SEPTEMBER
Monday, 1st Labor Day
Church Office Closed
Saturday, 6th
9:00 amPraise Team Rehearsal
Sunday, 7th
8:00 amPraise Team Rehearsal
9:15 amChoir Rehearsal
10:00 amWorship Service/Communion
11:15 am2015 & Beyond Chat
1:30 pmElijah’s Promise
Monday, 8th
7:30 pmConsistory
Wednesday, 10th
6:30 pmMen of St. Paul’s
Thursday, 11th
7:30 pmChoir Rehearsal
Saturday, 13th
9:00 amPraise Team Rehearsal
Sunday, 14th
10:00 amOutdoor Worship Service at Boro Park/Picnic
Tuesday, 16th
12 noon2015 & Beyond Chat
Confirmation Room
Thursday, 18th
7:30 pmChoir Rehearsal
****TIDINGS DEADLINE****
Saturday, 20th
9:00 amPraise Team Rehearsal
Sunday, 21st
8:00 amPraise Team Rehearsal
9:15 amChoir Rehearsal
10:00 amWorship Service
Sunday School begins
11:30-noonChildren’s Choir begins
6:00-8:00 pm Junior Youth Group
Senior Youth Group
Monday, 22nd
7:30 pm2015 & Beyond Chat
Confirmation Room
Wednesday, 24th
7:30 pmConfirmation Class – Confirmation Room
Thursday, 25th
7:30 pmChoir Rehearsal
Saturday, 27th
9:00 amPraise Team Rehearsal
Sunday, 28th
8:00 amPraise Team Rehearsal
9:15 amChoir Rehearsal
10:00 amWorship Service
Monday, 29th
7:30 pmMinistry Teams
Upcoming Events:
September 11th – Adult Choir Rehearsals begins
September 14th – Church Picnic at Boro Park
September 21st – Rally Day – Sunday School begins
September 21st – Children’s Choir begins
September 21st – Junior Youth Group
September 24 – Confirmation Class begins
October 11 – Wine & Beer Tasting
September 2014
Greetings,
Do you know that God lives under your bed?
Recently my Dad forwarded me the following email.
I envy Kevin. My brother, Kevin, thinks God lives under his bed. At least that's what I heard him say one night.
He was praying out loud in his dark bedroom, and I stopped to listen, 'Are you there, God?' he said. 'Where are you? Oh, I see. Under the bed....'
I giggled softly and tiptoed off to my own room. Kevin's unique perspectives are often a source of amusement. But that night something else lingered long after the humor. I realized for the first time the very different world Kevin lives in.
He was born 30 years ago, mentally disabled as a result of difficulties during labor. Apart from his size (he's 6-foot-2), there are few ways in which he is an adult. He reasons and communicates with the capabilities of a 7-year-old, and he always will. He will probably always believe that God lives under his bed, and that airplanes stay up in the sky because angels carry them.
He lopes out to the bus every morning at 7:05, eager for a day of simple work. He doesn't know what it means to be discontent.
His hands are diligent. Kevin is never so happy as when he is working. When he unloads the dishwasher or vacuums the carpet, his heart is completely in it. He does not shrink from a job when it is begun, and he does not leave a job until it is finished. But when his tasks are done, Kevin knows how to relax.
Not confined by intellectual reasoning, when he comes to Christ, he comes as a child. Kevin seems to know God - to really be friends with Him in a way that is difficult for an 'educated' person to grasp. God seems like his closest companion.
In my moments of doubt and frustrations with my Christianity, I envy the security Kevin has in his simple faith. It is then that I am most willing to admit that he has some divine knowledge that rises above my mortal questions.
It is then I realize that perhaps he is not the one with the handicap. I am. My obligations, my fear, my pride, my circumstances - they all become disabilities when I do not trust them to God's care.
Maybe we should look under our bed tonight.
In Christ,
WORSHIP
Sept 7 - Communion
The Approach to God
Hebrews 4
Sept 14 -Outdoor Worship
The Word of God
2 Timothy 3
Sept 21
The Response to God
Ephesians 2 or 4
Sept 28
Searching for the Fountain of Youth?
Proverbs 9: verses 10-12
MEN OF ST. PAUL’S
All men of St. Paul’s church family are invited to join us on Wednesday,September 10th at 6:30pm for supper and fellowship.
NOTE: This is the second Wednesday, not the first Wednesday like usual.
OUTDOOR WORSHIP
& PICNIC
Our outdoor worship and picnic will be Sunday, September 14th at 10am. Our picnic will at Boro Park
If you would bring a side dish or a dessert it would be appreciated.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
SEPTEMBER 21
Sunday school STARTS for children ages 3 years old through 6th grade.
Sunday school begins with worship at 10 AM in the sanctuary. The children are dismissed to their classes after the junior sermon.
Registration forms are required for each student. Please complete form and return by September 21.
COMMUNION
OFFERING
You may have noticed Flocks of pink flamingos on front lawns around Milltown. You may have noticed the name Thomas Dumanski on our weekly prayer list. He is a 9 month old Milltown residence with a very serious illness.
The flamingos are part of a fund raising effort to help the Dumanski family manage the expenses associated with Tommy's on-going care and transplant at CHOP.
Our September communion offering will be given to help the Dumanski family.
BEREAVEMENT
Our sympathy to the family of George Harland, who died 7/26 (Emily’s grandfather); and Jeffrey Scott, who died 8/13.
PRAYER of the MONTH
Good and generous Lord, You have once more brought the year full circle, through planting and growing and ripening to harvest time, and autumn.
We thank You for the sun and the wind, the rain and the dew, the minerals of the earth and all the plants that grow and all the beasts and birds of farm and field. We marvel at Your wonderful ways of bringing food from the earth for man's good.
Dear God, help us to use Your rich gifts as You want us to. Teach us to share them with our neighbor when he is in need. Make us see, in the marvelous succession of seasons, and in the growth and ripening of our crops, the merciful, generous hand of Your divine providence.
Help us to realize, too, that if we keep Your commandments and live according to the inspirations of Your grace, we shall also reap a plentiful harvest in the autumn of our lifetime: a harvest that we willbe able to enjoy for ever and ever, where no rust can destroy, nor blight spoil any least part of it. Amen.
MILLTOWN PRIDE DAY
OCT. 4TH 9AM - 2PM
We will have a booth at this year’s Milltown Pride Day where we can show off our pride in belonging to St. Paul’s. We will have calendars and pens to give away.
We are looking for volunteers to man the booth as well as ideas to attract people to our table.
2015 & BEYOND CHATS
What do you think about some of the suggestions that people have made for future ministries hereat St. Paul’s Church?
My inquiring mind wants to know so I invite you to join me
SUN. SEPT. 7
11:15 AM - We will chat at Fellowship time after worship in Social Hall.
TUES. SEPT. 16
12:00 PM - We will chat over lunch.
Bring a bag lunch.
Meet in Confirmation Room
MON. SEPT. 22
7:30 PM - We will chat with dessert
Meet in Social Hall
✤OPEN A THRIFT SHOP
✤LIVE STREAMING OF WORSHIP SERVICE
✤SPONSOR A FIELD DAY @ PARKVIEW OR JOYCE KILMER
✤FUND RAISER IDEA - WIFFLE BALL TOURNAMENT
✤HAVE A BOOTH AT THE MIDDLESEX COUNTY FAIR
✤DIVERSIFY
✤NO PASSING OF THE PLATE
✤ADOPT A HOMEBOUND MEMBER
✤TRAIN LAY VISITORS
✤PASSOVER / SEDER ON MAUNDY THURSDAY
✤SPECIAL NEEDS YOUTH GROUP (BUDDY SYSTEM W/ YG)
✤PROVIDE MEALS FOR PEOPLE ON OUR PRAYER LIST
✤COMMUNION - ONLY ON THE FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH
✤MILLTOWN PRIDE DAY - NEED A CATCH to draw people over GAME/RAFFLE/GIVE AWAY
✤SOFTBALL TEAM
Sr. YOUTH GROUP
We will start our Sunday night meetings onSeptember 21@ 6PM. We will kick things off with a game of “silent football” followed by making plans for the year and discussing mission trip 2015.
Sr. YG Wed. Night Special
7 weeks only
Oct. 9th - Nov. 19th
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
PUT THESE DATES IN YOUR SMART PHONES NOW!
Jr. YOUTH GROUP
Junior Youth Group for youth 4th-6th grade.
Our first meeting will be Sunday, September 21st 6pm-8pm in the social hall.
INTERESTED IN
WORKING WITH YOUTH?
The Junior and Senior Youth groups are in need of adults to help with the leadership, planning and implementation of their weekly meetings, fund raising and activities.
To volunteer to help with the Junior Youth Group contact:
Elana Kircher 732-296-1516 or
To volunteer to help with the Senior Youth Group contact:
Pastor Rich 732-828-0020 or
TRANSFORMED CAMPAIGN
How does God change us?
On a scale of 1 - 10 how healthy is your:
•Physical Health
•Spiritual Health
•Mental Health
•Emotional Health
•Relationship Health
•Financial Health
•Vocational Health
On October 5 we will begin a 7 week campaign that can transform our overall health. Sunday worship, weekly small groups and a daily devotional workbook will challenge us to commit to better health through the transforming power of God’s Word and Spirit.
See the insert in this month’s Tidings and sign up today!
CONFIRMATION CLASS
All youth in at least the 7th grade who are interested in making their confirmation along with one of their parents NEED to attend the confirmation class on WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 at 7:30PM in the Confirmation room.
WINE & BEER
TASTING
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11
Thisbenefit is for St. Paul’s Church. Features a Full Buffet, entertainment, 50/50, raffles, and a wide selection of wines and beers to sample. The cost is $40. Tickets will be available soon.
STEWARDSHIP THOUGHT
A church that is alive needs the generous, sacrificial support of those who love it. Only a dead church demands no sacrifice.
Have you ever heard anyone say: "My church is always asking for money. I wish I could belong to a church that never needed any money."
Surely they don’t mean that. Any church that is alive needs money. Only dead churches do not call on their members for support. If anyone should accuse your church of always needing and calling for money, regard it as a compliment. Invite this person to rejoice with you that you both belong to something that is living and productive for Jesus Christ rather than a dead, stagnant organization from which glory of Christ has departed.
FINANCIALS
JULYYR to DATE
Income$19,974.09$147,310.84
Expense$29,993.19$159,886.99
(Gain/Loss)($10,019.10( $12,576.15)
300 CLUB RAFFLE
July 6 Winners:
$75Greg Reeves
$50Francine Shaw
$25Harry Costello
$10Flo Torok
July 13 Winners:
$75Bev Christensen
$50Diane Kuzma
$25Phyllis Anderson
$10Don Wesen
July 20 Winners:
$75Maryann Samuel
$50Curtis Holick
$25Kathy Mitek
$10Debbie Paley
July 27 Winners:
$75Julie Park
$50Sue Dowling
$25Maryann Samuel
$10Flo Torok
August 3 Winners:
$75Linda Jones
$50Christina Conger
$25Harry Costello
$10Arlene Mowery
August 10 Winners:
$75Ron Tiedemann
$50Matt Gzemski
$25Amy Mitchum
$10Julie Park
August 17 Winners:
$75Julie Park
$50Gary Reeves
$25Doris Weber
$10Bria McGrath
OFFERING ENVELOPES
Thank you to everyone who has indicated your account number when making a donation (cash or check) to St. Paul’s. This really helps the counting teams. Also, it is a great help when you use the envelope provided as it contains information that is needed to correctly record information to your account.
If you need envelopes, please call Carol in the church office.
RECYCLE PLEASE!If you are not using the blank St. Paul’s Church envelopes that come in your quarterly pack, please return them in the Narthex or Church Office. We’ll recycle them.
Thank you.
MEMORIAL FUND
ANDI REBAR
Debbie Cheeseman
ROBERT RUCINSKI
Charles & Beverly Rucinski
Bill & Judy Rucinski
MUSIC/ORGAN FUND
WILBUR CHRIST
Ruth Karren
Alden Christ
SCHOLARSHIP FUND
RAY CONGER’S Birthday, Sept. 14
Marjorie Conger
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
During the creation ofa prayer shawl the Lord is asked to give the onewho receivesit blessings, comfort, courage, strength and hope. We now ask that you continue to keep the following people in your thoughts and prayers:
Tom Gilliland
FELLOWSHIP HOUR
Julie Park & Tracy Rucinski are coordinating fellowship hour. Sign up at coffee hour or be in contact with:
Julie at 732-545-4266
or
Tracy at 732-545-6982 .
YOUR ASSISTANCE is still needed
to provide refreshments for fellowship hour.You are responsible for providing eats, and milk for kids. Sunny D is generously providing juice.
Coffee and cups are provided.
CHECK US OUT
You can check it out by going to or look us up on facebook.
SUGGESTION BOX
At the foot of the staircase in the education building you will find hanging on the wall a suggestion box for you to make suggestions. Your suggestions are very much welcomed.
THANK YOU…
Those who served 100 dinners at Elijah’s Promise on July 5th:
Grace KothariJane Osman
Lorraine FiseziMargaret Schmidt
And on August 3rd:
Grace KothariJane Osman
Ann MalyshkoLorraine Fisezi
Margaret Schmidt
Following are the steps involved in this project:
.Every first Sunday of the month we gather at 2:00 pm at 21 Nelson St. in New Brunswick.
.Prepare the food and serve between 2:00 pm & 4:30 pm.
We invite volunteers to be part of this noble cause. If you are interested,
please contact Margaret Schmidt at
732-390-0169.
St. Paul’s Heavenly Delights
Cookbook - 2013
Looking for a Thanksgiving hostess gift?
Need some teacher gifts? What about family stocking stuffers?
St. Paul's Heavenly Delights - 2013is chock full (over 200) of those tried and true recipes that we all make again and again, family favorites, and even some from years gone by!
Due to last year’s overwhelming success, we will consider ordering another batch of our 2013 church cookbook. HOWEVER, we need a firmcommitment of 36 books before an order can be placed.
Last day to order –
Wednesday, October 15th
Cookbook price - $12
If interested, sign up sheets will be available in the back of the church
and during coffee hour or contact Dawn Ramsen/Debbie Cheeseman.
Remember, when they're gone - they're gone, so consider ordering a few extra!!!
Music at St. Paul’s
Last Summer Hymn Sing
We will gather in the sanctuary at 9:30 am on Sun., Aug. 24 to sing through some favorites. Submit requests to Emily
Choirs resume
Sept. 11 – Adult Choir resumes Thurs. rehearsals.
7:30 – 9 pm in the choir room
New singers welcome!
Sept. 21 – Children’s Choir resumes
Sundays 11:30 am – noon
Chapel of the church school building
All children, particularly grades 1-6, welcome!
"Why do Christians sing when they are together? The reason is, quite simply, because in singing together it is possible for them to speak and pray the same Word at the same time; in other words, because here they can unite in the Word. There should be singing, not only at devotions, but at regular times of the day or week. The more we sing, the more joy we will derive from it. But above all, the more devotion and discipline and joy we put into our singing, the richer will be the blessing that will come to the whole life of the fellowship from singing together. It is not you that sings: it is the Church that is singing, and you, as a member of the Church, may share in its song. Thus all singing together that is right must serve to widen our spiritual horizon and make us see our little company as a member of the great Christian Church on earth, and help us willingly and gladly to join our singing, be it feeble or good, to the song of the Church." -Dietrich Bonhoeffer
All of us, tin ears or no, are called to sing in praise to our Creator! But thankfully most of us are able to carry a tune. Do you feel called to help lead our congregational song? Consider singing in the Adult Choir this year! We’d love to have you!
LETTERS…
Thank you for all the papers you send. I enjoy them very much – Best wishes –
Arlene Kuhlthau
To Lois (Jessen) & Debbie (Cheeseman),
Of course I follow our church service from our newsletter. I had no food left so was at the A&P when you delivered the gorgeous bouquet. I thank you so much for delivering them and brought cheer I really needed. Also, for all who took part. Thank you for the thought and kindness.
Elizabeth (Betty) Miller
To my St. Paul’s Family,
I cannot thank you all enough for the amount of love and support that you all have given me over the years; this year in particular. You all have encouraged, supported and prayed for me in my various endeavors. I will forever be grateful for each and every one of you. The Lord has truly blessed me through all of you. Thank you for the scholarship and for your unwaivering love and support.
Love always,
Krystal Ramsen
Dear Pastor Rich,
First off, thank you for the generous scholarship award. Every last dime will help me build my future and I appreciate the help. Secondly, thank you for keeping my dad in your prayers. He’s home and doing well. Our family appreciates the support and the peace of mind knowing you’re just down the road. Thanks again and say hi to Mrs. Weyer!
Best wishes,
Andrew Napolitano
Dear St. Paul’s Church Community,
Thank you for the generous scholarship for my endeavors at Drexel University. As an aspiring Environmental Engineer, Drexel is the perfect fit for me. Every day is a new challenge and full of encouraging rewards. I look forward to continuing my education here. Thank you all again for the thoughtful scholarship.
Sincerely,
Jon Napolitano
Dear St. Paul’s Church,
Thank you so much for your generous scholarship. I will make sure to put the money to good use at St. John’s University next year. I am looking forward to the opportunities this money will provide me with. Thanks again!
Sincerely,
Brian Pelszynski
St. Paul’s,
Thank you for all that you have done for the YouthWorks team and participants this summer. You have been a blessing to all of us. Thank you for opening your facilities to us. May God continue to use you to minister to the world. We will miss you all!
YouthWorks NJ Team 2014
Ashley, Mariah, Tim, Alex
Dear St. Paul’s Church,
Thank you so much for the scholarship I was awarded. It will definitely be useful when buying books in the fall. I really appreciate your generosity.