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,
Though I am writing this on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, with visions of turkey legs dancing through my head, I am aware that a shift is just around the corner. In just a few days, Thanksgiving will be a mere memory, and all eyes will turn toward the coming of Christmas.
In church world, we begin an entirely new liturgical year this week with the start of Advent. The season of Advent is, for me, a welcome alternative to the frantic energies which can all-too-often dominate our Decembers. Advent prescribes a wholly counter-cultural approach to the preparation tasks that can overwhelm and shorten our fuses this time of year.
Instead of trying to pack in more, and more, and more, Advent reminds us that excess baggage only makes our journey to Bethlehem more difficult. Michael Podesta’s short poem for Advent is one I appreciate:
A Poem for Advent
If we fill our lives with things,
and again with things,
if we must fill every moment of our lives with action,
when will we have the time
to make the long slow journey across the desert
as did the Magi?
Or sit and watch the stars
as did the Shepherds?
Or brood over the coming of the child
as did Mary?
For each of us, there is a desert to travel,
a star to discover,
and a being within ourselves to bring to life.
Michael Podesta
I hold you in my prayers this season, as we engage the hard, holy work of shedding some of the spiritual weight that encumbers us on our journey. I hope that you will use the resources of this community to help you on your way.
I look forward to standing in Christ’s presence with you throughout this Advent season and celebrating the joy of God’s coming among us at Christmas. Please take note of the many ways we will mark Christ’s birth later this month and plan to celebrate with us.
See you in church! Blessings and peace,
Chris
The Rev. Chris Streeter, Rector
| | Additional Worship Opportunities | |
Thursday Morning 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!
Contemplative Prayer
Make time to join us for a Contemplative Prayer gathering on Monday, December 8th, 7:00 p.m. Learn to rest quietly in God's presence and practice using centering prayer to deepen your connection with God. Meeting monthly on the first Monday; contact the church office or Diana Greene with questions.
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First Sunday of Advent
Celebrate the first Sunday of Advent on November 30th!
Lessons & Carols, Sunday, December 21st, 7:00 p.m.
Mark your calendars now for the annual service of Nine Lessons & Carols. This powerful liturgy includes nine Bible stories interspersed with Christmas carols which depict the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah, and the birth of Jesus. Featuring our own Senior and Youth Choirs, accompanied by organ and orchestra. Reception to follow. This is the perfect service to invite friends, family, and neighbors to attend with you. Come early to get a good seat!
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Christmas Services at Christ Church
Christmas Eve, December 24th
Family Service with Pageant, 4:00 p.m.
This shorter service features the Christmas story told by our Sunday School students and is the perfect service for families.
Festal Choral Eucharist, 8:00 p.m.
This is our traditional Christmas Eve service. Come at 7:30 p.m. to join in our Carol Sing!
Christmas Day, December 25th: The Feast of the Incarnation
Holy Eucharist, 9:00 a.m.
This quieter service celebrates the day of Christ’s birth, a perfect way to spend part of your Christmas morning.
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Christmas Memorial Flowers
Christmas memorial flower envelopes will be available in church through December 15th. All envelopes must be submitted to the church office by Monday, December 15th, for the memorial to be listed in the Christmas bulletins.
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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.
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Sunday School
Christian education for children in grades preschool - sixth 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 the Eucharist together. The church uses Spark: Activate Faith curriculum. This fall, lessons will explore the Old Testament Lessons from the Books of Genesis - Jonah. Students will learn through music, scripture study, discussion, games, and crafts.
Join us for a joyful Family Christmas Eve Service at 4:00 p.m. Our Sunday School children will share the story of Jesus' birth in a heartwarming Christmas Pageant, reminding us that Jesus is the greatest gift. All children are welcome to take part- whether they've been a part of Sunday School or are visiting for the holiday! Come sing carols, celebrate the birth of Jesus and enjoy a beautiful start to Christmas together.
Youth Group Outreach Opportunity
Students in middle school and high school are invited to bring hot chocolate, donuts, and cheer to the residents of Liberty Towers on Sunday, December 21st. Meet in Holley Hall at 9:00 a.m.; the group will walk to the residence and return by 9:45 a.m. Contact the Reverend Randy Parks, 862-266-0513, or randolph.parks@atlantichealth.org with questions.
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Adult Bible Study
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!
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Church Breakfast
Join your parish family for a delicious breakfast prepared by our volunteer crew, Sunday, December 14th, 8:30 - 9:15 a.m. Bring a friend!
| | New Beginnings Community Breakfast | On Thursdays, 7:00 - 8:30 a.m., our neighbors in need are invited to enjoy a hot breakfast and learn about community resources to assist in their recovery, growth, or progress towards self-sufficiency. Want to help? Sign up to assist with serving our guests, set up, or clean up by calling the church office, 973-383-2245. | | |
Christ Church Women will gather at the home of Patricia Taggart on Thursday, December 11th, 11:30 a.m. for a Christmas party, potluck luncheon, and gift exchange. Make a dish to share and bring a wrapped gift (under $30) for the gift exchange. RSVP, acceptances only, to Diana Greene. Directions to the location will be provided at the time of the response.
Save the date for the annual Lenten Retreat, Saturday, March 7th, with facilitator the Reverend Danielle Baker, Priest-in-Charge at St. Paul’s in Morris Plains. Reverend Baker focuses on stewardship, spiritual growth, and service and she is dedicated to helping others discover and share their gifts through worship, teaching, prayer, and community engagement. The retreat will be held 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., at Project Self-Sufficiency, 127 Mill Street, in Newton. Registration will begin in January.
If you would like to be receive emails about CCW activities, please contact Diana Greene at dianatgreene@gmail.com.
| | The Christ Church Book Club will be on hiatus during December, but that doesn't mean you should stop reading! We are looking forward to gathering on Wednesday, January 28th. 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 December 24th.
The First Presbyterian Church of Newton will host a spaghetti dinner to raise funds for Manna House, Tuesday, December 9th, 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. Learn more about Manna House on their website.
| | Christ Church in Stitches | |
Christ Church in Stitches will meet Thursday, December 11th, 11:30 a.m. in Holley Hall. The group’s mission is to provide support and comfort to those in need in our community, through Christ Church’s Prayer Shawl Ministry as well as by donating handmade items to non-profit organizations which serve veterans, families, and individuals from infancy to the elderly.
Like to sew, knit or crochet? Stop by to meet the group and learn how you can contribute to the mission or contact Johanna Osborne at 201-788-6361 or at johannaosborne7@gmail.com.
Check out these fantastic items created by the talented Christ Church in Stitches crew!
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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. Call or text Alex Zander at 862-268-5416 for more information.
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Well Done, Good & Faithful Servants! |
- All those who helped with set up and clean up for the Stewardship Dinner
- The hard-working and creative members of the Christ Church in Stitches group for their beautiful contributions to the Stewardship Dinner and to our community. This group donated 300 items to 10 local organizations this year!
- To our award-winning Stewardship Dinner chefs!
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All those who have pledged their support to Christ Church in 2026. If you haven't done so, it's not too late - visit our website now!
- Lisa Martin for spearheading the new birth parent gift basket project on behalf of the CCW, and for the members of the Christ Church in Stitches group for providing a hand-crafted item for each family.
| | | | Christ Church in Stitches! | | More Silent Auction Items! | | - CCW Retreat, Saturday, March 7th.
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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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