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,
I don't know about you, but I'm ready to turn the page. The second half of January and first weeks of February have felt too grey, too long...and far too cold!
One of the things I love about our church year is that, just when a particular season can begin to drag you down, a new one is just around the corner. And so it is that, on February 18, we'll close the chapter on Epiphany and enter the season of Lent.
From the Old English lencten, Lent refers to the lengthening of days and the coming of spring. Lent reminds us that no amount of grey, or cold, or darkness lasts forever. Lent is our yearly invitation to reflect on our place in this world, recognize our need for God's intervention, and prepare ourselves for the joys of Easter.
I hope that this season finds the snow and cold of the last weeks firmly in the rear view mirror. And I hope this season finds us recommitted to the kind of faith deepening that only happens when we gather together.
Two particular opportunities I hope you will take advantage of this Lent:
-
Our Wednesday Evening Lenten Series (beginning February 25)
-
Our Christ Church Women's Retreat (Saturday, March 7)
See below for more information about both of these offerings.
Join me in turning the page and spending time here at Christ Church this Lent. Your spirit will thank you!
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, March 2nd, 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.
| | | We Welcome You to a Holy Lent | | |
Ash Wednesday
Wednesday, February 18
Holy Eucharist with the Imposition of Ashes
12 Noon & 7:00 p.m.
| | |
Christ Church Lenten Series 2026
Wednesday Evenings from 7:00-8:00 pm
Beginning February 25
Spiritual Struggles:
Strategies for Strengthening & Sustaining our Faith
Our prayer book invites us into the season of Lent through “self-examination, repentance, prayer, and by reading and meditating on God’s holy Word” (pg. 265).
You are invited to join in this holy work with others through our five-week Lenten series. Led by Chris Streeter and Tricia Lyons, we will spend time identifying some of the spiritual struggles and pitfalls that can challenge and discourage us. Utilizing both large and small group formats, we will look at different strategies and resources that can help strengthen our faith and renew our connections to God, each other and our own, best selves.
Our first, introductory session will be held on Wednesday, February 25 beginning at 7:00 pm in Holley Hall. We hope you will join us throughout the season of Lent, preparing our ourselves in heart, body, mind and spirit for the coming of Easter and reclaiming the joys given to us through the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
| | |
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.
| | |
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. Students learn through music, scripture study, discussion, games, and crafts.
Youth Group
Students in middle school and high school are invited to participated in occasional community outreach projects, such as park clean-ups, visits with senior citizens, and more. Contact the Reverend Randy Parks, 862-266-0513, or randolph.parks@atlantichealth.org with questions.
| |
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!
| |
Annual Meeting of the Parish
Sunday, February 15
9:00 am in Holley Hall
Join us for the annual meeting of the parish as we reflect on the year that has past and look with joy to the possibilities God has in store for us in 2026! The meeting will be called to order at 9:00 am in Holley Hall. All are welcome (and encouraged!) to attend.
Thank you to those who have offered to stand for election to parish leadership this year:
Warden (two-year term): MaryAnn Risley
Vestry (three-year term): Cecelia Clayton, Sarah Jaqueth, Mike Ragsdale, Diana Riker, Danise Tellefsen
Vestry (one-year term): Mark Dubel
Convention Delegates: Mark Hoyer, Nick Orichio, Luz Quintero
Alternate Delegates: Geri Livengood, MaryAnn Risley
| | | |
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 for the monthly meeting and potluck luncheon on Thursday, February 19th, 11:30 a.m., in Holley Hall.
All Christ Church Women are invited to attend the annual Lenten Retreat, Saturday, March 7th, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., at Project Self-Sufficiency, 127 Mill Street, in Newton. Register online; contact Diana Greene with questions.
| | The Christ Church Book Club will be on hiatus during February. We are looking forward to gathering in the church parlor in March. 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 February 25th.
The First Presbyterian Church of Newton will host a spaghetti dinner to raise funds for Manna House, Tuesday, February 10th, 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 is on hiatus until Thursday, May 14th.
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.
| | |
Altar Guild News
The Altar Guild warmly welcomes new co-director, Diana Riker; Diana will assume the duties of training and supervising while Alex Zander will continue to handle administrative duties. Diana is a long-time dedicated member of the Altar Guild and can be found working in the sacristy nearly every Sunday at the close of services. Stop by to greet her!
All Guild members are reminded to pick up their 2026 liturgical calendars in the sacristy.
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.
| |
Well Done, Good & Faithful Servants! |
- Jenny Streeter for designing the CCW retreat flyer.
- Our faithful counters led by Mary Ann Risley.
- Randy Kurie for fixing the altar linen storage container.
- Alex Zander for her dedication to the Altar Guild.
| | Did you know that our Sunday Brunch in a Bag program feeds approximately 60 people every week? We are searching for volunteers to help assemble and distribute bagged lunches to our hungry neighbors. Work as a team to prepare sandwiches prior to the 10:00 a.m. service, and hand out food in the church immediately following the service. Teams rotate throughout the year. To volunteer, see Chris Streeter, Geordie Compton, or Gizelle Garren, or contact Karrie in the church office, 973-353-2245, or office@christchurchnewton.org. | | | | | The Altar Guild is seeking volunteers to assist with laundering and ironing linens for use during services on Sundays and special occasions. No experience needed - just a good steam iron and attention to details. Contact Diana Riker, Alex Zander or Karrie in the church office, 973-383-2245 or office@christchurchnewton.org to volunteer. | |
- CCW Retreat, Saturday, March 7th.
- Palm Sunday, March 29th.
- Easter, April 5th.
| |
Stay up-to-date with the events at Christ Church by checking out the calendar on our website .
| | | | |
