worship in december an evening of readings and carols a...

10
Worship in December Services at 8:30 and 11 am December 7 Second Sunday of Advent Comfort O Comfort My People, Says Your God December 14 Third Sunday of Advent He Has Sent Me to Bring Good News to the Oppressed December 21 Fourth Sunday of Advent Gree?ngs, favored one. The Lord is with you. Wednesday, December 24 Christmas Eve Services with Holy Communion and Candlelight 7:30 and 10 pm Thursday, December 25 Christmas Day One service with Holy Communion 10 am December 28 First Sunday of Christmas 10 am Upcoming Events December 3 Karlfried Froehlich Talk 12:30 pm For more InformaCon, see page 3 December 6 Sandy Recovery Work Day For more informaCon, see page 4 December 11 Book Group Christmas Party For more InformaCon, see page 3 December 14 Budget Discussion MeeCng Following both services December 19 Evening of Readings and Carols For more informaCon, see page 3 December 2014 An Evening of Readings and Carols A Community Celebration The arrival of December (actually, November 30) heralds in a brand new liturgical year in the church calendar. AOer celebra?ng Christ as King, we return to the season of Advent to focus on the coming of Christ to earth, the promise fulfilled. There is no denying that this is a ?me of great unrest in the church, at the local, na?onal, and interna?onal level. Recent trends for ‘mainline’ denomina?ons show us that, at the very least, aUendance is waning. Many ques?ons and thoughts persist: How does the church respond? What does this mean for the future of the church? How do we turn this recent trend around? What is the church’s role in 21 st century society? These ques?ons are as valid as they are unseUling. With the 500 th anniversary of the Reforma?on coming in 2017, it seems fi[ng that this is a ?me for the church to perform an intensive audit. In any case, it seems that the coming years will yield some changes in the church at all levels. Whether these changes are rela?vely small or paradigmshiOing is yet unknown. Many of these ques?ons are also being asked and addressed at Prince of Peace. What should our role be in Princeton Junc?on? How will God direct our ministry? How do we best u?lize our giOs and talents? Thankfully, we con?nue to have an ac?vely engaged congrega?on, dedicated lay leaders, and a strong leadership presence in Pastor Froehlke. I am sure that, through faithful prayer and discernment, our community of faith will con?nue to do God’s work with ‘our hands’ in a meaningful and theologically sound manner. One of our recent priori?es has been to create a beUer sense of community at Prince of Peace. With a split worship schedule on Sunday mornings, we some?mes feel like two different congrega?ons. It is highly important that we all feel a sense of home with a singular faith community rather than feeling isolated into ‘early service people’ and ‘late service people.’ The Consecra?on Sunday celebra?on was part of this priority to unite as one congrega?on. It was a highly successful Sunday of worship and fellowship. Another ac?on in this effort is our Confirma?on mentoring program. The first night of mentoring a few weeks ago proved to be thoughtprovoking and meaningful for both our Confirma?on students and their mentors. Evening of Readings and Carols Coming up in December, the Worship and Music team has come together to create a more allinclusive event to celebrate the season. On Friday night, December 19, at 7:30 pm, we will offer An Evening of Readings and Carols. This special event will bring together many of our music ensembles in an continued on page 6

Upload: others

Post on 04-Oct-2020

1 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Worship in December An Evening of Readings and Carols A ...popnj.org/PDF/Tidings/TidingsDecember2014.pdfWorship in December Services at 8:30 and 11 am December7 Second’Sunday’of’Advent

Worship in DecemberServices at 8:30 and 11 am

December  7Second  Sunday  of  Advent

Comfort  O  Comfort  My  People,Says  Your  GodDecember  14

Third  Sunday  of  AdventHe  Has  Sent  Me  to  Bring  Good  News

to  the  OppressedDecember  21

Fourth  Sunday  of  AdventGree?ngs,  favored  one.The  Lord  is  with  you.

Wednesday,  December  24Christmas  Eve

Services  with  Holy  Communionand  Candlelight7:30  and  10  pm

Thursday,  December  25Christmas  Day

One  service  with  Holy  Communion10  am

December  28First  Sunday  of  Christmas

10  am

Upcoming EventsDecember  3

Karlfried  Froehlich  Talk12:30  pm

For  more  InformaCon,  see  page  3

December  6Sandy  Recovery  Work  DayFor  more  informaCon,  see  page  4

December  11Book  Group  Christmas  PartyFor  more  InformaCon,  see  page  3

December  14Budget  Discussion  MeeCngFollowing  both  services

December  19Evening  of  Readings  and  Carols

For  more  informaCon,  see  page  3

December 2014

An Evening of Readings and CarolsA Community Celebration

The  arrival  of  December  (actually,  November  30)  heralds  in  a  brand  new  liturgical  year  in  the  church  calendar.  AOer  celebra?ng  Christ  as  King,  we  return  to  the  season  of  Advent  to  focus  on  the  coming  of  Christ  to  earth,  the  promise  fulfilled.

There  is  no  denying  that  this  is  a  ?me  of  great  unrest  in  the  church,  at  the  local,  na?onal,  and  interna?onal  level.  Recent  trends  for  ‘mainline’  denomina?ons  show  us  that,  at  the  very  least,  aUendance  is  waning.  Many  ques?ons  and  thoughts  persist:  How  does  the  church  respond?  What  does  this  mean  for  the  future  of  the  church?  How  do  we  turn  this  recent  trend  around?  What  is  the  church’s  role  in  21st  century  society?

These  ques?ons  are  as  valid  as  they  are  unseUling.  With  the  500th  anniversary  of  the  Reforma?on  coming  in  2017,  it  seems  fi[ng  that  this  is  a  ?me  for  the  church  to  perform  an  intensive  audit.  In  any  case,  it  seems  that  the  coming  years  will  yield  some  changes  in  the  church  at  all  levels.  Whether  these  changes  are  rela?vely  small  or  paradigm-­‐shiOing  is  yet  unknown.

Many  of  these  ques?ons  are  also  being  asked  and  addressed  at  Prince  of  Peace.  What  should  our  role  be  in  Princeton  Junc?on?  How  will  God  direct  our  ministry?  How  do  we  best  u?lize  our  giOs  and  talents?  Thankfully,  we  con?nue  to  have  an  ac?vely  engaged  congrega?on,  dedicated  lay  leaders,  and  a  strong  leadership  presence  in  Pastor  Froehlke.  I  am  sure  that,  through  faithful  prayer  and  discernment,  our  community  of  faith  will  con?nue  to  do  God’s  work  with  ‘our  hands’  in  a  meaningful  and  theologically  sound  manner.

One  of  our  recent  priori?es  has  been  to  create  a  beUer  sense  of  community  at  Prince  of  Peace.  With  a  split  worship  schedule  on  Sunday  mornings,  we  some?mes  feel  like  two  different  congrega?ons.  It  is  highly  important  that  we  all  feel  a  sense  of  home  with  a  singular  faith  community  rather  than  feeling  isolated  into  ‘early  service  people’  and  ‘late  service  people.’  

The  Consecra?on  Sunday  celebra?on  was  part  of  this  priority  to  unite  as  one  congrega?on.  It  was  a  highly  successful  Sunday  of  worship  and  fellowship.  Another  ac?on  in  this  effort  is  our  Confirma?on  mentoring  program.  The  first  night  of  mentoring  a  few  weeks  ago  proved  to  be  thought-­‐provoking  and  meaningful  for  both  our  Confirma?on  students  and  their  mentors.

Evening of Readings and CarolsComing  up  in  December,  the  Worship  and  Music  team  has  come  together  

to  create  a  more  all-­‐inclusive  event  to  celebrate  the  season.  On  Friday  night,  December  19,  at  7:30  pm,  we  will  offer  An  Evening  of  Readings  and  Carols.  This  special  event  will  bring  together  many  of  our  music  ensembles  in  an  

continued on page 6

Page 2: Worship in December An Evening of Readings and Carols A ...popnj.org/PDF/Tidings/TidingsDecember2014.pdfWorship in December Services at 8:30 and 11 am December7 Second’Sunday’of’Advent

Tidings,  the  newsleUer  of  Prince  of  Peace  Lutheran  Church,  is  published  monthly.    Ar?cles,  story  ideas,  and  comments  can  be  emailed  to  [email protected]  for  the  December  issue  is  Sunday,  December  21st

Staff and Officers of Prince of PeaceRev.  Peter  Froehlke,  Pastor

Dr.  Doug  Helvering,  Minister  of  MusicVictoria  Chow-­‐Torres,  Church  MusicianKathy  Nowak,  Parish  Administrator

Wendy  Schutzer,  Cherry  Tree  Club  DirectorEric  Jorgensen,  Treasurer

Dorothy  Safranek,  Financial  Secretary

Congregational CouncilBob  Durie,  President

Steve  Bromberg,  Vice  PresidentDavid  New,  Secretary  (non-­‐vo?ng)Lois  Case  (Communica?ons,  Garden)Josh  Grim  (Wonderful  Wednesdays)  

Brandi  Hebert  (Stewardship)James  Kisthardt  (Worship)

Kathy  Morris  (Social  Outreach)Peter  Perkuhn  (Chris?an  Educa?on)

Allison  Safranek  (Youth)Rob  Singley  (Property)

Newman  Wilson  (Digital  Team)Martha  Winder  (Parish  Care)

- 2 -

Thoughts from Pastor Froehlke Upon the Death of His Father

Worship Ensemble Schedule                          8:30  am                        11  amDecember  7     Adult  Choir       Celebra?on  RingersDecember  14   Doug  Helvering     Adult  ChoirDecember  21   Adult  Choir       Kids  of  the  Kingdom         Nigh?ngale  Bells   Joyful  Noise                     Chimes  of  Worship

December  24Adult  Choir

       Nigh?ngale  BellsDecember  25

No  Ensembles  (single  service)December  28

No  Ensembles  (single  service)    

In  light  of  my  father's  death  my  first  word  to  the  congrega?on  needs  to  be  thank  you.  As  you  know,  the  fall  is  incredibly  busy  especially  with  our  stewardship  emphasis.  Given  our  financial  challenges,  our  stewardship  emphasis  took  on  added  importance  and,  in  some  ways,  became  all  consuming.    

My  father's  death,  however,  interrupted  everything  and  put  it  all  in  perspec?ve.  I  want  to  thank  Prince  of  Peace  for  allowing  the  interrup?on  to  take  place  only  with  your  support.  The  congrega?on  responded  with  rides  to  the  airport,  food,  flowers  delivered,  condolences  sent  either  through  email  or  cards,  rescheduled  mee?ngs;  but  I  most  appreciated  the  giO  of  ?me  you  extended  for  me  to  grieve  and  tend  to  the  needs  of  family.      

In  his  sympathy  card,  a  good  friend  included  the  following  leUer  that  Ben  Franklin  wrote  to  the  fiancée  of  his  brother  upon  his  brother's  death.  I  found  comfort  in  his  words.

Philadelphia,  Pennsylvania                                        February  23,  1776

Dear  Miss  Hubbard,

I  console  with  you.  We  have  lost  a  most  dear  relaCon.  But  it  is  the  will  of  God  and  nature  that  these  mortal  bodies  be  laid  aside  when  the  soul  is  to  enter  real  life.  A  man  is  not  completely  born  unCl  he  is  dead.  Why  then,  should  we  grieve  that  a  new  child  is  born  among  immortals?

We  are  spirits.  That  bodies  should    be  lent  us  while  they  can  afford  us  pleasure,  assist  us  in  acquiring  knowledge,  or  in  doing  good  to  our  fellow-­‐creatures,  is  a  kind  and  benevolent  act  of  God.  When  they  become  unfit  for  these  purposes  and  afford  us  pain  instead  of  pleasure,  instead  of  an  aid  become  an  encumbrance,  and  answer  none  of  the  intenCons  for  which  they  were  given;  it  is  equally  kindly  benevolent  that  a  way  be  provided  by  which  we  may  get  rid  of  them.  Death  is  that  way.  We  ourselves,  in  some  cases,  prudently  choose  a  parCal  death.  A  mangled  limb  which  cannot  be  restored,  we  willingly  cut  off.  He  who  plucks  out  a  tooth  parts  with  it  freely,  since  the  pain  goes  with  it.  And  he  who  quits  the  whole  body  parts  at  once  with  all  pains  and  disease  which  it  was  liable  to  or  capable  of  making  him  suffer.

Our  friend  and  we  were  invited  abroad  on  a  party  of  pleasure  which  is  to  last  forever.  His  chair  was  ready  first  and  he  is  gone  before  us.  We  could  not  all  conveniently  start  together,  and  why  should  you  and  I  be  grieved  at  this,  since  we  are  soon  to  follow  and  know  where  to  find  him?

Adieu,  Ben

Page 3: Worship in December An Evening of Readings and Carols A ...popnj.org/PDF/Tidings/TidingsDecember2014.pdfWorship in December Services at 8:30 and 11 am December7 Second’Sunday’of’Advent

- 3 -

Book Group NewsChristmas Party December 11, 6:00 pm

At  the  home  of  Anne  Pa[erson8  Greenfield  Drive  SouthPrinceton  Junc?on  NJ

RSVP  to  [email protected]  or  609-­‐799-­‐8849    

January 8th, 7:30 pmat  the  home  of  Phyllis  Church

11  Princeton  PlacePrinceton  Junc?on,  NJ

RSVP  to  [email protected]  or  609-­‐799-­‐1793 

Silver Star by Jeannette Walls

When  CharloUe  Holliday,  a  single  mother  and  wanabee  folk  singer,  abandons  her  two  young  daughters,  the  police  somehow  find  out  about  it.  Rather  than  be  sent  into  foster  care,  however,  Liz  (15)  and  ‘Bean’  (12)  flee  California  and  finally  end  up  at  the  doorstep  of  their  only  rela?ve,  Uncle  Tinsley,  a  man  they  

have  never  met  before.  The  unlikely  trio  learn  to  get  along,  but  fi[ng  into  their  uncle's  small  southern  town  proves  harder.

The Book Group meets at 7:30 pm on the second Thursday of each month unless otherwise noted. New members welcome at any time.

Karlfried Froehlich To Talk on December 3The  Chris?an  Focus  group  is  pleased  to  announce  that  on  Wednesday,  December  3rd,    Karlfried  Froelich  will  be  presen?ng    a  sequel  to  the  session  on  Biblical  Number  Symbolism  focusing  this  ?me  on  art  and  architecture.  The  lecture  

will  take  place  at  12:30  pm  in  the  lounge.    Refreshments  will  be  served  at  its  conclusion.  

Karlfried  describes  the  content  of  the  lecture  as    follows:

This  sequel  to  the  session  on  Biblical  Number  Symbolism  will  explore  the  applica?on  in  tradi?onal  Chris?an  art  of  the  early  centuries,  especially  in  architecture  and  pain?ng.  We  will  spend  most  of  our  ?me  trying  to  unravel  the  mystery  of  the  painted  ceiling  in  a  small  village  church  at  Zillis,  Switzerland,  which  has  puzzled  interpreters  for  centuries.  I  will  argue  that,  in  order  to  understand  its  message,  we  have  to  consider  the  symbolism  of  the  numbers  involved.

Karlfried  Froehlich  is  the  Benjamin  B.  Warfield  Professor  of  Ecclesias?cal  History  Emeritus  of  Princeton  Theological  Seminary.

Learning to Walk in the DarkAdult Class, Sundays at 9:45 am

Join  the  adult  class  in  Advent  and  explore  Barbara  Brown  Taylor's  bestselling  book  Learning  to  Walk  in  the  Dark.

Usually  people  try  to  avoid  darkness.  We're  taught  darkness  is  evil,  spooky,  confusing,  or  depressing.  But  Taylor  says  that  she  has  learned  things  in  the  dark  that  she  could  never  have  learned  in  the  light.

Learning  to  walk  in  the  dark  is  a  spiritual  skill  that  helps  us  navigate  the  moods  of  the  soul.    The  adult  class  meets  in  the  lounge  outside  of  the  sanctuary  at  9:45.

December  7   Hampered  by  BrillianceDecember  14   The  Dark  Night  of  the  SoulDecember  21   Learning  to  Walk  in  the  Dark

New Popchurch Group Email AddressEffective December 15

As  of  December  15th,  Prince  of  Peace  will  discon?nue  its  use  of  Yahoo  Groups  as  its  means  of  broadcast  email  to  church  members.  

From  this  date  forward  if  you  wish  to  email  everyone  in  POP,  please  address  your  email  to  [email protected].  

If  you  are  not  on  the  church’s  email  list  and  would  like  to  be,  please  email  Kathy  Nowak  at  [email protected].

An Evening of Readings and CarolsJoin  the  Prince  of  Peace  community  on  Friday,  

December  19th  at  7:00  p.m.  for  An  Evening  of  Readings  and  Carols.

This  year,  the  children,  youth  and  adult  vocal  and  bell  choirs  of  Prince  of  Peace  are  all  collabora?ng  to  tell  the  Na?vity  story  through  an  inspiring  selec?on  of  readings  from  the  Bible  interspersed  with  special  arrangements  of  tradi?onal  Christmas  hymns  and  carols.  

We  look  forward  to  sharing  the  story  of  our  Savior’s  birth  in  word  and  song  with  the  en?re  congrega?on.  All  are  welcome.

Use the form on page 10 to order Christmas poinsettias, a great way to honor a loved one

and add a festive spirit to the Christmas services.

Page 4: Worship in December An Evening of Readings and Carols A ...popnj.org/PDF/Tidings/TidingsDecember2014.pdfWorship in December Services at 8:30 and 11 am December7 Second’Sunday’of’Advent

AOer  two  years,  many  families  s?ll  are  not  back  in  their  homes  or  ge[ng  the  help  they  s?ll  need  to  recover  from  the  devasta?on  in  New  Jersey  caused  by  Superstorm  Sandy.  Lutheran  Disaster  Relief  partners  with  other  nonprofit  organiza?ons  to  coordinate  volunteers  and  meet  the  needs  of  the  many  vic?ms  by  organizing  monthly  Hand  in  Hand  Work  Days  in  a  different  New  Jersey  community  each  month.  The  December  work  day  will  happen  on  Saturday  the  6th,  when  volunteers  of  all  ages  and  backgrounds  gather  in  Sea  Bright  to  help  recovery  efforts  there.

Children  and  teens  can  come  with  a  parent  or  chaperones  (for  scouts  or  a  club).  Bring  a  friend  or  family  member  who  would  like  to  help;  no  church  membership  is  necessary,  just  a  desire  to  help  others  working  Hand  in  Hand.  If  you're  available,  please  read  on!

The  typical  general  plan  is  everyone  meets  at  a  specified  rally  point  (TBA)  about  9  am;  tasks  for  the  day  are  discussed  and  volunteers  are  divided  up  to  go  to  different  sites  for  a  variety  of  jobs  (mostly  unskilled  so  you  don't  have  to  worry  -­‐  there  will  be  something  you  can  do!).  

 I've  been  there  when  they  did  jobs  like  moving  furniture  and  belongings  back  into  a  renovated  house  or  out  of  one  just  ge[ng  started;  organizing  or  se[ng  up  the  rebuilt  or  renovated  house  for  a  disabled  resident;  pu[ng  up  wallboards;  spackling  walls;  pain?ng;  pu[ng  down  a  floor;  sanding  or  finishing  floors;  various  rebuilding  or  renova?on  jobs  with  someone  who  knows  what  to  do;  cleaning  homes  before  or  aOer  construc?on;  yardwork;  building  bunk  beds  or  shelters  for  volunteers  coming  from  out  of  state;  stocking  or  organizing  food  bank  dona?ons  or  serving  at  a  food  pantry;  some?mes  even  finishing  jobs  leO  undone  by  contrac?ng  scams  or  canvassing  neighborhoods  to  find  those  s?ll  in  need,  etc.

Be  flexible  and  hear  what  needs  to  be  done  that  morning.  Dress  in  layers  for  indoor  or  outdoor  work.  Bring  a  bag  lunch  to  eat  when  your  group  takes  a  break  (either  at  the  site  or  at  the  rally  point).  You  may  even  work  at  two  sites  that  day.  Return  to  the  rally  point  usually  2:30  or  so  for  a  debriefing  and  safety  check  and  leave  Sea  Bright  about  3  pm.

Special Notes1)  If  you  are  bringing  children,  please  let  me  know  

their  ages  so  the  organizers  can  find  appropriate  tasks.

2)    If  you  are  willing  to  do  hazmat,  such  as  mold  removal  with  guidance  and  protec?ve  clothing,  or  if  you  have  a  par?cular  skill  to  offer,  let  me  know  so  that  can  be  arranged  if  the  need  is  known.

What  the  organiza?ons  plan/commit  to  for  that  day  is  dependent  on  how  many  people/what  ages  or  skills  sign  up,  so  for  that  reason,  please  let  me  know  as  soon  as  possible  if  you  plan  to  come,  though  a  few  extra  hands  are  never  turned  away!  

The  mee?ng  place  is  s?ll  to  be  announced,  so  send  me  your  contact  informa?on  (email  and  cell  phone  if  applicable)  and  you'll  be  contacted  with  final  details  and  necessary  safety  waivers  or  permission  slips  for  those  under  18.  Carpooling  can  be  arranged,  or  you  can  choose  to  meet  us  there.

If  you  can’t  come  December  6th  but  would  like  to  help  in  the  future,  there  are  work  days  every  month.  Let  me  know  so  you  can  get  no?fied.

Please  help  those  less  fortunate  than  we  are  and  give  Sea  Bright  residents  hope  this  season.  

My  cell  is  609-­‐273-­‐1239  if  you  have  other  ques?ons  or  need  to  reach  me  that  day.

Working  Hand  in  Hand  to  do  God’s  work,Nancy  Reyes,  Prince  of  Peace  Sandy  Recovery  

Coordinator

Update on Superstorm Sandy Relief Efforts and How to HelpWorkday Scheduled for December 6

- 4 -

Page 5: Worship in December An Evening of Readings and Carols A ...popnj.org/PDF/Tidings/TidingsDecember2014.pdfWorship in December Services at 8:30 and 11 am December7 Second’Sunday’of’Advent

- 5 -

Advent Giving Tree andGifts for Specific Children

Served by LSM/NJ Advent,  the  ?me  of  prepara?on  for  the  coming  of  

God's  most  precious  giO,  our  Lord  and  Savior  Jesus  Christ,  brings  us  opportuni?es  to  share  giOs  with  persons  who  are  served  by  Lutheran  Social  Ministries  of  NJ  (LSM/NJ)  and  children  and  families  of  the  Cherry  Tree  Club.  

Once  again,  the  Advent  Giving  Tree  will  be  in  the  Gathering  Area,  beginning  on  November  30,  decorated  with  many  stars,  each  naming  an  item  to  share  with  someone.  

This  year,  LSM/NJ  has  expanded  the  requests  to  include  adults  in  their  care  who  are  senior  ci?zens  living  in  affordable  housing  or  homeless  shelters,  and  the  developmentally  disabled,  in  addi?on  to  children.  

New Luggage Requested for Homeless ChildrenThey  also  are  reques?ng  new  luggage  for  children  of  

all  ages  who  are  in  foster  care.  Many  of  these  children  have  nothing  but  garbage  or  grocery  bags  to  carry  their  belongings  in  from  one  placement  to  the  next.  Sugges?ons  are  new  duffle  bags,  carry-­‐ons,  and  suitcases.  

The Giving TreeThe  stars  on  the  Giving  Tree  will  reflect  some  of  these  

requests.  Simply  remove  a  star  or  stars,  replace  with  a  snowflake,  purchase  the  giO(s),  and  place  (unwrapped)  under  the  tree.  A  receptacle  will  be  available  for  you  to  return  the  star,  or  you  may  place  it  on  your  own  tree.  December  14  is  the  last  day  to  bring  your  giOs,  as  Lutheran  Social  Ministries  of  NJ  will  be  picking  theirs  up  that  week.  

Specific Wish ListLSM/NJ  is  also  providing  a  specific  wish  list  from  20  

children  in  their  care.  This  list  will  be  posted  in  the  Gathering  Area  with  a  sign-­‐up  sheet.  If  you  would  like  to  provide  the  desired  giO(s)  for  one  of  the  children,  sign  the  sheet,  purchase  the  giO,  put  the  child's  name  on  the  package,and  place  it,  unwrapped,  in  the  box  provided.

LSM/NJ  would  also  appreciate  dona?ons  of  wrapping  paper,  bows,  tape,  giO  bags,  etc.  Those  items  may  be  placed  in  the  box,  as  well.

The deadline for all all gifts is December 14.Thank  you  so  much  for  being  a  part  of  these  giving,  

giOing,  sharing  opportuni?es.  As  you  have  done  it  to  one  of  the  least  of  them...  

AppreciaCvely,  the  Social  Outreach  Team

Council ClipppingsThe  Oct  Council  mee?ng  was  held  on  Tuesday  

November  18th  at  7:30  pm.  Highlights  included:• Council  reviewed  the  financial  report  

from  our  Treasurer  Eric  Jorgensen.    Giving  during  the  last  two  months  has  fallen  below  projected  levels.  In  addi?on,  while  many  families  have  increased  their  level  of  giving  this  year,  the  aggregate  results  of  the  stewardship  campaign  are  projec?ng  numbers  to  fall  short  of  what  is  needed  to  con?nue  to  support  our  current  level  of  expenditures.    Council  will  be  communica?ng  more  detailed  informa?on  on  our  fiscal  challenges  in  the  weeks  ahead;  please  stay  tuned.

• Council  reviewed  final  prepara?ons  for  its  Day  of  Discernment  to  discuss  future  possibili?es  for  Prince  of  Peace  during  a  half  day  retreat  on  Saturday  November  22nd.

• Council  expressed  its  apprecia?on  for  the  efforts  of  all  involved  in  this  year’s  stewardship  campaign.  Special  thanks  were  given  to  Michelle  and  Michael  Conk  and  others  who  prepared  the  wonderful  luncheon  on  Celebra?on  Sunday.

The  next  Council  mee?ng  is  Tuesday,  December  16th  at  7:30  p.m.  All  Prince  of  Peace  disciples  are  welcome  to  aUend.        Bob  Durie,  Council  President

December TASK Donation isStarkist Chicken or Tuna Salad and CrackersThe  Social  Outreach  team  has  designated  

Starkist  chicken  or  tuna  salad  and  crackers  as  the  contribu?on  of  the  month  for  the  Trenton  Area  Soup  Kitchen  (TASK).    Dona?ons  can  be  placed  in  the  wooden  box  in  the  breezeway.

Every  year,  volunteers  help  the  TASK  staff  serve  more  than  3500  meals.  Children  receive  breakfast  bags  in  addi?on  to  a  hot  meal.  TASK  also  provides  a  tutoring  program  for  adults.

For  more  informa?on  about  TASK  programs  and  how  to  volunteer,  visit  

www.trentonareasoupkitchen.org.

Page 6: Worship in December An Evening of Readings and Carols A ...popnj.org/PDF/Tidings/TidingsDecember2014.pdfWorship in December Services at 8:30 and 11 am December7 Second’Sunday’of’Advent

How  can  you  and  your  family  keep  Christ  in  Christmas?  One  way  is  through  spiritually  upliOing  Chris?an  concerts.  The  Community  Chris?an  Choir  (including  a  children's  choir  with  various  groups  for  children  from  Kindergarten  through  HS)  would  love  to  perform  for  you  while  raising  money  for  local  chari?es.  

When  our  family  was  part  of  the  choir,  it  was  a  highlight  of  our  lives  and  helped  us  reach  out  to  others  without  necessarily  bringing  them  to  a  worship  service,  and  now  many  years  later  we  s?ll  aUend  each  season.  

Concerts  start  November  30.  See  schedule  and  loca?ons  below  or  go  to  the  CCC  website  at  community-­‐chris?an-­‐choir-­‐choir-­‐music-­‐ministry.eggzack.com  to  find  out  more.

Miracle of Peace Concert ScheduleSunday,  November  30,  3  pm

Robbinsville  Seventh  Day  Adven?st  Church2314  State  Hwy  33,  Robbinsville,  NJ

Benefit:  WomanSpace  Sunday,  November  30,  6  pm

Robbinsville  Seventh  Day  Adven?st  Church2314  State  Hwy  33,  Robbinsville,  NJ  08691

Benefit:  One  Simple  Wish  Saturday  December  6,  7  pmJackson  Liberty  High  School

125  North  Hope  Chapel  Road,  Jackson,  NJ  08527Benefit:  One  Life  to  Love

 Friday  December  12,  7:30  pmSt.  Charles  Boromeo  RC  Church

2500  Branch  Pike,  Cinnaminson,  NJ  08077Benefit:  Missionary  Childhood  AssociaCon

&  the  St.  Charles  Borromeo  Holy  Name  Society

Concert Recommendation from Nancy Reyes

- 6 -

intergenera?onal  celebra?on  of  the  season.  Since  I  came  to  Prince  of  Peace  in  2009,  we  have  not  had  such  an  event  that  brings  young  and  old  together.  

We  are  greatly  excited  about  this  service,  which  will  tell  the  Advent  and  Christmas  story  through  songs,  readings,  and  hymns.  I  want  to  personally  invite  you  to  aUend,  and  to  invite  your  friends  and  family  to  also  aUend.  This  will  be  a  ?me  to  breathe  and  focus  on  the  story  that  brings  us  hope  during  this  ?me  of  uncertainty.  The  worship  and  music  leaders  and  par?cipants  can  prepare  the  music,  but  we  need  the  congrega?on  there  to  make  the  service  special.  Please  make  plans  to  be  at  Prince  of  Peace  not  only  on  

Sundays  and  at  Christmas  in  December,  but  also  for  this  ‘all-­‐community’  worship  event.  

From  myself,  I  want  to  personally  thank  Kate  Chen  for  her  work  with  our  young  musicians,  Pastor  Froehlke  for  his  pastoral  leadership,  the  council  for  their  con?nued  support,  and  the  en?re  congrega?on  for  all  the  liUle  things  that  are  done  every  week  to  make  Prince  of  Peace  a  special  faith  community.  Have  a  wonderful  Advent  and  a  very  Merry  Christmas!

             Peace,  Doug  Helvering,  Minister  of  Music

Evening of Readings and Carols (continued from page 1)

Page 7: Worship in December An Evening of Readings and Carols A ...popnj.org/PDF/Tidings/TidingsDecember2014.pdfWorship in December Services at 8:30 and 11 am December7 Second’Sunday’of’Advent

- 7 -

Parish Care UpdateAs Advent begins and we prepare for the Christmas Season . . .During  the  advent  and  Christmas  seasons,  we  think  of  and  

spend  ?me  with  our  families.  Some  members  of  our  church  family  may  appreciate  a  liUle  extra  care  during  this  ?me.  If  you  are  able  to  share  a  liUle  ?me,  make  a  call,  deliver  some  holiday  cheer,  assist  a  member  with  some  holiday  tasks,  read  a  Bible  story  or  say  a  prayer  with  a  member  of  our  church  family,  please  let  the  Parish  Care  team  know;  we  can  provide  details.

Care  Notes  are  available  in  the  gathering  area.  Please  take,  read,  and  pass  along  to  another  as  needed.  Many  thanks  to  Ginger  Reierson  for  helping  to  keep  the  display  organized  and  current.

Current Needed Transportation Opportunities1.    Rides  to  and  from  the  Princeton  Junc?on  train  sta?on  and  the  church.  In  the  morning  around  7:30  am.  If  you  can  add  a  few  minutes  to  your  go-­‐to-­‐work  commute  and  help  get  a  CTC  teacher  safely  to  the  church,  please  let  us  know.  Especially  now  that  the  weather  is  ge[ng  colder.2.    Sunday  transporta?on  to  and  from  the  11  am  church  service  from  the  Monroe/Clearbrook  area.

Cookie of the MonthWe  are  looking  for  folks  to  bake  one  batch  of  cookies.  We  

will  then  have  cookies  delivered  to  our  homebound  members.  If  you  can  bake  and  deliver  or  bake  or  deliver,  let  us  know  so  we  can  start  our  ministry.

Advent CalendarsThe  Advent  Calendars  to  our  young  adults  are  in  the  mail.  

Many  thanks  to  the  families  that  provided  addresses.Valentine Care Packages

Our  next  big  project  is  the  annual  shipment  of  Valen?ne  Day  Care  Packages  to  our  young  adults  away  at  school  and  in  the  military.  Watch  for  the  details  in  the  gathering  area  in  January  2015.  We  will  need  lots  of  dona?ons  -­‐  baked  goodies,  school  supplies,  snacks,  dollars  for  shipping,  and  current  addresses  to  fill  and  send  our  POP  care  boxes.  We  are  planning  on  filling  at  least  thirty  boxes  this  year!  Please  check  with  us  to  make  sure  we  have  a  current  year  address  for  shipping.  (When  all  are  home  for  Christmas  is  a  great  ?me  to  get  an  address.)  The  deadline  for  ge[ng  addresses  to  us  is  January  15,  2015.  Packing  and  shipping  will  be  early  February  2015.  Look  for  the  details  in  the  gathering  area.

We are always in need of folks willing to help with transportation, providing a meal, making a few phone calls, assisting with monthly mailings, and helping with other ways of caring. If you can assist in any of these areas, please let us know. We are trying to update our list.

Martha  Winder  ([email protected])

Stewardship: Continuing theYear of Having an Attitude of GratitudeOn  November  9  the  formal  Stewardship  month  

concluded  with  Consecra?on  Sunday.    Es?mate  of  Giving  cards  were  prayerfully  filled  out  and    brought  to  the  altar  and  we  celebrated  with  a  wonderful  congrega?onal  brunch  aOer  the  service.  It  was  a  very  upliOing  day  where  we  could  answer  the  ques?on  of  What  is  God  asking  me  to  do.      

This  has  been  a  journey  in  learning  how  to  grow  our  spiritual  rela?onship  with  God.    Throughout  the  month  we  had  opportuni?es  to  see  how  to  grow  our  rela?onship  with  God,  learn  what  Chris?an  Stewardship  means  and  how  to  share  our  giOs  with  God's  church.  Ul?mately  helping  to  answer  the  ques?on  of  What  is  God  asking  me  to  do.

From  the  gathering  of  our  giOs,  a  2015  spending  plan  will  be  put  together  for  our  church's  missions.

We  were  glad  to  see  so  many  Joyful  Disciples  in  church  on  Consecra?on  Sunday  and  for  the  responses  received  that  day.  If  you  were  not  able  to  be  there  and  would  like  to  share  your  giOs  with  God's  church,  please  let  the  church  office  know  immediately.  An  es?mate  of  giving  card  will  be  delivered  to  you.  It  is  through  all  our  giOs  that  our  spending  plan  for  2015  will  be  developed.

Thus  far  we  have  59  families  submi[ng  es?mate  of  giving  cards.  There  were  13  new  pledges  along  with  36  families  increasing  their  giving  for  2015,  all  showing  their  Actude  of  GraCtude  to  God's  church.

Please  let  us  know  if  you  have  any  ques?ons  about  our  Stewardship  program.  

The  Stewardship  TeamTim  Urbanek,  Martha  Winder

What is Christian Stewardship?Some answers posted in the narthex ...

✦    It  is  sharing  the  talents  and  giOs  God  gave  you  with  others✦    moving  toward  a  ?the✦    Feeding  the  hungry✦    taking  care  of  the  altar✦    Stewardship  is  what  happens  aOer  I  say  ‘I  Believe’✦    caring  for  neighbors✦    Helping,  sharing  with  the  amazing  people  we  get  to  know  and  love✦    cleaning    out  the  coffee  pot✦    Caring  for  God's  giOs

Page 8: Worship in December An Evening of Readings and Carols A ...popnj.org/PDF/Tidings/TidingsDecember2014.pdfWorship in December Services at 8:30 and 11 am December7 Second’Sunday’of’Advent

- 8 -

Would  you  be  willing  to  donate  say  .  .  .  a    mul?ple  of  any  one  item  .  .  .  to  be  included  in  the  Family  GiO  Baskets  which  will  be  given  to  our  Cherry  Tree  Club  families  this  holiday  season?    

For  the  past  several  years,  the  CTC  has  given  each  family  a  Holiday  Gid  Basket  at  Christmas.  The  basket  is  made  up  of  dona?ons  which  are  collected  from  volunteers,  church  members,  community  groups,  etc.

In  past  years,  we  have  bought  laundry  baskets,  lined  them  with  preUy  quilts  and  fleece  blankets,  and  filled  the  baskets  with  everything  from  toiletries  to  food  to  giO  cer?ficates,  items  that  every  family  can  use.

If  you  would  like  to  donate  an  item  to  be  included  in  every  CTC  family’s  giO  basket,  here  are  a  few  important  details:

• Whatever  item  you  decide  to  donate,  we  need  as  many  as  we  have  families.    For  example,  we  currently  have  26  families,  so  we  need  26  of  the  item  you  choose  to  donate.

• Some  popular  dona?on  ideas  can  be  found  on  the  aUached  list.  But  don’t  let  this  list  squelch  your  crea?vity!    Any  item  that  a  family  can  use  is  much  appreciated.

• If  you  would  like  to  make  a  dona?on  to  the  baskets,  please  indicate  the  item  you  would  like  to  donate  on  the  sign-­‐up  sheet  in  the  Gathering  Area  at  POP.    You  may  want  to    make  sure  that  no  one  else  is  donaCng  that  item,  as  well.

• Dona?ons  to  the  giO  baskets  are  welcome  by  December  19.    We  will  be  assembling  the  baskets  and  delivering  them  to  the  families  star?ng  December  22.

Family Gift Baskets at The Cherry Tree Club

Some Christmas Family BasketDonation Ideas ... But Be Creative!

Household Items-­‐ Pens/pencils-­‐ Notepads-­‐ Calendars-­‐ Umbrellas-­‐ Picture  Frames-­‐ and  ...  !

Toiletries-­‐ Toothbrushes/toothpaste-­‐ Dental  Floss-­‐ Mouth  Wash-­‐ Adult  Shampoo/condi?oner  -­‐ Kid’s  Shampoo-­‐ Body  Wash-­‐ Lo?ons-­‐ First  Aid  kits-­‐ Manicure  Sets-­‐ Sewing  kits-­‐ Chap  s?cks-­‐ Hand  sani?zer-­‐ and  ...  !

Entertainment-­‐ Family  games  (e.g.,  Candyland,  

Chutes  &  Ladders,  UNO,  Clue,  Parchessi,  Racko,  Memory  Games,  Matching  games,  kids  card  games,  etc.)  

-­‐ CraO  Kits-­‐ Decks  of  cards-­‐ Movie  Theatre  GiO  Cer?ficates-­‐ and  ...  !

Food-­‐ Fruit  (eg.,  clemen?nes,  apples,  etc.)-­‐ Cookies-­‐ Candy-­‐ Gum-­‐ Lifesavers-­‐ Home  baked  goods-­‐ Hot  Cocoa  Mix-­‐ and  ...  !

Page 9: Worship in December An Evening of Readings and Carols A ...popnj.org/PDF/Tidings/TidingsDecember2014.pdfWorship in December Services at 8:30 and 11 am December7 Second’Sunday’of’Advent

- 9 -

The  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church  in  America:  for  the  dona?on  of  $25  to  support  the  mission  and  ministry  of  the  ELCA  through  Good  Gids.  The  Good  Gids  program  encourages  contribu?ons  that  honor  loved  ones  through  giOs  that  make  a  difference  in  people’s  lives.  For  example,  a  giO  of  $10  provides  10  chicks  that  can  lay  eggs  to  feed  a  family,  and  $30  provides  a  pig  to  help  a  family  in  need.  More  informa?on  is  available  at  www.elca.org/goodgiOs.Lutheran  Social  Ministries  of  New  Jersey:  for  the  dona?on  of  $1500.  LSMNJ  ministers  to  children,  families,  seniors,  the  homeless,  the  hungry,  those  with  healthcare  needs,  and  those  recovering  from  disaster.  More  informa?on  is  available  at  www.lsmnj.orgMeals  on  Wheels:  for  the  dona?on  of  $250.  This  giO  will  provide  50  meals  for  homebound  persons.  More  informa?on  about  the  program  and  about  volunteering  can  be  found  at  www.mowte.org.Mercer  Street  Friends  Food  Bank:  for  the  dona?on  of  $300.  The  giO  will  help  channel  food  to  people  in  the  community  who  face  the  pain  and  indignity  of  hunger  

and  link  them  to  other  resources  and  assistance.  The  Friends  recently  launched  a  Mobile  Pantry  to  deliver  food  to  low  income  seniors  and  families  who  cannot  get  to  a  local  food  pantry.  More  informa?on  is  available  at  www.mercerstreexriends.org.Trenton  Area  Soup  Kitchen:  for  the  dona?on  of  $250.  TASK’s  mission  is  to  ‘feed  those  who  are  hungry  in  the  Trenton  area  and  offer  programs  to  encourage  self-­‐sufficiency  and  improve  the  quality  of  life  of  its  patrons.’  They  serve  approximately  4,000  meals  per  week  at  loca?ons  in  Trenton,  Hightstown,  and  Princeton.  They  also  provide  tutoring  in  literacy,  basic  math,  GED  prepara?on,  and  computer  skills,  as  well  as  the  services  of  a  full-­‐?me,  on-­‐site  social  worker.Womanspace:  for  the  dona?on  of  $250.  Womanspace  serves  vic?ms  and  survivors  of  domes?c  violence  and  sexual  assault.  They  have  administra?ve  offices  and  a  counseling  center  in  Lawrenceville;  a  24-­‐hour  hotline  for  emergency  services;  and  transi?onal  housing  services.  More  informa?on  is  available  at  www.womanspace.org.

Prince of Peace Has Also Received Thank You’s From ...

The Awesome Brush Pile

Workers at the November 15th church house work day stand behind the 40-foot long pile of debris they removed from the church house grounds. Pictured back, left to right: Joan Prins, Peter Perkuhn, Mark Snyder, Lois Case, David Case. In front is Ava, granddaughter of Peter Perkuhn. Workers not pictured are Joe Gallagher and Nancy Nicosia.

Thank You forRescue Mission Donations

The  October  Rescue  Mission  clothing  and  small  furniture  items  collec?on  was  a  huge  success.  The  floor  of  the  living  room  at  the  church  house  was  covered  with  bags,  boxes,  and  small  furniture  items,  and  the  Rescue  Mission  (RM)  is  deeply  grateful  for  all  that  they  received.  

Persons  in  need  benefit  from  these  items,  either  by  receiving  the  items  themselves  at  no  cost,  by  purchasing  them  at  a  minimal  cost  at  the  RM  store,  or  by  being  the  beneficiaries  of  services  provided  from  sales  at  the  store.

Thank  you  so  much  to  everyone  who  was  a  part  of  contribu?ng  to  this  ministry!

The  next  Rescue  Mission  Drive  is  planned  for  June  of  2015.

Page 10: Worship in December An Evening of Readings and Carols A ...popnj.org/PDF/Tidings/TidingsDecember2014.pdfWorship in December Services at 8:30 and 11 am December7 Second’Sunday’of’Advent

177  Princeton-­‐Hightstown  RoadPrinceton  Junc?on  NJ  08550

Church  Office:       609-­‐799-­‐1753Fax:       609-­‐799-­‐0958E-­‐Mail  :       [email protected]:     popnj.orgOffice  Hours:       M-­‐F  9  am-­‐2  pmWorship:         8:30  &  11  amEduca?onal  Hour:     9:45  am

Sunday  ScheduleWorship  at  8:30  &  11Sunday  School  at  9:45

Office  Hours9  am  -­‐  2  pm

2014 Christmas Poinsettia Order Form

Please complete the information below to order a poinsettia for Prince of Peace’s Christmas Worship Room adornment.  Name________________________________________ I would like to contribute : ______(#) plants @ $10 each. (6”) ______(#) plants @ $30 each (10”) 

_____Given in memory of _____________________________________________Given in honor of _______________________________________________Given in thanksgiving for _________________________________________Given to the Glory of God 

∗ Orders should be placed by December 15∗ Please make a check payable to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.∗ Plants may be picked up after the Christmas Day Service.