This Sunday: September 13, 2026

Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Holy Eucharist: Rite II

O God, because without you we are not able to please you, mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Anchor(ed) Cross, one of our clerestory windows, also known as the Mariner's Cross or Saint Clement's Cross, is an ancient Christian symbol of hope and steadfastness.

"We have this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters the inner shrine behind the curtain."

(Hebrews 6:19)

Share the Stories. Shape the Faith.

Teach Church School!

Church School Class Leaders are still needed, so please consider growing in faith alongside the children of St. Elizabeth's. All materials and lessons are provided. Church School will not happen without leaders for classes. Please check the sign-up for available dates.

Contact Beth for more information.

All adult and confirmed teen helpers will have to complete online Safe Church Training. If you can spare a little time and a lot of love, please consider signing up.  Children learn most when the whole congregation supports them, and your presence makes a real difference. If interested, please sign up below.

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

The Blessing Shelf

🥫 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.

A New Chapter for Our Sanctuary

After a very successful Prepare the Way capital campaign over the last year, we are officially in “project mode”! 

Work on our sanctuary renewal and improvement project will begin in early October. It is a large and somewhat complicated undertaking, so the next few months will bring change and modifications to our usual worship habits as we accommodate construction. We will keep everyone apprised as the schedule takes shape. We are working with a construction project manager who understands our need for safety and as minimal disruption as possible.

The work will include adding air conditioning, preparing the organ chamber for the improvements and completion of our organ (to happen in 2027), completing necessary roof work, and adding insulation to improve energy efficiency.

These are important investments in the future of St. Elizabeth’s that will preserve our sanctuary as a place of welcome, worship, music, and celebration of important sacraments for generations to come. Thank you to all who have made this work possible. This is an exciting - and ultimately joyful - new chapter for St. Elizabeth’s and our beautiful sacred space! 

Okay, here we go: thank you!!

A Small But Necessary Upstairs Kitchen Refresh

The upstairs mini-kitchen, used mostly by the church school, choir, staff, and for conference room events, was in need of a repair and refresh. Work included new flooring, woodwork refinishing, cabinetry repair, painting, and the addition of an under-sink water filter system. Thanks to Steve Anderson, Gaye Thurston, Anne Carson, and Ray Hovey for volunteering time and services to get this project completed well under budget. The larger parish hall kitchen is scheduled for renovation in the summer of 2027.

Lector and Eucharistic Minister Training

Sunday, October 4, following Sunday Worship in the Church.

If you have any questions about Lector Training, contact Catherine Outten Olivo.

If you have questions about or interest in becoming an Eucharistic Minister, contact Rev. Andy.

Before Lunch Book Talk

Please join us on

Tuesday, October 6 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 The Girl Who Wrote in Silk: A Novel of Chinese Immigration to the Pacific Northwest (Inspired by True Events) by Kelli Estes.

A historical novel inspired by true events, Kelli Estes's brilliant and atmospheric debut is a poignant tale of two women determined to do the right thing, highlighting the power of our own stories. 

The smallest items can hold centuries of secrets... 

While exploring her aunt's island estate, Inara Eckson is captivated by an elaborately stitched piece of fabric hidden in the house. The truth behind the silk sleeve dated back to 1886, when Mei Lien, the lone survivor of a cruel purge of the Chinese in Seattle found refuge on Orcas Island and shared her tragic experience by embroidering it. 

As Inara peels back layer upon layer of the centuries of secrets the sleeve holds, her life becomes interwoven with that of Mei Lein. Through the stories Mei Lein tells in silk, Inara uncovers a tragic truth that will shake her family to its core—and force her to make an impossible choice. Should she bring shame to her family and risk everything by telling the truth, or tell no one and dishonor Mei Lien's memory? 

Meeting ID: 823 8050 3238

Passcode: Book

Below is the reading list for the upcoming months:

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

Midweek Holy Eucharist

Resumes on Wednesday, October 7

at 12:00 p.m. in the Chapel

Parish Office Closed

Monday, October 12, for Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples Day

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.

Keep these dates handy!

September 13 - Acolyte Training, noon

September 17 - Children and Youth Choirs 5:30 pm

September 19 - Mini-musicians 10 am

September 20 - Welcome Home Sunday

September 27 - JOY Worship for Families 

"Breakfast & Believe" for 5th-7th Graders

October 25 - Diocese of Newark Youth Scavenger Hunt at American Dream Mall (6th grade and up)

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.

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND: Diocese of Newark Youth Scavenger Hunt at American Dream Mall for 6th grade and up will return this October. The St. E's Youth who attended two years ago had a great time, so we'll do it again! We will arrange for carpools and attend this event with our youth. Please RSVP to Beth and we will get those interested registered.

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.

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, and we will match you with an experienced guide! 

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!

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.