November 2013 Newsletter - Brick Presbyterian Church

Good Tidings
The Newsletter of Brick Presbyterian Church
November 2013
Empowered by the Attitude of Gratitude
It’s just over a year since the cruel and destructive forces of nature turned the tables of life for us on
the Jersey Shore upside down and inside out. Many among us are, in various ways, still suffering from
the impact of that dreadful event.
In other realms, there seems to be a cloud hanging over life. The economy remains sluggish for some
businesses. Government created shut-downs and temporary “fixes” continue to leave some feeling
uncertain about the future. Those who have lost loved ones continue to mourn their losses. Those in
troubled relationships struggle to find common ground but find the wedge of painful differences
pushing them apart.
One can easily get caught up in all the painful and negative influences that seem to be constantly
bombarding our lives. And some may even wonder if there is any Good News – any encouragement –
anything that can empower us to overcome the forces of negativity.
And so I would like to share with you some things that are God’s gifts in my life – gifts that empower,
encourage, and create balance for me to do what I do. You see, it is not always the big things that can
lift the soul, but little things. Permit me to give some personal examples. It was the unexpected card
that came in the mail from someone who remembered a birthday that made my day. It was going to
a medical lab to have blood drawn and being greeted by the person who drew blood and sang a
happy song as he went about his task, which kept me from noticing the needle’s prick. It was coming
home to a granddaughter who asked to see my bandage, and then gave me a little bracelet with a dog
on it. It was the church secretary who brought in some fresh ground coffee for the coffee pot, the
aroma of which made a dreary morning easier to take. My dad, in his 90’s, made an interesting
comment saying; “I got up this morning had a cup of coffee, opened the paper and didn’t see my
name in the obituary. It’s a good day.” I’m grateful for the little things which are easy to overlook.
It’s the little things that say I care, that encourage, affirm, and in so doing empower us to look past
life’s negatives which get too much attention.
In a few brief weeks we will be celebrating Thanksgiving. I invite you to take a moment and focus not
on what has gone wrong in life and the world, but on the little daily blessings God has sent our way –
on the things that have gone right – on the little acts of kindness that have touched your life. St. Paul
wrote: “…whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is
lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence , if there is anything worthy of praise think
about these things.” (Phil. 4:8ff).
Those who follow the Apostle’s instruction generally are people who nurture an attitude of gratitude.
And, that spiritual attitude can be empowering, for it counters life’s negative forces. May you find
your life empowered by an attitude of gratitude this Thanksgiving and every day.
Have a blessed Thanksgiving, Pastor Doug
FROM THE DEACONS BENCH
As most of us anticipate a day filled with a bounteous table of food at Thanksgiving, we don't
have to search far for stories of others who are struggling at this season. Thanks to the
generosity of our congregation in the form of grocery items and monetary donations over the
years, this church has been able to provide all of the fixins' for a wonderful holiday meal to
families who can benefit.
We invite you to contribute this year to this effort. To learn what items are specifically needed for the food
baskets, please check the listing in the narthex. Your donations will be gratefully accepted in the bin located in
the narthex.
VETERAN’S DAY PANCAKE BREAKFAST
On Sunday, November 10, 2013, after the 10:00 service, the Fellowship Committee and
the Men’s Fellowship will be sponsoring a Veteran’s Day recognition Pancake
Breakfast. This event will honor all military personnel living or deceased, veterans or
active who have proudly served their country.
Veterans: The dress code for this event will be any military attire you may have which
will represent your branch of service.
INTERFAITH COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING SERVICE
The annual Interfaith Community Thanksgiving Service will be held at St. Paul’s
Methodist Church, Herbertsville Road, Brick, NJ, on Sunday, November 24th, at 7:00
p.m. As is our custom, we have been asked to bring non-perishable foods to be
distributed through the church for those who are in need.
TENT CITY UPDATE
Our congregation has faithfully and generously supported our Tent City ministry for more
than two years through donations of money, food, clothing and household goods. We felt
the Spirit's urging to expand this ministry by examining the possibility of partnering with an
individual attempting to transition from Tent City to permanent housing. Enter Angelo!
Angelo is a full-time employee of Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity ReStore who was desperately hoping
to find housing within the confines of his budget. The Tent City Relief Committee had the privilege of meeting
with Angelo to learn more about him and the resources that would be required to find housing. We are
grateful to report that through the efforts of his co-workers, the generosity of this congregation, and the
kindness of a faithful Christian gentleman, Angelo is now in his own apartment and determined to be selfsufficient.
We realize that the transition to housing can be a daunting process and we remain committed to partnering
with Angelo throughout the coming months. We will share details of his progress and ways in which our
congregation can continue to support Angelo in this new phase of his life.
In the meantime, please be assured that we are continuing to provide eggs and water to the Tent City
encampment. The need continues for the approximately eighty people who are still living in tents. Your
donations of food, clothing and household goods are regularly delivered and thankfully received.
DESTINY’S BRIDGE
Destiny's Bridge, the documentary about Tent City, will be shown locally
on Thursday, November 7th at 7 p.m. at the AMC Loews Seacourt 10,
Seacourt Pavilion, 635 Bay Ave, Toms River. A panel discussion featuring the
film's director, Minister Steven Brigham, and Tent City dwellers will follow the showing
of the film. Tickets can be purchased ONLINE at
www.brownpapertickets.com/event/483381 for $11.34 each. Tickets (if still available) will be sold for $12 at
the door. (Please note that the two previous screenings sold out prior to the date of the event.)
Fall Flower Sale
Thank you to everyone who bought our beautiful mums in our first ever flower sale. Your participation
in this sale helped us to raise over $822.00 for the Deacons fund. We would also like to thank Bob and Tim
Towlen for making this fundraiser possible.
Stream Energy Adds Natural Gas
Thank you to everyone who has already signed up for our Stream Energy fundraiser! The good news is
if you haven’t already switched your electric provider, it’s not too late. Also, we are excited to announce the
addition of the natural gas opportunity. Now, whether you have already taken advantage of the savings with
the electric, or you are new to the opportunity entirely, you can switch your natural gas and help the church!
Stream Energy will continue to donate $4.00 per month for each electric customer and now and additional
$1.50 per month for each natural gas customer to our building expansion fund. Just bring us your current
electric and/or gas bills and we’ll do the rest, or you can log on to our account @
brickpresbyterian.streampowerup.biz. Look for our table at the church, contact us through the church’s
website, or contact either Jeff Law (732-779-4499 or Lawjeffreyl@gmail.com) or Patrice Law (732-779-7242)
for more information. Come join the growing list of people who are helping the church while saving money
every month with Stream and Please don’t switch your energy provider until you talk to us!
BonTon Community Days
Please don’t forget to pick up your BonTon’s Community Days Coupon Books for November 15 th and
16th. As in our last BonTon fundraiser we’re selling coupon books with over $400.00 worth of coupons for a
$5.00 donation. The first coupon in the book is for $10.00 on a $10.00 or more purchase! This book is loaded
with deals for everyone including a 30% off early bird pass as well as a 20% off savings pass. Please help us
reach our goal of selling 75 books or more this will put us in for an even larger donation from BonTon’s. This is
a great deal for all your friends and co-workers. You can help them and help our Deacons as well. Please see
our table in the church entrance or check the website for online coupon book purchases.
CHRISTMAS WREATHS
It’s time to order a Christmas wreath from the Mission of the Eastwood in Maine –
Presbyterian Women of New Brunswick and Monmouth Presbyteries will be
coordinating this special mission project. The price is $12.50 and the deadline to order is
November 16th. You may pick up your wreath the first Sunday in December. For checks:
make them payable to Brick Presbyterian church, memo “Mission of the Eastwood,” or,
you can pay by cash. Lori Evans will be coordinating, this and will be in the Narthex to
take your order. Thanks. For supporting the Mission of the Eastwood.
ATTENTION: HIGHSCHOOLERS!
Come out and join us for Senior High Youth Group! We meet most Sundays from 6:30 to
8:30 p.m., and we have tons of awesome activities planned for this upcoming year. If you
are interested, call or email Ashia Huelsenbeck (732-604-7244 or HuelsenA@Kean.edu), or
Vic Erickson (908-839-9754 or GVErick3@gmail.com). SEE YOU THERE!
CHRISTMAS FLOWER DONATIONS
The envelopes for the flower donations can be found in the pews starting on Nov.
23, 2013 and remaining until Dec. 14, 2013. Please be sure if you want to donate a
poinsettia for Christmas that you take care of it in that period of time. We need
time for Judy Foley to type up the list of donors. Thank you.
FROM YOUR MISSION & STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE
“Did You Know?”
Presbyterian Publishing Corporation
The Presbyterian Publishing Corporation (PPC), the official denominational
publisher of the PC(USA), is a financially self-sustaining agency of the General
Assembly. PPC publishes approximately seventy titles each year and maintains a backlist of more than 1,700
titles. PPC publishes under the imprints of: Westminster John Knox Press; Geneva Press; The Thoughtful
Christian (www.theThoughtfulChristian.com); and The Presbyterian Leader at www.
ThePresbyterianLeader.com. To order PPC items, visit the online marketplace or call (800) 554-4694. To order
subscriptions to These Days devotional magazine call (800) 624-2412. (These Days are available in the rack in
the hallway behind our Sanctuary.)
INSTRUCTIONS FOR KNITTING EASY PREEMIE HATS
Just knit garter stitch
Using Size 11 needles
Cast on 40
Knit 5 rows
Transfer to a size 8 needle
And knit 25 rows
Cast off
Sew up side and top
Turn right side up.
Have fun knitting!
HEALTH MINISTRY INFO
A Great Lesson on Stress
A young lady confidently walked around the room while leading and explaining
stress management to an audience with a raised glass of water. Everyone knew
she was going to ask the ultimate question, 'half empty or half full?'...
She fooled them all .... "How heavy is this glass of water?" she inquired
with a smile.
Answers called out ranged from 8 oz. To 20 oz.
She replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long I
hold it.
If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour,
I'll have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance. In each case it's
the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes." She continued, "and that's the way it is with stress. If
we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry
on.
"As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again. When we're refreshed,
we can carry on with the burden - holding stress longer and better each time practiced.
So, as early in the evening as you can, put all your burdens down. Don't carry them through the evening and into the
night... Pick them up tomorrow.
1 * Accept the fact that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue!
2 * Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.
3 * Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.
4 * Drive carefully... It's not only cars that can be recalled by their Maker.
5 * If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.
6 * If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.
7 * It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others.
8 * Never buy a car you can't push.
9 * Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you won't have a leg to stand on.
10 * Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.
11 * Since it's the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late
12 * The second mouse gets the cheese.
13 * When everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.
14 * Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.
16 * Some mistakes are too much fun to make only once.
17 * We could learn a lot from crayons. Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names
and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box.
18 * A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.
19 * Have an awesome day and know that someone has thought about you today.
AND MOST IMPORTANTLY
20 *Save the earth..... It's the only planet with chocolate!