Congratulations to our 2021 Graduates!

Kate Jackson

Kate is graduating from Hopewell Valley Regional High School and will be attending Rutgers University Honors Program in the fall.  In High School she was a member of the National Honor Society, Leadership Corps, and lettered in Field Hockey and Track.  She has also serving her third year as the Commander of the US Air Force Auxiliary Civil Air Patrol Twin Pines Squadron located at Mercer County Airport.  She leads a squadron of forty members ranging in age from 12 to 18 and has earned numerous awards and commendations.

Christopher Rice

Christopher is graduating from Franklin High School in Somerset.  While there, he played the flute & piccolo in the Warriors Marching Band and Wind Ensemble, sang in the Madrigals and performed in numerous shows.  If forced to choose, his favorites would be West Side Story and Peter & the Starcatcher.  He enjoys playing guitar and hanging out with his friends and girlfriend Alannah.  He and Alannah started a business, which they hope to grow, making handpainted guitars.  He is looking forward to attending Centenary University in Hackettstown in the fall, majoring in Musical Theater & Education.  His ultimate dream is to perform on Broadway.  

Haley Yingling

Haley is graduating from Montgomery High School. She is a four year varsity swimmer and an Academic All American. Her favorite classes in high school have been chemistry and biology. Haley will be attending the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia in the fall and will likely major in science. She is very excited to begin this new chapter and also to continue her swimming career on their club swim team!

Paige Yingling

Paige is graduating from Montgomery High School and will be attending The College of William & Mary in the fall as a James Monroe Scholar. Over the past four years, she has participated in varsity swimming, cross country, and track. Paige earned the honors of Academic All-American, NJSIAA Scholar Athlete, and National Merit Commended Scholar. She will miss her athletic teams and her role as a deacon at HPC, but is excited to get involved in many activities at her new home in Virginia!

John Emerson Oliver

Emerson is graduating from Princeton Day School. He is from Raleigh NC and has been living with grandmother, Lois Grieves for the past 2 non conventional school years. He's in New Jersey mainly to play ice hockey with the Mercer Chiefs and Princeton Day School. His Mom, Cindy was baptized in Hopewell Presbyterian Church in 1965 and married here 20 years later.  Emery will be attending NC State perusing a degree in engineering.  

Quinn Ardastra

Quinn graduated cum laude with a B.A. from Davidson College. She will continue her education at UNC Chapel Hill starting in June to get a Masters in the Art of Teaching, specializing in elementary education. Quinn is pursuing a career as an elementary teacher.

Emma McCleery

Emma graduated from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on May 7, 2021.  Emma graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences. Emma is continuing her graduate studies at Duquesne and is expected to earn her clinical doctorate in Occupational Therapy (DOT) in December 2022. 

Lucas Morreale

Lucas will be graduating from American University this May with a BA in political science and a minor in finance. After graduation he will be working for an investment firm in the DC area.

Tyler Krampf

Tyler received his MBA in Business from Ithaca College in May 2021. He is very excited to begin his career this summer in New York City working for Granite Telecommunications.

Drew Bennison

Drew graduated from the Pennsylvania State University on May 8th.  Drew graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Data Sciences with a minor in Political Science.  During his time at Penn State he served as an IST Diplomat for the College of Information Sciences and Technology to support student engagement. He was also a member of a Penn State Dance Marathon (THON) organization, Ayuda, which raises money for kids fighting childhood cancer. During his time with Ayuda he served three terms as Family Relations Chair, was selected as one of 706 dancers to stand for 46 hours in a no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon, and during his senior year helped Ayuda raise over $25,000 despite limited fundraising opportunities due to the pandemic. He is excited to be relocating to Indianapolis, Indiana in June to begin his career as an Advisory Associate with KPMG.

Get to know our 2021 New Members Class!

Dave Reynolds

At present, Ricky and I are the only two in the house.  We are in the process of downsizing the family farm of 25 years and moving over to Ege Avenue which is a short walk from the church!  About me......I grew up in NJ and came home to become a practicing Ophthalmologist.  I joined the Princeton Eye Group nearly 30 years ago.  Ricky and I spend most summer weekends at our beach house in Bay Head. I have lots of hobbies which I enjoy but perhaps would like to share that I am deeply interested in preservation of the natural world.  I have spent much time working toward the preservation of land around Hopewell which I believe will help to maintain the balance with nature and the quality of life we all enjoy.  I will become a member at HPC by transfer from Nassau Pres.  Corrie Berg was the NPC staff member that recommended HPC based on her high regard for Pastor Melissa.  I'm not sure I have a "favorite" bible verse: 1 Corinthians 13 on the Gift of Love has always been an inspiration.  For me, it is all about Love and Kindness.

Michele Immordino

My name is Michele Immordino and I live in Hopewell Township with my husband Vince and my two college aged children, Julia and Matthew.  I am a school librarian at a small K-3 elementary school in Lawrence Township.  I have been there for 17 years.  I love teaching and literature and couldn't imagine having any other career.  I found Hopewell Presbyterian Church last year during Lent.  I was participating in the Soup and Study with the Hopewell Council of Churches and heard Pastor Melissa preach on the first night.  The second Wednesday we talked during dinner and the third Wednesday we talked again at Hopewell Presbyterian.  And then everything closed because of the pandemic.  Being at home gave me hours and hours of time to think and meditate about my spiritual life.  I reached out to Pastor Melissa with my thoughts and questions and she immediately got back to me.  We exchanged emails and talked outside and I met Barb Pauley and participated in a book club.  I realized that Hopewell Presbyterian was the kind of community I had been searching for.  I am so grateful that God sent me in this direction.  I don't really have a favorite Bible verse as I've never really read or studied the Bible.  I hope that will change as I grow and learn from everyone at HPC.  I feel so welcomed even though I have only been in the church twice:  once last March and once to give blood!  I'm looking forward to being together and meeting everyone that I have been seeing on zoom!  From what I can tell, this is a very special community.  

Tori Paquette

My name is Tori Paquette, and I'm a first-year M.Div student at Princeton Theological Seminary. I found Hopewell Presbyterian Church as I was looking for a field education site and a new denominational home. I'm from New Hampshire, but lived in Maine for most of the last four years while getting my B.A. in Jewish Studies and Creative Writing from Colby College. I live in Princeton with my cat Margot. My favorite verse is Psalm 27:1: "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"

Joseph Bevis

I am Joseph Bevis. I live in Titusville with my wife Veronica, my twin girls, Mia and Mackenzie, and our goldendoodle Milo Reymundo. We moved to Hopewell Valley three years ago from Burlington. We have found Hopewell to be a wonderful place to live, and I found the community at Hopewell Presbyterian Church to be very welcoming. I am a lawyer, and work for Selective Insurance. I looked the church up after living here for about two years, based on a memory of going to Hopewell Presbyterian Church to do youth group activities when I was a member of Dutch Neck Presbyterian as a teenager. I tried some other churches before finding Hopewell, but have felt the Spirit calling me here more than anywhere. My favorite Bible verse is Matthew 27:46 – And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “E’li, E’li, la/ma sabach-thani?”, that is, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”

Chris Cox

I found the Hopewell Presbyterian Church through the love of my life, Heidi Cox, and her amazing family. I grew up and was baptized in the First Presbyterian Church of Hightstown. I attended the First Baptist Church during my high school and college years. I attended Eastern Baptist my freshman year of college and later transferred and graduated from West Virginia Wesleyan. I was a teacher and educator for most of my career and now work for the Department of Education as the Director of STEM for the State of New Jersey. I enjoy sailing and spending as much time on the water as possible in the summer. I live with my amazing wife Heidi and our little dog Bella on Mt. Road in Ringoes. Our son Ricky currently resides in Sun Valley, Idaho and is home for a short vacation. My favorite Bible verse is Luke 12:27-34.

Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these.  But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith!  And do not keep striving for what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not keep worrying.  For it is the nations of the world that strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them.  Instead, strive for his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Shari A. Adair

Thank you for welcoming me to your wonderful church family. My name is Shari and I am a professional Nanny, carer of children and their families. I live in Skillman with two wonderful housemates of which I am very grateful for. My main hobbies include children and family photography, counted-cross stitch and chasing Hot Air Balloons. I stumbled into HPC for the first time in summer of 2019, weeks prior to Pastor Melissa’s arrival. I felt at home as soon as I walked in, the love wrapped around me I have felt in only 2 prior churches in my life. I knew immediately that I was not going to leave this place. I am very grateful to be joining you all in this journey of Faith. I look forward to getting to know you all better as we take this Journey together. 

Proverbs 3: 5-6

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart

    and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways submit to him,

    and he will make your paths straight.”

Dave Denito

I first decided to visit Hopewell Presbyterian Church because my parents were married here in 1928.  The wonderful people and pastor are what kept me coming back.  This church truly feels like a family.  After attending, my heart changed.  You really hear the word of the Lord and it has a calming effect.  My favorite scripture verse is John 14:6-7. 

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

Another special quote is “Do good for the people, don’t let evil blind it.  Look into Jesus’ eyes.  Walk with his pride, and at the end, when you take flight, you are guaranteed a spot in paradise.”

Facilities Update

Facilities and Finance Update Through April 2021

Facilities and Finance has had a busy start to 2021. While we have continued to focus on keeping the church’s facilities running smoothly, we have also addressed some larger issues. Also, the Sharipen Bequest has given our ministry the opportunity to consider making some long-term improvements to the church’s infrastructure.

Regular Projects/Activities

• Replaced failing freezer in kitchen

• Replaced broken dishwasher in 86 West Broad

• Fixed faulty stove in Manse

• Contracted for Williamson Electric to replace lights in the office hallway

• Contracted for Cooper Mechanical to fix faulty blower in Fellowship Hall attic

• Entered into a trial for new electric service. Service did not meet F&F’s expectations and the trial was ended at the end of April

• Sought estimates to prune the four River Birches by the Welcome Center entrance and the eleven Elm trees on the Broad and Louellen Street sides of the property. Session approved this request and work will begin shortly

Large-Scale Projects

• Manse Fence – F&F temporarily fixed the fence at the manse. We had plans to expand the fence once winter ended, and estimates are currently being requested to install a new fence. We are also going to replace a faulty gate in the playground area.

• Asbestos Abatement in Lower Level of the Sanctuary -- An inspection by the state related to CCPS’s certification revealed a damaged asbestos panel in the church’s boiler room. Due to the proximity of the boiler room to the nursery school rooms, the church was required to bring in specialist to fix the problem. This process was completed the week of April 12. F&F still needs to address several other issues related to the inspection, of lesser importance, to bring the boiler room and hallway ceiling up to standards.

Sharipen Bequest Projects

• Stained Glass Window – With the support of the Sharipen Bequest, HPC contracted with Epiphany Studios to refurbish the church’s large stained glass window. The window was removed in April and will be reinstalled at the end of the summer. Further inspection of the window frame showed significant damage to the frame due to termites, carpenter ants and water. The frame will be replaced.

• Education Wing Windows – The Sharipen bequest has allowed us to complete the project to replace the aging windows in the Education Wing. The windows on the first floor have already been replaced, and work will begin soon to install new windows on the second story.

• Community Garden – F&F worked with the Engaging in Justice and Service ministry to find a suitable location for their proposed community garden. Their preferred location was on the Broad Street side of the church, but this location posed some drainage issues, so the beds are on the Louellen Street side. F&F assisted with the construction of the raised beds.

Sandy Sherrard
Chair of Finance and Facilities Ministry

April Session Update

On April 28th Session met in-person for the first time since March of 2020.  We sat in a socially distanced and masked circle.  Acoustics were not ideal, but in was good to be face-to-face again.

As usual, Session had a wide range of “business” to discuss, reflecting the diligent work of the church’s various ministries, and the ongoing need to adjust in our current circumstances. 

Providing for Worship in a Pandemic.

Because of a slow but steady decline in Covid cases, hospitalizations, and deaths over the last weeks, plus the increasing percentage of people who have received at least one vaccination, Session felt able to make the following changes to our worship policies and protocols: 

• Outdoor Worship.  Masks are no longer required for outdoor services when participants are within their “pod” worship spaces. Masks must still be worn when arriving and leaving.

• In-Person Worship in the Sanctuary

  • Occupancy of the sanctuary is raised to up to 55 people from June 1st, 2021.

  • On and after June 1st, 2021 outdoor in-person worship services cancelled because of bad weather will take place in the sanctuary

  • On June 20th, 2021 there will be a special celebratory service for up to 55 people, marking the return to regular services in the sanctuary.

Reorganizing our Ministries

Session continued the work of reorganizing our ministries to better meet the challenges and opportunities which face HPC in 2021.  Look for further updates on this.

Caring for and Improving Our Facilities

• Approved costs for completed asbestos abatement in the church’s boiler room. 

• Approved a proposal to prune fifteen of the church’s trees.

Sharipen Bequest

• Approved a proposal from the Sharipen Task Force to fund the cost of a new kitchen stove, coffee maker, gas grill, garden, gas grill, and compost bin. In addition, percussion instruments and the Godly Play curriculum will be purchased. Total cost is $34,090, all from the Sharipen Bequest.  Look out for announcements on how the church will celebrate these important arrivals.

Community

• Creative Connections Play School will have exclusive use of the lounge again for the 2021- 2022 school year, to provide for a space for children to nap.

• Endorsed our Boy Scout Troop’s adjusted policy to now allow in-person meetings outside and off the church property.

Staff for the Church’s Mission and Ministry

1.     Candidate for Director of Youth Outreach. Session enthusiastically approved a recommendation from the Personnel Committee to offer the position of Director of Youth Outreach to the candidate selected by the Personnel Committee in conjunction with youth from HPC, youth from other churches, youth from the community, and representatives from the Hopewell Council of Churches.   All parties were strong in their endorsement of the candidate. The candidates name will be held in confidence until they have accepted the offer.  Stay posted!  

2.     Hiring Ryan MacLean as Seminary Intern from September 2021 to April 2022.  Ryan will work closely with the HPC ministries of Nurture & Growth and Engaging in Justice & Service.  

3.     Approved the job description for a Worship Audio/Visual Technician, and approved updated job descriptions for our Treasurer, Minister of Music and Office Manager.

Ian Burrow
Clerk of Session

Celebrate our 50+ Year Members!

Clara Blackwell 4/12/53

Anne Scheier 4/12/53

Robert & Barbara Peterson 4/4/54

Richard & Anna Hall 10/3/54

Shirley Novobilsky 4/13/58

Joyce Homan 4/5/59

Frank Homan 4/3/60

Elsie Muentener 10/2/60

Doug Robbins 4/18/65

Tom Fillebrown 6/20/65

Lois Grieves 12/19/65

Kay Richards 10/16/66

Nancy Treible 11/9/69

For each of the weeks of this next sermon series titled "Church People," we will not only explore the "church people" that we find in the book of Acts, we will also learn from the "church people" connected to Hopewell Presbyterian. This will include learning from a few of our 50+ Year members!

Wagon Train May 15th

Cub Scout Pack and Boy Scout Troop 71, Hopewell Presbyterian Church youth group & members, and additional volunteers will be collecting donations for Aunt Chubby’s Food Pantry.

The pantry is in most need of:

Personal Care Items: toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, deodorant, feminine hygiene products

Household Products: toilet paper, paper towels, garbage bags, laundry detergent, dish soap

Non-perishable food is always appreciated!

Please support our efforts to provide for our local community by placing items outside your front door or porch by 9 am on May 15th.

A team of volunteers will be in the neighborhood mid to late morning with wagons/cars to collect donations.

Thank you for your support!

Growing Mission and Gardens

““The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.””

— Psalm 24:1

Back in the fall, the Engaging in Justice and Service ministry surveyed the congregation and learned that two of the areas the congregation feels called to include “creation care” and “poverty.” For the last few months and inspired by the Sharipen Bequest, they have developed partnerships and opportunities for us learn more about these issues. Reflecting on these, Molly Peterson shares:

The more I have come to understand the Earth, the more connected I feel to everything on it. Every seed planted in the soil is intimate with everything from cows to global poverty…. I want nothing more than to understand, as to do my part to help the world thrive.

Community Partners
Essential to this work is the work of building connections and assessing need. So many in Hopewell and the surrounding region are tackling issues of food insecurity. That being said a growing edge for many of these intiatives is fresh food. Outreach partners like the Chubby’s Project are eager to get fresh fruits and vegetables to share with those they feed on a regular basis. Learning more about this need, EJS got connected with the work of the Saint Michaels Community Garden. If you are looking for a way to care for God’s creation in celebration of Earth Day, here’s how we can show up for our community partners at Saint Michaels this week:

Seedling Planting at Saint Mike’s: Weather permitting, Saturday, April 24 at 8:30AM, Corrine Egner will be leading a group of volunteers as they plant onion bulbs, kale, broccoli, and spinach. To join, email corrine7@me.com.

Other partnerships they have developed in this process include but are not limited to Princeton Theological Seminary’s Farminary and ISLES, specifically their work with Jones Farm which is located in the Ewing Department of Corrections.

HPC Gardens
To continue this conversation and create opportunities for service, EJS in conjunction with the Finance & Faclities has created three small raised garden beds. The produce grown in these beds will be used to create community with our neighbors, to stock the little pantry, and will be donated to the Chubby’s Project. While the actual produce is an important component to these beds, these gardens will also “produce an opportunity” for further learning about creation care and hunger. Reflecting on creation care, Joanne Tonkin shared

We have been given a beautiful home and have been entrusted to be its stewards. Sadly, we often abuse our home in careless and selfish acts. To achieve creation justice, we must first acknowledge that we share this home with all creatures great and small. We must then accept our responsibility to help re-establish a healthy climate and ensure that there is equitable access to clean air, clean water, and nutrient-rich food for ALL.  As it says in Psalm 104: “Send forth your Spirit, O Lord, and renew the face of the earth.” (Psalm 104:30)

To plant the gardens and to celebrate the beginning of this work together EJS and F&F are hosting a Spring Garden Day on May 8. Mark your calendars to come for a morning devotion, to plant some seedlings, and to help pull weeds and mulch the church grounds.

As you consider how God is calling you to care for creation, here’s a prayer that Becky Ludeke shares with you. It is one she learned as a child:

God, we thank you for your world
For rest and home and all things good,
For wind and rain and sun above
But most of all for those we love.

Reflecting on this Becky explains, “Even at my young age, I somehow realized it was important for us to be good stewards of our environment and certainly to take care of those we love (and those we don't love or know).”

The leadership looks forward to the ways that this work with community partners, the gardens, and one another will help us love like Jesus!

Youth Sunday Recap

Youth Sunday was a wonderful testimony to the way God is at work in and through the young people of Hopewell Presbyterian. The service included: liturgy leadership from Student Pastor Katie, Greg B. and Tiernan B., a prayer written by Abby B., mini sermons from Christopher Rice & Haley Yingling, a poem written by Paige Yingling, a charge from Lexi, Emily, and Logan Dendis, and the announcement of a Hopewell Youth Collective from Josie B. and Erica R.

Prayer from Abby B.

Heavenly Father, As we celebrate the miracles of spring, we yearn for the pandemic to end. We pray your blessings on all the people who have perished during the pandemic and we hope recovery for those grieving and suffering from COVID-19. We know you have a plan for us Lord, but we ask you humbly for wholeness during these times of uncertainty.  We dream of scheduling events that aren’t contingent on a virus, and we pray for those relationships strained by distance. We ask for patience and encouragement to maintain social distancing, to wear masks and be responsible for our neighbor’s health. We thank you that the vaccine will become eligible for more people in NJ beginning tomorrow and we pray for those who may not have access to it. We show our thanks towards all the frontline workers who constantly fight to bring this sense of normality back into our lives. 

We also thank you for everyone who helps make life easier in these times of troubles, especially teachers, caregivers, healthcare workers, and restaurant workers. We pray for each and every student, especially college students and high school seniors who have been forced to miss out on so much in this last year. We pray for those battling other diseases like cancer and their families and for those with feelings that they don’t matter because they don’t look the same or believe the same beliefs as we do. To you God, we know we are all deemed essential. We crave inclusion and an end to violence. Please be with the families and victims of any violent crime and open our hearts to reasonable policies that can protect innocent lives. We pray for those suffering from natural disasters and pray that we can all work collectively to help our planet.

We pray for our church dear Lord.  We pray for each member of our Congregation. Let us each find peace here and a rich nurturing of our faith. Please bless the church staff and church leaders as they guide us through the upcoming planning season. We thank you for our Youth Group, especially the work of Katie, Laura and Doug. 

Poem from Paige Y. - Reflecting on “loving God” as expressed in Mark 12:28-34

Sermon from Haley Y. - Reflecting on “loving neighbor” as expressed in Mark 12:28-34

I’d like you all to take a moment and think about something you have done in the last week, last month, or even last year for someone besides yourself… Maybe you thought of sharing your musical talents with the congregation every Sunday or occasionally lending your time at Aunt Chubby’s luncheonette. Maybe you thought of taking on the responsibility of stocking the small food pantry that sits outside the front of the church when you notice it is empty or even simply sending a homemade card to someone that says, “I’m thinking of you.” All of these actions I just mentioned and the many more I did not are great examples of how we, as Christians, love our neighbors.

Loving our neighbors is the second most important commandment according to Jesus. God first loved us and in doing so teaches us how to love one another too. I think it is fairly safe to say that many of us have learned to do this much better through the teachings of Jesus Christ, which we live by. I can say for certain that this has definitely been true for me along my own faith journey.

Today’s fast paced, social media and technology-filled society may make loving our neighbors more difficult. More and more children are replacing playtime outside with others with video games sometimes alone in their homes. Younger generations are more inclined to text rather than make a phone call. And many adults these days probably send far more texts and emails because it’s often quicker and easier than picking up the phone to speak to another person. Unfortunately, an increase in technology has oftentimes caused a decrease in human interaction and therefore a loss of more personal forms of communication. Facial expressions have turned into emojis and unique voices have become a string of words on a computer screen. When we do encounter people face to face, we may unintentionally come across as insincere instead of friendly because we are out of practice. Every single one of us, including myself, has probably been guilty of this at one time or another.

One of the reasons I love coming to church so much is because I am surrounded by people that exude warmth, kindness, and caring attitudes. This is a space where I feel safe to freely express myself and a place where I belong. It’s a place where I feel comfortable to grow, learn how to be a better version of myself, and most importantly love and care for others. I have been able to love and care for members of this congregation as well as help my neighbors in Hopewell and beyond through youth group, mission trips, and my duties as a Deacon of Hopewell Presbyterian Church. All of these opportunities and experiences have helped shape me to be a loving and caring Christian for which I am very grateful.

As we are regularly reminded, three of the ways we can spread the love of God to our neighbors is by sharing our time, talents, and treasures. By doing so, we can hopefully inspire our neighbors to share theirs and then inspire their neighbors to do the same. This ongoing action of sharing what has been shared with us reminds me of the movie “Pay It Forward”, which is a really inspirational movie and one that I highly recommend for those who haven’t seen it before. Trevor McKinney shows us that one action, no matter how small, can have exponential impacts. His simple proposition of showing an act of kindness to three people who then each show an act of kindness to three more people grew into a national movement. If we can make the effort to love our neighbors just as God loves every single one of us, then maybe our society can become more connected, more kind, more just and a more welcoming place for everyone.

Sermon from Christopher R. - Reflecting on “loving neighbor” as expressed in Mark 12:28-34

So, when Pastor Melissa asked me to talk about love, I was all for it.  Even though I am maybe a quarter of the age of some people in the congregation, I have seen so much love in my life.  To start, my mom… the most important woman in my life, she is one of the most loving people in my life.  And she learned it from her parents, who (as of today) have been married 50 years! My mom has taught me so much about love.  One of her famous lines, “ I might not like what you’re doing, but I still love you”, I mean yeah, maybe she doesn’t have a choice, because I am family or something like that.  But I have learned to love someone unconditionally.  I feel like more people in this world need that, to show love towards others.

For those of those who might not know, we are a part of Gen Z.  In general, this generation is full of love, and acceptance.  To us, everyone is loved for all of who they are, including their different color skin, sexuality, or different views.  We will make that known, especially recently.  More people are making themselves seen.  People who are part of the LGTBQ+ community are making their voices heard, and I like that my generation doesn’t seem to blink twice.  

A few years ago, one of my close friends came out to me as gay.  Besides the fact that I kinda already knew, he knew that I would love him no matter what, and that him being gay didn’t change anything.  There was one thing that he was scared of:  he was terrified to come out to his parents, and the night that he did, he texted his mom, and broke down in tears.  I was just there to listen, reminding him that everything was going to be okay.  I did my best to make a safe space for him to say whatever he wanted, reminding him that he was loved.  He was not doin too hot and he was terrified to go home, so we came up with a sort of game plan, and I stayed on the phone with him until he was comfortable hanging up.  But I think that we can all take something from these experiences.  We all need to know that we are loved.

 As said in Mark 12:29, and I’m sure all of you have heard this countless times, is to “Love your neighbor as thyself.”  This means to love everyone, who God created them to be and what they believe in.

I think we all need to hear the thing Jesus says to us, which is: “I will love you for who you are, and nothing will change that.”

April Financial Update

As a result of changing our financial calendar to match the program year, we are now coming to the end of our budget for our current period. For the first 5 months of 2021, we set a budget of $189,852. Over the course of the last months, we have determined that that budget was a bit high, and that our actual need for the end of May will be $177,352. So, to meet that budget, during the month of May we will need $40,305. One could look at this a couple different ways:

• Each of our 101 giving units could give $399.06; or,

• Each of our 189 church members could give $213.25; or,

• Each of our 85 households could give $474.18; or,

• Each of our 75 regular worshipers could consider giving $537.40.

What is important isn’t the way we divide it up—each of us have different giving capacities; instead, what is important is that each individual considers how God is inviting them to pour out their love by giving generously of their treasurers.

One of the reasons we believe we have seen a dip in giving in the last year is because so many of us are celebrating and in awe of the amazing gift given by Alex and Eunice Sharipen. The Sharipen Bequest Taskforce and Session encourage everyone to remember that for the time being we do not intend to use these funds to sustain our general operating budget. Instead, we plan to use these funds to participate in God’s ever-expanding mission through new ministry and mission initiatives of Hopewell Presbyterian.

One way you can see this play out in is in the most recent announcement from the Sharipen Bequest Taskforce and Session. Jamie Sapoch announced on Sunday that $41,500 of the Sharipen Bequest will be used to launch a new mission that is being called the Hopewell Youth Collective. This new organization will provide a way for Hopewell Presbyterian and the rest of the churches in the Hopewell Council of Churches to support the youth in our area. For this next year, the launch grant will fund $10,000 program budget for the Hopewell Youth Collective as well as 15 hrs/week of the work of the Director of Youth Outreach. While these 15 hours might grow into more as the Hopewell Youth Collective grows, 10 hrs of this (currently) 25hr/week position will be dedicated to HPC specific programing (think about things like Sunday school for our children, confirmation class, and the much beloved HPC youth retreats). Funding for the HPC specific portion of the job will come through our General Operating Budget, meaning that this incredibly important work will be supported through you and your tithes and offerings.

This past Sunday, one of our youth, Haley Yingling, reminded us:

"Three of the ways we can spread the love of God to our neighbors is by sharing our time, talents, and treasures. By doing so, we can hopefully inspire our neighbors to share theirs and then inspire their neighbors to do the same.”

We all encourage you to consider the ways in which Alex & Eunices’s unexpected gift encourages you to give so that we can continue to share God’s love with our neighbors and inspire them!

Doug Robbins, Treasurer
Rev. Melissa Martin, Pastor

Major Session Actions

During the month of March, Session:

·         Noted that the Personnel Committee is currently interviewing candidates for the position of Director of Youth Outreach.

·         Funded the year one request for the Youth/Outreach position of $28,000 ($18,000 for Position, $10,000 for Program Budget) and set aside $13,500 in case the position goes full-time totaling up to $41,500.

·         Reviewed Sanctuary Requests for Proposals and Architectural Program materials.

·         Continued to work with the Sharipen Task Force on refining which church activities will be funded from the HPC operating budget and which will be covered by Sharipen funds or Mission & Outreach funds.

·         Noted that twenty individuals have been allowed to worship in the sanctuary and that no more than three had attended in recent weeks.

·         Determined to continue with outdoor hybrid worship after Easter. Weather permitting, we will worship outside for the spring.

·         Noted that the Nominating Committee was moving forward successfully with identifying candidates for Elder and Deacon positions.

·         Noted that there are now 12 young people enrolled in the Creative Connections Play School.

Easter Flowers 2021

Easter Flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of:

 Alex & Eunice Sharipen by Pastor Melissa

All those who have died from COVID-19

The Rev. Allen Tinkham by The Bleickardt Family

Concetta Consoli by Mary Ann Consoli

Joseph Mamo Sr. & Jr. by Mary Ann Consoli

Charlotte Mamo by Mary Ann Consoli

Lawrence W. Cook by Suzanne R. Cook

Shirley R. Nester, sister, by Suzanne R. Cook

Margaret Paul by Tom Fillebrown

Winnie Fillebrown by Tom Fillebrown

Suzanne DeCicco Haskor by The Hayton Family

Our Parents by Anne & Bob Hayton

Warren & Joan Lewis by the Dendis, Lewis & Stephan 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

Phil Ludeke by Doug & Carlana Sargent

Our Parents by Doug & Carlana Sargent

Mildred, Harold & Jim Sheats by John, Peggy & David Sheats

Ann & Joe Lee by John, Peggy & David Sheats

Margaret & Jack Evans by Peggy, John & David Sheats

Ed Treible by Nancy, Heidi, Holly & Family

Harold Cox by Nancy, Heidi, Holly & Family

Ernest Plaag Sr. by Nancy, Heidi, Holly & Family

Easter Flowers are given to the glory of God in honor of:

Our Church Officers by Pastor Melissa

The Sharipen Bequest Task Force by Pastor Melissa

Sons — Richard, Dan & Gorden by Suzanne R. Cook

Tom Fillebrown by the Fillebrown Family

A special friend by Anne Hayton

My dear friend, Joyce Homan by Lucy Ducko

Our children & grandchildren by Doug & Carlana Sargent

Anne Scheier, our wonderful Deacon, by The Sheats Family

Our wonderful Hopewell family by The Sheats family

March Financial Update

2 Corinthians 9:7
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Ever since Suzanne and I joined Hopewell Presbyterian Church (going on 34 years now), our church has been a “faith giving” congregation. Most churches utilize an annual giving model, where members of the congregation are asked to pledge the amount they anticipate giving over the next fiscal year. When I’ve shared our faith giving model with others, I’ve gotten a variety of responses. Many people wonder how we can possibly create a budget for the next twelve months without having a specific dollar amount as a base. Others ask how we can stay on course financially without the members of the congregation being accountable to an annual pledge. 

I don’t have specific answers for these questions. What I do know is that the congregation of Hopewell Presbyterian Church faithfully responds to God’s grace year after year. Our giving reflects our desire to follow Jesus and to have a positive impact on our church, our community, and beyond.

It is undeniable that the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted all aspects of our lives. Pastor Melissa and the rest of the HPC staff have done a terrific job keeping the congregation engaged during the pandemic with Zoom worship services and meetings, and yet we still all miss seeing each other in person on Sunday mornings, and singing together, and of course, sharing a time of prayer together.  With the vaccination process underway, we should all be encouraged that we will once again be together in our beloved sanctuary in the not so distant future.

In the meantime, we all need to continue supporting our church through our tithes and offerings. The pandemic has had a minimal impact on reducing the church’s overall expenses, but we have also seen a decline in giving. This decline began in September of last year and has continued through March this year. Our giving in December, usually the strongest giving month of the year, was $15K less than in 2019. Likewise, giving through each of the first three months of 2021 has been well below the figures from the previous year. HPC is currently running at a deficit of $12K for the year. In order to meet the church’s current budget, we need to realize T&O’s of around $6,400 per week. For March, our giving averaged $5,250 per week. 

As we celebrate the risen Christ this Easter Sunday, and as we embrace the warmth and beauty of spring, let us give graciously and generously…”for God loves a cheerful giver”

Sandy Sherrard
Chair of Finance & Facilities

Sanctuary Stained Glass Update

As a congregation at Hopewell Presbyterian Church, we are blessed in so many ways. Over the past few years, since the ‘turning around’ of the sanctuary, we are fortunate to see the full image of the beautiful eastern side sanctuary window. Which at present is being restored and revitalized in a very comprehensive way, I will share more thoroughly the process being undertaken shortly. 

The window itself, crafted almost 100 years ago carries a message in the center of beauty, hope, rebirth and the heart of Christian resurrection.  The beauty of lilies.  Some think that it was white lilies which sprouted in the Garden of Eden as Eve's tears fell to the ground. There is also belief that Easter lilies grew where Jesus's tears and blood fell from the cross. Lilies were supposedly found in the Garden of Gethsemane after the crucifixion, tying them even closer to the Easter holiday.

Lilies are mentioned numerous times in the bible, in Matthew 6:28-29 (NKJV), Jesus says, “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin;  and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.”

The Finance and Facilities Ministry (F&F) began pursuing this window restoration project in October of 2020, when Doug Robbins noticed an article in the Montgomery Times newspaper of the Episcopal Church in Rocky Hill undertaking a window restoration project.  The article shared not only pictures of the undertaking, but also the group performing the work, Epiphany Studios of Middletown, VA.

In late December a team from Epiphany visited HPC on a Saturday with a small group of F&F ministry members. They assessed all the stained glass within the main sanctuary building, 17 windows in all.  A very comprehensive 49-page proposal was provided to HPC by Epiphany which detailed a phased approach of window restoration. For each of the 17 windows the proposal included detailed plans of job site activities for window restoration, which included removal, transportation back to Virginia, for complete re-leading of each stained-glass piece and if needed new stained-glass replacement panes are installed, either to replace broken or match the original color design.

Although Epiphany has scoped all the stained-glass windows, this initial work is focused on the main sanctuary window.  It was removed a few weeks ago and will be returned to HPC in August, fully restored and reframed.  The window had become weathered and weakened.  There were broken panes and through settling with the forces of our environment it had become bowed.  If looking at the window from a distance it may have appeared fairly normal, yet it was on the edge of collapse.  The frame was water damaged and termite infested. Through this process it will be strengthened, new wood will replace the old.  Wood that is pressure treated and water resistant.  Epiphany will also restore the frame and bevels that surround the window, to the original design of installation many years ago. 

Finally, Epiphany is repairing and restoring the small window that is on the lower level of the sanctuary building within the small bathroom, just as you enter the from the Louellen / portico side of the church.  They are undertaking this restoration as a gift to HPC, Epiphany Studios is not charging for the repair of that window.

The cost for repair of the main sanctuary window is approximately $41,000 and is being paid for by the gift made to HPC by Eunice and Alex Sharipen, the Sharipen Fund.  The generosity of Eunice and Alex was loving and unconditional.  That gift along with so many other gifts of HPC members over the years of time, treasure and talent are what make Hopewell Presbyterian Church a magnificent reflection of a loving God.  A living and constant reflection of the love God so generously shared with each of us, through Jesus Christ.

Scott Megaffin
Finance & Facilities
Sharipen Bequest Taskforce

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

Major Session Actions

January - February 2021

•  Approved the 2020 Statistical Report for PCUSA.  Membership stands at 188.  Weekly attendance averaged for 2020 is approximately 65.

• Approved appointment of the Bryn Mawr Trust as the Investment Management Company for the Sharipen Bequest.

• Approved the investment policy for the Sharipen Bequest.

• Appointed the following for the period January 1st -May 31st 2021: Ian Burrow, Clerk of Session; Doug Robbins, Treasurer; Stan Krystek, President of the Corporation.

• Adopted the Mission Statement: “Striving to be a well of hope, Hopewell Presbyterian Church’s Mission is to love like Jesus, building up our relationships with God, one another, and our community”.

• Established a Committee on Mission & Outreach Giving, to begin work on or before June 1, 2021. 

• Authorized the expenditure of up to $100,000 for the renovation of the large stained-glass window and the east end of the sanctuary, and for the replacement of the second-floor windows in the Education Wing.

• Began the process of re-visioning and restructuring our ministry committees.

• Continued to review and adjust the Building Use Policy to reflect the developing situation with COVID 19.

• Authorized the use of the sanctuary for up to 20 people for Sunday worship, subject to established social-distancing, mask-wearing and sanitization policies. Effective February 24th.

• Established a policy of using compostable dishes, cups, and utensils.

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.