November, 2020
Worship & Gathering on November 1st
All Saints Day Events - Sunday, November 1st
Sunday services will be offered in the church at 8:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., and 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 1st. This day will mark the final day of S. Gregory Shaffer's nearly 40-year tenure as Organist at Christ Church Newton. Greg will play at the 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. services; receptions will follow the 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. services on the patio.

Masks must be worn by all in attendance and appropriate social distancing must be maintained. No registration is required.

Please note that we will return to the normal schedule of 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. services on November 8th.

Still don't feel comfortable attending in person? Check us out online! The 10:00 a.m. service is broadcast live on our You Tube channel! You can watch it in real time or at your convenience. Find it here.

Forgot about your pledge? We haven't! Contact-less collection plates are available at the rear of the church. You can also maintain your pledge online.
Transitions in Our Music Program
S. Gregory Shaffer joined the Christ Church Newton music department as organist in 1981. Greg has served as an organist in the Diocese of Newark for 53 years. We are deeply grateful to Greg for his service to our parish and we wish him a long, healthy and happy retirement!
Diana Greene will be taking over as the Christ Church organist on November 8th. Diana is a pianist, organist, and early childhood music & movement specialist. At Christ Church, Diana coordinates the Christ Church Women group and is a former member of the Vestry and Senior Choir.
Happening this Month
A Virtual Visit with the Bishop
The Right Reverend Carlye Hughes, November 8th, 3:00 p.m.

The Right Reverend Carlye Hughes invites all Christ Church Newton parishioners to join her via Zoom for a virtual Evening Prayer service and chat on Sunday, November 8th, beginning at 3:00 p.m. Always wanted to speak with a Bishop, but were afraid to ask? Now's the time!

Log in information will be provided by email shortly.
Thanksgiving Service
 Thursday, November 26th at 10:00 a.m.
Holy Eucharist will be celebrated on Thursday, November 26th, at 10:00 a.m. in recognition of Thanksgiving. Masks are required and appropriate social distancing must be maintained.
Christian Education
Sunday School
Christian Education for children, infancy through 6th grade, will take place on the Christ Church playground on Sundays, beginning at 9:45 a.m. Students must wear masks; all safety protocols will be in place. Got questions? Contact Children's Ministries Director Susie Mittelstadt at susan@njworks.com or call the church office at 973-383-2245.

Journey Youth Group
Students in grades 7 - 12 are invited to share stories of life and faith as part of the Journey Youth Group. Meetings will take place on Sundays, beginning at 9:00 a.m., in the church basement. Contact Randy Parks at randolph.parks@atlantichealth.org with questions.

Adult Bible Study
The Rector, the Reverend Canon Robert Griner, will lead Bible Study in Holley Hall on Sundays, 9:00 - 9:40 a.m. There will be no Adult Bible Study on November 1st.

Please note that our gatherings for Christian Education will follow the New Jersey State guidelines governing schools.
Parish Activities
Christ Church Women News
Blanketeers Update
Christ Church welcomes anyone who enjoys crocheting, knitting, and sewing, at any level, to join the Blanketeers. Our mission is to provide support and comfort to those in need, within our parish as well as to local organizations, through the gifts of prayer shawls, blankets, scarves and hats. The group meets monthly on Saturdays, January – May and September - November. The next meeting will take place on Saturday, November 14th, 10:00 am. - 12:30 p.m. on the patio (weather permitting). Masks are required.

The Blanketeers are starting a new Holiday Baubles Blanket as a group project.

Contact Johanna Osborne (201-788-6361) if you are aware of an individual in need of a gift of comfort. Got Questions? Contact Dawn Charlton (dlc.charlton@yahoo.com) or the church office.
Christ Church Book Club
Details about the next meeting of the Christ Church Book Club will be available shortly. Please contact Lori Parks at lacparks@hotmail.com for more information.
Bible Study to Meet on Thursday Mornings
Bible Study will take place on Thursdays, November 5th - 19th, at 9:30 a.m. in Holley Hall.
Sunday Servers & Brunch in a Bag Volunteers
Those who have volunteered to provide flowers, support the Sanctuary, serve as Lectors, Ushers, Acolytes, Crucifers or on the Altar Guild, or assist with the Sunday Brunch in a Bag program can check their schedule on the Christ Church website. Please note that changes may continue to be made to accommodate public health guidelines.
Manna House Volunteers
Christ Church provides volunteers to Manna House on the 4th Wednesday of each month. The next volunteer opportunity is Wednesday, November 25th, 9:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Contact Laura Booker at 973-383-7635. Please note that changes may continue to be made to accommodate public health guidelines.
Altar Guild
The Altar Guild roster for the new year is in the process of being compiled. If you are interested in joining the Guild or if you are an active member and want to change your status, please contact Alex Zander at ahzander@yahoo.com by November 30th. Also, a new flower arranging group is in the works.

Parishioners are still encouraged to contribute toward the purchase of the flowers on the altar in order to commemorate a special occasion or loved one; Sanctuary Lights or Candles, $20; Altar Flowers, $50. Contact Alex Zander at ahzander@yahoo.com or contact the church office to offer flowers, join the floral display group or make a monetary donation.
Well Done, Good & Faithful Servants!
  • S. Gregory Shaffer for sharing his prodigious talent as the Christ Church organist for nearly 40 years;
  • Our dedicated Breakfast Crew for the delicious Church Breakfast in October;
  • Randy Parks for coordinating the College Care Package initiative along with the Journey Youth Group;
  • Chloe Ellerby for responding to the Spirit's call to baptism and sharing her story with the congregation.
Scenes from Parish Life
Birthdays and Anniversaries
Looking Ahead
Significant Dates
  • Virtual Lessons & Carols will be served up in December. Details to follow.
  • The Sunday School Christmas Pageant is unfortunately on hiatus due to the pandemic. Stay tuned for more information about our Christmas celebrations.
Church Calendar Online
Stay up-to-date with the events at Christ Church by checking out the calendar on our website .
Christ Church Newton | Phone: 973-383-2245 | Fax: 973-383-8077 | christchurch1@ptd.net | www.christchurchnewton.org