175TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

175th Anniversary Worship Service

Join us for a special worship service as we celebrate 175 years of faith, fellowship, and community. Pastor Ian Rankine will be joined by the Rev. Dr. Jeff Gibelius, who served Pluckemin from 2000 to 2007 and led the congregation through its 150th anniversary. Together they’ll share a conversation looking back on our church’s rich history, celebrating where we are today, and considering how we can continue to trust in God’s guidance for the future.

Through Scripture, prayer, and music from the Sanctuary Choir, the Carillons, and a brass quartet, we’ll give thanks for the generations who have shaped our church family and look ahead with hope to all that God has in store.

175th Anniversary Fundraising Dinner

We opened our anniversary year with an evening of celebration at the Bridgewater Manor. Members, families, and friends gathered around tables of ten to share a meal, reconnect, and give thanks for 175 years of faith, fellowship, and community.

Thank you to everyone who attended and supported the dinner. Your generosity helps carry our church’s mission into its next chapter.

Messy Anniversary: God Is Making All Things New

On the eve of the anniversary of our incorporation on March 11, 1851, our Messy Church community gathered to celebrate God’s faithfulness across 175 years. Over pizza and table conversation, families of every generation remembered how the people of Pluckemin have embraced new things throughout our history.

The evening featured a special anniversary video, songs of new life, “God Sightings” from the congregation, and a message from Isaiah 43 and 2 Corinthians 5. Together we read a covenant of recommitment, and each family took home seedlings, a reminder that God brings life from small beginnings.

“I am no longer my own, but yours.”

Leave Your Legacy Sunday

Our congregation gathered after worship for lunch, fellowship, and reflection on the legacy we hope to leave in the life of our church and community for generations to come.

Members contributed articles for our time capsule, shared ideas for a future legacy project, and learned about ways to support the church through bequests. Many added their names to commemorative leaves now displayed on the tree outside the church office, a lasting sign of a congregation rooted in Christ and growing in grace.

Rooted in Faith. Growing in Service.

Our church family and local community came together for a morning of fellowship and hands-on service, partnering with Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity, Somerville Area FISH, and Independence for Veterans. Volunteers of every age stained benches, potted flowers, and collected food and supplies for neighbors in need.

Thank you to everyone who gave their time, energy, and hearts to serve. Celebrating 175 years isn’t just about looking back; it’s about continuing to live out Christ’s love by serving others together.

Time Capsule Celebration & Dedication

On the anniversary of the laying of our church cornerstone, our congregation, VBS families, friends, and neighbors gathered in Fellowship Hall for a family-friendly dinner to fill and dedicate a time capsule.

Filled with items that represent the life and spirit of our church, it holds a snapshot of who we are today, including a photo album of Fall Fest, the Pumpkin Patch, Tree Lighting, VBS, Messy Church, Jammin’ with Jesus, Plucky Church, mission projects, choir, carillons, and Christmas celebrations.

Billy Joel Tribute Concert

We kicked off our 175th Anniversary weekend with an evening celebrating the music of Billy Joel. Neighbors, friends, and church family filled the hall, gathering around candlelit tables for a free tribute concert that had the whole room singing along.

Thank you to the band for a wonderful night of music, and to everyone who came out to celebrate with us as we commemorate 175 years of Pluckemin Presbyterian Church.