Check out what's going on this week at the UMC of Red Bank!
Connections
Thursday, June 29, 2023
Pastor Cam's Weekend Preview-
Reminder: We have resumed in-person worship and continue to live-stream the service on our website and YouTube channel.
UMC Red Bank, God Squad & Red Bank Theater for Young Audiences Rings Bell at NASDAQ-
Today, UMC Red Bank and RBTYA in partnership with Beloved Arise, rang the opening bell at NASDAAQ. What an exciting experience for our own, Pastor Cam, Bonnie Deroski and the youth here at church!
Prayer Vigil- 6/30- *Click the Image Below for Article Write Up in the APP
On June 30th at 7:30 PM, join the United Methodist Church of Red Bank (247 Broad Street), and other area clergy in answering the call of Beloved Arise to unite and pray for LGBTQ+ youth on Queer Youth of Faith Day. The vigil will take place in front of the church on the Broad Street side and begin with chalking messages of hope and encouragement on the sidewalk. The program will include songs, stories and prayers. (the event will move inside if there is rain or poor air quality)
Beloved Arise, the leading national organization dedicated to celebrating and empowering LGBTQIA+ youth of faith, aims to bring 1.8 million people together from across faith traditions to pray for queer youth. The Trevor Project estimates that 1.8 million LGBTQ youth (ages 13-24) seriously consider suicide each year in the U.S. — and at least one attempts suicide every 45 seconds.
For more information about the vigil, contact Carol Rigler or Bonnie Deroski.
Please Note-
Amanda will be out of the office on Monday, July 3rd. The church building will be open, however the office will be closed. On Tuesday, July 4, the church building will be closed in observance of the Fourth of July holiday. Please email office@umcredbank.org with any building/office-related questions or concerns and pastorcam@umcredbank.org for pastoral matters. Thank you and have a blessed 4th of July Weekend!
We are now in the pledging phase of the Capital Campaign! We would love for your partnership in building out our vision of being the best, most welcoming church we can be! If you are led to do so, you are invited to make a pledge by the end of June! With $205,360 pledged we at a little over 70% of our pledge goal of $300,000! This is great news and we are thankful to all who have pledged!
UWF Collection for Camden Neighborhood Center Summer Camp
The UWF is asking our church members to donate to the Camden Neighborhood Center so that disadvantaged children will get an opportunity to go to summer camp.
Stop at our table each Sunday and make a donation and sign a "little child" pattern and we will post your "little child" on our bulletin board. We appreciate all donations.
Red Bank Theater for Young Audiences’ Summer Theater with Kids
Last week, Bonnie Deroski and Melissa Moore Reimertz led a theater workshop for kids ages 8-12 with the focus on fables. The kids had a great time learning, acting and growing their confidence. Thanks to Bonnie and Melissa for making the first Summer Theater program a success.
I Believe...But-
People of faith are not immune to doubts or questions regarding various elements of our religion and religious expression. It is important to remember, that doubt is not the opposite of faith, but a tool to investigate and go deeper into it. What doubts do you have? What questions about this faith we claim here at UMCRB? Over the next few weeks, you are invited to share your questions via index card. This summer, Pastor Cam will dive into some the common themes that arise from the questions gathered. 
Update From the Mission & Service Committee-
We are close to reaching our goal of 100 hygiene kits. 
Items still needed: 47 toothbrushes, 26 combs, and 64 bars of soap!!  
A big thank you to the congregation for their generous contributions thus far.  
Check Out Our Blossoming Pollinator Garden!
We hope the summer rain has made your gardens bloom! Our pollinator garden here at UMC Red Bank is blossoming beautifully. Thank you to our mini gardeners who planted for us and to all who have volunteered to water. We are always looking for gardeners to come and water, from time to time. Contact the church office to learn more. 
Summer Song Requests-
We want your input! All are invited to pick up an index card during worship over the next couple of weeks and to share your top 3 or 4 favorite hymns. We will be drawing from the list we compile during the months of July and August when planning our congregational hymns!  
Backpack Crew Pantry
Donations Always Welcome
The Backpack Crew has continued to serve the increasing number of people who are impacted by food insecurity in the midst of this health crisis. Food donations are greatly appreciated on the back porch of the church, Monday though Friday from 9 am to 3 pm.
The current donation request is Boxed or Pouches of Instant Mashed Potatoes. 
Thank you for your continued support. Email us at backpackcrewnj@gmail.com with any questions.
Pastoral Care
If someone is hospitalized or in need of pastoral care,
please contact Rev. Cameron Overbey at pastorcam@umcredbank.org or call (732) 747-0446.