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. | |
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Dear family and friends of Christ Church,
I have a habit of rotating through our streaming subscriptions. Several are mainstays in our household, but others are more fluid. Apple TV+ is making a reappearance, which means I will have a chance, on some rainy days this summer, to rewatch the series Ted Lasso. For those unfamiliar, the show follows the titular character as he moves from the US to the UK to coach a professional football (soccer) team.
The show appeals to me on multiple levels, including its cast of well-developed, authentic characters, its wicked humor, and its inherent optimism. A fan-favorite moment that I look forward to viewing again sees Ted utter words of Walt Whitman: Be curious, not judgmental. The scene went viral, bringing Whitman’s wisdom to the attention of many new sets of eyes and ears. This is just one of the reasons I look forward to reengaging the series.
Curiosity is, I offer, an orientation that we too often dismiss. Confidence and certainty can often be more appealing settings to invest our emotional capital. And yet, as Whitman and Lasso point out, lack of curiosity can frequently lead us down the road to judgment and blind us to the unexpected and mysterious ways God is working in our lives.
I’ve thought about this as my calendar page turned to June this week. Summer is nearly here, bringing a change of rhythm and pace. As my family and I mark our first year living in Sussex County and enjoy our first full summer here, I want to spend more time looking through the lens of curiosity. Yes, we’ve met many of our neighbors and formed our first impressions. But those initial judgments need not comprise the whole picture. Curiosity gifts me the opportunity to deepen relationships by increasing awareness and empathy.
I pray that this summer season sees me learning and asking more about this incredible part of the world to which God has called me to live and serve, and the beautiful people with whom I now share it.
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 June, July and August!
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Church Picnic
It's June, so it must be time for the annual Church Picnic! Stay after the 10:00 a.m. service on Sunday, June 23rd, and enjoy a burger, hot dog, and silly games on the church playground. Want to help? If your last name starts with the letters A - L, please bring an appetizer to share; if your name starts with the letters M - Z, please bring a dessert.
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, 9:00 - 9:45 a.m.
Students in grades 6 - 12 are invited to participate in the Journey Youth Group! We have exciting service opportunities and activities planned for June.
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Brunch in a Bag, Sunday, June 2nd. Help make bagged lunches, 8:45 - 9:45 a.m. and distribute them immediately following the 10:00 a.m. service, 11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
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No Journey gathering on June 9th.
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June 16th & 23rd will be our last meetings of the school year. A short hike will take place on one of those dates, weather permitting. Stay tuned for more info!
Please note that the Journey Youth Group is helping to sponsor a Christ Church outing to a Sussex County Miners Game, Saturday, July 20th. Scroll down for details!
Contact Randy Parks, 862-266-0513 or randolph.parks@atlantichealth.org, with questions.
Sunday School, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Children ages preschool through sixth grade can participate in engaging experiences, spiritual practices, and opportunities for reflection by following the Celebrate Wonder curriculum on Sundays, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. on the playground or in the Sunday School rooms downstairs.
Contact Susie Mittelstadt at 973-600-7725 or email susan@njworks.com with questions.
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The June meeting of Christ Church Women will be held Thursday, June 27th, at the lovely Well-Sweep Herb Farm, home to one of the largest collections of herbs and perennials in the country. All women of Christ Church are invited to meet at the church at 10:00 a.m. to carpool to the farm in time for the 11:00 a.m. tour. Bring a bagged lunch to picnic immediately following the tour. Cost for the event is $11.50 per person; financial assistance is available. The Well-Sweep Herb Farm is located at 205 Mount Bethel Road, Port Murray, New Jersey, 07865. Please note that the farm visit is in lieu of the usual third Thursday meeting at the church.
Please RSVP to Diana Greene, dianatgreene@gmail.com with your attendance plans.
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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 June 26th.
The First Presbyterian Church of Newton will host a spaghetti dinner to raise funds for Manna House, Tuesday, June 11th, 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, June 13th, 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! |
- Joe Mello for organizing the church outing to Trinity Church Wall Street.
- Diana Greene, Joe and Debbie Mello, and the members of the Junior and Senior Choirs for yet another spectacular season of music.
- Chris Streeter for the successful Adult Formation Series in May.
- Our stellar Breakfast Crew for serving up a monthly banquet of bacon, sausage, eggs, and other brunch-worthy delicacies. How will we live until September??
- Our dedicated team of Sunday School teachers and assistants, led with grace by Susie Mittelstadt, including Vanessa Compton, Diana Greene, Elaine Kurie, Debbie Mello, Lisa Pachnos, Mike Ragsdale, Anne Reed, Antonio Sebastiano, Maureen Slamer, Jenny and Chris Streeter, Josh Szelesta, Cate Terwilliger, and Barbara Wink.
- All those who supplied meals and other forms of assistance and support to families who were struggling with grief or health issues during May.
- Our longtime, as well as our newly minted Manna House and Bread of Life volunteers, for feeding our neighbors, Monday - Saturday.
- The members of the Christ Church in Stitches group for the creation and distribution of prayer shawls to those in need.
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A Special Message from Debbie Mello
With thanks for our Junior Choir, who adds so much to our liturgy throughout the year. You are the best!!
With thanks for Diana Greene who steadfastly keeps the Junior Choir on course with all of their anthems!!
With thanks for our Junior Choir Parents, who share their children with me and the congregation. Your support of your child’s participation is so very important.
With thanks for Suzie, who is my partner in crime! You keep us grounded.
With thanks for Father Chris, who created space for the Junior Choir anthem. Every Sunday, Father Chris positively reinforces their contribution and let’s them know they are valued.
It takes a village to support our Junior Choir.
Thanks be to God!
Debbie Mello, Junior Choir Director
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Take Me Out to the Ball Game! | |
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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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