June, 2019. Ocean Pathway. Paul Goldfinger photo. Blogfinger.net
By Paul Goldfinger, MD, Blogfinger.net. Ocean Grove, NJ, USA 3/27/24
Pathway music for the teens…THE CHIFFONS:
Editor’s note: This topic began as a letter to the editor–Blogfinger.net, in the summer of 2019. It was an impressive letter that inspired provocative comments. (see below) .
I’m not exactly sure why this letter is still of interest to some of our readers. We can tell that readers still are sending this post to others, even now.
But why? Liquid Church is no longer present in the Grove—according to their web site. And there are no religious services on the Ocean Pathway as far as I know.
In my opinion the Pathway is used too often for all too many large events. The residents need to complain about that.
We at Blogfinger.net are chronic complainers about the mega events, many of which are held on the Pathway, which ruin in-season Saturdays in the Grove. That is why I am the Complainer-In-Chief (CIC.)
So because of the ongoing interest in this topic, we are reposting the letter and all its comments below. Anyone can (3/24) add more opinions by using the comment button below or sending a note to Blogfinger@verizon.net. Or they can send the post to others. Do that by clicking on the “email” button below. Or just tell your contacts to go to Blogfinger.net and scroll down.
I do know that there is a service at the Boardwalk Pavilion every Sunday at 9 am in-season sponsored by St. Paul’s Church. But the Pathway is, I think, spared.
We are not interested at Blogfinger.net in the theology of it all, but we are very interested in OG lifestyles and especially in how the CMA has been enlarging its presence in the Grove. The clash of “church vs state” here will continue to be a concern until the citizens can enjoy enforcement of Constitutional protections to wit freedom of religion and freedom from religion in this town.
Paul Goldfinger, MD. Blogfinger.net. 3/27/24 Ocean Grove, NJ, USA
This is what Ocean Pathway should look like. Paul Goldfinger photo. Blogfinger.net Click image to enlarge. June 2019.
From Liquid Church Instagram 2019.
6/3/19 Ocean Grove, NJ. Letter to the Editor of Blogfinger.net
Paul,
I have never seen neighbors on the Ocean Pathway as angry as they are now. And, they are concerned that leaders from Liquid Church (LC) say they will be back every weekend. LC’s website proudly announces that they are branching out into Monmouth County via Ocean Grove.
Residents ask why the Town was ever alerted to this activity as they have been to other events, such as the Flea Market.
Neighbors on the Pathway were appalled to see some seven food trucks (some with neon and offensive signs) blocking off streets and feeding hundreds on he lawn. The beach was overwhelmed (no badge checkers.) Cars were parked illegally. Piercing, loud noises were broadcast from the Auditorium.
One neighbor went to the service and said there was nothing but loud music and screaming. The neighbors said the entire program was a pitch for members and it sounded like a cult. There were lots of teens in the group.
By the way, the LC website implies that they welcome LGBTQ which I find ironic given the Camp Meeting’s closed views. (Perhaps Camp Meeting didn’t do their homework or CM is desperate for money, assuming LC is renting facilities.)
Neighbors here don’t care about LC’s mission, they just don’t want them invading our lawns, beach, streets, and facilities which we pay taxes and CM fees to maintain and enjoy.
Another underlying issue—Why was Saturday night entertainment removed in favor of the Liquid Church fiasco?
Sincerely, OG Resident.
TONY BENNETT: This song supplies the mood that we usually expect in the Grove–especially on a Sunday at the Ocean Pathway.
