Announcements
Bible Book Study
Love the gospel of John? Curious about it? Over the course of this spring Pastor Melissa’s sermons will be focusing on this book of the Bible. For those who want to dig a little deeper, we are also starting a Bible book study using Reading John for Dear Life by Jamie Clarke-Soles. Clarke-Soles offers unique perspectives on this unique gospel. Each chapter of the book addresses major themes in the text and offers reflection questions which will help you connect the story of Scripture to the story of your own life. This book group will take place on Monday nights starting Feb. 28 from 5-6pm in person. If you are interested in that group, contact Laurie B. If you need help obtaining the book, contact Lucy.
Scam Alert
Occasionally churches are the target of some unscrupulous activity, with someone posing as the pastor and asking for "help" from unwitting congregation members. Every church with a website is a potential target. It works this way: the scammers go to the church website and comb through newsletters for names, emails and cell phone numbers of church members. They also learn the name of the pastor from the website. Then, they "phish" for additional contact with members by creating a false but believable email address (or a random phone number for texts). They send vague messages posing as the pastor, asking for help with an unspecified matter, and instruct victims about how to contact them, via email or text. Unfortunately, there's no good recourse for such scams, as they haven't hacked existing emails or phone numbers and there's no effective way to trace them. The best defense is to be aware of any suspicious communications and DO NOT RESPOND. Simply delete them, or if you're unsure, check by calling or writing the Office or Pastor at their official church numbers and emails.
Church Library
Winter is a fine time to enjoy a good book from our church library. Delve into a favorite section of the Bible with a Bible Reference, find comfort with a book from the Devotions and Prayer section, discover how other Christians navigate their lives with an Individual Christian Living book, or escape with a selection from Christian Fiction. All of these and more categories are available to you on Sundays or anytime the church buildings are open during the week. The main library is on the second floor of the Education Wing, but in the small lounge on the first floor you will also find shelves full of books which have been studied and loved by recent small groups. Books for older children and young adults are in the main library room. With your younger children, browse through the books on the special shelves on the landing outside the Godly Play room. Borrowing is self-service but if you have questions or would like a book delivered to you, contact Carlana Sargent.
The Role of HPC Deacons
The PCUSA Book of Order defines the role of a Deacon as one who shares, “in the redeeming love of Jesus Christ for the poor, the hungry, the sick, the lost, the friendless, the oppressed, those burdened by unjust policies or structures, or anyone in distress.” The 11 members of the current Board of Deacons take this charge seriously, but what did this look like in Hopewell in 2021? How may you see the results of the Deacons in action?
One of the Deacons’ most critical callings is to establish relationships within our church family. Each church member and friend of the Congregation is assigned to a Member Care Team. This team consists of one Deacon and one Elder. Consider it your personal safety net and liaison to your church family. We regularly reach out to our in-care members and intentionally show our concern, love and support. The Deacons maintain the church’s prayer list and we welcome the opportunity to share your prayers of celebration or intercession. Please reach out to your Member Care Team if you have a prayer concern. If you don’t know who your assigned Deacon and Elder are, please call Lucy in the Church Office.
Not only do the Deacons nurture individual relationships, but we provide outreach to specific groups within the Congregation. We compile and ship care packages to our college students who are away from home. We maintain a SPLASH program where a monthly spiritual guide is sent to new parents. We provide meals to new parents, members with an illness, bereaved families and anyone experiencing an unexpected hardship. Our hospitality extends to providing comfort to the grieving by hosting receptions following funerals/memorial services. We also facilitate rides for people who can’t get to essential appointments.
Our care does not extend only to those who attend worship. As the pandemic has shown us, the church has no walls! We regularly call and visit members to strengthen those relationships established by our Member Care Teams. If someone is unable to come to church to receive Communion, the Deacons, accompanied by Pastor Melissa, may visit a member in their home or hospital and share Communion. If you would like a home visit or would like to receive Communion at home, please reach out to any Deacon, Pastor Melissa or Lucy in the Church Office.
We all experience unexpected obstacles. Whether they be medical, financial or spiritual, please reach out to the Deacons for support. Pastor Melissa recently used the term in her sermon “womb to tomb” and that is the totality of care provided by HPC and administered by the Deacons. There is no membership requirement to receive Deacon support. All support is offered to whomever needs it by the redeeming love of Jesus Christ! The Deacons in Hopewell are hard at work spreading that love.
2022 Per Capita
Officially “Per capita is an opportunity for all communicant members of the Presbyterian church through the governing bodies to participate equally, responsibly, and interdependently by sharing the cost of coordination and evaluation of mission; and of performing ecclesiastical, legislative, and judicial functions that identify a Reformed Church, while at the same time strengthening the sense of community among all Presbyterians” (GA Minutes, Part I, 1995).
In essence: “Per capita is a set amount of money (apportionment) per member that congregations pay to the larger Presbyterian Church (USA). Every Presbyterian shares in the benefit of the PC (USA)’s system of government, so every Presbyterian is asked to share the expenses associated with coordinating and performing the functions of that system.”
The annual per capita amount is a combined request from a congregation’s Presbytery, Synod, and the General Assembly. The 2021 General Assembly budget determines the individual capita rate that provides:
Expenses for bringing commissioners and advisory delegates to a General Assembly
The cost of bringing together Presbytery and Synod church leaders for training events, as well as those who serve on permanent GA committees
Tools to develop and administer ordination exams
Travel expenses of the Moderator and Vice Moderator of the GA
The call system and other work that helps all Presbyterians discern their vocation
Information, advice, and council to Presbyteries and pastors about immigration issues
The Presbyterian Historical Society
The production and distribution of the Book of Order, Book of Confessions, and other GA publications
A Presbyterian presence at ecumenical groups and gatherings in the United States and worldwide.
For 2022, Hopewell Presbyterian’s per capita is $40.00 per member.
MLK Day of Service - 1/17/22
Hopewell Gives Back will again be leading us in a MLK Day of Service. Up to 90 volunteers will be able to be present on the day of the event while anyone else wishing to participate can do so virtually. Projects can be picked up in Fellowship Hall on Saturday, 1/15, from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM and Monday, 1/17, from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM.
Sign up is required. Click here.
For more information see the Hopewell Gives Back Facebook page @HopewellGives Back or on their website hopewellgivesback.weebly.com.
Poinsettias are given to the glory of God . . .
Click here to see our complete list of poinsettias given to the glory of God in loving memory and in honor of loved ones.
Get to know our new members!
Ruth Amadio
Ruth grew up in Northeast Ohio and went to college at Kent State University. She is now a first year MDiv student at Princeton Seminary, and is loving getting to know this area of New Jersey!
Breeann Blumenthal
Breeann is originally from Tucson, Arizona. She has five sisters, including a twin! She enjoys crafts, going to coffee shops, traveling, and watching movies. She spent the last few years in Southern California at Azusa Pacific University and how she is currently in her second year of her Masters of Divinity program at Princeton Theological Seminary. While she is still discerning where God is leading her, she is passionate about empowering others and learning about the Bible.
Giving Tuesday
You might have noticed that your email inboxes, social media feeds, and maybe even your snail mailboxes are full of messages from your favorite non-profits and organizations encouraging you to consider them on this day that has become known as Giving Tuesday. The Tuesday after Thanksgiving became known as Giving Tuesday back in 2012 with the purpose of creating a "global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world."
This idea that generosity can transform our communities and world is not a new one to folks of faith. The prophet Malachi said this:
Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in my house, and thus put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts; see if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you an overflowing blessing. -Mal 3:10
Much like the invitation of Giving Tuesday, the Prophet Malachi helps us hear God's call--and how good is God that we are invited to participate in care for the world and the ministry of the church? This was a favorite verse of our dear friend Dick Scheetz. Dick was a believer in the principle that giving is a gift, one that overflows with blessing, and he was always inviting everyone he knew to give more--including the church! Dick knew that this was not just a call to individuals, but as a community as well.
HPC responded to this invitation by allocating 11% of the church’s tithes, offerings, and income to missions. For the 2021-2022 year, that is projected to be approximately $41,000. This money will be allocated by the Generosity Ministry and includes both giving to Mission partners, allocating funds for Benevolence and Special Needs, and for the Pastors Discretionary Fund. At the November Session meeting, the Session voted on a set of guidelines to direct the way we allocate funds. Click here to see how we are developing the website to offer clarity on these practices.
This $41,000 for mission giving is not the cap on the way we give. We give generously through the time of our staff and through the use of our building. Financially speaking, 63% of the budget goes to staff and 20% goes to building.
This past weekend we used our building to host approximately 30 people from the Chubby's Project and HPC community who were looking for a place to celebrate Thanksgiving. We then took the overflowing blessing of leftovers and made an additional 30 Thanksgiving meals for those who regularly receive deliveries from the Chubby's project.
When it comes to staff, this year we allocated our funds to build up our staff who are dedicated to caring for the children and youth in our community. Deborah Jodrey has not only worked to build up our weekly Youth Lunches for HPC youth but also to design and develop the Hopewell Youth Collective, with the goal of serving all the youth of Hopewell and all the churches of the Hopewell Council of Churches. Additionally, Katie Rosenson has helped us jump feet first into offering Godly Play during worship. The blessings of this of this work are on full display each Sunday as our youngest lead us in the Passing of the Peace--a few of whom are pictured below.
We are currently half way through our church's fiscal year and up until this point we have received $191,521 through tithes and offerings (not including designated gifts), and we have had $201,326 in expenses, creating a gap of $9,805. Consider what God could do through you if we not only fill the gap--but continue fill our storehouses to overflowing. We say "continue" because (as many of you know) we received a substantial bequest from Alex and Eunice Sharipen. At the recommendation of the Sharipen Bequest Taskforce, Session has tithed 12.5% of this fund, dispensed a portion on amazing projects like updating the Sanctuary and starting the Hopewell Youth Collective, and set up an endowment which will continue to fund big projects that promote new ministry through HPC. For more on this, click here. We hope that the recently started projects we have grown to love and our general operations can continue to be sustained through you.
So again we ask you to dream with us about what God could do through you if we not only fill the gap--but continue fill our storehouses to overflowing!
Barb Pauley, Chair of Financial Stewardship
Pastor Melissa
Communities of Light & Tree Lighting
You are invited to join us on Monday, December 6th, at 5:30, as we partner with Womenspace for their 20th Annual “Communities of Light” event. We will be placing candles around the HPC property and lighting them as a symbol of hope for people impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. After lighting the candles, we will gather outside to sing a few carols and light the Remembrance Tree in honor of those who have gone before us and those in our community who have been impacted.
Advent Devotional Emails
Every weekday morning in Advent, the church office will be sending out an email with a song recommendation for the day to help prepare our hearts for the Advent of Jesus.
There are two ways to enjoy this. First, make sure you are signed up to receive these emails. If you have received similar emails in the past, you are already on the list. If not, click here to sign up. The second way to enjoy this is to share a personal favorite for this series. All you need to do is choose a song that is special for you in this season and email it to Lucy along with a short paragraph explaining why you like it. And it would be great if you include a link to a video and maybe the lyrics. Please send your contributions by Monday, December 6th.
Worship & Wonder: What is it?
Hello HPC Community,
As you have likely heard, this Advent season, we are taking a different approach to our traditional “Wisdom & Wonder” time. Instead of meeting before our worship service from 9:15-10:00, we will be meeting after worship from 11:45-12:30. This new meeting time also comes with a name change. We are calling this new time “Worship & Wonder,” a subtle name shift, but an intentional one that comes with new meaning. Each Sunday in Advent, our youngest worshipers will be unwrapping a gift in our worship service during the Call to Offering. Each of these gifts will be a special Advent symbol, such as Advent wreaths and ornaments, that come with a beautiful history that links them to Christian communities throughout the ages. After learning about these Advent symbols in worship, everyone is invited to gather in Fellowship Hall to make these Advent symbols and spend time in community with one another. In this way, we are intentionally connecting what we are doing in our worship together with a time of education and community, hence the name “Worship & Wonder.”
This shift is in part motivated by continued COVID-19 precautions and the cold winter weather that quickly approaches. As you know, we have been gathering outside the Welcome Center after the service to share a time of fellowship and food. As the winter weather sets in, continuing our outdoor fellowship time will become increasingly difficult. Therefore, instead of forgoing our fellowship time, we are merely changing its form. Although there will be no food or drink to comply with masking guidelines, all are welcome to participate in this intergenerational time of fellowship and creativity. It is our sincere hope that this time of “Worship & Wonder” invites you into a renewed sense of expectation for the arrival of the Christ Child this Advent season. We hope that these Advent symbols will take on new meaning as we craft them together and that they will evoke new memories that you will create as you share in this time of intergenerational fellowship with one another.
To see what we have planned. Click here.
Student Pastor Ryan
Stained Glass Window & Stewarship Update
Submitted by Scott Megaffin
A two-part message and update of Stewardship and the impact gifts can have on Hopewell Presbyterian Church.
As many know HPC was the recipient of a very generous gift from Eunice and Alex Sharipen. The love that Eunice and Alex held for our church was fractionally reflected in their gift, but perhaps even more so in their desire to provide an enduring impact on the Hopewell Community.
The main sanctuary window is just one example of how their financial gift is being utilized to support the mission of HPC. As the accompanying pictures illustrate; age, weather and insects had an effect on the window. The timing of God’s grace and the gift from Eunice and Alex has provided HPC the opportunity to work with Epiphany Studios to restore the window and bring back the brilliance it represents to the HPC Sanctuary.
The Epiphany team of window restorers removed the original window, transported it to Maryland to their shop and fully resorted both the lead structures that hold the stained glass, but also the lead and framing which comprise the window itself.
This is a meticulous process of first tracing the window, matching the glass colors and then reapplying the lead so that the glass is securely fitted. They have also removed the wood frame and are currently reconstructing the framing with construction grade mahogany. Epiphany is also matching the trim work so that it is exactly like the original design. They ordered custom wood carving tools and have cut and crafted each piece of the new trim to the same design as before.
The window is targeted for re-installation before Thanksgiving of this year.
Wise people have said that our goal as followers of Christ is NOT to know every detail of the future. Instead, OUR GOAL is to hold the hand of the One who does; and NEVER, EVER let go!
On Sunday, Melissa preached from First Kings, the story of Solomon. He lived a life wholly for God and a life tragically fragmented by divided love.
As the son of David, Solomon understood that his love of the Lord, if to prosper must find application in the ways in which he led his people. So he undertook the building the Temple in a way so that it would secure their prosperity in God’s kingdom. As Solomon pursued the Lord in his statecraft, he found successes without precedent. He was a very prolific and successful king.
As I shared on Sunday morning, Jennifer and I discussed my message. She encouraged me to “keep it short and simple” - - to which I replied, “what do you recommend?”
She said, “God loves a cheerful giver” – which was obviously sage advice.
“The Solomon Principle” is described as one of “Joy and Productivity”, interpreted as being cheerful. Solomon could have chosen anything he wanted – courage, strength, even more money, or fame, in his relationship with Good.
Solomon chose to request an understanding heart.
Similar to Solomon, we need not know every detail of the future, yet through giving of our time, talent and treasure; while listening, learning and growing our UNDERSTANDING HEARTS.
We can, together, here at HPC – support the ministries of the present and the future.
Give generously. Give freely. As we grow in Love for Him.
In doing so, we are provided the opportunity to reach up and take hold of the HAND of the One that knows the future.
Hopewell Youth Collective Update
The Hopewell Youth Collective has been hard at work building a float for the Chubby’s Project as one of the many floats that will be featured at D&R Greenway Land Trust’s Halloween event, The Masquerade Parade! If you are a youth and are interested in helping, we need help finishing the float on October 30th from 1:00-5:00 PM. On the day of the event, we need help setting up, (hu)manning the float from 12:00-5:00 PM, and clean up afterwards. Please reach out to Deborah Jodrey at dgjodrey94@gmail.com if you are interested in helping out!
Anyone in the community is invited to sign up to attend the event and support the youth in the community, The Chubby’s Project, and D&R Greenway Land Trust! Check out their website to sign up to attend.
Thanksgiving Lunch with Chubby’s Project
Linda, Dick, George, Barbara, and Cathe at the 2019 Thanksgiving Lunch hosted with Family Promise at HPC.
Partnering with the Chubby’s Project, Hopewell Presbyterian Church will be hosting those in our community who are looking for a community with whom to celebrate Thanksgiving. The idea for this event was inspired by the life and ministry of Dick Scheetz who with Linda led HPC in hosting guests from Family Promise for Thanksgiving Lunch. In celebration of Dick’s life we will continue to host this lunch.
This year the guests of honor will be those served by the Chubby’s Project. The Chubby’s Project is a hyperlocal program dedicated to food justice and building connections within the Hopewell community. Folks from the wider community and church will also be invited to attend, to contribute a side or dessert to share, and/or to cook a turkey to share. Turkeys have graciously been provided through the Chubby’s Project by the Elks.
When: Nov. 25 (Thanksgiving Day) 2:00-5:00pm with hors d’oeuvres at 2pm and dinner at 3:00
Where: HPC Fellowship Hall (80 W. Broad Street)
Who: Anyone looking for a community with whom to share Thanksgiving!
To sign up to join and/or to contribute a side, dessert, or your turkey cooking skills, click below. If you are contributing but are not planning to attend write in your RSVP “Turkey ONLY” or “Dessert ONLY” or “Side ONLY.” If you would like to help set up on Wednesday afternoon at 2pm contact Sandy Ogg or the Church Office. The Chubby’s Project will be providing to-go containers so that left overs may be sent to the homes of the many people supported through the project. Those who sign up will also help put those together!
By signing up you affirm that you feel physically safe meeting for dinner indoors, in-person, in a mask optional setting, with what we can only presume would be mostly vaccinated people.
Sunday of Service - Rise Against Hunger - Sunday, 11/7/2021
This year for Sunday for Service, The Hopewell Council of Churches is planning an event called Rise Against Hunger. It will be held at Hopewell Elementary on Sunday, November 7th, at 9:30 AM. Participants need to sign up online. Click here.
You do not need to donate any money, but if you feel called to offset the cost to the Council of Churches, you may make a donation when you sign up.
Rise Against Hunger is an organization that seeks to feed hungry people around the world and their ultimate goal is to end Global Hunger. The Philadelphia branch of RAH is coming to Hopewell to organize us into meal packing teams. There will be a job for everyone in the school cafeteria. Parking will be easy, right in the lot behind the school. The cafeteria is right on the ground level. Please lend a hand on Sunday November 7th.
There will be a worship service in the evening, held at HPC at 7pm. You may attend in person wearing a mask, or on zoom from the comforts of your home.
T.A.S.K. Update
If you are interested in volunteering to do dining room prep work and meal service at TASK (Trenton Area Soup Kitchen), we have a small group going on the following dates:
Tuesday, November 2
Tuesday, November 16
Friday, December 3
Per TASK, volunteers must be at least 16 years old and able to work on their feet for 3 1/2 hours. All volunteers must show proof of COVID vaccination upon entering TASK.
If you are available (9:30 - 1:00) on any of these dates, you can sign up directly on the TASK website. Use the Volunteer Tab and then click on Sign Up to Serve Meals. Scroll to the Calendar. Select the date and fill in the information requested. There is a limit of six volunteers per day. If you would like to car pool, we will be meeting at the church at 8:45 on those dates.
While we want to offer the opportunity to serve in fellowship with other church members, you are of course welcome to sign up for any day that works for you personally.
Please reach out to Joanne Tonkin if you have any questions via email joannemdtonkin@gmail.com or phone (908)-334-8324.
New in the Library - October 2021
Thanks to donations, our church library continues to grow. Among the new titles you will find some of the books recently used in group studies – Inspired and Searching for Sunday by Rachel Held Evans, If These Stones Could Talk by Elaine Buck and Beverly Mills, and Jesus For Farmers and Fishers by Gary Paul Nabhan. Over 40 other books were added from the libraries of members and “finds” at the rummage sale.
Whether you are looking for deeper understanding of a Bible passage, poems and writings to enhance your devotional time, guidance for raising your children, Christian fiction, or an inspirational biography, you will find it in the Church Library on the second floor of the education wing. Books are arranged alphabetically in categories such as “Individual Christian Living”, “Bible Reference”, or “Healing”. There is a card catalog to assist you. A special section of children’s books is located on the second floor landing of the education wing. Stop by with your child between Sunday School and church!
To sign out a book, write your name and the date on the card in the back of the book, and place the card in the file box on top of the card catalog. If you would like help finding a particular book, or have donations or suggestions for new books, please contact Carlana Sargent.
Jesus for Farmers & Fishers Book Study
Join the Hopewell Council of Churches for a six-week book study on Gary Paul Nabhan's new book, "Jesus for Farmers & Fishers," to learn about food justice as we dive into Jesus' parables through an agricultural lens. We will meet at Chubby's on Mondays at 7PM, Oct 11 - Nov 22. Sign up here.
Hopewell Youth Collective Update
Greetings friends,
Throughout the summer I have had the opportunity to meet with many of the youth connected to the Hopewell Community and hear about what problems they see in the community and passions they have in their own lives. In these conversations I was also able to share with them some of the hopes and dreams for this Collective including the focus on it being a youth-led, youth organized platform for development, community engagement, mutual support, and spiritual growth. In sum, our hope for the Hopewell Youth Collective is that it will be a space that is safe for the youth in this community to serve, lead, and build relationships with one another. These conversations and relationships led to the identification of a few topics the youth in this community care about: racial justice, environmental justice, economic equality, and mental health. On September 14th, we had our first Hopewell Youth Collective interest meeting where any interested youth and their friends were invited to eat ice cream, begin to develop relationships with one another, ask questions, and share their ideas around these four topics and share additional topics they care about including the LGBTQ community. 14 youth came to this initial meeting held at Aunt Chubby’s where a majority shared an interest in serving in the inaugural HYC Youth Leadership Team. We laughed, met new friends, and shared excitement for next steps. These next steps will include a leadership specific meeting in order to have a designated leadership team for this year, a newsletter and a fall service project. Our next meeting will be next Tuesday at 7:30pm on October 5th to specifically discuss our fall service project. If you or a youth you know would be interested in jumping on board this exciting new opportunity in Hopewell, please don’t hesitate to reach out or join for our next meeting!
Peace,
Deborah Jodrey
Director of the Hopewell Youth Collective