Dear Church Family,

I can’t speak for everyone, but I find it so lovely to return from the summer to the full routine of doing church life together as a community. Our programs to serve each other are up and running, and I’m seeing lots of energy coming in and out of the worship and daily activities of this place.

If you haven’t had the chance to connect with us, please know that we are eager to connect with you and to hear how you might want to engage with your community here. This monthly newsletter is a great way to survey all the happenings of the church, through both familiar and new opportunities. 

One of the really great things about beginning a new programmatic year is that it is a perfect time to “take inventory” of both our inner faith lives and also our ways of living and working with one another. And so I wanted to take a few minutes to highlight one such way that the RCHP leadership has been pausing, reflecting, and committing to better personal and collective practices. 

During the month of September, RCHP staff and consistory, with the guidance and participation of the RCHP antiracism taskforce, engaged in an Antiracism Training webinar and facilitation series, offered through the organizations Crossroads and NextChurch. We wanted to “take inventory” of how we are doing with regard to antiracist practices and culture, and we wanted to improve upon the things that are going well. Through the in-depth webinars and discussions, we learned a lot about what it means to really incorporate antiracism into the daily work and commitments of this church. I already loved working here, and I am even more excited to plunge into this next step of living more deeply into the Beloved Community, as we resist white supremacy and build structures of love and justice, together.

Stay tuned for more information on how we’re moving forward in coming months. For now, I’ll just echo the words of invitation that we speak together for every new RCHP member: Join with us as we give witness in the world to the Good News, for we are all one in Christ Jesus. Alleluia!

In gratitude,

Pastor Amos

P.S. Check out the photo gallery at the end of this email for church family highlights!

Upcoming October Events & Happenings

United Church of Christ Annual Meeting: This week, October 4th-9th, the United Church of Christ Mid Atlantic Conference (of which we are a part) is holding its annual meeting. Most of it is hybrid or online only. If you have time to sit in and listen and learn, on behalf of RCHP, please let us know. We are new to the UCC and we desire to get more involved in the work of the larger church!

Nature Club October 8th:  Come join us on a beautiful fall hike at Bunker Hill and Franklin Park Natural Area Trails, part of the Ten Mile Run Greenway. All are invited and transportation is provided. Meet us at the church parking lot at 9am

Game Day is Saturday Oct 15 at 11:00-12:30 in the social hall.

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.

New Group! Creative Conversation - Wednesday, October 19th, 10:30am-12 pm Meet in the Quilt Room

Doing art at home can be lonely, so let’s do it together!  Bring your own art supplies.  Some basic supplies will be provided.  Let’s chat, laugh and create!  No skills needed - just a desire to have some fun.  Questions?  Contact Wendy Nussman at wendynussman@gmail.com 

Halloween Party and Escape Rooms, October 29th, 5pm-7pm—RCHP has an annual practice of creating a fun space for kids in the HP community with the annual Halloween Party. If you are interested in being part of it please reach out to Pastor Seth at Seth.kaperdale@gmail.com We’ll have a planning meeting later in October.

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. The upcoming dates for this team gathering are:

 October 16, 1:00pm

 November 13, 1:00pm

 December 11, 1:00pm

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

Announcing "Sticks and Stones: A youth poetry contest in recognition of National Bullying Prevention Month"!

If you're in 6th - 12th grade and like to write poetry (and would like the chance to win a $50 cash prize!) or if you're an adult who knows an aspiring poet in 6th - 12th grade, don't let this opportunity pass you by. See the flyer for details about the theme and on how to register and submit poems. Or email Austin at writingsnramblings@gmail.com  or call him at 848-228-3797. The contest runs through Tuesday, October 25, 2022. "Sticks and Stones" is sponsored by Who Is My Neighbor, Inc. and coordinated by the RCHP CARE Committee.  Click on the flyer for more details.

A NEW SUPPORT GROUP ON ZOOM 

Has your life has been changed by chronic physical pain or illness? Are you willing to share your experience, strength and hope with others on this lonely journey? Join a new Weekly Support Group on ZOOM sponsored by the WISE CARE Committee of RCHP. This Support Group begins Tuesday October 4th from 5pm-6pm.  

Contact Facilitators: Carla Epstein-Teliha, epsteinteliha@verizon.net  or Pat Kaufman, patbkauf@gmail.com for additional information and for a Zoom Link

South River

Wednesday/Thursday “Study Zone” Assistants Needed in South River— RCHP South River is leading an amazing after school program on Wednesday and Thursday that is really helping children get the extra help needed to feel confident in school.  This week 15 youth, and 7 tutors, were present each day.  We could use more tutors. These are elementary age children.  Talk to Keiko Kereh or email her at keikokereh@gmail.com  to get involved!

Thursday South River Clothing/Food/Public Health Outreach & Delicious Dinner (Manna Cafe)! from 3pm-7pm—RCHP South River distributes lots of basic material items on Thursdays, ending the evening with hot meals that come to us from local restaurants.  

Save the date !!! Saturday, November 5th - Holiday Bazaar Indoor /Outdoor Rain or Shine - A Message from the Bazaar Planning Committee

Spend the day & bring your friends, family and anyone you think would enjoy! Lots of hand made gifts from the Ladies Sewing Circle Holiday, decor & gifts, Yarning Around- scarves, hats and more. Pottery, Hand made Jewelry, Bake table and delicious Indonesian lunch! and more!!!

BAKE TABLE ! Thank you for thinking about making or donating something for the bake table. All bake table donations should be individually wrapped ready for sale. Unless it can be sold as a whole pie, cake or dessert bread. Please Note:  BAKE TABLE Donations WILL NOT BE REPACKAGED IN ANY WAY. Please bring all bake table donations, including cans of soda or iced tea to the 2nd Avenue front lawn of the church after 8am November 5th. 2022 We are so very grateful for your help.

VOLUNTEER ! ​Volunteers are most welcome for pre-bazaar setup at 8am, help throughout the day and post bazaar cleanup at 3pm. If you would like to volunteer to help please text Maria 908-208-2623.

INDONESIAN FOOD ! will be available for pick up during the Bazaar. Immediate donations of cash to help with the purchase of ingredients can be made directly to

Harry P. 732-257-5489 or give to Lisa in the church office 732-249-7349.

Pre-orders of this delicious food can be made by texting your name and order to Harry 732-257-5489.

Some of the delicious dishes ready for pick up that day will be

~~Chicken Satay with rice cube & peanut sauce 

$12

~~Vegetable Fried Noodles​​​​​​

 $12 

~~Yellow rice w tuna, beef, egg & cucumber​​​​$12

~~Spring vegetable egg roll w peanut sauce $12

Please pick up your order at bazaar on Saturday November 5th. 2022 between 11-2. Thank you !​​Thank you !​​Thank you !

The Committees That Guide Lots of our Life Together

RCHP seeks to be guided by committees that cover the following areas:

-Fellowship

-Worship

-Faith Development

-Property

-Finance

-Care

In addition, we are putting together a Youth Ministry Committee and a Children’s Ministry Committee, led by Pastor Terry and Meghan Pirri, respectively.  

It is important to the life of the church that these committees are spaces for real contemplation and reflection, as well as ‘planning’ and ‘action’ spaces for the various aspects of what it means to be church together. Are you interested in joining? Are you interested in giving input into any of these ‘arenas,’ even if you don’t have time to join the committee? There is room for your voice and thoughts. If you have questions about committee engagement please email Pastor Stephanie at stephanie.kaperdale@gmail.com to learn more.

Friday lunch with the pastors:

Come and join one or more of the pastors for lunch in the cafe on Fridays at 12 noon!  We would love to have a chance to talk with you and share a meal.  Pastor Stephanie, Seth, Amos or Terry will be at one of the tables each Friday.  Hope to see you then!

Dreams As We Move into Fall

What are your dreams for RCHP as we move into fall???

From Pastor Seth—I’m dreaming of Spanish speaking ministries in Highland Park and South River. There are a tremendous number of Spanish speakers in and around our church, and many have asked about Spanish language worship and study. Is anyone interested in considering this with me?

From Pastor Seth—Morning bible study has been such a blessing to so many for years. We’ve sometimes had evening bible studies too. Is there any interest in starting an evening bible study? We can consider it!

….what are your dreams RCHP?

Sunday Worship and Education/Fellowship Schedule

In Highland Park:  

Worship is at 9am and 11:15am. Services are identical (or at least close to identical). The first service is also streamed online, through Facebook, Youtube, and our website.

Sunday school for all ages is at 10:15 (children ages 2yrs-5th grade meet on the stage, youth 6th grade and older head to room 201, which is above the stage)

Adult Education Hour is at 10:15 (in parlor). Upcoming class topics:

   October 9 - Cancer Journals with Audre Lorde (pt. 2)

   October 16 - TBA

   October 23 - Suicide Prevention Presentation

   October 30 - Journeying with Confirmation Class (pt. 1)

In South River: 

Worship is at 11:00am - It is our desire for a growing number of RCHP members to join Keiko Kereh, on a regular or semi-regular basis, for worship in South River. 

Sunday Afternoon and Evening Schedule 

Kids in the Cave-Youth Group for 4th and 5th graders (right after 2nd service, 12:30 or so…1st and 3rd Sundays).

Confirmation Class 4:30pm-5:30pm - (starts October 23rd)

The Table-A Community Meal, served in the Quilt Rm., 5:30pm

Middle School Youth Group-5:45-7pm

High School Youth Group-7:00-8:15pm

Adult Ed - October 9th at 10:15am in the Parlor

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, join the New Jersey Interfaith Center for Cancer Care for Part 2 of a viewing and discussion of the film “The Cancer Journals Revisited”. See flyer for details.

Wednesday Evening Choirs for All Ages:

5:00-5:30pm First Voices (for little kids) and Voices of Praise (2nd-6th) will learn songs so that they can lead the church in worship.  

5:30-6:00 Some opportunity to eat together 

6:00 Gospel Choir (with childcare or kid-programming)

7:00 Chancel Choir (with childcare as requested)

8:00 Praise Team Practice

Vacation Bible School Raises Funds for World Renew:

We had a wonderful time in VBS this summer, celebrating the ways that we are "Stronger Together." Part of our time was focused on praying for those impacted by flooding this summer, especially those in Kentucky. We took time to imagine the situations of those recovering from natural disasters and raised funds for World Renew and their Disaster Relief efforts. World Renew is the same organization who coordinated our work trip in Detroit this year. During the week of VBS, the children brought in their offerings each day and collectively raised $1,478! Great job, kids! You should be very proud of the work that you did together!

A Message from Pastor Terry

Middle schoolers are invited to a game night at the church this coming Saturday, Oct 8, from 7 to 9 pm. We'll play some big games like dodgeball and giant four square, and there will be food! This will be our kick-off fellowship event of the year so invite a friend and let's hang out as a youth group.

The high school lock-in originally planned for Oct 15th has been changed to a group outing to Casola Farms, which has hayrides, corn maze, pony rides, a haunted sunflower maze, a haunted house, a "Wild West Show," and more! We'll leave RCHP at 1 pm and arrive back at 5 pm. We'll do the lock-in next month on Nov 12.

NEW! Contemplative Thursdays Program

Beginning October 20th, Carrie Dirks and Pastor Amos are coordinating a weekly faith enrichment program to journey with Fr. Richard Rohr's podcast "Another Name For Everything." Join us as we contemplate the deep connections between action and contemplation and how we can integrate this wisdom amid daily challenges, disruptions, and the shifting state of our world. This series will follow the core themes of Richard’s book, "The Universal Christ: How a Forgotten Reality Can Change Everything We See, Hope For, and Believe."

Every Thursday at lunchtime (from noon to 1:00pm), we will meet in the cafe to discuss one particular episode that corresponds to chapters or themes. Join us for an information session on Thursday, October 13, at noon to learn more! NOTE: Group will not meet on Thanksgiving

Additionally (but separately from this podcast journey), Carrie will be opening the church sanctuary for quiet contemplation or guided meditation, from 7:00am to 8:00am on Thursdays, October 13 - December 22.

All are welcome to join for any or all of these contemplation opportunities.

Wednesday morning Bible Study with Pastor Seth

We have been giving a careful read to the book of Luke for the past 7 months or so. This is a great time to join Wed. Morning bible study, as we embark on a new study—which you can help select!

Evening Bible Study?—We are interested in whether or not there is interest, currently, in an evening bible study.  Please reach out to Pastor Seth if you’d like to explore this.

Morning Prayer, Mon.-Sat. @ 9 am on Zoom 

For 2.5 years now a morning prayer opportunity has existed at RCHP. Upwards of 15 people a day join this Zoom call to begin the day showing love and support for one another and giving God the glory. You can best get to the meeting by going to the rchighlandpark.org website and clicking on the coffee cup that is on the scrolling announcements.

"Tricky Topics" Book Study

Our first book of the season is well underway. If you'd like to discuss some of the more difficult or contentious issues related to faith and society, contact Pastor Amos to join next session (January 2023).

"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 or Esther Barcun misseando@verizon.net. 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.

Prayer Shawls, Tuesday nights, 7pm-9pm

Each Tuesday night, for the past 14 years, a group of caring church members have created beautiful prayer shawls to bring comfort to those going through challenging times in and around our community. Come and learn a new craft, make friends, and be a blessing to others!

Thursday Sewing Circle at RCHP

RCHP’s longstanding sewing circle is closing in on its big event of the year—the annual church bazaar.  Come on out and meet wonderful people and join them in crafts, sewing, quilting and conversation, Thursday from 10am-1pm. 

South River/Sayreville Oct 22 Cleanup - 8:30 am to 11:00 am

On Saturday October 22, in recognition of Superstorm Sandy, the Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership and partner organizations including the Reformed Church of South River, the Highland Park Ecology and Environmental Group, and the Sayreville Environmental Commission and the South River Environmental Commission/Green Team will join together for a clean-up of the South River on both sides of the Causeway Bridge. Gloves, bags, and other supplies will be provided. Pre-register for meet up location and additional details https://lowerraritanwatershed.org/event/october-22-south-river-sayreville-clean-up/ For additional clean-up ops, visit hpeeg.com

NeighborCorps needs your gently used reading glasses!

NeighborCorps Re-Entry Services is asking for donations of gently used reading glasses to be given to incarcerated individuals in Middlesex County Adult Correction Center. If you have any readers to spare, please contact Austin at 732-675-1452 or austin.neighborcorps@gmail.com, bring them by his office off of the RCHP social hall (Room 107) during the week, or ask Lisa in the RCHP office to put them in his mailbox. Thank you in advance!

Interfaith-RISE Monthly Meeting, October 20th—On October 20th, at noon, we will have an in-person Interfaith-RISE meeting to keep the community up to speed on the happenings of our resettlement organization.  I-RISE has grown 10 fold since last October and there are really important volunteer opportunities to make sure that the program doesn’t lose its personal and intentional spirit even as it necessarily grows to meet increasing needs.

HP Food Pantry

Food Pantry needs for October:

Most urgent needs are:

Pasta

Tuna (Salmon, Chicken)

Oatmeal 

Cereal

Diapers- (sizes 2-5)

Female Menstruation Products 

Adult Diapers 

W.I.S.E. Care Blog - October 2022 - Preventing Suicide Together

Submitted by: Nicci Spinazzola, Ed.S, LMFT, LPC

"Nothing can dim the light which shines from within." — Maya Angelou

Suicide is preventable if we know the facts, the definition, understand the risk factors, warning signs and then what to do. Since we are focusing on Youth Mental Health it is important to know the following New Jersey data.  Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for youth ages 10-24 years of age.  This follows accidents, number 1 and homicides, number 3.

Suicide is a death caused by injuring oneself with the intent to die. A suicide attempt is when someone harms themselves with any intent to end their life, but they do not die as a result of their actions.

Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACEs, are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood (0-17 years). They include experiencing violence, abuse, or neglect; witnessing violence in the home or community; having a family member attempt or die by suicide; aspects of the child’s environment that can undermine their sense of safety, stability, and bonding, such as growing up in a household with substance use problems; mental health problems and instability due to parental separation or household members being in jail or prison.

The examples above are not a complete list of adverse experiences. Many other traumatic experiences could impact health and wellbeing. ACEs are linked to increased risk for suicide, chronic health problems, mental illness, and substance use problems in adolescence and adulthood. The good news is that ACEs can be prevented.

To read the entire blog (which includes a list of online resources), click on this link

TAKE ACTION and GET HELP IMMEDIATELY by CALLING “988” or “911”

The 988 Lifeline is now active across the United States. This new, shorter phone number will make it easier for people to remember and access mental health crisis services. (Please note, the previous   1-800-273-TALK (8255) number will continue to function.)

Bereavement Calendar

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

The following names have been offered for remembrance in October 2022: 

Marie Lavelle, Beloved Mother, 

and Tim Lavelle, Beloved Brother of Lisa Berman

Sharlene Petersen, Beloved Mother of Kathleen Malkiewicz

Jean deKoster, Beloved Sister of Cecilia Rowedder

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.

SEPTEMBER HIGHLIGHTS AND MILESTONES

Nature hike joy at Helyar woods and Rutgers gardens - lots of teachable moments and just plain fun!