THE Bethlehem star

Prayer List………....……..2 Beth the Church Mouse……………………….2 Church Finances….…….2 PNC……………………….....3 Voices & Bells…………...4 Session Says……………...4 Helen Hofgesang…..…..4 BPW Agenda……….......5 Adventure Pics……..…..6 Hosting Fellowship…...6 First Friday……….……....7 Classified……….…….…...8 Calendar…..……...........9 Mission……….…..….….10 Credits…………….……...10

IN THIS ISSUE

February 2020

Dear Friends in Christ,

Jesus’ words of love in response to the scribe’s question is paramount

for us as we approach Lent. “Which commandment is the greatest of all?” the Scribe asked. Jesus responded, “You shall love the Lord your God will all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” The second is this, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.”

Above all else, we are assured by Scripture that God is calling us to a intimate, or relationship of love with him. This truth may be helpful to keep in mind if we think of our faith as a “journey” – a journey that brings us closer to the heart of God. From the very beginning, we see a God of the Old Testa-ment wanting an intimate relationship with Adam and Eve, later with prophets, and finally, with Moses. This great figure had a personal and touching rela-tionship with God - “face to face” as Scripture puts it. This way of saying it in-dicates a profound intimacy with the relationship. Moses’ role was mediator; our role may be different, but we are called to be close to God.

What better time to embrace God’s love and fill our souls with it once again as Lent begins this month! As pastor, I warmly invite you to our Ash Wednesday evening service on February 26

th. It is a touching and moving

way to begin the journey of self-examination and ask ourselves where God’s love is alive in our spirit.

Warmest Regards,

Pastor Dave Widmer

The Pastor Nominating Committee has worked diligently to

develop a MIF (Ministry Information Form) in anticipation of

attracting candidates to the position of fulltime Solo Pastor at

Bethlehem Presbyterian Church. The committee spent time

with the congregation on January 12, explaining the elements of

the MIF and addressing questions.

The PNC is now in the process of reviewing applicants for

further evaluation. Excerpts of the MIF can be found on page 3.

Missing in photo are Bob and Greg.

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The Landolfi Family at the passing away of Rick’s father

Joy Ashfield

Bobby Negoescu

Don Trauger

Barbara Patterson

Owen, Mike and Priscilla Wallace’s nephew

Kevin Moodie, Timko’s friend

Daniel, Bob and Joan Schultz’s son

Mark Heacock, Chris’ nephew

Bob, Ed Allen’s brother

Doreen Dowling, Carrie Matis’ friend

Tom Kugler, Dan Weiss’ nephew

Kathy Kushner’s father, and brother John

Scott Heller, Son-in-law of Ferdie and June Paillex

Mike Lier

Betty, Aunt of Jane Weiss

Nancy Rossnagel, mother of Jill O’Neil

Craig Hodges, relative of Holly McDonald and Ginny Straub

Alan Van Camp, Eileen Kandl’s brother

Carl, Pattie and Jon Wolfson’s friend

Mike, Rhonda Witwer’s friend

Rob, Friend of the Fords

Mark Reeder, friend of Marsha Atkinson

The Genzel Family, cousins of Dan Weiss

Please use the Connection Card in the pew to make a prayer request or to remove a name from the prayer list.

Valentine Love From Beth the Church Mouse

CHURCH FINANCES

Isaiah 41:10, 13 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand … For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”

Our financial results for 2019 are now complete. Our operating budget showed a deficit of $40,026 which is about $1500 less favorable than our budget plan. Income was about $8500 below our expectations, and expenses were about $7600 less than budgeted. Adding the Steeple Cam-paign contributions, and using some restricted reserves for certain expenses, we still have a deficit of about $11,000.

The 2020 pledge campaign produced 39 commit-ments for a total of $116,344. Last year, we had 44 pledges for $118,900. Thank you for your support, but recognize that the budget still has a deficit of over $37,000. Please continue to prayerfully consider your commitment for 2020, and make or increase your pledge to support the work of Bethlehem Presbyterian Church.

Amount Budget Difference

Pledge Receipts $ 116,834 $118,900 $(2,066)

Total Income (w/o Steeple & Unbudgeted

Reserves) $163,008 $172,100 $(9,092)

Expenses $203,032 $210,636 $(7,604)

Difference $(40,026) $(38,536) $(1,490)

Our prayers go out to the family of

Marcia Pearson who passed away

on January 5th.

A celebration of life service was held at

Bethlehem Presbyterian Church

on January 11th.

On January 12th

The BPC Congregation

welcomed the

Baptismal Blessing of

Cameron Dennis Haughey

son of Michael and Ashley Haughey

A big THANK YOU to The snow angels who came out to complete the salting of the parking

lots & walks and removal of re-maining snow on sidewalks on

January 19th.

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EXCERPT FROM THE MINISTRY INFORMATION FORM (MIF) What is the congregation’s or organization’s vision for ministry? Bethlehem Presbyterian Church has a vision for spiritual ser-vice and deep community connections. Our church has long traditions of serving God and our community for over 280 years. We currently have three primary focal points: passionate spirituality, caring for the needs of our members, and impactful communi-ty outreach. We are a loving, caring congregation who are actively living our faith. Our traditional worship services are filled with the Scripture, teachings, liturgical messages and inspiring music. Members of the congregation assist in the Sunday service and serve God through our mission and outreach programs. We are also blessed to have an active Session that provides collabora-tive leadership to our Pastor and congregation. We support numerous community programs through our beautiful, well-maintained building. Finally, our vision of sharing the spirit of Jesus Christ lives through nurturing and caring for one another. Provide a description of the characteristics needed by the person who is open to being called to this congregation and or or-ganization. We are seeking a minister who is energized and emboldened by the Holy Spirit and utilizes sermons, fellowship, mu-sic and community outreach to engage the congregation and community at large. Most important is the ability to be genuine and connect with the congregation, providing sermons that are uplifting and relatable to today’s world. We are looking for a Pastor who is friendly, caring, welcoming, compassionate, understanding and motivated with strong leadership qualities who can work well with others as well as independently. We would be blessed to find a person who is grounded in the traditions of the church yet yearns to search for and create new solutions with the goal of spreading the gospel. What specific tasks, assignments, and program areas will this person have responsibility? Our new minister will work collabo-ratively with our Session leadership and numerous volunteers in our congregation to expand and foster new ideas for growth

Leading worship service & administering the sacraments,

Pastoral care, including home and hospital visits, officiating at weddings and funerals, and conducting worship services at Country Arch bi-monthly,

Supporting and/or leading education (as appropriate) in working with Christian Education (CE) for youth program and adult study, leading or supporting confirmation class and conducting new member’s classes when needed,

Moderate Session meetings and work collaboratively with Session, Deacons and Commissions to further the mis-sion of the church.

THE PNC GETS INPUT FROM THE CONGREGATION

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SHARING THEIR TALENTS

On the first Sunday after Christmas,

Bebe Sellers sang the favorite, “Mary

Did You Know?” for the offertory. It

was commented that Bebe’s rendition

caused one to focus on the words and

the true meaning

of the song.

The following Sunday, Epiphany

Sunday, the congre-

gation was treated to

the musically talent-

ed grandchildren of

Helene Cantilina, the

Music Director. Levi Cantilina (6),

played “Santa Lucia”

for the Prelude, Naomi

Cantilina (10), played

“Concertino in G” for the Offertory, and

Peter Cantilina (13), played “Rhapsody

Brillante” as the Postlude.

New to the Bell Choir is Reverend Ann

Holt. Rev. Holt is a retired Episcopalian

Priest who enjoys music, English mysteries and hiking.

She is a mother of 3, grandmother of 5,

great-grandmother of 2 and lives in

Clinton with he husband John and two

black cats. Reverend Holt plays key-

board with a group known as “Eight

Hands” It is our hope that one day, we

will enjoy the group here at BPC.

New to the Chancel Choir and the Bell

Choir is Ellen Jin, from South Korea.

Ellen lives in Clinton, loves music and

speaks three languages: Korean, Chi-

nese and English.

In the absence of Pastor Dave, Helen Hofgesang was the Lay Speaker on January 19th. Helen’s positive message was, “God IS Here.” It spoke of God’s continued love all around us.

THE ANNUAL CONGREGATION/

CORPORATION MEETING

The Session calls for the Annual Congregation/

Corporation Meeting of Bethlehem Presbyterian

Church at Pittstown, NJ to be held at the church on

February 16, 2020 following the Worship

Service.

The Elizabeth Presbytery is holding a special gath-ering, 2020 Equipping the Saints: Training, Con-nection and Inspiration on Saturday, February 8th at 8:30 AM—2:00 PM at the Metuchen Presbyterian Church. The opening presentation will be given by Rev. Deb Swift on “Change and What Lies Ahead for Congregations,” followed by afternoon workshops on Finance Resources, Cli-mate Crisis, Missions, Team Building, Digital Disci-ples and Presbyterian Women as well as Training sessions for Deacons, Elders, and Clerks of Ses-sion.

Register at www.equipping-the-saints.org. Cost is $15 for the day. Contact Marilyn Ford if you would like to car pool with the group that is going.

During the

“Children's Talk”,

Frank McDonald,

the Liturgist, Carrie

Matis and Eileen

Kwasnick joined

Loretta Calvet,

Payton and Brady

Matis in singing

“Hallelujah "with the

congregation.

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Bethlehem Presbyterian Women

OFFICERS FOR 2020

Moderators: Ann Bartlett Ginny Straub Vice Moderator: Helen Hofgesang Treasurer: Ginny Straub Recording Secretary: Judith Schick Corresponding Secretary: Helen Hofgesang

Memorial Event Coordinators: Darla Eschbach Ginny Straub Liaison to Presbyterian Women At Presbytery/ Synod: Patti Williamson Liaison to Session: Eleanor Buerstetta Liaison at Large: Helen Hofgesang

CALENDAR FOR 2020

FEBRUARY—SOUP SALE

MARCH—BPW COFFEE HOUR

APRIL—EGG HUNT

MAY—PULLED PORK DINNER

JUNE—FLAG DAY SING ALONG LUNCHEON JULY—SUMMER OFF

AUGUST—SUMMER OFF

SEPTEMBER—BPW COFFEE HOUR

OCTOBER—SOUP SALE

NOVEMBER—PULLED PORK DINNER

DECEMBER—COOKIE SALE

The BPW met on Thursday, January 9th to set their 2020 Agenda, over a delightful luncheon at Priscilla Wallace's house. In addition to their regular calendar activities, the ladies discussed decorating First Friday for St Patrick’s Day.

Pics by Buersetta

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Rhonda Witwer and her daughter Amanda, enjoyed the Macy’s Christmas Parade in NYC. They later went to St. Louis to spend time with their friend, Ruth Rader, beneath the St. Louis Arch.

The Fellowship Hour is the

opportunity to sit and chat

with each other following

the worship service. It is a

time to reflect on the music

or lesson of the morning.

It is a time to sit with friends and review the

activities of the week past or the week to come.

It is a time to discover those in need and to

offer support. It is a time to sit and enjoy a cup

of coffee with the mouthwatering delicacies

often donated by the host of the day. It is the

perfect way to end the morning.

Fellowship is successful when we all take turns

as host. Reserve your date in the sign-up book.

Chris Heacock proudly shares

her new granddaughter

Willow Heacock daughter of Craig and Lindsey

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FIRST FRIDAY

Refreshments generously provided by our sponsors: Sweet Melissa’s Patisserie, Black River Roasters,

and the ShopRite in Clinton

MUSIC, COMEDY, STORYTELLING AND MORE! 7:00 PM

PICS BY RHONDA

FEBRUARY 7TH

January Open Mic was a night to remember! Our featured artist Ed Jankiewicz played a set with one of the widest varieties of music we’ve heard yet at First Friday! Spanning decades and genres, Ed’s guitar and vocals had the audience spellbound. One of Jankiewicz’ unique skills is to cover numbers from even sizable bands, blending rhythm guitar, lead licks and a range of vocal styles to bring solemn, impassioned and crash-ing classics to life. In a rare example of Ed’s partner “opening for him”, the first set was performed by First Friday mainstay Thomas Johnston. Thomas’ repertoire ranged from crowd favorites, to some of his very early compositions, to music recently written for his upcoming fourth CD. This included his first songwriting collab-oration with son Stephen, “Caroline”. One staff member who has gotten to know Stephen over many First Fridays says she could "hear Stephen's voice in the lyrics." After what would already have been a full night of music, Ed and Thomas decided to stay on and sing together as the Coo Coo Ca Choo duo, surprising us all with a set of Simon & Garfunkel hits! With a band that regularly plays to sold out crowds here Central NJ/Delaware Valley, this was treasured treat! The audience sang along with some favorites, and we ended the night in high spirits!

In February’s Open Mic, First Friday will feature the young ensemble

“Victoria.” As part of a ‘community night’ theme we may outfit a room

next to the Fellowship Hall entrance for video game play. Come on out for

what promises to be another great show on Feb 7th, at 7pm!

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Featuring:

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Set up and take down Refreshments Registration of Performers Photography

FEBRUARY 7TH —7:00 PM

Family Promise Volunteers The next visit is scheduled for

April 26—May3rd

SEE YOU THEN!!

Get out your best soup recipe and

prepare for the BPW Winter Soup

Sale to be held on

FEBRUARY 9TH AFTER WORSHIP SERVICE.

Helen Hofgesang has a clip board, and she is

taking the names of those who would like to

showcase their favorite soup.

So see Helen, sign up, and join the

BPW during fellowship for the

winter soup sale.

To bring joy to the animals on a farm

in Belvidere.

WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF UPDATING OUR MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION FILES.

We would like the following current information on each member and friend. Please do not assume that information on file is current. NAME:

Address:

Land Line:

Cell Phone:

Email Address: Please complete a CURRENT INFORMATION CARD and leave in basket in the narthex or send information by email (bpchurchnj@gmail.com) before the end of February.

Scout Sunday At the Worship Service

on February 9th

Boy Scout Troop 119 (BPC’s Chartered Troop) will participate in the worship service. All scouts, boy or girl, and their leaders,

are invited to attend this service in their uniforms.

THE YOUNG ENSEMBLE

“VICTORIA”

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FEBRUARY 2020 LENT BEGINS—26th

DATE LITURGIST DEACON FELLOWSHIP HOSTS

FEBRUARY 2 FRANK MCDONALD EILEEN KWASNICK LINDA ALLEN

Communion Servers

FEBRUARY 9 TERRI ACOCELLA SUZANNE LANDOLFI SESSION FOR SCOUT SUNDAY

FEBRUARY 16 JILL O’NEIL TERRI ACOCELLA ANN WIDMER

FEBRUARY 23 ANN BARTLETT RHONDA WITWER

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1

Black History Month Begins

2 9:30AM Worship

10:30AM Fellowship

10:45AM Learning with Loretta

11:00AM Mission Ministry Meeting FAMILY PROMISE ENDS

3 1:00-Elizabeth Presbytery Consultation 7:00PM Boy Scouts

7:30PM Bell Choir

4 8:00 PM AA Meeting

5 12:00PM Bible and Spiritual Study

6:30PM Men’s Group Practice

6 10:30 AM BPW Meeting

11:15AM Gentle Exer-cise

1:30PM Chancel Choir

7 12:00PM AA Meeting 7:00 PM FIRST FRIDAY

8 1-3:00 PM Soup Drop Off

9 9:30AM Worship

10:30AM Fellowship 10:45AM Learning with Loretta

11:00 AM Soup Sale 11:15 AM Session Meeting

SCOUT SUNDAY

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1:00-Elizabeth Presbytery Consultation

3:00PM Adult Study Group

7:00PM Boy Scouts

7:30PM Bell Choir

11 8:00 PM AA Meeting

12 12:00PM Bible and Spiritual Study

6:30PM Men’s Group Practice

13 11:15AM Gentle Exer-cise

1:30PM Chancel Choir

14

12:00PM AA Meeting

VALENTINE’S DAY

15

16 9:30AM Worship

10:30AM Fellowship

10:45AM Learning with Loretta

CONGREGATION/CORPORTION

MEETING

17

1:00-Elizabeth Presbytery Consultation

7:00PM Boy Scouts

7:30PM Bell Choir

PRESIDENT’S DAY

18 8:00 PM AA Meeting

19 12:00PM Bible and Spiritual Study

6:30PM Men’s Group Practice

20 11:15AM Gentle Exer-cise

1:30PM Chancel Choir

Deadline for STAR Articles

21

12:00PM AA Meeting

22

23 9:30AM Worship

10:30AM Fellowship

10:45AM Learning with Loretta

24 11:00 AM Union township Seniors 1:00- Elizabeth Presbytery Consultation 7:00PM Boy Scouts

7:30PM Bell Choir

25 8:00PM AA Meeting

26 12:00PM Bible and Spiritual Study—observance of Ash Wednesday

6:30PM Men’s Group Practice

7:30 PM Ash Wednes-day Service

LENT BEGINS ASH WEDNESDAY

27 11:15AM Gentle Exer-cise

1:30PM Chancel Choir

28

12:00PM AA Meeting

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WORSHIP ASSIGNMENTS SCHEDULE

Jesus Loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so...

RICK LANDOLFI, CARRIE MATIS, FRANK MCDONALD AND HOLLY MCDONALD

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BETHLEHEM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

2 Race Street Pittstown, NJ 08867

Be a community of faithful believers who love the Lord Jesus

Christ and endeavor to live our lives as examples of that love.

Live with deep commitment to serving those in need in our

community and throughout the world by generously sharing

our time, talents and resources.

Glorify God and grow in our faith through: uplifting worship,

generous fellowship, and enthusiastic learning inspired by

scripture. Warmly welcome others to join us in our faith jour-

ney.

MISSION STATEMENT

Join us for Sunday Worship at 9:30 am.

Phone: (908) -735-5733

Email: bpchurchnj@gmail.com FAX: (908)-735-4312

Website: www.bethlehempc.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/

bethlehempc

Rev. David Widmer Interim Pastor

Helene Cantilina, Director of Music Alan Ford, Treasurer

THE BETHLEHEM STAR is a publication of the Bethlehem Presbyterian Church. For this edition the writers include Pastor Dave, Marilyn Ford, Mark Fresolone, Rick Landolfi, and Bebe Sellers; photography by Eleanor Buerstetta, Mark Fresolone, Chris Heacock, Bebe Sellers, Jeff Thorne, and Rhonda Witwer; editing by Marilyn Ford; typing and layout by Bebe Sellers.

THE Bethlehem star

Latest PNC information in this issue!