Dear Church Family,
If you read the annals of Christian history one thing that is abundantly clear is that the church has, at key moments, stepped up to radically serve the larger community in moments of plagues and pandemics. Historian Rodney Stark, in “the Rise of Christianity” shows the tremendous leadership of Christians in Europe during the early centuries after Jesus. Finding ways to care for the public, and to understand it as a calling of faith, made sense. Jesus was all about public health and so too was Christ’s early church. And Christ’s people, believing they were ‘alive in Christ,’ had a shocking level of courage—rushing toward illness instead of away from it. As they did so they often were able to save people—for many who were dying from plagues were dying for lack of water, food and basic care in their illness. And, as they cared, they picked up immunities, and were, after that, considered to be almost ‘superhero like,’ invincible in the face of virus.
As we enter 2022 it feels strange to again be weighing Covid concerns into every decision about our life together. I often feel weighed down and I know that many feel like they are living under a cloud that we just cannot shake.
What if we were to see Covid-19 as an opportunity to continue Christ’s focus on healing? I’m so thankful that we, as a church, have already done so many creative things over the past 2 years to address this thing. Mask making, grocery and hot meal delivery, vaccination clinics and RV clinics on the move…it’s all been very important! The work has resulted in less hospitalizations and less severe illness for thousands. What more can we do? How else can we serve? Can we continue to be creative (as opposed to just exhausted) by this pandemic?
I am actually going to ask, quite soon, that we have an Adult Education class with Global Grace Health to listen to God and to each other regarding the next phase of this virus.
Let’s have one of our resolutions be to ‘stay in the game’ in regards to Covid-19. Christ Jesus makes us new and resurrects us to live differently in a broken world. Like our ancestors in Christ let's continue to see public health and living faith as two things that belong together.
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 January Events & Happenings |
Tomorrow! Saturday, January 8th, Nature Hike at Helyar Woods, Rutgers Gardens: Meet us at 9am to go on a very local Nature hike that will definitely have us back in HP by 11am. January is always a bit dicey so we’ll keep this hike local!
Sunday, January 9th, Youth Group Summer Camp and Mission Trip Interest Meeting, 6pm - see Pastor Terry’s message under Children & Youth section
Sunday, January 16th, We are pleased to perform the baptism of Christabella, daughter of James Rumambi and Vickly Tumundo, at the 11:15AM service.
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Volunteer Opportunities for January
Rather than giving a lot of description as to the opportunities for service in January you are invited to call Pastor Seth to discuss your interest in service.
-Winter help at Global Grace Farm.
-Staffing the Thrift Shop
-Staffing the Marketplace
-Assisting with Serving/Cashier tasks at Global Grace Cafe
-Volunteering to help with Transportation and Support for Refugees and Cancer Patients
-Volunteering with Neighborcorp Re-Entry
-Helping to Pick-Up and Distribute Furniture and Household Goods on Sunday Afternoons
-Staffing the new Interfaith-RISE Warehouse
-Assisting Immigrant Families or Refugee Families with Intentional Compassionate Community
-Helping RCHP build up its relationship with South River Reformed Church
-RCHP-Affordable Housing Corp could use a couple more board members. Let us know if you might feel called to board work.
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A cup of coffee with a pastor?
Pastors Stephanie, Seth, Amos and Terry are all interested in deepening relationships and connections with congregants. Whether you’ve been here for many years, or just arrived this month, reach out to Lisa in the office at 732-249-7349 to find a time to meet with one of us to share your hopes and dreams for connection with God and neighbor in and through RCHP this year.
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Christmas Letter from the Fords - some of you may remember that we have helped to sponsor the missionary work of our dear friends, Peter & Patty Ford for many years. Currently in Beirut, Lebanon, we recently received a Christmas letter from them recapping 2021. You can read it by clicking on this link
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Worship and Education Opportunities |
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"Tricky Topics" Book Reading Group
Our second session of Tricky Topics is underway, starting on January 6. If anyone would like to join the group and obtain a copy of the book “Inspired” by Rachel Held Evans, please reach out to Pastor Amos at amoscaley@gmail.com . The group discussions are held on Zoom on Fridays at 4:00pm.
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Adult Ed Topics for January:
January 9 - Testimony from Anna Laycock
January 16 - “OUT” Pixar video and discussion (Care Committee)
January 23 - On January 23rd join Pastor Seth and the team from Global Grace Health to reflect on how we can all serve, dream, care in and through this pandemic.
January 30 - On January 30th gather to learn about the Reformed Church of South River and to meet the members who are inviting us into a closer relationship with that church starting February 1st.
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New RCHP Adult Education Course: Space for God
Based on the text, Space for God: Study and Practice of Spirituality and Prayer by Don Postema.
Through devotional reflections and readings, art, meditation and prayer, Space for God provides a joyous guide for spiritual living. Author Don Postema draws on his own rich experiences as a Christian pastor and on the writings of John Calvin, Thomas Merton, Henri J.M. Nouwen, C.S. Lewis, Madeline L’Engle and others. The result is a rewarding spiritual journey that can lead to a fuller life.
All are Welcome. Three ways to participate. Choose the way that works best for you!
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Audit the course on the RCHP website. Free and flexible. A new chapter uploads to the RCHP Website each month.
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Independent Self-Study. Purchase a copy of the text with a free will donation (up to $25 to cover costs). Dive deep.
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Read one chapter of the text, ‘Space for God, each month.
- Complete the ‘At Home’ exercises at the end of each chapter.
- Reflect on your experiences in a personal journal.
3. Small Group Connections. Share your journal reflections with other participants in a monthly meeting on the second Monday of the month (lunch hour in person or 7-8pm on Zoom).
RSVP and Questions: Contact Course Coordinator, Carol Turner at cjteddpc@mac.com
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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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A Message from Pastor Terry
I will be hosting an informational meeting at 6 pm this Sunday, right before jr. high youth group, to talk about Cross Roads weekend retreats, Camp Fowler, and the high school mission trip for parents (and teens, if they'd like to come) who are interested in those opportunities. The Cross Roads middle school retreat will be March 11-13, and the high school retreat will be April 29-May 1. Camp Fowler will be July 3-8, and the mission trip to Detroit (in partnership with World Renew) will be Aug 1-6. I'll give details on the nature of each program, cost & funding, travel, and take down some names (in pencil) so that we can hold spots for registration.
All youth are invited to come ice skating at Roosevelt Park on Friday, Jan 21, from 6:30 to 8:30. We will carpool over from the church at 6. Church will cover the cost.
On Saturday Jan 29th, we will be taking the morning to do some volunteer work for I-RISE. Please hold the date, and more details are to come!
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Jr High Youth Group, Sunday Nights at 7:00pm in the Cave
High School Youth Group 7:00-8:15 Wednesday nights
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LYT
Calling all LGBTQ+ youth, grades 2nd - 12th! Join the L.Y.T. (LGBTQ+ Youth Together) group at their next gathering on Tuesday, January 11th from 6:30-8:30pm in the Cave. MASKS ARE REQUIRED.
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Wednesday morning bible study: Maybe it’s your desire, this year, to engage scripture more deeply. Join one of our Wednesday bible study groups! Pastor Seth leads one on Wednesdays at 7:45am. A group of church members co-lead Wednesday at 5:30pm. You are invited!
Morning Prayer, Mon.-Sat. @ 9 am on zoom
Take a few minutes in the morning to connect with your church family. You are invited to join by going to the link at rchighlandpark.org on our website.
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Wednesday Choirs for children and youth: Pastor Seth leads First Voices (ages 2-1st grade) at 5:30 on Wednesdays and Pastor Amos leads Voices of Praise (2nd-6th or so…) at the same time. Come and join us!
New Adult Choir Rehearsal Schedule - All on WEDNESDAYS (Masks Required)!
5:30 to 6:00pm - Praise Team Rehearsal in Sanctuary (for just that week’s team — respond to me 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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Care Committee: Now meets on the first Thursday of the month at 6:45pm in the Quilt Room. Questions? Contact committee Chair, Nicci Spinazzola at niccispinazzola@gmail.com
Prayer Shawl Group is Meeting In-Person!
The Prayer Shawl group meets on Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. in the parlor. If you are an experienced crafter or are looking for guidance, feel free to drop in and spend time with this caring community. Masks are required and all are welcome.
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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 January, we will focus on topics related to New Year’s Resolutions (and Revelations).
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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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Spotlight on Slavery & Human Trafficking
January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. We rededicate to the conviction of Abraham Lincoln, that “neither slavery nor involuntary servitude shall exist in the United States.”
One and a half centuries after the Emancipation Proclamation, slavery and involuntary servitude still exist here, in the crime of human trafficking. Unscrupulous individuals and syndicates ensnare victims through fraud, compel them to work without pay, and keep them under surveillance, to prevent escape. Often victims are from other countries, do not speak English, and do not know their rights. Traffickers manipulate them to think they must keep working in order to pay off debts they have incurred for food or shelter. Traffickers may confiscate passports and brainwash victims to think they will be arrested and deported if caught without these identity documents.
Human traffickers reap huge profits by stealing the fruits of labor performed by another person. Victims can be hidden in plain sight. They may be working in any industry: factory, farm, hotel, restaurant, hospital, nursing home, school, gas station, hair salon, or private home. The US system of reliance on temp agencies and labor supply companies, poorly regulated and with few worker protections, gives traffickers an easy way to place people into jobs and intercept their rightful wages.
Still Waters Anti-trafficking, a program of RCHP’s nonprofit Affordable Housing Corp, helps those who have been victims of this crime. Using confidentiality and trauma-informed care, case workers assist in meeting basic needs of food, clothing, and housing, and connect clients to medical and mental health care, ESL, protected employment, and attorney services to apply for safe legal status. For more information, contact Jean Stockdale at jean.stillwaters@rchp-ahc.org
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January 13th DIRE holds its monthly meeting at Noon.
January 20th, Interfaith-RISE in-person monthly meeting, Noon. Interfaith-RISE Zoom meeting, 1:30pm (reach out to Pastor Seth for zoom details)
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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 January:
Cereal
Oats
Pasta
Tomato Sauce
Femine Hygiene Products
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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RCHP Holiday Grief Support Group
The holidays are times spent with our loved ones. This has been imprinted on our souls from a young age. Holidays mark the passage of time in our lives. But since holidays are for being with those we love the most, how can anyone be expected to cope with them when a loved one has died? For many people, this is the hardest part of grieving, when we miss our loved ones even more than usual. The sadness deepens and the loneliness can feel isolating. The need for support may be the greatest during the holidays. But you can – and will – get through the holidays. Rather than avoiding the feelings of grief, lean into them with us.
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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
Church Based Mental Health
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Bereavement Calendar
RCHP remembers all those who died in January and all those who still mourn
The following names have been offered for remembrance in January 2022:
Michael Bellak, Beloved Father of Elaine Hudson
Sandra Daubert, Beloved Mother of Renee DiGrigoli
Ruth Epstein, Beloved Mother of Carla Epstein-Teliha
Charles Jackson, Beloved Brother of Gail Green
Michael Lavelle, Beloved Father of Lisa Berman
Getroida Longdong, Beloved Mother of James Rumagit
Loretta Lord, Beloved Wife of Rich Lord
Julianna Miller, Beloved Member of RCHP
Susan Nussman, Beloved Mother of Wendy Nussman
Soei Oroh, Beloved Mother of Silvia Kalalo
Cindy Potts, Beloved Wife of Gary Potts
Elwood Williams, Beloved Father of Dorothy Maitland and Richard Williams
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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DECEMBER HIGHLIGHTS AND MILESTONES |
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The Glow of Community - Thanks to Anthony DiGrigoli for another year of outdoor Advent decorations, setting the mood for welcoming Christmas at midnight with carols sung by the congregation after the youth-led Christmas Eve Service. The magic continues despite pandemic challenges!
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Before & After
Ever wonder if those tasty Christmas treats left by the Nature Club for the Christmas hike in Donaldson Park get eaten? Pastor Seth and company revisited the trail later in the day and caught this hungry deer in the act. Bon appetit!
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