The Open Door
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.
March 18, 2025
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SABBATICAL
While Pastor Nicole is on 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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Spring Bake Sale!! 
Saturday, April 5th from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Treat yourself to an assortment of delicious, homemade treats and confections made with love. (Bakers, please have your items to the church by 9:00 AM)
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Coming this Weekend!!
Discerning community and cultivating culture. March 21st, 22nd, and 23rd
Rev. Larissa Kwong-Abazia will be with us for a weekend of discussion, retreat, and worship.
March 21st - Potluck and Discussion
March 22nd - Half-day retreat
March 23rd - Worship and Fellowship Hour
Larissa is the Executive Director of NEXT church and founder of Courageous Spaces, inviting others to co-create spaces for transformation, and change. Larissa recently served as the Transitional Presbyter for the Presbytery of the Coastlands and as the Transitional Head of Operations for More Light Presbyterians. She currently is the Designated Strategic Director of NEXT Church.
Friday, March 21st: Potluck Dinner and Discussion. From 6:00 to 7:30 PM
The word, "community" is thrown around a lot in the life of a church;
- Who is our community?
- How do we serve our community:
- What are the needs of our community?
- Are all welcome to our community?
Please either call the office at 609.884.3949, or email janesenico@gmail.com if you plan to attend.
Saturday, March 22nd Half-day retreat from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
The post-Christendom, post-COVID world requires something more and different from church leaders than the habits we learned in the past. Now is the time to push away the status quo and stop perpetuating ways of being just because they are comfortable and familiar.
Cultivated ministry is a culture and process within the church valuing accountability and impact. By committing to interlocking means of assessment, evaluation, and (re) design, people of faith will focus on the nurturing of thoughtful expressions of God's mission in the world.
March 23rd Worship at 10:00 followed by Fellowship Hour
Stay after worship for coffee, treats, fellowship and informal conversation.
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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 Branches' Facebook page posts their needs as they tend to change. Additionally, the Branches' 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. _____________________________________________________________________________________________
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
March 23 - Re. Larissa Kwong-Abazia, director of NEXT Church. Rev. Kwong-Abazia will linger for coffee & conversation after the service, as the last part of her weekend with us.
March 30 - Rev. David Wenker returns.
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