August 2022

Rector Transition Process Update

What Happens Now?

Sunday Worship

The Reverend Dr. Tricia Lyons will be joining us for Sunday worship through August 14th. The Reverend Canon Chris Streeter, son of Christ Church parishioners Mike and Denise Streeter, will be our guest preacher on Sunday, August 21st.


Interim Rector

The Reverend Tim Mulder will be serving as our Interim Rector beginning Sunday, September 4th. Tim will be celebrating at the 10:00 a.m. service on Sundays through Pentecost. Tim will also be available to us on Wednesdays for education and other events to be announced.


Since Tim is unavailable to participate in the 8:00 a.m. service, the Reverend Paul Rajan, Priest-in-Charge at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Wantage since 2019, has graciously agreed to celebrate at the 8:00 a.m. services during the interim period.  An Indian New Zealander, Reverend Paul was brought up In the Anglican tradition in South India where he completed his Bachelor of Theology.  He subsequently moved to New Zealand to serve as a missionary prior to moving to the United States in 2008, where he completed his Doctoral Studies in Clinical Pastoral Education.


What if I Need Spiritual Guidance?

The Reverend Randy Parks, Newton Medical Center chaplain and Christ Church parishioner, is available to assist with spiritual needs, including counseling, death of a loved one, and other concerns. Randy is available at [email protected] or 862-266-0513.


What if I Have Healthcare Concerns?

Christ Church's very own Faith Community Nuse, Beth Batastini, is available to assist you. You are invited to contact Beth at 973-876-5579 or email [email protected] with health-related concerns or issues. 


When Can I Expect to See the Parish Profile?

The Profile Committee is putting the final touches on the Parish Profile. Once it is completed, the profile will be posted on the church website and submitted to the Diocese of Newark.


Anything Else I Need to Know?

The Search Committee, the Wardens and the Vestry are in constant communication with the Right Reverend Carlye Hughes, Bishop of the Diocese of Newark, and the Reverend Canon Margo Clark regarding the search for our new Rector. If you have questions, feel free to contact Search Committee Chairperson Kurt Lutz, [email protected], Wardens Nick Pachnos, 908-256-6355, or Mary Ann Risley, 973-670-0493. or Karrie MIller in the church office, 973-383-2245.

Meet Our Interim Rector

Welcome Reverend Dr. Tim Mulder!


The Reverend Dr. Timothy J. Mulder has served Reformed and Episcopal parishes in New Jersey and Maryland. He was Associate Professor of Worship, Preaching and the Arts and Director of the Chapel at New Brunswick Theological Seminary. He served as Executive Director of the Episcopal Preaching Foundation and curriculum director for the Iona Collaboration (25 dioceses) for non-traditional theological education in preaching and continues to teach in the preaching department at Princeton Theological Seminary.

His work with the Apostles’ House (for homeless women and children) led to the development of a neighborhood health clinic in Newark along with Rutgers Medical school, and an adult continuing education program called “All the Way Up.” He worked with The General Theological Seminary to develop the Wisdom Year program to give seminarians ministry experience in the field with the support of experienced clergy as mentors. Most recently Tim has been working with diocesan diaconal programs to help deacons and other lay persons to be effective preachers. 


Tim and his wife, Linda, live in Gladstone.

Worship with Us
Christ Church is open for indoor worship at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on Sundays. The live stream of the 10:00 a.m. service will continue to be posted on our You Tube channel! You can watch it in real time or at your convenience. Find it here.

Music Program Update


During the summer while the Senior Choir is on hiatus, the 10:00 a.m. service will be enhanced by musical offerings from members of the Christ Church congregation.


Message from Children's Music Director Debbie Mello


Calling all young singers to join Christ Church Junior Choir! September 11th is the day to check out this wonderful opportunity to worship in a unique way. Learn about all the funny, beautiful and serious Bible stories while sharing your talents through singing. Rehearsals are immediately following the 10:00 a.m. service. Grab some food and head down to the Sunday School rooms for an awesome experience!!

I'll be looking for you on September 11 in Holley Hall!

If you have any questions or want to sign-up, please contact Debbie Mello at [email protected]. 

Happening this Month
Christian Education

Sunday School

Children ages preschool through sixth grade are encouraged to gather on the Christ Church Newton playground on summer Sundays at 9:45 a.m. for education and fun! Contact Suzi Mittelstadt at 973-600-7725 or email [email protected].



Journey Youth Group

The Journey Youth Group invites students in grades 7 - 12 to participate in group discussion, outreach ministries, and fun activities. The group will be on hiatus through the end of August, but we are looking forward to an exciting roster of activities in the fall!  Contact Randy Parks, [email protected] with questions.


Adult Christian Education

A discussion about the day's Gospel will take place in Holley Hall on Sundays at 9:00 a.m. 

Parish Activities
Christ Church Women

Meeting News

The next meeting will be held on Thursday, August 18th, 11:30 a.m., at the home of Ginny Smith. Lunch will be provided. Please bring your swimsuit and towel if you’d like to swim and if able, a sheet of stamps or small donation towards our Keeping in Touch card ministry. (Rain date is Aug. 25th).  If you would like to volunteer as a scribe for our Keeping in Touch card ministry, please contact Beth Batastini at [email protected]


A Message from Kim Barnes, Mount Calvary Baptist Church, in response to the donations by the CCW in support of Sierra House

God bless you - on the behalf of North Jersey Missionary Baptist Association Women’s Auxiliary, I would love to thank you for all your lovely gifts to Sierra House. They were so grateful and thankful for caring so much about them.  Once again thank you Christ Church for partnering up with us and Mt Calvary to help God’s people. God bless you love you much,

Kim Barnes 


Got questions about CCW? Contact Diana Greene at [email protected].

Christ Church Book Club

The Christ Church Book Club will be taking a break during the month of August.  New participants are always welcome.  For more information, please contact Lori Parks at 862-266-3059 or [email protected].  Keep reading!

Sunday Servers & Sunday Brunch in a Bag Volunteers
Those who have volunteered to provide flowers, support the worship of the Sanctuary, serve as Chalice Bearers, Lectors, Ushers, Acolytes, Crucifers or on the Altar Guild, or assist with Coffee Hour or the Sunday Brunch in a Bag program can check their schedule on the Christ Church website.
Manna House Volunteers

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 on August 24th. Those interested in volunteering are invited to call Laura Booker, 973-383-7635 or email [email protected] . At this time, meals are distributed at the door with limited volunteers due to public health guidelines.


Manna House will host a spaghetti dinner on Tuesday, August 9th, 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. Cost for adults, $5, children 5 - 12, $3. Children under 3 years of age are free. Proceeds benefit Manna House.

"Blanketeers" is Now "Christ Church in Stitches"

We've changed our name!  The Christ Church Blanketeers is now known as Christ Church in Stitches!  We welcome anyone who enjoys crocheting or knitting to join us. The next meeting will take place on Thursday, August 11th, 11:30 a.m. for an end-of-summer luncheon.  All are welcome to join! We have plenty of yarn and supplies for you to start your own project or you can help by working with the group.

 

If you know of ANYONE (family member/friend) who is ill, in need of, or would appreciate any of our gifts of comfort and love please contact Johanna Osborne (201)-788-6361 or at [email protected].

Altar Flowers
Parishioners are encouraged to contribute toward the purchase of the flowers on the altar in order to commemorate a special occasion or loved one; Sanctuary Lights or Candles, $20; Altar Flowers, $50. Contact Alex Zander at [email protected] or contact the church office to offer flowers or make a monetary donation.

Ride-to-Church Ministry

Years ago, Christ Church parishioners offered rides to and from church to homebound area residents who lacked the means to get to church.  We are trying to gauge if there is an interest in reviving this ministry.  Do you need a ride to church on Sundays?  Would you be able to pick up a fellow parishioner on your way to services or drop them off at home afterwards?  If yes, please contact Karrie in the church office, 973-383-2245 or [email protected].  Let's not let a lack of transportation prevent us from gathering together as a church family!

Well Done, Good & Faithful Servants!
  • Laura Booker for her outstanding work as the June scribe for the CCW Keeping in Touch card ministry.
  • Our spectacular Coffee Hour hosts!
  • All those who have stepped up in big and small ways to keep our church running smoothly since the departure of our previous Rector.  We appreciate you!
Birthdays and Anniversaries

Community Activities

Happening at the Mount Calvary Baptist Church


As part of our ongoing relationship with our friends at the Mount Calvary Baptist Church, women are invited to participate in a Summer Bible Study program. For more information, visit www.mcbcnewton.org or call 973-579-5988.

Women are invited to participate in a virtual Summer Bible Study series facilitated by Pastor Navella George, Sundays, August 7, 14, 21, and 28, 6:00 p.m.  Register Here.

Looking Ahead

We're bringing back Opportunity Sunday on September 11th! Kids can register for Sunday School and Youth Group! Learn about all the opportunities available to you in our parish for your participation, including Junior and Senior Choir, Altar Guild, Helping Hands, Lectors, Lay Eucharistic Ministers, Acolytes and Crucifers, Christ Church in Stitches, Bible Study, Christ Church Women's Group, and even some new and exciting activities. Browse the exhibits in Holley Hall and stay for a barbecue immediately following the 10:00 a.m. service.

Church Calendar Online
Stay up-to-date with the events at Christ Church by checking out the calendar on our website .
Christ Church Newton | Phone: 973-383-2245 | Fax: 973-383-8077 | [email protected] | www.christchurchnewton.org
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