BOONTON FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH • JULY - AUGUST 2015

Faith, Hope and Love in Action

SpireThe

Dear Saints,It is our privilege to write this portion of

The SPIRE for the next two issues, whileRev. Jen is away. Last month, sheintroduced us with brief bios for each ofus. We’d like to share with you how wefound First Church. We moved here inJune of 2013. After getting settled, westarted our “church shopping.” Havingmoved from a community in NorthernNew York that had just two year-roundchurches—one Roman Catholic and onePresbyterian—we were kind ofoverwhelmed when we discovered thatwithin a half hour of our home, atFranciscan Oaks in Denville, there wereeight Presbyterian Churches. So westarted our search. First we went to theMorristown church because of someexciting adult education offerings. Then,because we are a clergy couple, weattended two churches in our area that hadclergy couple pastors. Wanting to be asopen and fair as possible, we attended fourmore churches before finally coming toBoonton.

What we found here, and what kept uscoming back, was creative and meaningfulworship and preaching that truly spoke tous. We would find ourselves discussing thesermon in the car as we drove home afterworship. And it wasn’t just occasionally.Many were the times when we would justlook at each other after the sermon with a“Wow!” kind of expression.

Well, it wasn’t long before we werehooked! And then we began to get to

know some of you in the congregationand we discovered a joyous warmththat seems to pervade this group ofGod’s people. You began to make usfeel more and more at home, whichhelped us realize we could easilymake this our church home.

So here we are, not only in a newchurch home, but going back towork! God certainly works inmysterious ways. We failed ourfirst retirement, helping ourchurch in Old Forge, NYthrough a pastoral crisis beforeserving there as parishassociates, and then serving forthree months at Sherm’sformer church in Dayton, OHwhile that pastor was onsabbatical. So, as we preparedto make the move to New Jersey—to oursecond retirement—we were certain wewould not be doing this sort of thing again,so we got rid of most of our ministerialresources—books and worship resourcesand old sermons! What’s that old saying?...never say never?

We’re learning that you just can’tpredict what God might have in storefor you. But we’re happy to be here andhappy as well, that we can help out insome small way as Jen takes a greatlyneeded respite leave. And we’re honoredby the faith and trust the Session hasexhibited in us by inviting us to help out inthis respite time. Our goal is to make this aseamless transition for these nine weeks,and to serve you, the congregation of

FPCB, as faithfully and lovingly aspossible. If there is anything we can do tomake that a reality for you, anything thatwe might have overlooked or missed,please don’t hesitate to let us know. Ourhope is that, as Rev. Jen experiencesrefreshment and renewal during her respitetime, you, the congregation, will have yourown sense of renewal and re-energizingfor the work of ministry that lies ahead ofus this fall.

With great thanks for yourfriendship and trust in us.

Lorrie and Sherm Skinner

WELCOME !!Revs.Lorrie andSherm

Hear Ye, Hear Ye!

As the choirs begin their well deservedsummer break, person(s) in the

congregation are encouraged to considerto attending future choir and/or hand bellrehearsals. If you are interested inbecoming a member of either or both ofthese choirs in the fall, please call or e-mail the organist/choir director.

If you happen to play a musicalinstrument or would like to share anyother type of creative arts with thecongregation during a Sunday morningservice in July or August, please contact

Sarah (Organist/Choir Director 570-947-6330, babbleon247@yahoo.com), withyour availability or to make rehearsalarrangements.

All choirs – vocal and hand bell – willbe on a summer break for through Augustand rehearsals will resume in September.

Fall 2015 Rehearsal Schedule:

Chancel Choir ~ Thursday, September17th (7:30-9pm)

Hand Bell Choir ~ Thursday, October 1st(6:15-7:30pm) ♥

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A NOTE FROM SARAHA NOTE FROM SARAHSummer2015

http://www.fpcboonton.org

“Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home,

When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

I sing because I’m happy,I sing because I’m free,

For His eye is on the sparrow,And I know He watches me.”

Share your ‘TreasuresEver wonder how to share your‘treasures’ in a musical way withoutsinging or playing an instrument atFirst Church-Boonton?? ISO –interested person(s) who would liketo share their ‘treasures’ bysponsoring new anthems for fall2015 ($45 per anthem) or 2015Christmas Cantata ($200). Pleasecontact Sarah Berta via phone,570-947-6330, e-mailbabbleon247@yahoo.com, or inperson, if interested!

August 9,Service of Hymns.

NOTICE!

We’ll be asking for requests...stay tuned...watch your email

and bulletins...more info to follow!

Summer-2015

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TheComics

come to town!September 26

Rev. Jen’s RespiteJUNE 22 – AUG 23

The Reverends Lorrie and ShermanSkinner will be our summer pastors.Office hours will be Tuesday andWeds. from 11:30 am—3:00 pm.Contact information: 973-664-3657(home), 315-725-0754 (cell),rowlandskinner@gmail.com

SERVICE ofSERVICE ofHYMNSHYMNSAugust 9

VVVVBBBBSSSSVacation Bible School

July 6 – 10 • 9 am – noon

Save the Dates

FIRST CHURCH BOONTON

CHURCH OFFICE HOURSfor the summer

Monday – Thursday9:00 AM - 2:00 PM.

Office is CLOSED on Fridays

AAAAtttttttteeeennnntttt iiiioooonnnn PPPPaaaarrrreeeennnnttttssss

PRAYERTO GO

Parting BlessingThe Maker’s blessing be yourson your roadOn your journeyGuiding you, cherishing you.

The Son’s blessing be yourswine and waterbread and storiesfeeding you, challenging you.

The Spirit’s blessing be yourswind and firejoy and wisdomcomforting you, disturbing you.

The Angels’ blessings be yourson your houseon your livingguarding you, encouraging you.

The blessing of pilgrimsAll the nights and daysof our journey home. ♥

AUGUSTAUGUST1 Carolyn (Lyn) Friedman1 Cassie Gershaw1 Danielle Valenzano3 Gigi Nordfors6 Cathi Harris7 Chelsea Mae Davis7 Connor Michael Davis8 Kevin Lobb

9 OJ (Joe) Hordnes13 Danielle Stoveken (Stora)21 John Roberts24 Bob Bingham26 Patrick Lanigan26 Lindsey Danilack30 Connie Kelly30 Barbara Lanigan

JULYJULY1 Joseph Maynard1 Mae Wiswall2 Jessica Curran2 Mac Reed3 Brenna Nickel4 Lisa Nordfors5 Thompson Galloway9 Samantha George

11 Shannon Ambrosiani13 Lia Smith-Ficaro15 Debbie Stora

16 Norma Ketchersid17 Samuel Nickel18 Gordon Galloway19 Emily George22 Peter Harris24 Daniel Ambrosiani26 Marty Homeijer26 Paul DeLuca28 Kristine Terhune29 Evelyn Thiel31 Peyton Lyn Terhune

SUNDAY

10:00 WorshipCommunion

Deacons at FiremensHome

11:15 Lemonade in Library7:00 A.A.

10:00 Worship

11:15 Lemonade in Library

Deacons Meeting

7:00 A.A.

10:00 Worship

11:15 Lemonade in Library11:30 Transitions Team Mtg.

7:00 A.A.

10:00 Worship

11:15 Lemonade in Library

7:00 A.A..

MONDAY

6:00 LINE DANCING

6:00 LINE DANCING

TUESDAY

6:00 Conservatory

7:00 A.A.

6:00 Conservatory

6:00 Conservatory

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

5:30 Conservatory

6:00 Conservatory

6:00 Conservatory

6:00 Conservatory

FRIDAY

Office ClosedIndependence Day

Office Closed

Office Closed

Office Closed

Office Closed

SATURDAY

9 am BOY SCOUTS

9 AM BOY SCOUTS

AUGUST 1

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4th of JULY

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VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL – 7/6 – 7/10 Monday - Friday - 9 am - Noon in Sanctuary

REV. JEN’SRESPITE

JUNE 22 –

AUGUST 23

SUNDAY

10:00 WorshipCommunion

Deacons at FiremensHome

11:15 Lemonade in Library

7:00 A.A.

10:00 WorshipService of Hymns

11:15 Lemonade in Library

7:00 A.A.

10:00 Worship

11:15 Lemonade in Library

7:00 A.A.

10:00 Worship11:15 Lemonade in Library7:00 A.A.

10:00 Worship11:15 Lemonade in Library7:00 A.A.

MONDAY

6:00 LINE DANCING

6:00 LINE DANCING

6:00 LINE DANCING

6:00 LINE DANCING

6:00 LINE DANCING

TUESDAYTUESDAY

6:00 Conservatory

7pm A.A.

6:00 Conservatory

6:00 Conservatory7:30 Worship Comm.

Meeting

WEDNESDAY THURSDAYJULY 30

6:00 Conservatory

6:00 Conservatory

6:00 Conservatory

6:30 Conservatory

FRIDAYJULY 31

Church Office Closed

Church Office Closed

Church Office Closed

Church Office Closed

Church Office Closed

SATURDAY

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AUGUST 2015REV. JEN’S RESPITE

JUNE 22 – AUGUST 23

See you inSeptember!

6:00 SESSION

NNOORRMMAAVVAACCAATTIIOONN

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NNOORRMMAA VVAACCAATTIIOONN •• AAUUGG 55 66

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GGIIFFTTSSIn Memory OR in Honorof Loved Ones

The Memorials Committeeencourages all to continue theirgenerous gifts/contributions to theMemorials Fund which cares formany special projects includingMusic, Organ, Building, Groundsand the Scholarship Fund. ♥

In Memory of Given By

Catherine Woodhull ..............................Michael J. Emerick Jr.....................................................................................Amanda Demouthe....................................................................................Grace Cervino....................................................................................Dale Graziano

Walter Christian Gonseth ..................Carol Gonseth....................................................................................Cindy Sheets

New York City’s Top ComicsA Benefit for MISSIONS

including the Boonton Food Pantryand relighting the church spire

September 26at the Darress Theatre on Main Street

Michael Somerville returns with two of his hilarious friends.Since his last performance at the Darress two years ago,

Michael was on Late Night with David Letterman several moretimes. He’s also been working closely in Las Vegas withBrad Garrett (“Robert” on Everybody Loves Raymond). In addition he’s been performing live around the country

and on Norwegian Cruise Lines. Michael is excited to be returning to Boonton in September and

invites you to come out and support the cause!

So, save the date: September 26, and remember that there willbe a Silent Auction as well and all donations of Gift Baskets,

Sport Tickets, Gift Certificates, etc. are welcome. ♥

MMIICCHHAAEELL SSOOMMEERRVVIILLLLEEand Friends

Coming to Boonton

September 26

ACTUAL SIGNS POSTED......In an office:AFTER TEA BREAK, STAFF SHOULD EMPTY THE TEAPOTAND STAND UPSIDE DOWN ON THE DRAINING BOARD.

...Outside a second-hand shop:WE EXCHANGE ANYTHING - BICYCLES, WASHING MACHINES, ETC..WHY NOT BRING YOUR WIFE ALONG AND GET A WONDERFUL BARGAIN?

...in health food shop window:CLOSED DUE TO ILLNESS...

... in a safari park: ELEPHANTS PLEASE STAY IN YOUR CAR. (I sure hope so.)

...On a repair shop door:WE CAN REPAIR ANYTHING. (PLEASE KNOCK HARD ONTHE DOOR - THE BELL DOESN’T WORK.)

...In a Laundromat:AUTOMATIC WASHING MACHINES: PLEASE REMOVEALL YOUR CLOTHES WHEN THE LIGHT GOES OUT.

...In a newspaper:Hospitals are Sued by 7 Foot Doctors (Boy, are they tall!)

(just a little summer humor - hope you enjoyed)

LARS BORGSTROM — LisaHordnes’ brother,had returned to his

group home the end of June, but was rushedto the MICUP after a fall. He is also beingtreated for pneumonia and may need intu-bation. Keep Lars in your prayers!

BOWEN BRANT — Susan Arena’sfriend 3-year-old son, will move from

Indiana to NYC for brain tumor treatment.Please pray for Bowen’s healing andstrength, and for his parents, and doctors.

CHRISTIE OAKS — Robin Gershaw’sfriend, completed chemo for breast can-

cer and will have surgery/reconstruction.Please continue to pray for complete cancereradication.

JOSEPH CURRY — Robin Nickel’sfather, has cancer reoccurrence and will

resume chemo. Please pray for Joseph.

ANNE MAGILLAN — Phil Beatty’scolleague, is suffering from avascular

necrosis.

MARY ELLEN LOBB — Jean’sdaughter-in-law, is doing well and is

in rehab after total knee preplacement sur-gery. Prayers are asked for full recovery.

CYNTHIA WITMER — sister ofMarilyn Ward, is recovering from a

stroke and has some speech recovery to do.She also suffers from Scleroderma.

TERESA DUFFELL — Kim Robbins’friend, has stage four lung cancer.

HOMER ELLIS — Donna Kurley’sfather, needs prayers for relief and

healing from COPD.

BOB WALEN — Jim & Kim Riter’sfriend, has an inoperable brain tumor,

Please keep Bob in your prayers.

ANITA HUNTER — friend of RoxanneTavakkol, is suffering from third relapse

of cancer. Keep Anita in your prayers.

CHERYL WENDT — daughter-in-lawof former member Barbara, has a third

reoccurrence of cancer and it has spread toher liver. She has two small children.

JOHN LAWLESS — Evelyn Thiel’sfamily nephew, needs kidney transplant.

MAGED MEHANI — friend of BettyTilli. is awaiting a donor for kidney

transplant.

OUR MEN AND WOMEN IN UNIFORM — Let our prayers be

with all soldiers as they defend thefreedoms that we hold so dear. We aretruly grateful for their service to ournation. We will continue to hold all ourservice personnel in our prayers untilthey ALL come home.

For those who keep their needs private:Many are going through difficult timesbut prefer to remain in private. We willhold you in our prayers. ♥

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JJOOYYSS

JESIKA AND MICHAEL WACHTER —and proud grandparents Marty and Charles

Homeijer are happy to announce the birth of Lev-ius, 8.6 lbs., born on June 13. Praise God!

GAYLE LOBB & JIM CARGILLO — aremoving to Florida early in July. Their new

address will be: Ocean Gallery, 72 Village DelPrado Circle, St. Augustine, FL 32080. Pleasepray for a smooth transition for Gayle and Jimand for Jean’s well being in NJ.

JOE HORDNES — is thankful for yourprayers as he continues to recover at home

after rehab. ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

IINN OOUURR PPRRAAYYEERRSS:: CCoonncceerrnnss

First Presbyterian Church513 Birch St • PO Box 157Boonton, New Jersey 07005973-334-3535 • FAX 973-334-3549Website: www.fpcboonton.org

Rev. Jennifer M. Van Zandt, MinisterSarah Berta, Music DirectorNorma Moreno, Administrator

LLLLEEEEMMMMOOOONNNNAAAADDDDEEEESIGN UP TO HOST LEMONADE! Fellowshipinvites you to experience the joy of hostinglemonade in the library, Sundays-during themonths of July and August. ALL supplies areprovided. Families are needed to set up and cleanup. The SIGN-UP sheet is on the bulletin boardoutside the church office or email church office:office@fpcboonton.org to SIGN UP.

Summer information

Have you ever won-dered what happenedto the 56 men whosigned the Declarationof Independence ??

5 signers were captured by the British astraitors.

12 had their homes ransacked and burned.

2 lost their sons serving in the RevolutionaryArmy; another had two sons captured.

9 of the 56 fought and died from wounds orhardships of the Revolutionary War.

They signed and they pledged their lives, theirfortunes, and their sacred honor.

What kind of men were they?

24 were lawyers and jurists.

11 were merchants, 9 were farmers and large

plantation owners; men of means, well edu-cated, but they signed the Declaration of Inde-pendence knowing full well that the penaltywould be death if they were captured.

Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter andtrader, saw his ships swept from the seas by theBritish Navy. He sold his home and properties topay his debts, and died in rags.

Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the Britishthat he was forced to move his family almostconstantly. He served in the Congress withoutpay, and his family was kept in hiding. Hispossessions were taken from him, and povertywas his reward.

Vandals or soldiers looted the properties ofDillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward,Ruttledge, and Middleton.

At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr.,noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his

headquarters. He quietly urged General GeorgeWashington to open fire. The home wasdestroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.

Francis Lewis had his home and propertiesdestroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and shedied within a few months.

John Hart was driven from his wife’s bedside asshe was dying. Their 13 children fled for theirlives. His fields and his gristmillwere laid to waste. For more than a year he livedin forests and caves, returning home to find hiswife dead his children vanished.

These patriots paid a high price fortheir freedom and the 4th of Julyholiday is celebrated for the freedomthat we enjoy today.

FREEDOM IS NEVER FREE!

JJUULLYY 44 -- IInnddeeppeennddeennccee DDaayy

Support Your Deacons

The Board of Deacons uses your donations to help support

many people in need. The monies used to do this work in

the community do not come from the regular Sunday

collection.

This is a separate collection.

You can support the Deacons by using

the small, GREEN ENVELOPES

located in the pews on

Communion Sundays, each month.

ITEMS CURRENTLY NEEDED:Cereal, peanut butter, jelly, canned fruit, snacks, juice mixes (lemon-

ade, iced tea etc), white rice , chick peas, canned tuna, chicken, Personal care items - shampoo, deodorant