December, 2021
Worship with Us
Christ Church is open for indoor worship at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on Sundays. Masks and social distancing are encouraged. If you do not feel comfortable joining us, 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.

We are monitoring the presence of the Covid virus in our community on www.covidactnow.org. If there another surge to dangerous levels in our area, we will re-evaluate our protocols for gathering and you will be notified by email. A notice will also be posted on our website, www.christchurchnewton.org. We encourage you to follow best practices for your own health and safety and consider the welfare of others in our community.
Happening this Month
The following is subject to change based on evolving public health guidelines.
The Season of Advent at Christ Church
The First Sunday of Advent
Join us on Sunday, November 28th to mark the First Sunday of Advent and create your own Advent Wreath!

The Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols
Lessons & Carols is back! The Senior Choir, accompanied by a string ensemble and our wonderful pianist/organist Diana Greene will perform on Sunday, December 19th at 7:00 p.m. For the first time, the service will be simulcast on the Christ Church You Tube channel. Feel unsure about attending in person? Have a watch party at home! Check it out here.

Christmas Eve
The Family Service with the sure-to-be-memorable Christmas pageant will be held on Friday, December 24th, 5:00 p.m. This service will also be live-streamed on our You Tube channel.

Join us for a choral sing at 7:30 p.m. prior to the Festal Choral Eucharist at 8:00 p.m.

Christmas Day
Holy Eucharist will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 25th.

Sunday Services
On Sunday, December 26th, Holy Eucharist will be celebrated at 8:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m.
Christian Education
Sunday School
Children ages preschool through sixth grade will rehearse for the Christmas pageant during Sunday school, beginning at 9:45 a.m. Please let us know if your children would like to be a part of our fun! We are celebrating the birth of Christ! Contact Suzi Mittelstadt at 973-600-7725 or email susan@njworks.com.


Journey Youth Group
The Journey Youth Group for students in grades 7 - 12 is meeting on Sundays at 9:00 a.m. in the Undercroft. Contact Randy Parks, rhparks1963@gmail.com with questions.

Adult Christian Education
A discussion led by the Reverend Canon Robert Griner will continue to take place in Holley Hall on Sundays at 9:00 a.m.

Masks and social distancing are encouraged for all those participating in Christian Education in accordance with New Jersey Department of Health guidelines.
Bible Study
Bible Study will be offered in the church parlor on Thursdays at 9:30 a.m.
Parish Activities
Christ Church Women
Monthly Meeting
The CCW December holiday meeting and party will be held on Thursday, December 16th, 11:30 a.m., at the home of Ginny & Keith Smith (address to be provided upon RSVP). The group will host a traditional white elephant gift swap, so please bring a wrapped item if you wish to participate ($20 limit if you choose to purchase something; re-gifting and fun items are completely acceptable!). A pot luck lunch will be offered.  Please RSVP for this meeting and indicate whether you are bringing something sweet or savory. 

Keeping in Touch Card Ministry
Volunteers are needed to assist with writing and mailing cards to parishioners who are ill, bereaved, or facing a challenging time in their lives. Materials and postage provided. Contact Beth Batastini at bethbatastini@gmail.com.

Got questions? Contact Diana Greene at dianatgreene@gmail.com.
Christ Church Book Club
The Christ Church Book Club will meet on Wednesday, January 26th, at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom to discuss Jeannette Walls' "The Glass Castle."

Join Zoom Meeting
Or call 1 929 436 2866
Meeting ID: 424 529 2224
Passcode: Y6bT9G

For more information, please contact Lori Parks at 862-266-3059 or lacparks@hotmail.com.
Sunday Servers & Brunch in a Bag Volunteers
Those who have volunteered to provide flowers, support the worship of the Sanctuary, serve as 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 December 22nd. Those interested in volunteering are invited to call Laura Booker, 973-383-7635 or email lpbooker40@gmail.com . At this time, meals are distributed at the door with limited volunteers due to public health guidelines.
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 ahzander@yahoo.com or contact the church office to offer flowers or make a monetary donation.

Christmas Memorial Flowers
Christmas memorial flower envelopes will be available in church through December 19th. All envelopes must be turned in by Sunday, December 19th, for the memorial to be listed in the Christmas bulletins. 
Well Done, Good & Faithful Servants!
  • Lori Parks and all those who have hosted the Coffee Hour held immediately following the 10:00 a.m. service;
  • Diana Greene for coordinating the November Women's Retreat.
Birthdays and Anniversaries
Looking Ahead
Parish meeting will be held in February.
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 | christchurch1@ptd.net | www.christchurchnewton.org