News from Old First Church
Wednesday, March 22, 2023
Greetings,

It really felt like spring yesterday with the warm sunshine even after the early morning, which was cold. In the old growth forests small hibernating animals are beginning to emerge. But since 1970, due to habitat loss, scientists say there has been a 69% decline in wildlife populations. Central and South America have experienced a greater loss than we have but the threats are real and serious.

We usually think of birds and bears, but forests are homes to all kinds of critters, such as frogs, toads, and salamanders, to name a few. The sharp decline in their numbers are a warning sign for the loss of other species, including us.

So, what does it matter that critters we will never see survive or fail, huge companies with their power equipment and chainsaws ask. The quality of our lives is inextricably tied to habitat preservation. The forest canopy is essential in this world of changing climate. We cannot live by air conditioners alone.
Pastor Joyce
You're Invited to Watch Brother Sun, Sister Moon

Join us here, Sunday, March 26 at 2:00, to watch "Brother Sun, Sister Moon," a film about Francis of Assisi by Franco Zefferelli with music sung and composed by Donovan with discussion and refreshments to follow. Click HERE to watch movie trailer.
Save the Date - Saturday, June 10 at 7:00PM
With a Smile and a Song: The Walt Disney Songbook
Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Walt Disney Studios

Tickets $25, refreshments included. Performance is here at Old First Church.
Save the Date
Saturday, May 6
Rev. Dr. John Inscore-Essick will speak on his book about the early Baptists of Middletown -- a special presentation as part of Weekend in Old Monmouth. Copies of the book, which contains pages from the "Great Book," the records of the early Middletown Baptist Church, have been reproduced for this volume.
Gravestone Restoration Workshop

Come and learn about the importance of gravestone upkeep and restoration on Saturday, April 22nd from 10:00am to 12:00pm.
Greetings from the AAUW Bookstore

Visit the AAUW Bookstore for your prefect Spring read. Click here for more information and hours of operation. Please click here to see our DONATION POLICY
Betty Hughes' Beef
Vegetable Soup
   •  1 piece beef with bone
   •  2 cups of cut up potato
   •  2 cups of cut up carrot
   •  1 can green beans
   •  1 small can of peas
   •  1 small can of corn
   •  2 small can of Lima beans
   •  1 large can of chopped tomatoes
   •  4 beef bouillon cubes
  •  6 dashes Worcestershire sauce
  •  salt and pepper to taste • 1/2 lb. small shell or other small noodle • 6 quarts
of water • small onion, chopped

Cover beef with water; add bouillon cubes, tomaoes and onion. Cook for 1/2 hour. Cook noodles until half cooked. Add to soup allowing them to simmer in soup for 15 minutes.
- Dolly Aurelto
Address Book Updates
Elaine Lent is working to update our current contact files. If you have moved, changed phone numbers or email address of late, please let us know - even if you are unsure of what we have on file, your most current info is appreciated. Please submit the information to the church office at office@oldfirstchurchnj.org. Once completed, electronic copies of the address book will be emailed out. Hard copies will be available on request and at the church. Thank you in advance.
Thoughts and Prayers

 Julie J. now at home.

Prayers for Eleojhilda Martines, mother of Rebecca Kapsis.

Sandy K., Margaret B., and Gretchen & Jim H. -- "Housebound and caring for themselves and others."
Contact Us! 
We want to hear from you! Please email us at office@oldfirstchurchnj.org if you have items to contribute.
69 Kings Highway
Middletown, NJ 07748
Phone: 732-671-1905