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December 7, 2018

BBPC Weekly BUZZ September 06, 2019

Drive Through Event - This

Sunday

Join us from Noon – 1 pm on Sunday as Pastor Lin-da, Courtney, and members of the Christian Education, Membership, & Mission & Outreach Commissions wel-come you in the church parking lot to pick up Summer Take-Out Kits (featuring Flat Jesus – an all church opportunity to celebrate Jesus with us), new Church Directories (free to those who had their picture taken, $5 to all others) and to purchase newly released, Love Local T-shirts (see article below)! Drive by stations will be set up, and social distancing and face masks will be in place! No need to get out of your car.

This Week in Worship WORSHIP will be online ONLY

Streaming Online @ BBPC.org/LIVE

Dial in at: (872) 240-3311 & enter

Access Code: 417-955-909

Sunday, June 21, 10:00 a.m.

Rev. Linda E Owens Preaching

“Where the Magic Happens“

Scripture:

Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86, Matthew 10:24-39

Anthems:

Amazing Grace

Performed by Emily & Scott DeMouth

A Gaelic Blessing - by John Rutter

Performed by Maria Hladczuk

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A Word from Pastor Linda…

These are unusual days, there is no doubt. We are three months into COVID social distancing. Some freedoms are returning. Some stores and restaurants are opening. But the virus is still out there. We are still at risk. We are still taking precautions. Our new normal is feeling strangely normal, albeit at times unsatisfying.

Meanwhile, our nation is in the uncomfortable and yet meaningful throes of necessary change. Recent events, the deaths of George Floyd, Amaud Abrey, Rayshard Brooks, and Breonna Tay-lor, have driven many to the streets in daily protest, demanding that we all look deep within ourselves and the systems we have created to expose and remedy the deep tentacles of racism that have wrapped around the soul of our nation. This is not an invitation, it is call, a cry to live the gospel we profess. What does the Lord require of us in this moment? The prophet Micah lays it out … to do justice, love kindness (mercy) and to walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8).

So how do we do this work in these COVID days…as individuals and as the church? Prayer is the first step, listening for the Spirit’s leading. Humility, is step two. The willingness to listen to the pain of others, to be open to seeing the world from another’s perspective, and to lower our defenses, are all the work of humble heart. Third, Engage. Let us commit to reading to-gether, discussing together, and loving one another unconditionally. These are unusual days, difficult days, but days full of opportunity. In this moment we have a chance to participate in God’s kingdom building work, bending the arc of the moral universe toward a more just and compassionate world. We can do this hard thing.

Stay tuned for the announcement of the ALL-CHURCH read and opportunities for small group discussions. A huge thank you to Mark Metz for his openness and candor in the telling of his story at our online gathering yesterday (Thursday), and again in the Zoom meeting that fol-lowed. If you were unable to view our discussion live, you can access it on Facebook, the church website at BBPC.org/live, Youtube (BBPC Worship Service) or through BoxCast on Ap-ple TV, Roku & Amazon Fire Stick. You can watch the Zoom discussion by following the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/tc9bK4rusUxJGNbiwU3xfKVxOKn3eaa8hHQervdYzkx5GfsBkoBlNl8eaPyKwqeh Password: 3i$61@9=

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LOVE LOCAL UPDATE

Our Love Local Gift Card program moves forward into the summer, supporting local families who need our help to purchase food and other essential items. During the first two weeks of June, our Love Local donation receipts (donations in the form of checks and Shoprite cards) totaled $2970. Since this program’s inception in April, our gener-ous congregation and friends have donated $12,580 to it, which allows us to continue distrib-uting Shoprite cards in the community at a rate of $1000 per week.

We assist families through the Bound Brook School District (includes South Bound Brook), the Middle-sex School District, the Somerset County Food Pantry located in our PFC, and Casa de Esperanza. Occasionally, we also give to other families identi-fied through our ministry network. These organi-zations and families are counting on your continu-ing generous support. A big thank you from your Mission and Outreach Commission!

Anyone interested in donating food may drop off their donations at the back of Bound Brook High School every Friday morning throughout the sum-mer. Every Friday morning items are distributed to the families. There has been quite a need for do-nations.

Don’t forget to pick up your Love Local T-shirt at the drive-through opportunity at the church, 12-1 on Sunday! Please see the article below for more details.

Calling All Interior Decorators!

The Worship and Music Commission would like to thank

Jeanette Mulvey and her family for performing a fabulous

job decorating BBPC, including for the Christmas and

Easter seasons. Jeanette is stepping back from this role,

so we are looking for people (individuals, families, teams,

the more the merrier!) who would like to contribute to the

life of the church in this way. We already have the

“playbook” (although it can certainly be modified); it is a

matter of implementing it. If you are interested, or would

like to learn more, please contact Steve Decker

(sgdecker@verizon.net or 732-448-0048) for more de-

tails. At least some participants should be comfortable

climbing tall ladders. Thanks!.

Love Local T-Shirts!

Make a fashion and faith statement this summer with the

new Love Local T-shirt. Brought to you by the Mission and

Outreach Commission, we have ordered 60 t-shirts in siz-

es Youth Medium through Adult 3XL to celebrate our work

in the community and our commitment to love local. T-

shirts can be purchased on Sunday at our drive-through

event from Noon until 1 PM. Youth medium and large -

$15. Adult sizes $20. All proceeds to benefit our grocery

gift card project.

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Sadie Ziener-Morrish is Baking

for a Cause!

Sadie is a high school student and confirmand who

is doing her part to help families in crisis during this

pandemic. She has set up a non-profit website to

take orders for her delicious, homemade, baked

goods (check out those chocolate chip scones!). The

money raised will be used to buy groceries for fami-

lies who are out of work and struggling to feed their

families. Please check it out at https://

bakedgoodsforacaus.wixsite.com/website-1

Sadie is able to take special orders for those requiring

gluten free or vegan treats!

Youth and Families

We are working hard to be a continued presence during this time. Here are the current offerings for our Sunday School and Youth groups.

Sunday school– students (age 3- grade 5) are en-couraged to join us virtually every Monday-Wednesday- Friday for an online bedtime story. Sto-rytime happens on the BBPC SPARK FAMILY face-book page at 8pm. On the first Sunday of the month, in June, July, August, and September, at 11:30am, our students are encouraged to attend a Sunday School Zoom meeting. Look back in this spot for a link to the virtual meeting.

Youth group - All virtual meetings for youth group have ended in conjunction with the school year. Keep an eye on this spot for any future summer events.

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Sunday Morning Class

@ 8:45 -9:45 a.m Please join us Sunday mornings for the weekly Adult Education class. We will be meeting via Zoom from 8:45 a.m. until 9:45 a.m., ending right before Sun-day worship. Currently we are reading and discuss-ing the book "On the Brink of Everything" by Parker J. Palmer. Lou Ruprecht will be leading our discus-sion. The Zoom information is:

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85068113633?pwd=VEQ2OWlvbFEzV2l0aE9VekFWU1krUT09

Meeting ID: 850 6811 3633

Password: 238540

One tap mobile

+19292056099,,85068113633# US (New York)

Fair Trade Items

Fair Trade Items are available during this stay-at-home time. You can email Ted Settle, tcset-tle@verizon.net and I will package your item/s and leave your package with Karen or Linda. I will tell you the cost for your order and you can leave payment with Karen or Linda, exact change or check, made payable to the church with Fair Trade on the memo line). Listed to the right are the items available.

Wednesday Evening Bible Study

@ 7 p.m. Lou Ruprecht will leading a study on Wednesday evenings. Plans are being made now. If you are in-terested in receiving email notifications, please email Lou at Lruprecht@rhwlawfirm.com.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83695024201?pwd=S1VlN2UvUll0Rm1ldzd2RmFIaXp1Zz09

Meeting ID: 836 9502 4201

Password: 067863

One tap mobile

+19292056099,83695024201# US (New York)

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May Finance Report

Session gathered via Zoom on June 16 for a regularly scheduled monthly meeting. The highlights are as

follows:

Session received the recommendation of the Response Task Force and approved the following: The church will not consid-

er opening the building for worship in the sanctuary before the beginning of October. Out of an abundance of caution,

and knowing that opening the building comes with many accommodations and planning challenges and realizing that wor-

shipping in the sanctuary without singing, without communion, without passing the peace or sharing in fellowship after-

wards, while wearing masks and sitting six feet apart would be a less than satisfying worship experience, this is the best

decision for us as a church family. Session also recognizes that while we cannot be at church together, we have continued

to be the church gathered online and in spirit as we worship and serve together.

Session also had several conversations over the past couple of weeks related to the church’s response to current events

related to racism. After much discussion it was the wisdom of the session to encourage the pastor and the Christian Educa-

tion Commission to create an education plan that would allow the congregation an opportunity for study and discussion.

This plan has already begun to take shape with this past weeks’ event, Two Americas: Raising Kids Under the Shadow of

Racism. Soon an all-church read will be announced and small groups set up for discussion.

Personnel reported that the transition of the bookkeeper role from former staff person, Linda Bullock, to our current

Treasurer, Phyllis Hazen is complete. Session thanks Linda for her many years of service and extends much gratitude to

Phyllis for her willingness to take on this work as a volunteer.

Session commissioned a survey to be taken of the congregation and wider-viewership of our streamed worship services to

learn more about who is watching and how we can better create meaningful worship experiences going forward.

Building, Grounds, and Technology reported that they are preparing for the permanent installation of streaming equip-

ment in the sanctuary as we plan to continue offering worship online even after we return to the sanctuary.

The Mission and Outreach Commission celebrated with Session the generosity of the congregation in giving cash and gro-

Session Highlights

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How to Stream Worship Live Sunday Mornings @ 10 a.m.

There are several ways to join us on Sunday mornings for worship. We are currently streaming on our

BBPC.ORG/Live, Facebook, Roku, Apple TV (4th generation), Amazon Fire Stick, and by phone for sound

only. We are able to do these things through a streaming service called BoxCast. BoxCast works with church-

es to get their worship services online.

Options for Viewing or Listening:

BBPC.ORG/LIVE – The worship service will be broadcast live on our webpage and will remain there for

several weeks for viewing.

Facebook - If you have a Facebook account you can find us at B.B.Presbyterian.Church. One of the benefits

of watching through Facebook is that you can interact with other viewers in real-time, passing the peace and

saying “hello” and agreeing in prayer with a hearty “Amen!” If you “like” us on our Facebook page and your

settings on your smartphone allow for notifications from Facebook, you will receive a notification when we

go live!

YouTube We are now streaming live and previously recorded worship services on YouTube. Click here-

https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UChCirphSKjJyjBFaZAHewlA or search for BBPC Worship. Subscribe

and you will receive notifications from YouTube about content.

Apple TV (4th generation 4K & HD) – Watch live on Apple TV or view past services. To access you must

download BoxCast from the App Store to your Apple TV. Once in the BoxCast App, search for Bound Brook

Presbyterian Church. Worship Services can be viewed for up to 90 days.

Roku – Watch us live on Roku or view past services. To access you must download the BoxCast app to your

Roku device. Once in the BoxCast App, search for Bound Brook Presbyterian Church. Worship Services can

be viewed for up to 90 days.

NEW Amazon Fire Stick - To access you must download the BoxCast app to your Amazon device. Once in

the BoxCast App, search for Bound Brook Presbyterian Church. Worship Services can be viewed for up to 90

days.

Phone In – Dial 1-(872) 240-3311 and when prompted for the Access Code, please dial 417-955-909; long distance charges may apply.

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Coronavirus/COVID-19 Safety Tips

Staying healthy is the name of the game. Here’s how to do it:

1. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a

hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol;

2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands;

3. Avoid close contact with people that are sick;

4. Distance yourself from other people particularly if you are at higher risk of getting very sick (over 60 and/or with

conditions such as lung disease, heart disease, diabetes or other disease that makes you susceptible to illness);

5. Avoid touching things in public places;

6. Avoid crowded places;

7. Avoid unnecessary air travel and especially avoid cruise ships.

If you start to show symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, confusion

or difficulty arousing, bluish face or lips, loss of the sensation of smell or taste*), here’s what you should do:

1. Stay home and call your doctor. Let him or her know that you may have symptoms of COVID-19;

2. Avoid public places and public transportation;

3. Get immediate medical assistance if you show any of the emergency warning signs above (breathing difficulty,

change of mental status or bluish coloration);

4. If you are not so sick that hospitalization is required, remember to limit contact with other family members by

sleeping alone and using a separate bathroom, if at all possible;

5. If you become sick, wear a face mask around others;

6. Continue to do all of the avoidance safety measures above including frequent hand washing;

7. Cough/sneeze into a tissue that is immediately disposed of and wash your hands right away;

8. Avoid contact with pets since it is not yet clear if transmission of the virus can occur through them;

9. Stay at home until instructed by your doctor that you may leave.

Keep in mind, this illness is usually mild and many may or will have it with minimal signs and symptoms. Following

the guidelines above will reduce the likelihood that you or your loved one will develop the illness.

*Recent studies have revealed that loss of smell and/or taste may be early signs of COVID-19. Remember that a

stuffy nose can also cause similar losses.

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Follow us: Facebook @ B.B.Presbyterian Church & Instagram @ bbpresby

The Bound Brook Presbyterian Church

409 Mountain Avenue, Bound Brook, NJ 08805

To contact us email office@bbpc.org or phone (732) 356-3575

Caring Minister On Call: June 21 - June 27: Susan Sebastian

Joys & Concerns: In an effort to respect privacy, please email prayer re-quests to Karen at office@bbpc.org.

Help is on the Way!: The Deacons have been gathering offers to help those who can’t get out to shop or run errands. If you have a need, we have a volun-teer to help. Please reach out to Susan Schiff at suschiff@gmail.com or call (732) 208-0611.

Tim Smith’s Email address: music@bbpc.org

Please send Buzz articles to office@bbpc.org. Articles are due on Thursday 1:00pm.

In Other News…

Visit our website(bbpc.org) for instructions or

Click HERE

to join us in worship via video streaming.

To dial in: (872) 240-3311 & enter

Access Code: 417-955-909

Check-Ins and Chats Pastor Linda is hosting two opportunities to check-in with one another during the week via ZOOM, a video conferencing app. Follow the link and enter the passcode to join us.

TUESDAY MORNINGS @ 10 AM

https://zoom.us/j/514746587?pwd=aStYVnhqbVNoUVEybG4veVRjMjhOUT09

Meeting ID: 514 746 587

Password: 12340345

THURSDAYS @ Noon

https://zoom.us/j/273105277?pwd=dHVZaEdrcnZoSjFHN1RnVjFKTWtOdz09

Meeting ID: 273 105 277

Password: 1150947