Pumpkin Patch

FCC River Edge's annual Pumpkin Patch, our flagship fundraiser, combines community outreach, helping hands and support for the local community and across the country. Thousands of unique pumpkins and gourds grown by Navajo farmers in New Mexico adorn our front lawn during the month of October and offer a festive stop for the entire family. Homemade baked goods and and other taste treats are also sold. Proceeds from pumpkin sales go to the farmers and non-profit groups supported by FCC River Edge. We donate our fund-raising portion to a variety of non profit groups we support

Even our furry friends carve out some time to visit our Patch

Our Patch is for the young and young at heart.

Church volunteers and others are what keep our Patch going throughout October. Volunteers are always welcomed -- from unloading the truck on Day 1 to selling our goods. Check our Coming Soon section and social media in September to see how you can help,

Buy a pumpkin at the Patch or bring your own on Pumpkin Carving Day! We supply the tools and refreshments for a fun afternoon!

No one can resist our homemade fruit pies, autumn sweet breads, candy and other taste treats.

Nursery school toddlers can have the Patch to themselves when a class trip is planned in advance.

Family Promise of Bergen County

FCC River Edge has had a strong partnership with Family Promise of Bergen County for several years Several times a year, a team of volunteer cooks prepare as many as 200+ hot meals for a "Walk In Dinner" at a FP location in Hackensack. Each Spring, FCC flyers come out -- rain or shine -- for the Hike for Hope.

Last year, Family Promise honored FCC River Edge with its Community Impact award at its annual gala. The award is given year year to the group that goes above and beyond to those who are struggling with food insecurity and homelessness.

Rain or shine, teens or adults, FCC River Edge Flyers come out for the annual walkathon to help raise money to support Family Promise efforts to help the homeless.

FCC River Edge receives Family Promise's 2024 Community Impact Award

Volunteers rolled up their sleeves to prepare almost 300 meals for a recent Family Promise "Walk In" Dinner in Hackensack. A hot meal goes a long way for those who are homeless.

We make sure there's a gift under the Christmas tree for local families in need by participating in All Wrapped Up.

Pastor Joe blesses God's creatures at Blessing of the Animals

at River Edge Day .

Shawl Ministry invites knitters and crocheters to join the comradery while helping out a good cause. Open to church members and non-members alike.

Shawl Ministry groups from around the world knit and crochet blankets and shawls to provide comfort for the sick and those in need, as well as to celebrate new beginnings like the birth of a child or a marriage.

Our Youth Ministry scores a touchdown with its annual "Souper Bowl Sunday." Each February, church members donate cans of soup and other food until Super Bowl is played. Following the game, the donations are then delivered to local food banks such as St. Peter's food pantry, as well as the Center for Food Action in Hackensack. This annual event helps to tackle hunger!

Following a COVID hiatus, Second Sunday is back! This 30+ year tradition at FCC River Edge hosts developmentally challenged adults living in group homes for an evening of food, crafts, and music. Volunteers at these intergenerational events plan themed parties, cook, serve and mingle with guests.

FCC River Edge welcomes church members and the community to “walk the Labyrinth," an ancient pattern that leads you on a path to the center and out again.The twisted path helps quiet your mind and open your spirit to the closeness of God. Check our calendar and watch for details for an upcoming Labryrinth walk.

In And Around Our

Community

Shawl Ministry doesn't always stick to its knitting,. This group likes to have fun and socialize while helping others. Many friendships have been made.

Beyond Our Borders

In a country where education is not free, FCC River Edge has helped dreams come true for a Haitian girl named Benesthra. This year, she will graduate from nursing school in her homeland.

Our annual contributions to the Crosby Fund for Haitian Education, was established under the auspices of the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme (CT). This organization pays tuition and costs (such as books and uniforms) for 550 students in Haiti, from kindergarten through technical school and university. They also have an on-site Education Center which helps with tutoring and literacy programs.

Benesthra is a nursing student who lives in Deschapelles, HaitI, where there are little educational opportunities for children. Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.