I am Christopher Newton, a South Indian Christian, a resident of Plainsboro since 2003, and an elected Elder of First Presbyterian Church of Plainsboro. I am delighted to see the article “Finding Community in Shared Culture and Religion” (The News, April 18) about the presence of Indian Christians in and around Plainsboro, participating in local churches, sharing their culture and beliefs.
I have resided with my family in Plainsboro for more than 10 years, attending First Presbyterian Church of Plainsboro (FPCP), a multicultural church. When I moved in here in 2003 I just walked into FPCP, received a warm welcome by the pastor, Rev. Anita Milne, and the congregation made me feel at home. My children were 6 and 7 years old at that time and found this church a playing, learning, and spiritual growth center.
FPCP was founded in 1879 and is the oldest church in Plainsboro. The congregation includes more than 50 multicultural families, and among them are six Indian Christian families attending worship regularly. Three Indian Christians hold offices on the FPCP church board. Probably FPCP is the only church I knew that has a 18-year-old Indian Christian girl elected to be an Elder.
FPCP has several overseas mission programs, including monetary support to Vineyard Children’s Home in South India. A few years back FPCP had conducted a special outreach program to meet Asian Indian communities around Plainsboro to learn about their cultural values, their faith, and to understand their spiritual and communal needs.
Being at the center of the town of Plainsboro, FPCP records a strong presence in the community through its participation in community events such as Plainsboro Founders day, Peach festival (an outdoor jazz musical program conducted by FPCP and open to the community), as well as special events like summer picnic, fall frolic, and Easter egg hunt for children. This year o Easter Sunday morning several children from local communities participated in the Easter egg hunt event.
First Presbyterian Church of Plainsboro is located at 500 Plainsboro Road, Plainsboro. Sunday worship takes place at 10 a.m. For more information please visit www.plainsboropres.org or call 609-799-0855.
Christopher Newton
Ashford Drive, Plainsboro
