Osceola Presbyterian Church in Clark Welcomes New Pastor, Offers Christmas Services

Release submitted by Osceola Presbyterian Church.

Reverend Brian Croak was recently installed as the new minister at Osceola Presbyterian Church in Clark. Pastor Brian hopes to find new ways to reach the community. Osceola Church has been active in the area for over sixty years. Pastor Brian said, “My hope for Osceola Presbyterian Church is to encourage fresh ways for our congregation to connect with and serve this local community, and to create a place of acceptance and trust where people can come when they need assurance of God’s presence in their lives.”

Pastor Croak is a lifelong New Jersey resident grew up in the shore town of Spring Lake, the fifth of six children. He double majored in philosophy and communications at Monmouth University and upon graduation became a campus minister at Rutgers University in New Brunswick for five years.

He then attended Princeton Seminary and graduated in 1991. Before coming to Osceola, he served three congregations in Rumson, South Amboy and Lincroft. Fredy Reyes, a long time parishioner, said, “The church is very excited to have Pastor Brian aboard. His energy is infectious and if you visit one Sunday, you are sure to stay.”

Osceola Presbyterian Church also welcomes everyone to participate in their upcoming Christmas services.

Pastor Brian Croak is excited to deliver a number of sermons in preparation for the Christmas season. The sermon for December 23rd at 10 a.m. will be "Mary’s Visit: How You Can Learn To Dream Again. Luke 1:39-56." In addition, the December 24th service on Monday @ 7 Pm will be a family oriented event including a candlelight service.   

Church members hope to help bring some happiness into the lives of the less fortunate this season in a variety of ways. Dozens of shoe boxes were collected, filled with little toys, pens and pencils and other small items. The boxes are shipped worldwide to bring a smile to poor children through the collected efforts of Church World Services. In addition parishioners collected many gifts for the poor through their "Christmas Angel" program.

Fran Bradley, President of Deacons, said, "This is what we do. Our church is devoted to helping others through the efforts of the deacons board and the church at large."

Located at 1689 Raritan Road, Osceola Presbyterian Church offers many programs to visitors, members and the community. The church youth group welcomes young men and women between 5th grade and early college. Sunday school is available each Sunday at 9 a.m. for all ages, including adults. The church maintains a pantry for the needy, helps provide gifts for underprivileged children and supports missions in the US and around the world. The nursery school continues to offer an excellent program for youngsters. In addition, a number of independent 12 step programs call the church their home. Services are held each Sunday at 10 a.m. For further information please contact the church office Tuesday-Friday at 908-276-5300.