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Welcome

“Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” – Romans 15:7

 
 
 

As people who have experienced the merciful welcome of Jesus Christ, we belong to Him and to one another. We welcome you to our website and hope you will find answers here. You are always welcome to contact us for more information.

 

I’m New

We invite you to visit us, meet new friends, hear the word of God, and see what Jesus is doing in our world of faith. During this pandemic, we have begun to worship outside in a safe manner at 8:30 am on Sunday mornings, weather permitting. We also continue to live stream our Sunday service (9:30 am) and our Thursday evening prayer service (7 pm). Many of our activities take place via Zoom meetings, and you can read about some of these on this website. Remember to check back often, as we learn we are able to reschedule and reframe more and more of our opportunities to worship, connect, serve, and devote.

 

Our Vision

We aspire to be beacons of God’s love and truth, growing together in faith and relationship with Jesus Christ.
 

Our Mission is to:

Worship God faithfully
Connect Spiritually
Serve Christ locally and globally
 

This is Why

We follow the Great Commandment: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and all your soul, and all your mind … [and] you shall love your neighbor as yourself.”  Matthew 22:37,39 NRSV
 

 

The 25 Ways

The 25 “Ways” we live by are based on God’s word, the Bible.  We use them to aid us in becoming people who reflect God’s image.  There is a different way to follow each week.
 
WAY #1
BE THIRD
God is first, others are second, and you’re third. Don’t just think about yourself, your own interests, but be interested in others. Don’t think less of yourself, just think of yourself less and others more.
 
WAY #2
SPEAK THE TRUTH WITH LOVE
Speak honestly and directly in a way that clearly reflects love and support for one another. Be courageous enough to say what needs to be said, even when it’s difficult.
 
WAY #3
LISTEN GENEROUSLY
Be quick to listen and do so with your undivided attention.  Minimize the distractions and let go of the need to agree or disagree.  Suspend your judgement and be curious…
 
WAY #4
ALWAYS ENCOURAGE
AND CELEBRATE
Show gratitude and appreciation by regularly acknowledging the good works you see everywhere.  Look for signs of spiritual growth and maturity…
– MORE –
 
WAY #5
ASSUME POSITIVE INTENT
Decide to trust that other members are being fair, honest, and concerned for the well-being of our church. Set aside your own judgments and preconceived notions.
 
WAY #6
FORGIVE… AGAIN
Just as God forgives us, heal relationships by extending forgiveness graciously and generously. Forgive everyone everything. Start by praying for those you resent or hate.
 
 
WAY #7
KEEP OUR UNITY,
SAVOR OUR DIVERSITY
We’re all one in Christ; so thank God that, like parts of the human body, we’re not all the same. Be open to learning from others, regardless of their age, background, experience…
 
WAY #8
JUMP IN
Life is full of unexpected problems and needs, large and small. Pay attention to moments when God calls you to action, no matter how ordinary or extraordinary the situation…
 
WAY #9
PRAY FIRST AND PRAY AGAIN 
Ask first for God’s guidance and blessing in everything you do. Through prayer, ask for wisdom and for God’s will to be done. Pray for others as well, that God’s love and mercy…
 
 
WAY #10
JOIN HANDS
Work as a team. Collaborate with each other, our professional staff, our lay leaders, and our congregants to find the best solutions. Collaboration lightens the load, generates better…
 
WAY #11
MAKE OTHERS AT HOME HERE
Warmly welcome newcomers and visitors. Offer your name with a smile. Reach out and greet the person you don’t know after worship, during Coffee Hour, in Youth Group or Sunday…
 
 
WAY #12
OWN OUR CHURCH
The work of the church isn’t defined by pastors and staff alone; it comes from each member actively participating in the life of Jesus Christ. Claim ownership of FPCM’s mission…
 
WAY #13
OPEN DOORS FOR
OTHERS TO LEAD
Encourage others to step into leadership by sharing responsibilities and mentoring. Let go of the jobs you’ve always done and allow new leaders…
– MORE –
 
WAY #14
GROW FAITH
Take advantage of every chance you have to form your faith—through small groups, classes, and personal study. Be a disciple and look to learn from those who know more of the Bible…
– MORE –
 
WAY #15
WELCOME CHANGE
Be curious about new ideas, perspectives, and approaches. Get excited by the possibilities that change can bring. What worked in the past won’t always work in the future, for God…
– MORE –
 
WAY #16
GIVE CHEERFULLY
Rejoice, you get to give! Think of giving as a privilege rather than an obligation, a joy instead of a burden. As you consider all that’s been entrusted to you—time, abilities and money—ask…
– MORE –
 
 
WAY #17
SHOW WHO YOU REALLY ARE
Our church is for “real” people. Bring your true self, your joys, your sorrows, your fears, your strengths and your weaknesses. God loves you as you are. Don’t hide your struggles, failures…
– MORE –
 
 
WAY #18
ASK FOR HELP
Part of being a real and authentic member of the church is to acknowledge your weaknesses and to be willing to ask for God’s help and the support of others.
– MORE –
 
 
WAY #19
ACCEPT AND
DON’T CAST STONES
God’s love opens the doors of our church to all people. Just as Jesus did, welcome people as they are. It’s not up to us to judge. Love unconditionally…
– MORE –
 
WAY #20
FIND STRENGTH IN BELONGING
At FPCM, you’re loved and valued. Claim us as your family. Rather than withdrawing, allowstruggles and disappointments to deepen your sense of belonging.
– MORE –
 
WAY #21
YOU’RE SENT, NOW GO
We’re blessed to be a blessing. God intends to use you to bless, heal, restore, and liberate a dark and hurting world. We’re here for others: our families, our community, and the world.
– MORE –
 
WAY #22
REST AND REFLECT
Make time in your week to step back from work, school, and stressful demands. Since Christ has freed us, we no longer have to be obsessively driven. Take a walk, play, nap, meet up…
– MORE –
 
WAY #23
WORSHIP WITH YOUR
WHOLE HEART
Your life is meant to be an act of worship. Every breath, action, and thought flows from God and can bring Him glory. Praise God everywhere and embrace…
– MORE –
 
 
WAY #24
TELL YOUR STORY
God has done and is doing something unique in your life. Has God answered a prayer, provided help, or blessed you? Share it. Ask God for opportunities to share your…
– MORE –
 
 
WAY #25
REJOICE ALWAYS
The Kingdom of God is a party! Let healthy laughter fill our meetings, our meals, and even our worship. Let the joy of our faith be clearly evident in our speech and on our faces.
– MORE –
 
 

Discipleship at FPC Moorestown.

Did you realize that the word “Christian” only appears three times in the New Testament while the word “disciple” appears more than two-hundred and fifty times? Not once did Jesus ever speak the word “Christian.” Disciple may well be the biblical designation of choice for those who follow Jesus.
 
What does it mean to you to be a Disciple of Jesus?  Are you a Disciple or a Fan?  Visit our Becoming Disciples page to learn more.
 
 

We are a connectional church.

Our congregation is part of the Presbyterian (USA) (PC USA) family. In part, this means that each congregation and each session is accountable to the larger church through the presbytery. We are one of 54 churches in the Presbytery of West Jersey. This accountability is expressed in requirements for annual reporting and review of session records. Our presbytery is one of 22 in the Synod of the Northeast, one of 22 synods in the General Assembly of PC USA. Persons ordained by one presbytery or session are ordained in the whole church. We support and pray for each other. Those elected as ruling elders to serve on their sessions may also be called upon to serve as commissioners to presbytery, synod or General Assembly.
 
 

Leadership Boards

The Presbyterian Church (USA), abbreviated PC(USA), is a mainline Protestant Christian denomination in the United States. A part of the Reformed tradition, it is the largest Presbyterian denomination in the United States, and is known for its relatively progressive stance on doctrine. Leadership is the church is delegated to:

 
Session
In the PC (USA) form of church government, ruling elders are elected by the congregation; and they constitute, along with any teaching elders (ministers of the Word and Sacrament) called by the church), the session of that church. FPC Moorestown has 18 serving elders.
 
Very few decisions are made by single individuals and very few decisions are made by vote of a congregation. Most decisions for the life of our congregation are made by the session, who represent the church membership.
 
Trustees
The session delegates some responsibilities to the 11 trustees of the church. These generally include church financial and legal affairs. The session sets the budget and the trustees monitor it, along with the stewardship committee of session. The trustees claim the first line of responsibility for church facilities as well.
 
Deacons
The Book of Order calls ordained deacons to a ministry of “compassion, witness, and service, sharing in the redeeming love of Jesus Christ for the poor, the hungry, the sick, the lost, the friendless, the oppressed, those burdened by unjust policies or structures, or anyone in distress” (G-2.0201). FPC Moorestown currently has 24 deacons.
 

Staff

Please feel free to contact any of our staff members at 856.235.1688 or email office@fpcmoorestown.org
 
Reverend Stuart Spencer, Pastor/Head of Staff
Kelly LePenske, Director of Congregational Ministries
Holly Asciutto, Director of Family and Children’s Ministries
Martin Bass, Associate Director, Ministry of Music and the Arts
Steve Cashmer, Groundskeeper
Amy Coombe (PT), Hospitality Support
Fausto de la Cruz (PT), Property Staff
Amy Delgado, Director, Step by Step Christian Preschool
Jonnene Dunne (PT), Administrative Assistant, Preschool
Dave Fauvell (PT), Interim Youth Director
Earl Gage, Director of Administration
Kathy Gunsallus (PT), Associate Director of Music
Linda Jagiela, Director of Outreach
Joel Krott, Director of Music
Jan Martin, Office Manager/Admin. Assistant, Pastor
Ann McBride, Clerk of Session – volunteer
Alison Mackey, Administrative Assistant
Steve Margerum (PT), Property Staff
Joann Nawrocki (PT), Nursery Coordinator
Lin Rachel Scarborough (PT), Administrative Assistant
Sam Scheibe (PT), Music Intern
Linda Vandergrift, Cemetery Administrator
Norman Vandergrift, Accounting Manager
Ken Wehn, Property Supervisor
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Our History

First Presbyterian Church of Moorestown has a long and storied history. Today a growing, thriving congregation of approximately 1,100, it was officially organized on September 12, 1888, by a small group of Presbyterian residents who constructed the first building on Chester Avenue.

 
As expansion needs dictated, after World War II leaders purchased the 23-acre Collins property at 101 Bridgeboro Road where the church campus is now located. The sanctuary was designed by historic restoration specialist Edwin Brumbaugh and dedicated in 1956. A large Christian education facility was built in 1962. The structural focal point of the building remains the Collins home, which current church-goers still enjoy today.
 
 
In May 2018, Rev. Stuart Spencer was called to lead FPC Moorestown as pastor/head of staff after serving 22 years at Thompson Memorial Presbyterian Church in New Hope, Pa. He appreciates serving this loving, welcoming family of faith that offers people a place of belonging and transformation.
 
Under his leadership the congregation has outlined and engaged “25 Ways of Creating a Loving Culture” based on God’s word. These are not rules or laws to be obeyed, rather ways to train, remind, and encourage one anther to be the church.
 
He says, “God has given me the gift of encouragement and I’m on the lookout for signs of God’s grace in the lives of our members. I see God doing so much in and through this amazing FPC Moorestown congregation.”
 
Kelly LePenske serves as director of Congregational Ministries and came to FPC Moorestown in June 2018. She enjoys connecting God’s story of love, justice and mercy to the contexts of our daily lives. Every day is different for Kelly, for she pays attentions to what’s happening in our communities and around the world, listens to how God is speaking in each situation and human life, and responds as needs dictate. She works with adult ministries, supports small groups, leads worship, and offers pastoral care.
 
A member of Presbyterian Church USA and part of the West Jersey Presbytery, the congregation welcomes people of all ages to worship, learn, and serve with them. They faithfully strive to follow the Great Commandment: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind … [and] you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37, 39 NRSV
 
As the years and staff members come and go, the church’s vision remains: “We aspire to be beacons of God’s love and truth, growing together in faith and relationship with Jesus Christ.”

FPC FAQ

Q1: When will you begin worshiping in the sanctuary and have services on site?
Our primary concern is everyone’s health and safety. We have a terrific group of dedicated, experienced people working on the strategy for re-opening the church campus. We have begun having outdoor worship on Sunday mornings at 8:30 am, weather permitting. Attendees must wear masks and maintain a social distance. For those who may be uncomfortable being around people right now, we offer a complete live stream service, with music, sermon, liturgy, prayer, at 9:30 am each Sunday.
 
This will continue until our “Church Has Left the Building” event at the end of October. Hopefully, we will then be able to welcome members and friends to a new type of in-person worship inside our beautiful church building. Of course, plans depend on the status of the Coronavirus pandemic and situation at hand. We appreciate everyone’s understanding and patience and assure you we care about you and want to see you very much. That said, everyone’s health and safety must come first.
 
Q2: How many members belong to the church?
We have approximately 1,100 members.
 
Q3: What is the age breakdown of the members?
We have 150 members age 25 and under; 219 members 26 to 40 years of age; 210 members ages 41 to 55; 290 members ages 56 to 70; and 209 members over 70 years of age.
 
Q4: What fellowship groups might interest me?
We have activities for all ages, interests, and skill sets. These include choirs, circle meetings, book groups, mission opportunities, social gatherings, classes, visiting “experts,” sewing and craft gatherings, fun groups for children and youth, and more. Right now, due to the Coronavirus, many meetings take place via Zoom. As you look around this website, you’ll get an idea of the opportunities available to you.
 
Q5: Are there opportunities for me to share my gifts and help others?
We have long been known for our many outreach activities and mission services. Take a look at our recent Spring Mission Connections newsletter to get an idea of the work we do here at FPC Moorestown. (LINK TO NEWSLETTER)
 
Q6: Tell me about your Sunday School.
Right now, we are planning to have activities via Zoom. Please keep watching this website for further developments. In previous church years, we have had classes for all ages and they average nearly 30 children in each grade from Kindergarten through sixth, and around 40 in each grade from 7 through 12. We also have had classes for young adults and people over age 25. We look forward to re-convening these classes as soon as we are able to in a safe and healthy way.
 
Q7: Do you have any large annual projects?
In the past we’ve had a wonderful, fun family Strawberry Festival and a huge rummage sale. We have hosted beautiful concerts and welcomed expert speakers to our forums. We expect to resume these activities as soon as we are able. These are fund-raising and friend-raising activities.
 
Q8: What is your annual mission budget?
Our annual mission expenses are approximately $468,000.
 
Q9: What can you tell me about your music program?
Look on this website under “Music” to learn about some of the choirs and activities we’ve offered. You can also hear some of the music we’ve enjoyed.
 
Q10: What sets your church apart from others?
Each church has a “culture.” We’ve been following an initiative we’ve developed named “25 Ways to a Loving Culture.” We believe that when we follow these ways, we are demonstrating our commitment to the Great Commandment, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and all your soul, and with all your mind … [and] you shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
 
 

Become a Member

If you are interested in joining the church, please speak with Rev. Stuart Spencer or Kelly LePenske, Director of Congregational Ministries.  learn more here…

 

Cemetery Online

The beautiful grounds of our cemetery offer a peaceful place to visit and honor loved ones who have passed.  Please use our online records search and map to locate your friend or family member. ONLINE CEMETERY SEARCH

 
 

Contact/Map

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, we are currently offering an in-person outdoor worship on Sundays at 8:30 am, an online worship on Sundays at 9:30 am and a Prayer Service on Thursday evenings at 7:00 pm. You can access these through our live stream page.
 

YOU ARE ALWAYS WELCOME
AT FPC MOORESTOWN
As we begin to re-open our campus, plan to attend our 8:30 am outdoor worship service. You can also view our 9:30 am live stream worship and our Thursday evening Prayer Service at 7:00 pm from the comfort of your home.
 
CONTACT US
First Presbyterian Church
101 Bridgeboro Road
Moorestown, NJ 08057
856.235.1688
office@fpcmoorestown.org