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!
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!
When making an online donation, you can designate your contribution to a specific project/fund by attaching a note.
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
Honoring Loved Ones: Dia de Muertos at FCC-River Edge
In keeping with a centuries-old Mexican tradition, FCC-River Edge has proudly built a community ofrenda to honor the memories of loved ones who have passed -- not with sadness, but with gratitude, color and and celebration.
The ofrenda is the heart of the Day of the Dead; this home or community altar is decorated with flowers, marigolds or other small mementos. The colorful altar is a beautiful way to remember those who shaped our lives. Visitors are invited to bring photos and mementos to share.
Framed photos
Candles
Flowers (especially marigolds)
Small personal mementos
All are welcome to stop by and leave items to honor your loved ones.
All are welcome to join a Music and Meditation Gathering on Thursday, November 6 in our church sanctuary from 4-5:30 PM. The gathering will be a way to celebrate the memories of loved ones who have passed. We'll share stories and reflections over Mexican hot chocolate, Tres leches cake and more!
What's the Buzz at FCC - River Edge -- An 'At a Glance' Look to Mark Your Calendars
November 2. Create and decorate our community afrenda to honor our loved ones. Church members and non church members can bring items to contribute including framed photos of loved ones, candles, flowers (marigolds) and personal mementos
November 6 Dia de los Muertos Musical Meditation and Gathering @ 4 PM-5:45 PM, refreshments will be served
November 16 Last day to donate to Church Food Drive (learn more below)
November 23 Help decorate the sanctuary after service to get our worship space in the "spirit" of the Christmas season
November 30 First Sunday of Advent, The Pilgrim Ringers Handbell Quartet
December 2 Participate in an annual event to counter consumerism by giving back (learn more below)
December 7. Join us for Sunday worship and decorating the sanctuary tree with our 2025 Chrismon ornaments. We will also collect toys and w winter items for the Greater Bergen Community Action's Operation Holiday. More to Come.
Kick off the holiday season with a Family Movie Night featuring "The Best Christmas Ever." Snacks will be served. Bring a friend (evening time TBD)
December 14 Choral Cantata Service: Rapsody in Bluegrass
December 13 Join the fun with Cocoa, Cookies and Caroling around our outdoor creche -- Time TBD
December 21 Join the Education Team and our youth as we celebrate the Christmas story during worship.
January 3 Join fellow church members and friends on a field trip when New Jersey Devils take on the Utah Mammoth at the Prudential Center. See Russell at Fellowship Time or call him at (201) 960-1075. Only 10 tickets available @ $80.
Scroll down for more detailed information
FCC-River Edge Food Drive - Now Through November 16
Open your hearts and your pantry and donate non-perishable food items to our November Food Drive. Help those less fortunate and spread God's love and light. You can leave your donations in the church entryway.
There is an urgent need for the following:
Peanut Butter and Jelly
Canned Meat and Tuna
Dried beans and pasta
Canned Hearty Soup and pasta
Canned chili and stews
Canned tomatoes and vegetables
White and brown rice
Cold cereal (low sugar) and oatmeal
Food will be delivered to the Center for Food Action in Englewood, and St. Peter's Church in River Edge.
Get Left Overs While They Last
The Pumpkin Patch is Now Closed
See You Next Year!
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!!!!!!!
