3/15/2020 Worship Servcice Canceled

Dear Friends,

As we compassionately respond to news about COVID-19, the new coronavirus, our Session voted today to cancel our worship service this Sunday, March 15^th.  We are making this decision in consideration of recommendations regarding public gatherings from South Orange and Maplewood Offices of Public Health as well as our leaders at Newark Presbytery.  Our hope is to be able to return to worshipping together as soon as possible, but in the meantime, we believe we should cancel services until more information is available.

Even though we will not be together this week as a worshipping community, our Session made the following recommendations for our spiritual growth while apart:

·         Pastor Valencia and Elder Richard Jones will be available this Sunday at church to meet with anyone who may not have received information regarding cancelation.

·         Our Deacon Board will be in communication with members in their group to share information and keep our Session informed about individual needs.

·         Our Session will meet on Thursday, March 19^th to determine our plans for worshipping on Sunday, March 22^nd.

This situation changes day by day.  Below are suggestions for you to follow this week:

·         Be mindful of your neighbors and family members who are at higher risk for exposure.  Social distancing is strongly encouraged for their safety.

·         Make phone calls to those who are isolated to offer personal connection.

·         Pray with, and for others affected by closures and reduced access to essential services.

We may not know what tomorrow will bring, but we know that the promises of God have not changed.  We know that our mission at FP&T to serve our community and world will not change.  We will be in communication with you soon.  Until then…

 

Peace be with your spirit,

Pastor Valencia

Welcome to First Presbyterian & Trinity Church

We are a friendly and diverse Presbyterian church in downtown South Orange, NJ, wonderfully located at the intersection of city and suburb.

We believe in a loving and just God who does not discriminate.  We welcome and affirm all persons regardless of race, ethnicity, financial situation, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.  In fact, our congregation has been multiracial, multicultural, and proactively LGBT-affirming for almost half a century.

We envision a vibrant church without borders where all who share a desire to be accepted into a diverse Christian community may find a home. We are a congregation committed to grow both spiritually and in numbers. We hope to be a prominent light in our community, known for our acts of service and advocacy in Christ’s name. We seek to foster a passion for faith in action so that our members will be empowered to give back to the world.

Worship service is every Sunday morning at 10:30 am with Sunday School for preschool through high school grade youth at 10:45 am, during service. There is parking on the street and nearby parking lots.

As you get to know us from this site, visit us on our Facebook page as well. We hope to see you on Sunday!