Religion

Update: The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office is investigating the matter, according to Det. Jeanne Trillhaase, the SCPO spokeswoman. She said the office “can’t provide details since the investigation is active and ongoing.” In a Nov. 5 meeting with parishioners, Metuchen Diocese Bishop James Checchio said that Fr. Doug, as he is known, admitted to “borrowing” approximately $500,000 from church coffers. …

HILLSBOROUGH – Franklin Township was represented at an Oct. 30 vigil for the Pittsburgh, Pa. synagogue shooting victims. The vigil, which was held at Temple Beth-El on Route 206, attracted hundreds of people from around the region. Obe person affiliated with the temple said there were nearly 1,000 people in attendance. Among those in attendance were former Mayor and Somerset …

Nearly 200 people gathered at the Masjid-e-Ali mosque on Cedar Grove Lane Oct. 28 in a vigil for the victims of the Tree of Life synagogue shootings in Pennsylvania. Organized by the Franklin Township Interfaith Council, the vigil featured comments from local politicians and faith leaders from throughout the township, state and Canada. The vigil’s purpose was to “reaffirm our …

A vigil for the victims of the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting will be held from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Oct. 28 at Masjid-e-Ali Mosque, 47 Cedar Grove Lane. On Oct. 27, a gunman opened fire in the synagogue, killing 11 and injuring six others in what has been called the deadliest attacks on Jews in the United States. The Franklin Township …

Somerset Presbyterian Church needs the public’s help, and their feet, on Oct. 21 for the 45th annual Somerset CROP Walk for hunger sponsored by Church World Service. Registration for the 6-mile (10-kilometer) CROP Walk will begin at 1 p.m. at the church, located at 100 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, and the walk will start at 2 p.m.  There will also …

By PJ Parker. The field behind St. Matthias Church was the gathering place on Oct. 7 for many township furry friends and their families as they came for Sunday’s Blessing of the Animals. The event honored the Feast of  St. Francis, patron saint of animals. Deacon John of St. Matthias Parish conducted the blessings as he greeted and welcomed all. …

As it has since Rutherford B. Hayes was the U.S. President, the Griggstown Reformed Church held its annual Harvest Home Festival on Aug. 18 on the church grounds. This was the 138th annual gathering that brings village residents out to taste home cooking, hear music and singing and play a variety of games. One of the event’s co-chairmen, Kevin Grennen, …

By PJ Parker The thunderclouds and rain did not dampen the August 11 Peach and Strawberry Festival/Fish Fry at Somerset Presbyterian Church on John F. Kennedy Boulevard. A fundraiser for the church, the peach and strawberry theme had been resurrected after a three-year hiatus. Originally planned for the church’s wide, grassy frontage, activities shifted indoors with abundant dessert offerings, kids’ …

History was made at the First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens June 17 as 20 deaconesses were officially ordained as members of the church’s hierarchy. In the past, deaconesses were seen largely as the church’s “auxiliary,” given the title simply because their husbands had been ordained deacons, FBCLG Senior Pastor DeForest Soaries said in an email announcing the event. “However, …

Hundreds of congregants gathered at Masjid-e-Ali June 15 to celebrate Eid al Fitr, the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Muslims around the world engage in fasting during daylight hours throughout the month of Ramadan, which began this year in mid-May. Eid al Fitr, or festival of breaking of the fast, marks the end of the obligation. Observing …