November 2022

Rector Transition Process Update

Where Can I Find the Parish Profile?

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the development of the Parish Profile. The document is available on the Christ Church website and has been submitted to the Diocese.

Read the Parish Profile

What if I Need Spiritual Guidance?

All are invited to contact the Interim Rector, the Reverend Tim Mulder.  Please call the church office, 973-383-2245, for assistance with spiritual needs, including counseling, death of a loved one, and other concerns. The Reverend Randy Parks, Newton Medical Center chaplain, is also available at 862-266-0513 or [email protected].


What if I Have Healthcare Concerns?

In addition to the Reverend Tim Mulder, Christ Church's very own Faith Community Nurse, Beth Batastini, is available to assist you. You are invited to contact Beth at 973-876-5579 or email [email protected] with health-related concerns or issues. 


Anything Else I Need to Know?

The Search Committee, the Wardens and the Vestry are in constant communication with the Right Reverend Carlye Hughes, Bishop of the Diocese of Newark, and the Reverend Canon Margo Clark regarding the search for our new Rector. If you have questions, feel free to contact Search Committee Chairperson Kurt Lutz, [email protected], Wardens Nick Pachnos, 908-256-6355, or Mary Ann Risley, 973-670-0493.

Worship with Us

Christ Church is open for worship at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on Sundays. The live stream of the 10:00 a.m. service will continue to be posted on our You Tube channel! You can watch it in real time or at your convenience. Find it here.


Thanksgiving Service

Kick off a day of giving thanks by joining your church family for the Holy Eucharist on Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 24th, 10:00 a.m.  Let's celebrate together!


Join the Christ Church Youth Choir

Students in grades 1 - 12 are invited to join the Christ Church Youth Choir!  Join us for a great year of singing God’s praise!  If you have any questions or want to sign-up, please contact Debbie Mello at [email protected]. 

Stewardship

We Invite You to Pledge Your Commitment to Christ Church

Christ Church relies on pledges and weekly collections from the individuals and families who attend our services to serve others in our community, operate our historic facility, pay the salaries for our staff members, support our diocese and the organizations that use our facility, and handle the numerous maintenance projects associated with owning a building of such significance. As a religious institution, Christ Church, Newton, is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization; all donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.


It's Stewardship season at Christ Church. We invite you to prayerfully consider your commitment to the life of our parish by making an annual monetary pledge. For the first time in living memory, Christ Church was in the black in 2021 - our church was so healthy financially, there was no need to draw from the endowment to make ends meet. Despite the change in our leadership, our parish continues to be in a strong financial position. Won't you help us stay the course?


Pledges can be made on our website, by mail, or by contacting the church office.


Stewardship Dinner

Celebrate our collective commitment to Christ Church by attending a raucous Stewardship Dinner, Saturday, November 19th, 6:00 p.m. This year's theme? Bring a special dish to share which reflects your country of heritage - OR the country you wish you were from! Don't like to cook? Come anyway! Celebrity judges, goofy games, and activities for kids. 


Silent Auction Benefits Church Outreach Programs

Christ Church in Stitches will be hosting a Silent Auction on Saturday November 19th, at 6:00 p.m. during the Stewardship Dinner.  Items being auctioned off include:

  • Full-size afghans
  • Crocheted baby blankets with matching hats
  • Patchwork baby blankets with matching stuffed animals
  • Captain America youth afghan
  • 100% cotton puppet wash clothes for children
  • Crocheted scarves

 

The highest bidder takes the item home that evening. All proceeds will support the outreach programs at Christ Church.  For additional information please call Johanna Osborne: 201-788-6361.

A Note to Our Virtual Parishioners

Sending a shout out to all those who watch us online every week! You are important to us, and we need your support, too. Giving online is just as easy as watching online. Click here to help. Thank you!

Advent is Coming!

Create an Advent Wreath

Build your own Advent Wreath on the first Sunday of Advent, Sunday, November 27th! All materials will be provided.


Christmas Pageant News

The annual Christmas Pageant will take place at the Christmas Eve Family Service, 5:00 p.m. Rehearsals will begin during the Sunday School hour on November 27th. Contact Susie Mittelstadt, 973-600-7725 or [email protected] with questions.

Lessons & Carols


Mark your calendars for the Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols, Sunday, December 18th, 7:00 p.m.  The worship service features nine Bible stories interspersed with performances by the Youth Choir and Senior Choir accompanied by a brass quintet.  Numerous opportunities for the public to sing along!

Happening this Month

Christian Education

Christian Education for All Ages, Sundays, 9:00 - 9:45 a.m.

Sunday School

Children ages preschool through sixth grade are invited to participate in the joy of learning about God's immeasurable love by sharing the Gospel stories and actively engaging with the Holy Spirit, Sundays, 9:00 - 9:45 a.m. on the playground, in Holley Hall or in the Sunday School rooms downstairs. Got questions? Contact Susie Mittelstadt at 973-600-7725 or email [email protected].


Journey Youth Group

The Journey Youth Group invites students in grades 7 - 12 to participate in group discussion, outreach ministries, and fun activities. Contact Randy Parks, 862-266-0513 or [email protected], with questions.


Adult Christian Education

A discussion about the day's Gospel takes place in Holley Hall on Sundays at 9:00 a.m. 

Parish Activities

Acolytes & Crucifers Needed

Students in elementary school, middle school, and high school are invited to serve as acolytes and crucifers during the 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. services. Contact Karrie in the church office, [email protected] or 973-383-2245 if you are interested.

Christ Church Women

The next meeting will be held on Thursday, November 17th, 11:30 a.m., in Holley Hall. Save the date for the annual Holiday Party, Thursday, December 15th, 11:30 a.m. at a location to be announced.


Volunteers are needed to write, address and mail note cards during November and December for the Keeping in Touch ministry. Contact Beth Batastini at [email protected] if you are willing to help.


Got questions about CCW? Contact Diana Greene at [email protected].

Christ Church Book Club

The Christ Church Book Club will meet on Wednesday, November 30th, at 7:00 p.m. New participants are always welcome.  


Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4245292224?pwd=YTVMeHVrV25lYjRMMittOHllbjFIZz09

Meeting ID: 424 529 2224

Passcode: Y6bT9G 



For more information, please contact Lori Parks at 862-266-3059 or [email protected].

Sunday Volunteers

Those who have volunteered to serve as Ushers, Acolytes, Crucifers, Altar Guild members, Coffee Hour Hosts, or Brunch in a Bag Sandwich Slingers can check their schedule on the Christ Church website.

Manna House Volunteers

Christ Church provides volunteers to Manna House at the First Presbyterian Church of Newton on the 4th Wednesday of each month. The next volunteer opportunity is on November 23rd. Those interested in volunteering are invited to call Laura Booker, 973-383-7635 or email [email protected]


Manna House will host a spaghetti dinner on Tuesday, November 8th, 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. Cost for adults, $5, children 5 - 12, $3. Children under 3 years of age are free. Proceeds benefit Manna House.

Christ Church in Stitches

We welcome anyone who enjoys crocheting or knitting to join us. We have plenty of yarn and supplies for you to start your own project or you can help by working with the group. The next meeting will take place on Thursday, November 10th, 11:30 a.m. in Holley Hall. 

 

If you know of ANYONE (family member/friend) who is ill, in need of, or would appreciate any of our gifts of comfort and love please contact Johanna Osborne (201)-788-6361 or at [email protected].

Altar Guild News

Flower Team Members Needed

Be part of a rewarding and beautiful ministry by joining our flower-arranging team! No experience is necessary, just an appreciation of flowers and their place in our worship service. Extensive training will be provided. The duties involve a couple of hours on Saturdays every several weeks and a group activity at Christmas and Easter.  To volunteer or for more information, contact Alex Zander at: [email protected] and put "flower team" in the subject field.


Commemorative Altar Flowers

Parishioners are 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 [email protected] or contact the church office to offer flowers or to make a monetary donation.

Well Done, Good & Faithful Servants!
  • Randy Parks, Susie Mittelstadt, and all those who contributed and helped box the care packages for our college students.
  • The Reverend Tim Mulder for the enlightening series, "Ten Reasons I Love Being an Episcopalian."
  • Randy Parks for coordinating the Journey Youth Group outing to Lentini Farms.
Birthdays and Anniversaries
Looking Ahead
  • Church Breakfast, Sunday, December 4th.
  • Lessons & Carols, Sunday, December 18th.
  • Community Christmas Lunch, December 25th.
  • Lenten Retreat, with facilitator the Reverend Dr. Patricia Lyons, Saturday, March 18th.
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 | [email protected] | www.christchurchnewton.org
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