Keeping Connected May 24, 2024 | |
|
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.
| |
|
Dear Ones of Christ Church,
This weekend in our church calendar we celebrate the feast of the Holy Trinity, and in our secular calendar we celebrate Memorial Day. What might this convergence mean for us?
There is a cemetery near our home in Fairhaven, a very beautiful one, with many trees and meandering paths. Several of my family members are buried there, including my great-grandparents and my grandmother, as well as teachers, neighbors, and classmates of mine, and dear parishioners of my former parish whom I have had the honor of burying. This week small American flags will be placed by the graves of veterans. As I walk the paths and read the names on the stones, pausing sometimes to pray, I feel surrounded and upheld by the Communion of Saints and by the presence of God, who is upholding and holding all of us, in our earthly and heavenly lives.
One of my favorite theologians and spiritual companions, St. Julian of Norwich, wrote about the holding and unifying and “oneing” work of the Trinity in her Revelations of Divine Love. Christian Century editor Amy Frykholm describes Julian’s trinitarian theology this way: “With the trinitarian God, our trinitarian souls participate in the work of ‘oneing.’ Because of the dynamic nature of God and of ourselves, oneing is a verb, not a given state. Oneing, a word which Julian invented to describe this action, is the process by which, via the Trinity, ‘all things were made and all things will be made well.’ It’s a constant process of growth and development, rooted in our nature as made in the image of God, drawn out by the work of compassion in our lives and made real by the work of grace, in a process of ‘endless loving.’”
I will be meditating with Julian’s words and with the Trinity’s “oneing” and “endless loving” this week, especially as I walk in the cemetery. Julian’s writing invites us to reflect on the shared love in the holy relationship of the Trinity, God in Three Persons, a love that is always reaching out to us, to encompass and enfold us and “all things” for all time, in our earthly and heavenly lives. This Trinity Sunday and Memorial Day, as we remember U.S. veterans and all those we love and see no longer, may we remember and trust that our Triune God is at work holding, upholding, and “oneing” us, all of our dearly departed, and all of Creation, so that there might be an end to war, so that we might be united in God’s “endless love,” so that “all things will be made well.”
Yours in Christ,
Melissa +
You can read Amy Frykholm’s article about Julian at this link.
| |
|
We are finishing our third Love First unit: Love God. Please see the May and June schedule below:
Church School Schedule
May
26 Memorial Day Weekend –No Church School
June: Review and Wrap-Up
2 Class Celebrations and Field Trip to Christ Church Food Pantry
9 Family Sunday. Church School Recognition and Ice Cream Sundaes at Coffee Hour
| |
|
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!
| |
|
Finances
Last week we received in over $5616. 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.
| |
|
Notes from the Vestry meeting of May 8, 2024
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.
Rector’s report:
Rev Melissa offered huge appreciation for Elijah’s final service, for our Celebration of New Ministry, for the Prepared Communion services, and the parties that followed. They were all joyful and Spirit-filled.
After a brief discussion, two safe-church policies (Protection of Children and Youth and Protection of Vulnerable Adults) have been adopted by the vestry.
We have committed to be in compliance with these policies by the end of 2024.
The policies may need to be amended or updated to best fit our parish. Any changes will made by vestry review and vote.
Policy review and compliance will be coordinated with ministry leaders.
Rev Melissa provided copies of our updated vestry norms for review. These will be discussed at the June vestry meeting.
The parishioners we invited to consider serving on vestry for the remainder of this term are discerning their call. They are grateful for being asked.
Rev Melissa and Lea have decided to post and hire an organist/accompanist rather than an assistant music director.
Lea is filling in on the organ as necessary – and doing an excellent job.
Senior Warden’s report:
Following up on our vestry retreat, we will be reviewing the goals from our 2021 strategic plan along with strategic priorities gleaned from the parish survey done for our Search Committee. These will be compared with priorities established at the retreat.
Junior Warden’s report:
The food pantry ramp repair is nearly complete.
Treasurer’s report:
Ray presented an excellent short course on church finances.
Finances through the month of April are in good shape. So far, we are keeping ahead of our projected budget deficit. The vestry is very thankful for this support from our parish family.
The Hall House solar installation is running well. We are waiting for Eversource to install a new meter on the church building before the church building can be commissioned.
The Men’s group is discussing food provisions for the July 4th parade.
The Worship committee has decided to combine summer Sunday services as we did last year. A single 9:00am service will replace the 8:00 and 10:00am services beginning on June 23rd.
The next regular vestry meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 12th at 6:30pm in the Hospitality room.
| |
|
Parish Safe Church Policies
At its May 8th meeting, our vestry voted to adopt two parish Safe Church policies. Vestry also set a goal of parish compliance with the policies by the end of 2024. Here are links to each policy:
Policy for the Protection of Children and Youth at Christ Church Parish
Policy for the Protection of Vulnerable Adults at Christ Church Parish
Our diocese requires every congregation to adopt and follow these policies in order "to create safe and welcoming space for minors, elders and people with disabilities and those engaged in ministry with them."
Links to the policies will be posted on our parish website, and binders with paper copies will be located in each area of the main church, as well as on both floors of Hall House and in the food pantry. We strongly encourage all parishioners and volunteers to read and become familiar with these documents. It takes all of our efforts to live into being a safe and welcoming community for all people, and following the "universal precautions" in these Safe Church policies is part of our call to minister together in healthy ways as the Body of Christ.
Rev. Melissa and vestry liaisons will be reaching out to ministry leaders who serve directly with children, youth, and vulnerable adults to ensure they have received and reviewed these documents. We are also working with staff and leaders to complete required and recommended Safe Church training and identify areas where we need to update our practices.
Thank you! If you have questions about these policies, or wish to take the online Safe Church training (which is open to all), please contact David in the church office, and he will assist you directly or direct your question to the right person.
| |
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
| |
Christ Church Food Pantry | |
|
This week we are low on:
Tuna fish
Kidney beans
Pork and beans
Cereal bars
Peanut butter
| |
|
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.
| |
Diocese of Massachusetts elects the Rev. Julia E. Whitworth | |
The Rev. Julia E. Whitworth | |
|
The people of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts have elected an Indianapolis priest to be their next bishop.
At the special electing convention held on Saturday, May 18, clergy and lay delegates elected the Rev. Julia E. Whitworth to succeed the Rt. Rev. Alan M. Gates as the 17th bishop of the Diocese of Massachusetts. The electing convention took place at Trinity Church in Boston.
In order to be elected, a nominee needed to receive a simple majority of votes from both the clergy and lay delegates, voting separately as “orders,” on the same balloting round. Whitworth secured election on the fourth ballot, receiving 118 clergy votes and 155 lay votes, with 110 and 146 needed, respectively, for election.
Following the 3:33 p.m. announcement of her election, Whitworth joined the convention via Zoom to offer her greetings.
“I would like to take a moment just to express my deep, deep gratitude for you, for the work that you do to make disciples, protect creation, promote justice and love Jesus, and for the opportunity to join you in that work as your bishop-elect,” Whitworth said. “I am honored, I am flabbergasted, I am overjoyed, I am overwhelmed, and I feel it a deep, deep privilege to be called in this way."
Whitworth, the rector of Trinity Church in Indianapolis since 2016, is the first woman to be elected to lead the Diocese of Massachusetts as diocesan bishop.
Her election must now receive consent from a majority of The Episcopal Church’s diocesan bishops and a majority of its dioceses via their Standing Committees. Pending that consent, the bishop-elect’s consecration is scheduled to take place on Saturday, Oct. 19 at Trinity Church in Boston.
The other four nominees were the Rev. Dr. Brendan J. Barnicle, Rector of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Wilsonville, Ore.; the Rev. Edwin D. Johnson, Director of Organizing for Episcopal City Mission in Boston; the Rev. Canon Jean Baptiste Ntagengwa, Th.D., Canon for Immigration and Multicultural Ministries in the Diocese of Massachusetts; and the Rev. Gideon L.K. Pollach, Rector of St. John’s Church in Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.
“The diocese is eager to embrace a hopeful future and a pragmatic present. Julia Whitworth brings gifts of creativity and joy, along with solid experience and accomplishments at the diocesan and parish levels, which have prepared her for Spirit-driven leadership in our midst,” Bishop Alan M. Gates said. “I look forward to having our bishop-elect join me and Assistant Bishop Carol Gallagher over the summer to serve together in preparing for a healthy and faithful transition in October.”
Gates became the 16th bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts in September 2014. In preparation for retirement, he plans to resign his office at the time of the bishop-elect’s consecration in October.
The Diocese of Massachusetts, established in 1784, is among the Episcopal Church’s oldest and largest, in terms of baptized membership, and comprises 180 parishes, missions, chapels and chaplaincies in eastern Massachusetts.
| |
|
Statement from the bishop-elect of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts:
The Rev. Julia E. Whitworth
Beloved of God in the Diocese of Massachusetts:
It is a tremendous honor to have been elected your 17th bishop. I am profoundly grateful and humbled that your clergy and lay representatives have placed such trust in me, to lead you and your amazing diocese.
The Diocese of Massachusetts has a long, proud history: centuries of nurturing spiritual vitality, leadership and prophetic witness for the whole Episcopal Church. Together we will build on that legacy by walking joyfully into your next chapter—proclaiming the Gospel, making disciples, strengthening our worshiping communities with imagination and courage, and working together for a more just and loving world.
I have adored my years as a priest in the dioceses of Connecticut, New York and Indianapolis. To now have the opportunity to serve as bishop in God’s church in Massachusetts is a sacred responsibility that I will strive to uphold with compassion, humility and faithfulness. And so much gratitude! For you, for your ongoing witness to the resurrecting power of Jesus Christ and for the future ahead of us.
God bless you, DioMass! I can’t wait to be with you, very soon.
| |
|
Biography: The Rev. Julia E. Whitworth
Currently: Rector, Trinity Episcopal Church, Indianapolis, IN
Born: Richmond, VA
Education:
Bachelor of Arts, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 1993
Majors: Drama, English; Minors: Women’s Studies, Education
Master of Arts, M.Phil.: New York University/Tisch School of the Arts,
Performance Studies
Master of Divinity, Union Theological Seminary, 2010
Ordained Priest: September 2010
Ministry:
Rector, Trinity Church, Indianapolis, IN, 2016-Present; Canon for Liturgy and the Arts, Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, New York, NY, 2013-2016; Assistant Rector, St. James’s Church, West Hartford, CT, 2010-2012
Deputy to two Episcopal Church General Conventions, serving this summer on General Convention’s Prayer Book, Liturgy and Music Legislative Committee. Serves in the Diocese of Indianapolis on the Executive Council and the Committee for Canons and Constitution, is a member of the Board of Trustees of St. Richard’s Episcopal School, and the Board of Directors of Trinity Haven, the first dedicated residence for LGBTQ+ youth in Indiana, and the LGBTQ+ youth advocacy organization Shelly’s Voice. Is a former member of the Governing Board of the National Association of Episcopal Schools.
Path to ordained ministry via theatre and academia, as well as church leadership. Has been a drama instructor and associate teacher at the Tisch School of the Arts/New York University, a visiting lecturer in theatre arts and guest director at Mount Holyoke College, and director of stage productions at numerous theaters and festivals.
Personal: Married to artist-designer Ray Neufeld for 25 years. Three children, Liam, 18, Gregory, 15, and Grace, 13.
| |
|
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 be closed on Monday, May 27th for Memorial Day.
| | | | |
