Received in my email inbox.
By Paul Goldfinger, MD, Editor, Blogfinger.net, Ocean Grove, NJ, USA. Home of the Blogfinger Off-Shore School of Medicine in OG.
Once again a document from the CMA refers to itself as “Ocean Grove.” Look at the cover of the summer guide above. In much smaller letters below it says, “Camp Meeting Association” and “God’s Square Mile at the Jersey Shore.”
We have complained about that mis-use of language.
And there are other titles which make it clear that this “Summer Program Guide” is mostly but not exclusvely about religious events. Some might believe that this is an all-inclusive summer guide for the town of Ocean Grove, but it is not!
You all should pick up one of these “2024 Summer Program Guides.” Go to the CMA’s headquarters near Days or go near the Auditorium to get one. Or search online.
Look through it to appreciate the enormous density of religious programming. Go to the “daily calendar” to see the specific events planned for nearly every day throughout the season. And judge for yourself what’s going on.
However, there are quite a few “secular activities,” but the idea that the CMA wants to proclaim Ocean Grove as a “Christian summer seaside resort” is evident in this booklet, and they are having their way, more and more each year.
There are hundreds of religious events, mostly small, but many are large and dominant such as the 2 day Bridgefest and the one week dedicated to the Camp Meeting where the “programs are designed to bring you closer to Jesus.”
There is a web site where more information can be obtained—Oceangrove.org. But it is not about Ocean Grove.
The dominance of the CMA all season long may not directly impact non-religious (ie secular) individuals, but this dense programming will create a busy atmosphere day and night all summer, and along with that the parking issues alone will keep many of us from having peace of mind this summer.
There have been concerns in the Grove about separation of church and state, but the CMA has been pretty careful to avoid such conflicts. It is the enormity of religious programming that is the main topic of interest. Will there be room for the rest of us?
However, if you are not here for “spiritual growth, birth and renewal” or for “The Way, the Truth and the Life,” you can find many opportunities to experience fun and games thanks to the CMA.
Unless you are super sensitive to the religious summer life here, you will find ways to enjoy yourself despite it all, and, after all, that is the heritage of Ocean Grove life. You need to know that if you plan to live or visit here.
Realtors have to educate home buyers and rental seekers to the fact that OG is not a typical Jersey Shore destination. And for many “secular” folks here, much of that religious life is actually quite satisfying—eg the Choir Festival and the Live Nativity.
As for me, I will try to focus on certain events, and try to accept the soft fog of religious goings-on all summer. As a photographer, Jewish, this environment can be rewarding and I will try to find more subject matter among that “world.”
Religion is under attack these days, but I think that religion is a breath of fresh air as we Americans try to share a just and democratic nation.
Here are the events that appeal to me, largely musical, but look over the booklet carefully yourself. If you are a music lover, use the booklet to fill in your calendar for these amazing musical programs.
a. Summer Stars Music Festival —the fabulous series of classical music offered by Gordon Turk. There is a separate brochure for that. Especially don’t miss the August 1 “Organ and Orchestra Finale.”
b. Atlantic Wind Ensemble. May 25. Superb!
c. 70th Annual Choir Concert July 20. . Unbelievable
d, Movie night on the beach. What movies?
e. Silent movie with organist August 3. (? what is the movie). This could be terrific in the GA with a guest organist.
f. Illumination Night with live music. Aug 10. This is a true community event with lights, kids and happiness despite religious touches.
g. Holiday Encores Concert in GA. Aug. 31. Sounds great.
h. Salvation Army New York Staff Band–Boardwalk Pavilion Sept 7. Salvation Army is known for their instrumental music. Don’t miss it
I Summer Band concerts on the boards; including one in the GA July 6. Wonderful .
j. Founders Day celebration. Aug. 3. Not sure
k. Sacred Masterworks Concert in GA. Bach and Mendelssohn. 8/25 7 pm. Yes!
l. Independence Parade July 6. Great fun, but they need some Sousa bands. Despite my complaints, you can’t miss with all the participants waving flags and having fun!
m. Organ recitals with Gordon Turk and guest stars. Check Fabulous! And there is one in particular: The first Organ Recital, on June 26 at 7:30 pm, will be performed by Olivier Latry, organist at the Cathedral of Norte Dame, Paris—–not to be missed !
n. Special music on Friday nights in July and August in the Boardwalk Pavilion—give it a try.
o. Imperial Brass July 4–Don’t miss this. Musicianship is over the top!
p. Songs on a Summer Afternoon. Sundays at 3:30. With the OG opera quartet. The best and most amazing musical bargain in America; Don’t miss it.
q. Aug 31. “At the Movies” musical concert. ? Don’t know.
r. “Activities on the Beach”. Go to Oceangrove.org/beach activities
s. Giant Craft Show June 15. Ugh! But I’m going for the photos. The best part are the visitors, and they are characters, and it is fun.
So enjoy and don’t forget the events which they ignored in this book: After all, June is busting out all over.
For example:
—-Art on the Porch: June 8. Artontheporch.org. It was a big hit at its inaugural last June.
—Blogfinger Town-Wide Yard Sale : June 22. See the Yard Sale page above on top. Blogfinger.net.
CONNIE FRANCIS: