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THE MESSENGER
November 17, 2023
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10th Annual ThankServing Sunday
Sunday, November 19, 2023
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Join us after the 10am service this Sunday, November 19 for Christ Church’s 10th annual ThankServing Day of Community Service. Inspired by our worship together, we will make God’s love known in the world through service projects at Christ Church for our surrounding community. There are projects for all ages and we encourage all who are able to participate. | |
2023 ThankServing Opportunities | |
The Warehouse NJ - Millburn, NJ
Packing Move-In Kits + Encouraging Notes: We are compiling “Move-In Kits” for families who are moving into a new apartment after experiencing homelessness.
Cookies for Retirement Communities
Decorate Cookies: All ages - Come to the kitchen and help bake cookies for holiday services at Winchester Gardens and our own Christmas services.
College Care Packages
Compile Care Packages + Encouraging Notes: Help put together care packages for our Christ Church college students around the country. They will receive the packages and notes before finals.
Note: this project begins at 9am with our youth and continues after the 10am service.
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Interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges - Orange, NJ
Holiday Food Drive and Collecting: All ages - We are collecting fully-packed Thanksgiving Bags and frozen turkeys for the Interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges. They anticipate distributing 700 dinners and turkeys.
The Apostles House - Newark
Embrace-a-Family: Sign up to buy a holiday gift for a family or individual to help make their wishes come true this Christmas.
Sign Up for future Volunteer Opportunities - Orange & Newark, NJ
Learn more about outreach programs: Sign up to volunteer with Interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges and All The Way Up Adult Education Center.
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Interfaith Food Pantry Thanksgiving Food Drive | |
This Sunday is Ingathering Sunday, a day that we as members of the Christ Church community have an opportunity to reflect on the abundance that God has provided. We are “Deeply Rooted, Branching Out” and called to celebrate God’s presence in our lives and give back to God as an act of faith in all that God has done as we grow spiritually through giving. The God who loves us has given us more than enough. You are the sustaining waters of this church.
Your annual pledge supports the ways we are all nourished by this community through praying, singing, learning and serving others. In gratitude, join us this year in making a generous pledge so that Christ Church can continue to produce good fruit.
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COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING SERVICE | |
"Giving Thanks / Seeking Peace" Interfaith Community Event
Community Congregational Church, Short Hills (200 Hartshorn Ave.)
Sunday, November 19, 3:00pm (service project) - 4:30pm (worship service)
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In the spirit of Thanksgiving, join our Christ Church clergy and residents of Millburn and Short Hills at Community Congregational Church (200 Hartshorn Ave, Short Hills) to give thanks and to pray for peace in war-torn regions abroad. Students from Millburn High School will direct a service project at 3pm at the church, packing 1,000 food parcels to be distributed at Oasis, a local nonprofit ministry. Students will also lead the 4:30pm worship service entitled “Giving Thanks / Seeking Peace,” that will include readings from various faiths presented by students in their native tongue, with English translations. An informal reception will follow. Please plan to attend and add your voice to the songs of thanks and join in the petitions for peace.
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CHILDREN, YOUTH & FAMILIES | |
Children's Pageant Rehearsals begin Next Sunday | |
If your child is interested in participating, please come to the sanctuary after the 10am service next Sunday, November 26 or email Kevin Johnson so we can assign them a role. Children and Youth ages three through middle school are encouraged to participate. Rehearsals will be held each Sunday (11/26, 12/3, 12/10, 12/17) immediately after the 10am service with a final rehearsal at 2pm on Christmas Eve.
Please note: the pageant will be held on Christmas Eve at 4pm.
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Priestly Ordination of Paul Keene
Saturday, December 16, 10am
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God willing and the people consenting, the Rt. Rev. Carlye J. Hughes, Bishop of the Diocese of Newark, will ordain the Rev. Paul Keene to the Sacred Order of Priests on Saturday, December 16 at Christ Church in Short Hills. RSVP here.
A purse is being collected for a gift to Rev. Paul. You can contribute through our website or you can mail a check to the office with Ordination Gift in the memo line.
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Ongoing Spiritual Formation | |
Holy Grounds
Sundays at 9am
Gather with Rev. Paul around a fresh pot of coffee at 9am in the St. Mark’s Room to explore varied extended topics in scripture and Christianity, to ask burning questions, and to deepen our Christian vocation and discipleship through conversations and learnings on faith.
Holy Grounds Upcoming Series
This week, we will explore Sabbath as Thanksgiving. Join us around the table with coffee and tea as we reflect on God’s commandment—and examples—to rest, and how we might invite rest into our lives.
During the Sundays in Advent, join us for Hope, Peace, Joy, Love, and the Lord’s Prayer, a meditative exploration of the prayer Jesus taught us. (Dec. 3, 10, 17, & 24)
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Bible Study on Hebrews
2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 12pm
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Join Rev. Bowie to read, learn about, and reflect on Scripture. This fall, we’ll read the Book of Hebrews. In previous session they covered chapters 7-9 in Hebrews. Other weekly readings are below. Come in person to the St. Mark’s Room or join via Zoom on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month.
Nov. 28 - Hebrews 10-11
Dec. 12 - Hebrews 12-13
Join Bible Study on Zoom
Meeting ID: 817 3619 4713
Passcode: 430150
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Noonday Prayers
Every Thursday at 12pm
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Take a brief break on Thursdays at noon to worship together on Zoom. We will use An Order of Service for Noonday from The Book of Common Prayer. All are welcome!
Join Noonday Prayers on Zoom
Meeting ID: 874 7000 5903
Password: CCSH
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Responding to the Israel-Hamas War |
Since the start of the current Israel-Hamas war, Episcopal Relief & Development has been supporting long-time partners in the Holy Land including Al Ahli Hospital, a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, to provide emergency medical support in Gaza. Despite being hit by two explosions that damaged buildings and claimed hundreds of lives, the hospital is still serving those who are in need of care. Episcopal Relief & Development stands with the brave staff of Al Ahli Hospital as they risk their lives to help others.
Please pray for peace in the Holy Land and consider making a contribution to the Episcopal Relief & Development Middle East Fund to help meet the growing needs of all people in the region.
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Helpful Links from The Episcopal Church & Anglican Communion | |
Worship Information for this Sunday | We look forward to seeing you at worship this Sunday! The 8:00am service will be in-person and on Zoom and the 10am service is in-person and live-streamed on our YouTube channel. | |
Christ Church Prayer List |
Each week, we continue to remember those in need of prayer.
Special Prayers: Hilary S., Ruth G., Sen K., Leon S., Sol, and Claudia. For the repose of Lezette Proud, Abraham Cherian and John Chalsty.
Ongoing Prayers: Rebecca M., Mabel, Leonor D., Suzanne M., Paul J., Vivian J., Jane H., Linda J., Graham P., Sofia D., Liz D., Ginny, Celine, James I., Mary I., Frank B., Angelo B., Andrew G., Peter M., Duke L., Mary T., Joanie, Doy, Katia G., Priscila F., Winnie, Joey P., Curtis F., and Lupe V.
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: We pray for All Saints’ Church, Leonia; St. David’s Church, Kinnelon; and Church of the Incarnation, Jersey City.
Anglican Cycle of Prayer: We pray for The Church of the Province of Myanmar (Burma)
We pray for: Native American Heritage Month; For Peace in the world and an end to war, especially in Ukraine and Israel/Palestine.
Please contact the Rev. Paul Keene if you have any prayer requests or would like a pastoral visitation.
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