The Open Door
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The Visitors' Church for over a century: Obedient in faith we intend to work together to touch the lives of others and be disciples of the Lord.
February 13, 2025
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SABBATICAL
While Pastor Nicole is sabbatical, the Open Door may look a bit different! I will attempt to keep you updated with all that's happening at Cape May Presbyterian in her absence...and there's a lot going on! We hold our dear Pastor in our prayers for a fulfilling and renewing time. For her body, mind, and spirit. Please email me with announcements for our church that you would like me to add, or for prayer requests:
JaneSenico@gmail.com
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Thank you to all who pitched in to help with our Sunday Service last Sunday! Due to a heating problem in the sanctuary, we had to move the service to downstairs amidst the lasagna preparations, no musical instruments, and moving chairs and tables to accommodate. It was a beautiful time together, and felt very warm and united as we worshiped together knowing that where we worship does not matter. It's being together in God's loving embrace that made for a perfect and true worship time.
Special thanks to Jim Doran for your acoustic guitar accompaniment and to Heather Averill for her leadership.
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Congregational Meeting February 16th after the 10:00 service.
At this meeting we will be reviewing the Annual Report for 2024, the 2025 Budget and will also have a corporate meeting. We hope to see you there! Rev. Jim Shanley will moderate. _____________________________________________________________________________________________
Shrove Tuesday
Put it on your calendar. Tuesday, March 4th is Shrove Tuesday. We will be having a pancake dinner. Keep an eye out for more details, including time.
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Lasagna Sunday ...a time for devotion and sharing.
What fun we had gathering in the Fellowship Hall last Sunday for our Lasagna Sunday. All ingredients were provided, and we made several lasagnas (about 8 or so) that will be available to Family Promise and others in our community who are in need of a warm meal during difficult times. _____________________________________________________________________________________________
Branches Update!
The following is a list of the most immediate needs to help vulnerable individuals in our county:
- Sweatpants - men's and women's all sizes
- Men's Boxers - all sizes
- Men's/Women's long underwear - all sizes
- Women's sport bras - Med/Large/X-Large
- Women's underwear - Med/Large/X-Large
- Hormel Completes - these are shelf-stable meals that can be reheated in a microwave
- Queen Size Sheets - sheets are not provided by the motels that house the Branches clients
- Spam
- Detergent - small sized containers (the best place to buy these are at Dollar Tree)
The Branche's Facebook page posts their needs as they tend to change. Additionally, the Branch's Outreach Amazon wish list can be viewed here: https://a.co/buK3uqk
Please feel free to bring any donated items to the church, and we will deliver them to Branches. If you wish to drop your donated items off directly to Branches, the address is 201 Hirst Avenue, Rio Grande, NJ.
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Bible Study on Wednesdays at 4:00 in Wedgewood Room
Tom Cura leads us in the Gospel of Luke on Wednesday afternoons at 4:00. Please come join us in lively and informative discussion.
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Other Goings-On - Per Capita: the $40.00 per capita is due.
In the Presbyterian Church, "per capita" refers to a set amount of money that each church member is asked to contribute annually, which is used to support the administrative costs of the larger church structure, including the Presbytery, Synod, and General Assembly, essentially allowing all members to share the costs of running the church at various levels; it's a way for Presbyterians to collectively fund their shared mission and ministry across the denomination.
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Worship Schedule
February 16 - Will will have Jazz Music and Rev. Jim Shanley will be preaching.
February 23 -Traditional Music and Bells. Rev. Nona Holy will be preaching. Her husband, Rev. Andy Jacob and she will be available for conversation and coffee hour afterwards.
March 2 - Combination of scriptures and hymns
March 9 - Traditional Service with Re. Alonzo Johnson preaching. Coffee hour with Questions and Answers with Rev. Johnson will follow.
Reminder: Our worship services will continue to be only at 10:00 am every Sunday until the end of May.
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Our Church Staff:
Pastor: Rev. Dr. Nicole Wilkinson
Keyboardist/Jazz Leader: Greg Pordon
Organist: Milla Smith
Office Administrator: Nancy DeSantis