Keeping Connected March 28, 2025 | | |
Connect Virtually
We will continue using our new live streaming equipment. You may access our Sunday morning worship service via our YouTube Channel and our Facebook page.
| | |
Saturday, April 5th and Sunday, April 6th: Healing Prayers and Holy Unction
On the last weekend of Lent, as we prepare together to enter Holy Week, we will hear the Gospel story of the faithful woman (sometimes named, sometimes unnamed) who anointed Jesus. Prayers for healing and the sacramental rite of Holy Unction will be offered at all three of our worship services. Holy Unction is the rite of anointing with oil, and/or the laying on of hands, by which God's grace is given for the healing of spirit, mind, and body.
Saturday, April 5th at 5p - Holy Eucharist with a Public Service of Healing - Holy Unction and communal and private prayers for healing will be offered during the service.
Sunday, April 6th at 8a and 10a - Holy Eucharist - Holy Unction and prayers for healing will be offered after both of our Sunday services.
| | |
Finances
Last week we received in over $2681. When giving online, be sure to change the 'Fund' to 'Pledges' so your contribution goes toward your pledge.
Thank you for your loving support of Christ Church.
| | |
Resources for Families in Church: Just a reminder that there are activities for kids, including a small table and chairs, in the back of the church. We are also providing special bulletins for kids that are aligned with the week's lessons at the front and back entrances. These bulletins have a variety of coloring, brain teasers, puzzles, and other fun activities. For students in grades PreK-1, Su will be available in the nursery to monitor young students who need a separate space during the church service. We hope that these resources will support family attendance at the 10 am service. Please let us know if you have any other ideas for ways to welcome children and families at Christ Church: education@christchurchplymouth.org
Church School Registration: Registration for Church School is open throughout the year. Click the registration form link to sign up or email education@christchurchplymouth.org for more information. Church School Registration Form
| | |
A Note to Parents and Caregivers with Children in Church
Thank you for bringing your children to church. We are so glad you are here!
We know it can be difficult at times to manage little ones during the service.
For that reason, we have provided some resources which we hope will make it easier for you and your family to enjoy worship together.
You will find books and coloring pages at the back of the Mary Chapel. Please feel free to utilize these at any point during the service.
We have installed a TV in the nursery! You are welcome to visit the nursery with your child during any portion of our service and join us via our livestream.
It is okay to take breaks. If you need to step out with your child, our parish grounds are a great place to get the wiggles out.
Above all, please remember: You and your family are very welcome here!
Your children may be squirming, talking, or making noise, but they are also observing, copying, and learning. Children are a gift and an important part of our community; we are grateful to have them worship with us.
| | Adult Sunday School! Sundays, 9 to 9:45a | |
Join us in the parish hall or hospitality suite for a time of wondering, discussion, listening, fellowship, prayer, and sharing. No sign up or registration is necessary. Come as you are. Come for one week or every week. There will be coffee (or bring your own!).
For questions or more information, please contact Rev. Melissa.
| |
Looking Ahead to Holy Week…
We will need readers for the following…
Palm Sunday Weekend, April 12 & 13
For bit parts in the Passion for all three services.
Tenebrae
For the 7 PM service on Wednesday, April 16.
Please let Connie know if you are willing and for which service(s) you are available – conmel@aol.com / 508.746.3805
We will also need folks, including families, to participate in the Gethsemane Watch (Prayer Vigil), beginning on Thursday, April 17 after the Maundy Thursday service. More than one person can sign up for a slot. Families are invited to participate. A sign-up sheet is posted on the bulletin board in the hallway by the St. Francis door.
| |
Creation Care
Now that we have reached the goal of installing solar panels, it is time for the Creation Care Committee to reconvene to determine what our next steps/focus should be. We will meet after the 10 AM service on Sunday, April 6th. We are inviting others, including young people, to attend to share ideas. Contact Connie (conmel@aol.com/508.746.380) for further information.
| |
Brass Polishing
The Altar Guild is inviting anyone who wishes to participate in the Brass Polishing of all of our sacred holy hardware in the sanctuary, in order to get us ready for our Easter celebrations.
Saturday April 5th beginning at 9:30 until 12:30; come anytime during that period, giving an hour or more or just 1/2 hour…many hands make light work with an opportunity for fellowship while doing good work for our beautiful sanctuary.
With Grateful Appreciation ~ Robin Nielsen, ministry leader
| |
Help Wanted
The Altar Guild is looking for someone who loves to do handwashing and ironing or who would love to learn the ministry of handwashing and ironing the fair linen used for offering the Holy Eucharist at all services.
Previous experience is not required; training will be provided by Robin Nielsen, ministry leader.
If interested please call Robin @ 774 454 2776; or come into the sacristy following a Sunday 10:00 service to inquire about this special ministry.
“Preparing and taking care of the fair linen for the altar is Spiritual”. ~ Janice N.
| |
Notes from the Vestry meeting of March 12, 2025
Please note that ALL vestry meeting minutes are posted on the bulletin board outside our parish office following their approval at the subsequent vestry meeting.
Save the dates:
Vestry Retreat May 2 & 3
Informal Bishop’s visit Sunday, June 8, tentative time: 5:30p
(more details to come from diocese)
Dates Melissa will be away:
Retreat March 24 – 31
Three days after Easter (all clergy in diocese off)
April 28 – 30 Diocesan Clergy Conference
Vacation June 9 - 23
Presentation about Parish Ministry Network was given by Louise Woodruff
10 hr Sexton position has been posted.
Buildings and Grounds Committee looking for “Helping Hands” volunteers willing to be contacted for help with special events etc...
Upcoming tree clean up / Hemlock removal discussed.
Water Cooler installation moving forward with help from $800 Coffee House funds.
Treasurer’s report:
Overall February income favorable
Regular giving slightly unfavorable, other giving favorable due to Thrift Shoppe income.
Thrift Shoppe to donate $2500 to Plymouth Pride (rainbow sponsorship). This includes a table at the Pride event on June 29th and CCP listing as a sponsor.
Overnights of hospitality have one week left at Christ Church for this season
Social Justice Ministry being formed - more info to come at the April meeting
New Camera/Speaker/Mic device to be purchased for Hospitality Suite by Building and Grounds Committee.
The next regular vestry meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at 6:30pm in the Hospitality Suite.
| |
Prayer Chain
Our prayer chain consists of devoted parishioners who, in confidence, pray daily for the needs of our parish family. Our mission is to life up to God the prayers of people in need, in joy, or in thanksgiving.
All prayer requests are said for a period of 2 weeks, and all requests are kept in strict confidence. If you would like a prayer said for yourself, a member of your family or friends, please reach out to Robyn Lench Whittles 781-291-9459 or email to betty02364@gmail.com
| | | |
Bedtime Chapel Podcast
Nightly Family Prayer & Weekly Bible Study
Deuteronomy 11:18,19
| | |
Bedtime Chapel helps families draw nearer to Jesus by gathering for nightly prayer and deepening their understanding of the Gospel. The podcast includes:
- A 5-Min nightly prayer service
- Weekly companion episodes that explore the themes of the gospel readings of the upcoming week for family members with longer attention spans
Pray with Us Apple, Spotify, Amazon and most other Podcast Servers
| | Christ Church Thrift Shoppe | |
Spring items are out and browsers, shoppers, and proceeds continue to be unprecedented. In order for us to reach the ministry goals of providing in-reach to our church budget and outreach to our neighbors in need, we are in need of more volunteers as we approach our busiest season.
Please consider joining our volunteer team to help with sorting, organizing, pricing, and sales. No experience necessary and orientation is provided. For more information please share your contact information at Office.christchurchplymouth@gmail.com
Shoppe Hours:
Thursday and Friday 10-4
Saturday 10-1
| | Christ Church Food Pantry | | The Food Pantry is in need of donations of small bottles of dish detergent, vegetable oil, baked beans, and Chef Boyardee. | | |
All are welcome to the Christ Church Food Pantry!
We are open by appointment:
Tuesday 4:00-5:15
Thursday 12:00-1:15 and 4:00-5:15
Saturday 10:00-11:15
Call the pantry message line: 508-746-4959, ext 6, BY 1 PM THE DAY BEFORE YOU WISH TO PICK UP YOUR ORDER. Our volunteers check messages and return your call from their homes to ask you what you need.
Leave a message if you wish to donate non-perishable food and household items, or you may leave your donations under the mailboxes outside the office or in the front entrance to the sanctuary. Squirrels like to get into any bags left on the porch of the food pantry!
If you wish to volunteer, contact Eileen Paris at eileenpca@aol.com
For more information, please contact Barbara Wojtklewicz at 617-291-4634, or by email at barbara.wojtklewicz@gmail.com
| | |
Pastoral Care
For any pastoral care needs of Christ Church, please call Robin Nielsen (774-454-2776) or email robinmarianielsen@gmail.com ~ A home visit, a home visit with holy communion or a phone call can be arranged. Although a small group, our Pastoral Care Ministry team meets monthly in confidence.
For any pastoral emergencies, please call Rev. Melissa Howell 508-746-4959 ext 4, and follow the instructions in her voice message.
| | |
We want to keep you in the loop regarding the happenings at Christ Church. Please send your announcements for the weekly bulletin and Keeping Connected, to the office by 12 Noon on Wednesday. They should include date, time, place, description of event, contact information and should be written exactly the way you want them to appear.
The Church Office will be closed on Wednesday, April 2 from noon - 3PM.
| | | | |
