Category: Missions

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Bloom Where You Are Planted

Reposted from Princeton Comment.

After seven moves and three kids, accomplished early in our marriage, we landed here in Princeton and have stayed planted for more than 30 years. (We love it here, but the cost of NOT moving is more clutter! It’s hard to get rid of stuff when you stay put.)Cheryl Mart and Karin Brouwer have more recent experience with the joys and challenges of moving.  They are leading a non-denominational Christian study, based on a Susan Miller book and video, at Princeton United Methodist Church on Wednesdays, starting September 19, 10:30 to noon.

This free one-semester study is designed to help in the process of letting go, starting over, and moving ahead with your life after a move.  Women do not need to attend the church to attend the free classes, which involve videos, reading, and discussion.

“Over the last 25 years I’ve lived with my husband and three children in five different countries,” says Brouwer. “With every move I have experienced God’s sustained love to overcome difficulties and the importance of having a church family. It helped me to bloom where I am planted.”

Mart, a registered nurse, had a difficult transition in moving from Texas to Princeton and leaving her married children behind. “I found encouragement in ‘After the Boxes are Unpacked’ by Susan Miller,” she says. “By offering this study, we hope to reach out to those who are struggling with similar issues.”

Perhaps the “Moving On after Moving In” study is “right” for the newcomer you know. Or maybe another resource is. The Women in Business subset of the Princeton chamber comes to mind. In any case, the very best resource is probably YOU. Make time. Reach out. Have coffee.

For more information click here or email movingon@princetonumc.org, or call 609-921-0730.  (Disclosure — I’m a member at PUMC).

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And They’re Off! UFAR 5K on October 6th

 

Reposted from Princeton Comment

It is such a pleasant path for a 5k run (or, in my case, a 5k walk)! Starting at the seminary, downhill past Springdale Golf Course, along the shaded trail through part of the fabled Institute Woods, where Einstein strolled, past the Institute for Advanced Study, then threading your way through the sycamore-lined streets of some of Princeton’s most impressive homes — and uphill (alas) to the seminary’s wide expansive lawn where cheering crowds await. Even for those who walk — and take an hour to get there — some are there to cheer and record the time. The three fastest runners, male and female, get prizes — and everyone gets a fabulous T-shirt.

And it’s all for a good cause — to combat riverblindness.  The annual UFAR 5k to Combat Riverblindness is Saturday, October 6. The starting gun goes off at 10 a.m. Those who register now qualify for a discount, $20 instead of $25. Go online to www.riverblindness.org

Just by running, you will keep 12 people from going blind in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The medicine for riverblindness is provided free by Merck & Co., but distributing it to remote villages costs 58 cents per person per year for 10 years.  One-third of the 60 million people in the DRC are at risk for getting riverblindness, which starts with a rash and leads to sight loss, forcing children to leave school to care for parents.us

If you are not the running or walking type, or if you just want to help a good cause, please consider volunteering – handing out water (you get to set up your table in a shady spot) or marking the trail or ….lots of ways to help. Mark your calendar for October 6 and call Princeton United Methodist Church at 609-924-2613 or email office@princetonumc.org.

 

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Community Dinner a Success

PUMC Cornerstone Community Kitchen Grand Opening
L-R Howard Roundtree, Dennis Micai, Pastor Jana Purkis-Brash, and Larry Apperson

The Princeton Cornerstone Community Kitchen opened its doors on June 6th for the first time. TASK Executive Director Dennis Micai was on hand, as well as Howard Roundtree of TASK and the Crisis Ministry who will deliver the food.

Princeton Cornerstone Community Kitchen Breakfast BagRound tables, great for conversation, were set with tablecloths and flowers. 46 guests were served a nutritious meal, and kids were given a bag of breakfast treats for the next morning’s meal.

The servers were very friendly. People were seated, and the meals were given with a smile, and a bit of conversation. After they left, servers quickly cleaned and set-up for the next diners.

The group I sat with kept me intrigued and entertained the entire meal. It was nice to meet so many people who had interesting stories to share.

When families dine together, kids do better physically, socially and academically. When singles and seniors dine with others, it gives them the opportunity to eat a more balanced meal and have stimulating conversation.

Princeton Cornerstone Community Kitchen Meal

Overall, it’s a win-win situation for everyone who comes. And best of all, it’s absolutely FREE! I encourage you to join us for dinner on Wednesdays 5-6:30 PM, and please spread the word.

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Cornerstone Community Kitchen, Beginning June 6th

Cornerstone Community Kitchen  is the name of our new Wednesday evening dinner that will begin June 6th.  On that Wednesday we will begin offering a free nourishing meal in a warm and friendly atmosphere to all who come. Those who come will be guaranteed a warm greeting, someone to talk with if they like, and a satisfying meal.  We hope to nourish body and soul as we build community around the table. Dinner will be served will be from 5 till 6:30 PM in the Sanford Davis room. Teams are being organized to serve one Wednesday each month. If you have an interest in being part of this opportunity the Lord has given us here at PUMC, contact the church office.