Vol. 90 The Beacon No. 51 St. Paul’s United Methodist Church 80 Embury Avenue, Ocean Grove, NJ Sunday, December 21, 2014 – 10:45 AM 4th Sunday of Advent The Rev. John DiGiamberardino, Senior Pastor 732-775-1125 www.oceangrovechurch.com CCLI License #478813 Know - Worship – Grow - Serve – Connect “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” -Isaiah 9:6 ORGAN PRELUDE WELCOME Mr. Alyn Heim, Organist Pastor John DiGiamberardino CHORAL CALL Chancel Choir ADVENT WREATH LIGHTING WEEK#4 Fourth Sunday in Advent Reader: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; People: those who lived in a land of deep darkness on them light has shined. Reader: The lights that we have kindled each week light the way to the coming Christ. People: The candles of Hope, Preparation, and Joy glow brilliantly. Today, we light the candle of Love. Reader: The coming Lord is forever faithful. The never-ending affection and tenderness the Christ has for us is a gift that is unequalled. People: Praising the God who cares so deeply for all creation, we light this candle. Together, we will demonstrate and share the love of Christ. *GREETING Mrs. Althea Deuchar, Lay Reader The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. And also with you. The risen Christ is with us. Praise the Lord! OPENING PRAYER Almighty God, to You all hearts are open, all desires known, and from You no secrets are hidden. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of Your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love You, and worthily magnify Your holy name, through Christ our Lord. Amen. *HYMN 234 Lay Reader “O Come, All Ye Faithful” *CANTICLE OF MARY 199 Lay Reader *GLORIA PATRI 70 Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, World with out end. Amen. Amen. *APOSTLES’ CREED 881 I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth; And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord: Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, Born of the Virgin Mary, Suffered under Pontius Pilate, Was crucified, dead, and buried; The third day He rose from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; Lay Reader From thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, The holy catholic church, The communion of saints, The forgiveness of sins, The resurrection of the body, And the life everlasting. Amen. ANTHEM Chancel Choir MORNING PRAYER / LORD’S PRAYER 895 Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Pastor John Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. OFFERTORY Lay Reader PRESENTATION OF TITHES & OFFERINGS Pastor John *DOXOLOGY 95 Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise him, all creatures here below; Praise him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. *HYMN 221 “In The Bleak Midwinter” PASSING OF THE PEACE MESSAGE Christmas Is Not Your Birthday Jesus’ Wish List Pastor John 1 John 3:16-18 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. 16 *HYMN 254 “We Three Kings” BENEDICTION ORGAN POSTLUDE *Congregation, please stand as you are able. Pastor John Mr. Heim St. Paul’s Notes Christmas Is Not Your Birthday Jesus’ Wish List December 21, 2014 “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” I John 3:16-18 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Feed the hungry. Give a drink to the thirsty. Provide shelter to everyone. Provide Clothing to everyone. Care for the sick. Visit those who are in trouble. “I'll tell you what it really means to worship the LORD. Remove the chains of prisoners who are chained unjustly. Free those who are abused! Share your food with everyone who is hungry; share your home with the poor and homeless. Give clothes to those in need; don't turn away your relatives.” Isaiah 58:6-7 (The Message) “Then your light will shine like the dawning sun, and you will quickly be healed. Your honesty will protect you as you advance, and the glory of the Lord will defend you from behind. When you beg the Lord for help, he will answer, “Here I am!”” Isaiah 58:8-9 CEV “Come and receive the kingdom that was prepared for you before the world was created.” Matthew 25:34 CEV FOR FURTHER THOUGHT Creating New Traditions “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” I John 3:16-18 Do you struggle to come up with the perfect gifts each Christmas for the special people in your life? It can be tough but here’s an even more important question: What do you give Jesus on his birthday? How can we change the traditional focus of Christmas from materialistic self indulgence to giving Jesus what he desires on his birthday? And what can you possibly give the Lord of the universe? Fortunately Jesus made his wish list unquestionably clear in his last teaching in the book of Matthew concerning his return and the day of final judgment. Matthew 25:31-36: When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Then the King will say to those on his right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” We serve God when we serve others. We give to Jesus when we sacrifice our time, talents, and resources to meet other’s needs in his name. The church is the body of Christ. We are the only hands, feet, and wallets that Jesus has. Many people ask the question “If God is all-loving and allpowerful then why doesn’t God do something about evil?” The answer to this question is simple: you are the something that God is sending to combat evil in this world. You are the evidence that the Messiah of God’s Kingdom is among you when everything that is broken around you is being restored, when the oppressed and captive are being set free, and when good news is being preached to the poor. Everyone who recognizes Jesus as Messiah is a servant of his mission and if that includes us, then we need to be committed to live more simply so that others may simply live - because that is what Jesus desires from his followers. Can you imagine the birthday celebration if every Christian in every church practiced the commitment of giving an equal amount of what they spend on themselves to a specific Jesus mission somewhere in the world? We can change the world one place at a time, one person at a time, if we are willing to celebrate Jesus’ birthday in a way that honors him. When we acknowledge Jesus as Lord we give him the rights to define our lifestyles, our values, and yes, in the way we celebrate his birth. At Christmas, we celebrate a messiah, a deliverer who was born to die. So we too are called to give ourselves sacrificially with Christ for the world that God loves. Such sacrifice is paradoxical because the more of ourselves that we give away, the more abundant our faith and our commitment will be with what we have. Things to think about and discuss: 1. Who is the hardest person to shop for on your Christmas shopping list? How much time and energy do you have to spend finding a gift for him or her? 2. What would happen if you put as much time and energy into Jesus wish list each Christmas as you put into getting everyone the right gift? 3. What are some practical ways we can change the traditional focus of Christmas from materialistic selfindulgence to giving Jesus what he desires? 4. Describe an event where you gave of your time, talent and/or resources and were completely blessed beyond what you expected. 5. Why do you think God uses people to bring restoration and healing to a broken world instead of just stepping in with almighty power? Has God ever used you? 6. What “big buts” are keeping you from giving sacrificially of both time and money? What excuses do you need to overcome this year to truly honor Jesus with your life’s resources? CHALLENGE: Get creative! What is one new tradition or family practice you could start this year to make every Christmas a more authentic celebration of Jesus? Excerpts from Christmas is not Your Birthday: Experience the Joy of Living and Giving like Jesus by Mike Slaughter Abingdon Press © 2011 Married Couples Study An 8 week study to grow your marriage. Saturday nights at 7 PM Starting on January 17, 2015 For more info or to s ign up email p.e.krause@comcas t.net or call 201-926-0014 Book Price: $7 each We recommend one book per person The Gospel of Mark An inductive study on the Gospel of Mark. Join Us Tuesdays January 6 – February 3 6 PM in the Parlor Open to everyone As preparation for the study, read through the Gospel of Mark. It will take you about 1½ hours. Any questions or to s ign up: call the church office 732 -775-1125 ext 10 Trusting God Even When It Hurts By Jerry Bridges Starting January 13, 2015 At 76 Heck Avenue Call Kathy for information 732-988-4711 Men’s Bible Study Wednesday – 7 PM With Coffee and Cake December 24 December 31 January 7 January 14 No meeting No meeting Mark chapters 15 & 16 Start Disciple Study For information contact Chuck Hendron 732 -614-1113 St. Paul’s Week At A Glance Key:Chapel-C, FellowshipHall-FH, Jr.Room-JR, Kitchen-K,, MusicRoom-MR,Parlor-P, Sanctuary-S,ThornleyChapelEast-TCE, ThornleyChapelWest-TCW, YouthRoom-YR, FrancisAsburyManor–FAM,GreatAuditorium–AUD,BoardwalkPavilion–BP,TabernacleTAB,Kitchen–K,OceanGroveCommunityRoom–CR,AuditoriumPavilion–AP,YouthTemple–YT Sun 12/21 9 AM Praise Worship Service – S 9:30 AM Children’s Sunday School 10 AM Choir - MR 10:30 AM Fellowship/Coffee - FH Not meeting Confirmation Meeting - P 10:45 AM Worship Service – St. Paul’s Sanctuary 7- 8:50 PM CrossRoots Family Christmas Party Not meeting Bible Study - P 6-8 PM Prayer Meeting – MR Mon 12/22 Tue 12/23 10 AM Bible Study - FAM 7 PM HS Girls Book Club – Megan’s 12:30 PM Staff Meeting Not meeting Bible Study - P Not meeting Women’s Bible Study – Trusting God 76 Heck Wed 12/24 Christmas Eve 4 PM Family Candlelight Worship 8 PM Traditional Candlelight Worship 11 PM Candlelight Worship with Communion Thu 12/25 Sun 12/28 Merry Christmas 10 AM Student Sunday Worship Service Not Meeting Children’s Sunday School Not meeting CrossRoots Not meeting Prayer Meeting – MR Next Sunday – December 28 Student Sunday Worship will be at 10 AM St. Paul’s Students will be highlighted through music and the giving of the morning’s message. Please come and support our students. Church Office Hours Monday – Friday 9AM – Noon, 1-3 PM St. Paul’s church office will close for the Christmas Holiday December 23, at 3 PM and reopen on January 5, at 9 AM The Altar Flowers are presented to the glory of God & in honor of Dr. Richard & Florence Levine in recognition of their 50th wedding anniversary, from their children. When leaving the sanctuary following worship, please use the exits on the south side. The north stair well is needed for those who need to use the lift. Thank you for your cooperation. Too much pie? Join some Tender Care moms for exercise in Fellowship Hall on Tuesday morning at 9:10 AM. Bring a yoga mat and a freewill offering for the Angel Fund. The class will be approximately 45 minutes. Thank You to all who submitted their commitment card for 2015. So far we have received over 90 commitments to St. Paul’s ministry in 2015. If you haven’t turned in your commitment card yet, please do so by the end of the year. The cards can be placed in the offering baskets or turned into the church office. VISITATION TEAM Anyone interested in being a part of a team of individuals reaching out to encourage those in the St. Paul’s family through visitation or written cards please contact Brian Schulte at 732-859-2538 or give your name and phone number to Judith Hoffman in the church office. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 St. Paul’s Ministries 80 Embury Avenue, OG 732-775-1125 Worship Fall, Winter & Spring Schedule for Worship Services Sundays 9 AM & 10:45 AM Interpreter for the Deaf - Cindy Williams 732-925-8086 Ushers Don Noll @ 9, Al Dawson 10:45 Visitation Pastor ,Mr. Brian Schulte [email protected] Director of Christian Education Paula DiGiamberardino, 732-775-1125 ext. 127 Children Sunday School 9:30 AM Sundays, Bev Burns, 732-685-8876 Tender Care Nursery School (6mos-pre-K) Lisa Noll, Director 9AM – 2 PM M-F, 732-775-2265 Youth CrossRoots Student Ministries – Megan Faulkner, 732-775-1125 ext.123 College Angel Program – Holly Heim, [email protected] Women’s Bible Studies 2 PM Mon – Mary Winkler 732-673-2422 7-9 PM Mon – Judy Beth Soltis, 732-869-9292 7-9 PM Tue – Kathleen Glickman, 732-988-4711 Men’s Groups Men’s Bible Study 7 PM Monday, Brian Shulte, 732-859-2538 7 PM Wednesday, Chuck Hendron Bible Studies (men & women) 6 PM Tues – Judith Hoffman, 732-775-1125x110 Community Outreach Food Pantry – 3-5 PM Thursday Caring Friends (volunteers for neighborly assistance) 732-775-1125 ext. 3 Hands & Feet Ministry in Motion – 848-667-6061, [email protected] Music Contemporary Worship Musicians – George Robson, 732-775-1125x115 Organist / Choir Director – Alyn Heim 732-775-1125 X116 Women’s Groups (UMW meet Sept.-May) United Methodist Women – 2nd Tuesday, 2 PM, Fellowship Hall Phyllis Truran, 732-801-0098 Edith Frederick’s Circle 3rd Monday 10 AM – Mona Everson, 732-776-7251 Isabella Thoburn Circle 3rd Tuesday10 AM, Elizabeth Brubaker Circle 3rd Tuesday 2 PM, Helen Stocum, 732-918-8453 Anne Forrester Study Group 4th Tuesday 1 PM, Marie Carter, 732-988-2706 Edna Bradley Circle 4th Tuesday 2 PM – Isobel McCutcheon, 732-988-5244 H.E.A.R.T. Circle 2nd Sunday, 10:30 AM, Barbara Trouwborst 732-775-6098, Eileen Sokol 732-775-6088 St. Paul’s Auxiliary Last Monday 2 PM , Marilyn Foote, 732-775-4979 Self-Help Groups G.R.O.W. 6:45-8:45 PM Thursday Church Committees Church Council 3rd Tuesday – 7 PMLibby Raftery-Triolo Lay Leader- Phyllis Truran 732-801-0098 Staff Parish Relations –Norman Harris Stewardship – Victor Kuo Trustees – Ron Carlucci Missions – Borja Del Campo Kitchen Committee – Damaris Adamo Wedding Coordinator – Sharon McEwan Prayer Requests Please update your prayer requests. Prayer requests not updated will be removed Names may be used only with permission of themselves or their immediate family. Prayers for:. Ken Orr Paul Braneky, Shore Rehab, Brick Kitty Mantell Mark, laid off Bill Steele,Optic neurophy, (Freddie Castle’s brother) Grant, age 6, brain surgery Monday Amberlynn, age 11, badly burned Betty Newman (Phyllis Downing’s sister) Kathleen Keating (Timothy’s mother) fell last weekend, had surgery – hip replacement Linda in TX Sal Badalamenti Julia Rinaolo, 17 year old, complications from Lyme disease (Joan Brown’s niece) Analiese Grissman, for healing Lizz, missionary in SE Asia Jean Kelshaw, Nancy Doremus’ mother Linda Morton Heather Bray Sean DenBraven Emy’s hip, healing Peace in Jerusalem, Israel, Mexico Cheryl Benfer Gloria Corbo In Care Facilities: Al Aanensen, FAM Alba Brunetto, FAM Rev. Gene Foote, MBTS Marilyn Foote, FAM Dorothy Glenn, MediCenter Tom Nevas, Sloan Kettering Helen Reaser, MBTS Charles Robinson, FAM Emy Lou Snyder, home College Students: Jessica Campbell Daniel Badger Mary Badger Stephen Badger Julia Cooper Rick Cuttrell Samantha Cuttrell Amber Czesnolowicz Christian DiLiberto Gabriella DiLiberto Sarah Ferrell Katie Gannon Matthew Gannon Bailey Herr Ryan Juliano Emily Maier Lauren McEwan Alexandra McKeon Maxwell McKeon Nick Morrows Victoria O'Brien Elisabeth O'Brien Alexandra O'Brien Samantha Plewa David Robson Scott Shadle Tori Timoney Our Military: Tyler Neff in Navy, home from the Middle East (Glenn Neff’s son) Rebekah Spedaliere in Air Force, home from the Middle East December Communion Offering will be for "Jesus' Birthday Gift": Stop Hunger Now Water Filters for Haiti Jersey Shore Rescue Mission Saint's Prison Ministry Thank You for making "Jesus' Birthday" so special! Monthly Communion Sunday Offering October 2014 - September 2015 Month Mission Ministry Total Donated October November December January February March Future With Hope $1,678.00 St. Paul's Thanksgiving Dinner $2,289.00 Jesus' Birthday Offering Angel Fund Asbury Soup Kitchen UMC Aviation Ministry(Steve & Gail Quigg) April (Easter) Haiti May Habitat “A Brush with Kindness” June Food Pantry July-Sept Apportionments ___________________________________________________________ LIKE US ON FACEBOOK! "The Ocean Grove Church - SPUMC" for updates and information! Sanctuary Sanctuary is the First, Third, & Last Wednesday of every month, 6:30-7:30 PM, in Thornley Chapel East. Within the framework of contemplative worship music and moments of silence, this service is offered to those seeking a safe place to come before the Lord, resting in His presence while developing a deeper intimacy with Him. Support St. Paul's Go Green! St. Paul's is doing a unique fundraiser that doesn't cost you any money! Just five minutes of your time. Did you know that you choose what kind of energy you use? Go online to www.viridian.com/spumc and watch the two minute video. With your electric and gas bills in hand, click on "Become a customer now". Over time, you will SAVE money, SUPPORT St. Paul's, and HELP the environment. All you have to do is pay your gas & electric bills as you normally would. If you have any questions, please talk to Jimmy McEwan or Matt Gannon. Jimmy can help you sign up. Picture Directory If you did not have your picture taken but would like a directory, we will be selling them for $5.00 in the church office. While supply lasts. Men’s Basketball All men 16 years old and up Are invited to the Youth Temple On Wednesday Nights from 6:30-8 PM Will not meet Dec 24 or Dec 31 St. Paul’s Website & Online Newsletter If you would like to receive St. Paul’s notices & newsletters go to our website www.oceangrovechurch.com & fill out the form on the “contact us” page. The Food Pantry at St. Paul's Isobel McCutcheon has made a donation in Honor of Janet Reece's Birthday. Fern and Kevin Cole have made a donation in Honor of their grandchildren, Connor, Aidan, Caroline, Meara, and Emily. Thank you to our faithful donors who write checks and bring food items every month. This regular support allows us to distribute quality and healthy food items to those who need assistance. During the months of December and January, we are asking for donations of Instant Oatmeal and Soup. Donations can be left in the baskets at either entrance to the Sanctuary. Also, Toilet Paper is always needed. St. P aul’s United Methodist Ch u rch 80 Embury Avenue, Ocean Grove, NJ Poinsettias & Decorations Sponsor In Memoriam Al Aanensen Wife, Glady Aanensen Ted & Gayle Aanensen Glady Aanensen Spencer & Linda Baba Loved Ones Bill & Barbara Bailey Ruth Bailey Bill & Barbara Bailey Wayne & Helen Miller Robert & Joan Bender (decorations) Loved Ones Beling-Badger Family Donald Beling Shirley & Cory Boss Michael Boss (son of Shirley, brother of Cory) Richard & Gail Cuttrell Herbert & Catherine Cuttrell Richard & Gail Cuttrell William & Estella Wegge Linda Dousis Walter Davidson Linda Dousis George Dousis Bernice Dudak Joseph & Stephen Dudak Jeannine Eisner Parent, Frederick Cobb Jeannine Eisner Parent, Helen Cobb Ruth Egner Andy Egner Janice Flay Family & Friends Rev. Eugene & Marilyn Foote Sister Shirley Lee Hill Parents, Mr. & Mrs. F. Foote & Mr. & Mrs. G. Sauer Bonnie Graham Aunt, Nellie Freeman Bonnie Graham Lyman & Betty Graham Herbert & Norma Herbst August & Marie Herbst Herbert & Norma Herbst Fred & Edward Herbst Herbert & Norma Herbst Herman, Florence & John Koehne Herbert & Norma Herbst August & Martha Zybas Norm & Marty Huseland Parents, Olaf & Agnes Huseland Norm & Marty Huseland Parents, Bill & Evelyn Thompson Katie Kepler Casey Patrick Gene & Nancy Lewis James & Alice McEwan Bob & Sharon McEwan (decorations) Bob & Sharon McEwan (decorations) Bob & Sharon McEwan (decorations) Bob & Sharon McEwan (decorations) David, Sandi, Lauren & Chris McEwan David, Sandi, Lauren & Chris McEwan Don & Lisa Noll Don & Lisa Noll Constance J. Ogden John & Kathy Pfersich Dolores Preacher Betty Reynolds The Stockdales The Stockdales The Stockdales Mom, Dad, & Casie Barbara, Gary, Becky, & Scott Trouwborst The Family Betty Den Braven Matthew Carrera Anna McHale James & Alice McEwan James & Alice McEwan Our grandparents Alvin Hoffmann Eric Wesselman Millicent & George Ogden Sr & George Ogden Jr Our Beloved Dad, Géza DePekary Jack Preacher Husband, Ray Reynolds Tom & Anne Child Jeremy DeVoid Barry Stockdale Trevor “TJ” Stockdale Ella & Ted Trouwborst Jack E. Williamson Sponsor In Honor Ted & Gayle Aanensen Al Aanensen Bill & Barbara Bailey Forman Bailey Suzanne Boan (2) Marie Niedrach Norm & Sally Harris (2) Our families Charles & Marcia Hendron Pastor John DiGiamberardino Herbert & Norma Herbst Brendan & Paige Kelley Herbert & Norma Herbst Ian & Caitlin Kelley Herbert & Norma Herbst Melinda Kelley & Elinor Koehne Herbert & Norma Herbst Dr. Stephen, Janet & David Rothstein Timothy & Holly Keating Our Parents David, Sandi, Lauren & Chris McEwan (decorations) Our Loving Family Raymond & Ruth Olson Our Loving Parents Carol Wilson St. Paul’s family Donations Eileen Forestal & Cindy Williams (2) D. A. Wilson Christmas Eve at St. Paul’s December 24, 2014 4 PM Family/Children Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 8 PM Traditional Candlelight Service 11 PM Christmas Eve Candlelight / Communion Service St. Paul’s United Methodist Church Staff The Rev. John DiGiamberardino, Senior Pastor –ext. 112 – [email protected] The Rev. Walter A. Quigg, Pastor Emeritus – [email protected] Mr. George Robson – Worship Director – ext. 115 [email protected] Mr. Brian Schulte, Visitation Pastor, [email protected] Mr. Alyn Heim Jr., Organist/Choir Director – ext. 116 [email protected] Miss Megan Faulkner, Director of CrossRoots Student Ministries ext. 123 Mrs. Paula DiGiamberardino, Director of Christian Education, ext.127 [email protected] Mrs. Lisa Noll, Director of Tender Care Nursery 732-775-2265 Ms. Judith Hoffman, Church Office Administrator – ext. 110 [email protected] Mr. Ben Benfer, Church Sexton – ext.125 [email protected] Mr. Neil DenBraven- Evening & Weekend Host Mr. Arnold Newman - Evening & Weekend Host Ms. MJ Shaughnessy - Evening & Weekend Host Mr. Michael Mindnich - Evening & Weekend Host, Weekend Sexton Mrs. Phyllis Truran, Lay Leader – 732-801-0098 – [email protected] Church: 732-775-1125 Fax: 732-775-4540 Parsonage I: 732-361-5564 St. Paul’s church office hours: M-F 9-noon, 1-3
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