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First Presbyterian Church
270 Woodbridge Avenue, Metuchen, NJ 08840
Telephone: 732-491-2300
www.fpcweb.org
http://www.facebook.com/FPCMetuchen
Sunday Morning Worship starts at 9:30 AM
The Parish News
March 2015
From the Senior Pastor’s Study
Inside this issue:
Dear Fellow Disciples,
 From the Senior Pastor’s Study
 New Member Class
2
 Presbyterian Women
 Camperships for Johnsonburg
3
 2015 Lenten Recital Series
 Easter Food Gift Cards
 Confirmation and Farewell Re-
4
ception—March 29
 Youth & Family Ministries
5
 Confirmation Class 2015
6
 Treasurer’s Two Cents
 Prayer Shawl Ministry
7
 Spotlight on Music Ministry
8
 Children’s Choir Festival
 Dining to Donate—UNO Grill
10
What Does Your Church Mean to &
You?
9
 Worship Schedule —Holy Week 11
 Easter Plant Order Form
 The Lower Room—March 30th
12
Farewells are hard. I dread them. I'm downright terrible at saying "Goodbye" to people I've known and
cared about. Call it a growth area, I guess. No matter
how hard I try, I can't make peace with wishing a
friend Godspeed and bidding farewell. I've been overheard remarking, "Goodbyes stink. They're awful."
I mean, really—they just are.
It's one thing to offer a "Goodbye" to a place—such as a big, old house that
one has called "home" for over a decade, or a beautiful sanctuary where one
has sung hymns and spoken prayers and read the Scriptures alongside fellow
disciples. It's quite another to speak the word to people who are a great deal
more than (mere) neighbors or colleagues or partners in ministry. I speak of
people who, over time, have become friends.
Once upon a time, C.S. Lewis shared a superb take on the word "Friend."
He put it this way:
“Friendship arises out of mere companionship when two or more of the
companions discover that they have in common some insight or interest or
even taste which the others do not share and which, till that moment, each
believed to be his own unique treasure (or burden). The typical expression
of opening friendship would be something like, 'What? You too? I thought I
was the only one.'"
Repeatedly throughout the past ten and a half years, I've discovered friends.
Too many to count. I know this is true because I've listened to myself murmuring, "This person shares my perspective? Whoa. How about that? How
great is that?" Another word for this is grace—when we receive a gift that
we've neither earned nor deserved.
Daylight saving time begins
Sunday, March 8
It's an amazing and miraculous thing when two or more people share details
about their faith in the God we find in Jesus Christ, and, upon doing so, reflect
to themselves, "What? You too?" It happens all the time—when people
gather for worship, fellowship, mission work, and Bible studies. It happens
when people open their hearts to God and one another and make themselves
vulnerable. It happens, thank God, when we dare to offer a bit of ourselves—
our reflections, hopes, and prayers—to others.
(continued on page 2)
Page 2
The Parish News
March 2015
From the Senior Pastor’s Study (Continued)
Hence the anguish of a spoken "Goodbye." To have known people as friends who are traveling the same
journey—to have shared in trials and joys and challenges and celebrations—is some kind of wonderful.
And to know that, at some point, fellow travelers will part ways and take other roads as they continue,
by God's grace, to make their way to the same destination—well, this is bittersweet indeed.
So, what makes for a good "Goodbye"? Good wishes for the future, prayers for travel mercies, and a heartfelt smile—the basic ingredients, I think.
But there's something else—the mutual reassurance that, way down the road, we'll definitely meet again.
Maybe at a turn or twist of the long road home. And beyond the end of the road, there's the home where all
of God's saints reside forevermore. As Jesus shared with his friends, "I go and prepare a place for you all.
And I'll come back and take you to be with me so that you also may be where I am."
And so it is that all farewells are temporary. No spoken "Goodbye" lasts forever. The reunion of all humanity
and the restoration of all creation is the last word of the last sentence of the last chapter of the story God has
been authoring since the beginning of time and space. How's that well-known passage read? "All things work
together for good..." Yes indeed. Amen to that.
And thanks be to God.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Sam
On that day the group will review basic Christian
beliefs and the history of this church. They will also
be introduced to our church’s mission work locally and
around the world. Members of the Session will also
have the opportunity to meet you and receive you as
new members.
Sunday, March 8
On Sunday, March 8, immediately following the 9:30 AM
worship service, adults interested in becoming members
of the First Presbyterian Church are invited to meet
with Pastor Sam in the church library in the education
building. The class will be no longer than an hour.
Child care will be provided in the nursery.
On Sunday, March 22, during worship the new members
will be recognized by the congregation followed by a
reception at the Social Center.
If you are interested in becoming part of this congregation or have any questions, please call the Church Office
any weekday (8 AM to 4:30 PM) or you may email Merry
Matlock, our Administrative Assistant-Pastoral Services,
at [email protected].
First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen, NJ
Parish News — March 2015
Page 3
Presbyterian Women

Bible Study Circles — Monday, March 2 — Esther Circle will meet at 10:30 AM
in the Social Center and the Mary-Ruth Circle will meet at Ruth Endicott’s home at
7:30 PM.

PW Coordinating Team Meeting — Wednesday, March 4, at 7:00 PM in Room 109
in the Education Building.

PW Evening Craft Circle — Monday, March 16, at 7 PM in the Social Center.
Presbyterian Women
Spring Rummage Sale 2015
First Presbyterian Church
270 Woodbridge Avenue, Metuchen, NJ
Social Center
Friday . . . April 17
Saturday . . . April 18
Sale Hours 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Sale Hours 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Drop off of donations will be accepted
Monday, April 13, through Thursday, April 16, from 9 AM to 8 PM.
Camperships for
Johnsonburg
What a winter, but Spring
will arrive in a few weeks!
With Spring comes warmer
weather and thoughts of Summer
activities and vacations. Again this
year the Presbyterian Women and
the Board of Deacons are offering
Camperships to FPC Youth who
attend Camp Jburg this summer.
Camp Johnsonburg’s Mission is,
“To create a place apart where all
people can experience God’s love in
a welcoming Christian Community.”
For information and to
register, go online to
www.campjburg.com.
To reserve your camper’s
choice, only a $100 deposit
must be paid upon registering.
Online is this summer’s Schedule,
Registration, Brochure, and Forms/
Packet which must be completed.
FPC Campers do NOT need to complete the “Church Reimbursement
Acknowledgement Form”. Camp
Jburg is having an Open House on
Sunday, May 3, from 1 PM to 4 PM.
Parents, for further information
or questions regarding the PW and
the Deacon’s Camperships, please
contact Dee Bonner
([email protected]).
After your camper has made his/her
selection, please send to Dee Bonner:
 Camper’s Name
 Grade in School in September 2015
 Birth Date
 Name of Camp Event Attending
 Date of Event
Applications for Camperships from
PW and the Deacons are available in
the Church Office and on the FPC
website.
The deadline for submission is
12 Noon on Friday, May 8th.
Page 4
The Parish News
March 2015
2015 Lenten Recital Series
Wednesdays at Noon in the Sanctuary
— Free Admission —
FREE 30-minute recital each Wednesday, March 4 to March 25
March 4
 Chris Deibert, Organ
March 11
 Metuchen High School Ensembles
For the past few years, First Presbyterian Church has
sponsored a Lenten Concert Series at noon during the
Wednesdays of Lent. The concerts are in the sanctuary
March 18
 Holly Roadfeldt, Piano
and are free and open to the public. Please encourage
March 25
 Brenda Day, Organ
come to our sanctuary for 30 minutes of beautiful
anyone you know who is available during the day to
music and a chance for meditation.
Easter Food Gift
Cards
On Wednesday, April 1, the Mission
Commission will once again be
providing local supermarket gift
cards and fresh produce to sixty (60)
families in need for the purpose of
providing an Easter dinner for their
families.
If you would like to provide assistance, please make any donations
payable to: First Presbyterian
Church and in the memo write
“Easter Basket.”
Yours in Mission,
Mission Commission
Palm Sunday, March 29,
— Reception After Worship —
Welcoming Our Newest Members
of the 2015 Confirmation Class and
also Honoring Pastor Massengill’s
Ministry at FPC-Metuchen.
After 9:30 AM worship — All are welcome to join us
at the Social Center on Palm Sunday, March 29, for
refreshments and fellowship to welcome our newest
members of the 2015 Confirmation Class and to honor
Pastor Sam and his family.
Page 5
First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen, NJ
Parish News — March 2015
Youth & Family Ministries
Habitat Youth Mission Hosting
Pancake Breakfast
Sunday, March 15, after worship
in the Social Center
For information on
Christian Education
and
Children and Youth
Programming,
Please contact
Nancy Leardi
Cost of tickets: $8.00 Adults
$5.00 Children (under 4 years of age — free)
Director of Christian Ed.
[email protected]
732-491-2264
Vacation Bible School 2015
Camp EDGE, this year’s VBS
will be held July 6—10.
VBS is for children entering
kindergarten to 6th grade.
Children of our church
will be able to register
on May 10 in the
Christian Education Office.
Open House and registration
for the community will begin
June 1 and June 2
from 9 AM to Noon.
Junior Club
Grades 4, 5 & 6
March 5 & 19
April 16 (Room 109)
May 7 (last meeting)
Meetings are 1st & 3rd Thursdays
5:30 PM—6:45 PM
in Social Center.
First Friday Club
Youth Group
Grades 1, 2 & 3
Wednesday Night Junior and Senior High
March 6, not meeting in April
May 1 & June 5 (last meeting)
7th and 8th grades — 5:00—6:00 PM — Room 211
at 6 PM—7:15 PM
Combined dinner — $3.00
Join us for some pizza and fun
in the Social Center.
6:00 PM—6:30 PM — Social Center Dining Room
9th through 12th grades — 7:00—8:00 PM — Room 201
— ALL ARE WELCOME —
********
Watch Son-Day Paper
Page 6
The Parish News
March 2015
CONFIRMATION CLASS 2015
Confirmation Sunday is scheduled earlier this year — it will be on
Palm Sunday, March 29. Confirmation Sunday is when the Confirmands
will be recognized by the congregation as active members during worship.
This will be a time of celebration and thanksgiving and an opportunity for
the congregation to greet the Confirmation Class at the reception in the
Social Center after the worship service.
Members of the Confirmation Class of 2015 and their Covenant Partners
and Parents:
CONFIRMANDS
COVENANT PARTNERS
CONFIRMANDS’ PARENTS
Sarah Blanchard
Helen Burr
Michelle & Christopher Blanchard
Paige Busse
Susan Marquard
Suzanne & Dirk Busse
Rachel Chiusano
Staci Gil
Laura & Mark Chiusano
Madeleine Fenner
Janine Haulenbeek
Nikki Walter & David Fenner
Erin Hausser
Virginia Shaw
Audrey & Ken Hausser
Johanes Kaligis
Charles Hedrick
Karmilla Lowing & Alex Kaligis
Jack Kipnis
Charlie Day
Nancy Blomn-Kipnis & Jeff Kipnis
Victoria Pennix
Maggy Cook
Andrene Sinclair-Pennix & Michael Pennix
Drew Schuchmann
Staci Gil
Jennifer Lambdin & John Schuchman
Kendall Schuchman
Julie Shaver
Jennifer Lambdin & John Schuchman
Joshua Silalahi
Robin Kellner
Corry & Oloan Silalahi
Kayla Van Pelt
Christine Young
Chris & David Van Pelt
Molly Walters
Brenda Redshaw
Kristine & Scott Walters
Connor Wopin
Ed Leiva
Cathy & Ken Wolpin
A Potluck of People
Many congregations enjoy gathering for potluck dinners — meals largely unplanned, when
people bring food to share. Usually, the main dishes, salads and desserts balance out. The
fun is the variety mixing together on a plate and the surprise factor of what’s contributed.
Churches and communities — even families — are potlucks of a sort, too. When groups
assemble, each person contributes something unique and sometimes unexpected. When
all is mixed together, the whole is truly greater than the sum of the parts. A beautiful
balance often results: One is a good singer, the other writes well; some are strong leaders,
others dependable team members; some are traditional, others innovative. Together, it’s
delicious!
Potlucks are sometimes called covered-dish dinners. But don’t keep your gifts “covered”! Share them because you’re
a valued part of the whole.
Article contained in Vol. 37. No. 3 of The NewsletterNewsletter which is published monthly by Communications Resources, Inc. © 2015. Used by permission.
All rights reserved.
The
News Church of Metuchen, NJ
FirstParish
Presbyterian
March
2015 News — March 2015
The
Parish
Page 7
Treasurer’s Two Cents
ASSETS
Current Assets
Checking/Savings
Total Checking/Savings
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
January 31, 2015
$ 27,525.04
$ 27,525.04
LIABILITIES & EQUITY
Equity
Retained Earnings
Net Income
Total Equity
$ 27,525.04
Special Accounts
Haulenbeek Fund
Local Assistance
Local Assistance CD
Melko Fund
Memorial Gifts
Social Center Renovation
Youth Mission
Zundel Fund
I&E Balance 1/31/15
Budget vs. Actual 1/31/15
Income
Expense
Net Income
January 31, 2015
$ 9,587.48
$ 17,937.56
$ 27,525.04
TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY
$ 27,525.04
$ 2,308.97
$ 14,063.04
$ 17,293.64
$ 22,141.66
$ 38,137.06 [$30,811 designated]
$ 156,434.12
$ 11,295.42 [$2,836 Triennium]
$ 1,393.06
$ 4,637,822.58
Actual YTD
$ 80,443.74
$ 62,506.18
$ 17,937.56
Projected YTD
$ 79,277.95
$ 67,496.95
$ 11,781.00
Difference
$ 1,165.79
$ -4,990.77
$ 6,156.56
Dear Members of the Prayer Shawl Ministry,



Thank you so much for the lovely prayer shawl. When I wrap it around me, I feel the love
and prayers of my church family. It is very comforting and it reminds me that God’s love
comes in the form of many caring hands. Bless you all. — Doris :-)
Bless you for being so kind as to send me a beautiful prayer shawl. I hope you know how
much it means to me and how much you are appreciated. Special kudos to the person who
knit so beautifully. How did you know that purple is my favorite color? Thanks to you, I
shall always experience warmth and comfort whenever I have my exquisite shawl
wrapped around me. God bless. — Joan :-)
I thank you so much. It is beautiful and the colors were perfect (greens & blues). I’m not
sure I was sick enough to receive the shawl, but so glad I did. I love it and will cherish it. — Lynne :-)
The Prayer Shawl Ministry started at FPC-Metuchen in 2008 and we have given out a total of 186 prayer
shawls. 2008 to 2011 — 41 shawls; 2012-2013 — 65 shawls, and 2014 to Feb. 2015 — 80 shawls!
Thank you to those who have supported this ministry monetarily and/or with your time and talents knitting
or crocheting. It is an extremely well-received outreach ministry !
In His Service,
Members of the Prayer Shawl Ministry — Brenda Day, Maggy Cook & Victoria Pennix, Doris Gulotta,
Grace Hammesfahr, Marie Hoffsommer, Anna Rice, Jennifer Thompson, Diane Beck, Muriel Johnson, and
Merry Matlock.
Page 8
The Parish News
March 2015
Spotlight On Music Ministry
Praying . . . Celebrating . . . Expressing Our Love
God has bestowed so many blessings upon our church. This month, the Stewardship Committee is focusing on one of the most precious of these gifts: our Music
Ministry.
♫ Whenever we gather to praise and worship God, there is music.
♫ Through music we pray, celebrate, and express our love for God and His church.
♫ Music provides us with a universal language for praising God together, and it serves as part of the very fabric
of our worship services.
Exceptional Music Leadership
Music is an essential part of our worship experience, and 1st Presbyterian is blessed with a
continuing commitment to music ministry.
Under the leadership of our beloved Minister
of Music, Brenda Day, our church has a long
tradition of excellence in our music programs.
A graduate of Westminster Choir College,
Brenda is one of the most respected organists
and Music Ministers in New Jersey. She is an
exceptional teacher, offering members as
young as 4 years old music education and
appreciation that simply cannot easily be
found anywhere else.
Every member of our
church family is touched in some
manner by our music ministry; whether
it’s singing in a vocal choir, ringing in a
bell choir, singing along during worship,
or just experiencing the joy of listening
to our children sing.
The
News Church of Metuchen, NJ
FirstParish
Presbyterian
March
2015
The Parish News — March 2015
Page 9
Music Ministry Facts

We have 10 choirs: 5 vocal choirs and 5 bell choirs.

Our youngest choir members are the 4-6 year olds in the Carol Choir ( there are currently 17 members).

Every year on average, 75 children are involved in our music program.

There are hundreds of people in our community and beyond whose music experience began as children
in our church choirs.

We have approximately 1,000 titles in our church music library.

In addition to piano and organ, we have many other instruments join us in worship services, including:
guitar, violin, bass, various drums, trumpets, trombones, saxophones, French horns, tubas, flutes,
clarinets and harps.

Every year, our congregation joins together in song well over 200 times.

In addition to experiencing the joy of praising God through music, choir members also receive excellent
musical training.
Join Us
You do not have to be an accomplished musician to participate in any of our choirs.
Many choir members have little or no formal training when they join; they just like
to sing or want to learn more about music. Just ask someone in a choir robe if
you’re interested in learning more.
Support Us
Our music ministry is funded by you—the members of the 1st Presbyterian Church
family. When we pledge our financial support to the church, we are providing the
funds necessary to sustain—and grow—our music programs. Our pledges pay for choir robes, sheet music,
instrument maintenance, and the exceptional musicians who lead this ministry. As we reflect on this blessing
and plan our financial pledge, let us be grateful as we celebrate how much our music ministry means to us.
“I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being.”
—Psalm 104
Page 10
The Parish News
March 2015
Community Nursery School is hosting a
“Dining at UNO Chicago Grill” event on
Wednesday, March 25.
Join Community Nursery School staff, families and
alumni for a meal at UNO Chicago Grill on Wednesday,
March 25, 2015. UNO will donate up to 20% of your
check to Community Nursery School. Come anytime
between 11:00 AM and 9:00 PM. UNO offers a “kids
create your own pizza.”
It is conveniently located on the southbound side of
Route 1 before Menlo Park Mall in Edison.
CNS staff is looking forward to meeting old and new
friends.
Children’s Choir Festival
Important: The flyer/coupon is needed for
your donation to count.
Saturday, March 14
On Saturday, March 14, our Junior Choir will be
participating in a Children’s Choir Festival at the
Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church in Plainfield.
They will be joining other children from area
churches for a day of making music together and
meeting new people. The choir is working on five
anthems which they will sing with the other choirs.
They will rehearse in the morning, share lunch
together, and present a concert for the public at
1:30PM. All are invited to this free concert.
Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church
716 Watchung Avenue
Plainfield, NJ
908-756-2468
Community Nursery School
Metuchen, NJ
March 25, 2015
www.crescentonline.org
61 US Highway 1, Metuchen, NJ
732-548-7979
The
News Church of Metuchen, NJ
FirstParish
Presbyterian
March
2015
The Parish News — March 2015
Page 11
EASTER PLANT ORDER FORM
First Church traditionally celebrates the glory of Easter morning
(April 5) by decorating the Sanctuary, Chapel, and the Narthex
with a choice of Easter Plants (white lilies, yellow tulips and pink
tulips) to honor loved ones: If you would like to contribute $8.00
per plant, please mail or bring this form to the Church Office by
Monday, March 23.
Your Name __________________________________________
Phone No. (________) ______________________________
Maundy Thursday
Tenebrae Service
For Easter Bulletin Listing of Donors
April 2 at 7:30 PM
Given by
Worship and Holy Communion in
the Sanctuary
Good Friday — April 3
_____________________________________________

In Memory of
____________________________________________

In Honor of
_____________________________________________

In Gratitude
______________________________________________
7:30 PM in the Sanctuary
Multicultural Indonesian Language
Worship Service of Darkness and
Holy Communion.
Easter - April 5
7:00 AM – Sunrise Worship
and Holy Communion
Weather permitting, we will
worship outdoors in the cemetery
at 7:00 AM on Easter morning –
Westminster Choir.
Please check [ x ] plant choice & indicate number of plants wanted:
White Easter Lilies ______ Yellow Tulips_______ Pink Tulips ______
Number of plants @ $8 each ________
9:00 AM Worship Service
Amount of check $ _________
—Children Choirs, Senior Choir,
Brass & Handbells—
Sunday School will be in recess.
Nursery care will be available for
infants to 3-year olds and there
will be programming for children
ages 4 to 2nd grade for the 9 AM
worship service only.
Make checks payable to: First Presbyterian Church
and mail to the Church Office
PO Box 385, Metuchen, NJ 08840
ORDER DEADLINE: Monday, March 23
Please [ x ] check one of the following:
11:00 AM Worship Service
and Holy Communion
[
] I will take my plant home after the 11 AM Easter service
April 5, 2015.
—Senior Choir, Indonesian
Fellowship Nazareth Choir, Brass
and Handbells—
[
] I will leave my plant for the Deacons to deliver to
someone in our Church family.
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION
The Parish News
March 2015
US POSTAGE PAID
NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ
First Presbyterian Church
P. O. Box 385
270 Woodbridge Avenue
Metuchen, NJ 08840
PERMIT 746
Address Service Requested
TO:
The information contained herein is for Church use only. Individuals using this
information must receive permission of the Session of the First Presbyterian
Church of Metuchen, NJ.
The Lower Room
A dramatization
Nine women whose lives were
dramatically changed by Jesus
tell their stories on the night
of the Last Supper.
Monday, March 30, 7:30 PM
First Presbyterian Church—Sanctuary
270 Woodbridge Avenue, Metuchen, NJ
732-491-2300 www.fpcweb.org