Newsletter November 2026 - First Presbyterian Ridgewood, NJ
Dear Friends,
It is late October as I write this. Which means that the green leaves of summer have turned beautiful shades of red, gold and orange. It means that pumpkins adorn front porches, and Halloween candy is rushing off the grocery store shelves. It means the Giants and Jets are drawing large crowds to MetLife Stadium. And it means that in countless churches across the country, stewardship season is upon us.
First Presbyterian Church’s 2027 Stewardship Campaign began on Sunday, October 25, with Sally Teschon offering a Minute for Ministry.
Sally concluded her remarks by addressing the congregation directly: “You see giving as a privilege to serve, and we do it well out of love, not habit. Our joyful generosity in giving financially of our resources makes First Pres able to fulfill our mission as a giving church in our community and our world.”
Sally’s statement reflects this year’s stewardship campaign theme – Joyful Generosity. And it’s true! We find joy in giving generously of our resources to support the ministry and mission of the church. Joyful generosity is a reflection of God’s heart and one way we experience God’s blessing. Joyful generosity leads to a deeper relationship with God and to spiritual growth. The Bible consistently links giving with joy, trust, and divine reward – encouraging believers to give cheerfully and freely.
On Sundays, November 1 and 8, you will hear two more Minutes for Ministry. And on Sunday, November 15, we will gather for Stewardship Sunday. On that day, at the conclusion of the service, worshipers will have the opportunity to complete a pledge (estimate of giving) card and place it in an offering plate as an act of worship. Following the service, all are invited to attend a catered luncheon to celebrate the conclusion of the campaign.
We give because we believe in what God is doing through us. Your gifts in 2027 will help us make ministry possible each week, enable us to raise the next generation in the faith, allow us to maintain our building, and help us live out our calling to be a Matthew 25 congregation.
My request, as your pastor, is that you will plan to join us for worship each Sunday morning in November and that you will prayerfully consider what God is calling you to contribute to God’s work through First Presbyterian Church in 2027. Thank you!
Thank you!
Grace and peace,
Bruce
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