The Centenary United Methodist Church in Lambertville, N.J., needs help to replace its heating system. The system failed last winter, and the contractor informed the church board that it could not be repaired. The cost of the new system is $40,000. Centenary has been a vital part of the community for over 150 years. For 11 years prior to its temporary closing due to COVID, the church sponsored a “Community Kitchen” that served a free buffet luncheon to about 100 guests every Wednesday. The volunteers also prepared and distributed 100 packaged meals to the homeless in Trenton. The Community Kitchen plans to reopen later this spring. During the pandemic, the church became the temporary home of the Delaware Valley Food Pantry after it closed due to the flood damage caused by Hurricane Ida. DVFP operated at Centenary for five months until the Lambertville City inspector allowed the pantry to move back into its permanent location at 1 Cherry Lane, Lambertville. The church has also served as a meeting place for local organizations, including multiple scout groups, AA groups, Bible School and ESL classes in addition to providing a venue for concerts, recitals, blood drives, block parties and numerous other community events. Centenary also shares its space with the Iglesias Pentecostal Umida Latino Americana Church which has weekly worship services for the Spanish-speaking community. The newest member of the Centenary family is the Open-Door Thrift Shop, which remained in operation throughout the pandemic and distributed of clothing and household goods to flood victims following Hurricane Ida. To donate, send a check to Centenary United Methodist Church at 108 Union St., Lambertville, N.J., 08530 and write “heater fund” on the memo line. There is also a GoFundMe campaign at “Centenary UMC Heater in the Cold.”
Join our readers whose generous donations are making it possible for you to read our news coverage. Help keep local journalism alive and our community strong. Donate today.
