United Pres May, 2013
 
The New York Times had an article on Sunday, April 21, that reaffirmed something I've known for a long time: going to church every week is good for you!  According to T.M. Luhrmann, professor of anthropology at Stanford University, "Religious attendance...boosts the immune system and decreases blood pressure. It may add as much as two or three years to your life."
Professor Luhrmann hypothesized that part of the reason is the social support that comes with church involvement. "Frequent churchgoers had larger social networks, with more contact with, more affection for, and more kinds of social support from those people than their unchurched counterparts. And we know that social support is directly tied to better health."
A second reason church goers live longer is their healthy behavior. "On average, regular church attendees drink less, smoke less, use fewer recreational drugs and are less sexually promiscuous than others."
But Professor Luhrmann thinks there is a third factor to which she would attribute the health benefits of church attendance. "Any faith demands that you experience the world as more than just what is material and observable. This does not mean that God is imaginary, but that because God is immaterial, those of faith must use their imaginations to represent God....The capacity to imagine a loving God vividly leads to better health."
It is often said that Christians have retirement benefits that are "out of this world!"  But it turns out Christians also are blessed in the here and now. When we have faith that our God is loving and kind, approachable and accepting, we can share with Him our deepest fears and our greatest joys.  As God takes on more of our burdens, the stress that we carry is taken from our shoulders and put on to His.  I believe it is not simply because we can imagine a loving God, but precisely because we experience God as loving that our spirits as well as our bodies are healthier.
I want to be careful to say, however, that being Christian does not exempt us from illness or death.  We all will experience both.  Nevertheless, our faith gives us hope, courage, and a community of support to help us face such things.  Our prayers allow us to hand over the strains of our lives to the only One who is able to take them on and not be crushed, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
So when you invite your friends to church, tell them you want to give them a precious gift - a few more years here on earth, and an eternity with a loving and faithful God!

In Christ,

Pastor Jean
Minutes
Session Notes
The Session met on Tuesday, April 16, 2013 and took the following actions:
  • Received into membership the following people:  Dorothy "Dotty" Sexton, by Baptism; Gary Machunze, by Letter of Transfer from Bethany Presbyterian Church; Virginia "Ginny" Harrison, Eva Palfalvi, and James Michael "Mike" Tucker, by Reaffirmation of Faith.
  • Learned that the Presbytery had approved the Session's Minutes with the exception that the rolls be made up to date.
  • Approved a fundraiser to be held at the Texas Roadhouse Restaurant on Rte. 33 from 4-9 p.m. on Monday, May 20, 2013.
  • Approved a Pork Dinner fundraiser on Saturday, September 14, 2013, from 4-7 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.
  • Received a report that the Church's New Covenant Funds Market Value rose from $90,315.08 at the end of 2012 to $93,788.10 at the end of the first quarter of 2013.
  • Received a "Honey Do" list for the church from the Facilities Ministry Team and will encourage members and friends of the church to work on it.
  • Approved the plan of the Worship and Education Ministry Teams to have one blended service at 9:30 beginning Sunday, May 26, and ending September 1, 2013. 
Student Pastor
                COFFEE HOUR

Sunday, May 5, will be the final Sunday that we have our Seminary Student, Ed Soto, with us.  To honor Ed and bid him farewell, the Christian Education Ministry Team will host a Coffee Hour from 10:15-11 a.m. (between the E3 and Traditional services).  Please come and wish Ed Godspeed in his faith journey.

upwbiblestudy
The United Presbyterian Women will hold their monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 7th, at 10:00 AM in the new Fellowship Hall.  We will begin with coffee and fellowship followed by our Bible study.  We will be studying Salome, Mother of the Zebedees from our book, "Women of the Bible".  We will dedicate our Least of Coin Offering during our business meeting.  After our meeting, all those who want to will be going for lunch at Rosa's Restaurant.  All the women of the church are invited to join us for our meeting and lunch.
IHOP
                    SURVIVORS
The Survivors Senior Group will be meeting at International House of Pancakes (IHOP), 787  Rt. 33, Hamilton Sq., NJ on Wed., May 8th at 9:00 a.m. to enjoy breakfast and wonderful fellowship.  IHOP is located across the street from Tessara's Restaurant and Boston Market.  If you plan to attend please make your reservation with Rita Peterson 259-7256 or email [email protected].  All seniors of the church and their friends are welcome and encouraged to join the Survivors for a delicious breakfast.
UPMen'sBreakfast
UNITED PRESBYTERIAN MEN
The UPM Group will have a Breakfast Meeting at the ARENA DINER at the intersection of Arena Drive and South Olden Avenue on MAY 18th at 9:00 A.M. This will be a DUTCH TREAT EVENT. Come join us for the fellowship and spiritual up-lifting as we continue to share ways of socializing and serving our church. A sign-up sheet is in the Narthex and must be completed by Sunday, May 12, 2013. If you have any questions, contact Jim Dixon at 609-298-3398 or e-mail [email protected].
women's book
WOMEN'S BOOK CLUB

THE WOMEN'S BOOK CLUB will meet on Tues., May 28th at 7:00pm in the Bertolet Lounge.  We will be discussing Martha Washington.  Read any book about our country's first first lady and share the information.  All women of the church and their friends who enjoy good books and good fellowship are invited to join us.  Our June selection:  A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN by Betty Smith.


Food Collection

As part of United Presbyterian Church's Outreach Ministry, we collect donations of canned meats, fish, vegetables, fruits, soups, and sauces as well as boxed rice, pasta, cereals, and potatoes and deliver them to the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen on the first Thursday of the month. You may bring your non-perishable food donations to church any Sunday or drop them off Tuesday-Thursday between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM.   

birthday

Birthday greetings to the members and friends whose birthdays are in May:

      1    Stella Quigley
      2    Bill Darnell, Dan Mucha, Kenneth Smyth
      4    Krystal Bernhard
      5    Christopher Pagodin
      7    Christian Bernhard, Randy Carpenter, Donna Cruser
      9    Ruth Kaliszewski, Gerry Mills
    10   Julie Castor
    11   James Everett, II
    13    Howard Stoeckel
    14    Cindy Gomez, Frederick King, Bob Lasser
    15    Peggy Ayres, Rose Wales, Ed Wyrwas
    17    Ray Demeter, Judy Podbielski
    18    Eleanor Bolge, Sandra DePew, Lois Dixon,
            Jane Korosec
    21    Christina Catana
    22    Kathy Cattley, Michael Everett, Damon Malloy
    24    Lori Soyak
    27    Victoria Poppert, Carolyn Reynolds
    28    Nancy Scharnitz
    30    Mike Worek
    31    Alyssa Victoria Martino
The Outreach Committee will have the following Free Trade Products available for purchase as a mission project:
Coffee**                                      Price               Quantity              Total
Bright Day Brew ground - 12oz.        $5.90              ________             _______
Organic French Roast ground-10oz    $6.40              ________            _______
Cozy Cup Decaf -12oz                    $6.90              ________            _______
** Please let us know if you would be interested in
purchasing coffee, whole bean or drip grind in 2lb. quantities.

Tea
Organic Breakfast Blend                  $2.75              ________            _______
Organic Earl Grey Tea                     $2.75              ________            _______
Organic Green Tea                         $2.75              ________            _______

Chocolate+
(+Note-Chocolates most likely have been processed in plants using peanuts)

Organic Hot Cocoa Mix -12oz           $5.00              ________            _______
Organic Dark Chocolate                   $ .15              ________            _______
mini bar 4.5 gram
Organic Milk Choc-hint of Hazelnut    $ .15              ________            _______
mini bar
                                                  TOTAL            ________            _______

The PrCoffee Projectesbyterian Coffee Project offers a special link
between congregations and communities around the
world. Churches can now reach out to neighbors overseas
not only with the prayers and offerings we give,
but with the goods and products we purchase. A warm
cup of coffee (or tea) in our hands is perhaps the most
tangible daily connection we have with farmers around the world. It represents warmth, hospitality, fellowship, hard work and life's pleasures both fine and simple.  Buying fair trade through the Presbyterian Coffee Project ensures that more of the money we spend on coffee reaches the hardworking farmers who actually grow it.

For more information on products available, contact Benita Rommel, Curly Rentner, Irene Worek, Tom Zeyack, Pat Anthony or Jean Pinto.
Pray Without Ceasing
We Pray:

For healing of Don Murray (infection in his body); Mary Ingoglia (heart disease); Tom Zeyack (hip replacement); Rebecca (serious illness); Robin; Mr. Kirkland; Jim and Richard; Susan Anthony (hernia); Patti (radiation); Bob Hobson; Barb, Glenn, and Ann (heart issues); Jess' Mom (heart transplant) and the donor family; Natalie (neuro tests); Joyce Allen; Irene (heart catheterization); Mary Ingoglia (body); Doris Lightner (kidney failure and other issues); Ed Drake (cancer); Joe Sutter (lung cancer); 5-year-old Jordan (in a body cast following double hip surgery);  Shirl Rogers; Ron (treatments for cancer of the larynx); Thomas Ruble (in a coma following a snowboarding accident); Patty (knee); Dixie Sneft; Natalie Gennardo (chemo); Sherri (thyroid cancer surgery); and Barbara Kavalek (recovering from double knee replacement surgery). 

 

For comfort for Mike Terlecki and family upon the loss of his wife; for Rick Warren and family upon the loss of their son; for the family and friends of Amy Piljar, particularly her partner, Marie; the family of David Angell, whose birthday would have been Sunday; and for the Brown family. 

 

With concern for Ted in hospice; for Donna; for Sue Bernhard's health in China; for Steven facing the possible rejection of his heart transplant after 10 years; and for the Ruble family whose son was injured in a snowboarding accident; for Perry Neare (radiation treatments); traveling mercies for Jim Dixon, Jr. and David Engebbretson. 

 

Blessings to Katie Nardone and Glenn Cruser, son of Chuck and Donna Cruser, on their wedding, April 27. 

 

Thanksgiving for the births of Alaina Rivera and Christian Thomas; for Betty Lou Dolci's 80th birthday; for our new members, Dotty, Ginny, Gary, Eva, and Mike. 

Mission Giving
May's Mission Highlight: Trenton Area Campus Ministry
The Trenton Area Campus Ministry (TACM), as servant of Christ and His Church, provides a ministry and program so that members of campus communities of any college, community college, or institution of higher education in the Trenton area may develop a growing Christian interaction among students, faculty, administration, and local churches. It thus bears a Christian witness in the Protestant tradition to each other, to the surrounding communities and to the world. Our mission donations support the work of Rev. Robert Wittick, Chaplain of Mercer County Community College and Rev. Dawn Adamy, Chaplain of Rider College.  TACM is committed to empowering students with the Christian message.  Support this worthy cause with your generous gifts to mission in May.
Daisy
Saturday, May 5, 2013 Church Garden Party 9 a.m.
The Scouts will be joining us in sprucing up the exterior of the church on Saturday, May 5.  We have an ambitious "honey do" list and the more of you that come, the more we can get done. Some of the projects we hope to complete with your help are: planting our vegetable gardens for Trenton Area Soup Kitchen and the flowers in our church beds; power washing the mold and dirt off the church siding; weeding the beds and trimming the bushes; repairing and painting the garage windows. Come with your garden tools and give the church a few hours of your time.  We'll give you lunch and lots of appreciation!
MEMORIAL DAY ACTIVITIES - MAY 27TH

The Outreach ministry Team is planning to have a hospitality tent in front of the church during the Memorial Day Parade. We plan to serve coffee, cold drinks, cookies and other goodies to the people of the community, and tell people about United Presbyterian Church.  
We will be meeting at 8 am in front of the Sunnybrae shopping center. If you wold like to help on Memorial Day or march in the parade call Curly Rentner (259-7785).

Also we will be marching in the parade. We are looking for people of all ages to come and march in the parade. Bring your bike, your dog, your child, your parent, and your enthusiasm and share with the community the spirit of UPC. 
Flea Market, Saturday June 1, 2013 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Start bringing your items in for the flea market.  We are storing donations in the classrooms in the basement.  If you can help setting up, running, or breaking down the Flea Market, please contact Peggy Ayres at 586-7515 or Rose Wales at 584-1687.  If you can prepare food for the event, please let Joyce Vaughn know at 888-1187. Jean Malloy (394-0278) is in charge of the bake table.  Remember, one's trash is another's treasure.  Your castoffs can help fund our church's mission and clear out the clutter of your home so that everyone benefits. 

Beach Party VBS
Register Now for Vacation Bible School
On Sat., June 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., United Presbyterian Church will have a one-day Vacation Bible School. Beach Party - Surfin' through the Scriptures will take kids to an exciting beach where they will learn to ride the wave of God's love and go home with new "Beach Be-Attitudes." Invite your friends and neighbors. To register, call the church office at (609) 585-5770.

Thunder
Save the Date!

The church's outing to see the Trenton Thunder, will be on Saturday, July 20, 2013; game time is 7:05 p.m.  Our church will again be singing "God Bless America" during the 7th inning stretch.  If you are interested in singing, please contact choir director, Marilyn Machmer.  For additional information on the game or to reserve your tickets, please contact Tony Nami. The cost is $8.00 per ticket.

 
Summer Worship
Worship Will Be at 9:30 a.m. from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend
We plan to being you the best of E3 and Traditional Worship in a blended service.  Sing your favorite hymns and bring the young ones, for there will be something for everyone in our summer service.  We look forward to seeing you in Church this summer!


Scholarships

Did you know that United Presbyterian Church has a scholarship fund?

 

The Marian Major Carey Scholarship Fund

 

Did you know that any actively participating member of the congregation is eligible to apply?

If you are a high school senior, full or part-time college student, or technical or trade school student and are interested in obtaining financial help with the cost of continuing your education, then perhaps we can help. Applications can be found in the Narthex or the rear of the Sanctuary. Just pick one up, fill it out and return it to the church office between now and June 1st.

Sabbath Day
God bless you all, beloved friends
Who greet me with a smile,
Your Christian love just never ends,
You go that extra mile.

And I feel utterly secure
Within these walls divine.
Church family bonds help me endure
And your beliefs are mine.

While pastor Jean inspires each week
With sermon challenging and wise,
Encouraging both strong and meek
With faith that never dies.

I find renewal, gain new hope,
See God's amazing love,
In kindly actions of good folk.
                        Thank you, dear Lord above.

Margaret Archibald
calendarofevents

To find out what's happening at United Presbyterian Church in May, click on the link below:

http://www.MyChurchEvents.com/calendar/calendar.aspx?ci=G1H2J4L6G1I3N8N8H2.
Remember, going to church every week is good for you!  I hope to see you this Sunday.
 
Sincerely,
 

Jean Pinto
United Presbyterian Church