BRADLEY BEACH – The First United Methodist Church of Bradley Beach seeks to raise almost $5,000 to improve conditions in its Fellowship Hall, a meeting center for programs such as the “Shepherd’s Table” meals for the needy.
Specifically, the church seeks to raise $4,650 for 12 tables and 110 chairs. The cost includes 110 reinforced folding chairs with a vinyl padded back and seat at a cost of $27 each totaling $2,970.00.
The first service in the church building was convened on Oct. 4, 1900, and has been in continuous service meeting the needs of generation after generation. Like any other building, time and service have taken their toll. Necessary repairs are now needed.
Near the end of 2012 several people joined together and decided it was time to take action to save the church building from major deterioration. These volunteers started by renovating Fellowship Hall which is used by various groups seven days a week. The “Shepherd’s Table” is one of the main groups with many volunteers who prepare, cook, and serve breakfast and dinner free of charge to people of need. On one of their recent busy days the group served 100 meals to people experiencing some of these lost necessities of life.
The volunteers renovating Fellowship Hall have turned it into a new gathering place with repairs to the plumbing, electric system, the walls and ceiling, a new tile floor, plastering and painting, and much more.
Church officials said there are improvements needed now that will involve more than volunteer labor so that Fellowship Hall can be properly and comfortably used. The most immediate need is for new tables and chairs. The purchase of these items will require expenditures which are presently beyond the funds available by the church.
Those wishing to donate should make checks payable to the First United Methodist Church of Bradley Beach. The donation may be mailed to Eileen Schwartz, 238 18th Avenue, Brick, NJ 08723 or to George Moffet, 10 Racquet Road, Wall, NJ 07719.
