Our Interim Organist/Choir
Director
Dr. Douglas H. Frew, a freelance organist and choral conductor
will be our interim organist and choir director while we seek someone for the position permanently.
Douglas who has had forty years experience as an organist,
conductor and accompanist in churches as well as other musical venues, was educated in the State University of New York System,
Temple University, and the University of Rochester, Eastman School of
Music.
He also has experience in production for various
classical music radio stations.
Doug's other interests include reading, movies, architecture,
art, theology and the television series Law and Order.
He is a member of the New York City Chapter of the American
Guild of Organists.
We enthusiastically welcome Douglas
into our church family. He begins his work with us on Sunday, January 31.
ADULT BIBLE STUDY
Pastor Thompson is continuing an adult Bible study of
some of the psalms. Among the psalms to be studied are those that describe life as being safe and well-ordered
including being economically and politically secure. Among these psalms are Psalm 1, 8, 33, 112, and 133.
Other psalms we shall consider are those that
protest and lament over the disorder, hurt, alienation and suffereing in life. Included here will be Psalms 13, 32,
51, 79, 88, and 109.
Still other psalms that will be read bear witness
to the surprising gift of new life coming unexpectedly in the midst of the disorder, hurt, alienation and suffering.
Included here will be Psalms 23, 27, 91, 96, 100, 103, and 150.
Finally, psalms emphasizing other themes will
also be read. These include Royal Psalms 2, 21, 72, 101, 110, and 144; The Songs of Zion 46, 84, 122, and Psalms of
Historical Recital 78, 105, 135, and 136.
In addition to the psalms listed here, we may
also consider others for discussion. As with all our bible studies, this series will be interactive with everyone being
encouraged to participate in the work of interpretation. We hope you will be with us to join in our lively discussion.
Mission News
As part of our worship service on January 31st, there was a blessing of the
backpacks donated to the Department of Youth and Family Services (DYFS). The
backpacks are given to children who are removed from their homes during an emergency, as they usually don’t have enough
time to collect personal belongings. Ms. Edna Rosa, Manager of the DYFS Perth
Amboy office, along with church member and DYFS social worker, Andrew Oji, thanked the congregation for their generosity and
continued support of DYFS. A total of twenty-one backpacks were donated. Twelve of those backpacks, along with their contents, were purchased with monetary
donations made by members of First & Trinity.
A total of 41 hats/mittens/glove sets were donated by members of First &
Trinity and the Weekday Nursery School. The hats/mittens/gloves were distributed to DYFS and the Interfaith Hospitality Network.
Pictures of the donated backpacks and hats/mittens/gloves can be seen on the
bulletin board in the Goldsby Room.
One Great Hour of Sharing –
“Feed My Sheep.” (John 21:16-27)
The Mission Committee’s annual appeal for donations to One Great Hour
of Sharing will take place during the month of March. Jesus commands us to support
the needy locally and throughout the world. Please give to OGHS on Palm Sunday, March 28th.
Haiti Disaster Assistance
We’ve all been watching
and reading the reports of the earthquake devastation in Haiti
and the continuing need for
assistance. Our new sexton, Gil Dejoie, has family there.
In your bulletin this morning you will find an envelope marked ‘Haiti Disaster Assistance’. If you would like to contribute to this earthquake relief effort, please
place your contribution or check in that envelope and drop it in the offering plate.
Checks should be made out
to FP&T Church with ‘Haiti’ written on the memo line.
All such contributions will be sent to the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.
More information can be found
on their website PCUSA.org/PDA.
