May 17, 2021
Dear friends,
It is with great joy that I write to you to let you know that we will be worshiping in the sanctuary at 1st Presbyterian of Rockaway on May 23rd, Pentecost Sunday.
Thank you for your patience and understanding through these months of pandemic and quarantine. We will still be using a Zoom link for our Sunday morning service for those who are unable to come to the church building. Attached is information about re-entering the church.
This has been a difficult and challenging time; I believe we have been faithful in our worship, mission, and fellowship to the best of our abilities. My prayer is that we will continue to put our faith in God’s providence and discover this as a time of renewal for each of us as well as for the community at 1st Presbyterian.
I look forward to seeing you and celebrating the gift of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost with you.
God bless,
Pastor Nancy Young
A note from Dee Helman April 1, 2020
Here’s a reminder in song that God is with us. Thank you Bonnie
March 15 - Third Sunday in Lent
March 1 - First Sunday in Lent
December 22 - Fourth Sunday in Advent
December 21 - Blue Christmas Service
December 17 - Ice storm in Rockaway - Pray for those without power.
December 15 - Third Sunday in Advent
December 15 - Third Sunday in Advent A Birthday Party for Jesus at Church School - Making Graham Cracker Nativity Scenes
Friday April 3, 2020
Dear friends –
How are you doing? We are at a point where we are anticipating longer "shelter in place" time that we did two weeks ago. What kind of plans have you made?
Here are few things I want to share with you:
We will worship on Palm Sunday via Zoom. Invitations with the information on how to join in were sent out. If you didn't get it - let us know (office@fpcrockaway.org)! We also have worship on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday - Invitations will come.
We did order palms but not sure if or when they will arrive. If you would like something green to wave in worship on Sunday, please find a branch in your yard or be creative and make one!
If you have prayer requests - please email me (youngnancy501@gmail.com). We can include them in worship or keep them confidential, please note your choice in the e-mail.
Don't forget there are several ways to continue your giving of pledges and gifts: go to the church webpage and scroll down to DONATE - follow instructions and your gift will arrive. Or you can put your offering in an envelope and mail it to the church.
There are several other fellowship opportunities:
Sunday morning adult study via Zoom at 9:30 am. We are studying the gospel of Matthew. If you would like to join - email me.
Tuesday morning adult study via Zoom at 9:30 am. We are looking at How the Bible Came to Be.
Let me know if you would like to be a part of this group.
I put a daily prayer post on our Face Book page and our web page. Bonnie Pomeroy, our music director, then records the hymn that goes with the daily post.
Please let me know how you are doing. Stay safe and stay healthy!
God bless,
Pastor Nancy
Dear friends –
How are you doing? We are at a point where we are anticipating longer "shelter in place" time that we did two weeks ago. What kind of plans have you made?
Here are few things I want to share with you:
We will worship on Palm Sunday via Zoom. Invitations with the information on how to join in were sent out. If you didn't get it - let us know (office@fpcrockaway.org)! We also have worship on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday - Invitations will come.
We did order palms but not sure if or when they will arrive. If you would like something green to wave in worship on Sunday, please find a branch in your yard or be creative and make one!
If you have prayer requests - please email me (youngnancy501@gmail.com). We can include them in worship or keep them confidential, please note your choice in the e-mail.
Don't forget there are several ways to continue your giving of pledges and gifts: go to the church webpage and scroll down to DONATE - follow instructions and your gift will arrive. Or you can put your offering in an envelope and mail it to the church.
There are several other fellowship opportunities:
Sunday morning adult study via Zoom at 9:30 am. We are studying the gospel of Matthew. If you would like to join - email me.
Tuesday morning adult study via Zoom at 9:30 am. We are looking at How the Bible Came to Be.
Let me know if you would like to be a part of this group.
I put a daily prayer post on our Face Book page and our web page. Bonnie Pomeroy, our music director, then records the hymn that goes with the daily post.
Please let me know how you are doing. Stay safe and stay healthy!
God bless,
Pastor Nancy
Saturday, March 21, 2020
Dear friends –
I will still be posting prayers and scriptures for us to share each day. I would suggest that we read and pray each day at 10:00 am – so we are worshiping together. Today is a test day – so we will not hold to the 10:00 am time. Please feel free to respond or comment. This will be posted on Facebook (First Presbyterian Church Rockaway and on the church webpage (fpcrockaway.org) on the Special Messages Page.
I apologize for not sending a message sooner. There are several things I would like to share with you.
Like most of you, we are self-quarantined and just trying to keep track of friends and family. The news is not encouraging, but our good news is. We are not alone in this journey; God is with us and we can continue to care and support one another. Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay faithful!
God bless,
Pastor Nancy
Dear friends –
I will still be posting prayers and scriptures for us to share each day. I would suggest that we read and pray each day at 10:00 am – so we are worshiping together. Today is a test day – so we will not hold to the 10:00 am time. Please feel free to respond or comment. This will be posted on Facebook (First Presbyterian Church Rockaway and on the church webpage (fpcrockaway.org) on the Special Messages Page.
I apologize for not sending a message sooner. There are several things I would like to share with you.
- Your session is meeting (via ZOOM) Sunday, March 22 at 7:00 pm to discuss and decide about extending the suspension of worship and other activities at the church.
- Please send me any prayer requests you would like to share with the congregation. And let me know of any pastoral needs – my phone still works!
- I have been posting a daily morning prayer on our website and on our Face Book page. I will be posting a video for Sunday morning. Bonnie has been playing a hymn each day that goes along with the daily prayer at 10:00 am.
- Can you let me know if you are able to watch videos on a computer? If we can ZOOM, you can watch the video or call in.
- Please mail your offerings to the church. We all know these are uncertain financial times, but even a portion of your pledge or offering will help the church continue to do its mission and ministries. The food pantry remains open, the lights are working and there is heat! All of these are signs of our determination to resume our life together as the people of God and witnesses to the gospel. So thank you all!
Like most of you, we are self-quarantined and just trying to keep track of friends and family. The news is not encouraging, but our good news is. We are not alone in this journey; God is with us and we can continue to care and support one another. Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay faithful!
God bless,
Pastor Nancy
December 8, Second Sunday in Advent Service
December 8 - Deacon's Luncheon - A wonderful time and meal - Thank You to all those who worked to make this possible!
November 24, Music for Christ the King Sunday
HOLIDAY WISHES
HOLIDAY WISHES IS A VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT THAT SERVES THE CHILDREN OF ROCKAWAY AND ROCKAWAY BOROUGH - WHO’S FAMILIES QUALIFY BASED UPON INCOME.
APPROXIMATELY 420 CHILDREN WILL RECEIVE GIFTS (5 GIFTS EACH CHILD) THROUGH THE GENEROSITY OF CHRISTMAS ANGELS LIKE THOSE HERE AT FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. THE CHILDREN WILL RECEIVE TOYS AND CLOTHES.
HOLIDAY WISHES IS A VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT THAT SERVES THE CHILDREN OF ROCKAWAY AND ROCKAWAY BOROUGH - WHO’S FAMILIES QUALIFY BASED UPON INCOME.
APPROXIMATELY 420 CHILDREN WILL RECEIVE GIFTS (5 GIFTS EACH CHILD) THROUGH THE GENEROSITY OF CHRISTMAS ANGELS LIKE THOSE HERE AT FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. THE CHILDREN WILL RECEIVE TOYS AND CLOTHES.
October 20, 2019 While Nancy is away Carl preaches.
And Noelle and the choir sing!
September 17th 2019, Confirmation Sunday for Brenna and Jenna. May they continue to grow with God.
Sunday October 13
The Baptisms Of Bruce and Bailey
We Want to Thank Everyone For a Successful Tailgate Sale
October 12
Our table at the September 15, 2019 11th Annual Rockaway Street Festival
Our Walk for Peace will be this coming Sunday, September 29th at 1:00 P.M. starting at the corner in front of the church, and we will walk one block towards Park Lake, cross the road, and walk once around Park Lake, and return to our starting location. This is a walk for peace, we're not protesting or against anything. Simply walking to show our support for world peace.
Worship Services started in Fellowship Hall
June 23, 9:30
June 23, 9:30
Let the Bells Ring! June 16, 2019
Memorial Day May 27, 2019
Honor and Prayer for those who gave their all!
RIP Jeffrey
Thank you to all who donated toward the interment and grave marker for Jeffrey Jaynes. A stone marker has been purchased and has been put in place. April 2019
Thank you to all who donated toward the interment and grave marker for Jeffrey Jaynes. A stone marker has been purchased and has been put in place. April 2019
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Easter 2019 at FPC - Alleluia, Christ is Risen! A wonderful Day in Rockaway! But we pray for peace around the world especially on this day!
We welcomed our new Interim Pastor, Pastor Nancy, on her first Sunday with us.
January 6th
January 6th
BIOGRAPHY: Rev. Dr. Nancy K. Young
Nancy Young is a native of North Dakota and attended Jamestown College (now the University of Jamestown), receiving a BA in English and Vocal Performance. She also holds a Master of Music degree in vocal music from the University of Maryland as well as doctoral work in performance and pedagogy. Nancy has taught private voice for over 30 years and has taught as adjunct faculty at Mercer College (NJ), Concordia College (MN) and at Delta College (MI). She began working in the church as a musician when she was 14 and was the organist for her home church. She continued to serve as a church musician in a variety of roles throughout her career.
Nancy received her Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary and her Doctor of Ministry from McCormick Theological Seminary. She is an ordained pastor in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and has served churches in Fargo, North Dakota and Midland, Michigan and served on the national General Assembly Mission Council staff at the Presbyterian Center in Louisville, KY, as the Coordinator for Women’s Leadership Development and Racial-Ethnic Schools and Colleges. She has served as the transitional pastor at 1st Presbyterian of Franklin, NJ, Wharton Community Church in Wharton, NJ and 1st Presbyterian of Iselin, Iselin, NJ.
Nancy is married to the Rev. David E. Young who is currently serving 1st Presbyterian of Newton, NJ. David and Nancy are the parents of three adult children, Adam, Micah and Molly, all of whom are professional musicians and are paying their own rent. They are also the delighted grandparents of Arden Grace Young, the 2½ year old daughter of Adam and Kristine Wilson Young
Nancy Young is a native of North Dakota and attended Jamestown College (now the University of Jamestown), receiving a BA in English and Vocal Performance. She also holds a Master of Music degree in vocal music from the University of Maryland as well as doctoral work in performance and pedagogy. Nancy has taught private voice for over 30 years and has taught as adjunct faculty at Mercer College (NJ), Concordia College (MN) and at Delta College (MI). She began working in the church as a musician when she was 14 and was the organist for her home church. She continued to serve as a church musician in a variety of roles throughout her career.
Nancy received her Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary and her Doctor of Ministry from McCormick Theological Seminary. She is an ordained pastor in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and has served churches in Fargo, North Dakota and Midland, Michigan and served on the national General Assembly Mission Council staff at the Presbyterian Center in Louisville, KY, as the Coordinator for Women’s Leadership Development and Racial-Ethnic Schools and Colleges. She has served as the transitional pastor at 1st Presbyterian of Franklin, NJ, Wharton Community Church in Wharton, NJ and 1st Presbyterian of Iselin, Iselin, NJ.
Nancy is married to the Rev. David E. Young who is currently serving 1st Presbyterian of Newton, NJ. David and Nancy are the parents of three adult children, Adam, Micah and Molly, all of whom are professional musicians and are paying their own rent. They are also the delighted grandparents of Arden Grace Young, the 2½ year old daughter of Adam and Kristine Wilson Young
Christmas Luncheon in Fellowship Hall December 9th, 2018
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2018 Historical Cemetery Walk
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Historical Cemetery Tour
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We're very proud of the young men and women of our church who have completed the confirmation process and who were received into full membership on Sunday, Nov. 17. These young people spent all of the last school year in confirmation class and then this fall, they were led in exploring their faith by Rev. Sue Trigger. Here are just some of the noteworthy passages from their statements of faith:
- “During the worship service we (the congregation) are the actors, listening to the director (the pastor) for instruction. The actors go out and perform and God is the audience. The church’s mission is to spread the word of God.”
- “I know for me, every Sunday going to Sunday school, going to church, and going to Confirmation class clears my mind and helps me focus on my faith, something many of the youth today are missing.”
- “My relationship with God resembles a candle. The flame burns, just like a prayer being formed. The wax is melting, like God forgiving and melting away my sins. When the candle is put out the smoke rises, like my prayers rising to God. The wax does harden, and God and I both know that I will sin again, but the candle will always be re-lit, and he will always forgive me.”
- “The Holy Spirit isn't visible to sight, but it is visible to our hearts and minds.”
- “My generation is the future of the Church. I look forward to seeing change. As Presbyterians and followers of God, we want to spread God’s love, and want people to feel welcome to attend a worship service at any time and share our faith with the world around us.”
10/19/2013: The Ordination of Andy Smith
The laying on of hands at the ordination of Andy Smith.
On Saturday, October 19, our congregation were blessed to be able to host the ordination service of Andrew Smith, son of Betty and Carl Smith, and brother to Dan Smith. Andy graduated this year from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary and began serving as the pastor of Clarkton Presbyterian Church in Clarkton, North Carolina in August. Andy wanted to be ordained in the home church that supported him over the years and we all felt privileged to see Andy ordained and serving his first communion as a pastor. Andy's official installation as the Clarkton pastor will take place in November. Go to our Photo Galleries page to see pictures from Andy's ordination (including two of the cutest girls around).
7/21/2013: First Presbyterian Church of Rockaway dedicated as a "Peace Site"
The First Presbyterian Church of Rockaway became a dedicated peace site on July 21st during the 9:30 Sunday worship service.
FPC Rockaway, long noted for its advocacy of peaceful resolution to the world’s problems joined 29 other Peace Sites in New Jersey that comprise a network coordinated and supported by New Jersey Peace Action. The site is located at a literature table and bulletin board in Fellowship Hall to the right of the choir room door. Here people can come to obtain information on how to become an advocate for peace, what activities are taking place to support peace and background information on issues causing conflict locally, within our state and nation and around the globe. This is not a site that promotes any political point of view. It is a place where individuals can obtain information that will allow them to make reasonable, peaceful choices about the issues of the day and connect with others of like persuasions for support. The site contains information about the work that the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the Newton Presbytery Peacemaking Committee are doing to promote peace and conflict resolution at all levels, as well as literature from humanitarian organizations and other advocates for peace.
The dedication began with introductory remarks by David Mortensen, followed by a description of the purpose of a Peace Site by Judith Arnold, coordinator of the Peace Site network and the presentation of a plaque by Madelyn Hoffman, Executive Director of New Jersey Peace Action.
For more information please contact David Mortensen at 862 812-2324 or Robert Donaldson at 201 317-1925.
6/10/2013: Co-Pastor Part of Mideast Witness Delegation
One of our co-pastors, the Rev. Mitch Trigger, recently received word that he had been chosen (along with 25 others) to be part of the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship's Mideast Witness Delegation that will travel to Israel & Palestine in January 2014. There were over 70 applicants for the trip, which is coordinated in conjunction with Interfaith Peace-Builders.
Participants will experience the realities of life in the Holy Land – the occupations, settlements, and peace efforts -- by meeting with those living there. Attendees will be ambassadors for justice at the mid-June 2014 Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) General Assembly in Detroit. Additionally, participants make a commitment to work as advocates for the end of the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and control of the Gaza Strip, and for security for both Israelis and Palestinians.
The delegation will consist of a two-day orientation at Stony Point Center in New York, facilitated by a representative from Interfaith Peace-Builders, followed by ten days on the ground in Palestine and Israel. While in the region participants will meet with Israeli and Palestinian peace groups as well as visit the holy sites in Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and the Galilee.
Participants will experience the realities of life in the Holy Land – the occupations, settlements, and peace efforts -- by meeting with those living there. Attendees will be ambassadors for justice at the mid-June 2014 Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) General Assembly in Detroit. Additionally, participants make a commitment to work as advocates for the end of the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and control of the Gaza Strip, and for security for both Israelis and Palestinians.
The delegation will consist of a two-day orientation at Stony Point Center in New York, facilitated by a representative from Interfaith Peace-Builders, followed by ten days on the ground in Palestine and Israel. While in the region participants will meet with Israeli and Palestinian peace groups as well as visit the holy sites in Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and the Galilee.
5/5/2013:On Tuesday, May 14, Elder Jeffrey Jaynes died after a sudden recurrence of cancer. Jeffrey was one of our ruling elders serving on the Session; he moderated our Worship Committee; he was a small group ministry leader; and Jeffrey often preached for us and other area congregations. A man of deep faith, we will miss his very special ministry among us.
5/5/2013: Sam Robinson, a church member who is finishing up his sophomore year at Bucknell University, shared his talents with us in worship on Sunday. While the video isn't the best (we were trying to be discreet), you should be able to get an idea of why his family, friends, and church are proud of him!
4/13/2013: Linda Kirby receives Rotary's highest honor
Linda Kirby, one of our church members and Director of the Rockaway Food Closet, was honored along with Rockaway Borough Police Chief Douglas Scheer by the Rotary Club of the Rockaways on April 18. They were honored as Paul Harris Fellows. The Paul Harris Fellow Recognition is the highest honor that a Rotary Club can bestow upon an individual. The award is named for the founder of Rotary International, Paul Harris, who began an organization in 1905 in Chicago that is now 1.2 million members worldwide. Mrs. Kirby and Chief Scheer exemplify Rotary's motto, "Service Above Self."
We are very proud of Linda and are thrilled to see her receive recognition for her tireless work on behalf of the community. Linda's husband Jack and son Kevin were there, as well as church friends Jose & Connie Aponte, Lainie Ballard, Karen Basile, Judy Bonnett, Pat Budis, Kathy Clark, Bob Donaldson, Tracy Hallman, Dee Helman, Diane Knipper, Holly Lenhardt, Sandy Moulden, Sue Novak, John & Cathy Pope, Betty Shuman, Betty Smith, Ruth Spencer, the Revs. Sue & Mitch Trigger, Henry Van Dyke, Pat Warren, Christine Zelinsky, and Bob & Cathy Ziese.
We are very proud of Linda and are thrilled to see her receive recognition for her tireless work on behalf of the community. Linda's husband Jack and son Kevin were there, as well as church friends Jose & Connie Aponte, Lainie Ballard, Karen Basile, Judy Bonnett, Pat Budis, Kathy Clark, Bob Donaldson, Tracy Hallman, Dee Helman, Diane Knipper, Holly Lenhardt, Sandy Moulden, Sue Novak, John & Cathy Pope, Betty Shuman, Betty Smith, Ruth Spencer, the Revs. Sue & Mitch Trigger, Henry Van Dyke, Pat Warren, Christine Zelinsky, and Bob & Cathy Ziese.
3/20/2013: SCOUT RENOVATES FOOD CLOSET FOR EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT
Alex Nestor, a 16 year old Boy Scout, made the Rockaway Food Pantry the focus of his Eagle Scout project, completely renovating the Pantry itself as well as organizing a food drive to support it. Read the full news story from the Neighbor News at NorthJersey.com. Since 1985, First Presbyterian Church has hosted the community-supported Rockaway Food Pantry.
1/10/2013: A "First Presbyterian Church" History Lesson
In December 2012, we received a letter from the New Jersey State Archives in which they offered us a lithograph of the church. It turns out that the State Historical Society of Wisconsin had sent this picture to the state archives back in 2000, but the New Jersey Archives did not have a place for it - would our church like to have it?
It turned out to be a special picture. While we have a number of historic drawings and photos of the church, this is a new one to our collection and it has some unique qualities. At the bottom is listed the name of the pastor at the time of the picture - Rev. Joseph Tuttle. Rev. Tuttle had married Susan King, the daughter of Rev. Barnabas King, and he began serving as c0-pastor with Dr. King in 1848. Dr. King was 70 at the time and Rev. Tuttle was effectively the solo pastor, with Dr. King only occasionally giving the sermon or officiating at a wedding or burial. In 1862, Rev. Tuttle accepted the presidency of Wabash College in Indiana.
So we know this picture was done somewhere between 1848-1862, and probably early in that time period based on the dress of the people in the picture. This is the only picture we have of the church without sidewalks, but with hitching posts. Another reason for dating the picture earlier are the cross-shaped windows above the 2 side doors in the front of the sanctuary. Those are the original windows when the sanctuary was built in 1832, but were later replaced with classic "rose" windows.
And that's our history lesson for today...
It turned out to be a special picture. While we have a number of historic drawings and photos of the church, this is a new one to our collection and it has some unique qualities. At the bottom is listed the name of the pastor at the time of the picture - Rev. Joseph Tuttle. Rev. Tuttle had married Susan King, the daughter of Rev. Barnabas King, and he began serving as c0-pastor with Dr. King in 1848. Dr. King was 70 at the time and Rev. Tuttle was effectively the solo pastor, with Dr. King only occasionally giving the sermon or officiating at a wedding or burial. In 1862, Rev. Tuttle accepted the presidency of Wabash College in Indiana.
So we know this picture was done somewhere between 1848-1862, and probably early in that time period based on the dress of the people in the picture. This is the only picture we have of the church without sidewalks, but with hitching posts. Another reason for dating the picture earlier are the cross-shaped windows above the 2 side doors in the front of the sanctuary. Those are the original windows when the sanctuary was built in 1832, but were later replaced with classic "rose" windows.
And that's our history lesson for today...
