The First Presbyterian Church of Rutherford will hold a study of the Gospel of Mary Magdalene beginning Feb. 25. Two books will be discussed in hour-long book groups: "Unveiling Mary Magdalene" by Liz Curtis Higgs and "The Gospel of Mary Magdala" by Karen King.

Discover the truth about the most myth-understood woman of the New Testament. Was Mary Magdalene a prostitute? An adulteress? The wife of Jesus? An ancient goddess? Higgs, best-selling author of "Bad Girls of the Bible," combines heartfelt contemporary fiction with extensive biblical research to bring to life the real Mary Magdalene of the Bible. In King's book, she tells the story of the recovery of this remarkable gospel lost for more than 1,500 years, and offers a new translation. King's brief narrative presents a radical interpretation of Jesus' teachings as a path to inner spiritual knowledge.

The book group discussions will take place Feb. 25 through April 22, 11:30 a.m., (off March 25 and April 1 for Palm Sunday and Easter and April 15for a visiting lecturer series on Mary Magdalene) and held at the Karen Kaiser Parish House located on Ridge Road in Rutherford. Books will be provided. All are welcome to join this fascinating study of a remarkable woman of the Bible. Please register for the free class at 201-438-3569 or at http://fpcrutherford.org/ under adult education. 

The First Presbyterian Church of Rutherford will hold a Sip and Paint Night on Thursday, May 10, at 7:30 p.m. Artist Steve Adubato will lead participants through a nature-based, acrylic art painting project. Participants are welcome to bring wine and snacks. The cost is $20 and all materials will be supplied. Participants must register before and the cut off is at 20 people. Please register by May 8 by calling the church at (201) 438-3569. Checks can be dropped off at the church at 1 E. Passaic Avenue or paid the night of the event. The event will take place in the Guild Room of the Karen Kaiser Parish House, 32 Ridge Road. 

Beginning Sunday, May 20, the First Presbyterian Church of Rutherford will embark on a 6-week study of the Tabernacle, the sacred place where God chose to meet His people, the Israelites, during the 40 years they wandered in the desert under Moses’ leadership. It was the place where the leaders and people of the 12 tribes came together to worship and offer sacrifices. The Book of Exodus describes an inner shrine, which housed the Ark of Covenant and held up under the veil of coverings suspended by four pillars and an outer chamber (the "Holy Place"). It also housed the Bronze Laver, the alter of Burnt Offering, the veil and items made from the gold, silver, brass, furs, jewels, and other valuable materials taken out of Egypt. The sessions include: The Tabernacle; The Altar of Burnt Offering; The Bronze Laver; The Lampstand; The Table of Bread and the Altar of Incense and The Veil, Ark, and Mercy Seat. The study is open to all and is free, but please register for the study at 201-438-3569. Classes will be at 11:45 a.m. and last about an hour. The church is located at 1 East Passaic Ave. Rutherford.

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. 

Pastor Rev. Pete Wilkinson welcomes all to sit down with him at the Ara Cafe on Ames Avenue at in Rutherford at 10:30 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.