Keeping Connected May 31, 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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Summer Sunday Worship Schedule Changes
Starting June 23, Christ Church will transition to our summer worship schedule. We warmly invite you to join us for our Saturday service of Holy Eucharist at 5 PM or Sunday service of Holy Eucharist at 9 AM.
Following the Sunday 9 AM 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,
Today is the Feast of the Visitation, marking the story told in Luke 1:39-57, when “Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.”
Both women are pregnant—Elizabeth with John the Baptist, Mary with Jesus. It is a story of companionship, of two people who are experiencing something extraordinary and come together to share it. It is in the context of this visit that Mary proclaims her prophetic song of God’s love and justice, what we know as the Magnificat.
I commend to you this meditation on the Visitation by the spiritual director Juliet Benner, centered both on the scripture in Luke and on the artist He Qi’s painting of the sacred encounter between Mary and Elizabeth.
On this feast day, may you feel the deep companionship of the Holy Spirit within your friendships and relationships, within and surrounding you and all those you love.
Yours in Christ,
Melissa +
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CELEBRATION OF PREPARED COMMUNION STUDENTS | |
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Dear Parish Family and Friends,
On May 5th, we gathered together to celebrate a truly special event in the lives of our prepared communion students. The celebration was filled with joy, reverence, faith and togetherness.
We are deeply thankful for the overwhelming support and love that made this day truly memorable for everyone involved.
Sincere heartfelt thanks to Su D’Ambrosio and our dedicated teachers, for their unwavering commitment and passion in guiding our students on their spiritual journey.
To the parents and families, thank you for entrusting us with the spiritual growth of your children. Your support and encouragement have been invaluable every step of the way.
A special thank you to our parish community for your prayers, encouragement, and for joining us in celebrating this significant milestone, reminding us of the strength and unity in our faith.
May we continue to walk together in faith and love, supporting each other as we grow in our spiritual lives.
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Dear Church School Family,
As we come to the end of another wonderful church school year, I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to each and every one of you.
This year has been filled with memorable moments, joyous learning, and spiritual growth. We have seen our students thrive, our teachers inspire, and our community come together in faith and fellowship. I am particularly thankful for the dedication and commitment of our teachers, parents, and volunteers who have made this year so special.
On Sunday June 2nd, grades 2 through 8 will have the opportunity to visit our Christ Church food pantry. This field trip is not only an educational experience but also a chance for our students to live out our values of service and compassion. They will see in person where the money they collected during Easter in their mite boxes has gone and how it is helping others in need. Following this, we will gather as a church family to celebrate the baptism of Morgan Buker, a blessed event that reminds us of the continuing faith journey we all share.
Additionally, on Sunday June 9th, we will celebrate Family Sunday, which will also serve as our Church School Recognition Sunday, to honor the hard work and accomplishments of our students and thank our dedicated teachers and class assistants. Following the church service, we will gather together and enjoy ice cream sundaes with the parish during coffee hour in the parish hall, creating a sweet ending to our celebration of our church school year.
As we wind down this church school year, I am filled with gratitude for the experience we have shared and the growth we have witnessed. Looking ahead, I am excited for the new adventures in learning that await us in the fall.
I wish you all many blessings, prayers, and great adventures as you enjoy your summer. May this time be filled with joy, relaxation, and continued spiritual growth.
With sincere thanks for the many blessings,
Donna Eby
Interim Sunday School Coordinator.
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Finances
Last week we received in over $2918. 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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Evening Women
On June 5th at 5:00 p.m. the Women's group will be meeting for dinner and fellowship at the home of Anne McManus, 34 Popple Bottom Rd. in Sandwich. So we have an idea of who will be attending RSVP to annereggiestir@gmail.com or call 774-712-8986.
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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.
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Christ Church Thrift Shoppe | |
Donations of gently worn clothing, housewares, small home furnishings, and seasonal items from smoke-free homes are welcome during shop hours or on Saturdays from 10-1 in the garage.
For interest in joining the Thrift Shoppe ministry please contact office.christchurchplymouth@gmail.com or speak with any volunteer. All are welcome regardless of age, experience, abilities, or religious affiliation.
Shoppe Hours
Thursday and Friday 10-4
Saturday 10-2
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Christ Church Food Pantry | |
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This week we are low on:
Tuna fish
Kidney beans
Pork and beans
Cereal bars
Peanut butter
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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 of Massachusetts elects the Rev. Julia E. Whitworth | |
The Rev. Julia E. Whitworth | |
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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. | | | | |
