Rector Transition Process Update | |
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What's Happening?
Candidates for the position of Rector are currently being interviewed. In the meantime, 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.
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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 will continue to be posted on our You Tube channel! You can watch it in real time or at your convenience. Find it here.
Evensong
Choral Evensong will be offered on Thursday, February 2nd, 7:00 p.m. in celebration of Candlemas, the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus, and the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Evensong, the choral version of the Evening Prayer liturgy used in the Anglican tradition, will be sung by the Christ Church Newton Senior Choir under the direction of Music Director Joe Mello. The choir will chant the Evening service by John Merbecke and Psalm 24 by Joseph Barnby. In addition to hymns, the “Magnificat and Nunc dimittis” by C. V. Stanford and “In Peace and Joy I Now Depart” by David Fetler will be offered. Christ Church Interim Rector Tim Mulder will preach. The event is free and open to the public, although a free will offering will be taken.
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Christ Church Youth Choir
Calling all middle and high school singers! The Christ Church Youth Choir is ready to launch. Performances will take place once a month; join us for a brief meeting on February 5th immediately following the 10:00 a.m. service to discuss the rehearsal schedule. Everyone is welcome! Still not sure? Stop by on February 5th or contact Youth Choir Director Debbie Mello, [email protected], with questions.
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An Invitation to a Prayerful Lent | |
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Shrove Tuesday, February 21st
A Pancake Supper will be hosted by our mighty Breakfast Crew, Tuesday, February 21st, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Come for the pancakes and stay for the decadent desserts!
Ash Wednesday, February 22nd
Usher in the Season of Lent with us, Wednesday, February 22nd:
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Holy Eucharist, noon.
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Choral Eucharist, 7:00 p.m.
Evening Prayer - In Person & Via Zoom
Throughout Lent, Evening Prayer will be offered Monday - Friday, 6:00 p.m. via Zoom and in-person at the church.
Kurt Lutz and Tim Mulder will be leading this brief, devotional service which dates back to the monastic movement, preceding the Church of England and the American Episcopal Church. This service is one that may be led by lay people because it was included in our Prayer Book for personal devotions in the home as well as gathered worship in church. If you would like to lead the service one night, contact the church office.
Sundays in Lent
During the 10:00 a.m. service on February 26th, the choir will process while singing “The Great Litany,” inviting God’s people to reflect upon their lives, confess their sin, and be reconciled with God and one another. During subsequent Sundays in Lent, the worship service will begin with “The Penitential Order,” recognizing who we truly are and who God is for us.
Wednesday Mornings with the Guys - On Zoom
The Sunflower: On the Possibilities and Limits of Forgiveness, by Simon Wiesenthal
Simon Wiesenthal was a Jewish prisoner in a Nazi concentration camp. One day he was called to the bedside of a cruel S.S. officer who was about to die from cancer. The officer asked Wiesenthal’s forgiveness for his terrible acts. That story is the first half of the book. The second half asks us, as the readers of this true story, what would we have done had we been in that situation? Responses from authors who hail from a variety of faith traditions - Jewish, Christian, Buddhist, Atheist, and others – invite us to reflect on the meaning of forgiveness.
So, guys, grab a cup of coffee and join us Wednesdays, 8:00-9:00 a.m. on Zoom with members of the parish of St. John on the Mountain in Bernardsville. For years, men from this parish have gathered to read and discuss books about faith; this Lent, they would like to invite anyone interested in the topic to join them in this consideration of forgiveness.
Join the Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4349412985?pwd=VTRCVVJPRGhBUXVKOFE3b3VmQ1g4QT09
Password: 379
Wednesday Evening Prayer, Potluck Supper, & Presentation
Hanging by a Thread: Questions of the Cross, by Samuel Wells
Evening Prayer, 6:00 p.m.
Potluck Supper, 6:30 p.m.
Presentation, 7:00 p.m.
Join us for five Wednesday nights in Lent to consider what the cross means - and does not mean - for us as people of faith today. There is no need to purchase the book to participate in the sessions. The Reverend Tim Mulder will lead a discussion regarding novel ways to look at the cross as laid out by the author, Samuel Wells, including perspectives that may challenge us, but also possibly deepen our faith in God.
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“It is finished.” What is? Some of our old notions of the cross, March 1.
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Hymns about the cross that have shaped our faith, March 8.
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Bankrupt Atonement – Healing Atonement, March 15
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An exploration of the movie "Striped Pajamas" as a parable of the cross, March 22
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God "with" us versus God "for" us, March 29
All are invited to attend and participate as they are able. Bring an entree or a side dish to share. Christ Church will provide beverages and desserts. Contact the parish office to assist with set-up and clean-up.
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Christian Education for All Ages, Sundays, 9:00 - 9:45 a.m. | |
Sunday School
Children ages preschool through sixth grade are invited to participate in the joy of learning about God's immeasurable love by sharing the Gospel stories and actively engaging with the Holy Spirit, Sundays, 9:00 - 9:45 a.m. on the playground or in the Sunday School rooms downstairs. Got questions? Contact Susie 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. Contact Randy Parks, 862-266-0513 or [email protected], with questions.
Adult Christian Education
A discussion about the day's Gospel takes place in the parlor on Sundays at 9:00 a.m.
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Acolytes & Crucifers Needed
Students in elementary school, middle school, and high school are invited to serve as acolytes and crucifers during the 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. services. Contact Karrie in the church office, [email protected] or 973-383-2245 if you are interested.
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The CCW meeting and potluck lunch will be held at the home of Geri Livengood on Thursday, February 16th, 11:30 a.m. For more information, contact Diana Greene at [email protected]. | |
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The Christ Church Book Club will meet on Thursday, February 23rd, at 7:00 p.m. to discuss "The Immortalists" by Chloe Benjamin. New participants are always welcome.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4245292224?pwd=YTVMeHVrV25lYjRMMittOHllbjFIZz09
Meeting ID: 424 529 2224
Passcode: Y6bT9G
For more information, please contact Lori Parks at 862-266-3059 or [email protected].
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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. | |
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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 February 22nd. Those interested in volunteering are invited to call Laura Booker, 973-383-7635 or email [email protected].
Manna House will host a spaghetti dinner on Tuesday, February 14th, 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.
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Christ Church in Stitches | |
Although the Christ Church in Stitches group will not be meeting in person until Apri, 2023, all those who enjoy crocheting or knitting are invited to join our merry tribe. 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].
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Commemorative 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 to make a monetary donation.
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Sunday Brunch in a Bag Volunteers Needed | |
Sunday Bag Brunch needs you!
Every Sunday in the rear of our church, parishioners serve a bagged lunch to those in need. All are welcome to receive the "Sunday Brunch in a Bag," which contains a Ham & Cheese, Turkey & Cheese, or Peanut Butter & Jelly sandwich, water, fruit, chips, and a cookie or snack.
If you would like to be a part of this fulfilling community outreach and ministry, please contact Geordie Compton ([email protected]) or Gizelle Garren ([email protected]). The commitment is every 7 weeks; every week is staffed by a team of 4 - 5 individuals. Team members buy sandwich meat and fruit. All other supplies are provided.
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Faith Community Nurse Available
Did you know that Christ Church has its very own Faith Community Nurse? Beth Batastini is available to assist you with healthcare issues, personal visits, and other concerns. Contact Beth at [email protected] or 973-876-5579.
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Well Done, Good & Faithful Servants! |
- Patricia Taggart for hosting the January CCW meeting in her home.
- Joe Mello, Diana Greene, and the Senior Choir for the presentation of Evensong in anticipation of Epiphany (if you missed it, be sure to catch the Evensong on February 2nd!)
- Nick Pachnos, Keith Smith, and Danise Tellefsen for spearheading (and funding!) the renovation of Holley Hall.
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Holley Hall Renovation Update
The renovations of Holley Hall are proceeding on schedule. We hope to have the room completed and fully in use by the annual meeting, Sunday, March 5th. A dedication in memory of Christ Church parishioner Paul Pfeil, in whose memory the hall has been renovated, will take place on that date.
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Birthdays and Anniversaries | |
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Annual meeting and dedication of Holley Hall, Sunday, March 5th.
Lenten Retreat, with facilitator the Reverend Dr. Patricia Lyons, Saturday, March 18th.
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Who Wants to Sing in Paris this Summer?
Our very own Debbie Mello will be leading a group of singers from Montclair University to Paris this summer to perform John Rutter's "Mass of the Children" and YOU are invited to sing with them! Contact Debbie Mello, [email protected], with questions.
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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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