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Chapter and Verse
News from the Christ Child Society February 2009   Volume 1/Issue 1 
The Christ Child Society of Summit is a non-denominational organization which encourages and provides an opportunity for concerned women in our area to become engaged in the giving of their time, talent, and treasure, in order to have a positive and immediate impact in the lives of at-risk children in our community.

Our Board

President
Lambi Newsham
 
Vice President
Margaret Whelan
 
Vice President
Gery McKenna
 
Treasurer
Maura Perier
 
Secretary
Ann Marvin
 
Spiritual Director
Sister Guadalupe Nieto, MSBT  
 Cookbooks 
 
Christ Child Society Cookbooks are available for $20 each by contacting Jill Stanley.  The cookbooks are loaded with great ideas and make a wonderful gift.
 Knitting Angels Wanted!
 
Knitting Angels are needed to make handmade items for our layettes.  Patterns have been found, yarn and needles are ready for you - no excuse not to get started!  Can't knit?  We'll take nice soft fleece blankets if you prefer!  For details contact Angela Schroeder.
 Spirituality
 
Join us the first Tuesday of every month for 8:30 Mass at St. Teresa's.  Join us for coffee after! This Mass has become a welcome respite for many of us. 
Contact Lori White or Tracy Stabler with questions.
Stay in the loop!
 
Look for more CCSS updates in your inbox.
 
 A Letter from the President
 
Dear Christ Child Society of Summit members and friends, 
 
I am so excited to send you the inaugural issue of the Christ Child Society of Summit e-letter! This monthly email will always have:
  • a message from me explaining one aspect of our mission, vision or objectives;
  • an update from each of our committees;
  • information on how you can participate in that work; and,
  • a calendar of upcoming events.

It will truly be your virtual connection to the Society.  I hope you will read and enjoy them all.

" How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of those who are weaker than you....because someday you will be all of these." 
  
 
This is a simple yet powerful reminder to all of us who have given our time and talent to help at-risk children.  As members and friends of CCSS, we know how much the work of the Society means to those it touches.  In two short years we have made wonderful progress--and as we settle into a new year we know we still have much to do.
 
In 2009 CCSS will work to focus its efforts and engage its members.  As a first step, each of us can learn and understand our mission (psst...scroll up to the top of this e-letter for it!).  In support of our collective commitment to that mission, the Board and I will take steps to ensure that every volunteer knows how to get involved, feels her talents are being used and appreciates how those talents make an immediate impact.  We will also ensure that everyone knows where to get their questions answered and what to expect in terms of information and support.  I'm excited to improve how we work together so that we can continue to impact our community--and I am so glad you will be with us for it all!

Keep up the good work!  Nothing goes unnoticed!

 
Sincerely,
Lambi Newsham
 
Layette Update
 
Under the direction of Joan Kelly and Donna Keller, CCSS has supplied Health Start of Overlook Hospital with over 200 layettes in the past 2 years. The layettes provide a great start for the new baby and mother.  Our wish is to assure Health Start that every baby in need receives a layette.
 
For more information on how  you can support the Layette Program contact Joan Kelly or Donna Keller.

Annual Celebration and Baby Shower 
 
Our annual baby shower provides CCSS with a majority of the layette items needed each year.  This year's shower--scheduled for March 26th--is fast becoming a welcomed tradition.  All attendees are asked to bring a layette item or make a monetary donation to the Layette Program.
 
Jen Feltes, Marilyn Chambeau and Lori White will work together with their committees to create a memorable celebration and luncheon. We will reach out to our members, friends and neighbors to join us for this celebration, which includes, for those who choose to participate, a Mass.  Following Mass, a delicious meal will be provided by the members of CCSS.  All celebration attendees may come to the Mass, the luncheon, or both!
 
Want to get involved? Contact Jen Feltes, Marilyn Chambeau or Lori White. 
 

 School Supply Collection to begin in May!  

CCSS initiated its first school supply collection last spring.  The rising number of children in need was identified and approval was sought from the Superintendent of Schools for grades 1-5.  We collected supplies for over 80 children - all right here in the Summit elementary schools. 
 
In 2009 we plan to expand the program to the Middle and High Schools.  Our goal is to finalize our needs in late March and begin the collection in May.  All supplies will be ready for the first day of the 2009-2010 school year.  It's easy to help!  Please contact Gery McKenna to find out how.

 Tillmes House Christmas Party a Huge Success!

On December 10, 2008, members of CCSS brought the spirt of Christmas to the Tillmes House.  Led by Gina Owen and Tracy Forsyth the girls in residence were treated to a party complete with items from their wish lists. Thanks to all who participated in this truly wonderful event.

CCSS Dates to Remember

March 26, 2009          Annual Mass and Baby Shower in Memorial Hall
 
May 12, 2009             General Membership Meeting
 
June 2009                   End of Year Bash
 
To learn more about our activities and opportunities:
 
Jen Feltes           Luncheon             tjfeltes@comcast.net 
 
Joan Kelly            Layettes              jckelly3619@yahoo.com
 
Gery McKenna      School Supplies     Gsmrun86@aol.com
 
Angela Schroeder  Knitting Angels      908-522-1033/schroederkids@comcast.net
 
Tracy Stabler       Spirituality            908-598-1801/tstabler55@comcast.net
 
Jill Stanley           Cookbooks           908-598-9377/jill1112@comcast.net