The Rev. Dr. Glen C. Misick
2025 Lenten Pastoral Letter
Greetings Members and Friends:
We are now deep into the Lenten season at FPCA. Indeed, the Holy Spirit has been moving in our midst. Here are some highlights of our ministry during this season:
Sermons, I have been using the lectionary scriptural lessons, reflecting on Jesus’ journey to the Cross. Please join us each Sunday morning for our exciting worship services.
Soup & Super Video Lenten Series. Each year we gather on Wednesday afternoon, at 5:30 PM, to feast on homemade soups and delicious desserts, prepared by our members. This is followed by a video musical presentation, from Sights and Sounds, PA, dealing with the life of Jesus and leading up to the Passion. Last year, we watched and reflected on the life of Jesus. This year, we are watching David and his relationship with Messiah. He will conclude next Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 5:30 PM. Thanks to Carolyn Stevenson and the Worship Committee for organizing this special event. Special thanks to Shirley Benkert for coordinating the delicious meals.
The Installation of our Air Conditioner and Heating system is finally underway and should be in place for our Palm Sunday Service, April 13, 2025. Thanks for the hard work of our Capital Fundraising Campaign Committee, under the leadership of Sandra Kosakowski, we have raised more than $40,000 towards the $100,000 for this new unit. Have you made your contribution?
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Raymond Siecinski, son of our new member Pauline Sieicinski, as well as childhood friend of Charlie Kurowsky; Carolyn Stockl, our beloved member and wife of Jake Stockl (he passed seven months ago); and John Everett Hendley, cousin of Carolyn Cullen and who grew up in our church, as a child. Let us continue to keep their families in our prayers. May the Souls of these departed rest in eternal peace and rise in glory! +The Funeral Service for John Everett Hendley will take place in the Chapel, Saturday, April 5, 2025, @ 11 AM.
Prayers are needed for Elizabeth Jegede, daughter of Pastor Gabriele Jegede, who while on her way to our Soup and Supper Program, this past Wednesday, suffered a Seizure and was taken to the hospital. Elizabeth, a high school student, was our dedicated Video Technician for our Lenten program. As of this writing, she is in the Hackensack University Hospital, undergoing intensive tests. Let us keep her, Pastor Gabriel, and the entire family in our prayers.
NOTE: Due to the on-going Installation of our new Air/Heating Unit, this Sunday’s Worship Service, April 6 @ 10 AM, will be held in our old Chapel. We have moved the Holy Communion Celebration to the following Sunday, when we will celebrate Palm Sunday and also give thanks to Almighty God for our new Air Conditioning Unit.
The Last session of Soup/Supper and Video is next Wednesday, April 9, 2025, @ 5:30 PM. Please join us and bring a friend.
HOLY WEEK EVENTS: Maundy Thursday Tenebrae Service, April 17, 2025 @ 7 PM. Resurrection (Easter) Sunday Service, April 20, 2025 @10 AM, followed by an Easter Egg Hunt for children. Please note: There will only be one service on that Sunday.
COMING EVENTS: The next Session Meeting is Tuesday, April 15. A SPECIAL LADIES TEA, Saturday, May 3, 2025, 1 – 3 PM, Jacob Morgan Hall. Donation - $20 per person. RSVP by April 23: 732 634-1631.
Rev. Dr. Glen C. Misick
Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Avenel, New Jersey
Winter 2024 Pastoral Letter
Dear Members and Friends,
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus, the Christ! As we come out of this Election, I am sure there are those of us who are feeling a sense of uncertainty, despair, fear, or perhaps jubilation. Whatever your feelings, I want you to know that the God we serve is still on the throne. God says, “be still and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” – Psalm 46:10. In the midst of the chaos, let us stay anchored in Christ, so that the chaos around us does not produce chaos in within us!
Rev. Dr. Glen C. Misick
AIR CONDITIONER CRISIS - As many of you know, at the end of the Summer our Air Conditioner and Heating System went out on us. We are seeking a loan of roughly $80,000 to get this unit replaced. The new one won’t be ready until February or March of next year. In the meantime, our Property Committee is working hard to see that we have heat in the Sanctuary for the Winter months. We thank them for their hard work on this issue. Once we get started on this project, we will organize a Campaign to help retire this debt. We will keep you informed.
TRUNK OR TREAT - Once again, we had a very successful Trunk or Treat event. Thanks to Cindy Culton and all for their hard work on this project.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH - Our members continue to work hard on our Food Pantry and Clothing programs. We salute them for this ministry to the needy!
OUR NEW DIRECTOR OF MUSIC - We welcome the very talented William Gormon as our new Director of Music. He IS making our worship Service more lively and glorifying to Almighty God. Welcome Will! If you would like to join our choir, they meet on the 2nd and 4th Sunday for rehearsal, at 9:15 AM.
BIBLE STUDY - Our Bible Study has been going well, as we study the book of Revelation. We meet at 5 PM on Wednesday. However, due to the change in seasons, we are looking at going on-line, after the Thanksgiving holiday. You will be able to join with your computer, tablet or smart phone; and you will also be able to call in. More about this in the next few weeks.
LADIES TEA GATHERING - The women of our church are reactivating this traditional event on Saturday, November 16, at 1 PM, in the Jacob Morgan Hall. There are a few seats left. Please call the Church’s office to reserve your place.
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING - There will be a Congregational meeting on Sunday, November 24, 2024. The purpose is to receive and elect the new Slate of Church Officers, from the Nominating Committee.
PRAYER - Let us continue to keep the families of Jake Stockl, Lillian Thorsen, and Jean Klc (all who passed this Summer) in our Prayers.
HAVE A BLESSED AND HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!
2024 Resurrection Sunday Pastoral Letter
Dear Members and Friends of First Presbyterian Church of Avenel,
As we approach Holy Week, the most sacred and profound time in the Christian calendar, I am reminded of the significance of this season and the message it carries for us in the midst of troubled times. We must remember that although Friday was dark, on Sunday morning Jesus got up from the Grave and he is alive!
You and I are living in a world filled with uncertainty, fear, and despair. It can be easy to feel overwhelmed and lost in the midst of all of this chaos. It is precisely in times like these that we must turn our hearts and minds towards the message of Holy Week, the Cross and the resurrection of our Lord.
The message of the resurrected Christ for our world is one of hope, peace, redemption and salvation. It is a reminder that no matter how dire the circumstances may seem, God's love and mercy are always present offering us comfort, strength, and guidance. As his disciples, we are called to carry out his directives by embodying his teachings of love, compassion and justice in the world around us.
Prepare to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and hold fast to the promise of new life and transformation that comes from Christ's victory over death. Let us be beacons of light and hope in a world that is in desperate need of healing and reconciliation. Let us trust in the power of God's love to bring about peace, justice and salvation for all.
May Holy Week be a time of renewal and awakening for each of us as we draw closer to the heart of Christ and the message of the Cross and his resurrection. May we find strength and courage in the knowledge that we are never alone. The living Christ is always with us, guiding us and empowering us, by the Holy Spirit to be agents of his love in the world.
Because Christ Lives,
Rev. Dr. Glen C. Misick
Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Avenel
2023 Christmas Letter from our Pastor
Dear Members & Friends of the First Presbyterian Church of Avenel,
As the Christmas season approaches, I find myself reflecting on the immense joy and privilege it is to be serving alongside you in this beautiful community. This year has been filled with new beginnings, and I am grateful to be spending my first Christmas as your pastor.
The warmth and love that I have experienced within our church family has been truly inspiring. Each one of you has welcomed me with open arms, allowing me to witness the incredible faith and dedication that resides within this congregation. It is a blessing to serve alongside such passionate believers who continuously strive to spread God's love throughout our community.
The spirit of Christmas holds a special place in our hearts, as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. During this season, we are reminded of the extraordinary gift of love that God bestowed upon us through the arrival of His Son. It is a time of hope, joy, and renewal, and I am excited to embark on this journey with you all.
Together, let us embrace the true meaning of Christmas and share it with those around us. May our acts of kindness, generosity, and compassion reflect the love that Christ has shown us. Let us reach out to those who are hurting, lonely, or in need, extending a hand of support and a heart filled with empathy.
I look forward to the many adventures and blessings that lie ahead for our church family and friends. May this Christmas season fill your hearts with peace, joy, and an overwhelming sense of God's presence. Remember, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we are also celebrating the gift of each other.
My wife Jennifer and I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year. May the light of Christ shine brightly in our lives and guide us as we continue to walk this journey of faith together.
With love and gratitude,
Rev. Dr. Glen C. Misick
Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Avenel, NJ
Thanksgiving 2023
Dear members and friends of First Presbyterian Church of Avenel,
As the new Pastor of our beloved church, I am filled with gratitude and joy as I write this Thanksgiving letter to each and every one of you. In these challenging times, it is more important than ever to reflect on the goodness of God and cultivate an attitude of gratitude. I am reminded of the words of Psalm 9:1-3, which beautifully encapsulate our appreciation for the blessings bestowed upon us.
"I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High. My enemies turn back; they stumble and perish before you."
First and foremost, these verses serve as a gentle reminder that even amidst the troubles we face, there is still much to be thankful for. We must express our gratitude to our Heavenly Father for His unwavering love, grace, and faithfulness. It is through His provision and guidance that we find strength and hope, even in the darkest of times.
Secondly, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to the Session, Deacons, committee members, staff, and each of you. Our church family is a source of great joy and inspiration. Your dedication, support, and unwavering commitment to our community has not gone unnoticed. Despite the challenges that have come our way, you have exemplified the true spirit of compassion, unity, and perseverance.
It is important to recognize the blessings that have been bestowed upon us as a church. We are blessed with beautiful edifices of worship, community service, a strong and passionate congregation, and a rich heritage that we can proudly embrace. Our collective efforts in spreading God's love and serving our community have made a significant impact, and for that, we are truly grateful.
As we gather with loved ones, whether in person or virtually, let us remember to lift our voices in thanksgiving. Let us share stories of God's faithfulness and encourage one another with messages of hope and love.
May this Thanksgiving be a time of deep reflection, genuine appreciation, and renewed dedication to our faith. May this Thanksgiving season bring you peace, joy, and an abundance of blessings. Know that you are loved, cherished, and prayed for.
With deep gratitude and warmest wishes,
Rev. Dr. Glen C. Misick
Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Avenel, NJ
October 2023 Pastoral Letter to Members of First Presbyterian Church of Avenel
Dear beloved members of the First Presbyterian Church of Avenel,
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is with great joy and excitement that I write to you today as your newly appointed part-time Pastor. I am truly delighted and humbled to have the opportunity to serve alongside you in ministry to the Avenel and surrounding communities.
First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude for the warm welcome I have received since stepping into this role. Your kindness and hospitality have made me feel at home, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this loving congregation. I want to add a special thanks to the Pastoral Nominating Committee (PNC) for their hard work in this process. Together, I believe we can make a significant impact in the lives of those we encounter, sharing the transformative power of the Gospel.
As your Pastor, my primary focus will be on preaching and teaching the Word of God. I believe that the proclamation of biblical truths is vital in providing focus and direction to the Body of Christ, especially in this 21st Century. Therefore, I am committed to delivering sermons that are rooted in Scripture, relevant to our lives, and inspiring to our faith. I am excited to share God's Word with you, and I pray that our time together in worship will be enriching and edifying for all.
In addition to preaching, I am also in the process of developing a Bible Study class for our congregation. However, I value your input and would like to gauge your spiritual temperature and availability for such a class. Therefore, I have included a brief survey (see attachment) for you to peruse and solicit your response. Your participation will greatly assist me in determining the best time and format for our Bible Study.
Finally, as we embark on this journey together, I want to assure you of my commitment to serve you faithfully and to walk alongside you in your spiritual growth. I am here to support and encourage you in your journey of faith, and I encourage you to reach out to me with any questions, concerns, or prayer requests you may have.
Let us pray for one another, for our community, and for God's guidance and wisdom as we step into this new season of ministry together. May the Holy Spirit empower us, unite us, and use us for His glory.
With love and gratitude,
Rev. Dr. Glen C. Misick
Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Avenel, New Jersey