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,
Over the course of our May and June meetings, your Vestry and I completed a Mutual Ministry Review (MMR). Together we reflected on the two years we have spent in shared leadership of our parish. We utilized a simple feedback model: Likes, Concerns, Wishes. We offered responses to these three seemingly simple areas:
- What do we like about how we practice leadership at Christ Church? What’s going well?
- What concerns do we have? Where have we come up short?
- What wishes do we have for the future of our parish? What do we want to see happen next?
Giving and receiving healthy, honest feedback is an exercise in trust for any group. I was proud of the thoughtfulness of responses to these questions and heartened by the engaged discussion at our June meeting. We were open with both our likes and concerns; I was especially energized by the time we devoted to the third area, our wishes for the future of this parish.
We all need people whose counsel we trust, and who trust us to hear them through the lens of love. I know that so many of the “successes” I have experienced in ministry are directly tied to my ability and willingness to hear the wisdom of others. I hope that, like me, part of the draw to a community like Christ Church is a desire to stretch and grow, not merely reinforce.
A final part of our MMR asked Vestry members if, with two years of experience together, they would be comfortable electing me as the next Rector of Christ Church. I was humbled that the idea received unanimous endorsement. As a result, I shared in church this past Sunday a “save the date” for Saturday, October 18th, 10:00 a.m. We’ll gather that morning with our Bishop for a Celebration of New Ministry, followed by a luncheon in Holley Hall. I’ll hope you will mark your calendars and plan to join us to mark this new chapter in the story of our church family.
See you in church! Blessings and peace,
Chris
The Rev. Chris Streeter
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Summer Music
At the 10:00 a.m. service during the summer, we will be blessed with the contributions of numerous singers and musicians while the members of the Junior and Senior Choirs are on hiatus.
Thank you for sharing your talent with us!
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Play Ball!
Christ Church is heading to the Miners game at Skylands Stadium in Augusta, Saturday, July 19th, and you are invited! Gates open at 4:30 p.m. and the first pitch is at 6:35 p.m. Be sure to stay for the fireworks after the game! Price is $14 per person. For tickets, click here and indicate the CC section on the Skylands Stadium map. Got questions? Contact the Reverend Randy Parks, 862-266-0513. for more information.
While you are at Skylands Stadium, be sure to wave to our two parishioners who work at the ball field, intern Sean Parks and EMT Nick Pachnos!
| | A Gentle Reminder ... You may go on vacation during the summer, but the church stays open. Please remember to keep up with your pledge. Your parish family thanks you! | |
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 Summer Workshops Have Begun
During the summer we are offering Sunday School Workshops for our youngest friends, preschool through early elementary age. Older kids are invited to worship with their families or attend the workshops as teacher's helpers.
The schedule is:
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10:00 a.m. - Children arrive at church and sit with their families for worship
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10:10 a.m. - Kids are dismissed to Holley Hall for Summer Workshops
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10:15 - 10:45 a.m. - Summer Workshop
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10:45 a.m. - Children return to the Sanctuary and sit with their families for Communion
This is a new program, and we need your help to make it happen. We still need a few volunteers on July 13th, July 27th, August 3rd, and August 10th. No experience is needed. Lessons and activities will be provided. Contact Jenny Streeter at sundayschool@christchurchnewton.org to volunteer. Thank you in advance for supporting our growing Christian Education Program!
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Journey Youth Group
Service opportunities for youth in grades 6 - 12 will be available throughout the year. Contact the Reverend Randy Parks for more information, 862-266-0513.
Adult Bible Study, 9:00 a.m.
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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Christ Church Women will gather for a meeting and potluck luncheon, Thursday, July 17th, 11:30 a.m. in Holley Hall. All women are welcome to attend!
A volunteer is needed to write cards for the CCW Keeping in Touch ministry; these cards are written and mailed to parishioners and friends as notes of gratitude or to support those facing a difficult challenge. Materials are provided. Contact Diana Greene if you can assist with this important ministry.
If you would like to be receive emails about CCW activities, please contact Diana Greene at dianatgreene@gmail.com. This is a “read only” email group with news and information regarding all CCW activities.
| | The Christ Church Book Club will meet in the church parlor, Wednesday, July 30th, 7:00 p.m., to discuss Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan. 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 July 23rd.
The First Presbyterian Church of Newton will host a spaghetti dinner to raise funds for Manna House, Tuesday, July 8th, 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.
| | Christ Church in Stitches |
Christ Church in Stitches will meet Thursday, July 10th, 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.
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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.
| | The Christ Church "Brunch in a Bag" program needs volunteers - can you help? Work with a team, every 7 - 8 weeks, to prepare a bagged lunch for distribution to approximately 50 - 60 people. Assemble the bags prior to the 10:00 a.m. service and distribute the meals in the church, 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Contact Geordie Compton, (973) 500-2332, or gcompton@executorium.com to volunteer. | | | |
Coffee Hour Hosts Needed
Do you like to eat? Make people happy? We invite you to consider being a Coffee Hour host! Work with a team to provide refreshments immediately after the 10:00 a.m. service. Volunteers are "on duty" approximately 3 - 4 times a year; no experience is necessary, and help is available! To volunteer, contact Lori Parks at 862-266-3059 or lacparks@hotmail.com with questions.
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Well Done, Good & Faithful Servants!
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- Diana Greene, Joe and Debbie Mello, and the members of the Junior and Senior Choirs for yet another season of spectacular music!
- The parents of the Junior Choir members for ensuring that their children are at church on the Sundays when the group performs and for their help with vesting them prior to the service.
- Diana Greene for organizing the CCW outing to Grey Towers.
- Lori Parks for wrangling the volunteers who assist with Coffee Hour each week.
- Geordie Compton for coordinating the Brunch in a Bag program.
- The Property Committee for completing the installation of the acoustic ceiling tiles in Holley Hall.
- Our Fabulous Breakfast Crew for creating a bountiful feast for us every month!
- All our graduates - we are proud of you and wish you continued success!
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Diocesan Hegg Awards
On June 1, 2025, members of our Diocese gathered at Church of the Saviour, Denville for the 27th annual Hegg Awards. Named for the Reverend David Hegg, this award recognizes long-standing members of congregations who have made a positive impact on the life of their community.
Christ Church’s recipients were Beth Batastini & Merritt Ierley. To view the program, including information about the award recipients, please click here.
Note: Beth and Merritt’s information can be found on page 26.
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Celebration of New Ministry
Saturday, October 18, 2025
10:00 a.m. Service followed by luncheon in Holley Hall
Please save the date for a special service celebrating our new chapter of ministry at Christ Church!
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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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