We exist to connect people to full life in Jesus. Cultivating the sort of relationship with Jesus that yields full life is rooted in community –more specifically, a community that is striving to know Jesus. Below, you can find an up-to-date list of opportunities to get connected here at PCTR.
This group meets on Thursdays over snacks and coffee as we study the Bible together. This fall we’ll be walking our way through Mere Christianity by CS Lewis. Mere Christianity explores the core beliefs of Christianity by providing an unequaled opportunity for believers and nonbelievers alike to hear a powerful, rational case for the Christian faith. Bring your Bibles and your curiosity to learn. Our Thursday morning group returns September 11 at 9:30 am.
We’re getting ready to launch our Homework Club for Walnut Street Elementary and we need your help! If you’re interested in being part of our organizational team, which will be coordinating the program join us on September 18 at 4pm. If you’re interested in working directly with students once the program rolls out, email us at [email protected] or call 732-349-1331
Grab a meal at Outback Steakhouse on September 18 and a percentage of each meal will be donated to support PCTR’s 2026 Night to Shine, a prom for Special Needs Students 14 yrs and up sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. Flyers will be available in the Welcome Center.
Let’s kick off the new season & school year on September 19th (6 pm) with an evening of food & fun! Bring the whole family for this special kick-off event!
We’re partnering with “Unstoppable You Ministries” to present a screening of the documentary Blind Eyes Open, followed by discussion. The film is rated PG-13 and delves into the sex trafficking industry in the US. Pre-register for this free event at https://htatomsriver.eventbrite.com
Our Ocean Classic Concert Series will kick off the 2025-2026 season on September 21. This promises to be a unique performance featuring a brass quintet from the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra. It’s a great opportunity to invite friends and family to something at the church!
We pack a bunch into KidMin Tuesday afternoons with our elementary-aged friends. It’s why we’re excited that it’s back as a regular part of our weekly schedule starting September 23 at 4:45 pm. We start with time to play together, then we get into smaller groups to talk with our friends and leaders about Jesus. Oh, and there’s snack time, too!
Middle School & High School families! We’re going to Atlantic Farms (1506 Atlantic Ave, Manasquan NJ) and we want you to come with us! On October 4, bring the whole family and meet us there! We'll enjoy some fall themed fun with delicious food, animal farms, and other games/photo opportunities! Volunteers are needed to help carpool to Atlantic Farms
Curious about what it means to be a member of PCTR? Find out at our next cycle of new member classes. At the end of this 3-part class, you’ll have the opportunity to join the church as a member. Sessions will take place Saturdays, October 4, October 11, and October 18. We’ll begin after worship around 6:15 pm. Dinner is provided. RSVP at pctr.org/newmember
Christians today are less involved in spiritual conversations than they were 25-years ago. This fall (starting October 5) we’ll be embarking on a churchwide exploration of why this is and how we can change the trend. From a new sermon series, to opportunities to delve deeper into the subject in small group settings, jump into the conversation with us! You can sign up for a study group in the Welcome Center. There is also the option to purchase a copy of the book “The Reluctant Witness” which will be part of our study. You can...
Our next series of Contemplative Prayer Workshops will be October 6, with a focus on learning from Christian thought leaders and their insights about contemplation and other aspects of the prayer experience. These 1-hour workshops start in the Sanctuary and sometimes move into the garden.
Children ages 1-5 and one of their favorite adults are invited to join us for a morning of crafts, Bible stories, music and, of course, play time! Together we’ll learn more about God’s love for us. This group meets the first Thursday of each month. Invite a friend and join us! This group will meet the first Thursday of each month starting October 9. Contact Christi with any questions at [email protected] or call the church office at 732-349-1331.
Grab your rakes, your gardening gloves, and roll-up your sleeves on October 18! Help us tend to the ground and building for a little bit of fall cleaning starting at 9 am to noon. Bring some yard tools and a friend!
Clear out your closets and bring in those gently-used old coats you’re not going to wear again. We’re collecting warm outerwear in support of the Hope Center’s Gifts of Warmth Drive. Coats will be distributed to our neighbors who need them.
Our Homework Club is getting ready to start meeting with students from Walnut Street Elementary School. If you have considered volunteering to help but have not yet done so, now is the time! Contact the church office at [email protected] or call 732-349-1331.
Children ages 1-5 and one of their favorite adults are invited to a morning of crafts, Bible stories, music, and, of course, play time! Together we’ll learn more about God’s love for us. Invite a friend! Join us on the 1st Thursday of the month!
Did you (or someone you know) serve in the US Armed forces? This one is for you! Join us on November 8th at PCTR for breakfast and a chance to connect with other veterans. We'll be joined by guest speaker Dr. Rick Young, a Vietnam War veteran, author, and former team detail leader overseeing protection detail for the US, Secretary of Labor. RSVP to [email protected].
No matter how long it has been since your loved one(s) died, grief can make the holidays a painful time. Join us on November 15 at 10 am for this powerful seminar that will help you survive the holidays and discover new reasons to enjoy them again.
Author & PCTR member Gregory Andrus will be launching his new book, “A Walk Along the Jersey Shore,” with a screening of a short documentary about his journey to write the book. A reading and Q&A will follow. Join us on November 15 at 7 pm to hear from Gregory and learn more about his journey!
Headed to the supermarket? Toss a few extra items in the cart for our annual holiday food drive to support the Hope Center’s Thanksgiving Food Baskets! Drop your donations off in the Welcome Center by November 16th. The list of items needed includes: *Canned sweet potatoes, *Cranberry sauce, *Boxed instant mashed potatoes, *Canned fruit, and *Prepackaged desserts
Grab a meal at Burger 25 (Toms River location) on November 17 and a percentage of each meal will be donated to support PCTR’s 2026 Night to Shine, a prom for Special Needs Students 14 yrs and up sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. Flyers are available in the Welcome Center or download it at pctr.org/b25
We pack a bunch into Tuesday afternoons with our elementary-aged friends. We start with time to play together, then we get into smaller groups to talk with our friends and leaders about Jesus. We're back from fall break on November 18! Don't miss out.
Every Friday morning we host “Pop the Trunk,” a drive-through FulFill food bank. On November 21, Pop the Trunk will be giving away turkeys and other components of a Thanksgiving meal! Volunteers are needed to help pack and distribute! Join us in the parking lot on 11/21 (or any other Friday!) at 7:30 am to help sort food and distribute bags. Bring warm gloves (those frozen turkeys can make your hands cold!).
Margaret Cotton’s new book, “Radiance of Grace,” is launching, and you can be among the first to learn about it! Meet the author for a 10-minute introduction on the morning of 11/23. Books are available for purchase. On Jan. 4, 2026, Margaret will host a Q&A - keep your eyes open for more details!
Kids Choir is back! Kids (Grades K-5) join us on Sundays at 9:45 am starting November 23 to learn some special Christmas music. We’ll be singing in worship with us at 4 pm Christmas Eve. All are welcome!
A meeting of the Congregation and Corporation of the Presbyterian Church of Toms River will be held on Sunday, November 23, 2025 at approximately 11:45 a.m. in the Sanctuary. The purposes of the meeting will be: to receive the report of the Nominating Committee, to elect Elders and Deacons for the class of 2028, to elect the nominating committee and audit committee for 2026, to address such other business as may come before the body.
Parents and students (grades 8 and up), are you or anybody you know interested in being a part of the 2025-2026 Confirmation group? If so, come to this mandatory meeting after worship on November 23, from 12-1 PM in the Haven! Learn what Confirmation is all about and what the curriculum will have in store for us this year.
Guest registration for Night to Shine (2/13/26), a prom event for individuals with special needs & disabilities, will open at 5 pm on Monday, November 24. Guests (aged 14) and over can register at pctr.org/nighttoshine. Space is limited!
Join us after worship Sunday to celebrate and give thanks for the ministry of Josh Melson. There will be a box available to leave cards and notes. Meet Josh in the chapel after each service. His last service with us will be next week, December 7.
Children ages 1-5 and one of their favorite adults are invited to a morning of crafts, Bible stories, music, and, of course, play time! Together we’ll learn more about God’s love for us. Invite a friend! Join us on the 1st Thursday of the month!
Singers with treble voices are invited to join this special choir! Come to one or both 20-minute weekly rehearsals throughout December (Thursdays at 6:25 pm and/or Sundays at 10:45 am) & then sing at the 8 pm Christmas Eve service. Meet us in the large rehearsal room for practices!
Parents, kick off your holiday season on December 5, with a few hours to yourselves. We've got a great night of fun planned for your kids (potty-trained 3-year-olds through 5th grade). We’ll share a pizza dinner and tons of fun with games and crafts! Drop off is at 6 pm. Pick up by 8 pm.
Our annual Next Gen Student Ministry wreath sale will be December 6 and 7th. Stop by their table before or after worship to buy a wreath to decorate your door AND to get to know our youth and their leaders a little better. Hand decorated wreaths are $20.
Seniors (65+)! Join us for Senior Social at 2 pm for refreshments and a time to catch up with one another. Then join us for the Christmas Joy Concert in the Sanctuary at 4pm!
This is one of our favorite holiday traditions! This musical event features our choir and an orchestra performing holiday favorites. No ticket required. There will be an opportunity to donate to the concert series during the concert. Bring a friend and kick off the holiday season with us on December 7 at 4 pm!
Grab a gift tag from our Giving Tree in the Welcome Center and pick up a gift card from the retailer listed on it. Donated gift cards will be given to our mission partners, The Hope Center and Urban Promise, to help them support their communities through the holiday season and into the new year. Return by 12/14.
Due to inclement weather, PCTR will be closed today. All activities today, Sunday 12/14, including worship, have been canceled. If you'd like to view this weekend's worship service, you can access the recording of our 5 pm Saturday service here: 12/13 Worship. This weekend's sermon can be viewed on our YouTube Channel at 12/13 Sermon
Please note this event has been postponed due to inclement weather. We'll provide details on when/if this film is rescheduled when they are available. Join us for a family fun (and free!) afternoon of snacks and movie fun on December 14! Presbyterian Women will be hosting this fun and festive event, and you’re invited! We’ll be watching “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!”, the story of what happens when a family of kids with a reputation for being trouble takes over the church Christmas pageant. Released in 2024, this film is sure to get you in...
If you'd like to donate a poinsettia in memory or celebration of a loved one this Christmas, grab an envelope in the Welcome Center or fill out a form online at pctr.org/poinsettia. Donations of $12/plant are due by December 17th. Include your name & the name of the person/people you wish to celebrate.
We’re throwing Jesus a birthday party and you’re invited! Join us on Sunday, December 21, at 4:45 pm for a night of holiday fun! Be there for our tree lighting, and then stick around for music, crafts, dinner, and more! There’s something fun for all ages. This is a free event, but we are encouraging guests to bring a ‘gift’ for the Hope Center to help them bless our neighbors this winter! We're collecting baby items like diapers, food, wipes, and other food pantry staples for infants and toddlers. This is a great opportunity to...
Join us for worship this Christmas Eve. We have four services to choose. 2 pm - Afternoon worship - The Sensory Room will be open at this service. 4 pm - Family Worship Service - Kid's Choir will sing & we'll have glow sticks for the final hymn 5:30 pm - Contemporary Worship - This is a candlelight service. Praise band will sing. 8 pm - Traditional Worship - This is a candlelight service. Sanctuary & Angel Choirs will sing.
Want to help make the night extra special for our guests? We’ve got an Amazon Wish List full of decorations and other items needed to pull off a spectacular event! Take a look at pctr.org/wishlist and consider donating an item or two.
Keep up to date on what’s happening at Presbyterian Church of Toms River.