I will start with the upcoming VBS. It is starting on July 30 and ending on August 3 (excluding Family night on August 4.) Some of the bible stories for the day are related to a theme of the day put into a word. Some of the themes are shown below.

Noah’s Ark (Genesis 6-9) PROMISE

Jonah and the Big Fish (Jonah 1-4) TELL

Walking on Water (Matthew 14:22-33) TRUST

Woman at the Well (John 4:5-42) ASK

Lydia (Acts 16:9-15) WELCOME

Secondly I believe that the times are 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm and the cost is only $10 a child. If you want more information please call the church office at 732- 477- 5533!

Next time I will give more information on VBS and tell some more about the events at church.  

See you next issue!

Ray
Stewardship meeting/workshop was held. Some good ideas came out of this. It was decided to hold off on a “program” until the fall as this is a TOTAL program- Money, faith and doing.
Food pantry – more and more families are utilizing this.
Scott
Jamie has sent letters out to kids for SS- about 14 so far. Mommy & Me needs to be mentioned again. Saturday May 12 is a meeting. We need an 8 ½ x 11 flyer for HLC for VBS. HLC VBS is at a different time than ours.
Bulletin boards – Barbara Olsen is doing boards – if it needs to be put up, get it into her mailbox.
Christian Ed meeting is April 22.
Jennifer
Brunch Bunch is having Seaside Escape on May 19th. The annual luncheon is on June 9.
Norbert
Treasurer’s report – sorry I could not hear most of the comments. It was established that there is a separate account for Capital donations and there are still donations coming in. He also is looking into a cheaper vendor for flowers and feels more advertising for donors is needed to defray the costs. Will also ask current vendor if they can match the new estimates received. Petty cash of $100 for Donna has been approved.
Pastor said confirmation classes are going well. We have a 2 year cycle. There will be traditional youth ministry in the fall. In June the list of members will be gone through more thoroughly. It appears as if a lot of people have come back to church. Meet and greet went fairly well.
Karen
Vines and Branches articles need to be in by the end of this week. Colleen is very efficient and in her absence, Karen will speak to Donna to be sure everything is on track.
Lori
WELCA- more help to get the word out about this organization is needed.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Moriarty
Thank you Lori for stepping in when the connection/call went dead.

Women of WELCA- Liaison-Lori Scarafile
Group is down to 3 members. Lori suggested that it might be a good idea for this group to in some way merge with another. Jennifer will approach Colleen Sutton.
Lori also approached idea of Sunday School interacting with Lutheran retirement home.
Thank you’s-Memorial Gifts-Liaison-Lori Scarafile
Nothing to report
Helping Hands-Liaison-Paula Bohm-
No report
Website- Liaison- Paula Bohm
Mark is not available lately- will contact soon
Web Program- all council members to look at other churches websites
Property-Liaison-Paula Bohm
Evangelism-Liaison-Paula Bohm
Had first hospitality meeting- follow up meeting on May 20th at 12:30.Visitor center discussed and painting of the narthex. Joyce cleaned meeting room. Pastor Judy brought up that Lori Scarafile had a paint color suggestion for the narthex. Paula made a motion to have narthex color chosen by Lori-Jennifer seconds.
Sunday School-Liaison-Jamie Zimmerman-
14 cradle roll letters sent out informing parents of Sunday school. Letters also sent out to all parents of Sunday school children to please attend Christian Education meetings.
Team Evelyn- 1 event left-waiting on disbursement of funds from Thrivent.
PAL- No utilities paid for January, February or March. Don spoke to Dan who was not helpful. It was discussed whether to attempt to contact whom ever has frozen funds.
VBS- Next meeting Friday May 11th and a painting party to be held on May 21st.
Bob Davis- He received a certification of thanks for the defibulator at the 9:30 service.
Memorial Garden- Possible new vendor found for plaques. It was questioned as to whether Piano Builders would mount these. Don will speak to Funeral home in regards to ground hogs. He has already received a $300.00 estimate.
Events to be approved by council-
Boy Scouts pancake breakfast April 29th 9-1p.m.-All in favor
St. Thomas youth yard sale May 11th & 12th .All in favor
Alanon Saturday June 9th 11:30-1:30. All in favor
Pastor John informed us that there are Carpenter bees over the front entrance -will wait for John to return to address.
Raylene suggested moving to one service for the summer. Discussed pro’s and con’s.Decided that it needs to stay the same.
Ray brought up extending the farewell and God speed for the Sommerfelds to something other than the service. Pastor Judy felt that the family should be spoken to. Ray will contact Marty and Jamie will speak to Lori.
Lori brought up signage for the church. She made a suggestion to paint the 3 crosses white. Discussion followed. No decision made.
Next council meeting on May14th at 7p.m.
Devotions by Karen at next meeting
Sending prayer Don
Meeting adjourned at 9:21
Respectfully submitted,

Lori Scarafile

“Kodak moments” – aren’t they great?  I love to look through photographs from past vacations, field trips, church youth events, Girl Scout and Boy Scout functions, sporting events, family gatherings, holidays, and more!  My favorite is the Christmas photo of my children every year…to watch the progression of them growing fills me up with such pleasure and awe.  It is so true that they grow up too fast!!!  I always miss the younger years, but am filled with anticipation of their older years as well.

I love to put all of those pictures into picture books so that I can grab one from time to time and sit and just remember all of the wonderful times we have had.  As I was putting together a picture book the other day, I noticed that almost every picture I had taken featured smiling happy people. Some were posed in “cheesy” positions, but even the candid shots showed intense happiness. Whether it was Samantha chilling on the couch with her blankie, Juliana enjoying cashews with her Mema, or Fred and Max showing me the fish they just caught. . . happiness just oozed from each photograph.

Then l came across old pictures from church functions. There was a picture of Sam and Juliana with their church friends on a canoe trip. If I remember correctly, there were many boats tipped into the water that year. . .but their faces showed they were
having the greatest times of their life.  And then there was Max with his friends helping out with the games at VBS.  By the look on their faces the junior kids had more fun than the little kids.  And then there was a picture of me dancing with Norbert and the kids at a Youth Quake smiling and having such a good time.  . .what a wonderful event and soooooo many memories!!!

Like the commercial says, those are the moments you cherish!

Even though I will always miss the younger years witl1 my children, I am filled with the anticipation of their older years. Sam and Juliana in college next year and Max in his junior year in high school and driving……yikes!!!  How does anyone keep their sanity!!! However, I am truly blessed that my entire family goes to church and brings their boyfriends and girlfriends and THAT is a Kodak moment for me at this time!!

Life is difficult and traumatic and events can uproot your entire life in an instant. So, we need to live each day mindful that these are precious times… special moments with our loved ones… treasured times that are like the mist in the morning.  Thank God for every moment of your life and ENJOY each moment with your children, your family, and your friends… BUT ALSO with your church family… and thank God for the Kodak moments (the memories)!
Lord, I thank you for filling my life with Kodak moments.  Amen!

In God’s Peace,

Jamie

Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed! Alleluia!

The readings for the Sundays of Easter have to do with the appearances of the risen Christ to the disciples.  And they have to do with witnessing. Often when we hear the word WITNESS or WITNESSING, we become frightened. Either we think that we don’t have what it takes OR we have had a bad experience being on the receiving end of someone else’s witness. The reality is that we witness all the time.  We constantly witness to those around us about those things that are important to us – good restaurants, stores with good deals, interesting books, movies or TV shows.  We witness to important events in our lives. We tell other people about the things that matter to us – far more often than we realize.

In the reading from Luke’s gospel, assigned for the third Sunday in Easter, Jesus tells the disciples: “thus it was written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the 3rd day, and that repentance and f0rgiveness of sins is to be pr0claimed in His name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.”

There’s the message. Immediately after Jesus says that, he issues a call: “You are Witnesses of these things.”

Jesus calls his disciples then and now to be witnesses to what God has done AND to what God is still doing for us and for the world. Yet, we are not unlike those disciples. Sometimes we are scared and have doubts, but we are resurrection people. And as resurrection people, we are called by Jesus to be witnesses.

Being a witness can be frightening, but it is NOT impossible. We do it all the time where movies, restaurants, books are concerned, so we know we can do it. But we are not so good about witnessing about our faith. But it should be just as easy. In terms of our faith, being a witness does NOT mean that we are to shove our faith down someone else’s throat. NOR does it mean threatening others who believe differently than we do with hell  and eternal damnation. Generally, neither of those things has the desired result.

Being a witness is nothing more than sharing with others where we have seen or sensed God working – at home, at work, at church, at school, at a sports event, through a friend, a stranger, a teacher, a neighbor, a pastor, even through ourselves. So, being a witness is nothing more than sharing with others where vve see God at work in our lives and in the world.

The disciples’ story is our story. Each week, we gather with our doubts, fears and misunderstandings. Each week we encounter the risen Christ in the fellowship of the believers, in the word proclaimed in the scriptures, in preaching, in the singing of hymns AND in the bread and the wine which is the body and blood of Christ. Each week we hear an explanation of the good news of what God has done, and promises to do still. Each week, we are enlightened and empowered by the Holy Spirit.  And finally, we are sent out into the world to be witnesses to this incredible news of Christ crucified and risen for the sake of all.

Here’s a challenge:  choose a partner and make a commitment to sharing with each other where you saw God at work in your life or in the world once a week. Gradually increase that to every other day and then to daily. We suspect that you will be more comfortable witnessing with others the more you do this.

In God’s never-ending love,

Pastor John and Pastor Judy

“Spark Summer – Splash in God’s Word” is coming to St. Thomas!

Splash in God’s Word is a Vacation Bible School that immerses kids in scripture through faith-filled games, crafts, music, and more! Each day in Spark Summer focuses on a Bible story about water – stories that will SPARK FAITH! Each day also has a theme word to help kids focus on a concept from each story. Take a look at the stories and themes for Splash in God’s Word.

Noah’s Ark (Genesis 6-9) PROMISE

Jonah and the Big Fish (Jonah 1-4) TELL

Walking on Water (Matthew 14:22-33) TRUST

Woman at the Well (John 4:5-42) ASK

Lydia (Acts 16:9-15) WELCOME

PLACE: St. Thomas Lutheran Church

DATES: July 30 through August 3 (family night August 4 at 5:30pm)

TIME: 6:00pm – 8:30pm

COST: $10 per child

All children pre-school (4 years) through 4th grade are invited to join us to Splash in God’s Word! You need not be a member of St. Thomas to join in the fun, so feel free to invite a friend. Just click on the “VBS Registration Form” link below, fill out the form and mail it with payment back to the church. Please put “ATTENTION: VBS” on the envelope.

Get the form Here —VBS Registration Form

If you want further information please call the St. Thomas Church office at 732-477-5533.

†

Scott is the new chairman for Christian Ed. And also the liaison. A meeting will be called on April 22. Reach out for help with VBS. Also help for areas can be sent home via the Sunday school children.
Old Business
Don has a new contact for the trailers. Fire Department has also turned us down. We are at a point that we want to “give” them away.
PALS – they acknowledge arrearages but not timetable in place to take care of it. They also let Don know that they have many financial problems but promised regular rent and will try and do some catchup. Don will continue to followup.
The Transformation Workshop will be held April 26-28 – it is hoped that all council members will be able to attend.
Barbara Olsen is fixing the bulletin boards so that they remain current.
John was asked to attend the Christian Ed meeting as a youth advisor from Council. He agreed.
New Business:
Liaison list was gone over and everyone assigned or volunteered. Don will be asking each person specifically for a report beginning at the next meeting. (Please see list enclosed)
Also the calendar needs to be kept straight – the rule is for every event to go through Donna (the Church secretary)before being published. Please advise any folks you know of planning events to contact Donna.
Don reported on contact made with Holy Cross for community events. Mark S. was very interested and promised 100% support. He also suggested Faith Lutheran in Lavallette be contacted. Holy Cross also tossed out an idea to have a joint VBS. Don will invite Mark to attend the next council meeting and Don will attend theirs.
Pastor Judy noted that VBS materials have been ordered and cost was minimal. Theme is Splash into God’s Word.
Discussion was held regarding envelopes. We have over 106 sets hanging for pickup and another 100 waiting for distribution as needed. A new vendor would mail the envelopes and we would also downsize the number needed. It was decided to proceed with this idea and firm up with a better church member headcount in June. Some special envelopes will be better placed and the handicapped children one will be renamed for Catherine Stites Fund (as per Pam’s concern last month). Don made a motion to do this venture and seconded by Lori.
Materials were received regarding a campaign to wipe out malaria and will be presented in May.
Ray told us there will be a Stewardship meeting next Monday at 11:30 with Danny Amerck?. This was published in Vines and Branches and all are encouraged to attend. The subject will be Walk with Jesus and it was asked that the meeting be announced in church.
Other Business
Pastor Judy told us there will be a workshop on fall prevention on April 16th at 10:30
Pastor Judy told us there will be a meeting featuring Dr. David Lost on April 21st at 8AM. For more info go to NJSYNOD.ORG
The certificate of appreciation was signed for Robert Davis’s donation of the defibrillator for the church.
Holy Hobbies will be holding a bake sale for cancer on May 6, 2012.
Don spoke about some curb appeal needed for church regarding landscaping. Time frame is short and options to have members pitch in were discussed. Don asked to get 3 estimates.
Next Council meeting will be April 16th. Opening devotions by Karen.
Meeting ended with prayer by Bob at 9:05.
Respectfully submitted,

Karen Moriarty

Council Minutes

Meeting begins at 7:09.

Opening devotions by Don.

Staff reports

Pastor Ellison-Report is for November and December basically to date.

Jamie makes a motion to go into Executive. Motion is seconded by Karen. Motion passed.

Karen makes a motion to end executive. Don Seconds

Meeting resumes at 7:33.

Raylene’s report- accepted.

Minutes for November-   Don makes a motion to accept. Paula seconds.

Global mission- 16  packages went out to Seafarers

Home visitation- 2 people receive visits per Jean.

Christian Education- Jessica Klein selected for cover for bulletin. Holding off on music in gym until further notice.

Finance- still waiting on PAL security deposit. Utilities are up to date. No late payments have been made. Jennifer inquired about the gas bill. Norbert has to speak to Ray. A meeting needs to be made with finance and Executive. Undeposited funds number is incorrect and needs to adjust through Quickbooks. Norbert discussed Pastors final payments. John informed Norbert that a future bequest is now being contested. Pastor spoke to Super media in regards to the phone book advertisement. Report is accepted by Paula seconded by Pam.

Christmas Store- 82 families scheduled. 10 did not show. 8 additional families were contacted.

Team Evelyn- T-shirts and bracelets ordered. Spaghetti luncheon scheduled for this Sunday.

Piano Builders- here Wednesday and off Thursday.

Web site- Reylene commented that we have had threats to website.

Memorial Garden- Boy Scouts were a no show except one cub scouts and his grandfather. Clean up was done

Ushering committee Next meeting Sat Dec 17^th.  Don suggestion of having a defibulator in the Narthex.

New Business

Trailers-Don reached out to Job site trailer in North Jersey. Don plans to take pictures and specifications and e-mail information. Jamie suggested for us to contact Southern states educational departments.

 Thrivent- Beth Aliferis will be the Liaison.

Membership List- Pam has contact list to respond to.

Annual meeting- council members need to remind their group that they are liaison to   begin reports.

Next council meeting January 9^th, 7p.m.

Devotions Paula

Reylene requested help for Christmas decorating on Sat and John requested help on Thursday.

 Pastor Ellison thanks all those who have been supportive.

Closing devotions- Bob

Meeting adjourned at 8:16.

Opening devotions Paula

Prayer was said for Bob’s friend by Pastor Anderson

Reylene corrected Jamie on the incorrect date listed on the agenda.

Pastor’s report reviewed. Pastors Anderson discussed their ¾ time issues. Reylene inquired as to whether they would be supplying their own fill in pastors. They will consult with Reylene.

  Reylenes report- accepted

Council minutes for December- Melanie cook Benson needs to be added to December minutes in regards to bulletin back cover. Ray accepts, John seconds.

Standing committee’s reports

Memorial Garden- no meetings. Preparing committee report.

Ushering – Don Attended a meeting in regards to Christmas and future ushering.

 Trailers- Don in contact with Jobsite trailers Inc   . Also in contact with Mr. Marino in regards to using the trailers for next door.

Piano Builders- accepted

Brunch Bunch- Had a meeting today.  This group will continue to meet on Monday mornings.

Team Evelyn- Made $1000  at the re gift auction.  Lori will meet with family tomarrow in regards to the construction. Ray mentioned that Stites fund money may be available due to the fact that it is a new calendar year.

Sunday school-   banner needs to be made for the 19^th. Reylene mentioned that VBS needs to be discussed.

Confirmation- Pastors met with Nadine. Pastors will split confirmation meetings.

Finance- Fred Zimmerman discussed budget and projections. Reylene made an observation as the   increase in the collection since the beginning of the year. Bob made a comment in regards to Reylenes increase in salary. Mr. Zimmerman suggested going back to the 2010 budget.  Bob inquired as to how to stop capital campaign envelopes. Reylene will speak to Donna in regards to stopping campaign envelopes.

Finance report- Norbert fixed the undeposited  funds issue thanks to Karen. Jennifer inquired as to what unedeposited funds balance is. This issue is to be addressed when council discusses PAL. Pam inquired as to why there is two funds for Memorial Garden fund,. Norbert explained that I fund is a mutual fund and one a checking. Jennifer inquired as to whether we get statements in. Don made a motion to accept. Karen seconded.

Annual Meeting- Committee reports are due.

Old Business-

PAL- $7,426.00 make up payments are in arrears. Within the next couple of weeks we will meet with Dan in regards to this situation. Paula inquired in regards to acquiring another tenant. Don suggested that we as council need to come up with some way to generate income. Reylene suggested a summer music program.

Food town- John met with Alicia Cumming who is the assistant engineer to Brick Twsp in regards to section of property that is listed on the corner of our property.

Two year list- Pastors were to make a letter of introduction to go to whole congregation.   Mr. Long inquired as to whether they would do any in home group meetings. Jennifer suggested that the worked expectation should be changed to hope.

Constitution meeting- January 5^th 2011 at 12;30. John presented a letter that Colleen Sutton composed to be handed out explaining what is going on with this new constitution and a separate sheet in regards to explanation of what changes are. No council members objected.

Jami requested that there would be extra copies of the constitution be available.

Annual meeting February 12^th. Letter needs to go out 10 days before meeting.

Transformational workshop April 26^th-28^th . Reylene suggested   that we go into the community to dispense ashes to the general public..

Partner Support Covenant- Jean makes a motion to accept. Jennifer seconds.

Other Business- Carol Eppinger will donate new vacuum to Janice Spiro.

Don wanted to possibly set up a liaison with Holy Cross. This was approved. He also brought up that the un picked up envelopes in the narthex does not look good. It was decided that they should stay in the narthex until February. Don brought up that we also could use a new floor in the narthex. Pam brought up that we could use a new sigh in book also.

Next Council Meeting February 13 th, 2012

Opening devotions by Jean

Meeting adjourned at 9;28

There was one agenda item, a vote to approve (adopt?) a revised constitution for St. Thomas Lutheran Church, to bring the constitution up to date, and into compliance with ELCA model constitution provisions. Copies of the constitution with highlights of the changes were mailed out to the membership in December. A synopsis of the changes was handed out at the meeting.

President Zimmerman read aloud the procedure for amending the constitution, the history of our present constitution, and the substance of the changes.

There are 280 eligible voting members a quorum is 5% (14 members). A quorum was established.

President Zimmerman noted the hard work done by the constitution committee, and commended them for their work. A special thanks was given to Colleen Sutton, who took charge of the project.

Comments were solicited from the membership. Questions of clarification were raised on several topics and discussion ensued, but no action was taken.

A motion was made to close discussion (Curtis Dunn), and seconded (Jean Riker). Motion passed.

A motion was made to accept the revisions to the constitution as distributed (Fred Zimmerman), and seconded (Pam Rourke). Motion carried with no votes against. A comment was made about some misspellings, it was agreed that these would be corrected in the final draft.

A motion was made to adjourn (Ray Starego) and seconded (Nadine Dunn). Motion passed.

Meeting adjourned at 1:15pm.

Respectfully Submitted,

Curtis Dunn (Provisional Recording Secretary)

Council Minutes

Meeting begins 7:09

John makes a motion for executive session. All in favor no apposed.

Executive session is closed at 7:37.

During Executive session Pastor has informed us of the location of all sensitive documents.

Raylenes report reviewed.  Jennifer does not feel that she should not have to use her vacation days for her mother-in-law’s funeral. Raylene said thank you for the sentiment but it is all the same since she never uses all her vacation days.

Minutes for October. Pastor questions in regards to professional expenses. Jamie approves and Paula seconds

Stewardship- Jamie has received several spiritual gifts. Several more are out.

Worship committee- next say November 19th boy scouts will be clearing out memorial garden.

Ushering committee- no meeting- meeting planned soon.    The use of the church youth for ushering when there is a fifth Sunday was discussed.  

Food pantry- Don prepared letters and he personally delivered to several food stores.

Christian Education- no report

Sunday school- ordered new curriculum.  Started songs in beginning of Sunday school in the gym. Pastor’s confirmation class has been well attended.

Finance – Jennifer inquired as to the ad in the yellow pages. Donna to call and see if this ad was authorized. Jamie makes a motion to accept and Don seconds.  The Andersons returned check to church for hotel room.

Piano builders- trailers are winterized. Bob Horn inquired as to how long we are going to keep these trailers. Pastor said that he made inquires as to selling these. Don inquired if we have specs on these. Pastor no longer has this information in regards to this web site.Raylene inquired for help in regards to cleaning out associate pastors office. Karen inquired for Karen Leeman in regards to having a second handicap rail in the second bathroom.

Brunch bunch is having 2 events Nov 20^th Advent pot luck after12:30 service and making an ornament or wreath. Dec 5 Monday evening ornament exchange.

Old  Business

PA L- no back fees or the deposit has been paid.  Rent for Sept and October has been paid. Norbert needs to add late fee for 2 months at $50.00 each month total of $100.00. John will meet with Pal. Contract is in treasures file.

Two year list- Jamie inquired as to whether Pam has contacted her names on a list. Jamie requested that everyone give pastor a written synopsis of their conversations.

Constitution- special meeting January 15^th 2012. John asked in regards of status to constitution being mailed. Will be mailed out shortly.

Repave front drive- Jamie met with Mertz and got pavement shots. Has to meet with township. Modifications to handicap areas will be made.

Stites Fund- check has been given to Silvestre’s for a swing for their daughter. Pastor inquired if Jamie authorized without documentation. Jamie replied that it was already authorized.

Annual meeting set for Feb 12, 2012.

Removal of active members- Pastor reviewed the current list with council. Pastor is recommending that these people should be removed from membership for inactivity. Pastor will send a letter informing these people. Raylene and John suggested that we wait on this list until after the first of the year. Bob makes a motion that we hold list and Don seconded. Lori suggested that an announcement be made before each service in regards to filling out cards. Pastor made a motion that we review and address at the next council meeting. In favor of scraping until end of year 8. Opposed 3. Has to wait until first of the year.

Fund raising- Holy hobbies – bake sale for youth group Dec 4th between services.Approved

Silvestre’s- Home  renovations Fund raisers. Committee has been established for “Team Evelyn”

December 18^th from 9-1 for dine in or take out spaghetti dinner. Approved

Christmas regift auction. Jersey Mikes will provide subs, chips and a drink. January 8^{th 2012 at 1:00}  

Uncle Vinnie’s Comedy club in point pleasant February 19^th.Flyers will be provided. Howell high school is also involved.

Soup luncheon February 12^th before annual meeting.Approved.

Other Business-

Thanksgiving service is 7pm Sunday community service at   Osbornville Baptist church

Lease for 132 Salmon street is signed and is with the treasurer.

Christmas Eve  services are 4pm and 10pm

Christmas service is on Sunday 10am

Church secretary requested a raise. Bob made a motion for a pay of $15.00 dollars an hour. Jennifer seconded. Paula suggested that we could consider a $2.50 raise with an annual review.  2 are for opposed 13. Paul makes a motion to make the salary of $13.50 with possibility of a 6 month review. Don seconds. 9 in favor. No opposed. Retroactive October 27^th.Approved.

Ray will have a proposal for next meeting on solar.

Next council December 12^th

Paula will do devotions

Meeting adjourned at 9:07pm