APRIL

Saturday, 1st

9:00 am Praise Team Rehearsal

Sunday, 2nd

8:00 am Praise Team Rehearsal9:30 am Choir Rehearsal10:00 am Worship Service/Communion

Sunday School11:30 am Children’s Choir6:00 pm Senior Youth Group

Junior Youth Group****EASTER LILY ORDERS DUE****

Wednesday, 5th

1:00 pm New Testament Study6:30 pm Lenten Family Dinner7:30 pm Confirmation Class

Thursday, 6th

7:30 pm Adult Choir Rehearsal

Saturday, 8th

9:00 am Praise Team Rehearsal

Sunday, 9th PALM SUNDAY8:00 am Praise Team Rehearsal 10:00 am Worship Service

Sunday School11:30 am Children’s ChoirTBD Sr. YG Lock In

Monday, 10th

7:30 pm Consistory

Wednesday, 12th

1:00 pm New Testament

Thursday, 13th

7:30 pm MAUNDY THURSDAYService

Saturday, 15th

9:00 am Praise Team Rehearsal

Sunday, 16th EASTER8:00 am & 10:00 am Worship Service

Wednesday, 19th

1:00 pm New Testament Study7:30 pm Confirmation Class

Thursday, 20th

7:30 pm Adult Choir Rehearsal****TIDINGS DEADLINE****

Friday, 21st

Jr. Youth Group Lock-In

Saturday, 22nd

9:00 am Praise Team Rehearsal

Sunday, 23rd

8:00 am Praise Team Rehearsal9:30 am Choir Rehearsal10:00 am Worship Service

Sunday School 11:30 am Children’s Choir6:00 pm Sr. Youth Group

Wednesday, 26th

1:00 pm New Testament Study7:30 pm Confirmation Class

Thursday, 27th

7:30 pm Adult Choir Rehearsal

Friday, 28th

Set up for Tricky Tray

Saturday, 29th

9:00 am Praise Team Rehearsal4:30 pm Doors open for Vera Bradley Tricky

Tray6:00 pm Auction starts

Sunday, 30th

8:00 am Praise Team Rehearsal9:30 am Choir Rehearsal10:00 am Worship Service

Sunday School 11:30 am Children’s Choir

Pastor Rich takes Friday Off.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

May 4 – National Day of Prayer

APRIL 2017Greetings:

The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life John 10:10

There was a time in my life when I thought of a thief stealing strictly in terms of a person breaking into my house and taking valuables.

I remember hearing my Mom’s voice on the other end of the phone saying, “We have been robbed!”

I remember Mom saying how she felt violated, angry and scared. I remember her washing all the clothes that were in the draws the robber had opened because they were ‘dirty’.

Unfortunately every day homes are broken into and robbed. This is true of people’s lives. Difficult experiences, unsettling test results, tragic events have a way of robbing us of peace. In its place is intense anxiety and fear.

It is exactly these times in our lives that we should open God’s Word to John 10.

The passage reminds us that we have a Good Shepherd in Jesus. He calls us to recognize and listen to His voice rather than voices of doubt, darkness, discouragement, and shame.

“He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out,” we read. “After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. They won’t follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don’t know his voice”

(John 10:3-5).Two voices are described here. One is the voice of the Good Shepherd—Jesus. The other is the voice of anyone who pulls us away from Him. The voices both speak to our hearts and minds, but following one or the other leads to drastically different destinations.

The Good Shepherd uses His voice to lead people to salvation, freedom, “good pastures,” and “a rich and satisfying life” (vv.3,9-10).

The enemy’s voice leads us away from truth and to deception and destruction. “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy” (v.10).

Easter is a reminder that Jesus, the true Word of God, died on the cross because of our sins. Do you think your enemy would do that?

Easter is an invitation to immerse yourself in Scripture, to be reminded of the truth about God and to hear His voice and presence which gives us hope and calms our hearts.

Jesus said, “Take heart I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

In spite of the inevitable struggles you will face, you are not alone. Jesus does not abandon you to your struggles. The ultimate victory has been won, claim the peace of Christ when you are faced with troublesome times.

Godspeed,

Pastor Rich

WORSHIPO2 COMMUNIONSelect ProverbsUn-clutter Your Friendships

09 PALM SUNDAYMatthew 6Un-clutter Your Hurts

13 MAUNDY THURSDAYMatthew 26:31-46Your Way

16 EASTERJohn 20:10-18Un-clutter Your Minds

23 TOOL BOX FOR LIFE1 Samuel 17Ignoring the Naysayers

301 John 2Knowing What Matters Most

AT THE CROSSThe season of Lent tells the story of the Passion. Each worship service during Lent a monologue will be presented designed to tell the story of Jesus’ arrest, trial, mistreatment, death and resurrection from several points of view.April 2: JohnApril 9: BarabbassApril 13: Joseph of ArimathiaApril 16: Mary Magdalene

TOOL BOX FOR LIFEThis 4 part sermon series will start Sunday April 23. It will identify eight skills you need to succeed in life.

PRAYER of the MONTHFather, You know my foolish ways and tendencies. You know the fallout my foolish words have caused for those around me. Forgive me and cleanse me. Root out all foolishness in my soul. Day by day, I want to ask you to make me a person marked by your wisdom. Remove my foolish thoughts. I choose to take them captive and make them obedient to you. I choose words of wisdom instead of foolish words. I will embrace the instruction that you bring me through your word and through your wise followers. Correct me and change me today. In Jesus’ Name Amen

LENTEN FAMILY NIGHT MENU

April 5 - Chicken Parmigiana & Five Cheese LasagnaDinner will be provided by Affordable Caterer

COMMUNION OFFERINGApril’s communion offering will be given to the Interfaith Network of Care.Their annual report is enclosed in this month's Tidings.

2017 FINANCIALSFEB YTD

Income $21,210.67 $42,402.78.Expense $34,120.96 $61,122.60Gain/(Loss)($12,910.29) ($18,719.82)IF, and it is a BIG IF, we didn’t have to replace the furnace in the education building, cost $25,500 we WOULD BE in the black for the first 2 months.

Sr. YOUTH GROUPSunday, April 2 @ 6:00pm regular Sunday night meetingSunday, April 9 TBDLock - In / Trap Door Escape RoomSunday, April 23 @ 6:00pm regular Sunday night meeting

Jr. YOUTH GROUPSunday, April 2 6-8 p.m.Theme: Living with your parentsDevo/Letter to Ronnie: Savannah FedonSnack & Help: Jennifer FedonApril 21-22 LOCK-IN! Devo/Letter to Ronnie: Tyler YoungHelpers: TBD

VERA BRADLEYTRICK TRAY

SATURDAY, APRIL 29Circle the date, tell all your friends, and get ready to buy your tickets. Tickets are available at Coffee Hour and at the Church Office. This fund raiser is to benefit the Senior Youth Group Mission Trip.If you have any questions AND/OR would like to help contact Diane Weyer by:phone 732-543-1387 or email ddweyer@optonline.net

FELLOWSHIP HOURHOSTS NEEDED:You are responsible for providing treats and milk for coffee. Sunny D generously provides juice for kids.Coffee, cups, plates, napkins, plastic utensils and sweeteners are provided.SIGN UP TO HOST@ coffee hour or contact:Julie Park 732-545-4266 mj1park@optonline.net or Tracy Rucinski 732-545-6982 traysee7413@yahoo.com.

MEMORIAL FUNDDANIEL DUSZYNSKI

William & Kathleen BilarczykStillwell-Hanesen, Inc.Harold & Nancy Paton, Jr.Marie Kalli

LORETTA BRINDLELandis & Betty Brindle

Music at St. Paul’s

HYMN FESTIVAL

Hymn Festival (Sun., March 26, 4 pm) at St. Paul’s, sponsored by the American Guild of Organists. Come journey through the story of Jesus’s passion through song. This sacred concert includes organ, cello, flute, choir, and audience participation! All ages welcome. Admission is free, but we will take a freewill offering.

HOLY WEEK MUSIC

Thanks be to God for musicians already hard at work preparing for our Holy Week! Our Palm Sunday worship will begin with a procession of both our choirs. Maundy Thursday includes special music from the Praise Band and Adult Choir. Our Easter morning worship will include guest trum-peter Caitlin Nichols at both services. Caitlin’s presence is made possible by gifts to the Music Fund.

ORGAN WORK UPDATE

RK Organworks continues to work on our organ. We are behind schedule but hope to be done by late spring.

The next phase of the project will be the most disruptive to worship. Some of the pipework will have to be removed and stored in trays in the balcony, meaning that we will have to close the balcony for at

least a couple of Sundays. This phase will begin after Easter.

So far, 3 Winker regulators (large pneu-matic pouches that stabilize the wind pres-sure) have been removed and rebuilt. 2 have been reinstalled. RK Organworks found a fourth that needs repair.

Several shade motors (control the shutters, 1 per shutter) have been removed, rebuilt, and reinstalled. Most of the remainder can-not be accessed until some pipes are tem-porarily removed.

I have been persistent in contacting RK Or-ganworks to ensure that the work continues to proceed. Although I wish that the project was moving faster, I am pleased that Rich Kendrick is being careful not to reinstall anything until it has been thoroughly tested. The organ appears to be cleaner than it has been since I arrived at St. Paul’s.

Below: photo from Rich Kendrick of a winker “temporarily” repaired many years ago with thumbtacks. Same regulator reinstalled. HEAD USHERS FOR

APRIL2 Consistory Team #19 Greg Reeves Palm Sunday13 Consistory Team #2 Maundy Thurs.16 Consistory Teams #3&4 Easter23 John Garback30 Beckie Rumen

GREETERS FOR

APRIL2 Curtis & Joan Peck9 Connie Michaels & Carol Calantoni16 8am Judy Skalla 10am Greg Reeves23 Sandy Muller30 Lorraine FiseziGreeters are asked to arrive at church by 9:20 a.m.

GREETER COORDINATOR Judy Skalla

CONSISTORY MINUTESMarch 13, 2017

In Attendance: Greg Reeves, Kathy Shanabrook, Karen Gourley, Don Wesen, Joanne Ciaccio, Steve Kircher, Frank Devine, Rebecca Jones, Julie Park, Beckie Rumen, Debbie Paley, and Pastor Rich Weyer -Meeting called to order by Pastor Rich at 7:38pm. Pastor Rich opened the meeting with prayer. -February’s meeting minutes were approved without change. Motioned by Frank D. / seconded by Julie P.

Correspondence-Letter from Milltown PBA seeking donations to support their community run programs. -SHS Drama program sent a letter thanking St. Paul’s for our recent ad in this year’s play bill as well as our continuous support.-Local scrapbooking class requested use of classroom. We will get $5.00 a person, consistory agreed to allow the use of the room. -Request from Milltown Little League concerning sponsoring a team or banner. Consistory agreed to a St. Paul’s Banner for the upcoming season. Cost $300.00

Finances-If not for the heater/boiler replacement St. Paul’s would be showing a gain for 2017. -March’s benevolence distribution went to RU Dance-a-ton for Embrace Kids $500.00 and a family in need of assistance $799.00. -Finances approved by Frank D. / seconded by Kathy S.

ConsistoryCommunion-April 2: Team 1-April 13 Maundy Thursday: Team 2 -April 16 Easter Sunday: Teams 3& 4 along with other volunteers from consistory looking to assist.

Communion Offering-$100.00 dollars of April’s communion offering will go to the Milltown PBA and the remainder will go to Interfaith Network of Care

Worship-Drama monologues will continue through Easter Sunday.

-Sunday’s services are now “live” on Facebook. -Will look into putting a computer in the nursery for parents to watch the service live via Facebook.

Ministry Team: Church and Family-Good attendance at the first Lent Family Night dinner was a success.

Spiritual Life-Rethinking Easter, how to make a Big Event into a Big Impact for the congregation and visitors. Improve hospitality in order to encourage first time visitors return to worship each Sunday. Consistory spoke about updating visitor information cards, home baked goods, and better ways to reach out to the new visitors and welcome them to St, Paul’s. -Organ Repairs are still in the works, the balcony will be closed the Sundays following Easter to continue with the larger repairs.

EducationVacation Bible School will be July 24-28, this year’s theme is Maker Fun Factory. Beginning the search for enthusiastic volunteers to make this year another success.

Property 2017 Projects are as follows: -Paving west driveway of education building-Extend drain to field from west portico-Electric in new closets-Parking lot lines repainted-Solar Energy beginning to receive estimates-Repair broken window in upper room-Snow blower repairs being made

Old Business-Status of installing new interior handrails and replacing existing exterior hand rails -Continued discussion on Blessing in a Backpack (No Kid Hungry), spoke with Milltown Superintendent. They are interested and grateful for St. Paul’s wanting to provide this service for the children in need in this community. Further research into food and health codes, working out the logistics of how the children will get the backpacks, how will the backpacks be returned, and how to make this a confidential process is needed.-Consistory voted to keep contract with Good Clean Fun (current cleaning service) Motioned by

Karen G. / seconded by Greg R. Due to fixed prices of service for the last few years.

New Business- Consistory discussed the second session of 24 to Double. All were on board, concern with how to improve congregational volunteerism and increase church attendance and member growth.- Re-Max building across the street is for sale/rent, Pastor Rich went over to see the property, discussion on what the property could be used for; thrift shop, apartment, parking lot, however no action taken. -Designing on a new tri-fold pamphlet for St. Paul’s.

Future Dates-March 27, Session 3 - 24 to Double Meeting -April 10, Consistory Meeting

Meeting called to end at 9:25pm. Pastor Rich closed meeting with prayer concerns and prayer.

Interfaith Network of Care’s Annual Report for 2017Volunteer drivers logged over 34,000 miles in 2016. 2,200 one way trips were given in 2016! 5,750 Hours were spent Transporting carereceivers. 2,050 Respite hours were given to family caregivers. 2,800 Volunteer respite hours were given in 2016. 3,400 Hours of Friendly Visiting were given to iso-lated seniors. 1,950 Hours of Strong For Life Exercises were provided. 200 Hours were spent providing assessments, reassessments & reassurance calls. 300 Volunteer hours were spent fundraising & on office support. 16,450 Total Volunteer hours were given in 2016! This translates to $416,678.00 of com-passionate community care! ($25.33 is the value of a volunteer hour in NJ by the Inde-pendent Sector).405 INC carereceivers ( 41 new carereceivers in 2016)121 INC volunteers ( 15 new volunteers in 2016)*Interfaith Network of Care renewed our membership with the National Volunteer Caregiving Network.*Carereceivers in varied programs all com-pleted annual surveys in 2016 which yielded the following outcomes: 84% of carere-ceivers stated their quality of life improved be-cause of INC, and 86% of those stated that they are still living independently in their own homes because of INC’s supportive services!*We held two Volunteer Holiday/Rededication Parties to recognize all our volunteers and what they give to the community on a weekly basis in all of INC’s programs: i.e. Our drivers, respite caregivers, friendly visitors, assessors, board members, and fundraisers! Thank you everyone for all you so graciously do to help others week in and week out!*Participated in several Adult service provider meetings within the county for the local aging network in 2016.*Met quarterly with other Executive Directors from the other NJ Faith in Action programs.*Sue attended National Caregiver Conference in Kansas City in October with approximately 80 other program directors.*INC participated in the County’s First Annual Caregiver Day held in Monroe.

*Sue participates quarterly on the Advisory Council to the Middlesex County Office for the Aged and Disabled.*In May of 2016, our Respite program starting meeting on Mondays at the South River American Legion from 12-4 pm. Sue currently runs Respite with an assistant, Tisha.*Continued to host a delicious breakfast meeting every other month for our volunteer drivers in order that they can convene and we can thank them for their ongoing service and discuss any issues that may come up for driv-ers in the course of their volunteer assign-ments.

WORDS OF GRATITUDE FROM CARERE-CEIVERS & THEIR FAMILIES: “You are doing an excellent job. God bless.”“The peace of mind and convenience that your transportation service provides is price-less! No other service can do what you do!”“Dear INC-When I count my blessings-you all come to my mind! Thank you for all you do! I love you all!”“We feel your program is from the heart and remarkable.”“Respite is a great program!”“Great program. Wonderful people-gives them a sense of a normal life. Thank you!”“A wonderful, caring group of people who show examples of man’s ability to help each other.”

*Thank you to St. Paul’s for the donation of much needed and utilized in-kind office space through all these years!

*We’d also like to thank all of our member congregations for their continuous support and their respective volunteers!

*In 2016, we celebrated INC’s 20th. Anniver-sary! This was truly a huge milestone for us! We had planned a few fundraisers to com-memorate our anniversary. They all were suc-cessful! We have helped thousands of carere-ceivers to date!

ST. PAUL’S CHURCHFounded in 1872

So. Main St. & W. Lakewood Ave.

Rev. Richard H. Weyer, Pastor

Emily Sensenbach-Gopal, Director of Music

Church Office 732 828-0020FAX # 732 828-0027

stpaulschurch@optonline.netwww.stpaulsmilltownnj.org

Please leave a message if no one is available.

Church Secretary Mrs. Carol LagowskiOffice hours: 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Financial Secretary Mrs. Debbie Paley (address inquiries to church office)

Please address all financial inquiries to the Church Office.

NEXT TIDINGS DEADLINE – Thursday, April 20th

2017 CONSISTORYElders:

Joanne CiaccioFrank DevineKaren GourleyDavid HastingRebecca Jones

Julie ParkGreg ReevesDon Wesen

Deacons:Nicholas Bamond

John GarbackSteve Kircher

Robert RamsenChuck RucinskiBeckie Rumen

Kathy ShanabrookSean Sullivan

********************************Save time and prevent mistakes by writing your parishioner number on your checks and envelopes. Example: 002W********************************Please notify the church office if any of the following changes occur in your household: address change, phone number change, email change, marriage, separation/divorce, death, birth, adoption, adult child(ren) moving out, or a family member being moved to a rehab. or nursing home.We would like to keep our membership list up-to-date, but we need YOUR cooperation to do so!

ST. PAUL’S CHURCH62 South Main StreetMilltown, NJ 08850(732) 828-0020

APRIL 2017

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

DATES TO REMEMBER:

April 2- Deadline to order Easter LiliesApril 9 – Palm SundayApril 9 - SYG Lock-InApril 16 - Easter 8am&10am ServicesApril 21 – JYG Lock-InApril 29 – Vera Bradley Tricky Tray

TIDINGSWorship Service 10:00 a.m.Sunday School 10:00 a.m.

Rev. Richard H. Weyer, Pastor

DATED MATERIALMarch 21, 2017