April 23 Lenten Devotion

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here

April 23 Mark 15:42-47 The Burial of Jesus  These verses of Mark are found immediately following Jesus' death on the cross.  Jesus died a few hours before sundown on Friday and Jewish law prevented anyone from doing work or traveling on the Sabbath.  Joseph of Arimathea, a Jewish leader and secret follower of Jesus, went to Pilate to ask for Jesus' body. Pilate was surprised to learn that Jesus had died already and gave the body to Joseph.  Joseph then took Jesus' body, wrapped it in linen and placed it in a tomb.  After that, Joseph sealed the tomb with a large rock.  Mary Magdalene and Mary watched as Joseph sealed the body. In thinking about this passage, I am first struck by Joseph's actions.  Joseph was an honored Jewish leader who secretly followed Jesus. He took a huge risk by going to Pilate to ask for Jesus' body and then preparing the body for burial.  If any of  Joseph's  Jewish colleagues saw him with Jesus' body, Joseph would certainly have had a lot of explaining to do.  Joseph did what he knew was right.   For him, the reward, knowing Jesus received a proper burial, was greater than the risk to his reputation. How many times do we take a risk to do what is right?  If you're like me, more often than not, you shy away from a risk because you're fearful of the consequences.  The consequences, real or imagined, outweigh the reward in our minds.  I think this passage is showing us that sometimes we have to take a risk for what we believe in.   If Joseph did not risk his image by doing what was right, Jesus' body may have been taken by the Romans or he may not have received a proper burial.  Without  Joseph's simple action, the outcome of the Easter story may have been entirely different.  Joseph did what he could for Jesus.  Jeremy Szoc

First Presbyterian Church | 883 Highway 34 | Matawan | NJ | 07747

New Views in Blogger

Now this blog may be viewed in timeslide format.  Once in "views" you can select various ways of seeing our First Presbyterian articles:  sidebar, snapshot, mosaic, and flipcard.  The snapshop format lets you easily see artwork or photos that have been used recently.

Also you may return to a normal view.  So far the feature is in testing mode.

Easter Services and Weekend Observances: Matawan

Easter services and events for FPC at Matawan will be held on Saturday and Sunday, April 24, 2011 at the following times:

Prayer Vigil:  Saturday, April 23, 2011, from 6 am until 6 pm
Location:  Chapel
Who:  Participants that have registered will attend at their appointed times

Easter Sunrise Service:  Sunday, April 24, 2011 at 6:30 am
Location:  Church Property outside
Hosted by the Youth Group
Followed by a light continental breakfast indoors

Fellowship Breakfast:  9 am
Location:  Fellowship Hall
The church will serve homemade baked goods, hot dishes, fruit, juice, and coffee
All are invited, including the public

Musical Prelude:  10 am - 10:30 am
Location:  Sanctuary
Music offerings led by Justin Ryan, Director of Music

Easter Sunday Worship Service:  Sunday, April 24, 2011 at 10:30 am
Location:  Sanctuary
Who:  All members of the church and community

Good Friday Service: Matawan

The church will have a Good Friday worship service, or Service of Tenebrae, tonight, April 22 at 8 o'clock in the sanctuary.

The word 'tenebrae' is a medieval latin word meaning "darkness".  It's modern usage for the church is during Holy Week, celebrated as the Service of Shadows.  As readings depict the final days and hours of the life of Jesus, candles are extinguished.  At the end of the service people leave quietly to return to their homes.

A Community Good Friday service will be held for Matawan and Aberdeen, New Jersey residents at the Matawan United Methodist Church in Aberdeen, from Noon until 3 pm.  Many area churches are participating and all are welcome to come.  The Matawan Methodist Church is located at the corner of Church Street and Atlantic Ave, Aberdeen, NJ.

April 22 Lenten Devotion

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here

. Good Friday, April 22 Luke 23:44-49 The Death of Jesus For me, one of the most beautiful parts of the Easter story is the extent to which the human side of Jesus is revealed. From the Garden of Gethsemane to the cross we see a Jesus who is on the one hand authoritative, determined and courageous; and on the other hand a Jesus who is troubled and fearful. He has faithfully followed his father's calling, living the life extolled in the beatitudes and revealing to us the kingdom of God; a journey that has inevitably led him to the humiliation and pain and death of the cross. Jesus does not approach the cross as a God in human form, supremely confident in the knowledge that in just few hours he will rise from the grave. Rather we see a man, fearful of what lies ahead; but also a man with a faith firmly rooted in the love of his heavenly Father. And it is his faith that overcomes his fear (and ultimately death itself). Jesus last words are not some grand farewell, neither are they some final message of great import to his followers. Rather they are a simple expression of trust and obedience: "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit". Each of us, at times in our lives, is overcome with worry and doubt, pain and fear. Like Jesus, we are called to "let go" and trust - to rest in the hands of our heavenly Father and know that there is nothing that can separate us from his love and care. Jesus has shown us the way.     Bryan Ackland

First Presbyterian Church | 883 Highway 34 | Matawan | NJ | 07747

April 21 Lenten Devotion - Maundy Thursday

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here

Maundy Thursday, April 21 Luke 22:7-23 The Last Supper Jesus sent Peter and John to find a specific house where he would eat the Passover meal with all the disciples.  He knew this would be the last Passover that he would be with them and told them that he would be suffering and fulfilling the prophecy.  He also told them that he knew that one among them was going to betray him. These verses are so important to us as Christians because Jesus, while sharing the Passover meal with his disciples, introduces the institution of the Lord's Supper. He commended breaking the bread and sharing a cup to remember and proclaim his death.  The Presbyterian Book of Order tells us that "the New Testament describes the meal as a participation in Christ and with one another, in the expectation of the Kingdom and as a foretaste of the messianic banquet".  It also reminds us that each time we come to the Lord's Table we are "to actively seek reconciliation in every instance of conflict or division between us and our neighbors".  We also come with thanksgiving for God's work in our world, and remembering Christ's love for us. I believe it is also a time to pray that we do not follow in Judas' footsteps and betray Jesus in our daily lives. We should pray that we try our best to follow in His footsteps and continue to do good works in our own church and in our world. Barbara Dodenhoff

First Presbyterian Church | 883 Highway 34 | Matawan | NJ | 07747

Lenten Devotion Soup and Supper

For those of you that wish to make one of the Lenten Soup and Supper studies, tonight is the 6th and Final installment in the series:  Biblical Models of Discipleship in the New Testament.  The Lenten Devotional Guide prepared by church members is incorporated into the study.

The dinner portion begins at 6 pm, and includes soups and sandwiches along with hot and cold beverages, and light desserts.  The study portion usually begins around 6:30 pm and runs until 8 pm.

Many church members received notice by email.  For the rest, here is a link.

April 20 Lenten Devotion

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here

April 20 Galatians 3:28 Law or Faith - The Purpose of theLaw Galatians 3:28 28 There is no longer Jew or Greek. There is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male or female, for all of you are one in Jesus Christ. The occasion for writing the letter to the Galatians is to address the question "Is the Mosaic Law binding on Christians?". We need to remember that the Council of Jerusalem (Gal 2:1-10), as well as the "Incident at Antioch" (Gal 2:11-14, Peter and Paul's confrontation about the Law), had not entirely answered the question. This text could be headlined: Unity in the Body of Christ Paul, a Roman citizen, a Gentile, in Gal 3:28, teaches the Galatians, and us: That the Greek (Gentile) is just as much in Christ Jesus as the Jew. That the slave is just as much in Christ Jesus as the free man. That the female is just as much in Christ Jesus as the male. When we humans of any and every description come into Christ sincerely, we are equally and wholly in Him and are thereby saved - irrespective of who we are, where we are, or what we are. The main thrust of the passage before us has to do with our relationship with God. Is keeping of Jewish law and ordinances necessary to become saved? Paul answers "emphatically no" to this bone of contention. Not by keeping of the law, but by faith in Christ Jesus, sinners of all kinds and caliber are saved. Paul's emphasis was on believers' unity in Christ, not their equality with one another. For those who have been called by God and have properly responded, social distinctions-whether national/racial, conditional/financial, or gender-recede and disappear. Unity comes with God's calling and justification. We are united in our need for a Savior. We are united in our acceptance of His blood for the remission of our sins. We are united through common experience: We all recognize that the only reason we have physical or spiritual life is because of God's grace and mercy. We are united in our receipt of God's gifts and mercy. Gunter Beck

First Presbyterian Church | 883 Highway 34 | Matawan | NJ | 07747

April 19 Lenten Devotion

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here

April 19 Mark 11:20-25 The Power of Prayer Jesus said, "So I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." God answers our prayers!  A simple statement, but one that, at times, can be a bit difficult to believe.  We don't always get what we want.  Things don't work out the way we wanted.  Disappointment, failure and loss are part of life.  We can pray fervently for something and we don't receive it.  So is God really answering our prayers? If we trust God's wisdom, then the answer is yes!  What we want and pray for may not be what we really need.  In looking back at major disappointments, in hindsight, I now understand that if things had worked out "my way", it would have been a huge mistake or worse.  My mother passed away about a year and a half ago.  She suffered from Alzheimer's and other health problems.  I prayed for her healing, but understood that a miracle cure was very unlikely.  As her daughter and caregiver, I had to make very difficult decisions.  I prayed for guidance, for strength and courage.  God answered my prayers!  When there were difficult medical decisions to be made, the nurse practitioner at the nursing home provided me with information and advice, so I was able to make the decisions that in my heart, I knew were right.  God gave me the strength and courage to get through this most difficult journey.  My mother-in-law also lived in the same nursing home and suffered from Alzheimer's.  I wrote and self-published a book about our family's journey, in the hope of helping other families with a loved one who has Alzheimer's.  In writing the book, I came to better understand how God did answer my prayers.  In the midst of the darkness, there was joy and laughter, light and healing. Dear Lord, may we trust in your wisdom, knowing that you do answer our prayers. May we be grateful for all of your abundant blessings. Amen. Riina Van Rixoort

First Presbyterian Church | 883 Highway 34 | Matawan | NJ | 07747

April 18 Lenten Devotion

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here

April 18 1 Peter 1:7 Living Hope  "These trials are only to test your faith to show that it is strong and pure.  It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold--and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Christ is revealed to the whole world." So what trials is Peter talking about?  The big ones, like going through illnesses, death of loved ones, loss of a job, money losses. These things can lead to a response of, "Why God is this happening to me," and can really test our faith.  Or could trials just be the everyday living sort of dealing with morning traffic on our way to work, bad drivers, snowy roads, rude, unfriendly people and situations?  Peter says these trials need to lead us into an experience of God, and use our suffering to purify and deepen our faith.  Perhaps God sends us trials for our probation (not our destruction), to prove our faith, our spiritual goodness; and if our faith can stand the test, God will have the glory for all to see.  A tried faith is more precious than gold.   Prayer: Lord help us this day to accept what you send each day, knowing that your comforting presence and help will with be with us keeping our faith strong to show your glory.  Amen.                  Ruth Wolf

First Presbyterian Church | 883 Highway 34 | Matawan | NJ | 07747

April 17 Lenten Devotion

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here

Palm Sunday, April 17 Mark 11:1-11 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord And when they drew near to Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, and said to them, "Go into the village opposite you, and immediately as you enter it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat; untie it and bring it. If any one says to you, "Why are you doing this?" say, "The Lord has need of it and will send it back here immediately."  And they went away, and found a colt tied at the door out in the open street; and they untied it.  And those who stood there said to them, "What are you doing, untying the colt?"  And they told them what Jesus had said' and they let them go.  And they brought the colt to Jesus, and threw their garments on it; and he sat upon it.  And many spread their garments on the road, and others spread leafy branches which they had cut from the fields.  And those who went before and those who followed cried out, "Hosanna!  Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!  Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is coming!  Hosanna in the Highest!"  And he entered Jerusalem, and went into the temple; and when he had looked round at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve. As we read about Jesus, entering Jerusalem in the Bible, we sense the excitement of this special day.  Men, women and children, spreading their garments and tree branches before him, shouting "Hosanna!  Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! "Blessed is the kingdom of our Father David that is come. Hosanna in the highest!"  What joy and happiness fills their hearts and souls as Jesus rides into the city of Jerusalem . Do you feel this joy when you read this scripture passage?  They were unaware of what would take place in the days following this event.  We however, are reading this passage on the Easter side of the story.  We know what took place during the coming days that first Holy Week.  Today is Palm Sunday,  let us celebrate it as the men, women, and children did in the scripture passage and say "Hosanna!  Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord." Prayer: Our Lord and Redeemer, may we like the men, women, and children, who shouted praises to you on your entry into Jerusalem, join our voices of praise and thanksgiving for all you have done for us.  Be with us as we enter Holy Week may we be ever mindful of your sacrifice for us. Eleanor Godocik

First Presbyterian Church | 883 Highway 34 | Matawan | NJ | 07747

April 16 Lenten Devotion

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here

April 16 Genesis 1:24-25 First Story of Creation And God said, "Let the earth bring forth living creatures of every kind..." Animals are such a wonderful creation.  Being an animal lover who was raised with many animals, e.g., birds, dogs cats and more, I remember when I was young and we went camping.   We caught a lizard and we made it a home in a box with moss, rocks and, of course, water.  It was so interesting to watch the lizard change it colors to blend in with its environment. I thank God for his creations, the comfort that the animals give.  The earth wouldn't be the same without these creations. Thank you God for all the living things that you have created for us Susan Blejwas

First Presbyterian Church | 883 Highway 34 | Matawan | NJ | 07747

April 15 Lenten Devotion

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here

April 15 Luke 9:16 Abundant Blessings "And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke them and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd..." Interestingly, the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000 is the only miracle besides Jesus' resurrection that is recorded in all of the 4 gospels: Matthew 14:15-21, Mark 6:35-44 and John 6:6-13. Clearly, a remarkable event with an enormous impact to be so emphasized. In addition, Jesus performs a very similar miracle chronicled soon after this in Matthew 15:32-38 and Mark 8:1-9; the feeding of the 4,000. In all of these biblical accountings Jesus' compassion for his followers and their needs prompted the feeding of the crowds. In each account, Jesus gave thanks to God for the meager amount of bread and fish that he had and then directed the disciples to divide and distribute it so that his followers would be nourished and their hunger satisfied. Furthermore, all accounts record there was an abundance of leftover food, enough to be gathered so that none would be wasted. In Luke 9:16 and in the others that describe the miracle, Jesus looked to heaven and blessed the food before giving it to the disciples to distribute to the people. There seems to be a great similarity between Jesus' actions in the miracle of feeding the multitudes with the biblical events of the Last Supper. Were the events of these miracles of feeding His followers a prologue to His final meal with His disciples? When Jesus blessed the wine and bread and gave it to the disciples He asked them to do this in remembrance of Him.  Jesus' sacrifice, which we remember each time we celebrate Communion, was given out of compassion and everlasting love for us.    For me, this bible verse is a call to have faith; to have confidence that God will provide. It is also symbolic to me ofGod's immeasurable love for us. He provides us with spiritual blessings that nourish us beyond our human expectations and understanding. Finally, giving thanks to God reminds us of His constant and loving presence in our lives and recognition of our abundant blessings. 'Praise God, from whom our blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.' Nancy Godbehere

First Presbyterian Church | 883 Highway 34 | Matawan | NJ | 07747

April 14 Lenten Devotion

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here

April 14 Ephesians 4:1-16 Unity in the Body of Christ  "I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all." In this section of Paul's letter, he shows how God intends for those in the church to live and work together in unity and to grow together in maturity.  What wonderful guidance for us as a church family. Our church is incredibly diverse.  We come from different parts of the world, from different faith backgrounds, are at different stages of our lives, work in different fields, live in different towns, and have quite different political perspectives.  Yet, we are united in Christ - we are one family on a marvelous faith journey together because of Christ. In sports, in business, and in our beloved church, I have personally experienced what incredible things can be accomplished when diverse groups are unified by a common goal and work together as a team.  Most recently, "Ignite the Spirit" and "Spaghetti for the Soul" demonstrated yet again what we can do when we try to follow Paul's guidance in the verses above.  I must say that when I am in Worship, or committee meetings, or social events with you, my brothers and sisters, I get a sense of hope, love, joy, and peace - the Holy Spirit among us. Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to be humble, gentle, patient, and to love one another. We pray that we can maintain the unity of the Spirit so that we can fulfill our mission to be the body of Christ and glorify God in the Matawan area and throughout the world.  Amen. Jerry Godbehere

First Presbyterian Church | 883 Highway 34 | Matawan | NJ | 07747

April 13 Lenten Devotion

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here

April 13 John 15:12 Love One Another This is my commandment, "That you love one another as I have loved you." In order to understand this command, it is necessary to look carefully at how Jesus loved us and showed us that love in so many ways. He showed love by forgiving people, by healing people inside and out, by feeding people, clothing them and he showed love to everyone, even sinners and unlovable. That is what Jesus wants us to do in this commandment. And though it is hard, it is possible. We need to find ways every day to show love to others in the same way that Jesus did, putting them on the right path and making them whole. Prayer: Dear God, please be with us as we love one another. It must be hard for you to see how hard it is for us to follow this commandment. Amen. . Evelyn Hartley

First Presbyterian Church | 883 Highway 34 | Matawan | NJ | 07747