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Our History From its inception, involvement in the Passaic community was a major part of the identity of First Presbyterian Church of Passaic. We were instrumental in founding Passaic General Hospital, the Board of Education, and the Board of Social Welfare. In August 2008 we moved into a new building. This is the fourth building owned by this congregation in its history of ministry to the city of Passaic and the surrounding communities. Our new building was originally built as a synagogue for the B'nai Jacob congregation in 1927. It was eventually sold to a Christian Church, then abandoned before being purchased by the Nuevos Comienzos congregation in 2002. They fully restored the sanctuary as well as ground floor offices, classrooms, fellowship hall, and bathrooms. It is conveniently situated next to Rt. 21 near the Passaic City Hall. There is convenient, safe, well-lit on-street parking. The sanctuary holds 350, so there is still plenty of room for growth!
From 1920 until 1968 the church was pastored by Dr. George H. Talbott. In addition to his work as Chair of the Board of Trustees of Bloomfield College and his service to the national Presbyterian Church, Dr. Talbott is remembered for his devotion to the City of Passaic and his compassion for her residents. He served on the board or steering committee of every major social service agency in the town and provided guidance to mayors, hospital presidents, school superintendents and fellow clergy.
In recent years the fortunes of the church, like those of the town have changed, and the pastor and Session realized that important decisions needed to be made about our future. Reconnecting with the community was a "must," and to that end we have partnered with the United Passaic Organization to sponser a Food Pantry. The church has also become home to a "Strengthening Families" program, several twelve step programs (nightly AA meetings and weekly sexaholics anonymous group) and we are pleased to host special programs for Head Start, PTOs, and others. Most recently we have made a commitment to serve as a host congregation for the Family Promise program of Passaic County. God's faithfulness in the past gives us hope for the future. To that end, we have begun seeking signs and symbols to make our welcome known.
Our Mission In Bible studies and prayer services, we asked God again and again to show us who in the community needed us, where we were called to be bridge-builders and reconcilers, who were the "aliens and strangers" we were to "bring near" to the love of Christ. And again and again God kept speaking to us the word of hope and showing to us the sign of the rainbow. As we began understanding the demographic data of our community, we realized that there were over 70 houses of worship to welcome the many diverse ethnic cultures of our community - but not one that was openly welcoming of gays and lesbians. We realized that God was calling us to this ministry of outreach and healing. The rainbow flags over our baptismal font and front door represent God's covenant with all humanity (no exceptions!), God's promise to make all things new in Christ, and a particular welcome to people of different cultures and sexual orientations.
Our Vision for theFuture We plan to develop an AIDS ministry (there isn't one in Passaic) and we are considering various "social" functions such as an alcohol-free coffee-house where people can meet and speak freely of all that is in their hearts.
OUR SERVICES In addition to Sunday morning worship services, we offer opportunities for adult education, Bible study, prayer, participation in our Choir, and service to the community. The building and staff are available for weddings and commitment ceremonies. Our Fellowship Hall and other rooms are available for community groups and families to use for a variety of seminars and celebrations. A nominal fee is charged to help offset our maintenance costs.
Our Partners in Ministry Iglesia Bethel Reformada
A spanish language protestant congregation that worships on Sundays at 9:30am United Passaic Organization (UPO)
Food Pantry and Thrift Shop Head Start
Strengthening Families Program AA
Every evening at 7:30 pm SA
Saturday nights after sundown, Sunday nights at 7:30 pm, and Tuesday mornings at 6:00 am
Hispanic Information Center
Youth and Senior Citizen programs
Passaic County Family Promise
We are a host congregation for this newly organized network of congregations that provide emergency housing for homeless families in Passaic County.
Our Staff Ray VandeGiessen, pastor Ray was installed as the sixth pastor of the Passaic Church on April 25, 2004. He was originally ordained in the Reformed Church in America in 1982 and served congregations in New York, Michigan, and New Jersey before transferring his ordination to the Presbyterian Church (USA). Ray currently resides in Newark. He is the father of three children: Sarah, Rachel, and Nathan. Jalmari Vanamo, music director Jalm has been the music director since 2000. He graduated from Westminster Choir College with a degree in Music Education. In addition to his duties with the congregation he works as a music teacher in Englewood. He is a life-long resident of Clifton.
Michele Gallo, office administrator
Michele has been with us since 2010. Her smile, warmth, and efficiency are a welcome addition. She lives in Wallington with her two sons.
Debra Hansen, custodian and Food Pantry Coordinator
Debra has been with us since 2008, filling two important roles in our ministry. She lives in Passaic with her husband and son.
1st Presbyterian Church of Passaic
112 Washington Place (at Columbia Ave.)
Passaic, New Jersey 07055
(973) 473-4107 | |||||||
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