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December 7, 2018

BBPC Weekly BUZZ September 06, 2019

Return to the Sanctuary

Not to Happen Before October

Session received the recommendation of the Response Task Force and approved the following: The church will not consider opening the sanctuary for worship before the beginning of October. Out of an abundance of cau-tion, and knowing that opening the building comes with many accommodations and planning challenges, and realizing that worshiping in the sanctuary without sing-ing, without communion, without passing the peace or sharing in fellowship afterwards, all while wearing masks and sitting six feet apart would be a less than satisfying worship experience, this is the best decision for us as a church family. While we cannot be at church together, we have been and will continue to be the church gathered both online and in spirit as we worship and serve together.

(CLICK here to see a message from Pastor Linda)

This Week in Worship WORSHIP will be online ONLY

Streaming Online @ BBPC.org/LIVE

Dial in at: (872) 240-3311 & enter

Access Code: 417-955-909

Sunday, June 28, 10:00 a.m.

Lou Ruprecht Preaching

“I Think I’ve Seen This Movie Before“

Scripture:

Psalm 13, Romans 6:12-23, Matthew 7:1-5

Anthems:

Jesu, Jesu

Performed by Maria Hladczuk

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A Word from Pastor Linda…

These are unusual days, there is no doubt. We are three months into COVID social distancing.

Some freedoms are returning. Some stores and restaurants are opening. But the virus is still out

there. We are still at risk. We are still taking precautions. Our new normal is feeling strangely

normal, albeit at times unsatisfying.

Meanwhile, our nation is in the uncomfortable and yet meaningful throes of necessary change.

Recent events, the deaths of George Floyd, Amaud Abrey, Rayshard Brooks, and Breonna Tay-

lor, have driven many to the streets in daily protest, demanding that we all look deep within

ourselves and the systems we have created to expose and remedy the deep tentacles of racism

that have wrapped around the soul of our nation. This is not an invitation, it is call, a cry to live

the gospel we profess. What does the Lord require of us in this moment? The prophet Micah

lays it out … to do justice, love kindness (mercy) and to walk humbly with our God (Micah

6:8).

So how do we do this work in these COVID days…as individuals and as the church? Prayer is

the first step, listening for the Spirit’s leading. Humility, is step two. The willingness to listen

to the pain of others, to be open to seeing the world from another’s perspective, and to lower

our defenses, are all the work of humble heart. Third, Engage. Let us commit to reading to-

gether, discussing together, and loving one another unconditionally. These are unusual days,

difficult days, but days full of opportunity. In this moment we have a chance to participate in

God’s kingdom building work, bending the arc of the moral universe toward a more just and

compassionate world. We can do this hard thing.

Stay tuned for the announcement of the ALL-CHURCH read and opportunities for small group

discussions. A huge thank you to Mark Metz for his openness and candor in the telling of his

story at our online gathering yesterday (Thursday), and again in the Zoom meeting that fol-

lowed. If you were unable to view our discussion live, you can access it on Facebook, the

church website at BBPC.org/live, Youtube (BBPC Worship Service) or through BoxCast on Ap-

ple TV, Roku & Amazon Fire Stick. You can watch the Zoom discussion by following the link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/

tc9bK4rusUxJGNbiwU3xfKVxOKn3eaa8hHQervdYzkx5GfsBkoBlNl8eaPyKwqeh

Password: 3i$61@9=

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All-Church Read(s) Announced In a spirit of humility and openness, with a desire to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly

with God, we are offering the congregation an opportunity to read together and discuss some of

the most popular and influential books on the subject of racism. Beware, these books speak frank-

ly. Some of what we read will be hard to hear, some things will require that we rethink what we

thought we knew about history, poverty, bias, and systemic injustice. Whether you agree or disa-

gree with the authors, it is imperative that we hear them and explore what they offer, that we

might work together for a more just and equitable society for all God’s children

JULY: So You Want to Talk About Race by

Ijeomo Oluo is our pick for July. We will be

offering a variety of small groups opportuni-

ties for discussion. Groups will be announced

next week and will begin July 5th.

SEPTEMBER: We will take a break in August and return in

September to read together, How to Be An Antiracist by Ibram X.

Kendi. We will again offer small group opportunities for discus-

sion to begin the week of September 6.

OCTOBER: For those willing to continue to read and discuss,

we conclude our study of racism with Robin Diangelo’s book,

White Fragility.

"Oluo gives us--both white people and people of color--that lan-

guage to engage in clear, constructive, and confident dialogue with

each other about how to deal with racial prejudices and biases."--

National Book Review "Generous and empathetic, yet usefully blunt . . . it's for anyone who wants to be smarter and more empathetic about matters of

race and engage in more productive anti-racist action."--Salon

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY The New York Times Book Review • Time • NPR • The Washington Post • Shelf Awareness • Library Journal • Publishers Weekly • Kirkus Reviews

“Kendi dissects why in a society where so few people consider themselves to be racist the divi-sions and inequalities of racism remain so prevalent. How to Be an Antiracist punctures the myths of a post-racial America, examining what racism really is—and what we should do about it.”—Time

The New York Times best-selling book exploring the counterproductive reactions white people have when their assumptions about race are challenged, and how these reactions maintain racial inequality.

“The value in White Fragility lies in its methodical, irrefutable exposure of racism in thought and action, and its call for humility and vigilance.”The New Yorker

“[T]houghtful, instructive, and comprehensive . . . This slim book is impressive in its scope and complexity; DiAngelo provides a powerful lens for examining, and practical tools for grappling with, racism today.”

Next week the Christian Education Commission will also provide you with a list of recommended re-

sources: books, movies, documentaries for all ages to explore issues of racism.

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Help Wanted -

Daily Church Walk Through

For three months Chris Potter has been walking

through the church building and PFC to make sure

all our doors are locked and all is well in and on

our campus, and for that we are very grateful! Be-

ginning July 1, Chris will no longer be available to

make his rounds. The Building, Grounds and Tech-

nology Commission is hoping that someone or

someone(s) might be willing to set into this role.

There is room for some flexibility. If interested in

learning more, please contact Dan Luna at

dan@dfingl.com

Calling All Interior Decora-

tors!

The Worship and Music Commission would like to

thank Jeanette Mulvey and her family for perform-

ing a fabulous job decorating BBPC, including for

the Christmas and Easter seasons. Jeanette is

stepping back from this role, so we are looking for

people (individuals, families, teams, the more the

merrier!) who would like to contribute to the life of

the church in this way. We already have the

“playbook” (although it can certainly be modified);

it is a matter of implementing it. If you are inter-

ested, or would like to learn more, please contact

Steve Decker (sgdecker@verizon.net or 732-448-

0048) for more details. At least some participants

should be comfortable climbing tall ladders.

Thanks!.

Update on PEB scholarships

Continued thanks from the Presbyterian Education Board

for the 24 scholarships we have provided to our students

in Pakistan. Students normally start a new school year in

March and have the hottest months (July and August) for

vacation. Corona virus hit Pakistan hard and schools were

closed soon after the new school year began in March.

Teachers have been working hard to bring lessons and

homework to students’ homes since they do not have ac-

cess to on-line learning.

Infections were going down there until the middle of May

when the Muslim holiday Eid Al Fitr, celebrating the end of

fasting for Ramadan, occurred. At this time school offi-

cials are hoping to open in the summer despite the in-

tense heat so that the students can catch up and teachers

can maintain their jobs. These are challenging times

worldwide, but as one person posted, “One small prayer

can change a big situation.” Please remember our 24

girls and their teachers in your prayers.

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Youth and Families

TAKE Out Church: Flat Jesus

Please contact the office for flat Jesus kits at office@bbpc.org.

Sunday school– students (age 3- grade 5) are en-couraged to join us virtually every Monday-Wednesday- Friday for an online bedtime story. Storytime happens on the BBPC SPARK FAMILY fa-cebook page at 8pm. On the first Sunday of the month, in June, July, August, and September, at 11:30am, our students are encouraged to attend a Sunday School Zoom meeting. Look back in this spot for a link to the virtual meeting.

Youth group - All virtual meetings for youth group have ended in conjunction with the school year. Keep an eye on this spot for any future summer events.

Fair Trade Items

Fair Trade Items are available during this stay-at-home time. You can email Ted Settle, tcset-tle@verizon.net and I will package your item/s and leave your package with Karen or Linda. I will tell you the cost for your order and you can leave payment with Karen or Linda, exact change or check, made payable to the church with Fair Trade on the memo line). Listed to the right are the items available.

Love Local T-Shirts!

Due to popular demand, we are currently out of

Adult medium –3XL. The shirts have been or-

dered and will be available next week. Please

contact the church office to put one on hold.

Make a fashion and faith statement this summer with

the new Love Local T-shirt. Brought to you by the Mis-

sion and Outreach Commission, we have ordered sizes

Youth Medium through Adult 3XL to celebrate our work

in the community and our commitment to love local.

Youth medium and large - $15. Adult sizes $20. All pro-

ceeds to benefit our grocery gift card project.

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Loving Local - Food for Local Families

Our grocery gift card assistance program continues, with the Mission and Outreach Commission distributing Shoprite cards to families who are in need of food resources and other essentials. Your continuing generosity allows us to distribute $1000 worth of gift cards per week, through our partners in the Bound Brook School District (includes South Bound Brook), the Middlesex School District, the Somerset County Food Pantry located in our PFC, and Casa de Esperanza.

How we can help:

Contributions of any amount are welcome. These can be mailed to the church and will be dispersed through a dedicated account, principally to purchase ShopRite gift cards. Please put “ShopRite Card” or “Love Local” on the comment line of your check.

ShopRite gift cards of $50 or less can be sent to the church. These cards will be used for walk-ins to the church as well as the organizations listed above.

Please continue to pray for our church and local communities and the individuals and families that are in need.

Resources:

Somerset County Food Bank*- 9 Easy Street, Somerville. Open 9:00-2:30, Monday-Friday. Open to all Somerset County residents.

Bound Brook Food Pantry* through the Somerset County Food Bank located here at BBPC in our PFC. Open Saturday 10-12.

South Bound Brook Food Pantry- 113 Clinton Street, South Bound Brook. Open Thursday 3-6 for resi-dents of Bound Brook and South Bound Brook.

*The application process includes Proof of residency (Somerset County), Government/state issued ID, number of members in household, and income. Undocumented families are welcome. The Somerset County Food Bank is NOT a governmental agency.

For more information visit: http://www.somersetfoodbank.org ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

IHNSC Raffle Benefits Homeless Families Be the difference to a family struggling with housing and food security. Tickets are on sale now for the Interfaith Hospi-tality Network of Somerset County’s annual fundraiser. The Holiday Calendar Raffle draws seven winners each week

in November, December and January 2021. All tickets are re-entered for each weekly drawing, giving ticket holders mul-tiple chances to win! Each day of the three-month period has a designated value of $30 to $100. Winners will receive a

check in the mail after each drawing.

Tickets are $10 and are available by calling 908-704-1920 or emailing Karen@ihnsc.org. You may also stop by the office, 98 West End Avenue, Somerville, during regular business hours.

IHNSC provides emergency shelter, transitional housing and support services to families throughout Somerset County, supported by a network of volunteers from 30 religious congregations in the County.

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Sunday Morning Class

@ 8:45 -9:45 a.m Please join us Sunday mornings for the weekly Adult Education class. We will be meeting via Zoom from 8:45 a.m. until 9:45 a.m., ending right before Sun-day worship. Currently we are reading and discuss-ing the book "On the Brink of Everything" by Parker J. Palmer. Lou Ruprecht will be leading our discus-sion. The Zoom information is:

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85068113633?pwd=VEQ2OWlvbFEzV2l0aE9VekFWU1krUT09

Meeting ID: 850 6811 3633

Password: 238540

One tap mobile

+19292056099,,85068113633# US (New York)

Sadie Ziener-Morrish is Baking

for a Cause!

Sadie is a high school student and confirmand who

is doing her part to help families in crisis during this

pandemic. She has set up a non-profit website to

take orders for her delicious, homemade, baked

goods (check out those chocolate chip scones!).

The money raised will be used to buy groceries for

families who are out of work and struggling to feed

their families. Please check it out at https://

bakedgoodsforacaus.wixsite.com/website-1

Sadie is able to take special orders for those requiring

gluten free or vegan treats!

Wednesday Evening Bible Study

@ 7 p.m. No class this Wednesday, July 1st, classes w ill resume on July 8th to study the book of Exodus.

Lou Ruprecht is leading a bible study on Wednesday evenings. Plans are being made now. If you are in-terested in receiving email notifications, please email Lou at Lruprecht@rhwlawfirm.com.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83695024201?pwd=S1VlN2UvUll0Rm1ldzd2RmFIaXp1Zz09

Meeting ID: 836 9502 4201

Password: 067863

One tap mobile

+19292056099,83695024201# US (New York)

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Flat Jesus is getting around

Michele Hauer

Barb Hutchins

Kimmi Petcos

Pastor Linda Cheryl Dolida

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May Finance Report

Session gathered via Zoom on June 16 for a regularly scheduled monthly meeting. The highlights are as

follows:

Session received the recommendation of the Response Task Force and approved the following: The church will not consid-

er opening the building for worship in the sanctuary before the beginning of October. Out of an abundance of caution,

and knowing that opening the building comes with many accommodations and planning challenges and realizing that wor-

shipping in the sanctuary without singing, without communion, without passing the peace or sharing in fellowship after-

wards, while wearing masks and sitting six feet apart would be a less than satisfying worship experience, this is the best

decision for us as a church family. Session also recognizes that while we cannot be at church together, we have continued

to be the church gathered online and in spirit as we worship and serve together.

Session also had several conversations over the past couple of weeks related to the church’s response to current events

related to racism. After much discussion it was the wisdom of the session to encourage the pastor and the Christian Educa-

tion Commission to create an education plan that would allow the congregation an opportunity for study and discussion.

This plan has already begun to take shape with this past weeks’ event, Two Americas: Raising Kids Under the Shadow of

Racism. Soon an all-church read will be announced and small groups set up for discussion.

Personnel reported that the transition of the bookkeeper role from former staff person, Linda Bullock, to our current

Treasurer, Phyllis Hazen is complete. Session thanks Linda for her many years of service and extends much gratitude to

Phyllis for her willingness to take on this work as a volunteer.

Session commissioned a survey to be taken of the congregation and wider-viewership of our streamed worship services to

learn more about who is watching and how we can better create meaningful worship experiences going forward.

Building, Grounds, and Technology reported that they are preparing for the permanent installation of streaming equip-

ment in the sanctuary as we plan to continue offering worship online even after we return to the sanctuary.

The Mission and Outreach Commission celebrated with Session the generosity of the congregation in giving cash and gro-

Session Highlights

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How to Stream Worship Live Sunday Mornings @ 10 a.m.

There are several ways to join us on Sunday mornings for worship. We are currently streaming on our

BBPC.ORG/Live, Facebook, Roku, Apple TV (4th generation), Amazon Fire Stick, and by phone for sound

only. We are able to do these things through a streaming service called BoxCast. BoxCast works with church-

es to get their worship services online.

Options for Viewing or Listening:

BBPC.ORG/LIVE – The worship service will be broadcast live on our webpage and will remain there for

several weeks for viewing.

Facebook - If you have a Facebook account you can find us at B.B.Presbyterian.Church. One of the benefits

of watching through Facebook is that you can interact with other viewers in real-time, passing the peace and

saying “hello” and agreeing in prayer with a hearty “Amen!” If you “like” us on our Facebook page and your

settings on your smartphone allow for notifications from Facebook, you will receive a notification when we

go live!

YouTube We are now streaming live and previously recorded worship services on YouTube. Click here-

https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UChCirphSKjJyjBFaZAHewlA or search for BBPC Worship. Subscribe

and you will receive notifications from YouTube about content.

Apple TV (4th generation 4K & HD) – Watch live on Apple TV or view past services. To access you must

download BoxCast from the App Store to your Apple TV. Once in the BoxCast App, search for Bound Brook

Presbyterian Church. Worship Services can be viewed for up to 90 days.

Roku – Watch us live on Roku or view past services. To access you must download the BoxCast app to your

Roku device. Once in the BoxCast App, search for Bound Brook Presbyterian Church. Worship Services can

be viewed for up to 90 days.

NEW Amazon Fire Stick - To access you must download the BoxCast app to your Amazon device. Once in

the BoxCast App, search for Bound Brook Presbyterian Church. Worship Services can be viewed for up to 90

days.

Phone In – Dial 1-(872) 240-3311 and when prompted for the Access Code, please dial 417-955-909; long distance charges may apply.

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Coronavirus/COVID-19 Safety Tips

Staying healthy is the name of the game. Here’s how to do it:

1. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a

hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol;

2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands;

3. Avoid close contact with people that are sick;

4. Distance yourself from other people particularly if you are at higher risk of getting very sick (over 60 and/or with

conditions such as lung disease, heart disease, diabetes or other disease that makes you susceptible to illness);

5. Avoid touching things in public places;

6. Avoid crowded places;

7. Avoid unnecessary air travel and especially avoid cruise ships.

If you start to show symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, confusion

or difficulty arousing, bluish face or lips, loss of the sensation of smell or taste*), here’s what you should do:

1. Stay home and call your doctor. Let him or her know that you may have symptoms of COVID-19;

2. Avoid public places and public transportation;

3. Get immediate medical assistance if you show any of the emergency warning signs above (breathing difficulty,

change of mental status or bluish coloration);

4. If you are not so sick that hospitalization is required, remember to limit contact with other family members by

sleeping alone and using a separate bathroom, if at all possible;

5. If you become sick, wear a face mask around others;

6. Continue to do all of the avoidance safety measures above including frequent hand washing;

7. Cough/sneeze into a tissue that is immediately disposed of and wash your hands right away;

8. Avoid contact with pets since it is not yet clear if transmission of the virus can occur through them;

9. Stay at home until instructed by your doctor that you may leave.

Keep in mind, this illness is usually mild and many may or will have it with minimal signs and symptoms. Following

the guidelines above will reduce the likelihood that you or your loved one will develop the illness.

*Recent studies have revealed that loss of smell and/or taste may be early signs of COVID-19. Remember that a

stuffy nose can also cause similar losses.

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Follow us: Facebook @ B.B.Presbyterian Church & Instagram @ bbpresby

The Bound Brook Presbyterian Church

409 Mountain Avenue, Bound Brook, NJ 08805

To contact us email office@bbpc.org or phone (732) 356-3575

Caring Minister On Call: June 28 - July 4: Ilse Pease

Joys & Concerns: In an effort to respect privacy, please email prayer re-quests to Karen at office@bbpc.org.

Help is on the Way!: The Deacons have been gathering offers to help those who can’t get out to shop or run errands. If you have a need, we have a volun-teer to help. Please reach out to Susan Schiff at suschiff@gmail.com or call (732) 208-0611.

Tim Smith’s Email address: music@bbpc.org

Please send Buzz articles to office@bbpc.org. Articles are due on Thursday 1:00pm.

In Other News…

Visit our website(bbpc.org) for instructions or

Click HERE

to join us in worship via video streaming.

To dial in: (872) 240-3311 & enter

Access Code: 417-955-909

Check-Ins and Chats Pastor Linda is hosting two opportunities to check-in with one another during the week via ZOOM, a video conferencing app. Follow the link and enter the passcode to join us.

TUESDAY MORNINGS @ 10 AM

https://zoom.us/j/514746587?pwd=aStYVnhqbVNoUVEybG4veVRjMjhOUT09

Meeting ID: 514 746 587

Password: 12340345

THURSDAYS @ Noon

https://zoom.us/j/273105277?pwd=dHVZaEdrcnZoSjFHN1RnVjFKTWtOdz09

Meeting ID: 273 105 277

Password: 1150947