Dear RCHP,
On Wednesday, March 2, we began our Lenten Journey with our Ash Wednesday service. It’s the season for us to move from ‘ashes to beauty’ as God intends. It’s the season to have ‘sackcloth for mourning’ replaced with a ‘mantle of hope’ (as Jesus and the Prophet Isaiah both suggest).
How will you, dear friends, celebrate Lent this year? Last night I pointed to the ‘easy teachings’ of Jesus that he offered his disciples in a straight forward section of the text that we call ‘the sermon on the mount.’ Remember, these suggestions are coming from the one sent by God to transform the world—so, just because they are ‘easy’ doesn’t mean they are unimportant. In Matthew 6 Jesus encourages anyone who follows him to do the following.
-Commit to being charitable. Do it quietly. Don’t draw attention to yourself. Just find a way to be really caring and concerned for others.
-Commit to prayer. Nothing long and complicated—just straightforward listening and asking.
-Fasting. Consider if holding yourself back from something (just a little…and not for the sake of overdoing it or becoming ‘disfigured,’ says Jesus) might help you remember just how much you rely on God.
-Declutter (don’t store things up).
-Don’t let Money (because you have it or because you don’t) become your God.
-Don’t worry
Can I encourage you, friends, to look at this short list, this season? Are there any of these simple steps that you need to work on, for the sake of your relationship with God and for the sake of your own experience of beauty?
Let’s move from Ashes to Beauty this Lent.
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 March Events & Happenings |
TOMORROW! Giving the Gift of Life - Community Blood Drive from 10:30 am - 4:30 pm. at RCHP. NJ Interfaith Center for Cancer Care and the Raritan Valley Road Runners are teaming up to host a Blood Drive at RCHP on Saturday morning. Ever since the pandemic began the blood supply in our area hospitals has been an ongoing challenge. Can you assist? Appointments are encouraged. Click on the poster for more details.
New Members Class, Saturday March 5th: From 9am-11am on Saturday Pastor Seth invites all newcomers and those who have come for a long time without joining, to be part of a New Members Class. Becoming a member at RCHP provides an opportunity for learning where RCHP fits into the matrix of the Christian family and gives some insights into the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of our congregation. Please call Pastor Seth at 732-882-3193 if you want to join. Childcare will be provided if there are young families interested.
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Policy Engagement Group at RCHP - Sunday, March 6th 2:00-3:00pm
RCHP is starting a new group to discuss how our church can be more directly engaged in local and state policy change (through legislation, demonstrations, public meetings, etc.). Our first meeting will take place this Sunday, March 6, at 2:00pm. The meeting will be in hybrid form (Zoom and in-person). Please reach out to Pastor Amos amoscaley@gmail.com if you would like to attend on Sunday or get involved in future meetings.
NJIC3, March 10th, at noon, on zoom: On March 10th, at noon, NJ Interfaith Center for Cancer Care will hold a Board Meeting. We are looking for additional board members who can commit to this important work. Please reach out to Pastor Seth if you are interested in learning more.
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Church Gardening Day (and a walk around Rutgers Farm to see the animals), March 12th 9am-noon: Global Grace Farms needs to be prepped for our spring planting season. Come on out and help prep the soil!
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Accompany Now! Community Meeting, March 15th: Through a terrific group of social workers working through RCHP-AHC’s program Accompany Now, we have had an opportunity to address the needs of newly arriving children and youth who have recently crossed the Southern Border. Last year Accompany Now worked to help 600 kids make adjustments to living in New Jersey after leaving Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador and Mexico. If you’d like to learn more, and if you’d like to help with our program, join us for an in-person meeting at noon on March 15th.
NOTE: Check out the "Supporting Each Other During Difficult Times" section for info on a new Grief Support Group.
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Worship and Education Opportunities |
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Delivered: Our Lenten Theme for 2022
Each year the pastors or RCHP choose a theme to reflect on as we travel through Lent. This year the theme is “Delivered.” A major theme in Christianity is on Salvation, or Deliverance. How is it that Jesus saves us? What are we saved from? What are we saved for? Is salvation cosmic victory, or a personal one? Does it change something about our being, or our actions? Is it about the present, or about the future? Thankfully, Christian theological reflection, over the centuries, has offered up a variety of answers to this question. We will attempt, each Sunday of Lent, to wrestle with one of the big ‘answers’ to the question, recognizing that each ‘answer’ offers us something beautiful and/or stretching about being Delivered. Here’s our proposed preaching schedule, with themes.
March 6th: Pastor Stephanie, “Incarnational Friendship” (a feminist/womanist perspective)
March 13th: Pastor Seth, “Christus Victor” (one of the earliest perspectives)
March 20th: Pastor Amos, “Substitutionary Atonement” (central theme from the Middle Ages in Catholic and Protestant Movements)
March 27th: Rev. Freeman Palmer “Moral Influence Theory” (Response to ‘Substitutionary Atonement)
April 3rd: Pastor Stephanie, “Irresistible Love”
April 10th: Pastor Terry, “Ontological Healing”
April 17th: Pastor Seth, “Liberation/Renewal”
Usually these themes are discussed ‘post Easter’…because many of the ‘answers’ are initiatives by the ‘victory’ of the cross. But we believe it is something special to consider these themes on the way to the cross—to imagine Christ wrestling with the calling and purpose of the divine call.
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South River Update:
Last Sunday of the month - homemade breakfast after the service.
One month has passed after beginning worship at the First Reformed Church of South River and things are going well! Mckenzie Kramer, Ministry Associate and pastor in South River, is getting to know the church community and the surrounding area. Worship is at 11am every Sunday and all are welcome! A Study Zone program offering homework help and tutoring is likely to be up and running soon and there is talk of a meals program. For anyone who is interested in being involved in worship services or community outreach in South River, please contact Mckenzie Kramer mckenzie.kramer@pm.me or any of the RCHP pastors to get in touch.
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"Tricky Topics" Book Discussion Group
We are about to begin our third session of Tricky Topics, reading “The Cross and the Lynching Tree” by James Cone. This book will help ground our Lenten journey by situating the cross of Jesus in our own U.S. American context, through the lenses of racism and racist violence. If you’re interested in joining that book study, please reach out to Pastor Amos at amoscaley@gmail.com The group discussions are held on Zoom on Fridays at 4:00pm, beginning March 11.
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Adult Ed* Topics for March:
March 6: Testimony from Edwin Chino Ortiz (Sanctuary)
March 13: NJ Interfaith Center for Cancer Care (Parlor)
March 20: "Reformed and Reforming" part 1 (Parlor)
March 27: "Reformed and Reforming" part 2 (Parlor)
*All adult ed programming is held between worship services, from 10:20 to 11:05am.
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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.
Through devotional reflections and readings, art, meditation and prayer, Space for God provides a joyous guide for spiritual living. The video introduction to Chapter 5 is now available on the RCHP website. Please use the following Link for direct access: https://www.rchighlandpark.org/spaceforgod-5 Opportunity to discuss responses to the chapter on Monday, March 7 at noon with Pastor Amos in the social hall or at 7pm with Carol on Zoom contact her for the link cjteddpc@mac.com
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).
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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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Kids In the Cave: Immediately after 2nd Service: March 6 with Pastor Terry
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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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Seth’s 7:45am Wednesday Bible Study (February 2, 9, 16, 23) is turning to the Gospel of Luke.
If you’ve been looking to reengage scripture maybe Wednesday morning would be a good time to come out to church. If you need to leave early, to get to work on time, no problem! After the better part of a year reading Exodus we are going to head into a few months of a careful read of Luke’s gospel. Join us in the parlor.
Wednesday Evening Bible Study, 5:30pm
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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First Voices and Voices of Praise both meet at 6:45pm on Wednesdays: Pastors Seth and Amos are very interested in having more kids join our choirs. We are so excited to have an opportunity to connect with children as they lift their voices to God. Please reach out to us if you are interested in singing but the time we are offering doesn’t work for your schedule.
Childcare on Wednesdays runs from 6pm-8:15pm, with a 30 minute ‘break out’ for the kid-choir practices.
Choir for Lent? For some people the thought of joining choir is just too much of a commitment. If you are ‘that person’ how about joining us for the next 7 weeks until Easter? Chancel Choir is from 6pm-7:15pm, Gospel Choir is from 7:15-8:15.
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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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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Every Week Day At RCHP is a day for fellowship and service
-Global Grace Cafe: Starting Monday, March 7th, open from 8:30am onwards. Global coffees and teas being served up, along with global breakfast items, then lunch 11:30-2pm
-Global Grace Marketplace: 8:30-2 each day
-Thrift Shop: Open 6 days a week, 9am-2pm
-The Cafe After-School Program, 3pm-5pm
-The Family Den, Th-Fri, 9am-11am
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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. In March we celebrate Women's History Month!
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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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W.I.S.E. Care – Women’s History Month – Recognizing and Celebrating Domestic Workers
Did you know the first domestic workers in the Americas enslaved by Europeans were Indigenous women? As far back as the late 1400’s, Indigenous peoples were forced to work in mines, plantations, and in European settler’s homes. Colonizers relied on the enslavement of Native Americans and Africans because slave labor guaranteed the highest profits. They also used indentured servitude and contract labor, which forced people to work for years without pay. Women made up a significant part of this workforce.
Fast-forward to 21st century America and not much has changed. Though the ethnicities of domestic workers have shifted largely to Latina and Caribbean women, they still face the same extremely low wages (or sometimes no wages if they are trafficking victims), no paid time off, and no paid healthcare. In 2007 The National Domestic Workers Alliance was founded by 50 domestic workers representing 13 local organizations from around the country. NDWA works for policy change, educates workers and the general public, and seeks to empower our most essential workers. For more info., check out this AMAZING history timeline and this SUPER-INFORMATIVE film on the history and struggles of the women who make all other non-domestic work possible. We recognize their legacies and honor their sacrifices over the centuries.
*Source: National Domestic Workers Alliance
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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 March:
Peanut Butter
Pasta
Tomato Sauce
Oatmeal
Baby Diapers size 5, 6* (most needed)
Baby Diapers (all sizes) and Wipes
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 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 April 4, Monday May 2, and 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. We must have at least 6 group members to begin the process.
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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 March and all those who still mourn
The following names have been offered for remembrance in March 2022:
Heinz Betz, Beloved Husband of Kathe Betz
Esther Buck, Beloved Wife of Ray Buck, and
Beloved Mother and Grandmother of the Buck Family
Sarah Buell, Beloved Great-Grandmother of Sarah MacKinnon
Mavis Dyght, Beloved Mother, Grandmother and Mother-in-Law of the Beckford Family
Franco Juricic, Beloved Husband of Jacquelyn and Father of Noah and Ana
Nana Lee, Beloved Mother of Tim Cassidy
Tom Monroe, Beloved Husband of Ellie Monroe
Walter Wilpiszeski, Beloved Father of Cathy, and Grandfather 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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FEBRUARY HIGHLIGHTS AND MILESTONES |
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News from the Pews
Worship services at South River are off to a good start and we would love to have a few more RCHP folks check out the 11 a.m. service in support of Pastor Mckenzie, so if you’re able, come on down!
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Teamwork - the glue that holds RCHP together.
On Feb. 24, we said a fond farewell to Anna Petrie, Executive Director of IRISE, who has led a team of amazing people for 5 years. We send Anna off with blessings as she finishes her law degree and studies for the Bar Exam.
And the RCHP Youth Group takes a break during a building clean-out of the South River Fellowship Hall. We thank them for their amazing service!
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And Last but Not Least…….
Accompany Now sorts donated coats and supplies for Unaccompanied Minors. We are blessed by their tireless efforts in their work, dealing with heartbreaking situations and ensuring that these children have a good start toward a brighter future.
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