Keeping Connected May 17, 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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Dear Ones of Christ Church,
Our Scriptures tell us that the Holy Spirit has always been present, since the beginning of time, sweeping, hovering, brooding over the waters of Creation (Genesis 1:1-2). At Pentecost, we in the church celebrate the Holy Spirit arriving among and upon Jesus’s disciples in a particular way—as a “rush of violent wind,” as “tongues of fire,” as a force that fills the disciples and compels them to proclaim “God’s deeds of power” across barriers of language (Acts 2:1-4). The Spirit’s work at Pentecost proclaims the good news of God’s salvation for all, not just a chosen few.
When I pray “Come, Holy Spirit,” before preaching, I am praying for the grace and openness and power of the Spirit to come among us so that God’s Word, the Gospel, may be spoken and received on the Spirit’s terms, not on ours.
In a world still filled with many barriers, where are you praying for the Spirit’s work this Pentecost? What do you need from the Spirit in this season? What does the world need? A gentle brooding and sheltering? A refining, purifying fire? A rushing, cleansing, life-giving wind that breathes and speaks good news in and through our lives and the life of the earth? May we be open and receptive to all the ways the Spirit moves among and through us, through our neighbors, through the world.
Yours in Christ,
Melissa +
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Pentecost Services
Because our clergy will be attending the bishop's election in Boston, we will have a service of Evening Prayer this Saturday May 18th at 5pm for the Eve of Pentecost. On the day of Pentecost, May 19th, we will celebrate Holy Eucharist together at 8a and 10a. At all of our Pentecost services this weekend, we invite you to wear red, as we honor the coming of the Holy Spirit as a bright flame to enlighten and empower us!
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This month we start our third Love First unit: Love God. Please see the May schedule below:
Church School Schedule
May
19 Love God 5 - Pentecost
26 Memorial Day Weekend - No Church School
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Join Our Church School Team!
We warmly welcome adults to become part of our Church School program! Alongside our dedicated teachers, we are in search of adults to partner with them, ensuring there are always two adults present in every class. Additionally, we need individuals who are willing to step in as substitutes when teachers are unavailable.
No prior experience is necessary as we provide all the information and materials needed for a fulfilling experience. Your enthusiasm and willingness to contribute are what truly matter!
If you're interested in making a meaningful difference in the lives of our children, please reach out to Donna Eby at donnaeby@rocketmail.com and education.christchurchplymouth@gmail.com for more information or to volunteer. Together, let's create a nurturing environment where our children can grow in faith and understanding. Thank you for considering this opportunity to serve!
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Finances
Last week we received in over $3439. 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 | Project Growth Volunteer Nick Muscato | |
The Thrift Shoppe proudly partners with Plymouth Public School’s Project Growth.
This inclusive program provides unique opportunities for special needs students to experience success, regardless of how tough or challenging their journey. Nick Muscato is one such student. A much loved and valued member of the Thrift Shoppe team, Nick volunteers weekly sorting and organizing donations and assisting with various tasks that maintain a neat and orderly shop. We are grateful for Nick and his desire to help others, his cheerful can-do attitude, and the many positive contributions he makes to the Thrift Shoppe.
If you or someone you know is interested in joining this ministry, all are welcome regardless of age, experience, abilities, or religious affiliation. Please contact us at office.christchurchplymouth@gmail.com or speak with any volunteer.
Shoppe Hours
Thursday and Friday 10-4
Saturday 10-2
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Christ Church Food Pantry | |
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The Food Pantry is low on bags to pack food for our clients. If you have paper shopping bags to recycle or extra fabric shopping bags, please drop them in the food pantry collection box at the entrance to the sanctuary, under the mailboxes outside the church office, or inside the Pantry during shift hours (see below).
Non-Sugar added cereals (Corn Flakes, Cheerios or like items, Raisin Bran, Rice Krispies)
Small juice boxes
Canned peaches or mixed fruit
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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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Diocese prepares for election of its next bishop on May 18 | |
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Nominees for election as 17th bishop diocesan of the Diocese of Massachusetts (from left): Brendan J. Barnicle; Edwin D. Johnson; Jean Baptiste Ntagengwa;
Gideon L. K. Pollach; and Julia E. Whitworth
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Clergy and lay delegates from the congregations of the diocese will gather on Saturday, May 18 at Trinity Church in Boston for the special convention to elect a diocesan bishop to succeed the Rt. Rev. Alan M. Gates as the diocese’s 17th bishop when Gates retires later this year.
The diocese’s Standing Committee will present five priests as nominees for election as bishop. They are:
• The Rev. Dr. Brendan J. Barnicle, Rector, St. Francis of Assisi Church, Wilsonville, OR
• The Rev. Edwin D. Johnson, Director of Organizing, Episcopal City Mission, Boston
• The Rev. Canon Jean Baptiste Ntagengwa, Th.D., Canon for Immigration and Multicultural Ministries, Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts
• The Very Rev. Gideon L. K. Pollach, Rector, St. John’s Church, Cold Spring Harbor, NY
• The Rev. Julia E. Whitworth, Rector, Trinity Church, Indianapolis, IN.
Members of the diocese had the opportunity to meet the nominees and learn more about them at gatherings held May 7-11 at locations around the diocese. Recordings from the livestreamed gatherings are linked for viewing here. Additional information about each of the nominees is available at www.diomass.org/bishop-search/bishop-nominees.
The electing convention begins at 9 a.m. on May 18 with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. Following the service, at approximately 9:45 a.m., the call to order will take place and then the balloting will begin.
Clergy of the diocese and lay delegates (two elected from each of the diocese’s parishes and missions) vote separately as “orders”; a majority of votes on the same ballot from both the clergy and lay orders is required for election.
Pending consent from a majority of the Episcopal Church’s diocesan bishops and a majority of dioceses (via their Standing Committees), the consecration of the bishop-elect is scheduled to take place on Saturday, Oct. 19 at Trinity Church in Boston.
Join us online! Click here for election livestream links, details and updates.
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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 close early at 2 PM on Thursday, May 23.
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