Christ Church is open for worship at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on Sundays. The live stream of the 10:00 a.m. service can be found on our You Tube channel! You can watch it in real time or at your convenience. Find it here. | | |
Dear family and friends of Christ Church,
As we turn the page into the month of April, we approach the end of Lent, the start of Holy Week and the coming of Easter Day. For many of us, the familiar rhythm of Holy Week provides an important tether to the central tenet of our faith: we believe in Christ, crucified and risen. We believe in a God who is present across the entire scope of this transitory life.
We began this march toward Easter Day by placing ashes on our foreheads. I shared a poem on Ash Wednesday that I has been part of my daily practice this Lent:
Marked by Ashes
Walter Brueggemann
We are able to ponder our ashness with
some confidence, only because our every Wednesday of ashes
anticipates your Easter victory over that dry, flaky taste of death.
On this Wednesday, we submit our ashen way to you —
you Easter parade of newness.
Before the sun sets, take our Wednesday and Easter us,
Easter us to joy and energy and courage and freedom;
Easter us that we may be fearless for your truth.
Come here and Easter our Wednesday with
mercy and justice and peace and generosity.
We pray as we wait for the Risen One who comes soon.
I love that Brueggemann uses Easter as not just a noun, but as a verb – as an action we engage. I love the reminder that Easter celebrates both a particular moment in history and an ever-present process of spiritual transformation. I love thinking about all the corners of my life and all the corners of our community where a bit of Eastering would be especially welcome. I love that this just scratches the surface of Holy Week’s message.
I invite you to join with others here at Christ Church as we discern and discover again the many ways God Easters us, ultimately exposing us to the virtues of true joy and love that can only be found through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
See you in church! Blessings and peace,
Chris
The Rev. Chris Streeter
| | Lent & Holy Week Schedule | |
Lent Discussion Series
Wednesdays, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Our Lenten series regarding mortality and end-of-life decisions culminates with a discussion of the issues involved with commemorating a life - in general and here at Christ Church.
On April 2nd, our featured speaker will be Bob McCracken, former Funeral Director and current Chairman of the Board for Atlantic Health Systems. Bob will address options for end-of-life services and celebrations.
On April 9th, the Reverend Chris Streeter will discuss planning a funeral service at Christ Church.
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Holy Week at Christ Church
Sunday, April 13th - Palm Sunday: The Sunday of the Passion
Holy Eucharist, 8:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m.
We will gather at 9:45 a.m. in the Newton Town Square for the opening procession prior to the 10:00 a.m. service.
Monday, April 14th
Evening Prayer, 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, April 15th
Sung Tenebrae Service, 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, April 16th
Evening Prayer, 7:00 p.m.
Maundy Thursday, April 17th
Holy Eucharist and Stripping of the Altar, 7:00 p.m.
The night-long Watch begins immediately following the service and extends until 8:00 a.m. on Friday.
Good Friday, April 18th
Mass of the Presanctified, 8:00 a.m.
Holy Week Family Service, 4:00 p.m.
This new, 45-minute offering is geared especially for families and young children. We’ll begin in the sanctuary and walk to different stations to learn the story of Holy Week.
Good Friday Liturgy, 7:00 p.m.
Holy Saturday, April 19th
Liturgy, 8:00 a.m.
The Great Vigil of Easter, 7:00 p.m.
Festive Greek dinner immediately following the Vigil in Holley Hall.
Easter Sunday, the Sunday of the Resurrection, April 20th
Holy Eucharist, 8:00 a.m.
Festal Choral Eucharist, 10:00 a.m.
Easter egg hunt immediately following the 10:00 a.m. service on the church playground, weather permitting.
| | | | Flowers for Easter … In honor of a loved one, consider purchasing flowers to decorate our church on Easter Sunday. Envelopes will be available in the pews or at the back of the church during Lent. All donations must be received by Palm Sunday, April 13th, in order for the information to be included in the Easter bulletin. Contact Karrie in the church office, 973-383-2245, or office@christchurchnewton.org for more information. | |
Church Breakfast
Join us on Sunday, April 6th, 8:45 - 9:30 a.m. for our always popular (and scrumptious) Church Breakfast created just for you by our dedicated Breakfast Crew!
Bring a friend and enjoy this time of delicious food and fellowship. We are looking forward to seeing you!
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Contemplative Prayer Gathering
Need a space for quiet reflection? Join Diana Greene for the monthly Contemplative Prayer group, Monday, April 7th, 7:00 p.m. Learn to use a variety of methods to rest in God's presence and deepen your relationship with God.
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Thursday Worship Group
Join Father Chris in the parlor on Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. for worship, discussion, and fellowship. Re-charge your spiritual juices mid-week!
We are looking forward to seeing you!
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Christian Education for All Ages on Sundays!
Nursery Care
Nursery care for young children is available during the 10:00 a.m. service, 9:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Sunday School
Christian education for children in grades preschool - fifth grade begins at 9:30 a.m. and runs mid-way through the 10:00 a.m. service. Following Sunday School, children are invited to sit with their families so that they may partake of Eucharist together. The church uses Spark- Activate Faith Curriculum. This spring the lessons will focus on Jesus’ teachings, death, resurrection and the start of the early church. The kids learn through music, scripture study, discussion, game and crafts. Contact Pastor Jenny Streeter, castlejenny@gmail.com, for more information.
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Can Any Bunny Help?
Looking for some bunnies to help fill eggs after church on Sunday, April 6th and volunteers to hide and help with the Egg hunt on Easter. Contact Jenny Streeter to sign up.
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Sunday School March Rewind
It has been an exciting and fun month in the Sunday School. We had 23 students attend one or more Sunday monthly and 6 new or returning kids. The kids read scripture lessons focusing on the parables followed by discussion, games and crafts. Bible Trivia is currently very popular. Do you know how many books are in the Bible? Ask a kid at coffee hour, they know. They’ve applied the scripture lessons to their lives through small group discussions about friendship, bullying, gratitude, and God’s love. They’ve had fun striking a pose in the “Jesus Loves Me!” photo booth.
Sunday School April Preview
In April the lessons will focus on the Holy Weeks Scriptures. The students will dive into the Last Supper, Jesus Death, and Resurrection. Activities will include cooking, crafts and theater. There will be no Sunday School on Easter Sunday, families are encouraged to worship together.
Sunday School Wish List
- Smart TV for large group room
- Handy Person to build a prayer wall, create stage backdrop, hang pictures
Journey Youth Group
Students in grades 6 - 12 are invited to walk to Liberty Towers for a quick Palm Sunday celebration on Sunday, April 13th. The group will meet in Holley Hall at 9:00 a.m., and bring donuts, coffee, hot chocolate, and palms to share with the Liberty Tower residents. The group will return to Christ Church by 9:30 a.m.
Additional service opportunities will be available throughout the year. Contact the Reverend Randy Parks for more information, 862-266-0513.
Adult Bible Study, 9:00 a.m.
Want to reflect more on the day’s scripture lessons? Join a group in Holley Hall at 9:00 a.m. every Sunday – we’d love to see you!
Confirmation Classes Continue
Confirmation classes are held on Mondays, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m., in the church parlor; dinner is provided. Participants are exploring the important aspects of our faith and preparing for the regional Confirmation service which will be held at Christ Church on Saturday, May 10th. Confirmation is open to all youth grades 9 and up. If you have not yet registered for Confirmation, or if you have questions, contact Father Chris directly by calling the church office, 973-383-2245, or by email (cstreeter@christchurchnewton.org).
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The monthly potluck luncheon and meeting of the Christ Church Women's Group will take place in Holley Hall, Thursday, April 10th, 11:30 a.m.
A volunteer is needed to write cards for the CCW Keeping in Touch ministry; these cards are written and mailed to parishioners and friends as notes of gratitude or to support those facing a difficult challenge. Materials are provided. Contact Diana Greene if you can assist with this important ministry.
If you would like to be receive emails about CCW activities, please contact Diana Greene at dianatgreene@gmail.com. This is a “read only” email group with news and information regarding all CCW activities.
| | The Christ Church Book Club will meet Wednesday, May 28th, 7:00 p.m., to discuss A Room with a View by E.M. Forster. Contact Lori Parks at 862-266-3059 or lacparks@hotmail.com with questions. | | Those who have volunteered to serve as Ushers, Acolytes, Crucifers, Altar Guild members, Coffee Hour Hosts, or Brunch in a Bag Sandwich Slingers can check their schedule on the Christ Church website. | | |
Christ Church provides volunteers to Manna House at the First Presbyterian Church of Newton on the 4th Wednesday of each month. The next volunteer opportunity is April 23rd.
The First Presbyterian Church of Newton will host a spaghetti dinner to raise funds for Manna House, Tuesday, April 8th, 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. Cost for adults, $5, children 5 - 12, $3. Children under 3 years of age are free.
Those interested in volunteering are invited to call Laura Booker, 973-383-7635 or email lpbooker40@gmail.com.
| | Christ Church in Stitches | |
The Christ Church in Stitches group will not be meeting in person until May. If you like to knit, crochet, or sew - or you would like to learn - we hope you will join our merry tribe.
If you have unused, full skeins of yarn, please contact Johanna Osborne 201-788-6361 or at johannaosborne7@gmail.com.
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Altar Guild News
Flower memorials and thank offerings should be scheduled through the church office. Any special instructions should be specified at that time. Support of the candles, linens, and other Altar necessities is also available as a memorial or thank-offering.
For Altar Guild volunteers, the new folders containing the current Altar Guild checklists will be available in the sacristy April 1st. There are also a number of church calendars in the sacristy that have not yet been picked up.
The new flower/set-up schedule is being prepared. Beginning in the Easter season, the names of the Altar Guild members will be published with the other scheduled servers on the church website and in the weekly bulletin.
Call or text Alex Zander at 862-268-5416 for more information.
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Photo Directory in Development
We are in the process of adding photos to our directory and we need your help. Please send a current photo of yourself or your family to Karrie in the church office, office@christchurchnewton.org. Still have questions? Contact Katie Reilly, kreillydirectory@gmail.com, for assistance.
| | | Faith Community Nurse Available | |
Christ Church has its very own Faith Community Nurse! Beth Batastini is available to assist you with healthcare issues, personal visits, and other concerns.
Call the church office or contact Beth at bethbatastini@gmail.com or 973-876-5579.
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Calling all Graduating Seniors!
If there is a student in your family who will be graduating from either high school or college this year, we want to recognize their achievement! Please provide their name, school, and degree information to Diana Greene, dianatgreene@gmail.com.
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Well Done, Good & Faithful Servants! |
- Diane Lizza for taking photographs of our parishioners for use in our swank, new parish directory.
- Merrit Ierley for composing the anthem "Loving Jesus, Gentle Lamb" recently performed by the Junior Choir, and Dominic Sebastiano for his beautiful solo.
- Diana Greene for organizing yet another fantastic Women's Retreat, and Debbie Mello and Shannah and Anna Yerofeyev for assisting with carpooling and snacks for the event.
- Mark Eldridge, Al Greene, Mitch Hillard, Randy Kurie, and Chris Streeter for installing the new acoustic ceiling tiles in Holley Hall.
- A big thank you to the amazing Sunday School Team, Suzi Mittelstadt, Anne Reed, Anna Hackelberg, Cate Terwilliter, Donna Shaw, Antonio Sebastiano, and Romina Vasconcellos whose dedication, creativity, and energy are helping our kids grow in faith.
| | CCW Retreat Participants with facilitator, the Reverend Barbara Hutchinson. | | Our hard-working Property Committee installed acoustic ceiling tiles in Holley Hall! | |
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Church Breakfast, May 4
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Confirmation, May 10
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Stay up-to-date with the events at Christ Church by checking out the calendar on our website .
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