Keeping Connected February 28, 2025 | |
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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,
Last week in this space I offered a few resources to consider for keeping a holy Lent. Sometimes we think of Lent as a season of giving things up. It can also be a season when we add or “try on” a new prayer practice or ministry of service. Have you ever wondered what it might be like to volunteer at Christ Church’s food pantry or thrift shoppe, or to sing in the choir? The 40 days of Lent can be a wonderful time to “try on” one of these ministries.
One other Lenten resource in the realm of creative prayer and mediation: click here to download and print Praying in Color Lenten doodle prayer calendars (we will also print some and have them by the entrances to the church this weekend). The photo above is my Lent and Holy Week doodle prayer calendar from 2021. During my morning prayer time, I would listen for one word or phrase from Scripture or a poem that stood out to me and then write it in the calendar spot for that day, then draw or color around it. There are many other ways you could use the blank Lenten calendars… our creativity is a holy gift!
Yours in Christ, and with blessings for a Holy Lent,
Melissa +
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Services for Jim Stanne
The Stanne family wishes to share the following information with the parish community:
Calling hours for Jim will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 28th, and Jim's funeral will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 1st. Friday's calling hours and Saturday's service will both be held at Christ Church. Saturday's service will be livestreamed on our parish Facebook and YouTube pages. Jim's obituary may be found at this link.
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Palm-Burning and Ash-Making this Sunday, 3/2 at 9am | |
This Sunday at 9am in the St. Francis Garden, we will be burning last year’s Palm Sunday palms to make ashes for this year’s Ash Wednesday services. Burning palms to create ashes is a beautiful way to honor our connection with Creation, to remember that we are mortal and made of beloved dust, to connect last year’s Holy Week to the beginning of this year’s Lent, and, through the transformation of palms to ashes, to consider the lifelong transformation that Jesus calls us to as his followers. All are welcome to join us in the garden (dress warmly!) for a simple liturgy of song, fire, prayer, ash, and blessing… and to bring and contribute any palms you have kept at home. | |
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Finances
Last week we received in over $3583. 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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Coming Soon! Sacramental Journey!
We are moving to a slightly new model for Prepared Communion which is more aligned with Episcopal theology and allows for students who have participated in
Prepared Communion in the past to have an opportunity for review. The new model is called Sacramental Journey and it incorporates a deeper focus on Baptism and its connection to Holy Eucharist as well as understanding Baptism and Holy Eucharist as sacraments given to us by Christ.
Sacramental Journey starts on March 9 and culminates in a special celebration service on May 18. All students in grades 2-5 will participate with special lessons for the full Church School program scheduled along the way. Classes take place during the regular Church School class time of 9-9:50 am on Sunday with occasional sessions lasting a bit longer. Contact Su D'Ambrosio for more information.
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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.
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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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Are you Episco-curious? Consider being part of our Inquirers' Class
(The Episcopal Church 101)
Are you interested in becoming confirmed or received in The Episcopal Church? Are you a newcomer who would like to learn more about The Episcopal Church? Or, are you a long-time member who would like to re-connect with what it means to be a practicing Episcopalian? For all the Episco-curious, Melissa would like to offer an Inquirers' Class, running for 5 weeks from the end of Lent into the season of Eastertide. If you would like to participate, please click here to take a survey on your availability.
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Evening Women
Evening Women will be offering a simple soup meal on Ash Wednesday, March 5th between 5pm and 6:30 pm. We will be meeting in the volunteer office, all members of the parish are welcome.
| All are welcome to Ash Wednesday services at Christ Church Parish | |
Wednesday, March 5th, 2025
12p - Holy Eucharist with imposition of ashes - a quiet, meditative service with no music
7p - Holy Eucharist with imposition of ashes - a service with music and hymns
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Notes from the Vestry meeting of February 12, 2025
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.
- The vestry introduced and welcomed new officers and members.
- Vestry reviewed and discussed vestry norms and agreed to put further thought into how we may become more recognized and accessible to all parishioners.
- Vestry reviewed and supported language for a Thrift Shoppe and Food Pantry sign meant to state our inclusivity and mission as an outreach program in the community and support volunteers if conflict should arise.
- Discussion and provisional approval of Parochial Report. Noted increase in attendance year over year. Reminder to vestry members to share their feedback on the report's narrative questions.
- Date set for commission of new vestry members.
- Vestry liaison assignments updated.
- Initial review of proposed Sexton’s job description. Motion made and approved to hire a 10 hr per week Sexton. Job description will require further updates before posting.
- Treasurer summary – healthy budget reported.
- Approval of Thrift Shoppe request to pay $5000 to Episcopal Relief Fund to aid victims of the California fires and $2500 to the Christ Church Food Pantry
The next regular vestry meeting will be held on March 12, 2025 at 6:30pm in the Hospitality Room.
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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
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Christ Church Thrift Shoppe | |
The Thrift Shoppe will be closed on Saturday, March 1st to allow volunteers the opportunity to attend funeral services for Jim Stanne.
Our ministry family of volunteers extends prayers and heartfelt condolences to Lynn and the entire Stanne family.
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Christ Church Food Pantry | |
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The Food Pantry is in need of donations of medium boxes of dry cereal, baked beans, grape, strawberry or other flavors of jelly/preserves, canned ravioli, small bottles of dish detergent and laundry detergent.
The Food Pantry is looking for someone with grant writing experience to help with occasional funding opportunities. Please contact Barbara Wojtklewicz at
barbara.wojtklewicz@gmail.com
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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 Wednesday, March 5 from 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM.
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