Ridgefield park, N.J., RPC

J. Bruce Martin, pastor

The congregation continued its involvement in the town’s annual Independence Day parade. On July 4 we set up chairs and tables under tents in front of the church building, which was on the parade route. We handed out water bottles, provided face painting and holiday trinkets, and gave out literature about our church and denomination. Many of our members also marched in the parade, using a sailboat built and driven by elder Richard Weir as a float. 

Thirteen people from the congregation attended the 2012 RP International Conference. Several members shared the cost of a van rental to make the long trip to Indiana. There were 7 attendees from our church at the White Lake, N.Y., summer camp. 

After 62 years as elder and 60 years as clerk of session, Richard Weir retired in September and took up residence in the RP Home in Pittsburgh, Pa.

On Oct. 28 the congregation sang in worship about godly people, using Psalm 32A, “They’ll not be harmed by rising floods.” These words were a comfort to us as we braced for Hurricane Sandy. Plans for hosting the Atlantic Presbytery and preparing for a communion season were halted by the super storm, as most of the area was shut down without power for a week. God gave new opportunities to serve during this time. The elders visited and appraised the needs of members, and each of us was challenged to encourage neighbors and support recovery efforts.

— JoAnne Martin, correspondent