This has been a record year for snow in this region and everyone I have talked to recently wants to know when this snow is going to end. It has been a challenging time for the church in both dealing with the snow clearance from the property and the low numbers on weeks when the snow came over the weekend.

First, we wish to acknowledge, and thank, those who faithfully showed to assist in snow removal. Unfortunately those were few in number and although we have asked for names and telephone numbers of those we could call upon in these times of need, we have had little response. It’s not too late - call the church office at 691-2283 if you can help in the future.
The other challenge has been the lower numbers in attendance because of the snow. This obviously cannot be helped, but if you miss services we ask that you keep current with giving so that we can keep current with our bills. In fact, this season brings increased bills with gas and snow removal, so you tithes are needed all the more.

If you are shut-in during this time and in special need, please do not hesitate to call the church or the pastor to respond to these needs. We will help in every way possible.

On Sunday afternoon, February 7, 2010, the Rev. Debra Ganci was ordained a Minister of Word and Sacrament by the Presbytery of West Jersey in our sanctuary.  It was a snow-covered day, but people had come beginning at 8:00 am to start clearing the walkways and parking lot and preparing the social hall and sanctuary for the afternoon service. The ordaining commission came from Gibbstown and Woodbury and Ocean City, the Executive Presbyter traveled down from Burlington, and friends came from as far as Virginia to wish Debbie well and be a part of her special day. This was truly a day of celebration for our church.

We will once again join with Memorial Presbyterian Church and Bethel Hispanic Presbyterian Church as we begin the lenten season this Wednesday, February 17th at 7:00 pm. Our pastor will deliver the message for the evening. This is a unique opportunity to worship as a community of Presbyterians and we hope that many of you will be able to join us this year.

During the month of February Youth Club will be moving to the third Sunday evening at 5:00 and then return to their regular second Sunday meeting in March. Please check the weekly bulletin to see the needs of this program, specifically those to volunteer to cook a meal one of the months for the children.

The spring Semi-Annual Meeting of the Congregation and Corporation will take place on March 14th following the regular morning worship service in the sanctuary of the church.  We will be reviewing all of the reports as we do each year, but in addition to this we will be looking at revisions to our bylaws as well. There will be a recommendation to join the Session and Trustees into one board and alter the number on the session to reflect this change. There will also be a recommendation to reduce the number of people on the Board of Deacons.  Please make every effort to attend this meeting.

For those of you who have been members since the late 1970's, you may remember that the last person to be ordained in this church was the Rev. John McWilliams. He and his wife Barbara grew up in this church and nurtured by the membership during their time at Princeton Seminary.  After serving churches in New England and Long Island, John began a ministry with Campus Crusade for Christ, preparing ministers for service in the Soviet Union. This ministry continues, and now John also works with a similar ministry in Costa Rica. He will be in our area on March 21st and has agreed to speak at the morning worship and give a power point presentation at a luncheon following. Please set this time aside and plan to join us both in worship and at lunch.  John will be arriving by train from New York on Saturday, March 20th, at 1:30 at 30th Street Station in Philadelphia. Anyone who would be able to meet him at the station to bring him to Vineland, please speak with the Pastor.

This is the third Lenten season in which we have held a recommitment service. This year we will celebrate this on Palm Sunday, March 28th, at the beginning of Holy Week. What better time than Palm Sunday to examine all we have been challenged in during the Lenten season and recommit ourselves to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This is a very special service which concludes with members coming forward for blessing and consecration through anointing.

If you have missed this service in the past two years, please make a special attempt to attend this year. It is truly a time of unity for our entire congregation.