First Presbyterian Church of Hightstown

On May 6, 2012, The First Presbyterian Church of Hightstown will present it’s 2nd annual Songwriters Concert. It will feature the talents of Kim Yarson, Sandy Zio, Lisa Bouchelle, Papa Carl Anderson, and Mike Matisa. Doors will open at 6:30 pm, concert at 7:00 pm. Refreshments will be served.

Join us as we watch and pray for the resurrection of Christ and consider what that means to each of us, Saturday April 7th, 7:00pm till Sunday April 8th, 5:00am. Come for all or part of the night for fellowship, prayer and meditation. If you cannot be present in person, join us in spirit wherever you are. Wear comfortable clothing, bring a candle to share the light, and food to share if you wish. Coffee will be available. For further information or if you would like to volunteer to help setup, make coffee or clean up, contact Dave Teich This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 609.273.7850

There will be a Maundy Thursday service in Fellowship Hall Thursday evening at 6:30. We will gather for worship, which includes communion, and a simple soup supper.

Please note that the community Good Friday service scheduled for noon on April 6 at First United Methodist Church of Hightstown has been cancelled.

A Tennebrae service will be held Friday in the Meadow Lakes auditorium starting at 7:15 pm.

An Easter Vigil will take place from 7 PM Saturday - 5 AM Sunday. We will show Easter movies and provide popcorn throughout the night in Kendall Lounge.

On Easter Sunday, join us for worship at Main Street at 10:30 am or at Meadow Lakes at 11 am.

The Personnel Committee announced that the Rev. Barbara Heck will be joining us as our Interim Minister, pending approval by Presbytery.  Rev. Heck is currently the Rutgers Protestant Chaplain.  She will be with us as pulpit supply through most of April, beginning as our full-time interim in May when she will complete her duties at Rutgers.

Each Wednesday evening during Lent, Fellowship Hall is the place for some spectacular soup and fellowship.  How can everyone be involved?  Glad you asked!  We’d love to have you simmer your favorite soup recipe and share it with all.

Meals are prepared by members of the congregation who volunteer their time and soup making talents.  The menu is simple -- soup, bread and grapes.  Music, reflection and prayer follows the supper.

Here are some frequently asked questions.

■  How much soup should I provide?

A soup pot or large pot full, enough to serve 20-25 or around 6 quarts

■  When should I bring it to Fellowship Hall?

Bring your soup by 6:15 PM

■  Can I provide anything else?

No, Fellowship Committee will provide the bread, grapes and supplies

■ Where do I sign up to volunteer?

A poster to sign up to make soup or to attend will be in the narthex

■ When and what time is soup supper served?

Wednesdays during Lent at 6:30 PM

■ Do the suppers cost anything?

Your donation of $3 per person is appreciated to cover the cost of bread, grapes and supplies

■  Do I have to sign up for all weeks?

Come to all – or just one night as your schedule allows

Contact Joanne Bini at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you have any questions or suggestions.

With Dr. Franzen's departure on December 31, 2011 we have begun a search for a full-time Interim Pastor. We are looking forward to the person of God's choosing to guide us during our transition between Pastors. The Personnel Committee under the direction of the Session is developing its list of priorities for working with the Interim Pastor, reviewing Personal Information Forms, and conducting interviews.

Candidates wishing to inquire about the position please contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Here are answers to some FAQs.

What does an Interim Pastor do?

An Interim Pastor is a temporary pastoral relationship and she or he works with the ruling elders on the priorities they most want to see accomplished before the congregation calls its new Pastor. In our Presbytery, the Interim Pastor is not able to become our next Pastor, but is specifically trained to help churches in transition. This is a time for us to reflect on who we are, where God is taking us, and what challenges we need to address so that we can be the church God wants us to be for the future.

How long will an Interim Pastor stay?

Here's the quick answer: as long as the Session determines is necessary for our priorities to be achieved and the search process for a Pastor to conclude. The minimum time is usually one year.

Who is searching for the Interim Pastor?

The Session has designated the Personnel Committee to search for the best fit among several candidates. Once the ideal candidate is determined they will present her or him to the ruling elders for a vote. The congregation will be notified once person has been selected and accepted.

What will happen until we have an Interim Pastor?

Our ministry and programs will continue. Qualified people will provide leadership to our worship services. Kids Club will continue under the leadership of Christian Education.  Fellowship time will continue under the leadership of the elders.  Congregational care will continue under the leadership of our deacons. The office will serve the needs of the congregation.

What will happen the Interim Pastor is selected?

The Interim Pastor will lead our congregation during this transition time and will help the congregation prepare to welcome the leadership of a new installed pastor. Interim Pastors understand the dynamics of a congregation in transition, including feelings of grief, loss, and, sometimes, relief or anger.  The Interim Pastor will help the session provide for continuity of essential programs, and may assist the session in assessing needs for changes in programs and ministries of the congregation

The congregation will also elect a Pastor Nominiating Committee (PNC) that will conduct the search and nominate a Pastor to the congregation.

On Sunday, January 1, the Main Street congregation will worship with the Meadow Lakes congregation in the Meadow Lakes auditorium at 11 AM. There will be NO worship services or education hour at Main Street that day. Please join us at Meadow Lakes.

4:00 pm - Vespers Service at Meadow Lakes

7:30 pm - Family Service

11:00 pm - Candlelight Service

 

Join us Sunday, Christmas Day, at 10:30 am for an informal, come as you are service.

We will gather at the home of the Bini’s at 6:00 PM (547 Dutch Neck Road, East Windsor). We will drive around town to bring holiday cheer to members of our church family. After caroling we will return to the Bini’s for refreshments. Please bring an appetizer or dessert to share. Please let Dave or Joanne know you are coming by calling them at 609-448-1746 or by emailing them at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it