For the second year in a row, PUMC member Dr. Jim Looney will take the Science Olympiad team at West Windsor-Plainsboro North High School to represent New Jersey at the National Science Olympiad, May 19-21 in Wisconsin. Currently president of United Methodist Men, and a leader for several Appalachia Service Project teams, he was recently named Teacher of the Year by his colleagues at WW-P North. Congratulations, Jim! For more details…
PUMC Circle of Friends Meeting April 12, 2016
On Tuesday, April 12, the Circle of Friends held their monthly meeting at the church. The meeting started at 11:00 in the Fellow
ship Hall with some 19 members honoring the memory of Robbie Vaccaro, a beloved member of the circle, who died on Saturday, March 26, 2016. Each lady said something special about Robbie as they look back on some happy moments they shared with her. Some of Robbie’s most memorable qualities were the work she did on her and John’s farm, raising butterflies, caring for others, being the ultimate friend or absolute role model, dutifully reminding members to attend meetings, making delicious cakes and desserts, graciously hosting hospitality diners and, of course, aging gracefully.
Pastor Scott Sherrill gave an interesting and informative talk on “Prayer”, an issue that struck a chord with everyone. He took participants through the spectrum of types of prayer, showing why, when, where, what and how to pray. He spoke on the history of Christian prayer including the Wesley Covenant Prayer adapted by John Wesley, which is used in Methodist services for renewing our covenant with God. He examined what happens to us when we pray, and what it means to have prayers answered or unanswered.
Seven things every Christian should know about prayer:
- Types of prayer? Not necessarily a long or elaborate prayer.
There are prayers of praise, thanksgiving, supplication, lamentation, intercession, etc. God just wants to hear from us. However, we should not beat ourselves up if we do not know how to pray. - Why pray? Prayer makes us aware of how we need to connect with God and relate with others. Prayer also makes us aware of things God wants us to do.
- When to pray? There is no wrong time to pray. We can pray first thing in the morning, in the shower, at the gym, in traffic, when we sit down to eat, driving so as to be safe, during a presentation or at the moment of celebration.
- Where to pray? Pray in a place that is best for us, that connects us to God. It can be in the bedroom, in the car, in the office, outdoors, on vacation, at home where if we wish, we can create a sacred place to meet with God and help us draw closer to Him.
- How to pray? There are many ways to pray and there is no strict rule. Pray like a child saying what’s on their mind. Pray as an individual or as a group. Pray with so much joy us
ing the whole body or with hands up in the air. We can also connect with God through meditative prayer, breathe in 
and breathe out prayer, or by meditation when outdoors in nature. Putting our prayer in writing and talking in tongues are other forms of prayer as recorded inActs 2:17. - What to pray? The words we use reflect the categories of things to pray for such as the objects and events in our life that we are thankful for. Also, the recognition that God is a good God who loves His children as well as praise and adoration of a majestic and powerful God. Supplication prayer is bringing our needs to God. This helps us to understand what is important in our life but does not necessarily mean that
we will get what we ask for. It is also good to pray for someone else, as with the prayer of intercession in the church. Being sorry is giving us an opportunity to change our ways while prayers of lament give voice to our pain and misery as we pour out our heart to God. The Book of Psalms is full of prayers of lament if only we take the time to read them. - Who are we praying to? It is more about listening to God than about our own
services. It’s about God talking back to us through the things we pray about. God also speaks to us when we read the Scriptures.The Psalms can be a huge resource of prayers. Some people hear God’s message for them through dreams and visions. Lectio Divina is a way of praying the scriptures to communicate with God, a practice common in the game of football. We read the scripture slowly, letting the words wash over us, meditate and then pray.
It was a very special day for Scott. Not only was he an inspirational speaker at the Circle of Friends meeting but his lovely wife Deb celebrated her birthday that same day and together they had lunch with the ladies. A dessert of carrot cake was provided by Karen, who unfortunately could not make it to the meeting.
All church women are invited to join the Circle of Friends at their next meeting on Tuesday, June 14, 2016, at Louise Apperson’s house for their annual picnic. For more information, please contact the church office at 609-924-2613 or visit www.princetonumc.org
Written by Isabella Dougan
Sustaining — Renewing — God’s World
Today more than a dozen PUMC members explored Duke Farms, the 2,000 acre property with 18 miles of trails that are open to the public. Michael Catania — an environmental lawyer who has had a long association with PUMC member Rick Engel, also an environmental lawyer — described how the property transitioned from the private estate of the late Doris Duke into a thriving, free-to-the- public environmental center that focuses on sustainability.
Here is a link to some of the photos from the excursion that was organized by the Membership Committee. (More are welcome!)
Visible traces of Doris Duke are gone. Many of her possessions were auctioned off (link to some photos) But the brilliance of her father’s hydroelectric and landscaping plan endures. James Buchanan Duke, a tobacco mogul, had hired hundreds of men to excavate nine lakes, construct 45 buildings, and build more than two miles of stone walls. Here is the timeline,
Now, with a $10 million annual budget from the foundation, Duke Farms supports numerous research projects and serves as an education center for visitors to learn about sustainability practices on both a large and small scale.
One of the most endearing research projects is an extensive study of bald eagles. Here is the link to an eaglecam; you can see the nestlings 4 x 7 and watching is addictive!
That eagles flourish makes us appreciate this passage in Isaiah all the more. If “sustainable land-use practices” help us to be good stewards of God’s world, a “sustainable prayer life” nurtures our spirits.
they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
— by Barbara Fox
UMW Spring Flea Market May 7
United Methodist Women Spring Flea Market May 7th
Bargain hunters galore will flock to our corner on Saturday, May 7, 9 to 3 p.m. when the United Methodist Women stage their semi-annual flea market. They will sell delicious food, flowering plants for Mother’s Day, homemade baked goods, household items, jewelry, gently used clothing, decorative items, and more. An array of outside vendors will be there to sell crafts, hand-crafted jewelry, books (some rare) and more. All the proceeds will support local and global charities.
The UMW needs lots of help for this event! Please bring non-perishable donations to the Colonial Room off the Sanford Davis Room the week of the flea market starting on Wednesday after 5 p.m, No electronics please!
Homemade baked goods are also appreciated and can be delivered Friday or early Saturday. Please wrap in saleable units, e.g., four cookies per bag.
To volunteer for sorting/pricing, set up, staffing tables, clean up, contact Lori Pantaleo or try the link below — or call the office. Even if you don’t regularly come to UMW meetings, consider lending a hand. It’s a wonderful opportunity get to know the women in the church and to meet people in the community.
LORI HAS BROKEN DOWN VOLUNTEERS TASKS AS FOLLOWS:
Baked Goods (wrapped for sale) Please note if they contain nuts.
Thurs. afternoon sorting/pricing
Thurs. evening sorting/pricing
Friday afternoon sorting/pricing
Friday evening sorting/pricing
Sat. help 8-10
Sat. help 10-12
Sat. help 12-2
Sat. help 2-4
Feel Free to sign up for multiple slots. Contact Lori at the above email address or try signing up at
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1EZxK9jdl5GfYGIefZZGzUuMcHflzOZjswIhTN3wISrk/edit?usp=sharing
Trip to Duke Farms?
You’re invited for a day at Duke Farms in Hillsborough on Saturday, April 23 starting at 11:30 am. 
The day will include a visit to the Orientation Center, talk with Michael Catania, Executive Director of Duke Farms, and afternoon walk around the beautiful historic site with its nature trails and variety of habitats. There is a café to buy food, but feel free to bring a snack so we can stop for a picnic on the grounds. A tram will also be running at this time for those who prefer not to walk. Please contact Susan Davelman at susandavelman@gmail.com or 908-448-6137, if you plan to attend. The address is Admission is free!
Outreach Initiatives
In an effort to foster new and innovative ministries, the Outreach Committee is announcing PUMC
Outreach Initiatives Program to:
1. Expand the depth and reach of outreach ministries at PUMC.
2. Engage more of our congregation in ministries of justice and mercy.
The Outreach Committee will support Initiative Teams implementing outreach ministries through funding and/or coaching.
This is a one or two year grant program. Consideration for funding of year two will depend on implementation, goal achievement, active participation of all parties and availability of funds. The ministries qualifying for this support will:
1. Target a need or community not currently addressed through Outreach ministries at PUMC
2. Engage a new or existing group (ex. Committee, Small Group, Sunday School Class) of the PUMC church family who will develop and implement a ministry of justice and mercy
3. Engage and empower members of the targeted community through active participation in the execution of the ministry
A written application and interview with Outreach Committee will inform the awarding of Initiatives grants. Grants will not exceed $1,000. Outreach will work with Initiative Teams to secure additional funding should budgets exceed this amount.
Support/Accountability
Upon granting of funds, an Outreach Committee member will be assigned to the Initiative Team as a resource for the Initiative Team. An accountability/progress report will be completed jointly during the grant year (assigned committee member and Initiative Team). A report to the Outreach Committee on the effect, level of participation and future of the new ministry will be prepared at the end of the first grant year for purposes of assessment and extension/revision of the ministry.
Key Dates
Notification of Interest: Interested teams are invited to send a general notification of interest by April 15, 2016. The notification should include a brief description of your team’s planned initiative.
Deadline for applications: Completed applications are due May 15, 2016.
Selection of Grantees: The Outreach Committee will announce grantees on June 30, 2016.
For more information, or to express interest in applying for PUMC Outreach Initiatives, contact LaVerna Albury, Chair of Outreach albury_1@verizon.net
Announcing: PUMC Outreach Initiatives Program
In an effort to foster new and innovative ministries, the Outreach Committee is announcing PUMC
Outreach Initiatives Program to:
1. Expand the depth and reach of outreach ministries at PUMC.
2. Engage more of our congregation in ministries of justice and mercy.
Help at our Communiversity Oasis! 4/17/16
9:30 a.m. ONE WORSHIP SERVICE, “It’s Cool in the Furnace” musical
10:30 -11 a.m. Coffee hour, Appalachia Service Project serving
10:30 to 11 a.m. Silent Auction for Appalachia Service Project
11:15-11:45 Lunch for those staying for Communiversity and musical
Noon to 6: On the lawn, Appalachia Service Project bake sale, PUMC “Prize Wheel,” Woman Cradle of Abundance’s photo op bird, Womanspace table, Boy Scout tent
Noon to 6: In the Sanford Davis room, Oasis hosts welcome visitors to restrooms, tables for seating with ice water and coffee
1 p.m. Bell Choir on the lawn
2 to 2:30 p.m. “It’s Cool in the Furnace” in the sanctuary (cast at 1:15)
3 to 6 p.m. Toddler area in the Sanford Davis Room sponsored by Conquer Paralysis Now
I want to help PUMC make community friends at Communiversity: Comment on Facebook or email growth@princetonumc.org
Donate for ASP bake sale (individually wrapped, no nuts) _________ or https://www.volunteerspot.com/login/entry/366675246068
Help set up lunch 11-11:15 __________________________
Help clean up lunch11:45-noon ___Lorie and choir mothers________________
Bring chips, washed grapes, or washed strawberries _____
Bring makings for P&J sandwiches ____choir mothers_________________
Order and pick up deli tray of meats/cheeses/bread for 40 _________
Help drive “Shuttle” to and from Jana’s house_________________
Welcome visitors from lawn___________________________________
Welcome visitors in Sanford Davis Room__need 3 to 6 p.m.__________________
Be a docent for stained glass window tours ______________________
Supervise middle-schoolers on our Prize Wheel___have one, need two _______
Donate items for Silent Auction or Prize Wheel __________________
Donate a gift card for the Prize Wheel
Help clean up Sanford Davis Room 5:30-6:30 __________________
Another idea? __________________________________________
SIGN UP IN THE OFFICE OR SANFORD DAVIS ROOM! OR EMAIL GROWTH@PRINCETONUMC.ORG
help for parking mid-afternoon is available !
Be Prepared! Scout Sunday April 10
We’re looking forward to Sunday, April 10 –At both services, we observe “Scout Sunday.” Adults — wear your pin, or sash, hat, or scarf. Boys and girls — now’s your chance to wear your uniform! We will cel
ebrate Scouting Ministries, and present a special award to our own Doug Fullman. He will be awarded the God and Service Award.
Doug has also received two other prestigious awards, the Silver Beaver awar
d and the Silver Antelope award.
ebrate Scouting Ministries, and present a special award to our own Doug Fullman. He will be awarded the God and Service Award. Doug has also received two other prestigious awards, the Silver Beaver award and the Silver Antelope award. Rev. Jana will preach on How does God transform our lives? How has God transformed your life? – The Youth Choir sings at the 9:30 service. “Be Prepared!”
UrbanPromise Trenton – faith-based help for youth
Enjoy a hot breakfast and hear Carl L. Clark Jr tell about his career change from a banking career to founding of UrbanPromise Trenton – it offers tutoring, homework help, leadership training, and employment for teens, arts & recreation, and faith-based teaching.
At age seven he was a camper at UrbanPromise Camden and knows firsthand the life-changing impact of the UrbanPromise model. His title: “Love thy Brother as thine Own.” The United Methodist Men offer a very tasty hot breakfast and everyone is welcome, a $5 donation requested.
African Soiree: March 19
Our church has been a long-time supporter of United Front Against Riverblindness, founded by our own Daniel Shungu, who has an amazing story — he took early retirement from Merck to “give back” to his home country, the Democratic Republic of Congo. One of the photos on this page shows our 2008 mission trip to the Congo. That was the year we had four (count ’em 4!) fundraisers including the African Soiree.
Above, a picture of the bountiful feast — the multi-course home-cooked African and American dinner prepared by volunteers — a major feature of the African Soirée.
This year it will be held on Saturday, March 19, 2016, starting at 5 p.m.(doors open at 4:30 PM). As always, we are grateful to be able to stage the soiree at the Mackay Campus Center of Princeton Theological Seminary, 64 Mercer St. Princeton NJ. Tickets are $70 per adult and $35 per child atwww.riverblindness.org. For free parking, enter from College Road.
At the Soiree you can shop at our “African Market,” bid on exciting auction items, and get an update on the progress of the UFAR mission by Dr. Shungu.
To get support for the mission trip, adults and kids acted out what it means to be blind in the Congo — where riverblindness ruins two lives, the adult who is blind and the child who must leave school to lead the adult with a pole. The photo below shows how we marched through Communiversity with children leading adults to bring the message “$10 saves 7 people from going blind.”
