Americana Choral Concert
Our Ocean Classic Concert Series will wrap our current season with an Americana Choral Concert featuring music for choir and orchestra. Join us on May 18, 2025 at 4pm.
What's Happening Now
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.
Loading view.
New Members Gathering
What does it mean to be a member at PCTR? Find out at our next new member gathering. At the end of this 3 part class, you’ll have the opportunity to join the church as a member. Sessions will take place on Thursdays at 6:30 pm on May 29, June 5 and June 12. Register at pctr.org/newmember
Mustard Seeds Playgroup
Children ages 1-5 and one of their favorite adults are invited to join us on June 5 , 9-11 am for Mustard Seeds, a morning of crafts, Bible stories, music and, of course, play time! Together we’ll learn more about God’s love for us. Contact Christi with any questions at [email protected] or call the church office at 732-349-1331.
Women’s Retreat
Do you see yourself the way the Father sees you or are you falling for the lies the enemy feeds you? We have the power in Christ to shape our thinking and we're going to explore what that looks like at this year's Women's Retreat, "Shaped by Faith: A Study in Philippians." We’ll start by walking through the book of Philippians and “Get Out of Your Head” by Jennie Allen during this two-day retreat. Registration at pctr.org/womensretreat
$130
Christian Writers’ Group
We all have a story to tell and if you’re interested in writing yours down, join our new Christian Writers’ Group! You’ll find motivation, supportive feedback, and the opportunity to encourage others! We’ll meet the second Saturday and the Fourth Tuesday of each month, June-August. Our first meeting is June 14 at 8:45 am.
Volunteers for Special Needs Ministry
Our Special Needs Ministry Friday Night Gatherings have grown! We’re looking for more volunteers to help us welcome our friends and their families. Consider joining us this Friday (6/13) to help serve pizza, play games, and spend time with our guests. Plan to join us around 6 pm. Email [email protected] for more info.
Pop The Trunk Bag Donation!
If you’ve got an excess collection of reusable shopping bags, help us support Pop the Trunk by building up their stock of bags! Each week, Pop the Trunk, a drive-through food pantry in our parking lot on Friday mornings, gives 3-4 bags of food per household to hundreds of households. They’re in need of bags to keep up with the demand. Bring them in to the Welcome Center any time between now and June 15.
Sermon Discussion Group
Who knew such a short book of the Bible could have so much to consider! Join us on Sunday at 10:30 am or Monday at 6:30 pm for our Sermon Discussion Groups and dig a little deeper into this week’s message. These groups meet weekly. Make one of them part of your weekly routine!
Next Gen Students: Ice Cream Social
Calling all 5th graders! Next Gen Student Ministry wants to welcome you to middle school! Join us on June 23 from 6 - 8 pm for an Ice Cream Social. Meet other new middle schoolers, our ministry leaders, and other students! Older students are welcome to join us.
Christian Writers’ Group
We all have a story to tell and if you’re interested in writing yours down, join our new Christian Writers’ Group! You’ll find motivation, supportive feedback, and the opportunity to encourage others! We’ll meet the second Saturday and the Fourth Tuesday of each month, June-August. Our next meeting is June 24 at 7 pm.
VBS Volunteers!
As a VBS volunteer, you can be part of something special! There are lots of different ways to pitch in – from behind the scenes prep work before the big week to crew leaders, snack helpers, and station leaders during the August 4-8 stretch. Register online at pctr.org/volunteer. Volunteer orientation will be on June 26th!
VBS Workdays
There's a lot of work that goes into getting things VBS ready around here and we're looking for "Behind the Scenes" helpers to assist in pulling it all together. There are decorations to make, snacks to pack, crafts to prep, name tags to make, and so much more. That's why we have scheduled a series of work days this summer to get it all pulled together. Come to as many as you can. June 28 at 9 am, July 17 at 6:30 pm, and July 30 at 1 pm.
Summer Church School Volunteers
Church School continues all summer long and that means we need your help! Our school year volunteers take a well earned break over the summer. Summer Church School Volunteers like YOU make that possible! Stop by the Welcome Center or see Christi to sign-up for one (or more!) dates this summer to help. Email [email protected] with questions.
Homework Volunteers
The school year has come to an end but we’re already prepping for September! We want to support K-5 students at Walnut Street Elementary by providing after school homework support. If you’re interested in learning how you can help, join us for an information session after each worship service the weekend of July 12 & 13.
VBS Snacks
We need some help building up our stash of snacks for Vacation Bible School! We’ve got a specific list of snacks foods we’re collecting. Before you go shopping, grab a list from the Welcome Center or use the following list: Goldfish, Snyder’s Pretzels, Oreos, Cheez-its, Pirate Booty, Ziploc sandwich bags, 8 oz bottles of water. Bring your donations back in by 7/13.
New Member First Gathering
What does it mean to be a member at PCTR? Find out at our next new member gathering on July 13 and 27 at 12 pm. At the end of this 2-part class, you’ll have the opportunity to join the church as a member. Lunch is provided. Sign-up at pctr.org/new member.
Summer Choir
Whether you sing every week in a choir or only sing in the shower, Summer Choir is for you! We will hold one rehearsal on July 16 and have three opportunities to sing. Music will be accessible and fun to sing. (We’re singing in worship on July 20, July 27 and August 3 at the 9:30 am worship service.)
VBS Workdays
There's a lot of work that goes into getting things VBS ready around here and we're looking for "Behind the Scenes" helpers to assist in pulling it all together. There are decorations to make, snacks to pack, crafts to prep, name tags to make, and so much more. That's why we have scheduled a series of work days this summer to get it all pulled together. Come to as many as you can. June 28 at 9 am, July 17 at 6:30 pm, and July 30 at 1 pm.
Project Stall (Human Trafficking Awareness)
Our Human Trafficking Awareness team will be distributing literature to restaurants and hotels in Ocean County. The materials, provided by local officials, provides information about support services and safety to those who may be or may know a victim of human trafficking. Volunteers are needed to help distribute the materials on the evening of July 21. Training will be provided and groups of 4 will travel from PCTR to various locations.
Summer KidMin Tuesday
Kids, if you’re headed into Kindergarten - 5th grade, bring your family and join us for some KidMin Tuesday fun this summer! On July 22 and August 19, we’ll play some games and enjoy some ice cream. Contact Christi with questions or to RSVP.
Walnut Street Elementary Work day
We’ll be painting classrooms and pitching in at Walnut Street Elementary School on July 28 & 29 from 9 am to 4 pm. This is a great opportunity for volunteers of all ages to support our neighborhood by blessing one of our township schools with some much needed TLC. Call the church office with questions or to RSVP at 732-349-1331 or email [email protected].
VBS Workdays
There's a lot of work that goes into getting things VBS ready around here and we're looking for "Behind the Scenes" helpers to assist in pulling it all together. There are decorations to make, snacks to pack, crafts to prep, name tags to make, and so much more. That's why we have scheduled a series of work days this summer to get it all pulled together. Come to as many as you can. June 28 at 9 am, July 17 at 6:30 pm, and July 30 at 1 pm.
True North: Vacation Bible School
We’re going on a wild adventure with this year’s Vacation Bible School! Join us August 4 - 8, 2025 as we take kids on the ultimate Alaskan adventure where northern lights glow over majestic mountains, racing rivers, and glistening glaciers. More info & registration at pctr.org/vbs
School Supply Collection
We know you're enjoying your summer, but it's time to talk about school supplies! We're collecting donations starting July 20-August 10th. Your contributions will be distributed to students who need them through our mission partners at the Hope Center and Urban Promise. Grab a list of items we’re collecting in the Welcome Center or at pctr.org/now
Summer Celebration
Join us on August 10 at 12 pm for an afternoon of good food and good fun! There will be activities for all ages, lunch, and ice cream. It’s a great opportunity to share life with other followers of Jesus! Come get to know others at PCTR, and some of our friends from VBS. This is a free event. Interested in volunteering? Excellent! We need your help with food service, games, and greeting. If you’re able to volunteer, stop by the Welcome Center or register at pctr.org/summercelebration
Backyard BBQs
Stories & Meals was a great opportunity to get to know people in our church family better. Let’s do it again at some relaxing and casual backyard BBQs in July and August! Sign up at pctr.org/bbq or in the Welcome Center to Host a BBQ or to be a Guest at a BBQ. The Hosts will set the date and details. Guests will bring a dish to share.
Beach Baptism/Reaffirmation
On August 17, we will have a unique opportunity on the beach in Seaside Park for those wishing to be baptized or to reaffirm their baptism. Bring a towel (you will be in the ocean & getting wet!) and a chair, if you’d like one. Join us at the L Street beach entrance. (If you have not been baptized before, register at pctr.org/beachbaptism so we can schedule a time for you to meet with a pastor before 8/17.)
Summer KidMin Tuesday
Kids, if you’re headed into Kindergarten - 5th grade, bring your family and join us for some Summer KidMin Tuesday fun! On August 19 from 6:30 - 8pm, we’ve got a full evening of fun & ice cream for the whole family. Contact Christi with questions or to RSVP.
Presbyterian Women 2025 Kick-off
Presbyterian Women is kicking off a new year and a new study! Join us at our Fall Kick-off Gathering on September 6 from 11 am - 2 pm for an opportunity to connect with other women of the church and to explore this year’s study on “Finding Resilience, Joy & Our Identity in Jesus Christ." All women are welcome! Brunch will be served. RSVP to [email protected] or in the Welcome Center.
Fall Kick-off
Wear your team jersey, uniform, or school shirt and join us in worship this weekend. We’ll take a moment during the service to pray for you in this new school year. You’ll also have the chance to learn about all the new opportunities to connect to full life in Jesus at PCTR this fall. Join us at any of our weekend services: Saturday, 5 pm, Sunday 9:30 am, or Sunday 10:30 am.
Sermon Discussion Groups Return
Did the weekend sermon get your wheels turning? Are you wondering how it applies to your life? Our Sermon Discussion Groups meet each week to continue exploring the topic together. We start the week of September 7 & 8.
Next Gen Student Info Meeting
Parents and students, come hear about what’s in store for this year! Got questions? There will be space to ask! Join us after worship on September 7 after worship (around 12 pm).
Next Gen Student Kick-off: Foam Party!
Hey, middle school and high school students! We’re hosting a Foam Party to kick off the school year! Meet us in the church parking lot on Monday, September 8th from 6-7:30 pm! It's time to get sudsy! Bring a towel and bring a friend!
Contemplative Prayer
Our Contemplative Prayer group meets the first Monday of each month. Our next series of Contemplative Prayer Workshops will be September 8 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.
Grief Share returns
As we try to navigate life after the death of a loved one, we can feel isolated and alone. This is the space Grief Share steps into. This weekly group offers support to people grieving the death of a loved one. It’s a place where you can be around others who understand the pain of your loss and how you feel as you come to terms with it. Grief Share meets every Tuesday at 10 am for 13 weeks beginning September 9.
Thursday Morning Study Group
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.
Homework Club
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
Night to Shine Fundraiser!
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.
Family Fun Night
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!
Human Trafficking Awareness 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
New Jersey Symphony Chamber Players
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!
KidMin Tuesday Returns
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!
Next Gen Students: Atlantic Farms
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
New Member Classes
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
Spiritual Conversations Small Groups
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...
Contemplative Prayer
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.
Mustard Seeds Playgroup
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.
Church Clean-up Day
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!
Coat Drive
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.
Volunteer for Night to Shine!
Our team is starting to plan for the 2026 Night to Shine on February 13, 2026 and we need YOUR help making sure our guests have a sensational time! Night to Shine is a prom-type event for Special Needs individuals age 14 years and up, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation and hosted at the Presbyterian Church of Toms River. We’ve got an extensive list of volunteer roles to be filled and we’re opening VOLUNTEER registration for it now. Sign-up at pctr.org/ntsvolunteer. To find a full list of roles we're looking to fill visit Night to Shine Volunteer.
Homework Club
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.
Join Our Newsletter
Keep up to date on what’s happening at Presbyterian Church of Toms River.