Category: Missions

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BOOM! Speaking truth to power

“Boom!” was the topic for Rev. Jana Purkis Brash on August 21, 2016. “Boom!” as in the sound made by the mike when a speaker — invigorated by the success of the speech — drops the mike and walks away.

In healing a crippled woman on the Sabbath, Luke 10:13-17, not only did Jesus perform a miracle, but he triumphed over the religious leaders who objected to healing on the Sabbath. Jesus “dropped the mike.” He spoke truth to power.

As Christians we are called to help the oppressed, those who are so burdened by life that they cannot stand straight.  And we too can “drop the mike” to fight social injustice. We can speak truth to power.

BOOM!

In a gentler vein, Jana welcomed six little girls to Children’s Time. Some came from as far away as New York, Canada, and even Mexico! She emphasized that — even though some don’t get to visit very often — they are all part of our church family.

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Sing with Us: Meet the Children

Introducing singers from PUMC’s Children’s Choir!

Tom Shelton, director of children’s and youth choirs at Princeton United Methodist Church and  assistant professor at Westminster Choir College. presented a nationally broadcast webinar on Thursday, August 25, at noon for the Choristers Guild, a church music publisher. To prepare the webinar he invited members of the choir to join him in the music room last week.

A sought-after conductor, educator, and composer, Shelton welcomes everyone to his choirs at PUMC; there is no audition and no participation fee. On Wednesday, September 7, Tom Shelton invites children and parents to a Children’s Choir open house at the church, Nassau at Vandeventer, on Wednesday, September 7. Kindergarten and first grade come at 4:30 p.m., second through fifth graders at 5:30 p.m. Youth from grades 6 to 12 are invited to an open house for the Youth Choir, on Sunday, September 11 at 5 p.m.  Parking is free on Sundays; for parking information click here.  Email Tom@PrincetonUMC.org or call 609-924-2613.

With bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Shelton is assistant professor of sacred music at Westminster Choir College of Rider University and president elect of the American Choral Directors Association. He has conducted ‘all state” and festival choirs in 20 states and abroad, including at Carnegie Hall.

Through music of the Christian faith, PUMC choristers learn good singing techniques and music theory; they participate in worship monthly, present a musical in the spring, and sing at special services throughout the year.

Here’s an example of how they learn:

 

 

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Sing with Us! Open house September 7

 

 

Watch a master teacher at work! See and hear the Children’s Choir from Princeton United Methodist Church in rehearsal. This clip — warming up their voices — was filmed by Tom Shelton for a national webinar he’ll give on August 25.

Please share this with families you know: Tom Shelton offers an introductory session on Wednesday, September 7, at 4:30 p.m. (kindergarten and first grade) and at 5:30 p.m. (second through fifth grade). The open house for youth (grades 6-12) is Sunday, September 11, 5 p.m. Shelton teaches the youngest children, ages three and four, during their Sunday School class. Parking information here.  For info, call 609-924-2613 or email Tom@princetonumc.org.

A sought-after conductor, educator, and composer, Tom Shelton welcomes everyone to his choirs at PUMC; there is no audition and no participation fee. Through music of the Christian faith, PUMC choristers learn good singing techniques and music theory; they participate in worship monthly, present a musical in the spring, and sing at special services throughout the year.

Here’s a great example of how music education develops singers’ minds:

Do you know a child who could love music? Invite them to PUMC’s choirs!

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Making a Difference: Not in Our Town

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Not in Our Town Princeton (NIOT) welcomes newcomers to its monthly sessions at Princeton Public Library in the Community Room. An introduction to “Continuing Conversations on Race and White Privilege” is at 6:45 p.m. and the dialogues start at 7 p.m.  Our church supports NIOT, which aims “to create a safe and welcoming atmosphere in which everyone will feel respected and have their stories listened to and really heard. We are motivated to explore our own privilege and biases and to continue to learn and grow by hearing each other’s stories, so that we can best make a difference.”

Before the Continuing Conversation on Monday, August 1, there will also be a social hour with refreshments starting at 6:15 p.m. For the following month, the Continuing Conversation will be Tuesday, September 6.

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Spin the wheel, answer a question, get a prize

Community Night Out is Tuesday, August 2. If you go to Princeton’s celebration, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Community Park Pool, visit the  ‘fortune wheel’  made by PUMC member Tim Ewer. Spin the wheel to answer a question and get a prize. It is part of National Night Out when people across the country gather at their homes, on their streets, and at their local community centers to help strengthen the partnership between the community and police. It is hosted by the Princeton Police Department, PBA Local #130, and the Princeton Recreation Department. Admission to the pool that night is free to Princeton residents. Outside the pool there will be rock climbing, demonstrations of emergency equipment, a demonstration by K-9 Harris, inflatable games, and more. Join the fun!

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July 27: A chance to listen and share

On Wednesday, July 27, 2016 at 7:00 pm, in the John Witherspoon Middle School auditorium, 217 Walnut Lane, Princeton, NJ 08540, members of the Princeton community will gather to process their reactions to the deep fissures exposed by the national tragedies of police shootings and sniper attacks.

Mayor of Princeton Liz Lempert, Police Chief Nicholas Sutter, Rabbi Adam Feldman of the Jewish Center, and Rev. Matthew Ristuccia of Stone Hill Church invite the entire community to join them.

The bulk of the evening will be devoted to hearing from a representative of the African-American community as well as a representative of the law enforcement community, giving them the opportunity to share their personal perspectives. In listening to these stories, we as a community will be challenged to examine our own narratives, and to put a human face on the statistics and headlines that have confronted us in recent weeks.

Such a challenge is a vital first step in building bridges and taking positive steps toward real reconciliation and growth in our community and our nation. Everyone is invited for this evening of grieving together as we acknowledge the pain and fear engendered by these events, and as we strive for hope and forward movement as a community.

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Four years, 408 meals: Cornerstone Community Kitchen

Larry Apperson hosted the fourth anniversary picnic for volunteers at Cornerstone Community Kitchen.
Larry Apperson hosted the fourth anniversary picnic for volunteers at Cornerstone Community Kitchen.

 

For the complete photo album of the CCK picnic click here. To volunteer — here is information. Thanks to everyone for their commitment!

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Tim Ewer, captain of Week One, did grilling honors
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Bill Chick, here with wife Stacy, captains Week Two
Charles Phillips, here with Karen Longo-Baldwin, is in charge of Week 4.
Charles Phillips, here with Karen Longo-Baldwin, is in charge of Week 4.
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Communion offering: on July 3, for UMCOR

75thAnniversarylogo-200All are invited to celebrate Holy Communion on Sunday, July 3, at 10 a.m. United Methodists practice open communion –– our table is open to anyone who seeks to respond to Christ’s love and to lead a new life of peace and love.

The July Communion Offering will support the operations and administration of United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). UMCOR is the humanitarian relief and development agency of The United Methodist Church.

When destruction and the chaos of war, or natural disasters strike, UMCOR is a first responder partnering with communities when they cannot recover on their own –developing systems of clean water, sanitation and hygiene, sustainable agriculture, and community building.

The reach of UMCOR extends to over 80 countries as well as the United States. UMCOR provides those affected by crisis or chronic need without regard to their race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. In gratitude for UMCOR’s work as the hands and feet of God, our offering will support administrative costs so that 100% of donations for disaster relief will go directly to those in need. Thank you for your generosity.

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Holy Communion by intinction. The bread will be gluten free.
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Summer Sundays: Fun Plays

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The play’s the thing! And on June 26 it’s called “Peter the Impetuous.”

This summer, back by popular demand,  children ages Pre-K through 3rd grade will be able to enjoy Bible story plays put on by our older students. The younger children will begin Sunday mornings in worship and after the children’s time will be dismissed to enjoy a performance by our older students. If you are in 4th grade and up and are interested in acting in these plays, come to Room 204/205 at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings before the 10 AM worship service.

Thanks to Richard Gordon, Playwright, and to Andrew Hayes and Ian Griffiths, in the Director’s Chair.

On July 3, hear and see “The Further Adventures of David.” On July 10, families will attend the ASP service. Next up — “The 40th Lash” on July 17 and “Adam and Eve” on July 24.

Children in Pre-K through 3rd grade — and older children who aren’t thespians that day — are invited to go to Room 204 after the Children’s Sermon to watch the play and have refreshments, apple juice and vanilla wafers. (Parents please pick up your young child after church. Fourth graders and up may join you in the Sanford Davis Room for coffee hour.)

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Learn about Summer Music Camp Volunteering in Haiti

Two church members — Paul Manulik and Lindsay Diehl — are taking their musical talents and expertise to help an organization called Building Leaders Using Music Education (BLUME Haiti).  They will travel to Cape Haitian in Northern Haiti on Sunday, June 19,  2016 to volunteer in a summer music camp for children and adolescents.

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During his stay in Haiti, Paul will teach music lessons to students as well as train teachers. He will return to Princeton on July 10, 2016. A violist and violinist who founded the Princeton String Academy, he often plays with PUMC’s classical ensembles. Lindsay will spend two weeks in Cape Haitian, teaching music theory. She sings in the Chancel Choir.

BLUME Haiti works with Haitian and international partners to develop leadership skills, awaken individual potential and create opportunities through music education and performance. Affiliated with BLUME Haiti, the Circle of Christian Musicians of Cape Haitian (CEMUCHCA) aims to increase the number of artists of high level throughout the north of Haiti by refining and extracting the most potential talent among children and adolescents in the country. This year’s summer camp will be held on the grounds of an Episcopal school outside of Cape Haitian.

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We look forward to hearing from Paul and Lindsay about their mission trip after church on July 31. Meanwhile, for more information on the Haitian Music Program, click here http://www.blumehaiti.org/cemuchca-cap-haitian.html……..

Written by Isabella Dougan

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Breakfast June 12: Joanna’s story

breakfast plateJoanna, a client of Womanspace, will tell her story on Sunday, June 12, at 8 a.m. at the UMM breakfast. All are invited to hear her speak on ‘How Faith Commnities Can Help Heal — or Hurt — Victims of Domestic Violence.” Until September, this is the last breakfast provided by the United Methodist Men, so make every effort to enjoy their delicious cooking and hear about this important subject. Photo at right shows the actual yummy breakfast!