Irene's Aftermath on a Monday Afternoon

In the aftermath of working five days with local governments and the Red Cross in shelters and around town, I stopped by the church this morning out of curiosity to check out what was going on.  I followed the sound of a wet vac to the darkened fellowship hall.  There Rev Scott Cupp joined myself and Kay Kniering and Sis Demarco.  Barbara DeVilbiss worked the vac methodically across the floor taking up water that had leaked in.

Rev Cupp said the church and the manse, like much of Matawan had no power in general, but a single "hot" circuit was found.  This allowed us to plug in the freezer and refrigerator and operate the wet vac.  Sis had checked on church members and was taking flowers for visits I believe.  Kay was picking up some flowers as well.  We all shared stories and well wishes as Barbara wrapped up her lone task.

I received an e-mail from the Jersey Coast Chapter of the American Red Cross with this link to make donations.  Please feel free to give an undesignated gift, as the funds will be spread to cover all of the local, regional, national and world disasters.

Backpacks for Education Provided by MA Rotary

Photo by Chelsea Naso

Matawan-Aberdeen Patch reported that the local Rotary has provided 113 backpacks to local school children.  Some will be reserved for children at the Manna House, a transitional program for homeless women and children.  The rest will go to the Matawan Aberdeen Regional School District.

Last week's Matawan Aberdeen Rotary Club meeting was attended by Rev. Scott Cupp and church Office Manager June Nicora.

The Rotary Club is a major supporter of Mission Matawan, a community outreach of the First Presbyterian Church.

October 1 Interfaith Event: Meditation

Local Interfaith Event

You are invited to the annual Shanti (peace in Sanskrit) event sponsored by the Monmouth Center of World Religions and Ethical Thought (www.interfaith-mcwret.org). The event will be held on Saturday Oct. 1 from 4PM to 7PM. There is no need to register and the event is free. Light refreshments will be served. The event will take place at the Unitarian Universalist Meeting House on 1475 West Front Street in Lincroft, NJ 07738.

The keynote speaker will be Dr. V. Swaminathan. The subject will be meditation (dhyana); a tool to help one to attain inner peace. Dr. V. Swaminathan will describe the principles of meditation “to help one to be just oneself”. A brief practice session of meditation will be included.  For more information contact Joe Ritacco, Member of FPC Mission Commission and Board Member of MCWRET

Submitted by Joe Ritacco

9/11/11 Standing Together: An Interfaith Witness for Peace

Members of the diverse faith communities of Monmouth County are invited to come together to the North Beach of Sandy Hook on the evening of September 11, 2011. At sunset, 7:12 PM, we will stand together in silent reflection to honor the depth of our losses ten years ago and to bridge our differences, in hope and action for peace. Following 10 minutes of silent reflection, we will greet each other with our wishes for peace. All ages are welcome.

 Sponsored by the Monmouth Center for World Religions and Ethical Thought http://interfaith-mcwret.org For more information contact Rev. Virginia Jarocha-Ernst, minister@uucmc.org

Sept 11 Events

Here I will post Upcoming events around the area for Sept 11.  I will update THIS article as information comes to me.

Kay Hetherington of St Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in Keyport writes: "we are having a 9/11 memorial service at St. Joseph's on Sunday 9/11 at 4:00 p.m. It will be an interfaith service and all are
welcomed to come to reflect, remember and to continue to pray for peace."

Rally Day brings together Church Family, Sunday School Classes : Sept 11

The Christian Education Commission is busy making plans for the beginning of Sunday School and our Junior & Senior High Programs.

Sunday School Classes will begin at 9 am for Pre-School through Adult.

We are asking all classes to attend Morning Worship and sit together with their teacher and classmates.  We will dedicate our Sunday School Teachers, Youth Advisors, Presbyterian Nursery School Teacher and Staff during the 10:30 service.

After the service we will have apot luck luncheon in Fellowship Hall.  Cost of admission is free, but please bring a dish of your choice, to share on the buffet table; it may be a meat, vegetable, salad, or dessert.  Beverages will be provided.

Youth Groups will begin September 18th.