A place to belong on Saddle River Road
Bergen Highlands United Methodist Church sits along West Saddle River Road in Upper Saddle River, a quiet Bergen County borough where the streets curve through wooded neighborhoods. The congregation describes itself with a simple phrase: "This is a place where you can belong." Members talk about a casual, come-as-you-are community of the kind the old song verse captures - where people greet one another by name, where newcomers are folded into the conversation rather than watched from a distance, and where the teachings of Jesus Christ are lived out in ordinary acts of love and service.
The church's vision is to be a vibrant, inclusive community where all deepen their faith, live with purpose, and share God's love through service and compassion. Worship, education, and outreach are framed not as separate programs but as a single rhythm of belonging.
Sunday mornings in the sanctuary
Regular Sunday worship gathers at 10:15 AM, with Holy Communion celebrated on the first Sunday of each month at an open table that invites Christians of all denominations to share in the sacrament. The service blends traditional and contemporary music, supported by organist Steve Freides and the direction of Choir Director Betsy Haley, creating an environment for prayer, learning, and spiritual growth.
Fellowship does not end when the final hymn does. After the service the congregation stays for a shared lunch, turning the close of worship into a meal together.
From the first Sunday in July through the first Sunday in September, the morning shifts to a café-style summer worship at 9:15 AM - a lighter, more informal gathering that fits the pace of the season.
Children at the center of Sunday
Children are not sent off to a side room while the service begins. Instead, they enter the sanctuary alongside their parents and remain there until the pastor's Time with Young Disciples, after which they head to their Sunday School classroom for a lesson tailored to their age and interests. Sunday School begins at 10:30 AM, and a nursery is available for the youngest members of the family.
The Youth Director is Pastor Miso Park, who oversees the congregation's ministry to young people alongside his role as the church's pastor.
Tuesday Bible study and the life of the Word
Midweek, the church gathers for Bible Study on Tuesdays at 7:00 PM. The group opens Scripture and explores its relevance to daily life, and the room is open to anyone who wants to join - members, seekers, and newcomers alike. It is one of the simplest doorways into the life of the congregation for those who cannot make a Sunday morning.
Past services can be viewed on the church's YouTube channel, allowing those at home or traveling to stay connected to the sermon and music.
A faith rooted in mission and community
Bergen Highlands names four core commitments. The congregation values Mission, being Christ-centered, Community, and Family. The church speaks of being led out of the walls of its building and into the surrounding neighborhoods, connecting with neighbors and becoming "the church of the world" rather than a self-contained institution.
This outward focus is reflected in a call to volunteer alongside giving. Those who want to share their gifts can join the congregation's outreach and event efforts, and financial gifts can be made online through the church's Venmo account.
The Alexander Ross Memorial Scholarship
Each year the church awards the Alexander Ross Memorial Scholarship, a $1,000 grant established in memory of Alexander Ross, a graduate of Wallkill Valley Regional High School known for his bright spirit, boundless energy, sensitivity, and kindness. The scholarship is given to a graduating high school senior who plans to pursue studies at an accredited trade school, college, or university, and it recognizes students who show meaningful involvement in their communities and a genuine commitment to serving others.
Applicants submit two letters of recommendation, an official transcript, a 300 to 500 word essay on their field of study and how their volunteer work has shaped them, and a copy of an acceptance letter from a post-secondary institution. The Scholarship Committee of Bergen Highlands United Methodist Church selects the recipient.
Leading the congregation
Pastor Rev. Miso Park serves as the church's pastor and youth director, and can be reached through the congregation at bergenhighlandsumc@gmail.com. Supporting the pastoral team are organist Steve Freides and Choir Director Betsy Haley, who shape the musical life of Sunday worship. The lay leadership includes Lay Leader Patricia Hiler and Lay Speaker Ken Gabbert. The Leadership Team is chaired by Patricia Hiler and includes Lorraine Meyer, Matt Mitovich, Ken Geary, Allyson Baker-Silverstein, Carla Kozen, Marie Alphee, and Russell Silverstein.
Visitors can find Bergen Highlands United Methodist Church at 318 West Saddle River Road in Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, with the church phone line at (201) 327-3960. A Facebook page and an active YouTube channel keep the wider community connected between Sundays, and a church calendar lists the rhythm of worship, study, and fellowship that fills the week.