by 

Elsie Walker

“Community” is a word that comes up a great deal when talking about Drakestown UMC (United Methodist Church).  It welcomes the community to its worship.  It reaches out to the local community in different ways, such as its food pantry, and provides a variety of events open to the community. Also, the church’s Friendship Hall provides a gathering place for community groups. Located at a crossroads of sorts between Mt. Olive, Long Valley and Hackettstown, the church’s address is 6 Church Road, Hackettstown.  Recently, its pastor, Sharon Hoff, talked about the church’s history, Sunday worship, outreach, events, and ways the community can help get involved in its work.

Hoff noted that, “Drakestown United Methodist Church was founded in 1811 and has served as a faithful presence in the community for 215 years.  The current sanctuary was erected in 1850, and Friendship Hall was added in the 1956 as a gathering place for both church and community activities.” 

“Throughout its history, Drakestown has remained an intimate, family-oriented congregation where relationships are valued, and members are encouraged to participate actively in the life of the church. Our church culture welcomes broad participation, values diverse perspectives, and encourages individuals to use their God-given gifts in ministry, service, and mission,” said Hoff.

Hoff, who has been the pastor of the church for four years, shared about her pastoral life, family, and interests outside of the pulpit.  When asked what inspired her to become a pastor, she noted that it was like the lyrics of the hymn, “Pass It On” which says, “That’s how it is with God’s love. Once you’ve experienced it, you spread His love to everyone. You want to pass it on.”   She felt called to share her experience of love, salvation and transformation with all who were willing to hear it. What she enjoys most about being a pastor is watching the transformation of people, which is always life-changing. “Journeying with people through their lives, affirming who they are in Christ and being an active listener fulfills my calling,” Hoff said   When asked about her family and interests, Hoff  shared that she is married with three adult children. Their beloved family dog, Cody, died but doggie love is still in the house, thanks to  Max, a schnoodle they inherited from Hoff’s  mother.  Hoff said she loves kayaking on a cabin body of water, reading by the fire on a rainy day, and enjoying the peace of falling snow in winter and the simple joys of the season like building snowmen. “One hobby I hope to pursue someday is pottery. I would especially love to create a handcrafted traveling communion set to use during home and pastoral visits,” she shared.

Sunday worship at Drakestown UMC is at 10:30am ( live streamed on Facebook at  www.facebook.com/DrakestownUMC ) and includes time for quiet contemplation and fellowship. The service is blended with a strong emphasis on the traditional.  Traditional hymns are sung complemented by contemporary music, both with digital accompaniment.  “We believe that music is a vital expression of faith and an integral part of worship, helping to open our hearts to God’s presence and drawing us closer to the work of the Holy Spirit,” said Hoff.   Noting that the church is prayfully looking for opportunities and people to enhance its musical offering, she added, “If [someone has] a gift for singing, playing an instrument, or sharing their musical talents in worship, we will warmly welcome their participation.”

The weekly Sunday message explains what the scriptures meant to those originally hearing them and how God’s word is still relevant today. Hoff noted that, “The goal is to deepen faith, encourage spiritual growth, and equip believers to live out the gospel in their homes, workplaces, and communities.” There is a children’s message, when children are present in worship. Children are welcomed to participate in worship alongside their parents.  “We welcome the sounds, questions, and energy that children bring, recognizing them as valued members of God’s family and an important part of the church’s present and future,”. Once a month after worship, there is a coffee fellowship time. 

There is also fellowship through seasonal Bible studies at Advent and Lent and other opportunities.  “Throughout the year, we gather for special events, particularly during the holiday seasons, as well as community picnics and other opportunities for connection. These gatherings provide a welcoming space for members and friends to share time together, build relationships, and strengthen the sense of family that is central to our congregation,” said Hoff. 

As for youth groups and youth religious education opportunities, Hoff noted,  “We warmly invite parents, volunteers, educators, ministry leaders, and community members to join us in developing innovative programs that will enrich the spiritual growth and personal development of our children and youth. Whether you have experience in teaching, mentoring, music, arts, sports, counseling, technology, or event planning, your gifts and ideas can help create meaningful opportunities for the next generation.”  She invites people to “join us as we invest in the future of our church and community. Your participation can make a lasting difference in the lives of young people.”  For more information or to become involved, contact Hoff at  908- 852- 4460

Drakestown UMC reaches out to the community in a variety of ways.   At its monthly fellowship time after worship, the congregation works on its greeting card ministry for Paragon Village, an independent and assisted living center.   The cards remind residents that they are loved.  The church has been doing the ministry for about a year and a half and is looking to expand it to hold events like an ice cream social for the residents. 

Other outreaches touch a wide variety of people.  The church holds a yearly Vacation Bible School and an Easter Egg Hunt for children.  It has a food pantry that is open on the second Saturday of each month from 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. and the fourth Monday of each month from 2:00pm–4:00 p.m., providing support and resources for individuals and families in the community.  The proceeds from an outside clothing donation bin help support the pantry.  (Hoff noted that the clothing is given to people, not shredded. Items that are accepted are listed on the church’s website: http://drakestownchurch.com)   Also, the church offers a free Thanksgiving dinner before the holiday and a free spiritual retreat.  At the retreat, there is mindful meditation, journaling, scripture reading, and personal reflection time.  When they are aware of families in need, the church holds fundraising dinners.  Also, this summer the church has been in the process of creating a community garden. 

The church hosts AA and OA groups as well as being the winter home for Tai Chi Walking and Short Form Classes. “These wellness classes typically meet at Alumni Field and move to Friendship Hall during the winter months on Saturday mornings at 11:00 a.m,” said Hoff.  Friendship Hall serves as a community gathering space and is available for community use. For more information or to inquire about availability, contact the church at 908-852-4460 or email Drakestownchurch@gmail.com

“We are deeply grateful for the many community partners who walk alongside Drakestown United Methodist Church in serving our neighbors and strengthening our community. Through shared commitments, collaboration, and mutual support, we are able to extend the reach of our ministries and respond to the needs around us in meaningful ways,” shared Hoff.

Finally, looking ahead,  the church has several upcoming events.   

Free Movie Day: August 8th at  2 pm “A Turtle’s Tale: Sammy’s Adventures”  

Craft Fair   September 13th, 1pm-4pm

Free Spirtual Retreat:  September  27th  1pm-4pm 

Church hosts Life Line screening: October 15th,  9am – 3pm, (To book an appointment go to lifelinescreeening.com and enter zip code 07840).

Fundraising Dinner:   Oct 18, 4-7pm, Bring friends to enjoy a meal while helping those in the community.

Thanksgiving Dinner :  November  21st ,  4pm-7 pm

Longest Night Service:   December  21st ,  4:30 pm

Drakestown United Methodist Church

6 Church Road, Hackettstown. 

(908) 852-4460

http://drakestownchurch.com