The Herald
News and Events at Christ Episcopal Church - Somers Point, New Jersey
May 15, 2020
In This Issue
Office Hours

Church office hours are Monday through Thursday from 1pm to 4pm.  Our part-time parish secretary is Cathy Bauer.  Any questions concerning Service times, special events or need of church records, you may stop by or call the office number at 609-927-6262. 
Sunday Bulletin with Readings


Message from our Rector
May 16, 2020 (Saturday in Easter Week)

Dear Parishioners and friends,

My prayers and thoughts are always with you, especially during this time!  Thanks to the gifts of the digital age we are able to continue to worship, pray, and support one another in spirit by Facebook Live and Zoom.  

Daily Weekday Evening Prayer at 5:30 pm along with Sunday Worship at 10 am is live-streamed via Facebook Live.  Christian education continues with Sunday School for children at 11 am on Sundays being taught by Amy Seaman through Zoom and Adult education takes place on Facebook Live on Wednesdays at 10:30 am during our Parish Connection forum, I am leading a series on "What we Believe" exploring the Nicene Creed.  

Parents who would like to add their child to the online Sunday School sessions may contact Amy at amyhb76@hotmail.com for Zoom information.  

The common and logical question I am getting is: When will we be able to reopen the church buildings?  From our last clergy Zoom meeting with the bishop this past Thursday it looks like a reopening process may begin by June 5.  This will not mean that in-person worship will resume, but a slow process of reopening will begin following government health regulations.

I have been appointed by Bishop Stokes to serve on the COVID-19 Task Force on Learnings and Breakthroughs that will engage in reflective work on our experience as Christians serving one another during this time and implement a plan in moving forward as the Church in a post COVID-19 era.  

On the parish level: In preparation for when it becomes the appropriate time , I am forming a special committee to assist me in the process of reopening our parish buildings and resume in-person worship (the Parish Health and Safety Committee).  At this time I am appointing Cherry Biacan, Co-Warden, as chair of this committee.  Cherry is a registered nurse whose insights and direction will be very valuable in assuring the best sanitary and health measures are followed when our parish buildings are reopened.  

As we continue to unite in prayer through our online services let us not forget to phone someone who may be in need for a conversation. I look forward to seeing you all in person in the near future. May the Risen Lord continue to bless us with the faith and strength to live his gospel of love and service to others.

Blessings in Christ our Lord,


Fr. Justin Falciani
 

Ascension Day: Thursday, May 21
Ascension Thursday

This Thursday we will celebrate our Lord's Ascension into heaven by Facebook Live at 5:30 pm from the chapel.



Stewardship Committee
A Special Thanks to all parishioners and benefactors who have been able to continue in the financial support our parish during these uncertain times! 

From the Stewardship Committee
Marian Heacock, chair
Patt Mathis
Cherry Biacan


For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the  Lord , plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.  Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you.  When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart,  I will let you find me, says the  Lord , and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, says the  Lord , and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile." (Jeremiah 29:11-14)
Prayer List

Healing prayers offered for :
Anna Livia, Jennifer, Charlie, Jill, Edward, Ruth Ann, Rich, Christine, Ryan, Jaclyn, Donna, Michelle, Jeanette, Harry, Brittany, Brandon, Loretta, Dave, Edythe, Adrian, Beth, Warren, Ann, Martin, Bill, Bobby, MaryAnn, Jessica, Mike , Ron, Judy, Harlan, Marty, Father Julian, Mark, Heather, Jim, Anne, Wilson, Colleen, Troy, Trayce, Marilyn, Elaine, Rachel, James, Shirley, Chalie, Mark, Brandon, Amanda.
  
Prayers for the Homebound are offered for Dorothy, Jean, Elsie, Sally
   
For First Responders everywhere, especially for those in our parish family serving our local communities:
 
Linwood, Mark, Michelle, Jim, Anthony, Stephen, Wally, Stephanie, Ward, Rachel, Charles, 
 
Rob, Catelyn, Michael
 
Prayers for all those in the Armed Forces and especially our parish family : 
Anthony, Glenn, Evelyn, Charles, Dominick, Morgan, Nicholas, Jessica, Jesse, Keith, Andrew