Christ Episcopal Church 400 Ramapo Avenue, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442

"I decided to share my experience working at Shepherd's Haven despite it not being recent because I believe it's important to warn others seeking a safe place for their elderly loved ones. When I applied, I had just obtained my driver's license and was still learning the area. The proximity of Shepherd's Haven to my husband's workplace seemed convenient, as he could drop me off on his way. Being a new driver, I was nervous about driving alone, so my husband insisted on accompanying me to the interview. During the interview, I met the woman who manages the place for the church next door. She had short black hair and wore glasses. Initially, everything seemed fine, and she assured me that the church was open-minded, supportive of diversity, and even endorsed gay marriage. Feeling comfortable, I mentioned that I was Muslim and that my husband was a converted Muslim and a decorated Afghan war veteran with three Purple Hearts. Proud of my husband's service, I shared this with her. To my shock, her attitude towards me completely changed after I disclosed my religion. She failed to inform me initially that I would be working for an entire day instead of just an interview. Throughout the day, she began harassing me about being Muslim, expressing distrust, and even made derogatory remarks in front of another employee, insinuating that she was afraid my husband would commit a violent act. I felt deeply humiliated and disgusted by her words, but I remained composed and confronted her about the absurdity of her accusations. However, her eyes conveyed a disturbing level of paranoia. The other employee, on the other hand, was kind and made me feel welcome. We both exchanged shocked glances when the manager made those hateful comments. The manager suffered from asthma, and the room where the interview took place was cluttered with stacked paperwork and layers of dust. She was disorganized and struggled to find the correct documents for me to sign. As she attempted to explain the procedures, her physical condition deteriorated, with severe coughing and phlegm. Concerned for her well-being, I suggested she sit down and guide me through the process. In response, she berated me, using profanity and ordering me never to tell her what to do. She expressed a desire to meet my husband but insisted on her husband accompanying her for the meeting. It was an incredibly awkward situation, but I managed to get through it and left. I found her behavior and actions to be utterly terrifying. A week later, she called me and expressed her unfounded fear of my husband potentially causing harm and stated that she would not offer me the job if my husband had to pick me up from work. This experience was the strangest, most bigoted, and xenophobic encounter I have ever witnessed as an American citizen. It's disheartening and shameful that Shepherds Haven church allows such discriminatory individuals to represent them. For Muslims, Jews, and likely other minority groups, this place is falsely advertised as diverse and would likely mistreat your loved ones based on their handling of my interview after learning about my faith. In America, we uphold the values of the Constitution, including freedom of speech and religion. I urge you to seek another daycare that does not discriminate if you want your loved ones to be truly safe."

"I have attended Christ Church for nearly 20 years. What wonderful people! We do lots of outreach to those in need, and have such a beautiful old church. Father Stephen Rozzelle is so down to earth and humorous. Jeff, our organist, and our choir make worshipping a divine experience. Join us!"

"Warm atmosphere and people. Father Stephen and Deacon Barbara are welcoming and accepting of ALL. Come for a visit and you’ll see what a different experience this church is- or watch on Facebook Live at 9:30 each Sunday. And we do like our coffee hour right after service!"

"Beautiful old glass windows. Reverend is great with his sermons. Not old fashioned."