Monthly Food Drive: July 28
Our monthly food drive benefits the Interfaith Food Pantry in Morris County. Donations drop drastically in the summer months, but hunger doesn’t take a vacation. Please consider a generous donation of non-perishable food, diapers, baby formula, gift cards or cash. See their website for a shopping list (scroll down the page).
We accept donations monthly on the last Sunday of the month from 10-12 in front of the church. Our next collection is July 28.
Make a Joyful Noise!
Our Handbell Choir is on summer hiatus and returns in the fall. 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]
We recently performed in Mount Tabor Trinity Park for a mini-concert fundraiser to repair our bells. Thanks to all who attended and donated!
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 Janet Ryans, who for several years now has organized our monthly food drives for the Interfaith Food Pantry, along with her husband John. Always so generous with her time, Janet is an essential member of our church family. Congratulations Janet…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.