This Sunday: August 30, 2026

Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Holy Eucharist: Rite II

Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: Graft in our hearts the love of your Name; increase in us true religion; nourish us with all goodness; and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

St. Jude Window

This Apostle traveled far on missionary journeys, hence the ship.

A Special Request for St. Paul's CDC Emergency Men's Shelter, Paterson

The director of St. Paul’s CDC Emergency Men’s Shelter, Natasha McCutchen, is requesting anyone who has additional time and the willingness to serve food at the shelter to contact her. There are many open spots. They are also looking for donations of milk, cereal, and coffee. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Natasha via email at nmccutchen@stpaulscdcnj.org. If you would like to donate food for dinner or the specifics listed above via delivery, the address to use is 422 Broadway, Paterson. Thank you for caring about this vulnerable population.

From the Dickinson Committee

Heartfelt thanks to everyone who shared their Hearts, Hands, and Hours in support of PACS Paterson’s School Supplies Drive and Classroom Set-Up Volunteer effort!

Experienced childcare attendants ages 16 and older are needed for our Church Nursery program for 2026–2027

The paid attendant provides for the physical, emotional, and intellectual safety and needs of children ages 0-3 years while working in the church's nursery. Ideally, applicants should have 1–2 years of experience with infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children and have First Aid and CPR training. The attendant is required to be at church primarily on Sunday mornings from 9:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., but may involve other days and times as needed. Online Safe Church training will be required. The selected candidate will begin on September 13. Please contact Beth Van Emburgh with questions.

Cooling Station Available During the Worship Service

If the church is too hot for your comfort, you may sit in the Chapel where there is air conditioning and watch the live-streamed service on the large wall-mounted TV. 

Don't forget to bring a water bottle on Sunday!

With warmer temperatures, it's important to stay hydrated. There is a water dispenser outside the Narthex by the Chapel and a water fountain by the bathrooms.

News from the Diocese of Newark

The Episcopal Church in Northern New Jersey

Summer at St. Elizabeth's features family dinner nights!

Bring the whole family and join us for an evening of food, fun, and fellowship on Friday, August 28 at 6 p.m.! Enjoy a delicious casual dinner, connect with friends old and new, and challenge each other with games for all ages. Whether you're a longtime member or visiting for the first time, all families are welcome!

Come make memories, share some laughs, and enjoy a great night together. We can't wait to see you there! Please sign up and bring a side dish, if you can, so we'll have enough food for everyone.

Before Lunch Book Talk

Please join us on

Tuesday, September 1 at 12:00 p.m. 

(Garden Room or via Zoom) 

The first Tuesday of each month, we meet at 12:00 p.m. for a one-hour book discussion. Afterward, those who can stay enjoy lunch brought from home and more conversation.

Join us to discuss American Princess: A Novel of First Daughter Alice Roosevelt by Stephanie Marie Thornton.

“Presidential darling, America’s sweetheart, national rebel: Teddy Roosevelt’s swashbuckling daughter Alice springs to life in this raucous anthem to a remarkable woman.”—Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Alice Network and The Huntress

Alice may be the president's daughter, but she's nobody's darling. As bold as her signature color Alice Blue, the gum-chewing, cigarette-smoking, poker-playing First Daughter discovers that the only way for a woman to stand out in Washington is to make waves—oceans of them. With the canny sophistication of the savviest politician on the Hill, Alice uses her celebrity to her advantage, testing the limits of her power and the seductive thrill of political entanglements.

But Washington, DC is rife with heartaches and betrayals, and when Alice falls hard for a smooth-talking congressman it will take everything this rebel has to emerge triumphant and claim her place as an American icon. As Alice soldiers through the devastation of two world wars and brazens out a cutting feud with her famous Roosevelt cousins, it's no wonder everyone in the capital refers to her as the Other Washington Monument—and Alice intends to outlast them all. 

Meeting ID: 823 8050 3238

Passcode: Book

Below is the reading list for the upcoming months:

The Girl Who Wrote in Silk

by Kelli Estes

10/6/26

Death Comes for the Archbishop

by Willa Cather

11/3/26

Theo of Golden

by Alan Levi

12/1/26

The Paris Library

by Janet Skeslien Charles

2/2/27

People of the Book

by Geraldine Brooks

3/2/27

The Correspondent

by Virginia Evans

4/6/27

The Reef

by Edith Wharton

5/4/27

The Blessing Shelf

School’s out, hunger isn’t. Let’s fill the shelves this summer! 🥫☀️ No child should spend summer hungry. Help us fill empty plates and fill hearts! 💕 Donate non-perishable food items, especially the high-demand items listed below.💕 Every donation makes a difference, no matter how big or small.

Please visit Ridgewood Social Services, The Blessing Shelf for more information or contact Emily Olkowski.

First Project Complete

On Friday, July 3, the replacement of our Parish House roof was completed. We have only positive things to say about Mayfair Remodeling. They completed the project efficiently and professionally and were a pleasure to work with throughout the process. Stay tuned for more news on projects underway.

Parish Office Closed

Monday, September 7 for Labor Day

Midweek Holy Eucharist

Resumes on Wednesday, October 7

at 12:00 p.m. in the Chapel

St. Paul’s Community Development Corporation, Paterson, NJ

Volunteers needed — Emergency Men’s Shelter

The SPCDC Emergency Men's Shelter relies on volunteer support from area churches and civic organizations who bring prepared food and serve hot meals each night. St. Elizabeth's supplies dinner the 3rd Monday of the month. Food expenses will be reimbursed upon submission of a receipt to the office. St. Elizabeth’s tax-exempt form is available in the parish office.

If you would like to receive our Christian Education Weekly email (CEW) directly for all things Children's Ministry-related, please Sign Up HERE.

Upcoming Events:

8/28/26 – August Family Dinner & Games

8/30/26 – Blessing of the Backpacks

We welcome the joyous noise of our youngest worshipers! For those who need a little wiggle room, our second floor nursery is open for ages 5 and under.

Our attendant this week is Gabriella R.

It is Gabriella's last weekend at St. Elizabeth's. Please join us in wishing her well as she leaves for college next week!!

Back to Camp: Alumni Weekend

October 2-4, 2026

Whether you knew it as Beisler, Eagle’s Nest, or Cross Roads, camp has always been a place where memories are made, friendships are forged, and faith is strengthened. Now, it's time to come back.

Join us for Back to Camp: A Beisler–Eagle's Nest–Cross Roads Alumni Weekend, where generations of campers, counselors, and friends will gather for a classic weekend of campfires, songs, laughter, and reconnection. This is your chance to relive the magic and make new memories—together.

Annual Rally for Cross Roads

Saturday, October 3, 2026

Calling all walkers and runners. Join us for a day of movement, community, and impact at the Rally for Cross Roads.

Whether you walk or take on the 2K or 5K, this event is for everyone. Bring your friends and family, choose your pace, and enjoy the day together.

Every step makes a difference, supporting camp scholarships, strengthening our facilities, and expanding programs for young campers.

Women's Retreat

October 9-11, 2026

2026 Theme:

Women, Water, and Oil

Led by Laurie Matarazzo and Dale Selover

Washing with water and anointing with oil, women’s hands have blessed human bodies with their touch for centuries. So did Mary when she anointed Jesus for his burial. So did Jesus when he washed his friends’ feet in the Upper Room. What are our own experiences with water and oil, with cleansing and consecrating bodies? How has our touch conveyed the love and life of the Spirit?

Attend an Open House

Saturday, October 24, 2026

Morning Prayer

Morning Prayer is on Zoom only, Monday through Friday at 8:30 a.m.

Meeting ID: 858 4728 7483 Password: Morning

Questions? Contact Jim Alimena at jim.alimena@gmail.com

At St. Elizabeth’s, Morning Prayer follows the Rite I order in The Book of Common Prayer. People participate in the twenty-minute service in many ways. Some listen while commuting on public transportation or eating breakfast with their audio on mute and video off. Others participate by saying the responses of the people or reading one of the lessons. Parishioners Jim Alimena, Peter Angelica, Mary Hayes, Don Taylor and Denise Vollkommer rotate leading the liturgy. Prayers and thanksgivings focus on families, children, education, the parish, the sick and the nation. All are welcome.

Hearts, Hands, and Hours @ Philip's

❤️ 👐 🕰️ 🏫

Philip’s Academy Charter School of Paterson is dedicated to providing their students with a nurturing and enriching educational environment. To continue their mission and enhance the experiences of their students, they are reaching out to our community—and to you—for support!!

They invite you to become a volunteer or a more active volunteer at their school! Your hearts, hands, and hours will have a profound impact on their students and their learning journey. There are numerous ways to get involved, including:

• Tutoring and Mentoring: Share your knowledge and inspire students by helping them with their studies or guiding them through personal development.
• Event Support: Help us plan and execute events, from academic fairs to community gatherings, that bring our school community together.
• Classroom Assistance: Work alongside teachers to support classroom activities and ensure a productive learning environment.

Volunteering is a fantastic way to engage with the students, share your passions, and make a lasting difference in their lives.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to partner with Philip's Academy in their mission. They look forward to welcoming you to the Philip’s Academy family!

Bring Joy to Our Community

Volunteer for LEMONADE & ICED TEA Hour

To continue this cherished time of fellowship, we need your help!

Each Sunday after our 10 a.m. worship service, we gather in the Parish Hall to connect with fellow parishioners over lemonade, iced tea, and light refreshments. Volunteers provide food and clean up. Please check the sign-up for the dates in which we need hosts.

For simple Lemonade & Iced Tea Hour instructions and how to get started, please click HERE.

If you are new to hosting Lemonade & Iced Tea Hour, we have experienced hosts who are happy to partner with you. Please contact Sandy Sullivan (sullivansandy6@gmail.com) and we will match you with an experienced guide! 

Forward Day by Day: Daily Devotions for Disciples:

August / September / October 2026

Copies of the August / September / October 2026 issue are available on the table outside Rev. Melina's office in the foyer leading to the Parish Hall. Please be sure to leave a donation to cover the cost of print copies. Forward Day by Day is a simple and effective daily prayer practice. Each day features a Bible verse from the daily readings and a related reflection written by a different author each month, all in less than 200 words. It even includes the daily feast days, as well as prompts to take faithful action in your daily life.

You can download the free app to Apple devices. Forward Day by Day offers prayer on the go—daily spiritual practices for busy people. In English and Spanish. The app includes the daily meditation from Forward Day by Day, as well as all daily prayers from The Book of Common Prayer, and the daily scripture readings from the lectionary. Integrated podcasts allow users to listen within the app as they read. Display preferences provide various fonts and text sizing options. Forward Day by Day is an offering of Forward Movement, a ministry of the Episcopal Church.

You can also visit their website:

St. Elizabeth's now has a LinkedIn Page

A LinkedIn page has been created for St. Elizabeth’s. You can now link your volunteer work at St. Elizabeth's on your personal LinkedIn page. You can also follow St. Elizabeth's page.

Large Print Bulletins

Did you enjoy the large print bulletins on Easter Sunday? The ushers will have a few large print bulletins for use during the worship service. Feel free to ask for a copy.

Google Drive for Photos

Do you have photos from St. Elizabeth's events? You can download the photos onto St. Elizabeth's Google Drive. Use the button below to access the Google Drive.

Name Tags

Did you bring your magnetic name tag home? Please return it to the whiteboards by the elevator.

Have you lost your name tag? Is it broken in some way? Do you have two?

Email Stephanie to replace lost name tags or create new ones. sdoyle@stesridgewood.org

Leave broken parts or extras on Stephanie's desk with a note. Thanks!

SCAM ALERT: The rectors and staff will never ask for money, gift cards, or crypto. If a message claims to be us and feels urgent, please verify with the parish office before acting.

Community Thrift Shop

Accepting IN-SEASON clothing, shoes, linens, small electronics, kitchenware, toys, books, CDs, DVDs, party supplies, greeting cards, magazines, jewelry, bric-a-brac, paintings, frames, lamps, unused cosmetics, craft supplies.  Donation hours: Mondays, 8:30 a.m.–12 p.m. Limit: two kitchen-size bags. Please label all donations with account #4. St. Elizabeth’s receives a percentage of sales. Shopping hours: Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Cash only. 85 Godwin Ave., Midland Park.

Lost & Found

There is a box on the desk outside the Parish office containing small items. If you are missing anything, please look there.

Meals Ministry

Our St. Elizabeth’s community care ministries include a meals ministry. Food can be a source of comfort and support for you or your family during challenging times such as stressful situations, illness, after surgery, or following the birth of a child. Our team of volunteers will deliver meals to your residence so that you and your family can focus on healing and togetherness without the added time demands of meal prep.

After years of faithful and gracious efforts by Mary Wynn Seiter, stewardship of our meals ministry has transitioned to Gaye Thurston and Karla Tombaugh.

Need help?  If you are in need of support, please reach out to Andy to initiate the process. Gaye or Karla will then connect with you to obtain information that will help them set up a meal schedule for you (e.g., dietary restrictions, likes/dislikes, number of days per week and the length of time that support is needed). Delivery can be coordinated to accommodate your preferences: for example, you might enjoy a short social visit with the food delivery, or if you prefer more privacy, food can be dropped off with no contact.  

Want to help?   If you would like to provide meals to people in need within our community (either by cooking yourself or arranging delivery of take-out), please provide your email address to Gaye (gaye.thurston@gmail.com) and Karla (ktomb833@outlook.com). You will be notified by email when meals are needed (via our management platform, “Take Them a Meal”) and sign up for one or more dates that work for you.

Get Involved in our Baptismal Blanket Ministry

The Needlecrafter group handcrafts blankets for every child baptized at St. Elizabeth's. This ministry is a group of caring hands and prayerful hearts, coming together to knit and crochet cozy blankets for those being welcomed into the family of faith. Each blanket is lovingly handmade as a symbol of warmth, comfort, and God’s embrace, and is gifted to families during their child’s baptism. And we have several baptisms on the horizon!

Whether you're a seasoned knitter or just learning, all are welcome to join this meaningful ministry of love and stitches. Our experienced needlecrafters provide the yarn and lessons, if needed. You can join the regular group at 10 a.m. on Thursdays, or join the multi-generational evening group, meeting Wednesdays from 7–8:30 p.m. Contact Beth Van Emburgh with questions about the Wednesday evening stitching group and Sherry Kock about the Thursday morning group.

St. Elizabeth's Card Ministry

We are offering parishioners the opportunity to request cards of celebration, sympathy, and encouragement. The handwritten notes to family and friends are a connection to our caring church family at St. Elizabeth's. Your request may be given to members of our committee, clergy, vestry or staff any time throughout the year.



We look forward to hearing from you with your requests or questions.

Cathy Cardew, Sherry Kock, and Valerie Florstedt, chairperson

Interested in receiving communion at home? 



The rectors are available to bring you Eucharist and to pray with you. If you’d like to arrange a time, please reach out to them directly at aolivo@stesridgewood.org or mdezhbod@stesridgewood.org.

You can also call the Parish Office at (201) 444-2299 to request a visit.

“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.” 

Proverbs 19:17

Join us on Sundays!

Holy Eucharist

Every Sunday at 10 a.m.

Can't make it in person? We livestream our services on YouTube

St. Elizabeth's has a media opt-out policy. Anyone who does not wish to allow the church to use their names or images, or those of their children, on social media must fill out a form. The policy and the opt-out form may be found HERE. Please contact the Parish Office for more information (201) 444-2299.

Summer Office Hours The Parish Office is open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. The outer doors are locked. To enter, press the button on the building wall near the California Street door and you will be buzzed in. If you need assistance, please call the parish office at (201) 444-2299.