BOONTON FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH • April 2015

Dear Saints

In one of the spiritual magazines Iread, there is a monthly column

which is Q and A between readers and areligion expert. One of the dialoguescaught my eye.

“I’m in my early 40’s, and suddenlyI find myself church shopping. Whatshould I look for? What does religionoffer?” The answer from the columnistwas right on: “…meaning, purpose,comfort and community…if you canfind all of these in one church, you areblessed”

I immediately agreed and thought,“Yes! We have all of that at Boonton”.But then I began to ponder and questionmy knee-jerk response. “Do we?” Ithought, “Well certainly more thanmany churches. And hopefully in largerpercentages, but we have lots of workto do to get even better at it, especiallythe community piece.”

Joyfully we just received two newmembers in March. We’ll add two morein April and there are few more in thequeue. Thus is a hopeful sign that weare a church that attracts new life andvisibly offers meaning, purpose andcomfort. But without offering andbuilding community the church and itsmembers don’t grow; not personallyand not as disciples.

Being part of a community of faithcan be challenging, and it is not alwaysperfect. It is a lot like a family. Noteveryone is always in agreement; thereare strong opinions, harsh judgements,and well-meaning but hurtful behavior.There is also laughter, playfulness, cre-ativity, support and new life. It is easy tojoin a church (or a new family), butchallenging to stay when things don’t goyour way. Ask the disciples about that.

But community isexactly what God calls usinto; to stay when thegoing gets tough, toexercise patience orcompassion when youdon’t want to, to openyour heart to the outsider,to extend your hand tothe newcomer. This iswhat is meant by ‘livingout your baptism’. It isthe total response to theResurrection.

When you receive thisnewsletter we will be inHoly week, the most sacred week of theChristian year. It started out with aparade and goes into the depths ofsuffering and death, but finishes with aglory that outshines the sun. You can goskip right from Palm Sunday to Easter,but I have another thought.

An elder recently told me that in theearly church (along with preparing theBaptisands for baptism and member-

ship in the church which culminated onEaster) current church members werecharged with reaching out and bringingback all those who had fallen away.What a beautiful way to re-build andup-build the community of faith.

We all know people who have fallenaway from this community of faith. Webump into them at the super markets,walking in town, eating out, at sportingevents, school functions, weddings and

funerals. Why not make aconcerted effort this week asa Holy Week practice to reachout to them and INVITE themback? Why not let them knowhow much they are missedand how important they are toour community of faith? Whynot remind them how impor-tant they are to God?

Remember the storyabout Jesus leaving the 99in search of the 1 lost sheep?

Before you die the eggs,make the baskets and buy

the bonnet… pick up the phone, dropan email, pop a text and go find oneof the lost, for Jesus’ sake. Withoutthe on-going community of faith,Jesus’ death was not only a folly, itwas a waste.

Seeking the lost with you for the sake of the Resurrection,

™ ���

The SpireFaith, Hope and LOVE in Action

ForGODSo Loved theWorld...He GAVE

His Only Son.John 3:16

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Easter Sunday - April 5th, Feeding the hungryResponding to disastersHelp people build up their livelihoods

One Great Hour of Sharing

Children’s Scavenger Hunt

April 5, 10 amWorship & Communion.He is Risen!

Easter Sunday

EASTER Events

Easter Sunday - April 5th, immediately after Worship service. All children, 10 and under Rain or shine.

HEAR YE, HEAR YE!

The season of Lent is uponus. Come and experience

the meaningful worship services ofMaundy Thursday (4/2) and GoodFriday (4/3); as well as celebrate theresurrection of our Lord on EasterSunday (4/5) with the sounds ofchoir, trumpet, and timpani!

PLEASE MAKE A NOTE:APRIL Rehearsals as follows:Chancel Choir,

Thursdays, 7:30 - 9pm Hand Bell Choir,

Thursdays, 6:30 - 7:30pm(April 9, 16, 23, & 30; May 7)**Bonus Rehearsal for both choirson Saturday, 5/2 – times TBA**

Spring Music Sunday –May 10– The Chancel Choir and Hand

Bell Choir will share their musicalofferings as they present a collec-tion of old and new favorite pieces.

Come and celebrate the gift ofmusic!

If you would like to participate,please attend Thursday choir re-

hearsals in April and May from7:30-8:15pm. Come and celebratethe gift of music!

If you are interested in becoming amember of any of the above-men-tioned choirs or just singing with usfor the spring, please e-mail the or-ganist/choir director, Sarah Berta(babbleon247@yahoo.com). Hopeto see you at the next rehearsal! ™

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NOTES FROM SARAHAPRIL 2015

http://www.fpcboonton.org

“When I survey the wondrous crossOn which the Prince of glory died,My richest gain I count but loss,

And pour contempt on all my pride.Were the whole realm of nature mine,

That were a present far too small;Love so amazing, so divine,

Demands my soul, my life, my all.”

APRILAPRIL2......Doris Hornick

......Dorian Jayne Veliky3......Michelle Herrera

......Nicole Herrera

......Brian Kulick6......Denise Nickel7......Mark Danilack9......Stella Norman-Reid

......Kim Riter12......Abigail Hettrich

......Kristen Middleton13......Linda Crawford-Meier14......Aiden Ambrosiani17......Mira Nickel19......Elizabeth Ward-Hettrich22......Marisa Crozier

......James Ward23......Spencer Keoppel24......Eric Nordfors27......Sandi Thoele28......Shirlee Faehner29......Lois Estler30......Jonathan Bingham

On Easter Sunday, April 5, ourSanctuary will be graced withbeautiful flowers in honor/memory of our loved ones.

If you have remembered or honoreda loved one by donating a plant...

You may pick up your plant(s) afterEaster service or have it distributedto a homebound person at theDeacon's discretion.

All plants left after the Easter servicewill be distributed by the Deacons tothe ill, homebound, or those goingthrough difficult times. ™

EASTER MEMORIAL PLANTS

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OGHSONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING

MM AA RR CC HH 88 TT OOAA PP RR II LL 55

“I was hungry and you gave me food.”Matthew 25:35

Feeding the hungryResponding to disasters

Help people build up their livelihoods

2015 Goal for First Presbyterian Church is $2500.00

Please prayerfully consider your gift toOne Great Hour of Sharing

to help others find hope and faith. Open your heartto support mission to help change the world,

lives and communities.Please use the provided envelopes in the pews

for your gift.

Kristine Terhune~ Kristine and her wife Jenny have a sevenmonth old baby girl, Peyton Lyn. They arecurrently in the process of moving into thefamily home in Boonton Township,formerly the home of Marilyn Terhune.Kristine is the office manager of theAcupuncture Center of New Jersey inMorristown and is a rabid football fan,which is why they named their daughterPeyton.

Nancy van Dyke~ Nancy and her family moved to BoontonTownship from Randolph, New Jersey, fiveyears ago. She has two sons: Skyler andChristian. Skyler is twenty years old and inhis second year of college at Virginia Tech,studying Civil Engineering. Christian isseventeen years old and a junior atMountain Lakes High School. Nancyworks full time as an EnvironmentalProgram and Project Manager at QuantumManagement Group in Clifton, NewJersey.

SUNDAY

EASTER SUNDAY10:00 Worship-COMMUNIONDeacons at Fireman’s Home

OGHS11:15 Coffee HourChildren’s Scavenger HuntMens’ Fellowship Gather.Deacon’s Meeting

7:00 A.A.

10:00 Worship11:15 Coffee Hr

Mens’ Fellowship Gather.

7:00 A.A.

10:00 Worship11:15 Coffee Hour

Mens’ Fellowship Gather.

New Members Class

7:00 A.A.

10:00 WorshipBaptism-Peyton Lyn Terhune11:15 Coffee HourMens’ Fellowship Gather.4:00 Canticles for Life7:00 A.A.

MONDAY

4:00 Conservatory7:00 Cub Scouts

4:00 Conservatory6:00 Girl Scouts6:30 Cub Scouts

4:00 Conservatory6:30 Cub Scouts7:00 SESSIONMeet New Members

4:00 Conservatory

6:30 Cub Scouts

TUESDAY

3:00 Conservatory

3:00 Conservatory

7:00 A.A.

3:00 Conservatory

3:00 Conservatory

7:30 Worship Comm.Meeting

WEDNESDAY

3:00 Conservatory

3:00 Conservatory

3:00 Conservatory

3:00 Conservatory

3:00 Conservatory

THURSDAY

Maundy Thursday8:00 Maundy Thursday

WorshipCommunion

5:30 Conservatory6:00 Girl Scouts6:30 Hand Bells7:00 Cubs 7:30 Chancel Choir

5:30 Conservatory6:30 Hand Bells7:30 Chancel Choir

5:30 Conservatory

6:30 Hand Bells

7:30 Chancel Choir

5:30 Conservatory

6:30 Hand Bells

7:30 Chancel Choir

FRIDAY

6:30 Cubs Pack 201

SATURDAY

5

12

19

26

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13

20

27

7

14

21

28

1

8

15

22

29

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9

16

23

30

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10

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24

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11

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April

Rev. Jen’s Vacation 4/6 – 12.........................................................................................................

GOOD FRIDAYOffice Closed

8pm Tenebrae Svc9 pm – 12 AMEASTER VIGIL

5 pm – 12 AMEASTER VIGIL

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THE U IN JESUSBefore U were thought of or time had begun, God stuck U in the name of His Son.

And each time U pray, you’ll see it’s true, You can’t spell out JesUs and not include U.You’re a pretty big part of His wonderful name, For U, He was born; that’s why He came.

And His great love for U is the reason He died. It even takes a U to spell crUcified.Isn’t it thrilling and splendidly grand, He rose from the dead, with U in His plan?

The stones split away, the gold trUmpet blew, And this word resUrrection is spelled with a U.When JesUs left earth at His Upward ascension, He felt there was one thing He just had to mention;

“Go into the world and tell them it’s true, That I love them all - Just like I love U.”So many great people are spelled with a U, Don’t they have a right to know JesUs too?It all depends now on what U will do, He’d like them to know, But it all starts with U.

February 12, 2015First Presbyterian Church of Boonton513 Birch StreetBoonton, NJ 07005

Dear Friends;Many of our Boonton families are deeply gratefulto you for helping to ease the burden Christ hasasked them to bear. Your generous contributionsprovide them with food and personal care products.This assistance provides them the opportunity topay necessary bills, thereby reducing anxieties.I too appreciate your help that together we can“work” for the Holy Spirit, responding to the“cries of the poor.”

Again, thank you,Lucille

APRIL 2015

When everything was darkand it seemed that the sunwould never shine again,your love broke through.

Your love was too strong,too wide,too deepfor death to hold.

The sparks cast by your lovedance and spreadand burst forthwith resurrection light.

Prayer To Go

LARS BORGSTROM — LisaHordnes’ brother, was transferred to

Care One, Morris; he is fighting pneumo-nia. Please keep Lars and Lisa in yourprayers.

JACK MIDDLETON — is stilldealing with an infection, but hopes to

be released this week.

BOBBI ROSS — Diane Kearny’sfriend, had a stroke and has paralysis

on one side. She also has cancer. Pleasecontinue to pray for Bobbi and her family.

CHERYL WENDT — daughter-in-lawof former member Barbara, has a third

reoccurrence of cancer and it has spreadto her liver. She has two small children.

JOHN LAWLESS — Evelyn Thiel’sfamily nephew, has kidney failure. He is

on dialysis and will be put on a waitinglist for a kidney transplant.

PAUL LABOZZO — friend of theScelbas, needs lung transplant and is

first on hospital list.

BETTYLOU HANNA — Gail Coe’srelative, has been diagnosed with

Multiple Myeloma.

ANITA HUNTER — friend of Rox-anne Tavakkol, is suffering from third

relapse of cancer.

MAGED MEHANI — friend ofBetty Tilli, is awaiting a donor for

kidney transplant.

CHRISTIE OAKS — Robin Gershaw’sfriend, was recently diagnosed with

breast cancer.

LAUREL ADAMS — Lynn Ware’syoung friend, is struggling with mental

health issues and needs prayers to find herway to healing.

OUR MEN AND WOMEN IN UNIFORM — Let our prayers be

with all soldiers as they defend the free-doms that we hold so dear. Especially dur-ing this Easter season – we will continueto hold all our service personnel in ourprayers until they ALL come home.™

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IN OUR PRAYERS: Concerns

JOYS

Look at the detail in the artWhat do you see? - it’s amazing

BETTY TILLI — rejoices on thebirth of her grandson Cole

Christopher Badamy, born March 3!

CLARA JEAN ROTHROCK —was born March 24 to parents Jean

and Eric. Baby Clara is 7 lbs. 13 oz.Praise God for this miracle!

DOUG LANGDON — has had atruly miraculous recovery and is off

all breathing equipment well ahead ofschedule. He’s in a regular room anddoing great! Praise God!

DAVE SCELBA — is doing wellafter hip replacement surgery.

DONNA KEOPPEL — is recover-ing quickly and has returned to work

part-time.

ELSIE FORCE — is doing well; sheis staying with her daughter Carol,

and hopes to be in church soon. PraiseGod!

JANET EVELETH — Jay’s wife, ishome and recovering nicely. Praise

God!

JOSH BINGHAM — has landed anew job after five months of unem-

ployment. Praise God!

™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™

GIFTSIN

MEMORYOF

LOVEDONES

In Memory of:

Wendy KidaGiven By:

Mary & Ray KidaFor The Scholarship Fund

John ValorLove 2 Learn -

Carol GrantJoyce Wetstein

For The Memorial Fund

™ ™

First Presbyterian Church513 Birch St • PO Box 157Boonton, New Jersey 07005973-334-3535 • FAX 973-334-3549Website: www.fpcboonton.org

Rev. Jennifer M. Van Zandt, MinisterSarah Berta, Music DirectorNorma Moreno, Administrator

April 3 and 4Easter VigilSIGN UP ON CHURCH BRIDGE!Good Friday 9:00 pm - midnightSaturday 5:00 pm - midnight––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––April 26 at 4:00 pm2015 Canticles for LifeAids Benefit Concert

General Admission $15 * Sr. & Students $12.Tickets are now available at the church office.* Cash orCheck ONLY (checks Payable to Triad Art Ensemble)––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––June 22 – 26Vacation Bible School (VBS) - at Boonton Methodist Church––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––June 29 – July 3VBS at St. John’s Church––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––July 6 – 10VBS at First Presbyterian Church––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Saturday, September 26th...Another comedy show at the Darress this year! Thedate is Saturday, September 26. The show will becalled “New York City’s Top Comics with MichaelSomerville”. More news on this event in the next Spire issues and emails.

Save the Dates!!• • • • • WHY FORTY DAYS • • • • •

Jesus was in the wilderness forty days facing temptationand discerning the kind of ministry God intended for him(Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4:1-13). In Scrip-ture forty days or forty years is often the duration of atime of punishment, repentance, fasting, or vigil: Thechildren of Israel were in the wilderness forty years;Jonah preached that Nineveh would be destroyed in fortydays; Acts 1:3 reports that the risen Christ appeared tohis followers for forty days before his ascension.

COLOR FOR LENT

Purple, a royal color that also signifies penitence andpreparation is used during Lent.

GIVING UP AND ADDING ON

Giving up something for Lent is a tradition that probablygrows out of the history of Lenten penance and fasting.Most of us have things in our lives that we need to giveup. Lent is a good time to begin. Or we might give upsomething we value in order to help people in need.

PALM/PASSION SUNDAY

On Palm /Passion Sunday, the Sunday before Easter,worship services celebrate Jesus’ entry into Jerusalemamidst the joyful welcome of his followers.

MAUNDY THURSDAY

On Thursday of Holy Week, Christians commemorateJesus’ Last Supper when he broke bread and gave thecup to his disciples, initiating the Sacrament of theLord’s Supper. The word Maundy is derived from theLatin word Mandatum (or commandment). John’s Gospeltells of Jesus washing disciples feet and giving them anew commandment to love one another as God loved us.

TENEBRAE

Following communion on Holy Thursday or on Good Fri-day evening, some churches have a service of Tenebraeor “Darkness,” which originated in the twelfth century.As Jesus’ sufferings are recalled through scripture, frombetrayal to the crucifixion, candles are extinguished, oneby one, until the room is left in darkness.