The Pastor's Corner

by the Rev. Dr. Glen C. Misick

Christmas 2023

A Christmas letter from our Pastor, Rev. Dr. Glen C. Misick 

Dear Members & Friends of the First Presbyterian Church of Avenel,

As the Christmas season approaches, I find myself reflecting on the immense joy and privilege it is to be serving alongside you in this beautiful community. This year has been filled with new beginnings, and I am grateful to be spending my first Christmas as your pastor.

The warmth and love that I have experienced within our church family has been truly inspiring. Each one of you has welcomed me with open arms, allowing me to witness the incredible faith and dedication that resides within this congregation. It is a blessing to serve alongside such passionate believers who continuously strive to spread God's love throughout our community.

The spirit of Christmas holds a special place in our hearts, as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. During this season, we are reminded of the extraordinary gift of love that God bestowed upon us through the arrival of His Son. It is a time of hope, joy, and renewal, and I am excited to embark on this journey with you all.

Together, let us embrace the true meaning of Christmas and share it with those around us. May our acts of kindness, generosity, and compassion reflect the love that Christ has shown us. Let us reach out to those who are hurting, lonely, or in need, extending a hand of support and a heart filled with empathy.

I look forward to the many adventures and blessings that lie ahead for our church family and friends. May this Christmas season fill your hearts with peace, joy, and an overwhelming sense of God's presence. Remember, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we are also celebrating the gift of each other.

My wife Jennifer and I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year. May the light of Christ shine brightly in our lives and guide us as we continue to walk this journey of faith together.

With love and gratitude,

Rev. Dr. Glen C. Misick
Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Avenel, NJ


Thanksgiving 2023

Dear members and friends of First Presbyterian Church of Avenel,

As the new Pastor of our beloved church, I am filled with gratitude and joy as I write this Thanksgiving letter to each and every one of you. In these challenging times, it is more important than ever to reflect on the goodness of God and cultivate an attitude of gratitude. I am reminded of the words of Psalm 9:1-3, which beautifully encapsulate our appreciation for the blessings bestowed upon us.

"I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High. My enemies turn back; they stumble and perish before you."

First and foremost, these verses serve as a gentle reminder that even amidst the troubles we face, there is still much to be thankful for. We must express our gratitude to our Heavenly Father for His unwavering love, grace, and faithfulness. It is through His provision and guidance that we find strength and hope, even in the darkest of times.

Secondly, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to the Session, Deacons, committee members, staff, and each of you. Our church family is a source of great joy and inspiration. Your dedication, support, and unwavering commitment to our community has not gone unnoticed. Despite the challenges that have come our way, you have exemplified the true spirit of compassion, unity, and perseverance.

It is important to recognize the blessings that have been bestowed upon us as a church. We are blessed with beautiful edifices of worship, community service, a strong and passionate congregation, and a rich heritage that we can proudly embrace. Our collective efforts in spreading God's love and serving our community have made a significant impact, and for that, we are truly grateful.

As we gather with loved ones, whether in person or virtually, let us remember to lift our voices in thanksgiving. Let us share stories of God's faithfulness and encourage one another with messages of hope and love.

May this Thanksgiving be a time of deep reflection, genuine appreciation, and renewed dedication to our faith. May this Thanksgiving season bring you peace, joy, and an abundance of blessings. Know that you are loved, cherished, and prayed for.

With deep gratitude and warmest wishes,

Rev. Dr. Glen C. Misick 
Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Avenel, NJ


October 2023

Pastoral Letter to Members of First Presbyterian Church of Avenel

Dear beloved members of the First Presbyterian Church of Avenel,

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is with great joy and excitement that I write to you today as your newly appointed part-time Pastor. I am truly delighted and humbled to have the opportunity to serve alongside you in ministry to the Avenel and surrounding communities.

First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude for the warm welcome I have received since stepping into this role. Your kindness and hospitality have made me feel at home, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this loving congregation. I want to add a special thanks to the Pastoral Nominating Committee (PNC) for their hard work in this process. Together, I believe we can make a significant impact in the lives of those we encounter, sharing the transformative power of the Gospel.

As your Pastor, my primary focus will be on preaching and teaching the Word of God. I believe that the proclamation of biblical truths is vital in providing focus and direction to the Body of Christ, especially in this 21st Century. Therefore, I am committed to delivering sermons that are rooted in Scripture, relevant to our lives, and inspiring to our faith. I am excited to share God's Word with you, and I pray that our time together in worship will be enriching and edifying for all.

In addition to preaching, I am also in the process of developing a Bible Study class for our congregation. However, I value your input and would like to gauge your spiritual temperature and availability for such a class. Therefore, I have included a brief survey (see attachment) for you to peruse and solicit your response. Your participation will greatly assist me in determining the best time and format for our Bible Study.

Finally, as we embark on this journey together, I want to assure you of my commitment to serve you faithfully and to walk alongside you in your spiritual growth. I am here to support and encourage you in your journey of faith, and I encourage you to reach out to me with any questions, concerns, or prayer requests you may have.

Let us pray for one another, for our community, and for God's guidance and wisdom as we step into this new season of ministry together. May the Holy Spirit empower us, unite us, and use us for His glory.

With love and gratitude, 

Rev. Dr. Glen C. Misick
Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Avenel, New Jersey 



A Christian is a living sermon whether or not he preaches a word.