The Pumpkins Are Coming...The Pumpkins Are Coming!
Start Spreading The Word....Thousands of Pumpkins, Baked Goods and Jams and Other Edible delights...Fun for All! We're Starting One Week Earlier for More Fun!
September 27-October 31, 2025
Hours: M-F and Sunday 11 AM - 7 PM
and Saturday 10 AM - 7 PM
Our annual Pumpkin Patch is arriving early this year to give our community more opportunity to enjoy this wonderful seasonal fund-raiser. Set up and day-to-day operation are massive undertakings and a TEAM effort is necessary to make the Patch the event of the season! Please help continue our tradition of offering fun for the entire family and a golden opportunity to raise money for church projects.
Sign Up for One or More Duties -- and Make It a Family Affair ! Or Bring a Friend! Many hands make light work!
Pumpkin Patch Tent Set-Up - September 20 @ 9:30 AM
Unload First Delivery of Pumpkins and Patch Opens-- September 27 @ 9 AM
Sign Up for Time Slots During Hours of Operation
Unload Second Delivery of Pumpkins -- October 4 time TBD
For more information, reach out to Richard Metz @ richardrmetz@gmail.com. or the Pumpkin Patch Committee
Supplies Still Needed for "Make Your Own Scarecrow" Kits
The Patch Needs You! Roll Up Your Sleeves to Help Make Pumpin Patch a Success
Clean out your closet and donate your old jeans and flannel shirts to replenish our supplies for "Make Your Own Scarecrow Kits," a Patch favorite. Old straw hats are also welcome!
Please bring your donated items to church and leave them in the metal cabinet in Pilgrim Hall.
FCC-River Edge Welcomes Autumn ... We're Ready for Fall, Are YOU?
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
A Season Of Change - Welcome Autumn One Month At A Time
After enjoying the laid back days of summer, it's time to get back to busy routines and schedules, whether it 's returning to school, attending regular Sunday worship and church programs, or volunteering at community events. .
At FCC- River Edge, we are ready for the Fall. Are YOU? MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR SEPTEMBER! JOIN US AND INVITE A FRIEND!
September
Contemplative Prayer -- NEW Weekly contemplative prayer time offeredin the Sanctuary on Wednesdays @ 10 AM beginning on September 10
Blessing of the Backpacks - September 14 Church School begins, Children should bring their backpacks for a special blessing to start the year.
New Weekly Bible Study Begins - September 18 @ Noon in the Conference Room every Thursday (Bring your lunch)
Pumpkin Patch Tent Set-Up - September 20 @ 9:30 AM VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Presentation of Helen Koons Memorial Bench and Birdbath - - September 21 immediately following Worship. A wonderful way to honor and remember Helen. The birdbath is being presented by Family Promise.
Grand Opening of our new Pray-Ground.- September 21, after a trial run, this innovative idea is here! Come to worship to see for yourself.
National Back to Church Sunday -- Life is Better Together -- and Open House -September 21
Pumpkin Patch Kick Off -- September 27 @ 9::30 AM VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Sneak Peak for October
Mark your calendar now for Pastor Joe's service of installation that will be held on Sunday, October 5, from 2-3 PM in the church sanctuary. Refreshments to follow. Check back soon for more details.
Scroll down to read more about some of these events.
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, beginning Thursday, September 18 at Noon in the conference room. Learn more about the Book of Mark and enjoy a lively discussion. Bring your lunch.
Open to FCC-River Edge Members and Our Community
All Are Welcome
A New Year Begins For Church School With Registration Packages
Parents with youngsters in FCC-River Edge Church School should check their inbox for registration packages packed with information to share for 2025-26. Please return completed registration forms to Nicole as soon as possible for teachers to plan accordingly even if we cannot count on consistent weekly attendance. Forms can be mailed, dropped off at the church, or sent electronically to nbabington@fccriveredge.org
Church School Starts Sunday, September 14. Don't forget to bring your backpacks to church for a special blessing of the backpacks !
What's a Pray-ground? See for yourself on September 21!
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
Bring a Friend to Church on September 21 for National Back to Church Day
Life is Better Together
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!!!!!!!
