FIND YOUR FAITH
Exploring and deepening your faith journey is an enriching experience. At First Presbyterian Church of Belmar, we offer various resources and opportunities to help you connect with your faith and strengthen your spiritual foundation.
Mission and Stewardship
Our goal for Mission is to provide outreach for our church to our community and to our world. Throughout the year, we offer various programs for our congregation to provide assistance for the welfare of others. Our goal for Stewardship is to ensure that our church family is able to fund and manage our programs and properly maintain our facilities.
The Capital Improvement Campaign is an ongoing initiative aimed at specific projects throughout the building such as new front steps, a new HVAC system, and the remodeling of the social room. Donations towards these projects are greatly appreciated and can be made using the QR code .
The Stewardship Campaign is held each fall to provide parishioners with the opportunity to contribute to the general fund. By pledging your support, a budget can be created to ensure that the bills will be covered and the year’s programs and activities can be held.
We provide several opportunities for local mission. On the first Friday of each month, we host the Visiting Nurses Association clinic for families who seek healthcare for their children. Our Sunday School organizes the Souper Bowl of Caring where the funds raised support our own “Marge’s Food Pantry” here at our church. Our Food Pantry is open every Friday from 9-2 and offers groceries and healthcare products for anyone needing assistance. Our church family participates in the CROP Walk each October raising money for Church World Service, a global organization providing relief in underserved areas.
Our Presbyterian Women (PW) Group supports Blanket Sunday also for Church World Service.Worldwide Mission in conjunction with PCUSA is supported by special offerings that we sponsor throughout the year. These include the Peace and Global Witness Offering, Christmas Joy, and One Great Hour of Sharing. After the flooding of our church in Superstorm Sandy, we found ourselves the recipient of the generosity of others, including a generous donation from the One Great Hour of Sharing fund.
Scan to Donate to a Mission
It was a moment of reflection in that when you give, it returns to you tenfold. We remain ever grateful for the help we received in our rebuilding and are committed to paying it forward in our community and our world.
Christian Education
Sunday School is held every Sunday at 10 AM, September through June, concurrently with the worship service. All school age children are welcome to participate.
The curriculum follows the church liturgical calendar. In this way, families can discuss the same scripture and stories afterwards. This makes for a cohesive narrative. The seasons of Advent and Lent are celebrated with special projects. Students will take part in communion by attending that portion of the worship service.
A typical class would include a lesson enhanced with music, crafts, games, and other activities. It is always a fun filled hour. Holiday parties are held at appropriate intervals.
Students are always involved in mission projects. Some include the CROP Walk, the Heifer Project, Health Kits for Church World Service, and the Souper Bowl of Caring. They will often present a Minute for Mission to the congregation explaining their projects and asking for support. They are always well received.
Participation in the Worship service also includes an annual Christmas Pageant. Students will act as liturgists, sing and play the chimes, and of course present a manger scene in full costume. They will also act as liturgists on Rally Day and Children’s Day adding a special touch to our service.
Our Sunday School is lucky to have enthusiastic volunteers to serve as teachers. Each brings their own unique talents to keep the interest of our children returning each week. Come join us and be part of our community.
Nursery care is available for young children.
Vacation Bible School
During one week in the summer, VBS is held during the evening in our courtyard. A special theme is carried throughout the week. The evening begins with songs, scripture, and the story. Crafts, games, and snacks round out the evening. Students present a synopsis of what they have learned to the congregation on Rally Day in September, marking the return of regular Sunday School classes.
Confirmation Class
Students in grades 6-12 are invited to attend confirmation class. This is held weekly through the winter and led by the Pastor and two adult mentors. There is always a lively discussion of scripture and its influence on our daily lives. Students will learn about the workings of the church and how they can take an active role in our church community. They will be confirmed during the worship service in the spring.
Children’s Choirs
There are two choirs available for the children: singing and ringing!
Music is an important part of our ministry and incorporated into our Sunday School classes. Our Children’s Choir is not only learning old favorites, but new popular Christian songs as well. Some include sign language to go along with their performance.
Our recently formed Chimes Choir is learning to play a simple rendition of favorite hymns to share in the worship service. Both choirs are led by our Cantor, Sarah White.
Adult Bible Study
Each Wednesday evening, adults gather for a light meal and discussion. All are welcome to participate. The group has been watching The Chosen as a great way to interpret the life of Jesus and his disciples. Lively discussions have resulted from watching this series and this enthusiasm has bonded the group into a strong relationship of fun and fellowship. Whether you can attend every week or just now and then, be sure to join in the conversation. Each episode is a separate story to discuss.