News from Old First Church
Wednesday, August 3rd, 2022
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Good Afternoon!
We all know what it looks like. We see the lifeless tree trunks and the brown ground beneath – the aftermath of a forest fire. Possibly started by an illegal campfire that got out of control, this past June a raging fire burned more than 13,500 acres in the Wharton State Forest. It all looked so dead.
But the pitch pines are forged in fire. In fact, the Native American tribes used to use controlled fire as a way of improving hunting conditions. The seed cones pop open in fire, creating new growth. And within the month, just this past week, signs of new growth had already begun appearing.
So it is with life. We are not only forged in birth but in death. As those we love die around us, we experience new growth within us. We mourn our loss, but we can also find new meaning in our own lives as we grieve. Like new life in the Pine Barrens, it comes slowly but surely as seed pods break open.
Peace,
Pastor Joyce
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Spirit Soundings Daily Meditations & Sermon - For the Love of Money and Power and... |
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Donation Request From
Calico Cat
August is the month that OFC typically donates food to the Calico Cat. This year they would prefer 10-15 gift cards of $20 each. The request to our congregation is to see if any would be willing to donate $20 or more. Please either mail the cards to the church or drop the cards off during service this Sunday. In addition to this request, they also would like OFC's participation at the quarterly meeting to be held September 13th at 7 pm at St. Leo's in Lincroft. Please email office@oldfirstchurchnj.org to participate or if you have questions.
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Reminder for Sunday Worship
Sunday service begins promptly at 10:00 AM in Fellowship Hall, with coffee and homemade goodies following the service.
We look forward to worshiping with you!
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Caprese Pasta Salad
Who can resist the classic combination of tomatoes and basil? A few more ingredients add a little complexity in flavor. But this is still a very easy pasta salad:
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- Bowtie pasta (farfalle): You can use any short cut pasta, but we like how the farfalle shape mixes with the vegetables and dressing in a pasta salad
- Cherry tomatoes
- Fresh basil
- Small mozzarella cheese balls
- Parmesan cheese
- White wine vinegar
- Granulated sugar
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
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Instructions
- Start a large pot of well-salted water to boil. Boil the pasta until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and run cool water over it until it’s room temperature.
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Meanwhile, slice the tomatoes in half. Thinly slice the basil. Drain the mozzarella balls.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the white wine vinegar, granulated sugar, garlic powder, kosher salt, and fresh ground black pepper to taste. Then whisk in the olive oil and neutral oil.
- Once the pasta is done, add it to the large bowl of dressing and toss with the chopped tomatoes, basil (unless you’re making it in advance), mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. Taste and add more salt to taste if necessary. Serve immediately. Stores up to 4 days refrigerated, but the basil does become brown over time. If making ahead, omit the basil and add just before serving. To revive leftovers, allow to come to room temperature, then stir in more chopped basil, a drizzle olive oil, handful Parmesan cheese, and a few pinches of salt.
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Thoughts and Prayers
Prayers for Eleojhilda Martines, mother of Rebecca Kapsis.
Sandy K., Margaret B., and Gretchen & Jim H. -- "Housebound and caring for themselves and others."
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The AAUW Bookstore Will Open After Labor Day!
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Free, At-Home COVID Tests
The state of New Jersey is providing FREE, at-home Covid tests. All you need to do is provide some basic information and the tests will be sent to your door. Please click here for more information.
MEDICARE RECIPIENTS: Did you know that Medicare now covers up to 8 over-the-counter COVID-19 tests each calendar month, at no cost to you? Click here for more information.
TEST KITS ARE ALSO BEING OFFERED VIA THE USPS AT NO CHARGE
Residential households in the U.S. can order one set of 4 free at-home tests from the United States Post Office. Here’s what you need to know about your order:
- Limit of one order per residential address
- One order includes 4 individual rapid antigen COVID-19 tests
- Orders will ship free starting in late January
Click here to order your free tests.
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Address Book Updates
Elaine Lent and I are working to update our current contact files. If you have moved, changed phone numbers or email address of late, please let us know - even if you are unsure of what we have on file, your most current info is appreciated. Please submit the information to the church office at office@oldfirstchurchnj.org. Once completed, electronic copies of the address book will be emailed out. Hard copies will be available on request and at the church. Thank you in advance.
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Shop Amazon Smile for OFC
Shop smile.amazon.com: Sign in to smile.amazon.com on your desktop or mobile phone browser. From your desktop, go to Your Account from the navigation at the top of any page, and then select the option to Change your Charity. Or, from your mobile browser, select Change your Charity from the options at the bottom of the page. Amazon donates a small percentage to OFC. Choose OFC as your charity.
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69 Kings Highway
Middletown, NJ 07748
Phone: 732-671-1905
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