Thoughts on Why We're Involved in PCFL
by Jack Lohr, Pastor

What motivates people to become involved in the Presbyterian Church at Franklin Lakes? Why do we choose to support the church's ministries with our time, talent and treasures?

At the heart of the matter is the grace and love of God who calls us into community. God's acceptance of us as we are sets us free from the need to live by the world's values and enables us to begin living, now, as part of the new order which Jesus called "The Reign of God."

A church that uses the promise of "rewards in heaven" or the threat of punishment is in denial of God's gracious love. At PCFL we reject the idea that people would be motivated by fear or guilt, but we confess that there is an occasional feeling of "shouldness" in the air around here! We're not perfect (yet!).

There is no legalism at PCFL, no set of rules by which everyone must live. But we DO have expectations of each other. This is a place where people take responsibility for and are serious about their own spiritual growth. And we care about each other! As a community, we are committed to helping each other become better followers of Jesus. This involves freely-chosen disciplines which will vary from person to person and from time to time. These disciplines often include prayer/meditation, scripture study, attendance at worship, significant sharing of our resources, and personal involvement in the ministries of the church. We feel a loyalty to Christ, to each other, and to this institution. At the same time, we expect that institution, which we dare to call "the Body of Christ," to be there for us in times of need! And so, we try to do our part in maintaining PCFL as a "church-for-others" that expresses its love and concern for all our neighbors (wherever they may be) who are in any kind of need.

If there is a theme that runs through our life here, surely it is gratitude. As a people, we are deeply aware that we have been blessed by God. In spite of the pains of life, we know we are privileged to be part of a community that has experienced what it is to "have life in abundance." And so we live our days in thanks and praise to the God who has given us so much in Jesus the Christ, and to the many people whose gifts have graced our lives.

If you share our sense of what the Presbyterian Church at Franklin Lakes can (and, yes-- SHOULD) be, we invite you to be a partner in the journey. Your participation will bring special gifts that will help us to keep on being the kind of unique community that we have been from the beginning.

WHY I'M INVOLVED AT PCFL...
Thoughts by members of our community...

 I came to PCFL because I'd returned to the area determined to continue to serve as an elder in the PC(USA) and my old pastor, Rev. Robert J. Duncan Sr. of Grace Methodist Church in Wyckoff, told me "You never know what to expect from those people" at PCFL. I came back for the second Sunday because I'd felt welcomed home, and because I'd seen people at PCFL speaking candidly and lovingly about things that really mattered. I saw them disagreeing, though they did it as members of a community who cared about each other and about their community.

I've stayed at and involved with PCFL, and drive an hour each way 3 to 5 days a week to be involved, because it has not been just a self-involved club of like-minded people. I know that at PCFL I will be safe in exploring my own ideas and experiences of faith. I know I'll be challenged to explore even more deeply. I know that others will be free to share their ideas, even if they're very different from mine. And I know that I will grow from sharing within the community of PCFL. But Mr. Duncan was right: I never know exactly what to expect from these people. They truly practice a living faith! --Barbara Kellam Scott

 I came to PCFL searching for a spiritual home. I found an open-minded place where I could explore my christianity, share my personal journey with others, engage in ecumenical conversation with those of other beliefs, and join in serving the needs of the larger community. PCFL also loves children, and offers mine a safe, open place to explore and develop their faith experiences. I find that the pastors' sermons routinely present me with new ways to understand my faith, and challenge me to growth. The mission programs provide many ways to become involved in giving to others in need. I love PCFL's multiculturalism, and its commitment to become moreso.

 I have stayed and become more involved at PCFL because I find here a group of people committed to living life's questions rather than determing answers; spirited and honest discussion of all matters; and ongoing mission to serve others. --Laura Rainoff

A church with human heart and open mind…

 Raised as a Catholic in Poland, single father of a 4-year old son, at Christmas time in 1990, I found myself in this, new to me, part of New Jersey looking for a social environment of same age friends for my son. I spotted a notice in a local newspaper about a Christmas happening for kids at Presbyterian Church of Franklin Lakes. We went there and had a wonderful evening of making Christmas decorations with kids of all ages and adults in a warm, friendly and joyful atmosphere. Then I talked with PCFL Pastor, Jack Lohr about joining the church. I told him that even though I am a Christian I don’t consider myself a Presbyterian. Jack told me it didn’t matter. Quickly I found out he was right: it didn’t. Thus, after a spur of the moment visit at PCFL for that one-night Christmas happening, fifteen years later I’m still a member of the PCFL family, constantly finding there, over these fifteen years warmth, friendship and support, as well as answers to my numerous doubts about Christian faith. –George Ekel

 My wife and I had been searching for a Spiritual Community where we would feel at home. We visited PCFL for a non-denominational vocal recital. The recital was wonderful and the church felt very good. We were also taken by the wide variety of programs offered by PCFL and the number of activities it appeared to be involved in. They were programs and activities that we were interested in - both for our personal development and for participatory community activities. We began attending services and felt very welcomed. We liked the community very much and an inner part of me felt peaceful and at home. It was and is a wonderful feeling.

  We also have come to know the Pastor and Associate Pastor. Their leadership is extremely active, kind, diverse and supportive. I attribute much of my broadening and enriched relationship with Spirit to their support. It seems that what I give is returned many times to us. It is a joyful community which is most dear to us.  --Kevin Ford

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