From the Pastor

June - July



A New Relationship


As we began to look at possibilities of how we might better use the resources of this building as well as share the finances of its upkeep we began to explore the possibilities of a shared covenant agreement with another church.  This is often done and can be a good way for churches to do ministry by sharing facilities.

Once we began exploring this possibility by speaking with the Presbytery and their Board of Trustees, God presented us with a number of options.  We moved cautiously as a session, trying to determine exactly what the Lord wanted us to do. The pastor met with a number of individuals and then those people also came to speak with the Session.  We prayed and sensed a very clear leading, which was affirmed by a unanimous vote of the Session as well as a confirming vote of the other church. 

Beginning on June 1st we will be sharing facilities with Adullam Baptist Covenant Church, formerly using the hall adjacent to Bishop McCarthy.  They will worship in our Social Hall on Sundays beginning at 9 am, with their classes and fellowship times to follow.  They will also be using the facilities a couple of evenings a week on days which are not in conflict with our current schedule.  One room on the first floor of the Education Wing and two on the third floor will be set aside to their exclusive use and we will share three other rooms on those floors.

We see this as a wonderful opportunity to get greater use of these facilities as well as benefit from shared expenses.  Adullam will have a regular home within a church structure from which to conduct the affairs of the church and add to the Christian witness in downtown Vineland.  They share many of the values which we have for ministry and look forward to having a witness in the downtown area.

There will obviously be a time of transition as we all get to know each other.  Like any family, we will have to be conscious of mutual respect for each other and look for ways to live together in peace and harmony.  All our initial contacts have been very positive.  If there are any concerns, please do not hesitate to bring them to the attention of the pastor.

Their first Sunday will be June 6th and they have invited us to share a dinner with them at 3 pm with worship following at 4:30 pm.  A special speaker, Pastor Terry Richardson of the First Baptist Church of South Orange, will be the speaker.  If you are able to attend please RSVP at 856-692-1235 so they may be able to make proper preparations.

This is not the first covenant we have shared in over the years and we pray it will be as blessed as the ones of the past.  We believe God is glorified as we learn to be good stewards of the resources He has provided for us.  Please keep all of this in your prayers.

 

Picnic At Parvins

On the last Sunday of June, the 27th, we will have our annual outdoor service and picnic at the Thundergust Picnic Area at Parvin’s State Park.  This is always a time we look forward to and pray we will be blessed with good weather as we have in the past.  The Fellowship Committee is planning a wonderful barbecue following worship and for the next few weeks we will be accepting your nominations for favorite hymns to sing.  The service is very informal and always a lot of fun for all.  If you have not attended in the past please come out and join us this year.

 

 

Vacation Bible School

Our annual Vacation Bible School program will be held from July 5th through 9th in the Social Hall.  The theme for this year is Noah’s Ark and we look forward to this week as always.  On July 11th the children will share a number of the songs they have learned and will display their crafts.  Please support this program with your prayers and contact us if you can help in any preparation.

 

Nancy Esposito To Speak

During the morning worship on July 12th Nancy and Gracie Esposito will join us to share some of their experiences in Egypt.  They will only be in the States for a brief time and have a number of supporters to visit, and we are very fortunate to have them come and share.

Nancy will be available prior to worship in the Healy Parlor for those who would like to visit and have more opportunity for conversation.  Her time in worship will be brief and she will have to leave to share with Memorial Church after her time with us.

Join us for this special opportunity.

 

Bell Choir Concert

We were very proud of our Handbell Choir members as they joined with ringers from the First United Methodist Church of Vineland and the Elmer Methodist Church in a special Concert on May 2nd at 4:00 pm at the Vineland High School.  It was both a good afternoon of fun and music as well as an extraordinary opportunity to witness to the Vineland Community.  Hopefully this will turn into a yearly event.  Well done Bell Choir and Diane Strozyk!

 

 

 

 

 

June/July Birthdays

 

Ariana Scalfo                                                    June 5

Theresa Simione                                                June 6

Nell Barcus                                                       June 9

Teresa Welch                                                  June 12

Cody Morgan                                                 June 13

Donna Brenner                                                June 14

Grace Campbell                                              June 15

Joshua Dennis                                                 June 16

William Kerish                                                 June 19

D. June Grant                                                  June 23

Sean Saunders                                                 June27

Paul Sassani                                                    June 28

Julia Dennis                                                     June 28

Linda Fordyce                                                    July 1

Natalie Bender                                                   July 2

Reed Nelson                                                      July 4

Pauline Simione                                                  July 5

Katie Riggione                                                    July 9

Vicky Hall                                                        July 13

Edward Carletto                                               July 13

Frank Simione                                                  July 14

Ron Munson                                                    July 19

Erik Hughes                                                     July 20

Andrea Land                                                    July 21

Marco Grotti                                                    July 23

Ava Billick                                                       July 25

Joshua Greene                                                  July 29

Joan Connolly                                                  July 31

 

June/July Anniversaries

 

Jeff & Cindy Danner                                          June 9

Damien & Elaine Salas                                      June 9

Deane & Philomena Charlson                          June 15

Tom & Katie Riggione                                     June 18

Jose & Saira Torres                                         July 27

 


News By E-Mail
The Pastor often receives information from the Presbyterian Church (USA) or from West Jersey Presbytery which might be of interest to members of the congregation. Thanks to modern technology it is possible to get this to you by way of the internet. If you would like to receive items of interest from the Church, all you have to do is call Vicky at the office or drop us a note indicating your interest (include both your name and e-mail address). Welcome to the 21st century!