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Christ Church is open for worship at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on Sundays. The live stream of the 10:00 a.m. service can be found on our You Tube channel! You can watch it in real time or at your convenience. Find it here.
Fun fact: Crayons and mini coloring books for kids are now available in the rear of the church - check them out!
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Dear family and friends of Christ Church,
One of the summer traditions I appreciate at Christ Church is the rotating roster of soloists who offer their talents on Sunday mornings during our 10:00 am service. In addition to giving our hard-working choir a well-deserved break, I find it a real treat to hear a different voice each week. I am grateful for Joe Mello’s encouragement and organizing of our soloists, and Diana Greene’s generosity in providing rehearsal time and support.
I’m personally delighted to be on the schedule for Sunday, July 14th. One of pieces that morning will be a duet arrangement of the spiritual “We are climbing Jacob’s ladder”. The deceptively simple text and tune were made popular in the 90’s when included as a main musical theme in Ken Burn’s documentary The Civil War.
The spiritual draws from Genesis 28 where we read of Jacob dreaming of a ladder reaching to eternity, with angels climbing up and down between heaven and earth. The song’s steady rhythm builds and builds as the music broadens and the text encourages the listener to “rise, shine and give God your glory”. One foot in front of the other – day in and day out. The song has resonated with me over the years as a concise set of directions for discipleship. Each day God gifts you and me with a new set of rungs on life’s ladder.
As we approach our nation’s birthday this week, I am put in mind of the great cloud of patriots and saints who, against all odds, found the strength and courage to keep climbing, trusting that God was present in their struggles and willing them to move forward. Their sacrifice and faithfulness provide rays of light leading us to richness of life, liberty and the ongoing pursuit of happiness for all humanity.
One rung, one step, one prayer, one visit, one kind and encouraging word at a time; we climb the ladder that connects heaven to earth and brings us that much closer to the kingdom of God.
See you in church! Blessings and peace,
Chris
The Rev. Chris Streeter
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Summer Soloists
While the Junior and Senior Choirs are on hiatus during the summer months, we are fortunate to welcome several talented soloists who will be performing during the 10:00 a.m. service.
Choir members, we are grateful for your faithful contribution to our worship experience, and we are looking forward to seeing you in the pews during July and August!
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August Party on the Patio
It's summer and we're having a party on the patio, Saturday, August 24th, 5:00 p.m.! Join us for burgers, hot dogs, assorted side dishes, and goofy games. We will be serenaded by a jazz trio headed up by Christ Church parishioner and professional musician John Pachnos.
We could always use volunteers to help set up and clean up. Contact Karrie in the church office, 973-383-2245, if you can lend a hand.
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Christian Education for All Ages on Sundays! | |
Adult Bible Study, 9:00 a.m.
Want to reflect more on the day’s scripture lessons? Join a group in Holley Hall at 9:00 a.m. every Sunday – we’d love to see you!
Journey Youth Group
The Journey Youth Group for students in grades 6 - 12 will be taking a break during the summer, but we are helping to sponsor the Christ Church outing to the Sussex County Miners game on Saturday, July 20th. Contact Randy Parks, 862-266-0513 or randolph.parks@atlantichealth.org, with questions. See you there!
Nursery Care
Nursery care for young children is available, 9:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. during the summer. We are looking forward to welcoming children ages preschool through sixth grade to Sunday School in the fall. Contact Susie Mittelstadt at 973-600-7725 or email susan@njworks.com with questions.
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The July meeting and potluck luncheon for Christ Church Women will be held Thursday, July 18th, 11:30 a.m. in Holley Hall.
The August meeting will be held at the home of Geri Livengood, Thursday, August 15th, 5:00 p.m. Note alternate time for those who may be unable to our attend daytime events.
Please contact Diana Greene, dianatgreene@gmail.com with questions.
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The Christ Church Book Club will meet via Zoom to discuss "The Fire & the Ore" by Olivia Hawker on Wednesday, June 26th, 7:00 p.m.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84216348860?pwd=bIZ2aweO6ROcL3ZF91xIk5ihjdykif.1
Meeting ID: 842 1634 8860
Passcode: 090342
Get reading! Contact Lori Parks at 862-266-3059 or lacparks@hotmail.com with questions.
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Those who have volunteered to serve as Ushers, Acolytes, Crucifers, Altar Guild members, Coffee Hour Hosts, or Brunch in a Bag Sandwich Slingers can check their schedule on the Christ Church website. | |
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Christ Church provides volunteers to Manna House at the First Presbyterian Church of Newton on the 4th Wednesday of each month. The next volunteer opportunity is July 24th.
The First Presbyterian Church of Newton will host a spaghetti dinner to raise funds for Manna House, Tuesday, July 9th, 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. Cost for adults, $5, children 5 - 12, $3. Children under 3 years of age are free.
Those interested in volunteering are invited to call Laura Booker, 973-383-7635 or email lpbooker40@gmail.com.
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Christ Church in Stitches | |
The Christ Church in Stitches group will meet on Thursday, July 11th, at 11:30 a.m. in Holley Hall. If you like to knit, crochet, or sew - or you would like to learn - we hope you will join our merry tribe!
If you have unused, full skeins of yarn, please contact Johanna Osborne 201-788-6361 or at johannaosborne7@gmail.com.
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Altar Guild News
Wanted: Volunteers who are willing to devote a few hours a month to "fussy, but gratifying work" (to quote our own Alex Zander) to help care for the altar linens. You do NOT need to be a current member of the Altar Guild. All that is needed is a good quality steam iron. Contact Alex at 862-268-5416.
Parishioners are encouraged to contribute toward 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. Contact Alex Zander at ahzander@yahoo.com or contact the church office to offer flowers or to make a monetary donation.
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Faith Community Nurse Available | |
Did you know that Christ Church has its very own Faith Community Nurse? Beth Batastini is available to assist you with healthcare issues, personal visits, and other concerns.
Call the church office or contact Beth at bethbatastini@gmail.com or 973-876-5579.
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Well Done, Good & Faithful Servants! |
- All those who helped to cook, set up, clean up, and organize games during the annual Church Picnic.
- Diana Greene for organizing the wildly popular CCW outing to the Well-Sweep Herb Farm.
- The faithful scribes who write and mail notes to parishioners in need as part of the Keeping in Touch ministry.
- The members of the Flower Power Team, whose floral arrangements are more beautiful with each passing week.
- All those who cook meals for the Pathways to Prosperity organization on Tuesdays.
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Thanks for working so hard in the kitchen during the Church Picnic! | |
Thanks for organizing this funky craft project during the Church Picnic! | |
We made it to Well-Sweep Herb Farm - ask us what we learned! | |
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Want to send your kids to camp this summer? Check out the options at Cross Roads Camp & Retreat Center.
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Mark your calendars for the annual Summer Party, Saturday, August 24th, 6:00 p.m. Music, food, hilarity, and more.
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Stay up-to-date with the events at Christ Church by checking out the calendar on our website .
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