First Presbyterian Church of Avenel, New Jersey

621 E. Woodbridge Avenue | Avenel, NJ 07001 | 732-634-1631 | Rev. Jason P. Tucker

P O T P O U R R I

OTHER ACTIVITIES
at the First Presbyterian Church of Avenel

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Sunday School Youth Vacation Bible School Camp Johnsonburg

Welcome to our Potpourri page. Here you will find a "potpourri" of some of the projects, programs and activities
in our church not mentioned elsewhere on our website.

ANNUAL HOLIDAY FAIR

     Each October, our church hosts its Annual Holiday Fair. Most everything at our Fair is donated by members of the congregation. The workers at the Fair are also mostly members of our congregation.
     Some examples of what we have available for sale are toys, puzzles, games, books, jewelry, tapes, cassettes, baked goods and bread, dress, needlepoint and cross stitch patterns, yarn and other craft materials, as well as hand-made crafts by our congregation members. We also have a Progressive Auction which has new or essentially new items in excellent condition, as well as our White Elephant Room which has a potpourri of items available.
     The Deacons operate the "Deacons Diner." Members of the congregation provide home-made soup to sell at the Diner. Also available are hot dogs and sauerkraut, sausage, peppers and onions, Sloppy Joes, soda, water, coffee, tea, and juice. Desserts consist of cake, cookies, cupcakes, rice pudding, Philadelphia Soft Pretzels and rolls and butter. As you can see, you won't go hungry while you are shopping!
     We also provide care, arts and crafts, games and face/hand painting for children attending the Fair. These services are provided by our "Busy Bees."
     Our Fair requires many, many dedicated workers to make it a success, and this congregation comes through each and every year.
     The distribution of profits from the Fair is decided each year. For the last few years, the profits have gone to repair our Sanctuary roof and for other projects of the Property Care Committee.

CHURCH PICNIC

     Each June our Church has an Annual Church Picnic. The picnic is usually held on the Sanctuary grounds, unless it rains. If it rains, the picnic is held in our gymnasium. In 2010, however, we are having the picnic at Merrill Park. There will be children's games, adult games, softball, basketball, and lots of fun and fellowship for young and old alike. The Membership Care Committee supplies hot dogs, hamburgers, rolls and drinks. Salads, desserts, fruit, etc. are provided by our church members. It is a day of food, fun and fellowship.

BERSEY FUND MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

     Approximately 45 years ago, a couple named Maxie and Ken Bersey moved to Remsen Avenue in Avenel when one of the first new developments was built. Maxie and Ken were devoted, committed Christians who influenced many of our members through their love of Jesus Christ. When Ken's parents died, they left him their home. Ken decided to create a Memorial to them that would to used to help young people in our congregation. This Memorial became the Bersey Fund.
     Each spring, a financial gift from the Bersey Fund is given to an outstanding high school senior who has demonstrated a commitment to Jesus Christ and has plans to further his or her education. The recipient of this fund must be an active member of our church who regularly participates in church activities and has provided service to our congregation.

STREAM LINES (Newsletter)

     Stream Lines is our church's monthly newsletter. It is prepared in booklet form and contains church news, information, events, projects, and so much more. The Stream Lines team consists of the editor, proofreader, duplicator and assembly team. Each month, approximately 250 copies of Stream Lines are prepared, assembled and mailed to the members of our congregation.
     Beginning with the August 2009 issue, our newsletter went electronic and is available for reading and printing online each month. Paper copies are still available for those who have no internet service.

SPRING/FALL CLEAN-UP PROGRAM

     Each spring and each fall, members of the congregation, together with Cub Scout Pack 41, their parents and Scout Master, gather to clean up and spruce up the church property. The group gather not just to work, but to enjoy a day of fellowship, exercise and fresh air. Please consider joining us at our next clean up!

ALUMINUM CANS COLLECTION PROGRAM

     The collection of aluminum cans is a year-round program. Monies collected from recycling these cans go to help purchase bibles and other supplies for our Sunday School. Remember to save your aluminum cans and place them in the bin next to the trailer in the Sanctuary parking lot.