Advent Bible Study
3rd Annual Cookie Mission
In Memory of Donna Wojcik: December 14th at 1pm
Bake a batch or two of your favorite cookies and bring them to the church. Together we will make cookie platters to bring to those in our community who would enjoy some sweet Christmas cheer! To reserve your spot or notify us of someone who should be on our delivery list, please reach out to Michele Hopler: [email protected], phone 973-479-1535; or the church office: 973-627-4243.
See the Food Pantry website for a shopping list (scroll down the page).
We typically accept donations monthly on the last Sunday of the month from 10-12 in front of the church. This will be the last collection of 2024.
Make a Joyful Noise!
Winter Concert coming soon!
Our Handbell Choir is back in full RING! The bell choir is open to anyone ages 8 and up. No knowledge of music necessary – just an interest and ability to commit to one rehearsal per week (Wednesday evenings). Contact the church for more details: 973-627-4243 or email [email protected]
Capital Campaign
Buy a Shingle: $100 / Buy a Bundle: $500
Alison’s Angels
The Alison’s Angels Award – in memory of Alison Ober – is given annually to a church member who has given exceptional service to our church and the community at large.
This year’s recipient is Ned Stroh, who spearheaded our efforts to create an online worship experience during Covid – when we were unable to worship in person. Each week Ned continues to elevate our services – making them more accessible to those in the sanctuary as well as to a broader audience on Facebook.
Ned’s longtime service as a lay minister, his audiovisual skills, and his musical gifts continue to make him an essential member of our church family. Congratulations Ned…the honor is well deserved!
Say Hello!
Bishop John R. Schol appointed Jeannette Zajac as the new pastor of our congregation. Rev. Jeannette Zajac began her responsibilities here a little over a year ago.
Pastor Jeannette is no stranger to Mount Tabor, as she served as an Associate and Youth Pastor for several years under both Pastors Amanda and Rosario. Welcome back, Jeannette!
Tour of the Food Pantry
Last January a group of UMC volunteers visited the Interfaith Food Pantry in Morris Plains to get a behind-the-scenes look at what happens to donations after our monthly food drives. These drives are part of our outreach mission to spread God’s love to the larger community. We were given a tour of the operation – including the sorting area, the warehouse and the “grocery,” which stocks everything from diapers to desserts.
When food donations come in, volunteers check expiration dates and sort into various categories. This is what we helped with…nearly 1,700 pounds of canned goods that morning alone! Then the items go into the warehouse to be pulled and stocked on the grocery shelves as needed for any of the 20 or so distribution days per month.
The pantry currently serves approximately 2,400 families, along with thousands of individuals, who may shop at the pantry once per month. It also serves local senior living communities, home-bound consumers and even some County College of Morris students. The need has increased exponentially due to Covid-19, according to Jayne Wenner, Volunteer Coordinator. Inflation has also made it much harder to put food on the table. Jayne says it’s fairly easy to fill the demand in the holiday season – November and December – as the community is in a giving mood. (Approximately 2,100 turkeys were donated in November alone!) It’s much more challenging during the rest of the year, especially in the summer months. What most people don’t realize is that food insecurity is a year-round issue for many families. For a list of most-needed items – including peanut butter, baby foods, pet foods and hearty soups – see their website.
In addition to food, Interfaith Food Pantry provides nutrition education and access to essential community resources. Their on-site kitchen has been used in the past for cooking classes – check out their YouTube channel – and they hope to be able to offer those in-person again soon.
Look for more volunteer opportunities in the months ahead.
Garden of Peace Ceremony
OUR BEAUTIFUL GARDEN OF PEACE was the tranquil venue for a remembrance ceremony on June 12, 2022.
Consider reserving a section of the garden for yourself or a loved one, knowing you or they are in a serene place overseen by church trustees committed to the garden’s preservation. Please see the dedicated tab above for more details about our special remembrance garden, more photos, and a video of the June 12th ceremony.