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.
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
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
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
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.
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.)
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 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.
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.
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.
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).
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!
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.
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.
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.
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. This session meets weekly January 6 - February 3 and then will return after a short break to meet weekly from February 24 to March 24.
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! Our January get together will be the SECOND Tuesday of the month (1/8) at 9:30 am. Also mark your calendar for February 5.
Students grades 6-12, let’s go for the gold! We’re kicking off 2026 with our own version of the Winter Olympics. Channel your inner Olympian and come ready for a night of friendly competition. Bring a friend!
On the second Friday of each month, teens and young adults with special needs and disabilities gather for an evening of pizza, fun, and friendship. In January, come ready to stretch and learn some basic martial arts moves with our friend Mr. Jason. Volunteers welcome!
This historical novel, written by Margaret Cotton, is rich in extensive research, encourages us to search for our purpose in life, our commitment to others, our confidence in God, and the price we are willing to pay for a more just society and nation. Come with your thoughts and questions and join our discussion led by Margaret! Books will be available for purchase and light refreshments will be served.
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. A new session begins January 13 at 10 am.
This January we will have the opportunity to prep and pack over 100,000 meals with our partners, Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) MobilePack, and we need YOUR help to do it! FMSC will provide all the supplies. We’re mustering up the manpower! These meals will be shipped around the globe to children who need it. Register online at https://give.fmsc.org/pctr. Sign-up for one or more time blocks in the three day span. Open to everyone aged 5 and up.
This foundational course is for anyone who has questions about the Bible – whether you have been reading the Bible for years, or you are thinking about getting your first Bible. We will spend four weeks answering questions like: Is the Bible reliable? Where do I start reading? How do I read it? What is the difference between the versions of the Bible? Does the Bible apply to us today? How do I read and study the Bible?
Due to inclement weather, PCTR will be closed. All activities on Tuesday, 1/27, including office hours, have been canceled.
Grab a meal at BJs (1275 Hooper Avenue, Toms River) on January 29 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 and online as the date gets closer!
Mustard Seeds is THIS Thursday, Februrary 5 at 9:30 am. 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!
Our concert choir is getting ready to start rehearsing for this spring’s concert (May 17) and we’re looking for new voices to join us! No audition, all welcome! Weekly PCTR Concert Choir rehearsals begin Thursday, February 5. Rehearsals are held at the church in the large music room, generally Thursdays from 7:30-8:30pm.
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.
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...
Ash Wednesday marks the start of the Lenten season, a time of preparation leading into Easter Sunday. Join us for worship on Wednesday, February 18 at either 12 pm or 7 pm.
On February 21, 9-11:30 am, join us at "Love, Loss, and Living," a seminar that explores the unique, yet universal experience of moving from loss to life. Christy Morford, our guide, is a Certified Grief Educator and Companion, having studied extensively with Dr. Alan Wolfelt, an internationally known author and expert on grief and loss. Christie is a member of Manasquan Presbyterian Church and a personal friend of Pastor David. She's blessed to share what she has learned through her own grief journey and through the mentorship of Dr. Wolfelt. Participants are invited to bring...
Friends, in anticipation of heavy snowfall and high winds, PCTR will be closed on Monday, February 23. Scheduled meetings and activities for PW, Adult Discipleship, and Next Gen Students have been canceled. The scheduled Deacon Executive Board meeting has moved to Zoom.
The snow may have stopped, but the cleanup continues! The church will be closed again on Tuesday, February 24. Meetings and activities scheduled for Tuesday have been canceled, including KidMin Tuesday, Grief Share, PW circles, and commission meetings.
Kids, grab your parents, your grandparents, and your friends! We’re going to have a blast at our Family Fun Night! There will be snacks, bounce-houses and loads of fun for the whole family!
We’re launching our next New Member Gathering! Learn what it means to be a member at PCTR. 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 Sundays from 12 pm to 1:30 pm on the following schedule: March 1, March 15, March 29. Lunch will be served. Register at pctr.org/newmember
Keep up to date on what’s happening at Presbyterian Church of Toms River.