Osceola’s Messenger

Welcome to the Osceola Family!

Osceola Presbyterian Church welcomed four new members

to our church family today. Pictured from left to right

(front row) are Andi Twombly, Gary Dudash, Clerk of Session

Carol Riddlestorffer, Liz Coffey-Dawe, and Annette Mall. Behind them is our guest pastor, Dr. Ingrid Singh.

Mission Commission

Summer Mission Update

We’re less than a month away from our big mission event of the year, our annual meal packing with Rise

Against Hunger on World Communion Sunday. But over the summer, Osceola’s Mission Commission has

been modeling the unconditional love of the living God in other ways.

The Osceola Food Pantry is one of the main ministries of our congregation, and we chose to support its

work with a significant monetary donation. Each month, the Osceola Food Pantry provides food staples

along with some special touches to families who are referred by other area churches and schools.

We also made financial donations to several other organizations that work on a local scale. Osceola’s

Mission Commission is supporting:

● FISH Hospitality Program, Inc., which serves homeless families and single women in Middlesex,

Somerset and Union counties by providing shelter and meals, and other assistance in order to

give them a new opportunity to live independently in their communities as respected families

and individuals.

● Agape Community Kitchen, which is a youth- led mission of The Presbyterian Church in

Westfield that provides meals to people in need at First Presbyterian Church in Elizabeth every

Wednesday afternoon. They also provide new clothing basics as needed.

● Gateway Pregnancy Center, Inc., which is located in Elizabeth and focuses on bringing the gospel

of Jesus Christ to women and men in a pregnancy situation. It offers free pregnancy tests, peer

counseling, post-abortion counseling, chastity counseling, husband/boyfriend counseling,

limited ultrasounds for pregnancy verification, as well as practical assistance, including:

education, emotional support and spiritual support.

● Camp Johnsonburg, a Presbyterian facility in northwest New Jersey, which provides an

opportunity for city kids to meet country kids, where the rich and poor of means and spirit are

valued equally, and where each is encouraged to take another vital step toward realizing

oneness in Christ.

The Mission Commission believes that we are being called on to work on a larger scale as well, so we

chose to offer financial gifts to these organizations and individuals whose work reaches beyond the

borders of our state:

● Christian Appalachian Project, with a mission of building hope, transforming lives, and sharing

Christ’s love through service in Appalachia, a region that includes West Virginia, portions of

Kentucky and Pennsylvania, as well as 10 other states. They operate programs to offer home

repair and reconstruction services on a year-round basis as well as disaster relief, along with

thrift stores and food pantries.

● Mercy Ships, which uses hospital ships to transform lives and serve nations, one at a time. A ship

is the most efficient platform to deliver a state-of-the-art hospital to regions where clean water,

electricity, medical facilities and personnel is limited or nonexistent.

● Gideons International, an association of Christian business and professional men and their wives

dedicated to telling people about Jesus through associating together for service, sharing

personal testimony, and by providing Bibles and New Testaments.

● Jim and Jodi McGill, missionaries working with the Presbyterian Mission Agency in Niger and

South Sudan in Africa.

Submitted by Paul Hadsall, Mission Commission co-chair

Rise Against Hunger, Round 3

Get those hairnets ready and get energized!

As we all know, the focus of the international hunger relief agency, Rise Against Hunger, is getting people involved in hands-on work and engaging local volunteers in meal-packaging events.

Last year, Osceola participated in its second meal-packaging event and it was another huge success. As an extension of our World Communion Sunday worship service, about fifty volunteers of members, friends and neighbors gathered in Fellowship Hall to participate in the event. Together, we successfully packed 10,152 meals that were sent to communities in need in Haiti. Our participation in the event allowed us to share the love of Jesus Christ with our brothers and sisters across the world and we’re getting excited to be able to do that again!

Mark your calendars!

Osceola will host its third Rise Against Hunger event on World Communion Sunday, October 7, 2018. Thank you to everyone that has helped fundraise to defer the cost of the food supplies and shipping costs. By buying an Osceola t-shirt, donating to one of the special offerings, or helping out in any other way, you have all really made this even more of an Osceola project, rather than just a Mission Commission project. We really look forward to working alongside you in October to pack another 10,000 meals! Information about registration will be coming soon.

Submitted by Samantha Dodson, Mission Commission co-chair

The Mission Commission is Hosting a “FUNraising” Event

at the Clark Friendly’s

1463 Raritan Rd.

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 25TH

4:00 – 9:00pm

20% of all sales will be donated to our

Rise Against Hunger Project

WHEN YOU MENTION THE FUNDRAISER

TO YOUR SERVER OR SHOW THIS FLYER

P L E A S E J O I N U S !!

Sunday School It seems like only yesterday when our Sunday School classes led Osceola’s worship on Christian Education Sunday in May. During the lively service the children collected a Noise Offering and donated $115.28 to the Mission Commission’s Rise Against Hunger campaign. The classes finished out their year presenting the congregation with handmade Mother’s and Father’s Day gifts and special Bibles were presented to students entering grades 3 and 6 during Recognition Sunday.

After a summer of fun, the Sunday

School families enjoyed a “Welcome

Back” picnic at the Dietze’s home.

There was plenty of food and fun

games and a dip in the famous hot

tub!

Sunday School officially began a new year on September 16th with a Sunday morning breakfast and

group activity.

A dedication of all of our wonderful Christian Education volunteers (Sunday School staff, TOTS childcare,

leaders of Faith Finders, and our Youth Group coordinators) was held during Sunday worship and we

wished everyone a “Wonder-fall” year!

Regular classes resume every Sunday morning from 9:00-9:50 am beginning September 23rd. Classes are

available for children ages 3 through middle school. In addition to learning Bible lessons through crafts,

games, and song, the classes will continue our focus on worship and on mission. The children will be

participating in World Communion Sunday (when we invite the Sunday School children from Linden

Presbyterian Church to join us) and a Noise Offering is also planned for October. Items will once again

be collected for our annual shoebox activity for Operation Christmas Child in early November.

There’s plenty of excitement in Sunday School. If anyone is interested in joining us, please contact Alice

Dietze (732-574-8956 or adietze@verizon.net)

Deidre’s Devotion

In the fifth book of the Chronicles of Narnia The Horse and His Boy, the main

character Bree is a talking horse. He considers the boy, Shasta, a “foal” who is

badly in need of training. Often the horse’s arrogant opinions reflect an air of

superiority. He thinks of himself as a brave warhorse, possessing great skill and

courage. Yet, when he hears the roar of a mighty animal, he flees and leaves the

other members of his party unprotected.

Later, Bree meets Aslan, the lion, who is king of Narnia. The horse admits that he

has been an arrogant and frightened failure. Aslan praises Bree for admitting his

shortcomings.

The Bible tells us “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a

fall.” (Proverbs 16:18) Life has a way of exposing the flaws of our own personal

vanity. But learning the hard lesson that pride comes before destruction can

become a turning point in which we intentionally shift our focus away from

exalting self. Then, as we adopt a humble spirit before God and man, we can

become channels of wisdom to others. “When pride comes, then comes shame; but

with the humble way is wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:2)

Promoting our own importance leads to stumbling. But focusing on glorifying

God and meeting the needs of others gives us the perspective of the wise.

Let’s recall the words of a favorite hymn:

Blessed Savoir, make me humble,

Take away my sinful pride;

In myself I’m sure to stumble,

Help me stay close to Your side.

Walk with the King today and be a

blessing!

Submitted by Deidre Buchner, Elder

YOUTH GROUP

Osceola’s Youth Group likes to mix

service with lots of fun. Our youth are

always helping out in Osceola’s Food

Pantry and they are experts at

checking food items for expiration

dates.

In June, the Youth Group finished out the year with their annual Barbecue at the Dietze’s.

Fishing marbles out of ice water (with bare feet), pool noodle soccer, and Pictionary (in

chocolate pudding) were some of this year’s crazy games and we always end with water balloon

batting practice, an egg toss, and a shaving cream chase. At least everyone goes home clean –

and ready for a summer of fun.

A new year of Youth Group began once again at the Dietze’s

for a barbecue and a dip in the (in)famous hot tub. We were

especially thrilled to welcome two new youth to the group

and spent the evening getting to know one another and

planning for the coming year.

Youth Group will be meeting 2 or 3 Tuesdays a month, usually

from 7:00-8:30 pm. Most meetings are held in the Youth

Room of Osceola and several outings will be planned

throughout the year. Parents and youth will be notified on a

monthly basis of the meeting dates.

Any youth in grades 6-12 are welcome to join us. Please contact Alice Dietze (732-574-8956 or

adietze@verizon.net) for more information.

2018 marks the 75th Anniversary for Osceola Presbyterian Church and there will be a special celebration

on Sunday, October 28th. Our elders will lead a special worship service at 10:00 am and a luncheon will

be served immediately after in Fellowship Hall.

Save the date and look for more information coming. Help us celebrate 75 years of faithful ministry!!

Committees and Commissions

It takes many hands to keep the ministry of Osceola running. Did you know just how many committees

and commissions we have and what each of them do? Below is a list of the groups that work together

to fulfill Osceola’s mission and the responsibilities of each group. If you feel led to become more

involved in the workings of our church, please consider joining a commission or committee. You don’t

need to be an elder or deacon (or even a member for that matter) or any formal training – just a

willingness to serve the Lord in some capacity. Prayerfully consider what you can do to help and speak

to the commission chair for more information – or to sign up!!

Personnel Commission (chair, Deidre Buchner) – purpose is to support the staff and ensure that assigned

responsibilities are carried out.

Job Descriptions

Hiring and firing policies

Annual evaluations and contracts

Develop/review and enforce Sexual Misconduct policy

Facilities Management Commission (chair, Jim Riddlestorffer) – purpose is to maintain the buildings and

ensure safety for those using the building and grounds, in order to enhance the ministries of the church.

Contracts with maintenance vendors

Oversee maintenance and repair of buildings and systems within the buildings

Oversee maintenance of the property

Building use approval

Work with outside groups using the building

Maintain the church calendar of events in coordination with the Office Administrator

Work with the Sexton

Ensure adequacy of insurance

Worship & Music Commission (chair, Jim Dietze) – purpose is to work with the Pastor (pulpit supply) and

Music Director to ensure quality worship experience for all ages.

Facilitate worship

Prepare communion, recruit servers

Provide for ushering

Recruit Worship Assistants

Track and record worship attendance

Oversee decorating the Sanctuary for holidays

Secure pulpit supply as needed

Arrange for home communion

Children and Family Ministries Commission (chair, Alice Dietze) – purpose is to provide programs to

develop the faith foundation for the church’s children, youth and families

Create/secure appropriate curriculum for Sunday school

Recruit and train teachers and helpers

Develop and maintain Child Protection policy

Oversee child care provided during the worship service

Enlist persons to teach Faith Finders

Confirmation

Youth Group

Sacrament education

Education and support for families

Fellowship Commission (see Anita and Frank Mai)

Coffee Hour

Other fellowship activities

Adult Ministries Commission (chair, Ginny Oxley)

Create adult Christian education opportunities

Create small groups

Be responsible for officer education and training

Membership – new member classes, etc.

Communications committee (a committee of Session, chair, Paul Hadsall)

With Office Admin., prepare and distribute the “Messenger”

Assist commissions by creating publicity appropriate for church events

Oversee the church’s website

Finance Commission (chair, Deidre Buchner)

Treasurer and Financial Secretary roles and responsibilities - defined

Counters – policy and processes

Auditors – processes

Budget Committee – processes

Confidentiality Policy with regard to giving

Memorial Gifts – policy

Policy on payment of Per Capita

Payment of church related bills

Maintain tax records and reports

Prepare and distribute year end tax statements

Mission Commission (co-chairs, Paul Hadsall and Samantha Dodson) – purpose is to encourage and

facilitate congregational participation in local and global mission

Food Pantry committee

Deacon’s mission projects

Sunday school “noise offering” and other mission activities

Determine mission projects to be supported by mission funds

Stewardship Committee (a committee of the Session, chair, Deidre Buchner) – purpose is to educate and

inspire the congregation in the need to share their time, talents and treasure for the benefit of OPC and

the wider church. Composition: one seated Elder; one member of the Finance Commission; with the

pastor, select three at-large members from the congregation. Persons may serve a maximum of two

consecutive years.

Annual Stewardship effort

Choir

September begins a new year for Osceola’s Chancel Choir. Rehearsals are held each Thursday at 7:00pm

in the Choir Room and new members are welcome – no experience necessary! Speak to Dawn Stegner

for more information. The Chancel Choir greatly enhances the worship experience at Osceola so join

them as they make a joyful noise to our Lord!!

The Choir Party gave Osceola’s choristers and their families a chance to end the year on a “happy note”

before a well-deserved summer break. (There’s that hot tub … again!!)

Each year Osceola’s Sunday School classes participate in a very exciting mission project for Operation

Christmas Child. Our families donate a variety of items that are packed in shoeboxes and sent to needy

children all over the world. The boxes are packed by the children early in November and our Youth

Group delivers the boxes to our local collection site. Osceola’s Mission Commission provides funds to

supplement the shipping costs.

While this is primarily a project of the Sunday School classes, anyone interested in donating items to

help fill boxes is welcome to place them in the marked box in the Narthex (of course, anyone can fill a

box as well).

Below is a list of items typically included in a box, as well as items that should NOT be included. Items

marked *** are items we recently found out are desirable (and items we never even thought of).

Most of these items are available at dollar stores, but they bring such joy to a child who receives very

little. Talk to a Sunday School teacher if you have any questions – and we also appreciate any shoeboxes

you may have handy!

SUGGESTED ITEMS:

School supplies (including rulers, erasers, solar calculators, pads, pens, pencils, markers, etc.)

Personal Care Items (combs, brushes, toothbrushes, washcloths, soap, lip balm, ***band-aids,

***plastic cups or water bottles, etc.)

Small toys (balls, jump ropes, cars and trucks, dolls, small stuffed animals, playing cards, puzzles,

etc.)

Clothing items (socks, mittens/gloves, hats, bandannas, ***flip flops, tee shirts, etc.)

Activity items (craft kits, ***sewing kits, ***small gardening tools or gloves, ***fishing kits, ***tool

set or small tools, etc.)

ITEMS NOT TO INCLUDE:

NO edible items (custom regulations have changed so NO candy, gum, etc.)

NO toothpaste (again, because of changes in custom regulations)

NO war-related items

NO liquids or lotions

NO breakable items (such as glass)

NO aerosol cans

FOOD PANTRY

The summer is always a busy time for our Food Pantry. Our families with children are especially in need

since free lunch and breakfast programs are not available while schools are closed. Besides our basic

box, full of commonly used staples, that is distributed each month, we also give away a “monthly

special” to provide seasonal items or non-food items (i.e. paper products, health supplies, cleaning

products). Special picnic baskets full of summer foods were distributed in June. Cleaning supplies were

July’s special and we also received a donation of flip-flops and sunblock products that were just in time

for the summer. Our congregation kindly donated school supplies that were provided in August to all of

the families with children, along with Walmart gift cards so additional school needs could be purchased.

These are always gratefully received!

The special of the month for September will be breakfast food items and then we will begin to prepare

for our big holiday distributions in the coming months. Osceola has provided generous support with

donations of food, time and monetary contributions. Even our youngest ones enjoy giving us a helping

hand!

August’s distribution marked the end of Osceola’s third full year of our expanded Food Pantry! During

the past 12 months we handed out 10,017 pounds of food, countless pieces of clothing, household

items, books, DVDs, toys, and $1250 in gift cards. We were even able to provide pieces of furniture and

a stove to some of our families. In the three years since we began our monthly distributions, we have

given out 27,403 pounds of food alone – that’s 13 ½ tons!! Thank you to everyone at Osceola for your

donations of all kinds as well as your continued support and prayers. This ministry has certainly made a

difference in the lives of our Food Pantry families. Well done good and faithful servants!

FOOD ITEMS NEEDED:

canned fruit rice jelly cleaning products canned pasta pasta sauce tuna tomato products canned beans peanut butter cereal macaroni & cheese LOOKING AHEAD – HOLIDAY ITEMS: mashed potatoes gravy stuffing cranberry sauce sweet potatoes/yams chicken broth olives juice cake mix icing tubs muffin mix

ITEMS REQUESTED:

storage tubs organizer shelves gas clothes dryer

PRAYER REQUESTS:

family member in rehab. death of a brother financial concerns improved living situation health concerns