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The Friendly News The First Presbyterian Church of Woodbury Heights Email: whpresby@comcast.net Website: presbywoodburyhts.org

October 2019

Worship Schedule. . . A schedule of our upcoming pulpit supply is as follows:

Oct. 6 – Rev. John E. Randall, at Mt. Zion Wesley United Methodist Church Oct. 13 – Rev. Dr. Debby Brincivalli Oct. 20 & 27 – Rev. Dan Pure

Important Notice: October 6th is World Communion Sunday We will be worshiping and receiving Communion at 10:00 am at

Mount Zion Wesley United Methodist Church

1470 Woodbury-Glassboro Road, Wenonah, NJ.

You may remember that we hosted Mt. Zion back in April while their church was undergoing renovation. So to continue our 10 year tradition Mt. Zion was excited to invite us to their church on World Communion Sunday.

The Reverend John E. Randall will lead us in worship and will serve communion and our choir will be singing during the service. Also, Reverend Randall has requested that we provide two elders to serve Communion, and two people to usher. If you are interested in doing either, please see John Pitchford, Michele Elliott, or Lori Taylor. Mt. Zion typically hosts a luncheon after the service, so come join us at 10:00 AM, Sunday, October 6th at Mt. Zion!

Note: There will be no Sunday School or worship service at our church on October 6th.

Spotlight on Mission Giving Heifer International

For many years now, our children have been placing their nickels, dimes, and quarters in the popcorn can as they go to the front of the sanctuary for the children’s sermon. Elder Michele Elliott has been talking to the children over the past few weeks about the mission of the Heifer Program. She explained that the money they give is used to purchase farm animals for hungry and impoverish people all over the world. When enough money is in the popcorn can, the children will choose which animal they would like to purchase. Animals may be purchased in full, or as a share.

Heifer International have partnered and helped communities in 25 countries, including the poorest areas in our country, to help people attain sustainable livelihoods. For 75 years they have provided more than 32 million families with the tools and training to lift themselves from poverty. With the money donated to Heifer International by churches, schools, clubs, scouts, civic organizations as well as individuals, more than 75% of proceeds support the Heifer programs and only 5% goes toward administration cost. There are 75 active programs in need of funding. Besides the heifer - goats, water buffalo, alpacas, Llamas, sheep, pigs, rabbits, honeybees, schools of fish, flocks of geese, ducks, and chicks, as well as trees, farming tools, and irrigation pumps are sent to the most impoverish communities.

There is much more to be done, nearly 1 billion people around the world still live in poverty. Our children are learning at an early age to be good stewards of what God has given to them, a habit that will last a life-time.

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Joys and Concerns

October Birthdays Prayers of Praise and Thanksgiving: Nickie

2 – Tim Pheasant and Carl Kuehnapfel are expecting a son in 3 – Helen Draper Feb. and to grandparents, Gary and Diane. Lauryn Elliott Susan MacWilliams for her ongoing, so far

5 – Esther Culbert successful recovery from cervical spinal fusion. 6 – Sandra Stammerjohann Intercessory Prayers for health issues: Larry

10 – Benjamin Boyce Young, Nancy Butler's son in law, is showing Augustina Rose Dawson improvement. Nancy Lex who has returned to 11 – Melissa Woodrow her home from Ca. after a fall to heal from a

13 – Jessica Pizarro broken hip and foot. 18 – Mary Cruz Please pray for the following with continuing 21 – Autumn Lanneaux health concerns: Bette Warner (recovering

Joyce Elliott from surgery) and Fran Lambert. Both Sherry Outten undergoing chemo treatments for cancer. 22 – Mary Kay Reynolds Zach Steward, son of Don continues to fight his 25 – Luke Ternowyj battle with Leukemia. Ben Boyce continues to 28 – Nick Sammacicci recover from hip surgery. Kathy Pedicone continues to have difficulty with her arm. Sandy

October Anniversaries Lynch, Kristen's mother-in-law, for back surgery

1 – Nicole and Howard Good recovery. Al Cunard, friend of Matt Woodrow, with 5 – Michele and Stephen Elliott aggressive cancer. 8 – Sandra and Jim Norcross Our sympathy is extended to the family of 9 – Elisha and David Elliott Jeanne Tice, a long-time member of this

10 – Kayleigh and Chris Reim church, who passed away on Sept. 23rd. 14 – Nickie and Carl Kuehnapfel Nancy MacDermott in the passing of her

Liz and Andrew Santora niece, Jamye Wisecup on 9/11. 18 – Debbie and Nolan Becker For Our Church: pray for our boards and 20 – Connie and Ed Harley organizations as we seek to do God's will. For

the work of our Presbytery, Synod, and

October Blessings General Assembly.

On your special day, celebrate life, Our World: Churches world-wide, especially

and celebrate happiness too! where Christians are persecuted for their faith.

May God continue to bless you, For victims of flooding, hurricanes and other

with so many wonderful things in life. natural disasters; violence and terrorism.

In need of prayer? Please, submit your prayer request

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

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We Celebrate our

50 Year Members

Stacy Spinosi and Margaret (Peg) Schoen were honored on Sunday, September 22, 2019, as 50 Year Members during the worship service. History Committee Members, Carol Martino and Diane Belcher presented a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a Certificate of Appreciation for all their years as faithful servants.

Stacy has had fond memories of youth group retreats and her wonderful family all coming to church together. She also has served as our church attorney for many years and has volunteered her pro bono services time and time again during any matters of law which our Session or church has encountered, including bequest litigation and more recently with selling church property, namely the manse. It is comforting to know that we have such a professional and knowledgeable woman looking after our church affairs in a legal manner.

Peg has been active during her 50 years in our church and remembers the earlier years as a student in Sunday School, along with youth group. She has served as a Deacon and Session elder for many years and has helped out whenever there is a hand needed, from infants to adults. Presently, she is Chair of Christian Education of the Session and is Superintendent of the Sunday School. Peg is a hard worker, always giving of herself in any capacity, working behind the scenes, whether awaking early Easter morning to bring donuts and coffee to Mike McCabe who puts all the lilies on the cross at 5 a.m. or organizing Rally Day for our Sunday School and Teachers. We are blessed to have such an enthusiastic and competent woman working with our church and reaching out to the community at large.

We are truly blessed to have such a rich heritage and it is because of women such as Stacy and Peg. Congratulations, Stacy & Peg!

On the ninth day of the ninth month in the year 2019, thirteen members of the church met for the annual Prime Timers picnic. The day was magnificent, sunny, dry and with a gentle breeze. The grounds at the Red Bank Park were newly-mowed and picture perfect.

Ollie Lambert gave the Blessing Joe Martino was the grill master of the day and was ably assisted by his wife and others. All agreed that his skill at the barbie was excellent and proven by the number of hot dogs and burgers consumed. Fourteen hamburgers and sixteen hot dogs were gobbled up, along with a variety of side dishes. The dauntless diners then devastated the desserts!

Everyone was happy, well- satisfied and lingered at the tables for a prolonged time for

conversation and friendly fellowship. Carol Martino graciously attended to each member and Esther Culbert, who has attended this picnic every year since the tradition began, agreed that this was a most enjoyable gathering.

The group will meet in the Lounge on October 14. All will bring their own sandwich. Beverages will be provided and there will be a sundae bar so each can create their own confectionary treat.

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Home Communion Servant Class

Rev. Dr. Patricia Epprecht led a Home Communion Servant Class on Sunday, September 22nd. Those in attendance were Nancy MacDermott, Margaret Scheeman, Peg Schoen, Ollie Lambert, Jesse Butler, Nancy Butler, Tracy Urion, Kathy Pedicone, Barbara Daugherty and Richard Daugherty.

Current and past ordained Elders may serve communion to shut-ins to aid the pastor.

September Presbytery Gathering Highlights

The September Presbytery Gathering was held at the Presbyterian Church in Woodbury, Sept. 18, 2019 and attended by Richard Daugherty, commissioner, Jesse Butler, Alt. Commissioner, Barbara Daugherty.

- Offering received at the Presbytery Gathering will be sent to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance to assist in hurricane relief.

- Conversation continued about the seven Presbyteries in N.J. merging into 4 presbyteries and accepted the invitation to continue the conversation in partnership with sister presbyteries.

- Affirmed the ministry of Vital Congregations and given thanks for those who will help to facilitate this ministry.

- Affirmed the "almost" complete union of Friendship Presbyterian congregation joining with the Williamstown Presbyterian congregation. (Oct. 6- completed)

- We saw the evidence of the Parable of the Talents and what churches did with the $5,000. dollars given to each church for their community mission.

- Youth told us about their life changing experiences while attending Triennium at Purdue in July - Director of Camp Johnsonburg shared about the many programs offered during the year. - Presbytery is looking for people to answer the call to be a commissioner or youth delegate to

General Assembly next year in Baltimore and about a bus trip being plan to take people to Baltimore for one day and witness the work of the Presbyterian Church

- Affirmed relationships and anniversaries of ordination and celebrated the Honorable Retirement of Rev. Dr. William Gaskill and Rev. Monica Hamilton.

- Voted to hold per capita at the current rate (which has been the same for the last 10 years.) -Continue to affirm our Hispanic ministries and offer resources for translation services for our

Hispanic members. -Began conversations of being good stewards of resources human and financial.

American Red Cross Blood Drive Tuesday, October 22nd

2 PM – 7 PM Cooper Memorial Hall

551 Fourth Street Woodbury Heights, NJ 08097

Call 1-800-REDCROSS

Appointments are preferred. MAKE AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE Or sign up at www.redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code: First Presbyterian Woodbury Height

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The Impact of Our Presbyterian Disaster Relief Funds: Mission to Puerto Rico

14 young adults and leaders from Salem embarked on the first week of June on a journey to Puerto Rico to engage in work related to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance hurricane relief efforts. Our theme was Restorers of Ruins, based on Isaiah 58.12. One of our leaders, Sheila Palmer, designed a journal for study, group discussions, and personal reflections that became for us a record of our experiences. Here are a few excerpts from my journal:

It was an amazing and adventurous drive to Camp Guacio…the roads are steep and narrow… Our mission took us into the western mountains near San Sebastian to a PC(USA) camp that has served as a mission outpost to the rural communities. The director, Wilmarie Vargas, shared here story of enduring the storm and rallying folks to respond to the devastation. More than gasoline, she discovered the people needed ice and do laundry. With help from a church state-side, she got an ice machine enabling neighbors to keep food fresh in a tropical climate, and obtained washers and dryers to provide laundry services. Suddenly Camp Guacio became a hub of activity that continues to host groups like ours.

Over the week we were able to complete 4 projects in the area: two roofs were repaired and improved; in another home, we built a wall, did a lot of spackling with concrete, and painted; and for another, we were able to clean up hurricane debris. In between projects, we scraped and painted at the dormitory where we stayed, located up a hill with a beautiful view of a raging river and mist-covered hillsides. We were comfortable there, except that the showers had no water pressure, and sometimes no hot water – and in some locations, no A/C. And it rained every day. But the meals were good, and they did their best to make us comfortable.

Continuing in the journal is this entry: Very interesting – pulled hurricane-ruined material out of a home – the wife was tearful with gratitude and gave us lemonade with cinnamon – pushed a car stuck at the side of the road during a downpour – while at a worksite, we had to be pulled out of the mud because of the rain, the car parked on grass at a bad angle for traction… Our team got to know Maria and her family while working on her roof. When the rain poured, and we found ourselves stuck – literally - Maria sheltered us, danced with us, laughed with us and saw to our needs. We made a new friend.

We were honored to be there, to worship with the small Presbyterian Church USA congregation there, and to do our part in serving the people in and near San Sebastian in the name of Christ, thanks to the support of First Presbyterian Church in Salem and an ecumenical Young Adult Ministry working in coordination with PDA and friends we met in Puerto Rico, Ray and Johnny, who served as project guides. We were blessed to be able to offer a little help, but we come away realizing that so much needs to be done in the aftermath of storms like Maria and Michael. Please keep PR – and Panama City, FL, in prayer. (We have our eye on Panama City for next year, as the Spirit may lead…)

Respectfully submitted in the peace of Christ, Gary Cecil, Pastor

Interim Pastor Commission

We are all anxious to have an interim pastor on board, so that we can begin the process of preparing for and calling a new pastor. Rest assured the committee has been working and will

continue to work to find the right person to guide us through the transition time. Wendy Kunz, our rep from the Committee on Ministry, continues to guide us through this process. We appreciate all your prayers, and ask that you continue to keep the church, its officers, and the commissions in your daily prayers. Jesse Butler, Barbara Daugherty, Ollie Lambert,

John Pitchford, and Matthew Woodrow.

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Deacons News

On behalf of The Board of Deacons: Food for August: 42

September: 82

Totals for the year 585

Any & all nonperishable food will be delivered to the Greater Woodbury Food Pantry, but

to help make it easier we offer the following suggestions for October: Beef Stew, Chili, Spam, Chicken or any food in a can or package.

Any questions call John Pedicone 848-7129

Dress-a-Girl Workshop

October 26, 9 am -noon First Presbyterian Church in Haddon Heights

Women gathered will make little girls' t-shirt dresses for Haiti. All are welcome to join in this fellowship and mission service. Call Carole Leadbeater at 856-546-7257 or email at leadbeaterhc@verizon.net if you would like to help.

Highlights from August and September Session Meetings

and September Congregational Meeting

August 21st Session Meeting:

Session approved current expense report from Jeff Brenner, noting that the roof loan will be paid within the next 3 months.

Session approved the financial secretary’s report from Richard Daugherty, noting that there is a shortage of giving by 13% percent.

Approval was granted to Nicholas Long of Troop 44 in Mullica Hall to revitalize the Memorial Garden as his Eagle Scout Project. He is the son of Kim and Brad Gilmore.

Approval was given to the Youth Group to host a “Fall Back Weekend” at our church. Youth groups from Atco, Wenonah, Clayton, Woodbury, and Hammonton will be involved with this event on Friday night, Sept. 21 to Saturday night, Sept. 22. Youths to stay overnight in Cooper Hall.

Approval for a congregational meeting on Sept. 8, followed by a town hall meeting to update the congregation in this transitional time.

Transitional Committee presented a copy of the Transitional Pastor job description. To be sent to Committee of Ministry of West Jersey Presbytery for their approval.

Manse sale and settlement conducted on August 26, 2019 after approval from Presbytery on August 20th.

Mold discovered in education building, insurance company contacted, clean-up will occur before the start of Sunday school.

Replace the cedar shake that are rotting with new siding on old church building. Contractors will give estimate for the work.

Full staff of Sunday school teachers is completed. Ollie Lambert will lead Adult class. Curriculum from David C. Cook will be used called Bible–in-Life series.

Continued on the next page.

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Highlights from Session and Congregational Meetings (continued) August 21st Session Meeting: (Continued)

Stewardship campaign – Three letters will be sent to congregation during September and October, with pledge card in October letter.

Budget Meeting on October 23 at 7 p.m. for committee chairs.

Received a bequest from John Battle.

Alex Viterelli will have choir rehearsals on Thursday evenings.

Home Communion training for elders and deacons will be given by Dr. Epprecht.

Session is revising /updating the church bylaws. Report will be presented at the Congregational meeting in November.

Women’s Luncheon on September 15th for all women of the church.

Prayer list in Sunday bulletin to be updated. September 8th Congregation Meeting:

Congregation approved the nomination of Anthony Urion as youth elder for one year term.

Congregation approved the nomination of Elaine Miller to fill an unexpired term as a Deacon.

Congregation approved to receive the Benevolence Report for 2017/2018. September 18th Session Meeting:

Session approved the following actions/motions:

Approved the Current Expense and Financial Secretary’s report.

Approved transfer of church membership of Dottie Shedwick to the Central Presbyterian Church in Towson, Maryland.

Approved to close the Men’s Breakfast checking account and put that money into the Memorial Fund.

Approved for Stewardship commission to hold Pledge Sunday on Oct. 27th.

Approval given to Liz Billings, Majestic Bell Choir Director, to have Open House on Oct. 27th for people interested in joining the bell choir. Will follow worship service.

Approved to be a Covenant Partner in the Vital Congregational program sponsored by Presbytery.

Updates on events/issues:

Mold in primary rooms cleaned by Jim Gould, insurance company will inspect the area.

Ken Morton to give the church an estimate for new siding on old church building, replacing cedar shakes.

Nearly 30 children attended Rally Day on September 8th. Plans for youth retreat are finalized.

Home Communion training will be on Sunday, September 22 in conference room of Annex. Dr.

Patricia Epprecht will conduct the training session.

Michele Elliott gave session an update on Pulpit supply.

An attendance report for summer months was given comparing last year’s attendance to this year’s attendance. Attendance was lower this year.

New church bulletins will be ordered.

Majestic Bell Choir Open House October 27th

Immediately following the 11 a.m. worship service on October 27th, the Majestic Bell will have an open house. If you are interested in joining the bell choir, this will be the perfect time to ring any size bell and help you to determine if joining the bell choir is for you. Refreshments will be served during the open house.

Liz Billings Santora, Director

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Hello All!

My name is Alix Vitarelli, and I am honored to be

starting my position as First Presbyterian of Woodbury

Heights’ new Choir Director. I encourage any and all of you

to join us for choir rehearsals beginning Thursday, September

5th at 7:45pm. Rehearsals will remain at this time weekly, in

preparation for our 11:00 am Sunday services beginning

September 8th.

If anyone has any questions, suggestions, or comments please feel free to contact me with the

information listed below. I look forward to meeting and working with you all!

Many Blessings,

Alix Vitarelli (609) 605-3414

“Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts.” - Psalm 105:2

Mission Commission News

In late August, the mission committee

had an enlightening trip to Covenant House

in Atlantic City. We learned of the

wonderful things that are happening there

to help homeless young adults build skills

and knowledge to live independently.

Our next trip to Cathedral Kitchen is

scheduled for Tuesday, October 29th.

Please contact Mary Kay Reynolds at 856-

803-4068 if you would like to volunteer.

Gloucester County of South Jersey is sponsoring “A Taste of South Jersey” on Monday,

November 4th, at Adelphia. Please see

the attached flyer for more information

about this fun event for a very worthy

cause!

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History Notes

The women of our church have always played an important role; especially with the work they do through the Women's Association, now known as Presbyterian Women.

In the 80's, our church had 4 ladies circles which met monthly, in the

members' homes, for bible study and fellowship. They were the Laura Davenport circle, Dorcas, Hannah and Martha circles. All of the circles were named after women of the Bible except for Laura Davenport, who was an early member of the church.

It was in the 80's that a group of women, who were mostly young working mothers founded a new

circle named the Esther circle. This is the circle that still exists today, and it has attracted women of all ages and backgrounds.

The activities that have been sponsored by the Women's Association over the years are many;

Strawberry Festival, monthly coffee hours after church, Christmas Bazaar, Victorian Tea, with the biggest event being the annual Chicken Barbecue. At the end of each year the Presbyterian Women donate almost all of the money in their treasury to various charities and causes

The Martha Circle is always welcoming new members. The next meeting will be held in my home

on Tuesday, October 1st at 7 pm. Please feel free to come see what we're all about. The address is 414 Poplar Avenue, Woodbury Heights; right around the corner from the church.

Carol Martino History Committee

We Welcome a New Choir Director, Introducing Alix Vitarelli

We are excited to welcome Alix Vitarelli as our new choir director. She lives in Voorhees but is very busy in addition to her responsibilities at our church! She is a student at Rowan University. Alix is studying vocal music education and is a theater minor. She previously taught voice and piano at Dance Incorporated. Currently, she teaches music and theater at Acting House Studios.

Her duties include private lessons, producing and acting. She is the producer, director and creator of the studio’s Black Box Theater showcases. Alix is currently starring in “Legally Blonde”, the musical with the Bridge Players Theater Company through October 5.

The choir is so happy to have her because she teaches good musicianship and singing techniques on a weekly basis.

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Take your kids to church.

Make the effort. Wake them up early. Fool with the

belts and the buckles and the fancy hair bows. Endure the sleepy, grumpy faces and the misplaced shoes. Run around like a mad woman gathering everybody’s

everything and trying to get out the door on time. Hop to the car with a shoe in one hand and your make-up bag in the other. Give those babies a pop-tart and some milk

and let ‘em eat it in the car. If it’s raining, get wet. If it’s cold, get a jacket. If you’re tired, go tired. But take those

babies to church. You know why?

Because Jesus is there.

He’s there. And He’ll meet them there. And you too, Mama.

He’ll be there in the sweet smile of their Sunday School teacher as she greets them into their room. He’ll be there in the goldfish and the apple juice and the filling of their little bellies and hearts. He’ll be there in the hug from a sweet friend and the encouraging smile

that assures you that they “just barely made it” too. He’ll be there in the sacred words read from the Bible speaking truth to their little impressionable hearts. He’ll be there in the worship and the raised hands and the watery eyes and whispers of praise.

So take them. Carry all of their Bibles and drawings and toilet paper tube creations. Sit by them in worship. Open your Bible and open theirs. Show them how to find the scripture

the pastor is preaching from. Show them how to worship. Explain to them why He’s worthy of worship. Let them see you laugh and cry and praise and study. Forgive their wiggles and

paper rustles and know that they’re listening even when it seems like they aren’t. Ask them questions and answer the ones they ask you. Introduce them to Jesus. Tell them of His greatness - his power - his faithfulness. Tell them with your words and show them with

your life. Tell them what he’s done for you and how you’ve been changed by His grace and forgiveness and goodness and love. Tell them how they can be too. Point them to Jesus.

Over and over and over again.

Take your kids to church. They’ll love it there. It’s the only place where they can go and

just be themselves. They don’t have to “be” good enough or smart enough or athletic enough. They don’t have to perform for approval or achievement. They just get to go and hear how much God loves them. Just because they’re them. Just because He created them,

they’re valued. Wanted. Their worth isn’t based on the grades they make or their ability to throw a curveball. It’s not dependent on their performance or skill level. And they need a little more of that, don’t you think? A little more grace and a little less pressure. A little

more love and a few less demands.

Take them to church. Before you take them to the ballfield or the dance studio or the

gym. Before you take them on vacation or to grandma’s or to the backyard to play. Take them to church. Let them know it’s a priority. Show them it has eternal value. Let them see

you set aside schedules and extracurricular activities and work and busy-ness to be present with the Lord in His house. I promise you won’t regret it. I promise you it won’t return back void.

Take them to church. (Borrowed) Author unknown.