VOL. 66 NO. 10-12 SUMMER 2015

GRADUATES AND SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS TO BE HONORED Please join us for a very special Sunday celebration on June 7

th honoring

our recent graduates and their families in our congregation. We will

recognize each one and we will also name our 2015-2016 Scholarship

recipients during our worship service at 10:15 am in the sanctuary. We are so proud of you! Congratulations to our Graduates and

Scholarship recipients* for 2015-2016 academic year:

Daniel Donnelly* (studying at Union County College)

Kyle Doremus* (graduating from Jonathan Dayton High School )

Michele Faraone* (graduating from Union High School)

Jeremy Riccie (graduate of Union County College)

ALL CHURCH PICNIC-JUNE 7TH

Come One, Come All!

It’s that time of year! Join us for great food and socializing. Catch up with those you seem to miss on Sunday mornings. Just remember to sign up early so we can plan enough food for everyone! Any questions, please speak with Lisa Guida or any member of the Outreach Committee. DATE: SUNDAY, JUNE 7, 2015 TIME: 11:30AM -1:30PM PLACE: Parish House Front Lawn & Aud.(rain or shine) COST: $6.00 Adults 3.00 Children 15.00 Family (immediate only, please) Please bring a side dish or dessert to share, according to the first letter of your last name. Please let us know what you will bring, so we know what we need to purchase. “A-M” brings desserts; “N-Z” brings salads.

THE TOWER

First Presbyterian Church

37 Church Mall

Springfield, NJ 07081 www.SpringfieldPresbyterian.com

LUNCH AND MOVIE – JUNE 10TH

You are invited, once again, to a fun afternoon on Wednesday, June 10 at noon in the Parish House. Our movie for June is the lighthearted comedy “Out to Sea,” starring comedic favorites Walter Matthau, Jack Lemmon and their love interests Dyan Cannon and Gloria DeHaven. In this comedy film, to older men set sail for a high-seas adventure aboard a cruise

ship, in search of lonely ladies with big bank accounts. This classic comedy comes with big laughs and a sweet story.

So come cruise away with us to a fun afternoon with a light lunch, good conversation and a movie that is sure to lift your spirits. Feel free to bring a friend or neighbor. Please call the office (973-379-4320) to let us know how much food to prepare. (We will take our summer break after this movie and then resume on September 9)

JUNE 14--REUNION SUNDAY -SPECIAL INVITATION

Pastor Vicky and the Session would like to give a special invitation to all those who have

been baptized, married, or confirmed while Pastor Vicky has been the pastor at our church

(since 2007). It’s a reunion on June 14th! There will be a special recognition of all those who

attend the worship service at 10:15.

Many of the parents of the Baptized grew up in this church—so it will be wonderful

opportunity to renew all friendships. After the service, there will be a Bar-B-Q at the manse

(164 Shunpike Road) where Pastor Vicky and Richard will be able to spend some relaxed time

with all of you. We are looking forward to this very special time for our church family to

reunite with long-time members. Please call the church office so that we know how many to

plan for lunch at the manse. (973-379-4320)

HONORING OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL AND NURSERY

VOLUNTEERS SUNDAY, JUNE 21st

We are grateful all year long for the dedicated service of our Sunday School teachers and nursery supervisors. These wonderful folks are our unsung heroes each and every Sunday as they teach our youngsters about the love of God and the Lord Jesus. Please join us to thank them on Sunday, June 21st at our 10:15 a.m. worship service as we recognize their service to our congregational family.

A MESSAGE FROM THE PASTOR

At this time of the year many of us are planning at least some vacation time this summer. It must have been on the mind of a little Sunday School student who wrote this letter to God:

“Dear God, In Sunday School we learned about all the things you do. But who does them when you’re on vacation?”

This question and other similar ones have been on the minds of people since the beginning of

time. We believers want to trust in an omnipotent, all-powerful God. But I’m sure each one of us has thought of this question: What happens if God goes on vacation, takes a nap or even blinks?

The ancient writer of Psalm 121 wanted to ask a similar question.

“I lift up my eyes to the hills—from where will my help come?” Unfortunately, many people think their “help” comes from their investments, loved ones, friends, or

jobs. But all of us know that things can happen to change circumstances in the blink of an eye. I believe the Psalmist knew how easy it is to forget where our help really comes from. He answered the question for us: “Our help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” The Psalmist is telling us that we are promised the ever-vigilant protection of God. We are promised the constant presence of God. The Psalmist says that God stands guard day and night. Someone once said, “You can sleep soundly tonight. God is on duty.” The Psalmist would have agreed with that! The potent promises, “I will be with you”—“I will keep you”— are found throughout the Bible. Those are not just promises for Bible heroes such as Moses or Jacob or Joshua. This promise is delivered to each one of us—ordinary believers here in Springfield. The psalmist invites people of every generation to live fully in the present on the basis of these promises. We are sent back into the world to live and work. But we have the assurance that the Lord of the world is our escort. We live under God’s care. No matter where you find yourself this summer—at home or on vacation—know that God does not go on vacation. The Apostle Paul, in Romans, said it best: No place, no time, no circumstance will ever be able to separate us from God’s loving care. (Romans 8:39) May your summer give you rest and joy and peace. Sending you blessings and love,

Pastor Vicky

A MESSAGE OF APPRECIATION:

“Roland Curtiss’s family has asked me to say many thanks for the Memorial Service at our church. Please, also, many thanks to Pastor Vicky for being there for us.

I know if Roland were here, he would also want you to know how happy he was to receive the cards and phone calls and visits.

For myself, I cannot thank you enough for all your prayers, calls, cards, rides to the hospital and dinners brought over during the last few months of his life.

I also want to thank Pastor Vicky for her much appreciated visits and concern. I am blessed to have you all in my life. You gave me strength to carry on. Simply said, from the bottom of my heart – Thank you and God Bless you all.” ~Lore Ullrich

VACATION BIBLE CAMP - JUNE 24-26th

We will be sponsoring an energetic Mini-Vacation Bible Camp on Wednesday, June 24th through Friday, June 26th from 9:30 am--12 noon. in the Parish House (37 Church Mall). The theme this year is “Workshop of Wonders” (WOW!) and it promises to be another fun adventure for the children, where they will enjoy activities as they work, build and plant, following God’s “Blueprint”.

We look forward to the opportunity of sharing

Bible stories, songs, crafts, snacks and water fun with the children ages 3 to Fifth grade. There is no charge for church members. Non-members- $25.00 per child. If you are able to volunteer for small activities, any amount of time, please call Lisa Guida (973-376-6620). Registration is due to Mrs. Guida by June 15th.

CHOIR RECOGNITION SUNDAY—JUNE 28TH

Please join us June 28th to thank our faithful, talented choir members who give of their

time and talent to bring us beautiful inspiring music each Sunday. Also many thanks to our

wonderful Music-Director/Organist Liliya Khobotkova for her talent as well as enthusiasm.

We are blessed!

CHOIR PICNIC-JUNE 28TH

Choir members (and their families) are invited to a picnic at

the Manse (164 Shunpike Road) on Sunday, June 28th

at noon.

Please sign up with Liliya and let us know how many will attend and

what you’d like to bring. Hamburgers, hotdogs and chicken will be

provided.

SUMMER CHURCH SCHEDULE Once again this summer, we will have worship services throughout July and

August at our usual time of 10:15 am in our air conditioned sanctuary. For the months of July and August, the church front office hours will be

Tuesdays through Fridays 9am-Noon. The answering machine is on 24hrs, 7days with instructions for contacting Pastor & staff.

Please feel free to use our voicemail system or e-mail to send confidential messages to Pastor (voicemail box 2 or e-mail: RevVicky@hotmail.com) or Linda Jurczak (voicemail box 1 or FirstPCOffice@verizon.net).

JUNE 2-Ken Bogden, Sue Bogden; 4 – Julianna DeTrolio; 6- Gladys Gieser; 14- Doris Ammerman, Deborah Biber, John Nattermann; 15- Helmut Grimm; 19- Richard Briggs; 21- Theresa Werner; 24- Michael Gleicher; 27- Beverly Genung; 28- Grace Carmichael JULY 1-Jonathan Riccie; 2- Linda Jurczak; 5- Ruth Batiste; 6-Michael Dubiel, 6-Jean Hubert; 9-Danielle Guida; 10-Karon Williams; 12- Gwendolyn Clickenger, 12-Amy Donnelly; 16- Meghan Paglia; 17-Kenneth Bogden, Jr.; 19- Helen Schenck; 22- Betty Ignace; 26- Carol Johannsen; 28- Bonnie Ivankow; 29- Gloria Southward; 30-Erna Allen

AUGUST 2- Polly Ashelman; 3- Lauren Guida; 7- Jessica Lau; 8- Donald Bogden; 10- Rysonia (Dawn) Clarke; 13-Linda Maas; 19- Russ Werner; 23- Jeremy Riccie; 26- Raymond Schramm, Robert Stefany; 27- Jennifer Wahlers; 31- Jenna Guida, 31- Joan Stefany

WE ARE HAPPY TO CELEBRATE THE BIRTHDAYS OF ALL OUR CHURCH FAMILY! IF YOUR BIRTHDAY IS NOT INCLUDED IN OUR BIRTHDAY ANNOUNCEMENTS, PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE AND PROVIDE MONTH AND DAY, AND WE’LL ADD YOU TO OUR LIST!

SUMMER BIRTHDAYS TO CELEBRATE!

The June financial statements will be mailed in the beginning of July. Please review your statements carefully, and contact Linda J. in the office should you have any questions or concerns. If your pledge is in arrears, we ask that you bring it current as soon as your means allow.

KUDOS!

NEW 50 YEAR MEMBERS HONORED

Our 50 Year Member

Celebration was held on

Sunday, May 3rd.

Pastor Vicky poses with this

year’s honorees: (L-R) Gloria

and Gary Southward,

Beatrice Roth, Ron Dubiel

and Jean Sim.

Ken Bogden presented a program on Global

Oil to the Men in May.

The Springfield Community Children’s

Chorus, which we have co-sponsored since

their inception, (SCCC for short) won first

place and best all-around elementary

choir at a choral competition in Hershey

Park the first weekend of May. Leslie Adler

and all her students are to be commended

for their success!

Congratulations to all!

MEMORIAL DAY COMMEMORATION 2015 This past Memorial Day Commemoration at Veteran’s Park was well attended and well-

represented by Veterans and friends with ties to our church. Herb Quinton was presented

with an award for his 70 years of membership and dedication to the American Legion Post 228

and was named Grand Marshall for the event. The presentation was made by Ray Schramm,

and the invocation for the commemoration was given by Don Rathjens, Legion Chaplain. Our

Office Administrator, Linda Jurczak lead the American’s Creed, representing the NJDAR, and

Kyle Doremus played the trumpet in the Jonathan Dayton Band, as well as leading the “Echo

Taps” at the conclusion of the ceremony.

(Thanks to Cathy Gleicher and Steve Jurczak for the pictures below!)

(See the bulletin board in the chapel and Parish House for more pictures from the event)

MEN’S FELLOWSHIP

Last month we had an interesting presentation dealing with the topic of Oil. All who attended should have a better understanding of the natural resource. We tend to take many things for granted. At our June meeting, Dr. Richard Ney has agreed to inform and educate us on the importance of a new test which will have implications for students and their instructors. Many of you have seen this written up in the newspaper. This instrument is called PARCC=Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers. We are fortunate in having Dr. Ney, high school Principal, as our guest presenter. The title of Dr. Ney’s presentation is, “A Walk Through the PARCC”. Richard has a BA degree in music education from Westminster Choir College (now Rider University). He has an MBA from Drexel University & an EdD from Liberty University. He has spent the last 15 years at Manchester Regional High School as teacher, supervisor, principal and superintendent. Due to some changes that had to be made, our June meeting will be on Saturday, June 27th at 9:30am in the Parish House Conference Room. This presentation should be an excellent way to finish our program year 2014-2015. As we begin another program year, it is imperative that we get some program suggestions from our membership. If you would see Pastor Ney or one of the members, we’ll follow up on your ideas. See you on the 27th!

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

The “PW” enjoyed their day at Hunterdon Hills Playhouse on May 20th

with many thanks to Barbara Spital who organizes this event each year.

We are scheduled to provide and serve the Fellowship Hour on

Father’s Day, June 21st . We hope that everyone enjoys the summer and is

refreshed when we resume our meetings on Wednesday, September 16th at

1:30pm. All women of the church are welcome to attend the Presbyterian

Women’s group, the 3rd Wednesday in Sept. thru May in the Parish House.

As a “heads-up”, the Presbyterian Women will be hosting its Annual Indoor Flea Market on

Saturday, October 24th. Please watch for details on how you can rent a table or donate items in the

September Tower! If you have any questions about the PW or their activities, please speak to Gloria

Southward.

WOMEN’S PRAYER GROUP

The Women’s prayer group will resume in September, following the same Saturday schedule as

the Men’s Fellowship and begin at 10am. Reminders will be in the September edition of the Tower

Newsletter as well as bulletin insert. This group is open to our members and their friends. Meetings are

held in the library of the Parish House. Prayer is powerful- Join us!

EUROPE RIVER CRUISE (JUNE/JULY 2016)

(We’ve talked about it for years—now let’s plan for it!)

Rhine River Getaway - 8 days Basel, Switzerland to Amsterdam on the wonderful Viking River Cruise line. Arrive at the cruise ship on Friday July 1, 2016 (leave Thursday evening for the flight to Switzerland).

Itinerary: Basel Switzerland, Breisach Germany, Strasbourg France, Heidelberg & Rudesheim Germany, Koblenz Germany, Cologne Germany, Kinderdijk - The Netherlands,

Amsterdam - The 4 Countries - 6 Guided Tours, all meals Included. Prices start at Approximately $2400 plus air fare ($695 through Viking). Prices cannot be guaranteed until the $500 pp. deposit has been paid. The trip can be extended on either end for seeing the sights in Basel and/or Amsterdam.

If you are interested in this idea and would like to learn more, please call the office. If enough members and church friends are interested, Pastor Vicky will ask her travel agency connection to put this into action.

Please see the printed fact sheet that is on the info table in the chapel.

(Currently, the European river cruises are less expensive than the American river cruises.)

IN SYMPATHY

The sympathy of the congregation is extended to Carol Johannsen and her family

in the death of her mother, and former church member, Natalie Humphrey Brown,

in her 100th year.

THE FIRST CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AT SPRINGFIELD 37 CHURCH MALL SPRINGFIELD, NJ 07081

PLACE ADDRESS LABEL HERE

FALL DATES TO REMEMBER:

Homecoming /Rally Day/Sundae-Sunday: September 13th Blessing of the Animals : October 4th PW Indoor Flea Market: October 24th 9am – 3pm in the Parish House

NONPROFIT

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NONPROFIT

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U.S. POSTAGE

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UNION, NJ

PERMIT NO.

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ORG

U.S. POSTAGE

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UNION, NJ

PERMIT NO.

938

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