Osceola’s Messenger
Welcome to the Osceola Family!
Osceola Presbyterian Church welcomed four new members
to our church family today. Pictured from left to right
(front row) are Andi Twombly, Gary Dudash, Clerk of Session
Carol Riddlestorffer, Liz Coffey-Dawe, and Annette Mall. Behind them is our guest pastor, Dr. Ingrid Singh.
Mission Commission
Summer Mission Update
We’re less than a month away from our big mission event of the year, our annual meal packing with Rise
Against Hunger on World Communion Sunday. But over the summer, Osceola’s Mission Commission has
been modeling the unconditional love of the living God in other ways.
The Osceola Food Pantry is one of the main ministries of our congregation, and we chose to support its
work with a significant monetary donation. Each month, the Osceola Food Pantry provides food staples
along with some special touches to families who are referred by other area churches and schools.
We also made financial donations to several other organizations that work on a local scale. Osceola’s
Mission Commission is supporting:
● FISH Hospitality Program, Inc., which serves homeless families and single women in Middlesex,
Somerset and Union counties by providing shelter and meals, and other assistance in order to
give them a new opportunity to live independently in their communities as respected families
and individuals.
● Agape Community Kitchen, which is a youth- led mission of The Presbyterian Church in
Westfield that provides meals to people in need at First Presbyterian Church in Elizabeth every
Wednesday afternoon. They also provide new clothing basics as needed.
● Gateway Pregnancy Center, Inc., which is located in Elizabeth and focuses on bringing the gospel
of Jesus Christ to women and men in a pregnancy situation. It offers free pregnancy tests, peer
counseling, post-abortion counseling, chastity counseling, husband/boyfriend counseling,
limited ultrasounds for pregnancy verification, as well as practical assistance, including:
education, emotional support and spiritual support.
● Camp Johnsonburg, a Presbyterian facility in northwest New Jersey, which provides an
opportunity for city kids to meet country kids, where the rich and poor of means and spirit are
valued equally, and where each is encouraged to take another vital step toward realizing
oneness in Christ.
The Mission Commission believes that we are being called on to work on a larger scale as well, so we
chose to offer financial gifts to these organizations and individuals whose work reaches beyond the
borders of our state:
● Christian Appalachian Project, with a mission of building hope, transforming lives, and sharing
Christ’s love through service in Appalachia, a region that includes West Virginia, portions of
Kentucky and Pennsylvania, as well as 10 other states. They operate programs to offer home
repair and reconstruction services on a year-round basis as well as disaster relief, along with
thrift stores and food pantries.
● Mercy Ships, which uses hospital ships to transform lives and serve nations, one at a time. A ship
is the most efficient platform to deliver a state-of-the-art hospital to regions where clean water,
electricity, medical facilities and personnel is limited or nonexistent.
● Gideons International, an association of Christian business and professional men and their wives
dedicated to telling people about Jesus through associating together for service, sharing
personal testimony, and by providing Bibles and New Testaments.
● Jim and Jodi McGill, missionaries working with the Presbyterian Mission Agency in Niger and
South Sudan in Africa.
Submitted by Paul Hadsall, Mission Commission co-chair
Rise Against Hunger, Round 3
Get those hairnets ready and get energized!
As we all know, the focus of the international hunger relief agency, Rise Against Hunger, is getting people involved in hands-on work and engaging local volunteers in meal-packaging events.
Last year, Osceola participated in its second meal-packaging event and it was another huge success. As an extension of our World Communion Sunday worship service, about fifty volunteers of members, friends and neighbors gathered in Fellowship Hall to participate in the event. Together, we successfully packed 10,152 meals that were sent to communities in need in Haiti. Our participation in the event allowed us to share the love of Jesus Christ with our brothers and sisters across the world and we’re getting excited to be able to do that again!
Mark your calendars!
Osceola will host its third Rise Against Hunger event on World Communion Sunday, October 7, 2018. Thank you to everyone that has helped fundraise to defer the cost of the food supplies and shipping costs. By buying an Osceola t-shirt, donating to one of the special offerings, or helping out in any other way, you have all really made this even more of an Osceola project, rather than just a Mission Commission project. We really look forward to working alongside you in October to pack another 10,000 meals! Information about registration will be coming soon.
Submitted by Samantha Dodson, Mission Commission co-chair
The Mission Commission is Hosting a “FUNraising” Event
at the Clark Friendly’s
1463 Raritan Rd.
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 25TH
4:00 – 9:00pm
20% of all sales will be donated to our
Rise Against Hunger Project
WHEN YOU MENTION THE FUNDRAISER
TO YOUR SERVER OR SHOW THIS FLYER
P L E A S E J O I N U S !!
Sunday School It seems like only yesterday when our Sunday School classes led Osceola’s worship on Christian Education Sunday in May. During the lively service the children collected a Noise Offering and donated $115.28 to the Mission Commission’s Rise Against Hunger campaign. The classes finished out their year presenting the congregation with handmade Mother’s and Father’s Day gifts and special Bibles were presented to students entering grades 3 and 6 during Recognition Sunday.
After a summer of fun, the Sunday
School families enjoyed a “Welcome
Back” picnic at the Dietze’s home.
There was plenty of food and fun
games and a dip in the famous hot
tub!
Sunday School officially began a new year on September 16th with a Sunday morning breakfast and
group activity.
A dedication of all of our wonderful Christian Education volunteers (Sunday School staff, TOTS childcare,
leaders of Faith Finders, and our Youth Group coordinators) was held during Sunday worship and we
wished everyone a “Wonder-fall” year!
Regular classes resume every Sunday morning from 9:00-9:50 am beginning September 23rd. Classes are
available for children ages 3 through middle school. In addition to learning Bible lessons through crafts,
games, and song, the classes will continue our focus on worship and on mission. The children will be
participating in World Communion Sunday (when we invite the Sunday School children from Linden
Presbyterian Church to join us) and a Noise Offering is also planned for October. Items will once again
be collected for our annual shoebox activity for Operation Christmas Child in early November.
There’s plenty of excitement in Sunday School. If anyone is interested in joining us, please contact Alice
Dietze (732-574-8956 or [email protected])
Deidre’s Devotion
In the fifth book of the Chronicles of Narnia The Horse and His Boy, the main
character Bree is a talking horse. He considers the boy, Shasta, a “foal” who is
badly in need of training. Often the horse’s arrogant opinions reflect an air of
superiority. He thinks of himself as a brave warhorse, possessing great skill and
courage. Yet, when he hears the roar of a mighty animal, he flees and leaves the
other members of his party unprotected.
Later, Bree meets Aslan, the lion, who is king of Narnia. The horse admits that he
has been an arrogant and frightened failure. Aslan praises Bree for admitting his
shortcomings.
The Bible tells us “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a
fall.” (Proverbs 16:18) Life has a way of exposing the flaws of our own personal
vanity. But learning the hard lesson that pride comes before destruction can
become a turning point in which we intentionally shift our focus away from
exalting self. Then, as we adopt a humble spirit before God and man, we can
become channels of wisdom to others. “When pride comes, then comes shame; but
with the humble way is wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:2)
Promoting our own importance leads to stumbling. But focusing on glorifying
God and meeting the needs of others gives us the perspective of the wise.
Let’s recall the words of a favorite hymn:
Blessed Savoir, make me humble,
Take away my sinful pride;
In myself I’m sure to stumble,
Help me stay close to Your side.
Walk with the King today and be a
blessing!
Submitted by Deidre Buchner, Elder
YOUTH GROUP
Osceola’s Youth Group likes to mix
service with lots of fun. Our youth are
always helping out in Osceola’s Food
Pantry and they are experts at
checking food items for expiration
dates.
In June, the Youth Group finished out the year with their annual Barbecue at the Dietze’s.
Fishing marbles out of ice water (with bare feet), pool noodle soccer, and Pictionary (in
chocolate pudding) were some of this year’s crazy games and we always end with water balloon
batting practice, an egg toss, and a shaving cream chase. At least everyone goes home clean –
and ready for a summer of fun.
A new year of Youth Group began once again at the Dietze’s
for a barbecue and a dip in the (in)famous hot tub. We were
especially thrilled to welcome two new youth to the group
and spent the evening getting to know one another and
planning for the coming year.
Youth Group will be meeting 2 or 3 Tuesdays a month, usually
from 7:00-8:30 pm. Most meetings are held in the Youth
Room of Osceola and several outings will be planned
throughout the year. Parents and youth will be notified on a
monthly basis of the meeting dates.
Any youth in grades 6-12 are welcome to join us. Please contact Alice Dietze (732-574-8956 or
[email protected]) for more information.
2018 marks the 75th Anniversary for Osceola Presbyterian Church and there will be a special celebration
on Sunday, October 28th. Our elders will lead a special worship service at 10:00 am and a luncheon will
be served immediately after in Fellowship Hall.
Save the date and look for more information coming. Help us celebrate 75 years of faithful ministry!!
Committees and Commissions
It takes many hands to keep the ministry of Osceola running. Did you know just how many committees
and commissions we have and what each of them do? Below is a list of the groups that work together
to fulfill Osceola’s mission and the responsibilities of each group. If you feel led to become more
involved in the workings of our church, please consider joining a commission or committee. You don’t
need to be an elder or deacon (or even a member for that matter) or any formal training – just a
willingness to serve the Lord in some capacity. Prayerfully consider what you can do to help and speak
to the commission chair for more information – or to sign up!!
Personnel Commission (chair, Deidre Buchner) – purpose is to support the staff and ensure that assigned
responsibilities are carried out.
Job Descriptions
Hiring and firing policies
Annual evaluations and contracts
Develop/review and enforce Sexual Misconduct policy
Facilities Management Commission (chair, Jim Riddlestorffer) – purpose is to maintain the buildings and
ensure safety for those using the building and grounds, in order to enhance the ministries of the church.
Contracts with maintenance vendors
Oversee maintenance and repair of buildings and systems within the buildings
Oversee maintenance of the property
Building use approval
Work with outside groups using the building
Maintain the church calendar of events in coordination with the Office Administrator
Work with the Sexton
Ensure adequacy of insurance
Worship & Music Commission (chair, Jim Dietze) – purpose is to work with the Pastor (pulpit supply) and
Music Director to ensure quality worship experience for all ages.
Facilitate worship
Prepare communion, recruit servers
Provide for ushering
Recruit Worship Assistants
Track and record worship attendance
Oversee decorating the Sanctuary for holidays
Secure pulpit supply as needed
Arrange for home communion
Children and Family Ministries Commission (chair, Alice Dietze) – purpose is to provide programs to
develop the faith foundation for the church’s children, youth and families
Create/secure appropriate curriculum for Sunday school
Recruit and train teachers and helpers
Develop and maintain Child Protection policy
Oversee child care provided during the worship service
Enlist persons to teach Faith Finders
Confirmation
Youth Group
Sacrament education
Education and support for families
Fellowship Commission (see Anita and Frank Mai)
Coffee Hour
Other fellowship activities
Adult Ministries Commission (chair, Ginny Oxley)
Create adult Christian education opportunities
Create small groups
Be responsible for officer education and training
Membership – new member classes, etc.
Communications committee (a committee of Session, chair, Paul Hadsall)
With Office Admin., prepare and distribute the “Messenger”
Assist commissions by creating publicity appropriate for church events
Oversee the church’s website
Finance Commission (chair, Deidre Buchner)
Treasurer and Financial Secretary roles and responsibilities - defined
Counters – policy and processes
Auditors – processes
Budget Committee – processes
Confidentiality Policy with regard to giving
Memorial Gifts – policy
Policy on payment of Per Capita
Payment of church related bills
Maintain tax records and reports
Prepare and distribute year end tax statements
Mission Commission (co-chairs, Paul Hadsall and Samantha Dodson) – purpose is to encourage and
facilitate congregational participation in local and global mission
Food Pantry committee
Deacon’s mission projects
Sunday school “noise offering” and other mission activities
Determine mission projects to be supported by mission funds
Stewardship Committee (a committee of the Session, chair, Deidre Buchner) – purpose is to educate and
inspire the congregation in the need to share their time, talents and treasure for the benefit of OPC and
the wider church. Composition: one seated Elder; one member of the Finance Commission; with the
pastor, select three at-large members from the congregation. Persons may serve a maximum of two
consecutive years.
Annual Stewardship effort
Choir
September begins a new year for Osceola’s Chancel Choir. Rehearsals are held each Thursday at 7:00pm
in the Choir Room and new members are welcome – no experience necessary! Speak to Dawn Stegner
for more information. The Chancel Choir greatly enhances the worship experience at Osceola so join
them as they make a joyful noise to our Lord!!
The Choir Party gave Osceola’s choristers and their families a chance to end the year on a “happy note”
before a well-deserved summer break. (There’s that hot tub … again!!)
Each year Osceola’s Sunday School classes participate in a very exciting mission project for Operation
Christmas Child. Our families donate a variety of items that are packed in shoeboxes and sent to needy
children all over the world. The boxes are packed by the children early in November and our Youth
Group delivers the boxes to our local collection site. Osceola’s Mission Commission provides funds to
supplement the shipping costs.
While this is primarily a project of the Sunday School classes, anyone interested in donating items to
help fill boxes is welcome to place them in the marked box in the Narthex (of course, anyone can fill a
box as well).
Below is a list of items typically included in a box, as well as items that should NOT be included. Items
marked *** are items we recently found out are desirable (and items we never even thought of).
Most of these items are available at dollar stores, but they bring such joy to a child who receives very
little. Talk to a Sunday School teacher if you have any questions – and we also appreciate any shoeboxes
you may have handy!
SUGGESTED ITEMS:
School supplies (including rulers, erasers, solar calculators, pads, pens, pencils, markers, etc.)
Personal Care Items (combs, brushes, toothbrushes, washcloths, soap, lip balm, ***band-aids,
***plastic cups or water bottles, etc.)
Small toys (balls, jump ropes, cars and trucks, dolls, small stuffed animals, playing cards, puzzles,
etc.)
Clothing items (socks, mittens/gloves, hats, bandannas, ***flip flops, tee shirts, etc.)
Activity items (craft kits, ***sewing kits, ***small gardening tools or gloves, ***fishing kits, ***tool
set or small tools, etc.)
ITEMS NOT TO INCLUDE:
NO edible items (custom regulations have changed so NO candy, gum, etc.)
NO toothpaste (again, because of changes in custom regulations)
NO war-related items
NO liquids or lotions
NO breakable items (such as glass)
NO aerosol cans
FOOD PANTRY
The summer is always a busy time for our Food Pantry. Our families with children are especially in need
since free lunch and breakfast programs are not available while schools are closed. Besides our basic
box, full of commonly used staples, that is distributed each month, we also give away a “monthly
special” to provide seasonal items or non-food items (i.e. paper products, health supplies, cleaning
products). Special picnic baskets full of summer foods were distributed in June. Cleaning supplies were
July’s special and we also received a donation of flip-flops and sunblock products that were just in time
for the summer. Our congregation kindly donated school supplies that were provided in August to all of
the families with children, along with Walmart gift cards so additional school needs could be purchased.
These are always gratefully received!
The special of the month for September will be breakfast food items and then we will begin to prepare
for our big holiday distributions in the coming months. Osceola has provided generous support with
donations of food, time and monetary contributions. Even our youngest ones enjoy giving us a helping
hand!
August’s distribution marked the end of Osceola’s third full year of our expanded Food Pantry! During
the past 12 months we handed out 10,017 pounds of food, countless pieces of clothing, household
items, books, DVDs, toys, and $1250 in gift cards. We were even able to provide pieces of furniture and
a stove to some of our families. In the three years since we began our monthly distributions, we have
given out 27,403 pounds of food alone – that’s 13 ½ tons!! Thank you to everyone at Osceola for your
donations of all kinds as well as your continued support and prayers. This ministry has certainly made a
difference in the lives of our Food Pantry families. Well done good and faithful servants!
FOOD ITEMS NEEDED:
canned fruit rice jelly cleaning products canned pasta pasta sauce tuna tomato products canned beans peanut butter cereal macaroni & cheese LOOKING AHEAD – HOLIDAY ITEMS: mashed potatoes gravy stuffing cranberry sauce sweet potatoes/yams chicken broth olives juice cake mix icing tubs muffin mix
ITEMS REQUESTED:
storage tubs organizer shelves gas clothes dryer
PRAYER REQUESTS:
family member in rehab. death of a brother financial concerns improved living situation health concerns