The First Presbyterian Church of Rutherford will begin an eight-week study of the Gospel of Thomas beginning Sunday, Sept. 15, 11:40 a.m. Unlike the other gospels we are familiar with, the Gospel of Thomas does not tell the story of the life and death of Jesus, but offers the reader his 'secret teachings' about the Kingdom of God. This book opens with the lines, "These are the hidden words which the living Jesus spoke, and the twin, Didymos Judas Thomas wrote them down." These 114 verses of Jesus are extremely enlightening and special, and applicable for us as Christians today. We will study Jesus' teaching written by Thomas and how to put them into daily practice using Ron Miller's The Gospel of Thomas: A guidebook for spiritual practice which will be supplied to you by the church. We will meet at the Karen Kaiser House across from the church on West Passaic Avenue. The study is open to all in the community, but registration is asked by calling (201) 438-3569 so we can order you a book. 

Pastor Rev. Pete Wilkinson welcomes all to sit down with him at the Top That! Donuts on Highland Cross in Rutherford at 10:00 am and at The New Park Tavern in East Rutherford at 6:30pm. "I will be at a table or a booth enjoying the opportunity to meet and talk with anyone who would join me. I have no agenda for these gatherings. I simply want to make myself available. If you would like for me to meet you (and a friend) please come and join me," says Rev. Pete.

Click here for Pastor Pete's bio.

The First Presbyterian Church of Rutherford is sponsoring a trip to Chuang Yen Monastery, a Buddhist temple situated on 225 acres in Kent, Putnam County, New York. The tour will take place on on Saturday, Sept. 28, at 10:30 a.m. The temple is home to the largest indoor statue of a Buddha (Vairocana) in the Western Hemisphere. The name "Chuang Yen" means "Majestically Adorned." 

The monastery is home to the Buddhist Association of the United States. Much of the temple buildings are built in the architectural style of China’s Tang Dynasty, and designed by architect Edward A Valeri RA. We will visit Kuan Yin Hall, the Thousand Lotus Memorial Terrace which overlooks a Koi pond, the Tai Hsu Hall, the Yin Kuang Hall, the Woo Ju Memorial Library and the Great Buddha Hall. The Great Buddha Hall's opening was presided over by the 14th Dalai Lama. 

There will be a vegetarian meal served at noon in the dining hall. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own cutlery, chopsticks, cup,  and soup bowl. 

Our group members must be there at 10:20 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28. Visitors must be dressed with all limbs covered and take off shoes upon entering the temple. No food is allowed on the site. The visit will require walking and climbing stairs. Visitors must provide their own transportation to the monastery which is about an hour and a half away. The trip is open to all members of the community and is free, but registration is required by calling the First Presbyterian Church of Rutherford (201) 438-3569.

We are inviting you to partner with us in 2019, by financially supporting the church. Your financial gifts provide ways for us to worship God, engage in mission projects, participate in the faith development of people young and old, and keeps our facilities in good shape. We appreciate how you have financially supported us in the past, and we are seeking people to complete Estimates of Giving Cards so we can anticipate how to financially plan for our future. If you have questions, please contact Rev Pete or Bill Rood (fpcorfa@gmail.com).