In This Issue 1. Talking With Skitch. Talking with Skitch, PUMC s Youth Pastor

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1 November 2016 Princeton United Methodist Church We are a diverse community joyfully responding to God s love and growing as disciples of Christ, by nurturing, teaching, reaching and serving all people. Talking with Skitch, PUMC s Youth Pastor "We need to think about the soil and the seeds that have already been planted," says Skitch Matson, talking with Iona Harding, chairman of the Staff Parish Relations Committee. This article is first in a series that aims to build and nurture relationships between the congregation, clergy and staff. As the sixth youth pastor in six years, Skitch emphasizes that he is working to build trust with the youth and also with their families. His vision has three phases: First, create a family, an environment that is safe and fun while encountering the living God through worship, small groups, reading the Bible together, games and sharing a meal. "If we are to grow our youth program, (continued on page 4) In This Issue 1. Talking With Skitch 2. Preparing for Worship & Upcoming Events 3. Notes from the Pastor 4. November Communion Offering 5. Harnessing Courage: Laura Bratton Returns to Princeton 6. Not in Our Town Princeton, CCK Community News, Food Truck Café, Interfaith-RISE Community Walk-a-Thon 7. Brown Bag Sunday & Community Thanksgiving Service 8. Reflection on Advent, Christmas Greens Orders, Staff Fellowship Luncheon 9. UMW Circle of Friends, UMM Breakfast 10. November and December Music Program 11. November Birthdays 1

2 Preparing for Worship This month Date Sermon Scripture Preacher November 6 Holy Communion Children of the Resurrection Luke 20:27-38 Catherine Williams November 13 Where is Your Power? Isaiah 40:27-31 Ephesians 3:14-21 Jana Purkis-Brash November 20 Brown Bag Sunday Giving Thanks Scripture Psalm 100 Philippians 4:4-9 Jana Purkis-Brash November 27 The Absurdity of Advent, Romans 15:12-13 Jana Purkis-Brash First Sunday in Advent Transforming Hope Matthew 1:18-25 Upcoming November Events Friday 4: Communications Committee Monday 28: Stewardship Committee Sunday 6: Holy Communion Membership Committee All Saints Sunday Wednesday 30: Staff Parish Committee Monday 7: Tuesday 8: Thursday 10: Saturday 12: Sunday 13: Monday 14: Tuesday 15: Tuesday 22: Thursday 24: Friday 25: Sunday 27: Church Council Circle of Friends Stephen Ministry Threads of Hope Breakfast sponsored by the United Methodist Men Education Committee Outreach Committee Board of Trustees Newsletter Deadline Prayer Shawl Ministry Thanksgiving Church Office Closed Church Office Closed First Sunday in Advent REMINDER: Turn your clocks back one hour on Sunday, November 6 The PUMC Office will be closed in observance of Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 24 and Friday November 25. Have a safe and blessed holiday! Do you have something you d like to see included in the newsletter? Committee news, an upcoming event? Contact newsletter@princetonumc.org. The deadline for December s issue is November 15th. 2

3 Notes from the Pastor We all know the story of Jonah, right? God calls a prophet to preach repentance amongst a people so backwards they can t even tell their left from their right (4:11). But Jonah has a better idea, opting to catch a ferry westward to paradise. Oh, Jonah, we all sigh. Waking up in the middle of a storm and a frantic crew, Jonah asks to be thrown portside to appease his God, Yahweh. As he sinks towards the belly of the sea, a fish swallows him whole; but after just three days, even the fish vomits him out. Once ashore, he cleans off as best as possible and frustratingly walks towards the city that brings him more queasiness than the smell of the blubberfilled clothes on his back. Traveling to center city, he calls for everyone from king to peasant to repent, and lo and behold they do! All is well, and the movie credits roll. The end? Actually, the story continues with an afterword of sorts. The people are saved, but Jonah can t stand it. Rather than rejoice, he can t stop milling through the implications of what it means for God to love them as well. It s painfully apparent to him: they re part of the family now. His mind could have easily wandered if God loves these people just like God loves him, he ll have to give these bozos the same privileges he d give his own kin. A list begins in his head, and it goes from bad to worse: first it ll be a cup of sugar, then a little help with house-repair, and then he ll have to invite them over for the holidays. For God s sake, do I really have to love them? Oh, Jonah, we all sigh. In a month where politically polarizing speech of us and them soars higher and higher, what will happen on November 9 th? Will we love our neighbor and accept that they have insights into the life of faith we lack, or will we seclude ourselves like Jonah and whine quietly in the corner that God should only love us? Whether it s our side or another s that wins, how will we interact with that one neighbor who lives down the street? - Skitch Matson 3

4 World Communion Sunday PUMC truly is a diverse community, and this is never more evident than on World Communion Sunday. As has become tradition, members are invited to attend these services wearing the native dress of their countries of origin, transforming our Sanctuary into a colorful quilt of textures, designs and styles. For several years our Communion table dismissals have been given by church members in a variety of languages, Korean, Spanish and Swahili, among others. This year, members were also invited to come to the altar area during the singing of hymns, and place a sticker on their country of origin on a large world map. What a blessing it is to be part of such a diverse church family! November Communion Offering NOVEMBER 6, 2016 Our Communion Offering in November will support United Methodist Student Day. Our church joins with other United Methodist congregations throughout the country on this special Sunday to provide financial resources and encouragement to those for whom education at a post-secondary school of their choice (or any school) is beyond reach. Your offering supports students as they prepare for a life that unites faith with knowledge. Thank you for your generosity. Laura Bratton returns to Princeton to speak at Princeton Theological Seminary Library on Tuesday, November 15, 7 to 8 p.m. She will sign her new book, Harnessing Courage: overcoming adversity with grit and gratitude. "Living into daily grit gives us the ability to remain grounded as we experience those times of adversity and trauma as well as moments of joy and laughter," she says. "Expressing our gratefulness -- both when life is easy and when life is difficult -- brings healing and strength. When Laura served as an intern at our church, many of us wondered how she mustered the courage and determination to succeed as a pastor. She had lost her vision, starting in middle school, and by the time we knew her she was blind due to macular degeneration. We marveled at her portfolio of coping assets, which included knowledge of Braille, owning a guide dog, and a passionate faith in God. We rejoiced in her successes, learned from her insights, and were reluctant to say goodbye. After graduating as the first blind student to get an MDiv at Princeton Theological Seminary, she was a chaplain at the Cleveland Clinic and then senior pastor at Laurens Road United Methodist Church in Greenville, South Carolina. Aiming to spread her message outside church walls, she has established herself as an inspirational speaker and coach. Her new book can speak to anyone struggling with a problem -- whether they have a strong faith or don't believe in God. Welcome back, Laura! 4

5 (continued from cover) first we have to care for what we already have," he says. He has created a youth staff team that includes volunteers both from within our church and from the seminary. He calls them staff because, while they are volunteers, their responsibility is large. Staff members are purposely diverse in age and background and have been vetted as if they are paid staff. This team of youth staff will help us to grow slow and steady at first, enabling us to grow faster in the future. We want to create family, using our youth program to transform the church. On Sunday evenings, after a teaching time together, the youth break up into ageappropriate groups, led by members of the youth staff. Second, Skitch aims to involve more congregation members in sharing their faith stories with our youth, helping them to understand their own faith through the stories of others. Getting pillars of our community involved in sharing their stories will help our youth see that both joy and pain are part of the story. That God reconciles all things, and that that God works through people, not just through the Bible. For the third phase, Skitch will turn to the parents. On average, youth workers get about 40 quality hours a year with students through Sunday School, youth group, seeing students outside of church, and participating in camps and outreach projects. Yet parents get at least 2,000 hours. To help parents productively engage with youth, Skitch will invite them to study Dean Nelson's book God Hides in Plain Sight. This future small study group will engage with the author through SKYPE. Building trust with the students and parents is a key challenge. We need to name the fact that there is a lack of trust because of all of the changes in youth pastors -- or it will hinder our progress. Another challenge is the pressure that students in the Princeton area are under to achieve. If we define our youth only by what they produce and create -- without honoring the Commandment that says we need to rest -- then we have failed them. We need to hear people openly share their wounds, to acknowledge that it's ok to struggle, to not be perfect. Skitch received his MDiv from Princeton Theological Seminary in May. His PUMC job is one-half time, and he has another part-time job, Director of the Wesley Foundation (WF) at Princeton University. In this role, he is working to connect students with worship opportunities at PUMC and the Kingston UMC. Skitch loves a good cup of coffee, so if you want to know more, invite him for a cup after church. Or look for additional news at Skitch feels very supported; people have warmly welcomed him and are excited that he is here. He believes we are ready to make changes that will bring new life. In particular, the shared meal on Sunday evenings is a real blessing. Not only parents, but others in the congregation are involved and want to help! 5

6 Racial Literacy Series at the Princeton Public Library The Racial Literacy series, co-sponsored by Not in Our Town, continues in November. Ruha Benjamin speaks on "Reading Reality: Developing Racial Literacy for the 21st Century" on Tuesday, November 1, 6:30 p.m. in the Princeton Public Library. On Monday, November 7, 6:30 p.m., at the Garden Theatre, a documentary will tell how the history and evolution of the concept of race are tied to the development of the United States and how deep social inequalities came to be rationalized as natural. On Tuesday, November 15, at 6:30 p.m., the Garden Theatre will show the last part of the documentary, how institutions and policies benefit some groups at the expense of others. Racial literacy is a 21st century skill needed for living and working successfully in a diversified society. CCK Community News As the temperature in Princeton began to flirt with the low 30s, Patrolman Jorge Navarez was just in time with his first delivery of coats. Each year, the Princeton Police Department conducts a coat drive, accepting coats from all over the municipality. Over 2,000 pounds of coats were received in 2015! These coats are brought to the Cornerstone Kitchen and distributed to those in need on Wednesday nights. Our thanks to Jorge and to all of "Princeton's Finest." In addition to providing food, fellowship and clothing to all no questions asked Cornerstone Community Kitchen is now offering English as a Second Language lessons, taught by PUMC member Karen Longo-Baldwin, and art classes. Donations are always welcome and CCK is also participating in AmazonSmile. Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases the same products and prices as on the regular site to Cornerstone Community Kitchen. It s easiest to click through form CCK s Facebook page. Huge thanks to the PUMC crew chiefs, clean up crew and clothing sorters. If you can help with sorting the clothes on Tuesday afternoons contact Judy Miller. Have you ever walked into a coffee shop where one table is deep in conversation, and their neighbors are absorbed in books? It s a beautiful sight where mind and soul are being fed. Come mid-december, we ll be hosting a small café for college students in the Sanford-Davis room to do just this: create a sanctuary for life to be found. There s more to come, but until then pray for us. Skitch Matson, Jana Purkis- Brash and The Feed Truck Interfaith-RISE (Refugee and Immigrant Services and Empowerment) is having its second annual Walk-a-thon for Refugee Resettlement, and we could use your help spreading the news! The walk is Sunday, November 6, from 2 pm to 4 pm. We will be walking around Highland Park stopping at various faith and civic buildings to learn more about refugee resettlement and to thank those who have partnered with us over the past year. It would help us tremendously if you would share our Facebook event (found on our FB InterfaithRISE) and get the word out. Information about donations is also available on the Facebook page. Any questions interfaithrise@gmail.com 6

7 Brown Bag Sunday is November 20 Once again the children of our Sunday School will decorate shopping bags for the church family to fill, with gratitude, for those who are insecure in providing food for themselves and their families. On November 20 our sanctuary will be filled with Brown Bags to care for the families and individuals served through Arm in Arm (formerly Crisis Ministry). Through its three Client Choice Food Pantries, and delivery to the elderly and homebound, Arm in Arm has served more than 4,000 households with high-quality food, nutrition education, and health screening during the last year. More than 40% of its clients are below the age of 17, and 25% are 55 and above. These households have intermittent food insecurity and can slip between the cracks of government supports. Princeton UMC has been walking alongside Arm in Arm since it was formed more than 30 years ago. In addition to providing healthy food to our neighbors in Mercer County, Arm in Arm has stabilized the housing of nearly 700 struggling families by helping with back rent or mortgage, rapid rehousing, security deposit help, utilities back payment, and case management. It also provides job skills and employment readiness So, be part of the hope and join with your congregation in walking Arm in Arm with your community. Pack up your bag, fill it with love, gratitude and non-perishable food (especially heart-healthy, low-fat and sugar free varieties). Bring your Brown Bags of Gratitude to the Sanctuary on November 20 and celebrate the grace of God and the generosity of our church family. Would your committee or small group like to sponsor its own Brown Bag meeting? Great idea! For more information and encouragement, contact LaVerna Albury at Community Thanksgiving Service All are invited to join worshippers of all faiths to the Community Thanksgiving Worship Service on Thanksgiving morning at 11am in the University Chapel. Sponsored by the Office of Religious Life and the Princeton Clergy Association, this service is a wonderful opportunity to worship in this beautiful sanctuary, modeled after a small medieval chapel. To help feed those in need during the holiday season, bring a donation of non-perishable food (no glass please) for local food pantries. 7

8 A Reflection on Advent We think of December as the season of Advent, which comes from the Latin word adventus meaning coming or visit." But it actually begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, November 27. During Advent, we prepare for, and anticipate, the coming of Christ. We remember the longing of Jews for a Messiah and our own longing for, and need of, forgiveness, salvation and a new beginning. Even as we look back and celebrate the birth of Jesus in a humble stable in Bethlehem, we also look forward anticipating the second coming of Christ as the fulfillment of all that was promised by his first coming. One way to observe Advent at home is with a store-bought or hand-made Advent wreath. If you don't have a wreath, put four candles on the table and light only one of them on the first Sunday. Two candles on the second Sunday, and so on. Or create a "reverse Advent wreath" with a large basket. On the first day put one personal care or food item in the basket. Each day you add an item. On Christmas Eve, donate the contents to the food bank. Christmas Wreaths We will decorate the church inside and out for the Advent & Christmas season. Please contact the church office before Sunday, December 11th if you would like to donate a wreath. Deadline for orders is Sunday, December 11. Please contact the office for pricing and order forms. CONTACT: office@princetonumc.org or Christmas Poinsettias On Christmas Eve, our sanctuary will be adorned with beautiful poinsettias given to the church in honor or in memory of friends and loved ones. You may also choose to give a gift to Poinsettia Alternative which is used for the continued development and maintenance of our garden and landscaping. Poinsettias may be picked up following the 8:00 pm Christmas Eve Service. Staff Fellowship Luncheon SPRC, the Staff Parish Relations Committee, will sponsor a potluck soup and sandwich fellowship luncheon on Sunday, November 20, following the second service. Did you know that the goal of SPRC is to help build effective relationships between our clergy, staff and the congregation? This is a great opportunity to do just that share a meal, talk, and get to know a little more about the work of the members of our clergy and staff. Bring a crockpot with your favorite soup or bring a dessert. SPRC will provide the sandwiches and drinks. Please let Nancy Dawn Jones know if you will bring soup or desert at nancydawnzj@comcast.net or sign up in the Sanford Davis Room. 8

9 UMW Circle of Friends November 8 "St. Augustine says that to sing once is to pray twice," says Dr. Karen Fanta Zumbrunn. On Tuesday, November 8 at 10:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall she will share stories about familiar hymns -- including special days and childhood favorites -- and we will sing our way through the church liturgical year. All women are welcome; bring your own lunch and dessert and beverages will be provided. Known for her swinging foot-tapping jazz piano style, "Dr. Z" has degrees from Ohio State and Harvard and a Ph.D. from the University of California at Berkeley. Combining college teaching with performance, she played at the Blue Note in Paris with well-known European and American musicians. A sought-after performer in the area, she has recorded two CDs with her trio. As a Christian and a longtime member and Sunday School teacher at PUMC, Karen regularly tutors reading at TASK in Trenton. She shares her enthusiastic music at PUMC's Advent family celebrations, and for two years directed the musical program at Kingston UMC. She and husband John have two grown children, Sterling & V, and three grandchildren. Says Karen: "If technology disconnects us from basic human interaction - ALL generations can sing. We unite with those around us and share in faith with those who have gone before us." Breakfast Sponsored by the United Methodist Men Nancy J Duff returns to PUMC to speak at the UMM breakfast in Fellowship Hall on Sunday, November 13 at 8 am. Based on a seminary class that she teaches on the doctrine of vocation, her topic will be Called by God, exploring four aspects of God s call in our lives. We are called into being for a divinely appointed purpose. We are called to glorify God in all that we do. We are called to make a space where others can glorify God. We affirm the freedom of God to call individuals to different tasks. Nancy has taught Christian Ethics at Princeton Theological Seminary since Her courses include The Ethics of Resisting and Accepting Death. The Theology and Ethichs of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and The Ethics of the Ten Commandments. She grew up in Texas and attended Union Presbyterian Seminary in Virginia for her M.Div. and Union Theological Seminary in New York for her Ph.D. She is ordained in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Nancy visited PUMC regularly when her husband, David C. Mertz, served here as Associate Pastor. He is now the pastor of First United Methodist Church in Westfield. A hot breakfast is served at 8am, and the program starts at 8:30. Everyone is invited; a $5 donation is requested. 9

10 Music Ministry Join the Christmas Singers! Calling all Christmas Carol Lovers! It is time to sing carols...yes, according to music director Hyosang Park, it is not too early. If you are interested in joining the Chancel Choir for the Christmas Concert on December 18, rehearsals are on Wednesdays starting on November 2 (except 11/23) at 7:30pm in the music room for about 30 to 45 minutes. The program includes beloved Christmas carols sung by the combined choir, women choir and men's chorus. The dress rehearsal will be on Saturday, December 17 from 1-3 p.m. in the sanctuary, and the concert, titled "A Shining Star," will be December 18 at 5 p.m. Invite your Friends and Neighbors! Mark your calendars -- and begin inviting friends and neighbors to these beautiful and meaningful musical experiences. Studies show that 15 percent more people worship during this season at United Methodist Churches in Greater New Jersey than at any other time! November 6: Children's Choir sings at 9:30 a.m. for All Saints Day Communion. The Chancel Choir sings Who Do You Say That I Am. November 13: The Youth Choir sings at 9:30 a.m. The Chancel Choir sings the perennial favorite Gather at the River at 11 a.m. November 20: The Handbell Choir leads both services. November 27: For the first Sunday in Advent, the Ensemble plays at both services and, at 11 a.m., the Chancel Choir sings Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence. Sunday, December 4, 5 p.m.: The Sound of Christmas features the Handbell Choir and the Handbell Ensemble, directed by Hyosang Park. They will be joined by Duo Grazioso, comprised of solo handbell artist Hyosang Park and Akiko Hosaki. Sunday, December 11, 5 p.m.: Children's choirs, directed by Tom Shelton, present an Advent musical, Twas the Light Before Christmas followed by a dinner in Fellowship Hall and rollicking carol singing in the Sanford Davis Room. Sunday, December 18, 5 p.m. A Shining Star features the Chancel, Youth, Women and Men's choirs with instrumentalists. 10

11 Nassau Street & Vandeventer Ave. 7 Vandeventer Avenue Princeton, NJ Jana Purkis-Brash, Senior Pastor jana@princetonumc.org Catherine Williams, Pastoral Care catherine@princetonumc.org Skitch Matson, Youth Pastor skitch@princetonumc.org For the latest news & updates: Princeton UMC is a Stephen Ministry Congregation Deadline for the December Newsletter November 15 newsletter@princetonumc.org 11