Compassionate Christian Caring
Hopewell Presbyterian Church (on the "point" in Hopewell borough) has partnered with Montgomery Ministries (on route 206 just north of 518) to offer Stephen Ministers to people who are feeling challenged, lonely or grieving. Stephen Ministers have received six months of rigorous training to help them learn how to care for others in a way that is friendly, listening-based and confidential. Our Stephen Ministers have been caring for people for over five years and more than half of them have worked with people who are not church members. Through this ministry we are pleased that we can meet hurting people where they are, echoing the compassion of Jesus.
Stephen Ministers will be of service to any of us who at one time or another need the care of another person, a Christian friend. These needs include but are not limited to . . .
• Hospitalization
• Spiritual crisis
• Separation or divorce
• Terminal illness
• Death of a loved one
• Loss of a job
• Caring for aging parents
Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry: those receiving care can be sure that their identity and what goes on in the caring relationship will remain private. If you, or someone you know would benefit from having a Stephen Minister, please call 609-466-0758 or e-mail StephenMinistry@hopewellpres.org.
Hopewell Presbyterian Church worships at 10:30 AM on Sunday mornings in our historic sanctuary at the intersection of West Broad St and Louellen St., Hopewell, NJ 08525, 609-466-0758. We have a blended worship style with both praise band and traditional hymns. Come celebrate the goodness of God with us! You can learn more at www.hopewellpres.org. We have many Bible studies, small groups and educational programs for children, youth and adults.
Montgomery Ministries is a small Christian community that meets in a non-traditional church setting. We call it a "house church" in an office. We have a heart for people who are struggling with life's reality and who are feeling isolated. We meet Sunday at 9:30 for worship followed by a meal and fellowship. These take place in the sanctuary and church office at 1377 Route 206, Skillman, NJ 08558, 609-921-0006. You can learn more at www.montgomery-ministries.org. We offer a Christian Twelve-Step program and Bible Study.
"Bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2)
Enchanted Evening At Congregation Kehilat Shalom
It was indeed an Enchanted Evening on March 13 as members and guests of Congregation Kehilat Shalom enjoyed tasty hors d’oeuvres, desserts and beverages while learning the rules of several casino games and bidding on great auction prizes. Among the prizes were a plane ride with lunch to Nantucket, a Pocono vacation and premium wines. A lucky raffle winner also carted home a 32-inch high definition flat screen television.
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. For more information, call the office at 908-359-0420 or e-mail robin@ksnj.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.
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.
Congregation Kehilat Shalom Prepares For High Hollidays
Although the summer is just getting started, congregants at Congregation Kehilat Shalom (CKS) are already preparing for The Jewish High Holidays – Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
These are the most important of all Jewish holidays and commence early this year with the Erev Rosh Hashanah Service on September 8 at 7:30. The first day Rosh Hashanah service begins at 9:30 on September 9. As always, CKS invites non-members from the community who may not have a place to observe to contact the office for tickets for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services. While there is no charge for members or non-members, tickets are required and information on how to obtain them is available on the website, www.ksnj.org.
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is observed on the first and second day of Tishrei, the seventh month of the Jewish calendar. Yom Kippur, The Day of Atonement, falls on the tenth day of Tishrei. It is the most solemn day of the Jewish year.
CKS services provide a warm and spiritual environment to observe the holidays and are led by Rabbi Susan Falk and Lay Cantor Kate Fridkis. There is a children’s service for both Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur and an invigorating Tashlich Hike on the first day of Rosh Hashanah. To receive free tickets for non-members visit www.ksnj.org or call the synagogue office at 908-359-0420.
The full High Holidays schedule for this year is:
8/28, Teshuvah Movie Night, 7 pm. 9/8, Erev Rosh Hashanah Service, 7:30 pm; 9/9, Rosh Hashanah 1st Day Service (free tickets required), 9:30 am; Children's Service (concurrent with morning service), 11:00 am; Tashlikh Hike to Pike Creek (dress for hiking) 4:15 pm; 9/10 Rosh Hashanah 2nd Day Non-Traditional Service, 9:30 am; 9/12 First Day of Religious School, 9-12 pm; Blood Drive, 9 am; New Member & Welcome Back BBQ; 12 pm; 9/17, Kol Nidrei Service (Free Tickets Required), 6:30 pm; 9/18, Yom Kippur Morning Service (Free Tickets Required) 9:30 am; Children's Service (concurrent with morning service), 11 am; Yizkor Service, 1 pm; Non-Traditional Avodah Service followed by Neilah Service, 4:45 pm;l Shofar blowing (Break Fast to follow), 7:05 pm; 9/24, Pizza in the Hut - Sukkot Celebration, 6 pm; Shabbat services, 7 pm; 9/30, Simchat Torah Celebration (music by the Klez Dispensers), 7 pm.
For more a more detailed schedule or for free High Holiday tickets, visit www.ksnj.org or call 908-359-0420. Kehilat Shalom is currently accepting registration for 2010/2011 Religious School year. 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. If you are interested in more information, please call 908-359-0420, email robin@ksnj.org.
St Charles Norromeo - “It was the Invitation”
Everybody’s faith journey is different. We live in such a diverse world today where cultures are intertwined at just about every corner of the world. This new woven world has brought about different opportunities for people to discover how God is active within their lives.
St Charles Borromeo, located in Skillman, is a place that offers many opportunities for people to try and discover ways to encounter God. We are a Roman Catholic faith community who strive to focus on the meaning of the word catholic which means ‘universal’. We open our doors and welcome all. As God has chosen all of us to participate in his life, our faith community lives a life in the message of the gospel, a mission which all men and woman can belong.
Two years ago Sean and Kyung Jung natives of Korea, invited by friends who belonged to St Charles, walked through our doors with the same anticipation they had with previous church doors. The Jungs wanted to find meaning and direction in their faith journey. After meeting other Koreans and members within St Charles they no longer are wanderers, they have found a home. This past April at our Easter Vigil, after a wonderful year of prayer and formation, our community formally welcomed them as members of the Catholic Community of St Charles.
Many of us are like the Jungs, searching. Sometimes all it takes is an invitation. Are you in need of an invitation? If you have ever wondered what the faith community is like over at St Charles Borromeo and never visited, we invite you to call. We would love to show you our worship space and bring you around the pastoral building. We have great coffee and would be more than happy to share with you the wonderful opportunities that people have to grow a deeper understanding of their faith. You can find out more information about St Charles at our website www.borromeo.org or email me directly at dnelson@borromeo.org My name is Darrin Nelson.
Rabbi Arnold Gluck To Be Honored
Rabbi Arnold Gluck To Be Honored For 18 Years of Dedicated Service to Temple Beth-El in Hillsborough, NJ
On April 17, 2010, the congregants of Temple Beth-El in Hillsborough, New Jersey, will honor Rabbi Arnold S. Gluck for his 18 years of dedicated service. A gala event will be held that evening at the temple.
Now in his nineteenth year with Temple Beth-El, Rabbi Gluck continues to be a strong and visionary leader. He has worked tirelessly with many talented co-workers and congregants to pioneer a diversity of programs for the members of Temple Beth-El as well as the surrounding community. From providing direction for Jewish education, to promoting involvement in needed service programs, Rabbi Gluck has inspired countless individuals.
"We are very lucky we found such an inspiring and dedicated leader for our community," states current Temple Beth-El President, Caren Bateman. "Under Rabbi Gluck's leadership, we have built a wonderful community and have seen the growth of our membership as well as multiple expansions of our facilities. He continues to inspire us and guide us in these challenging times with the same spirit he had 18 years ago. We are very excited to be able to host a special event in Rabbi Gluck's honor on April 17."
Rabbi Gluck has made it his hallmark to engage students of all ages in Jewish learning. He spends many hours with every family whose child is about to become a bar or bat mitzvah of the Jewish faith. The rabbi encourages questions, adding greater depth of meaning to this unique life-cycle event, and encouraging our students to continue their Jewish studies through high school and beyond.
Rabbi Gluck is very involved in the classroom with the students and developing a curriculum that is meaningful to them. He teaches the Grade 10 Confirmation and Post-Confirmation classes (grades 11 to 12). Each winter Rabbi Gluck and the temple's Religious School directors travel with the Confirmation class students to Washington D.C. There the 10th graders meet with our federal and state representatives under a program organized by the Religious Action Center of the Union for Reform Judaism. Guided by Rabbi Gluck, these young adults learn to address complex issues involving ethics, politics, and religion.
Rabbi Gluck also strongly believes that Jewish learning is life long learning and lives by that commitment in teaching adults in the community as well. His adult education classes include Torah study and Talmud class; mini-courses throughout the year; A Taste of Judaism and Introduction to Judaism courses, which he helped to create and develop as a national model for the Reform movement; countless hours of private study with conversion candidates; and regular congregational trips to Israel. Rabbi Gluck is a passionate and devoted exemplar of Jewish learning and living.
In the greater local and Jewish community, he is among the founders of the Interfaith Hospitality Network for the Homeless (IHN). In Union County, he was a founding board member of the first IHN, and when he came to Temple Beth-El in 1991, he worked with volunteers to bring the network to Somerset County and Temple Beth-El, where it continues today with a committed cadre of volunteers. Rabbi Gluck was instrumental in bringing Somerset and Hunterdon County synagogues, the Jewish Community Center, and Jewish Family Services under the auspices of the Jewish Federation to form Jewish LIFE (Learning Is For Everyone). This unique adult education consortium brings to our area guest lecturers and special programs that the individual
institutions would not otherwise be able to sponsor. Among the scholars and artists who have visited our community are Alan Dershowitz, Debbie Friedman, Rabbi David Ellenson, Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, and Bishop John Spong.
Rabbi Gluck also worked to establish the Ohr Tikvah Jewish Healing Center, which provides support to anyone in need of assistance as a result of illness, loss, or other hardship, which includes providing spiritual guidance to incarcerated individuals. A past president of SAMA, the Somerville Area Ministerial Association, Rabbi Gluck is currently working with our temple leadership to promote congregational-based community organizing, which he plans to advance in the local faith community to address such pressing issues as health care, and green energy use.
Rabbi Gluck's leadership reaches beyond the local community as well. In the Reform Movement, Rabbi Gluck serves on the Commission on Outreach, contributing to a variety of its publications and co-authoring its Taste of Judaism program. He was the founding Coordinator of the Beit Din for Conversion of the New Jersey Association of Reform Rabbis, and has served on the Conversion Committee of the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR). He currently serves on the CCAR Responsa Committee.
The April 17, 2010 gala will be an opportunity for the community to honor and thank Rabbi Gluck for his wonderful accomplishments. If you are interested in attending the event, placing a greeting or advertisement in the Tribute Journal or participating in the Silent Auction which will begin on-line at www.TBEChaiGala.com, please feel free to contact the Temple Beth-El office 908-722-0674. You may ask for Beth Lavranchuk, one of the event organizers.
Temple Beth-El is a Reform Jewish congregation. A member of the Union for Reform Judaism, the temple was founded in 1953 by 15 families. Today, the congregation numbers 450 households and offers a variety of cultural, educational, social and spiritual opportunities to its members and to the greater New Jersey Jewish community. For more information about temple life and programs, please visit online at www.bethel.urj.net or call 908-722-0674.
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.
Bike Drive & Cycle Safety Event At PUMC
Princeton United Methodist Church will hold a bike drive and safe cycling event on Saturday, May 8, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the intersection of Nassau Street, Washington Road, and Vandeventer Avenue. In addition to collecting donations of used bicycles, the event will feature courses on bike safety and maintenance, a children's activity area, and information tables from cycling advocacy and enthusiast groups from around the area.
All bikes collected will be donated to the Boys and Girls Club Bike Exchange, where they will be refurbished and resold to fund programs at the Boys and Girls Club of Trenton. Classes planned for adults include: How to Fit a Helmet; Change a Tire/Fix a Flat; and Give Your Bike a Spring Safety Check. Children's activities include checking for proper helmet fitting, games to help kids recognize traffic signs, and a bicycle obstacle course.
The Boys and Girls Club Bike Exchange opened in Ewing in May 2009, and it has resold more than 1,000 bicycles so far. In 2009 the effort raised more than $43,000 for Boys and Girls Club programming. "Our ability to continue to provide reliable, low-cost bicycles to the community depends on the continued support of our community, and events like this bike drive are one of the best ways we have to feed the pipeline," says Russ White, founder of the Bike Exchange. "I think it's great that Princeton United Methodist is taking it one step further by really encouraging cycling in Mercer County."
"We're pleased that this event will both promote safe cycling and support the Boys and Girls Club," said Rev. Tom Lank, assistant pastor at PUMC. "Our congregation is very engaged in social justice issues, and we are really focusing on issues of environmental sustainability within the church. This event is a natural extension that combines these two aspects of our faith community. The bike drive will keep bikes out of the landfill, and get them to families who can put them to good use, while at the same time raising money for a great youth-serving organization in Mercer County. We also hope that if people learn more about cycling safely through our classes, they will feel more confident about getting out of their cars and using bikes for transportation."
For more information on the Bike Exchange, visit http://www.bikeexchangenj.org/. To learn more about Princeton United Methodist Church, go to http://www.princetonumc.org/ or call 609-924-2613. PUMC is a diverse congregation whose members come from many surrounding communities, backgrounds, and faith histories.
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
Rocky Hill Church - A Revitalization Update
There continues to be new "signs" of life popping up around the First Reformed Church of Rocky Hill these days. Lead by Rev. Linda Pepe in her second full year as Pastor, the church "in the heart of the community, with community in its heart" is experiencing the blessing of renewal. The message of God's love, acceptance and inclusivity continues to attract a variety of community friends and families. "It is amazing to see the exuberance and growth that has taken place in the past year and to serve in such a vibrant congregation," said Pastor Linda. "Our goal as a community of faith is to offer a place where walls are down and arms are open; where people can experience true welcome and communion with one another. We try to give each person the space to grow individually on their faith journey, while growing together in love as a people of God."
The Sunday worship experience at the church is diverse. Along with a relevant message, the worship service is often enhanced in a unique way. Whether it is a drama, a multimedia presentation, or even a special musical theme such as Jazz or Rock Sunday, worship is both a creative and interactive time for the gathered community. The church is the worship home of a number of gifted musicians, so it's not uncommon to hear a string quartet, a choir, or praise band from week to week - there is often an experience that reflects the diversity of the congregation. A highlight for the congregation during worship is the "Prayers of the Community" where many come to discover the wealth of caring and support that the church provides for one another in times of both joy and trouble.
Another new addition to the church is Annie Reilly, who was recently appointed Youth Minister. Annie provides an expansion of worship and fellowship opportunities for the youth of the church and community. The FRC Youth Group, "Plunge," gives young people their own opportunity to experience God's love in a supportive environment. The group also focuses on dealing with life issues specific to them. Annie also coordinates Sunday nursery/child care as more infants and toddlers find themselves in church with their parents.
Small group and Bible studies meet at various times during the week. These groups provide a nurturing space to explore and grow spiritually, while discovering both commonalities and differences. There is also a new group beginning on May 30th for people in their 20's, which represent a substantial amount of the recent church growth.
While experiencing an inward renewal, the Rocky Hill Church will soon undergo an outward transformation. The church has just established a capital campaign to fund restoration and painting of the exterior. After the painting is complete, many other repairs will be needed. The church has been placed on the National Historic Register and has been blessed to have HMR Architects of Princeton complete
an initial preservation plan primarily funded by the Historic Preservation Trust of New Jersey.
One more note about that new "sign" of life: Look for the new church sign to be put up on Washington Street soon. The old sign was destroyed by a car accident last year and will be replaced with a new, fresh look. The sign will also include information about the flourishing Korean American Fellowship that meets at FRC.
First Reformed Church is located at the corner of Reeve and Washington Streets in Rocky Hill. Sunday Worship is at 10am, Sunday School at 9 am. For more information, check out the the church on the WEB at WWW.RockyHillChurch.Com or on their Facebook page. You are welcome here.
Temple Beth-El Hillsborough, Hosts 2nd Annual Youth Choir Concert May 16
On Sunday, May 16, 2010, Temple Beth-El, Hillsborough, NJ, will host the second annual Junior Choir Zimriyah featuring youth choirs from six central New Jersey Reform and Conservative temples. The free public concert begins at 3:00 p.m.
The six junior choirs that will be represented at the festival are from Temple Shalom, Succasunna; Temple Emanu-El, Westfield; Temple Emanu-El, Edison; Adath Israel, Lawrenceville; Temple Beth-Or, Washington Township; Temple Beth-El, the host temple. More than 80 students will be participating.
Music Director and Youth Chorale Director Eric Komar, Temple Beth-El, who is this year’s host, said, “We are very excited to be holding the event here in our community. It is a wonderful opportunity for our students to hear other temple youth choirs as well as to be able to perform in front of a larger audience.”
Each choir will perform two to three songs. At the end of the concert, all the choirs will join together to sing “Hava Nashira” by Josh Nelson, a contemporary Jewish musician.
Komar notes, “There is some amazing talent in this group of young students. This should be an enjoyable afternoon of great Jewish music, showcasing our youth choirs. We are delighted that we can bring it to Hillsborough.”
Temple Beth-El is a Reform Jewish congregation. A member of the Union for Reform Judaism, the temple was founded in 1953 by 15 families. Today, the congregation numbers 450 households and offers a variety of cultural, educational, social and spiritual opportunities to its members and to the greater New Jersey Jewish community. For more information about temple life and programs, please visit online at www.bethel.urj.net or call 908-722-0674.
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.
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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