Dear Church Family,

How do we speak of the unspeakable? Where do we go with our shock at the videos of the brutal murder of Tyre Nichols? Where do we go with our feelings about mass shootings in California carried out by senior citizens? Preparing for worship, on January 29th, was sobering. Pastor Stephanie had the job of crafting that particular service, and she wondered, all weekend, how much or how little to speak of the unspeakable. She made the right decision, I think, to speak very little of the specifics. Sometimes words don’t have to be spoken—the experiences of shocking violence had sufficiently washed over our congregants, as they had over the nation, and we didn’t need to hear anymore about evil and violence—there was just no more to say.  

But what did need to be said was that we live in the “already/not yet” times. We have already seen Christ raised, and we ourselves, too, have been raised up. And yet, we wait for the full consummation of the resurrected, peaceable community. That was acknowledgement enough, that, despite Christ raised, things are not as they should be.

And then, after we sang the Kyrie, “Lord have mercy,” Pastor Terry announced these words.  

True justice sometimes seems far off; the path

to equity too long and tiresome.

But through the ages we see that God does

not grow weary. God does not tire in working

for the oppressed. And God does not grow

calloused or cynical, but with a heart of

compassion, continues to work for restoration

and renewal.

Isaiah says it this way:

The Lord is the everlasting God,

the Creator of the ends of the earth.

God does not faint or grow weary;

God’s understanding is unsearchable.

God gives power to the faint

and strengthens the powerless.

Even youths will faint and be weary,

and the young will fall exhausted,

but those who wait for the Lord shall

renew their strength; they shall mount up 

with wings like eagles;

they shall run and not be weary;

they shall walk and not faint.

Friends, I don’t know if in my entire life I have been more appreciative of God’s Assuring word than I was this past Sunday. Our God is faithful to stay strong, awake and loving, even now. Our God is not jaded, won’t give up and won’t give up on rebuilding a beloved community of people shaped in the divine image.  

The Peace of Christ you,

Pastor Seth

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

Upcoming February Events & Happenings

TODAY!! - Second Chances for Incarcerated Seniors Event

Saturday, February 4th from 10:00am to 11:30am, Pastor Amos and the coalition he is leading will be facilitating an educational event at New Brunswick Theological Seminary, featuring legal experts, advocates, and families of incarcerated senior citizens. Learn how you can support the work to provide second look opportunities for elders who have spent decades in prison. Contact Pastor Amos for more information. amoscaley@gmail.com

New Group! Creative Conversation - Wednesday, February 8th, 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 

New Group! DEPTH - Thursday, Feb 9th at 7pm

DEPTH will gather virtually in February. The next meeting of DEPTH (Discussing and Exploring Personal Theologies Honestly) will be via Zoom on Thursday, February 9th from 7-8p. If you'd like to join the discussion, please email Austin at retroboi319@gmail.com  so he can send you the link and February's discussion topic. DEPTH is a safe space for people to share their individual spiritual and religious beliefs and how they may differ from those found in traditional religious doctrine. All are welcome!

Senior Prayer Breakfast, Friday, February 10th, 10am:  For many years the monthly Senior Prayer Breakfast was a beloved tradition of RCHP.  We are starting that up again, monthly, starting on February 10th.  Come and have breakfast and share your gratitude and lift up your concerns to God in the company of good friends and with your pastors.  

Nature Hike at Frost Woods in East Brunswick, Saturday, February 11th, 9am departure—Just 15 minutes down the road, in East Brunswick, there is a beautiful path in Frost Woods that our nature club has never explored before.  Join Pastor Seth and other families from the church for a morning winter walk.

Game Day is Saturday Feb 11th from 11:00-12:30 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  

Raritan Valley Road Runners Blood Drive - Saturday, February 11th, 10:30am

You're someone's perfect match! Join NJIC3, the Raritan Valley Road Runners, and RWJ on Saturday, February 11th to donate blood or platelets! The blood drive will be held in the RCHP Social Hall from 10:30am-4:30pm. All donors will receive a $5 Starbucks gift card and platelet donors will receive a Shop Rite gift card. And of course, everyone will leave knowing they've helped save somebody's life! Appointments are strongly encouraged and can be made by calling 732-235-8100, ext 221.

The Memorial Service for Isaac Osayande Ehioghae, the father of RCHP church elder of the same name—Isaac Ehioghae, Friday, February 17th, 2pm.  Isaac, like many of our church members, is across an ocean from his family.  We invite the church to join in showing Isaac support at a special memorial for his father that we will hold here at RCHP.  

Seeding at the Farm, Saturday, February 18th (in the high tunnels):  We are enthusiastic about the trajectory of Global Grace Farm and we’d like to encourage as many RCHP members as possible to get involved.  If you’d like to help us with early season planting please meet at RCHP on February 18th, at 9am, to catch a ride over to the farm, or, meet us at 14 College Farm Rd. In New Brunswick

WISE CARE FOR FEBRUARY

Caregivers Please RSVP. Caregivers are invited to an afternoon of recognition, renewal and ongoing connection. 

Purpose: Connect with other caregivers and reconnect with sources of joy 

Sunday, March 19th 1:00pm-3:00pm in the RCHP Parlor. Sponsored by the WISE CARE Committee. RSVP Carol Turner, cjteddpc@mac.com  or Lisa Berman, ‭(732) 249-7349‬.

****Please see our Supporting Each Other During Difficult Times section for how to become a Stephen Ministry receiver or giver of Christian caregiving.****

Readers and Oilers needed for Healing Sundays (especially 2nd service)!

You don’t have to be on Consistory to serve on a Healing Team. If you’re interested in being a part of this meaningful ministry, please reach out to Carol Page carolwatson@aol.com 

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. Our upcoming meetings will be held at 1:00pm on the following Sundays:

February 19

March 12

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

A Call for Artists: We are beginning planning for this year’s Holy Week Labyrinth. This year we intend to have art installations in Highland Park and South River. Our theme is The Psalms As Companion Through Jesus’ Ministry, Cross and Resurrection. Our team will be sending out a list of stories from Jesus’ life and ministry, with a heavy emphasis on the last weeks of Jesus’ life. We ask you to imagine, which Psalms might have helped Jesus, or guided Jesus, or prompted Jesus, during this particular moment in his journey. You don’t have to be a “gallery ready” artist to participate. We are interested in all kinds of creativity to make this Labyrinth as special as it always is. Contact Pastor Seth for more info. 

Spanish Language Worship: On the First Sunday Night of each month we will be offering a 30 minute service in Spanish at 7:30pm in the RCHP Sanctuary. Our first service will be February 5th. Join us for songs in Spanish, for scripture reading in Spanish and for Communion. If you are interested in helping to shape this new opportunity for spiritual growth in the Spanish language please speak to Pastor Seth. We would like to grow our Spanish language ministry in both Highland Park and South River.

South River Happenings:

Wednesday Afterschool Program South River 4pm-5pm (looking for volunteer tutors)

Thursday Afterschool Program, Thrift Shop, Food Distribution, English Classes for Spanish Speakers and Manna Cafe (dinner together) South River, 4pm-6pm

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 so incredibly meaningful! Bring your children to learn stories of God’s love and to connect with other church kids and caring adults.

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

Middle School Youth Group-5:45-7pm

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

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 for All Ages:

Voices of Praise 5pm-5:30pm (followed by pizza and fellowship) 

Gospel Choir 6:00pm-7:00pm (childcare is offered during this time)

Chancel Choir 7:00pm-8:00pm 

In addition to Voices of Praise, Pastor Seth and Ms. Megan offer ‘First Voices Choir’ and Story time for young children (2yrs-6yrs) starting at 5:00pm. We generally meet in the church nursery.  

We are also always looking to ‘deepen our bench’ in terms of musicians who can help fill out our worship teams in Highland Park and South River. If you play an instrument or would like to be considered for a Praise Team, please let us know.   

A Message from Pastor Terry

Calling all young adults (age 18-30)! Please join us on February 10th from 5:30 to 7 pm in the parlor for the first meeting of a new young adults group. We plan to meet every other Friday for fellowship and discussion. This group will be led by Maddie Fisher and Pastor Terry. Please contact either of us if you have any questions. And please invite a friend (of any background)! terryjon.stokes@gmail.com

The youth group fellowship event for February will be a trip to Monster Mini-Golf in Edison on February 18 from 6 to 8 pm. Please RSVP to Pastor Terry by Feb 11. terryjon.stokes@gmail.com

Crossroads Retreat for Middle and High School Students, March 10-12 - see Pastor Terry for more details terryjon.stokes@gmail.com

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, 7:45am: A strong group of around 10 gather for an hour on Wednesdays in the church parlor, to read the Bible together and then to discuss how the text resonates with our lives as individuals and as a community of faith living in this world. Conversations are excellent. You are also welcomed to leave early to get to work on time. Pastor Seth leads this group.

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 we're also journeying through a podcast and/or book by Richard Rohr, exploring spiritually what it means to recognize the presence of and live in the faith of Christ. Learn more about these opportunities at www.rchighlandpark.org/thursdays.

"Tricky Topics" Book Study in March!

Our next session of "Tricky Topics" (a journey through difficult issues in faith and society) begins the first week of March, as well be journeying through Lent by walking with the historical Jesus, and viewing his life and ministry upon the backdrop of the Roman military occupation. The book is called "Jesus and Empire," written by biblical historian Richard A. Horsley.



If you are interested in joining us, please reach out to Pastor Amos (amoscaley@gmail.com), and pick up a copy of the book on your own, or request one through the church.

"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.

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

Interfaith-RISE Monthly Meeting, February 23rd, Noon—This month’s I-RISE meeting has been moved to the 4th Thursday of the month.  Come and get updates on refugee arrivals and on our growing level of service provision to entering populations.

Dire Monthly Meeting—On Wednesday, February 15th, at 8pm, join us for zoom meeting to be kept informed of the high number of newly arrived immigrant families we have committed to, and to learn some of the ways that you can get involved.

Topic: DIRE monthly meeting

Time: Feb 15, 2023 08:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85295010457?pwd=enZxR0g5UmJTOWJUM2xVZE5qY0Uzdz09 

HP Food Pantry

Food Pantry needs for February:

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:

Pasta

Tuna,  Salmon, Chicken 

Peanut Butter 

Beans (Dried/Canned)

Baby Diapers- Sizes 2 thru 6

Adult Incontinence Products- 

    (Poise, Pullups, etc)

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

An Introduction to Stephen Ministry 

Stephen Ministry is a unique ministry in our congregation in which trained and supervised lay persons, called Stephen Ministers, provide one-to-one confidential Christian care to individuals facing life challenges or difficulties.  Stephen Ministers have engaged in 50 hours of training in Christian caregiving, including general topics such as listening, feeling, boundaries, assertiveness, and confidentiality.  All Stephen Ministers attend ongoing supervision and continuing education with their Stephen Leaders to ensure they continue to provide the best care possible.   

So for what type of issues do Stephen Ministers provider care?  They can help those who are discouraged, lonely, grieving a loss, struggling with their faith, facing unemployment, experiencing divorce or separation, or coping with a serious illness.  Stephen Ministers are not therapists, problem solvers, or casual visitors, and aren’t a replacement for mental health treatment.  They listen and care, and most importantly, bring the stability of God’s love and grace into people’s lives.  

If you are interested in learning more about Stephen Ministry or becoming a Stephen Minister, please reach out to Pastor Stephanie, Anthony DiGrigoli awdigrigoli@gmail.com  or Renee DiGrigoli rmdigrigoli@outlook.com 

W.I.S.E. CARE BLOG February 2023

Dear Friends, we invite you to read the following selection from the Surgeon General’s Report on Protecting Youth Mental Health that focuses on positive actions that are necessary to protect and promote the mental health of all of our children. 

WE CAN TAKE ACTION

The good news is that, throughout the pandemic, many people have recognized the unprecedented  need to support youth mental health and wellbeing and have taken action to do so. Many young people  found ways to cope with disruption and stay connected. Families helped children adjust to remote  learning.104 Educators and school staff supported their students while facing unprecedented challenges  themselves. Health care professionals rapidly shifted to telehealth. Community organizations stepped  in to protect at-risk youth. Employers helped employees adapt to remote work environments. And  governments invested trillions of dollars to mitigate financial hardship for families, support COVID-19  testing and vaccination, provide health care and other social services, and support the safe reopening of  schools, among other policies.

But there is much more to be done, and each of us has a role to play. Supporting the mental health  of children and youth will require a whole-of-society effort to address long standing challenges,  strengthen the resilience of young people, support their families and communities, and mitigate the  pandemic’s mental health impacts. Here is what we must do: 

TO FIND OUT WHAT ACTIONS WE CAN TAKE, CLICK ON THIS LINK

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 meets Tuesdays 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

Bereavement Calendar

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

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

Elizabeth Barrett, Beloved Mother of Mary Barrett

Thomas J. Cotton, Sr., Beloved Fiancé of Melanie Lincoln Potter, and Beloved Grampa of Ellie Vardao

Justin Goldstein, Beloved Nephew of Renee Burawski and Nicci Spinazolla

Benita Hunter, Beloved Sister of Tammy Lane

Jeannette WhitelawHill Marcal, Beloved Mother of Marcia Marcal Persiano

Thomas Wilpiszeski, Beloved Brother of Cathy, and Beloved Uncle 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.

JANUARY HIGHLIGHTS AND MILESTONES

First Voices Choir is back in full swing! Join us on Wednesdays at 5 in the Prayer Chapel.

Gospel choir keeps growing, and is always looking to welcome new voices!

Global Grace Marketplace is ready for Valentine’s Day!  Stop by Monday thru Friday for special fair-trade gifts for your loved ones.

Jocelyn Pangemanan supplies the table during college break - thanks, Jocelyn!

Ashar Hafeez teaches the I-RISE community about agriculture in Afghanistan

One last visit from RCA missionary Peter Ford