ONLINE Underground Church

March 21, 5pm - via Zoom Teleconferencing

(see below for instructions)

Seeing and Connecting 

We are living in an extraordinary time.  The public health crisis we are witnessing has shaken our world.  At a time when we most want to cling to each other, to hear each others' voices and hold each other close, we know we can only protect ourselves and each other by "social distancing."  It is a time that not only challenges our instincts, but exposes our vulnerabilities and fragility.  Our financial and health care systems, our social inequities, and our fears have all been exposed.  Though we might want to look away, we cannot help but see.  

Our reading this Saturday will be from John 9; the story of Jesus healing the blind man.  In what ways has our current situation opened our eyes?  How can we make this moment of sight and revelation into a real transformation?  Never in our lifetime have the words "we are all in this together" rung more true.

This month, the Spirit has led Underground Church to go beyond our social distance boundaries and find a way to care for each other through the wonders of technology.  This Saturday, we will meet virtually through the online program Zoom.  Together, we will talk, sing, and create sacred space that transcends the walls of our homes.  Like Jesus's early followers, we will gather together to ease our fears and loneliness by creating a community of love and trust.

To take part in Underground Church

Please get to your computer, phone, or tablet (with camera installed) at 4:55 pm on Saturday and click the link: https://zoom.us/j/303492704.  Say yes to any downloads—sometimes the software is pre-loaded, sometimes you have to download the software to begin. If you have technical difficulties with videoconferencing or would prefer telephone, dial +1 929 436 2866. Our meeting ID is 303 492 704. 

Our space will be virtual, but no less sacred.  So we ask that as we gather you bring a special object to remind you, on Saturday and beyond, of the joy and peace of our community...a candle, a favorite stuffed animal, anything that brings you a sense of connection.  Since this community loves to share meals, please feel free to have a favorite snack with you that we can share at "communion time."  Together, we will create a sacred space to share, and to hold on to, that will remind us that no matter how much physical distance we maintain, we are never alone.

Please join us for this very special gathering of Underground Church.  

All are welcome!

Join In A National Refugee Shabbat Weekend At Bnai Keshet March 20-22

During the weekend of March 20-22, 2020, the American Jewish community, initiated by the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) is hosting two events to help us better serve refugees and asylum seekers.

The first event is a fundraising dinner on Friday March 20, from 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM. The dinner, held at Bnai Keshet (99 South Fullerton Avenue Montclair NJ,) will be prepared by recent refugees from Syria as part of the United Tastes of America. The cost is $30-$50 on a sliding scale. Proceeds after the cost of the dinner will be donated to First Friends NJ/NY to support their bond fund, which helps families of immigrants secure releases from detention pending their proceedings. The program will include speakers, table discussions and ways to get involved in current community efforts. Please sign up on the Bnai Keshet website by clicking here.

On Sunday March 22, the First Friends of NJ/NY will lead a two-hour interactive volunteer training program at Bnai Keshet. The training session will focus on volunteer visitation of detainees, and how you can help post-release immigrants get picked up from detention, housed and then connected to family members throughout the U.S. Please sign up at the Bnai Keshet website or on Eventbrite.

Join Rev. Jack Cuffari for study, open discussion, and a step by step deep dive into our sacred Scriptures. Bring whatever translation of the Bible you might have, or prefer. All adults are welcome!

Rev. Jack Cuffari is a member of FCC, as well as our Spiritual Director in Residence. He currently serves as Interim Pastor at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Haworth, NJ.

Weekly Labyrinth Walks:

Wednesdays 6-8pm in the Sanctuary

The labyrinth is an ancient spiritual tool , a mode of “walking prayer” that invites us to go deeper in our walk with God.  Our labyrinth, modeled on one in Chartes Cathedral in France, sits as the center of our Sanctuary, a constant metaphor for our spiritual lives.  Just like the labyrinth, our lives are not linear, but filled with twists and turns.  Sometimes we make great progress, and other times we feel we are going backwards.  But if we trust in the path we will find ourselves in the center -- the heart of God.

All are welcome to take their souls out for a healing walk... no experience necessary!  Check out this lovely write up on Baristanet from the Spring 2014.

Watch this video to find out more about walking the labyrinth. If you’ve never done so come out one Wednesday evening and give it a try. It is a wonderful way to nourish your soul and spend some quiet time in prayer or meditation.