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Rossmoor Community Church
Newsletter - November , 2014
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1 Village Mall, Monroe Twp., NJ 08831 - Rev. Dr. Dierdre L. Thomson, Pastor
Sunday
2
Sunday
9
Sunday
16
Thursday
Sunday
Sunday
23
30
Services
SET YOUR CLOCKS BACK 1 HOUR
11 A.M. Guest: The Rev. Joanne Petto will be preaching.
Communion will be celebrated. Rehearsal for Seasonal
Choir and Choristers at 9 a.m. (Remember Kiwanis Food Pantry.)
11 A.M. Hymn Sing. The Rev. Dr. Dierdre L. Thomson
will be preaching. Music: Delaware River Consort Quartet.
(Collection of men’s white crew socks for T.A.S.K.)
11 A.M. Following this service, a Congregational Meeting
will take place. Purpose: Voting on the Church Budget and
approval of new and current Church Officers for 2015.
Music: The Rossmoor Chorus―Gloria Montlack, director.
Please stay for Fellowship Hour.
20
1:30 P.M. INTERFAITH THANKSGIVING SERVICE.
Given the week before Thanksgiving Day.
The Rev. Dr. Dierdre L. Thomson will be
preaching. Soloist: Donald Sheasley.
The Rev. Dr. Dierdre L. Thomson will be
preaching. Soloist: Stephanie Pervall.
THE CHIN YUN CHORUS ANNOUNCES:
Commemorating our 30th annniversary,
we will present a grand concert on
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SATURDAY, NOV. 8, 7:30 P.M. AT SAINT
ANTHONY OF PADUA CHURCH IN
HIGHTSTOWN.
his is the chorus that has musically
treated us each June for the past five
years. Music Director, Cecile Wang,
will sing with the group. The choral group,
“Vox Nova,” will join in this presentation.
The program will include the beautiful
classical piece, “Magnificat,” by John
Rutter. There are many multicultural selections, including, “Let There Be Music,”
“The Seal Lullaby,” “Already Home,”
“The Prayer,” and several Chinese songs.
Please let Cecile know if you are interested
in attending. Tickets are $10 for Seniors.
What a pleasant way to spend a Saturday
evening! 8
The Choristers and the Christmas Special Choir
will meet at 9:30 a.m. on November 2. Cecile
will inform the groups about the planned practices and performances scheduled. Please
make a special effort to be at the Meeting House on time. Anyone may join in. 8
CHOIR PRACTICE SCHEDULE
ALL ABOUT THE RAINBOW
CHIMERS
DORIS HERRON
Beautiful holiday music will soon be with us
everywhere; so perhaps this is a good time to
talk about the Rossmoor Rainbow Chimers.
I
have been a member of the chimers for
15 years. We are 12 hardworking
members, so ably directed by Cecile
Wang. We try to add a different note to the
music in our worship service. The church
congregation is very generous in their
compliments to us each time we chime, so
we thought you might be interested in
knowing what is involved in our efforts:
Each of us is assigned a musical position, responsible for several notes. The
silver chimes are the naturals and the
black ones are the sharps and flats. We all
hope and pray that the combined efforts
of ringing these black and silver chimes at
exactly the right time, by paying careful
attention to counting and to Cecile’s
direction will make beautiful music.
Are you interested in joining the
Chimers?
It is difficult to recruit Chimers because some prospective candidates are
reluctant to admit that they can’t read
music, they find that weekly practices in
the Fall are too time-consuming or some
do not like to be in front of an audience.
But, if you join the Chimers, we can
assure you that, with the help of our very
skilled director, Cecile, all your fears and
trepidations will evaporate. Cecile Wang,
with her sense of humor, vast knowledge
of music and infinite patience, optimism
and a bit of magic, somehow melds us all
into a harmonious unit. Even those who
previously could not read music are skillfully taught to become an important part
of this choir.
Cecile has added a small steel drum to
our sound, giving even more depth and
beauty to our harmony. If our practices or
performances are snowed out, as happened
last winter, we find that we miss being
together.
We have a purpose and we have fun.
The main purpose of the Rainbow
Chimers is to enhance the worship service
but we’ve also been known to do a few
things just for fun. We have mini afternoon
Christmas concerts playing secular as well
as sacred music. We occasionally give a holiday concert. One year we played at the
Senior Citizen complex―a great success―
but the logistics of moving our equipment
makes it difficult. And―every now and then
we enjoy a delicious lunch together at a
Chinese restaurant.
The renowned composer, Dave Brubeck,
once said, “Everyone prays in his own language and there’s no language God does not
understand. Music is my language and I
worship in it.”
We Chimers hope that God understands
our musical language and our efforts to
enhance the worship service. Our director,
Cecile Wang, and all the Chimers will continue to strive to make beautiful music in
praise and worship. 8
God Himself doesn’t propose to judge a man until he is dead. So why
should you?
(2)
I
FROM THE
PASTOR
“Those who give to the poor will never want; those
who close their eyes to them are cursed.” ― Proverbs 28:27
t seems like Easter was just yesterday,
yet here we are rapidly approaching
Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is one of
those special days that bring back memories. Perhaps you had a large extended
family who gathered together around the
dining room table to enjoy the food and
each other. Or, more recently, the family
gathers together to re-watch the Walton’s
Thanksgiving story which showed how a
frugal Thanksgiving could also be a very
special Thanksgiving. As I was checking
out my 2015 Guideposts Daily Planner, I
came across a short article by John L.
Sherrill, a contributing editor at Guide-
Something to think about . . .
posts. He shared the following about Grace
Ousler, the very first executive editor of
Guideposts magazine.
“ ‘All money we can save we give away,’
said … Grace. ‘Of course we don’t save
much on a sliver of soap, but it’s not the
amount that’s important; it’s creative frugality.’” Sherrill then tells us that, “After
her death we learned that Grace and her husband sent underprivileged people through
college.” Their frugality was ‘others-centered’ and turned a merely practical virtue
into a creative one. Acts like the Ousler’s
do cause one to think …
In His service, Dierdre
to indulge in impulse-buying? Time: Is
the time we spend in rest and relaxation
truly re-creative? At work (of any kind)
do we use time productively or squander
it? Energy: How much energy do we
spend stewing and fretting about world
situations? Can any of this energy be
channeled into doing something specific
about one of them?
What if we, this month, try thinking and
talking about ways in which we and our
families can dedicate ourselves spiritually
and materially, to an old-fashioned ethic
that’s “in” again? 8
As I was preparing the message for “from
the Pastor,” I noticed a question in my
brain―sort of the opposite of a light bulb
going off. The question? How do I use my
personal resources? Then I began to think
about God’s church here at Rossmoor and
included “we” with “I” while I pondered
the question. How do we use our personal
resources?
Money: Do we waste a significant amount?
When shopping, do we compare values?
Do we fall under the spell of labels and ads
The Kiwanis/Monroe Food Pantry is reaching out
to neighbors who might need food assistance. The
Food Pantry offers monthly distributions of food to those who qualify, through the
Monroe Township Office On Aging. (If you know of someone wo could benefit from this
service, please call Ruth at 655-7579. Complete Confidentiality is assured.) 8
KIWANIS FOOD PANTRY OFFERS HELP
(3)
with their talented and powerful performance.
The diversity of the group is truly heartwarming! There are 30 participants, with ages ranging from 12 through 76.
AT 3 P.M. IN THE MEETING HOUSE.
Hospitality (Sonya Bacon,and her committee), will serve a variety of delicious
Our Music Director & Organist, Cecile, has
arranged for this Choir to visit our Community refreshments. Bring a friend or neighbor or
both. There is no charge and a truly wonderagain with this timely presentation. During
the Easter season last Spring, we were thrilled ful afternoon is promised. ― SALLIE ROWLAND
CRANBURY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
presents the Christmas Cantata,
“Searching for the King,” SUNDAY, DEC. 7,
I
t’s time again to
go through your
closets and pull
out any coats, jackets and any other warm
clothing that you would like to donate to
those less fortunate than you.
Starting Nov. 8, Rossmoor Community
Church will again sponsor a community
collection of gently used winter clothing for
the needy. For each of the past 5 years, the
folks in Rossmoor have donated hundreds
of coats and other warm clothing to a worthy cause. With your help, we can do it again
CLOTHING FOR THE NEEDY
this year. Please bring your donations of
men’s, women’s or children’s clothing to
the big box marked WARM COATS FOR THE
NEEDY that will be in the narthex of the
Meeting House between Nov. 8 - Dec. 12.
All contributions will be delivered by
Christmas to help make the
holidays a little happier &
much warmer for those in
need. You may call it an old
coat but it will surely be
received with love and
appreciation. ―ALYCE OWENS
After submitting a prayer request, it is extremely important that the Prayer Chain be kept
updated on that person’s health status. A person’s name is listed in the Sunday bulletin for
three weeks. Then it is placed in the Newsletter for two months. Our prayers continue where
needed but we can only do so if we are kept apprised of the person’s progress. ―DOROTHY ERVIN
Carol Albanese; Kim Alexander; Jeanette Baldwin; Carole; Ben Collier; Flo
Cramer; Debbie; DeHart family; Barbara Dennis; Florence Haygood; Susan
Espenhart; Eileen Harding; Janette; Dina Leonard & family; Pat Leonard; Tristan
Meiselbach; Linda and Richard Montalbano; Frank Palmanteri; Bobby Sargent;
Gary Strague & family; Christine Whitehill; Luke Zufall. 8
ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
Our annual meeting will be convened Sunday,
November 16, immediately after morning worship. Please make every effort to be there for
this important but brief meeting. Purpose: (1)
to elect persons to specific offices or committees as set up by our By-Laws; (2) to approve
(4)
the proposed budget for the coming year; (3)
to act on such others matters as may properly
come before the congregation. A copy of the
proposed slate of officers and committee members, as well as the proposed budget, are on
pages 6 and 7. Please review them and be prepared to vote on acceptance or rejection of
same. 8
HYMN OF THE MONTH for November ― “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus”
The words of “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” were written by Charles
Wesley 1707-1788, and the music by Rowland H. Prichard 1811-1887. The
arrangement in our hymnbook is by Ralph Vaughan Williams 1872-1958.
Richard Niell Donovan (Copyright 2005) tells us that, “Charles Wesley wrote
seventy-five hundred hymns … roughly a hymn every other day for fifty
years … [One] can scarcely imagine how he managed to do anything else –
but he was a great preacher as well as a great writer of hymns. The hymn …
looks forward to Jesus’ Second Coming. It begins, ‘Come, thou long expected
Jesus, born to set thy people free.’ Wesley looked forward to the time when
Jesus would come again to set us free from fear and sin.”
Wesley knew what it meant for people not to be free. When he was about
thirty years old, he traveled to America on a mission, where he saw slavery
in its rawest form … Wesley was so shaken by the evil of slavery that he
nearly had a nervous breakdown. It wasn’t long before he returned to
England. Some would criticize Wesley for not remaining in America to join
the fight against slavery, but Wesley’s weapons were his sermons and his
hymns. For the next several decades, his sermons and hymns lent their
power to the efforts to make people free – free from slavery – free from fear
– free from sin."
Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us; let us find our rest in thee.
Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art;
dear Desire of every nation, Joy of every longing heart.
Born thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a king,
born to reign in us forever, now thy gracious kingdom bring.
By thine own eternal Spirit rule in all our hearts alone;
by thine all sufficient merit raise us to thy glorious throne.
(5)
(5) underwrite the cost of refreshments for
Fellowship Sundays (approximately $40)
(6) bouquets for Sunday Worship ($20 ea.)
As you are aware, we are being very care(7) ream of 8” x 11” printer paper ($6 ea.)
ful with our funds, as during the past year,
our income did not meet our expenses. We (8) funding to mat and frame art work for
are NOT in debt. We have reserve funds and the Church office (The prints have been
donated. We need money for mats & frames.)
can use them as needed, but do not want to
deplete our reserves to any great extent.
This is an opportunity to earmark your
Have you added the Church to your
funds for specific gifts. Sometimes we are
Christmas Shopping? If you are among
more comfortable giving if we know exactthose of us who are willing and able to give ly where the money will be used. Simply,
beyond your pledge, the following sugges- put your monetary gift in an envelope;
tions might inspire you to “gift” the Church write your name; write where you want the
with something special:
funds to be used and “Christmas gift” on
the outside. We will add your Christmas
(1) three new chairs for the church office.
donation to your pledge giving so that these
(2) rolls of 100 1st class stamps
gifts will all be tax deductible.
(3) Paschal candles ($40 each)
―JUNE BRUBAKER
(4) new vacuum cleaner for Church offices
A CHRISTMAS GIFT TO YOUR CHURCH
FOR VOTING AT THE CONGREGATIONAL MEETING, NOVEMBER 16:
Church Officer Nominations for 2015 and the 2015 Budget, Pages 6, 7.
COUNCIL Chair - June Brubaker (2015)
Vice Chair - Marianna Sandor (2016)
Secretary - Sidna Mitchell (2015)
Benevolence - Edith Benning (2017)
Finance - Bill Leonard (2015)
Membership - Ruth Klein (2017)
Nominating - Bob Brubaker (2016)
Property & House - Terry Whitman (2015)
Worship - Lois Smida (2015)
Personnel - Sidna Mitchell (2017)
Committee Members
Betty Anne Clayton (2015)
Pauline Whitehill (2016)
Sidna Mitchell (2017)
DEACONS Chair - Ron Reid (2016)
Vice Chair - Rowland Tudor (2015)
Secretary - Gloria Dawley (2015)
Altar Preparation - Ron Reid (2016)
Communion Preparation Carolyn Terry & Ruth Nau (2015)
Communications - Sallie Rowland (2016)
Flowers - Dolores Wardrop (2017)
Hospitality - Sonya Bacon (2015)
Pastoral Care - Lana Ottinger (2017)
Ushers/Greeters - Shirlee Utterback (2016)
Deacons-at-Large Linda Esposito (2015)
Betty Emmons (2016)
FINANCE Treasurer - Steve Ottinger (2017)
Assistant Treasurer - Merv Shivers (2017)
Financial Secretary - Annalee Blanchard (2015)
Auditors - Rowland Tudor (2015); Helen Drews (2017)
(6)
INTERFAITH COUNCIL
Marianna Sandor (2017)
Marie Bills (Alternate) (2017)
INCOME
Offering
Flowers
Endowment (UCC)
Interest (PNC Checking)
(Vanguard)
(UBS & CD)
(Merrill Lynch)
Asset Reserve
Music Fund
Miscellaneous
Asset Reserve-Office Renov
Total
EXPENSES
Pastor Salary
Pastor's Housing
Pastor Mileage
Preaching (Guest)
Music Director
Soloists
Special Music Program
Secretary
Office Rent
Supplies (Office Supplies)
Postage
Cleaning
Telephone
Furn & Equipment (Repair)
Internet
Paychex Charges
Flowers
Hospitality
Insurance
Pastorial Care & Stephen Min
Miscellaneous
SS & Medicare
UCC Per Capita
Benevolences
Office Renovation
Total
2014
Budget
2014
Actual
Thru Sept
2015
Budget
93,000.00
1,500.00
2,500.00
5.00
2,250.00
1,400.00
78,038.50
1,185.00
1,937.05
1.87
1,639.23
2,686.15
154,634.00
112,082.80
127,223.00
16,222.00
27,081.00
500.00
3,200.00
17,860.00
4,500.00
2,000.00
19,121.00
7,200.00
3,500.00
1,000.00
1,200.00
1,900.00
2,500.00
960.00
1,440.00
2,500.00
1,500.00
2,000.00
500.00
3,000.00
4,200.00
750.00
10,000.00
20,000.00
12,166.56
20,310.84
0.00
2,200.00
13,395.06
3,020.00
0.00
14,340.78
5,400.00
2,123.48
658.20
900.00
1,536.39
1,528.09
730.83
1,308.21
1,778.00
862.78
1,919.00
0.00
1,759.64
3,052.62
714.00
8,700.00
19,322.50
16,546.00
27,623.00
0.00
3,200.00
18,217.00
3,000.00
1,000.00
19,503.00
7,200.00
3,500.00
1,000.00
1,200.00
1,200.00
2,500.00
1,000.00
1,700.00
2,300.00
1,000.00
2,000.00
500.00
3,000.00
4,284.00
750.00
5,000.00
0.00
26,000.00
5,000.00
2,979.00
20,000.00
154,634.00
(7)
5,000.00
0.00
1,595.00
20,000.00
117,726.98
93,000.00
1,500.00
2,500.00
2.00
2,000.00
0.00
2,000.00
24,000.00
0.00
2,221.00
0.00
127,223.00