The Presbyterian Church Lakehurst, N.J.
The Presbyterian Church at Lakehurst is a member of The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). This means:
- We believe that Jesus Christ is the head of the Church, and through prayer and study, we discern what Christ is calling us to be and to do today. We have no pope or bishops.
- We are a representative democracy. Christ calls men and women and, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the voice of the congregation, they are elected to serve as Ruling Elders and Deacons. Pastors are Teaching Elders.
- We are a Missional Church. Christ calls the Church into being, equips the Church to fulfill God's mission in the world, and transforms the Church to be the body of Christ.
- We are a Connectional Church. We share resources and ministries with Churches in the Presbytery, Synod and General Assembly.
- We are a Confessional Church. See the Presbyterian Church's "Brief Statement of Faith" in What We Believe.
In 1841, the First Presbyterian Church sanctuary was erected on Church Street in Lakehurst. The building is no longer there, but its footprint is visible amid the old cemetery headstones. The Church was founded officially in 1842.
In 1899, Elder William Torrey donated land on Orchard Street, between Union Avenue and Pine Street. A new sanctuary was constructed and dedicated on April 29, 1902. That building with lovely tin ceilings and chandelier now houses our Sunday School classrooms, Fellowship Hall, Food Pantry, and meeting rooms. In 1975, the congregation voted to build a new 350-seat sanctuary, adjoining the existing building. The first worship service there was September 26, 1976, and a mortgage-burning ceremony was held on Dec. 3, 1979.
The Church membership is representative of the community. We are in the center of a Borough with long-time residents who enjoy year-round community activities, as well as transient military personnel from the Joint Base (Lakehurst Naval, Fort Dix Army and Maguire Air). We are across the street from Lakehurst Elementary School, and surrounded by senior adult communities. People who visit our Church say that "it feels like home."
The Rev. Donna Lepsky, who has been serving as stated supply pastor since May 2016.
The Church Council (the "Session") consists of six Ruling Elders: Barbara Fair (property), Bobbie Seidel (education), Renata Sarajew (evangelism and fellowship), Kim Milana (mission), Glenn Milana (worship) and Dave Weeden (stewardship). Dawn Heaney is clerk of Session. The Church Council makes all decisions concerning the life and ministry of the Church. We also have a Board of Deacons: Phyllis Johnson, moderator; Diana Bryce, Marjorie Wong, Kathy Linden, Carol White, and Anna Lugo. The Deacons' ministry is one of compassion, witness and service, sharing the love of Christ with the poor, hungry, sick, lost, friendless and anyone in distress. The Mission Team sponsors Cub Scout Pack 10 and Boy Scout Troop 10, runs a Food Pantry, and hosts deaf clubs and 12-step programs.
What do we believe? A BRIEF STATEMENT OF FAITH
