A congregation in Union County is without a home after emergency maintenance forced them out of their Linden building.

“At this time, we don't have a home,” said Gale Cook, wife of the pastor at New Life at First Church. “We're looking for God to open a door for us so that we can have our own home.”

New Life at First Church started during the COVID-19 pandemic. They’ve spent most of the last two years at a building in Linden that has since changed ownership.

Wednesday night, the pastor says he was told that planned construction was moved up on an emergency basis - forcing the congregation to pack up before the end of the week.

“We have our full church in storage,” said Cook. “Our pulpit, our communion tables, chairs, tables.” The move did not stop Sunday services. The congregation joined in with another in Avenel, a community in Woodbridge Township. But they need to find a more permanent solution.

“Somebody’s out there with a church that is empty,” Cook said. “The word needs to be spread.”

New Life says it needs a building it can use on Sundays and also for weekly bible study. Anyone who may be able to help can call Cook at 908-251-7437 or email newlife.firstchurch@gmail.com.