Even as we encourage and support one another within our church family, we turn our attention to our neighbors in this community and beyond, knowing by faith that God has granted us all we need to serve them faithfully. Lest we forget, Jesus commanded us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves! Below is a summary of our community outreach programs:
FPC Food Pantry
The Food Pantry provides free healthy food in a dignified way to the food insecure in the Metuchen/Edison area without regard to race, color, religion, age, handicap, gender, or national origin. The pantry operates as a component of a comprehensive path for dependent, needy, food insecure individuals or families as they become more financially stable or move toward complete independence. This strengthens our community while providing individuals and groups with the ability to serve others through volunteering time and/or giving food or monetary donations. Volunteers are church members, local businesses, Scout Troops, local school students, families and many other generous, caring and benevolent community members and organizations. Our generous donors are the lifeblood of the pantry.
We know by faith that God has granted all of us that we must serve others. Jesus commanded us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Offering our Food Pantry to everyone in need is how we live out our faith in God and his son, Jesus Christ.
FPC Food Pantry Mission
- Provide healthy food in a dignified way to those in need in the Metuchen/Edison area, without regard to race, color, religion, age, handicap, gender. or national origin.
- Strengthen the community while providing individuals and groups with the ability to serve others through volunteering time and/or giving food or monetary donations.
- Educate clients and the public of additional programs and issues of hunger in the area.
FPC Food Pantry Vision
The food pantry operates as a component of a comprehensive path for dependent or needy families and individuals as they become more financially stable or move toward complete independence.
Community & Food Pantry Garden
The Community and Food Pantry Garden Mission is twofold. Since 2018, the Community Garden provides an opportunity for community members to join in fellowship for their passion for gardening, while having the opportunity to garden when they might not otherwise have space.
Since 2020, Food Pantry Garden volunteers have served their fellow community members by planting, growing and harvesting food for our FPC Food Pantry. Both ministries are designed to provide healthy and communal outlets for community members and/or volunteers.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
The Prayer Shawl Ministry started in 2008 by a few members of Presbyterian Women. The women met once a month at each other’s home to knit or crochet prayer shawls. Today, the women don’t meet as a group, however, they continue to prayerfully knit or crochet beautiful prayer shawls in their own homes.
Prayer shawls are given to church members and friends as well as anyone needing the comfort of a shawl around their shoulders or on their lap. Compassion and the love of knitting and crocheting have been combined into a prayerful ministry and spiritual practice which reaches out to those in need of comfort and solace, as well as in celebration and joy. Many blessings are prayed into every stitch.
If you love to knit or crochet and would like to join this Ministry, contact the church office at (732) 491-2300.
CARE Team
Led by the Deacons and supported by our pastoral staff, this ministry nurtures and supports members of our congregation who are shut-in or unable to gather because of illness. We seek to remember those whose love of the church has not ended when their opportunity to gather is limited.
If you know of an elder member in our community who would benefit from our “Prayer Shawl Ministry” or would like a pastoral call, please call the church office 732-491-2300.
Helpful Links for Elder Care Resources:
https://www.assistedliving.org/new-jersey/
https://www.assistedliving.org/assisted-living-near-me/
https://www.assistedliving.org/cost-of-assisted-living/
https://www.assistedliving.org/senior-housing/
https://www.assistedliving.org/independent-living/
NursingHomesAbuse | Education & Resources for Seniors & Loved Ones
Games and Lunch
On the last Wednesday of the month, from 12PM-3PM in the Social Center, the Deacons host an afternoon of board games. All are welcome to attend! Bring a bag lunch and your favorite board or card game. Games are also provided. If you need a ride, please call the church office.
Medical Equipment Ministry
We keep a limited number of medical equipment pieces to lend to those in need. We often have wheelchairs, walkers, bedside commodes, shower chairs, canes, and knee scooters. We do not have large, specialized items like electric wheelchairs and hospital beds. We occasionally have or can accept other smaller items; please reach out to discuss.
Items can be donated and borrowed by calling the church office 732-491-2300 or emailing Vicky Lacson
Other Outreach
We welcome and provide meeting space for community support groups including:
- Alcoholics Anonymous
- Tuesdays - Step Meeting 7:00 pm - 8 pm Room 109 in the Church Building
- Fridays - Women's meeting 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm Room 109 in the Church Building
- Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) - Mondays 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Room 109
For additional information, please call the church office at (732) 491-2300 or email