Newsletter October 2026 - First Presbyterian Ridgewood, NJ
Dear Friends,
In the early pages of the Gospel of John, John the Baptist points to Jesus and identifies him as the Lamb of God. Andrew, who at the time is one of John’s disciples, and another disciple hear this and begin to follow Jesus. Jesus turns and says to them, What are you looking for? They reply, Rabbi, where are you staying? Jesus responds, Come and see. They come and see where Jesus is staying, and they remain with him that day – presumably talking and learning what Jesus is all about. Andrew then goes and finds his brother Simon and says to him, We have found the Messiah. Andrew takes Simon to meet Jesus, who says, You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas (which is translated Peter).
The essence of this narrative? Andrew responds positively to the words of Jesus, come and see. Having discovered something meaningful in the encounter with Jesus, Andrew then invites Simon to come and see. Upon doing so, Simon’s life is changed forever. He is given the name Peter, and the brothers Peter and Andrew become followers, or disciples, of Jesus. Peter, in fact, becomes the rock on which Jesus builds his church. All because Andrew responds to the invitation of Jesus to come and see, then invites Peter to do the same.
Come and see. Such simple words. But words which can have a profound impact on a person’s life. Is there someone to whom you might say those words? Come and see what God is up to within this community of faith called First Presbyterian Church.
I invite you to consider two questions: First, what is your favorite thing about the life we share here at First Pres? Second, would you be willing to invite someone you know to come and see and share this aspect of congregational life that is meaningful and enjoyable for you?
Maybe it’s Sunday morning worship that feeds your soul. Maybe it’s the music offered during worship. Maybe it’s Bible Study or First Wednesdays. Or volunteering with Habitat, City Relief or the Produce Mission, or cooking for St. Paul’s. Maybe it’s helping with Vacation Bible School or Sunday School or going on a mission trip. Maybe it’s the Lenten Suppers or the Longest Night Service. Maybe it’s taking part in the visitation ministry or Crafted with Love or the annual Bake Sale. Or contributing to a coat drive or a food drive. Maybe it’s the wonderful relationships you have with other members.
Maybe it’s the sermons which challenge you or give you something to think about. Or the Living Your Best Life series. Whatever it is that you find meaningful and enjoyable, would you be willing to say to a friend, come and see?
We do that with other activities we enjoy. We invite friends to join us for concerts and ball games, movies, book clubs, lifelong learning classes and our favorite restaurants.
There must be some aspect of congregational life which you find to be meaningful or enjoyable, or you wouldn’t be at First Pres. Why not share that? Why not say to a friend, come and see?
Grace and peace,
Bruce
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