Tag: Appalachia Service Project

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ASP Team Works in Flood-Ravaged Town:

Pictured, back row, from left: Will Hare, Alex Roth, Lincoln Roth, Robert Scheffler, Jack Tunkel, Lachlan McCarty, Nathaniel Griffith, Yannick Ibrahim. Second row: Julia Kahn, Thomas Bartell, Matthew Heim, Catherine Kenney, Rich Kahn. Third row: Sydney DiStase, Dan Bartell, Christine Shungu, Mary Jo Kahn. Not pictured: Skitch Matson, Matthew Ireland, and Kieran Ireland, Connor Langdon, Alex Lenart, Andrew Lenart.

With hammers and saws they work in Appalachia, then return to share their inspiring stories about making homes warmer, safer, and drier. For four decades Princeton United Methodist Church has sent teen and adult volunteers to work for the Appalachia Service Project (ASP).

Rainelle on the day after the 2016 flood

This year’s 23-person team will go to Rainelle, West Virginia. Founded as a sawmill town (the sawmill is gone now), it was ravaged by flash floods on June 24, 2016. At least 200 people from the 1,500 people in Rainelle had to be rescued, and residents fear that it will become a ghost town. ‘Here is a video. “It looked like a war zone,” said a state trooper.  

Skitch Matson, youth pastor, leads the team along with Mary Jo and Rich Kahn, Christine Shungu, Robert Scheffler, Matthew Ireland, and Dan Bartell. Don’t miss this inspiring worship service on Sunday, July 9, at 10 a.m.

ASP is a Christian ministry, but it is open to those of any faith. It aims to inspire hope and service — instilling compassion for other people and a fresh appreciation for one’s place and purpose in the world. Preparation was an eight-month process that included learning Appalachian culture and raising funds with an auction dinner and Super Bowl hoagies.

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Handbells: May 7

“How can I keep from singing,” a concert at Princeton United Methodist Church on Sunday, May 7, at 5 p.m., might well be entitled “How can I keep from ringing” because the musicians are handbell artists. Hyosang Park will direct the handbell choir and ensembles. With pianist Julia Hanna, she will also be featured as a solo handbell artist. The concert is free, and donations will benefit the Appalachia Service Project mission team.

The handbell choir plays at the 9:30 and 11 a.m. services on third Sundays including Easter Sunday, April 16.

Handbell concerts are rare, and even rarer are solo artists — fewer than a dozen concertize with four octaves of handbells in the Eastern United States. “We aim, not only to bring the sound of handbells to a wider public, but to also enable nonprofit organizations help those who are in need,” says Park. As the director of music at Princeton United Methodist Church, she has master’s degrees in both sacred music and piano performance from Westminster Choir College of Rider University. She has private piano students and also teaches at St. Jerome Catholic School in West Long Branch.

For 40 years Princeton United Methodist Church has sent teen and adult volunteers to the Appalachia Service Project (ASP) to make homes warmer, safer, and drier. ASP is a Christian ministry, but it is open to those of any faith. It aims to inspire hope and service — instilling compassion for other people and a fresh appreciation for one’s place and purpose in the world.

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Organ and Trumpet: This Joyful Eastertide

Christopher McWilliams , with guest artist Michael Carl Green, will present This Joyful Eastertide — a joyous selection of works for organ –– on Sunday, April 23 at 2 p.m.  at Princeton United Methodist Church. The concert is free, and an offering will be taken to benefit the Appalachia Service Project.

The program spans four centuries of music for trumpet and organ. It includes The  Trumpet Tune No. 1 in C major by Tomaso Albinoni (1671-1751),  Sarabande (For the morning of Easter) by Herbert Howells from Six Pieces for Organ (1892-1983), Sinfonia from Cantata No. 29 “Wir Danken Dir, Gott, Wir Danken Dir”  by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) arranged by Alexandre Guilmant, Alléluias sereins d’une âme qui desire le ciel  (Serene Alleluias from a soul longing for Heaven)  by  Olivier Messiaen  (1908-1992), Sonata for Trumpet and Organ in F major by George Friedrich Handel,  Partita on Duke Street by Charles Callahan, and Trumpet Tune on “This Joyful Eastertide” for organ by David Lasky (1979-).

Both McWilliams and Green are on the faculty at Westminster Conservatory of Music.  A Vermont native, McWilliams has a Bachelor of Music in Piano and Organ Performance and a Master of Music in Piano Pedagogy and Performance from Westminster Choir College of Rider University, where he studied with Phyllis Lehrer, Matthew Lewis, and Kenneth Cowan. He teaches private lessons in piano at the Westminster Conservatory of  Music, at PUMC, and in students’ homes, and is a frequent accompanist at the Dutch Neck Presbyterian Church.

Michael Carl Green

As a composer and arranger, Green orchestrated a Broadway show and co-wrote and performed on the score for documentary films. A pianist as well as a trumpet player, he plays in area orchestras, chamber and jazz ensembles, concert and brass bands, and pit orchestras.

For 40 years Princeton United Methodist Church has sent teen and adult volunteers to the Appalachia Service Project (ASP) to make homes warmer, safer, and drier. ASP is a Christian ministry, but it is open to those of any faith. It aims to inspire hope and service — instilling compassion for other people and a fresh appreciation for one’s place and purpose in the world.

Located at the corner of Nassau Street and Vandeventer Avenue, PUMC is a diverse congregation, whose members come from many surrounding communities, backgrounds, and faith histories. Parking is free on Sundays, and the church is wheelchair accessible. For further information, call 609-924-2613, email office@princetonumc.org, or visit http://www.princetonumc.org/

 

 

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Love in French and Italian: June 5 concert

2016 June Alex ImboFrench and Italian songs speak love in quite different ways, says soprano Alex Farkas. With Hyosang Park she presents a concert of works by Donaudy, Puccini, Fauré, Schwartz, and Hayes.  “Songs of Love and Joy” will be Sunday, June 5, 3:30 p.m. at PUMC, 7 Vandeventer Avenue.  The concert is free, and an offering will be taken for the Appalachia Service Project.

French songs express different colors of harmony without any rubato, in contrast to the Italian, which uses beautiful legato lines with rubato — a musical term that refers to expressive and rhythmic freedom by changing the tempo momentarily. Farkas will also sing sets of of lullabies and inspirational songs such as ‘A Bridge over Troubled Water,’ ‘You Raise Me Up,’ ‘Over the Rainbow’ and more.

Farkas, a Belle Mead resident, has a Bachelor of Music and an MA in teaching from Westminster Choir College of Rider University, where she sang with the world-renowned Symphonic Choir that performed in Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center under the batons of such distinguished conductors as Pierre Boulez and Kurt Masur. As a soprano soloist, Farkas has performed in such works as the Duruflé Requiem, Bach Cantata No.19, Haydn’s Theresienmesse, and the world premiere of Ken Morrison’s “God Won’t Pass You By.” Currently she studies with  Mark Moliterno. A K-12 certified music teacher in New Jersey, Farkas teaches in the Music Together program in schools in the Trenton area. She also offers music education to many families in Mercer County and works as an In-School Services Mentor at Music Together’s international headquarters in Hopewell. She is a member of the PUMC Chancel Choir and Bell Choir.

As PUMC’s music director, Park leads the Chancel Choir and Handbell Choir and concertizes as a solo handbell artist. She has double master’s degrees in sacred music and piano performance from Westminster Choir College of Rider University. A Cranbury resident, Park has private piano students and also teaches at St. Jerome Catholic School in West Long Branch.

For four decades youth from PUMC have been participating in the national ASP program, which aims to help make homes in Appalachia warmer, safer, and drier.  Preparation for this year’s trip to Sullivan County, Tennessee includes fundraising, learning Appalachian culture (and the poverty many face), basic construction skills, and the meaning of service to others. “The PUMC youth program welcomes all teens of all backgrounds, church members and non-church members alike, to participate in the life-changing experience of the ASP,” says Rev. Jana Purkis-Brash, senior pastor. The ASP team will lead worship and report on their trip on Sunday, July 10 at 10 a.m.

 

 

 

 

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PUMC’s Jim Looney: Teacher of the Year

looney londonFor 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… 

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Help at our Communiversity Oasis! 4/17/16

2016 4 P1020822 bell choir and street

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 !

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Ruth Woodward, Pat Hatton: Quilt for ASP

2015 asp quilt 1OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

A quilt designed by the late Ruth Woodward will be featured at the dinner auction, to benefit the Appalachia Service project, on Saturday, March 14 at 6 p.m. Ruth —  a PUMC member who was committed to missions — did not finish it before she died, so Patricia H. completed and donated the quilt.

Her pasttime was quilting, but in her professional life she was an historian, author,  and editor. She wrote the history of PUMC.  She co-edited at least two volumes of a biographical dictionary and was a supporter of, and the historian for, the Women’s College Club of Princeton.

The dinner and auction, in Princeton United Methodist Church’s Fellowship Hall, will be hosted by youth in grades 9 to 12. The evening also includes many bargains at a silent auction. All proceeds go to the annual service trip to Appalachia, where the teens work to make homes warmer, safer, and drier. Tickets are $5.

To complete the circle, Michele TuckPonder will “call” the auction for this quilt, and she lives in the Woodward’s former house.
2014 11 slider for asp

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Youth Leaders for Service and Worship

Our young people will take leading roles in our church this weekend! On Saturday, March 29 at 6 p.m. they stage a fundraising dinner and auction for the Appalachia Service Project (ASP). Tickets for the March 29 dinner are $5, and all are welcome. Among the 2013 asp debbieitems on the auction block:  condos in London, England and Key West, Florida. The ASP program welcomes all teens of all backgrounds, church members and non-church members alike, to participate in this life-changing experience.

On Sunday, March 30, at 9:30 and 11 a.m., three graduating seniors — Alexander Birkel, Daniel Prakash, and Anthony Teng — will deliver the sermon.  Their topic in the Landscape of Lent series is “Mud.”

Sunday Schoolers from second grade on up will attend the 9:30 worship service. After all — soon it will be their turn to lead a Youth Sunday!

Then on the Thursday before Easter,  April 17, at 7:30 p.m., the youth choir and a string quartet will present Faure’s Messe Basse for the service of Upper Room Communion.

Come and support our youth!

 

 

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Appalachia Service Project (ASP)

Princeton UMC ASP 2012

The Appalachia Service Project, also known as ASP, is a Christian volunteer organization founded in 1969, to repair homes of low-income families. They live in central Appalachia in Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. The primary goal is to make homes safer and more comfortable for their residents. It’s an 8-week summer program open to all volunteers.

The Princeton United Methodist Church has participated in this ministry since the mid-1970s. Every year we send a team of high school students and adult leaders the beginning of July to help needy families. Volunteers are not restricted to just our church members. We welcome all to participate.

Princeton UMC 2012

While the trip takes place in summer, planning begins a year ahead, basically after the previous group returns. Meetings start in October the year before, so those interested can get informed and start raising funds for the trip.

Princeton UMC ASP 2012

Each participant must pay for the rental of vans that are the mode of transportation, lodging at a facility like a school, meals, and materials to repair the homes. Fundraising helps offset the costs, and is great for early team building.

Princeton UMC ASP 2012

Teens participate for a number of reasons. No matter the objective, their journey returns them as changed young adults. The experience is unparalleled, just based on their personal growth. And as a bonus, sophomores can use some of the time spent toward hours needed for community service (check with individual schools). Of course, adult leaders are also transformed.

The first meeting was last weekend, but it’s not too late to sign up. If you’re interested, please contact PUMC by email office@princetonumc.org or call 609-924-2613 for more information. You can sign up with a friend or family member, and remember, you don’t need to be a member of our church, or any church to participate.

Go to our Flickr album for more ASP 2012 photos.