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets,with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit." Ephesians 2:19-22
We were walking through Costco recently, Pizza & Caroling marveling at all the nativity sets, and I was reminded of how many characters were involved in Tuesday December 12th- 6 PM the birth of Jesus. You have people from all different ages, backgrounds, careers and For All Church Family nationalities. People from near and far were drawn to this small child. This continued throughout Jesus' ministry as He gathered a rather eclectic group Set aside Tuesday, December 12th, for an evening around Him. I was reminded of how no matter who to bring special love to our nursing homes residents. we are or where we're from God wants to draw us We will meet at church at 6:00 PM for pizza. We into His story. Maybe that's why so many of us can will then go Christmas Caroling to several nursing relate to the classic story of the little drummer boy, homes and meet back at church for hot chocolate we all want to feel as though there is a place for us and donuts. All ages are invited and encouraged to to matter. join us for this special evening. It is a time to forget
The miracle of our faith is that in Jesus we do! about the pressures of the holidays and bring the Throughout His ministry here on earth Jesus was real meaning of Christmas to others. A sign-up constantly drawing people to be a part of God's chart is outside Norcross hall and in the Narthex. story and Kingdom. People who seemed to have Please sign up even if you don’t want pizza. nothing to offer were surprised to find that they had worth and more than that, something to offer others in return. People without a community or home found restoration and fellowship. Those seemingly without significance found respect and adulation in the "upside down kingdom of God". If you will be leaving New Jersey for warmer Yet there were many who instead of drawing closer claimant over the winter, please let the office know. to Jesus decided to run away. This may have been We will hold your Circuit Rider for your return. due to distractions (like the love of money or The post office does not forward Circuit Riders and power), fears and unfortunately unbelief. We must charges us $0.49 to return them to the church. do everything in our power to overcome these Please include an estimated return date so we can pressures in our lives and allow God to draw us start sending the Circuit Rider to you when you towards Him. God's story is a much greater story return. than our own. We must resist the urge to be the Name ______major character in our minor story. Instead, let us Phone ______hope to be a part of The Author's story and see what Address______His great hand can write for us. God's gifts and our true purpose, our true story, become awakened in us City, State Zip Code To him, her “lips are like a crimson thread, her mouth is lovely. Her cheeks are like halves of a Togetherness pomegranate. Her neck is like the tower of David,built in courses, hung with a thousand There are lots of romantic Christmas songs. Many a shields… She is altogether beautiful, without flaw.” pop artist has penned an ode to love during the (Song 4:3-4, 7) This is a couple that truly cherishes holidays. Mariah Carey sang “All I want for each other. These two rightly see each other as a Christmas is you.” Kelly Clarkson warbled “It just blessing direct from God in their lives. wasn’t the same / Alone on Christmas day / Presents, what a beautiful sight / Don’t mean a thing Make time during the holidays to be together. Put if you ain’t holding me tight / You’re all that I need all else aside for a time and strive to see your / Underneath the tree.” Even rock stars get in on the spouse in this light. act; Cheap Trick modified the lyrics of their own “I ++++++++++++++ want you to want me” changing the chorus to be “Didn’t I didn’t I say I want you for Christmas.” Saints Remembered There’s a bunch of romantic standards too, from Earth Kitt purring “Santa Baby” to the various duets This is the list of those who have gone home to the singing “Baby it’s cold outside.” (ok, that song can Lord this past year. Please remember to keep their be a little creepy) There are even some holiday families in your thoughts and prayers. standards that have some great lines about being together with the one you love among the verses, hiding right there in plain sight. There are the pair 1. Martin E. Van Arsdale “snuggled up together like two birds of a feather” in “For our light and 2. Christopher M. Barbato Sleigh Ride and in Let it Snow, the line goes “But if momentary troubles are 3. Leonard Brown you'll really hold me tight, all the way home I'll be achieving for us an 4. Suzanne Eger warm." eternal glory that far 5. Edward F. Fahey Jr. 6. Christie L. Gartman outweighs them all. So As the weather gets colder, what better way to stave 7. James J. Gebhardt we fix our eyes not on 8. Florence Gerescher off the seasonal chill than by snuggling with your what is seen, but on 9. Miriam Gibson spouse in a sleigh, under a blanket, or in front of a what is unseen, since 10. Robert V. Hasher fire. Songwriters have been mining this emotional what is seen is 11. Donna Hult vein forever. So this December, go out of your way temporary, but what is 12. Ella Jacobsen to carve out time in the hectic holiday hustle and unseen is eternal.” 13. Mark A. Krueger bustle for some quiet time with your spouse. Hold 14. Arthur Krumm each other. Just BE, putting aside the “to do list” of 15. Jack Loder errands, chores, and plans just for a little while. 16. William B. Nunn 17. Jennie Nunn Revel in the togetherness and closeness. Think on II Corinthians 4:17-18 Solomon’s words in Ecclesiastes 4:11 18. Thomas Lee Palazolo 19. Paul Stephenson 20. Ellen Doreen Tiernan “If two lie down together, they will keep warm, but 21. Irene Lea White how can one keep warm alone”?
In this season of gifts, remember the one the God has given you, the one you vowed to love and cherish as long as life shall last, the one that shares your bed. Treat each other as precious. Read the compliments Solomon and his bride give each other in the Song of Songs. To her, “His arms are rounded gold, set with jewels. His body is ivory, encrusted with sapphires. His legs are alabaster columns, set upon bases of gold.” (Song 5:14-15) Thank You for Sharing! Home for the Holidays
The beginning of American stewardship took St. Paul’s United Methodist Church place in the late 1800’s. Just like today, churches 714 Herbertsville Rd, Brick, NJ 08724 weren’t supported by tax dollars and were searching for 732-458-2080 ways to raise money. One of the early methods of fundraising was selling pew space. Pews in the front center of the church were the most expensive and pews When: Sunday December 3, 2017 1:00 – in the back of the church were the least expensive. This 3:00 PM was the main source of income for supporting the church for many years. Enjoy a FUN Filled afternoon with Family Luckily, stewardship has evolved. Churches & Friends to welcome in the Christmas still need funds to operate, but since the 1950s, the term Season. evolved and now includes the idea of sharing our time and talents, along with our treasures. In this article, we’ll look at the first two items. GINGERBREAD HOUSE DECORATING: Decorate your own gingerbread house Time: It seems like we’re living at lightspeed – every day - with endless concerns vying for our time and for the Holidays. attention – our spouse, parents, children, grandchildren, - Sign Up Deadline: Sunday, work, household chores, errands, appointments, the gym, November 26, 2017 e-mail, surfing the internet, gaming systems and millions of “apps”, not to mention Facebook, Instagram, - Monetary Donation: $15 per Snapchat and Twitter. Gingerbread House required at time of registration Scripture tells us that time is one of our most valuable possessions and is not something that we can COOKIE SWAP: Using your favorite Cookie squander. Ephesians 5:16. We are encouraged to find a balance between church, family, work, school and play. Recipe, bake and bring 3 dozen cookies and This would include reading the Bible, attending worship take 3 dozen assorted cookies home! and church activities and giving some of our time. - Registration Deadline: November 26, Using our time wisely and including time for the 2017 building of God’s Kingdom is time well spent. DESSERT TABLE: Complimentary Talent: The Bible tells us the Holy Spirit has Desserts and Hot Cocoa, Coffee & Apple Cider. given each believer spiritual gifts. 1 Corinthians 12:11. Some, but not all, of these gifts include administration, CHRISTMAS TREES, craftsmanship, creative communication, encouragement, evangelism, faith, giving, helps, hospitality, knowledge, CENTERPIECES, GRAVE leadership, shepherding, teaching, and wisdom. Our BLANKETS & WREATHS gifts are given by God’s grace, for the common good of - Available for purchase the body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:7 and 14:26. Since these gifts are in accordance with God’s design, we have PET ADOPTION OPPORTUNITIES: an assurance that we have everything we need right here Local Rescue Groups will be here with their within our congregation to allow St. Paul’s to thrive. “Adorable Adoptables” who are looking to be Thankfully, we don’t have to pay for pew space Home for the Holidays with you. Come out anymore. We have time and unique talents and spiritual and meet your new best friend. gifts to offer to St. Paul’s…and 1 Corinthians tells us For more information, contact the Church they are exactly what St. Paul’s needs. office or Thank you for the time you spend volunteering Ivy Kirn, 732-740-8784. at St. Paul’s and for freely sharing the talents and gifts God has so graciously given you. Sponsored By: The Stewardship Committee and Pet Ministry Jackie Chadwick, Stewardship Team Member “CALLING ALL ANGELS" Staff/ Parish Relations Committee
Lexington House is starting up again. Please Below are the current members of the Staff Parish contact Mary Buckley if you are interested in Relations Committee (SPRC). The Staff Parish coming with us or helping in any way shape or Relations Committee is here to help the staff and form such as baking, loading the car or shopping. members of the church with any issues that may We would also welcome musicians who play the come up. They also handle the human resources guitar who would like to provide some issues for the staff. If you have any questions, entertainment for our friends at Lexington House. praises or concerns please feel free to reach out to The time involvement is very small - only 3 hours any of the members. on a Sunday. All help is appreciated. Feel free to Class of 2017 term ends December 31, 2017 bring a friend with you to help as well and James Kroeze (Chairperson) introduce them to our mission. We will be visiting Alicia Farrales on December 10 at 1PM. Mary Buckley-732-267- Doug Buechler 0852 or [email protected] Class of 2018 term ends December 31, 2018 Each Christmas, through all of your generous contributions, the Warming Hearts Mission is able Patty Griggs to distribute 150 mission bags to the residents, Cathy Porzio filled with their very basic needs. The following is a William Propert list of items that are needed to fill the mission bags. We would appreciate it if you could put the Class of 2019 term ends December 31, 2019 following items in a one gallon sealable plastic bag. Items should be regular size only (no trial or large Tammi Burton size) and similar items. Ivy Kirn Rich Dworzak Shampoo , Deodorant (stick or roll-on) Toothpaste Toothbrush (single pack) 1 Bar Soap (no liquid) Lay Leader: Pete Buckley Lip Balm (i.e.,Chapstick) Lay Delegate to Annual Conference: Tom O'Hearn We are also looking for these additional items to distribute: _Giving Envelopes
Socks (male and female, white and colors) Warm hats and gloves, Travel size tissues Tin cans of butter cookies Christmas candy (Candy canes, If you currently do not use envelopes Hershey Kisses, etc.- NO NUTS or PEANUT and would like to start receiving them BUTTER , please) in 2018 please fill out the tear off and give to the office or place in the offering plate. Or if you Please place your contributions in the large currently receive envelopes and would like to container marked *Lexington House* in the Narthex discontinue them starting January, 2018 please fill out the tear off and return. “Thank You Angels, for your generosity in
supporting the Lexington House Mission” Name ______Retraction We have changed our wreath form to Phone ______say Christmas instead of Xmas. We do appologize for anyone who might have been offended by this. Address______Jesus has affected my life more than I could ever City, State Zip Code express! Thank you – Joan Cavenaugh United Poinsettias For Christmas
United Methodist Men are now taking Methodist Men orders for Christmas Poinsettias. If you would like to purchase a Poinsettia, please fill out the form below and return with
CChhrriissttmmaass ttrreeeess your payment. The form and money can be placed in the collection plate, sent or SSaalleess given directly to the Church office. Starting Saturday November 25, 2017 The cost of each plant is $9.00
Checks payable to St. Paul’s U.M.M.
From 5pm to 9pm Monday thru
Friday
From 9am to 8pm Saturday PLEASE RETURN BY DECEMBER 17, 2017 From Noon to 5pm Sunday ORDER FORM
Name: ______
Address: ______
Sign up chart to help sell trees Phone: ______will be up in the Narthex or in In Loving Memory Of: ______Eleanor Norcross Fellowship In Honor Of: ______Hall in early November
POINSETTIA QTY____ TOTAL $ ENC.______
Please take your plant home
December Birthday 12/12 Susan Nordyk 12/24 Thomas Bevan 12/12 Terry Penrod 12/26 William Carter 12/12 Carly Hartdorn 12/26 Noelle Klebenow 12/02 Kristen Estelle 12/12 Connor Mannion 12/27 Barbara LaMonica 12/02 Sharyn Paterson 12/14 Murial Vargo 12/27 Jill Bennett 12/03 Troy Ebner 12/15 Christina Konopka 12/27 Samantha Gibson 12/04 Melany Weissinger 12/15 Toni Scaporetta 12/27 Katie O’Sullivan 12/04 David D Nase 12/16 Tiffany Gaestel 12/28 Samantha Brower 12/04 Maureen LeJda 12/16 Heidi Turner 12/29 Allison Kosch 12/04 Eric Brown 12/17 Lorraine Hulse 12/30 Ashley Britner 12/04 George Raynor 12/17 Charissa Contouris 12/30 Lorrie O’Brien 12/05 Jack Smithouser 12/18 Gloria Hasher 12/30 Robert Searles 12/06 Jonathan Jackson 12/18 Clement Miller 12/30 Rockwell Powell 12/06 Morgan Bennett 12/18 Erica Preston 12/30 Daisy Roth 12/06 Nicholas Kortenhaus 12/18 Jessica Dahl 12/31 Holly Kelly 12/07 Lynn Wick 12/19 Danielle Daber 12/31 Brady Roth 12/07 Angelina Calvetto 12/19 Wesley Buckley 12/31 Abigail Johnson 12/08 Gary Gebele 12/19 Nicole Trevena 12/08 Deborah Smith 12/20 Robert Kelly December 12/09 Steven Baum 12/20 Logan Lake 12/20 Shannon Letsche Anniversaries 12/09 Ryan Conner 12/09 Samantha Moss 12/21 Kathy Pino 12/21 Patrick McKeegan 12/5 Sergio and Sheila DeAlmedia 12/10 Dawn Kellert 12/21 Nancy and David Roberts 12/22 Eric Lawrence 12/10 Samantha Scott 12/28 Jeff and Lisa Bond 12/10 Lauren Tucker 12/23 Richard Atkinson 12/11 Michele Degnan 12/24 David Cavenaugh 12/11 Katelyn Reilly 12/24 Daniel Lahey
Christmas Eve Services
10 AM Regular Worship Service (no Sunday School)
5:00 PM Family Service 7:30PM Candlelight Service 11:00 PM Candlelight Service St. Paul's United Methodist Church December 2017
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Weekly Events & 6:00am Men's Breakfast 6:00pm Stronger Hearts 9:00am Bulletin Team – 7:00am Men’s Disciple 7:00pm Monday Night Bible 7:00pm Men’s Prayer Group Lib 9:30 The Quilters – Youth Room for Christ Meetings - - - > Study – Staff Lounge 1:00pm Staff Meeting 7:00 True Life Youth Group 7:00 Friday Night Bible 7:00 Prayer Avalanche Group- Study 9:00 Sunday School rooms 4:30pm Cherub Choir Chapel 2,4,5,9,10 youth 7:00 Boy Scout Trp 33 – 6:00 Handbell Choir 9:00 Adult Bible Study - Library Norcross 6:00pm Stronger Hearts For 9:00 Trad. WorshipService 6:00 Volleyball Christ- Norcross 9:00 Childcare- Rm 1 7:00 Carol Choir 10:10 Fellowship – Norcross Hall 7:00 Mid-Week Worship
10:45 Contmp. Worship Service 7:30 Praise Team Practice 7:00 Celebration Choir 10:45 Adult Bible Study – Youth rm. 7:00 Bible Study 5:00pm Senior High Youth Group 6:00pm Junior High Youth Group 7:00 AA setup 8:00 Chancel Choir 8:00 Alcoholics Anonymous.
1. 2. . 8:00am Christmas Store (St. Tomas)
3. 1:00pm-3:00 4.. 5. 6. 7. Peal Harbor 8. 9. Home for the Holidays 7:00pm Trustee Meeting Remembrance Day
10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 12 Rebecca Circle 7:00pm Lydia Circle 7:00pm Boy Scouts Parent 7:30 Christmas Concert and 10:45 Martha Circle 7:00pm Finance Meeting 12 Saran Circle Meeting Cantata 1pm Lexington House 600pm Pizza and Caroling 17.Sunday School Happy Birthday 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. Jesus Party First Day of Winter
7:30 Christmas Concert and 7:00pm Council of Ministries Cantata
24. CHRISTMAS EVE 25. 26. 27. 30. 28. 29. 30. 10:00AM SERVICE MERRY CHRISTMAS DAY! 5:00PM – FAMILY SERVICE 7:30PM CANDLELIGHT 11:00PM CANDLEIGHT
31.New Year’s Eve