May 16 Family Promise

Offering a welcoming church community to all people, wherever they may be on their journey of faith, celebrating the glory of God through worship, fellowship, and service.

Offering a welcoming church community to all people, wherever they may be on their journey of faith, celebrating the glory of God through worship, fellowship, and service.

HomeAbout Us#sixtymoments for 60 Years

#sixtymoments for 60 Years

To celebrate the 60th anniversary in 2019, members shared thoughts and stories of when they experienced PCCT being the church. Themed #sixtymoments for 60 Years, these moments were captured through videos, written memories, and photographs and shared on social media. Following are highlights of the #sixtymoments. Click on a photo to read the moment.

It was the terrible day of September 11th. We didn’t know if this was the end of life as we’d known it; what tomorrow would bring; whether safety would ever again be a given. Our children were terrified; we were distraught. Somehow, in the midst of that terror and uncertainty, Ed (Halldorson) and Marc (Ohler) put together a church service, with a printed brochure, and the news went out by phone and email that it would occur that night. The church was full; people were crying and praying. When I read Psalm 46 “…Therefore we will not fear though the earth should change…The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; …” I took such comfort in the realization that all of these things have happened before and somehow we’ve gone on. At the end of the service, people were invited to stand and say the names of those who were missing or feared missing. There were probably 40 names. Wednesday, October 12, there was another service and now there were names in the teens. On Friday, October 14, Marc held a noontime service – his rendition of “On Eagle’s Wings” sung a cappella was heartbreakingly beautiful, and now, the names were those of the truly lost. Those services held us together. In the years to follow, when our children would cry in fear or uncertainty, we would remind them of what it felt like to stand and pray together as a community of people who came together to love and support each other. PCCT was THE church that week. It was there for us when we needed it most – lifting us, carrying us, supporting us. I will never forget any part of it. Photo: August 13, 2001 (Harry’s 8th birthday) – Evan Skinner

PCCT was a place where I could give back to the community in a fun and welcoming environment. Whether it was performing with the Chancel Choir on Sunday mornings or traveling across the country to help wildfire recovery in Washington state for our youth mission trip, PCCT didn’t just give me countless opportunities to help others, but also memories that I will never forget and a group I know I can always fall back on when I need support. – Ben Errig

Rolf and I joined PCCT in the fall of 2000 and soon after, we found out I was pregnant with our first child, Lindsay. We had recently moved to the area from NYC, and one of our goals was to join a church and establish a supportive network of friends. Almost immediately, I was invited to join the PCCT “New Mom’s Group”, which was just being formed by mothers who wanted a weekly play group for their babies and young children. I jumped at the opportunity, even though I was not technically a mother yet. Each week, I attended the play group at church and enjoyed getting to know the mothers and their kids. It was wonderful! One of the moms even invited me to join the Church Life and Programs Committee (now the Fellowship Committee) where I befriended other PCCT members and began to feel connected to this amazing church community. By the time I gave birth the following June, I felt like I had a close knit support system from the church, and it really brought me comfort, especially since my own family lived so far away. I attended the New Mom’s Group for many years, even after I had my second child, Leighton. The best part is that many of those women remain my closet friends to this day, and I have PCCT to thank for that! – Barbara Edwards

I love to have a place where I can call home and where my kids can grown in their relationship with God. Since I came to PCCT I have made made new friends who I know I will have forever. – Sarah Murchison Smith

All smiles at the Discernment Team’s last meeting! Their final report about the church’s vision for ministry will be presented to the Session and then to a committee of Presbytery of Newton PCUSA to decide if our church is ready to call a new pastor. We thank them for their hard work through this phase of the interim pastor process!

My moment when PCCT was “being the church” actually happened four different times. For the birth of each of our children, Rev. Ed Halldorson was the very first person to visit us in the hospital and therefore, the very first person to meet our little bundles of joy. The significance of this to me was heartwarming. Given that our immediate family members were spread across the US, it would be several weeks before any of them would meet our new babies. It was special to know there was someone with which we could immediately share our excitement and joy. For over 22 years, I have come to consider PCCT as my second family – people with whom I can navigate life’s joys, messiness, difficulties, questions, celebrations, and loss. To me, the people are this church. – Carlene Pruitt

As a new member I was included, encouraged, mentored, mothered, and loved by many of the “older” women of the church at circle and committee meetings, Women’s Association gatherings, and in the kitchen — Berniece Wilson, Midge Dixon, Margaret Osmann, Gladys Elliott, Sally Payntar, Dot Arnold, Amelia Blackford, Martha Anne King, Helen Clarendon, Mabel Latham, Marion Strack, Bettie Anne Osborne, Marion Stoll, Margery Page, and many other gracious and faithful women. – Sharon Mueller

Congratulations to the Rev. Tom Brown on his 20th Anniversary of Ordination! ✝️ We are very grateful and privileged for his ministry and faithful service to our congregation and the extended community. May we be blessed with many more years!

On December 7, 1980, a mortgage-burning ceremony signaled the satisfaction of the last mortgage payment on the church building and manse. This event came exactly 21 years after the church was first organized. Total cost for the church building, both the Christian Education facility completed in 1962 and the sanctuary completed in 1971, was approximately $765,000. “And so they built the church, for the people loved the Lord and had the will to work.”

PCCT is a community that we cherish for its soul, peace, faith and a time to feel whole and be with very good people. It is an important sanctuary for our family. And we love hosting guests at Family Promise. – The Collins Family

Future site of the of the Presbyterian Church of Chatham Township at 240 Southern Blvd. taken on April 15,1961. “So they build the church — for the people loved the Lord and had the will to work.”

PCCT means to me a home. A safe place where I can go to worship, belong, in times of grief and gladness. A place where I am encouraged to be the best Christian I can be – generous, giving of time and talents. – Stacey Schroeder

January 5 marks the 60th Anniversary of the Women’s Association at PCCT. The Women’s Association offers a place for women at all stages of life to connect with one another through a rich diversity of activities, small groups, and service to the local and global community. Organized on January 5, 1960 – just a few short weeks after the original 224 charter members of PCCT were voted into membership – the organization was first called the United Presbyterian Women of The Presbyterian Church of Chatham Township. On that day, Dr. Chester Davis installed the first officers and recognized 86 active members and 22 inactive members who were organized into six Circles, small groups for study, fellowship, and service. For sixty years, the Women’s Association has served the church and the community with the same adventurous spirit and creativity as its first members. Today, the organization continues to host fellowship events, small groups and organize fundraisers to support mission projects. One of the favorite traditions is the Cookie Walk and Savory Soup sale, the largest fundraiser of the organization. Furthermore, the Women’s Association funds the Marla Drury Scholarship offered to a high school or college student who exemplifies the same generous, giving spirit to the community as Marla so graciously did. Following is an excerpt from the 1970 installation of new officers of the Women’s Association (on its 10th year anniversary): “We are a group of Christian women with an important commission, to whom God has said, ‘I will give them one heart and one way.’ God has planted in every human heart some talent, and God is not asking that you should be called successful or famous by the world, but that he should be able to say to you, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. What I lent to you, you used to the best possible advantage, and the whole Kingdom of heaven is richer because you passed through the world.’ Stir up the gift that is in you, wrote Paul to Timothy. Don’t deprive God of His treasure.”

In PCCT’s 60-year history, there have been only three senior pastors: ✝️ The Rev. Dr. Lincoln T. Griswold 1960-1966 ✝️ The Rev. Dr. David E. Mulford 1967-1987 ✝️ The Rev. Dr. Edward M. Halldorson 1988-2019

PCCT means to me a community of believers and a place of routine through weekly worship, flow of the church year, well-known hymns, and long-term friendships. It is a place of special events – the wedding of our daughter, baptism of our granddaughters, services following 9/11, and funerals of friends. – Kathy Woodward

I’ve been teaching Sunday School at PCCT for ten years. During that time, I’ve taught different age levels, kids with different gifts and talents, kids who were straight-A students, and kids who think school is a waste of time. I’ve taught kids who played sports or instruments, kids who performed on stage and kids who loved to hike in the woods, and kids who only wanted to talk about video games. I’ve known kids who identified as straight, kids who identified as gay or bisexual, and kids who told me stories about their friends being bullied at school for all those reasons and more. Some kids believed in God. Some kids weren’t so sure. What I’ve loved so much about PCCT as our family’s church home is that every one of these kids and their families are valued, cherished, accepted, and welcomed. PCCT is a safe haven for families to be supported and know that they are all beloved children of God. – Colleen Markley

As a member for over 40 years it is hard to imagine my life without PCCT. It is the place where my children were baptized (as toddlers since I was on a church sabbatical when they were born!), and where they were confirmed and married. It was my anchor when my first husband Jim Leonardson died – where I received support and comfort from our pastor, with hours spent in the Memorial Garden sharing, questioning, praying; and from members I knew well and those I didn’t even know who stopped by with food. It is where I have been able to grow in faith and in knowledge of the Bible through our awesome weekly Bible Study with Ed. It is where meaningful and long-lasting friendships have been formed with others of all ages. It is where I have been given the opportunity to give back through participation in our mission work. It is where I was married to Jack Ruffle, also a member who had lost his spouse. PCCT is woven so tightly into the fabric of my life. What does it mean to me? Just about everything! – Jocelyn Ruffle

For 19 years, I was a member of the PCCT Thursday Morning Bible Study led by Rev. Ed Halldorson. I learned from this awe-inspiring group that the Bible can speak to each of us in different ways. Ed encouraged us to share, question, listen, respect and learn from one another. PCCT means to me ….a place to learn, grow and worship TOGETHER. (Photo was taken at our LAST Bible Study, December 13, 2018, before Ed’s retirement) – Betty Leitner

On November 23, 1969, the church celebrated its decennial (tenth anniversary) with a casserole supper, birthday cake, and program. Members were encouraged to make reservations by November 17 because there was “room for only one-third of the congregation.” (There were 661 members in the congregation at the time, and it was a year before the groundbreaking of the new sanctuary.)

The Harvest Festival was started at PCCT in 1991 by Susan Johnson and Lois Smith as a way for our church to express our thankfulness through gifts of food and time. This Sunday, as we celebrate the 28th year, please bring a bag of non-perishable food items to worship. Food collected will be delivered to the Interfaith Food Pantry of Morris Plains. Please plan to stay after the service to help sort. Make this a family event — people of all ages can participate!

Monday, December 3, 2012, was my first ‘official’ day at PCCT. Over the weekend, I had moved into the apartment over Ed and Linda Halldorson’s garage because we had not yet found a new home, and my family was staying in Chicago until we closed on our house there. It ended up being the perfect arrangement. Ed had broken his ankle and had surgery the week before, so we were able to have daily pastoral ‘meetings’ on the family room couch with his leg propped up on a stool. Pastoral Assistant Don McCord and I had led worship the day before – serving communion and welcoming new members on the first Sunday of Advent – and Ceri Gilpin got me up to speed faster than I could have imagined. It was a whirlwind couple of days (weeks actually) in which we all learned very quickly how to work together! – Rev. Tom Brown

On December 6, 1970, members and friends gathered under clear but chilly skies to lay the cornerstone of the church’s new sanctuary. Fitted into the cornerstone were items related to the church, denomination and current events, including an annual report, membership list and church bulletins, denomination publications, local area mission organizations, and current periodicals and newspapers.

58 years ago on October 22 the cornerstone was laid for the “new building,” the first unit of the church plant that would house a multipurpose-educational facility. At the dedication, the building committee explained to the congregation they considered constructing a sanctuary first, but decided in favor of recommending the educational building because “it permits far more efficient use of money.“ We are grateful to the foresight and vision of our founding members as we celebrate #sixtymoments for 60 years.

PCCT means to me: Worship with my family (parents and daughters), opportunities to serve (Food Bank, pumpkin patch, Bridges Outreach), supporting my church community (Deacons, Sanctuary Ringers, tabulating team), and giving my kids a firm faith foundation. – Beth Colombari

I remember when my son Michael was getting ready to get baptized. My husband Jim mentioned that he was baptized in the sink by his Mother. Ed (Halldorson) said something along the lines of, “Well since you were never properly baptized, why don’t you both get baptized at the same time.” It is not often that you witness an adult getting baptized. That was a memorable experience for me, our family and friends that were in attendance. – Marcy Kearney

PCCT is like being at home – comfortable, feeling a part of home with others in worship, in celebrating the joy of giving and sharing our lives with the friendships we form. – Pat Heck

We were members at the Episcopal church in Summit in 2000 when friends from Chatham told us about the Presbyterian Church of Chatham Township and how wonderful their minister was. I came one Sunday to watch Ed Halldorson give a sermon. At that time, a family member had symptoms of a serious health problem (everything was eventually fine, false alarm) so I came to that Sunday’s service with a heavy heart. The church was bright and inviting, the people friendly, and Ed’s sermon affected me on a very personal level. I was so moved by the experience I announced when I got home “We’re becoming Presbyterians!” So many memories since then. There were the many shared celebrations and events as well as the times we comforted each other to help heal. My family and I have truly been blessed by being a part of this wonderful community. Thank you Ed, Mark, Tom, and the support of the staff for always being there for us. Happy 60 Anniversary PCCT! Peace, Toby Carson and Family

Kevin Vodrazka came to our church as our first full-time sexton in November 1982. 37 years later, he continues to serve our demanding facilities’ needs. The day-to-day activities of the church could not go on as smoothly without him. Thank you for your ongoing service and dedication, Kevin!

I have been here since November 2019; and I work in the nursery. My most memorable experience is meeting all the wonderful children and their families. – Meggan Chateau

We have never attended a candlelight service with our two daughters as a family. Traditionally, my family celebrates Noche Buena (Christmas Eve) so we have always been away from our church on December 24th. That changed last year when we finally got to host the family and we made it a point to attend the 5pm service at PCCT. Seeing the packed church with everyone squeezing in the pews so we can get as many people seated as possible filled me with joy. I saw both my teen and tween girls’ smile as they were able to light and hold their own candles for service. Singing carols, being together in church and seeing their beautiful faces lit by their own candlelight was a gift I hold dear to my heart. Peter and I looked at each other and smiled: The holiday magic was back! We were in our church, PCCT. We were home. – Claudia Meyers

My moment happened with I was being treated with radiation and chemo and was at a low point. I came to church and heard my own name lifted up for prayers of healing. It hit me hard how much my recovery depended on more than medicine.

The 2019 Youth Mission Trip to Tampa, FL was as rewarding and fulfilling an experience as I’ve ever had the pleasure to be a part of. Not knowing what to expect, we ventured off to Tampa with a team of roughly 25 young adults and 8 chaperones to provide assistance to those deeply affected by Hurricane Irma. We split up into 5 teams and headed off to our respective worksites throughout the Tampa area. What transpired over the course of just 5 days was amazing. We started the week with a sense of shock and to some extent, despair, as we witnessed firsthand the conditions our homeowners were living in. By the end of the week, this despair evolved into an incredible sense of pride at what these young adults accomplished. Having the opportunity to share this accomplishment with a homeowner whose appreciation could not be shared with words, was an incredible feeling and touched every one of us. Our mission trip call to action of “faith working through love” could not have been more reflective of what occurred in Tampa. – Brad Koehler

PCCT is a place for my family to be together and understand faith, service, and love to all. – Sarah White

In the 1990’s I was teaching 7th and 8th grade Church School. Our class met in the Theos Room. Since it was always warm there with hardly any ventilation, the S&O committee got a ceiling fan to help the situation. The first Sunday with the new fan the kids arrived early. The fan was not on. Walt Strack from the S&O committee came by just before the start of class to check it out, flipped on the switch and about 20 balled up pieces of paper went flying all over the room. It took the kids only a few minutes to notice the new addition, wad up sheets of paper and place them on the fan paddles. I thought it was hilarious and luckily, Walt was good natured about it too. We did make the kids clean up the mess. – Gail Wislocky

On September 20, 1959, the first Church School at PCCT was held in the white house known as the “Church House,” the original farmhouse that sat on the property. More than 125 students attended, under the supervision of Donald and Mary Blakeslee. 60 years later, our Church School is still a vital part of the life of the church, providing opportunities for children to grow in their faith.

I will always remember Phyllis Stevens coming to our house to deliver a rose after Garrett was born. We had just joined the church a few months before. Later, after Donnie was born, she delivered another rose. It made us feel a “part of the family”. – Cathy McAuliffe

10 years ago the Pumpkin Patch served as the backdrop for the wedding of member Georgia Leitner. Now in its 13th year, the patch continues to not only bring joy to the community but also serves as a visible example of service and helping those in need.

Our family joined the PCCT community two years ago. Our main priorities in joining the church included providing our three boys (now ages 11, 14, and 17 years old) with an education in Christian faith and history and becoming meaningfully involved in service projects. PCCT has exceeded our expectations in both these areas! Our boys are gaining an excellent religious education and they have thoroughly enjoyed being involved in the many youth service projects/groups offered by PCCT. Jack, Will and Paul have strengthened existing friendships and built new ones through participating in youth ministry programs and service projects. Pastor Tom is a strong leader and interacts with children/teenagers in a relatable, sincere and fun manner. The children naturally look up to him as a guide and mentor and enjoy the activities he plans for the various groups! We look forward to being a part of the youth ministry program for years to come. – Wendy Kuppenheimer

During Operation Desert Storm, the youth united at church to pray and light candles for those fighting and for our country

When Pastor Valentin preaches, he not only challenges you to think differently about your relationship with the Lord and God’s purpose in your life, but he has a way of making you feel the sermon. It is difficult to describe, but every time I have had the opportunity to hear Pastor preach, I feel reinvigorated to deepen my faith. His message is powerful and any opportunity to hear him speak is a privilege. – Maggie Nelson

I first went to the CAD orphanage in 2012 on my first trip to Haiti. We continued to go and see the same kids every year, and every year they were each a little bit older and a little bit bigger. One thing did not change over the years – their faith, their smiles, and their ability to be silly and have fun like kids should. However, behind these smiles that we see when we are spending time with them, there is sadness and there is deprivation. The last few years have been especially hard for Haiti in general, and especially for these children. They lost the director of the orphanage, which impacted them greatly. Teachers were not able to be paid, there was not enough food or water for all the children, and it gives me this hopeless, helpless feeling. But then I remember – God continues to use foundation for peace, the amazing Pastor Valentin and PCCT to bless all of these kids with their basic needs. These kids are all so SMART! they are the future of Haiti and the future of this world. They deserve to have a chance to thrive. When I lived in Haiti, I learned more from them than they could have ever learned from me, and for that I am forever grateful. – Chelsea Bennington

As others have noted, many of us do not have family close by. Jack’s siblings and mine live hours away and in multiple locations throughout the Eastern U.S., so PCCT is our local “family” and very important to us. Since we joined more than a decade ago, a shared commitment to faith, fellowship and service has led to a number of meaningful and rewarding relationships with fellow church members. All of this came together recently when I fainted at a gathering sponsored by the Fellowship Committee and hosted by a couple who are very active in PCCT. (Turns out I was dehydrated and hadn’t eaten enough that day.) As it happened a fellow church member who is president of the Chatham Emergency Squad also was a guest, and she came to my aid immediately. Our hostess called 911 and soon a Chatham police officer and the rescue squad (including more PCCT members) arrived, with festive blue and red flashing emergency vehicle lights brightening the street and reflecting off the walls of the home where the All Souls Day-themed event was taking place. Other church members followed us to Morristown Medical Center and drove Jack’s car so it would be there following my assessment by the Emergency Department. (After IV fluids I was fine. And just for the record, my blood alcohol level was undetectable. ;-)) – Lynda Beighley

The Mulford Family and June, Niloo, and Samantha James