Check out what's going on this week at the UMC of Red Bank!
Connections
Thursday, July 6, 2023
Pastor Cam's Weekend Preview-
Reminder: We have resumed in-person worship and continue to live-stream the service on our website and YouTube channel.
Pastor Cam will be away for the next 2 weeks. If you are in need of pastoral care, or in the event of a pastoral emergency, Rev. David Henritzy will be available. Please contact Amanda in the office at office@umcredbank.org or at (732) 747-0446 for assistance.
Church Grounds Clean Up - This Saturday, 7/8
You might have noticed our front garden beds are in need of some TLC, so we've scheduled a church grounds gardening day for Saturday, July 8 at 8:00 am! If you haven't been out to one of these in a while (or ever!) we'd love to have you join us. We keep it short and sweet and try to beat the heat by starting early. Please remember to bring gloves, gardening tools, bug spray and water.
UWF Craft Group- 7/11
Craft Group will meet on Tuesday, July 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Library Lounge area. Please come for all or as much time as you have available. We will be checking to see which categories of cards need to be replenished, and we will make sure our Back to School (or College) cards will be ready for display in August. Stop by to see our cards in Fellowship Hall on Sunday mornings. We can also fill requests for special cards.  Your purchases (at $1.00 a card) help United Women in Faith fulfill our budgeted missions!  Any questions? Contact Peggy Wien.
Solar Update- June Output
Our church’s solar output in June was 5,747 KW-Hours, a 5% increase over June 2022. We avoided 9,770 lbs. of CO2 emissions had we purchased this power from a fossil fuel source.
Since start-up we have avoided 1,120,249 lbs. of CO2 or 510 metric tons.
UWF Collection for Camden Neighborhood Center Summer Camp
The UWF is asking our church members to donate to the Camden Neighborhood Center so that disadvantaged children will get an opportunity to go to summer camp.
Stop at our table each Sunday and make a donation and sign a "little child" pattern and we will post your "little child" on our bulletin board. We appreciate all donations.
We are now in the pledging phase of the Capital Campaign! We would love for your partnership in building out our vision of being the best, most welcoming church we can be! If you are led to do so, you are invited to make a pledge by the end of June! With $224,740 pledged, we are at 75% of our pledge goal of $300,000! This is great news and we are thankful to all who have pledged!
I Believe...But-
People of faith are not immune to doubts or questions regarding various elements of our religion and religious expression. It is important to remember, that doubt is not the opposite of faith, but a tool to investigate and go deeper into it. What doubts do you have? What questions about this faith we claim here at UMCRB? Over the next few weeks, you are invited to share your questions via index card. This summer, Pastor Cam will dive into some the common themes that arise from the questions gathered. 
Update From the Mission & Service Committee-
We are close to reaching our goal of 100 hygiene kits. 
Items still needed: 20 toothbrushes and16 combs.
A big thank you to the congregation for their generous contributions thus far.  
Red Bank Theater for Young Audiences’ Summer Theater with Kids
Last week, Bonnie Deroski and Melissa Moore Reimertz led a theater workshop for kids ages 8-12 with the focus on fables. The kids had a great time learning, acting and growing their confidence. Thanks to Bonnie and Melissa for making the first Summer Theater program a success. The second session of this program continues this week.
Check Out Our Blossoming Pollinator Garden!
We hope the summer rain has made your gardens bloom! Our pollinator garden here at UMC Red Bank is blossoming beautifully. Thank you to our mini gardeners who planted for us and to all who have volunteered to water. We are always looking for gardeners to come and water, from time to time. Contact the church office to learn more. 
Backpack Crew Pantry
Donations Always Welcome
The Backpack Crew has continued to serve the increasing number of people who are impacted by food insecurity in the midst of this health crisis. Food donations are greatly appreciated on the back porch of the church, Monday though Friday from 9 am to 3 pm.
The current donation request is Boxed or Pouches of Instant Mashed Potatoes. 
Thank you for your continued support. Email us at backpackcrewnj@gmail.com with any questions.
Pastoral Care
If someone is hospitalized or in need of pastoral care,
please contact Rev. Cameron Overbey at pastorcam@umcredbank.org or call (732) 747-0446.