Keeping Connected July 25, 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 Office Hours
In July and August, our church office will be closed on Fridays. We will resume our normal Monday through Friday office schedule in September.
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,
This week in the calendar of the Church we honor the lives of two saints: St. Mary Magdalene on July 22nd and St. James on July 25th. The Episcopal Church describes a saint as “A holy person, a faithful Christian, one who shares life in Christ,” and names that “in the [New Testament], the term is applied to all faithful Christians (see Acts 9:32, 26:10).”
I greatly enjoy the work of artist Gracie Morbitzer-Collins, creator of the website The Modern Saints. Gracie’s art and writing offer a contemporary way for us to encounter the saints not as distant, untouchable, holier-than-thou angelic figures, but rather as fully enfleshed human beings who, like us, struggled and rejoiced on the path of following Jesus. Gracie writes:
“My goal was to re-imagine these extraordinary people as modern, everyday humans... because that is exactly what they were, and their stories are just like ours. They show us that we can all be saints, and can find role models and hope in the story of someone who has gone through what we are going through before us.
The saints experienced every emotion, trial, and joy that we can experience, but they also reached beyond themselves and made their lives and communities so much better and more full of love.”
You can pray with Gracie’s icon of Saint Mary Magdalene at this link.
You can pray with her icon of Saint James at this link.
Explore all of her icons and profiles of saints, some who are familiar and some who may be new to you, at this link.
What have the saints meant to you, in your spiritual and religious life? How might we support one another in our path of being and becoming saints, trusting that we are supported and surrounded by a whole Communion of Saints across time?
Yours in Christ,
Melissa+
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Finances
Last week we received in over $3827. 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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Notes from the Vestry meeting of July 9th, 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 June minutes were not present at the July meeting, so it was decided that both June and July minutes will be up for approval in the August meeting.
Rector’s report:
- The vestry reviewed a draft Alcohol Policy regulating non-sacramental alcohol at CCP events, further amendments will be considered before an August vote.
- The Pride Festival was viewed as successful, with suggestions for a more cohesive booth, better promotional materials, and evaluation of sponsorship value. Deacon Natalie’s talking point sessions and Rev. Melissa’s engagement were praised.
Senior Warden’s Report:
- Lemonade on the Lawn setup will now be handled by the hosting vestry member, with tables and chairs stored in the nursery closet and assistance available from the congregation, handicap access doors in the hallway must be opened and hooked.
- Barbara Wojtklewicz completed ServSafe training for the summer cookouts, and it was suggested that a men’s group member also be certified and food regulations reviewed before parade events.
Junior Warden’s Report:
- The new sexton, Sam, received high praise, and written work requests are helping build a seasonal to-do list.
- With the sexton in place the Buildings and Grounds committee will shift to quarterly meetings.
- A company will inspect heat/fire detectors, a bathroom leak has been professionally addressed, and hiring pest management for mice and rats was suggested.
- Heat advisories highlighted the need for flexibility in services and improved cooling.
Treasurer’s and Finance Committee Report:
- June income was favorable by about 5%, with regular giving over budget by about $1,000 and trending above budget for six months.
- The Thrift Shoppe has about $7,000 for outreach
- Both the solar refund application and audit are expected to be completed this month. The boiler is paid off.
Liaison Reports
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The Pride Festival - Went smoothly, with thanks to John and Melissa Pechey for setup and breakdown, all the volunteers, and Deacon Natalie for the information beforehand. There was an outpouring of thanks and interest, and it was suggested that a more cohesive booth design be prepared for next year’s booth.
- Crosswalk - A letter has been submitted for approval by the vestry, to the Town Manager, Department of Public Works, and Department of Transportation to request a crosswalk light in front of Christ Church on Court Street.
- Thrift Shoppe - The June volunteer meeting was attended by 16 volunteers, with a mid-year financial review noting exceptional Q1 and Q2 sales. Sam completed most Hall House repairs, work order forms and the online self-scheduling tool are working well.
- A shop corner now features CCP information for shoppers.
- Parishioners are discussing possible outreach to the Brazilian immigrant population targeted by ICE raids.
- The next regular vestry meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 13th at 6:30pm, location TBD for climate control.
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Evening Women
Evening Women will be held Wednesday, August 6 at Donna Lawrence's home at 21 Pine Ridge Way, Carver at 5:00 PM. Please RSVP 508-243-2293.
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An Invitation from the St. Paul Center for Theology and Prayer:
"Where is God?"
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All are invited to join the Southern Region Learning Community of our cathedral's St. Paul Center for Theology and Prayer to consider this Big Question: Where is God?
This gathering will take place in person, at St. Stephen's in Cohasset, on Saturday, August 23rd.
Learn more and sign up to attend here.
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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 | |
We were all moved by the devastating consequences of the July 4th floods in the Hill Country of west Texas. In response, the Christ Church Thrift Shoppe leaders recently designated an outreach donation of $5000 to the Episcopal Relief and Development Fund, specifically for the Bishop of West Texas flood relief. These funds, approved by our Vestry, will be used to help the impacted areas of the Hill Country.
There are still some unallocated 3rd quarter Thrift Shoppe funds, and since outreach is one of the Thrift Shoppe’s main priorities, the leaders, Drew Lench and Barb Hurney, are open to suggestions from parishioners for programs that could benefit from these monies.
Saturday is the final day of the Thrift Shoppe’s Jewelry Sale. Be sure to stop by between 10 and 1 for this exciting shopping opportunity!
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 vegetable oil, small bottles of dish soap, smaller boxes of sugar and flour. | | |
All are welcome to the Christ Church Food Pantry!
We are open by appointment:
Tuesday 12:00-1:15
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. | | | | |
