Keeping Connected June 7, 2024 | |
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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.
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Summer Sunday Worship Schedule Changes
Starting June 23, Christ Church will transition to our summer worship schedule. We warmly invite you to join us for our Saturday service of Holy Eucharist at 5pm or Sunday service of Holy Eucharist at 9am.
Following the Sunday 9am service, we will be gathering for a delightful tradition: Lemonade on the Lawn. This is more than just refreshments; it's an opportunity to mingle, connect, and bask in the sunshine together. We'd love to see you there!
Worship Schedule for 6/15-6/16 and 6/22-6/23
While Rev. Melissa is away, our worship will be as follows:
Saturday 6/15 5pm Evening Prayer
Sunday 6/16 at 8am: Morning Prayer
Sunday 6/16 at 10am: Morning Prayer/Ante-Communion,
all officiated by The Rev. Deacon James Thomas
Saturday 6/22 5p Evening Prayer, officiated by Connie Melahoures
Sunday 6/23 9am Holy Eucharist, celebrated by The Rev. Elisabeth Tunney
Summer Office Hours
In July and August, our church office will be closed on Fridays. We will resume our normal Monday through Friday office schedule in September.
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Dear Ones of Christ Church,
Last weekend in my sermon I shared what I learned at our deanery meeting about the permaculture garden at St. Barnabas in Falmouth. The ministry of gardening and restoring ecosystems with native plants is a hopeful practice we can participate in, whether it’s in our homes, neighborhoods, parks, or churches. The philosophy of permaculture and gardening with native plants reflects our theology as Christians: to be good stewards of the gifts God has given us in creation, and to make known and celebrate our interconnectedness with God, with one another, and with all of our neighbors: humans, animals, and plants.
Many of you have shared questions, curiosity, and enthusiasm about permaculture, pollinator gardens, and native plants (specifically milkweed!). Here is some further information:
- Here are three sites (there are many more) with information and educational opportunities about gardening with native plants in Massachusetts and New England, including nurseries that sell native plants:
- https://grownativemass.org
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https://www.resroots.org/ - Resilient Roots is the Cape Cod organization that worked with St. Barnabas to plant their permaculture
- https://www.nativeplanttrust.org/
- After services on Sunday, I was sitting in my study and looked out the window at the hillside and saw…. milkweed! See the photos above, and next time you are at church, check out our milkweed, right beside the ramp leading up to the parish hall. As I shared in my sermon, milkweed is crucial to the survival of monarch butterflies. See this link from Mass Audubon to read more about this important plant, and why we should not weed the milkweed in our yards. How wonderful that we already have a stand of milkweed on our parish grounds! Perhaps this could be the start of a Christ Church pollinator garden of other native plants?
- Parishioner Evelyn Ferioli shares that milkweed plants are currently available for sale at Sunshine Nursery in Kingston, MA
- I mentioned two authors in my sermon, and here are links to their books:
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Braiding Sweetgrass, by Robin Wall-Kimmerer
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Nature’s Best Hope, by Douglas Tallamy
Happy exploring! I am headed out on vacation starting this Monday June 10th, and will be back with you on Tuesday June 25th. The rector’s reflection will also be “on vacation” during that time—for the next two weeks in this space you will find other spiritual resources to explore. Please know I will be praying for you while I am away, and I wish you many blessings on these long, green, June days!
Yours in Christ,
Melissa +
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Dear Church School Family,
As we come to the end of another wonderful church school year, I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to each and every one of you.
This year has been filled with memorable moments, joyous learning, and spiritual growth. We have seen our students thrive, our teachers inspire, and our community come together in faith and fellowship. I am particularly thankful for the dedication and commitment of our teachers, parents, and volunteers who have made this year so special.
On Sunday June 9th, we will celebrate Family Sunday, which will also serve as our Church School Recognition Sunday, to honor the hard work and accomplishments of our students and thank our dedicated teachers and class assistants. Following the church service, we will gather together and enjoy ice cream sundaes with the parish during coffee hour in the parish hall, creating a sweet ending to our celebration of our church school year.
As we wind down this church school year, I am filled with gratitude for the experience we have shared and the growth we have witnessed. Looking ahead, I am excited for the new adventures in learning that await us in the fall.
I wish you all many blessings, prayers, and great adventures as you enjoy your summer. May this time be filled with joy, relaxation, and continued spiritual growth.
With sincere thanks for the many blessings,
Donna Eby
Interim Sunday School Coordinator.
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Finances
Last week we received in over $3825. 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.
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Christ Church Thrift Shoppe | |
Plymouth Community Connections Inc., clients Taylor and Padina proudly showcase a decorative sign made by Taylor, advertising this week’s porch sale. These young ladies are valued members of the Thrift Shoppe volunteer team, helping out with shop organization on Wednesday mornings.
This week’s Porch Sale will be held rain or shine during shop hours and will feature a large assortment of discounted items as well as seasonal items for your grilling, gardening, and picnicking needs.
Shoppe Hours
Thursday and Friday 10-4
Saturday 10-2
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Christ Church Food Pantry | |
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This week we are low on:
Chicken noodle soup
Kidney beans
Pork and beans
Cereal/breakfast bars
Small bottles of dish soap
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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
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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.
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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 Thursday, June 13th.
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