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THE MESSENGER
March 18, 2022
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Since last week, when Bishop Hughes sent out updated guidelines regarding masks, I have been able to hear from members of the congregation, Worship Committee, Staff and Vestry about what they needed to feel safe attending worship in-person with masks optional. No one has been opposed to masks being optional (and many are enthusiastic!), but it was valuable to consider many interconnected aspects of our worship.
Beginning this Sunday, March 20, masks will be optional for worship, parish events and meetings. The clergy will continue to mask during the gospel procession, during the Eucharistic Prayer, and while distributing communion. I am recommending that ushers and others wear masks when they are interacting with a range of parishioners, out of care and concern for different levels of comfort in our parish. We are keeping social distancing modifications in place for now and will continue to maximize ventilation by having the windows open and running the air circulation system with a UV filter. The choir will process in before singing.
The Nursery will re-open in the Parish Hall on Sunday, April 24. We are also discussing multiple ways to have children, acolytes, and youth participate more actively in worship. We hope to receive guidance about the Common Cup later this month. As a reminder, please be mindful that some parishioners are vulnerable, immunocompromised, or unable to be vaccinated as young children. If you are not feeling well, join us for worship online from home. All members of the staff, Sunday School, and choir are fully vaccinated.
Two years after the start of the pandemic lockdown, this is a welcome step forward. As the Bishop said in her most recent update: “Pandemic has changed us, our congregations, and our parishes. Pandemic has changed the world we live in. We have become flexible, learned new ways to love our neighbor, and experienced a deepening of our faith. We have become bold in faith, love, and action. All the while, God continues to shape us into the church that is needed now and into a rapidly changing future.”
Blessings,
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Episcopal Relief & Development | |
Throughout Lent, we have the opportunity to place our faith into action by helping Episcopal Relief's mission to communities around the globe that are struggling with hunger, poverty, disaster, and disease. | |
This week's story: Episcopal Relief & Development helps children and their families who are struggling with the HIV/AIDS and its consequences, physical, emotional, and spiritual. The attached video, Catherine’s Story: Early Childhood Development Zambia, briefly reviews its program to foster childhood development in Africa. | |
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Provide Direct Support to Ukraine through ERD | |
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Over 2 million refugees have already fled Ukraine and even more are expected in the coming weeks. In concert with Orthodox, Catholic, and Anglican faith communities in Eastern Europe, Episcopal Relief & Development is raising funds to provide food, shelter, and other needed essentials to these victims of war. Please consider sending a donation to help the church’s mission in this critical time.
Make a gift to support Ukraine
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Holy Week Worship at Christ Church | |
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Palm Sunday – April 10, 8:00 am & 10:00 am
Evening Prayer – April 11 & 12, 7:00 pm
Tenebrae Service at St. Stephen’s, Millburn – April 13, 7:30 pm
Maundy Thursday Simple Supper & Service – April 14, 6:00 pm
Good Friday Services – April 15, 3:00 pm & 7:00 pm
Outdoor Stations of the Cross at 3:00pm
Liturgy for Good Friday at 7:00pm
The Great Vigil of Easter – April 16, 7:00 pm
Easter Service – April 17, 10:00 am
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Upcoming Funerals at Christ Church | |
We have recently lost two long-time members of our parish family. A funeral service will be held for Ann Wiss at Christ Church on Saturday, April 23 at 1:00pm. A memorial service will be held for Jane Derickson Shafer on Saturday, April 30 at 2:00pm. | |
Save the Date: Town Hall Meeting on Outreach
Sunday, March 27, 11:15am
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The membership of Christ Church in Short Hills is cordially invited to attend a “town hall” style meeting to be held immediately following the 10am service on Sunday, March 27. This gathering will be hosted by our senior warden, Sarah Rosen, and will provide updates about our various outreach ministries at Christ Church. The meeting will include a question and answer period and open discussion about our hopes and dreams for our outreach ministries. As those who have attended past Town Halls will know, unlike the Annual Meeting format, our Town Hall gatherings are intentionally a less formal, shared conversation. A Zoom option to join the meeting will be available.
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Worship Information - In-person, Livestream & Zoom | |
AROUND THE DIOCESE OF NEWARK | |
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The Freedom to Pray for Miracles
By Bishop Carlye Hughes
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Bishop Hughes reminds us that we can pray for God to do the impossible – even if we don't feel worthy or don't have the words – whether that is in our family, in our church, across the street, across the state, or across the world in Ukraine. Watch the video: | |
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Paint for Ukraine at Grace Church in Nutley
A Fundraiser in Support of Episcopal Relief & Development
Sat., March 19, 10am, 1pm, or 4pm; Sun., March 20, 12pm or 3pm
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The Sunflower has a meaningful place in the hearts of many Ukrainians, and it’s the national flower. The Sunflower has become a global symbol of resistance, unity, and hope.
Each painting session will be directed by artist Debra M. Cook. Canvas, easels, smocks, palettes, paint, brushes, sunflower stencils, and guided instruction will be provided. No skills required. The cost is $50 per person.
Painting proceeds and monetary donations will be given to the “Crisis in Ukraine Fund” at Episcopal Relief & Development and will provide humanitarian assistance for the crisis in Ukraine.
View the flyer for additional details
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Spong Lecture Series at St. Peter’s, Morristown
Saturday, March 26, 4:30pm
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St. Peter’s, Morristown is excited to announce Dr. Miroslav Volf as the selected lecturer for the Annual 2022 Spong Lecture Series. The lecture will take place on Saturday March 26 at 4:30pm in-person and via live stream. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall.
In this year’s lecture, Dr. Volf will discuss the current world crises and how they relate to our secular and Christian understandings of home. Dr. Volf says, “No keen observation is required to see that something is amiss in the world – and not just some one thing, but many things. This lecture will explore key aspects of today’s crisis — and, using the metaphor of home, suggest a goal for our longing and laboring that is worthy of our humanity.”
Get Tickets
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Christ Church Prayer List | |
Each week, we continue to remember those in need of prayer.
Prayers for those who have died: remembering especially, Jane Derickson and Stetson Mead Baker.
Special Prayers: River B., Karen R., Jane H., Steve T., Gregg R., Dwight J., Frank B., Linda J., Sarah R., and Tristan Shin as he recovers from surgery.
Continuing Prayers: Jacqueline F., Christine, Richard S., Jen, Bill E., Mary M., Liz D., Sofia D., Jessica, Linnea, Maureen O., Susan M., Yu, Gil T., Ginny, and Jane F.
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: We pray for St. Paul’s & Resurrection in Wood-Ridge, Holy Innocent in West Orange, and Grace Church in Westwood.
Anglican Cycle of Prayer: We pray for La Iglesia Anglicana de Mexico.
We pray for: Peace in the world and an end to war, especially in Ukraine.
Please contact Pastor Tristan Shin if you have any prayer requests or would like a pastoral visitation.
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