“ALL ARE WELCOME!” at Trinity Church
REV. DR. PAUL RIMASSA AND TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH
ARE RELAYING THE MESSAGE THAT “ALL ARE WELCOME!”
ROCKY HILL, NJ….The Rev. Dr. Paul S. Rimassa and his congregation will be in search of a few more “soles” when Trinity Episcopal Church holds its second annual “Fun Run/Walk” Sunday, October 11th here in Rocky Hill.
In an attempt to raise awareness that their faith community serves Rocky Hill, Hillsborough and Montgomery, Fr. Paul and his vestry considered “Sneaker Sunday” a great way to get the message across the street, and across the county.
“This is a friend-raiser, not a fund raiser,” says Fr. Paul. “We are not looking to raise revenue, just to make new friendships. We especially want young families to learn about the improvements that have been made to our Religions Education and Youth Ministry programs.”
The Church, located on Crescent Avenue, is quaint. It sits as a white clapboard and stained glass “mission church”, built in 1864 during the Civil War. Over the past two generations, a parish hall, kitchen and Sunday school classrooms have been added to the site.
“We’ve been here a long time, but ironically not everyone knows we’re here,” says the Rev. Rimassa. “That’s why the church decided an annual trek through Rocky Hill is a ‘no-pressure way’ to reintroduce itself to its neighbors in the borough. Having a hot-dog cart on hand to take care of the lunch crowd was a new way to share fellowship as well.”
The Rev. Rimassa says he thinks the warm and friendly atmosphere of Trinity Church is what makes it so appealing to both members and visitors.
“Trinity Church is a place where everyone knows your name,” he says. “We’re hopeful that the intimacy of a small congregation will continue to attract new families and individuals.”
The congregation, with 125 members, welcomes visitors of all religious denominations, the Rev. Rimassa says. Whether you are looking for a new church to call home, just want to hear the word of God, spend a few moments in prayer, or receive Holy Communion, you will find Trinity Church a welcoming place, he says.
“We have an open-door policy,” continues Fr. Paul. “It’s simple: All are welcome here.”
Bishop George Councell received the Rev. Rimassa into the Episcopal Church in 2005. He was named the first full-time vicar in the history of Trinity Church-Rocky Hill in 2006. The decision of Trinity Episcopal Church’s vestry three years ago to hire him as its first full-time vicar represents the initial step in helping Trinity Church eventually grow from a mission church to a parish, he says.
“We’re in a transitional phase now as we seek to become a parish,” Fr. Paul says. “We’re trying to reach out to more people in a no-pressure way. If the second annual fun run/walk is a success, maybe we’ll create a “Trinity-athalon!”
The Rev. Rimassa earned his doctorate in education from the University of Pennsylvania. He holds a master’s degree in pastoral counseling from LaSalle University, and a Master of Divinity degree from Seton Hall University. Previously with the parish community of Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Mercerville, NJ, Fr. Paul co-founded Angel’s Wings, an emergency care shelter for abused and neglected children. At Trinity, he has started the HOPE program, Helping Others by Providing Empathy.
Trinity Episcopal Church has weekly Sunday services at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Sunday school classes are held at 9:45 a.m. For further information about the church, call the church office at 609-921-8971. The Church’s web site can be found at www.trinityrockyhill.org.
Montgomery Church Preserves Historic Sanctuary
Blawenburg Reformed Church in Montgomery Township has been a prominent sight on Route 518 in the historic village of Blawenburg since it was put up in three days – barn raising style – in 1832. But these days, the big white church is showing its age. Its spirit is strong, but a host of aging problems have forced expensive repairs as the congregation struggles to keep it in good shape for future worshipers.
The church as well as the Village of Blawenburg are on the State and National Register of Historic Places. Every year Montgomery’s 3rd graders come by for a tour, and a glimpse at 19th century life few of them realized existed so close to home. Some of those students are graduates of the church’s Blawenburg Village Pre-School.
A few years back, congregants noticed cracks in the support columns of the sanctuary and an especially pliable floor in the front of the church where an addition had been added in 1860. In 2006, the ceiling showed signs of crumbling and had to be replaced at a cost of $100,000. More recently, the exterior of the church got a much needed painting, and the original 1832 slate roof was replaced with a new one.
Blawenburg Reformed Church is midway through a fundraising campaign to help pay for these repairs. Funds are currently needed for the most expensive of the preservation projects – shoring up the foundation. To meet its goal of raising $500,000, the congregation has relied on art shows, Christmas bazaars, rummage sales, breakfasts, and personal donations. It still needs to raise $200,000 to complete the foundation project.
“While historic preservation isn’t the mission of our church,” said Robert Bradsell, vice president of the church’s governing body, the Consistory, “it is ours to take care of, and we do want to keep it in good repair for the benefit of future generations.”
Pastor Richard Van Doren said “it’s a beautiful old church, and we take pride in it. I think the town does, too. Come see us at 10 o’clock some Sunday morning and see why we think it’s a special place.”
As the Blawenburg church seeks to preserve its past while moving its worship and programming forward, it needs the help of others. Anyone interested in helping may donate to the Blawenburg Reformed Church Preservation Fund at: www.BlawenburgChurch.org , contact the BRC Fund, PO Box 266, Blawenburg, NJ 08504, or call the church office at (609) 466-3108.
New Website For Montgomery United Methodist Church
The Montgomery United Methodist Church, located at 117 Sunset Road in Belle Mead, has launched a new Christian website network called "Christian-Family" www.christian-motion-worldministry.org.
Modeled closely to an initiative called "Methodist-Motion" created in October, "Christian-Motion," an initiative meant to reach out to all Christians worldwide, was launched in December. Both initiatives and accompanying websites have been well received with an overwhelming response both nationally and internationally. The Christian-Family network simply ties the two incentives together.
The mission of Montgomery United Methodist Church is to help people... and to help people become Deeply Devoted Disciples of Jesus Christ. In the words of John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Religion, "Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can, As long as ever you can." Christian-Family is meant to do just that: to encourage, fortify, and inspire Lay Persons in their unique ministry as Deeply Devoted Disciples of Jesus Christ, and to attract, invite, and include new persons toward active Lay participation in the Church of Jesus Christ.
The Christian-Family websites are Information Posts - warm but serious places for edification. They are great resources for anyone at any level. We truly believe that better understanding your roots will allow for a better understanding of your fruits - your special and unique gifts. Opening your door to Jesus Christ and letting him in - means peace in your home. Opening other's doors for them - means peace in their homes. It is about discipleship and our commitments to Jesus Christ.
Christian-Family is about living our lives by what is already set in place for us in the Bible. Christian-Family is about daily movement in what is already set in place for us in the Bible to do. Christian-Family is about sharing what is already set in place for us in the Bible to share ? Living, Moving, Sharing in everything we do; everywhere we go, with everyone we meet...
We invite all Christians to join us through both the Christian-Family website network as well as at our Worship Services each and every week. For more information on Montgomery United Methodist Church, please call the church office at (908) 874-3273 or visit the church website at www.montgomeryumc.org.
Montgomery United Methodist Church Community Introduces New Prayer Labyrinth
Montgomery United Methodist Church in Belle Mead recently blessed and dedicated a new Prayer Labyrinth on the church property. A Prayer Labyrinth is a path to be walked symbolic of an individual's walk with God. It is located in the church's parking lot.
The construction of this labyrinth was the Eagle Scout project of Daniel Moses, a Boy Scout and member of the church. It was constructed in the summer and autumn of 2009, and completed on November 30. It is a project of service both to the community and to Montgomery United Methodist Church. It is ecumenical in nature, and is a visible manifestation of the Boy Scout value of Reverence.
Large Labyrinths are found in ancient European cathedrals, and have been in use at lease since 325 A. D. People who could not manage to go on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land could gain the blessing of such a trip by walking the Labyrinth. For centuries, the Labyrinth walk was seen as a source of blessing and healing energy.
Although it bears resemblance to a maze, it is not. The Prayer Labyrinth is a clear path. A person walks along the directed path slowly and prayerfully to the center, and then turns around and walks the path outward again. Walking the Prayer Labyrinth path calms and soothes the mind and spirit, and creates a sacred time and space for prayer. The Labyrinth walk should leave the spirit calm, refreshed, and centered.
The Prayer Labyrinth construction required Dan to develop the concept, seek necessary approvals, raise funds, and organize helpers to make it all happen. He also constructed a meditation garden around the Prayer Labyrinth, complete with a comfortable bench and attractive landscaping.
Rev. Dr. Anthony Godlefski, Senior Pastor of the Montgomery United Methodist Church, expressed his gratitude to Dan for all the work that went into the planning, fund raising, and production of the Prayer Labyrinth. "This will be a gift to the entire community," Dr. Godlefski said. "The Prayer Labyrinth is an ancient and ecumenical prayer expression. This Prayer Labyrinth is one of only two in the greater Princeton area. It is my hope that people of all denominations and faiths will stop by use it. It is a great way to take a refreshing "prayer break," and return to your day relaxed and centered."
Pastor Tony offered a few ideas for those who may wish to make use of the Prayer Labyrinth:
"There is no need to force anything, or to "try" to do anything on your Labyrinth walk. Let the blessing of the sacred time be what it uniquely is for you.
"Before entering the Labyrinth, take a moment to be still. Sit and relax for a moment. Take a few deep breaths. Relax the tension in your shoulders and other muscles. Stretch a bit if you'd like. Decide that this will be your time with God. No matter what else is going on in your life or in the world, you are dedicating this time to a sacred purpose. It is a brief retreat for you to enjoy the presence of God.
Symbolically toss the cares and worries you've been carrying deep into the woods, to be absorbed by God's good earth. Relax for a moment.
"Take a few steps into the Labyrinth. Pause at the first turning place. You are facing the woods. Take a moment to decide on an affirmation prayer - a short, simple phrase that you will repeat a number of times during your Labyrinth experience today.
Some examples: "I am loved; I am blessed; I am thankful:"
- "God is lifting the stress from my heart right now."
- "Dear God, please bless (name of person for whom you are praying) and let blessings flow to them."
- "God is blessing me now."
- "God is my refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble."
- Or simply make up your own affirmation.
Walk the path slowly. Be aware of your breathing. You may pause before each turn, look up, and repeat your affirmation. Then turn and move on.
At the Center of the Prayer Labyrinth, offer a prayer of thankfulness. The center of the Labyrinth symbolizes the center of God's blessings and light. Give thanks that you are at the center of God's heart of love. Give thanks that you are receiving numerous blessings, and will continue to be blessed.
As you retrace your steps outward, you may continue to pause before each turn, and repeat your affirmation. You may change or alter your affirmation if that feels right to you. Breathe deeply. Take your time. Feel the subtle spiritual energy increase within you.
At the conclusion of the path, you will be facing outward, toward the church. Take a moment to simply pause and breathe. Give thanks for the time with God. Feel free to return again and again. You are always welcome.
The Prayer Labyrinth is located the far corner of the parking lot behind the church, and is available anytime during daylight hours.
More information is available by calling the church at 908-874-3273, or visiting the Montgomery United Methodist Church website at www.MontgomeryUMC.org.
Casino Night at Congregation Kehilat Shalom
Congregation Kehilat Shalom is offering a fun-filled night of casino games, and a chance to bid and win prizes at its event called "An Enchanted Evening." The festivities will take place on March 13, from 7:30 to 11:00 p.m at the synagogue located at 253 Griggstown Road.
"We want to provide an opportunity for our members and area residents to enjoy a night out and to possibly win some fantastic items," said Matt Rosenthal, President of CKS.
The event will feature international hors d'oeuvres and desserts, a silent auction and casino games. There is also a raffle for a 32 inch high-definition flat screen television plus a Mystery Wine Station where guests can buy a wine ticket for $15 but possibly pick a bottle of wine worth much more. The admission price of $30 includes food and casino chips.
Among the items available during the auction are:
- A roundtrip airplane ride to Nantucket for four with lunch included;
- An Interior Design Kit from Stewart and Bloom Design Group valued at $1200;
- One session with Performance Enhancement Strategies - perfect for performers of any type;
- Choice of a week of summer camp, a children's birthday party or a class for an adult or child donated by the Arts Council of Princeton;
Although "An Enchanted Evening" is sponsored by CKS, the event committee hopes to attract residents from the entire area looking for a festive evening. "In this economy, it is hard to find something to do that is reasonable and fun," said Deborah Tesser, Chair of the event. "This is also an opportunity to bid on and maybe go home with a terrific item." Make your plans now and have something fun to do to beat the winter doldrums on March 13.
For more information and to RSVP, call the synagogue office at 908-359-0420 or e-mail robin@ksnj.org.
Congregation Kehilat Shalom, located at 253 Belle Mead-Griggstown Road in Belle Mead, is a Reconstructionist synagogue. CKS is a warm and welcoming community dedicated to serving the spiritual, educational, cultural, and social needs of a diverse congregation. We maintain a unique, vibrant and visible Jewish presence in the greater Montgomery-Hillsborough-Princeton area.
Congregation Kehilat Shalom Participates in 14th Annual Shabbat March 5
On Friday night, March 5, 2010, members of the Greater Princeton Jewish community will gather at Congregation Kehilat Shalom to participate in the national event known as Shabbat Across AmerICA. Conceived and organized by the National Jewish Outreach Program (NJOP) in 1997, Shabbat Across America represents a united effort by the entire North American Jewish community to renew interest in the fourth of the Ten Commandments - observing a weekly day of rest.
Congregation Kehilat Shalom will be one of approximately 700 synagogues across the continent that will simultaneously participate in this event allowing community members to join together to experience and rejoice in a Shabbat service and festive meal. Over 600,000 people have participated in Shabbat Across America in the past. Led by Rabbi Susan Falk, attendees will experience an interactive Friday night service and a Potluck Shabbat dinner with many rituals, prayers and customs explained. The evening will begin at 6:00 pm.
Located at 253 Belle Mead-Griggstown Road, Congregation Kehilat Shalom is a Reconstructionist Jewish community. Since 1982, Congregation Kehilat Shalom has been an innovator in Jewish programming and education. This is their second year participating in the Shabbat Across America Program. For more information on Congregation Kehilat Shalom visit http://www.ksnj.org. To RSVP, please contact Robin Bengochea at 908-359-0420, robin@kehilatshalomnj.org.
Metropolitan Jonah Visits Mother of God Orthodox Church
He was a big, burly man, robed in white and trimmed with gold from head to toe. From his neck draped a sparkling metal cross that seemed to weigh him down with its magnificence. On his head, a crown of jewels that announced his status and called all to kiss the hands it belonged to. As soon as he began to speak, however, the details of his splendor became background music to the truth and beauty of his words.
His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah, Archbishop of Washington and New York and Metropolitan of All America and Canada blessed the Mother of God, Orthodox Church with his holy presence on Sunday, January 31 and celebrated a Hierarchal Divine Liturgy with an excited congregation. “Axios!” the people shouted to him, a traditional exclamation that means “he is worthy” in Greek. The service that morning was filled with the prayerful voices of the choir, led by the chants of the His Beatitude and the parish priest, Father John Cassar. The Metropolitan’s visit to the parish was a greatly anticipated event that attracted many Orthodox Christians from the local area.
His Beatitude delivered the sermon for the day and reflected on the gospel reading of the Prodigal Son. “Who are we in this story?” he asked the congregation. “Am I the Prodigal when he leaves his home to fulfill his own evils or when he repents? Am I the father who waits and hopes for his son’s return? Or am I the older brother, possessed by my own anger and bitterness and resentment?” His words were met with great appreciation by the parish as he challenged them to repent, forgive and love. He concluded his homily with the words, “If we refuse to forgive, we refuse to be forgiven. If we refuse to love, we refuse to be loved.”
Born on October 20, 1959 and baptized into the Episcopal Church, Metropolitan Jonah was received into the Orthodox Church in 1978 at Our Lady of Kazan Moscow Patriarchal Church, San Diego, while a student at the University of California, San Diego. He was consecrated Bishop of Forth Worth and Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of the South, at St. Seraphim Cathedral, Dallas, TX, on Saturday, November 1, 2008. Several days later, on Wednesday, November 12, 2008, he was elected Archbishop of Washington and New York and Metropolitan of All America and Canada at the 15th All-American Council of the Orthodox Church in America, in Pittsburgh, PA.
“I hope I will see you again, I hope this is not the last time” said Church Choir Director, Nicholas Schidlovsky to His Beatitude, after presenting him with a gift at the celebratory feast following the service. The Metropolitan assured him and the entire church that he would return to celebrate the Divine Liturgy with his new brothers and sisters in Christ and bless them once again with his sacred presence.
Montgomery Evangelical Free Church - Loving God by Loving Others
The Youth Ministry at Montgomery Evangelical Free Church in Belle Mead is much more than an opportunity for teens to connect with one another as they learn more about God. It is also a chance for them to reach out to their communities and even across the world.
Since Eric Couch became the Director of Youth Ministries in September 2009, he and the Youth Leadership Team have challenged the teens to get involved in a variety of compassionate ministries. They have served lunch at the Sunday Breakfast Mission in Philadelphia, they have painted and done yard work at the Friendship Center for New Beginnings in Flemington, and in August of 2009 they planned and manned a Vacation Bible School for a church in Birmingham, England.
On March 19-20, 2010, the teens will participate in a thirty hour famine sponsored by World Vision. To heighten their awareness of what it is like to really be hungry, the teens will first raise money to support World Vision's hunger efforts, and then will engage in some community service projects during the thirty hour time period that they themselves go without food. Last year during the famine they helped out at the Newark Christian School by painting, cleaning, and even serving lunch to the schoolchildren while the teens were fasting. To find out more about World Vision's thirty hour famine, visit their website: www.30hourfamine.org.
The teens' commitment to serving others has encouraged others in the MEFC congregation to participate in service projects as well. On March 13, they have invited their families and other church members to join them as they once again help out at the Friendship Center for New Beginnings in Flemington.
The youth at Montgomery Evangelical Free Church have plenty of fun activities as well. They go on retreats, have game nights, go to concerts, and go tubing on the Delaware River. But equipping teens to become valuable contributors to their world is about more than fun and fellowship. It's about learning to serve God and others with a cheerful heart.
Executive Director Jeannie Avery of the Flemington-based Friendship Center said, "God bless you all for your great kindness to our families . . . and the cheerful, diligent effort you invested in this outreach . . . May the Lord continue to guide and bless your whole church family."
Jesus said in Matthew 25:40, "Whatever you did for the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." That's a lesson teens at MEFC are learning to live out with paintbrushes and rakes in their hands and love in their hearts.
Lecture series at Blawenburg reformed Church
Blawenburg Reformed Church announced that it will host a monthly Lecture Series at its facility on Route 518 in Montgomery Twp. The first program will feature local celebrity and noted pollster George Gallup, on Wednesday, March 10 at 7:30pm. Gallup will speak on "The Mood in America: Is There Cause for Being Hopeful?"
Blawenburg Church is a historic house of worship, in service continuously since 1832. Its pastor, Richard Van Doren, said of the new lecture series: "We're pleased to offer this service to the community, and we're particularly pleased that our neighbor, George Gallup, has stepped up to lead it off." Van Doren said the church has been approached several times over the years by individuals and groups seeking to use its facilities in this way. "Our Consistory - the governing board of the church - decided at a meeting last fall that a program like this would fit our mission perfectly, and would be a valuable offering to the community."
The lectures will be offered free of charge. Rev. Van Doren said that, in the event the church incurs costs in offering certain lectures, it would invite "voluntary donations" to help offset those costs.
The second program in the series - on Wednesday, April 7th at 7:30pm - will feature motivational speaker Natalie Gahrmann on "Taming Stress In your Over-Committed Life". Natalie Gahrmann is a certified professional coach and work/life expert who works with organizations to underscore the causes of stress. Her presentation promises to be "highly interactive", and timely for many working women in our area.
On Wednesday, May 5, the series will feature noted Princeton area Cardiologist and author Dr. William Haynes. And on Wednesday, May 26, the final program of the season will feature Blawenburg Church's own Rev. Richard Van Doren. "If the lecture series proves to be a popular program," said church leader and principal organizer of the series Charles Parmele, "we'll go to work on a series of speakers for the fall."
Blawenburg Reformed Church is located in the historic village of Blawenburg, on Somerset County Route 518 between U.S. 206 and The Great Road. All programs will begin at 7:30pm and will last for about an hour.
Rocky Hill’s Trinity Church
Trinity Episcopal Church will go down in history as "the little church that could."
Simply-built in the mid-1800s, the white-steepled church sits like a Christmas ornament below towering trees on the corner of Crescent Avenue, just off Route 518. And although it seats less than 100 people, it is currently serving Rocky Hill, Hillsborough and Montgomery...with an aura of inclusiveness permeating from every nook and cranny.
"Trends are showing that worshipers of all denominations are looking for smaller environments where they can share their spirituality and feel a sense of community," says Rev. Dr. Paul S. Rimassa, Trinity's first full-time Vicar. "Here in Rocky Hill, relationships have been 'family-style' for decades. No one seems to tire of our pot-luck suppers and spruce-up days."
It's almost ironic the church with the very rich history is also well-known for looking ahead. it also benefits from a fine reputation of being welcoming and open-minded, and invitational in a very casual fashion. Its tagline is "A little church with a big heart!"
"While we demonstrate our commitment to be here for everyone, each and every day, we also realize families with children are our future," says Janet Dyer, M.Div., Princeton Seminary, Director of Religious Education. "We are very blessed to have the support of our Bishop, the Most Rev. George Councell, who will walk the walk with us this Spring as we confirm our community's teenagers."
Confirmation will take place at Trinity Episcopal Church in Rocky Hill on April 11, 2010. The area families looking forward to this special occasion include The Moore Family, The Houlihan Family, and The Bendinelli Family.
The entire congregation is being asked to invite guests to this very special ceremony. Fr. Paul is also personally inviting families whose babies he has baptized during his three years with the faith community to join this special presentation.
"Maybe I'm getting older, but it seems babies become teenagers right before my very eyes," he grinned. "It's never too early to begin the religious education process. We formally begin around 5 or 6 years old, but many a child has happily graced our high chairs for our famous pot luck suppers."
Perhaps because Trinity Episcopal Church is the little church that could. And even in a soft market, the Church is growing because it doesn't need a fancy sales team. It's open door policy remains the key to its success.
For more information, log on to www.trinityrockyhill.com, or call Fr. Paul at (609) 462-0028.
Pancakes to Soups: Lenten Missions at Blawenburg Church
Feb. 16 and Feb. 20
Plan on joining the folks at Blawenburg Reformed Church for a pancake supper from 5 – 7pm on Tuesday Feb. 16th , as they kick off their ‘One Great Hour of Sharing’ campaign for Lent. A Free Will Offering will be taken which will go toward this annual mission for the work of Reformed Church World Service. Bring your friends and family for this all-you-can-eat indulgence on Mardi Gras, Shrove Tuesday, or Fat Tuesday…the traditional day when people ate up all those fattening things in the larder and fridge in anticipation of the ‘leaner’ days of Lent, a treat and fun by any name! You will be able to indulge all day if you come to the Outreach luncheon that day too from 11:30 -1!
They will follow this with a sale of frozen soups on Saturday Feb. 20th. The variety and quality of the soups sold at their Sinterklaas event in December was so well received, they are repeating these to warm your winter days! The twist on this sale is that the soups will be pre-ordered and just picked up that morning from 9-11:30am. They will be $3.50/pint and $7/quart. Proceeds from this sale will go to support the Preservation Fund for their historic sanctuary with 10% to mission. There will be a variety of soups available which will be posted on their website or you may call to inquire. Buyers will need to call the office and pre-order what you wish. www.blawenburgchurch.org and 609-466-3108.
All You Need Is Love
Love takes on many shapes. On Feb 8th, 2010, 6:15-8:00pm at the Chabad Center for Jewish Life, CTeen will be checking in on why love really IS what it's all about. To what extent do we go out of our way to help others? Why do some people opt to be insular? What is the benefit?
“At CTeen events we explore concepts that are relevant to teenagers,” says Itty, teen director at Chabad Center for Jewish Life. “Teens get to hash out the answers to these and other important questions. We dig deep into these topics and help the teens see how their actions make a difference in the world. Love – a subject on everyone’s mind especially during this month – is very powerful.”
According to Psychology Today, love is as critical for your mind and body as oxygen. Love is probably the best antidepressant there is because one of the most common sources of depression is feeling unloved. Think of how many teens (and others) would be helped if they could just bring love into their lives.
“There is a mythology in our culture that love just happens. As a result, the depressed often sit around passively waiting for someone to love them. But love doesn’t work that way. To get love and keep love, you have to go out and be active.”
Well, nothin' says lovin' like challah in the oven! At the “All You Need Is Love” event, CTeens will bake fresh, fluffy and delicious "Loaves of Love". The challahs will then be sold in a variety of gourmet toppings and fillings such as apple, chocolate chip, sesame, poppy seeds, everything, or cinnamon raisin. The proceeds of the sales will go to benefit the teen programs at Chabad Center for Jewish Life.
And while the challahs are baking in the oven, the teens will be challenged to cross a dangerous minefield – a feat that can only be accomplished with the help of a friend who will lovingly guide them across. Because, at the end of the day, all you need is love!
If you are, have, or know a Jewish teenager, please encourage them to join. They won’t regret it! CTeen is open to all Jewish teens in the community, regardless of affiliation. To order your challahs or for more information about CTeen, please call 908-874-0444 or email Chabad@myjewishcenter.org. You can also visit www.myjewishcenter.org.
Hopewell United Methodist Church Pasta Buffet Fund Raiser
Hopewell United Methodist Church invites you to come and enjoy the flavors and the music of Italy at their Pasta Buffet Fund Raiser. It’s an all you can eat dinner on Saturday, February 27 from 4 – 7 pm, at 20 Blackwell Ave., Hopewell, NJ 08525. Snow date, March 6.
This is a major fund raiser for the Joanne Davison Memorial Scholarship Fund, which since 1986, has awarded over $33K in scholarships.
The buffet will include four kinds of pasta: spaghetti, whole wheat spaghetti, fettuccini, and baked ziti and three kinds of sauces: plain, meat, and Alfredo. The buffet will also include a tossed salad, Italian bread and an assortment of desserts.
Adults $10, Children 6 – 12 $5, Children 5 and under eat free.
Speaker Series at Blawenburg reformed Church
The second program in the series - on Wednesday, April 7th at 7:30pm - will feature motivational speaker Natalie Gahrmann on "Taming Stress In your Over-Committed Life". Natalie Gahrmann is a certified professional coach and work/life expert who works with organizations to underscore the causes of stress. Her presentation promises to be "highly interactive", and timely for many working women in our area.
Blawenburg Church is a historic house of worship, in service continuously since 1832. Its pastor, Richard Van Doren, said of the new lecture series: "We're pleased to offer this service to the community, and we're particularly pleased that our neighbor, George Gallup, has stepped up to lead it off." Van Doren said the church has been approached several times over the years by individuals and groups seeking to use its facilities in this way. "Our Consistory - the governing board of the church - decided at a meeting last fall that a program like this would fit our mission perfectly, and would be a valuable offering to the community."
The lectures will be offered free of charge. Rev. Van Doren said that "voluntary donations" will be accepted, and will go to help missions of the church.
On Wednesday, May 5th, the series will feature noted Princeton area Cardiologist and author Dr. William Haynes on "Is There a Role for Prayer in Today's Medical Practice?". And on Wednesday, May 26th, the final program of the season will feature Blawenburg Church's own Rev. Richard Van Doren on "America on the Brink - of Disaster or An Era of Hope? A Bible View". "If the lecture series proves to be a popular program," said church leader and principal organizer of the series Charles Parmele, "we'll go to work on a series of speakers for the fall."
Blawenburg Reformed Church is located in the historic village of Blawenburg, on Somerset County Route 518 between U.S. 206 and The Great Road. All programs will begin at 7:30pm and will last for about an hour.
Value Every Moment of Life
Have you ever imagined what it would be like to save a person’s life? What if your life was saved and you got a “second chance” - how would you react?
"With the recent unimaginable loss of life in Haiti, we sometimes think the only way to save a life is to physically drag someone out of the rubble," says Itty Barber, Co-coordinator of the CTeen group. "Yet without realizing it, many people around us are trapped in the rubble of life, unable to make it out alone. And all they need is a smile or a kind word to help them get out."
At CTeen’s upcoming event on March 21st, 3pm teens across the nation are standing together to spread awareness about the value of life. The teens will be coming together for a day of powerful stories, thought provoking discussion and practical action as they set out to learn about the value of life.
While teens will be developing the necessary tools to physically save a life with a First Aid training course and hear some experiences from Colonel Steve Katz, a Colonel in the American army, they will also take to the streets and the bowling alley with VALUE OF LIFE Pledge Cards, offering ordinary people the chance to help save a life. As the Jewish sages have said, “He who saves a life, saves a world!”
In addition to the VALUE OF LIFE Pledge Cards, there will be a website for filling out pledges, offering additional accessibility and excitement via social networking.
Rabbi Shmaya Krinsky, director of Chabad Center for Jewish Life says, “Unfortunately, as we know, not everyone gets a second chance. But as Victor Frankel so wisely advised, 'Live as if you were living already for the second time'.
CTeen is open to all Jewish teens in the community, regardless of affiliation. If you are, have, or know a Jewish teenager, please encourage them to join. They won't regret it! If you would like to add input, suggestions, or volunteer, please let CTeen know! This work is seriously making a difference in people's lives. Call 908-874-0444 or email Chabad@myjewishcenter.org for more information. Or you can visit www.myjewishcenter.org
Harlingen Reformed Church Rummage Sale April 16, 17
Friday, April 16th, 9:00 - 6:00 and Saturday, April 17th, 8:00 - noon - Bag Sale Day. Public donation drop off times - Monday, 4/12 and Tuesday, 4/13 from 8:00 - noon and 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. Please, no computers or large, stuffed furniture. Please come up the side ramp of the church. Proceeds will benefit our summer mission trip to Mifflinsburg, PA., to help build and renovate houses for seniors. For further information, please contact Gemma Bertelsen at bertelsens@yahoo.com or the church secretary at 908-359-3556.
Are We Giving Up?
Quick! What do the following movies have in common: "Knowing," "WALL-E," "I Am Legend," the soon-to-be-released "2012" and "The Road"? They and dozens more within the last ten years all deal with a post-apocalyptic world, meaning they all take place after the human race has either been destroyed or destroyed itself. Whether it's pollution ("WALL-E"), nuclear holocaust ("The Road"), plague ("I Am Legend") or natural disaster ("2012" and "Knowing"), it seems we've become resigned to the fact that something is going to do us in - and perhaps soon.
End of the world scenarios are nothing new, you say. They've been part of the literary landscape for centuries (Mary Shelley, for example, the author of "Frankenstein," wrote a far lesser known novel called "The Last Man" way back in the early 1800s). But those of us who are old enough to remember fondly the Beatles, may have noticed a troubling shift in attitude regarding the future of our species within the last twenty years, or so.
It used to be that the world narrowly averted disaster. The hero or heroes managed to defuse the nuke, or squelch the virus, or divert the asteroid just in time. Today's movies show the disasters actually happening, thinning the human race to a tiny fraction of its present number or wiping us out entirely.
The question is: why the change? Certainly the events of 9/11 awakened us to the fragility of our existence, and the ongoing fear of terrorism keeps us on edge. Recent natural disasters around the world and the endless reminder of a global pandemic called swine flu feed our paranoia. Are these signs of a coming apocalypse, as our collective sub-conscious seems to suggest? And again have we become resigned to it?
These and other questions will be the topic of discussion in an Advent Bible study led by Pastor Rich Van Doren at the Blawenburg Reformed Church called "The Apocalypse: Should We Be Worried?" Advent is the season just prior to Christmas when we are reminded of Jesus' promise to return to our world and establish his kingdom once and for all, a day that will be preceded by various forms of cataclysm.
The difference between the secular and biblical views of catastrophe is a stark one, however. Most of those who think of these things believe they can do nothing to forestall the inevitable. The Bible teaches that God either causes or allows to happen the troubling events in our world to save our souls, to teach us humility and trust, and to encourage compassion among all human beings. Furthermore, we have always had at our fingertips the power to stop them.
"The Apocalypse: Should We Be Worried?" will include clips from popular movies, reading biblical passages and discussion - all with the purpose of reminding us that God has bestowed upon Jesus "all authority in heaven and on earth" and apportioned a great deal of this authority to Jesus' followers. In short, the overriding theme will be hope. After all, God loves the world and all the people in it, and he will allow nothing to happen that's not for our own good.
Where: Blawenburg Reformed Church, 424 Route 518, Blawenburg (Cook Hall)
When: Sundays 11/29-12/20 at 11:30 a.m. (after worship)
Who: Everybody
Why: Because we like you
Faith Lutheran Church - Dec 2009
Faith Lutheran Church, located at 381 South Branch Road in Hillsborough at the intersection of S Branch and Beekman Roads, has been a growing part of the community for over forty years. Throughout the years, Faith's membership and outreach to the community has grown considerably. Faith now has over 700 members and membership continues to increase each year.
The life of the congregation is centered in worship as Holy Communion is celebrated each Sunday at 8:30 and 11:00 AM. From September through May Sunday School, including an adult class is held at 9:45.
Faith has a multitude of successful activities and programs for the congregation and the general community. The members of Faith enjoy outings, congregational picnics, and participation in the South Somerset Church softball league with many more activities being planned.
Faith has expanded its programs to include a multitude of new and exciting initiatives for children of all ages. The youth groups, "Teens and Tweens", enjoy regular meetings, participation in worship, outings, service projects and retreats.
It is our mission at Faith Lutheran Church to Celebrate God's love and accept each other as Christ accepts us, and serve with His spirit in our community. The members of Faith put their time and talents to work when it comes to helping the community. Faith is a participant in the Samaritan Homeless Interim Program (SHIP). Four Seasons Child Care Center, located at the church, offers pre-school instruction and child care. Food collection for the Hillsborough Food Bank is an ongoing project. Faith makes a strong effort to make holidays special for those in need; delivering Thanksgiving fruit baskets each year to the Senior Nutrition Center, sponsoring a "gift tree" for the Hillsborough Resource Center for Women and prison ministries, participating in the annual CROP Walk for Somerset County, and supporting CWS Blanket Sunday and, through the Sunday School, "God's Global Barnyard", a ministry of the ELCA.
Faith Lutheran Church is active and growing, continually adding new programs and activities throughout the year. The church has activities for everyone. New members and visitors are always welcome. For more information on Faith Lutheran, please call the church office at (908) 369-3201 or check us out on the web at www.faithlutherannj.org.
BELLE MEAD COLLECTS GIFTS FOR SAMARITAN’S PURSE
Christmas is arriving early in Belle Mead, as local churches and businesses prepare to serve as collection points for Operation Christmas Child. Soon, with the help of Belle Mead volunteers, the sites will be brimming with festively wrapped shoe boxes full of gifts.
Through Operation Christmas Child, the world’s largest Christmas project, Belle Mead residents are packing shoe box gifts for children in more than 100 countries suffering from natural disaster, war, terrorism, disease, famine and poverty. From Belle Mead, the shoe box gifts will be sorted and sent using whatever means necessary—sea containers, trucks, trains, airplanes, boats, camels, even dog sleds—to reach suffering children around the world.
“Operation Christmas Child is a unique opportunity to do something as simple as packing a shoe box that will have a lasting impact on a child a world away,” said Laura Jahnke, Operation Christmas Child drop-off site coordinator. “We are excited about the 2009 collection season as community members have already begun packing shoe box gifts.”
Operation Christmas Child uses tracking technology that allows donors to “follow your box” to the destination country where it will be hand-delivered to a child in need. To register shoe box gifts and find out what country they are delivered to, use the EZ Give donation form found at www.samaritanspurse.org.
Montgomery Evangelical Free Church
246 Belle Mead Griggstown Rd, Belle Mead, N.J.
(800) 605-9674
Local Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings
(Subject to change)
www.nnjaa.org
www.24-club.org
SUNDAY
8:30am, 24 Club (located behind Vespias/Goodyear at the Princeton North Shopping Center, Rts 518 and 206), 5:30pm, 24 Club
7:30pm, Rocky Hill Reformed Church, Rt 518
MONDAY
7:15am, 24 Club, Rocky Hill
12noon, 24 Club
5:30pm, 24 Club
7pm, 24 Club
8pm, Hillsborough Presbyterian Church, Rt 206 and Homestead Rd
TUESDAY
7:15am, 24 Club
12noon, RH Reformed Church
5pm, 24 Club
7pm, Double Trouble, 24 Club
7:30 BYO Big Book, Harlingen Ref. Church
WEDNESDAY
7:15am, 24 Club
12:15pm, 24 Club
5:30pm, 24 Club
7:30pm, RH Reformed Church
8 pm, Mens Meeting, 24 Club
8pm, Hillsborough Presb. Church
8 pm, Men’s Meeting, 24 Club
THURSDAY
7:15am, 24 Club
12:15 pm, 24 Club
5:30pm, 24 Club
7 pm, Women’s Meeting,
24 Club
7:30pm Carrier Clinic, Main
Building, Garden Cafe
FRIDAY
7:15am, 24 Club
12:15pm, 24 Club
3pm, Carrier Clinic Outpatient Building
5:30pm, 24 Club
8pm, Hopewell United. Meth. Church.
SATURDAY
7:15am, 24 Club
5:30pm, 24 Club
Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their common experience and help each other to recover from alcoholism.
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