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.

Poinsettias Christmas 2020

Poinsettias are used to decorate the sanctuary for the fourth Sunday of Advent. All were invited purchase a poinsettia in memory or in honor a loved one. During the days leading up to Christmas Eve, Pastor Melissa will deliver some of these Poinsettias to the near neighbors of HPC along with a card letting them know about the Christmas Eve Services.

Poinsettias are given to the glory of God in loving memory of:

The Rev. Allen Tinkham by The Bleickardt Family
Florence Brown, sister, William (Bud) Winterbottom & Susan Dilks by Harriet Aldinger
Lawrence W. Cook by Suzanne R. Cook
Shirley R. Nester, sister, by Suzanne R. Cook
Peg Paul by Tom Fillebrown
Winnie Fillebrown and grandson, Michael, by Tom Fillebrown
Alice & Bill Franz by The Franz Family
Donald Woolley by The Franz Family
Caroline Wilkes by The Franz Family
Our Parents by Anne & Bob Hayton
Sheila & Emmerson Bowes by Anne & Bob Hayton
Parents & Grandparents by the Stephan, Lewis & Dendis Families
Raymond & Timmy VanArsdale by Virginia Lewis
Robert B. & Martha S. Lewis by Virginia Lewis
Frank & Eva Mazzella by Virginia Lewis
The Lewis Family—Robert Jr., Warren & Joan by Virginia Lewis
Betty Wold Johnson by a friend
Our Parents by Doug & Carlana Sargent
The Tonkin and Dziura Families by Roy & Joanne Tonkin
All who lost their lives to COVID related illnesses this year by Roy & Joanne Tonkin Ed Treible by Nancy, Heidi, Holly & Family
Dick Evans by Nancy, Heidi, Holly & Family
Edwin & Anne Treible by Nancy, Heidi, Holly & Family
Henry & Rhoda Evans by Nancy, Heidi, Holly & Family
Betsy Walton by The Yingling Family

Poinsettias are given to the glory of God in honor of:

Grandchildren—Alexander, Brianne, Warren, Nolan, Blair and Ashton by Suzanne R. Cook
Peggy, James & Bobby by Sandy Ogg
Our children, Amy & Alex, and their families by Doug & Carlana Sargent
Our beautiful children & grandchildren by Roy & Joanne Tonkin
All essential workers by Roy & Joanne Tonkin

Thank you from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance

Hopewell Presbyterian Church received the following correspondence from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) in gratitude for the gift we made as a part of our tithe from the Sharipen Bequest. PDA enables congregations of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) to witness to the healing love of Christ through caring for communities adversely affected by crisis and catastrophic events.

Dear Friends,

In this season of the year’s ending, we begin with thanksgiving and end with a heartfelt “Gloria” as the Christ is born among us, once again; affirmations I share as I writethisnote ofthanks for your generous gift to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, a gift that makes the glory ofGod shine a bit more brightly in the midst of the darkness of the world’s bad news. This year, the Advent season dawned on a world still immersed in the grinding reality of the COVID-19 pandemic; reeling from the aftermath of the worst hurricane season on. record, andcatastrophicfires throughout the U.S. West; people from Africa and Asia through the Americas facing growing food insecurity made worse by the pandemic, and still rising tide of refugees fleeing violence or disaster, and hoping for respite and welcome. During this hard but still holy season when we celebrate Emmanuel, the reality of God-with-us; we are grateful to you, whose extraordinary generosity is a gift not only to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, but to hundreds of communities and thousands of people who, in the midst of catastrophe, need to see a glimpse of the Holy and feel the touch ofLove.

We are people of faith, not of fear. And in this Christmas season and all seasons, it is not fear that motivates us: but rather, the story of how God, once long ago, visited us; choosing to cloak God’s infinite power in weakness and vulnerability; placing holiness in human form, coming among us as the least of the least. In this tory, we who seek the Child do not turn away, we make room in the Inn, we listen to the angels words: do not be afraid.

Your gift of $300,000 on 11/19/2020 for Disaster Relief USA Disaster & Emergencies extends welcome to those who have been crushed by disaster or the ravages of violence. Your generosity offers balm to those who weep aster lives are upended by catastrophe. Your attention to the forgotten ones makes room at the inn for those who have lost shelter or fled in fear other lives. Once, omg ago, the angel visited ordinary people with hope and a vision of a future where God’s care and compassion would bring peace to all people. We thank you for being tangible expression of the angel’s blessing, laying your treasure before those vulnerable ones through whose eyes the Child Christ now looks upon our hurting, yet hopeful word.

With peace,

The Rev. Dr. Laurie A Kraus
Director, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance

In addition to this print letter, Dr. Kraus included a hand written card directed to the Sharipen Bequest Taskforce and extending her excitement to continue building strengthening the relationship between HPC and PDF.

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.

Deacon Drive By

On Saturday, October 17, our Deacons did drive by visits to some older members and dropped off some baked treats and a pumpkin. There were many smiles behind the masks and Kay had the opportunity to show off her new pink sparkly manicure!

Halloween for Teens Photos

HPC’s youth had a great time on Sunday, October 25th!

Wisdom & Wonder Youth Corner

Check out how our youth have been participating in the Wisdom & Wonder hour on Sunday nights this semester!

For our class on ethnic identity, food, and faith, Haley Y. made Holley Barreto’s sauce recipe included in the Our Place in God’s Story packet!

For our class on the history of American Christianity and race, Abby B. drew this beautiful piece of art as a reflection. When Pastor Melissa asked about the color and location of the cross, Abby said she wanted the cross to be a focus above the two hands forming a heart, and she chose to place the cross outside on a rock rather than on a building because she didn’t want to limit the power of the Spirit.

Tiernan kicked off our class on Modern Christianity and Public Life by sharing this moving reflection:

Good evening, everyone. As some of you may know, today we will be learning about Modern Christianity and how that involves service and being involved in public life. Churches are engaging in their communities more by reaching out and hosting events as well as helping those in need. Our church gives money to local and larger charities, goes on mission trips to help others in less fortunate situations than our own, and hosts small community events like Pumpkin Palooza, as well as much more.

My faith and upbringing at Hopewell Presbyterian Church have helped me join in on that service. Throughout my years in the church, I have learned that in order to really be part of a church, you need to participate in it. I find that if I am only a member sitting in the pews and do not actively participate in other aspects of church life, I am still part of the church, but I am not getting the best possible experience out of it. I try to go to church most Sundays, which I am generally successful in doing, but other church events are equally important to me as worship. I have been on three mission trips, helped with many smaller events at our church, and hosted game nights for the local children (although they mostly end up being young teenagers that are around Josie’s age, these events have been successful and have connected the church to the community). As a Deacon, I have found myself to be even more involved in the church. As Bev mentioned this morning, it is a special privilege to be able to contribute to the decisions about the charitable organizations to which HPC will donate its money. I personally have worked with Urban Promise in Trenton, an organization that tutors children to help them with homework, give them a faith community, and help them to have a successful future. This has been a positive experience for me, especially when I helped HPC get involved in a food drive that they were having this past July.

It is the wonderful community around me and our congregation that allow me to learn about new ways that I can build upon my relationship with God and our community. I believe that many other churches have similar communities in which the people are excited to serve, which allows Modern Christianity as a whole to focus on service.

Deacon Update - Arm in Arm

Arm in Arm in Mercer County provides food pantries for those suffering from food insecurity, supportive planning for those facing homelessness, and mentoring for the unemployed in the challenging job search process. Since the start of the pandemic in March, HPC has supported this organization with two generous donations that totaled to $2000. All of your faithful offerings, no matter how big or small, have given the Board of Deacons this amazing opportunity—to show our support for local organizations, such as this one, that are eagerly working to make the community a better place in which everyone’s basic needs are met.

As the article about TASK mentioned last week, Arm in Arm is in need of volunteers for their Trenton food pantries during this difficult time. Responsibilities would include bagging groceries for distribution and replenishing bags as they go out to the public. Currently, Arm in Arm is using SignUp.com so that volunteers can choose a date and pantry location that is most convenient for them. There are two locations: Hanover Street Pantry and Hudson Street Pantry. If you are interested, you can sign up by clicking on one of the two links below that correspond to each location. Be sure to fill out the volunteer agreement and bring it with you on the first day you volunteer. Also, feel free to take a look at the COVID-19 precautions Arm in Arm has implemented in order to keep their volunteers as safe as possible. Volunteering takes place every Monday through Thursday between 9 AM and 1 PM with various time slots offered each day.

Sign up link for Hanover Street Pantry (123 E Hanover St. Trenton, NJ 08608): https://signup.com/go/riUowmp

Sign up link for Hudson Street Pantry (48 Hudson St. Trenton, NJ 08609): https://signup.com/go/MMsyRrE

Sunday of Service

We are excited to have you participate in the 2020 Sunday of Service on November 1, 2020 with the Hopewell Council of Churches. Serving together is a powerful expression of faith and a show of love for our local community!

Worship Links:

• Stay tuned for a kick-off event video for inspiration from participating churches. 

• Check back here and on the Facebook page for a closing Zoom Worship Service link on the evening of Sunday, Nov. 1

Safety Protocols 

Please read this document for COVID-precautions to take while participating in service.

In-Person Outdoor Socially Distant Activities:

• 5K Walk to Benefit the Chubby’s Project. Walk through the fields of St. Michael’s Preserve to benefit the Chubby’s Project. Since March the Chubby’s Project has delivered over 2,500 meals to local families in need. Two different sign-up times: 9:30am & 11:00am.

• Food donations and wagon train to benefit Chubby’s food pantry. The wagon train will pick up non-perishables from community members. Wagon train “conductors” will meet at 9:30 at Aunt Chubby’s to receive collection assignments. If you would like to help sort items received, sign up below to receive instructions!

• Planting native plants at Sourland Conservancy. Volunteers will meet at Hopewell Park Gazebo at 10am. Come with gloves and a mask and ready to do a short walk to the “foraging forest.”

• Grounds/maintenance at the Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum. Volunteers will meet at the museum.

Remote Activities that can be Done At Home:

• Card Writing to participants in the Chubby’s Project: make cards to accompany the hot meals and groceries delivered each weekend to over 40 households in celebration of Thanksgiving. Join us on Zoom at 10:30am on Nov. 1 or work on making cards throughout the day.  Click HERE to view more information on how to participate.

• Making Fleece Blankets for Project Linus make no-sew fleece blankets for children in need. The Linus Project has given out over 8 million blankets to children around the world. Join us on Zoom at 10:30am on Nov. 1.  Click HERE to view more information on how to participate.

Please sign-up via this digital form - so that we can contact you with more details and for safety in this time of COVID.

SIGN UP FOR SERVICE ACTIVITIES BY CLICKING HERE!

T.A.S.K. Update

The Trenton Area Soup Kitchen has been in operation for almost 40 years and has never turned away someone who is hungry for a meal. When the pandemic began 7 months ago, that commitment did not change; however, they had to cease their indoor meal service and use of volunteers. With a drastically increased number of packaged meals and minimal volunteers to help, a new challenge arose regarding the efficiency of wrapping these meals. With a grant from the NJ Pandemic Relief Fund, they were able to purchase “Betsy”—a 500 pound food packaging machine.

They have continued to serve many wrapped meals to-go out of their doors at Escher St. and at most of their other locations. In addition, they have been increasing services within the city of Trenton, such as helping serve meals to seniors who are now confined to their homes as well as children unable to receive free school lunches since school closures beginning in March. Since COVID-19 has caused job loss for so many, there has been increased food insecurity even in the suburbs of Trenton. One of TASK’s responses to this occurred on Saturday, October 3rd. They worked with the Rise Food Pantry of Hightstown, NJ to host and recruit 100 volunteers for a “Rise to the TASK” drive-thru distribution of groceries for more than 1,000 families in Mercer County.

September was Hunger Action Month—HPC responded with a $1,000 donation to TASK (in addition to another $1,000 donated in May). Through generous donations and hard-working staff members, they were able to provide:

• 7000 meals for families outside of Trenton

• 2500 youth meals for local children

• 30,000 meals for families in Trenton

• 40 tons of groceries for local food pantries & food banks

While TASK fully respects and supports those who wish to remain safe and physically distanced at this time, there may be some opportunities for food prep work in the dining room of the soup kitchen on Escher St. Monday through Friday from 10am-1pm. Anyone interested can find more information and register on TASK’s new website. They are also partnering with Meals on Wheels and Arm in Arm—both of these organizations could use some volunteers to help provide food for those in need.

In addition to HPC’s monetary donations, Cathe and Ian Burrow generously collected and delivered donated cases of water bottles to TASK in the heat of July. Another way for our church to help at this time would be to donate any of the following listed items so we can make hygiene kits for those in need. Please leave any of these items you would like to donate in the food pantry cabinet at church. If you do not feel comfortable doing this, please email Michelle Yingling (jandminindy@comcast.net) and we can pick up your donations left outside your house in a bag. We will then combine these items in gallon Ziploc bags and deliver them to TASK.

Needed hygiene kit items:

• Full-size and travel size toothpaste

• Bar soap

• Deodorant

• Shampoo

• Hand or body lotion (small one)

• Disposable razor

Halloween-for-Teens Game Day

CALLING ALL YOUTH!

Middle and High Schoolers are invited to join us on the lawn at HPC on October 25th from 4pm-6pm for some Halloween-themed games! We will be doing a mummy-wrap contest, playing Manhunt (by popular demand), and ending with a game of Capture the Flag. All you need is a mask, a water bottle, and yourself! Reach out to Katie with any questions or concerns at 847-778-1493 or kjrosenson@gmail.com.

Examining Bias & Racism Workshop

Tuesday, November 10 and 17, 2020, 7 to 8:30 pm

Recent national events have brought an awareness of the persistence of racial discrimination in private and public settings. To make meaningful change and move toward God’s plan for this world, we must begin with ourselves: understanding the biases we all carry, and how they affect our own lives and our interactions with other people.

Engaging in Justice & Service is partnering with “Not in Our Town” to offer a two-part series on Zoom to help us do that. You must be able to attend both sessions. Click here or email Lucy Ducko lducko@hopewellpres.org to register.

This opportunity came up in a conversation that started with Barb Pauley and a facilitator at this past Gospel Brunch. Feedback from participants in previous iterations of this workshop include:

“The workshop made me more aware of my own implicit biases as well as those that are embedded in social norms. “

“It has helped me be more aware of implicit bias in myself and others. It also helped me think more about how white privilege is so ingrained in our society. Some of the other concepts that were described were also informative, e.g. micro-aggression.”

Hopewell Presbyterian Engaging in Justice & Service