Page

270 Woodbridge Avenue, Metuchen, NJ 08840

Tel.: (732) 491 2300 www.fpcweb.org

Facebook.com/FPCMetuchen

November 2017

• Pastor’s Peace Continues

• Clerk’s Corner • New Members

2

• 300th Anniversary

• Stewardship Comm. 3

• Christian Education 4

• Youth Group 5

• Music Ministry • Christmas Pageant

6

• Holiday Meal • Annual Coat Drive • Operation Homemade Smile • Hurricane Relief

7

• Holly Fair • Presbyterian Women

8

• Note of Thanks • Community Dinner • Advent Workshop • Advent Angel

9

• Poinsettia Order 10

• Church Staff • Indonesian Fellowship • Community Nursery • Amazon Smile

11

• Constant Contact 12

Inside this issue

Ecclesia reformata, semper reformanda!

The Church reformed, always reforming became the anthem of the Protestant Reformation and on its 500th anniversary, we reflect on our own reformation. Today, this statement by many Reformed churches across our country, and even within our own denomination, reflect this challenge to constantly be inno- vating and changing. The expression “change or die” has be-come too associated with reformed, always reforming, but that isn’t the original intentions of the movement and its founders.

The Protestant Reformation was born out of peasant cries against the Catholic church and her corruption. Conjoined too closely to the hip with neighboring empires and ruthless kings, the Catholic church had lost her way. Instead of be-ing known as the protectors and providers of the poor, the church was associat-ed with oppression and taken advantage of the least of society for monetary and political gain. On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther, a priest within the Catholic church, posted his 95 Thesis outlining his concerns with how the Catholic church had lost her way and forgotten Christ’s calling for the Church. Luther never meant to strike a revolution, but he and people like him, such as John Calvin, changed the identity of the Church forever. A call went out to return the Church to the Word of God only by God’s leading Spirit. A challenge was issued for ser-vice to God over allegiance to king and country. This was the Protestant Refor-mation and her words reformed, always reforming have echoed ever since.

And yet, Martin Luther’s calling for the Church to return to a unified, body of Christ had the opposite effect. Instead of leading a charge for change within the Catholic church, his actions led to new denominations. And these denominations, unhinged by the lack of a governing body have led to splinter after splinter with-in Protestant denominations. Reformed, always reforming means for so many churches that if one group isn’t innovating enough, they aren’t truly reformed. There are now 10,000 different Protestant denominations five hundred years after the original call for unity and internal change.

But the statement reformed, always reforming is not meant to be a negative one; rather, it is a call for the Church to look inward and reflect on her purpose. It is a call for us to return to Scripture and listen when Jesus says in Matthew 4:17- “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This message is followed by the Beatitudes such as blessed are the poor, blessed are the peacemakers, blessed are the humble, because we are the light of the world. The Church, in all its fractured forms, is the light of the world. And we constantly ought to reform ourselves to be reminded of this. Martin Luther, five hundred years ago, was re-minding us that we are the light of the world, we are the peacemakers, we are the Continued on page 2

Rev. Justin Karmann

PASTOR’S PEACE

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PASTOR’S PEACE Continuation

protectors of the poor, we are the hands and feet of God’s coming kingdom. And in this way, if we are doing these things, we are united. We Protestants, Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, Coptics, and others may have our theological differences, but we are all united through Christ’s call. Christ’s call expects oneness, a oneness that allows us to raise our voice when we witness injustices or to come to aid after a disaster. Just as five hundred years ago, there are injustices all around us, within the church, within our country, within our politics, and around the world. Let us em-brace this motto even more than before of reformed, always reforming and let our church be reminded that although relevancy is important, sometimes it isn’t change, for the sake of change that is needed, but ra-ther following Christ’s calling on our lives for our community and our world. As we celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, let us be reminded of our need for oneness and God’s guiding Spirit.

Yours in Christ,

Rev. Karmann

Clerk’s Corner

• Session will host a Sanctuary Church Action Plan

Second Hour Forum on 29 October following Sunday Morning Worship service. The Board anticipates making a decision at its regular November meeting as to designating our Church as a Sanctuary Church for members of our Con-gregation who are undocumented immigrants, and who may need to seek temporary, safe sanc-tuary within our Church campus.

• Session heard Rev. Clemot speak about initial vendor discussions and involvement from both the Congregation and the greater outside com-munity in fundraising for new playground equip-ment to be installed in the Social Center ball field. The leagues that currently use the fields will not be adversely affected by the proposed equipment and have expressed a desire to help in the community fundraising efforts.

• The Stewardship Commission presented an overview to the Board of this year’s Stewardship Campaign which kicks off Sunday, 15 October.

MEET OUR NEW MEMBERS !

With joy we present our new church members,

and to them, a warm Presbyterian Welcome!

Rose Serio Marie Freeman Emily Kertscher

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The Stewardship Commission asks …. Are You All In? 2018 is the opportunity for each of us to participate fully in the stewardship of our Church. For 300 years, the members of our church have served, donated, and responded to God’s call for them to do their part. They were all in. They are the reason that we are here today. Now it’s our turn. Pledge today and make your commitment to honor the past, serve the present and provide for the future! We ask you to be all in this year with your financial pledge so that our budget reflects the full strength of our congregation’s commitment to support mission, education, youth, music, pastoral care and much more. Make your financial pledge by November 19. Pledge online at www.fpcweb.org or complete your Pledge Card and put it in the church offering plate or mail it in.

Sunday, November 26, at 2:00 pm Let’s bring our 300th anniversary celebration to town! Come, be seen, be heard! Walk with us at the Metuchen Winter Parade. More details to be posted in the Son Day Paper and on the website. Watch out for it! We could also use your help on Saturday Nov. 25th as we put together our props for the parade. Contact Jaime Lijeron: Jaime.lijeron@gmail.com

November 19 STEWARDSHIP

SUNDAY

300 Years of Fashion Saturday December 9 6:30 pm Social Center Calling our history buffs, fashionistas and everyone! Our final event celebrating FPC’s 300th anniversary will take us down memory lane with a look at fashion trends throughout the past three centuries, from colonial gowns to Victorian waistcoats and ripped jeans today. Enjoy a runway show with period music and appetizers for what will surely be a fun-filled evening!! Bring your friends to celebrate with us! Interested in modeling or have a costume we can borrow, representing the 1700s, 1800s, 1920s, and 1940s through 1980s?

Please email Caitlin Mollison at mollisoncaitlin@gmail.com.

Thank You, Mary Hanley !

Thank you to Mary Smith Hanley, Esq for her talk on “Prepared Families” and the information about planned giving to our church. The Stewardship Commission is pictured here with Rev. Clémot and Mary Hanley our speaker. (Absent from photo is our Treasurer, Sue Harmon)

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ADULT EDUCATION

This Advent season, our seminarian Chris Houtz leads the Adult Ed with this 3-week study.

Sundays, 10:30-11:30 am

December 3 / 10 / 17

Ebenezer Scrooge is a man in dire need of a second chance. Is redemption possible for such a dark, greedy, and sad character?

The Redemption of Scrooge, from Matt Rawle’s The

Pop in Culture Series, shows us how the teachings of Jesus can be found in Dickens’ Christmas clas-sic. From the ghosts of Christmas Past, to the Life of the Present, and the resurrection of Christmas Future, this Advent study will “bless us, every one” and reinvigorate our spiritual journeys as we look at this familiar story through the lens of faith.

MOVIE NIGHT

Celebrating the

500 Year Anniversary

of the Reformation

Sunday, November 5, at 6:30 p.m.

in the Social Center Dining Room

During the early 16th Century idealistic German

monk Martin Luther, disgusted by the material-

ism in the church, begins the dialogue that will

lead to the Protestant Reformation. Discussion

after the movie will follow for those interested.

Important Dates : Nov. 2 & 16 Junior Club 5:30 pm Nov. 3 First Friday Club 6:00 pm Nov. 26 SUNDAY SCHOOL IN RECESS. Nursery care is available Dec. 1 Kids’ Night Out 5:30-8:00 pm PYW Babysitting Fundraiser Rm. 208 For kids 3 years and up, this fun babysitting event is packed with games, music, and fun activities. Only snacks will be served. Suggested donation : 1st child: $10 Succeeding child: $5 each

QUESTIONS? Contact Nancy Leardi Email: nleardi@fpcweb.org or (732) 491-2264

November 5th

Second Graders will receive their very own Bibles in worship.

NOVEMBER 12TH The Bible in 45 Minutes

After Worship at the Social Center

This presentation ties together all the familiar and not too familiar Bible stories with an explanation of God’s covenant to His people. This will be lead by Pete Bellisano and assisted by Nancy Leardi. Grow your Bible knowledge with this quick presentation!!

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Contact Rev. Justin Karmann at:

jkarmann@fpcweb.org

Youth Commission and Mission Commission A potential Church-wide mission trip is in the works to serve as a clean-up crew in Texas. Working through the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Organization, we plan to assist in “gutting” water-damaged homes in preparation for contractors who will be coming in to replace drywall, cabinets, flooring, etc. We aim to schedule this trip for Spring 2018.

This mission trip is open to anyone ages 18+ and we are encouraging people interested in serving to con-tact Rev. Karmann.

We are also encouraging our col-lege-aged students to attend this trip as well. Stay tuned for more details.

Plan on being in worship during Youth Sunday to hear four of

our Seniors give the message

and the rest of our Youth lead

the Service.

Mark your calendars: December 7th, Thursday, from 11 am to 9 pm! Here’s why this event can’t be missed...over the past years that our youth have gone to their Summer Mission trip, Skylark Diner has generously donated some meaty stuff! While Community Day is a fundraising event, it is also a way to thank them for all they do. This can only be a win-win situation for our Youth Mission trip. So join us

to thank Skylark Diner for their generous contributions every year to our Youth Mis-sion trip. All you need to do is show this coupon at check-out and 20% of the cost of your meal will be donated to our 2018 Mission Trip. See you there!

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

FOR THE YOUTH GROUP

FOOD PANTRY SOUP KITCHEN Our Youth Group is always looking for more

ways to serve our community and do mission

work. A new opportunity will coincide with the

Christmas baskets we give to our Food Pantry

families. On Wednesday, December 20th, our

Youth will serve a meal to our Food Pantry

families. If you would like to make a soup,

pasta or bread for this event, please contact

Rev. Karmann.

30 HOUR FAMINE

As we begin thinking about our annual 30

Hour Famine event, a committee has been

formed to plan and manage the event. If you

would like to be a part in planning, organizing

and/or volunteering for this event, email Rev.

Karmann.

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We’d love for you to share your gift of song…. Do you enjoy singing but don't have the time for the weekly commitment?

Here’s an opportunity to share your gift even for just the Christmas season.

Join our Senior Choir as we begin rehearsing Christmas music on Thursday,

Oct. 26, to be sung at our Annual Lessons and Carols Service on Sunday,

December 17. Choir rehearsals are on Thursdays from 8 :00 - 9:30 pm and if

you’re interested in learning the Christmas music, we invite you to show up

in the choir room by 8:30 pm and you will be provided with a music packet.

Together we will learn some beautiful music that will surely be enjoyed by our congregation!

We are excited to present a new version of the beloved Christmas story and the birth of Jesus, as told

from the perspective of the Shepherds. We welcome children and youth from age 4 through 12th grade

to participate. A new Ensemble Choir will be a part of the pageant this year, adding an opportunity for

those who prefer to sing rather than speak.

December 3rd / 10th / 17th

Immediately following the Worship Service

TBD (December 19th or 22

nd) MANDATORY Dress

Rehearsal for all participants (speaking, non-speaking,

ensemble choir)

To sign-up your child (for a role, ensemble choir or to usher) to volunteer your time or talent, or for

more information, please contact:

Beginning November 5th, sign-up sheets will be

made available in the Narthex for speaking and

non-speaking parts, ensemble choir, ushers, and

volunteers. Please see the church website for more

details on updates and changes to this Pageant.

Laura Draper Nancy Leardi Brenda Day

lauracubbagedraper@gmail.com nleardi@fpcweb.org brendaday@fpcweb.org

(201) 841-0823 (732) 491-2264 (732) 491-2266

FPC METUCHEN 2017 CHRISTMAS PAGEANT

Saturday, December 23rd, 5:00 pm in the Sanctuary

*Please note the change in date for this year only, due to Christmas Eve being on a Sunday.

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Sponsor a Holiday Meal Sitting down to a holiday meal with family is one of the

most special times anyone can experience.

For this reason, the Mission Commission invites you to

make a monetary contribution to allow us to provide

families in need with holiday meals where they gather,

laugh, share and pray.

This year will be a little different in years past as we in-

volve the spirited and generous young people of our

youth group! They will hold a holiday soup kitchen

Wednesday the week before thanksgiving this year

where we will also distribute our holiday baskets which

include the non-perishable items for their thanksgiving

dinner, potatoes, carrots, and a gift card for $50 -$100

depending on family size. If possible, and with your

generosity, we would like to do this for both Thanks-

giving and Christmas.

The cost for each mission project is $3,000. Your $50 to

$100 donation would make our mission project a success

for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. Any and all dona-

tions, however, would be greatly appreciated.

Please make checks payable to First Presbyterian Church

and indicate “Holiday Meal” in the memo.

This mission can truly be a

success but only with your

help as we help those in

our community celebrate

a memorable holiday with

their family.

4th Annual Coat Drive November 1 through December 13

In support of the 22nd Annual New Jersey Cares Coat Drive, the Mission Commission brings to us our 4th Annual Coat Drive. New or slightly used coats will be

collected in the Narthex (entrance of the church) and the Social Center Lobby and brought into the coat container in the Social Center parking lot from November 1 through December 13, 2017. We are also looking for volunteers on Saturday, December 16, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. to sort the coats. Over 400,000 coats have been collected, sorted and distributed to New Jersey residents during the previous 21 coat drives. Last year FPC-Metuchen collected 1,395 coats . . . can we top that?

For more information on Jersey Cares Volunteer Opportunity Calendar, you may visit their website at

www.jerseycares.org

Operation Homemade

Smile for our Servicemen

and Servicewomen

Overseas

Please bake your favorite homemade cookies and

on Sunday, November 5, bring a small portion of

your batch to share with the church and place the

remainder of your cookies in a re-sealable plastic

bag, (e.g., a ZipLoc® bag) to be sent to our ser-

vicemen and women overseas. Please bring cookies

to Room 109, located across from the Library in the

Education Building.

If you are not a baker -- we are also collecting:

Extra Halloween candy, soap bars, tissues, dark-

colored socks (new), crossword puzzle books, pens

and pencils, and new playing cards, along with writ-

ing paper/blank cards and envelopes.

Working through the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Organization, we plan to assist in “gutting” water-damaged homes in preparation for contractors who will be coming in to replace drywall, cabinets, flooring, etc. A potential Church-wide mission trip is in the works to serve as a clean-up crew in Texas. The goal is to schedule this trip for Spring 2018. This mission trip is open to anyone ages 18+ . Please be on the lookout for more information as we work out the details.

Page 8

Moms On Monday Give yourself a break, Mom!

2nd and 4th Mondays of the month

in the PW Lounge Social Center

Time: 9:30—11:15 am Regardless what age your children

are, you’re welcome to come.

Breakfast is served at every meet-

ing and childcare is provided.

(Please just let us know ahead of time.) Fall Study: To get a copy of the

book, or if you have questions, con-

tact: Nancy Kipnis Email: njbkipnis@optonline.net Phone: (732) 661-9631

HOLLY FAIR EXTRAORDINAIRE ! Friday, November 17

5—9 pm Holly Fair Shopping + 6 pm Dinner Saturday, November 18

9 am—3 pm Holly Fair Shopping

FRIDAY BUFFET DINNER Adults $10.00

Kids 4 to 12 6.00

4 & under Free Tickets go on sale after worship on Nov. 5th and Nov. 12th. Tickets will also be available at the Church Office Mon. thru Fri. from 8 am—4:30 pm. Seating is limited. Get tickets now!

Shop our extensive collection of handmade craft

items, “next to new” items, holiday crafts, and three

tables of jewelry gems! Many gifts for everyone in

your family that can be wrapped and put under the

tree. We know how you love our rummage sales, and

now we’ve saved the best from those sales to present

to you at our Holly Fair Extraordinaire with prices

you can’t pass up!

Buy for yourself or gifts for your friends. Tons of

great items and bargains galore!

MOST IMPORTANTLY, ALL proceeds will benefit local and worldwide charities! The Presbyterian

Women of Metuchen pride themselves on providing

for our community and we know that you agree that

our mission outreach is important.

Thank you for your support and happy shopping!

Volunteers are needed to help with set up, sale, and clean up for the Holly Fair

Set up dates are from Monday, Nov. 13 till Wednesday, Nov. 15 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Social Center.

We request for contributions of baked goods and “nearly new items” for our fair.

Please contact Lois Crespy at (908) 501-7778 or Dee Bonner at dbonner4@verizon.net for more information.

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN Happening This November

Nov. 1 PW Coordinating Team Meeting 7:00 pm Nov. 6 Esther Bible Circle 10:30 am PW Craft Circle is not meeting this month.

All meetings will be in the PW Lounge.

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We’re setting a place at the table for you!

Come join us for a free home-cooked dinner!

2nd Sunday of the Month, 5 p.m.

Nov. 12 * Dec. 10 * Jan. 14

Whether you’re looking for a home-cooked meal,

need a break or just tired of eating alone,

we welcome you!

First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen

Social Center, Dining Room

270 Woodbridge Avenue

Metuchen, NJ 08840

No Reservations Needed.

A NOTE OF THANKS From the Watung family: Wenny, Jordan, Michelle and Nikita, have contacted us to express their gratitude for all the gifts, support, and prayers they received from our church since the untimely and unexpected death of their beloved wife and mother Ferlinda Sorongan in August. Wenny wanted to say thank you to all the congregation for its generosity made possible through our church assistance fund, and for the individual gift given to Jordan. They miss us from their new home in Ohio and send their love to all.

ADVENT WORKSHOP 2017 After Worship December 3

Join us for a light lunch, coffee

hour, crafts, and social time! Bring a

‘finger’ dessert to share.

There will be crafts for children and adults.

If you plan to make a wreath bring your

frame, gloves, and snips. There will be a

limited number of frames available for

$3.00.

Can you help? Have an idea to share?

Contact Carol Carr at chc9@hotmail.com

or 732-549-1766 or CLifeC@fpcweb.org.

ADVENT ANGEL

Be an angel for someone who needs one this Christmas!

Share God’s love this Christmas by giving gifts to the children at Elizabethport Presbyterian Center and the residents at The Highlands Care One Center and Roose-velt Care Center. The Advent Angel is a wonderful min-istry bringing Christmas cheers and joy to those less fortunate. Watch out for the launching of the Advent Angel Tree beginning November 26th through December 10th. Check out the Son-Day Paper for details how you can be an Angel. Your gifts are always very much appreciated. After all, your gift may be the only gift that a child or senior resident will receive this Christmas season.

It's easy to be an Angel!

Page 10

POINSETTIA ORDER FORM

Each Christmas our Sanctuary, Chapel and Narthex are decorated with red poinsettia

plants donated by members and friends of our congregation.

• Deadline for ordering is Monday, December 11th, so get a head start on your holiday

planning by ordering today.

• Make checks payable to the “First Presbyterian Church “. Bring any weekday or mail them

to the church office: P. O. Box 385, Metuchen, NJ 08840. We will accept cash, too!

• The names of those remembered and those who donated will be listed in the worship

service bulletins on Sunday, December 17th

and Christmas Eve.

• The plants may be taken home after the 11 p.m. service on Christmas Eve. Our Deacons will

take the remaining poinsettias to shut-ins and families who have lost a loved one in recent

months.

Your Name: ____________________________________________________________________

Phone No.: ____________________________________________________________________

For Bulletin Listings of Donors (please print)

Given by: ________________________________________________________________________

•In Memory of: ______________________________________________________________

•In Honor of : ____________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

•In Gratitude: ____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

Number of plants @ $9.00 each __________

Total Amount Enclosed $ ___________

Please [ x ] check one of the following:

[ ] I will take my plant home after the 11 PM Christmas Eve Service.

[ ] Leave poinsettia for Deacons to deliver.

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First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen 270 Woodbridge Avenue, Metuchen, NJ 08840

(732) 491-2300 fpcweb.org Facebook.com/FPCMetuchen

CHURCH STAFF

Temporary Senior Pastor/ Rev. Ellen Clark Clémot Head of Staff

Temporary Associate Pastor Rev. Justin D. Karmann

Pastor Emeritus Rev. Robert A. Beringer

Student Minister Chris Houtz

Minister of Music Brenda Day

Asst. Bell Director/Accompanist Elaine Hansen

Director of Christian Education Nancy Leardi

Church Treasurer Sue Harmon

Administrative Assistant Merry Matlock

Part-Time Office Assistant Vicky Lacson

Part-Time Communication Asiah Sharpe

Coordinator

Part-Time Food Pantry Sarah Teti

Coordinator

Facilities Manager Jonathan Hollenbeck

Assistant Facilities Manager Roger Donnan

First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen

Since 1991 this active ministry has worshiped,

celebrated, and served in many wonderful ways:

Worship services

9:30 am

Combined service the First Sunday of

the month.

Noon

Indonesian language Services the following Sundays,

plus special services on New Year’s Day, Good

Friday, and Christmas Day.

Music

Nazareth choir, Zion choir, music festivals.

Fellowship

Saturday home fellowship meetings, and potluck

fellowship after worship service.

Community Nursery School is offering an afternoon

class from 12:30 to 3:00 pm starting January 3rd for

children who are 2 1/2 to 3 years old by January. The

class will be taught by Mrs. Susan Williams and will

have no more than 12 children.

For more information or to sign up, contact us at:

(732) 4912240.

Now that the season for gift giving is here… SHOP AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE!! First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen is now part of Amazon Smile which is a website operated by Ama-zon with the same products, prices, and shopping features as Amazon.com. When you shop using Ama-zon Smile, the Amazon Smile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to the charitable organization of your choice. Next time you need to log on Amazon, start at :

https://smile.amazon.com search and select your charity as “First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen” and start shopping. It’s that easy to support the church!

NOVEMBER 4

CHURCH OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED:

November 23 Thanksgiving Day

November 24 Friday

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November 2017

270 Woodbridge Avenue

P.O. Box 385

Metuchen, NJ 08840

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION

US POSTAGE PAID

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ

PERMIT 746

Address Service Requested

TO:

The information contained herein is for Church use only. Individuals using this information must receive permission of the Session of the First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen, NJ.

We’re just a click away! Stay up to date on the latest church happenings through Constant Con-tact. Make sure that we have your email address correct and let us know which kind of updates you want in your inbox. We promise not to spam you!

Visit the church website, send an email to fpc@fpcweb.org or use your cell phone and go directly to the link using the QR code.

Parish News Submission To submit an article for the Parish News, see us at the church office or email: fpc@fpcweb.org Deadline for the combined December/January Parish News is November 20.

Church Office: 270 Woodbridge Avenue, Metuchen, NJ 08840 Hours: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm

Sunday Morning Worship 9:30 am

VISION

To be an inclusive, connected, and loving community mobilized to serve Jesus Christ.

MISSION

We are a welcoming and diverse congregation that serves God by improving the spiritual, mental and physical well-being of people in our community and beyond through worship,

education, fellowship, music, and mission outreach.

First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen is a congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA).