Keeping Connected April 4, 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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Dear Ones of Christ Church,
I commend to you the statement below from our Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Julia Whitworth. With her, I invite and encourage us at Christ Church to continue to prayerfully respond to God's call "to love [our] neighbors, to respect the dignity of every human being, and to promote sanctuary, peace, and protection for all of God’s beloved children."
Yours in Christ,
Melissa +
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A statement from Bishop Julia E. Whitworth
on detention of Tufts student Rümeysa Öztürk
| | The Rt. Rev. Julia E. Whitworth, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts, issues the following statement on the detention of Tufts University doctoral student Rümeysa Öztürk. | | |
April 1, 2025
I decry the arrest and detention of Rümeysa Öztürk, the Ph.D. student at Tufts University who was apprehended by federal agents last Tuesday on a Somerville street as she was on her way to an iftar, a traditional break-fast meal during Ramadan. A former Fulbright scholar and current doctoral student from Turkey in the U.S. on a student visa, Ms. Öztürk was arrested without prior warning and without being charged of a crime or experiencing any due process. It is all but certain that she was targeted largely because she expressed political views in an opinion-editorial in a Tufts student newspaper, published a year ago. Despite a federal court order to the contrary, she was removed to a detention center in another state, without immediate access to an attorney.
I reject the actions of the executive branch of our federal government in its targeting of international students for their exercise of free speech and dissent, cornerstones of our U.S. Constitution and American values. Our Christian faith calls us to renounce the promotion of xenophobia and fear to foment dehumanization of any of God’s children, especially immigrants and our newest neighbors. In the name of the One who commands us to welcome the stranger (Matthew 25:38) and to love resident aliens (Leviticus 19:34), I join the Attorney General of Massachusetts and other state officials in calling for complete transparency regarding Ms. Öztürk’s detention and for the due process that contributes to the safety and protection of all our neighbors in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Throughout the congregations of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts, we are committed to radical welcome, care, and support of our most vulnerable neighbors and to collaboration with our ecumenical, interfaith, and secular partners for immigration justice.
With more than 75 colleges and universities in the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts, it is critical that our community stand with Tufts University and those in higher education who seek to keep their international students safe and to guard the exchange of free speech and diverse viewpoints. I urge our congregations and all people of faith to join me in praying for Ms. Öztürk and all who fear arrest and deportation on account of their nationality, ethnicity, religion, immigration status, or political views. In a time when chaotic fearmongering has become a strategy for national division and overreaching government control, I recall and commend the promise in Scripture that perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18). I call upon every follower of Jesus, each community that gathers in his name, and all people of goodwill to do their part to love their neighbors, to respect the dignity of every human being, and to promote sanctuary, peace, and protection for all of God’s beloved children.
The Rt. Rev. Julia E. Whitworth
Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts
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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.
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Finances
Last week we received in over $3754. 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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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.
| Easter Flowers and Musicians | If you wish to remember or honor a loved one or give in thanksgiving, you may do so by sponsoring the flowers and guest musicians for our Easter services. The form will be included at the end of the service bulletins or you can download it here. In order to have your memorial listed in the Easter bulletins, please return the form to the church office by Monday, April 14. | |
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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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 | |
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
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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. | | | | |
