Our spiritual Path Begins
Connect on a deeper level!
Our spiritual Path Begins
Connect on a deeper level!
Connect on a deeper level!
Connect on a deeper level!
SUNDAYS: We are open for in-person worship at 12:00 pm
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https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8822891264
Meeting ID: 882 289 1264
(646) 876-9923
Meeting ID: 882 289 1264
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A Church in the Community, for the Community: Jerseyville
With its tall, white spire reaching towards the heavens, Jerseyville United Methodist Church serves as a beacon of God’s light in the surrounding community. The church is just off Route 33, on Howell Road, its spire visible from quite a distance and well known to locals.
Obituary of Pastor Ray Schmeling
Pastor Ray Schmeling, 71, of Freehold celebrated his return home to the Lord on Friday, January 31, 2025 after enduring 24 difficult days in the ICU of New York Presbyterian Hospital.
Born in Neptune, he lived in Holmdel with his parents through high school. Ray spoke fondly of his days after graduation living in Englishtown before purchasing his first home in Howell, NJ.
Here he met his beloved wife of 40 years Joanne where they raised their two children Matthew and Melanie. He spent his early career days as a truck driver before answering God’s call to ministry in 1994.
Pastor Ray ministered to many in his 30+ years serving the United Methodist Church, venturing around the state with his family, grateful to experience all the rich landscapes NJ has to offer.
As a family they moved as far north as the mountains near the Delaware Water Gap in the majestic Warren County; all the way south to the serene shores of Cape May County.
They also experienced the vibrant Suburbs of Central Jersey; the beautiful Blueberry Capital in the Pine Barrens of Atlantic County; the farmlands and hills in both Cumberland and Gloucester Counties; until finally, Ray, Joanne, Matthew (and Jacques) retired to their forever home in Freehold where he accepted appointment to his final two part-time churches.
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Pastor Ray credited the growth in each of his churches to his passion for prioritizing ministry to youth and children,
“’Let the children come’ said Jesus “..and they’ll bring their friends and their families too“ he’d say. (Matthew 19:14)
Endearingly he would respond to what some may have called disruptive behavior by cracking a joke:
“Praise GOD for the children- including those over there hiding & giggling under the Lord’s table during the middle of worship service”
His goofiness revealed his adoration for and acceptance of children, welcoming their laughter and brightness they exuded.
Ray was known to love a good car and owned many; on his days off he could be seen enjoying some of his favorites from his sporty ‘93 Mercedes 500SL Roadster Convertible or his (most adored) Dodge Challenger with the 5.7L HEMI V8 muscle car.
You couldn’t keep Ray far from his love of the ocean he described as “having salt water in his blood” from childhood summers and many vacations spent enjoying the Jersey Shore.
He was an avid lover of history and loved to read.
Pastor Ray will be remembered for his deep booming voice and laugh; his keen ability to make every person feel truly seen; and (at his whopping height of 6’6”!) his gentle giant charisma that brightened and touched the lives of so many.
He joins in Heaven his son, Matthew Schmeling; and parents, August and Vivian Schmeling; many aunts, uncles and long time friends; along with his many precious K9 companions (most especially) his Retired Seeing-Eye German Shepherd, Kendall.
Raymond is survived by his adoring wife Joanne of 40 years, & their feisty Jack Russell Terrier Jacques; daughter Melanie Schmeling-Goodman and grandchildren Taylor and Noah; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, sibling-in-laws, colleagues, friends, and his beloved church families.
Visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Thursday, February 13, 2025 from 3:00 to 7:00 PM.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his 11:00 AM funeral service at the Funeral Home on Friday, February 14, 2025.
For those from far away, the family invites you to participate via Webcast, HERE.
Interment will be private.
For information, directions, or to leave condolence messages to the family, please visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com
As Pastor Ray would say, “Do not sorrow, for the Joy of the Lord is your strength!” (from: Nehemiah 8:10)
Visitation
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Thursday, February 13, 2025
Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home
100 Elton-Adelphia Road
Freehold Township, New Jersey, United States
Funeral Service
11:00 am
Friday, February 14, 2025
Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home
100 Elton-Adelphia Road
Freehold Township, New Jersey, United States
Obituary Source: Claytonfuneralhome.com/tribute-ajax/print-obituary.html?id=5594