Keeping Connected May 10, 2024 | |
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Connect Virtually
We will continue using our new live streaming equipment. You may access our Sunday morning worship service via our YouTube Channel and our Facebook page.
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Stephen Procopio, Ascension, 2020. Shared by Victoria Emily Jones via her Art and Theology blog. | |
Dear Ones of Christ Church,
Yesterday the Church celebrated the Feast of the Ascension, a day marking the end of Jesus’s Resurrection appearances to his disciples, when he leaves earth and ascends to heaven, promising to send the Holy Spirit. The story is told in the gospel of Luke, and in the book of Acts. One verse that particularly strikes me is Acts 1:11, when two figures in white ask the disciples, “why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
There have been many depictions of the Ascension in art, and many of them appear to reflect this verse in Acts—we can look at the images and envision both Jesus’s departure, and his arrival—the images flatten time between Ascension and Advent.
I love the profoundly ecological image above of the Ascension, by artist Stephen Procopio. In this time of so much woundedness in the world, and in this season here in Massachusetts of blooming, this illustration helps me imagine the wounded and blooming feet and body of Jesus both departing earth and coming back, rising out of death and returning to trample death. The image is not a heavenly image but a deeply earthy one, and like the question in Acts 1:11, it reminds me that Jesus’s footprints are present here and now, in this very good Creation of which we are a part, and for which we are called to care.
Exploring the links above, what speaks to you about the stories and images of the Ascension? What is difficult about Jesus’s departure? What is hopeful? How do you hear the question “why do you stand looking up toward heaven?” in our current time and place?
With Ascension week blessings,
Melissa
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Pentecost Services
Because our clergy will be attending the bishop's election in Boston, we will have a service of Evening Prayer next Saturday May 18th at 5pm for the Eve of Pentecost. On the day of Pentecost, May 19th, we will celebrate Holy Eucharist together at 8a and 10a. At all of our Pentecost services that weekend, we invite you to wear red, as we honor the coming of the Holy Spirit as a bright flame to enlighten and empower us!
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This month we start our third Love First unit: Love God. Please see the May schedule below:
Church School Schedule
May
12 Love God 4 - Pentecost activity
19 Love God 5 - Pentecost
26 Memorial Day Weekend - No Church School
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Join Our Church School Team!
We warmly welcome adults to become part of our Church School program! Alongside our dedicated teachers, we are in search of adults to partner with them, ensuring there are always two adults present in every class. Additionally, we need individuals who are willing to step in as substitutes when teachers are unavailable.
No prior experience is necessary as we provide all the information and materials needed for a fulfilling experience. Your enthusiasm and willingness to contribute are what truly matter!
If you're interested in making a meaningful difference in the lives of our children, please reach out to Donna Eby at donnaeby@rocketmail.com and education.christchurchplymouth@gmail.com for more information or to volunteer. Together, let's create a nurturing environment where our children can grow in faith and understanding. Thank you for considering this opportunity to serve!
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Finances
Last week we received in over $4700. When giving online, be sure to change the 'Fund' to 'Pledges' so your contribution goes toward your pledge.
Thank you for your loving support of Christ Church.
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Pentecost Readers
As has been our tradition, we have the Gospel read in may languages on Pentecost. Please let us know if you are able to read in a different language(s) for any service(s) on the weekend of May 18/19. Contact Connie at conmel@aol.com or 508.746.3805.
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Diocesan Election
A Note From Your Delegates to Convention - The election for our next Diocesan Bishop is fast approaching. If you have any questions or any thoughts you would like to share, one of your delegates will be available after each service this weekend. Robb Pflock – rpflock@aol.com, Louise Woodruff - Lwoodr1451@aol.com, Deborah Dines - deborahdines@comcast.net.
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Christ Church Thrift Shoppe | |
An important mission of the Thrift Shoppe is to provide directed outreach money and items of need to community organizations. One of our partnering organizations, Father Bill’s and MainSpring in Plymouth is committed to ending homelessness with a range of programs that provide emergency and permanent housing in Southern Massachusetts. Last year, 62 families ended their homelessness and were moved into permanent housing, including many in Plymouth.
For most, moving from homelessness into a home often requires the added expense and burden of purchasing necessary furnishings and housewares. The Thrift Shoppe is often contacted by Father Bill’s housing case managers to assist with a variety of these household needs.
We are grateful to you for your help in maintaining a steady stream of donations. Without your support and generosity, collaboration and outreach such as this would not be possible.
When considering a donation, please keep in mind that all items must be clean, in working order and from smoke-free homes. Of particular need are kitchen items, housewares, small tables with chairs, small end/coffee tables, area rugs, and lamps.
Donations may be dropped inside during shop hours or at the garage on Saturdays 10-1.
Shoppe Hours
Thursday and Friday 10-4
Saturday 10-2
Needed: We are in need of someone with a truck or large SUV who can assist with the pick-up of several donated furniture items on Warren Ave in Plymouth. Please contact Drew Drewlench19@gmail.com or Barb Hurney.barb@gmail.com.
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Christ Church Food Pantry | |
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The Food Pantry is low on bags to pack food for our clients. If you have paper shopping bags to recycle or extra fabric shopping bags, please drop them in the food pantry collection box at the entrance to the sanctuary, under the mailboxes outside the church office, or inside the Pantry during shift hours (see below).
Non-Sugar added cereals (Corn Flakes, Cheerios or like items, Raisin Bran, Rice Krispies)
Small juice boxes
Canned peaches or mixed fruit
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All are welcome to the Christ Church Food Pantry!
We are open by appointment:
Tuesday 4:00-5:15
Thursday 12:00-1:15 and 4:00-5:15
Saturday 10:00-11:15.
Call the pantry message line: 508-746-4959, ext 6, BY 1 PM THE DAY BEFORE YOU WISH TO PICK UP YOUR ORDER. Our volunteers check messages and return your call from their homes to ask you what you need.
Leave a message if you wish to donate non-perishable food and household items, or you may leave your donations under the mailboxes outside the office or in the front entrance to the sanctuary. Squirrels like to get into any bags left on the porch of the food pantry!
If you wish to volunteer, contact Eileen Paris at eileenpca@aol.com
For more information, please contact Barbara Wojtklewicz at 617-291-4634, or by email at barbara.wojtklewicz@gmail.com
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Pastoral Care
For any pastoral care needs of Christ Church, please call Robin Nielsen (774-454-2776) or email robinmarianielsen@gmail.com ~ A home visit, a home visit with holy communion or a phone call can be arranged. Although a small group, our Pastoral Care Ministry team meets monthly in confidence.
For any pastoral emergencies, please call Rev. Melissa Howell 508-746-4959 ext 4, and follow the instructions in her voice message.
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Meet the nominees at gatherings May 7-11;
Nominee videos now available for viewing
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Nominees for election as 17th bishop diocesan of the Diocese of Massachusetts (from left): Brendan J. Barnicle; Edwin D. Johnson; Jean Baptiste Ntagengwa;
Gideon L. K. Pollach; and Julia E. Whitworth
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May 3, 2024
At meet-and-greet gatherings next week, our diocesan community will welcome the five nominees for election as the 17th bishop diocesan of the Diocese of Massachusetts.
They are:
• The Rev. Dr. Brendan J. Barnicle,
Rector, St. Francis of Assisi Church, Wilsonville, OR
• The Rev. Edwin D. Johnson,
Director of Organizing, Episcopal City Mission, Boston, MA
• The Rev. Canon Jean Baptiste Ntagengwa, Th.D.,
Canon for Immigration and Multicultural Ministries, Diocese of Massachusetts
• The Very Rev. Gideon L. K. Pollach,
Rector, St. John's Church, Cold Spring Harbor, NY
• The Rev. Julia E. Whitworth,
Rector, Trinity Church, Indianapolis, IN
Meet and hear more from the nominees at open meetings May 7-11:
Members of the diocese will have the opportunity to meet and hear more from the nominees during a series of Meet-and-Greets at various locations around the diocese to be held May 7-11. These are open to all in the diocesan community, as is the Zoom session with the nominees on May 11.
Livestreams are planned from the Barnstable and Taunton gatherings on May 8 and from Needham on May 9. Livestream links will be posted at www.diomass.org/bishop-search/meet-greets, where the full schedule is available along with any updates.
Spanish translation will be offered at the Andover gathering on May 10. Se ofrecerá interpretación al español en la reunión de Andover el 10 de mayo.
Visit www.diomass.org/bishop-search for information and updates on our discernment, election and transition process as it progresses. The Transition Committee has also compiled an FAQ document, available here.
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We want to keep you in the loop regarding the happenings at Christ Church. Please send your announcements for the weekly bulletin and Keeping Connected, to the office by 12 Noon on Wednesday. They should include date, time, place, description of event, contact information and should be written exactly the way you want them to appear. | | | | |
