Dear Church Family,
I write this brief letter on Election Day, 2020. I don’t expect that we’ll officially know the winner of the presidential campaign, or many of the other down ballot races, for some time. There is no way that an election that involves so many new ways of voting will be able to have complete tallies for us today.
I do recall, today, how the politics of the past 4 years has impacted the behaviors of our church family very directly. It was obvious that the spirit of hate, anger, xenophobia, misogyny and racism that had been pulsing through the entire 2016 campaign was totally and completely out of line with the loving and justice-filled way of Jesus Christ. We directed much of our work, early on, in loudly and directly speaking out against the behaviors of the White House.
Lent, 2017, we held weekly vigils, for our church and the community, with each vigil centering around one of the populations of victims of the new administration’s vitriol.
We took a week to focus on LGBTQ rights, as in the first months there were all sorts of attempts to undo advances to freedom that were made during the Obama years. As we near 2021 we are, again, deeply concerned about extremist attempts to undo human rights of people who identify as LGBTQ. Though the leadership at the top may change…we cannot stop being diligent on this matter.
We took a week to express concern about rising anti-Semitism, as white supremacy groups seemed to see the election of this president as grounds for allowing pent-up hate to spill out into acts of public violence.
We took a week to express distress about anti-Muslim rhetoric, and we invited Muslim leaders to join us and to lead us in prayer about the Muslim Ban.
We took a week to express outrage about the hiring of thousands of additional immigration ‘spies’ who were hired to remove long-overstayed immigrants—breaking up families. As election day approaches we are still concerned about this.
We took a week in prayer to speak out against the Wall, and the rhetoric surrounding it.
We took a week to speak up for refugees, as, immediately, the president promised to gut the program. We have indeed seen lower arrival numbers since he took office.
We took a week to speak up for the environment, as the president committed to undoing regulations and agreements that matter for the health of the planet.
That was Lent 2017.
Speaking out is important, and I hope, as you look back on the years of this administration, you feel that we, as a church, spoke out and stood up for those made most vulnerable.
But as I look back on the past 4 years of our church life I think I’m most proud of how we did something else. While we never stopped speaking out against what was wrong, we also continued to create a community of hope, peace, love and joy. I kind of feel like the candles of Advent never stopped burning during these 4 very bleak years. Our life wasn’t bleak. It wasn’t that we were engaged in avoidance behavior. Rather, we found time to listen to God guide us into battles and listen to God guide us into celebration and kingdom-of-God living.
RCHP, you kept me well over these past 4 years. I hope you all have some similar experience. As we’ve walked through the valley, and the shadows, we have still found joy together, as we’ve gathered before God.
The Peace of Christ to you,
Pastor Seth
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Upcoming Events
TONIGHT at 6 pm! Firepit Fridays - Join your church family on the front lawn for Covid-safe singing, socializing and lightly structured worship.
November 7 - Community Farm Tour Day at Global Grace Farms
The Youth Groups of RCHP will be joining Emily Wilkes for a tour and talk this Saturday, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. If you’d like to join them you are welcome to do so! The farm is located at 14 College Farm Rd in New Brunswick.
November 8 - Healing and a Baptism
On November 8th we get to celebrate the baptism of Chris Acebedo, the baby of new church member Solanlli Acebedo. We are so thankful for new families coming into the church communities and for the opportunity we have, with God, to let a child know, right from the start, that they are loved and cherished by God.
November 8 - Interfaith-RISE Walk-A-Thon
The 6th Annual Interfaith-RISE Walk-A-Thon will be held on Sunday afternoon, from 2pm-4pm. This year’s walk will almost surely be a little smaller, given the circumstances of Covid, so please, if you can, join us! It’s always great if we have posters and signs that speak to the value of being welcoming to refugees. If you cannot walk, or do not feel comfortable walking, you can donate at interfaithrise.org. Just click on the tab for walk-a-thon 2020.
November 22 - Matching Gift Sunday
Each year one of the ways that RCHP breaks even is by the tremendous outpouring of financial support that is seen through Matching Gift Sunday. Watch for details about Matching Gift Sunday, and consider giving extra-generously!
November 22 - Interfaith-Thanksgiving, Via Zoom, 7pm
Watch for more details to come out about this not-yet-planned virtual opportunity to gather with our Central NJ Interfaith Community as we give thanks to God in the midst of a pandemic.
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Worship
Outdoor Worship and Education Hour
Sundays at 10, Sunday School for all ages (outdoors)
Sundays at 11, Worship (outdoors)
Sundays at 5 pm, The Table (social hall)
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Children and Youth
Sundays at 6 pm, Confirmation Class (basement or outdoors)
Sundays at 7 pm, Middle School Youth Group (basement or outdoors)
Wednesdays at 5:30pm First Voices
Wednesdays at 7pm High School Youth Group
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Connecting With God
Sanctuary Open for Prayer and Meditation
Just because we cannot worship together indoors at this time doesn't mean you cannot enjoy the quiet and sacred space of RCHP's beautiful sanctuary. Church members have signed up to "staff" an open sanctuary during the following days and times. Please come by and sit quietly to connect with God mid-week in a sacred space.
Mondays: 5:30 to 6:30pm
Tuesdays: 5:30 to 6:30pm
Wednesdays: 12:00 to 1:00pm
Thursdays: 12:00 to 1:00pm
Fridays: 1:30 to 2:30pm
Adult Education Opportunities During Covid-19
RCHP has not slowed down its opportunities for adult bible study during Covid-19.
Wednesday morning, 7:45am, join Pastor Seth and a group of 7-10 outside in front of the sanctuary.
Wednesday afternoon at 5 pm outside in front of the sanctuary
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Connecting With One Another
Cancer Care Program through NJC4
Thursday, November 12th at 6:30pm, NJC4 and Rutgers Cancer Institute of NJ- Keeping the Faith Health Series: Breathing Easier webinar-Learn about tobacco, vaping, and the dangers of second-hand smoke and how you can protect yourself and your family. RSVP to register at nj4cancercare@improvingnj.org
Nature Hikes at RCHP!
One of the greatest ways to enjoy each other’s company, and still remain socially distanced, is to walk together in the woods. RCHP’s nature hikes are excellent events for people of all ages.
November 14th: Join us on November 14th for a walk through Rutgers Gardens and the Bamboo Forest. Bring a ball to kick around and a bag to collect beautiful leaves!
December 12th: A Walk in ‘the Meadows of HP’, decorating the woods with edible Christmas ornaments for the Animals
Outdoor Fellowship Group
November 14 - RCHP Saturday Fellowship Group, 11am
Gather with church friends for conversation on the RCHP lawn. BYO coffee!
Weekly Virtual "Drop-In"
All are welcome to drop-in for an hour of friendly, free-wheeling conversation on Thursdays from 12:30 to 1:30pm. Contact our host, Carol Perry caca98@aol.com for more information and for a Zoom link.
"LitLovers" Reading Group
If you love reading and a lightly structured format for sharing, give LitLovers a try on Tuesdays from 12:30 to 1:30pm. Contact our host, Carol Turner cjteddpc@mac.com for more information and for a Zoom link.
Committee Night
THE FIRST THURSDAY of each month is Committee Night at RCHP. These committees are central to us staying well-balanced as a church in terms of our areas of engagement: Fellowship, Care, Property, Worship, and Justice & Mercy all meet for 45 minute meetings between 6:45 and 9pm (Faith Development and Finance meet on different days). Please reach out to Pastor Stephanie at stephanie.kaperdale@gmail.com if you are interested in being on a committee that specializes in one of these areas.
Choirs (Outdoors)
Wednesdays at 5:30pm First Voices
Wednesdays at 6pm Gospel Choir Practice
Wednesdays at 7pm Chancel Choir Practice
“The Cancer Journals” by Audre Lorde Book Discussion Group
Join NJ4C starting Tuesday, Nov. 10th at 2 pm via Zoom for our discussion of this powerful read! RSVP to njforcancercare@improvingnj.org to join and receive your book!
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Serving and Working For Justice and Peace
Global Grace Cafe and Marketplace
Global Grace Marketplace: 5 days a week Global Grace Marketplace is open for business. We are excited to have expanded our merchandise so as to offer products from an increased number of locations around the world. Come and see new items from Sri Lanka and Pakistan, among others.
Global Grace Cafe: 5 days a week we are serving meals to homeless and hungry individuals in Middlesex County. The Cafe is also open for customers to dine in (limited seating) or to grab and go. Lunch is ready around 11:30am.
Support for Blood Banks
November 17 - Red Cross Blood Drive
After Leah Kaper-Dale’s successful Blood Drive for NJ Congregational Center for Cancer Care, in August, we are now teaming up with a group from Highland Park High School and American Red Cross. On November 17th, from 2:30-7:30pm, you are invited to come to our social hall to give blood. Please help support blood banks during this critical time.
Thrift Shop
YOU’VE HEARD IT HERE—THE THRIFT SHOP NEEDS MORE ITEMS! For the first time in years we are requesting more items for the thrift shop. Things are flying off the shelves during the pandemic as we have connected with literally hundreds of families who are new customers. The thrift shop is open from 9am-Noon Monday-Friday, 10-1 on Saturday and 12-2 on Sunday.
NeighborCorps
COMING SOON - WORD 2.0!! - Details will be shared this coming week for how to participate in and/or attend the virtual NeighborCorps Second Annual Verbal Arts Fundraiser. Keep an eye out for a special e-blast with info.
HP Food Pantry
During COVID our community is in need of the food pantry more than ever. The HP Food Pantry is collecting donations via an Amazon Wishlist. To donate badly needed items, click on https://tinyurl.com/s7pxpzn Contact Kathi Lombardi with questions: foxyrox18@gmail.com The items needed most this month are:
Oatmeal
Tomato Sauce
Peanut Butter
Pasta
Mac and Cheese
INTERFAITH RISE
Interfaith-RISE has its next monthly meeting at 12 noon on November 19th. Join us, via zoom, for updates about refugee arrivals and new program opportunities.
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Supporting Each Other During Difficult Times
Church Based Mental Health
Asking for help is a sign of strength. Call our Warmline for free non-crisis confidential mental health care (866) 777-2380 Email: ayuda@improvingNJ.org www.NJCommunityMentalHealth.org
Peer-Led Support Group
Need Help Dealing with This Stressful Year? The Peer-Led Support Group is meeting every Monday and Thursday from 4 pm to 5 pm. Welcome to a judgment- free safe space. Our concern is to provide unconditional caring support. Anyone is welcome to attend. Any questions? Please call Jess Munger at 732-690-1087 or email at jessmsn409@gmail.com
Stephen Ministry
Stephen Ministry is a ministry of presence. Trained Stephen Ministers meet with individuals who are going through a challenging situation in order to listen and show compassion. If you would be interested in being trained as a Stephen Minister, please reach out to John Rametta, Renee or Anthony DiGrigoli or Pastor Stephanie.
Bereavement Calendar for November
The following names have been offered for remembrance in November 2020:
Ruth Epstein, Beloved Mother of Carla Epstein-Teliha
Charles Jackson, Beloved Father of Gail Green
Mary and Stefhan Horyn, Beloved Parents of Terrance Horyn
Walter Koscienski, Beloved ‘Uncle Wally’ of Carrie and Paul Hudak
Pat Rockman, Beloved Friend of Pat Kaufman
Harold and Ruth Thornton, Beloved Parents and
Patricia Snyder and Mary Alice Heinemann, Beloved Sisters, and
John Thornton, Beloved Brother of Janet Peterson
Bossila, Beloved Mother and Todor Timev, Beloved Brother-in-law of
Vessa Timeva
Tommy Van Liew, Beloved Son of Dolores Van Liew
Ralph Voorhees, Beloved Elder of RCHP
If it would be a comfort to include your loved ones in a monthly memory calendar, call Lisa at the RCHP office at 732-249-7349.
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American Foundation for Suicide Prevention - Recap
Despite heavy rain and freezing temperatures that interrupted full participation in RCHP’s American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Walk, a remnant still pressed forward! As this pandemic drags on, and as the winter settles in, awareness about suicide is more important than ever. Let’s continue to listen and learn from those in our church who are leading this ongoing awareness campaign for our church community!
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A few pics from the Bazaar, Halloween party and G.G. Farm workday. |
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Many thanks to all who made these events fun and meaningful for all! |
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RCHP Welcomes New Members! |
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Martha Eidmann-Hicks lives in Colts Neck and has a daughter, Suzie, with Rusty. She is a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and an ordained UCC minister. |
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Rusty Eidmann-Hicks lives with Martha in Colts Neck along with two cats. He is a retired UCC pastor, after 38 years in ministry including 27 years at the Holmdel Community UCC. Rusty & Martha enjoy biking, hiking and travel; and miss attending RCHP worship in person. |
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Winter Wiggins, Director of NJ4C, is a person of many loves- journaling, nature, spending time by bodies of water, coffee/tea, Marvel superheroes, and french fries to name a few. |
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RCHP also welcomes:
Mckenzie Kramer
Owen Selles
Solanlli Acevado
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RCHP Gives Thanks for Our Seminary Interns! |
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From Chicago, Illinois, Desiree McCray (they/them) is a 3rd year dual degree candidate in the MDiv./MSW program at Princeton Theological Seminary and Rutgers University. Desiree is working with the Black Community Watchline, NJC4, and Church-based mental health services for the academic year. In addition, Desiree is an author, poet, and artist. |
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Anna grew up overseas in Germany where her parents work as teachers. She currently attends Princeton Theological Seminary and found RCHP early in her time and loved attending during her first year before becoming a pastoral intern. Anna works with a variety of programs including Sunday school and children's church, Sunday morning worship, adult bible study, middle school youth group, and pastoral care. |
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