Pastor's Message and Next Sermon Series 

Dear MUMC Friends and Family,

What a joyful day we shared last Sunday! Our 60th Anniversary Celebration was filled with worship, music, memories, laughter, wonderful food, and an unmistakable sense of God’s presence. It was a beautiful opportunity to remember the faithful people who built and sustained Montgomery United Methodist Church—and to celebrate the vibrant, welcoming congregation we are becoming together.

A celebration like that does not happen without many generous hands and hearts. Thank you to our Anniversary Team for the tremendous care they poured into every detail. Thank you to our Reception Team for creating such a warm and delicious time of fellowship. Thank you to our photographer for capturing the celebration and helping us preserve these memories.

I am also deeply grateful to our Communications Team for sharing our story, inviting the community, preparing materials, and helping people know what was happening and how they could participate. Thank you to our musicians, worship leaders, ushers, greeters, decorators, setup and cleanup volunteers, those who brought food, and everyone who offered hospitality to our guests who joined us for this milestone.

We celebrated 60 remarkable years—but we are not finished growing! There are several ways to take your next step in the life of MUMC:
•    Confirmation: Young people in grades 7–12 are invited to participate in Confirmation from October through May. This is an opportunity to ask honest questions, explore faith, serve others, and discover what it means to follow Jesus. Please sign up by Sunday 9/20 so we can prepare for the year ahead.
•    Adult Bible Study: Our study of Adam Hamilton’s Half Truths begins next week. Join us on Zoom on Wednesdays from 7:30–8:30 PM, September 23 through October 28, or in person on Sundays from 9:00–9:45 AM, September 27 through October 25. Books are available for a $10 donation.
•    Bell Choir: Bell Choir rehearsals begin on Monday, September 21 at 7 PM.
•    Clothing Shed: Please remember that we have a clothing collection shed on our property. Clothing that may not be appropriate for the Rummage Sale can still be placed in the shed rather than thrown away. Please follow the guidelines posted on the shed when making donations.
•    Skylands Walk to Emmaus: If you are longing for a deeper experience of Christian community and spiritual renewal, consider learning more about the Skylands Walk to Emmaus. Please talk to Pastor Jess for more information.

•    Rummage Sale: Our annual Rummage Sale will take place October 16-17, 2026. Please see the accompanying flyer for more information..

This Sunday, we also begin a new worship series called Jesus Never Said That. We will examine familiar religious sayings that sound biblical but can sometimes cause real harm. We begin with “God Won’t Give You More Than You Can Handle.” The truth is that life sometimes gives us far more than we can carry alone. The promise of faith is not that we will always be strong enough—it is that God is present and that we have been given a community to help carry one another’s burdens.

Sixty years of faithfulness have brought us to this moment. Now, with gratitude for everyone who came before us, let us keep learning, serving, welcoming, and growing together.

Pastor Jess

MUMC Hosts Its Annual Community Rummage Sale October 16-17

MUMC will hold its Annual Church Rummage Sale on October 16–17, offering a wide selection of gently used items at affordable prices for families, neighbors, and bargain-seekers across the region. The sale will take place at 117 Sunset Road, Belle Mead, NJ, and will feature an extensive assortment of clothing, housewares, books, décor, and other hidden treasures donated by members of the congregation and local residents. In addition to the rummage sale, attendees can enjoy a Bake Sale offering homemade treats prepared by church volunteers. The event is designed to support community connection, sustainable reuse, and charitable outreach.

Event Schedule
• Friday, October 16 — 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• Saturday, October 17 — 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

The Annual Rummage Sale has been a beloved tradition at MUMC for over 30 years, drawing people from Montgomery, Hillsborough, Princeton, and other area communities. Proceeds support the church’s ministries and community programs, helping fund outreach efforts that benefit local families and charitable initiatives.

“We love seeing neighbors come together for this event,” said the Rev. Jessica Robertson, pastor of Montgomery United Methodist Church. “It’s a chance to find great items, enjoy fellowship, and support meaningful work in our community.”

Montgomery United Methodist Church Presents a Farewell Concert, “DR. BELL & FRIENDS: A Musical Showcase & Reception” Celebrating 25 Years of Dr. Laura Bell’s Service

In celebration of the musical ministry that Dr. Laura Bell has provided to MUMC and the Montgomery community, please mark your calendars with this exciting afternoon event! A Reception will be held after the concert.

A Press Release further describing the event can be found here. Sponsorship donations and tickets can be purchased here. 

Please email events@montgomeryumc.org with any questions.

Going on vacation? Worship at a UMC on the beach!

Col #5

Col #6