Grace Period

Have you ever felt you were “saved” by a “grace period?” A grace period is an extended time to pay off a debt, typically without incurring additional interest or charges. A grace period may come in handy, especially this time of year when the credit card bills come rolling in from the holidays. Sometimes, we need some time to get things in order. Maybe we need to wait for that month-end paycheck, or perhaps a grace period is required for payment because an unexpected expense occurred from something else.

Yes, grace periods can be a relief. Companies collecting our debts don’t have to offer them, but they do so that the situation is a “win-win.” They collect what’s due to them, and those of us who take advantage of the extra time (the “grace period”) can balance our finances over a more extended period.

Is there a catch to this?  Of course! We’ve all heard the phrase, “There’s no free lunch,” right? If we don’t meet the financial obligation during the grace period, the stakes and our debt increase. In addition, the next bill is coming right around the corner, and we need to prepare to pay that one also. If we don’t take an action immediately, the grace period vanishes quickly, leaving us in a deeper hole than when we started.

Thankfully, with our faith in our Lord, we have a different definition for “grace period,” which has a much longer impact than our month-to-month credit card payments. As we look forward to the year ahead, with the New Year still fresh in mind, let’s remember that Jesus has provided us with a Grace Period that extends through our lives here on earth and into eternity with him. Jesus didn’t look for payment from us and cleared all our debts on the Cross. Nor does Jesus look for us to make “interest payments” when we make mistakes and fall short of his example.  

God sent us God’s only son not to collect our debts but to pay our debts in full for eternity. There’s no “catch” to what God has given us. When we give our lives to the Lord, Jesus will provide us with the everlasting Grace Period that only he can offer. Let us fill our hearts and be thankful for his grace! 

Enjoy the lengthening days of the New Year!

Dom Perfetti – Former Lay Leader of BUMC

January-February 2024

collecting the following items:

Winter boots in various sizes (gently used)

Hats, gloves and mittens for all ages.

Pillows (new), twin and queen sheets

(new or gently used and clean, no flannel)

Pots and pans (gently used or new),

cooking utensils such as spatulas, spoons, tongs

Rise is a program sponsored by the Reformed Church of Highland Park. It is an official affiliate site of the Untied States Committee for Refugees & Immigrants (USCRI). Its mission is to assist recent refugees and asylees with finding housing and jobs, learning English, cultural orientation, and finding health care and mental health support. Most recently there has been an influx of refugees from Ukraine, Haiti, Afghanistan and South America, many of whom have suffered trauma from wars and extreme poverty. Groups collaborating with I-Rise including Christian churches, mosques, synagogues and local universities. I-Rise welcomes any and all support for their mission and they are grateful to BUMC for assistance with collecting needed items.

If you have found yourself struggling, or going through a particularly stressful life change, we invite you to meet with one of our Stephen Ministers. In meeting with a Stephen Minister, you will receive one-to-one, confidential, Christ-centered care.

To be connected with a Stephen Minister, please contact Mary Beth Gruber.

• Prayers for Ron Medine (Friend of Glenn Buono)
• Prayers for Mark Maclachlan (Brother of Sue Walton)

Food Drive Donations



Thank you for donating food to our neighbors. Please bring your non-perishable/non-expired items to the church, and place them in our “Food Bank” containers.

If you would prefer, you can bring your items to the Food Bank Network of Somerset County located at 7E Easy St, Bound Brook, NJ 08805. Thank you very much.