Ice Water, Frisbees, and Fourth-of-July Seeds

Bruce Martin, pastor

The Ridgefield Park, N.J., RPC began making plans for the local Independence Day parade—which is the oldest July 4 parade in New Jersey—months before the annual event. Because the church building is situated along the parade route, the congregation has developed a unique outreach strategy in the past two decades. Initially our goal was to provide cups of cold water for the parched paraders and to give shelter and rest to the spectators. After a couple years, we handed out bottles filled with ice water and imprinted with church information, and we offered Christian literature as well as holiday souvenirs. Soon we expanded our display to include a face-painting booth, which has delighted youngsters.

By 2005 the congregation expanded its presence by marching in the parade, displaying an identifying banner and distributing small flying discs. These discs (Frisbees) became another means of outreach. One year we affixed an invitation onto the disc for a newcomers’ Bible study and attached a small candy to sweeten the message. Recently we focused our efforts on handing out plant seeds in prepared envelopes.

Through God’s blessing, we trust that the knowledge of our church’s tenets will be understood and that the good seed of God’s Word will be spread throughout our community.  

Sharon (Morning Sun, Iowa) RPC

Greg Stiner, pastor

Opportunities for Christian growth abound within our congregation.

The Burlington study group meets bimonthly in the home of John and Roselea Smith. This study is attended both by congregants and by others who are not affiliated with our church. They studied the books of Colossians and Revelation in the past year.

The women’s study group meets bimonthly in the home of Virginia Johnson. They recently studied Son of David: Seeing Jesus in the Old Testament and are currently studying The Truth Project.

The monthly men’s fellowship, which meets early Saturday mornings, has studied Practical Steps for Deepening Friendship and A Man After God’s Own Heart.

A group meeting Sabbath evenings and led by Pastor Greg is studying early church history.

Outreach activities include vacation Bible school, which was attended by over 50 children, participation in local parades, highway cleanup with help from recovering addicts, and devotions at local nursing homes.

—Terri Hutcheson, correspondent