Eastertide Book Group

Looking for a book group on Zoom? In-person?

After Easter, Nurture and Growth is transitioning it’s curriculum and book studies to focus on our understandings of faith and the church, specifically by inviting the whole congregation to read Rachel Held Evans’ Searching for Sunday. Describing the sacraments, this book describes the way that Held Evan’s had to wrestle with the church. Reflecting on how important this analysis is, Jen Megaffin shared this quote from the book: “Try as I may, I can’t be a Christian on my own. I need a community. I need the church.” Jen and Josie B. (this year’s confirmand!) have been using this book to help guide their conversations together.

Describing the book, Josie writes:

Rachel Held Evans is an incredible writer! Jen and I are both able to relate to her in a lot of ways, and I bet most of our congregants will relate to her faith story too. This book addresses the not-so-perfect parts of Christianity, and Rachel opens up to her readers about her doubts and taking long breaks from church. So many people continue to attend churches that they don't like and I'm sure her books, this one especially, have helped people see the light of Christ and his miracles, as opposed to the subtle darkness of the church. While God created us, we aren’t perfect, so when a bunch of God’s people gather together, it isn't going to be perfect. Reading about Rachel's experiences remind us that everyone has doubts about the church, and the thing to remember is that you have to find a community to worship with.”

The Zoom Book Group will meet on Mondays from 5-6pm, starting April 12. If you are interested in this group, please contact the church office.

The In-person Book Group will meet on Tuesdays from 4:15-5:15, starting April 13. To comply with gathering guidelines are only 8 slots available for this group. If you are interested, contact the church office. THIS GROUP IS CURRENTLY FULL.

If you need help obtaining a copy of this book, don’t hesitate to reach out to the church office.

This is the reading plan

April 12/13: Baptism pp. ix-xviii, 9-40

April 19/20: Confession pp. 43-94

April 26/27: Holy Orders pp. 97-117

May 3/4: Communion pp. 121-157

May 10/11: Confirmation pp. 161-199

May 17/18: Anointing the Sick pp. 203-233

May 24/25: Marriage pp. 237-258

Chubby’s Project in our Community

The Chubby’s Project is a local program dedicated to food justice and building connections within the Hopewell community. Through their lunch program and food pantry, the Project aims to nourish the community’s mind, body, and spirit by creating a full circle of connection between recipients, volunteers, donors, and food service workers.  The Chubby’s Project is a New Jersey nonprofit corporation. Because it has not yet received Federal 501(c)3 status, Calvary Baptist Church of Hopewell acts as its fiscal sponsor. One hundred percent of funds designated to Chubby’s Project through the Calvary Baptist Church go directly to support the Project’s programs.

The Chubby’s Project was originally intended to utilize proceeds from Aunt Chubby’s Luncheonette in Hopewell Borough to give back to the community. Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Luncheonette distributed gift cards via the Hopewell Council of Churches, so those in need would be able to come in for a hot meal, or some company. When the COVID-19 pandemic descended on our area a year ago, it not only closed down the normal operations of schools and area businesses, it also created unexpected hardship, including new or increased food insecurity for some in our community. Lyn Farrugia, a co-owner of Aunt Chubby’s Luncheonette, began to consider ways to build upon what they were already doing in our community to support those hit hardest by this situation. Lyn and her team set up a food pantry, which now consists of two large outdoor wooden cupboards, located next to the luncheonette on Railroad Avenue. The Chubby’s Project works with school and community groups to collect and sort donations, stock the pantry, and educate the public about food insecurity and food justice in Hopewell and beyond.

In addition, Chubby’s Project began delivering prepared hot meals and groceries to community members particularly isolated or experiencing extra hardship at this time. The love and kindness that goes out with each delivery is truly amazing! Over 7,500 meals have been delivered since last March. Currently, approximately 150 meals are delivered weekly, benefitting households in and around Hopewell, including Ewing. Ongoing support for both the food pantry and delivered meals/groceries comes from monetary donations, and donations of non-perishable food and other household supplies generously provided by individuals throughout our community, and many local organizations, including the Hopewell Council of Churches. The Calvary Baptist Church on East Broad Street receives and manages monetary gifts which are used to sustain both efforts. Hopewell Presbyterian Church (HPC) has supported these efforts with monetary donations ($2,000 this past year) through the Deacon’s Community Outreach Mission, and through the November 1, 2020 “Sunday of Service” event, when many HPC members participated in either the community-wide food drive, or the Hunger Awareness Walk at St. Michael’s Preserve (or both!) sponsored by the Chubby’s Project, in conjunction with the Hopewell Council of Churches. More recently, HPC Deacons are exploring other ways to provide ongoing “hands on deck” support to the food pantry and prepared meal delivery program.

The newest initiative by Chubby’s Project is a Tuesday evening soup delivery service for a small group of lunch recipients. Still in pilot stage, this program aims to offer another opportunity for connection through a virtual meeting of participants. Student volunteers from the Hopewell Valley Regional High School deliver soup donated by local restaurants, and a local pastor runs a zoom group for conversation and connection.

Chubby’s Project serves those in need regardless of their circumstances, and there are no criteria to receive their services. The engine for keeping this important community-care up and running is Lyn’s amazing compassion and creativity, along with her very dedicated team of staff and volunteers. If you’re interested in learning more about these efforts, and ways to become involved, please refer to the information below, and check out their website at www.https://chubbysluncheonette.com .

Aunt Chubby’s Food Pantry: Occasional help needed with organizing received donations, stocking outdoor cabinets, and possible assistance organizing/running food drives. Cheryl Pothast is the key coordinator; you may contact Cheryl directly at cheryl.pothast@gmail.com and copy Lyn Farrugia, at lynfarrugia@gmail.com.  

Prepared Meal Delivery and check-in: This occurs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings between approximately 10 – 11:30 am. Volunteers typically participate on select days rather than all three. Townsend Olcott is the key coordinator for this effort. Lyn welcomes volunteers who: 

• are being extra careful themselves with safety protocols

• willing/comfortable to "check-in" with recipients by visiting, either on a doorstep or briefly inside, (masked, social-distanced, etc., for short period) to see if they might need any other type of assistance.

Townsend is very organized and has a dedicated crew of delivery volunteers -- but they can always use some additional help! If interested in helping, please contact Townsend at ctolcott@gmail.com and copy Lyn Farrugia, lynfarrugia@gmail.com.  For this effort, Lyn will likely reach out to you first.  

Hopewell Council of Churches - Virtual Lent Soup Suppers & Worship

The Hopewell Council of Churches will continue its tradition of hosting Wednesday evening Soup Suppers and Worship during the season of Lent.  This year the theme is Unity. We will meet virtually from 6:30-7:30pm via this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82086152038. The link will be the same each week.  During the 6:30-7:00pm time slot, we will gather and fellowship.  Each week various churches will share our favorite soup recipes.  Then, attendees will be invited to share their soup together during this time.  The more traditional worship will begin at 7:00-7:30pm.

Schedule

February 17th (Ash Wednesday) Preacher: Pastor Dennis O’Neill Unity in Ashes

February 24th Preacher: Pastor Laura Steele Unity in Christ

March 3rd Preacher: Pastor Melissa Martin Unity in Service

March 10th Preacher: Father Mike Walsh Unity in Prayer

March 17th Preacher: Pastor Greg Smith Unity in Hope

March 24th Preacher: Ben Kreider Unity . . .

The Easter Sunrise Service will be held at 6:00 AM at Highland Cemetery.

Help with Transportation to COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments

We recognize there's been frustration with scheduling vaccine appointments due to limited supply. However, in the coming weeks, we expect more people to be scheduled to receive their vaccines as supplies are replenished. The Deacons would like to help with rides to these appointments for those who could use some assistance. Likewise, the Deacons are looking for volunteers who may be able to provide these rides. Anne Hayton and Laura Morreale will be coordinating this effort. Please contact either Anne or Laura (contact information below) if you need help with transportation to a vaccine appointment, or can assist with this effort - Thank-You!

Anne Hayton (609) 466-0543 or rahayton@verizon.net

Laura Morreale (609) 462-4590 or morrealefam@msn.com

Click here for information on how to schedule the vaccine.

Lenten Book Study

As we enter into the season of Lent, many of us are accustomed to taking on the spiritual practice of “fasting,” but what are the origins of this and other spiritual practices? How are they connected to what Jesus would do? If you are curious, Nurture and Growth invites you to get your paws on a copy of Streams of Living Water by Richard J. Foster. Then consider joining for a book discussion on Tuesdays at 5pm. Email Laurie B. for a ZOOM link!

Reading Schedule:

February 23 Foreword, Introduction and Chapter One (pp. xi-xvi, pp 1-22)

March 2 Chapter 2 (pp. 23-58)

March 9 Chapter 3 (pp. 59-96)

March 16 Chapter 4 (pp. 97-133)

March 23 Chapter 5 (pp. 134-183)

March 30 Chapter 6 (pp. 185-233)

April 6 Chapter 7 (pp. 235-274)

Virtual Gospel Music Concert

A Virtual Gospel Music Concert will be held on Saturday, February 20th (Replacing the Gospel Brunch): All proceeds from this event will support the construction of a Sourland Education & Exhibit Center for the Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum and the Sourland Conservancy. Click here for details.

Hopewell Arts Council Spire

In December 2020, Engaging in Justice and Service (EJS) purchased an ArtSpire, part of the Hopewell Valley Arts Council’s community project, Out of the Ashes: Art Emerging from Fallen Trees. ArtSpires are created from ash trees that have been decimated by the Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive species. The Earth’s ecosystems are a fragile thing, intricately designed by God to work in harmony. When there is a shift in this delicate balance all creatures of the Earth feel the effects. The ArtSpire project seeks to draw attention to this as well as other issues near to the hearts of the artists who made them.

The particular artspire that EJS purchased was created by Homefront's ArtSpace Artists' Group,  with proceeds used to support the work of Homefront. The artists noted “Our spire visually represents our core values that build the framework for family success: a safe and secure home, basic necessities, love, nurturing, education and life skill tools.” Hopewell Presbyterian has also supported Homefront through its Mission Giving budget, stewarded by the Deacons.

The feedback that we received from a recent HPC survey helped us discern where God is calling us to engage social issues, specifically it pointed us toward the work of creation care and aiding those experiencing poverty. The purchase of the Homefront ArtSpire allows us to answer that call. Keep an eye out for this ArtSpire to be displayed on the church property this spring. In the meantime take a look at the photos below. 

- Molly Peterson
Ruling Elder

Hiring a Director of Youth Outreach

This is a word cloud generated from your answers to Question 3

In early December, the Personnel Committee sent a congregational survey concerning thoughts about the priorities and responsibilities for a new member of the staff.  Thanks to the 28 responses we received, we can present a summary of findings.  They indicate the importance placed on following key priorities:

• Focus on the nurturing of our youth and the youth of our community 

• Bring experience in designing and delivering youth ministry programs

• The ministries who can most benefit from this position are Nurture and Growth and ESJ 

• Desired skills included:  Listening, good communicator, tech savvy ability to collaborate, inclusive, a connector, understands community

• Desired talents:  Warm, creative, organized, patience, kind, humor, approachable, compassionate, openness, innovative, acceptance, open-minded, commitment to reaching out

• Community is everywhere - our church, our borough, our Council of Churches, our respective hometowns and beyond

Our work ahead is strengthened by your thoughts and reflections.  From them, we begin to envision a position that is rooted in the love of God, blessed with listening ears and communication skills benefiting from both technology and compassion, with the ability to shine a light on a deeper sense of community rooted in youth but extending to the needs of many.  May it be so.  

Click here to see the job description. Please feel free to share!

Pastor Melissa is sorting through potential candidates and will work with the Personnel Committee on discerning the right addition to Hopewell Presbyterian staff for the time ahead. 

- Jamie Sapoch
Personnel Committee

Lenten Art Meditations

Lent this year will be different for us, yet it remains the same journey to Easter. In the past it has been a time of Lenten book studies, soup suppers, and Wednesday night Hopewell council of Churches services with our fellow Christians.

Beginning on Ash Wednesday, February 17th, we once again begin our journey through the wilderness as we prepare ourselves for the joy of Easter morning. To help each other on this journey, we invite you to participate in our Lenten Art Meditations which will be sent out daily by email.

How will this work? We have two suggestions:

• If there is there a piece of art: painting, drawing, music or other medium that speaks to you of the Lenten season, we would like you to share it with your church family or

• Alternatively, create your own Lenten art (in any medium) to share.

Whatever you send, include the reason why this has Lenten significance for you.

We look forward to your contributions which should be sent to Lucy Ducko; lducko@hopewellpres.org by Monday, February 8th.

Sanctuary Task force

As we seek to be good stewards of the bequest that we received from Alex and Eunice Sharipen, the Bequest Task force has convened another group to take a look at the needs of the HPC Sanctuary. That task force is chaired by Michael Mills and currently includes Ken Fredeen, Sandy Sherrard, Doug Peterson, and Katie Tonkin. The goal was to have voices connected to the Making Connections Campaign, the ministries of Facilities & Finance and Worship & Stewardship, as well as those who will help us look toward the congregation of the future.

Message from Doug Peterson

In December, at the recommendation of the Sharipen Bequest Task Force, and the approval of Session, a small group was called to form the Sanctuary Task Force. Michael Mills, Sandy Sherard, Katie Tonkin, Ken Fredeen, and I were charged with addressing the needs of the sanctuary in their fullness.

It was clear to me that I was asked to join this task force as a representative for the younger demographic. I agreed because I know the importance of envisioning what the church will look like decades down the line.

From the task force: We are beginning with a visioning process that will include a congregational survey. Your input is greatly needed as we consider everything from sight lines, to sound quality, to function and much more.  This survey is to asses the sanctuary as it currently stands and get your written feedback to help us look toward future options.

Update from Outreach Ministry

The Engaging in Justice and Service (EJS) ministry would like to thank the congregation for the valuable input provided on the HPC Personnel Survey distributed in the late fall. One survey question related specifically to our ministry -- “The Engaging in Justice and Service (EJS) ministry would appreciate learning which of the following you feel our congregation is called to pursue more deeply (through education, communication, and service opportunities) as followers of Jesus.  Please select your top three choices (from the eight areas listed).”

In our December meeting our ministry members engaged in fruitful conversations as we reviewed, reflected upon and discerned interpretation of the results. Poverty and Creation & Climate Care were two areas that received the highest rankings. We are committed to having your input reflected in current and future opportunities stewarded by this ministry. The recent acquisition of an ArtSpire is one example. 

For a little background, ArtSpires was a community art project and exhibition sponsored by the Hopewell Valley Arts Council this fall to commemorate the loss of native ash trees from the harmful effects of the emerald ash borer beetle. ArtSpires were milled from American ash wood felled by Hopewell Township and transformed into art.As well as supporting the local art community, our ArtSpire acquisition aligns beautifully with both Creation Care & Climate and also with Poverty (which includes housing and hunger) as the ArtSpire we chose to bid on was created by HOMEFRONT. Look to be inspired by this beautiful work of art which will arrive on our church grounds in the spring. 

Working to hear God’s call to mission in Micah 6:8 and Matthew 25, we continue to see a local, national and global need for justice, peace and unity is clearly communicated by this congregation and embraced by this ministry. In order to put thoughts and feelings into action we are building upon earlier efforts made in the fall that included an Examining Racism workshop and an Election Day Pause for Prayer vigil. This month EJS is helping to facilitate a 21-Day Racial Awareness Challenge. Details for this challenge can be located on the church website. If you missed the kick-off date of January 11th, please know that you are welcome to join at any time. The first Zoom conversation will take place on Monday, January 18th at 7:00 pm.    

This ministry has also heard a strong desire within our congregation for greater action. We wholeheartedly embrace this desire and are looking to expand opportunities for service in partnership with the Deacons. 

Your feedback is clearly helping to shape the work of this ministry. Thank you!

Joanne Tonkin
Chair of Engaging in Justice and Service

21-Day Challenge

Learn more.

Christmas Eve

This Christmas Eve we will hear from many of the characters in the Christmas story--not least of which are the "Friendly Beasts!" Listen as the Hopewell Presbyterian Chancel Choir tells their stories.

"When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us journey to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.”
— Luke 2:15 —

Here are three ways in which Hopewell Presbyterian Church is embarking on this “Journey of Joy” to Bethlehem with the characters of the Christmas story…

• 5pm ZOOM: Because of weather forecast the outdoor Journey of Joy is moving to ZOOM. We will host a 45 minute carol sing and live viewing of the prerecorded "journey" led by Pastor Melissa and Charlie. All are welcome! To join, click the button below or call (929)-436-2866 and enter meeting ID number: 818 6872 4558

• 8pm Facebook Premiere: At 8pm, the service will premiere on Facebook. Feel free to join the community there and interact with one another with clicks and comments. Click here for our Facebook.

• Any time today on Youtube: Unable to fit one of these two virtual gatherings into your Christmas Eve plans? The prerecorded service is available on Youtube. Click here to watch. (If you plan to join for another gathering, don't click and spoil the surprise!)

All are welcome to join us as we celebrate the birth of Jesus!

Introducing HPC’s Gratitude Garden!

Thanks to the hard work of many of our youth, community members are invited to stop by the church to participate in our Gratitude Garden starting this Saturday. There will be bowls containing slips of paper, string, and ornaments by the Welcome Center door. Participants are invited to bring their own writing utensils to write what they're grateful for on a slip of paper, place the note inside an ornament, then tie it to a branch on one of the designated trees on campus. As Thanksgiving approaches, this is an opportunity to reflect on God's many gifts in our lives and the world.

Contact Student Pastor Katie at kjrosenson@gmail.com with any questions or concerns.

An Appeal for Clemency

Dear Friends,

Amy Locane worshipped with us during the past 5 years and has found much strength in the love and support of the congregation during this time. She continues to need our help and we're asking you to consider supporting her as described herein.  

Ten years ago, Amy tragically killed a woman in a car accident while driving under the influence. She was tried, found guilty and given a three year sentence which she served at the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility in Clinton NJ. Upon her release, Amy had to find a way to exist in her world. During the five years that ensued Amy maintained her sobriety, rebuilt a relationship with her children, started working toward a college degree, gave substance prevention presentations to high school students, and volunteered in other ways to help prevent further tragedies.

Yet despite her rehabilitation, an appeals court determined that the first judge did not sentence Amy properly and has sentenced her to an additional five years in prison. Now, 10 years later and five years after having completed her sentence and parole Amy has been reincarcerated at Edna Mahan for an additional five years. Amy and her children have fallen victims to a judicial irregularity that does not look at the evidence or the wellbeing of the families. Amy paid a huge price for her tragic decision to drive that day. Now she is paying a price for the system's failure to focus on restorative justice.

You can help in two ways if you agree. Add your name to this letter to Governor Murphy asking him to commute Amy's sentence. You can do so at live worship or by stopping by the welcome center at your convenience. Amy’s supporters will be setting up a GofundMe page as well to help cover legal costs to bring this matter to the federal courts. Finally, please pray for Amy and her daughters. You may write to Amy  if you would like to support her personally as well. Her contact info is on the prayer list. She has been buoyed by letters and emails from the church.  

Barb Pauley
Ruling Elder

Amy Locane’s address to send cards and notes.

Amy Locane #637627C
Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women
P.O. Box 4004
30 County Route 513  
Clinton, New Jersey 08809  

Amy can also receive email through jpay.com

Womanspace - Communities of Light

Womanspace is an important local organization in Lawrenceville, serving families facing domestic and sexual violence through their crisis hotlines, emergency shelters, counseling, court advocacy, and other work. HPC has continued to support Womanspace throughout the pandemic and has donated a total of $2000 to their vital mission in this particular time of need.

This holiday season, we invite you to help Womanspace raise awareness with a symbol of hope for survivors of domestic and sexual abuse in Mercer County. On Monday December 7th, candles will be lit on streets across central New Jersey for Womanspace’s 19th Annual Communities of Light. Hopewell Presbyterian will be contributing to this powerful glow by surrounding our own church with candles from luminary kits purchased by the deacons. We will also be gathering over ZOOM on the 7th at 7PM. We will be joined by Susan Victor, Womenspace Chaplain, who will share more about Womenspace’s work.

In order to light up as much of Hopewell and the greater community as possible in support of Womanspace’s pertinent work, we ask you to consider purchasing luminary kits for your own home. Below are some of the retail locations at which these kits are available for purchase: 

• Dandelion Wishes (45 West Broad St., Hopewell NJ 08525)

• Pennington Quality Market (25 Route 31 South, Suite X, Pennington, NJ 08534)

• Terhune Orchards (330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton, NJ 08540)

• McCaffrey’s Princeton (301 N. Harrison St., Princeton, NJ 08540)

Let’s help Womanspace spread the message that Peace Begins at Home!

Family Promise Angel Tree

Family Promise is still very active and assisting those in need throughout Hunterdon County. So once again we will have names and gift ideas for the annual Angel Gift Tree. Sign up here.

After purchasing your gift(s), please return them wrapped up and very CLEARLY LABELED with THEIR NAME and NUMBER to the conference room near the church office. Suggested cost per person; around $50/60, please do not exceed $70 so that no one individual receives a disproportionate gift. All gifts MUST be in the MAIN OFFICE no later than noon on Saturday afternoon, DECEMBER 12th. Any questions speak with at Dick or Linda Scheetz or 609-737-2310.

Join the Ruth Circle

The Ruth Circle invites you to join them monthly on Thursday at 2:00 PM to connect, support and pray with each other, and study God’s word with the guidance of the book Through the Year with Jimmy Carter – 366 Meditations from the 39th President.  The group will meet both in Fellowship Hall and virtually.  You can choose to meet whichever way you feel most comfortable.  Contact Carlana Sargent for more information.

Friends for Health in Haiti

Kingston Presbyterian Church has extended an invitation to the annual Luncheon, this year by Zoom, with Dr. Katie Wolf of our longtime Mission partner, Friends for Health in Haiti. On Saturday, November 14, at 11:00 AM.  Click here for more details.   We also received the very distressing news that this week Dr. Wolf's medical clinic was broken into and vandalized, For more details.  In response, HPC's Deacons voted on Wednesday night to make an additional donation of $2,000 to cover the cost of the stolen medication.

Advent Daily Emails

With fall fast arriving can the season of Advent be far behind? Now comes the season of great anticipation with the celebration of God’s incredible gift of grace.

Although COVID has indeed had an impact on our church schedule and church programs, we continue to find new ways to celebrate the seasons of our faith as well as our faith itself. In the past many of you have participated and contributed to the creation of an Advent Booklet which included Scripture references along with personal commentaries that were then shared to use during the Advent Season.

This year the Worship and Stewardship Ministry, with Pastor Melissa’s guidance, has decided to do something similar, but instead of creating an Advent booklet we will be sending out a daily email message during the Advent season.

This is where each one of you come in.

As we think about our individual places in God’s Story we would like you to:

- Think about a favorite character you have from the Christmas story.

- Then we invite you to share that character’s role on your own personal journey. The story you share could be paired

with or guided by

• a favorite passage of Scripture,

• a favorite Christmas song,

• a favorite image/painting

• any other expression you wish to use that shows how your Christmas character impacted your own story.

• Or even a favorite remembrance from a past HPC Christmas

This year Advent begins on Sunday, November 29, 2020 and we would love to hear how you see yourself fitting in the story of Jesus birth. Please contact Dick Scheetz (609-737-2310 or deslms30@verizon.net ) if would like to know more.

We look forward to your contributions which can be sent to Lucy Ducko; lducko@hopewellpres.org. Contributions should be submitted by Monday, November 16.