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The Friendly News First Presbyterian Church of Woodbury Heights

JUNE 2019 Christian Education: Youth

Sunday Highlights

Sunday, May 19th was an action-packed day for the youth of our church. The morning began with worship & song in the Primary Room where grades K-6 assembled for our closing program activities. The Nursery children joined in as well – happily singing those songs of which they were already familiar! We opened the program with prayer then livened everyone (including adults in the room who opted to join) with an exciting rendition of “Deep & Wide”. As soon as we caught our breaths, we continued with a few favorite songs that tell stories from the Bible: “Fishers of Men” & “Zacchaeus”. Special thanks to our scripture readers, Lilliana DeFinizio & Noah Davis who read the correlating texts beautifully: Matthew 4:18-22 & Luke 19:1-10. Special recognition was given to those students moving up to new departments:

Graduating from the Nursery to the Primary Department: Garrett Ternowyj, Maggie Woodrow, Rachel Geserick, Nathaniel Good, Adam Lott, and Gary Keedy, III

Graduating from Primary Department – Presented Bibles & Cherub Choir Certs: Annabelle Brenner, Grace Antosky, Matthew Geserick, Jr., and Eva Pizarro

While the Nursery assembled in the lounge for artistic endeavors, the remaining students began a progressive wild ride through each of 3 classrooms to participate in a variety of activities: Assembling Bible Story Puzzles, Scripture Scramble & Team Building with hula hoops! Time flew by and we barely had time for snack – but in the spirit of “coming together to break bread” – we did.

Special thanks to Mr. & Mrs. Davis for their most generous contribution of healthy snacks this past year. Their kindness has been “enjoyed” by all!

(Continued on Page 6)

Summer Schedule. . . . A schedule of upcoming events and pulpit supply is as follows: June 2 – Rev. Janet Rea Doyle, preaching -

Congregational Meeting and Meet & Greet Coffee Hour – Cooper Hall

June 9 – Pentecost Communion - Rev. Janet Rea Doyle, preaching

June 16 – Father’s Day - Rev. Gregg Meister, preaching - Meet & Greet Coffee Hour

June 23 – Rev. Dan Pure, preaching - Meet & Greet Coffee Hour

June 30 – To be announced

July 7 – To be announced – Meet & Greet Coffee Hour (sponsored by Session)

July 14 – Rev. Dan Pure, preaching July 21 – To be announced - Meet & Greet

Coffee Hour July 28 – Rev. Dr. Patricia Epprecht, preaching

– Meet & Greet Coffee Hour

August 4 – Rev. Dr. Virginia Leopold, preaching – Meet & Greet Coffee Hour (sponsored by Deacons)

August 11 – Rev. Dr. Scott Morschauser, preaching

August 18 – Communion - Rev. Dr. Scott Morschauser, preaching – Meet & Greet Coffee Hour

August 25 – Rev. Dr. Patricia Epprecht, preaching

Stay tuned for exciting updates.

Our Church Yard Needs Some Work

The Property Committee requests

your presence for our

Church Yard Work Event

9:00 am, Saturday, June 8th.

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June Birthdays

2 – Natalea Zorio 5 – Sophie Lynch

Douglas Sharp 6 – Noah Davis Lori Taylor 10 – Grace Antosky 11 – Joy Love Anthony Urion 13 – Nick Sammacicci Anne Umstetter 15 – Darren Woodrow 16 – Diane Belcher Diane Kuehnapfel 18 – Brad Lynch Sandra Lascio 19 – Barbara Kratzer 20 – Justin Blaum Danielle Becker Guerra Cameron Guerra 22 – Gary J. Keedy, III 24 – Dominic Guerra Nicholas A. Zorio 26 – Beth Jones Sheehan 27 – Elizabeth Swanson 30 – Andrew Reynolds Carl Seidelmann

June Anniversaries

7 – William and Nancy Zane 13 – John and Kathy Pedicone 24 – Richard and Barbara Daugherty 24 – Terry and Kristine Lott 29 – David and Lori Taylor

May God bless you on this

special day of yours and

May the goodwill of others

shine upon you.

Above all, may you have

peace in your life.

Joys and Concerns Prayers of Praise and Thanksgiving For Knox Joseph McDonnell, born May 7, son

of Joseph, III and Victoria Dot, great-grandson of Pat and Joe McDonnell.

For the Baptism of Alex Patrick Lott on June 23, son of Kris and Terry Lott, brother to Adam.

Congratulations to our church secretary, Carrie Flynn and hubby Sean on the wedding of their daughter, Kelci Flynn to Brian Wells on May 25, and for the graduation of their son, Conner, from Rowan University with an Accounting degree. Conner is working for St. Claire CPA Solutions in Merchantville.

For the 77 young people and their advisers from our Presbytery attending the Youth Triennium at Purdue University in July including our Austin, Autumn, Madison, Mathew, and Anthony.

Intercessory Prayers for health issues: Adam Fachinger – fell and broke his nose and

collarbone. Jim Norcross and Laura Holleny Czaikowski -

continuing cancer treatments Jeanne Tice - receiving homecare. All our elderly members in care facilities. Dick and Joy Love - ongoing health issues. Chloe, Liz Swanson’s granddaughter -broken

arm. Pierson’s granddaughter, Megan Rafferty -

ongoing back pain Brad Lynch’s father, Tom - recovering from

ankle surgery Tracey Urion’s cousin - Jeffrey Clark - AML

cancer treatment Joyce Woodrow’s sister-in-law, Bobi Naukam -

ongoing health issues

For Our Church Pray for one another, members of session,

deacons, & committees; our Sunday School teachers, and the organizations of our church, as we seek God’s will for our congregation.

In need of prayer? Please submit your prayer requests

to a Deacon, Elder, or Joyce Woodrow for the prayer request e-mails.

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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Worship,

10:00 am

Congregational Meeting and Pastor Meet & Greet – Cooper Hall

Esther Circle,

Riverwinds,

6 pm

Vital Congregation Gathering by West Jersey Presbytery at Woodbury Presbyterian,

7-8:30 pm

Quilters meet, lounge, 10 am

Men’s Group breakfast, Piston Diner, 8:30 am Church Work Day, 9:00 am

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

Pentecost Sunday Worship, Communion

10:00 am

Prime Timers luncheon, Riverwinds

12 noon

Session Committees, 7:00 pm

Session meeting,

7:30 pm

Quilters meet, lounge,

10:00 am

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

Father’s Day

Trinity Sunday Worship,

10:00 am

Pastor Meet & Greet

Presbytery Gathering at Moorestown Presbyterian

Quilters meet, lounge,

10:00 am

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

Worship,

10:00 am

Pastor Meet & Greet

Deacons meeting,

7:00 pm

July and August Newsletter deadline

30

Worship, 10:00 am

JUNE 2019

“For you know that we dealt with each of you as a

father deals with his own children, encouraging,

comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God,

who calls you into his kingdom and glory.”

-- 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 NIV

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Page 3

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3 4 5 6

Independence Day

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

Worship,

10:00 am

Pastor Meet & Greet (Session sponsored)

Quilters meet, lounge, 10 am

Men’s Group breakfast, Piston Diner, 8:30 am

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Worship

10:00 am

Prime Timers luncheon,

12 noon

Quilters meet, lounge,

10:00 am

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

Worship,

10:00 am

Pastor Meet & Greet

Session Committees, 7:00 pm

Session meeting,

7:30 pm

Quilters meet, lounge,

10:00 am

28 29 30 31

Worship,

10:00 am

Pastor Meet & Greet

JULY 2019

“For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom

as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love

become slaves to one another.”

-- Galatians 5:13 NRSV

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Prime Timer News

The Prime Timers held their May

meeting in the Lounge on Monday, May

13. They enjoyed delicious pizza from La

Sicilia, ordered and delivered by Carol

Martino. The table was appropriately

covered with a red checked cover and

adorned with a grapevine runner.

Beverages and a variety of desserts

rounded out the mid-day meal. Paul Milio

said grace, and lunch was enjoyed.

Judy Milio opened the meeting and the

minutes were read by Esther Culbert. The

visit to the Cloisters in Ephrata has been

cancelled. It was decided that the group

will go to Riverwinds for their June

meeting. Three members had birthdays

this month: Barbara Daugherty, Dick

Daugherty, and Pat McDonald. Pat

McDonald was the only honoree present,

so the group sang to her. The members

thanked all who help make these times of

fellowship so pleasant- the Callers, the

hosts, the officers and the good will of each

participant.

The Prime Timers currently has 22

members who meet every month on the

second Monday at Noon for informal

Christian fellowship. While many are

physically limited, every one of them is

faithful to their church and spiritually

strong. They care about each other and for

each other. If you are retired and wish to

become a part of this dedicated group,

speak to Judy Milio, Jesse Butler or Esther

Culbert.

Final report for the Chicken BBQ: Thank you to all who made the Chicken BBQ a

success once again this year! It was great to see some new faces help,too! Our success is due to all the hard work people put into this fundraiser! Thank you to everyone who donated, baked, worked, told their friends, and neighbors, etc. This church family is awesome!

Interesting Facts: Profit: $3,785.84 - to be used for the Women's

Association's Charities & church needs as delegated by the Women’s Association. **This profit was the second highest total since records dating back to 1994.

Number of ticket Pre-sales of tickets was only 86 (100 in 2018 &135 in 2017)

Chicken price goes up every year. Ticket price increased this year by $1.00, last increase was in 2014.

The number of Chickens ordered was 450. 420 chickens were sold the day of BBQ ... and 9 were left after leftover sale.

The drive up service sold a record 285 meals! Dining room workers were bored...only 49 diners. Our dining room experience is so enjoyable, too, due to the wonderful youth servers!

Monetary donations were approximately $200 more than last year – very generous of members and non-members – thank you! These donations offset the cost for supplies and food not donated, such as take out containers, gingham table cloths, applesauce, green beans, some ingredients for potato salad and green beans, rolls, etc.

This was Joyce Woodrow’s 25th year of chairing this event...with Michele Elliott at first doing most of the work from 1994 to 2000...along with Mike Woodrow being the best hard working husband each year.. And this year mark’s Joyce’s daughter, Kristen Lynch’s first year shadowing to learn the ropes. (not sure how many years of shadowing before she runs it) And of course with all of your help and lots of prayers anything is possible!

Save the Date: Saturday, April 25, 2020, is the next Chicken BBQ. (Easter is April 12, 2020)

Suggestions/Comments? Please send them to Joyce Woodrow, woody1@comcast.net

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Mission News

Our next Cathedral Kitchen date is June 24th. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Mary Kay Reynolds at 856-803-4068.

We will helping the Pitman Presbyterian Church with Family Promise from June 23rd to June 30th. They can use help with meals and evening activities in addition to overnight support. If you’re interested in volunteering your time to this valuable mission, please contact Mary Kay Reynolds.

The mission committee will be planning some trips to various missions our church supports. Stay tuned!

Christian Education: Youth Sunday Highlights (Continued

from Page 1) And while we are giving thanks – Two of

our beloved teachers will be retiring...no, not retiring – bestowing their gifts toward other endeavors this coming year: Mrs. Liz Billings Santoro & Mrs. Kayleigh Reim served as team-teachers for our 3rd & 4th graders but have taught or helped in an advisement capacity for 8 & 4 years respectively. We thank them & remain ever so grateful for their time & talents!

Let us not forget about the Youth Group & older students who conducted the worship service that May 19th morning. What an articulate group of young men & women! Order of worship included leadership, prayers & readings by Ben Taylor, Jimmy Clyde, Ethan Davis, Matt Kratzer, Austin Golding, Autumn Lanneaux, Madison Kratzer & Anthony Urion. Madison & Anthony shared powerful testimony in their sermons: Be Strong & Courageous. Ben Taylor’s stellar performance of the Mozart Clarinet Concerto, second movement served as the icing on the cake.

Congratulations to our Graduates Our church values our young people and strives

to support their achievements. Graduation Sunday is

a special day in which we, as a church family, honor

our graduates and share in the happiness and pride of

their families. Congratulations to our graduates.

Madison Kratzer is graduating from the Delsea

Regional High School. In August, Madison is

off to Jacksonville University in Florida,

majoring in Nursing and Spanish. Madison has

served on the Board of Deacons this past year

and will be attending the Presbyterian Youth

Triennium at Purdue University in July. She

received the award of both church scholarships:

The George Tice and the David Geserick

Memorial Scholarships. Madison is the daughter

Barbara and Ken.

Leighanne Eachus, daughter of Samantha and Ken,

graduated from University of Alabama with a

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science. She

would like to pursue a career in physical therapy

and plans on moving to Nashville, Tennessee to

fulfill that dream.

Jake Mangano graduated from Gloucester County

College with an Associate of Science Degree in

Mathematics. He has been an active member of

our congregation as a member of our Youth

group and as an Elder on the Building and

Property Commission. His parents, Jeanne and

Craig, are proud that Jake will be continuing his

education in the future.

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The Meek Mouse Family

The 4th Avenue entrance to our Fellowship Hall and Sunday School opens to an area that welcomes visitors and highlights upcoming events. The Mouse House sits on the table here. The Church Mice who inhabit it, the Meek family, portray people and events from the past history of our church and those of today. It is one way to illustrate the on-going faith and service of our congregation. It also stirs the imaginations of our children as they enter on their way to their Sunday School classrooms, preparing them to better appreciate the wonderful stories they will learn there. --Janet

Esther Circle News We met on May 7th at the home of Fran Lambert in Mickleton, with 12 members

attending. Kim Sharp led the Bible study on Max Lucado’s book, Cast of Characters and Joyce Woodrow submitted a report on the success of the Chicken BBQ. Our last gathering before the Summer break will be on Tuesday, June 4, 6:00 pm at Riverwinds Restaurant in West Deptford. See below for further details.

New Moderator of Esther Circle

I am happy to announce that Diane Belcher has volunteered to be the next moderator of Presbyterian Women's Association. I know that she will do an excellent job in this leadership role.

It has been my privilege and honor to be moderator for the past 3 years. Thank you for your support and encouragement during that time. In Christ service, Barbara Daugherty

Please Join Us for Dinner June 4, 2019 at 6:00 PM

Riverwinds Restaurant in West Deptford If you wish to attend, please call Denise Pitchford to make a reservation.

We hope you can attend our last function for the season.

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Town Hall Meeting with Rev. Dr. Deborah Brincivalli May 5, 2019

Comments by Rev. Dr. Brincivalli: God must be in this spiritual journey. Finances are an important

part of the train, but not driving it – God Is! This is a challenging and exciting time for our church.

Rev. Dr. Patty Epprecht has been assigned as our present moderator until interim is hired.

Elder Wendy Kunz is our COM rep from Presbytery and is working with Session members and will

work with PNC. Continue to have town hall meetings and hand out fact sheet routinely.

Communication needs to be open.

Rev. Shedwick: Respect his privacy as he begins his new journey in life. LET HIM GO. Should not

have any contact with him about the church.

Interim Pastor: Interim Pastor can not become the permanent pastor and their time is more flexible.

An Interim Pastor prepares the way for a new pastor. Session will hire the Interim Pastor and they

are eligible for pension. May come from Delaware, Pa., North Jersey. Interim Pastor usually have

20 – 30 years experience. Many women are interim pastors.

Reflection on our church: Where is the heart of our ministry? What will our dreams be? Why are we

doing the things we do? How are we going to have a sustainable ministry? Who should we

contact for hospital/funerals/baptisms? Session will address these issues and report to

congregation.

New Pastor: At least 1 year away to hiring a new pastor. There may be moving costs involved. There

is a bigger pool to find a pastor – covering a wider market – Skype is available for interviews. Use

of computers make it easier to interview candidates for pastor position.

Session: Session will write up a job description for the Interim Pastor. Session needs to move

forward now with Mission Statement, needs to be done before hiring Interim Pastor. The Mission

Statement is telling the story of our church so a pastor wants to come here. Accentuate our

positives – talented music program, dedicated SS teachers. Ministry for families, youth group.

Manse: Money from sell of manse goes into account set aside for housing allowance for a new

pastor. Most pastors prefer Housing allowance.

Pastor Nominating Committee: Nominated by the church’s nominating committee. Should be a

good representation of congregation. People serving on PNC should feel called by God (Who

God calls). Conflict of interest to elect self to PNC. No family members on PNC. Someone on

PNC who is Tech savvy. Committee needs to do some digging into individuals they are

considering for recommendation as new pastor. Weekly meetings, clear off your church calendar,

meetings are mandatory. COM looks at position description. Serving on PNC should be a spiritual

and holy experience. Committee does not report to session and the work is Highly Confidential.

Wendy Kunz, COM rep will work with and guide the PNC.

Miscellaneous:

Help Carrie by getting information to her.

Help Denise Pitchford by getting information to her for session meetings and other events.

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History Notes

When worshiping in church on Sunday, please be sure to notice

the beautiful wood cross which adorns the wall at the back of the

chancel. The Cross was made by a man named Joe Foerst, who

along with his wife, Loretta and son Jerry were members of our church

at the time the current sanctuary was constructed.

Joe, who loved woodworking, upon receiving session approval for

his design, began to build the cross in the basement of the home he

formerly owned, which is next door to the Christian Education building

at the corner of 4th St and Poplar Ave. Joe was very proud of his hard

work and the beautiful cross when it was finished, but he encountered

a slight problem; the door which led from his basement woodshop was

too narrow for the cross to be removed and taken to the sanctuary.

Through determination Joe found a way to disassemble the cross and

reassemble it in the sanctuary.

This chancel cross is an example of the talent, hard work and

determination of a church member named Joe Foerst. These qualities still exist today in our church.

We see it all around us: those who serve on our boards, who teach, who lead and even two ladies;

one of whom gives the children gifts as they enter church on Sunday and one who provides gifts for

the children who participate in the childrens sermon as a remembrance of the lesson learned that

day. We are grateful to all of those who have helped build the history of our church, both past and

present.

These are exciting and challenging times as our congregation builds on the future history of our

church. Let's all be a part of it with our talents, hard work and determination.

Carol Martino

for the Church History Committee

Highlights from the May Session Meeting

Session met on Wednesday, May 15 in the Annex. A quorum was declared. Prayer was offered by Moderator, Rev. Dr. Patricia Epprecht, she thanked everyone for the warm welcome on Mother’s Day when she preached. Finances: The financial reports were presented. As of the end of April, we are 9% short for income.

As of May 12, our actual contributions show a shortage of 8% as far as giving. We still do have to pay pension to Presbytery for an interim pastor. All financial reports were approved as presented.

Mission Committee: The next Cathedral Kitchen date is June 24th. Building and Property: The Session members toured the Manse prior to the Session meeting in

order to visually evaluate the property. The overall consensus is the property is in bad shape with the original kitchens and bathrooms from 35 years ago. The recommendation from Session is to sell the manse. A congregation meeting was set for Sunday, June 2, after the worship service. It will be held in Cooper Hall, with a Power Point presentation showing photographs on the condition of the building inside and outside. Wendy Kunz, our Commission on Ministries representative, will be present to help answer technical questions. A church work day is scheduled for Saturday, June 8, at 9 a.m. (Continued on Page 10)

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Highlights from the May Session Meeting (Continued from Page 9)

Building and Property: (continued) The church lawn is being cut by Tim Pheasant, with Sue Reim and Mike Woodrow helping out. We also need to have someone cut the lawn at the manse property.

Christian Education: The Sunday School closing program is May 19th in the downstairs primary room. A program is planned with games and activities. Bibles will be given out to 3rd graders graduating to 4th grade. Kayleigh Reim and Liz Billings will not be returning as teachers in September. New teachers are being sought to fill these vacancies. The Youth Group will be conducting the worship service on May 19th in the Sanctuary, with high school scholarships presented.

Stewardship and Finance: A financial update was given in church on May 5th. John Battle’s estate is in final stages and he left a gift to the church.

Worship and Program: A Baptism request was made for June 23, 2019 for Alex Patrick Lott, son of Kris & Terry Lott, born April 20, 2019. Communion Pentecost Sunday will be June 9. The pulpit has been filled with pulpit supply ministers into July. Session members will do the announcements and offering each Sunday. Liz Billings has accepted the position of Bell Choir Director. A combined worship service with four Presbyterian churches, Woodbury, Pitman, Wenonah and our church is being discussed for August.

Membership and Outreach: The current membership report for the first quarter of 2019 is 166 members on the active role, which includes 2 deaths, 6 members of the confirmation class and 3 members by a profession of faith. Information on the Vital Congregation, Life Cycle of Worshipping Community was dispersed. The Mount Zion Potluck Luncheon was a huge success. Church Directory corrections were made. The bylaws & e-voting policy was dispersed for a reading for our Manual of Operations. Discussion will ensue in June if any deletions or additions are needed.

Report from Presbyterian Women: Barbara Daugherty stepped down as Moderator of Esther Circle and Diane Belcher volunteered to be Moderator.

Report from Deacons : Sue Reim reported that the Sunshine Luncheon, which took place on May 15, was lovely, which included approximately 6-8 single, widowed, senior folks who live in the community. The Graduate’s Luncheon will be May 19, in Cooper Hall, and will be a potluck luncheon to honor our graduates, Madison Kratzer, Leighanne Eachus and Madelyn Elliott.

New Business: The following Town Hall Meeting questions were discussed. All future questions can come through Carrie Flynn, our church secretary. Baptisms: Contact Worship & Program Chair, John Pitchford Death/Memorial Service: Contact Clerk of Session, Denise Pitchford; Deacons Moderator, Liz

Billings & Building & Property Chair, Brad Gilmore. Hospital: Deacons Moderator, Liz Billings. A suggestion was made for other church members to do

outreach by visiting church members in the hospital or ill at home. Town Hall Recommendations: A Town Hall Meeting should be held every three months and develop a fact sheet routinely to keep the

congregation abreast of where we are in the transition process. Developing our Mission Statement is the next step in the process according to Wendy Kunz, our COM

representative. This a concise statement that should attract an interim and pastor to our church. A committee of Barbara Daugherty, John Pitchford, Matt Woodrow, Jesse Butler and Ollie Lambert was formed to write our Mission Statement.

10 a.m. start time of for our Worship Service needs to be changed on signage, website, Facebook and newsletter.

The outgoing voice message will be changed by Brad Gilmore. The next Session Meeting will take place one week earlier on Wednesday, June 12, 2019, at 7:30

p.m., with committee meeting at 7 p.m.