Dear Church Family,

I sat down to work on this January newsletter last night while having one eye on ‘Monday Night Football.’  10 minutes into the game a young man named Damar Hamlin, from the Buffalo Bills, got tackled in a way that looks awfully normal (normally violent, as per the NFL).  He got up from the hit and then immediately collapsed.  What occurred next was 9 minutes of frantic players, coaches, officials and local paramedics surrounding this young man and doing anything in their power to provide chest compressions and short breaths (CPR) to try to help this man survive.  After he was removed from the stadium, by ambulance, players gathered in full-team huddles, in prayer and support for Hamlin and one another.  Announcers were speechless.  

When asked to play, after a 5 minute period to warm up and collect themselves, the players and coaches determined that they could not.  Life and death was suddenly so much more important than this game.  They headed into the locker rooms.  45 minutes later 80,000 fans were told that the game was suspended due to the critical injury suffered by Hamlin and there would be no Monday night football.  80,000 people, who traveled from near and far, to be part of this game, calmly and respectfully packed up their things and left the stadium.  

During that hour we learned lots of lovely things about Hamlin—about his choice to attend Pitt University, so as to stay near his then 2 year old little brother, so that his brother would have a role model near him while growing up. We learned about toy drives and community work by Hamlin.  We learned about his work ethic that took him from being a 6th round draft pick two years ago to being a Bills starter on defense this season.  I pray that this young man pulls through—and, as I write this, it is unclear if he will.  But what did occur, last night, in the middle of his suffering, was a humanizing that touched my soul.  These football players are not action figures—they are human beings—loved by God and by each other, and they want to do their jobs and go back home at the end of the day to their families.

I pray that this be a year where we take the suffering of others seriously—as tens of millions witnessed the NFL, the Players Association, the Bengals and the Bills and the fans do last night on Monday Night Football.  I pray it be a time where, whether it is serious football injuries, or war, or poverty, or fentanyl use, or any other thing, we be ready, as a world, as a nation, as a state, as a community, as a church, to stop in our tracks, to address unfolding crises and to make decisions to prioritize the breath of each and every life on this earth.  Too often, it seems, somebody falls, and the world doesn’t stop in its tracks.  It should.  We, who follow a Christ who wept, most definitely should.  

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 January Events & Happenings

New Group! Creative Conversation - Wednesday, January 11th, 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, Jan 12th at 7pm

It's time to go in depth! Join RCHP's newest discussion group, DEPTH (Discussing and Exploring Personal Theologies Honestly) the second Thursday of each month, from 7-8pm in the parlor. The first gathering will be Thursday, January 12, 2023. Please speak to Austin or email him at retroboi319@gmail.com  with any questions.

Game Day is Saturday Jan 14th from 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. Questions? Contact Wendy Nussman at wendynussman@gmail.com

January 14th - Nature Hike

On January 14th, at 9am, gather with us at RCHP to take a short drive (less than 20 minutes) to a local trail that we can enjoy together.  Dress for January (whether that means shorts or winter parkas…we’re just not sure this year!).  

Peter Ford, long time missionary, visits RCHP for the last time in active ministry, January 14-15

For the past 40+ years Peter and Patty Ford have represented the Reformed Church in America in the Global Missions program.  They spent years in Oman, Sudan, Ethiopia and Lebanon.  Through it all the central focus of their work has been on Interfaith Dialogue.  RCHP has supported the Fords for most of those years—starting its engagement long before Seth and Stephanie arrived as pastors  21 years ago.  On January 14th, at 7pm, we invite you to join Peter for a Dessert Party in the church parlor.  At the dessert party Peter will focus on their work at the Near East School of Theology in Beirut, and what that work taught him about Interfaith work.  Please bring something to share.   On January 15th Peter will preach at both services and he will lead Adult Education.  His Adult Education class will be on “God’s Faithfulness through 40 Years of RCA Mission Service.”  

We have the deepest respect for Peter and Patty and for their humble, earnest and kind approach to global missions.  

January 31st, 6pm, Tuesday Night New Members/Inquirers Class

On January 31st, at 6pm, join Pastor Seth and members of consistory for a new members class.  There are so many newcomers to RCHP and ‘joining’ is a way for newcomers to formalize a commitment to the church and a way for the church to formalize its’ commitment to you.  The new members/inquirers class is a simple 2 hour information session that helps newcomers understand where this congregation fits into the church universal and it allows an opportunity for questions to be asked and answer given/attempted.  We will provide childcare and a simple dinner for this meeting.    

WISE CARE FOR JANUARY

Calling All Caregivers:  Paid and Unpaid… Caring for Children, Partners, Parents...What needs to happen so that you can take a day, an afternoon, an hour of rest?  The WISE CARE Committee needs your ideas to plan a time of spiritual rest and renewal that we hope to schedule during the Lenten Season of 2023.

Please contact Carol Turner, cjtedpc@mac.com  with your name, phone number, and a good time to reach out.  She will get back to you to discuss your needs and suggestions.  Thank you.

A Commitment to South River as we start 2023

RCHP is blessed to have a full and beautiful ministry.  In the past year we’ve also been blessed with the opportunity to share that love, in a committed and regular way, with another church and community nearby.  In May of 2023 we officially voted to have RCHP be a single church with worshiping communities in Highland Park and South River.  This is an opportunity to share the love beyond our walls and our town.  

There are a few RCHP members who are making a commitment to being part of South River on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis, for worship.  There are others who are assisting with the Afterschool program, with the clothing ministry and with other aspects of the work.  Please reach out to Ministry Associate Keiko Kereh or to Pastor Seth if you’d like to learn more about how to get involved in South River.

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:

January 15

February 19

March 12

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

SAVE THE DATE - Second Chances for Incarcerated Seniors Event

Saturday, February 4th from 9:00am to 12:00pm, 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.

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).

ADULT ED - Save the Date!

WHEN: Sunday, January 22 at 10:15 TO 11:00 am in the RCHP Parlor

WATCH: A ten minute YouTube video: Neuroscience of Spirituality | | Dr. Lisa Miller - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7utPlqnXV0

Neuroscience of Spirituality: Lead with Love An awakened mind is essential and attainable for everyone. An awakened heart is the seat of unity with all life.  Groundbreaking research by Dr Lisa Miller, a leading scholar on spirituality through the Lifespan. REFLECT on the neuroscience of spirituality and its protective benefits for mental health. Join the WISE CARE COMMITTEE to learn how to support and protect children facing mental health and substance abuse challenges.



Sponsored by the Faith Development and the WISE CARE Committees

Confirmation Class 4:30pm-5:30pm

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

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

Our fellowship event for the month of January will be ice skating at Roosevelt Park on Fri, Jan 20. We'll leave from the church at 5:30 pm and return around 8:45.

Our community engagement opportunity for this month will be a trip next Saturday, Jan 14, to Jersey City to help paint and set up a new I-RISE office there. We'll leave from the church at 11:30 am and return around 3 pm.

Please mark your calendars for: 

• Cross Roads weekend retreat, March 10-12. Open to middle and high school students.
• Camp Fowler, which this year will be June 25-30. Open to middle and high school students.
• Our Detroit work trip, which will be July 30-Aug 5. Open to high schoolers.

Please reach out to Pastor Terry for more information on either. 

terryjon.stokes@gmail.com

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

As we begin 2023 maybe you are looking for ways to deepen your interactions for spiritual growth. Here are just a few ideas for you.

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 January!

Our next session of "Tricky Topics" (a journey through difficult issues in faith and society) begins NOW (early January), with our first Zoom meeting on Friday, January 6. We will be working through "The Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became the Gospel Truth" by Beth Allison Barr.

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.

A Summary of the Find Your Voice event - by Austin Morreale

On a chilly December afternoon, poets and writers from Highland Park and beyond gathered to fill Pino's with the warmth of their words and the spirit of a supportive writing community. Sponsored by Who Is My Neighbor, Inc. and the RCHP Care Committee, "Find Your Voice" was an event that brought together writers of all experience levels to discuss poetry, to write and receive feedback on the poems they were creating, and to perform their poems in front of an audience. If this event sounds like something you'd like to be a part of, stay tuned for announcements for future "Find Your Voice" events.

Check out the Photo Gallery for more pics of this event by RCHP congregant, Michael Martin!

"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

The opportunities for RCHP members to engage in justice and mercy are manifold here.  As we begin 20223 here is a short list of options.  Rather than be mesmerized by the size and scope of opportunities, imagine if there might be one way to engage.

Interfaith-RISE:  RCHP is host to one of the largest ministries for refugees in the state of New Jersey.  There are opportunities to be ‘lead volunteers’ for new families, tutoring, driving and helping with the set-up/clean up of homes and the collection of furnishings.  There are employment opportunities listed at rchp-ahc.org.  

DIRE, Asylum Seeker Work:  DIRE was created to help prevent deportation of those who were chased by immigration and then detained.  Over time we have also started working with asylum seekers who were detained at the border and then travelled to New Jersey.  Hundreds have arrived since September.  There is a huge need for Spanish language translators and case support.  

Neighborcorps and RCHP-AHC ReEntry:  We now run two programs that support community members coming back from prison/jail.  If you are interested in supporting individuals in this situation please reach out to Austin Morreale or Pastor Seth.  Many of the same ‘navigator’ opportunities exist that are needed for refugees and asylees—assisting with public benefits, resume building, referrals etc…

Global Grace Health: there are volunteer opportunities to attend local street fairs, community health fairs etc… to assist in the distribution of Covid vaccines, blood pressure screenings, food distribution, warm clothing distribution.  Please reach out to Pastor Seth if you’d like a chance to team up with Dr. Norma Bowe for one of their many weekly engagements.

Still Waters Anti-Trafficking: Jean Stockdale is the director of this program and she could use support, especially with Spanish language interpretation, at this time.  Please approach Jean and learn more about her work in this area and about how you can get involved.

Global Grace Cafe, Marketplace, Woodshed and Farm: All of these small businesses are run out of our church building and/or the non-profits that are located here.  If you’d like a chance to assist with any of these programs, which are job-training programs and that produce tangible goods for customers, please reach out to Pastor Seth.  

HP Food Pantry

Food Pantry needs for December:

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://tinyurl.com/s7pxpzn

Most urgent needs are:

Pasta 

Peanut Butter 

Cereal 

Tuna, Chicken , Salmon

They can also use:

Stayfree

Poise

Sizes 2, 5, 6 Diapers

Baby 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:  foxyrox18@gmail.com

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

Submitted by Renee Burawski

As we begin a new year, we acknowledge that it is a difficult time for those who struggle with an addiction to alcohol or drugs… and for young people facing mental health or substance abuse challenges.

Addiction is a treatable, chronic disease involving complex interactions among the brain, genetics, the environment, and individual life experiences.  People with addictions use substances or engage in behaviors that become uncontrollable and continue despite harmful consequences.

According to the CDC, people from 12 to 20 years of age consume about one-tenth of all alcohol used in the United States.

• Alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco are substances most used by adolescents. 
• By 12th grade, about two-thirds of students have tried alcohol. 
• About half of 9th through 12th grade students reported ever having used marijuana.
• Among 12th graders, close to 2 in 10 reported using prescription medicine without a prescription. 

In a survey conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Respondents reported that the coronavirus pandemic adversely impacted their mental health, which included the exacerbating use of alcohol or drugs among people who had used drugs in the past year.

There isn’t one reason that leads a young person to use drugs or alcohol.  There are multiple factors that contribute to the development of an addiction including biological factors, like genetics, their developmental stage, gender, ethnicity and familial and social factors, sometimes called adverse events.   Although this sounds ominous; it isn’t because recovery is possible.  There are many examples around us.

TO READ THE FULL BLOG, INCLUDING A LIST OF RESOURCES, CLICK ON THIS LINK

RCHP Holiday Grief Support Group - concludes in January

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.

Our last gathering is at 7:00pm on Monday, January 9 in the parlor at RCHP. If you would like to be part of our conversation, please contact Pastor Stephanie at RCHP, Kathleen Malkiewicz at kathmaldtr@gmail.com or Nicci Spinazzola at niccispinazzola@gmail.com 

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 January and all those who still mourn

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

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.

DECEMBER HIGHLIGHTS AND MILESTONES

Community Joy!

RCHP-AHC hosts its annual holiday party for tenants & Illona of Interfaith-RISE teaches ESL to our newly arrived friends.

Nature hike--ornaments for the animals & good times for the humans!

Another amazing Pageant!  Thanks to the musicians, “actors” and those who worked behind the scenes to make the magic happen.

Christmas Eve led by the Youth Group (and guided by Pastor Terry)

Youth Group Christmas Party

More pics from the Find your Voice poetry event

BEFORE & AFTER - Worthy of DIY TV! Thanks to Harry, David (save the) Day & volunteers who helped replace a well-used kitchen floor.