Dear Church Family,

It has been such a beautiful month of May for RCHP.  The church has been bustling, at a well-attended memorial day weekend picnic, in full sanctuaries for the celebration and reception of confirmands, and a full social hall as we celebrated our mothers.  

There have been youth group trips to the movies, a consistory retreat, senior prayer breakfasts and senior outings to the farm.

We’ve celebrated lives together—with Frank Corcoran’s funeral and Gail Green’s sister Ardyth Lavern Smith’s funeral.  

South River Church has been blossoming too; experimenting with bilingual worship, having it’s first children’s choir song on a Sunday and having a wonderful Afterschool program outing to Global Grace Farm.  

The nonprofit ministries born from RCHP—there’s not enough space to say all that is being done.  We’ve celebrated Haitian Flag Day with delicious food and a documentary, held a baby shower for 13 new moms who have just arrived, and we’ve resettled into housing about 50 people this month.  Global Grace Marketplace is booming on the avenue, the wood shop sold 70 beautiful planters, the farm is about to double in size and the cafe is full every day.  

Friends, it is Spring, the season of new life, and I feel like May was a season for lots of new life!

It’s a blessing to be planting seeds with all of you and watching as God raises so much up from the ground, producing first the shoots, and then the stalks and finally, an abundance that we can hardly believe!  

Thanks be to God.

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!

Upcoming June Events & Happenings

RCHP Consistory extends a full-time position to Keiko Kereh, as RCHP Collegiate Church Ministry Associate for Youth and Worship:  

We are pleased to announce that starting June 1st, Keiko Kereh will be working full time at RCHP. Keiko completed her undergraduate program in Worship Arts & Biblical Studies a year and a half ago and has been serving, beautifully, as the Ministry Associate for Worship and Youth at South River and assisting with Youth Ministry at RCHP. In many ways Keiko has been the key link that connects our two congregations—making us one Collegiate Church (that’s the official name for 1 Church with 2 or more congregations that worship in different locations). Going forward 1/4 of Keiko’s full-time will remain dedicated to South River. 3/4 of Keiko’s time will be dedicated to leading Youth Ministry at RCHP. It is our hope, too, that Keiko will find ways to help the youth of our two congregations come together, regularly, for shared events and activities. Keiko grew up at RCHP, and was shaped, in large part, by youth ministry experiences here, under Pastor Paul and then Pastor Amos. We welcome Keiko onto the staff, and we welcome Keiko, Ingrid and Timmy into the RCHP Ministry House on Magnolia St., a house that they will share with Jodi Bischoff.

PLEASE SEE OUR "CHILDREN & YOUTH" SECTION FOR A MESSAGE FROM KEIKO ABOUT UPCOMING EVENTS.

Support for our Ukrainian siblings - Documentary & Fundraiser - Sunday June 4th at 8 pm - Highland Park Conservative Temple

The documentary, “Mariupol. Unlost Hope” shares testimonies of ordinary people, who were eyewitnesses of Russia's war against Ukraine. Three women and two men, who had been living in Mariupol during the first month of the invasion, tell what they have seen and felt, and how they dealt with the day-to-day realities of war. To view the trailer, click on this link

All proceeds go to Leonid Foundation, a local organization that supports Ukrainian refugees who come into the NJ area and ships humanitarian aid to Ukraine. To order tickets, scan the QR code in the flyer or click on this link  

Arts, Crafts & Conversation: Wednesday June 7th, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm in the quilt room. 

Come join the fun and meet new people! Whether you are a new member or have been here for many years, please drop in and check out this group. It’s a great way to destress while having fun. You may not know this but there is an inner artist in everyone. Coloring books, perler fusion beads, and shrinky dinks are not just for kids. Feel free to bring your own materials or use the supplies provided.

Special feature this month: see what diamond painting is all about. Questions? - text or call Wendy Nussman at 732-715-9025.



D.E.P.T.H. - Thursday, June 8th, 7pm

Join the discussion group DEPTH (Discussing and Exploring Personal Theologies Honestly) on Thursday, June 8th at 7pm in the RCHP Parlor. This month's discussion will focus on a quote from Stephen Prothero's book, "God Is Not One." Email Austin at retroboi319@gmail.com  for the prompt and with any questions.

Saturday May 10th from 11:00am-12:00pm - Game Day in the quilt room.

Come on out and spend some light-hearted and fun quality time with your church family playing games and catching up. Games provided, but feel free to bring your favorite. Questions? Contact Wendy Nussman at wendynussman@gmail.com

Church Camping Trip:  On June 9th and 10th join your church family for a night of camping at Voorhees State Park.  People arrive anytime on Friday afternoon, into the evening after work, and we eat a meal together, sing songs around the campfire, play frisbee and just have a great time.  In the morning we’ll eat breakfast, play some more and then, if you want you can go to Spruce Run Reservoir for swimming.  Please reach out to Pastor Seth at. 732-882-3193 if you’d like to attend and if you have camping gear to share or are in need of camping gear.  If you cannot join us for camping, but you want to drive out on Saturday morning for a pancake breakfast, let us know!

Ordination of new Elders and Deacons, June 18th:  On June 18th, during worship in Highland Park and South River, Elders and Deacons will be received into the offices to which they have been called.  

Recognition of Sunday School Teachers and children, June 18th:  All children who have participated in Sunday school and Children’s Worship in 2022-2023 will be recognized and thanked for learning together in our church.

Father’s Day Picnic, June 18th:  We will acknowledge the fathers in our church with a picnic on June 18th.  This will be at Grove 4 in Donaldson Park.  The church will supply burgers and dogs and we encourage you to bring something to share.  There will be raffle gifts, a frisbee game and corn hole tournaments.  Join us!

Camp Fowler, June 25th-June 30th:  At least 10 youth from RCHP will be traveling to update New York to be part of Camp Fowler.  Camp Fowler is a great camp to explore your faith and to appreciate God’s good creation (creation and faith so often go hand in hand!).  The camp is nearly full, so if there is any last minute interest from 6th graders-12th graders, please let us know immediately!

SAVE THE DATES!

Nature Hike/Fishing Derby:  On July 8th Pastor Seth will attempt to carry out a Fishing Derby of sorts as we did during Covid in 2021.  We’ll meet at the pond at Johnson Park, at 9am, for 2 hours of fishing.   

High School Youth Work Trip to Detroit, July 30th-August 5th:  We are very excited to be taking a work trip to Detroit, staying in the Jefferson Chalmers region that has experienced lots of flooding over the past few years.  Last year Pastor Terry and youth started developing relationships in that part of the city.  We’ll continue that this year.  Pastor Seth and Keiko Kereh will be the co-leaders of this trip.  Please let us know immediately if you plan on attending.  It’s for youth entering 9th grade-entering first year of college.  

Vacation Bible School at RCHP, August 21st-August 25th:  Every year one of the highlights is spending a week, as a church, putting on a most incredible week of fun for kids of all ages.  Last year 120 kids and youth participated in a week of stories, games, crafts and music, with the week culminating in the production of an incredible musical (Pastor Amos’ annual masterpiece).  We hope you’ve blocked this week out and that

Prison Correspondence Team 

Pastor Amos has been gathering a team each month to correspond with a list of elderly people who are incarcerated in New Jersey prisons. This team is a vital part of a policy campaign that Salvation and Social Justice is driving, to create second chance opportunities for incarcerated senior citizens to return to their communities.

Please contact Pastor Amos for more details.  amoscaley@gmail.com

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities:

As we head into summer here are a few randomly presented possibilities for you to consider. Some ideas are summer ideas, but some are forward thinking, as we prepare for fall. For the full list  click on this link



Sunday Worship and Education/Fellowship Schedule

Last two weeks of Formal Sunday school for Kids, June 4 and 11:  There are just two weeks left in the Sunday School year.  We are so grateful for a steady and dedicated group of teachers and for the leadership of Ministry Associates Meghan Pirri and Liezl Bosch.  We encourage all children to come to these last classes of the year.  Sunday school is from 10:10-11:00am. 

Summer Schedule Details (Starting June 18th)

June 18th is the official beginning of the Summer Schedule for both Highland Park and South River.  Sundays, from June 18th-Labor Day, look like this:

South River Worship Service at 9am

Highland Park Worship Service at 10:30am

The same preacher will preach in both South River and in Highland Park each of these Sundays.  Our hope is that, during the summer, some Highland Park members might explore the South River church, and vice versa, that we might get to know one another better over the summer months.  

After June 18th “Summer Sunday Education Programs” for all ages will move to 9:30am.  We will have a ‘one room school house’ experience of crafts and reading and projects with kids from 9:30-10:15, led by Miss Meghan.  During that same 45 minutes one of the pastors or another member will lead bible study on the gospel of Mark. 

“Summer Sunday Education Programs” will run through the end of July (with August being a month of rest from all Sunday morning programming except worship).

Adult Ed in June 

Join us every Sunday in June for Pride Month Adult Ed when we'll discuss concepts presented in Rev. Elizabeth Edman's book, "Queer Virtue." You don't have to have read the book to participate and the sessions are independent of each other. See the announcement for more information and please note the change in time for Adult Ed beginning on June 18th.  

Sunday Nights—The Table, 5:30pm: RCHP offers a terrific evening gathering, each and every week, for around 40-50 people. We are so thankful for Faros, for Garden State Deli and for Harvest Moon Cafe, all of which have been providing delicious meals and delivering them to the church each week!

Wednesday Evening Choirs:

Summer Choirs: Summer is a nice time to experiment with choirs. Chancel and Gospel Choirs practice every-other week, through July. Can you join us?  

Choir and Musician Appreciation Picnic: On July 26th all who have helped lead RCHP in music with their voices and instruments are invited to a special appreciation picnic at 6pm.  

A Message from Keiko Kereh - Ministry Associate for Youth & Worship

Dear RCHP family, 

It has been a joy to work with the youth of our church, and it’s exciting to continue getting to know one another, blossoming with one another, and creating a space that is safe for one another… all while having fun of course! 

If you, a (a youth), or your children have not made it to our meetings/events in a while, please know that you are welcome to join in anytime. 

THIS SATURDAY, June 3rd -  Bowling Night at Bowlero! We’ll depart from the church at 4pm and will return around 6:15pm! Open for middle & high schoolers.

(No youth group on Sunday June 4th) 

Next Sunday June 11th, LAST REGULAR youth group meeting 5:45-7pm (middle school) & 7-8:15pm (high school). We’ll play some games, have snacks and share reflections about our year. 

We’ll continue with summer activities/events dispersed throughout the season. Reach out to keikokereh@gmail.com  to be updated on youth related announcements and summer outings! 

Opportunities for Daily/Weekly Spiritual Growth, through discussion, study and prayer

Morning Prayer, 9am-9:30am, Zoom: Each morning, since the pandemic started in March of 2020, RCHP has held a daily morning prayer. Different church members and pastors share for 10 minutes or so and then there is a time of prayer and sharing. All are welcome.  

https://us02web.zoom.us/s/442816580 pwd=cTBQT2xwWWpOL3UrM0t2emRlUzU0Zz09#

success 

Wednesday Morning Bible Study:  Pastor Seth’s weekly bible study will continue throughout the summer.  Join us at 7:45am to explore Matthew’s Gospel and to gain insights from your wise siblings in Christ, who together interpret the word.  This is a wonderful opportunity to really get to know the stories of Jesus as presented to us in Matthew.

Contemplative Thursdays

We've begun our practice of creating space on Thursdays for contemplation and meditation. Each Thursday morning from 7:00 to 8:00, the sanctuary is open and prepared for quiet prayer and meditation. Every two weeks at noon, we're also journeying through a podcast and engaging in quiet conversation. Contact Carrie Dirks for more information.

Tricky Topics

Beginning at the end of April, and running through May and June, the Tricky Topics book group will be reading and discussing the book "Becoming Abolitionists" by Derecka Purnell. There are two formats offered: virtual discussion on Friday afternoons and in-person discussion on Tuesday evenings. This book group will also feature a conversation with the author toward the end of the session. Contact Pastor Amos for more information.

"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 more info, contact Cecilia Rowedder czr852@yahoo.com Please email to receive the Zoom link.

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.

Opportunities for Spiritual Growth through Sewing & Knitting/Crocheting

On Thursdays, from 10am-1pm, the Women’s Sewing Circle meets to create beautiful items that are incorporated into the annual bazaar.  This group, meeting year round, also is a wonderful form of support and encouragement for all who are involved.

On Tuesdays, from 7pm-9pm, the Prayer Shawl Ministry creates beautiful shawls that are then distributed to church members and to others who are prayed for in our worship services.  All are invited to learn this craft and to contribute in this way.

Opportunities for Spiritual Growth through Ministries of Justice and Mercy

National Religious Campaign Against Torture - June is Torture Awareness Month - Documentary “Torture in Our Name”

To gain a better understanding of the ongoing struggle to end prolonged solitary confinement here in the US, we recommend watching this 20 minute video about the successful campaign that led to passing legislation here in NJ, which features the organization Salvation & Social Justice (who employs Pastor Amos).  Click on this link Or watch the entire 35 minute "Torture in Our Name" video

Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership

June 3rd Guided Moonlight Paddle - Edison Boat Basin - 7-9pm

Join the LRWP and paddle guides Anton Getz and Gregg Bucino for a guided moonlight paddle at Edison Boat Basin on Saturday June 3. Moonrise starts at 8:20pm. Total trip distance is approximately 4 miles.  For more information and to register, click on this link

HP Food Pantry

Food Pantry needs for June:

During these challenging times the Highland Park Community Food Pantry is currently not taking individual donations. Instead we now have an Amazon Wishlist where folks wishing to donate have several options to choose from as well as an option to donate Gift Cards. We appreciate greatly any donation as we are facing an increase of folks in need. Thank you all so much. You can access the Wishlist here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/11AKRFJFUGZPF?ref_=wl_share

Most urgent needs are:

Oatmeal

Other needs-

 Rice

 Pasta

 Cereal

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: foxyrox18@gmail.com

NJ Interfaith Center for Cancer Care - Support Group

If you've experienced a cancer diagnosis (no matter if it's recent or from years ago) and would like to join a reflective, contemplative, peer-led, interfaith support and discussion group, the NJ Interfaith Center for Cancer Care welcomes you to our ongoing group. The group currently meets virtually for an hour once a week and while regular attendance is welcome, the meeting topics are independent of each other, making it convenient for individuals whose schedules prevent them from attending every week of the month. If you're interested, please contact Austin at austin.njic3@improvingnj.org  for details.

Bereavement Calendar

RCHP remembers all those who died in June and all those who still mourn

The following names have been offered for remembrance in June 2023: 

Edith Collins, Beloved Mother of Jim Collins

Ellen Hori, Beloved Mother of Nobuko Hori

Ana and Mate Jung, Beloved Grandparents of the Juricic Family

Deborah McKay, Beloved Sister of Kathi Lombardi 

Andy Peterson, Beloved Infant Brother of Kathy Malkiewicz

Kay Pitt, Beloved Member of the RCHP Sewing Circle

Liu Russo, Beloved Friend of Marcia Marcal Persiano 

Eleanor Williams, Beloved Mother and Grandmother 

to Her Children and Grandchildren 

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.

MAY HIGHLIGHTS AND MILESTONES

Liem Family wins Asylum case! 

After decades of waiting the Liem family (Gunawan, Susan, Owen and Naomi) has finally won their asylum case!!! RCHP will remember this family as one that endured 11 months of Gunawan living in sanctuary in 2012, and then, 5 years later, experienced an ICE arrest at a school bus stop during the Trump presidency that led to months of detention. In the end the government didn't push against this family at all, and they say, and we with them, "thanks be to God!"

Thanks to those behind the scenes, we continue to be blessed by this beloved Mother's Day Brunch tradition!

Farm Fun! Global Grace Farm had lots of activity in May, including visits from South River youth and RCHP seniors.

Worship highlights with Miss Meghan leading the children's sermon and joyful noise from the Indonesian Choir!

More outdoor joy with a contemplative confirmand hike and pond skimming with the Nature Club!

The month ended with an awesome Memorial Day Picnic!