Dear Church Family,

There are certain times in life when we need a faith community to guide us.  When the world seems particularly despicable, when powerful forces seem to encroach on everything and to disrupt beauty—it is then we remember the beauty of our Creator and of all things created.

The world is in a tailspin right now.  A serious one.  The number of wars, the amount of suffering, and the despicable twisted rhetoric is almost too much to handle.

So, come on home. Come on home to life with God in community. Come on home to RCHP, where we stop, listen, give thanks, ask for guidance, receive challenges and then head back into the world as if we’d just gone to the gym or something. I always leave worship with my chest filled back up with air, my muscles feel stronger, my voice is richer, my blood pressure is down…because I’ve been in God’s presence and yours.  

Let’s make this a wonderful Autumn by choosing to watch and listen and wait for God.

Peace, 

Pastor Seth

Upcoming October Events & Happenings

New Blessing Bag Ministry!

Beginning on Saturday, October 12 at 11:00am, we will begin a new ministry to support the work of Dr. Norma Bowe and her team, who serve the unsheltered and under-served people in and around our community. These Blessing Bag assemblies will meet at least once per month, with potential to meet more frequently. The gatherings will be fun and meaningful for all ages.

Norma would like to ideally distribute around 100 bags per week, so we need lots of help! Please consider joining us to assemble bags, or support us by purchasing and donating any of these items:

Paper Bags (can hold at least 4 lbs)

Socks

Granola Bars

Applesauce Pouches

Toothbrushes

Toothpaste

Bars of Soap

Vitamin C Packets (Emergen-C, Airborne, etc.)

Mini Water Bottles

Notes or Cards

Combs or Hairbrushes

Hand Warmers

If you would like to participate, and/or provide any of these items, please talk to Pastor Amos.

Confirmation Class Starts with Pastors Stephanie and Seth, Sunday, October 6th at 6pm

We are very excited to start our annual confirmation class on Sunday night. If you are a middle/high student who wants a chance to go through a process of preparing a Personal Faith Statement and learning and sharing what you think about God and Faith at this point in your journey, let us know!

Nature Hike, Saturday, October 12th—Join us for a morning walk at Rutgers Preserve on October 12th. We’ll meet in the church parking lot at 9am, drive over to explore some fun trails, and we’ll be back to the church by 11:30 at the absolute latest. It’s so much fun, for people of all ages, to get to know each other on these hikes! There are plenty of seats in the church bus for all. 

SAVE THE DATE! RCHP Holiday Bazaar Saturday, November 23rd  - 10:00am-3:00pm

A Message from the Bazaar Planning Committee

Spend the day & bring your friends, family and anyone you think would enjoy this great event! Lots of handmade gifts from the Ladies Sewing Circle, holiday decor & gifts, scarves, hats and more + pottery, handmade jewelry, church bake sale table and delicious and Amazing Indonesian lunch prepared by Yana, Harry and their wonderful team of members and friends, and more!!!

BAKE TABLE! It’s time to start thinking about what dessert you will be making, baking or bringing for the bake table. Remember all items should be individually wrapped. 

VOLUNTEER! ​Volunteers are most welcome for event and bazaar planning. If you would like to volunteer to help please text or leave a voicemail - Maria 908-208-2623.

Looking forward to seeing you at bazaar on Saturday November 23, 2023. Thank you!​ ​Thank you! ​​Thank you!

The Table, (We hope to do every Sunday after 2nd Service)

In mid September we relaunched “The Table” as an afternoon meal (after 2nd service) that is for the homeless, poor, and all who are lonely and need a meal and for those who just attended church. It’s for everybody! If you’d like to assist us with the Table you can:



-donate money (bring it to Lisa or put it in the food pantry wagon on Sundays)

-donate non perishable goods (rice, beans, pasta, sauces, canned veggies etc…)

-offer to help with set up and food prep while 2nd service is going on.

-offer to stay and help with dishes.

-prepare something at home that you can bring in to share.

These are just a few ways to be a part of this ministry!  

Men’s Fellowship Ministry meets Saturday, October 12th and October 26th from 12pm - 1pm

All who identify as male are invited to this new group which will meet every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month for a prayer breakfast and more! For more info, contact Justan at jmitchell5770@gmail.com

PLEASE NOTE: D.E.P.T.H. - WILL NOT BE MEETING IN OCTOBER

Check back here in November for meeting details for the next gathering, which will be on Thursday, November 14th. 

PRAYER BEAD WORKSHOP - October 20th at 6:30pm

Please join the Care Committee on Sunday, October 20 at 6:30pm to make your own prayer beads. Prayer beads are used in many religious traditions to count prayers in repetition, recite mantras, or simply to ground oneself in the physical while allowing the mind to focus on God. At the workshop you will learn about the use of beads and then make your own! For questions please contact Sandy Russell Jones (sandyrusselljones@gmail.com).

Halloween Party, Saturday, October 26th—RCHP does a pretty great job with its annual Halloween party.  This is a great place for kids to come and show off their costumes, play fun Halloween games, make crafts, go through a haunted house (created by the youth group) and to eat delicious food.  Let us know if you’d like to help!

Special NJIC3 Event - Sunday October 27th at 3pm

The NJ Interfaith Center for Cancer Care encourages you to mark your calendars now for a special program at 3pm on Sunday, October 27th.  Join us in the RCHP parlor for "Living In Two Worlds: A Family's Cancer Journey," when author Maggie Bruehl, her husband, Roger, and their daughter, Amanda, will share stories and lessons learned from Maggie's nearly two-decade long cancer journey. Maggie will read selections from her memoir that chronicles her cancer experience, "Suspended: Living With Dying," and she and her family will share how they've navigated (individually and as a family) her cancer journey. This is a free event, but registration is suggested. Sign up at https://rebrand.ly/TwoWorlds  or by scanning the QR code in the flyer. Copies of "Suspended: Living With Dying" will be on sale at the event.

Fall Grief Support Group

This Fall, as we approach the holiday season, we are reminded that this is a time we spend with loved ones. This season of celebration has been engraved into our hearts and into our families from a young age. Holidays are one way we mark the passage of time. They are one of the many milestones we share with each other, and they often represent time spent with family and friends. For many of us, this is the hardest part of grieving our losses. Together in our support group we create a circle of healing to hold each other up during our most difficult times.

Our group is a safe and welcoming space that allows us to explore our thoughts and feelings related to grief and loss.  It is a place to receive and provide support and understanding, while finding new ways to approach the challenges presented by grief.  Come and meet others who seek meaning, offer perspective, and lessen the sense of isolation so many of us have felt as we walk through this process.  Our group will provide you with emotional and spiritual support in a safe and non-judgmental environment.

Please join us at 6:30pm beginning Monday September 30th, 2024, in the Parlor at RCHP. Following that meeting we will continue to meet the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month. If you would like to be part of our group, please contact Pastor Stephanie at RCHP,  Kathleen Malkiewicz at kathmaldtr@gmail.com or Nicci Spinazzola at niccispinazzola@gmail.com  

Signs and Wonders

Be on the lookout for new signs in and around our church home! The blue sign will be in the front on South Second Avenue. The Welcome sign will be in the rear by the door at the top of the steps and ramp. Under the guidance of and with hard work from our CARE and Property Committees, we are also installing signs identifying and pointing to the rooms people regularly look for.

Do you have any ideas about how to become even more accessible? Our CARE Committee, which oversees the Welcoming and Accessible Initiative, continues to address any issue you wish to raise. Send an email to LL DuBreuil at RevLL@aol.com with your ideas.

Online Chronic Pain & Illness Support Group - New Members Welcome

Has your life has been changed by physical pain or chronic illness? Are you willing to share your experience, strength and hope with others on this lonely journey? Drop in to a Weekly Support Group on ZOOM that meets throughout the summer on 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

Save the Dates!

Walk for Refugees and Asylum Seekers!, November 3rd—One of RCHP’s dreams that turned into something larger than we could have imagined is the program Interfaith-RISE. This gigantic program will receive nearly 900 approved refugees to enter NJ with legal status, working papers, wrap-around services and the tools needed to start well here. Once a year we try to get as many people as possible to join us in walking for refugees. We hope you’ll join us from 2pm-4pm on November 3rd!

Saturday November 19th - New Members Class - If you are new to RCHP and you’d like to really commit to the community, we invite you to join us for a 1 session class for ‘joining’ at 7pm on the 19th. It’s an opportunity for newcomers (or longtime attendees who haven’t joined) to learn where RCHP fits into the church universal and to get a sense of what is important to the congregation. Please reach out to Pastor Seth if you’d like more information!

SAVE THE DATE!

Gingerbread House Making! - Saturday, December 9th

Save the date: make your own gingerbread house, Saturday Dec 7th at approximately 12 noon.

Immediately following the Fall hike and Christmas Pageant Rehearsal Lunch provided.

For more information, call or text Wendy Nussman: 732-715-9025

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Spanish Worship at RCHP, Sunday, October 13th, 7pm

Pastor Seth and Pastor Amanda will co-lead the monthly Spanish worship service at RCHP at 7pm on the 13th.  If you’d like to add musical offering, or participate with a testimony, please reach out!

Special Guest at RCHP for Worship on Sunday, October 20th—Rev. Mark Pettis, the Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations Manager for the United Church of Christ (national office) will be our guest preacher.  Now that RCHP is dually affiliated with the RCA and UCC we are thrilled when opportunities arise to further learn about our dually affiliated identity.  We are grateful that Rev. Pettis, while here for denominational business, will be worshiping with us.

Wednesday Nights are Music Nights (Starting in September) 

Kids Choirs Start on September 4th, 5pm-5:30pm…followed by Pizza!  If you are 3yrs-6th grade join us for one of the two choirs offered to kids at RCHP.  Pastor Amos leads “Voices of Praise” for the older kids, and Pastor Seth leads “First Voices.”  These opportunities are so much fun! 

Gospel and Chancel choirs meet on Wednesday evenings

:

Gospel choir meets at 6pm

Chancel choir meets at 7pm

Come out and give one or both choirs a try!

If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Amos at amoscaley@gmail.com.

A Message from Meghan Pirri - Ministry Associate for Children

Sunday School Update!

Sunday School is off to a great start! 

The kids have been having an awesome time, while learning a lot. Our new curriculum, Dwell, provides fun and meaningful hands-on lessons and activities. Click here for more information about the curriculum.

Join us for stories of God's love, games, activities and songs.  We have a wonderful group of teachers and are looking forward to having you with us. Please register your child by clicking on this link: Sunday School Registration 2024-2025 or by calling the office at 732-249-7349.

Sunday School runs from 10:15-11:00 a.m., between the two services:

We have 6 different classes, 

3-4 years old

5-6 years old

7-8 years old

9-10 years old

Middle School

High School

If you have any questions, you can email Meghan at meghanpirri@gmail.com   Hope to see you soon!!

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

Every Wednesday in the Cave from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 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, Mon-Sat, 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. Cut and paste this link into your browser to access the Zoom call:  

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/442816580?pwd=cTBQT2xwWWpOL3UrM0t2emRlUzU0Zz09#success

Wednesday Morning Bible Study in Full Swing, 7:45am (RCHP)

Weekly bible study is amazing right now. Join 12-14 of us on Wednesdays to discuss 2 Corinthians and to apply it to our lives! This study is led communally, but facilitated by Pastor Seth

South River Morning Bible Study, Friday October 11 and October 25th, 7:45am

Pastor Seth has always loved morning bible studies. Join him and Pastor Amanda at 40 Thomas Street, the second and fourth Friday of October, to explore scripture together. Please encourage folks who live in our near South River to attend! And, if you want to drive over with Pastor Seth, he’ll be leaving HP at 7:15am.

Contemplative Spaces

We are continuing our practice of creating space for contemplation and meditation, journeying in reflection groups through the traditions of Christian mysticism. We now offer two separate times for gathering:

• Every other Thursday evening, from 6:00 to 7:00pm, we meet in the community room above the social hall (Room 201). This group is exploring a book and podcast with Richard Rohr.
• Every other Friday at noon, we meet in the RCHP sanctuary to reflect on a collection of letters and memoirs of Etty Hillesum.

Contact Carrie Dirks for more information, or visit this webpage.

Crafts and Conversation

Once a month (usually on a Wednesday) a small group of adults get together to do a craft. The crafts are simple and fun, the materials are provided, and you'll leave with a cute gift for yourself or someone you love! It’s a great way to meet new people. No artistic ability is required, and there’s no charge for supplies.

If you'd like to be included in the monthly invitation, please text Wendy Nussman at 732-715-9025, and you'll receive a text message each month with date, time, and other details. 

Game Day

Do you like getting together with friends to play board games? About one Saturday morning per month, a small group gathers at church for non-competitive fun with board games. Lately, it's been Rummikub, but suggestions are always welcome, and there are many games available to choose from.

If you'd like to be included in the monthly invitation, please text Wendy Nussman at 732-715-9025, and you'll receive a text message each month with date, time, and other details. 

Movie Mondays - Join us!

On most Mondays at 10:30 am, a small group gets together in the church parlor to watch a "feel-good" movie that the group has decided on. All are welcome! Examples of movies that have recently been seen are The Perfect Game, Mamma Mia (Both 1 & 2!!), Hidden Figures, Big, and Fly Away Home. Your suggestions are also welcome!  

If you have any interest, please contact Cecilia with your cell phone number. You will be included in the text invitation, which is on a week-by-week basis. Bring your own snack and drink, and join whenever you'd like to hang out for a casual Monday morning with your church friends! Cecilia: (732) 809-2638, czr852@yahoo.com 

"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.

Lower Raritan Watershed Project

October 12 Boat Build with LRWP - 9:00 am – 11:00 am

Learn woodworking with the Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership as we construct cedar strip and other wooden boats for use on the Raritan River!

This is an “in person” build session at our Boat House location at 101 Raritan Avenue in Highland Park. Volunteers will learn through hands-on activities.

Registration is FREE and is limited to eight (8) participants. Click here to register

Close toed shoes are required when in the boat house. Bring your own eye protection if you have it.

For more information contact: info@lowerraritanwatershed.org 

HP Food Pantry

Food Pantry needs for September:

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 needed items:

Pasta 

Cereal

Oatmeal



Poise Adult Briefs

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

Bereavement Calendar

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

The following names have been offered for remembrance in October 2024:

Marie Lavelle, Beloved Mother, 

and Tim Lavelle, Beloved Brother of Lisa Berman

Sharlene Petersen, Beloved Mother of Kathleen Malkiewicz

Jean deKoster, Beloved Sister of Cecilia Rowedder

Teri Shook, Beloved Mother of Kevin and Megan Shook,

 and Beloved Wife of Ken Shook

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. 

SEPTEMBER HIGHLIGHTS AND MILESTONES

Keiko magic grows youth group!

Global Grace Marketplace at Arts in the Park