An important goal in every aspect of this ministry is the establishment and nurture of healthy, nurturing relationships – with God through Jesus Christ, with each other, and with ourselves.  Therefore, in the first years of the new millennium, a key priority for the congregation and leadership of the First Presbyterian Church of Cranford is to envision, plan, fund and staff the kind of ongoing and one-time experiences that bring God’s people closer together and closer to the Presence of the Living God. 

 In today’s increasingly fast-paced world, it’s easy for individuals and families to become isolated and self-absorbed.  The Christian and Presbyterian conviction is that a true life of faith in Christ is lived out in community, and that the renewing, transforming Spirit of Life does its best work when the walls that divide us are broken down, and that, as Jesus promises, “where two or three are gathered, there I am also.” 

 First Presbyterian Church’s warm, welcoming and relevant worship life is the centerpiece of our ministry of fellowship.  In worship, adults and children of all ages and perspectives are united in the Spirit.  Ongoing opportunities for “hands-on” outreach to others (the H.O.M.E. program welcoming homeless families into our “church home” several times each year; cooking and/or serving meals to the hungry in the weekly Agape Soup Kitchen in Elizabeth), as well as Sunday morning and mid-week educational offerings, provide more opportunities for friends, visitors and members alike to establish and deepen relationships while learning and/or serving others.  Finally – from the Couples Club to the Membership Exploration groups to the Youth Fellowship to Presbyterian Women to Paul’s People (singles) to any of our ministry divisions and committees – the First Presbyterian Church of Cranford family is actually made up of the kind of wide ranging smaller and larger fellowship groups that deepen and expand a life-giving relationship with the living God.