Christ Presbyterian Church - a little church in the woods. A church small enough so members don't feel "lost in the crowd", yet big enough to make a difference in the community and the world. Visit and find out for yourself.
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Vision Statement
At Christ Presbyterian Church, the "Good News", of Jesus Christ inspires and guides us on our spiritual journey. We are an extended family in Christ, providing a nurturing home. As a growing congregation of faithful Christians, we attract and welcome all God's people. Our worship services are vibrant, thought-provoking and uplifting, making Christianity relevant and accessible to all.
Our church family, youth and adults, are educated, inspired, and energized to be active Christians. Blessed and spiritually guided by God, we actively and enthusiastically serve the needs of our local and global community. Our Christian faith is expressed through words and actions in our daily lives.
Mission Statement
The Mission of Christ Presbyterian Church is to:
- Spread the Good News
- Present meaningful and inspirational worship experiences
- Create an environment conducive to reflection and prayer
- Promote continuous spiritual growth within our congregation
- Educate youth and adults about God's word
- Provide an atmosphere and programs that encourage our children to be happy, responsible, and charitable Christians
- Offer support to help people manage personal issues and concerns
- Provide resources to serve and support the needs of the community
- Offer fellowship and recreational opportunities to bring together our congregation as family
- Foster and celebrate diversity in our church family
- Inspire the growth of our congregation
Members
Our members are drawn from all walks of life, scientists, homemakers, doctors, administrators, self-employed, social workers, artists, writers, etc. We are all ages and ethnicities, and share a broad spectrum of interests and activities. Members reside in Martinsville, as well as other parts of Bridgewater, Warren, Pluckemin, Somerville, Dunellen, Bound Brook, Branchburg, and other surrounding communities in New Jersey.
Pastor Susan Joseph Rack TH.M.
Pastor Susan Joseph Rack answered Christ Presbyterian Church's call to become our minister of Word and Sacrament in July 2003. She brings to our community a passion for biblical literature and it's relevance to our life of faith today, as well as a heart for interfaith ministry. Her love of music, dramatic and visual arts, and her experience in liturgical dance promise opportunity for creative expression in worship. Susan attended Princeton Theological Seminary, graduating with both a Masters of Divinity and a Masters of Theology in Old Testament Studies. During her seminary years she was the chaplain at Johnsonburg Presbyterian Camp, where she and her sons, Noah and David, enjoyed three summers of outdoor ministry. Previous to joining us at CPC, Susan was the pastor responsible for Christian Education in a large church in Delaware. Pastor Susan invites you to join us in worship and ministry.
The Sanctuary
There are no fixed pews in our sanctuary. This allows for a flexibility and creativity in seating arrangements and worship presentation. Often there is a display on one wall of the sanctuary embracing a theme for the season. On special occasions tables are brought in for meals or game nights, or the chairs are cleared for dancing. Since our church has only one floor all areas are easily accessed.
Church Grounds
The church building sits on several largely wooded acres. On the northwest corner is a playground where the children can release their energy before and after services. A river runs past the church on the North and a memorial garden is available for meditation on the east side of the building. As part of the Church's 40th anniversary a labyrinth was constructed. More information about the labyrinth can be found on the Labyrinth page
The church building resides in the Community of Martinsville (see the directions page), which is part of Bridgewater Township. The church serves worshipers in Martinsville, Bridgewater, and surrounding communitites.
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Presbytery of Elizabeth
Christ Presbyterian Church is a member of the Presbytery of Elizabeth which is one of eight Presbyterian presbyteries in New Jersey. The Presbytery of Elizabeth is made of churches in the following counties and towns: Union County, Middlesex and Somerset Counties north of the Raritan River with the exception of the Borough of Bound Brook; and in Hunterdon County, Clinton Town, Clinton Township, Franklin Township, High Bridge Borough, Lebanon Borough, Readington Township and Union Township.
Many of our church programs are strengthened by support from the Presbytery.