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GOOD TIDINGS A Monthly Newsletter of The Presbyterian Church of Morris Plains

MARCH 2020 FROM OUR INTERIM PASTOR 1Now all the tax-collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. 2And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, ‘This fel- low welcomes sinners and eats with them.’ 3 So he told them this para- ble: 4‘Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? 5When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoic- es. 6And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.” 7Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance. 8 ‘Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it?9When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, “Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.” 10Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.’ -Luke 15:1-10 Lost and found is a common biblical theme. But as it happens with something that is familiar, we tend to receive it with one eye or ear closed, believing we know it all and there’s nothing new to learn. What a mistake that can be. In the first ten verses found in Luke 15: 1-10, the theme of lost and found is front and center in the parables. We know these stories, of the shepherd and the lost sheep, of the woman and her lost coin. The first two sentences, often overlooked, give us context. These parables were a response by Jesus to the religious leaders who were grumbling about his embrace of sinners and tax collectors. Jesus invited and welcomed the disreputable, who had “come near to lis- ten”, to eat at table with him. This was risky business. Jesus’ radical, inclusive hospitality disturbed those in the know about established rules and boundaries that set apart insiders from outsiders.

In these verses, our focus can fall on the lost objects. But Jesus told parables about the searchers – a man and a woman – as reference to the divine. Revealed in these stories is the God who takes extravagant risks, who stops at nothing to restore wholeness with us. Revealed is INDEX the God willing to share celebration and joy with us. Community 2 & 4 This is the church season of , an awakening time when we keep our eyes and ears especially open not only to what Jesus is saying and Christian Education 3 doing in the scripture story, but also with whom he interacts. It’s one Celebrations 5 way to discover what Jesus can still speak and do in the unfolding stories of our own lives. Other News 6 Music Ministry 7 “Find me, my Lord God…wherever I have strayed. Hold me, lift me, carry me back rejoicing on the strong shoulders of your love… Amen.” (prayer from J. Barrie Shepherd, A Diary of Daily Prayer, Day 27)

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CHURCH COMMUNITY

Book Club Everyone is welcome to attend on Monday, March 23 at 7:30 pm in the parlor as we discuss Before We Were Yours. Please call Pat Olson at 973-539-7941 with any questions.

Copy Cats-Retired Ladies The next gathering is on Thursday, March 19 A special Copy Cats ladies’ luncheon will be from 2:00 pm-4:00 pm. The café is a social time provided by Joanne Wurster on Wednesday, for anyone in the community who is living with March 25 at 12:00 noon in Westminster Hall. mild to moderate Alzheimer's Disease or other If you would like to attend, please RSVP to cognitive impairment and their care partner. We Joanne at 973-539-6970 by Sunday, March 22. will have a musical program and time to socialize. We look forward to an enjoyable afternoon Please share this information with your friends and together. neighbors who would benefit from this outreach program. If you have any questions, please contact Ginny Fisher at 973-229-4145. Food Drive Missions On the first Sunday We will participate in the One Great Hour of of every month, we Sharing campaign through PCUSA. This is an commune with our opportunity for us to donate toward the relief Lord. We have just a efforts of Presbyterian Hunger Program and little bit of bread and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. We will be a tiny bit of the cup, collecting your contributions from Sunday, March 1 but in those gifts, we through Sunday, March 15. We will provide OGHS experience the real envelopes in the pew racks for your convenience. spiritual presence of Christ with us. Throughout his life, Jesus acted always for the benefit of those who were in need and on the margins. When we are fed by the Lord’s Supper, not only is our spirituality nourished (our sense of connection with God), We are preparing for our Food Drive which but so is our faith (our beliefs and actions that will be delivered on April 6. Please start bringing in result from that connection). As a symbol of our the following items for our baskets. All items need deep connection with Christ and a sign that we to be in by Thursday, April 2. Thank you very are his hands and hearts at work in the world, we much. bring a non-perishable food item to worship on Canned Fruit the days we celebrate communion. They can be Canned Soup left in the back of the sanctuary with the ushers Tuna or brought forward and placed under the Macaroni and cheese communion table. As God feeds us, we feed our Muffin Mix neighbors. Pasta Pasta Sauce The most needed foods are: dry milk, Parmalat, Canned Sweet Potatoes evaporated milk, calcium fortified milk Peanut Butter alternatives (soy, rice, almond milk), soups, Jelly pasta, canned fruit, canned beans, tuna fish, Instant Coffee or Tea Rice-a-Roni, Hamburger & Tuna Helper, Boost, Farina or Oatmeal Ensure, Glucerna, Enfamil, baby food, and baby Brownie Mix or Cake Mix and Frosting wipes. Bag of Rice Beans-Canned or Bag Hams

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SUNDAY SCHOOL

As the year flies by, the Sunday School is as busy as ever. Here is a look ahead with the dates you will want to remember:

*April 5, Palm Parade-The Sunday School will meet their teachers in Westminster Hall at 9:20 and parade into worship together. *April 12, Easter Sunday-No Sunday School-Easter following 9:30 am Service *May 17 – Practice for Youth Led Worship during Sunday School *May 24-Memorial Day Weekend-No Sunday School *May 31-, Youth Led Worship and Confirmation *June 14- Last day of Sunday School and Teacher Appreciation Sunday *July 12-August 30-Summer Sunday School for Third Grade and Younger

Just a reminder that our Sunday School offering will be donated to the Heifer Project this year and we are hoping to buy one Alpaca at $150. Please visit https://www.heifer.org/gift-catalog/animals/gift-of- an-alpaca.html to find out how amazing this gift will be for a needy family.

Please continue to talk to your children about stewardship and encourage them to bring their offering each week. If your family needs Sunday School offering envelopes, please see Kathy McNall or ask your child’s teacher.

As Lent continues, our Sunday School classes are working on their grade level assignments-learning the Lord’s Prayer, The Apostle’s Creed, Psalm 23, etc. Grade level assignments are listed in the Sunday School booklet.

Lastly, please encourage your children to sit at our Kid’s Corner in Westminster Hall after worship. Each Sunday there are coloring pages and activity sheets to work on and games to play in a spot reserved just for kids.

YOUTH GROUP/CLUB 345

The Youth Group had a wonderful time gathering in February. The Huster Family was kind enough to host a Super Bowl party on February 2 and the Traver, Higgins, Rossi, Huster, and Martella families attended. The second meeting of the month was a joint meeting of the Youth Group and Club 345. They had a great dinner and a fun time playing games. On February 17, President’s Day, sixteen children spent an enjoyable day bowling. They are looking forward to the next bowling outing.

In March, the Youth Group will be attending the Newton Presbytery Youth Gathering hosted by the Morristown Presbyterian Church on Sunday, March 8 from 1:00 pm-3:00 pm. They will also be attending the Youth Group Retreat at Camp Johnsonburg from March 20-22. The children are very excited about these outreach opportunities. The next meeting will be on Sunday, March 29 from 6:00 pm-8:00 pm.

Please be sure to look at the collages in the hallway to see all the activities they have been doing and their bulletin board to see updates on future activities. If you wish to join, there is still time to become a member of the Youth Fellowship Program. Please see Mae Martella to register.

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JOYFUL NOISE NURSERY SCHOOL

Joyful Noise Nursery School and Daycare is a very busy place this month. March is one of our favorite months because it is “Reading Month”. We are all ready to “get hooked on a book” and celebrate reading every day. We are especially eager and excited to have Pastor Jacqui read to our classes. In addition, picture day is the week of March 23. We are all looking forward to spring so we can play outside. Registration for the 2020-2021 school year is open. Anyone wishing to register should call the school at 973-539-9514 to arrange a visit. Unfortunately, some of our devoted teachers have had unexpected family illnesses. We ask that the members of the Presbyterian Church of Morris Plains join us in praying for them.

CALLING ALL SOFTBALL PLAYERS AND FANS

Our church will be participating in the North Jersey Christian Softball League. We are looking for players ages sixteen or older and fans of all ages. The season begins in mid April and ends by mid July during which ten semi-competitive games are played usually on Thursday nights at 6:30 pm. Please contact Mark Ruiz at 201-602-9583 or Bob Romano at 973-580-3259 or visit the league website at www.njcsl.com for additional information.

GATHERING & BELONGING

Gathering and Belonging will hold its next meeting on Sunday, March 8 at 10:45 am in the parlor. We will plan the activities for the year with the focus on March events. Please join us on March 13 for our first Fun Friday of the year. A potluck dinner will begin at 6:30 pm followed by bunco at 7:30 pm. A sign-up sheet is in Westminster Hall. There will be an Hunt on Easter Sunday, April 12, following the 9:30 am worship service. The prepping of the Easter eggs will be completed this month. We have plenty of eggs but need fillers to stuff the eggs. Donations of items such as stickers, small toys, and candy that will fit in the eggs will be accepted through March 29 in the bin in Westminster Hall. The Tirzah Circle has generously volunteered to stuff the eggs after service on March 22 and March 29. Thank you so much to everyone for their kindness and generosity! ALLING ALL SOFTBALL PLAYERS AND FANS CAL SOFTBALL PLAYERS AND

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MARCH

Happy Birthday To: Poage, Katrina 3/1 Falcone, Michael 3/16 Frazzano, Pete 3/2 Faundez, Lorenzo 3/17 Bohn, Cheryl 3/3 Lanza, William 3/17 Cantrell, Madelyn 3/3 Beeck, Ryan 3/18 Rosenfeld, Jillian 3/3 Kattermann, Suzanne 3/18 Rosenfeld, Ted 3/3 Thomas, Carissa 3/18 Thorne, Melissa 3/3 Fox, Matthew 3/19 Lioi, Joan 3/5 Foley, Colin 3/20 Oakley, Judy 3/5 Rossetti, Erica 3/20 Wright, Kathy 3/6 Talbert, Grant 3/21 Robinson, Seth 3/8 McKeever, John 3/22 Martella, Mae 3/9 Ramirez, Lucas 3/23 Karr, Andrea 3/11 Toye, Keagan 3/23 Oakley, Bill 3/11 Martin, Debby 3/24 Rossi, Karen 3/11 Risko, Judy 3/25 Benjamin, Art 3/12 Foley, Lisa 3/26 Koch, Quinn 3/12 Crain, Kevin 3/29 Williams, Kari 3/13 Csengeto, Melissa 3/29 Williams, Trevor 3/13 Fisher, Jessica 3/29 Gibson, Sandra 3/14 Rosenfeld, Rich 3/30 Kress, Christine 3/14 Brabandt, Timothy 3/31 Kress, Ryan 3/14 Toye, Camryn 3/31 Morgan, Deborah 3/14 Smith, Joshua 3/14 Happy Anniversary To: Koch, Lauren 3/15 Bushong, Charles & Joan 3/1 35 Yrs. Barwick, Brendan 3/16 Olson, Don & Mary 3/5 21 Yrs. Barwick, Meghan 3/16 Rossetti, Dave & Debbie 3/21 29 Yrs. Barwick, Ryan 3/16

MAGIC PENNIES Tired of the ccccCold winter weather? THINK SPRING! And when making your plans for spring break, THINK MAGIC PENNIES! We have all kinds of cards you will find useful for your spring break travel plans including cards for airlines, hotel chains, spas, cruise lines, eateries, gas stations, car rentals, Disney and more! Also, plan ahead for the Easter season. Magic Pennies cards make great gifts and fit perfectly in any .

A percentage from each card purchased benefits the church. It’s so easy and there’s no extra cost to you. Please visit our table after worship during coffee hour to see our selection.

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PASTOR NOMINATING COMMITTEE

The PNC has diligently prayed for God’s guidance in discerning His will for our congregation. We are excited to announce that we have concluded our search for the next solo pastor for our church. We have chosen a candidate who possesses characteristics which we feel are essential in our new pastor. We have extended a Call to a selected candidate and they have enthusiastically accepted the Terms of Call. We will be sending a letter to everyone shortly with more details about the candidate. The PNC thanks our church family for their prayers and support.

The Session, at the request of the Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC), has called a special meeting of the congregation on Sunday, March 15, immediately following the 9:30 a.m. worship service. The purpose is to hear the report and act upon the recommendation of the PNC that the candidate be PCMP’s next Pastor. A reception to meet the candidate will be held at the church on Saturday, March 14 from 1-4 p.m. in Westminster Hall. The candidate will preach at the 9:30 a.m. worship service on Sunday, March 15. We hope you will be able to join us both days during this very special and exciting time in the life of our church and community. NOW AND LATER

In the Midst of Global Health Concerns~Loving God and Our Neighbor as Ourselves

The Coronavirus, influenza, and other viral, contagious diseases and infections are in our world, in the news and, of course, on our minds, our hearts, and part of our conversations. As a loving, Christian community, how do we appropriately respond to protect our congregation and preschool, as well as to show our care and concern to those outside our doors as we continue to love God, and our neighbor as ourselves? Remaining informed (separating fact from fallacy, fear, and overreaction), using common sense, following best practices, and planning, for now and for later, are good ways to be proactive in a situation that is changing and one we are still learning about. FOLLOW BASIC, COMMON SENSE PRECAUTIONS WASH YOUR HANDS! A thorough, 30-second washing with soap and water is recommended first and foremost. If you cannot wash your hands with soap and water, use hand sanitizer with at least a 60% alcohol content. Hand sanitizer bottles are located throughout the church and preschool. IF YOU ARE ILL, STAY HOME! If you or your child are ill, it’s best to stay home to recuperate and not come to worship, school, or other activities and events. If you are sneezing, do so into the inside of your elbow or into a disposable tissue and immediately throw the used tissue into a trash container. THEN WASH YOUR HANDS! (see above) PASSING THE PEACE: There are many ways to share the peace without shaking hands or embracing one another. Fold your hands over your heart and verbalize “Peace be with you.” Bump elbows or wave your hand and say “Peace be with you.” Simply smile and say “Peace be with you.” COMMUNION: We will continue to share the gifts of bread and cup in community with some accommodations made to our usual practice and pattern of intinction. Those preparing and serving communion have always thoroughly washed their hands and will continue to do so. Accommodations may include only the pastor and designated elder handing out the bread to those receiving communion. Specific instructions during a Communion Sunday worship will be given to the congregants for partaking of communion together. CLEANING: We continue to use an effective, germ-killing cleaning solution in our Joyful Noise Nursery School and Daycare classrooms, in the church nursery, and in the church bathrooms, kitchen, floors and other areas. Bleach-based towelettes for cleaning will be put in church rooms and offices to allow for use on doorknobs, tables, desks and other surfaces to further combat the spread of germs. THE SESSION HAS SET UP A TASK FORCE to deal with this changing situation and coordinate the congregation’s efforts for being prepared now and if necessary later with our Joyful Noise Nursery School and Daycare and with the larger community. FINALLY, CONTINUE TO PRAY for those who are affected by the current Coronavirus: those who are ill, those who have died, those who are providing medical care and treatment, those seeking better treatment and a cure, those who must make decisions for the general public, and for the church, who is called to be a healing presence of Christ in the world.

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MUSIC MINISTRY

Music is alive and thriving as we head into the Lenten and Easter season. As always, we are eager for members in both the choir and on the Worship Team and welcome any joiners to after-church rehearsals every other Sunday (choir) or to see Christine after services (Worship Team). We look forward to a blessed Easter season and are grateful for the opportunity to serve the Lord in music and song!

WALSH MEMORIAL BELL CHOIR

The handbell choirs of our church continue to ring praises to God. All choirs have weekly rehearsals and ring in the Sunday morning worship services on a regular schedule. New ringers are welcome throughout the year; please contact any of the directors if you have an interest in participating in a bell choir.

There are currently five different handbell ensembles in our program:

Walsh Memorial: Junior and Senior High Youth, Interim Director-Debbie Rossetti Rehearsals: Thursdays-6:30 pm-8:30 pm Grazio: Primarily Adults, Director-Carl Loutzenheiser Rehearsals: Mondays-7:00 pm-8:30 pm Dolce: Beginners and less experienced Youth 2nd-6th Grade, Director-Debbie Rossetti Rehearsals: Sundays-10:30 am-11:30 am Quartet: Select Group of Youth, Director - Kathy Opsasnick Legacy: A newly named group of experienced ringers that meet occasionally to rehearse and plan to participate in worship.

Dolce Bell Choir: The Dolce Bell Choir, an incredibly energetic and enthusiastic group of youth, is growing in numbers! They are looking forward to participating in the Hudson Valley Young Ringers Festival on Saturday, March 28 in Warwick, NY. This festival will provide the choir with an opportunity to ring several select pieces with other bell choirs and a solo piece. The final concert is at 4:30 pm at the Warwick Reformed Church, Warwick NY. All are invited to attend.

Walsh Memorial Bell Choir: The Walsh Memorial Bell Choir had a very busy Christmas season. We welcome two new ringers to the group and look forward to opportunities to continue ringing our praises to God with spring concerts.

Both the Walsh and Grazio Bell Choirs will participate in the Hudson Valley Handbell Festival on Saturday, April 25 at Iona Prep School, New Rochelle, NY. This day long festival will culminate in a final concert at 7:00 pm that all are invited to attend.

In addition, the bell choirs are preparing for our annual Appreciation Concert on Sunday, May 3 at 6:00 pm in our sanctuary. This is a free concert open to the public. Please come with family and friends.

The Walsh Memorial Bell Choir Program thanks all those who helped support the fruit sale. The fruit will be delivered on Saturday, March 7. Extra fruit was ordered and some may still be available. If you are interested in fresh, delicious fruit for yourself, as a gift, or to donate to a local charity, please contact Carl Loutzenheiser, 973-267-1258, [email protected] or come to the church after on March 7 after 10:00 am. The Walsh Memorial Bell Choir will be having a fundraiser in March. Frozen food products from Ashley Farms will be available to order (cheesecakes, pies, etc.). Delivery will be on Thursday, April 2, so your order will be here for Palm Sunday. Please see any Walsh ringer to place an order. As always, we thank you for your support with our fundraisers.

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EASTER SERVICES

PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS WITH THE FOLLOWING SERVICES:

Sunday, April 5- Join us for worship on Palm Sunday beginning with a palm at 9:30 am in the sanctuary.

Thursday, April 9-The Service with communion is at 7:30 pm in the sanctuary.

Friday, April 10-Our Service with St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and combined choirs is at 7:30 pm in the sanctuary.

Sunday, April 12-Easter-Please join us to celebrate the Risen Lord at 9:30 am in the sanctuary with the Chancel Choir and combined Walsh and Grazio Bell Choirs. The Easter Egg Hunt will be immediately following the service.

The Presbyterian Church of Morris Plains

400 Speedwell Avenue Phone: 973-539-3481 Morris Plains, NJ 07950 Fax: 973-539-1225 Web: mppresby.org The Rev. Jacqui Van Vliet Interim Pastor

TO:

EVERYONE is welcome here to worship the Lord! Sunday Worship-9:30 a.m., Coffee & Fellowship-10:30 a.m.