First Presbyterian Church of Hightstown

With Dr. Franzen's departure on December 31, 2011 we have begun a search for a full-time Interim Pastor. We are looking forward to the person of God's choosing to guide us during our transition between Pastors. The Personnel Committee under the direction of the Session is developing its list of priorities for working with the Interim Pastor, reviewing Personal Information Forms, and conducting interviews.

Candidates wishing to inquire about the position please contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Here are answers to some FAQs.

What does an Interim Pastor do?

An Interim Pastor is a temporary pastoral relationship and she or he works with the ruling elders on the priorities they most want to see accomplished before the congregation calls its new Pastor. In our Presbytery, the Interim Pastor is not able to become our next Pastor, but is specifically trained to help churches in transition. This is a time for us to reflect on who we are, where God is taking us, and what challenges we need to address so that we can be the church God wants us to be for the future.

How long will an Interim Pastor stay?

Here's the quick answer: as long as the Session determines is necessary for our priorities to be achieved and the search process for a Pastor to conclude. The minimum time is usually one year.

Who is searching for the Interim Pastor?

The Session has designated the Personnel Committee to search for the best fit among several candidates. Once the ideal candidate is determined they will present her or him to the ruling elders for a vote. The congregation will be notified once person has been selected and accepted.

What will happen until we have an Interim Pastor?

Our ministry and programs will continue. Qualified people will provide leadership to our worship services. Kids Club will continue under the leadership of Christian Education.  Fellowship time will continue under the leadership of the elders.  Congregational care will continue under the leadership of our deacons. The office will serve the needs of the congregation.

What will happen the Interim Pastor is selected?

The Interim Pastor will lead our congregation during this transition time and will help the congregation prepare to welcome the leadership of a new installed pastor. Interim Pastors understand the dynamics of a congregation in transition, including feelings of grief, loss, and, sometimes, relief or anger.  The Interim Pastor will help the session provide for continuity of essential programs, and may assist the session in assessing needs for changes in programs and ministries of the congregation

The congregation will also elect a Pastor Nominiating Committee (PNC) that will conduct the search and nominate a Pastor to the congregation.

On Sunday, January 1, the Main Street congregation will worship with the Meadow Lakes congregation in the Meadow Lakes auditorium at 11 AM. There will be NO worship services or education hour at Main Street that day. Please join us at Meadow Lakes.

4:00 pm - Vespers Service at Meadow Lakes

7:30 pm - Family Service

11:00 pm - Candlelight Service

 

Join us Sunday, Christmas Day, at 10:30 am for an informal, come as you are service.

We will gather at the home of the Bini’s at 6:00 PM (547 Dutch Neck Road, East Windsor). We will drive around town to bring holiday cheer to members of our church family. After caroling we will return to the Bini’s for refreshments. Please bring an appetizer or dessert to share. Please let Dave or Joanne know you are coming by calling them at 609-448-1746 or by emailing them at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Please join us for our traditional Advent Family Night Dinner and Christmas Program starting with dinner at 5:30 on Sunday December 11th.. It will be an evening of friends, family and delicious food. Following the dinner join us as the children share the story of Christmas. Bring a dish to share to serve 8-10 people. Sign up during coffee hour, email Joanne Bini This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call the church office 609.448.005

On Sunday, November 27, the season of Advent begins! On this first Sunday of Advent, the choirs will present “Christmas In Our World: Our Unity in Christ.” The service will include celebrating Christmas music traditions as we green and decorate the church in preparation for the birth of our Lord. The choirs will be singing and playing carols from Austria, Spain, France, Germany, Russia, the United States and Africa, in addition to singing one of the oldest carols in Latin. We hope you will plan to be with us, not only for the first Sunday of Advent, but for all four Sundays. Advent is such a special time on the church calendar – full of expectation and hope. May this be such a season for you and your family this year!

We will host a Singer/Songwriters Concert in the Round on Sunday, October 9 at 7:00 PM  This concert will support our various activities, including global mission and outreach in our community.  The donation is $10 per person.  Tickets are available through the church office at (609) 448-0055 or one hour before show time at the door.  Scheduled to perform are some of our community’s outstanding artists.  They include Lisa Bouchelle, Kim Yarson, Sandy Zio, Kelly Carvin and ‘Papa’ Carl Anderson.

• Lisa Bouchelle is a native of Trenton and has appeared with Ted Nugent, Meatloaf, Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, and Cyndi Lauper.
• Kim’s Yarson’s creed is “I write and sing songs to paint hope and promote healing with one foot on earth and one in heaven”. She released her debut CD, “Satisfied” in 2009 and has recently released “Thankful” as a joyous follow-up.
• Sandy Zio has a smooth as velvet alto voice, perfect for her stylized adult contemporary music. After 5 years of writing, recording and producing, Sandy released her debut album, ”All That I Am”. It features 13 timeless songs.
• Kelly Carvin mixes pop, rock, folk and blues for a sound that is very reminiscent of the 1960’s. Her music is inspiring and relatable. In July, Kelly released her first album, “Kelly Carvin and the Future”. As for Kelly’s future, it looks very bright for this rising star.
• Carl Anderson, better known as “Papa Carl” is story of courage. Following a kidney and liver transplant, “Papa” chose music to orchestrate his recovery. Legendary performers like Joe Zook and Ernie White paved the way for him to become the outstanding musician he is today. Much of “Papa’s” music is steeped in a wide variety of urban blues and deals with social problems. On the brighter side, “Papa” now celebrates his renaissance with the creation of an organization called “Papa Carl’s Jam for Life.” It started as a back yard barbeque and today is a major fund raising event in Central Jersey, sharing great music and offering an answer to those in need of transplants and related medical problems.

Our thanks to Bill Frankel for organizing and planning the concert.  Please feel free to speak with Bill at 609-448-2094 about the concert or the artists who will be performing.

Fall Fest is almost here! Please join us this Saturday, September 24 and enjoy lots of wonderful handmade crafts, dried floral arrangements, homemade baked goods, our thrift shop featuring some new and gently used items, a silent auction and our food court, which will be serving breakfast and lunch.

The fun starts at 9 AM and runs through 3 PM. Please invite your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers.

We hope to see you there!

On July 13 at 7 PM, we are beginning a new emerging worship service. This is an experimental service that will be shaped each week by those who come. Our hope is that this will be an informal service that will be attractive to all types of families and individuals. Please join us and explore your spiritual side!

Join us Father’s Day, Sunday, June 19 in Etra Park for worship followed by a picnic. Service will held at 10:30 AM. Bring a lawn chair and a dish to share. Hot dogs and drinks will be provided. There will NOT be an 8 am service on June 19.