Dear Church Family,
I love the season of Easter. That’s the liturgical season that encompasses May. We are still on the high that comes from the realization that Jesus is alive and filling each of us and our community with the hope of the resurrection. The liturgical color is white this season, but I really wish, whatever color were the color, that it be streaked with the red of Pentecost that represents the coming of the Holy Spirit like fire.
As far as I’m concerned there wasn’t ever this major break between the arrival of Christ and Spirit. Throughout his ministry the Spirit of God was with Jesus. On multiple occasions Jesus empowered his apostles and other disciples with the power of the Holy Spirit. And then, post Easter, the Spirit starts to be a pervasive part of discussion—as the resurrected Jesus breathes out the Holy Spirit upon his followers when he came to visit them behind locked doors. To be in the presence of the risen Christ is to be in the presence of the living Spirit of God. There is no separation between the persons of God. Sure, in the story, there is a 50 day gap between Jesus' resurrection and Pentecost, when the Spirit rushed in with power, but in our retelling couldn’t we shrink that gap down, so as to celebrate these events as more related, one to the other?
This May, this Easter Season, can you join me in living like Easter/Pentecost already occurred? The whole thing is complete. Jesus is risen and the Spirit is poured out and the church is rip-roaring into a new day with power to love and heal and create new community as a result. Jesus is risen and the Spirit is poured out, and the church can creatively address matters of injustice and divides. New community and prophetic justice are both the work of Christ and Spirit.
I’m excited to celebrate mother’s with you with our Mother’s Day brunch (May 8), I’m excited to see the installation of a new playground at church happening. I’m excited for testimonies to be shared. I’m excited for deepening relationships. And, I’m excited to hold an event to highlight the “Values Act” that could make NJ a state much safer for immigrants (May 19) and excited to join Mckenzie in community art events in South River that highlight protecting the planet.
Christ is risen and we are invited into Spirit-filled life. Let’s have at it!
The Peace of Christ to you,
Pastor Seth
P.S. Check out the photo gallery at the end of this email for church family highlights!
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Upcoming May Events & Happenings |
TOMORROW!
Game Day – Saturday, May 7th, 10AM – 12 Noon in the Social Hall
All ages welcome! Come join us for fun and fellowship. Bring your favorite board game to play, along with your friends and family. Some board games will be provided. Optional: feel free to bring a snack to share. Questions? Contact Wendy Nussman.
May 7th, Join Ashar Hafeez at 9:30am-12:30 for a morning of planting and transplanting! It’s time for our garden to grow! This is a great way for adults and children alike to spend the morning!
May 8th, The men of the church are preparing for the annual Mother’s Day Brunch. Can you help out? Please call Anthony DiGrigoli at 908-400-4547. This is a very meaningful event for the women of the church but it always is meaningful, too, for the men who work together to pull it off!
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NJ Solidarity Network Conference - Saturday, May 14th from 10am-5pm at RCHP
We cordially and enthusiastically invite you to the very first NJ Solidarity Network Conference, organized by about a dozen mutual aid organizers from across the state. It will be a hybrid event on Saturday, May 14th from 10am-5pm at the Reformed Church of Highland Park and virtually. Masks required. The conference is geared towards people already working in mutual aid. We’ll have nine incredible skill-sharing workshops led by local community organizers, which are listed here on our flyers. We are hoping this conference will be the starting point for a state-wide network or federation of mutual aid and social justice organizations. Join us by signing up here and following us on instagram and facebook for updates! Contact us with any questions at solidaritynetworknj@gmail.com. Website: https://solidaritynetworknj.com/
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NJIC3 Call for Artists! The New Jersey Interfaith Center for Cancer Care is looking for artists whose lives have been impacted by Cancer. See flier for more details and contact Austin with questions: austin.njic3@improvingnj.org
May 14th: Each year Pond Skimming in East Brunswick at Bicentennial Park is a fan favorite! Please join us at 9am, in the church parking lot, and join us in our earnest search for minnows, crayfish, frogs and turtles. This is fun for all ages!
May 17th: On May 17th, at 7pm, RCHP will host a Ukrainian Cultural Night that is being planned and run by the Global Awareness Group of Highland Park High School. Please come and plan on learning how you can be involved in supporting Ukrainians while celebrating Ukrainian culture.
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Save the Date!
On June 5th, after 2nd Service, we invite the church to gather for a special coffee hour and celebration of the work of Wendy Jager and Lara Arp, who formally completed 15 and 10 years respectively as Ministry Associates at RCHP. Wendy and Lara have both had a huge impact on children and youth in this church (and adults too!). Watch for more information about this event.
June 10th-June 11th Church Camping: We are excited to announce this! Let us know if you’d like to attend.
On June 12th we will celebrate our Children’s Sunday school Program and we will also celebrate the graduating seniors in our congregation. We ask the church to please join us for these special acknowledgements.
June 14th New Members Class (Evening) 7 pm - 9 pm (May 21st class canceled)
On June 19th we move to 1 worship service at RCHP, at 9pm. After the service we will have our Father's Day Picnic (complete with corn hold and ultimate frisbee, of course).
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We have decided, from June 19th-Labor Day, to hold RCHP services at 9am only, and South River services at 11am only. After the RCHP service there will be a big coffee hour each week. Let us know if you can volunteer to co-host several times or even just once.
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RCHP held its 132nd Annual Meeting on May 1st. Here is the link to the beautiful report prepared by the pastors and consistory
The gathered congregation made one of the biggest decisions in years— to change our official name to The Collegiate Reformed Church of Highland Park: with worshiping congregations in Highland Park and South River.
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Worship and Education Opportunities |
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Sunday Morning Adult Education Calendar - May 2022
May 8 - Theodicy (Problem of Evil) through Poetry, Part 1
May 15 - Theodicy through Poetry, Part 2
May 22 - Testimony through Word and Song
May 29 - NO EDUCATION HOUR (Memorial Day)
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Memorial Day Weekend Reminder:
On Sunday, May 29, we will have only ONE morning worship service, beginning at 10am, with no education hour.
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South River Update - A Message from Pastor Mckenzie:
Worship continues in South River every Sunday at 11am, and the Study Zone provides a nice place for kids to get homework help, and have fun being together twice a week. It's a joy to see kids in the building! If you'd like to volunteer your time as a tutor on either Wednesday or Thursday from 4-5pm, these kids would love to meet you. Looking toward the end of this month, we are getting ready for "e(art)th fest" on Friday, May 27th from 4-7pm in South River. All are welcome to come out for this celebration of creation and creativity, enjoy some food and live music, and hear from environmental speakers. In addition, we will celebrate the opening of the fellowship building as a place for creative expression and community for young people. I hope you will come out and support this event and meet new friends from the South River community. If you would like to participate in the event as a volunteer the day-of, or volunteer your time to a community art project that will be installed for the event, please let me know! The three Wednesdays leading up to May 27th will host "Makers Space" hours from 3-5pm in South River during which we will work preparing the building further and making the art project together for "e(art)th fest." Thank you! :)
Note: Check out this short video for Pastor Mckenzie’s report that she prepared for the RCHP Annual Meeting.
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RCHP Adult Education Course: Space for God Continues
Based on the text, Space for God: Study and Practice of Spirituality and Prayer by Don Postema.
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Through devotional reflections and readings, art, meditation and prayer, Space for God provides a joyous guide for spiritual living. The video introductions to the first 7 chapters is available on the RCHP website at www.rchighlandpark.org/spaceforgod The video for chapter 8 will be posted shortly. Reach out to Carol Turner (cjteddpc@mac.com) to learn how to connect with this group.
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The Table at 5:30 p.m. on Sundays in the Quilt room
Join your church family for a more intimate and informal version of worship which includes a simple meal with fellowship + a time for thoughtful prayer and biblical contemplation.
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LOOKING AHEAD: Summer Worship Services
Our two-service worship schedule will continue until June 19 (Father's Day), when we will shift to our single-service summer schedule, with morning worship beginning at 9:00am. People desiring to join in a later morning worship service are always encouraged to try out worship at our worshiping congregation in South River, which will feature RCHP pastors preaching throughout the summer!
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A Message from Pastor Terry
Youth, we have two great community engagement opportunities coming up soon.
First, we have the South River Earth Fest on May 27 from 4-7 pm. This is a climate justice block party that Pastor Mckenzie at our South River congregation is organizing. This event will include a collaborative art installation, speakers, music, and more. We are currently looking for youth volunteers to help with things such as supervising activity tables, grilling vegan sausages, DJ-ing, etc.
Second, the following weekend, on June 4 from 11 am to 4 pm there will be a South River Floodplain Cleanup. There is quite a bit of garbage and other pollutants that needs to be cleaned up, so this is a great chance for us to enjoy coming together, working hard, and getting some good service hours in.
Please let Pastor Terry know if you are interested in either of these events, and please invite a friend or two to join you. terryjon.stokes@gmail.com
Jr High Youth Group, Sunday Nights at 7:00pm in the Cave
High School Youth Group 5:30 pm Sunday Nights
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LYT for May
LYT (LGBTQ+ Youth Together) will not meet in May. Details about Pride events coming soon.
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May 11, 18, 25 Bible Studies morning and evening! If you want to read the Bible in community and see the power of the text as it intersects with our lives please join us at 7:45am in the parlor or 5:30pm in the Prayer Chapel.
Morning Prayer, Mon.-Sat. @ 9 am on zoom
Daily Morning Prayer Is a Great Way to Start the Morning Connected to God and Neighbor - For almost 2 full years now RCHP has offered a 6 day a week morning prayer time over zoom. This is a great way for those who are finding outings challenging to stay connected to the life of the church, and, even for those who are totally back in their routine, starting the day in prayer, with church family, has been something that some might want to continue engaging in forever! You are invited to join by going to the link at rchighlandpark.org on our website.
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"Tricky Topics" - Jesus and John Wayne
Pastor Amos is convening a book group called "Tricky Topics," where we explore some of the more difficult issues in faith and society. This final session for the year will be exploring "Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation." The first week of discussions begins Friday, May 6 at 4:00pm
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Musical Opportunities, Wednesday Nights: Our choirs sounds great right now! If you’d like to add your voice to our choirs (gospel, chancel or kids choirs) please know that you are always welcome!
Childcare on Wednesdays runs from 6pm-8:15pm, with a 30 minute ‘break out’ for the kid-choir practices.
Adult & Children's Choir Rehearsal Schedule - All on WEDNESDAYS
5:30 to 6:00pm - Praise Team Rehearsal in Sanctuary (for just that week’s team — respond to Amos if you need that schedule)
6:00 to 7:15pm - Chancel Choir Rehearsal in Sanctuary (Childcare provided upon request)
6:45 to 7:15pm - Children’s Choir Rehearsals in Parlor (Voices of Praise) and Prayer Chapel (First Voices)
7:15 to 8:15pm - Gospel Choir Rehearsal in Sanctuary (Childcare provided upon request)
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Connecting With One Another |
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Coffee & Conversations
You are invited into a safe and affirming space for LGBTQ+ adults for fellowship. This is a safe and non-judgmental space where all are welcome. Please join us to begin planning our June PRIDE Celebration and activities at RCHP. We meet at 7:00pm on the 4th Thursday evening of the month in the RCHP Parlor. If you would like additional information please contact Renee Burawski at rburawski@gmail.com or Nicci Spinazzola at niccispinazzola@gmail.com
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"LitLovers" Reading & Culture Group
If you love talking about media and arts, and would like a lightly structured format for sharing, give LitLovers a try on Tuesdays from 12:30 to 1:30pm. Each week, participants are welcome to share about books, movies, TV shows, music and culinary delights. For May: As we transition from a Covid online format to a hybrid model (online AND in-person), we’ll engage in thoughtful, lively conversation as to what that might look like going forward when the new format begins in June.
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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.
Thursday Sewing Circle
Each Thursday, from 10am-1pm, there is a wonderful opportunity to gather folks together for crafts and conversation. Please come to the Quilt Rm on Thursdays and check this out!
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Serving and Working For Justice & the Beloved Community |
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May 10, 17, 24, 31, If you are free at noon, any Tuesday in May (and probably beyond) you are welcome to join us to review calls coming in to our DIRE Ukrainians in NJ Support Program. We are learning where Ukrainians escaping the war are resettling and we are offering communal, financial, transportation and housing support.
May 12th: DIRE and many other groups supportive of immigrants rights celebrate the introduction of the Values Act. This NJ legislation would codify that it is illegal for NJ Police to share information with Immigration Customs and Enforcement.
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How Can We End NJ Collaboration with ICE? Passing the Values Act
Thursday, May 12, 7:00 pm at RCHP
Speakers include pastor Seth.
And Online Via Zoom with Translation to Spanish
Register at:
After registering, you will receive an email with the Zoom link
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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:
Food Pantry needs for May:
URGENTLY NEEDED!!
Cereal
Oatmeal
Rice
Mac and Cheese
Peanut Butter
Tuna, Chicken, Salmon
Stayfree Feminine Hygiene Products
Adult and Baby Diapers- all sizes
In addition to the Amazon wish list, items may be purchased from big box stores like Costco or Sam's Club; contact Kathi for further details.
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Supporting Each Other During Difficult Times |
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W.I.S.E. Care Blog:
Substance Abuse Recovery: A Personal Testimony
By Justan Mitchell
First off, let me start by saying this. Substance abuse is a major money-grabber in our capitalistic country, so it's not something that will ever just simply go away per say, right?
With that being said the uphill battle to being recovered can only be done with a complete psychic change that is based on reaching the depths Beyond human limits and into the Realms of the Unseen, I'm speaking of spirituality.
The devastation that my personal experience as a person who abused substances, mainly alcohol and marijuana, extends for my immediate family. What I know now is that addiction is not a disease. And it should not be classified as such to be viewed as something incurable like cancer or aids for example. Addiction, as Doctor Mark Lewis the author of "The Biology of Desire- why addiction is not a disease", addiction is the result of choices one makes to try and fulfill natural human desires that for many reasons have not been met. Or satisfied, such as one's desire for loving parents, or a stable upbringing, or love and acceptance to name a few.
When these natural desires aren't met this is how it becomes very easy for our brains to create Pathways to Joy by way of overeating, excessive sex, alcoholism and drug addiction and so on and so on. Now with drugs and alcohol the brain and body start to Crave these chemical compounds creating a dependency which triggers the constant want and need to consume these drinks and drugs for the chemical reaction and simulation of feeling good.
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RCHP Grief Support Group
Our group is a space that allows us to explore our thoughts and feelings related to our grief and loss. It is a place to both receive and provide support and understanding while finding new ways to approach the challenges presented by our grief. Come meet others who seek meaning, offer perspective, and counter the sense of isolation so many of us have felt as we walk through this process. We will provide you with emotional and spiritual support in a safe and non-judgmental environment.
Please join us from 7-8:30 pm on Monday June 6. We will meet in person in the parlor. If you would like to be part of our group please contact Pastor Stephanie Kaper-Dale, Kathy Malkiewicz at kathmaldtr@gmail.com or Nicci Spinazzola at niccispinazzola@gmail.com to sign up.
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The Self-Help Support Group
Join co-leaders Jess Munger and Terry Horyn for nurturing support for the body, mind and spirit every Monday and Thursday from 4-5 p.m. in the parlor. Seating is socially distant and masks are required. Topics addressed can be anything from Covid fears to physical ailments to emotional challenges. All are welcome! For more info, contact Jess at jessmsn409@gmail.com
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Bereavement Calendar
RCHP remembers all those who died in May and all those who still mourn
The following names have been offered for remembrance in May 2022:
Geneva Burawski, Beloved Mother of Renee Burawski and Mother-in-law of Nicci Spinazzola
Susana Keszler, Beloved Mother of Illona Faust, Susanne Kucsma, and Luanne Downey
Edward Kurkin, Beloved Father of Bethany Kurkin,
and Treasured Loved One of Renee and Anthony DiGrigoli
Frank Malkiewicz, Beloved Husband of Kathleen Malkiewicz
Debbie McKay, Beloved Sister of Kathy Lombardi
Kathleen Mroz, Beloved Grandmother of Michael Zalewski
Clara Pangemanan Giam, Beloved Mother and Grandmother of the Pangemanan Family
Frank Perger, Beloved Father of Susan Perger
Richard Petersen, Beloved Father of Kathleen Malkiewicz
Muriel Snyder, Beloved Mother of Deb Convery
Beulah St. Pierre, Beloved Mother of Linda St. Pierre
Floyd D. Turner, Beloved Father of Jonathon Turner
Pauline W. Wilpiszeski, Beloved Mother of Cathy Laycock,
and Beloved Grandmother of Anna Laycock
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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APRIL HIGHLIGHTS AND MILESTONES |
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No Easter weekend would be complete without the annual Easter Party. Such a great turn-out and lots of fun was had by all! Thanks to all who organized the event to make it a success and a blessing to the RCHP community!
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The anticipation and the destination.
As always, our Palm Wavers are the center of attention on Palm Sunday. Parent paparazzi are taking the pics (and videos) that are definitely suitable for framing!
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Another Amazing Easter Labyrinth! A special thanks to Pastor Lara and her team who, year after year, bring the Holy Week experience alive. Featured here are an interactive Kintsugi display by Genese Sodikoff and "Deliverance as Labor" by Mckenzie Kramer.
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Youth Group Retreat!
A great weekend trip at Cross Roads Retreat Center with Pastor Terry and chaperones. We give thanks for the opportunity for youth to connect with each other, and Mother Nature.
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Art Brings People Together - sometimes for social justice reasons, sometimes for kinship. These are some of the postcards created at the March LYT (LGBTQ+ Youth Together) meeting. The postcards were sent to Governor DeSantis to protest Florida's "Don't Say Gay" bill. And the awesome ladies of the Prayer Shawl Group model a few of their creations. Thanks be to God!
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