THE MESSENGER

May 26, 2023

Feast Day of Pentecost - Wear Red this Sunday

You are invited to wear red this Sunday to celebrate Pentecost. This feast, 50 days after Easter, marks the birthday of the church, when the Holy Spirit came to the Disciples. We will have many languages, a kite, and birthday cake as part of our celebrations. 


When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. (Acts 2:1-4) 

Save the Date: SpringServing Sunday

Join us on June 11 for Christ Church’s annual SpringServing Day of Worship and Community Service. Inspired by our worship together, we will make God’s love known in the world through service projects at Christ Church. There will be opportunities for children and adults of all ages to support ministries close to Christ Church like Interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges, All The Way Up, The Diocese of Newark Prison Ministry, and more! Stay tuned for additional details.

Office Closed

The Parish Office will be closed on Friday, May 26 and Monday, May 29 in observance of Memorial Day. Have a happy and safe Memorial Day Weekend. 

Collect for Memorial Day

Lord God Almighty, you have made all the peoples of the earth for your glory, to serve you in freedom and in peace: Give to the people of our country a zeal for justice and the strength of forbearance, that we may use our liberty in accordance with your gracious will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 

- Book of Common Prayer, p258

CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES

Graduation Information

We would like to acknowledge the accomplishments of our high school and college grads during this graduation season. Please send a note with their name, school, degree and/or major to the Chris Whitaker by Friday, June 2. You can include a brief description of any significant awards or job/school plans and we will include as space permits.

Sponsor Our California Youth Pilgrimage

June 22-30, 2023

This summer, six high school youth and two adults from Christ Church will explore El Camino Real (the Royal Road) along California’s beautiful coastline. El Camino Real connects the twenty-one Spanish Missions that are recognized for bringing Christianity to the western United States. Along their journey, they will explore the historical and cultural implications of these missions on the development of California while experiencing the natural marvels of the state.

During this eight-day pilgrimage, they will travel from San Diego to San Francisco visiting 8 of the 21 missions along the way. Additionally, they will visit the Episcopal Cathedral in San Francisco while having Sunday Eucharist at All Saints, Pasadena. Please take some time in the coming weeks to explore their pilgrimage route, dive into the resources about the California Missions, and consider sponsoring a portion of the Youth Pilgrimage. If you have questions or would like to learn more, contact Chris Whitaker.

Cross Roads Camp Summer Programs

Weeks available July 9 through August 20

Cross Roads, our Episcopal camp, provides an amazing opportunity for people of all ages to have a classic camp experience in a safe and supportive environment and was listed on the 2023 Newsweek List of America’s Best Summer Camps. If you are interested in attending a week at Cross Roads, contact the Rev. Bowie. Children from Christ Church will be attending throughout the summer. Learn more and register at www.crossroadsretreat.com.

St. John’s Choir School, Ramsey, NJ

August 14-18, 2023 – 9am-12pm

St. John’s Memorial Episcopal Church of Ramsey invites children to a church music adventure this summer from August 14-18, from 9-12 noon daily. With a highly qualified staff, the Choir School is led by St. John’s organist and choirmaster Drew Kreismer. This one week summer choir school will help young children grow their skills in music and performance, in a nurturing Christian environment. 

Children should have finished 1st grade through 5th grade by June 2023. Tuition is $135. Register here by June 15.

PARISH LIFE

Rev. Bowie's Sabbatical Plans

June 1, 2023 will be Rev. Bowie’s seventh anniversary at Christ Church and the Vestry has approved a 3-month sabbatical for her. The first half will be July/August, including travel to Singapore, India and the UK, and the second half in January/February 2024, with a focus on writing and poetry as a spiritual discipline. Read more about Rev. Bowie's sabbatical plans.

The Bishops’ Cup Golf Outing for Cross Roads Camp

Copper Hill Country Club, Ringoes, NJ

Monday, June 12, 2023

Join Episcopal and Lutheran golfers from around the state for a fun day of golf at Copper Hill Country Club in Ringoes, NJ to support the ministry of Cross Roads Camp and Retreat Center. Cross Roads is a welcoming and inclusive community providing life-changing and sacred adventures for renewal, growth, and joy. 

Funds raised by the Bishops’ Cup support generous camperships to help families who may otherwise not be able to afford camp. If you would like to join a team from Christ Church, contact Don Syracuse

AROUND THE DIOCESE

An Evening of Classical Guitar

Friday, June 2, 7:00pm @ St. Paul's, Chatham

PRAYER LIST

Christ Church Prayer List

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Each week, we continue to remember those in need of prayer. 


Special Prayers: Rebecca M., Mabel, Diane M., George, Leonor D., Peter, Suzanne M., Paul J., and Kathie. 


Continuing Prayers: Jane H., Linda J., Graham P., Sofia D., Liz D., Ginny, Celine, James I., Mary I., Ruth B. and Phyllis H.


Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: we pray for St. Gregory’s Church in Parsippany, St. Matthew’s Church in Paramus, and St. John’s Church in Passaic. 


Anglican Cycle of Prayer: We pray for The Extra-Provincial Churches.


We pray for: Peace in the world and an end to war, especially in Ukraine.


In May, we pray for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month: We honor the traditions and achievements of Asian and Pacific Islanders and to recognize the cultural diversity that all people contribute to our communities. As we learn about the hardships of individuals whose voices are frequently silenced, please help us retain an open mind and open ears. 


Please contact the Parish Office if you have any prayer requests or would like a pastoral visitation.

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Christ Church In Short Hills

66 Highland Ave, Short Hills, NJ 07078

(973) 379-2898

communications@christchurchshorthills.org