Newsletter December 2025 - First Presbyterian Ridgewood, NJ
- Bruce Ballantine
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
Dear Friends,
December provides a unique opportunity to share the warmth of God’s love with someone we care about. It’s the opportunity to invite friends, neighbors and family members to come and experience that special feeling of Christian community we have come to appreciate about First Pres.
December ~ Invite a Friend Month
I ask you to consider December as Invite a Friend Month! Please take a moment and think about who in your world would appreciate an invitation to Sunday morning worship or one of the special events on the church’s December calendar. This is the perfect time of year to invite someone to church. The sanctuary has been decorated and is especially beautiful. And people, who are already thinking about Christmas and the birth of Christ, may be more receptive than usual to your invitation.
Whom might you invite?
The friend or coworker who has been asking about your involvement in church.
Perhaps an individual or family who recently moved to the area.
A neighbor who has mentioned she needs to “get back to church.”
The family member who hasn’t been to church in a while.
A friend who loves music and would appreciate our music ministry.
The loved one who needs to hear the message of God’s love.
The friend who might appreciate the quiet refuge that is the Longest Night Service.
Sunday morning worship begins at 10:00. In addition, the following December events offer wonderful opportunities to invite a friend:
Sunday, December 7 - Carol Sing - Gather in the Auditorium at 6:00 p.m. with your First Pres friends to sing your favorite carols and enjoy refreshments. Children will have fun at the craft table!
Sunday, December 14 - Annual Christmas Bake Sale to Support Camp Lots of Fun (after worship).
Wednesday, December 17 - Longest Night Service in the Chapel at 6:30 p.m. + A special service that can provide a glimmer of light and hope for those who are feeling sad and/or have experienced a loss.
Sunday, December 21 - Fourth Sunday of Advent + Worship at 10:00 a.m. + This service will include the Advent Candle Lighting and the Annual Christmas Pageant. This is one of the very special services of the church year as our children will lead us in worship. Following the service, be sure to join us at 11:00 a.m. for the Annual Christmas Brunch. No reservation needed!
Wednesday, December 24 - Christmas Eve Candlelight Service + Join us at 7:30 p.m. in person or online and have your spirit nourished during this traditional Service of Lessons and Carols ~ a service rich with familiar readings and beautiful music!
I look forward to seeing you and your friends in December!
Grace and peace,
Bruce