October 2022

Rector Transition Process Update

The Reverend Tim Mulder is serving as our Interim Rector. Tim will be celebrating at the 10:00 a.m. service on Sundays through Pentecost and will be available for other events to be announced.

The Reverend Paul Rajan, Priest-in-Charge at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Wantage since 2019, has graciously agreed to celebrate the 8:00 a.m. services with us during the interim period.

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?

The Reverend Randy Parks, Newton Medical Center chaplain and Christ Church parishioner, is available to assist with spiritual needs, including counseling, death of a loved one, and other concerns. Randy is available at 862-266-0513 or [email protected].


What if I Have Healthcare Concerns?

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.

Ten Reasons I Love Being an Episcopalian

Join Father Mulder on Thursday mornings in October at 10:30 a.m. in the parlor as he leads a discussion titled, “Ten Reasons I Love Being an Episcopalian.”


These are just some of the topics we’ll explore:

  • Who was Samuel Seabury, and if nobody liked him, how did he become our first bishop?
  • Why should Queen Elizabeth I be a saint?
  • What’s poetry got to do with it?
  • What’s wrong with a beautiful church? What’s right with it?
  • Why do people who disagree with each other find it so good to be Episcopalians?
  • If my daughter could be our bishop, could she be the Pope someday?
  • Why does it matter if Christ Church in Newton is Episcopalian?
  • Who is welcome here? Who isn’t?
  • Is having a sense of humor a spiritual gift?

Got other questions?  Bring them!

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. 


The group will go pumpkin picking immediately following the 10:00 a.m. service on Sunday, October 2nd.


Contact Randy Parks, 862-266-0513 or [email protected], with questions.


Adult Christian Education

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

Parish Activities

Senior Choir Seeks New Members

Anyone interested in singing in the Christ Church Senior Choir should not be shy and speak to Joe Mello! Rehearsals are in the church on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. Rehearsals generally last 1 1/2 hours. All interested singers are welcome! If you have any questions, contact Joe at [email protected] or call/text 862-268-4720.


The Junior Choir is Now 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]. 


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

Upcoming Events

The next meeting will be held on Thursday, October 20th, 11:30 a.m., in Holley Hall.


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, October 26th, at 7:00 p.m. to discuss The Universe is a Green Dragon; A Cosmic Creation Story by Brian Thomas Swimme. 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 October 26th. 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, October 11th, 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, October 13th, 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.

College Care Packages

Let's show our college students that we are thinking of them! The Reverend Randy Parks is coordinating the collection of appropriate food and other items to ship to the members of our congregation who are in college. If you have a student who would like to receive a Christ Church care package, please provide their contact information to Randy Parks, [email protected]. Items will be accepted on Sundays through October 23rd.

Well Done, Good & Faithful Servants!
  • Our fabulous Breakfast Crew and all those who stepped up to bring back Opportunity Sunday!
  • Patricia Lyons and Susie Mittelstadt for creating our very own Hogwarts at Christ Church on Opportunity Sunday.
  • Ann Di Pietro, Merritt Ierley, Lisa Pachnos, Lori Parks, Mary Ann Risley, Caroline Silva, and Alex Zander for developing the Parish Profile.
  • Dawn Charlton, Diana Greene, Maureen Slamer and all those who made the CCW Friday Fun Night a success.
Birthdays and Anniversaries

Happening in the Community

Helpful Seminars Hosted by Newton Medical Center

Newton Medical Center will host two virtual seminars about grief this fall. All are welcome to attend. Contact Randy Parks, 862-266-0513 or [email protected], with questions. 

Former Karen Ann Quinlan Executive Director and grief specialist Cecelia Clayton will host this 4-part series. 

Certified Bereavement Counselor Lori Opitz will help participants to grow through the holiday season, rather than just survive a difficult time.

Looking Ahead
  • Stewardship Dinner, Saturday, November 19th, 6:00 p.m.
  • Silent Auction hosted by Christ Church in Stitches, Saturday, November 19th, 6:00 p.m.
  • 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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