Dear RCHP Family,

As I sit in my yard, in the wee hours of a late June morning, I find myself very thankful for the great variety of ways God is at work in each of our lives through the ministry of this church.  I remember, years ago, Jean Stockdale and others decorating a bulletin board in the church hallway with a picture of a big tree trunk that had extensive roots extending out all over the place.  

At that time we were growing rapidly, numerically speaking, and the elders and deacons decided that we really wanted to visualize the importance of many different kinds of growth.  Each root of the tree was extending into water, and the roots had names.  One root was ‘fellowship,’ another root was ‘bible study,’ another was ‘contemplation and prayer,’ another was ‘worship,’ another was ‘service.’  Each of the roots that touched the water was important to the full growth of the tree.  There were “sub roots” too that had the names of different program offerings where one could grow further in each ‘rooted’ realm of the Christian life.

Maybe summer is a good time to assess your roots.  Maybe your service root is very strong, but your prayer and contemplation root could use some attention.  Maybe your worship root is very meaningful, but you haven’t made yourself available to get to know the people of the church, through fellowship.  Maybe your study/education roots are excellent, but you haven’t taken new insights into the loving nature of God and translated that into regular times for prayer and contemplation.  

We all have different things to work on.  Which of your roots needs to strengthen?  How can summer be a time to reassess and to allow the waters of the living God to grow your roots, so that you thrive ever more fully and beautifully in the world where you’ve been planted?  Have a wonderful summer growing!

Peace, Pastor Seth

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

Upcoming July Events & Happenings

Ministry Associate position extended to Amanda Calderón

This has been a big couple of months for new church leadership!  Last month we announced the full-time position of Keiko Kereh, as Ministry Associate for Youth and Worship.  This month we announce the half-time position of Ministry Associate for South River that has been offered to Amanda Calderón.  We are so excited that after a year of leading the church in South River, mostly through pulpit supply and collective leadership (and with Keiko’s steady Sunday morning leadership) Amanda will be starting with us July 1!  Many of you were blessed to receive a beautiful sermon from Amanda on June 25th.  From time to time Amanda will preach at RCHP, but mostly, she will be at South River on Sundays.  We encourage you to attend the 9am service in South River whenever you can, but, mostly, we encourage you to pay attention to midweek opportunities for engagement in service, bible study/education, youth development and fellowship.  We will be having a special prayer for Amanda on Sunday, in South River and in Highland Park, and for Keiko as well, as they begin their ministries in a fuller way among us.  

Nature Hike/Fishing Derby, July 8th:  On July 8th Pastor Seth will attempt to carry out a Fishing Derby of sorts as we did during Covid in 2021.  We’ll meet at the larger of the two ponds at Johnson Park, at 9am, for 2 hours of fishing.   Parents and teens who are good at untangling fishing poles are encouraged to reach out to Seth ahead of time!

Jim Hudson Softball Classic, July 9th: For many years now RCHP has enjoyed a wonderful annual softball game, complete with food and team teeshirts.  We invite YOU to join us on July 9th, from 12-2, at Donaldson Park, for this wonderful annual event.  We do our best to incorporate all ages, and, if kids are very young and beginners, we will find ways to do some ‘kid innings’ squeezed between the actual game.  It always works out!

Celebrating Seniors in High School, July 9th: On July 9th, during worship, we will send off our church high school seniors with a prayer.  Every graduate has a different plan for what is next, but regardless of where they are going, or what they are doing, we want to send them with the church’s blessing!  

Youth Group Work Trip from Niskayuna, NY (Schenectady area), July 9-14: From July 9th-14th a youth group from Niskayuna, NY will be coming to join RCHP and its many non-profits in the work of setting up refugee homes, painting porches, delivering furniture—you name it!  We hope that during the week you’ll have a chance to visit with these youth, share about the church and learn from them.  

Saturday July 15th from 11:00am-12:30pm - Game Day in the quilt room.

Come on out and spend some light-hearted and fun quality time with your church family playing games (learn how to play Rummikub & Apples to Apples!) and catching up. Games provided, but feel free to bring your favorite. Questions? Contact Wendy Nussman at wendynussman@gmail.com

Arts, Crafts & Conversation: Wednesday July 19th, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm in the quilt room. 

Come join the fun and meet new people! Whether you are a new member or have been here for many years, please drop in and check out this group. It’s a great way to destress while having fun. You may not know this but there is an inner artist in everyone. Coloring books, perler fusion beads, and shrinky dinks are not just for kids. Feel free to bring your own materials or use the supplies provided.

Questions? - text or call Wendy Nussman at 732-715-9025.



A Visit from Justin and Stephanie Meyers, RCA Missionaries for Peace building in Oman, July 23rd: 

On July 23rd RCHP is fortunate to receive Justin and Stephanie Meyers, missionaries in Oman, who lead the Al Amana Center.  The purpose of the center is to build relationships between people of different religions in that context, and to model, for the world, that peaceful relationship building, in the middle east, is the best option for a better world.  Justin will preach at RCHP only on July 23rd (Amanda Calederon will preach at South River).  After worship we will have an extended coffee hour and afternoon session with Justin where he can present his work, share pictures, answer questions and help us to see why it is important for RCHP to support them.  When the Fords left the mission field it was suggested to us that we consider focusing on supporting missions, and Peter and Patty suggested the work of Al Amana was right in line with the values of RCHP.  Join us to learn more.

Last Call for High School Youth Work Trip to Detroit, July 30th-August 5th:  We are very excited to be taking a work trip to Detroit, staying in the Jefferson Chalmers region that has experienced lots of flooding over the past few years.  Last year Pastor Terry and youth started developing relationships in that part of the city.  We’ll continue that this year.  Pastor Seth and Keiko Kereh will be the co-leaders of this trip.  Please let us know immediately if you plan on attending.  It’s for youth entering 9th grade-entering first year of college.  All forms are due to World Renew by Friday, July 7th, so please communicate your interest to Pastor Seth or Keiko immediately so we can meet this deadline.  

Vacation Bible School Planning and Leadership: Vacation Bible School doesn’t happen until the end of August but we have lots to do in preparation for that program.  If you are interested in helping with crafts, games, stories, opening skits, snacks, helping with ‘after care’ or any other aspect of the work, please let us know.  This week is very important for all of us!  Pastor Amos, again, is writing a musical!!!!!!!

SAVE THE DATES!

Church Camping Trip, August 25th-26th:  Our June camping trip was cancelled, due to the terrible air quality from the fires in Canada.  We have rescheduled for August 25th-August 26th.  We’ll be at Allaire St. Park, which is about 40 minutes south.  People arrive anytime on Friday afternoon, into the evening after work, and we eat a meal together, sing songs around the campfire, play frisbee and just have a great time.  In the morning we’ll eat breakfast, play some more and then wrap up by noon or so.  People may want to plan to head to the beach, as we’ll not be so far away, but that is up to you.  

Please reach out to Pastor Seth at 732-882-3193 if you’d like to attend and if you have camping gear to share or are in need of camping gear.  If you cannot join us for camping, but you want to drive out on Saturday morning for a pancake breakfast, let us know!

Vacation Bible School, August 21-25:  Please watch for upcoming registration forms for Vacation Bible School.  Please sign up your kids, and your teen helpers and share this opportunity with your friends!

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.

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

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities:

As we head into summer here are a few randomly presented possibilities for you to consider. Some ideas are summer ideas, but some are forward thinking, as we prepare for fall. For the full list  click on this link



Sunday Worship and Education/Fellowship Schedule

Summer Sunday Morning Bible Study, 9:30am: For the month of July, from 9:30am-10:30am, come for a very straightforward Bible Study, as together we read a chapter from the book of Mark and then reflect on it together. This discussion will be led by one of the pastors but the content comes from you, as together we share insights, comments, questions and make connections between the gospel and our own lives. We will start with Mark 1 on July 2nd, getting through at least chapter 5 by the end of July.  

Summer Schedule Details

South River Worship Service at 9am

Highland Park Worship Service at 10:30am

The same preacher will preach in both South River and in Highland Park each of these Sundays. Our hope is that, during the summer, some Highland Park members might explore the South River church, and vice versa, that we might get to know one another better over the summer months.   

“Summer Sunday Education Programs” will run through the end of July (with August being a month of rest from all Sunday morning programming except worship).

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:

Summer Choirs: Summer is a nice time to experiment with choirs.  Chancel and Gospel Choirs practice every-other week, through July, 6:30-7:30.  Can you join us?  Email Pastor Amos if you want to think more about which choir is for you.  amoscaley@gmail.com 

Choir and Musician Appreciation Picnic: On July 26th all who have helped lead RCHP in music with their voices and instruments are invited to a special appreciation picnic at 6pm.  

A Message from Meghan Pirri - Ministry Associate for Children

Children’s Ministry update

Creative Connections with God 

Sundays. 9:30-10:20 a.m.

New Sunday morning program for kids of all ages!

We will explore and deepen our connections with God by hearing stories and making different kinds of art and other creative projects.

Wednesday night fun for kids! Wednesdays 6:30-7:30. We will have activities planned for Wednesdays (June 28 and July 5, 12, and 19). We will not be providing pizza, but will have some light snacks. 

Finally, I want to say how grateful we are to all of our Sunday School kids, teachers, and parents. Thank you for a wonderful year!

Fun Zone - New Gathering Opportunity for Youth - Every Wednesday Evening!

Every Wednesday in the Cave from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. all kids ages 9 through 12 are welcome to join us for an hour of Billiards, Board Games and more!  Questions?  Please reach out to Justan Mitchell at 732-621-6064 or jmitchell5770@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.  

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Wednesday Morning Bible Study:  Pastor Seth’s weekly bible study will continue throughout the summer.  Join us at 7:45am to explore Matthew’s Gospel and to gain insights from your wise siblings in Christ, who together interpret the word.  This is a wonderful opportunity to really get to know the stories of Jesus as presented to us in Matthew.

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 at noon, we're also journeying through a podcast and engaging in quiet conversation. Contact Carrie Dirks for more information.

"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 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

News from our friends at the NJ Institute for Social Justice

Creation of NJ Reparations Council

In light of the NJ State legislature continuing to drag its heels on the creation of a Reparations Taskforce, the NJ Institute for Social Justice (and others) have created the NJ Reparations Council. Click on the image for details.

The Council, which will solicit input from New Jereysans like you, will be divided into nine subject-matter committees, and will be the first statewide step in healing and repairing the long lingering legacy of slavery. It will spend two years diligently studying the Garden State’s unique history and present-day landscape, and propose bold and imaginative policies to not only repair the enduring harm of slavery but also to build a New Jersey where Black people are truly free and thriving.

Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership

Guided Morning Paddle - Saturday, July 22nd - 8:30am - 11:30am - Weston’s Mill Pond

Save the date to join the LRWP and paddle guides Anton Getz and Gregg Bucino for a guided morning paddle of the upstream portion of Weston's Mill Pond on Saturday July 22. Total trip distance is approximately 5 miles. REQUIREMENTS: Bring your own kayak or canoe.** Personal Floatation Devices (life vests) must be worn.  For more details, and to register click on this link

HP Food Pantry

Food Pantry needs for July:

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

Oatmeal

Cereal

Poise

Depends- all sizes but most especially Small/Medium

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

NJ Interfaith Center for Cancer Care - Support Group

If you've experienced a cancer diagnosis (no matter if it's recent or from years ago) and would like to join a reflective, contemplative, peer-led, interfaith support and discussion group, the NJ Interfaith Center for Cancer Care welcomes you to our ongoing group. The group currently meets virtually for an hour once a week and while regular attendance is welcome, the meeting topics are independent of each other, making it convenient for individuals whose schedules prevent them from attending every week of the month. If you're interested, please contact Austin at austin.njic3@improvingnj.org  for details.

Bereavement Calendar

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

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

Ted Konasievicz, Beloved Veteran and Resident of All Saints Apartments

Conchita Rivera, Beloved Mother of Alicia Greenwald

Neil Selden, a Source of Light and Love to those who passed him on life’s path

Rose Spinazzola, Deeply Loved Mother of Nicci Spinazzola, 

and Mother-in-law of Renee Burawski

Angel Timeva, Beloved Husband of Vessa Timeva

Robert Tone, Beloved Father of Kristin Tone and Deanna Hepburn, 

Beloved Father-in-Law of Matt Hepburn, 

and Beloved Grandfather of Carmella and RoseMarie Hepburn

Pauline E. Wilpiszeski, Beloved Sister and Aunt of Cathy and Anna Laycock

Sister Mary Terence Wilpiszeski OSF,

Beloved Aunt and Great Aunt of Cathy and 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.

JUNE HIGHLIGHTS AND MILESTONES

Daytona, FL trip was a success! The amazing RCHP work crew hung new walls in one home and laid a new floor in another. A small, but mighty team!

A Sunday of Celebrations!  Ordination of Elders, Aidan Selmer and Sandy Russell-Jones and honoring Sunday School teachers and kids - what a blessing!

RCHP played host to the Statewide World Refugee Day program, with 150 people crowding the social hall to hear from refugees and to enjoy food and conversation.  Speakers included Department of Human Services Commissioner, Sarah Adelman, and Aogay, a recent arrival from Afghanistan.

The official ribbon cutting for Global Grace Marketplace took place on June 20th, with music by Amandala, and speakers included new store manager Meredith Carman, as well as Mayor Foster.  A celebration of Fair Trade and a new location - we thank Sidra Inam and all the volunteers who helped to bring the store to HP’s Main Street!