Join us on Sunday, October 5 for Pastor Reverend Joe Medlin's formal service of installation. The service will take place from 2 PM - 3 PM in the church sanctuary. The ceremony will formally introduce Pastor Joe into River Edge's religious community. Members and non members are invited, and refreshments will follow.
The Pumpkins Are HERE....
And So Much More!
September 27-October 31, 2025
Hours: M-F and Sunday 11 AM - 7 PM
and Saturday 10 AM - 7 PM
Volunteers Needed -- Roll Up Your Sleeves to Help Make Pumpkin Patch a Success! For more information, reach out to Richard Metz @ richardrmetz@gmail.com. or the Pumpkin Patch Committee. A second truckload of pumpkins are arriving on October 11! Non Church members are also welcome to join in and volunteer to help make our fund-raiser a success!
Edible Delights To Whet Your Appetite!
Family Fun In Your Neighborhood
Scroll down to see how Sopranos in New Milord is sponsoring a Dine to Donate promotion to support FCC-River Edge's Pumpkin Patch. Order takeout or dine in October 21-23. Mention Pumpkin Patch when placing your order and FCC-River Edge will receive 15 percent of your total order! Make it a family affair -- or better yet -- spread the word to your neighbors and friends
Mark Your Calendars For 'Dine to Donate" Event at Soprano's in New Milford!
October 21-23
11 AM to 7 PM
201-261-9252
368 River Road, New Milford, NJ
Order takeout or dine in October 21-23. Mention Pumpkin Patch when placing your order and FCC-River Edge will receive 15 percent of your total order! Make it a family affair -- or better yet -- spread the word to your neighbors and friends
Mention "Pumpkin Patch" when placing your dine in or take out order. 15% of your order will be donated to FCC-River Edge Pumpkin Patch.
From pizza to pasta and more -- who doesn't love Italian -- especially when it helps support FCC-River Edge Pumpkin Patch! Mangia!!
Thank you Sopranos!
First Congregational Church of River Edge
109 Continental Avenue, River Edge, NJ 07649
Pastor Joe's Office Hours: T-F 9 AM - 1 PM
Office Hours: M, T, TH. 9 AM - 4 PM
Wed 9 AM - 2:15 PM
Fri 9 AM - 12:15 PM (remote)
Sunday Worship -- Service @ 10 AM
Church School (starts at 10 AM during worship until Children's Message, then youngsters are lead to their
classrooms (September-May).
Communion is offered the first Sunday of each month
with grape juice and gluten free bread.
You can worship by Zoom. The instructions for entering via Zoom are:
To join by computer (or smart phone):
1) Click on this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/892501398pwd=24giuCfuaNnquGF1xa6dVMkA2Dymtl.1
2) Follow the prompts to get Zoom (Meeting ID: 892501398).
To join By Phone:
1) Call +1 646 558 8656
2) Enter this Meeting ID: 892501398#
(It will ask for participant ID; there is no Participant ID--simply enter #.)
Please look around and come back to our new website often for updates!
When making an online donation, you can designate your contribution to a specific project/fund by attaching a note.
Log on to our Facebook page
First Congregational Church of River Edge, NJ -- that is replacing all other church Facebook pages.
Our current Instagram page is--firstcongregationalriveredge
Our new YouTube channel is -- (Look for the blue icon with hands and hearts)
https://www.youtube.com/@admin109-h6f
If you don't already use these group titles, please join, "like" it and share!
Inclement Weather Policy:
Decision to cancel Sunday worship due to inclement weather will be posted on this website and Facebook
Church office voicemail will be updated
(201-261-1712 Ext 100). by 8:30 am
Paying Tribute to a Faithful Volunteer
In loving memory of Helen Koons, church members gathered on our church lawn recently to present a stone bench dedicated in her name. Representatives from Family Promise, a non profit group that FCC River Edge supports, also presented a bird bath to honor Helen for her dedication, volunteerism and energetic nature.
Open Your Heart and Mind on Weekdays This Fall at FCC-River Edge
Whether you are looking for quiet solitude or a chance to join a discussion about the Bible, you can open your heart and mind for two new Fall activities offered at our church on weekdays.
Our sanctuary is now open every Wednesday at 10 AM for Contemplative Prayer. Come alone or with someone.
Our Bible Study "Lunch and Learn" series is back on Thursdays at noon in the Conference Room. Learn more about the Book of Mark and enjoy a lively discussion.
Open to FCC-River Edge Members and Our Community
All Are Welcome
Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the good news of God and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.
Would you like to explore in depth what Jesus meant when he used the term “kingdom of God?” Would you like to have a strong grounding in the Gospel of Mark? Are you wondering how the Gospels speak to our social environment today?
If you answered ‘yes’ to any or all these questions, then join us every Thursday at noon for Bible Study. We’ll begin on Thursday, September 18th.Write your text here...
FCC- River Edge Pray-Ground Building Interest
Following its grand opening, our new Pray-Ground is already building interest with families with young ones. And they seem to like it!
One of our families had some nice things to say about the new space in the Sanctuary -- "It has been awhile since Mom and Dad were able to sit through a sermon, so I'm hoping for continued use."
We welcome youngsters 4 years old and younger to try out the Pray-ground with their parents.
What's a Pray-ground ?
Put Service to Work in Your Free Time This Fall and Volunteer!
Although New Year's resolutions may have come and gone since January, Fall is a great time to "reset
your goals for the remainder of the year. If you are like me, September as an adult has always meant a fresh start as the school year unfolds with new reflection and commitments. If you have some free or want to MAKE TIME, there are a number of volunteer activities that need more hands. Join the fun and volunteer -- one day at a time or more!
Be A FCC-River Edge Volunteer -- Fellowship, Fun and Service
Fill in as a Church School Volunteer when a teacher is not available on a Sunday morning. Curriculum is provided in advance so volunteers can prepare when a teacher is scheduled to be off. We also have a more URGENT need to form a group of volunteers willing to teach our youngest class (first and second graders) on a rotating basis and with enough volunteers there could be only a once a month commitment, Contact Nicole Babington for more information.
Consider hosting Fellowship Time after worship as a family, individual or with some church friends! It can be as elaborate or as simple as you prefer! The main ingredient is Fellowship! Sign Up sheets are available in the Commons or in the hallway.
Become a Greeter before Worship -- All you need is to set your alarm to arrive at church a little early, and the only requirement is to bring a warm smile and friendly welcome ! Look for the Sign Up Sheet in the Commons or in the hallway.
Join the Usher Team - Help prepare the sanctuary for worship; light candles, set out flowers and supplies, greet worshippers, distribute bulletins, assist woshipers to their seats and collect the offering. See Richard Metz or email him at richardrmetz@gmail.com.
Volunteer
A New Year Begins For Church School At Any Time Of Year
Interested in our FCC-River Edge Church School program? It's never too late to enroll new children. For more information about our program, see below or contact nbabington@fccriveredge.org. You can also print out an online Registration Form by clicking the button below.
Need a registration form? CLICK BELOW
FCC River Edge Serves As Community Hub With Available Rental Space
FCC River Edge is an important part of of our community, serving as a house of worship, as well as a hub for local events and activities.We have welcomed smaller churches to use our sanctuary, and provided space for a nursery school/day care center, an after school theater program, and piano and dance recitals, to name a few. We have also opened our doors to a Japanese school to use our classrooms and offered our rooms to a variety of non profit groups.
We are now expanding our reach to the community by providing rental space when our rooms are not in use — whether it’s for a one time event or for a weekly/monthly schedule. Consider using our downstairs hall for a celebratory event or our rooms for business opportunity and more! The possibilities are en endless
For more information and to see photos of some of available rooms, click the Rental Opportunities button. To schedule a tour, contact the Church Office at 201-261-1712.
Get All The News That's Fit To Print With The Congregator -- Right Here
FCC-River Edge's monthly Congregator is a great place to keep "in the know"' about church activities. For your convenience, you can always have it at your fingertips right here! Find this great reference and our church calendar all in one place!
Watch A Past Worship Recording -- At Your Fingertips
Beginning in May, we have created a new library archive of past recorded worship services, It's the next best thing to being there in person or on Zoom! Listen to some of your favorite sermons and music anytime you like! And remember, you can always tune in every Sunday for the live service! Great features, especially when you are on vacation and can't make worship!
Nicole Babington, Director of Faith Formation
Our Church Staff
Slavina Zhelezova, Director of Music Ministry
Keri Lampey, Office Manager
The Reverend Pastor Joe Medlin
A Message From Our Pastor
Greetings from FCC, River Edge!
One of my favorite authors, Sister Joan Chittister, says this about community, "Community is the coming together of unrelated people for the sake of a particular vision or goal."
Here at First Congregational Church, our vision is to embody God's hope and love to all of our neighbors far and wide. We acknowledge the challenges of following the radical teachings of Jesus in a society riddled with fear, hate and greed
Yet, we continue to push on!
We strive for this in numerous ways as we worship and serve together, and as we work for the common good of humanity.
If you are searching for such a faith community, then please visit us or reach out to me personally. We would love to meet you!
Peace and Blessings,
Pastor Joe
The Reverend Pastor Joe Medlin
revjmedlin@aol.com
Post Script from Pastor Joe
After the last song is sung.....Pastor Joe reminds us: Don't let this be the last song you sing today.......and don't forget to dance!!!!!!!
