Dear RCHP Family,

It’s hard to believe we are about to start a new program year at RCHP!  That’s what we call September-June.  This summer was FULL and FUN.  Lots of things flourished.  The Table, every Sunday night.  Spanish classes for English learners.  Vacation Bible School was wonderful, and the musical was its usual super-meaningful hit. Softball games, frisbee games, work trips, summer camps, guest preachers and visiting missionaries…we’ve had a wonderful summer together!  Also, if you were in the building at all, mid week, it was packed each and every day.  The Cafe (serving 100+ meals a day), the Marketplace (on Raritan) the Warehouse and wood-shop (on Raritan), the Legal Office (on Raritan) and every nook and cranny of this building was being used by caring people who work or volunteer for the church and its nonprofits to provide a vast array of services for refugees and other people currently in need of support.  The other space that was packed was the sanctuary at RCHP.  There wasn’t a day all summer that felt ‘small.’  Summer allows us to worship together (we can actually fit) but this summer almost challenged that assumption, as we set up extra chairs most Sundays.  Thank you all for working and worshiping together at RCHP so consistently!  

Church isn’t the only thing that has a ‘program year.’  Schools, work (to some extent), committees, organizations…lots of things have a ‘summer break.’  As you ‘get busy’ in all aspects of life what will you carve out for spiritual growth?  Consider it now, in early September, before the work starts to pile up.  

Here are just a few ideas.

-Make a commitment to get to Sunday school each week. This is important for children and adults. Worship is WONDERFUL, but sometimes educational spaces are the places for engagement and searching.  

-Commit to a bible study, prayer group, meditation group etc… Find a midweek space for quiet, for learning, for growth.

-Commit to a fellowship opportunity. We have movie clubs and sewing circles, prayer shawl ministries and Sunday dinners (the Table).

-Commit to a musical opportunity. Choirs (for all ages) are so enriching to the soul! Carve out time to sing praises to God!

-Commit to a service opportunity. There are so many ways to engage in helping make the world a little more beautiful. RCHP has its tentacles deeply reaching into some of the largest social justice and mercy matters of our day. Volunteer at the marketplace, the wood shop, the farm, with refugee resettlement, with tutoring, with driving people to appointments.  

-Join a committee and help shape RCHP’s ministries.

-Commit to assisting us in the ministry of South River Reformed.

-Encourage your youth to attend Youth Group. Keiko Kereh is a blessing and youth love being together under her watch. All 6th-12th graders will grow spiritually, and as a community, in the space she is creating. 

It’s endless really…the opportunities that RCHP facilitates for spiritual growth.

One last thing…don’t try to do it all. You all have busy lives, even before you start trying to build church programming opportunities into your lives. Just be thankful to God that this is all happening, at your church. Rejoice that some people are involved in all these things. And, find your one, or your two things, and let those things serve as a conduit between you and the Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer who loves you and will guide you these next 10 months.....until next summer’s rest.

The Peace of Christ to you,

Pastor Seth

Included in this Issue: Please see the "Supporting Each Other..." section for info on the upcoming Fall Grief Support Group and the "Serving & Working for Justice..." section for info on the NYC March to End Fossil Fuels.

Upcoming September Events & Happenings

RCHP Fall Kickoff!, September 9th, 1pm-5pm 

As a way to celebrate the beginning of the program year, RCHP is holding a day of fun and information sharing (bounce house, popcorn, crafts, games, and INFORMATION/SIGN UPs). Come join us, invite friends, and just be together for a wonderful afternoon.  

Sunday School Teacher Training, Saturday September 9th, 12pm 

Children’s Ministry Associate Meghan Pirri will hold a Saturday morning meeting with teachers for the year’s Sunday school classes, to review the new curriculum, to have teaching teams get acquainted, and to start the year in prayer!

Sunday School for All Ages, begins September 10th

Starting September 10th RCHP has Sunday school from 10:10-11:00am.  Start the year off right by getting to Sunday school!  

Long Branch Zoning Board Meeting, Regarding RCHP-AHC Senior Housing.

September 11th, at 7pm, Pastor Seth and RCHP-AHC will be presenting a plan for the redevelopment of the Reformed Church of Long Branch—transforming that currently empty church space into a preserved church space that adds 15 affordable apartments for Senior Citizens.  It is the first Senior Citizen focused housing complex proposed by RCHP-AHC.  Please pray for us as we try to get this project truly launched.

D.E.P.T.H. - Thursday, Sept. 14th, 7-8pm

D.E.P.T.H. - The next DEPTH (Discussing and Exploring Personal Theologies Honestly) gathering will be from 7-8pm on Thursday, September 14th in the RCHP Parlor. Email Austin at retroboi319@gmail.com  for the prompt and more information.

September 21, Interfaith-RISE Monthly Meeting

On Thursday, September 21, join us for the monthly meeting of Interfaith-RISE. This will be an opportunity to really hear from volunteers about the good work that is occurring on behalf of refugees through the networks of volunteer support that have formed within and around the edges of IRISE.

Confirmation Class starting in October!

Confirmation is an opportunity for youth ages 7th grade and up to engage in a year-long process of reflecting on faith, carrying out a service project and asking big questions. Our class will begin meeting in October. Please speak to Pastor Stephanie or Pastor Seth if your child is interested in joining us.  

Update on The Raptor Trust

During our wonderful week of Vacation Bible School we learned about The Raptor Trust, a bird rehabilitation and education center in Millington, NJ. The Raptor Trust provides free care to injured or sick wild birds and also educates people about wild birds. Any birds that regain health are released to the wild; birds that cannot live independently are given a safe permanent home at The Raptor Trust. The children of VBS brought in an offering each day to support The Raptor Trust and the grand total of their offering for the week was $1,180.22. You should be very proud of this, kids!! Many birds will be helped because of the way you all pulled together to give this offering. Way to go!!  

Stephen Ministry training class beginning in January

Stephen Ministry is a ministry of presence in which trained Stephen Ministers provide one-on-one confidential care to individuals facing life challenges. If you are interested in learning more about this program, either to become a Stephen Minister or receive the care of a Stephen Minister, please speak to Renee DiGrigoli rmdigrigoli@outlook.com , Anthony DiGrigoli awdigrigoli@gmail.com , John Rametta or Pastor Stephanie.  

PLEASE NOTE: Saturday Game Days and Wednesday Art, Crafts & Conversation will be on temporary hiatus for September. These activities will start up again in October. Contact Wendy Nussman at wendynussman@gmail.com if you'd like to get on her mailing list

ATTENTION RCHP! PLEASE SAVE THESE DATES: October 6 and October 13 from 12 noon-1:30pm on Zoom  IMPORTANT TRAINING! FOCUS ON FAITH AND GENDER: Sponsored by RCHP Care Committee and HiTops Faith Initiative  ALL ARE WELCOME!  Sign up for Zoom Link with church secretary, Lisa Berman, reformedchurchhp@gmail.com 

The HiTOPS Faith Initiative seeks to build affirming spaces within faith communities for LGBTQ+ youth and their families. We invite you to participate in a two-part series on October 6 and 13 that focuses on gender and sexuality and addresses theological concepts and scriptural references often used against members of the LGBTQ+ community. We also provide stories we’ve collected that share people’s lived experiences within faith communities. The Faith Initiative series creates a non-judgmental space with opportunities for questions, concrete examples of welcoming congregations, and enhances your journey of becoming an affirming community.

This training will be facilitated by Deborah Jodrey and Thomas Foley. Deborah Jodrey (she/her) is a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary and has been consulting with HiTOPS for over a year developing and piloting this training. Deborah also works as a Director of Faith Formation at a congregation in PA and is passionate about creating spaces of belonging within faith communities. Thomas (he/they) is the Senior Education Manager at HiTOPS and is a former classroom teacher, a certified school counselor, and a licensed therapist. He is working toward his PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision and has a considerable amount of experience researching and working with youth, particularly with queer and trans youth.  

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 next gathering will be on September 17th, following Second Service (around 1:00pm).

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



SEEKING PART-TIME CHAPLAIN AT RUTGERS, NEW BRUNSWICK

RPCM Statement of Purpose: Rutgers Protestant Campus Ministries is a progressive, inclusive, Protestant voice on campus intended to speak out to and be a support for students of varied faith traditions. Our ministry is open and affirming of all LGBTQ+ people. We seek to continue to grow a just and peaceful presence of spirituality on the New Brunswick Campus of Rutgers University.

Brief Call Statement: RPCM is seeking a part-time Campus Chaplain to work with students and network with other campus chaplains as well as the governance of Rutgers student organizations. Contact Rev. LL DuBreuil at RevLL@aol.com  Please put “RPCM Application” in the subject line.

Job Description: The RPCM Chaplain will work directly with students in coordination with other campus faith organizations. The Chaplain will be asked to be on the New Brunswick Campus for 4 days a month and to develop relationships that foster community among students. The Chaplain will also meet with the RPCM Board of Directors monthly to share a report of activities as well as to seek support from the Board members.

Compensation: Compensation will be $250/per diem up to $1000/per month.

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Sunday Morning Worship Schedule—Here is the RCHP (in Highland Park and South River) schedule from September 10-late June.

In Highland Park:

9:00am First Service

11:15am Second Service

In South River:

9:30am Bilingual Service

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!

Kids Choirs start up on September 13th, at 5pm. Join us for 30 minutes of singing simple songs about God’s love! Ages pre-K through 1st grade (First Voices) meet with Pastor Seth in the Social Hall. Ages 2nd through 6th grade (Voices of Praise) meet with Pastor Amos in the Sanctuary.

Pastor Seth would welcome some support in the fall, as choir time, and his daughter’s varsity soccer game, sometimes interfere! Please let him know if you can assist from time to time!

All singers are invited to stay for pizza after singing, and then to join Ms. Meghan and others, for stories and fun, from 6pm-7pm. 

New Season for Adult Choirs starts next Wednesday, Sept. 13th! Here’s the schedule:

6:00pm - Gospel Choir

7:00pm - Chancel Choir

8:00pm - Praise Team

Contact Pastor Amos if you’re interested in giving it a try! amoscaley@gmail.com

Community Education Program - Seizures and Seizure Disorders        

Sunday, October 8, 2023, from 10:15am-11:10am in the RCHP Parlor

In this special adult education program, participants will learn about seizures and seizure disorders, a relatively common neurological event that impacts members of our church family and our local community: 

1. Learn how to recognize and respond to seizures

2. Learn how to prevent seizures and learn more about how seizure disorders are treated

3. Learn how to support people and families who are coping with seizure disorders.

Our guest speaker, Dr. Helen Han, is a Board certified neurologist and epilepsy specialist affiliated with Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, a level 4 epilepsy center.  She received her medical degree from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and completed training at Mount Sinai Hospital and NYU Langone Medical Center. She has been in practice since 2022.

A Message from Keiko Kereh - Ministry Associate for Youth & Worship

Youth Group Announcements!

If you have a child from 6th - 12th grade, they are invited this Sunday, Sept 10 at 6pm for our Youth Group Kick Off. It will be by the side of the church and burgers & hotdogs will be provided! This is a great way for both groups to get to know one another, introduce ourselves, and see our schedule for the upcoming year. Hope they can join us! (Reminder: BOTH MIDDLE AND HIGH-SCHOOL youth groups are invited)

Youth Group Meeting Times for the year: 

Middle School: Every Wednesday, 7-8:15pm

High School: Every Sunday, 7-8:15pm

Email keikokereh@gmail.com  for more info! 

WIMNI News

Who Is My Neighbor, Inc. is getting ready to launch their fall programs! The first day of the Cave Afterschool Center (for 6th - 8th graders) will be Monday, September 11th (3-5p). The Family Den, WIMNI's enrichment program for 0-4 year-olds and their parents/caregivers, starts on Thursday, September 14th from 9:30am-11:30am. Both programs are located in the lower level of RCHP. Send an email to info@whoismyneighbor.net  for more information.

Fun Zone - New Gathering Opportunity for Youth - 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.  

https://us02web.zoom.us/s/442816580 pwd=cTBQT2xwWWpOL3UrM0t2emRlUzU0Zz09#

success 

Wednesday morning bible study, 7:45am-9am—Join Pastor Seth and a group of approximately 8-10 for thoughtful conversation about scripture and faith.  

Contemplative Fridays

We've begun our practice of creating space on Fridays for contemplation and meditation. Each Friday 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.

"Tricky Topics" Resumes in September

Beginning the second week of September, Pastor Amos is leading another book study designed to discuss difficult topics at the intersection of faith and society. Starting on September 14, the group will meet every Thursday over Zoom to explore the book "Christ in Crisis" by Jim Wallis.

Contact Pastor Amos (amoscaley@gmail.com) to get a copy of the book and be included in the Zoom invitation.

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.

March to End Fossil Fuels - Sunday September 17, 2023 at 1pm in NYC

On Sunday September 17, 2023 there will be a national March to End Fossil Fuels in New York City.  The date and location of the March have been chosen in anticipation of the UN Climate Ambition Summit occurring on September 20, 2023 in New York City, which will call on world leaders to commit to phasing out fossil fuels.

The September 17 March is to called to demand the Biden Administration to:

1. Stop Federal Approvals for new fossil fuel projects and repeal permits for climate bombs like the Willow project and the Mountain Valley Pipeline.

2. Phase out fossil fuel drilling on our public lands and waters.

3. Declare a climate emergency to halt fossil fuel exports and investments abroad, and turbo-charge the build-out of more just, resilient distributed energy (like rooftop and community solar).

4. Provide a just transition to a renewable energy future that generates millions of jobs while supporting workers' and community rights, job security, and employment equity.

The March will begin at 1:00 pm.  Groups and individuals will meet on Broadway between 54th Street and 57th Street (some large hubs will meet between 52nd and 54th).  Groups/hubs that would like to stay together are encouraged to pick a location to meet between 54th and 57th.  

The March will proceed up Broadway then east on 52nd Street to 1st Ave. and will end at 1st Ave and 49th Street, where there will be a rally.  The March route is approximately 1.5 miles.  For more info. click on this link https://www.endfossilfuels.us and/or contact Mark Lesko at lostfish222@gmail.com

Prayers for Striking Nurses at RWJUH

For those of us who have loved RWJUH for many years, and who have seen the benefits of the hospital for so many of our family, friends and church members, the current situation between the administration and nurses is deeply disturbing.  Join us in praying for the striking nurses, and for the hearts of the administration, that they might be moved to negotiate and to take seriously the concerns of those on the front line of patient care.  Watch for church updates about actions that we can take in support of the nurses.

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 urgent needs are:

Tuna. Salmon. Chicken 

Pasta

Cereal

Oatmeal

All Adult Incontinence Products

(Poise, Adult Diapers,  etc)

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

Fall Grief Support Group - Starting September 25th

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 25th, 2023 in the parlor at RCHP.  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  

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.

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. Masks are optional. 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

Bereavement Calendar

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

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

Robert Board, Beloved Great-Uncle of Jess Munger

Ann and Fred Caterson, Beloved Parents of Mary Caterson

Tim Downey, Beloved Husband of Luanne Downey,

and Beloved Brother-in-Law of Illona Faust and Susanne Kucsma

Michael Faust, Beloved Husband of Andrea Faust, 

Beloved Father to Meghan, Ryan, Sean, Michael, Alexis, and Madison, 

and Beloved Brother-in-Law of Illona Faust

Helen and Joe Haluko, Beloved Aunt and Uncle of Illona Faust, Susanne Kucsma, 

and Luanne Downey

Maria Sia Sui Hong, Beloved Mother of Yana Sunarto, 

and Beloved Grandmother of the Pangemanan family 

Carol Spargo House, Beloved Cousin of Carrie and Paul Hudak 

Melinda Knowlton, Beloved Daughter of Roberta Knowlton

Lori Lubert, Beloved Aunt of Madison and Alyssa Fisher,

and Beloved Sister of Diane Wagner

Brittany Novak, Beloved Niece of Cathy Laycock, 

and Cousin 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.

AUGUST HIGHLIGHTS AND MILESTONES

Backpacks galore!



Thanks to the generosity of community members, our young clients at Interfaith-RISE and Accompany Now are set for school this Fall - what a blessing!

RCHP YOUTH GROUP

While some folks were taking a Summer break, RCHP youth kept busy.  The Detroit work trip was not all work; fun times at Six Flags Great Adventure; and a bitter-sweet going away party for Debasay

What a week it was!  Everything from a BIG bird nest, to hall decorations….

VBS

HIGHLIGHTS

….to rehearsing for the musical

….and everything in between

Culminating in a not-to-be-missed performance.  What a joy for all who took part!

RCHP supports RWJUH striking nurses!

Sarah Caley and others spoke at the rally on the steps of RCHP, after which the marchers walked over the Albany Street Bridge to the hospital in New Brunswick for a candlelight vigil.