JULY
Friday, 4th Happy 4th of July!
Church Office Closed
Saturday, 5th
9:00 am Praise Team Rehearsal
Sunday, 6th
8:00 am Praise Team Rehearsal
9:15 am Choir Rehearsal
10:00 am Worship Service/Communion
1:30 pm Elijah’s Promise
Saturday, 12th
9:00 am Praise Team Rehearsal
Sunday, 13th
8:00 am Leave on Mission Trip
Praise Team Rehearsal
9:15 am Choir Rehearsal
10:00 am Worship Service
Leave – Mission Trip
Saturday, 19th
9:00 am Praise Team Rehearsal
6:00 pm Return – Mission Trip
Sunday, 20th
8:00 am Praise Team Rehearsal
9:15 am Choir Rehearsal
10:00 am Worship Service
Monday, 21st
9am-noon Vacation Bible School
Tuesday, 22nd
9am-noon Vacation Bible School
Wednesday, 23rd
9am-noon Vacation Bible School
Thursday, 24th
9am-noon Vacation Bible School
Friday, 25th
9am-noon Vacation Bible School
7:30 pm VBS Closing Program
Saturday, 26th
9:00 am Praise Team Rehearsal
Sunday, 27th
8:00 am Praise Team Rehearsal
9:15 am Choir Rehearsal
10:00 am Worship Service
Upcoming Events:
July 13-19 – Youth Group Mission Trip
July 21-25 – Vacation Bible School
CONGRATULATIONS
TO OUR GRADUATES!
COLLEGE GRADUATES
Rebecca Jones – Kean – Masters
Samantha Jones – Stockton
Allyson Kircher – Drexel
Mary Catherine Lynn – Mason Gross
Ryan Napolitano – William Patterson
Jaclyn Perry – Bloomfield
Kaitlyn Ramsen – Rider
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES
Jeremy Corrente – Spotswood
C.J. Kircher – Spotswood
Craig Leeming – So. Brunswick
Brian Pelszynski – NBTHS
8TH GRADE GRADUATES
Calvin Coates
Sarah Marotta
Ashley Murphy
Jim Murphy
Katelynn Poulson
Carly Pulda
Sean Wesen
July 2014
Greetings:
The other day one of the boys that Diane watches after school came into our home with his Mom to pick up his sister. He was as sweaty as a young boy can get. He had just spent the afternoon playing at his best friend’s house.
By the looks of him I would guess that he and his friend were outside for the entire 2 hours they were together, playing ball and doing whatever 8 year old boys do for adventure and fun.
Diane looked at him and said, Don’t come near me you are disgusting! Of course that is all I needed for me to encourage him to give Diane a big hug. Diane protested saying, “Don’t you dare!”
What I saw was not a gross little boy but someone who just had a great afternoon running, jumping and playing. His sweaty body revealed that he was a very healthy and happy boy.
As I reflected on this scenario I thought about the number of parents who never had the chance to see their child grow to an age where they could play and get sweaty and dirty.
I thought of the number of parents whose child is disabled and who would give anything to see their child in a sweaty and dirty state because they were outside playing and running around.
How often in life do people see the same thing and come to different conclusions or have different reactions?
For example, how do you view suffering? Do you view suffering as Paul viewed it? “We rejoice in our suffering, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance produces character and character produces hope.”
Romans 5:3,4
We not only don’t see as others see, we often don’t see as God sees. When God sent Samuel to choose Saul’s successor he instructed Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Sam. 16:7
I appreciate Brandon Heath’s song ‘Give Me Your Eyes.’ I feel the words of the chorus should be a prayer that you can pray daily.
Give me Your eyes for just one second
Give me Your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing.
What God given blessing are we missing every day? What needs do we not see? What ministry are we not doing?
May God give us the courage to look and see what He sees, to love as He loves, to care as He cares.
In Christ,
WORSHIP
July 6
Zechariah 9:9-12
God Bless America
July 13 -
Psalm 104
The God We Worship
July 20 - Baptism
John 13:15
Set An Example
July 27
Genesis 29:15-28
Keeping His Bargain
COMMUNION
OFFERING
The communion offerings for July, August and September will be split between Hugs for Brady & Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.
Hugs for Brady Foundationwas started by his parents shortly after their 13 month old son, Brady Michael was diagnosed with Non-Differentiated Acute Leukemia, a very rare form of leukemia.
Our goal is simple, to help in any and every way possible to ease the pain of the children and their families who have cancer. We pledge that every dollar donated will be spent in the pursuit to help find a cure for pediatric cancer.
Hugs for Brady Foundationis dedicated to helping children with childhood cancers. Our moral compass is directed to support children with cancer in any and every way possible.
For more information go to their website:
www.hugsforbrady.com
Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) shares the vision of their founder and creator, Alexandra “Alex” Scott – a cure for all children with cancer. To raise
money and awareness of childhood
cancer causes, primarily research into
new treatments and cures. To encourage
and empower others, especially children to
get involved and make a difference for children. For more information go to their website: www.alexslemonade.org
PRAYER of the MONTH
Heavenly Father, lead us all to Your ways instead of ours. We want to follow Your path that leads us to Your truth, for You are the God of salvation. Nothing is impossible or too difficult for You, therefore I ask that You would unite the countries of the earth to come together peacefully. I pray that You will bring peace and harmony to United States of America. Have mercy on our troops with protection in whatever nation they are in. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen
God’s Promise
May God be gracious to us and bless us and make His face to shine upon us, that Your ways may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations. - Psalm 67:1-2.
SR. YOUTH GROUP
MISSION TRIP
Please keep the 24 youth and adults in your prayers as they travel to Niagara Falls, NY for their week long mission trip. We leave on July 13th and return on July 19th.
They will be doing a wide variety of work projects, working with a food ministry, a senior center and a children’s program.
VBS 2014
JULY 21-25
9AM - 12NOON
Who wouldn’t want to explore a tropical island, with its glittering turquoise waters, warm white sands and cool ocean breezes? Visitors to SonTreasure Island will be welcomed by the scent of exotic flowers, the taste of tropical fruits and the captivating sound of island music. But this is no ordinary tropical escape! There is treasure to be found here. More precious than gold, more lasting than diamonds, it is the greatest treasure of all—God’s love!
At SonTreasure Island, your treasure seekers will play island games, create colorful crafts and enjoy tropical snacks. But more importantly, they will discover the rich treasure of God’s love through the life of Jesus.
REGISTRATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE
This year’s co-directors are:
Maryann Redler & Diane Bradford
TEACHERS! & HELPERS! are NEEDED!
BEREAVEMENT
Our sympathy to the family of Bob Rucinski, who died 6/16.
ADULT RETREAT
An adult retreat is being plan for October 17th - 19th at the Harvey Cedars Bible Conference Center on Long Beach Island.
The retreat is for adults of all ages: singles and couples. The cost is $172. This includes hotel style accommodations, 2 nights lodging and 5 meals.
Relaxation and refreshment is guaranteed as we balance faith, fellowship and fun.
300 CLUB RAFFLE
Do you have your number?
The 300 Club calendar raffle is a fund raiser to benefit the church’s operating budget.
There are 300 numbers. Each number costs $20. $3,000 will go into the operating budget. $3,000 will be given out as prizes.
Starting July 6 there will be 12 weekly drawing for 4 prizes ($75, $50, $25, $10) You have 4 chances to win. Week 13 the prizes are $500, $250, $150, $100 & $80.
JULY 4TH – HELP!
· Parade walkers to toss candy
· Sell 300 Club Raffle in front of church
· Attend parking lot in AM before parade and in PM before fireworks
2015 & BEYOND
What is God’s plans for St. Paul’s for the future? Have you ever asked yourself, “Why isn’t the church doing…..?”
On a scale of 1 - 10 how would you rate your participation in St. Paul’s ministry?
How would rate St. Paul’s ministry of worship, music, youth, education, outreach, etc.
In the near future congregational chats will be held for everyone to voice their opinions, thoughts, hopes and ideas as we seek to discern God’s will for St. Paul’s in 2015 and beyond.
STEWARDSHIP THOUGHT
Johann Sebastian Bach, the great German composer, was also an organist who played in the church of St. Thomas in Leipzig for many years. Amazingly, he also wrote the music for the choir. His sacred compositions number in the hundreds and many are still played by organists and sung by choirs in our time. Bach was a faithful steward of the musical talent God had given him. And that compels us to consider whether each of us uses the talent or talents God has given us.
I suspect that many among us may be asking “What talent? When God passed out talents I must have been overlooked.” Do you feel that way? You shouldn’t, you just need to think of how you can serve God in many ways.”
Let's begin with menial chores that need to be done around the church. Did you ever see what happens after worship each Sunday? Well, some volunteers walk through the sanctuary to pick up items left behind and Bibles that need to be picked up and taken to the church office.
Each of us needs to let God use us to do the work of the church, to help work on behalf of the Kingdom of God; that each of us should be a “human instrument letting God use us.” Surely we can let God have a healthy portion of our time, talent, and resources to further the work of God’s church. That is what stewardship is all about.
Prayer: Dear Lord, awaken us to the opportunities we can respond to on behalf of your Kingdom. In Christ’s name. Amen
FINANCIALS
May Yr. to Date
Income $16,417.68 $104,192.34
Exp. $23,994.97 $108,546.43
Gain(Loss) $ 7,577.29 $ (4,354.09)
OFFERING ENVELOPES
Thank you to everyone who has indicated your account number when making a donation (cash or check) to St. Paul’s. This really helps the counting teams. Also, it is a great help when you use the envelope provided as it contains information that is needed to correctly record information to your account.
If you need envelopes, please call Carol in the church office.
RECYCLE PLEASE! If you are not using the blank St. Paul’s Church envelopes that come in your quarterly pack, please return them in the Narthex or Church Office. We’ll recycle them.
Thank you.
SUGGESTION BOX
At the foot of the staircase in the education building you will find hanging on the wall a suggestion box for you to make suggestions. Your suggestions are very much welcomed.
CHECK US OUT
You can check it out by going to www.stpaulsmilltownnj.org or look us up on facebook.
COMING
OCTOBER 5
TRANSFORMED –
How Does God change us?
If God were a genie who offered to grant you three wishes, what would your three wishes be and how would they change your life?
The focus of Transformed is Romans 12:2 “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, BUT be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Sunday’s worship, daily devotions and small group studies will focus on How God can change us.
If you would be interested in attending OR hosting a small group at the church or in your home contact the church office by phone or email.
Indicate your preferences for a small group study.
Day: Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. Sun.
Time: Morning / Afternoon / Evening
Host or Attend
MEMORIAL FUND
THOMAS ROCHE
Ethel & Max Fry
Robert Rucinski
Chuck & Tracy Rucinski
SCHOLARSHIP FUND
THOMAS CALABRESE
Ruth Calabrese
Elaine Bossert
THOMAS ROCHE
Debbie Cheeseman
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
The mission of the Prayer Shawl Ministry at St. Paul’s Church is to provide hope, comfort and healing to those who most need a reminder of God’s love. Our purpose is to give away the knit/crochet shawls we create in hopes that they will literally wrap the recipients in prayer. Our prayer shawl ministry can make an incredible impact on people going through difficult times. Often it is a serious illness. Sometimes it is grief and loss. Sometimes, the struggle cannot be labeled, but can be felt. Our prayer shawl ministry will provide a tangible comfort with a spiritual message – somebody is praying for you.
If you know of someone (a church member or family/friend of a church member) facing a serious illness or insurmountable grief and needs a reminder of God’s ever present love, please contact Pastor Rich (732-828-0020) or Debbie Cheeseman (732-254-0074).