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,
Last May we spent a week in Florida and took the kids to Disney World for the first time. Jonathan and I particularly enjoyed the day we spent at Hollywood Studios exploring the Star Wars section of the park: Galaxy’s Edge. We were being loaded into one of the rides and, after giving some instructions, a young cast member (that’s what Disney calls ride attendants) said, “May the Force be with you”. Instinctively I replied, “And also with you”. He paused and approached me. He thanked me and shared that no one had ever said that to him before. He said that often people either video him or ignore him. He shook my hand, and then seemed to shake himself back into character and returned to the routine of operating the ride.
It was a genuine, human moment. In an artificial setting, so meticulously created, I felt an authentic connection. I forgot that I was supposedly in a galaxy far, far away.
I’m meeting with a family later this week to prepare for a baptism. We’re meeting on May 4th, also known by some as Star Wars Day (May the Fourth be with you). As we discuss the promises we make through this sacrament, I trust we’ll spend time talking about the vow to “seek and serve Christ in all persons”. Every encounter, day in and out, is an opportunity for us to see Christ more fully, and to make the love of Christ known through our actions and words. I know that, in the busy-ness of life, I can sometimes get the blinders on and fail to see the blessing that is standing right in front of me. Perhaps like me, you’ll consider using the month of May to be more aware of your surroundings and recognize the possibilities God has placed before each of us, with intention, in this time and place. May the abiding peace and love of God be with you and flow through you.
See you in church! Blessings and peace,
Chris
The Rev. Chris Streeter
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Thursday Morning Worship
Need to re-charge your spiritual battery mid-week? Join the Reverend Chris Streeter in the parlor on Thursday mornings for worship, discussion, and fellowship, 10:00 a.m. Each week we reflect on the life and ministry of a saint of the church, and discuss how their witness informs our practice today. All are welcome!
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Church Breakfast
The last Church Breakfast of the season will take place on Sunday, May 5th, 8:45 - 9:30 a.m. Our stellar Breakfast Crew will be joined by Celebrity Chef, Mark Hoyer. Let's celebrate together!
Bring a friend!
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Trip to Trinity Church
Join us for an excursion to Trinity Church Wall Street to hear Vespro della Beata Vergine, Vespers for the Virgin Mary, by Claudio Monteverdi, Thursday, May 2nd, 7:00 p.m.
A bus will depart from Christ Church at 4:00 p.m. and return at approximately 10:00 p.m. Cost per person is $35. Pay by check (to "Christ Church") or online.
Got questions? Contact Joe Mello, 862-268-2740, or jmello435@gmail.com.
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Adult Formation Series
On Wednesdays, May 1 - 15, 7:00 p.m. we will explore some "half" truths we often hear faithful people say:
- "God helps those who help themselves."
- "Everything happens for a reason."
- "God won't give you more than you can handle."
Using Adam Hamilton's book "Half Truths," we'll spend time discovering the wisdom scripture actually reveals around these areas and discuss why some of these common Christian cliches have endured. Attend one session or all three! No need to purchase the book; see Father Chris Streeter for more information.
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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! 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 monthly meeting of the Christ Church Women group will be held on Thursday, May 16th, at 11:30 a.m. in Holley Hall. All women of Christ Church are welcome!
Contact Diana Greene with questions, dianatgreene@gmail.com.
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The Christ Church Book Club is currently pondering what book they will discuss on May 29th, 7:00 p.m. Got ideas? Contact Lori Parks at 862-266-3059 or lacparks@hotmail.com. | |
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 May 22nd.
A spaghetti dinner to raise funds for Manna House will be held on Tuesday, May 14th, 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, May 9th, 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
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! |
- Diana Greene and the members of the Trio Giocoso ensemble for sharing their talents with us during their concert and at our Sunday morning worship.
- Freya Paige Thompson and Clara Maeve Wojtowicz for being baptised into our church family.
- Alex Zander for her dedication and service in preparing our sacred space for Holy Week, funerals, and weddings during the past month.
- Two of our favorite tenors, Curt Wilson and Greg Guinsler, for (finally!) tying the knot.
- Randy Parks for leading the Youth Group trip to clean up a Paterson park.
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Water Gap Singers Concert
The Water Gap Singers will present its spring concert, “An English Spring," Sunday, May 19th, 4:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 1 Main Street, Blairstown. The concert will feature our very own Reverend Chris Streeter as the baritone soloist for Vaughan Williams “Five Mystical Songs” which is the centerpiece of the program. Other pieces will include repertoire by English composers Vaughan Williams, Holst, Parry, and Quilter. A free will offering will be received and a reception will follow.
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Final day of Sunday School and Teacher Appreciation Day, Sunday, June 9th.
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Final day of Choir and Choir Member Appreciation Day, Sunday, June 16th.
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Church Picnic at Christ Church, Sunday, June 23rd.
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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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Stay up-to-date with the events at Christ Church by checking out the calendar on our website .
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