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August 2021 newsletter

235 years.

Celebrating Our Past; Imagining Our Future

United Presbyterian Church of Millstone

Established in 1786.

Consumed by fire; rebuilt and re-dedicated, debt-free

in one year by the congregation - 1884.

Visit our website

9:30 am Summer Worship / live-streaming

Summer worship is during July, August & Sept. 5th

Beginning September 12th, we return to 10:30 am Worship

Sunday School resumes in September

Communion - 1st Sunday of each month

Truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, "Move from here to there," and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.

- Matthew 17:20 NRSV / Upper Room Devotional for Aug 10, 2021

This Summer in Worship

This summer, we are going to take a deep dive into the opening chapters of the Book of Genesis. We will hear of the two stories of creation, one that is grand and cosmic and another that is much more earthy. We'll see humanity's fall into sin and the first murder. We will see God's judgment and God's mercy in the story of Noah and the Flood. And finally, after God scatters the people at the Tower of Babel, we will see the beginnings of the story of redemption through the family of Abraham and Sarah. Join us this summer for worship as we learn from the first few stories of the Bible.

During 9:30 am summer in worship, those attending can choose

their favorite hymn to be sung from one of the hymnals in our pews.

Please be ready with the hymn number of your choice!

Live-streaming

While we are continuing to meet to worship together in our sanctuary, live-streaming allows individuals the ability to participate in worship from away.

We are continuing to “dial-in” the streaming system, so please let us know how it is working for you.

Our live and recorded activities can be found at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaRIvsiyd_RRL5yUeqfvq3A

If anyone is interested in learning about the working of the live production or even better, participating in its conduct, please reach out to Mark Francisco at francima@optonline.net - Elder Mark Francisco

In God's Hand is the life of every living thing.

Job 12:10

Our Deacon on Call for August is Cathy Infante. If you are aware of someone needing help, please call Cathy at 609-209-0100.

Sunshine Deacon - If there is someone you know who could use a card of encouragement, or if you are aware of an elderly or homebound person, who could be placed on our Deacon’s Angel List for some TLC and a holiday meal, please contact Suzy Bullock at bullooba@gmail.com or call her at 732-786-0096.

Confirmation for the 2021-22 school year will kick off in September. Confirmation is offered to our 8th graders or older. This is a period of time to explore your faith. Learn about Christian and Presbyterian traditions. Grow in community with one another. If you are interested or know someone that is, please contact Sharon Peake directly. Stpeake@optonline.net or 732-600-1950.

A very big Thank You to Elder Tom Peake who arrived early one morning

and power-washed the Ministry Center, giving it a fresh, clean look

to greet those attending committee meetings, Prayer Circle

and the Caring Hearts Food Pantry.

Tommy White and Bill Mayer in July at the National Youth Leadership Training Program at Quail Hill Scout Reservation.

"Grateful for our UPCM friendships" photo from The White Family

Christian Ed is inviting anyone who is interested in teaching or helping out with Sunday School to their August meeting on the 4th at 7:00 pm at the ministry center. If Sunday School being held during worship is preventing you from teaching, please note that we are open to holding Sunday School during the week. Please reach out to Jenny Strickland with any questions: 732-616-0663 or jenny.strickland@yahoo.com.

Our Worship Committee needs help with childcare during our worship services beginning in September. This is a paid position, requiring someone who is 18 yrs. or older. Please contact Estelle D’Amico: 609-448-2321.

Thus said the Lord:

Do not let the wise boast in their wisdom,

do not let the mighty boast in their might,

do not let the wealthy boast in their wealth;

but let those who boast in this,

that they understand and know me.

- Jeremiah 9:23-24

Millstone Day

Sept. 12th - 12 to 5 pm

Volunteers needed to help set up, then staffing for 1 hr. shifts

to help with children's crafts/games. Contact Cindy: cmayer99@optonline.net

or 732-580-4116.

Trunk or Treat

in October!

Will it happen?

This is an easy and fun event!

Contact Cindy Mayer at

732-446-4350 or cmayer99@optonline.net.

Thank You!

Summer Help for Restoring Hearts Ministries

From Restoring Hearts Ministries: We are in need of summer supplies (semi-urgent). If you can help to gather some supplies for those struggling in homelessness in the Trenton/Mercer County area, we would appreciate it. We would love if you could donate the following items: New underwear (men & women), bras (new only), socks, nail clippers, Vaseline, T-shirts (not under shirts), shorts, blue jeans, sandals, flip-flops, sneakers, work boots, toothpaste, toothbrush, dental floss, baby powder, hand wipes & hand sanitizer, disposable masks, belts, backpacks, new children’s stuffed animals (not used, please), sweatshirts (preferred), or sweaters, rain ponchos, tents, baseball hats, new combs & brushes. If you can gather these items, we will be happy to come get them. You can also drop them at our office or Mission house anytime. We couldn’t do this without you! Thank you so much for your support! God bless you! Barbara Truscinski will also take our donations to RHM.

Community Garden News

July 17, 2021

Dear Gardeners,

Buzz and I spent sometime on Tuesday finishing off the fence line project at the garden.

It was reported to me that a groundhog had been seen near the fence again on Wednesday. I have been keeping a close eye on the fence but I haven’t seen any fresh efforts to dig or chew at it.

As the week turned warmer, the Colorado beetle is still happily trying to cause damage in the garden. I find the best way to deal with them is to regularly check my plants. If left unchecked they will destroy your plants. It is also good to keep an eye on things because tomatoes are ripening, green beans are ready along with peppers and zucchini.

Earlier in the week my neighbor whose cucumber plants from Home Depot turned out to be yellow squash, gave me 3 of them. I made a delicious ratatouille using garlic and onions from my plots and oregano from the herb garden. I did have to source toms from a can but it was still good.

Don't forget to check your plots for bugs, water those hot and thirsty plants and weed the walkways around your plot.

Jeanette

The best summer meal - Ratatouille - so nutritious

and can be made with many delights from your garden.

Watch out for those potato beetles which can decimate your plants!

Buzz (in the distance)

putting down heavy cardboard

along the fence line to deter

the groundhog and weeds

from accessing the garden.

Cardboard - mulched over.

Jeanette - cheerfully loading up mulch.

Another serene sunset in the garden.

July 25, 2021

Its that time of year again, the dreaded green horntails [tomato hornworms] have been discovered on my tomato plants at home. Three of them. Tomorrow morning I will be at the garden seriously scouting my plants over there. They are a total menace just like the Colorado potato beetle and the only way to deal with them is to check your plants regularly. They are green and can hide so well it can take sometime searching but it is worth it because one green horn[worm] alone can seriously devastate a plant.

On a happier note, Heidi had shared with me a success story. She planted milkweed to attract Monarch Butterflies and recently found a caterpillar and a chrysalis on the said milkweed ! Thank you for sharing Heidi.

Saturday the Caring Hearts Food pantry was open and our wonderful Girl Scout Troop were able to donate fresh veggies. Well done girls. We love having you as part of the Community Garden.

This coming week is forecast to be HOT, HOT, HOT. Keep your plants hydrated and on a lookout for horntails.

Have a good week everyone,

Jeanette