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Writer's picturePastor Bruce

Newsletter November 2024 - First Presbyterian Ridgewood, NJ



Dear Friends,


Recently, a First Pres member asked me, “What do we mean when we say that we are a Matthew 25 congregation?”


Good question.


A Matthew 25 Congregation


To be a Matthew 25 Congregation in the Presbyterian Church (USA) is to embrace and live out the values expressed by Jesus in his Parable of the Sheep and the Goats, which is found in Matthew 25:31-46. Here is an excerpt:


For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?” And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family,* you did it to me.”


How Will First Pres “Do” Matthew 25?


Last October, First Pres Session members took part in a retreat and discerned several ways in which God is calling First Pres to live into what it means to be a Matthew 25 congregation, with a focus on congregational vitality.


In order to increase our understanding of Matthew 25, we offered a Matthew 25 Bible Study in February; the Eight Habits of Evangelism video series in April and May; and I have preached on or referenced Matthew 25 in several sermons.


We have continued to offer opportunities for members/friends to volunteer in service to meet the needs of people in our community or nearby communities. And thanks to the work of members of the newly formed Matthew 25 Task Force, we have been expanding those opportunities.


Here are a few ways for you to plug into our Matthew 25 efforts:


  • Don’t miss the Mental Health Awareness and Light Lunch Series on four Sundays in

    November. But just as important, share this worthwhile offering with others by inviting friends to join us!

  • Join us in Paterson for our next Habitat Build Day on Saturday, November 9! Or, feel free to use your culinary skills to contribute to our monthly Meal Ministry to St. Paul’s Shelter!

  • Plan to join us for Pie Sunday on January 12 and be prepared to think about your talents and gifts and how best to use them to serve within the life of the congregation and in the world.

  • We have begun to explore opportunities to partner with City Relief in New York City and Paterson. Look for information regarding the upcoming Hygiene Kit Project early next year!

  • An adult mission trip to volunteer with Almost Heaven Habitat for Humanity is in the planning stage for Spring 2025. Eighteen members and friends have expressed an interest. Why not add your name to the list?


As your pastor, I am extremely pleased that following last October’s Session retreat, we did not simply create a document and put it on a shelf to collect dust. During 2024, we have been faithfully working to bring our Matthew 25 goals to life!


The following members and friends have agreed to serve on the First Pres Matthew 25 Task Force: Grace Albergate, Joan Davies, Barbara Dunn, Donna Flagg, Bobbe Kutcha, Sandy Santangelo, Jessica Strader-Paz, Sally Teschon, Joe Unger and Marjorie Vanacore.


Please consider joining them in this exciting ministry! We always have room for more good ideas. Our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 3 at 7:00 p.m. in the Minnema Room.


Or, if your schedule doesn’t allow for that, please join us, serving our Lord by serving others as various ministry and mission opportunities arise!


Yours in Christ’s Service,

Bruce


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