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Reflections and Service Information 1– 4 Session 6
Church & Society 8
Joy Offering 9
Noisy Offering 10
Stewardship 11
Passports 13
Joys & Concerns 14
Food Drive 16
Birthday & Anniversary
Elder Service Schedule 17
Church Staff Pastor
Rev. Katja Gruening Director of Music Ministries Marcello Velame Office Administrator Billie McNally Sexton Douglas Silk
Reflections from Pastor Katja…
The Towne Crier The Presbyterian Church
at Shrewsbury 352 Sycamore Avenue Shrewsbury, NJ 07702
November 2020 Volume 54 Issue 12
I confess to often being a Christmas grinch. I love the purple of the Advent season – the same purple of the Lenten season – the purple of serious contemplation as to what humankind has done that requires nothing less than a major intervention of God to set right. Some years I have done no decorating apart from my advent wreath marking time and a few window candles, which to me feel somewhat liturgical. Sitting in the darkness and waiting for God is a spiritual practice, and I usually take advantage of the opportunity to do something that so defies the materialistic and instant society around us. This year, however, we’ve done so much waiting and hoping already! Advent may feel a bit redundant. Even I am ready already for the Savior. I have succumbed to a strange urge to put up a tree, and early. (I’ve never had a proper tree – just a wooden ornament stand). I have purple candles and red ones for my grandmother’s candlesticks, and I want to use the red ones now. I’ve made some rather unsatisfactory attempts to hang greens, having vastly underestimated the scale needed for the size of the manse! Oh well. The bottom line is that nothing we do in this season has to follow any prescribed notion of what Advent should be. You can do what you traditionally do, or you can do something different or nothing at all. We’re living the Christmas story whether or not we go out of our way to do so. Mary and Joseph went to Bethlehem to be registered for tax assessment purposes and pay up. The travel and the taxes were economic hardships for them. That is going on around us.
Tel. 732-747-3557
Email: [email protected]
Web: tpcas.org
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They were also displaced from home – stuck in Bethlehem with a baby that arrived with inconvenient timing, and then exiled to Egypt for safety. We may feel displaced from our sanctuary, from our workplaces and schools, from our public places, from our friends and family. Displacement is part of the Advent experience. Mary had to give birth either alone or with the help of strangers. She did not have the support of the women in her family and community who would have shown up to coach her through had she been at home. We acknowledge that despite the best efforts to find workarounds to being physically apart, loneliness is pervasive right now. Our present experience is just another iteration of the part of the salvation story that cries out for a Savior. It’s part of the journey. There’s value and sacredness in knowing we know where this story goes even as we haven’t gotten to the ending yet. So do whatever you need to do. Jump ahead to Christmas or hang back waiting it out. Go all out with how you welcome and symbolize God’s gifts, or take a rest this year, for the year itself is revelatory of why we welcome God’s intervention. No matter what you do or don’t do, Christ is coming. That’s the nature of God’s grace – we have absolutely nothing to do with its timing and its arrival. God wills it, and we realize, prepared or not, that we are caught up in the story of salvation. In the end, what matters is that we recognize the grace of God in Christ. Whatever helps us recognize that is welcome in this Advent season – no matter what form it takes. May you find a meaningful way to make your way to the manger, and be blessed when you arrive. Peace,
Pastor Katja
WE WAIT IN SILENCE FOR THE LIGHT
A very special and beautiful Advent Service will be celebrated
Wednesday December 9 at 7:30 pm on Zoom.
An inspiring evening, full of hymn-singing, flute, bells, organ, piano and
candlelight will be presented by the Worship Committee and will include many
members of our church. Readings of poetry, prose and hymns of light and hope
will herald the Advent Season. Plan to set aside this hour for a time to reflect on
the meaning of this special season in the Church Year.
Please add the following Zoom info for the advent service:
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81656839002 By Phone: (646) 558-8656 Enter meeting ID: 816 5683 9002
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Christmas Eve Service You are invited to join us in worship via Zoom on
Christmas Eve at 9pm.
Please note the time change.
There will be a time of pre-service music prior to 9pm featuring a
number of our musically talented church members. Stay tuned
to future announcements for the start time for the music. You can
join the Zoom gathering for the pre-service music, anytime during,
or just in time for the service to begin at 9pm. As you plan on participating in worship on Christmas Eve, here are a few pointers
to enhance the experience: Have a candle for each person to light. We will be inviting you to turn off your
lights and light your candles during the singing of Silent Night. Consider setting up your webcam so we can see your Christmas tree or other
decorations in the background. Share your Christmas cheer! If you have extra family members or guests joining, make sure you’ve got a place
where everyone can comfortably gather to watch. Think about how everyone
might comfortably view a screen or screens. Tip: if you are a little tech savvy
you can mirror your computer or phone screen to your tv, or connect directly
if you’re tv is internet connected. We love seeing your faces, but know it’s okay to turn off your camera if that
makes you more comfortable. Whether your house is a mess, or you’ve been
on Zoom too long, or you’re afraid emotions will overwhelm you, join us, but
know you and your house don’t have to be seen.
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PCAS Sunday, Worship Service Online at 10:00 am
Call in by phone: 646-558-8656 when prompted,
enter meeting ID: 236 972 496 Or
CLICK HERE or copy & paste the link to join via the internet video conference:
https://zoom.us/j/236972496
Link to Join Bible Study Zoom Meeting via video: Click here or
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87686705631
Or by phone: (646) 558-8656 Enter Meeting ID: 876 8670 5631
Email [email protected] or call (732 747 3557)
the church office, and we’ll send you the weekly study guide.
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Don’t look now but ‘gift giving season’ is right around the corner !
No question this is a ‘different’ year but God’s call to us to remember those less fortunate remains the same. In that spirit, the Church and Soci-ety Committee is launching a modest mission project to remember some folks served by The Center in Asbury Park. The Center serves those struggling with AIDS and their families and caregivers. In many cases the only gift a client receives is through this gift drive. Below you will find a list of individuals by name and number. The gender and age of each is provided too. In each case is a suggestion of a suitable item. The gift should be new and although we might be used to gift cards, it is asked that we do NOT give them. Daoud 186 (M 47) shirt L, pants 34/34 Kiah 189 (F 39) comforter
Juan 192 (M 59) plain hoodie Nikki 33p(M 6 yrs.) basketball stuff size 6T
Gilbert 33p (M 10 yrs.) Adidas sports clothes size 14
Peggy 35p (F adult) comforter/ queen size sheets Kimberly (F adult) full size sheets
Each gift should be appropriately wrapped with a small tag on the outside indicating the name and number of the recipient. Your gift should be turned in at the Church House by Monday, December 7. , so that all of our twenty individuals receive one gift. Click for Sign Up Genius
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050949a4a72fa2fe3-christmas If you prefer, please call / email Linda Zucaro with the name you have chosen (732 922-3708 or [email protected]).
Our hope is to bring a bit of cheer in this season to folks whose lives often need some brightening.
Thank you for helping to make this Mission a success.
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Session Summary of the November 2020 Session Meeting
Submitted by Elder Gretchen O’Kane, Clerk of Session
Sue Starke reported for the Deacons that the offering at Thanksgiving Eve service will be donated to the Eatontown Food Coop. The Deacons will be decorating the church for Christmas but much scaled-back from what has been done in previous years.
Elder Bob Suarez reminded everyone that if they have events or announcements that can be included in our social media, please send emails with information to [email protected]. Bob also encourages everyone to “like” and “share” our social media posts.
Elder Sean Starke reported for the Worship Committee that we will only have one worship service on Christmas Eve at 9 pm. There will be Christmas music
before the service. Session approved a request from the Worship Committee to form a subcommittee
to explore changes that could be made to the sanctuary which could make portions of the space more accessible and flexible to enhance worship. The
committee will come back to Session at a later date with suggestions. It was suggested that there is a need for more seating. There was concern raised about the cost of making any changes, especially because the manse campaign is short by approximately $75,000. Other issues were raised as well. Nothing will be done until the committee reports back to Session and Session approves any changes.
Elder David Apy and Treasurer Heather Palframan reported for P&A that the church had a $2,000 loss for the month of October. Year-to-date we are still approximately +$1,000. The church has received complaints about the music coming from our parking lot when the dance studio holds outdoor classes.
The owners of the dance studio are working with the facilities committee to find reasonable solutions.
Elder Kim Davies reported for Fellowship that they are holding a virtual cookie recipe swap. Also, they are encouraging church families to decorate the outside of their homes for Christmas. A list will be distributed for people who
want to drive by the homes as a Covid-friendly activity. Fellowship will be asking people to take pictures of their Christmas trees and post them to social
media and “tag” PCAS. They are working on having a Zoom New Year’s Eve party.
Elder Lori Hirce reported for Church & Society that the Trek Bench has arrived. This was a prize for the plastic collection project with a huge effort from Billie McNally. The committee will have a mission gift project in December.
The blood drive will be held on December 1 in Fellowship Hall. Elder Joyce Davies reported that she is working with Billie to send letters to people who are attending Zoom Worship on a regular basis to invite them to
join the church.
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A Note From
Elders David Apy and Bob Suarez reported that there is a nest of raccoons in the attic above the Sunday school classrooms. The raccoons have destroyed the ceiling and it will have to be replaced once we are able to get the raccoons out of
there. Also, the heat in the church house still isn’t working. Bob is having work done to fix it.
Pastor Katja reported that the reopening committee has met and is going to make formal announcements about how we are using the church house as well as
developing a staged reopening plan. The Nominating Committee is still working on filling open slots for Elders and Deacons.
Session voted to have a congregational meeting on January 31, 2021.
Session voted to have Elder Joyce Davies be our representative at the Presbytery
meeting this weekend.
Elder Lisa Barnes reported for CE that “Trunk or Treat” was a success. CE is collecting food for Thanksgiving to be donated to a local cause. There will be a
meeting for parents of children joining the next confirmation class. Advent boxes will be distributed to the children. December 13 they will have a tree lighting event and they are preparing a Christmas Pageant to be included in the December 20 Worship Service. The pageant will be pre-recorded.
Edna's 100th Birthday Celebration
November 17, 2020 What a wonderful celebration it was – in spite of the wind, clouds, and 45- degree temperature! Mission Belles surprised Edna with a drop-by. Edna's daughter was in on the plan. When we all started honking our horns, Edna came outside, appropriately bundled up! The ten of us then gathered on her lawn and started singing “Happy Birthday” along with lots of clapping! She was delighted to see us all there. And we were so thrilled to be with her, Yes, we were keeping our distance and wearing masks. But boy, did we want to hug her! She was
regaled with flowers, balloons, signs, cake, and gifts (an engraved crystal bell and a jar filled with “Edna's 100 Thoughtful Traits”). Mission Belles had not been together since February 26. It was terrific being together for Edna's special day for a sweet although short time.
Thanks for the memories, Edna!
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Church & Society
GIVE A GIFT AND CHANGE A LIFE
Make The Holidays More Meaningful and bless everyone on your Christmas List
with a special gift!
Are you looking for unique and meaningful gifts for your family and friends? Are you looking to take the stress out of holiday shopping while putting the meaning
back into giving?
You can choose to give a goat, drill a well, feed a hungry baby, brighten a child’s face with a new soccer ball, create access to clean water, provide life-saving medicine, care for victims of disaster or support any ministry project that would touch their heart.
Your support and generosity will truly touch the communities and lives of those
who need hope more than ever this year. Blessings to All.
Lori Hirce Church and Society
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Joy Offering
Church and Society Committee
sponsors special offerings during the church year.
What does the Joy Offering support? Half of the gifts provide assistance for current and retired
church workers and their families with critical financial needs. Half of your gifts make it possible for students
to learn and grow in faith at Presbyterian related schools and colleges equipping communities of color.
During the past
months, many of us weren’t able to be together in
person. It is going to be a different Christmas.
But we have always been together in spirit and in
faith. God has been with us. And through our gifts to the
Christmas Joy Offering, we are together with those who need our
love and support. God is with us. -
Matthew 1:23
Ways to give - through our church…send a
check to the church office made out to PCAS with Joy Offering
on the memo line. Or click her for online giving... at https://specialofferings.pcusa.org/make-a-gift/gift-info/christmas-joy/
(Please write the name of our church and the pin #4797
In the comment/ instruction/ name of church box.)
The Joy Offering will be dedicated on
Sunday December 20th.
Thank you for your generosity
A Brief History of The Noisy Offering by Jan Pedersen
Remember the Noisy Offering? We were expected to collect a penny from each
person in your family for every meal the family ate. Once a month the Sunday School
would help us collect coins in metal cans which joyfully announced our
contributions. The money was sent to the Presbyterian minister in charge of
Hunger in our Presbytery. Phyllis Zoom is her name. Our church got thankful
nods from her for our large Noisy Offerings.
Where did the money go? Churches that contributed money sent
representatives to Sabbath House to meet with Phyllis. At the first of the year
meeting, we chose applicants for food projects within the boundary of Monmouth
Presbytery. The total to distribute was usually between $3,000 and $4,000.
Over the years we funded projects to feed people. Yes, programs such as the
Center in Asbury Park were included. Also there was a deer proof fence for the
Presbyterian Church of Middletown’s large gardens so they could give away what
they grew. Feeding children during the summer when school was closed was a goal
by others. Individual churches got money for Food and Clothing Closets. Some
churches needed gas money to deliver food to shut ins.
We would meet a second time in late summer. Another $3,000 to $4,000 would
have been collected. We sent the money outside the boundaries of Monmouth
Presbytery. Food for Presbyterian Church’s programs aboard were high on our list of
donations. The Heifer Program was also a favorite on our list. Heifer sends a
pregnant animal to a foreign country. When the baby is born the farmer gives it
away to another needy household.
Times and boundaries have changed. We would like to thank Phyllis Zoom for
her encouragement in the past and bless her future. Maybe we can keep the
monthly Noisy Offering to help support The Center when we resume meeting in the
sanctuary?
The Church wishes to thank Tom Pedersen
for his many years of collecting and counting change.
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STEWARDSHIPSTEWARDSHIP
A month ago we asked: Have you thought about your plans for Thanksgiving? How’d that work out? Nine months in, 270,000 dead, and … what? We do the math again and imagine again our little white church, which on the mean streets of Shrewsbury proudly proclaims that Racism Is Evil. We imagine 67 Presbyterians in the pews on every Sunday since 1942, when the great battles of Midway and Stalingrad and Guadalcanal and El Alamein were fought, and the death camp at Treblinka was put into operation. We imagine the 78-year-long line of Shrewsbury Presbyterians, and we imagine all of them dead. Ask yourself Why is this happening? Why is this still happening? Why, after nine months, is it getting worse? Take your time. We have time -- maybe too much -- to think. And time – maybe not enough -- to pray for direction and strength. Thinking, praying, we recall our Frost; we stop by woods on a snowy evening, watching as they fill up with snow: The woods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep. Promises to keep. Consider the promise we each made in answer to this question: Will you be Christ's faithful disci-ple obeying his word and showing his love? That’s one of several vows we each took when joining the church. A promise -- if it means any-thing to call ourselves Christians – surely to be kept; that must be kept. Keeping it is a daunting challenge – for weak-minded and fearful me, at least – and that chal-lenge is expressed in the lines about the miles to go before I sleep. Frost didn’t put it there twice because he couldn’t think of anything else to write. Spare with words, he put it in twice for a reason. See if you can work it out. It’s a short poem. Look it up. Read it. Ask yourself Who stops by woods on a snowy evening? And why? This isn’t a happy poem, but it’s one apt for our time. We have time – it’s never too late to do the right thing – to act. And we have miles to go before we sleep. And we have miles to go before we sleep. Have you thought about your plans for Christmas?
GENTLE REMINDER TO FILL OUT AND RETURN YOUR PLEDGE CARDS
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POINSETTIA SALE We are keeping the PCAS traditions alive with the CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS sale!
The spirit of Christmas can be felt with a beautiful poinsettia or 2 or more! We are offering large red or white poinsettias (8”) for $21
and small red or white poinsettias (6”) for $11 each.
TO ORDER: email ([email protected]) or call the church 732-747-3557 and give the information on the order form. The last day to order is WEDS., DECEMBER 2nd. You can pick them up outside
the Church House on the day we usually have the Christmas Bazaar Saturday, Dec. 5th between
10 am and 2 pm. If you cannot pick them up, we will deliver them later that day or whenever it may
be convenient for you and our delivery volunteers.
Please make checks out to: Presbyterian Women.
Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, So get on your way!” Dr, Seuss
We got on our way and began to collect, a mountain of plastic was sent off to TREX.
The bench has arrived,
It’s assembled
and placed.
Thank you to all
who helped make this
a perfect place for a rest.
“Family Vacation Places in Pennsylvania” A PCAS Passport slide show by Kirsten Schanck and Sheryl Powers
This joint presentation will be given to the PASSPORT small group on Friday December 4th at 7:30. All are invited to attend. Kirsten, who has a lake house on Lake Henry PA will be talking and providing photos of trips to Steamtown USA, Trolley ride, and Lacawac Sanctuary, plus many sunsets over the lake. Sheryl has many childhood memories of days at Coxton Lake and a cottage there originally built in 1908 and later in a log cabin built by the family. Recently they have been finding historical items with interesting stories. She is looking forward to sharing some of these stories with you. Join the Dec 4th Passport Zoom session hosted by Rich Vodhanel: CLICK HERE
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87939982162?pwd=MWliY3N5WXNGYnJyZFBaS3FOTnhOZz09
Meeting ID: 879 3998 2162 and Passcode: 937214
11 Sheryl’s Cottage - Coxton Lake Kirsten’s Lake House - Lake Henry
A Collaboration Between Vox New England Stanley Wilson, Mary Ellen Wilson's son, a wonderful professional singer
and teacher, invites the congregation to watch his production of
Amahl and The Night Visitors.
You can stream for the month of December through to Epiphany. It will be $9.95 to have access to streaming it for 48 hours.
Here is the information about watching.
https://youtu.be/g8vOBtWloz0 and https://youtu.be/G6bDLWInhzc
JOYS AND THANKSGIVINGS
Kristin & Megan Dinglestedt’s 21st Birthday Jan and Tom Pedersen celebrating birthdays
Assistance from friend, David Tognola’s 56th Wedding Anniversary
Apy’s 33rd Anniversary Edna Pratt’s 100th Birthday Youth Group Food Drive
Gift of Chris Kustka & Marcello’s music
Jane Wagner thankful to be celebrating Al’s 92 Birthday on Nov. 10.
HOMEBOUND
Ginny Carlyle
HEALTH AND OTHER CONCERNS
Pam Sergeant Donna Schmidt Judy Whary’s brother, Jerry Doreen Bartok Patty
Peter Bruguiere’s Aunt & her grandson Family of Young Man who died of COVID Lori Levy
Marilyn Broege and her mother, Edith Rev. Lee Welkley Theo and Family Cindy Murphy
Barb and David Ed Those struggling with depression, anxiety & loneliness Jane Klafter
Kris Phalen’s mom Shirley Apy Family Peace and peace making
Theo and Family Clementine, Joanne Chernoff's mother
GRIEVING
Bob Levy and Family for his sister, Lenore Family of Edith Ackerman
Family of Matthew Pellegrino The Family of Chris and Susan Kelly
It's hard to share cookies this year, but we can share recipes. A recipe exchange is being organized. If you wish to participate, please send recipes to Deb Blood by Dec. 11 at [email protected]. Any format is OK: typed into the email, typed into a Word doc and attached to the email, copied and scanned as a PDF attachment to the email, or even mailed. The booklet will be ready the following week. Please include your name with the recipe. If you want to add any little story about it, that would be fun. Afterwards, take pictures as you bake and send those: they will be included in a second edition.
Show family in the picture along with the cookies.
Virtual Christmas Cookie Exchange
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PECANS! PECANS! PECANS!
PW will be selling 1 lb. bags of
Schermer Fancy Mammoth Pecan halves
starting as soon as they arrive in
November (estimated to arrive Nov. 10).
We are taking orders for the pecans.
Email [email protected]
or call the church office 732-747-3557.
Leave your name, address, phone number and whether
you will pick them up at the church or if you need
them delivered. Saturday, Dec. 5 will be a day to pick up pecans. If you need
them before that we will deliver them.
For questions call Nancy Vodhanel 732-530-7641.
Be sure to buy the freshest pecans around for all your holiday baking. We will be
offering them at $12 for a one pound bag. Please do not buy your pecans
elsewhere. Schermer Pecans are the best, the freshest and the biggest!
We’ll let you know as soon as they arrive.
It will definitely be a different type of “Home for the Holidays” this year, so we would like to start a new Church tradition. The Fellowship Committee is
organizing a tour to celebrate and enjoy the fabulous outdoor Christmas decorations done by our church members.
This will be a self guided tour and done on your own time table (maybe honk as you are driving by!)
A list will be provided of who be participating.
If you plan on decorating your house this year and would like to participate in having your Church family enjoying all your hard work,
please reach out to Diane Suarez at [email protected] or
CHRISTMAS FOOD DRIVE
DECEMBER 21, 2020
The Deacons wish to make the December Food Drive a Happy Holiday Event The Co-op is collecting holiday feast staples, stuffing, boxed potatoes, canned vegetables and fruits as well as cereal, dry pasta, peanut butter, baby food,
and other shelf stable goods, but please not beans. This month the Deacons ask that you drop off your donations at the Church House.
Leave food any time before Monday, Dec. 21. No need to sign up, drop donations in
the collection bin on the bench under the front porch. Only leave items weekdays.
If you need pick due to mobility issues let the office know before
Friday, Dec. 18 and we will arrange a pick up.
Thankful for Thanksgiving donations. The Deacons want to thank our church members for helping collect a cornucopia of traditional Thanksgiving fare for the Eatontown Co-op. So much was collected that we had to make two trips. They thank you so much for making this difficult time better for so many families in need. A special thanks went out on Nextdoor to our local friends and the Monmouth Reform Temple for their help. This drive would not be a success without the support from the volunteers who organize, sort, and deliver the donations. It does a heart good.
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Cuttler Produce will supply discounted
produce to the Co-ops clients. If anyone wish-
es to donate fresh fruits or vegetables to the
pantry, call Cuttler Produce and ask for Ryan.
December Service Schedule for Elders
6 Kim Davies
13 Don Barnes
20 Sean Starke
24 David Apy and Gretchen O’Kane
9:00pm
27 Lisa Barnes
The Upper Room magazine is on the bench outside of the Church House.
There are bulletins for Sunday’s Service on the bench every Fridays as well.
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Happy Birthday
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Sandy
& Red
Curtis
We prayed for the Pellegrino Family on hearing the sad news of Matthew’s passing at just 27. While many of us did not know this young man, he did have a very personal connection with church. Matthew grew up in Shrewsbury and was an Eagle Scout in Boy Scout Troop 50, which meets in the Church House. Attaining Eagle Scout is not an easy feat, it takes hard work and fortitude. A big part of attaining the badge is the service project. Matthew’s project was building the bookcases on wheels in Fellowship Hall. Please keep Matthew and his family in your prayers. Thank you Jan Kirwan and Pam Sergeant for bringing this to our attention.
Let’s spread some Christmas cheer! Since we are unable to gather or have parties in our homes for the holiday season,
take a picture with your and your family next to your Christmas tree and tag us Facebook and/or Instagram. We would love to “see" you over the Christmas season!
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