On its website, Unity of Montclair is described as a "radiating center of positive energy, harmony and spirituality." And now Unity hopes to spread some of its positive energy out into the community with its annual Unity Spirit Hike on Saturday, June 4 at the South Mountain Reservation. Proceeds raised by the event will not only go to support Unity of Montclair, but also the Japan Society, a charity working to rebuild Japan, and Garden State Equality's anti-bullying program. "We're building community," said Rev. Erin McCabe. "Before we do something we ask ourselves whether a project will …

For many of us in Montclair, this is a week of feasts and fasts, as we celebrate Passover and mark the holy days that lead to Easter. It’s an appropriate time to remember that many families in the area don’t share our bounty. Fittingly, the Emergency Food and Nutrition Network (EFNN) of Catholic Charities and Meeting Emergency Needs with Dignity (MEND) have scheduled the Eighth Annual Essex County Walk To End Hunger for Fri., May 6, 2011, 12 p.m., in Washington Park, Newark. Walkers will proceed down Broad Street to the corner of 50 Walnut Street and then walk back to Washington Park. The …

“I was standing outside in the freezing cold with my seven cats. I’d just got evicted from my apartment. I didn’t know what to do. I felt so helpless.”  Patty, a former resident of East Rutherford, has been homeless since that day, January 11. Fortunately for her, St. John’s Episcopal Church in Montclair, partnering with Montclair Emergency Services for the Homeless (MESH), has provided beds and a warm meal for the area’s homeless all winter.  “I heard they were offering shelter here,” says Patty. “It’s so beautiful what they do. I’m so grateful.” Still, she fights back tears as she describes…

A sign in front of the Presbyterian Church of Upper Montclair bears the words "You are welcome here." But, according to Pastor Gregory Horn, that's only one of the messages he hopes is emanating from the vibrant house of worship. "When people come here I want the worship experience to belong to them," he said. "This is my motto. People may not remember what I say but they will remember how they feel." And, indeed, members here do. The church's stated vision on its website is to challenge and equip people of all ages and points of view to know and trust Jesus Christ—and Pastor Horn often uses …

Temple Ner Tamid, in Bloomfield, was founded in 1980 as the result of the merger of Temple B'nai Zion, a conservative synagogue, and Temple Menorah, a reform congregation. Today Temple Ner Tamid ("Eternal Light" in Hebrew) is affiliated with the Reform movement, and its culture reflects a unique blending of liberal values and traditional expression. Patch recently spoke with Rabbi Steven Kushner about what makes this congregation so special. Q. Tell us a bit about the history of Temple Ner Tamid. A. I've been here 31 years. When I arrived, Temple Ner Tamid had just been created. It was …

This is a slightly different Focus column. Instead of examining a congregation, Patch is looking at an effort undertaken by the American Jewish Committee and Montclair partners such as the Interfaith Environmental Coalition—an effort ultimately designed to spark a provocative discussion about an important topic. Indeed, the American Jewish Committee, along with the Interfaith Environmental Coalition of Greater Montclair, Congregation Shomrei Emunah, and Bnai Keshet Synagogue is inviting the general public to a discussion and short preview of the film Revenge of the Electric Car with film …

If you want to take a respite from shopping and cooking, and celebrate a deeper meaning to the season, below is a list of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day church services in the area. Please feel free to add your own in the comments section. Have a wonderful day today. And don't forget that all animals are welcome at Central Presbyterian Church at 46 Park Street on Sunday for the annual "Blessing of the Animals" ceremony at 10 a.m. St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 73 South Fullerton Avenue: Christmas Worship - Holy Communion at all Services Christmas Eve - 5 p.m. (Family Friendly) Christmas Eve…

On its Web site, the Union Congregational Church describes itself in three ways: as a tower of strength, a community of acceptance, and a faith for today and tomorrow. The congregation was first gathered in 1881. Early years were spent stabilizing the congregation via clergy leadership, facilities, and budget. As Montclair grew and prospered, so did Union. Always active in the community, Union was responsible for or related to the formation of Boy Scout Troop 13, the Woman's Club of Upper Montclair, the Montclair Operetta Society, the Montclair Engineers, and the Rose Society, early in the …

Pull up outside the extremely impressive exterior of the First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, at 40 South Fullerton Avenue, and you'll notice a giant red banner with the words: "Jesus Didn't Turn People Away ... Neither Do We." The message is an important one, explains Rev. Ann Ralosky, as the church's "inclusiveness" is something she constantly seeks to emphasize. First Congregational Church began on December 18, 1869, when a small group of people gathered to discuss the possibility of establishing a Congregational Church in Montclair. The first service was held on May 22, …

Enter one particular house on Glenwood Road on any given Monday morning and you'll witness something unique: small clusters of moms—some in the living room and a pair or two at the dining room table—praying for their children. Indeed, while eavesdropping, a few of them could be heard praying that their children stay focused during the holiday season. One of the women is Joy Kay, area coordinator for an organization called Moms in Touch. Come to find out, there are organized pockets of mothers in Montclair praying for Montclair High School, all three public middle schools, and every elementary…

On one of Montclair's loveliest streets, Montclair Avenue, sits a beautiful church at the corner of Christopher Street. Outside, flies a Rainbow Flag. Inside, sits Rev. Andrew Butler, who replaced Diana Clark as pastor in September. Clark retired in May after 19 years at the church. Indeed, St. John's Episcopal Church is not immune to change, having started life as a mission of St. Luke's Church in 1896. In March 1901, permission was obtained from the diocese to become a formal mission named St. John's Diocesan Mission. Then, on June 2, 1902, St. John's was declared a self-supporting parish …

"And let them make Me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them ..." is the welcoming message that greets people when they log onto the Web site belonging to Congregation Shomrei Emunah at 67 Park Street. One of only two synagogues in Montclair, the congregation's site also includes a long list of upcoming events, everything from a dinner dance to a healing service to a class on how to study your family's history. There's no doubt a lot is going on at this particular place of worship. I recently sat down with Rabbi David Greenstein to find out what makes the 106-year-old congregation so …

Each week, Rev. Charles Ortman of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation begins worship services by saying, "This Unitarian Universalist congregation is welcoming of all seekers after truth, beauty, justice, and compassion cherishing our diversity of race, age, gender, sexual identity, and orientation, religious background and perspective on life."  The message is just one piece of evidence that this congregation is a unique one. Founded in 1897, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at 67 Church Street enjoys a rich history of spiritual exploration and social justice activism. The church…