THE Bethlehem star March 2019

THE Bethlehem star March 2019 Dear Friends in Christ, Lent will soon be here and with it comes the spiritual question of where exactly God is in our lives. The opportunity to deepen our relationship with God will soon be here with several spiritual offerings to do so at our church. Now is the time to rediscover the truth that the spiritual journey is one that needs nourishment in order to come closer to the heart of God. You are warmly welcome to join us for our Ash Wednesday service (March 6 th ). This moving event marks the beginning of Lent and our pilgrimage with Our Lord. The 7 p.m. service in the sanctuary will include ashes and will center upon spiritual disciplines for Lent. Another service will be offered at noon in the Calvin Room. I pray you will be able to join us. The Bible and Spirituality Study, held on Wednesdays at noon, will begin a new study for Lent, and I hope you will join us. We will be engaged by the well-known book, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction by Eugene H. Peterson. This spiritual book will help us in maintaining the course of faith and deepening our love of God. The book is user-friendly to read and a great help in sustaining the long and (at times) imperfect journey of faith. If there are enough people, we will have one evening meeting as well. If interested, please email me at your earliest convenience at revwidmer@aol.com so that we can order a book for you. The books come quickly, so it is never too late. Finally, we will be having an Inquirer s Class on March 17 th at 11 a.m. in the pastor s office. This special event is a time to ask about our faith wherever we find ourselves. We will be using the book, Presbyterian Questions, Presbyterian Answers as a reference. There is no pressure to join the church, but the option is there. The idea is to have a safe environment in which to explore our faith. If you are looking for a spiritual home, or know of someone who is, please join us. Help us get the word out! In addition to these spiritual offerings, the Mission Study Team (MST) continues to do their hard work. Please make every effort to make the special MST meeting with the congregation on March 3 rd (please refer to the previous letter in the snail mail from the MST). May God bless your Lent and your spiritual journey. Warmest Regards, Warmest Regards, Pastor David Widmer

KEEPNG MEMBERS AND FRIENDS IN OUR PRAYERS Helene Cantilina Gary Pyner, Sr. and Nancy McCord Marcia Pearson Don Trauger Joan Mathews Ward and Barbara Lathrop Owen, Mike and Priscilla s nephew Kevin Moodie, Timko s friend Bill Newcamp, the Youngs friend Mark Heacock, Chris nephew Sue, Helen Hofgesang s daughter John, Linda Allen s brother Steve, Pattie Wolfson s relative Royce Stanley, Bob Schultz s friend Dan Remington, Jill O Neil s brother Tom and Lynn, Paillex s friends Eric Williges The family of Rev. Becky Pratt of Stanton Reformed, on her passing Please use the Connection Card in the pew to make a prayer request or to remove a name from the prayer list. Your request will be honored. IN NEED OF COMFORT Corinthians 1:3 4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. Please Note Our Upcoming Inquirer s Class The pastor will be holding an Inquirer s Class on March 17 th at 11 a.m. in the pastor s office. This special event is a time to ask about our faith wherever we find ourselves. We will be using the book Presbyterian Questions, Presbyterian Answers as a reference. There is no pressure to join the church, but the option is there. The idea is to have a safe environment in which to explore our faith. If you are looking for a spiritual home, or know of someone who is, please join us.

THE ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL AND CORPORATION MEETING The Annual Congregation and Corporation meeting of Bethlehem Presbyterian Church was held on February 10, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. Thirty-seven members attended. Reports of the Treasurer and various committees, teams and sponsored groups were received and approved unanimously with minor additions, corrections and clarifications. The slate of the Nominating Committee was elected unanimously, with no nominations from the floor. The newly elected and returning leaders are as follows: Treasurer: Alan Ford; Financial Secretary: Karen Hoff ; Ass t. Financial Secretary: Eileen Kandl Elders: (Class of 2020 returning for second term) Dave Bieler; Ginny Straub (Class of 2020 first term) Eleanor Buerstetta (These Elders join the following Elders now sitting on Session: Terri Acocella, Marilyn Ford, Karen Harrison, Rick Landolfi, Frank McDonald and Judi Schick) Deacons: (Class of 2020 returning for successive term) Terri Acocella, Mark Fresolone, Jill O Neil, Rhonda Witwer; (Class of 2020 new term) Suzanne Landolfi. (These Deacons join the cur rent Board of Louise Black, Eileen Kandl and Eileen Kwasnick). Nominating Committee: Ann Bartlett, Eileen Kandl, Ginny Straub, Mike Young Financial Review Committee: Terri Acocella, Rick Landolfi, Frank McDonald Communion Stewards: Linda and Ed Allen Trustees of the Corporation: Terri Acocella, Dave Bieler, Eleanor Buerstetta, Marilyn Ford, Karen Harrison, Rick Landolfi, Judi Schick, Ginny Straub and (Frank McDonald) ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION OF THE CHURCH OFFICERS Frank McDonald volunteered his voice for more than song when he stepped in for Pastor on 2/17. Sunday, March 17th At the 9:30 am Worship service Mission Study Team Informal Gathering March 3, 2019 At 11am in the Fellowship Hall Who are we as a church? Where are we going/where do we want to go as a WAITING ON THE GOOD WEATHER church? What do we need to do to get there? This is an opportunity for you to participate in and express your opinion of decisions that will affect the future direction of the Bethlehem Presbyterian Church. In case you were wondering why the church steeple project has not been completed, well the steeple repairmen cannot proceed until the weather is better. The good news is, the painting of the four sides of the sanctuary building has been completed. HUNTERDON CENTRAL REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL PRESENTS FROM THE WORSHIP COMMISSION for MEMBERS AND FRIENDS Awakening to God s Beauty: A Lenten invitation to pray with art A Lenten devotional available in the Narthex. One copy per family please. Dream Dinner To Benefit Family Promise Making the Dream of a Home a Reality Thursday, March 28th 5:00 pm 7:00 pm Adults: $8 Students with ID: $5 Under 4: Free At the Hunterdon Central Commons

Imposition of ashes will occur at BPC during the Noon Bible and Spiritual Study (Calvin Room) and at the 7:00 PM Service (Sanctuary) on Ash Wednesday, March 6th. Thank you! I served as an active Deacon here at our church since 2009. I greatly appreciate the opportunity to have served in that capacity. Also, I greatly appreciate the support given over the years by those in our congregation, who were always willing to lend a hand on any given Sunday to assure that the The Meal Train Sign-up for the Meal Train, organized by Rhonda Witwer to give Eileen /Lathrop-Kwasnick a cooking break. Dinner should accommodate a family of three, and there are no known restrictions. If you would like to participate in this very supportive initiative, please contact Rhonda at rswitwer@yahoo.com service ran smoothly. Thanks to everyone for your support and well wishes. Judith Schick Tom and I would like to thank Rev. Dave and the congregation for the get well cards and prayers during our recent illness. Sincerely, Joy Ashfield and get on the schedule; OR log onto the Meal Train and sign up to cook a meal. Take Out is acceptable if you are not skilled in the kitchen. However, put your take out on the train schedule. FACTS ABOUT HUNGER The BPC Deacons are committed to fighting the blight of hunger which strikes any community in this county. According to Feed America, Nearly 8,000 Hunterdon County residents do not have access to a nutritious food supply. Why is this so? Food budgets are stretched by buying cheap, unhealthy foods. Who is in danger of being food insecure? Public school students when schools are closed. (Free breakfast/lunch no longer available) College students away from home Senior Citizens (on limited income) Low Income earners The homeless What reduces a food budget in a home?. Paid rent Paid school tuition. Paid utilities Bought needed medication What resources do hungry people turn to? Government programs (SNAP) Food banks Soup kitchens Meals on Wheels Garbage cans They go without Please join this Deacon initiative by bringing in non-perishable, non-expired food items to HELP RESTOCK THE OPEN CUPBOARD FOOD PANTRY IN CLINTON. They recently closed due to burst water pipes. When they reopen we would like to help restock their shelves with canned stews, canned fruits and vegetables, apple juice, oatmeal, paper towels, toilet tissue and other donations from our congregation.

BPW MEETING ON 3/7, AT 10:00 AM IN THE CALVIN ROOM SEWING MISSION MEETING ON 3/14 AT 10:00 AM IN THE GATHERING ROOM NAME THAT TUNE AT COUNTRY ARCH CARE CENTER WITH DARLA, HELEN AND CHRIS The Annual Soup Sale The Annual Soup Sale was a big success. Judy Schick and Ginny Straub were very busy soup sellers. Celebrate St. Patrick's Day on Sunday, March 15th At 2:00 pm Country Arch Care Center with Darla, Helen and Chris. Come prepared to sing all of the favorite Irish tunes to the delight of the CACC residents. If you can bring your own special comedic talent or if you know an entertaining skit, bring it along. A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OF THE COOKS WHO PARTICIPATED IN THIS ANNUAL EVENT. the BPW drive to collect items for the Elizabethport Presbyterian Center Darla Eschbach inspects one of the several buckets of preschool supplies, baby diapers and wipes, and adult toiletries to be delivered to the Elizabethport Presbyterian Center. A big thank you to all who donated to this worthy cause.

SHARING THEIR TALENTS The Chancel and Bell s were put on pause for a while due to the unforeseen absence of Helene Cantilina, the Music Director. True to the Music Ministry Mission, Jim O Neil stepped up to share his talent and provide music for the Chancel, and the Sunday Worship Services. The Men's Group welcomed the opportunity to showcase their talent with a wonderful rendition of Amazing Grace and their favorite Ubi Caritas. In addition to providing music for the services and choir practices, Jim also took over the direction of the Bell, with Mrs. Cantilina programming the music from home. Boy Scout Troop 119 which is sponsored by BPC, presented the colors and participated in the Worship Service on February 24th. Troop 119, chartered 50+ years ago, is currently the outgrowth of seven boys, who with Scoutmaster Michael Fariello, restarted the troop in 2012. From that initial group, the Troop grew to twentyone members. The offshoot of this resurrection of Troop 119 has been the development of a strong corps of leaders. The membership at the end of 2018, is fifteen scouts and ten adult leaders. Natural attrition occurs when scouts age out or leave for other reasons. However, we expect five Cub Scouts eager to bridge over in the spring. The Troop participates in many community events: South Branch Watershed Cleanup; Run Like A Tiger 5k race; gift wrapping at the Hunterdon Developmental Center; and the Clinton Christmas Parade. Troop 119 provides youth and adult workers for the church cleanup day, regularly donates to the Deacon s Food Bank, and participates in the Worship Service on Scout Sunday. Their meetings are held in the Fellowship Hall on Mondays at 7:00 PM, They invite you to come and visit.

Lathrop/Kwasnick MEAL TRAIN Sign up with Rhonda Witwer to volunteer for the meal train organized to help Eileen Kwasnick, who could benefit greatly from meal preparation support at this time. The train will provide three dinners a week and volunteers are needed to prepare them. If you are not great in the kitchen, take out will do just fine. However, you must also put your take out on the Meal Train schedule FAMILY PROMISE RETURNS ON April 21-28, 2019 THERE IS ALWAYS A NEED FOR VOLUNTEERS Who can: Provide a meal Help with a resume. Play with a child. Enjoy a beneficial conversation. Share a talent. Launder sheets and towels at end of stay. Set-up or take-down beds. Overnight Supervision. (A private sleeping room is provided.) SIGNUP IN THE FELLOWSHIP HALL ON THE WHITE BOARD AND SIGNUP ON THE WEBSITE AS WELL. OR Contact: Jane Weiss, Coordinator New or gently used twin blankets for use by Family Promise guests while staying at BPC. Contact Marilyn Ford for more information. Bebe Sellers for the laptop computer so that Jill can manage the web page from home. WE ARE IN NEED OF BACKGROUND WORKERS Volunteers are needed to: Help with refreshments Sign in the performers Set-up and take-down Take photos MENTORS NEEDED for Girl Scouts Troop 81304 Sewing Project Saturday, March 16th 10:00am to 1:00pm In the Fellowship Hall Contact: Carrie Matis

MUSIC, COMEDY, STORYTELLING AND MORE! Refreshments generously provided by our sponsors: Sweet Melissa s Patisserie, Black River Roasters, and the ShopRite in Clinton Showtime for March 1, First Friday Open Mic Featuring Gordon Thomas Ward, New Jersey s Troubadour A painter of inspirational musical portraits Is at 7:00 9:00 pm. THE FIRST FRIDAY OF FEBRUARY Thanks to all who participated in February s Open Mic Night. It was a most enjoyable evening of performances, which included performers Joe Tapp and local recording artist Thomas Johnston. Also on the card that evening was local middle school student Olivia T., who mesmerized the audience with passionate performances of Miranda Lambert s Tin Man and Colors of the Wind from Disney s Pocahantas. Frank McDonald was the featured performer for the evening, and was accompanied on several numbers by members of the BPC Men s, including Mark Fresolone, Charley Asbury, Don Fletcher, Bob Seymour and Mike Young. Our continued thanks and appreciation to all the performers and volunteers who make First Friday Open Mic Night a must see.must hear event.

MARCH 2019 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY March 6 Ash Wednesday Service 7:00 PM 1 12:00 PM AA 7:00 PM First Friday Open Mic 2 3 9:30 AM Worship 10:30 AM Coffee Hour 10:45 AM Godly Play 11:00 AM Mission Study Report 4 3:30 PM Monday 7:00 PM Boy Scouts 7:30 PM Bell Practice 5 8:00 PM AA 6 7:00 PM Ash Wednesday Service 12:00 PM Wednesday 7 11:15 AM Gentle Exercise 1:30 PM Chancel 7:30 PM Chancel 8 12:00 PM AA 9 10 9:30 AM Worship 10:30 AM Coffee Hour 10:45 AM Godly Play 11:00 AM Congregation /Corporation 11 7:00 PM Boy Scouts 7:30 PM Bell Practice 12 8:00 PM AA 13 12:00 PM Wednesday 14 10:30 AM Prayer Shawl Ministry 11:15 AM Gentle Exercise 1:30 PM Chancel 6:30 PM Frienship Connection 7:30 PM Chancel 15 12:00 PM AA 16 10:00 AM to 1 PM Girls Scouts 17 9:30 AM Worship 10:30 AM Coffee Hour 10:45 AM Godly Play 11:00 AM Inquirer s Class 18 7:00 PM Boy Scouts 7:30 PM Bell Practice 19 8:00 PM AA 20 STAR Article Deadline 12:00 PM Wednesday 21 11:15 AM Gentle Exercise 1:30 PM Chancel 7:30 PM Chancel 22 12:00 PM AA 23 24 9:30 AM Worship 10:30 AM Coffee Hour 10:45 AM Godly Play 25 11:00 AM Union Township Seniors 3:30 PM Monday 7:00 PM Boy Scouts 7:30 PM Bell Practice 26 8:00 PM AA 27 12:00 PM Wednesday 28 11:15 AM Gentle Exercise 1:30 PM Chancel 7:30 PM Chancel 29 12:00 PM AA 30 31 9:30 AM Worship 10:30 AM Coffee Hour 10:45 AM Godly Play SUNDAY, MARCH 17TH: THE ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION OF THE CHURCH OFFICERS AT THE 9:30AM WORSHIP SERVICE WORSHIP ASSIGNMENTS SCHEDULE DATE LITURGIST DEACON COFFEE HOSTS March 3 Bob Seymour Eileen Kwasnick Session Communion Servers Audrey Trauger, Judy Schick, Louise Black, Frank McDonald March 10 Rhonda Witwer Jill O Neil March 17 Ginny Straub Terri Acocella Suzanne Landolfi, Darla Eschbach & Priscilla Wallace March 24 Judy Schick Mark Fresolone March 31 Frank McDonald Judy Schick

BETHLEHEM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 2 Race Street Pittstown, NJ 08867 THE BETHLEHEM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH MISSION STATEMENT 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 journey. 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 Ann Bartlett, Clerk of Session Alan Ford, Treasurer THE BETHLEHEM STAR is a publication of the Bethlehem Presbyterian Church. For this edition the writers include Pastor Dave, Ann Bartlett, Alan Ford, Frank McDonald and Bebe Sellers; photography by Terri Acocella, Ann Bartlett, Mark Fresolone, Bebe Sellers; and Rhonda Witwer; editing by Marilyn Ford.