September, 2020
We're Back!
Sunday Services at Christ Church
Sunday services are offered in the church at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Masks must be worn by all in attendance and appropriate social distancing must be maintained. No registration is required.

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.
Happening this Month
Christian Education for Youth Resumes
 Sunday, September 13th!
Sunday School
Christian Education for children, infancy through 6th grade, will resume on the Christ Church playground on Sunday, September 13th at 9:45 a.m. Students must wear masks; all safety protocols will be in place. Got questions? Contact our ecstatic Children's Ministries Director Susie Mittelstadt at [email protected] or call the church office at 973-383-2245. Can't wait to see our kids!

Journey
Students in grades 7 - 12 are invited to share stories of life and faith as part of the Journey Youth Group. Meetings will start up again on Sunday, September 13th at 9:00 a.m., in the church basement. Contact Randy Parks at [email protected] with questions.

Please note that our gatherings for Christian Education will follow the New Jersey State guidelines governing schools.
Parish Activities
Christ Church Women News
Monthly Meetings
The monthly meeting will be offered virtually and in-person during September. Don't want to get together in person? Join the session on Monday, September 14th at 1:00 p.m. via Zoom (Meeting ID: 868 2730 1518; Passcode: 495301). Had enough of Zoom? Come together safely on Thursday, September 17th at 11:45 a.m. at the church. Masks and social distancing required.

Fall Mini-Retreats: Spirituality of the Senses
Sundays, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m., via Zoom
September 20th, October 25th, November 22nd, December 13th
Our basic, primal senses are powerful and have many layers that live in our memories and experiences. These sessions will provide an opportunity to explore our spirituality through our five senses, connecting with God and strengthening our spirit. There will also be a special emphasis on the relationship of our senses with Wisdom and the Divine feminine. Group size limited to 12 people; facilitated by Leslie Valentine. Contact Diana Greene for log-in information.

The Christ Church Women group is open to all women of Christ Church. Check out the CCW newsletter and prayer list on the church website. For more information or to be added to the CCW email distribution list, contact Diana Greene at 410-404-3640 or at [email protected].
Blanketeers Update
The Blanketeers group will gather Saturday, September 12th, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., on the patio. Those who like to crochet, knit, sew, participate in group projects, or just want fellowship are invited to attend. Tools, supplies, guidance and support for projects are provided at each meeting.

For more information about the Christ Church Blanketeers, contact Karrie Miller at the church office, 973-383-2245 or Dawn Charlton at [email protected].
Christ Church Book Club
The Christ Church Book Club will meet on Thursday, September 24, at 7:00 p.m. (location to be determined) to discuss "Deacon King Kong" by James McBride. If you would like to join or need addition information, contact Lori Parks at [email protected] to be added to the email list.
Bible Study to Meet on Thursday Mornings
Bible Study will take place on Thursdays, September 3rd - 24th, at 9:30 a.m. on the patio.
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 madeto accommodate public health guidelines.
Well Done, Good & Faithful Servants!
  • The Reverend Canon Robert Griner, for his creativity, buoyant spirit and inspired leadership of our parish through the public health crisis, Holy Week, Easter, Pentecost, and Beyond;
  • Lori Parks for continuing to coordinate the Christ Church Book Club throughout the pandemic;
  • Diana Greene for leading the Christ Church Women group through virtual meetings since March, for developing a monthly prayer list and newsletter, and for coordinating a fall retreat series for the women of Christ Church;
  • The community members and parishioners who appeared as guests on the award-winning, 14-episode series, Conversations with the Canon, during the early stages of the pandemic;
  • S. Gregory Shaffer and the soloists who have gallantly maintained our music program since March.
  • The members of the Christ Church Women's group who have provided emotional support in the form of prayers and notes to parishioners in need during the ongoing public health crisis.
While You Were Out
A scene from Good Friday. Holy Week and Easter were celebrated without a congregation.
The Reverend Canon Robert Griner hosted a series of guest speakers on the 14-episode series, "Conversations with the Canon." Check it our on our You Tube channel.
The Brunch in a Bag ministry continued seamlessly, thanks to our dedicated volunteers!
Christ Church Newton recognized the contributions of the health care workers at the Andover Subacute facility.
Our own Mark Maruska, owner of Gravity DesignWorks in Newton, and the Reverend Canon Robert Griner were named Hometown Heroes by United States Representative Josh Gottheimer for their relief efforts during the pandemic.
Lisa Pachnos swept the first (and hopefully only) Corona Awards, winning Best Cinematography, Best Stunt Work, Best Special Effects, and Best Outshining of a Warden's Spouse.
Group worship was held outdoors beginning in June.
Musicians have contributed their talent to the virtual and in-person services throughout the pandemic.
In-person worship inside the church began in July. Give it a try (but wear a mask)!
Christian Education for children and teens will resume in September. Youngsters will be meeting outdoors.
Birthdays and Anniversaries
Altar Flowers
Parishioners are encouraged to contribute towards 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. Look for sign up sheets for flowers or candles in Holley Hall or at the back of church. 
Looking Ahead
Significant Dates
  • Virtual visitation with the Right Reverend Carlye Hughes, Bishop of the Diocese of Newark, Sunday, November 8th.
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