January 26th, 2024

The Chimes

A monthly newsletter of Christ Church

January 26th, 2024

Join us on Sunday Mornings for Worship 8am & 10am, Church School 9:45. All are Welcome!

Inclement weather notice

Our weather is typical new England and changes rapidly.

We will do our best to send out church and program changes via our local radio station, constant contact email, and posting on the out-going message on the church voice mail.

There may be times where there are power outages that keep us from posting. When in doubt, please error on the side of caution and stay home. Your neighborhood may be OK but not another. God be with us and keep us in God's care, always! office.

Vestry Meeting Report, December 2023

Vestry meetings are held on the second Tuesday of every month and are open to all Christ Church parishioners. 2023 Vestry members are Dave McCarthy and Jen Valiente (co-chairs), Sue Sheppard, Susan McMullen, Julie Baker, Judi DeMello, Joan Padrenoss, Leslie Burrell, and Jennifer Braga.

Although Father Al was unable to attend he reported that the town’s proposed agreement on the fire access road is with the town attorney. Once it is complete, the vestry and the church attorney will look at it.

The Holiday in the Village was well attended with 1000 attendees. Kudos to Peggy and the committee that hosted the Holiday Concert and reception.

The treasurer reported that several CDs are coming due at the end of the month and there was a decision to renew all the CDs that are due for renewal at best rates.

In November, the income was $5k better than projected and expenses were $1.8K better than projected. The year-end projection is 3.3K better than projection. The 5K decline in parishioner contributions was offset a bit by flower income, fundraising, and other income. Expenses are projected to be better than projected by $10K. Overall, our financial position projects to be $14K better than budgeted with a deficit of $19.2K.

Pledge card returns are currently at $61,000. We are anticipating $77,000 in pledges this year. We will be writing our report for past Bristol Case grant funds and submitting for the next grant round. New proposals are due in February 2024 and funds are approved in March. Sue is working on the 2024 budget. It looks like the deficit will be more next year.

In Old Business we will be looking at the rental agreement for the Parish House. Christmas services are set for 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve and 10 a.m. on Christmas Day. In order to increase transparency, upcoming Vestry meetings will be announced at Sunday services. We would like to compile a directory listing of Church Committees and their chairs so we would have contact information for those wishing to join a committee. At next month’s meeting we will be conducting our annual review of the part-time ministry and reviewing goals.

Respectfully Submitted,

Susan McMullen, Clerk of the Vestry

Annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper.

February 13, 2024.

Ash Wednesday Service will be held at Christ Church 7pm. All are welcome.

LENT, it begins in Ashes.

Then, we learn to explore Lenten practices through literature or online. We grow our faith with reflection, insight, and meditation. We seek out knowledge and history through book study. We find faith through community and by connection by ministering in the meal ministry or serve creation care by helping weed flowerbeds. We struggle to clear out toxicity in our lives with support in faith communion and self-care. We unclutter our lives further by uncluttering our home environment and by donating clothing to the local Thrift Shop. We are uplifted by fellowship and song with the choir or bringing love in sweets for coffee hour. Don't feel like you have to give up anything for Lent.

Embrace Jesus, Pray, Act, Repeat.

LENT, it ends in renewal!

The Annual Meeting will take place on Sunday February 18th after the service. All are welcome and invited to attend. There will be only one service at 9am. Bring a favorite dish as a potluck will be offered. Please come and hear the journey of 2023 and pray for the hopes in 2024.

Committee chairs, please submit your annual reports. Thank you for your efforts and dedication to the ministries of the church. We are blessed by your talents.

A nomination box is in the back of the church for those of you thinking seriously about a vestry role. If you want more information, speak to your Warden, Jen V. Nominations close Feb 2nd.

What's happening in the Diocese?

All are welcome for the Absalom Jones Service to be held on Sunday, Feb. 11 at 4 p.m. at St. Cyprian’s Church in Roxbury. Bishop Alan M. Gates will preside, and the Rev. James Hairston will preach. FOR INFORMATION: The Rev. Canon Jean Baptiste Ntagengwa,Canon for Immigration and Multicultural Ministries (jbntagengwa@diomass.org or 617-482-4826, ext. 400).

All are welcome for Choral Evensong commemorating Barbara C. Harris, offered by All Saints Church in Brookline on Sunday, Feb. 11 at 5 p.m. Byron Rushing will be the guest preacher, and the service will feature music by Kerensa Briggs, Moses Hogan and Zanaida Stewart Robles. A light reception will follow. Contact All Saints Church with any questions.

The Ministry of Immigration Partnership convened by the Office of Immigration and Multicultural Ministries invites all to save the date to join for a pilgrimage to the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center in Mashantucket, Conn., on Thursday, March 7, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Lunch is included, and transportation is available. Cost is $10 (scholarships also available).

FOR INFORMATION: The Rev. Canon Jean Baptiste Ntagengwa, Canon for Immigration and Multicultural Ministries (jbntagengwa@diomass.org or 617-482-4826, ext. 400).

A Note from Fr. Phil

I want to extend my heartfelt "Thanks" to everyone who gave me cards and gifts this Christmas. Although it was not expected it was very much appreciated. Please know how much I feel blessed to be a part of the Christ Church community and look forward with hope in the new year! Prayerfully, Fr. Phil Jacobs