Presbytery of the Coastlands, April 25, 2024

News, Highlights, and Celebrations

from Across the Presbytery

This issue of the newsletter highlights congregations across the presbytery. We hope you will enjoy catching a glimpse of what God is up to in our region.

If you have additional stories and/or photos to share, please send them to Admin@coastlandspresbytery.org. The final week of each month we will continue to share “good news” of the ways our congregations are living faithfully and lovingly.

Rev. Beth Scibienski

Administrative Co-Leader and Stated Clerk Jean Woodman joins the celebration

Hopewell Presbyterian Church

Welcomes Transitional Pastor

With enthusiasm and joy the Hopewell Presbyterian Church congregation welcomed their new pastor this month, The Rev. Beth Scibienski. Beth is no stranger to many members in Coastlands, having served local churches over a number of years. She is thrilled to be joining this new faith community and grateful to be back near friends and family.

Our prayers are with Pastor Beth and the congregation as they undertake important healing work, as well as continue their bold and loving commitment to serving those within and beyond their walls.

Lincroft Presbyterian Church:

A Season of Change

On Sunday, April 7, members and friends of Lincroft Presbyterian Church said farewell to Rev. Diane Ford, who had served them faithfully and creatively for nearly 9 years. A meaningful worship service included a wonderful array of music, the gifting of a quilt and many prayers for the well-being of the pastor and congregation as they move forward in new and different pathways. The service was followed by a special celebration of Diane’s ministry and the work of the church. Laughter, joy, prayers, tears, stories and many hugs filled the afternoon.

Even as their pastor is in a season of change, so is the congregation. Through a thoughtful process of discernment, discussion and prayer, the Lincroft members have determined it is time for them to bring a close to their ministry in Lincroft and join their partners in faith at First Presbyterian Church Matawan, pastored by Rev. Natalie Bell. Over the coming months both congregations will work with a Coastlands Presbytery Administrative Commission to determine next steps, fulfill their goal and come together as a new blended congregation – stronger together!

May our prayers be with all involved as they respond to the fresh winds of the Spirit and move faithfully into the new thing God is doing in and among them.

Local Retreat House Welcomes

Coastlands Presbytery Members

Over recent months, The House Next Door, a spiritual care ministry and retreat center of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, has been utilized by Coastlands Presbytery committees and individuals for trainings and personal retreat time. Most recently Presbytery Council held their spring retreat in the cozy facility.

From left to right: Glory Thomas, Mary Westfall, Bisi Shofu, Ekan Onyile,

Jean Woodman, Morgan King, Jan Margolis, and Kathryn Starzer-Farrell

The House Next Door welcomes all to their Open House on May 4 and hope others in the presbytery will find some of their upcoming organ events timely and nourishing.

Click here for news and details about upcoming events at The House Next Door.

Linda Goeddell and Ekan Onyile

Educational Events Continue

to Engage Presbytery Members

Recent visits from two notable Palestinian Christians has provided ongoing opportunity for deepening discussion and prayer in the midst of great conflict.

Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb, founder of Dar Al-Kalima University in Bethlehem was a guest of Princeton Seminary, drawing students, staff, faculty, as well as members of Coastlands Presbytery for his presentation. (Pictured with Dr. Raheb are Revs. Katherine Cunningham and Mary Westfall, along with Noushin Framke). He spoke passionately about the history of Palestinian displacement and the ongoing struggles faced daily. His recent book, "Decolonizing Palestine" provides additional background on the present realities in Israel and Palestine and was part of a recent study series at PTS.

Earlier in the month world renowned human rights attorney and Palestinian Christian Jonathon Kuttab was also hosted in NJ, speaking again to Princeton Seminary students and members of the presbytery. That dinner conversation took place through the hospitality of Witherspoon Street Presbyterian Church and offered further opportunity to explore the humanitarian crisis in Gaza through the lens of one who has worked extensively with the United Nations and FOSNA, Friends of Sabeel North America. (additional photos from that event.)

As the world witnesses the devastating conflict in Israel and Palestine it is invaluable to come together for learning, engagement and prayer.

Indeed, may prayers continue for our Jewish siblings this Passover and beyond and for our Palestinian siblings as they face excruciating loss. May peace and justice prevail.

First Presbyterian Church Hamilton Square

Nestled on a relatively quiet street, Hamilton Square Presbyterian Church is a welcoming and active community of faith pastored by Rev. Kyle Doebler. On any given Sunday the church's music program is engaging and diverse, encompassing everything from organ, piano, and handbells to guitar, bass, and drums – sometimes all in one day! The congregation is committed to sharing the transforming grace of Jesus Christ and does that through ministries as intensive as a faith-based preschool, partnering with HomeFront to use the former manse as transitional family housing, and as simple as offering restrooms when community parades march down the street. They have even helped build multiple homes with Habitat for Humanity. Another of our Coastlands Presbytery congregations serving as Christ’s witness in their community.

New Occasions,

New Opportunities

Across our presbytery churches are exploring ways to be engaged in meaningful ministry in these challenging times, even exploring creative ways to repurpose church property.

Two years ago, First Presbyterian Church Trenton helped launch the Steeple Project, 120E State Street (a 501c3), as a way to repurpose large sections of their building to be used as a community asset and reinvestment in healthy development in downtown Trenton.

Recently the FPCT Session met with Board members of 120 E State Street (pictured) to hear an update about the project and explore further collaboration on the project.

Not without challenges, those gathered shared a meaningful and dynamic conversation about next steps. Be watching for how this major endeavor evolves.

May the Spirit continue to inspire and guide this project that it might be a gift and blessing to those in Trenton who will be served and a faithful witness across our presbytery.

Relational Co-Leader Mary Westfall

and Rev. Alan Olson

Freehold Presbyterian Church:

Rich History, Forward Looking

The First Presbyterian Church of Freehold was founded in 1838; it is one of several "daughter" congregations of the Old Tennent Presbyterian Church. The sanctuary of FPC was completed in 1873 and it seats over 540 people. FPC Freehold is a warm and welcoming congregation of over 150 members and continues to grow, slowly but surely. Their diverse music program and welcoming fellowship time reflect their energy and desire to be an engaging and welcoming spiritual

community.

Thanks Received from Synod Leadership

Recently, at the request of Coastlands Presbytery Council members, our presbytery voted to send a contribution to the Synod of the Northeast designed for Indigenous Mission Support. Throughout our Synod there are several Indigenous congregations that have struggled to survive, yet, have continued to be faithful in their work and witness within the PCUSA. The contribution of Coastlands Presbytery will assist in needed building repairs that will soon be underway with several of these congregation and further support of mission in their communities.

Thanks to all who voted to send this generous gift to our Indigenous siblings in Christ.

Read the Synod's thank you letter here.

Sympathy and Support for Two Minister Members of Coastlands Presbytery

The mother of Rev. Len Turner Scales, died shortly after an unexpected diagnosis and brief illness. Len serves, along with her husband Andrew Scales, as Chaplain with Princeton Presbyterians/The Westminster Foundation at Princeton University and is currently completing her Doctor of Ministry degree. Please hold them both in prayer as they mourn the passing of this remarkable, beloved family member and continue to celebrate her life. Memorial contributions can be made to the church in Knoxville, which was her spiritual home for more than a decade and through which she received much care and support.

Delia (Dee) Turner died peacefully in her home early in the morning on March 30, 2024. Born in Knoxville, TN, on October 25, 1955, Dee lived her life with deep kindness and love. She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Thomas L. Turner. Dee is survived by her daughter Len Turner Scales, son-in-law Andrew T. Scales, and many friends that are like family. They celebrated a service of witness to the resurrection on Friday, April 5. Donations to Washington Presbyterian Church are welcome.

In life and in death, we belong to God.

Earth Day Resource: Creation Care Hymn Available to Congregations

As we prepare to mark Earth Day within the church and across the nation, Rev. Carolyn Winfrey Gillette offers a hymn to lift up the beauty of the earth and the call to care for God’s creation.

Read full article here: The Rev. Carolyn Winfrey Gillette produces a Creation care hymn for free use on Sunday | Presbyterian Mission Agency

Faithful Leadership in Challenging Times:

Annual Ecumenical Advocacy Days Equips All

We need only listen to the news, and we are reminded that despite the power and mystery of Christ’s resurrection, many places in our nation and world are still in the grip of Good Friday. As people of faith, called to follow and serve the Risen One, how do we respond to the challenges that are affecting God’s people in places near and far? Prayer is essential and so is a capacity to speak up and advocate on behalf of others. In scripture we see countless examples of Jesus seeking out those at the margins in order to heal, tend, lift, invite, and challenge them, claiming them as God’s beloveds. In these challenging times people of faith are needed, more than ever, to bring the transformative power of the gospel to places of brokenness, injustice, and division.

No matter who you are, Christ invites you to bring good news to the poor, to preach release to the captives and to join in setting the oppressed free. Please prayerfully consider participating in this spring’s summit, Ecumenical Advocacy Days May 17-19, 2024. If you have questions or desire further information, please contact Relational Co-Leader, The Rev. Dr. Mary Westfall, ep@coastlandspresbytery.org or Rev. Sue Smith, reverendsuesmith@gmail.com.

Let there be peace and justice on earth and let it begin with me!

2024 Spring Summit - Ecumenical Advocacy Days for Global Peace with Justice

News and Upcoming Events

Three Social Justice Authors Visit Princeton

Sam Daley-Harris, Alex Counts, and Debbie Frisch, three social entrepreneurs and authors, will appear at events in Princeton to share stories and lessons learned in their journey to justice.

The event will be held Friday, April 26 from 2-4 pm at the Mercer County Library Lawrence Headquarters, (2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrence Township, NJ), and again at 6:30-8:30 pm at Nassau Church. Both events are free and open to the public, and will include a book signing after the discussion.

Note: Because of limited parking at the church, please use meters or parking garages in Princeton.

For more information, please contact Sam Daley-Harris (sam@civiccourage.org).

Psalm of the Week

As the Deer Longs for Streams (Psalm 42)

Kiran Young Wimberly's Psalms for the Spirit podcast looks at the connections between spirituality and resilience through the lens of the Biblical Psalms.

Click here for the latest Psalm of the Week.

Just Brave Enough

The Stories of Women in Scripture

The Just Brave Enough team have been hard at work since the publication of our first series, The Women Who Saved Moses, preparing our second series and it is live today! Our second series is In The Beginning and it includes first person narratives from the women in the beginning of scripture- Eve, Emzara, Sarai, Salt, Hagar and Sophia. These narratives were written by our group as well as an 8 week study and an 8 week liturgy companion.

All of the materials can be found at justbraveenough.com.

Per Capita Remittances and Summary

Per Capita Status and Update

The latest Per Capita and Mission Giving Summary for 2022-2023 is found here for your review.

If you have any questions or corrections, please let us know at treasurer@coastlandspresbytery.org. Previous month contributions appear in the published report following the trustees meeting on the 4^th Tuesday of the next month.

REMITTANCE FORM

Employment Opportunities

FOR ALL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES GO TO OUR WEBSITE.

Synod Newsletter