First Presbyterian Church of Rutherford

Upcoming Events & Calendar

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Music Events Adult Education First Pres Kids

At First Presbyterian Church of Rutherford we are here to serve God and serve our community. We take this to heart as we offer activities and education that are enriching to Spirit, Mind, and Body. We love to sing and share in music. Our children love to play in our spacious gymnasium as the parents and grandparents visit and share in each others lives. We are heavily involved in giving to and caring for others as well as providing top-notch entertainment for the surrounding area. Our Labor Day involvement has been a hit in the neighborhood, and we love to meet the people we share our streets with. So, take a look at our events and consider attending or even volunteering. It takes all of our gifts and talents to celebrate oneness! We can't wait to meet you or see you again.

Upcoming Events

You are welcome to all events below. Please see individual pages throughout our website for past events. Thank you!

Dalai Lama, Tutu's "The Book of Joy"
sundays, september 9 - october 21
11:50 am - 12:50 pm

Please join The First Presbyterian Church of Rutherford beginning Sunday, Sept. 9, when Rev. Pete will be leading us through the book "The Book of Joy."

Nobel Peace Prize Laureates His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu have survived more than 50 years of exile and the soul-crushing violence of oppression. Despite their hardships—or, as they would say, because of them—they are two of the most joyful people on the planet. In April 2015, Archbishop Tutu traveled to the Dalai Lama's home in Dharamsala, India, to celebrate His Holiness's eightieth birthday and to create what they hoped would be a gift for others. They looked back on their long lives to answer a single burning question: How do we find joy in the face of life's inevitable suffering? This book offers us a rare opportunity to experience their astonishing and unprecendented week together, from the first embrace to the final good-bye.

The books will be available for pickup from the office mid-August as we will jump right into the first few chapters on our first discussion. The study will take place Sundays at 11:50 a.m. and last about an hour through Oct. 21. (Off Sept. 30 for our field trip to the Hindu Temple in Robbinsville.) The office is located at 1 E Passaic Ave, Rutherford. The study will take place directly across the street in the Karen Kaiser Parish House. The study is free and open to all but registration is required by calling 201-438-3569 so we can put a book aside for you.
Coffee with the pastor
Thursday, september 20

10:00am at Ara coffee shop
7:30pm at Park tavern

Pastor Rev. Pete Wilkinson welcomes all to sit down with him at the Ara Cafe on Ames Avenue at in Rutherford at 10:00 am and at The New Park Tavern in East Rutherford at 7:30pm. "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.
New Members Gathering
Sunday, September 30, 10:00 am

For those who might be interested in becoming a member of First Presbyterian Church, we will have an informational gathering following our 10:00 a.m. Worship Service on Sunday, September 30th. Join us if you would like to discover more about membership at First Presbyterian Church. If you have questions, please contact Rev. Pete (fpcorpastor@gmail.com).
HINDU TEMPLE COMPLEX TOUR
SUNDAY, september 30, 2:00PM

On Sunday May 27, the First Presbyterian Church of Rutherford will sponsor a field trip to The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Robbinsville, New Jersey. It is considered one of the largest Hindu temples in the world. The awe-inspiring marble mandir resides within a larger visitor’s center, which protects the intricate place of worship from the elements. Measuring 42 feet tall, 133 feet long, and 87 feet wide, the temple is made entirely of Carrara marble imported from Italy to Rajasthan, India, where hundreds of artisans hand-carved the 13,499 pieces. The finished mandir, which opened in 2014, is an awe-inspiring work of craftsmanship that took a total of 4.7 million man hours—from craftsmen to volunteers—to complete. Among the thousands of elaborate carvings are 98 sthambhas (or carved pillars), 66 peacock-style arches, 144 sacred figures, and 91 elephants with various musical instruments and flowers. Our private tour will take place at 2 p.m. with expected time of arrival at 1:45 p.m. Travel is on your own. Sarong/wraps will be provided to cover arms if needed and no shoes can be worn on the tour, which is expected to take two hours. Registration is required. Please call the church at 201-438-3569 to register.
World Communion Sunday
Sunday, October 7

World Communion Sunday, October 7, 2018
Peace & Global Witness Offering Will Be Received

We help to transform lives through our work for peace, with the tools God has given us. Together, in the Spirit of God, we work to break the power of hate, and heal the wounds of violence and division. We join together to pray, and boldly take action for God’s peace -̶—at all times, in all ways. Amen.
Blessing of Animals
Saturday, October 13
1:00 - 1:30 p.m.

Blessing of Animals: On Saturday, October 14th, from 1:00 - 1:30 p.m., we will have a service of Blessing of the Animals. We will meet at the “Point” (the part of the church property where Ridge Road and Park Avenue come together), have prayers and I will then bless animals. If you would like to assist me on this day, please contact me (fpcorpastor@gmail.com). I am looking forward to this opportunity to participate in affirming life and God’s creation. Bring your pets!