Pennington United Methodist Church

06/08/2026

PUMC CHURCH HISTORY RECORDS PRESERVATION PROJECT
LABOR OF LOVE...

Building on the rich legacy of our church’s 250-year history, we give thanks for the generations who have shaped and sustained this community. As we reflect on this journey, we are reminded of the importance of caring for the records that tell our story—some dating back to the early 1800s and are now quite fragile.

Over time, it became clear that many of our historical materials—documents, photographs, deeds, ledgers, minutes, membership rolls, and bulletins—needed careful organization and protection, as they were vulnerable to heat, cold, and light.

In response, a dedicated group—Naomi McCarty, Joan Hess, Joan Thompson, and Julie Aberger—began working with Bonita Grant, former State Librarian and Hopewell Valley Historical Society member, to learn archival practices. Since then, they have been sorting and preserving these records using proper archival materials and techniques.

They meet on Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Brendler Library. This detailed work is a true labor of love, helping ensure our church’s history is preserved for future generations.

You are warmly invited to stop by the library to see this meaningful work in progress. We are not only preserving our history—we are continuing to live it.

06/08/2026

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE NEJCAH ANNUAL GATHERING

On May 12, the Northeastern Jurisdiction Commission on Archives & History held its Annual Gathering at Pennington United Methodist Church, welcoming Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi, the EPA & GNJ Cabinet, and leaders from across the Northeastern Jurisdiction.

Bishop Moore-Koikoi opened the gathering with a sermon calling those in attendance to claim the power of the Holy Spirit and proclaim this as the year of the Lord’s favor — a season of jubilee in which the oppressed are set free.

The afternoon also included reflections from Bishop Ernest S. Lyght on his experiences in the racially segregated Central Jurisdiction, as well as a presentation by Rupert Hall on the intersection of racism and economic justice.

PUMC members Julie Aberger and Jack Davis also guided part of the group to the historic Methodist cemetery, sharing local history connected to early Methodist witness and community life in Pennington.

It was an edifying afternoon in which reflections on our shared history inspired and equipped those gathered to pursue justice in the present. We are deeply grateful to all who offered their time, hospitality, and care to make this gathering possible.

More photos from the gathering may be found on the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference page at the following link:
https://www.facebook.com/GNJUMC/posts/pfbid0skmNcuVfDtJF28fVffrMAn6B6Y2CuAyBTfwWLYmFbxvxGBfz8qTvEiEV4dfHfrGBl

06/08/2026

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL (VBS)
Local congregations in Pennington join together over the summer to offer a week-long, ecumenical Vacation Bible School program for students age 4 through elementary school.

WHEN: Monday, August 4th – Friday, August 8th from 9:00am-12:00pm
WHERE: Pennington Presbyterian Church
WHO: Children Age 4 through rising 5th graders
FEE: $50 per child

To register for 2026 VBS copy the following link into a new tab:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdIK4QK7V9MSUI1SKOT2PszB046m-YT46W-bIbsz45ihaHgxA/viewform
Copy the following link to fill out a volunteer form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1KZmaMueqoh3DMnzhq80V6_Jh_QDMt6vSe7e5XSIAUWU/viewform?ts=679938de&edit_requested=true
Any questions, please reach out to Linda Parson (609) 468-5395.

Vacation Bible School is sponsored by Pennington Presbyterian Church, Pennington United Methodist Church, St. Matthew's Episcopal Church and St. James Catholic Church. WHEN: Monday, August 4th - Friday, August 8th from 9:00am-12:00pm WHERE: Pennington Presbyterian Church WHO: "Campers" are Children....

06/08/2026

BIBLE STUDY ON ACTS

We invite you to join our Bible study on the Book of Acts. The Book of Acts is a powerful story of the early church—filled with courage, the movement of the Holy Spirit, and the unfolding mission of the gospel in the world. We’ll explore how the first followers of Christ lived out their faith with boldness and how their journey continues to speak to our life and calling today.

Our June schedule is as follows: June 2, June 9 and June 16

Copy the following link to join the Bible Study over Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87660337567?pwd=HDdn2LqFyowSWgb3W9OplK9qDAW4eG.1

We hope you’ll join us as we gather to learn, reflect, and grow together in faith.

05/01/2026

Faith Forum – May 12, 2026
Join us at Pennington United Methodist Church for a special Faith Forum featuring Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi and Bishop Ernest S. Lyght, along with Rupert A. Hall, Jr., JD, and Kevin Dusenberry, as we reflect on “Saving the Soul of Our Nation, State, and Church: Contemporary and Historical Methodist Perspectives."
Opening Worship at 1:00 p.m. with Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi preaching, followed by presentations through 5:30 p.m.
This event is open to all, and no registration is required—you are welcome to simply come and sign in at the door. We hope to see you there!

04/09/2026

Chair Yoga and Share Movement

In an extension of our Bridges offerings,
Pennington United Methodist Church is offering a Chair Yoga and Share Movement gathering on Saturday, April 18, at 1 PM in Morrell Hall.

Beloved area fitness professional Gioia Fumo, who teaches movement at Honor Yoga Pennington, Ewing Senior Center, 4 Seasons, and Stoneking Physical Therapy and Wellness, will lead us in a Chair Yoga session. She will share her knowledge and loving spirit with us as she leads the class.

To quote Gioia: "My joy comes from helping individuals appreciate what movement can do for their body, mind, and spirit, no matter what their perceived limitations. Chair yoga is one of my favorite types of movement because it is accessible to all and it can be done anywhere there is a chair! The benefits of chair yoga are both grounding and uplifting, energizing and calming, while creating a sense of community and belonging."

In addition to the class, we will begin to organize movement groups to create a community of healthy activities that anyone can join. If you have any questions, please contact Suzanne Hickman at [email protected]

Come and join us on April 18!

04/01/2026

Pennington UMC and the GNJ Commission on Archives and History will be hosting the Northeastern Jurisdictional Commission on Archives and History (NEJCAH) Annual Meeting and Program titled "Saving the Soul of Our Nation, State, and Church" from May 12–14, 2026. The first two days feature programs open to all:

Day One (May 12):
Faith Forum: Striving to End the Sin of Racism in Church and State: Contemporary and Historical Methodist Perspectives
Keynote Speakers:
Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi, EPA & GNJ Episcopal Area
Bishop Ernest S. Lyght, Northeastern Jurisdiction (Retired)
Rupert Hall, Jr. JD, CEO & Founder of Hope For The City Foundation, Trenton, NJ
Kevin Dusenberry, Digital Archivist, General Commission on Archives and History and Archivist, GNJ Commission on Archives and History
Day Two (May 13):
Historical Tour: Saving the Soul of Our Nation and State
Washington’s Crossing State Park
Turning Point UMC, Trenton, NJ
Princeton Theological Seminary Library and Archives
Princeton Battlefield
Monmouth Battlefield State Park
Historic Tennent Church
Keynote Speaker:
The Rev. Kevin Newburg, Ph.D., Associate Teaching Professor in the History of Christianity and Methodist Studies at Drew Theological School

You can register online separately for Day One or Day Two, or the full 3-day meeting by following the link below or copy and pasting it into your internet browser:
https://www.shelbygiving.com/App/Form/e8975f9b-7a0e-4ee7-8d0b-835b16134516

You can register for the conference hotel, Courtyard by Marriott Ewing Princeton by following the link below:
https://app.marriott.com/reslink?id=1767626564787&key=GRP&app=resvlink

We encourage our members and friends to register for both Day One and/or Day Two. Please see the brochure by copy and pasting this link into your internet browser: https://pumcnj.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6ccaa137b90b662cd73475e80&id=955b28eff6&e=e110727169 for more details, and find the mail-in registration form by copy and pasting this link: https://pumcnj.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6ccaa137b90b662cd73475e80&id=368d436b6c&e=e110727169

Mark your calendars and register now for this unique event!

03/30/2026

GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE(S) (4/3)
Members of Pennington United Methodist Church are invited to join the traditional Good Friday worship service at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church at 12:00 PM. This solemn service offers a meaningful time of prayer, reflection, and remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.

Come and join the wider Christian community as we reflect on God’s love and prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter morning.

03/30/2026

MAUNDY THURSDAY SOUP SUPPER (4/2)
We will gather in partnership with Titusville United Methodist Church to observe Maundy Thursday in a spirit of fellowship and remembrance. Titusville UMC will host a simple soup supper at 6:00 PM, followed by a meaningful time of fellowship and Scripture reading as we reflect together on Christ’s love and service.

Please contact Pastor Sue if you plan to attend, so we can prepare accordingly. We hope you will join us for this special evening of community, reflection, and shared grace as we journey together through Holy Week.