Outreach, How We Serve the Community Around Us

All aspects of our church are involved in serving our neighbors. From the children, to Deacons and our dedicated Mission Committee, see below our many efforts to help those in need and see how you might assist. Click here to view our volunteer opportunities and contact us to help. Make a Difference Today!

Mission Committee News

Family Promise Walk-In Shelter

On Monday, January 14th, Mission Committee members Barbara Treacy and Mary Hadrava prepared and served dinner for families participating in the Bergen County Family Promise and being hosted for the week at the Lyndhurst Presbyterian Church. The families spend the night at the Church, work/school during the day and return each evening for a meal provided by local Churches and service groups. This is temporary until permanent housing can be obtained. We had 2 families on the 14th, a mother and her 3 daughters and a couple and their 11-month son. The meal was sliced steak, twice-baked potatoes, broccoli, salad and Brownies for dessert. We enjoyed a fun evening visiting with the families especially the Children!


The Mission Committee is beginning to prepare for our participation in serving dinner at the Family Promise walk-

in shelter in Hackensack on Monday, February 25th. Because we have a day at the end of the month, and also due to colder weather, the attendance for dinner at the shelter will increase. Therefore, our committee will need to provide

additional casseroles. We will be asking for up to 5 cooks to prepare our main dish of ground beef, macaroni and

vegetables. The committee will supply the required 2 pounds of meat, box of pasta, two casserole pans, and recipe.

Carol Geragotelis will be in Parish House after service on Sunday February 17th to give out casserole ingredients.

Casseroles would be returned, defrosted, on Sunday, February 24th. Carol, Diane, and

Kathy will be available after service each Sunday to answer any questions you may have

and hopefully you will able to assist us. Thank you.

Eyeglass Collection

FEBRUARY 1 - FEBRUARY 28

During the month of February the Mission Committee will collect eyeglasses, eyeglass frames, sunglasses, and cataract glasses on behalf of the Lions Club in Rutherford. The Lions Club sponsors a recycling eyeglass program that sends refurbished eyeglasses to developing nations overseas. Locally they provide vision eye exams and eyeglasses free to needy residents. Please start gathering your unwanted and outdated prescription eyeglasses for this worthy organization.

Mission Walk-in Dinner

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25

The Mission Committee is beginning to prepare for our participation in serving dinner at the Family Promise walk-in shelter in Hackensack on Monday, February 25th. Because we have a day at the end of the month, and also due to colder weather, the attendance for dinner at the shelter will increase. Therefore, our committee will need to provide additional casseroles. We will be asking for up to 5 cooks to prepare our main dish of ground beef, macaroni and vegetables. The committee will supply the required 2 pounds of meat, box of pasta, two casserole pans, and recipe. Carol Geragotelis will be in Parish House after service on Sunday February 17th to give out casserole ingredients. Casseroles would be returned, defrosted, on Sunday, February 24th. Carol, Diane, and Kathy will be available after service each Sunday to answer any questions you may have and hopefully you will able to assist us. Thank you.

Coat Drive

We have been blessed with generous donations from our members, friends and the greater community! To date we have delivered 121 Coats, 19 hats, 16 scarves and 7 pairs of gloves to the Oasis shelter. The drive is still ongoing through the end of the month, we truly appreciate your support. When I delivered coats today with the help of Pastor Pete we were thanked and told just how much these coats are needed! If you have any questions or need help getting your coats to the Church, please call me at 201-935-0665. Mary Hadrava

Advent Box Project

The response from the congregation in contributing and participating in the Advent Box Project was amazing. The Mission Committee forwarded 25 boxes (equal to 50 bags) of food and household items to the Rutherford Food Pantry and much needed diapers along with pajamas and winter accessories for men, women and children to Oasis in Paterson. The Committee offers their sincerest thanks for your generous support of this project.

On Monday, March 5, our First Presbyterian volunteers were at it again, serving a delicious hot pasta dinner at Bergen County Human Services Center! The best part was when our guests came up to us afterwards and thanked us for such a nice meal. It makes it all worthwhile, and God’s love was shared.

Project Christmas Morning

Project Christmas Morning is supporting Oasis, an agency that assists women and children in changing their lives through programs designed to feed, clothe, educate and empower women and their children in need. They offer educational programs for GED exams, computer skills, and job training for women and youth development programs after school for children. They now serve 600 women and children daily. It is the hope of the Mission Committee that we again share our generosity this holiday season by giving gifts for children ages 5 to 12 years of age. Please stop by our table today during Fellowship so you can bring joy to a child on Christmas morning. Envelopes will be available through November 26th and will be dedicated on Advent Sunday, December 5th.