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.

Presbytery Justice Concert

The Presbytery of New Brunswick invites you to watch a concert on YouTube put together by many different individuals and congregations connected to our presbytery. Click here on or after 2pm, Sunday January 17 to view.

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.

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.