The Riotous Readers meet monthly discussing books that stretch your soul as well as your mind. Last month we discussed the Pulitzer Prize winning novel A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole. This cult classic was published in 1980 through the efforts of Walker Percy, 11 years after the author’s suicide. The title is taken from Jonathan Swift’s comment, “when a true genius appears in the world, you will know him by this sign: that all the dunces are in confederacy against him.”

This month we are discussing Sebastian Junger’s book War, taken from his experience of being embedded with a single platoon at a remote outpost in eastern Afghanistan. In this book, he provides a view of the many emotions faced by the men in the platoon. He examines the honor, trust, and trust among soldiers. This is a book about the lives of those who are sent off to battle on our behalf. We will meet on Wednesday, January 12 at 7:30 PM. For more information about how to join us, call the Church office at (732) 671-1905.

The Fabulous Friday Morning Walkers have suspended walks for the winter. We may morph into the Say Yes to Yoga Workout. Call the church office if you are interested in joining us.

Join us Sunday, January 2 at 1 PM for our Adult Religious Education Series, “The Trappings of Theology.” Ever wonder whatever happened to the women who helped to build the church of the first century? Come and find out.

The AAUW Book Store is open Saturdays from 9 AM to 2 PM. Not only are you able to buy gently used books for a great price but your purchase at the Book Store provides financial assistance to college students from Monmouth County.


ARE YOU CARING FOR A WOUNDED VETERAN?

Come on Thursday, January 13, at 7 PM, to Fellowship Hall, 69 Kings Highway, Middletown, for a Caregivers Group for Wounded Veterans.

Wounds are more than what can be seen. Veterans often suffer from emotional and spiritual wounds from the experience of war. This is an opportunity for you as Caregivers to share your experiences with other Caregivers and to get the emotional and spiritual support you need. For more information, call the Church Office at (732) 671-1905. Family members are the new front line.


MISSION IS TO THE CHURCH AS A FIRE IS TO BURNING

As a people of faith, we are called to care for others. This is our passion. Share your passion to care for others by joining us in Mobile Meals, meals to the elderly at Middletown’s Senior Citizen Housing. We deliver meals and company on the fourth Tuesday of the month. Call the church office at (732) 671-1905 to learn more.

The Calico Cat Thrift Shop is a thrift store operated by the Community Outreach Group that sells gently used items to persons who cannot afford even discount prices. The COG also has a food pantry and an emergency assistance program. If you have a few hours during the week, the Calico Cat could use your help. Call (732) 671-0550 if you would like to help in this important ministry.

The New Jersey Council of Churches’ Annual Issues and Answers Conference on Saturday, January 15, from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM at Shiloh Baptist Church, 340 Calhoun Street, Trenton, on Power, Privilege and Prejudice: The Real Faces of Intolerance.

Call the church office at (732) 671-1905 or call the New Jersey Council at (609) 396-9546 for more information. .


START YOUR NEW YEAR RIGHT!

Join us at 8:30 AM for a short contemporary worship or at 10:30 for our traditional worship with fellowship and stimulating discussion to follow.