Keeping Connected May 16, 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.
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Summer Sunday Worship Schedule Changes
Starting June 15, 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!
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Dear Ones of Christ Church,
On the table in my office, alongside a bowl of dark chocolates and a box of tissues, are books that I try to change out seasonally. Some are devotionals, some poetry, some theology, some art. Right now one of the texts on the table is the late poet John O’Donohue’s book of blessings, To Bless the Space Between Us. In times of difficulty and depletion, in times like now when deep divisions, oppressive political forces and a relentless 24 hour news cycle threaten to spin me out into overwhelm, I revisit O’Donohue’s “For One Who Is Exhausted, a Blessing” and drink deeply from its well of nourishment. This blessing reminds me of Jesus’s invitation from Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” And in this Easter season, there is a section in O’Donohue’s blessing that reminds me of the gift of new life that comes out of the rock of Christ’s empty tomb:
“Draw alongside the silence of stone
Until its calmness can claim you.
Be excessively gentle with yourself.”
If you are feeling exhausted, depleted, overwhelmed, please know you are not alone. Remember that Jesus offers us not chaos and reactivity but deep rest and renewal of life in God. This rest and renewal are not escapism from the world’s problems, but rather the opposite. When we allow Jesus to cultivate this kind of deep rest, deep peace, within us, we bear his courageous and deep peace with us into the chaos of the world, offering this Resurrection, Christ-centered way of being as a gift to our communities.
You can read “For One Who Is Exhausted, a Blessing” by clicking on the link above or by clicking here. Or by stopping by my office, for a chocolate, and a blessing.
Yours in Christ,
Melissa+
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Finances
Last week we received in over $3035. 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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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
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Young Families Survey – We’d Love to Hear from You!
Christ Church Episcopal Parish is exploring how we can better support young families in their journey of faith — and we need your input - take CCP's Young Families Survey. We have a goal of 100 responses!
This anonymous survey takes about 30 minutes and will help us better understand what’s meaningful, what’s missing, and how we can grow together. By “young families,” we mean households with children under the age of 25 — and we’re thinking beyond just children’s ministry. This is about the whole family: parents, caregivers, kids, and everyone walking alongside them.
Your responses will be reviewed by Deacon Natalie, Amanda Peterson, and Makenzie Manchester, who will summarize the results for the wider parish. At the end of the survey, you’ll also have a chance to sign up for a focus group conversation in June — where we’ll dig deeper into these insights and begin shaping a refreshed ministry by fall 2025.
Survey takes ~30 minutes
Open now through Saturday, June 8
Christ Church Young Family's Survey
This is a true "come as you are" opportunity. Most questions are optional — just share what you feel comfortable with.
If you have friends, family members, or former parishioners with kids — or anyone deeply connected to youth and family ministry — we’d love for you to share the survey link with them. Their perspective is incredibly valuable, especially if they aren’t currently part of our parish.
We’re so grateful for your insight as we build a vibrant, welcoming ministry for families who want to know, love, and follow Jesus in this season of life. For more information, contact Deacon Natalie, Amanda, or Makenzie.
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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.
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Helping Hands
Would you like to help out occasionally when we need a hand? Helping Hands is an extension of the Building and Grounds Committee. Our new sexton will soon begin his orientation and onboarding, and will be working fifteen hours a week. There will be times when we need extra help for special events, coverage for sick days and other one time needs, there are also some general tasks that could be done by volunteers which would enable our sexton to concentrate on other projects.
- No regular meetings to attend, just a willingness to lend a hand in faithful service to God and in support of our parish’s ministries of seeking Christ in ourselves and serving Christ in the world.
If you would like be included on the Helping Hands list please complete the questions below and email to Robb Pflock :
Address: srwarden@christchurchplymouth.org or put your information in mailbox #2 across from the office.
Name:
Email
Phone #
Preferred contact method: phone, text, email?
What do you like to do? Ex: grounds, event setup/ take down, general?
Days / times available?
Any limitations?
Please contact either Warden, John Steele or Robb Pflock with any questions.
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Pentecost Readers Needed
As has been our tradition, we have the Gospel lesson for Pentecost read in different languages. We need readers for all three services. Please let Connie know (conmel@aol.com) if you can help and for which service(s) you are available. Appropriate translations will be provided.
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Cookbook Parish Fundraiser
Let’s pick up where we left off some time ago!! Let’s get back on the track of preparing & publishing together a wonderful keepsake cookbook to benefit Christ Church Parish ~ Here we go!!
Morris Press Cookbooks ~
1) Go to typensave.com to login
2) Username : CCParish
3) Password : garlic547
Follow the easy directions to type in your favorite recipes. Thank you so very much. If you have any questions, please ask Anne McManus or Robin Nielsen and we will help you.
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Christ Church Staffing Announcement
Dear Ones of Christ Church,
Our music director Lea Tyler and I are pleased to share that Peter Litchfield will be joining our staff as accompanist and organist for choir rehearsals and Sunday morning services. Peter's first Sunday playing with us will be May 18th, although you may see him (and hear him!) around the church before then, as he orients to the parish and rehearses with our organ. You can read more about Peter below—please join Lea and me in warmly welcoming him to Christ Church!
With gratitude, and peace,
Melissa+
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Peter Litchfield was born in 1965 in Plymouth where he currently resides. He grew up in Pembroke and is a lifelong Episcopalian. He began private organ lessons with Dwight McChausney from 1975 to 1980. He began studies in piano and ear training at New England Conservatory (Extension Division) from 1981-1983. With nearly forty years experience as a musician, he is currently in two general business local cover bands: Cheap Voova and Wut It Iz. Since 2014, he has also been employed by Middle Street School of Music as a piano teacher.
Recordings:
Jupiter Ray (1998)
Jupiter Ray – Into the Blue (2003)
Other Accomplishments:
- Bachelor of Arts (English Major) from University of Massachusetts Boston (2014)
- Taught Microsoft Office and computer applications to adults in three separate career education facilities (Computer Learning Center, Gibbs College and Easter Seals Boston from 1992 to 2012).
- Organist and Pianist at Trinity Episcopal Church, Weymouth, MA (1989-2012)
- Church musician at First Baptist Church of Plymouth (2016-2025)
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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
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Bedtime Chapel Podcast
Nightly Family Prayer & Weekly Bible Study
Deuteronomy 11:18,19
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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 | |
Could a picnic on the beach be a fun way to spend an afternoon? You can get all the inspiration you need with a like-new picnic hamper for two — sweet and very portable — just add the refreshments. Summer is coming! This and other shopping opportunities, for your house or your closet, arrive each and every week, which means great chances for the treasure-hunter in you to have some fun.
This week’s special — Senior Sale Week: Half-off everything unless otherwise marked!
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
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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.
| | 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. | | | | |
