DECEMBERSaturday, 1st9:00 am Praise Team Rehearsal

Sunday, 2nd First Sunday of Advent8:00 am Praise Team Rehearsal9:30 am Choir Rehearsal10:00 am Worship Service/Communion

Sunday School11:30-12:30 Christmas Pageant Rehearsal

Speaking Roles – SanctuaryNon-speakers - Sanctuary

6:00 pm Senior Youth Group****POINSETTIA ORDERS DUE****

Wednesday, 5th

9am-2 pm Scrappers1:00 pm Because of Bethlehem6:30 pm Men of St. Paul’s7:30 pm Confirmation Class

Thursday 6th

7:30 pm Adult Choir Rehearsal

Saturday, 8th

9:00 am Santa Run

Sunday, 9th Second Sunday of Advent8:00 am Praise Team Rehearsal9:30 am Choir Rehearsal10:00 am Worship Service 11:30-12:30 Christmas Pageant Rehearsal

All Students - SanctuarySoup SwapChristmas Candy by Donna

5:00 pm Advent Family Night Dinner****LAST SCRIPT ORDER DATE FOR 2018****

Monday, 10th

7:30 pm Consistory/Transition Team

Wednesday, 12th

Noon Senior Christmas Luncheon1:00 pm Because of Bethlehem7:30 pm Confirmation Class

Thursday, 13th

7:30 pm Adult Choir Rehearsal****TIDINGS DEADLINE****

Saturday, 15th

9:00 am Praise Team Rehearsal9:30-10:30 Christmas Pageant Rehearsal

All Students - Sanctuary

Sunday, 16th Third Sunday of Advent8:00 am Praise Team Rehearsal9:30 am Choir Rehearsal10:00 am Worship Service

Christmas Pageant12:00 pm Senior Youth Group****SYG RETREAT FORMS DUE****

Wednesday, 19th

9am-2 pm Scrappers1:00 pm Because of Bethlehem7:30 pm Confirmation Class

Thursday, 20th

7:30 pm Adult Choir Rehearsal

Saturday, 22nd

9:00 am Praise Team Rehearsal

Sunday, 23rd Fourth Sunday of Advent8:00 am Praise Team Rehearsal9:30 am Choir Rehearsal10:00 am Worship Service/Cantata

Sunday School11:30 am Children’s Choir1:00 pm Christmas Caroling

Monday, 24th

CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICES5PM & 8 PM

Sunday, 30th

8:00 am Praise Team Rehearsal9:30 am Choir Rehearsal10:00 am Worship Service****ALL 2018 DONATIONS DUE BY 10 AM****

Pastor Rich takes Friday Off.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

January 9 – Godspeed Adult Bible Study

January 13 – Soup Swap

DECEMBER 2018GreetingsHow did Christmas become what it is today? How did the celebration of God coming to earth, to you and me become offensive.

In much of our United States nativity scenes are now banned from many public parks, places and schools.

Christmas carols that used to be sung in public schools have been replaced by ones that do not mention anything about Jesus and his birth. The once called Christmas concert is referred to as the holiday concert.

In public schools in America, teachers and students are being urged or required by administrators and lawyers fearful of lawsuits to use phrases “Happy Holidays” or “Season’s Greetings” instead of “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Christmas.”

Many advertising pieces during the Christmas season now delete the “Christ” part of the word “Christmas.”

Why was the birth of the baby Jesus considered so significant in the first place? Why is Christmas being viewed differently today? What has happened to cause an event which has so influenced the modern world to be slowly erased from people’s thinking?

It seems to me that Christmas is following the way of St. Nicholas. St. Nicholas, a fourth century bishop known as a very kind man who had a reputation for helping the poor and giving secret gifts to people who needed it, was transformed into the red-suited, white bearded, jovial Santa Claus.

Today Christmas is being transformed into a celebration of lights, gift giving, party going, and other frivolous events.

How ironic is it that the birth of Jesus which was meant to transform our lives is being transformed into almost anything else but?

The birth of Jesus was meant to transform our despair, our doubts, our fears into hope.

The birth of Jesus was meant to transformour depression, our sadness, our discouragement into joy.

The birth of Jesus was meant to transformour animosity, our apathy, our hatred, into love.

The birth of Jesus was meant to transform our disharmony, our frustration, our worries into peace.

The birth of Jesus was meant to transformthe darkness in our lives, our families, our neighborhoods, and our world with the light of the world, Jesus.

Don’t settle this Christmas by celebrating a holiday. The birth of Jesus was never meant to be a holiday, it was meant to transform our lives.

May your Christmas be a blessed transformation, so that you will live the new and holy life Jesus’ birth was meant to bring.

GodspeedPastor Rich

JOIN US FOR ADVENT & CHRISTMAS

Advent is a season observed in many Christian churches as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas as well as the return of Jesus at the second coming. The term is a version of the Latin word meaning “coming”.Let us help you prepare for the celebration of Jesus’ birth. Join us each Sunday and receive the hope, joy, love and peace the birth of Jesus is suppose to bring to you.

WORSHIP 2 - Advent - Hope1 Thessalonians 3:9-13Happy Hollow Days

9 - Advent - JoyLuke 3:1-6The Crime of Christmas

17 - Advent - LovePageant You Can’t Have Christmas Without…

23 - Advent - PeaceCantataWho Waits for Christmas

24 - 5:00 & 8:00PMJohn 1:1-14The Cost Of Christmas

MEN OF ST. PAUL’SThe men of St. Paul’s are invited to gather on Wednesday, December 5th at 6:30pm for supper and fellowship.We will be setting up the sanctuary Christmas tree.

DECEMBER’S COMMUNION OFFERING

December’s communion offering, will be given to the families of the Craig Memorial Congregational Church in Paradise, CA.

Why the Congregational Church in Paradise, CA? Here is a note from a colleague that explains why!

Greeting,I met Rev. Andrew McHenry a few years ago. He was excited about moving from the mid-west to California to start a church in a town called Paradise. Paradise has been completely destroyed by the California wildfires. Andrew and his wife were able to escape the fire that destroyed their church, their home and town.WE CAN HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE

IN THEIR LIVES.

TOYS FOR TOTSNovember’s Communion offering of $1,088. will make a difference in the lives of children who will receive toys from the US Marine’s Toys for Tots drive. The communion offering along with any toy donations will be given to Toys for Tots.There is a Toys for Tots distribution box in the social hall.

SOUPS ON!December 9

On Sunday, December 9th you will have a chance to exchange $5 for a quart of home made soup.November’s Soup Swap raised $265If you are willing to make some soup there is a sign up in the narthex or contact Pam Sarch @ 732-501-5837

CHRISTMAS CANDY SALEBY DONNA

Christmas Candy will be available for sale (and orders) during coffee hour on December 9. Proceeds to benefit Mission Trip ’19.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGAt the congregational meeting held on November 11 the 2019 Budget was explained and approved with changes.

SR. YOUTH GROUPDecember 2nd @ 6:00PMDecember 16th @ 12:00PMDecember 23rd @ 1:00PM Christmas Caroling

BECAUSE OF

BETHLEHEMWe will continue our exploration of how God chose to make Himself nothing and come into the world. Jesus’ birth gives us the promise that God is always near us, always for us and always within us and we no longer need to have marks on our record.Wednesdays, December 5, 12 & 19 @ 1:00pm

PRAYER of the MONTHLoving Father, Help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds,and worship of the wise men.

Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clear hearts.

May the Christmas morning make us happy to be thy children,and Christmas evening bring us to our bedswith grateful thoughts,forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus' sake.

YOUTH GROUP RETREATFri - Sun, Feb. 8-10, 2019

Registration form is included. PLEASE NOTE THE DEADLINE IS

DECEMBER 16TH!!

When: Saturday, December 8Time: 7:30 a.m. Registration

9:00 a.m. Race BeginsWhere: North Brunswick Community Park

Rt. 130 SGoal: Raise money for our Youth Group Mission TripSponsors and Donors are needed to help us reach our goal.You can donate or register on line by going to our Facebook page or click on the link button on our website. You will find a link for the Santa fun race.

CHRISTMAS FAMILYPOTLUCK

SUN. DEC 9 @ 5:00 PMFood, Fun, Fellowship and Reindeer games for the whole family.Each family is asked to bring a dish of your choice to share with others. Sign up today in the office, narthex and social hall. You can also call the church office 732-828-0020 or email stpaulschurch@optonline.net

SENIOR CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON

Wed. Dec 12 @ 12:00PMAre you a senior citizen? If YES then you are invited to a Christmas luncheon on Wednesday, December 12 at 12:00PM in our social hall.Please RSVP by December 9 if you will be attending, need transportation, and/or bringing a friend or 2.

CHRISTMAS CAROLINGSUN. DEC. 23 @ 1PM

“Suddenly a great company of heavenly host appeared to the shepherds singing and praising God.”YOU are invited to part of our heavenly host on Sunday, December 23 when we will go Christmas caroling to our home bound.If you would like the carolers to stop at your house please call the church office 732-828-0020

2019 CALENDARSThey are available in the narthex, church office and social hall. Take an extra one or two and give them to your neighbors, family or friends.

FINANCIALS Oct. YR to DATE

Income $ 16,850.21 $192,702.91Expense $ 21,875.93 $245,480.32Gain/(Loss) ($ 5,025.72 ($ 52,777.41 )

MY E OFFERINGEveryone benefits, YOU and the church.myEoffering is easy, convenient AND safe. It allows you to give any amount, at any time, home or away. It enables consistent stewardship which enables St. Paul’s to serve as God is calling us to serve.Sign up today. Click on http://members.myeoffering.com/ and register.

SCRAP BOOKINGDo you have photos you don’t know what to do with? Join our Scrapbooking Club.We meet every other Wednesday (12/5 & 12/19) in the social hall from 9am – 2pm, cost is $5.00, bring your lunch. Call Donna Lucid to RSVP or with any questions at 908-331-1758

($52,777.41)Increased expenses this year exceeds income, leaving us with a deficit of $52,777.41 through October.Questions asked at the meeting:PASTOR’S MEDICAL EXPENSE - Why is the 2018 & 2019 the same when those expenses have surpassed the 2018 budgeted amount.The reason: One time medical expense. Pastor needed hearing aides. Why are we paying for his hearing aides? The church is responsible for providing medical insurance for the pastor. When Diane worked at Rutgers the church did not have to provide medical insurance. The church agreed to pay any out pocket expense, not to exceed the cost of medical insurance provided by the denomination.When Diane stopped working for Rutgers, the church needed to provide medical insurance. The cost of medical insurance through the denomination exceeded $21,000.Pastor switched from the denominational plan to go with Medi-Share, a healthcare sharing program where Christians share financial resources to pay each other's medical expenses. This was a saving of $11,000. The church agreed to continue paying out of pocket expense not to exceed the cost of what the church would have had to pay if they used the denominational medical insurance.Pastor and Diane are on the Medicare, the church is reimbursing the cost of Medicare and the Medicare supplement. The church will continue to reimburse Pastor any out of pocket expense not to exceed what the cost of the denominational insurance plan, which exceeds $22,000.

WHY BONUSES The consistory decided to give bonuses to the three employees in January of 2018 to

express their gratitude, since no salary increases were made in the past 8 years.

PUBLICITYWhy do we spend so much in publicity?The amount of money spent on advertising this year is .008% of our expenditures for 2018. In a report done by The United Methodist Church, the local church needs to be spending about 5% of its bottom line to maintain and 10% to grow.If our advertising it is “ineffective” maybe it is because we aren’t spending enough.

BENEVOLENCEWhy are we giving so much money away to other organizations?It is Biblical!The scriptures teach us that generosity is a discipline as opposed to an emotion.“Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ “In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. - Malachi 3:8-10 Most often we equate the tithe with, well, offering as in tithes and offerings. But tithe really means a 10th. What God is saying to Israel is bring the first and the best 10th of your harvest to me. 10%. Today it is basically understood to mean that we should give back to the Lord 10% of what we earn…a 10th, a tithe.The church committed many years ago to increase our benevolent giving by one half per cent until our benevolent giving equaled a tithe of our parishioners giving.

COMING JANUARY 9THGODSPEED

The word ‘Godspeed’ comes for the old English phrase God Spede - meaning may God flourish you. Is it possible to live in this day an age at Godspeed.God speed is not a call to pack and move to the country. To live at Godspeed means to be present to where you are and present to who surrounds you. So what keeps you from being present?

Letters…

Dear Friends,Wanted to thank you for welcoming me to your luncheons.I love it because I see a lot of love and friendship.Thank you again,

Love & Blessings,Melvina Dwyer

Thank you for your many kindnesses. I wish you a very happy holiday!!!

Marion Schuster

BREAVEMENT

We extend our sympathy to the family of Doug Weber, who died 11/8.

FELLOWSHIP HOURHOSTS NEEDED:You are responsible for providing treats, juice of the children and milk for coffee.Coffee, cups, plates, napkins, plastic utensils and sweeteners are provided.SIGN UP TO HOST@ coffee hour or contact:Julie Park 732-545-4266 mj1park@optonline.net or Tracy Rucinski 732-545-6982 traysee7413@yahoo.com.

PALLET PAINTING FUNDRAISING

Thanks to all who participated in the Pallet Painting Fundraiser. Over 50 people came together for an evening of fun and friendship. Thanks also to those who donated libations and treats for all to enjoy. If you weren’t able to join us for this party – stay tuned. We may just do another one another one in the spring!

CONSISTORY MINUTESNovember 12, 2018

In Attendance: Debbie Paley, Nick Bamond, Debbie Kovacs, Greg Reeves, Karen Gourley, Matt Park, Lois Jessen, Beckie Rumen, Pastor RichMeeting called to order at 7:38pm by Pastor Rich who opened the meeting with a devotion from Galatians 5:25 – “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Do we let worry, fear, and self-will run our lives or God’s loving spirit? Remember God is driving your life and the church – let him do the driving.October’s meeting minutes were approved with-out change. Motioned by Lois J./Greg R.

Correspondence- Note received from Reformed Church office re-garding church in Paradise, CA destroyed by fires. We can help by sending Walmart, Target, and Visa gift cards to neighboring town. Our De-cember Communion Offering will be designated for this cause.- We have been asked to advertise/attend an up-coming event “Love for Landon Benefit” in sup-port of Landon Hartz who was born with Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome. The event will be held on June 22, 2019. $25 admission includes all-you-can-eat backyard barbecue, salad and fruit bars, desserts plus live music by Johnny Fish and the Fins, 50/50, raffles, tricky tray, and more. Finances- Our loss for September is $5,025.72. YTD loss is $52,777.41.- October’s offering is $1088 and will go to Toys for Tots.- Some questions were raised at our congrega-tional meeting this past Sunday regarding the 2019 budget. Budget line items of interest in-cluded publicity, bonuses, and medical expenses. Concerns were addressed by Pastor Rich and consistory members.- We have approximately $60,000 remaining in payments for the stained glass window project. - October finances approved by Consistory. Mo-tioned by Debbie K./seconded by Nick B.

ConsistoryCommunion- December 2 – Team 2

Communion Offering/BenevolenceUpcoming Distributions:- November’s Distribution (includes October’s Communion Offering) – Toys for Tots- December’s Distribution (includes November’s Communion Offering) – Embrace Kids- January’s Distribution (includes December’s Communion Offering) – church in Paradise, CA

Worship - November 18 @ 10:00 AM – Bruce Anglin will be preaching- November 18 @ 4:00 PM – Community Thanks-giving Service

Ministry TeamsChurch & Family- We will have fellowship in the social hall after the Thanksgiving service. - Advent Dinner will take place on December 9.- Christmas Caroling will take place on December 23.Education- New adult study (Because of Bethlehem) will begin Wednesday, 11/28; based on a book by Max Lucado.

Property- Fall cleanup day was a success – thanks to all who came out to help and to Lois J. for providing lunch.- Work Day needs to be scheduled to work on the Choir Room floor. Old Business- Our Transition Teams met on 10/22. The plan is to have our first draft of the church profile completed by 12/1. - Pastor Rich will reach out to Right Now Media requesting more information regarding disciple-ship opportunities in the spring.

Future Dates- Transition Team Meeting – November 26- Consistory/Transition Team Meeting – Decem-ber 10

Meeting adjourned at 9:00pm, Pastor Rich closed the meeting with Prayer Concerns and the Lord’s Prayer. Motioned by Nick B./Matt P.

Music at St. Paul’s

Giving thanks

Thank you to the praise band for taking on extra work while Emily was on vacation Nov. 11th!

Thank you to members of our Adult Choir who sang at the community Thanksgiving service on Nov. 18th!

Who Waits for Christ?

On Sun., Dec. 23, our Adult Choir will present a program of song and readings in our morning worship called, “Who Waits for Christ?” Our singers are already hard at work preparing the music. We need readers especially, of a variety of ages and genders. Speak to Emily if you are willing and avail-able!

Special music

There is still room for you to offer your mu-sical gift in one of our Christmas services. Speak to Emily if you would like to play an instrument or sing!

SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Honor of MARJORIE CONGER’S 90th

Birthday, Love Cousin Doris

RESURRECTION WINDOW

Memory our son, RHETT KROBATSCHVincent & Doris Krobatsch

Honor of MARJORIE CONGER’S 90TH

BIRTHDAY, with Love, Gratitude, and Respect, Gary, Jeff, Judy and their families

HEAD USHERS FORDECEMBER2 Consistory Team #3

Communion9 Dave Hastings16 Grace Kothari23 Julie ParkChristmas Eve5pm Bob Burnett8pm30 Kathy Shanabrook

GREETERS FORDECEMBER2 Lorraine Fisezi9 Judy Skalla16 Connie Michael & Carol Calantoni23 Debbie CheesemanChristmas Eve5pm Connie Michael & Carol Calantoni8pm Ken Skalla30 Greg Reeves

Greeters are asked to arrive at church by 9:20 a.m.

GREETER COORDINATOR Judy Skalla

ST. PAUL’S CHURCHFounded in 1872

So. Main St. & W. Lakewood Ave.

Rev. Richard H. Weyer, Pastor

Emily Sensenbach-Gopal, Director of Music

Church Office 732 828-0020FAX # 732 828-0027

stpaulschurch@optonline.netwww.stpaulsmilltownnj.org

Please leave a message if no one is available.

Church Secretary Mrs. Carol LagowskiOffice hours: 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Financial Secretary Mrs. Debbie Paley (address inquiries to church office)

Please address all financial inquiries to the Church Office.

NEXT TIDINGS DEADLINE – Thursday, December 20th

2018 CONSISTORYElders:

Melanie DwyerKaren GourleyDavid Hasting

Lois JessenRebecca Jones

Matt ParkGreg ReevesNikki Wesen

Deacons:Nicholas Bamond

John GarbackDebbie KovacsRobert RamsenTracy RucinskiBeckie Rumen

Kathy ShanabrookSean Sullivan

********************************Save time and prevent mistakes by writing your parishioner number on your checks and envelopes. Example: 002W********************************Please notify the church office if any of the following changes occur in your household: address change, phone number change, email change, marriage, separation/divorce, death, birth, adoption, adult child(ren) moving out, or a family member being moved to a rehab. or nursing home.We would like to keep our membership list up-to-date, but we need YOUR cooperation to do so!

ST. PAUL’S CHURCH62 South Main StreetMilltown, NJ 08850(732) 828-0020

DECEMBER, 2018

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

DATES TO REMEMBER:

December 2 – Poinsettia Orders DueDecember 5 – Men of St. Paul’sDecember 9 – Advent Family DinnerDecember 10 – ConsistoryDecember 12 – Senior LuncheonDecember 16 – Christmas PageantDecember 17 – Transition Team MeetingDecember 23 – Cantata/CarolingDecember 30 – All 2018 donations due by 10am

TIDINGSWorship Service 10:00 a.m.Sunday School 10:00 a.m.

Rev. Richard H. Weyer, Pastor

DATED MATERIALNovember 16, 2018