The Open Door
Cape May Presbyterian Church
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.
May 9, 2024
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Our worship schedule is as follows:
April 2024 9 am - Traditional service
11 am Jazz celebration service
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Kind Stranger
Leaving Harpers Ferry on the footbridge over the Potomac, I was trying to take a selfie for posterity when a kind stranger offered to take the photo instead. I was relieved, because I had been worried I would drop my phone/camera/map/lifeline into the river as I tried to get the right angle! The photo, above, turns out to be one of my favorites of my 6 days on the Appalachian Trail, so wherever you are, kind stranger, thank you.
One thing about a long walk--it is a great deal easier if you are not walking alone. Having Nazim to complain with, to estimate mileage with, and to sing with along the way, made the miles go a great deal faster in those first two days. Passing strangers also broke up the day, sharing encouragement and occasionally a phone charger.
Jesus never seems to have walked alone, always calling at least three of the disciples to come with him, even when he goes away to pray. On the journey of faith, it seems, as on the Appalachian Trail, companionship is everything. Even the rebellious young man in the book and movie Into the Wild finally came to the conclusion that the happiness he sought outside of civilization wasn't happiness unless it was shared.
I confess that there were moments along the Appalachian Trail when I thought, whose idea was this again? Uphill in the heat with however many pounds on my back--who thought that was going to be fun? Like the Christian journey, any walking journey is going to have its difficult moments. But. There was a moment when I heard Nazim gasp as a deer went leaping through the trees ahead of us, entirely beautiful and free in its natural habitat. Would I walk 40 miles just for a moment like that? I might--but I might never have had that moment, if I were doing it alone.
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Who's Afraid of the Jewish Law?
Not the Monday afternoon Bible study! Every Monday afternoon in May (13, 20, 27) we will be together for a study of the biblical book of Leviticus. Yes, that's right, the book that has stopped many a "I'm going to read the whole Bible this year" good intention in its tracks, everyone's least favorite book of the Bible, which few of us have really read from beginning to end. Trust me, when you dig into it, it's earthy, interesting, and important--lots of the purity system is in there, some verses often quoted as anti-gay, as well as the 2nd greatest commandment--Love your neighbor as yourself.
Jump in any time, in person (in the Fellowship Room) or on Zoom!
Topic: Leviticus Bible Study
Time: May 13, 2024 04:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/
Meeting ID: 833 3801 3223
Passcode: 472865
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One meal from your kitchen can make a better future for a struggling family
It is once again our turn and our privilege to provide meals to the family that is currently working through the Family Promise program. We will be providing dinner on May 16 and 17, for two parents and a seventeen-year-old daughter. A list of the family's preferences is available. Email Pastor Nicole if you are interested in helping out!
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We are so appreciative of all the people who take on tasks regularly or occasionally to keep worship happening and the church functioning -
from making prayer shawls to lighting the candles on Sunday morning, there are a lot of things that only happen because of willing church members ready to make even a small commitment of their time. Right now, we're in need of people to do two things in particular.
1) Sign up to count! If you can count, it would be greatly appreciated if you can spare an hour on Sunday after church or Monday morning, to come and count the collection. We need two people doing this every Sunday, and we are trying to make sure no one has to do it all the time! Ask members of the Stewardship committee and they will send you the sign up sheet--pick one or two weeks among the next several and make all the other counters' lives a lot easier! No experience necessary!
2) Sign up to help serve communion!
Communion is one of our only two sacraments, and the one we do most often--once a month. We are in need of people who might help serve communion at the 11 am service during the summer. Never done it before? We can pair you with someone who knows the ropes. And as your pastor, I want to assure you, there is no way to mess up communion, unless you are messing it up on purpose. If you can help serve just one time this summer, it will be a huge help, and you may find it deepens your appreciation of worship.
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Beach Church starts again on May 26th at 8:30am
Bring your own seat, shade, water and spirit of rejoicing and find us at Decatur Street beach every Sunday from May 26th until September 29th. If you prefer to worship in air conditioning, though, we'll be happy to welcome you to rejoice jazz-wise in the air-conditioned sanctuary every Sunday at 11 am.
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Like to cook?
It is once again our turn and our privilege to provide meals to the family that is currently working through the Family Promise program. We will be providing dinner on May 16 and 17, for two parents and a seventeen-year-old daughter. A list of the family's preferences is available. Email Pastor Nicole if you are interested in helping out!
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Your session and deacons are a great group of folks and worth getting to know. If you can't put a face with a name, make sure you get a copy of the photo directory, available by email from the office or in a hard copy if you stop by.
Session members:
Cheryl Abate
Heijung Colameco Hospitality Committee
Paul Gentilini
Carolyn Schmidt Worship and Music Committee
Jane Senico Nominating Committee
Janet Westcott (clerk) Mission Committee
Mark Wheaton (president) Stewardship Committee
Deacons: Linda Boyd, Kris Gentilini (chair), Dot McCloy, Ruth Rich, Linda Riccio
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Miss church last week? The text of recent sermons are available on the church's website, and of course videos of the earlier service are always available on YouTube and Facebook.
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Our Church Staff:
Pastor: Rev. Dr. Nicole Wilkinson
Keyboardist/Jazz Leader: Greg Pordon
Office Administrator: Nancy DeSantis