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And what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8)
For I was hungry and you gave me food,
I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink,
I was a stranger and you welcomed me..." (Matthew 25:35)
Our Vision
A Christian community which integrates an empowering and nurturing inward spiritual journey with an outward journey of action and witness that shares God's transforming love.
Our position on War in Afghanistan
Our member Rev. Dr. Tom Driver in close cooperation with our Peace and Social Justice Network and the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship prepared a document against the escalation of the war in Afghanistan. The Session of Rutgers Presbyterian Church approved this document in its meeting on December 8th 2009 and the New York City Presbytery approved it on January 26th. Now the document is headed to the General Assembly of PCUSA. You can read this well prepared and peace-seeking document in full here Afghanistan Overture.
Mission: Education and Advocacy, Service and Support
The Rutgers congregation strives to fulfill the command of Jesus to "love your neighbor" through service and hospitality to neighbors in need; through education and advocacy around justice issues; and through financial support to mission projects of the PC (USA) and other organizations working for peace and justice. The Board of Deacons, the Peace and Social Justice Network, the Christian Education Committee and the Benevolence Committee coordinate the activities listed below, but all are invited to participate. For more information or to volunteer, please contact Patricia Pastas, Communications Coordinator. (See also the Body & Spirit and Child's Play pages for information about recreational and educational programs for the community.)
The Peace and Social Justice Network usually meets on the second Sunday of each month in the third floor Session Room. All are invited.
Advocacy and Education
The Peace and Social Justice Network conducts a number of letter writing campaigns each year, including the annual Bread for the World offering of letters. It also organizes community forums on pressing issues; recently, Representative Jerrold Nadler spoke on the situation in Iraq, and panel discussions were held on the crisis of AIDS in Africa and the Jubilee Campaign to eliminate third world debt. Members of Rutgers also march together - look for our banner in the next Pride parade or peace march.
Rutgers is a member of Upper Manhattan Together, an organization founded by the Industrial Areas Foundation to encourage congregations and other community organizations around issues of common concern, such as improved public schools, affordable housing and a fair and open voting process.
Rutgers is a strong advocate in the PC (USA) for full inclusion of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people in the Church. Rutgers is part of the More Light Churches Network, a member of Presbyterian Welcome, and a supporter of the Covenant Network.
Food and Hospitality
Thursday Night Meals. Every Thursday evening from September through June, Rutgers opens its doors to people in the neighborhood for a hot, home-cooked meal, fellowship, and—on most nights—a movie! Volunteers are welcome to both cook and serve: contact our meal program coordinator.
Homeless Shelter. Three nights each week, working with Christ & St. Stephen Episcopal Church, Rutgers hosts ten men in need of shelter who have been screened by Partnership for the Homeless. Volunteers from Rutgers and the community stay overnight—in a safe and pleasant environment—so that the men have a nourishing meal and a comfortable place to sleep while working toward permanent housing. Contact our shelter coordinator to learn more or to volunteer for an upcoming Friday or Sunday evening.
Men's Support Group meets weekly at the church house. The group is open to HIV+ men and men living with AIDS, regardless of race, sexual orientation or religious affiliation. For additional information please contact Douglas S. Rowan
HIV/PLWA Coordinator.
Broadway Community. During Sunday worship, money and food are collected to support Broadway Community, Inc., a program of Broadway Presbyterian Church that provides assistance to the poor, the homeless, and recovering substance abusers.
Thanksgiving Dinner. Every November, members and friends of Rutgers work with the staff and residents of Euclid Hall - a residence for formerly homeless individuals - to prepare and serve Thanksgiving dinner. Euclid Hall is sponsored by the West Side Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing.
Benevolence
In 2009, Rutgers dedicated 18% of its operating budget to help organizations beyond its walls work for justice or to help those in need. Rutgers also participates in The 0.7% Initiative. This initiative of the PC (USA) challenges congregations to give at least 0.7% of their income to the struggle against AIDS and other diseases of poverty. In 2003, Rutgers set aside 1.5% for programs that help AIDS orphans and vulnerable children and to prevent mother-to-child transmission of AIDS, both sponsored by PC (USA) partner churches in Africa.
In addition to the General Mission of the PC (USA) and special offerings sponsored by the denomination (such as One Great Hour of Sharing), Rutgers has given to organizations such as the Children's Defense Fund, the Menual School, the Heifer Project, the West Side Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing, and many others. Click here for a complete list of Benevolence recipients for 2009.
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